Pictured Left – Right: Capt. Loren Edwards, Lt. Nathan Edwards, Assistant Fire Chief Steve Banaka, Frontier Farm Credit Financial Officer Dakota Welch, FF Kenny Keithline, Capt. Rusty Bontrager, FF Mary Macy, & FF Alan Slipke. Photo credit: Netawaka RFD #6

(KNZA)--Netawaka Rural Fire District #6 has received a $2,000 grant for the purchase of grain bin rescue equipment.

The grant is provided through Frontier Farm Credit’s Working Here Fund.

Dakota Welch, Financial Officer for Frontier Farm Credit’s office in Hiawatha presented the check on Wednesday, August 30th at the Netawaka Fire Station.

Grain bin rescue equipment is used to rescue individuals trapped in grain. The rescue process is extremely dangerous, but with the right equipment, the opportunity for a successful rescue is greatly increased. By having the grain bin rescue equipment on site, Netawaka Rural Fire District #6 will improve their response time in emergencies.

“With multiple farms and grain storage locations throughout our response area in northern Jackson County, the potential of being called to a grain entrapment emergency is highly possible,” said Lieutenant Jon Banaka, Netawaka Rural Fire District #6. “Having grain rescue equipment immediately available will help ensure the greatest opportunity for a successful rescue.”

“Farming and ranching are risky occupations, and we thank Netawaka Rural Fire District #6 for their help to ensure our communities remain safe,” said Michael Leitch, vice president of retail operations at Frontier Farm Credit’s Hiawatha office.

Netawaka Rural Fire District #6 is one of 12 organizations to receive a Working Here Fund grant in the second quarter of 2017. Frontier Farm Credit awarded $18,685 during the latest grant cycle ending June 30, 2017.

(KNZA)--The jury trial for a Holton man accused of killing his wife in 2015 has been postponed for a second time.

Jackson County District Court Judge Norbert Marek granted a motion Monday for a continuance by the attorney for 66-year-old George Fleshman, Jr. because forensic evidence requested in the case hadn’t been received yet.

The continuance had also been sought because an expert witness for the defense was not be available to attend the trial, which had been set for September 18th.

The Holton Recorder reports the trial was rescheduled to begin December 18th.  It's set for five days.

The trial had originally been set for January.

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 of last year following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

He remains free on a $75,000 bond.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved more than $83-thousand in park improvements Monday night.

The first project will be a new walking path around Pioneer Park.  City Administrator Gary Jorn noted the park gets lots of use from residents of Pioneer Plaza as well area residents.  The Summer Meal Program for Falls City children is held across the street at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Three companies submitted bids for either asphalt or concrete sidewalks.  Wile the bid for a 4-inch thick asphalt bid was $8-thousand less, Council members felt concrete would hold up better and last longer.

The bid for the sidewalk replacement was awarded to Handley Construction at a cost of $36-thousand. The new walk will be more of an oval instead of having squared off corners. 

The other project approved was an overlay of the parking lot at the Aquatic Park.  Jorn said the project, will include replacing asphalt on the northwest portion of the parking lot. 

The hope was for a reduced bid from the company hired to widen and overlay Old Highway 73 this fall. Herzog Construction will put a 2-inch overlay the parking lot. The cost will be $47,385.  

Work on the Pioneer Park sidewalk replacement project started Thursday.  The park will not be closed but residents are asked to avoid areas that are under construction.  

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Board of Education approved both the fiscal year 2017-18 budget and tax levy following public hearings Tuesday evening.  

Board members approved the property tax levy of one-dollar, three-point five cents per $100 of assessed valuation.  That is a decrease of approximately 3-tenths of a cent from the previous year.

The total property tax requirement will be $3,475,263, which includes $131,313 for bond payments. The property tax requirement is $182,334 more than last year.

The General Fund Budget is $5,488,427, which is nearly $442,000 higher than the previous year. 

(MSC News)--Water rescue teams from agencies across Kansas are headed to Texas to assist in recovery efforts from Hurricane-turned-Tropical Depression Harvey.

The Kansas Adjutant General's Office announced Wednesday night that Kansas will send flood rescue personnel, along with hard-bottom, air boats, and inflatable boats.

Manhattan and Mission Township Fire Departments were two of several teams that departed Wednesday night. Crews will continue to deploy Thursday. Crews are expected to be gone for a week.

The Adjutant General's Office says the Kansas teams will search for and transport any people and animals stranded by flood waters. They will also provide basic life support and medical care, while supporting helicopter and urban search and rescue efforts.

Other agencies involved are: Kansas Fire Marshal’s Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, Derby Fire Department, Chanute Fire Department, Derby Fire Department, Hutchinson Fire Department, South Hutchinson Police Department, Neodesha Fire Department, Newton Fire Department/EMS, Parsons Fire Department, Pittsburg Fire Department, Salina Fire Department, Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Sedgwick County Fire Department, Shawnee Fire Department, and Winfield Fire Department.

(KNZA)--A former physician assistant has been found guilty of sexually abusing four patients at the Leavenworth veterans hospital.

The verdict came late Wednesday afternoon in the trial of Mark Wisner, of Horton.  

The Leavenworth Times reports Wisner was found guilty of all charges--including one felony count of aggravated sexual battery, one felony count of aggravated criminal sodomy and three misdemeanor charges of sexual battery.

The crimes occurred between 2012 and 2014 while Wisner was working at the Eisenhower VA Medical Center.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 29 in Leavenworth County District Court.

The trial began Monday.

Wisner surrendered his medical license in 2015 after at least seven patients accused him of abuse, and medical regulators said at the time that others could come forward. Multiple former VA patients have sued in federal court, some seeking $3 million in damages.  

(MSC News)--The Kansas Division of Emergency Management is urging Kansans who wish to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey on the Gulf Coast, to donate money to a reputable volunteer, charitable or faith-based organization rather than sending food, clothing or other goods.

“Too often, well-meaning people send clothing, diapers, and other items to disaster stricken areas, but their donations end up unused or even discarded,” said Angee Morgan, deputy KDEM director. “The reason is that these goods must be sorted, packaged and stored until they can be distributed, which diverts manpower from other tasks and requires a place to warehouse the items. In some areas, there may not be any place available to do this. Also, there is often a surplus of one thing and not enough of another.”

Transporting and distributing the goods also requires manpower that can be better used in other capacities. Food must also be stored until used. If there is no refrigeration available, perishable foods may become unusable before they can be distributed. Even nonperishable goods can be a problem; one can only use so many cans of green beans.

Donating money allows human services agencies to purchase exactly what is needed when it is needed and does not waste resources. It also puts money back into the local economy, helping local businesses recover faster.

KDEM also urges volunteers not to self-deploy. You may be heading to areas that are not safe. If you become injured because you lack proper training and safety equipment, you have only added to the problem. Too much manpower in a given area can be as much of a problem as too little because volunteers must be fed and sheltered, taking away resources from the disaster victims.

It is better to register with a reputable volunteer organization, outlining the skills and/or equipment you have available. If those skills and equipment are needed in a particular area, you will be contacted.

Hurricane Harvey is still an active storm and response measures require skilled, trained personnel. Currently, the Kansas National Guard has a number of Soldiers and Airmen on standby, ready to deploy if they are requested.

The recovery process in these hurricane-stricken states will be long and slow; volunteers are going to be needed for months, if not years. It is better to donate money now and volunteer your time and energy later when the situation is not as dangerous and the needs have been properly assessed.

(KAIR)--An argument with a family member turns violent, leaving a vehicle with a smashed window and one woman in jail.

Arrested in connection with the alleged altercation is 37-year-old rural Atchison resident Sharon Kley.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News the investigation that led to her arrest began August 12. “Deputies were called out for a disturbance at 6248 Phillips Road. They noticed there was a broken windshield on a vehicle. Later on it was found that Ms. Kley had allegedly thrown a brick at the vehicle and caused the window to break on the vehicle."

Laurie said the family member Kley was arguing with was inside the vehicle at the time the brick was allegedly thrown, but no injuries are reported.

Following the investigation into the occurrence, a warrant was issued for Kley's arrest.

She was taken into custody August 27 by the Atchison Police Department.

She faces charges related to the investigation, including aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and disorderly conduct.

Bond for Kley was set at $15,000.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) - A former physician assistant at a Veteran's Administration hospital in Kansas on trial for sexually abusing patients told investigators in a taped interview that he didn't "have any business in medicine."
 
 The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the interview was played Tuesday during the trial of Mark Wisner, of Horton . The former employee at the Eisenhower Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leavenworth is charged with two felonies and three misdemeanors related to sexual battery and criminal sodomy.
 
 He also told investigators on the recording that he "truly messed up." Wisner surrendered his medical license in 2015 after at least seven patients accused him of abuse, and medical regulators said at the time that others could come forward. Multiple former VA patients have sued in federal court, some seeking $3 million in damages.  

(KNZA)--A former Hiawatha High School teacher has been arrested, accused of having unlawful sexual relations with a student.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 24-year-old Gabrielle Bauman, of Fairview, was arrested Tuesday on one felony count of unlawful sexual relations.

Hill says the arrest followed an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department after a report was made to USD 415 administration in mid-June of this year.

He says their investigation included the execution of a search warrant and forensic review of several electronic devices by the Hiawatha Police Department's Digital Forensics Unit and the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensic Lab in Kansas City.

According to the criminal complaint, Bauman is accused of unlawfully engaging in consensual sexual intercourse or lewd fondling or touching of a student born in 1999.  

The criminal complaint alleges conduct covering a time-period from October 2016 through May 21, 2017, during which time Bauman was employed as a science teacher at Hiawatha High School.

The USD 415 Board of Education accepted her resignation during their July board meeting.  She had taught at the high school for a year.

Bauman is currently free on a $5,000 surety bond.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County will stay with the same employee health insurance policy  for 2018.

County Clerk Peggy Franken presented the County Commission Monday with health insurance proposals for next year.

After reviewing the proposals, Commissioners on a 2-1 vote approved  continuation of employee health insurance coverage through the state of Kansas employee health insurance policy, with an expected increase of 7.7 percent.

Commissioner Jerry McKernan cast the lone no vote.

In other business, the Commission voted to sign an engagement letter with the McPherson-based accounting firm, Swindoll Janzen Hawk and Loyd, LLC to perform an audit of the county treasurer’s office for a fee of $7,500 to $12,000.

The audit is being conducted due to the retirement of longtime County Treasurer Jacqueline Linck and commencement of the term of Treasurer-elect Lindsay Etherton.

The audit will begin September 1st and conclude October 31st.

(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has adopted the 2017-18 budget as published.

That came following a hearing during a special Board meeting Monday evening that drew no public comment.

Superintendent Todd Evans says because they are paying off two separate bond issues from the district’s prior to consolidation, there are two different levies.

Residents in the former USD 441 will see an estimated tax levy of 47.9 mills—an eight-tenths of a mill increase over last year.  Residents in the former USD 488 are looking at a total mill levy of about 48.5, which is almost identical to last year’s levy.    

(KAIR)--The Atchison Fire Department has been selected to host a 2018 regional Kansas State Firefighter’s Association (KSFFA) fire school on August 4-5, 2018.  The Atchison Fire Department was notified of the selection by the Kansas State Firefighter’s Association Inc. on August 6, 2017.

The KSFFA fire school is a two-day course that is comprised of both classroom and hands on activities designed to meet or exceed portions of the National Fire Protection Association Standards for the Fire Service. The Atchison Fire Department will offer Fire, Rescue and EMS classes as well as a class related to critical incident stress or post-traumatic stress in order to promote the importance of keeping all emergency crews mentally healthy.

It has been over 20 years since the last fire school was hosted in Atchison. The Atchison FireDepartment is thrilled to be able to host the fire school in 2018 and plans to send out more information to local emergency services at a later date.

(KAIR)--A former prioress of Atchison's Mount Saint Scholastica has died.

Sister Noreen Hurter, OSB, was 89-years-old when she died Tuesday at the monastery.

A native of New Jersey, Sister Noreen graduated in 1950 from then Mount Saint Scholastica College, and entered the monastery, making her monastic profession in 1952.

According to her obituary from the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, in Atchison, Sister Noreen spent a number of years teaching in both Kansas and Missouri, and served as librarian for Mount Saint Scholastica College.

She later became the first librarian for Benedictine College, and served one year as academic dean at the college prior to being elected as prioress in 1975.

Her focus, during her time in that role, was the encouragement of an ecumenical and international outreach, including concern for refugees, peace work, medical services, and rural ministry.

She served as prioress until 1988, following that role with a variety of other ministries.

Services for Sister Noreen Hurter, OSB, will be Saturday morning at 10:30 at the Monastery Chapel.

(KAIR)--A man wanted for more than two years in connection with Atchison financial crimes is located and jailed.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 29-year-old Saint Joseph resident Cody Morse was found Friday, and taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court Warrant. “A 61-year-old victim reported the fraudulent use of her financial card at a local ATM machine. We did work that case over two-years ago,” Wilson said. “There was a warrant obtained soon thereafter, when the crime was reported; however, he just had not been located until recent days.”

Wilson says Morse was apprehended in Buchanan County, Missouri on charges including computer crime, criminal use of a financial card, and theft.

Following his arrest, Morse was turned over to the custody of the Atchison County Jail.

At last check, he remained in custody, held on a bond of $10,000.

(KMZA)--The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation following the theft of three riding lawn mowers from a Manhattan business.

Sheriff Greg Riat said in a news release that the Hustler Zero Turn riding mowers were stolen from Brooks Yamaha on East Highway 24 sometime between 3:00 Saturday afternoon and 8:00 Monday morning.

Riat says the mowers had been parked at the front of the business near the highway when taken.

He says the suspect or suspects may have used a trailer or flat bed type vehicle to transport the mowers.

The loss was estimated at about $24,000.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office at 785-457-3353 or Detective Derek Cid at dcid@ptsheriff.com.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council members present for the Monday night meeting unanimously approved allowing an additional 1-percent growth for the 2017-18 Fiscal Year Budget.

City Administrator Gary Jorn explained he feels the additional growth is needed to better match revenues with expenditures. Jorn noted 2.5% growth is not much when expenditures are going up three-percent a year.

State statute allows municipalities to grow revenues by 2.5-percent annually and if 75-percent of the governing body approves, the limit can be increased an additional one-percent. 

In addition, the Council approved the transfer of $320-thousand from the Capital Improvement Sinking Fund to the General Fund for the next budget.

Council members Kirby  Robidoux and Jim Wisdom were absent.  

(KLZA)-- It has taken a lot of time and effort, but Richardson County has been designated a StormReady County.

Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall commended the staff for their work in attaining the status during an August 15th ceremony. He noted that Tylene Windle and Emily Scribner had started working toward the goal for two years.  

The StormReady program helps American communities with communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before, during and after the event. The program also helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs.

Brian Smith, National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service explained the criteria to be met to be designated StormReady. A 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center must be established.  There must be more than one way to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and to alert the public.  A system to monitor local weather conditions must be created.  The importance of public readiness must be promoted through community seminars and formal hazardous weather plans, including training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises must be included.   

Smith praised the local Emergency Management Staff and the Storm Spotters for attaining the designation

It was pointed out during the presentation that 98 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related.

(MSC News)--One man was hospitalized and another taken into custody following a stabbing early Tuesday morning in St. Joseph.

KQ2-TV reports police were called to a disturbance in the 28-hundred block of Patee Street around 2:00.

Police say two men and a woman were involved in the disturbance that ended with one man stabbing the other man.

The victim, identified as a white male in his late 20’s, was taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for the treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The other man, also a white male in his 20’s, was taken into custody.

The incident remains under investigation.

(MSC News)--Testimony began Monday in the trial of a former physician assistant accused of sexually abusing patients at a Leavenworth veterans affairs hospital.

Mark Wisner, of Horton, is charged in Leavenworth County District Court with one felony count of aggravated sexual battery, one felony count of aggravated criminal sodomy and three misdemeanor charges of sexual battery.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred between 2012 and 2014 while Wisner was working at the Eisenhower VA Medical Center.

Following jury selection and opening statements, The Leavenworth Times reports only one prosecution witness testified Monday.

The witness, who was injured while serving in Iraq, accused Wisner of performing inappropriate examinations. In response to a question during cross examination, the newspaper says the witness said he considered the examinations to be overtly sexual.

Four days have been set aside for the trial

(MSC News)--Flags will fly at half-staff across Kansas Tuesday to honor a past state Lieutenant Governor who died last week.

Governor Sam Brownback Monday directed that flags be flown at half-staff in remembrance of Tom Docking, who died Thursday night following a battle with cancer.

A memorial service for Docking will be held Tuesday morning in Wichita.

Flags will remain at half-staff from sun up until sundown.

Docking served as lieutenant governor from 1983 to 1987 during Democratic Gov. John Carlin's second term.

Docking was the Democratic nominee for governor in 1986 but lost to Republican Mike Hayden.

Among his survivors is his wife, Jill. She ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1996 and lieutenant governor in 2014.

(KAIR)--A 32-year-old Atchison man goes to jail, accused of approaching a family while holding a knife, and attempting to stab a man for refusing to let him enter into the family's residence.

Jailed in connection with the crime is Meysam Aghorlikhani, who Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said was taken into custody following the Sunday evening altercation. “An officer on patrol observed several people in distress in the 600 block of north 10th,” Wilson told MSC News. “A 32-year-old male was taken into custody at the scene after it was determined he had threatened several people with a knife. A man and wife had been outside of a residence when the [man] approached their house. He was angry and speaking incoherently and appeared to be under the influence of some type of drug.”

According to Wilson, the family, which included the husband and wife who stood outside, along with an 18-year-old who came out to see what the commotion was about, and two others inside, including a young child, did not know the alleged attacker. “He approached the residence,” Wilson said. “The door to the residence is very near to the street, and so he actually grabbed a hold of the door like he was going to go in. The man who lived there kept him from going into the house, at which time the man actually tried to stab him, swinging at him with the knife. He did the same thing with the wife.”

Wilson said it was by coincidence that the officer, who intervened, was passing by the residence and became involved in taking Aghorlikhani into custody.

Aghorlikhani was arrested for aggravated assault and booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the theft of a central air unit from a Centralia residence.

The Sheriff’s Office says the AC unit was taken sometime between August 21st and August 24th from a residence at 307 John Riggins Avenue.

The loss was estimated at $800.

Anyone with information on the theft should contact the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office in Seneca.

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for a Hiawatha man accused of setting homes and vehicles ablaze during a crime spree early May 9th in Horton.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 27-year-old Dustin McCulley pleaded not guilty Monday in Brown County District Court to nine counts.

Hill says a jury trial was set for October 17th-20th.

McCulley faces one count of aggravated arson, five counts of arson, one count of felony theft and two counts of burglary.

He is accused of setting two residences on fire—including one which was occupied at the time it was set ablaze.  No injuries were reported.

McCulley is also accused of setting four vehicles on fire, along with the theft of a pickup truck and the break-in of two other vehicles.

He remains in the Brown County Jail on a $250,000 bond.     

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners spent a portion of their August 22nd meeting reviewing budget proposals.

County Treasurer Amanda Young and Extension Educator Kaytlyn Kennedy met with the Board to review their FY 2017-18 budget proposals.

Commissioners also met with Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall. He requested the Board consider options to fulfill the duties of the Flood Plain Administrator. 

A resolution was adopted regarding the partial payment of $4,000 for the purchase of a drug dog for Richardson County.

Member of the Road and Bridge Department Union met with Commissioners to begin negotiations for the new contract period, which began July 1.  

Commissioners proposed a three-year contract with a pay increase proposal to be taken back to union members for consideration.  
 

(KLZA)-- Nemaha County, Nebraska Commissioners last week approved the purchase of a 2018 Cornhusker Pup Trailer from RDO Truck Center in an amount of $42,296. 

Trustees of the Village of Brownville met with the Board, requesting Nemaha County help mow and with spraying weeds at the Riverside Park and Landing.

The Trustees said they had hired a person to mow, but could not afford the service.  Commissioner Bryan Mellage suggested the Trustees request funding from the State Game & Parks Department to help defray the cost of mowing.

The Board approved having the Nemaha County Road Department mow Riverside Park and Landing once, to be done in September, and requested the Village Trustees to advertise for bids for future mowing.

The Village Trustees also discussed repairs to the old Highway 136 entrance, on the west edge of Brownville.  Commissioners will see if they can find a company to repair the road.   

Phil Walker met with Commissioners asking about the County spraying and removing brush on County Roads for taxpayers.  Walker wanted to know if taxpayers were paying for the service.  He also noted the low-hanging limbs on the Coryell Park Road.  

(KAIR)--Special recognition for an Atchison couple, selected to receive the Fidelis Award from Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy.

Chosen for the honor are Jonathan and Shannon Mize.

The Fidelis award is presented annually, and was created to recognize individuals that have made a lasting impact on Maur Hill-Mount Academy in the spirit of Christ.

According to a press release issued by the private Catholic high school, he graduated from the school in 1987, and she the same year. At that time, it was operating as two entities, with Maur Hill serving the educational needs of boys while Mount Saint Scholastica did the same for girls.

Among the accomplishments noted listed for the Atchison couple's selection is Jonathan's long list of community involvement, including past role of leadership on the Maur Hill-Mount Academy Board of Directors, as well as his current service as a board member for the Atchison Area Economic Development Corporation, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and his membership on the Atchison Advisory Committee for the Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust.

The couple will be honored during the League of St. Maur Annual Dinner, to be held on the evening of September 16 at the Kansas City Airport Marriott Hotel.

Also to be honored during the ceremony is the 2017 selection of Maur Hill-Mount Academy's Alumni of the year.

Chosen to receive that award is 1990 graduate Maureen Beckett, the daughter of Colleen and the late Edward Stork.

She remains connected with the school by serving on the Alumni

Association Board, a position she has held for the past several years, and intends to continue.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle wreck Saturday morning in Brown County sent two elderly Evansdale, Iowa residents to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened around 6:15 at the intersection of  U.S. 75 and K-20 Highways.

The Patrol says 55-year-old Leroy Johnson, of Lawrence, was westbound on K-20 when he failed to stop at the stop sign and his car was struck by a southbound mini-van on U.S. 75 driven by 81-year-old John Simmons.

John Simmons and his 78-year-old passenger, Shirley Simmons, were both transported to the Horton Community Hospital.   

The Patrol report says Johnson received possible injuries, but doesn’t indicate he was transported to a hospital.

All the occupants were wearing seatbelts.

(KNZA)--One person was killed, and another injured, in a UTV roll-over crash in Doniphan County just after midnight Saturday morning.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says killed in the crash on Ash Point Road, south of 170th Road, was Trenton, Missouri resident 50-year-old Steven Sims.

The Patrol says Sims was northbound when his Polaris UTV rolled onto its right side.  

Sims and his 25-year-old passenger, Cody Brown, also of Trenton, were ejected.

Brown was transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

(KAIR)--The South Atchison Trail is nearing completion, and a ceremony to mark that occasion is being planned.

According to a Facebook event page, created by the community organization Project Atchison, the South Atchison Trail Grand Opening is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, September 10, from 4:00 until 6:00.

According to the information posted to Facebook, the ceremony, to take place at the South 10th Street location of the Santa Fe Depot, will include a family fun walk/run, a ribbon cutting, refreshments, and prizes.

It's being arranged in conjunction with the Live Well, Live Atchison organization.

Construction of the biking and walking trail began in late February.

The highly apparent construction of the near mile and a-half trail has been ongoing since that time, stretching from the intersection of U.S. Highway's 59 and 73 to Raven Hill Road, near the Atchison Hospital.

Grant funds, available if used for that location only, made the project possible.

It was given approval by the Atchison City Commission in November of last year.

The more than $1 million project was awarded $1.17 million by the Kansas Department of Transportation in the pedestrian and bicycle facilities category of the Transportation Alternatives program.

The City was also awarded $55,000 in funding from the Sunflower Foundation grant for the project.

Cost to the City was estimated around $135,000.

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - Authorities are investigating the death of a 57-year-old man who'd been serving murder and other sentences at a state prison in southeast Nebraska.
 
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services says Ronald Fort died around 10:20 Tuesday night at the Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh. Officials say Fort was in his Tecumseh prison cell when a medical incident occurred, so he was taken to the hospital.
 
The department says Fort had been serving a combined sentence of nearly 32 years for convictions on second-degree murder, manslaughter and a weapons crime.
 
Under state law, a grand jury conducts an investigation whenever anyone dies in custody or while being arrested.

(KAIR)--A judge denies a continuance, and that puts the trial of a former physicians assistant, accused of sexually abusing patients while employed at a Leavenworth veterans hospital, on track to begin next week.

The Leavenworth Times reports a defense attorney for Horton resident Mark Wisner, suggested a delay of the trial in order to meet a defense motion related to documents.

However, District Judge Gunnar Sundby, in Leavenworth County District Court Wednesday, said no, meaning jury selection is set to start Monday morning.

The newspaper reports it's possible a full day may be needed for that process.

Wisner is charged in Leavenworth County District Court with one felony count of aggravated sexual battery, one felony count of aggravated criminal sodomy and three misdemeanor charges of sexual battery.

The crimes, which are alleged to have occurred between 2012 and 2014 while Wisner was working at the Eisenhower VA Medical Center, has led to federal legislation.

In June, the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump.

Senator Jerry Moran, of Kansas, was a sponsor of the legislation, and specifically cited the accusations against Wisner when pushing to see it become law.

The law increases the Veterans Administration’s authority to remove employees at all levels of the department, shortens the removal process and ensures an individual removed from the VA is not kept on the VA’s payroll while appealing that decision.

(KNZA)--A public health warning has been issued for the Hiawatha City Lake due to the presence of high levels of toxic blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Thursday that the lake is among eight in the state that have been placed under  “warning” status.

KDHE says direct contact with the water is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock.

Fish can be eaten as long as they are rinsed with clean water.  However, you should consume only the fillet portion and discard all other parts.

KDHE will continue to monitor the lake and will provide updates as conditions warrant.

(KLZA)--The Cobblestone Festival is underway in Falls City.  

The annual Fireman’s Fishing Contest at Stanton Lake was the kickoff event Thursday afternoon.

Friday events include Sam’s Amusements Carnival opening 6 – 10:00 p.m. 
The Cobblestone Melodrama takes place at the Harkendorf Event Center at 7:00 p.m. and will be performed again Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
The Falls City Elk’s Lodge is hosting a dance on the parking lot at 8:00 p.m. 

Saturday events begin with the Community Medical Center Fun Run at Stanton Lake Park at 7:00 a.m. 
Vendors on Stone Street open at 8:30 a.m. 
The 1700 block of Stone Street has events starting with the frog Jump at 9:00 a.m. followed by the crowning of Little Mr. & Miss Cobblestone.
The car and tractor show begins at 10:00 a.m. at 18th and Stone. 
10:15 a.m. there is a Bagpipe concert at 1st Presbyterian church.

This year’s Cobblestone Parade will be at 11:00 a.m. going south on Highway 73 from 20th Street to 14th Street. 

The theme for the Cobblestone Festival is Nebraska 150 – Falls City 160.  Parade Chairperson Lori Gottula tells MSCNEWS a number of veterans will be honored during the parade this year. They will ride through in cars as well as on a float. 

The carnival opens at 1:00 p-m. and the McCoy Dancers perform in the 1700 block of Stone Street at 1:00.

1:30 is the start of the Dodge Ball Tournament at Prichard Auditorium.

1-4 p-m Before the Dawn will play on stage on 17th and Stone.

The Falls City Area Jaycee’s Demolition Derby will be held at the Jaycee’s Arena south of Falls City beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday events include a Fly-In Breakfast at Brenner Field from 8 – 11 a.m.
The Vendors will be open on Stone Street from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
The Little Tuggers Tractor Pull will begin at 1 p-m at 18th and Stone. The carnival runs from 1 – 5:00 p.m. The last scheduled event is the Vesper Service with “Bread and Butter” at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist  Church. 

MOUND CITY, Mo. – The continuing bridge deck work on two bridges in Holt County, Missouri, just south of Mound City has entered the phase with the most significant impacts for interstate traffic. 

Both the Davis Creek bridges bridge deck projects and the bridges over the old railroad will cause traffic disruptions for travelers on Interstate 29. The projects have both lanes and one ramp closed.

Contractors have entered Phases 2 and 3. Completion of the work is anticipated to be in mid-December.  Work will include removal and replacement of the surface of the bridges and filling in under old railroad bridges. The southbound ramp from Route 118 at Mound City onto Interstate 29 is now CLOSED to all traffic. A signed detour is in place to reroute traffic around the ramp closure.

All work is weather permitting and schedules are subject to change. 

For more information on the project, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/northwest and view the online Traveler Information Map. 

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Aldermen approved a change order for the retaining wall project at the City Hall Park during their August 15th meeting.

Mann’s Lawn and Landscape submitted the change order.  Originally the contract called for a two-tier retaining wall at a cost of $154,600.  The change order approved on a 3-1 vote calls for a single 8-goot retaining wall with a 4-foot black iron, 3-rail fence. The cost will now be $162,500, an increase of $7,900.  

Alderman Duane Nauman cast the dissenting vote.  Voting in favor were Board members Kris Gibson, Jim Krueger and Robert Heck.

Mayor Chris Krueger reported to the Board that he had met with Snyder and Associates from St. Joseph concerning the Davis Creek Bridge.  A Missouri Department of Transportation inspection three years ago graded the bridge to be in moderate condition.  An inspection of the 1939 structure by Snyder and Associates determined the bridge is in need of being replaced.

Mayor Krueger said he was looking into funding to pay for replacing the bridge.  

(MSC News)--St. Joseph Police say a father was accidentally shot and killed by his 4-year-old son.

Police Captain Jeff Wilson says officers responded to a residence in the 26-hundred block of Mary Street Sunday night on a report of an accidental shooting.

A 40-year-old man was found dead in the residence.

The victim's name has not been released.

Wilson told the St. Joseph News Press that the incident was "a tragic accident."

He said no charges will be filed in the case, and the child will receive counseling.

(KAIR)--The 2018 Atchison County budget has been approved as published.

That came on an unanimous vote of the County Commission Tuesday following a hearing drawing no public comment.

The nearly $16.9 million budget calls for a slight mill levy increase.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 54.408 mills, a .742 mill increase over this year.

The budget calls for the county to collect more than $8.6 million in local taxes.

(KAIR)--The demolition of a bridge, standing in the Buchanan County, Missouri community of Faucett since 1958, is set to begin.

According to a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation, the bridge is located on Route DD over I-29.

Demolition begins Friday evening around 7:00; and during that phase, no traffic will be permitted under the bridge. Interstate traffic will be narrowed to one lane in each direction, and all traffic will be routed up and over the on and off ramps at the exit and around the bridge demolition.

Only Interstate traffic will be allowed on the ramps, and no access to or from Route DD will be allowed, in order to ensure smooth traffic flow.

MoDOT says that could remain in place for more than 24 hours, and motorists should plan ahead and choose alternative routes, if possible.

Once the bridge is demolished, work will begin on its replacement, which is expected to be completed, and opened to traffic, within 90 days, if weather allows.

Emery Sapp and Sons, of Columbia, Missouri, has been awarded the bid for the work, which will include reconstruction of the ramps.

(KNZA)--The preliminary hearing for a St. Joseph man charged in Brown County with the electronic solicitation of a child has been delayed again.

The hearing for 70-year-old William Buehler was postponed Wednesday to October 11th at the request of his court-appointed attorney, Andy Delaney.

Buehler was arrested July 10th following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says the complaint alleges Buehler was involved in communications through the internet with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl between May 1st and July 10th in an effort to commit an unlawful sex act.  However, Hill says Buehler was actually communicating with an undercover officer with the Hiawatha Police Department’s cyber crime unit.

When Buehler arrived in Hiawatha at a pre-arranged meeting place to meet the supposed 14-year-old girl, he was instead met by officers and arrested.

Buehler remains in the Brown County Jail on a $150,000 bond after a motion for a bond reduction was denied Wednesday.

(KNZA)--Emergency communications dispatch services will remain in Horton.

The Horton City Commission made that decision on an unanimous vote during their regular meeting this week.

The Horton Headlight reports the decision came after approval of the 2018 budget as published, which includes funding for dispatch services.

Brown County had offered  to provide dispatch services for the city, which the county has been doing for some time for the city of Hiawatha.

Commissioners said they didn't want to revise the budget to met the county's deadline for merging dispatch services.

Commissioner Ken Krug said that from a money standpoint, it’s a “ no-brainer” that would save the city a considerable amount of money, but he wasn't  really in favor of it.

According to the newspaper, Commissioner Wade Edwards said he had not talked with anyone who wanted to see the dispatch merged with the county.

Of concern was the loss of the several local dispatch positions, even though they were offered another position with the county.

Horton Police Chief John Calhoon thanked Commissioners for making the decision, saying he felt they did what the people wanted. He said it had been a stressful time for his dispatchers, and the decision will be a relief to them.

(KLZA)-- So you did not win the nearly $759-million Powerball Jackpot Wednesday night.  

If you purchased a Powerball ticket in Falls City you might want to check it a second time. 

Two big prizes were won on tickets sold for the Wednesday drawing at Sapp Brothers Convenience Store in Falls City. 

The winning tickets had four of the five numbers drawn plus the Powerball number, 4.  The other numbers in the Wednesday drawing were 6, 7, 16, 23 and 26.  Four numbers with the Powerball wins $50,000.  

One of the players added the Powerplay option, which made the prize worth four times the amount won, that ticket is worth $200,000.

If you discover you have a winning ticket the first thing you should do is sign you name on the back of it.  You have 180 days to collect your prize in Nebraska.  

(KAIR)--A boil water advisory is now in place for the Lakeside Village Improvement District public water supply, located in Jefferson County

The advisory was issued Thursday.

A news release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says it will remain in effect until conditions that place the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved adequately.

The advisory was issued due to a loss of pressure in the system,with KDHE explaining that failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residual levels and bacterial contamination.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation, or use bottled water.

• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household
  bleach per gallon of water.

• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons
  with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

(KLZA)-- Improvements are planned for the Pawnee City Municipal Airport. 

The Pawnee City Airport Authority is getting ready to construct a new 80 x 80 foot building for storing airplanes. Depending on the size of the planes, the facility should be large enough to hold an additional 6 - 10 airplanes.  The building would include a bi-fold door and there will be a concrete ramp and concrete taxi-lane built to the runway.  

Pawnee City Clerk – Treasurer Tammie Stephens also serves as the Treasurer for the Airport Authority. She told MSCNEWS the grant will cover 90-percent of the cost for the project with a local match of 10-percent. 

Currently there is one large building to store planes and several individual hangars, but the airport is full of planes and the Airport Authority has received a number or requests for a place to store more planes.  

The timetable for construction of the building is not yet finalized.  
 

(KLZA)-- Three Falls City Public Schools educators were recognized during the August 15th Pre-Service meeting at Falls City High School.

Falls City Superintendent Tim Heckenlively presented the Falls City Education Foundation awards.

 Those honored were Kim Oliver, named the Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year.  She is beginning her 33rd year with the Falls City Public Schools and is a second grade teacher at North School.

Mrs. Lori Rech received the Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Rech is also beginning her 33rd year as a High School Social Studies Teacher, 19 of those years with the Falls City Public Schools.

Mrs. Diana Kottich received the Outstanding Employee of the Year Award. Mrs. Kottich is beginning her 27th year with the Falls City Public Schools.

The recipients each received an engraved plaque in recognition of their dedication and contribution to the success of the students and the Falls City Public Schools.

(KLZA)-- Six people, including two young children were injured in a four-vehicle wreck in St. Joseph shortly before noon Wednesday. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred on the exit ramp from southbound Interstate 29 to U.S. Highway 169.  

32-year-old Andrea Popejoy of Falls City was southbound on Interstate 29, driving a Chevy Impala. She took the south exit to U.S. 169 and swerved to avoid a Buick LaCrosse operated by 75-year-old Robert Thompson of Gower, Missouri, w ho was stopped at the traffic signal.

The Popejoy car traveled off the west side of the road then returned to the roadway and struck the rear of the Thompson car which then struck the rear of a car driven by 49-year-old John Turner of St. Joseph. The Turner car was then pushed into a pickup driven by 43-year-old Darrren Ottinger of Agency, Missouri.

Popejoy suffered injuries described as serious. She was not wearing a safety device. Two minor children in the Popejoy vehicle, a five-year-old female and a one-year-old female were also injured, the five-year-old seriously and the one-year-old suffered minor injuries.  Neither child was wearing a safety device or in a safety seat when the wreck occurred. 

Robert Thompson and a passenger in his car, 75-year-old Elaine Thompson both suffered injuries described as minor.  John Turner, also suffered a minor injury.

All the injured parties were transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph by Buchanan County EMS   
 

(KLZA)-- Six people, including two young children, were injured in a four-vehicle wreck in St. Joseph shortly before noon Wednesday. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports the wreck occurred on the exit ramp from southbound Interstate 29 to U.S. Highway 169.  

The Patrol says 32-year-old Andrea Popejoy of Falls City was southbound on Interstate 29, driving a Chevy Impala. She took the south exit to U.S. 169 and swerved to avoid a Buick LaCrosse operated by 75-year-old Robert Thompson of Gower, Missouri, who was stopped at the traffic signal.

The Popejoy car traveled off the west side of the road then returned to the roadway and struck the rear of the Thompson car which then struck the rear of a car driven by 49-year-old John Turner of St. Joseph. The Turner car was then pushed into a pickup driven by 43-year-old Darrren Ottinger of Agency, Missouri.

Popejoy suffered injuries described as serious. She was not wearing a safety device. Two minor children in the Popejoy vehicle, a five-year-old female and a one-year-old female, were also injured, the five-year-old seriously and the one-year-old suffered minor injuries.  Neither child was wearing a safety device or in a safety seat when the wreck occurred. 

Robert Thompson and a passenger in his car, 75-year-old Elaine Thompson, both suffered injuries described as minor.  John Turner, also suffered a minor injury.

All the injured parties were transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph by Buchanan County EMS   
 

(MSC News)--Don't toss those eclipse glasses in the garbage.

There's a special initiative being launched by an organization that will find a second life for the special spectacles.

According to Time magazine, Astronomers Without Borders is asking that you “don't waste, donate” the glasses, with corporate partners of the organization to help collect and process the used glasses.

They will be sent to schools in South America and Asia where the next solar eclipse will happen on July 2, 2019.

The organization has not yet unveiled all details about the collection effort, but its website says those plans will be made public soon. To find out how you can donate your eclipse glasses when the program begins, go here.

Time magazine also notes that if your eclipse glasses don't have an expiration date, they may still be good for the next United States eclipse on April 8, 2024.

That event will stretch from Texas to the northeastern states.

(KNZA)--A Highland man convicted on multiple counts of  harassment by a telecommunications device will have to continue serving his  jail sentence.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says Magistrate Judge Roy Roper Wednesday denied a request for probation by the attorney for 56-year-old Gary Vigil.

That came after Hill voiced his objections and statements from victims of the offense.

Hill says Vigil was remanded to the Brown County Jail to continue serving the 18 months he was ordered to serve last November of his 14-year jail sentence on 14 counts of harassment by a telecommunications device.

He was arrested in July of last year following a lengthy investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department, which uncovered numerous victims, both locally and nationwide.

Hill says the investigation revealed Vigil would often impersonate family members of the victims being called, falsely describing involvement in sexual acts and the need for help from being victimized.  He says the calls caused fear and concern for the victims being called.

(KMZA)--Seneca Municipal Court costs are going up and court will be held at a new time. 

The Seneca City Council last week approved an ordinance making the changes.

The court cost will increase from $86 to $100 for individuals who plead guilty, no contest or are found guilty of a violation.

The ordinance also sets a new starting time for court, which is held on the third Wednesday of each month.  It will now be held at 5:00 in the evening instead of 9:00 in the morning.   The change will take effect September 1st.

City Attorney Martin Mishler recommended the changes.

Municipal court is held in the council room at the Seneca City Hall.

Following a hearing drawing no public comment the Council also approved the 2018 city budget as published.

The $11 million budget contains a slight mill levy decrease.

It calls for the city to collect nearly $729,000 in local taxes, the maximum allowed under the state tax lid.

The city was able to lower the tax rate due to a more than $500,000 increase in the assessed valuation.

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - Authorities have charged a man with killing a fellow inmate during a prison uprising in southeast Nebraska.

The Nebraska attorney general's office said Tuesday night in a news release that 26-year-old Eric Ramos is charged with first-degree murder and related crimes. Ramos is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday. His attorney didn't immediately return a call from The Associated Press.

The attorney general's office says Ramos killed 31-year-old Michael Galindo during the outbreak of violence March 2 at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. The bodies of Galindo and 39-year-old Damon Fitzgerald were found after authorities restored order. No one has been charged yet with killing Fitzgerald.

Authorities have said the uprising began because inmates were angry that prison staffers had confiscated 150 pounds of homemade alcohol from them.

(KNZA)--The man charged in connection with a hit-and-run in April, that left a Horton woman badly hurt, made his first court appearance Tuesday.

WIBW-TV reports that a preliminary hearing date is now set for 21-year-old Nicholas Blaha.

That is scheduled for September 5.

21-year-old Amber Wilhelm was struck early April 14 at the intersection of 12th and Bluemont, in Manhattan.

Authorities say the Kansas State University student was stopped in a crosswalk, and was bent over, when she was struck by Blaha's pickup truck that was westbound on Bluemont Avenue.

Blaha earlier this month turned himself in to Riley County authorities on a warrant for aggravated burglary.

He's currently free on a $20,000 bond.

(KAIR)--Following a public hearing Tuesday evening that drew no comment from district patrons, the Board of Education for Atchison County's USD 377 voted to approve the 2017-2018 budget as published.

According to Board Clerk Megan Gracey, the vote was unanimous, 4-0.

The budget calls for a property tax levy increase of 3.7 mills.  

The $10.7 million budget contains an estimated tax rate of 47.454 mills, which is to generate $3 million local taxes.    

(KAIR)--An investigation is launched following the report of an Atchison County fight that left an Atchison man with injuries to his face.

According to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, it happened Sunday afternoon on Ottawa Road, near the Stranger Creek Bridge.

It was there that the victim, 19-year-old Elijah Rowley, told the Sheriff's Office he was struck several times in the face by three men.

The altercation, according to Laurie, left Rowley with a laceration below the bottom of his lip.

Laurie tells MSC News exactly what led to the altercation remains unknown, and no suspect information is immediately developed, as the investigation continues.

The battery on Rowley reportedly happened around 3:45 Sunday afternoon.

(MSC News)--A baby is dead, and a Saint Joseph, Missouri woman is accused of playing a role in the death of her child.

KQ2-TV reports that 21-year-old Doris Koon has been formally charged with first degree child endangerment in connection with the death of the baby Monday.

The TV station, citing court documents, reports the baby was found laying directly under Koon, on a couch, when she woke up Monday morning. According to witnesses cited in the court documents, the child appeared to be dead.

The probable cause statement says Koon took the child to the hospital, but did not seek medical attention until she was contacted by security, nearly three hours after the fact.

It alleges that she was drinking alcohol prior to falling asleep on the couch.

The baby is identified as being under 3-months old.

Arraignment is set for Friday morning.

(KAIR)--What began as a verbal back and forth turns into a face to face confrontation that leads to a gun being pulled and one shot fired.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News it happened Monday afternoon, in the 1900 Block of Harper Drive. “This is a mobile home park area, and apparently there were some words exchanged from some distance away. As the victim stood outside his residence, the suspect was in another street adjacent where they could still observe and hear each other.”

Wilson said the 39-year-old victim remained where he was, while the person words were exchanged with arrived in a truck, and that's when the shot was alledgedly fired. “The person in the truck that had pulled up pulled a gun out, aimed it at the victim, made some threats, and then actually fired a shot at the feet, or at the ground, next to where the victim stood. After that shot was fired, that suspect fled the area.”

Officers that arrived at the scene began an immediate search for the suspect; and, while Wilson says it's known who the person is, he has not yet been located.

He's facing a charge of aggravated assault in connection with the disturbance, and Wilson says the Atchison County Attorney's Office has been contacted for the purpose of formally filing that charge.

The shooting, that caused no injuries, took place around 3:15 Monday afternoon.

(KLZA)-- Auburn Mayor Scott Kudrna presented a budget proposal for the next fiscal year to the City Council during last weeks meeting. 

Possible big-ticket items included in the budget proposal include creating an additional position on the Street Crew.
The Mayor is also interested in creation of a position that would combine economic development duties with being a city manager.   

Mayor Kudrna says he included paying off approximately $335,000 in debt, leaving the City with just $120,000 debt.  

A couple of proposals include funding for new homes. Under the plan, the City would give $10-thousand to anyone building a new house in the City limits. A $50-thousand no-interest loan is proposed for building a house on a small lot where another house has been torn down.

While the new valuation for the City of Auburn had not been set as Mayor Kudrna prepared the budget, he said there were a couple of areas that will help the budget. 

Anticipated increased in the Highway Allocation and Equalization totaling around $40-thousand dollars will also be a boon to the Auburn City coffers. 

Last year Auburn’s wages and benefits paid jumped by about $50-thousand. Nebraska’s minimum wage increase that went into affect for part-time workers, which included the swimming pool staff and park staff. The wage and benefits increase for the next fiscal year is anticipated to be around $20-thousand.

The Auburn City Council will conduct the annual public hearing on the budget proposal September 11. 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Department has a new K-9 vehicle to aid in drug enforcement efforts.

According to a news release from Sheriff John Merchant, the sheriff’s office received a 2013 Chevy Tahoe from the Sac and Fox Tribe Friday.

The vehicle has about 45,000 miles, and is fully equipped with a K-9 box, heat sensors, door popper and general equipment found in a law enforcement K-9 vehicle.

Merchant says the donation will allow his department to replace their current K-9 vehicle, which has nearly 150,000 miles.

He said the Sheriff’s Office has been very blessed to have such notable community minded safety partners and the vehicle will be put to good use to assist in locating drug offenders in the county.

Merchant thanked the Sac and Fox Tribal Council for their donation.

(KLZA)-- Julie Bauman, a CPA from Falls City met with the Pawnee City Council last week, presenting an updated draft copy of the new fiscal year budget. 

Improvements were noted in the current budget. The City has $1.2-million less in debt due to refinancing of the USDA Water project through Ameritas. The Cash balances are about $10-thousand more at this time than the previous year. 

A public hearing on the budget proposal for the next fiscal year is likely to be scheduled for the September 11 Council meeting. 

Council member Ric Helms discussed the idea brought up previously of creation of a “Pawnee City Pride” Committee. The Committee would assist the City in dealing with nuisance properties around town.  

Clerk Stephens said Bruce Haughton has volunteered to be on the committee and serve as chairman if the committee is approved.  

The Council also approved the Handi-Bus agreement with Pawnee County.  The City will pay the County $3,200 in the next fiscal year towards the Handi-Bus.  The amount is the same as the previous two years.  

(KLZA)-- Only minimal changes in the July unemployment figures in Southeast Nebraska according to the latest report from the Nebraska Labor Department. 

The only county with a decrease in the jobless rate for the month was Johnson County, which dipped two-tenths to 3.2-percent. 

Unemployment figures crept up a tenth of a percent in both Richardson and Gage counties.  Both had an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent in July.

Nemaha County has the highest unemployment rate in the area at 4.6 percent. Pawnee County was steady at 3.2 percent and Otoe County was steady at 3.6 percent.

Statewide the unemployment rate was 2.8 percent, down from 2.9 percent in June.  In July 2016 the jobless figure was 3.2-percent.  

(KMZA)--A single-vehicle wreck in Marshall County Monday evening left a Waterville man injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 43-year-old Jonas Smith was westbound on K-9, about one mile west of Vermillion, when his car drifted off the roadway.  Smith overcorrected and drove back into the north ditch where his car struck an embankment and rolled, coming to rest on its top.

Smith was transported to Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

The Patrol says he was bucked up when the wreck happened shortly before 6:30 Monday evening.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle Brown County wreck Monday afternoon sent a Hiawatha woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of U.S. 36 Highway and Coyote Road shortly after 3:45.

The Patrol says 43-year-old Daniel Kopp, of Hiawatha, had stopped on Coyote Road and was attempting to cross U.S. 36 Highway when he failed to yield to a car driven by 66-year-old Suzanne Chestnut.  Kopp's pickup truck was struck in the passenger side.

Chestnut was transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital for the treatment of what the Patrol described as possible injuries.

Kopp was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck occurred.   

(MSC News)--Despite clouds and rain obscuring the highly anticipated solar eclipse Monday, throngs of people gathered in communities throughout the local region in anticipation of the historic moment.

In Atchison, key viewing locations included Benedictine College, where a ceremony was held, along with the Amelia Earhart Airport where an “Eclipse Aire Fest” was held.

Despite dense clouds, and occasional pouring rain, the clouds parted just enough at 1:06 in the afternoon for the soggy airport crowd to view glimpses of the several stages of the event.

Shouts of excitement went up from the crowd, as total darkness enveloped the airport.

Once the key portion of totality was complete, those in attendance voiced satisfaction at what they were able to see.

Among them was Atchison City Manager Trey Cocking and Shanae Randolph, representative of Atchison-based MGP Ingredients, which helped to sponsor the airport party. “All of a sudden it's daytime again,” Cocking said, following the total darkness that accompanied the eclipse. “The sun set and the sun rose, and it's just amazing to see how quickly that happened and how quickly it's lightened up already.”

“I'm so glad that the weather has cooperated enough for us to experience this together out here,” Randolph said. “It's just so neat to see the different phases.”

In Hiawatha, eclipse spectators gathered between the Fisher Community Center and Noble Ball Field in an attempt to view the unique occurrence.

NASA Engineer Mike Davis gave a presentation at the Fisher Center prior to totality. “To somebody who works in astronomy, or space, or whatever, this is like the big one for us,” Davis told MSC News. “Totality is rare. The moon shadow's only 70-miles when projected on the earth for totality, so that makes it rare.”

Hiawatha City officials estimate that nearly 5,000 visitors chose the community as their viewing location.

Hiawatha Mayor Steffen Shamburg said it was a “ a heck of day for Hiawatha;” and despite the weather, Shamburg said he thinks the event “ put a good face on Hiawatha.”

Viewing parties across the region saw an influx of out of state guests, with such locations as Troy, and Saint Joseph, Missouri, chosen as destinations for attempted viewings, despite the uncooperative weather.

(KAIR)--The robbery of an Atchison hotel lands an Atchison man behind bars.

Arrested in connection with the alleged early Sunday morning crime is 50-year-old Timothy Cafferty. “It was shortly before 5:30 Sunday morning when officers responded to a robbery that had occurred at the AmericInn, located at 500 U.S. 73 Highway,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News. “As officers arrived on the scene, they took a suspect into custody about a block from the [hotel]. It was determined that he had approached the hotel counter and demanded money from the clerk at the AmericInn.”

Wilson, who said Cafferty, when taken into custody, had a non-lethal weapon in his possession. “Officers found what appeared to be a revolver styled handgun in the suspect's waistband, which was found to be an air pistol.”

Cafferty was arrested on charges including robbery and obstructing law enforcement, which stems from what Wilson calls a struggle with police as they attempted to make an arrest.

Following his apprehension Cafferty was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--No one was hurt despite an Atchison area home being struck by gunfire.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie said it happened early Sunday morning, with at least three shots fired at the residence. “That happened just outside the city limits, on K-7, north of Harper Drive, about a half-mile or so.”

One round struck a window and traveled into the home, striking a shower inside.

Three occupants were at home at the time of the shooting but no one was hurt.

The shooting occurred around 12:40 Sunday morning. “We don't have any suspects narrowed down right at this point, but we have a few leads that we've got to follow up with.”

Laurie says the case remains under investigation, with no suspects immediately identified.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - Two men face felony charges after shots were fired at police during a vehicle pursuit in St. Joseph.
 
The St. Joseph News-Press reports that 25-year-old Dakota Sears was charged Monday with felony assault and 26-year-old Preston Funk with resisting arrest. Police say both men are being held without bond.
 
They were among three suspects taken into custody after the shots were fired Sunday afternoon during a chase near a festival. A police car ran into a vacant building during the pursuit, which then changed into a foot pursuit.
 
Officers did not fire back at the suspects. No officers were injured, but one of the suspects was treated for minor injuries. Police also were able to recover a large amount of controlled substance. No information was available at the third suspect.

(KMZA)--An Axtell teen faces charges following a chase earlier this month in Nemaha County.

17-year-old Peter Edelman is scheduled to appear in a Nemaha County courtroom September 19th on charges of fleeing and eluding law enforcement and speeding.

He was booked into the Nemaha County Jail August 15th and later released to his parents.

Edelman has been charged in connection with a chase the evening of August 12th.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says Edelman escaped injury after wrecking his car during the case.  

The Sheriff’s Office says Edelman was westbound on 212th Road, west of L Road, which is a dead end road and curves into a private drive.  He was attempting to elude law enforcement and did not make the curve for the private drive.  His car left the roadway, striking an embankment.

Details on what led to the chase were not released.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn City Council last week awarded the bid for the City Liability Insurance to the Nebraska League Association of Risk Management.  

The coverage will include property and casualty insurance. Cost for the policy for the year will be $46,950.

Steve Gardiner with Midwest Medical Air was unable to attend the meeting.  He was to present information on the possibility of housing aircraft at the Auburn Municipal  Airport.  

The appointment of Brandon Rieger to the Planning Commission was approved.  Rieger will replace longtime Commission member Ed Johnson.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer School Board approved a bid for a new bus barn when they met August 14th. 

Superintendent Sherri Edumundson said the bid of nearly $157-thousand was awarded to Jack McNealy of Humboldt. 

The School District has been without a bus barn since selling the Table Rock site where buses were previously housed and worked on.

HTRS Board members also approved the expenditure of nearly $53,000 to purchase new risers.  The current risers are in need of repair and have been in use since the gymnasium was built in 1969.

The Budget Committee discussed some of the items considered for next years budget.  The budget will be finalized at the September Board meeting. Superintendent Edmundson says they are hoping to be able to decrease the tax levy.

Dan Ingwerson has been hired as the new Elementary Counselor.  Jaime Frey has been hired to teach the Pre-Kindergarten 3-year-old class this year.  There are 19 students enrolled with 20 enrolled in the Pre-K 4-year old program. Four new para-professionals are working in the HTRS School District this year. 

Falls City, CPA, Julie Bauman has been hired to prepare the HTRS School District audits for the next three years.  The fee for her work will average just over $4,700 per year.  

(KLZA)--Out of state guests continued Monday morning to make their way into the local area. 

That included a New York State couple that dropped by to visit the Falls City studios of Sunny 101.3 FM. 

John Nixon talked to them during their stopover. The conversation can be heard here. 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - Authorities say one person has been killed in a shooting at a St. Joseph home.
 
The St. Joseph News-Press reports that that police responded to the home in the 26-hundred block of Mary Street around 8:40 Sunday night.
 
The St. Joseph Police Department confirmed that one person was killed. No other details were immediately released, including the name of the victim. Police are investigating.

(KNZA)--The lighting at the Hiawatha Elementary School will be replaced.

That comes as the Board of Education accepts the lowest of two bids received for the project.

Keebler Electric, of Highland, will be conduct the work for $58,800.

The lighting replacement project is the last item to be funded under a bond issue approved by USD 415 voters in 2015.

Around $197,000 in funding remains from the bond issue.

District Maintenance Coordinator Matt Cluck said he would like to see the funding used for roof repairs and new doors at the high school along with bathroom improvements at the elementary school.

Approval of the bid happened during last week’s meeting of the Hiawatha Board of Education.  

(KNZA)--Concerns that Hiawatha middle and elementary school students would be left without proper eye ware for Monday's solar eclipse have been eased.

That comes as safe, and verified, eclipse glasses are being made available to those students at no cost.

However, the glasses will be available only through the weekend.

Hiawatha middle and elementary school students only may pick them up at the Hiawatha Police Department, located on Oregon Street, both Saturday and Sunday.

Availability is between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM both days.

(KAIR)--A Jackson County traffic stop leads to the alleged discovery of a stolen handgun and drugs, and that leads to the arrest of an Ellenwood, Kansas man.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says the vehicle, driven by 33-year-old Stephen Mai, was stopped Thursday afternoon based on a report of reckless driving.

Deputies, after stopping the car, seized the handgun, and what Morse calls “a large amount of substances believed to be methamphetamine, marijuana and other controlled substances.” Additionally, Morse says a large assortment of collectible coins and metals, additional firearms, and thousands of rounds of ammunition were located, along with other property.

Following his arrest, Mai was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, criminal use of a firearm, unlawfully in possession of a prescription drug with the intent to distribute, and driving while suspended.

He's held on a bond of $30,000.

(MSC News)--If a driver suspected of driving impaired refuses a breath test, blood testing will be done instead.

That's the word in a press release issued Thursday by the Kansas Department of Transportation, in advance of this weekend's enforcement, known as “No Refusal Weekend” in Kansas.

The effort is being done through a joint arrangement between KDOT, the Kansas Attorney General's Office, and several law enforcement agencies in northeast Kansas.

A list of the counties taking part was not included with the news release.

It's being conducted in coordination with the underway Labor Day STEP campaign, which is focusing on impaired drivers, under the motto of “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose."

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse Friday issued a statement pertaining to the effort.

He says Jackson is “one of the first counties in Kansas that started using search warrants to obtain blood on DUIs.  Deputies are able to send search warrant applications to our judges electronically and can serve them on the scene. In fact, Jackson County is permanently a no refusal county.”

He adds that “Jackson County probably isn’t the county one should pick to drive drunk in.”

According to the KDOT news release, impaired drivers in Kansas cause 25 to 30 percent of traffic fatalities.
Kansas averages nearly five people injured every day and one person killed every three days in alcohol-related crashes.

The “No Refusal Weekend” enforcement campaign will run from Saturday through Sunday.

(KMZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved for publication a proposed 2017-18 budget of nearly $16.8 million.

The action came during the Board’s regular meeting this week.

Superintendent Todd Evans says because they are paying off two separate bond issues from the district’s prior to consolidation, there are two different levies.  He says residents in the former USD 441 will see an estimated tax levy of 47.9 mills-- an eight-tenths of a mill increase over last year.  Evans says residents in the former USD 488 are looking at a total mill levy of about 48.5, which is almost identical to last year’s levy.

The USD 113 Board of Education will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing during a special meeting August 28th  at 6:00 p.m. in the district office at Sabetha.  

(KLZA)-- Monday is the Great American Eclipse and Falls City is right in the heart of the event.

With the possibility of a few thousand extra people in town, the Falls City Police Department has a few reminders for everyone. 

It is possible that cellphone use during this weekend and on Monday  might be limited. Falls City residents are encouraged to use land lines when contacting the police department for calls for service or 911 emergency calls. 

 A large volume of traffic is anticipated this weekend and on Monday and the Falls City Police Department asks everyone to drive safely. Especially during the running events that are scheduled on Monday starting at 9:00 a.m. on 18th and Stone Street running west out of town and the in town runners that will be running up around the Stanton Lake area and back to 19th and Stone Street. Falls City Police department will have extra police officers and dispatcher on duty Monday August 21.  

The City will be closing Steele Cemetery and the Solid Waste Site on Sunday August 20th at 8:00 p.m. and will reopen them at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
 
City employees will be monitoring city parks and the down town area during the Solar Eclipse Event and anyone needing assistance should contact them. 

Streets closed on Monday August 21 will be Stone Street from 16th to 19th. 17th and 18th Street from Stone to Chase, and Chase Street from 14th to 15th Street.  

(KMZA)--A two-vehicle Pottawatomie County wreck Thursday afternoon claimed the life of an elderly Wamego man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says killed in the wreck at the intersection of U.S. 24 Highway and Levee Drive was 78-year-old Francis Whitney.

The Patrol says Whitney was southbound on Levee Drive when he failed to stop at a stop sign and his car was struck by a westbound pickup truck on U.S. 24 driven by 18-year-old Ethan Engelhorn, of Manhattan.

The Patrol report says Engelhorn received possible injuries, but does not indicate he was transported to a hospital.

Both drivers were buckled up when the wreck happened shortly before 1:15 Thursday afternoon.

(KAIR)--A public health watch is in place for a local lake due to high levels of toxic blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a news release, says Perry Lake, in Jefferson County, is among five others in the state listed under a watch status.

Six lakes in the state are placed under a warning status because of the blue-green algae, but none are in the local area.

State health officials say direct contact with the water is strongly discouraged for people, pets and livestock for lakes under a watch, or warning, status.

Fish can be eaten as long as they are rinsed with clean water. Only the fillet portion should be consumed and all other parts discarded.

(KAIR)--Hospital transport is required for two following a double vehicle Atchison crash Thursday afternoon on U.S. Highway 59.

Atchison Police Captain Tim Stout tells MSC News it happened when a westbound vehicle, driven by Steven Gilliland, collided with an eastbound vehicle, driven by Sara Dillinger, as she was attempting to turn left onto the 6th Street viaduct.

Dillinger required extrication from her vehicle following the wreck.

Stout says both drivers were transported from the scene by EMS and taken to area hospitals for the treatment of their injuries.

The wreck, which happened shortly after 3:00, remains under investigation.

(KMZA)--If you receive an email from the Sabetha Chamber of Commerce, think twice before opening it.

That's because an email being circulated in the name of the Chamber is being identified as a scam.

According to an email received by MSC News Thursday, as sent by the Chamber, the scam email includes an attached invoice, which is a likely attempt to gain personal information, and money, from the recipient.

The Chamber says invoices are never sent by email, and membership forms are only sent in January.

As is advised in any such case, don't open the suspicious email, and delete it immediately.

(MSC News)--Expected visitors in the thousands has left small Doniphan County communities working towards safety during Monday's solar eclipse.

"I'll have all my officers out during the day shift except for one and he'll work the night shift. Then if we still have a crowd, we'll carry over and help him out," Elwood Police Chief Larry Hunsaker said.

"We're going to bring in some extra officers. Our fire station will be manned. We'll have a cooling station at our community building for anyone that may need that," Wathena Police Chief Jason Pendleton said.

Extra planning and preparation are needed because of smaller staff sizes in the Doniphan County departments.

Most in the county have less than five officers on staff.

"Doniphan County we don't have a lot of law enforcement officers," Hunsaker said. "The total amount of law enforcement officers in the whole county is around 17 so we rely on everybody to help everybody out."

They say that team effort is key in getting people the help they need that day knowing of some major problems they may have to face.

"Hopefully nobody just stops in the middle of 36 Highway and decide to look. Try and find a safe place to pull off the road," Hunsaker said.

Plans in place to help the officers tackle the issues of possible crowded roadways.

"We've got some roads that will be shut down which will give use access to each other a lot faster then trying to fight the traffic," Pendleton said.

They don't know what Monday will bring, but they're ready to help when needed.

"We're going to do the best we can to get to the most critical scenes and or incidents that we can," Pendleton said. "If we can't get there, we will have somebody on the way so they just need to be patient and we'll get to them as soon as we can."

Officers and the Doniphan County Emergency Manager are urging drivers to stay on the major roads and off the country roads during the event. Some drivers may not know how to handle the terrain and you may get stuck for a while before they can get to you.

Jefferson County is also working to prepare for throngs of travelers through that area.

It was during this week's County Commission meeting that Emergency Management Director Keith Jeffers updated the county leaders about the plans.

He told them that he's working with the Kansas Department of Transportation as part of the effort.

He will work with the state agency to place safety message boards on U.S. Highway 59, as well as K4 Highway, and will have them in place for motorists traveling through Jefferson County Monday.

Heavy traffic is also expected on Jefferson County roads during the eclipse.

Editor's note: the following was submitted by the Hiawatha Police Department

(KNZA)--Be warned that during the period, August 17 through Labor Day, September 4, the Hiawatha Police Department will join 150 other local and state police agencies across the state in a crackdown aimed at removing drunk, drugged, and other dangerous drivers from the roadways. Known as You Drink. You Drive. You Lose., the enforcement campaign is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Kansas averages three persons injured every day, and one person killed every three days, in crashes where at least one of the drivers involved is impaired by alcohol and/or another drug. According to KDOT, fully 38% of all crashes with fatalities are those in which one or more of the drivers is impaired. That agency also reports that crashes involving impaired drivers are likely to be more severe than are other crashes. For example, drivers and passengers who are involved in such crashes are more than twice as likely to be non-fatally injured, four times as likely to suffer serious injury, and 8 times more likely to die from their injuries, than if impairment is not involved.

According to Chief John DeFore, this campaign is intended to remind drivers of several things:

1. If you’re going to drink while away from home, do it responsibly by planning ahead and lining up a designated driver before leaving home. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until it’s time to go home to start asking around. Chances are, if you do that you will wind up with someone who may be “more sober” than yourself, but not sober enough.

2. Think of a family you know – maybe your own. Now, consider how it would be to wake up every day to the memory of your decision to drive after drinking – a decision which unintentionally brought injury or death to one of them. If you’re driving impaired, you are not only more likely to crash, but you are much more likely to cause serious injury or death to yourself and others when you do crash.

3. Even if you appear to be driving well enough to get by, you may still be pulled over for another traffic offence. If this happens and the officer detects alcohol you will be tested. If you fail the testing process you’re looking at a fine of $500-$2,500; up to one year in jail; the suspension of your driver’s license; increased insurance premiums; and the purchase and installation of an ignition interlock device in your car. Imagine not being able to start your car without blowing into the interlock’s alcohol sensor several times during an afternoon’s errands. How do you explain to your boss why you cannot drive a company car? Add in an attorney’s fees and you may tie up $13,000 or more before all is said and done. Don’t take the chance; it’s not worth it.

4. We are asking all citizens on the roadways – drivers and passengers – to watch for suspicious driving behaviors. Note the location, a description of the suspect vehicle, along with its direction of travel, and call 911 as soon as it’s safe to do so. You may save a life.

5. You can count on this department to vigorously enforce impaired driving and other traffic laws, not just during this campaign, but through the year.

6. Always remember that the best protection against a drunk driver (even when it’s yourself) is the use of seat belts and appropriate child restraints – every trip, every time. Restraints save lives and reduce injury severity across the State of Kansas.

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for one of two Sabetha residents charged in connection with an alleged Hiawatha home invasion and robbery.

23-year-old Jazmene Hicks pleaded not guilty last week in Brown County District Court to felony charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery along with a misdemeanor count of criminal restraint.

A jury trial was set for October 25th-27th.

The arraignment for co-defendant, 21-year-old Edgar Martinez, was continued until September 11th.  

The pair are accused of breaking into a home at 121 Apache Street on May 16th.  The occupant, Ray Atlakson, told police he was battered and robbed, with his hands bound behind his back before the suspects fled the scene.

Atlakson was treated for injuries at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

The suspects are accused of taking a pair of car keys, billfold and a RCA tablet by force.

A third suspect in the case, 27-year-old Bern resident Oscar Martinez, remains at large.  Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the Hiawatha Police Department.

-

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Commissioners discussed the 2017-18 Fiscal Year Budget with County Clerk Candi Nicholas during their Tuesday meeting. 

Following the discussion, the Board approved a resolution to increase the lid levy for the new fiscal year budget by an additional 1 percent as allowed by state statute.  The action will allow the budget to grow an additional 3.5 percent.

An Interlocal Cooperation Agreement for funding the Baliff position for the Clerk of the District Court was tabled until the August 29 Board meeting. County Attorney Jennifer Stehlik Ladman is to discuss an addendum to the agreement with Judge Smith.

Commissioners also approved an Interlocal Agreement to Provide for Cooperative Public Safety Services among Southeast Nebraska counties including Richardson, Johnson and Nemaha Counties.

A request for funding from the Southeast Nebraska Development District was partially approved.  Pawnee County will pay dues of just over $6,200 for the next fiscal year, but denied the request to enter into a funding agreement for the housing program.  

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City School Board has referred a decision on expanding pre-kindergarten opportunities for the district to the Fiscal Responsibility Committee.

The Board also voted to table, indefinitely, action on a ceiling insulation or roofing project for the gymnasium.  

Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus was authorized to sell the 2007 Thomas Built school bus. An agreement with Dana F. Cole & Company to continue as the Pawnee City School District auditing firm for school years ending in 2017, 2018 and 2019 was also approved.

The Board also voted unanimously to appoint Jason Turnbull to fill a vacancy on the Pawnee City School Foundation Board of Directors.  
 

(KLZA)-- The 138th Annual Johnson County Fair is Thursday through Sunday in Tecumseh.

This year the Veterans and Grand Parade will be combined into one parade to be held Sunday evening at 6.  The 4-H Livestock Premium Sale will follow the parade.  

Sam’s Amusements will have a full compliment of carnival rides and games and will be open Thursday through Saturday evenings from 6-10:00 p.m. and Sunday afternoon from 1 – 5:00 p.m. 

The Johnson County Ag & Mechanical Society sponsors the fair.

The schedule of events includes: 

Thursday 8/17
Entries for livestock and all open class entries except flowers.
6-10 p.m. Arm Band Night on the Midway.
8:00 p.m. – Ranch Rodeo 

FRIDAY 8/18 
8 a.m.  Horse and Swine Show.
11:30 a.m. – Poultry and Rabbit Show.
1 p.m. Papa Bear’s Chainsaw Artist 
3 p-m – Goat Show 
6-10 p.m. Arm Band Night on the Midway.
7:30 p.m. VFW Bingo 
8 p.m. – Team Penning
8 p.m. Donkey Polo at the Livestock Arena. 

Saturday 8/19 
8 a.m. Horse Show – trail and speed
9 a.m. – Bucket Calf and Dairy Show.
10 a-m. Beef Show 
11 a.m. – Chainsaw Artist 
3 p.m. Barel Racing
5:30  p-m Little Tuggers Tractor Pull. 
6-10 p.m. Arm Band Night on Midway.
7 p-m Black Top South Band performs.
7:30 p.m. Bingo 
8 p-m. – Team Roping.

Sunday 8/20 
9 a.m. Church Service in Grandstand.
10 a-m County Horse Show.
11 a.m. Chain Saw Artist 
12 p.m. Huff & Puff Pull
12:30 Clover Kids Pet Show 
1 p.m. Poultry Show Showmanship
1-5 p.m. – Carnival Open 
5:45 Pioneer Farm Award
6 p.m. Parade at Fairgrounds.
7 p.m. Livestock Premium Sale.
7:30 p-m Bingo
8:30 p.m. Open Class Exhibits Released.  

(KNZA)--Two Hiawatha residents facing drug charges waived their preliminary hearings Wednesday.

36-year-old Adam Kloss was bound over to Brown County District Court on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell/distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture and possession of marijuana.  Arraignment was scheduled for September 11th.

24-year-old Ashley Rhyne was bound over on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Arraignment was set for September 25th.

A third defendant in the case, 48-year-old Hiawatha resident Thelma Losson, pleaded no contest last week to charges of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.  In exchange for the plea, a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed.

Sentencing was set for October 2nd.

The trio were arrested in March after the Hiawatha Police Department with the assistance of the Kansas Highway Patrol’s special response team, executed a search warrant at a residence located at 518 Kansas Avenue following an investigation.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn City Council has been aggressive in attempting to get buildings and houses in the community that are in disrepair cleaned up and in the hands of people who will build on the lots that have been cleaned up.

Monday night the Council approved a resolution to abate a nuisance property at 1803 P Street. A resolution was also approved to declare a house at 1923 M Street a nuisance property.  City crews have had to mow the yard twice this year. The owner is not a resident of Auburn. 

Another building issue for Auburn currently is the Caples Buildings on the southwest corner of the intersection of Highways 75 and 136.  The building was deemed a nuisance property by the Council Monday night. 

Mayor Scott Kudrna said bricks began to fall off the building this spring making it a hazard, despite the building being a marquee structure at the center of the community. 

Barricades have been placed along the building to keep people from walking in front of it.  The condemned building is currently sitting empty with no utility services. 

Monday nights Council action will allow the City to go in, make needed repairs and file a lien against the property.  If owners Ken and Angela Caples refuse to pay for the repairs, the next step would be for the City to foreclose on the property.
 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri utility regulators have rejected a proposed high-voltage power line to carry wind power across the Midwest to eastern states.

The decision Wednesday by the Missouri Public Service Commission creates a significant hurdle for Clean Line Energy Partners, which wants to build one of the nation's longest transmission lines.

All the other states along its route already have granted approval. The line would run from Kansas through Missouri and Illinois to Indiana, where it would connect with a power grid for eastern states.

Missouri regulators initially rejected the project in 2015, while questioning its benefits and burden on landowners.

This time, the regulatory commission cited a recent state appeals court ruling that said utilities must first get consent from affected counties before state approval can be granted.

Clean Line lacks local approval from several counties in its path.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has adopted the 2018 county budget as published.

That followed a hearing Monday drawing no public comment.

The nearly $13.3 million budget contains a nearly three mill decrease in the property tax levy.

The county was able to lower the mill levy due to a more than $10 million increase in the county’s assessed valuation.  

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 45.7 mills, which is to generate nearly $7.5 million in local tax revenue.  

(KLZA)-- Rulo Village Board Chairperson Quincey L. Smith will remain as a member of the Board.

37 Rulo residents voted against recalling Smith with 16 voting for the recall in Tuesday’s special election. 

Kevin Barber was the principal circulator of the petition to recall Smith.  The petition alleged Smith had violated the Open Meetings Act, operated village equipment without proper training and had broken bid contracts.  

Smith responded to the recall effort and requested a full audit of all Village of Rulo records for the past five years, alleging a conflict of interest by Barber.  

(KNZA)--The Horton City Commission held a special joint meeting Tuesday evening with the Brown County Commission to discuss a proposal for the county to provide emergency dispatch services for the city.

Also on hand was Brown County Sheriff John Merchant and representatives of emergency service agencies from the Horton area.

Brown County Commission Chairman Steve Roberts says he made the “one-time offer” to save the city money, which could be used to address the city’s infrastructure needs. Roberts noted the county has been providing dispatch services for the city of Hiawatha for some time and he felt it was only fair to make the same offer to Horton.

Of concern is what will would happen with Horton’s current four full-time, and one part-time, dispatchers. Merchant said he would like to see the dispatchers come on aboard at the sheriff’s department.

Merchant said if the consolidated countywide dispatch proposal is approved by the Horton City Commission, he will need to add a third dispatcher position. That would require the purchase of an estimated $137,000 in additional equipment, and the Horton dispatch center would continue to serve as a back-up.

Each of the emergency service agency representatives along with a representative of Horton dispatchers were given an opportunity to comment on the proposal and ask questions.

Several local residents voiced their support for keeping the Horton dispatch operations, noting the personal knowledge the dispatchers have of the community and additional services they provide.

Horton Police Chief John Calhoon estimated the city would save around $120,000 by having the county provide the service, adding that he would still have someone at the Horton office from 8 to 5 to handle services.

Horton Police Commissioner Bryan Stirton says he continues to oppose the proposal, and would instead like to see the Commission explore other avenues of savings.

Although the Horton City Commission has not set a date for making a decision, Calhoon told Commissioners he would like to see that happen sooner than later so his dispatchers aren’t left in limbo

If the change is approved, Merchant said it would take 2 to 3 months for implementation.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man's alleged refusal to go peacefully when picked up by police on a court warrant lands him in additional trouble, including the allegation that he hit an officer as he failed to cooperate.

Atchison Police Captain Tim Stout said that happened Tuesday, shortly before noon, when police made their attempt to arrest 43-year-old William Wright. "An officer was attempting to arrest William Wright on a district court warrant for failure to appear at a residence in the 1400 block of Atchison Street," Stout told MSC News. "During the arrest, Wright resisted the officer and ended up strking the officer. Wright was eventually arrested after a brief struggle.”

Along with being arrested for the court warrant, Wright, of Atchison, was additionally taken into custody on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, interference with a law enforcement officer, an violation of a protection order.

Following his arrest, Wright was booked in the Atchison County Jail.

The officer was not seriously hurt.

(KLZA)-- A Nebraska City man was arrested in Nemaha County, Nebraska Monday morning after attempting to elude authorities.

31-year-old Steven Crewdson was wanted on outstanding warrants in Otoe County.  Felony weapons charges are among the charges Crewdson is facing.

Crewdson was apprehended in Julian after he had earlier attempted to avoid capture by running into a corn field. 

Deputies from Nemaha and Otoe counties  as well as Nebraska State Patrol troopers,  the Otoe County K-9 and a State Patrol helicopter conducted a search for Crewdson before he was arrested.

Crewdson was transported to the Otoe County Detention Center following his arrest.  

(KLZA)-- A bridge carrying more than 900 cars and trucks per day across the East Fork of the Little Tarkio Creek on U.S. Highway 136 is scheduled for replacement.

The bridge located near the border between Atchison and Nodaway counties in Northwest Missouri will be rebuilt in the same alignment as the old bridge.  Boone Construction Company form Columbia will work with the Missouri Department of Transportation on the project scheduled to begin Tuesday, August, 22. 

The new bridge will be 32 feet wide with four-foot shoulders.  This will be 12 feet winder than the current bridge. The new bridge will also be a single span with no middle support.  This will cut down on the drift and debris that currently accumulates against the central piers during flooding events. 
 

( KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education approved a policy on the Use of "Sniffer Dogs" on first reading Monday night.   If given final approval, Policy 3112 will be included in the student and staff handbooks.  It would allow the use of trained “Sniffer Dogs” to conduct “sniff searches” of vehicles on school grounds, school lockers used by students, and other items or areas at the school. 

It is unlawful to allow “Sniffer Dogs” to sniff people. 

The Board also approved a 50-cent per horus wage increase for the 2017-18 school year for classified employees. 
 
Superintendent Tim Heckenlively updated Board members on the new faculty and staff for the upcoming school year. 

Audrey Pedersen will serve as High School Mathematics Instructor. Katie Buckminster is the new High School Administrative Assistant. 

Leigh Anne Blankenship will teach 4th Grade and Hannah Petersen will teach 3rd Grade at South Elementary School.

Jessica Fischer will be the Special Education Teacher at North Elementary with Diane Wing and Debbie Jarred serving as Special Education Paraprofessionals.  

Heckenlively also reported Falls City Public Schools have been recognized as one of the 2016-17 Safety Honor Roll school districts in the ALICAP pool.  The award recognizes the district’s effective and proactive efforts in promoting safety. The loss control consultants select their top 10% of schools during their annual safety audit visits.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock School District will be advertising to fill a vacancy on the School Board.  

Steve Clark who was Vice President of the Board passed away in July.  
Superintendent Jeff Koehler said during Monday nights meeting that Clark wold be missed as a Board member, Parent and Community member. 

The Johnson-Brock Board will appoint someone to fulfill the rest of the term on the Board, which runs until 2020.

Anyone interested in serving on the Johnson-Brock School Board may contact Superintendent Jeff Koehler.  

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education has approved a one-year-lease to continue using the gymnasium at the Nemaha County Wellness Center in Auburn. 

The gymnasium will be used for various sports practices.  The cost to the School District is $9,000.  Superintendent Kevin Reiman said it has not yet been determined if the District will lease the gymnasium at the former Southeast Consolidated School in Stella again this year. 

Auburn students will be going to school on Monday, the day of the Total Solar Eclipse.  Superintendent Reiman said a majority of patrons wanted school to be in session. 

Students in Kindergarten through Second Grade will stay inside and watch the eclipse on television.  Parents wanting to come to school and take their children outside to watch the eclipse will be allowed to do so.

All the other students will be outside.  Parental permission forms will be sent home to be signed for the students to go outside for the eclipse event. 
 
Following the regular meeting an executive session was held to discuss personnel.  No action was taken following the closed session. 

(KNZA)--The 2017-18 budget for the Hiawatha school district will not contain a mill levy increase.

Following a lengthy discussion Monday evening during a budget hearing, the Board voted unanimously to resubmit a budget that keeps the mill levy at the same rate.     

The budget as published had contained a nearly one mill increase in the property tax levy.

Board members said they don't believe now is the time to raise taxes, believing the district can wait a year until after the bond issue is paid off.

It was noted the district will be receiving around $600,000 in net new state aid.   

The district, with no change in the mill levy, will collect about $123,000 in additional tax revenue due to an increase in the district’s assessed valuation.

Board President Dr. Pete Rosa said he believes the district can accomplish many of its goals with the state money its receiving, adding that now is a bad time to raise taxes on farmers.

District Patron Dean Tollefson urged the Board to provide some tax relief.   

(KAIR)--Following what's being called a fiery press conference held by President Donald Trump Tuesday, Kansas leaders double down on statements blaming racism and bigotry as the cause of a deadly weekend riot in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran Tuesday issued a statement saying, “"White supremacy, bigotry and racism have absolutely no place in our society, and no one - especially the President of the United States - should ever tolerate it.”

His fellow Republican, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, also commented through social media, saying, "I remain firm in believing white supremacy as being a blight on our nation. There is no place for bigotry and racism in America. Period."

The statements were released hours after President Trump, in a heated exchange with media, continued his earlier push to blame what he calls “both sides” involved in what was billed as a “Unite the Right” rally. "You had a group on one side that was bad, and you had a group on the other side that was also very violent, and nobody wants to say that."

The other side, which Trump calls “the alt-left,” attended to counter-protest the rally, which was spearheaded by known white nationalists and white supremacists, including former KKK leader David Duke.

Regardless, the President, during the press conference, said many good people were in attendance. "Those people were also there because they wanted to protest the taking down of a statue, Robert E. Lee. You take a look the night before."

The night before Saturday's deadly clash, members of the alt-right, comprised of a cross-section of white nationalists and white supremacists, marched to the statue carrying Tiki torches, while chanting phrases including, “Jews will not replace us.”

On Saturday, a 23-year-old woman was killed when a car was allegedly intentionally driven into a crowd of counter protesters, which the President called “a horrible, horrible inexcusable thing,” adding, “the driver of the car is a disgrace to himself, his family, and this country."

The Kansas Delegation wasn't alone in countering the President's comments.

On Tuesday night, former Massachusetts governor, and past Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney took to Twitter to denounce Trump placing blame on both sides.

In his Tweet, Romney said, “No, not the same. One side is racist, bigoted, Nazi. The other opposes racism and bigotry. Morally different universes.”

The President's press conference comments received praise from two who were involved in Saturday's rally. 
David Duke tweeted, "Thank you President Trump for your honesty & courage to tell the truth about Charlottesville & condemn the leftist terrorists in BLM/Antifa."
Duke's fellow white nationalist, Richard Spencer, who is credited for coining the term "Alt Right," also tweeted, saying, "Trump's statement was fair and down to earth. Charlottesville could have been peaceful, if police did its job."

On Wednesday, Jenkins again took to social media, where she released a second statement which she addressed to the President. "White supremacy, Nazis, and the KKK are a blight on our nation. Equal blame is not correct and racism should not be ignored. When you use words that excuse their views it only fuels their hatred, further divides our nation, and tarnishes the sacred office you hold. For generations, Americans have fought and gone to war to stomp out ideologies like this. We must not turn our back on their sacrifice. Now is the time for all us to come together as Americans and help put an end to this bigotry." 

Her latest comment followed a report in The Atlantic Wednesday that said the White House communications office Tuesday evening sent a set of talking points encouraging Republican members of Congress to echo the president’s line, contending that “both sides … acted inappropriately, and bear some responsibility.”

Despite an inquiry emailed to Jenkins' office by MSC News, the Congresswoman has not confirmed that her latest statement was in direct response to The Atlantic report, but a spokesman did say it was in response to Charlottesville. 

Late Wednesday afternoon, Kansas' Republican Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer weighed in on the controversry, issuing a statement pertaining to the white supremacist element of the Charlottesville rally. In his statement, Colyer said, "“I have seen the evil extremes of racial and ethnic cleansing first hand in Rwanda and other places around the globe. We must stamp out these harmful ideologies and evil doers before they can take root here at home. Kansas has been and will continue to be a beacon of light and hope for those who fight for equality and justice for all.”

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved the purchase of a new phone system for the courthouse.

The Commission Monday accepted a quote from Rainbow Communications in the amount of $11,505 for the installation of the new phone system in the second floor courthouse offices along with Services for the Elderly Office and Commissioner’s Room on the 1st floor.  

County IT Director Sandy Carter presented the quote to Commissioners for their consideration.

She said the current phone system is almost ten years ago and parts are no longer available for the system.

Carter said two cards went out on the current system two weeks ago, and luckily they were able to find the part needs in the basement of the courthouse.

She said Rainbow indicated they can install the new phone system next month and it would take 2-3 days to complete.

(KAIR)--A pedestrian is struck while crossing an alley in downtown Atchison, and the driver who police say hit him is cited for going too fast.

Atchison Police Captain Tim Stout told MSC News it happened early Monday evening in the south alley located in the 600 block of Kansas Avenue.

It was there that a westbound vehicle, driven by Atchison resident Elijah Rowley, struck Robert Flack as he attempted to cross on foot. “Flack was taken to the Atchison Hospital [for treatment of] a possible hip injury,” Stout said.

According to Stout, Flack, of Atchison, was leaving a business, crossing the alley toward the parking lot, when the accident occurred.

Rowley was cited for excessive speed, no valid drivers license, and defective brakes.

The accident happened shortly before 6:00.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - An inmate who escaped from the Leavenworth County jail has been apprehended and returned to custody.
 
The Lawrence Journal-World reports 39-year-old George Burgess Jr. escaped through a side door in July while on a work detail. Maj. Jim Sherley says Burgess was in jail on a misdemeanor count of battery.
 
A Lawrence Police Department statement says officers responded to a call reporting a wanted person at large Sunday. Police say Burgess was located riding a bicycle and attempted to flee by bike and then on foot after seeing the approaching officers. Police apprehended Burgess without further incident and returned him to the jail.
 
Sherley tells The Associated Press that Burgess appeared in Leavenworth County District Court Monday and now faces a charge of escape from custody.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha teen charged with rape has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation.

Brown County District Judge Jim Patton granted a motion Friday filed by the court-appointed attorney for 18-year-old Nicholas Miller for the evaluation, which is to be conducted by Kanza Mental Health.

If further evaluation is needed, Miller will be sent to the Larned State Hospital.

A preliminary hearing for Miller, which had been scheduled for last week, was stayed pending the outcome of the evaluation.

He is accused of having sexual intercourse with a13-year-old girl.

Miller was arrested in June following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department and remains in the Brown County Jail on a $150,000 bond.
     

(KNZA)--The Morrill Public Library, in Hiawatha, Quilters Club received a “Super Volunteer” Award at the Northeast Kansas Library System’s annual Assembly August 10 in Lawrence.

According to a press release, the Quilters were nominated for the honor by the Library staff and trustees in recognition of the work Club members did making quilts for 2017 Brown County Relay for Life.

The nomination read, “Although it may seem unusual to nominate a group for this award, it was clear from the start the Quilters were acting as one on the project. Everyone in the group contributed. They shared in the work and the joy, not as individuals, but as friends with a united purpose. Most touching to us, as Library staff and trustees, was the way the group were always saying they were the Library Quilters Club. We were able to share in all of the goodwill they created in our community, and for that we cannot thank them enough.”

Attending Assembly to receive the award were Quilters Club representatives Sarah Bauer, Carol Boggs, Janet Irwin, Shirley Hargis, Barbara Lemons, Kathleen Twombly, and Sharon Waser, and Library representatives Kelly Meyer, Carol Speidel, and Karen Searight.

The group received a certificate, volunteer pins, and a cash award for the Library.

During the business meeting, Joanne Noll from Hiawatha was selected to be the Brown County representative to the NEKLS Executive Board.

(MSC News)--A Kansas Democrat announces his candidacy for Congress.

Former State lawmaker Paul Davis Tuesday announced his candidacy for the 2nd District Congressional seat.

The announcement comes as Davis has been touring the state, previously saying he was exploring the run for the seat currently held by Republican Lynn Jenkins, who plans to leave public office once her term ends.

Two Republicans have already filed to seek election to the seat, Senator Steve Fitzgerald, of Leavenworth and Basehor City Council member Vernon Fields.

Davis, in a press release issued Tuesday, stated that “Changing the system is the key to giving the people back their voice and restoring accountability to Congress.”

The lifelong Kansan in 2014 ran unsuccessfully against Kansas Governor Sam Brownback in seeking that role.

The 2nd District of Kansas includes such local counties as Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, and Leavenworth.

It also includes a portion of Marshall County.

(KLZA)-- Foul play is not suspected in the death of a Nebraska State Penitentiary inmate at Lincoln.

A Department of Corrections news release says 35-year-old Lucius Turner collapsed Monday afternoon while playing basketball.  

Staff members administered CPR and called 911.

Turner had been incarcerated since March of 2008. He was serving a 40-55 year sentence for two counts of robbery from Gage and Lancaster counties.  

An autopsy will be completed to determine the cause of death. As is the case when an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, a grand jury will investigate.  

(KLZA)-- Tuesday, August 15th is the date of a recall election in the Village of Rulo. 

Registered voters will cast a “yes” or “no” vote on the ballot question: “Shall Quincey L. Smith be removed from his position as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rulo?”

Voting will take place at the Rulo Library until 8:00 p.m.  

Quincey Smith is Chairperson of the Village Board of Rulo. 

Kevin Barber was the principal circulator of the recall petition. The statement of reasons for the recall effort includes violation of the open meeting act. Operating village equipment without proper training and breaking bid contracts.

In a statement of defense, Smith sites his experience as an Army engineer as training to run equipment, denies violating the open meetings act and said he is not aware of bid contracts being violated.

In addition, in his response, Smith requested a full audit of all Village of Rulo records for the past five years, alleging a conflict of interest by Barber.

(KAIR)--A 53-year-old man is dead after his pickup truck collided with a train.

The Platte County Sheriff's Office identifies the victim as Joseph Anderson, of rural northern Platte County.

Sheriff's Department Spokesman Sergeant Jeffrey Shanks says it happened around 2:15 Sunday morning when Anderson's 1985 Chevrolet collided with the BNSF train at the Macadow Street railroad crossing to Missouri Highway 45.

Assisting the Sheriff's Office at the scene were Platte County Fire and EMS crews.

Shanks says the investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.

The railroad crossing is located near Iatan 

(KAIR)--Atchison residents will have one more prime viewing site on the day of the solar eclipse, following a decision of the USD 409 Board of Education.

Superintendent Dr. Susan Myers told MSC News the previous decision to close school for the August 21 eclipse cleared the way to the opening of the Atchison High School Football Stadium as a public viewing site. “As a public service, the Board thought that that would be a good thing, and so we will have that stadium open,” Myers said. “We're not going to charge admission, because we're not canceling school to make any money, that's not our purpose. This is an educational opportunity. We will have concessions available because if people are going to be there they're going to be thirsty, might get a little hungry.”

The School Board approved the plan to open the stadium, located at 1500 West Riley Street, during a special August 9 meeting.

Area emergency planners are estimating more than 1 million visitors to the local northeast Kansas region for the historic solar eclipse. That's due to the local area allowing a clear view and a longer length of total darkness than in other spots across the nation.

In Atchison, the eclipse is estimated to last nearly 2 minutes and 19 seconds starting at 1:06 p.m.

It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States since 1979, and the first seen in Kansas in nearly 100 years.

  
HOLTON, Kan. (AP) - Prosecution of a Holton man accused of sexually assaulting several women has grown to $80,000.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Jackson County attorney Shawna Miller decided early this year to seek a special prosecutor because charges against Jacob Ewing continued to grow, exceeding her resources.

Ewing has been convicted of raping two women and acquitted in the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. He's also awaiting trial on charges that include attempted rape and sexual exploitation of a child.

Former Shawnee County chief deputy district attorney Jacqie Spradling originally contracted for $20,000. Records the newspaper obtained through a records request show that fee was increased by $60,000 in March. Three commissioners said in a statement that the fee was a "concern."
 

(KAIR)--A Monday morning motorcycle crash sends an Atchison man to the hospital.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News it happened in the 1100 block of South 4th Street.

It was in that location that 33-year-old Jeffery Bowen lost control of the motorcycle he was riding, and was ejected.

Wilson says Bowen was transported from the scene by EMS for hospitalized treatment of unspecified injuries.

The wreck happened shortly after 10:00.

It was the second motorcycle wreck to happen in Atchison in less than a week.

Wilson says another occurred Saturday morning, although injuries in that incident did not lead to hospital care.

He says it happened when the Thoroughbred Stallion trike-styled motorcycle was being ridden eastbound in the 1400 block of U.S. Highway 59, by Saint Joseph, Missouri resident Robert Summers.

Another eastbound vehicle, driven by Afton, Iowa resident James Coady, changed lanes, causing Summers to hit the curb, partially ejecting his 59-year-old female passenger.

Although she suffered minor injuries, Wilson says she refused medical treatment.

Coady was cited for failure to yield.

The two vehicles never made contact with each other when the accident happened shortly after 7:30.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha man was injured after wrecking his car during a police pursuit.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department says 28-old Jesse Wiltz was northbound on X Road Saturday night, attempting to elude law enforcement, when his car left the roadway south of 200th Road and overturned.

The Sheriff’s Office says Wiltz was transported by ambulance to the Sabetha  Community Hospital for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

Details on what led to the pursuit weren’t released.  Charges are pending.     

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are on the lookout for a stolen vehicle.

Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News the 1996 Dodge Intrepid disappeared last week.

He says investigators believe it was taken sometime between August 7 and August 11 while parked in the alley behind a residence in the 600 block of North 10th Street.

Wilson says the keys were not inside the vehicle at the time that it was taken.

He describes it as white with a black top.

Anyone with any information regarding the missing vehicle is urged to contact Atchison Police with details.

Editor's note: the following was submitted by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant

I would like to pass on to county residents and our upcoming visitors,
some information and concerns about the eclipse that will happen on the
21st of this month.  As you can expect, we have been receiving  a large
volume of calls and questions and I hope I can clear up any confusion there
might be.

There is absolutely no way we can predict exactly how many people will be
coming in to our county to view this event but we are planning and
preparing for a large number.  Current estimates show that our county could
easily double in population if not more, which means close to 10,000 extra
people and many extra vehicles on our roadways, could be here for this
event.

I know that all law enforcement agencies, emergency and medical services as
well as city entities  are readying for the event with plans in place to
keep everyone as safe as possible.  To make sure we can do this as safely
as possible, we are asking for everyone's cooperation.

FOR THOSE COMING  TO BROWN COUNTY:

#1  Please make sure to park in a location that does not impede traffic in
any way or that compromises your safety or the safety of others.  ROADWAYS
MUST REMAIN CLEAR AND UNOBSTRUCTED AT ALL TIMES UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED!

#2  Plan on where you are going beforehand, do not come in to the county
and decide to pull over when the eclipse happens.  This will cause major
safety issues if the number of vehicles exceed our expectation.

#3  Make sure to have plenty of water with you at all times as well as any
needed medications if you have a medical condition.

#4  Check with the Hiawatha and Horton Chamber of commerce or police
departments for specific questions on events in their respective cities and
how to obtain more information.

#5  Obey all state, local and traffic laws while you are a guest in our
county.  Also, do not leave your trash along the roadside, please be
respectful and pick up after yourselves.

#6  Ask questions, there will be many law enforcement and people assisting
in this event, if you have a question, please get with someone who can
help.

#7  Be prepared for limited or no cell phone service.

#8  We are suggesting contacting cities within the county to find out the
best location for viewing the eclipse such as parking lots, rural airports,
city and county lakes, ball fields, etc.  --Remember, the roadways must
remain clear at all times.

#9  Only dial 911 in  an emergency.

FOR THOSE LIVING IN BROWN COUNTY:

#1  If you are traveling the 21st be aware there could be delays due to
increased traffic, allow extra time and be alert.

#2  If you are at home, I am telling folks to prepare as if a winter storm
is coming.  Make sure to have plenty of food, groceries, water, formula,
diapers, medication, gasoline etc.  If we have the increase in people as
projected, a quick trip to the store could be a major event.   Be prepared
for the worst and hope for the best.

#3  With as many people coming to the county, I am sure local people could
become frustrated with those who are wanting to park where the shouldn't
etc.   If you encounter these folks be as polite as possible and if law
enforcement needs to get involved, contact us at once.  We are planning on
having most of our deputies out during the day throughout the county and
depending on traffic, response time could be lengthy.  Other agencies will
be in our county as well, assisting where needed.

#4  Be prepared for limited or no cell phone service

We would like everyone to enjoy this event and have a positive experience.
We are doing our best to make sure provisions are in place for your safety
during this event.  Please feel free to contact us if you  need additional
information at 785-742-7125


Sheriff John D Merchant
Brown County Sheriff's Office
709 Utah Street
Hiawatha KS 66434
(785) 742-7125

 

(KNZA)--The Horton City Commission will hold a special meeting Tuesday evening to discuss a proposal for the Brown County Sheriff’s Office to take over  emergency dispatch services for the city.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 at the Horton Community Blue Building.

The Commission will be meeting with the Brown County Commission, Sheriff John Merchant and representatives of emergency service providers from the Horton area.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the proposal and voice any questions or concerns.

Horton City Commissioners say they want to make sure all questions and concerns are addressed prior to making a decision on the proposal.

The Brown County Commission last month approved taking over all emergency dispatch services in the county, effective January 1st, 2018.

The action is subject to the approval of the cities of Horton and Hiawatha along with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.  

County Commission Chairman Steve Roberts made the recommendation, saying the county has been dispatching for the city of Hiawatha for a long time and felt it was unfair to the city of Horton.

The county has offered to provide the dispatch service at no cost to the cities.

(MSC News)--Members of the Kansas delegation blame the weekend violence in Charlottesville, Virginia on racism and bigotry.

Statements following the riot that stemmed from what was billed as a “Unite the Right” rally were issued Sunday by Senator Jerry Moran and Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, both Kansas Republicans.

Jenkins, in her statement said she doesn't condone any form of hate or violence, adding that “white supremacy is a blight on our nation. The bigotry we saw this weekend has no place in America.”

Moran called the riots that left one woman dead and others injured “a sobering reminder of the hateful element that exists in America. Bigotry and racism have no place in our society.”

Moran's fellow Republican Senator from Kansas, Pat Roberts, issued a statement Saturday, saying “The hatred and ignorance displayed by a violent and pathetic group in Charlottesville is unacceptable. Their values are not American values.”

Many attendees of the rally are well known in online political circles as promoters of white nationalism and white supremacy. 

Although Jenkins and Moran were joined by other national leaders, both Democrat and Republican, in placing the blame on bigotry and racism, President Donald Trump Saturday refused to explicitly place blame on the gathering intended to unite white nationalist, white supremacist, and alt-right groups. Instead, The Hill reports that while Trump condemned the violence, he said “many sides” were responsible, apparently alluding to both the rally attendees and counter protesters.

On Monday, Trump spoke at the White House, where The Washington Post reports he condemed the "racist violence" at the rally. 

One counter protester died when a car Saturday plowed into a group gathered at the rally, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer, of Charlottesville, and injuring 19 others.

The driver, who was arrested, was known to have Nazi sympathies, according to a report from The Washington Post.

According to Fox News, the organizer of the rally used Charlottesville's planned removal of a statute of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, along with advocating for white people, and free speech, as reasons for the event.

Two Virginia State Troopers also died Saturday during the rally.

They were killed when the helicopter they were traveling in crashed as they were patrolling above the rally.

The violence that accompanied the rally led Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to declare a state of emergency Saturday. 

(KMZA)--Two Axtell residents escaped injury Friday afternoon in a Marshall County airplane crash.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened around 1:20 about one mile west of Axtell in the 29-hundred block of Jayhawk Road.

The Patrol says the 1948 Cessna fixed wing aircraft was about 600 feet above the ground with a ground speed of 90 miles an hour when the pilot side door opened unexpectedly.

The pilot, 18-year-old Nicholas Buessing, reached to grab the door and lost control of the plane, which struck the ground.

Nicholas Buessing and his 21-year-old passenger, Christian Buessing, were not hurt.

(KAIR)--A private solution to a public issue.

That's the basis behind a major land purchase for the purpose of the possible future expansion of Atchison's Amelia Earhart Airport.

The purchase of property to the east and west of the Airport is made through the Karen Seaberg Trust, with the Atchison native, known for her longtime involvement in civic matters, telling MSC News by purchasing the land, and offering to sell it for the expansion purpose at the appraised value, two key factors are avoided: an impact on the taxpayer and the use of eminent domain.

MSC News talked in depth to Seaberg about the decision, and that interview can be heard here:

(KMZA)--The recent vandalism that caused thousands of dollars in damage to the Wetmore Attendance Center has delayed the start of school.

Prairie Hills USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans says the start of the school year has been pushed back one day to August 18th to allow time to finish cleanup and provide teachers with at least one work day to prepare classrooms for students.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office says the vandalism took place sometime late August 2nd or early August 3rd.  The ballfield concession stand also was vandalized.  In addition, an undisclosed amount of money was stolen.

The case remains under investigation and the sheriff’s  department is pursuing several leads.

Evans says a damage estimate isn't yet available.

Its the second time this year that a school in USD 113 has been vandalized.

Over Easter weekend, Sabetha High School was vandalized.  Four Sabetha teens have been charged in that case.

Anyone with information regarding the Wetmore school vandalism may call the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office at 785-336-2311.

(KAIR)--A trash truck catches fire in downtown Atchison, leaving an alleyway blocked for a short time.

Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf says his office was notified shortly before 2:15 Friday afternoon, and responded to the alley north of McDonald's.

It was there they found a Deffenbaugh trash truck left inoperable by the fire.

Graf says the driver of the 2012 Mack truck had extinguished the flames by the time firefighters arrived on the scene.

The small fire was confined to the engine compartment of the truck, causing damage to the air line system, resulting in the potential for brake failure.

Graf says the investigation indicates that a piece of cardboard came into contact with the truck's exhaust system and started the fire.

(KNZA)--A single-vehicle Jefferson County rollover wreck Friday morning sent an elderly Ozawkie man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 10:00 on U.S. 59 Highway about 1 ½ miles south of Oskaloosa.

The Patrol says 78-year-old James Ussery was northbound when he failed to negotiate a curve and his pickup truck went off the roadway into the east ditch.  The pickup then re-entered the roadway and Ussery overcorrected, causing the vehicle to go back into the east ditch where it rolled onto its top.

Ussery, who was buckled up, was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City for the treatment of what the Patrol described as possible injuries.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission has approved for publication a proposed 2018 budget of nearly $16.9 million that contains a slight mill levy increase.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 54.408 mills, a .742 mill increase over this year’s.

The budget calls for the county to collect more than $8.6 million in local taxes—about $485,000 more than this year.

The Atchison County Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing August 22nd at 1:30 in the afternoon in the commissioner’s room at the courthouse.

BUDGET SUMMARY

Proposed Budget 2018 Expenditures and Amount of 2017 Ad Valorem Tax establish the maximum limits of the 2018 budget.

Estimated Tax Rate is subject to change depending on the final assessed valuation.

(KLZA)--A Kansas woman is dead, killed Thursday evening in a single vehicle crash in Richardson County, Nebraska.

Nebraska State Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas identified the victim as 46-year-old Stephanie Ziegler, of Overbrook.

He said she was thrown from the vehicle when the driver lost control and crashed into a guardrail. Ziegler was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thomas identified the driver as 50-year-old Mark Ziegler, who required hospitalized treatment as a result of the crash. "The driver of the car was taken to Nemaha County Hospital and then flown to Bryan West Hospital, in Lincoln, for treatment of injuries,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the wreck remains under investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol. "We're aware that there was some weather in the area shortly before this accident, so all sorts of factors are being investigated to see what caused the accident,” Thomas told MSC News. “I can say that we do not believe that seatbelts were in use in the accident."

The fatal wreck happened shortly before 5:30 Thursday evening, about four miles south of Dawson.

(MSC News)--A Kansas woman is dead, killed Thursday night in a single vehicle crash in Richardson County, Nebraska.

The Omaha World-Herald identifies the victim as 46-year-old Stephanie Ziegler, of Overbrook.

Citing the Nebraska State Patrol, the newspaper reports Ziegler was a passenger in a vehicle that went out of control on U.S. Highway 75, and struck a guardrail.

Not wearing a seatbelt, Ziegler was thrown from the vehicle.

The fatal wreck happened shortly before 5:30, about four miles south of Dawson.

The Patrol continues to investigate.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office hosted the 16th annual Sheriff’s Day Camp at Banner Lake Reservoir near Holton August 10th and 11th.

Sheriff Tim Morse says this year had the largest number of kids in attendance since it began in 2001 with 280 kids. 

He says the Sheriff’s Day Camp has been successful in building strong relationships between the law enforcement community and the youths of our county.  

The Sheriff's Day Camp featured the following events and activities: an emergency vehicle demonstration and display, including fire trucks, ambulance, law enforcement vehicles, and an armored swat truck. Emergency responders demonstrated their equipment and techniques, including a Jaws of Life demonstration, a K-9 illegal drug detection demonstration, Life Star Helicopter landing and a felony vehicle stop and arrest demonstration.

Kids also were able to participate in an obstacle course, archery, swimming, canoeing, peddle boats, fishing, hay rack ride, wipe out, rock wall climbing, 24’ mountain, demonstration at the Banner Creek Observatory and Science Center which include an eclipse program and a program by the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism animal and fishing program.

Numerous volunteers including some elected and local governmental officials assisted with the camp including:

The Jackson County Commissioners, Banner Reservoir, Jackson County Appraiser’s Office, Jackson County Emergency Management, Jackson County Road and Bridge Department,  Jackson County EMS, Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism, Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Swat Team, KDWPT Archery in the Schools, Potawatomi Tribal Fire Department, City of Holton, Holton Police Department,  Hoyt Fire Department, Holton Fire Department, Banner Creek Observatory and Science Center, Honey Do’s Septic Tank and Drain, Walmart, Roush and Son’s Towing and Recovery, LLC, Fifth Street Sandwich Shop, United Rental, Circleville Christian Church,. Shawnee County Parks and Rec, City of Onaga Swimming Pool, Potawatomi Victim’s Services, Frito Lay, Holton Lion’s Club, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Life Star of Kansas and the men and women of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office assisted with or sponsored the event.  

(MSC News)--A Thursday night shooting leaves one dead in Saint Joseph.

KQ2-TV reports the shooting happened in the 2000 block of Edmond Street around 11:15.

The victim is identified as a man, but his name is not immediately made public.

He was dead when ambulance crews arrived on the scene.

An autopsy will be conducted.

The investigation is ongoing, and no suspects have yet been apprehended.

(KNZA)--A Troy man charged in a domestic battery case involving a baseball bat and hammer has entered into a plea agreement.

33-year-old Travis Smith recently pleaded no contest in Doniphan County District Court to charges of aggravated battery and criminal threat.

In exchange for the plea, four additional counts were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for August 30th.

Authorities say Smith’s wife was taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for the treatment of severe injuries following the February 6th  incident at their home in Troy.    

Smith remains in the Doniphan County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

(KNZA)--No serious injuries were reported following a two-vehicle wreck in Jefferson County Thursday morning involving a street sweeper.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 11:00 in front of Perry High School in the 400 block of Lecompton Road.

The Patrol says a northbound pickup truck driven by 53-year-old Robert Chartier, of Ozawkie, struck the rear of a street sweeper operated by 59-year-old Dale Coffin, of Oskaloosa, due to a dustcloud.

Coffin was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital for the treatment of possible injuries.

Chartier was not hurt.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man goes to jail, arrested early Thursday morning following the execution of a search warrant at an Atchison address.

According to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the search was conducted at 221 North 3rd Street, Apartment 15, shortly after 1:30 in the morning.

It was at that location that 51-year-old Robert Gilliand was taken into custody.

Laurie says Gilliland was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Gilliland was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Laurie says the execution of the search warrant, and the resulting arrest, was the outcome of an investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office, focused on that location, for the past few months.

It's the second search warrant executed in Atchison this week focused on methamphetamine.

In the earlier case, which is not connected with the investigation of Gilliand, a residence at 612 South 7th Street was raided Sunday night following a Sheriff's Office investigation.

One drug related arrest was made and investigators allege that prescription drugs were also found in the home.

(KAIR)--With a mill levy that's expected to remain the same, Atchison's public school leaders ready next year's budget for publication.

Superintendent Dr. Susan Myers told MSC News the issue was among topics discussed during a special noon hour meeting Wednesday; and during that time, the USD 409 Board of Education set the date for the forthcoming budget hearing. “That budget hearing has now been set for August 23 at 5:00 in the evening,” Myers said. “This is a time that, of course, patrons, or anyone is invited to attend, as all of our meetings are.”

Myers says past action of the Kansas Legislature has proven to be a benefit to the local schools.

“It's looking very good for us, because as you know, with the Supreme Court's involvement and all, the State Legislators went into Topeka and they did revise the school finance formula, they unfroze the school district's budgets that have been frozen for the last few years. During the time of the freeze, we were growing...when the freeze came off, that did give us additional monies in general and supplemental general, about $1.2 million more.”

Although details continue to be ironed out prior to the required publication of the budget, Myers say the figures as they stand indicate there will be no change between last year's mill levy and the one for the 2017-2018 school year.

JEFFERSON CITY – On Aug. 21, citizens across Missouri will have the chance to see a rare celestial event – a total solar eclipse.

The moon will block the sun’s light and cause a total solar eclipse to be visible across 300 miles of Missouri. It’s possible that more than a million visitors will come to the Show-Me State to witness the event. Missourians should make plans early to determine where they will view the eclipse, where they will stay and how best to avoid the extra traffic congestion.

“We anticipate large crowds with possible heavy congestion on the interstates and major highways the weekend leading up to the event, during the event, and the day after,” said Missouri Department of Transportation Chief Engineer Ed Hassinger. “If you are traveling for the event, leave early, stay put as long as possible and plan to stay after the end of the eclipse to avoid the peak traffic.”

Missouri will be one of 14 states from Oregon to South Carolina to experience the path of totality. Approximately 200 million people will be within a day’s drive of the path. A partial eclipse will be visible throughout the remainder of the continental United States.

The path of viewing for the solar eclipse in Missouri will cover more than 300 miles of the state. The moon will begin to eclipse the sun around 11:45 a.m. Totality of the solar eclipse enters Missouri over St. Joseph at 1:06 p.m. CDT. The eclipse will exit Missouri near Perryville at 1:21 p.m. CDT. The moon will move completely off the sun around 2:45 p.m.

Please follow these tips to drive safely on the day of the solar eclipse:

Don’t stop along the interstate and no parking on the shoulder.

Find a safe location to view the event and get there early.

Don’t take photographs while driving.

Turn your headlights on and do not rely on your automatic headlights.

Prepare for extra congestion, especially on interstates, on the day before, day of and day after the eclipse.

Watch out for increased pedestrian traffic along smaller roads. People may be randomly parking and walking alongside roads in the hour before the total eclipse to get the best viewing.

Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the area of the main path if you can.

Check traffic conditions on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/ also available as a free app at MoDOT Traveler Information.

Have a full tank of gas and bring water with you in your vehicle.

For more information on the solar eclipse, visit the state of Missouri’s website at https://www.mo.gov/eclipse/. For driving tips, visit MoDOT’s website at http://www.modot.org/Eclipse/.

More information on eye safety and scientific aspects of the event can be found on the NASA website at http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man accused of breaking into a rural Brown County residence twice has been sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison.

33-year-old William Schaefer was sentenced this week in Brown County District Court on one count each of burglary and felony theft.

Schaefer pleaded no contest in July to the charges.  In exchange for the plea, two additional counts of burglary and theft were dismissed.

Authorities say he allegedly broke into a residence at 1567 250th Street twice and stole numerous items.

Among the items stolen were a laptop computer, DVD player, game camera, several bows, pocket knifes and jewelry.    

Shaefer was arrested in May following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County is preparing for the once in a lifetime solar eclipse, set to happen on August 21st.

County Emergency Management Coordinator Julie Meng says she has been working with emergency responders to form an Emergency Action Plan for the Total Eclipse events to be held in the county.

Area emergency planners are estimating more than one million visitors to the local northeast Kansas region for the solar eclipse.  That’s due to the local area allowing a clear view and a longer length of total darkness than in other spots across the nation.

In Doniphan County, totality is estimated to last 2 minutes and 38 secs---the longest duration in Kansas.

The county seat of Troy will kick off its “ Eclipse in the Heartland” party on Sunday, August 20th, with music, street vendors and a beer garden on the courthouse square and an evening 5K Eclipse Run.  On Monday, eclipse day, Troy will offer four designated viewing sites: the courthouse square, high school football field, city baseball field and the 4-H fairgrounds.  There will be shuttle runs from parking areas to the sites.

Other communities in Doniphan County—including Highland and Elwood—are planning eclipse events as well.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has adopted a 2018 county budget of $10.2 million that calls for a less than one mill decrease in the property tax levy.

The action came following a hearing Monday drawing no public comment.

The budget calls for the county to collect nearly $5.7 million in local taxes.

Even though the mill levy will decrease, the county will collect more than $270,000 in additional property tax revenue due to a $12 million increase in the county's assessed valuation.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Board of Education is proposing a 2017-18 budget of $17.4 million that calls for a slight increase in the property tax levy.

The Board approved the budget for publication during a special meeting last week on a 4-2 vote.   Board members Ian Schuetz and John Wright cast the no votes.  Board member Jeff Brockhoff was absent.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the discussion that led to the 4-2 vote centered on whether or not to reduce the LOB ( local option budget ) from 30% in order to provide relief from the overall mill levy increase of .875 mills.

The proposed budget contains an estimated tax rate of 56.317 mills, which is to raise more than $6.2 million in local taxes.

Moser said the increase in taxes levied is due to several factors--a growth in student population, base budget per pupil and valuation. 

The Board will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their August 14th meeting.   

(KNZA)--An Atchison man arrested in June after fleeing on foot from Horton police following a short vehicle pursuit has been sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison.

39-year-old Nichlos Norton was sentenced Monday in Brown County District Court to 34 months in prison on a charge of possession of methamphetamine and to 6 months in prison on a charge of attempting to elude a police officer.

The sentences were ordered to be served at the same time.

Norton pleaded no contest to the charges in July.  In exchange for the plea, four additional counts were dismissed.

A Horton police officer attempted to stop Norton during the morning hours of June 19th for a traffic violation and a chase ensued.  Norton fled out of the Horton city limits east on U.S. 73 Highway and then turned north onto Nighthawk Road where he drove into a ditch and fled on foot into a heavily wooded area.

He was arrested following a five-hour search.     

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will offer temporary camping sites on city-owned property for the August 21st solar eclipse event.

The City Commission Monday evening approved a resolution authorizing temporary camping August 18th-22nd at Bruning Park, Starr Park and the Municipal Airport.

The city will charge $25 a day for tents and RV camping at Bruning Park, $35 a day for RV camping at the Hiawatha Municipal Airport, and $50 a day for RV camping at Starr Park where 8 full hook-up sites are available.

City staff will man the sites, working 5-hour shifts.  

Hiawatha is in the direct path of a total solar eclipse that will span across the United States from Oregon to South Carolina on August 21st.  Totality, which will take place at 1:05 that afternoon for about 2 minutes and 34 seconds, is predicted to draw thousands of people to the community throughout the weekend.

The Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau will be hosting an eclipse viewing party called “ Brown County Blackout” that will take place from 11:30 to 2:30 between the Fisher Community Center and Noble Legion Baseball Park.  There will be live music, a beer garden, vendors and children’s entertainment.  

In addition, NASA engineer Mike Davis will be giving a presentation in the loft room at the Fisher Center from 10 to 11 that morning.  There is no charge.    

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man accused of setting his supervisor on fire and attacking her with a straight razor, is convicted on federal charges related to the crime.

55-year-old Clifford Currie was a civilian hospital employee at Fort Leavenworth when the September 7th, 2016 attack happened.

According to the office of U.S. Attorney Tom Beall, a jury found Currie guilty Tuesday on one count of assault with intent to commit murder.

During his trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on the day of the attack, Currie threw gasoline, or some other inflammable liquid on his supervisor, Katie Ann Blanchard. Lighting her on fire, he then assaulted her with a straight edge razor and scissors.

Currie's co-worker, Deanne Killian, heard screams, and came to Blanchard’s aid.

As she tried to extinguish the blaze and stop Currie's assault, authorities says Killian suffered injuries.

Other employees were able to subdue Currie, who was then arrested.

Sentencing for Currie is set for October 31.

He faces 20-years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Federal investigators say mechanical failure likely didn't play a role in a plane crash that killed a pilot and flight instructor near an airport in Topeka.
 
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the National Transportation Safety Board says in a preliminary report that investigators found "no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation" of the 1965 Piper PA-30 before it went down July 31 near Philip Billard Municipal Airport.
 
The crash killed 61-year-old pilot Dr. William Leeds of Topeka and 55-year-old flight instructor James Bergman of Leawood.
 
The newspaper reports that Leeds was an experienced pilot who was working on a new multi-engine land airplane rating for his pilot certificate, and that the crash happened during a practice flight a day before his scheduled examination.

(KAIR)--The case was first filed as First Degree Murder; then, following interviews with medical professionals, the case was amended to attempted murder; then, due to the Kansas statute known as “Alexa's Law,” the case was again amended to a misdemeanor; and now the entire case, due to likely insufficient evidence in proving the mother's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, is being dismissed.

Those details are outlined in a Notice of Dismissal filed in Jackson County District Court, pertaining to allegations of an unlawful abortion that had been levied against a Holton woman.

Alicia Whipple-Decker had been charged in connection with the November 2015 death of her 15-day-old infant son.

She was arrested on the murder charge in October of last year, and held behind bars for four months, awaiting court proceedings stemming from the accusation that she intentionally caused her child's death.

Her arrest on the murder charge followed an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

The court document states that the case is being dismissed without prejudice, leaving open the possibility of the re-filing of charges in the future.

The Notice of Dismissal, signed by Jackson County Deputy County Attorney Brian Yearout, was filed August 4 in Jackson County District Court.

(KAIR)--A tearful farewell from Atchison's City Manager helped to close out Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

Trey Cocking, who has served in the role for the past 8-years, used his open comment time to thank each Commissioner, both present and past with whom he's served, for the time they dedicated to the city.

Also thanking city department heads, and past and present media who has covered Cocking's time of service, it was during his words of gratitude aimed at City of Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson that Cocking's tears became apparent. “Chief, you're the only department head I've worked with for all 8-years...Mike, I couldn't be prouder with how you've led the PD,” Cocking said, choking up. “That's all I got,” he said in closing his compliments and remembrances.

Prior to his farewell comments, Cocking outlined four areas that he views as key issues for Atchison's future: infrastructure, the Amelia Earhart Airport, economic development, and unification of the city and county governments. To hear Cocking's proposed steps in addressing those issues, go here.

Cocking announced his plan to resign late last month, accepting a position of Deputy Director of the League of Kansas Municipalities in Topeka.

Cocking's final day will be August 30.

A reception in his honor will be held that afternoon at the Atchison City Hall Conference Room from 4 until 6:00.

Among the business of the Commission during Monday's meeting, was adopting the City's 2017 budget, which holds the mill levy steady.

That approval followed a public hearing that drew no comments.

No changes have been made to the more than $25.6 million budget since the time it was approved for publication in July.

(KLZA)-- Automobiles struck three cows north of Falls City early Tuesday morning.

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office reported the wrecks occurred on Highway 73 after an undetermined number of cattle apparently escaped the pasture they were in through an open gate overnight.  

The cattle, owned by Andy Dunn are in the vicinity of the Prichard Corner, six miles north of Falls City on Highway 73.  The wrecks involving the cattle were all on Highway 73 at the Prichard Corner. However, there were cattle scattered in other areas in the vicinity.

There have been no reports of injuries.

The Sheriff’s Department and volunteer firefighters were stopping traffic going in both directions on Highway 73 to warn them of the loose cattle.  The Nebraska Department of Transportation was bringing in flashing message boards to alert traffic on Highway 73.

As of about 10:15 a.m. Dunn  told Deputies that 11 head of cattle were still missing. Anyone driving within about a two-mile radius of the Prichard Corner should be alert to cows on the road, or to a cow or cows coming onto the road in front of you.

If you are in the area and see cattle that are loose, contact the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office at 402-245-2479.  

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Fair gets underway Wednesday and continues with activities through Saturday.  

The annual Flag Raising Ceremony will be the official opening event at 8:00 a.m.

The Swine Show begins at 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday afternoon events include the Horse Show, Showmanship, Halter and Bareback Pleasure along with the riding, reining, trail and driving.

There is also a garden tractor pull Wednesday evening.

The speed portion of the Horse Show will be Thursday morning at 8:00a.m. The Broiler and Poultry Show will be at noon.  

The Pawnee County Fair Parade will begin Thursday evening at 6. 
Following the parade there will be a draft horse pull.

Friday is a big day with an 8:00 a.m. start for the Bucket Calf Show followed by the Beef Cattle Show, Dairy Cattle Show and Sheep Show. 

Friday afternoon will be the Meat Goat Show followed by the Dairy Goat Show.  The Clover Kids Show begins at 6:30 p.m. 

There is a kids ranch rodeo Friday evening including Mutton Busting.  That is to be followed by a truck and tractor pull featuring The Nebraska Truck and Tractor Pullers at 7 o’clock. 
Friday evening events wrap up with the Strathman Band performance at 9.  

Saturday begins with the Rabbit Show at 8.
The Livestock Premium Sale will begin at 2 Saturday afternoon followed by the Flag Lowering Ceremony.  

For the first time in about 20 years, there will be a carnival at the Pawnee County Fair this year.  
 

(KLZA)-- Lane closures on the Missouri River Bridge at Rulo will take place next week while the bridge is being inspected. 

Inspections are part of a program designed to ensure bridges are kept in the best possible condition for as long as possible. The Missouri River Bridge on U.S. Highway 159 at Rulo was opened to the public in September, 2013.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation maintains the Rulo Bridge and has scheduled an inspection of the bridge with lane closures Tuesday, August 15 through Friday, August 18.  Lane closures will take place each day from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  During the work, a flagger and pilot car will direct traffic across the bridge.  

All work is weather permitting with schedules subject to change.  
 

(KLZA)-- NioCorp Hosting Town Hall Meeting and Dinner 

NioCorp Developments recently announced plans for a town hall meeting and dinner to discuss details of the Elk Creek Project Feasibility Study.

The event will be Friday, September 8, at the Kimmel Ag Expo Center in Syracuse beginning at 6:00 P.M.

Company officials including Executive Chairman and CEO: Mark Smith  and Elk Creek Resources Corporation President Scott Honan will be on hand to present details of the Project Feasibility Study and answer questions from participants.  

In announcing the meeting, Smith called the feasibility study positive and said they will discuss how the company plans to move the project to construction and eventually to a commercial operation. 

Advance registration is required and can be accomplished two ways.
By phone at 1-855-2-NIOCORP and selecting option 1.

Details of how to register online are available with this story on our website, MSCNEWS.net.

For online registration to attend, go online to https://goo.gl/KN6imo.

Those unable to attend can participate via live webcast with listen-only audio using computers, laptops and smart phones.  You must also pre-register for this at https://goo.gl/WjBojy.

(KNZA)--A new Hiawatha Municipal Judge has been appointed.

On the recommendation of a committee, the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved the appointment of Highland attorney Ted Collins to fill the unexpired term of Mike Riley.

Collins was among three applicants interviewed.

The Commission in May accepted Riley's resignation, effective August 31st.  

Riley has served as municipal judge the past 22 years.

(KMZA)--Vandals strike facilities belonging to a local school district, and authorities launch an investigation to find out who's responsible.

According to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, the vandalism occurred at the Wetmore Schools, sometime between 10:30 on the night of August 2, and 7:00 on the morning of August 3.

Investigators say the vandals entered the school buildings, including the attendance center and ball field concession stand, causing damage throughout.

The Sheriff's Office says a price tag can't immediately be placed on the damage as the investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office.

(KNZA)--A Manhattan man has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run in April that left a Horton woman seriously injured.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports 21-year-old Nicholas Blaha turned himself in to Riley County authorities Monday afternoon on a warrant for aggravated battery.

Blaha was identified as the driver of a pickup truck that struck 21-year-old Kansas State University student Amber Wilhelm early April 14th at the intersection of 12th and Bluemont, in Manahttan.

Riley County Police say their investigation revealed Wilhelm has stopped in the crosswalk and was bent over when she was struck by Blaha, who was traveling westbound on Bluemont Avenue.

Police wrapped up their investigation in May and forwarded their reports to the Riley County District Attorney's Office for review to determine whether charges should be filed.

Blaha is currently free on $20,000 bond and is due in court August 21st.

(KLZA)-- A Mound City man suffered injuries described as minor when the semi-truck he was driving rolled onto its side spilling a load of grain Monday afternoon.

The Missouri State Patrol report indicated 56-year-old Daniel Morris was westbound on U.S. Highway 59, a half-mile east of Craig, Missouri, attempting a left turn onto Interstate29 south when the 2004 Peterbilt began to skid and traveled off the right side of the road.  

The truck and trailer overturned onto the passenger side off the right side of the roadway.

Morris was transported to Fairfax Community Hospital by private vehicle for treatment of his injuries.  The truck sustained extensive damage. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation, Holt County Sheriff’s Office and Craig Fire Department responded to the scene of the wreck.  

(KAIR)--A man angrily walks through a trailer court brandishing an ax; and, when he enters a residence while carrying the would be weapon, police are called, and he goes to jail.

That's what Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says happened Saturday evening, leading to the arrest of 45-year-old Christopher Harvey. “It was shortly after 6:00 Saturday evening when our officers responded to the 1900 block of Harper Drive, where a man with an ax had approached several residences, including entering one home,” Wilson tells MSC New. “The officers did locate, disarm, and take into custody, Harvey.”

Wilson says it remains unclear why Harvey was armed with the ax, and why he picked the residence he allegedly entered. “None of the victims in this case knew Christopher Harvey. He apparently had been walking around the area, it's a mobile home park, with an ax, in somewhat of an angry manner. He approached the outside of one residence where a 40-year-old man came outside, said something to him and Harvey responded to him with a threat, as he had this ax in his hand. Harvey then left that residence and went to a nearby residence where he actually entered the residence. In that residence, there were three females inside. He didn't say anything when he went into the residence, but he had this ax in his hand, so they fled the residence. He then went outside.”

Wilson says police found Harvey outside when they arrived, and it's alleged he was uncooperative as they attempted to take him into custody. “There was confrontation with him as he had this ax in his hand. They were able to disarm him, but now he faces a number of charges related to this incident.”

Harvey was arrested on charges of aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, obstructing legal process, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Harvey was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KLZA)-- Four men were arrested Saturday morning in Richardson County for hunting without permission on private property.  

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office detained four Asian men from Lincoln on a property south of Salem.  

Three rifles were seized as part of the investigation and a Honda Civic with a Lincoln, Nebraska license plate was discovered hidden in tall weeds several hundred yards off the roadway.

According to the Sheriffs Office report, it is believed the men were in the field overnight.

Nebraska Conservation officers have reported they have been observing Asian groups from the Lincoln area hunting illegally in southeast Nebraska for the past year.  

The groups are allegedly hunting non-game song birds along with other animals.  

Area residents  are asked to be observant and report suspicious activity to the  Richardson County Sheriff’s Office or to Nebraska Game and Parks.  
 

Photo credit: Atchison County Sheriff's Office

(KAIR)--Neighborhood complaints lead to an investigation, which results in the execution of a search warrant at an Atchison home Sunday night.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie who tells MSC News the investigation focused on a residence located at 612 South 7th Street. “We've had quite a few complaints on this residence for quite awhile now, and we've done what we could for the last few months trying to figure out what we can do, and we were able to conduct an investigation.”

The search warrant was executed shortly after 10:00, and led to the arrest of 60-year-old Larry Daniels, Sr., for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arrested with him at the residence was 51-year-old Gregory Winfield, who was taken into custody on a City of Atchison Municipal Court warrant unrelated to the drug investigation.

Laurie says prescription drugs were also found in the home, that had been a source of ongoing complaints from neighbors of the residence. “If they see suspicious activity, people can feel free to call us at anytime, Laurie said.”

Both Daniels and Winfield were booked into the Atchison County Jail following their arrests.

(KAIR)--A Topeka woman is dead, killed early Monday morning in a Jackson County single vehicle rollover crash that happened 3 miles west of Holton.

Sheriff Tim Morse identifies the victim as 57-year-old Deborah Mitchell.

He says the Toyota Corolla she was driving was apparently northbound on M. Road, a half-mile north of K-16, when it crossed onto the west side of the roadway, and rolled over.

Morse says the wreck happened shortly before 6:00.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

(KLZA)-- It is back-to-school season and time for parents to make sure children are up to date on vaccines. 

Vaccines protect against a number of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases that still exist.  When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for diseases.  These illnesses can spread to others in their classrooms and community, including babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to health conditions.  

Chris Eltiste, Immunization Nurse with the Southeast District Health Department says getting children all of the vaccines recommended by the CDC is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure a healthy future for their child. 

Most schools require children to be up to date on vaccinations before enrolling or starting school in order to protect the health of all students.  

The Southeast District Health Department offers immunizations by appointment for un-insured or underinsured health adults and children. You may contact them in Auburn by calling toll-free 877-777-0424,
 

(KAIR)-- Two people were injured in a wreck shortly after 10 o’clock Friday evening on Interstate 29, five miles north of Amazonia, Missouri.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol report, 17-year-old Colton Egbert of Oregon, Missouri suffered moderate injuries when he drove his car into the rear of a van, in which 65-year-old Dennie Thomas of Wathena, Kansas was a passenger. Thomas suffered minor injuries.  57-year-old Debra Thomas was the driver the van, she was not injured.  

Both vehicles were southbound.  The report indicates Egbert was not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck.  Both occupants in the Thomas van were wearing safety devices.

Both vehicles came to a controlled stop on the shoulder of the southbound lanes of Interstate 29 following the wreck.

Ambulances from the Atchison-Holt Squad and Andrew County transported Egbert and Dennie Thomas to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.
 

(KLZA)-- During the August 1, Pawnee County Commissioners meeting, County Attorney Jennifer Stehlik – Ladman discussed an Equal Opportunity Commission complaint sent to Pawnee County regarding a former employee of Pawnee County Memorial Hospital. 

The Board voted to decline to participate in an alternative dispute resolution regarding the EOC complaint.  Stehlik-Ladman will respond to the EOC on behalf of the County regarding the complaint. 

(KAIR)--Serious injuries are the outcome of an early Sunday morning shooting on the south side of Saint Joseph.

KQ2-TV reports a 31-year-old man suffered the injuries after he was shot around 1:00, near Michigan Street and Pryor Avenue.

The TV station cites police in saying that the man's injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

No suspects have yet been named, with no arrests yet made in connection with the case.

Saint Joseph Police are continuing the investigation.

(KAIR)--Two Atchison residents escape injury following a double vehicle Wyandotte County crash that sent a Kansas City woman to the hospital Sunday afternoon.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports it remains unknown why, or how, the two vehicles collided, as both were southbound on I-435, just north of Woodend, when the wreck happened.

Injured was 45-year-old Shannon Williams, who was behind the wheel of a Ford Windstar involved in the wreck. She was taken to Providence Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

The Patrol says she and her 17-year-old passenger were both wearing seatbelts.

Behind the wheel of the second vehicle, identified as a Chevrolet Camaro, was 19-year-old Shihan Cai, of Atchison. The Patrol reports neither Cai or his 18-year-old passenger, Noah Baniewicz, of Atchison, were hurt, and both were wearing seatbelts when the wreck happened around 4:45.

(KAIR)--Heavy rainfall Saturday played a role in an early evening Doniphan County roll-over wreck that sent an Atchison woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 20-year-old Jade Young was behind the wheel of a Ford Focus, northbound on K7, that hydroplaned when driving through water on the highway.

Young lost control, sending the car off the highway and onto the west embankment where it overturned, and landed on its roof.

Young was transported from the scene and taken to the Atchison Hospital for the treatment of her injuries.

The Patrol says she was buckled up at the time of the wreck, which happened shortly before 6:00, just north of 130th Road, 3 miles south of K20.

(KAIR)--A two vehicle Friday morning wreck in Doniphan County sent two to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports it happened at 11:00, on U.S. Highway 36, just west of Peck Road.

The Patrol says a westbound Dodge Dakota, driven by 55-year-old Daniel Embrey, Jr., of Helena, Missouri, was waiting to turn left into a private driveway.

The truck was rear-ended by a westbound Chevy Metro, driven by 63-year-old William Ford, Jr., of Troy.

Both men were transported to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, for the treatment of injuries.

Both drivers were buckled up at the time of the wreck.

(MSC News)--An abducted child, who was the focus of an Amber Alert issued in both Kansas and Missouri, has been found unharmed. 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says the Amber Alert, issued Friday afternoon, was cancelled that evening, after 2-year-old Jace Brunt was located.

In custody are his father, 25-year-old Joshua Brunt, and Brunt's girlfriend, 24-year-old Jasmine Brunt.

The two are accused for forcibly taking young Jace from his mother at gunpoint from a Kansas City, Kansas residence. 

Investigators say Joshua Brunt threatened her at gunpoint, while his girlfriend was armed with mace. 

After the alleged the abduction, authorities say the pair, with Jace, drove off from the home, leading to the issuance of the alert. 

(KAIR)--Another local school cancels classes due to the timing of this month's solar eclipse.

Maur Hill-Mount Academy has called off school because of the August 21 event.

According to an email to MSC News from school president and headmaster Phil Baniewicz, the decision was made Friday for the Catholic high school to join Atchison's USD 409 in calling off classes for the day.

The public schools earlier this week made the decision to close for the day, citing the expected number of visitors to Atchison and potential traffic issues.

A Facebook post by the school district Tuesday cited discussions with other local leaders, including emergency responders, in calling off classes.

Area emergency planners are estimating more than 1 million visitors to the local northeast Kansas region for the historic solar eclipse. That's due to the local area allowing a clear view and a longer length of total darkness than in other spots across the nation.

In Atchison, the eclipse is estimated to last nearly 2 minutes and 19 seconds starting at 1:06 p.m.

It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States since 1979, and the first seen in Kansas in nearly 100 years.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Fair begins Monday, on the fairgrounds in Effingham.

The 111th year will bring a variety of events, ranging from 4-H exhibits to free entertainment each evening, which will include the first ever Family Feud at the Fair competition.

As already selected local families compete Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings at 6:00, other events will be happening, including the carnival on the midway.

Working under the title of “Big County Heart-Bigger County Fair,” the week also means the annual Atchison County Fair Parade, scheduled for Friday evening at 7:00. .

Numerous 4-H related daytime activities will happen through the week, starting with the

4-H foods judging Monday morning at 10:00, and a 4-H talent contest at 1:00.

Tuesday will include the sheep and wool shows, a 4-H fashion review that evening at 7:00, followed by the food auction.

Wednesday's Atchison County Fair lineup includes rabbit judging in the morning, along with the cattle show at 5:00 in the show arena.

Thursday's schedule includes the morning swine show at 8:00, the Atchison County Horse Show, at Hawk Arena, at noon, a kiddie pedal power contest at 4:00, followed by the lawn garden tractor pull at 7:30.

Friday morning will include the 4-H pet show at 9:00, and the parade that evening.

The Knuckle Draggers car show will start things off Saturday morning at 10:00, barbecue cook-off contest judging at 2:00, the bucket calf parade at 4:00, and the 4-H livestock sale and Mary Boldridge cake sale at 4:30.

For a complete list of Atchison County Fair activities, go here. 

(KLZA)-- The Second Annual Falls City Night Out was a big success.

Falls City Police Officer Zach Ractliffe who leads the organization of the event estimated 500 people attended this year and said he was happy with the turnout. 

A number of law enforcement agencies, first responders and other organizations took part.  Ractliffe says entire families show up for the event that offers demonstrations, free hot dogs soft drinks and free swimming. 

Ractliffe said the LifeNet helicopter was a popular display along with the State Fire Marshall’s, Fire Safety trailer and the Iowa Tribes small cars you can drive while wearing the impairment glasses. 

National Night Out is a chance for the public to have a positive interaction with law enforcement personnel and first responders.  

The photos posted with the story were taken by Kaylie Ericson.  

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Commissioners have approved increasing the 2017-18 law enforcement agreements with villages in the county.  

The new cost will be $11.80 per capita which amounts to $968 for the Village of Burchard;$1,734 for the Village of DuBois; $802 for the Village of Lewiston, $885 for the Village of Steinauer and $3,174 for the Village of Table Rock.  

In other action Commissioners approved the Handibus Interlocal Agreement between the County and City of Pawnee City the next year.  

The new agreement will be the same as last year with the City paying Pawnee County $3,200 for the operation of the Pawnee County Handibus.  

(KAIR)--The second quarter results are released, and Atchison-based MGP Ingredients is announcing a “strong performance” that led to a 15-percent increase in the company's operation income.

A press release issued Thursday by MGP says that figure is indicative of both the distillery products and ingredient solutions segments of the company.

The growth comes through what the press release says was an increase of 6.7-percent to $85.8 million dollars in consolidated net sales.

Net sales growth of premium beverage alcohol and specialty ingredients “more than offset declines in net sales of industrial alcohol.”

MGP President and CEO Gus Griffin, in the release, says the second quarter results “reflect continued progress from the aggressive implementation” of MGP's long term strategic plan, and says the company remains “optimistic about the outlook for the full year.”

To view a detailed breakdown of MGP's financial report, go here. 

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Elementary School will be offering five-day kindergarten starting this school year.

The USD 415 Board of Education during a special meeting Thursday morning voted to implement the 5-day schedule for the 2017-18 school year.

In a news release, Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the board and leadership of USD 415 feel the five-day schedule will benefit students developmentally and academically.

Moser said the district understands that differences exist among students as they enter kindergarten and some parents may prefer a 4-day schedule.  Therefore, the option is available to select a 4-day schedule for parents who feel it’s best for their student.  In that case, Friday’s would be a non-school day.

Parents who have questions, or prefer to select the 4-day option, are asked to contact Hiawatha Elementary School Principal Tom Schmitz.       

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved the installation of a new-9 hole disc golf course at Skoch Park.  

City Recreation Director David Hutfles told the Council Wednesday evening that a group of local residents has offered to purchase the equipment needed for the baskets for the disc course, and an Eagle Scout is considering installing the baskets as a project.

The Council gave their approval for the disc course on the condition they can see a completed diagram of the course before the work begins in the fall.

Disc golf is just like regular golf but uses discs and baskets instead of golf balls and clubs.

In other action, Seneca Chamber and Downtown Impact Director Kylie Luckeroth gave a presentation on a K-State Research and Extension program called “ First Impressions” that allows a community to learn about its strengths and shortcomings through the eyes of first-time visitors.

A team of volunteers from a town of similar size to Seneca would make an unannounced visit to explore the city’s residential, retail, and industrial areas, plus schools, government locations and points of interest.

A team of volunteers from Seneca would then make a similar visit to another town involved in the program.

The results of the visit are provided in a written report as well as a community presentation.

Recommendations are designed to identify ways a community can improve itself.

The Council approved participation in the free program.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas has unveiled a new driver's license design meant to comply with federal identification requirements for airport security purposes.

The new licenses will contain either a gold circle with a white star cutout proving the holder is lawfully in the U.S. and that it is acceptable federal identification, or the words "not for federal ID." 

The revamped licenses come three years before they are required.

Anyone seeking the "Real ID" credential must provide Social Security number documentation, and their birth certificate or valid U.S. passport.

People without such documents can get the "not for federal ID" card, which will not be acceptable identification for boarding domestic flights or entering designated federal sites after Sept. 30, 2020.

Those cards still will be valid as state identification or as a driver's licenses.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Public Schools and Falls City Sacred Heart School will not have school on Monday, August 21st, the day of the Total Solar Eclipse.

In a Wednesday release Superintendent Tim Heckenlively said the decision comes after safety concerns were discussed due to the eclipse, presenting potential dangers to students if viewed without proper eye protection. 

Another concern is traffic. There is a possibility of a major influx of visitors to the Falls City area to view the eclipse.  

While schools in the district will be closed August 21st, solar eclipse information material will be sent home with every student on August 18, and all students will receive solar viewing glasses as well.

School will resume on Tuesday, August 22nd.  

The schools thank your for your understanding.  
 

(KNZA)--A Horton woman facing charges in a Jackson County burglary case has entered into a plea agreement, canceling a jury trial that had been set this week in the case.

32-year-old Megan Hollister pleaded no contest last week in Jackson County District Court to a charge of burglary.  In exchange for the plea, five additional counts were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for August 25th.

Authorities say Hollister and Shelby Hopkins, of Whiting, broke into a residence in Whiting last August and stole a number of electronic items.

Hopkins was arrested shortly after the burglary.  She is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted last October on charges of burglary and obstruction of official duty.

Hollister was placed on the “ Jackson County Most Wanted” list and remained at large until November 5th when she was arrested in Atchison after crashing a stolen pickup truck following a chase.

In January, Hollister was placed on 12-months probation in the Atchison County case on charges of theft, driving while suspended and fleeing and eluding.    

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council tabled action on bids for running electricity to the Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden when they met Tuesday evening.  

Only one bid had been submitted and the committee was waiting for a second bid before moving forward. In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Humboldt and the Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden Committee was tabled until the August 15th Council meeting. 

The council approved the expenditure of $1,500 as the 10-percent match, for a grant the City received for a Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality study.

The Council approved renting six Porta- Pottys for the August 21, Solar Eclipse event.

Council member Dean Bogle is forming a committee to look into advantages of Humboldt becoming a Certified Local Government for communities having a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.  

(KLZA)-- It was an expensive meeting for the Pawnee County Commissioners Tuesday. 

The Board approved the purchase of a 2018 Mack Tractor, truck from RDO Truck Center. With the trade-in of a Sterling truck the cost will be $94,063.  

Commissioners also approved the purchase of a belly dump trailer from Siouxland Trailer Sales. With a trade-in the cost will be more than $33,300.

Commissioners voted to delay the public hearing until August 29 at 10:30 a.m. on the proposed closure of a portion of 709 Road.

The Board also voted to allow County employees four and one-half hours of paid time off on August 21st.  Following discussion, Commissioners decided they did not want any County equipment on the roads the day of the solar eclipse.  
 

(KLZA)-- An Omaha man was injured in a wreck Wednesday afternoon south of Rock Port. 

According to a Missouri Highway Patrol report 51-year-old Jeffrey Osentowski of Omaha suffered moderate injuries when his car left the northbound lane of Interstate 29, struck several small tress and a ditch before coming to a stop. 

Osentowski was transported to Fairfax Community Hospital. His injuries were described as moderate.

The wreck occurred shortly after 4:00 P.M. approximately seven miles south of Rock Port.  Ostenkowski was wearing safety restraints at the time of the wreck. 

The Atchison County Sheriff’s Department, Rock Port Fire Department and the Atchison-Holt Ambulance Squad responded to the scene of the wreck.  

(KNZA)--Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner will be stopping in Brown County as part of his tour of state’s 105 counties to promote many of the programs and services administered by his office.

LaTurner and his staff will be in Hiawatha Tuesday, August 8th  at the Brown County Courthouse from 1:30-3:00 in the afternoon.

During his stop, LaTurner says he will be promoting four important missions at the Treasurer’s Office: returning unclaimed property to its rightful owners, helping Kansans save for higher education, empowering individuals living with a disability and their loved ones to save for disability related expenses, and increasing the financial knowledge of all Kansans.

The State Treasurer's Office is currently safeguarding $350 million in unclaimed property and is charged with returning it to its rightful owners and heirs. There’s over $531,000 of unclaimed property in Brown County.

Unclaimed property includes inactive savings and checking accounts, uncashed checks, stock shares and bonds, dividend checks, insurance proceeds, mineral royalties and utility deposits.

Area residents who can't make it to the event Tuesday may call the State Treasurer's Office at 1-800-432-0386 or log onto KansasCash.com to search for unclaimed property. There is no cost to search and claim your rightful property.

(KAIR)--An interim city manager is appointed for the City of Atchison.

That happened at Monday's special Atchison City Commission meeting where the city's current Finance Director and Assistant City Manager Becky Berger was appointed to the position.

That appointment will become effective Aug. 30 when current City Manager Trey Cocking officially leaves office.

Cocking told MSC News city staff will begin advertising the city manager position  sometime in the next few weeks, with applications due Oct. 20.

(KAIR)--An around the world flight comes to an end Thursday, as pilot Brian Lloyd wraps up his journey by landing in Atchison.

According to the website ProjectAmeliaEarhart.com, Lloyd's solo flight was undertaken to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the famous flight of Amelia Earhart, which began in 1937.

The two month flight, which began in Florida June 1, followed Earhart's route to circumnavigate the world at the equator.

On July 24, Lloyd's fixed wing, single-engine plane named Spirit, flew over Howland Island, where Earhart unsuccessfully attempted to land 80-years-ago.

As he passed over, Lloyd, in tribute to Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, dropped two large flowers from his plane's window in tribute to the pair.

Now, the Atchison community is invited to welcome the end of Lloyd's journey.

According to an invitation posted to the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page, Lloyd will land at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Airport around mid-day Thursday.

While an exact time can't be specified, it's estimated that Lloyd will arrive early Thursday evening, likely sometime after 6:00. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison teenager escaped serious injury after being struck by a vehicle in the 100 Block of North Sixth on Tuesday.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said it was shortly 5:00 pm when Nicholas Rebant was southbound on Sixth Street when the 16-year-old male, who was running west on the mall was struck.

The teen was taken to the hospital for examination.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved having the city Recreation Department take over the local flag football program for 1st and 2nd graders.

City Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper told the Commission Monday evening that she had been approached last week by youth football organizer Dan Simpson about the city taking over the program.

“It appears that we have everything necessary to take over that," Jasper told Commissioners.  "We have the appropriate insurance, we believe the income will surpass all the expenses needed. Hopefully, [we'll generate] an actual profit this first year. I'm really excited to be able to take over a youth sport so soon and then, with the hopes that that just kind of starts the ball rolling on some of the other organizations here in town."

Jasper said Simpson has offered to help during the transition, and will continue helping with the football program for 3rd and 4th graders.

Following a hearing drawing no public comment, the  Commission adopted a 2018 city budget of nearly $7.5 million that contains no change in the property tax levy.

The budget calls for the city to collect nearly $1.2 million in local taxes.

Mayor Steffen Shamburg called it a “ very effective and efficient budget.”

(KAIR)--No school for students of Atchison's USD 409 on August 21.

That decision is made due to the timing of the historic solar eclipse, set to happen that afternoon.

According to a Facebook post Tuesday, the increasing number of visitors, and potential traffic issues, led school leaders to make the decision to close for the day.

The post cited discussions with other local leaders, including emergency responders, in calling off classes.

Area emergency planners are estimating more than 1 million visitors to the local northeast Kansas region for the solar eclipse. That's due to the local area allowing a clear view and a longer length of total darkness than in other spots across the nation.

In Atchison, the eclipse is estimated to last nearly 2 minutes and 19 seconds starting at 1:06 p.m.

It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States since 1979, and the first seen in Kansas in nearly 100 years.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle Brown County wreck Tuesday morning claimed the life of a Horton man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says killed in the wreck at the intersection of U.S. 75 and K-20 Highways was 48-year-old Joseph Taisipic.

The Patrol says Taisipic was a passenger in a southbound Ford Focus that had stopped on U.S. 75, preparing to turn onto K-20, when the vehicle was struck in the rear by a southbound semi tractor-trailer.

The driver of the car, 46-year-old Willis resident Ronald Brook, was transported to Topeka’s Stormont Vail Hospital for the treatment of possible injuries.

The semi driver, 46-year-old Page, North Dakota resident Joseph Little, was not hurt.

The Patrol says all the occupants were wearing seatbelts.

The wreck, which was reported shortly before 7:00, closed down a portion of U.S. 75 for several hours.

(KLZA)-- The 2nd Annual Falls City Police Department’s National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday night, August 1 at the Falls City Aquatic Center. 

The event will be 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and there will be free hotdogs and demonstrations on public safety and health along with games, prizes, a dunk tank and more.

A large number of displays are planned for the evening, including a crash simulator, an impaired / distracted driving simulator and many more.    

Falls City Police Officer Zach Ractliffe is organizing the community / police partnership event, and is hoping for a large turnout from the public again this year. Multiple first responders will be on hand in addition to law enforcement personnel. 

All ages are welcome to see the demonstrations, have a hotdog and go for the free swimming from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. 

In addition, The Richardson County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a “National Night Out Event” in Humboldt Tuesday evening.  The event will be held at the Lake Park.  

There will be a demonstration with the County Canine, hot dogs will be served and there will be free swimming.  Events begin at 6 o’clock in Humboldt.

(KNZA)--A Tuesday morning Brown County crash leaves a stretch of a major roadway closed.

That follows a crash, shortly after 7:00, involving a vehicle and a semi.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant tells MSC News U.S. Highway 75, at K-20, remains closed to all traffic as emergency crews remain on the scene.

Merchant provides no details of the crash, saying that the investigation is being handled by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

However, a source close to the investigation says one person was killed in the wreck, that happened a mile south of the Sac and Fox Casino.

It's not immediately known how long the highway will remain shut down.

(KNZA)--Pay raises have been approved for two Brown County employees.

Following an executive session Monday, the County Commission approved a 50 cent an hour pay increase for Noxious Weed Director George Bruning and Landfill Supervisor Charlie Brockhoff to $17.25 an hour to match the road foreman salary.

The raise will take effect October 1st.

In other action, County Treasurer Cheryl Lippold introduced the newest employee in her office, Jennifer Barber.

Kelle Meininger, with the Brown County Humane Society, met with the Commission to discuss the organizaton's upcoming 1st annual Dog and Jog fundraiser on September 9th.

Meininger requested help with traffic control on West Miami Street between 12th and Kestrel for the duration of the race.

The Commission will visit with Sheriff John Merchant about providing some assistance.

(KNZA)--A Topeka doctor was among two people killed Monday evening when a small airplane crashed near Topeka’s Philip Billard Municipal Airport.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says killed in the crash were the pilot, 61-year-old  Dr. William Leeds, and his 55-year-old co-pilot, Leawood resident James Bergman.

The Patrol says the 1965 Piper PA-30 fixed wing multi-engine airplane was traveling southeast to northwest when the aircraft appeared to miss the runaway, striking the ground at a high rate of speed.   After impact, the plane turned about 180 degrees, coming to rest in a grass field in between the runway and the taxi road to the airport terminal.

Leeds was a doctor with Pulmonary and Sleep Associates in Topeka, which he started in 1998.  He did outpatient clinics at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Federal investigators were expected to help determine what caused the crash, which was reported around 8:15 Monday evening.