(KNZA)--A Holton man already sentenced to nearly three decades behind bars after being convicted of sexually assaulting two women has accepted a plea deal in the two remaining cases against him.

During a hearing Friday in Jackson County District Court, the Topeka Capital Journal reports 22-year-old Jacob Ewing entered an Alford plea to a charge of attempted rape and no contest plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child.

In an Alford plea, the criminal defendant does not admit the act, but admits that the prosecution could likely prove the charge.  

Ewing had been scheduled to go on trial Monday in the attempted rape case. In exchange for the plea, charges of aggravated sexual battery and misdemeanor battery were dismissed.

In exchange for the plea in the sexual exploitation case, nine additional counts were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for November 15th.

In April, a jury acquitted him of charges that he raped and sodomized an underage girl.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's prison system has completed a new 100-bed housing unit for work-release inmates with time and money to spare.

The Department of Correctional Services unveiled the new facility at the Community Corrections Center-Lincoln on Thursday. The project was finished a little more than two weeks ahead of schedule at a cost of nearly $1.5 million, which is below the projected $1.8 million price tag.

Corrections Director Scott Frakes says he's confident his department will meet a state-mandated deadline to reduce prison crowding by 2020. The prison system housed 5,307 inmates as of Thursday, which is roughly 157 percent of its current design capacity.

Prison officials are looking to add 660 beds to the entire system, plus a new medical wing and dining and kitchen facilities in Lincoln.
 

TARKIO, Mo. – A resurfacing project in Atchison County, Missouri  is set to begin next week.

Contractor crews from Herzog Contracting Corporation, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, plan to begin resurfacing U.S. Route 136 from just east of Route O to just east of Route M. The contractor plans to begin work on Tuesday, Oct. 3. However, due to weather delaying other projects on which the contractor is working, the start date could be delayed slightly. The project should take approximately one month to complete. The new road surface will span two 12-foot lanes and two-foot asphalt shoulders.

Crews plan to work during daylight hours Monday through Saturday. Traffic control will be in place alerting motorists of the work and a pilot car will guide travelers through the work zone. All work is weather permitting and could be rescheduled.

MoDOT encourages all travelers to slow down, especially in work zones, as there will be large equipment and workers near the driving lanes. As always, please buckle up, eliminate distractions, pay attention and drive safely so everyone is able to Arrive Alive.

(KAIR)--A rumor, circulating on social media, has no factual basis.

That's the word from the City of Horton Police Department regarding the allegation that a white van has attempted to kidnap children at Brown County area schools.

The post apparently specified that the van, with no side windows, was spotted near the Horton High School, as well as the Kickapoo Reservation, and in Hiawatha.

A post on the Horton Police Department's official Facebook page states the rumor is not true, with no evidence found to support the claims.

However, the police department's post says the hoax is an opportunity to remind children of the importance of staying aware and safe and includes a graphic of what to do to keep out of the way of danger.

We've shared that image on our website at mscnews.net.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is approved for two grants, with a combined pricetag of $925,000.

Director of Public Works Justin Pregont says the funds are earmarked for the Safe Routes to School project as well as the 2nd Street Corridor project.

The funds are made available through the Transportation Alternatives Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation.

A press release from the City of Atchison says it's the second time the grant for the 2nd Street Corridor project has been applied for.

The work, set to happen between Commercial Street and Division Street, is intended to replace sidewalks, curbs, and intersection crossings while also installing decorative street lights, similar to those already present throughout downtown. Special attention will be given to restoring brick sidewalks throughout that segment of the project that sits inside the Amelia Earhart Historic District.

Work is expected to begin in 2019.

Pregont tells MSC News the latest phase of the ongoing Safe Routes to School Project encompasses sidewalks along South 5th Street, from Park Street to U Street, with those improvements to be funded through the grant.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee City Council members voted to move forward with an application for the Community Development Block Grant for housing rehabilitation when they met Monday evening.

If successful, the grant would be in an amount of $252,000 and is intended to fund up to $25,000 for eight, rehab project on homes in Pawnee City. The City will work with Southeast Nebraska Development District on the application.

City Clerk Tammy Stephens said they already have a few applications on file, but suggested if you might be interested you come in to City Hall for an application as soon as possible. The grant is awarded on a points system, and the more pre-applications a community has, the more points scored.

No bids were received Monday evening for a property the City was trying to sell.  The former Gaston property at 1138 G Street was offered. The City razed the buildings on the property, which is now an empty lot.

If someone is looking for a site for a new home, you should contact City Hall. The idea now is to offer the property for free to someone that will build a new home there.

The planned discussions on the street paving project in Pawnee City were delayed to the October 23rd Council meeting due to some scheduling problems for some of the persons involved in the project from out of town.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the expenditure of more than $112,500 for a new camera system, including a trailer, control room and mechanical room during the September 18th meeting.

The Board of Public Works recommended the purchase be approved.  Utility Superintendent Alan Romine told the Council the camera system is very valuable to the Utility Department to be able to look at cracks in the system, check on water infiltration and determine were repairs are requited. 

The current camera system was purchase used, in 2008. The unit is beginning to have some issues.

The new system is on a 7-foot by 12-foot trailer. It includes an attached control room and mechanical room that includes heating and air conditioning so it can be used year round.  In addition, there is 1,000 feet of camera cable and the unit has it’s own power supply.  

The unit will be purchased from Mid-Iowa Equipment Company and will be paid for in the 2018 fiscal year budget.
 

(KLZA)-- Applications are being accepted now for Community Development Block Grant Funds for housing rehabilitation in Falls City. 

Tom Bliss, Executive Director of the Southeast Nebraska Development District reviewed an application for the funds during the September 18th City Council meeting. The $252,000 grant would include $20,000 for construction management, $12,000 for inspection services and $20,000 for administering the grant. 

Application forms are available at City Hall and are due back by October 6.  20 pre-applications had already been submitted by the 18th.

The Council approved applying for the grant funds following a public hearing on the 18th.  

If the grant funds are awarded to the City, successful applicants for the funding would we required to stay in the home for five years.
 

(MSC News)--The recently opened South Atchison Trail has quickly become a well utilized attraction, with numerous walker, joggers, runners, and bicyclists seen at the site daily.

(KAIR)--A portion of the trail remains closed due to ongoing efforts to remedy a design issue with the fence that lines a portion of the trail.

However, Atchison's Director of Public Works, Justin Pregont, tells MSC News a solution has been reached with the contractor, Kansas Heavy Construction, to alleviate the gaps currently noticeable in the fencing. “The last month has been a little bit aggravating. It's been a complicated process to get everybody on the same page with this, but ultimately, just in the last few days, we have an agreement with the contractor to fix the fence with a complete welded solution, which is what we had been fighting for with them the entire time.”

Pregont says the solution follows a back and forth in settling on a solution. “The old fence sub-contractor was pretty aggressive about trying to pursue some other solutions and alternatives...ultimately we declined to approve all of those alternatives. I think that the welded solution is going to be something that, unless you're a couple inches from the rail, most folks will never be able to tell there was an issue in the end.”

If all goes as planned, Pregont expects the fence will be complete, and the “Sidewalk Closed” sign blocking the area of the trail affected by the fence, to be removed within two weeks.

(MSC News)--The City of Atchison will host a Town Hall meeting following the next City Commission meeting on October 2nd at the Atchison Event Center. Both the City Commission meeting and the Town Hall meeting will be held in the Mercantile Ballroom on the main level of the Atchison Event Center. The City Commission meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the Town Hall session will begin at 6 p.m. The Town Hall meeting will be an informational session for Atchison residents to learn more about the City’s proposed STAR Bond project. The session is open to the public and there will be a Q&A session for Atchison citizens.

If approved by the City Commission, the STAR Bonds will finance an aviation museum and a shelter for the Atchison Farmer’s Market. The museum will showcase Muriel, the last remaining 1935 Lockheed Electra-10E aircraft in the world, as well as other items that tell Amelia Earhart’s story, aviation-related educational exhibits, and experiential programming. The Farmer’s Market shelter will provide an enhanced and improved space to host a variety of agritourism related ventures and attractions, retail and entertainment venues.

STAR bonds are a financing mechanism in which the sales tax generated from a designated district is used to pay off the bonds issued for a tourism related project. The bonds are solely supported by the increase in revenue from the STAR Bond District. Utilizing STAR Bonds enables Atchison to receive the State’s 6.5% sales tax with the City’s 1% general sales to finance a national landmark project in the community.

The STAR Bond District was created and approved by the City Commission and the Kansas Secretary of Commerce in June 2017. The STAR Bond District includes part of downtown Atchison and the Amelia Earhart Airport. The downtown district is a contiguous area that includes the Farmers Market, Holiday Inn Express, and the corner of 10th and Main where the new Taco Bell restaurant is underway.

The next step is for the City to develop and submit a plan to the Department of Commerce. The plan will need to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by both the City Commission and Secretary of Commerce before the City can begin the process of issuing bondsfor the project.

(KNZA)--The former physician assistant who was convicted of sexually abusing patients at the Leavenworth veterans hospital will have to wait awhile longer to learn his fate.

Mark Wisner, of Horton,  was scheduled to be sentenced Friday in Leavenworth County District Court.  However, The Leavenworth Times reports his sentencing was continued until November 3rd because the judge in the case was not available.

Last month, a jury convicted Wisner of 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.

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 two-vehicle wreck about 4 miles north of Faucett, Missouri Thursday afternoon sent one to the hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 4:30 at the intersection of Routes A and H.

The Patrol says 55-year-old Grandview, Missouri resident Robert Clark was westbound on Route H when he turned north onto Route A and into the path of a northbound semi tractor-trailer driven by 53-year-old Kenneth Hecker, of Wathena.

Both drivers attempted to avoid each other, but Hecker struck the left side of Clark’s Dodge Charger, which traveled off the roadway and through a fence.

The semi also traveled off the roadway, coming to rest in a field.

Clark, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Lifecare in St. Joseph with what the Patrol described as serious injuries.

Hecker was not hurt.  

(KAIR)--A guilty plea is entered by a Leavenworth man accused of video recording under a woman's skirt while the two were inside a Leavenworth store.

The Leavenworth Times reports 55-year-old Thomas Campbell entered the plea Wednesday in Leavenworth County District Court to a felony count of breach of privacy.

He was arrested August 20 after store personnel at Leavenworth's Wal-Mart saw Campbell committing the offense, and notified police.

It's reported that Campbell admitted to police that he recorded a two to three second video of the woman.

Sentencing for Campbell is set for November 1.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education has ratified a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2017-18 school year.

The agreement, approved during a special meeting last week, calls for a $1,000 increase to the base on the salary schedule.  In addition, the district will pay for 100 percent of a single health insurance plan for teachers.   

Also following an executive session, the Board approved a two percent salary increase for classified staff and administrators.

In addition, the Board voted to have Lanter SPS, of Horton, repair the roof at the elementary school for $19,850.  The repair work will come with a 10-year warranty.  

(KNZA)--A rock climbing accident in southwestern Oregon has claimed the life of a former Highland resident.

Oregon State Police say 27-year-old Jeremy Tilton died Monday evening near Brookings, Oregon after he slipped and fell about 50 feet onto rocks and into the ocean while climbing on a large rock.

Life-saving efforts were attempted, but were not successful.

Troopers said Tilton was with several friends at the time, and there was no indication any foul play.

Tilton grew up in Highland where he attended Highland Grade School.   He moved to Colorado in 2013.

According to his obituary from the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, his passion was mountain hiking and rock climbing, with the highest accessible point always his destination.

A celebration of life service for Tilton will be held Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3 at the Highland Community Center.

(KNZA)--The second of three Hiawatha residents charged in connection with a drug bust in March has pleaded no contest to charges.

Ashley Rhyne entered the plea this week in Brown County District Court to charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana. In exchange for the plea, a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was dismissed.

Sentencing was set for November 27th.

Thelma Losson pleaded no contest in August to the same charges as part of a plea agreement and is scheduled to be sentenced October 2nd.

Arraignment for the third defendant, Adam Kloss, was postponed earlier this month to October 2nd.  

Kloss faces charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

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.     

MOUND CITY, Mo. – A resurfacing project in Holt County,  Missouri, set to begin Wednesday, has been delayed. 

Contractor crews from Herzog Contracting Corporation, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, now plan to begin milling Route 111 from Route W in Corning to Spur 111 in Craig on Friday, September, 29, weather permitting.

The contractor will begin milling the transitions and overlaying around the railroad right of way in Corning. Once the milling and railroad right of way overlay is complete, they will begin paving at the Tarkio River Bridge and proceed north to Route W in Corning. The contractor will pave half the road at a time on this portion, reducing the roadway to one lane in sections. A pilot car and flagger will direct traffic around the northern paving. This part of the project should take two days to complete.

Once the north section is complete, they will begin again at the Tarkio River Bridge, closing the roadway in two-mile increments as they proceed south to Spur 111 in Craig. This portion of the project should also take two days to complete, weather permitting.

Crews plan to work during daylight hours Monday through Saturday. Traffic control will be in place alerting motorists of the work. All work is weather permitting and could be rescheduled.
 

(KAIR)--A chance to meet the candidates.

That's the reason behind an upcoming open house in Atchison.

Arranged by the community service organization Project Atchison, the October 11 event will be held from 6 until 7:30 that evening at the Atchison Elks Lodge, located at 609 Kansas Avenue.

According to a Facebook event page posted by Project Atchison, the open house forum is intended to be casual, and will allow the public to ask questions, discuss viewpoints, and get to know the candidates for the Atchison City Commission.

Seven candidates are seeking three open seats on the Commission, with that race to be decided during the November 7 General Election.

According to the Facebook event post, six of the seven candidates have so far confirmed their attendance at the forum.

DOVER, Kan. (AP) - Girl Scouts of northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri have announced plans to close one of its camps.
 
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that programming and activities at Camp Daisy Hindman will cease Nov. 30 in Shawnee County.
 
Girl Scouts CEO Joy Wheeler says the decision was based on a steady decline in the resident camp program and operating at a loss of nearly $200,000.
 
The camp has been renovated several times in the past five years, including upgrades to its water and electrical infrastructure. The program also installed new cabins, a natural playground and a spray park.
 
A Facebook post by Sophie Devanney says she "found a home at Camp Daisy Hindman this summer." She says she's upset to hear about the closure but will "cherish every memory" she has.
 

BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) - Gage County, Nebraska has reserved beds at a jail across the state line in northern Kansas and at a jail in south-central Nebraska.
 
The Beatrice Daily Sun reports that the Gage County Board of Supervisors approved a contract Wednesday for 10 beds in the Washington County, Kansas, jail and five at the jail in Nebraska's Dawson County. Both one-year contracts call for a rate of $45 a bed per day, regardless of whether they're used by inmates from Gage County.
 
Contracting with other jails intensified this summer as the number of inmates reached double the Gage County jail's capacity of around 27. The overflow inmates were housed at up to seven different counties at one time, causing transportation problems for jail workers.
    

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska 150 Celebration’s: Truckin’ Through Nebraska: A Mobile Children’s Museum will be set up Thursday and Friday on Stone Street in front of the Falls City Library and Arts Center.

The Mobile Children’s Museum is on a 26-week, 42-community tour across Nebraska in celebration of the states 150th birthday. 

Field trips for Fall City Public and Sacred Heart Schools have been scheduled.  The museum will provide a fun, hands-on learning experience for children who may not normally be able to easily access a children’s museum. Children will be able to explore their heritage and envision their futures through play, interactivity and technology.  

The museum is open Thursday 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

The museum is contained in a 53-foot, state-of-the-art, custom air-ride double-expandable trailer, specially designed and outfitted for traveling museum and exhibits.

Kids will be able to build shelters and test them in a wind chamber or earthquake simulator, design their own 10-acre homestead, and test their knowledge about Nebraska.  In addition they can create a movie, explore toys from the past make postcards and also enjoy the exhibits that will surround the exterior of the trailer.  

Admission is free. Audiences of all ages are welcome. All visitors 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  
 

(KAIR)--A special presentation is planned in Atchison Friday, as the Kansas Department of Transportation Director of Aviation visits the city.

Merrill Atwater will make his stop as part of the Fly Kansas Air Tour, an educational effort focused on science, technology, engineering, and math.

According to a news release issued by KDOT, the tour is intended to highlights the benefits of local airports, and places an emphasis introducing aviation to the youth.

The Fly Kansas Tour, and Atwater, will stop at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Airport Friday afternoon at 2:30.

The visit will include a presentation on Amelia Earhart and allow local students who attend to meet with participating pilots to learn about aviation in Kansas.

The public is encouraged to attend, and will have a chance to see airplanes up close, and to talk to the participating pilots.

(KAIR)--40-years of city service.

That's the reason for recent recognition of two City of Atchison employees, honored for four-decades of serving the local municipality.

Recognized are Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson and Human Resources Director Lori Moore.

Wilson and Moore were recognized for their years of service by the League of Kansas Municipalities.

That happened during the League's annual Conference, which was held September 16 through September 18 in Wichita.

Both Wilson and Moore were presented with plaques acknowledging their commitment to Atchison's city government.

(KAIR)--Special honors for the Superintendent of the Atchison Public Schools.

That comes through an award presented to Dr. Susan Myers this week during the annual AdvancED conference held Tuesday.

According to a press release issued by USD 409, Myers was presented with the “Kansas Excellence in Education-Leading by Example Award.”

The award is presented for leading and empowering the community to ensure that all learners reach their full potential; for creating and initiating change, growth and innovation, to create a world of opportunities for every learner; and for pursuing and advancing excellence in education with equity and integrity.

AdvancED is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that accredits primary and secondary schools throughout the United States.

(MSC News)--Two years have passed, and there's still no sign of a missing Jackson County woman.

September 26, 2017 marked the anniversary of the disappearance of Joan Rebar, who was 70-years-old at the time of her disappearance.

Rebar, who resided on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, spent Friday evening, September 25, 2015 at the Meriden VFW in Jefferson County.

Rebar is believed to have left the establishment by herself shortly before 2:00 on the morning of Saturday, September 26. She had been driving her silver 2005 Chrysler Pacifica bearing Kansas disabled tag 71664.

Rebar’s disappearance was reported to law enforcement approximately 5 days later by a friend, and since that time a nationwide search has turned up little to clarify the mystery of her disappearance.

MSC Radio News Director Brian Hagen talked with Sheriff Tim Morse about the state of the investigation on the second anniversary.

The conversation can be heard here.

(KAIR)--An early Tuesday morning Buchanan County, Missouri double vehicle crash sent three to the hospital.

According to the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, it happened around 6:40 on U.S. Highway 59, near Parker Road.

It was there that a Toyota Corolla, driven by Effingham resident David Page, swerved to miss an animal in the roadway.

His southbound car crossed into the northbound lane, causing a collision with a PT Cruiser, driven by Taylor Servaes, of Rushville.

The impact caused her vehicle to rollover, and land on it's top.

Servaes and her passenger, Amanda Fitzwater, of Atchison, were transported for hospitalized treatment, as was Page.

(KAIR)--A former Saint Joseph, Missouri Boy Scout Leader is accused of distributing child pornography online.

According to a press release from Tom Larson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, 45-year-old Michael Goeller was charged in federal court in a criminal complaint filed under seal Thursday.

The complaint was unsealed and made public following Goeller's arrest Monday.

The press release, citing an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, says the investigation began in February after an Arkansas law enforcement officer downloaded a video file through a peer-to-peer file-sharing network later linked to Goeller's computer.

A search warrant was executed September 20 at Goeller's Saint Joseph apartment where a laptop computer and other digital devices, including those used for storage, were seized.

Although a full forensic examination is pending, the press release states that “a digital forensic preview tool was utilized on the laptop and indicated at least 10 images of child pornography and other files named with terms associated with child pornography.”

The affidavit states that after the search warrant was executed, “investigators learned that Goeller had made contact with a local priest to confess to child pornography having been found on his computer. Goeller also immediately resigned as an assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America.”

Goeller remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

(KAIR)--A former Saint Joseph, Missouri Boy Scout Leader is accused of distributing child pornography online.

According to a press release from Tom Larson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, says 45-year-old Michael Goeller was charged Thursday in federal court in a criminal complaint filed under seal Thursday.

The complaint was unsealed and made public following Goeller's arrest Monday.

The press release, citing an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, says the investigation began in February after an Arkansas law enforcement officer downloaded a video file through a peer-to-peer file-sharing network later linked to Goeller's computer.

A search warrant was executed September 20 at Goeller's Saint Joseph apartment where a laptop computer and other digital devices, including those used for storage, were seized.

Although a full forensic examination is pending, the press release states that “a digital forensic preview tool was utilized on the laptop and indicated at least 10 images of child pornography and other files named with terms associated with child pornography.”

The affidavit states that after the search warrant was executed, “ivestigators learned that Goeller had made contact with a local priest to confess to child pornography having been found on his computer. Goeller also immediately resigned as an assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America.”

Goeller remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

(KAIR)--A 51-year-old man requires hospital treatment after he's struck by a pickup truck while walking on Atchison's River Road.

Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News it happened shortly after 7:30 Monday morning when 31-year-old Matthew Carr was northbound on River Road.

According to Wilson, he looked down, taking his attention from the roadway and that's what led him to strike the man, walking in the 1000 block, near the north city limits of Atchison.

Wilson says the victim, identified as Mike Reams, was transported by EMS for hospitalized treatment of his injuries.

Carr was cited for inattentive driving.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council has approved the fiscal year 2017-18 budget and tax request. The action taking place during the September 18th Council meeting. 

The total budget is in the neighborhood of $18-million. The property tax request will be $681,318 with a property tax levy of 4 7.55-cents per $100 of assessed valuation, including the airport levy of just over 2-cents.

City Administrator Gary Jorn noted the valuation of property in Falls City was up $1.9-million which is up 1.3 percent. The property tax request is slightly lower than last year. 

Jorn said quite a few capital improvement requests were cut from the budget.  Among the requests approved were: 
New computer hardware, a new Police Department vehicle; fire safety equipment, Street Department equipment, buildings for the parks department, improvements at the aquatic park bathhouse, fencing at the solid waste facility and $5,000 for the Emerald Ash Borer issues the City is expecting to have to deal with. 

Council members voted unanimously to adopt the budget and approve the property tax levy.  

(KLZA)-- Two Tarkio teenage girls were injured Sunday afternoon in an ATV wreck in Tarkio.

The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates 15-year-old Lexi Somerville was the driver of the ATV which was westbound on Maple Street, traveled off the road and struck a utility pole, causing Somerville and a passenger, 17-year old Jamie Hendrix to be ejected.

Lexi Somerville was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to the Shenandoah Medical Center at Shenandoah, Iowa for treatment of moderate injuries. Jamie Hendrix was taken  by private vehicle to the Fairfax Community Hospital for treatment of minor injures.  

The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office and Westboro Fire Department assisted at the scene of the wreck.
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the appointment of Speece-Lewis Engineers as the Interim Highway Superintendent for the County during their September 19th meeting.

The company will serve in this capacity until a new Highway Superintendent is hired.

Commissioners also approved the purchase of a motor grader at the State Bid Contract price of $235,350 from Nebraska Machinery. A trade-in allowance of $52,000 will make the total purchase price $183,350.
 

County Clerk Melissa Gormley Monday introduced new payroll clerk Betty Brennan to Commissioners.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved a new contract with a Seneca attorney to provide court-appointed legal services.

That came Monday after the Commission voted to terminate the county’s current contract with Hiawatha attorney Andy Delaney, effective October 31st.

With his recent appointment as Hiawatha City Attorney, County Attorney Kevin Hill says Delaney will no longer be able to fulfill his contract with the county due to a conflict of interest.

Hill presented a new contract with Meghan Voracek to replace Delaney, which Commissioner’s approved.  Under the contract, which is effective November 1st, Voracek will be paid $2,800 a month.    

 In other business, County Clerk Melissa Gormley presented two bids received to re-seed the lawn on the south side of the courthouse which was torn up earlier this year due to sewer work.

The Commission voted to accept the low bid from Weed Free Lawns LLC. in the amount of $549.   Maplewood Lawn and Landscape had submitted a bid of $975.

Gormley also introduced to Commissioners new payroll clerk Betty Brennan..  Brennan, of Hiawatha, began work Monday in the county clerk’s office.  

(KMZA)--A semi tractor-trailer driver was injured Monday morning in a single-vehicle Marshall County wreck.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 49-year-old Beatrice,Nebraska resident Daniel Aden was northbound on U.S. 77, south of State Line Road,  when his semi drove off the roadway into the east ditch and struck two signs.  The semi then drove across the roadway and entered the west ditch, striking an embankment.  The rig then drove across Stateline Road, coming to rest in a field.

Aden, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to the Beatrice Community Hospital with unspecified injuries.

The wreck was reported shortly after 10:00 Monday morning.  

(KAIR)--A Saint Joseph teenager, charged in connection with a crash that left four teens dead, pleads guilty.

KQ2-TV reports 18-year-old Skylar Lucas-Cox entered the plea Monday, admitting to involuntary manslaughter and assault.

He earlier entered a plea of not guilty, but said in court Monday he believed he would be found guilty due to evidence in the case.

Prosecutors say Lucas-Cox tested positive for cocaine, marijuana and alcohol at the time of the crash.

He was charged in April after authorities said he was driving a stolen truck that crashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle on Saint Joseph's Riverside Road, at the Cook Road intersection.

His four passengers, ranging in age from 15 to 17, died in the crash.

The driver in the second vehicle was not hurt.

Sentencing is set for November 6.

Lucas-Cox faces up to 27-years in prison.

(KAIR)--Two Hoyt men are jailed in Jackson County, arrested early Monday morning on burglary and drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse identifies the pair as 42-year-old John Hudson and 43-year-old Jason McClane.

Morse says the two were taken into custody near Mayetta in connection with a burglary and felony theft involving a vehicle.

The pair is additionally facing charges of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Morse says a passenger car and a semi-tractor were impounded, believed to have been used in connection with the alleged crimes.

Following the arrests of Hudson and McClane, around 3:00 Monday morning, both were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Both are held on separate bonds of $7,500.

103.9 KNZA is experiencing technical difficulties....we are working to get it back on the air.

(KNZA)--A boil water advisories has been issued for the Brown County community of Robinson.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the advisory Friday due to water main break resulting in a loss of pressure in their system.

Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

KDHE says customers are advised to boil the water they use for drinking or food preparation for one minute prior to use, or use bottled water, until further notice.

(KMZA)--No injuries are reported after an explosion at a home in Bern.

According to Nemaha County Sheriff Rich Vernon, a propane leak is the suspected cause, following a preliminary investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

The house, located at 302 Main Street, incurred damage, but remains standing.

The investigation is continuing, but foul play has been ruled out.

The explosion happened shortly before 5:30 Monday morning in the porch area of the residence.

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

(MSC News) I would like to remind everyone that harvest time is here and we need to make sure to drive accordingly.  

A lot of the farm machinery takes up much of the roadway, especially on rural country roads.  Drivers are urged to drive with that in mind, and to make sure you are aware of your surroundings especially when cresting hills, not knowing what is on the other side.  

Many accidents happen in the early morning or later afternoon hours when the sun is just rising or setting, causing blind spots.  

Also accidents occur when drivers are trying to pass machinery as view of the farmer can become obstructed due to the equipment.  Some times motorists feel they are behind schedule and try to make up time on the road and try to pass in unsafe locations--remember, safety first, accidents can be avoided and we are asking your cooperation in making this harvest a safe one.  Also, please buckle up and arrive safely at your intended location.
 

(KNZA)--An elderly Jefferson County man is dead, hit by a vehicle Monday morning while crossing a four-lane highway in north Topeka.

The Kansas Highway Patrol identifies the victim as 85-year-old Jack Streeter, of Grantville.

The Patrol says Streeter was parked on the shoulder of the westbound lanes of U.S. 24 when he got out of his vehicle to walk across both lanes to pick up aluminum cans from the center median.

Streeter was struck by an SUV driven by 48-year-old Christopher Huffman, of Meriden.

Streeter was transported to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  Huffman was not hurt.

The fatal accident was reported around 7:15 Monday morning.  

(KAIR)--A $500 reward for recycling initiatives undertaken by students at Atchison High School.

According to a news release, the school's recycling team also placed in the top 20 schools competing in the Summertime Recycling Initiative Contest, sponsored by PepsiCo, Inc.

The team's goal was to recycle during summer school by adding additional bins at the Atchison Middle School where the Summer Food Program was held.

The Middle School kitchen was included in the effort.

The recycling team is spearheaded by the National Honor Society and the Ambassadors Club.

Both have co-sponsored the program for three years, through a partnership with Recycle Rally, a nationwide recycling program for K-12 schools.

In the two years that Atchison High School has been a part of the program, more than

72,000 containers have been recycled.

The team has also raised money used to install three bottle-filling water fountain stations at the high school, and has asked the City of Atchison to install recycling bins at each of the Atchison schools.

(KAIR)--A Lancaster man requires helicopter transport for the treatment of injuries suffered in an early Monday morning Atchison County UTV crash.

Sheriff Jack Laurie says 22-year-old Gerald Gray II was driving the Polaris Ranger southbound, on 286th Road, at Morton Road, when a white-tailed deer ran into his path, causing the UTV to collide with the animal.

Gray was ejected and suffered serious injuries to his head and right hand.

He was flown to the University of Kansas Hospital by LifeNet helicopter for the treatment of his injuries.

A passenger, 23-year-old Benjamin Chalfant, of Lancaster, was not hurt.

The crash happened around 12:15 Monday morning.

(KMZA)--The Vermillion USD 380 Board of Education has begun the search for a new superintendent.

Citing family reasons, current Superintendent Mischel Miller has informed the Board she will be leaving the district at the end of the 2017-18 school year to take another position.

"It's been difficult for me to be away from my family in western Kansas," Miller told MSC News. "I have an 80-year-old mother whose there, and the idea was, in my mind, that she might want to come to eastern Kansas, and to Frankfort, which wasn't going to happen. So, I'll be leaving at the end my contract, June 30, 2018, to take a position in Topeka with the State Department of Education"

Miller says during the second semester she will be working on a part-time basis in the district as she transition's into her new position.

Miller has served as superintendent of USD 380 since July 2015.

"I couldn't be more pleased with my time here, and the folks that I've met. The kids are just outstanding. It's been a great opportunity, and I thank the district for giving me that chance."

Miller hasn’t submitted a letter of resignation yet.

During a special meeting September 11th, prior to their regular meeting, the USD 380 Board met with representatives from the Kansas Association of School Board's to discuss the superintendent search process.

(KNZA)--The boil water advisory that had been issued for the Jackson County community of Mayetta has been rescinded.

The advisory was issued Thursday because of repairs to a valve resulting in a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Saturday that laboratory testing samples from the city of Mayetta indicate no evidence of contamination, and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

(KMZA)--Vermillion USD 380 patrons will face a reduced bond issue during the November 7th election.

The Board of Education during an August 28th special meeting voted 6-1 to place a $1.35 million bond issue on the ballot to provide safety and security measures at the district’s three attendance centers in Centralia, Frankfort and Vermillion.  Board member Royce Becker cast the lone no vote.

According to the district’s web site, the funds would be used at each building to develop secure entries, move the office spaces to the front entrances, provide access controls on exterior doors, new interior classroom locks, and address camera coverage deficiencies.

Superintendent Mischel Miller says the items were the board’s priority from the beginning.

If approved by voters, the bond issue would be paid off over a five-year period and require a projected 6.5 mill levy increase.

The district’s voters on August 1st turned down an $8.25 million bond issue by a more than 430 vote margin.  It would have addressed the safety and security measures and created additional classroom space at Centralia and Frankfort along with building a new gymnasium at Centralia.  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - The grandson of a 77-year-old woman who was found dead in St. Joseph has been charged in her death.

The body of Beverly Forrester was found late Thursday at a home in the 300 block of Yale Street after police were called to a disturbance at the residence.
 
The St. Joseph News-Press reports 28-year-old Robert Forrester was charged with second-degree murder in her death.
 
Information on how the woman died and other details of the case have not been released.
 
Forrester's arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 26.
 

(KNZA)--A boil water advisory has been issued for the Brown County community of Reserve.

City officials said Friday that the advisory is being issued due to a water main break overnight resulting in a loss of pressure in the system.

Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Customers are advised to boil the water they use for drinking or food preparation for one minute prior to use, or use bottled water, until further notice.

(KMZA)--Small utility vehicles licensed by the city of Seneca will now be allowed on streets after dark.  

The City Council Wednesday evening approved an amendment to the city’s existing ordinance to allow the vehicles to be operated at night.

The vehicles had been restricted to operation between dawn and dusk.

Council member Bruce Hermesch requested the change at the Council’s September 6th meeting, saying he had been approached by owners of the vehicles.   He noted the current ordinance already requires the vehicles to have lights including turn signals.

Passed in May 2010, the ordinance allows micro-utility vehicles, work-site utility vehicles, and low-speed vehicles to be operated in the city if they meet certain equipment requirements.  Owners must present proof  of insurance, tax assessment and purchase an annual city registration.  Operators are required to have a valid driver’s license.

The ordinance specifically excludes all-terrain vehicles.

(KLZA)-- Following public hearings on the proposed budget and tax levy Tuesday, drawing no input from the public, Richardson County Commissioners approved the budget for the next fiscal year.

The budget was approved as presented with an eight percent decrease from fiscal year 2016-17. The total budget of expenditures was set at $13,235,965. That is one-and-a-quarter million dollars less than last year.

The property tax requirement will be 34.02-cents per $100 of assessed valuation, which includes 2.65-cents for the jail bonds.  The new levy is nearly four cents less than last year.

The property tax requirement is $4,639,711, which includes $300,000 for cash reserves. The jail bond is $393,000, brining the total tax asking to just over $5,032,000. That is a 1.1 percent decrease.  

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Board of Education during a special meeting Thursday morning ratified a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2017-18 school year.

Under the agreement, Superintendent Lonnie Moser says teachers will see an average salary increase of just under 6 percent.

The base salary for a beginning teacher will increase $2,000 to $35,560.    

Moser said the Board looked at where the district was in comparison with neighboring districts.  He said they knew the district was behind, and at the same time was asking more of teachers as far as days of service compared to other districts.

Moser said it’s been a priority of the Board to make sure teachers were compensated fairly, and with the additional state aid the district is receiving due to a growing enrollment was able to provide the salary increases.

Moser added negotiations went very smoothly.  He said members of the teachers negotiating team signed the contract Wednesday, which is retro-active to the beginning of the school year.  

(KMZA)--Three Sabetha teens charged in connection with the burglary and vandalism of the Sabetha High School in April have entered into a plea agreement.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert says 18-year-old Marcus Jackman, 19-year-old Grant Meyer and 18-year-old Seth Harrell each pleaded no contest Wednesday to charges of theft and felony criminal damage to property.

In exchange for the plea, charges of burglary and consumption of alcohol by a minor were dismissed.

Harrell, who is being prosecuted as a juvenile, was adjudicated to be a juvenile offender for the commission of both offenses and is to be sentenced November 1st.

Lippert says Meyer and Jackman were sentenced to 12 months in jail on the theft charge and to 6 months in jail on the criminal damage to property charge, of which they must each serve 10 days.  He said the remainder of their sentences were suspended, and both placed on supervised probation for 24 months.  As a condition of their probation, both must refrain from entering property owned by USD 113 for the duration of their probation.

Lippert says the court will consider the amount of restitution and the imposition of community service work on November 1st.

Authorities say the teens broke into the Sabetha High School over the Easter weekend where they spray painted and used markers to write several racist, hate-based, vulgar messages.  In addition, authorities say the trio damaged and stole candy from a vending machine during the break-in.

Damage was estimated at $1,300.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) - Officials say an armed Nebraska inmate who escaped in a government vehicle transporting him has been captured in western Iowa.
 
The Pottawattamie County, Iowa Sheriff's Office says deputies found 37-year-old Eric Scott walking near the sheriff's department in Council Bluffs around noon Thursday and arrested him without incident.
 
Deputies say a service weapon that belonged to an eastern Nebraska sheriff's deputy was found in a backpack Scott was carrying when he was arrested.
 
Investigators say Scott was being transferred by a Dodge County deputy Wednesday when Scott commandeered the car south of Wahoo, pushing the deputy out of the vehicle. The deputy suffered minor injuries
 
Scott was serving two to four years for fifth-offense drunken driving conviction when he escaped.

(KAIR)--A teenage girl reported missing from Jackson County has been located. 

Sheriff Tim Morse said 16-year-old Katie Vance was found in Jackson County Thursday afternoon. 

Morse Thursday morning asked for public help in finding Vance, who was believed to have runaway from home, driving her parents car. 

(KNZA)--A boil water advisory has been issued for the Jackson County community of Mayetta.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the advisory Thursday because of repairs to a valve resulting in a loss of pressure in the system.

Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Customers are advised to boil the water they use for drinking or food preparation for one minute prior to use, or use bottled water, until further notice.

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - An investigator says one of two inmates killed during a Nebraska prison riot this year was stabbed more than 130 times.
 
Violence erupted at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution in March after inmates took over a housing unit. Police say the uprising was sparked by staff finding 150 pounds of alcohol made by inmates.
 
Inmate Eric Ramos has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of one inmate, Michael Galindo.
 
During a hearing in the case Wednesday, Nebraska State Patrol Investigator Neal Trantham said Galindo died as a result of about 130 "sharp-force wounds" and inhaling smoke from a fire.
 
Trantham says as many as 15 inmates attacked Galindo, but Ramos was the primary attacker. Ramos' attorney questioned that assertion.
 
The deaths came two years after a larger riot at the same prison left two other inmates dead.
 

(KAIR)--A Topeka man goes to jail, arrested early Thursday morning after an alleged attack on an Atchison Police Officer.

Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC Radio News officers were on foot patrol, in downtown Atchison, shortly after 2:00. “The officers routinely are on foot patrol in the downtown area during the night, checking buildings, checking doors.”

Wilson says it was while the officers were engaged in their downtown tasks, they were confronted by 37-year-old Jason Daniels. “Daniels began making threats against the officers as he moved aggressively towards the officers, showing his fists. He continued to do that, to the point where he was eventually was arrested, and then, during that arrest, kicked an officer.”

The officer, allegedly kicked by Daniels, was not seriously hurt.

Daniels was taken into custody on charges of criminal threat, assault, and battery on a law enforcement officer.

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

(KMZA)--A rural Seneca barn containing 1,000 hay bales was destroyed by fire late Tuesday night.

The Seneca Volunteer Fire Department was called to the fire just before 10:00 a ¼ mile south of Seneca near the 144th Road junction.

Fire Chief Tom Scott said the barn was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.

He said fire was reported by a passerby.  

Firefighters remained on the scene until 2:45 Wednesday morning.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

No injuries were reported.

(KAIR)--A successful water rescue Wednesday afternoon, with Atchison area crews called for possible assistance after a person was spotted in the Missouri River.

The person was ultimately rescued by Buchanan County area authorities at Contrary Creek, a tributary of the river.

Captain Lee Kipple, of the Atchison Fire Department, says his office was called to respond shortly before 2:00.

The agency placed the department's rescue boat on the river, and provided support near Rushville, Missouri, if needed.

KQ2-TV reports the man was camping near the river, when he was apparently pulled in while standing near the water.

Following the quick rescue, the man was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

His name has not yet been made public.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will hold its citywide fall Clean-Up Day Saturday, September 23rd..

The clean-up site will be located at the county property at 11th and Pottawatomie Streets.

Items will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bob Spicer Salvage will be at this location to accept air conditioners, appliances, tires WITH rims, iron, metal and batteries.

Each household will be allowed one pickup load, one carload, or one single-axle trailer load. No contractors are allowed and the city reserves the right to refuse any load. Proof of residency will be required.

Unacceptable items include household trash, leaves, grass clippings, tires, paint, oil, gas, hazardous materials, and any material containing Freon except appliances.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Police Department joined the Nebraska State Patrol in a nationwide effort to crack down on impaired driving.

Through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation-Highway Sefety Office extra officers worked several hours overtime during a two week period that included the total solar eclipse, Falls City's Cobblestone Festival and Labor Day weekend.

During the enforcement period Fall City officers had 182 contacts. Among the citations were 22 speeding tickets, 2 drug violations and 2 warrant arrests.

TONGANOXIE, Kan. (AP) — Tyson Foods says its plans to build a $320 million chicken-processing plant near Tonganoxie are "on hold."

In a letter to media Tuesday, Tyson poultry president Doug Ramsey says the decision comes after the Leavenworth County Commission Monday reversed its support of issuing $500 million in industrial revenue bonds to help finance the plant. The commission rescinded the resolution amid growing opposition to the plant from Leavenworth County residents.

On Friday night, between 2,000 and 3,000 people attended a town hall and persuaded local legislators to oppose the plant.

Ramsey said Tyson still has an interest in building in Leavenworth County but will prioritize its locations in Kansas and other states that have expressed support for the plant. The company said the plant would bring 1,600 jobs to the county.

(KAIR)--A handgun is missing in Atchison County, and authorities are searching for whoever might be responsible for the theft.

According to Sheriff Jack Laurie, the 9mm pistol was stolen sometime between August 31 and September 9.

The owner, who reported the theft Monday, told authorities the gun was taken from his vehicle.

The loss is estimated at around $350.

Investigators have not yet determined any suspects, and anyone with information related to the theft is urged to contact the Atchison County Sheriff's Office.

(KAIR)--A Jackson County Sheriff's Office investigation leads to the arrest of a Holton man, accused of committing child-related sex crimes.

According to Sheriff Tim Morse, 19-year-old Chaz Aaron Zibell was taken into custody Sunday on a seven count District Court warrant.

He faces six counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of aggravated indecent solicitation of a child.

According to the complaint, Zibell possessed child pornography and solicited a child for child pornography pictures.

The alleged crimes are listed in the complaint as occurring between July 2015 and November 2015.

All of the victims are minors.

Following his arrest, Zibell was booked into the Jackson County Jail, but later released after posting a $10,000 bond.

(KAIR)--The execution of a search warrant at a Holton home leads to the arrest of a man in connection with a stolen vehicle.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the raid was conducted at 938 Kansas Avenue in order to apprehend Robert Dean Savago, and to recover a stolen vehicle believed to be at that location.

Morse says the search warrant was executed Monday afternoon, and the stolen van recovered.

The 24-year-old Savago was taken into custody at the scene in connection with the theft, as well as two outstanding no bond Jackson County District Court warrants for probation violation.

The 2005 van is believed to have been stolen from Auburn, Nebraska.

Following his arrest, Savago was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KMZA)--A burglary and theft earlier this month at the Centralia car wash remains under investigation.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office says sometime around 2:00 the morning of September 2nd an unknown person damaged locks and money boxes taking the cash inside the car wash.

The damage was estimated at around $1,300, with about $10 cash stolen.

Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office in Seneca.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Council has approved the acceptance of bids for a property on G Street.

The empty lot, formerly the Gaston property, was declared a nuisance property. The City cleaned up the property, which included razing the home of the property.

Sealed bids for the purchase of the property will be opened during the September 25th meeting of the Pawnee City Council.

The Council did approve a request from Keith and Joyce Klepper to vacate an all between 13th and 14th Street in Block 3, North Pawnee City. In addition, the Council waived the three reading rule, finalizing the action.

City Clerk Tammy Stephens noted the curb painting project organized by Deputy City Clerk Kelly Wiers. Pawnee City teacher Mrs. Moser and 15 students from the Pawnee City School assisted with the project.

(KLZA)--Pawnee County Commissioners met last week with representatives of the Sheriff’s Department, Emergency Management and First Wireless regarding the statewide radio system.

Mike Jeffres with the statewide radio system attended via phone.

Pawnee County portable Kenwood radios will not work on the state wide system. Sheriff Jayme Reed will work with Jeffres and the County will look at some portable radios on demonstration to see if they have good coverage in the County.

Highway Superintendent Chris Rauner discussed equipment and personnel with the Board.

Interviews are being conducted for the position of maintenance worker. The week of October 10 Road Department employees will switch to winter hours, working from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

(KNZA)--Public health warnings continue for two local lakes due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says the Hiawatha City Lake and Brown State Fishing Lake are among 14 in the state under “warning” status.

KDHE says while activities like boating and fishing may be safe, 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.

(KAIR)--The Atchison Fire Department announced that it began its annual Fire Hydrant Inspection program on September 18, 2017. This testing is conducted annually to ensure that fire hydrants throughout the community are in proper working order. Weather permitting, crews will be flushing hydrants Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and maintenance will continue into October, if necessary. The flushing operation may result in brief periods of reduced water pressure, especially for those customers located in low pressure areas, or discolored water. Residents are asked to run their water until it clears before drinking or doing laundry and refrain from washing white or light colored clothing during the flushing period.

Flushing hydrants:

• Confirms that the hydrant is operating correctly;

• Documents the amount of flow and pressure at the hydrant for firefighting purposes; and

• Clears the lines of any sediment material.

When the flushing operation is complete, normal water pressure and clear water should return. If you experience discoloration and rust particles in your water, locate the farthest and highest cold water faucet in your home from the water meter. If there is an aerator, remove it, and turn on the cold water faucet until the water runs clear. If the water is still discolored after running the cold water for 10 minutes, please turn off the faucet and check it again one hour later. Should a problem persist, please call the Public Works Department between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at 367-5561.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved the appointment of a new city attorney.  

Following an executive session Monday evening, the Commission unanimously approved the appointment of Andy Delaney to fill the unexpired term of Don Cashman.  

The appointment is effective November 1st, with the term ending in May 2018. The position will be up for re-appointment at that time.   

Mayor Dr. Steffen Shamburg said Delaney is a lifelong Hiawatha resident who has practiced law about 15 years. He said the city had a couple of good applicants.    

The Commission accepted the resignation of Cashman at their September 5th meeting, effective October 31st.  Cashman, who is retiring from the practice of law at the end of the year, has served as city attorney for more than 48 years.  

In other business, the Commission approved the hiring of Terry Jimeson to fill the position of wastewater operator in training, pending successful completion of a physical capacity test and drug evaluation.  

Jimeson is to begin work October 16th at a salary of $13.50 an hour.  

Wastewater Superintendent Dave Grimm said he was among three candidates interviewed for the position, and previously worked for the city.

(KMZA)--A three-vehicle wreck over the weekend in Pottawatomie County claimed the life of a Wamego teenager.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat said 18-year-old Daniel McDonald was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck late Saturday afternoon on U.S 24 Highway, east of Schoeman Road.

Riat says McDonald was eastbound when his Volkswagon Jetta crossed the center line and was struck by two westbound vehicles shortly before 5:00.

One of those drivers, 35-year-old St. George resident Joshua Asbury, was injured in the crash and transported to a Manahttan Hospital.

The other driver, 44-year-old St. Mary’s resident Corey Swisher, was not hurt.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) – Leavenworth County officials have backed away from offering a key incentive for a planned Tyson Foods Inc. chicken-processing plant.
 
The Lawrence Journal-World reports Leavenworth County commissioners said Monday that they're no longer prepared to issue industrial revenue bonds for the $320 million project south of Tonganoxie.
 
The commission voted 2-1 to rescind a previous resolution favoring $500 million in bonds to help finance the project. The resolution would have made the project eligible for an 80 percent property-tax reduction.
 
The commission's vote came three days after a town hall meeting persuaded local legislators to oppose the project. From 2,000 to 3,000 people attended, and many objected to the project.
 
The Springdale, Arkansas-based Tyson announced its plans earlier this month and said the new plant would employ 1,600 workers.

(KAIR)--Three Atchison County residents face drug charges following the conclusion of a multiple-week investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, an initial search warrant was conducted in mid-August at an apartment at 221 North 3rd Street in Atchison. The search warrant led to the arrest of Robert Gilliland of Atchison for Distribution of Methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school.

Upon completion of the search warrant, the Sheriff’s Office recovered 4 grams of meth - far less than the 1.5 ounces they had expected to recover based on information they had been given.

The investigation continued with the sheriff’s office monitoring mail and phone calls between Gilliland and his associates. Then, on September 8th, the sheriff’s office obtained information alleging that the quantity of meth believed to have been missing had been found by sheriff’s deputies, and had been hidden outside the apartments at 221 North 3rd. The Sheriff’s Office determined that numerous suspects were involved in trying to recover and distribute the meth.

Along with Gilliland, David Chapman of Lancaster, and Tina Ordaz of Effingham were also arrested. All have been charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Using a Communication Facility in the Attempted Commission of a Felony Drug Violation. Ordaz was additionally charged with Attempted Distribution of Methamphetamine. All three were booked into the Atchison County Jail with a 25-thousand dollar bond.

(KAIR)--A joint effort between the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol has led to the arrest of a Leavenworth woman on drug charges.

38-year-old Cheryl Lynn Russell was arrested Thursday for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and no drug tax stamp. She is being held on a 10-thousand dollar bond.

According to a report from the Atchison County Sherrif’s Office, deputies had information that a female driving a black SUV would be transporting methamphetamine into Atchison.

Deputies and a Kansas Highway Patrolman teamed up to find the vehicle in question and stop it at Raven Hill Road just east of US 73 Hwy.

On the scene, about an ounce of methamphetamine was seized along with drug paraphernalia.

(KLZA)--The Johnson-Brock Board of Education heard a report from Superintendent Jeff Koehler during the September Board meeting on plans for the front entrance remodel, the elementary roof and HVAC upgrades for the second floor of the 1936 building.

In addition the Superintendent discussed the possibility of extending out the wall during a new bathroom remodel to create more privacy.  

Board members approved recognition of the Johnson-Brock Education Association as the collective bargaining agent for the Johnson-Brock teachers for the 2018-19 school year. 

Teacher Lori Broady addressed the Board about her work with the Nebraska Department of Education for Social Studies Strategic Planning. 

Johnson-Brock has been used as a model due to the success of community service requirements.  It was also noted the Nebraska Attorney General would be visiting Mrs. Broady’s Modern Problems class in two weeks.  This years topics are prison overcrowding and the opioid epidemic.

(KNZA)--Police are investigating a shooting late Sunday night in downtown St. Joseph that left one person injured.

KQ2-TV reports police responded shortly before 10:15 to a report of multiple shots fired at a residence near the intersection of 9th and Angelique Streets.

When officers arrived, they found a 20-year-old woman who had been shot three times.

The woman was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for the treatment of what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

As last check, the woman was reported in stable condition.  Her name has not been released.

Police do not have any suspects at this time.  Anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-238-TIPS.

(KLZA)--Pawnee City Council members approved the fiscal year 2017-18 budget and property tax request following public hearings drawing no comments last week.

The vote to approved the budget items was 2-1 with Councilman John Dahlgren casting a nay vote on each agenda item and Councilman Mark Sunneberg was absent.

The property tax request will be 47.69-cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The total property tax request will be $120,190.

The total budget for the next fiscal year is just over $10-million for Pawnee City. City Clerk Tammy Stephens told MSCNEWS that a number of large projects account for more than $7.5-million of the total budget. Those projects include the Assisted Living Facility under construction with a $3.4-million price tag. A $3.7-million street overlay project that will likely be spread out over three years. Other capital improvement projects contributing toward the large budget is the pool improvement project and the capital improvement loan program that goes through the City budget. 

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners will conduct their annual budget hearing Tuesday morning at 11.

The proposed budget of expenditures for Fiscal Year 2017-18 is $13,235,965, a decrease of 8-percent. The total decrease is nearly one-and-a-quarter million dollars.

The proposed property tax requirement is $4,639,711, which includes $300,000 for cash reserves.  The Jail bond requirement is nearly $393,000 bringing the total tax asking to just over $5,032,000. This amount represents at 1.1 percent decrease, coming to $52,256.

The proposed property tax levy for the general operating budget is 31.36-cents per $100 of assessed valuation, a slight decrease of less than a tenth of a cent. The jail bond levy is 2.65-cents, which is down nearly three-tenths of a cent.  The total proposed levy is 34.02-cents per $100 of assessed valuation, which represents a drop of 3.89-cents from 2016.

The Richardson County valuation for 2017 is $1,479,430,524, which is up just over 1.5-million dollars from 2016.

(KNZA)--Unemployment was down in most area northeast Kansas counties in August.

According to figures released Friday by the Kansas Department of Labor, Atchison County had the highest unemployment rate among area counties at 6.4 percent while Nemaha County had the lowest at 2.6 percent.

Elsewhere, Brown County’s unemployment rate last month was 3.5 percent; Doniphan, 3.9 percent; Jackson, 3.2 percent; Jefferson, 3.9 percent; Leavenworth, 4.5 percent; Marshall, 2.9 percent and Pottawatomie, 3.4 percent.

All the figures were down from July except in Jefferson and Leavenworth Counties.   In addition,  all the figures were down from August 2016.

Statewide, the unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent in August.  That’s an increase of two-tenths of a percent from July.  

The state Department of Labor said the increased employment was related mostly to manufacturing layoffs and revised government job estimates.   

(KMZA)--Nemaha Central Board of Education heard a presentation on a senior project when they held their regular meeting last week.  

High School senior Zac Buessing told the Board he would like to raise a puppy to serve as a service dog and had the permission of the senior project board to do that as his senior project.

Buessing asked the school board if he could bring the dog to school with him, once it is potty trained.  He said he would also bring a portable dog kennel with him to school for the dog to take breaks in.

The Board approved allow Buessing to bring his dog to school once its trained.

Athletic Director Warren Seitz addressed the Board on whey he felt the Nemaha Central Middle School should move from the Oregon Trail League to the Big 7 League.  The Board voted to allow Seitz to submit an application for entrance into the Big 7.

 Superintendent Darrel Kohlman told the Board he would like to replace the old student travel van with a car.  He said Honeyman Ford, of Seneca, has a 2018 Ford Fusion for $19,180 with a rebate.  The Board approved the purchase of the car.  Honeyman Ford said they would take the old van to an auction and gave the school the proceeds from what it brings.

The meeting began with the Board taking a tour of the Nemaha Central Elementary/Middle School guided by Principal Dr. Amy Beck.         

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting residents about a new scam being reported locally.  

Merchant says several residents have informed him that have have been receiving phone calls from individuals who are claiming to be " student loan representatives", with " USA" showing on the caller ID of the residents phones.

The callers are informing residents that they have a refund coming back on their students loans due incorrect interest on their loan account.

The caller appears to know that the residents do in fact have students loans and address the resident by name.  They do not appear to have any other personal information other than the students name.
 
The caller advises that the refund can be automatically deposited in the residents bank account and tries to obtain additional personal account information.

Merchant said one resident reported that the caller was very convincing and friendly, with a thick foreign accent.  

So far, he says no one has provided these scammers with any information.   As usual, Merchant advises residents to never give out personal information over the phone.  

Merchant says if you have any questions regarding your student loan account, contact them directly, and never rely on your caller ID at any time to identify who you are speaking to.  He says if you feel you have been a victim of this scam, notify your local law enforcement at once.

(KNZA)--A motorcyclist was injured early Saturday evening in Jefferson County after striking a school bus containing 13 occupants.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 45-year-old Bonner Springs resident Erik Runyan was traveling on U.S. 24 when his Harley Davidson motorcycle drifted into the opposite lane of travel east of Williamstown, striking a Tonganoxie USD 464 school bus shortly before 6:00.

According to the school district, the bus was returning from a high school volleyball tournament at Rossville when the wreck occurred.

The Patrol says says no one on the bus was injured. The passengers ranged in age from 7 to 26.

Runyan, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to a Topeka hospital with unspecified injuries. 

(KLZA)--In an effort to reduce alcohol-related crashes and the potential for injuries or fatalities, the Nebraska State Patrol will conduct a special enforcement in Otoe County this weekend.

The enforcement will run from September 15-17 in conjunction with Nebraska City’s AppleJack Festival. The annual festival attracts more than 50,000 visitors from across the region.

Troopers will conduct saturation patrols and vehicle checks in and around Nebraska City during the enforcement period.

Captain Lance Rogers, Commander of Troop H, encourages drivers to voluntarily follow traffic safety laws, wear seat belts, and never drive impaired or distracted.”

The special enforcement is made possible thanks in part to a grant for $2,375 from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

(KAIR)--Two Huron residents were injured in a two-vehicle wreck that took place near Lancaster Friday morning.

According to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Jo Anne Enzbrenner was eastbound on US 73 Highway near 286th Rd, when the Jeep Cherokee she was driving went off onto the gravel shoulder.

Laurie says Enzbrenner then overcorrected, causing the vehicle she was driving to spin. Laurie says it was then struck by a semi truck driven by Bradley Elrod.

Enzbrenner was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St.Joseph along with her passenger, George Royer, who was also injured in the wreck.

Details regarding the extent of their injuries are not available at this time.

The semi driver was not hurt.

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - An inmate accused of starting fires at a southeast Nebraska prison during a deadly riot has been sentenced to an additional 30 to 50 years behind bars.

 The Lincoln Journal Star reports 26-year-old Justin Busch was found guilty of first-degree arson on Thursday. He had been serving an 18- to 24-year sentence for robbery charges at Tecumseh State Correctional Institution when a riot broke out on Mother's Day in 2015.

 The riot caused severe damage to the prison and left two inmates dead. No one has been charged in the deaths.

Johnson County District Judge Ricky Scheiner said he doesn't hold Busch responsible for the deaths, but said he does hold him accountable for creating a violent environment.

 Busch says he takes responsibility for his actions, but isn't a bad person.
 

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Board of Education tabled indefinitely discussions on expanding pre-kindergarten opportunities for the School District. 

An agreement was renewed with the Tiger Pride Foundation to lease the Table Rock gymnasium for the 2017-18 high school sports,with a fee of $3,500.

Board members Lisa Hunzeker, Jason Vetrovsky and A.J. Tomky were appointed to serve on the committee on Americanism.

(KLZA)--The Mound City Board of Aldermen approved  several bids when they met September 6th.

A bid in an amount of $139,199 was approved from McFadden Construction for the 2017 Street Patching projects.  The bid was for 29,305 square feet of patching work at a cost of $4.75 per unit.  

An additional $3,500 was approved for a stair enclosure on the east side of the existing wall at the City Hall Park.  The bid was awarded to Mann’s Lawn and Landscape.  Alderman Duane Nauman cast a nay vote with the rest of the Board voting in favor.  

Following a length discussion concerning three bids for a Drive-By Meter System for the Water Department, the decision was tabled until a later date.
Three bids were received, ranging from $146,900 up to $199,925. 

The Mound City Fall Cleanup  Day date has been approved.  The event will take place Saturday, October 28 from 1 – 3:00 p.m. at the swimming pool parking lot.   

(KLZA)--This is Homecoming Week at Falls City High School.

Following a full week of activities the Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned at halftime of the Friday night football game against Lincoln Christian. 

 The Queen candidates include Elle Findlay,  Meredith Poppe and Katie Stoller.

The Homecoming King candidates are Riley McCullough, Noah Milam and Rudy Vrtiska.

The Homecoming activities are sponsored by the Student Council.

(KNZA)--The annual Maple Leaf Festival will take place Saturday in downtown Hiawatha in conjunction with the Brown County Historical Society’s Heritage days.

This year festival, which will run from 9 to 3, will include several new events.

Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Director Deidra Leander says they will be moving the vendors to the north side of the courthouse square and into Oregon Street, which will shut down from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Sixth to Eighth Streets for the event.

In addition to the variety of craft and vendor booths downtown, there will be a kids entertainment area.  It will include a 60-foot obstacle course and a toddler bounce house that will be open from 10 to 2.

Tim Strathman and Blacktop Road will be performing a free concert from 10 to 2 at Sixth and Oregon.  

Heritage Days will take place at the Historical Society’s Ag Museum site on East Iowa Street.  The Historical Society will be providing shuttle rides from the downtown museum and Maple Leaf festivities to the Ag Museum every half hour, from 10 to 2.    

In addition, the U.S. 36 Treasure Hunt is also being held this weekend, along with the city-wide garage sales in Hiawatha.  

(KAIR)--Three local non-profit organizations are among 13 state wide awarded Community Service Tax Credits.

According to a press release issued by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the credits have, since 1994, “helped non-profits undertake major capitol fund-raising drives for various projects which have made an enormous impact on the lives of Kansans.”

The local organizations named to receive tax credits in 2017 include Atchison Valley Hope, which receives credits in the amount of $200,000, which will be used for the renovation of the treatment center.

Theatre Atchison receives credits in the amount of $210,000, which are earmarked to support the ongoing goal of renovating the former Royal Movie Theater, in downtown Atchison. That will also allow the organization to provide youth programming.

Holton-based Rural Health Resources of Jackson County, Inc, has been selected to receive tax credits in the amount of $213,000. The credits will allow the Holton Community Hospital to move forward with the goal of a building and canopy additon, as well as an emergency room and inpatient/swingbed facility remodel.

 Tax credit awards are distributed through a competitive application process.  

Based on the scope and costs of the proposed project, applicants may request up to $250,000 in tax credits. Applicant organizations in rural areas, with a population of less than 15,000, are eligible for a seventy percent credit. 

Applicant organizations in non-rural areas are eligible for a fifty percent credit.

(KAIR)--Halfway there.

That's the word from Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy, regarding the Catholic high school's $4 million 2020 Vision campaign.

The halfway mark was reached through the recent receipt of a $1 million gift which was donated to the school by 1962 alumnus Michael Haverty, and his wife, Marlys.

To honor the donation, the school's gym will be named the Haverty Gymnasium.

School President Phil Baniewicz calls the Haverty's “humble,” saying they asked for no recognition, but he wanted the students to see their name and know who they are, saying, “they are the kind of people we want our students to emulate.”

The school had already raised $1 million prior to receiving the gift.

According to a press release from the school, the 2020 Vision campaign is focused on four goals: to have MH-MA considered one of the top five Catholic boarding schools in the country; to ensure faith, truth and excellence happen daily; to create a great first impression and longevity; and to ensure that the MH-MA experience positively changes students and prepares them to succeed in college and life.

To achieve the goals, Baniewicz plans to use the raised funds towards a remodel of the school’s front entrance, a remodel of the cafeteria, expanding and repaving the east driveway, a new gym floor, lights for the baseball field, enhancement of the dorms’ exteriors, landscaping improvements, and the purchase of a new air conditioning system, among other improvements.

(KNZA)--An Atchison County teacher has been recognized for instilling a passion for learning about agriculture within her students.

Atchison County Community Elementary School teacher Wanda Small was recently named as the 2018 Janet Sims Memorial Teacher of the Year by the Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.

The Foundation honors one teacher annually who has successfully integrated agricultural education into his or her pre-existing curriculum.
 
Small teaches Project-Based STEAM Learning classes at ACCES.  She uses agriculture as an anchor for the classes, which reach more than 150 students.

Small credits the school’s administration and the greater community for their support and "all-in" approach to the success of her program.
 
Small was also one of ten national winners to receive the 2017 Henry Ford Innovative Teacher award.
 
Small will be recognized during the 2017 KFAC Annual Meeting November 16th in Manhattan, and will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2018 National Agriculture in the Classroom conference to be held in Portland, Maine.

Small will also be considered for the 2018 National Excellence in Teaching About Agriculture award, presented by the National Agriculture in the Classroom organization.

(KLZA)--The Falls City School Board voted to accept with regret the resignation of Board member Scott Huppert when they met Monday evening.

Huppert, who has served on the Board for 10 year has accepted a job a the Highway Superintendent in Dodge County 

In other business the Board took no action on the 2017 – 18 Early Separation applications.

The Board also voted to recognize the Falls City Education Association as the bargaining agent for contract negotiations.  

(KLZA)-- The 2017 Richardson County Fair kicked off with the annual Humboldt Fall Festival and Coronation program Wednesday evening in the City Square Park.  

Humboldt Chamber President Dustin White and Humboldt Mayor Crystal Dunekacke welcomed the audience.

The 2017 Richardson County Fair Queen is Abby Fiegener, daughter of Francis and Julie Fiegener of rural Dawson. Abby is a senior at Falls City Sacred Heart School. 

Crowned as King of the 2017 Fair was Van Leech of Humboldt. 

Named the 2017 Humboldt Woman of the Year was Shirley Stevicks.

The rest of the Royal Court who were finalists for Richardson County Fair Queen are 4th runner-up Cheree Abbott; 3rd runner-up Randee Witt; 2nd runner-up Emma Shubert and 1st runner-up Grace Kanel. 

The King and Queen were crowned by 1957 Fair Queen Sherryn Bucher Rist. 

(KMZA)--Charges are expected to be filed against five teenagers in connection with the extensive vandalism of a historic Marshall County cemetery.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department says vandals struck the Pecenka Cemetery, located about three miles southwest of Bremen, twice September 7th through the 10th.

Sheriff Dan Hargrave said more than 30 tombstones were damaged or destroyed.   He estimated the total damage at up to $90,000.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department was assisted by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department in its investigation.

The Maryville Advocate reports the small rural cemetery was established by several Bohemian and Czech families in the 19th century and is still in use today.

(KLZA)--The Johnson – Brock Board of Education has a new member.

The Board approved the appointment of Tom Teten to fill a vacancy on the Board.

The Board elected Paul Moerer as Vice-President of the Board.

Prior to the regular meeting public hearings were conducted on the proposed budget and property tax levy for the next fiscal year.

The Board approved the property tax request for the General Fund Budget of Expenditures at more than $2.7-million and the tax request for the Special Building Fund was set at nearly $283,000.  The tax request on a pair of Bond  Funds was approved.  One will be in excess of $155,000 with the second bond fund tax request is just short of $70,000. 

(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved a resolution providing the district the authority to increase the local option budget from 30 percent of the general fund up to 33 percent in future years.

Superintendent Todd Evans says the action came during the Board’s regular meeting this week.

He said the intent is not to increase taxes, but to increase the flexibility of maximizing state aid.

For this year, Evans said the district’s state aid rate for capital outlay is 6 percent while the state aid rate for the LOB is 20 percent.

During future budgeting work, he said this flexibility will allow them to determine the best option for local taxpayers.

In other business, Evans presented information he had gathered from other area schools, law enforcement and insurance companies on surveillance cameras.

That comes following the break-in and vandalism of two of the district’s schools in a span of 4-months---one at the Sabetha High School in April and another at the Wetmore Attendance Center in August.

Evans said all other Big 7 League schools have surveillance equipment at their school buildings in some form.

Following discussion, the Board directed Evans to more forward on obtaining cost estimates.

(AP)--A Kansas State Board of Education panel is recommending a new licensing system to reduce the shortage of teachers in the state.

 The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the state education department said Tuesday there are 90 elementary school teacher openings in Kansas and more than 80 vacancies for special education teachers.

 A teacher vacancy committee has recommended an elementary licensing process that would require a district to identify people with "great potential" to be a teacher.

The person must have a bachelor's degree and be enrolled in an approved elementary education preparation program. The process to become a licensed elementary school teacher would take two years.

Board member Janet Waugh says the board hasn't acted on those recommendations because it didn't have the latest teacher vacancy data.

(KLZA)--The Nemaha County, Nebraska Commissioners have requested Mainelli Wagner & Associates conduct a study on the request to close a road by Linn DeBuhr.  

DeBuhr has requested the south half of County Road 104-A, be closed between two sections.

Commissioners also voted during their September 6th meeting to accept the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Audit from the Nebraska State Auditor and placed it on file.

Sheriff Brent Lottman was authorized to renew an agreement for inmate phone service with Protocall, LLC, with the County to receive a 38-percent commission on all true gross revenue from collect and prepaid account calls and $2,500 worth of phone cards free.

The Board also declared a 1992 Cornhusker Rock pup trailer as surplus equipment and will allow RDO Truck Center to consign selling the trailer for a 4-month period on their yard.  Commissioner Bohling was authorized to accept any reasonable offer for the trailer.  

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Fair is this week in Humboldt.

The theme this year is:  “Celebrating 150 Years of the Good Life.”
The Richardson County Agricultural Society and Humboldt Chamber of Commerce sponsor the annual event.

Events will begin Wednesday evening with the Coronation Program.  During the 7:00 p.m. program in the park the King and Queen of the Fair will be crowned. The program will feature musical talent and costuming.

Parades will begin at 11:00 a.m. each day of the Fair featuring area bands, floats, horses, costumed children along with decorated vintage and novelty vehicles.  The King and Queen’s float will lead the parade each day around the square in Humboldt. 

Thursday events include goat and sheep judging beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Livestock Center.  The Southeast Nebraska, Community Band will perform at 6:30 p.m. followed by the 7:30 presentation of the AK-SAR-BEN Good Neighbor Award, to Vanes Moerer. Vanes became a member of the Ag Society in 1989. He passed away this past July.

100 Year Pioneer Farm Family Awards will be presented to the Dahlke Agricultural Trust, The Eugene  Dahlke Family of Humboldt and Myron Leech of  Humboldt.

150 Year Pioneer Farm Family Awards will be presented to Jerry Nemecheck and Jesse Joe Nemechck of Humboldt.
 

Friday events will include the 11:00 a.m. parade.  The poultry judging at 1:00 p.m.  The Kiddy Tractor Pull at 4:00 p.m. A Street Dance will begin at 9:30 p.m. featuring the Outlaw Creek band.

Saturday begins with an antique tractor show at 8:00 a.m. that continues throughout the day.  The parade will be at 11:00 a.m. The Dairy and Beef shows will begin at 1:00 p.m. along with the Horse Show Judging. 

The D.C. Lynch Carnival will be open all four days of the Fair around the square in Humboldt.

The Free Acts are presented on stage in the park at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  

Thursday Sound Exchange, an a cappella group will bring music and comedy to the stage.  Sound Exchange is based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. 

Friday the Free Act is The Sweetwater Band. Nebraska’s premier party band since 1978. They will play a variety of music ranging from classic and modern country to classic rock, blues and pop songs.

The Saturday free Act is Sherwin and Pam Linton who will present a tribute to Johnny Cash.

Later Saturday night, Naked Sunday, a band based out of Omaha will bring a guitar-based rock show to the stage in the park.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council has approved a request for no parking signs between 10th and 11th Street on the west side of Fulton Street.

During the City Council meeting on September 6th, City Administrator Gary Jorn explained Falls City School District,  Transportation Director Rob  Baker asked if the City would consider a request for a no-parking designation along the street adjacent to South Elementary School. Baker raised concerns about parents letting their children out of vehicles on the west side of  Fulton Street and kids crossing the street without utilizing the cross walks.

Baker noted the school district is considering some reconfiguring of the school bus loading zone at South School, including moving off-street parking to the south of the school building.  

The request was approved unanimously.

The Council also heard an update from the Lane Leadership Group on the splash pad project they want to do at Dallas Jones Park.

Mitch Merz said that approximately 80-percent of the funding has been raised with other donors ready to contribute. He also noted there are several grant applications the group is waiting to hear back from.

Merz did ask the Council if the City would be willing to be the purchaser of the equipment and award the bid for the project in order to save money on taxes.  The Lane Leadership Group is not tax exempt.

During the conversation it was suggested the Richardson Foundation be contacted as well to see if they could serve as the purchaser. 

The Council took no action on the matter.  

(KLZA)--The Auburn City Council meeting scheduled for Monday evening has been postponed until Thursday, September 14th.

Mayor Scott Kudrna told MSCNEWS there was not a quorum present for the Monday evening meeting so the meeting, including the annual public hearings on the budget proposal and property tax request were postponed to Thursday evening at 7 at City Hall.  

(KNZA)--A man suspected of mulitple Jackson County burglaries is in custody.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says 45-year-old Curt Vandevelde, of St. Marys, was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Holton attempting to sell stolen property.

He was taken into custody by the Holton Police Department and Sheriff's Office.

Morse says items believed to have been taken from residences in Jackson County were recovered from a stolen vehicle Vandevelde was driving.

He was booked into the Jackson County Jail on burglary and theft charges.  Morse says further charges are expected.

Vandevelde remains in custody on $50,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A change of command ceremony is set for the Kansas National Guard’s Hiawatha-based 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery.

Lt. Colonel Larry Leupold will assume command of the historic battalion from Lt. Colonel Thomas Powers during a ceremony Friday evening, September 15th  at 7:00 at the Hiawatha Armory.

Leupold is approaching his 25th year of service in the Kansas Army National Guard, with more than ten years of that spent in various assignments within the 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery.

Leupold has lived in Hiawatha since 2005.  He and his wife, Kim, have three children.

Leupold says he’s honored to be among the few to be called commander of the distinguished battalion.  He says he approaches the assignment with great pride and commitment to upholding the legacy.  

The Battalion has units in Holton, Marysville, Paola, Lenexa, Ottawa and Clay Center.      

(KNZA)--Students in Effingham USD 377 will be taking spring break this school year later than had originally been scheduled.

The Board of Education voted during their regular meeting Monday evening to change the district calendar, moving spring break to the week of March 19th-23rd.  It had been scheduled for March 12-16.

The change is being made to align with the Kansas Board of Regents designated week for spring break.

In other action, the Board voted to accept the invitation to join the Northeast Kansas League, beginning in the 2018-19 school year, for both Junior High and High School activities.

The district is currently a member of the Big 7 League.

Superintendent Andrew Gaddis provided the Board with an enrollment update.

Gaddis said the current K-12 enrollment is at 485 students.  That’s up from last school year’s enrollment of 478 students.

It’s welcome news for the district which has seen a significant decline in enrollment in recent years.

The official enrollment count will be taken September 20th.

(KNZA)--One of two Sabetha residents charged in connection with an alleged Hiawatha home invasion and robbery is set to enter a plea next month.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 21-year-old Edgar Martinez appeared in Brown County District Court Monday and indicated his intention to enter a plea in the case. That was set for October 2nd.

Martinez faces felony charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery along with a misdemeanor count of criminal restraint.

Co-defendant, 23-year-old Jazmene Hicks, pleaded not guilty last month to the same charges.  A jury trial for Hicks has been set for October 25th-27th.

The pair are accused of breaking into a home at 121 Apache Street, in Hiawatha, 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, is being sought on a warrant.  Anyone with information on his whereabouts should contact the Hiawatha Police Department.         

(KMZA)--A grant is being sought for the construction of a new senior citizens center and public transit building in Seneca.

Nemaha County Senior Services and Public Transit Director Diane Yunghans informed County Commissioners Monday that she has applied for a just over $314,00 grant through the Kansas Department of Transportation for the project.

Yunghans presented a preliminary floor plan for about a 50 by 90 foot building.

If the grant is awarded and enough donations are received from the public, plans are to construct the building just east of the Pioneer Building.

The grant requires a ten percent local match, with the county’s match being donation of the land where the building is to be constructed.

The total estimated project cost is placed at just over $698,000.

Yunghans says she hopes to hear back from KDOT later this month or the first week of October.

School Board President Pete Rosa presented certificates of recognition to elementary school art teacher Katie Miller (left) and high school custodian Corbin Gray (right) during Monday's Board meeting.

(KNZA)--For the second school year in a row, enrollment is up in the Hiawatha school district.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser reviewed preliminary enrollment numbers for the 2017-18 school year during Monday evening’s Board of Education meeting.

Moser says they show a total headcount of 918 students, up 7 students from last school year at this time.   That includes 382 elementary school students, 285 middle school students and 251 high school students.

The official enrollment count will be taken September 20th.

In other business, Board President Pete Rosa presented certificates of recognition to two staff members—elementary school art teacher Katie Miller and high school custodian Corbin Gray.

Miller has been selected by the Kansas Art Education Association as the 2017 Outstanding Elementary Art Educator.  She will be honored during the Association’s fall conference October 20th in McPherson.

Gray was nominated for recognition for his outstanding service.

In a follow-up to last month’s facilities tour, the Board voted to allow District Maintenance Coordinator Matt Cluck to obtain bids for repair of the bus barn.  The Board also directed Cluck to obtain different options for repair of the high school track for the Board to look over.

(KMZA)--Formal charges have been filed against two Netawaka teens accused of breaking into and vandalizing the Wetmore Attendance Center early last month.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert said in a press release Tuesday that  18-year-old Jayme Tyler Hodge and 18-year-old Jarred Kramer have each been charged in Nemaha County District Court with burglary, felony criminal damage to property and theft.

The two teens were arrested following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department.

Kramer is currently free on a $10,800 bond, and is scheduled to appear in court October 10th.

Hodge remains in custody

The Sheriff’s Office says the school was broken into and vandalized sometime late August 2nd or early August 3rd.  The ballfield concession stand was also vandalized.  In addition, an undisclosed amount of money was taken.

Prairie Hills USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans estimated the total damage at about $65,000.

The vandalism also required school at Wetmore to begin one day later than scheduled to allow time for clean-up and repair.  

From front to back: Atchison Firefighters Kameron Duncan, Alex Ritchel, and Matt Ploeger, making the 9/11 Memorial Climb

(KAIR)--A remembrance of the fallen, as three members of the Atchison Fire Department have completed the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Held annually in Wichita, the 111 story climb honors the 343 firefighters who lost their lives when responding to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Representing the Atchison Fire Department were Kameron Duncan, Alex Ritchel, and Matt Ploeger, with all three completing all 111 stories.

Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf tells MSC News he's proud of his team members for stepping up and accepting the challenge. "They approached me, and they said they wanted to enter this, they were accepted to do it. These guys are in full turnout gear, they have the [self-contained breathing apparatus] on their back, weighs about 70 pounds. So they go up they, do this tower, about a 20 sum story building, like there or four times, to his the 111 stories. All the guys came back and said it was more difficult than they would have thought it would be, and these are young guys that are in really good shape. It takes a special amount of dedication for somebody to do something like that."

Each firefighter who makes the climb is assigned the name of one who fell on 9/11, and walks in their honor. However, each Atchison firefighter walked for two who died in the line of duty, due to the absence of other firefighters who had planned to attend, but were called away to offer assistance to areas of Texas and Florida hit by hurricanes. "It's very honoring to know that each walked for two firefighters who lost their live in the twin towers collapse."

The memorial climb was held Saturday at the Epic Center in downtown Wichita.

(KNZA)--A motorcycle crash in north-central Kansas Monday morning claimed the life of an Auburn, Nebraska man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 43-year-old Curtis Scott was southbound on K-15, about two miles south of Clay Center, when he attempted to pass a semi in a no-passing zone.

The Patrol says Scott laid his Harley Davidson motorcycle down on the highway and was struck by a northbound car.

Scott, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.  

The driver of the car was not hurt.

The Patrol report indicates the crash involved a police pursuit, but no other details were provided.

(KAIR)--A crowd of around 100 gathered at the Atchison Santa Fe Depot Sunday afternoon, as a ribbon cutting was held for the official opening of the South Atchison Walking and Biking Trail.

Among the featured guests of the day was Atchison Mayor Allen Reavis.

He addressed the crowd, thanking the community partners who helped make the trail a reality. “The total amount the City actually spent on this is going to end up being a little bit under $125,000. The other money came, $1.2 million from KDOT, $55,000 from the Sunflower Foundation, $25,000 from Westar, and $15,000 from Live Well. Blue Cross Blue Shield gave us $25,000 with the Pathways grant."

Also in attendance was Andrea Clements, the Director of Live Well, Live Atchison, the organization that works to see an increase in local, healthy attitudes. “It's a visible indicator that our citizes in Atchison County, and the City of Atchison, are committed to healthier living, a healthier lifestyle, for themselves now and for generations to come."

Once the formalities were complete, and the ribbon cut, residents of Atchison began to officially use the trail, with walkers and bicyclists both seen utilizing the new attraction.

Construction of the near mile and a-half long trail trail began in late February.

It stretches from the intersection of U.S. Highway's 59 and 73 to Raven Hill Road, near the Atchison Hospital.

(KMZA)--An arrest has been made in connection with the vandalism of the Wetmore Attendance Center last month, which resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Department says 18-year-old Jarred Kramer, of Netawaka, was arrested Saturday on a Nemaha County warrant for burglary, criminal damage to property and theft.

Kramer was later released on a $1,000 cash bond, with a court date of October 10th.

The Sheriff's Office says the school was broken into and vandalized sometime late August 2nd or early August 3rd.  The ballfield concession stand was also vandalized.  In addition, an undisclosed amount of money was taken.

No one from the Sheriff's Department was available Monday to comment if more arrests are possible in the case.

(KAIR)--An Atchison educator is named as a finalist for the 2018 Kansas Teacher of the Year award.

Bradley “Brad” Weaver learned that he was in the running as a Region 2 finalist during an award ceremony held Sunday in Topeka.

Weaver is an elementary music teacher at the Atchison Elementary School.

He joins Jamie Manhart, a junior high and high school journalism teacher at Silver Lake, as a finalist from the United States Second Congressional District.

They were selected from a group of six semi-finalists from Region 2.

Due to their selection, both Weaver and Manhart received a $2,000 cash award from Security Benefit, the major corporate partner for the Kansas Teacher of the Year Program.

They now become eligible to be named as “Kansas Teacher of the Year,” with that honor to be announced in Wichita November 18.

Other semifinalists were Lisa A. Melton, a fifth-grade teacher at Sunflower Elementary School in Lawrence (Lawrence USD 497); Heather N. Newkirk, a sixth-grade teacher at North Lawn Elementary School in Neodesha (Neodesha USD 461); Justin E. Bode, a high school biology teacher at Leavenworth High School (Leavenworth USD 453); and Dasan M. McDonald, an eighth-grade mathematics teacher at Washburn Rural Middle School in Topeka (Auburn-Washburn USD 437).

Each of the semifinalists received a red marble apple with a wooden base, compliments of The Master Teacher in Manhattan. This year, 111 educators across the state were nominated for the Kansas Teacher of the Year distinction. 

Nominations are made in each of four regions in the state. The Kansas State Department of Education, sponsor of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program, appoints regional selection panels comprised of teachers, education administrators and higher education representatives to select semifinalists and finalists from each region. 

Each panel selects six semifinalists — three elementary teachers and three secondary teachers. From those semifinalists, the panel in each region then selects one elementary finalist and one secondary finalist. The Kansas Teacher of the Year is selected from among the state’s eight regional finalists.  

The mission of the Kansas Teacher of the Year program is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession.

The Kansas Teacher of the Year team, comprised of the Teacher of the Year and state finalists, serve as ambassadors for education in Kansas, making public appearances across the state promoting education and the teaching profession.

The individual selected as the Kansas Teacher of the Year is eligible for national distinction as National Teacher of the Year.

(KLZA)-- Nemaha County Nebraska Commissioners conducted public hearings last week pertaining to the budget for the next fiscal year. 

Commissioners approved the additional 1% budget authority allowed by state statute.

Following the hearings, Board members approved a resolution adopting the fiscal year 2017-18 budget requiring $3,416,122 in property taxes, an increase of $35,250 from the previous year.

The property tax levy was also approved at 29.99 cents per $100 of assessed valuation an increase of approximately six-tenths of a cent.

(KAIR)--The investigation into the complaint of an alleged violation of the Kansas Open Meetings Act by the Atchison County Commission has come to a conclusion; and, while wrong doing was not found in the initial complaint, filed by MSC News on September 16, 2016, the Kansas Attorney's General's Office finds, through its review, that the KOMA was violated in a different manner.

During the investigation, which included a review of Atchison County Commission meeting minutes, the Attorney General's Office found “that on at least 21 occasions, between January 5, 2016 and September 13, 2016, the Commission's motions for executive session failed to comply with the requirements” of the Kansas Statute pertaining to open meetings, in effect at that time.

At issue were several missing components of what was required to be recorded in the minutes prior to entering into executive session. Nonetheless, the investigation shows no evidence that was done in an “effort to circumvent or thwart the purposes of the KOMA,” and that corrective action was taken once the matter was brought to the County's attention.

Pauline Lee served as County Clerk at the time of the improprieties, and Atchison County Counselor Patrick Henderson took responsibility for the deficient minutes.

However, the AG's Office states the technical violation falls on the elected County leaders, who, at that time, were William Pohl, Eric Noll and Jeff Schuele.

Schuele has since resigned, and was replaced by Jack Bower.

The AG's Office, determining that formal enforcement action is not required, does stipulate remedial action, including the use of a checklist, or similar process, to ensure all requirements are met when recessing into an executive session, and that the County Commissioners attend at least one hour of KOMA training within 60 days of receipt of the investigation's findings, which is dated September 5.

Although Bower was not a member at the time of the complaint, the AG's Office strongly encourages him to attend training, as well as current Clerk Michelle Phillips and “other staff who work with the Commission.”

The original complaint, filed by MSC News, focused on last year's handling of the County's termination of the contract with TECHS, Inc, the company that previously managed ambulance service for the County.

At issue was whether or not binding action was taken in executive session, in violation of the KOMA.

While the Attorney General's Office found a direct violation was not made, the office does recommend, in findings received by MSC News, that any and all Commission's should, when addressing such issues, promptly return to open session and vote on the consensus reached during an executive session in order to avoid a perception of wrongdoing.

(KMZA)--Federal authorities have indicted nine people in a drug trafficking operation in Marshall County.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said in a statement Friday that a six-count indictment alleges 61-year-old John Haver, of Waterville, and eight others  obtained methamphetamine from California and distributed it to buyers in Marshall County.

The defendants face charges including conspiracy to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute meth, conspiracy to launder money and money laundering.

The defendants live in Waterville, Marysville and Blue Rapids, Kansas, while one lives in Porterville, California.  

In addition to Haver, named as defendants in the indictment were:
28-year-old Clayton Chase, of Marysville; 38-year-old Philip Pagan, of Waterville; 39-year-old Curtis Wichman, of Blue Rapids; 37-year-old Lorinda Patton, of Blue Rapids Kimberly Krunze, of Waterville; Robert Zidek, of Blue Rapids and Jose Martinez, of Porterville, California.

(KMZA)--Seneca residents would be allowed to operate utility vehicles at anytime on city streets under a change being proposed to the city ordinance.

City Council member Bruce requested the change at last Wednesday Council meeting.

Currently, UTV’s can only be operated on city streets from sunrise to sunset.

Hermesch noted the vehicles are required to have lights and turn signals to operate in the city.

The Council requested City Attorney Martin Mishler amended the ordinance and bring it back before the Council for approval.

In other business, Mayor Joe Mitchell informed the Council there’s been an offer to purchase the Seneca Municipal Airport property.  He said the property will be open for other offers until October 4th.  The airport must remain open to the public for use, if sold.  Also, if sold, the gun range would be moved to another area.

City Admininstrator Matt Rehder provided an update on the sewer rehabilitation project.  Rehder said the contract, Midland Contractors, of Kearney, Nebraska, are currently running cameras through the sewer system to assess the condition of the lines.  When complete, he says they will begin work on replacing sewer lines. Rehder said the work will be done over the winter months as long as the weather is above freezing.

The project is estimated to be complete in March or April of next year. 

Joyce Simpson receives a memento from HCC President David Reist ( left), and new Board chair Tom Smith

(KNZA)--Highland Community College Board of Trustees Chairwoman Joyce Simpson has resigned.  

That comes after her daughter, Dr. Amy Foley, was hired to teach health sciences at the college, a position she had long been interested in.  

In making the decision to step down, Simpson was honoring the college’s nepotism policy.  

The Wathena resident had served as board chair since July of 2015.  Simpson  joined the Board in July of 2011.  

Tom Smith, of Highland, has been selected as the new Board chairman.  He had been serving as vice-chair.  

Smith said he’s  grateful for the leadership, dedication and interest shown by Simpson as a member and then chair of the Board. “Joyce was an outstanding Board chair because she cares about education and she cares about the College’s role in education. Consequently, she did all the extras not necessarily required of the Board Chair, but which show a level of commitment. She had that commitment to attend monthly state meetings, KBOR meetings, and College events throughout her service on the Board. She set a high standard for that position.”

(KAIR)--Ongoing work related to the new Westar substation in Atchison will mean the need for an alternate route for motorists.

That's due to the upcoming closure of South 4th Street, from Smith Street to Q Street.

According to a press release issued by the City of Atchison, the closure will take effect Wednesday, September 13 and remain in place until early November.

The release states the City recommends motorists use 5th Street as an alternate route during the closure.

The release calls the work, which requires the closure, “a necessary component of Westar Energy's new Amelia Earhart Substation Project. Closing the street will allow workers to safely construct a connection from the new substation on the west side of 4th Street with the existing LFM, or Bradken, Substation, on the east side of 4th Street.”

(KNZA)--Police have identified the motorcyclist killed in a crash Wednesday morning in St. Joseph.

The St. Joseph Police Department Friday identified the victim as 40-year-old Jacob Hall, of Odessa, Missouri.

Police say Hall was southbound on South 22nd Street when he came over a hall and his motorcycle went down on its side, sliding into a northbound car.

Hall was taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph where he later died.

A female passenger was also taken to the hospital with what were described as serious injuries.

The driver of the car and two child passengers were not hurt.

(KAIR)--Only a couple of days into it's annual fund-raising pledge drive, and all employees in the Atchison office of Westar Energy have made their pledges to local charities.

According to a press release from the electric utility, the employees pledged donations to the Atchison Area United Way, Boys and Girls Club of Atchison, Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging, and the Wichita-based Center of Hope/Project Deserve.

The donation pledges are made as part of Westar's annual “Your Gift, Your Choice” campaign.

The company will match dollar-for-dollar all employee donations made through the campaign.

Last year, employees company-wide set a record by donating $540,000, which meant more than $1 million was donated to chosen organizations due to the company's match.

The Atchison pledge drive was coordinated by storekeeper Susan Duncan, electric service person, Laurice Nigus, and journeyman-lineman, Brent Alverson.

(MSC News)--The cause of a Wathena house fire that kept crews on the scene for much of the day Thursday remains under investigation.

According to KQ2-TV, the Kansas Fire Marshal's Office has been called in to assist with the investigation.

Wathena's Fire Department was assisted by crews from Elwood, Saint Joseph, and Rosecrans Memorial Airport.

They rushed to 507 4th Street after the fire was reported late morning Thursday, and remained on the scene for more than five hours in their battle to extinguish the blaze.

The woman who resides at the residence was not at home when the fire began.

She is receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

No injuries are reported. 

(KNZA)--An Everest man is dead, killed this week in what his obituary calls a “farming related accident.”

Robert “Bob” Schecher was 81-years-old when he died Tuesday.

His obituary, from the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, in Horton, says the fatal accident occurred at an industrial plant in Craig, Missouri.

Additional details regarding the accident aren't immediately known, with the investigation apparently ongoing.

The Holt County, Missouri Sheriff's Office, when contacted by MSC News, said details are expected to be made public next week, with no other information being officially released until that time.

Schecher leaves behind a number of survivors, including his wife, Macrina, or Mickey.

A funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday evening at 6:30 at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, in Purcell.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will seek grant funds through the Kansas Department of Transportation to help fund improvements at the city airport.

The City Commission Tuesday evening approved submitting six applications to KDOT for fiscal year 2019 Airport Improvement Program grant funds and authorized the mayor to sign the applications.

One application would fund the development of an airport improvement plan.  

The others would fund improvements at the airport.   Those include rehabilitation of the main runway lighting and beacon, installation of crosswind runway lighting, rehabilitation of the north hanger, installation of a taxiway at the north hanger and installation of a fuel farm.

If awarded, the grants would fund 85 to 95 percent of the project costs.

The total estimated project cost is placed at nearly one million dollars, with the city share at nearly $122,000.

City officials say its unlikely the city will receive all the grants requested, but hope to receive at least one.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have set the date for the annual public budget hearing for Tuesday morning, September 19th at 11.

The public hearing to set the tax request for the new fiscal year at a different rate than the previous year will begin at 11:15.

The Board did unanimously approve the additional 1% budget authority for the fiscal year 2017-18.

During a meeting with Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert the Board approved a motion to enter into an agreement with Brown County, Kansas for replacement of a bridge on the State Line Road.  The cost will be a 50-50 split.  

Huppert reviewed with Commissioners the possibility of replacing a motor grader.  He also noted the work hours for the Road and  Bridge Departments have changed to 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(KLZA)-- A proposed ordinance  to amend the Falls City Municipal Code banning open containers of alcohol on public property comes up one vote short of moving forward for a second time.

City Administrator Gary Jorn explained to the Council, the intent of the amendment was to clean up language, contrary to actions the Council has regularly taken in recent years. Had the amendment been approved, Council approval for events at Prichard Auditorium and beer gardens using city streets would have still been required.

Earlier this summer it was believed the Council approved the change that would allow campers at Stanton Lake Park and those renting Candlelight  Cabin at  Stanton Lake to have open containers of alcohol. The change would also have affected other City Parks.

Research revealed that to move such an ordinance forward, it required a yes vote by a majority of the seated Council members which requires five yes votes. 

For approximately a decade, the Council has regularly approved allowing alcohol to be served during special events such as wedding receptions at Prichard Auditorium. Third Ward Councilperson Judy Murphy who has consistently voted against the special designated liquor licenses said she was not in favor of the amendment and is not in favor of allowing alcohol at the Auditorium.

Fourth Ward Councilman Jim Wisdom explained he too was voting against the proposal. Wisdom said he was not as concerned about the Auditorium where it is more confined, he does not believe there should be open containers in the parks.

Mayor Jerry Oliver noted that by not allowing alcohol at the Auditorium, it could potentially hurt a revenue stream the City has been relying on.

Administrator Jorn noted he has noticed a drop in revenue due to other facilities opening for large events. Jorn noted the events at the Auditorium do help offset the cost of operating the facility although the $100 per day rental for such events does not cover his estimate of $140 per day to have Prichard  Auditorium open.

With the amendment stalled due to the vote, it brings into question the future of  events allowing alcohol sales at Prichard Auditorium as well as events such as beer gardens that utilize city streets. Questions were also raised about events at the Auditorium with previous approval to allow alcohol sales in the building.

Council member Kirby Robidoux was not present for the Wednesday night meeting.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Ag Building in Humboldt will host a fundraising pork barbecue, auction and music event Saturday afternoon and evening.

Funds raised during the event will go to help with the development of the Southeast Nebraska Memorial Cancer Garden located at the Humboldt Lake Park.

The Cancer Garden is a place to celebrate cancer survivors and honor cancer victims.

A free-will offering will be accepted for the dinner which be served beginning at 5 o’clock.

There will be dozens of auction items including paintings by local artists, quilts and items donated by area businesses. The auction begins at 7:00 p.m. 

Following the auction everyone is invited to stick around for a dance featuring D.J. Music by Eagle Sound.  

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Commission is proposing a 2018 county budget of $13 million that calls for a slight decrease in the property tax levy.

The proposed budget, recently approved for publication, contains an estimated tax rate of 76.836 mills,  a .786 mill decrease over this year.

The budget calls for the county to collect more than $8.7 million in local taxes.

Even through the mill levy will decrease slightly, the county will collect more than $330,000 in additional tax revenue over this year due to a $5.7 million increase in the county’s assessed valuation.

The Jackson County Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing September 18th at 10:00 in the morning in the Commissioners Chambers.   

(KLZA)-- Construction has begun in Falls City on a water main project on Valley Street.

The current 2-inch line that has been plagued by leaks is being replaced with a new larger capacity line.

The line from 16th to 19th Street will be replaced.  Work started last week and is expected to take 30 days to complete.  

During the project Valley Street is closed to the public, only residents living along the street will be able to enter.

The City appreciates the cooperation from motorists during the project.
 

(KNZA)--A Troy man face numerous charges after allegedly making threats and discharging a weapon at a Troy bar last month.

28-year-old Tyler Stevens has been charged in Doniphan County District Court with four felony counts---including two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of criminal threat,

In addition, he faces misdemeanor charges of criminal restraint, possession of a firearm while under the influence, disorderly conduct, driving while under the influence and transporting an open container.

The Kansas Chief reports Stevens was arrested during the early morning hours of August 12th following a disturbance at Rookie’s Sports Bar and Grill.

Officers responded  to the bar after being informed an individual was discharging a firearm in the parking lot of the establishment.

Officers were told Stevens had been asked to leave the establishment, drove away briefly, but then returned.  When he returned, he allegedly made threats and discharged the gun.

When ordered by officers to drop the weapon, the newspaper reports Stevens refused to comply and had to be tased in order to be taken into custody.

Stevens remains in the Doniphan County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

A status conference in the case is set for September 14th.

(KNZA)--Representatives of the Hiawatha Cemetery Society Board met with the City Commission Tuesday evening to request financial assistance from the city.

Board Member John Howard told the Commission they are “basically out of money.”

The cemetery, located on the north edge of Hiawatha, has existed since the city was founded in 1857 and been operated under a volunteer board.  Since that time, Howard said the cemetery has received no tax dollars or public financing.  

According to information provided by Board member Dave Wilson, the cemetery’s annual operating expenses have averaged around $23,000 since 2013.

Wilson said they contract to do mowing, which is their largest single expense.  He said they also contract some of their labor services for grave openings and closings along with any maintenance, with the rest done on a volunteer basis.

The two board members told the Commission they needed about $5,200 to finish out the year and complete the mowing season.

 The Commission voted unanimously to provide the needed funds.

The Commission will meet with the cemetery board at a later date to discuss options to keep operations going into the future.  

(KNZA)--Representatives of the Hiawatha Cemetery Society Board met with the City Commission Tuesday evening to request financial assistance from the city.

Board Member John Howard told the Commission they are “basically out of money.”

The cemetery, located on the north edge of Hiawatha, has existed since the city was founded in 1857 and been operated under a volunteer board.  Since that time, Howard said the cemetery has received no tax dollars or public financing.  

According to information provided by Board member Dave Wilson, the cemetery’s annual operating expenses have averaged around $23,000 since 2013.

Wilson said they contract to do mowing, which is their largest single expense.  He said they also contract some of their labor services for grave openings and closings along with any maintenance, with the rest done on a volunteer basis.

The two board members told the Commission they needed about $5,200 to finish out the year and complete the mowing season.

 The Commission voted unanimously to provide the needed funds.

The Commission will meet with the cemetery board at a later date to discuss options to keep operations going into the future.  

(KAIR)--A pursuit that began in Doniphan County Wednesday afternoon ends in Atchison, with a a Saint Joseph man jailed in connection with the case.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News his office was notified about the suspect truck, which was believed to be southbound towards Atchison.

A patrol was launched at Atchison's River Road, and the truck was spotted around 2:00.

Wilson says officers were able to force the driver to stop at River Road and Commercial Street, and he was taken into custody.

Wilson says 47-year-old Jeffery Morgan now faces charges in connection with the pursuit, including driving under the influence, fleeing and attempting to elude, transporting an open container, driving while revoked, and obstructing legal process. 

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

(KAIR)--A Houston teenager, with ties to Atchison, is among a group of Texas teens being celebrated as heroes for the rescue effort they arranged following flooding in their community.

According to The Daily Wire, 17-year-old Rich Dickason was among the group who spent hours using a small fishing boat to rescue those who were left stranded by the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey.

The article, titled “Heroes You Should Know,” says all of the teens are students at Strake Jesuit Preparatory High School, in Houston.

Dickason is the grandson of Richard and Cindy Dickason, of Atchison.

According to an email from his grandfather, following an inquiry made by MSC News, the teenage Dickason is the son of Dr. Nancy Dickason and the late Dr. Richard Dickason, Jr., a 1987 graduate of Atchison's Maur Hill.

The Atchison resident, in the email, says the story of his grandson's heroics has also been featured by Fox Business channel host Neil Cavuto, while other national news outlets are also highlighting the heroics of the teens, who are being called “patriots,” “good young men,” and “heroes.”

Dickason says his grandson, and the others, will remember their efforts of rescuing 50 people for the rest of their lives, adding that he knows that he and his wife, Cindy, will do the same.

In a separate online correspondence with MSC News, Cindy Dickason expresses pride in her grandson, and his three friends, for rescuing those who were stranded. 

(KAIR)--Future planning for Atchison's Jackson Park moves forward with the approval of a master plan for that location, but that approval didn't happen until lengthy discussion about the plan came to a conclusion.

It happened Tuesday night, during the regular meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

As Deputy Public Works Director Clinton McNemee presented the plan, Commissioner Charlie Perdue questioned the proposals.

That included his vocal opposition to the now completed demolition of the long-standing Mushroom shaped shelter house that stood on the park's Guerrier Hill. “It was a slap in the face to tear down that shelter, which was donated by the Muchnic Foundation, which has donated a lot of different things for the City of Atchison,” Perdue stated.

The shelter was demolished following past, recent approval of the Commission, with Perdue opposing the plan.

Tuesday evening, he questioned the rationale behind the demolition, alleging that past statements regarding what was identified as a collapsing roof had been exaggerated. McNemee disputed the claim that rocks not related to the structure had been mistaken as portions of the roof.

Following the discussion, the Commission moved forward with approval, while Perdue voted against the plan.

According to documents related to the matter, the Jackson Park Master Plan is for advisory purposes only.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Jefferson County community of Perry.

The advisory was issued September 1st because of a loss of pressure in the system.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the city of Perry indicate no evidence of contamination, and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

( KNZA)--A power outage is planned in the Brown County community of Morrill Thursday morning, September 7th for maintenance work.

According to the city, the electricity will be shut off to the residents west of Fanning Street, on the north side of Roxanna Street one block, and going north on Walnut Street.

The outage is planned for 8:00 Thursday morning for about two hours.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha has begun the search for a new city attorney.

That comes after the Hiawatha City Commission Tuesday evening accepted the resignation of longtime City Attorney Don Cashman, effective October 31st.

In his letter of resignation, Cashman says he plans to retire from the practice of law at the end of the year.

Cashman has served as city attorney for more than 48 years, holding the position since May 1969.

City Administrator Mike Nichols says during his time with the city, Cashman has provided thorough guidance and has proven to be a reliable sounding board.  Nichols added he will solely be missed.

The Commission approved advertising for applicants to fill the remainder of Cashman’s term as city attorney.

Applications will be taken until September 15th.  Applicants must be a city resident and licensed to practice law in the state of Kansas.

(KAIR)--A man is found injured near Pottawatomie County's Rocky Ford Fishing area, and the Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation into what happened.

Sheriff Greg Riat says his office received a report regarding the man around 3:45 Tuesday morning; and, when Deputies, assisted by Riley County Police Officers, arrived at the location, they discovered 27-year-old Josh Bearden.

The Georgia resident, suffering from unspecified, non-life threatening injuries, was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Riat says Bearden told authorities he was injured during an altercation with two unknown suspects, having been taken from rural Geary County against his will, and left at the Rocky Ford Fishing area.

He alleges the suspect fled that location in his white, 1997 Dodge Dakota pickup truck.

Riat says the vehicle has a license tag of RGH3041, and anyone who sees it, or who has any information about the case, should call his office at 785-457-3353.

(KMZA)--A rural Westmoreland man is dead, killed late Monday morning in a farm tractor accident.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat identifies the victim as 50-year-old Loren Deters.

Riat says Deters died when the tractor, pulling a hay trailer, overturned, pinning him underneath.

Riat says the accident happened shortly after 11:00 on Bigelow Road, near K13, in rural Westmoreland.

The fatal accident remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--Paving the way for the planned construction of a museum at the Atchison Amelia Earhart Airport.

That's what the approval of grant funds will accomplish, in part, at that location, with the airport's fuel pumps to be moved as another step in the process of making the museum a reality.

The museum's primary focus will be Muriel, a 1935 Lockheed Electra L-10E, which is a match to the airplane flown by airport namesake Amelia Earhart.

The grant funding comes in an amount of more than $208,000, and is made possible through the assistance of the Kansas Department of Transportation's Division of Aviation.

Merrill Atwater serves as the Director of Aviation, and was at the Amelia Earhart Airport August 21 for the eclipse viewing party. "We just recently got a grant approved to move the fueling station they have here," Atwater told MSC News. "They're looking to expand and make a museum for Muriel."

Atwater says airports, such as Atchison's, are important to local economies, and that reason plays into the awarding of grants such as that received by Atchison. "I think it's extremely important to local communities like this, and it has such a historical name, and a historical place, so it's important to make sure that we always do the best we can for the airports like this."

According to the grant agreement document, the State of Kansas will fund 85 percent of the project cost, which carries an estimated price tag of $245,000. The remaining 15-percent, or $36,750 will be funded locally.

According to Atchison Director of Public Works, Justin Pregont, the City has an agreement in place with the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation to cover the cost.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Lakeside Village Improvement District public water supply located in Jefferson County.

The advisory was issued August 24 because of a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the affected area indicate no evidence of contamination, and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

(KAIR)--Citing “strong consumer demand for chicken,” Tyson Foods, Inc. Tuesday announced plans to construct a new facility in Leavenworth County.

The $320 million poultry complex will be built near the City of Tonganoxie.

The plan was revealed during a noon-hour press conference held in Tonganoxie.

Among those in attendance was Kansas Governor Sam Brownback who, in a press release, says the development will have a far-reaching impact which “will be felt by farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and communities throughout eastern Kansas.”

He calls the plan “a step in the right direction to further diversify and grow” the Kansas economy.

The processing plant, hatchery, and feed mill will employ around 1,600 people and contract with northeast Kansas farmers and ranchers to raise chickens.

It will produce pre-packaged trays of fresh chicken for retail grocery stores nationwide.

The operation will be capable of processing 1.25 million birds per week, and is expected to generate an annual economic benefit to the state of Kansas of $150 million.

Construction of the poultry complex is scheduled to begin in mid-2019.

It will be built on nearly 300 acres of property located south of Tonganoxie that Tyson Foods plans to purchase.

The company will work with outside contractors to build the plant, hatchery, feed mill and related infrastructure and expects the construction project to involve hundreds of workers.

(KAIR)--A Huron man is facing numerous charges, stemming from what police say was a threat to shoot someone as well as for his role in an alleged attack on a man during a past Atchison robbery.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the latest allegations against 31-year-old Charles Walker arise from the alleged threat made Sunday. "He had driven a vehicle to the front of a residence in the 10-hundred block of North 8th around 2 PM. There was a 57-year-old victim out front of the residence, and from his vehicle he made a criminal threat toward a family member of the 57-year-old victim, and while doing so, he had a firearm in his hands while he was in the vehicle."

Wilson says investigators learned that Walker believed he could meet his intended victim at the city's Jackson Park, where he allegedly traveled after leaving the residence. "We did locate Walker's vehicle moving within Jackson Park. He was taken into custody, just outside the park, after a brief pursuit. We did spend sometime looking for evidence, connected to this case, Sunday afternoon in Jackson Park."

Walker was arrested on a charge of criminal threat in connection with the investigation, but was also taken into custody on charges related to what Wilson says was an August 14 robbery. "That incident occurred about 10:30 PM in the 700 block of Kansas Avenue. In that case, a 32-year-old male reported that Walker had struck him in the face and took his cell phone, wallet, and a carrying case, by force."

Walker now faces charges of robbery and battery in connection with that crime.

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

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert has resigned.

County Commissioners made a motion August 29th “with deep regret and heartfelt appreciation” to accept Huppert’s letter of resignation, effective September 15.

Huppert has worked for Richardson County since August of 1993.  He was appointed Highway Superintendent in March of 2010.

Huppert has accepted a job as Highway Superintendent in Dodge County. 
Huppert told MSCNEWS he was not seeking a new position, he said Dodge County approached him asking him to interview for the position.

Huppert said the new job offers an opportunity for him to use all of he certifications he has obtained over the years.  He called it an opportunity too good to pass up.
 

(KNZA)--An early morning shooting in St. Joseph sends two people to the hospital.

KQ2-TV reports St. Joseph Police responded shortly after 3:30 Tuesday morning to a report of shots fired in the three-thousand block of Cambridge Street, just west of the North Belt Highway.

Upon arrival, officers found one male and one female with apparent gunshot wounds.

Both were transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

Police said a neighbor reported hearing at least eight shots.

The shooting remains under investigation and no suspect information has been released at this time.

FALLS CITY, Neb. (AP) - A 33-year-old Falls City resident has been accused of helping a friend flee to Kansas after the friend killed another man more than two years ago.

Michael Seager is charged with being an accessory to a felony. Court records say Seager drove Desiderio Hernandez to Horton, Kansas, after Hernandez fatally shot Joseph Debella Jr. on Aug. 5, 2015. Hernandez has since been sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder.

Richardson County records say Seager remained in custody Monday. Court records don't list the name of an attorney who could comment for Seager.

The records say Hernandez went to Seager's home after the shooting and told Seager that some "bad stuff happened" and that he needed to leave town. Seager later drove Hernandez to a relative's home in Horton.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners received more requests for funding during their August 29th meeting.

Duaine and Sandy Stalder along with Dean and Sharon Bogle representing the Quad County Historical Society requested $5-thousand for the organization.  The funds would be used to assist with the purchase of display cases and assist with construction.

Commissioners also reviewed a letter from the Southeast Nebraska Development District requesting continued funding for the next fiscal year in the amount of nearly $7,800 and an additional $662 for a housing assessment.  

The Board will consider the requests while completing the 2017-18 fiscal year budget.  
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners received more requests for funding during their August 29th meeting.

Duaine and Sandy Stalder along with Dean and Sharon Bogle representing the Quad County Historical Society requested $5-thousand for the organization.  The funds would be used to assist with the purchase of display cases and assist with construction.

Commissioners also reviewed a letter from the Southeast Nebraska Development District requesting continued funding for the next fiscal year in the amount of nearly $7,800 and an additional $662 for a housing assessment.  

The Board will consider the requests while completing the 2017-18 fiscal year budget.  
 

(KAIR)--A Mayetta man is jailed in Jackson County, accused of kicking in the front door of a home during an alleged home invasion Saturday night.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says 32-year-old Daniel Ramirez is facing charges for aggravated burglary and drugs. 

He was arrested at the site of his alleged crime, located in the 12000 block of 174th Road, northwest of Mayetta.

Morse says Ramirez was found inside the home after Deputies, and Officers from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police, were called to that location around 11:00 Saturday night.

Morse says the occupants of the residence were at home when Ramirez made his alleged forced entry but were not hurt.

Ramirez remains in custody at the Jackson County Jail.

(KAIR)--A Bonner Springs man goes to jail, arrested Friday morning following a vehicle stop in Atchison County.

Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News the stop, which happened on U.S. Highway 73, near Rooks Road, was made due to speeding, but theN led to the recovery of what's believed to be marijuana, along with cash. “A Deputy was out on patrol a little before 5 AM, and had pulled a vehicle over for speeding, and found out [the driver's] driver's license was suspended. He arrested him for the suspended driver's license, and then once that took place, was given permission to search the vehicle and discovered a good quantity of marijuana and cash.”

Arrested was 23-year-old Derhon Thomas.

He was taken into custody on charges including distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended.

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

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reporting West Nile virus positive mosquitoes in all four counties where mosquito surveillance is performed including Sedgwick, Shawnee, Reno and Johnson counties.

West Nile virus can be spread to people through bites from infected Culex species mosquitoes, but it is not contagious from person to person. Although West Nile virus has been detected in more than 60 different mosquito species in the U.S., only a few Culex species are known to transmit primarily West Nile virus. These species are not known to transmit Zika virus.

Symptoms range from a slight headache and low-grade fever to swelling of the brain or brain tissue and, in rare cases, death. People who have had West Nile virus before are considered immune.

KDHE recommends the following precautions to protect against West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases:

• When you are outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Follow the directions on the package.

• Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, but can bite at any hour. Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at peak times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

• Make sure you have good screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.

West Nile virus cases are most common in the late summer and early fall months. In 2016, there were 37 cases of West Nile virus in Kansas. More than half of these cases were hospitalized, and five cases died.

Birds are not tested for West Nile virus in Kansas and KDHE will not be collecting information about dead birds. If you find a dead bird, KDHE recommends that you wear gloves, place the bird in a plastic bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides this Web page with additional information about West Nile virus and preventing mosquito bites: http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/ or visit the KDHE website: http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/arboviral_disease.htm.

The number of humans with cases of West Nile virus are updated each Tuesday on our website here: http://www.kdheks.gov/epi/case_reports_by_county.htm.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for a portion of the City of Perry in Jefferson County.  The portion of the city affected is from the intersection of Main Street and Bridge Street to the Delaware River, and all service connections on Walnut Street and Redbud Street. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The advisory took effect on September 1, 2017 and will remain in effect until conditions which place the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be adequately resolved.

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.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

(KAIR)--A small, black kitten was rescued Thursday evening on Atchison's 6th Street Viaduct, safely making its way onto the structure, but finding itself trapped against the west wall as traffic made an escape route difficult.

Two passersby took notice, as did an Atchison Police Officer, who was the one to physically remove the kitten. “His name is David Stochlin,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News. “He came to us in July 2016. He's a great guy and an excellent officer. He actually grew up in the Miami, Florida area, came to Benedictine [College], where he graduated with a degree, played football at B.C.”

Wilson commended Stochlin's commitment to seeing the kitten reach safety. “[The kitten] was helpless up there, traffic was heavy, and the kitten didn't know what to do. The officer was able to maneuver the kitten out of the traffic way, and got him to the ground below. [Stochlin is an] excellent officer who I've watched chase some bad guys since he's been here, but he's also capable of rescuing kittens.”

The short, but successful rescue effort, took place shortly after 7:00 Thursday evening.

The names of the two passersby who assisted aren't known.

Saving animals wasn't just the job of Atchison Police this week, as the Atchison County Sheriff's Department also engaged in an animal rescue.

Sheriff Jack Laurie says his office was called to Cummings Friday following a report of an endangered goat. “The call came out as a goat with its head stuck in the fence at the Cummings Cemetery,” Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News. “Apparently when [the Deputy] arrived, not only was there a goat with its head stuck in the fence, there was another goat that a headstone had fallen on it.”

The Deputy, who freed the stuck animal, and brought the other to safety, was able to return the animals to their owner.

Photo credit: Dori Smith

(KAIR)--A valuable piece of farm equipment is missing, stolen from an Atchison location last month.

Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News an investigation is launched to find out who's responsible for stealing the Vermeer R23 twin rake. “It was reported stolen from a shed, located at the Atchison County Auction Company, in the 2100 block of Main. The theft occurred sometime between August 23 and August 30. We are following up on that case, and attempting to locate that stolen twin rake.”

The missing equipment is valued at $15,000.

Anyone with information related to its whereabouts, or who was involved in the theft, is urged to contact Atchison Police.

HOLTON, Kan. (AP) - A 22-year-old Holton man has been sentenced to more than 27-years in prison for raping two women.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Jacob Ewing was also ordered Friday to pay more than $100,000 in restitution, and must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.  

Ewing was convicted in June of raping and sodomizing one woman in 2016 and raping another in 2014. He was also convicted of battery, possession of drug paraphernalia and charges related to furnishing alcohol to minors as a result of the week-long trial.

Ewing continues to face additional penalties for his alleged sex crimes.

Ewing also faces a Jackson County jury trial in October on charges of attempted rape and aggravated sexual battery stemming from an alleged 2015 incident.

In addition, he faces a trial in November on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a child for allegedly possessing child pornography.

A jury in April acquitted Ewing on sex-related charges involving a 13-year-old girl.

In July, at the request of the prosecution, the judge dismissed charges of rape in two cases that Ewing had been scheduled to go to trial for in August. 

Along with the Associated Press, MSC News contributed additional reporting to this story.

(AP/Submitted)--Gasoline prices rose several cents overnight amid continuing fears of shortages in Texas and other states in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey’s strike on the Gulf Coast.

According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gas rose in one day from $2.45 Thursday to $2.52 Friday.

At least two major pipelines — one that ships gasoline across the southern United States and to New York, and another that flows north to Chicago — have been slowed or stopped because of flooding and damage.

Due to the rising cost, a joint statement is released by Kansas Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer and Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

The pair wants “to alert Kansans that the Kansas statute prohibiting profiteering from a disaster is in effect as a result of the presidential disaster declaration in the hurricane-stricken region along the Gulf Coast. While price increases caused by the disruption in supply are to be expected, it is illegal in Kansas to ‘profiteer from a disaster’ by unjustifiably raising the price of motor fuel. Under Kansas law, a price increase that exceeds 25 percent compared with the price the day before the disaster is suspect and subject to scrutiny, and a seller that has increased prices by that amount or more may be required to provide documentation that the increase is due to the seller’s increased cost of obtaining the fuel.”

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

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, announced Thursday that the lake is among ten lakes in the state that have been placed under  “warning" status.

Also on the list is the Hiawatha City Lake and zone A of Perry Lake.

KDHE says activities such as boating and fishing may be safe.  However, 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 lakes and will provide updates as conditions warrant.

(KNZA)--A Troy man convicted on charges in a domestic battery case involving a baseball bat and hammer has been placed on probation.

33-year-old Travis Smith was sentenced Wednesday in Doniphan County District Court to 41-months in prison on charges of aggravated battery and criminal threat.  The sentence was suspended and Smith was placed on supervised probation for 36-months.

He was also ordered to pay $6,800 restitution.

Smith pleaded no contest last month to the charges.  In exchange for the plea, four additional counts were dismissed.

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.

L-R Chaplain Rich Lehmkuhl, Deputy Chuck Lowe, Deputy Ryan Huestis, Undersheriff Randy Linck, Investigator Brian Guilliams, Investigator Robbie Parker

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff’s deputies have new bullet-proof vests thanks to a generous donation.

Sheriff John Merchant says the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association donated nine “ POINT BLANK” bullet proof vests for deputies.

Merchant says the retail value of the vests would be well over $6,000.

He says the vests will replace old, outdated vests that could compromise the safety of his deputies.

Merchant says his department has established a great partnership with the U.S. Deputy Sheriff’s Association over the past 9 years as they have provided other equipment as well as training on officer survival and defense tactics.

(KAIR)--A Jefferson County game warden is among a 14-member Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks, and Tourism team assisting with Hurricane Harvey search and rescue efforts.

According to Ron Kaufman, spokesman for the department, Ryan Smidt was among the 13 other game wardens who departed from Wichita early Thursday morning en route to Texas.

The team will use seven boats consisting of four flat-bottom jon boats, two enclosed rescue air boats and one open air boat, as well as their mobile command trailer.

Upon arrival, the game wardens received their working assignments at College Station, Texas.

their objectives will be search and rescue, providing basic life support medical care, transporting people and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, providing shore-based and boat-based water rescue, and support helicopter and urban search and water rescue.

The boats they are equipped with will allow the game wardens to enter waters too shallow for conventional watercraft.