LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraskans who want to donate or receive deer meat can participate in the Deer Exchange.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says the program connects hunters who have a surplus of venison with people who could use some.
The exchange runs through March 1. Hunters and potential recipients join a database and search for other participating parties in their area. The venison may not be sold, but recipients may pay for the processing.
Recipients may accept whole field-dressed deer, skinned and boned deer, wrapped and frozen deer or processed meat. Donors are responsible for field dressing and checking deer at a check station before transfer. Transfers tags are available in the 2017 Big Game Guide.
Go online at OutdoorNebraska.gov to join the Deer Exchange.
 

BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) - Authorities say officers arrested a Beatrice bank robbery suspect less than five minutes after the heist was reported.

Great Western Bank workers called 911 around 2:20 p.m. Monday, soon after the man entered the branch and demanded money from a teller. The man left with less than $100.

Police Capt. Gerald Lamkin says the man was soon spotted outside the bank and taken into custody without incident. He was not armed.
 

(KNZA)--Longtime Hiawatha doctor and current mayor, Dr. Steffen Shamburg, has announced he will be ending his practice in the community next summer.

Shamburg made the announcement at Monday evening’s City Commission meeting.

Shamburg says he will be moving to Wabaunsee County. "I own a property down at Lake Wabaunsee...that's always kind of been my little Zen spot, where I kind of imagine retiring to. As I knock on the door of 50, I realize that maybe I don't have to wait until I retire to move down there."

Shamburg told MSC News he will be starting a new practice in the Manhattan area.

He has practiced family medicine in Hiawatha about 18 years, moving to the community in 1999. " I've gotten to do everything I could possibly want to do in a medical practice. I have absolutely loved my time in Hiawatha. I love the Hiawatha Community Hospital, my patients, and my practice. Been a wonderful place to raise my kids."

Shamburg says he hopes to close his Hiawatha practice in mid-June and move in July.  In the meantime, he says he will be continuing his duties as mayor and physician.

Shamburg has served as mayor since May 2015 and prior to that served as police commissioner. 

His current term expires in January 2019.  The position of mayor is up for election next November.   The Commission will have to appoint someone to fill the remainder of Shamburg's term.     

(MSC News)--KANZA Mental Health and Guidance Center, Inc. celebrated its 54th annual meeting October 26th at the Klinefelter Farm and Barn, near Hiawatha, with nearly 90 staff, board and county commissioners, enjoying an excellent meal along with recognizing several staff for years of service. 

Department leaders highlighted their department’s accomplishment of the Center’s mission to “Offer Hope for a Healthier Tomorrow.” Dr. Micaela Wexler, DO, Medical Director, shared some of her life experiences leading to her decision to become a psychiatrist and spoke about the importance of mental health services to experience a healthier life. 

The Center recognized Kent Saylor, Nemaha County Board member from both boards, for his 28 years of service.  During his all of his tenure Kent has served as secretary/treasurer and helped found the KANZA Mental Health Foundation that is currently raising funds to renovation the Moser Building in Holton, Kansas as the single site for mental health services in Jackson County. He also serves as president of the Foundation Board. “It was a wonderful evening and Kent Saylor received a standing ‘O’ for his contributions to KANZA,” shared David Elsbury, CEO.

KANZA is a community mental health center serving the citizens of Brown, Doniphan, Nemaha and Jackson counties. The staff provide a wide range of behavioral health services as well as education and prevention services. Visit its website at www.kanzamhgc.org.

(KAIR)--A woman, expecting to meet her sister, arrives at an Atchison County residence the two were planning to clean; but the early arriving woman discovers a burglary in progress, and is held at knife point.

That's the scenario laid out by the Atchison County Sheriff's Office as the beginning of a case that landed two teenagers in jail Monday night, while the search for a third is continuing.

Sheriff Jack Laurie tells MSC News the woman was met by the knife-wielding teen as she inspected the noticeably burglarized home, located at 4123 Ottawa Road. "When she makes entry, she obviously noticed the back door glass open. She goes on in to check things out and sees kitchen cabinets open, and things gone through. Obviously, somebody had been in there. After [the woman called] the dispatch center, the suspect came out of the basement and held a knife to her." 

As the teen demands the keys to her vehicle from the victim, another teen comes up stairs from the basement; and, believing the keys are in the vehicle, the two flee the residence. "When he demands the keys from her, she claimed they were in the vehicle, and they weren't. So, when they went out to the vehicle they realized the keys weren't in there, they got out of the car and took off on foot. She watched them, and the direction they went, so she was able to give a pretty good description of where they went. She calls back and told us what happened, and we were able to get assistance from the Highway Patrol and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and they all got out there and helped us catch these two."

The two taken into custody are identified as Taggart Lee, of Atchison, and Davion Hollman, of Junction City. The two 17-year-olds had previously been reported as runaways from Junction City, Laurie says a third teen that escaped with them, 17-year-old Timber Martin, remains on the run. "He's a white male, 5' 5" about 100 pounds, and brown hair. Last seen with black clothing on, black pants, black shirt, and black hat." 

As Lee and Hollman were arrested, the Kansas Highway Patrol, utilizing their air support, located a pickup truck, parked at a residence, located at 3274 Ottawa Road, where authorities believe Martin had been staying at the time Lee and Hollman allegedly burglarized the Ottawa Road residence. "Earlier in the day, the [Atchison] Police Department pursued this vehicle. They had to call off the pursuit due to the road conditions, the dust and things. Highway Patrol actually located the vehicle from their airplane. That's how we determined to go over to that residence and check it out as well."

The home is under construction, and not currently occupied.

The pickup truck had earlier been stolen in Junction City.

Lee faces a charge of aggravated burglary, while Hollman faces a charge of aggravated robbery.

Both faces charges of theft, criminal trespass, and criminal damage.

Following their arrests, they were transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.

Laurie says since the time of the search and arrests, his office has received a report that a residence at 5825 Phillips Road had been illegally entered after a window was broken.

However, no one was located in the home.

(KMZA)--A trailer house in Oneida was damaged by fire Monday morning.

The Seneca Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire call around 8:30.

Assistant Fire Chief Darin Schmitz told MSC News that it took firefighters about 30 minutes to exinguish the fire.

Schmitz said the state fire marshal's office has ruled the cause of the fire as accidental.

No injuries were reported.

Schmitz said the trailer house was being used for storage.  Damage was estimated at more than $500.      

(KNZA)--Details are released regarding the Holton domestic battery case Sunday night that sparked a manhunt and an alert to residents to stay indoors.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, his office was joined by troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol and a Nemaha County Sheriff's Deputy in assisting the Holton Police Department in the investigation that led to the arrest of 30-year-old Randall Hartman, Jr.

The Topeka resident had fled from the scene of the alleged domestic incident, which occurred around 9:30 in the 500 block of Ohio Street, in Holton.

Believed to be armed with a rifle, which he apparently used to threaten his victim, the search for Hartman covered all of Holton and the immediate surrounding area.

He was located around 2:00 Monday morning near the old Central School, located in the 400 block of New Jersey Street, in Holton.

He was taken into custody on charges including attempted murder in the 2nd degree, aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, damage to property, and disorderly conduct.

Hartman was booked into the Jackson County Jail where he's held on a $75,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man who was the subject of a manhunt following an alleged aggravated domestic battery incident Sunday night in Holton is in custody.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office says 30-year-old Randall Hartman, Jr. was taken into custody around 2:00 Monday morning following the incident at a residence in the 500 block of Ohio Street in Holton.

Hartman was booked into the Jackson County Jail on a charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated domestic battery, domestic battery, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct. He remains held on a bond of $75,000.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office described Hartman as dangerous and possibly armed with a rifle in a Facebook post around 10:15 Sunday night.  Holton residents were advised to “ stay locked indoors” while the search was going on in the city of Holton.

(KNZA)--U.S. Senator Jerry Moran has announced he will visit the Brown County community of Everest as part of his Kansas Listening Tour.

The Kansas Republican will be at the Everest Cafe next Monday morning, November 6th, from 10 to 11.

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

According to a news release from Moran’s office, the issues the Senator  focuses on and the work he does in Washington D.C. are largely based on the conversations he has with Kansans during these town hall meetings.

Throughout his time in Congress, Moran has made it a priority to stay connected to the people he represents despite a distance of more than 1,000 miles between Capital Hill and Kansas.

Since his election to the U.S Senate, Moran has continued to hold town halls in each of Kansas’ 105 counties.  Then-Congressman Moran traveled to each of the sixty-nine counties during his annual “ Big First Listening Tour.”     

(KAIR)--Guilty.

That's the verdict handed down by a jury in connection with a Leavenworth stabbing that authorities say stemmed from cutting in line at a Leavenworth gas station.

According to Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, the jury found 39-year-old Andrew Housworth guilty of one count of aggravated battery October 24 as the outcome of his Leavenworth County District Court Trial.

A post-trial motions hearing is now scheduled for December 8.

Thompson says Housworth, on January 12, was at a Spruce Street gas station when he became upset after being confronted about cutting in line.

Leaving the store after the verbal confrontation, Housworth waited outside, yelling at the victim and threatening him once he exited.

Authorities say Housworth then charged the victim, stabbing him one time in the chest before running away from the scene of the crime.

(KAIR)--Six-months have passed, and details remain scarce regarding the death of an Atchison man.

Deemed to be a homicide, investigators have never publicly stated what caused the death of 49-year-old Michael Moeck at his Atchison home.

Moeck's body was discovered around 7:00 on the evening of April 24 at his 1145 Parallel Street residence.

Atchison Police launched the investigation, with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation called in to assist with the probe.

How Moeck died has never been revealed, nor have any persons of interest in connection with his death been made public. Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News those details, being a part of the ongoing investigation, remain unreleased to the public. “Everyday, there is some effort being made that will lead us to this prosecution,” Wilson said. “KBI agents are here frequently. We speak daily, whether it be in a meeting, whether it be following leads here in Atchison, or whether it's talking by phone. There's things being done on a daily basis, it's just somewhat unfortunate we can't speak about the progress that's being made, and the efforts that's being made, because, obviously, that could hinder the investigation and, ultimately, the prosecution.”

Weeks after the murder, Wilson told MSC News many leads were being followed and interviews conducted, saying he was confident that an arrest would be made. Now, six months later, Wilson says he remains confident that whoever killed Moeck will be brought to justice. “We are confident that this investigation will lead to a prosecution,” Wilson said. “Out mission is to present the County Attorney with a case that will lead to a conviction. We've been committed to that goal on a daily basis since April 24 and we will reach that goal. It's not if, but it's when, this case will reach Atchison County District Court.”

Anyone with information related to the death of Michael Moeck should call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.

(KAIR)--After 35-years, Atchison's All Faith Counseling Center is closing its doors.

News of the decision was posted in a statement on the mental-health provider's Facebook page.

The final day of operation will be November 15, with the statement saying the phone and fax will be turned off at the close of business on that day.

All Faith Counseling Center has served Atchison, and the surrounding area, since 1983.

According to the center's website, the center was formerly known as the Atchison Samaritan Counseling Center when it was founded by Sister Janelle Maes, a Benedictine Sister, pastoral counselor, and licensed marriage and family therapist.

It began as an ecumenical endeavor in conjunction with local pastor John Muncy, operating out of a space donated by the Atchison hospital, in an effort to provide quality, affordable counseling services in Atchison.

Gaining the endorsement of the Atchison Ministerial Alliance, the center changed it's named to All Faith Counseling in 1988 to reflect that people of all beliefs were welcome to the provided services.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council has approved a request from the Auditorium Board to continue moving the restoration of the building forward.

During the October Council meeting, Auditorium Board member Dennis Crispin requested approval for the Auditorium Board to make preparation to begin construction on the upper floor of the building.

The architects estimate for the work, is just over $226,000. The Council approved $200,000 in funding for the upper floor construction.

The council also approved the Auditorium Board proceeding with the selection of a Construction Manager.
 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Drivers are being warned to watch out for deer in the next few weeks because breeding season is in full swing and crops are being harvested in the region.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says drivers should watch for deer, especially around dawn and dusk.
During breeding season, bucks are actively searching for mates, so they may be more likely to cross a road. And farming activity may drive them out of an area.
Drivers should wear their seat belts and anticipate having to stop suddenly if they encounter a deer.
Honking and flashing headlights may help frighten deer.
If drivers see a deer, they should assume others are nearby.
Driver who hit a deer can take the carcass if they contact Game and Parks officials within 24 hours.

( MSC NEWS)--The USD 113 Foundation Board, Sabetha, Wetmore, and Axtell Schools, is pleased to announce the recipients of the Fall 2017 Appleseed Innovation Grants.  

The Appleseed Innovation Grants are open to any teacher or staff member.  The primary purpose is to fund new, or innovative projects that directly impact student engagement.  The grant can also be requested to expand existing innovations.  Approximately $12,500 will be awarded to different projects, district-wide. The Appleseed Grants are sponsored and underwritten by Kent and Donna Saylor.  

USD 113 District-Wide

New Food Fridays:  All five buildings in the district will be visited, in turn, with information and taste offering of a new fruit or vegetable, on specified Fridays.  Requested by Ms. Brook Brubeck, District Food Services Director.  Amount awarded: $450.00
Robotics and Coding:  After-school and summer coding academies in Axtell, Wetmore, and Sabetha, expanding and utilizing Dot and Dash robots.  Requested by Ms. Lisa Suhr, Technology Integration Specialist. Amount awarded:  $3,000.00
Prairie Hills Green Screen Productions:  Purchase of green screen movie production equipment for each of the five buildings in the district.  Requested by Ms. Lisa Suhr, Technology Integration Specialist.  Amount awarded:  $3,185.00

Axtell Public Schools

Creative Displays:  A Cricut machine and software, first to be used for library reading promotional displays, but also for use by other staff members and by students. Requested by Ms. Cindy Kaster, Paraprofessional. $665.00

Sabetha Elementary School

Standing Desks:  Six (6) Standing desks, which will allow for alternative student posturing in the classroom. Requested by Ms. Lorinda Strahm and Ms. Jennifer Herrmann, 3rd and 4th Grade Classrooms.  $1,272.00
Hands-On Sound Manipulation for Interventive Reading Groups:  Tactile letters that can be handled and manipulated by students.  Requested by Ms. Shari Frey, Special Education Teacher. Amount Awarded: $200.00
Nature Soundscape:  A six-foot musical fence, with roof, to be added to the SES Nature Area.  Requested by Ms. Holly Meyer, Pre-K Teacher, and Ms. Donna Elder, Co-Teacher. $1,115.00

Sabetha High School

Flight and Motion:  Mini-drones (12) for use in the Physical Science and Physics curriculums.  Requested by Mr. Brian Cole, Sabetha High School Physical Sciences Teacher. $2,530.00

The Appleseed Innovation Grants are one of many funds and/or scholarships administered by the USD 113 Foundation Board. The Board is made up of volunteer representatives from the entire district.  

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners opened bids for a culvert project when they met October 24th.   Matt Manning with Mainelli Wagner and Associates Engineers on the project attended the meeting.

Eight bids were submitted for the project ranging from an apparent low bid of $325,481 up to more than $477,000.

The bids were tabled. Mainelli Wagner & Associates will review the bids and make a recommendation to the Board. 

Commissioners also approved extending Pawnee County’s participation in the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management program beginning July 1, 2018 and continuing through June 30, 2021.  
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners unanimously approved a new contract with Road and Bridge Department Union during their October 24th meeting. 

The contract, retroactive to July 1, 2017 will run through June 30th, 2020. The agreement calls for a two-percent pay increase for employees each year of the contract. 

Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkdendall met with the Board to review the status of the underground fuel storage tank at the courthouse, used to operate the generator for the Emergency Management Department.

Commissioners authorized Kirkendall to contact Leak Specialists of Lincoln to clean and service the fuel tank at a cost of $1,600.   
 

(KLZA)--The Salem Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call early Sunday morning. 

Fire Fighters were called when it was discovered that a pickup and pull-type camper owned by Bill Brown of Salem was ablaze. The camper was not being used at the time of the fire. 

Salem Fire Chief Jon Kean said both units were destroyed. The State Fire Marshall is investigating the cause of the fire. There were no injuries and nothing else was damaged. 
 

(KNZA)--Law enforcement agencies across Kansas will be extra-vigilant when patrolling around schools beginning Monday, October 30th through Friday, November 3rd .

According to a new release, officers will be issuing citations to anyone who does not obey Kansas law during the " Ticket or Treat" seatbelt enforcement campaign.

According to the 2017 Kansas observational seatbelt survey, children are much more likely to be buckled up if the driver is also wearing a seatbelt. If the driver is buckled, about 98% of the children are also restrained compared to only 29% of the observed children if the driver is not buckled.

The release says the goal of the enforcement is not to issue citations; it’s to remind people of all ages that seatbelts save lives.

In 2016, Kansas lost 44 people under the age of 19 in motor vehicle crashes, with only half of the victims being properly restrained.

Locally, the Hiawatha and Horton Police Departments along with the Brown County Sheriff's Department will be participating in the special enforcement campaign.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man has been arrested in connection with a Jackson County vehicle burglary and theft of property.

Sheriff Tim Morse says the burglary occurred at about 1:00 Saturday afternoon in rural Mayetta and within the hour the suspect, 30-year-old Todd Gordon Severt, Jr., was taken into custody by Jackson County Sheriff's Office investigators at a Topeka pawn shop.

Morse says the stolen property that was allegedly found in the possession of Severt was recovered.

Severt was transported and booked into the Jackson County Jail on burglary and felony theft charges.

The Topeka Police Department assisted.

Morse reminds residents not to leave valuables and firearms in their vehicles, and to make sure to remove their keys and lock their vehicles.        

(KLZA)--Humboldt City Attorney Dylan Handley discussed several topics with the City Council during the October 17th Council meeting. 

Acting Mayor Dean Bogle  noted the Council is revisiting the ordinance regulation the discharge of fireworks.  Handley said currently the ordinance reads, fireworks are legal in Humboldt if they are legal in Nebraska. 

Sheriff Don Pounds has suggested adding a fine and time limits to the current ordinance to help with enforcement.  Handley noted the maximum fine is $500 and said he would work at incorporating the fine into a new ordinance. 

Handley also informed the Council the City of Humboldt currently does not have a vandalism ordinance. The City can utilize the Nebraska State Statutes to prosecute should there be an occurrence. Handley will be preparing language for signs in the parks.

Handley also updated the Council on his review of a contract from EMS Services and costs of “Collections,” for ambulance services. Handley said he sees no problem with the City moving ahead and using EMS Services, to collect unpaid bills. 

The Council then approved contracting with the company for collections.

Handly also touched on the City parking ordinance, which is 48 hours on city streets.  Deputy McMann was in attendance and noted that under the ordinance, if someone leaves town for a 3-day weekend they could return to find a parking ticket if their vehicle is left on a city street.  

Handley suggested lengthening the time limit on parking.    

(KNZA)--The 103rd Annual Hiawatha Halloween Frolic will take place Tuesday.

The day will kick-off with the judging of the children’s, pet and business costume contests.

The children’s parade will begin at 3:00 in the afternoon in downtown Hiawatha.

The Business Trick or Treat and Trunk or Treat will be held in the downtown from 3:30 to 5:30.

The afternoon frolic will also include a chili cook off, pumpkin race and more.

The Hiawatha Fire Department will hold a chili feed from 5 to 6:30 that evening  at the fire station located at 411 Oregon.

The Hiawatha Halloween queen will be crowned in ceremony beginning at 6:00 prior to the start of the Grand Parade down Oregon Street.  14 area girls are participating in this year’s scholarship contest.

Don and Nancy Cashman, of Hiawatha, will serve as honorary grand marshal’s of this year’s parade.

The theme of this year’s parade is  “ When Fairy Tales Turn to Scary Tales.”

Monday evening has been designated as Trick-or-Treat night in Hiawatha.   Residents who would like to participate are encouraged to turn on their front porch light.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office will hold their 10th annual Trick-or-Treat night Monday evening starting at 5:00.

The staff will be dressed in kid friendly costumes.  They will be handing out trick or treat bags containing safety information, mood cups, pencils, stickers, candy and orange glow sticks for safety until they run out.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant offered the following basic safety rules for trick or treaters:

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

 

(KNZA)--A woman accused of killing her estranged husband in Leavenworth has been found competent to stand trial.

The Leavenworth Times reports a preliminary hearing for 51-year-old Barbara Frantz, of Kansas City, Kansas, is now set for January 9th following the judge’s ruling this week.

Frantz is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 54-year-old Gary Frantz.

Leavenworth police say Gary Frantz was shot several times January 27th in a Leavenworth parking lot.  Barbara Frantz was arrested hours later in Burlingame, Kansas.

In March, a judge ruled Frantz was not competent to stand trial. At that time, she was remanded to the Larned State Security Hospital for treatment. Following several months of treatment, she was returned to the custody of the Leavenworth County Jail.

(KNZA)--Two area principals will be honored by their peers next month.

Holton High School Principal Rod Wittmer has been selected by the Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals as the Area 1 High School Principal of the Year.

Hiawatha Middle School Principal Dave Coufal has been selected as the Area 1 Middle School Principal of the Year.      

Both were nominated and selected by peer principals.

Candidates are evaluated on their school leadership, school improvement, dedication, professionalism and service to student.

The KASSP is an organization of more than 375 secondary school principals from across the state.

Coufal and Wittmer will be recognized during the Kansas Principals Conference  November 8th in Wichita.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Republican-led Senate Foreign Relations Committee narrowly approved the nomination of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback to be U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.

On an 11-10 vote Thursday, the panel recommended that the full Senate consider President Donald Trump's selection of Brownback for the State Department post.

Brownback thanked the committee in a tweet "for voting on my nomination favorably."

LGBT rights groups decry Brownback's nomination because of his conservative views on issues such as same-sex marriage.

During his confirmation hearing, Brownback defended his decision as Kansas governor to scrap an executive order that barred discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. He says state lawmakers should have resolved the matter, not the governor.

If approved by the Senate, Brownback would resign as Kansas Governor. 

(KLZA)--The Humboldt City Council is gathering information concerning mandatory trash service. 

During the October 17th Council meeting, the Council listened to presentations and reviewed correspondence from several trash collection companies.

RJ Hamilton, owner of Hamilton Recycling in Falls City presented information on what his company could offer the City of Humboldt for mandatory trash service.  Hamilton said his goal is to recycle first and divert all they can from the landfill. 

The Council also reviewed a mandatory solid waste disposal agreement between Pawnee City and Seneca Sanitation. Several e-mails and faxes  from other trash collection companies were also reviewed including P & J Solid Waste Management, Falls City Sanitation and Seneca Sanitation.

City Attorney Dylan Handley informed the Council he could not find any codes, resolutions or contracts, requiring the City to give a two-year notice to current garbage service providers the City was considering going with a mandatory trash service. Handley did suggest giving all current providers ample notice if the  City implements mandatory trash service.

Council President Dean Bogle, filling in for Mayor Crystal Dunekacke who was absent, said the Council will discuss implementing mandatory trash service at the next Council meeting.

(AP) - A northeast Nebraska hog farmer and educator is running for a seat in Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District.

Democrat Paul Theobald of rural Foster announced his candidacy Wednesday. He will challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, a Republican who is seeking re-election in the GOP-dominated district.

Theobald is a former professor at Wayne State College. He and his wife, Maureen, live on a small farm in rural Pierce County where they pasture-raise purebred heritage breed hogs.

Theobald says he would focus on the needs of rural residents, communities, businesses and schools if elected. On his campaign website, he says he supports Medicare for all and a higher minimum wage, and opposes the Keystone XL pipeline.

Smith has represented Nebraska's 3rd District since 2007. The district stretches from the Missouri River west to the Wyoming boarder. 

(KLZA)-- An arrest has been made in connection with a break-in at the Richardson County Courthouse in Falls City. 

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of the Falls City Police Department, arrested 25-year-old Harvey Webster Jr, of Sabetha, about 1:30 Wednesday morning at a Falls City convenience store.

Webster was booked into the Richardson County Jail on charges of obstructing a peace officer with violence, resisting arrest, terroristic threats and  possession of stolen property.  Webster was also taken into custody on Richardson County warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay fines and costs. 

A news release from the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office revealed stolen property from the courthouse break-in was recovered during the arrest of Webster. 

A Nebraska State Patrol report on Tuesday, disclosed that someone had scaled a light pole and broke into the Courthouse through a second floor window Monday night or early Tuesday morning.  The County Clerks office was ransacked and the Register of Deeds Office and County Treasurers Office were also entered.

The investigation into the break-in is ongoing.  

(KAIR)--The names of all three victims of what authorities say was a double murder-suicide in Jefferson County have been made public.

Dead are 64-year-old Penny Nelson, the owner of the residence, located at 3222 Detlor Road, in rural Grantville. A press release issued by Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig also identifies her as the sister of the shooting suspect, 66-year-old Harlan Gleason. He was found by authorities to have suffered what they say appear to be self inflicted gunshot wounds.

Also dead is 61-year-old James Chavez, Nelson's neighbor.

The bodies of Nelson and Chavez were discovered in the residence by Jefferson County EMS and Kaw Township First Responders shortly before 3:00 Wednesday afternoon.

Gleason's body was discovered later, following the issuance of a Code Red Alert and a search by numerous Jefferson County agencies.

Herrig says the case remains under investigation, with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Thursday finalizing the processing of the crime scene.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) - Leavenworth police say remains found last year have been identified as a man who has been missing since 2009.

Police Chief Pat Kitchens said DNA evidence proved the skeleton was the remains of William Creech.

Leavenworth parks employees found the remains Dec. 13 at the bottom of an embankment north of the Riverfront Community Center. Kitchens said Creech likely died after falling from the top of the tall embankment.

The Leavenworth Times reports Creech was reported missing Sept. 27, 2009. He was last seen at his home in Leavenworth, which is near where the remains were found.

The remains were sent to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System in Texas for the DNA testing.

(KNZA)--A former Hoyt man already facing child-sex related charges in Jackson County stemming from a case dating back to 2015 has been arrested on a new charge.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says 52-year-old Leon Holloway, who now resides in Onaga, was arrested Wednesday afternoon on a charge of exploitation of a child following a traffic stop in Hoyt.

Morse says the charge arises from a Sheriff's Department investigation focused on the alleged possession of child pornography.

Following is arrest, Holloway was booked into the Jackson County Jail where he's being held on a bond of $25,000.

Holloway is scheduled to go on trial the week of November 27th in Jackson County on charges of rape, indecent liberties with a child and two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy.

Those charges stem from alleged sex offenses occurring between April 2013 and March 2015 in the city of Hoyt involving a girl under the age of 14.

Holloway was arrested on the charges in May 2015 following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, and was free on bond when he was arrested in the new case.       

GRANTVILLE, Kan. (AP) - Authorities are investigating the deaths of three adults in Jefferson County as a double murder-suicide.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the bodies were found Wednesday afternoon at a residence in rural Grantville. Sheriff Jeff Herrig says authorities sent out an alert warning people in the area of possible danger after the first two bodies were found. The victims had been shot and killed.
 
Herrig says the alert was canceled after officers found the body of the person who is believed to be responsible for the double homicide at the same residence. The person had died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  
 
The investigation is ongoing. The names of those killed weren't immediately released.
 

(KAIR)--A stolen vehicle ends up on the lawn of an Atchison residence, and the alleged driver goes to jail on numerous charges, including drug possession.

Atchison Police Captain Tim Stout tells MSC News 20-year-old Dajaha Owens was arrested Saturday night in connection with the incident. “Officers were dispatched to the area of the 1400 block of South 8th Street concerning a report that Dajaha Owens had drove a vehicle off the roadway into someone's yard. The officer's were also advised that Owens didn't have a valid driver's license. Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle that Owens was driving. The officers also discovered that Owens was in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and alcohol.”

Owens faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, possession of alcohol by a minor, and operating a motor vehicle without a license.

Following her arrest, Owens was booked into the Atchison County Jail, held on a bond of $10,000.

The vehicle police say Owens was driving had earlier been reported stolen by Atchison resident Larry Haley,

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska State Patrol is leading the investigation into a break-in of the Richardson County Courthouse in Falls City. 

A release from Nebraska State Patrol Public Information Officer Cody  Thomas says the break-in occurred between the close of business Monday and opening Tuesday morning. 

Someone scaled a light pole and broke into the courthouse through a second story window. 

The County Clerk’s Office was ransacked. The Nebraska State Patrol is working with the Clerk’s Office staff to determine what may have been stolen.

The release says there was also damage around the exterior of the property.  The investigation is ongoing. 

The County Clerks Office and Register of Deeds Office were closed Tuesday but re-opened Wednesday. 

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office and the Falls City Police Department are assisting with the investigation.  Anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the Courthouse area Monday night is asked to contact law enforcement. 

(KLZA)-- Alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in an early evening wreck, October 12 on Highway 159 a mile-and-a-half east of Falls City.

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Department accident report indicates two people were transported to Community Medical Center in Falls City with disabling injuries. 

According to the report, 27-year-old Samuel Philips of Dawson was westbound on Highway 159 at a high rate of speed and struck the rear end of a westbound car driven by 41-year-old Jennifer Mumm of Falls City. The impact caused the Mumm car to turn sideways, cross the highway to the south ditch and roll onto its top.  Phillips vehicle continued west and stopped on the north side of the highway. 

Neither driver was wearing a safety restraint. The Falls City Volunteer Ambulance Squad transported both Mumm and Phillips to the hospital. Phillips was later transferred to a Lincoln Hospital. Both have since been released from the hospital. 

The Sheriff’s Department report filed by Deputy Jon Kirkendall indicates that a citation is pending against Samuel Phillips.  
 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved a new contract for the transport and disposal of trash collected at the county transfer station.

The Commission voted Monday to accept a 5-year renewal contract with Perry-based Hamm Inc. with a $1 a ton reduced rate.

Charlie Sedlock with Hamm’s told the Commission if the county would go with a five-year contract instead of 3-year, he would offer the reduced rate.

The county is currently paying $36.34 a ton.

The new contract will include an annual increase based on the consumer price index.

The county’s current contract with Hamm’s expires this year.   

Hamm’s transports the trash collected at the Brown County Transfer Station to its landfill at Perry for disposal.

The county has contracted with the company since 1994.

(KNZA)--The second of two Sabetha residents charged in connection with a Hiawatha home invasion and robbery in May has pleaded no contest to charges.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 21-year-old Edgar Martinez entered the plea Tuesday in Brown County District Court to felony charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery.

In exchange for the plea, a misdemeanor charge of criminal restraint was dismissed.

Sentencing was set for November 6th.

Following his plea, Hill says Martinez bond was revoked and he was remanded to the Brown County Jail.

Co-defendant, 23-year-old Jazmene Hicks, recently pleaded no contest to amended felony charges of robbery, burglary and aggravated battery along with a misdemeanor charge of criminal restraint, canceling a jury trial that had been set for this week.

Hicks is also scheduled to be sentenced November 6th.

Authorities say the pair broke into the 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.

Taken were a pair of car keys, billfold and a RCA tablet.

Atlakson was treated for injuries at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures in the Southeast Corner of Nebraska for the month of September were mostly down, but three counties have unemployment rates among the highest in the state. 

Gage County has an unemployment rate of 5.3 percent, a jump of two percent from the 3.3 percent figure in August. 

Johnson and Nemaha County unemployment rates of 3.3 percent are also among the 10 worst unemployment rates in Nebraska. The rate in Johnson County was up two-tenths of a point and in Nemaha County the unemployment figure actually dipped from four percent the previous month. 

Richardson County had a dip in unemployment for September to 2.6 percent, which is a decline of four-tenths, and the best rate in the area. 

The Pawnee County unemployment rate is up two-tenths to 2.9 percent. Otoe County unemployment is at 2.9 percent, down six-tenths of a percent for the month. 

Statewide the September unemployment rate was 2.8 percent, unchanged from August and July. 

The U.S. unemployment rate for September was 4.2 percent. 

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca is reeling from news that one of its largest employers, SKF USA , will shut down its plant, putting 170 people out of work.

SKF USA, which is owned by the Sweden-based SKF Group,  announced Tuesday it is consolidating its industrial seals manufacturing work.  The company says the work being done in Seneca will be transferred to a plant in Salt Lake City over the next 18 months.

Mayor Joe Mitchell called the decision a “ huge blow” to the city. “It's a huge economic impact to our community from the standpoint of losing 170 jobs in our community,” Mitchell told MSC News. “Then of course having a facility that will be vacated...to make that a viable business location again.”

Mitchell said he’s hopeful the town will find another manufacturer to replace SKF.

City Administrator Matt Rehder says it’s unclear at this point the financial impact of so many lost jobs. “For the city organization itself, we are going to lose some revenue from the franchise fee that we have with Westar, through SKF, and then also from utility revenue from the water and sewer consumed on sight. We haven't calculated those numbers at the moment, we are going to do that eventually, and I'm anticipating a decent financial hit. The real issue is 170 people losing their jobs. That's going to be the real impact.”

SKF established the Seneca plant more than 40 years ago.

(KAIR)--Another step forward in the ongoing Dam 6 sewer separation project.

That matter came before the Atchison City Commission Monday evening, with the city leaders asked to consider an expenditure of $112,000 for engineering and design of the project.

According to Public Works Director Justin Pregont, the project is one part of the overall mandatory goal to address the city's out-of-compliance combined sewer overflow system which floods in times of wet weather, sending raw sewage into White Clay Creek and the Missouri River.

Pregont, speaking on behalf of City Staff, recommended the authorization of the contract to Lawrence-based firm, BG Consultants. “BG's done partial construction inspection for us on previous projects,” Pregont told the Commission. “Most of that's materials testing, like they've done on the highway project that's going on right now, and on the trail project before that. We found them to be highly competent handling this scope of work.”

Following discussion, the Commission gave unanimous approval to entering into the contract, and the expenditure.

According to Pregont, studies have shown that overflows from Watershed Dam 6 are the single largest contributing factor to overflows in the 14th Street sewershed, which is a priority location for remediation of the overflows into White Clay Creek.

(KAIR)--An investigation that began in August comes to an end, with one arrest made in connection with alleged thefts committed in Atchison County.

Sheriff Jack Laurie says the 83-year-old victim, James Tull, made the initial report about the crimes on August 18, saying that 16 batteries and two skid steer attachments were missing from near his Hunters Landing residence.

Laurie says the investigation revealed that some of the property had been misplaced, although a number of batteries, valued at around $2,000, had been taken from the property. “Nine or ten batteries were stolen and taken to a scrap yard, up in St. Joe, where we were abl to with those up there,” Laurie told MSC News.

The investigation led deputies to rural Atchison County resident Edward Karafelis, who was interviewed in connection with the thefts.

A warrant was issued for his arrest, and Deputies contacted him Friday at his home.

Karafelis was arrested and booked into the Atchison County Jail in connection with the thefts.

(KNZA)--The woman killed in an officer-involved shooting Sunday evening in St. Joseph has been identified.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol identified the victim Tuesday as 25-year-old Samantha Hennard, of St. Joseph.   

The Patrol said an autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday.

The Patrol says Hennard was fatally shot shortly after 6:15 Sunday evening at the intersection of 10th and Pacific Streets.

Police said she fired a gun at officers after they called to the scene of a disturbance outside a local bar and observed several individuals running from the area.

No officers were injured.

The Patrol is continuing to investigate the shooting.

St. Joseph Police Commander Eric Protzman said the officer involved in the shooting has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) - The parents of a Leavenworth County teenager who has been missing since 1988 are going to court in an effort get criminal investigative records on their son's case.

Harold and Alberta Leach of Linwood are suing Leavenworth County after the sheriff's department rejected a Kansas Open Records Act request for the criminal documents.

The couple's 17-year-old son, Randy Leach, disappeared in April 1988 after a high school graduation celebration in rural Leavenworth County. Investigators found no trace of him and no one was been charged in the case.

The couple's attorney, Maxwell Kautsch, says the law enforcement records would show whether Leavenworth County properly investigated the disappearance.

The trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 21.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska State Patrol is leading the investigation into an overnight break-in of the Richardson County Courthouse in Falls City. 

The break-in occurred either Monday night or early Tuesday morning.  The Richardson County Clerk’s Office and Register of Deeds Office on the second floor of the courthouse and the County Treasurer’s Office on the first floor were broken into. 

Offices were vandalized and theft is part of the investigation.  Information on what was stolen has not been released.

The County Clerks Office and Register of Deeds Office were closed Tuesday but expect to be open on Wednesday.  The Treasurer's Office was not closed.

The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office and the Falls City Police Department are assisting with the investigation.  Anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the Courthouse area Monday night is asked to contact law enforcement. 

(KNZA)--A former longtime Hiawatha optometrist is being remembered.

Dr. Harold Ripple, Jr. died Monday at the age of 98.

Dr. Ripple practiced in Hiawatha for 36 years from September 1st 1947 until his retirement in 1983.

As a member of the Kansas Optometric Association, he served as president of the Association, and president of the Kansas Optometric Foundation, among numerous other related roles, including President of the Kansas Ethics Committee for Optometry. As a member of the American Optometric Association, he earned recognition as a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.  He received numerous honors from both professional associations.

Dr. Ripple was one of the three original founding members of the Hiawatha Elks Lodge serving one term as Exalted Ruler and a member for 70 plus years.  He was also active in the Masonic Lodge for 70 plus years.

A celebration of life service for Dr. Ripple will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 at the First Presbyterian Church, in Hiawatha.

The Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Hiawatha, is handling the arrangements.

Among survivors are his wife, Deloris, along with two children and two step-children.     

(MSC News)--Law enforcement agencies across Kansas will be collecting unused leftover medications for safe disposal Saturday.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt says the collection events are part of a nationwide effort to safely dispose of leftover medications to prevent accidental or intentional misuse.

Locally, unused prescription drugs will be accepted Saturday from 10 to 2 at the Brown, Jackson and Nemaha County Sheriff’s Offices along with Iowa Tribal Police Department in White Cloud. They will also be accepted at two locations in Leavenworth—Price Chopper and CVS Pharmacy.

The National Drug Take-Back Day is coordinated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, which collects and safely destroys the medications.

Since the program began in 2010, Schmidt says more than 58 tons of unwanted medications have been collected and destroyed in Kansas alone.

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

I would like to inform county residents that Saturday October 28th  is
"National Drug Take Back Day."  

This is a national event to garner support of the public to clean out their medicine chest of unused, unwanted or expired medication and to provide safe and secure local drop off points.

The Brown County Sheriffs office has been a part of this very worthwhile
program since the program was established in 2010.  Since that time, more
than 7,000,000 pounds  of unwanted, unused or expired medications have been
turned in for destruction nationwide.   By statistic, more than 46,000
Americans die each year from drug-related deaths.  According to the 2014
National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.5 million Americans abused
controlled prescription drugs and a majority of abused prescription drugs
are obtained through family and friends, including from their home medicine
cabinets.

We not only participate in this national event, but we are also a 24 hours
a day, seven day a week drop off location for these medications.  In the
past we have had such a positive turn out, I felt a need to provide this
service at any time of day or night to provide a way for the public to
properly dispose of their medications.  By participating in this event, we
at the Sheriffs Office,  safely store the acquired medications in a secure
holding area and then turn  custody over the to DEA agents for proper
disposal, so we encourage the public at any time to bring their medications
to us at 709 Utah Street in Hiawatha.  Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week  to accept the medications. We cannot accept needles/syringes or injectable medications.

This is a very worthwhile program that I hope is around for many years to
come.  To date, we have collected and turned in over 2,000 pounds of these
medication in Brown County.  I appreciate everyone's cooperation and
encourage the public to check your medicine cabinets and turn in your
expired, unwanted or unused prescriptions.  "By working together this helps
make Brown County a safer place to live and raise a family."

(MSC News)--Unemployment was down in area northeast Kansas counties in September.

According to the latest figures from the Kansas Department of Labor, Atchison County had highest unemployment rate among area counties at 5.4 percent while Nemaha County had the lowest at 2.2 percent.

Elsewhere, Brown County’s jobless rate in September was 3 percent; Doniphan County, 3.5 percent; Jackson, 2.8 percent; Jefferson, 3.2 percent; Leavenworth, 3.7 percent; Marshall, 2.5 percent and Pottawatomie, 2.8 percent.

All the figures were down from August and also from September 2016.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in September was 3.8 percent.  That’s down slightly from the August rate of 3.9 percent and lower than the 4.3 percent rate for September 2016.       

The state Department of Labor says monthly unemployment rates this year have remained below those for last year.

(KAIR)--An altercation, alleged to have begun over a stolen cellphone, turns violent, and police say that's why an Atchison man went to jail Saturday morning. "Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Atchison Street, concerning a disturbance,” Atchison Police Captain Tim Stout told MSC News. “During the investigation, they were advised that Keith Allen had taken a phone from the victim, who is an acquaintance of Allen's. During this time, they were advised that Allen had struck the victim with the phone and then started choking her."

Stout said the 43-year-old Allen had already left the scene of the alleged attack by the time police arrived. "They end locating Allen a short distance away in the 400 block of North 5th Street."

Allen was arrested on charges including aggravated domestic violence and theft. Following his apprehension, Allen was booked into the Atchison County Jail, where he's held on a $15,000 bond. 

According to Stout, the victim suffered no injuries requiring medical treatment.

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County, Nebraska Commissioners adopted a resolution during their October 18th meeting to vacate County Road 104A with a 9-1-1 address of 635 Avenue between Sections 25 and 26.

Commissioners also approved the County Clerk advertising for sealed bids to sell a 2012  Dodge Charge Sheriff’s Vehicle declared surplus.  Nemaha County is also advertising for sealed bids for Pest Control Services for the Jail, Courthouse, Multi-Plex building and the 19th Street Annex buildings. 

The Nemaha County Board is scheduled to meet again on November 1. 
 

(KLZA)-- Two staff members were arrested at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution on Saturday. 

A release from the Nebraska Department of Corrections says 53-year-old Richard Fries and 31-year-old Ryan Tokar were arrested on contraband-related charges. 

Fries has been employed as a corporal at the Tecumseh Prison since January of this year and Tokar has been employed as a corporal at the facility since November of last year. Both men were lodged in the Johnson County Jail.

No other information was made available since the investigation is ongoing.  

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska corrections director says he plans to continue double-bunking inmates in solitary confinement despite the inspector general's call to suspend the practice out of concern it increases dangers for inmates and staff.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that Inspector General of Corrections Doug Koebernick recently called on the state to suspend and review the double-bunking practice. He cites studies concluding that placing two troubled inmates in a small cell designed for one increases danger and tension for inmates and staff.

But State Corrections Director Scott Frakes has rejected suspending the practice. He says the department has reviewed the practice and will continue it, along with screening cellmates for compatibility.

Koebernick's call was in response to the April slaying of an inmate in a double-bunked cell at Tecumseh State Prison.
 

(KLZA)-- It was an expensive night when the Mound City Board of Aldermen conducted their October meeting earlier this month. 

Schulte Supply resubmitted a bid of $164,184 for a drive-by meter reading system.  The original bid was more than $182,000.  Following a lengthy discussion, Aldermen voted unanimously to approve the new bid.

One bid was received for replacement of water lines on Lincoln Road in Mound City. The bid from Hall Construction for $44,277 was approved.  

Following public hearings to review sewer rates and water rates, Council members voted to leave the rates the same. Rate analysis indicated all the rates are sufficient to support the cost of operation, debt, repair and replacement of reserves. 

Options for group health insurance and life insurance for city employees were reviewed. Aldermen approved renewing the current policy with  Blue Cross /  Blue Shield with a 5.8-percent premium increase.  

The Council also approved special tax bills for nuisance abatement.  The amounts approved were $622 for 611 Grand.  $236 for 410 Frazier;  $311 for  610 East Gillis and $236 for 810 State Street.  

(KNZA)--A Mayetta man was injured Monday morning when the skid loader he was driving struck a semi-tractor trailer in Jackson County near Hoyt.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 53-year-old Marshall Persinger was eastbound on 118th Road when he failed to yield the right-of-way to a northbound semi on U.S. 75 and struck the left rear axle of the semi.

Persinger was transported to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Hospital with what the Patrol described as disabling injuries.

The semi driver, 52-year-old Havensville resident Doug Jacobson, was not hurt.

The wreck was reported around 9:15 Monday morning.

(KNZA)--Four arrests are made following the execution of a search warrant Saturday evening in Holton.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says it happened at an apartment, located at 511 New Jersey Street, following an investigation that began when his office received a report of an alleged battery at the residence.

Arrested at the scene were three Holton residents, 28-year-old Danny Ross, 27-year-old Stanley Morris Drinkard, 28-year-old Alexander Mercer-Jones, and one Mayetta resident, 37-year-old Crystal Bratcher.

Ross was arrested on charges including battery, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, and the use of a communication facility device in the commission of a felony drug violation.

Drinkard was arrested on charges including possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine, the use of a communication facility device in the commission of a felony drug violation, possession of hydrocodone, distribution of methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, and possession of marijuana within 1000-feet of a school.

Mercer-Jones was arrested on charges including possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, while Bratcher was taken into custody on charges including possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine.

All four were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at the scene of the raid and arrests.

(KNZA)--Jackson and Pottawatomie Counties are among seventeen Kansas counties awarded a total of nearly $8.2 million by the Kansas Department of Transportation for bridge replacement projects.

Jackson County will receive nearly $250,000 in federal funding for the replacement of a bridge about 3 ½ miles northwest of Delia spanning Sullivan Creek.  The total project cost is estimated at nearly $312,000.

Pottawatomie County will receive just over $507,000 in federal funding for the replacement of a bridge 3 miles north of Duluth on Parallel Road spanning a tributary of Mud Creek.  The total project cost is estimated at just over $634,000.

KDOT received 83 applications requesting $33.2 million in funding under the Federal-Aid Off-System Bridge Program for federal fiscal year 2019, which will begin on Oct. 1, 2018.
 
Under the program, recipients can receive up to $1 million and must provide matching funds in the amount of 20 percent.
 
 

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced its second round of grants for 2017 totaling nearly $18,000.

The Nemaha Valley Community Hospital will receive $10,350 for the purchase of a Pulmonary Function Test System.  

The hospital says the equipment will give them the ability to provide the full PTF service to their patients and patients in the surrounding communities with easy access and much less travel.  Along with the purchase of the equipment, there will be training for the three respiratory therapists.

The Centralia Pride Association will receive $6,000 for improvements to the park in Centralia.  

Planned is the removal of the crumbling steps, replacement of the broken sidewalks and the addition of a wheelchair ramp on the south side of shelter house.  Plans are to also refurbish the park entrance sign, replace and relocate the old flag pole, update the basketball goals and include more lighting.  To complete the project, new trash cans would be installed and the grass re-seeded.  With a total project cost of more than $40,000, the Centralia Pride Association will be seeking other grants and donations as well.

Eastridge Nursing Facility in Centralia will receive $1,150 from the STEP Foundation.  $500 will be used to expand their music and memory program with the purchase of 15 iPods.  The remaining $650 will be used to purchase a larger television for the residents.

Grants are awarded twice a year through the STEP Foundation, with the next deadline being January 15th, 2018.     The grants are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County.

(KAIR)--An opportunity to hear from the candidates.

That's the reason behind a forum being held in Atchison Monday evening.

Arranged by the Atchison Leadership Development Council, in conjunction with the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, the forum will begin at 6:00, and is being held in the USD 409 meeting room, located at 626 Commercial Street, in Atchison.

According to Chamber of Commerce President Jacque Pregont, the forum will be moderated by Steve Johnson, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Benedictine College.

The questions were submitted in advance by local media, including MSC News, as well as members of the public.

The seven candidates, seeking three open seats on the Atchison City Commission, will field those questions, as posed by Johnson.

The candidates include incumbents Dr. Allen Reavis, David Hausmann, and Larry Purcell, as well as Mike Hein, Shawn Rizza, George Ross, Jr., and Floyd “Jay” Robinson.

The City Commission is the only contested race in the City of Atchison to be decided by voters on November 7.

The forum is planned to be broadcast live on local cable access channel 17 as well as Facebook Live.

Rebroadcasts are also planned on channel 17.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman requires hospital treatment following a single vehicle Atchison County crash Saturday.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says 19-year-old Aubrie Jones was eastbound on 286th Road when she lost control of her 1997 Toyota Avalon due to water on the roadway.

That caused the car to go off the right side of the road, where it slid sideways and crashed into a Westar Energy power pole.

Jones was transported by Atchison County EMS to the Atchison hospital, suffering from what Laurie identifies as pain in her leg and foot.

Her 18-month-old daughter was a passenger in the vehicle, but did not appear to have been hurt. However, Laurie says the child was taken to the hospital by private vehicle for precautionary reasons.

The wreck happened east of Graham Road. 

(MSC News)--The Missouri State Highway Patrol will investigate an officer-involved shooting in St. Joseph that resulted in a woman's death.

The St. Joseph News Press reports officers responded to a disturbance call around 6:00 Sunday evening in the area of 10th and Sycamore Streets outside a local bar.

Officers arrived to find several individuals fleeing the scene. The officers chased after the individuals until a woman pulled out a gun and shot at the officers. Officers fired back and the woman was shot and killed.

Commander Eric Protzman with the St. Joseph Police Department says no officers were struck.

No other details were immedidately released, including the name of the woman killed.

Severe thunderstorm watch until 10 p.m. for the following area KS counties--Atchison, Doniphan Jefferson and Leavenworth. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska's corrections department is touting improvements the agency made during the last fiscal year.
 
The agency issued a report Wednesday that notes progress on inmate programming, security, mission-specific housing and construction projects and added prison beds.
 
Director Scott Frakes say the department has made an unparalleled commitment to setting a new course for the agency and increasing public trust after a series of high-profile problems.
 
The report focuses on work done during the fiscal year that began in July 2016 and ended in June of this year, as well as department changes dating back to February 2015.
 
Frakes says the agency is working to improve its services despite having to work in a high-risk setting around the clock.
 

(KNZA)--One of two Sabetha residents charged in connection with an alleged Hiawatha home invasion has pleaded no contest to amended charges, canceling a jury trial that had been scheduled to begin October 25th.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 23-year-old Jazmene Hicks recently entered the plea to felony charges of  robbery, burglary and aggravated battery along with a misdemeanor charge of criminal restraint.

Sentencing was set for November 6th.

Co-defendant,  21-year-old Edgar Martinez, is scheduled to enter a plea Tuesday.

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.

Kyle Wrightsman and Brittany Elmore

(KAIR)--The focus on Atchison-area illegal drug sales culminates in the arrest of two, who now face numerous charges, following the execution of a search warrant late Thursday morning.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News the arrest of 24-year-old Kyle Wrightsman and 24-year-old Brittany Elmore followed an investigation focused on the residence they shared at Atchison's Terrace Hills Apartment that had been underway for the past several weeks. “We were involved in an investigation on some methamphetamine and some other narcotics,” Laurie said. 'We were able to purchase the narcotics within the last few weeks, and started our investigation at that point.”

Wrightsman had left the apartment just prior to the raid, but his vehicle was quickly stopped, and he was arrested in the 1200 block of Division Street.

Elmore had also left prior to the raid, and was taken into custody a short time after the arrest of Wrightsman.

The Sheriff's Office, following the arrests, raided the 1200 North 5th Street Apartment, and Wrightsman now faces charges including distribution of methamphetamine, possession of heroin, possession of a prescription schedule 3 narcotic, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a firearm, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. He was additionally arrested on an Atchison County District Court warrant for theft.

Elmore faces charges including distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Laurie says both were also taken into custody for aggravated endangering of a child, with Elmore facing two counts. “In the apartment, there were three children present. One of the children was sleeping in the bedroom where there were syringes less than a foot away, under a pillow, on the same bed that the baby was sleeping on,” Laurie said. “There's just also a statute that with the sale of methamphetamine within the residence is considered aggravated endangerment of a child. With that environment they had up there we seized numerous syringes and a lot of different paraphernalia up there. It would have been accessible to these children, so definitely a dangerous situation for those children.”

Following their arrests, Wrightsman and Elmore were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Laurie says Atchison Police provided assistance outside the apartment with the office's Special Response Team on stand-by. However, with both suspects arrested prior to the raid, the unit did not have to be deployed.

(KLZA)-- Friday and Saturday are the days for the Bi-Annual Community Clean-Up in Falls City.

The drop-off point will be at Hamilton Recycling and  Disposal at  6th and Stone Street. Hours Friday are 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday hours of 9:00 a.m. – noon.

Items that will not be accepted include household hazardous waste and toxic chemicals and personal household trash. 

Large and bulky trash, metals and recyclables will be accepted including appliances, TV’s and monitors, old furniture, grills, wood, siding and junk and used oil.

There will be a fee for tires, with prices to vary by size, car tires are $2.

Community Medical Center and Miller Monroe are sponsoring free paper shredding.  You are asked to please donate a canned good for each box shredded and there is a five box limit per customer.  

If you need help moving heavy items or hauling off junk, you may call 402-801-2241 or 402-801-8169 to set up an appointment. Fees will range from $10 - $20 based on the items.   

(KNZA)--A Highland man accused of taking $32,000 in cash from a Highland business will stand trial.

The Kansas Chief reports 45-year-old Lee Coffelt was recently bound over to Doniphan County District Court on a charge of felony theft following his preliminary hearing.

Arraignment was scheduled for November 9th.

Coffelt is accused of  taking the money from the Highland Stop and Shop.

He was charged in March.

Coffelt remains free on a $25,000 bond.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Middle School Principal Dave Coufal has been honored.

Coufal has been named by the Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals as the Area I Middle School Principal of the Year.
 
He was nominated and selected by his peers.

Candidates are evaluated on their school leadership, school improvement, dedication, professionalism and service to students.

Coufal has served as principal at Hiawatha since the 2005-06 school year.   

The KASSP is an organization of more than 375 secondary school principals from Kansas.   

Coufal will be formally honored during the KASSP fall conference November 8th in Wichita.  

(KNZA)--A single-vehicle wreck Thursday afternoon in Atchison County sent an Atchison teenager to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 16-year-old Stephen Kellerman, of Atchison, was northbound on River Road, about one mile north of Atchison, when he attempted to negotiate a curve and lost control of the Chevy Equinox he was driving, striking a guardrail.

A passenger, 16-year-old Toby Smith, was transported to the Atchison Hospital with unspecified injuries.

Kellerman and another passenger, 15-year-old Atchison resident Matthew Elmor, received possible injuries, but the Patrol report doesn’t indicate they were transported for hospitalized treatment.

The Patrol says Smith was not wearing a seatbelt, but the other two teens were.

The wreck was reported shortly after 4:00 Thursday afternoon.

(KMZA)--No injuries are reported following a Wednesday night fire in Seneca that left a storage facility damaged.

Seneca Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tom Scott tells MSC News the fire at First and Main Streets was reported around 9:00.

Scott says north side of the “L” shaped storage building was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.

The fire was extinguished by 11:00.

The building, owned by Tom and Glenette Kohake, of Seneca, was used to store assorted antiques as well as around 150 small square bales of hay.

The Kansas Fire Marshal is investigating, with the preliminary report indicating that the fire was likely electrical. However, the investigation remains active.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Officials have confirmed that three Kansas counties are finalists for a new Tyson Foods Inc. chicken-processing plant.

The sites are in Cloud County in north-central Kansas, Montgomery County in southeastern Kansas and Sedgwick County in south-central Kansas.

Montgomery County proposed a site in Coffeyville.

State Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Heather Lansdowne said Wednesday that 16 communities in Kansas pursued the project, and Tyson narrowed the list to three.

The company has been searching for a new site since it put plans on hold in September for building the plant outside Tonganoxie.

Opposition in the Leavenworth County community of about 5,300 residents caused local officials there to back off support for the project.

Lansdowne said Tyson will be looking at the potential sites over "the next month or two."

(KAIR)--It's being called the “Seven for Seven,” a list of seven questions posed to the seven candidates(seeking election to the three open Atchison City Commission seats.

The questions were posed by the non-profit Project Atchison organization, which held a an informal candidate meet and greet earlier this month.

While member Jeff Schuele oversaw delivery of the questions to the candidates, he tells MSC News he wasn't alone in compiling the questions, which were developed with the assistance of other members of the group.

According to Schuele, the questions have been answered by all but one of the seven candidates, with incumbent Larry Purcell not providing answers as of October 19. The other six seeking election include two other imcumbents, Dr. Allen Reavis and David Haussmann, along with former Atchison County Commissioner George Ross, Jr., Atchison Planning Commissioner Floyd “Jay” Robinson, Atchison Parks and Forestry Board Member Shawn Rizza, and Michael Hein.

The candidates answers are posted below. 

Voters on November 7 will decide which of the three candidates will serve on the Atchison City Commission.

Advance voting for all Atchison County-based races is planned to begin Monday.

Voter registration for the November 7 general election came to a close October 17.

Allen Reavis

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commission.

I am married to a local lady, Sara Weatherford Reavis and we have 2 adult children, Ben and Jenny. I am a Kansas native and grew up in a rural area of Platte County – near Farley, MO. Growing up I came to Atchison often with my grandmother that lived near Bean Lake. We used to buy livestock at the Estes Auction Company and yes, I even played on the Mall as a kid! When I graduated from Dental School in 1984 I knew I wanted to be in a small town and considered several opportunities but Atchison was my favorite. It’s been great to live here.

I am running for City Commission because I have enjoyed the challenges, the changes and the successes of the last 8 years. We have gone from serious financial challenges, leadership deficits, crumbling infrastructure to solid financial stability, stronger-younger and more effective leadership in our departments and infrastructure that is on the road to recovery. By the way that was accomplished during a recession and taxes have increased less than 2% in 8 years.

I am running because I believe this city and this region are seeing success come are way and I want to make sure it continues.

2. What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely, what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

Our strengths are many. The people in this area that want to get involved to improve the city, the county, the schools are amazing. The volunteers and their enthusiasm are amazing. We now partner with Atchison County, Project Atchison, Live Well-Live Atchison, Benedictine College, Chamber of Commerce, Amelia Earhart Festival, The Muriel Museum, The Farmers Market, the Atchison Art Association, The Community Theatre and many others on projects throughout the year. This does not even count all the individuals that contribute to our Cities success or the many other civic organizations.

Our other strengths are the utilities we have for industry. We have an excellent water supply, rail service, improved highway access, room for development at our industrial park, strong agriculture economy. It appears that our local large industries are having an increase in employment and business is looking better. We have a diverse economy and labor force in having Benedictine College, Atchison Hospital and the industries throughout our community.

Our weaknesses are that we still need JOBS-JOBS-JOBS. We have got to get more people employed in good jobs with a good starting pay. We also must reduce the drug problem. It is time to get serious and get this problem addressed. I am tired of hearing all the challenges about why it’s hard to get rid of! The drug problem must go! Next on the list is housing issues. We must improve the quality of the rental properties and find incentives for the landlords to make it worth their investment. The other housing issue is we need a developer/contractor to step up and start building homes in all price ranges.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

• Economic Development- Keep working to empower existing business to expand and recruit new business to the area.

• City Manager – Hire a new City Manager that will lead and inspire both the City team but also the citizens.

• Financial Stability- Continue to demand we have stability and reasonable reserves to weather any financial challenges.

• Property Tax/ Water Rates/Sewer and Trash rates- Now that we have returned these funds to stability we must be cautious that we hold the line on these expenses to our citizens.

• Dilapidated Housing and Nuisances- We have removed nearly 90 structures and the city looks better for it. I pledge to tear it down if you are letting it become an abandoned or dangerous structure. However, I also would like to see zoning changes to make it easier to rebuild in these lots.

• Sidewalks/Trails- Increase funding in this area and make our city more accessible.

4. How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

Effectively communicating any message is always a challenge. The challenges are that we now live in an age of “instant news” with social media, then accuracy or rumor control is difficult. Our citizens choose to get their information in many different forms as well.

Communicating to the public and the employees are equally important as our employees are also citizens and neighbors.

In my first term we started many initiatives at improving communication. This included a new City website and Facebook page. With both of those it is encouraged to respond quickly to any citizen concerns. It is time to update the Website and provide the best communication possible.

We now are using Facebook Live along with the cable TV to broadcast our City Commission meetings.

We send press releases to the local media on topics all the time. We encourage the media and citizens to attend and participate in our meetings.

I believe this an area that will always be a constant struggle in getting accurate information out to the public. I also will ask the citizens to seek out the information and contact city hall or one of the commissioners when they have a concern or want to learn more.

5. How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies maybe even consolidation of services?

   The relationship the City has with the County has improved significantly. We have worked together on some projects and plan to do more in the future. I believe there have been some individuals that try to drive a wedge in the City/County relationship. However, when all the elected commissioners discuss issues and find a way to work together – WE GET IT DONE! Recent examples are working together to rebuild and pave River Road, sitting together on the Ambulance Board to help guide the transition to a County operated service. This has led to more cooperation between the Hospital Emergency services, Atchison Fire department, Volunteer Fire Departments and the Rescue Squad. By working together several other groups are coming together, training together and learning how to better serve the citizens.

I see a bright future in working together with the County. I don’t believe that a total consolidation is the solution. What I hear is everyone wants to save money and keep taxes down. We need to look at sharing some resources and possibly using our total budget power to get better prices for supplies. I would consider looking at Website improvements to better connect both entities, Technology support (IT) possible could be a shared department, and continue to work together doing the GIS mapping.

6. The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds these projects?

YES!

This is an excellent opportunity to improve and develop projects that will increase tourism. It will not cost the City any dollars but we will reap the benefits.

7. Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future?

I support Project Atchison in everything they have done. Any request they have made of the City Commission I have endorsed, every request they have made of our City Departments I have encouraged them to support and assist, and I try to join in on Cash Mobs whenever I can.

I believe Project Atchison will have a stronger future with their tax-free status and the strong leaders in your organization. It is my hope that this group will grow as a positive force in our community. I will support them any way I can.

Dave Hausmann

1. Please introduce yourself and explain why you are running.

I am running for the Atchison City Commission because it is an effective way to serve this community that I have been a part of for the last 28 years. I want to see Atchison be a city that is valued by it's citizens and is attractive to others.

2. What are Atchison’s strengths?

Atchison is a first class city. That means we have all the services (police department, fire department, etc) required to put us in that category. At the same time, we are a small city, so, access to these services is prompt and efficient. For example, when I lived in St Louis and Kansas City, I would take a day off work to get my driver’s license.

Another advantage due to Atchison’s size is that there is a strong community sense. You can connect with the people in the community by seeing them in different settings, such as in stores, restaurants, churches, schools and social events.

Weaknesses?

Accessibility is a challenge because most thriving cities have major interstates running through them. Because we do not have a four lane highway, we are limited in our reach outside of Atchison. Another challenge is our weak infrastructure. We have been been making great strides in addressing the challenges that come with an older city. However, we must be diligent to stay on top of these issues. There has been a lot of improvement of our water system, sidewalks, sewers, alleys and streets, and yet there's more that needs to be done.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

I want to see continued street, alley and sidewalk repair, and I want to be part of a city commission that works well with the citizens it represents, with the city staff and with the Atchison County Commission. I will be proactive and prudent in analyzing and following through on opportunities Atchison has in regard to Star bonds, grants, business analysis, quality of life improvements and service improvements.

4. How will you communicate to the public?

I will communicate in personal dialogue on a day to day basis. I am open to calls, texts and emails. I will also advocate for more town hall meetings. To the employees, same.

       5.How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County, and explore ways to create efficiencies, maybe even consolidation of services?

I will continue to develop my working relationships with all county commissioners and will strive for the betterment of Atchison County. We have been working on creating efficiencies with the county. Some examples are the transference of the EMT service to county control, and the cooperation between city and county on the River Road project.

6. The city of Atchison is currently exploring the use of sales tax revenues (Star) bonds, to improve and build a museum for Muriel, and permanent shelter at the farmer’s market area. Do you support the use of Star Bonds for these projects?

Yes, I do support the use of Star bonds. This is a unique opportunity that the state is offering to us and we need to utilize it wisely. This is tax money that would be returned to us from the state. Otherwise, the money would go to other communities.

7. Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future.

I love the energy and enthusiasm that Project Atchison has in making Atchison a better place to live. They step up and make things happen. I have commended and thanked Project Atchison publicly as a commissioner. I have attended meetings, projects and events that they have sponsored. They are really a plus to our community. I will continue to support them in the future.

Floyd “Jay” Robinson

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commission.

My name is Floyd “Jay” Robinson and I would like to further my involvement in serving the Atchison community. It’s my way to give something back to our fine City.

2. What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely, what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

Some of Atchison’s strengths are its location – our quaint historical town with highway access and rail service is situated between 3 large cities. We have a diversity of great schools, both public and private, including Benedictine College. The riverfront development, the downtown revitalization projects and the Neighborhood Revitalization Program incentives have greatly improved the appearance in Atchison. Our residents are very welcoming to visitors and new community members. More positive features in Atchison are the construction of the new Hotel, the new YMCA improvements, the new Taco Bell restaurant and the recent purchase and projected opening of the renovated Movie Theatre.

Some of Atchison’s weaknesses are Infrastructure needs such as streets, sidewalks, alleys and CSO separations. We have a strong need for more industries, business and population growth, as well as incentives for people to shop in and support our existing downtown stores. Another weakness is our loss of entertainment businesses such as the movie theatre, miniature golf course and the bowling alley, as well losing eating establishments like KFC and Long John Silvers to name a few. We must find a way to not only attract businesses to Atchison, but also to patronize and support them so they are able to thrive in our City.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

If elected to the City Commission, some of my goals are: continued infrastructure improvements; prioritizing projects, both current and future, based upon Atchison’s needs; pursuing industry at Shannon Industrial Park; getting rid of dilapidated structures throughout Atchison; improving our appearance on the 59 Highway corridor; and ensuring our City employees have the necessities to keep our City safe and maintained.

4. How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

I will communicate to the public and the employees in a straight forward, open-minded and respectful manner, either in person or by electronic means. I believe open communication is important in any leadership role.

5. How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies, maybe even consolidation of services?

I would encourage setting and maintaining scheduled joint meetings with those entities to keep an open dialogue on the possibility of working together in providing better services for every tax payer.

6. The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds for these projects?

Providing that the Airport Foundation has the private financing in place as indicated, it appears the STAR Bonds could be a good avenue to fund the Muriel Museum and Farmers Market projects. Both are viable projects that could benefit Atchison.

7. Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future?

I have not taken the opportunity to get involved with the many great projects that Project Atchison has accomplished so far. I did, however, volunteer on behalf of the VFW, to “show off” the impressive cleanup work that Project Atchison did at Jackson Park. I participated in this tournament, along with many other teams, to raise money for the VFW and Project Atchison, who shared the proceeds equally. I do appreciate their efforts to make Atchison a finer community, and will try to make more of an effort to support them better in the future.

George Ross Jr.

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commissioner.

My name is George Ross, Jr., and I have been a life-long resident of Atchison. I am married to my High School Sweet-Heart, Kilee Liggett Ross and we have two wonderful kids Jered and Jordan.

I have previously served two terms, as Atchison County Commissioner and a 5 years as a School Board Member for USD #409. I currently serve as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Atchison Middle School.

I am running for Atchison City Commissioner because I still believe that public service is the best way to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I’m also running because I want to use my experience to serve the community of Atchison where I can most effectively. I will be a voice for all the citizens of Atchison. Having grown up in Atchison, I was taught that public service is an admirable profession and something that was expected of you. I also, want to build a helpful and responsive City Commission. A Commission that is responsive to the needs of all it’s citizens.

2). What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

I believe that our location, location, location, is one of our biggest strength’s. We are 45 minute from a major airport and metropolitan area. We are literally 30 minutes to an hour away from everything. I also, feel that the fact that we are still a rural and agricultural based community is also a strength.

Our weaknesses, In my opinion is the fact that we are not able to offer the job opportunities that a community needs to continue to prosper. I feel as though we have lost more jobs, the past few years than we have gained.

3). What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

My first goal is simply to be a voice for all citizens of Atchison. I will listen to the desires of the community and act in what I feel would be the best interest of the community. I also believe, that the foundation of any thriving community should include attracting opportunities for it’s citizens, without and a governing body that will listen and act with the best interest of it’s citizens.

4) How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

For me, the most important role as a City Commissioner should be to be a spokesman for the people, of the people and by the people. I will work hard to make sure that all voices are heard, even those voices that may be disagreeable. I chose this time, this election, this race, because this is a very important time for our city. There will be many challenging issues the City Commission will face in the coming years, and I feel that my previous experience in Public Service at various levels will serve the City of Atchison and it’s Citizens well.

5). How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies maybe even consolidation of services?

Having been a former County Commissioner, I feel that communication is very important. I would suggest joint quarterly meetings or even monthly if necessary. Communication with other governmental entities must be the expectation.

6). The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds for these projects?

I think that the original idea of using STAR Bonds to enhance major commercial areas, entertainment and tourism was a good idea. However, I think that we should closely monitor those bonds and not rely solely on the STAR Bonds.

7). Please, tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what will you do support us in the future?

Project Atchison has been a tremendous asset to the Atchison community. I was part of a group of people from the community that came together for the Safe Routes to School Grant. The Safe Routes to School Grant, helped the City of Atchison a grant that will help us fix many of our sidewalks within the City.

Nearly every city organization played a role in this project. I believe that these are the types of projects that we need to continue to explore and come together to obtain for our Great City.

Mike Hein

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commission.

I’m Mike Hein and I want to put Engineering Experience in City Government--FOR FREE! I’m an Electrical Engineer with 30 years experience. I’m a KU grad (via scholarship) hired right out of college by Black and Veatch Consulting Engineers in Kansas City. I designed and installed Water and Sewage Treatment Plants, several Coal-fired Power Plants (including Iatan Power Plant) and did water treatment cost analysis, wrote specifications, purchased equipment, and tested it for correct operation in Nuclear Power Plants all over the United States. Then I got a Master of Divinity degree from Columbia International University and my wife, Cherie (Shuck) Hein, and I served 10 years as missionaries in Bucharest, Romania. I’m back in Kansas and ready to give my skills to Atchison.

Atchison needs my skills to make Atchison a better place to live! And my services will be free! At present, no one on the Atchison City Commission has any technical experience for the pressing engineering infrastructure projects that need immediate attention. So the Commission is forced to depend on outside contractors who certainly don’t have Atchison’s best interests at heart. There has been a lot of work done on our water system, but our water and sewage systems need improvement. I want the people in Atchison to stop having to drink bottled water, to enjoy our facilities without fear, and to ensure that we will never again see water safety warnings in our utility bills. I want to analyze our water and sewer systems in detail to make sure that future modifications are cost effective. A great many projects in the future will involve complex mechanical/electrical systems. I have actual consulting experience--designing and selecting equipment for water and sewage plants. And I know how to evaluate bids for cost effectiveness. That means tax savings! New capital improvement projects need my skills and experience to make wise decisions concerning future work. In short, Atchison needs a Professional Engineer on the City Commission.

2. What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely, what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

Wow! What doesn’t Atchison have! How many little towns in America have:

* Magnificent vistas over a bend in a river--the Mighty Missouri! Real beauty!

* Stunning Antique Mansions in perfect condition.

* A rich history that includes River Boats, Wagon Trains, Stage Coach Lines, the Rail Head of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, and the S.S. Atchison Victory--a ship that served in WWII, and most important, Pioneers who homesteaded farms that are still serving America!

* World famous aviatrix Amelia Earhart’s birthplace, E.W. Howe who founded the Atchison Globe Newspaper, and John J. Ingalls (Did you know he was second cousin to Charles Ingalls of Little House on the Prairie fame?), musician Jesse Stone who wrote “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” and, of course, Lewis and Clark.

* Two colleges -- Benedictine College and Highland Community College

* A state-of-the-art Hospital and a Forrest of Friendship.

* A new YMCA, new Holiday Inn Motel, and a Illuminated Bridge like no other!

* Museums, Lakes, Grain Elevators, Flour Mills, Bradken, MGPI, Blish-Mize, Shannon Industrial Park, and Storage Caves!

* 20 Sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

* Lots of shopping, Jackson Park, Brick Streets with lovely Mature Trees, and a Farmer’s Market.

* Theatre Atchison and First Fridays! Flea Markets and October Fest!

* Best of all---Small Town Living! Can’t get enough of it!

Atchison’s greatest weakness is that it’s not on an Interstate Highway. The challenge is to attract businesses here that don’t necessarily need a highway--computer start-up businesses, artists? And Atchison doesn’t have an Professional Engineer presently serving on the City Commission. Taxes are too high.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

* I want to immediately make an engineering evaluation of the capital improvement programs, of equipment to be purchased, of control systems that are to be installed, and of bridge and road modifications and other infrastructure challenges here in Atchison. This should lower taxes by saving money on capital improvements.

* Analyze our present water and sewage systems in light of current modern criteria to determine any cost-effective improvements that should be made in the future.

* Provide an avenue for discussions with operational plant personnel to get their input on needed changes because I can talk their talk.

* Familiarize myself with how the the city works to best support the efforts of our excellent city staff in order to get things done. Make sure that they have the resources they need and recognition for what they have accomplished.

* Find ways to encourage business and manufacturing to come to Atchison.

* Find ways to support and cooperate with the goals of the Benedictine College and Highland Community College as well as USD 409.

* Learn how to work within the political culture here in Atchison.

* In general--improve services and lower taxes.

4. How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

Because I am retired, I have the time to do what I like to do the best: talk to people wherever I am, at Walmart, at the Hardware Store, or in the shops on the Mall. I’ve learned a lot about the concerns of the people in Atchison. That’s why I chose to run.

I plan to visit employees at their jobs and ask how things are going. My hope is to get to know all of the various heads of departments who serve Atchison, striving to find out how I can help them best do their jobs. Again, since I don’t have a full time job, I can take the time to research reports on current water or waste treatment facilities and to stay up-to-date on all infrastructure projects.

5. How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies maybe even consolidation of services?

I believe that efficiency is being able to accomplish something with the least waste of time, effort, and yes, money. So communication is at the top of the list for me. I want to meet with the Atchison County Commission and explore methods of cross communication for sharing costs so that both budgets, county and city, will be positively effected. A good example is the ambulance service for the county and city being combined to have one service for both. This will come about by meeting and by being determined to work together.

The same process applies to other governmental entities. There are several government agencies in Atchison, both federal, state, and local, that duplicate services, such as aid for housing, utilities, food, etc. I think there should be a central “clearing house” for all of the agencies so that any type of aid can be tracked and utilized in the most cost effective way. I plan to visit all of these agencies to find out what is available.

6. The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds these projects?

Using our tax money to build a museum for Muriel and a permanent shelter for the Farmer’s Market is a total win-win situation for Atchison and I support it with great enthusiasm. I hope to promote more of the same in the future.

7. Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future?

“To create a more enjoyable and promising Atchison for today and future generations … to improve the quality of life in Atchison through service projects and volunteerism.” What a great vision! This is why I am running for City Commission. I want to give back to Atchison in any way I can. Project Atchison is right on target with the needs of Atchison.

Shawn Rizza

1. Please introduce yourself and why you are running for Atchison City Commission.

My name is Shawn Rizza. I currently serve Atchison through Live Well Live Atchison, the Parks and Forestry Board, Project Atchison, USD 409 Site Councils, and the Planning Commission. I am also very active in our church home at First Christian Church. I serve as a deacon, and I teach Sunday School, work on the property and grounds, and participate in outreach programs. I see the City Commission as a way to further serve Atchison. We need to be determined in our actions to create a dynamic city that fosters business growth. As a commissioner I would further advocate for Atchison. Let’s have ambitious goals for Atchison, and map out the steps to achieve them!

2. What are Atchison’s strengths? Conversely, what are Atchison’s weaknesses?

Atchison’s greatest strength is an engaged and energized population. Groups like Project Atchison, and Live Well Live Atchison can bolster our city in a variety of ways. Our history and natural beauty can be leveraged in ways that most Kansas towns could only dream of. We are also in a unique location where we get to enjoy life in a small town but remain close to several big cities. What worries me is when I see people increasingly view Atchison with a sense of malaise. Especially those in leadership positions. The idea that Atchison’s best days are behind her and any attempt to better our situation is met with resistance, and disdain, is a dangerous trend. We need to change that conversation! Atchison will only be a strong and vibrant town if we make it that way. We need to elect commissioners that believe Atchison’s best days are ahead of her.

3. What are your goals if elected to the Atchison City Commission in November?

- Connect our neighborhoods and schools with safe sidewalks.

- Work to foster local business growth.

- Increase openness and communication between commissioners and citizens.

- Encourage collaboration between the City, County, and Nonprofits.

- Treat every dollar spent as an investment, and always work for the highest return.

- Work to create vibrant parks and Riverfront.

4) How will you communicate to the public? How will you communicate to the employees?

With all the tools at our disposal, there is no excuse for not communicating your positions, and the reasoning behind them. I serve on the Parks Board and Planning Commission, and I have sat in on the Library Board, Watershed District, and Housing Board. I have never seen a Commissioner at one of those meetings. These boards will spend months on topics before passing them on to the City Commission. Often times commissioners comment that they didn’t even read the recommendation, but they are voting against it. A City Commission that is insulated from new ideas, and outside opinions, is a big problem. I think the city should explore partnerships with KAIR and The Globe to make Commissioners available for questions from the public so they have to account for their actions. I personally would also keep an official presence on Facebook. If we want to have an engaged community, we need to commit to outreach. I believe in a similar approach to communicating with our city employees. From day one, I would make sure each employee felt the freedom to express concerns with me. City employees are the ones who are out in the community doing the hard work and improving our city every day. They should be treated with respect, and need to feel empowered to make a difference.

5. How would you improve the relationship with other local governmental entities like Atchison County and explore ways to create efficiencies maybe even consolidation of services?

The city has a difficult relationship with the county, watershed district, and others. This has kept us from being able to collaborate, and accomplish similar goals for less money. We need to move beyond our entrenched positions, and work for betterment of our citizens. It took a long time to get where we’re at, and it won’t be an overnight fix to build back trust on both sides. We start with projects like fixing River Road, and build up from there. The more we can work together, the more money we save in our budgets, and the more we can accomplish for our community.

      6. The City of Atchison is currently exploring the use of Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds to improve and build a museum for Muriel and permanent shelter at the Farmers Market area. Do you support the use of STAR Bonds these projects?

Yes, I think STAR Bonds make sense for us at this time. It keeps our tax dollars here in Atchison, and helps fund projects that will grow and improve our city. The tax district that supports it will not impact our city budget, and we won’t see any increase in our taxes. Making our money work for us is a win for Atchison. The other thing I’m happy to see about this proposal, is that the scale is appropriate for our town. Other STAR Bond projects include Legends Shopping center, racetracks, and other large scale endeavors. We aren’t doing that. We’ll be the smallest project to date, and the risk is all on the investors instead of the city. Let’s keep tax dollars generated in Atchison here at home.

        7.Please tell us how you are involved with Project Atchison, what you have done to support us on past projects, and what you will do to support us in the future?

This is probably the easiest question I’ll have for the entire campaign. I have been with Project Atchison since the beginning. I serve on the board, attend almost every meeting, and have been involved in every project to date. Project Atchison is a group that I am proud to be a member of, and plan to serve for as long as I am able. The energy that comes out of this group gives me hope for what we can accomplish in Atchison. As a city commissioner, I would want to continue to work closely with Project Atchison, and hopefully both groups can bolster each other to improve our city.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Public Defender William VonSeggern met with the County Commission Tuesday to review his current contract.

VonSeggern told the Board he was interested in renewing the contract for an additional two-years at the same terms and conditions as the current contract.  

Formal action on the request will be taken during a future meeting. 

In other action, County Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall met with the Board to review water damage occurring in the lower level of the Richardson County Courthouse.

Kirkendall said he has worked with County Maintenance Technician Tyler Cooper to repair some of the problems.  

(KLZA)--A Pawnee City, Nebraska man escaped serious injury in a single-vehicle wreck Wednesday evening a mile north of Fortescue in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol says 66-year-old Danford Brown was southbound on Route P when the semi-truck he was driving traveled off the west side of the road and overturned, coming to rest on its top.  

The Patrol says Brown suffered what were described as minor injuries, but refused medical treatment at the scene.

He was not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck.  

(KLZA)--The Mound City Board of Education approved lease refunding certificates on the school districts building project when they met Tuesday. 

It is anticipated the action by the board will reduce future interest payments by nearly $216,000.  

Superintendent Ken Eaton discussed the possibility of the Mound City School becoming the fiscal agent for an 18-school Special Education Cooperative. Action on the proposal is anticipated to take place during the November Board meeting. 

 A number of Board policies were reviewed. Policy #2785 is a Student Suicide Awareness model policy and was adopted by the Board. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska property owners would get $1.1 billion worth of annual tax relief under a proposal that supporters say they'll push in the Legislature and as an initiative petition drive.

Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard says a coalition of agricultural, business and homeowner interests crafted the proposal this summer. Erdman says the goal is to provide significant property tax relief, especially on agricultural land.

Erdman says the proposal would provide income tax credits equal to 50 percent of the property taxes paid to school districts. The credits would be refundable.

Erdman intends to introduce the proposal as a bill during the legislative session that beings in January. He expects the coalition to meanwhile launch a petition drive to put the same proposal before voters next fall.

(KLZA)--The Nemaha Natural Resources Board of Directors reviewed quotes for the installation of two picnic shelters at the new Duck  Creek Recreation Area near Peru when they met October 12th.

The shelters are part of the public recreation component at the multi-purpose flood control project slated to open next year.  A contract with Elk Creek Engineering to provide material and labor to erect the shelters was approved.  Total cost for each shelter, with a concrete pad is estimated at $11,500. That figure was well below three other quotes submitted. 

In addition, with the opening of the Duck Creek Recreation area in 2018, the Board discussed changes that might be needed in the recreation rules for the new area.  Fees in place for park entry permits and electrical RV camping rates at the four current parks were also reviewed.  A public hearing will be necessary when any changes are determined. 

The Board also awarded bids for repair work on two watershed dams. Replacement of the riser and spillway tube will be required on both projects. B.A.B. Inc. from Adams submitted the low bid for each project, $38,263 for a project near Adams and $44,168 for a project near Syracuse. 

Purchase of a jet pump to be uSed in watershed dam maintenance was approved. The Spartan Tool Company form Kansas City, Missouri submitted a bid of nearly $18,400 ($18,393) for a model, which is used to unplug drawdown pipes on dams.  

(KLZA)--The Pawnee County Board of Equalization met on October 10.

During the meeting, the 2017-18 tax levies in Pawnee County were approved.

During the regular meeting of the Commissioners on October 10, Commissioners approved the hiring of Terry McMann as a Road Department employee. 

(MSC News)--By proclamation of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, October has been designated as Zombie Preparedness Month.

Devan Tucking, section chief for the Kansas Department of Emergency Management Response and Recovery Services calls the proclamation “a fun way to remind people of the need to be prepared.”

According to a news release issued by the Kansas Adjutant General's Office, October is selected for the non-traditional safety reminder due to the Halloween Holiday's association with ghosts and ghouls.

Tucking says the idea behind the proclamation is that preparing for a zombie apocalypse involves the same steps as preparing for tornadoes, floods, blizzards, and other real-world emergencies.

That includes compiling an emergency kit for the home and car comprised of enough food, water, and other essentials to allow for a minimum of three days survival period.

Tucking says practicing an emergency plan with the family is a must, as is making sure to keep pets in mind where preparing for the worst.

(Left to right) Lyle Peterson, with the KS Department of Commerce, presents certificates of merit to Kelsey and James Stallbaumer, with Stallbaumer Family Chiropractic, and to Justina Cockerham, with the Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha business, and a local non-profit organization, were honored Wednesday evening during the annual Fall Business Mixer in Hiawatha.   

Lyle Peterson, with the Kansas Department of Commerce, presented certificates of merit to Stallbaumer Family Chiropractic and the Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging.

The two were among more than 40 merit award winners announced in June by the Department of Commerce as part of Business Appreciation Month and were nominated by the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development.

Peterson said they received 189 nominations for the business awards program, with nominations accepted in four categories.  Those include  manufacturing/distribution, service, retail and hospital/non-profit.

Co-hosting the Mixer were Physical & Respiratory Therapy Services, HFED and the Hiawatha Chamber & Visitors Bureau.

(KMZA)--Advance voting has begun in Nemaha County for the November 7th city and school general election.

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

To vote by mail, a person must complete an application form and return it the County Clerk’s office before a ballot can be mailed to them.  All application forms must be received by October 31st.

Voters can come to the County Clerk’s Office to vote in person up until 12 noon on Monday, November 6th.  The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All registered voters in Nemaha County who will not be able to get to their polling place on Election Day, November 7th, are encouraged to use the advance voting option in order to cast their vote.

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

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

(KLZA)-- Falls City Councilman Don Ferguson updated the Council on a project to renovate and make additions to Legion Park on 21st Street in Falls City. 

Ferguson had begun to raise funds to build a full court basketball court at the park. In the midst of his efforts, he learned from Don Baldwin, of his efforts to raise funds to build an Armed Forces Commemoration area in the park. 

November, 18, 2018 will mark the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I.  Ferguson and Baldwin decided to combine the projects rather than work separately.  

Ferguson submitted a landscape design created by Paul Kiekhaefer with Grimm’s Gardens for the Council to review. 

The tennis court has already been removed. The plans call for seating, landscaping, lighting, a drinking fountain, and an entrance sign.   

Ferguson had hoped for some funds from the City for the project, but none were included in the recent budget. He plans to try and raise funds from the private sector and has been talking with several groups and businesses about donating.  

Ferguson also is hoping to upgrade the current baseball field in the park, noting the field is used quite a bit for practice by Falls City Recreation teams. He is hoping to add dirt and raise the level of the field. 

If you have questions, or would be interested in donating, you may contact Don Ferguson or Don Baldwin.  

(KAIR)--Pleased with the outcome.

That's the word from the attorney for an Atchison man who, through a ruling of the Kansas Court of Appeals, was found to have had his constitutional rights to due process and equal protection under the law violated by the City of Atchison.

Ronald Schneider, a Lawrence-based attorney who represents Atchison resident Jerome Bratton, told MSC News both he and his client are pleased with the Kansas Supreme Court's decision to not review the decision of the Kansas Court of Appeals that Bratton's constitutional rights were violated through the use of the City's Good Neighbor Program.

The case arose from nuisance violations, dating back to 2010, issued against Bratton under the City's Habitual Violator Ordinance.

The Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Bratton last year, following a lawsuit he ha filed in 2013.

Schneider told MSC News he and his client had been waiting a long time for the decision to be affirmed, adding that he believes this brings the case to a close.

He said what remains is determining the extent of damages owed to his client.

The Court of Appeals last year did affirm that while the the Atchison County District Court's decision that the City of Atchison's Good Neighbor Ordinance itself is not unconstitutional, the ordinance was unconstitutional as applied to Bratton, due to what the Court says was the city's failure “to provide adequate due process prior to entering Bratton's land and removing or destroying his property.”

The City of Atchison, through the Topeka-based law firm Fisher Patterson Sayler and Smith, had petitioned the Kansas Supreme Court to review the decision, but was denied that request on October 6.

Interim City Manager Becky Berger, in an emailed response to an inquiry made by MSC News, said she is unable to comment on the decision at this time.

An email sent by MSC News to lead attorney David Cooper has not yet been returned, likely due to Cooper's current trial schedule.

(KNZA)--A former Hiawatha High School teacher accused of having unlawful sexual relations with an underage student waived her right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday morning.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 24-year-old Gabrielle Bauman, of Fairview, was bound over to Brown County District Court on one count of unlawful sexual relations.

Hill says arraignment was scheduled for November 27th before District Judge Jim Patton.

Bauman was arrested in August following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department after a report was made to the USD 415 administration in mid-June of this year.  

Bauman is accused of engaging in unlawful sexual relations with a Hiawatha High School student born in 1999 between November 2016 and May 21st of this year while she was employed as a science teacher at the high school.

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

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

(KMZA)--Preliminary hearings are set October 24th for two Jackson County teens  accused of breaking into and vandalizing the Wetmore Attendance Center.

18-year-old Netawaka residents, Jayme Hodge and Jarred Kramer, each face charges of burglary, felony criminal damage to property and theft.

The pair made their first appearances in a Nemaha County courtroom last week.

Hodge and Kramer were arrested last month following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department.

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.

Total damage was estimated 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.

(KNZA)--A warning has been issued for water customers of the city of Hiawatha as the city again exceeds the allowable level of nitrates in its drinking water.

According to a notification released by the city, concentrations of 11 milligrams per liter were found in a sample collected September 20th, exceeding the state and federal maximum contaminant level.

Customers are told that while the water is safe to consume for most, it should not be given to infants, as children below the age of 6 months could become seriously ill.

Pregnant women, or those with specific health needs, should consult a doctor prior to ingestion. The water should also not be boiled.

The high nitrate warning also affects customers of Brown County Rural Water District No. 2, the City of Powhattan, the City of Robinson, and Doniphan County Rural Water District No. 1. which receive their water from Hiawatha

The city of Hiawatha is constructing a new water treatment plant to address the ongoing nitrate problem. Construction began last month, with completion expected within the next 12 months.

Brown County Rural Water District No. 2 has partnered with several other water suppliers in the region to create Public Wholesale Water Supply No. 27 for the purpose of distributing high quality water that is low in nitrates to its member entities at the lowest cost possible.  The new water supply district is in its final stages of completion and will be in operation very soon.

Editors note: the following was released by the city

Drinking Water Warning

City of Hiawatha water system has high levels of nitrate

 THE CITY OF HIAWATHA has exceeded the state and federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed for nitrate (as N) in drinking water.  Concentrations of 11.0 milligrams per liter (mg/l) were found in a sample collected on September 20, 2017.  Nitrate above 10 mg/l is considered to be an acute MCL violation.

What to do?

• DO Not GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS.  Infants below the age of six months who drink the water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die.  Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome.  Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin.  Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with heath deteriorating over period of days.  If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

• Water, juice, and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water.  Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.

• DO NOT BOIL THE WATER.  Boiling, freezing, filtering, or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level.  Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.

• Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can) However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

Source of Nitrate

Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial, or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off).  Levels of nitrate can vary in drinking water throughout the year.  The City of Hiawatha will let consumers know when the amount of nitrate is again below the limit.

Corrective Action

The City of Hiawatha is working with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and USDA Rural Development to bring the nitrate levels to an acceptable level. We have secured funding for a water treatment plant and have hired an engineering firm to design and oversee the construction. Construction on new plant has begun and completion within the next 12 months.

For additional information, please contact Rick Koenig at (785) 742-7850 or stop at City Hall at 701 Oregon Street, or call (785) 742-7417.

Editors note: the following was released by Brown County Rural Water District #2

DRINKING WATER WARNING

Brown County Rural Water District No. 2 water system has high levels of nitrate

The City of Hiawatha collected a water sample on September 20, 2017, from which Rural Water District No. 2 purchases water, and it showed nitrate levels of 11.0 mg/L. This is above the federal and state nitrate standard or maximum contaminant level (CL) of 10 mg/L. Nitrate in drinking water is a serious health concern for infants less than six months old.

What to do?

• DO NOT GIVE THE WATER TO INFANTS. Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue baby syndrome. Blue baby syndrome is indicated by blueness of the skin. Symptoms in infants can develop rapidly, with health deteriorating over a period of days. If symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

• Water, juice and formula for children under six months of age should not be prepared with tap water. Bottled water or other water low in nitrates should be used for infants until further notice.

• DO NOT BOIL THE WATER. Boiling, freezing, filtering or letting water stand does not reduce the nitrate level. Excessive boiling can make the nitrates more concentrated, because nitrates remain behind when the water evaporates.

• Adults and children older than six months can drink the tap water (nitrate is a concern for infants because they can’t process nitrates in the same way adults can). However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

Source of Nitrate: Nitrate in drinking water can come from natural, industrial or agricultural sources (including septic systems and run-off). Levels of nitrate in drinking water can vary throughout the year. Brown County Rural Water District No. 2 will let you know when the amount of nitrate is again below the limit.

Corrective Action: Brown County Rural Water District No. 2 has partnered with several other water suppliers in our region to create Public Wholesale Water Supply No. 27 for the purpose of distributing high quality water that is low in nitrates to its member entities at the lowest cost possible.  The Public Wholesale Water Supply No. 27 is in its final stages of completion and will be in operation very soon.

(KNZA)--An additional full-time officer is the top need for the Hiawatha Police Department.

That’s what Police Chief John Defore told the City Commission Monday evening during discussion on how best to use funds the city has been paying Brown County for providing dispatch services.

The city earlier this month accepted the county’s offer to no longer charge for the service, with the stipulation those funds be used for law enforcement purposes.  

The city has been paying the county about $49,500 annually for providing dispatch services.

Defore said he prioritized his department’s needs and at the top of that list is a new officer. “By putting another officer on the street with this money, that puts the minimum staffing of levels to two officers on the street covering first and second shift, seven in the morning to midnight. That's a big deal. When you've got a beat buddy on the street with you, you get more done, you can respond to calls faster."

Defore said putting an additional officer on the street would also help free up his investigator from having to respond to calls.   In addition, he said it would allow his department to participate in more traffic safety programs through the Kansas Department of Transportation that pay an officer’s  overtime.

The Commission tabled a decision until their October 30th meeting.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, accused of choking his victim during a domestic battery incident, goes to jail.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News officers were called to the altercation around 9:00 Friday evening. “Our officers responded to a disturbance in the 1100 block of Kansas Avenue. What they determined was a 26-year-old female was a victim of aggravated domestic battery.”

Arrested in connection with the crime was 29-year-old Akeem Woessner. “It's actually a new statute that came about through the 2017 Legislature where, if during a domestic battery choking or prohibiting somebody's breathing from occurring, that now elevates it to an aggravated domestic battery, and that's what we have in this case, where choking was involved during the disturbance,” Wilson said.

According to Wilson, Atchison County EMS responded to the scene and provided care to the female victim.

Woessner was booked into the Atchison County Jail on charges of aggravated domestic battery, criminal damage to property, and possession of marijuana.

(KAIR)--Progress continues to be made in the ongoing push to again see a movie theater operating in the City of Atchison.

A major mark in that effort happened October 13 when Theatre Atchison formally acquired the former Royal Theater, that stands on Atchison's Commercial Street, from the former owners, Ken and Anne Nagel.

Theater Atchison Executive Director Travis Grossman told MSC News the purchase advances the Silver Screen Project towards it goal of becoming a reality.

Ken Nagel, in an emailed response to MSC News, said, “In 1992 a group of civic minded community leaders were determined to bring movies back to Atchison when they saw the old Fox theatre stand empty.  Through the wide support of the community we opened the doors to the Royal Theatre.  For 22 years the people of Atchison continued to support the Royal Theatre.  When life took my family and I in a new direction, we closed the doors always remembering how thankful we were and are to the people of Atchison for their support over the years. Now it is time for those doors to open again. There is no one in a better position to renovate the theatre than Theatre Atchison. The quality of their people, their organization and the fact that they are a nonprofit put them in a great position to ensure that movies will be shown in Atchison for years to come. I couldn’t be happier that they are taking on the responsibility of respecting the past while moving forward to a great future.”

To hear the full interview with Grossman, who describes the details of the purchase, while outlining the future of the Silver Screen Project, go here.

(KLZA / AP)-- A complaint charging 36-year-old, Joshua Keadle, with first degree murder has been filed in the County Court of Nemaha County, Nebraska.  Keadle is charged with killing Tyler Thomas on or about December 3, 2010.

Tyler Thomas, who was 19 years old at the time of her disappearance, enrolled as a student at Peru State College in the fall of 2010.  Keadle was also a student at Peru State during the first semester of 2010.

Tyler was reported missing in the early morning hours of December 3, 2010 by two students at Peru State after she did not return to her dormitory.  Friends searched for her for several hours and they were unable to find her. An extensive search conducted by civilian volunteers, law enforcement, and trained dog handlers in the following days was not successful in finding her. Her body has not been recovered.

Authorities say Keadle, a fellow student, told them he and Thomas had sex in his vehicle that night, and Keadle later told investigators Thomas threatened to report he had raped her.
 
The state issued a death certificate for Thomas in 2013, even though her body has not been found. The attorney general's office declined to comment on whether Thomas' remains or any new evidence had been found.

The investigation was conducted the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nemaha County Attorney’s Office and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

 The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office has been appointed as special prosecutors in the case and will be assisted by the Nemaha County Attorney’s office.

Keadle is currently serving 15 to 20 years in prison for the 2008 rape of a 15-yar-old Fremont girl. 

(KAIR)--An alleged armed altercation in Oskaloosa Saturday night leaves a man facing a charge of attempted first degree murder.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told MSC News 31-year-old Robert Edwards was arrested following an encounter with an acquaintance at a residence inside the Oskaloosa city limits. “Mr. Edwards had pointed a gun, and pulled the trigger at somebody, and it didn't go off.”

Herrig said Edwards could also be charged with attempted aggravated robbery, following a review of the case by Jefferson County Attorney Joshua Ney.

Following his arrest, Edwards was booked into the Jefferson County Jail, where he's held on a $100,000 bond.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Meals on Wheels Program has been donated a brand new vehicle.

County Senior Services Director Diane Yunghans says they were given a 2018 Subaru Outback from Subaru of America in celebration of the company’s 50 years in the United States.  

The new vehicle was unveiled Monday at the Seneca Nutrition Center and put to use Tuesday.

Well, it's going to be the lifeline of our program, because these vehicles deliver meals to our seniors here in Nemaha County. It couldn't have came at a more critical time because one of our two vehicles had broke down, and had to be towed, so it was perfect timing for us.", said Yunghans.

In celebration of their 50th anniversary, Subaru of America donated 50 new 2018 Subaru Outback vehicles to select Meals on Wheels programs throughout the country.

The company says the vehicles will be used in the delivery of an estimated 53,000 meals to an additional 3,700 seniors across 39 states.

The company says the donation will address the Meals on Wheels network's growing demand for fuel-efficient, versatile and safe delivery vehicles to enable the nation's most vulnerable seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity.

( MSC News)--Kansas Treasurer Jake LaTurner is on his tour of Kansas’ 105 counties to promote many of the programs and services administered by the Treasurer’s Office.

The tour will be stopping in Atchison and Nemaha Counties Wednesday, October 18th.

LaTurner and his staff will be in Atchison at the Atchison County Courthouse from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and then in Seneca at the Nemaha County Courthouse from 2 to 3 p.m.

The State Treasurer's Office is currently safeguarding $350 million in unclaimed property and is charged with returning it to its rightful owners and heirs.

There’s over $1.2 million of unclaimed property in Atchison County and more than $473,000 of unclaimed property in Nemaha County.

Unclaimed property includes inactive savings and checking accounts, uncashed checks, stock shares and bonds, dividend checks, insurance proceeds, mineral royalties and utility deposits.

Kansans who can't make it to the events may call the State Treasurer's Office at 1-800-432-0386 or log onto www.KansasCash.com to search for unclaimed property. There is no cost to search and claim your rightful property.

Along with assisting local residents in their search for unclaimed property,  LaTurner and his staff will also be talking about how the office can help residents plan and save for the future.

(KNZA)--The Trauma Center at Holton Community Hospital has once again received designation as a Level IV Trauma Center by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment .

According to a news release from the hospital, every three years designated trauma centers must meet the essential criteria that ensure trauma care capability and institutional performance as outlined by the American College of Surgeons and endorsed by the Kansas Advisory Committee on Trauma.

The release says KDHE’s Trauma Program works to assure those that are injured in Kansas have access to an organized system of trauma care that offers them the best chance of recovery.

There are four separate categories of designation by the Kansas Trauma Program.  Each category has specific criteria that must be met by a facility seeking that level of designation.  A trauma care system includes a network of hospitals providing a spectrum of care for injured patients.  Trauma center designations are based on the hospital’s care capability, from the highest, Level I, to hospital’s designated Level IV.

The release says Level IV trauma centers are rural hospitals whose primary role is to stabilize seriously injured patients and, if necessary, transfer them to a higher level trauma center.  Hospitals that have achieved Level IV trauma center designation have demonstrated a commitment to providing optimal care for those who have been seriously injured.
    

(KNZA)--The jury trial for a Hiawatha man accused of setting homes and vehicles ablaze during a crime spree early May 9th in Horton has been pushed back to next year.

The trial for 27-year-old Dustin McCulley had been scheduled for this week in Brown County District Court.  However, a judge granted a request by his  court-appointed attorney for a continuance to allow more time to prepare.

The trial was rescheduled for January 30th-February 2nd.

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

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

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

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

i

(KLZA)-- Longtime Falls City businessman and community Leader Francis Seid died Saturday, October 14, at the age of 93.

Seid owned the John Deere Implement dealership in  Falls City for over 30 years as well as an automobile business. He lived his life in the Auburn and Falls City area and had a farm near Howe. 

Seid was the long-time Chairman of the Falls City Chambers of Commerce Farmers Appreciation Banquet and organized the Horseplay Days and later Cobblestone parades in Falls City.

A funeral service for Francis Seid will be Friday afternoon at 2:00 at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home in Falls City.  Interment will be in the Nemaha Cemetery. 

He is survived by his wife Beverly and by daughters Judy Ramer and Rita Seid. A step-daughter, Jane Jones and step-sons, Wendell and Morrie Jones.  

(KLZA)-- The Peru State College Student Senate announced their selection of Dr. Daryl and Peggy Long as the Grand Marshals of the Homecoming Parade to be held on October 28. Daryl Long taught at Peru State College for fifty years, starting in January of 1967, and ending in January of 2017.

In reference to his lengthy tenure at Peru, Dr. Long said, “Peggy and I decided to come to Peru State College for two years and move on. We fell in love with Peru State and the vicinity. Two years extended to 50 – not bad for a position I never applied for.”

In Long’s tenure, a lot of things have changed on campus. As part of Peru State’s preparation for the sesquicentennial, Dr. Long was extensively interviewed for his insight on the campus.

Together, the Longs have also had tremendous influence on Tri-State Missouri River Tourism, the Peru Chamber of Commerce, the Nemaha County Development Corporation, Nemaha County Hospital, Southeast Nebraska Development District and River County Economic Development.

The Longs will be honored on Saturday, Oct. 28 in the Homecoming Parade. As Grand Marshal, they will also perform the coin toss for the Bobcat football game vs. Graceland University at 2 p.m.

(KNZA)--Household hazardous waste collections will be held in Doniphan County on a monthly basis, beginning next month.

The Doniphan County Commission last week approved an agreement with Jackson County for the disposal of the materials at the Jackson County Recycling Center in Holton.

Doniphan County will pay a disposal fee plus for the fuel and labor costs associated with transportation of the materials.   

Dennis Foster with Northeast Kansas Environmental Services told Commissioners the household hazardous waste collections will be held on the third Thursday of every month, beginning November 16th.   

The collections will take place at the county road shop at 1144 St. Columbus Road at the west edge of Wathena from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Clerk’s office has announced they will be coming to three locations this week to allow residents the opportunity to vote early for the upcoming November 7th city and school board election.

Early voting will take place Wednesday morning, October 18th from 9 to noon at the Maple Grove complex in Hiawatha

Early voting will be held at two locations Thursday, October 19th--including the Morrill Community Building from 9 to 11:30 in the morning and then in Everest from 1:30 to 4 in the afternoon at the Northfield Community Room.

Voters can also cast an advance ballot for the November 7th general election in the Brown County Clerk’s office during regular business hours beginning October 23rd through noon, November 6th.    In addition, you can request an advance ballot be mailed to you.  

Residents are reminded that a photo ID is required to vote.      

(KMZA)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating following the escape of two inmates from the Marshall County Jail.

The KBI said in a news release that shortly before 4:00 Saturday afternoon inmates lit a fire in a cell, causing smoke to fill the Jail.

The KBI says two inmates, 46-year-old Jeffrey Guenther and 30-year-old Matson Hatfield, allegedly forced their way through the Jail, obtained two shotguns and then exited the Jail into the sheriff's office parking lot.

It's believed that while the two inmates were fleeing, a county employee's pickup truck was stolen at gunpoint, and shots were fired at a Marysville Fire Department truck. A responding Marysville Police Officer fired at Guenther in the fleeing truck.

Meanwhile, the KBI says Hatfield fled on a foot to a nearby home where he knew the residents and allegedly fired shots toward a man standing in front of the residence. A short time later, Hatfield surrendered.

Guenther fled the area in the stolen pickup and headed north on Highway 77, across the state line into Nebraska. He was apprehended after rolling the truck in rural Gage County near the state line.

The KBI says no one was injured during the escape or in the events following the escape.

By 6:00 Saturday evening, the remaining inmates in the Marshall County Jail had been transferred safely to the Washington County, Kansas Jail.

Formal charges have not been filed yet. The KBI says the investigation is ongoing.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating following the escape of two inmates from the Marshall County Jail.

The KBI says shortly before 4:00 Saturday afternoon inmates lit a fire in a cell, causing smoke to fill the Jail.

The KBI says two inmates, 46-year-old Jeffrey Guenther and 30-year-old Matson Hatfield, allegedly forced their way through the Jail, obtained two shotguns and then exited the Jail into the sheriff's office parking lot.

While fleeing, the KBI says a county employee's pickup truck was stolen at gunpoint and shots were fired at a Marysville Fire Department truck.  A responding Marysville Police Officer fired at Guenther in the fleeing truck, however he was not struck..

Meanwhile, the KBI says Hatfield fled on a foot to a nearby home where he knew the residents and allegedly fired shots toward a man standing in front of the residence.  A short time later, Hatfield surrendered to a Marysville Police officer.

Guenther fled the area in the stolen pickup north on Highway 77 and across the state line into Nebraska.  He was apprehended after rolling the truck in rural Gage County near the state line.

The KBI says no one was injured during the escape or in the events following the escape.

By 6:00 Saturday evening, the remaining inmates in the Marshall County Jail had been transferred safely to the Washington County, Kansas Jail.

Formal charges have not been filed yet. The KBI says the investigation is ongoing.

(KMZA)---The second suspect in a string of local vehicle thefts is in custody, arrested following a high-speed chase in western Iowa during which shots were allegedly fired at the pursuing deputy.

18-year-old John Detimore, of Burlingame, Kansas, along with 25-year-old Brandon King, of Scranton, Kansas, were arrested early Thursday morning following the chase on Interstate-80 after the two men allegedly stole a car from a truck stop in Shelby, Iowa.  

Both men fled on foot after authorities stopped them with a pit maneuver.  King, the driver of the vehicle, was arrested a short distance away.  Detimore allegedly stole a nearby pickup truck but was caught after the pickup got stuck in a cornfield.

Detimore had been at large since eluding authorities following a chase October 4th involving a stolen vehicle that began in Marshall County and ended in Nemaha County.

Detimore fled on foot after crashing a pickup truck allegedly stolen from the Baileyville area near Centralia.  A 17-year-old passenger from Topeka was taken into custody at the scene.

Later another pickup truck was reported stolen from Centralia.   

Authorities say a handgun that had been in the vehicle at the time of the theft was recovered at the scene in Iowa.  Also recovered was the stolen pickup from Centralia.

Detimore is being held without bond in the Pottawatomie County, Iowa Jail on numerous charges including attempted murder, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a dangerous weapon, interference with official acts and two counts of motor vehicle theft.

King is being held on similar charges except for the murder charge.

(KMZA)--Two inmates who escaped from the Marshall County Jail have been apprehended.

Sheriff Dan Hargrave told The Marysville Advocate that the escape occurred Saturday afternoon after a fire was set in the jail.  

Hargrave said one of the escapees stole a truck at gunpoint from the jail parking lot, fled north and was apprehended near the Kansas-Nebraska state line.

Hargrave said shots were fired during the escape, but no injuries were reported.

No additional information is being released at this time.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will be taking over the case.

(KNZA)--A Holton woman escaped serious injury in a single-vehicle weather-related wreck Saturday afternoon.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 38-year-old Laura Robbins was eastbound on I-70 at Adams Street in Topeka when her Mitsubishi Eclipse hydroplaned.   The vehicle went across all three lanes of traffic, left the roadway and struck a guardrail.

Robbins, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Topeka’s St. Francis Hospital with what the Patrol described as possible injuries.

The wreck was reported around 3:00 Saturday afternoon.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha school district has received a nearly $9,000 donation from the Hiawatha Youth Basketball League.

Jodi Twombly, representing the League, presented a check for $8,750 to Board of Education President Dr. Pete Rosa during Monday’s meeting.

The donation will be used for the purchase of new middle school basketball uniforms and coaches salaries.

Twombly said the league for boys and girls in 2nd through 6th grades started in 2013 with twenty-nine teams and now are up to sixty-two teams.

Games are played at the Hiawatha High School and Middle School along with the Hiawatha National Guard Armory and Fisher Center at times.

Twombly said the average attendance is between 1,800-2000 people each Saturday for the 31 games played.

She said local businesses report they see a significant increase in sales on the Saturdays in January and February when the League is running. 

(KLZA)--Few details are yet made public regarding a double vehicle wreck Thursday afternoon in Richardson County.

It happened on Highway 159 between Falls City and Rulo, around 4:40.

While the Richardson County Sheriff's Office lists the wreck as involving injuries, the agency has not yet released any additional details about the crash, including who was involved.

An exact timeline is not immediately available for when the details will be released.  

(KLZA)-- The 4th Annual Harvest Bash is scheduled for Saturday in Pawnee City.  
The events include a craft fair, the Giant Pumpkin Contest, a quilt show, pumpkin chunkin, a magic show, a pumpkin carving contest along with a car cruise and antique tractor show.  Events will begin in the morning and continue into the evening.

The weather forecast has caused a location change for some events.
All the children’s activities, the games, clown, magic show, pumpkin decorating and carving contests have been moved to the Pawnee City School gymnasium and lunch room.

The Punkin Chunkin will be held in the gym. The Southeast Nebraska Community Band will perform in the Pawnee City High School Auditorium from noon til 1:00 p.m.

 The Power Wheels Derby, petting zoo and hayrack rides have been cancelled. The Harvest Dash 5K will be cancelled if it is raining at 10:00 a.m. which is race time. 

The car cruise and antique tractor show will be held downtown as scheduled. 

If it rains the Giant Pumpkin weigh-off will be held at Pawnee Iron Works at 7th and B  Streets.  There will be $5,000 in prize money including $2,000 for the 1st place Git-R-Done Pumpkin. 

The Harvest Bash is sponsored by, The Pawnee City Chamber of Commerce, Pawnee City Development Corporation and the Pawnee County Promotional Network.

(KLZA)-- The City of Falls City is informing business owners and the public that a construction project on Old Highway 73 and Bill Schock Boulevard has been delayed due to recent rains.

The October 13th start date has been delayed with a new start date of Wednesday, October 18th. Milling the street surface will begin on the 18th and the asphalt overlay will begin on October 20th.  

The City Street Department will remove all signs from 35th Street south to Highway 73.  The City discussed with the post office, temporarily moving mailboxes back away from the street so businesses can continue to receive their mail during the construction. 

Once the project is completed, mailboxes will be put back permanently by the Street Department. If you have any questions, feel free to contact City Hall at 402-245- 2707 or the Falls City Police Department at 402-245-4422.  

(KAIR)--A man accused of opening fire, but causing no injuries, at an Atchison residence on the afternoon of August 21, has been arrested following a search for his whereabouts.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News police have been working to locate 31-year-old Denton resident Jacob Walsh since the time the shots were fired in the 1900 block of Harper Drive. “It was determined that during a disturbance, a 39-year-old male had been threatened with a handgun, and a shot had been fired near the victim, but he was not injured. The 31-year-old suspect had left the area. We made a number of efforts to locate him, he had fled the area. We knew that his home was in Denton, in Doniphan County. There was an ongoing search since that time.”

Wilson says it was this week that Walsh was located, taken into custody in nearby Missouri. “Earlier this week he was taken into custody in Platte County, Missouri. He waived extradition to Kansas and was brought to the Atchison County Jail.”

Walsh was returned to Atchison County and booked into jail on Thursday.

He was arrested on a District Court warrant for aggravated assault and criminal assault in connection with the the August shots fired, which police, at the time, said began as a verbal altercation.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County Commissioners want to see the speed limit reduced in the area where a new Dollar General Store is being constructed at Troy.

County Zoning Administrator Julie Meng presented the Commission Monday with a Kansas Department Transportation traffic study for the new business being constructed at the intersection of U.S. 36 Highway and Mesquito Creek Road.

Meng discussed a list of traffic safety recommendations for consideration by  KDOT's engineer.

Among them is a speed limit reduction from the east exit into Troy to Last Chance Road, installation of a flashing light signal and widening of the entrance into the business for truck traffic.

The current speed limit in the area is 65 miles an hour.  Commissioner Thad Geiger said he would like to see it reduced to 45 miles an hour.

Commissioners also voiced support for widening of the entrance to the business to allow delivery trucks better access and account for trucks entering while other vehicles are exiting.    

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s office is alerting residents of another new scam being reported locally.

Sheriff John Merchant says residents are receiving messages left on their answering machine stating they are about to have their property foreclosed.
Residents are then given a California number to call back to satisfy the order of foreclosure.

Merchant says several residents said they knew it was a scam and did not respond.  

However, he said one person then received a call from an individual following up on the automated call.  The individual stated the resident owed back taxes on the property and unless immediate payment was made, the property would no longer belong to them and they would be evicted immediately.  

The caller wanted bank account information to obtain a payment and also wanted a social security number for verification.  At that point, the resident knew it was a scam and hung up the phone.  

Merchant reminds residents to never give out any personal information over the phone or computer.

(KAIR)--An annual tradition continues Saturday, as the Atchison Hospital hosts the Best Care Health Fair.

Free and open to the public, the family friendly event will take place at the Atchison Elementary School, beginning at 8:00 Saturday morning and ending at noon.

TC Roberts, Marketing Manager for the hospital, told MSC News, “This is the tenth year that we've done the Health Fair at the Atchison Elementary School, and the school has just been wonderful to work with.”

Jennifer Brockhoff, Business Health Services Manager for the hospital, says a variety of screenings will be available as part of the numerous activities planned for the day, as well as a new addition illustrating the dangers of texting and driving. “State Farm has gotten a simulator, a texting and driving simulator, so you can go to their booth and see how good you really are when you're texting and going across the center line, or in the ditch, while you're driving.”

The Best Care Health Fair will also include numerous other family friendly health-focused activities, such as a bicycle rodeo, along with special guests and presentations, including the Atchison County Sheriff's Office's fuzzy goggles, an ambulance and medical helicopter, and KC Wolf and Slugger.

(KLZA)--Pawnee City Council members received updates on water well issues during their meeting Monday evening. 

Well #2 was struck by lightning and required a new electrical panel be installed.  Those repairs have been made. 

Well #3 was recently vandalized.  Someone, or persons cut the fence, broke into the well house and broke a pipe on the chlorinator.

Work is continuing on the swimming pool renovation project.  The sandblasting has been completed. Some cement was cut to get at pipes and it appears some pipe replacement may be necessary.  

(KLZA)--The Humboldt - Table Rock – Steinauer School Board learned during their Monday meeting the HTRS School District is in the lower half of districts in the area when comparing tax levies.

Superintendent Sherri Edmundson said she checked on the levies for other area districts for the comparison. She said considering the improvement projects that have been occurring in the district, that is positive news. 

The new bus barn project is underway in the parking lot east of the school building in Humboldt.

Edumundson also noted the Nebraska School Activities Association recently confirmed the enrollment numbers and the numbers indicate the HTRS football program will compete in 8-Man football, starting with the 2018 season. 

(KAIR)--An ongoing investigation into the suspected sell of drugs at an Atchison residence leads to the execution of a search warrant and to one arrest.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the arrest of 61-year-old Dennis Snodgrass was made Wednesday. “Over recent weeks, we have conducted an investigation on a residence at 1026 North 8th Street,” Wilson said. “The focus of this investigation was the sell of methamphetamine. Through an undercover investigation, we have now charged Snodgrass with three counts of sell of methamphetamine.”

Wilson said the search warrant was executed that evening, which led to additional charges. “Additionally, our officers executed a search warrant on Wednesday evening at the 1026 North 8th Street address, resulting in additional charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.”

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

(KNZA)--A Jackson County extension agent receives special recognition.

Jody Holthaus was recently honored by Kansas State Grange as their Distinguished Service to Agriculture honoree for 2017.

According to a news release, the organization says they feel Holthaus is truly deserving of the honor for her dedication to the continuing education of the American farmer and their families.  The organization added, she has truly helped break down the barriers in her chosen field.

Holthaus is currently in her 37th year as an agricultural agent for the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service.  

After graduating from KSU in Animal Science and Industry, she went to work in Seneca as the agricultural agent.  She worked there until 1988, when she transferred to Jackson County.  In 2006, Jackson county joined Nemaha and Jefferson County to become the Meadowlark Extension District.  Her job responsibilities are for livestock programming in the three counties as well as working with natural resources.

Jody and her husband, Keith, have a small commercial cow herd and a hay operation in Jackson County.  The couple have three sons.

The Grange is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, fraternal organization that advocates for rural America and agriculture.

(KAIR)--Disappointed and confused.

That's how the City of Atchison's Director of Public Works describes the rejection of a grant application for the construction of a planned Jackson Park Accessible Playground Project.

In an email this week, Justin Pregont says the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism notified the City of Atchison that the grant application was turned down through a letter of non-approval.

Pregont says the confusion arises from the low number of applicants that were successful in their requests, saying in a memo to Interim City Manager Becky Berger nine applications were received by the state agency, and only two were selected for funding. Pregont says city staff is “working to develop a better understanding of how only two applications could have been funded given the program's traditional levels of available funding.”

The City submitted the application for $55,000 in grant funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund program in March.

The park project, is estimated to cost $110,000, and Pregont says options for moving forward must now be explored.

He writes in the memo that a possible second call for projects could happen later this year, and, if so, the city's application will be re-submitted.

If a second opportunity does not materialize, Pregont says three options should be considered, including tabling the project until another grant opportunity becomes available; unilaterally fund the project for construction in the spring and summer of 2018; or modify the scope of the project to offset the lack of contributing grant funds.

No immediate action on the part of the City Commission is necessary, with Pregont stating that the situation will continue to be evaluated.

(AP/KAIR)--Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has issued his first pardon in almost seven years in office to a man convicted of felony theft as a college student in 1994.  Brownback's office announced the pardon Tuesday for Mark Schmitt of Parker, Colorado. Schmitt is a Liberal, Kansas, native convicted of felony theft while living as a college student in Ottawa.  The governor's office said the charge arose from a false insurance claim for $1,552. It said Schmitt completed probation, paid restitution and had his record expunged.  Brownback said in a statement that Schmitt has proven since to be "a man of character." The governor's office said Schmitt applied for a pardon from former Democratic Governor Mark Parkinson but the paperwork was lost.  Brownback denied 72 other clemency applications.

Among them were two convicted in Atchison County, with one application filed on behalf of Heather Robinson and the other on behalf of Philip Boyce.

Two others denied involved Jefferson County convictions, with clemency applications submitted on behalf of Noah Gleason and Michael Gritz.

(KMZA)--A charter signing ceremony is set Friday evening for the new Nemaha Central FFA chapter.

The ceremony will take place during half-time of the football game between Nemaha Central and Sabetha.

Before the game, the Nemaha Central FFA members will be holding a BBQ meal fundraiser, beginning at 5:30, for a free will donation to help the chapter raise funds to get started on their planned activities for the year.  There will also be an opportunity for community members to sign up and pay dues to become FFA alumni members.  No former FFA membership is required to join.

This school year, marks the first year for the FFA Chapter and offering of vocational agricultural courses at Nemaha Central High School.

The FFA officers and sponsor, Bradley Goering, met with the Nemaha Central Board of Education Monday evening to request approval of their constitution and by-laws.  The Board unanimously approved both documents for the organization.

(KLZA)--The Auburn City Council approved a resolution Monday changing contractors for Keno in the City. 

The agreement with Zellinger Keno Inc. has been terminated and a contract has been approved with Craig Lake who operates Cblake LLC. Currently Keno is offered in just two Auburn establishments.  Mayor Scott Kudrna says that while Keno proceeds have declined 20 – 30-percent the last 2-3 years, the income helps pay for the Summer Music Program and the July 4th Fireworks Show.

The Council also approved another early retirement of bonds originally used for a street overlay project. 

Approximately $130,000 in bonds will be pre-paid. The City is paying four-percent interest on the bonds. Mayor Kudrna said the city has the funds available, and the money is not producing the amount of interest income for the City that is being paid on the bonds. 

A motion to sell a city-owned bare lot located at 1211, 14th Street was defeated 3-2.  Council member Jeff Jeanneret had submitted a bid of $400 for the property that has been offered for sale for several months.

Council members Shawn Clark, Tom Clark and Rick Janssen cast nay votes.  Jeanneret abstained from the vote. 

The Council also discussed potential class projects for the Nemaha County Leadership Class. The class wanted to know a good project they could take on in the City.  One suggestion was to have an informational board at the Rec Complex so visitors could see what other programs and businesses are in Nemaha County. 

A request to alternate placements for the frisbee golf course was also approved. 
 

(AP) - Nebraska entomologists say they're getting more calls, questions and complaints about a little bug that packs a big bite.

Minute pirate bugs become more noticeable in the fall, when they move from the woods into backyards and parks in search of food.

Jonathan Larson is an entomologist with Nebraska Extension in Omaha. Larson says pirate bugs are less than one-eighth of an inch long but give a surprisingly painful bite.

But he says the bugs aren't a health risk to humans or animals because they don't feed on blood or inject venom.

Nebraska Extension in Lincoln entomologist Jody Green says she first saw the bugs take over during the Sept. 30 Market to Market Relay, where swarms of pirate bugs pestered runners in the race.

(KNZA)--A water outage is planned in Hiawatha Thursday afternoon,October 12th.

According to the city, the outage will occur beginning at 1:00 in order to replace a water main gate valve at the intersection of North 7th and Kansas Avenue.

The outage should last around 2-4 hours; however service will be restored as soon as possible.

The city says the following area/streets will be affected by the outage:  
 
North 7th from Kansas north to 7th & Cheyenne
 
Kansas Avenue from 7th to 9th & Kansas
 
Cherokee from 7th east to 6th.
 
Those with questions are asked to contact City Hall at 785-742-7417.  You may also call the Hiawatha Water Department at 785-742-7850

(KNZA)--Enrollment is down in Prairie Hill’s USD 113.

Superintendent Todd Evans provided an enrollment summary to the Board of Education Monday evening from the official head-count taken on September 20th.

The figures show a total headcount of 1,093 students, which is down 32 students from last school year and the lowest enrollment number since fiscal year 2006.   

Wetmore saw the biggest enrollment decrease, down 19 students from last school year, with 142 students.

At Axtell, the headcount showed a 10-student decrease, with 174 students.

At Sabetha, enrollment was down 3 students, with 777 students.

The district’s finance committee will meet October 24th to review the enrollment figures and finances to determine if any recommendations should be made to the Board at their regular meeting in November.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph man charged in Brown County with the electronic solicitation of a child waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

70-year-old William Buehler was bound over to Brown County District Court on the felony charge, with arraignment set for November 8th.

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

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

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

Buehler remains in the Brown County Jail on a $150,000 bond.   

(KAIR)--Another step is taken to ensure that a chicken processing facility, planned to locate in the Tonganoxie area, does not become a reality.

That happened through the approval of a resolution this week by the Board of Education for Tonganoxie's USD 464.

It stated that the facility, as planned, would be built in close proximity to the elementary and middle schools, which, the resolution states “may adversely affect the lives of 1,400 students and 100 staff,” members, while the operation could “inhibit or degrade the learning environment,” while creating health risks, including pollution and diminished air quality.

Additionally, the resolution states concerns regarding possible classroom disruption, as well as diminished athletic training and participation.

The Board of Education approved the resolution Monday evening during its regular session.

Earlier this month, the Tonganoxie City Council approved a resolution of non-support for “the proposed Tyson Foods Poultry Complex on the site, within close proximity of the Tonganoxie city limits.”

On September 5, Tyson Foods, with support of leaders from the state, and Leavenworth area, announced plans to build a $320 million dollar poultry processing operation on a 300-acre site near Tonganoxie.

Despite promises of jobs and economic growth, public opposition against the plan swelled.

In September, the Leavenworth County Commission reversed its support of issuing $500 million in industrial revenue bonds to help finance the plant.

Tyson Foods, following that move, announced that the Tonganoxie plans were on hold, leaving other local county leaders, including Atchison, to informally entertain the possibility of pushing for the opportunity to become the future site of the complex.

So far, no decision has been made public regarding the fate of the facility.

(KAIR)--It's official: the community service organization Project Atchison has gained nonprofit status.

According to a Facebook post in the organization's planning page, Project Atchison was notified of being named a 501(c)(3) public charity by the Internal Revenue Service.

The post includes a photograph of the notification letter from the IRS, which was dated September 14, 2017.

According to the Facebook page for Project Atchison, the organization filed the application for non-profit status in October, 2015.

The group, initially known as Young Atchison Making a Difference, works to host events, and provides volunteerism, for the Atchison community.

The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month in the basement of the Atchison Elks Lodge.

(KLZA)-- A vacancy has been filled on the Falls City Board of Education.

The Board Monday evening appointed Kevin Scheitel to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Scott Huppert last month after accepting a job out of town.

Scheitel, a lifelong resident of the community, operates Scheitel Feed and Seed and owns farmland.

Superintendent Tim Heckenlively said Scheitel will bring a valuable perspective to the District 56 Board of Education.  

(KLZA)-- A Falls City man is facing a drug charge following the execution of a search warrant.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office says 25-year-old Dillon Lotter was arrested Saturday on a charge of possession of a controlled substance after a search warrant was served on a residence in the 2000 block of McLean Street in Falls City.

That came after a sheriff's deputy allegedly noticed the odor of marijuana while attempting to serve an arrest warrant at the residence.

The search resulted in the seizure of less than an ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Board of Education has been asked to allow high school students to participate in a new sport---clay target shooting.

The Board heard a presentation Monday evening from Tom Binyon, state director of the Kansas High School Clay Target League.

Binyon said since the League was established in 2016 the number of participating schools has grown.  He said last year there were 39 schools with teams involving about 715 students and he expects that number to double in 2018.

Students in 6th-12th grades that possess a league-approved firearm education certificate are eligible to participate in the co-ed extra curricular activity.

Binyon says the sport is offered as an alternative for those that don’t participant in other sports and there would be no cost to the district.

Hiawatha High School Activities Director Kim Lillie says there are a solid 10 to 15 students interested in participating.  Five students is the minimum number for a team, and there is no maximum number.

Binyon says the team would compete for 9 weeks in the spring sports season, with all competition at the home range followed by the state tournament in June in Wichita.  

Art Vonderschmidt with the Brown County Quail Forever Chapter says the new Falls City shooting range has offered to allow them to use their facility for just the price of ammunition.

Binyon says they are just requesting to be allowed to use the school name.

The Board took no action, with a decison to come at their November meeting.   

(KAIR)--Allegations of alterations to a vehicles identification land a Holton woman in legal trouble.

Arrested last week was 44-year-old Melissa Britton.

She was arrested in Atchison County on charges related to offenses including driving while suspended, no insurance, no current tag, altering a vehicle identification number, and possession of stolen property.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News the arrest was made October 5 at 4771 K116 Highway, as Deputies were working a separate case. “The VIN number itself, it was covered by some type of piece of rubber. They had to pry it up off of there to be able to read it,” Laurie said. “There were some parts of that VIN plate that had been removed. We're still looking into that vehicle as well. It's uncertain why somebody would alter that without it being a stolen vehicle.”

Laurie said the license plate on the vehicle with the altered VIN number was a dealer's tag stolen from Shawnee Wholesale Motors of Topeka.

Following her arrest, Britton was booked into the Atchison County Jail, but has since been released on a bond of $1,500.

(KMZA)--A Marysville banker has been appointed to the State Banking Board.

Governor Sam Brownback recently appointed Leonard Wolfe to a three-year term on the Board.

Wolfe has been president and chairman of the board at United Bank and Trust, in Marysville, since 2004.

The State Banking Board acts in an advisory capacity in the administration of state banking laws and approves rules and regulations proposed by the state bank commissioner.  

The governor appoints nine members to the board, six of whom are bankers and three who represent the general public.

(KNZA)--The 911 system at the Brown County Sheriff’s Department’s will be upgraded to meet a state mandate.

On the recommendation of Sheriff John Merchant, the County Commission Monday accepted a bid from Commenco, of Kansas City, Missouri, for the upgrade to the Next Generation 911 system at a cost of about $221,000, with the equipment being owned by the county.

Merchant says the state bid was for more than $400,000, with the equipment being owned by the state.

He says the state is mandating the upgrade to the new system by 2019.

Merchant says he plans to pay for the new system over a three to five year period using funding from the 911 fee collected on phone bills.

Also on the recommendation of Merchant, Commissioner’s approved a quote from Motorola to upgrade the dispatch consoles at the sheriff’s office and Horton dispatch center at a cost of just over  $91,000.  The Horton dispatch center serves as a backup for the sheriff’s office.

Funding for the upgrade will also come from the money collected from the 911 fee.

(KLZA)-- A one-car wreck on Interstate 29 in Atchison County, Missouri, Friday morning claimed the life of a Kentucky woman.

The Missouri Highway Patrol says 34-year-old Holly Hunnicutt of Madisonville died from injuries received in the wreck about 7 miles north of Craig.

The Patrol says Hunnicutt was the passenger in a northbound car driven by 28-year-old Aaron Crawford of Bellevue, Nebraska  which traveled off the east side of the roadway, struck embankment, became airborne and struck another embankment.

Crawford was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri with what were described as serious injuries.  

According to the report, Hunnicutt was not wearing a safety device. It is  unclear if Crawford was wearing a safety device. 

The Atchison County Sheriff’s Department, Holt County Sheriff’s Department, Atchison County First Responders and Holt County First Responders all responded to the scene of the wreck.   

(KNZA)--Work is underway on a $1.5 million sewer rehabilitation project in Seneca.

Beginning Monday ( October 9th), Midland Contractors, of Kearney, Nebraska, started the Cured-In-Place pipe lining in the sewer mains.

According to a news release from the city, customers will be notified with a door hanger or a personal knock on the door when work is being done in their area. The work will require that the water be shutoff to households.

The city says customers need to make sure all drainline traps have water in them, which will keep the smell of sewer gases and resin out of their house.

Customers who experience the sewer gas smell, should open the windows to air out their home.   Also the city says residents don’t need to flush water down the drains during the installation process.

The water will be shut off about 4 hours for each block of installation.  

Those with questions should contact the city shop at 336-3557 or City Superintendent Brian Rusche at 294-1388.

(KNZA)--An October 18th preliminary hearing has been set for a former Hiawatha High School teacher accused of having unlawful sexual relations with an underage student.

24-year-old Gabrielle Bauman, of Fairview, faces one count of unlawful sexual relations.

She was arrested in August following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department after a report was made to USD 415 administration in mid-June of this year.

Bauman is accused of engaging in unlawful sexual relations with a Hiawatha High School student born in 1999 between November 2016 and May 21st of this year while she was employed as a science teacher at the high school.

The Board of Education accepted her resignation during their regular meeting in July.   Bauman  had taught at the high school for a year.

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

(KNZA)--A single-vehicle Buchanan County, Missouri wreck Saturday night left a Platte City woman with serious injuries.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 34-year-old Michelle Crippen was northbound on I-229 about one mile south of St. Joseph when her van traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree.

Crippen was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with what the Patrol described as serious injuries.

The wreck was reported around 9:00 Saturday night.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle Jefferson County wreck Saturday night sent four Topeka residents to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of K-4 and K-92 Highways, west of Ozawkie.

The Patrol says 71-year-old Meriden resident Danny Puderbaugh was driving a pickup truck westbound on K-92 when he ran a stop sign at K-4 and struck the rear bumper of a car driven by 64-year-old Pamela Fisk, which caused her car to leave the roadway and roll several times.

Fisk and three passengers in her car were transported to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Hospital with unspecified injuries.  They included 41-year-old Chad Fisk, 20-year-old Alix Fisk and 11-year-old Brock Dobbie.

Puderbaugh was not hurt.

The Patrol says all the occupants were buckled up when the wreck occurred around 8:15 Saturday night.

(KNZA)--A Netawaka man escaped serious injury Friday evening in a two-vehicle Brown County wreck.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 22-year-old Brandon Wingender was stopped at the exit in front of the Sac and Fox Casino when he pulled out in front of a northbound semi on U.S. 75.

Wingender was transported to the Horton Community Hospital with what the Patrol described as possible injuries.

The semi driver was not hurt.

The wreck was reported shortly after 6:00 Friday evening.

(KNZA)--The city of Sabetha has been awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation for the construction of a walking trail.

According to KDOT, the city will receive a nearly $300,000 grant for the Community Connections Trail.

The total estimated project cost is nearly $571,000.   The city will provide a just over $271,000 local match.

Sabetha City Administator Doug Allen tells MSC News the trail will run from Main Street to the Sabetha Sports Complex.

34 projects were selected by KDOT for inclusion in its Transportation Alternatives program for Federal Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019.

Grants were also awarded locally for projects in the cities of Atchison, Hiawatha and Seneca.

(KAIR)--The Valley Hope Association will pay $25,000 to settle allegations that it violated the American with Disabilities Act.

U.S. Attorney Tom Beall, in a news release, says the operator of addiction treatment centers signed the agreement with the Justice Department, resolving allegations that Valley Hope offered its residential treatment services on a “less than equal basis to individuals with HIV/AIDS.”

Valley Hope Association, of Norton, Kansas, operates 16 addiction treatment centers in seven states, including a facility in Atchison.

After an investigation, it was alleged that Valley Hope had a policy or practice that individuals with HIV/AIDS were required to stay in separate rooms during residential treatment unless they revealed their HIV/AIDS status to their potential roommate. Furthermore, Valley Hope had a policy or practice that prevented individuals with HIV/AIDS from engaging in certain work activities around the residential facility.

 Under the agreement, Valley Hope is required to adopt measures to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully and equally enjoy the various goods, services, facilities, and accommodations provided at Valley Hope treatment centers.

Valley Hope will adopt and implement a formal non-discrimination policy that will be posted in each facility and on its website and provide mandatory annual training on title III of the ADA to Valley Hope’s employees and contractors. Under the settlement,

Valley Hope will also pay $20,000.00 to the complainant and a $5,000 civil penalty.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County resident is among three charged in federal court following the discovery of what U.S. Attorney Tom Beall says was 20 pounds of methamphetamine.

The seizure was made at a house in Kansas City, Kansas.

Charged Thursday with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine was 53-year-old Basehor resident Sheila Best.

She was joined by two other defendants, both from Kansas City, Kansas, Karen Ortega and Marlon Gutierrez, in being charged with the crime.

According to Beall, a search warrant was served at a house in KCK where the meth, more than a pound of heroin, and more than $23,000 in cash, were allegedly found.

Each defendant is facing up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $10 million.

(KAIR)--A former Leavenworth County commissioner will be returning to the board.

According to a news release from Leavenworth County Republican Party Chairman Rett Rogers, Republican precinct members from the 2nd District Thursday evening selected Louis Klemp to fill the unexpired term of longtime commissioner Clyde Graeber.

Graeber, a Republican, recently resigned due to health reason after serving 13 years on the Commission.

Klemp’s name will now be forwarded to Governor Sam Brownback for appointment. The appointment will last through the 2018 general election when voters from the 2nd District will elect someone to serve the remaining two years of Graeber’s term.

Rogers said in the release that Klemp was among three candidates nominated to fill the vacancy and was selected by a majority of the delegates on a third ballot.

Klemp previously served two terms on the Commission. He ran for the 2nd District seat last year but lost to Graeber in the Republican primary.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing sex-related charges following his Thursday evening arrest

in connection with what police say began as a domestic battery case at his north side residence.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News the alleged crimes occurred on Harper Drive, and led to the arrest of Michael Brockett. “On Thursday evening, our officers investigated a domestic disturbance that had occurred at a residence in the 1900 block of Harper Drive. A 51-year-old female had been a victim of domestic battery and aggravated sexual battery. A 44-year-old suspect had fled the area but was located a short time later and taken into custody.”

Brockett, following his arrest, was booked into the Atchison County Jail on charges of domestic battery and sexual battery.

Wilson says the victim and Brockett lived together at the residence.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man goes to jail, arrested Wednesday on child sex related charges.

20-year old Joshua Anzaldua is facing a charge of indecent liberties with a child.

The victim, identified by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie as a girl older than 14 but younger than 16, was acquainted with Anzaldua. “It wasn't like first time encounter, as far as knowing the person,” Laurie told MSC News. “They were familiar with each other.”

The crimes are believed to have occurred between June and August of this year, and were reported to the Kansas Department of Children and Families, who then brought it to the attention of the Sheriff's Office.

Following his arrest, Anzaldua was booked into the Atchison County Jail, where he's held on a bond of $50,000.

(KLZA)-- A project to widen and perform an asphalt overlay on Old Highway 73 in Falls City is scheduled to begin next week.

City Administrator Gary Jorn informed the Council Monday night that milling on the project is to begin October 13. In addition to the overlay, the road will also be widened.

The City has been pushing for action to abate a number of nuisance properties over the past several months.  Jorn said an October 9th is the date the city can go in and abate the nuisance at 1203 Lane Street. He is hoping the property owner will have it taken care of by then.

Progress is being made on the property at 1701 Schoenheit Street with the owner having an asbestos inspection completed and plans in place to abate the nuisance.

Jorn said the process to clean up a property at 2224 Chase Street is about to go before the Court for action in mid-October.

The City Administrator also said plans are to begin to move forward with the process to clean up a nuisance property at 820 McLean Street.  

Jorn also updated the Council and Gayle Swisegood on a pending claim filed by the owners of The Flower Cart concerning water damage during utility work last spring.  Jorn explained the City needs to make a decision on a claim against the City by mid-December. 

Jorn said an insurance company for one of the contractors on the project has taken no action at this time.
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have appointed Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall as Flood Plain Manager for Richardson County.

Kirkendall will begin the new duties, in addition to his Emergency Management position immediately. 

County Treasurer Amanda Young presented distress warrants for the 2016 personal property taxes that are now delinquent. She received approval from the Board to send 20-day notices to 51 holders of the delinquent personal property taxes.  

Noxious Weed Control Superintendent Tim Lyons presented a report on noxious weeds, noting that he has found a number of large areas of  Sericea Lespedeza.  

(MSC News)--A Leavenworth woman has been convicted of the rape of 16-month-old child.

The Leavenworth Times reports a Leavenworth County jury returned the verdict Thursday afternoon in the trial of 41-year-old Mahogany Payne. The trial began Monday.

Payne was convicted of raping a child she was babysitting in her home in January 2016, causing multiple injuries.

Jurors acquitted Payne on a second count of rape stemming from an alleged incident in April 2015 involving another child.

A hearing for post-trial motions is scheduled for October 27th

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca has been awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation for the rehabilitation of another section of the community’s brick Main Street.

KDOT announced this week that Seneca is to receive a $556,000 grant to rebuild the brick surface on Main Street from 6th to 7th Streets.  

The total project cost is estimated at $695,000.  The city will provide a $139,000 local match.

The project includes waterline replacement, new sidewalks with paver bricks and new street lighting, which is similar to the 2012 project that rebuilt Main Street from 3rd to 6th Streets.

Thirty-four projects were selected for inclusion in KDOT’S Transportation Alternatives program for Federal Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019.

Locally, also selected for grant funding were projects in the cities of Atchison, Hiawatha and Sabetha.

(KMZA)--Additional information will be gathered before a decision is made whether to accept the lone bid received for the Seneca Municipal Airport property.

The City Council opened the lone bid from Precision Aerial Ag, of Seneca, at their regular meeting Wednesday evening.  The bid was for $100,000 for the just over 29 acres.

Daren and Dustin Ronnebaum with Precision Aerial said they will maintain the property as a public airport, which is part of  terms and conditions set by the city. In addition, they said they plan to make $250,000 to $300,000 worth of improvements to the airport over a 5 to 10 year period.

Three Seneca residents appeared at the Council meeting to voice their opposition to the sale of the airport property because it will require that the gun range currently located at the site be moved to a different location.  The residents said the city has a good gun range that is used by many people and don’t want to see it moved.

The Council decided to have a council committee review the bid and gather additional information before a decision is made. The committee is to report back to the Council at their November 1st meeting.

(KLZA)-- A Flood Watch continues for a large portion of our listening area.  The affected area includes Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and southwest Iowa through late Friday night.

The watch includes Richardson, Pawnee, Johnson, Nemaha, Gage and Otoe counties in Southeast Nebraska.

In northeast Kansas, the Flood Watch includes the counties of Brown, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, Nemaha, Pottawatomie, and Riley.

Missouri counties included in the Flood Watch are Atchison, Holt, Buchanan, Daviess, De Kalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Mercer, Nodaway, and Worth.

Through late tonight the forecast calls for occasional rounds of showers and thunderstorms with the potential for heavy rainfall.  Additional rainfall of one to three inches are possible, which would put storm total rains from Thursday through Friday night in the 2.5 to 5 inch range.     
 
 Flooding of low-lying area, urban areas and eventually rivers and streams could result.

Conditions could lead to strong to potentially severe thunderstorms producing damaging winds and possibly hail. While the threat for tornadoes is low, an isolated and brief tornado will be possible in southeast Nebraska early Friday evening.

(MSC News)--The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is asking the assistance of the public in locating a Bush Hog 4430 side by side UTV.

The UTV is believed to have been taken between the late hours of October 4th, and the early morning hours of October 5, 2017.

The vehicle is a red UTV with gray seats and a black top.

The UTV was taken from a rural residence in eastern Jackson County east of Holton.

The UTV is believed to have been driven off the property.

If anyone has information concerning the theft of this UTV, they are asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251.

(KNZA)--The public's assistance is being sought in locating a UTV stolen from a rural residence in eastern Jackson County.

Sheriff Tim Morse says a Bush Hog 4430 side by side UTV is believed to have been taken sometime late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning from a residence east of Holton.

The UTV is red with gray seats and a black top.      

It's believed to have been driven off the property.

Anyone with information concerning the theft is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 785-364-2251.

(KLZA)--The Flood Watch continues through late Friday night for portions of southeast Nebraska, and southwest Iowa, including the southeast Nebraska counties of Richardson, Nemaha, Pawnee, Johnson, Gage and Otoe and stretching west and north to include Jefferson, Saline, Lancaster and Seward counties.
  
Through late Friday night numerous additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms with heavy rainfall potential are expected. 

Storm total rainfall could range 2.5 to 5 inches, which may
result in flooding of low lying areas, urban areas, and
eventually some rivers and streams.

A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on
current forecasts.

Those living in areas prone to flooding should be
prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Thunderstorms will continue Friday evening and taper off by
daybreak Saturday. Additional heavy rainfall could occur with
these storms, along with a threat for strong storms into the
evening.

(KMZA)--A Topeka teen is in custody, but the search for the driver of a stolen vehicle involved in a two county pursuit, remains on the run.

According to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, the Wednesday evening pursuit began in Marshall County, but continued on U. S. Highway 36, in Nemaha County, where deputies attempted to stop the suspect vehicle as it traveled on U.S. Highway 36.

The driver left the highway and headed southbound on B road, traveling into a field until the vehicle could go no further.

That's when two suspects fled on foot, leaving the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, reported stolen in Cuba, Kansas, behind.

Authorities say the suspects are blamed for another vehicle theft, happening a short time later at 261 124th Road, in Baileyville, where a 2014 Dodge truck was taken.

Leaving the scene in the stolen vehicle, heading south and east with multiple law enforcement agencies again in pursuit, the truck crashed near 6th and Mulberry Streets in Centralia.

It was there a 17-year old from Topeka, identified as the lone passenger in the stolen truck, was taken into custody, and now faces charges of burglary and theft.

The driver fled the scene on foot and has not yet been found.

Early Thursday morning, another vehicle was reported stolen, believed to have been taken sometime after 10:15 Wednesday night from 518 Commercial Street, in Centralia.

Authorities say they are now seeking information pertaining to the whereabouts of the gray, 2014 Ford F250 with a fuel barrel, and other tools, in the back. A firearm was also inside the truck at the time that it was stolen.

Anyone with information related to the crime is urged to call the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office.

(KAIR)--A former Tonganoxie resident, already serving life in prison for the killing of a Kansas City, Kansas Police Detective, was sentenced Thursday on Leavenworth County charges for crimes committed the same day that Brad Lancaster was murdered.

According to Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 30-year-old Curtis Ayers was sentenced for aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary to more than 20-years in prison. That sentence will run consecutively to the life sentence Ayers is serving in the capitol murder case.

The crimes were committed in Basehor on May 9, 2016, the same day that Lancaster was killed.

It's alleged that Ayers, after the murder, drove a stolen car to a Basehor residence, where he parked in a garage.

Inside the car were two children, who were passengers in the vehicle when stolen by Ayers.

Authorities says Ayers entered the home and robbed a resident at gunpoint, taking the keys to another vehicle, along with a sweatshirt and shoes.

He then fled behind the wheel of the resident's vehicle, and was arrested later in Kansas City, Missouri.

(KLZA)-- Mound City, Missouri High School Principal Korey Miles has been selected 2017 High School Principal of the Year by the Northwest Secondary School Principals Association. 

A news release sites Miles dedication and commitment to serving the educational climate of his building with strong leadership, knowledge about quality education, and leading beyond the walls of his school. Miles was awarded the honor based on his impact in the areas of collaborative leadership: curriculum, instruction and assessment; and his personalization of the learning environment.  

The award was presented October 2 during the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals Association’s awards luncheon.

Miles is one of eight high school principals eligible to be selected as Missouri’s 2018 High School Principal of the Year.  The honor will be announced in February  with the award to be presented in March.  
 

(KLZA)-- The search for a new Utility Superintendent is underway in Falls City.  

City Administrator Gary Jorn discussed the process with the City Council Monday evening. Several interview have been conducted with candidates for the position with another still to be completed.

Current Utility Superintendent Alan Romine will be retiring in February.

Work is continuing to get a new electrical generator on-line at the City Power Plant. Jorn told the Council four employees are currently in Florida receiving training on the operation of the new generator.  The employees will come back and then return to Florida for approximately two more weeks of training.  

It was also noted that as soon as the controls are operational for the new horizontal collection well at the water plant it will be brought on-line.  

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha has accepted an offer from the Brown County Commission to no longer charge the city for providing dispatch services  provided the city utilizes the savings for law enforcement expenses.
 
The Hiawatha City Commission voted to accept the offer Monday evening after an executive session.

That came in response to a letter sent by the County Commission earlier in the day.  

In the letter, the Commission said they felt it was only fair that the cost savings the city will realize be designated for expenses incurred by the Hiawatha  Police Department since it would reduce the amount of funding provided to the Brown County Sheriff’s Department.

Hiawatha has been paying about $49,500 annually to the county for providing dispatch services.

The County Commission had also offered in July to provide dispatch services at no cost for the city of Horton.   However, the Horton City Commission voted in August to decline the offer.     
 

(KNZA)--A rear-end collision late Wednesday afternoon in Jefferson County sent two to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 5:00 at the intersection of K-4 Highway and 66th Street.

The Patrol says 47-year-old Meriden resident Nicole Hazelton was stopped in the southbound lane of K-4, waiting to turn left, when her car was rear-ended by a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Independence, Kansas resident Joseph Farnsworth.

Farnsworth and a passenger in his vehicle, 21-year-old Topeka resident Tyler Chenoweth, were transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail hospital with unspecified injuries.  

Another passenger in the Farnsworth vehicle and Hazelton were not hurt.

The Patrol says all the occupants were buckled up when the wreck occurred.  

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, wanted in connection with an attack on another man that allegedly occurred last month, is now jailed, following a pursuit that began in Atchison and ended in Andrew County, Missouri.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News the search for 34-year-old Shane Gage was launched after a District Court warrant was issued for his arrest late last month. “On September the 29, our officers had responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of North 7th. During that disturbance, a 21-year-old male had been struck on the head with a handgun. The suspect had fled the area, but the subsequent investigation identified him as being Shane Gage, and a warrant was issued charging Gage with a number of crimes committed during that disturbance.”

Wilson says it was around 2:45 Thursday morning that an officer on patrol in Atchison spotted Gage's vehicle, and that's when the pursuit began. “We had an officer spot a vehicle in the area of 12th and Commercial, with Gage driving. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Gage fled, eventually driving into Missouri. He continued into Buchanan County, Missouri, through the city of Saint Joseph, and into Andrew County, Missouri, where he was taken into custody by the Andrew County Sheriff's Department and the Savannah Police Department.”

Gage was arrested after the pickup truck crashed into a ditch. The Associated Press reports the vehicle was driving on four flat tires after Saint Joseph Police laid spiked stop strips in its path. Three loaded guns, and drugs, were allegedly found in the vehicle.

In Atchison County, Gage faces charges including aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal possession of a firearm, battery, and criminal damage to property, all in relation to the District Court warrant. However, Wilson says additional charges are forthcoming. “In addition to the September 29 charges, he will now faces more charges on this pursuit, on both sides of the state line, by multiple agencies.”

Once he was in custody, Gage was transported for hospitalized treatment due to the suspicion of authorities that he had ingested methamphetamine.

(KAIR)--A great opportunity for the community.

That's the basis behind the message delivered Monday by State Representative Dr. John Eplee, during a town hall meeting focused on Atchison's planned STAR Bond project. “It's a fantastic opportunity that the state affords us, that I don't think we should pass up,” Eplee told those in attendance. “It's a very positive thing for our community and we're very fortunate.”

Eplee joined City Finance Director and Interim City Manager Becky Berger in explaining the ins and outs of the proposal.

The town hall included questions about the plan from those in attendance, which included city and county leaders, along with members of the general public.

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, similar to the one flown by famed aviatrix, and Atchison native, Amelia Earhart.

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.

A STAR bond district was approved in June of this year by the Atchison City Commission and the Kansas Secretary of Commerce.

It includes the Amelia Earhart Airport and part of downtown Atchison, including the Farmers Market, Holiday Inn Express, and the corner of 10th and Main where the new Taco Bell restaurant is being built.

Sales tax generated from that designated district is used to pay off the bonds, which  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 tax to finance the community projects.

The city plans to issue nearly $2 million in STAR bonds for the funding of the projects.

An exact timeline for when that will happen is not yet determined.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha has been awarded a $785,000 grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation for a brick street rehabilitation project.

The City Commission Monday evening accepted the grant through KDOT's Transportation Alternatives Program for the rehab of Utah Street between 6th and 7th Streets.

The city will provide a nearly $295,000 local match, with the total project cost placed at more than one million dollars ( $1,079,600).

Mayor Dr. Steffen Shamburg noted the city's share is about what it would have cost to put the block into concrete.

Shamburg says a local group will continue to search for funding options to rehab the other two bricks streets surrounding the courthouse square.

The Commission earlier this year agreed to proceed with keeping the brick streets in some fashion after a majority of residents responding to a survey indicted their support for keeping them.

(KAIR)--No arrests are yet made as Atchison Police continue the search for whoever is responsible for entering an Atchison home and making off with a number of items late last week. "Sometime between 3 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on Friday evening, unlawful entry was made into a residence in the 1000 block of Parallel,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News. “A rifle, jewelry, coins, and a computer tablet, were taken."

Wilson said the door was unlocked at the time of the crime.

The value of the stolen items is estimated at $1,800.

Wilson said leads are being followed and is confident that an arrest will be made in the near future.

(KLZA)-- No injuries reported from a fire that destroyed a house in Salem early Wednesday morning.

The Salem and Falls City Rural Fire Departments responded to the fire call about 3:15 a.m.

Fire was visible through the roof of the home when firefighters arrived on the scene. The house, owned by Jeff Moyer is currently unoccupied.

The State Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.  

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation after a pickup truck was stolen from a rural Baileyville location and another stolen vehicle recovered.

The Sheriff’s Office says sometime Monday between 4 and 7 p.m. an unknown person took a 2013 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD pickup from a location about 1 ¾ miles southwest of Baileyville.   The pickup is red in color.  

Found at the location was an abandoned Chevy Impala that had been reported stolen from Topeka.

Inside the stolen Impala was a temporary tag that had been reported stolen from Washington County, Kansas.

The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation into the series of thefts is continuing.

PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) - The Plattsmouth school district has canceled all classes for Wednesday, citing a threat posted on social media.

Plattsmouth Community School District Superintendent Richard Hasty says that, based on information from law enforcement, the threat about a shooting Wednesday at Plattsmouth Middle School appears credible. Hasty says officers have contacted one but not all of the suspects connected to the threats.
 

(KLZA)--Pawnee City Council members have approved extension of the annual solid waste disposal agreement with Seneca Sanitation.

The action came during the September 25th meeting.  There will be no changes in service or in price for the next  year.

Two more people have agreed to serve on the Pawnee City Pride Committee.  Deb Niss and John DeFreece have agreed to work on the Committee with Bruce Haughton.  The Pride Committee will help the City make contacts and follow-up on nuisance complaints in the community. 

(MSC News)--Mating season and the quest for more secure habitat have deer on the move this time of year, increasing the chances of vehicle collisions.
 
Typically, the greatest number of deer-vehicle crashes are in mid-November when the rut, or mating season, peaks. In addition to the rut, deer are also on the move in mid-fall seeking new food sources and shelter as crops are harvested and leaves fall from trees and shrubs, leaving them less secure than in their summer habitats.
 
“The deer population has stabilized over the last five years, so areas that have had deer likely still have them,” said Levi Jaster, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Big Game Coordinator.  “Young animals are dispersing to find new areas and breeding season is approaching. More animals moving means more of them are going to be crossing roads, so be extra cautious and reduce speed, especially in areas with good deer habitat."
 
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, 10,235 (16 percent) of the 62,150 vehicle crashes reported in 2016 were deer-related (crashes in which a deer and vehicle actually collided or the presence of a deer was a contributing circumstance). Although crashes involving deer occur throughout the year in every Kansas county, the highest number of crashes typically occur where there are the most vehicles. Butler County had 385 deer-vehicle crashes in 2016, the most of any county, while Sedgwick County followed with 375 deer-vehicle crashes.
 
The Kansas Highway Patrol cautions drivers to refrain from making exaggerated maneuvers to avoid a deer in the road, lest a bad situation become even worse.
 
“If you are unfortunate enough to have a deer enter the highway in front of your car, it is best to hit the animal and not swerve to avoid it,” said the KHP’s Lt. Adam Winters. “Often we find more serious crashes occur when you swerve to miss the deer, potentially losing control of your vehicle, leaving the road or veering into oncoming traffic.”

(KNZA)--A jury trial has now be set for a Horton woman charged in a Jackson County burglary case.

33-year-old Megan Hollister had been scheduled to be sentenced last Friday on a charge of burglary, but The Holton Recorder reports a judge granted a motion allowing her to withdraw her no contest plea entered in July.

After granting the motion, the judge set a two-day jury trial for November 16th and 17th.

Hollister is accused of breaking into a residence in Whiting last August and stealing a number of electronic items.

Co-defendant Shelby Hopkins, of Whiting, was arrested shortly after the burglary.  She is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence after being convicted last October on charges of burglary and obstruction of official duty.

Hollister was placed on the “ Jackson County Most Wanted” list and remained at large until November 5th when she was arrested in Atchison after crashing a stolen pickup truck following a chase.

In January, Hollister was placed on 12-months probation in the Atchison County case on charges of theft, driving while suspended and fleeing and eluding.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - The mother of a St. Joseph public school student says in in a lawsuit that the district did not help her daughter when she was being bullied by classmates.
 
Frances Keitz contends the bullying included death threats and physical and verbal abuse against her daughter, who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
 
The St. Joseph News-Press reports Keitz alleges students at Skaith Elementary School pulled her daughter's hair around her throat to choke her, told her to hang herself, threatened to kill her and kicked her in the head.
 
Keitz says she repeatedly asked district administrators to protect her daughter but they did nothing.
 
The alleged abuse occurred during the 2015-16 school year.
 

Statement from the St. Joseph School District:

“The concerns that are raised in this lawsuit were investigated and addressed, but we are unable to discuss specific disciplinary action taken against any student,” said Dr. Robert Newhart, SJSD superintendent. “Additionally, with respect to the claims in the lawsuit, we can’t respond without potentially violating the privacy rights of the student involved in this suit or other students. But, if we could provide additional information, you would know that this lawsuit does not provide a full or accurate account of what has transpired between Frances Keitz and the district. The district has already prevailed once on claims brought by Mrs. Keitz, which is a reminder that there are two sides to every story, and that the allegations of a lawsuit are not proof that anything improper actually occurred.”

(KAIR)--No injuries are reported following a collision involving a school bus in Jackson County Tuesday afternoon.

WIBW-TV reports it happened around 4:00, at 123rd and S. Road, north of Hoyt.

According to the report, Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Royal Valley School District bus was northbound on S Road, when the driver stopped to let students off, with warning devices activated.

As it was stopped, the bus was rear ended by a northbound vehicle, driven by a 16-year-old girl.

Several of the 11 students on the bus were evaluated at the scene, but hospital transport was not required.

The driver who hit the bus apparently avoided a hospital visit, but specifics regarding her condition are not known.

(KAIR)--A new basketball court is coming to Atchison's LFM Park.

That follows action of the Atchison City Commission Monday evening.

Public Works Director Justin Pregont presented the proposal to the Commission, with documents included with the meeting's agenda outlining the poor condition of the current court at the north side park.

The basketball courts are cited as some of the most frequently used facilities in the city's parks system, but have not undergone any significant improvements since 2007 when the court received an asphalt overlay.

Working with a budget of $90,000, the city received three proposals to conduct the project, with the lowest of them submitted by Multicon.

The Wichita based company proposes to conduct the project at a cost just one dollar shy of $100,000.

Following discussion about details for the court facility replacement, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the $99,999 expenditure, as well as an additional $7,500 to be used to manage small change orders during construction.

A timeline for the start of the project is not immediately known.

(KLZA)--Since opening in 2001, the Tecumseh State Correctional Institute has faced significant staffing shortages.  

Monday, Nebraska Department of Corrections Director Scott Frakes announced new incentives will be offered in an attempt to fix employee recruiting challenges and high turnover rates at Nebraska prisons.

A $2,500 signing bonus is available to the first 100 new employees hired between Monday and November 17, to work at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, just north of Tecumseh and the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln.

In addition, experience-based merit raises will be paid to staff members at the Tecumseh prison. 

Employees with one to three years of service will get a 2.5 percent raise, and the amount will increase, up to 10 percent for employees with more than 10 years of service.  

Frakes noted that maintaining normal operations at the Tecumseh prison with vacancies approaching 30 percent is challenging. The vacancies are driven by the high turnover rate.

The costs for the new initiatives will be managed in large part, by avoiding the costs to pay overtime hours.  Each vacancy filled can save $13,000 annually in overtime pay. Over the course of a year, it costs nearly a million dollars more to staff essential posts with overtime hours at the Tecumseh facility.

(KAIR)--Citing “overwhelming public opposition,” the Tonganoxie City Council approves a resolution in opposition to the once planned construction of a chicken processing facility in the Tonganoxie area.

The resolution, which states “the Tonganoxie City Council does not support the development of the proposed Tyson Foods Poultry Complex on the site, within close proximity of the Tonganoxie city limits,” was approved Monday.

The Council had been asked to consider the extension of the City's sanitary sewer to the proposed location of the facility, with the approved ordinance specifically stating the extension would not be approved.

On September 5, Tyson Foods, with support of leaders from the state, and Leavenworth area, announced plans to build a $320 million dollar poultry processing operation near Tonganoxie.

Gov. Sam Brownback's administration had pledged an undisclosed amount of tax breaks to persuade Tyson to locate on a 300-acre site south of Tonganoxie.

Despite promises of job growth, and other economic expansion, public opposition against the plan swelled, with Leavenworth area leaders addressed in public session, and otherwise, by those against the location of the processing complex.

In September, the Leavenworth County Commission reversed its support of issuing $500 million in industrial revenue bonds to help finance the plant.

Tyson Foods, following that move, announced that the Tonganoxie plans were on hold, leaving other local county leaders, including Atchison, to informally entertain the possibility of pushing for the opportunity to become the future site of the complex.

In late September, several out of area counties signed letters of support hoping to entice Tyson to build in their locations.

No official word has been made by Tyson regarding the future site for the complex.

The Water Department Crew pictured left to right: Rusty Joslin, Brad Scott, Water & Light Superintendent Rick Koenig, and Dan Durre. Not pictured Ryan Smith.

(KNZA)--Construction of a new Hiawatha water treatment plant has begun.

Groundbreaking was held last week for the more than $3.5 million ion exchange plant on property north of Hiawatha along U.S. 73 Highway.

Construction of the new plant has been in the works for some time as the city has been working to address the ongoing problem of high nitrate levels in the city’s water supply.

A news release from the city says its been a long process to get to this point and the city appreciates their customer’s patience.

When completed and in operation, the release says the plant will lower the nitrites in the water under the maximum contaminant level of ten milligrams per liter as set by state and federal regulators.

The project also includes additional distribution lines to provide less interruptions in service.

AHRS Construction, of Bern, is serving as the contractor on project.

Construction is expected to be complete within 12 months.

(KAIR)--More trouble for a Saint Mary's man believed to have been involved in a number of Jackson County burglaries.

Curt Vandevelde was arrested Friday following an investigation into the September 7 burglary of a residence near Delia.

A Honda Odyssey minivan was stolen at that same time, and later recovered in Edmond, Oklahoma.

The 45-year-old Vandevelde was already jailed at the time of his arrest, held in the Jackson County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

He was arrested September 12 in Holton for allegedly attempting to sell stolen goods.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse items that had been taken from the Delia residence were among the property recovered by investigators.

Photos were also obtained allegedly showing Vandevelde driving the stolen minivan in southern Kansas.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man has been sentenced to more than 6 1/2 years in prison on a charge of aggravated battery.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 24-year-old David Graves was sentenced Monday in Brown County District Court to 80 months in prison on the felony charge.

Hill says Graves request for probation was denied.

Graves was convicted in the aggravated battery of his girlfriend in January.

( AP )--The Kansas Supreme Court has rejected the latest attempt by state lawmakers to fund the public schools.

On Monday, the state's high court released its latest verdict in the ongoing court battle over school funding. In it, the Justices ruled the $292.5 million increase over the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years was not constitutionally adequate.

They also said four provisions of the new law would "create or exacerbated unconstitutional wealth-based inequalities."

Despite finding the funding law unconstitutional, the Justices are giving lawmakers plenty of time to find a remedy. They have stayed their decision until June 30, 2018 to allow the legislature to come up with a solution. They have even scheduled a date (May 22) for oral arguments for whatever fix they pass.

In their decision the Justices warned lawmakers that after June 30, "we will not allow ourselves to be placed in the position of being complicit actors in the continuing deprivation of a constitutionally adequate and equitable education owed to hundreds of thousands of Kansas school children."

Several hours after the decision was handed down, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback issued a statement, saying, “Today’s court decision is yet another regrettable chapter in the never ending cycle of litigation over Kansas school funding. The court should not substitute its decision for that of the legislature.”

(KAIR)--A pursuit that began in Atchison Friday evening ended in nearby Missouri, with the driver arrested on numerous charges, while a passenger was hospitalized for allegedly swallowing methamphetamine.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie tells MSC News David Karl Pickens II was arrested in Platte County for possession of meth, and later arrested on an Atchison County warrant for aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine, felony flee and attempt to elude, and driving while suspended.

The passenger, Tabetha Schmelzle, was transported for hospitalized treatment after the vehicle was stopped in Platte County, Missouri.

Laurie says the pursuit began around 6:30 Friday evening after his office was notified by Leavenworth authorities that the driver of a 2005 Lexus had possibly obtained drugs from that location. The car was spotted in the 300 block of South 10th Street, in Atchison. “We were able to identify the driver as David Pickens who, once checked, his driver's license was not valid. We were able to initiate a stop on that, and almost had him stopped at the Sonic parking lot, where he then decided that he wasn't going to stop.”

The vehicle left the parking lot, at 10th and Main, headed in the direction of the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge, where Atchison Police Officers were waiting. “The Police Department had an officer on the bridge, and it was a very close call. We're not quite sure if he [Pickens] intentionally swerved at the officer or not, but it was awfully close of striking the officer. [The officer] was able to get the stop sticks down and get the rear tire.]

Despite the flattened rear tire, the vehicle continued on, making its way to Platte County, Missouri.

It was there, the tire gave out, forcing the vehicle to stop at the intersection of 45 Highway and Woolston Road.

Platte County Sheriff's Deputies assisted at the scene, with Pickens arrested.

Along with Schmelze, it was believed he had ingested meth and was assessed by EMS prior to being transported to the Platte County Jail.

(KNZA)--Authorities say a St. Joseph man has been arrested in the death of a St. Joseph woman.

KQ2-TV reports 34-year-old Terrell Smith faces a charge of second-degree murder in the death of 31-year-old Stormi Harbord.

Police say Harbord was found dead at a home in the 13-hundred block of South 20th Street Saturday morning after officers were called to a report of a shooting at the residence.

According to court documents, Harbord died from a gunshot wound.

Smith was arrested at the scene.

He’s scheduled for arraignment Tuesday.

(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.  

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A monthly survey of business leaders suggests economic conditions are still improving for nine Midwest and Plains states.

A report released Monday says the Mid-America Business Conditions Index rose

to 58.2 in September from 57.5 in August and 56.1 in July. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and he says international sales, strong profit growth and low interest rates boosted the economic outlook among supply managers in the nine-state region.
 

The survey results are compiled into a collection of indexes ranging from zero to 100. Survey organizers say any score above 50 suggests growth in that factor. A score below that suggests decline.

The survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
 

(KLZA)-- 40 months probation is the sentence for a 42-year-old Falls City man on a felony charge of possession of methamphetamine. 

Travis Kirkendall was sentenced in Richardson County District Court last week. 

Kirkendall was charged in June. As part of his sentence Kirkendall must pay more than $800 in fees and costs. In addition, unless waived by the court, Kirkendall will serve 15 days in the Richardson County jail on six different occasions during the probation period.  
 

(KLZA)-- The issue of alcohol on public property was back before the City Council in Falls City during their September 18th meeting.

Nicole Merz and Brittany Huppert who have leased Prichard Auditorium for wedding receptions later this year raised their concerns about being allowed to have alcohol served at those events following a recent Council vote.

During the September 6th Council meeting, a proposed amendment to the Falls City Municipal Code banning open containers of alcohol on public property came up one vote short of moving forward, brining into question the future of events allowing alcohol to be served at Prichard Auditorium.

The intent was to clear up the language in the code, but required approval from a majority of the Council to pass. 

Merz suggested it is the Council members to do what is best for Falls City, rather than vote based on their personal opinion. She asked if it was best to force events with large crowds such as wedding receptions, Christmas party’s, and others out of town.

Merz told the Council she is planning a large wedding reception and expects the event to be beneficial to local businesses such as motels, restaurants and gas stations with more than 250 people coming from out of town. She noted the daily costs to keep Prichard Auditorium running and asked why you would turn away events generating revenue to help pay those expenses? 

Fourth Ward Council member Jim Wisdom who voted against the proposal explained he has no problem with events with alcohol at the Auditorium but does not believe you should have open containers in the parks.

Wisdom said that someone wanting beer in the park is what started the issue, saying everything was going fine until then. 

None of the other Council members spoke.  City Administrator Gary Jorn explained to the audience members in attendance that it is still possible for the Council to give favorable comment, to applications for special designated liquor licenses, which are issued by the State Liquor Commission, for Prichard Auditorium. Passage requires a majority vote.

There was no action taken following the discussion.  
 

(KNZA)--Leavenworth County Republican’s will hold a convention Thursday to nominate someone to fill a vacancy on the County Commission.

The Leavenworth Times reports longtime Commissioner Clyde Graeber stepped down from his position on the Commission last week due to health reasons.

Graeber, a Republican, had represented the Commission’s 2nd District for 13 years.  He was elected to a new four-year term on the commission last year.

Republican precinct members from the 2nd District will nominate someone to fill the remainder of Graeber’s term.  The name will then be forwarded to  Governor Sam Brownback for appointment.

The appointment will last through the 2018 general election.

In 2018, voters from the 2nd District will elect someone to serve the remaining two years of Graeber’s current term.

(KMZA)--Five individuals have been charged in connection with the vandalism of a historic Marshall County cemetery last month.

20-year-old Jacob Gundelfinger of Marysville, 18-year-old Jamison Beckmann of Bremen, 17-year-old Andrew Wichman of Seneca, 16-year-old Darrin Blocker of Seneca and 15-year-old James Gordon of Marysville have each been charged with criminal desecration and criminal damage to property, both felonies.

The five are accused of vandalizing the Pecenka Cemetery southwest of Bremen twice September 7th through the 10th.

Marshall County Sheriff Dan Hargrave says more than 30 tombstones were damaged or destroyed.   Damage was estimated at around $90,000.

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

(KNZA)--A retirement reception has been set for Doniphan County Treasurer Jacqueline Linck.

The reception will be held Friday, October 6th from 1 to 4 in the afternoon in the District Court Courtroom at the Doniphan County Courthouse.

The public is invited to join in honoring Linck for her 44 years of dedicated service to Doniphan County.

The Doniphan County Treasurer’s office will be closed to the public during the reception.  

Current deputy county treasurer, Lindsay Etherton, was elected last fall to replace Linck.   She will be sworn into office October 10th

(KNZA)--The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska will sponsor a candidates forum Saturday, October 7th for the three positions up for election on the Tribal Council.

The forum will begin at 1:00 at the George Ogden Building, in White Cloud.

The Tribal Elders are inviting all candidates to participate in the forum, which is scheduled for two hours.  Additional time will be allowed; if required, to give all candidates and tribal members an opportunity to answer or ask questions.

Tribal officials say the purpose of the forum is to give all candidates for the positions of chairman, secretary and member an equal opportunity to address a wide range of issues that impact the tribe.

The Tribal Council election will be held on Saturday, October 21st.  

(KNZA)--The boil water advisory has been rescinded for the Brown County community of Robinson.

The advisory was issued September 22nd by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment because of a line break resulting in a loss pressure in the system.

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

KDHE said in a news release Saturday that laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Robinson indicate no evidence of contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed to be resolved.