(KNZA)--A Thursday afternoon two vehicle Brown County wreck left an elderly Hiawatha woman hospitalized.

Injured in the wreck was 80-year-old Cora Rahe. The Kansas Highway Patrol says she was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas, for the treatment of disabling injuries.

The Patrol reports the crash happened shortly after 2:00 at the intersection of Raccoon and  240th Roads, east of Hiawatha.

According to the Patrol, Rahe was the driver of a car that was eastbound on 240th Road, when she was struck by a pickup truck traveling southbound on Raccoon Road.

The truck slid on gravel, sending it through the intersection and into Rahe's car.

The driver of the pickup, 19-year-old Robinson resident Lane Spiker, was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up at the time of the wreck.

(KAIR)--Two Alabama residents require hospital treatment following a Thursday morning single vehicle Brown County wreck.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says it happened around 8:40 on U.S. Highway 73 in the vicinity of 195th Road.

It was there 54-year-old Lamar Howell lost control of his northbound pickup truck, which sent the truck, pulling a trailer, off of the roadway and into the bottom of a ditch on the west side of U.S. 73.

Howell, and his 42-year-old passenger, James Nolan, were both transported by ambulance to the Hiawatha Community Hospital for the treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The Brown County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the crash.

The Hiawatha Fire Department, Town and County Ambulance, Squad 48, and the Sac and Fox Police Department all assisted.

(KAIR)--Alleged drug possession sends two Atchison residents to jail.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News the arrests came following the response of offices to a residence on the south side of Atchison. “It was just before

11 a.m. on Tuesday when officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of Q street to investigate a complaint. The officers determined that two residents were in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.”

Taken into custody were 30-year-old David Ham III and 25-year-old Samantha Foster.

Ham faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Foster is facing charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Both were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(MSC News)--“I don’t care who you are, what you do, where you work, or what you believe, sexual harassment does not belong in our society.”

That's the opening line of a Facebook post made by U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins announcing her co-sponsorship of a house resolution pertaining to sexual harassment.

According to the Kansas Republican, Resolution 630 would require all members, and employees, of the House of Representatives to complete sexual harassment and workplace rights training at the start of each session of Congress.

Jenkins says the new legislation “works to ensure that Congressional employees are safe and respected,” adding that while there is much more work to be done, the legislation “is a good start.”

The Associated Press reports the bipartisan measure was approved Wednesday afternoon on a voice vote.

The Senate has already approved a similar measure applying to its members and aides.

The proposed legislation comes in the wake of numerous, high-profile allegations of sexual misconduct, with some attributed to lawmakers.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas legislators in both parties have misgivings about a plan to have the nation's largest private prison operator build a new correctional facility for the state.

The plan outlined Thursday by the state Department of Corrections would replace the state's oldest and largest prison in Lansing.

CoreCivic, which is based in Nashville, Tennessee, would build the $170 million prison. The state would pay for the project by leasing the new facility over 20 years.

Democratic state Sen. Laura Kelly, of Topeka, questioned whether the arrangement is the most cost-effective for the state.
Republican state Rep. J.R. Claeys, of Salina, questioned why the department didn't consider other potential sites.

Legislative leaders and the governor would have to approve the proposal next month for it to proceed. 

The new prison would house the 2,400 inmates in Lansing.

Parts of the existing prison date to the 1860s, and corrections officials contend a modern facility will be safer while operating with 46 percent fewer employees.

CoreCivic owns, controls or manages more than 80 facilities in 20 states and the District of Columbia. It has been the subject of lawsuits and critical audits in six states, including Kansas. 

(KMZA)--A semi driver was injured Thursday morning in a single-vehicle wreck in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 30-year-old Willie Edward Bass IV , of Kansas City, Kansas, was eastbound on K-16 when his semi left the south side of  the roadway and struck a guard rail.  The semi then crossed to the north and struck the north guard rail before continuing through the ditch.

The rig came to rest blocking both lanes of travel on K-16.  

Bass was transported to the Onaga Community Hospital for the treatment of unspecified injuries.   

The Patrol says Bass was buckled up when the wreck occurred around 8:00 Thursday morning near Forbes Road.  

(KLZA)--FBI investigators have named two people of interest in the disappearance of a Lincoln woman.

During a morning news conference Thursday, it was revealed that 51-year-old Aubrey Trail and 23-year-old Bailey Boswell were arrested on warrants, unrelated to the disappearance of 24-year-old Sydney Loofe.

Where the two were taken into custody has not yet been stated publicly.

Since the time Trail and Boswell were publicly identified as persons of interest, the two have posted at least three videos on Facebook denying any role in Loofe's disappearance.

In at least two of the videos, which have since been taken down, Trail names Richardson County Attorney Doug Merz as his attorney.

Thursday morning, Merz issued a release to MSC News, stating, “ I am not representing Aubrey Trail of Wilber, Nebraska , regarding any current legal matters in which he may be involved and I will have no further comment.”

Authorities confirm that the last sighting of Loofe was in Wilber on November 15.

Searchers spent hours Wednesday in areas of Saline and Gage counties, including ponds and creeks, seeking any signs of Loofe's whereabouts.

(KNZA)--Charges have been filed against an Elwood man in connection with a domestic disturbance earlier this month during which a child suffered a gunshot wound.

29-year-old Jeffrey Ungerer is facing felony charges of aggravated battery and aggravated endangering a child along with a misdemeanor count of domestic battery.

He was arrested November 22nd on a Doniphan County warrant charging him in connection with the November 16th incident at an Elwood Apartment complex

Authorities say a 5-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the foot when a weapon was discharged during the disturbance.   The boy was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment.

The incident was investigated by the Elwood Police Department with the assistance of the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Department and Wathena Police Department.

Ungerer remains in the Doniphan County Jail on a total bond of $51,540.   

(KNZA)--Giving is contagious. Hour after hour, the donations continued to pour in at the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation’s second annual Give to Grow Match Day.

The event was held Friday, Nov. 24, both online and in-person at a downtown Sabetha walk-in location.

At the walk-in site, donors registered for a drawing that awarded an extra $50 to the person’s chosen organization. Drawings took place every hour for 12 hours. By the end of the day, 383 monetary gifts by 161 individual donors totaling $85,473.24 had been given. Average dollars given per donor was $530.89. Added to the day’s total was $36,750 in matching funds, bringing the grand total distributed to 31 area non-profits and projects at a little more than $122,000.

The top three non-profits receiving donations were the following: Kanza Mental Health Foundation, $20,625; Sabetha Health and Wellness, $11,275; and Neighbor-2-Neighbor, $10,393.24.

The entire leaderboard can be viewed at www.givetogrowday.com. This website was developed specifically for Give to Grow and will not be active again until next year’s event.

GSCF will hold a Community Celebration Gala on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at The Main Event to honor the charitable organizations in the area, celebrate the community and celebrate the Give to Grow Match Day.

The Give to Grow Match Day is sponsored by the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation, which is a vehicle for people of all means to make a lasting difference in their local community. All donations are tax deductible and help fund local projects or existing nonprofits.

GSCF — an affiliate of Greater Manhattan Community Foundation — was established in 2015 and is operated by a 13-member board of directors.

AMHERST, S.D. (AP) - TransCanada Corporation says it will run an inspection device through its Keystone oil pipeline to make sure there aren't segments of pipe with similar characteristics to a section that ruptured in South Dakota.

A company spokesman said Wednesday that it would run the pipeline inspection gauge through its system within a 120-day period ordered by a federal pipeline safety agency.

The pipeline runs through portions of several local northeast Kansas counties.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration this week issued a corrective order on the estimated 210,000-gallon oil spill. The report says a weight installed on the pipeline nearly a decade ago may have damaged the pipeline and coating.

The order says TransCanada must also submit a proposal to analyze available data on other weight locations for similarities with the leak location.

The company disclosed the leak Nov. 16.

(KLZA)--The former Falls City, city hall building will be leased to a local business.

On a 4-3 vote, City Council members during their November 20th meeting  authorized the City Attorney to draft a lease agreement between the City and ClowFit, LLC, to rent the building at 1820 Towle Street. The vote also authorized Mayor Jerry Oliver to sign the agreement.

Chris Clow, co-owner of the business, told they Council that they have outgrown their current facility in the 1700 block of Stone Street.  Clow said the building offers many opportunities for his business to help provide services for the community.

Clow explained he and co-owner Jessica Strecker want to include a walking track, rock climbing wall, and expand their current classes to go along with about  $80,000 of workout equipment.

The building, originally constructed as a National Guard Armory, has been sitting empty since 2012.  The city gutted the interior of the building,  formerly housing city offices, the council chambers and police station.

Clow said a line-of-credit has been secured to make initial improvements.

Under the agreement, ClowFit will pay the City $1 per-year rent, plus $1,000 monthly.  As the company make capital improvements to the building, they could request funds from those monthly payments to pay for the work. This would work similarly to a revolving loan fund program.

Clow said the business would be renamed the Falls City Wellness Center. He says he would like to see Falls City become a regional hub for wellness.

Voting in favor of the agreement were Council members Don Ferguson, Charlie Bentley, Kirby Robidoux and Mike Dougherty.  Casting nay votes were Council members Jim  Wisdom, Judy Murphy and Derek Leyden.

(KAIR)--The recent burglary of an Atchison residence remains under investigation.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News the crime was reported Saturday by resident James White. "Officers investigated a burglary that occurred at a residence in the 1500 block of North 7th. Taken from the residence included jewelry, clothing, and tools."

The missing items are valued at around $2,000.

Wilson says investigators are working to track down who might have been responsible for the burglary. "We're still following several leads. We know that the victim had gathered up belongings in the residence as he was preparing to move, had left for several days. Believe the burglary occurred sometime between Thursday and Saturday."

Anyone with information about the crime is urged to contact Atchison Police.

(KNZA)--An Atchison County woman is in custody, accused of leading authorities on a two-county pursuit.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says 41-year-old Rachel Dawn Hudson was arrested Tuesday evening following the pursuit that began in Jackson County and ended in Brown County.

Morse says the chase began shortly after 8:20 after a Jackson County deputy attempted to stop a northbound Pontiac G-6 on U.S. 75 Highway at 302 Road for speeding.

The vehicle failed to stop and continued northbound into Brown County

A Brown County deputy deployed a spike strip, puncturing two tires on the car.

The car eventually came to a stop several miles north of the Powhattan exit on Highway 75.

Hudson was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of driving under the influence, fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer and transporting an open container.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Kickapoo Tribal Police and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the apprehension of Hudson.

Morse says Hudson is well-known to Jackson County law enforcement.

She was among four individuals arrested and brought back from Iowa in 2013 following the murder of Mayetta resident Kevin Stanley, and has had other contacts with law enforcement since then.

(KNZA)--The Northeast Kansas Community Action Program has been awarded a $290,000 grant to help local families obtain, safe affordable housing of their choice.

NEK-CAP, which serves seven area northeast Kansas counties, is among 13 non-profits and public housing authorities that will share about $1.8 million in Tenant-Based Rental Assistance.

Funded through the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program and administrated by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the grant funding assistance helps income-eligible households afford rental subsidies, utility deposits and security deposits.

Awarded annually, the TBRA grants are based on a community's housing needs, the number of households estimated to be served and the organization's experience in administering TBRA funding.  

Public housing authorities and non-profit organizations may apply for grants of up to $300,000.

(KMZA)--A 5-way tie has been broken from the November 7th general election for two positions on the Baileyville Improvement District #1 Board of Directors.

The Nemaha County Commission Monday drew the names of write-in candidates Darin Schmitz and Eugene Strathman from a hat to break the tie.

Three positions were up for election on the Board.

Charlie Koch, who received 17 votes during the November 7th election, won the other position.  

(KAIR)--An Atchison civic leader, educator, and businesswoman is being remembered.

Mary Ball was 72-years-old when she died Sunday at Vintage Park, in Atchison.

According to her obituary from Atchison's Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Ball

served as a member of the Board of Education for Atchison's USD 409 from 1976 until 1992. She also served as a board member for both the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce and Atchison's Amelia Earhart Festival.

Serving on other civic committees when needed, the lifelong Atchison resident was known as an educator at the former Mount Saint Scholastica, in Atchison, and was a familiar face at the former Ball Brother's Drug Store, where she joined her late husband, Butch, in overseeing the operations from June 1992 until September 2011.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Ball will be 10:00 Monday morning at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, in Atchison.

Among her survivors are sons Bradley and Chadwick.

James Zacharias, and Richard Renne

(KAIR)--A tip leads to a traffic stop September 2 in the 100 block of South 10th Street, in Atchison, and that leads to the seizure of what Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie calls a quantity of methamphetamine and money from the vehicle.

Arrested in connection with the discovery were two Atchison men, the 37-year-old driver, James Zacharias, and his passenger, 43-year-old Richard Renne. "A Deputy had some information on Mr. Renne possibly bringing methamphetamine into town, so we set up and waited for the vehicle that was described to him, and they were able to perform a traffic stop on him. The [Kansas] Highway Patrol assisted with their K9 unit, and the K9 indicated that there were narcotics in the vehicle."

Following the traffic stop, and the discovery of the contraband, Zacharias and Renne were taken to the Atchison County Sheriff's Office but released a short time later. "We decided to send off the narcotics, and things, to the lab...once the lab reports come back, then we get the case sealed up a little tighter.”

Once the lab reports were received, Laurie says a warrant was issued for both Renne and Zacharias for distribution of methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

They were both arrested on the charges in recent days and booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Both are held on bonds of $50,000.

(KAIR)--Four fatal crashes claimed six lives on Kansas roads during the Thanksgiving travel period.

That word comes in the release of statistics from the Kansas Highway Patrol for that period, which ran from 6:00 on the evening of November 22 through 11:59 on the night of November 26.

One of the fatal wrecks happened locally, in Jackson County, Saturday night, and claimed the lives of three Sabetha residents.

The three other crashes occurred in Barber, Sedgwick, and Riley Counties.

Of the four wrecks, the Patrol says two were alcohol-related.

The total number of DUI arrests was down this year, with 12 made compared to 27 during the same period one year ago.

Speed citations, and safety belt citations for both adults and teens were also down, as was the number of child restraint violations.

(KAIR)--Two vehicles are stolen, with the two unrelated cases occurring in Atchison during the past several days.

Each case has led to an arrest, including that of a teen age girl.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News she was arrested Thursday. "Officers investigated the theft of a pickup truck from the 800 block of South 5th. A 17-year-old female, who was a family member to the victim, was taken into custody a short time later as she was returning to the South 5th Street residence, in the truck."

Along with theft, the teen faces charges of no driver's license, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She was released to the custody of a parent.

One day earlier, Wilson says another vehicle theft was committed, and led to Sunday's arrest of 20-year-old Alexander Kelley. "Officers investigated the theft of a vehicle from the 1000 block of South 6th, and it was determined that a family member had taken that vehicle without permission. Although the vehicle was recovered that same day, after the family member returned the vehicle to the 1000 block of South 6th Street address, it wasn't until Sunday that Kelley was taken into custody for the theft of the vehicle."

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

( KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved the appointment of leadership of the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department during the November 20th Council meeting.

Vernon Wisdom will serve as Fire Chief, Matt Beer will be the First Assistant Chief and Tim Daniels will serve as Second Assistant Chief.

Fire Department members vote on leadership during their annual meeting.

Officers elected, that are not appointed by the Council, will include Brian Vice as President;  Mike Mirelez as Vice President; Trevor Wisdom as Secretary and Jim Hall as Treasurer.

The new officers and fire chiefs begin their duties January 1.

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - Two former prison guards have been accused of smuggling synthetic marijuana into a southeast Nebraska prison.
 
Court records say 53-year-old Richard Fries and 32-year-old Ryan Tokar are charged with felony counts related to the drugs, and Fries also is charged with unlawful acts by a corrections employee. Both men live in Lincoln and have resigned their positions. Court records don't list the names of attorneys who could comment for them.
 
Prosecutors say Tokar took the K2 into the Tecumseh prison but couldn't deliver because he no longer had access to the inmate customer's housing unit. A court document says Fries and Tokar discussed the situation and later Fries, who had the necessary access, took the K2 and left it for the inmate in a trash can in the inmate's unit.

(MSC News)--St. Joseph police have identified the victim of a fatal motorcycle crash Sunday afternoon.

KQ2-TV reports killed in the crash was 30-year-old Randy “ Scott” Hardin, of St. Joseph.

Police say Hardin was traveling on King Hill Avenue and lost control of his motorcycle when a car pulled onto the highway from Kansas Avenue.   Hardin was ejected.

The car fled the scene, but the driver later turned himself or herself into police.  The name of the driver has not been released.

Hardin was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, where he later died.

 ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - Two people injured in a Fourth of July explosion that destroyed a St. Joseph home have filed a civil lawsuit.
 
The St. Joseph News-Press reports that Devon Wall and Kaitlyn Pennington, of Platte City, are seeking damages in excess of $25,000. The owners of the former rental property and their tenant, Leslie Osborn, are named as defendants.
 
The lawsuit claims Osborn was manufacturing fireworks inside the residence at the time of the explosion. Osborn, Wall and Pennington each suffered injuries.
 
The owners filed a counterclaim, saying the suit should be dismissed. They allege Wall and Pennington actively participated or had direct knowledge of Osborn's activities.
 
No criminal charges were filed against Osborn, who doesn't have a listed phone number. A hearing is set for Wednesday in Buchanan County Circuit Court.
  

(KMZA)--A two-vehicle wreck in Pottawatomie County Monday morning sent two St. George teenagers to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly after 7:30 at the intersection of U.S 24 Highway and Flush Road about a ½ mile west of St. George.

The Patrol says 17-year-old Breanna Cheever was northbound on Flush Road when she failed to yield to an eastbound pickup truck on U.S. 24, and the pickup struck her car.    

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

Her 17-year-old passenger, Brandon Cheever, was transported to Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan with unspecified injuries.

The pickup driver, 56-year-old Manhattan resident David Welton, was not hurt.

The Patrol says all the occupants were buckled up when the wreck occurred.  

(KAIR)--Failure to stop at a stop sign leads to a Doniphan County crash, and sends two to the hospital.

That's according to the Kansas Highway Patrol, with the agency saying the wreck happened around 8:40 Monday night on U.S. Highway 36 at 195th Road access, near Troy.

According to the Patrol's report, a Ford Mustang, driven by 21-year-old Kyle Kearns, of Apex, North Carolina, was northbound on 195th Road access when he failed to stop, causing his car to crash into a semi, which was being driven eastbound on U.S. 36 by 54-year-old Kevin Schmidt, of Fairbury, Nebraska.

Both drivers were transported to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, for the treatment of injuries.  

The Patrol says both were buckled up at the time of the wreck.

Kearns, a sophomore at Highland Community College, was later transferred to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City with several broken bones.

(KNZA)--Funeral services have been set for the three Sabetha residents killed Saturday night in a two-vehicle head-on collision on U.S. 75 Highway in northern Jackson County.

Services for 62-year-old Steve Ukele will be Saturday morning at 10:30 at the Northridge Church, in Sabetha.

Visitation will be Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 at the Sabetha First United Methodist Church.

Joint services for 42-year-old Carmen Ukele and 11-year-old Marlee Ukele will be Monday morning, December 4th at 10:30 at the Northridge Church, in Sabetha.

Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 2 to 5 at the church.

The Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha is handling the arrangements.     

(KNZA)--A former Hiawatha High School teacher has been convicted of having unlawful sexual relations with an underage student.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 24-year-old Gabrielle Bauman, of Fairview, pleaded no contest Monday in Brown County District Court to a felony count of unlawful sexual relations.

Hill says Bauman will have to register as a sex offender for a period of 25 years.

She scheduled to be sentenced January 22nd.

Bauman was arrested in August following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department after a report was made to the Hiawatha school district administration in mid-June.

Bauman was convicted 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.     

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court is leaving in place a Nebraska law that bars protests around funerals.
 
Nebraska enacted the law in 2006. It prohibits protests near a cemetery, mortuary or church from one hour before the beginning of a funeral to two hours after.
 
Members of the Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church challenged the law but have lost in lower courts. Members of the church routinely conduct anti-gay protests outside military funerals. The protests have been a way of drawing attention to their incendiary view that U.S. deaths in Afghanistan and Iraq are God's punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.
 
The Supreme Court said Monday it would not take up the church's challenge to Nebraska's law.

(KAIR)--An attempt to flee from authorities leads to a wreck which sends the suspect to the hospital.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says the case began around 3:00 Saturday morning when 18-year-old Anthony Lay, of Willis, was stopped by a Deputy for a traffic infraction at 159 Highway and Graham Road.

Instead of cooperating, Laurie says Lay decided to drive off, fleeing northbound on Graham Road until he wrecked his vehicle at Graham and 286th Road.

Lay was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, for the treatment of his injuries.

Deputies investigated Lay for driving under the influence and driving while revoked following the crash.

(KAIR)--Strong winds, coupled with mild, dry conditions, mean a high danger when it comes to burning.

Because of the current forecast, Doniphan County has issued a burn ban.

Doniphan County Emergency Management Coordinator, Julie Meng, issued the burn ban Monday morning.

She says it will remain in place until further notice.

Fire dangers are high across the local region, as strong, southerly winds, gusting upwards of 25 mph, are in the forecast through Tuesday.

(KNZA)--Three are dead, and three others injured, following a two-vehicle head-on Saturday night crash in Jackson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol identifies the dead as 42-year-old Carmen Ukele, 11-year-old Marlee Ukele, and 62-year-old Stephen Ukele, all of Sabetha.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says the fatal wreck happened on U.S. Highway 75, about a mile north of K-9 Highway.

The Patrol reports that Carmen Ukele was behind the wheel of a minivan, northbound on Highway 75, when a southbound vehicle attempted to pass another.

It was then that both Ukele, and the southbound vehicle, swerved to the shoulder of the highway to avoid colliding, but, instead, struck head-on.

Injured was a passenger in Ukele's vehicle, identified as 59-year-old Lee Ukele, of Sabetha, who was flown by helicopter to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas for the treatment of what the Patrol calls disabling injuries.

Also flown to the Kansas City hospital were the driver of the southbound vehicle, 48-year-old Omaha, Nebraska resident Maria Perez-Marquez, and her passenger, 29-year-old Rosalao Perez, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, both with disabling injuries.

The fatal wreck, which happened shortly after 8:00 Saturday night, remains under investigation.

Sheriff Morse says the Netawaka, Holton, Whiting, Hoyt and Kickapoo Fire Departments responded to the scene, as did Jackson County EMS and Lifestar. 

(KAIR)--A single vehicle, Atchison County wreck sends an Atchison County woman to the hospital.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie tells MSC News 18-year-old Emma Dockweiler required helicopter transport for hospitalized treatment of her injuries.

Laurie says the wreck was discovered shortly before 10:15 Wednesday night, with the pickup truck Dockweiler was driving having crashed on 214th Road, just east of Dickinson Road.

Dockweiler, who appeared to have been ejected from the truck, was found breathing but unconscious.

Laurie says it's believed the wreck happened around an hour before it was discovered.

Dockweiler was flown to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas, for treatment of unspecified injuries.

(MSC News)--Small Business Saturday is set for another year, with the day to be commemorated Saturday.

The idea is to shop local on what is traditionally one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, kicked off annually by Black Friday on the day following Thanksgiving.

Small Business Saturday was started by American Express in 2010 as a way to encourage support for businesses in local communities across the nation.

According to the Small Business Saturday website, the year after it was founded, the day gained national attention, with the United States Senate in 2011 unanimously passing a resolution in support of the idea.

By 2012, officials in all 50 states were encouraging participation in Small Business Saturday.

Among the reasons cited for thinking small on the Saturday after Black Friday are to help create jobs in the community and to keep tax dollars local.

Linda McMahon, the Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration, has released a video message of support for 2017's date. 

(MSC News)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man is accused of murder in a drive-by shooting.

KQ2-TV reports Buchanan County prosecutors charged 19-year-old Khaury El-Amin with second degree murder in the death of 26-year-old Donovan Smith.

According to a probable cause statement, El-Amin was a passenger a vehicle in the 700 block of N. 23rd.

A detective with the St. Joseph Police Department said El-Amin was witnessed to have fired a handgun from the vehicle at Smith, who was standing outside of a home on N. 23rd. Smith was hit by at least one bullet and died from a gunshot wound, according to to the probable cause.

Authorities said 33-year-old Thomas Lee Miller was driving. Prosecutors charged Miller with first degree assault.

Buchanan County Prosecutor Dwight Scroggins said El-Amin's bond was set at $250,000; $200,000 surety and $50,000 cash.

Arraignment is scheduled for the morning of December 5.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas judge will read thousands of pages of investigative records focusing on the 1988 disappearance of a teenager before deciding whether to release the files to the teen's parents.

The parents of Randy Leach, 17, have filed a lawsuit contending the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office and Leavenworth County violated the Kansas Open Records Act by refusing to release the records.

The parents, Alberta and Harold Leach, asked the judge to order the release of all records related to their son's disappearance between April 1988 and December 1992, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

Randy Leach was last seen that April at a high school graduation celebration in the county. He disappeared along with a car with no trace. No one has been charged and the car was never located.

Leavenworth County District Court Judge David King said he'll inspect the investigative reports before making a decision. He said deciding the case would be his highest priority and that it would be done as soon as possible.

Leach's parents had sought investigative reports in the early 1990s relating to their son's disappearance.

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - A former staff member has been given probation for smuggling a cellphone to an inmate at a state prison in southeast Nebraska.
Court records say 21-year-old Sarah Murillo was sentenced Monday in Johnson County District Court to two years of probation and was ordered to perform five hours of community service. She'd pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawful acts by corrections employee.
The records say Murillo often worked in the Tecumseh prison's nursing facility, where the inmate was a porter.

(MSC News)--The day of frenzied shopping that follows Thanksgiving is commonly referred to as Black Friday. But, in recent years, some have started referring to the night before Thanksgiving as ‘Blackout Wednesday’ or ‘Drinksgiving’ because of the heavy alcohol consumption or binge drinking done by college students and others, home for the holiday and reuniting with friends and family at bars, restaurants or homes.

“While ‘Blackout Wednesday’ or ‘Drinksgiving’ may be clever ‘buzz’ words, there’s nothing clever about being buzzed or drunk and getting behind the wheel,” said Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA Kansas. “Drivers also need to remember that prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs can impair the ability to drive safely, as well. Also, combining any of these drugs with alcohol can increase the impairment factor more.”

From 2012 to 2016, over 800 people died nationwide in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period (6:00 p.m. Wednesday to 5:59 a.m. Monday), making it the deadliest holiday on our roads, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

During that same period in Kansas (2012-2016), over the 5-day Thanksgiving holiday, there were 188 alcohol-related crashes, resulting in 109 injuries and four fatalities.

AAA projects that nearly 51-million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home this Thanksgiving – a 3-point-3 percent increase over last year.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, along with local law enforcement, will be increasing patrols to foster safe roadways during the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel week, with a special eye out for impaired drivers.

AAA Kansas is reminding anyone headed out Wednesday night or throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and planning to drink:

• Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Don’t risk it.

• Make a plan ahead of time to have a sober, designated driver

• If you don’t have a designated driver, call a friend or family member, taxi or car share service such as Uber or Lyft to get you home safely

• Never let family or friends drive if they have had too much alcohol to drink

• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact law enforcement

Also consider downloading NHTSA’s SaferRide NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app available on Google Play for Android devices and Apple’s iTunes Store. The free app allows users to call a taxi or a predetermined friend, and identifies the user’s location so the user can be picked up.

(KLZA)--Both the Richardson County Sheriff's Department and Falls City Police Department are participating in a statewide “Click It or  Ticket” Enforcement effort continuing through Sunday, November 26.

Officers of both departments are focusing on seat belt violations.  The campaign is coordinated through the Nebraska Department of Highway Safety. 

The departments remind everyone to buckle up and drive safely during the holiday travel.  

In 2015, it is estimated that seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved nearly 14,000 lives.  

Brett Young and Maddie and Tae

(KAIR)--Although the holiday season is upon us, thoughts turn to summer, as the line-up for Atchison's LakeFest 2018 is announced.

According to a press release issued by Amelia Earhart Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont, country music's Brett Young will headline the annual concert at Atchison's Warnock Lake.

Young, a CMA New Artist of the Year nominee known for his number one hit “In Case You Didn't Know,” will take to the LakeFest stage after a performance by country music duo Maddie and Tae.

Maddie Marlow and Taylor Dye, known for the commentary of their hit “Girl in a Country Song,” have been hailed as one of “10 New Artists You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone, among other accolades.

The opening act for LakeFest 2018 is not yet announced.

LakeFest, scheduled for Friday evening, July 20, will again serve as the kickoff for Atchison's annual Amelia Earhart Festival weekend, which marks its 22nd anniversary this year.

The Saturday following the concert is filled with numerous events, including that night's “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show, commemorating famed aviatrix, Amelia Earhart, who was born in Atchison.

Tickets for LakeFest don't officially go on sale until May 1, but gift certificates are available for purchase in person now at the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce.

The $25 gift certificate can then be exchanged for a ticket when sales begin.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved the purchase of a new computer software program to assist two county offices in the processing of oil and gas taxes.

The Commission Monday approved the purchase of the program from Manatron Inc. at an initial cost of $16,200, with an annual maintenance cost of $2,200.

County IT Director Sandy Carter says the new program will eliminate alot of the manual entry now being done by the appraiser’s and county clerk’s offices.

Carter said funding for the new software program will come from the capital improvement fund.  

Following an executive session, the Commission approved a pay increase for the road and bridge foreman positions to $18 an hour, effective January 1st, 2018.

The Commission also approved a request by Sheriff John Merchant to modify the pay steps for sheriff’s department employees.  Merchant said the pay steps have not be updated for eight years.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle Doniphan County wreck Tuesday morning sent two Missouri residents to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of U.S. 36 Highway and K-238 in the city limits of Elwood.

The Patrol says a semi-tractor trailer driven by 47-year-old Eric Ethridge, of Independence, was westbound on the U.S. 36 off ramp when he failed to yield at a stop sign to a southbound van on K-238 driven by 53-year-old St. Joseph resident Jeffrey Marschel.  Ethridge’s semi struck Marschel’s van.

Both Ethridge and Marschel were transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with unspecified injuries.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck occurred around 7:00 Tuesday morning.

(KAIR)--A no contest plea is entered by former Kickapoo Tribal Chairman Steve Cadue, convicted this week of fraudulent handling of a recordable instrument and tampering with records.

Seven other criminal counts were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

According to a press release issued by the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, Judge Steven Hager, Judge of the Kickapoo Nation accepted Cadue's plea.

Former Tribal Council Treasurer Bobbi Darnell was previously convicted by a jury, while former Secretary Adolph Cadue, Jr. is awaiting trial in connection with similar criminal charges.

Prosecutors allege that the former tribal council officials took action to draw down money from the tribe’s federal burial fund then falsified resolutions showing the tribal council action was for a much greater amount. Based on those resolutions, excessive amounts were then transferred from the tribe’s burial fund held by the federal government on behalf of the Tribe to the Tribe’s bank account where the money was used to subsidize payroll and other tribal expenses.

Darnell, in March, was convicted on six criminal charges, and sentenced to 18-months confinement in one case and 22-months confinement in the other. The sentences will run concurrently.

The hearing for Adolph Cadue, Jr. is scheduled for December 19, 2018.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Shareholders have overwhelmingly approved a proposed merger of Kansas' largest electric company with a Missouri firm.
 
Kansas City, Missouri-based Great Plains Energy Inc. and Topeka-based Westar Energy Inc. announced in a news release Tuesday that more than 90 percent of the shares voted at each company approved the transaction.
 
The revised deal creating a company with a combined equity value of about $14 billion still requires regulatory approval.
 
The Kansas Corporation Commission issued an order Tuesday setting out a schedule next year that includes an evidentiary hearing March 19-27. Its order is due by June 5.
 
The companies made public the revised transaction this summer after the commission denied their original request after concluding the price was too high and would leave the combined utility financially weaker than separate companies.
 

(KAIR)--A modest increase.

That's what the approved hike for City of Atchison utility rates is being called, with the matter addressed Monday during the regular meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

At issue was the cost of water and wastewater fees for 2018.

The plan was presented to the Commission by Interim City Manager Becky Berger. "Our proposal was to do a modest increase this year, water, just 1%, wastewater and CSO fee, 2%, and then really spend the next year figuring out what really is out there, those long-term liabilities and our infrastructure."

Following brief discussion, the Commission approved the increases unanimously.

With the increase in place, the average City of Atchison water customer, with full utility services, will see a monthly increase of $1.23.

The minimum bill would increase $1.09, while those qualifying for Low Income Senior rates will see an increase of $.76 each month.

Also going up for 2018 is the cost of insurance for City of Atchison employees.

However, following a review of that issue Monday, and discussion by the Commissioners, it was decided that employees should not bear the burden.

With the increase higher than had been anticipated during budget planning by the City, Mayor Allen Reavis proposed that the City absorb the increased cost for the coming year, but begin exploring alternative methods to offset such costs in the future.

"The employees, they have their budget too, and they weren't planning on any increase, so I said in all fairness, I think if there's some way to prevent the employees from having a hit this year...maybe we need to put that out there earlier in the year to the employees, say, okay, look, we don't know where this is going to end up, and have that marker out there so people have a warning there could be a change. There could be some kind of a cost sharing for the following year. I think that's just fair"

Following discussion, the Commission approved the employee insurance plan unanimously.

(KAIR)--Recognition for Atchison's Downtown Pedestrian Mall.

That comes through National Life Group's annual list of Main Streets Across America. According to a press release issued by the insurance company, the list is “a celebration of streets in each of the 50 states, and the District of Columbia, that embrace a strong sense of community and a commitment to creating an environment where people want to live, work, and play.”

Atchison's Commercial Street Mall represents the entire state of Kansas on the list.

Lee Duncan, of National Life Group affiliate, Alliance Group, calls the mall “a great example of a vibrant place at the heart of its community,” adding that he's pleased to feature the Commercial Street Mall this year and gets “to share Atchison's community pride and unique stories with a broader audience.”

The list describes Atchison's mall as “a three-block stretch of the town’s central avenue that has been converted to a pedestrian-only stretch of retail shops and shady spots… Along with the Earhart Festival, the mall hosts a number of special events through the year.”

Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce President Jacque Pregont says she's happy to see the mall's inclusion on the list. “We love the mall, primarily because of the events we have. It's nice that somebody else see the value of it. Just a beautiful environment, and we love having events there, so I'm really excited about this."

The interactive map, included as part of this year's Main Streets Across America, allows an up close look at features and facts about the streets and communities selected for the annual highlight.

The complete list is found here.

(KMZA)--New preliminary hearing dates have been set for the two teenagers accused of breaking into and vandalizing the Wetmore Attendance Center in August.

18-year-old Jarred Kramer and 18-year-old Jayme Hodge, both of Netawaka, are now scheduled to appear in a Nemaha County courtroom the morning of December 12th.

Their preliminary hearings were continued last month at their request of their attorney’s.

Hodge and Kramer are each charged with burglary, felony criminal damage to property and theft.

The pair were arrested in September following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department.

They are accused of breaking into the Wetmore school sometime late August 2nd or early August 3rd, during which property was both damaged and stolen.

Damage was estimated at about $65,000.

(KNZA)--A Horton woman convicted in the burglary of a Jackson County residence last August has been sentenced to 19 months in prison.

33-year-old Megan Hollister was handed the sentence last week in Jackson County District Court after she entered a “ no contest” plea to a charge of burglary, canceling a jury trial that had been set in the case.

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

Authorities say Hollister and co-defendant, Shelby Hopkins, of Whiting, broke into a residence in Whiting on August 21st of last year and stole a number of electronic items.

Hopkins was arrested shortly after the burglary and was sentenced to 18 months in prison 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.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha City Clerk Vivian Constable has announced she plans to retire next spring.

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

She says she plans to retire May 7th when her position is up for re-appointment.

Constable has served as city clerk the past 11 years.

The Commission approved a request by the Little Hands Daycare Center for the installation of a “ No Parking” sign on the north side of Lodge Road between their driveway and Morrill Avenue to address a traffic hazard created by semi and large trucks parking in the area.

In addition, the Commission approved the designation of  a “ Bus Zone” on the west side of the building between the corner of Lodge and Morrill to the north end of the building, with no parking allowed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.   

In other action, the Commission accepted the low bid submitted by Kyle’s Tree Service for the removal of 8 trees located in the city right-of-way.   The bid was among three received.

City Administrator Mike Nichols says the trees were deemed “ unsafe” by the city’s Tree Board.

The Commission approved the re-appointment of Dr. Pete Rosa and Jeff Moore to the Tree Board for three-year terms.

(KNZA)--Tie votes have been broken from the November 7th general election for city council positions in two Brown County communities.  

The Brown County Commission, meeting Monday as a special canvassing board, drew names from a bowl to break  an 11-way tie for a position on the Morrill City Council and three-way tie for two positions on the Robinson City Council.

Robert Baumgartner won the tie-breaker for the position on the Morrill City Council.

Marvin Massey and Dalton Covert won the tie-breaker for the two positions on the Robinson City Council.

The ties came after a counting of write-in votes from the November 7th   election.

The candidates will be contacted to see if they accept the positions.  If not, the Councils will have to appoint someone.    

(MSC News)--Community Thanksgiving dinners are planned Thursday in Falls City, Hiawatha, Holton and Seneca.

In Falls City,  St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church will host a free, homemade Thanksgiving Day Meal from 11:30 to 1:00.

 The public is invited to join them for the meal, fellowship and live entertainment during the meal.

The traditional Thanksgiving meal will also be delivered to shut-ins and carry-out meals are available.  You must call in advance for a delivery or carry out.  Call the Church office at 402-245-3829, or contact Ann Smith or Sharon Walker.

The Thrivent Action Team will supplement funds for the Thanksgiving Dinner.

In Hiawatha, 35th annual community Thanksgiving dinner will take place at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center at 210 Lodge Road from 12 noon to 1.  Delivery will be available from 11 to 1 by calling Ryan Meininger at 742-7116.   

The dinner is sponsored by the Melster family and the First Baptist Church’s Mission Board.   

Last year’s dinner served more than 300 members of the community.

In Holton, the annual community Thanksgiving dinner will be held at the Evangel United Methodist Church Family Life Center from 11 to 1.

The dinner, a Holton tradition since 1985, is open to everyone in the community.  

Organizer Freda Galer is looking for a total crowd of about 400 for this year’s event.  Galer says anyone wanting a meal delivered or prepared for carry-out should call her at 364-4160 before 10:00 Wednesday night.

In Seneca, the 18th annual community Thanksgiving Dinner will be served from 11:30 to 1:00 in the basement of the Methodist Church at 7th and Main Streets.

The free dinner is sponsored by the Seneca United Methodist Church in appreciation for the community’s support of church activities.   

Anyone in the community is invited to attend and meals can be delivered to those unable to get out of their house.

Your asked to call 336-3236 by Wednesday evening to order a delivered meal or to reserve

(KAIR)--The investigation continues into the cause of a late Saturday afternoon crash that left two Kansas City men dead and an Atchison woman injured.

The Platte County Sheriff's Office identifies the victims as Joshua Lindsay and Andrew Davidson, both 23-years-old.

The two were traveling northbound in the southbound lane of Missouri Highway 45 when their Grand Marquis, driven by Lindsay, smashed into a southbound Rav4, driven by 18-year-old MaKayla Lowe, of Atchison.

She required helicopter transport for hospitalized treatment of what authorities Saturday identified as non-life threatening injuries.

The Sheriff's Office says the Grand Marquis was passing vehicles at the time of the fatal wreck, which occurred after 4:30 Saturday afternoon, near the intersection of Westside Drive, north of Iatan.

Alcohol may have played a role in the crash.

 TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - Authorities say two staffers have been injured in separate incidents involving inmates at the state prison in the southeast Nebraska city of Tecumseh.
 
 A Nebraska Correctional Services Department news release said Monday that one staffer was removing an item from a port in a cell door when an inmate used a homemade weapon to cut one of the staffer's hands. The wound required stitches.
 
 The department says another staffer received a minor nose cut when responding to an incident Friday in which five inmates started small fires in their cells.
 
 The names of the staffers and prisoners have not been released.

(KAIR)--A Saint Joseph, Missouri man is arrested, accused of financial-related crimes dating back to October that allegedly took place in Atchison.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News 33-year-old Nicholas Pickett was apprehended last week. On the afternoon of October 19, officers investigated a case that had occurred earier that day at Walmart. That investigation determined that a person identified as 33-year-old Nicholas Pickett, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, had taken several items in the store, to the service desk, where he fraudulently obtained a refund of $112 on the items. He also left the store with other items valued at around $150.”

Wilson says Pickett was taken into custody in Saint Joseph on a District Court Warrant for computer crime, theft, and theft by deception.

Following his arrest, Pickett was transported to Atchison and booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KLZA)--Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Miss Nebraska Allison Tietjen will visit Calvert Elementary School in Auburn Tuesday, for the Calvert Elementary School’s National Blue Ribbon Award Ceremony.

The National Blue Ribbon School’s Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap.

Schools are honored in one of two performance categories. Calvert Elementary was recognized as an Exemplary High Performance School.  

The ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Calvert Elementary School Gymnasium. The school is located at 2103 O Street in Auburn.

Calvert teachers Autumn Reeves and Cindy Cole attended the National Blue Ribbon Ceremony in Washington D.C., and will unveil the National Blue Ribbon Flag and plaque.

(KLZA)--The Auburn City Council last week approved continuing an interlocal agreement with Nemaha County for the Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement services in the City.

The City will pay $319,000 for law enforcement, city ordinance enforcement and animal control. This will be the fifth year of the agreement.  

Mayor Scott Kudrna says the system works well, although he encourages Auburn residents to call the Sheriff’s Office when they have an issue.

Kudrna encourages Auburn citizens who see an ordinance violation or has concerns to call the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office direct and tell them where the violation is occurring. The Mayor said the public has seemed reluctant to call the Sheriff’s Office, which he says there was no problem calling City police before the agreement.

Auburn disbanded the City Police Department the first year of the contract and the City Police officers became Nemaha County Deputy Sheriff’s.

(KNZA)--A one-vehicle wreck in Shawnee County Sunday morning claimed the life of a Meriden man.

The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office says killed in the crash in the 300 block of Northeast 35th Street was 28-year-old Kyle Neidigh.

The sheriff's office says deputies responded shortly before 7:45 Sunday morning to find a Honda Civic on its top at the bottom of a ravine to the northwest of the intersection of Northeast Kimbal Road and Northeast 35th Street.

The Sheriff's Office says Neidigh had been eastbound on 35th when he failed to negotiate a curve and his vehicle left the roadway.

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

The wreck remains under investigation.  

(KNZA)--A building that houses the Kansas Bar Foundation and the Kansas Bar Association has been dedicated in honor of a former Hiawatha resident and Kansas Supreme Court justice.

The Kansas Bar Foundation Friday afternoon formally dedicated the building located at 1200 Southwest Harrison, in Topeka, as the Robert L. Gernon Law Center.

According to a news release from the Kansas Bar Foundation, it comes thanks to a generous donation by the Gernon family and gifts to the Gernon Fund from members of legal community, that have allowed the Foundation to retire the mortgage  on the building.   

Gernon lost his battle with cancer in 2005 at the age of 61.

Prior to serving on the Kansas Supreme Court, he served on the Kansas Court of Appeals, as a district judge in the 22nd Judicial District, as Brown County Attorney and practiced law with his brother in Hiawatha.   

(KMZA)--U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will visit Frankfort Wednesday morning as part of his Kansas Listening Tour.

The Kansas Republican will meet with the public from 10:30 to 11:30 at the Frankfort Education Center at 119 North Kansas Avenue.

Area residents are encouraged to attend and talk with Moran about issues facing Kansas and the nation.  

According to a news release from Moran’s office, the issue 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.   

(KAIR)--Two are dead following a late Saturday afternoon Platte County, Missouri crash

The Platte County Sheriff's Office reports they are continuing to investigate the fatal wreck that happened on 45 Highway, near the intersection of Westside Drive, north of Iatan.

According to the initial report from the Sheriff's Office, a 2004 silver Mercury Grand Marquis was northbound in the southbound lane, attempting to pass vehicles when it collided with a southbound 2007 gold Toyota Rav4.

The driver and passenger of the Grand Marquis, both 23-year-old men from Kansas City, Missouri, died as a result of the crash.

The driver of the Rav4, an 18-year-old female from Atchison, was transported to an area hospital by helicopter with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries.

The occupants of a third vehicle that was struck as a result of the crash were not hurt. 

The names of those involved in the crash are not yet made public

The Sheriff's Office report states that it's believed that alcohol may have played a role in the crash.

The wreck happened sometime after 4:30 Saturday afternoon.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education discussed the transportation of out-of-district students who attend the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Seneca when they meet this week.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman said he was told by the State Department of Education that the district does not have the the authority to transport out-of-district students who attend a parochial school.

Kohlman said he also checked with the Kansas Association of School Board’s legal department who said there is no law against it and the Board has established  "home rule” and may decide to provide the service.

The main concerns raised by the Board were potential crowding on the bus and the 15 to 20 minutes earlier pick up time for the students who currently ride the bus.  The first riders are picked up now between 6:45 and 6:50.  

The Board asked Kohlman to obtain additional information—including how many extra miles and time transporting these students would require; if the SPPS administration desires it to be short or long-term solution; and breakdown of the students currently riding on the Bern bus route as to which school they attend and if they have older siblings.

The Board will take the information into consideration when making a decision.  

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Lakeside Village Improvement District in Jefferson County. The advisory was issued because of a loss of pressure.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

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

(KAIR)--A stolen vehicle is recovered in Atchison, and two teens are taken into custody in connection with the theft.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the discovery was made Thursday, and it wasn't long before the two suspects were apprehended. "Early on Thursday afternoon, officers had developed information that a 2002 Jeep Liberty, stolen in Kansas City, Missouri, was seen in Atchison,” Wilson said. “Officers located the stolen vehicle, unoccupied, in a parking lot in the 700 block of Kansas Avenue. Investigation led officers to a second vehicle that was stopped in the north central area of the city, where a 17-year-old passenger in that vehicle was taken into custody for the theft of the stolen Jeep. A second suspect who was located on foot several blocks from the recovered, stolen vehicle, at 8th and Kansas, was taken into custody also."

Arrested on charges of theft were 18-year-old Kansas City, Missouri resident Jey Lewis and a 17-year-old.

Wilson said it's believed the two stole the vehicle in order to meet with acquaintances in Atchison. "We do believe that the subjects had known friends here, so once stealing the vehicle in Kansas City, they drove to Atchison to see people they knew. They were here for a short period of time before we developed information that they were here."

Lewis, when arrested, was booked into the Atchison County Jail, while the17-year-old was transported to a juvenile detention facility.

(MSC News)--22 years in prison.

That was the sentence handed down Friday to a St. Joseph teenager charged in connection with a crash in April that claimed the lives of four teens.

The St. Joseph News Press reports 18-year-old Skylar Lucas-Cox was sentenced on two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of second-degree assault.

He pleaded guilty to the charges in September.

Authorities say Lucas-Cox was driving a stolen truck on April 14th that crashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle on St. Joseph’s Riverside Road, at the intersection with Cook Road.

Lucas-Cox's four passengers, ranging in age from 15 to 17, died in the crash.

The driver of the second vehicle was not hurt.

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

(KAIR)--Starting on November 17, 2017, and continuing until mid-January 2018, AT&T will be renovating several of their conduit runs in the downtown area.

Work will start at the AT&T main office in the 700 block of Santa Fe, then proceed south to Kansas Avenue, east to 6th Street, south to Main, and east to 4th Street.

Public Works staff will be working closely with AT&T’s contractor, to make sure that traffic moves efficiently throughout the duration of the project.

Citizens should expect some lane narrowing, but we have been assured that the plan is to keep traffic moving at all times. The exception to this, would be one necessary lane closure near the south end of 6th Street Viaduct, that will be scheduled for a Sunday. Additionally, some cable splicing will need to need to happen in the area near the Mall; this work will be scheduled in the overnight hours.

As it stands now, the contractor will need to make small ‘potholes’ near their existing manholes and somewhat larger ‘potholes’ at midpoints to allow placement of the new conduits, by means of directional boring. As each manhole to manhole conduit run is complete, road restoration will begin immediately, before moving on to the next section.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mike Stec, Asst. Director of Public Works & Utilities or Bill Smith, D&C Superintendent at the Public Works Shop – 913-367-5561 – 1801 Main Street.

(KMZA)--The Seneca Police Department is getting new radios.

City Administrator Matt Rehder says the City Council Wednesday evening approved the purchase of ten 800 megahertz radios from Haug Communications for a total cost of $12,572, with the trade-in of the current radios.

"Right now, our police force can only communicate with each other, and dispatch, they can't communicate with any of the other first responders in town," Rehder said. "With the purchase of these radios, they'll be able to communicate with everyone in real time." 

Being purchased are 7 portable radio’s and three vehicle mounted radio’s.

In other business, Rehder says the Council approved the purchase of a new monument sign for the Seneca City Park at a cost of almost $6,000.   

Rehder said the current sign, located at the northwest corner of the park, is showing it’s age and needs to be replaced.

The new sign will say “ Welcome to the Seneca City Park” and include the city logo.

(KAIR)--Forgery and financial crimes land an Atchison man in jail, including the allegation that he used the name of a deceased person to aid in his criminal activity.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News 41-year-old Jeremy Brown was arrested Wednesday afternoon. "Officers responded to the Bank of Atchison, in the 700 block of Kansas Avenue, where a subject was attempting to cash several forged checks,” Wilson said. “The bank personnel had recognized the name on the check as being a person who's now deceased. That alerted them to call us."

Following his arrest, Brown was booked into the Atchison County Jail Wednesday, facing a charge of forgery.

The next day, more charges were added, while Brown was in custody, on an Atchison County District Court Warrant following further investigation. “That's in connection to the fraudulent use of a financial card at several businesses on November 1 and November 2. This case was investigated in early November after a 62-year-old male victim reported that an acquaintance had taken cash, and a financial card, from him.”

Brown now faces the additional charges of criminal use of a financial card, computer crime, and theft.

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

(KNZA)--Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism game wardens, Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and county sheriff’s officers will conduct joint highway checkpoints Saturday, November 18th  at various local locations.

According to a release from the Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism,    
upland bird, deer and migratory bird seasons will be underway, and the checkpoints are intended to help enforce state and federal wildlife laws, as well as the state’s driver’s licensing laws.   
 
Depending on the location, the release says KHP Troopers, or county sheriff’s officers, will operate the first stage of the checkpoints to be sure drivers are properly licensed to be driving. If a driver does not have a valid license, appropriate enforcement actions will be taken. Travelers should not expect major delays from this portion of the checkpoints.
 
Occupants of vehicles in the first check lane will be asked if they are hunters, or are transporting wildlife. Travelers answering yes, in either case, will be directed to a nearbycheck lane where game wardens will check for required licenses and permits, count the game and gather biological, harvest, and hunter success information. This portion of the checkpoints should also cause minimal delay.
 
Locally, checkpoints are planned on K-7 Highway near White Cloud, U.S. 73 Highway near Atchison,  U.S. 59 Highway near Nortonville and U.S. 36 Highway near Sabetha, depending on weather conditions and manpower.

Additional wildlife checkpoints will occur around the state during the fall and winter hunting seasons.

(KLZA)--Fire caused damage to the Nebraska Department of Roads shop building along U.S. 75 Highway in Auburn Thursday evening.

When the Auburn Fire Department arrived, smoke was billowing out of the doors of the metal frame building.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the fire or extent of damage.

A portion of U.S. 75 was closed down while firefighters battled the fire.

(KLZA)--A year after Pawnee City voters approved an additional half-cent sales tax to pay for a large-scale street improvement project the City Council is pushing the project forward.

Monday night, Council members approved going out for bids for the work. The bids will determine how many blocks the City can afford to overlay.  

The Street Project Committee recently met in an attempt to prioritize, which streets are most in need of improvements. $2.2-million is the most money the City can borrow from the USDA, based on the amount of highway allocation funds the community received annually.

The project is coming up against a costly deadline.  December 31st is the deadline to confirm the USDA loan at the current 3.5-percent interest rate. The rate will be changing after the first of the year.

A town-hall meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 6th at City Hall.  During the 3 – 6 p.m. open house, representatives from J.E.O. Engineers will have maps to show residents the prioritized streets and answer questions.

(KAIR)--A vehicle and bicycle collide on an Atchison street, and that leaves the cyclist injured, requiring transport for hospitalized treatment.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the wreck happened shortly before 9:00 Wednesday night. "A vehicle driven by Daimy Allen, of Atchison,had been stopped at the stop sign on 8th Street, at Division, when she proceeded northbound and was struck by a bicyclist who was westbound on Division, without any lighting on the bicycle."

The bicyclist, identified as 24-year-old Atchison resident Hollie Breeden, was transported for hospitalized treatment in Kansas City.

(KNZA)--A longtime Hiawatha school district staff member has resigned.

The Board of Education Monday evening accepted the resignation of Director of Finance and Board Clerk Leslie Grimm, effective December 1st.

Grimm told MSC News that she has accepted a position with the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation in Topeka and will begin her new job December 4th.

Board President Dr. Pete Rosa presented a plaque to Grimm in recognition of her 16 years of service to the district.  He said she will be “ greatly missed.”

In other business, Superintendent Lonnie Moser discussed the search process for new middle and high school principals along with timelines.

Moser said he plans to meet with the staff at each building November 21st to find out what qualities they would like to see in a new principal.

The district will post the openings in early December.

Moser says plans are to make a recommendation to the Board by their February meeting for the hiring of a new high school principal, and recommendation to the Board by their March meeting for a new middle school principal.

Current Middle School Principal Dave Coufal is retiring at the end of the 2017-18 school year.   Alan Jeffrey is serving as interim High School Principal following the resignation of Andrew Gaddis at the end of the 2016-17 school year.
 

(KLZA)--The Falls City Police Department has issued citations for burglary and criminal mischief to a pair of juveniles.

Assistant Police Chief Jamie Baker tells MSCNEWS a burglary was reported on November 7 at the Masonic Lodge in the 1600 block of Stone Street. The investigation of the burglary led to the juveniles and the recovery of a pair of ceremonial swords.

Baker says an investigation into vandalism at Prichard Auditorium on November 1 resulted in the same two being issued citations for criminal mischief.  Fire extinguishers had been set off in the kitchen area of the building.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Education voted to accept with regret and gratitude the resignation of Gail Froeschel during their Monday evening meeting.

Froeschl served as a Second Grade Teacher, Elementary Librarian and Reading Intervention Teacher during her 30-year tenure with the Falls City Public Schools.

The Board also approved a part-time position for a Licensed Mental Health Professional in partnership with Community Medical Center in Falls City and the Falls City Sixpence Program.

Superintendent Tim Heckenlively reported there will be no increase in premium rates next year for the health insurance plan used by the Falls City Public School District.

District 56 is part of the Educators Health Alliance, a consortium of three statewide public school groups consisting of more than 400 public school districts and affiliate groups in the state.  The plan covers more than 80,000 members, making it the largest health plan in Nebraska.  

The average annual increase over the past eight years has been 3.3 percent.

(KLZA)--The Auburn City Council discussed the possibility of creating a position of City Administrator / Economic Developer when they met Monday evening.

Former Elkhorn City Administrator Don Eikmeier and Nebraska City Economic Developer Don Mock met with the Council to discuss the topic.

Mayor Scott Kudrna says there is really not enough work to justify a full-time economic developer or a full-time city administrator. The Mayor said by combining the positions, they hope to accomplish the functions for both.

Mayor Kudrna said a number of entities would be involved in discussions to create the new position, including the City Utility, Board of Public Works and Council members in developing a job description, making sure it is exactly what the City needs and it can benefit the community.

The hope is to upgrade economic development, housing development, and all the things a full-time person needs to be involved in.

There are many rules concerning economic development and how city’s can spend money. Kudrna said while it would be a salaried city position, giving the person the ability to attend all of the meetings, meet with representatives and handle the administrative process of that.

The person would not have an ability to commit city funds to economic development projects, but would work closely with the Auburn Economic Development Committee, which does have economic development money available.  

At this point, a salary for the position has not been determined.  

(KAIR)--A Saint Joseph, Missouri man is accused of failing to stop for Atchison Police, which led to a pursuit, and ultimately to his arrest.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the pursuit began Tuesday morning. "Shortly before 8:00 on Tuesday morning, an officer on patrol attempted to stop a car for traffic violations in the area of 5th and Parallel. The car fled from the officer, and the pursuit was terminated a short time later in the north-central area of the city."

Wilson said the search for the suspect vehicle continued, and was successful hours after the pursuit. "The vehcile was located mid-day parked at an apartment complex, and an investigation identified 31-year-old Benton Simpson, of Saint Joseph, Missouri as being the driver. He was taken into custody around 5 p.m. after turning himself in at police headquarters."

Simpson, after turning himself in, was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

He was later released on a cash bond of $372. 

Simpson faces charges of fleeing and attempting to elude, speeding, expired tag, no proof of insurance, and driving while suspended.

(KNZA)--A Holton man will have to serve additional time behind bars after a judge departs from a plea deal.

Jackson County District Judge Norbert Marek on Wednesday sentenced 23-year-old Jacob Ewing to a total of just over 7 ½ in prison for the attempted rape of a woman and sexual exploitation of a child related to images he had of an underage girl.  

Ewing was sentenced in September to more than 27 years in prison for raping and sodomizing two other women.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports Ewing’s attorney and the prosecutor had agreed the sentences could be served concurrently or at the same time but Marek departed from that agreement.

In April, a Jackson County jury acquitted Ewing of charges that he raped and sodomized a 13-year-old girl.

(MSC News)--Winter Weather Awareness Day for Kansas will be Wednesday November 15th, 2017.

The National Weather Service selects a day each fall to remind Kansans of the risks associated with winter weather. Knowledge and preparation are essential to reducing your risk, and this year the National Weather Service will again focus on the hazards associated with driving in ice and snow.

For information related to winter weather preparation, go here. 

(KLZA)--A new member has been appointed to the Pawnee City Board of Education.

The Board voted unanimously Monday evening to appoint Hope Koester to serve the remaining term of Anna Ferguson.

Ferguson served on the Board for three years, resigning in October after accepting a job in Rushville, Nebraska.

The Board also appointed A.J. Tomky to serve as board Treasurer for the remainder of 2017.

In other business, the Board voted to authorize Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus to discuss fuel sharing opportunities with the Pawnee County Board of Commissioners.  

Action on teacher negotiations with the Pawnee City Education Association for the 2018-19 school year as tabled until December.

Board members also voted unanimously to approve the Superintendent’s evaluation.  

(KNZA)--A Manhattan man, charged in connection with a hit-and-run in April that left a Horton woman with severe injuries, will stand trial.

KMAN radio reports 21-year-old Nicholas Blaha was bound over Tuesday  on a charge of aggravated battery along with an added charge of  leaving the scene of an accident after testimony from about a dozen witnesses during his preliminary hearing.

Arraignment was set for November 27th in Riley County District Court.

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

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

Blaha turned himself in to Riley County authorities in August on a warrant.

He is currently free on a $20,000 bond.        

(KNZA)--Longtime Everest Middle School Principal Jackie Wenger will retire at the end of the current school year.

The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education accepted her resignation Monday evening.

Wenger has served as principal since the 2003-04 school year.

The Board also accepted, with regrets, the resignation of 4th grade teacher Jean Willich, effective at the end of the current school year.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha High School students will be allowed to participate in a new sport—competitive clay target shooting—beginning next spring.

The Board of Education Monday evening approved use of the school name and mascot for a high school team to participate in the Kansas State High School Clay Target League, pending the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

State League Director Tom Binyon gave a presentation on the growing sport last month on behalf of interested students and the Brown County Quail Forever chapter.  Binyon said the sport is offered as an alternative for those who don’t participant in other sports.  The League was established last year.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the sport will not be a high school sponsored activity.  

On the advice of the Kansas Association of School Boards, Moser says each student participating will have to sign a waiver and the coach/sponsor will have to sign a memorandum of understanding.

Students must possess a league-approved firearm education certificate to be eligible to participate in the co-ed extra curricular activity.

Students will practice and compete at the new Falls City shooting range for two months during the spring sports season, followed by one state tournament in Wichita in June.  

(KNZA)--Sabetha High School Principal Sheri Harmer will retire at the end of the current school year.

USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans says the Board of Education accepted her resignation at Monday evening’s meeting.

Harmer has served as principal the past 4 years.

The board discussed the process and a timeline for filling the position.

Plans are to post the opening December 1st, with an application deadline of January 2nd.

Applicants are to be narrowed down at the January board meeting.  Interviews would then be conducted the rest of the month by a 4-person committee consisting of Evans along with board members Ed Reznicek, Leslie Scoby and Kathy Lippert.

Hopes are to fill the position by the February meeting.

In other business, Evans says the Board accepted a proposal from Sound Products, of Topeka, for the installation of a security camera system at the Sabetha High School at cost of $19,697.

The Board also approved bid specifications for maintenance work at the Sabetha High School track, with a December 1st deadline for bids. 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A coolant leak in one of Cooper nuclear power plant's turbines in southeast Nebraska has been repaired.
 
 Nebraska Public Power District spokesman Mark Becker said the hydrogen leak was repaired before 6:00 Tuesday evening. The leak was discovered earlier that day by maintenance workers.
 
The utility says the leak didn't represent a safety threat, and it wasn't in the power plant's nuclear systems. The hydrogen is used to help cool the turbine.
 
The plant near Brownville, continued operating after the leak was found Tuesday morning.
 
The utility notified regulators about the problem, and issued what the Nuclear Regulatory Commission calls a notice of unusual event.
 

(KNZA)--Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss has announced the Supreme Court  has re-appointed Judge Jim Patton to a two-year term as chief judge of the 22nd Judicial District, effective January 1st, 2018.

Patton has served as district judge in the 22nd Judicial District since January 1995 and chief judge since 2001. He presides over cases in Brown, Doniphan, Nemaha, and Marshall counties.
 
"We are glad that Judge Patton agreed to serve another two years as chief judge, providing continuity in capable leadership in the 22nd Judicial District," said Nuss.
 
"I look forward to serving the residents of the 22nd Judicial District," Patton said. "By creating a positive working relationship with our elected representatives and our county commissioners to address budgetary and safety issues, we can achieve the ultimate goal of providing access to justice to all residents of the district and the state of Kansas.”
 
Patton is a native of Hiawatha and graduated from Hiawatha High School, Kansas State University and Washburn University School of Law. He retired from the Kansas Army National Guard, where he served in the 2nd Battalion 130th Field Artillery and the Judge Advocate General Corps.
              
Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.
 

(KAIR)--A costly theft is under investigation in Atchison County, following a report filed this past weekend.

According to the Atchison County Sheriff's Office, resident Warren Ruhnke on Sunday reported the disappearance of a 2013 Arctic Cat Wild Cat 1000 side by side UTV.

The utility vehicle was last seen at his residence, located at 20292 258th Road, around 4:30 Saturday afternoon.

He discovered the vehicle missing around 9:30 Sunday morning.

The utility vehicle is described as orange and black, with a value of $12,000.

The case remains under investigation with no suspects yet determined.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to notify the Atchison County Sheriff's Office.

(KAIR)--An active weekend for Atchison firefighters; and despite no major mishaps, the department responded to over 20 emergency calls in the city of Atchison.

Among them was a late Saturday morning fire in an unoccupied home.

Fire Chief Ted Graf told MSC News fire crews responded to the 621 North 4th Street address. "[We] were dispatched to an attic fire, with a significant amount of smoke present,” Graf said. “The source of the smoke was found to be a smoldering floor joist in the attic. It was extinguished quickly, with fire crews remaining on the scene for just over an hour. The home is unoccupied, and under construction at this time. It's believed to be electrical, is going to be the cause of this fire."

The previous evening, the department worked an unusual fire report, involving a doghouse, located at a Q Street residence. "Crews were dispatched to 612 U Street for a report of a fire in the back yard. Upon arrival, there was a dog house and part of a wooden fence on fire. They met with the homeowner in the back yard, and he had most of the fire knocked down with a garden hose. They had to overhaul the dog house, basically they had to take it apart."

Graf says it's believed a fire pit in the yard of the home is to blame for the fire. "The dog house owner had actually put fresh straw in the dog house earlier that day. They had also used a fire pit at some point in time earlier that evening. It's believed that an ember from their fire pit may have sparked this fire."

On Saturday morning, crews made a different response, this time freeing a woman who became stuck in her bathroom. “The crews dispatched to Santa Fe Place Apartments, 801 Santa Fe, for a 61-year-old female who had become lodged in her bathroom, between the toilet and the vanity. The fire fighters determined that they would be unable to get her out, so it was going to be somewhat of a little bit of a difficult extrication on that. The fire fighters had to remove portions of the toilet and the vanity to free her."

Graf says the rescue serves as a reminder for the need to check on family members who are home bound. "We have people that fall quite frequently, and lay, literally, on the floor or on the ground for hours, before they can make it to the phone. Or, somebody calls and checks on them and then finds them in that condition."

Following the rescue, the woman was transported to the Atchison Hospital for precautionary reasons.

(KAIR)--The Assistant Principal of the Atchison Middle School has resigned.

The resignation of George Ross Jr. was accepted following an executive session held during Monday evening's meeting of the USD 409 Board of Education.

Ross also served as Activities Director at the school.

The resignation is effective immediately. 

Rumors regarding Ross's status in the leadership role have swirled for weeks, and no reason is immediately given regarding his decision to resign.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Myers tells MSC News Ross did not state a reason in his letter of resignation. 

Ross has not responded to MSC News requests for comment.

He began working as Activities Director in 2015, taking on the Assistant Principal's role for the 2016-2017 school year, and was continuing to serve in that capacity for the 2017-2018 school year at the time of his resignation. 

(KAIR)--An Olathe man, operating an ATV in Atchison County Friday, required helicopter transport for hospital treatment after the vehicle landed on top of him.

According to a report from the Atchison County Sheriff's Office, Roger Smith was operating the Polaris 4-wheeler at 10127 Jewell Road when he lost control while making a turn.

Smith was thrown from the ATV, which then landed on top of him.

Neighbors of the rural property were able to lift the vehicle off of him, and he was flown for hospitalized care of unspecified, but non-life threatening injuries.

The wreck happened shortly after 1:45 Friday afternoon.

(KAIR)--Charges have filed in connection with a shooting last month in rural Leavenworth County that authorities believe resulted from a drug deal gone bad.  

19-year-old Andrew Foderaro, of Lansing, has been charged in Leavenworth County District Court with attempted first-degree murder, possession of stolen property, possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana.

The Leavenworth Times reports the criminal complaint alleges that Foderaro discharged a firearm multiple times on October 27th in the rural Easton area with the intent to kill another man.

Leavenworth County Undersheriff Jim Sherley says the victim was taken to the hospital following the incident.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for December 11th.  During the hearing a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence for Foderaro to be bound over for trial.

(KMZA)--A five-way tie has been broken for a seat on the Seneca City Council.

The name of write-in Kerry Bramhall was drawn from a hat at Monday's Nemaha County Commission meeting to fill the 1st Ward Council seat currently held by Bruce Hermesh, who didn't file for re-election.  

That came after Commissioners canvassed ballots from the November 7th election.

Bramhall was among five write-in candidates to receive votes, and will be contacted to see if he will accept the position. If not, the Council will have to appoint someone.

Mayor Joe Mitchell, Ward 2 Council member Alice Lackey, Ward 3 council member Jim Mitchell and City Treasurer Kathy O'Brien all won re-election. The four ran unopposed.  

(KNZA)--A bid has been accepted for a Brown County bridge replacement project in the northeastern portion of the county.

The County Commission Monday accepted the low bid submitted by Norfolk Contracting, of Norfolk, Nebraska, for the replacement of a bridge on 310th Road over Roy’s Creek between Sunflower and Sagebrush Roads in the amount of $297,850.

Five bids were received ranging up to nearly $499,000.

A start date hasn’t been set yet for the project.

At the request of County Noxious Weed Director George Bruning, the Commission approved the purchase of two new roadside sprayers from Fairbank Equipment for a total cost of $25,171.

Commissioners also approved the annual contract with the Kansas Department of Transportation for the spraying of state right-of-ways.  The county will charge the state $30 an hour for labor and $40 per hour for equipment.

(KNZA)--Federal charges have been dismissed against former Kickapoo Fire Chief Stephen Ramirez, Jr.

According to a press release,  a U.S. District judge dismissed the federal case against Ramirez last Thursday.  

The release says the government moved for the dismissal, stating that it did not have enough evidence to convict Ramirez at trial.

Ramirez was facing eight charges, including wire fraud, theft of government property, and making a false claim, based on allegations related to arson fires that occurred on the Kickapoo Reservation during his time as fire chief.
 
Ramirez was represented in the case by Assistant Federal Public Defenders Carl Folsom and Branden Bell. Folsom stated, “As our investigation progressed, we found more and more evidence that Mr. Ramirez was innocent.” Folsom explained that the defense investigation revealed that the arsons were not the result of any conduct of Ramirez.

Ramirez was indicted on the federal charges last September.   Prior to dismissal, a jury trial in the case had been scheduled to start Monday, November 13th.

(KNZA)--Fire caused severe damage to a Sabetha home over the weekend.

Fire Chief Jim Johnson tells MSC News that the Sabetha Fire Department responded to the Rick and Lindsey Shaw residence located at 1011 Harrison Street shortly after 6:30 Friday evening after the couple came home to find their house filled with smoke.

Johnson said the fire was contained to the kitchen area, with the rest of the house receiving severe heat and smoke damage.

He said the cause of the fire has been ruled accidental in nature, with the exact cause undetermined.  The State Fire Marshal’s office assisted with the investigation.

No injuries were reported.

A dollar loss was not immediately available.

Johnson said the Shaw’s and their three boys, ages 8, 4 and 3, are currently staying at the Rockcreek Motel.   

He said the American Red Cross and Salvation Army are assisting the family.  However, clothing and toys are needed for the children.  If you would like to help you can contact Lindsey Shaw at 785-501-3586.

(KAIR)--The race for three open seats on the Atchison City Commission has been finalized.

During a canvass of ballots Monday by the Atchison County Commission, Commissioners decided to accept 17 of the 27 provisional ballots cast during the November 7th election. A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there are questions about a given voter's eligibility.

As a result, winning a 4-year term on the Atchison City Commission were newcomer Shawn Rizza and incumbent Dr. Allen Reavis, who currently serves as Mayor.

Elected to a two-term on the Commission was incumbent David Hausmann. 

Unofficial results from the November 7th general election had Hausmann trailing newcomer Floyd “Jay” Robinson by one vote, 467 to 466. Hausmann picked up 12 additional votes Monday after the provisional ballots were counted and Robinson picked up 2, which made the final vote count 478 to 469 in favor of Hausmann. 

Seven candidates sought the three open seats on the Commission. 

Cut paper art by Angie Pickman

(KAIR)--An Atchison native is one of seven Kansas artists added to the official Kansas Touring Roster.

According to a news release from the Kansas Department of Commerce, the decision for inclusion was made by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission, with each selected artist recommended by a panel of their peers.

Named to the roster is Angie Pickman, a 1997 graduate of Atchison's Mount Saint Scholastica, now known as Maur Hill-Mount Academy.

Pickman, based in Lawrence, is a nationally recognized cut paper artist that “combines the art of traditional paper cutting with collage to create intricately detailed works of art and animations.”

Her animation was featured in the 2016 PBS documentary “Daughters of the Forest,” while her other work is exhibited at galleries and art fairs across the nation.

An instructor of various art classes and workshops, Pickman has also been featured in “Midwest Living” and “Martha Stewart Living” magazines.

The Kansas Touring Roster is comprised of approved artists who are required to perform outside their community regularly.

They appear at schools, provide workshops, lectures, or other educational services and short performances.

(KLZA)--A Mound City teenager was injured in a one-car wreck Saturday evening.

The Missouri Highway Patrol says 16-year-old Cassidy Wennihan was northbound on U.S. Highway 59, about a mile north of Mound City, when the car she was driving went off the west side of the road, struck an embankment and overturned.

Wennihan was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with what the Patrol described as moderate injuries.

The Patrol says she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck.

(KNZA)--Highland Community College President David Reist has been honored by the Atchison Rotary Club.

Reist has been named a Paul Harris Fellow by the club.  The award was created in memory of Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary, to show appreciation for individuals who provide exceptional service in their communities.  

Reist was nominated for the award by Dr. William Walters, a Highland alumnus who is now a professor of chemistry at the University of Maryland and an active member of Rotary in College Park, Maryland.

As President of Highland, Reist has led the College with innovative programs and new Centers in the nine county service area of Northeast Kansas.  Of most significance is the seamless transition of technical education services as Reist coordinated the merger of Northeast Kansas Technical College with Highland to create the Highland Community College Technical Center in Atchison.  That merger provided not only the opportunity for continuing and growing technical education in Atchison, but also for expanding those opportunities to the College’s service area.  This is epitomized by the creation of the College’s Western Center in Baileyville which provides technical education opportunities to students on the western side of the College’s service area.

Prior to becoming President at Highland Community College, Reist served as Vice President for Student Services.  He was also Director of Financial Aid, taught mathematics, and served as an assistant football coach.  

A native of Bern, Reist and his wife Marcia have two sons, two daughters, and eight grandchildren.

(KLZA)--NioCorp Developments recently announced it has signed an agreement with Rockies Express Pipeline LLC to construct and operate a 27.8-mile natural gas pipeline that will supply the Company’s planned Elk Creek Superalloy Facility.

A new release from NioCorp, says securing natural gas transport to the Elk Creek Facility is an important milestone in the Company’s efforts to prepare the Elk Creek Facility project for the onset of construction once project financing, permitting, and other requirements are met.

Under the agreement, following the receipt of financing for the project, Rockies Express has agreed to design, construct, and operate a natural gas lateral line that will extend from the Rockies Express main line in Marshall County, Kansas to the Elk Creek Facility and will deliver at least 27,500 Million British Thermal Units of natural gas per day when the Elk Creek Facility is fully operational. The value of the contract, to be paid over a period of 11 years, is approximately $63 million.

NioCorp expects to contract separately for the purchase of the natural gas to be transported by Rockies Express.

Rockies Express is responsible for obtaining all applicable approvals, including necessary government permits required prior to construction and operation of the underground pipeline.

Rockies Express Pipeline is one of the United States’ largest pipelines and is the nation’s northernmost bi-directional natural gas header system.

(KMZA)--A motorcyle crash in Marshall County late Sunday night left a Home, Kansas man injured. .

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 32-year-old Tanner Hauger was eastbound on U.S. 36 Highway, just west of K-99, when he served to miss a deer.  Hauger lost control of his motorcycle and laid the bike over.

Hauger, who was wearing a helmet, was transported to Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville with unspecified injuries.

The accident was reported shortly before 10:00 Sunday night.  

(KAIR)--An Olathe man leads Jackson County authorities on a nearly 20-mile pursuit, which ended when he crashed into a creek.

That's the allegation against 28-year-old Robert Calisti, who's now jailed in Jackson County on numerous charges, with more possible.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the pursuit began around 9:30 Saturday morning after a deputy stopped a car near 150th and Q Road when it was discovered both the vehicle and the license plate were reported stolen in Missouri.

The driver allegedly refused to turn off the vehicle when told to do so by the deputy, choosing instead to flee the scene.

The pursuit began, with local law enforcement agencies assisting as the suspect vehicle crossed parts of the Prairie Band Nation and into the city of Holton.

Near the south side of Holton, Morse says Calisti's car entered the parking entrance of the Banner Creek Animal Clinic and then drove through a residential yard.

Driving through a fence and onto U.S. Highway 75, the suspect car eventually drove into the Prairie Lake City Park, northeast of Holton, where it crashed into a small creek.

Nealry 45-minutes after the pursuit began, Calisti was arrested on charges including felony possession stolen property, felony and flee and eluding, numerous traffic crimes, and drug crimes.

He was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Two passengers aren't immediately facing charges in connection with the case.

Assisting the sheriff's office were the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police, Holton Police Department, Kickapoo Tribal Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol, including the KHP aircraft unit.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle wreck in Jackson County early Saturday afternoon sent three men to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly after 12:30 at the intersection of U.S. 75 Highway and 198th Road, south of Holton.

The Patrol says a pickup driven by 45-year-old Travis Bowser, of Topeka, was westbound on 198th Road when he failed to yield and his vehicle was struck by a southbound car on U.S. 75 driven by 19-year-old Skyler Zinkle, of Tecumseh, Kansas.

Bowser was transported to the Holton Community Hospital.  Zinkle and a passenger in his car, 19-year-old Shawnee resident Zachary Hill, were both transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital.  

The Patrol says all three were buckled up when the wreck occurred.      

(KNZA)--A single-vehicle crash in northern Shawnee County Friday night claimed the life of a Hoyt man.

The Shawnee County Sheriff's Office identified the victim as 47-year-old Brent Warner.

The sheriff's office says the wreck happened on Northwest 86th Street, just east of U.S. 75 Highway, when the passenger side tires of Warner's pickup truck dropped off the south side of the roadway.  

Warner overcorrected, and the truck skidded across the road into the north ditch, where it flipped over back onto the roadway.

Warner, who was ejected from his vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash, which was reported shortly after 8:20 Friday night, remains under investigation.

(KLZA)--A Falls City Police Department investigation into a forgery case led to the arrest of a Falls City man on felony charges of forgery and possession of methamphetamine.

26-year-old Jacob Lee of Falls City was arrested November 3rd, accused of writing two checks on the account of another individual. Assistant Police Chief Jamie Baker said an individual filed a complaint about the forged checks. The investigation of Lee led to the arrest of Lee for forgery and possession of methamphetamine.

Lee was booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KNZA)--The 21st annual Jingle Bell Ride will hit the streets of  Hiawatha Sunday.

Organizers says the goal of the ride is to help the less fortunate children in Brown County experience the joy of Christmas.

Around 60 riders are expected to participate in the event, riding around town to pick up new unwrapped toy’s for children up to the age of 18 along with monetary donations.

Rider registration will begin at 10:30 Sunday morning on the south side of the Courthouse Square, followed by festivities beginning at 11:00....including face painting and the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.  

A parade, at 1:00, will happen on Oregon Street prior to the riders beginning the collection of donated gifts.

If you would like to donate a toy or a monetary gift your asked to call 785-741-0861.

Last year, the Jingle Bell Ride helped more than 90 families and provided toys for around 300 children.

(KAIR)--The woman, arrested after authorities say needles used for heroin were stored beneath a pillow near a sleeping child, pleads no contest to the related charges.

24-year-old Brittany Elmore November 3 entered the plea in Atchison County District Court to charges including aggravated child endangerment and possession of heroin.

The plea came as part of a plea agreement dismissing other charges, including felony possession of methamphetamine.

Sentencing is set for the morning of December 15.

She was arrested on October 19, prior to the execution of a search warrant at her Terrace Hills apartment.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, following the arrest and raid, said that along with the drugs and drug paraphernalia found inside the apartment were syringes underneath a pillow, located less than a foot away from a baby sleeping on the bed where the pillow was located.

Also arrested that day was 24-year-old Kyle Wrightsman, who authorities say shared the apartment with Elmore.

Charged with crimes including aggravated child endangerment, possession of methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine, Wrightsman is scheduled for an appearance in Atchison County District Court on November 22.

(KLZA)--An older adult has died of the flu in southeastern Nebraska, the first flu-related death this season in the state.

State health officials report the victim was an adult over 65 from the Southeast District Health Department area, which includes Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, and Richardson Counties.

Fifty-eight people died of the flu in Nebraska last season, including two children.

State officials urge Nebraskans to get vaccinated against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older.

Anyone can get the flu. Some, though, are at greater risk. State officials say it is important that the following get a flu shot:

· Young children

· Adults 65 years of age or older

· Pregnant women

· People with chronic lung disease (like asthma and COPD), diabetes (type 1 and 2), heart disease, neurologic conditions and certain other long-term health conditions

· Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

State officials recommend only an injectable flu vaccine this season. The CDC has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the nasal spray flu vaccine. Reactions to the flu include soreness and redness at the injection site. It takes about two weeks after the shot for the body to build immunity.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved the purchase of two new vehicles.

The Commission Monday accepted the low submitted by Nemaha Valley Motors of Seneca for the purchase of a 2018 4 X 4 pickup truck for the county Noxious Weed Department in the amount of $24,400.  The bid does not include a trade-in.   It was among three bids received.

The Commission also accepted the low bid submitted by Nemaha Valley Motors for the purchase of a 2018 Dodge pickup truck for the county Road and Bridge Department in the amount of $28,500.  The bid does not include a trade-in.  It was among three bids received.

In other business, Sheriff Rich Vernon informed Commissioners he has job opening for a corrections officer and will be accepting applications until the position is filled.

(KLZA)--A Falls City Police Department investigation of burglaries at two Falls City automobile dealerships earlier this week, has led to the arrest of a man possibly in the country illegally.

Falls City Assistant Police Chief Jamie Baker tells MSCNEWS the investigation began Monday with reported burglaries at Armbruster Motor Company and Hullman’s Ford in Falls City.   A pickup was stolen from Armbruster Motor Company.

On Tuesday, Baker says the suspect in the burglaries was found and identified as Miguel Pastrano. The same day the pickup stolen from Armbruster’s was recovered.

Pastrano was arrested for the two auto dealership burglaries, theft of the pickup from Armbrusters, possession of a stolen vehicle from New Mexico and possession of methamphetamine, all of which are felony charges.

Both vehicles recovered during the investigation had been damaged.

Baker says it hasn't been determined where Pastrano is from.  He says the investigation has revealed Pastrano was released from jail in Hobbs, New Mexico, October 31 and a vehicle was reported stolen in that community the following day.

Pastrano is currently being held in the Richardson County Jail.  Baker said the Immigration Department contacted the Falls City Police Department, notifying them that it’s possible Pastrano is an illegal alien.  

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council has approved the installation of flashing school zone signs on Fulton Street.

Ward 4 Councilman Derek Leyden who lives on Fulton street proposed the project to the Council. Leyden says the street carries a large volume of traffic to and from the industrial tract. He said it appears to him, quite a few of those traveling the street are in excess of the speed limit.

Leyden said the current signage was put in place years ago when Falls City High School had an open campus. The speed limit is posted at 20 miles-per-hour between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Leyden said that even though the Falls City Police Department patrols the area, he feels the higher visibility signs would be helpful and increase safety for children crossing the street in the school zone.

The Council Monday unanimously approved the placement of four flashing yellow signs on Fulton, beginning north of Sacred Heart on 20th and Fulton with the furthest south sign being located a couple of blocks south of the South Elementary School.

(KAIR)--The Route DD Bridge, over Interstate 29, in Faucett, is now open.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the new Buchanan County bridge opened early Thursday evening.

The bridge closed August 25 as Emery Sapp and Sons, of Columbia, Missouri, worked with MoDOT to replace the structure, which was built in 1958.

Despite the opening, work remains incomplete, with the contractor tentatively scheduling ramp work for Monday.

The plan is to close one ramp at a time for paving, with the southbound off ramp closing first at around 7:30 Monday morning, followed in order by the southbound on ramp, northbound off ramp, and finally the northbound on ramp.

As with all planned work, schedules are subject to change.

There may be other work both on and off the roadway around the bridge and the ramps as the contractor completes the project.

(MSC News)--The death of a woman who was struck and killed Wednesday by vehicle in St. Joseph has been ruled a suicide.

That word Thursday following an investigation by the St. Joseph Police Department.

KQ2-TV reports the woman was killed around 11:00 Wednesday morning after being hit by a farm truck at 16th Street and Garfield Avenue.

Police said the truck was traveling westbound on Garfield Avenue when the woman stepped onto the road in front of the vehicle and was struck.

The name of the victim has not been released.

(KMZA)--A Baileyville teenager escaped serious injury in a single-vehicle roll-over wreck Thursday morning on a Nemaha County road near Baileyville.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 16-year-old Kaitlyn Lierz was eastbound on 168th Road when she lost control of her SUV.  The vehicle entered the south ditch and rolled.

Lierz, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Community Memorial Hospital in Marysville with what the Patrol described as possible injuries.

The wreck was reported around 7:20 Thursday morning.  

(KNZA)--A vacancy has been filled on the Highland Community College Board of Trustees.

According to a new release from the College, Charles " Kenny" Huss, of Troy, was selected by the sitting members of the Board to fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Chairperson Joyce Simpson.

Simpson resigned after her daughter, Dr. Amy Foley, was hired as an instructor at the College.  Board policy prevents a sitting board member from having immediate relatives employed by the College.

Huss is a 1990 alumnus of the College before transferring to Kansas State University. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Benedictine. Huss has been working in the pharmaceutical industry, both human and animal, in operations, quality control, and management.

Huss noted that he regards his service on the Board of Trustees as a way of giving back to the community he grew up in and the college that helped him get a start.

Huss will be sworn in to begin his duties on the Board at this month’s  meeting, which will be held at the College’s Western Center in Baileyville on November 15.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Community of Wathena will be searching for a new police chief.

The City Council this week accepted the resignation of Chief Jason Pendelton, effective November 20th.

In his letter of resignation, Pendelton said he has decided to resign in order to pursue and grow in a private company.

He told The Kansas Chief he has taken a job with Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

Pendelton has served as police chief since October 2013.

He has offered to stay on with the city, part-time, until the chief’s position is filled.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners voted 2-1 Tuesday to approve the appointment of Steve Darveau Jr. as the new County Highway Superintendent.

Darveau was one of three people interviewed for the position.  He currently is a grader operator for the Road Department and has been with the County since June 2013. Darveau will be paid a salary of $48,000 per year.

Commission Chairman, David Sickel cast the nay vote with Jim Davidson and Terry Frank voting in favor.

Commissioners also approved an agreement with William VonSeggern during the meeting. VonSeggern will continue in his position as the Public Defender for Richardson County.

The new agreement is in effect January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019.

The Board also approved a request from County Assessor Pam  Vice to increase the number of hours for the appraiser position within the  County Assessor’s Office from 18 hours per week to approximately 30 hours per week.  The request was approved unanimously.  

(KAIR)--A traffic stop leads to an arrest, and the driver is now facing charges, including possession of methamphetamine.

Taken into custody Friday evening was 39-year-old Eugene Simpson.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News the Atchison resident was stopped while driving a pickup truck, at 14th and Commercial Streets around 6:00 Friday evening.

Originally stopped for speeding, Wilson says the officer determined that Simpson was driving on a suspended license, and that led to his arrest.

Once he was in custody, Wilson says it was discovered that Simpson was in possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.

He now faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding, and driving while suspended.

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

According to the Atchison County Sheriff's Office, he remains in custody, held on a bond of $15,000.

(KAIR)--Fresh from a recent trip to local area communities, United States Senator Jerry Moran is returning to the local area.

According to a news release from his office, the visit comes as an opportunity to spend a portion of Veterans Day in the Atchison County community of Effingham.

The release says Moran will serve as a speaker at the Veterans Day Program being hosted Friday morning.

Moran serves as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. He's also a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

The Kansas Republican is scheduled to give remarks during the Effingham Veterans Day Program which will run from 9 until 10:00 Friday morning.

It will take place at the Junior-Senior High School Gym for the Atchison County Schools of USD 377.

(MSC News)--Voters in USD 380 Tuesday rejected a $1.35 million bond issue to fund safety and security improvements at the district’s three attendance centers.

342 votes were cast in favor of the bond issue, with 509 votes against.

USD 380 voters in August turned down an $8.25 million bond issue that included other building projects in addition to the safety and security improvements. 

Two Horton City Commissioners won election to another term Tuesday.

Finance Commissioner Ken Krug defeated challenger David Kooser.

Street and Utilities Commissioner Wade Edwards defeated challenger Bobby Bacon. 

There were three contested race for the South Brown County USD 430 Board. Katelyn Ross won election to position 4; Jamie Bottom to position 5 and incumbent Jacob Bruning was re-elected to position 6.

In Doniphan County contested races Tuesday, elected to the Doniphan West USD 111 Board in District 2 were incumbent Carla Johnson, Jeff Albers and incumbent Brad Holzhey.

Elected to the Riverside USD 114 Board in District 2 were Chris Hewins, Jennifer Davis and incumbent Barbara Derrick.

Elected to two open positions on the Elwood City Council were incumbent Dennis Smith and Dennis Muse.

Winning election to the Highland City Council were incumbent Charles Batchelder, Rocky Ruhnke and incumbent Jesse Marriott.

Elected to the Troy City Council were incumbent Tim Hanlan, Carolyn Clary and Stan Ruhnke.

Denton Mayor Melvin Massey defeated his challenger Steve Davis to win another term.

The results are unofficial until the ballots are canvassed Monday.

Contested Jefferson County races included position 6 on the Jefferson County North USD 339 Board of Education.

Jim Bodenheimer took the win, defeating Kara Beletsky.

In the race for position 4 on the Jefferson County West USD 340 Board of Education, Christopher Feurborn gained the support of voters, defeating Morgan Hall and Jim Malloy.

For position 6 on the board, David Jensen secured the win, defeating Rhonda Sayles.

For posistion 5 on the Oskaloosa USD 341 Board of Education, Jana Farmer was declared the winner over Jim Guilfoyle, while Ken Newell defeated Hal Taliaferro for position 6.

In the race for position 2 on the Perry USD 343 Board of Education, DeAnn Hupe-Seib defeated Brian Damme, while Ryan Blosser defeated Jarae Essman for position 4, and Nick Fergus took the win over Stephanie Confer for position 6.

In Jackson County, Ed Rostetter won re-election to position 5 on the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board.  Rostetter defeated challenger Robert Mock by a vote 117 to 49.

Royal Valley school board member Jeff Stithem was defeated in his bid for re-election to position 5 on the board by challenger Nathan McAlister by a vote of 257 to 166. 

In unofficial results from contested races in Marshall County, Carla Grund was re-elected to another term as Marysville mayor. She defeated former city administrator Rick Shain by a more than 280 vote margin. 

Three new members were elected to the Marysville City Council---Terry Hughes, Ward 2; Jason Barnes, Ward 3; and Diane Schroller, Ward 4. 

Marysville school board member Chris Denner defeated his challenger, Tamara Antoine, to win another term on the board.

Sharon Osborne was re-elected to the Valley Heights school board.

There will be a new Waterville mayor as Josh Stoudt defeated incumbent Don King.

Elected to the Waterville City Council were Rich Anderson and incumbent Alex Nolte.

In contested Leavenworth County races, Jerry Barnes defeated Oscar Miller 140 to 109 in the position 4 race for Easton USD 449.

For positon 6, John McEvoy defeated Dawn Weston 173 to 72.

These are the final unofficial results from Tuesday's election:

USD 380 BOND ISSUE

$1.35 million bond issue for safety and security improvements at the district’s three attendance centers in Centralia, Frankfort and Vermillion

yes--342                         *  no----509

Includes both Marshall and Nemaha County results
----------------------------------------------------------------------

BROWN CO RESULTS--

Horton City Commission

Commissioner of Streets and Utilities

Bobby Bacon--90
*Wade Edwards ( inumbent)--114

Commissioner of Finance

*Ken Krug ( incumbent)--126
David Kooser-106

South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education--

Position 4
*Katelyn Ross--205  

James Stuart--134

( currently held by Tim McClaskey who didn’t seek re-election)

Position 5
*Jamie Bottom--230
Jared Wilson-108

( currently held by Gregg Dishon who didn’t seek re-election)

Position 6
*Jacob Bruning ( incumbent)--231
Samantha McClain-105

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DONIPHAN CO ELECTION RESULTS

Doniphan West USD 111—District 2—three positions

*Jeff Albers--133
*Brad Holzhey ( incumbent)---116
*Carla Johnson ( incumbent)---141
Cody Peters---70
Stephanie Symns---72

Riverside USD 114—District 2—three positions

*Jennifer Davis---260
*Barbara Derrick ( incumbent)---175
*Chris Hewins---265
Tim Smith ( incumbent)---144

Denton Mayor
Steve Davis---10
*Melvin Massey ( incumbent)---28

Elwood City Council---two positions

Mickey Meers---56
*Dennis Muse---82
*Dennis Smith  ( incumbent)---105
Peggy Wood---74

Highland City Council—three positions

*Charles Batchelder ( incumbent)---89

Selena Diveley---35

Dennis Lentz---40

*Jesse Marriott ( incumbent)---73

*Rocky Ruhnke---79

Randy Snyder---33

Troy City Council—three positions
*Carolyn Clary---73

Michael Cluck---54

Ryan Griffin---25

*Tim Hanlan ( incumbent)---91

*Stan Ruhnke---66

Bryan Salisbury---26

---------------------------------------------

JACKSON COUNTY RESULTS
 

Jackson Heights USD 335

Position 5
Robert Mock--49
*Ed Rostetter ( incumbent)--118

Royal Valley USD 337---

Position 5
Jeff Stithem ( incumbent )--166
*Nathan McAlister--257

Circleville City Council—three positions  ( all write-ins)

Leroy Shupe—27
Roy Kranz—21
Mike Hare—14

Delia City Council—two positions  ( all write-ins)

Evelyn Shibler—14
Zachary McCullough—11

Denison City Council--- three positions

Vickie Wold—12
Michael Harris—8 ( write-in)
James Robbins--6

Netawaka City Council—five positions

Daryl Wilson—16
Jarred Rethman—16
Doug Amon—16
Kevin Schmitz—10
Jon Banaka

Soldier City Council—three positions
Rosemary Junod--15
Laura Geist--10  ( write-in )
Emma Schreiber—7 ( write-in)

Whiting City Council—five positions

Matt Watkins—25
Larry Eubanks—22  ( write-in)
Ashley Brown—20  ( write-in)
Richard Archer—16 ( write-in)
Kyle Amon—13 ( write-in)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARSHALL CO RESULTS

Marysville mayor

*Carla Grund ( incumbent )--596
Rick Shain ( former city administrator )--313

Marysville City Council

Ward 2

Keith Beikman ( incumbent)--80
*Terry Hughes--124
Robert Shelburne II--14

Ward 3
Vicky Gross ( incumbent)--31
Sharon Marx--7
*Jason Barnes--106

Ward 4
*Diane Schroller--129
Kyle Bargman Sr.--107

Marysville school board

Position 4
*Chris Denner ( incumbent)--694
Tamara Antoine-498

Valley Heights USD 498

Position 4

*Sharon Osborne ( incumbent)--195
Jeff McCullough--125

Waterville mayor

 Don King ( incumbent)-42
*Josh Stoudt-84

Waterville City Council—two positions

*Rich Anderson-85
*Alex Nolte ( incumbent)-77
Rodney Steenson ( incumbent)-45

(KAIR)--Voters went to the polls Tuesday to determine the outcome of an Atchison City Commission contest that saw seven candidates vying for three open seats. By the time the ballots were tabulated Tuesday night, the outcome was a tight race, with the numbers too close to call in deciding a victory.

While newcomer Shawn Rizza and incumbent Dr. Allen Reavis, who currently serves as City Mayor, easily won, gaining 681 and 594 votes respectively, it's too early to say who will fill the third seat.

That comes as incumbent David Hausmann trails newcomer Floyd “Jay” Robinson by one vote, 467 to 466.

With provisional ballots still in play, a clear winner can't be declared until the canvas of the votes.

That's set to happen Monday morning at 9:00 at the Atchison County Courthouse.

Election results in all races remain unofficial until a canvas is conducted.

Unseated by the outcome of Tuesday's vote was longtime City Commissioner Larry Purcell, while George Ross Jr. and Michael Hein were also defeated.

(KAIR)--Moving forward with the City of Atchison's planned use of STAR Bonds, through the establishment of a STAR Bonds District.

That happened during Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission, when Interim City Manager Becky Berger brought the matter of setting a STAR Bonds public hearing before the Commission. "This is a required step to move forward with the STAR Bond project," Berger told the Commission. "It would set a public hearing for December 18..then, after the public hearing, you can choose to vote on it, or you can wait. We just have to have an adopted plan to the Secretary of Commerce by January 26."

Setting of the public hearing follows a review of the plan by the City's Planning Commission. "It went to Planning Commission on Wednesday...and they adopted a resolution, saying it's consistent with the City's comprehensive plan, which is also a required step."

Following Berger's presentation, and brief discussion, the Commission unanimously approved the December 18 public hearing 5 to 0.

The STAR Bonds will finance an aviation museum and a shelter for the Atchison Farmer’s Market.

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.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran spoke Monday at a town hall meeting at the Everest Cafe.

(KNZA)--U.S. Senator Jerry Moran visited the local area Monday, making stops in Onaga, Everest, and Atchison.

Moran addressed a number of topics during the town hall meetings held in each community.

It was standing room only at the Everest Cafe, where Moran tackled such topics as tax reform.

The Kansas Republican said there are several things he would like to see in a tax overhaul plan, including a tax code that is fairer and simpler. "The goal being to reduce the number of exclusions, exemptions, deductions, the number of tax brackets, and try to get it where more and more Americans can file their tax return without the need for professional help."

Moran says he would also like to see a tax code that encourages businesses to keep jobs here in the United States. “We've seen with the tax code that we have, some businesses, over the years, have made decisions to take their operations, their manufacturing, over seas, and we need to do everything we can to put an end to that."

Moran said he wants to see a tax code that creates more, better paying jobs.

U.S. House Republicans unveiled their tax proposal last week.  

Moran said the Senate is still working on its plan, which he hopes can be done in a bi-partisan effort. “The Senate Finance Committee is going to mark up a tax bill. Republican and Democrat Senators who are members of that committee will have an opportunity to debate, offer amendments. If we can avoid the partisan nature of this it may take longer, I don't know, it may reduce the amount of time, but I think we would get a better product."

All three stops Monday were made as part of Moran's Kansas listening tour.

(KNZA)--Area Kansas Lottery players, check your tickets!  

The Kansas Lottery says one ticket sold in northeast Kansas matched all numbers in Monday night’s Super Kansas Cash drawing to win a jackpot prize worth $742,354!  

That includes the local counties of Atchison, Brown, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Nemaha and Pottawatomie.

The winning numbers are 05-09-13-15-31 Cash Ball 07.

 Super Kansas Cash is a Kansas-only game and jackpots are paid in one lump sum.  Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.  

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council has approved hiring Raymond Lurhing to be the next City Utility Superintendent. 

The Board of Public Works recommended hiring Lurhing for the position.  He will replace Alan Romine who is retiring as Utility Superintendent in February. 

Lurhing, who grew up in  Auburn, told the Council that he was looking forward to moving back to Nebraska. He said in the past year he has been looking for job opportunities in eastern Nebraska, noting his kids live in Omaha and Columbus. 

Lurhing is currently the General Manager of the Utility Department in Clarksdale, Mississippi, a town of about 17,000. 

He worked for seven years with the Nebraska Public Power District, moved to Iowa Power then managed the utility department in Fulton, Missouri. He has also served as General Manager of a utility company in California.

Lurhing also mentioned he had started his career as a maintenance electrician at the Gerald Gentleman Power Plant in Nebraska and has experience in managing line work. 

(KLZA)--Falls City Ward III Council Member John Vaughn has resigned.  

In his letter of resignation Vaughn said it was with great regret he resigns. Vaughn was recently married and will be moving out of the area.

City Administrator Gary Jorn presented Vaughn with an appreciation plaque for his service, beginning in 2014. 

Vaughn said he enjoyed his time on the Council and wished the City the best.  

( KNZA)--Two Sabetha residents were sentenced Monday on charges in connection with a Hiawatha home invasion and robbery in May.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 21-year-old Edgar Martinez was sentenced to a total of 5 1/2 years in prison on felony charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and aggravated battery. Martinez request for probation was denied. He was remanded to the Brown County Jail for delivery to state prison.

Co-defendant, 23-year-old Jazmene Hicks, was sentenced to total of 56 months in prison on felony charges of robbery, burglary, and aggravated battery along with a misdemeanor charge of criminal restraint. Hill says her request for probation was granted by the Court, and she was placed 36-months intensive supervised probation with Community Corrections. She will be required to register as a violent offender for 15 years under the Kansas Offender Registration Act.

Hicks and Martinez pleaded no contest last month to the charges.

Authorities say the pair broke 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.

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

Atlakson was treated for injuries at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County, Nebraska Commissioners have authorized advertising and posting to hire a new Veterans Service officer.  

During the November 1 board meeting, Veterans Service Officer Bill Hessler and Veterans Service Board members Bob Sherman and Rick Moore met with Commissioners to discuss the appointment of a new Veterans Service Officer. Hessler told the Board he plans to retire at the end of the year, but would be willing to work with the new officer.

The Johnson County Commissioners have been contacted about the possibility of entering into an interlocal agreement with Nemaha County and sharing a Veterans Service Officer. An agreement has not been reached at this point.

Commissioners also met with Mark DeBuhr. DeBuhr said the approach on 636 Avenue onto Highway 136 is dangerous, due to stopping and trying to turn onto the highway with a loaded truck or trailer. DeBuhr suggested the County rebuild the intersection at the same time the Nebraska Department of Transportation is resurfacing Highway 136. 

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriff’s Office recently investigated a pair of wrecks, resulting in injuries to four persons. 

Friday morning Brian Joy of Humboldt was northbound on Highway 75 in a pickup when a southbound pickup driven by John Sierks of Brownville attempted to turn east onto 731 Road.  

The pickups collided.  Both drivers were transported to Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn with minor injuries. Both drivers were alone in their vehicles.

The news release also reports a wreck about 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning involving one vehicle.

Matthew Williams of Johnson was eastbound on 728 Road, approximately a half-mile west of 636 Avenue, when he lost control of the car he was driving. The car rolled before coming to rest in a ditch.  
 

TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the public water supply Lakeside Village Improvement District in Jefferson County.  KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The advisory took effect on November 6, 2017 and will remain in effect until conditions which place the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be adequately resolved.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

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

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

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

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

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

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

(KAIR)--Ongoing construction is obvious in downtown Atchison, with renovation efforts underway throughout the corridor.

Among the work is one project that has not yet begun, but has been approved to move forward through the action of the Atchison City Commission.

During their October 23 meeting, the Commission voted to approve the construction authorization for the 800 block of Commercial Street Streetscape Project.

Included in that approval was the authorization of a contract with the Kansas Department of Transportation and Julius Kaaz Construction, in the amount of nearly $879,000, along with an additional $50,000 to manage small change orders.

Also approved was the authorization of a contract with BG Consultants in the amount of more than $139,000, along with an additional $7,500 to manage small change orders.

Justin Pregont, Atchison's Director of Public Works, told MSC News the project will remake the 800 block of Commercial Street in the image of other blocks of Commercial Street that have already undergone the renovation. “The easiest way to think about it is that we've got a streetscape concept that's been replicated in the 100, 200, 300, and 700 blocks of Commercial Street,” Pregont said. “This application, and this project, really just allows us to extend that exact same concept through the 800 block of Commercial, which, for reference, is the block right out front of Memorial Hall.”

Pregont said a timeline for the start of the 800 Block work is not yet determined, but will likely be developed in around a month.

Meanwhile, other projects underway in downtown Atchison include the concrete and asphalt portions of the City's 2017 Street Project, being conducted by Bottorroff Construction and Bettis Asphalt, respectively.

Although dependent on weather, Pregont says that work should wrap up in a matter of weeks.

Additionally, trees have been planted in downtown Atchison as part of the overall work, while the Parks Division sets its sights on the Christmas season. Pregont says that department has been actively working on the seasonal decorations which are expected to be put in place sometime this week.

(KNZA)--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $30,000 to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation for the establishment of an abandoned well-closure pilot program.

Through the project, the EPA says the tribe seeks to reduce health risks associated with contaminated groundwater, as contaminated water from abandoned wells leaches into groundwater.

The program aims to engage about 580 local households through outreach and community events; establish well-closure procedures and tribal ordinances for the purposes of protecting groundwater resources and the health and safety of those utilizing groundwater for their domestic and agricultural needs.

Multiple wells are to be closed in the initial phase of the program.

The funding comes from EPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants  Program, which provides critical support to organizations that otherwise lack the funding and resources to address the environmental challenges in their community.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has given a local Boy Scout approval to proceed with his Eagle Scout project.

Wyatt Ruske told the Council last week he would like to replace the fencing around the city’s historic hand dug well, which is located in the City Park.

Ruske said if the city would provide the materials, he would remove the current chain link fence and replace it with a decorative wrought iron fence and gate.  The project would also include new decorative rock and two new signs.

The Council approved the project at a total cost of just over $6,200 for materials.  The Council also granted Ruske permission to use some of the city’s tools and equipment.

Ruske said he will do the work himself and probably begin in the spring of
2018.  

(MSC News)--Area voters will go to the polls Tuesday to decide city and school board races while USD 380 patrons will also be deciding the fate of a bond issue.

It’s the first time voters will select city and school board leaders in a November election.  Before this year, those elections were held in the spring.  The Kansas Legislature in 2015 voted to move city and school elections  from the spring of odd-numbered years to November of odd-numbered years.

The USD 380 bond proposal is for $1.35 million for safety and security improvements at the district’s three attendance centers in Centralia, Frankfort and Vermillion.

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

District voters in August turned down a $8.25 million bond issue that included other building projects in addition to the safety and security improvements.

In Atchison County, the only major contested race is for the three open seats on the Atchison City Commission.

Seeking the positions are three incumbents Dr. Allen Reavis, Larry Purcell, and David Haussmann; and, despite rumors and speculation, all four challengers remain in the running for that race, including George Ross, Jr., Floyd “Jay” Robinson, Shawn Rizza, and Michael Hein.

In Brown County, there are contested races for two seats on the Horton City Commission.  Commissioner of Streets and Utilities Wade Edwards is being challenged by Bobby Bacon in his bid for re-election to another term.  Commissioner of Finance Ken Krug is being challenged by David Kooser.

There are also contested races for three positions in the USD 430 Board of Education.  Katelyn Ross and James Stuart are both vying for position 4 on the board, which is currently held by Tim McClaskey who did not seek re-election.  Jamie Bottom and Jared Wilson are both seeking position 5 currently held by Gregg Dishon.  Incumbent Jacob Bruning is being challenged by Samantha McClain for position six.

In Doniphan County, voters will determine who will serve as the Mayor of Denton, with incumbent Melvin Massey challenged by Steve Davis.

Two positions are open on the Elwood City Council, with incumbent Dennis Smith joined by Mickey Meers, Dennis Muse, and Peggy Wood, in seeking those positions.

Three positions are open on the Board of Education for Doniphan West USD 111, with incumbents Brad Holzhey and Carla Johnson both seeking re-election to Distrct 2, challenged by Jeff Albers, Cody Peters, and Stephanie Symns.

Seeking the three positions on the Riverside USD 114 Board of Education, for District 2, are incumbents Barbara Derrick and Tim Smith, along with Jennifer Davis and Chris Hewins.

In Jackson County, incumbent Ed Rostetter is being challenged by Robert Mock for position 5 on the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board.   On the Royal Valley USD 337 Board, incumbent Jeff Stithem is being challenged by Nathan McAllister for position 5.

The polls will be open Tuesday from the 7 in the morning until 7 in the evening.

(KMZA)--Two men were injured Sunday after a small plane crashed in Pottawatomie County, north of St. Mary's.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before noon about 500 yards southwest of 5330 Sumner Court.

The Patrol says the T-Bird fixed wing aircraft had taken off from a runway to the north en route to Lyndon, near Pamona Lake, when it experienced engine problems and a propeller broke. The plane then lost power and crashed.   

The pilot, 71-year-old St. Mary's resident William Linn, was taken to Topeka's Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center.  His passenger, 64-year-old Topeka resident Alan Drennon, was transported to Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.  The extent of their injuries weren't immediately known.

(KNZA)--The last of three Sabetha teenagers convicted in the burglary and vandalism of the Sabetha High School in April has been sentenced..

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert says 18-year-old Seth Harrell was ordered Wednesday to serve 10 days in jail followed by 24-months of supervised probation.

In addition, Harrell was ordered to pay just over $1,000 ( $1,011) restitution and complete 200 hours of community service work.

Lippert says Harrell has already appealed his sentence.

He pleaded no contest in September to charges of theft and felony criminal damage to property.  In exchange for the plea, two additional counts were dismissed.

Lippert says the other two defendants, Grant Meyer and Marcus Jackman, were also ordered Wednesday to pay just over $1,000 restitution and complete 200 hours of community service work after pleading no contest in September to the same charges.

Previously, both were ordered to serve 10 days in jail followed by 24-months probation.

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

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) - A former physician assistant at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Leavenworth has been sentenced for sexual crimes against patients.
 
 The Kansas City Star reports 66-year-old Mark Wisner, of Horton,  was sentenced Friday to 15 years and seven months in prison.
 
 Wisner was convicted in August of sex crimes involving four patients at the Eisenhower Veterans Administration Medical Center in Leavenworth
 
 Prosecutors said Wisner performed improper and medically unnecessary genital examinations on patients from 2012 to 2014. He resigned and had his license to practice revoked in 2015.
 
 Dozens of other former patients have filed civil lawsuits claiming they were subjected to similar behavior by Wisner.
 

(MSC News)--U.S. Senator Jerry Moran is coming to the local area, planning three stops Monday, as he brings his Kansas Listening Tour to northeast Kansas.

The Kansas Republican will first visit Pottawatomie County, stopping Monday morning in Onaga for a visit at the Community Hospital at 7:45.

From there, it's onto Brown County for a stop in the community of Everest where he'll meet with constituents at the Everest Cafe from 10 to 11.

The Senator will then travel to Atchison County, for a visit at the City of Atchison's Chamber of Commerce Office, located in the Santa Fe Depot, at 200 South 10th Street.

Moran will hold an open dialogue at that location from 11:30 until 12:30.

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, the release says 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.”

(KLZA)--The 11th Annual Falls City Area Jingle Bell Ride will begin Saturday afternoon at 1. Registration starts at noon.

 The Jingle Bell Ride is a Christmas toy drive to benefit children and families in Richardson County served by Southeast Nebraska Community Action.

Horse Riders and volunteers will ride throughout Falls City to pickup donated toys.  If you would like to donate a toy and have the riders stop by, call Kathy Davis 402-883-2741 or 402-883-2004, Sherry Huddelston 402-801-1811 or Tiffin Bauman at 402-883-0218.

All horse riders and volunteers are welcome.

The event begins in the 1300 block of Stone Street. There will be face paining, pictures with Santa, miniature horse and cart rides with refreshments available. 

(KLZA)--Pawnee City Council members reviewed a memo from City Clerk Tammy Stephens during their October 24th meeting regarding the City Cash flow.

Stephens noted that with a large number of projects underway, bills need to be paid, but funding for those projects is not yet coming in.

The contractor for the pool restoration project is submitting bills.  In addition, bills are being submitted for the ongoing Assisted Living Project. 

Pawnee City has been awarded a matching grant for the pool project by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, however, the matching funds will not be paid until the project is completed. It could be late spring or summer before those funds are released. 

Council members also learned that the Pawnee City Water Wells have been repaired and all are working fine. 

(KNZA)--A Highland man will stand trial on charges stemming from a Brown County chase in June.  

35-year-old Zachariah Brown was bound over to Brown County District Court Wednesday after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

Arraignment was scheduled for December 4th.

Brown faces felony charges of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and possession of methamphetamine along with misdemeanor counts of no insurance and driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked.

He was arrested June 22nd after leading a Sac and Fox Tribal officer on a nearly 6-mile chase.  The chase began in Hiawatha and ended in the area of 260th and Plum Tree Roads after Brown’s vehicle went off the roadway.  

Brown fled on foot into a corn field and was arrested a short time later after a K-9 was brought in.

He remains in the Brown County Jail on a $55,000 bond.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has rejected a bid for the purchase of the city  airport.

The Council took the action Wednesday evening on the recommendation of a council committee.

Daren and Dustin Ronnebaum, operators of Precision Aerial Ag of rural Seneca had submitted the lone bid last month for the purchase of the property located on the north side of  U.S. 36 Highway about 1 ½ miles west of Seneca.

The brothers had offered to purchase the 29-acre tract for $100,000 and to operate it as a recreational public airport.  

They also said they would complete $250,000-$300,000 of improvements over a 5-to-10 year period that would make the facility more attractive to flyers and able to serve larger planes.

A group of local residents appeared before the Council last month to voice their opposition to the sale of the airport because it would require that the shooting range currently located on the property be moved.     

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department will be hiring an additional full-time officer.

The City Commission Monday evening authorized Police Chief John Defore to advertise for the new officer.

Defore told the Commission last month he believes the hiring of an additional officer would be the best way to utilize the funds the city had been paying Brown County for providing dispatch services.  He said an additional officer will allow him to put two officers on the street covering the first and second shifts, from seven in the morning until midnight.  

The city last month accepted the county’s offer to no longer charge for providing dispatch services, with the stipulation those funds be used for law enforcement purposes.

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

(KAIR)--20-years in federal prison.

That's the sentence handed down for a former civilian hospital employee at Fort Leavenworth who attacked his supervisor with scissors and a straight razor and set her on fire.

The Office of U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said that along with the prison sentence, 55-year-old Clifford Currie must pay more than $3 million in restitution to the victim, and serve three years of supervised release at the end of the prison term.

In August, a jury found Currie, of Leavenworth, guilty of one count of assault with intent to commit murder.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that on September. 7, 2016, Currie threw gasoline or some other inflammable liquid on his supervisor, Lieutenant Katie Ann Blanchard, lit her on fire and assaulted her with a straight edge razor and scissors.

A co-worker came to Blanchard’s aid when she heard screams and saw Blanchard on fire from the chest up. Currie was subdued by hospital employees and then arrested.

Credit: Facebook

(KAIR)--Counterfeit cash is reported in Horton.

According to a post on the Horton Police Department's Facebook page, the fake United States currency, lettered with pink Chinese characters, has surfaced at local Horton businesses.

The post states the bills are not valid, and are used as a training aid for bank tellers in China, and can be purchased online.

Area businesses are alerted to be on the look out for the funny money, which should not be accepted. If any is received, Horton Police want to be contacted at 785-485-2624 to investigate.

Knowingly presenting such currency as legitimate is a felony.

(KAIR)--Clarifying the actions of the Kansas Legislature.

That's part of the reason behind a Town Hall Meeting in Atchison Saturday morning, hosted by Kansas Representative Dr. John Eplee.

The Kansas Republican says the three key issues he plans to address are school finance, taxes, and medicare expansion.

The Town Hall, sponsored by the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, is planned to run from 9 to 11:00 at the Santa Fe Depot, located at 200 South 10th Street, in Atchison.

To hear Eplee discuss why he wanted to hold the session, go here.

(KAIR)--Negotiations have formally begun regarding the proposed sale of the Atchison Senior Village.

The long-term care facility is owned by Atchison County, and the possibility of making the sale has been in the exploratory phase for some time.

Approaching the sale included recent meetings with representatives of Recover-Care, the firm which the County has now entered negotiations.

The exclusive negotiations were approved during the October 24 meeting of the County Commission.

At that same time, the Commissioners approved an engagement agreement with Dysart Taylor Cotter McMonigle & Montemore, P.C.

The Kansas City-based law firm will assist with the negotiations.

According to Recover-Care's website, the firm operates eight centers, including two in the local area, which are located in Highland and Wathena.

The County has owned Atchison Senior Village since 1961.

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for a Jackson County man facing a pair of child sex-related charges.

39-year-old Alva McKinney pleaded “ not guilty” last week in Jackson County District Court to felony charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and indecent solicitation of a child.

A 3-day jury trial was set, beginning March 15th of next year.

McKinney is accused of sex crimes involving a 12-year-old girl in August of last year.

He remains free on a $50,000 bond.

(KAIR)--Investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed the transmitter building for radio station KAIR-AM.

Authorities say the fire was reported  shortly after 6:00 Wednesday morning just east of Highway 59 in Buchanan County, Missouri between Rushville and Halls.

Firefighters from Rushville and DeKalb fire protection districts found the building fully engulfed in flames when they arrived.

The Buchanan County Sheriff's Department also responded to the fire.

No one was in the building at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal's office was contacted to assist with the investigation.

(KNZA)--Andy Delaney has been sworn in as the new Hiawatha city attorney.

City Clerk Vivian Constable administered the oath of office to Delaney during Monday evening’s City Commission meeting.

That came after the Commission voted to appoint Delaney to the position.

Delaney will fill the unexpired term of longtime city attorney Don Cashman.  The Commission accepted the resignation of Cashman at their September 5th meeting, effective October 31st.  Cashman had served as city attorney for more than 48 years.

With Delaney’s appointment as city attorney, the Commission voted to accept his resignation from the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Commission then voted to appoint Cashman to replace Delaney on the board.

(KNZA)--Authorities say a broken down vehicle on K-4 Highway in Jefferson County Wednesday evening led to a wreck that sent two to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 30-year-old Daniel Cannon, of Manhattan, was northbound when his Chevy Camero became disabled.  The Patrol says Cannon was attempting to push the vehicle off the highway when a Honda Accord driven by 56-year-old Barbara Murphree, of Valley Falls, came up from behind and struck his vehicle.

Cannon was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with unspecified injures.

Murphree was also transported to the hospital with what the Patrol described as possible injuries.

The wreck was reported around 7:45 Wednesday evening about 5 miles south of Meriden.

(KAIR)--The Atchison Post Office could be gaining a new name.

That comes as members of the Kansas Delegation introduce legislation to name the building in honor of Atchison's famous daughter, Amelia Earhart.

The bill was introduced in the U.S. House by Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, and introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Pat Roberts.

The famed aviatrix grew up in her family home, in Atchison, where she lived until the age of 12.

In a press release, Jenkins, a Kansas native, says that Earhart's courageous actions inspired her, and many others. “to dream big and accomplish lofty goals.”

She says it's “only right that we rename her hometown post office in her honor, to continue her legacy and inspire future generations.”

Roberts calls Earhart “one of the great pioneers” of the nation, who “is an inspiration to all aviators and a role model to women around the world.”

He says renaming the post office “is one more way to honor her incredible legacy.”

According to the wording of the legislation, if it should be approved by the House and Senate, the Atchison Post Office, which stands at 621 Kansas Avenue, would be designated as the “Amelia Earhart Post Office Building."

(KAIR)--Atchison County students will return to class on Thursday.

That follows a day off Wednesday due to sewer related issues affecting the Effingham-based schools of USD 377.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gaddis Wednesday afternoon told MSC News the issue has been fixed, and classes will resume as normal Thursday morning.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee City Council members met with representatives of USDA – Rural Development, AMERITAS and JEO Consulting during their October 24th meeting to discuss a large paving project for city streets. 

In November, 2016, Pawnee City voters approved an additional half-cent sales tax to help pay for needed street repairs. 

What needs to be determined now, is how large a project the City can afford to move forward with.  Proposals have ranged from 21, to 35 up to as many as 51 blocks of work.  

Each street has a different price tag based on the number of driveways, curbs, and drains are in a block.

The next step, is scheduling a town-hall meeting when representatives of the financing groups and the engineers can all attend.   

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners conducted interviews with three applicants for the position of Richardson County Highway Superintendent when they met Tuesday. 

Commissioners will consider an appointment during their November 7th meeting. 

Commissioners also approved an agreement to provide $15-thousand  in funding for the Falls City Economic Development and  Growth Enterprise between August 1, 2017 and July 31, 2018.  

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) - A St. Joseph teenager whose infant died after she fell asleep with the child has been sentenced to five years of supervised probation.

 Eighteen-year-old Kyla Watson was sentenced Tuesday for endangering the welfare of a child.

The St. Joseph News-Press reports Watson admitted in September that on June 1 she used Xanax and marijuana before falling asleep with her infant in the same bed.

Taylor Beard, a state Child Services investigator, testified that there were three investigations of Watson, the child's father, Franklin Skeen Jr. and their baby.

Beard said the mother received education on safe sleeping with a baby each time.

Watson was ordered to first serve a 120-day prison treatment program before beginning her probation.

Skeen was sentenced in September to five years supervised probation.
  

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle Jefferson County wreck Tuesday afternoon sent a McLouth woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 24 Highway near Grantville around 4:15.

The Patrol says 63-year-old Judith McAferty was eastbound behind a truck when the driver made a left turn in front of her car and she struck the driver’s side of the vehicle.

McAferty, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to a Topeka‘s Stormont-Vail Hospital with unspecified injuries.

The driver of the truck, from Lawrence, was not hurt.

(L-R) 1st runner-up, Callie Hoobler; Halloween queen, McKayla Henry and Miss Congeniality, Laurel Smith

(KNZA)--The 2017 Hiawatha Halloween queen was crowned Tuesday evening prior to the grand parade, which concluded the 103rd annual Halloween Frolic.

Selected for the honor was Miss Goff: McKayla Henry.  

As the winner, Henry, a senior at the Wetmore Academic Center, will received a $1,000 scholarship.

The 1st runner-up and winner of a $500 scholarship was Miss Horton: Callie Hoobler, a senior at Horton High School.

Miss Sabetha: Laurel Smith, a senior at Sabetha High School was named Miss Congeniality and will receive a $250 scholarship.

14 girls representing eleven northeast Kansas schools competed in this year’s scholarship contest.

The girls were judged on an essay, talent, leadership, community involvement and an interview.

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2017 Business Costume Contest sponsored by Hiawatha National Bank
Judging Criteria:
Originality
Completeness of Costume
Realistic use of Color
Enthusiasm
Degree of Difficulty
Workmanship

Grand Prize: $30 The Eye Doctors

Frozen turns Scary

The waiting room was transformed into the castle from Frozen, complete with an act from Elsa and Anna whose face make up transformed them from sweet sisters into ice cold princesses!

1st Place: $25  Courthouse  

Fairies who turn Scary

With a play on the theme, the employees at the Courthouse appeared as beautiful fairies who literally turned around into scary creatures.

2nd Place: $20   Department of Children & Family Services 

Price is Right  Come on down!

The Department of Children & Family Services were the next contestants on the Price is Right! Complete with Drew Carey as host and bids using the year of first parade (1914), this year’s parade (103rd) and date (10/31)!

Honorable Mention:
Hiawatha Community Hospital Outpatient Clinic – Characters from Alice in Wonderland.