(Left to right) Miss Congeniality, Josie Santos; Halloween queen, Sydney Snyder and 1st runner-up, Norea Menold. Photo credit: Greg Bebermeyer/MSC News

(KNZA)--The 2018 Hiawatha Halloween queen was crowned Wednesday evening prior to the grand parade, which concluded the 104th annual Halloween Frolic.

Selected for the honor was Miss Holton: Sydney Snyder.

As the winner, Snyder, a senior at Holton High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The 1st runner-up and winner of a $500 scholarship was Miss rural Hiawatha: Norea Menold, a senior at Sabetha High School.

Miss Everest: Josie Santos, a senior at Horton High School was named Miss Congeniality and will receive a $250 scholarship.

12 area girls completed in this year’s scholarship contest.

The girls were judged on an essay, leadership, community involvement, judges interview and scholastic achievements.

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Editors note:  the following is the 2018 Business Costume Contest results submitted by sponsor GN Bank.

Judging Criteria:
Originality Realistic use of Color
Completeness of Costume Degree of Difficulty
Enthusiasm Workmanship

Total Prize money of $100 for the Business Costume Contest

Grand Prize: $30 Courthouse “Courthouse Monster Mash”
Monsters, Aliens, Vampires, Werewolves and more were haunting the halls and offices of the Brown County Courthouse this year!

1st Place: $25 Outback Guidance/Mara Cabana “Stormy Rain Cloud”
Mara Cabana is a walking rain cloud complete with the storm cloud with lightening flashing and raindrops dangling from the cloud to the ground

2nd Place: $20 Vintage Park “Vintage Park Avengers”
Captain America, Superman, The Black Widow, Spiderman and even Bailey the Wonderdog were busy taking care of the guests at Vintage Park….and all in tutu’s!

3rd Place: $15 Casey’s / Crystal Howard “Casey’s South Biker Babe”
Crystal Howard was decked out from head to boot in leather Harley gear ready to take a spooky motorcycle ride this Halloween. She was joined at Casey’s by characters Alice in Wonderland, Red Riding Hood and Pulp Fiction’s Mia Wallace.

4th Place: $10 Hiawatha Hospital Outpatient Clinic “HCH Scarecrows” Three very friendly scarecrows were seen working at the Hiawatha Hospital Outpatient Clinic today taking good care of patients. An assortment of other characters were scattered throughout the hospital spreading smiles instead of scares!

Honorable Mention Prizes were awarded to the following businesses:
Outback Guidance Finance Department’s four Dominoes
Hiawatha Community Hospital Lab’s Mike Rush as Sirius Black from Harry Potter

(KAIR)--A Topeka woman is jailed in Jackson County, arrested Wednesday afternoon in Holton after a drug investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department..

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse told MSC News the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Alexandria George, resisted arrest and it took a few deputies to take her into custody.

Morse, in a news release, said George had allegedly been communicating by cellphone with an undercover deputy prior to her arrest.

She was taken into custody near 8th and Ohio Streets on charges including possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony obstruction, two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, unlawful use of a communication device for a felony drug crime, and disorderly conduct.

Following her arrest, George was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

The Holton Police Department assisted with the investigation.

(KAIR)--Following the approval of a resolution by the Atchison County Commission, a local 4-H club will work with County residents to see that address signage is posted properly on every rural residence.

The resolution was approved during the October 23 meeting of the Commission, and states that "the owner of each residential, commercial, industrial and public building site located outside the corporate limits of any city in Atchison County, Kansas shall erect and maintain permanent signage, prominently, displaying the site's unique 911 locator address."

The county will, at the request of the landowner, "pay the costs incurred to obtain materials to construct 911 address signs" and utilize County staff to construct, and post, addresses at no cost.

The previous County ordinance, adopted in 1993, required such address postings only in unincorporated areas.

According to a press release issued by Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, the Atchison Aviators 4-H Club is partnering with the County “to post address signage on every rural residence in Atchison County.”

It was the efforts of one club member, and her family, that led to the commission resolution. Nora Colwell, in the release, said she noticed the lack of addressing several years ago when she was involved in the fire safety education program conducted by the Atchison Fire Department. “I learned of my family’s need for our house number to be visible day and night and from both directions of on-coming traffic,” Colwell said.

After initiation from the Colwell family and the Aviators 4-H Club, the Atchison County Commission adopted Resolution 2018-1443 on Tuesday, October 23 detailing the signage description and posting locations.

Lanter, in the release, said the project will help “first responders arrive in a timely manner in the case of an emergency at a residence” as “a clearly posted address makes the difference” when seconds count.

The Atchison County Emergency Management and Road and Bridge Offices are mailing out applications along with a copy of the resolution to all rural addresses in the county. Return applications by November 30th to the Atchison County Emergency Management office at 10443 US HWY 59 in Atchison, KS 66002. Or email him at wlanter@atcoks.org.

An application can also be completed on the Atchison County website at www.atchisoncountyks.org (follow the link on the left side of the page under links and announcements).

For more information, contact Atchison County Emergency Management at (913) 804-6131.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, wanted in connection with a crime allegedly committed in Leavenworth County, is now in custody.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 31-year-old David Underwood was arrested early Sunday morning on a Leavenworth County warrant for aggravated battery.

Wilson said his office received a tip that Underwood, who was actively being sought, was in the area of the 100 block of South 3rd Street.

Officers responded to that location around 2:00 Sunday morning and located Underwood.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson told MSC News Underwood is accused of committing the alleged aggravated battery on September 23.

Although Thompson said he can't immediately offer many details, he identified Underwood's alleged victim as Bryston Salmons.

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

As of Tuesday he was no longer listed as an inmate in Atchison County. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved a new economic development incentive.

The Commission Monday evening approved a resolution establishing a property tax abatement schedule for new and expanding businesses within the city limits, which is  based on the number of jobs created and average annual salary.

The creation of 5 to 10 new jobs with an average annual salary of $25,000 would be required to qualify for an abatement of city property tax for up to ten years.

City Administrator Mike Nichols and Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development Director Mikaela Moore developed the incentive plan.

In other business, the Commission approved the hiring of three new city employees.

Dillion Killoren was hired for a streets department position at a salary of $13 an hour, Juan Weisel for a water department position at a salary of $13 an hour and Maryann Wichman as a facilities assistant at the Fisher Center at a salary of $14.25 an hour.

They were among seven interviewed.

And the Commission voted to stay with the Kansas Municipal Insurance Trust for workers compensation insurance.  A quote was also received from Midwest Public Risk, which was recently approved to provide coverage in the state.

(KAIR)--Voters November 6 will determine the outcome of a number of state and federal elections, as well as one Atchison County race.

Democrat Charlie Perdue, who currently serves as an Atchison City Commissioner, is seeking the 1st District Atchison County Commission seat, currently held by Republican Jack Bower.

Bower, a former City Commissioner, is seeking election to the county position to which he was appointed last year following a vacancy.

MSC News Radio News Director Brian Hagen sat down with both candidates at separate times, posing to each the same set of four questions. Both Bower and Perdue had up to 90 seconds to deliver their answers to the questions.

The interviews are below. 

(KAIR)--An officer involved shooting late Wednesday morning in Atchison leaves one person hospitalized.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News no officers were hurt in the incident. “It was shortly after 10:30 this morning when we had an officer respond to the area of 4th and L on an assist to utility companies. Once on scene, there was confrontation with a resident there. There were shots exchanged between the suspect and the officer. Other officers then responded to the scene. We are awaiting the arrival of the KBI to investigate the officer involved shooting.”

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, late Wednesday afternoon, identified the man shot as 44-year-old Bryan Boldridge, of Atchison. 

The KBI, in a news release, said Boldridge sufferered non-life threatening injuries, and was transported by Atchison County EMS for hospitalized treatment.

The news release states, “the Atchison Police Department contacted the KBI at approximately 10:35 a.m. to request assistance investigating an officer involved shooting. KBI agents and the crime scene response team (CSRT) responded to conduct the investigation.

 Preliminary information indicates that an officer from the Atchison Police Department was dispatched to a theft of services call at a residence at N. Fourth St. and L St. in Atchison. When the officer arrived on scene at approximately 10:20 a.m., a man [now identified as Boldridge] on the property approached the officer while carrying a rifle. The officer gave verbal commands to drop the gun, and the suspect complied by putting down the rifle.

 Then, the verbal conflict with the resident escalated, and the officer deployed a Taser toward the suspect. The suspect produced a handgun he had in his possession, and fired at the officer. The officer was not hit by gunfire, and returned fire at the suspect, who was struck during the exchange.

 Boldridge was taken into custody.

 The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the Atchison County Attorney for review.

This investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released at this time.”

Atchison City Manager Becky Berger, in a statement released Wednesday, said, "We are very grateful that the incident didn’t end in tragedy and all of the City’s employees were unharmed."

Credit: Facebook/Atchison Co Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--An additional charge of second-degree murder has been filed against a St. Joseph, Missouri man in connection with a fatal northwest Missouri crash.

KQ2-TV reports bond was denied during a hearing Tuesday in an Andrew County courtroom for 52-year-old Roger Moe.

Moe already faced two felonies and two misdemeanors in connection with the October 17 crash on I-29 north of St. Joseph that claimed the life of 22-year-old Austin Cross, a student at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville .

Authorities say Moe was allegedly driving drunk at 110 miles an hour on the wrong side of the interstate when he collided head-on with a SUV.

Cross, who was a passenger in the SUV, died from his injuries last week.  The driver of his vehicle suffered minor injuries.

Moe is to make his next appearance in court November 27.

Larry Wilcox ’72 first came to Benedictine College as a pre-dental student in 1968. After his first semester, the legendary biology professor, Father Eugene Dehner, told him his calling might be elsewhere. It turned out to be true, as Larry discovered his calling was coaching and helping to form his recruits into good players and great men. Since then, he has mentored thousands of young men and along the way, become the winningest four-year collegiate football coach in the state of Kansas. On October 27, 2018, after four decades as head football coach, six seasons as head baseball coach, two as softball coach and four as golf coach, Larry Wilcox entered the Raven Athletic Hall of Fame.

“The only reason I’m standing here is because of so many other people,” he said in his acceptance speech. “So many other people who have contributed to my life.”

He talked about his parents and their influence in his life. His mother encouraging him to “be nice” and his father establishing a strong work ethic. He talked about the college staff and faculty, like Elmer Fangman and Fr. Eugene. He also talked about his coaching staff.

“If there is one thing that is most important to what we’ve done here, it’s our coaches,” said Larry. He went on to introduce his entire coaching staff and their spouses, including several coaches who have shared in the success and have coached with him for all or most of his career. These include Charlie Gartenmayer (40 years), Dennis Murphy (40 years), John Stammers (33 years), and George Papageorgiou (19 years).

“That level of loyalty is amazing!” he said. “And there were a lot of things to overcome.”

When asked about the challenges, he joked that there “weren’t many.”

“There was just no money, no staff, no facilities, not much interest in the program, our team was too little, too slow, too weak,” he said. “So it was going to take some time, but everybody hung in there.”

Larry also mentioned another important person in his success and his life, his wife, Janet. The former Janet Munro ’81 is currently the director of Benedictine College’s Student Success Center, a position she originated with the founding of the center in 2008. She has had a long career in education as a classroom teacher and an administrator, most notably as principal at Bishop LeBlond High School in St. Joseph, Missouri. Larry said the two of them were proud to have been involved in the lives of so many young people, working together as a team over all the years.

“Every good book, story, movie, needs a love story,” he said. “And this is no different. We’ve been together for 35 ½ years and Janet has put up with a lot of my stuff.”

He concluded the night rather uncharacteristically with a song, dedicated to his wife, and wrapping up with “I’m so glad you came into my life.”

Currently, Larry has an overall coaching record of 284-147. He also holds the second-most wins in NAIA history and is one of only two football coaches with more than 280 career wins. He is a three-time AFCA Region Coach of the Year and has been named the Heart Coach of the Year four times. He was an NAIA District 10 Athletic Administrator of the Year, has been a member of the AFCA for 34 years and is a former NAIA Football Coaches Association President. He entered the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2017.

Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas.  The school is proud to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide.  It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging.  It has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.

(KNZA)--The 104th annual Hiawatha Halloween Frolic will be held Wednesday.

The activities will begin with the Miss Mary Children’s Costume Contest.  Registration will start at noon at the Brown County Historical Society’s Memorial Auditorium at 611 Utah Street, with the contest beginning at 1:00.  Infants through 6 grade are welcome to take part.  All participants will walk in the afternoon parade.

Registration for the afternoon parade begins at 1:00 at 6th and Utah Streets on the corner of the courthouse square, with the parade kicking off at 3:00 through the downtown.

Following the parade there will be vendors, concessions and other activities around the courthouse square

Business Trick-or-Treating will be held from 3:30 to 5.  You can pick up a map of participating businesses at Rainbow Communications.

The Hiawatha Fire Department will hold a chili feed and cook-off, with chili being served from 5:00 to 6:30 at the fire department at 411 Oregon prior to the evening parade.   For $5 you can get a bowl of chili, homemade cinnamon roll and drink.  Children 5 and under are free.  

The Hiawatha High School marching band will perform, beginning at 5:45 in the 600 block of Oregon Street prior to the crowning of the Halloween queen.  

12 area girls are vying in this year scholarship contest, with the crowning ceremony to take place at 6:00 on the north side of the courthouse square.

The grand evening parade will cap the day’s activities, beginnig at 7:00. Longtime Hiawatha educators, Lucille and B.H. Pennel, will serving as this year’s grand marshal’s.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Council approved two resolutions during their October 22 meeting to help with the purchase and expansion of a pair of Pawnee City businesses. 

The Council approved a $150-thousand Community Development Block Grant Re-Use Loan for Jamie Graham and Steven Messing to purchase the Little Brown Jug, the inventory and establish a convenience store with expanded food service.

The second CDBG Re-Use loan in an amount of $125-thousand was approved for Richard Palmer to purchase the Pawnee Inn and Cafe. The funds will also help Palmer provide lodging opportunities and extend the dining options at the business.  

The money comes from the Revolving Loan Fund that has been utilized for projects since the mid-1980's. The original funds were from the Nebraska Department of  Economic Development. 
  
City Clerk Tammy Curtis reported that progress is being made on the Kobza Building project in downtown Pawnee City which is to become a community meeting room. The Southeast Nebraska Development District is currently preparing a request  for qualifications to hire an architect for the building  improvement project. 

Council members  also approved adding 10th Street from F to G Street to the Street overlay project at a cost of just over $103-thousand.  The funds are from the contingency money left for the street improvement project.  

(KNZA)--A longtime Sabetha business owner is being remembered.

David Thieme, owner of Thieme Construction, died Sunday at the age of 63.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Thieme died during a farm-related accident, but that has not been confirmed by MSC News.

According to his obituary from the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha, Thieme got into construction right after graduating from Bern High School in 1973.

He and Richard Werner became partners to form Thieme & Werner Construction.  In 1999, Thieme formed his own business.  His company did construction work throughout the Sabetha area, including most of northeast Kansas.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday morning at 11:00 at the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Among survivors are his wife, Diane, his mother, Lavonne, and four children.

(KAIR)--One person is in custody following a high speed pursuit through Atchison Monday afternoon that left two vehicles damaged but no injuries.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News it began following the report of a stolen pickup truck at an Atchison convenience store shortly before 2:00. “We were dispatched to Quick Stop East, at 6th and U.S. 59, where it was reported to us that a 2003 Ford 150 pickup truck had just been stolen as a customer had parked outside, went into the store.”

The stolen truck was quickly spotted, and that's when the pursuit began. “Within a few minutes, we had an officer spot that vehicle in the south area of town, adjacent to Jackson Park, on south 6th Street," Wilson said. "The vehicle turned around, went northbound, and then fled from the officer. Then it began going in different directions, on different streets, which took it as far north as 4th and M Street. It had crossed downtown after going northbound on the 5th Street viaduct. It drove through a residential area in the northern part of the city, eventually turning southbound.”

Officers managed to flatten tires on the truck, but the driver refused to stop. “Just north of downtown, in the area of 4th and Santa Fe, we had an officer deploy stop-sticks," Wilson said. "The vehicle did strike those stop-sticks, disabling several tires. However, it continued from that point in a westerly direction on Santa Fe Street, eventually going clear to 17th Street, where the vehicle became disabled, lodged into an embankment in front of a residence at 17th and Santa Fe.”

The driver, according to Wilson, attempted to flee on foot, but was quickly stopped through the use of an officer's taser. “In addition to this very dangerous eluding that he did, once he jumped out of the vehicle and ran, there were neighbors in their yards, adjacent to where this truck was disabled. He was running towards them, the officers were in foot pursuit, and he was tased to get him into custody. EMS did respond to the scene and examined him, and found him to be ok then in the end.”

The driver is identified as 28-year-old Justin Walsh-Peterson.

Wilson said the Atchison resident, who is formerly of Saint Joseph, Missouri, is alleged to have crashed into two parked vehicles at 4th and Santa Fe Street, narrowly missing several others along the pursuit path.

Walsh-Peterson faces numerous charges, some in connection with him having allegedly attempted to run down police during the pursuit. “Charges include theft, felony eluding, aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, and resisting arrest. He is charged among these charges with aggravated assault because there's at least three occasions he attempted to strike officers as he was in the vehicle, as he was attempting to elude.”

Following his arrest, Walsh-Peterson was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--An investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department leads to the arrest of a Raytown, Missouri man on a pair of child sex charges.

Police Chief John Defore says 38-year-old Michael Christopher Gaines was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of electronic solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

Assisting Hiawatha Police in making the arrest were the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Kansas Highway Patrol.

Defore says his department opened the criminal investigation after learning of a man possibly soliciting a child through the internet.  He says throughout the investigation, his office worked closely with the Brown County Attorney’s Office and developed probable cause to make an arrest.

The case has been forwarded to Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill for prosecution.

Gaines remains in the Brown County Jail, held on $150,000 bond.    

(KNZA)--Advance voting for the November 6, General election is underway in Doniphan County.

Doniphan County Clerk Peggy Franken says her office will provide additional hours for advance voting on Saturday morning, November 3 from 8:00 to noon.

In addition, registered voters may vote in advance in person Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M. up until noon on Monday, November 5, in the Doniphan County Clerk's Office, which is located in the county courthouse in Troy.

Your reminded that a photo ID is required to vote.  

( KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause of a fatal one-vehicle wreck Sunday evening about five miles northeast of Falls City.

The initial report indicates 36-year-old Josh Georges of Shubert died from injuries suffered in the wreck. 

The crash was reported around 8:30.

No other details were immediately available.  

The funeral service for Georges will be Thursday morning at 10:00 at Prichard Auditorium in Falls City.  The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 at Prichard Auditorium.

Georges was employed at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

(KAIR)--The mechanical malfunction of a tractor led to hospitalized treatment for an Atchison County resident.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a news release, said deputies responded to 258th Road, east of U.S. Highway 73, shortly after 11:30 Sunday morning.

When they arrived, they found that John Oliver had been injured after jumping from his tractor.

Oliver told the investigators he was driving the tractor westbound on 258th Road when he lost control of the steering. At that point, the steering was reported as having pulled out of the tractor, which caused Oliver to jump instead of crashing into a tree.

He was transported for hospitalized care after complaining of rib injuries.

(KAIR)--A Saturday afternoon Atchison County motorcycle crash claimed the life of an Overland Park man.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says 54-year-old Jeffrey Olson was traveling on K-7 Highway, about a 1/4 mile north of 330th Road, when he failed to negotiate a curve and his motorcycle left the roadway. Olson laid his bike over, impacting a ditch.   

Laurie says Olson was transported to the Atchison Hospital with a head injury and  died shortly after arrival.

He says Olson was wearing a helmet, but it came off.

The crash was reported around 3:15.

(KNZA)--The Omaha, Nebraska woman accused of killing three members of a Sabetha family last November in a Jackson County head-on collision is back in Kansas.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says 49-year-old Maria Perez-Marquez, who was captured earlier this week in Nebraska by U.S Marshals, was transported by Sheriff's deputies back to the Jackson County Jail Friday after waiving extradition.

Perez-Marquez failed to appear for a scheduled preliminary hearing October 11 in Jackson County District Court on three counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of aggravated battery and one count of reckless driving.  She was free on a $10,000 bond at the time.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals to locate Perez-Marquez, and she was arrested Tuesday on a no bond warrant.

(KAIR)--Atchison County Attorney Jerry Kuckelman has resigned.

According to information released to MSC News by the Atchison County Attorney's office, Kuckelman's resignation was submitted to Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer Thursday and became effective at noon Friday.

Kuckelman's resignation was necessary as he steps into the role of Kansas 1st District Court Judge, with Kuckelman sworn into the role Friday afternoon in Leavenworth County.

The 1st District is comprised of both Leavenworth and Atchison Counties.

He replaces District Court Judge Gunnar Sundby, who retired in June.

Atchison County Counselor and Assistant County Attorney, Patrick Henderson, will serve in the County Attorney's role in the interim, formally installed into the position Friday through the action of 1st District Court Judge's Robert Bednar and Martin Asher.

He will continue in that position until Governor Colyer appoints a replacement to serve out Kuckelman's unexpired term.

That person will be chosen through a vote of the Atchison County Republican Central Committee during a convention Thursday evening, November 1, at 5:30, in the District Courtroom at the Atchison County Courthouse.

(KNZA)--The city of Troy plans to renovate space in the Pioneer Senior Citizens Center located adjacent to City Hall, significantly reducing the capacity of the Center.

County Aging Administrator Joi Davies informed the Doniphan County Commission this week that the city wants to use space in the center for an office for the police department and storage.

Davies said the number of seniors eating meals at the center is at a historic low, with an average of 5 daily.

Participation records will be kept to re-evaluate the need to keep the Troy center open versus consolidation of the county’s senior citizen center sites in the future.

Citing a lack of attendance, the Commission voted earlier this month to close the Elwood Leisure Hour Senior Center effective November 16.

Davies said the center currently only serves one to five seniors each day compared to the twenty to twenty-five seniors when it opened in 1976.

The Elwood City Council has set a town hall meeting about the planned closure for Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the Elwood Community Center.

(KNZA)--Twelve area girls are competing to be crowned as the 104th annual Hiawatha Halloween Frolic queen.

The competition consists of an essay, talent and judges interview, which will take place Sunday afternoon, October 28 beginning at 2:00 at the Fisher Center in Hiawatha.

The crowning ceremony will be held Wednesday evening, October 31 at 6:00 on Oregon Street in front of the Brown County Courthouse, just prior to the evening’s grand parade.

Longtime Hiawatha educators, Lucille and B.H. Pennel, were selected as this year’s grand marshal’s.

This year’s Halloween queen contestants include:

Miss Axtell—Abby Yunghans
Miss Bern—Aubriana Gugelman
Miss Everest—Josie Santos
Miss Fairview—Hunter Lowdermilk
Miss Hiawatha---Robin Madere
Miss rural Hiawatha—Norea Menold
Miss Holton—Sydney Snyder
Miss Reserve—Bella Eppens
Miss Sabetha—Shayna Strahm
Miss Seneca—Madeline Rogers
Miss Topeka—Isobel Langham
Miss Troy—Chantel Duncan.
    
   

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Office will hold its 11th annual Trick-or-Treat night Monday evening, October 29 at the Sheriff’s Office in Hiawatha.

Sheriff John Merchant says they will be on the lookout for ghosts and goblins starting at 5 p.m. and will go until they run out of treats.  The staff will be in kid friendly costumes.

Merchant says the staff  will have trick or treat bags to hand out that contain safety information, mood cups, pencils, stickers, candy and orange glow sticks for safety.

He says the staff looks forward to the event each year, which provides them an opportunity to interact with  parents and children.

Monday and Tuesday evenings are Trick-or-Treat nights in Hiawatha.  Residents wanting to participate are encourage to turn on their front porch lights.

Merchant encourages all kids to have a safe and happy Halloween, and to  follow some of these basic safety rules:

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

(MSC News)--A northwest Missouri man has been sentenced to life in prison for the beating death of his grandmother in September 2017.

KQ2-TV reports 29-year-old Robert Ray Forrester was sentenced Thursday in Buchanan County Circuit Court on a charge of second-degree murder.

Forrester pleaded guilty in July to the charge.

The body of 77-year-old Beverly Forrester was found in her St. Joseph home in the 300 block of Yale Street on September 21, 2017 after police were called to a disturbance at the residence.

(KLZA)-- A roll-over wreck in Richardson County Thursday afternoon sent three people to the hospital. 

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office says the wreck happened on Highway 73, just north of Falls City, around 4:30.  

The Sheriff's Office says 44-year-old Racy Bauer, of  Falls City, was northbound when the passenger side tires of his Ford Escape went off the roadway. Bauer attempted to get back onto the highway. The vehicle exited the highway on the west side and rolled twice before coming to rest on it wheels. 

Bauer and two juvenile males were transported to Community Medical Center in Falls City by ambulance for medical treatment.
 

(KLZA)--Falls City now has a third candidate for Mayor.

Longtime businessman Mark Harkendorff has signed an affidavit at the Richardson County Clerk's Office to run as a write-in candidate for Mayor.

Harkendorff joins Carla Rhodd and Shawna Bindle who advanced in the May primary election to the General Election on November 6.   

The County Clerks office says voters will need to darken the oval beside the name of the person they wish to vote for . If it is a write-in candidate you must darken the oval and write the name of the person on the line adjacent to the oval.  

Friday, October 26 is the deadline for individuals to register to vote in the November 6, General Election in Nebraska.

County Clerks offices across the state will be open until 6:00 Friday evening  for those wishing to do so.

Early voting is available for the November 6, General Election at the your County Clerk's office. Anyone unable to go to the polling place for any reason on November 6, can request an “Early Ballot.”

For more information on voting, contact your County Clerks Office.

(KMZA)--A Sabetha man convicted on a pair of child sex charges has received two consecutive life sentences.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert says 27-year-old Eric Carlson was sentenced Thursday by District Judge Jim Patton on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

Lippert says Carlson will not be eligible for parole on both convictions for at least 50 years.  

If paroled, Carlson will be subject to lifetime post-release supervision with electronic monitoring and will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Carlson pleaded no contest to the charges in August.  In exchange for the plea, an additional count of sexual exploitation of a child was dismissed.

The charges stem from sex offenses occurring in Nemaha County last year involving two children under the age of 14.

Carlson was arrested in May following an investigation by federal, state and local authorities.

(KAIR)--The City of Horton has appointed a new municipal judge.

The Horton City Commission during their October 15 meeting voted to appoint Patrick Henderson to the position.

Henderson currently serves as County Counselor for Atchison County, as well as assistant Atchison County attorney.

Jerry Kuckelman will no longer be able to serve as the city’s municipal judge due to his recent appointment as district judge for the 1st Judicial District.

Horton City Attorney Kevin Hill and Interim Administrator/Police Chief John Calhoon both recommended Henderson be appointed to replace Kuckelman.

Atchison County Republicans are set to determine who will fill the office of Atchison County Attorney.

That comes as Kuckelman prepares to step into the role of District Court Judge.

According to a release from Atchison County GOP Central Chair Derek Franklin, a Republican Convention to elect Kuckelman's replacement is set for next month.

Addressed to the Committeemen and Committeewomen of the Atchison County Republican Central Committee, the notice, from Franklin, says the convention will be held Thursday evening, November 1, in the District Courtroom at the Atchison County Courthouse, beginning at 5:30.

At that time, the Republican Party County Bi-Annual Organizational Meeting will be held, followed by the election to fill the role of Atchison County Attorney.

Whoever is selected through the votes cast that evening will then be appointed to the role by Governor Jeff Colyer.

Until that is finalized, an interim County Attorney will be selected by 1st District Judges Martin Asher and Robert Bednar.

Kuckelman was selected to fill the role through a process overseen by the 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission

The vacancy was created through the June retirement of Judge Gunnar Sundby.

The Kansas 1st Judicial District is comprised of Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee County Commission Tuesday approved a new contract with Nebraska Public Employees Local 251.

The contract runs January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2022.

In an effort to bring the wages of Pawnee County Road Department personnel in line with comparable counties around the state, the increase in year one of the contract will be 12.5 percent. Each of the following three years the pay increase will be 3 percent.

The current starting wage for an employee in the Road Department is $16.49. In 2019 the starting wage will increase to $18.55 per hour and by the fourth year of the contract the starting wage will be $20.27 per hour.

In other business, board members learned their share for materials for two bridge projects will be $80,221. Pawnee, Gage and Johnson counties are cooperating on the bridge match projects. Ace Eaton Metals out of Kearney will provide the materials.

Following a discussion with County Treasurer Cheryl Dahlgren, the Board voted to have the treasurer put the delinquent taxes that have been on the books for two years on the county tax sale roles.

(KMZA)--The cause of a fire that destroyed a business and landmark in the Marshall County community of Beattie remains under investigation.

Firefighters were called to the Beattie Locker at the intersection of K-99 Highway and Main Street around 1:00 Sunday morning.

The fire destroyed the building and its contents, leaving just some walls of the two-story limestone building standing.

In a post on the Beattie Locker Facebook page, Owner Robert Godwin said after much thought and consideration they have decided with a heavy heart that they are not going to rebuild.

Godwin thanked everyone that has done business with them the past 18 years.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved the appropriation more than $33,000 from the Broxterman estate fund for the county’s home health agency.

Director Patty Remmers met with the Commission Monday to request the funding.

The funding will be used for the purchase of a computer software program that will allow doctor’s, therapists and hospital staff access to patient records on-line.  It will include training to use the software.

In addition, the funding will be used to update the agency’s computer equipment and for support costs for two years.   

Following an executive session with Rural Development Association of Northeast Kansas Director Nancy Gafford, the Commission approved a $20,000 micro-loan for Harold and Mary Ann Brocamp of Corning to refurbish the Lueck building in downtown Corning.

The building, which is on the Historic Register, use to be a grocery store.

The Brocamp’s plan to put two small apartments in the building, along with a meeting room and a fitness center.

(MSC News)--Prescription drugs must be disposed of safely and properly.

That’s the reason behind National Drug Take Back Day, planned for Saturday, as local area law enforcement agencies partner with the Drug Enforcement Agency, to allow safe disposal of such medications.

Locally, medications will be accepted Saturday from 10 to 2 at the Brown, Jackson and Nemaha County Sheriff’s along with two locations in Leavenworth—Price Chopper and CVS Pharmacy.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says his office not only participates in this national event, but are  a 24 hours a day, seven day a week drop off location.

Merchant says his office has participated in the program since it was established in 2010, collecting and turning over to the DEA more than 2,000 pounds of medications to date.

A remote drop-off point will not be put in place for Atchison County on Saturday. Instead, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie tells MSC News medications can be dropped off at any time at the Atchison County Law Enforcement Center, as well as other area locations. “We have a drop box here at the Sheriff's Office, in the lobby, that anybody can come in and drop that medication off at any time, even after hours. Live Well, Live Atchison also has placed boxes throughout the community and they have a few different locations that they accept medication as well.”

Drug Take Back Day is held twice each year, once in the fall and again in the spring. Laurie says his office will utilize a remote drop off point during the spring event. Nearly 75 tons of unwanted medications have been collected and destroyed in Kansas since the program began eight years ago.

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

I would like to inform county residents that Saturday October 27th is "National Drug  Take Back Day."  This is a national event to garner support of the public to clean out their medicine chest of unused, unwanted or expired medication and to provide safe and secure local drop off points.

The Brown County Sheriffs office has been a part of this very worthwhile program since the program was established in 2010.  Since that time, more than 7,000,000 pounds  of unwanted, unused or expired medications have been turned in for destruction nationwide.  

By statistic, more than 46,000 Americans die each year from drug-related deaths. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.5 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs and a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained through family and friends, including from their home medicine cabinets.

We not only participate in this national event, but we are also a 24 hours a day, seven day a week drop off location for these medications.  In the past we have had such a positive turn out, I felt a need to provide this service at any time of day or night to provide a way for the public to properly dispose of their medications.  

By participating in this event, we at the Sheriffs Office,  safely store the acquired medications in a secure holding area and then turn  custody over the to DEA agents for proper disposal, so we encourage the public at any time to bring their medications to us at 709 Utah Street in Hiawatha.  Dispatchers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week  to accept the medications.

We cannot accept needles/syringes or injectable medications.

This is a very worthwhile program that I hope is around for many years to come.  To date, we have collected and turned in over 2,000 pounds of these medication in Brown County.  

I appreciate everyone's cooperation and encourage the public to check your medicine cabinets and turn in your expired, unwanted or unused prescriptions.  "By working together this helps make Brown County a safer place to live and raise a family."

(KAIR)--City of Atchison motorists are reminded of the latest road closure in the city.

According to the City of Atchison, the ongoing Laramie Street Stormwater Improvement Project is progressing, but as it does, an additional closure is needed.

The portion of 10th Street, between Parallel and Kearney Streets, will remain closed for around a month as the project advances.

According to the City, 9th Street, between Parallel and Kearney, also remains closed as concrete surface restoration is completed. That closure is likely to remain in place for another week.

The City credits the recent weather for allowing crews to move forward with the ongoing work.

(KLZA)--Arrest warrants have been issued for a Falls City man who failed to appear in Richardson County District Court Tuesday for arraignment in two separate cases.

43-year-old Travis Kirkendall was scheduled to be arraigned on felony charges of burglary and resisting arrest along with a charge of criminal trespassing in connection with incidents July 30th, that included the alleged burglary of Harmon's O.K. Tire Warehouse in Falls City. 

In the second case, Kirkendall is facing felony charges of theft by receiving stolen property-- a van stolen from Bellevue, Nebraska, August 12--operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and several misdemeanor charges.

It is alleged that Kirkendall drove the van through Dallas Jones Park in Falls City and at a high rate of speed through residential areas of Falls City and not stopping for STOP signs.

In all, Kirkendall is presently facing 15 charges including several felonies.

Kirkendall was released on a $3,500 bond October 2nd.

(KMZA)--A Marysville man has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a jail escape last October.

According to a news release from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, 31-year-old Matson Hatfield pleaded guilty Tuesday in Marshall County District Court to one count of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder along with 12 other counts.

Sentencing was set for November 27.

Authorities say Hatfield and Jeffrey Guenther escaped from the Marshall County Jail on October 14 of last year.

During their escape, the two men alleged lit a cell on fire and obtained two shotguns.

Hatfield fled to a nearby home and surrendered a short time later.  Guenther allegedly stole a pickup truck and lead authorities on a chase.  He was arrested after rolling the truck in rural Gage County, Nebraska.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says shots were fired at a Marysville Fire Department truck and a man in front of a home.  No one was hurt.

The case was investigated by the KBI , the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and the Marysville Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission will partner with the Doniphan County Conservation District and USDA Natural Resources Conservation District to address erosion issues in the county.

A memorandum of understanding will be signed during a ceremony Thursday morning at 9:00 in the Commissioners room at the Doniphan County Courthouse for a Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

According to a news release from NRCS, the public is invited to witness this “historic” signing and hear more information about the unique opportunities that will be provided with the program.

Doniphan County will be the first county to partner with the USDA for field and sediment stabilization projects, with Doniphan County providing in-kind matching contributions.  The NRCS is to invest $250,000.

The release says the Doniphan County geographical area has steep slopes, loess soil and high rainfall amounts that create erosion issues that impact the county’s roads.

The release says the purpose of the program is to create the ability for the Conservation District, NRCS and county Road and Bridge Department to work together on projects that will create lasting solutions to drainage and erosion issues in fields and along the county’s roadways.

Doniphan County K-State Research and Extension, WaterOne, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Kansas Department of Ag--Kansas Water Office and Kansas Division of Conservation and Kansas Association of Conservation Districts have all agreed to participate and assist with the program.

(KNZA)--Bids have been accepted for two Brown County bridge replacement projects scheduled for next year.

The Brown County Commission Monday accepted the low bid submitted by Norfolk Construction, of Norfolk, Nebraska, for the replacement of a bridge about six miles southeast of Hiawatha on 200th Street over the Wolf River in the amount of $316,815.

The bid was among four received.

Construction of the new 95 by 26-foot bridge is tentatively scheduled to start March 18, 2019.

The Commission also accepted the low bid submitted by Norfolk Construction for the replacement of a bridge about 2 ½ miles north of Morrill on Dewberry Road over Pony Creek in the amount of $299,276.

The bid was among four received.

Construction of the new 90 by 26-foot bridge is tentatively scheduled to start April 29, 2019.

(KAIR)--Atchison County Attorney Jerry Kuckelman is set to begin his new role as District Judge, possibly by the end of October.

According to information obtained from Kuckelman's office, the official notification of his appointment to serve the 1st District Court of Kansas has been received from the office of Governor Jeff Colyer. Now, Kuckelman awaits the necessary documents from the Secretary of State's Office to finalize the appointment.

Once those are received, Kuckelman will resign as Atchison County Attorney and begin serving as 1st District Judge, which could happen as early as October 29.

The appointment fills a vacancy created by the June retirement of Judge Gunnar Sundby.

According to Atchison County Counselor Patrick Henderson, an interim Atchison County Attorney will be appointed by 1st District Judges Martin Asher and Robert Bednar upon Kuckelman's formal resignation.

The Atchison County Republican Central Committee will later hold a convention to nominate someone to serve the remainder of Kuckelman's term, with the nominee to then be appointed by Colyer.

The Kansas 1st Judicial District is comprised of Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.

Kuckelman was chosen through a process overseen by the 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission, and was selected from among three other finalists for the position.

(KLZA)--The Otoe County Attorney's Office is expected to file formal charges against a 54-year-old man suspected in a hit-and-run crash Sunday night in Otoe County that killed a 32-year-old Auburn woman and her 15-year-old step-daughter.

A sport utility vehicle and a pickup in which the victims were riding collided on U.S. Highway 75 near Nebraska City. Killed in the wreck were 32-year old Rachel Curry and 15-year-old Chloe Curry. Chloe Curry was a student at Johnson County Central school in Tecumseh.

The driver of the pickup, 39-year-old Michael Curry, was taken to the St. Mary's Hospital in Nebraska City.

The alleged driver of the sport utility vehicle was Rickie E. Anthony of Douglas County, Nebraska who had been living temporarily in Falls City. According to a report from the Otoe County Sheriff's Office, Anthony received a ride from the scene of the crash to Falls City. He was located about 11:00 Sunday night in Falls City.

The SUV involved in the collision was registered to Armbruster Motor Company of Falls City, and had been loaned to a female acquaintance of Anthony's. When contacted Sunday night by law enforcement, the woman informed investigators that Anthony was driving the SUV from Falls City to Omaha Sunday evening to visit family.

It is believed the northbound SUV crossed the center line of Highway 75, continued across the southbound lane of traffic and onto the southbound shoulder of the highway. The Curry pickup is believed to have taken evasive action moving across the center line and into the northbound lane of traffic. The two vehicles collided near the center of the roadway as the SUV swerved back toward the northbound lane causing excessive damage to the passenger sides of both vehicles.

Anthony was booked into the Otoe County Jail Monday afternoon on felony charges of leaving the scene of a fatality crash; two counts of motor vehicle homicide involving reckless or willful reckless driving and a misdemeanor count of willful reckless driving.

Anthony is expected to be arraigned in Otoe County Court Friday.

(KLZA)--Two people were killed in a two-vehicle wreck Sunday night near Nebraska City in southeast Nebraska.
 
According to the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office, 32-year-old Rachel Curry, of Auburn, died at the scene of the crash on U.S. 75 Highway in Otoe County, and 15-year-old Chloe Curry was pronounced dead at a hospital later that night.

Chloe was a student at Johnson County Central. The driver of the Chevy truck they were riding in, 39-year-old Michael Curry, of Auburn, was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City.

The driver of the second vehicle, a sport utility vehicle, was later found in Falls City.  

He was taken into custody after being treated for injuries and booked into the Otoe County Jail.

His name has not been released.   

The crash remains under investigation.

(KNZA)--The woman accused of failing to appear in court in connection with a fatal 2017 Jackson County traffic crash that killed three members of a Sabetha family is back in custody.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said Maria Perez-Marquez was captured in Nebraska early Tuesday morning by U.S. Marshals.

The 49-year-old Omaha resident was scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on the morning of October 11 in Jackson County District Court, facing three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery and reckless driving.

Morse said she failed to appear and a search was launched for her whereabouts, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals requested at that time.

Following her arrest on a no bond warrant related to her failure to appear, Perez-Marquez was transported to the Doudglas County Jail in Omaha and awaits an extradition hearing to be returned to Kansas.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Perez-Marquez was driving a southbound sport utility vehicle on U.S. 75 on the night of November 25, 2017, when she attempted to pass another vehicle, which led to the fatal crash.

42-year-old Carmen Ukele, her 11-year-old daughter, Marlee, and her 62-year-old brother-in-law, Stephen, were returning home from Hutchinson after watching the Sabetha High School football team capture the state 3A championship.

Carmen's husband, Lee, was seriously injured in the crash, and, according to a family friend, remains hospitalized at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, in Omaha.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman, accused of impeding a 2013 Brown County child murder investigation, has pleaded no contest to a felony charge.

34-year-old Janelle Hall, also known as Janelle King, entered the plea Monday in Brown County District Court to a charge of interference with law enforcement.

Sentencing was set for November 26.

The charge stems from the investigation into the beating death of 4-year-old Mekhi Boone in March 2013.

According to the criminal complaint, Hall is alleged to have provided false information concerning the whereabouts of Janice Summerford.

Summerford was the live-in girlfriend of the child’s father, Lee Davis IV.

Davis was sentenced in June 2013 to nearly 20 years in prison on charges of second-degree murder and felony child abuse.

Summerford was sentenced in September 2014 to a total of 124 months in prison on charges of second-degree murder, felony child abuse and interference with a law enforcement officer.     

(KNZA)--The Brown County Courthouse elevator will be repaired following a fire last week.

The Brown County Commission Monday accepted a proposal from MEI Total Elevator Solutions, of Kansas City, for the repair, which will include a complete hydraulic pump unit upgrade at a cost of $18,407.

The repair work is to done in late November.  The elevator will remain out of service until that time.

The company said they would expedite the repair work at a additional cost of nearly $5,200, but couldn’t guarantee that it would be done before the November 6 election.

County Clerk Melissa Gormley says the county’s insurance carrier estimated damage from last Wednesday's fire at $20,000.   

No one was on the elevator at  time of the fire.  

The elevator, which is 38 years old, was just inspected last month.

Due to the elevator being down, advance voting for the November 6 election has been moved to the Commissioners room on the first floor of the courthouse.

The October 31 and November 5 Commissioner's meetings will be held in the 1st floor lobby.

If you are unable to use the courthouse stairs, county officials say you tell the security guard and he will contact the appropriate office and they will be glad to come to you.

(KLZA)-- Ground is expected to be broken soon on a $3-million Southeast Community College Learning Center in Falls City .

Falls City Economic and Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Beckie Cromer called the project a culmination of a lot of work between Southeast Community College and Falls City EDGE representatives.  She said the community will have a beautiful facility available for the training of our workforce.

On October 16, the  SCC Board of Governors met in Falls City and approved a contract with AHRS Construction of Bern, Kansas to construct the 9,750 square foot facility.  Project Manager Matt Holthaus and Eric Stallbaumer say depending on weather conditions, the new Learning Center should be ready for the start of classes at either the first or second semester of the 2019-20 school year. 

The facility will be located north of the Falls City Aquatic Center and will face  south. 

The Falls City Learning Center will be designed to serve a 15 county area.  Rick Blessen, recently hired as Director of College Advancement will work to develop partnerships with area businesses and industries to develop programs that include workforce training for their specific companies.   

Workforce training in skills such as welding and electrical licensing, healthcare training of nursing professionals, dual high school and SCC credit programs in Falls City, Auburn, HTRS and Pawnee City High Schools will continue to be provided.  

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County, Nebraska Commission has approved a contract for the construction of a two-story addition to the county law enforcement center.. 

The contract with AHRS Construction of Bern, Kansas is for nearly $1.55 million.

Brent Lottman provided a copy of the contract to the County Attorney for review and approval. 

Commissioners voted last week to authorize the Commission Chairman  to sign the contract,  provided the County  Attorney approves the contract.  

Ernie, the Atchison County Sheriff's K9, poses with evidence seized Saturday/Credit: Atchison County Sheriff's Office

(KAIR)--A substantial amount of methamphetamine is seized, and three arrests made, as part of what Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie calls an ongoing investigation.

Laurie told MSC News a traffic stop was made Saturday, and that led to the arrests of 27-year-old Jacob Clem, of Huron, 36-year-old Tommy White, and 20-year-old Hunter Brown, both of Atchison. “Deputies had some information on Mr. Clem,” Laurie said. “They were able to perform a traffic stop on him, in the 100 block of North 4th Street.”

Jacob Clem, Tommy White, and Hunter Brown/Credit: Atchison Co Sheriff's Office

During the stop, it's alleged that methamphetamine was found in the vehicle, located through the assistance of the department's K9, Ernie. “The K9 unit was there and assisted in indicating narcotics were present. We were able to use that and get in the vehicle to search for the narcotics.”

According to Laurie, more than a quarter-pound of meth was seized. “It's a good quantity, and there's been a few investigations that we've conducted over the last year or so, year and a-half, that we've had quantities of that nature. It is in this community, unfortunately, [but] this quantity got taken off the streets on Saturday.”

Along with the suspected drugs, Laurie said weapons were also located in the vehicle. “There were multiple firearms,” he said.

Clem and White were arrested on charges for distribution of more than 100 grams of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, while Brown was taken into custody for distribution of more than 100 grams of Methamphetamine .

Following their arrests, the three were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Clem is held on a bond of $50,000, while White's bond is set at $15,000.

Brown is currently free on a $15,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- Ground is expected to be broken soon on a $3-million Southeast Community College Learning Center in Falls City .

Falls City Economic and Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Beckie Cromer called the project a culmination of a lot of work between Southeast Community College and Falls City EDGE representatives.  She said the community will have a beautiful facility available for the training of our workforce.

On October 16, the  SCC Board of Governors met in Falls City and approved a contract with AHRS Construction of Bern, Kansas to construct the 9,750 square foot facility.  Project Manager Matt Holthaus and Eric Stallbaumer say depending on weather conditions, the new Learning Center should be ready for the start of classes at either the first or second semester of the 2019-20 school year. 

The facility will be located north of the Falls City Aquatic Center and will face  south. 

The Falls City Learning Center will be designed to serve a 15 county area.  Rick Blessen, recently hired as Director of College Advancement will work to develop partnerships with area businesses and industries to develop programs that include workforce training for their specific companies.   

Workforce training in skills such as welding and electrical licensing, healthcare training of nursing professionals, dual high school and SCC credit programs in Falls City, Auburn, HTRS and Pawnee City High Schools will continue to be provided.  

(KAIR)--As the November 6 general election approaches, the Atchison County Clerks' Office plans to allow for advance voting.

County Clerk Michelle Phillips told MSC News the extended hours begin Monday, October 22 in her office, while remote locations for advance voting are also to be held.

Beginning Monday, at the Atchison County Courthouse, advance voting will be open from 8:30 until 5:00.

On Thursday, October 25, ballots can be cast from 8:30 until 7:00, while on Friday, October 26 advance voting will take place from 10 until 2:00.

Additional advance voting dates are set for Saturday, October 27 from 10:00 until 2:00, Monday, October 29 from 8:30 to 5:00, and Monday, November 5 from 8:30 until 12 noon.

Remote advance voting locations will be open Wednesday, October 24.

The first is planned at Lancaster City Hall from 9:30 until 11:30, and then at the Cummings Christian Church from 1:00 until 3:00.

On Friday, October 26, ballots for advanced voting can be cast at the Effingham Municipal Building from 9:30 until 11:30, and then at the Arrington Community Building from 1:00 until 3:00.

Although voters November 6 will determine a number of state and national races, their is only one major contested race in Atchison County.

Voters will decide the next 1st District Atchison County Commissioner, as Republican Jack Bower and Democrat Charlie Perdue vie for the seat.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is “investigating allegations against an employee of the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office.”

That's confirmed in an email sent to MSC News by KBI Communications Director Melissa Underwood.

The email was in response to questions posed by MSC News regarding a reported investigation into Doniphan County Sheriff's Deputy Raymond Hall.

The email doesn't specifically name Hall as the focus of the probe, but says the investigation was initiated June 30, 2017, and is ongoing.

It states that further details will be provided if the investigation results in an arrest or charges.

According to the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office, Hall has been on paid leave since July 8, 2017.

Hall has been a deputy since September, 2013.

The Kansas Chief reported earlier this month that Doniphan County Sheriff Chad Clary confirmed in August that he was advised by the county's insurance company to pay Hall until the completion of the investigation.

Hall has received more than $40,000 since the time he was placed on leave.

The specifics of what led to the investigation remain unspecified.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Powerball jackpot will top $620 million this week because no one won Saturday's drawing, but that may seem relatively small compared to the $1.6 billion Mega Millions drawing expected on Tuesday.

Both lottery jackpots will approach new heights this week. The Mega Millions jackpot will likely set a new record, and the Powerball jackpot will be the third largest ever for that game on Wednesday.

The second-largest jackpot was a $1.586 billion Powerball drawing on Jan. 13, 2016.

The Mega Millions jackpot has been growing since July, when a group of 11 California office workers won $543 million.

It costs $2 to play either game.

The odds of winning Mega Millions are about one in 302 million. The Powerball odds are slightly better at one in 292.2 million.

(KAIR)--Atchison Riverfront work is authorized, with the Atchison City Commission Tuesday approving the planned fix-up during a special meeting.

The work will include reconstruction of the splash pad children's water attraction, along with the replacement of various sections of concrete sidewalk.

Replacement of the in-ground flag lights is also included, along with restroom partition repairs.

Public Works Director Clinton McNemee told the Commission Tuesday that also included will be a makeover for the kiosk and overlook, including the replacement of the railing left damaged by vandalism. “Someone ripped it out of the poles and threw it over the bank, into the river,” McNemee said. “We recovered half of it, but I don't know if it's even in good enough shape to fix.”

Both Atchison based Bottorff Construction and Hundley Construction were selected thorough a bid process to do the work, with each company handling a particular portion of the upgrade.

The city will be reimbursed the near $46,000 price tag by the Riverfront Foundation.

McNemee says it's hoped that the bulk of the work will be complete within the next several weeks. However, due to a late start, contractor schedules, and weather, completion may have to wait until spring.

(KNZA)--The dedication of Peuker Plaza at Highland Community College is set for Saturday, October 27.

The Plaza, located on the west side of the Highland campus across from the Walters Wellness Center, was built in memory of long time Highland resident Myrtle Peuker.

Peuker purchased a home on the site in 1960, maintaining that as her residence for the next 35 years.

Her daughter, Janet Peuker Spangler, says her family decided ,after her mother died, that the best way to honor her was by creating a place where people could pause and enjoy nature much like her mother did.  

Highland Community College President David Reist says the college was privileged to help the family find a way to honor the memory of Mrs. Peuker.  He added the plaza will serve students and the community of Highland for generations as a place to gather and reflect.

The public is invited to join the college and community for the dedication on October 27 at 11:00 in the morning, prior to the homecoming football game with Dodge City Community College at 1:00 that afternoon.

(KNZA)--The investigation into a fatal job site accident in Holton Wednesday afternoon is in the hands of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

That word comes from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse in an email sent in response to ongoing questions posed by regional media.

The accident, which occurred when a T-Rex Forklift rolled over, killed 66-year-old John Zibell, Sr. and left 29-year-old Zachary Estrada critically injured, including the amputation of his arm.

Both Holton residents were at work on the roof of a three story home, at 522 Iowa Avenue, in Holton, when they fell 30 feet to the ground below. “The terrain there was pretty unlevel, and sloped,” Morse told MSC News hours after the accident.

In his later email, Morse added that the ground beneath the forklift was soft from recent moisture.

No additional details are being released by OSHA in the early stage of the investigation.

A spokesman for the agency told MSC News law allows up to 6-months for the completion of an investigation.

Zibell owned and operated Zibell Construction, and is remembered in his obituary from the Mercer Funeral Home, in Holton, as “a master carpenter of rough carpentry.”

Among his survivors are his wife, Stacy, two sons, and a daughter.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be Thursday morning at 11:00 at the Evangel United Methodist Church, in Holton.

There's no immediate word on Estrada's condition, but it's known that he was flown by Helicopter for treatment at an area hospital following the deadly accident.

(KAIR)--A Jefferson County man who owned a medical staffing company pleaded guilty Thursday to failing to pay payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

That word comes in a news release issued by the office of U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

According to the release, 61-year-old David Monhollon pleaded guilty to one count of failing to pay payroll taxes owed by First Call Medical Group, LLC.

In the plea, the Ozawkie resident admitted to having failed to pay more than $68,000 for seven quarters of the company’s payroll taxes. He admitted to knowing the taxes were due, but paid other obligations, including payroll, utilities, and telephone bills, instead,.

The company provided medical staffing services to health care providers.

Monhollon will be sentenced at a later date.

He faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.

 TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - President Donald Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for eight Kansas counties hit by storms last month---including Marshall.
 
The declaration issued Friday orders federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts for areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding from Sept. 1 to Sept. 8.

Besides Marshall, other counties named in the declaration are Barber, Clay, Kingman, Kiowa,  Pratt, Rice, and Riley.
 
Under the declaration, municipalities and some nonprofits can apply for public assistance funds for emergency work and to repair or replace storm-damaged facilities.

(KMZA)--A Sabetha man accused of sex crimes involving a 15-year-old child will stand trial.

20-year-old Gage Gresham was bound over to Nemaha County District Court Wednesday after waiving his preliminary hearing.

Arraignment was scheduled for November 1.

Gresham faces felony counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, criminal sodomy and indecent liberties with a child.

He was arrested in May following an investigation by the Sabetha Police Department.

Gresham was found competent to stand trail earlier this month following an evaluation by KANZA Mental Health.  That came after his attorney filed a motion for the mental evaluation.

Gresham remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $200,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City woman sought in connection with a September explosion that caused damage to a Falls business is in custody.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office reports 38-year-old April M. Feighner was arrested Thursday in Rulo on a felony warrant. In addition, she was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

Feighner faces charges of use of explosive to commit a felony and second degree arson.

The charges stem from a September 18 blast at the Spirit Shoppe, located at 1123 Harlan Street in Falls City.

A Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office investigator stated that an explosive device was used to cause the damage, with his statement outlined in an affidavit filed in Richardson County Court.

Feighner was booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KNZA)--The maintenance supervisor for the Doniphan County community of Troy has been charged with the alleged theft of city property.

36-year-old Dustin Ferris has been charged in Doniphan County District Court with felony theft, felony theft by deception and misdemeanor criminal deprivation of property.

The Kansas Chief reports Ferris was arrested October 9 following an investigation by Elwood Police Chief Larry Hunsaker.

He has been a city employee since October 2014.

According to the criminal complaint, Ferris is accused of the theft of city maintenance property—including lumber, street maintenance products,  building repair items, electrical items, lawn tools and ceiling fans.  He is also accused of exerting unauthorized control over other city property—including trail cameras, a lawn blower and structural guttering.

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for November 13.

Ferris is currently free on a $50,000 own recognizance bond.

(KNZA)--The maintenance supervisor for the Doniphan County community of Troy has been charged with the alleged theft of city property.

36-year-old Dustin Ferris has been charged in Doniphan County District Court with felony theft, felony theft by deception and misdemeanor criminal deprivation of property.

The Kansas Chief reports Ferris was arrested October 9 following an investigation by Elwood Police Chief Larry Hunsaker.

He has been a city employee since October 2014.

According to the criminal complaint, Ferris is accused of the theft of city maintenance property—including lumber, street maintenance products,  building repair items, electrical items, lawn tools and ceiling fans.  He is also accused of exerting unauthorized control over other city property—including trail cameras, a lawn blower and structural guttering.

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for November 13.

Ferris is currently free on a $50,000 own recognizance bond.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff is warning residents to be wary of door-to-door paving contractors.

Sheriff John Merchant says residents in the northern part of the county have informed him that they’ve been approached by two men wanting to pave/asphalt their driveways.  The men are driving a dark colored 4-door pickup truck.

Residents are told that they need a $500 cash deposit to buy material
and to schedule the work.  They  promise to have a crew on  site within
the next few weeks, weather permitting.  When asked for a card or company
information, the residents were told they did not have the information with them but would bring it back at a later date and a contract would be mailed with all the details.  

Merchant said there is limited information as to license plate but it appeared to be out of state.

Merchant is reminding residents to make sure they are dealing with credible contractors when hiring a job done.  He said they should be able to provide you identification, references and information about their company upon request.   

Merchant says if your approached by these two men, contact your local law enforcement at once.

(KNZA)--Advance voting for the November 6 general election has begun in Nemaha County and is to begin Monday, October 22 in Brown County.

Registered voters can vote an advance ballot in their county clerk’s office during regular business hours until noon, November 5.

You can also request  to have an application for an advance ballot sent to you.  The last day ballots may be mailed out is Tuesday, October 30.

All ballots must be post-marked on or before Election Day and received no later than three days after the election.

Any mailed advance ballot may be hand-delivered to the county election office or any polling place within the county by close of the polls on Election Day.

Your reminded that a photo ID is required to vote.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk at 110 mph on the wrong side of a northwest Missouri highway before a head-on crash that injured two people.  
 
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the crash happened Wednesday evening on Interstate 29 about six miles north of St. Joseph in Andrew County.

The Patrol says the wrong-way driver, 52-year-old Roger Moe, was not hurt.  However, the driver of the SUV he hit, 21-year-old Wentzville, Missouri resident Corey Brueggeman, suffered minor injuries and his passenger, 22-year-old Maryville, Missouri resident Austin Cross, was flown to a St. Joseph hospital with serious injuries.  Cross was later flown to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.

The St. Joseph News Press reports Moe was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, second-degree assault, driving on the wrong side of the road and driving 110 mph in a 70 mph zone.
     

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) —  An attorney for one of two maintenance workers acquitted in the waterslide death of a 10-year-old Kansas boy says the prosecution was a mess and an overreach by the attorney general.

David Hughes and John Zalsman were found not guilty Thursday of obstruction of justice in connection to the August 2016 death of Caleb Schwab.

The boy died after hitting a metal pole while on the 17-story Verruckt waterslide at the Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City, Kansas.

Zalsman's attorney called the prosecution "sloppy" and accused the attorney general of overreaching in an attempt to push innocent men to turn on employees higher up in the company.

The attorney general's office did not respond to a message seeking comment.

Hughes and Zalsman were the first workers to go on trial. The park's co-owner and the ride's designer have pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges. Their trials have not been scheduled.

(KLZA)-- A man was arrested after he was allegedly caught burglarizing a Richardson County residence Wednesday. 

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office says 20-year-old Bryant Jorn was arrested  for burglary, trespassing and flight to avoid arrest.  

When Sheriff's Office personnel arrived on the scene, Jorn allegedly led them on a high-speed pursuit on gravel roads that concluded with his arrest.  

Jorn, who did not list a place of residence, was booked into the Richardson County Jail. 

(KAIR)--An area food pantry is gifted thousands of dollars, courtesy of a local electric cooperative and its primary lender.

According to a news release issued by FreeState Electric Cooperative, more than $10,000 was recently gifted to God's Storehouse, in Meriden.

The $5,000 raised by the cooperative's 81 employees and 11 trustees was matched by primary lender, CoBank.

The funds were generated as part of the annual employee donation drive held to assist local nonprofit organizations.

It was made possible through CoBank's “Sharing Success” program, which matches employee donations dollar-for-dollar.

Monetary and food donations are how the pantry operates, with the assistance from the fundraising effort not only purchasing items for those in need, but also being used to help build a road to access the facility.

God's Storehouse treasurer, Beverly Henry, in the release, says the property near the pantry was sold, meaning a lack of access to the road on that property. She said the funding will help build a needed road, allow for the purchase of food, and provide for the pantry's Christmas family adoption.

FreeState's trustees selected God's Storehouse through an application process, with the board determining in June that the food pantry should be the recipient. Through the summer months, trustees challenged employees to donate to the cause.

The release notes that last year, the pantry served more than 2,000 adults and more than 3,000 children.

FreeState Electrical Cooperative, which has participated in the Sharing Success program for the past seven years, is the largest rural electric cooperative in eastern Kansas, and the fifth largest rural electric cooperative in the state.

(KAIR)--Formal charges are filed in connection with an area shooting that left a man dead.

22-year-old Saint Joseph, Missouri resident Brandon Cox is charged with second degree murder for the shooting death of 28-year-old Clifford York.

York's body was discovered in the backyard of a Saint Joseph home, located at 921 North 13th Street, on October 10.

KQ2-TV, citing court documents, reports that Cox was living at the home when someone knocked on his bedroom window. A verbal dispute followed, with Cox grabbing a handgun from under his bed, and firing it through the window.

Cox allegedly left before police arrived.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha sales tax street improvements project is set to begin late this month.

The Hiawatha City Commission this week approved a notice for the contractor, AHRS Construction of Bern, to proceed, starting October 29.

City Administrator Mike Nichols says that will allow the company to start moving in materials but actually construction will not begin until after the Annual Halloween Frolic on Wednesday, October 31.

A milestone of May 31, 2019 has been set for completion of the 400 and 500 blocks of Utah and a portion of 5th Street.

The entire project is to be substantially completed by July 1, 2021.  However, Nichols says the contractor’s goal is to be have the project completed by the late summer of 2020.

Improvements are planned to portions of various city streets---including new concrete pavement along with curbs and gutters.

The nearly $5.5 million project is being funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2016.

(KLZA)--Omaha Public Power District reports about 125 of their customers received calls from scammers on Wednesday.

The con is nothing new, it targets utility customers across the country, especially following large outage events like OPPD experienced Sunday. Callers try to capitalize while customers feel vulnerable.

“Spoofing' Technology is often utilized to the caller identification appears to show a legitimate OPPD phone number. Callers pretend to be OPPD employees, demanding payment from customers on bills they claim are overdue. The caller will attempt to get their targets to give them credit care, debit or checking account information over the phone to make a payment.

OPPD stresses that none of the people demanding payments or financial information work for the utility.

OPPD reminds everyone to NEVER give personal or financial information to a stranger during an unsolicited phone call.

If such a person appears unannounced at your door, claiming to work for the utility, DO NOT allow them inside. Always ask for identification or verification.

Finally, NEVER turn off security systems for any reason if a stranger asks.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man is dead, and a Leavenworth woman injured, after their two vehicles collided head-on late Wednesday night in Atchison County.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie identifies the man killed in the crash as 38-year-old Nickolas Cosgrove.

He was the driver of an SUV, northbound on U.S. Highway 73, a quarter-mile south of 258th Road, that crossed the center line.

Cosgrove smashed head-on into a southbound SUV driven by 62-year-old Rebecca Cothern, and she was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, for the treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Cosgrove was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation is continuing.

The fatal crash was reported around 11:40 Wednesday night.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Kris Kobach promised Wednesday to push for tougher work requirements for welfare and state health coverage recipients in Kansas, building on existing policies that have populist appeal but draw criticism as punitive toward the poor.

Kobach outlined a plan to increase work requirements for able-bodied adults receiving food stamps and cash assistance. It would impose a work requirement — and drug testing — for the state's Medicaid program, which provides health coverage to the needy.

The GOP-controlled Legislature enacted work requirements and tougher rules for food stamps and cash assistance in 2015 and 2016 at former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback's urging. Like him, Kobach argues that such requirements encourage people to work and increase the number moving from government assistance to employment.

Kobach is challenged in his run for Kansas Governor by Democrat Laura Kelly, Independent Greg Orman, and Libertarian Jeff Caldwell. 

Among Kobach's campaign stops Wednesday was an early afternoon visit to Atchison. 

(MSC News)--A 30-foot fall left a Holton man dead Wednesday afternoon following a Jackson County work site accident.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse identified the victim as 66-year-old John Zibell. Morse told MSC News a second man, 29-year-old Holton resident Zachary Estrada, suffered life-threatening injuries, including the loss of one arm, after the heavy equipment being used to conduct work on the 3-story Holton home rolled over. “There were two men that were actually on a large, rough terrain forklift, it's called a T-Rex. This piece of equipment was about 30-foot tall, and had a large, platform basket on the end of it. The two men were working on the roof of this 3-story residence when the forklift overturned, and fell to the ground.”

Morse called the situation at 522 Iowa Avenue “a horrific scene,” and told MSC News the investigation into what led to the accident is continuing. “The terrain there is pretty unlevel, and sloped. I'm not sure the exact cause of the rollover, but they did fall from approximately 30-feet.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is continuing to investigate.

Both victims were initially transported by Jackson County EMS to the Holton Community Hospital.

Estrada was flown by helicopter for further treatment at an area hospital.

Morse said the two men were working on behalf of a small, independent company.

Joining the Sheriff's Office in responding to the scene of the fatal accident around 2:00 Wednesday afternoon were the Holton Fire and Police Departments, Jackson County EMS, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

(KNZA)--There continues to be issues with the heating and cooling system at the Brown County Jail.

Sheriff John Merchant told the Brown County Commission this week they’ve had issues with the HVAC system since it was installed when the jail was built eight years ago.

Merchant, during the meeting, shared with the Commission a letter he had received from a local vendor that has worked on the system expressing their concerns about the installed equipment. "There are some controllers that operate the units and they are becoming obsolete," Merchant said.  "They are going to be working on them as long as they can but suggested we look into getting the heating and air conditioning units at the Sheriff’s Office replaced.”   

Merchant said the vendor theorizes why failures are happening despite the age of the system. “When a new building is constructed, a lot of times contractors put things out for bid. So they will try to find the most inexpensive units they can, and said its possible these units might have been sitting in the warehouse for 4-5 years. They were new when they were installed, however, they might had some age on them when the installation was taken care of.”

Merchant told commissioners he would like to bring in a couple of mechanical engineers to evaluate the system and make a recommendation.
 
Commissioner’s suggested Merchant send out a letter of intent to bid out the project to local HVAC contractors.

(KMZA)--A former longtime Seneca mayor and council member is being remembered.

Robert “ Bob” Claas died suddenly at his home Monday at the age of 70.

Claas served the city of Seneca for 24 years as mayor and council member.

He served as mayor from April 1985 to April 1991 and then again from April 1999 to November 2000.  

He also served as 2nd Ward councilman from April 1995 to April 1999 and then again from April 2009 to April 2013.

Mass of Christian Burial for Claas will be Friday morning at 11:00 at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, in Seneca.

The Lauer Funeral Home, in Seneca, is handling the arrangements.

Claas is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia, along with five sons.   

(KNZA)--A jury trial have been set for a Mayetta man accused of shooting a family member in August.

Following the conclusion of his preliminary hearing last week, The Holton Recorder reports a trial for 40-year-old Alva McKinney was set, beginning February 4, 2019.

McKinney was arrested August 1 on a charge of aggravated battery after allegedly shooting a male relative in the head at a residence north of Mayetta.

The 59-year-old victim was transported to a Topeka hospital for treatment of the gunshot wound.

McKinney remains in the Jackson County Jail, held on a $50,000 bond.
    

(KLZA)--Falls City School Board members have approved the early pay-off and redemption of the school district's 10-year limited tax obligation bonds which supported the HVAC improvement project at the Middle School in 2008.

The action was taken during the October 8th Board meeting.  

In other business, an update from Parent-Child Center Director Stacey Vitosh was presented. She noted enrollment has more than doubled in the past year and currently serves approximately 66 children ages 3 and 4.  

The program supports five preschool sections with not more than 13students in each classroom section per day.  Morning, afternoon and all-day services are offered.   

Four certified teachers, specially trained in early childhood instructional strategies make up the instructional staff.  The Early Childhood program is also suported through early intervention specialists in speech and language, health, vision and hearing.

The Falls City Parent-Child  Center continues the reputation of one of the states first school-based early childhood program and serves as a successful model locally, regionally and across Nebraska. 

(KNZA)--The new Hiawatha water treatment plant is on line, providing drinking water that is low in nitrates.

Water Superintendent Brad Scott informed the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening that the plant was brought on-line October 5 and is fully operational.  He said the plant is operating well.

Scott said a test of water samples taken September 19, before the new plant went into operation, exceeded the state and federal maximum contaminant level allowed for nitrates in drinking water.  As a result, the city had to issue a public notice Friday of the violation. ( a copy of the notice is posted below)

Groundbreaking for the new $3.5 million ion exchange plant, north of Hiawatha along U.S. 73 Highway, was held in late August 2017.

The plant was constructed to address the ongoing problem of high nitrate levels in the city's water supply.  

The project also included additional distribution lines to provide less interruptions in service.

AHRS Construction, of Bern, served as the general contractor on the project.

The project was financed through a low-interest loan through USDA Rural Development, which is to be paid back over a 40-year period.   

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

Drinking Water Warning---Public notice issued by city of Hiawatha

City of Hiawatha water system had high levels of nitrate

On September 19, 2018 water samples were taken to test the nitrate level. At that time, THE CITY OF HIAWATHA exceeded the state and federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed for nitrate (as N) in drinking water.  Concentrations of 11.0 milligrams per liter (mg/l) were found in a samples collected.  Nitrate levels above 10 mg/l is considered to be an acute MCL violation.

On October 5, 2018 the City’s new water treatment plant began providing treated drinking water with nitrate levels below the state and federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed for nitrate (as N) in drinking water.

When nitrate levels in drinking water exceed state and federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed:

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

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

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

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

Source of Nitrate

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

Corrective Action

The City of Hiawatha has worked in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and USDA Rural Development to bring the nitrate levels to an acceptable level. As mentioned above, the treatment plant is on-line and providing drinking water with nitrate levels below the state and federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) allowed for nitrate (as N) in drinking water.

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

This notice is being sent to you by City of Hiawatha, State Water System ID# KS 8500.

Distributed on October 12, 2018.

(KNZA)-A minor fire at the Brown County Courthouse caused no injuries and little damage, but left the building closed Tuesday afternoon.

According to Hiawatha Fire Department Public Information Officer Jordanne Shockley, firefighters responded to the courthouse, in Hiawatha, shortly after 2:00.

The initial investigation indicates that the fire, which was quickly located, was confined to the motor of the courthouse elevator.

The full investigation is continuing.

Assisting at the scene were the Robinson Fire Department, Brown County Rescue Squad 48, Town & Country EMS, the Hiawatha Police Department and the Brown County Sheriffs Department.

The courthouse was to re-open Wednesday morning.

(KAIR)--A Doniphan County Sheriff's Deputy remains on paid leave pending the outcome of an unspecified investigation.

The current status of Deputy Raymond Hall is revealed through an open records request filed by MSC News.

Doniphan County Sheriff Chad Clary, responding to the request in an email, reveals that Hall remains on paid leave.

He has been a deputy with the Doniphan County agency since September, 2013.

The Kansas Chief, earlier this month, reported on Hall's status.

Citing verification provided by the Doniphan County Clerk/Payroll office, the newspaper reported Hall has received more than $40,000 since being placed on leave.

Hall was placed on leave July 8, 2017. 

According to the Kansas Chief's report, Clary, in August, confirmed that he was advised by the county's insurance company to pay Hall until the completion of the investigation.

It's not immediately know who is conducting the investigation.

MSC News has sent an email to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation inquiring if that agency is involved in the probe. An answer has not yet been received.

(KNZA)--A Doniphan County senior citizen center will close next month.

The Doniphan County Commission voted unanimously Monday to close the Elwood Leisure Hour Center, effective November 16.

Home delivered meals will continue in the community.

The action came after the Commission voted to accept the resignation of  Elwood Leisure Hour Center director Nancy Drake following an executive session.      

In other business, during the meeting lasting less than 30 minutes, the Commission voted to enter into an agreement with the engineering firm Schwab-Eaton for the inspection of fracture critical bridges in the county and the interim bridge inspection.

The firm will charge a fee not to exceed $3,000 for inspection of the fracture critical bridges and $4,600 for the interim bridge inspection of 21 structures.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Health officials say Kansas has recorded its first flu deaths of the season.
 
The Wichita Eagle reports that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment says two deaths in the state have already been directly attributed to influenza as of Monday. Pneumonia has been the direct cause of death in another 38 deaths, and the flu or pneumonia has been contributing factors in an additional 132 deaths.
 
In last week's KDHE flu report for Kansas, there were 101 outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses. The newborn to 4 years old age group had 29 reported cases for the first week of the flu season.
 
Flu shots are generally recommended for anyone age 6 months and older. Flu symptoms include a fever, body aches, chills, tiredness, cough and headache.
    

(KNZA)--Federal funding has been approved for a bridge replacement project on the Brown-Nemaha County line about four miles northeast of Wetmore.

The Brown County Commission Monday signed the paperwork for acceptance of the funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Off-System Bridge Program for federal Fiscal Year 2020 for a project on Acorn Road over Muddy Creek.

Federal funding through the program will pay for 80 percent of the construction cost.

Brown and Nemaha Counties will split the remaining 20 percent along with engineering costs.

The Commission also signed an agreement with the engineering firm B-G Consultants, of Manhattan, to do the surveying work for the project.

A bid letting date for the project has not been set yet.

Photo credit: Atchison Police Department

(KAIR)--A Monday afternoon vehicle fire, in Atchison, sent a man to the hospital. 

Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf told MSC News it happened at 4th Street and U.S. Highway 59, around 2:00, where a pickup truck was reported to be on fire with the driver still inside.

Atchison Police arrived first, and helped the driver out of the vehicle.

When firefighters arrived, Graf said they found the rear passenger side tire burning, and quickly extinguished it.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson identified the driver as 65-year-old Atchison resident Eugene Price.

Although Price was transported to the Atchison Hospital by Atchison County EMS for evaluation, Wilson said he did not suffer injuries due to the fire.

According to Graf, the preliminary investigation indicates the fire began due to the truck being driven on three flat tires, with friction of the rims on the roadway the likely cause.

Wilson said the investigation is continuing, but it's known the vehicle had just crossed the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge, entering into Atchison from Missouri, when the fire was reported.

Assisting at the scene were the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Atchison County Sheriff's Office.

A portion of the brick facade of a downtown Seneca building at 5th and Main Streets crumbled over the weekend/Photo credit: Bob Wolfgang.

(KMZA)--A portion of the brick facade of a downtown Seneca building crumbled over the weekend.

Seneca City Superintendent Brian Ruske told MSC News he noticed a couple of weeks ago that the bricks were bulging out from the wall on the east side of the building located at the corner of 5th and Main Streets, and came down Friday night.

Ruske said the city used a skid loader to move the bricks out of the street, which was blocked off for safety reasons.

He said the building owners, Brian and Sharon Deters of Axtell, actually had a crew in the middle of last week to do some bracing on the interior of the building.   

The front portion of the building is unoccupied and the back portion of the building contains the Little Steps Dance Studio.

The Deters plan to repair the building.  
 

(MSC News )--Mating season and the quest for more secure habitat have deer on the move this time of year, increasing the chances of vehicle collisions.

Typically, the greatest number of deer-vehicle crashes are in mid-November when the rut, or mating season, peaks. In addition to the rut, deer are also on the move in mid-fall seeking new food sources and shelter as crops are harvested and leaves fall from trees and shrubs, leaving them less secure than in their summer habitats.

“The deer population has stabilized over the last six years, so areas that have had deer likely still have them,” said Levi Jaster, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Big Game Coordinator.  “This time of year, young animals are dispersing to find new places to live and breeding season is approaching. More animals on the move means more of them will be crossing roads, so be extra cautious in areas with good deer habitat."

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, 10,226 (17 percent) of the 58,834 vehicle crashes reported in 2017 were deer-related (crashes in which a deer and vehicle actually collided or the presence of a deer was a contributing circumstance). Crashes involving deer occur in every part of the state throughout the year. In 2017, Butler County had 438 vehicle-deer crashes, the most of any county, while Sedgwick County followed with 385 vehicle-deer crashes.

“In addition to potentially causing human injuries and loss of life, deer collisions often cause significant vehicle damage that can lead to large expenses for the vehicle owner if not properly insured,” said Jennifer Haugh, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Kansas. “Of the animal strikes reported by AAA Insurance policy holders in 2017, the average cost per claim was more than $4,500.”

The Kansas Highway Patrol cautions drivers to refrain from making exaggerated maneuvers to avoid a deer in the road, lest a bad situation become even worse.

“If you are unfortunate enough to have a deer enter the highway in front of your car, it is best to hit the animal and not swerve to avoid it,” said the KHP’s Lt. Adam Winters. “Often, we find more serious crashes occur when you swerve to miss the deer, potentially losing control of your vehicle, leaving the road or veering into oncoming traffic.”

The agencies recommend the following to help motorists avoid crashes with deer:

   * Be especially watchful at dawn and dusk, when deer are more active.
   * If you see one deer, watch for others, as they seldom travel alone.
   *  Reduce speed and be alert near wooded areas or green spaces, such as parks and golf courses, and near water sources such as streams and ponds.
    *Deer crossing signs show areas where high numbers of vehicle/deer crashes have occurred in the past.
    *Use bright lights when there is no oncoming traffic and scan the road ahead of you to watch for deer.
    *Don’t swerve to avoid hitting a deer—the most serious crashes sometimes occur when motorists swerve and collide with another vehicle or run off the road and hit an obstacle.
   * Always wear a seat belt and use the appropriately-fitted child safety seats—they are your best defense should you be involved in a crash.
    *Honk your horn with one long blast. A long blast on your horn may frighten large animals, such as deer, away from your vehicle. The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) advises against relying on devices such as deer whistles and reflectors, which have not been proven to reduce collisions with animals.

If you do strike a deer, here are some additional tips:

   * Slow down, move your vehicle to the shoulder if possible, and call for law enforcement. KHP dispatch can be reached at *47, Kansas Turnpike at *KTA, and local law enforcement at 911. Make sure you tell the dispatcher if the animal or your vehicle is still in the road.
   * If you hit a deer or other animal, do not worry about removing the animal. Law enforcement can remove the animal from the road when they arrive. Don’t go near a wounded animal. A frightened and wounded animal can be unpredictable.
   *Turn on your hazard lights and remain buckled up inside your vehicle. You are more protected this way, should a secondary crash occur.
   * If you must be outside your vehicle, make sure it is as far off the road as possible, and do not stand between your vehicle and another one. Keep children buckled, and in car seats in the vehicle. Be vigilant and watch traffic.

Anyone involved in a vehicle-deer crash resulting in personal injury or property damage that totals $1,000 or more is required to immediately report the crash to the nearest law enforcement agency. Failure to report any traffic crash is a misdemeanor and may result in suspension of driving privileges.

A salvage tag is required to remove a deer carcass, or any part of the carcass, from the crash site. Tags can be issued by KHP troopers, sheriff’s deputies, or KDWPT game wardens.

(KNZA)--Brown County residents will have the opportunity to vote early for the upcoming November 6 general election.

The Brown County Clerk Office will provide early voting Wednesday morning, October 17 at the Maple Grove complexes in Hiawatha in the west complex from 9 to 10:30 and in the east complex from 10:30 to noon.

On Thursday, October 18, the County Clerk’s office will provide early voting in Morrill at the Morrill Community Building from 9 to 11:30 in the morning and in Everest from 1:30 to 4 in the afternoon at the Northfield Community Room located at 326 Locust Street.

Then beginning Monday, October 22 through noon, November 5, residents can vote by advance ballot at the County Clerk’s Office on the second floor of the Brown County Courthouse during regular business hours.

The County Clerk’s Office reminds residents that a photo ID is required to vote.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Commission is looking at the adoption of a new Neighborhood Revitalization Plan for the county in an effort to spur economic development.

The plan would offers tax rebates on a sliding scale over a certain period of time for improvements to commercial, industrial and residential properties.

The county took part in the program for many years until previous commissioners allowed the program to expire.

Under the new program, a seven year tax rebate would be offered to eligible commercial and business properties who make improvements valued at $15,000 or more.

On the residential side, a five-year tax rebate would be offered.

There would a $100 application fee for the program.

The Commission will consider adoption of the new revitalization plan  following a pubic hearing at their October 22 meeting.  The hearing is set 10:00 that morning in the commissioners room at the Jackson County Courthouse.

If approved, the plan would take effect January 1, 2019 and remain in effect for 15 years.

(KNZA)--Nor-Am Cold Storage plans to expand their Elwood facility.

Nor-Am purchased the former Affiliated Food Group distribution center in November of last year and has been busy filling the building ever since.

The company, in a news release, said the expansion will add 41-thousand square feet of freezer space containing 8-thousand pallet locations.

Nor-Am Vice-President of Operations, Scott Albers, said there is a strong demand for increased cold storage capacity across the country, and being centrally located in the Midwest, adding space in Elwood is a natural fit.

Nor-Am currently offers freezer storage and blast freezing as well as dry and cooler storage.

Al J. Mueller Construction Company, of St. Joseph, Missouri, will serve as general contractor on the project.

The release says ground work is underway and the team at Nor-Am is looking forward to seeing full on construction begin.

The expansion is scheduled to be completed by April 1 of next year.

(KNZA)--An early Saturday morning single-vehicle Doniphan County wreck sent a St. Joseph, Missouri teenager to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 36 Highway at the Kansas-Missouri state line.

The Patrol says 19-year-old Cory Schlimme was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes when his SUV left the roadway to the right.  The vehicle crossed the asphalt median where it struck a guardrail and bridge.  The vehicle then continued down the opening of the bridge expansion and struck Roseport Road below the bridge.

Schlimme was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with unspecified injuries.

The Patrol says he was buckled up when the wreck happened around 7:00 Saturday morning.    

(KNZA)--The director of the Kansas Water Office will step down in December.

Governor Jeff Colyer announced Friday that Horton native Tracy Streeter will retire December 14 about one month ahead of the transition to a new governor in January.

Streeter has served as director since 2004.  

He also serves as secretary of the Kansas Water Authority, and previously was at the State Conservation Commission.

Colyer says Streeter's vision and leadership on water policy left a positive impact on the state.
   
In 2013, Streeter was placed in charge of then-Gov. Sam Brownback’s campaign to develop strategies for the extending life of the Ogallala Aquifer. Heavy irrigation of crops is depleting the underground reservoir and owners of water rights were asked to voluntarily restrict consumption as part of a 50-year vision for water.

Streeter has also been involved in development of experimental farms that demonstrate field-scale irrigation technology to conserve water.

Colyer named  Earl Lewis as interim director of the Kansas Water Office. He’s served as assistant director since 2007.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved bids for several local bridge projects.

In Atchison County, King Construction Company, of Hesston, was awarded the contract for a bridge replacement project over Stranger Creek, southeast of Farmington, in the amount of just over $435,000.

In Brown County, bids were approved for two bridge overlay projects.

B & B Bridge Company, of St. Paul, Kansas, will overlay a bridge on U.S. 73 over Otter Creek for nearly $271,000, and Reece Construction Company, of Salina, will overlay a bridge on U.S. 36 over a local road west of U.S. 73 for nearly $253,000.

Reece Construction was also awarded the contract for a bridge replacement project in Doniphan County about 2 miles northeast of Troy over a tributary to Peters Creek for just over $358,000.

Bid letting took place September 19 in Topeka.

Construction start dates haven’t been announced yet for the projects.

(KNZA)--A Brown County traffic stop leads to the arrest of a Hiawatha man on drug and weapon charges.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says 45-year-old David Seamster was arrested Tuesday.

Seamster has been formally charged in Brown County District Court with felony counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of methamphetamine.

In addition, he has been charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal use of a weapon and transporting an open container.

According to the criminal complaint, Seamster was allegedly in possession of metal knuckles and at least 3.5 grams but less than 100 grams of methamphetamine.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for October 17.

Seamster is currently free on bond after it was modified from $7,500 to $2,500.

(KAIR)--An Oklahoma woman goes to jail, arrested on Atchison charges related to the theft of a financial card belonging to an elderly relative.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 28-year-old Traechelle Gillum was taken into custody Tuesday. “On July 24, an 82-year-old victim reported that a financial card belonging to her had been fraudulently used at an ATM machine in the amount of $500. That investigation led us to a family member of the victim.”

Gillum, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was arrested on an Atchison County District Court warrant for computer crime and criminal use of a financial card.

She was additionally arrested on both district and municipal court warrants for failure to appear in court.

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

(KAIR)--A teen is arrested at a Jackson County school, accused of making threats to students.

According to a news release issued by Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the 14-year-old was taken into custody Thursday morning at the Jackson Heights High School, located north of Holton.

According to Morse, the teen allegedly “communicated threats towards specific students.” It's not immediately clarified how the threats were made, or when the alleged crime occurred.

Morse, in the release, said the teen was taken into custody on three counts of criminal threat.

Morse urges anyone with additional information to contact his office at 785-364-2251.

(KNZA)--Classified staff in Hiawatha USD 415 have been granted a pay raise.

Following an executive session, the USD 415 Board of Education Monday evening approved a 3.72 percent pay increase for classified staff.

Classified staff includes employees paid an hourly rate.

In other business, District Maintenance Supervisor Matt Cluck reported construction of the new high school track is complete except for the painting of the lines.  

In order to protect the new track, Cluck presented a proposal for the installation of fencing around the track and football field.  He said the concern is people standing on the track.  

Following discussion, the Board directed Cluck to look into other options and report back to the Board next month.

In addition, he presented a quote from a local dealer for the purchase of a new riding lawn mower.  The Board took no action, directing Cluck to obtain additional quotes for their consideration next month.

Cluck reported the project to replace the High School gymnasium roof along with roofs of the locker rooms and weight room has been pushed back to mid-November.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said he will be providing patrons an opportunity to have coffee and conservation with him  Wednesday morning, October 17.

The event will take place in the Board of Education Office beginning at 9:00.    

Moser invites patrons to meet with him at that time.  

(KAIR)--The deadline to register to vote in next month's general election is coming to a close.

According to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, the deadline, in order to cast a ballot for the November 6 election, will be 5:00 Tuesday evening, October 16.

In order to allow extra time for those wanting to register, extended hours will be held at Phillips' office.

That will happen Friday evening, October 12, with voter registration to be allowed until 7:00.

The office will also be open Saturday, October 13, with registration available from 10 until 2:00.

(KMZA)--A Nebraska woman, charged in connection with a head-on crash that claimed three lives in Jackson County last year, was a no-show for court on Thursday.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse confirmed Thursday afternoon that 49-year-old Maria Perez-Marquez failed to report to Jackson County District Court for a planned preliminary hearing.

Her current whereabouts are not known.

Those killed in the November 25, 2017 crash were all members of a Sabetha family.

Perez-Marquez was arrested in Omaha, Nebraska in August on a Jackson County warrant charging her with three felony counts of involuntary manslaughter, two felony counts of aggravated battery, and a misdemeanor count of reckless driving.

She was booked into the Jackson County Jail, but later released on a $10,000 bond.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Perez-Marquez was driving a southbound sport utility vehicle on U.S. 75 when she attempted to pass another vehicle, which led to the fatal crash.

42-year-old Carmen Ukele, her 11-year-old daughter, Marlee, and her 62-year-old brother-in-law, Stephen, were returning home from Hutchinson after watching the Sabetha High School football team capture the state 3A championship.  

Carmen's husband, Lee, was seriously injured in the crash. According to a family friend, he continues to be hospitalized at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, in Omaha.

(KAIR)--A former Leavenworth inmate is sentenced to federal prison for attacking a Leavenworth prison guard with a pair of scissors.

According to a news release from the office of U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, 27-year-old Richard James, Jr. was sentenced to 15-years in prison Wednesday, and must also pay restitution of more than $18,000.

James, who is in federal custody, pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a federal officer.

In his plea, James admitted to attacking Joseph Brian Wilson, identified in the news release as a unit manager for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. James in the plea, admitted to sharpening the ends of a pair of grooming scissors which he used for the attack, which required corrections officers to pull James off of Wilson in order to stop it.

James later told investigators he hoped the attack would mean he'd be moved to another prison because he wanted a “change of scenery.”

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman facing a pair of child sex charges will undergo a competency evaluation.

A judge last week granted a motion filed by the attorney for 19-year-old Teaini  Simmons for the evaluation, which is to be conducted by KANZA Mental Health.

A preliminary hearing, which had been set for this week, has been placed on hold pending the outcome of the mental evaluation.

Simmons faces charges of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

She was arrested May 15 following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

The investigation was launched after the department received a report from a concerned citizen that Simmons was romantically involved with a child under the age of 14.

She remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a $100,000 bond.   

(MSC News)-- Check your Powerball tickets from Wednesday night’s drawing, you could be a big winner.

The Kansas Lottery says one ticket, sold in northeast Kansas, matched the first five numbers and is worth one million dollars.

The northeast region of Kansas includes twenty-one counties---including locally Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Nemaha and Pottawatomie.

The winning numbers in Wednesday night’s Powerball drawing are 8-23-27-42-60 Powerball 7.  The $1 million ticket matched the first five numbers but not the Powerball.

No ticket matched all numbers in the drawing, so the jackpot for Saturday   has rolled to an estimated $314 million ($179.4 million cash option).

(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved funding the Sabetha High School baseball program, beginning with the 2019-20 school year.

Superintendent Todd Evans says the Board gave their approval during this week’s regular meeting.

The spring of 2019 will mark the third year of the program, which has been funded by the Stan Keim family.  

Evans says the original agreement was that the Keim family would support the program for three years.

The annual cost for the program is about $16,000.

Evans the program will continue to be able to use Somerset Park in Sabetha at no cost to the district.

In other business, Evans reported the district’s enrollment is up this school year.

The official enrollment count taken on September 20 shows 1,127 students districtwide.  That’s up 35 students over last school year.

Enrollment is up 28 students at the Sabetha schools and 12 students at Wetmore.   

Overall enrollment at the Axtell Public School was down  5 students over last year.  

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education has been asked to  add a wrestling program.

Dillion Keim, president of the Nemaha County Wrestling Team, made the request to the Board Monday evening.

Keim, who has been coaching kids from ages 4 to 18, said he would like to see a wrestling program added at the middle and high schools beginning next school year.  If approved, he said he would start enrolling students in late November.

Keim volunteered to serve as coach until a teacher could be found to coach.

The Board took no action.

In other business, Superintendent Darrel Kohlman informed the Board he recently had a pre-construction meeting with AHRS Construction, who is serving as construction manger at risk for the classroom addition project that would connect the district’s two schools.

Kohlman said ground breaking will begin soon as the weather clears and work is scheduled to be completed by August 1 of next year.

In a related matter, the Board voted to enter into a contract with the city of Seneca to move the electrical service for the new addition.  Kohlman said the cost is estimated at just over $23,000.  

(KNZA)--A Sabetha man accused of child sex crimes has been found competent to stand trial.

A judge made the determination during a hearing last week based on an evaluation report from KANZA Mental Health on 20-year-old Gage Greshman.

A motion filed by Greshman’s attorney for the mental evaluation was granted last month, which placed his preliminary hearing on hold.

The preliminary hearing has now been rescheduled for the afternoon of October 17.

Greshman has been charged in Nemaha County District Court with felony counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, criminal sodomy and indecent liberties with a child.

According to the criminal complaint, it’s alleged that Gresham engaged in sexual intercourse, sodomy and lewd fondling or touching with a 15-year-old child.

He was arrested in May following an investigation by the Sabetha Police Department.

Gresham remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $200,000 bond.  

(KLZA)-- A warrant is issued for the arrest of a Falls City woman, wanted in connection with a September explosion that caused damage to a Falls City business.

According to court documents, 38-year-old April M. Feighner is wanted on felony charges of use of an explosive to commit a felony and second degree arson.

The charges stem from a September 18 blast at the Spirit Shoppe, located at 1123 Harlan Street.

Feighner is described as white, standing 5'4” tall, weighing approximately 150 pounds with Hazel eyes and black hair. Her last know address was 2102 Harlan Street in Falls City.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts should contact authorities.

Feighner is described in court documents as the girlfriend of Travis Kirkdendall, who was jailed at the time of the explosion. Documents indicate area authorities know him to be active with past explosion-related incidents in Richardson County.

Documents also reveal that another inmate, Jeremy Vice, once lived with Kirkendall and Feighner, and told authorities he had witnessed an explosive device inside their shared residence.

A Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office investigator has stated that an explosive device was used to cause the damage, with his statement outlined in an affidavit filed in Richardson County Court.

Documents indicate the Spirit Shoppe is owned by Gary Foster.

Members of the Atchison community listen as comments are offered on the future of the city's public school mascots/Credit:Brian Hagen/MSC News

(KAIR)--Around 40 members of the public were in attendance Tuesday evening, as the Board of Education for the Atchison Public Schools hosted a forum to hear public voices regarding the future of the school district's Native-American themed mascots.

The forum follows the work of a committee which collected the pros and cons of keeping the Redmen mascot, at the high school and the Braves mascot, at the middle school.

It was the high school mascot that gained the focus of those who spoke in opposition of making a change.

Of the 11 voices heard during the forum, three were in favor of doing away with the mascots, while one voiced no allegiance, instead presenting an online survey she independently conducted through Facebook.

The first to speak in opposition of the change was longtime high school football coach Jim Smith. “I talked to three friends of mine that are Native-Americans, and my thought was, if anyone of them say...get rid of it, I would have said ok. All three were in favor of keeping [the mascot]. One of them in particular made the comment, I sent my kids to Atchison High because I want them to be Redmen.”

Smith also said concerns that the current mascot reflects negatively on the district's league membership has been the opposite in his experience.

Among the minority speaking in favor of changing the mascot was Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill.

Citing his past observations of a similar mascot change at the Hiawatha schools, the Atchison County resident asked the school board to make the same decision as USD 415. “The term Redmen, like Redskins, and a lot of other Native-American mascot names, is offensive in nature, and origin, to a lot of people. We're here as a community and school for the children, and for their future, and a mascot that's offensive to any segment of our student population really shouldn't have a place in our educational system.”

The forum, which was moderated by Brian Jordan, of the Kansas Association of School Boards, served as a special meeting of Atchison's USD 409 Board of Education.

The School Board made no immediate decision, with that to happen at some yet unstated point in the future.

(KMZA)--Out of town taxpayers in the Seneca Fire District will be asked to pay 66 percent of the cost of new bunker gear for the Seneca Volunteer Department.

The Seneca City Council made that decision last week following a lengthy discussion.   Council member Steve Bennett cast the lone no vote, saying he believes the city should pay the entire cost. 

The cost of the new gear is nearly $53,000.  The district's share, nearly $35,000, will be apportioned by valuation. The city of Seneca's share will be nearly $18,000.

In addition to providing fire protection inside the city limits, the department covers all or part of eight townships, the city of Oneida and the unincorporated community of Kelly.

In other business, the Council approved the renewal of the city's Neighborhood Revitalization Plan for another three years.

That came following a hearing drawing no public comment.

No changes were made to the plan, which was first approved in March 2009.

It provides tax rebates for a specified number of years on improvements to residential, retail and commercial properties.

The Council unanimously approved a new lease agreement for land at the city airport at an annual cost of 25 cents per square foot.

Currently, owners of two private hanagers located at the airport currently don't pay rent for the property.

The new lease also requires hangers to be used for aviation-related purposes only.

(KNZA)--The Board of Education for the South Brown County Schools of USD 430 plan to seek patron input on proposed improvements at the high school football stadium.

The Board during their regular meeting this week looked over preliminary estimates given by Olsson Associates for three phases of improvements at the stadium.

Phase one would consist of lighting improvements. Phase two would be new grandstand improvements and phase three, a new track.

Currently, the Board has only approved to move forward with the engineering firm to do testing, planning and surveying of the land.

If the Board decides to move forward with the different phases then each phase will be bid out.

Board members said they would like to see what kind of interest the community has with the proposed stadium project.

Superintendent Jason Cline will look into sending out a survey.

In other business, the Board accepted, with regrets, the retirement resignations of two longtime district employees.

The resignations of Middle School science teacher Tom Hypse and Elementary School Counselor Rhonda Wikle are effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year.

Hypes has taught for 40 years and Wikle has been with the district 24 years.

(KNZA)--Funds have been secured for an expansion and renovation project at Holton Community Hospital.

According to a press release from the hospital, the hospital has been approved to move forward with an USDA loan to fund the project.

Holton Community Hospital CEO Carrie Saia says its a very exciting time for the hospital, adding they are working with their USDA representative in Topeka to take the next steps.

The release says the partnership with USDA has been a long process with the hospital conducting multiple studies and surveys including a financial feasibility study.

Rural Health Resources of Jackson County Board President Bobbie McGrath says USDA feels confident in the hospital’s ability to fulfill their financial
responsibility for the project.    

The release says the $17.6 million project will be funded mostly through the
low-interest USDA loan with some funding being secured locally.

The hospital board and Holton Community Foundation Board recently hired Denver-based Harvey Nonprofit Development to conduct an educational and fundraising feasibility study for the hospital.

Harvey Nonprofit Development CEO Ari Hunniford presented the findings of the confidential study to the Boards last week.

The Boards voted unanimously to hire Hunniford and her firm to implement an educational and capital campaign.  

The release says Hunniford has worked with many rural Kansas hospitals including Smith County Memorial Hospital, which opened a brand new facility this summer, and Rawlins County Health Center.

Credit: Brown Co Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A pet was killed, a home damaged, and an outbuilding destroyed, following a strong storm, with tornadic rotation, Monday afternoon in Brown County.

According to Brown County Undersheriff Randy Linck, the National Weather Service confirmed rotation was indicated by radar Monday afternoon between 4:20 and 4:40. Beginning near U.S. Highway 36, between Hiawatha and Fairview, south of Hamlin, the rotation moved to the northeast, just south of Padonia. It then moved northeast, crossing U.S. Highway 73, where it ended.

The damage, including the pet's death, happened near 240th Road and Hazelnut Road, west of Hiawatha.

No human injuries were reported.

Brown County was not under any severe storm warning or watch at the time.

(MSC News)--A tornado watch is issued Tuesday for portions of northeast KS and northwest Missouri. 

The outline of the watch can be seen here. 

(KNZA)--Hiawatha USD 415  has prepared a survey to identify patrons views about the school district.

Patrons, beginning October 15, can complete the survey, which the district says will take no more than five minutes.

To view the full release from the district about the survey, and to find a link to complete it, go here.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is charged with federal drug crimes stemming from a June raid in Atchison.

According to the office of U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, 37-year-old Jason Valles was charged last week with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances.

Valles was arrested June 14 after the Atchison County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at 1022 North 8th Street, in Atchison.

A second man, also arrested during a Sheriff's investigation, is indicted in connection with federal drug crimes.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News 50-year-old Leavenworth resident Alton Johnson is connected to alleged drug and weapons-related crimes that led to federal charges.

Both Valles and Johnson were inmates at the Atchison County Jail at the time of their arrests on the federal indictments.

(MSC News)--Beginning the week of October 7th and ending about six weeks later, McGuire Iron, a Water Tower maintenance company working on behalf of the City, will be performing a painting project to the interior and exterior of the City of Atchison’s West Water Tower. This type of work is normal, necessary, and planned.  The tower helps balance the pressures in the immediate area around the tower, as well as helping to supply a steady volume of water to Rural Water District #5. Staff has been, and will continue to be in, regular communication with RWD #5 staff, for the duration of the project.

Water customers may notice some abnormal pressure at their homes and businesses in the general area of the tower. The area impacted is roughly bounded by Grandeur Road to the east, Shannon Industrial Park (Lincoln Road) to the west, 306th Road to the north, and 274th Road to the south. This tower is located just to the NW of the intersection of County Club and Pratt Roads.

Every precaution is being taken so that the tower will be out of service for as little time as possible. The City has invested in major pumping upgrades in the past few years at the VFW pump station and we have also added a new South Tank Pump station, which we are hopeful will be able to compensate for any lower than normal pressures.

If customers notice anything of a significant nature, or if you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Shop at 913-367-5561.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man convicted in Doniphan County in the strangulation death of another St. Joseph man in May of last year has been sentenced to more than 35 years in prison.

41-year-old Christopher Colhour was sentenced last week in Doniphan County District Court on a charge of second-degree murder.

He pleaded no contest to the amended charge last month.   In exchange for the plea, charges of aggravated kidnapping and felony theft were dismissed.

Colhour had originally been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 64-year-old Daniel Purvis.

Colhour admitted strangling Purvis on May 21 of last year, dumping his body in the Missouri River, and then taking his vehicle.

Authorities say the following day he drove Purvis’ vehicle to the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Department, in Troy, and turned himself in.

Purvis’ body was recovered from the Missouri River, south of St. Joseph, on May 27 of last year after a week long search.    

( KTNC)-- A new F.M. translator is on the air, broadcasting the signal of A.M. 1230, KTNC.

In April, KNZA Inc. filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission for a translator for Falls City. A translator is a low-power F.M. signal designed to help local A.M. stations provide better coverage both day and night.

Approval was received from the FCC to operate the new F.M. translator with a maximum effective radiated power of 0.25 KW from a transmitter site located approximately three miles west and three miles north of Falls City, which is the same site as the broadcast tower of KLZA, 101.3 F.M., SUNNY 101.3.

To hear the KTNC signal on the FM dial tune your F.M. radio to 107.1. The programming will be the same as you hear on A.M. 1230, KTNC, featuring Good Time Oldies from the golden era of pop, rock and soul, featuring hit music of the 60's and 70's with a healthy portion of songs from other decades. The music is up tempo and the programming will include features about rock and roll history and the timeless artists of the era.

The translator signal was placed on the air Friday evening, October 5th.

(KLZA)-- Moderate flooding is now forecast along the Missouri River following recent rains in the river basin.

Crests of as much as 8-feet above flood stage are possible from Nebraska City downstream through Atchison through late week.

At Rulo Monday morning, where flood stage is 17 feet, the river reading was 19.75 feet. The crest is predicted at 24.1 feet Friday morning.

At Rulo the River level has topped 24 feet eight times, this would be the 6th time since 2000.

At Brownville Monday morning the river was 18.53 feet. Flood stage is 33 feet. The crest is forecast for Friday morning at 40.5 feet, 7.5 feet above flood stage.

At Nebraska City the river reading was 18.53 feet Monday morning with the crest predicted at 22.4 feet early Friday morning. Flood stage is 17 feet.

The crest is predicted at 25.2 feet at St. Joseph Thursday which is 8.2 feet above the flood stage of 17 feet.

At Atchision, Kansas, the crest is forecast to reach 26.6 feet Thursday afternoon which is 4.6 feet above flood stage.

Major flooding is forecast along the Tarkio River. The river is forecast to rise above flood stage Tuesday morning and rise to 27.1 -feet by early Wednesday morning before falling below flood stage Wednesday evening.

At 26.5 feet flood waters reach the intersection of State Highway J and U.S. Highway 59 on the west edge of Fairfax.

At 25 feet levees in the vicinity of Fairfax are overtopped causing flooding of farmland, homesteads and roads. At 19 feet flooding begins in the vicinity of Corning. At 18 feet U.S. Highway 59 north of Fairfax begins to flood with low-lying farm fields starting to flood at 17 feet.

Several people were injured this past weekend in wrecks in Northwest, Missouri 

The driver and occupant of a pickup suffered serious injuries Saturday evening around 8:30 approximately three miles north of Tarkio on U.S. 59 Highway. 

41-year-old Daniel Beckman of Westboro was the driver.  22-year-old Trev Martin of Westboro was a passenger and neither man was wearing a safety device. 

The Missouri State Patrol reports that northbound pickup traveled off the east side of the road, struck a utility pole, damaged planted field corn and continued north, traveling up an embankment, going airborne, overturning in the air and coming to rest at the bottom of an embankment in a creek bed. 

Both men were transported by the Atchison-Holt EMS squad to the Fairfax hospital and then transferred to University of Nebraska Hospital in Omaha.  

The Missouri Conservation Department, Atchison County Sheriff's Office, Tarkio Police Department and Atchison  County First Responders all assisted.  

At approximately 9, Saturday evening a car driven by 24-year-old Ryan Nelson of Rock Port, attempted to turn west from U.S.- 59 onto U.S.-136.  

Nelson failed to stop at the posted STOP sign causing his vehicle to travel off the north side of US-136 and striking an embankment. 
Nelson was transported by the Atchsion-Holt Ambulance to Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa for treatment of injuries described as minor. Nelson was wearing a safety device. 

The Rock Port Police Department assisted the Missouri Highway Patrol at the scene of the wreck. 

Friday evening 40-year-old Jamie Leigh from Red Oak, Iowa sustained serious injuries when she was walking north on U.S. 59 Highway and was struck by a school bus.  The incident occurred a mile north of Craig a bout 10:35. 

Leigh was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with injuries described by the Missouri State Patrol as serious. 

50-year-old Starla Livengood of Tarkio was driving the bus northbound on U.S. 59 and struck the pedestrian in the same lane. Livengood was not injured.

The Mound City Police Department, Holt County Sheriff's Department and Craig First Responsders all assisted at the scene.  

(KAIR)--An Atchison County burglary, believed to have specifically focused on guns located inside the residence, is under investigation.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News the crime was reported Friday, having occurred at an Osage Road residence, in rural Atchison County. “It was forced entry,” Laurie said. “They made entry through one door, and possibly exited out of the front door. It was targeted theft, and they went directly for the guns and removed them. A few of them they didn't take with them.”

Believing the break-in was based on knowledge that the resident owned guns, Laurie said investigators do have suspects in the case. “We have a few leads already that we're following up with,” Laurie said.

Taken from the home were a shotgun, two .22 caliber rifles, and two air rifles.

The total loss is estimated at around $2,000.

(KLZA)-- The Burlington Northern -  Santa Fe railroad crossing on Highway 8, just east of Salem, Nebraska will be closed Tuesday morning at 9 and will remain closed until Wednesday afternoon at 3 for an upgrade. 

Those that use the Highway 8 will need to use an alternate route from Tuesday morning through late Wednesday afternoon 
 

(KLZA)-- Moderate flooding is  now forecast along the Missouri River following  recent rains in the river basin. 

Crests of as much as 8-feet above flood stage are possible from Nebraska City downstream through Atchison, Kansas through late week.  

At Rulo Monday morning, where flood stage is 17 feet, the river reading was 19.75 feet. The crest is predicted at 24.1 feet Friday morning.  

At Rulo, the River level has topped 24 feet eight times,  this would be the 6th time since 2000.  

At Brownville, Monday morning the river was 35.85 feet. Flood stage is 33 feet. The crest is forecast for Friday morning at 40.5 feet,  7.5 feet above flood stage. 

At Nebraska City, the river reading was 35.85  feet Monday morning with the crest predicted at 22.4 feet early Friday morning.  Flood stage is 17 feet. 

The crest is predicted at 25.2  feet at  St. Joseph Thursday which is 8.2 feet above the flood stage of 17 feet. 

At Atchision, Kansas, the crest is  forecast to reach 26.6 feet Thursday afternoon which is 4.6 feet above flood stage. 

Major flooding is forecast along the Tarkio River.  The river is forecast to rise above flood stage Tuesday morning and rise to  27.1 -feet by early Wednesday morning before falling below flood stage Wednesday evening. 

At 26.5 feet flood waters reach the intersection of State Highway J and U.S. Highway 59 on the west edge of Fairfax.  

At 25 feet levees in the vicinity of Fairfax are overtopped causing flooding of farmland,  homesteads and roads.  At 19 feet flooding begins in the vicinity of Corning.  At 18 feet U.S. Highway 59 north of Fairfax begins to flood with low-lying farm fields starting to flood at 17 feet. 

(KNZA)--A late Sunday afternoon two-vehicle Jackson County wreck sent two people to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 5:00 at the intersection of U.S. 75 Highway and 158th Road, about a ½ mile southwest of Mayetta.

The Patrol says 33-year-old Elham Altaf, of Overland Park, was westbound on 158th Road when she attempted to cross the southbound lanes of U.S. 75 and her SUV was struck by a southbound car driven by 22-year-old Hannah Reisinger, of Holton.

Altaf was transported to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Hospital and Reisinger was transported to the Holton Community Hospital.

The Patrol says both were the lone occupants in their vehicles and both were buckled up when the wreck occurred.

The Hiawatha City Commission, during a special meeting Saturday at Noble Park, approved a resolution naming the ball field "Paul Rockey Field." Photo credit: Greg Bebermeyer/MSC News.

(KNZA)--It’s official---the baseball field at Hiawatha’s Noble Park is now “ Paul Rockey Field.”

During a special meeting Saturday morning at Noble Park, the Hiawatha City Commission unanimously approved a resolution naming the ball field in honor of the memory of the longtime coach and community volunteer who was involved in Hiawatha baseball programs for 38 years and instrumental in the construction of the ball field.

Despite the inclement weather, a large crowd was on hand for the event.  

Longtime family friend, Judd Tritsch, spoke on behalf of the Rockey family and about his friend. “Knowing Paul, I know he would be humbled and honored.  You see Paul loved baseball.  The town is very fortunate to have had a man like Paul who had the ingenuity to build this beautiful field.  Paul put his heart and soul into this field, working countless volunteer hours, making it a showplace for all of us to enjoy”, said Tritsch.  

Hiawatha Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper says she was approached shortly after Rockey’s death in May by members of the baseball association and others about naming the ball field in his honor.  

Local resident John Weingart, who spearheaded the efforts, received Commission approval in July.

At the end of Saturday’s special meeting,  Rockey’s grandchildren unveiled the sign bearing his name.

(KNZA)--Five Hiawatha businesses were recognized Thursday evening by the Kansas Department of Commerce for their contributions to the local community and state economy.  

Receiving an excellence award was Koch and Company ( accepted by Dan Koch and Larry Kuckelman). 

Receiving merit awards were Wisdom CPA ( accepted by owner Jake Wisdom), Kooser's General Store ( accepted by owners Herb and Sandy Kooser), Little Hands Daycare (accepted by Board President Kristin Hillyer) and Hiawatha Parks and Recreation  (accepted by Director Stacy Jasper).

Salih Doughramaji with the Department of Commerce presented the awards during the annual fall mixer co-sponsored by the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development and Physical & Respiratory Therapy.

The awards are presented as part of the Commerce Department’s annual Business Appreciation Program, with nominations sought in four categories. Those include manufacturing/distribution, service, retail and hospital/non-profit.

HFED nominated the five businesses this spring for the awards.

(KNZA)--After being defeated in the August primary election by a narrow margin, longtime Brown County Commissioner Steve Roberts has announced he's running as a write-in candidate for the November 6 general election.

Roberts has filed the required paperwork with the Brown County Clerk's office to run as a write-in.

He was defeated in the August Republican primary by Richard Lehmkuhl by a 40-vote margin after holding the District 1 commission position for 20 years.

In a written statement, Roberts said during his time on the commission he's been part of the decision process that's brought a lot of positive change to the county, while at the same time keeping the cost  to taxpayers at a minimum.

Roberts said he believes the choices made by government are not to be taken lightly, as they affect the lives of local residents and he said that’s one of the reasons why he has decided to run as a write-in candidate.

(MSC News)--Gas leaks Friday in two local counties lead to early class dismissals and to the evacuation of a Hospital.

According to an official at the Holton Community Hospital, the evacuation occurred around 12:45.  

Also evacuated were the adjacent Holton Family Practice Clinic, Holton Dental Clinic, and the Medical Pharmacy.

The Holton Hospital has since reopened.

The Holton Police Department reports the gas leak happened after a meter was struck by a vehicle.

A gas leak in the Atchison County Community of Effingham earlier Friday sent students home early.

According to a post on the official Facebook page for the Atchison County Schools of USD 377, the decision leading to the 12:30 dismissal came following the report of a gas leak at the Atchison County Elementary School, in Effingham.

Afternoon preschool classes were also canceled.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gaddis Friday afternoon issued a statement saying that while 23 students, and 1 staff member, were evaluated after reporting symptoms consistent with exposure to natural gas, no one required transport for hospitalized care.

According to a spokeswoman for Kansas Gas Service, the issued in Effingham is being blamed on a furnace.

She also said crews worked in Holton Friday to make repairs. 

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Attorney is appointed to serve as a District Judge for the 1st District Court of Kansas.

A news release issued early Friday afternoon by the office of Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer confirms that Jerry Kuckelman was selected for the role.

Kuckelman was elected as Atchison County Attorney in 2000, and also serves as a municipal judge for several communities in northeast Kansas.

He previously served as an Assistant Attorney General with the Kansas Attorney General's Office, and was named Kansas Prosecutor of the Year in 2011.

Kuckelman was selected to serve as 1st District Judge from among a list of four finalists seeking the position.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie tells MSC News he wasn't surprised by Kuckelman's selection for the role. “I think he's definitely a good fit for that position...he's been a good County Attorney for Atchison [County], and we've always had a good relationship with him.”

The appointment fills a vacancy created by the June retirement of Judge Gunnar Sundby.

The Kansas 1st Judicial District is comprised of Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.

According to Atchison County Counselor Patrick Henderson, an interim Atchison County Attorney will be appointed by 1st District Judges Martin Asher and Robert Bednar upon Kuckelman's formal resignation, which could come as early as Monday.

The Atchison County Republican Central Committee will later hold a convention to nominate someone to serve the remainder of Kuckelman's term, with the nominee to then be appointed by Colyer.

(KNZA)--The Holton Community Hospital was evacuated this ( Friday ) afternoon due to a gas leak.

A hospital official says the hospital was evacuated around 12:45.

Also evacuated were the adjacent Holton Family Practice Clinic, Holton Dental Clinic and Medical Pharmacy.

All four facilities are closed until further notice.

Editor's note: The following was posted to the official Facebook page of USD 377 early Friday afternoon. 

(KAIR)--Due to the possibility of a gas leak in the Elementary School USD 377 Schools will be dismissing today at 12:30. All students 1st - 12th grades will be located at the Junior-Senior High School Building.

USD 377 busses will run regular routes or parents can pick up students from the Junior Senior High School.

There will not be afternoon preschool.

(KNZA)--A former area school official is set to be sentenced November 16 after pleading guilty to charges stemming from an August domestic altercation.

38-year-old Travis George, of Atchison,  entered the plea last week in Atchison County District Court to misdemeanor charges of domestic battery, criminal damage to property and possession of marijuana.

In exchange for the plea, misdemeanor charges of criminal restraint, endangerment of a child and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed.

The charges stem from an August 18 domestic disturbance at his residence, which police say turned physically violent.

Police say when his wife attempted to leave the residence in a vehicle with the couple’s young children, George broke the rear window out of the SUV that she was in and climbed into the vehicle.

He was treated for cuts and abrasions at the Atchison Hospital following the incident and then arrested.

During a short special meeting September 27, the Board of Education for the South Brown Schools of USD 430 accepted George’s resignation as high school activities director and head golf coach.

He had been hired for the positions in May.

(KNZA)--A Doniphan County road improvement project advances.

On the recommendation of engineer David Beach with Schwab-Eaton, the Doniphan County Commission Monday accepted the lone bid received from Herzog Contracting Corporation for the surfacing of 165th Road from the east city limits of Wathena to K-238 in the amount of $215,435.

Funding will come through the Kansas Department of Transportation Federal Funds Exchange Program.

The project is to be completed by November 30, with a spring 2019 deadline to stripe the road, weather permitting.

In other business, the Commission approved a zoning change on behalf of the Morrill Elevator to allow for the location of two 30,000 gallon anhydrous tanks on property located one mile west of Highland on 240th Road.

The Doniphan County Planning Commission recommended approval of the zoning change.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Attorney General’s Office has filed charges against a certified nurse aide at a Highland healthcare facility alleging mistreatment and battery against three residents along with Medicaid fraud.

According to a press release from the office of Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt,  27-year-old Janelle Lynn Sakakihara, of Atchison, has been charged in Doniphan County District Court with one count of Medicaid fraud, three counts of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult and three counts of battery.

 The criminal complaint, filed late last month, alleges the offenses took place between September 27-29 of last year while Sakakihara was employed at the Highland Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center.

The release says she was among 10 individuals in seven counties charged as part of a statewide enforcement sweep aimed at cracking down on illegal and harmful activity in Kansas facilities that receive Medicaid funding.

Sakakihara is scheduled to make her first appearance in a Doniphan County courtroom October 16.     

(KAIR)--The two Atchison residents injured in a weekend motorcycle crash remain hospitalized.

36-year-old Nicholas Goodpasture and 43-year-old Meredith Scherer were both transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas, following the wreck.

According to a hospital spokesman, both remain as patients, and as of Thursday morning, were both listed in fair condition.

According to a news release issued by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the crash happened on U.S. Highway 73, in the area of 230th Road, around 6:20 Saturday evening.

It was reported that Goodpasture's northbound Harley Davidson motorcycle left the roadway and crashed on the right shoulder, ejecting him and Scherer, who was his passenger.

Goodpasture was transported by LifeNet helicopter to the Kansas City hospital, while Scherer was transported by ambulance.

(KMZA)--A two-vehicle late Tuesday morning Marshall County wreck sent a Vermillion man to the hospital.

According to a report from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, it happened at the intersection of K-87 and K-9 Highways near Vliets shortly before 11:00.

The report states 70-year-old Don Leach, of Hiawatha, was northbound on K-87 when he failed to stop at the intersection and his semi tractor-trailer was struck in the side by an eastbound pickup truck on K-9 driven by 57-year-old Maurice Bergman.

Bergman was transported by ambulance to Community Memorial Healthcare, in Marysville, with unspecified injuries.  

Leach was not hurt.

(KNZA)--A teenage girl remains hospitalized, and another teenager is in custody, following a Wednesday afternoon Jackson County shooting.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said the 17-year-old Mayetta girl was shot during what’s believed to have been a verbal altercation at 15580 L. Road on the Potawatomi Reservation, west of Mayetta.

Morse says a car occupied by three females drove into the drive way of the residence when 18-year-old Lance Malone Bailey, of Mayetta, allegedly opened fire with a rifle, striking the victim twice who was then standing in the drive.

The three girls left the scene in the vehicle and called law enforcement.

The victim was transported to a Topeka hospital where she remained in satisfactory condition as of Wednesday night.

Morse says Bailey was taken into custody and later booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery, three counts of aggravated assault, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Morse says the shooting remains under investigation.

The Potawatomi Tribal Police Department is assisting with the investigation.

Morse asks that anyone with information about the shooting contact either the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office or Potawatomi Tribal Police.

(KNZA)--With a wind farm being proposed in a portion of Brown County, the County Commission this week sought advice from their Nemaha County counterparts.

The Brown County Commission held a conference call with the Nemaha County Commission to see what steps they are taking since they are already dealing with another proposed wind farm in their county.

Chicago-based Invenergy is proposing the Pony Express Wind Farm in northwestern Brown County and northeastern Nemaha County.  It would consist of 200 to 300 wind turbines, generating 800 megawatts of power.

Nemaha County Commissioners advised the Brown County Commission they will need to negotiate a payment in lieu of taxes ( PILOT) agreement and road use maintenance agreement with the company.

The company is expected to seek a 10-year property tax exemption from the state.

Following an executive session, the Commission voted to promote county appraiser’s office data collector Yvonne Murrow to the senior data collector position.   

Murrow will receive a 75 cent per hour pay raise to $16.25 an hour, effective October 8.

She will replace Curt Clark who is retiring.

(KLZA)--Falls City Council members took no action Monday night following a discussion about a letter received from Richardson County Commissioners in September, notifying the City  they were terminating the agreement for the City to provide 911 dispatching services for the county.

The county requested the 911 dispatch equipment be transferred to the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center.

For about 30 years, the Falls City Police Department has been the designated Public Service Answering Point for 911 calls for most of Richardson County. Several years ago, changes were made so all 911 calls in Richardson County were routed to the Police Department.

Currently, the City is set up with “Enhanced” 911 equipment but equipment for “Next Generation” 911 has been purchased and delivered.

The Council took no action to transfer the 911 equipment to the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center. The City will review all information and re-evaluate the situation in six months.

Richardson County has been paying Falls City in excess of $120-thousand annually for the 911 Dispatching service and has indicated they will no longer make the payment.

The city is currently receiving surcharge funds from the Public Service Commission for both land lines and wireless phone equipment amounting to just over $100-thousand annually. There are strict rules on how those funds can be spent.

(KNZA)--The Ohio man charged in May's bomb threat at Highland Community College will have to serve 60 days in jail and pay $36,000 restitution to the college.

21-year-old D’Vonte Guyton was sentenced Monday in Doniphan County District Court on a felony charge of criminal threat.

After serving the jail time, Guyton will be placed on supervised probation for one year.

He pleaded no contest to the amended charge in September.  

The bomb threat, which was received by telephone on May 9, led to the evacuation of the Highland campus and to the postponement of finals for students.

No explosive device was discovered following a search of the campus and its buildings by law enforcement.

Authorities were able to trace the call to an address in North College Hill, Ohio.  Guyton, who was an on-line student at Highland, later turned himself in to police.       

(KNZA)--A teenage girl remains hospitalized, and another teenager is in custody, following a Wednesday afternoon Jackson County shooting.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said the 17-year-old girl was shot during what's believed to have been a verbal altercation at 15580 L. Road, in rural Mayetta.

Law enforcement was called to that location around 3:30.

The victim was transported to a Topeka hospital where she remained in satisfactory condition as of Wednesday night.

Morse, shortly after the shooting, described her injuries as “life threatening”

The 18-year-old suspect is identified as Lance Malone Bailey, of Mayetta. Currently held in the Jackson County Jail, Morse, in the release, said Bailey is expected to be formally charged Thursday morning.

The Potawatomi Tribal Police Department is assisting with the investigation.

Morse asks that anyone with information about the shooting to notify either the Sheriff's Office or the Police Department.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City man is in jail again following his arrest on Tuesday.

Falls City Police Sergeant Chuck DiGiacomo was attempting to arrest 43-year-old Travis Kirkendall on a warrant when he is alleged to have resisted arrest.

Following his arrest, Kirkendall was booked into the Richardson County Jail.

Kirkendall is currently facing multiple charges,including several felony counts in Richardson County.

(KAIR)--A teenage bicyclist required hospital care after being struck while riding on an Atchison street.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News it happened around 4:45 Tuesday afternoon when the 14-year-old was westbound on the sidewalk, located on the south side of the 300 block of Commercial Street.

Traveling at what Wilson said was a fast speed, the bicyclist entered 4th Street without stopping and collided with a southbound car.

According to Wilson, the vehicle was moving at a very slow speed, having just cleared the intersection, when the wreck occurred.

The teen was transported to the Atchison Hospital by Atchison County EMS for examination.

(KAIR)--A second arrest is made in connection with a Sunday night road rage incident, in Atchison, that sent two to the hospital.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 19-year-old Jonathan Collins, of Atchison, was taken into custody Tuesday.

Booked into the Atchison County Jail following his arrest, Collins is facing charges including aggravated battery, battery, assault, five counts of criminal damage to property, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

He's held on a bond of $15,000.

Arrested shortly after the incident was 59-year-old Anthony Brayshaw, of Atchison, who's held in the Atchison County Jail on a bond of $20,000.

Police say he threatened Collins with a small machete as the two drivers stood outside their vehicles in the area of U.S. Highway 59 and 14th Street.

According to Wilson, Collins grabbed the machete; but, despite the injuries he suffered, he and Brayshaw returned to their vehicles, which later crashed in the area of Harper Drive and Fairway Drive, near the Bellevue Country Club. “Both vehicles left the roadway, did some damage on the grounds of the golf course. Also damaged some nearby residences as far as some terrain and mailboxes were struck. Both vehicles, because of colliding with each other, became disabled in that area. Officers arrived on the scene with the two still there.”

Both drivers were taken for hospitalized treatment after the crash. Brayshaw was quickly released while Collins was held due to the extent of his injuries, apparently primarily stemming from the machete.

Riding with Collins at the time of the road rage pursuit turned wreck was a younger teen passenger, which led to a charge of aggravated endangering a child for Brayshaw. “Because of the reckless driving done by both vehicles, it put her in danger, Wilson said.”

The chase between the two vehicles began around 9:00 Sunday night.

Editor's note: This story has been updated for clarity regarding the number of persons involved.

(KLZA)--A Falls City woman is accused of assaulting two officers.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Department arrested 39-year-old Nicole Harkendorff Monday on a warrant for felony assault of an officer and criminal mischief.

She  is accused of assaulting two Falls City police officers on September 19.  The officers had made contact with Harkendorff on an unrelated charge.

Harkendorff was booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska prison officials say a fire resulting from a chemical spill was quickly extinguished Tuesday morning at the state prison in Tecumseh.

No one was injured in the fire that started inside the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution's wood shop.

A news release from the State Department of Correctional Services say the chemical — which was not identified — spilled on the floor, and rags meant to clean up the spill spontaneously combusted.

Department spokeswoman Laura Strimple says the wood shop was evacuated, and ceiling sprinklers extinguished the fire.

Damage from the fire was limited to the rags.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office is investigating.

(KAIR)--A recognition of 50-years.

That happened at the start of Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission, where the long-running work of the Atchison Child Care Association was acknowledged.

Mayor Allen Reavis read a proclamation in honor of the service the child care provider brings to the community.

Prior to the reading of the proclamation, students from Atchison Child Care led the Commission in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

(KAIR)--Five local area organizations will benefit from the latest round of funding provided by a local electric cooperative.

In September, FreeState Electric Cooperative gifted $21,000 to the agencies, which include the Valley Falls Recreation Commission, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, the Tonganoxie Public Library, the Delaware Township Library, and the Dover Federated Church Pantry.

Since 2017, the cooperative has provided support to 24 local organizations, totaling nearly $68,000.

According to a news release issued by FreeState, the funds are made available through members of the cooperative rounding-up their monthly electric bill to allow for the tax deductible contribution.

Stating that October is Cooperative Month, FreeState reminds its members that the Operation Round-Up program provides them with what the release calls “a tremendous opportunity to to demonstrate and extend its commitment to their communities.”

All Operation Round-Up funds are collected by the FreeState Community Foundation, which operates the charitable program adopted by hundreds of electric cooperatives across the country. A voluntary committee of five co-op members serves to make decisions in the best interest of participating members. Of the funds collected through the program, 100 percent goes to charitable organizations through an application and selection process. The committee uses special guidelines and policies when choosing recipients.

For more information about the program go here and here. 

FreeState Electric Cooperative is the largest rural electric cooperative in eastern Kansas, and the fifth largest rural electric cooperative in the state.

Comprised of nearly 15,000 member-owners, the cooperative was formed through the consolidation of Leavenworth-Jefferson and Kaw Valley Electric Cooperatives in April, 2016.

It serves nine local Kansas counties, and provides infrastructure to Fort Leavenworth.

(KAIR)--No suspects are yet identified as police investigate a weekend burglary at an Atchison sports bar.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News someone forced their way into Mueller's Locker Room, located at 120 South 2nd Street, early Sunday morning. “Sometime after 2 a.m., forced entry was made into the establishment. Once inside, some cash was taken.”

Wilson didn't immediately disclose the amount of cash as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information about the crime should notify police.

The old Hiawatha Lodge is to be rehabilitated, with the first project being to replace the dilapidated and unsecure catwalk to the second-floor rooms on the south wind building. The city has deemed the building unsafe. Photo credit: Greg Bebermeyer/MSC News.

(KNZA)--The old Hiawatha Lodge, which has been vacant for some time, will be rehabilitated.

Owner Mary Ananzeh, who also owns the Sunflower Motel, discussed her plans with the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening.

Ananzeh says she has hired Roland Keller with Eagle Sundown Services, of Hiawatha, to serve as lead contractor on the project.

Ananzeh says Keller is to begin work around October 20.  She says the first project will be to replace the dilapidated and unsecure catwalk to the second-floor rooms on the south wing building, which the city has deemed as unsafe.

Once complete, she says Keller will start with renovation of the building itself and after that will move on to the main building.

Police Chief John Defore confirmed Keller has obtained a building permit for the project, which is good for 6-months.

Once the rehabilitation project is complete, Ananzeh says her plans are to re-open the motel and attached restaurant and bar.

She says she also plans to make improvements to the adjacent Gateway Inn Motel.

The city sent Ananzeh a notice in late August giving her 45-days to bring the south building up to code or it could be condemned.

Defore says once the building is made safe, it will be taken off the condemnation list.

He says Code Enforcement Officer Beau Hasenohr did a visual inspection of the motel September 27 and believes the buildings are salvageable and able to be rehabilitated.

Commissioners asked Defore to provide them with periodic updates on the project.

(KMZA)--An armed home invasion at a Seneca residence sends a Goff man to jail.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert, in a news release, says 31-year-old Albert Jennings Scott, III was arrested Saturday in connection with the alleged crime.

He's charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, battery against a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement, and disorderly conduct.

Citing the criminal complaint filed in Nemaha County District Court, Lippert, in the release, said the crime is alleged to have happened Saturday when Scott entered the Seneca residence, armed with a .380 handgun, and took tattoo equipment while someone else was inside the home.

It's alleged that Scott, when being placed under arrest, interfered with the process, committing battery against a Seneca Police Officer.

Following his arrest, Scott was booked into the Nemaha County Jail, where he's held on a bond of $300,000.

The Seneca Police Department and the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office both conducted the investigation leading to Scott's arrest.

(KMZA)--A new driver’s license office is set to open Tuesday, October 2 in Seneca.

The new location will be at 203 North 8th Street in the Pioneer Building, which is the former Seneca Grade School.

The Kansas Department of Revenue says the new office will offer more seating for customers, plus an additional driver’s license examiner.

The office will be open Tuesday through Friday from 7 in the morning until noon and then from 1 to 5 in the afternoon.

The state Department of Revenue and Nemaha County Commissioners will host a ribbon cutting and tour at 11:00 Tuesday morning at the new location.

The public is invited to attend.

Light refreshments will be served.

(KAIR)--One man is arrested, and another hospitalized, following what Atchison police are calling a Sunday night road rage incident.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 59-year-old Anthony Brayshaw, of Atchison, was taken into custody on charges for aggravated battery, aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, criminal damage to property, reckless driving, and aggravated endangering a child.

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

The charges follow what Wilson calls a road rage incident that began on U.S. Highway 59, near Atchison's 14th Street, around 9:00 Sunday night. “Actually, between 10th and 14th Streets,” Wilson told MSC News, adding that it was in that area that Brayshaw, and another driver, got out of their vehicles, leading to a physical altercation. “[Brayshaw] threatened the 19-year-old male with a small machete. It was at that point that the 19-year-old grabbed ahold of the machete and received severe cuts to his hand.”

Both men returned to their vehicles and a chase began, ending when both drivers wrecked near Atchison's Bellevue Country Club. “They drove through the northwest area of the city, and they were, at that point, near the Bellevue Golf Course, where both vehicles left the roadway, did some damage...both vehicles, because of colliding with each other, became disabled in that area. Officers arrived on the scene, with the two still there, Both were actually transported to the hospital for examination. [Brayshaw] was soon released from the hospital and we took him into custody. The 19-year-old was transported to the hospital for severe injuries to his hand.”

Wilson says the teen has not yet been arrested. “Once he's released from the hospital, he, too, faces a number of charges.”

The 19-year-old's name remains unreleased pending his being taken into custody.