(KAIR)--A move is approved for the Atchison County Noxious Weed Office.

The issue, which has been under review, was addressed during the December 26 meeting of the Atchison County Commission.

Commission Chairman Eric Noll spoke in opposition to the plan, as presented by Atchison County Noxious Weed Director Seth Howard. “This is being done under the auspice of tax savings, which I am all for, but I don’t think we’re there yet,” Noll said during the meeting. “It’s always been discussed that we will pursue this when we have a facility, which we are far from having. I don’t think the current facility will handle the traffic...I am not in favor of it at this time.”

Despite Noll’s reservations, he was outvoted, with his fellow Commissioners Jack Bower and Bill Pohl voting in favor of the move, securing its approval.

The noxious weed office is currently located in Effingham, at 506 Howard Avenue.

However, with approval of the Commission, it will now move to Atchison, being housed in the Atchison County Road and Bridge Facility, located at 613 South 22nd Street.

According to a press release issued by Howard, “the transition will take effect as of February 1, and will better serve” the residents of Atchison County “with more hours of service for sale of chemicals, as well as help in cost saving.”

The release notes that the operating hours, at the new location, will be from 7:30 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Howard said anyone with questions should call 913-804-6120.

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

All of us at the Brown County Sheriffs Office would like to wish everyone a
very happy and safe New Year!!

Law enforcement will be out in force this evening looking for impaired drivers, if you cannot drink responsibly, MAKE SURE TO USE A DESIGNATED DRIVER OR MAKE PROVISIONS TO SPEND THE NIGHT WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS. 

Road conditions are expected to be slick or ice covered this evening so drive with caution.

(KNZA)--A reward is being offered for assistance from the public regarding a Jackson County investigation.

According to a news release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, a light blue, 2019 Subaru Crosstrek SUV was vandalized on, or before, December 27 in the city of Hoyt.

Morse, in the release, said the vehicle was spray painted and keyed, leading to damage estimated at around $2,000.

Morse said the reward is being offered for information leading to the conviction of the suspect, or suspects, responsible for the damage.

The amount of the reward is not specified.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation should contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City man was arrested on multiple felony charges following the execution of a search warrant at 1203 Lane Street by the  Falls City Police Department Friday afternoon, December 28th. 

According to a Falls City Police Department release, officers located what is believed to have been four different controlled substances including methamphetamine, codeine, Alprazolam and marijuana.  

Officers also located a handgun, which was allegedly stolen, a large machete style weapon, a large fixed blade knife and a sword.

39-year-old Joshua Darden was arrested at the scene on felony counts of: 

Possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, with intent to deliver within one-thousand feet of a school or playground.

Possession of a stolen firearm.

Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; 

Possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony; 

Possession of a controlled substance – Codeine;

Possession of a controlled substance – Alprazolan. 

In addition, Darden was cited for possession of marijuana less than  one ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Darden is currently being held in the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center.

(KQ2-TV)--The St. Joseph Police Department says it was 42-year-old Christopher L. Kelley who was killed in Saturday's police-involved shooting.

The shooting took place at a home at 1007 S. 12th Street Saturday morning. According to police, Kelley displayed a handgun to officers while they were on scene to execute an arrest warrant. Officers then fired on Kelley striking him several times. He was later pronounced dead at Mosaic Life Care. No officers received any injuries.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has taken over the investigation. Both officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.

(MSC News)-Authorities in St. Joseph are investigating an officer-involved shooting that led to a man’s death.

KQ2-TV reports the shooting happened Saturday morning at a home in the 1000 block of South 12th Street.

Police were searching the home for a person with a felony warrant out for their arrest.

Officers came across a suspect who was armed and threatening them with a firearm.

Two officers fired shots and struck the suspect.

Police say the 42-year-old white male suspect was transported to Mosiac Life Care in St. Joseph where he died fom his injures.

Authorities say the two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave. Neither were injured.

There were at least two people inside the home when the shooting happened. Police have not said whether the person who was shot is the person they were looking for.

It’s standard practice to place officers on leave while the incident is being investigated. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be leading the investigation.

(KNZA)--Special recognition for a local adult care facility.  

Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Hiawatha, received the recognition from Kansas Adult Care Executives, a professional organization consisting of administrators and executives in long-term care.  

According to a letter dated December 20, and addressed to Maple Heights Administrator Denise Wolney, the organization is extending congratulations for success shown during a recent survey of the facility.  

The letter, signed by KACE Chair David Haase states that the organization works "to identify and honor those individuals who strive for excellence in long term care," noting that Wolney is one such individual, and should be commended, along with her staff, and the facility overall.  

The letter says that Maple Heights achieved "great success" during the most recent survey, which utilizes a set of criteria in scoring the overall excellence of long term care facilities.

(KNZA)--The identity of the man whose body was found a mile west of Wamego, on the Kansas River, has been made public.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat, in a news release, said the victim is 19-year-old Jacob Bouck, of Wamego.

According to Riat, Sheriff’s Office Detectives suspect foul play in Bouk’s death.

He was last seen in the Wamego area in the early morning hours of Friday, December 21.

Bouck’s body was recovered Christmas Eve.

The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted in the investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Anyone with information related to Bouck’s death is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 785-457-3353 or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.

(KAIR)--One fatal crash, during the Christmas weekend, on a Kansas highway.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Christmas Weekend Holiday Activity Report, the wreck happened in Kingman County, and was not alcohol-related.

The reporting period ran from 6:00 Friday evening, December 21 through 11:59 Christmas night.

During that time, troopers made 10 DUI arrests, issued 1,000 speeding citations, issued 104 adult safety belt citations, and issued 31 child restrain citations.

All of those numbers were up when compared to the same reporting period in both 2016 and 2017.

In Missouri, nine people died in traffic crashes during the 2018 Christmas holiday weekend, according to the State Highway patrol.

In 2017, there were seven traffic deaths.

Kansas City, Kansas resident Edward Gault died in Livingston County, on Missouri Highway 90, west of Chillicothe, Christmas Eve.

The Missouri reporting period ran from 6:00 Friday evening, December 21 through 11:59 Christmas night.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Many people have come across the scenario: You find a wallet on the ground out in public; what do you do with it?

That scene played out in September for Meriden resident William Grady.

While on the way to his local Thriftway grocery store, he saw a wallet laying in middle of the parking lot while it was raining, Grady told The Topeka Capital-Journal in a recent interview.

He picked it up, threw it in his truck and went to work.

Once there, he looked into it to see if he could find a contact. No contact, but a First State Bank card, the same place he did his banking.

He took it into the bank, gave it to them, left his business card with them in case of questions, and thought that was the end of it.

Fast forward three months: Grady received a Christmas card in the mail with a note and $131.

"William, hope this card finds you doing well. I'm the guy that owned the wallet that you found last September at Thriftway," the card read. "There was $131 in the wallet and I thought I would wait until Christmas to give it to you. Thank you for turning it into the bank. Wishing you the merriest of holidays! Gerard."

Grady got the card in the mail at work.

"I thought it was pretty amazing. I hadn't thought anything about it," Grady said of finding the wallet and turning it in. "I had totally forgot about it."

In the spirit of giving, Grady immediately thought about how he could repay the favor or pay it forward.

And he knew he definitely wanted to get in contact with the man, Gerard, who he's never met or never talked to but now knows lives pretty close to him.

When Grady told the bank about the card and money, Dave, the employee he turned the wallet into at the bank in September, said: "This is the way it should be. This is great."

Nothing like this had ever happened to Grady, he said, but he was pretty happy it did.

"I just did the right thing," Grady said. "I really didn't think it was that big of deal, but I do think it's pretty cool."

A picture of the note and money was posted on social media by Grady's daughter, Toni.

"My father received a card, reminding us that it pays to be a good person; be the change you wish to see in the world!" his daughter wrote, before sharing it with The Capital-Journal.

William Grady's wife died in July after a battle with cancer, and so the card had a little extra special meaning this holiday season.

"My dad has had a really rough year personally," Toni said. "You never know what a simple gesture like sending a thank you note to somebody can really do to brighten their day."

___

Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com

(KLZA)--Effective immediately the Community Medical Center (CMC) in Falls City is implementing visitor restrictions to protect patients' safety during this time of high community influenza rates.

Visitors are limited to 1-2 close family members or caregivers such as a spouse, adult child or others that are designated by the patient.

CMC is also asking that no children under the age of 18 or anyone ill or having symptoms of cough, fever or head or body aches visit patients.

If you feel an exception should be made or would like help passing on a message of support please talk to a nurse.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Gov. Pete Ricketts has appointed his campaign press secretary to fill a southeast Nebraska legislative seat.

Ricketts on Wednesday announced he had appointed Julie Slama to fill an upcoming vacancy in District 1.

The appointment will be effective Jan. 9, when Sen. Dan Watermeier leaves the position to join the Public Service Commission.

Slama, of Peru, worked as the Republican governor's press secretary during his re-election campaign. She previously was employed as a substitute employee with Auburn Public Schools, working with special needs students.

She graduated from Auburn High School and has a bachelor's degree in political science from Yale University.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Thursday rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Morrill located in Brown County.

The advisory was issued Wednesday because of a loss of pressure.

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

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

(KAIR)--Vandalism in an Atchison County community left thousands of dollars in damage, and the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any information related to who may have played a role in the destruction.

According to a news release issued by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, five windows were broken out of the old school, in Lancaster, located at 300 Kansas Street.

The damage is believed to have been committed sometime between Thursday, December 20 and Monday, December 24.

The building is owned by the City of Lancaster, and the damage is estimated at around $3,000.

According to Laurie, the investigation indicates that rocks were thrown at the windows, causing them to break.

Anyone with any information related to the crime should contact the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office at (913) 804-6080.

Authorities in Pottawatomie County are investigating the suspicious death of a man whose body was recovered Monday from the Kansas River.

In a news release issued Wednesday, Sheriff Greg Riat said emergency dispatch received a report about 10:15 Monday morning regarding a body in the river west of Wamego.

Sheriff’s deputies, Wamego police and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism officers responded, assisted by Wamego firefighters and Pottawatomie County EMS personnel.

Riat said his office’s water rescue team launched from the Wamego boat ramp and found the body of a man near the north bank of the river, located about a mile west of Wamego.

The body was recovered with assistance from the Manhattan Fire Department’s water rescue team.

An autopsy is being conducted to determine the man’s cause of death.

Riat said the man’s identity will be released once he is positively identified.

Anyone with information about the investigation should contact the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 457-3353.

(KLZA)--The Mound City  Board of Aldermen have voted to hold a municipal election on April 2, 2019.

One Alderman will be elected from both the South and the North Ward and will serve two-year terms.

Mayor Chris Krueger also informed the Board that Mound City qualifies for a grant for the bridge repairs on the Davis Creek Bridge.  

Board members approved advertising for bids on the preliminary engineering report for the project.  

In other action during the December meeting the Board approved a motion to pay full-time employees $500 and Reserve Officers, the Pool Manager and Building Inspector $50 Merit pay.  

Mound City will also advertise for bids for laptops for the police department.  

(KAIR)--A former Mayetta resident is dead, killed last week in a head-on crash on an Iowa highway.

22-year-old Christian Carter was a 2014 graduate of Royal Valley High School who currently resided in New Market, Iowa.

According to KMA radio news Carter was behind the wheel of a 1993 BMW around 8:20 Friday morning when he attempted to pass in a no-passing zone, colliding head-on with a 2017 Ford Expedition.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Carter, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck, was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the Expedition required hospital treatment.

The fatal crash happened in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Carter will be laid to rest Friday morning following an 11:00 funeral service at the Mercer Funeral Home, in Holton. 

He will be buried in the Hoyt Cemetery.

According to his obituary, Carter was a father of two, but was expecting a third child to join son Jace, and daughter Caytlin Marie.

He’s also survived by his fiance, Dakota Culley, of Shenandoah, Iowa.

Additional survivors include his mother, Amy Lawrence, and his father, Raphael.

(KNZA)--A Brown County family is without a home, following a Christmas night house fire that left their home destroyed.

The Erdley family is from Morrill, and according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the fire was reported around 11:25 Tuesday night.

The fire departments from Morrill, Fairview, and Hiawatha all rushed to the scene, assisted by Brown County Emergency Services.

Despite the efforts, the home is considered a total loss.

A vehicle, parked in the home’s garage, was also destroyed.

No injuries are reported.

The investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.

Aric Erdley, in correspondence with MSC News, credits the efforts of Hiawatha resident Tom Jackson, his brother-in-law, for the family’s safe escape.
According to Erdley, he and his family were asleep when Jackson came to the home to visit. Noticing smoke in the garage, Jackson saw that the ceiling in the breezeway was on fire. He kicked in the back door of the house, and woke the family up, allowing them to get out of the home unhurt.

According to an online fundraiser set up to assist with the loss, the family includes Aric and Keturah, as well as their twin sons, Walker and Warner.

According to information posted with the fundraiser, monetary donations are being accepted online, while item donations are also being taken.

According to the fundraiser information, the most urgent need is clothing for the children. The Erdleys are also in need of adult sized clothing, with items to be dropped off at PRTS, located at 700 Oregon Street, in Hiawatha, from 8 to 5:00 through Friday.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Morrill located in Brown County. 

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

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

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

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

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

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

The advisory took effect on December 26, 2018 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

(KLZA)--The Humboldt – Table Rock – Steinauer  School Board has unanimously approved the purchase of new Bytespeed laptop computers for the high school. 

131 laptops will be purchased at a cost of $67,465 which amounts to $515 each.  

The Board also approved a committee recommendation to present a $25 gift card for 86 staff members at a total cost of $2,150.

The gift card is a thank you from the District for two-and-a-half years with no workers compensation claims in the HTRS District.  The lack of claims has led to a large savings in Worker's Compensation costs due to employee safety. 

Board members also approved a 2019-20 school year agreement with the Teachers Association.  The base pay for a new teacher was increased $2-thousand to $36,350. The structure for extra curricular  pay was amended to be a percentage of the persons wages which will also be impacted by the amount of experience in the position. 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Rep.-elect Steve Watkins has appointed members of his predecessor's staff and a state Republican Party official to key positions in his congressional office.

The GOP congressman has announced that Jim Joice will serve as communications director. Joice has been the Kansas Republican Party's executive director.

Watkins also announced that Bill Roe will be deputy chief of staff and Adam York will serve as legislative director. Roe was chief of staff to retiring Rep. Lynn Jenkins, and York was her deputy chief of staff.

Watkins said earlier that Colin Brainard will be his chief of staff. Brainard worked previously for Jenkins but more recently as executive director of Congress' Joint Economic Committee.

Watkins will represent the 2nd District of eastern Kansas and replace Jenkins on Jan. 3.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov.-elect Laura Kelly will have the current superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol and the state fire marshal stay in their jobs after she takes office.

Kelly has announced that Col. Mark Bruce will continue leading the patrol and Doug Jorgensen will continue serving as the state's chief fire safety official. Both were appointees of former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.

Bruce has been Highway Patrol superintendent since January 2015 and has worked for the agency for 29 years. Kelly called him a strong advocate for officers.

Jorgensen has been fire marshal since July 2012. He previously worked for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Ellis County Sheriff's Department. Kelly said his experience in law enforcement make him a "valuable addition" to her administration.

Kelly takes office Jan. 14.

(KAIR)--They’re being called “confidence scams,” and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office is warning of their potential ramifications.

According to a news release from the agency, the sheriff’s office has recently investigated a number of such cases, which involve on line and telephone communications initiated by individuals with international ties. 

In one case outlined in the release, a scam artist convinced an elderly victim that she would be helping him out with reuniting him and his estranged daughter.  The victim felt obliged and sent him money because she considered herself as being very fortunate and blessed at this time of the year.  Eventually, she was passed off to two other “handlers” who promised to return her investment many times over.  She was even provided with photographs of the currency they promised to send her.  She received nothing.

 In another case a senior citizen was convinced to assist a man who lied by telling her he was being held against his will by a foreign government illegally.  She paid him hundreds of thousands of dollars to help him get back to the United States.  Of course, one legal issue led to another with this scammer enabling him to ask this kind-hearted Platte County Samaritan for more and more money.

 Sheriff Mark Owen, in the release, suggests everyone, especially seniors, to be vigilant and check the backgrounds of organizations as well as individuals in an effort to stem the targeting of citizens by scammers.

Owen also stated that no one should ‘give personal or financial information to people over the phone or email, especially to people they don’t know. If a call seems odd or the scenario is too good to be true it’s probably a scam.”

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Allegations of violence between staff members and sexual relationships between workers and underage inmates at Kansas' only juvenile corrections facility were uncovered during a state audit prompted by allegations that a former superintendent of the center assaulted an employee.

Auditors sought to contact 229 former and current employees of the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex in Topeka but only 48 responded. Of those, seven people reported being attacked or assaulted by other staff.

Auditors also received three reports of sexual relationships between staff and youth at the facility, according to Kansas News Service. 

Other comments alleged staff removed residents from solitary confinement when auditors visited.

Staff at the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit said that the number of responses was too low to draw definitive conclusions but that the comments were still concerning.

All the comments were anonymous and could not be verified.

(KAIR)--The Atchison Police Department received an early Christmas present, gifted Sunday with more than $1,000 from an Atchison Church.

Pastor Matt Broxterman, of the First Christian Church, issued the following statement about the gift, presented to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson during services on Sunday, December 23, 2018:

First Christian Church of Atchison began a new tradition last year with our first annual Community Christmas Gift, which was awarded to the Atchison Boys and Girls Club.

We have always been an outreach minded church, but we wanted to add something special for Christmas.

The Community Christmas Gift gives our members an opportunity to be generous beyond what we normally do. We also see it as a way to promote awareness of organizations that are truly making a difference in the Atchison community.

This year’s recipient is the Emergency Response Team of the Atchison Police Department. We are incredibly thankful for the men and women who put themselves in harms way to keep us safe and who are there, at a moment’s notice, to respond to emergency situations.

We know that training and equipment of this nature is expensive. We also know how vital they are to the work of the team as they often find themselves in critical situations. We hope that our small gift will be helpful, that it will show our appreciation, and that possibly it will encourage others to support their important work as well.

MSC Radio News Director Brian Hagen talked to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson about receiving the gift.

(KAIR)--750 pounds.

That’s the weight of the food collected by local students wanting to give to those in need during the holiday season.

Natalie Brammer is the Student Council Sponsor and a teacher at the Atchison County Elementary School.

She told MSC News it was decided that the students in Effingham would hold a food drive, with that collection effort happening over recent weeks.

On Thursday, Brammer said all of the non-perishable items were collected at each grade level from the Effingham schools, and the final count recorded 980 items.

Brammer transported the donated items to the Atchison County Food Pantry, located in Atchison, where the items will, Brammer said, be used to assist needy families in Atchison County.

The food drive was sponsored by the Elementary Student Council.

(KLZA)--Pawnee County Commissioners opened bids for the Table Rock, Northwest project when they met December 18th. 

Eight bids were submitted in all ranging from an apparent low bid of $924,486 to a high bid of nearly $1.3-million.

The bids will be reviewed with action on awarding the bid likely to be during the January 3, Board meeting. 

Highway Superintendent Chris  Rauner updated Commissioners on current projects and said he would be looking into the 1 and 6 year plan.  He also discussed the possibility of replacing the rock truck.

Annual reports were also presented by Ruth Stephens and Susan Daniels about the Pawnee County Memorial Hospital changes and finances. The year end Extension report was presented by Extension Administrator Karly Black.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former hospital worker at Fort Leavenworth who tried to kill his boss by setting her on fire has lost an appeal of his conviction.  

The Kansas City Star reports Clifford Currie was convicted of assault with intent to commit murder for the September 2016 attack on First Lt. Katie Blanchard.  She was seriously burned during an attack at the Munson Army Health Center at Fort Leavenworth.

Currie, now 56, was a civilian employee there.  

Currie was sentenced last year to 20 years in federal prison.  Currie argued in his appeal that the prosecutor made several improper statements during his trial.  

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Friday that some of the prosecutor's statements were improper but they didn't violate Currie's right to a fair trial.

(KAIR)--The holiday spirit was alive and well Saturday in Hiawatha, as a local auto dealership played Santa for area residents in need.

Hiawatha Ford did that in the way of gifting four cars to four individuals whose names were provided to the business as being in need of vehicles for the new year.

Essays of support were written for area residents needing transportation, with the original goal being to award one vehicle through a review of a selection panel.

However, dealership representative Julie Camblin told MSC News narrowing down the selection proved difficult, leading to the decision to award all four vehicles. “Our surrounding communities have been so supportive to us throughout the years, and this was our way of giving back. This would not be possible without the support of our communities. It was a very difficult decision for our panel, e couldn’t decide upon just one recipient. There’s a lot of need throughout all of our communities, so we ended up doing four instead of one.”

The vehicles were given away Saturday during Hiawatha Ford’s Christmas event.

Selected to receive a 2015 Ford Escape was Hiawatha resident Melissa Meyers, while

Kyle Juhl, from the Doniphan County community of Blair was awarded a 2014 Ford Focus. Amy DePrey Keim was gifted a 2015 Ford Focus, while Frank Parker received a 2008 Chevy Suburban.

Hiawatha Ford was assisted with the Christmas car donation through the support of the Brown County Humane Society, the Troy Christian Church, and Kaden’s Kloset.

(KAIR)--The Doniphan County Commission has agreed to proceed with a stream bank stabilization project.

County road office manager Lindsay Norris informed the Commissiond December 17 about grant funds available through the Natural Resources Conservation District Office in the amount of $2,500 to stabilize a portion of the Wolf River bank along 225th Road.

The county will provide $1,875 in matching funds in the form of in-kind services, which includes labor and machinery.

The project is estimated to take two working days.

(KAIR)--The actions of an Atchison girl are being hailed as heroic, with recognition given for her quick thinking, life saving decision.

6-year-old Madison Ash was honored Thursday by Saint Luke’s Hospital, of Kansas City, for her actions of November 7 which are credited for saving the life of 60-year-old Wendall Smith, who suffered a stroke.

Also recognized through the hospital’s Spot-A-Stroke case of the month were the Atchison Fire Department and Atchison County EMS, with those agencies responding to provide Smith with life-saving efforts.

KQ2-TV reports Ash called 911 when she noticed something wrong with Smith as the two visited at an Atchison establishment.

KQ2’s Vanessa Alonso reports that Daylight Donuts in Atchison is the usual morning coffee stop for 60-year-old Wendall Smith. He enjoys the company of the owner's six-year-old granddaughter, Madison Ash.

"I call it fairly close. She warms up to everybody," Smith said. "She's really easy to get along with. I put up with a lot of things."

"I pick on him when he's trying to do his puzzles," Ash said. "I scribble on them and I do random numbers on them."

But on November 7, 2018, that usual morning visit would become a scary event. Smith was beginning to have a stroke at the restaurant.

"I just felt something was wrong. I don't know if it was numbness or what," Smith said. "I felt my arms starting to numb and tingle. Madison then said you're not talking or what's wrong."

"I tried to talk to him. He didn't say anything," Ash said.

Smith attempted to get up from his table and leave Daylight Donuts to his car. Madison on the other hand went to a grown up and got help.

"She knew her friend was not acting right. She knew he wasn't talking," said Daylight Donuts Manager Jennifer Wagner. "I ran out to get him back inside. We had someone bring him in. Luckily we had a nurse here. I called 911."

That call to 911 helped made all the difference as Smith got the immediate medical attention he needed. He spent two days in the hospital. His recovery is all thanks to Madison's awareness.

"She's very aware of her surroundings. She always has been since she was a little girl," said Madison's Mother, Jennifer Dodson. "I'm just really proud of her."

"I've thanked her many times. But an extra special thank you for noticing," Smith said. "She noticed and notified."

Today smith has no permanent damage from his stroke while Madison is now a little hero. This brave little girl is just happy to have her friend back.

"We'll be best friends forever," Ash said.

Medical experts say the phrase "Act FAST" is an easy way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. Those include the facial droop, arm weakness and issues with speech.

Calling 911 quickly will make a difference in recovery time for the patient.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Don Pounds presented a draft agreement with Community Medical Center in Falls City to provide health services for inmates at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center during Tuesday meeting of the Commissioners.

County Attorney Doug  Merz will be asked to review the agreement before Commissioners take action on it. 

The Board also conducted a public hearing for input on the proposed closing of a portion of 711 Road west of 655 Avenue to the East ban of “Half Breed Creek.”

No one from the public spoke during the hearing.  Action on the proposal to vacate the portion of road will be taken at a future meeting of the Board. 

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners have approved a Declaration of Disaster for flood damages that have occurred during the summer and fall of 2018.

In addition, a “State of Emergency” has been declared.

Higher than normal flows into the Missouri River from upstream dams coupled with rain and melting snow have flooded farmland in Richardson County and caused issues in Rulo. 

Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall provided information on damages occurring within the Village of Rulo and requested the County Board approve the disaster declaration.  

(KNZA)--A Mayetta teenager convicted on three felony charges in connection with the shooting of a 17-year-old Mayetta girl in October has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller told MSC News that 18-year-old Lance Bailey was sentenced Thursday to consecutive terms of three years on a charge of aggravated battery and one year on each of two counts of aggravated assault.

Miller says the sentence is to be followed by three years on post-release supervision. In addition, Bailey will also be required to register as a violent offender for 15 years.

He pleaded no contest to the charges in November contained in an amended complaint.

Bailey had originally been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

Authorities say the shooting happened at a residence on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Reservation October 3rd during what’s believed to have been a verbal alteration.

The victim was transported to a Topeka hospital for treatment.

(KMZA)--An attempt, through hacking, “to obtain substantial money from the city bank accounts” is reported in Seneca and confirmed through a press release from Seneca Police Chief Jordan Weaver.

According to the release, issued Thursday afternoon, the city was notified about the breach Thursday morning. Investigators believe the attempt was made Wednesday afternoon.

Weaver says the suspects were unsuccessful despite their attempt to make multiple transactions.

However, the release notes that it’s possible that the personal information of those who have provided banking information to the City of Seneca may have been compromised.

Weaver says local law enforcement is “working with the FBI “and are investigating the extent of the breach of personal data.”

Affected parties will be notified as soon as the investigation reveals additional information.

In the meantime, Weaver advises that all customers and vendors of the City of Seneca should remain aware of irregular transactions on financial accounts, and those who notice such activity should contact bank providers and local law enforcement.

(KLZA)-- Rita Fisher and Shannon Roberts, representing the  “Taking  Back Our Community” organization met with Richardson County Commissioners Tuesday asking questions in regards to the fiscal year end audit report and housing inmates from other counties in Richardson County. 

Commissioners requested questions about the audit as it pertains to the  Sheriff's Office be addressed with  Sheriff Don Pounds at his office.  

Commission Chairman David Sickel said most of the issues in the audit are being dealt with and are not uncommon, and noted the issues revealed date back through several different Sheriff terms in office. 

When asked about a proposed contract for Sarpy County to house  prisoners at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center, County Clerk Mary Eickhoff said an agreement was prepared, but was never approved and signed by Sarpy County. 

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca is looking at the purchase of an automated meter reading system, with the technology eliminating the need to read meters manually.

The Seneca City Council Wednesday evening received bids from three companies for an AMR system, but took no action.

The apparent low bidder was Core and Main, of Olathe, with a total bid of nearly $528,000.  

That was below the $596,000 the city had budgeted for the project.

City Administrator Matt Rehder says the current process of reading the city’s water and electric meters is a two-day job, requiring between 96 and 100 man hours.  He said that could be reduced to 2 with the new system.

Rehder says he expects the Council to take action on the bids during their next meeting on Wednesday, January 2nd.  

Editor's note: the following was submitted by Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore

( KNZA)--Beginning Wednesday, December 26, through Tuesday, January 1, the Hiawatha Police Department will join many other police agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Taking Down DUI traffic enforcement campaign. This activity is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT).  

According to KDOT, in comparison with other holidays, the New Year’s period outranks most of the other holidays in number of crashes in which at least one of the drivers is impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs.  These drivers endanger not only themselves, but also others they share the vehicle and road with – such as their passengers, other motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.  On average, across Kansas three persons are injured every day and one person is killed every three days in alcohol- and other drug-related crashes.  Furthermore, these crashes tend to be more severe.  Vehicle occupants in such crashes are over 2 ½ times more likely to be injured or killed than those involved in crashes where alcohol or other drugs were not a factor.   

Over the week following Christmas, it is projected that 250-300 drivers will be arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) across the state.  A DUI arrest and conviction results in jail, the suspension or permanent revocation of driver’s license, a fine of $500 to $2,500, participation in an alcohol or other drug treatment program and, where alcohol is involved, the purchase and installation of an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle.  This device prevents the vehicle from starting if more than a hint of alcohol is present in the driver’s breath).  All of this is in addition to thousands of dollars more for bail, court costs, and attorney fees.  

Also responsible for needless death and maiming is the failure by many teens and adults to simply buckle up themselves, or to properly buckle up child passengers.  Twice as many Kansans who die from a crash are unrestrained as are restrained.  Even worse is the fact that injuries suffered by those who are unbuckled are likely to be much more severe and disabling than injuries suffered by those who are buckled in.  This applies regardless of speed, and whether the occurrence is on a city street, a county road, or a highway.  

According to Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore, “Keep in mind that if you are going to be drinking – any amount at all – don’t even consider driving home.  Arrange to ride with a non-drinking acquaintance.  Don’t let pride or concerns for your convenience endanger your life and the lives of innocent others.  Drivers, always wear your seatbelt and don’t move the vehicle until each person riding with you is buckled in.  This is your best defense against death and injury, it is their best defense, and it is the law.   You will live with the consequences of your decisions – good or bad – for the rest of your life.  By always following these simple rules, you can preserve life – maybe your life – and certainly your cash.  You can safely arrive.”  

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - A former guard accused of smuggling synthetic marijuana into a Nebraska prison has pleaded guilty.

Johnson County District Court records say 54-year-old Richard Fries, of Lincoln, entered the plea Monday to attempted delivery of a controlled substance. Prosecutors lowered the charge and dropped a second charge in return. His sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 25.

Authorities say Fries and 33-year-old Ryan Tokar were charged after Tokar took K2 into the Tecumseh prison in October last year but couldn't deliver it because he no longer had access to the inmate customer's housing unit. A court document says Fries and Tokar discussed the situation and later Fries, who had the necessary access, took the K2 and left it for the inmate in a trash can in the inmate's unit.

Tokar has pleaded not guilty to a conspiracy charge and is awaiting trial.

(KNZA)--Three local volunteers were recognized by Hiawatha Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper during this week’s City Commission meeting.

Jasper presented Sam Shamburg, Chris Diller and Megan Simmons with the Hiawatha Parks and Recreation "Volunteers of the Year" award for 2018.

Jasper said the three recipients have each given so much and truly made her job much easier with their acts of volunteering.

Through the course of 2018, Jasper said her department hosted 27 events and programs for the community.  She said none of them would have been successful without people stepping up and lending a helping hand.

On the recommendation of City Clerk Tish Sims, the Commission approved the promotion of temporary office assistant Glenda Rieger to part-time office assistant at salary of $11.50 an hour.  Rieger has worked for the city since August 22.

The Commission approved the re-appointments of David Middendorf and Richard Jarvis to the Tree Board for terms ending December 31, 2021.

And the Commission approved the re-appointment of Floyd McElwain to the Airport Board for three year term.

(KNZA)--Federal, state and tribal officials have signed a 30-year contract that will allow for the restoration of degraded wetlands on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation reservation near Mayetta.

According to a news release from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the contract is the first of its kind in Kansas.  

NRCS District Conservationist Jamie Johnson said about 30 acres will be restored and then protected and managed for the contract life through the NRCS’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Wetland Reserve Easement.

The release says the NRCS will work the tribe to develop the wetland restoration plan.

Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Chairman Joseph Rupnick  said the tribe is thankful for the opportunity to return the portion of land back to its natural wetland condition and for the area’s high potential to provide environmental education.

Over the long-term, the restoration will provide a tribal land preserve.  Rupnick said the preserve is envisioned to offer recreational, cultural and educational opportunities which can enhance the quality of life for tribal citizens.   

(MSC News)--A Hoyt man will stand trial in January on 45 counts of cruelty to animals.

The Holton Recorder reports Frank Johnson is facing a January 11 court date in two separate criminal cases.

The first case was file in August after 12 horses, determined to be in poor health, were removed from a farm near Hoyt and Johnson was identified as the horses caretaker.

A second case was filed last week, charging Johnson with an additional 33 counts of cruelty to animals stemming from the alleged mistreatment of horses on the property.  That followed an investigation conducted November 23 by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Earlier this year, Sheriff Tim Morse said his office had been receiving complaints for more than a year that the horses were living in poor conditions at the farm.  Officers had made several visits to the farm but could not find substantial evidence of mistreatment.

Following an investigation of the property in July involving a veterinarian, the first 12 horses were removed from the farm.  Morse said another 35 horses at the farm were determined to be in good shape at that time.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A northeast Kansas woman has been charged in the death of her 19-month-old son.

The Leavenworth Times reports that 31-year-old Catherine Smith made her first appearance Wednesday on a second-degree murder charge and requested a court-appointed attorney.

Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens says police went to Smith's residence on Nov. 29 in response to a report that a small child wasn't breathing. Her son, Maverick Smith, was taken to a hospital, but he later died.

Kitchens says police conducted an extensive investigation that focused on possible neglect. Smith surrendered to authorities Tuesday.

County Attorney Todd Thompson says Smith isn't accused of intentionally killing her son. The boy's death is alleged to have resulted from "extreme indifference to the value of human life." No other details were released.

___

Information from: Leavenworth (Kan.) Times, http://www.leavenworthtimes.com

(KNZA)--A contract has been awarded for a Hiawatha brick street rehabilitation project.

On the recommendation of the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening voted to authorize the awarding of the contract for the rehabilitation of Utah Street between 6th and 7th Streets to Amino Brothers Company, of Kansas City, Kansas, in the amount of $799,636.

The Commission also voted to commit $177,000 in matching funds for the project, which is to be submitted to KDOT by January 31, 2019.  

Funding through a KDOT grant awarded to the city last October will pay for 80 percent of the project cost.

Commissioner Toni Hull voiced concerns about awarding the bid to Amino Brothers, saying there were a lot of problems when they served as the contractor on the walking trail project.

But it was noted the city really didn’t have a choice but to go with KDOT’s recommendation.  City Administrator Mike Nichols said it could jeopardize future grants if the city didn’t do so.   

Nichols says the project could start as early as late January/early February but he doesn’t expect the company to start until March.

The project is scheduled for 60 working days.

(KLZA)-- The  Falls City Council has approved a nearly $200-thousand contract for trimming trees out of the primary electrical lines. 

During Monday nights Council meeting City Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring told the Council members despite going out for bids for the project twice,  only one company submitted a bid, which came in higher than the budgeted $200-thousand.  

Following negotiations with the Aspundh Tree Expert company form Ralston, Nebraska, the price was still well above the money budgeted for the project.

After visiting with Line Crew Chief  Rob Oliver, the City decided to have three areas trimmed that were most in need    at a cost of $199,375.

Council member Mitch Merz asked about using city equipment such as bucket trucks and loaders and city  employees to do the tree trimming work.  He suggested using summer part-time help with the project. 

Luhring said it would  take an additional six to seven employees to get the trimming work completed and stay on top of it.  He also noted that those doing the trimming must be qualified to trim within the primary conductor zone to do this type of work. 

Merz suggested the City look at utilizing city employees for future tree trimming projects. 

(KNZA)--The two winners of this year’s Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce “ Shop Local” campaign have been announced.

The winning ticket numbers were revealed Tuesday morning on KNZA radio.

Named as the $750 prize winner was Sherry Ely, whose winning ticket came from Tice Healthmart.

Kelby and Jena Meyer were selected as the winner of the $250 giveaway, with their winning ticket coming from Deb’s Images.

Ten local businesses participated in this year’s “ Shop Local” campaign, which ran from November 19 to December 15.   

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman convicted of impeding a 2013 Brown County child murder investigation has been sentenced on a felony charge.

Janelle Hall, also known as Janelle King, was sentenced Monday in Brown County District Court to six months in prison on a charge of interference with law enforcement.  However, the sentence was suspended and she was placed on one year supervised probation.

Hall pleaded no contest to the charge in October stemming from the investigation into the beating death of 4-year-old Mekhi Boone in March 2013.

Authorities say Hall 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 more than 10 years in prison on charges of second-degree murder, felony child abuse and interference with a law enforcement officer.    

(KNZA)--Troy USD 429 will start the Christmas holiday break early due to the flu.  

The school district was scheduled to start the break Friday, but due to the flu spreading across the district, it was decided to cancel classes for Wednesday and Thursday.

In addition, there will be no practices or evening activities.

The Troy High School basketball game with Doniphan West that had been scheduled for Thursday has been postponed and also the basketball game Friday with Valley Heights.

According to school officials, almost 50 percent of elementary students were out sick.

It comes a week after Doniphan West USD 111 closed school for four days last week due to the flu.

(KAIR)--An investigation is underway regarding another reported vehicle theft in Atchison, marking the second one to occur in less than a week.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson this case involves a work truck taken from a local business.  “Well we did begin an investigation on Monday after this 1997 Ford Truck was taken from Bakers services located in the 1600 block of US 59. It was parked outside the business; it’s a truck that’s normally used through their business, so we are attempting to locate the truck.”

Wilson says he anticipates that authorities will locate the vehicle soon, which will greatly aid in the investigation. A suspect has not yet been identified in the case.

According to Wilson, the truck was stolen sometime between last Thursday and Monday.

Despite their happening so close together in time, Wilson says this case is not related to the one involving a pickup stolen last Friday from the 1600 block of Liberty in Atchison. That vehicle was recovered Saturday morning in Kansas City, Missouri.

(KAIR)--An early Tuesday morning single-vehicle Buchanan County, Missouri wreck left an Atchison, Kansas man seriously injured.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the wreck happened on U.S. 59 Highway about 9 miles south of St. Joseph around 5:45.

The Patrol says 34-year-old Christopher Lurquin was northbound, south of Route KK, when his pickup truck traveled off the roadway into a drainage culvert and struck an embankment.

Lurquin, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported by Life Net air ambulance to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.

The Patrol reports he was the lone occupant in his vehicle.

( KNZA)--It's a scam Westar Energy has warned its customers about before, and its happening again.

Westar and KCP&L say imposters claiming to work for the companies are threatening to disconnect service and asking for prepaid cards as payment.

In some cases, the caller is using a pre-recorded voice.

Some imposters are very convincing. They may use websites that allow them to manipulate caller ID, making the call appear to come from Westar or KCP&L. They may use a prerecorded message.  When the targeted customer calls the phone numbers provided, the person who answers sounds like they work for the electric companies. In some cases, callers may even provide information like amount due that makes them sound credible.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie local businesses have reported receiving such scam calls.

Westar spokeswoman Gina Penzig says the company will never require a pre-paid card for payment. Also, she says they will notify customers multiple times in advance if service may be interrupted for non-payment.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a vehicle theft that was reported Friday in Atchison.

Police Chief Mike Wilson says on Friday a 1998 Dodge truck was taken from the 1600 block of Liberty. “The owner of the truck had been gone in the morning, returned during the noon hour (and) found that the truck was taken. We did locate that truck in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday morning, and we do have a suspect in that case that we are attempting to locate in several different locations outside of Atchison.”

Wilson says the suspect had been staying at the victim’s residence leading up to the theft of the truck.

(KAIR)--The serving of a district court warrant leads to the arrest of a Lansing man on drug charges.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News that 25-year old Austin L. Archer was taken into custody Friday for possession of methamphetamine. “Well it was at 2 p.m. on Friday, our officers went to a residence in the 1000 block of Riley to locate a 25-year-old male who was wanted on an outstanding district court warrant for failure to appear in court. The officers did locate the male and found him to be in possession of methamphetamine. So, he was taken into custody not only on the failure to appear warrant but (also) on new drug charges.”

Wilson describes the amount of meth found as being small, and says that Archer was arrested without any issues.

Archer was booked into the Atchison County jail, where he remains as of Monday  morning.

(KMZA)--A judge is to issue a decision later this month on whether a Frankfort man stands trial on a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol.

27-year-old Weston Adams is charged in connection with an all-terrain vehicle crash in May that claimed the life of 22-year-old Arianna Lynn Martin, of Frankfort.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports Martin was driving an ATV north of Vliets early May 6 when he crossed into a ditch along K-87 and the ATV rolled onto its side.

Martin was ejected and the ATV came to rest on top of her.

She was transported to Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville where she was pronounced dead.

A preliminary hearing was held earlier this month in the case.

Marshall County Attorney Laura Johnson-McNish told MSC News Magistrate Judge Angela Hecke took the case under advisement, and is to issue a decision December 31 on whether Martin should be bound over for trial.

(MSC News)--Highland Community College Technical Center Automotive Technology students were able to donate their time and effort to repair a car for the Cars 4 Christmas program. A non-profit organization in the Kansas City Metro, Cars 4 Christmas, gives donated autos to individuals in need a transformational gift.

Highland Auto Tech students partnered with area businesses to repair a Cadillac DeVille for the donation. Lewis Chevrolet Buick of Atchison donated the car, LKQ Auto Parts of Topeka donated a transmission, O’Reilly’s Auto Parts of Atchison donated parts and fluids and NAPA of Atchison donated a battery. Highland faculty members Ethan Forsberg and Michael Lindstrom guided students through the repair processes and completed paperwork for the donation to become reality.

“Efforts like this one not only further the mission of Highland to improve the quality of lives in the communities we serve but also helps our students learn the value of service. These cars go to people who genuinely need them to improve their lives and our students are uniquely qualified to help in that process.” Lucas Hunziger, Director of Technical Education at Highland Community College said of the project.

(KNZA)--Services have been set for a Holton High School senior who died over the weekend while waiting on a second double-lung transplant.

According to an obituary from the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, 18-year-old Madison Taliaferro died Saturday evening at a St. Louis hospital after a courageous long fought battle with cystic fibrosis.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday morning at 11:00 at Holton High School, where she served as senior class vice-president.

A visitation and viewing will be Thursday evening from 4 to 7 at the funeral home.

Born with the cystic fibrosis, Madison had a continued lung function decline until she received a double lung transplant six years ago.

But her body recently rejected those lungs, with her lung function declining from 48 percent to 22.5 percent.

Doctors aren’t sure what caused the rejection to occur.

(KNZA)--An early Friday morning single-vehicle wreck in St. Joseph, Missouri  claimed the life of a St. Joseph man.

KQ2-TV reports police have identified the victim as 49-year-old Anthony Wilkinson.

St. Joseph Police said Wilkinson was driving a mini-van in the 26-hundred block of Flex Street when he lost control of the vehicle, which left the road and struck a tree shortly after 1:00.

Wilkinson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two passengers were transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, one with life threatening injuries and the other with moderate injuries.

The wreck remains under investigation.

(KLZA)-- A Skidmore, Missouri woman suffered serious injuries in a Thursday afternoon wreck three miles north of Maitland on Missouri Route 113. 

A Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates 24-year-old Jessica Kirk of Skidmore was traveling south on Route 113 in a Chrysler  Town and Country Van and a semi-truck and trailer operated by 56-year-old Nicky Wawrzyniak was making a left turn onto Route 113 from a private drive.

The front bumper of the van struck the drivers side rear of the semi and came to rest in the roadway. 

Kirk was transported by the  Atchison-Holt EMS to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with what were described as serious injuries. 

Wawrzynia, from Matiland was not injured. 

The van was totaled and the trailer the semi was pulling was totaled. There was no damage to the semi.  Both drivers were wearing safety devices at the time of the wreck. 

The Holt County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene of the wreck.  

(KNZA)--A rural Jackson Co t home was destroyed by fire early Friday morning.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says the fire was reported at 16700 98th Road near Hoyt shortly after 3:15.

Fire departments from Hoyt, Mayetta, Soldier Township, and the Potawatomi Nation responded to the scene. Jackson County EMS and Sheriff’s Office also responded.

Morse says the fire was brought under control around 5:30.

He says the log style home is deemed a complete loss.

All the occupants, including four children, escaped the home without injury.

Morse says the fire is suspected of igniting from a heat lamp that was being used for animals.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education has planned a facility planning workshop for January to discuss facility improvements.

Board members will meet January 14 with architects from BVH Architecture to review master plan drawings and discuss initial ideas for facility improvements at Falls City High School. 

The meeting will help narrow the options District 56 will consider and establish a preliminary timeline for estimates as well as options.  

Board members also approved the 2017-18 audit report presented by Julie Bauman, CPA. 

A teacher employment contract for Pam Joy to .40 FTE was approved.   Joy will lead and facilitate the school district's visual impairment instructional program beginning January 2.  Ginger Feek will serve in the capacity of long-term substitute eacher in the Special Education department beginning in January.  

(KNZA)--Brown County Commissioners received an update on a proposed wind farm  when they met this week.

County Attorney Kevin Hill reported on a meeting he and Commissioner Dwight Kruse had last Friday with a representative of Chicago-based Invenergy.

The company 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.

Hill says the county can require a conditional use permit under its home rule authority, which could contain set back requirements for the wind turbines from residences.

Hill says the county will also need to negotiate a road use maintenance agreement and payment in lieu of taxes ( PILOT) agreement.

The company is expected to seek a 10-year property tax abatement from the state.

Hill says the county will also need to hire an engineering firm to conduct a pre- and post construction assessment of roads the company will be using during the construction phase.  The company would pay for the engineering costs.  

He said the project is probably a year away.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s USD 409 moves forward with the overall goal of strengthening student safety, approving Monday the purchase of a safety system for school district use.

The matter had been explored during previous meetings, including a discussion in August focused on options for expending state grant funds received by USD 409 for the purpose of safety enhancements.

One proposal, the mandatory use of clear backpacks, drew public scrutiny, with the board instead exploring alternatives, including the Telecenter U Critical Communications system.

A presentation was provided by a representative for the system, leading to a vote of the school board to make the purchase.

Brian Hagen talked to Superintendent Dr. Susan Myers about the safety service to be provided through the purchase.

Along with the approval of the security system, the school board Monday also ratified the 2018-2019 teachers agreement, while also approving a wage increase for classified staff and administrators.

The board also approved the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Elementary School Teacher Carla Blattner.

(KLZA)-- Law enforcement agencies across the state of Nebraska were busy Thursday responding to bomb threats.

A Nebraska State Patrol news release says no devices have been found and the threats are believed to be associated with others reported through the nation Thursday.

The Nebraska State Patrol is aware of numerous threats of explosive devices in communities including Falls City, Peru, DeWitt, Fremont, McCook, Lincoln and Omaha.

The Patrol and the Nebraska Information Analysis Center are working with federal authorities to determine the origin of the threats.

(KLZA)-- Law enforcement agencies across the state of Nebraska were busy Thursday responding to bomb threats.

A Nebraska State Patrol news release says no devices have been found and the threats are believed to be associated with others reported through the nation Thursday.

The Nebraska State Patrol is aware of numerous threats of explosive devices in communities including Falls City, Peru, DeWitt, Fremont, McCook, Lincoln and Omaha.

NSP and the Nebraska Information Analysis Center are working with federal authorities to determine the origin of the threats.

(KLZA)-- Two people were arrested on multiple weapon and drug related charges following the search of a Falls City home Wednesday morning. 

According to a news release from the Falls City Police Department, officers served a search warrant on a home located at 319 West 15th Street around 10:00.  

The release says two handguns, three large machete style weapons, a hatchet, several pieces of drug paraphernalia and substances that allegedly tested positive to be methamphetamine were confiscated.

Arrested were 24-year-old Tylor Fritts who lists Falls City as his home town and 28-year-old Julia Sprouse who lists her hometown as Stella. 

Fritts and Sprouse were each arrested on seven felony counts including two counts  of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, four counts of possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony and one count of possession of methamphetamine.

Both are being held in the Richardson County Jail.   

(KNZA)--The execution of a search warrant leads to the arrest of a Hiawatha woman on drug charges.

According to a press release from Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore, 34-year-old Anna Swogar was arrested early Wednesday evening after officers with the Hiawatha Police Department executed a search warrant at 903 Shawnee Street.

Swogar was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia and possession with intent to distribute.

Defore says officers located suspected methamphetamine, scales, packaging and other paraphernalia commonly associated with the sale of illegal narcotics.

He says the search warrant was obtained after a lengthy investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department with the assistance of the Brown County Attorney’s Office.

Defore says a 17-year-old juvenile was also questioned and investigated for alleged drug related offenses.

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

(KLZA)-- Deb Klein has been sworn in as Mayor of Pawnee City for a second time. 

Klein served previously but stepped down as Mayor  June of 2016 due to health concerns.  

At the time, Councilman Charlie Hatfield was sworn in as Mayor.  Klein ran for Mayor again this year, Hatfield  did not run for Mayor but was elected again to the City Council and was also sworn in Monday night. 

Also sworn in after winning re-election to the Pawnee City Council was Ric Helms. 

L. Joe Stehlik was appointed City Attorney; Tamela Curtis as City Clerk / Treasurer;  and Evan Wickersham with JEO Consulting will serve as the Street Superintendent. 

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Board of Education approved extensions and pay increases for two administrators during their Monday evening meeting. 

Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus' contract will be extended one year and his pay will be increased by $5-thousand.  The extension will be through the 2020-21 school year.  The current salary for the Superintendent is $110-thousand. 

The contract for Principal Don Jacobs was also extended for one-year and his salary will be increased  $3-thousand.  

The 2019-20 Negotiated Agreement with the Pawnee City Education Association was also approved as presented.  The base salary was increased by $425 to $36-thousand. 

The audit report for the fiscal year ending August 31 was approved and changes to the 2018-19 Secondary Student Handbook were approved as presented.  

(KNZA)--A Jackson County EMT pleads guilty to the theft of morphine.

According to a news release issued by the office of U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, 33-year-old Colby VanWagoner entered the plea Wednesday.

VanWagoner, of Mayetta, pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining a controlled substance by deception and one count of making a false statement during an investigation.

According to the release, the crimes took place while VanWagoner worked for the Holton-based Jackson County EMS.

In his plea, VanWagoner admitted to tampering with vials of morphine sulfate, replacing the morphine with saline solution, and putting the vials back into narcotic boxes in ambulances and in office stocks.

According to tests, the concentration of the morphine in the vials tampered with was as low as 1 percent or less. The release notes that the concentration should have been 100 percent.

Sentencing for VanWagoner is set for March 12.

The release says an agreement has been reached to recommend a sentence of five years on federal probation.

(KMZA)--A proposed project at the Axtell school moves forward.

USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans says Emily Koenig with Echo Architecture presents the plans for the relocation of the administration office to the Board of Education this week.

The office is to relocated to the front of the school to provide additional security at the entrance.  

The Board voted to authorize Evans to move forward with finalizing the bid documents, advertising and setting a bid opening date.

In other business, Evans says the Board approved several course proposals for Sabetha High School for the next school year.  

Evans says the Board approved a request from teacher Katie Topp to offer a music theory class.  In addition, he says they approved pathway changes for the Ag Department to offer horticulture and advanced plant and soil science, making further use of the new greenhouse.

Evans says the Board also received for first reading a policy adjusting graduation requirements at Sabetha High School.

He says the Board is examining a request from SHS science teachers to adjust the sequence of courses at the school.

The proposal calls for the flexibility to teach biology to freshmen and for sophomores to chose between physical science and chemistry.

Currently, freshman are required to take physical science and sophomores are required to take biology.

The Board will consider approval of the policy change at their January meeting.  

(KAIR)--Atchison’s public school leaders grant approval for an enhancement to available mental health services for students in USD 409.

That comes as the Board of Education, Monday evening, approved a partnership with the Atchison Community Health Clinic.

The idea for the expansion of mental health services developed through the efforts of a group of individuals following several high profile student suicides that occurred in the school district last year.

Access to mental health services was one of the first needs identified by the Unity in the Community group.

Brian Hagen talked to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Susan Myers about the expansion. 

(KAIR)--A collision, involving an Atchison County EMS ambulance, left one person injured Wednesday evening.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, said the wreck happened at the intersection of U.S. Highway 73, and K9 Highway, in rural Atchison County.

The driver of the ambulance, 23-year-old Victoria Dukart, attempted to cross U.S. 73, at the intersection, after stopping at the stop sign. That’s when the ambulance was struck in the rear passenger side by a vehicle westbound on U.S. 73 , driven by 61-year-old Randall Scott, of Falls City.

A passenger in the ambulance, 54-year-old Robert Brader, was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, for the treatment of what Laurie calls “unknown disabling injuries.”

Dukart was not hurt, but was transported to Atchison Hospital for administrative evaluation.

Scott was uninjured.

Dukart was cited for failure to yield the right of way.

The wreck was reported around 6:10 Wednesday evening.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are continuing to investigate an Atchison burglary that resulted in a loss valued at several thousand dollars, with assistance from the public sought to help solve the crime.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News it occurred at a shed, located outside a residence, in the 900 block of Division Street.

Investigators believe the crime occurred sometime between December 6 and 7.

Taken from the shed were numerous items, including an air compressor, hand tools, camping gear, and an air mattress.

The total value of the missing items is estimated at $3,000.

Wilson said police are interested in identifying a blue truck spotted in the area of the shed around 5:30 on the evening of December 6 or 7.

Anyone with information about the ongoing investigation is urged to contact the Atchison Police Department.

(KAIR)--Although the calendar says December, thoughts of summer are evoked as the headliner for Atchison’s LakeFest country music concert is announced.

Kip Moore will hit the stage July 19 at Atchison’s Warnock Lake:

According to a press release issued Wednesday by LakeFest Coordinator Jacque Pregont, Moore is a “fast rising country music star” who “will provided an exciting night of exceptional entertainment.” She notes, in the release, that Moore’s latest single, “Last Shot,” is currently climbing the charts; and that, coupled with his previous number one hits, offers the promise of “great entertainment.”

Prior to Moore taking the stage during the annual concert at Atchison’s Warnock Lake, two other acts, as tradition holds, will also perform, and Pregont says that announcement is expected be made very soon.

LakeFest annually serves as the opening, and a highlight, of Atchison’s Amelia Earhart Festival, held each July to honor Atchison’s famous one-time resident.

The famed aviator was born in Atchison where she lived for a portion of her younger years.

The festival, planned for July 19 and 20, will mark its 23rd year.

Gift certificates for the concert are available for purchase at the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 200 South 10th Street.

Beginning May 1, the $25 certificates can be exchanged for tickets to the concert.

Advanced tickets will begin to be sold on that date at the same price, but will increase to $35 the day of the concert.

(KNZA)--A Brown County traffic stop leads to the arrest of two Atchison residents on drug charges.

According to a press release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, 51-year-old Michael Mullings and 46-year-old Katherine Burnett were arrested Sunday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In addition, Mullings was arrested for illegal registration, illegal tag display and no proof of insurance.

Burnett was also arrested on a warrant for failure to appear in court.

Both were booked into the Brown County Jail and later released on bond.

(KLZA)-- Richardson  County Commissioners approved  an application for the 2019 grant funding for the 4-County Juvenile Services Grant Tuesday.

Laura Osborne, the Grant Coordinator presented the application for approval.  Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha and  Johnson counties each submit matching funds toward the grant application.  

Richardson County Sheriff Don Pounds presented information to the Board on the comparability between the wages and benefits of the police officers of the City of Falls City and the officers of the Richardson County Sheriff's Department.  

Last week the Sheriff said he feels it will be hard to get deputies to stay with the Sheriff's Department when the city police officers are better paid.  

No action was taken.  
 

(KLZA)-- Dan White has been sworn in as the Mayor of Auburn. 

During the Monday night Auburn Council meeting re-elected City  Council representatives Shawn Clark, Katie Billings and Chris Erickson also took the oath of office.  

All ran unopposed for the seats.

Dan White is a Nemaha  County Deputy Sheriff and formerly served as the Auburn  Chief of Police. 

Tom Clark was elected President of the Council for 2018. 

Sherry Hesket will continue to serve as City Clerk but will also take on the duties of Treasurer.  Angelo Ligouri will continue to serve as the City Attorney. 

(KNZA)--A Topeka man is jailed following an early Tuesday morning Jackson County pursuit.

According to a news release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the chase began shortly before 8:00 on U.S. 75 Highway in southern Jackson County near 110th Road after a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a 2009 Impala for a traffic infraction.

The driver allegedly failed to stop and fled south into Shawnee County.  The deputy continued the pursuit, which led to the area of Topeka Boulevard and Northwest Independence Avenue, where the deputy terminated the pursuit.

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and Shawnee County deputies assisted with the search for the driver and vehicle.

Later in the day, Morse says the Jackson County Sheriff’s dispatch was contacted by the suspect, Michael Belaire-Serna, who stated he had reported his car stolen in Topeka. Topeka Police went to meet with Belaire-Serna to take a stolen vehicle report and took him into custody.

He was released to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of felony flee and elude, reckless driving, felony interference with law enforcement and driving while revoked. Belaire-Serna also faces numerous traffic offenses.

His vehicle was recovered in the 1900 of NW Fillmore Street in Topeka and impounded.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Board of Education has ratified a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2018-19 school year.

That came following a 5-minute executive session at the end of Monday evening’s meeting.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the agreement calls for a $1,750 increase in the base salary for teachers to $37,310.

The agreement is retroactive to the beginning of the school year.

Jonathan Nibarger with the Lawrence accounting firm Mize Houser and Company joined the meeting by phone to go over the 2017-18 audit report.  

Nibarger said the district received “ an unmodified opinion”, which is the best opinion it can receive, and speaks to the sound management of the district.

The Board voted to accept the audit report as presented.

The Board also accepted, with regrets, the retirement resignations of 1st grade teacher Virginia Merkel effective at the end of the 2018-19 school year and Dennis Mears as bus mechanic effective July 31, 2019.

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(KMZA)--Two Nemaha County positions have been filled.

Mixie Vance has been hired as the county’s new Noxious Weed Director. Vance currently holds the same position in Jackson County.  She is to begin work January 4.

Russ Lierz, of Seneca, has been hired as the county’s new Emergency Preparedness Director. Lierz currently works in the Road and Bridge Department. 

They were offered the positions after being interviewed by the Nemaha County Commission this week.

Each will be paid a salary of $40,020 annually.

The positions came open following the resignation of long time county employee Todd Swart, which was effective December 3.

Swart served in both roles.  However, the Commission decide to advertise for the positions as two separate jobs.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County has retained a Kansas City area attorney to assist in negotiations with the developer of the proposed Soldier Creek Wind Farm.

James Neeld, who has extensive experience in complex energy negotiations, met with the Nemaha County Commission Monday.

Neeld will work on the payment in lieu of taxes ( PILOT ), road use and decommissioning agreements with Florida-based Next Era Energy Resources.

More than 50 county residents were on hand for the meeting, which was moved to the courtroom due to the large number of people in attendance.   Also on hand were representatives of Next Era Energy Resources.

Most comments were directed toward having protections for non-participating landowners who might be affected by the placement of the wind turbines.  Questions were also raised about the affect the turbines would have on property values.

County resident Doug Wertenberger presented information to Commissioners containing setback requirements he would like to see the Commission follow when negotiating the PILOT agreement with Next Era.  

Commissioners said they would address the concerns raised during the contract discussions.

The new wind farm is expected to be operational by 2020.

Next Era currently operates seven wind farms in Kansas.

(KLZA)-- At least 10 people have filed for the vacant seat in Nebraska legislative District 1,  which includes Richardson, Pawnee, Johnson, Nemaha and a portion of Otoe counties. 

The Omaha World Herald reports those filing for the position, includes Gayle Swisegood from Falls City, a former Richardson County Commissioner; former Tecumseh Mayor,  Lavern Bartels;  Current Pawnee County Commissioner,  Dennis Schaardt, and Colton Schaardt, both from Steinauer;  Mark Novak, of Dawson; Julie Slama, of Peru;   Keith Kollasch, of Auburn; Craig Bolz and Mike Powers both of Palmyra; and Janet Palmtag, of Syracuse.

In November Governor Pete Ricketts' invited interested parties to apply for the legislative seat that becomes vacant in early January, when Dan Watermeier, of Syracuse takes his seat on the Nebraska Public Service Commission. 

There is also a vacancy in District 49.  The Governor may choose someone who applied for the seats or he may choose someone who did not apply.

Falls City, NE – Ryan Larsen, Administrator of Community Medical Center in Falls City, received the American College of Healthcare Executive Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award at the Nebraska Hospital Association’s Annual Conference. He is a Fellow of ACHE and demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence.
The award was bestowed to Larsen by Laura Redoutey, Nebraska Hospital Association President, and Nizar Wehbi, MD, Regent for the ACHE chapter of Nebraska and Western Iowa. 
The Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s award recognizes ACHE members who are experienced in the field and have made significant contributions to the advancement of healthcare management excellence and the achievement of ACHE’s goals.
Members are evaluated on leadership ability: innovative and creative management; executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community; contributions to the development of others in the healthcare profession; leadership in local, state or provincial hospital and health association activities; participation in civic/community activities and projects; participation in ACHE activities; and interest in assisting ACHE in achieving its objectives. 
Larsen has served as the administrator of CMC since 2005. During his tenure, the new hospital campus was constructed and opened in 2009. A major renovation adding another operating suite, upgrading specialty clinic space and building a new rural health clinic was completed in 2018. CMC was also recognized as one of the top 100 CAH’s in 2017 and 2018 and one of the Top 20 CAH’s in the United States in 2018. CMC is consistently received 4 and 5 star ratings from CMS. 
Larsen is a member of the Nebraska Hospital Association Board of Directors.  He serves on the American Hospital Association’s Regional Policy Board and is a member of the Heartland Health Alliance, having served as that group’s president.  At the Mid-American Hospital Alliance, he represents CMC.   He is a member of the EDGE Board of Directors. He has served on the CIMRO Board of Directors. He is the local Rotary Club President. He also is a member of the Lions Club, Clefsman, and the Brass Ensemble. He was the Falls City Jaycees Boss of the Year and named the ACHE’s Young Executive of the year in 2007. Outside of work, Larsen is an active member of his church and enjoys sporting events and playing soccer. 
Larsen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Brigham Young University. He also holds Masters Degrees in both Business Administration and Health Administration from the University of Missouri. He and his wife, Catherine, have two children, Lainey, a UNL undergraduate, and Isaac, a middle-school student.     

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz has serenaded a Holton high school senior who is hospitalized in St. Louis while awaiting a second double-lung transplant.
 
The Grammy Award winner stopped by the bedside of 18-year-old Madison Taliaferro on Sunday while he was in Missouri for a concert. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Mraz performed his hit songs "I'm Yours" and "Have It All."
 
Taliaferro's mother, Desiree Taliaferro, shared videos on Facebook. She wrote in a post that nurses schemed to get Mraz to sing to her daughter because they "know she loves musicals and just overly enjoys singing."
 
Madison Taliaferro was born with cystic fibrosis and received a pair of lungs six years ago. The operation went well, but then her lung function fell suddenly from 48 percent to 22.5 percent.
   

(KNZA)--Brown County employees have been granted a pay raise.

The County Commission voted unanimously Monday to approve a 50 cent an hour pay raise for all full and part-time employees, with the exception of the county commission.

The pay raise is effective January 1st, 2019.

In other business, the Commission approved a $500 a month increase in the fee paid to Hiawatha attorney Elizabeth Olsen to provide county-appointed services for the county.

Olsen will be paid a flat fee of $2,000 a month to provide the services, effective January 1st, 2019.

The Commission also approved the re-appointment of Jim Scherer to the NEK-CAP Board of Director for 2019.  

(KNZA)--Students at Highland Community College Technical Center in Atchison took the goal of improving their community to heart this fall collecting and donating nearly half a ton of food.

HCCTC Student Senate, SkillsUSA, Business Professionals of America and the Highland Hamper Committee organized Fall Fun Day with the purpose of collecting food donations for the Salvation Army of Atchison. In total, 882.5 pounds of food was delivered to the organization.

Kim Bottoroff, a representative of the Salvation Army of Atchison commented, “after all items were sorted and weighed, this donation was one of the largest we’ve received for the holiday season.”

In addition to this giving, HCC students had partnered with area businesses to refurbish a car for the charity Cars4Christmas, while employees on Highland’s main campus provided 16 holiday meals for area citizens in need.

(KNZA)--Doniphan West USD 111 has cancelled classes for the rest of the week.

The district announced on their Facebook page Monday evening that there would be no school Tuesday through Friday, citing flu-related illnesses.

The high school basketball game at Troy on Tuesday and junior high basketball game with Onaga on Thursday have been postponed.  Make up dates will be announced later.

The high school basketball game with Valley Heights on Friday is still on at this point.  The district says if that changes, information will be sent out as soon as possible.       

Classes are to resume on Monday, December 17.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Emergency Management Office is not involved with the sell of magnetic, emergency contact phone number directories.

That word comes in a news release issued by Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter.

In the statement, Lanter said Atchison County residents, and businesses, are being called by an unspecified company asking for sponsorship money for the magnets.

The caller indicates that the company is working with Atchison County Emergency Services and apparently makes the claim that the magnets are to be distributed to all county residents.

Lanter said his office does not have any involvement with magnets, nor do City of Atchison emergency services.

Lanter said no money should be given to the callers and that the solicitation should be considered a scam.

(KNZA)--A Doniphan County Sheriff’s Deputy appears in court, facing charges pertaining to his alleged mistreatment of a suspect.

Raymond Hall made his first appearance in Doniphan County District Court last week.

He is charged with mistreatment of a confined person and battery. Both are misdemeanors.

The court appearance resulted in the scheduling of arraignment for Hall on the morning of January 11, 2019.

He remains free on a $2,500 bond.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert is serving as special prosecutor in the case.

According to the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office, Hall continues to be employed by the department, but is currently on unpaid leave. He was placed on paid leave July 8, 2017, but that ended in late October, 2018.

Formal charges were filed against Hall last month, with the complaint naming James Groh as the victim in the case.

According to Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office arrest documents, Groh was arrested by Hall in Wathena on June 22, 2017 for assault on a law enforcement officer and interference with a law enforcement officer.

(KMZA)--An early Saturday evening two-vehicle Nemaha County wreck sent two Beattie teenagers to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 30-year-old Dustin Graf, of Girard, was eastbound on U.S. 36 Highway when his pickup truck struck the rear of an eastbound car driven by 18-year-old Brittany Paxton that had stopped to make a left turn.

Paxton and a passenger in her car, 18-year-old Theran Carrillo, were  transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

Graf was not hurt.

The Patrol reports all three occupants were buckled up when the wreck occurred shortly after 5:45 Saturday evening.

(KNZA)--Funeral services have been set for the Wetmore teenager who died from injuries received in a Jackson County two-vehicle wreck last Thursday afternoon on U.S. 75 Highway.

Services for 16-year-old Garrett Klahr will be Wednesday morning at 10:00 at Jackson Heights High School, where he was a sophomore.

The family will greet friends Tuesday evening from 4 to 7 at the Mercer Funeral Home, in Holton. 

According to his obituary, Garrett was at the top of his class scholastically, a talented saxophone player and a dedicated cross country and track athlete for the Cobras. He had attained the Life Rank in Boy Scouts and was working on his Eagle Rank.  

Garrett loved the challenge of computer games, had a contagious smile, a fun-loving quirky sense of humor and a kind spirit. He was also an organ donor.

Among survivors are his mother, Inga, and a brother, Trevor.

(KNZA)--Funeral services have been set for the Wetmore teenager who died from injuries received in a Jackson County two-vehicle wreck Thursday.

Services for 16-year-old Garrett Klahr will be Wednesday morning at 10:00 at Jackson Heights High School, where he was a sophomore.

The family will greet friends Tuesday evening from 4 to 7 at the Mercer Funeral Home, in Holton.

According to his obituary, Garrett was at the top on his class scholastically, a talented saxophone player and a dedicated cross country and track athlete for the Cobras. He had attained the Life Rank in Boy Scouts and was working on his Eagle Rank.  

Garrett loved the challenge of computer games, had a contagious smile, a fun-loving quirky sense of humor and a kind spirit. He was also an organ donor.

Among survivors are his mother, Inga, and a brother, Trevor.

(KAIR)--Atchison County authorities are asking for assistance from the public as they investigate the whereabouts of a missing pickup truck.

According to a report from Atchison County Undersheriff Toby Smith, the 1990 Dodge Ram 2500 disappeared from the area of U.S. Highway 73 and 218th Road.

It’s believed the theft occurred around November 29.

The pickup is described as red with a black flat bed.

The value of the truck is estimated at around $2,500.

According to Smith, no suspects have yet been developed in the investigation, but leads are being followed.

Anyone with information about the missing pickup truck is urged to contact the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office at (913) 804-6080.

(KLZA)-- Rita Fisher with the Taking Back Our Community group met with Richardson County Commissioners Tuesday. 

She proposed moving the county attorney's office to the third floor of the Richardson County Courthouse in the former Sheriff's Office area.  She also discussed grants available for law enforcement and asked questions about whether or not  phone lines at the Law Enforcement Center are recorded, alleging people have complained to the TBOC group about calls being ignored or neglected.  

Commissioners said the would review the matter with Sheriff Don Pounds.  Deputy County Attorney Samantha Scheitel presented information on a recent meeting in Johnson County regarding the possibility of creating a “drug court” for Southeast Nebraska counties.

In other business Commissioners approved combining the position of Noxious Weed Control Superintendent and Emergency Management Agency Director, effective December 4. 

Brian Kirkendall will take on the extra weed control duties and will be pain an additional $2,500 annually. 

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council Monday night approved on first reading an ordinance to create a Street Improvement District.

8th Street from its intersection with Chase Street west to the alley is to be paved with concrete with the costs to be assessed to the abutting property owners over a 10-year period.  Falls City Mercantile and Brian Vice own the abutting property.  They had requested the Street Improvement  District be created. 

City Administrator Gary Jorn also reported he has begun the legal process to have the current tenant of the former City Hall building,  Clow Fitness Center evicted.  

Jorn says two parties have expressed an interest in leasing the building. 

The Council approved advertising the building at 1820 Towle Street for rent.  Details of a new rental agreement will be worked out later.  

(KAIR)--An argument on social media and text spills over to real life, ending with the arrest of an Atchison man accused of making a threat while brandishing a knife.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the alleged confrontation occurred on the night of November 22, and led to an investigation that led to Thursday’s arrest of 18-year-old Jace Crail. “Officers responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of North 7th where an 18-year-old male had threatened a 20-year-old male with a knife. He also damaged a vehicle belonging to an 18-year-old male. These two victims had been in a vehicle that was preceding through an alleyway when they were confronted by the suspect, who was on foot. After this confrontation, the suspect fled the area before we arrived, but he was taken into custody on December 6.”

According to Wilson, several people were inside the vehicle confronted by Crail, with one of the occupants believed to have been the one Crail argued with prior to the alleged alleyway confrontation. “There was actually three people in the car. At least one of the three, the suspect knew. There apparently had been some previous discussion between them through social media, there had been some texting between the two a short time before this confrontation. Somehow the suspect knew the victims would be coming through that alleyway, and then, of course, stood in front of the vehicle as it came down the alleyway at slow speed and the confrontation followed.”

Crail was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and criminal damage to property.

Following his arrest he was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--A Thursday morning Jackson County crash sent a teen to the hospital.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said 18-year-old Emilee Borders was transported by Jackson County EMS to the Holton Community Hospital with minor injuries following the two vehicle wreck.

Morse said it happened just north of Holton, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 75 and Frontage Road, when Borders was northbound on the highway. She was traveling behind a northbound pickup truck driven by 38-year-old Effingham resident Kimberly Hoffman, who attempted to turn left onto Frontage Road.

According to Morse, when Hoffman attempted to make the turn from the highway, Borders’ car collided with the rear of the truck.

Hoffman was not hurt.

The wreck happened around 8:00.

(KNZA)--A Wetmore teen is dead after his car and a semi tractor-trailer hauling cattle collided Thursday afternoon on a Jackson County highway, north of Holton.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports that 16-year-old Garrett Klahr’s car was struck by the semi, southbound on U.S. Highway 75, when Klahr, westbound on 286th Road, failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection with the highway.  

The impact of the crash on the passenger side of Klahr’s car caused it to go into a spin, with the car wrecking into the southwest ditch before stopping on its right side.

Klahr was transported to Topeka’s Stormont Vail hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Patrol’s report says it’s unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck.

The driver of the semi, 54-year-old David Christianson, of Minnesota, was not hurt.

The crash was reported shortly after 3:30 Thursday afternoon, and kept a stretch of U.S. 75 closed well into the night.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office worked in conjunction with the Patrol following the crash.

Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said Jackson County EMS, Holton Police, and the  Holton, Netawaka, Whiting, and Hoyt Fire Departments all assisted at the scene.

(KAIR)--A Leawood, Kansas man is facing charges in connection with the theft of a vehicle that authorities say was stolen from an Atchison parking lot, but returned several hours after the alleged crime.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 34-year-old Matthew Aliber was arrested Tuesday evening after allegedly stealing the vehicle late that morning. “About 11:00 Tuesday morning, a 2012 Ford SUV was taken from a parking lot in the 1900 block of North 2nd. The vehicle was recovered at 2:30 p.m. when it was returned to the same parking lot where it had been stolen. We were searching for a 34-year-old suspect who we did locate in the downtown area shortly before 7:00 Tuesday evening.”

Wilson said the vehicle belonged to an employee of the rehabilitation facility that Aliber had been visiting.

Although Aliber’s motive for the crime isn’t immediately made public, authorities believe he used the vehicle to travel outside of Atchison County. “When we were notified of this, we put an attempt to locate out on the vehicle. We believe that vehicle was spotted in Jefferson County, and while we were searching for it, we were then notified that the vehicle was seen again in the area of where it had been taken.”

Aliber was taken into custody on a theft charge.

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

(KNZA)--Additional charges have been filed against a rural Horton man, accused of shooting at law enforcement officers during a 10-hour standoff last week on the Kickapoo Reservation.

54-year-old Anthony Walker had originally been charged with felony counts of kidnapping and criminal threat.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill filed an amended complaint Tuesday  also charging Walker with seven counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, one count of aggravated assault, one count of criminal discharge of a firearm and a misdemeanor count of domestic battery.

The stand-off began the evening of November 27 after Kickapoo Tribal Police were called to residence in the 12-hundred block of Fern Road for a domestic disturbance.

Multiple agencies responded after Walker allegedly began shooting at officers. According to the criminal complaint, he was armed with a AK-47.  

Walker surrendered peacefully the following morning after a tactical team from the Kansas Highway Patrol entered the home.

A woman in the home was able to escape without injury before the standoff ended and no officers were hurt.   Officers did not exchange gunfire during the incident.     

A preliminary hearing for Walker was continued Wednesday to January 23.

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

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners opened bids for a pair of culvert projects when they met Tuesday.

Five companies submitted bids with the apparent low bid for the two projects submitted by Tim Sisco of Sterling. The bids have been submitted to Mainelli, Wagner and Associates for their review.

Corrugated metal pipes will be utilized for both projects, one west of Dubois and the other west of Burchard.

Sheriff Jayme Reed met with Commissioners to discuss the Nemaha / Pawnee County Law Enforcement Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement. Commissioner Ron Seitz asked to have the County Attorney review the agreement before signing and possible drafting agreements with other neighboring counties.

Juvenile Justice Program Administrator Laura Osborne discussed the 2019-20 Juvenile Justice Grant with the Board. The grant funding was cut for the new year, making the Pawnee County matching funds $1,024, $95 less than last year. The total match for the counties involved with be $80,245. Board members Seitz and Jan Lang voted to approve the local match for the grant. Commission Chairman Dennis Schaardt was absent from the meeting.

Commissioners also voted to close the Pawnee County offices all day on Monday, December 24.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Don Pounds met with Richardson County Commissioners Tuesday to discuss a number of topics.

Sheriff Pounds reported that due to some deputy vacancies in the department obtaining a drug dog will be put on the back burner at least until sometime in 2019.  

He also noted Deputy Lyle McMann has graduated from a training program as a school resource officer and that Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School is ready to have such a position in place. However, Sheriff Pounds noted that due to the deputy position vacancies, this will also be put on hold until sometime in 2019.   

The salary and benefit package for a Richardson County deputy sheriff was also discussed.  Sheriff Pounds reported that the County package is less that what the City of Falls City package pays, noting it will become difficult to retain deputies if the salaries and benefits are not increased. 

Commissioners also inquired about corrective action being taken to rectify finding of the Sheriff's Office during the county audit performed by the Nebraska State Auditors office. 

Among the areas of concern noted were financial balancing and accounting procedures in the Sheriff's Office;  an unexplained cash long of more than $8,800 in the operating account and just over $3-thousand in the commissary account.  

The report also noted complete and accurate bank reconciliations were not performed on a monthly basis for the entire fiscal year.  

There were also questions about grant funds not remitted to the County Treasurer and concerns about the petty cas fund being long by nearly $3,400.

Other concerns included failure to submit a distress warrant report  and a recommendation written contracts be entered into with all entities housing inmates at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center. 

Sheriff Pounds told Commissioners that corrective actions and improvements to the records are being made.  

(MSC News)-- St. Joseph Police have identified the body of a man found earlier this week in a shed on the city’s south side.

Police Wednesday identified the victim as 50-year-old Lonza Eugene Cunningham.

Cunningham’s body was found Sunday evening in a shed with a gas generator running after police responded to the 100-block of Gideon Lane.

Police suspect the death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning

Police say they will wait for a toxicology report before releasing any more information.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has voted to suspend for six months the emergency vehicle permit for a local volunteer EMT.

The Commission took the action Monday after County Attorney Kevin Hill reviewed a Hiawatha Police Department report concerning an October 31 incident involving Jeremy Stover.  Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore joined the meeting by phone.

Stover was issued a citation by the Police Department for allegedly activating the emergency lights and siren on his private vehicle when he was not responding to an emergency call.

Stover requested that he be allowed to keep his permit.

The Commission said they will review the permit in six months and determine if it should be reinstated.  In the meantime, the Commission requested that Stover take a lights and sirens class.

(KMZA)--As part of their continued support of local communities, Ag Partners Coop, Inc. has made a donation of $10,000 to be put towards the Nemaha County STEP Foundation’s 2018 Capital Campaign.

The donation is comprised of a contribution from Ag Partners Coop, Inc. and the CHS Foundation’s Seeds for Stewardship Program.

CHS’s program matches funds for hometown projects selected and funded by local cooperatives.

(KNZA)--A program to recognize Hiawatha’s Hometown Heroes is being proposed.

Local resident Katina Vonderschmidt addressed the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening about the proposed program, which would allow community members to purchase banners for display on light poles recognizing military veterans, past and present.

She said the banners, which come in different sizes, cost from $100 on up.

Vonderschmidt said two Kansas communities, Topeka and Neodesha, currently have the program and she would like to see it added in Hiawatha.

Commissioner Toni Hull said she has talked to community members about the program and received positive feedback.

Mayor Bill Collins said he thinks its a great idea.  

Vonderschmidt, who has a son currently serving in the Navy and a long line of military members in her family, proposed that a three-member committee be formed to get the project going.   She would like to see the project in place by Memorial Day 2019.

Those interested in serving on the committee are asked to contact City Hall.

In other business, the Commission approved a $1 per hour pay raise for City Clerk Tish Sims who has been with the city since April.  The Commission also approved a 50 cent an hour pay raise for Office Assistant Jane Young who has worked for the city since June 25.

Mayor Collins also read a proclamation declaring Saturday, December 15 at Tuba Christmas Day in Hiawatha.  The annual Merry Tuba Christmas concert will take place at the Brown County Courthouse beginning at 12 noon on that day.  The public is invited to attend.

(KNZA)--Giving has in fact continued to grow, as exemplified during the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation’s third annual Give to Grow Match Day, held Friday, Nov. 23, both online and in-person at a downtown Sabetha walk-in location. This year’s event raised a total of $138,065, the highest raised yet in the three years of Give to Grow.

At the walk-in site, donors registered for a drawing that awarded an extra $500 to the person’s chosen organization. Drawings took place every hour for eight hours, with prize money given away totaling $4,000.

By the end of the day, 365 monetary gifts by 141 individual donors totaling $$73,065.07 had been given. Average dollars given per donor was $518.19.

Added to the day’s total was $61,000 in matching funds, bringing the grand total distributed to 35 area non-profits and projects a little more than $138,065.

The top three non-profits receiving donations were the following: Sabetha Health and wellness, $23,975; Neighbor-2-Neighbor/Kids Kloset, $9,875; and The Main Event, $7,900.

Funds included the following: Sabetha Health and Wellness, Neighbor-2-Neighbor/Kids Kloset, The Main Event, Brown County Humane Society, GSCF Community Grants Endowment, SHS Industrial Arts/FFA Support, Friends of Mary Cotton Public library, Mary Cotton Library Endowment, USD 113 Foundation, Sabetha Community Health Foundation Endowment, Apostolic Christian Home, My Sisters House, Kanza Mental Health Foundation Endowment, Bring Back the Owl Campaign, Lakeside Terrace, SHS Booster Club, Community Animal Protection Society, Nemaha County Community Health Services, Sabetha Community Preschool, Sabetha Cemetery Association, Sabetha Music Boosters, Northeast Kansas Youth Sports Association, Nemaha County Training Center, Tara Ploeger Memorial Scholarship, PTO Classroom Enhancement Program Fund, Kansas Honor Flight, Greater Sabetha Community Foundation Operations Fund, Sabetha Economic Development Commission, Meals on Wheels Nemaha County, Sabetha Sharks Swim Team, Glacial Hills Business Resource Center, United 4 Youth, ARC Wild – Where Wild Things Teach, Sabetha Kiwanis Project, SHS Alumni Association, and Student STEAM Activity Day.

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

GSCF will hold a Community Celebration Gala on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2018, at The Main Event to honor the charitable organizations in the area, celebrate the community and celebrate the Give to Grow Match Day.

About GSCF

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

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

GSCF can assist other organizations or people with ideas for community projects as well as help individuals establish donor advised funds which allows a donor to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit and make personal planned giving decisions over time.

(KNZA)--A late Wednesday morning two-vehicle Doniphan County wreck left a Mound City, Missouri woman injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 12 noon on U.S 36 Highway, east of St. Columbus Road.

The Patrol reports 20-year-old Brooklyn Scroggins was eastbound when her SUV struck the rear of  an eastbound semi-tractor trailer driven by 32-year-old Tyler Ferris, of Troy.

Scoggins, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

Ferris, who was buckled up when the wreck occurred, was not hurt.   

(KLZA)-- Southeast Nebraska has a shortage of qualified substitute teachers.

Educational Service Unit 4 and Peru  State  College are partnering to help alleviate the stress on area school districts. 

The Southeast Nebraska Teacher Academy has been created to assist with the substitute teacher shortage in ESU 4 school districts while giving potential teachers an opportunity to experience the classroom as a substitute teacher. 

Substitute teachers are not required to have a Nebraska teaching license, though they must meet requirements to obtain a substitute certificate.

The certificate is valid for all Nebraska schools when filling temporary positions that last 90 days or fewer, and is valid for five years. A completion of a Baccalureate Degree, completion of a Teacher  Education Program at a state-approved college or university and completion  of the Human  Relations Training requirement is required for the certificate.

The second method is a Nebraska Department of Education Local Substitute Permit.  It requires 60 semester credit hours of college coursework, completion of a professional education course, the Human Relations training requirement and the written request from the Superintendent for the issuance of the certificate for a specific school district. 

Peru State College will offer the courses needed to help individuals meet these requirements through the SENTA program.

For more information contact Dr. Ellie Kunkel at 402-872-2244 or Lori Broady at 402-274-4354.

The ESU4 Region includes Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson and Otoe Counties.  

(KLZA)-- Southeast Nebraska has a shortage of qualified substitute teachers.

Educational Service Unit 4 and Peru  State  College are partnering to help alleviate the stress on area school districts. 

The Southeast Nebraska Teacher Academy has been created to assist with the substitute teacher shortage in ESU 4 school districts while giving potential teachers an opportunity to experience the classroom as a substitute teacher. 

Substitute teachers are not required to have a Nebraska teaching license, though they must meet requirements to obtain a substitute certificate.

The certificate is valid for all Nebraska schools when filling temporary positions that last 90 days or fewer, and is valid for five years. A completion of a Baccalureate Degree, completion of a Teacher  Education Program at a state-approved college or university and completion  of the Human  Relations Training requirement is required for the certificate.

The second method is a Nebraska Department of Education Local Substitute Permit.  It requires 60 semester credit hours of college coursework, completion of a professional education course, the Human Relations training requirement and the written request from the Superintendent for the issuance of the certificate for a specific school district. 

Peru State College will offer the courses needed to help individuals meet these requirements through the SENTA program.

For more information contact Dr. Ellie Kunkel at 402-872-2244 or Lori Broady at 402-274-4354.

The ESU4 Region includes Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson and Otoe Counties.  

Lincoln, Neb. – First National Bank of Omaha and Nebraska State Treasurer Don Stenberg have  announced the 10 winners of the NEST 529 Back-to-School Photo Drawing. 
 The contest—which took place from August 7 to September 30—invited families to capture and submit favorite back-to-school photos of their children 8 years old and younger.
 Each randomly selected winner received a $2,000 contribution to a NEST 529 College Savings account. 
The Back-to-School Photo Drawing winners include:  Kathleen Johnson, Pawnee City, Nebraska Pictured are Rhett Johnson, Abigail Johnson and Lane Johnson and the picture is titled “Cousins Day.”  NEST 529 is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable.

(KNZA)--An investigation by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office leads to the arrest of a Powhattan man on drug charges.

Sheriff John Merchant says 41-year-old Brad Donahue was arrested November 29 after a search warrant was served on his residence.

Donahue was arrested on a felony charge of possession of marijuana and misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

During the course of the investigation, Merchant says the Sheriff’s Department’s K-9, Ari, was utilized.

The Sac and Fox Police Department assisted in the search.

A preliminary hearing for Donahue was continued Wednesday to January 23rd.

He remains free on a $2,500 bond.

(KAIR)--The process of hiring the next superintendent for the Atchison Public Schools advances, following the completion of an online community survey and two meetings focused on the topic Monday.

The survey, completed by nearly 175 respondents, including patrons, teachers, and students, was intended to gain public input into what characteristics the community is seeking in the next superintendent for USD 409.

Face to face comments were also collected from focus groups Monday, during site meetings overseen by Brian Jordan, of the Kansas Association of School Boards, secured by the local district to facilitate the hiring process. “Each focus group, when they came in, I had them kind of gather into some smaller groups, and I had them start talking about what they felt were the most important leadership and personal qualities they would like to see in a new superintendent,” Jordan told the Board of Education during a special Monday evening meeting.

The session also served to gain the school board members’ input into the characteristics of the next superintendent, which were then compiled by Jordan. “So here’s what I heard from you all,” Jordan said, as he read the School Board’s list of qualities aloud. “Commitment to educational excellence, community minded, involved within the community. High integrity, honest, understand community demographics, be involved outside of the office. Forward thinking, progressive with students, have their future in mind. Good communicator, listens well, gives clear direction, listens to what people are saying, or not saying.”

Jordan explained that prioritizing the desirable qualities of the next superintendent will allow a better candidate selection and interview process. “How we use that information is when we start doing our background work and research on candidates, we’ll look at those things that you’ve said are priorities and try to see if we have candidates that match up to some of those qualities and characteristics. That also helps you all when you get into interviewing candidates, to think about, ok, what did we say...were the most important qualities and characteristics. It lessens the effect of being wowed by a beautiful resume, or somebody that’s really slick in an interview, because you’ve spent some time up front talking about what the most important things are that you need.”

The search process began November 12 following the School Board’s approval of the resignation of Dr. Susan Myers, who is retiring at the end of the current school year after serving more than 10-years as superintendent.

Jordan Monday evening outlined the next steps in the search process, saying applications are due January 17. On January 21, the School Board will hold a special evening meeting at 5:30 to determine which of the applicants will be interviewed for the position.

The interview process will begin sometime after that meeting, and is planned to be completed by the end of January.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) - A 67-year-old Leavenworth man has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for soliciting a 13-year-old girl on Facebook.
 
Raymond Soden was sentenced Tuesday after pleading no contest in August to solicitation. He admitted in his plea that he knew the girl was 13 when he began exchanging messages with her offering to pay for nude photos of her and her friends as well a sex acts.
 
Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said in a news release that Soden had prior convictions for battery and for sexual battery.
 
Prosecutors argued for a sentence of more than 13 years but Soden's attorney asked for probation.
 

(KLZA)-- A Wasola, Missouri man died from injuries suffered in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Atchison, County, Missouri. 

According to a Missouri Highway Patrol report 51-year-old Tommy  Swisher was driving south on Route N, approximately six miles southeast of Tarkio when the wreck occurred.

The vehicle skidded off the west side of the roadway striking several large pieces of concrete causing the vehicle to overturn, coming to rest on its wheels facing north.

Swisher was ejected, coming to rest behind the vehicle.  He was transported by the Atchison – Holt EMS to the Fairfax Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

The Atchison Conty Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene of the wreck.  

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - The University of Kansas has signed an agreement with Westar Energy to have its Lawrence campus powered nearly 100 percent by wind energy by 2020.

The Kansas City Star reports the 20-year agreement is expected to lower the university's utility bills about 22 percent, from 2.3 cents per kilowatt hour to 1.8 cents.

Kansas State and Washburn universities have signed similar agreements with Westar.

The energy will come from the Soldier Creek Wind Farm in Nemaha County.

The wind farm is expected to be operating by 2020.

The university says the Lawrence campus uses 130 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year.
 

(KNZA)--An early Tuesday afternoon two-vehicle Brown County wreck sent a Humboldt, Nebraska woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 75 Highway, north of Sabetha.

The Patrol says 39-year-old Christopher Liebbe, of Dallas, Texas, was northbound when his truck struck the rear of a northbound car driven by 27-year-old Laura Bernadt.

Bernadt was transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital for the treatment of possible injuries.

Liebbe was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck occurred around 12:40 Tuesday afternoon.

(KAIR)--An early Christmas gift for some customers of Westar Energy.

According to a news release from the energy provider, credits were applied to accounts for residential customers with active service as of December 1.

The news release says the credits are related to savings stemming from the company’s merger with Great Plains Energy as well as from the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

Westar credits about $15 dollars of the savings on the merger and the near $35 savings on the federal tax cut.

The release notes that the amounts credited are based on electricity use between November, 2017 and October, 2018, with the credits to appear on either December or January Westar bills, depending on when a customer’s bill is issued.

The release calls the merger savings credit the first of five annual credits, while the tax savings credit is a one-time credit.

(KAIR)--The investigation is continuing into the death of a Leavenworth man whose body was found at the scene of a weekend apartment fire.

The Leavenworth Times reports the fire happened around 11:00 Saturday morning at 948 Cheyenne Street.

A neighbor reported the fire, which the newspaper reports happened in the kitchen area of the duplex.

The fire was out when firefighters arrived, and it’s believed the man had attempted to extinguish the flames.

An autopsy is being conducted. The victim's name has not been made public. 

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting the investigation, in conjunction with the Leavenworth Fire Department.

(KAIR)--What’s reported as a short pursuit ends with the arrest of a McClouth man.

According to a news release issued by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, it happened Saturday night, shortly before 11:00, when deputies attempted to stop a vehicle that Laurie says was driven by 24-year-old Daniel Winkler.

Winkler allegedly refused to stop, leading to the pursuit that ended on a low maintenance road in the 19000 block of 234th Road, in rural Atchison County.

It was there, Laurie says, that Winkler was attempting to hide from the pursuing deputies.

Winkler was arrested on charges of fleeing and attempting to elude and transporting an open container. He was also cited for speed and operating a vehicle without registration.

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

He is currently free on a $1,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A late Monday morning two-vehicle wreck in northwest Missouri claimed the life of a Troy, Kansas woman.

The Missouri Highway Patrol says killed in the wreck just west of the Clarksdale city limits in Dekalb County was 51-year-old Cherri Edwards.

The Patrol says Edwards was westbound on Route P when she entered Missouri Route 31 without yielding and her Chevy Impala was struck by a northbound semi- tractor trailer.

Edwards, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The semi driver, 62-year-old Carrolton, Missouri resident Thomas Belcher, was not hurt.

The wreck was reported around 11:15 Monday morning.

(KLZA)-- During the November 20th Humboldt City Council meeting  a water rate study and a sewer rate study were reviewed.   The Nebraska Rural Water Association conducted the study.

The recommendation to increase the water Bi-Monthly base rate to $66.50  with the price per 1,000 gallons at $2.45 was approved with the change going into effect February 1, 2019.   The  Council also agreed to follow the recommendation from the Rural Water Association not to increase the sewer rate at the present time.

(KLZA)-- A new Mayor and Second Ward Council person was sworn in during Monday nights  Falls City Council meeting. 

Shawna Bindle is the new Mayor and Lucas  Froeschl was sworn in as the new Second Ward representative.  

In addition, re-elected Council members Don Ferguson in Ward I; Mitch Merz in Ward III and Derek Leyden in Ward IV took the oath of office again.

Former Mayor Jerry Oliver thanked the Council as he finished up his 4-year term as Mayor.  

Bindle said she is looking forward to working with the Council and offered her help to the Council and said she may be calling if she needs help. 

Ferguson was elected Council President and Leydon was elected Acting President of the Council. 

The Council did accept the resignation of Ward I Councilman Mike Dougherty who recently accepted a job as a Falls City Police officer.  Dougherty had been on the Council for six years. 

The Council confirmed the appointments of Gary Jorn as City Clerk/ Treasurer/ Administrator.  Duane Armbruster as   Chief of Police and Michael Dunn as City Attorney.

The appointments of Matt Beer as Fire Chief, Vernon Wisdom as First Assistant Chief and Brian Vice as Second Assistant Chief as recommended by the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department were also approved. 

( KMZA)--Two Desoto, Missouri residents are facing drug charges in Nemaha County, Kansas.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert says 35-year-old Matthew Martin and 31-year-old Jessicka West have been charged in Nemaha County District Court with possession of more than 30 kilograms of marijuana with the intent to distribute.

The pair were arrested November 29 following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department.

Both remain in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $500,000 bond each.

(KNZA)--An Omaha, Nebraska woman accused of killing three members of a Sabetha family and injuring two others in a Jackson County head-on collision last November will stand trial.

Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller told MSC News that 49-year-old Maria Perez-Marquez was bound over on three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated battery following the conclusion of her preliminary hearing Monday.  

Perez-Marquez also faces a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving.

Arraignment was scheduled for the morning of January 11.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says Perez-Marquez was driving a sport utility vehicle the evening of November 25, 2017 on U.S. 75 Highway when she attempted to pass another vehicle, leading to the fatal crash.

Killed in the crash were 42-year-old Carmen Ukele , her 11-year-old daughter, Marlee, and 62-year-old brother-in-law, Stephen.  Carmen's husband, Lee, was seriously injured in the wreck.  Also injured was a passenger in the Perez-Marquez vehicle.

Miller says Perez-Marquez original bond was reinstated, plus three family members were required to sign a separate $10,000 " O.R.” bond ( total of $30,000).  She will also be required to sign a waiver of extradition.

A house located at 815 Shawnee in Hiawatha is considered a total loss following a late Sunday night fire/Photo credit: Greg Bebermeyer

(KNZA)--A late Sunday night Hiawatha house fire is being investigated by the State Fire Marshals Office.

According to Hiawatha Fire Department Public Relations Officer Jordanne Shockley, the fire department was paged shortly after 11:30 to 815 Shawnee Street for a structure fire.

No  further information is being released at this time.

Assisting the HFD were the Robinson Fire Department, Squad 48, Town and County EMS, Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Hiawatha Police Department.     

(KAIR)--A deer in the roadway is listed as the cause of a weekend Atchison County crash that sent two to the hospital.

Injured in the early Saturday morning wreck were the driver, 50-year-old Thomas McLaughlin II, of Muscotah, and his passenger, 42-year-old Heidi Hauk, of Atchison.

A report issued by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie said McLaughlin was southbound on Anderson Road when he swerved to miss a deer in his path. That caused him to lose control of the 2006 GMC Yukon, which struck the barrier of a bridge, located just north of 270th Road.

Both McLaughlin and Hauk were transported to the Atchison Hospital for treatment following the crash that happened around 3:20 Saturday morning.

(KMZA)--An early Saturday morning single-vehicle Nemaha County wreck sent a Baileyville man to the hospital.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office says 23-year-old Cole Deters was eastbound on 132nd Road, west of C Road, when his pickup truck left the roadway.

Deters overcorrected causing his vehicle to strike a guardrail and go off into the ditch.

He was transported by private vehicle to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

The wreck was reported around 6:00 Saturday morning.  

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas state government offices will close Wednesday to honor President George H.W. Bush, who died on Friday.
 
Gov. Jeff Colyer on Monday made Dec. 6 a legal holiday and ordered state offices to close.
 
President Donald Trump has declared Wednesday a national day of mourning for the former president.
 
Colyer served as a White House fellow under President Bush and President Ronald Reagan.
 
Colyer noted that state offices also had been closed to mourn the deaths of Presidents John Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, Reagan and Gerald Ford.
 

(KNZA)--A Leavenworth woman escaped serious injury in a two-vehicle weather-related wreck on Interstate-29 in St. Joseph Sunday evening.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 52-year-old Betty Sage was entering southbound I-29 from westbound U.S. 36 when the wreck happened around 8:00.

The Patrol says Sage lost control of her vehicle on the ice and snow covered roadway and slid into the path of a southbound semi-tractor trailer.   Her vehicle struck the driver’s side front fender of the semi and skidded off the roadway where it struck a guardrail.

Sage was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for the treatment of minor injuries.

The semi driver from British Columbia was not hurt.

(MSC News)--Authorities suspect carbon monoxide poisoning in the death of a man in St. Joseph.
 
KQ2-TV reports police say a generator was being used in the shed, where the man's body was found Sunday evening.

Police responded to the residence in the 100 block of Gideon Lane on the city’s south side shortly before 7:00.
 
Neighbors told the TV station the man had been running his generator around the clock and it was something they were worried about.
 
The name of the man wasn't immediately released. The investigation is ongoing.
 

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved bids for several highway improvement projects in Nemaha County.

Halls Brothers, of Marysville was awarded the contract for the milling and overlay of an 11-mile stretch of K-63 from the U.S. 36 junction to the Kansas/Nebraska state line in the amount of nearly $988,000.

The company was also awarded the contract for the resurfacing of a 8.1 mile stretch of K-63 from the K-9 junction to the U.S. 36 junction in the amount of nearly $647,000.

A bid was also accepted from Hall Brothers for the milling and overlay of a nearly 5 mile-stretch of K-71 from the K-63 junction to the south city limits of Bern in the amount of nearly $389,000.

The bid letting took place November 14 in Topeka.

The highway resurfacing projects are scheduled for next year.

(KNZA)--A Saturday afternoon two-vehicle Jefferson County wreck sent an Ozawkie man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 24 Highway at Grantville around 3:15.

The Patrol reports 18-year-old Matthew Krainbill, of Topeka, was westbound when his car left the roadway and struck a SUV parked on the shoulder of the highway driven by 32-year-old Jeffrey Perry.

Perry was transported to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Hospital for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

Krainbill, who was wearing a seatbelt, received possible injuries but the Patrol report doesn’t indicate he was transported to a hospital.

(KAIR)--The public’s help is requested in locating a Horton-area man who has been missing since earlier in the week.

William Alexander Thomas Jr., better known as Rockey, is identified as a resident of the Kickapoo Reservation, located west of Horton.

Kickapoo Tribal Police Chief Nathan Gray confirms Thomas has been missing since Tuesday, November 27.

Thomas was last seen leaving his parents’ reservation home on foot, wearing a t-shirt and shorts.

Thomas is described by family members as a Native American male who stands 5’9,” and weighs 200 lbs with short brown hair and hazel eyes.

Anyone with information pertaining to the whereabouts of Thomas is urged to contact the Kickapoo Police at 785-486-3665 or his sister, Alexis Thomas, at 785-596-3367.