(KAIR)--An Atchison woman faces charges following what police say was a pursuit from authorities following an altercation with a man.

Taken into custody in connection with the alleged crimes was 26-year-old Shanayla Stillman.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News Stillman’s alleged crimes occurred around 3:30 Thursday afternoon. “Officers responded to a domestic disturbance in the 1000 block of North 5th. When they arrived, they found that a 27-year-old male victim was reporting being a victim of aggravated battery by a 26-year-old female. [She] was leaving the scene in a Honda passenger car as our officers arrived. They attempted to stop that vehicle in the 1000 block of North 5th, but the vehicle fled. It was finally stopped in the 1100 block of Riley and [Stillman] was taken into custody.”

Neither Stillman or the victim lived at the location of the alleged altercation, but Wilson said the two knew each other prior to the occurrence. [The man] was outside the residence, in the 1000 block of North 5th, standing next to a vehicle when she arrive, apparently for a confrontation, because he attempted to get into a vehicle that was parked there. She then used her vehicle to pin him between the vehicle he was getting into and her vehicle.”

The man suffered no injuries.

Stillman was taken into custody on charges of aggravated battery, reckless driving, fleeing and attempting to elude, criminal damage to property, and possession of marijuana.

Following her arrest, Stillman was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--A short period of precautionary security measures at a local school.

That’s what the Superintendent for Riverside USD 114 said happened Thursday morning, January 31, at the school’s East Campus, in Elwood.

Robert Blair, in a statement released early Thursday afternoon, said the measures were put in place for about 20 minutes Thursday morning.

He said that happened after the school district was contacted by the Elwood Police Department regarding a search for a burglary suspect on foot in the vicinity of the East Campus.

Blair, in the statement, said the district was then notified that the suspect was in custody.

Blair said no students were ever in danger, and “the safety and security of [the] students continues to be a top priority” for the school district.

Details regarding the burglary that sparked the extra security aren’t immediately known.

(KNZA)--A representative of the proposed Pony Express Wind Farm addressed the Brown County Commission and interested residents Monday.

Nat Drucker with Chicago-based Invenergy discussed the proposed wind farm in northwestern Brown County and northeastern Nemaha County.  It would consist of 200 to 300 wind turbines, generating 800 megawatts of power.

Drucker said there are a couple of factors that make the two counties a good location for the project. “We identified Brown and Nemaha Counties as an area with great opportunity for wind development due to a very simple combination of a very strong wind source and a location close to load centers with growing demand for electricity.”

Drucker said they are currently in the project development phase, which can last 2 to 5 or more years.  He said the foundation of the phase is land acquisition, “which is working with private land owners on signing wind leases, doing environmental surveys, and beginning to work with the county on guidelines, rules for how we will design our project.”

He said they don't currently have a clear timetable when construction might begin.

Drucker says they are committed to coming to a development agreement with the county prior to finalizing any project design or beginning construction work.

He said the agreement would establish rules related to setbacks and other  operational thresholds.  Drucker said it will also include a payment in lieu of taxes or PILOT agreement that will insure the county receives income during the first 10 years of the project after which the company will pay property taxes. “Based on our initial estimates, we estimate that the project would contribute $140 million over a 30-year-project life to the counties where it is operational.”

Drucker says they are also committed to coming to a road use maintenance agreement and decommissioning agreement with the county.

He says they expect to begin negotiations with the county in late summer or fall but are open to starting sooner.

The Commission is to select an engineering firm in the next several weeks to assist the county in contract negotiations, with the cost to be paid by Invenergy.

The commission heard presentations Monday from three engineering firms.  They included Kirkham Michael, CFS engineers and B-G Consultants.

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

I would like to address some concerns that have been brought to my attention during the latest round of snow and cold temperatures.  

I have been asked why we have to respond when a vehicle becomes stuck, stranded or disabled during these last winter storms and why can't people who choose to travel when the weather gets bad, just wait it out in their vehicles. Some feel that we are wasting county/township/KDOT resources.

As Sheriff, I feel it is my responsibility to not only keep the peace, serve civil process and keep the jail as mandated by statute, but also to render aid to those in need, especially when life threatening weather circumstances are presented.  Our last storms put us in a state of emergency.

We had dozens of stranded motorists  all over Brown County. Deputies were on routine patrol throughout the storms aiding anyone who needed assistance.  Many were families with small children who slid off the roadway or became stuck in snowdrifts by no fault of their own.   

With the extreme temperatures, frostbite and even death can occur in a matter of
minutes, should the motor quit running in stranded vehicles.

What some folks need to realize is that many people who do not live in our county rely on their GPS or Garmin to  get from place to place.  One big flaw is that GPS does not always make sure the driver stays on a main road and detours to lesser traveled blacktops such as 240th (old 36 hwy).  This also happens during rainy season and GPS maps out a route that includes a mud road and people end up getting stuck.

Many people have jobs that require them to show up regardless of bad weather or in need of food or medicine.   Deputies have assisted those who didn't have a choice but to get out and earn a living for their families. This is what we do, and we are very fortunate to have a great amount of support from our county residents and dedicated men and women at the Sheriffs office.  Some  had to work double shifts without complaint due to the drifting  road conditions.

This has been the first year that all of us have gotten stuck at one time or another trying to get to stranded vehicles to render aid.  When a vehicle that has slid off the road or became stuck in a drift is noticed or reported, we have to make sure to check it out to see if anyone is inside. This is the protocol I have put in place for everyone's safety and will continue to do so.

Our deputies, dispatchers, jail personnel,  emergency services, KDOT, county and township workers, linemen, farmers and general public have responded to assist without complaint.   I express my gratitude to all of those who have offered help when times get bad, it makes a positive difference.

(KLZA)-- During a special meeting of the Auburn Board of Education Monday evening, an interim Superintendent was hired to lead the school district. 

Following interviews of two people the  Board voted unanimously to hire Dr. Virginia Moon to fill the job til June 30th. 

Dr. Moon will be paid 80% of the past Superintendent's annual contracted salary, of $137,500, and will be paid a stipend of $600 per month for travel and lodging. 

It is expected she will work an average of four days per week.  

Superintendent Kevin Reiman resigned from the position January 21st following an incident during which a school surveillance  video of two students fighting appeared on a social media site. 

Dr. Moon served as Superintendent at Ralston before retiring and has also served as an interim superintendent at two other school districts.

In other action the Board voted to hire the Nebraska Association of School Boards to conduct a Superintendent search at a cost of $6-thousand.  

(KNZA)--Three restaurants, one in Holton, one in Horton, and one in Hiawatha, have been seized for non-payment of taxes.

That’s apparent through the pink “seized and closed” signs posted on the doors of the Mexican restaurants.

All three restaurants share ownership, and are alleged to owe thousands of dollars in back-taxes.

According to John Peterson, the manager of the legal case management division for the Kansas Department of Revenue, five tax warrants are filed in Brown County and one is filed in Jackson County.

He said more than $10,000 in sales tax is owed in connection with Hiawatha’s Los Jarochos, located at 208 1st Street, while more than $14,000 in sales tax is owed on behalf of El Milagro at 420 Pennsylvania Avenue, in Holton. Peterson said an additional $875 is owed in liquor/drink taxes at the Holton location. 

The Horton establishment has not been in operation for a period of time, but Peterson said that seizure was done in connection with related assets at that location.

Peterson said the owners have 48-hours to reach a payment agreement with the Kansas Department of Revenue. If that is not accomplished, the businesses will remain closed, and an auction will be held in the future.

(KAIR)--A car, stolen from Effingham this week, has been recovered.

According to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the 2007 Ford Edge was discovered Tuesday afternoon.

Laurie, in a report, said the vehicle was located around 1:45, on River Road, a mile south of 244th Road.

Although the vehicle was running at the time it was found, Laurie said no one was located in the area.

According to Laurie’s report, the car was found off the roadway, behind brush, and facing northbound. The front tires were stuck in mud, and two floor mats had been removed from the vehicle in an attempt to create traction and get it unstuck.

The report says the front windshield of the car was partially shattered, and appears as though someone had kicked it from inside the vehicle.

No suspect information is immediately developed as the investigation continues.

The car was stolen sometime between Monday night and shortly after midnight Tuesday as it was parked at 810 Howard Street, in Effingham.

According to a report from the Sheriff’s Office, the vehicle had been burglarized prior to the theft, with that having happened sometime between early Sunday evening and early Monday morning.

The victim told the Sheriff’s Office said that while it was unclear if anything had been stolen during the burglary, it’s possible that a spare key had been left inside the car, and could have been taken at that time.

Investigators believe the burglary and theft is related to other recent rural Atchison County vehicle burglaries.

Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 913-804-6080.
 

(KNZA)--Holton Elementary School will be treated for bed bugs.

That word comes in a social media post made Tuesday by Principal Karen Williams.

According to the post, the elementary school building will be treated Saturday as a precautionary measure. The post says that’s happening because it has come to the attention of school leaders “that there are students who may have bed bugs in their homes and that there have been some sightings” in the Holton school.

The school is asking that no one come to the classroom portion of the building on Saturday.

Staff has been instructed to take personal stuffed animals, soft chairs, rugs, blankets, bean bags, and other such items home in order for Saturday’s treatment to be successful. Parents are also asked to not send such items to school with their children.

Those who are aware of bed bugs in their home are urged to call the Jackson County Health Department at 785-364-2670.

(KLZA)-- Two Hiawatha men are facing charges following their arrests Tuesday by the Falls City Police Department.

Police officers responded to a call from a citizen who observed two men walk into an abandoned house at 318, East 21st Street Tuesday at 10:00 A.M.

Officers entered the house and located two men hiding inside the house.

27-year-old David Deming was arrested on felony charges of burglary, possession of Clonazepam and Methamphetamine, false reporting and on a felony arrest warrant out of Missouri. In addition, Deming was issued a citation for two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The other man fled the scene and a foot pursuit ensued with the individual, 24-year-old Trevor L. Jimeson, found hiding in a garage in the 1900 block of Morton Street.

Jimeson was arrested on a felony count of burglary, criminal mischief, obstructing a Police Officer, criminal trespass and was cited for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

A vehicle involved in the burglary was also located about two blocks away. The vehicle contained a substance which according to a Falls City Police Department news release tested positive for methamphetamine.

Both men are being held in the Richardson County Jail.

(Lincoln, Neb.) — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol Bomb Squad have safely disposed of a grenade found in a dumpster in Talmage. 

The grenade was found in a dumpster Monday, as a home was being cleaned out. The resident of the home had passed away. Those who found the grenade contacted the Otoe County Sheriff’s Office who contacted the NSP Bomb Squad for assistance. 

NSP Hazardous Device Technicians safely removed the grenade from the area and destroyed it with a counter charge. 

The NSP reminds Nebraska residents to call the authorities immediately if you ever find a grenade or other explosive device and never attempt to move it. 

NSP has Hazardous Device Technicians stationed throughout the state to work with local authorities for this type of situation. 
 

(KNZA)--U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will hold a town hall meeting in Elwood Wednesday morning, January 30.

The Kansas Republican will be at the Elwood Community Center at 9:30 to provide an update on what’s happening in Washington D.C. and take questions.

The public is invited to attend.

Moran is also scheduled to meet with Hiawatha Community Hospital CEO Jeff Shelton later Wednesday morning and tour the facility.

(KAIR)--Atchison County authorities are seeking the whereabouts of a missing rifle.

That follows what’s reported as the burglary of a pickup truck.

According to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, his office received a report Sunday from a Lancaster resident who said his Chevrolet pickup truck had been burglarized while parked at 18511 272nd Road.

Items taken from the vehicle included a Ruger .223 caliber bolt action rifle and a Samsung cell phone.

According to the report from Laurie, the thieves apparently weren’t interested in the phone, which was found a short time later in a ditch.

The rifle has not been recovered.

There are no immediate suspects as the investigation continues.

Another ongoing Atchison County investigation involves the reported theft of a pickup truck Sunday.

According to Laurie, a Lancaster resident reported to the Sheriff’s Office Sunday evening that a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado had been stolen from his rural Atchison County residence.

According to Laurie, the pickup was recovered in Weston, Missouri Monday morning. 

Meanwhile, a car is missing in Atchison County, and authorities are working to locate the vehicle which disappeared this week.

According to a report, the 2007 Ford Edge was first burglarized while parked in Effingham at 810 Howard Street.

That is believed to have occurred sometime between the early evening of Sunday and the early morning of Monday. 

According to the report, the owner noted that items inside the vehicle had been moved around, but it was unclear if anything had been stolen.

Then, sometime between Monday night and shortly after midnight Tuesday, the car was stolen while it was parked at the same location it was burglarized at.

The report provided to the Sheriff’s Office from the victim said it’s possible that a spare key had been left inside, and could have been taken during the earlier burglary.

Investigators believe the cases are related.

The Sheriff’s Office doesn’t have any immediate suspects as the investigation into the crimes continues.

Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 913-804-6080.

(KNZA)--City and county leaders heard about the Hiawatha Community Hospital’s current financial crisis and received a request for financial assistance during a special joint meeting Monday.

Hospital CEO Jeff Shelton met with the Brown County Commission and Hiawatha City Commission in the main courtroom at the Brown County Courthouse, with a large number of hospital employees on hand.

Since January 6, Shelton said they have implemented more than $1.3 million in cost reduction measures in an attempt to bring the hospital back into financial security.   

Even with the cuts, he said they need an immediate infusion of around $2 million in order to service a $1.2 million Medicare repayment due May 31 and catch up on accounts payable. “We know that this payment is coming due in May. We’re trying to build our liquidity, pay our bills, get caught up, all these different things. We need some financial assistance. This will allow me, and our team, to focus on the growth, development, optimization of our organization to ensure future success.”

 In addition, Shelton says the hospital needs assistance in dealing with its long term debt. “Our long term debt is something that we’re challenged with trying to service right now. We need help dealing with that, by potentially getting help from our county to reissue that debt into bonds, and possibly helping us for a few years in servicing that debt while we’re rebuilding our system to the strongest it can possibly be, with an ultimate goal of us servicing our long term debt.”

The hospital’s long and short-term debts total nearly $9 million.

Shelton said without immediate financial assistance, they would be forced to transition to an outpatient care facility. “We would still provide ER services 24/7, 365, but we would eliminate inpatient care. We would eliminate programs, such as OB. We would eliminate other support programs that are not financially viable. We would cease to do what we’ve done since 1951.”

Shelton noted the economic impact provided by the hospital, which serves as the third largest employer in the county, with 245 employees.  

He said the Hiawatha hospital is not alone in facing financial challenges, with 69 percent of rural hospitals operating in the red.

Shelton says he believes the hospital can work through its financial struggles.

Bond Counsel Kevin Cowan joined the meeting via phone to discuss bond financing options.  Also discussed was a county-wide sales tax to provide financial assistance to the hospital, which would require voter approval.

Mayor Bill Collins said he thinks they need to move forward in doing what they can to help the hospital.

City Administrator Mike Nichols suggested that a joint committee be set up to figure out the next step.  The committee will consist of County Attorney Kevin Hill, Nichols and a representative from the Hiawatha and Brown County Commissions.  It was also suggested that representative from the Horton City Commission be included. County Commissioner Dwight Kruse agreed to serve as the county representative.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran is to meet with Shelton Wednesday and tour the hospital.
 

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for a Topeka teenager accused of making threats on social media that led to a lockdown at the Royal Valley High School last August.

19-year-old Braden Crowder stood mute during his arraignment Friday in Jackson County District Court, with his attorney entering not guilty pleas to a felony count of criminal threat and misdemeanor charge of telephone harassment

A two-day jury trial was set, beginning May 30.

The high school in Hoyt was placed on a “ modified lockdown” for several hours on August 29 after a series of alleged criminal threats over social media toward a group of students at the school.

Classes continued during the lockdown but all exterior doors remained locked.

The lockdown was lifted after Crowder was taken into custody later in the day in Topeka.

He remains free on a $25,000 bond.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Spelling Bee was held Saturday at the Nemaha County Courthouse.

St. Peter and Paul 7th grader Ryan Uphaus captured 1st place by correctly spelling the word “diagnosis.”

Nemaha Central Elementary/Middle School 7th grader Alyssa Frye took 2nd place while Miles Wimberly, an 8th grader at Centralia, took 3rd.

Uphaus will now compete at the state level on March 9 at Newman University in Wichita.  The winner at the state level will go on to compete at the National Scripps Spelling Bee this spring in Washington D.C.     

The Nemaha County Spelling Bee was sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Society International, a society of key women educators.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council voted January 21st to seek bids for the demolition of three houses determined to be nuisances.

The houses are at 1203 Lane, 2215 Lane and 915 Wilson Street.  The 1203 Lane home was ruled uninhabitable by the court and the other two have been damaged by fire. City Administrator Gary Jorn expects to make a recommendation on the demolition bids in February.  

A new Parks Department building is nearly complete and Jorn says that will allow the Parks Department to move out of the former 4-H building  on south Crook Street. 

The Council approved Jorn's request to seek bids to sell the building for salvage, because of a large amount of dimensional lumber used to construct the building.   

The Council also approved Board Appointments recommended by Mayor Shawna Bindle.  

(KLZA)-- Falls City officials are asking that you do not walk on the ice at Stanton Lake at anytime. 

Recent cold weather has allowed ice to form on the lake. However walking or standing on the ice-covered lake is very dangerous. We have seen evidence of foot prints on the lake. Please make sure that if your children are going to Stanton Lake on their own, they are aware of how dangerous this could be.

If you see anyone doing this please call the Falls City Police Department at 402-245-4422
 

(KNZA)--911 service is no longer being affected by Thursday's strong winds. 

That word from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant early Thursday afternoon. 

During the morning, the gusty winds were causing issues with the service, but Merchant said 911 service is again fully operational. 

(KAIR)--Three candidates are vying to become the next superintendent for the Atchison Public Schools, and patrons this week will have a chance to meet face to face with the trio.

The meet and greet receptions are planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons, from 3:30 until 4:30, with one of the three candidates to be in attendance at each session.

On Tuesday, patrons will meet Renee Scott, who is currently serving in her 4th year as the Assistant Superintendent for USD 457 in Garden City, Kansas.

She has a total of 26-years experience in education.

Wednesday’s meet and greet session will feature Phil Bressler, the current high school principal at USD 425 in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Serving in that role for two years, Bressler has a total of 26-years of education experience.

The third candidate, who patrons will meet during Thursday’s meet and greet, is Bryon Hanson. Currently in his 4th year as principal at the Atchison High School, Hanson has 16-years of education experience.

Each meet and greet reception will be held at the Board of Education Community Room, located at 626 Commercial Street, in Atchison.

Each candidate will also tour the Atchison community, meet with staff, and be interviewed by the School Board, on the same day as their respective public reception.

The search for a new superintendent was launched following the November announcement by Dr. Susan Myers of her plan to retire at the end of the current school year, effective June 30.

The Board of Education, through the assistance of the Kansas Association of School Boards, began the search for a new superintendent, with the application process completed as of January 17.

The applicants were presented to the USD 409 Board of Education by the KASB during a special January 21 meeting.

Each candidate’s interview day will include:

• Tour of the district

• Tour of each building

• Meet and greet with school district administrators

• A public reception scheduled from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Board of

Education – Community Room, 626 Commercial

• Interview day will complete with a dinner and interview with the Board (in

executive session)

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is seeking the owner of a suspect vehicle. 

In a statement released Sunday evening, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said his office is trying to locate the owner of the suspect vehicle pictured above. 
"We are trying to locate the owner of this vehicle," Merchant said. "It has been sighted in areas where there has been recent criminal activity in southern and western Brown county."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Brown County Sheriff’s office at 785-742-7125.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A law firm that reviewed 75 years of clergy files in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas found 22 substantiated claims of sexual abuse against priests or other clerics, the archdiocese announced Friday.

The archdiocese released the names of all 22 men in its publication, The Leaven . None of the 22 men are currently ministering in the archdiocese, according to the list. Eleven have died; seven have been "laicized," meaning they were removed from clerical service; one was "removed from ministry;" one was last known to be at a friary in Denver; and the status of two others are unknown.

Archbishop Joseph Naumann said in a column in The Leaven that it is difficult to "discern the truth" of an event from decades ago, especially when the accused is deceased and other people's memories have faded.

"The list that we are providing today is accurate based on the information we possess at this moment," Naumann wrote.

The Husch Blackwell law firm reviewed about 1,080 clergy files to compile the list. A report based on the investigation has been shared with the Kansas attorney general's office and the list will be updated if more information becomes available, the archbishop said.

The archdiocese hired the law firm in August when the Catholic Church was shaken by a grand jury report that found abuse by up to 300 priests in six Pennsylvania dioceses over the last 70 years, and reports that Pope Francis and other church leaders knew about sexual misconduct allegations against the former archbishop of Washington, Theodore McCarrick, but rehabilitated him anyway.

"I thank the victims who have courageously come forward with allegations in order to prevent someone else from being victimized, as well as to assist with the progress of their own healing process," Naumann wrote Friday.

Ten of the men were formerly priests in the diocese, and the others were either priests from another diocese or from a religious order ministering in the archdiocese.

The archdiocese also listed the names of four clerics with previously publicized allegations that investigators were not able to substantiate.

The review went back to the 1940s, with the most cases — nine— from the 1980s. No substantiated cases were found after 2000.

Attorney Rebecca Randles, who has represented several people who say they were abused by priests in Kansas and Missouri, applauded the release but said it's important that the archdioceses figure out what it needs to do next.

"How do you make this better? How do you help the victims?" Randles asked. "Our experience has been the Kansas City, Kansas, diocese has not led the way with helping or dealing with these individuals."

Naumann detailed steps the archdiocese has taken to 2003 to help prevent sexual abuse in the church, such as child safety program, criminal background checks for adults, annual safe environment audits by an independent firm and requiring all clergy, employees and volunteers to undergo safe environment training. He noted the archdiocese, which has more than 100 parishes across northeast Kansas, has passed every safe environment audit since they began in 2004.

But David Clohessy, a member of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests criticized the lack of details in the list, saying it should include photos, whereabouts and work histories of the clerics.

"This is a long-overdue move to mollify an outraged flock," Clohessy said. "How does any church employee — from bookkeeper to bishop — justify hiding for years or decades the names of these credibly accused child molesters?"

According to the list published by the Kansas City Star, two names are recogniziable in the immediate local area, with both having served in Atchison. 

They are: 

Donald Redmond, Benedictines, removed from ministry in 2002. Estimated time frame of abuse: 1960-1968. Multiple allegations.

Camillus Wurtz, Benedictines, died in 2013. Estimated time frame of abuse: 1960.

 

(KAIR)--The Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated 100-years during ceremonies Saturday evening.

As is tradition, the annual Chamber banquet, held at the Atchison Event Center, included recognition of local success, with awards handed out during the evening

Receiving the Business of the Year honor was the Blish Mize Company.

The award is annually presented to a Chamber business member that has excelled, and continues to make significant contributions to the Atchison area.

Recognized as Team of the Year was Benedictine College Athletics, with the college seeing strong success during the past year, including the football team's run to the National Championship game.

Two Quality of Life Awards were presented, with the honor given annually to an individual, committee, or business, whose involvement in the Atchison community has enriched the quality of life for residents, and has made Atchison a better place.

Receiving the honor was Atchison Hospital CEO, John Jacobson, recognized for his leadership in the Atchison Hospital's success.

The second honor was presented to Dr. Susan Myers, the retiring Superintendent of Atchison's Public Schools.

She was recognized for her leadership of USD 409 during what the Chamber calls "some great achievements and some unfathomable sorrows" during her more than 10-years in the school district.

The Tourism Award was presented to the Atchison Hospitality Group, which is the group of investors who worked to establish Atchison's downtown Holiday Inn Express hotel.

The Organization of the Year award was presented to the Atchison Child Care Association, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award was given to Katie Wagner, the proprietor of the Sunflower Coffee Shop.

The Excellence in Leadership Award went to Lindsey Hansen, the Assistant Principal at the Atchison High School, who also serves in leadership roles on various Atchison-based boards and committees.

A newly established award was also featured, known as the Outstanding Community Service Award. That was presented to Marie Griffin, recognized for her work with charitable initiatives, such as the Atchison Community Education Foundation, Live Well Live Atchison, and the Chamber's Railroad Museum, as well as her recent opening of the Atchison Bread Company.

The Ambassador of the Year award was given to Christy Brull, with that annual achievement given to a member of the Chamber Ambassadors.

Saturday evening's ceremony also included recognition for Dennis and Cheryl Garrett, who are ending 29-years of business in Atchison with the closing of the Cash Saver grocery store.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau held their annual dinner Friday evening at the Fisher Center.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of several awards.

Honored as the “ Business of the Year” was The Shirt Shack and Apparel.

Meals on Wheels received the “ Volunteer of the Year” award.

Hiawatha Parks and Recreation was the recipient of a new award,  “Organization of the Year”, with Director Stacy Jasper also receiving the “ Civil Servant of the Year” award.

Chamber and Visitors Bureau Board President Katie Miller says 2018 saw the return of the “ Lunch and Learn” program and also an increased social media presence.  She says the organization also launched a northeast Kansas jobs posting site.   

Looking ahead, Miller says they plan to launch their ambassador’s program this year.

Outgoing board members Kim Kleopfer and Ryan Meiniger were recognized.  

Joining the board will be Lynn Allen and Sheila Schwalm.

Other board members include Andy Runer, Bonnie Marable, Jeff Shelton, Ashley Olson, Debbie Phillips and Joey May, who will serve as vice-president.

The guest speaker was Hiawatha Red Hawk cross country coach Becky Shamburg, who spoke on building a team and how that translates into building a business or organization.   

(KNZA)--Brown County Commission is seeking the installation of warning signs along a stretch of U.S. 36 Highway east of Fairview to improve safety.

The Commission voted Tuesday to sign a letter of recommendation to the Kansas Department of Transportation for the installation of “ Caution Trucks Entering” signs along the highway between Foxtail and Falcon Roads.

The location was scene of a fatal two-vehicle wreck last September that the claimed the life of 47-year-old Hiawatha resident Ronnie Meyers. Meyers was killed when the car he was driving struck the rear of a semi attempting to turn into a private drive.

If approved by the state, Commission Chairman Keith Olsen says J-Six Farms would pay for the two signs to be installed by KDOT.

The Commission also voted Tuesday to allow BG Consultants, of Manhattan, to do an engineering study for a stop sign to be located at the intersection of 230th and Mulberry Roads.  The study will cost around $2,000.

Commissioner Richard Lehmkuhl said a stop sign was previously located at the intersection.  However, he said the sign was knocked down due to a wreck a number of years ago and never re-installed.

230th Road leads to Highland Community College’s Klinefelter Farm, which is the location of numerous events throughout the year.
 

(KNZA)--A Jackson County community is offering assistance to residents affected by the partial federal government shutdown.

According to a press release from the city of Hoyt, the Hoyt City Council Thursday evening voted to suspend late fees and utility disconnection policies for any impacted resident.

Details include:
• All late fees associated with utility bill payments will be waived.
• Standard disconnection protocols will be suspended during the “shutdown” and for 30 days following the end of the “shutdown”.
• Allow for payment plans to be established for up to three months after the end of the “shutdown”.
• This exemption will end 30 days following the end of the federal government shutdown that began on December 22, 2018.

Council President Nathan McAlister said the city has adopted the temporary policy to assist those federal workers living in the community, who through no fault of their own, are working without pay to keep the American government functioning.

Councilman Dustin Brinkman said the nation’s cities and states must step up and lead when the federal government does not.

To be eligible, residents must present proof of current employment with an affected federal agency to the Hoyt City Clerk at 201 East 4th Street during normal business hours.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation (STEP) recently announced the establishment of the new Centralia Community Fund. The announcement was made official when Centralia Community Fund Advisory Committee and STEP Board President Debbie Tangeman signed the fund agreement December 26, 2018.

Those serving as founding advisory committee members for the Centralia Community Fund include: Brent Alverson, Kelsey Burdiek, Tyler Glatczak, Kelli Holthaus, and Dustin Walters. 

Tory Jost, executive director of STEP, expressed optimism about the potential small Kansas communities have for creating lasting endowments that can help preserve the viability of their towns. Jost stated, “We are excited to partner with the Centralia Advisory Committee, creating an opportunity to educate citizens across Northeast Kansas about the positive impact of philanthropy and charitable giving. By building local endowments, we help strengthen smaller communities like Centralia. This is the second community fund established through the local community foundation, and we are anticipating others. Together we are fulfilling the mission of Nemaha County STEP Foundation, which is to make Nemaha County a great place to live and work.”

By creating a fund for the Centralia Community, the Nemaha County STEP Foundation provides office support, including accounting, gift receipting, and online fund management, opportunities for pooled investment opportunities, education and training, and encouragement, particularly important in the early start-up years for new funds. If you would like to contribute to this fund, donations may be made online at www.nemahastep.org or mailed to the STEP Foundation P.O. Box 165 Seneca, KS 66538.

(KAIR)--A report of shots fired Tuesday night led Atchison Police to an Atchison residence, and to the arrest of a Missouri man.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News police located 19-year-old Ross Kellerman who the initial investigation points to as the likely shooter. “Shortly before 10:30 Tuesday evening, our officers responded to a shots fired call in the area of 21st and Main. That call resulted in an investigation that led officers to a residence in the 300 block of South 21st, where there were several individual inside. Officers, at that residence, located a handgun, as well as marijuana, inside the residence, and a 19-year-old Windsor, Missouri man was taken into custody.”

Wilson said it’s not immediately clear why the gun was being fired. “We do believe that we have the person identified associated with the handgun that could very likely be the gun that had been shot. We know that nobody was injured. We’re not sure, at this point as the investigation continues, as what the motivation was behind the person that fired the shots. We do know that the person that we connected to this firearm is a felon, and is prohibited from possessing a handgun.”

Kellerman was taken into custody on charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

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

(KAIR)--A Saint Joseph, Missouri man is dead, and three Atchison County residents injured, following a two vehicle, late Thursday morning Buchanan County, Missouri crash.

Dead is 50-year-old Lonnie Elmore. The Missouri State Highway Patrol identifies him as the passenger in a Honda Civic driven by 25-year-old Atchison resident Jonathan Turner.

Turner suffered moderate injuries in the crash and was transported by Atchison County EMS to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, for treatment.

The driver of a Chevrolet Traverse, 55-year-old Kirk Kloepper, and his passenger, 55-year-old Laurie Kloepper, both of Effingham, suffered minor injuries and were transported by Atchison County EMS to the Atchison Hospital.

The wreck happened on U.S.Highway 59, east of Atchison, a half-mile east of Winthrop, Missouri.

According to the report from the Patrol, Turner was southbound on the highway when he attempted to turn east onto private property, failing to yield to northbound traffic.

Kloepper was unable to react in time, causing his northbound car to collide with Turner's.

Both vehicles ran off the east side of the highway.

Elmore was the only one not wearing a seatbelt when the wreck happened shortly before 12 noon.

(KLZA) -- A Dawson man was arrested Wednesday by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department on a warrant for multiple charges.

49-year-old Buckley Auxier was wanted for use of a firearm to commit a felony,   terroristic threats, domestic assault and negligent child abuse with no injury. 

Auxier is being held in the Richardson  County Jail.

(KNZA)--Plans to demolish five derelict houses in Hiawatha advance.

The Hiawatha City Commission during a special meeting Tuesday afternoon accepted the low bid submitted by Aller’s LLC in the amount of $17,975 for  demolition of the structures.  It was among 3 bids received.

The houses were condemned last fall and ordered removed.

City Administrator Mike Nichols says the city budgeted $10,000 this year for the demolition of houses.  However, he said there are funds available for the additional $7,975 needed.

In addition, Nichols says the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development budgeted $8,000 to assist the city with any additional houses to be demolished this year.  

In other business, the Commission gave Police Chief John Defore approval to advertise for the hiring of a full-time officer.

Defore says Detective Beau Hasenenohr, who also serves as the city’s code enforcement officer, has resigned to take a managerial position with Ag Partners Cooperative.  His last work day with the city will be Friday.

Tuesday marked the first meeting for new commissioner John Merchant, Jr. who was elected in November. 

The meeting was moved up from its regular time due to the inclement weather.

(KLZA) - A Craig, Missouri man suffered serious injuries late Wednesday afternoon when his pickup truck was struck by a train in Craig.

The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates 33-year-old Jason Mick was southbound on 4th Street when he failed to stop at a railroad crossing sign and his pickup was struck by a westbound Burlington Northern Santa Fe train.  

Mick was transported by ambulance to the Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.  The train engineer was not hurt.

The Patrol says Mick was not wearing a safety device at the time of wreck, which was reported around 5:20.

His 2018 Dodge Ram was totaled.  The train suffered minor damage and was able to continue on.

The Holt County Sheriff's Office, Mound City Police Department, Atchison-Holt EMS and Craig First Responders all assisted at the site of the wreck.  

(KLZA)-- Is the work on Highway 73 through Falls City completed, and when will work be completed on Highway 8 through Falls City? These two questions have been asked often in recent months.

Work on both projects began in the spring of 2018.  
During the Monday night Council meeting, Acting Mayor Don Ferguson voiced his displeasure with the cement work from 19th Street south to  7th Street on Harlan, and not being able to find out if the project is considered complete. 

Ferguson suggested the Council push for answers on the Highway 73 project from the Department of Transportation,    the District 1HIghway Commission representative and ask the newly appointed State Senator to help find answers.

City Administrator Gary Jorn says without the the concrete being milled from 19th Street south to 7th Street, he feels the work  is unacceptable. 

Jorn suggested a conversation take place with District 1 Highway Commissioner Mary Gerdes to get the ball rolling  toward finding answers.

Some work was done on Highway 8 in Falls City late in the fall but the project is mostly incomplete inside the city limits.  

(KNZA)--A Kansas City, Missouri truck driver suffered only minor injuries following a Thursday morning Brown County wreck, east of Hiawatha, that left a stretch of U.S. Highway 36 closed into the afternoon.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports the semi-trailer driver, identified as 34-year-old Belal Saed Haraz, lost control and struck a bridge, as he was eastbound on the highway. 

That left the semi wrecked across both lanes of U.S. Highway 36, with the trailer upright across the roadway, while the tractor was off the road, on its side.

A crane from Topeka was used to remove the semi, with that accomplished shortly before 2:00 Thursday afternoon. 

The stretch of highway, from Prairie Road to Raccoon Road, was reopened around that time.

Icy roadways were reported to MSC News shortly before the wreck, which occurred around 8:50 Thursday morning. 

The driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital. 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has reorganized for 2019.

The Commission held their re-organizational meeting Tuesday, which was pushed back a week due to the absence of Commissioner Dwight Kruse last week.

2nd District Commissioner Keith Olsen was unanimously selected as commission chairman for 2019.

The Commission designated the Citizens State Bank and Morrill and Janes Bank as the official checking and investment banks for the county.

The Horton Headlight was designated as the official county newspaper.

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer—two new changes that have been added.

New 1st District Commissioner Richard Lehmkuhl, who was sworn in last week following his election in November, asked that a prayer be given before every meeting.  He said he will contact someone to be at the meetings.   Rev. Jim Ferris, pastor of Hiawatha’s Calvary Assembly of God Church, delivered the prayer Tuesday.

The pledge of allegiance was added last week by Olsen.

(KAIR)--As cultural tolerance dominates the national discourse, a local area school is taking steps to celebrate diversity.

That will happen Friday, in Hoyt, during what’s being called “a cultural extravaganza.”

The event, being hosted by Royal Valley USD 337, in collaboration with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, will be held in the Royal Valley High School Gymnasium, located at 101 East 1st Street, in Hoyt.

According to a news release, the school district is one of few in Kansas serving the membership of a tribal nation, which allows for the formation of a unique, and special relationship, with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

The release notes that due to a large portion of Royal Valley’s basketball players being Tribal members, both the tribe and school agreed that basketball season “is an opportune time to feature aspects of the Prairie Band Potawatomi culture in a positive celebration for the entire community.

According to the release, Royal Valley Lady Panthers Head Basketball Coach Kyle Porter was instrumental in making the “cultural extravaganza” a reality, having been inspired by the Nike N7 fund, which commemorated November’s Native American Heritage Month, and provides turquoise uniforms to colleges and universities with significant Native American student populations.

Porter, in the release, said he’s excited to see the school find ways to celebrate positive components of the school and support the special partnership with the Tribe.

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Chairman Joseph Rupnick, in the release, thanked Porter and the school staff for acknowledging “the Prairie Band Potawatomi culture and providing an avenue for inclusion in the community.”

Approximately 221 students within the Royal Valley school district are Native Americans, or descendants, and of those, 60% are Prairie Band Potawatomi tribal members.

Friday evening’s events begin at 5:00.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Falls City man has been sentenced to federal prison for receiving and distributing child pornography.
 
Federal prosecutors for Nebraska say 32-year-old Corey Hayes was sentenced Wednesday to 9 1/2 years in prison. He must also register as a sex offender.
 
Officials say Hayes in late 2015 engaged in an online chat and sent pornographic pictures to someone he believed was a 13-year-old, but who was actually an undercover Homeland Security agent.

Federal agents say a search of Hayes' home in 2016 found more than 150 files on electronic devices containing child pornography.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners spent a good portion of their meeting time on January 15th visiting with County Attorney Jennifer Stehlik Ladman about  a Drug Court proposed in Southeast, Nebraska. 

Stehlik Ladman says a Drug Court targets alternative  solutions instead of incarceration  for drug offenders.

It is an 18-month program with a bulk of the cost paid by the State for the Probation Officer.  The defendants would need to meet certain stipulations before being allowed to go to Drug Court.  

There has been talk of expanding a Drug Court to include Pawnee, Johnson, Richardson, Nemaha and Otoe counties.  The State must approve the prorgram.

The cost to expand the program into these counties would be $26,400.  Each county pays a flat amount plus the number of participants. The cost for the first year for Pawnee County would be just over $2,900.  The following years the cost would be $1,000 plus the costs for the local participants. 

Stehlik Ladman said three of the 11 current open drug cases in Pawnee County would be eligible to participate and she estimated Pawnee County would likely have 1 – 3 people a year referred to Drug Court.  

Following the discussion, the Pawnee County Board voted unanimously to participate in the Drug Court.
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council received the annual audit report for Fiscal Year 2018 Monday evening.

Julie Bauman, CPA from Falls City  said the City received an unmodified report, which is the best rating available.  

Bauman noted the city total assets increased by two-million dollars last year to more than $62.3-million. Total assets include governmental and enterprise funds counting streets, infrastructure and everything else. 

Bauman said financially for the city, 2018 was an excellent year.  She said the city is financially strong and with assets going up, equity does as well. 

Bauman also noted the city has done a good job of rebuilding it's cash reserved to a strong position.

The Council voted unanimously to accept the report. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, wanted in connection with what authorities say was a break-in into an occupied recreational vehicle, is now in custody.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 28-year-old Duane Seymore, Jr. was arrested Friday on an Atchison County District Court warrant in connection with the crime, alleged to have occurred last year. “It was a case we actually investigated last fall,” Wilson told MSC News. “On September 27, 2018, we had a 61-year-old victim report that a 28-year-old man, who the victim was acquainted with, entered an RV that was parked at a campsite at Warnock Lake, and took tools from inside that RV while a 27-year-old female was inside the RV.”

Seymore faces charges for aggravated burglary and theft.

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

According to the Atchison County Jail report, bond for Seymore is set at $25,000.

(KAIR)--No injuries are reported following an early Wednesday morning wreck involving an Atchison County-owned snowplow.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the accident happened shortly before 1:15 on 262nd Road, near Ottawa Road.

The report from Laurie says the driver of the snowplow truck, 30-year-old Troy Myers, of Cummings, lost control of the eastbound vehicle on the snowpacked roadway, causing it to slide to the south side of the road, stopping when it landed on the passenger’s side.

The accident occurred as Atchison County road crews worked to clear roads of the snow and ice brought by winter weather that moved across the local area Tuesday into Wednesday.

Atchison County Road and Bridge Superintendent Seth Howard told MSC News the damage to the truck is being evaluated.

He confirmed that two snowplow slide-offs also occurred during last weekend’s winter weather clean-up effort, resulting in very minor damage, and no injuries.

Howard told MSC News the slide-offs occur because of the ice, limited visibility, and large drifts, adding that the drifts crews have been dealing with range from 1 to 4 feet, or more, in some areas, saying the effort to work such snow events in the dark is “very difficult.”

(MSC News)--Royal Valley USD 337 in collaboration with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is hosting a tribal culture extravaganza at the Royal Valley High School Gymnasium in Hoyt Friday, January 25.

The Royal Valley School District is one of few in Kansas that serve the membership of a tribal nation, allowing the formation of a unique and special relationship with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Due to a large portion of Royal Valley’s basketball players being Prairie Band Potawatomi tribal members, both the tribe and school agreed basketball season is an opportune time to feature aspects of the Prairie Band Potawatomi culture in a positive celebration for the entire community.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Community Hospital officials will meet with city and county leaders during a special joint meeting next week to discuss the hospital’s current financial crisis and possible financial assistance.  

The meeting has been scheduled for 12 noon Monday, January 28  in the main courtroom on the 3rd floor of the Brown County Courthouse.

The Brown County Commission and Hiawatha City Commission each approved holding the joint meeting during their respective meetings Tuesday.

Hospital officials were initially scheduled to meet with each government entity separately this week but it was decided instead to hold the joint meeting.

Hospital CEO Jeff Shelton earlier this month announced about one million in cost cutting measures in an attempt to bring the hospital back into financial security.  That included a reduction in employee fringe benefits,  two percent pay cut for all employees and additional compenstation cuts by providers.

In addition to the cuts, Shelton said the hospital will need to find a way to make up another almost $2 million this year.

The hospital’s financial problems are being blamed on mandates related to the Affordable Care Act, sequestration by the federal government in 2013 that reduced Medicare payments by two percent and issues that resulted from the electronic health records system from 2013-18 that led to a  more than $1.4 million reimbursement penalty from Medicare.

(KNZA)--No serious injuries were reported after a van caught fire following a two-vehicle wreck in Hiawatha Monday evening.

Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore says officers were dispatched to the wreck in the 200 block of Iowa Street around 6:30.

According to the accident report, a van had slide on the ice and struck a parked vehicle, with the van catching fire.

Upon arrival, officers observed smoke coming from van and Hiawatha fireman, Cory Lay, working to put out the fire.

Defore says the driver of the van, identified as Lisa McKinney, stated that she had swerved to go around the parked vehicle and slid on the ice, causing her van to lose control and strike the parked vehicle.

The wreck was cleared as a possible injury accident and remains under investigation.

(KLZA)--Both NPPD and OPPD are having issues providing electricity to Richardson County.

According to Richardson County Emergency Management, it will likely be after 8 a.m. Wednesday before power is completely restored.

Anyone needing shelter should contact Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall at 402-801-0522 and he can get you into Prichard Auditorium to spend the night.

Falls City Utilities are currently generating power to Falls City residents.

Also, there is no school for Falls City Public or Falls City Sacred Heart on Wednesday.

HTRS will open two hours late Wednesday, as will Johnson-Brock.

The power outages also affected both SUNNY 101.3 and KTNC 107.1 F.M.

(MSC News)--Winter weather across the local area makes for dangerous traveling conditions Tuesday night.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory that will remain in place through 6:00 Wednesday morning, with ice and snow covering local area roadways.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant early Tuesday evening said that due to conditions, all travel should be avoided, if possible.

Numerous schools have closed for Wednesday, with morning travel predicted to be dangerous due to the conditions.

Among other cancellations for Wednesday is Atchison Municipal Court, with all cases on the docket moved to January 30.

For a complete list of area weather-related cancellations, go here.

The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office has enacted its Emergency Only Crash Reporting procedure, due to the weather.

Deputies will only respond to a crash involving:

• Injury, possible injury or death to any person;
• Possible impairment of a driver due to drugs or alcohol;
• Incidents of hit and run;
• Incidents where there is a disturbance between the parties involved;
• Any hazardous material situation;
• When the accident results in major traffic congestion;
• When there is damage to a vehicle to the extent that towing is required.
• When occupants of the vehicle are stranded.

Otherwise, drivers are asked to exchange registration and insurance information, and report the crash soon after the weather clears.

According to the National Weather Service, snow will continue overnight, then taper off around sunrise.

Snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are expected.

The highest snow totals will be towards north central Kansas and the Kansas and Nebraska border. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast Region 911 Committee has announced that Text-to-911 service is now available to 16 member counties in Southeast Nebraska. 

Text-to-911 service is available to the public, through most wireless carriers in the Southeast Region. 

This is the next step in accessing emergency services as technology advances.  

This is not meant to take the place of calling 911 using standard voice calls. The motto is “Call if you can, Text if you can't.”

Location acquisition is much more limited and often not available, where voice 911 will typically provide very good location information as to a caller's whereabouts.  In addition, there is no guarantee your Text-to-911 text has made it to an emergency dispatch center until you receive a reply from the emergency operator.  Information is also obtained more quickly with a voice conversation than via text.  

In addition, a person cannot text to 911 without a service contract that includes texting.

To make the “Text-to-911” work, enter the number 911 to the field.  The first text should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed.

The service is now available for Richardson, Nemaha, Johnson and Pawnee counties in addition to Cass, Clay, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Saline, Seward, Thayer and York counties.  

(KMZA)--A Tuesday morning single-vehicle Nemaha County wreck sent a Home, Kansas woman to the hospital.

According to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, 62-year-old Theresa Spellmeier was eastbound on U.S. 36 Highway, east of A Road, when she lost control of her sport utility vehicle due to the icy road conditions.

Spellmeier was transported by ambulance to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

The wreck was reported shortly before 7:30 Tuesday morning.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast Region 911 Committee has announced that Text – to – 911 service is now available to 16 member counties in Southeast Nebraska. 

Text-to-911 service is available to the public, through most wireless carriers in the Southeast Region. 

This is the next step in accessing emergency services as technology advances.  

This is not meant to take the place of calling 911 using standard voice calls. The motto is “Call if you can, Text if you can't.”

Location acquisition is much more limited and often not available, where voice 911 will typically provide very good location information as to a caller's whereabouts.  In addition, there is no guarantee your Text-to-911 text has made it to an emergency dispatch center until you receive a reply from the emergency operator.  Information is also obtained more quickly with a voice conversation than via text.  

In addition, a person cannot text to 911 without a service contract that includes texting.

To make the “Text-to-911” work, enter the number 911 to the field.  The first text should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed.

The service is not available for Richardson, Nemaha, Johnson and Pawnee counties in addition to Cass, Clay, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Saline, Seward, Thayer and York counties.  

(KMZA)--U.S. Highway 75, north of Sabetha, is closed.

That word comes in an emergency alert sent by the Nemaha County, KS Sheriff’s Office, Tuesday afternoon, January 22.

According to the alert, all motorists are to avoid Highway 75, from U.S. Highway 36, to the Nebraska state line.

Although the alert does not specifically state a reason behind the closure, Nemaha County Emergency Preparedness Director Russ Lierz reports that semi trucks have pulled over on the highway due to icy conditions, and that’s causing slow downs, and stops, on the highway.

The Sheriff’s Office, earlier Tuesday, alerted motorists of dangerous driving conditions due to the winter weather.

Late Tuesday morning, the Sheriff’s Office, in an alert, said most Nemaha County highways were reported as icy, causing multiple slide-offs and accidents.

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

Norman Ellis died Sunday at the age of 87.

Ellis, known as Norm, served as the Mayor of Atchison from 1983 to 1985, and again from 1990 to 1991.

According to his obituary from Atchison’s Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Ellis’ mayoral role followed his 1980 election to the Atchison City Commission, serving as a commissioner until 1991.

A marker in his honor is placed at the Atchison Forest of Friendship.

Elllis was a well known Atchison barber, opening the Ellis Barber and Style Shop in 1971.

He operated the downtown business for 47-years, retiring in March, 2018, and officially closing the doors on April 1 of that year.

According to MSC News archives, the final haircut given by Ellis was also the first haircut for Ellis’ great-grandson, Clarkson Michael Owens.

Ellis will be laid to rest Friday in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, in Rushville, Missouri.

That will follow morning services at 10:30 at the Sugar Creek Christian Church, in Rushville.

(KAIR)--A Rushville, Missouri woman and a Saint Joseph, Missouri man suffered injuries following a two vehicle, Saturday afternoon wreck on a slick Buchanan County roadway.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports it happened 4-miles south of Faucett.

According to the Patrol, a pickup truck, driven by 20-year-old Colby Crockett was eastbound on Missouri 116 when the vehicle slid on the snow and ice covered roadway.

Crockett could not stop at the stop sign at the intersection with Missouri 371.

The driver of a car, southbound on 371, swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision, but the front of Crockett’s truck struck the passenger side of the car.

Crockett and a passenger in the car, 23-year-old Markos Lawhon, were both transported to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, by Buchanan County Ambulance, for the treatment of what the Patrol called moderate injuries.

The driver of the car, from Dearborn, Missouri, was not hurt.

The Patrol said everyone was buckled up at the time of the wreck, which occurred shortly after 1:00 Saturday afternoon.

(KLZA)-- The Superintendent of the Auburn Public Schools has resigned.

The resignation of Kevin Reiman follows a paid suspension that went into effect at the end of December. That came after a video posted on social media purportedly showed him in his home viewing security footage of a fight in a school hallway. A voice believed to be Reiman's narrates, and laughs, about the fight.

KETV in Omaha reported Reiman admitted allowing his family to view the video of the fight. Reiman apologized to the students involved and for any harm done.

Reiman’s resignation came Monday evening, and is effective immediately.

It brings to an end Reiman's seven-plus years as Superintendent at Auburn and 20 years with the school district.

The Auburn School Board will now begin a search for a new superintendent.

(KLZA)-- Leigh Anne Blankenship, a 4th grade teacher at South School in Falls City, has been accepted into the NebraskaSTEM Noyce Master Teacher program at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.  

Blankenship reported to the District 56 School Board last week that NebraskaSTEM is a combined integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, with an objective of increasing interest and success in STEM by enhancing student knowledge of integrated STEM teaching and learning.  

The STEM program results in a new, five-year elementary STEM Master's Degree and professional development  program for teachers which is funded completely by the National Science Foundation. 

During the five-year fellowship, Blankenship will also participate in annual surveys and interviews as part of the grant evaluation. 

During the fellowship, the NebraskaSTEM program provides an annual stipend, in addition t the teacher salary, for instructional materials, professional training opportunities, and travel expenses. 

Blankenship is on track to earn a Master's Degree in rural STEM education and engage in STEM leadership activities and join a nationwide community of Noyce Master Teaching Fellows. 

A 2009 Lexus SUV (left) and a Ford F-250 pickup truck (right) collided in Jackson County on January 21, 2019/Photo credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A Topeka woman is dead, killed as the result of a two vehicle Monday afternoon crash in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse identified the victim as 72-year-old June Rockey.

A news release from Morse says the fatal wreck happened around 12:40 at 190th Road and U.S. Highway 75.

Citing the initial investigation report, Morse said Rockey’s SUV crossed the highway eastbound from the entrance of a convenience store, and was struck on the passenger’s side by a northbound pickup truck.

Rockey was transported by Jackson County EMS to Stormont Vail Regional Medical Center, in Topeka.

Nine hours after the crash, Morse confirmed her death.

He said she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck.

The two occupants of the pickup truck, both from Sanborn, Iowa, refused medical treatment.

Morse, in the release, said the intersection “has been a site for many injury accidents throughout the years including a fatal accident that occurred there on June 27, 2018.”

Assisting the Sheriff’s Office and EMS were the Potawatomi Tribal Police, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Mayetta, Hoyt, Holton, and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation fire departments.

(KAIR)--No injuries are reported following an early Monday morning Atchison house fire.

Captain Lee Kipple, of the Atchison Fire Department, told MSC News firefighters were called to the home, located at 608 South 4th Street, around 5:20 Monday morning.

When they arrived, Kipple said heavy smoke was seen, and a fire was located in the basement of the home.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, with the home left with smoke, heat, and water damage.

The three residents who escaped safely are being assisted by the Red Cross as they remain displaced.

Kipple said it’s believed the home will be livable once the proper repairs can be made.

He said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--Gaining community input into the design of a future Atchison skateboard park is the goal of a meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening.

It comes on the heels of last week’s effort by residents Pamela Cline and Jeremy Watkins to gain input from students during a visit to the Atchison Middle School.

The couple is working with the City of Atchison, on behalf of the Skate High With Hope-Joshua Kinsman Foundation, named in honor of Cline’s son who died in January, 2018 at the age of 17.

According to a news release from the City, the main objective of Wednesday evening’s meeting is to bring together “skaters of all ages and skill levels to view conceptual designs of the proposed skateboard park,” planned to be constructed on green space at Atchison’s Reisner Park, located at North 10th and Kearney Streets.

Watkins told MSC News input into the design is needed before a final decision is made. “Get their ideas on what they would like to see, just to kind of narrow down what we’re really going to be putting in the town for the kids to use.”

Wednesday evening’s meeting will be held in the City Commission room, on the second floor of Atchison’s City Hall, beginning at 7:00.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three teens believed to be involved in recent burglaries at a Denison establishment.

According to a news release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, 18-year-old Trevor Hurteau, 18-year-old Christopher McGee, and a 15-year-old male, all from Denison, were arrested Sunday afternoon following an early morning burglary at the Muleskinner Lodge located at 10910 W. Road in Denison. The lodge in recent years had been operated as a bed and breakfast facility.

Morse says the trio was arrested on burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and trespassing charges.

The teens allegedly broke into the lodge after 1:30 Sunday morning and removed property from the premises.

Hurteau and the 15-year-old male juvenile allegedly committed two additional burglaries, thefts, trespassed and damaged property at the same location between November to mid-December of 2018.

Following the earlier break-ins, Morse says Sheriff’s Office investigators placed  video surveillance equipment on the property. He says investigators were able to obtain video footage of the suspected trio during the burglary Sunday morning.

On Sunday night, Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies served a search warrant at a residence located at 307 Highland Avenue in Denison where the trio had been living. Deputies seized property believed to have been taken in the three burglaries.

Hurteau and McGee are currently being held in the Jackson County Jail, while the juvenile is being held in a juvenile detention facility.

During the January 15th Humboldt City Council meeting, Council member Stacey Edmundson updated the Council on the airport ground the city owns.

The discussion centered on the possibility of moving forward with selling the land, totaling approximately 88 acres. 

Mayor Bob Mendenhall noted the tree dump could be moved to the west side of the ditch on the property where tractor pulls and mud volleyball has been held in the past. Discussion also included the metal buildings located on the property and about the ground being the site of previously proposed sewer lagoons.

City Clerk Carol Glathar was directed to contact the City attorney to inquire about the process and hopefully have a resolution ready for the next Council meeting. 

The  Humboldt Council is scheduled to meet in special session on Tuesday,  January 22 at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall to discuss a resolution authorizing an auction of the property.  The Council will also discuss a resolution terminating or renegotiating a lease for the land  known as the “Airport Land.” 

(KLZA)-- Unemployment rates were higher in extreme southeast Nebraska for the month of  December.

The highest unemployment rate in the area was 3.5 percent in Nemaha County, up 3-tenths. 

The lowest unemployment rate was  in Otoe County at 2.4 percent, up 2-tenths. 

The Pawnee County unemployment rate spiked up  nearly one full percent to 2.7 percent. In Richardson County the jobless rate was 3.1 percent, up half a percentage point.  

Johnson and Gage counties also had unemployment increases of  half-a-percent.  Johnson County was up to 3.3 percent and  in Gage County the rate  was 2.9 percent. 

(KMZA)--Starting April 1, utility task vehicles will be allowed on Marysville city streets with certain conditions.

The Marysville Advocate reports the Marysville City Council last week approved a new ordinance allowing UTV’s  after Mayor Carla Grund broke a 3-3 tie vote.

Police Chief Todd Ackerman had voiced his opposition to allowing them on city streets, citing safety concerns.

The ordinance does include certain criteria.  The UTV must be insured, have seat belts, tail lights and turn signals.  It must be registered with the city, with a $100 initial registration, $25 annual registration fee and biannual inspection fee of $10.    

They will only be allowed between sunrise and sunset and operators must be at least 18.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education considered a calendar for next school year when they meet last week.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman informed the Board that Kansas State High School Activities Association competitions have been set back about one week, changing some of the state championship weekends.  Notably, state volleyball will be the weekend of November 1-2 instead of the last weekend in October.

The first day of school for students is targeted for August 15 and spring break is tentatively set for March 16-20, 2020.

The final calendar will be approved at next month’s board meeting.

In other business, the Board approved several personnel changes.

They included the retirement resignations of high school industrial arts teacher Bruce Stanley and elementary/middle school guided reading and testing coordinator Carol Sack.  Also accepted was the resignation of middle school math teacher Mitchell Baumgartner.   The resignations are effective at the end of the current school year.

The Board also approved two new hires.  They included Kim Sudbeck as elementary/middle school secretary and BranDee Wenzl as part-time special education para at Vermillion.
 

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has renewed the contact with City Administrator Matt Rehder.

The Council took the action during their regular meeting Wednesday evening.

The contract calls for Rehder to receive a pay increase from $60,000 to $68,000 per year.

The contact will be in effect until December 21, 2020 when its up for renewal again.

Rehder was hired as city administrator in April 2013.
 

(KNZA)--A change in leadership for the Jefferson County Commission.

That happened Monday as the Commission reorganized for the new year.

2nd District Commissioner Wayne Ledbetter, who served as vice-chair last year, was named as chairman for 2019.  He replaces 3rd District Commissioner Richard Malm in the position.

1st District Commissioner Lynn Luck was selected as vice-chair.

Both came on an unanimous vote after a motion by Malm to designate Luck as chair of the board died due to the lack of a second.

As part of the reorganization process, the Commission voted to designate The Oskaloosa Independent as the official paper and designated the official banks of the county.  In addition, the commission voted to keep the meeting schedule and courthouse hours the same.

At the beginning of the meeting, Luck was sworn in for another 4-year term by County Clerk Linda Buttron after being re-elected in November.

(MSC News)-- A Winter Storm Warning is in effect into Saturday for the local areas of northeast Kansas, northwest Missouri, and southeast Nebraska. 

If traveling, you should expect slippery and hazardous conditions to impact travel. 

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice will likely make travel very hazardous or impossible

Freezing drizzle is expected to begin Friday afternoon, creating a glaze of ice. Heavy snow is expected to develop later this afternoon with total accumulations of 4 to 7 inches.

Wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour are possible, leading to blowing snow and areas of reduced visibility.

(KLZA)-- A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 6:00 A.M. Saturday for Richardson and Nemaha counties in Southeast Nebraska.

If traveling, you should expect slippery and hazardous conditions could impact travel Friday afternoon through tonight.

A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice will likely make travel very hazardous or impossible

Freezing drizzle is expected to begin Friday afternoon, creating a glaze of ice. Heavy snow is expected to develop later this afternoon with total accumulations of 4 to inches.

Wind gusts up to 35 miles per hour are possible leading to some blowing snow and areas of reduced visibility.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission traveled to Pratt and Reno Counties Tuesday to gather information about the development of wind farms in the counties.

Commissioners met with their counterparts in both counties.

County Clerk Mary Kay Schultejans says NextEra Energy Resources, which is proposing the construction of the 300 megawatt Soldier Creek Windfarm in Nemaha County, has installed two wind farms in Pratt County.

Schultejans said Reno County is in the process of negotiating terms with NextEra for the construction of a wind farm in their county.

Meanwhile, negotiations are continuing in Nemaha County with the Florida-based company.  

County Commission Chairman Gary Scoby announced at Monday’s meeting that the county is still waiting on the final project footprint and a density study from NextEra before finalizing the term sheet.

The term sheet will set down regulations for operation of the Soldier Creek Windfarm.  Scoby says it will be revealed to the public before commissioners approve the document.

The county is also negotiating the terms of a payment in lieu of taxes or PILOT agreement.

Landowners and other concerned residents have become a familiar site at Commission meetings over the last month to voice their concerns about the project.

(KNZA)--The results of a survey on a new district logo were presented to the Board of Education of the South Brown County Schools this week.

The Horton High School Student Council sent out a survey the first part of this month with 4 different logo options to be voted on.

The survey results, presented by three STUCO representatives, showed option 1 receiving the most votes.   It was favored by 49.3 percent of the respondents.

There were a total of 619 votes, with students, staff and community members responding.

No action was taken. The Board directed the Student Council to take the logo with the most votes back to the drawing company to see if they can simplify it.  They may also look at the logo the booster club has been using.  The Student Council will then bring back a final logo that they have chosen.  

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

19-year-old Teaini Simmons faces charges of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

She was evaluated by KANZA Mental Health after her attorney filed a motion for a competency evaluation.

A status conference in the case is now scheduled for February 20 in Brown County District Court.

Simmons was arrested in May of last year following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

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

Simmons is currently free on a $100,000 surety bond.  

(KAIR)--A February arraignment date is now set for the Atchison man accused of shooting at an Atchison Police Officer called to his residence in October for a theft of services complaint.

44-year-old Bryan Boldridge is expected to enter a plea during his February 4 appearance in Atchison Count District Court.

According to Atchison County Jail reports, Boldridge remains in custody, charged with 2nd degree attempted murder.

His bond is set at $150,000.

According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, an officer was called October 31 to a residence at North 4th and L Streets to assist a utility company with a theft of service issue.

The investigation alleges that during the late morning response, Boldridge suffered injuries when the officer returned fire after Boldridge began shooting.

The officer was not hurt.

(KLZA)-- A winter weather advisory is in effect from 6:00 A.M. Friday morning to 6:00 A.M. Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service says there is a chance of freezing drizzle turning to snow.  A light glaze is possible Friday morning along a line and south from Albion to Omaha with wind gusts of 20 – 30 miles per hour causing blowing snow and reduced visibility.

The watch area includes Eastern Nebraska , Northwest Missouri, Northeast Kansas and Southwest, Iowa.   

Slippery road conditions are possible making travel difficult.  Snow covered roads and limited visibility will also be a factor for travelers.

Snow accumulations of 2 – 5 inches are possible with higher amounts possible in some areas. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by dialing 5-1-1. 
 

(KLZA)-- A winter weather advisory is in effect from 6:00 A.M. Friday morning to 6:00 A.M. Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service says there is a chance of freezing drizzle turning to snow.  A light glaze is possible Friday morning along a line and south from Albion to Omaha with wind gusts of 20 – 30 miles per hour causing blowing snow and reduced visibility.

The watch area includes Eastern Nebraska , Northwest Missouri, Northeast Kansas and Southwest, Iowa.   

Slippery road conditions are possible making travel difficult.  Snow covered roads and limited visibility will also be a factory for travelers.

Snow accumulations of 2 – 5 inches are possible with higher amounts possible in some areas. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by dialing 5-1-1. 
 

(KAIR)--An area food bank has begun a collection effort to assist local government employees affected by the partial government shutdown.

According to a news release, Saint Joseph, Missouri-based Second Harvest Community Food Bank has launched a Facebook fundraiser “to provide emergency food boxes in Leavenworth to the workers who are not getting paid.”

The release says the boxes will contain enough food to feed up to three meals for a family of four.

Second Harvest’s Communications Coordinator, Blake Haynes, in the release, said the food bank continues its regular efforts in conjunction with the special effort, adding that Second Harvest wants “to make sure that every individual that is in need is getting provided services.”

Second Harvest provides food-assistance for 19 counties in both northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri, including such local counties as Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Leavenworth, and Buchanan.

(KNZA)--The identity of the victim of a fatal Brown County roll-over wreck Tuesday morning, just south of Hiawatha, has been released.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant Thursday identified the victim as  66-year-old Edna Lehew, of rural Hiawatha.

The wreck was reported shortly before 8:00 Tuesday morning on Linden Road, just north of the Hiawatha Country Club entrance.

Merchant says upon arrival, emergency responders located a 2003 Buick Century on its top in the bottom of a small creek.

Emergency personnel worked for almost an hour to free Lehew from the vehicle, who was the lone occupant.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The wreck remains under investigation

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has reorganized for the new year.

That came Monday during the Commission’s regular meeting.

2nd District Commissioner Tad Geiger was unanimously re-appointed as commission chairman for 2019.

Sheryl Pierce was re-appointed as Health Department/Home Health Administrator.

The Commission approved the re-appointment of Francis Hubbard as county Noxious Weed Director and Julie Meng as the Hazardous Materials and ADA Coordinator.

Dr. Bradley Gaul was appointed as County Health Officer.

The Commission approved the slate of fire district board members and ambulance director for 2019 as presented. ( posted below)

Fire #1 – Wathena    Mayor John A. Cluck; President of Council: Mark Morgan
            Township Trustees:    Washington – Richard Schuman
                        Burr Oak- Milton Hartman Jr
                        Marion – Nancy D. Drake
                        Fire Chief Robert Ryser

Fire #2 – Highland    Eric Tracy, Chairman; Josh Falk, Treasurer, Dean Diveley, Secretary. Additional Board Members Joyce Rush and Chris Waggoner. Ambulance Director:  Ken Stewart  Fire Chief: Joe Florence

Fire #3 – Bendena    Robert Hoffman, Chairman; Tyson Rush, Secretary/Treasurer, Fire Chief Steven Davis

Fire #4 – Elwood    Darrell Lamme, Chairman; Lonnie Young, Secretary; Bobby Hall, Treasurer. Fire Chief Alvin Wood

Fire #5 – Troy    Derek Luedke, John Mike Simpson, Jonathan Huss, Jim Norris, Matt McKittrick. Fire Chief Allen Winkel

The Kansas Chief was designated as the official county newspaper for legal publications.

The meeting began with County Clerk Peggy Franken administering the oath of office to 1st District Commissioner Tim Collins, who was re-elected to another 4-year term in November.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Federal officials say 90 Farm Service Agency offices will be open in Kansas for three days to process loans and tax information for farmers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that the offices will be open Thursday, Friday and Tuesday. The offices will be closed Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

The opening is part of a national recall of 2,500 FSA employees in response to the federal government partial shutdown.

The USDA says the staff will help agriculture producers with existing farm loans and to ensure the agency provides 1099 tax documents to borrowers by the Internal Revenue Service's deadline.

Some services won't be available, including paperwork for new loans or for new applications for the Market Facilitation Program.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — New Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly told Kansas legislators Wednesday that the state faces an emergency in its child welfare system and is "completely unprepared" for the next national economic downturn.

Kelly outlined an agenda for the Republican-dominated Legislature that includes increased spending on public schools and expanding the state's Medicaid health coverage for the needy. Yet she also told lawmakers that she will honor her pledge to balance the budget without raising taxes.

Her first State of the State address , two days after taking office, sets up a clash with top Republicans. She did not mention their top priority — income tax relief — and appeared to try to dampen enthusiasm for it by declaring the state's recovery "fragile" and saying the state must be "cautious, conservative and fiscally responsible."

But Kelly's tough tone was the most notable element of her address to a joint session of the House and Senate. Governors have routinely declared in their addresses that the state is sound or strong. Kelly described it as "improving" and declared, "I was elected to rebuild our state."

"It won't be easy. We all know we have a very, long, challenging road ahead of us," Kelly said near the end of her prepared text. "These past eight years have been a hardship, no doubt about it."

The address continued the scathing criticism of her Republican predecessors that marked her successful campaign for governor last year. Former conservative GOP Gov. Sam Brownback successfully pushed Republican lawmakers to slash income taxes in 2012 and 2013 as an economic stimulus — and persistent budget problems followed.

Kelly was a veteran state senator from Topeka and was a key player in a bipartisan effort in 2017 to reverse most of the Brownback tax cuts. She told legislators Wednesday evening that the tax cuts resulted in a "self-inflicted budget catastrophe" and, along with the Great Recession, "a "decade of crisis" in state government.

"Another recession will soon be upon us. It's not a question of 'if.' It's a question of 'when' and 'how bad,'" Kelly said. "Kansas finds itself now completely unprepared. We have no margin for error."

In the official GOP response, prepared before the governor's speech, Senate President Susan Wagle, a conservative Wichita Republican, acknowledged that Kansas "had some difficult years" but, "we have come through the worst of it." She argued that the Democratic governor is setting a course to "squander our recovery" with excessive spending.

"Now is not the time to spend money we don't have on programs we can't afford," Wagle said in her prepared text.

Kelly reserved some of her toughest remarks for the foster care system for abused and neglected children and the state Department for Children and Families. She said the department had been "decimated by ideology and mismanagement."

The governor said her budget proposals, to be outlined for legislators Thursday, will include millions of dollars more for programs aimed at helping troubled families and for the department to hire additional social workers. She read the names of three children who died in recent years in abusive homes despite reports about them to the state.

"These were our children, in our communities," she said. "And I refuse to forget them."

Kelly made a pledge to increase spending on public schools a key part of her campaign. Legislators last year enacted a law to phase in a $548 million increase in education funding over five years to meet a Kansas Supreme Court mandate in an ongoing lawsuit. But the court said it wasn't enough because it didn't account for years of inflation.

While the governor promised "we're going to properly fund our schools" and pushed lawmakers to act quickly, she and her staff did not provide a figure. The State Board of Education has proposed phasing in another $364 million increase over four years.

Top Republicans are resisting the idea. Wagle said in her response that Kelly wanted to "surrender" to the court's "edicts."

GOP leaders also oppose Medicaid expansion, arguing that it is potentially costly even if the federal government promises to pick up most of the expense. Kelly argues it would help both needy families and rural hospitals.

Top Republicans want to adjust state income laws to prevent some Kansas residents from paying more to the state because of federal tax changes at the end of 2017 championed by President Donald Trump. The Senate tax committee could vote on a plan as early as Thursday.

Wagle said the "windfall" belongs to taxpayers, "not government."

(KMZA)--Marshall County Commissioner Lynn Feldhausen is being remembered as a dedicated public servant with a kind spirit.

Feldhausen, of Frankfort, died last Friday at the age of 64 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was laid to rest Wednesday following a funeral service at the Frankfort United Methodist Church.

Feldhausen previously served as Frankfort Police Chief and then as a deputy with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department for 21 years before retiring and running for 1st District Marshall County Commissioner.  He served two years of his four-year term.

Among survivors are his wife, Virginia, along with two children.

Editor's note: the following was submitted by Nemaha County Emergency Preparedness Director Russ Lierz

Weather Advisory!  Winter Storm Warning!

The National Weather Service is predicting an undetermined amount of snow accompanied by frigid temperatures and high winds over the upcoming weekend.  The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office along with Emergency Management is encouraging our citizens to take precautions to avoid issues during this time.

What can you do?  Be Prepared and Plan Ahead!

Check to see that you have enough of the following supplies to last up to several days until road crews can have you cleared for travel:  Food, water, medications, batteries or charging sources, food for your pets or farm animals.  For our rural citizens, check your propane levels or wood supply.

Once the winter storm begins, please do not attempt to travel unless absolutely necessary.  If you have an emergency, contact 911.  Response times will most likely be delayed, but we will do our best to respond to the needs of our citizens. 

Thank you and stay safe!

(KLZA)--The Auburn Board of Education met Monday. During the meeting, the Board listened to comments from audience members concerning the suspension of Superintendent Kevin Reiman.

Reiman has been suspended, with pay, since a special board meeting on January 9 regarding Reiman's employment status.

While the Board has made no public comments concerning the situation, it has been reported that a video, posted on a social media site has led to the current situation. The video posted was allegedly of a school surveillance video, watched at the Reiman home.

No new action was taken Monday evening regarding the Superintendent's continued employment. However, on Monday, January 21, a special Auburn School Board meeting will be held at 5:30 P.M.

The Board will consider appointment of a hearing officer and advisor to the Board to conduct a personnel hearing concerning the employment of Kevin Reiman.

Following the hearing, the Board is expected to conduct deliberations and discuss, consider, and take action to terminate, cancel, continue or take other action the Board deems appropriate on the employment contract of Superintendent Reiman.

In the event of a resignation or agreement, the Board of Education will consider action on acceptance of the resignation or agreement.

(KAIR)--Planning for Atchison’s future skatepark continues, with organizers this week to take the issue directly to local youth.

Atchison residents Jeremy Watkins and Pamela Cline have been working with the City of Atchison, and skatepark developers, to make the park a reality.

The couple is operating through the Skate High With Hope-Joshua Kinsman Foundation, named in honor of Cline’s son who died in January, 2018 at the age of 17.

Watkins tells MSC News design plans for the park will be brought before students at the Atchison Middle School Thursday, with input from the students to be used in selecting the final design. “It’ll be during their lunch hour, anytime between the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Watkins told MSC News. “What Pam and I have in mind is, we’re going to set up a little display of what [style of skateparks] we kind of have in mind, to give the kids the ability to come up and visit, get their opinions. [The students will] give us ideas on what they would like to see, make some changes or improvements.”

The park will be constructed on green space located in Atchison’s Reisner Park, located at North 10th and Kearney Streets.

A community meeting focused on the design plan of the park is also set for this month.

According to Cline, that is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, January 23, at 7:00.

The session will be held at Atchison City Hall.

(KNZA)--One person was killed in single-vehicle Brown County roll-over wreck Tuesday morning, just south of Hiawatha. 

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says the wreck was reported around 7:50 on Linden Road, just north of the Hiawatha Country Club entrance.

Upon arrival, Merchant says emergency responders located a 2003 Buick Century on its top in the east ditch in the bottom of a small creek.

Emergency personnel worked for almost an hour to free the lone occupant of the vehicle.

Merchant said the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.  

The name of the victim is being withheld at this time pending the notification of family members.

The wreck remains under investigation.  

(KNZA)--Concerns were voiced about a proposed wind farm and a new commissioner was sworn in at Monday's Brown County Commission meeting.

Richard Lehmkuhl was sworn in by District Judge Jim Patton as the new 1st District Commissioner following his election in November and took his seat on the commission.

A large group of residents were on hand at the meeting to voice their concerns about plans by Chicago-based Invenergy to construct 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.

One of those concerned residents, Ben Swinger of Morrill, was on the meeting agenda. Swinger said he has purchased a tract of land northwest of Hamlin where he plans to build a home. 

Swinger says he wants to see the county establish setback requirements to protect non-participating landowners. “I’m all for landowners in our area making extra income off of their land. I’m not totally opposed to a business seeing an opportunity to make money in our area, and developing that opportunity. But, for the health of the citizens of Brown County, you must establish adequate setbacks for non-participating houses, businesses, schools, and towns.”

In addition, Swinger said he believes the county should set noise limits for the turbines and a cap on their height.  Also he says the county needs to address the wear and tear on roads and bridges, the effect on property values and who is responsible for the removal of turbines if the project is abandoned.

County Attorney Kevin Hill said Invenergy will have to sign a conditional use permit agreement with the county before the project begins.  Hill says it will address setbacks, roads and payment in lieu of taxes.

He says negotiations are expected to begin on the conditional use permit this summer, with construction not taking place until the end of the year at the earliest.

Commissioner Keith Olsen says the county has not signed any agreements with Invenergy.  He says a representative of company is to attend the Commission’s January 28 meeting to discuss the proposed project.

The Commission will also be interviewing two engineering firms at the meeting. The Commission plans to hire a engineering firm to assist the county in negotiations with Invenergy.

(KNZA)--A bench trial has been set for a Doniphan County Sheriff’s deputy, facing charges pertaining to his alleged mistreatment of a suspect.

Raymond Hall pleaded “ not guilty” last week in Doniphan County District Court to misdemeanor charges of mistreatment of a confined person and battery.

A bench trial was set for April 18.

Formal charges were filed against Hall last November, 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.

Hall remains free on a $2,500 bond.

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

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' new Democratic governor on Tuesday reinstated a ban on anti-LGBT bias in state agencies' employment decisions that a Republican predecessor had repealed, and she also expanded the policy to cover government contractors.

Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order was her first official action since taking office Monday and fulfilled a promise she made repeatedly during her successful campaign last year. It bars state agencies from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity when hiring workers or deciding whether to promote, discipline or fire them.

The move came after a historic wave of victories by LGBT candidates across the nation. In Kansas, Sharice Davids won a congressional seat and state Reps. Susan Ruiz and Brandon Woodard were elected as the Legislature's first openly lesbian and gay members. All three are Kansas City-area Democrats.

Kelly's order will apply to departments under Kelly's direct control, which have about 19,000 employees. But she also extended the policy to companies that have contracts with the state, telling reporters later that if they do work for the state, they ought to follow its rules.

"In a perfect world, we wouldn't need executive orders like this," Kelly told reporters during a Statehouse news conference. "It's important that, until we become a perfect world, that we make sure that we've got the kinds of things in place that move it towards perfection."

Kelly's move instantly drew praise from national LGBT-rights groups. It came after new Democratic governors in Michigan and Wisconsin issued such orders, as well as Ohio's new GOP governor.

"They can be open an authentic about who they are, about who their families are and who their loved ones are without fear of retribution of losing their employment," said Tom Witt, executive director of the LGBT-rights group Equality Kansas, saying he personally knows of seven state workers who lost jobs after previous protections were rescinded.

But extending the anti-discrimination policy to government contactors could prompt a backlash in the Republican-controlled Legislature. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a conservative Kansas City-area Republican, said lawmakers will probably review the order because it applies to private businesses.

"I absolutely think that is a decision the Legislature should be making," said conservative Rep. Blake Carpenter, a Wichita-area Republican.

Kelly reinstated a policy against anti-LGBT bias in state government that Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius imposed in 2007 through an executive order.

Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, rescinded Sebelius' order in 2015, arguing that state lawmakers should set such a policy. It was clear at the time that the GOP-dominated Legislature and its conservative leaders would not.

The Kansas law barring discrimination in housing and private employment doesn't cover bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Half a dozen local governments have enacted their own anti-LGBT bias policies, including two Kansas City-area suburbs in December, but the Williams Institute, a think tank at UCLA's law school focusing on sexual orientation and gender identity policy, said only 12 percent of Kansas residents fall under them.

Woodard and Ruiz said after Kelly's news conference that they are drafting a bill that would expand the state's anti-discrimination law.

But expanding the state's anti-discrimination laws is likely to be a hard sell in the Legislature.

Some conservatives have argued that such an expansion would be used only as a legal club against conservative people of faith. They've also questioned whether such a law is necessary and whether anti-LGBT bias is pervasive in employment and housing.

State Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook, a conservative Kansas City-area Republican, called Kelly's order "anti-liberty" and said it is "degrading to reduce individuals" to their "sexual inclinations."

"These laws cause divisions in communities and can have serious detrimental and unintended consequences because of their subjective nature," she added.

Former Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer replaced Brownback last year when Brownback resigned to become U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom and signed a measure providing legal protections to adoption agencies that cite faith-based reasons for refusing to place children in homes that violate their religious beliefs.

The legislative debate centered on agencies that won't place children in LGBT homes. Supporters saw it as religious liberties measure, but Kelly has called it an "adoption discrimination law" and has said she will see whether she legally can avoid enforcing it.

Demonstrating social conservatives' influence, the Kansas Republican Party adopted a platform last year that declares, "We believe God created two genders, male and female." The platform also called for an amendment to the U.S constitution barring same-sex marriage, drafted so "judges and legislatures cannot make other arrangements equivalent to it."

(KAIR)--A 15-year-old Atchison boy required hospital treatment following what police say was an unprovoked attack by another teen.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News it happened Monday morning, in the 1500 block of Riley Street. “7:40 Monday morning, we had a suspect that struck a 15-year-old male with his fists approximately 30 times on the head and face. It resulted in a broken nose and broken teeth. The parent of the victim did take the victim to a medical facility for treatment with injuries.”

Wilson said investigators have not been able to find any reason for the alleged attack. “The suspect attacked the victim without provocation, there had been no verbal argument, the victim was just attacked. It remains unclear, exactly, what prompted the suspect to attack the victim.”

The relationship between the victim and suspect isn’t immediately made public, and names aren’t yet released due to the ages involved.

Following his arrest, the 16-year-old was released to a parent.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story contained the screen grab of the original post made to the Cash Saver Facebook page. That post contained incorrect information pertaining to the hours of operation. The screen grab has been updated for accuracy.

(KAIR)--A long-standing Atchison business is closing it’s doors.

Atchison Cash Saver will begin liquidating this week, leading up to the full closure.

A statement posted to the grocery store’s Facebook page Tuesday afternoon said “it is with great regret” that the announcement of the closure is being made.

The statement, credited to the Garrett family, says the store will begin liquidating inventory upon opening Wednesday morning, following a 6 p.m. closure Tuesday.

The Facebook post closes with a thank you to the store’s customers, associates, and vendors.

It’s not immediately clear how many employees will be affected by the closure.

Cash Saver, formerly known as County Mart, has been in operation for nearly 29-years at its west U.S. Highway 59 location.

(KLZA)-- David Sickel will serve another term as Chairman of the Richardson County Commissioners. 

During the January 8th Board meeting Sickel was elected Chairman of the Board for 2019 with Third District Commissioner Terry Frank elected Vice-Chairman. 

The Board voted to reaffirm the appointments of sSteve Darveau, Jr. as Highway Superintendent at a salary of $52,500;  Mona Godemann as Veterans Service Officer;  Brian Kirkendall as Emergency Management Director and Noxious Weed Control Superintendnet with a salary of $48,057 for Emergency Management and $2,500, annually for the duties as Noxious Weed Superintendent.  

Commissioners took no action on letters submitted by Sheriff Don Pounds. The first requesting to continue utilizing a CPA Firm in Hiawatha to assist with the bookkeeping within the Sheriff's Office. 

The second letter requested that all newly hired county employees be treated the same as newly hired deputy sheriffs, requiring that they take a fitness test and physical exam as required at the law enforcement academy for sheriff's deputies.  

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission has organized for the New Year.

That happened during Monday’s session of the County leaders.

2nd District County Commissioner Jack Bower was the sole nominee to serve as Chairman of the Commission, and was approved unanimously to fill that position.

Eric Noll, the 2018 Chairman, was the sole nominee to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Commission for 2019. His appointment to that position was also approved unanimously.

Noll retained the post during the remainder of Monday’s meeting, with Bower to step into the role of leadership during next weeks session, as he begins his first term elected to serve the 2nd District.

Bower has served as Commissioner since May, 2017 when he was appointed to fill a vacancy following the resignation of the previous commissioner.

In November last year, he was elected to fill that role for a full term, defeating his Democratic challenger.

Bower, Monday, was the lone no vote in acknowledging Christmas Eve as a paid holiday for County employees.

December 24 is traditionally handled as a half day, with employees paid only for those hours worked.

Human Resource Director Jamie Madison, during Monday’s meeting, pushed for that to change. “You guys have asked different ways to [increase employee morale], and I really think this would be at least one good way to do that,” she said during the meeting.

3rd District County Commissioner Bill Pohl told Madison going to an eleven-day holiday schedule, instead of ten, would go against previously agreed to plans. “I can remember pretty good a year ago you came here with eleven days, we said we all agreed, including you, we’d go eleven days this year because the way it fell, and then in [2019] we would go back to ten,” Pohl said.

Madison followed his comments, saying, “Whatever you guys choose is fine, I’m just saying you guys have asked ways to improve employee morale, and this is one option I’m saying I think would help.”

“I think we did that with the [recent] raise,” Pohl countered.

“So that’s the only thing you think you should do for your employees to make them happy?” Madison questioned.

Earlier this month, the Commission approved a 2% cost of living increase for all county employees and a 2% merit increase for department heads and elected officials.

Following two failed motions, and during discussion by the Commission, Bower voiced his approval for going to an 11 day holiday schedule. “It just seems like we’d make things so much better for our employees. We take care of them, they’re going to take care of our citizens. I think Christmas Eve’s not a stretch,” Bower said.

Ultimately, a motion to approve a 10-day holiday schedule was made, and approved on a 2-1 vote, with Bower voting in opposition.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Sales Tax Committee has held its last meeting, finalizing a recommendation on how to proceed with use of the countywide sales tax, approved by voters in 1993, to fund solid waste and joint communications in the county.

Use of the sales tax has long been a point of contention between city and county government, with the two sides questioning the benefits gained from the collections.

Committee co-chair Shawn Rizza told MSC News the group, January 10, unanimously approved a recommendation it feels is best moving forward with the issue.

According to Rizza, the committee is recommending that solid waste and joint communications be funded by remittance of the county’s 1% general use sales tax.

The county, and each city’s portion of the budget, will be determined by the state’s formula for dispersing the sales tax revenue.

The plan also means that Solid Waste and Joint Communications will be tasked with the requirement of developing a comprehensive 5-year plan, while formulating annual budgets that conform to that plan.

Atchison County will be required to take additional steps for financial transparency, but those specifics are not yet negotiated.

Rizza said tipping fees, and what they are used to fund, will also be revisited.

He said the next steps will include presenting the recommendation to the Atchison City and County Commissions, in order for those entities legal counsel to begin drafting an interlocal agreement based on the feedback of the commissions.

Rizza calls the outcome of the Committee’s work the first step in a long, ongoing process, but says he feels the progress made as an outcome of the Commitee’s January 10 meeting is more than has been made, pertaining to the issue, during the past 20-years.

The sales tax committee was formed last year, holding it’s first meeting in May, followed by additional sessions, leading up to this month’s final session.

(KAIR)--A weekend raid on Atchison County property sends one to jail, following what authorities say was the seizure of more than 230 grams of methamphetamine.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News 48-year-old Ross Blanc was arrested Saturday, following the execution of a search warrant. “6750 Sherman Road was the address that we conducted a search warrant at. Ended up finding a pretty good quantity of methamphetamine and some other narcotics and paraphernalia.”

According to Laurie, both the residence and several outbuildings on the property were searched, leading to the seizure of the alleged drugs, and followed an ongoing investigation. “It’s been going on for a few months, and Mr. Blanc’s name came up again, and we were able to get some credible information on it, and execute a search warrant while most people were probably watching the Chiefs game.”

Blanc was taken into custody on charges of distribution of methamphetamine over 100 grams, distribution of MDMA, commonly known as “ecstasy” or “Molly,” no drug tax stamp, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

Bond for Blanc has been set at $30,000.

(KLZA)-- The annual Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise banquet and business meeting was held January 9th.  

The Investor of the Year Award was presented to Falls City Elk's Lodge #963 honoring the renovation of the facility utilizing nearly $400-thousand in funds donated by the members for the project.

Currently a project is underway to add an outside deck on the building as well. 

Inducted into EDGE Wall of  Fame for contributions to the community over the years was the late Ron Keller and Madaline Keller-Wilhelm.  

They purchased Farm and City Supply in 1978 at it's downtown Falls City location and moved the business to it's current location in 1994. They were  honored for their support to many area organizations.

Also inducted into the Wall of Fame was Ed and Sandra Hartman, recognized for their community service and generosity to various projects through the years.  

Wall of Fame Member plaques are displayed on the wall of the EDGE office.  

Lt. Governor Mike Foley was in attendance  and spoke briefly. Congressman Adrian Smith's representative Jarred Reimers read a letter from the Congressman.

The speaker for the evening was Jill Brown from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.
She lives in Mound  City and thanked Falls City for being a warm receptive community that she visits often.

Elected to a three-year-term as an EDGE Board member was Tim Heckenlively.  

(KLZA)-- A Draper, Utah man has been sentenced in Richardson County District Court on charges stemming from his arrest in October, 2016. 

46-year-old Isaac Kemp, also known as Paul Smith was charged with committing crimes between May 2014 and February 2016  against a victim born in 2000. 

Kemp was originally charged with 10 counts of sexual  assault of a child.  He was sentenced recently in Richardson County District Court to a period of no more than 40 years in prison and no less than 39 years, 11 months in prison, for sexual assault. In addition, he was sentenced to five years in prison on a pair of felony child abuse counts.

The three sentences are to run consecutively to each other, but concurrently to a federal prison sentence Kemp is already serving.

The case began with an investigation  launched in North Carolina when a victims parents learned their daughter had engaged in sexually explicit conversation with Kemp. 
The probe led to Draper, Utah and the Attorney Generals Office was called in, and a special agent notified the Nebraska State Patrol that Kemp was allegedly in contact with a teenager living in Falls City.  

The girl was 13 years of age at the time and Kemp, identified himself online as a 16-year-old boy from Utah.

Court records indicated the girl sent Kemp more than 100 nude images of herself, and eventually met Kemp who traveled to  Falls City.

The  investigation alleged the two engaged in sexual contact at three difference Falls City locations with the last occurrence in February 2016 when sexual videos were produced.

(KNZA)--Patrons in Riverside USD 114 will vote again on a capital outlay levy.

The Board of Education during their December meeting approved a resolution to hold a special election April 2 to vote on a 4-year, 3.6 mill capital outlay levy.  

The resolution was approved on a 6-1 vote, with Board member Jennifer Davis casting the lone no vote.    

Patrons in USD 114 last August defeated by a narrow margin a levy of up to 4.775 mills for five years.

Currently, the Riverside school district is among only 12 districts in the state without a capital outlay levy.

The current source of revenue for the capital outlay fund is an annual transfer from the general fund budget.  During the 2017-18 school year, $300,000 was transferred from the general fund.

(KMZA)--A Frankfort man will stand trial on charges stemming from an all-terrain vehicle crash last May that claimed the life of a Frankfort woman.

A Marshall County judge recently ruled there was sufficient evidence for Weston Adams to be bound over for trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol following a preliminary hearing in the case.

Adams also faces charges of interference with a law enforcement and driving without an ignition interlock device.

Arraignment was scheduled for the morning of February 5 in Marshall County District Court.

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.

A passenger, 22-year-old Arianna Lynn Martin, was ejected and the ATV came to rest on top of her.

She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

(KMZA)--A Frankfort man will stand trial on charges stemming from an all-terrain vehicle crash last May that claimed the life of a Frankfort woman.

A Marshall County judge recently ruled there was sufficient evidence for Weston Adams to be bound over for trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol following a preliminary hearing in the case.

Adams also faces charges of interference with a law enforcement and driving without an ignition interlock device.

Arraignment was scheduled for the morning of February 5 in Marshall County District Court.

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.

A passenger, 22-year-old Arianna Lynn Martin, was ejected and the ATV came to rest on top of her.

She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

(KMZA)--A Frankfort man will stand trial on charges stemming from an all-terrain vehicle crash last May that claimed the life of a Frankfort woman.

A Marshall County judge recently ruled there was sufficient evidence for Weston Adams to be bound over for trial on a charge of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol following a preliminary hearing in the case.

Adams also faces charges of interference with a law enforcement and driving without an ignition interlock device.

Arraignment was scheduled for the morning of February 5 in Marshall County District Court.

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.

A passenger, 22-year-old Arianna Lynn Martin, was ejected and the ATV came to rest on top of her.

She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

(MSC News)--An Ozawkie mother says her 10-year-old son was sexually assaulted, and the failure to report the crime by leaders of her Lawrence church have allowed the perpetrators to go free, denying her son the opportunity to begin the healing process.

Now Lori Cook says she’s working with Kansas 3rd District Senator Tom Holland who she says is sponsoring legislation on behalf of her family’s struggles.

Cook, in an interview with MSC Radio News Director Brian Hagen said the key goal for the legislation, known as Sheldon’s Law, named for her son, is to require mandatory reporting of abuse crimes by clergy in the state.

Saying that other states have such a law in place, Cook said it’s her goal to see that such reporting be mandatory across the nation.

Cook planned to be in Topeka Monday, working with Holland, and offering testimony on the bill during the first day of the legislative session.

The family has also launched an online petition related to the legislation.

In October of last year, the church issued a statement to KCTV5 regarding the Cook’s allegations.

Eagle Rock Church adheres to ‘A Kansas Guide to Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect’ compiled by the Kansas Department for Children and Families. ERC leadership does and will always report any form of child abuse. Eagle Rock Church believes firmly that every child be given a voice.When an allegation of abuse by a minor child toward another minor child was brought to the attention of the leadership at Eagle Rock Church (ERC), they followed protocol, and gave immediate attention to the situation. ERC gave their full support to all families affected by the allegations brought forth and formulated a plan of action beginning early the next morning. In less than 24 hours, before interviews of all minor children could be conducted and a meeting could be held, the reporting family took the matter to the civil authorities. ERC had compiled the written plan of action and offered support & counseling of all parties and their families involved. However, these offers were rejected by the reporting family. Eagle Rock Church cooperated 100% with the civil authorities and interviewed with a detective from Douglas County Sherriff department. All families were again given an opportunity to receive extensive counseling on sexual exploration including a section specifically for same sex minor children, but the reporting family refused.

(KAIR)--A Saturday morning Wyandotte County wreck sent a Leavenworth woman to the hospital.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 38-year-old Michelle Wilson’s Ford Expedition was disabled in the 3rd eastbound lane of I-670 when it was struck, at an angle, by an eastbound semi traveling in that lane.

Wilson was transported to Truman Medical Center, in Kansas City, Kansas, with what the Patrol described as a “suspected serious injury.”

The driver of the semi, from Houston, Texas, was not hurt.

The report does not state why Wilson’s vehicle was disabled.

Everyone was buckled up when the wreck was reported shortly after 8:00 Saturday morning.

AUBURN, Neb. (AP) - A southeastern Nebraska school superintendent has been placed on paid leave following an incident involving video of a fight among students.

Superintendent Kevin Reiman was placed on leave Wednesday night after video posted on social media seemed to show him in his home viewing security footage of the fight in a school hallway. A voice believed to be Reiman's on the online video narrates and laughs about the fight.

Some students, parents and teachers turned out Wednesday night at the school board meeting in a show of support for Reiman.

Omaha television station WOWT reports that Board President Ryan Jones said the board will not comment on the matter to the public or news organizations.

A phone message left Friday for Reiman with his secretary was not immediately returned.

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for an Omaha, Nebraska woman accused of killing three members of a Sabetha family and injuring two others in a 2017 Jackson County head-on collision.

Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller told MSC News that 49-year-old Maria Perez-Marquez pleaded not guilty Friday to three counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of aggravated battery and one count of reckless driving.

Miller says a three-day trial was set, beginning May 1.

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 were Carmen Ukele; her daughter, Marlee; and brother-in-law, Stephen.  Carmen’s husband, Lee, was seriously injured.  Also injured was a passenger in the Perez-Marquez vehicle.

Perez-Marquez remains free on bond.

(KAIR)--An Oskaloosa man is dead, and three others seriously injured, following a Friday afternoon wreck in Jefferson County.

Dead is 81-year-old Lee Crum, identified by the Kansas Highway Patrol as the driver of a car that was northbound on U.S. Highway 59, just south of 62nd Road.

According to the Patrol, his car collided with a pickup truck, driven by 20-year-old Nicholas Caudle, of Atchison.

According to the Patrol’s report, Caudle was southbound on the highway when he lost control of the truck, which entered the northbound lane, where it was struck on the passenger side by Crum’s car.

Crum was killed, and his 74-year-old passenger, Janet Crum, of Oskaloosa, suffered what the Patrol calls a “suspected serious injury,” and was transported to Topeka’s Stormont Vail for treatment.

Caudle and his passenger, 20-year-old Dongchen Chen, of Lawrence, also suffered suspected serious injuries, and were also transported to Stormont Vail.

The Patrol’s report says Lee Crum was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the fatal wreck. Everyone else was buckled up.

The crash was reported around 2:40 Friday afternoon.

(KNZA)--Due to a scheduled funeral for a family member of one of the Brown County Commissioners, two agenda items that had been set for Monday's meeting have been rescheduled.

The Brown County Clerk's Office made the announcement Friday afternoon.

Two engineering firms are now scheduled to meet with the Commission at their January 28 meeting to discuss road and bridge projects and wind energy issues.

Representatives of the Hiawatha Community Hospital are now scheduled to meet with the Commission at their January 22 meeting to discuss the hospital's financial sitution.

Both of the items had originally been set for Monday's meeting.

Richard Lehmkuhl will take his seat on the Commission Monday after being sworn in as the new 1st District Commissioner.  
 

Editor's note: This is a joint release from the KS Highway Patrol and the KS Turnpike Authority regarding a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for the local area from 3 p.m. Friday, January 11 through 6 p.m. Saturday, January 12.

With forecasted winter weather, the Kansas Turnpike Authority and Kansas Highway Patrol are urging motorists to travel safely and prepare for these conditions.

Road conditions in the state can be checked utilizing KDOT’s KanDrive site, www.kandrive.org. KanDrive provides map views of road conditions and closures, camera views, and links to neighboring states’ information. You can also call 5-1-1 from any phone in the state for road conditions.

The agencies encourage you to make sure your vehicle is prepared ahead of the storm. Do you have an emergency kit? Check your wiper blades, ensure tires have good tread, and everything is in good mechanical working order. Keep your gas tank full.

Before leaving home, the agencies advise that motorists should prepare to leave early for travel and allow extra time.  Make sure frost and snow are cleaned off all windows, mirrors, and lights to provide maximum visibility.

While traveling:

• Accelerate and brake gently, and increase following distance between you and other vehicles.

• Steer in the direction you want to go if you lose traction and begin to slide off the road.

• Do not use cruise control when traveling in wet or snowy conditions.

• Use your headlights. They will make your vehicle more visible to others, and will help you see.

• Always buckle up and ensure your children are in appropriately-fitted child safety seats.

• If you do become involved in a non-injury crash, which does not involve hazardous materials, Kansas law requires you to move your vehicle out of the lane of travel to protect yourself, as well as other motorists.

• Dress for conditions. Make sure you have a coat, gloves, etc. if you must travel in winter weather.

• Let loved ones know your route of travel.

• If you need help on a Kansas highway, call *47 for the Kansas Highway Patrol or call *KTA for the Kansas Turnpike Authority.

(KAIR)--A Willis man, arrested Monday in connection with the costly theft of tires and wheels from an Atchison County business, is now charged with rape.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill, in a news release, confirmed Friday that 19-year-old Anthony “AJ” Lay was formally charged Wednesday for the rape of an adult following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

Lay remains in custody, with his bond set at $100,000.

Details regarding Lay’s relationship with the victim is not immediately made public.

Prior to the filing of the rape charge, Lay was accused of repeatedly burglarizing Armstrong Tires, located in rural Muscotah.

Authorities allege he broke into the business at least 6 times, beginning in early December.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News Lay, using a fake name, placed orders for custom wheels and tires, but then failed to pick them up. Instead, he would go to the business after it closed, break-in, and steal those items.

The losses are estimated at around $8,000.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant told MSC News his office received tips from the public regarding Lay’s attempts to sell the stolen goods, and a joint investigation between the two counties led to Lay’s arrest.

Merchant said numerous stolen items were located in Brown County as part of the investigation.

In connection with the stolen tire case, Lay faces charges in Brown County for 3 counts of misdemeanor possession of stolen property, 1 count of felony possession of stolen property, and felony obstruction.

In Atchison County, he faces charges including felony theft, burglary of a non dwelling, misdemeanor theft, and attempted burglary of a dwelling.

Appearing in Atchison County District Court Friday morning, an attorney was appointed for Lay.

His next Atchison County District Court Appearance is scheduled for January 18.

(KLZA)-- A Richardson County jury returned guilty verdicts Thursday evening on three felony charges of terroristic threats against a Humboldt man.  

53-year-old Kent Cooper was charged in connection with incidents at a Cooper family farm located Southeast of Humboldt in September, 2017.

The case alleged Kent Cooper threatened to “kill” several relatives, including adults and children. Court documents allege Cooper made threats with a baseball bat, a pickup, a shotgun and a tractor during the incident.

Sentencing in the case is scheduled for March 19th. The trial lasted two days. 

(KAIR)--Special honors for an Atchison teacher.

According to a news release issued Tuesday by Atchison’s USD 409, Macy Pickman has been awarded the Kansas Horizon Award.

Pickman teaches science at the Atchison High School.

The release says the award “identifies and recognizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms in the State of Kansas.”

The mission of the program “is to recognize exemplary first-year teachers who perform in a way that distinguishes them as outstanding.”

32 Kansas teachers are chosen to receive the award, and will be recognized during a luncheon to be held later in the semester.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a rural Sabetha burglary.

The Sheriff’s Office says it happened sometime between November 21 and January 5 at 1946 176th Road.

Taken were various sockets, wrenches, other tools and gas.

The loss was estimated at more $200.

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

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — A man who escaped from Lansing Correctional Facility on Monday is back in custody.

Corrections department spokesman Brett Peterson said Cal Henry Green III was captured without incident Thursday in Independence, Missouri. Further information about the arrest was not immediately available.

Green left the prison in a camo-painted state vehicle. The truck was later recovered in Kansas City, Kansas.

Green is a minimum-security inmate currently imprisoned on an aggravated battery charge out of Wyandotte County.

He has a long criminal record in Wyandotte County, including convictions for theft, burglary, fleeing to avoid arrest and forgery.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn, Nebraska Board of Education has voted to suspend Superintendent Kevin Reiman with pay.

Following the vote, during a special Board of Education meeting Wednesday afternoon the Board went into executive session.

The Board has made no comment on the situation during the meeting and phone calls and e-mails for clarification by MSC News were not returned. 

A large group of students, teachers and patrons attended the meeting Wednesday, but no one from the audience was allowed to speak during the meeting. 

The Auburn School Board also met in closed session December 21 to discuss personnel and to consider potential action regarding an administrators continued employment, but following a closed session, no action was taken. 

Reiman has worked for the Auburn School District since 1997 having served as a counselor, coach, principal and currently as Superintendent.

(KAIR)--The effects of the partial government shutdown are being felt locally, with the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas laying off 22 employees because of it.

According to a news release issued by the Tribe Thursday, the shutdown has significantly impacted the Tribe’s ability to provide basic services such as education and road maintenance to what the release calls “its vulnerable tribal members.”

The release does not provide specifics about the affected employees or their roles, but does state that “the federal government funds or provides many services to Indian Country, including law enforcement, healthcare programs, and road maintenance, as a result of treaties signed generations ago.”

Tribal Chairman Lester Randall in the release said, “because of the lack of access to federal funding at this time, [the Tribe is]providing very limited services to tribal members and the community,” adding that the Tribe urges “the federal government to reach a deal that provides adequate funding” so the critical services can continue to be provided.”

According to the release, representatives of the Bureau of Indian Affairs have been furloughed and the Tribe has been given little information on contingency plans while the funding has been interrupted.

Randall noted that “even when the government shutdown ends, the Tribe will not have immediate access to federal funding, as drawdowns from the Bureau

of Indian Affairs, and other federal agencies, will still need to be processed, which could, he said “take weeks.”

Randall said “very real threats” are posed when crucial services are abruptly halted, and Tribal leadership is being cautious with funding, trying its best to protect Tribal members in the event of a prolonged shutdown.

Randall closes the release by saying, “treaty obligations and trust responsibility should be exempt from budget cuts and the promises the federal government made to tribal nations throughout the country should be fulfilled.”

The Washington Post reports that negotiations over the partial shutdown remained at a standstill Thursday after a Wednesday meeting between President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders led to no resolution.

The shutdown began December 22 when the United States House refused to provide the $5 billion dollars for the Presidents goal of building a southern border wall.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Community Hospital has implemented a number of cost cutting measures in an attempt to bring the hospital back into financial security.

For the past several years the hospital has been operating in the red due in part to mandates related to the Affordable Care Act and Medicare reimbursement cuts.  

Hospital CEO Jeff Shelton says monthly operating expenses have been averaging $2.2 million, with current monthly revenues between $1.8 and $1.9 million. The hospital experienced operational losses of more than $7 million from 2014-2017.  

As of January 6, the hospital implemented a little more than one million dollars in cost cutting measures—including a mandatory two percent base wage reduction for all employees and reduction in employee fringe benefits.

The hospital is also looking at other ways to cut costs and increase revenue.

Shelton other hospital officials will be meeting with the Brown County Commission and Hiawatha City Commission in the coming weeks to discuss possible financial assistance.

(KAIR)--New details come to light regarding the case of thousands of dollars worth of stolen custom-order wheels and tires that sent a Brown County resident to jail.

19-year-old Anthony Lay, of Willis, is accused of repeatedly burglarizing Armstrong Tires, located in rural Muscotah.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News Lay used a fake name to place his orders, but then failed to pick them up. “He went in and ordered the tires under a different name. [The business then] notified him that the tires were in, but he never came and picked them up. He came in the middle of the night and took them, committed a burglary. Being that there’s multiple people in the shop who actually do the sales they weren’t sure if they sold them to somebody else, or what the case may be, so they ordered another set for the customer.”

It’s alleged that Lay broke into the business at least six times since early December.

Laurie said it was a neighbor of the business, in the early morning hours of January 5, who heard a loud vehicle, saw it parked near the business, and was able to provide a description.

Meanwhile, Brown County authorities had received tips about what is alleged to have been Lay’s illegal operation selling the stolen goods, and that led to a joint investigation between the two law enforcement agencies.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant told MSC News credit is owed to members of the public for offering additional information about the case. “You will never know how much we appreciate our public here in Brown County, our citizens are one of our biggest assets,” Merchant said. “On this particular case, I’d been notified that there was just something not quite right about some of this stuff, this individual selling these items, put us in the direction of even Facebook, and things like that.”

Merchant said it was through those tips that the joint investigation led to Lay’s arrest. “We were able to identify that this individual had potentially taken items from another county, he was selling them in our county. When we got that information and compiled it, I immediately got a hold of Detective Larry Myer [of the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office] and asked him to come up here because I told him that we had a pretty good idea who his little burglar was down there. We put all the pieces together, and collected a lot of stolen property here in Brown County.”

Laurie told MSC News Lay’s thefts amounted to more than $8,000.

Lay faces Brown County charges for 3 counts of misdemeanor possession of stolen property,1 count of felony possession of stolen property, and felony obstruction.

Merchant said additional Brown County charges are possible.

In Atchison County, Lay is charged with 6 counts of burglary and 6 counts of theft.

He remains in the Atchison County Jail, held on a $15,000 bond.

Editor's note: Below is the original report from MSC News regarding the alleged crimes. 

(KAIR)--A Willis man is facing charges in connection with what Atchison County Jack Laurie says was the theft of thousands of dollars worth of custom-order wheels and tires from a rural Muscotah business. “Probably close to $8,000 in tires and wheels had been stolen over the last month,” Laurie told MSC News. “The first time they noticed some tires missing was around December 8 where they knew they had received a shipment in but then when they went to look for them they couldn’t find them.”

Arrested Monday in connection with the crime was 19-year-old Anthony Lay.

Laurie says Lay used a fake name to place orders with Armstrong Tires in order to break-in after hours and steal the items. “He went in and ordered the tires under a different name. [The business then] notified him that the tires were in, but he never came and picked them up. He came in the middle of the night and took them, committed a burglary. Being that there’s multiple people in the shop who actually do the sales they weren’t sure if they sold them to somebody else, or what the case may be, so they ordered another set for the customer.”

It’s alleged that Lay entered the business at least six times, since early December, as part of his plan.

Laurie says it was around 4:00 Saturday morning that an alert neighbor of the business became suspicious about activity in that location, and was able to gain information pertaining to a suspect vehicle. “A neighbor hears a vehicle, a loud truck, notices the truck near Armstrong Tires, gets in his vehicle, approaches the truck, and then that truck takes off. He tries to follow them and get a tag number, but he wasn’t able to get close enough, but he did call 911 and we responded, and we were not able to find the vehicle at the time.”

Laurie says it was the vehicle description that ultimately led to the arrest of Lay in Hiawatha. “Detectives went to the Hiawatha area because the description of the vehicle that the neighbor had given matched the description of a vehicle that we had pursued prior to this incident. One of the deputies had gotten into a pursuit with that vehicle about a month ago.” 

Further investigation, with the assistance of the Brown County Sheriff's Office, led to Lay's arrest on charges of burglary and theft.

Following his arrest, Lay was booked into the Atchison County Jail, held on a $15,000 bond.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County employees have been granted pay raises for 2019.

The County Commission Monday approved a 75 cent an hour pay increase for hourly employees.

The Commission also approved a $1,600 annual pay increase for department heads and elected officials, with the exception of the county commissioners.

In addition, the Commission voted to increase the starting wage to $10.75 an hour and increase the amount of compensation in lieu of health insurance from $1.50 an hour to $2.25 an hour.

Following an executive session, the Commission voted to raise the base pay of the road office manager to $37,500 in addition to the annual pay increase.

Also the Commission approved a probationary pay increase for First District Road Foreman Sean Price from $40,000 to $42,080.

All the pay increases are retro-active to January 1.

(KAIR)--An alleged attempt to break into an Atchison home sends an Atchison man to jail.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 50-year-old Dale Birch was taken into custody Tuesday morning after causing damage to a window and a door during his alleged forced entry attempt. “7:00 on Tuesday morning, officers responded to a residence in the 500 block of North 10th to investigate a person trying to break into a residence. When the officers arrived on the scene, a subject was found outside the residence who fled on foot from the officers. A foot pursuit ensued, but the subject was apprehended several blocks away in the 900 block of Laramie.”

Wilson said Birch did not surrender peacefully. “[When} he was apprehended...a struggle occurred with an officer. He was kicking and striking at the officer during that arrest, as well as resisting arrest.”

According to Wilson, Birch was not unknown to the residents of the home. “The investigation did determine that he was acquainted with the people inside. He knew them, they knew him. When he tried to get in, they wouldn’t let him in and they called the police.”

Birch was taken into custody on charges of criminal damage to property, battery on a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and District and Municipal Court warrants for

failure to appear in court.

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

(KNZA)--A tragic ending to an investigation into the whereabouts of a missing Topeka man.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release Wednesday night, said the body of Dannie Smith was discovered in Jackson County Wednesday afternoon.

The 70-year-old Smith was reported missing to Topeka Police January 6, and had not been seen since January 4.

When Smith was found, Morse said his chocolate Labrador Retriever, Bear, was at his side.

Smith's body was located a half-mile north of the Shawnee County line, on P4 Road, a mile and a-half west of U.S. Highway 75.

According to Morse, P4 is a low maintenance road that becomes impassable during wet weather, and investigators who received the report of a dead body discovered a pickup truck stuck in the mud upon their arrival.

An autopsy will be conducted in Kansas City, Kansas to determine Smith's cause of death.

Morse said the Topeka resident was known to travel to the reservation in Jackson County to purchase cigarettes.

(KAIR)--New leadership for Atchison Senior Village.

That comes as C. Kinton Friend is appointed to the role of Nursing Home Administrator. According to a news release issued Wednesday by Atchison County Human Resource Director Jamie Madison, Friend will be responsible for “ managerial, administrative, supervisory and specialized work functions” at the County-owned senior living facility.

Friend’s duties begin February 4.

In the release, Friend said her goal is to make Senior Village “the model of 'being the change you want to see' starting with dedication of person centered care.”

Friend received a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Media Management from Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois, and her Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Grand Canyon University, in Phoenix, Arizona.

She is a Kansas Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and has fifteen years of healthcare experience in her background, including CNA and EMT certifications.

Madison, in the release, said Friend’s experience in healthcare, marketing, and human resources, along with a dedication to community involvement, makes her an “asset to Atchison County.”

Friend will train in the position with current Atchison Senior Village Nursing Home Administrator, Peggy House, until her retirement in April.

(KAIR)--A 2% cost of living increase is approved for all Atchison County employees.

That happened January 2 during a meeting of the Atchison County Commission.

During that session, the Commission also approved a merit increase of up to 2% for all County department heads and elected officials, including the Commissioners.

Approval for the pay increases was unanimous.

According to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, the increases were previously budgeted for 2019.

Also during the session, the Commission finalized plans for the annual organization session, scheduled to happen during the Commission’s meeting set for Monday, January 14.

At that time, Commissioner Jack Bower will be sworn in for his first full term as an elected Commissioner.

Bower in November defeated his Democratic challenger for the 2nd District Commission seat.

Bower was appointed to that role in 2017 to fill the unexpired term of Jeff Schuele, who resigned.

The January 14 meeting will begin at 1:00 in the County Commission room at the Atchison County Courthouse.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha City Commissioner David Middendorf concluded his interim term on the commission Monday evening.   

Middendorf was appointed as interim finance commissioner last July after Bill Collins took over as mayor following the resignation of Dr. Steffen Shamburg.

Middendorf ran as a write-in candidate in the November General Election.  He lost to John Merchant Jr., who will be sworn in Monday.  Merchant will take his seat on the Commssion at their next meeting, which was moved to January 22 due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Middendorf thanked Mayor Collins and the other commissioners for his time on the Commission, saying he found it very interesting and learned a lot.

A reception was held following the meeting in appreciation of his service.

In other business, the Commission approved a one-year contract with Schedule Anywhere for a web-based shift scheduling program for the police department at a cost of $600.

Police Chief John Defore they probably spend 10 to 15 hours a month on scheduling and believes the program could save the department more than  $2,500 a year.

The Commission also approved a request by Defore to decommission three side arms, 500 rounds of duty ammunition and five magazines that will be sold.

The Commission gave Wastewater Superintendent Dave Grimm approval to seek bids for a new ½-ton pickup truck for his department.  Grimm said the truck would replace the oldest vehicle in their fleet.

In addition, the Commission approved seeking bids for janitorial services.  

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved bids for several local state highway construction and maintenance projects.

In Doniphan County, PCI Roads, LLC, of Saint Michael, Minnesota, was awarded the contract for two bridge overlay projects on U.S. 36 Highway about 2 miles east of the K-238 junction in the amount of just over $518,000.

In Jefferson County, Dustrol Inc. of Towanda, was awarded the bid for a surface recycle project on a nearly 13-mile stretch of K-92 in the amount of nearly $982,000.

In Marshall County, Bridges Inc., of  Newton, was awarded the contract for a bridge replacement project on K-9 over Coon Creek about two miles east of the Washington County line in the amount of more than $2.6 million.

In Pottawatomie County,  the bid for a resurfacing project on a more than 16-mile stretch U.S. 24 Highway was awarded to Bettis Asphalt and Construction, of Topeka, in the amount of more than $2.5 million.

Bids were opened December 12 in Topeka for the projects which are scheduled for this year.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau will hold its annual dinner and awards presentations the evening of Friday, January 18.

The event will take place at the Fisher Community Center, beginning at 6:00 with a social time and open bar.

That will be followed by a brisket and chicken catered dinner.

The Business of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and  Civil Servant of the Year awards will be presented.  In addition, a new award is being added this year---Organization of the Year.

Hiawatha Red Hawk cross country coach Becky Shamburg will be the special speaker.  She will talk on team building and their successes.

The Chamber will also be welcoming its new board members and toasting its out-going ones.

RSVP’s are due by Friday, January 11 to the Hiawatha Chamber office by calling 742-7136 or emailing hiawathachamber@rainbowtel.net.  

(KAIR)--An effort to recall the Kickapoo Tribal Chairman advances, with a formal request now made to the Kickapoo Tribal Council for a meeting to address allegations against him and for a vote on his removal.

That word comes in a press release issued Monday evening by the Kickapoo Tribe, which calls the latest step to remove Lester Randall from his role as Tribal Chairman part of “a 5-month recall effort.”

The formal request follows the submission of a letter to the Tribal Council January 3, bearing 434 tribal member signatures, or 31.8% of qualified voters.

The press release notes that the Kickapoo Constitution and Bylaws requires the signatures of 30% of voters.

Those signatures were gathered, the release notes, under new rules approved late last year requiring the address of signees.

According to the release, that revision of the requirements came after a Tribal member in October requested an account of the exact number of qualified voters with the Tribe.

Now, with the paperwork in place, the next step in the process involves the Kickapoo Tribal Council scheduling a meeting of the Kickapoo members where Randall “will be provided an opportunity to speak in his own defense.”

The release notes that the session would then allow those in attendance to vote on whether Randall should be removed from his role of leadership.

According to the release, the letter submitted this month to the Council alleges misconduct, violation of the Kickapoo Revenue Allocation Ordinance, and Interference with the Kickapoo Tribal Police on the part of Randall.

Randall did not immediately respond to a request for comment made by MSC News late Tuesday morning.

(KLZA)-- A new Ward I City Council person was confirmed during the Monday night Falls City Council meeting.

Mayor Shawna Bindle nominated Amber Holle to fill the seat left open when Mike Dougherty resigned after accepting a job as an officer with the  Falls City Police Department. 

Holle is the Executive Director of the Falls City Area Chamber of Commerce. She will complete the remaining two years of the council term. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department has announced the Falls City Night Out held August 7 has been selected as a National Award Winner for the third consecutive year. 

The Falls City Police Department joined more than 16-thousand other communities from all around the country in taking part in the annual event sponsored by the National Association of town  Watch. 

185 awards were presented for outstanding participation in the 35th annual National Nigh Out.  Falls City was the only Nebraska community to re nationally recognized.

The success of the local program is not possible without donations from local businesses and volunteer efforts from various organizations and individuals. 

National Night Out in 2019 will be August 6.  

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

I would like to provide  county residents of some 2018 statistics for the Brown County Sheriffs office.

For 2018, the  Brown County Sheriffs dispatch had received approximately 14,060  calls for service, approximately 40 calls per day,  this includes the City of Hiawatha, Town and Country Ambulance, Squad 48 and tribal police. Brown County deputies were responsible for approximately 8,841  of those calls for the 2018 year or approximately 24 calls/cases per day.

The following are most of the statistics of what was handled at the Brown County Sheriffs office level.

911 calls, misdials, hang-ups-----963
Warrants--197
Chase-pursuits-- 9
DUI, K-9  and narcotics-- 80
Accidents--273
Domestic--45
Animal calls--177
Traffic stops-2,042
Criminal damage--15
Assist other agencies-- 172
Assist motorists--    447
Community policing/civil-- 85
Illegal dumping--15
Alarm calls--60
Burglary/theft-- 57
Trespass--23
Offender registration-309
Process service—1,486
Pedestrian checks/suspicious  person--211
Vehicle unlock--295
VIN's--249
Reckless driving--    257
Welfare checks--99
Misc calls--245
Fire test--342
Transports-121
Road blocked-- 69

The jail portion of the Sheriffs Office has held over 600 different inmates in the 2018 year with an average daily population of 26.  These inmates are all arrests of Brown County entities. Very seldom do we house any  out of county inmates and if so, is done for a very short period of time under special circumstance.

Each deputy patrols an  average over 150-200  miles per shift, going through the small towns daily.  Vehicle stops are an important part of crime deterrent as  office presence is not favored by those who choose to break the law.  Statistics have proven that an active law enforcement agency has a major impact on reducing crime rates and according to the KBI CRIME INDEX for Brown County, we have the lowest crime rate in our
northeast Kansas area compared to other counties.  This refers only to the county crime rate, not the cities within the county.

I would like to express my thank you to our county residents for their cooperation and support of the Brown County Sheriffs office.

Many are very comfortable reporting issues that happen within the county which helps us solve crime due to increased patrol and passing on of the information to the appropriate authorities.

(KNZA)--Longtime Brown County Commissioner Steve Roberts stepped down from the Commission Monday after 20 years representing the 1st District.

Roberts sent the last two years as commission chairman.

Fellow Commissioner Keith Olsen presented a plaque to Roberts in honor of his service to the county.  A public reception was held for him following the meeting.

Roberts lost his bid in November for re-election to a fifth term to Richard Lehmkuhl, who will be sworn in next Monday as the new 1st district commissioner.

A longtime county employee, who is retiring, was also recognized during the  meeting.

Olsen presented a plaque to Deputy Register of Deeds Charlene Chellew in honor of  her more than 29 years of service to the county.  Her last day will be January 18.  Chellew started in the county appraiser’s office before moving to the register of deeds office.    

Register of Deeds Nellie Brockhoff introduced new employee, Deana Long, who has been hired to replace Chellew.  Long began work Monday.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas Rep. Steve Watkins is not accepting his congressional salary until the federal government fully reopens.

Watkins spokesman Jim Joice said Monday that the freshman Republican congressman began refusing his salary when he was sworn into office last week. Watkins and most members of Congress are paid $174,000 a year.

Parts of the federal government have been shut down since Dec. 22 because of a dispute over President Donald Trump's demand for funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Watkins tweeted a 16-second video Friday showing him in the U.S. Capitol, saying he's bothered by the shutdown because federal employees in Kansas aren't getting paid. Watkins represents the 2nd District of eastern Kansas.

At the end of the video, Watkins declares, "If you don't get paid, I don't."

(KNZA)--A Monday evening two-vehicle Shawnee County wreck sent a Lancaster woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 23-year-old Taylor Vandeloo was westbound on U.S. 24 when a northbound pickup truck on Countryside Road failed to stop at a stop sign and struck her car.

Vandeloo was transported to Stormont-Vail Hospital, in Topeka, with what the Patrol described as possible injuries.

The pickup driver, 18-year-old Harveyville resident Alexander Eddy, was also transported to the hospital with what were described as minor injuries.

The Patrol says both drivers were bucked up when the wreck happened around 9:00 Monday evening.   

(KAIR)--An early Monday evening Atchison house fire remains under investigation.

The Atchison Fire Department responded to the home, located at 410 T Street, around 5:40.

Captain Bill Andre told MSC News the house is vacant and utilities are not active.

He said it’s not immediately known what started the small fire, which appears to have occurred, in part, on the ledge of a back window.

Andre said the fire was quickly extinguished, and damage is minimal.

He said crews plan to return to the scene Tuesday to continue the investigation.

(KAIR)--A new Mayor for the City of Atchison.

That decision was made Monday when the Atchison City Commission organized for the new year.

At the start of Monday’s meeting of the City Commission, current Mayor Allen Reavis turned the organizational session of the meeting over to City Attorney Robert Campbell.

Campbell called for mayoral nominations, and Reavis nominated Commissioner Shawn Rizza to fill that position.

Commissioner Charlie Perdue nominated Commissioner Dave Hausmann.

When the vote was called by Campbell, four votes were counted in favor of Rizza, earning him the role of leadership. Reavis then turned the gavel over to the new Mayor. “I want to thank my fellow Commissioners for the trust that you’ve placed in me,” Rizza said after being seated as Mayor. “I’m sure I’m going to be leaning on your experience, and your wisdom, from here on out. I’m sure there will be a couple of hiccups along the way that you guys will get me through it. We’ve got a lot of exciting stuff in front of us this year and I can’t wait to get to work, so let’s get started. First thing we need to do is elect a Vice-Mayor.”

Commissioner David Butler nominated Reavis as Vice-Mayor, while Perdue nominated Hausmann for that role.

Reavis was named to that position on a 4 to 1 vote.

The titles of Mayor and Vice-Mayor are ceremonial, with those terms used in place of Chair and Vice-Chair when referring to the two leadership positions on the Commission.

The Mayor, or Chair, leads City Commission meetings, while the Vice-Mayor, or Vice-Chair, provides oversight in the absence of the lead position.

(KAIR)--A weekend arrest in Jefferson County sent an Oskaloosa man to jail on charges related to child sex crimes.

WIBW-TV reports 29-year-old Jerry Johnson was arrested at an Oskaloosa residence around 7:45 Sunday morning.

The TV station, citing Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Captain Kirk Vernon reports the arrest came after the office was called to the home for a report of “an adult having sexual contact with a minor.”

Johnson now faces charges including one count of indecent liberties with a child, aggravated indecent solicitation of a child under 14, and one count of lewd and lascivious behavior.

Following his arrest, Johnson was booked into the Jefferson County Jail.

According to Jefferson County Jail report information, Johnson is currently free on a $10,000 bond.

According to online Kansas Department of Corrections records, Johnson was convicted in 2011 in Jackson County on charges related to selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school.

Sentenced to prison, Johnson was released from custody at the Lansing Correctional Facility in July, 2016.

(KLZA)-- Two Falls City men were arrested by the Falls City Police  Department Saturday afternoon on drug charges.

A traffic stop was conducted by an officer near 9th and McLean Streets shortly before 2.  During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a total of 25.2 grams of marijuana and three other controlled substances including Lorazepam and Hydrocodone and1.5 grams of  THC, suspected to be laced with cocaine. 

Arrested were 23-year-old Codie W.R. Witt and 18-year-old Phoenix Martin.  

Witt and Martin were arrested on two felony charges of possession a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and two charges of possession of a controlled substance.

Both men are being held in the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center.  

(KLZA)_-- Bob Mendenhall was sworn in as Mayor of Humboldt on December 4 and he has had to immediately dig into the cities financial situation.

During a special Council meeting December 13th the Mayor stated the City is financially in poor condition.

During an interview with MSC News, Mayor Mendenhall discussed some of the issues the City of Humboldt faces, including a $1.6-million water well project requiring payments of $100-thousand annually.  The City has also made swimming pool upgrades, spent cash on hand and borrowed money for the new fire station and funds have also been spent on a project to refurbish the City Auditorium. 

Mayor Mendenhall said some significant measures are being taken to save money. All purchases over $100 must be approved by the Mayor. Some employee work hours have been reduced.  

The Cemetery Board agreed to loan the City up to $75-thousand with the understanding the funds be paid back by the end of 2019 with interest. 
Humboldt's wastewater treatment plant is also in need of an upgrade.  Mendenhall says he has visited with Olsson & Associates Engineers who estimate the current plant has a life span of 3-5 years. The Council voted to have engineers working on plans to  upgrade the facility discontinue their work for now. 

Mayor Mendenhall said that when he was elected in November, he did not know the severity of the city finances. He said City staff contacted him about some checking account issues and the more he looked at the various accounts, the more negatives he discovered. 

The City is in the process of updating the Comprehensive Plan at a cost of $30-thousand.  Half the amount is due in March with the remainder to be paid either in monthly installments or one final payment in September of $15-thousand.

In addition, the city has a signed agreement to move forward with an automated metering system. 

Mayor Mendenhall says he is not sure how small communities are to make the necessary upgrades to  meet state standards in water, sewage and others that come with very expensive price tags.

The Mayor expects to have conversations with the City Attorney, and the various companies involved in the upgrades to help solve the financial issues.  

(KMZA)--The Marshall County Commission is moving forward with the construction of a new public works shop in Frankfort.

At their December 31 meeting, the Commission accepted the low bid submitted by H & R Construction, of Axtell, for the construction of a 48 by 80-foot building at a cost of $142,727.

Eight bids were received for the project, which were opened at the Commission’s December 24 meeting.

Public works administrator Mike Craig previously informed the Commission that the current public works shop in Frankfort is old and outdated.

The county built a public works shop in Waterville in 2015 for $127,000.

(KNZA)--Several local volunteer fire departments are among 70 departments across the Kansas that have been awarded grants from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The grants are through the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant Program.

Locally, the Centralia Fire Department was awarded the largest grant in the amount of nearly $11,000.

Jefferson County Fire District #5 was awarded a $9,000 grant; Potawatomie County Fire District #5, nearly $6,600;  Netawaka Fire District #6, just over $4,000; Jefferson County Fire District #3, just over $3,900 and Nemaha County Rural Fire District #2, nearly $3,900.

The Marysville Fire Department, Jackson County Rural Fire District #1 in Mayetta, McLouth Fire Department and Fire District #1 in Leavenworth County will each receive $3,500 grants.

In addition, Marshall County Rural Fire District #7 will receive a $2,500 grant.

According to a press release from the state Fire Marshal’s Office, the grant awards will be used for the purchase of safety gear, washer/extractor machines for cleaning bunker gear, start-up of Junior Firefighter programs and physical costs for firefighters with no insurance or ability to be reimbursed by their department.

(KNZA)--A March 5 jury trial has been set for a man with Elwood ties accused of murdering his girlfriend in central Iowa.

The Daily Freeman-Journal, in Webster City, reports 32-year-old Zachery Bassett recently pleaded “ not guilty” to a charge of first-degree murder in the death of 50-year-old Andrea Sokolowski.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety says Bassett called police on September 22 of last year to report that she was not breathing.  Sokolowski was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Bassett was arrested November 14 in St. Joseph, Missouri on a warrant.

That followed an investigation by multiple agencies--including locally, the St. Joseph Police Department, Elwood Police Department, Doniphan County Sheriff’s Department, Doniphan County Attorney’s Office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Bassett remains in the Hamilton County, Iowa Jail, held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.  

(KNZA)--The investigation into what authorities believe was a homicide in Pottawatomie County is continuing, and the public’s help is being sought to assist with the probe.

In a release issued Friday by Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat, 19-year-old Jacob Bouck, of Wamego, was last seen in the area of Wamego on December 21.

His body was located Christmas Eve about a mile west of Wamego, on the Kansas River.

The 2017 graduate of Wamego High School was deemed by the medical examiner to have been the victim of homicide following a forensic autopsy.

According to Riat, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigations and the Wamego Police Department continue to actively investigate the case. Those agencies are urging anyone with information to contact the Pottawatomie County Sheriff at 785-457-3353, www.ptsheriff.com, or 1-800-KS-CRIME.  

Tips can be anonymous.  

An unspecified cash reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.

(KLZA)-- A reception was held Monday, December 31 at the courthouse, to recognize Jim Davidson for eight years of service as District 1, Richardson County Commissioner. 

Davidson served from January 6, 2011 to January 2, 2019.  He was presented a plaque recognizing his service.

Earlier in December, during the annual Courthouse Office potluck luncheon, Nellie Inks was recognized for her 37 years of service as support staff to the Richardson County Attorney's Office.  

Inks served from April, 1981 until February 9, 2018.  

(KLZA)-- Unemployment rates were mostly down in Southeast Nebraska during November.  

Pawnee County has a 1.8 percent unemployment rate which is the best in the area and a full percentage point lower than in October. 

Richardson County had a jobless rate of 2.6 percent. Johnson County was 2.8 percent and Nemaha was 3.2 percent,  and was the only area county reporting an increase in unemployment, up two-tenths. 

Gage County unemployment was 2.4 percent down 1.6 percent and in Otoe County the unemployment figure was 2.2 percent.

Nebraska is tied for 6th in the nation with an unemployment figure of 2.8 percent, tied with Minnesota, North Dakota and Virginia.

The Missouri unemployment rate was 10th at three percent.  Kansas was 13th at 3.2 percent. 
 

(KAIR)--A problem with the furnace is being blamed for Friday’s late morning evacuation of the Atchison Salvation Army Office, located at 926 Commercial Street.

According to coordinator Kim Bottorff, she and a co-worker mid-week began to experience headaches.

The use of a carbon monoxide detector Friday morning showed high levels of the potentially fatal gas, leading Bottorff to contact the Atchison Fire Department, which led to the shut-down of the office.

According to Bottorff, the office remained closed Friday, and will remain closed into next week, until the furnace is replaced.

Bottorff, in a Facebook post, said the situation is a reminder of the importance of having a carbon monoxide detector in place.

(KAIR)--The fourth shooting in six days.

That’s what Saint Joseph Police are investigating following a Thursday night shooting that sent a man to the hospital.

KQ2-TV reports it happened on the south side of Saint Joseph, in the 600 block of Washington Street.

That’s where police found the man suffering from minor injuries stemming from the shooting. He was transported for treatment at Saint Joseph’s Mosaic Life Care.

No arrests have immediately been made.

The four shootings don’t involve a December 29 officer-involved shooting that left a man dead during the execution of an arrest warrant at a Saint Joseph residence.

(KNZA)--South Brown County USD 430 is trying to find a more powerful district   logo to use along with their current Charger logo.

Horton High School STUCO sponsor Marla Hayden presented four different logo options to the Board of Education last month.

The district wants to know which design option is favored by  community members, students and staff.

An on-line survey has been posted on the district’s website for voting

Voting will end at 5:00 Tuesday evening, January 9.

The results will be brought to the Board of Education at their January 14 meeting.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Longtime Republican Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas said Friday that he will not seek re-election in 2020, ending a decades-long career in Congress and setting up an intense political scramble to replace him.

The 82-year-old senator has spent decades in Congress but faced pressure to step aside in part because he would have been 84 when facing voters in 2020. He also faced grueling primary and general election contests in 2014, when his congressional longevity became a liability.

Roberts is the second veteran Republican senator in less than a month to announce plans not to run again in 2020, following Tennessee's Lamar Alexander.

Republicans have won every U.S. Senate race in Kansas since 1932, often by comfortable margins. Roberts won a U.S. House seat representing western Kansas in 1980 and was elected to the Senate in 1996. But his seat was in play in 2014 as Republicans sought to reclaim a Senate majority, after opponents on both the right and left painted him as an out-of-touch Washington insider.

Critics mocked him for claiming his home was in Dodge City, the iconic former Wild West town, even though he maintained a residence in the Washington area. Roberts hurt his re-election bid by joking that renting space in the home of two Dodge City supporters gave him full access to a recliner. He bought a home in Topeka in 2016.

In 2014, Roberts captured less than 50 percent of the vote in a four-person primary after a spirited challenge from tea party candidate Milton Wolf, a Kansas City-area radiologist. The Democratic nominee dropped out, giving stronger independent candidate Greg Orman, a Kansas City-area businessman, a cleaner shot at Roberts. The national GOP quickly retooled Roberts' campaign.

The resulting national spotlight was unlike anything Roberts had seen during his previous campaigns.

Potential Republicans that could replace Roberts include departing Gov. Jeff Colyer, outgoing Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach and Rep. Roger Marshall, who holds the same western Kansas seat Roberts once did. Among Democrats, Barry Grissom, a former U.S. attorney for Kansas, was considering the race before Roberts' announcement.

After working 13 years as a congressional staffer, Roberts in 1980 won the safe GOP seat for western Kansas in the House held by his retiring boss. He kept the seat for 16 years and made his mark on farm policy, eventually rising to House Agriculture Committee chairman.

He won his Senate seat in 1996 when popular moderate Republican Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker decided not to seek re-election. Democrats did not field a candidate against him in 2002, and he handily won re-election in 2008.

He continued to focus on agriculture as a senator and just weeks ago helped negotiate the final terms of a massive farm bill as Senate Agriculture Committee chairman. The legislation reauthorized agriculture and conservation programs worth $400 billion over five years but failed to tighten work requirements for recipients of food stamps, a goal of some Republicans.

He also served four years as the Senate Intelligence Committee chairman, presiding over intensely partisan hearings over the intelligence before the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He left the chairmanship in 2006, after anger over the war cost Republicans their Senate majority.

But his 2014 gaffe about the recliner showed how his sharp tongue could sometimes get him into trouble. After then-President Barack Obama had a contentious lunch in 2010 with GOP senators, Roberts called the Democrat "pretty thin-skinned" and told reporters, "He needs to take a Valium before he comes in and talks to Republicans."

(KAIR)--A Lawrence, Kansas man is identified as the victim of a fatal Friday morning accident at a Jefferson County landfill.

According to the report issued by the Kansas Highway Patrol, 59-year-old Mark Wilson was killed around 7:10 at the Hamm Waste Services Landfill, located along U.S. Highway 24, near Lawrence.

According to the Patrol, Wilson died after he was pinned between a semi-trailer and a tipper, which is a machine used to dump waste into the landfill.

The semi was backing onto the tipper when Wilson, who was the tipper operator, was between the truck and the dock. The semi pinned him against the dock, causing his fatal injuries.

The semi, at the landfill to dump trash, was driven by a 29-year-old Beloit, Kansas man.

(KAIR)--Two fatal wrecks on Kansas highways during the New Year’s Weekend Holiday Activity Reporting period.

According to those statistics, released by Kansas Highway Patrol, the two deadly wrecks happened in Thomas County and Wyandotte County.

Neither wreck involved driving while intoxicated.

In 2017, the Patrol worked three fatal crashes during the same holiday period, and one in 2016.

During the holiday weekend, the Patrol made 22 DUI arrests, and issued 954 speed citations, 118 adult safety belt citations, and 24 child restraint citations.

All of those numbers are up from the previous two years.

The New Year’s Weekend Holiday reporting period ran from Friday evening, December 28, at 6:00 through Tuesday night, January 1, at 11:59.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports eight fatalities during the same period.

Missouri Troopers worked 352 crashes and made 129 arrests for DWI.

(KNZA)--A reception will be held Monday morning ( January 7) for outgoing Brown County Commissioner Steve Roberts in honor of his 20 years of dedicated service to the county.

The reception will take  place on the 2nd floor lobby of the Brown County Courthouse, beginning at 9:30.

The public is invited to drop by to wish Roberts the best for the future and thank him for his service to the county.

Roberts lost his bid in November for re-election to a fifth term representing the 1st District.

He was defeated by fellow Republican Rich Lehmkuhl.  Lehmkuhl will be  sworn in at the Commission’s January 14 meeting.   

(KNZA)--A Topeka teenager accused of making threats on social media that led to the lockdown of the Royal Valley High School last August has been bound over for trial.

That came after 19-year-old Braden Crowder waived his preliminary hearing last week in Jackson County District Court on a felony count of criminal threat.

Crowder is also charged with a misdemeanor count of telephone harassment.  

The Holton Recorder reports arraignment was scheduled for January 25.

The Royal Valley High School, in Hoyt, was placed on “ modified lockdown” for several hours August 29 after a series of alleged criminal threats over social media toward a group of students at the school.

Classes continued during the lockdown but all exterior doors remained locked.  Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were sent to the school for  “precautionary purposes.”

The lockdown was lifted after Crowder was taken into custody later in the day in Topeka.

He remains free on a $25,000 bond.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council is moving forward with an automated meter reading system.

On the recommendation of City Administrator Matt Rehder, the Council Wednesday evening voted to purchase of an electric meter reading system first. 

The system will be purchased from Core and Main, of Olathe, for $220,000.  That includes new electric meters, infrastructure and software for a system that would read meters from a passing city vehicle, then download those readings at City Hall for billing.

New water meters will purchased later after a “ test period” for the electric meter system.

Three bids were received last month for automated electric and water meter systems, with Core and Main submitting the low bid.

The Council asked for bids after hearing each month's manual reading of water and electric meters requires 96 employee hours.  Automated systems are also anticipated to generate fewer errors than transcribing hand written readings, and the city's meters are old and likely inaccurate.

(KAIR)--Although Christmas is barely a memory, and the New Year is only several days old, planning for summer takes another step forward.

That comes as the two final acts for Atchison’s LakeFest 2019 country music concert are announced.

On Thursday, LakeFest Coordinator Jacque Pregont announced that up-and-comer Kylie Morgan will open the July 19 concert at Atchison’s Warnock Lake. Following Morgan on the stage will be Devin Dawson.

Both Morgan and Dawson will be followed by LakeFest 2019 headliner Kip Moore.

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.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman is facing drug related charges, arrested on New Year’s Day following an ongoing investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office. “We were investigating this case since mid-October,” Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News. “Finally we were able to finish it up, and wrap it up, and applied for a warrant.”

Laurie said 40-year-old Heather Meyer was arrested on the outstanding Atchison County warrant in the 700 block of Ann Street.

Among the charges on the warrant is distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. “It was within 1,000 feet of Maur Hill-Mount Academy,” Laurie said.

Meyer also faces a charge of use of a communication facility in the commission of a drug felony.

Following her Tuesday arrest, Meyer was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

She’s held on a $45,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved  Sheriff Don Pounds entering into a contract with Community Medical Center in Falls City to provide health care services for inmates at the  County Law Enforcement Center when they met Monday. 

The annual cost to Richardson County will be $30-thousand with monthly payments totaling $2,500.   The contract was to begin January 1. 

In other business, Commissioners approved a resolution setting salaries for all deputies in the offices of the elected officials. 

Salaries for the Deputy County Assessor, Deputy County Clerk, Deputy Register of Deeds, Deputy of Elections, Deputy County Clerk of the District Court and Deputy County Treasurer will be 75-percent of the annual salary of the elected official, amounting to $40,069 each.

The Deputy County Attorney will be paid 80-percent of the County Attorney's salary amounting to $55,282.

Sheriff Don Pounds informed the Board he has not been able to fill the vacancies for open deputy positions and again expressed that salaries for the deputies needs to be increased to attract qualified employees. 

The only change in salary was an increase for the position of Chief Deputy Sheriff which is 80-percent of the Sheriff's salary, but under the current structure in the Sheriff's Office, a Chief Deputy Sheriff has not been designated.

The pay increases for the elected officials each of the next three years will be 2.25-percent. 

(KAIR)--Two separate New Year’s Eve wrecks in Atchison County led to hospital transport, but caused no serious injuries.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News both happened around 12:15 on the afternoon of December 31, and are being blamed on weather conditions at that time.

One of the two wrecks happened near 246th Road, as 18-year-old Winchester resident Josie Gerety was southbound on Ottawa Road.

She lost control of her vehicle on the icy road, causing the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado to leave the roadway and overturn.

One of two passengers in the vehicle, an 8-month-old child, was transported to the hospital by Atchison County EMS for a precautionary evaluation.

Gerety, and her 23-year-old passenger from Nortonville, were not hurt.

The second crash occurred on U.S. Highway 59, and involved a southbound vehicle driven by 22-year-old Savannah, Missouri resident Lindsey Proffit.

Laurie said Proffit lost control on the slushy road, sending the vehicle across the roadway where it impacted an embankment on the east side.

Proffit was transported to the Atchison Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries.

(MSC News)--The St. Joseph Police Department is investigating an overnight shooting that sent one person to the hospital.

KQ2-TV reports officers responded to a call of shots fired shortly before 12:40 Wednesday morning in the 11-block of  South 18th Street.

Officers said when they arrived on scene, they found one victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph by ambulance with moderate injuries.

No arrests have been made. Police are still investigating.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the St. Joseph Police Department hotline at 238-TIPS.

(KAIR)--Planning for the installation of what leaders of the Atchison Public Schools approved as a new system of safety and security is moving forward.

During a meeting of December 10, the Board of Education for USD 409 gave approval for the purchase of the Telecenter U Critical Communications system.

The total cost is $107,000, with $42,000 of the pricetag to be covered through funds required to be spent on school safety.

$21,000 was granted to the school district by the state, with the district required to match the funds.

Superintendent Dr. Susan Myers tells MSC News the remaining $65,000 will be funded through the district’s summer budget for capital outlay expenditures.

Myers will meet with representatives of the system’s vendor, All Systems, on January 2, to begin plans for installation.

She said the goal is to see it in place prior to her retirement, which becomes effective at the end of the current school year.

The purchase of the system was met with opposition from one School Board member when the issue was decided December 10.

Rick Zumbrunn voted against the purchase, citing the cost, and saying that he didn’t feel the system provided enough in the way of safety, calling it a scheduling device, not a security system.

(KNZA)--A Doniphan County official has announced his retirement resignation.  

Noxious Weed Director Francis Hubbard informed the Doniphan County Commission Monday of his retirement from the county, effective March 29, 2019.  

Hubbard has held the position the past 4 years.  Commissioners thanked him for his years of dedicated service to Doniphan County.  

The county will advertise for a new noxious weed director, with the position to the filled by March 1.  

In other business, the Commission approved a resolution renewing and extending for a period of 5-years the Doniphan County Neighborhood Revitalization Program effective January 1.  

That followed a hearing drawing no public comment.  

The program, which has been in place since 1995, provides a property tax rebate on  improvements to residential and commercial properties that increase the appraised value at least $15,000.