(KAIR)--A Democratic challenger has entered the race for the Kansas 1st District Senate seat.

Dustin Brinkman, of Hoyt, announced this week that he has launched what he calls his NextGen Kansas campaign.

The seat is currently held by rural Hiawatha Republican Dennis Pyle who is currently serving his fourth, 4-year term.

The position will come up for election in the fall of 2020.

According to a news release issued by Brinkman’s campaign, he is a fifth generation, lifelong Kansan who is concerned that northeast Kansas is losing residents, businesses, and farms each year.

In the release, Brinkman says the top priority for Kansas should be “to support rural areas through equality in economic development dollars, push to expand affordable broadband services, repair [the] crumbling roadways, support health care, and fully fund [Kansas] schools.”

Brinkman, in the release, says the top focus of his NextGen Kansas campaign is “to slow the net population loss in rural Kansas.”

Brinkman currently serves as a council member for the City of Hoyt, and has a wife, Emily, and two children.

The Kansas Senate 1st District includes the counties of Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, and Nemaha, as well as parts of Marshall and Pottawatomie.

(KAIR)--A local county is among 12 in Kansas approved for federal storm damage assistance.

According to a press release issued Tuesday by the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Doniphan County is included with the others as President Donald Trump Tuesday approved the disaster declaration made by the State of Kansas.

The declaration ordered federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding from October 4 to October 15 last year.

Kelly, in the release, said that she is pleased the President approved the declaration, saying the “additional funds will assist state and local governments and certain non-profits recover from damages sustained as a result” of the severe weather.

Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide. Other counties may be added to the request at a later date.

(KMZA)--A Goff man facing charges in connection with an armed home invasion last September in Seneca has been bound over for arraignment.

According to the Nemaha County Attorney’s Office, Albert Jennings Scott III was bound over Wednesday following his preliminary hearing.

Scott faces seven counts—including aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, battery against a law enforcement office, interference with law enforcement and disorderly conduct.

Arraignment was scheduled for the morning of March 28 in Nemaha County District Court.

Scott is accused of entering a Seneca residence on September 29 of last year, armed with a .380 caliber handgun, and taking tattoo equipment while someone else was inside the home.

It’s also alleged that Scott, when being placed under arrest, interfered with the process, committing battery against a Seneca police officer.

Scott remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $300,000 bond.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Commissioners conducted a quarterly meeting of the County Safety Committee Tuesday, February 26.

Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall discussed his concerns with the water leaks in the tunnel area of the Courthouse. Kirkendall said the leaks need to be fixed to keep mold out of the tunnel.

Commissioners said they would contact the architectural firm that designed the addition to find a solution to correct the problems.

Road Department representatives requested the Board consider soliciting bids for the demolition of an obsolete building located at the County Yard in Humboldt. Various items at the Courthouse were also discussed.

Sheriff Don Pounds met with Commissioners, reporting on deputy staffing in his department which is still not at full strength. The Sheriff requested the Commissioners seriously consider increasing the salary for deputies. Board members said they would review the request and plans were made to meet with deputy sheriffs at the March 12 meeting to discuss the matter.

The Richardson County Commissioners conducted a quarterly meeting of the County Safety Committee Tuesday, February 26.

Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall discussed his concerns with the water leaks in the tunnel area of the Courthouse. Kirkendall said the leaks need to be fixed to keep mold out of the tunnel.

Commissioners said they would contact the architectural firm that designed the addition to find a solution to correct the problems.

Road Department representatives requested the Board consider soliciting bids for the demolition of an obsolete building located at the County Yard in Humboldt. Various items at the Courthouse were also discussed.

Sheriff Don Pounds met with Commissioners, reporting on deputy staffing in his department which is still not at full strength. The Sheriff requested the Commissioners seriously consider increasing the salary for deputies. Board members said they would review the request and plans were made to meet with deputy sheriffs at the March 12 meeting to discuss the matter.

(KAIR)--A titan of Atchison industry, and civic leadership, has died. 

Cloud L. "Bud" Cray, Jr.  died Wednesday.

His daughter, Karen Seaberg, confirms he died at 8 a.m. 

He was 96.

Cray served in executive management roles at Atchison's MGP Ingredients from the time he joined the company in 1947.

According to his biography posted to the MGP website, Cray began serving as a member of the MGP Board of Directors in 1957, and served as Chairman from 1980 until 2005, and again in 2014.

He was President of the company from 1962 to 1980, and CEO from 1980 to September, 1988.

He retired as a director of the board in August, 2015, but continued to serve under the title of Chairman Emeritus.

The company released a statement Wednesday, saying “the MGP Ingredients family is saddened” by the passing of Cray who “helped guide the transformation of MGP from an industrial alcohol manufacturer to a leading maker of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches.” The statement calls Cray “a generous resident of [MGP’s] headquarters community of Atchison, Kansas, where he provided countless resources to make Atchison a better place.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Cray was also a veteran of World War II.

In 2013, then MSC News reporter Joel Hardy talked with Cray about his time in the United States Army.

(KNZA)--Progress on helping the Hiawatha Community Hospital with its current financial crisis has stalled until a joint city/county advisory committee working on solutions gets additional responses to recommendations it made to the hospital board.

That was determined following a February 22 meeting of the committee formed in January to explore options for assisting the hospital financially.

Newly appointed hospital CEO John Broberg told the committee the hospital board is requesting $5 million in financial assistance. 

Being looked at is a county-wide half-cent sales tax to provide funding to pay off bonds that would be issued.  The sales tax would require voter approval.

Broberg said the hospital will not survive without tax support in light of challenges it faces with Medicare repayments and reductions in reimbursements.

He reviewed the hospital board’s responses to a list of recommendations made at the committee's February 11 meeting, with committee members voicing their dissatisfaction about some of the responses.

Most significantly, was the recommendation that the hospital retain a healthcare management and consulting firm to assist in regaining financial stability--a firm similar to an entity like Great Plains Alliance. 

Committee member, Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill, said the committee needed to be assured that moving forward a management system was in place " to have another pair of eyes" on the hospital finances and management, so a situation such as the current financial crisis didn't occur again.

In its response, the hospital board noted Broberg's more than 40 years of experience in the health care industry and that they had retained a financial services company in October to assist with the finance and revenue cycle operations of the hospital. 

Another recommendation was that the hospital considers opening and staffing an urgent care facility and clinic in Horton, should the Horton hospital close.  In its response, the hospital board said they were “open to having discussions” on the matter.

Committee members said they want to see more of a commitment from the hospital, assurance that if the Horton hospital fails, the Hiawatha hospital will step in.

Committee member, Horton City Administrator and Police Chief John Calhoon, said  he didn't believe voters in the southern end of Brown County will support a sales tax increase without more of a commitment to helping Horton.

Calhoon also said he thinks the $5 million being requested is not sufficient if Horton is included in the plan.

The hospital board will provide additional responses to the concerns raised by the committee and another meeting will be held after that happens.  That meeting has been set for Monday, March 4 at 12 noon at the Hiawatha City Hall.

(KNZA)--A Brown County traffic stop leads to the arrest of two Hiawatha men, including one on multiple drug charges.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says 59-year-old Robert Hendricks was arrested Tuesday evening on charges of possession of  methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.

Merchant says a passenger in the vehicle, 29-year-old Jesse Ferris, fled on foot and was later apprehended by the Hiawatha Police Department.  Ferris was taken into custody on outstanding warrants and possible other charges.

Both men were booked into the Brown County Jail, where they remained in custody Wednesday.

(KAIR)--Re-introducing Industrial Arts and Ag Education at the Valley Falls schools is the goal of a parents group working to make that a reality.

According to a release issued on behalf of the parents group, a meeting focused on their goal is scheduled to happen Wednesday evening, February 26.

According to the minutes of the USD 338 Board of Education’s February 11 meeting, the special session was agreed to on a unanimous vote of the board.

The release from the parents group says Valley Falls and Oskaloosa USD 341 are the only school districts in the local region not offering Agricultural Education and Industrial Arts.

$60,000 is needed to make the program possible in Valley Falls, as well as annual district budgeting to sustain it annually.

The special Board of Education meeting, focused on the goal, is scheduled to begin Wednesday evening at 6:30 in the school library.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County is still seeking an agreement with NextEra Energy Resources on the terms for the development of the proposed Soldier Creek Wind Farm.

A large number of county residents filled the Nemaha County Commission room this week in hopes that this would be the week that a term sheet was released.

But following an executive session with attorney Jim Neeld, who has been retained by the county to assist in the negotiations, County Commission Chairman Gary Scoby told those attendance that they still remain in negotiations.

Scoby said two issues continue to be unresolved.  Those include the setback distance from property lines and residences, and the money to be paid by NextEra as either annual taxes or a one-time payment in lieu of taxes.

Scoby said after an agreement is reached, the term sheet will be released to the public and at least one public hearing will be held.

Following the hearings, the Commission will have three choices.  They can approve the terms that have been negotiated, decline to accept the terms or issue a moratorium on wind development while they wait to see the outcome of ongoing state legislation regulating the industry.

(KAIR)--An early Tuesday evening fire at the Shannon Industrial Park leaves damage.

Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf told MSC News firefighters were called to 8154 Industrial Park Lane, the location of Tex-Tube industries, when a fire in the compressor room was reported. “Upon arrival, there was a tremendous amount of smoke showing from the east side of the building, as well as flames from a fully involved portion of the building known as the compressor room, [an] addition to the main part of the assembly plant, a small room on the east side of that location, which was on fire. The suppression actually went relatively smoothly. That part of the building is primarily made up of metal construction, which aided a little bit.”

Graf said a damage assessment is expected Wednesday, and it’s not immediately known what affect the fire will have on Tex-Tube operations. “Anything in that particular area has been destroyed, so they will have to do the damage assessment at a later time. This does, however, have an affect on their processing to a certain extent so that it definitely could affect production.”

Graf said the cause of the fire remains under investigation. “We’re suspecting probably electrical or mechanical at this time, which is generally the cause of a fire in a processing type room. The problem with it is that with the extent of damage, we may not truly know and may not be able to come up with a 100% cause.”

No injuries are reported due to the blaze which was reported shortly after 5:00.

(KAIR)--According to his research, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson becomes the longest continuously serving Chief of Police in Atchison history.

Wilson, honored earlier this month for 40-years of service to the City of Atchison, with 25 of those years as Chief, told MSC News that his findings reveal that he has held the role longer than his predecessors. 

(KAIR)--A former Leavenworth bank teller, who pleaded guilty to embezzlement, has been sentenced.

According to the office of U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, Theresa Williams Monday was sentenced to two years on federal supervised release.

She pleaded guilty in December of last year to one count of theft by a bank employee, admitting that she embezzled $13,000 from Mutual Savings Association in Leavenworth.

To cover up her crimes, Williams made false entries in bank reports.

According to a release from McAllister’s office, Williams has paid back the money.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - A Kansas House committee rejected a law proposed by Attorney General Derek Schmidt after a county judge called a young girl an "aggressor" in a sex crime.

The House committee voted Monday to table the bill, which would prevent judges from reducing a sentence if they found a child victim younger than 14 was an aggressor in such crimes.

The bill was in response to outcry after Leavenworth County District Judge Michael Gibbens sentenced a 67-year-old man in December to less than six years in prison for soliciting a 13-year-old on Facebook. The judge said the victim and another young girl were "more aggressor than a participant" in the case.

The Wichita Eagle reports committee members said the legislation was well-intentioned but judges must have discretion in such cases.

(KAIR)--Another step forward for the planned construction of a pavilion at Atchison’s Farmer’s Market.

That comes as the Atchison Planning Commission gives approval to the project site plan.

According to the City of Atchison, the unanimous vote came during the Planning Commission’s February 6 meeting.

Construction on the pavilion project is expected to begin in early spring, and will likely be completed for the Farmer’s Market season opening in mid-May.

The project is primarily being funded through the State of Kansas STAR Bond Program.

The price tag of the total project is around $500,000, with the STAR Bonds to pay for around $425,000. The remainder of the funds will come through the City’s Capital Improvement Fund.

The project is being designed by Saint Joseph, Missouri-based Snyder & Associates in conjunction with the City, the Atchison Farmer’s Market, and the Atchison Art Association.

(MSC News)--Although 45 tornadoes were recorded in the state of Kansas in 2018, there were no deaths attributed to any of the storms.

A news release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says 2017 was even better, with 60 documented tornadoes and no deaths. The news release says that credit for the achievements “can be attributed in some measure to early warnings, storms spotters and public preparedness.”

To remind Kansans to continue their storm vigilance and preparedness, Kelly will sign a proclamation Friday morning designating March 4-8 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas. The signing will take place at 9:00 in the governor’s ceremonial office at the Kansas Statehouse.

"Each year, spring brings new life to our state but it also brings the potential for disaster and destruction from tornadoes, floods, hail and other forms of severe weather,” said Kelly. “Severe Weather Awareness Week is the ideal time for all Kansans to think about their emergency plans for home and business, to act on those plans and make sure they are ready for whatever comes our way."

The proclamation highlights the need for awareness of approaching severe weather and the value of emergency preparedness.

“We have seen how being prepared and weather-aware can help reduce storm-related injuries and deaths,” said Angee Morgan, deputy director of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management. “It doesn’t take much time or a lot of money to make a home emergency kit and keeping on top of the weather is as simple as turning on your radio or television when severe weather threatens.”

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Kansans are urged to take part in the statewide tornado safety drill Tuesday morning, March 5 at 10:00. If severe weather is expected on or around the test time on Tuesday it will be postponed to Thursday morning, March 7 at 10:00.

Join MSC News on the air Monday and Tuesday as we talk in detail with National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chad Omitt about planning for severe weather season.

(MSC News)--Horton Community Hospital employees haven’t been paid since February 15.

That word comes in a report published Tuesday by the Topeka Capital-Journal, which cites an employee who claims the hospital will close Friday if no paychecks are forthcoming.

According to the newspaper, Horton Hospital CEO Ty Compton confirmed the lack of paychecks, and said hospital ownership has told him “they’re working on it.”

An employee of the hospital, who asked not to be named by the newspaper, said correspondence to nurses indicated a Friday closing should the paychecks not arrive.

The hospital’s former owner, EmpowerHMS, is battling a financial crisis, which included the February 14 closing of the Oswego Community Hospital.

According to the newspaper’s report, citing Securities and Exchange Commission record filings, management of the Horton hospital transitioned to Miami, Florida-based iHealthcare in January. 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas regulators have ordered Kansas Gas Service to return more than $17.9 million in tax savings to its customers.

The Kansas Corporation Commission said in a news release Monday that its order will mean a one-time bill credit of $22.78 for residential customers.

The agency says the savings are the result of a federal law that reduced the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent in January of last year. The Commission had required utilities to track and keep separate savings from the tax cut pending its review.

Kansas Gas Service had asked to keep the savings to offset its service costs, but the Commission determined that was not in the public interest.

(KNZA)--A group of area students are seeking safety improvements to a stretch of U.S. 75 Highway.

Student council representatives from eight schools in Brown, Jackson and Nemaha Counties recently met at Jackson Heights High School to brainstorm ideas to make Highway 75 safer between Holton and the Nebraska state line.

Some of the ideas include installing lights, adding or extending turning and acceleration lanes, adding J-turn lanes at dangerous intersections, monitoring traffic more frequently along the highway and lowering the speed limit in areas with dangerous turns.

According to a statement prepared for presentation to the Kansas House Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee, the students said they are aware that expanding Highway 75 from Holton to Sabetha is on the governor’s 10-year plan, but asked that changes be made now to make the highway safer.

During the last five years, the students noted there have been more than 300 crashes, at least 61 injuries and at least 8 deaths on the stretch of highway.  Among those killed have been two Jackson Heights High School students and three members of a Sabetha family.

The students say they are working on an educational campaign at their schools to raise student awareness of safe driving practices but need a multi-pronged approach with improvements to infrastructure to increase safety along with more education.

The students asked the committee to give the Kansas Department of Transportation the necessary funding to improve the safety of U.S. 75 Highway, allowing them to conduct a study if needed to determine what steps can be taken now to make the stretch of highway safer.

The students added “ what is clear is that we can no longer stand idly by while people continue to be killed or severely injured on this stretch of highway.”

The Nemaha County Commission last week agreed to write a letter supporting the students' efforts. 
       

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, under investigation for wildlife-related crimes, has been formally charged for unrelated crimes in Doniphan County.

34-year-old Andrew Feek was arrested February 13, and made his first appearance in Doniphan County District Court February 21.

He is formally charged with felony counts of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon.

He remains under investigation by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, with additional charges possible.

Captain Dan Melson, of the state wildlife office, told MSC news last week that the investigation into Feek’s alleged crimes is continuing. “[We are] still analyzing what evidence we have, compiling reports, and what’s going to be charged at this point forward will be in communication with the Doniphan County Attorney.”

Melson added that it may still be sometime before additional charges are filed as investigators continue to evaluate evidence and put the case together.

Feek’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday morning.

He remains in custody at the Doniphan County Jail, held without bond.

(KNZA)--Three Brown County law enforcement agencies have been awarded grants to support the purchase of new equipment and technology.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced the grant awards last week.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office will receive just over $45,000 to purchase a license plate reader.

The Horton Police Department will receive more than $31,000 to purchase tasers and toughpads.

Kickapoo Tribal Police will receive nearly $26,000 to make safety and technology improvements to increase readiness.

The grants are part of the Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and were awarded by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Schmidt serves as the chair of the council.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Community Hospital Board of Trustees has a new president.

According to a press release issued Friday by the hospital, the Board elected Greg Rodvelt to assume the position of president at their February 19 meeting.

Rodvelt joined the Board in 2017 and was serving as the vice-president.

Brian Lillie was elected to serve as the new vice-president.

The release said the action comes after Andy Delaney resigned his position as board president at a special meeting on February 7.

 Delaney indicated with the recent formation of a committee comprised of local county, city and hospital officials to explore options for assisting the hospital, his duties as the attorney for the city of Hiawatha could create an appearance of conflict with the rules of professional conduct for attorneys.

Delaney went on to state that his resignation was not a reflection of the current financial crisis of the hospital but would serve to protect all three entities from the appearance of a legal conflict.  He further added that he had confidence in the hospital staff, hospital administration and Board of Trustees to protect the future of the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman has been bound over on a pair of child sex charges.

Following a preliminary hearing Wednesday, a judge determined there was sufficient evidence for Teaini Simmons to be bound over to Brown County District Court on charges of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Arraignment was scheduled for the morning of March 25.

A judge found Simmons competent to stand trail following a hearing in December based an evaluation conducted by KANZA Mental Health.

She 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.

She remains free on a $100,000 bond.

(KAIR)--A near 3 ½ hour standoff Friday in Platte City, Missouri, leads to one arrest.

According to a news release from the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, 29-year-old Sanquan Brooks was arrested without injury.

The standoff began with a vehicle pursuit from Leavenworth into Platte City around 9:30 Friday morning.

The release says Brooks abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into an apartment located in the 100 block of O’Rourke, in Platte City.

He was wanted on an outstanding parole warrant.

Once the standoff ended, through a joint effort of the Platte County SWAT Team and the Platte County Crisis Negotiations Team, Brooks was booked into the Platte County Jail.

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office is crediting the Leavenworth Police Department, the Platte City Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Northland Regional Ambulance District, the Central Platte Fire Protection District and Taking It to the Streets for their assistance with the case.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A judge has dismissed criminal charges against a Kansas water park owner and the designer of a 17-story slide on which a 10-year-old boy was decapitated in 2016.

The Kansas City Star reports that Wyandotte County Judge Robert Burns found Friday that state prosecutors showed grand jurors inadmissible evidence in dismissing second-degree murder charges against Schlitterbahn owner Jeff Henry and designer John Schooley. The judge also dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against operations manager Tyler Miles.

State prosecutors didn't immediately return phone and email messages. They alleged that shoddy planning and maintenance led to Caleb Schwab's death on a special day for elected officials. Caleb's father is Scott Schwab, a state lawmaker who's now Kansas secretary of state.

A Schlitterbahn spokeswoman says the company welcomes the decision.

(KNZA)--An interim Hiawatha Community Hospital CEO has been appointed.

Hospital Board of Trustees President Greg Rodvelt announced Friday that John Broberg has been named to fill the position.

The official news came after recent weeks of speculation about whether Jeff Shelton - who has been CEO for the past 18 months - was still with the hospital.

According to a press release issued by the hospital Friday, Broberg has been involved in health care for 44-years, including 27-years as a senior leader, serving as CEO for three different hospitals.

After retiring from VIA Christi Hospital in Manhattan in 2016, Broberg started Broberg Consulting Group, LLC to provide executive coaching and interim CEO services.

Broberg served as interim CEO at Hiawatha hospital from October 2016 thru July 2017.

His latest stint as interim CEO is the fifth in his career.

The release says Broberg “knows transitions of the CEO are difficult for every organization, and is committed to working with the hospital and the community to provide stability for the hospital.”

According to the release, Broberg “has provided leadership to successfully implement culture changing initiatives in four different organizations that resulted in improvement in employee engagement, operational and financial performance.”

On Tuesday, Broberg attended the hospital Board of Trustees meeting to discuss his interim strategy.

(KAIR)--One Atchison County student was transported to the Atchison Hospital following a Friday morning accident involving a USD 377 school bus.

A report from the Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly after 7:00 on U.S. Highway 73, 5 miles west of Atchison.

A car, driven behind the bus by 21-year-old Skylar Coady, of Atchison, failed to slow down when the bus slowed to turn south on Lincoln Road, causing Coady’s Chevrolet Impala to rear end the bus.

Coady, as well as 12-year-old Dylan Mullins, of Atchison, were both taken to the Atchison Hospital for evaluation of what the Patrol identified as suspected minor injuries.

The bus driver, 56-year-old Kimberly Myers, of Lancaster, was not hurt.

12 students, including Mullins, were on board the bus at the time of the wreck.

In a Tweet Friday morning, USD 377 gave “thanks to all those that assisted” the students and driver following the collision.

USD 377 had a bus get rear-ended this morning transporting students to school at HWY 73 & Lincoln Rd. All parents of students involved have been notified. Thanks to all those that assisted our students and driver during this incident. The support of Atchison County is strong.

— USD 377 Atchison CCS (@acctigers) February 22, 2019

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of a pickup truck and flatbed trailer from Centralia

The Sheriff’s Office says sometime early February 5 an unknown individual took a 2006 Chevy Silverado and a 2014 32 foot Titan flatbed trailer from 806 K-9 Highway in Centralia.

The loss was estimated at nearly $24,000.

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

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

Brown County District Judge John Weingart Tuesday granted a motion filed by the attorney for 30-year-old Robert Edwardson for the evaluation, which is to be conducted by KANZA Mental Health.

A preliminary hearing in the case, which had been set for Wednesday, was placed on hold pending the outcome of the evaluation.

Edwardson was arrested last week on a Brown County warrant for two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

That followed an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says the charges involve two separate victims, one between the ages of  14 and 16 and the other under 14.

Edwardson remains in the Brown County Jail on a $75,000 bond.    

(KNZA)--Beginning Monday ( February 25), several area law enforcement agencies will be increasing their enforcement efforts near high schools to raise awareness on roadway safety.

Its part of the annual “ High Visibility Seat Belt Enforcement Campaign”, which runs through March 8.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Hiawatha Police Department and  Horton Police Department are among area law enforcement agencies taking part in the campaign.

Officers will be issuing citations to any individual who refuses to obey the traffic laws, whether it is for speeding, texting or failing to buckle up.

According to a news release, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States---ahead of all types of injury, disease or violence.

In 2018, nearly half of all Kansas teens who died in traffic crashes were not wearing a seat belt.

(KMZA)--The annual Baileyville Benefit Basketball & Volleyball Tournament will take place this weekend, February 23 & 24, at the Nemaha Central High School in Seneca.

Organizer Clete Kramer says the funds raised from this year’s event will help four families with children struggling with medical conditions.  They include Everett Tjaden, Rylee Howard, Elizabeth and Morgane Donnelley, William and Kameron Meade.

The public is invited to watch as twenty-four volleyball teams and eighteen basketball teams compete, with playing beginning at 8:00 Saturday morning and continuing on Sunday.  The championship volleyball match will take place at 2:00 Sunday afternoon, followed by the basketball championship game at 3:00.

A concession stand will offer numerous fresh-baked goods and a variety of meal choices.  Other activities include a huge list of silent auction items and a wheel to spin for more prizes.  Chance book drawings follow the last game and a live auction of donated items begins at about 5:30 Sunday evening.

Organizer Dan Broxterman credits the success of the benefit, which began in 1982, to the generosity and hard work of numerous people and businesses.

TECUMSEH, Neb. (AP) - Authorities say they've identified five women who were sexually assaulted by a Seward County sheriff's deputy before he began his law enforcement career.

Court records say 30-year-old Nicholas Bridgmon, of Pleasant Dale, is charged in Johnson County with one count of forcible sexual assault the records say occurred Dec. 1, 2006. His attorney didn't immediately return messages left Thursday by The Associated Press. Bridgmon has been placed on paid administrative leave.

A court affidavit says an investigation began after a Nebraska State Patrol pre-employment lie detector test in November showed some deception on Bridgmon's part. A patrol investigator says Bridgmon later acknowledged that when he was 19 he'd had sex with two girls who may have been under the legal age of consent. He also said he'd had sex with women who'd slept heavily or passed out after drinking alcohol.

Authorities say a total of five people have been identified as victims of sex assaults by Bridgmon in various counties.
 

(KMZA)--A Seneca man, accused of rape and other child-related sex crimes, will undergo an evaluation to determine if he’s competent to stand trial.

That comes after a Nemaha County judge granted a motion filed by the attorney for 21-year-old Brandon Ogden for an evaluation by KANZA Mental Health.

A preliminary hearing for Ogden, which had been set for Tuesday, was placed on hold pending the outcome of the mental evaluation.

Ogden faces charges of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated sodomy.

The criminal complaint alleges that Ogden on August 26 of last year engaged in sexual intercourse, lewd fondling or touching and sodomy with a child under 14 years of age.

He was arrested the same day following a joint investigation by the Seneca Police Department and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office.

Ogden remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a one million dollar bond.     

(KNZA)--An improvement project is planned at a Hiawatha ball park.

Noel Boye, representing the Hiawatha Softball and Baseball Associations, meet with the City Commission Tuesday evening to request financial assistance with a project at Bruning Park.

Boye said the Associations want to replace the batting cage at the Park.  He said they have the funds to purchase the cage itself but would like the city's help with funding for the concrete base.

Following discussion, the Commission voted to provide up to $6,000 for the project.

Boye said they hope to add a second batting cage in the next couple of years.

In other business, Iowa Tribe Boys and Girls Club CEO Paul Mendez met with the Commission to request use of Bruning Park for a kids softball tournament planned for April 27-28 along with use of the concession stand.

Following discussion, the Commission granted their approval.

On the recommendation of Wastewater Superintendent Dave Grimm, the Commission accepted a bid from Nemaha Valley Motors, in Seneca, for a new 4X4 pickup truck for the sewer department in the amount of $24,750 with trade.  It was among two bids received.

On the recommendation of Police Chief John Defore, the Commission approved the purchase of a used 2016 Dodge Charger from the Brown County Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $21,500.  The vehicle, which is completely outfitted, contains 74,000 miles.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman reported that her home had been burglarized and electronic items stolen, but police say the crime never happened. “There were a number of things that led us to question the legitimacy of this burglary,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News, adding that Theresa Henderson is now facing a felony charge for making the false claim. “On Monday, she reported that her apartment, in the 1200 block of North 5th, had been burglarized and a theft had occurred last weekend. This theft involved electronic equipment which included several televisions and several PlayStations. There were several things in the initial stages of that investigation that led us to question whether or not the burglary actually had occurred. Subsequent to the initial investigation, we were able to locate several items that she was reporting stolen in a room in her apartment, [and] we believe one of the items had been pawned.”

According to Wilson, Henderson was renting the items she claimed had been stolen from a Leavenworth store.

The 41-year-old Henderson was arrested Tuesday, and now faces a felony charge for interference with law enforcement due to falsely reporting a crime.

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

Bond is set at $10,000.

(KAIR)--A Saint Joseph, Missouri woman is stopped while driving in Atchison, and the resulting investigation sent her to jail on drug-related charges.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News 40-year-old Heather Church was stopped by deputies late Wednesday morning at the U.S. 59 and U.S. 73 junction. “We had a little bit of information that this vehicle was coming through. When deputies saw it, they were able to conduct a traffic stop based on some traffic infractions. After the stop they were able to locate some narcotics that are illegal in Kansas.”

A Kansas Highway Patrol K-9 unit was used at the scene, and Laurie said that led to the discovery of what’s alleged to be methamphetamine, marijuana, THC edibles, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

Church was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of THC, and criminal use of weapons.

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

According to jail records, she has since been released on a $10,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City woman accused of setting off an explosive device at a Falls City business last September has pleaded no contest to reduced charges as part of a plea deal.

38-year-old April Feighner entered the plea Tuesday in Richardson County District Court to misdemeanor charges of use an explosive device without a permit and attempted third degree arson.

Sentencing was set for April 30.

Feighner had originally been charged with felony counts use of an explosive to commit a felony and second degree arson.

The charges stem from the detonation of an explosive device on September 18 at The Spirit Shoppe at 1123 Harlan Street.  The explosion caused damage to the business.

Feighner was arrested in October on a Richardson County warrant.

She posted bond Tuesday after it was reduced to $1,000 cash.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City  Council voted 3-2 Tuesday evening to waive the building permit fee for a new building planned by the Richardson County Historical Society. 

Richard Meinzer, President of the Historical Society Board of Directors made a request for the Council to waive the $1,115 building permit fee for a new building at 14th and Chase  Street, and also asked for utility hook-up fees be waived and for the City to make a monetary donation toward the building project.

Councilman Don Ferguson spoke in favor of the waiver of the building permit fee, suggesting that could serve as a donation. 

Council member Derrick Leyden suggested the fee waiver could create future issues, with other non-profit organizations coming to the city to request fee waivers and donations. 

City Administrator Gary Jorn estimated the fees for the water and sewer tap to be less than a thousand dollars and noted the City provides electrical and gas service up to the property line at no cost.  

Jorn said while it is a Council decision, but he would prefer not to donate tax dollars, noting taxes are not collected to  then be donated 

Following the discussion, a motion by Ferguson to waive the building permit fee and view the waiver as an in-kind donation was approved on a 3-2 vote with Council members Leyden and Lucas Froeschl casting the nay votes.

The Historical Society may still request from the  Board of Public Works the tap fees be waived.  
 

(KNZA)--Supporters of a bill introduced by a local lawmaker to place restrictions on wind turbines in Kansas gathered Tuesday at the Kansas Statehouse.

The House bill was introduced by Sabetha Republican Randy Garber, and would require wind turbines to be constructed at least 7,920 feet from a residence, 15,840 feet from airports and parks, and 1,500 feet from property lines.

Supporters of Garber’s bill were in attendance during Tuesday’s House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee hearing.

On Thursday, the energy corporations proposing the turbine developments will have the chance to offer their testimony during a planned hearing.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County jury has found a Mayetta man, accused of shooting a family member last August, guilty of all three counts against him.

Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller told MSC News that the jury deliberated for about an hour before returning the verdict late Wednesday morning in the trial of 40-year-old Alva McKinney.    

McKinney was convicted of aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm and driving while suspended.  

Sentencing was set for the morning of March 8.

The trial began Tuesday.

McKinney was arrested August 1 after authorities say he shot a male relative in the head at a residence north of Mayetta.

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

McKinney remains jailed on a $50,000 bond.
 

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing charges in connection with an Atchison altercation that required hospital treatment. “Some of those injuries were somewhat serious, and included fractures,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News, adding that 28-year-old Joshua Sharp is accused of the crime that occurred last year. “6:30 in the morning, on September 23, our officers responded to an intersection in a residential area, just north of downtown, to check on a person who had been involved in a disturbance. This 27-year-old male was located who told officers he’d been at a party, at a nearby residence, where he received head and facial injuries. Due to those injuries, EMS was called to the scene, but he refused medical treatment and he would not communicate to our officers details of the disturbance. However, two days later, this victim did come to police headquarters [and wanted] to report the details of the incident that had occurred leading to his injuries. He had since been treated for those injuries at a Kansas City hospital.”

According to Wilson, Sharp was apprehended last weekend in Riley County, Kansas on an Atchison County District Court warrant for aggravated battery.

He was booked into the Atchison County Jail following his Monday arrest in Atchison.

His bond is set at $30,000.

Sharp is facing additional, unrelated charges, and is also believed to have been a passenger in a stolen vehicle that fled from Atchison Police February 12. “His name has also come up on several other investigations," Wilson said. "We actually have a pending case, with him as a suspect, on a domestic battery case. We also have a case under investigation in which a truck was stolen in the Shawnee County area. We did pursue that vehicle. [We believe now it involved] two people in the truck, not only the driver but a passenger. We have been conducting a number of interviews where we have determined that Joshua Sharp also has a connection to that case [and] we believe that he was a passenger in that vehicle.”

The pickup truck was located in Buchanan County, Missouri a short time after the pursuit. No arrest is yet made in connection with that case, and the suspected driver is not yet identified.

Wilson said the investigation continues in conjunction with Shawnee County, Kansas and Buchanan County, Missouri authorities.

(KMZA)--Authorities say slick road conditions contributed to a single-vehicle Pottawatomie County wreck early Wednesday morning that claimed the life of a Manhattan woman.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 67-year-old Ann Marie Lochner was killed in the wreck in the Elbo Lake housing division near Manhattan.

The Patrol reports Lochner was southbound on Elbo Lake Drive, at the intersection of Elbo Ridge View, when her Chevy Blazer left the roadway due to the snow and ice conditions.  The vehicle landed on its top in a ravine.

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

The wreck was reported around 6:45 Wednesday morning.  

(KNZA)--The three finalists to be the next president of Highland Community College have been announced.

According to a press release from the College, Brett Campbell of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Timothy Taylor of Clarkston, Michigan and George McNulty of Colby, Kansas will be interviewed next week.  The interviews are set for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

The candidates will meet with representatives from the faculty, staff, community and student body.  They will then be interviewed by the presidential screening committee as well as HCC Board of Trustees.

Campbell has most recently served as Senior Vice President of Workforce and Education at the Tulsa, Oklahoma Regional Chamber, and Provost and Vice-President of Workforce Development at Tulsa Community College, Northeast Campus.

Taylor has most recently served as Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Oakland Community College in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and as President of Oakland Community College in Auburn Mills, Michigan.

McNulty has most recently served as Vice-President of Student Affairs at Colby Community College and Interim Director of Financial Assistance at Western Nevada College in Carson City, Nevada.

The three finalists were selected following a nationwide search.

Current HCC President David Reist is retiring effective June 30 of this year after 38 years with the College.

(KAIR)--A person of interest in a Leavenworth County shooting has been located in Nebraska.

The search for 43-year-old Daniel Owens was launched following a shooting on the morning of February 13 that left a 58-year-old man injured.

The Leavenworth Times reports Owens was located in Lincoln, Nebraska Friday.

He has been charged by Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson with attempted intentional second-degree murder.

The shooting occurred at an Easton residence.

Owens was named a person of interest and a search for his whereabouts was launched shortly after the shooting.

(KNZA)--A rural Hoyt man has been found guilty of 45 counts of animal cruelty.

Jackson County Magistrate Judge Blaine Carter issued his written decision Tuesday in the case against Frank Johnson.

That followed a bench trial last week, which consolidated two criminal cases against Johnson.

The first case was filed last August after 12 horses, determined to be in poor health, were removed from Johnson’s farm near Hoyt.

The second case was filed in December, charging Johnson with an additional 33 counts of animal cruelty.  That followed an investigation conducted in November by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office first began receiving complaints in April 2017 that the horses at the farm were living in poor conditions.  

Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced March 4 on the misdemeanor charges.  He faces up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.  In addition, he could be barred from ever owning horses again.

(KNZA)--U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will visit Sabetha Thursday, February 21 as part of his Kansas Listening Tour.

The Kansas Republican will be speaking to the Sabetha Kiwanis Club at the Buzz Cafe from 12 noon to 12:30.

Moran will then hold a town hall meeting at the Cafe from 12:30 to 1:00, which is open to the public.

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

According to a release from Moran’s Office, the issues the senator focuses on and the work he does in Washington D.C., are largely based on the conversations he has with Kansans during these listening tour stops.   

Following his listening tour stop, Moran will tour Wenger Manufacturing in Sabetha.

(KAIR)--A pursuit leads to a crash in Leavenworth, sending the suspect to the hospital for treatment.

The Kansas Highway Patrol identifies him as 26-year-old Todd Burnett, of Kansas City, Missouri.

The pursuit turned crash happened Tuesday morning, around 8:40, as Platte County, Missouri Sheriff’s Deputies pursued Burnett’s westbound car on Leavenworth’s Metropolitan Avenue.

The Patrol’s report states that as Burnett attempted to turn southbound onto 6th Street, his car left the road to the right and struck a fire hydrant.

Burnett, not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Cushing Medical Center, in Leavenworth, for the treatment of what the Patrol called a suspected minor injury.

It’s not immediately known what sparked the pursuit.

(KAIR)--A Monday night fire house fire claimed the life of a Lansing man.

The Leavenworth Times reports the fire was reported around 8:15 at 24431 139th Street, in Lansing.

Leavenworth County Fire District Number 1 responded to the scene with fire crews battling the blaze and ultimately searching the home.

During the search, the victim was found and removed from the home. His name is not immediately made public.

Members of the Fairmount Township Fire Department assisted at the scene, along with Leavenworth County EMS.

The deadly fire remains under investigation by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock School Board has approved a contract extension and pay raise for K-12 Principal Lucus Dalinghaus.

Following an executive session during the February 15th Board meeting  Board members unanimously approved extending the contract through the 2020-21 contract year with a salary increae of $6,200 for the 2019-20 school year. 

Also approved during the meeting was the purchase of a 1988 MCI Coach Bus at a cost of $18,000.  

A teaching contract with Ryan Zuhlke as middle school math teacher was approved for the 19-20 school year. Board members also approved a contract with Tim Newman to teacher the summer drivers education program at a rate of $150 per student.  

Continued membership in the Nebraska Association of School Boards for the 19-20 school year was approved at a cost of just over $3,400.  
 

U75 is back open!! Both North & Southbound lanes of traffic are clear for vehicle traffic. pic.twitter.com/b22XiL1RkV

— Trooper Don (@TrooperDonKHP) February 19, 2019

(KNZA)--An early Tuesday morning two-vehicle Jackson County wreck, north of Holton, sent two people to the hospital.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the wreck happened shortly before 6:00 on U.S. 75 Highway about a ¼ mile north of 286th Road.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 22-year-old Roan Bruggeman, of Holton, was southbound when his car went left of center and struck a northbound semi-tractor trailer head-on.

Bruggeman, who was the lone occupant in his car, was transported to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Hospital with what the Patrol described as “suspected serious injury.”

The semi driver, 56-year-old Emporia resident Rexford Dorsey, was also transported to the hospital with what the Patrol described as “possible injury.”

A passenger in the semi, 34-year-old Emporia resident Patrick Arvitt, suffered no apparent injury.

The Patrol says all three occupants were wearing seatbelts.

The wreck shut down a stretch of U.S. 75 Highway for a period of time.

Editor's note: Below is the story first published by MSC News following confirmation of the wreck. 

(KNZA)--An early Tuesday morning wreck in Jackson County has closed down a 10-mile stretch of U.S. 75 Highway.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the wreck, which occurred north of 286th Road, involved a passenger car and semi-tractor trailer.

The Jackson County Sheriff and Kansas Highway Patrol are on the scene of the wreck.

Authorities have temporarily shut down U.S. 75 from K-9 to K-16.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse Tuesday morning released a statement about the wreck: 

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, KHP, Jackson County EMS and area fire departments responded to an injury accident just north of 286th on US Hwy 75 shortly before 6 am this morning.

The accident involved a northbound semi tractor-trailer and a southbound Ford Fusion.

The two vehicles collided head on approximately ¼ mile north of 286th Road. Both lanes of US Hwy 75 have been closed temporarily from K-9 Hwy to K-16 Hwy in Holton.

The driver of the Ford Fusion was taken to a Topeka hospital and was triaged code yellow, while the two occupants of the semi were triaged code green.

MSC News will bring you additional details as they become available. 

(KAIR)--An area family is left without a home following a Friday fire on the Kickapoo Reservation.

Donations are now being accepted for the family, with information about the effort saying the family of Jessica Masqua and Eric Smith lost all of their belongings in the house fire. The home is being called a total loss.

Along with Masqua and Smith, clothing items are also needed for four children, aged 3 months, 2, 1, and 8.

The donation information says toys, blankets, household items, bedding, and furniture are also needed.

Credit: Atchison Co Sheriff's Office 

(KAIR)--A crash on a snow packed roadway during an alleged attempt to flee leads to to the arrest of an Atchison man.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News 35-year-old Dewayne Martin was arrested Friday night in the 500 block of Atchison’s Main Street, following a short pursuit.

According to a report from Laurie, the pursuit ended around 11:15 when Martin failed to negotiate a turn due to the snow packed roadway, sending his car crashing into a concrete trash can and light fixture, owned by the City of Atchison, near the Farmer’s Market.

Martin was arrested on an outstanding warrant for fleeing and eluding, which is alleged to have occurred Thursday night after deputies conducted a vehicle stop.

Laurie said at that time, Martin fled into Missouri.

Martin is also facing charges for distribution of more than 3 ½ grams of methamphetamine, distribution of a prescription only drug, possession of stolen property, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

His bond is set at $30,000.

(KAIR)--A Holton man escaped serious injury after his car collided with a tree in Atchison County late Monday morning.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, in a report, says 19-year-old Jacob Sims was westbound on K-116, near 2476 Hamilton Road, 4 miles northwest of Nortonville, when his car left the roadway to the right and struck the tree.

Sims was taken to the Atchison Hospital for the evaluation of what the Patrol identifies as a "suspected minor injury."

Sims was wearing a seatbelt when the wreck happened around 11:40 Monday morning.

(KLZA)-- One fatality is confirmed in an early Sunday morning fire in Vesta, Nebraska, located in Johnson County. 

A press release from the Johnson County Attorney's office says fire fighters from Tecumseh and other mutual aid Fire Departments responded to the call at 61280, 726.55 Road at approximately 5:20 A.M.

The structure was a total loss.  No other injuries were reported. The fatality appears to be an occupant of the structure.  An autopsy has been ordered  by the Johnson County Attorney. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending positive identification. 

The Nebraska State Fire Marshall's Office was requested to conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire by the Tecumseh Fire Department. The Johnson County Sheriff's Office and Johnson County Attorney is assisting in the investigation.  

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Transportation will conduct at public information open house regarding proposed improvements to Nebraska Highway 50 in Johnson County on Thursday, February 21.

The meeting will be held at the Tecumseh Fire Hall at 1110 Buffalo Drive from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. 

The proposal is to replace or resurface approximately 5.8 miles of Nebraska Highway 50 in Johnson County. The work would begin approximately a third-of-a-mile north of the south corporate limits of Tecumseh and extend 5.82 miles north which is approximately two miles north of the junction of Highways 50 and 41. 

Construction could begin as early as the spring of 2021 and be completed by that winter. The project would be constructed under traffic with lane closures controlled with temporary traffic controls.  Access for local traffic would be maintained, but may be limited at times.  

Nebraska Department of Roads personnel will be present to answer questions and receive comments.

You can view the information regarding the project at the Nebraska Department of Roads website and clicking on the “Tecumseh North” link.  
 

(KLZA)-- During the the February 13th meeting of the Pawnee City Council Julie Bauman, CPA, presented the 2017-18 city audit. 

Bauman gave the city, an “unqualified” opinion which is the best  you can receive.  

Bauman also discussed options for the Pawnee City General  Fund to pay back funds borrowed from the Utility Fund in October 2017.  The recommendation as to wait for now to pay the funds back after they start budgeting for the next fiscal year.

City Clerk Tammy Curtis says the City actually has the funds to pay the $100,000 back. It is currently built into the equity section.  

The City will begin their budget workshops in June and July.  

(KNZA)--A rural Horton man, accused of shooting at law enforcement officers during a 10-hour standoff last November on the Kickapoo Reservation, waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday.

54-year-old Anthony Walker was bound over to Brown County District Court on eleven felony counts---including seven counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer along with one count each of aggravated assault, kidnapping, criminal threat and criminal discharge of firearm.  In addition, Walker faces a misdemeanor count of domestic battery.

Arraignment was scheduled for the morning of March 25.

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

Multiple agencies responded after Walker, allegedly armed with AK-47, began shooting at officers.

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

A woman, allegedly being held in the home, was able to escape without injury  and no officers were hurt.

Walker remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a $500,000 bond.

(KAIR)--A stretch of U.S. Highway 59, in Atchison, remained closed late Saturday afternoon after a crash downed power lines.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News it happened around 2:00 when a westbound pickup truck struck a utility pole in the 1600 block of the highway.

According to Wilson, the pole fell to the ground, causing a second pole to fall onto a parked semi. 

Crews were continuing to make repairs late Saturday afternoon, leaving the stretch of highway closed to the Omaha Junction.

No injuries are reported.
The driver is identified as Leslie Kautz, of Huron. 

The winter weather is believed to have played a role in the wreck.

(KNZA)--Jackson County authorities are searching for two male suspects involved in a hit-and-run Sunday evening.

Sheriff Tim Morse says it happened south of 182nd Road on S Road shortly before 5:40 p.m.

Morse says a black Hummer H3 drove into a ditch, struck a telephone pole and broke it. The vehicle then continued south and ran a stop sign.

Morse says the back right window of the vehicle is busted and it may be leaking fluid.

He said the driver was a younger male and his passenger was an older male.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at  (785) 364-2251.

(KMZA)--The results of surveys conducted to determine the interest in adding a wrestling program at the Nemaha Central middle school and high school was shared with the USD 115 Board of Education last week.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman reviewed the results with the Board.

Staff, parents and students were surveyed following a request last October to add the sport.
 
Although the vast majority of parents and staff think the program would be a good addition, less than 10 students indicated they would participate.

Kohlman was asked to find out the approximate costs associated with the program and where practices would be held.

In other business, the Board approved the rollover of administrator contracts through the 2020-21 school year for Kohlman, Nemaha Central Elementary/Middle School Principal Dr. Amy Beck, High School Principal Ben Scism and Marshall-Nemaha Educational Services Cooperative Director Shana Steinlage.    

(KNZA)--Services have been set for the local law enforcement officer who died unexpectedly while on patrol in northern Brown County for the Sac and Fox Police Department.

A Celebration of Life Service for 43-year-old Kirby Robidoux, Jr., of Falls City, will be held this Wednesday morning at 10:30 at Pritchard Auditorium, in Falls City.  Burial will follow in the Steele Cemetery, in Falls City.

Friends may call at the Auditorium after 12 noon Tuesday where the family will meet from 6 to 8 that evening.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says Robidoux was found unresponsive inside his patrol car just before 6:00 a.m. February 13th after he didn't respond to a radio check.

Robidoux's obituary says he died of natural causes.

Earlier, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said they didn't suspect foul play in his death.

Robidoux was currently serving as a deputy with the Richardson County Sheriff Department, working part-time for the Sac and Fox Tribal Police Department.

He was also a member of the Falls City, City Council.

Among survivors are his wife, Sondra, and two daughters.    

(KAIR)--A Lansing man has pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

That word comes in a news release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, who said 20-year-old Andrew Foderaro entered the plea Friday in Leavenworth County District Court.

Along with attempted murder, Foderaro’s plea also includes possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, and possession of a stolen 9 mm handgun.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 14.

The charges stem from what authorities say was an October 27, 2017 shooting.

The victim was shot twice, and suffered a gunshot wound to his upper back/shoulder region, as well as to his left thigh.

According to the victim, he had been called by Foderaro to purchase drugs, with Foderaro saying they should meet near the Easton Post Office.

The victim told Leavenworth County Sheriff’s investigators that instead of purchasing the drugs, Foderaro shot at him, continuing to shoot as the victim attempted to escape.

Authorities say the firearm used had been stolen.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is behind bars, arrested in Doniphan County in connection with drug and wildlife-related crimes.

According to Doniphan County District Court, formal charges are not yet filed against 34-year-old Andrew Feek.

According to Doniphan County Jail reports, Feek was arrested Wednesday for possession of methamphetamine and wildlife-related violations.

According to Captain Dan Melson, of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism, Feek was arrested early Wednesday morning in Doniphan and booked into jail on the drug-related charge.

Melson told MSC News the case remains under investigation, and did not immediately provide details regarding Feek’s alleged wildlife crimes. “We still have the case under investigation, and there’s still a little more leg work to do before we can add anymore information out to the public,” Melson told MSC News Friday.

Feek remains in custody in the Doniphan County Jail.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners have delayed action on the 2019-20 Pawnee County / Southeast Nebraska Community Action Handibus agreement until their February 26 meeting. 

 Due to inclement weather February 11, the  Pawnee City Council delayed their meeting and subsequent meeting on February 12 with Commissioners. 

The Board did conduct a public hearing on the One-and-Six-Year Road Plan for Pawnee  County.  No  one from the public spoke during the hearing.    Highway Superintendent Chris Rauner updated the Board on projects included in the plan.

Following discussion, Commissioners approved the plan as presented.  Copies of th plan are available in the County Clerk's office during regular business hours. 

Board members also approved the Nemaha County – Pawnee County Law Enforcement Mutual Aide and Assistance Inter-local agreement.   

(KNZA)--Students in the Prairie Hills school district will be getting new iPads.

USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans says the Board of Education this week approved the purchase of 1,100 iPads at a cost of $294 each.

Revenue received from the district’s technology fee and sale of the old  iPads will be used as a partial funding source.   Evans said the net cost to the district will be about $178,000.

The current iPads have seen four years of use.

Evans said the purchase of the new iPads came on the recommendation of the district's Device Refresh Committee that began work on the process 1 1/2 years ago.

In other business, Evans says the Board accept a bid from AHRS Construction, of Bern, for the Axtell office relocation project in the total amount of $177,500 with five alternates included.   It was among two bids received.

The office is being relocated to the main entrance of the school to enhance security.

Funding for the project will come from the contingency reserve fund.

In addition, the Board approved a calendar for next school year.  The first day of school will be August 22 and the last day of classes will be May 21, 2020.  

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly says Kansas was "hoodwinked" into hiring a private company to build a new prison based on a promise that the new lockup would require less staff.

Kelly's comment during an Associated Press interview Friday comes as her corrections secretary questions whether the savings will materialize because of what he sees as a less-than-ideal prison design.

Savings are supposed to pay for building a new prison in Lansing to replace the existing one.

Former Republican Gov. Sam Brownback pushed the project as a way to replace the deteriorating prison at no additional net cost to the state. His administration assured lawmakers that the new prison could run safety with 45 percent fewer employees.

Kelly says: "We were just, you know, hoodwinked, I think."

(KAIR)--Two arrests are made in connection with what authorities say was a theft scheme at the Atchison Wal-Mart.

In custody are 33-year-old Holly Fargo and 30-year-old Jessica Mottin, both of Atchison.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News Fargo was an employee at the store, and is accused of assisting Mottin with the thefts.

Fargo was arrested Wednesday on an Atchison County District Court Warrant for two counts of theft by aiding another.

Mottin was arrested Thursday on an Atchison County District Court Warrant for five counts of felony theft.

The crimes are alleged to have occurred November 22, 23, and 25, and December 5 and 12, 2018.

Wilson said Fargo’s charges stem from the November 22 and 23 thefts, having allegedly assisted Mottin.

He said on the additional dates, Mottin used the self checkout at the store but did not make the proper payment. Wilson said Fargo was working when that occurred.

Mottin, who has prior theft convictions, is alleged to have stolen hundreds of dollars worth of items during the scheme.

Following their arrests, both Fargo and Mottin were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Mottin remains in custody, held on a $10,000 bond.

Fargo is currently free on a $1,500 bond.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man has been arrested on a pair of child sex charges.

30-year-old Robert Alan Edwardson was arrested Tuesday by the Hiawatha Police Department on a Brown County warrant for two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill told MSC News that the charges involve two separate victims, one between 14 and 16 and the other under 14.

The charges were filed last week following an investigation by the Police Department.

Edwardson made his first appearance in a Brown County courtroom Thursday afternoon.

A preliminary hearing was set for Wednesday, February 20.

Edwardson remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a $75,000 bond.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Board of Education Wednesday evening approved the 2019-20 calendar.

The first day of school will be August 15 and the last day will be May 20, 2020.

Christmas break will be December 20-January 6, with spring break being held March 9-13.

The calendar contains 176.5 student contact days, one less day than this school year.

At the request of high school industrial arts teacher Darrin Arment,  the Board approved adding three new courses to the high school curriculum.

The new courses will be nested within existing classes, so Arment will teach two courses in the same class period.

They include Skilled Mechanical Crafts, which will be offered to 10th and 11th graders; Advanced Materials Technology, which will be offered to 11th and 12th graders; and Research and Design in Building Trades, which will be offered to 12th graders.

Arment also discussed the aging equipment, textbooks and curriculum of the middle school introduction to technology course.  More information will be presented at a future board meeting as to a possible new course adoption.

Following an executive session, the Board approved contract extensions for the district’s administrators through the 2020-2021 school year and a $2,000 salary increase for Superintendent Lonnie Moser.

In addition, the Board approved hiring Kesley Hubin as assistant softball coach and to grant authority to Athletic Director Kim Lillie to fill the other assistant softball position.

(KNZA)--A new Doniphan County Noxious Weed Director has been hired.

The Doniphan County Commission Monday voted to hire Jim Norris, of Troy, for the position.

County Clerk Peggy Franken told MSC News that Norris was among two candidates interviewed.

He will replace Francis Hubbard, who is retiring effective March 29 after serving in the position the past 4 years.

Norris is to begin work February 25 at a salary of $18.50 an hour plus benefits.  Upon successful completion of a 90-day probationary period, his pay will increase to $21 an hour.

The position has been considered a part-time seasonal job, but Commissioners have decided to make it a full-time, year round position with added responsibilities.   

(KMZA)--Nemaha County continues negotiations on a term sheet for the development of the Soldier Creek Wind Farm.

The Nemaha County Commission meet in executive session Monday with attorney James Neeld and again during a special meeting Thursday.  Neeld has been retained by the county for negotiations with NextEra Energy--the developer of the proposed 300 megawatt wind farm.

County Commission Chairman Gary Scoby said the Commission hopes to have something by their next meeting, Tuesday, February 19.

On their counsel’s advice, Scoby said the Commission will not act on the  request for a moratorium on wind farm developments they received last week from a local citizens group until negotiations are finished and public input meetings are held.

Registered nurse Lori Menold, of Sabetha, presented documents supporting the moratorium that she said were signed by three Nemaha Valley Community Hospital physicians along with a study that found adverse health affects from living near commercial wind turbines.

In addition, Galen Ackerman, of Sabetha, presented Commissioners with a revised copy of a bill that has been introduced in the Kansas House that would regulate wind developments in the state.

(KAIR)--One of three Kansas hospitals owned by EmpowerHMS has closed.

EmpowerHMS is the same company that owns the Horton Community Hospital, where recent reports have outlined that facility’s financial struggles.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the Board of Directors for the Oswego Community Hospital on Thursday closed its doors immediately.

The board said the Oswego Community Hospital, the Oswego Community Clinic and the Chetopa Community Clinic will all close.

Oswego is located in the southeast corner of Kansas.

According to a post on the hospital’s Facebook page, the closure comes “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

The Kansas Legislature’s failure to expand Medicaid is cited among the reasons the decision to close was made.

The Kansas City-based EmpowerHMS is part of the Empower Group which has gained recent scrutiny for its financial problems at rural hospitals across the nation.

Along with the Horton Community Hospital, EmpowerHMS also owns the Hillsboro Community Hospital.

OSWEGO, Kan. (AP) — A hospital in a small southeast Kansas town is closing immediately, in part because it doesn't have enough money to pay employees.

The board of directors of Oswego Community Hospital announced the decision Thursday. The board said the Oswego Community Hospital, the Oswego Community Clinic and the Chetopa Community Clinic will all close.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the hospital is one of three Kansas hospitals owned by EmpowerHMS, which has struggled to pay its bills at rural hospitals across the country. Its other two hospitals in Kansas are in Horton and Hillsboro.

The board also said Kansas officials' refusal to expand Medicaid contributed to the closure.

The Oswego hospital is a 12-bed critical access hospital. According to its website, the hospital and its clinics employ 65 people.

(KQ2)--The St. Joseph, Missouri  Police Department has identified the man that died after being struck by a car along Highway 36 Wednesday afternoon. 

According to the SJPD, 29-year-old Kyle Juhl, of Wathena, died Wednesday night—stemming from injuries suffered after being struck by a car. 

SJPD said they responded to an accident on eastbound Highway 36 between 28th Street and the Belt Highway around 2:30 p.m.

Police said Juhl was struck after getting out of his car to attend to a driver in another vehicle parked in the median who was experiencing a medical episode.

According to police, Juhl was transported Mosaic Life Care with critical injuries and later pronounced dead.

The driver suffering a medical episode was also taken to the hospital. The condition of the driver is unknown.

Eastbound lanes of Highway 36 between 28th Street and the Belt Highway were shut down for a couple hours.

(KAIR)--The latest in a rash of vehicle thefts is reported in Atchison County, with investigators later locating the SUV outside the county lines.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a news release, said the 2008 Toyota Sequoia was reported stolen during the early morning hours of Tuesday.

According to the report, it was taken while parked at a residence located at 16207 262nd Road, with the owner saying he had last seen the vehicle around 10:00 Monday night.

Laurie, on Thursday, told MSC News the vehicle was located in Leavenworth.

No suspects are immediately known.

Laurie said investigators aren’t ruling out a connection with a rash of other vehicle thefts, and residential burglaries, under investigation in Atchison County.

Laurie is making a push for residents to protect themselves in an attempt to keep from falling victim as the unknown suspects continue their crimes, which range from residential burglaries to vehicle thefts. “Number one is lock the vehicles, lock the houses, and make sure they’re secure at night, and don’t leave your keys in the vehicle. If they have cameras, or some type of surveillance or alarm system, make sure they’re on and set and ready to go.”

Laurie said remaining aware of suspicious activity, and reporting it to his office, could help play a role in identifying suspects. He encourages all residents to do that by calling 913-804-6080.

(KLZA)-- Amanda VanAsperen, representing the Southeast Nebraska Drug Court, presented information to the Nemaha County, Nebraska Board of Commissioners during their February 6 meeting on the proposed new adult drug court for five southeastern Nebraska counties.

Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee and Richardson counties would form the court.   

VanAsperen has visited and received approval from Richardson, Pawnee, Otoe and Johnson counties to continue.  All four counties have agreed to participate in the program and budgeting for the needed funds.  

In the first year Nemaha County's share would be 15.2 percent or$26,400 which includes $1-thousand for annual fees.  After the first year, the budgeted amount will be a percentage of the drug participants. 

(KLZA)-- A rural  Falls City man was arrested early Thursday morning in Nemaha County, Nebraska following a robbery of the Shell Speedee Mart in Auburn. 

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office release indicates the robbery occurred around 4:00 A.M. An investigation began at the scene and a search for the unknown suspect began.

About 6:15 Thursday morning several citizens notified the Sheriff's Office of a pickup found on a county road and of a suspicious individual walking along Highway 136, east of Auburn. 

Deputies made contact with the individual who matched the description of the robbery suspect.  20-year-old Bryant J. “Joseph” Jorn  was taken into custody. 

Jorn was booked into the Nemaha County Jail on potential charges of robbery, possession of a weapon by a prohibited person, possession of stolen property and theft by unlawful taking. 

No one was injured during the robbery or when the arrest was made. 
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners will be reviewing the 1 & 6 Year Road Plan presented by Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. 

A public hearing to receive comments on the proposal has been scheduled for February 19 t 10:30 a.m. 

Veteran's Service Officer Ramona Godemann requested Commissioners appoint a person to fill the vacancy on the Veterans Service Committee. The position became vacant when John Caverzagie resigned when taking his seat as County Commissioner.  

The remaining time in the term will be up in  June, 2021.  Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint Jamie Baker to the Committee. 

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education approved the 2019-20 calendar when they meet this week.

The first day of school for students will be August 15.  

Students and staff will enjoy a longer than usual Christmas break, which begins December 21.  It will end January 7 for students and  January 6 for teachers.

Spring break will be March 16-20 and the last day for students will be May 21.

Winter weather has wreaked havoc on the current year calendar.  Three full days have been missed so far.  Delayed starts and early dismissal count as full days, therefore those hours missed will not count against the 1,116 hour requirement.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman informed the Board that he will recommend that the Monday after Easter be changed to a school day and may possibly look at another day if there are any future full day cancellations.   

(KAIR)--A local lawmaker is sponsoring legislation requiring pornography filters on computers and smart phones while requiring a fee to remove the filters.

According to the Topeka Capital-Journal, Republican Representative Randy Garber, of Sabetha, sponsored the two bills introduced Wednesday in the Kansas House.

They are intended to generate funding for human trafficking programs.

According to the newspaper, the legislation mandates that all new computers and internet-capable smart phones sold in Kansas be equipped with anti-pornography filters which would be removed if adult purchasers pay $20, along with other fees determined by retailers. 
No one under the age of 18 would be allowed to remove the filters.

Garber told the newspaper he sees the legislation as a way to protect children, but said it wouldn’t be surprising that the bills, if adopted, generated legal challenges.

Free-speech organizations call such legislation unconstitutional.

Similar bills are being introduced in legislatures across the country.

According to a 2017 report from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world, the driving force behind the legislation in at least a dozen states is a man known both as Mark Sevier and Mark Severe.

A Daily Beast report identifies him as a disbarred attorney who has sued major tech companies blaming them for his pornography addiction.

He has also, according to the report, sued states for the right to marry his laptop computer.

It’s not immediately clear what role, if any, Sevier, or Severe, played in drafting the Kansas legislation.

(KAIR)--A person of interest is being sought in connection with what is reported as a shooting in the Leavenworth County community of Easton.

The Leavenworth Times reports it happened around 8:15 Wednesday morning at 215 South 3rd Street.

The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department told the newspaper a 58-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound inside the home, and he was transported by helicopter for hospitalized treatment. It's reported that he was concious and talking. 

The person of interest is identified as 43-year-old Daniel W. Owens who has ties to Easton, Leavenworth, and Kansas City, Kansas.

He’s described as someone known to the victim.

Owens may be driving a maroon older model Chevrolet pickup truck with a toolbox with a diamond tread in its bed. The truck may have a Missouri license plate but the tag number is unknown at this time.

Anyone with information about Owens’ whereabouts should call 913-682-5724.

Easton USD 449, working in concert with the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office, has placed our schools on lockout in response to the situation in the city of Easton. For the safety of our students and staff, our schools will remain on high alert until the situation is resolved.

— USD #449 (@USD449) February 13, 2019

(KNZA)--The police officer, whose body was discovered Wednesday morning in Brown County, has been publicly identified.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a Wednesday afternoon release, identified the officer as 43-year-old Kirby Robidoux, of Falls City, Nebraska.
Merchant, in the release, said the cause of death remains unknown, and an autopsy will be conducted.

He calls Robidoux “a very dedicated officer who always had a kind word for everyone he met.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating.

Foul play is not suspected.

Along with his role as a part time officer for the Sac and Fox Police Department, Robidoux also served as a Richardson County Deputy Sheriff, and a member of the Falls City City Council.

Merchant said Robidoux’s body was found in his patrol vehicle around 6:00 Wednesday morning. The KBI says the discovery was made near the intersection of 330th and Longspur Road  in northern Brown County.

According to Merchant, Brown County dispatch became concerned when the officer failed to respond to a radio check, and requested assistance from the Iowa Tribal Police Department. An officer with that agency discovered the body.

Merchant said, “Our sympathies go out to the family of the officer, his department and the community he served.”

(KAIR)--A Tuesday evening Atchison pursuit ends with the recovery of the suspect vehicle in Missouri, but no arrest.

That word comes from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who told MSC News the pursuit began around 6:00 at 4th and U.S. Highway 59, in Atchison, when an officer on patrol spotted a truck that had been reported stolen in Topeka. 

When the attempt to stop the truck was made, the driver fled westbound on U.S. Highway 59 and then south on U.S. Highway 73, east on 262nd Road, south on Sheridan Road, then north on Sheridan to Raven Hill Road. The truck then traveled north on 6th Street to 5th Street, east on S Street, then north on 4th Street, before fleeing eastbound across the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge into Missouri.

Wilson said the pursuit was called off by Atchison Police due to speed and danger to the public. However, the abandoned vehicle was soon located in Buchanan County, Missouri, and the search for the suspect continues.

Wilson said the Atchison Police Department is joined by the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department and the Shawnee County, Kansas Sheriff’s Department in conducting the joint investigation.

Video credit: Sean Crittendon/Boys and Girls Club of Atchison

(KAIR)--Leavenworth Mayor Jermaine Wilson is working to share his story of faith and redemption, bringing that message to Atchison on Wednesday evening, Feb 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 at the Atchison Middle School Auditorium.

MSC Radio News Director Brian Hagen had a chance to talk to Wilson during a February 8 visit to Atchison and the 93.7 FM studios.

(KAIR)--A new playground is set to open Wednesday in Atchison’s Jackson Park.

Construction on the inclusive playground began late last year, following approval by the Atchison City Commission in August, 2018.

According to a Tuesday evening post on the City of Atchison’s Facebook page, the playground was designed to remove many of the physical and cognitive barriers that prevent children of different abilities from playing together at the same facilty.

According to past information provided by the City, the playground features a wheelchair accessible composite structure, a multiple occupant saucer swing, a merry-go-round, musical instruments, and a tunnel mound.

According to the city, the playground is intended “to provide a fun, safe environment where children can be social, develop skills, work on sensory challenges, learn from each other, and most of all, have fun together.”

The Facebook post says the opening is timed with the expected arrival of warmer weather, but notes that the site surrounding the playground is unfinished and muddy, and encourages the use of sidewalks at Jackson Park to access the playground.

(KNZA)--Horton Chief of Police John Calhoon will also serve as the permanent city administrator.

Horton Mayor Bryan Stirton says the City Commission voted at their meeting Monday to appoint Calhoon to the permanent position.

His annual salary was set at $72,500. 

Calhoon had been serving as interim administrator since June of last year.

He was appointed to the interim position after the Commission voted to remove City Clerk Kim Knudson from that role.

Calhoon has served as chief of police of the Brown County community since September 2013.  

Editor’s note: Brown County Sheriff John Merchant Tuesday verified the company as Washington National Insurance, after speaking in-person with a representative.

Saying that they are credible, and having collected verifiable information, Merchant said the company is working to make sure any other concerns are addressed, and are operating properly.

(KNZA)--Concerns are being voiced by the Brown County Sheriff following the report of unverified salespersons operating in the local area.

Sheriff John Merchant Monday told MSC News the insurance sales have been reported in the Powhattan area; and while it’s not a legal requirement that such sales are registered with his office, he said the failure to do so causes him concern, as the common approach is for his office to be made aware prior to such business being conducted.

Brian Hagen talked to Merchant, who encourages the public to call his office if approached at 785-742-7125.

(KMZA)--An early Monday afternoon two-vehicle collision in Marshall County sent a Frankfort teenager to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports it happened shortly before 12:30 at the intersection of K-99 and Parallel Road.

The Patrol says 18-year-old Elizabeth Taylor was westbound when she pulled onto K-99 in front of a northbound semi tractor trailer and her car was struck by the semi.

Taylor was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with what the Patrol described as serious injuries.

The semi driver, 47-year-old Platte City, Missouri resident William Fuller, was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck occurred.      

(KNZA)--Brown County will be seeking a new emergency management director.

Following an executive session Monday, Brown County Commission Chairman Keith Olsen announced that Undersheriff Randy Linck has resigned from the director’s position.

Olsen said Linck has agreed to continue serving in the position until a replacement is hired.

In other business, Sheriff John Merchant presented a quote for an engineering study of the HVAC system at the Sheriff’s Office from Orazem and Scalora Engineering, of Manhattan.

Merchant says there has been issues with the HVAC system since it was installed when the jail was built and would like to have the firm evaluate the system and make a recommendation.

The Commission voted to proceed with study at a cost not to exceed $10,700, with funding to come from proceeds left from the sales tax approved by voters for construction of the jail.   

The Commission also approved a request by Merchant for the purchase of  eleven new fire extinguishers from AKE Safety Equipment for the Sheriff’s Department’s patrol cars, with half of the $7,200 cost coming from the Commissioner’s fund.

(KNZA)--U.S. Senator Jerry Moran will visit Sabetha Thursday, February 21 as part of his Kansas Listening Tour.

The Kansas Republican will be speaking to the Sabetha Kiwanis Club at the Buzz Cafe from 12 noon to 12:30.

Moran will then hold a town hall meeting at the Cafe from 12:30 to 1:00, which is open to the public.

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

According to a release from Moran’s Office, the issues the senator focuses on and the work he does in Washington D.C., are largely based on the conversations he has with Kansans during these listening tour stops.    

(KAIR)--A Monday evening Atchison County crash left a man injured, and authorities believe alcohol played a role in the wreck.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, said 36-year-old Jeffery Jewell was southbound on K7 Highway, near 314th Road, around 8:00.

That’s when his Ford Explorer went across the northbound lane, ran off the embankment, and struck a tree.

Laurie said Jewell suffered minor injuries to his head, but refused transport for hospitalized treatment. However, deputies later took him to the hospital.

Laurie said it’s believe Jewell was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the wreck, which remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--A mattress in the roadway is being blamed for a Monday evening Jackson County crash that sent three to the hospital and caused a power outage.

According to a news release issued by Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, Onaga resident Rebecca Gilchrist was behind the wheel of a Chrysler Sebring, northbound on U.S. Highway 75, south of 126th Road, near Hoyt, when she struck the mattress.
Morse said that caused the car to cross the median, and both southbound lanes of the highway, before severing a telephone pole on the west side of the highway.

The 19-year-old Gilchrist and her two passengers, 21-year-old Michelle Hosler and 32-year-old Vernon Tyrell, both of Topeka, were all transported by EMS for treatment at a Topeka hospital.

Morse called their injuries non-life-threatening.

The severed telephone pole caused a power outage in southern Jackson County.

The wreck happened around 6:15 Monday evening.

The Hoyt, Mayetta, and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Fire Departments, the Kansas Highway Patrol, Jackson County EMS, and the Sheriff’s Office, all assisted at the scene.

(KLZA)-- Slick roadways contributed to a pair of wrecks in Northwest Missouri Sunday morning  that resulted in two people being transported for care at hospitals. 

At 5:30 Sunday morning a pickup driven by 24-year-old Nathan Peters, of Elmo, Missouri was westbound on U.S. 136 Highway about three miles east of Tarkio, when the pickup began to slide and rotated counter clockwise across the highway and slid off the road and overturned when it struck a utility pole.  

The pickup came to rest on it's wheels facing east.

Peters was transported to the Fairfax Hospital by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance District. 

The Atchison County, Missouri Sheriff's Office at Athcison – Holt EMS assisted at the scene. 

Around 9:30 Sunday morning a car driven by 50-year-old Amanda Bledsoe of Forest City, MO. Was headed south on Interstate 29 approximately 10 miles south of Mound City when her car slid off the west side of the snow covered roadway, went up an embankment and struck a tree.

Bledsoe was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to the Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph with what  were described as moderate injuries.

The vehicles in both wrecks were totaled.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that Hiawatha Community Hospital Human Resources Director, Alison Kerl, did respond to requests for comment from MSC News

(KNZA)--Rumors are swirling regarding a change in leadership at the Hiawatha Community Hospital, with sources close to the operations saying an interim CEO has been put in place.

The rumors began Friday, and at that time, hospital board leadership referred all questions pertaining to personnel to hospital Human Resources Director Alison Kerl.

Kerl, on Tuesday, told MSC News, “I’m unable to comment on personnel matters.”

The rumored change of leadership comes as the hospital seeks financial assistance for what hospital leadership is calling a financial crisis.

Last week it was confirmed that four business office personnel positions have been eliminated as part of the continuing effort to streamline operations.

On Monday, the financial status was discussed as a joint city-county committee, formed to look at options for assisting the hospital, held its second meeting.

Currently, the committee is leaning toward a county-wide half-cent sales tax to provide financial support not only for the Hiawatha Community Hospital but also healthcare needs in Horton where its hospital is also reportedly struggling.  

The Horton Community Hospital, owned by a Florida-based company, has not yet requested financial help from the county.  

The sales tax, which would contain a sunset clause, would require voter approval, with a special mail ballot election discussed.  The estimated $10,000 to $20,000 cost would be split between Brown County and the City of Hiawatha.

Proceeds from the sales tax, estimated to generate around $600,000 annually, would be used to pay off bonds that would be issued.

Hospital Board member Jake Wisdom, a member of the joint committee, said during the meeting the hospital roughly needs around $5 million ( soft number) to cover operational costs and debt service.

The committee voted Monday to recommend to the Hiawatha Hospital Board of Trustees that they hire an outside healthcare management and consulting firm, with expertise in Medicare and Medicaid issues, to provide assistance to the hospital.

The committee also voted to recommend that the Brown County Commission, Hiawatha City Commission, and Horton City Commission, have voting representation on the hospital board.

In addition, they requested to receive the hospital’s 2018 financial statements and pro-forma 2019 financial statement.

The committee will hold its next meeting on Friday, February 22nd.

(KLZA)-- Only minor damage reported to a building in the 2900 block of Old Highway 73 in Falls City Friday afternoon shortly after 2 o'clock.

Falls City Volunteer Firefighters and and members of the Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to the call to a building owned by Stan Coupe and occupied by Chad Scholl.

A wood burning stove caught the ceiling on fire.  Only minor damage was reported.  Fire fighters were on the scene for about two hours.  

(KNZA)--A free book program for kids up to age 5, named after country music star Dolly Parton, is coming to Jackson County.

Primary program organizer, Vern Andrews of Holton, announced in an email that they recently reached their $12,500 local fund-raising goal to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Jackson County.

Andrews, a teacher in the Jackson Heights school district, said a recent contribution of nearly $3,800 from the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation along with a $2,500 contribution from the Jackson County United Way last September helped local organizers them meet their goal.

Starting March 1, Andrews said Jackson County parents of children birth through age 5 will be able to go online and sign up their child for the free book program.  Parents can do so by going to imaginationlibrary.com and clicking Getting Started.

Children registered for the program will receive a free book every month until their fifth birthday.  Andrews said a child registered in the program from birth to age 5 will have a 60-book library by the time they start school.

He estimated more than 900 children in Jackson County are currently eligible for the program, which is expected to cost about $12,500 a year after it is fully implemented.

Donations can be made on-line at imaginationlibrary.com.  Be sure to specify Jackson County, Kansas as the local affiliate.  

(KAIR)--A teenager required hospital transport following a two vehicle, late Friday afternoon Atchison wreck.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened at 14th and Kansas Avenue when vehicles driven by Robert Daniels, Jr., of Lansing, and Arianna Olson, of Atchison, collided.

Daniels was southbound on 14th Street, while Olson was eastbound on Kansas Avenue, at the time of the wreck.

Wilson said a 14-year-old girl was a passenger in the vehicle driven by Olson, and was transported by Atchison County EMS for examination at the Atchison Hospital.

Wilson said Daniels was cited for failure to yield the right of way.

Everyone was wearing a seatbelt when the crash happened around 4:40 Friday afternoon.

The teen’s injuries were reported as minor.

Meanwhile, a series of wrecks Sunday in Atchison County, blamed on slick road conditions, caused no serious injuries.

According to a report issued by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the wrecks happened in areas of the county at times varying from early morning to early evening.

Although two of the four wrecks required EMS evaluation at the scene, Laurie said no one was transported for hospitalized treatment.

(KMZA)--The city of Marysville has been awarded a nearly $92,000 state grant to install a new raised crosswalk at the Seventh Street corridor intersection with Broadway in an effort to slow traffic.

According to a press release from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the grant is through the Department’s Transportation Alternatives Program for federal fiscal year 2020.

The city will provide a 20 percent local match plus pay for design engineering costs, which should total about $35,000.

Marysville City Administrator Austin St. John said the raised crossing will be made of concrete and will replace the “ hump” that is currently at the intersection.

Twenty-three projects were selected by KDOT for funding, totaling nearly $8.5 million.

(KNZA)--Highland Community College President David Reist is to be recognized by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with a lifetime achievement award.

Reist is among seven retiring college presidents and chancellors who will receive the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award during the Society’s annual convention, April 4-6, in Orlando, Florida.

The award is named in honor of the late longtime president of St. Petersburg College in Florida.

The award is given to retiring college presidents who have shown strong support of student success on their campus by recognizing academic achievement, leadership and service among high-achieving students over the course of their career.  Recipients are nominated by the students on their campus.

Reist is retiring effective June 30th of this year after serving 17 years as  HCC president.    

(KNZA)--Highland Community College President David Reist is to be recognized by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with a lifetime achievement award.

Reist is among seven retiring college presidents and chancellors who will receive the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award during the Society’s annual convention, April 4-6, in Orlando, Florida.

The award is named in honor of the late longtime president of St. Petersburg College in Florida.

The award is given to retiring college presidents who have shown strong support of student success on their campus by recognizing academic achievement, leadership and service among high-achieving students over the course of their career.  Recipients are nominated by the students on their campus.

Reist is retiring effective June 30th of this year after serving 17 years as  HCC president.    

(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission has given final approval to three improvement projects, including the extension of the Riverfront Trail, the 2nd Street Corridor Project, and the Safe Routes to Schools Project for South 5th Street. 

Approval was granted during the Commission's February 4 meeting. 

MSC Radio News Director Brian Hagen talked to Assitant Atchison City Manager Justin Pregont about the projects. The interview is below. 

Editor's note: below is a press release issued by the City of Atchison following Commission approval of the projects. 

ATCHISON – The City of Atchison will be embarking on a trio of projects adjacent to downtown this spring that will improve walkability and provide sidewalk upgrades and extensions.
The projects include a doubling of the Riverfront Trail, extending the popular attraction to the north.
When it’s done, the trail will be just under a mile long.
The other projects include the 2nd Street Corridor Project and the Safe Routes to Schools Project for South 5th Street.
“Improving the quality of life for our residents and visitors is a key priority for the City, and this is one way to make an impact,” Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont said.
The 2nd Street Corridor Project is intended to improve the walking experience between downtown Atchison and Benedictine College. The project includes curb/gutter and sidewalk replacement along 2nd Street from Commercial Street to Division Street. Part of the project is the installation of Stresscrete street light poles in the same fashion as those downtown.
The Safe Routes to School Project will improve sidewalks from the 5th Street viaduct all the way to U Street – with some additional work done on some of the connecting side streets along that corridor.
All three of the projects make extensive use of grant funding. The Riverfront Trail Extension makes use of a $250,000 federal Recreational Trails Grant. Combined with an $80,000 contribution from the Atchison Riverfront Foundation, this project should be completed with minimal use of City funds.
The 2nd Street Corridor Project is expected to cost about $920,000, with $525,000 coming from a Transportation Alternatives Grant. The Transportation Alternatives Program is a KDOT initiative that uses Federal Highway Administration funds.
The Safe Routes to Schools Program is also part of the Transportation Alternatives Program, and the South 5th Street Project will utilize $400,000 of this funding – 80 percent of the expected cost of the $500,000 project.
“Any time we can make use of grant funds to help stretch our budget further, that is an added benefit for our residents,” Pregont said.
The three projects come on the heels of the AMS West Sidewalks Project and the Downtown West ADA Project, both of which combined for $419,000 of outside funding through the federal Community Development Block Grant program. Collectively the projects are part of an effort to increase pedestrian accessibility to downtown and to enhance the pedestrian experience throughout the core of Atchison.
“I’m incredibly excited about our upcoming trail and sidewalk improvements,” Mayor Shawn Rizza said. “To be able to move forward with all three of these projects this year is a testament to our staff’s ability and dedication. The Riverfront is by far the most utilized park in the city, and we are about to double its length. The 2nd Street Project will beautify the connection between downtown, the Amelia Historic District, and BC, encouraging people to travel
between all three. The Safe Routes to School initiative on South 5th Street will give our kids a protected path to school with improved street crossings, and new sidewalks. This will have a great impact towards improving the overall health and appearance of Atchison.”
The City Commission approved the three projects during Monday’s regular meeting. Construction on each project is due to begin in March, with estimated completion dates in mid-summer.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City Council member is being remembered.

Charles Bentley, who had served as 2nd Ward Councilman since December 2016,  died Thursday at the age 73.

He worked for the Falls City Water and Light Department for more than 49 years, retiring in 2013.

Funeral services for Bentley will be Monday afternoon at 1:30 at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home in Falls City.   Burial will be in the Steele Cemetery.

Among survivors are his wife, Carol, and three children.

(KNZA)--A Holton man has been arrested on child solicitation charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a press release, said 34-year-old Phillip Hackathorn was arrested Thursday by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on a Jackson County warrant for indecent solicitation of a child and electronic solicitation of a child.

Morse says his arrest follows an investigation by the Sheriff's Office that began in November.

During the investigation, he said the Sheriff's Office served search warrants on Hackathorn’s Facebook and Snapchat accounts.

Hackathorn was released Thursday after posting a $50,000 bond.

(KMZA)--A Sabetha man convicted on a pair of child sex charges involving a 15-year-old has been placed on probation.

According to a press release from Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert, Gage Gresham was sentenced Thursday to a total of 64 months in prison on two counts of indecent liberties with a child.

Lippert says the sentence was suspended and Gresham was placed on supervised probation for 36 months.  As a condition of his probation, Lippert said he must complete an inpatient or outpatient sex offender treatment program.  Gresham was also ordered to register as a sex offender for 25 years.

He pleaded no contest to the charges in November.  In exchange for the plea, a  charge of criminal sodomy was dismissed.

Gresham was arrested last May following an investigation by the Sabetha Police Department.

(KNZA)--A longtime local magistrate judge is retiring.

22nd Judicial District Magistrate Judge Roy Roper, of Troy, will retire March 31.

Roper has served on the bench the past 18 years.

The 22nd Judicial District includes Brown, Doniphan, Marshall and Nemaha Counties.

(KMZA)--The Seneca Volunteer Fire Department saw an increase in fire calls last year.

Outgoing Fire Chief Tom Scott presented the annual report to the Seneca City Council Wednesday evening.

Scott said the department responded to a total of 54 calls last year, up from 45 in 2017.  That included 19 city calls, 33 rural calls and 2 mutual aid calls.  He said an increase in home fires was the main reason for the increase.

In annual elections held last month, Darin Schmitz was elected as the new fire chief.  Elected as 1st assistant chief was Brett Ohlsen and David Frehe as second assistant chief.

In other business, Seneca Police Chief Jordan Weaver informed the Council that a new municipal Court Clerk has been hired.  Angel O’Neil, of Seneca, will begin the part-time position immediately.

Weaver also discussed with the Council a request from a local resident for the installation of a stop sign at 7th and Branch Streets.  He said the resident made the request after an accident at the location.

Weaver said there has only been two accidents at the location in five years and didn’t see a reason for installing a stop sign.   The Council agreed.

(KLZA)-- A new Falls City elementary school principal has been hired.

Robert Alderson was hired by the Falls City Board of Education as the new South Elementary School Principal on February 7 following interviews with two candidates.

Alderson has been in education for 27 years, the last 18 serving as a Nebraska elementary principal at Wood River, Gibbon and Kimball. 

According to a news release from Superintendent Tim Heckenlively's office, Alderson has a  strong background in instruction leadership, school law, special education and data analysis.

In the release, Anderson noted it is very important for  him to be able to build relationships with students, staff, and parents, saying he believes it is the key to building a positive culture that enhances education. 

Anderson will begin his duties in Falls City with the start of the 2019-20 school year.

(KAIR)--A local banker has been nominated for a role of national leadership.

The Independent Community Bankers of America has announced the nominees for the 2019-2020 board of directors, and among them is Steve Handke.

Handke, Past Chairman of the Community Bankers Association of Kansas, is the President of Everest-based Union State Bank.

According to the Union State Bank website, Handke has held that role of leadership since 1990.

In an email to MSC News, Handke says he is honored to be the first Kansas community banker nominated to serve on the national board, which he calls “a powerful and respected voice for community banking in Washington.”

According to a news release, “the Independent Community Bankers of America creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish.”

Handke says that “as banking is rapidly changing due to new regulations and technologies, it is virtually important to our rural communities that community banking remain strong.”

Handke calls Everest “an amazing little community,” adding that he hopes to carry his 35-years of passion for small towns and their banks to an important seat at the table in Washington D.C.”  

The ICBA’s Board of Directors will vote on the nominations during the 2019 ICBA national convention to be held in Nashville, Tennessee March 18-22.

(KMZA)--A jury trial has been set for a Frankfort man charged in connection with a all-terrain vehicle crash last May that claimed the life of a Frankfort woman.

Weston Adams pleaded not guilty this week in Marshall County District Court to a charge of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol along with charges of interference with law enforcement and driving without an ignition interlock device.

A jury trial was set for June 17.

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 Vermillion man has been nominated for appointment as the new 3rd District Marshall County Commissioner.

The Marysville Advocate reports Keith Bramhall was chosen Thursday evening from a field of nine candidates.

The selection was made by Republican precinct committee members from District 3, which covers eastern and southeast Marshall County.

Bramhall’s name will be sent to Governor Laura Kelly for appointment to fill the unexpired term of Lynn Feldhausen.  The Frankfort Republican died last month.

The term expires in January 2021.

(KLZA)-- Rumors of area Shopko Hometown store closings have been confirmed. 

MSC News has confirmed the stores in Falls City, Auburn, Seneca, Kansas and Beatrice are closing.  Liquidation sales will begin soon  with the last day of operations estimated to be May 5 in Auburn,  May 11 in Falls City and May 12 in Seneca and Beatrice.

The Wisconsin based retail chain announced Wednesday that it will close 251 stores, more than twice the number identified in mid-January.

Shopko filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors in January in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Nebraska, citing assets of less than $1 billion and debts between $1 billion and $10 billion. 

The last day the pharmacy will be open in Falls City is Monday, February 11.  

On the Shopko website there are more than 360 stores listed. By the end of May there will be only around 100 still open. 

There are approximately 25 people employed at the Falls City Shopko store. 

(KNZA)--A stolen pickup truck was found on fire in Jackson County Thursday.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the truck was discovered just north of 110th Road, on T. Road, east of Hoyt, in southern Jackson County.

The fire was reported around 11:45 Thursday morning.

Morse said his deputies, along with the Hoyt and Mayetta Fire Departments responded to the scene, with the fire crews able to extinguish the blaze.
The truck, identified as a 1995 Dodge Ram, is a total loss.

It had been reported stolen Wednesday in Topeka.

Morse said the investigation is continuing.

As Jackson County and surrounding areas, continue to experience a rash of vehicle thefts, Morse sends the reminder to make sure that all vehicles, homes, sheds, outbuildings, and other structures, are kept locked.

He says anyone who notices a suspicious person, or activity, should contact his office at 785-364-2251.

(KLZA)-- Two St. Joseph women were injured in a one vehicle wreck in Holt County, Missouri, Wednesday, afternoon, February 6.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 41-year-old Stacey Smith was eastbound on US 59 Highway approximately three miles east of Oregon when her pickup traveled across the westbound lane and off the north side of the road. The drivers side struck a snow embankment and the pickup overturned one time, coming to rest o its wheels.

Smith suffered moderate injuries and a passenger, 43-year-old Shelly Fleck suffered minor injuries. Both were transported to Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph by the Atchison-Holt ambulance.  

The Holt County Sheriff's Office and  South Holt Fire Department assisted at the scene of the wreck.  

(KNZA)--Several positions are eliminated at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

That comes as part of the continuing effort to streamline operations due to what hospital leadership says is a financial crisis.

According to a new release issued Wednesday by the hospital, four business office personnel positions have been eliminated, with that move announced by hospital leadership February 1.

Alison Kerl, director of human resources at the hospital, said in the release that the decision was not made lightly but will ultimately allow the hospital to optimize usage of its new electronic health records system and help the organization be more sustainable in the future.

Hospital CEO Jeff Shelton said the eliminated positions performed functions related to medical office billing coding for the hospital’s rural health clinics and EHR data extraction.

Shelton said the reduction in force falls in-line with the organization's action plan to further reduce expenses and optimize operations.

Since January 6, the hospital has implemented more than $1.3 million in cost cutting measures in an attempt to bring the hospital back into financial security.

During a joint meeting on January 28 between the Brown County Commission and Hiawatha City Commission, the hospital requested financial assistance from the two government entities.

A joint city/county advisory committee was formed to determine the best course of action for the hospital’s future.

CLAY CENTER, Kan. (AP) - Kansas authorities say a southeast Nebraska man who was reported missing earlier this week was found dead in his pickup truck.
 
Clay County Sheriff Chuck Dunn says the body of 66-year-old Rick Kubes, of Auburn, Nebraska, was discovered Wednesday evening about 3 miles north of Clay Center on Kansas 15.
 
Dunn says an official cause of death hasn't been determined but it appeared Kubes had a medical issue because his vehicle had drifted off the road.
 
The sheriff says Kubes left a home in Clay Center early Sunday to drive to a hospital in Auburn because he was suffering from back pain.
 
A statewide silver alert was issued on Monday when after he didn't arrive at the hospital.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha High School sophomore wants to start an annual corn picking event in the community in an effort to broaden educational and agri-tourism opportunities.

15-year-old Nathan Wright appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to discuss his proposal and request the use of city-owned property adjacent to the Brown County Historical Society’s Ag Museum to plant corn.

Wright proposed the city lease an 8-acre parcel to the Historical Society for an annual payment of one dollar per year.

He said he took part in a corn picking event in Jewell, Kansas last fall with his uncle and would like hold to a similar event at the Ag Museum. “Machinery from the museum, as well as participating northeast Kansas-area farmers, would be used to pick, and shell, the eared corn...some people [may] go out and handpick. I’m really hoping this is the new Maple Leaf Festival, and I can kind of turn it into that, where it brings people to town.”

Wright says its part of his FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience project. “I plan to work with my FFA advisor, my dad, and my uncle, in addition to the staff from the Ag-Museum, to plant, spray, and harvest the corn in the field. I would like to reach out to local farm suppliers for donations of seed, fertilizer, and chemicals, because I want this to be a community effort.”

Wright said he would like to hold the corn picking event in the fall around when the Halloween Frolic is held.  He said all profits from the grain production would go to the Historical Society.

Commissioners voiced support for his proposal.  A lease agreement will be drawn up between the city and Historical Society for approval at their next meeting.

(KMZA)--A local citizens group is seeking a moratorium on wind energy projects while regulations are being developed.

Group representatives, Brad Lueger and Will Eisenbise, presented the Nemaha County Commission this week with a proposed county resolution that would halt action on wind farms until April 1, 2019.

Letters were presented from several area businesses and industries that support the moratorium, which could be extended.

Commissioners were asked to give a formal response on the proposed resolution in a week.

Also presented was the draft copy of a bill that has been introduced in the Kansas House that would regulate wind developments in the state.

In addition, the Commission was presented with a list of requests for wind energy developments in Nemaha and Brown Counties.

It requests a one-mile setback from turbines to non-participating landowner residences and a 1,500-foot setback from property lines of non-participating landowners.  A 500-foot maximum structure height is also requested.

In addition, requested is a property value guarantee in the event that a wind development causes neighboring property values to drop, a substantial annual payment in lieu of taxes, protections against shadow flicker and noise along with a decommissioning plan.

County resident Melinda Sperfslage presented Commissioners copies of resolutions approved by other Kansas counties that regulate noise control in their counties.

Nemaha County is currently in negotiations with Florida-based NextEra Energy Resources on terms for the proposed Soldier Creek Wind Farm.
Attorney James Neeld, who the county has retained to conduct the negotiations, was not available this week due to a family funeral.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Department has been awarded a federal grant.

According to a press release, the Sheriff’s Office was recently notified it had been selected to receive just over $45,000 as part of the Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

Sheriff John Merchant said the grant would be used to fund the purchase of 3-mobile automatic license plate readers. The release says the license plate readers will enhance officer safety and help officers identify stolen vehicles and vehicles of interest more readily.

The system can be live linked to law enforcement data bases allowing access to timely information such as Amber or Silver Alerts.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has turned down a request from the city of Hiawatha to form a cemetery district by resolution that would allow for a tax levy to provide funding for upkeep of four local cemeteries.

The Commission voted Monday to sign a letter that will be sent to the city informing them of their decision.

Commissioners indicated they would prefer that a petition be circulated instead to form a cemetery district that would benefit the Hiawatha Cemetery, Mount Hope Cemetery and two other smaller local cemeteries.  The cemetery district would have its own taxing authority.

The petition would require the signatures of at least 51 percent of the qualified voters in the proposed district.

During the past two years, the city of Hiawatha has provided financial assistance to the Hiawatha Cemetery Board to help with the maintenance and upkeep of their cemetery grounds.

In a letter to the county, Hiawatha Mayor Bill Collins said he doesn’t feel the financial burden should rest solely on the shoulders of city residents as not just city residents are buried in the cemetery.

It was noted that there are currently 12 cemetery districts in the county.

(KLZA)-- A wreck involving four vehicles Saturday afternoon in Nemaha County, Nebraska sent four people to the hospital.

The Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriff's Office report indicates the wreck occurred shortly past noon, about 3 1/2 miles north of Auburn on Highway 75.  

According to the report, 65-year-old Randall Rohrs of Johnson was northbound on Highway 75 when he slowed to make a left hand turn and his pickup truck was struck from behind by a car driven by 88-year-old Myrna Campbell of Peru.

The Rohrs pickup spun into the southbound lane where it was struck by a southbound van driven by 47-year-old Jeffrey Blair of American Fork, Utah.  The van ended up in deep snow on the side of the highway.

A fourth vehicle,  a utility automobile driven by 48-year-old Richard Johnson of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was southbound and able to avoid the wrecked vehicles but struck a mailbox as it left the road. 

The Auburn Rescue Squad had to free Campbell from her car.  Both Campbell and Rohrs were transported to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn with what were described as serious injuries. 

Two passengers in the van, a 13-year-old and a six-year-old, were transported  to the hospital with minor injuries.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man goes to jail, and an Atchison Police Officer goes to the hospital, following an early Wednesday morning domestic incident involving a gun. “Shortly after 3:00 Wednesday morning, officers responded to the 1000 block of North 10th to investigate shots fired. Once in the area, their attention was focused on a residence located at 1017 North 10th,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News. He said when officers arrived at the address, one officer was bitten by a dog. “There actually were several officers who responded to the scene, [and] were there very quickly after first receiving the call. They were searching the area for the report of shots fired [and] it was very quickly that they began focusing on the specific residence. Two officers actually were approaching the front of the residence when a dog came out of a garage and grabbed the officer by the arm [which left] bite marks on his arm. He was soon freed from that bite hold from the dog when, what we now know to be the suspect, also came out to the front yard from a garage area, called for the dog, and then the officers dealt with the suspect.”

The suspect is identified as 48-year-old Thomas Strathman.

Wilson said it’s alleged that Strathman fired a gun, into the ground, outside the home, during an argument with a 56-year-old woman who also lived at the residence. “There had been a verbal argument in the residence, and during that argument, he held a handgun against, or toward, the victim. At that point, the victim was trying to flee the house [and] did go out the front door. It turns out, too, the dog that attacked the officer had been inside [but] went outside with the victim. At that point, the victim heard a gunshot and we believe the best information we have is the gun was fired at the ground. When the victim heard that, she took off running and fled the area.”

Police located the victim, who was unharmed, a short time later, while Strathman was taken into custody.

He was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm.

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

Wilson said the officer who was bitten by the dog was taken to the Atchison Hospital for treatment and later released.

(KAIR)--A chimney fire at a rural Atchison County residence causes damage, but no injuries.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a report issued Wednesday, said it happened in Lancaster, near 310th and Hamilton Road, Tuesday night.

Laurie said the resident of the home, Brad Bell, reported the fire, which led to response from the Lancaster Fire Department.

The firefighters were able to to extinguish the flames throughout the wood burning stove and chimney shaft.

However, prior to that successful effort, the fire had spread, causing damage to the ceiling and floorboards of the upstairs.

Laurie said the fire was reported shortly before 11:00.

(KAIR)--A Horton man is facing charges after allegedly threatening his father with a knife.

“An altercation started between a father and son,” Horton Police Chief John Calhoon told MSC News. “The son began throwing items at his father, and ultimately pulled out a couple of knives, in an angry and rude manner, threatening his father. The father was able to get away.”

Calhoon said 21-year-old Cyrus Conklin was arrested Sunday morning. “At approximately 10:00, officers were approached by a citizen, during their patrol. [The citizen] basically said they had been assaulted by a family member. [That] ultimately led to the arrest of Cyrus Conklin in the 200 block of West 9th.”

Conklin was formally charged Monday with felony counts of aggravated assault and interference with law enforcement along with misdemeanor counts of domestic battery and criminal damage to property.   

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for February 13. 

Conklin remains in the Brown County Jail in lieu of a $5,000 cash or surety bond

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Senate has approved a bill that would make a $115 million payment to the state pension system for teachers and government workers.

The vote Tuesday was 40-0 even though Democrats in the GOP-dominated Senate argued that lawmakers should review the entire budget first. The bill goes next to the House.

The money represents part of the state's annual contribution to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System that lawmakers skipped in 2016, plus interest. Legislators shorted the pension system that year to help close a budget shortfall.

Under the bill, the payment would be made before July.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly did not include the payment in her budget proposals, but she told reporters Monday that the state has the money "to take care of that."

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Corporation Commission has approved a rate increase that will cost Kansas Gas customers an average of $2.40 per month.

The commission on Tuesday approved a settlement between its staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, Kansas Gas Service and others. The new rates will take effect Wednesday.

Kansas Gas Service had sought an increase that would have increased average customer bills by $5.67 per month.

The utility had asked to increase base rates by $45.6 million. The settlement will result in an annual increase of $21.5 million.

The commission has not yet decided whether Kansas Gas Service will be allowed to keep tax savings accruing because of tax changes under the Federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

(KNZA)--A new Brown County appraiser has been hired.

Brown County Commission Chairman Keith Olsen announced Monday that Steve Markham, of Garnett, has accepted the position. 

Markham is to begin work within 60 days at an annual salary of $55,000.

He has served as county appraiser in Anderson County since March 2015 and prior to that served as assistant appraiser for two years.

Brown County has been without a full-time appraiser since May of last year.

Angela Wright, with the state Division of Property Valuation, has been serving as interim part-time appraiser since July.

(MSC News)--A rural Pottawatomie County home is considered a total loss following an early Tuesday morning fire.

Pottawatomie County Fire Supervisor Jared Barnes say the fire was reported shortly after 3:00 at 23110 Spring Creek Road.

Barnes says the two-story house was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.

He said the four occupants got out safely after being alerted of the fire by smoke detectors.  Also two pets inside the home escaped unharmed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire departments from Olsburg, Westmoreland and Wheaton responded to the blaze.

HORTON, Kan. (AP) - The CEO of the Horton Community Hospital, which is facing financial struggles, says he is confident the hospital will remain open.
 
Ty Compton on Monday acknowledged problems at the hospital but said employees and its corporate owner, EmpowerHMS, are working diligently to keep the hospital open.  It offers 25-bed critical care access, a rural health clinic and an emergency room in the town of 1,700.
 
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the hospital recently hasn't had enough money to buy supplies, food, or medications and employees haven't received some promised health benefits.
 
Compton says the hospital is meeting patients' needs and hasn't had to transfer or divert any patients because of a lack of supplies.
 
Gerald Kratochvil, a spokesman for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said the agency is looking into the situation at Horton.
 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says it is investigating reports of sexual abuse by clergy in the state's four Catholic dioceses.
 
 In a news release issued Tuesday, the KBI encouraged all victims of clergy abuse to contact the agency.
 
In November, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt asked the KBI to investigate clergy sexual abuse allegations.
 
The KBI appointed a task force of six special agents who will investigate abuse reports from the public and review church documents.
 
The KBI task force will work with prosecutors and law enforcement to determine if any of the reports should be considered for prosecution.
 

(KAIR)--Patrols are increased as one part of the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office’s stepped-up efforts to put an end to a rash of burglary and thefts.

However, Sheriff Jack Laurie says no suspects are yet identified, and with the crimes being committed at all hours of the day, and at various locations, investigators are having little luck in bringing the spree to an end. “We’ve experienced these types of things here and there, but not something that continues on. Such a diverse way of committing these crimes,” Laurie told MSC News during an interview on Friday, February 1.

Laurie said investigators aren’t ruling out a connection between any and all of the crimes. “We definitely believe that most of these are related, if not all of them.”

On Thursday, January 31, Laurie’s office received a report of a residential burglary and theft in Muscotah, believed to have occurred sometime between 7:15 that morning and 6:00 that evening.

Power tools were taken from the residence.

In Cummings, a resident reported Tuesday that someone burglarized his vehicle, taking a flashlight and a fixed blade knife.

Criminal damage was also committed in Cummings with the crime reported Thursday, and believed to have occurred during an attempted break-in. “They tried to make entry into a garage there, but were not successful. If they were scared off, or somebody did see somebody at that residence, and remembers seeing a vehicle there, we’d appreciate a phone call.”

Laurie is making a push for residents to protect themselves in an attempt to keep from falling victim as the unknown suspects continue their crimes, which range from residential burglaries to vehicle thefts. “Number one is lock the vehicles, lock the houses, and make sure they’re secure at night, and don’t leave your keys in the vehicle. If they have cameras, or some type of surveillance or alarm system, make sure they’re on and set and ready to go.”

Laurie said remaining aware of suspicious activity, and reporting it to his office, could help play a role in identifying suspects.

He encourages all residents to do that by calling his office at 913-804-6080.

(KAIR)--Vehicle theft cases are on the rise in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said four vehicles have been stolen in Jackson County since January 27.

He said thieves are targeting pickup trucks and SUVS, with the keys left inside some of the vehicles.

On January 27, a 2018 silver Chevy Traverse with Kansas tag number 196GRV was reported stolen near Delia. On January 29, a 2010 blue with silver striped Ford F-150 with Kansas tag 715JDN was stolen near Delia. On February 4, a 2005 white Toyota Tundra with Kansas tag 220KDT was stolen near Mayetta. An attempted theft of a 97 Dodge pickup also occurred on the same date where the vehicle was found moved and stuck on the victim’s property near Mayetta. On February 5, a 2007 Black Ford F-150 w/fender flares with Kansas tag 942KWM was stolen from a rural Circleville residence.

According to Morse, some of the thefts have occurred on isolated residential properties while residents were at home.

Morse said vehicles, outbuildings, sheds, and homes should be locked, and residents must be aware of suspicious activity and persons.

He said the quicker the public calls in suspicious activity, the quicker the suspects can be apprehended,

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

Morse said similar crimes are being reported in other surrounding counties where an increase in vehicle thefts have been noted.

He said the thefts are generally taking place late at night or during the early morning hours.

In Atchison County, authorities continue working to solve a number of burglary and theft cases, including the theft of several vehicles.

(KLZA)-- A Tarkio woman suffered minor injuries in a two-car wreck Friday, February 1, in Rock Port. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates a car driven by 29-year-old Amber Nicholas of  Tarkio was following a car driven by 64-year-old Jennifer Casey of Rock Port. The cars were eastbound on Highway 136 when Casey signaled and began to slow for a left-hand turn and the Nicholas car failed to  yield and struck Casey from behind. 

Both vehicles came to a controlled stop on the south side of the road.  

Jennifer Casey was transported by a private vehicle to the Fairfax Community Hospital for treatment of her injuries.  Both drivers were wearing safety devices at the time of the wreck which occurred just before 2 o'clock.  

The Atchison County Sheriff's Department and Atchison/Holt Ambulance District responded to the wreck. 

(KLZA)-- Public assistance is sought in helping to find a missing Auburn, Nebraska man.

66-year-old Rick Kubes was last seen in Clay Center, Kansas around 8:30 Sunday morning. Kubes was headed toward Auburn.

Kubes is a white man, with glasses, standing 5'10, 175 lbs. He has white hair, and a white mustache. He was last seen wearing a dark long sleeve shirt with a dark green windbreaker and blue jeans. He also had on a red and white ball cap.

Kubes was driving a silver Ford Ranger pickup with Nebraska license plate KUM-FISH on it.

The pickup has a black bug guard on the front and a Big Red “N” sticker on the drivers side back window.

According to a release from the Clay County Sheriff's Department, Kubes travels from Clay Center north on K-15 to Highway 36 then east to Highway 77 and heads north to Beatrice and then takes Highway 136 to Auburn.

The report also indicates Kubes was in pain when he left Clay Center and was headed to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn. 

If  you may have seen Rick Kubes or this pickup, please contact the Clay County, Kansas, Sheriff's office at 785- 632-5601 or 402-414-1306. 

(KAIR)--Entering a plea of not guilty during his Monday arraignment in Atchison County District Court, an Atchison man accused of attempting to shoot an Atchison Police Officer will face a jury in April.

44-year-old Bryan Boldridge is charged with 2nd degree attempted murder.

According to the Atchison County Attorney’s Office, a jury trial for Boldridge is set to begin on the morning of April 9 in Atchison County District Court.

According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, an officer was called October 31, 2018 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.

Boldridge remains in custody at the Atchison CountyJail, held on a bond of $150,000.

(KAIR)--A new Superintendent is selected to lead the Atchison Public Schools.

Chosen for that role is Renee Scott, who will begin serving in that position effective July 1.

She was chosen through a unanimous vote of the Board of Education for USD 409 during a special early afternoon meeting Monday.

According to a news release issued by the school district, Scott brings 26-years of public education experience with her into the role.

She has served as a junior and senior high teacher, school counselor, associate principal, and for the past four years as assistant superintendent at USD 457 in Garden City, Kansas.

She is currently in the process of obtaining her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Kansas State University and plans to graduate in the Fall of 2019. 

In the release, Scott said she is “thrilled and honored” to accept the position and become a part of the Atchison Community.

Scott will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of longtime Superintendent Dr. Susan Myers who is retiring at the end of the current school year.

Scott was selected from a group of three finalists for the position, following a hiring process assisted by the Kansas Association of School Boards.

Board President Herb Gwaltney, in the release, said Scott’s selection was made possible through “community input, including the involvement of committees of stakeholders” which “was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process.”

Gwaltney, and Board Vice-President Carrie Sowers, in the release, said they feel the Board “made the right selection to meet the needs of our students and our community.”

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) - Prosecutors are researching an appeal after a Kansas judge found that a 13- and 14-year-old girl were partly to blame for a sexual encounter with a 67-year-old man and reduced his prison sentence.

The Kansas City Star reports that Leavenworth County District Judge Michael Gibbens said that "the victims in this case, in particular, were more an aggressor than a participant in the criminal conduct" before sentencing Raymond Soden to five years and 10 months in prison. Prosecutors sought 13-plus years because Soden had prior convictions for battery and for sexual battery

In ordering a lighter prison term than what sentencing guidelines called for, the judge noted at the Dec. 4 hearing that the two girls had voluntarily gone to Soden's house and had taken money for sexual favors.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded two new federal grants.

According to a press release from Sheriff Tim Morse, the Sheriff’s Office was awarded nearly $71,000 from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program.

Morse says the funds will be used to replace outdated camera equipment and acquire essential protective gear for deputies and detectives addressing a wide range of high-risk situations.

Morse, in the release, said the Sheriff’s Office has also been awarded just over $49,000 in grant funding from the Federal S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women Act.

He says the grant will be utilized to develop a detective position to specialize in the areas of sexual and domestic violence, teen dating violence and stalking.

Morse says the position will serve to further develop their investigations division and ease heavy caseloads on the division overall.

Both grants are administrated by the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program.

(MSC News)--An early Saturday morning mobile home fire in Valley Falls sent one person to the hospital with severe burns.

The Valley Falls Fire Department responded to the fire in the 1000 block of Oak Street around 1:00.

Valley Falls Fire Chief Jason Nellis told KSNT-TV that four people were living inside the home. He said they all managed to escape the home during the fire, but one man was severely burned.  He was transported to a Topeka hospital.

Nellis said the mobile home was determined to be a total loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office.   

(KNZA)--No serious injuries were reported after a vehicle struck a residence in the Jefferson County community of Perry early Sunday morning.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 30-year-old Elizabeth Folks, of Lawrence, was northbound in the 200 block of North Elm Street when she lost control of her Jeep Cherokee.  The vehicle entered a yard on the west side of the road, went though a chain link fence, and struck the residence.

Folks, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported by ambulance to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital for the treatment of what the Patrol described as possible injuries.

The extent of damage to the home was not immediately known.

The wreck was reported just after midnight Sunday.

(KLZA)--A Falls City man has been arrested on a warrant out of South Dakota for  multiple charges.

According to a press release from the Richardson County Sheriff's Department, 56-year-old Allen Wade Chesson was arrested Friday after sheriff's deputies and the Falls City Police Department executed an arrest warrant at a residence located in the 800 block of Fulton Street in Falls City.

Chesson was arrested on three counts of second degree burglary, 2 counts of grand theft, possession of a firearm by convicted felon and first degree petty theft.

Chesson was booked into the Richardson County Jail and is awaiting extradition to South Dakota.

(MSC News)--An investigative report, published this weekend by the Topeka Capital-Journal, paints a grim picture of the financial status of the Horton Community Hospital.

Citing Chief Nursing Officer Krissy Torkelson, the report says the hospital has, in recent months, been operating with limited supplies, including medication, among other necessities.

On Friday, paychecks were not received by staff.

The newspaper, citing an email from CEO Ty Compton, reported that the paycheck problem was being blamed on an accounting glitch.

According to the report, the hospital has failed to pay for trash delivery, and struggles to literally keep the lights on.

Horton Community Hospital is owned by EmpowerHMS, a subsidiary of Florida-based Empower Group. The corporation is under investigation for billing practices, and has gained national attention for its failure to pay bills.

The newspaper reports that Compton recently stated that the Horton Hospital is stable, despite issues with others in the company.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County man, who was the focus of an extensive search Saturday, has been found dead.

Jordan Kenne was a resident of Basehor.

The Basehor Police Department, in a post on its Facebook page Saturday evening, said the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation.

The search was launched after Kenne never returned after leaving his home early Friday evening to go for a run.

(KAIR)--A man required hospital treatment following what police say was “some type of disturbance” at an Atchison sports bar.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News officers were called to the 100 block of South 2nd Street, the location of Mueller’s Lockeroom, around 6:30 Friday evening.

It was there, Wilson said, that a 33-year-old man was found to have suffered several lacerations on his head.

He was taken to the Atchison Hospital for the treatment of what are identified as non life-threatening injuries.

Wilson said he has since been released. 

No suspect is yet named, and no arrest has been made.

Wilson said the investigation is continuing.

(MSC News)--Two local communities are among twenty-three Kansas cities that have been awarded a total of more than $11 million in federal grants for a variety of community improvement projects.

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that Troy and Frankfort are among the Community Development Block Grant program recipients.

The city of Troy will receive a $600,000 grant to complete an electrical improvements project in the city.  The city will contribute more than $685,000 in matching funds.

The city of Frankfort will receive a nearly $266,000 grant to complete a street project in the city.  USDA Rural Development will contribute nearly $266,000 in matching funds.

The CDBG program, administered by the state Department of Commerce, provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities and economic development needs.  

(KAIR)--No injuries are reported following what Atchison County authorities are calling a small house fire Wednesday night.

Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter said the fire, at 778 Ellsworth Road, was reported around 10:30.

Faced with sub-zero windchills, the Effingham and Nortonville fire departments rushed to the scene, but the occupants of the home had already extinguished the fire.

Lanter said the fire crews took measures to extinguish embers that remained.

Damage to the home was reportedly minor.

Investigators say the fire was caused by a space heater.

(KMZA)--A Bern man has been arrested on a felony warrant out of Missouri.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office says 24-year-old Brendan Huls was arrested Wednesday on a warrant for criminal sodomy.

He was taken into custody by U.S. Marshal’s and the Sheriff’s deputies.

Huls remains in the Nemaha County Jail awaiting extradition.

Additional details were not immediately available.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will seek a new code enforcement officer.

The Hiawatha City Commission this week gave Police Chief John Defore approval to advertise for a part-time code enforcement officer/building inspector.    

The position recently came open with the resignation of Detective Beau Hasenohr, who also served as the city’s code enforcement officer.

Defore said he doesn’t currently have anyone qualified to inspect anything permit related.  He said the police department will still continue to assist in code enforcement and writing up violations as needed.  However, he said its imperative that they hire someone to fill the position.

On the recommendation of Defore, the Commission also approved a 25 cent an hour pay increase for Officer Brandon Lowe to serve as evidence room custodian.

Hasenohr had held the position, with Lowe serving as assistant. Officer Justin Keller will now serve as Lowe’s assistant.

The Commission also gave Defore approval to seek bids for a used patrol vehicle to replace a 2011 Dodge Charger.

In other business, the Commission accepted the lone bid submitted by Hiawatha Ford for the purchase of a new F-450 one ton truck for the Street Department in the amount of $43,840.

And on the recommendation of Streets Superintendent Nic Siebenmorgen,  the Commission approved awarding the bid for a three-year tractor lease to Hiawatha Implement, with an annual payment of $8,649.  It was among 3 bids received.