(KNZA)--Two individuals were arrested following a pursuit in southern Jackson County Friday evening.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said the pursuit began shortly before 5:00 after a sheriff's deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic infraction near 158th and R. Road on the south edge of Mayetta.

The vehicle fled north through Mayetta, and turned north on R. Road.

After coming to a T intersection at 182nd Road, the car slid off the road into a field but was able to exit and continue west on 182nd.

Morse said the car encountered law enforcement east of Highway 75 and 182nd Road where the four occupants surrendered.

Two of the occupants were taken into custody.

Morse said the driver, a juvenile, was arrested for possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer and reckless driving. In addition, the juvenile had been entered as a missing person and had an outstanding felony warrant out of Shawnee County for vehicle burglary and theft of a firearm.

18-year-old Dathan Aaron Horn, of Topeka, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The two remaining occupants were released at the scene.

(KNZA)--A rural Mayetta man is accused of rape.

According to a news release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, 63-year-old Ronnie Dinger was arrested Wednesday morning, taken into custody by Sheriff’s Office investigators, on a Jackson County District Court Warrant for rape, aggravated indecent liberties to a child under 16-years of age and aggravated indecent liberties to a child under 14-years of age.

Following his arrest, Dinger was booked into the Jackson County Jail. He was later released on bond.

According to Morse, Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies on October 22 served a search warrant on Dinger’s rural Mayetta residence.

During the search, unspecified evidence was collected, and Dinger was interviewed by investigators.

(KNZA)--A man was arrested behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle, en route to bail out his brother who had been arrested earlier Friday morning, also while driving a stolen vehicle.

That allegation is made by Jackson County authorities, who say 36-year-old Eric McCracken, of Topeka, was arrested first, taken into custody around 1:30 following a traffic stop, west of Mayetta. He was taken into custody at the scene for driving while suspended.

It was later learned the 2007 Chevy Trailblazer he had been driving was stolen from Jefferson County.

McCracken’s brother, also of Topeka, was arrested hours later after he was spotted driving what a press release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said was a 2015 Chevy Silverado.

Alerted around 5:00 Friday morning by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office that they were tracking the vehicle with GPS, an off duty Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy spotted the vehicle, northbound on U.S. Highway 75, began following the vehicle into Holton where a police officer attempted to stop it on Banner Road.

The vehicle drove through yards and stopped behind the former Country Mart Store, where Morse said the driver fled on foot.

With a perimeter set up north of Banner Road to 3rd Street, a sheriff’s office K-9 began to track the suspect, who was spotted by Undersheriff Darrel Chapman inside a convenience store, located on Arizona.

Sheriff’s Deputies and Holton Police Officers arrived on the scene and took him into custody.

He is identified as 32-year-old Keith McCracken.

He was booked into the Jackson County Jail for fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and possession of stolen property.

Along with driving while suspended, Eric McCracken also faces a charge of possession of stolen property.

Morse said the owner of the Trailblazer was not aware it had been stolen at the time of the initial traffic stop.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth woman escaped serious injury after her vehicle collided with a utility pole Thanksgiving morning.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 61-year-old Kenneth Anderson was northbound on U.S.Highway 73, at Idaho in Leavenworth, when her Ford F150 exited the roadway to the left and struck the pole.

Anderson was transported to St. John's Pavillion for treatment of what the KHP calls a suspected minor injury.

Anderson was buckled up when the wreck happened around 7:20 Thursday morning.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Chamber of Commerce has announced the arrival of Santa Claus in Falls City is being delayed a day to Saturday, November 30. 

Santa's arrival was scheduled for Friday but due to the weather forecast it has been delayed to Saturday evening at 6.

Santa will be greeting children at the Mini Park in the 1500 block of Stone Street. 

There will carolers, hot chocolate, cookies and sleigh rides will be available beginning at 6 o'clock Saturday evening. 

(KMZA)--A former Morrill Mayor is being remembered following her death this week.

According to an obituary from the Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha, Anna “Ann” Dietrich died Wednesday.

She was 76-years-old.

According to the obituary, Dietrich served as the Mayor of Morrill from 1981 until 1991, and again from 1993 until 1999. She was also a past President of the Sabetha FFA Alumni Association.

Dietrich was also known as a bus driver for the Sabetha School District, a job she held from 1977 until 2019.

A memorial service for Dietrich will be held at 11:00 on the morning of Saturday, December 7, at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel.

(KAIR)--Small Business Saturday will be commemorated across the nation on November 30.

A news release issued by the United States Small Business Administration says Acting Administrator Chris Pilkerton is encouraging Americans to support local communities by shopping at small businesses on that day.

Celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday allows consumers to make what the release calls “a tremendous impact in their neighborhoods” by supporting local small businesses.

Last year, an estimated 104 million consumers nationwide “shopped small” on Small Business Saturday.

This year marks the tenth Small Business Saturday, an annual celebration of America’s small business community.

Last year on Small Business Saturday, Americans spent a combined $17.8 billion at independent neighborhood retailers and restaurants.

Currently, there are over 30 million small businesses in the United States. According to the release, about half of all-American workers are either employed by a small business or own a small business, and two out of three net new jobs are created by small businesses.

NEW YORK (AP) — Black Friday once again kicks off the start of the holiday shopping season. But with six fewer days, it will be the shortest season since 2013 because Thanksgiving fell on the fourth Thursday in November — the latest possible date.

That means customers will have less time to shop and retailers will have less time to woo them.

The National Retail Federation baked the shorter season into its forecast, but it says the real drivers will be the job market. It forecasts that holiday sales will rise between 3.8% and 4.2%, an increase from the disappointing 2.1% growth seen in the November and December 2018 period.

Black Friday is expected to once again be the largest shopping day of the season, followed by the last Saturday before Christmas.

(KNZA)--The 28th annual Horton Christmas Luminaries will be held Sunday evening.

The event, being put on by the South Brown County Ministerial Association, will take place from 5:30 to 7:30.

The Luminaries transform ten city blocks into living, dramatic scenes of the life of Christ. Men, women and children of the Ministerial Association churches take their places as Bible characters in a setting of live animals, colorful props, costumes and music. 1,300 glowing candles outline the route from scene to scene.

The event draws hundreds of people each year. A shuttle bus, which has been added to help with traffic flow, may be boarded at no charge at Jim's Thriftway located at 240 East 15 th Street. The shuttle bus is provided by the Horton First United Methodist Church.

A free-will donation may be dropped in a receptacle at the end of the route to support the South Brown County Ministerial Association benevolence outreach.

(KAIR)--Two suspects are in custody following a Wednesday morning pursuit that came after what authorities say was an armed robbery.

According to a news release from the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, that agency was contacted by Leavenworth Police, shortly before 7:00 Wednesday morning, that they were in pursuit of a stolen Toyota Tundra, possibly occupied by robbery suspects.

Leavenworth Police lost sight of the stolen vehicle, which was later located in Farley, Missouri by Platte County deputies.

The area was searched, with the two suspects located and taken into custody.

Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen, in the release, credits Farley residents for providing information that helped lead to the arrests.

Names of the suspects are not immediately made public.

(KAIR)--When the Atchison City Commission meets Monday, three new Commissioners will take their place at the Commission table.

Lisa Moody, Abby Bartlett, and J. David Faris each won election this month to serve on the commission.

Ousted were Commissioners Charlie Perdue and David Haussman. David Butler chose not to seek reelection.

All three said their goodbyes when the Commission met November 18.

Moody, Bartlett, and Faris will be sworn into their terms of service on Monday.

The Commission will meet beginning at 4:30 at Atchison City Hall.

(KNZA)--The former director of Jackson County's Banner Creek Reservoir, accused of stealing county owned property, is scheduled to be arraigned December 6.

63-year-old John Kennedy, of Hoyt, waived his preliminary hearing last week and was bound over to Jackson County District Court on charges of burglary and theft.

Kennedy was terminated by the Jackson County Commission on February 11 of this year. He is accused of entering the reservoir shop following his termination and stealing items. Some of those items were allegedly found after the Jackson County Sheriff's office served a search warrant on Kennedy's residence.

He was arrested March 28 on a district court warrant following an investigation by the Sheriff's Office.

Kennedy remains free on a $1,500 bond.

(KAIR)--As strong winds blow across the local area, a burn ban is implemented in Doniphan County.

According to an alert issued Wednesday morning, the ban will remain in effect until further notice.

The National Weather Service calls for breezy conditions Wednesday, with a northwest wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 9 to 14 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.

(KLZA)-- For a second time, Charlie Hatfield has agreed to fill the vacant Mayor's position in Pawnee City. 

During the Monday night Council meeting, Council members voted to formally accept the resignation of Mayor Deb Klein submitted during the November 12, Council meeting. 

Hatfield is currently the President of the City Council and will be sworn in as Mayor during the December 10 Council meeting.  Hatfield previously assumed the office of Mayor when Deb Klein resigned for health reasons in June of 2016. He served until Klein won election as Mayor again in 2018.

Hatfield did  not seek the Mayors seat during the election choosing to seek a return to the City Council.

Klein said in her letter of resignation she thought the Council would pull together and work together for the betterment of the City and its' citizens, but unfortunately, didn't feel it was happening.
Klein said “if we can't work together as a unit, we will never accomplish anything.” 

Later in the meeting the Council accepted a letter of resignation from City Foreman Clint Johnson which is effective December 1.  Spencer Cumley will serve as the interim City Foreman. 
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County  Commissioners are going to change their meeting schedule in 2020. 

Tuesday, Board members voted 2 – 1 to adopt a resolution to change the meeting dates for 2020 to every two weeks, beginning January 14, with the Annual Reorganizational Meeting.

Third District Commissioner Terry Frank cast the nay vote. 

The resolution states the Board has determined that scheduling meetings on a bi-weekly basis is sufficient to conduct and finalize the business of Richardson County. 

(KLZA)-- Several area Nebraska communities are among those sharing in more than $7-million in funding from the Community Development Block Grant program. 

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) announced Monday  the recipients of $7,098,776 in funding. 

The CDBG program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). DED is responsible for administering CDBG funds in the state’s non-metropolitan areas. CDBG funds enable communities to make needed improvements to infrastructure; improve housing conditions for low-income homeowners; provide public facilities that serve the entire community and make transformative downtown improvements, among other projects. 

Through a competitive application process, DED makes CDBG funds available to local units of government for use on projects that benefit low-and moderate-income persons and prevent or eliminate slum and blight conditions.
DED awarded the following applications through the CDBG program categories of owner-occupied rehabilitation, public works and downtown revitalization. 
Pawnee City will receive $435-thousand which will be used for a new fire station. 

    Nemaha will receive $390-thousand under the category of Public Works for a community center. 

Wymore  will receive $315,000 under the category of Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation, which will result in the rehabilitation of 51 housing units.
 

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded boil water advisories for the Atchison County community of Effingham and the Leavenworth County community of Linwood.

The boil advisory for Linwood was issued Friday and the advisory for Effingham on Sunday. Both were issued because of a loss of pressure due to a water line break. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

KDHE said Tuesday in a news release that laboratory testing samples collected from both cities indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the systems at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.  

(KNZA )-The Brown County Commission has turned down a request for the striping of a three-mile stretch of Old Highway 75.

County resident Steve Lukert met with Commissioners Monday to again request that the highway be stripped from U.S.36 to the Sabetha city limits for safety reasons. He said he would like to see it done next year when the county chip and seals the road.

Lukert indicated he would be willing to raise the funds for the project.

But Commissioners said they were not it favor of striping the road. They voiced concerns about the precedent it would set. Commission Chairman Keith Olsen said if the county were to stripe the road they would have to do it for others.

Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl said he would rather look at lowering the speed limit to 45 miles an hour.

Brown County shares maintenance responsibility for the stretch of highway with Nemaha County.

In other business, the Commission approved the hiring of Wanda Davis as the new Hiawatha Senior Citizens activities director. She will begin work December 2nd, replacing Corbin Gray who is stepping down.

The Commission also accepted a quote from Carpet Plus, of Hiawatha, in the amount of $5,577 for the installation of new flooding in the Hiawatha American Legion building, which serves as the senior citizens center.

(KAIR)--A jury trial has been set for a man accused of attacking a Leavenworth police officer.

The Leavenworth Times reports 36-year-old Anthony Dunkle pleaded not guilty Friday in Leavenworth County District Court to felony counts of battery on a law enforcement officer, making a criminal threat and interference with law enforcement along with misdemeanor counts of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct.

A jury trial was set for March 2nd.

The charges stem from an April 16 incident in downtown Leavenworth.

Police say Dunkle allegedly walked in front of a patrol officer’s vehicle. He then allegedly walked up to the officer’s driver-side window, which was rolled down, and began punching the officer.

During the altercation, Dunkle reportedly made comments about previously being arrested by the same officer.

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

In Hiawatha, the 37th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner is once again being sponsored by the Melster family and the First Baptist Church.  It will take place 12 to 1:00 at the Church located at 210 Lodge Road, with deliveries beginning at 11:00.  

Volunteers and contributions are needed to make the dinner a success.  For meal reservations, volunteering or contributions, visit the church's website at fbchiawatha.org or by call the church at ( 785) 742-3423.   

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

Anyone interested in helping with donations of food, volunteering time, money, or to place an order for carry-out or delivery of a meal, is encouraged to call ( 785) 986-6653. 

In Seneca, the 20th annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held from 11:30 to 1:00 in the basement of the United Methodist Church located at 7th and Main. 

The free dinner is sponsored by the Seneca United Methodist Church in appreciation for the community support of church activities and anyone in the community is invited to attend. 

Your encouraged to call 785-336-3236 by Wednesday evening to order a delivered meal or to pick up a meal.  Leave your name, address, phone number and number of meals desired on the answering machine.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Police Captain Dennis Entrikin has filed for Brown County Sheriff.

Entrikin, who also works part-time as a Nemaha County Sheriff's deputy, filed Monday for the Republican nomination.

He is the first candidate to seek the position, which is currently held by John Merchant. The position is up for election in November 2020.

“As Sheriff, my goals for the Brown County Sheriff’s Office will be clear,” Entrikin said. “ With my leadership, experience, and skill, I will seek out every opportunity to strengthen community relations and connect residents with the valuable resources Brown County has to offer. Furthermore, I will work diligently to provide tools and training for local law enforcement agencies so they will continuously and successfully exceed professional standards.”

According to a press release, Entrkin began his career by serving in the Kansas Army National Guard and currently has seventeen years of certified law enforcement experience. He is a field training officer, internal affairs investigator, and has attended the Kansas Police Administrators training. He has multiple investigation instructor certificates including domestic violence, hate crimes, and domestic terrorism. He is also a certified NRA firearms trainer for law enforcement and civilians.

Entrikin said he is grateful for the support of family and friends who have encouraged him to run for Brown County Sheriff. He grew up in Horton and attended Horton High School. Dennis and his wife Amy live with their family in rural Hiawatha. They attend the United Methodist Church in Horton.

Candidates have until June 1, 2020 to file for the office.  The primary election will be held August 4 and the general election is November 3, 2020.
 

(KLZA)--A Falls City  man has been sentenced to prison for robbery in Nemaha County, Nebraska, and faces a felony charge in Richardson County District Court. 

21-year-old Bryant Jorn was sentenced  November 13 in Nemaha  County, Nebraska, District Court to a period of one-to-five years in custody of the Nebraska Department of Corrections. 

Jorn was convicted of robbing Speedee Mart in Auburn in February. 

In addition, Jorn is scheduled to appear in Richardson County  District court February 18th on a felony charge of receiving stolen property, which was a car.

(KLZA)--Nebraska 3rd District Congressman Adrian Smith has announced his bill  to rename Homestead National Monument in Gage County has passed the House of Representatives. 

Smith's bill proposed to change the name to Homestead National Historical Park. 

The park located west of Beatrice includes exhibits allowing families to connect with their own history through the modern visitor center data base.  The facility also offers hands-on learning experiences.  

The Homestead National Monument commemorates the first claim under the the Homestead Act of 1862 signed by President Abraham Lincoln. 

The site includes a heritage museum,  the Freeman School, a tall grass prairie, hiking trails, a forest and farming demonstrations. 

The bill H.R. 1472 now awaits action in the Senate. 
 

(KLZA)--Pawnee County Commissioners met with County Attorney Jennifer Stehlik Ladman during their November 19th meeting to discuss the process of appointing a new Sheriff.

Current Sheriff Jayme Reed has submitted her letter of resignation effective at the end of the year.  Interviews for the appointment of a new Pawnee County Sheriff will be started December 3. 

Following discussion with Highway Superintendent Chris Rauner the Board approved a resolution to have Rauner study the use of a portion of road knows as 620 Avenue which has a structurally deficient bridge on it for the purpose of closing a section of the road. 

Tyler Binder, Arlan Strahm with Mainelli and Wagner Engineers and a representative of Haverkamp Brothers met with commissioners to discuss bringing just over a mile of 625 Road north of 718 Trail up to standards.  

Strahm estimated it would cost $315-thousand to raise the road two feet above natural ground level and bring the road up to standards but noted it would affect the flood plain.

Strahm estimated a price of more than $376-thousand to bring 718 Road between 6161 and 617 Avenue to standards following a September 24th meeting with Mike and Dan Brickman.

(KAIR)--A boil water advisory has been issued for the Atchison County community of Effingham.

According to a post Monday on Atchison County Emergency Management's Facebook page, the city issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure due to a loss of supply in the city's water storage tank. That resulted in an interruption in water service resulting in little or no pressure, which could allow contamination of the distribution system.

The loss of pressure occurred on Sunday and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment was notified.

Customers served by the city of Effingham are advised to boil the water they use for drinking or food preparation for one minute prior to use or to use bottled water.

The boil advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

(KNZA)--More than a dozen Doniphan County families will have Thanksgiving dinner courtesy of the efforts of employees at Highland Community College.

According to a news release from the college, the employees donated enough food to provide meals to 15 families in need.

The effort was spearheaded on campus by a group of employees called The Hamper Committee which includes, Theresa Grossman, Laura Young, Shelley Smith, Pamela Fulbright, Amy Foley, and Kristin Woodruff.

Young, a business and economics instructor at Highland, said in the release that the effort was an increase over the basket numbers from last year, and will also help feed Highland students staying on campus during the holiday break.

Each basket includes enough food to feed 8 -10 people and is meant to be a complete Thanksgiving meal for each family.

 The committee coordinated the effort with a larger project by the Doniphan County Council on Aging and Transportation and for delivery of the meals.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man is going to prison for threatening a fast food employee at gunpoint.

28-year-old Stephen Charlton was sentenced Thursday in Leavenworth County District Court to one-year and three-months behind bars on a charge of aggravated assault.

According to a news release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, the charge stemmed from a March 30 incident where Charlton went into Taco Bell and pointed a gun at an employee.

The employee told authorities he thought he was going to die and feared for his life.

According to Thompson, under regular circumstances applying to the charge, due to Charlton’s criminal history, he would have received probation. However, due to the use of the gun, a special rule applied making his sentence presumptive prison.

Thompson’s request for probation was denied.

(KAIR)--40,000 pounds of premium pork products has been donated to feed those in need in the local region.

According to a news release issued by St. Joseph, Missouri-based Second Harvest Community Food Bank, the donation, timed with the holiday season, was made by Triumph Foods.

The donation is expected to provide more than 33,000 meals in Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri.

There are currently 47,000 food insecure individuals in Second Harvest’s service area.

Second Harvest Communications Coordinator Blake Haynes, in the release, calls the donation “very generous,” saying that “the impact this donation will make is simply amazing.”

The donation includes lean, high-quality pork spare ribs, back ribs, hams, loins, tenderloins, pork steaks, and other cuts of meat.

Second Harvest serves such area counties as Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Leavenworth, and Buchanan.

(KNZA)--A jury has convicted a Topeka man on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, in a news release, said 63-year-old Dennis Dean Neff was convicted Friday on one count each of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of the Holton Middle School, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of Meadows Elementary School in Topeka.

During trial, the prosecutor presented evidence that on Nov. 27, 2018, Neff was found at a residence in Holton. McAllister said he possessed nearly 74 grams of methamphetamine and a 9 mm Bersa pistol. On Feb. 12, 2019, he was arrested with 18 grams of methamphetamine and more than $6,300 in cash.

Sentencing will be set for a later date. 

(KNZA)--A body found Sunday in Jackson County has been identified as that of the missing man authorities had been searching for.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse on Monday identified the body as that of 51-year-old Brian Wood, of Netawaka.

Wood was last seen November 26 near 266th Road and U.S. 75 Highway. He had been suffering from a severe leg infection and was believed to be disoriented.

After conducting several searches in the immedidate and surrounding wooded areas, the Sheriff's Office asked for the public's help finding Wood on November 21.

On Sunday, family members, friends, neighbors and emergency personnel gathered as a search party. They located clothing on the west side of Highway 75 about one mile north of 266th Road, which led to the discovery of Wood's  body late Sunday morning inside a large culvert that runs underneath the highway.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the Leavenworth County community of Linwood.

The advisory was issued Friday due to a loss of pressure because of a waterline break.

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

Customers are advised to boil the water they use for drinking or food preparation for one minute prior to use or to use bottled water.

The boil advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

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

According a press release from the Sheriff's Office, the burglary occurred sometime between November 12 and 17 at 2556 X4 Road.

The Sheriff's Office says an outbuilding was entered and multiple items stolen.

The loss was estimated at $2,300.

Anyone with information on the crime is urged to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office in Seneca.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved the expenditure of nearly $20-thousand for 25 personal computers for a lab when they met November 11. 

In other action the Board approved the 2018-19 School District audit that was presented.

Also approved was the use of school grounds for the annual fireworks display July 4th. 

Elementary Principal Jackie Kelsay was recognized for her service to the Auburn School District prior to her retirement.

Board members also learned more about an Emergency Lockdown Drill with Emergency Management scheduled for Tuesday, November 26. 

(KLZA)-- Following a closed session Wednesday evening the Mound  City Board of Education offered the position of Superintendent to Korey Miles. 

Miles who is currently the High School Principal at Mound City accepted the position and will begin his new duties July 1, 2020. 

Current Superintendent Ken Eaton's letter of retirement was accepted by the Board earlier in the meeting. Eaton is completing his 20th year as Superintendent at Mound City. He served three years as principal at the school and was a teacher in the district prior to that. 

The Mound  City School District is now pursuing a replacement for the High School principal position. 
 

Editors note: the following release was submitted by the Hiawatha Police Department

Beginning Monday, November 25, through Sunday, Dec 1, 2019 The Hiawatha Police Department will join many other police agencies across the state, including the Kansas Highway Patrol, in the Kansas Thanksgiving Safe Arrival traffic enforcement campaign. This Campaign is an effort that is specifically aimed at removing impaired drivers from our roads and ticketing vehicle occupants who are unrestrained or whose child passengers are unrestrained.

According to KDOT, which tracks all crashes in the state, the day before Thanksgiving sees more impairment-related crashes than any other day of the year. Those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs endanger not only themselves, but also others they share the road with – such as their passengers, other motorists and their passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians. On average, across Kansas, three persons are injured every day, and one person is killed every four days in alcohol/drug-related crashes. And the crashes tend to be more severe. Vehicle occupants in alcohol- or other drug-related crashes are over 2 ½ times more likely to be injured or killed than those involved in crashes where alcohol or other drugs were not a factor.

Each week across Kansas, over 250 drivers are arrested for DUI (Driving Under the Influence). A DUI conviction will result in jail time, the suspension or revocation of driver’s license, a fine of $500 to $2,500, participation in an alcohol or other drug treatment program and, where alcohol is cited as a contributing factor, the purchase and installation of an ignition interlock device by the offender. This device requires the offender to blow into a device that measures blood alcohol concentration prior to starting the car. It’s embarrassing and a hassle.

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

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

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved an ordinance that expands the city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction to three miles surrounding the city limits.

The Council took the action Wednesday evening on the recommendation of the city Planning Commission.

State law allows cities to claim zoning jurisdiction up to three miles around their city limits.

At their November 6 meeting, the Council approved the annexation of several city-owned rural tracts into the city limits. Together, the two actions more than double the amount of land under the city's development guidelines, which currently takes in two miles around the city limits.

The action is largely aimed at preventing the development of a wind farm in areas that are seeing residential development.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission is considering the feasibility of the county forming a partnership with the city of St. Joseph, Missouri, Chamber of Commerce.

Wathena Mayor John Cluck, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce President Pat Lilly and Doniphan County Economic Development Director Leah Johnson met with the Commission this week to discuss the proposed partnership.

Lilly gave a presentation on the proposal.

Under the proposal, Johnson would attend St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce meetings and the two entities would assist each other on economic development initiatives in an informal relationship approach.

Cluck said there would be an annual fee of $2,000 to have a representative of Doniphan County attend the Chamber meetings in a non-voting member capacity.

Cluck said he intends to ask the Wathena City Council to pay half the annual cost.

Commission Chairman Thad Geiger tabled action. He said the Commission would gather further information and talk with constituents, while Johnson and Cluck gather input from the mayors of city municipalities in the county.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing person.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, 51-year-old Brian Wood has not been seen since November 16. He was last seen sitting in the ditch of U.S. Highway 75 near 262nd Road, north of Holton.

Wood frequents Netawaka and the Topeka area.

He is suffering from a severe leg infection and requires daily medical attention and may be disoriented.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Wood, contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha teenager, who was critically injured in a Sunday morning Brown County wreck that claimed the life of another Hiawatha teen, is showing signs of improvement.

According to a post Wednesday evening on the “Andrew Kreek's  road to recovery” Facebook page by his mother, Linda Scroggins, Kreek “is awake, no longer sedated and breathing on his own.”  The 17-year-old, who suffered a brain injury, had remained unconscious and sedated on a ventilator at a Kansas City hospital since the wreck.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports he was the driver of a car that crashed at the intersection of U.S. 36 Highway and Horned Owl Road, west of Hiawatha.

Killed in the wreck was 16-year-old Ian Miller.  Services for Miller will be held at 12 noon Friday at the Hiawatha First Baptist Church.

Kreek and three other Hiawatha teens were injured.  Kreek, 18-year-old Gabriel Corbett and 15-year-old Nevaeh Dismang were all flown by medical helicopter to the University of Kansas Hospital. 19-year-old Andrew Woods was treated for minor injuries at the Hiawatha Community Hospital and later released.

Family members of Kreek and Corbett have posted updates on social media about their conditions, to keep the community informed.  

Corbett's family has announced he underwent a 5-hour surgery to pin his hip and femur, and has multiple other injuries, including a broken elbow and break in his hand.  His family said he should expect a long recovery, with a transfer to a rehab hospital possible in the future.      

Family members of Dismang shared Monday on social media that she had sustained several broken bones and two fractures to her spine, but has reportedly since been released from the hospital.

Miller, Kreek and Dismang were all current students at Hiawatha High School. Corbett and Woods graduated this spring.

GoFundMe accounts have been set up for each of the families as well as a Facebook fund for Kreek. They can be found at www.gofundme.com.    

(KNZA)--An early Thursday morning single-vehicle Doniphan County rollover wreck sent a Lancaster man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 49-year-old David Chapman was westbound on K-20 Highway, about one mile east of the Brown-Doniphan County line, when his pickup truck left the roadway and overturned.

Chapman was transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says he was not buckled up when the wreck happened around 6:00.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police have recovered two vehicles that were stolen Wednesday while the owners left them running to warm up.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News a 2000 Hyundai was stolen from the 1600 block of Kansas Avenue after the owner left it warming up around 5:00 Wednesday morning. The vehicle was recovered later Wednesday morning in the 1400 block of Kearney Street.

A pickup truck was stolen from Weston, Missouri Wednesday morning also while warming up, but was found later in Atchison. Wilson said the truck was located in a parking lot in the 1300 block of U.S. Highway 73.

Last week, a pickup truck was stolen in Atchison as it was warming up in front of a residence in the 800 block of South 7th Street. It was later recovered in Kansas City, Missouri.

No suspects are immediately known.

Anyone with information about the thefts should call Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KLZA)-- During their November 7th meeting, Mound City Aldermen met with Holt County Commissioner David Carroll to discuss the water shed from Davis Creek Bridge with the dams silted in and needing cleaned out.

Carroll asked the City to send a letter to the the local NRCS Board, requesting assistance to fix the levies to prevent future problems.  

A May flash flood caused damages estimated at more than $2-million to homes and businesses in Mound City when Davis Creek flooded.  

According to the Mound City News, the Evans Circle apartments were severely damaged and residents have still not been able to return.

(KNZA)--The City of Horton has been awarded nearly $5.9 million in funding through USDA Rural Development for the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant.

According to a news release from the agency, $3 million is in the form of a loan and nearly $2.6 million is in the form of a grant.

The city's current sewer plant was constructed in 1956, with several improvements and additions made over the years. However, the release says the plant is currently in poor structural condition.

The project is the last phase the city has undertaken to correct its wastewater system and bring it back into compliance with Kansas Department of Health and Environment standards and permit requirements.

The city of Horton was among three Kansas communities to be awarded a total of $23 million in funding through the USDA's Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.

Previously, Horton has received more than $6.3 million in loans and more than $1.1 million in grants through USDA Rural Development for improvements to the city's wastewater infrastructure.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Four people — including a mother and two of her children — have pleaded guilty in a $5.4 million conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas.

Federal prosecutors say 67-year-old Linda Kay Ballard; her 27-year-old son, Eric Edward Ballard, both of Atchison, Kansas; and her 35-year-old daughter, Charlsie Kim Harris, of Garden City, Missouri, pleaded guilty Wednesday.

A fourth person, 48-year-old Anthony Dewayne Fifer, of Mexico, Missouri, also pleaded guilty to distributing meth from January 2015 to November 2017. The four defendants also pleaded guilty to participating in a money-laundering conspiracy.

They are among nine defendants who have entered guilty pleas in in the case. The methamphetamine was distributed from Kansas City to the St. Joseph and the Atchison, Kansas, areas.

(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures in Southeast Nebraska were mixed for the month of October. 

Unemployment rates were higher in Richardson, Pawnee,  Johnson and Gage counties while the rates dipped in Nemaha and Otoe counties. 

Gage County had the biggest change with the unemployment rate jumping up 2.4 percent to 5.4 percent.

Other counties with increasing unemployment figures were: 
Richardson County, 3 percent, up a tenth.
Johnson County, 3.9 percent up six tenths.
Pawnee County, 3.3 percent,  up seven tenths.

Unemployment dipped a tenth of a percent in both Nemaha and Otoe counties. The Nemaha County rate for October was 3.5 percent and in Otoe County the rate was 2.9 percent.

Statewide the unemployment rate of 3.1 percent is the same as the previous month but is up 4-tenths from a year earlier.  

The national preliminary unemployment figure for October was 3.6 percent which is up a tenth of a point.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission Monday broke tie votes for three city council positions during a canvass of ballots from the November 5 election.

The name of Ron Wissler was drawn from among two write-in candidates who tied with 13 votes each for a seat on the Robinson City Council.

Leon Huning's name was drawn to fill a seat on the Morrill City Council from among two write-in candidates who tied with 7 votes each .

In addition, the name of Margaret Wikle was drawn from among four write-in candidates who tied with two votes each for a seat on the Fairview City Council.

Brown County Clerk Melissa Gormley reported a 43 percent voter turnout.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission broke two tie votes Monday for city and school board positions during a canvass of ballots from the November 5 election.

Steve Bennett's name was drawn from among four write-in candidates who tied with one vote each for position 1 on the Nemaha Central Board of Education. The other candidates were Brett Brack, Larry Osterhaus and Barbara Finnegan. No candidate was listed on the ballot for the position.

Bennett was also successful as a write-in candidate seeking to return to his 2nd Ward Seneca City Council seat.

The other tie vote was for the final seat on the Goff City Council. Two individuals had tied with one vote each. Commissioners drew the name of Baron Large to fill the seat. Also receiving a vote was Dennis Rice.

No election night winners were changed during the canvass—including the outcome of the close race for Corning mayor. John Kramer successfully unseated incumbent Corning Mayor Jackie Heideman by a one-vote margin---44 to 43.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved an indoor vaping ban.

The Commission Monday evening approved an ordinance that prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes in enclosed public places and places of employment within the city.

Due to the increase in illnesses linked to vaping, Mayor Bill Collin said he thinks its something that needs to be addressed.

City Attorney Andy Delaney said the ordinance mimics the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act, which prohibits smoking within enclosed areas.

The new ordinance prohibits the use of electronic cigarettes in bars, restaurants, retail service establishments, retail stores and other indoor public places within the city.

Private residences, except those used as a state licensed child care, adult day care or health care facility would be exempt. Also E-cigarette shops are exempt.

Violation of the ordinance would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $50 for the first violation, at least $100 for a second violation and at least $200 for a third or subsequent violation.

The ordinance will be enforced by the Hiawatha Fire and Police Departments.

It will take effect following publication in the Hiawatha World.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man facing a pair of child sex-related charges has entered into a plea agreement.

David Cattrell pleaded no contest Monday in Brown County District Court to a felony charge of breach of privacy.

In exchange for the plea, a felony count of sexual exploitation of a child was dismissed.

Sentencing was scheduled for December 16.

According to the criminal complaint, the breach of privacy charge alleges Cattrell used a concealed camcorder to secretly videotape a person.

He was arrested in April following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

Cattrell remains free on a $50,000 bond.

(KAIR)--Two Atchison City Commissioners, defeated in this month’s general election, are saying goodbye.

The results of the canvass for the ballots, held Monday by the Atchison County Commission, showed Charlie Perdue defeated by Lisa Moody.

Commissioner David Haussman was also defeated.

Perdue, during Monday’s meeting of the Atchison City Commission, offered words of gratitude for his time in office. “I just want to thank everybody that I’ve worked with, been part of with, here. I’ve enjoyed it. Just keep the good work up. Be careful and safe.”

Haussman also said goodbye. “I sit here, I feel, as a privileged person. For over four years, I was chosen to use discernment and make judgments on exciting things that are happening in our community. I'm grateful for those who supported me to put me in this place. I'm grateful for being able to work with a commission of wise men that have been mentors to me along the way and have helped me do a better job at my judgment.”

Commissioner David Butler chose not to seek reelection. “This is the fourth time I’ve actually got to say goodbye. I think.”

Prior to the farewell comments, Vice-Mayor Allen Reavis presented Butler with a trophy of recognition for his decades of service. “Presented to David Butler, in appreciation of over 20-years of dedicated service, devotion, and commitment to the City of Atchison, Kansas,” Reavis said, handing Butler the trophy.

“Thank you all very much, Butler said. “Appreciate that. It’s been a pleasure working with everybody.”

Moody, Abby Bartlett, and J. David Ferris all won election to the Commission, and will be sworn-in during the December 2 meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

(KNZA)--Funeral services are set for the 16-year-old Hiawatha High School student killed early Sunday morning in a Brown County crash.

Ian Miller will be remembered Friday during a service at the First Baptist Church of Hiawatha.

The service will be held at 12 noon, which the obituary from Hiawatha’s Chapel Oaks Funeral Home calls Ian’s “favorite part of the day.”

Miller, a member of the class of 2021, was involved in forensics and track and field. A member of Boy Scout Troop 313, Miller planned to enlist in the United States Marine Corps on his next birthday.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Miller was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla that wrecked around midnight Sunday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 36 and Horned Owl Road, west of Hiawatha.

Four other teens were left injured in the wreck.

(KNZA)--The race for a position on the Royal Valley USD 337 Board of Education has been finalized.

Following the counting of 12 provisional ballots during a canvass of election ballots Friday by the Jackson County Commission, Jacob “ Tug” Wamego was determined to be the winner for position 1 on the Board.

Wamego received a total of 213 votes, while Michael Boswell received a total of 209 votes in the race for the same seat.

Unofficial results following the November 5 election showed Boswell leading Wamego by a 4-vote margin.

The position is currently held by Jim O'Toole who did not seek re-election.

(KLZA)--Falls City firefighters responded to a fire at an unoccupied house Friday night and again early Saturday morning.

A release from Public Information Officer Jon McQueen said the first call to 923 Harlan was at 7:30 Friday evening.. The northwest portion of the house was on fire when firefighters arrived. They were on the scene until 12:30 a.m.

The Fire Department was called back shortly before 6 Saturday morning when the fire rekindled. Firefighers were on the scene for approximately an hour the second time.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshall is investigating the cause of the fire. As of now the cause is undetermined. The amount of damage is also undetermined at this time. The house is owned by Katelyn Moore.

The house is unoccupied and is being remodeled.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft of a trailer from an Effingham residence.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, a 10- foot enclosed trailer was reported stolen Sunday from a residence located at 409 John Street.

It's believed to have been taken sometime overnight.

Laurie said the trailer was later discovered in the 1000 block of 266th Road near K-9 in rural Atchison County.

Multiple tools that were stored in the trailer had been stolen from the trailer.

The total loss was estimated at around $2,000.

Laurie said the investigation continues and anyone with information should contact the Atchision County Sheriff's Office.

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

The city of Atchison announced on its Facebook page Monday that after a count of twenty-two provisional ballots and seven additional mail-in ballots that were postmarked before Election Day, the third city commissioner elected and earning a two-year term is Lisa Moody.

Unofficial results following the November 5 election, showed incumbent Charles Perdue trailing Moody by just a 4-vote margin.

Moody will join Abby Bartlett and J. David Ferris in filling the three open seats.

The Atchison County Commission Monday canvassed ballots from the general election.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has voted to terminate Fire Chief Ryan Shockley.

The Commission took the action Monday evening on a 4-0 vote following three closed-door sessions to discuss non-elected personnel. Commissioner John Merchant was absent.

1st Assistant Fire Chief Gene Atland was appointed as interim chief.

No reason was publicly stated for the decision. City Administrator Mike Nichols said he could not comment on the matter.

Shockley had served as fire chief since May 2018.

(KAIR)--An Atchison company has pleaded guilty to violating the federal Clean Air Act and is expected to pay a $1 million fine.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, in a news release, said MGP Ingredients pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor offense of negligently violating the Clean Air Act.

In its plea, the release says the company admitted that on Oct. 21, 2016, a greenish-yellow chlorine gas cloud formed over the city of Atchison when 4,000 gallons of sulfuric acid were mistakenly combined with 5,800 gallons of sodium hypochlorite.

The Atchison County Department of Emergency Management ordered community members to shelter in place and to evacuate in some areas. About 140 people sought medical attention. 

A federal report blamed the leak on missing key rings on chemical storage tanks and a lack of attention to procedure.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 24. The company could be sentenced to a term of probation up to five years.

(KNZA)--The final tally is in—the proposed 10-year, half-cent countywide retailers' sales tax for the Hiawatha Community Hospital has been defeated by a two-vote margin.

That's the outcome following a canvass of votes Monday by the Brown County Commission.

Meeting as a board of canvassers, the Commission approved counting 30 of the 40 provisional ballots cast during the November 5 election based on state statute.

That resulted in a final tally of 1,285 votes against the sales tax to 1,283 in favor.

A provisional ballot is used at a polling place to record a vote when there is some question regarding a voter's eligibility.

The sales tax would have generated an estimated $750,000 annually, with the proceeds going for equipment and facility repairs.

It was the second time the hospital had sought tax support. During a special election in May, a similar sales tax proposal was defeated by a 29-vote margin.

Hiawatha Community Hospital CEO John Broberg issued the following statement Monday following the vote outcome:

(KAIR)--An investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff's Department leads to the arrest of two women on drug charges.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 32-year-old Sheena Kley, of Rushville and 29-year-old Heather Briscoe, of Atchison, were arrested early Saturday morning in the 500 block of Park Street, in Atchison.

During the investigation, Laurie said suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were located.

Kley was arrested for possession with intent to distribute 100 grams of methamphetamine, three counts of interference with law enforcement, trafficking contraband into a correction facility, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp.

Briscoe was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both women were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--New, safer exterior doors are in the future for the Atchison County Junior Senior High School in Effingham.

That follows action taken during Wednesday’s meeting of the Board of Education for USD 377.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gaddis told MSC News the doors that are currently in place are original to the building, which opened in 1976.

According to Gaddis, the school district has in place a long-term facilities plan, and replacement of the doors is on the schedule for completion this summer.

That’s made possible by the Board of Education’s acceptance of the lower of two bids received for the project.

The bids were opened November 8.

Approved by the board was the bid of $75,284 from the Topeka Foundry. The other bid received from Atchison-based L&L Construction was more than $93,000.

Gaddis told MSC News Capital Outlay funds and Safety and Security Grant funds will be used to cover the cost of the summer project. He said the current doors do not always fasten securely, and the new ones will alleviate that issue.

(KAIR)--Equipment is being purchased to assist with the flooding in Doniphan County.

That came Friday as part of the result of a special meeting of the Doniphan County Commission.

According to the minutes for the session, the Commission approved $25,000 in matching funds for a grant to help fund the purchase of stationary electric pumps to assist with the removal of flood waters affecting the eastern portion of the county.

The grant through  Kansas Emergency Management will fund 75 percent of the cost. The county will be responsible for the remaining 25 percent.  

The county's share of the funding will come from the county general and emergency management funds.

Spring flooding of the Missouri River heavily impacted Doniphan County, including the March evacuation of Elwood.

(KLZA)--A Wahoo, Nebraska man has entered plea's of not guilty to multiple felony charges against him in Richardson County District Court. 

42-year-old Travis Sherman is charged with sexual assault, burglary, false imprisonment and a misdemeanor charge of sexual assault without consent.  

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for December 3.

Sherman is accused of sexually assaulting a female at a Falls City home on or about July 26. The burglary, false imprisonment and misdemeanor sexual assault charges stem from incidents at the same location on July 28.

(KLZA)--The Sterling Board of Education is interviewing four candidates for the position of Interim Superintendent. 

During a special Board meeting November 5, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Superintendent Dottie Heusman.  

In October, the Board  requested Heusman take a paid leave-of-absence following a September incident involving a student allegedly making a death threat against another student  and showing others a hit list of students. Law enforcement officials were not made aware of the alleged threat for several days.

The Tecumseh Chieftan reports nine applications were submitted for the interim position.  The Sterling Board is working with the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association to fill the position.

The four candidates being interviewed are former HTRS Superintendent Clint Kimbrough,  Ryan Ricenbaw, Thomas Sharp and Darren Soucie.

It is anticipated the Sterling Board will appoint an interim Superintendent during their Tuesday, November 9 meeting.

Presently Principal Scott Harrington is serving as the administrative authority at the Sterling School.  

(KLZA)--The Falls City School Board voted to accept the School District Audit for the last fiscal  year when they met last week on Wednesday evening. 

Julie Bauman, CPA presented the report which covered financial position, an activities statement and a reviewof the expenditures of federal awards. 

The Board discussed school safety which is one of the district's top priorities.  District 56 now  uses SafeSchools Alert, a tip reporting service allowing students, staff and parents to submit safety concerns to the administration four different ways. 

Concerns can be phone is toll-free to 1-855-449-6558;  or you can send a text message to the same number. you can e-mail  to 1896@alert1.us;   or contact the company on the web at http://1896.alert1.us.

Bullying, harassment, drugs, vandalism or any safety issue you are concerned abut can be submitted. Every tip to SafeSchools Alert will be logged and immediately sent to the Falls City School District administration.

In other business the Educators Health Alliance approved a 6.71 percent increase in premiums for the next year. Nearly every school district in Nebraska utilizes the medical and dental insurance plans.  

(MSC News)--Police say a 14-year-old boy who was shot in St. Joseph, Missouri earlier this month has died.

KQ2-TV reports the boy died Friday at a Kansas City hospital.

The shooting happened around 29th and Penn Streets on the afternoon of November 9.

The teen was life-flighted to Children's Mercy Hospital, in Kansas City, after the shooting.

Another 14-year-old is currently in custody in connection with the shooting. The teen was originally charged with assault, but the charge is expected to be amended.

A status hearing for the teen is scheduled for December 20.

(KNZA)--An early Sunday morning Brown County wreck claimed the life of a Hiawatha teenager and left four other Hiawatha teens injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened around midnight at the intersection of U.S. 36 Highway and Horned Owl Road, west of Hiawatha.

Killed in the wreck was 16-year-old Ian Miller, who was a passenger in a Toyota Corolla driven by 17-year-old Andrew Kreek.

The Patrol reports Kreek was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed on Horned Owl Road when he lost control of his car.  The vehicle left the roadway on the left side, traveled into a ditch and went airborne. The vehicle made one rotation across U.S. 36 before landing on its top in a ditch.

Miller was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kreek and four other passengers were injured.

Kreek, 18-year-old Gabriel Corbett and 15-year-old Navaeh Dismang were all life-flighted to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City with suspected serious injuries. 

Another passenger, 19-year-old Andrew Timothy Woods, was transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital with suspected minor injuries. He was treated and later released.

The Patrol says Woods was the only occupant wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck.

The Hiawatha School district issued the following statement Sunday:

In addition, a Hiawatha High School play that had been scheduled for Sunday afternoon was cancelled.  

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant posted the following message on Facebook:

(KAIR)--A dog is dead following an attack by two other dogs in Atchison.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened around 10:00 Friday morning.

Officers responded to the 700 block of W Street following a report of the attack.

A neighbor took the injured dog, identified in social media posts as Max, to a veterinarian. However, Wilson said the dog died.

The owner of the two Huskies that police say attacked Max is identified as 61-year-old Joanna Orr.

She was charged with vicious dogs and dogs running at large.

The Huskies are in the custody of Atchison Animal Control.

(KAIR)--After nearly 13-years in the role, the President of the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce is stepping down; however, Jacque Pregont plans to continue serving the community in other roles she currently holds, including that of Amelia Earhart Festival Coordinator.

Pregont on Wednesday announced her intention to retire to the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Pregont plans for her retirement to become effective January 31; however, she said that she will continue to provide input until the process of finding her replacement is complete.

MSC Radio News Director Brian Hagen had a chance to talk with her about the decision. 

(KAIR)--A pickup truck, reported stolen this week, has been recovered.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 2007 Chevrolet was recovered Thursday in Kansas City, Missouri.

The truck was stolen Tuesday night from the 800 block of south 7th Street after the owner momentarily went inside a residence after starting the truck to let it warm up.

The truck is reportedly in drivable condition, but did incur damage.
No arrests have yet been made in the case, as the investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information on the theft is asked to call Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KNZA)--Horton High School head football coach Mark Friess has resigned.

The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education accepted his resignation during their regular meeting Monday evening, which was effective immediately.

Friess had just completed his second season as head coach of the Chargers.

The Board filled two other head coaching positions at Horton High School.

Following an executive session, the board approved the hiring of Skylar Wikle as head wrestling coach and Zach Mendez as head golf coach.

In other personnel action, the Board accepted, with regrets, the retirement resignation of longtime Everest Middle School social studies teacher Eli Wenger. Wenger has taught at the school for 31 years.

The USD 430 Board also accepted a bid from McKenna Boller in the amount of $1 for district-owned property located at 233 West 8th Street in Horton. Boller will be responsible for all closing costs.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has ratified a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2019-20 school year.

The action came following an executive session Monday evening on a 6-1 vote, with Board member John Wright casting the lone no vote.

The Hiawatha Teachers Association approved the agreement last month.

It calls for a 7.21 percent increase in the base salary from $37,310 to $40,000 plus movement on the salary schedule. Incorporated in the salary schedule are $510 “ steps” for years of service and $800 “ steps” for level of education.

In voting against the agreement, Wright said he would rather see money go to hiring more teachers in order to reduce class size instead of adding more money to the salary schedule.

A mediator met with both sides October 7 after an impasse was declared in contract negotiations. The teacher's negotiating team decided at that time to take the same offer made in August back for another vote.

The agreement is retroactive to August 1.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County man is going to prison, sentenced this week in a case involving attempted rape and aggravated endangering a child.

According to a news release issued by Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 77-year-old Galen Hurt learned his fate Wednesday in Leavenworth County District Court.

He was sentenced to more than 5-years behind bars.

The Linwood resident, in September, entered a plea on the second day of his jury trial.

His plea came after the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office received input from family members.

The conviction on the charges stemmed from contact Hurt had with a 4-year-old child in May 2018 when she was at his home.

Several members of the child’s family spoke during the sentencing, addressing how his actions changed their lives, yet offering words of forgiveness, according to the release.

Thompson, in the release, said he’s pleased that a resolution was reached that met the family’s approval while keeping the young victim from having to testify.

(KAIR)--A 32-year-old Atchison man will learn his fate next month stemming from a summer shooting that left one man injured.  

Sentencing for Kevin Maxey is scheduled for December 13 in Atchison County District Court.  That follows Maxey entering a guilty plea to a lesser charge in the case, following a plea agreement.  

Maxey, last week, entered the plea to criminal threat, as outlined in an amended complaint.  He had originally been charged with attempted second degree murder, arrested on that charge in July.  

The shooting occurred around 3:00 on the morning of June 9 in a vacant lot located in the 1100 block of Atchison’s North 8th Street.  With around 20 people gathered in that location, Atchison Police at the time said the victim was shot during an alleged altercation between Maxey and someone else.  

The victim has been identified through fundraiser information as Atchison resident Clinton Dunbar, who was shot twice.  

Maxey remains in the Atchison County Jail, held on a bond of $60,000.

(KNZA)--Prairie Hills USD 113 has been awarded a grant to help with the purchase of a new bus.

Superintendent Todd Evans says the USD 113 Board of Education Monday evening approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for acceptance of the grant. “ Because of a grant application that was completed in 2018, USD 113 was awarded a grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment through the Kansas Clean Diesel Program. The grant is for up to $21,136 for the purchase of a new bus while retiring a bus that does not burn fuel as efficiently.”

Evans said the Board approved the purchase of a new 71-passenger bus from Midwest Bus Sales through the Kansas Bus Purchasing Program for $84,545.  The district will use the grant funds toward the new bus cost.

KDHE established the Kansas Clean Diesel Program in 2008 to use federal funds from the Environmental Protection Agency to provide assistance for diesel fleet improvements.

From top left clockwise: Hiawatha Ford, Kanza Mental Health, Outback Guidance, and State Farm Insurance/Photo credit: Greg Buser/MSC News

(KNZA)--Four Hiawatha businesses have been recognized by the Kansas Department of Commerce for their contributions to the local community and state economy.

Salih Doughramaji with the Department of Commerce presented awards to the four during the annual fall mixer Thursday evening co-sponsored by the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development and Physical & Respiratory Therapy.

Receiving merit awards were Outback Guidance, Hiawatha Ford, Kanza Mental Health and Guidance Center and State Farm Insurance--Agent Ryan Meininger.

The awards are presented as part of the Commerce Department’s annual Business Appreciation Program, with nominations sought in four categories. Those include manufacturing/distribution, service, retail and hospital/non-profit.

HFED nominated the four businesses this spring for the awards.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph. Missouri man has been found guilty of the shooting death of a former Troy man in August 2018, and the wounding of another man.

KQ2-TV reports a Buchanan County jury found Jessie Lee Nelson guilty Thursday of first-degree murder, first-degree assault and two counts of armed criminal action.

The trial began Tuesday.

Nelson was convicted of killing 29-year-old Mack Jenkins and seriously wounding 23-year-old Deon Hernandez on August 6, 2018.

Witnesses told police they saw Nelson allegedly fire shots into a vehicle containing the two men after it crashed just north of downtown St. Joseph, and then drive away.

Nelson is scheduled to be sentenced January 23.

(KNZA)--After more than a year of delays in the case against him, a December 5 preliminary hearing has been set for a Holton man accused of fatally shooting his father in September 2018.

That came during a status hearing last week in Jackson County District Court for 50-year-old Derrick Bohnenkemper.

Bohnenkemper is charged with one count of first-degree murder, five counts of attempted capital murder and one count of aggravated assault.

He is accused of fatally shooting his 73-year-old father, Gaylen Bohnenkemper, on September 18, 2018.

The elder Bohnenkemper was found inside a residence north of Holton after his son surrendered to authorities following a more than 5-hour armed standoff.

Bohnenkemper also faces two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of assault in a separate case stemming from a November 6, 2018 incident in the Jackson County Jail.

Bohnenkemper was transferred to the Larned State Hospital a day after the incident after a judge granted a motion filed by his attorney for a competency evaluation.

He was returned to the Jackson County Jail this past summer but no competency ruling has yet been issued.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha High School student is planning the 1st annual Antique Corn Picking and Shelling Day this weekend.

Nathan Wright will hold the event Sunday afternoon 1 to 5 at the Brown County Historical Society's Ag Museum located at 301 East Iowa Street, in Hiawatha.

The event will feature equipment from the Ag Museum and local farmers.

Wright's inspiration came after taking part in a corn picking event in Jewell, Kansas last fall with his uncle.

He received approval from the Hiawatha City Commission in February to use an 8-acre parcel of city-owned property adjacent to the Ag Museum to plant corn. The city approved a lease agreement with the Historical Society for the property at an annual payment of one dollar per year.

Its part of Wright's FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience project.

The public is encouraged to attend.

(MSC News)--A Pottawatomie County house fire has claimed one life.

WIBW-TV reports the fire happened Sunday night in the 13000 block of Antelope Run in rural Westmoreland.

Citing the Pottawatomie County Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the TV station reports crews responded to the scene around 10:30 following the report of a grass fire. However, upon arrival, a home was found to be engulfed in flames, and one person was found dead inside.

According to the State Fire Marshal’s office, a positive identification of the victim will not be made until it is confirmed by autopsy.

The Investigation Division of the Fire Marshal’s office has classified the cause of the fire as undetermined. Loss is estimated at $200,000. It is unknown if there were smoke detectors in the structure.

(KLZA)-- A 17-year-old Skidmore, Missouri girl was hospitalized with serious injuries following a wreck Thursday morning in Holt County. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports Chloe Abrams of Skidmore was headed south on U.S. 59 Highway, approximately five miles north of Oregon when the Ford Explorer she was driving went off the road and overturned coming to rest on its top. 

 Abrams was wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck.  She was transported by the Atchison-Holt EMS to Mosaic Lifecare Hospital in St. Joseph. 

The Explorer was totaled in the wreck, which occurred at approximately 9:20 Thursday morning.

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

(KNZA)--Improvements will be made to the Hiawatha Elementary School south parking lot.

The Hiawatha School Board Monday evening approved having Brown County chip and seal the parking lot and circle driveway at an estimated cost of $23,021.

In addition, the Board on a 6-1 vote accepted a bid from AHRS Construction, of Bern, in the amount of $34,600 for concrete curbs and islands at the parking lot. Board President Ian Schuetz cast the lone " no" vote.

The work is to be done next summer.

Approval came after a discussion of traffic flow and student drop-offs at the elementary school, with the hope that the addition of islands and curbs will help the situation.

In other business, the Board accepted the low bid submitted by Fortis Integrated Services, of St. Joseph, for replacement of the high school wood shop boiler at a cost of $18,969.

The boiler is expected to be replaced by December 31.

The Board approved two new high school clubs. They include a Stitches Club and a Gay/Straight Alliance Club. Both clubs were proposed by students and will have volunteer sponsors.

The Stitches Club will teach students craft skills such as crocheting, sewing and other skills associated with fabric making. The volunteer sponsor will be Patty Hankerson-Davis.

The Gay/Straight Alliance Club will promote diversity, inclusion and acceptance for those in the LGBTQ community. The volunteer sponsors will be Jenny Dunn and Chris Diller.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County  Commissioners reviewed with County Attorney Doug Merz,  the proposed contact for Public Defender services with Steve Mercure when they met Tuesday. 

Mercure will begin as Richardson County Public Defender January 1, 2020.  The Board will consider the contract after several changes are made. 

Sheriff Rick Hardesty presented purchase orders for ammunition, radar units for patrol vehicles and a light unit for a patrol unit for approval.  

Commissioners approved the purchase of a 2013 Dodge Caravan SXT with nearly 83-thousand miles on it from Hullman's Ford.  With the trade-in of a 2003 Ford Windstar the total purchase price will be $9,450.  

The vehicle will be used for county employees travel to training meeting and for County Assessor's Office property reviews and some transportation of prisoners from the Jail to the Courthouse for hearings. 

Purchase of a Bobcat, 84-inch angle broom was approved. The price tag will be $4,646.   

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee  City Council approved the appointment of Vickie Zelenka to fill the vacant City Council seat Monday night.  Following the appointment, Mayor Deb Klein resigned.  

It was determined following the previous Council meeting that a secret vote on the Mayors appointment was not required, and she re-submitted the name of Donnie Fisher for the seat becoming open due to the resignation of Council Person Sandi Corbitt-Sears. 

Fishers appointment was voted down 2-1 in a secret ballot previously.  Monday night no one made a motion to approve the appointment.

Mayor Klein then submitted the name of Bruce Haughton for the open Council seat.  Councilman Charlie Hatfield's motion to approve Haughton for the seat died for a lack of a second. 

Following some give and take discussions between the Mayor and Council members John Dahlgren and Ric Helms she submitted the name of a third applicant for the open Council seat and Vickie Zelenka was approved on a 2-1 vote with Councilman Hatfield casting a nay vote.

Zelenka was called and asked to come to the meeting and be sworn in.  At this point Mayor Klein submitted her letter of resignation. 

Following the Mayors resignation,  Council President Charlie Hatfield stepped in to run the meeting.  Hatfield will now decide if he wants to take over as Mayor or remain on the Council.  

Hatfield previously served as Mayor when Deb Klein resigned as Mayor of Pawnee City due to health issues.

In her letter of resignation, Klein called it was an honor and privilege to serve the people of Pawnee City, saying she ran for Mayor to hopefully help move Pawnee City forward, but noted that, “unfortunately, as a Board,  we cannot seem to settle on anything.”

She went on to say she thought the Council would pull together and work together for the betterment of the City and its' citizens, but unfortunately, I don't feel this is true.

Klein said  “if we can't work together as a  unit, we will never accomplish anything.”  

The Council seat Zelenka is taking is up for election next year and she would have to seek election to the seat in the May, 2020 primary. 
 

(KNZA)--A Perry man has been arrested for alleged child abuse.

Just before noon Sunday, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig said deputies responded to a report of a child in cardiac arrest in the 100 block of South Cedar Street in Perry.

EMS took the 3-year-old girl to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, while deputies investigated.

Herrig says their investigation revealed the child wasn’t in cardiac arrest but was possibly the victim of child abuse.

23-year-old Zachary Odom was arrested on a single felony count of abuse of a child.

Herrig told WIBW-TV the child is expected to make a full recovery.

The case remains under investigation.

Odom made his first appearance in court Wednesday, where his bond was set at $50,000.

He remains in the Jefferson County.

(KLZA)-- A two-vehicle wreck on U.S. 75 Highway in Richardson County claimed the life of a Little Rock, Arkansas man.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office said 25-year-old Norbert Rungano died from injuries received in the wreck around 8:00 Monday morning, just north of the Kansas-Nebraska State Line.

The Sheriff's Office said Rungano lost control of his southbound 2019 Dodge Charger, which crossed the center line and collided head-on with a northbound semi tractor-trailer hauling cattle.

The semi was driven by 60-year-old Walter Oswalt of Nixa, Missouri.  

Both drivers were transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital.  Rungano was later transported to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, where he died. 

Sabetha Fire and Rescue and Morrill Fire responded to the scene of the wreck.

(KAIR)--A Nortonville man required helicopter transport for hospital treatment following a two vehicle, Wednesday morning Atchison County crash.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 29-year-old Kevin Berning, of Nortonville, was southbound on U.S. Highway 59 when he veered into the oncoming lane of traffic.

That caused his vehicle to collide with a northbound vehicle, driven by 27-year-old Matthew Kramer, of Valley Falls.

Berning was flown to the University of Kansas Hospital, by LifeNet, suffering from what the report says were possible broken legs.

Kramer was treated at the scene.

The wreck happened around 6:50 Wednesday morning.

A second Wednesday morning wreck left a rural Atchison County resident injured.

According to a report from Laurie, 18-year-old John Pantle was traveling on K-116 Highway, east of Kiowa Road, when he became distracted.

According to the report, that caused Pantle to lose control of his vehicle, which ran off the north side of the highway where it struck a culvert and ditch.

Pantle was transported for hospital treatment by private vehicle, suffering from what the report identifies as cuts to the face.

The wreck happened around 7:50 Wednesday morning.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are searching for a pickup truck, reported stolen Tuesday night.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the truck’s owner had started the truck in the 800 block of South 7th Street, and then went inside a residence.

The truck was stolen a short time later, and the search to find its whereabouts has been ongoing since around 10:20 Tuesday night.

The truck is described as a black, 2007 Chevrolet.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the pickup truck is asked to call Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

 LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A former inmate has lost the lawsuit he filed after the 2015 riot at the Tecumseh prison that left two prisoners dead.
 
 The judge said in a ruling filed Friday that John Wizinsky didn't provide enough evidence that he'd been injured. And the judge said Wizinsky also failed to prove the state mismanaged its riot response or that the prison was understaffed at the time.
 
 The lawsuit alleged the state was negligent during the May 10, 2015, riot at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. Inmates took control of a portion of the prison and killed two fellow prisoners.
 
 His lawsuit also said Wizinsky stopped three inmates from almost beating to death another prisoner, and he was left 18 hours without his diabetes medication and deprived of food.
 
 Wizinsky filed the lawsuit less than three months after leaving prison in 2016. He'd served time for drugs, theft and other crimes.

(KAIR)--A runaway teen is found in Atchison, and two men with her go to jail on felony charges.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Atchison Police Officers Saturday afternoon spotted an unoccupied vehicle parked in the River Front area of Atchison’s River Road, and launched an investigation.

A girl was observed by officers heading west, on foot, from the area, and was later found hiding in a tree-lined area of North Terrace.
Officers learned the girl was a 15-year-old runaway from Des Moines, Iowa. She left that location Thursday with two men, who were located Saturday in the area of North Terrace, and arrested.

They are identified as 20-year-old Johnathan McClain and 21-year-old Nicholas Jackson, both of Des Moines.

According to Wilson, the two men were arrested for felony contributing to a child’s misconduct and interference with law enforcement.

Following their arrests, McClain and Jackson were both transported to the Atchison County Jail.

They are held on bonds of $10,000 each.

The teen was placed in temporary care, pending her return to Iowa.

(KNZA)--A Holton man convicted on a pair of child sex-related charges will have to serve 60 days in jail as a condition of his probation.

Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller told MSC News that 34-year-old Philip Hackathorn was sentenced last week in Jackson County District Court on two counts of indecent solicitation of a child.

Miller said Hackathorn was given a 18-month suspended prison sentence on the charges and placed on 24-months probation.

He will be required to register as a sex offender for 25 years.

Hackathorn pleaded no contest to the charges in September as part of a plea deal. In exchange for the plea, ten additional counts were dismissed.

Hackathorn was arrested in February on a district court warrant following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff”s Office into alleged incidents involving a 15-year-old occurring between May and August 2018.

During the investigation, the sheriff's office served search warrants on Hackathorn's Facebook and Snapchat accounts.

FAIRBURY, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a Kansas man died after a car he was in crashed off a rural road in southeast Nebraska.

The crash occurred Sunday, about 2 miles northwest of Fairbury. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says deputies found two injured people at the site. They'd been ejected.

One died later at a Fairbury hospital. He's been identified as Cody Craig, who lived in Hanover, Kansas.

The second, unidentified person was taken to a Lincoln hospital.

Investigators suspect alcohol consumption was a factor in the crash.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s 5th Street Viaduct remains closed.

That word came in an alert issued by the City of Atchison late Tuesday afternoon.

The viaduct closed Tuesday to allow crews to conduct repair work on an expansion joint on the viaduct.

The walkway for foot traffic remains open.

According to the City, it’s hoped that the repairs will be completed by late Wednesday.

The reopening of the viaduct could be Wednesday night or Thursday morning. 

(KAIR)--Slick, wintery conditions that greeted Atchison area motorists Monday morning led to a number of minor crashes.

According to area officials, no injuries were incurred in the wrecks.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson reports six crashes occurred within the Atchison City limits, with all of them happening between 7:45 and 8:10 Monday morning.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a report, said four weather-related crashes occurred in Atchison County Monday, all on state highways in the Effingham area.

The Sheriff’s Office worked three of the wrecks, while the Kansas Highway Patrol worked the fourth.

Additionally, Laurie said his office worked the 26th deer related crash since October 5 Monday night.

(KAIR)--The Director of Technical Education at Highland Community College's  Technical Center in Atchison receives special recognition.

According to a news release from the college, Lucas Hunziger was recently recognized by the Kansas Board of Regents for excellence in Carl Perkins Career & Technical Education reporting.

The award recognizes reporting and dedication within Kansas education institutions receiving Perkins funds.

The award was one of two given in the state.

Hunziger, in the release, calls the recognition “very validating,” adding that “technical education is exploding due to the demand for skilled employees.”

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, or Carl Perkins funding, focuses on improving the academic and technical achievements of students in career and technical education programs in both high school and college.

(KLZA)-- A Monday morning two-vehicle Richardson County wreck on Highway 75, north of the Kansas border, sent two people to the hospital.

The Richardson County Sheriff's preliminary report indicates that a semi tractor-trailer hauling cattle was northbound on Highway 75 when a 2019 Dodge Charger lost control and crossed the center line hitting the semi head on.

Sabetha Fire and Rescue and the Morrill Fire Department responded to the scene of the wreck.

Both drivers, who have not been identified, were transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital. The driver of the Dodge Charger was later transported to another medical facility.

The wreck was reported around 8:00 Monday morning at the intersection with 703 Trail.

Pawnee County Commissioners received an update on the Pawnee City, Southeast Nebraska Community Action program from Vicki McNealy.

McNealy reported noted in 2017-18 SENCA lost $1,500 and in 2018-19 the loss was in excess of $10-thousand with their services.  

She said SENCA will be presenting to the advisory board that there will have to be utilization of the site or SENCA will have to close the site.  

The latest fiscal year report shows an increase in use of the transit program for Fiscal Year 2018-19, but  noted there was a 45 percent decrease in meals served from the previous year.  

SENCA is also asking if there would be room in the Pawnee County Courthouse to house the transit person and outreach person for four hours per day if the sit would have to close.  

There was no action by Commissioners. 

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council at their November 6 meeting approved an ordinance annexing three small tracts of city-owned rural property into the city limits.

It includes the airport, the Maxwell Springs buffer area and the city's newest water wells.

The Nemaha County Commission voiced no opposition to the annexation.

An ordinance to extend the city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction was removed from the agenda because the city is still working on the legal description details.

The Seneca Planning Commission voted following a public hearing on October 17 to recommend the city extend its extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction from two miles to three miles around the city limits, which is the maximum allowed by state law.

The Council asked the Planning Commission to consider taking the step after hearing concerns about the possibility of wind turbines being located in areas that are seeking residential development.

In other business, city resident Dave Clements appeared before the Council to request a 30-day extension to remove his house located at 2nd and Castle Streets which was damaged by fire. The extension was granted.

(KNZA)--An early Monday morning Brown County head-on collision sent a Morrill man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 36 Highway, three-tenths of a mile west of Hazelnut Road.

The Patrol reports 55-year-old Kirk Eisenbise was eastbound when he lost control of his Ford Ranger. His vehicle slid sideways across both lanes of traffic, striking a westbound SUV head-on.

Eisenbise was transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital with suspected serious injury.

The driver of the SUV, 37-year-old Wathena resident Melissa Ryser, received possible injury but was not transported to a hospital.

Slick road conditions were reported at time of the crash, which occurred shortly after 6:30 Monday morning.

(KNZA)--A Horton man is in custody following two early Monday morning chases.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said 34-year-old Michael Dorsch was arrested by Jackson County Sheriff's deputies on multiple charges.

Around 1:00 Monday morning, a Shawnee County deputy ended a pursuit with a vehicle that was suspected to be involved in vehicle burglaries as it moved into Jackson County.

A short time later, a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy found the car—abandoned and still running—crashed into a ditch north of 102nd and S Roads. The vehicle, a 2002 Toyota Camry, had been reported stolen out of Silver Lake.

Around 2:00, Morse said deputies noticed a 2017 Volkswagen in the area. Deputies believed the vehicle was in the area to pickup the driver of the Camry.

A pursuit ensued on 102nd Road and ended on P.4 Road after the car rolled.

Two passengers in the vehicle were evaluated at area hospitals. Morse said it was determined the 2017 Volkswagen had been reported stolen out of Lawrence, and the tag on the vehicle was stolen from a residence in Shawnee County.

Dorsch was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of felony possession of stolen property, possession of stolen property, fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement, two counts of aggravated battery, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.

Morse said Dorsch is known to Jackson County law enforcement from a variety of pursuits and manhunts throughout the years.

The incident remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--No change yet regarding the charges for three Atchison men accused of their roles in a fatal September fight on Doniphan County property.

A hearing was held October 31 in Doniphan County District Court for 44-year-old Scott Vandeloo, regarding a motion filed by his attorney seeking modification of Vandeloo’s $150,000 bond.

Requested was lowering the bond to $50,000 or $75,000. However, the motion was denied, and Vandeloo remains jailed in the Leavenworth County Jail.

Vandeloo, along with 30-year-old Matthew Cole Scherer, and 22-year-old Brian Spilman Jr., are scheduled to make court appearances on November 19 in a Doniphan County courtroom.

All three remain charged with aggravated battery, although the Kansas Bureau of Investigation September 30 said charges were expected to be amended following the death of 42-year-old Jason Pantle.

Pantle, of Cummings, is identified as the victim of the early morning altercation that took place September 22 during a party held at 159 Monument Road, in Doniphan County.

Discovered by Atchison Police laying outside a residence on Atchison’s Jayhawk Drive early that same morning, Pantle was transported for hospital care and died of what investigators called serious head injuries September 28 at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.

Along with Vandeloo, Scherer remains jailed in Leavenworth County, held on a bond of $150,000.

Spilman is jailed in Doniphan County, and according to online jail records, his bond is set at $100,000, a reduction of his original $150,000 bond.

The Doniphan County Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which the KBI calls a homicide investigation.

(KLZA)--A Humboldt man was arrested shortly before noon Thursday by Richardson County Sheriff's Department deputies on a warrant.

It is the second time in less than two weeks 30-year-old Devon Cooper has been arrested. 

Thursday, Cooper was arrested on a warrant for intentionally committing child abuse,  with no  injury;  reckless driving; driving left of center and failure to use a child passenger restraint.  Cooper was booked into the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center. 

Cooper was previously arrested on Sunday morning, October 27th by deputies  on a warrant for two counts of possession of a controlled substance, destroying evidence and possession of narcotic equipment.  Cooper was free on bail when arrested the second time. 

(KNZA)--Two votes is all that now separates the opposite sides in the vote to impose a 10-year, half-cent countywide retailers' sales tax in Brown County for the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Following the counting of all mail-in ballots, Brown County Clerk Melissa Gormley reported Friday the vote tally now stands at 1,270 against to 1,268 in favor of the sales tax.  

The county clerk's office accepted mail-in ballots that were postmarked on or before Election Day until Friday. Gormley said seven additional mail-in ballots were counted.  

On election night, the sales tax issue was down by 3 votes-- 1,267 votes against to 1,264 in favor.  

Still to be considered are 40 provisional ballots when the Brown County Commission canvasses ballots during their November 18 meeting.  A provisional ballot is used at a  polling place to record a vote when there is some question regarding a voter's eligibility.

Its the second time the hospital has sought tax support. During a special election in May, a similar sales tax proposal was defeated by a 29-vote margin.

(MSC News)--Pottawatomie County Sheriff Greg Riat has been selected for a new role--3rd District county commissioner.

KMAN Radio reports Riat was chosen Thursday evening by 3rd District Republican precinct leaders from among four candidates to fill the seat currently held by Travis Altenhofen.

Altenhofen announced his resignation at the Commission's October 21 meeting, which is effective January 10, 2020.

Riat's name will now be forwarded to Governor Laura Kelly, who will make the official appointment.

He has served as Pottawatomie County Sheriff for the past 19 years.

Following his selection Thursday evening, Riat announced his resignation as sheriff. The county's Republican party will now have 21 days to elect a new sheriff. Riat had already been planning to retire from his position in late 2020.

(KAIR)--Two costly thefts are under investigation by the Atchison Police Department.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News one case involves a theft from a parking lot at Atchison’s Benedictine College, located in the 1300 block of North 2nd Street.

Taken was a Bobcat skid loader model 773.

According to Wilson, investigators have determined that it was driven from that parking lot to an adjacent parking lot at 3rd and Harper Drive. He said it appears the Bobcat was then loaded onto a hauling device, mostly likely a trailer, and driven away.

The Bobcat, valued at $9,500, is believed to have been stolen sometime between 4:00 Monday afternoon and 2:00 Wednesday afternoon.

The second case of theft is focused on a We-MAC Manufacturing shed, located at 11016 U.S. Highway 59.

According to Wilson, someone stole six Star Gold C-25 compressed gas bottles and a DeWALT 185,000 btu space heater from the shed.

The investigation indicates the theft occurred sometime between October 29 and November 5.

The total loss is estimated at $3,400.

No suspects are immediately identified in either of the two cases.

Anyone with information is asked to call Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved the expenditure of $1,164 to refinish the floor at Prichard  Auditorium when they met Monday evening.  

Dan Pfister who works for a company in St. Joseph offered to donate his labor to do the project. It's estimated the floor has not been refinished for around 20 years.

When the work is done, no one will be allowed  on the floor for approximately one week.

The vote was 7-1 with Councilman Derek Leyden casting the nay vote. 

The Council also voted 7-1 to approve a request from Falls City Public Schools to be allowed not to replace a sidewalk along East 9th Street along school property.  Council member Amber Holle cast the nay vote. 

City Administrator Gary Jorn noted the City Crew is doing crack sealing on the east-west City streets.  He asked that residents living on east-west streets from 23rd Street south not park on those streets for seven days while the Street Crew puts down tar on the cracks in the streets. 

(KLZA)-- Following  an executive session with the Pawnee  County Commissioners Tuesday, Sheriff Jayme Reed submitted her resignation, effective December 31, 2019.

In her letter of resignation, Sheriff Reed said she is grateful for the support of the residents of the Pawnee  County for the past 15 years with the department. She says she feels it is time for her to move on and give another person the opportunities that she has been so fortunate to enjoy.

Reed was elected Sheriff in November 2006, and was one of two women elected to serve as a Sheriff in Nebraska that year, which was the first time a woman had been elected Sheriff in Nebraska.

Commissioners voted to accept the resignation with regret.

(MSC News)--A St. Joseph, Missouri woman convicted of drowning her infant son in a bathtub has been sentenced to life in prison.

KQ2-TV reports 29-year-old Sydney Jones was handed the sentence Thursday.

A Buchanan County jury found Jones guilty in July of child abuse, or neglect that resulted in the death of her 6-month-old son, Keith Lars, III.

He was found dead on December 7, 2017 after police responded to a 911 call at an apartment complex in the 200 block of Texas Avenue.

A witness testified at Jones' trial that he found her holding the baby down in the water, with water up to her forearms.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has extended a moratorium on commercial wind energy projects in the county for an additional six months.

The Commission unanimously approved a resolution Monday that extends a moratorium approved in May, which is set to expire November 13.

The resolution states the Commission will not hear any requests for use of roads, infrastructure and other public areas of the county during that time.

The resolution says the commission intends to appoint an advisory committee to determine the viability of enacting a zoning ordinance, either limited or broad, for the county. In addition, it says the Commission still intends to receive, discuss and debate both the conclusions of the advisory committee and overall merits of a zoning ordinance.

The resolution does not apply to the Soldier Creek Wind Farm project in southern Nemaha County.

The county's wind farm attorney, James Neeld, provided an update on the project Monday following several executive sessions with Commissioners and took questions from the audience.

Neeld said project developer NextEra Energy Resources has submitted an updated haul map route for the wind farm development.

Neeld said the proposed haul route has not been approved by the Commission and will need to be reviewed by Cook, Flatt and Strobel Engineers, who are assisting the county with the Soldier Creek project.

He said negotiations continue on a road use agreement.

(KNZA)--A Doniphan County bridge replacement project has been selected for funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation.

The Doniphan County Commission learned this week that KDOT has approved $200,000 in funding through the Local Bridge Improvement Program for the replacement of a bridge northeast of Severance.

Doniphan County was among twenty-seven counties that were selected for a funding through the program, which was reinstated by KDOT this summer.

A combined total of $5 million was awarded under the program.

A total of 86 applications from 70 local public agencies were received with requests for more than $14 million in funds.

The program targets bridges that are 20 to 50 feet in length and a daily vehicle count of less than 100.

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for a 20-year-old Highland man facing a child sex charge.

Kyle Hoffman pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Doniphan County District Court to felony charge of indecent liberties with a child.

A jury trial was set for January 21.

Hoffman is accused of the lewd fondling of a 14-year-old girl on July 17.

He was charged following an investigation by the Highland Police Department.

Hoffman remains in the Doniphan County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

(KAIR)--A former nurses’ aide from Atchison has been sentenced to two years in prison following her conviction on Medicaid fraud and related charges.

According to a news release from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, 26-year-old Janelle Lynn Sakakihara was sentenced Wednesday in Doniphan County District Court.

She pleaded no contest in July and was found guilty of one count of Medicaid fraud and two counts of felony mistreatment of a dependent adult.

According to the criminal complaint, the offenses took place while Sakakihara was employed at the Highland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

According to the news release, the crimes occurred in September, 2017, and she was charged following an investigation by the attorney general’s Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Division and the Highland Police Department. The investigation revealed that Sakakihara abused multiple residents at the care facility.

Sakakihara was among ten individuals in seven counties charged in September, 2018 as part of a statewide enforcement sweep by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison’s Finance Clerk has been named as the City’s new Human Resources Director.

Laura McNemee was chosen to fill the role following what a news release from the City calls “an intense application and interview process.”

McNemee will fill the role currently held by Lori Moore.
Moore, in the spring, announced her plans to retire, following 42-years employed by the City. She began working as a finance clerk in 1977 and began serving as Human Resources Director in 1981.

McNemee, who began working as the City’s Finance Clerk in 2014, will officially begin her new duties December 16. She has been working alongside Moore in preparation for her new role.

In the release, City Manager Becky Berger calls the position of HR Director “a key role,” adding that McNemee is a “natural fit” who “will be an ideal advocate” for the City’s more than 100 employees.

McNemee, in the release, said she’s ready to move into the new role, calling her time with the City “incredibly rewarding.”

A resident of Atchison for 12-years, McNemee holds an associate degree in accounting from Highland Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration from Kansas State University.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission is considering an indoor vaping ban.

The Commission voted Monday evening to place an ordinance on their November 18 agenda that would prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in enclosed public places and places of employment within the city.

Mayor Bill Collins said 100 percent of the Commission is is on board with putting the ordinance into effect.

Currently, smoking is prohibited by city ordinance in enclosed public places.

If approved, the new ordinance would prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in bars, restaurants, retail service establishments, retail stores and other indoor public places.

Private residences, except those used as a state licensed child care, adult day care or health care facility would be exempt. Also E-cigarette shops would be exempt.

Violation of the ordinance would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of at least $50 for a first violation, at least $100 for a second violation and at least $200 for a third or subsequent violation.

The ordinance would be enforced by the Hiawatha Fire and Police Departments.

(KLZA)--Falls City Police have arrested a Hiawatha man on multiple charges.

According to the Falls City Police Department, the Department received a complaint about 2:00 Sunday afternoon of a vehicle break-in at Sapp Brother's convenience store in Falls City.

An officer made contact with two individuals parked on the south side of the building. A passenger in the vehicle, believed to be 27-year-old Michael A. Costa, who had active warrants out of Brown County, Kansas was questioned about his identity, and allegedly gave a false name.

Police say when the officer attempted to detain the subject, he physically resisted and continued to claim he was someone else.

He was placed in handcuffs and it was confirmed he was Michael Costa.

Police say an on-scene investigation revealed that Costa had allegedly met a minor at the location to sell him marijuana. Marijuana and a digital scale were recovered.

Costa was booked into the Richardson County Jail on a felony charge of possession with intent to to distribute marijuana to a person under 18 years of age, false reporting; obstructing a peace officer; and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. In addition, Costa is being held on a Brown County warrant for possession of methamphetamine.

He remained in the Richardson County Jail as of Tuesday afternoon.

(KLZA)-- Extensive damage was caused to a storage tank and retaining wall at Helena Chemical in the 400 block of Wilson Street in Falls City by an unknown driver.

The Falls  City Police Department was notified about the incident around 10:00 Friday night and when they arrived on the scene in less than five minutes, there was no one present. 

The police report says a  car was traveling at a high rate of speed and was unable to navigate the curve in the roadway. The car left the roadway, went airborne over a ditch, before colliding with and  jumping over a retaining wall. The car then struck  a storage tank and became high centered on the wall.

The report lists the 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix as totaled.  The vehicle is owned by Kyle Wissler, of Falls City.

Damage to the storage tank and retaining wall is estimated at $3,500.  
 

(KAIR)--New leadership is decided for the Atchison City Commission.

That happened Tuesday when Atchison voters went to the polls to determine who would fill the three open seats.

The unofficial results, as tabulated by the Atchison County Clerk’s Office, show Abby Bartlett earning the most votes with 803. She was followed by J. David Farris with 719 and Lisa Moody with 622.

Incumbents Charles Perdue and David Hausmann were ousted unofficially, with Perdue earning just 4 votes less than Moody.

Voters also decided new leadership for Atchison’s USD 409, with Sally Berger earning 1,077 votes, Pamela Rizza gaining 826, and Stephanie Gardner taking 719 votes.

Incumbent Herb Gwaltney was defeated in his bid at re-election to one of the three open seats.

All results are unofficial pending the November 18 canvas of the ballots by the Atchison County Commission.

Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips told MSC News unofficial estimates indicated 27 provisional ballots were cast.

She estimates Tuesday’s turnout at the polls at 19.6%.

In Doniphan County, voters decided the outcome of three open seats on the Elwood City Council, re-electing incumbents Dustin Robinson with 114 votes and Travis Holcomb with 108 votes. Newcomer Darrell Lamme earned the top number of votes, elected to the council with 117.

Incumbent Sam Meers was defeated.

Highland Mayor Charles Batchelder retained his seat, defeating challenger Scott Huss 110 to 42.

Marty Allen was elected to one of two open seats on the Highland City Council with a vote total of 124, joined by Danny Collins who received 91 votes.

Incumbent Bob Halter remains on the Wathena City Council, retaining one of two open seats with 159 votes. Aaron Cluck joins the council, receiving 108 votes.

Incumbent Ron Meers was defeated.

The Doniphan West USD 111 Board of Education at-large position will be filled by Dustin Libel, with 198 votes.

Three open positions were decided for the Highland Community College Board of Trustees, with all three incumbents retaining their seats.

Carl Tharman received 701 votes, Russel Karn gained 617, and Ken Huss earned 596.

Three open seats were decided on the Riverside USD 114 Board of Education, with incumbent Sue Bartley earning re-election with 166 votes. Erin Shackelford took 186 votes, while Jeff Harman received 119.

Incumbent Tina Kimberlin was ousted.

Jessica Herbster was elected to the at-large position with 343 votes.

Four at-large positions were filled on the Troy USD 429 Board of Education, as all three incumbents earned re-election.

Jason Winder received 250 votes, Nathan Geiger gained 247, and Steven Bowe received 162. Timothy Grable was elected with 227 votes.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved wage increases for Management, Non-Union and part-time employees when they met Monday evening. 

Wages for the City Administrator, Chief of Police and Utility Superintendent will increase 3 percent for the next three fiscal years with the Assistant City Administrator wage increasing $2 per hour for fiscal year 2019-20 and then 3 percent per year for the next two.  The Assistant Police Chief wage will increase by $2.50 per hour for the current fiscal year followed by 3 percent increases the following two fiscal years.

The 2019-20 Fiscal Year wages will be: 
$79,644 for the City Administrator.
$52,418 for the Assistant City Administrator.
$76,548 for the Utility Superintendent.
$72,965 for the Chief of Police. 
The Assistant Police Chief wage will be $32.48 per hour.

Part-time employees in the Utility and Street Departments and the Cemetery will receive a 3-percent raise to $10.30 per hour.

Credit: City of Atchison

(KAIR)--A more than $1 million grant awarded to the City of Atchison by the Kansas Department of Transportation could mean the removal of the majority of Atchison’s downtown mall.

That’s according to a news release issued by the City of Atchison, which says the grant funding is part of a redesign project “that could transform the retail experience in downtown Atchison.”

The project, with an estimated price tag of $2 million, would open the 500 and 600 blocks of Commercial Street to vehicle traffic, while allowing storefront parking. The release says the redesign would maintain space for pedestrians and special events.

The $1.5 million KDOT grant would fund 75% of the expected cost, which City Manager Becky Berger, in the release, said would extend what she called “the successful streetscape redesign format” utilized in the 700 and 800 blocks of Commercial Street.

The grant is one of 22 awarded from nearly 100 applications throughout the state as part of KDOT’s new Cost Share Program. There were $39 million in grants awarded. The awards were announced at a press conference Tuesday by Governor Laura Kelly.
Berger, who said the funds would keep Atchison taxpayers from footing the bill, commended the work of Republican State Representative Dr. John Eplee for the efforts he made “in calling attention to the importance of Atchison’s application,” which she said “undoubtedly helped to make [the] application successful.”

Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont, who lead the grant writing effort, called the redesign, in the release, “a great catalyst for new investment in downtown Atchison.”

The project now awaits City Commission approval.

If that’s granted, the release said construction could begin as early as spring 2020.

(KNZA)--It will later this month before the final results of the Brown County special question for the Hiawatha Community Hospital are known.

Unofficial results Tuesday evening showed the 10-year, half-cent countywide retailers' sales tax being defeated by a three-vote margin—1,264 votes in favor to 1,267 against.

However, the Brown County Clerk's Office reported 40 provisional ballots were cast during the election and they will be considered when ballots are canvassed during the November 18 Brown County Commission meeting.

A provisional ballot is used at a  polling place to record a vote when there is some question regarding a voter's eligibility.

Its the second time the hospital has sought tax support. During a special election in May, a similar sales tax proposal was defeated by a 29-vote margin.

Hiawatha voters Tuesday approved a quarter-cent retailers sales tax for recreation by a 110-vote margin.  513 votes were cast in favor of the sales tax proposal and  403 votes against.   It will replace the existing quarter-cent sales tax for the town's historic post lantern street lights, which is set to expire March 31, 2020.

Two proposed school bond issues were defeated Tuesday.

Voters in Holton USD 336 turned down by a more than 190-vote margin a $4.5 million general obligation bond issue for completion of upgrades to the heating and cooling systems at Holton High School and Holton Middle School.  

Voters in Onaga USD 322 defeated by a more than 160-vote margin a $8 million bond general obligation bond issue to fund the construction of a new elementary school and to remodel the district kitchen.

Voters in Marshall County approved by a more than 130-vote margin a 5-year, half-cent countywide retailers sales tax for Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville.

Jackson County voters approved by a wide-margin renewal of a four-tenth percent countywide retailers' sales tax for another seven years for road and bridge improvements. 

Doniphan County voters approved by a nearly 300-vote margin renewal of the countywide one percent retailers' sales tax for an additional five years. Funds from the tax are used for capital improvement projects, road improvements, upgrades to the county's 911 system and to provide property tax relief.

(AP) - Kansas has ended an unusual practice for redrawing the lines of legislative districts that has cost university communities political clout. Voters on Tuesday approved an amendment to the Kansas Constitution eliminating a requirement for the state to adjust federal census figures when the Legislature redistricts itself every 10 years. The adjustment counts college students and military personnel not where they're living but in a "permanent" home elsewhere.

Contested city and school races

Atchison County:  

Atchison City Commission—three open seats-with all precincts reporting:

Abby Bartlett 803 *

David Farris 719 *

David Hausmann ( incumbent) 530

Luke Jesnowski 417

Lisa Moody 622 *

William Murphy 409

Charles Perdue ( incumbent) 618

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Atchison USD 409 Board—three open seats-with all precincts reporting: 

Sally Berger 1,077 *

John Bishop 549

Stefanie Gardner 719 *

Herb Gwaltney ( incumbent) 665

Pamela Rizza 826 *

Josh Wheeler 439

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Brown County:   ( unofficial final results ) 

Horton City Commission—Commissioner of Parks and Recreation

Richard Lovelady --211*

James Stuart--123

( position currently held by Bobby Bacon)

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Horton City Commission—Commissioner of Police

Matthew Howell -159

Rex West ( incumbent) 167*

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South Brown County USD 430 Board 

Position #3

Laurence Berger ( incumbent) 257*

Carrie Miller-181

Gary Miller, Jr.--71

Position #7 ( at large)

Susanna Cooper -202

Rex Lockwood -484*

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Doniphan County:   ( unofficial final results)

Elwood City Council—three open seats

Travis Holcomb ( incumbent)--108*

Paula Hunsaker-58

Darrell Lamme-117*

Sam Meers ( incumbent)-84

Dustin Robinson ( incumbent)--114*

Megan Shackelford-68

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Highland Mayor

Charles Batchelder ( incumbent)-110*

Scott Huss-42

Highland City Council---two open seats

Marty Allen-124*

Danny Collins-91*

Dennis Lentz-41

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Wathena City Council—two open seats

Aaron Cluck-108*

Bob Halter ( incumbent)-159*

Ron Meers ( incumbent)-94

Tom Miller-88

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Doniphan West USD 111 Board---at large position

Amanda Clary--124

Dustin Libel-198*

Brandon Whetstine-79

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Highland Community College Board of Trustees—three open positions

Ken Huss ( incumbent)--596*

Russell Karn ( incumbent)-617*

Bill Noll-497

Mark Rounds-399

Carl Tharman ( incumbent)-701*

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Riverside USD 114 Board---Three open seats in District 1

Sue Bartley ( incumbent)-166*

Jake Benitz-72

Jeff Harman-119*

Tina Kimberlin ( incumbent)-104

Samuel Meers--110

Erin Shackelford--186*

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Riverside USD 114 Board—at large position

Jessica Herbster--343*

Brett Nelson-204

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Troy USD 429 Board—four at large-positions

Stephen Bowe ( incumbent)-162*

Nathan Geiger ( incumbent)-247*

Michael Grable-135

Timothy Grable-227*

Jason Winder ( incumbent)-250*

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Jackson County:   ( unofficial final results)

Holton City Commission—position 2

Norman Johnson--98

Mike Meerpohl ( incumbent)-372*

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Holton USD 336 Board

Position 1

Rex Frazier ( incumbent)-577*

Jennifer Taylor-426

Position 3

Shelby Patch ( incumbent)--527*

Jennifer Willcott-334

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Royal Valley USD 337—position 1

Michael Boswell--207*

Jacob “ Tug” Wamego--203

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Nemaha County:  ( unofficial results)

Prairie Hills USD 113 Board—position 1

Ken Cannon--179

Jim Scoby ( incumbent)-404*

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Marysville Mayor:

Jason Barnes--546*

Carla Grund ( incumbent)-322

Bill Phillipi-192

(KMZA)--The former Marshall County Clerk has been convicted of felony misuse of public funds.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, in a news release, said 44-year-old Sonya Stohs, of Marysville, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Marshall County District Court to one count of felony misuse of public funds.

District Judge John Weingart accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for January 7.

Stohs was charged in July following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Secret Service.

The release says the investigation showed between May 2013 and April of this year, Stohs used funds belonging to Marshall County to pay for various personal items, in excess of $100,000.

She remains free on a $10,000 bond.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - Relatives of a Leavenworth man who was fatally shot by a police officer have settled a wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit for $1 million.

The Kansas City Star reported the settlement Monday for the family of Antonio Garcia Jr.

Garcia was killed by a Leavenworth officer on July 11, 2017, while sitting in a car in the driveway of his home. The lawsuit said Officer Matthew Harrington unjustifiably shot and killed Garcia. The suit cited what it called the city's "shoot-first-ask-questions-later" policy.

Harrington was fired. A grand jury indicted him on an involuntary manslaughter charge . That case has not yet gone to trial.

Garcia's family reached the settlement with the city and the officer in August, and a federal judge approved it Monday.

(MSC News)--It will be later this month before the final results of the Brown County special question for the Hiawatha Community Hospital are known.

Unofficial results Tuesday evening showed the 10-year, half-cent countywide retailers' sales tax being defeated by just a three-vote margin—1,264 votes in favor to 1,267 against.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reported 40 provisional ballots were cast and they will not be considered until the ballots are canvassed during the November 18 Brown County Commission meeting.

Meanwhile, Hiawatha voters Tuesday approved a quarter-cent retailers sales tax for recreation by a 110-vote margin.

Two proposed school bond issues were defeated Tuesday.

Voters in Holton USD 336 turned down by a more than 190-vote margin a proposed $4.5 million general obligation bond issue for completion of upgrades to the heating and cooling systems at the Holton High School and Holton Middle School.

Voters in Onaga USD 322 defeated by a more than 160-vote margin a proposed $8 million bond general obligation bond issue to fund the construction of a new elementary school and to remodel the district kitchen.

Voters in Marshall County approved by a more than 130 vote margin a 5-year, half-cent countywide retailers sales tax for Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville.

Jackson County voters approved by a wide-margin renewal of a four-tenth percent countywide retailers' sales tax for another seven year for road and bridge improvements.

And Doniphan County voters approved by a nearly 300-vote margin renewal of the countywide one percent retailers' sales tax for an additional five years.

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (AP) - An Omaha man has been imprisoned for the crash deaths of a woman and her 15-year-old stepdaughter in southeast Nebraska's Otoe County.

Court records say 55-year-old Ricky Anthony was sentenced Monday in Nebraska City to 20 to 40 years and was credited for 380 days already served. He'd pleaded no contest to two counts of felony vehicular homicide. Prosecutors dropped three related charges in exchange for Anthony's pleas.

Thirty-two-year-old Rachel Curry and 15-year-old Chloe Curry died on Oct. 21 last year after their pickup truck collided with a sport utility vehicle on U.S. Highway 75 near Nebraska City. Authorities say it occurred after Anthony's SUV swerved into oncoming traffic.

Rachel Curry's husband, Michael Curry, was driving the pickup. He was treated at St. Mary's Hospital in Nebraska City.

Authorities say Anthony received a ride from the crash scene and was later found in Falls City, where he'd been staying temporarily.

( KNZA)--The 23nd Annual Jingle Bell Ride will hit the streets of Hiawatha Sunday, November 10.

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

Rider registration for this year’s event will begin at 11:00 Sunday morning on the south side of the Brown County Courthouse Square. Beginning at 12 noon, there will be activities around the Courthouse Square—including mini horse carriage rides, a silent action and the arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

The Hiawatha Fire Department will serve hot cocoa and concessions will be provided by the youth group from the Hiawatha First United Methodist Church.

At 2:00, the riders will take part in a parade on Oregon Street before splitting up to collect donated gifts.

Needed are new unwrapped toys for those all ages, monetary gifts and children’s hats and gloves.

If you would like to donate a toy or a monetary gift your asked to call 785-741-0861 or you can mail monetary donations to Jingle Bell Ride, P.O. Box 434, Hiawatha, 66434.

Last year, the Jingle Bell Ride helped around 90 families and provided toys for about 300 children in Brown County.

(KLZA)-- Cementation USA has been selected as the lead Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor for the underground aspects of the proposed Elk Creek Superalloy Material Project in Southeast Nebraska. 

Cementation is a mining and minerals focused group of companies delivering both underground and surface solutions for mines and downstream minerals processing facilities worldwide according to a release Friday from NioCorp.  

The company provides expertise in both mine construction and mine engineering.

NioCorp also announced the company intends to engage the Nordmin Group of Companies headquartered in Thunder Bay, Ontario, to provide engineering services for the project.  

The release says Nordmin has demonstrated expertise in designing an improved mine plan and an innovative interpretation of the geologic resource and a sound plan for managing bedrock groundwater associated with the mine. 

(KAIR)--A longtime Atchison City Commissioner has died.

According to an obituary from the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Larry Purcell died Saturday at the age of 83.

Purcell, a self-employed plumber and heating and cooling specialist for more than 45-years in Atchison, served on the City Commission for more than two decades, ending in 2017.

He had also worked at the Atchison Hospital, and owned and operated Purcell’s Landing along the Missouri River in Atchison for over twenty years.

Among his survivors are his wife, Bonnie, three daughters, a brother, and two sisters.

Services for Purcell will be Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at the funeral home.

(KAIR)--The Chief Mike Wilson Law Enforcement Center.

That was proclaimed Friday during an open house and ribbon cutting for the $1.13 million dollar expansion of the Atchison Police Department.

The dedication of the west wing, first floor of Atchison City Hall in the name of long time Chief of Police Wilson came through a proclamation delivered by Atchison Mayor Shawn Rizza. “We have a very professional police department, and it’s important that we give them the tools to operate in a professional manner,” Rizza told MSC News. “Our old department was lacking some things that were actually state required to have in a department, and we just weren’t giving it to our officers. This is a way to help them help our community.”

Wilson was noticeably surprised at the honor. “For many years, we have made attempts to get renovation done, expansion done, and some of the proper room space we needed,” Wilson told MSC News. “Today our dream came true.”

The proclamation followed comments by Atchison City Manager Becky Berger, who presented Wilson’s wife, Cindy, with a bouquet of flowers.

Approval of the project was granted unanimously by the Atchison City Commission last year. “The Commission, the City Manager, the staff in general, and the employees, in general, at the City, have been behind us 100%, and the community, most importantly,” Wilson said. “We’ve got a great facility here, but it’s within our means...this is a great day.”

The renovation was completed in seven months.

(KNZA)--Authorities in Jackson County are warning residents to be on the lookout for a mail thieve.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said the Sheriff's Office received a report on Sunday afternoon of a suspect stealing mail from mailboxes in southeastern Jackson County along the Shawnee County line.

Morse said one witness observed the suspect driving a dark blue or black extended Dodge pickup truck. The vehicle was last seen heading south on Rochester Road into Shawnee County. 

Morse said another witness stated the suspect vehicle could have been a Ford truck.

The Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone who suspects their mail to have been stolen to contact the Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office is asking for those who have video surveillance to check it for any additional suspect and vehicle descriptions.

Morse said if you observe any suspicious persons or activity, contact law enforcement immediately.

(KNZA)--A polling location change in Jackson County for Tuesday's general election.

Due to an emergency declared by the Jackson County Election Officer, the polling location for voters residing in the city of Whiting, Whiting Township and Straight Creek Township has been  changed to the Whiting Baptist Church, 341 Searle Street.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 7:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening.

(KNZA)--A joint-investigation by the Holton Police Department and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office leads to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and arrest of two people.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said both agencies responded Saturday afternoon to O’Reilly Auto Parts in Holton in reference to a report of a possible stolen vehicle. He said law enforcement determined that the 2004 Pontiac Vibe passenger car had been reported stolen out of Rossville.

Two individuals believed to be associated with the vehicle were arrested.

52-year-old Brad Emmerson, of Topeka, was booked into the Jackson County Jail for felony possession of stolen property.

34-year-old Theresa Michelle Fitzgibbons Miller, of Auburn was booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(MSC News)--When area voters go to the polls Tuesday they will not only decide city and school races but also several special questions.

In Brown County, voters will decide whether to approve a 10-year half-cent countywide retailers sales tax for the Hiawatha Community Hospital. The sales tax, which is estimated to generate around $700,000 annually, would provide funding for equipment upgrades and facility repairs. If approved, collection of the tax would begin April 1, 2020

In Hiawatha, voters will decide whether to approve a quarter cent retailers sales tax for recreation. If approved, it would commence April 1, 2020 and replace the existing quarter cent sales tax for the town's historic post lantern street lights, which is set to expire March 31, 2020.

In Doniphan County, voters will decide whether the countywide one percent retailers sales tax should be renewed for an additional five years. Revenue from the sales tax is used to to finance capital improvements to county owned property, road improvements, to update and modify the countywide 911 system and to provide property tax relief. If approved by voters, the sales tax renewal would take effect October 1, 2020. The sales tax has been in place since 1993.

In Jackson County, voters will decide whether to renew a four-tenth percent countywide retailers' sales tax for another seven years, effective April 1, 2020. Funding from the sales tax is used for road and bridge improvements. A portion of the sales tax is also distributed to all towns in the county. The special sales tax was first approved by voters in 2004.

In Holton USD 336, voters will decide the fate of a $4.5 million general obligation bond issue. If approved by voters, the 20-year bond issue would pay for the completion of upgrades to the heating and cooling system at the Holton High School and Holton Middle School.

In Marshall County, voters will decide whether a half-cent countywide retailer's sales tax should be imposed for five years to provide funding for Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville. If approved, collection of the tax would begin January 1, 2020.

In Onaga USD 322, voters will decide the fate of a $8 million general obligation bond issue. If approved, the funding would be used to construct a new district elementary school and remodel the district kitchen.

Statewide, voters will decide whether to approve a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution to eliminate a requirement for the state to adjust federal census figures when the Legislature redistricts itself. The adjustment counts college students and military personnel not where they're living but in a “ permanent” home elsewhere. Kansas is among only a few states that adjust federal census figures for redistricting.

(KNZA)--An early Sunday morning pursuit that began in Jackson County lead to a crash in Atchison County that injured two people.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said a deputy attempted to stop a 2004 Saturn Ion around 5:00 in the area of 254th and U.S 75 Highway for traffic infractions.

Morse said the vehicle failed to yield to the deputy and fled eastbound on 254th Road to W Road.  The vehicle continued north on W Road to K-9 Highway then east through the city of Whiting into Atchison County.

Morse said the vehicle failed to negotiate the curves at U.S. 159 Highway and left the roadway where it overturned about three miles north of Muscotah.

He said both occupants sustained injuries and were transported by ambulance to area hospitals for evaluation.

The driver of the vehicle was identitifed as 56-year-old Robert Neal Kirk, Jr., of Topeka, formerly of Mayetta.

The passenger was identified as 49-year-old Ronald Snowbarger, of St. George.

The Kansas Highway Patrol investigated the wreck.

 The pursuit remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
 

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman is facing drug charges following an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Ciara Swenson was arrested Thursday in the 300 block of Atchison’s Laramie Street.

She was taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court Warrant for distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school and use of a telecommunication facility in the distribution of a controlled substance.

According to Laurie, the arrest follows a June investigation when deputies purchased what’s alleged to be methamphetamine from Swenson.

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

Her bond is set at $100,000.

(KMZA)--An early Friday morning Pottawatomie County head-on collision claimed the life of a Belvue woman.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says killed in the crash on U.S. 24 Highway about two miles west of St. Marys was 54-year-old Kathy Cummings.

The Patrol reports for an unknown reason a pickup truck driven by 19-year-old Joseph McIntrye, of St. Marys, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane when he struck a SUV driven by Cummings head-on.

Cummings was pronounced dead at the scene.

McIntrye was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected minor injury.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck occurred shortly after 7:15.

The wreck closed down a portion of Highway 24 for about 7 hours.         

(KAIR)--The resurfacing of U.S. Highway 59, south of Saint Joseph, Missouri, in Buchanan County, is continuing, with intersection work planned for Saturday.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, that work will begin at 6:00 in the morning, meaning single-lane closures.

A news release issued by MoDot says drivers should use extreme caution when traveling in the area as crews and equipment will be working near drivers.

Just over 13 miles of resurfacing is being conducted on the highway, from Route 752 in Saint Joseph to just north of Route 45.

Crews are milling off the old surface and then laying down new asphalt through the workzone.

Herzog Contracting Corporation is the contractor for the project.

Normal work hours are during daylight, Monday through Saturday, with some Sunday work possible.

All work is estimated to be complete in early November if weather allows.

(KNZA)--An early Friday morning single-vehicle Doniphan County roll-over wreck sent an Elwood teenager to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 19-year-old Christian David Gray was westbound on U.S. 36 Highway when his Toyota 4Runner left the roadway and rolled, coming to rest on its wheels.

Gray was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says Gray was buckled up when the wreck happened shortly after 7:30, east of Ottumwa Road.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man facing multiple charges in three separate cases waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday.

30-year-old Tobey Barnhart, Jr. was bound over to Brown County District Court for arraignment December 16.

Barnhart faces a total of 13 counts in the three cases, which were all filed in August.

They include charges of burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, felony theft, misdemeanor theft, criminal possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Barnhart was charged August 15 in connection with two burglaries following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Department.

He is accused of breaking into a residence at 2242 Nighthawk Road and a shop at 2572 Linden Road. Multiple items were stolen from both locations.

Barnhart remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a total bond of $110,000.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth woman has been ordered to repay more than $6,400 to the Kansas Medicaid Program after being found guilty of Medicaid fraud-related charges.

According to a news release from Attorney General Derek Schmidt, 53-year-old Ena Louise Mathis pleaded guilty in September in Leavenworth County District Court to one felony count of Medicaid fraud and one felony count of committing a computer crime.

The crimes occurred between July 28, 2016, and January 31, 2017.

Leavenworth County District Judge Michael Gibbens on Wednesday ordered Mathis to repay more than $6,425 to the Kansas Medicaid Program. Judge Gibbens also sentenced Mathis to 24 months probation with an underlying prison sentence of 16 months. Such a conviction may also result in a period during which the defendant is prohibited from being paid wages through a government health care program.  

An investigation by the Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Division revealed Mathis submitted false claims to the Medicaid program to pay for in-home assistance for a Medicaid beneficiary during times when the beneficiary was in a hospital or a resident in a nursing facility. Mathis falsely billed the Medicaid program for more than $6,425 over an interactive computer system used by the Medicaid program.

(KLZA)-- Two Humboldt men were arrested by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department this week.

Deputies arrested 30-year-old Devon Cooper early Sunday morning on a warrant for two counts of possession of a controlled substance, destroying evidence and possession of narcotic equipment.

Cooper was booked into the Richardson County Jail. 

Deputies arrested 53-year-old Kent Cooper Wednesday morning on a warrant for two counts of disturbing the peace, criminal trespass, assault and criminal mischief. 

He was also booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council approved a lease agreement for a new John Deere 2038 tractor when they met Monday evening.  

The vote was 2-1 to approved the agreement with Council member John Dahlgren casting a nay vote. The tractor comes with a snow blower attachment.

The Council also approved  trading in the current Bobcat Skidsteer for a new model. Under the lease agreement the cost to the city for a year will be $4,300.  

Also on a 2-1 vote the Council approved a new U.V. System for the sewer plant, utilize Sewer Funds form Fiscal Year 2018-19 to make the purchase with a price tag in excess of $50-thousand. 

During an appointment with Sheriff Jayme Reed it was pointed out that drivers in downtown Pawnee City need to be cautious in the 6th and G Street intersection due to the ongoing renovation of the Cornerstone Community Building.  

(KLZA)-- Nemaha County, Nebraska Commissioners accepted the resignation of County Clerk Joyce Oakley during their Wednesday meeting.  

Oakley was elected County Clerk in 2003 following a lengthy term as Deputy County Attorney. 

Oakley and her husband  will be moving to Omaha.  The resignation is effective November 8.

Commissioners also approved the appointment of Deputy County Clerk Diane Johnson as interim County Clerk beginning November, 9.  
 

(KMZA)--Three individuals are facing charges following a drug bust in the Nemaha County community of Oneida.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, in a news release, said 29-year-old Dylan Barrett, of Oneida, 55-year-old Evalyn Barrett, of Oneida, and 28-year-old Felina Ibarra, of Sabetha, were arrested Friday after the Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at 8608 Madison Street.

Evalyn and Dylan Barrett were arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Both remain in the Nemaha County Jail.

Ibarra was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ibarra was released Saturday on a $25,000 surety bond and is scheduled to appear in court November 5.

(KNZA)--A young Hiawatha man charged in connection with the burglary of a Hiawatha liquor store has entered into a plea agreement.

Michael Fetty pleaded guilty this week in Brown County District Court to a felony charge of burglary and misdemeanor count of theft.

In exchange for the plea, a felony count of criminal damage to property was dismissed.

Sentencing was set for November 18.

Fetty was charged with breaking into Henry Retail Liquor early May 23 and stealing liquor.

Co-defendant, Hiawatha resident Dalton Enke, is scheduled for arraignment November 4.

(MSC News)--It's time to “ fall back” as Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday.

Don't forget to set your clocks back an hour before going to bed Saturday night.

The time change will officially “ fall back” at 2:00 Sunday morning, creating darkness earlier in the evenings and more daylight during the early morning.

Fire safety experts also recommend changing batteries in smoke and fire alarms with the time change.

Meanwhile, a new poll finds that most people across the country want to stop the twice-a-year ritual of clock changes.

The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll comes as this weekend marks the end of daylight saving time.

It found that 7 in 10 Americans prefer not to switch back and forth. Four in 10 would like to see their clocks stay on standard time year-round, while about 3 in 10 prefer to stay on daylight saving time. About another 3 in 10 prefer the current back and forth between daylight saving time in the summer and standard time in the winter.

At least seven state legislatures have asked Congress to allow year-round daylight saving time.

(KLZA)--U.S. Highway 159 is now open from Route 111 at Big Lake, Missouri to Rulo, Nebraska after being closed for over six months.

The Missouri Department of Transportation, in a news release, said Route 111  (Lake Shore Drive) along Big Lake between U.S.159 and Route 118 also opened Thursday.

Both routes had been closed due to flooding in late March. The two routes opened up for 16 days in September, but MODOT was forced to close them again after a new round of rising water covered the roads.

When water receded on U.S 159 earlier this week, crews were able to complete shoulder and roadway repairs. Water on Route 111 receded Tuesday and crews were able to remove the minimal debris and make small repairs in order to reopen the roadway.

The Little Tarkio Creek Bridge at Fortescue remains closed and will need to be replaced. MoDOT said the replacement project is scheduled for spring of 2020. U.S. 159 will remain closed east of Route 111 at Big Lake until the new bridge is complete.