(KNZA)--The Riverside USD 114 Board of Education has announced the selection of a new superintendent.

According to a news release, Travis Githens will take over as the district's new superintendent on July 1.

The Board approved the hiring of Githens during a special meeting Monday evening.

The release says Githens has broad educational experience as a teacher, administrator and an educator of educators.

He is currently in his fifth year as principal of Chase County Junior/ Senior High School in Cottonwood Falls.

Board President Jennifer Davis said that Githens emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the district. “The Board is certain in our choice of Mr. Travis Githens and confident that under his leadership USD 114 will continue to be recognized as excellent environment for learning.

Githens was among two finalists interviewed by the board last week. The other finalist was Jennifer Gatz, who is currently in her fourth year as director of student learning for Prairie Hills USD 113.

Githens will replace Superintendent Bob Blair, who is resigning at the end of the current school year. Blair will take over next school year as the new superintendent of North Lyon County USD 251.

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 grow both across Kansas and in the local area.

The latest figures were outlined Tuesday afternoon by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during her now-daily news conference held in Topeka. “Currently, KDHE is reporting 9 deaths statewide, 428 positive cases throughout Kansas, and 39 counties have now reported at least one positive case,” Kelly said.

A Tuesday afternoon release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment also shows the number of cases in local Kansas counties has grown to 30.

That comes as Leavenworth County now reports 24 cases, while 2 are confirmed in Pottawatomie County. The counties of Atchison, Doniphan, Jefferson, and Jackson remain with one case each.

(KAIR)--An investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department leads to the arrest of an Atchison man on a charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

21-year-old Johnathan Harvey was arrested on a Brown County warrant.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News his office assisted Hiawatha Police with Harvey’s Atchison workplace arrest Monday afternoon.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill told MSC News the alleged victim is a 15-year-old who lives outside of Brown County. Hill said the alleged crime took place in the Hiawatha city limits.

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

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 2007, Chevrolet Monte Carlo was stolen from the 1000 block of North 4th Street. Investigators believe it was taken sometime between 10:00 Monday night and 5:50 Tuesday morning.

Wilson said the car was parked on the street in front of a residence at the time it was stolen.

The vehicle is described as a white, two door car, valued at $4,000.

Anyone with information related to the missing vehicle is asked to call Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty is urging everyone to take the COVID-19 Virus situation seriously and follow the prescribed guidelines to help avoid the virus .  

The Sheriff told MSC News that he hopes Richardson County communities and residents will follow the 10-person guidelines adopted by the Falls City Health Board last week. 

Hardesty said he wants everyone to understand how serious this situation is, noting that schools weren't shut down just to be shut down. 

The Sheriff urges businesses and patrons to follow the 10-person limit mandated in Falls City, saying he thinks that is where Richardson County should be as a whole.  

The Richardson County Health Board, of which Sheriff Hardesty is the Chairman, has discussed mandating that no more than 10 patrons be in a non-essential businesses.

The Southeast District Health Department is working on language to mandate the 10-person limit that could be used by counties and communities in their service area.  

(KNZA)--Echoing a warning stated by national authorities, a local area Sheriff is advising residents to beware of scammers using the coronavirus pandemic as the catalyst for scams.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant Monday said his office has received reports “of two very recent scams that are circulating” in the area.

Merchant, in a release, said residents have reported receiving pre-recorded phone calls from an out-of-state phone number that tells the recipient donations are being accepted for the Doctors and Nurses Fund, to help medical professionals due to COVID-19.

Merchant confirms that call is a scam “intentionally trying to play on your generosity.”

The second scam involves residents receiving phone calls that tell the recipient their stimulus check is being held up due to a lack of verification. Merchant said the caller asks for such personal information as a social security number, legal name and address.

Identifying the calls as a scam, Merchant said residents should immediately hang-up when receiving any type of suspicious phone call.

Similar scams are being reported nationwide. The FBI has reported a surge in coronavirus-related scams, including phones calls and fake emails.

(KNZA)--The Riverside USD 114 Board of Education last week interviewed the two finalists in the running to be the district's next superintendent.

According to the district's website, interviewed for the position were Jennifer Gatz and Travis Githens.

Githens is currently in his fifth year as principal of the Chase County Junior/Senior High School in Cottonwood Falls.

Gates is currently in her fourth year as director of student learning for Prairie Hills USD 113.  She previously served as a principal for one year.

The Board will now determine which candidate is the best fit for the superintendent's position.

The person hired will replace Superintendent Bob Blair, who is resigning at the end of the current school year. He will take over next school year as the new superintendent of North Lyon County USD 251.

CITY OF FALLS CITY PRESS RELEASE Falls City, Ne-

Effective Immediately, in response to the Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation to implement social distancing, the use of all City of Falls City owned playground equipment, basketball courts, and shelter houses are prohibited. The previously named items either cannot be readily disinfected or do not support social distancing, which may put the public at risk for spreading the Covid-19 virus. Stanton’s Lake, the walking trail that extends around the lake, frisbee golf, dog park, tennis courts and the skateboard park remain open, as well as the parks themselves, while practicing social distancing. The City of Falls City understands and appreciates that families would like to get outside and exercise.

Please continue to enjoy the great outdoors! For general information, please contact City Hall at 402-245-2851.

(KLZA)-- COVID-19 is on the mind of everyone. 

The coronavirus pandemic has caused most persons and families to alter the way they live their everyday lives.

Of a major concern in recent weeks was the lack of available tests to determine if a person has COVID-19.  Dr. Alyssa Finck with Family Medicine Clinic in Falls City and vice-chief of staff at Community Medical Center tells MSC News that the situation has improved in the past week or so with more tests available locally.  Currently those being tested are hospitalized or are at a higher risk due to medical history.

At the time of our interview Friday,  there had been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Falls City or Richardson County. Dr. Finck said that does not necessarily means there are no local cases. There are some tests still pending and she said it is safest to assume it is probably present and we all continue to practice the safety measures lined out by the Centers for Disease Control. 

The classic symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever of 100.4 or greater,  a cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and aching.  Recently, reports are indicating other symptoms including loss of taste and smell,  vomiting and diarrhea.

If you suspect you have the virus,  Dr. Finck recommends if  you have mild symptoms, you should continue to stay home and isolate yourself from others until fully recovered.  Fully recovered means fever free for 72 hours without any fever reducing medication, symptoms have resolved and you are at least seven days past your first symptom. 

Currently there is no FDA approved treatment for COVID-19 so treatments are aimed at the symptoms using Tylenol,  and over-the-counter cough and cold medications and staying well hydrated.   

If you have questions it is suggested you contact your local primary care office before you go to the office.  Community Medical Center also has a text and email lines for questions and the State Department of Health has a hotline where you can get your questions answered.

The hospital text line is 402-245-6522.
The email address is covid19@mcfc.org.
The State COVID information line is 402-553-6645 and is manned 8:00 A.M. To 8:00 P.M. 7 days a week.   

(KLZA)-- COVID-19 is on the mind of everyone. 

The coronavirus pandemic has caused most persons and families to alter the way they live their everyday lives.

Of a major concern in recent weeks was the lack of available tests to determine if a person has COVID-19.  Dr. Alyssa Finck with Family Medicine Clinic in Falls City and vice-chief of staff at Community Medical Center tells MSC News that the situation has improved in the past week or so with more tests available locally.  Currently those being tested are hospitalized or are at a higher risk due to medical history.

At the time of our interview Friday,  there had been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Falls City or Richardson County. Dr. Finck said that does not necessarily means there are no local cases. There are some tests still pending and she said it is safest to assume it is probably present and we all continue to practice the safety measures lined out by the Centers for Disease Control. 

The classic symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever of 100.4 or greater,  a cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and aching.  Recently, reports are indicating other symptoms including loss of taste and smell,  vomiting and diarrhea.

If you suspect you have the virus,  Dr. Finck recommends if  you have mild symptoms, you should continue to stay home and isolate yourself from others until fully recovered.  Fully recovered means fever free for 72 hours without any fever reducing medication, symptoms have resolved and you are at least seven days past your first symptom. 

Currently there is no FDA approved treatment for COVID-19 so treatments are aimed at the symptoms using Tylenol,  and over-the-counter cough and cold medications and staying well hydrated.   

If you have questions it is suggested you contact your local primary care office before you go to the office.  Community Medical Center also has a text and email lines for questions and the State Department of Health has a hotline where you can get your questions answered.

The hospital text line is 402-245-6522.
The email address is covid19@mcfc.org.
The State COVID information line is 402-553-6645 and is manned 8:00 A.M. To 8:00 P.M. 7 days a week.   

You can listen to our interview with Dr. Finck at mscnews.net,  clicking on "Listen Live"  and then click on "Audio Clips" in the drop down box.  

(KLZA)-- COVID-19 is on the mind of everyone. 

The coronavirus pandemic has caused most persons and families to alter the way they live their everyday lives.

Of a major concern in recent weeks was the lack of available tests to determine if a person has COVID-19.  Dr. Alyssa Finck with Family Medicine Clinic in Falls City and vice-chief of staff at Community Medical Center tells MSC News that the situation has improved in the past week or so with more tests available locally.  Currently those being tested are hospitalized or are at a higher risk due to medical history.

At the time of our interview Friday,  there had been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Falls City or Richardson County. Dr. Finck said that does not necessarily means there are no local cases. There are some tests still pending and she said it is safest to assume it is probably present and we all continue to practice the safety measures lined out by the Centers for Disease Control. 

The classic symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever of 100.4 or greater,  a cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and aching.  Recently, reports are indicating other symptoms including loss of taste and smell,  vomiting and diarrhea.

If you suspect you have the virus,  Dr. Finck recommends if  you have mild symptoms, you should continue to stay home and isolate yourself from others until fully recovered.  Fully recovered means fever free for 72 hours without any fever reducing medication, symptoms have resolved and you are at least seven days past your first symptom. 

Currently there is no FDA approved treatment for COVID-19 so treatments are aimed at the symptoms using Tylenol,  and over-the-counter cough and cold medications and staying well hydrated.   

If you have questions it is suggested you contact your local primary care office before you go to the office.  Community Medical Center also has a text and email lines for questions and the State Department of Health has a hotline where you can get your questions answered.

The hospital text line is 402-245-6522.
The email address is covid19@mcfc.org.
The State COVID information line is 402-553-6645 and is manned 8:00 A.M. To 8:00 P.M. 7 days a week.   

You can listen to our interview with Dr. Finck at mscnews.net,  clicking on "Listen Live"  and then click on "Audio Clips" in the drop down box.  

(KAIR)--Area motorists planning to travel in Buchanan County, Missouri should expect a slowdown Tuesday.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, one lane in each direction of I-29, at the route 116 overpass project between Dearborn and Faucett, will be closed to traffic. That’s planned to happen from 8 a.m. through noon, with the northbound and southbound passing lanes to be closed for the moving of equipment.

The closures come as part of an ongoing project involving the removal, and replacement, of the Route 116 overpass.

All work is dependent on weather.

Clarkson Construction Company is the contractor for the project.

(KAIR)--Doniphan County remains under a burn ban.

That word was delivered Monday morning in an alert issued by the County.

The ban was issued Saturday.

It remains in place until further notice due to current weather conditions.

(KAIR)--Atchison County confirms its first positive case of COVID-19, while the number of virus-related deaths in Kansas climbs to six.

According to a release from Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge, the Atchison County Health Department was notified of the confirmed case Sunday morning by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The health department identifies the person as a female in her 40’s, and believes she contracted the virus because of travel. She has been quarantined at her home since her return, and is expected to make a full recovery.

The Atchison County Health Department is working to identify contacts of the patient.

The Atchison Hospital released a statement Sunday afternoon, saying that while the patient was tested at Atchison Hospital, they never entered the building.

The release clarifies that the patient was tested while in their vehicle and did not enter the facility.

No additional details will be released about the individual by the hospital in order to protect patient privacy.

The release states that Atchison Hospital is coordinating with the Atchison County Health Department and Kansas Department of Health and Environment and are following guidelines to protect patients, the community, and hospital employees.

The KDHE on Sunday afternoon released the latest statistics pertaining to Kansas COVID-19 activity, with that release confirming the state’s sixth death.

The victim was from Wyandotte County.

Other local area counties with confirmed cases of COVID-19 are Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, and Pottawatomie Counties with one case each, while 17 cases are now confirmed in Leavenworth County.

Statewide, there are now 319 confirmed positive cases.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press is reporting that leaders of the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature have agreed that Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's statewide stay-at-home order is necessary to help check the spread of the new coronavirus.  Their acceptance of the order Sunday allows it to take effect Monday as planned. The order will remain in place until at least April 19.

The top seven legislative leaders include five Republicans and they had the power to revoke Kelly's order. But they made no move to do so during a half-hour teleconference meeting. 

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert on Sunday issued a press release simplifying the Governor’s order. 

In the release, Lippert said, “As most of you who live in Kansas already know, our governor has issued a stay-at-home order effective midnight tonight and continuing through April 19. I thought it might be helpful to condense the 8 page order into something we all can understand.”
All individuals within the state must stay in their homes at all times, with the following exceptions:
1. To obtain food, medicine, and other household necessities
2. To seek medical care for themselves or their pets
3. To care for children (including daycare), family members, pets, or a vulnerable person in another location
4. To engage in an outdoor activity, provided they maintain a distance of 6 feet from one another and abide by the 10-person limitation on gathering size
5. Private family gatherings
6. To work at a job deemed essential by the state
The list of essential jobs is about 5 pages long, and impossible to summarize. If you question whether your job is essential, and your employer has yet to provide guidance, you can view the list here. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

(KAIR)--Local area confirmed cases of COVID-19 see a slight increase, as Kansas health officials report growing numbers statewide.

Leavenworth County is now reporting 17 cases, as of Sunday morning.  That's up from 15 reported on Saturday afternoon and Friday’s count of 12.

Also locally, the counties of Doniphan, Jefferson, Jackson, and Pottawatomie continue to report one case each.

On Sunday morning, the KDHE reported 319 total positive COVID-19 cases.

Kansas has now experienced 6 virus-related deaths. The latest case is a 70-year-old Shawnee County woman who was admitted to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital on March 23 and tested positive for COVID-19 on March 25. 

PRESS RELEASE – City of Hiawatha
3/28/2020

Today, March 28, 2020 Governor Kelly issued Executive Order No. 20-16, establishing a statewide Stay Home order effective 12:01 AM Monday, March 30, 2020 to remain in force until rescinded, April 19, 2020 or until the statewide state of disaster emergency proclaimed on  March 12, 2020 relating to COVID-19 expires, whichever is earlier.

All persons have been ordered to stay in their homes or residences unless performing an essential activity.  An activity is essential if the purpose of the activity is one of the following:

1.    Obtaining food, medicine, and other household necessities;
2.    Performing, or going to or from work at a business or organization to perform an essential function as identified in the Executive Order.
3.    Seeking medical care;
4.    Caring for children (including daycare or childcare centers), family members, or pets, or caring for a vulnerable person in another location;
5.    Engaging in an outdoor activity, provided individuals maintain a distance of six feet from one another and abide by the 10-person limitation on gathering size.
6.    Private family gatherings.

The full Executive Order can be viewed at https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO20-16.pdf and includes a list of types of businesses and organizations that perform an essential function.

City Services will continue subject to restrictions already in place. We appreciate your willingness to comply with the Stay Home order to keep our community safe. We will continue to evaluate as the situation with COVID-19 further evolves nationally, regionally and locally. Below are links to resources for information related to COVID-19 and steps from the CDC and KDHE to help prevent illness.

Resources
Reliable, updated information on COVID-19 can be found on these websites:

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

KDHE: http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm

(AP)--Gov. Laura Kelly has issued a statewide stay-at-home order in response to the spread of the coronavirus in Kansas.

Kelly made the announcement at a news conference Saturday.

The order will take effect Monday and will remain in place until April 19.

The stay-at-home order means Kansans should stay home unless they're going to get food, household necessities, medical care or other essential services. Outdoor exercise is encouraged, as long as it is in groups of less than 10 and you are adhering to the six feet social distancing guidelines.

As of Saturday, there were 261 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kansas.

Kansas is now one of nearly two dozen states to issue stay-at-home orders.

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

Editor's note--below is the press release issued by Governor's Kelly's Office 

(KNZA)--A stay-at-home order has been implemented in Jackson County.

According to a post on the Jackson County Health Department's Facebook page, the order was issued Friday by County Health Officer Angela Reith in order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The order took effect at 12:01 Saturday morning and will remain in place until midnight April 30.

The order closes all barbers, beauty salons, cosmetology operations and massage parlors.

Individuals are otherwise urged to stay at home and leave their residence only to engage in essential activities, such as picking up medications or purchasing groceries.

People at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 are urged to stay in their residence except as necessary to seek medical care.

You can view the entire stay-at-home order on the Jackson County Health Department's Facebook page.

(KNZA)--A stay-at-home order has been implemented in Jackson County.

According to a post on the Jackson County Health Department's Facebook page, the order was issued Friday by County Health Officer Angela Reith in order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The order took effect at 12:01 Saturday morning and will remain in place until midnight April 30.

The order closes all barbers, beauty salons, cosmetology operations and massage parlors.

Individuals are otherwise urged to stay at home and leave their residence only to engage in essential activities, such as picking up medications or purchasing groceries.

People at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 are urged to stay in their residence except as necessary to seek medical care.

You can view the entire stay-at-home order on the Jackson County Health Department's Facebook page.

(KNZA)--A stay-at-home order has been implemented in Jackson County.

According to a post on the Jackson County Health Department's Facebook page, the order was issued Friday by County Health Officer Angela Reith in order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The order took effect at 12:01 Saturday morning and will remain in place until midnight April 30.

The order closes all barbers, beauty salons, cosmetology operations and massage parlors.

Individuals are otherwise urged to stay at home and leave their residence only to engage in essential activities, such as picking up medications or purchasing groceries.

People at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 are urged to stay in their residence except as necessary to seek medical care.

You can view the entire stay-at-home order on the Jackson County Health Department's Facebook page.

Locally, stay-at-home orders are also currently in place in Atchison, Doniphan, Jefferson and Leavenworth Counties.  

(KNZA)--A stay-at-home order has been implemented in Jackson County.

According to a post on the Jackson County Health Department's Facebook page, the order was issued Friday by County Health Officer Angela Reith in order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The order took effect at 12:01 Saturday morning and will remain in place until midnight April 30.

The order closes all barbers, beauty salons, cosmetology operations and massage parlors.

Individuals are otherwise urged to stay at home and leave their residence only to engage in essential activities, such as picking up medications or purchasing groceries.

People at high risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 are urged to stay in their residence except as necessary to seek medical care.

You can view the entire stay-at-home order on the Jackson County Health Department's Facebook page.

Locally, stay-at-home orders are also currently in place in Atchison, Doniphan and Jefferson Counties.  

(KAIR)--A former Atchison County Sheriff is seeking election to regain the seat he once held.

According to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, John Calhoon filed by petition March 24. The petition has been verified, and Calhoon’s name will be added to the 2020 election ballot.

Calhoon, who filed as a Democrat, is the first challenger to file against incumbent Jack Laurie, who is seeking re-election as a Republican.

Calhoon was defeated in 2012 by Laurie, ending Calhoon’s bid for re-election to a fifth term to the office he was appointed to in 1994.
Calhoon currently serves as both Chief of Police and City Administrator for the City of Horton.

Calhoon, in a virtual press conference with Atchison media on Friday afternoon, said he decided to enter the race because of requests made of him to do so. “I wasn’t actually planning on returning and seeking the office of Sheriff, but over the last year, or better, I’ve been approached many times, requested repeatedly, and I’ve been persuaded by other leaders within public safety agencies and organizations within, and surrounding, Atchison County. I just think from what I’m hearing, they very much are enticing, and welcome me to come back and give it another run,” Calhoon said during the online news conference.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

The 2020 primary election is set for August 4, while the general election will be held November 3.

(KAIR)--Donations, earmarked for COVID-19 recovery efforts, are being collected in the Atchison community.

That comes as the Atchison Area Community Foundation forms the 2020 COVID-19 Recovery Fund.

According to a release from foundation chairman Jonathan Mize, donations “will be directed to various charities/non profits, for relief and recovery efforts to those Atchison County Community residents who are, or have been, affected by this pandemic/economic crisis.”  

The release notes that upon the formation of the fund, the Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust partnered with the effort, making a matching donation up to $25,000.

Donations are being accepted online at atchisonfoundation.org.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City-area man in his 80s with underlying health concerns is the fourth person in Kansas to die of the coronavirus. State health officials said Friday that he was diagnosed Monday and died Thursday.

The other three people who died also lived in the Kansas City area.

The University of Kansas Health System reported Friday that it is treating 18 confirmed cases, including 10 in intensive care. 

On Friday afternoon, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 202 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kansas.
Locally, Jefferson, Doniphan, Jackson, and Pottawatomie Counties have one confirmed case each, while Leavenworth County has 12.

(KNZA)---The Brown County Sheriff’s Department is working to deliver care packages to the elderly.

The initiative comes as local residents stay home in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the packages contain personal care and food items. They are limited to one per household.

Along with delivery, packages are also being made available for pickup at the Sheriff’s Office, located in Hiawatha.

Merchant said the packages are made possible through a partnership between his office and Weather Tech Renovations and BBCC Properties.

Anyone wanting information should contact the Brown County Dispatch Center at 785-742-7125.

(KNZA)--The Board of Education for the South Brown Schools of USD 430 in a special meeting Monday evening adopted two resolutions related Governor Kelly's order closing K-12 schools for the remainder of the school year.

One resolution authorizes the continued payment of the wages of the district's employees during the emergency school closing.

The other resolution suspends the district's graduation requirements for this school year. Currently, the district requires 24 credits to graduate. The resolution allows this year's senior's to graduate with only 21 credits, the minimum required by the Kansas Department of Education.

Superintendent Jason Cline told the Board the Department of Education will be issuing waivers for the mandatory 1,116 hours needed for a full school year. In order to receive the waiver, he said districts must develop and implement a continuous learning plan and pay all staff as if they were in school.  

Cline said the administrators and teachers are in the process of creating a continuous learning plan for the district.  It will be brought to the board at a special board meeting Monday afternoon, March 30, at 1:30.

(KLZA)--The Board of Health of the City of Falls City has approved a resolution to prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people in a single room or single space at the same time in non-essential businesses.

The action was taken in order to safeguard the health of people of the City of Falls City and remains in effect until Wednesday, April 15 at 11:59 P.M. unless repealed or extended by the City Health Board. 

Based on available data and estimates, the spread of the COVID-19 virus within the City of Falls City could quickly overwhelm the local healthcare system and endanger the lives of the residents and patrons of the City of Falls City. 

The limit of 10 persons excludes staff of the business.  

Included in the resolution, but not limited to are schools, daycare facilities including in-home facilities, gymnasiums, salons, fitness centers, auditoriums, stadiums, large event  conference rooms,  meeting halls, theaters, libraries and any other confined indoor or outdoor space.  This also includes weddings and funerals as well as parades, fairs, festivals, concerts and other indoor and outdoor events.  

A gathering does not include normal operations at airports, health care facilities shopping malls and centers or other spaces where 10 or more patrons may be in transit.  It also does not include typical office environments, factories  or retail or grocery stores.  It does not include events at which members of the media may need to be present or family residences housing ten or more people. 

All employers, retail outlets, healthcare providers including clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, daycare providers and all other businesses within the City are encouraged to use social distancing as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control.

The orders was signed by Board of Health Chairman, Mayor Shawna Bindle and Falls City Police Chief Duane  Armbruster  who is Secretary of the Health Board and Quarantine Officer. 

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Governor Mike Parson has signed Executive Order 20-06 to begin mobilizing the Missouri National Guard to assist in the state’s COVID-19 response efforts. This will increase the amount of coordination among state government partners in combating the spread of COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 crisis is constantly developing and changing, but we are taking steps each and every day to slow the spread and protect public health and safety,” Governor Parson said. “Mobilizing the National Guard will help us provide more immediate resources to our citizens and enhance Missouri’s ability to overcome this global pandemic.”

Governor Parson made the decision to mobilize the Guard after conferring with his state emergency management team, including officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and the State Emergency Management Agency. 

Missouri’s healthcare system is receiving extensive real time or near real time information and guiding data-driven priorities and decisions. Engagement with stakeholders like the Guard will help define priorities and coordinate from the planning stage to implementation.

Adjutant General Cumpton said the Guard is providing specialized health and safety training to all personnel that are being mobilized in addition to guidance that all soldiers, airmen, and civilians have already received from the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The National Guard is ready and poised to assist local and state civilian authorities in response to COVID-19,” Brigadier General Levon Cumpton said. “The Guard has flexibility in utilizing resources and deploying them around the state where they are most appropriate.”

On March 13, Governor Parson declared a state of emergency in Missouri and directed the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan to be activated. Several measures have already been taken to respond to the increased health threat posed by COVID-19, including the signing of Executive Order 20-04 to ease regulatory burdens that interfere with Missouri's response efforts.

LINCOLN- Secretary of State Bob Evnen and Governor Pete Ricketts confirmed today that Nebraska’s 2020 statewide primary election will take place May 12, as planned.  During the Governor’s daily Covid-19 response press conference Thursday, Secretary Evnen reminded voters that Nebraska is a ‘no excuse’ early ballot request state.

 “Early mail-in ballot request applications are being sent to Nebraska voters by county election officials or by my office,” stated Secretary Evnen.  “The application can be filled out and returned to county elections by fax, email, or regular mail”

Here are important dates before the May 12 primary

May 1- The last day to request a mail-in ballot.

April 6 - Counties will begin mailing early voting ballots to those who have requested a mail-in ballot.

May 12 - Nebraska statewide 2020 primary election - polls will be open.

May 12 – Early ballots must be physically received by the election office by the closing of election polls.

Voters can return ballots by mail or by placing it in the secure ballot drop box outside the offices of every county. “My office in conjunction with the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO) is purchasing and installing ballot drop boxes for every county that currently does not have one so voters can return completed ballots if they choose not to return their ballot by mail.”

In the coming days, county election officials will be recruiting poll workers.

Many loyal, hard- working poll workers are in the critical risk age group. County election officials are looking for poll workers who are not at risk to step in to help their communities in this election.  Poll workers will receive training either by virtual means or in a safe environment.

Service organizations can contract with elections offices for members volunteering to serve as poll workers. Volunteer poll workers can serve for the day as a fundraiser for their service organization.

Secretary Evnen noted, “We have purchased hygienic kits with protective mask, gloves, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes to keep our poll workers and voters safe.”

If interested in serving as a poll worker call your local county election official. Contact information for County Election Officials is listed on the Secretary of State website under elections, click on County Officials for a list or visit the website at  https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/election-officials-contact-information

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has launched a new initiative to assist residents due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said the Sheriff’s Office has joined other sheriff’s office's in providing delivery services for senior or handicapped citizens who are unable to access their medications and groceries from local stores.

Senior or handicapped Jackson County residents ,who are unable to venture out and who have pre-paid medications and or groceries to be picked up from Jackson County stores, can call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251 to arrange deliveries.

Deliveries will be made Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Morse said the Sheriff’s Office is here to serve the public, and during this emergency, it is important to use their resources to help the county's most vulnerable citizens.

(KNZA)--Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill is seeking re-election to another 4-year term.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Hill filed Thursday by petition for the Republican nomination.

He has held the position since 1993.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

The primary election will be held August 4 and the general election is November 3.     

(KLZA)-- A number of topics were covered during a teleconference of the Richardson County Board of Health Wednesday morning. 

One topic concerned whether or not the Health Board can mandate the recommendation that no more than 10 patrons be in a non-essential business.

City Attorney Mike Dunn explained the City is concerned that a couple of facilities have had larger gatherings and they are worried how that could affect the hospital if someone at those gathering were infected. 

Dunn explained they are not interested in mandating the 10-person limit in essential businesses such as grocery stores, the hospital and other businesses that carry items people need to carry on their lives.

The Southeast District Health Department is working on language that would mandate the 10-person limit.  Falls City Police Chief Duane Armbruster urged the mandate be adopted as soon as possible.

Health Board member Dr. Alan Tramp said he was in favor of the limit for non-essential gatherings.

Health Board Chairman, Sheriff  Rick Hardesty said that there are similar issues in other parts of the County and indicated he was in favor.

Dunn said the City is not looking to punish business owners, they just want law enforcement officers to be able to go to a business and ask them to disperse groups of more than 10, and if the order is not complied with, they have an action with a force of law to use. 

The Sheriff planned to discuss the issue further with County Attorney Doug Merz.  If adopted, the penalty would be a misdemeanor but would go against the business owner and the business liquor license if they have one.

Currently there are no reported cases of coronavirus in Richardson County. 
 

(KNZA)--The Greater Sabetha Community Foundation has initiated a new program to help Sabetha area residents in need of assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Foundation has created the COVID-19 Recovery Fund, which is now active to accept donations.

According to the Foundation, donations will be directed for relief and recovery efforts for local residents who are in greatest need due to the current pandemic.

All donations will be converted to Sabetha Chamber checks to be used to shop locally, which the Foundation says will then uphold many businesses that have been hurt economically.

Applications for assistance through the program are available at the Sabetha City Hall, Country Mart and can download from the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation's website

A three-person committee will review the applications to determine eligiblity for assistance.

For more information or to make a donation to the COVID-19 Recovery Fund you can go on-line to sabethafoundation.org.

(KAIR)--A stay-at-home order is implemented for Jefferson County.

According to a news release, the order was issued by County Health Officer Crystal VanHoutan in an effort to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The order will take effect at 12:01 Saturday morning and remain in place until midnight April 15.

Rec centers, gyms, barbershops, and beauty salons are among the businesses that must close under the order.

The public is to stay at home an engage only in essential activities, such as picking up medications or purchasing groceries.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are trying to learn who stole a utility trailer owned by the Atchison County Sports Complex.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the trailer was last seen at 8:30 Monday evening, March 23, and was discovered missing around 3:30 Wednesday afternoon, March 25, from the sports complex, located at 17834 Country Club Road, in Atchison.

He describes it as a 4’x8’ green trailer with a plywood bed that had white paint spilled on it.

The trailer is valued at $800.

Wilson said the theft occurred in the same area as a burglary at the sports complex that happened earlier this month.
In that case, someone forced their way into the groundskeeper storage garage at the sports complex, and stole a toolbox, tools, and several trimmers, estimated to cost around $900.

That crime is believed to have occurred around 8:00 on the evening of March 18.

Wilson said the crimes are being investigated separately as investigators work to learn if there is a connection between the two.

Anyone with related information should notify police at (913) 367-4323.

(KLZA)-- Atchison County, Missouri has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.  

The Atchison County Health Department confirmed the positive test conducted by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory Wednesday evening.

The patient is a female, over the age of  70 and lives in Atchison County.  She is following the Centers for Disease Control recommendations of isolation at home. She had very few contacts in Atchison County, however, she did travel to a high population area.

The Atchison County Health Department is working to quickly identify anyone who may have been in close contact with the patient.  

If you have not been contacted by a county or state health official,  then you did not come in contact with this person and you are not at increased risk of the virus. 

In accordance with this positive COVID-19 case,  the Community Hospital in Fairfax is closed to visitors.  Exceptions include obstetrical patients, may be made with the advice of the medical team. 

Any citizen that has respiratory symptoms or suspect COVID-19 exposure are encouraged to use the  Community Hospital – Fairfax online screening tool available at www.FairfaxMed.com.

The hospital will offer a COVID-19 Screening Station in a tent on the hospital campus.  The screening station is for patients with respiratory symptoms that feel they may be at increased risk for exposure.  Hours for the screening station will be 8:00 A.M., to noon weekdays.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School District is taking steps to finish the current school year following Governor Kelly's order closing K-12 schools for the remainder of the academic year to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

During a special meeting Tuesday afternoon, the USD 415 Board of Education adopted two resolutions related to Governor Kelly's order.

One resolution authorizes the continued payment of the wages of the district's employees during the emergency school closure.

The second resolution suspends the district's graduation requirements for this school year. Currently, the district requires 27 credits to graduate. The resolution allows this year's seniors to graduate with 21 credits, the minimum required by the Kansas State Department of Education.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the state Department of Education will be issuing waivers for the mandatory 1,116 hours needed for a full school year. In order to receive the waiver, districts must develop and implement a continuous learning plan for the remainder of the school year along with pay all staff as if they were in school. 

Moser said the administrators and teachers are in the process of creating a continuous learning plan for the district. It will be presented to the board for approval during a special meeting Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 in the morning.

In the meantime, education is to set to resume in the Hiawatha School District on Monday through on-line instruction.
 

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has launched a new initiative to assist residents due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said the Sheriff’s Office has joined many other sheriff’s office's in providing delivery services for senior or handicapped citizens who are unable to access their medications and groceries from local stores.

Senior or handicapped Jackson County residents ,who are unable to venture out and who have pre-paid medications and or groceries to be picked up from Jackson County stores, can call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251 to arrange deliveries.

Deliveries will be made Monday thru Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Morse said the Sheriff’s Office is here to serve the public, and during this emergency, it is important to use their resources to help the county's most vulnerable citizens.

Atchison clinic awarded $53K to fight virus

Posted Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 8:48pm

(KAIR)--The Atchison Community Health Clinic is awarded more than $53,000 to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The $53,116 is part of $1.9 million in Health and Human Services grants to support Kansas clinics, community centers, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as the virus spreads.

The awarding of the grants was announced in a news release issued by United States Senator Jerry Moran.

The Kansas Republican, in the release, said the funds “will help provide timely relief and support for Kansas medical services as they continue to work to keep their communities safe.”

(KNZA)--The first case of COVID-19 in Jefferson County has been confirmed. 

The Jefferson County Health Department, in a news release, said they were notified Wednesday afternoon by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that a resident in the  county has tested positive for the virus.

The release says the individual is in isolation and following the recommendations of health officials. The County Health Department has begun work on identifying contacts of the individual.

As of Wednesday evening, the Jefferson County case brought the total number of confirmed cases in local Kansas counties to 15.

The KDHE listed 11 cases in Leavenworth County, and one case each in the counties of Jefferson, Doniphan, Jackson, and Pottawatomie.

That brings to 127 the number of positive cases reported in Kansas.

(KLZA)-- While initial health measures are in practice across the state of Nebraska, a news release from the Southeast District Health Department says additional aggressive prevention measures are needed.

Based on recommendations from the Southeast District Health Department and the Nebraska Education Commissioner, Dr, Matt Blomsteadt, public and private schools within Educational Service Unit 4 are extending their closure date through May 1, with the possibility of closing for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Each school will continue to provide educational learning opportunities for their students according to their own school plan.

The affected schools include:Auburn, Falls City Public and Sacred Heart.  Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer,  Johnson-Brock,  Johnson County Central, Lewiston Consolidated Schools, Nebraska City Public and Lourdes Central Catholic,  Palmyra-Bennet, Pawnee  City, Sterling, St. Andrew Elementary School, and Syracuse Public Schools. 

ESU 4 Superintendents sad the decision was made with the highest level of seriousness,  acknowledging the challenge this decision places on families.

Superintendents of ESU 4 schools will meet with Southeast District Health Department officials will reevaluate school closures after May 1, to ensure the measures continue to be appropriate and determine if longer term closures are needed. 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man was arrested Wednesday afternoon after allegedly leading authorities on a chase in a stolen vehicle.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, 37-year-old Brandon Sweet was arrested on multiple charges following the about 30 mile chase.

Merchant said the Sheriff's dispatch received a stolen vehicle report at about 1:45 from the eastern part of the county.  It was reported that a male suspect had stolen a 2000 white Ford pickup truck.

A short time later, the Sheriff's Department received information from the department's former chaplain who kept the vehicle in sight giving directions until a deputy could intercept the vehicle.  

When the deputy located the stolen vehicle, a chase ensued.  The chase went through Willis, north on U.S. 73 and then eastbound on U.S. 36 Highway. The vehicle struck a bridge abutment, causing Sweet to lose control. The vehicle ended in the ditch north of the highway, just east of the Mulberry exit.  

Merchant said Sweet was arrested on charges of felony theft, 3 counts of aggravated assault, 3  counts of avoiding spike strips, driving while suspended, cancelled or revoked and no seat belt. He was booked into the Brown County Jail.

Assisting were the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kickapoo Police Department, Sac and Fox Police Department, Hiawatha Police Department and Nemaha County Sheriff's Department.        

(KAIR)--Do your part, be responsible, and stay home.

That message is delivered in a release issued Wednesday by Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge.

The release opens by saying “there seems to be some confusion about the shelter in place/stay at home order issued [Tuesday].”

The release notes that while there are many exemptions to the shelter in place order, it does not mean that we do not need to stay at home.

The release explains that the order gives people the opportunity to provide essential items to their families and allows businesses to provide the essentials of day to day living.

However, the release states that Atchison County residents should leave home only if necessary, adding that other family members should be left at home, if possible.

Forge’s message also sends the reminder that if a person must leave home for essential goods, it’s important to maintain space between others, and to remember that the coronavirus can live on surfaces and is airborne.

The release closes in part by saying that Atchison County has yet to have a positive case, “and if we all work together and do our part maybe, just maybe, we can keep it that way.”

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha has announced that all city-owned parks and playgrounds have been closed to the public, effective immediately.

In a press release issued Wednesday, the city said it includes the playground and shelter houses at the City Lake. The lake itself remains open.

The release says while they are not aware of a positive case of COVID-19 in Hiawatha at this time, the action is being taken in an effort minimize the effects of the virus in the community.

The release adds the city will continue to evaluate the situation as the COVID-19 pandemic further evolves nationally, regionally and locally.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved a maintenance agreement with Nemaha County for the cemetery road.

Under the five-year agreement approved at last week's meeting, the city will pay $6,460 every two years for maintenance of the road.

In other business, the Council voted to renew the city's insurance policey with SBS Insurance in the amount of $154,777. The policy includes property, liability, vehicles and worker's comp.

The Council approved a 20-year franchise agreement with Kansas Gas Service. Under the agreement, the company will pay a 5 percent fee on services provided in the city.

The Council also voted to annex a small portion of the municipal airport that was left out of the original annexation.

(KAIR)--As of midnight Wednesday, Atchison County residents are to shelter at home, as directed through an order of Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge.

A similar order will take effect in Doniphan County Thursday.

Residents are to leave home only to conduct essential tasks, such as acquiring medical care, picking up prescriptions, or buying groceries.

The intent of the order is to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Longtime Atchison physician, and 63rd District Representative Dr. John Eplee told MSC News social distancing, as directed through the order, is a needed measure at this stage of the virus spread. “I think our numbers are still going to go up. Our numbers are still going up more rapidly, and as we flatten that curve, you’ve heard that expression, it’s going to extend out a little bit longer," Eplee said. "I think our shelter in place order for four weeks, basically, through April 25, I think it’s tough, but it’s probably not unreasonable.”

The Atchison County 30-day order will remain in place until April 25, while the Doniphan County order will end April 6.

More than half of Kansas residents are adjusting to being ordered to stay at home as the state continues to grapple with the spread of the coronavirus.

At least 10 counties have ordered residents to stay home.

Gov. Laura Kelly has not issued a statewide order but she said Monday it might become “unavoidable” as more cases are reported.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said the age of those who tested positive ranged from 7 to 90.

 A third coronavirus death has been reported in Kansas.

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, announced Tuesday night that the latest victim is a man in his 70s who tested positive for COVID-19 last week.

Kansas was reporting at least 98 positive cases as of Tuesday.

Two others deaths had been reported previously in the Kansas City area.  

The Associated Press contributed to this story. 

(KLZA)-- In an attempt to limit exposure to the coronavirus, by the Falls City Police Department and staff, a number of precautions and procedural changes have been adopted concerning community interactions. 

Police officers will practice social distancing, limiting handshaking and will follow the recommended guidelines from federal, state and local experts.

Officers may be completing reports and fielding complaints in patrol units.  In addition, officers are authorized to use telephone reporting for calls for service that do not require immediate law enforcement responses. 

The Falls City Police Department is requesting calls be reported to their non-emergency line at 402-245-4422.  If an officer is not immediately available, they will contact you by phone.  

The public is being asked to exchange names and information when involved in an accident that does not include injuries or substantial damage. 

Officers will be utilizing personal protective equipment including gloves, face masks and eye protection and possibly wearing protective gowns or smocks. 

When calls requiring an officer to respond come in, the caller will be asked some screening questions and may be asked to come out of the residence to make the report. 

In addition, during this ongoing health crisis, finger printing will be done on a case-by-case basis.  Dog licenses will be extended and your are asked to refrain from entering the Police Department lobby.  

Falls City resident are also strongly encouraged to keep their property and building clean and orderly to help limit officer exposure to unnecessary contact.
 

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

The Brown County Sheriffs office is proud to join other Sheriffs across Kansas to provide needed services to our county residents during this difficult time.

We are very fortunate to have many friends and neighbors helping out those in need and it is very much appreciated.

In order to make sure no one falls through the cracks, our Sheriffs office will be helping senior citizens, special-needs and  high risk residents by delivering needed medications and grocery items if an emergency arises.

People who need assistance and reside in Brown County can contact the sheriff's office at 785-742-7125 Monday-Friday 9-2.  You must provide your name, date of birth, address and location the medication/medical supplies or groceries need retrieved from.  

The items have to be retrieved from Brown County businesses and be delivered within Brown County.

I am asking that you only use this program if you truly have a need as our resources could be limited.

A big thank you to everyone who has been selflessly helping others, by working together we will get through this!  Please call if you have any questions.

Sheriff John D Merchant
Brown County Sheriff's Office
709 Utah Street
Hiawatha KS 66434
(785) 742-7125

(KNZA)--Governor Laura Kelly has signed an executive order allowing a 60-day extension for tag and license renewals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(KNZA)--As of Monday, March 23, Hiawatha USD 415 is offering a meal program for children up to 18 years of age during the school closure.

The program will run through May 20.

They can be picked up at six different locations.

They will be distributed in a “drive-through” fashion.  One lunch and one breakfast will be provided per student.

Children must be present for meals to be received. Children may walk to the locations to receive their meal

Meal locations and times:
Reserve Bus Stop-- 10:30 AM –11:00 AM
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White Cloud--Boys and Girls Club at 2169 Iowa Drive--11:30 AM –12:30 AM
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Hamlin City Park--1:00 PM –1:30 PM
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Hiawatha Elementary School-- Pick-Up/Drop off lane--11:30 AM–1:00 PM
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Robinson--Old Legion Hall at 212 Main St.--11:30 AM–1:00 PM
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Powhattan City Park--11:30 AM –12:00 PM
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(KNZA)--An early Tuesday evening Atchison County motorcycle crash sent an Atchison teenager to the hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 17-year-old Seth Holland was eastbound on Woodson Road about 8 miles southeast of Atchison when he lost control of his motorcycle on the loose gravel. The motorcycle overturned, coming to rest on the roadway.

Holland was transported to the Atchison Hospital for treatment.

The Patrol reports he was not wearing a helmet or eye protection when the crash happened around 5:30.  

(KNZA--Funds are available through Brown County's micro-loan program to help small businesses in the county who have suffered economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development Director Mikaela Moore met with the Brown County Commission Monday to work out the details.

Moore said there is currently a balance of around $89,000 in the county's micro-loan fund.

The Commission voted to set the maximum loan limit at $15,000 per business for up to three years at a one percent interest rate, and to defer the interest and principal payments for four months.

HFED is administrating the program.

Moore said the funds must be used for future working capital expenses.

Businesses must be located in Brown County and be able to provide a letter indicating the business has either closed or will close as a result of COVID-19.

Contact HFED at hfedoffice1@gmail.com for more information or to receive an application.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have voted to close the doors to the Richardson County Courthouse to the public until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Beginning Wednesday, telephone numbers to all of the offices in the Courthouse will be posted on all entrance doors to the building so the public may contact the office they need to perform their business over the phone if possible.

In addition, you can find further contact information at the Richardson County website, ( www.corichardson.ne.us). 

If need be, you can schedule an appointment to perform necessary business not available through another source.

County officials encourage citizens to use the online services available at the website to help limit community spread of coronavirus.

County Court and District Court will still be in session and persons needing to appear for court hearings should call that office to gain access to the respective courtroom. District Court, is 402-245-2023 and County Court, is 402-245-2812.

Driver examinations will not be conducted during this time by the NE Department of Motor Vehicles. For further information on licensing questions, please call 402-416-2240.

In addition, the Richardson County  Sheriff's Office will be closed to the public beginning Wednesday.  

There will be no Vehicle Identification Number inspections until further notice. Gun permits, inmate accounting and other services will be done by appointment only.  

For an appointment call 402-245-2479.

(KAIR)--The first case of COVID-19 in Doniphan County has been confirmed.

According to a release issued early Tuesday afternoon by the Doniphan County Health Department/Home Health, the individual is in isolation and following the recommendations of health officials.

The health department is currently at work to identify contacts of the infected person.

The Doniphan County confirmation brings the number of local area cases to eight.

As of Monday afternoon, there was one confirmed case in Jackson County, one in Pottawatomie County, and five in Leavenworth County.

There has so far been two COVID-19 related deaths in Kansas, one in Wyandotte County and another in Johnson County.

(KAIR)--Atchison County residents are being told to shelter at home.

The order will take effect at 12:01 Wednesday morning, March 25 and will remain in place for 30 days, ending April 25.
The order was implemented by Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge.

According to a release issued late Tuesday morning, the shelter at home order is intended “to slow the rate of community spread of COVID-19.
There are no confirmed cases in Atchison County. 

The release states it’s estimated that that each positive patient could infect up to four other people; and “there is emerging evidence in neighboring counties, including Leavenworth County, of transmission by pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic people.”

Atchison County residents are directed to stay at home and leave their residence only to perform “Essential Activities,”which are activities essential to health and safety, such as acquiring medical supplies, seeing a healthcare provider, purchasing food and other necessary household items.

To view the full order, go here.

(KLZA)--The Johnson-Brock School Board met Friday evening for a special session. 

The Board approved allowing Superintendent Jeff Koehler to immediately issue, to all contracted classified district employees, the COVID-19 Leave for staff not covered by the collective bargaining agreement.

The Board also approved the Superintendent immediately issuing to all presently contracted classified district employees, the Alternate Employment and Return to Work in Exchange for Paid Leave during the COVID-19 Closure Agreement.  

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Johnson-Brock School Board is April 13 at 7:00 P.M. 

(KLZA)-- This is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska.  

The annual mock tornado drill scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic situation. 

The National Weather Service reminds everyone that when a WATCH is issued, you need to be prepared.  The Storm Prediction Center will outline a time frame for when you need to be alert for threatening weather.

When a WARNING is issued, it is time to take action.  
When the local National Weather Service issues a warning it means severe weather is imminent in the area and you should take shelter.  

When a warning is issued, you should continue to check for forecast updates, as conditions can change rapidly. 

(KLZA)-- Weather permitting, construction on two Interstate 29 bridge projects is to begin this week in Holt County, Missouri.

The Clarkson Construction Company is to begin a deck replacement project for the I-29 bridges over Route E and Kimsey Creek south of Mound City.  The bridges are included in Governor Mike Parson's $351 million Focus on  bridges program, which is to repair 250 bridges across the state. 

Crews are also to begin work on both the north and southbound lanes and shoulders of I-29 at the bridges for traffic changes during the bridge deck replacements.  

Construction of both bridge decks is expected to start April 16,  beginning with the north and and southbound driving lanes.  The project will include a 12-foot width restriction. 

Once the bridge decks are replaced in the driving lanes, crews will begin construction of the passing lanes.  

(KAIR)--Atchison’s USD 409 continues to feed, through the assistance of the state, students displaced by the closing of classrooms across Kansas due to COVID-19.

Superintendent Renee Scott, during a question and answer segment on the 93.7 FM morning show, said the pickup locations for the meals have been expanded as of March 23.

The meals can be picked up from 11 to 1 daily. 

Hear Scott explain the expansion below.  

(KNZA)---The sale of the Horton Community Hospital, and related care facilities, has been finalized.

According to a release from the Atchison Hospital, which purchased the property, the sale was finalized March 19, transferring ownership from the facility trustees to Atchison Hospital.

The Atchison Hospital Association was the top bidder of $270,000 during a December 19, 2019 auction in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The release states that “reopening activities have officially begun, although employee resources will be moderated by the fluctuating nature of COVID-19 mitigation.”

According to the release, local contractors are already at work completing a major renovation of the clinic facility.

The public will, in the future, be invited to an open house to view the progress on the building as well as start the patient registration process.

The Horton Hospital closed its doors in March of last year, and was among seven hospital properties, formerly owned by EmpowerHMS, placed up for auction. The auction was held as part of a bankruptcy action taken by CAH Acquisition Company.

(KAIR)--A pursuit which began with a “shots fired” call received by Atchison Police, ends with the suspect on the run.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded to the 500 block of Laramie Street to investigate following the call around 8:00 Sunday night.
During the investigation, officers located a parked vehicle in that area that had been struck by a bullet, while an officer on patrol spotted a speeding, northbound vehicle on 6th Street, near Harper Drive.

An attempt to stop the vehicle was not successful, with the driver fleeing from the officer, leading to the pursuit that ended in Doniphan County. It was there that the vehicle was located stuck on a muddy road. The driver had, according to Wilson, “fled on foot into the darkness.”

Local area law enforcement, including Atchison and Doniphan Counties, joined in a search for the suspect, but the driver was not located.

Wilson said it’s believed the vehicle was involved with the shooting.

Several firearms, ammunition, and spent shell casings have been recovered and the investigation is ongoing.

Editor's note: the following are excerpts from a release issued by Kansas Republican Senator Jerry Moran. 

As we continue to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the administration, Congress and state and local governments are working together to make certain we are do everything in our power to stop the spread of this virus. Please take precautions to keep you and your families safe, and please call your doctor about testing for COVID-19 if you are experiencing symptoms related to the coronavirus. These are difficult and challenging times, and no one is left unaffected. We are taking this threat seriously, and we will continue to face this crisis head-on as a nation.  

To find further resources on how to protect you and your family, visit coronavirus.gov or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website here.

Thank you to Tammy Peterman, Chief Operating Officer, The University of Kansas Health System; Steve Stites, MD, Chief Medical Officer, The University of Kansas Health System; and Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Lee Norman for providing an update regarding COVID-19 in Kansas. To watch the full press conference, please click here.

(KNZA)--A stay-at-home order has been issued for Doniphan County, effective Thursday, March 26.

The order, signed by County Health Officer Dr. Bradley Gaul on Monday,  will remain in effect through April 6.

While no positive COVID-19 cases have been identified in Doniphan County, the order is being issued to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

The order requires residents to stay at home except for esssential needs.

In addition, it orders all businesses that do not fill an essential need to close to the public.

A shelter-in-place order for neighboring St. Joseph, Missouri takes effect Tuesday.  In addition, similar orders take effect Tuesday for five Kansas Counties--including Leavenworth.

You can view the entire Doniphan County order at the county's website at dpcountyks.com

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Board of Health met last week to discuss the Coronavirus 19 pandemic. 

Sheriff Rick Hardesty is the Chairman of the Board of Health. Representatives of Falls City, Humobldt, Community Medical  Center, Emergency Management, County Commissioners and County Ambulance Squads were in attendance along with Grant Bergmann with the Southeast District Health Department. 

Representatives of the Coronavirus Community Planning Team said their group feels the best way to self-isolate is for people to stay home.  They have been focusing on prevention and control of the spread of the virus.

The County Health Board is strongly encouraging everyone to practice simple tasks to help ward off the virus.

They include avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 please call your doctors office and report your symptoms to avoid spreading illness. 

The Health Board's biggest concern for Richardson County were community events with large crowds that occurred the previous week.  

If  Richardson County can get through the next two weeks without any cases it will be an encouraging sign.  Symptoms of the COVID-19 virus may take 2 – 14 days to appear after exposure. 

Testing for the virus is limited in Richardson County at the present time and medical facilities will not do tests unless there is suspicion the patient may have been exposed or hospitalized with significant symptoms.

Concerns about how the spread of the virus could overwhelm the medical staffing and facilities in Richardson County were discussed.  It was reported that if necessary, Community Medical  Center is set-up to put into place a tent triage in the parking lot.

If you get sick, you are urged to call in to your doctors office and provide them a list of your symptoms.  The recommendation is self-isolation and you are advised to stay home and be monitored from there.  

The Health Board will meet again in the next few days to continue to plan, and make preparations to prepare for a peak to care for those affected with the virus if needed.  

(KLZA)-- Beginning Monday, the Family Medicine Clinic in  Falls City will be taking added precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Appointments with those patients who are sick will be in the morning. Patients who are well will visit in the afternoon. 

Patients will not be able to schedule Pap's or well adult visits at this time.  If you have any health concerns please call and speak to a nurse. 

Lab appointments will be from 7:00 A.M. - 8:30 A.M.  CDL and DOT exams will be in the afternoons. 

Each patient is asked to bring only on additional family member or friend with them to their appointment, and only if necessary.

All patients, visitors, vendors, contractors and guests will be screened prior to entering the facility.  This will include a brief survey and temperature check.

If you have questions call Family Medicine at 402-245-4475. 

The complete release follows:

ATTENTION: Starting Monday, March 23rd Family Medicine Clinic will be taking more precautions to help stop the spread of COVID 19.

· Sick appointments will be made in the morning, well visits in the afternoon. We will be cleaning the clinic before the well patients arrive. We have reserved 2 rooms for well patients during the entire day if needed for minor emergent procedures.

· Patients will not be able to schedule any Pap’s or well adults visits at this time. If you have any health concerns please call and ask to speak to a nurse.

· CDL & DOT exams will be scheduled in the afternoon.

· Lab appointments will be from 7:00 am-8:30am.

· When calling in for an appointment you may be transferred to a nurse and asked more specific questions related to your symptoms.

· When you schedule an appointment please have your insurance and demographic information ready. We will be asking you this information over the phone so you will not have to stop at the front receptionist area upon arriving for your appointment.

· We are asking each patient to only bring one additional family member or friend with them to their appointment, only if necessary.

· Beginning Monday, March 23rd, we will be screening all patients, visitors, vendors, contractors and guests prior to entering the facility. This screening is comprised of a brief survey and temperature check. If you have an appointment please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled time.

We want to keep all of our patients safe and healthy!

If you have any questions please call our office at 402-245-4475, option #1.

If you would like more information on what you can do to prevent or protect yourself and family members please visit the CDC website.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

(MSC News)--The Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging is among the recipients of 33 statewide transit project grants totaling more than $7.4 million.

According to a news release from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the grants are allocated through KDOT's new Access, Innovation and Collaboration Program, and were announced recently.

The Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging was awarded three grants totaling nearly $1.2 million. They include more than one million dollars for a multi-use transit/aging facility, just over $66,000 for an all-wheel drive transit vehicle and nearly $13,000 for vehicle security cameras.

Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Karen Wilson told MSC News the multi-use transit/aging facility will allow the agency to construct a new building in Hiawatha to house the offices of the Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging along with a new transit facility for the general public transportation program the agency provides.

Wilson said the early plans also include a meal site, a community center, and some multi-use space.  She said planning is still in the very early process, and plans will be finalized as the project moves forward. 

Wilson added that the vehicle security cameras will be installed in each of the agency’s vehicles for the security of the riders and drivers, while the all-wheel drive transit vehicle will allow the agency to increase its fleet and be better equipped to handle some of the rural roads. She said more than 80 percent of the roads in the area served by the agency are gravel. 

The Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging serves seven counties in northeast Kansas, including Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington.

(KNZA)--Fund-raising efforts to build a new multi-purpose shelter house at the Banner Creek Reservoir west of Holton has received a couple of boosts.

According to the Friends of Banner Creek organization's Facebook page, they were contacted recently by someone who wants to match all donations up to $15,000.

In addition, the Holton City Commission voted at their March 16 meeting to contribute $5,000 toward the project.

The Friends of Banner Creek organization is working to raise $125,000 in order to get a matching grant for the same amount from the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism to build the new shelter house.

The building is to included a kitchen, gathering area and basement for storm shelter.

As of last report, nearly $95,000 has been raised toward the goal with a grant application deadline of April 15.

Those who would like to make a donation can go to the Jackson County Community Foundation website www.jacksoncountycf.org/donate.cfm

Donations are tax deductible and any donations over $500 will be recognized on the donor plaque that will be displayed in the new building.

(KNZA)--Charges have been dismissed against an Elwood woman accused of the mistreatment of an elderly person.

The Kansas Attorney General's Office dismissed the case against 53-year-old Tamara Rucker earlier this month after the alleged victim died.

A criminal complaint was filed in June of last year in Doniphan County District Court charging Rucker with a felony count of mistreatment of an elder person.

She was accused of unlawfully taking control of at least $100,000 from Catherine Jane Krantz through false pretense.

The alleged offense occurred between June 1 and November 2, 2018.

Latest COVID-19 PRESS RELEASE FROM CITY OF HIAWATHA:

Updated 3/22/2020

( KNZA)-- The Prairie Hills USD 113 Food Program has announced they will be offering curbside meal service at eight sites beginning Monday, March 23.

According to a post on its Facebook page, a free lunch and breakfast will be provided Monday through Friday for the following day at each site for children up to the age of 18.

The post says children need to present when picking up meals, but no ID of any kind is required and they do not need to be a student of USD 113 to receive meals.

The curbside meal service will be offered from 11 am to 12:30 pm outside of the following locations:

Sabetha Elementary School

Wetmore Academic Center

Axtell Public School

The curbside meal service will be provided from 11:30 to 12:15 outside the following locations:

Fairview City Park

Morrill Community Building

Bern Community Library

Summerfield Community Center

Goff Community Center

(KLZA)--According to the PWSD #1 of Holt County's Facebook post, boil water used for drinking, making ice cubes (automatic ice makers should be shut off during this time), and cooking.

Bring the water to a boil and allow to boil for at least three minutes. If customers have questions, call the office at 660-446-2087.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s Benedictine College is closing residence halls due to the threat of COVID-19.

According to a release from the college, the closure means that students will utilize “an online learning environment for the rest of the semester.”

The release calls the move an “unprecedented step,” with the decision made due to continued spread of the pandemic which has led to “mounting restrictions from federal, state, and local officials.”

The closure of the residence halls was set for 8:00 Sunday night, March 22.

(MSC News)--A local food bank is launching a new program to make sure that children don’t go hungry. 

The launch of the “Early Out” initiative by Second Harvest Community Food Bank comes as students work from home due to the closing of schools because of the coronavirus threat.  Meals will be provided at five locations, with one in Doniphan County, one in Brown County, and three in Buchanan County, Missouri. 

According to a release, all five sites will start providing the service on March 24.  The Buchanan County locations are currently planned to run until further notice, while the Kansas locations will end on May 21st.  Free lunches will be provided to all youth up to the age of 18. 

The Doniphan County distributions will take place on the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska reservation, located at 3345 Thrasher Road, in White Cloud, while the Brown County location will be the Horton Kickapoo Boys and Girls Club, located at 883 112th Drive.  The lunches at both locations will be distributed from 11:30 until 1:00 from March 24 through May 21. 

Those same times will apply for the Buchanan County lunch distribution, set to happen at three sites in Saint Joseph. 

The Saint Joseph, Missouri-based Second Harvest partners with more than 50 agencies in both Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri to feed those in need.

Press Release from the Second Harvest Community Food Bank:

Due to the COVID-19 Panademic, Second Harvest Community Food Bank has partnered with community organizations within their 19-county service area to provide meals to ALL youth within our communities (Up to 18). Below you will find a list of site times and locations; TOGETHER we will get through this!

For more information on the pandemic, click here .

Kansas Site Locations

Missouri Site Locations

(TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A second COVID-19 death in Kansas has been confirmed, this one in the Kansas City suburb of Johnson County.

State health officials revealed the death Saturday in a news release meant to update the number of new coronavirus cases in the state and did not give any details about the person who died.

The state's first death from the virus, a Kansas City-area nursing home resident in Wyandotte County, was reported March 12.

The state saw its number of confirmed cases in the state rise from more than 40 on Friday to 55 on Saturday.

Locally, there are now four cases in Leavenworth County, and one in Jackson County. 

Editor's note: the following is a new release from Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge.

In response to growing concerns with the transmission and spread of COVID-19 it is recommended by the CDC to suspend all non-essential gathering or group events larger than 10 attendees. This includes all city parks in Atchison County. Parks and schools that have playground equipment are closed to the public until further notice.

All other park gatherings must adhere to the 10 attendees spaced at least 6 feet apart.

Team practices are suspended until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.

(KNZA/KMZA)--On Friday, April 10th, we will be doing our third business spotlight program and inviting any/all businesses or organizations to call us live between 9 and 10 AM and tell everyone their current hours and how they are operating or what services are available and any specials or opportunities they are offering customers.  

Because so much has changed the past couple weeks, we will allow any business (even ones that have already called during one of these shows) to call in this Friday.  

You can call Kanzaland Radio at (785) 547-3461 or email questions and information to knzadj@rainbowtel.net.

Editor's note--press release issued Friday by the city of Hiawatha

Hiawatha Municipal Court is continuing all cases scheduled for the month of April in response to Kansas Supreme Court Admin. Order 2020-PR-016, the restriction of access to the public at Hiawatha City Hall, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  

All Court Appearances currently scheduled for April 7, 2020, will be continued by the Court until June 2, 2020, at 3:30 p.m.  All Court Appearances currently scheduled for April 21, 2020, will be continued by the Court until June 16, 2020, at 3:30 p.m.  Currently, all scheduled May Court dates will remain in place.  Participants will be notified by first class mailing of any changes in the date of future sessions of the Court.

If you are supposed to appear in Court and your address has changed, please contact the Court Clerk at (785) 742-2156 or  cityofhiawathamunicipalcourt@gmail.com with your current address.  You may also call the Court Clerk to arrange for Court payments by credit or debit card.  All other payments, until further notice, should be in the form of a check or money order placed in the United States Mail, postage prepaid, to Hiawatha Municipal Court Clerk, 413 Oregon Street, Hiawatha, Kansas 66434.

The Court Clerk’s office will remain open during normal business hours; however, public access to the Court Clerk is restricted to telephone and email only until further notice. 

(KAIR)--Doniphan County on Friday joined other local area governments in limiting public access because of pandemic concerns.

That decision was made during a special meeting held at the Doniphan County Courthouse, in Troy.

According to the meeting minutes, governmental offices will be closed and limited to the public from midnight Saturday morning through April 6 at 11:59 p.m. At that time, the closure will be re-evaluated by the Commission.

During the closure, employees will continue working regular hours while following CDC guidelines.

The closure was approved unanimously.

According to a release from Doniphan County Emergency Management Coordinator Julie Meng, the doors of the Doniphan County Courthouse will be locked.

County employees will still be working to serve the public by telephone and email. A drop box has been placed on the north side of the courthouse for all documents that need to be dropped off.

Please make sure all documents are in a secured envelope with the name of the department it should be delivered to.

Editor's note: The Highland City Hall has been closed to the public until further notice. Residents are urged to conduct all necessary business either by phone, email, drop box or mail.  Other limited access can be by appointment, if required.  Below is a press release issued by the city.

CITY OF HIGHLAND, KANSAS

PRESS RELEASE

March 20, 2020

The City of Highland continues to monitor the fluid developments surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Governor Kelly has declared a state of emergency in Kansas in response to the virus, including specific recommendations and guidelines.  It is important that individuals, as well as local institutions, stay up to date on developments as much possible.  Public health agencies provide guidance, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health Environment (KDHE), and the Doniphan County Health Department.   The City will take all necessary and appropriate steps to minimize the spread of this highly contagious disease in the community.  

The following is a summary of our plan in response to this community health emergency beginning immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.   These policies will adjust as matters surrounding the virus evolve, so check our website at highlandks.com for updates from time to time.  

City Hall - City Hall will be closed to the public, indefinitely, beginning immediately.  The City Clerk will be in the office, and available by phone (785) 442-3765, during most weekday hours from 8:00 – 12:00 noon and from 1:00 – 4:00.  Other questions can be sent via email to joann@cityofhighlandks.com .  Utility bill payments may be made online, via USPS or by placing the same in the drop box located outside the west (Genesee St) entrance into City Hall.  All meetings of other public entities and groups have been cancelled indefinitely.  Alternative arrangements will be made for KORA (open records) requests that cannot be handled via electronic communication.  Emergency access can be granted upon request, with normal protocols being followed to avoid transmission of the virus.

Municipal Court - Municipal Court will adjust its normal schedule in response to current developments.    The April 6, 2020 and April 20, 2020 court dates have been continued.  When court dates are continued, persons on the docket will receive a notice of a new court date. The notice will be sent via USPS at the address on file with the Court.   Any change of address can be provided during any court session, by email at debra.collinslawoffice@gmail.com or by calling (785) 442-3765.  

The Court Clerk also serves as City Clerk and her availability is as described above.  All business should be conducted by phone or email.  Fine payments can be made via the above-referenced drop box or over the phone as listed above.   

Police Department – The police department will continue with normal operations as much as possible.   The following remain the highest priority calls for service:
·    Crimes in progress
·    Issues affecting public safety
·    Issues affecting traffic safety and traffic flow
·    Medical calls in which officers could perform life-saving measures and on request of EMS
·    Calls otherwise deemed critical in nature and time sensitive
911 calls continue for all emergency situations.  Please use the non-emergency line at (785) 442-3212 for other police services or inquiries.  

Doniphan County Fire District #2 - EMS and fire department response services will be maintained in the normal fashion.  Please call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.  Calls to dispatch will be pre-screened for the virus.  If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Community Building – The state has recommended that no gatherings of more than 50 persons should be allowed, while the federal government limit is only 10.  All events at the community building are cancelled indefinitely, effective immediately.  Any deposit will be refunded.  If you have an event already scheduled, please contact the city clerk.

Parks & Recreation – All city parks will remain open to the public for the time being; however, no gatherings of or events involving more than 10 persons will be allowed.  Practices for youth summer baseball and softball will be allowed only on a case by case basis.  The extent to which games will be played, as scheduled, is not known at this time.

City Council Meetings – Regular meetings of the City Council will take place, as scheduled, until determined otherwise.  Attendees must follow normal protocols, including social distancing, to avoid transmission of the virus.

It is important for all of us to make informed decisions to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our community. Please consult the CDC website for up-to-date information before making decisions about attending any community activities. These difficult decisions are made with the best interests and health of our community in mind. Thank you for your understanding and support.

The Jackson County Commission will monitor the newly imposed emergency action plan weekly and will reevaluate the plan on April 13.

Beginning March 23, Commission meetings will be closed to the public. The recorded meetings will be posted on the county website, jacksoncountyks.com

Residents will now be able to access County Departments and services as follows:

COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE: 785-364-2891  Kathy Mick (Cell) 785-851-0804
-  Voter registration can be completed at https://www.kdor.gov/apps/voterreg/default.aspx
   The registration deadline is June 14, 2020
-    Fish and game licenses are available online at http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/  If you would rather have a printed copy, please call the clerk’s office to request assistance.
-    If you want to request an advance ballot for the 2020 election, you can print a form from this website, sign and email it to the County Clerk at jacoclerk@jacoks.com
    https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/AV1.pdf
-     If you wish to file for office, please call for an appointment.  The filing deadline is June 1, 2020 at noon.
-    Mailing address is 400 New York Ave., Holton KS 66436

REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE:  785-364-3591  Tammy Moulden (Cell) 785-305-1922
-     Record searches may be completed by utilizing the online services of RMIS/CIC through our provider.  Contact offices for details for subscription services.
-    Please call the office or email the office for all inquiries not listed: jaksrod@gmail.com
-    Current office operations may be updated or amended without notice.
-    Mail: Register of Deeds, 400 New York Ave., Holton KS 66436

COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE:  785-364-3103
-      Email: JacksonCountyAttorneysOffice@yahoo.com
-      Fax (785) 364-3273
APPRAISER/PLANNING & ZONING : 785-364-2358
-     All Building Permits and other applications can be found online at https://www.jacksoncountyks.com/appraiserandzoning.html
-    Please print and physically mail the original application to:
    Jackson County Appraiser, 400 New York Ave., Room 202, Holton KS 66436
-     If possible, please scan and email all applications for review to appraiser@jacoks.com prior    to mailing them.  
-    If you are unable to print the application, please contact our office and we will mail you the application you need.
-     If you require any other information regarding building permits, land division, neighborhood revitalization, or scheduled public hearings, please contact our office at the above phone number or email address.
-     If you need to return your Personal Property Assessment Form, please place it in the envelope you were provided and place it in the mail.
-     If you need to schedule an appeal hearing, please contact our office at appraiser@jacoks.com
-    All appeals currently scheduled will be held by telephone.  The Appraiser’s Office will be in contact with those who currently have an appeal scheduled.
-     Individual property information can be found on the county’s website at jacksoncountyks.com using the Jackson County parcel search.
-    If you have any other real estate or personal property questions, please contact the Appraiser’s Office at appraiser@jacoks.com  

DISTRICT COURT:  785-364-2191
-    If you need assistance between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. please call 785-364-2191.
-    Outside of these hours please call 785-364-5207 and leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible or email the court at jacocourt@gmail.com
-    If you are needing a Protection from Abuse or Protection from Stalking outside of the 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.office hours, please go to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, 210 US Highway 75, Holton, KS 66436.

COUNTY TREASURER:  785-364-3791
-    Driver’s License renewals will not be processed at this time.
-     No renewals (stickers) will be completed in person.  Please renew online http://ikan.ks.gov or by mail (400 New York Ave., Room 206, Holton KS 66436).  You can reprint your vehicle registration notice online on the KDOR website, http://mvs.dmv.kdor.ks.gov/PrintRenewals/default.aspx  This includes the pin number needed for online renewals or the amounts for mailing registrations in.  Please include a current contact number as well as insurance information (which will be returned with your renewal).  Or you may have your insurance faxed to our office at 785-364-5029.
-     For completion of title work on a new vehicle purchase, please call the office at 785-364-3791.  We will coordinate with you to make accommodations to complete the title work.  Please call regarding refunds on sold or disposed vehicles.
-    Please follow the link on our website, www.jacksoncountyks.com to pay current real estate and personal property taxes.
-     Please call the office at 785-364-3791 with questions or email lgerhardt@jacoks.com  We appreciate your patience in keeping all our community members safe.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY:  785-364-2811
-    EMAIL emo@jasoks.org
-     If you have an emergency, call 911

JUVENILE INTAKE:  785-364-5369
-    The office is closed to visitors, please call to make an appointment if necessary.

CUSTODIAL:  785-364-5217  Chad Phillips (Cell) 364-6052

ELDERLY SERVICES: 785-364-3571
-    Upon recommendation from the Jackson County Health Department our bus service and congregate dining room is closed until further notice.  We are continuing our carry-out and delivery services, continuing under the guidelines and criteria of OAA and NEKAAA.  People may call 785-364-3571 to make meal reservations or for more information.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE: 785-364-3459
-    Materials may be dropped off as normal.

RECYCLING:  785-364-3459
-    Materials are to be dropped at the door and we will process them.  We ask that you do not   enter the building which houses recycling materials.

NOXIOUS WEED SALES:  785-364-3459
-    If you need to purchase noxious weed chemicals, please call 364-3459 with your order and arrangements will be made for you to pick up curbside.  

LANDFILL:  785-966-2652
-    Business as usual.

ROAD AND BRIDGE OFFICE:  785-364-3519
-    Office is closed to visitors.  Please call the office with any road concerns.  

Jackson County Government urges and encourages businesses and citizens to take active steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  The health and safety of our community is our priority.  Take simple steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:  Washing your hands; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; covering your coughs and sneezes; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; clean and disinfect frequently touched object and surfaces; stay home when sick.  Stay up to date with COVID-19 information by visiting: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

(KAIR)--A body recovered Friday afternoon from an Atchison watershed dam is that of a missing Atchison man.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson identified the man as Joseph D. Leger, Jr.
Wilson told MSC Radio News officers responded to Dam 6 around 2:10 Friday afternoon after it was reported that a body was spotted in the water. “We do know now that it’s a missing person that we’ve been looking for over recent weeks. It is a 47-year-old Atchison male,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News. “He was last seen on February 5. He was reported missing to us on February 19, and we’ve had an ongoing investigation focused on trying to locate him.”

A cause of death isn’t immediately known, and Wilson said an autopsy will be conducted in Kansas City.

The Atchison Fire Department assisted with recovering Leger’s body from the water.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are investigating after someone stole nearly $900 worth of items during a burglary and theft at the Atchison County Sports Complex, located at 825 North 17th Street.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the investigation shows that someone forced their way into the groundskeeper storage garage, located at the complex, around 8:00 Wednesday evening.

Taken was a toolbox and tools, along with several trimmers.

The investigation is continuing, and anyone with information about the crime should contact Atchison Police.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County Sheriff Chad Clary is seeking re-election to another 4-year term.

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports the Highland Republican filed Monday.

Clary is being challenged by Dustin Robinson, of Elwood, for the Republican nomination.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file at the Doniphan County Clerk's Office.

The primary election will be held August 4 and the general election will be November 3.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department has confirmed the first positive case of coronavirus disease within the district. 

The person is a man in his 60's who lives in Nemaha County, Nebraska. He recently retruned from travel to Vail, Colorado.  He is experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is currently self-isolated.  

Contact investigations are in progress.  The Southeast District Health Department with the assistance of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, is working to assess the risk for potential exposures.  

All identified close contacts will be asked to self-quarantine and be actively monitored by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms.

(KAIR)--Questions persist regarding the future ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic.

From the closure of schools to the closure of businesses, the effort to curb the spread of the virus, and the resulting COVID-19, has led to an unfamiliar scenario.

MSC Radio News is working to answer your questions.

On Monday morning, we will talk live with Atchison USD 409 Superintendent Renee Scott as she answers your questions regarding the future of the remainder of the classroom-free school year.
On Tuesday morning, we’ll talk live with physician and State Representative Dr. John Eplee, who will answer your questions about the coronavirus and the LegislatIve response. 

Both Scott and Eplee will be featured beginning at 7:30 both mornings.

Questions can be submitted in advance by email at kairradio@gmail.com or by calling live Monday and Tuesday mornings at 913-367-9370.

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County, Nebraska, Board of Commissioner’s plan is to keep the courthouse open to the public. But, the Board of Commissioner’s would like to ask the citizens of Nemaha County to help in this situation.

A policy of reduced access to the courthouse has been implemented. 

The doors to the courthouse and the offices will remain open, but are asking people that need to do business at the courthouse to do their business with phone or mail whenever possible. There is a voting box on the northeast corner of the courthouse square that you can drop off documents, instead of bringing them up to the offices.

There are going to be the phone numbers for all the office posted on the doors of the courthouse. When you come to the courthouse, please call the office you plan on going to and ask if it is alright to come up and do whatever business you need to do.

With this self-restriction, the Board of Commissioner’s hope to reduce the foot traffic within the courthouse.

 If Nemaha County gets 2 confirmed cased of coronavirus the Board of Commissioners will look at more aggressive ideas of action, and the possibility of closing the courthouse will not be ruled out. So far there are no confirmed cases in the county.
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council Monday night approved bids to improve the driving surface of a large section of Chase Street.  

The Council approved bids from Herzog Contracting Corporation of  St. Joseph in an amount of $23,338 to mill two inches of the current street and then come back with a 2-inch asphalt overlay at a cost of just over $132-thousand.

The work will include run from 14th to 21st and from 25th to 26th Streets on Chase. 

It was the only action item on the agenda for the meeting. 

(KLZA)-- Auburn Mayor Dan White has declared a state of emergency due to the threat of the spread of COVID-19,  a virus known to cause serious illness and death.  

The declaration allows the Mayor to execute for and on behalf of the City of Auburn such orders as may be necessary, due to the emergency, including the expenditure of funds from all available sources;  the involing of mutual aid agreements and the applications to the State of Nebraska and the Federal Government for emergency assistance. 

City Hall in  Auburn is closed to public access.  City staff will be available via telephone or email to provide services.

Jefferson County Internal Changes due to COVID-19

The Jefferson County Commissioners encourage citizens to conduct necessary business by phone or by electronic means.

Effective today, March 19, 2020, Jefferson County will be limiting public access to Jefferson County departments and offices to take preventative measures designed to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus illness. We are making arrangements to adjust services to be in the best interest of the employees and citizens of Jefferson County and following the interim guidance as provided by KDHE and the CDC. Information on the changes of services will be posted to the Jefferson County website and Jefferson County Facebook page as they become available.

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jefferson County. Please follow the Jefferson County Health Department for official updates regarding COVID-19.

Jefferson County Courthouse and other County buildings as noted below.

All exterior doors of the Jefferson County Courthouse and various other offices will be locked and citizens should call to make appointments with the offices needed.

If you have any symptoms similar to the flu, including fever, cough or shortness of breath, please do not enter or make an appointment until symptoms have subsided and you have been fever free for at least 24 hours.

Treasurer’s Office: 785-403-0000 Option 2

Driver’s License renewals will not be processed at this time.

No renewals (stickers) will be completed in person. Please renew online (http://ikan.ks.gov); by mail (mail to PO Box 458, Oskaloosa, KS 66066); or using the courthouse drop box (in front of the courthouse). You can reprint your vehicle registration notice online under Treasurer on our website www.jfcountyks.com (Treasurer’s page) This includes the pin number needed for online renewals or the amounts for mailing registrations in. You may mail or drop off your renewals to our office at 300 Jefferson St., Oskaloosa, KS 66066. Please include a current contact number as well as insurance information (we will return it with your renewal). Or you may have your insurance faxed to our office (fax: 785-403-0748).

For completion of title work on a vehicle purchase, please call the office at 785-403-0000 Option 2 for an appointment. We will coordinate with you to make accommodations to complete the title work. Please call regarding refunds on sold/disposed vehicles.

Please follow the link on our website to pay current real estate, property and truck taxes. You may also mail your payment in or drop it off in the box in front of the courthouse.

Please call the office at 785-403-0000 Option 2 with questions between 8:00 am and 4:30 p.m. Or email lbuerman@jfcountyks.com. We appreciate your patience in keeping all of our community members safe.

• Clerk’s Office: 785-403-0000 Option 6

• Voter registrations can be completed online at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg/default.aspx

• Fish and game licenses are available online at http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/ If you would rather have a printed copy, please call the Clerk’s Office to request assistance.

• If you want to request an advance ballot for the 2020 elections you can print a form from this website and email it to the County Clerk at lbuttron@jfcountyks.com

• https://www.kssos.org/forms/elections/AV1.pdf

If you need assistance, please call the office at 785-403-0000 Option 6 or email lbuttron@jfcountyks.com

If you wish to file for office, please call for an appointment. 785-403-0000 Option 6

• Register of Deeds Office: 785-403-0000 Option 5

--If you have documents to be dropped off for processing please put documents in the drop box at the south entrance of the courthouse and call the office to notify them of the drop off.

--Record searches may be completed by utilizing the online services of TAPESTRY or LAREDO through our provider. Contact office for details. --Please call the office or email the office for all inquiries not listed: dheston@jfcountyks.com or deeds@jfcounty.com

--Researchers will be admitted by appointment only and must be symptom and fever free. Register of Deeds reserves the right to limit the number of researchers and visitors to the office at any time.

--All persons who enter the office will be required to log in and provide a telephone number should there be a need to be contacted by said office or other officials.

--Current office operations may be updated or amended without notice.

• Record searches may be completed online. Please call the office or visit the Jefferson County Register of Deeds website at www.jfcountyks.com for more information.

• County Attorney’s Office: 785-863-2251

• Please email countyattorney@jfcountyks.com to arrange an appointment.

GIS/IT Building: 785-403-0771

Please call for an appointment or email cschmeissner@jfcountyks.com.

The building will be closed to the public

Planning and Zoning Office (Community Development)

All Building Permits and other applications can be found online at https://www.jfcountyks.com/291/Planning-Zoning

Please print and physically mail the original of your application to: 

Jefferson County Planning and Zoning
P.O. Box 628
Oskaloosa, KS 66066

If possible, please scan and email all applications for review to: dparks@jfcountyks.com or egeorge@jfcountyks.com prior to mailing them in. 

If you are unable to print the application, please contact our office and we will mail you the application you need. 

If you are a small business, and would like to inquire about getting more information on the SBA emergency funding programs, please email dparks@jfcountyks.com or keithjeffers@jfcountyks.com

If you require any other information regarding building permits, land division, or scheduled public hearings, please contact our office by any of the above offered methods. 

• Appraiser’s Office: 785-403-0000 Option 4

• Please call to make an appointment.

Appeal Hearings – If you are scheduled or need to schedule an appeal hearing, please contact Janet Allen, County Appraiser for an appointment at jallen@jfcountyks.com or Dotti Harrison, Deputy Appraiser at dharrison@jfcountyks.com

If you have Personal Property questions you can email Julie Sargent at jsargent@jfcountyks.com

• District Court: 785-863-2461

Please call with any questions, you will be directed on how to proceed.  The Court is only handling emergency situations.

If you need to pay fines or fees – please call in advance to find out the amount you owe. People that want to pay can either pay online at www.citepayusa.com or mail in a check or money order to P.O. Box 327, Oskaloosa KS 66066.

 If you have a court appearance, please call for a new date.  If you are represented by an attorney, please call them.

 If you have documents that need to be filed, attorneys need to use the e-filing website. Pro-se people can mail in documents for all non-emergency filings.

If you need to file for a protection from stalking or abuse please call 785-863-5158 for direction.

Road & Bridge:

This office is closed to visitors please call 785-403-0279 Ext. 1 to make an appointment

Auxiliary Services:

This office is closed to visitors please call 785-403-0279 Ext. 3 to make an appointment

Household Hazardous Waste collection has been suspended until further notice.

Noxious Weed Sales:

If you are coming to pick up Noxious Weed Chemicals

Please call 785-403-0279 Ext. 3

Arrangements will be made so chemicals can be placed outside for you

Emergency Management and EMS:

The Emergency Management and EMS facilities (EMS Station 1-Oskaloosa and 2-Meriden will be closed to the public.

•  If you have EMS billing questions please call or email Denise Locklin, EMS Office Manager o Email: dlocklin@jfcountyks.com 785-403-0166

If you have a medical emergency please call 9-1-1

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office: 785-863-2765 (admin office)

Jail Visitation:

Jail visitation has been suspended.   All non-essential employees, including, volunteers will not be allowed into the jail at this time.  Attorney visits will continue as normal.  This action will remain in effect until March 31, 2020 and will then be re-evaluated.

Business hours: 

The lobby of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will remain open during normal business hours.  Prior to coming into the Sheriff's Office, it is encouraged for patrons to call and inquire if their request can be handled over the phone.   We encourage the public to evaluate their reason for the visit to the Sheriff's Office and determine if it is necessary or if it is something that can be handled at a later date.

Patrons requiring entrance into the Sheriff's Office will complete a Health Screen prior to entrance.

Responding to Calls:

We will respond to calls as normal.   Again, I encourage patrons to call the Sheriff's office prior to coming in and inquire if their request can be handled by phone.

The safety of the citizens of Jefferson County, my staff, and the inmates in my jail are of the upmost importance.   I'm in hope things will all go back to normal in time.

Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.   Use good judgment and be safe.

Sheriff Jeffrey L. Herrig

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

Jefferson County Commissioners-

We apologize for any inconvenience this will cause the citizens of Jefferson County, however, the health and safety of our employees and citizen is our priority. Thank you for your cooperation in this ongoing situation. We will re evaluate this action on April 2, 2020.

Jefferson County Government would like to urge and encourage businesses and citizens to take active steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of our community is our top priority. Take simple steps to prevent the spread of diseases by COVID-19 by: Washing your hands; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; covering your coughs and sneezes; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; stay home when sick. Stay up to date with COVID-19 information by visiting: www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus.

(KMZA)--All Nemaha County restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and movie theaters have been ordered closed as of 8:00 Friday morning, March 20

The Nemaha County Board of Health and local heatlh officer issued the order Thursday due to growing concerns with the transmission and spread of COVID-19.

The order notes that restaurants may continue to provide carry out, drive-through and delivery of food and beverage services, but all dine-in seating is on hold at the current time.

The CDC is recommending the suspension of all non-essential gatherings or group events larger than 10 attendees. 

For more details, please visit the Nemaha County website.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Courthouse has been closed to the public until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Brown County Commission took the action during a special meeting Thursday afternoon with department heads.

The action was effective as of 4:30 Thursday afternoon.

County Commission Chairman Dwight Kruse said the measure is being taken to protect the health of county employees and the general public.

Kruse said residents are urged to conduct county business by mail or electronically. There will be a limited staff in county offices, who can be contacted by phone during regular business hours.

Brown County Health Department Supervisor Chasity Schumann said there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county.  She added three individuals have been tested for the virus in Brown County and all the tests have come back negative.

Additional Information on the changes approved Thursday has been posted to the Brown County website and Brown County Facebook page.

(KLZA)-- Visiting hours at Community Medical Center in Falls City have been restricted to 7:00 A.-M. - 7:00 P.M. 

As previously posted, patient visits are limited to one visitor per patient per day. The visitor must be a healthy adult. Please do not visit if you are ill.

The hospital will no longer serve kitchen meals for the foreseeable future. 

Meals will be served to the selected daily visitor to the inpatient or if there are special circumstances.
 
Your cooperation during this time is greatly appreciated.
 
 

Editor's note-the following release was submitted by the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska

The Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska has declared a State of Emergency effective March 18, 2020, due to the unprecedented public safety situation created by COVID-19. This declaration will allow the Executive Committee to take any necessary action and have all necessary power as authorized under the Nation's constitution to provide for the welfare of the tribal government, tribal organizations, tribal assets, tribal lands, and tribal citizens to ensure their safety, health, and welfare for the duration of this emergency.

Emergency plans are being put in place within the community. This includes the closure of the following to limit the risk of COVID-19 to the local community, effective March 18, 2020 until March 31, 2020. The Executive Committee will reevaluate at that date. The closings are as follows:

• Casino White Cloud
• Boys and Girls Club
• Tribal Learning Center
• Wellness Center
• Senior Meal Service Sites-delivery only
• Gaming Commission/Inspectors
• George Ogden Building

The following are exempt and will stay open:

• Tribal Administration Building-by scheduled appointment only
• Grandview Oil
• Iowa Housing Authority
• Tribal Court
• United Tribes
• White Cloud Health Clinic
• Police Department
• Fire Department
• Native American Family Services
• Ioway Bee Farm
• Road Department
• Fish & Wildlife

All Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska community activities are suspended until further notice.

The COVID-19 Pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation and the Iowa Tribe Executive Committee is actively committed to protecting our tribal citizens and reservation visitors.

(KMZA)--Public access to the Nemaha County Courthouse and all other county departments is being limited as a preventive measure to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

The Nemaha County Commission took the action during a special meeting Thursday afternoon after conferring with County Health Services Administrator Jane Sunderland. 

Residents are urged to conduct county business by phone, online or mail. 

Editor's note: the following was submitted by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie. 

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie has restricted the access to all areas of the Atchison County Law Enforcement Center, taking preventative measures designed to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 Virus (Coronavirus). We have also implemented temporary policies and restrictions in an attempt to prevent our staff and the inmate population from contracting the COVID-19 Virus. Please see the below restrictions.

INMATE VISITATION

• BAD NEWS: All Onsite Inmate Visitation is Now Suspended

  1. Kiosks in the lobby are closed

  2. No Clergy Visits

  3. Attorney visits must be pre-arranged by calling and scheduling with the jail staff’

• GOOD NEWS: Offsite Video Visitation is Available!!!

  1. Accounts can be set up through, www.inmatecanteen.com

  2. We will accommodate with the same visitation days (Mon-Sat)

  3. Tuesdays & Saturday = Free Visitation

  4. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday = $0.15 per minute

     • Subject to change in 2 weeks

  5. The Sheriff’s Office will not collect commissions from any video visitation

INMATE MONEY ACCOUNTS & DEPOSITS

• How to Put Money on Inmate Accounts Preferred Methods in Order

  1. ONLINE DEPOSITS (#1 Preferred Method)

     • Deposit Money to Inmate Account Online at www.inmatecanteen.com

     • For assistance with deposits online, a video is available at the below link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLynOK1relk

  2. US MAIL (#2 Preferred Method)

     • Send a Money Order to the Jail

     • Please remember to include the inmate’s name with the money order

  3. ON-SITE CASH DEPOSIT (Do not Prefer this Method)

     • We will allow access to the lobby kiosk on the following days & times

     • Sunday & Wednesdays from 7:00PM – 8:00PM (No Exceptions)

     • DO NOT give cash to any Employees to deposit for you

     • All Cash deposit must be deposited into the kiosk on your own

     • Expect to be medically screened prior to entering the building

     • Expect to have temperature taken prior to entry

     • DO NOT ENTER the building if you have or may have (but not limited to):

       • Fever, Cough, Difficulty Breathing, or Any Respiratory Symptoms

       • Had contact with a persons infected with COVID-19

       • Had contact with persons who have recently traveled

       • If at any chance you may have been infected with COVID-19

VIN INSPECTIONS

• VIN Inspections will only be performed THURSDAY (03/19/2020)

  1. Must call ahead of time 913-804-6080

• We will Suspend VIN Inspections until the State of Kansas employees in the VIN departments resume their duties

• The State of Kansas has suspended VIN Operations starting Monday 03/23/2020 for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Offender Registration

• Registration will continue with some changes

  1. Do not come to the Sheriff’s Office

  2. Call and speak to the Offender Registration Unit 913-804-6080

  3. An appointment will be made to process necessary information

Fingerprints

• Please call ahead and make an appointment 913-804-6080

• Be prepared to be medically screened

All Other Inquiries

• Please Call us @ 913-804-6080

(KAIR)--Changes are being implemented at the Atchison Hospital due to the coronavirus.

According to a release, the hospital, effective Friday, March 20, will adjust it’s “COVID-19 preparedness procedures to include screenings for all patients, visitors, and employees.

Those with appointments are being advised to arrive earlier than usual.

Changes made to visitor requirements include no entry into the hospital between 8 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. and no more than one visitor per patient at a time.

Additionally, the hospital’s Auxiliary Volunteer Program is being suspended, with volunteers aged 65 or older asked to remain home.

The Atchison Hospital has also canceled or postponed all events through at least May 15.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Education Commissioner Randy Watson says state standardized tests will be cancelled this year because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

Watson told reporters Thursday that tests are off unless something changes “dramatically” in Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order temporarily shuttering school buildings.

Her order includes exceptions for groups of 10 people or less. 

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County officials have decided to closely follow the Federal and State guidelines for controlling the COVID-19 virus and have locked all doors to the Pawnee County Courthouse. 

For the safety of staff and the public anyone needing to conduct business at the Courthouse will need to make an appointment with the specific office they are dealing with to gain entry.

Only the north entrance to the Courthouse can be used for entry. 

Pawnee County is strongly recommending the use of online services,  U.S. Mail, or drop box whenever possible.

A list of online services is available at the Pawnee County website.

County Court and District Court will continue as scheduled at this time.  Please call prior to your scheduled court time to verify if changes have been made.  Only those who must appear will be allowed entry into the courtrooms. 

PRESS RELEASE
Pawnee County has made decisions regarding the safety, services, and organization within the County Courthouse and Road Dept. We will closely follow the Federal and State guidelines for controlling the COVID-19 virus. Please understand that these guidelines may change rapidly. We will do our best to communicate changes to the media as decisions are made.
For the safety of the staff and the public, the following changes will be implemented on Thursday, March 19, 2020, all doors to the Courthouse will be locked.

1. All walk-in members of the public will be limited to entry into the Courthouse by appointment only.

2. All customers will be required to call ahead and make an appointment with the specific office where they must conduct business.

3. All customers requiring services will be required to enter the Courthouse through the North entrance.

4. The County is strongly recommending the use of online services, U.S. mail, or drop box whenever possible. The Courthouse drop box is located on the north side of the courthouse in the circle drive. Pease refer to the Pawnee County website for available online services: www.co.pawnee.ne.us

5. Links with information regarding the COVID 19 virus are posted on the Southeast District Health Department website: www.sedhd.org

6. County Court and District Court will continue as scheduled at this time. Please call prior to your scheduled Court time to verify if changes have been made since adjustments may occur rapidly. Both Court offices will limit entry into Courtrooms to only individuals who must appear.

7. Telephone numbers to contact Courthouse offices:
OFFICE PHONE NUMBER EMAIL
County Assessor 402-852-2292 pawcty67@outlook.com
County Clerk/ROD 402-852-2962 clerk@pawnee.nacone.org
County Court 402-852-2388 larita.weber@nebraska.gov
County Sheriff 402-852-2969 pawneecountydispatch@gmail.com
County Treasurer 402-852-2380 treasurer@pawnee.nacone.org
District Court 402-852-2963 clerk@pawnee.nacone.org
Extension 402-852-2970 mgottula2@unl.edu
Veteran Service Office 402-852-2777 pawneecountyvetservice@gmail.com
 

(KNZA)--A case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Jackson County.

That word Thursday in a news release issued by the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department.

The release said their office was notified Wednesday evening that a resident in Jackson County had tested positive for COVID-19. It's the first confirmed case in Jackson County.

The release says the individual is in isolation and following the recommendations of health officials. Staff in the Multi-County Health Department Office immedidately began work on identifying contacts of the individual Wednesday evening.

The agency continues to recommend that people that have symptoms associated with a respiratory illness stay home and call their medical provider if their symptoms require medical attention.

In addition, they highly enourage all people to follow the recommendations of KDHE and CDC regarding social distancing.

As of Thursday afternoon, there were 34 confirmed cases in Kansas.

Editors note: below is the press release issued March 19 by the Holton Community Hospital due to the positive confirmation. 

First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Jackson County

As announced earlier today by the Jackson County Health Department Jackson County, Kansas does have its first confirmed case of COVID-19. Please rest assured, our staff members followed our established guidelines and wore the proper personal protective equipment and the patient was safely tested in our triage area located outside our facility, said Hospital CEO, Carrie Saia.

With this announcement Holton Community Hospital and Family Practice Associates are taking additional steps to ensure your safety. As of tomorrow, March, 20, 2020 our physician’s clinics located in Hoyt and Wetmore will be closed until April 1, 2020. Our Senior Life Solutions program is also suspended at this time. As we are trying to limit the number patients entering our facility, we are also cancelling all elective surgeries. We will re-evaluate additional time-lines within the next few weeks, Saia said.

Please if you are experiencing symptoms of this virus; fever, cough or shortness of breath call our Holton clinic first at 785-364-2116. We have staff ready to assist you with proper procedures in place. We are here to help guide you through the process. We have also established a COVID-19 hotline (785-364-9619) which is available Monday-Friday from 10am – 3pm. “It is important we work together to mitigate the spread of this virus,” Saia said.

“We know this a difficult time for our community. We are working daily to continue to provide our community the best possible healthcare. It is now more important than ever for our citizens to continue to practice social distancing and other guidelines set-forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the CDC,” said Dr. Malia Warner, Chief of the Medical Staff at Holton Community Hospital. “Lastly, we need to continue to support each other and reach out to others in a safe manner such as texting, video conferencing or a phone call. We will get through this if all encourage and help one another.”

PRESS RELEASE – City of Hiawatha

3/19/2020

Given the constantly-changing nature of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency, there is a nonstop amount of information to consider.  As such, the following are changes to City operations until further notice, as well as information to assist you with these changes. All is done in an effort to minimize contact and promote social distancing. We apologize for any inconvenience but, truly feel it is in the best interest of Hiawatha and our surrounding communities.

1. Effective immediately, City Hall and all other facilities are closed to public access with the exception of the Law Enforcement Center (please see item 5 below). All permits, applications and any other form normally obtained by coming into City Hall can be found on the City’s website www.cityofhiawatha.org. If you are unable to locate what you’re looking for on our website, please call (785) 742-7417. We will still be working. We will post instructions on the doors of both entrances to City Hall for things that frequently bring people to City Hall.

2. Utility bills may be paid in multiple ways; by placing your payment in the drop box located in the Oregon Street entrance to City Hall, they can be mailed, paid online or you can sign up for automatic withdrawal. 

3. Bruning Park and Noble Park are closed. This includes all softball, baseball and soccer fields. If you choose to go to some of the other parks in the City, please be mindful of the social distancing recommendations from the CDC and KDHE (at least six feet of separation).

4. As you may be aware, Governor Kelly has issued an executive order prohibiting Mass Gatherings consisting of 50 or more people. Restaurants and Bars are not being forced to close but, they will be restricted to having no more than 49 people in the establishment at any given time. Additionally they must preserve the social distancing of six feet between tables, booths, bar stools and at ordering counters, as well as cease self-service of unpackaged foods, such as but not limited to salad bars and buffets.

5. Please contact the Hiawatha Police Department by phone for any non-urgent reporting or questions.  If it is necessary to meet with an officer to complete your report, we will make the necessary arrangements.  Do not come to the Hiawatha Law Enforcement Center in person unless it is necessary. Vehicle Inspections will be done by Appointment Only for City of Hiawatha residents.  Please call (785) 742-2156 and we will assign an officer to meet with you. As always, if you have an emergency call 911 for assistance.

The following is a list of phone numbers for City departments:

City Hall, Code Enforcement, Fire (non-emergency) (785) 742-7417

Police (non-emergency) (785) 742-2156

Parks & Recreation (785) 742-7176

Streets, Water & Lights (785) 742-7850

Sewer (785) 742-3196

As we’ve said before, it is important for all of us to make informed decisions to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our community. Please consult the CDC and KDHE’s websites for up-to-date information. These decisions are not being taken lightly. Thank you for your understanding and support. We will continue to evaluate as the situation with COVID-19 further evolves nationally, regionally and locally. Below are links to resources for information related to COVID-19 and steps from the CDC and KDHE to help prevent illness.

Resources

Reliable, updated information on COVID-19 can be found on these websites:
 

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

KDHE: http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm

(KNZA)--Public access to the Horton City Hall is being limited due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The City announced in a news release on its Facebook page Tuesday that, effective immediately, the front door of City Hall will be locked to the public, but monitored by the police communication dispatchers around the clock.

City Administator John Calhoon said the closure is a proactive measure to protect the most vulnerable members of the community and city staff that will continue to provide essential services with the highest level of caution.

Calhoon said no city parks are being closed at this time.

However, he said both may re-evaluated if any positive COVID-19 cases are reported in Brown County.

At this time, city commission meetings will proceed as scheduled, but non-essential city boad meetings will likely be cancelled or rescheduled.

The city encourages customers to pay their utility bills online or use the drop box located to the right of the front door of City Hall.

You can view the entire news release on the city of Horton's Facebook page.

(KAIR)--Atchison County restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs, and movie theaters are being closed to the public.

That’s according to a news release issued Thursday morning by the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department’s Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge.

The release says the action is being taken due to “growing concerns with the transmission and spread of COVID-19” with the CDC recommending the suspension of “all non-essential gatherings or group events larger than 10 attendees.”

The release notes that restaurants “may continue to provide carry out, drive-through and delivery of food and beverage services,” but all dine-in seating is on hold at the current time.

Exceptions: (still practice social distancing)

1. Childcare locations, residential care centers, and group homes. (follow KDHE guidelines)
2. Law enforcement, jail, or correctional facilities, including any facilities operated by the
Department of Corrections.
3. Detoxification centers.
4. Any facility being used as part of a government or community response to a natural
disaster.
5. Hospitals, medical facilities, and pharmacies.
6. Long term care and assisted living. (follow guidelines from KDHE)

Meanwhile, Atchison County District Court has been halted.

That comes through an order by the Kansas Supreme Court.

According to a release, District Court is closed for all hearings, except emergency hearings, until further notice.

Those seeking an emergency Protection from Abuse Order or Protection from Stalking Order should access those forms online at kscourts.org, and file by FAX at 913-367-1171. 

All persons with business before the Court should call 913-804-6060 for direction.

Editors note--the following news release was issued by the city of Hoyt

(KNZA)--The Hoyt City Council during a special meeting Wednesday evening approved multiple measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The City of Hoyt is focused on keeping our residents safe and healthy during this pandemic through common sense measures to limit potential exposure to the virus in accordance with recommendations from KDHE and the CDC” said Mayor Debbie Dresher.

The actions included resolutions to suspend utility shutoffs and eliminate late fees until May 6th, close public access to City Hall and the Hoyt Community Building until April 15th, and close Hoyt City Park to vehicle traffic also until April 15th

The actions will be reviewed at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on April 7th. The meeting will be held in the Hoyt Community Building at 7pm and will also be streamed live on the City’s Facebook page.

In the coming days the City will also launch a new digital platform to allow residents to continue to interact with the City. This platform, provided by Granicus, will allow residents to conduct normal business transactions including licensure items, reporting concerns, pay utilities, and submit comments and concerns for City Council meetings. This platform along with phone, email, the drop box at City Hall, and the city website (http://hoytks.net) will be the avenues to conduct business with the city.

“We ask that residents utilize the online options for payments and transactions as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These tools will allow our residents to conduct business more efficiently and 24/7 with the city not only in times like this but for years to come” said Councilman Dustin Brinkman

The City will also be investing in WiFi hotspots to place in several public areas around the City to allow students to have access to the internet for distance learning options. We know a sizeable number of Royal Valley students do not have access to strong internet at home. The City will be adding these hotspots to allow students to have access in areas where they can work in a safe environment while being able to socially distance themselves.

The Hoyt Mayor and City Council encourage our residents to continue to be safe, frequently wash your hands, and stay away from anyone who is sick. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should self-quarantine and contact their doctor’s office or KDHE at (866) 534.3463. Updated City information can be found at http://hoytks.net/covid-19-response and we recommend all residents to follow guidelines put in place by the CDC and KDHE.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved a resolution supporting the efforts of the Hiawatha Fire Department to form a fire district.

The action came at Monday evening's meeting.

The proposed fire district would consist of the city of Hiawatha, Hiawatha Township and Padonia Township.

The resolution confirms the city's intent to join the fire district.

In addition, it confirms the city's intent to transfer the fire department's current vehicles, equipment and the fire department building to the fire district.

The fire district would be responsbile for the remaining more than $90,000 owed on one fire department truck.

Interim Fire Chief Gene Atland said the fire department plans to meet with the Brown County Commission March 30 to seek their approval to form the fire district.

Following a hearing drawing no public comment, the Commission approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of nearly $6.3 million in bonds for the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

The bonds will be used to refund the hospital's existing bonds. In addition, they will provide around $2 million in capital to the hospital for equipment upgrades and facility improvements.

City Administrator Mike Nichols said the city is acting as a conduit and there is no financial obligation.

(KNZA)--A local public health emergency has been declared in Doniphan County due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a special meeting Wednesday morning, the Doniphan County Commission approved a resolution making the declaration.

On hand were Emergency Management Coordinator Julie Meng, Health Department/Home Health Administrator Sheryl Pierce and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Kay Smith.

The resolution is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 60 days, unless terminated earlier.

There have been no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Doniphan County.

Meanwhile, the Doniphan County Commission plans to hold another special meeting Friday morning at 10:00 with county department heads to discuss future public safety actions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

(MSC News)--The number of COVID-19 cases in Kansas has jumped to 21, and among those reflected in the new numbers are the first confirmed cases in the local area.

According to a release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, two testing positive are in Leavenworth County.

The state’s most populous county, Johnson County, has 11 cases, while Wyandotte County has 5.

Douglas, Butler, and Franklin Counties have one confirmed case each.

(KAIR)--An inmate at the Atchison County Jail is facing additional charges following what authorities say was an altercation with jail staff.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 35-year-old Katie Thomas was arrested Friday evening on charges of battery, criminal damage to property, and interference with law enforcement.

Laurie said no injuries resulted from the altercation.

Thomas was already jailed following a December arrest by Atchison Police for aggravated battery.

The arrest followed Thomas allegedly striking another woman in the face with what police called a heavy drinking glass.

(KNZA)--The Nemaha County Community Building in Seneca has been closed until further notice.

The Nemaha County Commission made the decision Monday to the coronavirus outbreak.

County Senior Services Director Dianne Yunghans informed Commissioners that meals will not be served at the Seneca and Sabetha Nutrition Centers until further notice. Meals will be available for pickup at both nutrition centers. Delivery will also be available in Seneca.

Undersheriff Bob Cross informed Commissioners that they are no longer allowing visitors in the Nemaha County Jail due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Cross said work release has been cancelled also.

In other business, the Commission approved the purchase of a new 2021 Peterbuilt semi-truck for the Road and Bridge Department in the amount of $110,917, which is to be built.  Commissioners also give Road and Bridge Supervisor Dennis Ronnebaum permission to purchase a new trailer for $47,990, if he deems it suitable.

And following an executive session, the Commisson approved a 29 cent an hour pay raise for road and bridge employee Todd Swart to $16.84 an hour.

To ensure that the City of Atchison is doing all that it can to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus), City Hall and all other City facilities are being closed to the public, effective immediately. The City will be adding a secure drop box in the vestibule located at the main entrance of City Hall by the end of the week for utility and municipal court payments.

The City is encouraging residents and staff to conduct business using remote means– online, over the phone, via mail – as much as possible. The City had already suspended water utility shut offs until at least April 15.
Municipal Court and meetings for any boards and advisory groups were also cancelled for at least 30 days to promote social distancing and help curb the potential spread of COVID-19. That suspension impacts Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG), Parks and Forestry Board, Airport Advisory Board and Planning Commission.
The safety of residents and City staff is the top priority, and with that in mind, please regularly check www.cityofatchison.com and the City’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CityofAtchison/ for the latest information as this situation continues to evolve. If you have any questions or concerns, please call (913) 367-5500.
Just a reminder that all events at Atchison Event Center have also been canceled until further notice and that the City is under executive order from Gov. Laura Kelly banning gatherings of 50 or more until further notice. The City is also not issuing any new special event permits and revoking any existing permits as long as the ban is in place.

Emergency services will continue as normal for the foreseeable future. The situation will be re- evaluated before April 15, to decide if the suspensions and service changes will be lifted or continued further. School buildings statewide were recently closed through the end of the 2019-2020 school year, which should serve as a guide for potentially how long some of these restrictions and suspensions could be in place.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is ordering all local elections scheduled for April 7 to be postponed until June 2 as the number of recorded cases of coronavirus in the state grows.

Parson's Wednesday order allows ballots that were already printed to be used for the rescheduled elections in June.

Also on Wednesday, Children's Mercy hospital announced that a patient treated in the downtown Kansas City hospital's emergency room on Sunday had tested positive for the virus. That brings the state's total cases to 17.

Editor's note: the following is a press release submitted by Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Jackson Count Sheriff Tim Morse has put into effect a variety of restrictions in the Jackson County Jail for the purpose of safeguarding the inmate population as well as staff. The medical screening that inmates receive prior to being introduced into the Jail has been expanded to include screening symptoms for the COVID-19 VIRUS. In addition, groups that have visited the Jail in the past have been restricted from accessing the facility. Many of these changes have occurred after consultation with our medical provider. Visitation of inmates remains solely through video visitation. During this difficult time, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office remains on the job and is here to assist you if needed. Everyone needs to be vigilant and follow the medical direction that has been provided. Citizens should exercise the following practices:

• Stay home if you can and avoid gatherings of more than ten people.

• Practice social distancing by keeping a distance of about six feet from others if you must go out in public.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; throw used tissues in the trash. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, not your hands.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, computers, phones, keyboards, sinks, toilets, faucets and countertops.

• If surfaces are dirty, clean them – use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection

• Wear a facemask if you are sick. You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 symptoms include fever, shortness of breath and a cough. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Call your doctor for medical advice if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms.

More information can be found at https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus.

Editor's note: The following releases were submitted to MSC News by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant and Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

I would like to inform the public about protocol and procedures  that will
be effective immediately for the Brown County Jail.   This is for the
safety and health concerns of all  involved as well offering some other
beneficial information.

Many hours have been spent keeping abreast of the current health situation
nationwide, speaking and meeting  with  state and local health  care
professionals and other correctional facilities. I have  to make sure we
are making the wisest choices for the public, staff and inmates.   The
current health situation in our nation changes almost hourly but we have to
make decisions based on what will be best for our county as a whole.

Measures are already in place for dispatch, jail and deputy  protocol for
the continued long-term operation of the sheriff's office.  Staff have been
advised and updated on what steps are needed to  keep themselves  as
healthy as possible during this ordeal and provided with the most recent
information as it comes in.

Effective immediately we are restricting visitation of inmates in the jail
as well as any other outside programs not law enforcement related or
required by the state.      This is to limit any potential exposure to
staff and inmates.  Inmates have the ability to use video visitation with
family members via a kiosk in each dayroom.    It is monitored and provides
an alternative to in person visitations and most jails already have this
option in place for visitations. Attorneys have the ability to see their
clients in the jail setting as always. We are working with our health care
provider on new inmate screening  procedures.

Authorized personnel only are allowed  to be in the control room or
dispatch center. This is limited to Jail/dispatch personnel on official
duty and Sheriff/Undersheriff until further notice.

The lobby of the Sheriff's office will remain open as usual for VINS, make
reports, obtain copies of reports, conceal carry applications or anything
you may feel is important.

I want to reassure  the public that deputies will still be on patrol as
usual, making traffic stops, serving papers, investigating criminal
activity, and providing all the services you have come to  expect from us.
We have provided some additional requirements  for deputies for their
health and safety. As always, if you feel you need to report
something--call us.

I urge anyone with questions or concern about the current COVID 19
situation to go on the KDHE website at www.kdheks.gov for the most up to
date information.  If you have recently traveled outside our area, please
contact our local Health Department at 785-742-2505.  They have done an
excellent job in keeping up to date with this situation.  We are very
fortunate to  have some of the most caring, hard-working health care
professionals around. There has been a lot of information sharing and
gathering all  behalf of the health of our county residents.   With this
latest concern with the COVID 19 virus, they have worked exhaustively with
many agencies to ensure our safety.  Through their diligence and everyone
working together we can get through this.  Please do not panic, we have a
very capable group of people  in our county to take care of us.

I feel I have to address the issues of hoarding and panic that has swept
not only our area, but throughout the nation.  This is a serious situation
but if we all work together and keep from over-reacting,  I know we will
all get through this.    This virus is so new and unique, not all factors
are known, but what is a constant is that it does affect people
differently.  One person may not have any signs of illness but could spread
the virus unintentionally, so please keep informed of requirements and
suggestions made by KDHE and our local health department--AND FOLLOW THOSE
RECOMMENDATIONS!

 Everyone needs to remember,  impulse buying and hoarding directly affects
others. If you are buying in quantity to deprive or to resell to others,
this is an illegal act.     No one needs to excessively purchase items that
are critically needed by others such as sanitizers, disinfectants, food and
many other items.  Remember, if people are not able to get these items due
to unnecessary hoarding, they could be susceptible to the virus due to lack
of ability to protect themselves. We also need to look after our friends
and neighbors who are elderly or physically unable to get supplies for
themselves.  Check in on them and help out where you can, we have to work
together and we will get through this.

I know this is a lot to get through, but if you have any questions or
concerns, please contact me at 785-742-7125

John
 

(KNZA)--The Prairie Band Casino and Resort joins several other casinos across the state that are temporarily closing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement came in a statement issued Tuesday evening. 

The statement said the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Council has directed that all of the tribe's gaming facilities suspend operations as of 11:59 p.m. March 17. 

They anticipate re-opening on March 31.

The statement says the company that owns the casino will continue to pay the wages and benefits for full and part-time employees.

The company also plans to issue full refunds to guests that have future hotel reservations.

The statement said the change in operation status is to ensure the safety of their casino patrons, staff and the local community.

During the limited closure, the company plans to thoroughly clean and perform maintenance to the property ensuring the highest quality product and services.

(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) The city of St. Joseph, along with many other cities across the state, is ordering restaurants and bars to close for at least 15 days in efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

"It’s not an easy decision to make," Brian Myers, a city councilman said. 

The decision was made at City Hall where officials, learned that Missouri's amount of positive tests for coronavirus had risen significantly during a teleconference with the governor.

As of March 17th, there were 15 positive cases of Covid-19 in Missouri, up from just 8 cases on March 16th. 

Eating establishments with a drive-thru, curbside delivery, and/or carry-out service will not be affected by the closure. 

City leaders said they’re well aware of the impact a closure like this could have on local small businesses.

"We made a really difficult decision that’s going to impact service industry workers as well as the small business community," Myers said. 

Despite the likely costly economic hit, city officials said the health and safety of the public are more important.

"We have to take some very difficult measures to contain this virus," McMurray said. "The primary tool to fight this is social distancing so we can’t have large groups of people and expect to contain this virus."

The closures are set to take effect on March 19th at 12:01 a.m. 

HORTON, KS-Given the explosion of COVID-19 in the state and globally, the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Tuesday signed a Declaration of Emergency and took action to temporarily shut down the Tribe’s Golden Eagle Casino. Additionally, all non-essential tribal employees will temporarily be granted administrative leave to self-quarantine at their homes.

The Casino is closed until March 30, 2020 at which time tribal leadership and casino management will consult with emergency management officials and local health agencies to determine the appropriate course of action.

“These are very difficult decisions, but every minute counts and strong measures are necessary to slow the spread of the disease. I know there will be significant economic impacts to the Kickapoo Tribe and all of our communities, and we are looking at steps to help address those challenges,” said Tribal Chairman Lester Randall. Randall went on to state, “The health and safety of our tribal members, our community and our casino patrons is our top priority and we will continue to improve ways to protect these individuals from COVID-19 and other health risks.”

Editor's note: the following is a release issued by Atchison County, KS on Tuesday evening, March 17.

Effective today, March 17, 2020, Atchison County will be limiting public access to Atchison County departments and offices to take preventative measures designed to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus illness. We are making arrangements to adjust services to be in the best interest of the employees and citizens of Atchison County and following the interim guidance as provided by KDHE and the CDC. Information on the changes of services will be posted to the Atchison County website and Atchison County Facebook page as  they become available.

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Atchison County. Please follow the Atchison County Health Department for official updates regarding COVID-19.

To see the full list of changes, go here. 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly is closing all K-12 schools through the end of the semester, moving instruction online as the state responds to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kelly's Tuesday afternoon announcement comes as several school districts already had extended spring breaks and colleges and universities had moved to online instruction for the rest of the school year.

Officials said Kansas has at least 18 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as the pandemic continues to spread in the state.

Kelly also said that starting Monday, most of the 18,000 state workers under her supervision will be directed to stay at home for two weeks so agencies can plan for having some work from home and place others on paid administrative leave.

Earlier Tuesday the House approved a bill to give laid-off workers another 10 weeks of unemployment benefits as employees face virus-related business closures.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is now reporting 18 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

As the state hustles to control the virus, the House has approved a bill to give laid-off workers another 10 weeks of unemployment benefits. After the measure cleared a committee Tuesday morning, the chamber canceled all of its remaining committee meetings until further notice.

Also Tuesday, the Kansas Lottery Commission announced it will close the four state-owned casinos until at least March 30.

Gov. Laura Kelly has banned all gatherings of more than 50 people until May 1.

(KLZA)-- In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Falls City Mayor Shawna Bindle announced in a press release Tuesday that the City of Falls City is closing City Hall and other facilities to the public.

City Hall, utility facilities, Prichard Auditorium, Candle Light Cabin and the Falls City Library and Arts Center are closed to the public until further notice.

City staff will be available via telephone to provide services and conduct business. If you are paying a utility bill by check, please utilize the drop box outside of City Hall. Online bill pay is available and the City will waive fees until May 1. If you pay by cash you may call 402-245-2851 to arrange a time to make a payment.

The City Office will reach out and coordinate with groups that have activities scheduled at Prichard Auditorium and formulate a plan.

ssential services such as electric, water, gas, sewer, police and fire will continue to be provided.

If you need more information, contact City Hall at 402-245-2851.

(KAIR)--The Jefferson County Commission, on Monday, approved a resolution related to COVID-19.

According to the minutes of the meeting, Jefferson County Emergency Services Director James Tweed made the request for the adoption of an Emergency Declaration. He explained that because a federal and state disaster have been declared, the County needed the resolution in order to be eligible for future funding through FEMA and other agencies.

The resolution was approved unanimously, and will be in effect for 30 days.

Tweed also informed the Commission that the County’s ambulance stations and dispatch center are closed to the public and non-essential personnel “due to the risk to the emergency services personnel and the patients they serve.”

(KLZA)-- Southeast Nebraska Schools and Northwest Missouri Schools are going to be closed. 

The Nebraska Commissioners of Education and Governor Pete Ricketts Monday,  recommended Nebraska Schools take the steps necessary to close schools by the end of the week. 

The list of school closings include: 

Falls City Public and Sacred Heart – closing two hours early Tuesday then no school until April 6.

Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School – closed through March 31.

Pawnee City School – closed Thursday, March 19 opening Monday, April 6.

Lewiston School – closed Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 27.

Johnson County Central and St. Andrew's Schools in Tecumseh and Cook – closing Thursday, March 19 through Friday April 3.

Auburn School – Closing March 18 – April 1.

Johnson-Brock School – closing Wednesday, March 18 through Tuesday, Mach 31.

Nebraska City Public and Lourdes Central Catholic schools closed through March 31.

In Northwest Missouri: 

Mound City Schools – closing Wednesday, March 18 through April 3.

South Holt School – closing Wednesday, March 18 through April 3.

Craig School – closing Tuesday, March 17 through April 3.

Rock Port, Fairfax and Tarkio Schools in Atchison County, Missouri will be closed Thursday, March 19 through at least Monday, April 6. 

(KLZA)-- Unemployment dropped a tenth of a point in   Nebraska for the month of January to 2.9 percent. 

The December rate was 3 percent.

In Southeast Nebraska counties the unemployment figures were all below the state rate.

Pawnee County has the lowest  unemployment in the area at 2.3 percent.  The unemployment rate is 2.9 percent in Richardson and Otoe Counties.  Nemaha County has a 3.2 percent jobless rate and in Johnson and Gage counties the unemployment figure for January was 3.3 percent.

The National unemployment rate for January was 3.6 percent. 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man facing a pair of child sex charges has been found competent to stand trial.

31-year-old Robert Alan Edwardson is charged with two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

According to the criminal complaint, the charges involve two separate victims—a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old.

Edwardson was arrested in February of last year following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

The case was placed on hold after a motion was granted for a competency evaluation.

A preliminary hearing has now be set for Wednesday, March 18.

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

Editor's note:  the Hiawatha Community Hospital has implemented new visitor restrictions.  The following press release was submitted  by the hospital.

VISITOR RESTRICTIONS: Updated March 16, 2020

NEW VISITING HOURS: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM DAILY
PLEASE STOP BY THE LOBBY TABLE TO BE SCREENED UPON ENTRY

Hiawatha Community Hospital visitor restrictions have been updated to protect patients' safety and to comply with KDHE and other area recommendations. Unless here to receive care as a patient, you are prohibited from visiting if you have any of the following:

• Visitor Restrictions:

• Traveled to a state with known widespread community transmission (currently California, New York and Washington State) after March 7th.

• Visited Eagle, Summit, Pitkin or Gunnison counties in Colorado within the past week. (March 7th)

• Traveled on a cruise ship on or after March 7th.

• Traveled internationally on or after March 7th.

• Received notification from public health officials (state or local) that you are a close contact of a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19. You should quarantine at home for 14 days since your last contact with the case. (A close contact is defined as someone who has been closer than 6 feet for more than 10 minutes while the patient is symptomatic.)

• One close family member/caregiver per patient is allowed. (This could include: a spouse, adult child or others designated by the patient.)

• No children under 12 years of age are permitted to visit hospital patients.

• No one experiencing an active illness including but not limited to: respiratory symptoms of cough, runny nose, fever, head or body aches unless you are here to receive care.

• No one who has been diagnosed with influenza within 7 days of the date you plan to visit those who are hospitalized.

What can you do?

Prior to coming into the hospital, all staff, necessary visitors and patients are asked to use the hand sanitizer stations that are located at each entrance. Please wash your hands often, using either soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds. If you have traveled as referenced above, or are exhibiting active symptoms of a cough, fever, head or body aches and are entering our facility to be seen as a patient please ask for a mask. Please talk to a nurse or provider if you feel an exception should be made or you would like assistance passing on a message of support. We thank you for your diligence in keeping the spread of infections and germs at bay.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha is taking measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

According a press release issued Monday evening by the city, the Fisher Center is being closed to the public until further notice.

In addition, all programs associated with Parks & Recreation and the Fisher Center are canceled until further notice.

The release says all other Hiawatha park and recreation facilities will remain available, but the city is strongly encouraging social distancing.

City Hall will remain open during regular business hours.  However, if possible, residents are urged to conduct business by phone or email. 

Municipal Court will take place Tuesday, March 17 as scheduled.  If future court dates are canceled, individuals on the docket will receive a notice of a new court date.

Hiawatha City Commission meetings will take place as scheduled unless announced otherwise.

The release says the city of Hiawatha is committed to taking the necessary, appropriate actions to keep the community and employees safe.

You can view the entire press release below:

PRESS RELEASE – City of Hiawatha
3/16/2020

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a concern for communities across the nation, including our own. Please be assured that Hiawatha city leaders are closely monitoring the situation and staying up to date with guidance from public health agencies. Updates are being monitored from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kansas Department of Health Environment (KDHE), and the Brown County Health Department, and best practices are being implemented to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The City of Hiawatha is committed to take necessary, appropriate actions to keep our community and employees safe.

Here is how the City of Hiawatha is responding to the emergency declaration. These operational plans begin Monday, March 16, and will be in effect until further notice, unless indicated differently below. As this is an evolving situation, please check back here for additional details.

Hiawatha City Hall
Hiawatha City Hall will remain open during regular business hours. If possible, please conduct business by phone or email. Utility bill payments may be made via the drop box located outside the Oregon Street entrance into City Hall.  Additionally, utility bills may be paid online, through automatic withdrawal and customers may sign up for Electronic Utility Billing at www.cityofhiawatha.org.
 

Hiawatha Municipal Court
·    Municipal Court will take place Tuesday, March 17, 2020 as scheduled.  If future court dates are canceled, individuals on docket will receive a notice of a new court date. This will come via mail at your address on file with the Court
·    Please email the Court at cityofhiawathamunicipalcourt@gmail.com if the address on your ticket is not your current address.
·    Payments for matters that do not require a court appearance can be via phone at (785) 742-2156.
·    The Court Clerk’s Office will remain open during normal business hours however, it is encouraged to conduct any business by phone or email if possible. Contact cityofhiawathamunicipalcourt@gmail.com for questions about current transactions or for filings.
 

Hiawatha Police Department
Patrols will not decrease. Officers will exercise great discretion in their proactive enforcement activities. The following remain our highest priority calls for service:
·    Crimes in progress
·    Issues affecting public safety
·    Issues affecting traffic safety and traffic flow
·    Medical calls in which officers could perform life-saving measures
·    Calls otherwise deemed critical in nature and time sensitive
When individuals call to request police services, it is possible that in rare instances we would take the report over the phone rather than dispatch an officer. We will still dispatch officers on high priority calls. Please do not hesitate to call 911 or our non-emergency line at (785) 742-2156 if you need police services. We will then determine the best response to that request based on the information we receive.

Hiawatha Fire Department
·    Services will be maintained throughout the state of emergency.
·    Please call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
·    If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.
 

Hiawatha Parks & Recreation
·    Beginning Tuesday, March 17th, the Fisher Center is closed to the public.  As of this time, all programs associated with Parks & Recreation and the Fisher Center are canceled until further notice. Costs for any event scheduled during this time that is not rescheduled will be refunded.
·    All other Hiawatha Parks & Recreation facilities will remain available but, we strongly encourage social distancing.
·    For questions, contact Parks & Recreation Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (785) 742-7176.

The Lenexa Public Market will remain open for business. Individual merchants may close at their discretion, see LenexaPublicMarket.com for updated information.
 

Hiawatha City Commission meetings
Hiawatha City Commission meetings will take place as scheduled unless announced otherwise.

It is important for all of us to make informed decisions to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our community. Please consult the CDC website for up-to-date information before making decisions about attending City programs and classes and other community activities. These decisions are with the interests of our community in mind. Thank you for your understanding and support. We will continue to keep you updated as this situation continues to develop.

We will continue to evaluate as the situation with coronavirus further evolves locally. Please visit www.cityofhiawatha.org for updates.

The City of Atchison is suspending Municipal Court and meetings for any boards and advisory groups for 30 days to promote social distancing and help curb the potential spread of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). This suspension will impact Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG), Parks and Forestry Board, Airport Advisory Board and Planning Commission.

In addition, the City will not be disconnecting any water utility customers for the next 30 days, to ensure that all citizens have access to clean running water in their homes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that regular hand washing and proper cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces be used in defense of this virus. Any customer that lacks water because of a recent disconnection, please contact us at (913) 367-5500 to discuss the account.
The safety of residents and City staff is the top priority, and with that in mind, City leaders recommend any payments that need to be made be handled online at www.cityofatchison.com or through mail whenever possible. Water customers can also make payments over the phone by calling (913) 367-5500. By the end of the week, the City will also have a secure drop box in the lobby of City Hall to minimize the number of direct handling situations at the customer service windows.

All events at Atchison Event Center have also been canceled until further
notice. Given the recent public ban on events of 50 or more in Atchison County per the Atchison County Health Officer, the City is also not issuing any new special event permits and revoking any existing permits as long as the ban is in place.

Emergency services will continue as normal for the foreseeable future. The situation will be re- evaluated before the end of this 30-day period (April 15), to decide if the suspensions and service changes will be lifted or continued further.

For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit www.cdc.gov, and for the latest City of Atchison please visit the website www.cityofatchison.com and the City’s Facebook page, facebook.com/CityofAtchison/.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has banned public gatherings of 50 or more people for the next two months and blocked utilities from cutting off services until mid-April.

Gov. Laura Kelly warned Monday that the coronavirus pandemic may force additional restrictions to contain its spread. Kelly stopped short of ordering bars, restaurants, gyms or other businesses from closing, as governors in other states have done.

Her executive orders also came the same day that President Donald Trump's administration said people should avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 over the next 15 days.

Kansas has seen one COVID-19 related death and confirmed 11 coronavirus cases. 

(KLZA)-- Most school districts in Southeast, Nebraska and Northwest Missouri remain open.

During a Sunday meeting including officials with the Nebraska department of Education regarding COVID-19 Nebraska Governor Pete Rickettts made a number of comments about the situation according to Falls City  Superintendent Tim Heckenlively.

The Governor said young people will weather the Coronavirus best.  He says many  of the efforts are in  regard to protecting grandparents, the elderly and people with compromised health.

When the medical field or health department cannot track where a Coronavirus case comes from, it will be considered a “community spread.”

Outside of Lincoln or Omaha,  Once a case of community spread of Coronavirus is determined, schools in the ESU area will be closed. The Governor estimated  schools would close for a 6 – 8 week period, with the situation being reassessed every two weeks.

The State is working closely with the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Center for Disease Control for guidance.

Falls City Public  Schools have suspended activities requiring travel through March 28.  Activities practices will be as normal to prepare for the fist contests unless the seasons are canceled.

March 17th and 19th Parent-Teacher Conferences at the Falls City Public Schools are suspended in an effort to minimize additional traffic through the schools. 

(KLZA)-- Missouri Law Enforcement will be out in full force through the end of the month in an attempt to help  improve teen seat belt use and save lives. 

This years campaign theme is “Seat Belt Check!” is to remind everyone to hold each other accountable and make a seat belt check before the car starts.

Teens are some of the most inexperienced drivers, yet only 74 percent of Missouri teenagers buckle up according to statistics from the Missouri Department of Transportation .  

Of the 56 teenagers killed in Missouri traffic crashes in 2019,  44 were vehicle occupants and 33 were not buckled up. Statistics indicate seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal injuries to front-seat passenger vehicle occupants by 45 percent and reduce the risk of moderate-to-critical injuries by 50 percent. 

In addition, with no primary seat belt law or all-driver texting ban in Missouri, teens and all motorists are asked to personally take the challenge to  Buckle Up Phone Down.
 

(KAIR)--Atchison children are being provided with meals as USD 409 remains closed due to COVID-19.

Local area school closings followed recommendations made Sunday by Kansas officials.

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, a non-congregate school meals program is being made available for any person 1 to 18-years-old.

One breakfast and one lunch will be provided per visible child. Meals will be received drive-through style at several Atchison locations from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. weekdays.

According to a release from USD 409 Superintendent Renee Scott, those Atchison locations are the Atchison Elementary School back parking lot, the Atchison Middle School teacher parking lot, the First Assembly of God Church parking lot, and the Saint Benedict Catholic School parking lot.

In the event of additional school closures, more locations may be added.

According to Scott, each day there will be a lunch provided for that day and a breakfast item provided for the following morning, meaning two meals per pick-up per student.

Scott told MSC News the meal distribution is made possible through a state waiver allowing meals to still be provided despite schools remaining closed.

(MSC News)--Citing emergency declarations by Governor Laura Kelly, President Donald Trump and the World Health Organization, the Kansas Corporation Commission used its emergency powers to issue an order suspending utility disconnects for nonpayment until April 15. 

The action, taken in a special meeting Monday morning, will offer relief to those experiencing potential hardship from the COVID-19 virus.

The directive covers all electrical, natural gas, water and telecommunications utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction, several of which have already voluntarily suspended disconnects. The Commission also encourages those utilities not under
its jurisdiction to enact similar practices.

"COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge, and Kansans may face unexpected or unusual financial difficulties," Governor Laura Kelly said. "No one should have to worry about losing utility service needed to ensure public safety, which is why
I am bringing every resource to bear to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy. Kansans step up in a time of need, and this is more proof."

The Commission may elect to extend the suspension order in a subsequent order if conditions warrant.

(MSC News)--Sabetha Community Hospital, Sabetha Family Practice, and Nemaha County Home Health & Hospice are taking precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hospital has announced they are limiting entrances to the facility.  If you need to come to SCH, you are asked to report to the ER or front entrance to be screened before entering the facility.

The Hospital is also asking that you refrain from visiting family and friends in the hospital at this time.

If you have a cough and fever and are concerned about COVID-19, they ask that you call the Nurses Station 284-1529 prior to entering the facility.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing a number of charges following his alleged failure to stop for deputies on Saturday.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, deputies attempted to stop a pickup truck, driven by 32-year-old Phillip Roles, in the 6000 block of Sherman Road, in rural Atchison County, around 11:30 Saturday morning for a traffic infraction. Instead of stopping, Laurie said Roles fled the area, and made his way to the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge, in Atchison.

Atchison Police deployed stop sticks on the Kansas side of the bridge, flattening at least two of the truck’s tires.

The truck came to a stop in the 13000 block of 130th Road, in Winthrop, Missouri, but Roles allegedly fled on foot, but was located and detained at 17330 SW Fowler Avenue.

Transported to the Atchison Hospital due to medical complaints by Roles, he was later arrested Saturday afternoon and booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Roles now faces charges for felony flee and elude, driving while suspended, interference with a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, transporting an open container, and no proof of insurance.
Roles was also arrested for an Atchison County District Court Warrant for an arrest and detain order.

(KLZA)-- Two early morning power outages occurred in Falls City Monday. 

Falls City Utility  Superintendent Ray Luhring told MSC    News the first outage around 4:00  A.M.  Occurred when an insulator burned up at the OPPD substation by the Falls  City Power Plant.        

When the outage occurred Falls City started to generate power.  

Shortly before 7:00 A.M., the second outage occurred when an OPPD employee accidentally opened a switch cutting the power off.

Repairs have been made,  and OPPD is once again supplying power to Falls City. 

(KNZA)--Brown County Register of Deeds Nellie Brockhoff is seeking re-election to another 4-year term.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Brockhoff filed Friday by petition as a Republican candidate.

She has held the office since September 2006.

Meanwhile, in Doniphan County, the first candidate has filed for the position of Sheriff.

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports Dustin Robinson, of Elwood, filed Friday as a Republican candidate.

The position is currently held by Chad Clary.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file at their county clerk's office.

The primary election will be held August 4 and the general election will be November 3.

(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved a new capital outlay resolution as they consider proposed facility improvements.

Superintendent Todd Evans said Board approved a resolution at their March 9 meeting to allow a levy of up to 7 mills for a period not to exceed 6 years.

The resolution was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Board member Jim Scoby casting the lone dissenting vote.

The current resolution give the Board the authority to levy up to 6 mills for a period not to exceed 5 years.

The resolution must be published twice and is subject to a protest petition.

The Board is considering proposed improvements at the Axtell, Sabetha Elementary and Wetmore schools.

The Board discussed the procedure for hiring an architect for the proposed  improvements, the cost parameters to be provided and how to prioritize the projects.

Evans said the Board approved holding a special meeting on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:00 in the evening to interview architects.

Meanwhile, the Board held a special meeting Friday to tour the Axtell, Sabetha Elementary and Wetmore schools in order to acquire additional information about the improvements needed for each building.

Following new recommendations released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today, Governor Mike Parson released the following statement regarding mass gatherings or large community events in Missouri:

“As we are all aware, concerns over COVID-19 continue to grow across the state and the nation. In accordance with CDC recommendations, my administration and I strongly urge the cancellation or suspension of public gatherings of 50 individuals or more with the exception of educational institutions, daycare facilities, and business operations,” Governor Parson said.  “We encourage local governments and health agencies to provide the same guidance. To protect our elderly citizens and those with underlying medical conditions, we would ask them to avoid public gatherings as much as possible.”

“We ask that facilities that attract large concentrations of senior citizens to strongly consider restrictions and closures, in consultation with health authorities, to protect those most vulnerable to this virus,” Governor Parson continued. “We encourage schools to follow CDC guidelines and consult with local health care providers and public health authorities as decisions are made on whether to keep school in session.” 

“I want to emphasize that we are all in this together. Missouri continues to work closely with both federal and local officials in order to maximize coordination and tailor our response appropriately. It takes all of us at the local, state, and federal level along with neighbors, families, and fellow citizens to use common sense and personal responsibility to work through these tough times and protect the health and safety of all Missourians,” Governor Parson concluded.

To view the latest CDC guidance on mass gatherings and large community events, click here.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) website at www.health.mo.gov/coronavirus. 

You may also call the DHSS hotline at 877-435-8411 for questions regarding COVID-19 in Missouri.

(MSC News)--Kansas' top education official has urged the state's public schools to remain closed this week to check the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Education Commissioner Randy Watson announced in a tweet that he “strongly recommends” that schools close if they were not on spring break.

Governor Laura Kelly Sunday evening announced that the Kansas Department of Education is placing the school year on hold for one week. However, the decision to close will be made by local school districts. That happened during a news conference held by Kelly to reinforce Watson's recommendation.

“We take this pandemic and our preparedness seriously,” Kelly said. “One of these areas of particular concern is our K-12 schools, where our children, parents and staff come together in one place. Our schools form the cornerstones of our communities. It is because of this that we need to ensure that schools are prepared to face the COVID-19 challenge.

“When classes resume, parents can be assured their children will continue to receive the same high-quality, world-class education Kansas is known for,” Kelly said.

Local area schools have made the decision to keep their doors closed for the week, due to the virus threat.

Among the schools to remain closed through March 20 is Atchison’s USD 409, the Atchison County Schools of USD 377, Maur-Hill-Mount Academy, Saint Benedict Catholic School, and Trinity Lutheran.

Other schools have also canceled classes and activities through March 20, including South Brown County USD 430, Hiawatha USD 415, Doniphan West USD 111, Riverside USD 114, Troy USD 429, Jackson Heights USD 335, Holton USD 336, Royal Valley USD 337, Valley Heights USD 498, and Marysville USD 364.

Other area schools are going to remain closed longer, extending the classroom and activities break through March 29. That includes Valley Falls USD 338, Jefferson County North USD 339, Jefferson County West USD 340, Oskaloosa USD 341, McLouth USD 342 and Perry-Lecompton USD 343.

Meanwhile, the state health department on Sunday called for people who are traveling outside the U.S. or to several other states to quarantine themselves for two weeks upon their return.

The state Department of Health and Environment recommended home quarantines for anyone who was traveling Sunday or later outside the U.S. or to California, New York or Washington state.

The Kansas State Board of Education has formed a team of experts, many of whom are former Teachers of the Year, to build a comprehensive plan to address the challenges that schools are facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the specific topics this team will address are:

• How schools can move education online, if necessary, so students can progress toward the end of semester.

• How schools can assist students who do not have access to online tools to finish out the semester, especially those who are set to graduate in May.

• How schools can provide for at-risk students and those who have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

• How schools will ensure a continuity of school-based mental health services.

• How schools can assist in providing meals for students who need them.

• What role schools can play in assisting with childcare for essential local and state healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers who live in their counties.

• How schools will assist in efforts to keep children from congregating in community spaces and keep them quarantined in their own homes.

• And educating parents on ways they can help the continuity of education for their children.

For the most up-to-date information and resources regarding the status of COVID-19 in Kansas, please visit the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website: kdheks.gov

This is the latest list of school cancellations due to the coronavirus:

* Valley Falls USD 338---classes and activities cancelled through March 29

* Jeff County North USD 339--classes and activities cancelled through March 29

* Jeff County West USD 340---classes and activities cancelled through March 29

* Oskaloosa USD 341--classes and activities cancelled through March 29

* McLouth USD 342--classes and activities cancelled through March 29

*  Perry-Lecompton USD 343--classes and activities cancelled through March 29

* South Brown Co USD 430--classes and activities cancelled through March 20

*  Atchison USD 409---classes and activities cancelled through March 20

 * Effingham USD 377--classes and activities cancelled through March 20

 *  Hiawatha USD 415--classes and activities cancelled through March 20

* Doniphan West USD 111-- classes and activities cancelled through March 20

* Riverside USD 114--classes and activities cancelled through March 20

*  Troy USD 429---classes and activities cancelled through March 20

*  Jackson Heights USD 335--classes and activities cancelled through March 20

*  Holton USD 336--classes and activities cancelled through March 20

* Royal Valley USD 337--classes and activities cancelled through March 20 

*  MH-MA and St. Benedict Catholic School in Atchison--classes and activities cancelled through March 20

* Valley Heights USD 498---classes and activities cancelled through March 20

* Marysville USD 364--classes and activities cancelled through March 20

* Trinity Lutheran School in Atchison--classes and activities cancelled through March 20 

OTTAWA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas health officials have confirmed the state's eighth case of COVID-19.

The latest case comes from Franklin County in eastern Kansas. No details about the person have been released.

The news follows on the heels of the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment announcing Saturday morning the state's seventh case — a woman in her 50s associated with Johnson County Community College. The department says it's the county's first known case to have been contracted locally. 

The release says the woman is hospitalized and “doing well." Her family members have been quarantined, and those who may have been exposed by contact with the woman are being contacted by the health department.

Meanwhile, health officials say a nursing home resident who become Kansas' first COVID-19-related death was infected at the Life Care Center of Kansas City, which is owned by the same company that owns the facility in Washington state linked to 22 fatalities. Kansas Health Secretary Lee Norman said a focus of the investigation is whether there has been any personnel sharing between the nursing homes in Kirkland, Washington, and the one in Kansas.

(KNZA)--Classes and activities in the Hiawatha School District have been cancelled for Monday due to the coronavirus.

USD 415 Superintendent Lonnie Moser made the announcement Saturday in a message posted on the district's Facebook page.

Moser said the decision follows a meeting with the Northeast Kansas Multi-county Health Department, Brown County Emergency Management and Hiawatha Community Hospital.

In addition, Moser said the district administration also attended a virtual meeting with the Kansas Department of Education, Governor's Office and Kansas Department of Health and Environment for further guidance on a plan of action due to COVID-19.

Moser said the closure Monday will allow the district time to gather more information regarding the travel patterns of their staff and students during spring break.

He said at this time it's not recommended they close for any longer period of time.         

While there will be no school Monday, essential personnel will be in the school buildings and the district office will be open.

You can view Moser's entire message at the following link: 

https://go.aws/2vlRXY2

The following Hiawatha High School events have been postponed:
HHS Vocal Concert Tues, March 17
HHS Student Council Blood Drive Wed, March 18
HHS Winter Sports Awards Thurs, March 19
Hiawatha Schools Band mattress fundraiser Sunday, March 22.

The district will post new dates for the events ASAP.

(MSC News)--Despite varying degrees of concern over the coronavirus disease known as COVID-19, most Atchison County schools are planning to hold classes on Monday as scheduled.

That decision was reached Saturday during an emergency meeting called by the Atchison County Commission. The meeting included officials from the NEK Multi-County Health Department, administrators from all Atchison County Schools, and a NEK-CAP representative.

During the discussion, Atchison Public Schools Superintendent Renee Scott said holding classes as scheduled would be in accordance with interim guidelines set forth the by the US Centers for Disease Control.

Superintendent Andrew Gaddis, of USD 377 Atchison County Schools, added that the CDC recommends schools not close until there is a positive case of COVID-19 in the building. Gaddis and the other administrators in attendance said that their districts are practicing extra cleaning measures with facilities and buses.

There was some initial push-back to this, with Commissioner Jack Bower suggesting they consider shutting down for perhaps a week or two, before a case arises. However, after some discussion, commissioners consented to the administrators’ belief that that they go ahead with holding classes. 

Also contributing to the discussion were Trinity Lutheran School Principal Lisa Brookover and Saint Benedict Catholic School Principal Helen Schwinn. 

On Friday, MSC News learned that Saint Benedict Catholic School in Atchison was extending its spring break by two days, to include Monday and Tuesday. 

Administrators also said that they will be in continual consultation with the Kansas Department of Education, the KDHE, and local public health officials, as the situation evolves.

Dr. Bonnie Tackett, who serves the Atchison Hospital and the Atchison County Health Department, was also in attendance, answering questions about the virus. Dr. Tackett stressed that if people think they have symptoms, they need to call the hospital rather than just show up to the emergency room.

Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge emphasized that people need to be fever-free, without medication, for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school following any illness.

As of Saturday morning, Forge said that there were no cases of COVID-19 in Atchison County and that none were under investigation.

(MSC News)--A sixth case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Kansas.

In a news release issued late Friday morning, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said the presumptive positive case was identified with testing sent to KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories. The results will be verified by the CDC lab but will be treated as a positive unless determined otherwise.

The patient is a Butler County man in his 70s who had travel outside the U.S.

KDHE continues to work with the local health department and CDC to identify and contact people who may have come into contact with the individual while they were infectious and will monitor them for fever and respiratory symptoms. The patient is in isolation. No other information will be provided about the patient.

(AP)--Health officials in northeastern Kansas have confirmed the state's seventh case of COVID-19.

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment said in a news release Saturday that the presumptive positive case is a woman in her 50s associated with Johnson County Community College.

The department says it's the region's first known case to have been contracted locally. 

The release says the woman is hospitalized and “doing well." Her family members have been quarantined, and those who may have been exposed by contact with the woman are being contacted by the health department.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s Benedictine College is extending its Spring Break, and beginning online courses, due to COVID-19.

According to a release, the decision was made by college leadership due to “an abundance of caution.”

The release notes that Spring Break is extended for the week of March 16-20, and preparations are made for distance learning, in an effort to protect “students, faculty, and staff from the spread” of the coronavirus.

Benedictine College will remain open and all business operations will continue. Services, such as the dining hall, residence halls, the student health center, and the library, will remain open through the extended Spring Break.

Students will be allowed to return to campus beginning March 22. However, anyone experiencing cough, fever or shortness of breath who has traveled to a high-risk area should not return to campus and should contact their health provider for further direction.

Beginning March 23, all classes will be provided in an online environment.

College President Steve Minnis, in the release, said “there is no immediate threat or alarm,” but the decision to make the changes “seeks to minimize any potential risk for spreading the virus.”

There are no known COVID-19 cases within the student population; and, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Atchison area continues to be at no or minimal risk for COVID-19.

Minnis created a Coronavirus Response Task Force on March 2 and that group is meeting daily to monitor the global and domestic coronavirus situation. Working in conjunction with guidelines established by federal, state and local health agencies, the team is charged with refining campus strategies for dealing with contagious diseases.

The release notes that the college will continue to monitor the situation week to week with the hope of resuming face-to-face classes.

(KAIR)--A private, Atchison school is extending its spring break by two days due to COVID-19.

In an email addressed to parents, Saint Benedict Catholic School announced Friday that classes for Monday and Tuesday have been canceled.

In the email, school Principal Helen Schwinn said that while the Kansas State Department of Education recommends that schools remain in operation despite the virus threat, teachers and staff must remain current on information regarding the situation. Because of that, Monday and Tuesday will be used as staff development days at SBCS for training and planning related to the coronavirus situation.

(KNZA)--Highland Community College joins the list of colleges cancelling classes due to the coronavirus.

The College announced on its Facebook page and Website Friday that classes have been cancelled until March 23 at all sites.

The College says online classes will continue as scheduled.

Campus housing and campus dining will be open.

The College says students may choose to stay home during this time or return to campus housing.

Access to computer labs will be made available for students taking online courses.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Sheriff's department is seeking the public's help concerning a break-in at Anderson One Stop Shop in Stella.

The Sheriff's Office says sometime between 6:00 Thursday evening and 7:30 Friday morning someone broke into the business and stole an ATM machine.

If you have any information regarding this matter please call the Richardson County Sheriff's office at 402-245-2479. Anonymous tips are accepted.
 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board approved several improvement projects when they meet this week.

The Board approved an estimate of $19,623 from Lanham Music, of St. Joseph, for a new sound system for the high school football stadium. If the existing wiring is usable, the final cost will be lower.

District Maintenance Supervisor Matt Cluck said the current sound system is old. He said the new system is to be installed before the first track meet April 28.

The Board approved a total of $60,000 worth of concrete improvement work at the bus barn, middle school and elementary school for this summer.

The Board approved an estimate of $17,121 from Four State Maintenance Supply for the sanding, staining and coating of the middle school gym floor. The Board also approved an estimate from Triple T for about $5,000 for the painting of lines and a Red Hawk logo on the gym floor

In addition, the Board approved having the high school and armory gym floors refinished at a total cost of $4,297.

In other business, Superintendent Lonnie Moser informed the Board that Thrive Nutrition will not be providing the food service program for the district after this school year. The Board voted to send out a request for proposals for another food service provider, beginning with the 2020-21 school year.

Following an executive session, the Board voted to hire Jackie Reneberg as an elementary teacher for the 2020-21 school year. The Board also accepted the resignation of Diana Bray as 6th grade social studies teacher at the end of the current school year.

(MSC News)--A Kansas price-gouging law that prohibits profiteering by raising prices on items consumers find necessary because of the COVID-19 virus outbreak is now in effect statewide. That word is delivered in a new release issued late Friday morning by Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

The law generally prohibits unjustifiably raising prices for goods and services for which consumer demand is likely to increase because of the virus outbreak. A price increase is presumed unjustified if it exceeds by 25 percent or more the price at which the goods or services were available on March 11 or the price for which the same goods or services are available from other sellers in the trade area. 

 Examples of consumer goods and services governed by the anti-profiteering law include, but are not limited to, food items, sanitary and cleaning supplies such as hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, emergency supplies, medical supplies and services, lodging, and any other property or service for which consumer demand may increase in response to the virus outbreak.

The law carries a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation.

 The anti-profiteering law, which is enforced by the Attorney General’s Office and county and district attorneys, was triggered Thursday by Governor Laura Kelly’s declaration of a state of emergency related to the virus outbreak. It will remain in effect through April 11, or until the disaster declaration is lifted, whichever is later.

The law was enacted in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

 Anyone with information about price-gouging in violation of the anti-profiteering law should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division online at www.InYourCornerKansas.org or call (800) 432-2310 to request a paper complaint form be sent by mail.

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for a Holton man accused of fatally shooting his father in 2018.

Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller told MSC News that 50-year-old Derrick Bohnenkemper pleaded not guilty Friday to charges in Jackson County District Court.

He is charged in an amended complaint with one count of first-degree murder, five counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of aggravated assault. 

Bohnenkemper had originally been charged with five counts of attempted capital murder but the charges were reduced to aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

A 5-day jury trial was set, beginning August 17.

Bohnenkemper 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 five hour armed standoff, during which shots were fired at officers.

No officers were injured.

(KLZA)--The Community Medical Center in Falls City is expanding visitor restrictions to minimize the spread of respiratory illness including coronavirus.

Visitors are limited to one healthy immediate family member or caregiver per day. Visitations will not be allowed by children under the age of 18 or by anyone that is ill or having respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever, chills or runny nose.

Special circumstances for exceptions to the visitation policy may be considered as appropriate. Community Medical Center will facilitate electronic, telephone and video communications with patients who are able. Ministerial visits by healthy members of the hospital's clergy program do not count as visitors under these restrictions.

(KLZA)--The Johnson-Brock Board of Education heard an update on the coronavirus from Superintendent Jeff Koehler Monday evening.

Koehler reported he ahs been in contact with the Nebraska Department of Education and ESU4   regarding the issue.   Koehler advised that the situation is being monitored and the school district will follow recommendation from the Southeast District Health Department.

Presentations were made by student George Guhde-Egger.  His project citizen presentation recommended a new drivers education vehicle be purchased and he shared recommendation on  the model to purchase as well as safety and crash test ratings. 

Students Jenny Gutierrez and Ali Beutler also shared their project citizen report which looked into the possibility of offering midterm graduation and an early release to attend work.

The Board approved a contract for Special Education Services for the 2020-21 school year in am amount of $193,635.  A teaching contract  with Kimberly Vogt or the next school y ear was also approved.  

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved a bid for a bridge replacement project, just south of Seneca.

The Commission on Monday approved a bid from Husker Steel for the replacement of a bridge on I Road over Fisher Creek in the amount of $181,760.

A construction start date hasn't been announced.

In other business, the Commission approved a bid from Foley Industries for the purchase of a 2019 motor grader in the amount of $226,603 with the trade-in of the county's 2001 motor grader.

Also the Commission heard presentations from representatives of three firms with experience in comprehenive planning.

Victor Burks with Bartlett and West, Kevin Marvin with Marvin Planning and Gary Mitchell with Kendig Keast Collaborative discussed with the commission the process in developing a plan and offered their services in helping to prepare a plan.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission is considering the development of a comprehensive plan for the county.

The Commission on Monday heard presentations from representatives of two firms with experience in comprehensive planning. They included Keith Marvin with Marvin Planning Consultants, of David City Nebraska, and Vic Burks with Bartlett and West Engineers, of Overland Park.

Both discussed their planning experience, the process for the development of a comprehensive plan and what would be expected from the Commission if they were to move forward.

If the Commission decides to proceed, Marvin said the cost to the county would be between $40,000 and $60,000 while Burks placed the minimum cost at $50,000.

In other business, Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill presented a settlement and release agreement with Hanover Insurance Company and Custom Agri Systems for the county generator that was damaged while being moved last year. The Commission approved signing the agreement for nearly $33,000.

On the recommendation of Hill, the Commission voted to solicit bids beginning July 1 on properties that did not sell during the county tax sale held in December, with a minimum bid of $10.

The Commission also voted to appoint James Ward to the Hiawatha Township clerk position. Ward will fill the unexpired term of Jordanne Shockley.

(KNZA)--A rural Denton man is accused of causing extensive damage to a Doniphan County cemetery.

38-year-old Nicholas Cluck was charged Tuesday in Doniphan County District Court with felony counts of criminal damage to property and criminal desecration.

In addition, he's charged with driving under the influence along with a felony count of aggravated battery in connection with an alleged domestic disturbance.

Cluck is accused of driving his pickup truck through the Walnut Grove Cemetery, northeast of Highland, damaging several gravemarkers and a chain link fence.

He was arrested early Saturday morning following an investigation by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Department and Highland Police Department after his disabled vehicle was found at the cemetery.

A preliminary hearing is tentatively set for Tuesday.

Cluck remains in the Doniphan County Jail, held on a $150,000 bond.

(KMZA)--Two men are charged in connection with the death of an elderly Vermillion man whose body was located inside the ruins of his burned out home in January.

According to a release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Marshall County Attorney filed criminal charges Thursday against 18-year-old Jeremy Penix II, of Melvern, and 47-year-old Jefferson Goad, of Waverly.

Both are charged with first degree murder, conspiracy, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, arson, and interference with law enforcement.

Both Goad and Penix were charged last month in connection with a January 22 burglary at McLaughlin’s home, and were already in custody at the time the charges were upgraded.

Penix is being held in the Washington County Jail, while Goad is jailed in Marshall County.

The investigation that led to the charges followed the death of 83-year-old Donald McLaughlin, whose body was located inside his home following a January 24 fire and explosion.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal investigated, assisted by the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, the Coffey County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Nemaha and Otoe counties concerning back-up emergency notifications when they met Tuesday.

The agreement describes the necessary relationship between the counties that compromise the Southeast Nebraska Emergency Notification System to accomplish back-up notifications through a common and coordinated Alert and Notification System which is capable of sending emergency messages to telephones throughout the Cooper Nuclear Station 10-mile emergency planning zone.

The Board adopted a resolution to close and vacate a section of road east of the intersection of 658 Avenue and 708 Road.

A public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 9:30 A.M. To receive input from the public on the proposed One & Six Year Highway Improvement Program for Richardson County. 

Board members also approved a quote from Metal Culverts Inc. of Jefferson City, Missouri for culvert materials in an amount of $44,910.  It was the lowest of the quotes received from four companies. 

(KNZA)--Local nursing homes are taking precautionary measures due to  coronarvirus.

The Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Hiawatha, announced Thursday they have implemented a " no visitors policy" until further notice. Only essential staff and those providing care will be allowed to enter.

Third party vendors--which includes home health, hospice and physicians-- will be allowed on site, but they will be required to go through the same screening process as staff and will only be allowed in the back service hallway.

In a letter to residents and family members, Maple Heights said their focus right now is preventing coronavirus from entering the community and spreading.

The Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, in a news release, said they are advising all friends and family of their residents to refrain from visiting if they are feeling ill and have symptoms of infection.  When visiting, the release said you will be screened for respiratory symptoms, fever and asked about travel outside the United States.  The release adds visitation may be denied or discouraged dependent on screening results.

Debbie Painter, RN Director of Nursing, said these precautions are vital to helping them avoid and minimize the possible spread of coronavirus.  She added at this time, they don't have any diagnosed cases of residents or staff being infected with coronavirus.

(KNZA)--A Thursday afternoon two-vehicle Jefferson County wreck claimed the life of a Meriden woman and left two others injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 1:30 at the intersection of K-4 Highway and Northeast 46th Street.

The Patrol reports 78-year-old Mollie Williams was traveling on Northeast 46th Street when she attempted to turn north onto K-4.  Her car was t-boned by a southbound car on K-4 driven by 22-year-old Kassidy Smith, of Grantville.

Williams, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kassidy Smith and a passenger in her car, 48-year-old Meriden resident Chad Smith, were transported to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Hospital.  The Patrol reports Kassidy Smith had suspected serious injuries and Chad Smith suspected minor injuries.   

(KNZA)--A bridge maintenance project on U.S. 36 highway in Brown County began Thursday.

The project is located one half mile west of the U.S. 73/U.S. 36 junction over Linden Road.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the work will occur during daylight hours and is expected to be completed in mid-July. 

Traffic will be controlled using speed limit signs, traffic cones and traffic lights. Lanes will be reduced to 11 feet in width.

Reece Construction Co. of Salina is the contractor on the $252,000 project.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas health officials announced Thursday that the state has seen its first COVID-19 death, a man in his 70s who lived in a nursing home in the Kansas City, Kansas area.

The man's case was the fifth confirmed coronavirus case in the state. Three other cases involving men age 35-65 also were announced Thursday.

Lee Norman, the state's secretary of health and environment, said the man died at a local hospital Wednesday after being admitted with heart problems, Norman said. Gov. Laura Kelly declared a state of emergency so that the state can better free up resources.

Mary Beverly, the interim director of the Johnson County Health Department, earlier on Thursday said the three latest confirmed Kansas cases are men who all attended a conference in Florida.

Beverly says the men did not have symptoms until after they returned from the conference and they are not seriously ill. 

(KAIR)--The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas is taking preventative measures as COVID-19 continues to spread, closing its senior center, ending health clinic walk-ins, canceling community events, and implementing a travel ban for employees. “We want to maintain a safe and healthy community, and encourage our community members to adopt practices protecting the health of themselves and others,” Kickapoo Tribal Chairman Lester Randall told MSC News, adding that the Kickapoo Senior Center will be closed until further notice due to the coronavirus threat. “We’re going to take these preventative measures with our elderly because they’re saying people that are 50 to 60 are more susceptible to [COVID-19]. We’re trying to urge all of our seniors to stay home and away from large, public venues.”

All seniors who reside within the service area of the senior center can have meals delivered to their homes directly, and commodities will be available and distributed as usual.

Randall said the Tribe has also suspended walk-in patients at the Tribal Health Clinic. “That’s kind of not only to protect the employees that are working there, but it’s also for the patients that are in the area,” Randall said. “At least if they have to make an appointment, we know what’s going to walk-in to that clinic. Then, if it’s something that can be done at home, the nurses can obviously tell them what to do at home. If they do need to see a doctor, then we can set a referral for them to go somewhere else.”

Anyone wanting an appointment should call 785-486-2154.

All Tribal community events have been canceled until further notice, and the Tribe has issued a travel ban for all employees in an effort of prevention.

(KLZA)--Pawnee City School Board members voted to accept with regret, teacher resignations from Jane Taylor and Elizabeth Spitser when they met Monday evening.

The resignations are effective at the end of the current school year. 

The Board did approved hiring Heidi Koster as a full-time certified teacher for the 2020-21 school year. 

Superintendent Brian Rotttinghaus received approval to issue contracts to presently-employed certified teachers for employment in the 2020-21 school year, other than those resigning prior to the deadline or whose employment is subject to reduction, termination or non-renewal. 

Grade 6 – 12 Student Handbook changes pertaining to the “Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco/Crime Policy relating to extracurricular activities were approved and will be in effect immediately. 

The Board also approved canceling school on Wednesday, may, 13 to allow teachers to assist with the NSAA District track and field meet at the Pawnee City School.

A motion to set the last day for student attendance for the current school year as May 19 and  the last day for the teacher contract as May 20 was also approved.  

Editors note:  the following release was submitted by the Apostolic Christian Home, in Sabetha. 

(MSC News)---Responding to the spread of coronavirus, Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha is actively preparing to prevent and contain cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel virus.

“The health and wellness of our residents and the caregiving teams who support them is our top priority,” said Ed Strahm, Executive Director, “Our team is concerned, we are informed, and we are providing education and resources. This is a fast-changing situation, and we are committed to ensuring that residents, their families, our dedicated staff, and our community are aware of our efforts and the precautions required for COVID-19 prevention and containment.”

Apostolic Christian Home leadership is in regular communication with local and state public health officials, as well as monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and CMS for recommendations and guidance for nursing homes. In addition, we are advising all friends and family of our residents to refrain from visiting if they are feeling ill and have symptoms of infection. When visiting our community, you will be screened for respiratory symptoms, fever and asked about travel outside the United States. Visitation may be denied or discouraged dependent on screening results. “These precautions are vital to helping us avoid and minimize the possible spread of coronavirus,” said Debbie Painter, RN Director of Nursing.

She added: “At this time, we do not have any diagnosed cases of residents or staff being infected with coronavirus. Open communication is crucial. We will provide updates if that changes.”

(KAIR)--Kansas health officials say they have identified three new cases of the coronavirus, making four cases in the state. Mary Beverly, the interim director of the Johnson County Health Department, says the cases are three men between the ages of 35 and 65 who all attended a conference in Florida. Beverly says the men did not have symptoms until after they returned from the conference and they are not seriously ill. 

Late Thursday morning, Atchison County activated the CodeRED alert system to point residents to the Atchison County website, where a press release from the Atchison County Health Department is posted.

The release confirms that there are no cases of COVID-19 in Atchison County, but says the health department “routinely investigates infectious disease and take preventative measures based on the KDHE and CDC guidance to reduce the spread of disease.”

The release reiterates such preventative measures as practicing good hygiene, avoiding face touching, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.

Meanwhile, the University of Kansas, Kansas State University and Emporia State University are joining colleges across the country in shifting classes online to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus. All three campuses are on spring break this week. The University of Kansas announced Wednesday and Kansas State and Emporia State on Thursday that they would delay the start of classes that usually meet in-person until March 23, when the classes will be taught remotely. Kansas State and Emporia State said the remote classes would continue “until further notice," while the University of Kansas said they may continue for several weeks.

The Associated Press contributed to this story. 

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education has approved adding a high school wrestling program, beginning next school year.

The Board took the action when they met Monday evening following several months of discussion.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman estimated a first year expense of nearly $17,000—including uniforms, equipment and coaches.

The Board was told Nemaha County Commissioners have approved allowing the school to use the Nemaha County Community Building at no cost for practices.

Kohlman said long-term, a location for wrestling could join other facility needs on the district's strategic plan.

Athletic Director Warren Seitz said at the first meeting of interested students and coaches, 24 boys and 3 girls were in attendance.

Seitz will serve as head wrestling coach and Mark Mayberry as assistant coach.

The decision to add a high school wrestling program comes after seeing first-year success last fall at Nemaha Central Middle School.

In other business, Kohlman informed the board that 4 individuals have expressed an interest in filling a vacancy on the board.

Position 1 came open after it was declined by the write-in winner in last November's election.

The board decided to send a questionaire to the four interested candidates. After receiving their replies, they will then decide whether to have them appear before the board for questioning.

(KNZA)--A vehicle reported stolen out of the city of Topeka has been recovered in Brown County.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said a Sheriff's deputy was on a routine patrol Monday when he noticed a vehicle matching the description of a car reported stolen from Topeka.

After running the license plate, it was verfied it was the stolen vehicle.

A traffic stop was initiated and 44-year-old Amanda Molt, of Topeka, was arrested.

Molt was booked into the Brown County Jail on charges of felony possession of stolen property, no proof of insurance and operating a vehicle without a valid license.  She has since been released on bond.

The Horton Police Department assisted.

Meanwhile, a routine traffic stop by a Brown County Sheriff's deputy on Tuesday lead to the arrest of Falls City woman on drug charges.

Merchant said 44-year-old Kelly Simpson was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. She was also arrested on charges of traffic in contraband in to a correctional facility, expired registration and no proof of insurance.

At last check, Simpson remained held in the Brown County Jail.

The Sac and Fox Tribal Police Department assisted.

(KAIR)--A Saint Joseph, Missouri woman is in custody, accused of running over an Atchison man in an Atchison alley Monday evening.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, said 29-year-old Olivia Sands has been taken into custody in Buchanan County, Missouri, arrested on an Atchison County District Court Warrant for aggravated battery.

Sands was booked into the Buchanan County Jail.

Her arrest follows an investigation by Atchison Police that began after they were called to the 700 block of South 5th Street around 7:45 Monday evening.

It was in an alley at that location that Wilson said the 55-year-year-old victim jumped in front of Sands’ vehicle in an effort to prevent her from leaving. However, it’s alleged that instead of stopping, Sands continued to drive eastbound in the alley, striking the man, who ended up on the hood of the vehicle, and traveled for a distance before falling off.

Sands left the scene, and the man was transported for hospital treatment by Atchison County EMS.

According to Wilson, the victim, identified as Eldon Roles, suffered a broken leg.

Wilson said Roles and Sands are acquainted.

Lincoln, NE – March 11, 2020 – Based on the recommendations made by the Mayor’s Office of the City of Lincoln, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and the Nebraska Department of Education, the 2020 NSAA Boys State Basketball Championships will proceed as scheduled, but fan attendance will be limited.  The tournament venues and game times remain the same.

Attendance will be limited to the varsity players, coaches, team support personnel (athletic trainers and student managers) and school administrators of the qualifying schools and their immediate families.  Immediate family includes parents, stepparents, guardians, siblings, other members living in the athlete’s household, and grandparents.  School administrators will be required to provide a list of those persons meeting the qualifications for entry.  School administrators will be at the entrance of each venue to identify and grant entry to those persons on the list.  Those entering the venue will be required to purchase a ticket or may use previously purchased tickets or passes.  Pre-purchased online tickets will not be honored.

We regret that non-varsity boys’ basketball participants, cheerleaders, dance teams, school mascots and pep bands may not attend the games.  In addition, the US Bank Believers and Achievers award and NSAA Distinguished Service Awards will not be presented at this event but will be rescheduled.

Anyone not on the approved list who previously purchased a ticket will not be allowed entry.  Passes will not be honored including NCA Gold Card, NSAA Courtesy Passes and Lifetime passes.  This measure is to protect the health and safety of the student athletes, their families and the public at large.  

Members of the media with NSAA issued credentials will be allowed entry at all venues.  The NSAA is working with local media outlets to video stream and/or televise the games.  More information will be posted on the NSAA website as it becomes available.

This is an unprecedented event, the NSAA Board of Directors and staff understand the hardship this has created for our membership.  But we felt that our student-athletes should have the opportunity to compete while also complying with the recommendations of our local health and government officials.  We look forward to providing the best possible experience for our member schools, student-athletes and their families.

Jay Bellar

Executive Director

Nebraska School Activities Association

(KNZA)--Area health agencies are working together, and taking precautions, in advance of potential coronavirus affects on the local area.

According to a release, the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, the Doniphan County Health Department, the Hiawatha Community Hospital and Family Practice Clinics and EMS are partnered together to meet community needs as they pertain to COVID-19.

The release notes that Hiawatha Community Hospital and Family Practice Clinics are monitoring the spread and collaborating with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the local health departments to properly identify and treat patients, as appropriate. 

There have been no confirmed or suspected cases at Hiawatha Community Hospital or in the local area.

Visitor restrictions at the hospital, previously implemented in preparation for influenza season, remain in effect. Patients requiring assistance or pediatric patients are permitted to have one guest present in the hospital. The restrictions will remain in effect until further notice. Everyone is asked not to visit if experiencing respiratory symptoms including, but not limited to, cough, fever greater than or equal to 100.4, sneezing, or runny nose.

Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed unless receiving care.

A travel screening is being conducted on all patients.

For additional resources and answers to frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19, please visit:

http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm (KDHE/ Kansas Department of Health and Environment)

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html (CDC/ Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

The CDC recommends the following actions:

•  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home from school, work, social events, etc. when you are sick.

• Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash.

• Wash your hands often, using either soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel for at least 20 seconds.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as doorknobs, handles, light switches, faucets, remotes, cell phones, etc.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has named an attorney who said he's similar in temperament to former Chief Justice Lawton Nuss to replace Nuss as a Kansas Supreme Court justice.

Lawrence attorney K.J. Wall also formerly worked for the state's highest court overseeing special projects and research for justices in death penalty cases. The 49-year-old Wall was most recently a partner in law firm that represents rural Kansas hospitals and previously worked as an attorney for a Minnesota-based insurance company.

He will join a seven-member court that has faced criticism from conservative Republican legislators over abortion, school funding and death penalty rulings.

(KAIR)--Atchison County’s Register of Deeds has filed for re-election.

Shelley Campbell was elected to her first term in the position in 2012.

According to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, Campbell filed by petition March 5. The petition has since been verified, and Campbell’s name will be placed on the 2020 ballot.

Campbell filed as a Republican.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file at the County Clerk's Office.

The primary election will be held August 4 and the general election is November 3rd.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing burglary and theft charges, accused of unlawfully entering the home of an acquaintance in order to steal firearms.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, said 53-year-old Timothy Cafferty was arrested Tuesday in connection with the crime that occurred that same day.

According to Wilson, Cafferty made unlawful entry into the residence, located in the 1400 block of Riverview Drive.

Police were called to that location around 5:00 Tuesday evening, and Cafferty was arrested about an hour-and-a-half later, after he was located near the residence.

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

(KNZA)--Longtime Hiawatha School Board member Dr. Pete Rosa is stepping down from the board.

Rosa announced his resignation at Monday's Board meeting, which is effective at the end of the May 11 meeting.

He holds position five on the Board.

Reading from his letter of resignation, Rosa said the decision comes as he and wife, Julie, begin the process of transitioning into a new chapter in their lives.

He said when they moved to Hiawatha twenty-two years ago, it was the strength of the schools that drew them.

The opening will be advertised after it becomes effective in May. Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the Board would then interview the applicants for the position and appointment someone to fill Rosa's unexpired term at their June 8 meeting.

The individual selected would fill a term expiring in January 2022. The position is up for election in November 2021.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education has approved adding a high school wrestling program, beginning next school year.

The Board took the action when they met Monday evening following several months of discussion on the matter.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman estimated a first year expense of nearly $17,000—including uniforms, equipment and coaches.

The Board was told Nemaha County Commissioners have approved allowing the school to use the Nemaha County Community Building at no cost for practices.

Kohlman said long-term, a location for wrestling could join other facility needs on the district's strategic plan.

Athletic Director Warren Seitz said at the first meeting of interested students and coaches, 24 boys and 3 girls were in attendance.

Seitz will serve as head wrestling coach and Mark Mayberry as assistant coach.

The decision to add a high school wrestling program comes after seeing first-year success last fall at Nemaha Central Middle School.

In other business, Kohlman informed the board that 4 individuals have expressed an interest in filling a vacancy on the board.

Position 1 came open after it was declined by the write-in winner in last November's election.

The board decided to send a questionaire to the four interested candidates. After receiving their replies, they will then decide whether to have them appear before the board for questioning.

(KLZA)-- A Wathena man was transported by Lifeflight to Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph with serious injuries following a crash in Holt County, Missouri Tuesday afternoon. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 59-year-old Charles Lampshire was driving a southbound semi truck pulling a grain trailer on U.S. Highway 59 when the semi began to skid and went off the southside of the highway. The vehicle came back onto the road, traveled off the northside of the road, returned to the road and overturned.

The crash occurred shortly before 1:30 about  three miles east of Oregon, Missouri.

The semi was listed as a total loss.  

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Banking and finance is urging Nebraskans to beware of con artists seeking to capitalize on fear and uncertainty due to the ongoing developments related to the coronavirus situation and its impact on financial markets. 

Investors should be on the lookout for scam artists trying to use the market downturn and the coronavirus to scare investors into so-called “safer, guaranteed investments.”

Deputy Director April McHenry says if you have concerns about retirement accounts or investments, talk to your financial professional and avoid making decisions based on panic or fear.

 The NDBF says there are telltale signs of possible investment fraud.  First, is the investment offered with a guaranteed high return with little or no risk?  All investments carry risk that you may lose some or all of your money.

Second, is there a sense of urgency or limited availability surrounding the investment?  If the offer is legitimate, it will be there later.      

Third, is the person offering the investment, and the investment itself, properly licensed or registered? 

For more information about any investment matter, you can contact the NDBF”s Consumer Hotline toll free at 877-471-3445.   

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education learned Monday night that North and South Elementary Schools have been awarded a Nation Lunch Program Equipment Grant  totaling more than $25,800 to fund the purchase and installation of new, commercial-grade dishwashing units at both elementary sties.

The new units will replace models dating back nearly 25 years. 

The Board accepted the resignation of Dianna Kottich, who has been a paraeducator for District 56 for 29 years and Cathy Palmer, who has served as South School administrative assistant for 19 years.  

Principal employment contracts for the 2020-21 school year and classified employee wages for the next school year were also approved along with an agreement with ESU 4 for Special Education Services during the 2020-21 school year. 

(KNZA)--This year's annual Brown County Spotlight Auction raised just over $12,700.

The Spotlight Auction was broadcast Monday and Tuesday evenings over KNZA 103.9 FM, with bids taken by phone. 

More than 300 items donated by area businesses were auctioned off during the two nights, bringing 90 percent of retail value.

Proceeds from the auction will be used for operation of the 2020 Brown County Fair to be held July 5-11 in Horton.

(KLZA)-- Hospitals in Falls City and Auburn are taking precautions in regards to the Coronavirus and its possible impact on the area. 

Community Medical Center in Falls City is monitoring the spread of COVID – 19, coordinating with the Southeast District Health Department to properly identify and test patients as appropriate.  There have been no confirmed cases of COVID -19 at CMC.

The Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn announced Monday that no visitors will be allowed in the hospital and all new patients will be pre-screened for the virus at the hospital entrance. 

Pre-screening is a three-question assessment  asking the patient if they have traveled internationally within 14 days of their symptoms starting,  if they have come into close contact with someone wh has been diagnosed with COVID-19,  and if they have a fever greater than 100.4 or lower respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath or coughing.

The Emergency Room will be open for emergencies, but guests will not be allowed inside the hospital. Patients requiring assistance, or children with an emergency may have one guest who will be pre-screened.

Community Medical Center is implementing similar restrictions used during the height of influenza season.  

You are asked not to visit if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as fever, chills, cough sneezing or runny nose.  Children under 12 will not be allowed in unless ey are receiving care.  Visitors are limited to 1-2 per patient.

If you are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms,  you are asked to alert staff at the hospitals if you have been exposed to the Coronavirus. The Nemaha County Hospital is asking patients to call ahead regarding symptoms or recent travel before going to the hospital or emergency room.  

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved a new franchise agreement with Rainbow Communications for providing telecommunication services in the city.

The 20-year agreement, which was approved by the Council last week, calls for the company to pay the city 5 percent of gross receipts.

It replaces the current cable franchise agreement.

With Rainbow's plan to discontinue cable TV service as of June 30, the company proposed the new agreement as a way to offset the local revenue from the cable agreement.

The Council also approved 10-year pole attachment agreement with Rainbow. The city will be paid $8.00 per pole per year for 622 poles. The agreement can be renegotiated after 5 years.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Secretary of States Office has approved All-Mail-in Election Precincts in parts of Richardson County for the May 12th Primary Election. 

The Richardson County Clerk's Office received permission to conduct the Mail-in elections for the Salem,  East Muddy, and Grant/Nemaha voting precincts along with the Arago/Barada Voting Precinct for the 2020 Elections and all elections following. 

The Richardson County Clerk's Office will send non-forwardable ballots by U.S. Mail, to all registered voters in these precincts for the May 12, Primary.

Included within the mailing of the ballot will be an envelope for the return of the ballot, stamped and self-addressed with instructions for mailing and / or returning the ballot to the County Clerk's Office before the close of the polls at 8:00 P.M. on Election Day, May 12.  

Other counties across Nebraska, designated as All-Mail-inVoting precincts have helped determine that voter turnout is significantly higher and the cost of the election per voter is lowered.

Since 2016 when the Arago/Barada precinct became an All-Mail-in voting precinct, voter turnout has increased and has  had the highest voter turnout percentage in Richardson County.   

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members tabled action on bids for the milling and asphalt overlay of Chase Street from 14th Street to 21st Street and Chase Street from 25th to 26th Street when they met March 2.

City Administrator Gary Jorn said the lone bid received was from Herzog in St. Joseph.   The bid included several options to consider because of the various depths of the current asphalt.

Herzog estimated that on a per ton basis, a 2-inch overlay would cost around $132-thousand for the project.

Ward I Council member Don Ferguson asked why Chase Street was selected for an overlay when there are a number of other streets that he has suggested for an overlay. 

Jorn  says the plan is to finish up work on north and south streets before doing east-west streets.  Jorn said he would like to see Chase Street completed this year,  work on Fulton  Street in 2021 and then begin to work on the east-west streets needing an overlay. 

The bids will be revisited during an upcoming Council meeting. 

The Council did approve on a 4-2 vote to resurface the tennis courts at Grandview Park at a cost of $13,490. Council members Ferguson and Lucas Froeschl cast the nay votes.  

Approval was given to a request to add a full-time service person to the Gas Department as recommended by the Board of  Public Works.  

(KAIR)--An investigation is underway following a Friday afternoon Atchison County fire that destroyed a barn.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, said deputies responded to the 18000 block of U.S. Highway 159 around 3:30 Friday afternoon following the report of a structure fire.

Local fire departments handling the fire on the scene, located north of Muscotah, advised deputies that the fire was started due to non-compliance of the Atchison County burn ban that had been in place at the time of the fire.

According to Laurie, it’s believed the fire began when the man was trying to burn off grass.

His name is not immediately made public as the investigation continues.

(KAIR)--Burn bans, issued last week for Atchison and Doniphan Counties, have been lifted.

That word comes in alerts issued Monday morning by the Emergency Management Offices for both counties.

The Doniphan County alert encourages residents to use extreme caution when conducting any open burning.

The Atchison County alert reminds those who are burning to contact Atchison County dispatch with their permit number at 913-367-4323.

The bans were issued March 4 due to a High Fire Warning being issued by the National Weather Service because of the then windy, dry conditions.

(KAIR)--The Atchison Public Schools are making plans in the event of a local coronavirus diagnosis.

On Saturday, Kansas officials confirmed that a Kansas City-area woman who recently traveled to the east coast of the United States is the first case of coronavirus in the state.
She lives in Johnson County, the state's most populous county.

Gov. Laura Kelly and health officials said the woman is isolating herself at home after seeing her doctor, while Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman said she is “doing very well.”

Last week, prior to the Kansas diagnosis, Renee Scott, Superintendent for Atchison’s USD 409 told MSC News the school district is currently monitoring the coronavirus situation, and adhering to any guidance provided by the Kansas Association of School Boards and the Kansas State Department of Education.

She said the district is being diligent in its sanitation procedures, especially in such areas as the nurse’s office.

Scott said USD 409 is currently working on creating a more specific plan in accordance with the school district’s emergency operations plan.

Last week, a Kansas Legislative Committee approved an increase in state aid to local health departments as coronavirus preparations continue.

The Associated Press contributed to this story. 

(KLZA)-- Two people were hospitalized following a one-vehicle wreck just past 12:00 A.M. Monday morning in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 17-year old Devon Lange of St. Louis, Missouri was northbound on Interstate 29 approximately a mile south of Mound City when the car he was driving traveled off the west side of the highway, went into a skid and then slid off the east side of the highway, overturning and striking a fence before coming to rest on its wheels.

Lange suffered what were described as moderate injuries and a passenger in the car, 21-year-old Tamela Resilius of Lincoln, Nebraska suffered serious injuries.  

Both Lange and Rexilius were transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance.

The car was totaled.  

The Holt County Sheriff's Office, Mound City Police Department at the Mound City Rural Fire Department also responded to the scene of the wreck.  

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a professional services agreement with Olsson for improvements at the Water Plant in Rulo when they met March 2.

The Board of Public Works recommended approval of the $97-thousand engineering contract that will  eventually result in a new Clarifier at the Water Plant.

Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring informed the Council that despite recent upgrades,  the contraflow, which helps soften the water,  take out solids and add lime has outlived it's expected lifespan by 25 years.

The project will not only be time consuming, but expensive. It take approximately 30 weeks to get the new equipment delivered and the cost for the Clarifier alone is approximately $300-thousand.  In addition,  a new building to  house the machinery will be required. 

The project design will need to be approved by the State of Nebraska since the City water is regulated by the State. 

Falls City has worked with the Olsson company several times in the past with good results. They also work well with the State and will assist in finding funding for the project.

In a letter to the Council, Luhring estimated construction would being in the fall of 2020 and take a year to complete. 

(KMZA)--The Seneca Volunteer Fire Department responded to 33 total fire calls last year.

New Fire Chief Brett Ohlsen presented their annual report to the Seneca City Council last week.

Ohlsen said the department responded to 15 city calls, 17 rural calls and one mutual aid call.

In a related matter, Ohlsen said they would like to purchase a new fire truck to replace a 1974 truck. He said the truck has electrical problems and parts are no longer available.

Ohlsen said they have a policy of trading out each truck every 20 years.

A new truck will cost between $500,000 and $600,000.

The Council asked Ohlsen to go out for bids and get a solid number before they make a decision.

Olsen was selected as the department's new chief during their annual elections at the end of January. He succeeds Darin Schmitz, who has retired from the department. David Frehe is 1st Assistant Chief and Brett Haverkamp is 2nd Assistant Chief.

(KNZA)--A local magistrate judge has filed for election to the position she was appointed to last year.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State's Office, Laura Johnson-McNish, of Troy, recently filed as a Republican candidate.

She is among three magistrate judge's in the 22nd Judicial District, which includes Brown Doniphan, Marshall and Nemaha Counties.

Johnson-McNish primarily hears cases in Doniphan and Brown Counties.

She was appointed last year to fill the unexpired term of longtime Magistrate Judge Roy Roper, who retired at the end of March.

Johnson-McNish had served as Marshall County Attorney for more than 8 years prior to her appointment as magistrate judge.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

The primary election will be held August 4 and the general election is November 3.

(KMZA)--An open house meeting on ongoing work to update floodplain maps in Nemaha County will be held Tuesday ( March 10) in Seneca.

Seneca City Administrator Matt Rehder said the open house will take place from 2 to 7 pm in the meeting room at the Seneca Public Library. Rehder said at the open house the public---primarily landowners—will be able to meet with state and federal officials and provide input on the proposed new floodplain maps.

Floodplain maps are used to determine where flood insurance is needed and rate it cost. They also provide the basis for executing community floodplain management ordinances and planning decisions.

Work on the updated maps has been underway for more than a year.

Preliminary maps are expected to be issued around July of this year, with the maps likely becoming effective in the fall of 2021.

(KNZA)--A Florida woman is jailed in Jackson County following a two-county pursuit.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Sheriff's Office received multiple calls early Friday evening about a dark colored SUV driving at a high rate of speed on U.S. 75 Highway and passing vehicles on the shoulder.

A deputy attempted to stop the Jeep Cherokee north of Holton near 262nd Road and a chase ensued. The vehicle fled south on  Highway 75 and through the city of Holton.

Deputies attempted use Stop Sticks south of Holton, but failed. The vehicle eventually entered Shawnee County, where further attempts to stop the vehicle failed.

The vehicle continued south across the Kansas River and into the city of Topeka, where the suspect stopped the vehicle at 10th and Warren Streets.

The driver, identified as 23-year-old Engy Kerr, of South Daytona, Florida, was taken into custody and transported to the Jackson County Jail.  Kerr was booked on charges of fleeing and eluding, reckless driving and numerous other traffic offenses.   
   

(KNZA)--A storage shed was destroyed by fire Friday afternoon at a Hiawatha residence.

Hiawatha Fire Department Public Information Officer Jordanne Shockley said firefighters were paged out shortly after 4:30 to the fire at 120 East Iowa Street.

Upon arrival, Shockley said the structure was fully engulfed in flames.

Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire.

No additional information is being released at this time.

Assisting the Hiawatha Fire Department were the Robinson Fire Department, Brown County Rescue Squad, Brown County Sheriff's Department, Town & Country EMS and Hiawatha Police Department.

Auburn Neb burglary being investigated

Posted Friday, March 6th, 2020 7:47pm

(KTNC)--In the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 4th The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office responded to a burglary call at Stutheit Implement Company just north of Auburn.

The Sheriff's Department said at least four people were involved.

Two individuals gained entry into the building while at least two waited outside and assisted in loading several Stihl brand chainsaws into one of two vehicles used in the burglary.

Anyone with information regarding the burglary is encouraged to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office in Auburn at 402-274-3139.

 

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council accepted a bid to replace the boiler at the Aquatic Park when they met Monday evening. 

The boiler was not is service for much of the 2019 swimming season and bids were accepted to either refurbish the current boiler or replace it. 

The only bid received was from Jones Air Conditioning of Falls City to replace the current boiler in an amount of more than $34-thousand.  

Ward IV Council member Derek Leyden said he had spoken with Gary Jones who explained he thinks the current boiler wore out due to the chemicals stored in the building that produce gases.  He believes an exhaust fan in the storage room was not operating.  

Leyden said Jones made suggestions to help prolong the life of a new boiler including having the fan synchronized with the boiler so they both run at the same time, and to make sure the louvers in the room are open to let in fresh air.  

The money for the new boiler would come from the Capital Improvement funds since the repair or replacement was not in the budget. 
 

(KMZA)--A Centralia home was destroyed by fire Thursday afternoon.

Nemaha County Emergency Management Director Russel Lierz said the fire was reported around 2:00 at 304 John Riggins Avenue.

The Centralia and Seneca Fire Departments responded.

Lierz said the high winds caused the fire to spread rapidly.

He said the couple who live at the residence were not home at the time of the fire.

Lierz said the house was a total loss.

The State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Republican senators from four states that have seen severe flooding from the Missouri River are backing legislation that would require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to change its management of the river to reduce flood risk. 

The proposal would require the Corps to take steps to reduce flood risks along the lower Missouri River by changing the way it manages the dams and by strengthening levees along the river.

The proposal is backed by all the senators from Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Corps officials say flood protection remains their highest priority.

(KAIR)--An email being sent to recipients in the Atchison area on behalf of the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce is a fake.

That word comes in a release from the Chamber, which says the email is asking those who it’s sent to to purchase a large sum of gift cards for the sender.

The email falsely claims to have been sent by the Chair of the Chamber Board.

The Chamber asks that anyone receiving the email to delete it or report it, but not to respond to it or make any purchases being requested.

Anyone receiving suspicious emails claiming to have originated with the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce or Visit Atchion should contact the Chamber at (913) 367-2427.

Screenshots of the emails falsely being sent on behalf of the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce. 

(KLZA)--Fire destroyed a garage at a residence on the west edge of Falls City Thursday afternoon.

Falls City Rural Fire Department Chief Mike Ramsey said the fire was reported shortly after 2:00 on West 14th Street.

Ramsey said the fire started in a cornfield and jumped the road, destroying the detached garage.

He said the fire department had already responded to a grass fire south of the Indian Cave State Park that had rekindled from Wednesday when the fire call came in.

No damage was reported in that fire.

(MSC News)--A state of disaster emergency declaration has been issued due to the potential risk of wildland fires in Kansas.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly made the declaration Thursday morning. It will remain in place through Saturday.

According to a news release issued by Kelly’s office Thursday, the declaration is made because the majority of Kansas is either in an Enhanced Fire Danger outlook, Significant Fire Danger outlook, or Critical Fire Danger outlook. Conditions across the state are dry with low relative humidity, strong southerly winds, and an abundance of dry grass and other flammable vegetation.

The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka has been activated through Saturday for critical fire weather across central and eastern Kansas.

The Kansas National Guard will be placed on alert, if needed, for aerial fire suppression support.

Local counties, due to the current conditions, remain under burn bans.

That includes Atchison, Brown and Doniphan Counties.

The burn ban in Brown County was issued Friday. The bans in Atchison and Doniphan were issued Wednesday. According to the Emergency Management offices of both counties, the bans are necessary due to a High Fire Warning being issued locally by the National Weather Service.

The bans will remain in place until further notice, with no open burning allowed until lifted.

According to the National Weather Service, strong winds combined with dry conditions and low humidity means dangerous fire conditions for the local area.

(KNZA)--A second candidate has filed for the position of Brown County Treasurer.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Anne Olson filed Thursday for the position.  She currently works in the Treasurer's Office.

Olson joins Betty " BJ" Spiker in seeking the position. Spiker currently serves as a deputy in the Treasurer's Office.

County Treasurer Cheryl Lippold has announced she plans to retire when her term ends in October of next year and will not be seeking re-election.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file at the Brown County Clerk's Office.

The primary election will be held August 4 and the general election is November 3rd.

(KNZA)--The 2020 Brown County Fair Spotlight Auction will be held Monday and Tuesday evenings, March 9-10.

It will be broadcast over KNZA 103.9 FM from 5:30 to 9 each evening.

The Spotlight Auction is a live radio auction of merchandise, services and chamber dollars donated mostly by area businesses, with bids taken via the phone.

You can see pictures of the items being sold and view the flyer online by going to the Brown County Fair Facebook page or the Brown County Extension website at www.brown.ksu.edu.

Those unable to call on the two evenings can call the Brown County Extension Office and give a maximum bid on the item or items you would like to buy, and one of the Fairboard members will be the bidder for you.

Proceeds from this year’s auction will be used for the operation of the 2020 Brown County Fair to be held July 5-11.

(KLZA)--Pawnee County  Commissioners met in special session Tuesday. 

The purpose of the meeting was to open bids for culverts for projects in the county. 

Jeff Wagner with Mainelli Wagner engineers recommended the Board award bids on the first culvert project to Contech Engineered Solutions of Lincoln in an amount of $106,322.  That was the low bid submitted.

The second project bid was awarded to Midwest Service and Sales of Schuyler  which submitted the low bid of $185,232.  The project costs will be split between Pawnee, Johnson and Nemaha  counties.  The Pawnee County share will be $32,219.

Following the awarding of the bids,  Commissioners conducted a public hearing on One – and – Six – Year Road Plan for Pawnee County.  

Highway Superintendent Chris Rauner provided details on the proposals.

No one from the public spoke during the public hearing and the plan was unanimously approved by the Board. 

(KLZA)--Following a lengthy discussion Monday evening, the Falls City Council committed to allowing the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department purchase six air packs and six extra air bottles,  but not in the current budget cycle. 

During a February Council meeting the Fire Department asked for $60-thousand to purchase the equipment to replace  older air packs that are outdated and hard to find repair parts for.

During the discussion the fire fighters agreed they could wait til the next budget year which starts in September to make the purchase.  

The Council decided to solicit bids for a grant writer to apply for grants that would cover a majority of the cost.  The Fire Department budget is $20-thousand for equipment this year.

If grant funds are not awarded,  the Council agreed the City could loan the Fire Department the money and allow it to be paid back over several years from their annual equipment budget. 

The Fire Department did present a list of equipment they anticipate needing in the next 10 years which includes $1.1-million for a new 85-foot aerial ladder truck and equipment to replace the nearly 40-year-old ladder truck currently in use. 

Another $1.1-million for a new fire station building and $300-thousand for a new pumper truck. The current pumper truck is29 years old. 

(KAIR)--Burn bans remain in place for Atchison and Doniphan Counties.

The bans were issued Wednesday.

According to an alert from Atchison County Emergency Management, the bans are necessary due to a High Fire Warning being issued by the National Weather Service.

The bans will remain in place until further notice, with no open burning allowed until lifted.

According to the National Weather Service, strong winds combined with dry conditions and low humidity means dangerous fire conditions for the local area.

(KNZA)--A tradition of 18-years, providing a one-stop shop for a wide variety of services available across the local region, will be held Saturday.

That's the date for the Regional Expo, sponsored by the radio stations of KNZA-FM, KMZA-FM, KAIR-FM, KLZA-FM, and KTNC-AM.

It will again be held at Hiawatha's Fisher Center, at 201 East Iowa Street, from 9.a.m. until 3 p.m.

The radio stations, which service the areas of northeast Kansas, northwest Missouri, and southeast Nebraska, combine their resources to attract a wide variety of vendors, which represent businesses, and other service providers, from across the region.

43 vendors are confirmed to attend.

Greg Buser, General Manager for the radio station group, says that along with the vendors, prize giveaways will happen throughout the day, as well as seminars provided by longtime, on-air Meteorologist Bill Spencer, as well as lawn and garden expert Carl Jarboe, the host of radio's “Lawn and Garden Solutions” show.

Jarboe will hold two seminars. The first, at 9:30 Saturday morning, will focus on gardens and lawns, while the second, at 12:30, will focus on landscaping tips and planting.

Spencer will also speak twice, first at 11:00 and again at 2:00.
Prizes will accompany the seminars for both.

A new feature for 2020 will be a child-friendly bounce house and obstacle course, operating from 11 until 2:00.

The grand prize to be given away during the expo is a 50 inch smart television, courtesy of the Hiawatha Walmart.

The public is invited to attend all, or part of the expo, where admission is free.

Additional parking will be available at the Hiawatha Middle School parking lot, located just north of the Fisher Center.

(KNZA)--An Effingham teenager escaped serious injury in a two-vehicle Atchison County wreck Thursday morning.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the wreck happened around 7:30 on K-116 Highway about three miles north of Nortonville.

The Patrol reports 32-year-old Tyler Fuhrman, of Cummings, was driving a semi tractor-trailer westbound when he failed to yield and made a left turn in front of a mini-van driven by 18-year-old Philip Boyce. Boyce tried to avoid the semi but struck the vehicle.

He was transported by private vehicle to the Atchison Hospital with suspected minor injury.  

Fuhrman was not hurt.

The Patrol reports Boyce was buckled up at the time of the wreck, but Fuhrman was not wearing a seatbelt.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved the use of Bruning Park for a fundraiser.

Hiawatha Youth Baseball Association President Dan Siebenmorgen appeared before the Commission Monday evening to seek approval for use of the ballpark on May 9 and 10.

Siebenmorgen said the Association plans to hold a fundraiser for the purchase of pitching mounds, which are now required for 14 and under youth baseball.

Dr. Julie Rosa, chief of staff for the Hiawatha Community Hospital, met with the Commission to provide an update.

Rosa said physician recruitment continues to be the hospital's top priority for 2020 with three current physicans planning to retire in the next couple of years. She said hospital is expanding its recruitment search to areas outside the state. Hospital Administrator John Broberg plans to attend a recruitment conference in Golden, Colorado. In addition, he will traveling to Texas, Nebraska and Iowa.

Rosa reported the hospital's financial picture continues to improve. She said gross revenue for the month of January was up 33 percent over January of last year.

As part of an Eagle Scout Project, Rosa said local Boy Scout Matthew Monaghan installed a flagpole in front of the hospital. Freedom Hospice paid for the flag pole and Jeremy Stover donated the flag.

In other action, the Commission voted to solicit bids for the demolition of structures on city-owned property at 914 and 916 Miami Street—the former Salem Grain property.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - The Kansas health department's top administrator says health officials are monitoring up to a dozen people a day for the possibility that they have the new coronavirus.

Secretary Lee Norman also said Wednesday that the Department of Health and Environment now can do its own testing. Norman had a news conference with Gov. Laura Kelly a day after the department launched an online resource center to disseminate information about coronavirus.

A legislative committee also approved an increase Wednesday in state aid to local health departments.

Kansas has had no confirmed cases of the virus that causes COVID-19, but Norman said a positive test in inevitable.

(KMZA)--This year’s annual Baileyville Benefit Tournament was a big success.

Organizers say the event held this past weekend at the Nemaha Central High School, in Seneca, raised about $190,000.

The proceeds will go to help four individuals with medical expenses.  They include James Beckwith, Justin Eisenbarth, Mary Herrmann and Lynn Ronnebaum. 

18 basketball teams and 24 volleyball teams participated in the tournament.

The two-day event concluded with live auction of donated items and services.

The Baileyville Benefit Committee thanks those who made the event a success.

(KAIR)--A burn ban has been issued for Atchison County.

The ban was put in place Wednesday afternoon.

According to an alert from Atchison County Emergency Management, the ban is necessary due to a High Fire Warning being issued by the National Weather Service.

The ban means that no open burning will be allowed in Atchison County until further notice.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s Benedictine College is closing its Italian campus, due to the spread of coronavirus.

According to Steve Johnson, Director of Marketing & Communications for the college, the Florence, Italy campus will close Friday.

All students currently studying at that location have been notified, with the college highly recommending they return to the United States. Once they do, they will be required to stay away from campus for 14 days, and will be advised of recommendations made available by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on what to do during that time period.

The closure, and departure, follows the return of 14 of the 52 study abroad students late last month when coronavirus cases were reported in the Tuscany region, where Florence is located.

Those students, too, were told to return home and remain away from campus for 14 days.

According to Johnson, they are not expected to return to campus, and are being provided with long distance learning to allow them to finish their academics for the current semester.

The decision to close the Italian campus was made due to what Johnson says are potential travel bans, the continued spread of the virus in Italy, and the reduction of flights to and from Italy.

On Monday, Benedictine College President Steve Minnis created a Coronavirus Response Task Force to begin the process of preparing the Atchison campus if the virus spreads throughout the United States, and cases are diagnosed on campus.

According to Johnson, the task force is meeting everyday and evaluating a variety of scenarios.

(KLZA)-- Tuesday was the deadline for non-incumbents to file for most offices up for election this year.

Leslie Baker of Falls City becomes the third person to file for the Republican nomination for District 2 County Commissioner joining incumbent David Sickel and Jonathan Kirkendall. 

Ricky Karas of rural Dawson will seek the Republican nomination for the District 3 Commissioner position.  He will run against incumbent Terry Frank.

Philip Hitchcock of Verdon filed on the Democratic ticket for District 3 Commissioner. 

Three more people have filed for the three positions on the Humboldt-Table Rock - Steinauer School Board. Grant Reynolds of Stella, Michael Kanel of Humboldt and Leah Reyes of Humboldt will join the race for the school board seats. 

Tomas Borrego JR. has filed for a position on the Village Board of  Shubert.  

The school board and village board seats are non-partisan positions.  

(KLZA)-- Tuesday was the deadline for non-incumbents to file for most offices up for election this year.

Leslie Baker of Falls City becomes the third person to file for the Republican nomination for District 2 County Commissioner joining incumbent David Sickel and Jonathan Kirkendall. 

Ricky Karas of rural Dawson will seek the Republican nomination for the District 3 Commissioner position.  He will run against incumbent Terry Frank.

Philip Hitchcock of Verdon filed on the Democratic ticket for District 3 Commissioner. 

Three more people have filed for the three positions on the Humboldt-Table Rock - Steinauer School Board. Grant Reynolds of Stella, Michael Kanel of Humboldt and Leah Reyes of Humboldt will join the race for the school board seats. 

Tomas Borrego JR. has filed for a position on the Village Board of  Shubert.  

The school board and village board seats are non-partisan positions.  

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man is dead, killed while walking across a Leavenworth Street.

The Leavenworth Times reports 44-year-old Adam Wheeler was struck and killed by a motorcycle shortly before 1:00 Sunday afternoon as he crossed Ottawa Street at 12th Street.

According to the newspaper, one of two motorcycles, traveling westbound on Ottawa Street at a high rate of speed, struck and killed Wheeler.

That motorcyclist was thrown from the bike, and suffered what police called life-threatening injuries. He was transported for hospital treatment.
The 35-year-old Leavenworth motorcyclist was wearing a helmet.

The other motorcyclist was not hurt.

The investigation is ongoing.

(KAIR)--A long standing Jefferson County-based boil water advisory has been rescinded.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Wednesday announced that the boil water advisory for the Lakeside Village Improvement District has been lifted.

According to a news release, the advisory had been issued last year on April 15 due to a loss of pressure which can result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The release states that laboratory testing samples collected from the Lakeside Village Improvement District indicate no evidence of contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.  The boil water advisory was one of three issued last year in Jefferson County following spring flooding.

(KAIR)--Atchison-based MGP Ingredients has acquired a Washington D.C.-based distillery.

According to a news release issued by MGP, acquired is New Columbia Distillers LLC, which produces and markets Greet Hat Gin. It also operates a distillery with a retail tasting room, a bar, and gin garden, in Northeast Washington D.C.

Announcement of the acquisition was made Tuesday.

According to the release, the distillery and its retail operations will continue to operate with the current management team. Its Green Hat Gin styles will be phased into expanded distribution as a new addition to MGP’s portfolio of award-winning brands.

Terms of the acquirement transaction were not disclosed.

New Columbia Distillers was founded in 2011.

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

Jackson  County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said 40-year-old Charles Barrand, of Topeka, was arrested Monday evening following a traffic stop in Holton.

Morse said Barrand was allegedly driving a recreational vehicle near 4th and Montana when a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle.  

He said deputies located a significant amount of what is believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

Barrand was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony interference with law enforcement, driving while revoked and no proof of insurance.   

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission was updated Monday on plans to build a high-voltage transmission line across the county.

Representatives of Chicago-based Invenergy told commissioners that the company finalized the purchase of the Grain Belt Express Line from Houston-based Clean Line Energy Partners in January.

The about 800-mile line will deliver up to 4,000 megawatts of wind-generated power from southwest Kansas across Missouri and Illinois to the Indiana border. The line will go through 14 Kansas counties—including Brown, Doniphan, Marshall and Nemaha.

Project Development Director Krista Mann told commissioners they are in the process of meeting with local stakeholders in all the counties along the route in Kansas and Missouri. They also met with the Doniphan County Commission Monday.

Mann said the company will be talking to landowners about easement agreements and the first landowners should start receiving easement packages in about a month. She said landowners will be offered payments for the easement, number of permanent structures on their property and crop damages.

The towers that will support the transmission line will be between 130 and 160 feet tall and about a quarter-mile apart.

Mann said construction is expected to start in late 2021 or early 2022 and be completed by 2024.

Invenergy is looking at a total investment of $7 to $8 billion dollars.

(KLZA)--During the February 25 meeting of the Richardson County Commissioners,  Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau, Jr. presented the One & Six Year Road Plan to the County Board. 

The One Year Plan includes two bridge projects among the 10 total projects planned.  The total cost of the work is estimated at $2,045,000.

The Six-Year Plan includes an additional 17 projects with an estimated price tag of more than $9.7-million.  Two-million of that total is for the Airport Road and Bridge on the northeast edge of Falls City.

Commissioners are expected to approve the plan at a future meeting after further review.  

(KLZA)--The Pawnee County Commissioners approved a three-year audit proposal from Schulz and Associates when the met February 25.

The cost to the County will  be $9,850 each year for 2020, 2021 and 2022.  

Veterans Service Officer Larry Bradbury met with the Board to discuss the internment of Charles Anderson, a veteran from Pawnee County that is deceased.

Anderson was cremated but has no family.  The Nebraska Department of Veteran Affairs will pay for the cremation and burial will be at the Omaha National  Cemetery. There will be no cost to Pawnee County. 

Pawnee County Attorney Jennifer Stehlik Ladman met with the Board to discuss four county tax foreclosure properties.  Orders have been signed by the Judge to sell the properties and they will be advertised for sale.  

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha teenager received hospitalized treatment following a single-vehicle Brown County wreck.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the sheriff's dispatch received a call Sunday about a pickup truck upside down in a ditch in the vicinity of 220th and Coyote Roads.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, 19-year-old Keith Kopp, was transported by private vehicle to the Hiawatha Community Hospital for the treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Merchant said the wreck remains under investigation.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council has voted to put a  proposed 1.5 percent sales tax issue before City voters on the May 12 ballot. 

Humboldt has been struggling with financial issues.  If approved by voters, the 1.5 percent sales tax would be applied to the same transactions within the municipality on which the State of Nebraska imposes a sales and use tax.
 

(KLZA)-- There have been several recent filings for offices in Richardson County. 

Jonathan Kirkendall of Falls City has filed to run for Second District Richardson County Commissioner on the Republican ticket.  

Kirkendall will challenge incumbent David Sickel in the Republican primary on May 12.

Crystal Dunekacke of Humboldt has filed for one of three open positions on the Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School Board. None of the incumbents filed for reelection. 

Jordan Frederick has filed to rune of a 4-year term on the Village Board of Rulo. 

(KLZA)-- The Center for Disease Control has issued a number of recommendations to help prevent the spread of illness during the Cold, Flu and Coronavirus season. 

You are urged to wash hands frequently with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer if washing is not available.

Avoid touching your face;  cough into your elbow or a tissue; avoid contact with sick people;  stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of cold or flu and avoid unnecessary travel. 

It is recommended you have at least a two-week supply of the following: 

hand sanitzer;  military grade trash bags with at least 7 mil. Strength;  disinfectant soap,  bleach;  Lysol;  disposable gloves;  over the counter meds;  toilet paper, Kleenex,  two gallons of water per day plus water for extra cleaning, laundry and bathing,  two weeks of emergency food;  sanitation and bathroom needs,  pet food and supplies to monitor outside communication including radio, television, tablets and a weather radio.
 

(KLZA)-- The Center for Disease Control has issued a number of recommendations to help prevent the spread of illness during the Cold, Flu and Coronavirus season. 

You are urged to wash hands frequently with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer if washing is not available.

Avoid touching your face;  cough into your elbow or a tissue; avoid contact with sick people;  stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of cold or flu and avoid unnecessary travel. 

It is recommended you have at least a two-week supply of the following: 

hand sanitzer;  military grade trash bags with at least 7 mil. Strength;  disinfectant soap,  bleach;  Lysol;  disposable gloves;  over the counter meds;  toilet paper, Kleenex,  two gallons of water per day plus water for extra cleaning, laundry and bathing,  two weeks of emergency food;  sanitation and bathroom needs,  pet food and supplies to monitor outside communication including radio, television tablets and a weather radio.
 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission, as well as City staff, will receive training should an active shooter situation develop. 

According to a news release, the training will be conducted Thursday and Friday, and will be overseen by Hiawatha Police Captain Dennis Entrikin.  The Alice training program will be utilized, which stands for Alert- Lockdown-Inform-Counter- Evacuate. 

According to the release, the training comes complete with participation scenarios, along with a presentation. 

Due to the training, Hiawatha City Hall will close at 12:30 Friday afternoon to allow commissioners, employees, and court personnel to attend and train in their own workplace environment.   

Entrikin, in the release, says the training will help prepare the attendees to react and respond to an active shooter incident anywhere. 

The First Baptist Church in Hiawatha is allowing use of their building for part of the training.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The amount of water being released into the Missouri River from Gavins Point Dam will be decreased somewhat this week, so the river levels won't interfere with ongoing levee repairs downstream.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Monday that the amount of water flowing out of Gavins Point on the Nebraska-South Dakota border will be reduced to 35,000 cubic feet per second. That's down from the current 38,000 cubic feet per second.

Even at the new level, the releases from Gavins Point dam will remain more than double what is typical for this time of year.

(KNZA)--A Brown County Sheriff's dispatcher was recognized and a fallen deputy remembered at Monday's Brown County Commission meeting.

Sheriff John Merchant presented a certificate of recognition to dispatcher Paige Powell for her quick thinking during a wreck on November 16 of last year that claimed the life of a Hiawatha teenager and left four other teens injured.

Merchant said Powell took the initiative to dispatch multiple air ambulances to the scene west of Hiawatha, which is credited with saving the life of Andrew Kreek who was critically injured in the wreck.

Kreek and his mother were on hand for the presentation and to personally thank Powell.

A moment of silence was also observed at the meeting in remembrance of Deputy Todd Widman who was killed in the line of duty 20 years ago.

County Attorney Kevin Hill requested 20 secs of silence in remembrance of Widman.

The 21-year-old deputy was shot and killed on March 1, 2000 after picking up a runaway juvenile in Hiawatha.

Widman had been employed by the Brown County Sheriff's Department for two years.

(KNZA)--A Leavenworth woman convicted of charges in the 2018 death of her 19-month-old son has been sentenced to 3 years in prison.

According to a news release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 32-year-old Catherine Smith was sentenced Friday on charges of involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment and obstruction of law enforcement.

Smith pleaded guilty to the charges in January. She had originally been charged with second-degree murder.

Police were sent to Smith's house on Nov. 29, 2018, and found the baby not breathing. The baby died a few minutes later at a hospital.

Thompson said the child had a temperature of 105 degrees, and a coroner said the baby likely died of hyperthermia.

Police said the child was found in the upstairs room where the temperature was close to 100 degrees, even though thermostat downstairs had been set at 75 degrees.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County Register of Deeds Susan Shuster is seeking re-election to another 4-year term.

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports Shuster filed Friday as a Republican candidate.

She was first elected to the position in 1992.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file at the Doniphan County Clerk's Office.

The primary election will be held August 4 and the general election is November 3.

(KNZA)--Two Texas residents are facing Jackson County charges in connection with drugs and weapons.

25-year-old Jedidiah Hunter and 28-year-old Aaron Hunter, both of Dallas, Texas, were arrested around 9:30 Saturday morning.

According to a news release issued by Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the arrests followed a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 75, north of 118th Road, for multiple traffic infractions.

Jedidiah Hunter, identified as the driver of the car, was taken into custody for driving without a valid driver’s license, felony possession of ecstasy, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Aaron Hunter was taken into custody for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Following their arrest, both men were booked into the Jackson County Jail.