(KMZA)--A Wamego motorcyclist suffered suspected serious injuries after he struck a semi-truck on K-13 Highway in Pottawatomie County late Thursday morning.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 47-year-old Delbert Hanson was southbound on a curve in the roadway when his Harley Davidson motorcycle went left of center, striking a northbound semi-truck.  The semi driver had made an evasive maneuver in an attempt to avoid the collision.

Hanson was airlifted from the scene to the University of the Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.

The semi driver, 24-year-old Wamego resident Alex White, was not hurt.

The Patrol says Hanson was not wearing a helmet when the wreck occurred shortly after 11:15 Thursday morning.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly has announced that she will allow many Kansas businesses to reopen next week if they can maintain social distancing.

She also said Thursday that she hopes to lift all state limits on mass gatherings and other restrictions by June 15.

Kelly is lifting a statewide stay-at-home order Monday. But her plan won’t allow bars, gyms, theaters, barbershops, hair and nail salons or state-owned casinos to reopen until at least May 18 and local officials will be allowed to impose stricter rules.

Meanwhile, the state began testing all inmates at its prison in Lansing because of a growing coronavirus outbreak.

(KAIR)--The Effingham City Pool will not open for use during the summer swimming season.

That message came in a post made to the official Effingham City Pool Facebook page Thursday afternoon.

The post gave no specific reason for the decision, but comments on the post elude to the current virus pandemic.

Concluding by saying, “enjoy your summer and stay safe,” the post also indicated the pool would be back in operation for the summer of 2021.

Meanwhile, it’s unlikely the Atchison Lion’s Pool will be opening for the season.

The agenda for Monday’s meeting of the Atchison City Commission includes an action item authorizing the cancellation of the 2020 Lion’s Pool season.

Citing the coronavirus pandemic, and the social distancing guidelines that come with it, among other factors, a document from City Manager Becky Berger said “given the unknown timeline of the virus threat being lifted and the impact the last couple of months and upcoming months will have on the City’s finances, it doesn’t seem prudent to open the pool this year.”

It’s likely, according to the document, that the closure will be used to repair the pool’s surface, with the $50,000 project included in the City’s 2021 Capital Improvement Plan.

(KLZA)-- Falls City High School senior students or parents are reminded you are required to schedule an appointment for senior checkout. 

Appointments can be made by either calling or sending an email to Amanda Merz at the High School office at 402-245-2116. or email amerz@fallscityps.org.

Appointments must be scheduled Friday, May 1 between 8:00 a.m. and noon  or on Monday, May 4 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Checkout times have been scheduled for Tuesday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00p.m. - 6:30 p-m.

Wednesday, May 6 at the same times or Saturday, May 9 starting at 10:00 a.m.

Each appointment will be 10 minutes.  

If you have questions, please contact the high school. 
You can also go to the school webpage at www.fctigers.com or the Falls City District 56 Facebook page to access senior checkout information. 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Courthouse will remain closed to the public until May 18.

The Brown County Commission voted Thursday to extend the closure to allow time for a re-opening plan to be developed and to acquire adequate supplies for disinfecting.

The Commission made the decison after hearing input from county department heads.

The Courthouse has been closed to the public since March 19 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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

The Commission set a special meeting for 8:30 Friday morning to discuss how to proceed with allowing local businesses to open to the public.  The meeting will be broadcast live on the county's Facebook page.

(KAIR)--Kansas is reporting a 500-case increase in confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 statewide.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Thursday, the state now has 4,238 confirmed cases in 80 counties. That’s up from Wednesday’s count of 3,378 in 78 of the state’s 105 counties.

The figures also show the state has experienced 129 virus-related deaths to date.

According to a release from KDHE, Thursday’s increase “is due to delays in report entry from some communities and positives found at Lansing Correctional Facility.”

On Wednesday, Atchison County confirmed it’s 10th positive case, but the KDHE statistics don’t immediately reflect that confirmation.

Locally, Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of cases with 356.

Pottawatomie County has increased to 13 cases, while Jefferson County has 9. Doniphan County has 3 cases, Jackson County has 2, and Nemaha County has 1.

Editor's note---the following release was submitted by the Hiawatha Community Hospital

After careful review and consideration, Hiawatha Community Hospital will be reopening the Highland Clinic effective Monday, May 4, 2020.   Bonnie Enneking, APRN will see well-patient appointments Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Highland Clinic location. Bonnie will also be offering telehealth visits. If you are interested in scheduling a telehealth visit, please call the Highland Clinic at 785-442-3213.

All patients will be screened and are required to wear a face covering while at the Highland Clinic. We ask all patients to adhere to the visitor restriction policy of HCH and only the patient come to the appointment.  All sick patients will be seen at the Mobile Clinic in Hiawatha. To reach the Mobile Clinic, please call 785-742-2161.

Please CALL BEFORE YOU GO to the Highland Clinic at 785-442-3213 to schedule an appointment for Bonnie Enneking or Dr. Pete Rosa.

Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these unprecedented times.

#CallBeforeYouGo #StoptheSpread #WashYourHands #HCHCares

(KLZA)-- A daily update from Nemaha County Hospital CEO Marty Fattig on Wednesday revealed that following careful consideration, the hospital located in Auburn will open outpatient services to include elective surgeries beginning Monday, May 4.

The release said the decision was based on the hospitals desire to provide needed services to the community and a desire to provide them as safely as possible.  Fattig says there is no clear and convincing scientific data not to open.

Masks must be worn by those at the hospital and social distancing must be maintained.  All current visitor and staff restrictions remain in effect.  All outpatients will be escorted  throughout the hospital at all times.  

(KLZA)-- City offices and all city owned facilities in Falls City will remain closed through May 15 to allow ample time for city staff to put safeguards in place for staff and the public.

The City office will open Monday, May 18 and return  to the regular hours of 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 

Online bill paying fees and late charges along with disconnect fees will be waived through May 31. Disconnection of utilities will be enforced due to non-payment beginning May 28.  Customers with outstanding utility bills need to contact the Utility Office if they are unable to pay their bill due to COVID-19. 

The Falls City Library and and Art Center lobby will remain closed until further notice but he drive through remains open. 

Parks equipment, basketball and volleyball courts are also closed until further notice. There is not date set for the Aquatic Park or the Splash Pad to open.  

Prichard Auditorium will be open for the May 12 Primary Election.  

If you have any questions, contact the City Office at 402-245-2851 or the Utility Office at 402-245-2724.  

(KAIR)--A missing motorcycle, stolen in Atchison last month, has been recovered.

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

It had been stolen March 25 from the 1300 block of Atchison’s North 17th Street.

According to Wilson, his office is working leads with Kansas City, Missouri Police in an attempt to locate suspects in the case.

Anyone with information should contact Atchison Police at (913) 367-4323.

(KAIR)--Kansas hospitals are going to receive some much needed medical equipment during the COVID-19 emergency thanks to the Atchison Hospital and Clinics.

The Kansas Adjutant General's Office, in a news release, said the Kansas Division of Emergency Management has reached an agreement with the Atchison hospital for the temporary use of the equipment at no cost.

The equipment comes from the former Horton Community Hospital, which the Atchison Hospital recently purchased. It includes items like beds, IV pumps, and defibrillators, plus disposable supplies like gloves, tubing, and oxygen masks.

Angee Morgan, deputy director of KDEM, said "this is a wonderful demonstration of public spirit by the Atchison Hospital and the Horton community as they reach out to help other Kansas communities get through this emergency."

The resources will be distributed by KDEM on a greatest need basis. 

The equipment will have to be returned to the Atchison Hospital within 45 days of the COVID-19 emergency being declared over, not to exceed January 15, 2021.

(KNZA)--A second inmate at the Lansing Correctional Facility has died after testing positive for COVID-19.

The Kansas Department of Corrections said the inmate, a man over the age of 60 who had underlying medical conditions, died Wednesday.

He was taken to KU Medical Center on April 24 and tested  positive for the virus the next day.

The inmate was serving a life sentence on multiple charges including robbery, aggravated burglary, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, aggravated criminal sodomy and drug possession.

He had been imprisoned with the Kansas Department of Corrections since 1999.

Another Lansing inmate died from the virus on Sunday after testing positive on April 19.

(KAIR)--The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas is extending the closures on the Kickapoo Reservation.

According to a news release issued Wednesday evening by Tribal Chairman Lester Randall, the closure will remain in place until June 1.

The closure includes all government buildings and the Golden Eagle Casino.

The extension was decided “in an effort to suppress the spread of COVID-19 on the reservation.”

Tribal leadership, prior to June 1, will consult with emergency management and local health officials “to determine whether further closure is necessary.”

The Kickapoo Trading Post, however, will reopen May 18, but customers will be limited to ten at a time.

According to the release, the Tribe has administered 33 COVID-19 tests, all of which were negative for the disease, with zero cases on the Kickapoo Reservation and in Brown County.

Chairman Lester Randall, in the release, stated, “The fact that we have encouraged our tribal community to stay home and took proactive steps to assist our community in following self-distancing guidelines, is reflected in the fact that we have had no cases of COVID-19 on our reservation. We are doing our part to flatten the curve.”

Tribal Officials continue to encourage tribal members and those in the community to stay home, follow federal guidelines for self-distancing and avoid exposure to those who are ill.

As restrictions are lifted and Americans cautiously readjust to life after quarantine, the Tribe remains eager to transition to normal life. “Life will go back to normal, but it will be a new normal,” Chairman Randall stated, “and we will make adjustments and keep moving forward in order to persevere.” In discussing extension of the closure of the Casino, Chairman Randall further stated, “We continue to consult with experts and weigh the current economic impact we are facing versus the impact the disease could potentially have on our tribal community and the decision is always clear. The health and safety of our tribal membership, our employees and our casino patrons are foremost our number one priority.”

(KAIR)--Kansas joins states across the nation in planning to reopen in lite of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will deliver an address Thursday evening regarding her administration’s official reopening plan.

According to a news release from Kelly’s office, the address is planned for 6:30 and will be broadcast from a local film studio.

Due to the scheduling of the Governor’s conference, a special meeting of the Atchison County Commission will not happen as originally scheduled.

It was to take place at 6:00 Thursday evening, but Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips told MSC News a new time and date for the meeting will be determined. 

The focus of the Commission, when they meet, will be the adoption of a reopening plan for Atchison County on a whole.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is recording its 10th positive case of COVID-19.

That word came Wednesday afternoon in a release issued by Atchison County Emergency Managment Director Wes Lanter.  

The release identifies the person as a man in his forties, who is on home isolation.

According to the release, the Atchison County Health Department is completing their investigation of the case.

According to statistics released Wednesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there were 3,738 confirmed positive cases statewide. The figures do not include the latest case in Atchison County.

The confirmed cases are in 78 of the state’s 105 counties.

Locally, Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of cases with 196. Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have 9 cases each, Doniphan County has 3, Jackson County has 2, and Nemaha County has 1.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing charges in connection with an unwelcome stay at a downtown Atchison location.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 48-year-old David Robertson was arrested Saturday. “Midday on Saturday, police officers were investigating an open door at a vacant building located at 526 Commercial, on the Mall, when it was determined that someone had been unlawfully staying inside the building,” Wilson said. “A short time later...Robertson was observed [by officers] entering the building, and he was taken into custody. We believe that he unlawfully had been entering that vacant building over recent days, and had actually been staying inside.”

Robertson faces charges for burglary, theft, criminal damage to property, and criminal trespass.
He was also arrested on an Atchison County District Court warrant for criminal use of a financial card and theft. Wilson, in a report, said those crimes are alleged to have occurred April 10.

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

His bond is set at $1,500.

(KLZA)-- During the 1st Quarter EDGE report for 2020 to the Falls City Council and Richardson County Commissioners last week, Executive Director Beckie Cromer provided an update on progress on Champions Crossing, an area to be developed for new home construction in Falls City.

Grading work at the site which is north of 28th Street off of Abbott Street has been completed.  The next phase will be installation of water and sewer lines by Rieschick Drilling.  

Plans are also in the works for concrete work on the streets.  

Miller Monroe Company was the low bidder and are currently marketing lots in the first of three cul-de-sacs planned for the Shamrock Circle area.  

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved a resolution showing support to the operations of the United States Postal Service.

Approval of the resolution came Monday.

The document states that the resolution is intended to urge “Congress to take all appropriate measures to provide financial assistance” to the Postal Service “during the current economic crises brought about by COVID-19.” The resolution states that it’s also intended to ensure that the Postal Service “remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization.”

On Friday, President Donald Trump said he won’t approve a $10 billion loan for the U.S. Postal Service unless the agency raises charges for Amazon and other big shippers to four to five times current rates.

The Associated Press reports Trump, on Friday, addressed reports his administration plans to force major changes in postal operations as the price for approving a $10 billion loan that was included in the government’s $2 trillion economic rescue package.

Under the rescue package legislation, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin must approve the loan before the Postal Service can receive the money.

(KNZA)--A Tuesday evening single-vehicle Brown County rollover wreck sent a Sabetha woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened in the 31-hundred block of Foxtail Road, north of 310th Road, shortly before 9:00.

The Patrol reports 21-year-old Azaria Marie Richey was northbound when she lost control of her Dodge Ram pickup truck, causing the vehicle to entered the east ditch, where it rolled before coming to rest on the driver's side.

Richey was transported by ambulance to the Sabetha Community Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says Richey, who was the lone occupant, was wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred.

(MSC News)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas has risen by 163.

According to virus-related figures released Tuesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state has recorded 3,491 cases, up from Monday’s count of 3,328.

The cases are confirmed in 76 of the state’s 105 counties.

The death rate rose by four from Monday, with KDHE reporting 124 people have died statewide.

Leavenworth County has 183 cases, the highest number in the immediate, local Kansas area. Atchison and Pottawatomie Counties have 9 cases each, while Jefferson County has 8. Doniphan County has 3 cases, Jackson County has 2, and Nemaha County has 1 confirmed case.

(KAIR)--Six of the eight persons confirmed to have COVID-19 in Jefferson County have recovered.

That word was delivered Monday when County Emergency Services Director James Tweed spoke during the regular meeting of the Jefferson County Commission.

Tweed told the Commission that one more of the eight is expected to be released from treatment this week, while another remains in hospice care.

According to the unofficial minutes of the meeting, Tweed, during his time before the Commission, said “citizens need to continue to be on guard, stay vigilant, and continue to practice social distancing and other preventive measures.”

The Commission, meanwhile, is planning a special meeting this week.

The meeting will be Friday morning at 9:00 with the Jefferson County Health Department to discuss virus-related restrictions.

(KLZA)-- The quarterly report from Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise was presented to the Falls City Council and Richardson County Commissioners last week. 

EDGE Executive Director Beckie Cromer reported EDGE has assisted Falls City Foods with a Community Development Block Grant application for equipment.  The $10,500 forgivable loan is to aid in the purchase of a grinder and includes a cash match of  nearly $86-thousand and will aid in the creation of two jobs.  

EDGE has also finalized purchase of  nearly 19.5 acres of commercially zoned highway property along Highway 73. A site plan for land division is underway. EDGE will own eight acres and the investor will own 11.46 acres.  

EDGE conducted  a survey of Falls City industries concerning the impact of COVID-19.  Most industries indicated they were holding steady while a couple reported a dramatic increase in business.  One company reported they had implemented a temporary two-week layoff which could be extended based on their customers.  

It was noted that some companies felt it may be the third or fourth quarter of 2020 before impact from the coronavirus pandemic would be felt.

(KLZA)-- Wages have been set for Richardson County poll workers for the May 12 primary election.

County Clerk Mary Eickhoff said a number of people who regularly serve as poll workers decided not to work this election due to the coronavirus. 

Eickhoff requested Commissioners to set the poll workers wages at $11 per hour for both the May Primary Election and the November General Election.  

Poll workers will have added responsibilities during this election year with providing safe and disinfected areas for the voters and they will also be required to protect themselves as well by wearing masks at the polls. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison Police investigation, focused on the illegal distribution of drugs, has led to two arrests.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News 24-year-old Trevor Siard, of Atchison, and 24-year-old Sara Kresin, of Belton, Texas, were taken into custody Sunday following the search of an Atchison residence. “Police officers were conducting an investigation on Sunday evening that led to the execution of a search warrant at a residence located at 623 Atchison Street. Methamphetamine, marijuana, ecstasy, dextroamhetamine, drug paraphernalia, cash, and a handgun were seized during this search warrant. Two persons at the residence were taken into custody, and two children [who were at the residence] were placed in the care of a family member.”

Siard is facing charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of ecstasy, possession of dextroamphetamine, no drug tax stamp, and endangering a child.

Kresin faces the same charges.

Following their arrests, Siard and Kresin were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--Five of the six vehicles stolen in Atchison since the start of the year have been recovered, including a 1995 Ford pickup truck stolen Sunday night from the 900 block of North 11th Street. “The first one was taken in early January, and we did recover that vehicle on the [Kansas] Turnpike,” Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News. “We’ve had vehicles taken in the 900 block of Kansas Avenue, the 500 block of Riley, 1000 block of North 4th, 600 block of North 2nd, the 900 block of North 11th, and the significance of that is that all of these vehicle are located from the downtown area, or central part of the city, north.”

The pickup truck was located several blocks from where it was taken.

Wilson said a common factor in the crimes is the fact that keys had been left somewhere inside the vehicle, and were likely discovered as thieves looked through the vehicles for something to steal. “All these vehicles that were taken, including the latest one that was taken on Sunday evening, had keys in the vehicle.”

Along with the Sunday night pickup truck, a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, stolen during the early-morning hours of March 31, also remains missing. Believed to be in Leavenworth, Wilson told MSC News its believed the car was involved in a criminal case in that city, and Atchison Police are working with Leavenworth Police on that investigation.

Atchison Police on Friday recovered a Chevrolet Malibu near 17th and Main Streets that was reported April 23 as stolen from Topeka, On Saturday, police recovered a Ford pickup stolen April 18 from the 600 bock of North 2nd Street. It was found just west of Atchison.

Wilson said the investigation into the vehicle thefts is continuing.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County Sunday night pursuit involving a motorcycle, ends with a wreck and the motorcyclist in custody.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the short pursuit started when a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop the motorcycle for a traffic infraction on Q Road, near 262nd, around 8:30 Sunday night.

Instead, Morse said the motorcyclist, identified as 34-year-old Netawaka resident Wayne Gaston, refused to stop, and fled northbound on Q Road. The motorcycle wrecked just south of 262nd Road, where Gaston was arrested after suffering no injuries.

Gaston faces charges of fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, driving while suspended, possession of opiates, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Gaston was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Editors note--the following release was submitted by the Hiawatha Community Hospital on Monday, April 27

Hiawatha Community Hospital continues to monitor the coronavirus pandemic on a local, county, regional, state and national level. The leadership team continues to participate on COVID-19 calls with Kansas Hospital Association (KHA), Kansas Department Health and Environment (KDHE), American Hospital Association, Regional Preparedness calls and calls with our tertiary partners every week.

As of April 26, Hiawatha Community Hospital has had 284 calls to our COVID-19 Line. The CALL BEFORE YOU GO has been working very well to screen our patients. As part of our screening process, we have done 66 drive thru screenings. About 80% of the drive thru screenings have met the criteria to be sent for a COVID test. Between the drive thru screenings and the hospital, we have sent 62 Covid-19 samples for testing. The KDHE website states 63 tests in Brown County with No Positive Cases. To ensure the safety of our patients and staff, we have designated a separate wing in the hospital to utilize for suspected or confirmed COVID patients only. To date, we have used this COVID unit for 2 patients, both of which were ruled out for COVID after testing.

Recently, the KDHE expanded the symptoms and the criteria for doing the COVID-19 test. Last week, we saw an increase in calls and drive thru screening due to these expanded criteria. When we reviewed the updated criteria, we recognized that this would increase the number of calls and drive thru screenings.

Effective Monday, April 27, HCH will be offering drive thru screenings and physician visits in a mobile clinic located between the Hospital and former Dr. Searight Clinic in front of the West side Main Entrance. We will continue to screen all sick patients through CALL BEFORE YOU GO through our COVID Line. If patients meet the criteria for screening, they will be scheduled to come to the mobile clinic between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

The patients will have an office visit with one of our providers, who will be assessing the patient, and completing the screening tests. With the expanded symptom criteria for coronavirus, we will also see the patients in the mobile clinic. The providers and staff will have on personal protective equipment and the patients will be asked to come alone and wear a face covering.

Many hospitals have used the mobile clinic model during the pandemic. With the increased demand for screening in the area, we felt this was the best solution.

We continue to support the Governor’s Stay at Home initiative. The hospital has seen a decreased patient volume during the pandemic and we are expecting a $1,000,000 decrease in money coming into the hospital in April alone. We have been spending this time cross training our staff to work in other departments and training all staff on personal protective equipment.

We are following the roadmap to safely resume elective surgery after the COVID-19 pandemic, which was developed by American College of Surgeons, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses and American Hospital Association. We have implemented an Elective Surgery Review Committee with Dr. Rod Warren, Dr. Bigham, Dustin Williams, our anesthesia providers, and hospital leadership to discuss our strategy for resuming limited elective surgery and procedures that are low risk. The committee will meet each week to review the potential cases for the following week.

We appreciate everyone’s’ support during these challenging times. We have seen the benefit of social distancing and wearing face coverings!

(KNZA)--A bridge replacement project began Monday on U.S. 73 Highway in Brown County about a half-mile north of Killdeer Road over Walnut Creek.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says work will occur during daylight hours and is expected to be complete by February 1, 2021.

During the next 45 days, KDOT says the contractor will build a temporary gravel road next to the project. Two-way traffic will still be allowed on U.S. 73. The temporary road is expected to be complete by June 19, and traffic will be detoured on to it with a 35 miles per hour speed limit for the duration of the project.

Traffic will be controlled using speed limit signs, traffic cones and barricades.

King Construction of Hesston is the contractor on the $2.8 million project.

Editors note: the following release was submitted by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant

I would like to inform county residents of more scam information and also explain why immediate reporting is so important if you feel that you have been made a victim of a scam.

The new scam circulating is where scammers are notifying residents by phone
stating  that their credit card is over the limit and the caller is wanting  the resident to verify the card name and account number to make sure the charges are legitimate.  

One resident asked the scammer  what the charges were and where the purchases were made and the scammer demanded  the information  before they could give out the location and dollar amount charged on the card.  

When residents are hesitant about giving out the information, the scammer gets upset and  tells them that they will be turned in to law enforcement for prosecution for not cooperating.  This is a scam, if you receive such a call, hang up immediately.

If you feel you are a victim of a scam, notify your local law enforcement at once.
REMEMBER, NEVER GIVE OUT PERSONAL INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE.

I would also like to thank the banking institutions we have in Brown County for their cooperation with their patrons and law enforcement.   Recently, I was called by a county resident on a Saturday morning as they felt that they had been scammed out of several thousand dollars.  While speaking with the resident, it was discovered that they had went to a local bank and purchased a money order and over nighted it to an out of state address.

We immediately contacted an employee of  the bank on that morning  and they assisted us in making sure that the resident was able to have their money refunded.  

We are also working with an out of state law enforcement agency to try and hold the scammers accountable and the Kansas Attorney Generals office has also been notified.    

We are very fortunate to live in a small community where the banking officials are readily available to help out without complaint.  By having the ability to work together quickly and efficiently, this person was able to have their much needed money refunded to them.
 

(KAIR)--For the first time in its more than two-decade existence, Atchison’s Amelia Earhart Festival has been canceled.

That word came Monday in a release from Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont, which says the cancellation is due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The release says “the difficult decision” to cancel was made “with heavy hearts,” but “the safety and well being” of both the volunteers and attendees is the festival committee’s “highest priority.”

The cancellation includes both the annual LakeFest concert at Atchison’s Warnock Lake, planned for July 17, and the following day’s Amelia Earhart Festival festivities in downtown Atchison, including the annual Concert in the Sky fireworks display over the Missouri River, planned for July 18.

The festival, which would have marked its 24th year of being held in Atchison, will return in July 2021 with what the release calls “an outstanding celebration of Atchison’s famous aviatrix” Amelia Earhart, who was born in Atchison, and is honored annually with the festival.

The country music artists LOCASH, Ashley McBryde, and Erik Dylan were scheduled to perform at the LakeFest concert, which annually serves at the kick-off for the July festival.

The release says any tickets already purchased, or deposits made, will be refunded by contacting Pregont by email at aefestival@atchisonkansas.net.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County, Kansas has its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

According to a press release from Nemaha County Community Health Services, their office was notified Monday that a resident in the county has tested positive for the virus.

The release said the individual is in self-isolation.

NCCHS is working to identify any close contacts of the individual and those who may have been exposed.

The agency will be monitoring those contacts for symptoms related to COVID-19.

The release says no further information will be released about the individual.

“We are working diligently to keep our Nemaha County residents safe and healthy,” said Jane Sunderland, RN and Administrator of NCCHS.

The release says NCCHS is working closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, as well as other health care providers in our community. NCCHS urges the public to continue to take appropriate precautions including:

• Practice good hygiene, including washing hands frequently, and avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.

• Stay home as much as possible.

• Social distance, at least 6 feet from others, and wear a cloth mask when you need to go out for essentials.

• If you are sick, stay home.

• If you think you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, call your healthcare provider before going into the clinic. They will instruct you on how to proceed.

• Clean surfaces often with an EPA approved cleaner.

According to NCCHS, these measures will help slow the spread of this virus in our community.

Be sure to stay informed with reliable information at www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/COVID19, or call Nemaha County Community Health Services at 785-284-2152.

Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the local area with 184, while Atchison and Pottawatomie Counties have 9 cases each. Jefferson County has 8, Doniphan County has 3, and Jackson County has 2.

Statewide, there are 3,328 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, representing 75 of the state’s 105 counties.

According to figures released Monday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state has incurred 120 virus-related deaths.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department (SEDHD) has received the results from the National Guard testing event held in Tecumseh on Friday.

 A total of sixty-seven individuals were tested, two of which were confirmed as positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). 

The two cases include a man and a woman, both in their sixties and residents of Johnson county. 

Both individuals are reportedly self-isolated.  Contact investigations are in progress. All identified close contacts will be asked to self-quarantine and be actively monitored by public health officials for fever and symptoms of respiratory disease. 

In the release concerning the newly confirmed cases, the SEDHD thanked the Nebraska National Guard for their assistance and efforts in conducting COVID-19 testing within the district. 

For more information about COVID-19, www.sedhd.org. 
 

(KNZA)--The Kickapoo Nation School's Environmental Club in Powhattan has received federal recognition.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, announced Thursday the Club has been awarded the President's Environmental Youth Award.

The EPA said in a news release that nationally, 35 students who worked as a team or individually on 13 projects received the award. The release said their stewardship projects, conducted in 2019, display a commitment to learning, protecting natural resources and engaging their communities in environmental protection.

EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Gulliford said the students at the Kickapoo Nation School were creative in addressing environmental challenges in their community. He said their creativity earned recognition through the EPA Harmful Algae Blooms Video Challenge for their video about the dangers of HAB's. In addition to five short films, they planted 160 trees to stabilize a riverbank, planted native milkweed to create a butterfly migration weigh station and educated their community about the importance of protecting water quality.

The Kickapoo Nation School's Environmental Club consist of 9 members.

The President's Environmental Youth Award program has recognized outstanding community-level environmental projects by K-12 youth for almost 50 years.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A deadline is near for those who believe they were victims of a 2016 toxic gas release over Atchison.

Federal prosecutors are urging victims to submit written victim statements by Friday.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, said in a news release, sentencing of Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients Inc., is May 27.

Both companies pleaded guilty to violating the federal law and each agreed to pay a $1 million fine.

In October 2016, two chemicals were mistakenly mixed to form a cloud of chlorine gas over Atchison.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Sunday reported that Kansas has 3,174 confirmed cases of COVID-19 from 76 of the state's 105 counties. That’s up 118 cases from Saturday.

Sunday’s numbers show 118 virus-related deaths in the state, up one from Saturday.

Leavenworth County has the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the local Kansas area at 172.

Jackson County’s number of confirmed cases grew to 2 over the weekend. The Holton Community Hospital on Saturday confirmed that a staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee, identified as a woman in her thirties who is isolating at home, was not involved with direct patient care.

Atchison and Pottawatomie Counties have 9 cases each, while Jefferson County has 8.

Doniphan County has 3 confirmed cases.

Deadline nears for Atchison toxic cloud victims

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A deadline is near for those who believe they were victims of a 2016 toxic gas release over the city of Atchison.

A federal prosecutor is urging victims to submit written victim statements by Friday, May 1.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said that sentencing of Harcros Chemicals, Inc., and MGP Ingredients Inc., is May 27. Both companies pleaded guilty to violating the federal law and each agreed to pay a $1 million fine.

In October 2016, two chemicals were mistakenly mixed to form a cloud of chlorine gas over Atchison.

“We know that 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, employees of MGP Ingredients and Harcros Chemicals sought medical attention at the time,” McAllister said.

Anyone who would like to submit a written victim impact statement for the court’s consideration can email those statements to usaks.victim.witness@usdoj.gov

(KNZA)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas now top 3,000.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Saturday reported that Kansas has 3,056 cases from 76 of the state's 105 counties. That’s up 279 cases from Friday.

Saturday's numbers show 117 virus-related deaths in the state. Up six from Friday.

Leavenworth County has the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the local Kansas area at 167.

Atchison and Pottawatomie Counties each have 9 cases.

Jefferson County has 8 cases.

Doniphan County has 3 confirmed cases, while Jackson County has one.  

Editor's note: the new confirmed case in Jackson County, which was reported Saturday, isn't yet reflected in the KDHE numbers.

(AP)-ALBANY, N.Y. — Help has poured into New York from many places as the coronavirus has killed thousands, but the most humble of gifts — a single N-95 mask — brought a mist to the eyes of the state’s governor.

A retired farmer in northeast Kansas mailed the mask to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, saying the couple hoped it could be used by a doctor or nurse.

Cuomo read the entire letter at his daily briefing Friday as an example of courage and generosity in dark times.

“I am a retired farmer hunkered down in N.E. Kansas with my wife who has but one lung and occasional problems with her remaining lung,” read the hand-written letter from Dennis Ruhnke, also signed by his wife, Sharon. “We are in our 70s now and frankly I am afraid for her.”

Nevertheless, Ruhnke wrote, the couple had five masks and wished to give one to help New York’s battle against the virus.

“Enclosed find a solitary N-95 mask left over from my farming days. It has never been used” the letter said. “If you could, could you please give this mask to a nurse or a doctor in your city.”

Cuomo’s eyes misted as he brandished the mask at his daily briefing.

“You want to talk about a snapshot of humanity,” Cuomo said. “You have five masks, what do you do? Do you keep all five? Do you hide the five masks, do you keep them for yourself or others? No, you send one mask. You send one mask to New York for a doctor or nurse. How beautiful is that? How selfless is that? How giving is that?”

(KLZA)-- Directive Health Measures are being amended for some Nebraska businesses in less than two weeks.

The changes will include churches, restaurants, barbershops, salons, massage therapists, day cares and tattoo parlors.  

Governor Pete Ricketts announced the changes that will go into effect May 4 during his daily COVID-19 update on Friday.  

Church services, weddings and funerals will be allowed without the 10-person limit. Household members will be able to sit together, but must have 6-feet between themselves and members of another household. 

There will be no passing things in church, how communion can be set up and sanitizing pews between services. 

Restaurants will be able to serve customers in their buildings again starting on the 4th.  Only 50 percent of the allowed occupancy can be in the restaurant and there will be a limit of 6 per table and tables must be six feet apart.
Restaurant staff members will have to wear masks.

Both workers and customers will need to wear masks in some businesses including barbershops, beauty salons, massage therapy facilities and tattoo parlors.

Bars will not be opening to the public until at least the end of May.  Carryout will still be allowed, but there will be no customers served inside bars. 

The amended restrictions will be in place in 10 of the 19 Health Districts across the state  including the Southeast District Health Department.

(KLZA)-- A rural Nemaha County, Nebraska man was arrested following a pursuit early Friday morning in the Auburn area.

A Nemaha County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a car for a traffic violation on the edge of Auburn.  The driver did not stop. The pursuit ended just outside of Auburn on 730 Road, after tire deflation devices were deployed.

19-year-old Jacob McVay was arrested and according to a press release from the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office is facing potential charges of: operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest,  tampering with evidence, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and driving under suspension. 

McVay was being held in the Nemaha County Jail awaiting a bond  hearing. 

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 remains on the rise statewide, and locally.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday confirmed that Kansas now has 2,777 cases, representing 76 of the state’s 105 counties. That’s up from Thursday’s case-count of 2,482.
Friday’s numbers show 111 virus-related deaths in the state.

Atchison County Thursday evening confirmed its 9th case, which Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter identified as a woman in her sixties who is isolating at home.

The number of cases in Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties on Friday stood at 8 cases each.

Leavenworth County has the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the local Kansas area with 154.

Doniphan County has 3 confirmed cases, while Jackson County has one.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education met Tuesday.
Incumbents Chad Derr, Jeff Holstine, Brian Tubbs and Dylan Rosier were sworn in.

Chad Derr was elected Board President; Robert Gibson – Vice President;  Jeremy Lewis – Treasurer and Lisa Loucks was was appointed as secretary to the Board. 

The Board accepted the retirement resignation of Special Education / Speech Language Implementer Kayla Schoonover.

Following an executive session the Board voted to approve a permanent contract for Annie Corrington to  teacher Art;  McKinsie Radley to serve as an additional Kindergarten teacher for the 2020-21 school year;  Alan Ottman for Middle School Science and hired Jessica Haer as an elementary aid beginning in the fall. 

A salary increase that will average 2.56 percent for staff members was approved to begin with the 2020-21 school year. This will add $750 to the base salary, increasing it to $35,250.  Non-certified staff received a one dollar per hour increase to help adjust from the minimum wage hike. 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office has announced an arrest in a February crash that left a young woman dead.

The crash happened late the night of Feb. 15 when two vehicles headed in opposite directions collided, killing one driver, 20-year-old Morgan Rodgers of Lincoln.

The other driver was taken to a Lincoln hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Sheriff's officials said Friday that the other driver, 34-year-old Jeffrey Woutzke of Auburn, was arrested Thursday and has been charged in a warrant with felony motor vehicle homicide and possession of a controlled substance.

Investigators say Woutzke was under the influence of an undisclosed drug and driving on the wrong side of the road at the time of the head-on crash.

(KLZA)-- Public access to the Richardson County Courthouse remains suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic until at least May 5.

County Commissioners voted to extend the closure when they met Tuesday. 
 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development has announced the creation of the Brown County COVID-19 Grant for Small Businesses.

According to a press release, HFED has designated $40,000 to be used as relief for Brown County small businesses negatively affected by COVID-19.

Businesses can apply for grants of up to $1,000 per business.

The grant was first made available to small businesses belonging to HFED’s membership to apply for on April 17th. At the time of this release, about a quarter of the funds have been disbursed. The application will open to all small businesses within Brown County on Monday, April 27.

To obtain an application, small business owners should request a grant application via an email to hfedoffice1@gmail.com beginning on April 27. Applications take approximately five minutes to complete. Completed applications will be reviewed 1-2 times per week depending upon volume. Approved applicants will receive funds via mail within a few days of their applications being approved.

“We understand that this is a difficult time for our small businesses, and HFED remains committed to doing what we can to retain those businesses in our communities so they can continue to succeed,” said HFED Director Mikaela Moore. “We hope these funds will help to ease some of the financial burden our businesses are facing during these challenging times.”

At this time, businesses can apply only once but HFED will consider subsequent applications for businesses still showing a need for additional funding provided there is still funding available. HFED will make an announcement at a later date indicating if and when businesses may be able to apply a second time.

HFED is offering the opportunity for other individuals or businesses to contribute additional funds to the Brown County COVID-19 Grant for Small Businesses fund. If you are interested in contributing to grow this fund so that more businesses can be helped or helped in greater amounts, please contact the HFED office to inquire about donating to this cause.

Questions should be directed to Director Mikaela Moore at hfedoffice1@gmail.com.

(KNZA)--A Thursday evening single-vehicle Brown County wreck left two Falls City, Nebraska residents injured.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the wreck happened in the vicinity of K-246 and 290th Road around 8:15.

Merchant said 71-year-old Edna Austin was northbound on K-246 when her Honda Accord went off the right side of the roadway. He said Austin overcorrected, causing the vehicle to roll onto its top.

She had to be extricated from the vehicle. Austin was transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital and later lifeflighted to another hospital.

A passenger, whose name was not released, was transported to the Sabetha hospital for the treatment of minor injuries.

Merchant said both occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the wreck.

Responding to the scene were Town and Country Ambulance, Squad 48, Morrill Fire Department, Sabetha Fire Department, Sac and Fox Police Department and Brown County Sheriff's deputies.

(KNZA)--The salary of Doniphan County Treasurer Lindsay Etherton has been drastically  reduced.

The Doniphan County Commission took the action Monday after Etherton was asked several questions pertaining to the county's bank account reconciliations. ( you can find the questions and her responses at the bottom of this story)

Following her responses, the Commission voted unanimously to reduce her salary to $200 a month.  

Commission Chairman Tad Geiger said, due to circumstances, Etheron's job responsibilities have been modified and her compensation is being adjusted accordingly.  

The Commission then voted unanimously to repeal a 2008 resolution setting the salaries of the treasurer and county clerk at $51,687 each.  

Etherton took over as county treasurer in October 2017.  A CPA firm advised the Commission in February that since November 2017, the treasurer's bank accounts have not been reconciled to the treasurer's book balances on record.    

Deputy County Treasurer Nicole Dively was appointed as interim county treasurer last October after Etherton was hospitalized for a period of time following a cardiac arrest at her home.  Dively's pay was elevated to the treasurer's salary.   Both have been receiving the treasurer's pay.  

Dively is currently in the process of reconciling the bank statements.

Editor's note:  from the Doniphan Co Commission meeting minutes here are the four questions asked Etherton and her responses:  

1. “What is the status of the reconciliation of the Doniphan County General Fund DDA account with Exchange Bank & Trust?” Treasurer Lindsay Etherton’s answer: “No idea”

2. “What date do you anticipate having the aforementioned account reconciled?” Treasurer Lindsay Etherton’s answer: “Will look into it, what account?” Chairman Geiger answered “Exchange Bank & Trust. Do you have a date to have the account reconciled by?” Treasurer Lindsay Etherton’s answer: “No”

3. “What measurers are you taking to get this account reconciled and stay current with day to day activities of the Treasurer’s office?” Treasurer Lindsay Etherton’s response: “Daily statements.” Chairman Geiger asked “Do you have a plan to reconcile the bank account at an accelerated pace?” County Treasurer Lindsay Etherton’s answer: “No”

4. “Where there any accounts that had mistaken transfers or deposits and if so have these transactions been corrected?” County Treasurer Lindsay Etherton’s answer: “Not that I am aware of.”

(KNZA)--The first candidate has filed for one of two positions up for election this fall on the Holton City Commission.

The Jackson County Clerk's Office reports Bob Dieckmann has filed for re-election to position 3.

Dieckmann has served on the Commission since 2006.

Also up for election is position 5, currently held by Marilyn Watkins. Watkins was appointed last year to fill the unexpired term of Twila White.

Commissioners serve 3-year terms.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 remains on the rise statewide, and locally.

Atchison County Thursday evening confirmed its 9th case, which Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter identified as a woman in her sixties who is isolating at home.

According to figures released Thursday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the number of cases in Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have grown by one in each county, bringing the total to 7 cases each.

Leavenworth County has the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the local Kansas area with 154.

Doniphan County has 3 confirmed cases, while Jackson County has one.

KDHE’s Thursday figures also show the number of cases statewide has grown to 2,482, representing 74 of the state’s 105 counties.

112 virus-related deaths have been reported statewide.

(KAIR)--A vehicle, stolen Sunday while parked outside an Atchison residence, has been recovered.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 2006 Jeep Liberty was located in the southern area of rural Atchison County.

Wilson said the case remains under investigation, but charges are pending against a 34-year-old man from Buchanan County, Missouri.
He has not yet been located.

The Jeep was stolen Sunday evening in the 200 block of East Riley Street. following the theft of a riding lawnmower from the campus of Benedictine College.

Investigators believe the man rode the lawnmower to East Riley Street, where he stole the Jeep.

Wilson told MSC News it’s alleged the man approached the driver of the Jeep as she arrived at the East Riley Street address, and asked for help jump starting the mower. When she got out of the vehicle, the suspect jumped in and fled.

(KLZA)-- The COVID-19 outbreak has caused cancellation of yet another annual event. 

The annual spring National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day scheduled for Saturday has been postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. 

The good news is there are over 300 pharmacies in Nebraska that participate in the Nebraska MEDS Initiative and will take back unused or expired medication, free of charge, any day of the year. 

There are guidelines to follow if you have prescriptions to turn in.

You must follow all local directive health measures.

Ensure you follow social -distancing recommendations staying at least six feet from other customers and pharmacy staff.

Call you pharmacy prior to going to verify their process for accepting medications
Envelope disposal systems are available for free at-home disposal.

(KLZA)-- The deadline for Early Voting applications in Nebraska is approaching.  

Applications must be received in your County Clerk's Office by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1.

Ballots can be mailed to voters upon the receipt of an application or a written request signed by the voter or their agent and delivered by mail, scanned and e-mailed or faxed to your county clerks office.  Most courthouses are now offering a drop box  where you can also deliver the documents. 

The deadline to register to vote in the May 12 Primary election and for those who have not previously registered or would like to change their party affiliation is Friday, May 1.  

Voter registration forms are available on county websites or you can register at http://ne.gov/go/NEreg2vote

Persons wanting to vote are urged to check their voter registration status to make certain they are registered at the correct address and affiliate with the political party for which they are going to cast their ballot. 

Address changes and name changes due to marriage are encouraged to be changed before May 1, however, these changes can be made at the polls on Election day by voting a provisional ballot.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Health Board met Wednesday morning via teleconference to update the local response the the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Grant Brueggemann, Executive Director of the Southeast District Health Department said despite the fact there have been very few coronavirus cases confirmed within the Southeast district,  everyone should continue to take precautions to avoid the virus. While not wanting to cause alarm,  Brueggemann said with talk of reopening parts of the state in the near future, potentially we could be one case away from an outbreak despite the low number of cases so far. 

While there is no firm data available for the immediate area, Brueggemann said models indicate the peak of COVID19 cases for Nebraska has been pushed back a little to early May or even into the second week of May.

Health Board member Dr. Allan Tramp inquired about recommendations about the general public wearing masks. The District Health Director recommended wearing them if your are comfortable doing so, even though it is not a requirement.

Board members are scheduled to meet again on May 6.  

(KNZA)--A low-to-moderate income survey will be conducted in Hiawatha.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved a contract with Lawrence-based Governmental Assistance Services to conduct the survey at a cost of about $24,000, and authorized the mayor to sign the contract.

The survey is required in order to apply for a Community Development Block Grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce for a sewer rehab and replacement project.

The city plan to seek a $500,000 grant, with the grant application due by mid-September.

The survey is expected to take until the end of August to complete. GAS will physically visit every residence in the city to perform the survey.

(KAIR)--The total number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas grows to 2,211, representing 70 counties, while the death toll reaches 110.

On Tuesday, the state reported 2,025 confirmed cases and 107 deaths.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Wednesday, the increase is due to the agency not receiving lab reports from a private lab, which affected the number from Lyon County, along with several others.

The release says KDHE anticipates “seeing an increase in the next several days for areas in Western Kansas due to the new testing strategies implemented.” However, reporting delays are expected “due to the additional time it’s taking to enter the lab reports.”

(KNZA)--Hiawatha city officials anticipate opening the Aquatic Park this summer, but when that might happened isn't know yet. 

That world came during Monday's Hiawatha City Commission meeting, which was held by video conference.

Recreation programs in the city have been at a standstill since last month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper said she has been in contact with other local recreation departments, and does not intend to cancel summer activities like some others have done unless it becomes definitively necessary.

City Administrator Mike Nichols said they would like to open the pool at some point over the summer to give some sort of normalcy, even if it is only for a month at the end of the season.

The Aquatic Park normally opens Memorial Day weekend.

Nichols said all other functions of the city continue as they have been. Although the method of delivery of services has been altered, he said the level is still the same.

(KAIR)--An arrest has been made in connection with a costly, October Atchison County theft.

According to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 25-year-old Marisa Farr, of Atchison, was arrested Sunday afternoon on an Atchison County warrant charging her with burglary, theft, and criminal trespass.

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

Her bond is set at $20,000.

Farr’s arrest comes in connection with an investigation launched by the Sheriff’ Office after $4,000 worth of tools were stolen from a business located at 119 Riverfront Road in October of last year.

(KAIR)--New details regarding Atchison County’s COVID-19 cases are released, as the number of confirmed positive cases grows to 7.

According to a joint release from Atchison County Emergency Management and the Atchison County Health Department Tuesday evening, the latest patient is a man in his twenties who is isolating at home.

In the release, Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge clarified there has been no confirmed community spread in Atchison County.

She said the first county case was travel related while the additional six cases “are directly related to an outbreak in another county.”

Nearby Leavenworth County has the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the local Kansas area with 136.

Figures released Tuesday by the Kansas Department of Health and environment show Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have 6 cases each.

Doniphan County has 3 confirmed cases, while Jackson County has 1.

As of Tuesday, Kansas confirmed 2,025 positives cases in the state and 107 deaths.

(MSC News)--2,025 confirmed positives cases of COVID-19 in Kansas and 107 deaths.

That’s shown through statistics released Tuesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The numbers show that locally, Leavenworth County has 136 cases, while Atchison, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have 6 cases each.

Doniphan County has 3 confirmed cases, while Jackson County has 1.

Updated Tuesday, April 21: 

The Tonganoxie Police Department reported that late this morning, April 21, 72-year-old Brian Clark returned to Tonganoxie. He is safe.

The statewide silver alert is canceled. Thank you for your assistance during the silver alert.

The Tonganoxie Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Tonganoxie man.

The whereabouts of Brian Harris Clark, 72, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Clark may have last been in the southern part of Kansas. It is possible he is headed to Oklahoma or Texas.

If you see Clark or his vehicle, or have information about his whereabouts, please immediately call the Tonganoxie Police Department at 913-369-3754, or Leavenworth County Communications at 913-682-5724.

(KAIR)--Details have been released regarding a fatal Leavenworth County wreck last week involving a fertilizer sprayer and car.

Leavenworth County Undersheriff Jim Sherley said a 46-year-old rural Leavenworth man was westbound on Fairmount Road last Thursday around noon when he lost control of the fertilizer sprayer, which crossed the center line and collided with an eastbound car.

Sherley said the driver of the car, identified as 49-year-old rural Leavenworth resident Angela Handke, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the fertilizer sprayer suffered only minor injuries.

(KLZA)-- One man was  injured in a two-vehicle wreck in Holt County, Missouri Monday afternoon.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol report pickups driven by 71-year-old Thomas Williams and 44-year-old Kevin Markt,  both of Oregon, Missouri were northbound on Route P, approximately one-and-a-half miles north of Fortescue when the wreck occurred. 

Williams attempted to pass the Markt pickup and changed lanes before completely passing the Markt pickup.  Williams pickup went off the road, struck an embankment and overturned, coming to rest on its wheels.  Markt was able to come to a controlled stop. 

Williams was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance Squad to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for the treatment of what were described as minor injuries. Markt wasnot injured.  

The wreck occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved a number of personnel changes when they met April 13th. 

The Board approved the resignations of Sixth grade teacher Marla Jones;  First grade teacher Jenna Haggerty,  Middle School and High School Math teacher Randy Hall and Ag instructor Ahston Bohling. 

Board members approved hiring new teachers Shane Keeling, Clinton Grafton,  Cindy Cole and Michael Anderson.

The 2019-20 school calendar was also amended.  Teachers will not be on duty and available through May 14th with teacher contract days formerly scheduled for May 15 – 21 will be scheduled prior to August 10, 2020. 

(KNZA)--The closure of the Doniphan County Courthouse has been extended.

The Doniphan County Commission voted Monday to keep the courthouse closed to the public until noon, May 4, at which time it will be re-evaluated by the Commission.

The closure has been in place since March 21 to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus.

While the courthouse doors are locked, county employees remain at work to serve the public by telephone or email.

A drop box is in place on the north side of the courthouse for all documents that need to be dropped off. The county asks that all documents be placed in a secured envelope with the name of the department it should be delivered to.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an attempted residential break-in that might be connected to a vehicle theft in the City of Atchison.

The agency, meanwhile, is investigating a vehicle theft case of its own.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the attempted break-in happened in the 5000 block of Ottawa Road Sunday night.

The 62-year-old homeowner confronted the suspect, who fled from the residence in a black SUV.

A broken window was discovered in the rear of the residence, while damage was found to the screen door in the front. Damage was also found inside the home where a dresser and shelving had been damaged.

Laurie told MSC News it’s believed the case is connected to the theft of a riding mower and vehicle in Atchison on Sunday evening.

The investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office is seeking whoever is responsible for the theft of a Ford F-150, stolen while parked a residence in the 4000 block of Osage Road, in rural Atchison County.

Reported to the Sheriff’s Office late Sunday morning, Laurie said the vehicle was located by deputies at the intersection of 242nd Road and Osborne Road. It was still running when it was found.

The owner reported that fishing equipment, valued at $800, had been stolen from the truck.

Laurie said while investigators aren’t yet ruling out a connection to the other recent vehicle theft cases, there’s not yet anything linking it to the others.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are investigating a vehicle theft that took place over the weekend.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 2003 Ford F150 pickup truck was stolen from the 600 block of North 2nd sometime between 10:00 Friday night and 6:00 Saturday morning.

Police believe the truck was in the Topeka area early Saturday morning, but has not yet been located.

According to Wilson, police are also investigating the theft of items from two vehicles parked in the 400 block of North 2nd Friday night. He said it’s believed the cases are connected.

The Atchison Police Department has so far worked six stolen vehicle cases in 2020.

Wilson said a common factor in the majority of the cases is that keys had been left inside the vehicles, but not necessarily in the ignition. He said oftentimes thieves are looking to steal items inside a locked vehicle, but then discover the keys somewhere inside the vehicle, and then take it.

Wilson added that Atchison vehicle thefts are often crimes of convenience, meaning the thief steals the vehicle as a way to drive from point A to point B, and not for the value of the vehicle itself.

(KAIR)--A virtual community meeting is planned for Friday afternoon, with Atchison-area leaders to answer questions regarding COVID-19.

Atchison City Manager Becky Berger on Monday told the Atchison City Commission she will join other leaders, including Kansas 63rd District Representative Dr. John Eplee, in fielding questions and providing updated information.

Berger will be joined by Atchison Public Schools Superintendent Renee Scott, Director of Atchison County KS Emergency Management Wes Lanter, Atchison County Health Department Officer Lori Forge, and Atchison Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Norma Green. Eplee will address the Kansas Legislature’s response to the virus pandemic.

The Community Q&A will begin at 3:00 Friday afternoon on the City of Atchison’s Facebook page.

Questions from the public are to be submitted in advance through an online survey found here.

(KNZA)--Two additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Doniphan County.

That word came Monday afternoon in a press release from the Doniphan County Health Department and brings to three the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county.

The release says the health department is working to identify any close contacts of the individuals and those who may have been exposed. The health department will be monitoring the contacts for symptoms related to COVID-19.

No further information about the patients will be released.

(KLZA)-- Unemployment increased 1.3% in March in Nebraska. 

The latest figures show the state unemployment rate at 4.2% which is up from 2.9% in February.  The figures were released amid a recent record-setting surge in unemployment claims caused by the coronavirus.

Officials expect the unemployment rate to increase again in the April report.

Pawnee County has the lowest unemployment figure in Southeast Nebraska for March at 3.6 percent.

The unemployment rate in Richardson and Otoe counties was 4.2% in March.  4.4% in Nemaha County,  4.7% in Gage County and 4.9% in Johnson County. 

(KNZA)--A Monday morning two-vehicle Doniphan Co wreck sent an elderly Severance man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 81-year-old Charles Libel was westbound on U.S. 36 Highway when he attempted a U-turn just west of K-120 in front of a westbound mini-van, which struck his pickup truck.

Libel was transported by ambulance to the Hiawatha Community Hospital for the treatment of possible injuries.

The driver of the mini-van, 78-year-old Blue Rapids resident Charles Wandle, complained of pain, but wasn’t transported  to a hospital.

The Patrol reports both drivers were buckled up when the wreck happened around 10:00.   

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas climbs close to 2,000 while the death toll reaches 100. Meanwhile, the number of confirmed local cases also climbs.

According to figures released Monday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there are 1,986 confirmed cases state wide.

That includes a sixth confirmed positive case in Atchison County as of Monday, the same number of cases in Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties.

Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of cases with 135.

Doniphan and Jackson Counties remain with one case each.

According to Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, the latest Atchison County case involves a man in his forties who is isolating at home.

(KAIR)--A suspect is identified, but not yet located, following the Sunday theft of a riding lawnmower turned theft of a vehicle.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a report, said it happened Sunday evening around 7:30 on the campus of Benedictine College.

Police were called to the campus to investigate a vehicle that was found parked near the college’s maintenance shed.

Police soon learned that the riding mower had been taken from the area, with a witness telling investigators they saw a person riding the mower away from the campus.

It was a short time later that police received a report that a 2006 Jeep Liberty had been stolen from the 200 block of East Riley Street.
Found at the location was the stolen mower.

Wilson told MSC News the investigation revealed that the suspect approached the driver of the Jeep as she arrived at the East Riley Street address, and asked for help jump starting the mower. When she got out of the vehicle, the suspect jumped in and fled.

Wilson said the search continues to locate the suspect and the Jeep.

The name of the suspect has not been made public.

TEKAMAH, Neb. (AP) — Police in southeastern Nebraska say two young boys who were the subject of an urgent Amber alert Monday have been found safe in Wichita, Kansas.

An Amber alert was issued Monday morning in Nebraska for the two boys, ages 7 and 4, who were taken from Tekamah, police said. The alert was later extended to Kansas.

Tekamah Police Chief Dan Jacobs says the man accused of taking the boys was a step-grandparent and was caught and arrested in Wichita after a police chase.

Jacobs says the boys were found safe in the man's vehicle.

UPDATE: Two boys are safe and the man who allegedly took them is in custody.

According to Nebraska authorities, Tanner Joel Leichleiter was arrested in Kansas and the boys were found safe.

They did not provide any further details.

(MSC NEWS)-- An Amber Alert has been issued in Kansas for two missing Nebraska children.

According to the KBI, the Nebraska State Patrol asked the KBI to issues the statewide amber alert because the suspect was last seen heading into Kansas.

The Tekamah Nebraska Police Department is looking for Marco De La Garza, 7, and Isaac De La Garza, 4, who were last seen in Tekamah.

The children may be in the company of Tanner Joel Leichleiter. Leichleiter is a 30-year-old white man, 5'7, 165, green eyes, and brown hair.

According to Nebraska State Patrol, they may be traveling in a White 2009 Ford Expedition Ne 31-F325..

“He may be traveling southbound on Highway 81 into Kansas. The suspect is known to carry a handgun and is considered armed,” said the KBI.

If you have any information, please call 911 or contact Tekamah Police Department at 402-374-1500 immediately.

(KAIR)--More filings for Atchison County races to be decided this year.

According to documents released by the Atchison County Clerk’s Office, another contender has entered the race for Atchison County’s Commission District 3.

Duane Boldridge filed April 14 to seek the seat as a Democrat.

Republican Casey Quinn in February filed for election to that seat as a Republican.
The position is currently held by Republican Bill Pohl, who has not filed for reelection.

Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips has also filed for another term to the position she’s held since 2017.

Phillips filed as a Republican on March 30. There are not yet any other candidate’s seeking that position.

Two candidates had previously filed for another key Atchison County race, with incumbent Sheriff Jack Laurie seeking to retain that position as Republican, challenged by former Atchison County Sheriff John Calhoon who filed as a Democrat.

(KNZA)--An additional candidate has filed for the position of Doniphan Co Sheriff.

The Doniphan County Clerk's office reports Nick Popple, of Troy, filed Friday.

Popple joins incumbent Chad Clary and Dustin Robinson in seeking the Republican nomination.

Candidates have until noon, June 1st to file.

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

(KAIR)--Two local airports are among others in Kansas receiving federal financial support due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to a news release issued by United States Senator Jerry Moran, Atchison’s Amelia Earhart Airport has been approved to receive $30,000, while the Sabetha Municipal Airport will receive $20,000.

The funds are allocated through $53 million in grant funds from the Federal Aviation Administration through the Phase III Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.  

The Kansas Republican, in the release, said that “while reducing air travel is important to stop the spread of the virus, it has caused significant losses to [Kansas] airports,” which Moran said “play an important role in the commerce and travel” of Kansas, regardless of airport size.

(KNZA)--South Brown County USD 430 will seek a grant for security improvements at the district's schools.

Superintendent Jason Cline informed the Board of Education at their April 14 meeting that he is in the process of applying for a $140,000 grant to help cover the cost of new entrance doors and a new buzz-in system for each building.

The grant requires a 25 percent match. If awarded, the district would be responsible for $35,000.

Cline also informed the Board the district has been awarded a $15,000 grant to help offset the cost of the purchase of their new bus.

In addition, he updated the board on the continuous learning plan implemented last month following Governor Kelly's order closing K-12 schools for the remainder of the school year to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus.

Cline said the on-line learning plan is going well. He said staff has been doing a good job of being flexible and working with students.

In other action, the Board accepted, with regrets, the retirement resignation of longtime Food Service Director Bonnie Hochstetler.

Hochstetler is retiring at the end of the current school year after 35 years with the district.

(KAIR)--A 5th positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed Atchison County.

That word came Saturday evening in a press release from Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter.

Lanter said the Atchison County Health Department is completing their investigation of the case.

The release says the case is a male in his 20's, who is on home isolation.

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 continues to increase statewide.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Sunday reported 1,849 cases of the virus in 68 counties.  That's up 59 cases from Saturday.

KDHE says the state has now experienced 92 virus-related deaths, up six from Saturday.

Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of cases locally at 128, up five cases from Saturday.

Pottawatomie County has six confirmed cases, while Atchison and Jefferson Counties each have five cases.

Doniphan and Jackson Counties have one case each.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge has blocked Kansas from limiting attendance at in-person religious worship services or activities to 10 or fewer congregation members to check the spread of the coronavirus.

The decision Saturday from U.S. District Judge John Broomes in Wichita signaled that he believes there’s a good chance the policy violates religious freedom and free speech rights.

Broomes' ruling prevents the enforcement of an order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly on April 7.

His decision will remain in effect until May 2. He has a hearing set for Thursday in a lawsuit filed against Kelly by two churches and their pastors.

Governor Laura Kelly issued the following response to the judge's ruling

“We are in the middle of an unprecedented pandemic,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We all want to resume our normal lives as soon as possible, but for now the data and science tell us there’s still a serious threat from COVID-19 – and when we gather in large groups, the virus spreads.

“My executive order is about saving Kansans’ lives and slowing the spread of the virus to keep our neighbors, our families and our loved ones safe,” Kelly said. “During public health emergencies, we must take proactive measures to save lives."

Kansas has had six deaths and more than 80 cases of COVID-19 that have originated from religious gatherings. The court’s temporary order noted that, given the gravity of the issues involved, the order only applies to the two plaintiffs to the lawsuit. All other religious gatherings must continue to adhere to the requirements of Executive Order 20-25 and limit gatherings to 10 or fewer attendees.

Kansas is not alone in restricting gatherings, including religious gatherings. A majority of states and hundreds of local governments across the country have imposed similar temporary restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There have been at least eight other legal challenges like this one, and so far none of them have ruled against a mass gathering restriction like ours. Courts across the country have recognized that during this pandemic emergency the law allows governments to prioritize proper public health and safety,” Kelly said.

“This is not about religion. This is about a public health crisis,” Kelly said. “This ruling was just a preliminary step. There is still a long way to go in this case, and we will continue to be proactive and err on the side of caution where Kansans’ health and safety is at stake.”

Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said nothing has changed related to the need to practice social distancing and avoid mass gatherings.

“As Kansans, we have a responsibility to keep our neighbors, friends and family safe. Please do not gather in groups larger than 10 people,” Norman said. “As we see ramped-up testing across the state, we still must exercise extreme caution in our daily activities. It bears repeating: stay safe, stay home, save lives.”

(MSC News)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas climbs to 1,790 while the death rate increased by 2.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Saturday confirmed that the state has now experienced 86 virus-related deaths.

Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of cases locally with 123.

The number of cases in Pottawatomie County has risen to 6, while Jefferson County has 5. Atchison County has 4 confirmed cases, while Doniphan and Jackson Counties have 1 case each.

(KNZA)--Authorities have released the name of the Fairview resident who died in an early Thursday morning house fire.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant identified the victim as 74-year-old Delores Goens.

Merchant said a family member said she initially escaped the home, but went back inside to try and get her dogs out.

Her husband, Larry Goens, was transported for hospitalized treatment, but was not seriously hurt.

Firefighters responded to the residence in the vicinity of U.S. 36 Highway and Sycamore Street shortly after 3:15 Thursday morning.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.  

(KAIR)--Kansas U.S. Congressman Steve Watkins is sending a message to younger Kansans during the virus pandemic, saying it’s not them, but their elders, they need to look out for.

Watkins added that while he believes it’s time to reopen the American economy, it must be done in phases, and with safety in mind; but it must happen soon.

The Kansas 2nd District Republican made the statement Friday during a telephone interview with MSC News focused on the nation’s response to COVID-19.
Listen below. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A southeast Nebraska pharmacist is accused of conspiring with another man to use explosives to destroy a competitor’s pharmacy.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alexandria, Virginia said in a news release that 41-year-old Hyrum T. Wilson, of Auburn, was arrested Friday and charged with conspiracy to use fire and explosives, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and a firearms-related offense.

Federal prosecutors said the plot was intended to destroy Wilson’s local competition, which he and William Anderson Burgamy IV believed would increase the volume of prescription drugs his business could obtain, thus allowing the men’s drug trafficking operation to continue and expand.

Officials said Wilson supplied thousands of prescription pills, including opioids, from his business to Burgamy, who prosecutors said operated as a Darknet vendor from August 2019 through April 2020, and had thousands of illegal recorded sales on a major Darknet market.

Burgamy was charged last week and ordered detained. The news release said the plot was uncovered through search warrants executed following Burgamy’s arrest.

If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

 LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction and death penalty sentence of a state prisoner who admitted killing his cellmate for being too talkative. 

Patrick Schroeder was sentenced to death by a panel of judges in 2018 for strangling 22-year-old Terry Berry in April 2017 at the Tecumseh State Prison. 

Schroeder, who was already serving a life sentence for the 2006 killing of a 75-year-old Pawnee City farmer, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for killing Berry. He also served as his own attorney and did not contest prosecutors' death penalty case, saying he wanted to be put to death for his crimes.

Friday’s ruling by the state’s high court came on a direct appeal of his conviction and sentence filed by lawyers on Schroeder’s behalf. Nebraska law requires a mandatory appeal of all death penalty convictions.
 
 

(KAIR)--Three of four vehicles stolen this year from the City of Atchison have been recovered, including the latest to be taken.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the truck was located around 8:00 Friday morning. “That’s a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck,” Wilson said. “That truck was recovered in a wooded area near 22nd and Main.”

The pickup truck was stolen sometime between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning from the 1000 block of North 4th Street, the same location where another vehicle, which remains missing, was stolen late last month. “The first one was a 2207 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, taken on the early morning hours of March 31. We have been working with Leavenworth Police on this investigation, because we believe that vehicle to be in the Leavenworth area. Actually, that vehicle is involved in a current Leavenworth Police investigation on a criminal case they’re working.”

Arrests have not been made in those two cases, and anyone with information should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

The other two vehicles stolen this year include a 2012 Dodge Durango, stolen from the 500 block of Riley Street during the early morning of February 2. It was later recovered in the 600 block of Park Street. Suspects are not yet in custody for that crime.

A 1996 Chevrolet pickup truck was stolen from the 900 block of Kansas Avenue during the early morning hours of January 4, but was recovered early the next morning on the Kansas Turnpike in Leavenworth County. Two arrests have been made in connection with that case.

Wilson said 35-year-old Kansas City, Missouri resident Meysam Aghorlikhani and 33-year-old Stephanie Harris, of Topeka, were both arrested by the Kansas Highway Patrol for possession of stolen property and booked into the Leavenworth County Jail.

(KAIR)--Atchison County records it’s fourth case of COVID-19.

That’s confirmed in an email Friday from Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter.

The release says the person is a man in his 20’s who is currently isolated at home.

The Atchison County Health Department is completing an investigation into the case.

According to a release from the Atchison Hospital, the man was tested in his vehicle, and was never hospitalized.

The latest numbers released Friday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirm an additional confirmed case in Jefferson County, bringing that location’s number to 6.
Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of confirmed cases in the local area of Kansas with 115.

Pottawatomie County has 5 cases, while Doniphan and Jackson Counties have one confirmed case each.

Statewide, Kansas has 1,705 confirmed positive cases and has experienced 84 deaths.

(KAIR)--A Kansas Republican representative, and medical professional, says the state’s efforts to flatten the curve are working, but more time is needed before reopening the state.

That message comes in a newsletter from 63rd District Representative Dr. John Eplee, of Atchison.
In Thursday’s release, Eplee, citing Kansas health department statistics related to COVID-19, said cases continue to rise in Kansas, “but not at the rate of states which chose not to shut down,” meaning, according to Eplee, Kansas is flattening the curve.

The newsletter also provides Eplee’s perspective of the April 9 vote by the Legislative Coordinating Council to overturn Governor Laura Kelly’s ban on large group gatherings related to church congregations.

Saying he questioned that move “because more Kansans would be exposed to the virus,” Eplee explained in the release that the vote was made by the Legislative Coordinating Council, comprised of seven members of House and Senate leadership, including five Republicans and two Democrats.
The council’s vote was later overturned by the Kansas Supreme Court, keeping Kelly’s order in place.

Eplee said that 43 of his Republican colleagues have signed a letter asking the Governor to begin planning to reopen the state.
While he agrees that such a plan, currently being drafted, should be in place, Eplee said “planning to reopen soon does not appear to be medically prudent and requires more testing, time, and data.”

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday heard a proposal for the creation of a fire district.

Cory Lay, representing the Hiawatha Fire Department, meet with the Commission by Zoom conference to discuss the proposal.

Lay said the fire department would like to create a district that would include Hiawatha and Padonia Townships along with the city of Hiawatha, which is the same area currently served by the department.

The Hiawatha City Commission approved a resolution in March supporting the efforts and confirming the city' intent to join the district.

County Attorney Kevin Hill discussed the state statute regarding the formation of a fire district, which would have its own taxing authority. 

He said the statute allows for a district to include a second class city if the entire county or majority of the county is included in the proposed district.  If the majority of the county doesn't want a district, then the county can establish a fire district not including the city of Hiawatha that the city can later petition to be included in.

Hill said a fire district can be created by resolution or petition. Commissioners stated they would like to see it created by petition, which would require the signatures of 60 percent of the landowners within the proposed district.

Commissioners asked Lay to talk to other fire departments in the county first to see their interest in being part of a fire district.

Following an executive session, the Commission voted to accept the resignation of District 1 road and bridge foreman Herb Roland and District 1 crewman Shawn Babb.

County Clerk Melissa Gormley suggested to the commission they hire a road and bridge secretary.

The Commission asked Gormley to draft a job description for their review at next week's meeting.

Brown County is currently the only county in Kansas that does not have a separate road and bridge department.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City man was hospitalized following a collision at the intersection of 21st and Crook Streets in Falls City on April 9.

The Falls City Police report indicates 75-year-old Lawrence Kirkendall of Falls City was eastbound on 21st Street near Crook Street when a southbound pickup driven by  81-year-old Jack Lovenburg pulled into the intersection. 
 
The Kirkendall pickup struck the Lovenburg pickup in the passenger side rear bumper and fender area.  Kirkendalls pickup hit a speed limit sign while the Lovenburg pickup pulled to the east, entered a grassy area and hit a utility pole.

Lovenburg was taken to Community Medical Center in Falls City with possible but not visible injuries.  Kirkendall was not injured.

The Kirkendall pickup suffered an estimated $1,500 damage while the Lovenburg pickup sustained an estimated $5-thousand damage.  No citations were issued. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has approved a high school wrestling co-op with Doniphan West for next school year.

The board took the action when they met Monday evening by Zoom conference.

The proposal presented by Hiawatha High School Athletic Director Kim Lillie was approved on an unanimous vote at a cost not to exceed $6,000, pending the approval of a memorandum of understanding between the two districts.

Lillie said she polled students at the high school and found 5-6 students are interested in participating.

Practice would take place at Doniphan West. Lille said the biggest challenge will be transportation.  The options are for the district to hire someone to transport the students or possibly have parents transport them.

The Hiawatha school district had a wrestling cooperative agreement with Horton several years ago, but the program was dropped for budgetary reasons.

Lillie indicated that this is the best option to give Hiawatha a chance to add the sport again, by splitting the cost with another school.

In other business, District Maintenance Supervisor Matt Cluck went over his three-year capital outlay plan, which the board approved.  Approval of the plan allows Cluck to request bids as needed for items or projects on the list. Bids will still be reviewed and accepted or rejected by the board. 

The Board approved waiving the requirement for finals this semester at the high school.

In addition, the Board approved the hiring of Jeremy Bittner as high school science teacher for next school year.

The Board also accepted the resignations of Dustin Rottinghaus as assistant high school football coach and Denise Elffner as middle school track coach and Science Olympiad sponsor.

(KNZA)--Graduation ceremonies in Prairie Hills USD 113 have been rescheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Superintendent Todd Evans says the Board of Education Monday evening approved rescheduling the graduation ceremonies at the district's three schools for Sunday, July 26.  The time for each school’s graduation will be set by Evans and the school principals.

If a traditional graduation ceremony isn't possible on that date, Evans said each principal will be encouraged to find alternative ways to recognize the graduates in lieu of a traditional ceremony.

Approval of the new graduation date came on a 5-2 vote, with board members Jim Scoby and Jeff DeMint casting the dissenting votes.

Graduation ceremonies at Axtell, Sabetha and Wetmore were originally scheduled for May 16.

In other business, Evans said the Board approved grading procedures for the remainder of the school year as prepared by the administrative team.

For younger students, he said they want to encourage teacher feedback using their continuous learning methods of communication.

For older students, Evans said the intent is to not have the current COVID-19 situation have a negative impact on their grades.

He said they do expect students to have the opportunity to increase their grades through their engagement and efforts.

The Board also approved a proposal for the use of the remainder of the former USD 488 bond money, which amounts to nearly $38,000.

It will be used to re-finish the Axtell school gym floor, move the volleyball standards to allow the bleachers on the north side of the gym to be completely pulled out, and to re-paint the floor.

Any money left over will be applied toward the purchase of new playground equipment for Axtell elementary students.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education Monday evening tabled a decision until next month's meeting on the appointment of a someone to fill a vacant position on the board.

The board reviewed questionnaires completed by 3 of the 4 candidates who had expressed an interest in serving as a board member for district 1, which represents the west portion of the city of Seneca.

The three candidates include John Howard, Chad Baker and Amy Sudbeck.

The Board commented that all three are qualified for the position.

The position had been represented for many years by Gary Niehues, until he moved out of its boundaries.

No candidate filed to place their name on the ballot in last fall's general election, and it was declined by the winner of write-in voting.

The position will be up for election in November 2021.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two Kansas churches and their pastors have filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Laura Kelly over an order banning religious gatherings with more than 10 people to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for Kansas on Thursday argued that Kelly's directive violates the churches' and pastors'  religious assembly and free-speech rights.

The lawsuit comes after the Democratic governor thwarted an attempt by Republican legislative leaders to revoke her order. The lawsuit was filed by First Baptist Church in Dodge City and Calvary Baptist Church in Junction City and their pastors.

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has extended Missouri’s statewide stay-at-home order through May 3, but pledges that “people are going to go back to work” so the state’s economy can begin to recover from the coronavirus shutdown.

The Republican governor made the announcement Thursday.

But most businesses won’t be reopening anytime soon in Missouri’s two urban areas.

Democratic leaders of Kansas City, Jackson County, St. Louis and St. Louis County all announced that they were extending stay-at-home orders through at least mid-May.

Missouri’s order began April 6 and was set to expire April 24. 

(KAIR)--One person required hospital treatment after an SUV and semi collided in Atchison Thursday afternoon.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a report, said it happened shortly after 2:00 at the intersection of 6th Street and U.S. Highway 59.

According to Wilson, the rear of a Toyota Highlander, eastbound on the highway, stopped at the traffic signal at the intersection, was struck in the rear by an eastbound semi tractor-trailer.

The driver of the Toyota, 22-year-old Atchison resident Sarah Jaloma, was transported to the Atchison Hospital by Atchison County EMS.

The driver of the semi, Corona, New York resident Tatla Kulwinder, was not hurt. However, the 31-year-old Kulwinder was cited for unsafe speed for road conditions.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Board of Education approved suspension of the credit and graduation requirements in the district policy and student handbooks for the 2020 Spring semester when they met Monday evening. 

Due to the state-mandated COVID-19 pandemic school closure, the Board approved the school administration awarding third quarter grades as semester grades with full semester credit to Pawnee City Public  School students. 

The Board also approved a COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Board Resolution.  

A bid in the amount of $6,880 was awarded to Puhalla Construction to remodel the high school building front entrance offices.  The project will be paid for from the Depreciation Account.

Resignation were accepted from Natasha Barr and Dani Niss as teachers at the end of the current school year.  The Board approved offering teaching contracts to Angelia Hiskett and Kealyn Ensminger.
 

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock Board of Education voted to approve the COVID-19 Global Pandemic and Epidemic Sickness Resolution when they met Monday. 

Board members voted to recognize that the current Johnson-Brock seniors have met all requirements to receive their diplomas.  

Superintendent Jeff Koehler reported the school district will received $38,500 in funding from the  COVID Care Act.  

Koehler discussed using teacher days over the summer if needed to plan for the upcoming school year. He also reported the school has donated extra disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, gloves and masks to the Nemaha County Hospital and Auburn Family Health Center.

The Board accepted with regret the resignation of Athletic Director,  Industrial Tech Instructor and girls basketball coach Landonn Mackey and 4th grade teacher Erin Mackey at the completion of the school year. 

Teaching contracts were approved for Mitchell Atkinson and Ashton Bohling for the 2020-21 school year.  

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Thursday reported 1,588 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, up 94 cases from Wednesday.

Kansas has now incurred 80 deaths, up 11 from Wednesday’s figure of 69.

Leavenworth County onThursday continued to have the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the immediate, local area of Kansas, with 114. That’s a 21-case increase from Wednesday.

Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties remain with 5 cases each, while Atchison County has 3. Doniphan and Jackson Counties have 1 case each.

(KNZA)--The City of Highland is eliminating a police officer position due to an anticipated reduction in funds resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the minutes from the Highland City Council's April 8 meeting, the Council voted 3-1 to eliminate the position currently held by Officer Tom Williams.

The action is effective, April 24.

Williams has served as an officer with the Highland Police Department for the past six years.

Elimination of the position will leave the Doniphan County community with only one officer, Chief of Police Brandon Whetstine.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission will begin meeting every other week instead of weekly until further notice.

The Commission on Monday approved a resolution making the change due to the coronavirus pandemic.

To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the resolution states Commissioners find it is both necessary and appropriate to meet on a bi-weekly basis.

Their next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27.

As public access to the courthouse remains limited, all meetings will continue to be broadcast live on the county's Facebook page. After adjournment, the meeting will remain available for viewing on the same page.

In other business, Nemaha County Senior Services/Public Transit Director Diane Yunghans informed commissioners she has been awarded a $7,000 grant that will be used to create a new emergency shelf stable meal program for senior adults in the county.

The program will provide two weeks of nonperishable items with enough food for 14 meals, which is renewable every two weeks.

The program will start next week.

For additional information or to set up delivery, you can call 336-3091.

Editors note--the following release was submited Wednesday by the Hiawatha Community Hospital and Family Practice Clinics.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment has updated the criteria for a suspected Coronavirus patient. Please CALL BEFORE YOU COME (785-742-2131) if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever

• Chills

• Shivering, Shaking, Sweating

• Muscle Aches

• Extreme Tiredness

• Headache

• Sore Throat

• Lower Respiratory (cough, shortness of breath, or difficultly breathing)

• New smell or taste disorders
   

If you are unsure of your symptoms, use this self-check tool on KDHE’s website.

https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/224/What-to-do-if-you-think-youre-sick

The best preventions are hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a face covering. Stay home and stay safe!

(KLZA)-- Two new cases of coronavirus have been reported in the region. 

The Southeast District Health Department confirmed a fourth case of coronavirus within the district Wednesday evening.

A woman in her sixties who lives in  Johnson County is employed at an assisted living facility in Gage County, where prior confirmed cases had been reported.  

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

A female under the age of 18 who lives in Holt County, Missouri has been confirmed as a probable case by the Holt County Health Department. This second Holt County case is a close contact to a confirmed coronavirus case. 

Individuals who may have been in close contact with the patient have been contacted.

Coronavirus cases are now classified as either confirmed or probable in accordance with a directive from the  Centers for  Disease Control.  

A confirmed case meets the confirmed laboratory evidence of a clinical specimen using an approved detection test verified by a certified testing laboratory.

A probable case meets clinical criteria and evidence of close contact with a confirmed or probable case; travel to or residence in an area with sustained, ongoing community spread, or a member of a risk cohort, with no laboratory testing performed for COVID-19.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education approved the purchase of a new school bus when they met Monday evening. 

The Thomas Built Bus will be purchased in an amount of $97,231. The bus will be air conditioned.

Falls City Public  Schools were awarded a $20-thousand Emissions Grant to be used toward the purchase of the bus.

Bids were also received from Bluebird and International but both bids were in excess of $101-thousand. 

A bid from Riverside Construction for wall and roof maintenance projects was approved in an amount of $66,300.  Four bids were received for the projects. Riverside submitted the low bid. 

Columbus, NE. - Khalil Dia, a 24-year employee at Nebraska Public Power District’s Cooper Nuclear Station
near Brownville, has been named General Manager of Plant Operations (GMPO) effective May 1, replacing Joe
Sullivan who has been named General Manager at Entergy’s Arkansas One Nuclear Power Station.
“I am very pleased with the selection of Khalil as our next general manager,” said NPPD President and CEO Pat
Pope. “We have an agreement with Entergy to provide support services to Cooper that has been very effective
with staff they have brought in. This will mark the first time since this agreement has been in place that we have
had an NPPD employee in this role. I am confident in Khalil’s ability to handle this critical position and continue
the expected excellent performance at CNS. I also want to wish Joe Sullivan the best in his new position and
thank him for his outstanding effort in our operations.”
Dia has served as Engineering Director at CNS where he was responsible for the engineering department
including reactor and fuel engineering since 2016. After three years working at Arizona Public Service’s Palo
Verde Nuclear Generating Station as a design engineer, Dia joined NPPD in 1996 as a System Engineer at
Cooper and later became System Engineering Supervisor in 2010 and System Engineering Manager in 2012,
before his move to Engineering Director.
Sullivan will transition to the general manager role at Arkansas Nuclear One, where he will report to the site Vice
President.
Dia will report to Vice-President and Chief Nuclear Officer John Dent. “I’m very excited that we have someone of
Khalil’s caliber right here at Cooper that is ready to step into the role of GMPO,” said Dent. “Khalil is a gifted,
dedicated hard working leader who, in his 24 plus years at Cooper, has made an indelible mark on the culture at
the station, particularly related to teamwork as well as the operational reliability of the plant.
“He’s dedicated his career to driving Cooper’s equipment reliability to be one of the best in the industry. Moving
into the role of GMPO here at Cooper is the perfect, natural fit for Khalil. I’m looking forward to continuing to work
closely with him as we strive to be the best of the best in the industry.”
A resident of Nebraska City, Dia is a graduate of Arizona State University and holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Engineering and has done graduate course work at Arizona State.
Sullivan’s came to CNS in 2019 as part of the Entergy management team. He was previously director of
performance improvement at Entergy’s nuclear headquarters in Jackson, Miss.
“Joe’s been a great addition to the Cooper team,” Dent said. “His work ethic, experience, positive attitude and
team spirit have contributed positively to Cooper’s journey of becoming the best performing plant in the industry.
Although Joe will surely be missed at Cooper, he’ll be a great addition to the ANO team.”
 

(KAIR)--Lights and sirens at Atchison homes in coming days are not necessarily the signs of crime, but the sign of a child’s birthday, as the Atchison Police Department launches a new initiative: Police Parades for children having birthdays during the coronavirus pandemic. 
MSC Radio News Director Brian Hagen talked to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson about the new program. 

(KNZA)--An early Thursday morning house fire claimed the life of a Fairview woman.  

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the Sheriff's Office received a 911 call shortly before 3:20 reporting the house fire in the vicinity of U.S. 36 Highway and Sycamore Street in Fairview.

A family member said the 74-year-old woman and her husband initially escaped the fire, but that the woman went back inside to try to save a dog and did not survive.

Officials said the woman's husband was hospitalized.

Authorities have not released the victims' names.

Merchant said foul play is not suspected.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office. 

Responding to the scene were the Fairview, Sabetha and Powhattan Fire Departments.  

KS Governor extends stay-home order

Posted Wednesday, April 15th, 2020 2:28pm

(MSC News)--Citing the predicted peak of COVID-19 cases in Kansas, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has extended the state’s stay-home order through May 3. “Unfortunately, cases continue to increase, and new counties continue to have confirmed cases,” Kelly said Wednesday, during her daily virus-focused news conference held Wednesday afternoon. “Internal and external modeling predict a peak somewhere between the 19th and the 29th of April.”

The original stay-home order was set to expire April 19.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 1,494 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, up 68 cases from Tuesday.

Kansas has now had 76 deaths, up 7 from Tuesday’s figure of 69.

Leavenworth County has the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the immediate, local area of Kansas, with 93. That’s a 3-case increase from Tuesday.

Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties remain with 5 cases each, while Atchison County has 3. Doniphan and Jackson Counties have 1 case each.

(KAIR)--Three of the five who tested positive for COVID-19 in Jefferson County have recovered.

That word was delivered by Crystal VanHoutan, Health Department Administrator for Jefferson County, when the Jefferson County Commission met Monday.

According to the minutes of the meeting, VanHoutan told the Commission the two additional patients are being monitored, with the pair having no exposure identified.

The other three patients, who have recovered, had exposure due to travel or work.

VanHoutan recommended that county closures be extended through May 1, in conjunction with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order.

Jefferson County Emergency Services Director James Tweed echoed that recommendation, and additionally requested that the County’s Disaster Declaration be extended until May 1.

The Commission voted to extend it, as well as the county closures, meaning public access to the Jefferson County Courthouse, and other county buildings, remains on hold until that date.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved a zoning change that will allow for the operation of an events center near Troy.  

The Commission on Monday unanimously approved the zoning change request on behalf of Tara Turpin for property located at 926 Highway 7.  

The Doniphan County Regional Planning Commission recommended approval of the zoning change from A-1 agriculture to A-1 conditional use.

 In other business, proposals were opened from two consulting firms to assist the county with the employee health insurance bid process and human resources.  

The Commission voted to contract with Professional Insurance Consultants to provide the services at a rate of $1,250 per month, subject to a review in 6-months.  

County Emergency Management Coordinator Julie Meng informed the Commission she has been in contact with MGP Ingredients, of Atchison, to obtain hand sanitizer and is awaiting delivery of other personal protective equipment to be given to emergency service personnel in the county in an effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).  

Commissioners complimented and expressed their appreciation to the residents of Doniphan County for sacrifices made complying with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Doniphan County’s emergency orders to shelter in place in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

(KLZA)-- A teaching contract was approved for Quentin Coatney to be the new Strength Training and Physical Education Teacher and to also be a coach. 

The Board formally approved acceptance of an invitation to join the East Central Nebraska  Conference and approved school meal prices for the 2020-21 school year.

The Board approved the recommendation of Food Service Director Mara Dungan to increase the price of breakfast and lunch 15-cents for students and a quarter for adults.  Dungan noted slight increases in the cost for food, milk and supplies and an increase in labor and health insurance costs which the Nutrition Program has not been able to keep ahead of.  
 

(KNZA)--The Horton Civic Center has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

That word came Friday in an email sent to Brown County Commissioner Keith Olsen from the Kansas State Historical Society.

The Kansas Historic Sites Board of Review in February approved nomination of the building to the National Register.

Olsen, who prepared the nomination application, appeared before the board to make the pitch for the property's nomination.

The state board's recommendation and the nomination itself were sent to the National Park Service in Washington D.C for final review and determination.

The National Park Service administers the National Register.

The building, located at the Brown County Fairgrounds in Horton, was constructed by the WPA between 1937-1939.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education approved a resolution to authorize a $950-thousand Line of Credit in the event of financial disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Board members also approved a resolution concerning graduation requirements for the Class of 2020.  Course grades and promotion for the Class of 2020 are determined by local school board policies and not by state requirements.  The District has latitude in determining what grades to award, if any, for coursework and what coursework is required for credit.

The resolution includes information on alternate learning environments,  changes in instruction and graduation.  

(MSC News)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 continues to rise across Kansas, as do the number of related deaths in the state.

According to figures released Monday afternoon by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there are now 1,376 positive cases statewide.  That's  up 39 cases from Sunday.

The state has now experienced 62 virus-related deaths, up 6 from Sunday.

Statistics for local area Kansas Counties show Leavenworth County continuing to have the highest number of confirmed positive cases with 87, which is up 2 cases from Sunday.

Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have 5 cases each, while Atchison County has 3.

Jackson and Doniphan Counties have 1 case each.

(KAIR)--Atchison County Emergency Management is providing detailed information regarding cases of COVID-19 in Atchison County.

According to a release Tuesday, the agency revealed that two of those who have tested positive are between the ages of 20 to 29. A third person confirmed to have contracted the virus is between the ages of 40 to 49.

So far, 73 tests conducted in Atchison County have returned negative results. The results of one test remain pending.

While no Atchison County hospitalizations are reported, a total of four people are currently being monitored.

The statistics will be updated, and shared daily, on the Atchison County Emergency Management office's official Facebook page.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 1,426 confirmed positive virus cases statewide, affecting 62 of the state’s 105 counties. On Monday, KDHE reported 1,376 confirmations.

Kansas has experienced 69 deaths, as of 11:00 Tuesday morning. That’s a rise of seven deaths since Monday’s release of virus figures.

Along with Atchison County’s three confirmed cases, five other local area Kansas counties are also affected.
Leavenworth County has the highest number in the immediate area, with 90. That’s an increase of 3 cases since Monday.

Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have 5 cases each, while Doniphan and Jackson Counties have 1 case each.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Relief Fund has been established to receive donations to benefit small businesses and residents in Jackson County who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jackson County Community Foundation has partnered with the Holton First Baptist Church and Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce to set up the fund.

Donations made to the Relief Fund will go to support three missions. The first mission is to help local businesses that have been forced to shut down completely. The second mission is to help local local businesses whom are operating at minimal capacity but have suffered a significant loss in revenue, customers or access to resources. The third mission is to help local families in greatest need due to the current pandemic situation. Those donations will be converted to Chamber bucks, which can be used to shop locally and in turn uphold many businesses that have been hurt economically.

Donations are tax deductible.

To make a donation or for more information, you can go to the Jackson County Community Foundation website at jacksoncountycf.org.

You can also mail a check to the Jackson County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 381, Holton, Kansas 66436. Checks should be made out to the Jackson County Disaster Relief Fund.

(KNZA)--A high nitrate warning has been issued for water customers of the city of Highland.

According to a release issued by the city Tuesday, a water sample collected on April 6 confirmed a nitrate level of 13 milligrams per liter, which above the federal maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter.

The release says customers are advised not to give the water to infants or use it to make infant formula, as children below the age of 6 months could become seriously ill.

In addition, the water should not be boiled.

Adults and children older than six months can drink the water. However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

The release says the city of Highland will provide, free of charge, an alternate source of drinking water for all infants less than six months of age, nursing mothers of infants less than six months of age, pregnant women, and other at-risk customers as identified by a health care provider.

The release adds the city is reviewing all available options so the water system can return to compliance as soon as possible.

(KAIR)--Shots fired in the City of Atchison has lead to one arrest.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, said 21-year-old Za’Heer Cluke was taken into custody early Monday morning for allegedly being the one behind the shooting.

According to Wilson, Atchison Police Officers were called to the 1000 block of North 8th Street around 1:10 Monday morning following a report that shots had been fired in that location.

Discovering damage to a residence, officers began to investigate, and were led to the 500 block of North 9th Street where Cluke was arrested around 15 minutes after the investigation began.

According to Wilson, a handgun, believed to have been used in the shooting, was recovered by police at a location between the scene of the shooting and where Cluke was located.
A search warrant was executed at Cluke’s residence where Wilson said additional evidence was seized.

Cluke now faces charges for criminal discharge of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

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

(KLZA)-- Beginning Monday, the Nemaha Natural Resources District is limiting some park amenities. 

Last week the Nemaha NRD Board of Directors voted to to make all restrooms,  playgrounds, and picnic shelters at NRD parks off limits. 

This includes Kirkman's Cove,  Iron Horse Trail Lake, Duck Creek Recreation Area,  Wirth Brothers Lake and Prairie Owl.  

The facilities will be closed  until further notice in an effort to protect both the public who visit the parks and the staff who maintain the areas. 

All other activities including fishing, camping and hiking are allowed.  Group activities of more than 10 people are prohibited and visitors are urged to practice good social distancing.

(KLZA)-- The COVID-19 pandemic is causing some issues with the May, Primary election in Richardson County. 

Richardson County Clerk Mary Eickhoff says some workers have raised concerns about being exposed to the virus while at the polls.  

Eickhoff is recruiting some high school students to help out. She always uses high school students to help with various tasks including set up and take down of polling places and some have worked with the polling.  Some college students that worked previously with elections have also inquired about working.  A  list is being compiled and plans for workers will be finalized. 

The local election official says if you would be willing to work at the polls you can contact the Richardson County Clerk's Office .

The Nebraska Primary Election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12.  
 

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court ruled Saturday that a Republican-dominated legislative panel exceeded its authority when it tried to overturn the Democratic governor’s executive order banning religious and funeral services of more than 10 people during the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision came after the justices heard oral arguments one day before Easter, which is typically the busiest day on the Christian calendar in terms of church attendance.

The Saturday hearing was the court’s first conducted completely via video conferencing.

The court ruled that legislative action designed to give the legislative leadership panel the ability to overrule Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive orders was flawed.

(KNZA)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 continues to increase across Kansas.

According to figures released Sunday afternoon by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there are now 1,337 positive cases statewide.  That's up 69 cases from Saturday.

The state has now experienced 56 virus-related deaths, up one from Saturday.

Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the immediate local Kansas area with 85, which is up 10 cases from Saturday.

Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have 5 cases each, while Atchison County has 3.

Jackson and Doniphan Counties have 1 case each.

(KLZA)--A traffic stop in Richardson County Friday evening on U.S. 75 Highway near Dawson led to the arrest of two Lincoln, Nebraska residents on multiple drug charges.

Following the raffic stop, a Richardson County Sheriff’s deputy requested assistance from a K-9 unit from the Brown County, Kansas Sheriff's Department..

After the K-9, Ari, indicated for the presence of illegal drugs, deputies searched the vehicle.

A press release says a pound of methamphetamine, 33 Tramadol pills, 190 Adderall pills and pills of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, morphine and Xanax were found. Deputies also seized $2,000 in cash.

Arrested were 29-year-old Sarah Ockinga of Lincoln and 48-year-old Oak Anderson of Lincoln for suspicion of possession and drug trafficking.

The pair were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

Spike in law enforcement impersonations in KS

Posted Friday, April 10th, 2020 10:32pm

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are investigating a spike in people impersonating law enforcement officers in Kansas.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release Friday that it has identified about 10 reports of suspected law enforcement impersonations in the past several weeks in multiple counties.

There have no reports of injuries or thefts.

The KBI says that the impersonator often questions whether the driver’s travel is “essential,” or asks for workplace documentation. The Kansas stay-at-home order doesn’t require people to carry or a letter, identification card, or other paper proving they are allowed to leave their home.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man was arrested Friday following a short vehicle pursuit in southern Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy and a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper allegedly clocked a southbound car near 142nd and U.S 75 at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The driver of the vehicle allegedly attempted to elude law enforcement and a pursuit ensued.

The vehicle came to a stop about a half-mile west of U.S. 75 Highway on 110th Road.

The driver and lone occupant, identified as 54-old-year Harold Jesse Sheffield III, was arrested.

Morse said a substance believed to be methamphetamine and an opened alcoholic container were found in the vehicle.

Sheffield was booked into the Jackson County Jail for fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, driving while suspended, and transporting an open container. Sheffield had 3 outstanding Jackson County warrants and one Shawnee County warrant.

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 continues to rise across Kansas, as do the number of related deaths in the state.

Locally, a third case has been confirmed in Atchison County, with the local health department receiving word of the confirmation late Friday afternoon from state health officials.

Secretary for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Dr. Lee Norman, addressed the latest figures Friday afternoon, saying the state, at that time, had 1,166 positive cases and has experienced 50 deaths.

Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of confirmed positive cases in the immediate local Kansas area with 66.

Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have 5 cases each, while Atchison County has 3.

Jackson and Doniphan Counties have 1 case each.

Following the confirmation of Atchison County's third case, the Atchison Hospital issued the following statement: 

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Sheriff's Office is in search of 1 to 3ounce spray bottles.

Bottles such as what eye glass lens cleaner comes in are what is needed.  

Anyone that has these types of bottles they would be willing to part with may contact the Pawnee County  Sheriff's Office at 402-852-2969.  
 

(KLZA)-- Beginning Saturday, April 11, a number of visitor rules will be in place at Community Hospital in Falls City.
• No visitors are allowed for non-minor patients with potentially contagious respiratory illness, including confirmed or suspected COVID.
• One person may be designated as a support person to visit and support an admitted patient during a non-respiratory admission. These support persons will be identified at the start of a stay and must be over the age of 18, in good health, be screened every day, and agree to exercise safe practices, including going directly to the patient’s room, and agreeing to be steadfast with masks, hand hygiene, and social distancing—both inside and outside the hospital.
• Minor patients will be allowed 1 parent or guardian, who must still be screened and abide by hospital policy.
• Persons receiving outpatient surgeries will be allowed 1 support person. 
• Emergency patients may be accompanied by a support person, if it is deemed safe by emergency practitioner or personnel. They may be asked to wait in the Emergency Department waiting room and are not permitted to enter the main hospital while waiting.
• Patients being seen for other services, including clinics, therapy, imaging, lab and such should generally come by themselves, unless they require a support person, due to disability or age.
• If staff feel an exception should be made regarding visitation, such as, perhaps, in emergency trauma or imminent end-of-life situations, the department head or designee or administrator on call should be consulted.
• Consistent with these changes, waiting rooms have been changed to separate sitters. Additionally, magazines and snacks—other than hands-free coffee and water—have been removed.
If you have any questions, please call 402-245-2428 and ask for the nurses station.

(MSC News)--Kansas hospitals are beginning to see federal funds become available for use in the fight against COVID-19.

United States Senator Jerry Moran Friday morning announced that the funds were made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. “The CARES Act created a fund to help meet the needs of hospitals and health care providers, and today over $325 million is being distributed across Kansas,” said Sen. Moran. “As hospitals are seeing significant revenue losses and others see their costs go up because of COVID-19, these new resources will be a necessary benefit not just to our hospitals, but to the communities and patients they serve. In the fight against COVID-19, these new resources will put our health care providers in a better position to keep us healthy and meet the needs of Kansans.”

Moran made the announcement that funds had begun to be received Friday during a social media appearance with medical professionals from the University of Kansas Hospital.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ Democratic governor has filed a lawsuit after a Republican-dominated panel of legislative leaders overturned her executive order banning religious and funeral services of more than 10 attendees during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday that “the last thing” she wants to do right now is get involved in a legal dispute, but the panel’s ruling Wednesday left her no choice because lives are potentially on the line.

Kelly is asking the Kansas Supreme Court to expedite the case and hopes to have a ruling by Sunday, which is Easter, the traditionally the most-attended church service of the year.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Saturday on Gov. Laura Kelly’s lawsuit against legislative leaders who overturned her executive order banning religious services of more than 10 attendees during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Democratic governor filed the lawsuit Thursday after a Republican-dominated legislative panel overturned her order. Kelly and the panel generally agree that worshipers should stay home and watch livestreamed religious services during the pandemic, but they disagree on whether the state has the constitutional authority to order it.

Kelly pointed to three religious gatherings that led to outbreaks of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. 

(KLZA)-- Sunday is Easter.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic churches are either closed, or will be finding new ways to worship. 

Nebraska Governor Peter Ricketts has signed a proclamation declaring Sunday a statewide Day of Prayer, urging Nebraskans to pray for those impacted by the coronavirus,  the ill,  First Responders,  healthcare workers and people in nursing homes. 

During his Thursday press conference the Governor urged everyone to stay home on Sunday,  doing your worshiping in your household and celebrating with your family, limiting social interactions with others. 

Earlier this week, the Falls City Area Fellowship of Churches announced they would not be sponsoring a Sunrise Service Easter morning.  

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners met with County officials Tuesday and decided to continue with the Courthouse and County Shop doors being locked due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision will be reviewed during the April 21 meeting.

The Board also approved entering into a contract with Better Living for juvenile services if needed for Pawnee County juveniles.

County Attorney Jennifer Stehlik Ladman reported grant dollars for juvenile services have been used up and each county will now need to contract with Better Living for funding of services.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners voted to continue  to keep the Richardson County Courthouse closed until further notice, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Sheriff Rick Hardesty and Chief Deputy Roland Merwin met wit the Board discussing the idea of providing a hiring bonus for Nebraska law enforcement certified officers.  

Information will be requested from other agencies that provide this option for further review and to assist in developing a policy for the Richardson County  Sheriff's Department if approved.

The Sheriff's office is also reviewing the idea of obtaining ankle monitors for inmates that are sentenced for court commitments, probation violation and other circumstances that are approve for house arrest. A service agreement from a company for the ankle monitors will be reviewed prior to a decision being made.  

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. reported that rock quarries are working on weekends to get stockpiles built up and that the departments rock trucks are hauling as much rock as is available at the present time.  

(KLZA)--Governor Pete Ricketts is urging Nebraskan's to focus their efforts on slowing down the spread of coronavirus for the next three weeks, calling the next 21 days critical in the fight against the pandemic.

Social distancing and personal hygiene are key pieces to the battle. 

The Governor unveiled a list of six rules to help slow down the spread of the virus.

First is stay home.  Second is continue with social distancing,  three is to shop alone and have  plan ready when you must go to the grocery store. Four is help kids socially distance.  Be sure they play at home, avoid playgrounds and no group sports.  Five is to help seniors by doing errands for them, checking on them and also do not visit long-term care centers.  Rule six is to exercise at home.  

The Governor says all the residents of Nebraska can take part in the fight against COVID-19 by upholding these rules in the next three weeks. 

The Governor also said new directive health measures will be put in place.  It will include the closing of salons, tatoo parlors, and massage therapy, bottle clubs and will prohibit group sports until May 31.  

Health officials believe the COVID-19 pandemic will hit its peak in Nebraska at the end of April.  

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — Prison officials say inmates at a Kansas prison where at least 26 people have been sickened by the coronavirus rampaged through offices, breaking windows and setting small fires for several hours before the facility was secured.

The disturbance involving about 20 men began about 3 p.m. Thursday in medium-security cell house C of the Lansing Correctional Facility.

Two inmates had minor injuries and were treated at the site. Staff members were able to get out of the building when the disturbance began and no staff was injured.

The cell house sustained “quite a bit of damage.”

(KAIR)--Following the vote by Republican lawmakers Wednesday, revoking Kansas Governor Kelly’s directive to limit church gatherings, the Atchison County Health Officer is sending the reminder that local churches are to abide by the ten-person or less requirement.

Health Officer Lori Forge on Thursday issued a release saying that the emergency order she issued March 24 remains in place prohibiting public gatherings of ten or more

people in Atchison County, noting that there is an exception for activities that are defined as essential under the order. Church gatherings are not among those exceptions.

Saying that “now is not the time to lower our guard,” Forge, in the release, says she is aware that many spiritual people reside in Atchison County, and that she understands “the significance and importance” of the Easter season, but notes that “ultimately the safety of [Atchison County] is the number one priority.”

Noting that “in the state of Kansas there have been multiple clusters of COVID-19 tied

back to exposure during church functions,” Forge closes the release by encouraging residents to do their part in preventing the spread of the virus, adding that “it is up to us, we are the key.”

From the Associated Press Thursday:

(MSC News)--1,106 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, and 42 deaths.

Those are the latest figures released for the State of Kansas Thursday, up from 1,046 cases and 38 deaths reported Wednesday.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there are 263 virus-related hospitalizations statewide.

The statistics for local Kansas counties show a rise in area cases, with Leavenworth County now confirmed to have 61.
Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have 5 cases each, while Atchison County has 2.

Doniphan and Jackson Counties have one confirmed case each.

(KAIR)--The Atchison Community Health Clinic will receive nearly $553,000 as part of a $15 million grant package from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

According to a release from United States Senator Jerry Moran, $552,665 is earmarked for use by the Atchison clinic.

According to the Kansas Republican, the federal grant funds will support 18 community health centers across Kansas, as well as the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

According to the release, the funds “will be used to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through detection, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the virus.”

The monies are made available through the Phase III Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

Moran says community health centers “are on the frontlines of [the] fight against COVID-19 and remain critical to [the] ability to stop the spread” of the virus.

Last month, Moran announced that the Atchison Community Health Clinic had been awarded more than $53,000 through Health and Human Services grants earmarked for the fight against the virus.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved an ordinance increasing the wages of city employees.

City Administrator Mike Nichols said the wage adjustments are based on comparable wages from cities in Kansas with populations between 2,500 and 4,500, as well as employee's years of experience.

Not included in the wage increases were department heads, a part-time assistant, seasonal employees and anyone hired within the last six months that is above the average wage for their job classification.

The Commission also approved a new pay plan proposed by Nichols.

He said the main goal of the plan is to establish structure for future hiring and promotion procedures regarding wages. Instead of the January 1 cost of living allowance, an employee's anniversary date will be the time for their step increase.

In other action, the Commission accepted the low bid submitted by Hermann Earth Moving, of Sabetha, for the demolition of structures on city-owned property at 914 and 916 Miami Street, which is the former Salem Grain property. The bid for $57,500 was among three received.

The Commission also approved an agreement for the early retirement of street department employee Bill Roland.

(KAIR)--A burn ban has been issued for Doniphan County.

That word was delivered in a release issued Thursday morning by the Doniphan County Emergency Management Office.

According to the release, the burn ban will remain in place until further notice.
It comes due to strong winds, and dry conditions, across the local area.

Due to those conditions, Brown County has also put a hold on all burning.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the moratorium was put in place “due to a very high fire danger.”

(KNZA)--The city of Highland is informing customers that the city's water may have high levels of nitrate.

According to a notice issued by the city, a water sample collected on March 23 showed a nitrate level of 13 milligrams per liter, which exceeds the federal maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter.

The release says confirmation samples are being collected to determine if there is a nitrate problem with the water quality. The city expect to know the results within the next 30 days.

In the meantime, as a precaution, customers are advised not to give the water to infants or use it to make infant formula, as children below the age of 6 months could become seriously ill.

In addition, the water should not be boiled.

Adults and children older than six months can drink the water. However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

(KLZA)-- Three more voting precincts in Richardson County will be casting votes by mail only for the May 12 Primary Election.

Richardson County Clerk Mary Eickhoff who is also the election official said the changes were made in part due to a shortage of voting equipment. 

When the new precinct counters were delivered, Richardson County had three less machines than needed.  The State approved having the Salem,  East Muddy  and the Grant/Nemaha precincts join the Arago/Barada precinct as mail-in only precincts.

Richardson County registered voters also should have received an application for early voting from the Secretary of States office this week.  You can complete that form and return it to the Richardson County Clerks Office and your ballot will be mailed to  you.

Eickhoff feels that receiving your ballot early can be an advantage for voters, allowing them more time to review the candidates and issues on the ballot.  

Early votes will be accepted beginning Monday.  Mail in ballots can dropped off in the drop box on the north side of the Richardson County Courthouse.  

(KLZA)-- Governor Pete Ricketts said during a press conference Wednesday that the crest of the COVID-19 pandemic may not hit Nebraska for a few more weeks.  

It's anticipated the peak in Nebraska will arrive in late April or very early May.  The Governor urged everyone to follow the guidelines laid out to help stop the spread of the virus. 

The Governor says Nebraskans should stay home but also be watching out for their neighbors.  He suggested only essential trips away from home and limiting trips to the grocery store to once a week.

He also suggested checking on your neighbors and older folks who may have underlying health conditions and may need someone to go to the store for them.

During a Richardson County Board of Health teleconference Wednesday, Southeast District Health Department Executive Director Grant Brueggemann agreed with that time frame the Governor talked about and said its possible in extreme Southeast Nebraska, it may take a week or two longer to reach the peak. 

(MSC News) -The Hiawatha Community Hospital is asking for help from the community to provide homemade surgical face masks.

According to information provided by the hospital, there is a worldwide shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) which have left medical facilities in need of more supplies.

One of those basic needs includes face masks.

Anyone who wants to help can sew a homemade face mask for the Hiawatha Hospital. The hospital has said they will accept any size or style. Masks should be made of cotton or flannel, contain two or three layers and should have elastic, string or ribbon ties.

If a person would like to help and does not have a pattern, the following is an online link that might be useful: https://www.google.com/amp.usatoday.com/amp/2945209001.

Contact the hospital at 742-6229 to make arrangements for delivery in the hospital parking lot.

"We appreciate all who are willing to make masks and are overhwlemed with gratitude for the community support!"

In addition, the Hiawatha Community Hospital said that the CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html for more information.

(KNZA)--Brown County Clerk Melissa Gormley has withdrawn as a candidate for re-election to another 4-year term.

That word came Wednesday from the Brown County Clerk's Office.

No reason was stated for the decision.

Gormley had filed by petition in February for the Republican nomination.

She has served as county clerk since 2015 and worked in the county clerk's office since 2013.

No other candidate has filed so far.  Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas tops 1,000.

According to the latest figures released Wednesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the number of statewide cases has climbed to 1,046, up from 900 cases on Tuesday.

The state has now experienced 38 virus-related deaths.

The latest figures also indicate 248 related hospitalizations statewide.

Locally, Leavenworth County on Wednesday was confirmed to have 59 positive cases, while Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties have 5 cases each.

Atchison County has 2 cases, while the counties of Doniphan and Jackson have one case each.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council met Monday evening via video conference.

Three public hearings were conducted drawing no comments.

The Council voted to give favorable comment to a request from Casey's General Store for a Class D liquor license which allows the off-sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits.

A Corporate Manager Application for James Inglis for American Legion Post 102 was approved.

A request for a condition use permit for a child daycare center at 816 East 16th Street for Regina Kapustka was approved.

Also approved on the recommendation of the Planning Commission was a request to re-zone land owned by Gayle Swisegood on East 14th Street from R3, High Density Residential to C3 Highway  Commercial.  

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved a work schedule change for county employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following discussion at Monday's meeting, the Commission voted to ask all county department heads to rotate their employees to one week on and one week off, except for staff that is deemed by the department head to be essential.

Employees will be paid during their week off and will be expected to remain on-call, if needed.

The work schedule change is effective until further notice.

Currently, the commissioner's room is closed to the public and the meetings are being broadcast live on the county's Facebook page.

(KNZA)--The Friends of Banner Creek Reservoir Board have reached their initial fund-raising goal of $125,000 for the construction of a new multi-purpose shelter house at the reservoir west of Holton.

Board member Deb Dillner made the announcement on their Facebook page.

The Board plans to seek a matching grant through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for the project.

Dillner said they have received notice that the submission date for the matching grant application has been postponed from this month to July 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She said it will give them time to polish their grant application, get additional bids and raise additional funds.

Phase one of the project is the building. The building is to included a kitchen, gathering area and basement for a storm shelter.

Additional phases will include a playground, an outdoor grilling area and additional trails to connect the building to the trail system.

Dillner said they will continue with the sale of memorial bricks for placement in the sidewalk around the building. Funds for the bricks can be dropped off at the drive-up windows at any of the Holton banks.

Supporters may also make a donation to the Friends of Banner Creek Reservoir Fund with the Jackson County Community Foundation at www.jacksoncountycf.org

Additional funds raised above the initial goal are eligible for the match.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved a resolution temporarily waiving fees for the late payment of utility bills to mitigate the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

City Administrator Mike Nichols said other cities have taken similar action.

The resolution is effect as of the billing cycle due on April 10.

The Commission also approved a resolution temporarily closing the Hiawatha Municipal Court due to the pandemic.  Court cases that had been scheduled for this month have already been postponed to June.

In addition, the Commission approved a resolution temporarily suspending public comment at the Commission meetings due to Governor Kelly’s executive order prohibiting mass gatherings and " stay-at-home" order. 

Monday's meeting was held by video conference and future meetings will be held by the same method until the orders are lifted.

Editor's note--the following press release was submitted April 7 by Hiawatha Community Hospital Administrator John Broberg

Hiawatha Community Hospital is continuing to operate under the Incident Command that was initiated with the National Emergency for COVID-19.  Our goal is to provide weekly updates to the community to assure the community we are here caring for you.

We know that Kansas had the first positive COVID 19 patient in early March and as of April 6, there are 845 cases in Kansas in 53 counties.  The information is updated each day around 11:00.  Please visit the KDHE COVID-19 website.

Call Before You Go – Call Before You Go initiative was launched on March 11th, encouraging patients to call the hospital before coming to the hospital, clinic, or emergency department.  We started a COVID Patient Line so all patients calling in with COVID symptoms like fever, cough and shortness of breath are screened by a nurse who will collect information and review symptoms and travel history.  As of April 6th, we have had 194 callers screening by the nurses and providers answering the phones.  We have done 28 drive by swabs.  Several have tested positive for flu or other viruses.  Between the other swabs ordered in the hospital and the qualifying tests from drive by, HCH has sent 32 swabs for COVID testing.  25 have come back negative and 7 are pending results.  Some results are taking over 10 days.  We are using a different reference lab which has improved the turnaround of results.

The leadership team and employees have been demonstrating amazing teamwork.  We have converted three offices and a storage room back into patient rooms.  Staff came together to move offices, paint rooms, and are working to restore the plumbing as these rooms have not been used for quite some time.  We have rented negative air flow machines for five rooms for when we have COVID patients in the hospital.  The west wing of the hospital including the solarium will be used as our COVID unit. We do not have any patients in the COVID Unit at this time.   

While the hospital improved its operations over the last year, we continue to monitor our financials very closely.  With the cancellation of the elective procedures and lower volumes across the organization, we applied for the paycheck prevention program as well as accelerated Medicare payment to help our cash flow.  The hospital has been able to refinance our bond and will be spending some bond fund dollars for roofing, chiller and boiler infrastructure. 

We are continuing to follow CDC’s recommendation of cancelling elective procedures.  This is a hardship for patients, the hospital staff and providers but it allows us to preserve personal protective equipment which is in short supply nationally.   We are monitoring our personal protective equipment stock closely.  Most of the supplies we are ordering are on back order.  The cost of hospital grade masks has increased by 500%.  We appreciate several people who have already dropped off homemade masks, and continue to take donations if you would like to make masks for staff.  We will be using them for non-patient care providers while at work, as well as assure all employees have a homemade mask to wear while out in public. 

We continue to promote social distancing.  It is great to see many of the local restaurants and Walmart putting in protective measures.  The CDC shared it is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.  CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. 

Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

We encourage all patients to make your payments on line or mail the payments to the hospital rather than coming into the hospital to make your payments.  If you come into the hospital, please wear a homemade or purchased mask, you will need to go through screening prior to giving the payment to the registration staff.  If you have questions about your bill, please feel free to call 785-742-2131.

Thank you for all of the community support as we continue to navigate these challenging times. …..
COVID Patient Line-- 194 Calls
COVID Test--  32 Sent
COVID Results:
    Negative    25
    Positive      0
    Pending      7
COVID Patients In Hospital including Persons Under Investigation:  0

(MSC News)--Due to the spread of the coronavirus statewide, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has implemented a new executive order, bringing churches and funerals into the same regulations already in place under the state’s stay at home order. “This measure brings our religious institutions in-line with a previously issued order that limited public gatherings to ten, or fewer, people. The order also extends to funerals,” Kelly said. “Both religious and non-religious funerals in the state must adhere to the 10 or fewer persons limitation. Although churches and funerals were previously exempt from this 10 person limit, they will now need to comply to this rule, effective Wednesday at 12:01 p.m.”

Kelly announced the executive order Tuesday afternoon during her daily, virus-focused news conference.

(MSC News)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas climbs to 900.

That’s according to the latest pandemic statistics released Tuesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The State of Kansas has experienced 27 virus related deaths, while 223 are hospitalized in connection with the virus.

Locally, Leavenworth County now has 43 confirmed cases, while the counties of Jefferson and Pottawatomie have 3 cases each.

Atchison County has two confirmed cases, while the counties of Doniphan and Jackson remain with one confirmed case each.

(KLZA)-- During a weekly update Monday afternoon,  Community Medical Center CEO Ryan Larsen noted that at this point, there have been no positive test results for COVID-19 at the hospital in Falls City. 

According to a report from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 35 tests for COVID-19 have been performed in Richardson County with all the results being negative.  There are several tests for which results are pending.  

In Nemaha County there have been nine tests conducted with one person being positive.  In Johnson County there have been 19 tests performed with one positive result.  Pawnee County has conducted four tests with no positive results.

Regionally,  there have been nine positive results from 80 tests in Gage County and one positive test from 31 tests conducted in Otoe County. 

Statewide there have been nine deaths from COVID-19.  412 of  6,883 test have come back positive, meaning just under six percent of the tests have been positive.  

(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission Monday addressed local COVID-19 concerns, while approving a virus-related employee leave policy, and clarifying the moratorium on public gatherings. “It puts a moratorium on all special events, and says you can’t have any public gatherings, or anything like that,” Atchison City Manager Becky Berger told the Commission. “It also explains that you can use public property, you can use our parks. In fact, we encourage it. I think it’s important for everyone’s mental health to get out and be outside, but it requires 6-foot of social distancing, and also says you can’t use the playground equipment. It...officially says what our position is on usage of those facilities,” Berger said, prior to the Commission’s unanimous approval of the resolution.

Mayor Shawn Rizza, during the meeting, commended the efforts taken by Atchison School Leaders during the ongoing crisis, while the rest of the Commission offered similar words in regards to local virus response.

The meeting was held online due to the current COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

(KLZA)-- Nemaha County Hospital CEO Marty Fattig noted in his daily update Monday that all employees of the hospital in Auburn are asked to follow a new CDC recommendation to wear a cloth mask when out in public. 

Fattig says this will help set a good example for others in the  community.  

In addition, as of Tuesday morning, all patients entering the Nemaha County Hospital will be asked to wear a mask while they are in the building.  

Since there is not an adequate supply of masks,  employees will not be asked to wear a surgical mask in the building.  However,  employees are to  continue to practice social distancing whenever possible. 

The hospital currently has an adequate supply of Personal Protective Equipment if used conservatively.  Like all other hospitals,  everything possible to obtain more supplies is being done.  UV lights are being used to decontaminate N95 masks.  

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday was updated on local COVID-19 testing and supplies for healthcare workers.

Chastity Schumann, with Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health, and County Emergency Management Director, Don Pounds, met with the Commission through video conference.

Schumann said 25 virus tests have been conducted so far in Brown County, with eight still pending. At the current time, there are no confirmed cases in the county.

Pounds said he was disappointed with the supplies the county has received from the federal government.

He said he was told to expect four to five pallets of supplies, but was only delivered one pallet. Pounds said there is a shortage of gloves, with the pallet only containing one box of gloves.

In other business, Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development Director Mikaela Moore met with the Commission through conference call to discuss the micro-loan program. Last month, HFED offered funding through the program to help small businesses in the county who have suffered economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moore told Commissioners she sent out seven applications. She reviewed with the Commission an application she said met all of the necessary requirements.

The Commission voted to accept a micro-loan application from Paper Eaters, of Hiawatha, for $12,500 with a term of three years at a one percent interest rate. The first payment will be deferred for four months.

(KAIR)--The closure of the Doniphan County Courthouse has been extended.

According to a release from Doniphan County Emergency Management Coordinator Julie Meng, the Courthouse, located in Troy, will remain closed to the public until Monday, April 20.

That decision was made through a vote Monday of the Doniphan County Commission.

The closure is in place to limit public access because of COVID-19 concerns.

It was first implemented by the Commission last month.

At that time, it was decided to keep the doors of the Courthouse locked, but County employees remain at work to serve the public by telephone or email.

A drop box is in place on the north side of the courthouse for all documents that need to be dropped off. The County asks that all documents be placed in a secured envelope with the name of the department it should be delivered to.

(KMZA)--The STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced the recipients for the first-round of 2020 grants.

According to a news release, Centralia Schools will receive an award of $4,000 from the Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund to replace the playground border and mulch with an 8-inch rubber border and rubber mulch.

Principal Larry Glatczak said the playground at the school has been deteriorating for some time now. The current playground equipment was installed in 1998, and the school has added different equipment throughout the years.

Glatczak said the plastic pipe border around the playground is worn and has passed its useful life. In addition, he said the rubber mulch inside the playground is deteriorating and washing away.

When complete, the release says the playground will be safer as the mulch will stay within the playground and around the equipment.

Grants through the STEP Foundation are awarded twice a year for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County.

Requests totaled more than $10,000 for this round of grants.

The next grant application deadline is July 15.

Editors note--the following was submitted by Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore:

The Hiawatha Police Department has received several requests to authorize gatherings of individuals and has received even more questions about enforcement of the current “stay at home” order issued by the Kansas Governor.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s Executive Order 20-16 directs all individuals to stay in their homes with the following exceptions:

    1.    Obtaining food, medicine, or other household goods
    2.    Performing, or going to and from work at a business or organization to perform an essential function as identified in the Kansas Essential Function Framework
    3.    Seeking medical care
    4.    Caring for children, family members, or pets or caring for a vulnerable person in another location
   5.    Engaging in outdoor activity, provided individuals maintain a distance of six feet from one another and abide by the 10-person limitation on gathering size

Nothing in the executive order prevents families from gathering privately.

Except for these limited activities, the Governor’s order directs all individuals remain in their homes.  This executive order is authorized by Kansas laws regarding emergency preparedness for disasters.  These same laws, including K.S.A. 48-939, make it a class A misdemeanor crime to commit a “knowing and willful violation” of this executive order, which means that law enforcement personnel are authorized to arrest those individuals that knowingly and willfully violate the “stay at home” order.  

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment indicates outdoor activities are those that “do not involve groups, like running and hiking.”  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that if “children are playing outside their own homes, it is essential that they remain 6 feet from anyone who is not in their own household.”  Both these agencies have a number of tips on their websites to help you maintain health and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Hiawatha Police Department does not have the authority to suspend or change an executive order and cannot give anyone authorization to violate this executive order.  Additionally, the Hiawatha Police Department will not make a determination whether your proposed activity is in violation of the order because its determination may not be binding on other law enforcement agencies.

It is not the goal of the Hiawatha Police Department to seek out violations of the executive order to arrest citizens for violations.  It is important for citizens to understand the significance of the order to “stay at home” and to use their best efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 so we can all get through this crisis as quickly and safely as possible.  

(MSC News)--The number of local area COVID-19 confirmations continue to rise, echoing the climb being seen statewide.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Monday afternoon, there are now 3 confirmed positive cases in Jefferson County, the same number of cases in Pottawatomie County. The number in Leavenworth County has climbed to 40, while Atchison County has 2 confirmed cases. The counties of Doniphan and Jackson have one confirmed case each.

Statewide, the KDHE Monday confirmed 845 cases statewide, which have resulted in 25 deaths.

(KNZA)-A pavement marking project on U.S. Highway 75, through Jackson, Brown and Nemaha counties, is expected to begin Tuesday, just south of Holton moving north, weather permitting.

A news release from the Kansas Department of Transportation says the project will consist of removing deteriorating or existing pavement markings and replacing them with new pavement markings.

Work will occur during daylight hours and is expected to be completed in mid-August.  

Traffic will be controlled using signage, traffic cones, digital boards and a flagging operation. Brief traffic delays should be expected.

Twin Traffic Marking Corporation, of Kansas City, is the contractor on the $778,000 project.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska Public Service Commissioner Dan Watermeier, from Syracuse, who represents Southeast Nebraska on the Board has been appointed to a sub-committee of the Federal Communications Commission Precision Agriculture and Connectivity Task Force. 

The 15-member committee was formed in June of last year and is charged with reviewing the connectivity and technology need of precision agriculture.

Watermeier will serve on the Accelerating Broadband Deployment on Unserved Agricultural Lands working group. 

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department has confirmed a third case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) within the district in southeast Nebraska.

The person is a man in his fifties who lives in Johnson County. 

He developed symptoms consistent with COVID-19 on April 2. He is currently hospitalized for an unrelated condition and in stable condition. 

An exposure assessment and contact investigations are in progress. All identified close contacts will be asked to self-quarantine and be actively monitored by public health officials for fever and respiratory symptoms. 

The SEDHD will continue to update the district as new information becomes available. For more information about COVID-19, www.sedhd.org or http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Coronavirus. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison manufacturing facility will close its doors next month.

Atchison Tubular Services, located at the Shannon Industrial Park, will officially close its plant on Sunday, May 31.

That’s confirmed in a statement released by the company following an inquiry made by MSC News.

Citing “regret and sadness,” the statement says that the State of Kansas and the City of Atchison were served with the company’s WARN Act notice on March 31 advising the closure of the Atchison facility. However, the WARN, or Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act, received by the City of Atchison states that approximately 52 non-union employees would be laid off due to economic reasons. No indication of a full closure was stated at that time.

The statement received by MSC News April 4, sent by Atchison Tubular Services Human Resources Manager Stacey Brunn, says the company wants “to thank the City of Atchison and the people of Atchison for allowing us to be a part of their community for the past two years.”

It closes by stating the May 31closure date.

Atchison Tubular Services, owned by Houston,Texas-based Tex-Tube, began operating in the Shannon Industrial space once occupied by the former Northwest Pipe Company, which closed in 2016.

The opening of the company’s operations led to a funding partnership between the City and County of Atchison to upgrade the available internet service at the industrial park.

( MSC NEWS)-This year's Big Kansas Road Trip, which is to showcase Brown, Doniphan and Nemaha counties, has been postponed from May until September 10-13 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a news release from the Kansas Sampler Foundation, the decision was made by the Foundation and BKRT county leaders after consultation with local governments.

Designed to bring people into rural communities in a tri-county open-house style, Foundation Director Marci Penner said most of the activities planned for the May dates can still happen in September.

The September date was chosen to avoid conflicts with other planned local events.

At the time of the decision, the fifty-page BKRT guide had already been printed. The guides will be distributed now in August with an affixed label stating the new dates.

Penner said though locals and people around the state are disappointed with the postponement, it seems that everyone understands.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas reported 49 new cases of the coronavirus on Sunday. The state has confirmed 747 cases, up from 698 on Saturday.

Twenty-two virus-related deaths have been confirmed, one more than on Saturday.

State health officials say 183 people have been hospitalized for COVID-19. The ill include a an inmate and the fourth staff member to test positive at the Lansing Correctional Facility. Corrections officials say the illnesses and employee absences at the state's largest prison have prompted some operational changes. For example, movement of inmates will be reduced to ensure they stay in the assigned groups.

The counties of Atchison, Jefferson, and Pottawatomie remained with two cases each, while Doniphan and Jackson counties had one case each.
Leavenworth County had 36 as of Sunday’s release.

(KNZA)--A fourth staff member and the first inmate at the Lansing Correctional Facility have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting operational changes within the facility.

According to a news release from the Kansas Department of Corrections, the newest staff member infected is a male over the age of 20, and the inmate is a male over age 50.

Kansas Department of Corrections Secretary Jeff Zmuda announced the cases and the changes Saturday.

In response to the new cases, the release says a "modified operational schedule" has been put in place at facility following consultation with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment

The additional steps include:

* Reduced movement of residents so that they will remain in their units, but are not locked down in cells

* Necessary movement to recreation or jobs will occur primarily in groups, or cohorts, from the same unit.

* Staffing has been modified due to increased absences

The first three infected staff members were announced on March 31. At the time, no movement was restricted at the facility.

(KNZA)--The body of a missing trash truck driver and truck were recovered from the Delaware River in Jefferson County Saturday.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 32-year-old Bernard Singleton, of Topeka, was westbound on U.S. 24 Highway around 11:00 Friday morning when he lost control of the truck west of Perry due to the inclement weather and road conditions. The truck struck the guard rail of the bridge and overturned into the water, where the truck submerged.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told WIBW-TV that Deffenbaugh Industries  contacted the sheriff's office Friday evening to report that Singleton had never returned from his route.

A search was launched for him Friday evening and resumed Saturday morning.

The Sheriff's Office used his phone to ping him to the location.

The Overland Park Police Department dive team assisted in the recovery efforts.  

(KNZA)--The body of a missing trash truck driver and his truck were recovered from the Delaware River in Jefferson County Saturday.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 32-year-old Bernard Singleton, of Topeka, was westbound on U.S. 24 Highway around 11:00 Friday morning when he lost control of the truck west of Perry due to the inclement weather and road conditions at the time. The truck struck the guard rail of a bridge crossing the Delaware River and overturned into the water, where it submerged.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told WIBW-TV that Deffenbaugh Waste Management contacted the sheriff's office Friday evening to report the man had never returned from his route.

A search was launched for the man Friday evening and resumed Saturday morning.

The Sheriff's Office used his phone to ping him to the location.

The Overland Park Police Department dive team assisted in the recovery efforts.  

(KAIR)--The number of Kansas COVID-19 related deaths continue to rise, while the total number of confirmed positive cases statewide, and in the local area, also continue to climb
Atchison County now has two cases, with County Health Officer Lori Forge saying her agency was notified of the second confirmation by state health officials Friday evening.

As of Friday afternoon, two cases were confirmed in Jefferson County, the same as Pottawatomie County, while cases in Leavenworth County climb to 33.

The counties of Doniphan and Jackson have one confirmed case each.

The latest Kansas Department of Health and Environment statistics, released early Saturday afternoon, show 21 have died in the state, which now has 698 confirmed cases.

Saturday marks four-weeks since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Kansas.

(KAIR)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man is facing charges in connection with a case of child abuse that authorities say happened at an Atchison home.

26-year-old Joseph Marsh was arrested on a warrant charging him with child abuse and aggravated battery.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said the arrest followed an investigation by Atchison Police after they received information from a Kansas City hospital regarding the bruises and head injuries suffered by the 3-year-old victim.

Notified about the concerns on March 28, Wilson said investigators determined that the injuries happened one day earlier, on March 27, at an Atchison residence.

Following his arrest, Marsh was booked into the Atchison County Jail.
His bond is set at $100,000.

Marsh was already in custody at the jail for failure to appear in court at the time of his arrest in connection with the child abuse case.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) — Gov. Mike Parson has issued a statewide stay-at-home order starting Monday, meaning Missouri will join about 40 other states that require residents to avoid going out except for essential purposes.

The Republican governor’s order came Friday as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Missouri topped 2,000. The number of infections in the state has risen eight-fold in the past 10 days. Nineteen people have died of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.

The majority of Missouri residents are already living under stay-at-home orders issued by local leaders, including most of the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, Springfield and Columbia.

(KNZA)--A late Friday morning single-vehicle Doniphan County crash sent a St. Joseph, Missouri woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 36 Highway at the K-238 junction at about 10:45.

THe Patrol reports 30-year-old Kala Goff was eastbound when she lost control of her mini-van due to the slushy road conditions.  Her vehicle left the road and entered the center median.

Goff was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Center, in St. Joseph, for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol reports she was buckled up when the wreck occurred.

(MSC News)--The number of Kansas COVID-19 related deaths continue to climb, as does the total number of confirmed positive cases statewide.

The latest Kansas Department of Health and Environment statistics show 17 have died in the state, which now has 620 confirmed cases. Those figures were outlined Friday by Dr. Lee Norman, Secretary of KDHE during Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s daily, afternoon virus-focused news conference.

The number of confirmed positive cases in local Kansas counties also continue to rise.

As of Friday afternoon, two cases were confirmed in Jefferson County, the same as Pottawatomie County, while cases in Leavenworth County climb to 31.

The counties of Atchison, Doniphan, and Jackson have one confirmed case each.

Saturday marks four-weeks since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Kansas.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council approved an ordinance Wednesday evening amending the municipal code to make failure to comply with an order from the county health officer a misdemeanor.

In other business, City Administrator Matt Rehder said the Council approved the Aquatic Center staff for this season. Rehder was also directed to advertise for a pool manager.

In addition, the Council approved the re-appointment of Susan Bowman to the Seneca Housing Authority Board.

The meeting, which was closed to the public due to Governor Kelly's stay-at-home order, was broadcast live on the Seneca Police Department's Facebook page.

(KNZA)--Four teenagers face charges in connection with two recent burglaries in Doniphan County.

The teens are accused of breaking into the Riverside High School in Wathena and Dollar General Store on the north edge of Troy.

The burglaries are believed to have occurred sometime late March 26 or early March 27.

The teens were taken into custody following an investigation by the Wathena Police Department and Doniphan County Sheriff's Department.

Wathena Police Chief Scott Hirtler told The Kansas Chief that a considerable amount of damage was done to the school property.

The names of the teen suspects have not been released at this time .

(KNZA)--Effective April 2, Hiawatha Community Hospital is restricting hospital access on weekends.  

Due to continued visitor restrictions and efforts to minimize foot traffic through the hospital, Hospital Administrator John Broberg said the main lobby doors will now be locked on weekends from 7:00 Friday evening until 7:00 Monday morning.

Broberg said patients coming in for services or approved visitors will need to enter through the Emergency Department doors.  Everyone entering will be screened by emergency department staff.   

(KLZA)-- A second positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in an area southeast Nebraska county. 

The Southeast District Health Department, in a press release Thursday afternoon,  said the person is a woman in her seventies who lives in Otoe County. 

The release said the woman had been in direct contact with a family member who was showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and had recently returned from Colorado. 

She became symptomatic on March 24 and was tested March 30.  She reported mild symptoms and currently is self-isolated.  

The Southeast  District Health Department has interviewed all the individuals who were in contact with the woman and all those with direct contact are in self-quarantine and being actively monitored by public health officials. 

The first positive case of COVID-19 in an area southeast Nebraska County was reported last month in Nemaha County.  The individual was a man in his 60's.

(KLZA)-- All schools in Nebraska will be operating in an alternative learning environment for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. 

Governor Pete Ricketts issued a Directive Health Measure Wednesday evening. 

With this directive, all schools are closed to students until May 31 and all extracurricular activities are cancelled until May 31.  This will mean no spring competitions and all district and state championship competitions are cancelled. 

Traditional graduation ceremonies are not going to be possible in May.  Schools will be working to determine appropriate alternative methods to honor the Class of   2020 in each community, whether it be a ceremony at a later date or some other locally determined alternative graduation that complies with the guidance of health officials. 

(MSC News)--13 deaths, and 552 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19, are now reported in Kansas.

The latest figures were released Thursday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment,

New, detailed mapping made available by the agency reveals that of the total number of confirmed, positive cases, 286 are women and 266 are men.

138 virus-related hospitalizations are also reported in the state.

Locally, Leavenworth County continues to hold the highest number of confirmed cases at 27, while Pottawatomie County remains with two. The counties of Atchison, Doniphan, Jackson, and Jefferson have one case each.

The Associated Press reports the new number of confirmed cases is a one day, 15% increase, due in part to an outbreak at a Kansas nursing home continues to grow.

The 13th Kansas death is a 90-year-old resident of the Life Care Center in Burlington. Twenty-five other residents and staff members at the facility lare sickened.

The company also runs a nursing home near Seattle tied to 40 deaths and one in Kansas City, Kansas, where a resident died last month. 

(KNZA)--During a special "virtual" meeting Thursday morning, the Hiawatha School Board approved the district's continuous learning plan and application to waive the mandated attendance requirements for this school year. 

The documents will now be submitted to the Kansas State Department of Education for approval. 

Governor Laura Kelly last month ordered all K-12 schools to close for the remainder of the semester to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.   

Schools districts were directed to develop a continuous learning plan for the remainder of the school year, which is to be submitted by April 8. 

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the district is asking to waive 293 hours of the mandated requirement of 1,116 hours of school.  He said the continuous learning plan is one of the requirements to receive the waiver. 

Board President Ian Schuetz expressed graditude to the faculty and administrators who developed the plan.

On Monday, the Hiawatha School District began its instructional plan that includes a combination of online learning and packets of printed material. 

In other business, the Board approved the hiring of three new teachers for next school year.  They include Leighanna Stewart as a 3rd grade teacher, Kylah Bateman as Middle/High School band teacher and Brady Mulligan as 6th grade history teacher. 

The Board also accepted the resignations of band teacher Sara Woods and Trace Woods as music and Title 1 para along with tennis coach.  

The meeting was held on-line due to Governor Kelly's stay-at-home order.

(KAIR)--The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas continues to feel the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, making maneuvers to help reduce the potential spread.

Those measures include the extension of the closure of the Tribe’s Golden Eagle Casino.

According to a news release from Tribal Chairman Lester Randall, the decision has been reached to keep the casino closed until May 1.

Despite the effects of the pandemic, the Tribe is taking time to celebrate the arrival of new guests to the Kickapoo Reservation, located west of Horton.

According to Randall, the Tribe on Monday welcomed six buffalo, including five pregnant heifers and one bull. Five calves are expected in late May or early June, and the Tribe plans to expand the herd in the future.

Randall, in a release, said that many Tribal members “believe buffalo have spiritual and healing powers,” saying they are “hopeful the addition of these buffalo will help [the Tribe] bring back their cultural importance.”

The release notes that amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Tribe “is hopeful the buffalo can serve as a bit of optimism for a community dealing with stressful and uncertain times.”

(KLZA)-- The playgrounds and the outdoor seating areas and grounds at Falls City Public and Sacred Heart schools are closed to the public until further notice upon recommendation from the Centers For Disease Control. 

Unauthorized entry or use of the grounds, equipment or seating areas will be considered trespassing. 

The schools have not cleaned any outside surfaces or equipment and cannot guarantee the cleanliness or safety of any surface or equipment.  Anyone violating this directive does so at their own risk.

Anyone with questions or wanting more information should contact the schools.  

(KLZA)-- The Tiger Pride Foundation of Table Rock will be utilizing funds from Rural Development investment to install a new sprinkler system in the south wing of the old school building which was purchased by the Foundation.

Bathrooms will be renovated to meet code to allow a licensed daycare to open which is a much-needed service for working families in Table Rock. 

Rural Nebraska communities in FEMA declared disaster counties are able to utilize funds from a $2.2 million fund provided by USDA for disaster recovery through the Community Facilities Program.

Among the counties included in the disaster declaration are Pawnee, Richardson, Nemaha, Johnson, Gage and Otoe in Southeast Nebraska. 

(MSC News)--Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister today announced a state-federal partnership to investigate and prosecute scammers attempting to prey on Kansans during the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to a news release, “coordinating information and manpower will allow the agencies to more quickly verify allegations and prosecute those who are profiteering off the crisis.”

The attorney general’s Consumer Protection Division will work directly with two prosecutors in the U.S. attorney’s office designated for handling COVID-19-related matters.

Anyone with information about COVID-19-related scams or price gouging should file a complaint with the attorney general’s office online at ag.ks.gov or by calling (800) 432-2310.

(KAIR)--As the City of Atchison and surrounding communities prepare for the inevitable COVID-19 outbreak locally, community leaders will be hosting an online Question and Answer session Friday afternoon.

That’s according to a news release from the City of Atchison, which says that with “the first confirmed case now in Atchison County, community leaders want to ensure that proper information is getting to residents so everyone can do their part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The session will begin at 4:00 Friday afternoon, April 3, and is “designed to address any public concerns about the impact of the virus and the response currently underway throughout the community.”

The session will include Atchison City Manager Becky Berger, USD 409 Superintendent Renee Scott, Director of Atchison County Emergency Management Wes Lanter, Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge, and Atchison Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Norma Green.

The meeting will be broadcast on the City of Atchison’s Facebook Page.

Questions must be submitted in advance and meeting participants will not be responding to Facebook page comments live.

Questions for one, or all, panel members can be submitted online here.

(KAIR)--Another COVID-19 related death is confirmed in Kansas as the state’s overall numbers continue to climb.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, during a news conference Wednesday, released the latest figures on behalf of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. “Today, we learned of another death in Kansas, attributed to COVID-19, bringing the total to ten. Currently, KDHE is also reporting 482 positive cases throughout Kansas, and 41 counties have reported at least one positive case.”

The total number of confirmed positive cases in local Kansas counties is now 31, with Leavenworth County reporting 25 cases. The counties of Atchison, Doniphan, Jackson, and Jefferson have one case each, while Pottawatomie has two.

(KLZA)-- Peru State College will postpone its May commencement until December 18, 2020. 

The College made the decision following new recommendations to extend social distancing guidelines and to best give graduates the opportunity to celebrate together.

Jason Hogue, director of marketing and communications at Peru State, said, “With the uncertainty about the trajectory and duration of the Coronavirus outbreak, it has become clear that it would be best to postpone the May commencement.”

“The College looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments of its graduates, with their family and friends, in December.”

The December 2020 commencement ceremony will be open to graduate and undergraduate students that would have been eligible to walk in May 2020, including December 2019, May 2020 and August 2020. 

Students graduating in December 2020 will also be invited to participate.
 

(KLZA)-- During their March 24th meeting, Richardson County  Commissioners discussed a Homeland Security grant program for hiring officers, supplies and equipment with Sheriff Rick Hardesty. 

Commissioners also briefly discussed offering a hiring bonus to attract Nebraska certified law enforcement officers.  

The matter will be reviewed further at the next meeting.

Sheriff Hardesty also informed the Board he has been in contact with Falls City Chief of Police Duane Armbruster and received permission to deputize additional city police officers to assist with County law enforcement if the need arises during the COVID-19 emergency.  

(KLZA)-- Now that it has been determined the COVID-19 virus can live for a period of time an various surfaces,  the University of Nebraska Medical Center has released a number of suggestions on how you can keep your personal space safe.

Beth Beam, PHD. with the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing says the virus can last anywhere from three to 72 hours on a surface, but noted it is small and fragile. 

Dr. Beam has suggestions on areas you need to focus on cleaning. She said high touch areas such as the remote for the television, handles on the microwave, and refrigerator are important to keep clean.  You need to clean the area first and then disinfect.

Chances are you have the stuff in your house to help clean the areas where the virus can live. Typical household cleaners that are on the EPA list for coronavirus are Lysol and Clorox.  You can also use household bleach or 70 percent alcohol solutions.  With the bleach solution the ration is a third cup of bleach per gallon of water or four teaspoons with a quart of water. 

Another area of concern has been what to do with packages you receive, making sure they are safe to handle.  Dr. Beam suggests placing the package away from where people might interact with it and let is sit for two-three days and by then it should be safe to open. 

Dr. Beam feels its likely the contents inside the package will not be infected with the coronavirus.  
 

(KLZA)-- Atchison County, Missouri Medical Director, Dr. Aaron Burke announced in a video on the Atchison County Emergency Management website Tuesday, the County Commissioners have approved a “Stay Safe at Home” proclamation at the direction of the Health Board. 

Under the proclamation, residents are to remain in their residences as much as possible,  avoiding contact with people with whom you do not reside and avoid going to public places accept as necessary to obtain food, supplies or medical treatment. 

All social gatherings of 10 or more people should be avoided. 

Participating in outdoor activities such as walking and running are encouraged, but you are encouraged to adhere to the social distancing recommendations of staying 6-feet apart.

Education and childcare limits of 10 children are in place and it must be a consistent clientele. 

All businesses that remain open should adhere to social distancing guidelines. 

Dr. Burke also announced the person diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus in March has now been deemed clear and is released from isolation.

Currently, there are no coronavirus cases in  Atchison County, Missouri.