(KNZA)--Two Horton residents have been arrested in connection with the theft of a trailer.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said Brown County Sheriff's deputies on Thursday received a report from a resident of a car trailer that was stolen on May 23.

Deputies stopped the vehicle near Powhattan on Goldfinch Road.   

From information obtained from the interdiction, 29-year-old Brent Gutierrez was arrested on a charge of possession of stolen property.

Also arrested was 31-year-old Jacob Brown on charges of possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both men were booked into the Brown County Jail.

Brown remains held on a $2,500 bond, while Gutierrez has since been released on bond.

(KNZA)--A Horton teenager has been arrested in the theft of a vehicle.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said an-duty Brown County deputy on May 22 located a 2000 Honda Civic near Horton that had been stolen earlier that day from Fairview.

The Horton Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the area.

18-year-old Skye Joe Coversup was arrested on charges of felony theft and possession of stolen property.

Coversup was booked into the Brown County Jail, where he remains held on a $2,500 bond.

Merchant said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be presented in the case.

Based on statements from the victim when the vehicle was reported stolen, Robert Hobbs had been listed as a person of interest wanted for questioning in the theft.  Merchant said it was determined that he was not associated with the theft of the vehicle.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Fitness Center will reopen to the public members Monday, June 1 with restrictions. 

By mandate of the Southeast District Health Department, community members cannot be in the Fitness Center at the same time as student summer lifting sessions.  

The student lifting times will be Monday – Thursday from 6:45 – 8:15 A.M.
Monday – Thursday  4:45 – 7:30 P.M. 

Equipment must be thoroughly cleaned with Clorox or alcohol wipes before and after use.

A distance of six feet must be maintained between non-family members.

Children under lifting or exercising age cannot be brought to the Fitness Center.  

Violators should be reported to the school at 402-852-2988.  

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting its 23rd positive case of COVID-19.

That’s confirmed in a release issued Saturday night by Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter.
According to Lanter, the latest patient is a woman in her sixties, who is isolating at home.

17 of the County’s cases have recovered, while one remains hospitalized.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 9,719 cases statewide, with 208 deaths.

(KLZA)--The Southeast District Health Department (SEDHD) has confirmed an additional case of coronavirus (COVID-19) within the district.

The additional case includes a female in her twenties who lives in Nemaha county.

All identified close contacts will be asked to self-quarantine. Individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should self-isolate to avoid transmitting the virus to others.

COVID-19 symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. In many cases, a person will have more than one of these symptoms.

As of May 29, the total cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the district is 17. Case counts by county are Johnson with 6, Nemaha 3, Otoe 6, Pawnee 0 and Richardson has 2.

SEDHD reviews all reported test results as soon as they become available and will continue to report county totals to most accurately reflect current cumulative case numbers in the district.

(KNZA)--Additional positive cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in Atchison, Jackson and Nemaha Counties.

Atchison County reported its 22nd case on Friday.  Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, in a release, said the case is a male in his 20's.  He said the Atchison County Health Department is completing their investigation of the case.

One individual is hospitalized, while seventeen of Atchison County's twenty-two cases have recovered and are no longer in isolation. 

The Jackson County Health Department on Friday reported one new case, bringing the county's total to 96. Twenty-seven have recovered.  Jackson County reported its first death Wednesday due to COVID-19.

The Nemaha County Community Health Services on Friday reported one new case, bringing the county's total to 16. One individual is hospitalized, while eight have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 9,719 cases statewide, with 208 deaths.

(KAIR)--A residential burglary, resulting in thousands-of-dollars worth of items being stolen, is under investigation by Atchison Police.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the burglary occurred sometime between May 17 and May 27, at a residence located in the 1000 block of Ash Street.

Wilson told MSC News forced entry was made through a door.

Taken were items including two televisions, DVD’s, jewelry, and coins.

All totaled, Wilson said the loss is estimated at $5,000.

No arrests have yet been made, but Wilson said leads are being followed.

(KNZA)--Former Hiawatha Police Chief Evans Woehlecke has filed for a position on the Hiawatha City Commission.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Woehlecke filed Friday for the position of Commissioner of Police.

The position is currently held by Dustin Williams, who has filed for re-election.

Woehlecke served for twenty-five years with the Hiawatha Police Department--including 12 years as police chief--before retiring in August 2016.

Three positions are up for election on the Commission in November.

Noon, Monday is the filing deadline.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 37-year-old Kansas City-area man has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and eight other felonies after authorities say he randomly fired into traffic on a bridge that connects Kansas and Missouri.

The charges filed Friday in Leavenworth County, Kansas, District Court against Jason Randell Westrem, of Houston City, Missouri, include four counts of firing into an occupied vehicle, two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated endangerment of a child.

One person was wounded in the shooting on the Centennial Bridge near Fort Leavenworth before a soldier stationed at the Army post hit the shooter with his car to stop him. 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission, during a meeting Friday, approved a  reopening plan for the county.

The plan drafted by County Health Officer Chastity Schumann comes after Governor Kelly gave county officials the authority to determine their own coronavirus restrictions.

In recommending the plan, Schumann noted Kansas is seeing a decline in the spread of the virus, deaths and hospitalizations.

Under the plan, mass gatherings of more than 50 individuals are prohibited.

All businesses—including bars—may reopen as long as they are able to maintain a 6-foot social distancing between groups of customers and avoid any instances in which groups of 50 individuals are in one place and unable to avoid social distancing.

Libraries, activities and venues may open following mass gathering, social distancing and sanitary guidelines.

The reopening order took effect Friday and will remain in place until June 8.

You can view the entire order on the county's website at brcoks.org.

The Commission also Friday approved guidelines for Phase 2 of the re-opening of  the Courthouse, which will be effective Monday, June 1 through June 15.

Customers entering the courthouse will be screened and only three customers will be allowed in an office at one time. Face coverings are recommended.

In addition, the Commission approved re-opening the county's senior taxi service, beginning June 1st.  Only two riders will be allowed per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

(KLZA)--Work is scheduled to begin soon on another bridge on U.S. Route 159 in Holt County.

 Contractors from Boone Construction Co. expect to begin a project to replace the Penny Slu Bridge, west of Route 111 near Fortescue, on Monday, June 8. The project was scheduled to begin June 1, but crews have faced delays on other area projects due to weather.
  
During the closure of the Penny Slu Bridge, traffic will continue to be directed along the same detour route used during the recent replacement of the Little Tarkio Creek Bridge near Fortescue. The detour will direct motorists from U.S. Route 159, north to Route 111, east on Route 118, and south on Route U.S. Route 59 to reconnect with U.S. Route 159. 

The project is expected to be complete in mid-August.

All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change. Please remember that all work zones are NO PHONE zones. Buckle up. Phone down. Arrive Alive. Motorist are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Council discussed wages and benefits for City employees when they met Monday evening. 

A straight 25-cent per hour increase was approved for some employees.  Increases will vary for some workers depending on certifications they have or are attempting to earn  involving the water and sewer systems.

Wages for the library employees are up to the Library Board,  but will not be determined until the Board learns what their budget will be for the next fiscal year.

The Council discussed health insurance options through the Nebraska Association of County Officials.  A 1.4 percent premium increase has been proposed.  More information is being gathered on health savings plans to see what the costs would be.  

No action was taken.  

(KLZA)--The City of Peru has issues a drinking water advisory.

Water samples were collected and levels of manganese exceed 300 micrograms of manganese per liter of water in the well.

Exposure to high levels of manganese may be associated with adverse central nervous system effects, particularly for formula-fed infants. Drinking water with the high levels should not be used for preparing formula for infants.

If you have any questions please contact Peru City Hall at 402-872-6685.

(KNZA)--A third candidate has filed for a local district magistrate judge position.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State's Office, Scott Morris, of Holton filed May 20 as a Republican candidate for position 1 in the 22nd Judicial District.

Morris joins Doug Duncan and incumbent Laura Johnson-McNish, both Troy Republicans, in vying for the position.

Johnson-McNish was appointed last year to fill the unexpired term of longtime Magistrate Judge Roy Roper, who retired at the end of March.

There are three magistrate judge's in the 22nd Judicial District, which includes Brown, Doniphan, Marshall and Nemaha Counties.

Candidates have until noon, Monday to file.

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

(KNZA)--Jackson County Health Officer Angie Reith issued a re-opening plan for the county on Wednesday, a day after Governor Kelly gave county officials the authority to determine their own coronavirus restrictions.

Under the order, mass gatherings of more than 30 people are prohibited.

Businesses and recreational facilities may open, provided they maintain at least a 6-foot distance between customers or groups of customers and adhere to the mass gathering limits.

Ball games may not occur at this time and public swimming pools may not open.

Reith said residents should not view the reopening plan as an indication that the threat of COVID-19 is over, and should follow all social distancing, sanitation and personal hygiene practice guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The order took effect Thursday and will remain in place until June 8.

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

(KLZA)--City parks and ball fields will open to the public in Falls City on Monday, June 1.

Falls City Mayor Shawna Bindle says it will be important for those using the parks to take precautions to stay safe from the coronavirus. 

The City will not be disinfecting playground equipment.  You are encouraged to use hand sanitizer when you use the park equipment.

Restrooms at all city owned parks will remain closed except during scheduled ball games.

The possibility of opening the Falls City Aquatic park for the 2020 season will be discussed during the City Council meeting on June 1.  

Editor's note: the following release was submitted by Jackson Co Sheriff Tim Morse

There are a multitude of Covid-19 scams that are currently being circulated around the country. However, one particular scam has surfaced in Jackson County. A few Jackson County residents have received Covid-19 scam robo calls. The scammers claim the individuals being called need to call a particular phone number about their Covid-19 test results. These scam calls play on the fears of individuals with the recent pandemic. Scammers phish for personal information including financial information. Do not fall prey to these scammers. Your local health department or your primary care physician will contact you directly by phone with results from any Covid-19 testing. Notifications will not be given via text messages or email.

It is important for the public to be alert and vigilant during this time. Scammers typically will play on the fears of individuals in order to acquire your personal information for the purpose of committing theft. Don’t take the bait.

Some other Covid-19 scams include human contact tracing scams. These scams occur when the scammer contacts an unsuspecting person either through the internet or by phone. The scammer will tell the victim that they have come into contact with someone who has Covid-19 symptoms, and will require further personal information from them.

Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. Ignore online offers for vaccinations. If you want to donate to any organization, do your homework first and don’t rush into making a donation. If anyone asks for a donation in cash, gift card, or wire transfer, don’t do it.

Beware of emails from scammers pretending to be agents of Centers for Disease Control or other public organizations. No legitimate medical provider will ask for sensitive information through email. Beware of calls or emails from those claiming to be from the U.S. Treasury offering Covid-19 related grants or stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information.

Also, there have been scams for expedited stimulus checks and phony business loan sites. Another scam that has occurred across the country is scammers claiming to be selling hard to get medical supplies. The buyer sends payment and never receives the product. There are also scammers who claim to be medical personnel who are demanding payment for testing, and for treatment that a family member has received.

Scammers are nothing more than thieves who prey on the unsuspecting and vulnerable. Don’t become the next victim. Report scams to your law enforcement agency.

(KLZA)--During his weekly Covid-19 update Wednesday, Community Medical Center CEO Ryan Larsen noted there were two confirmed cases of coronavirus in Falls City with nine tests pending.

148 of the 159 COVID-19 tests performed locally have come back negative. 

Larsen did say the Southeast District Health Department is following up on a rumored third case in Falls City,  but that at this point there is no confirmation.

Larsen said the results of tests done elsewhere should be reported to local health departments.

Everyone is encouraged to continue to follow CDC Guidelines for COVID-19 and other communicable diseases including wearing masks when out in public.

(KLZA)--By now you have heard about and saw pictures from large gatherings at the Lake of the Ozarks over Memorial Day weekend with most of those pictures showing people ignoring recommendations to wear masks and social distance.

During Wednesday's meeting of the Richardson County Health Board,  Southeast District Health Department Director Grant Brueggemann said while he was not surprised those activities went on,  he called it disappointing.  

Brueggemann feels some may dismiss the seriousness of the COVID-19 situation because so far, only 16 cases have been confirmed in the five county area. Brueggemann says its important area residents continue to be vigilant in taking  precautions against the virus.

Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty noted that  Kirkman's Cove Lake near Humboldt was very crowded over the weekend and that Indian Cave State Park was also very busy. The Sheriff is concerned about people coming into the area from other areas and we have no idea who they may have been in contact with. 

Local Health Board members are concerned about what will happen June 1 when more restrictions are loosened. 

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Courthouse in Seneca re-opened to the public on Wednesday.

The Courthouse had been closed since March 20th due to concerns about the coronavirus.

Customers should enter through the south doors.

Nemaha County Clerk Mary Kay Schultejans said a limited number of customers will be allowed in each office. Customers will have to wait in the hall for their turn to enter an office.

Transparent plastic sneeze guards have been installed in front of desks and hand sanitizer will be available as well.

Face masks are encouraged, but not required.

The Pioneer Building and other county offices also re-opened Wednesday.

Schultejans said Commissioners have decided to keep the Nemaha County Community Building closed at this time, and the deision will be re-evaluated again during their June 8th meeting. 

(KMZA)--A new emergency order took effect in Nemaha County Wednesday following Governor Kelly's announcement that she's leaving any future reopening orders to local officials.

The order was issued May 11 by Nemaha County Health Officer Jane Sunderland and the Nemaha County Health Board.

The order follows the Governor's original plan to reopen Kansas, with a few additional restrictions pertaining to restaurants and convenience stores.

They include no buffets or salad bars; no self-service of unpackaged food, no bar seating and no refillable cups.

The limit on mass gatherings has increased to 30. On June 1st, all restrictions will be lifted with the exception of a mass gatherings limit of 90. On June 15, all restrictions will be lifted—including those related to mass gatherings.

You can view the entire emergency order on the Nemaha County website or on the Nemaha County Community Health Services Facebook page.

(KAIR)--Jefferson County Health Officer Crystal VanHoutan announced Wednesday that Jefferson County is transitioning from emergency response to a new risk management phase as the Governor’s office returns principal oversight of COVID-19 crisis to the counties.

According to a news release, Jefferson County Health Officials will not impose additional limits, based on the current virus conditions in the county. The County will strongly recommend that Jefferson County residents and businesses continue following the guidance of the state's Ad Astra plan.

Effective Wednesday, Jefferson County Health Officials recommend moving the county to Phase 3 of the Ad Astra plan, sooner than the Governor's recommended June 8 time frame.

The new recommendation will allow mass gatherings of 45 people.

(KAIR)--The two companies found guilty of causing the formation of a toxic chlorine gas cloud over Atchison in 2016 have been fined $1 million each.

According to a news release from the office of U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, Atchison-based MGP Ingredients and Kansas City’s Harcros Chemicals have paid the fines.

They were sentenced during a hearing in federal court in Topeka Wednesday.

Both companies previously pleaded guilty to negligently violating the Clean Air Act, a Class A misdemeanor.

In their pleas, they admitted that on October. 21, 2016, a greenish-yellow chlorine gas cloud formed at MGP Ingredients’ Atchison facility when 4,000 gallons of sulfuric acid were mistakenly combined with 5,800 gallons of sodium hypochlorite. The Atchison County Department of Emergency Management ordered community members to shelter in place and to evacuate in some areas. Approximately 140 individuals including members of the public, first responders, and employees of the two companies, sought medical attention.

(KNZA)--A chip and seal project is set to begin Thursday on U.S. 73 in Brown County, weather allowing.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, work will occur from the north city limits of Horton to the Kansas/Nebraska state line and is expected to be completed by Saturday, June 6.

The chip and seal process sprays oil on the road and covers it with rock chips.

KDOT says work will take place during daylight hours and Saturday work is possible.                                                                                                        

Traffic will be controlled using a pilot car operation, traffic cones and signage.  Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

Vance Brothers, Inc. of Kansas City, Mo. is the contractor on the $760,000 project.

(KNZA)--A chip and seal project is set to begin Thursday, May 28 on U.S. 73 in Brown County, weather allowing.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, work will occur from the north city limits of Horton to the Kansas/Nebraska state line and is expected to be completed by Saturday, June 6.

The chip and seal process sprays oil on the road and covers it with rock chips.

KDOT says work will take place during daylight hours and Saturday work is possible.                                                                                                        

Traffic will be controlled using a pilot car operation, traffic cones and signage.  Motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

Vance Brothers, Inc. of Kansas City, Mo. is the contractor on the $760,000 project.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

(KAIR)--Police are calling a late Wednesday morning shooting on Leavenworth’s Centennial Bridge an active shooter situation.

Leavenworth Chief of Police Pat Kitchens, during a Wednesday afternoon news conference, said multiple law enforcement agencies were called to the bridge for what initially was thought to be a case of road rage. However, that is no longer believed to be the case, with the heavily armed shooter, on the bridge, believed to have been shooting randomly.

Kitchens said the shooting came to an end when an active member of the military spotted the shooter and used his vehicle to run him down. “There was an active duty soldier, assigned to Fort Leavenworth, waiting in traffic behind the event, saw the event unfold, determined it was an active shooter and intervened by striking the shooter with his vehicle, causing [the shooter] to be critically injured.”

Kitchens said the soldier’s action “likely saved countless lives.”

One person, another active duty soldier assigned to Fort Leavenworth, was struck by gunfire, and the suspect, identified as a Platte County resident, suffered injuries after being run down. Both were transported to a Kansas City hospital for treatment. Kitchens said both, as of Wednesday afternoon, were in serious, but stable, condition.

A motive for the shooting is not yet determined.

According to a social media post from the Leavenworth Police Department, the bridge will remain off limits until further notice as the investigation continues.

The bridge connects Leavenworth County to Platte County, Missouri.

The shooting was reported around 11:00 Wednesday morning.

Kitchens said his department is working with Platte County authorities as the investigation proceeds.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha church burglary is being investigating.

Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore, in a release, said officers took a report early Tuesday afternoon of a burglary at the First United Methodist Church located at 410 Hiawatha Street.

Taken were electronic items.

Defore said officers are working to identify the suspects from surveillance camera footage collected from the church.

He said the case remains under investigation and will be forwarded to the Brown County Attorney for the filing of charges.

(KAIR)--A van, stolen in Atchison Saturday morning, has been recovered.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 2008 Dodge Caravan was located Tuesday afternoon in Kansas City, Missouri.

The investigation is ongoing, with Atchison and Kansas City Police working together on leads.
No arrests have yet been made.

The van had been parked in the 1400 block of Atchison’s Commercial Street when it was taken.

The keys had been left inside.

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

(KNZA)--Jackson County reports its first death due to COVID-19.

That word came Wednesday from the Jackson County Health Department. 

The health department says the individual was above the age of 65. They added no additional information will be released on the individual out of respect to the family.

93 positive cases of COVID-19 were reported in Jackson County as of Wednesday. Twenty-two cases have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

Kansas has more than 9,000 cases of COVID-19 and over 200 deaths.

According to figures released Wednesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, there were 9,337 confirmed cases in 88 of the state’s 105 counties.

Kansas has incurred 205 deaths.

(KAIR)--Thieves broke into a vehicle, even stealing the battery and license plate.  That’s according to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, with the crime reported Sunday night.  

According to Laurie, the 1998 Ford Explorer had been parked at the Atchison State Fishing Lake, located at 11692 Pawnee Road, when it was broken into.  

Along with the battery and license plate, thieves also stole two sub woofers and the vehicle’s stereo.  The total value of the items stolen is estimated at $500.  

The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the crime should notify the Sheriff’s Office at (913) 804-6080.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is now operating under what’s being called Phase 2.5 of the reopening plan following closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The resolution approving the Local Health Order allowing this next phase was adopted Tuesday by the Atchison County Commission.

According to a release from Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, the order took effect at 12:01 a.m. and will expire June 9 at 11:59 p.m.

Lanter said Phase 2.5 follows the expiration of Governor Kelly’s order.
Lanter added that all businesses in Atchison County should be back in operation, with stipulations followed, as reopening moves forward.

(KLZA)-- Congressional members from Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Iowa are cosponsoring the Lower Missouri Flood Prevention Act bill.

The legislation would establish a Lower Missouri River Flood Prevention Program to improve flood prevention on the Missouri river from Sioux City, Iowa, to its confluence with the Mississippi River. 

If adopted, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would be required to study, design, and construct water resources development projects and modify existing ones to provide flood protection for communities and develop a system plan for reducing flood risk and improving flood resiliency.

Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse, Missouri Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley along with Kansas Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran are original co-sponsors of the bill in the Senate. 

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has announced updates to driver licensing services availability. 

DMV teammates are ready to provide services when counties open their offices to walk in traffic. Additional teammates and resources are being put in place to increase service capacity in the most heavily populated counties. 
 
The State DMV will begin offering Class O (car) drive tests beginning Wednesday May 27th in county offices open to walk in customers at their regularly scheduled times. All services, including drive tests will be provided in Nemaha and Otoe counties.

All teammates will be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and customers will be required to wear a face covering during their drive test. Customers are reminded to bring their face covering with them to the driver licensing office to wear during their drive test.

Governor Pete Ricketts signed an executive order Tuesday extending the drivers licenses for Nebraskans 72 and over with licenses expiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The change was revealed by Department of Motor Vehicles Director Rhonda Lahm and will extend expiration dates for people 72 and older whose license expiration dates fall from March 1 to December 31, 2020.  By extending the deadline, it will help make sure seniors do not have to wait in line during the pandemic.

Customers are encouraged to use online driver licensing services available at dmv.nebraska.gov. Most customers can renew their driver’s license and State ID Card online, as well as update their address, or order a replacement license.

(KNZA)--Additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Jackson and Nemaha Counties.

The Jackson County Health Department on Tuesday reported one additional case, bringing the county's total to 93.

One individual is currently hospitalized, while twenty-two have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

Nemaha County Community Health Services on Tuesday reported one additional case, bringing the county's total to 14.

One individual is currently hospitalized, while two have recovered and no longer are in isolation.  

(KNZA)--Two additional candidates have filed for positions up for election in November on the Hiawatha City Commission.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Brian Shefferd filed Wednesday for the position of Commissioner of Utilities.

The position is currently held by Toni Hull, who has filed for re-election.

The County Clerk's Office reports Nicholas Blevins filed Tuesday for the position of Commissioner of Streets and Parks.

Blevins joins Paul Mendez in challenging incumbent Becky Shamburg for the position.

Three positions are up for election on the Commission.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a sweeping coronavirus bill that would have given the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature control over the state‘s pandemic response.

The Legislature approved the bill early Friday to limit Kelly's emergency powers, including decisions on spending $1.25 billion in federal relief funds. Kelly vetoed the bill Tuesday. The bill also would have shielded businesses and health care providers from coronavirus-related lawsuits.

Kelly also said she is issuing a new emergency declaration "tailored to the current situation the state is in," and calling the legislature back into session for an emergency session on June 3.

Kelly said she is removing the statewide order that moved the state from one phase to another. Instead,  she said she is making it a recommendation and leaving it up to individual counties to decide how to proceed. Kelly said "allowing each county to set guidelines is confusing, but a direct result of the legislature's actions."

Senate President Susan Wagle (District 30-Republican), issued a statement following the announcement of Kelly's decisions: 

(KLZA)-- An Omaha man suffered minor injuries in a one vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 25-year-old Lance Dunckley was southbound on Interstate 29 approximately eight miles east of Oregon, Missouri when his car traveled from the passing lane to the driving lane and off the west side of the Interstate striking a reflected post and an exit sign.  The vehicle continued down an embankment and overturned coming to rest on its top.

Dunckley opted to seek his own medical treatment.  His 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix was totaled in the wreck.

The  Holt County Sheriff's Department  also responded to the scene of the wreck.

(KLZA)-- A Tarkio man was hospitalized following a one-vehicle wreck Monday evening around 5:40.

A Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates 34-year-old Jason Ritnour was eastbound on U.S. 71 Highway in Nodaway County, Missouri, approximately a mile south of Braddyville, Iowa. Ritnour failed to stop at a STOP sign, crossed over the US 71 Highway, struck a road sign, becoming airborne and coming to rest in a field. 

Ritnour, who was not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck was transported by the Nodaway County EMS to a hospital in Clarinda, Iowa with what described as moderate injuries. 

The Nodaway County Sheriff's Department, Clearmont Fire and Rescue  and  Burlington Junction Fire Department all responded to the scene of the wreck. 

(KNZA)--The execution of a search warrant leads to the arrest of a Hiawatha man on drug charges.

According to a release from Hiawatha Police John Defore, officers served a search warrant at 400 Iowa Street Friday afternoon after a lengthy investigation.

Arrested at the scene was 28-year-old Christopher Moore.

Moore was arrested for possession of suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.

He was booked into the Brown County Jail, but later released on bond.

Defore said the investigation is ongoing.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man is facing charges after leading authorities on a chase.

According to a release from Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore, the chase began late Friday afternoon after an officer attempted to stop a vehicle driven by 37-year-old Zachariah Brown after he was observed swerving and speeding.

Defore said Brown allegedly attempted to elude officers while driving extremely reckless.

The pursuit ended after Brown wrecked his vehicle in the 500 block of South 2nd Street.

He was booked into the Brown County Jail on charges including fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, driving while license suspended, canceled or revoked, no liability insurance and interference with law enforcement.

The case has been forwarded to Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill for the filing of formal charges.

Assisting were the Kansas Highway Patrol, Sac and Fox Tribal Police, Brown County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman was arrested Sunday following a rooftop fall that left a 4-year-old child injured.

A report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says it happened shortly after 7:00 Sunday morning at a residence in the 200 block of North 15th Street when the child, as well as a 6-year-old, climbed out of a window onto the roof, leading to the fall.

The report says a passerby found the 4-year-old injured, and called 911.

The 4-year-old was transported by Atchison County EMS for hospital treatment, suffering what Wilson identified as a broken bone, among other injuries.

The child’s mother, 23-year-old Amber Lewis, was arrested for endangering a child and booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Bond for Lewis is set at $2,500.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education approved a three-year contract with Applebuss for the school districts transportation needs when they met May 19.  

The cost to the school district will be $160-thousand annually which was a four percent increase from the previous year. 

A bid for concrete flatwork around the press box was approved at a rate of $4.79 per foot.

Following a closed session to discuss personnel,  the Board approved all remaining non-certified employees for the 2020-21 school year.  

Changes in extra duty assignments were approved.  Alan Ottman will be the Junior High girls basketball coach, Sarah Osburn will be the varsity cheer sponsor and Jennifer Hutton will be the Junior High cheer coach.

Principal Korey Miles informed the Board that summer activities for students will be at the sports complex with open air and social distancing.  The weight room,  gym and multi-room will remain closed until further regulations are lifted by the State. 

(KLZA)-- A flood warning has been issued for Richardson County, Nebraska and Holt County, Missouri until Wednesday afternoon, or until the warning is cancelled. 

The Missouri River is expected to fall below flood stage late Wednesday morning.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Otoe, Gage, Lancaster and Cass counties in Southeast, Nebraska as well as a number of counties in Southwest Iowa until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening.  

Periods of showers and thunderstorms are expected today.  The soil is already saturated in some locations.  If the rain falls at a heavy rate, this will result in a high amount of run off that could result in flooding. 

Rainfall amounts of 1 – 2 inches, with localized amounts of more than two inches is possible into early this evening. 

(KNZA)--A Doniphan County Commissioner has filed for re-election to another 4-year term.

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports Jerry McKernan, of Wathena, filed Tuesday as a Republican candidate for re-election as 3rd District Commissioner.

So far, McKernan is facing no opposition.

Meanwhile, a second candidate filed Friday for the position of 2nd District Commissioner.

Doyle Prawl, of Troy, filed as a Democratic candidate.

Prawl joins Troy Republican Wayne Grable in seeking the position currently held by Thad Geiger, who has not yet filed for re-election.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

(KAIR)--Atchison County’s 3rd District Commissioner has filed for reelection.

According to the Atchison County Clerk’s Office, Henry W. “Bill” Pohl filed Friday as a Republican to seek another term in the position he’s held since being elected in 2012.

Pohl is challenged in reelection bid by fellow Republican Casey Quinn and Democrat Duane Boldridge.

Candidates have until noon June 1 to file at the County Clerks’ Office.

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

(KNZA)--Jackson and Nemaha Counties continue to see an increase in the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The Jackson County Health Department on Saturday reported eight news cases, bringing the county's total to 92.

The Health Department said five of the new positive cases are the result of the mass testing of employees at Holton's Johnsonville sausage processing facility last week.

A 46 virus-case increase was reported Friday following the testing.

One individual is hospitalized, while 13 of Jackson County's 92 cases have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

Johnsonville, which employs 240, was temporarily closed May 13 after the confirmation of five facility-related cases. The company has not yet announced a reopening date.

Meanwhile, Nemaha County Community Health Services on Saturday reported 4 new cases, bringing the county's total to 13.

One individual is hospitalized, while one has recovered and is no longer in isolation.

(KAIR)--Atchison County confirms an increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the County’s total to 21.

According to a release from Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter Monday, the 20th case is a man in his sixties, while case 21 is a man in his forties.

Both men are currently isolating at home.

According to statistics accompanying the release, 12 of Atchison County’s cases have recovered, while one remains hospitalized.

According to figures released Monday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Leavenworth County has 1,065 confirmed positive cases, the 4th highest case-count statewide. Jackson County has 92 cases, Pottawatomie County has 25, Jefferson County has 22,  Nemaha County has 13, Doniphan County has 12, and Brown County has 6 confirmed positive cases.

Statewide, there were 9,218 cases in 88 of Kansas’ 105 counties.

The state has incurred 188 virus-related deaths.

(KLZA)--  A second positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Richardson County.

That word came Sunday in a release from the Southeast District Health Department.

The release says the individual is a man in his thirties.

All identified close contacts will be asked to self-quarantine.

COVID-19 symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. In many cases, a person will have more than one of these symptoms.

The Southeast District Health Department, as of Sunday, reported a total of 16 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the 5-county district. That includes 6 cases in Johnson, 6 in Otoe, 2 in Nemaha and 2 in Richardson.

SEDHD reviews all reported test results as soon as they become available and will continue to report county totals to most accurately reflect current cumulative case numbers in the district.

(KAIR)--A Saturday morning Atchison motorcycle wreck required helicopter transport for an Atchison resident.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 28-year-old Zedrick Cole’s Harley Davidson left the roadway, just west of 10th Street, on the south side of Division Street, and struck a vehicle parked in a driveway.

According to the report, Cole incurred a broken leg and was first transported by Atchison County EMS to the Atchison Hospital, but was later flown to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph.

The Atchison Fire Department assisted at the scene.

(KAIR)--A Saturday evening motorcycle crash in Jefferson County sent a Valley Falls man to the hospital.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 29-year-old Jordan Carter was westbound on U.S. Highway 24, at a high rate of speed, when his Harley Davidson left the on-ramp to the left, at K4,and overturned.

Carter was transported to Topeka's Stormont Vail for the treatment of what the KHP identified as a suspected serious injury.

The KHP said Carter was not wearing a helmet when the wreck happened around 6:00 Saturday evening.

Updated at 13:17 Sunday, May 24. 

Atchison County Rural Water District #5C announced the issuance of  a boil water advisory late Sunday morning. 
By early afternoon a new statement said the advisory was not needed. 

If you have any questions, please contact Atchison County Rural Water District #5C at 913-874-4071.

(KLZA)--The live stream for Nebraska’s 2020 Memorial Day Observance will go online at 8:00 a.m. Monday, May 25th, at veterans.nebraska.gov/memorialday. The Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA) is hosting the event and inviting all Nebraskans to attend virtually as in-person events across the state are limited or cancelled by COVID-19.

“Memorial Day is an important event throughout the state, especially in our veterans’ homes,” said NDVA Director John Hilgert. “With in-person events not possible this year, we knew there needed to be an alternative for that reflection and remembrance and wanted to provide something all Nebraskans can participate in.”

The ceremony will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the lighting of a ceremonial candle by Gold Star Mother Monica Alexander and remain lit until her husband, Mel, extinguishes it at 8:00 p.m. Their son, Army Corporal Matthew Alexander, of Gretna, was killed May 6, 2007, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baqubah Iraq. Over the course of the day, 24 honor guards, in groups of two that are comprised of members of veteran service organizations from across the state, will stand by the candle. 

(KMZA)--A single vehicle Nemaha County, Kansas crash sent a Falls City man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports it happened shortly before 12:30 Saturday morning at U.S. Highway 75 and 208th Road.

According to the report, 40-year-old Scott Delome was eastbound on 208th Road when his Honda Civic left the roadway, ran a stop sign in full skid, crossing the highway to the east, and struck a guardrail. According to KHP, after striking the guardrail, Delome drove away, traveling northbound on the highway until stopping at 206th Road.

Delome was transported for treatment at Topeka's Stormont Vail, suffering what the KHP identified as a suspected serious injury.

According to the report, Delome was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the wreck.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republicans have pushed a big package through the GOP-controlled Kansas Legislature that would shield businesses and health care providers from coronavirus-related lawsuits.

The bill they approved Friday also would shift control of the state’s pandemic response from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to legislative leaders. The sweeping bill was approved by votes of 27-11 in the Senate and 76-34 in the House.

The measure reflects Republicans' view that Kelly is reopening the state's economy too slowly and has been too aggressive with restrictions.

Kelly accused GOP lawmakers of trying to “cram” proposal through the Legislature and Democrats were skeptical of the provisions protecting businesses. 

(KAIR)--Changes are being made to City of Atchison operations as Atchison County joins the state in reopening following closures made due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a release from the City, City Hall and the City Shop will be open to the public, by appointment only, beginning Tuesday. The release notes that same day appointments will not be available and visitors will have to undergo a temperature screening prior to entry. The wearing of masks is also encouraged.

The City will also begin accepting yard waste special pickups the week of June 1, but bulk items will not yet be accepted.

The release says the “appointment only” structure will remain in place until the 3rd phase of the state’s reopening.

(KAIR)--An Atchison City Commissioner, who currently serves as the City’s Mayor, is resigning.

That’s confirmed in a statement released Friday to MSC News by Shawn Rizza.

The statement begins with Rizza’s resignation announcement, saying that “coronavirus has changed the world, and with it my wife’s job.” Rizza’s wife, Pamela Rizza, is a physician.

Rizza, in the statement, said he plans to continue serving as Mayor as Atchison reopens from the COVID-19 pandemic, saying he feels “it is essential to have consistency during this time.”

Saying that he will formally resign at the final June City Commission meeting, Rizza said he has “complete faith” in his fellow Commissioner’s “ability to carry on.”

The Rizzas plan to move from Atchison, with the current Mayor saying “just a couple of weeks ago” he couldn’t “have imagined leaving,” adding that while it “breaks [his] heart to go,” Rizza said he is proud of what has been accomplished.

Adding that he “can’t help but feel like” he let down his friends and supporters, Rizza said that while small towns across Kansas are shrinking, he believes “Atchison has a real chance to beat that trend.”

Rizza was elected to a four-year term on the City Commission in 2017.

Following his resignation, the Commission will appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of Rizza’s unexpired term.

(KAIR)--Two Atchison thefts on Wednesday, resulting in losses over $2,000, are under investigation.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the thefts, believed to be connected, occurred at the AT&T Store, located at 720 U.S. Highway 59, and Walmart, at 1920 U.S. Highway 73.

According to Wilson, the investigation focuses on two persons who first went to Walmart, around 1:00 Wednesday afternoon, and took watches, headphones, and a television, valued at $1,250. Wilson said the pair then went to AT&T where electronic equipment, valued at $967, was stolen.

Wilson said Atchison Police are working with several other law enforcement agencies in Kansas and Missouri that are also investigating thefts believed to have been committed by the same duo.

The two Atchison crimes, when totaled, add up to a loss of $2,217.

(KAIR)--Three drug-related arrests are made following what Atchison Police call an on-going investigation.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the three arrests followed the execution of a search warrant Thursday night at 501 South 6th Street.

Taken into custody were three residents of the home, 51-year-old Martin Winfield, 57-year-old Eddie Thomas, Jr., and 62-year-old Larry Daniels, Sr.
According to Wilson, all three face charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of diazepam, possession of ecstasy, cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following their arrests, all three were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriffs office is seeking the public's assistance in locating an individual wanted for questioning in the alleged theft of a car from Fairview early Friday morning.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said a white 2000 Honda Civic was stolen from 211 West Front Street.  The vehicle has expired plate 161DMQ.

Sought for questioning in the theft is 44-year-old Fairview resident Robert Jason Hobbs.

Anyone with informaton on Hobbs whereabouts is urged to notify the Brown County Sheriff's Office  Sheriffs office at 785-742-7125.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska will let bars, zoos, movie theaters and swimming pools reopen and allow small concerts and auctions to resume on June 1 in all but four hard-hit counties.

Gov. Pete Ricketts says he plans to further loosen social-distancing restrictions to strike a balance between public health and the need to move back toward normal life as people grow restless.

His announcement came as the number of coronavirus deaths continues to rise.

Businesses that do reopen will still face mandatory social distancing restrictions.

Ricketts is also easing some restrictions in Hall, Merrick, Hamilton and Dakota counties, but rules in those areas will remain more stringent than in the rest of the state.

(KAIR)--Coronavirus exposure at Holton’s largest employer is cited as the reason for a 46 virus-case increase in Jackson County.

The total case-count in that Kansas county currently stands at 84.

According to a news release issued Friday by Jackson County Health Officer Angie Reith, the substantial increase follows the testing of employees at Holton’s Johnsonville meat processing facility. It closed May 13 after the confirmation of five facility-related cases. The closure was to allow the employees time to recover, and to work with the health department to conduct employee testing.

According to the release, the health department, with the assistance of the Kansas National Guard-Joint Task Force, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and Johnsonville, has conducted testing on all employees over the course of two days this week, leading to the identification of the 46 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. The release says that all of the affected individuals live in Jackson County. Told to isolate at home, disease investigators and contact tracers from KDHE will work to see that all contacts of the infected individuals are placed into quarantine.

Johnsonville, which employs 240, has not yet announced a reopening date, with the release saying the company will not commit to a particular date until the employees recover.

According to Jackson County virus-related statistics, ten of those in the county's total case count have recovered, and one is currently hospitalized.

Nemaha County Community Health Services on Friday reported one new case of COVID-19, bringing the county's total to 9.  One person is hospitalized, while one has recovered and is no longer in isolation.  The health agency attributes the recent increase in cases to an increase in testing throughout the county. 

Atchison County records its 19th confirmed positive case of COVID-19.

That word came in a release issued Friday by Atchison County Emergency Mangement Director Wes Lanter, who identified the person as a man in his fifties who is isolating at home.

The latest confirmation means a 4-case increase in Atchison County this week.

The Doniphan County Health Department on Friday reported two new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the county's total to 12.  One of the new cases is their first hospitalization.  Nine individuals have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

KDHE Friday confirmed 8,958 Kansas cases, representing 88 of the state’s 105 counties.

185 have died in Kansas due to the virus.

(KNZA)--Unemployment rates in local northeast Kansas counties took a big jump in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to figures released Friday by the Kansas Department of Labor, Jackson County had the highest unemployment rate among area counties at 12.4 percent, while Marshall County had the lowest at 5.2 percent.

Elsewhere, Atchison County's jobless rate climbed to 11.6 percent; Brown, 8.6 percent; Doniphan, 9.3 percent; Jefferson, 10.1 percent; Leavenworth, 11.4 percent; Nemaha, 5.3 percent; and Pottawatomie County, 7.6 percent.

All the figures were up significantly from March and also from April 2019.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 11.2 in April That's up from a historical low of 2.8 percent in March and 3.2 percent in April 2019

Governor Kelly's state-at-home order in response to COVID-19 went into effect March 30.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert is seeking re-election to another 4-year term.

The Nemaha County Clerk's Office reports the Sabetha Republican filed May 15.

So far, Lippert is facing no opposition.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

(KLZA)-- Unemployment in Nebraska was up 3.9 percent in April to 8.3 percent.

That is the third lowest unemployment rate in the nation.    

Governor Pete Ricketts says “the April numbers show the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the hardworking people of Nebraska.”  

In a statement the Governor said “in the coming weeks and months, our focus will continue to be on helping people safely get backto work se we can get Nebraska growing.”

Locally, Pawnee County has the lowest unemployment rate in April at 4.7 percent which is up less than one percent.  In Gage County the jobless rate jumped 4.6 percent to 9.3.

In Richardson County the unemployment rate is 5.4 percent, up 1.2 percent.  The Nemaha County rate is 6 percent,  Johnson County 6.6 percent and Otoe County 6.8 percent.

Nationwide the April unemployment rate was 14.7 percent. 

(KLZA)-- After closing due to damage from flooding that began in March of 2019, the replacement of the Little Tarkio Creek Bridge on U.S. Route 159 between Route 111 (Lake Shore Drive) and Route P is now complete.
Contractors from Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, began work on the damaged bridge in early September 2019. After facing delays due to weather and continued flooding, crews were able to complete the bridge project Thursday night.
U.S. Route 159 detour signs will remain up to be utilized for the upcoming project to replace the Penny Slu Bridge just west of Route 111. Contractors from Boone Construction Co., working with MoDOT, plan to close the bridge on Monday, June 1, and expect the project to be complete in mid-August.
All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change. 

(KLZA)-- After careful deliberation, the Falls City Recreation Board has decided to cancel all leagues sponsored by Falls City Recreation (Small girls, Cookies, Pee Wees, Jr. girls, & Traveling 14's) due to a lack of interest in coaching and liability concerns surrounding the COVID-19 crisis.

 We reached only a quarter of our desired amount of coaches for this upcoming season making it very difficult for everyone involved to meet the guidelines set forth by Gov. Ricketts and ensure the safety of our young players, coaches, and supporters.
 

(KNZA)--Six seniors have been awarded Brown County Sheriff Memorial Scholarships.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant announced the scholarship winners in a news release.

From Horton High School, Grady Miller received a $1,000 scholarship; Kyle Hammersmith, $500; and Ally Bottom, $500.

From Hiawatha High School, Nicole Mackey received a $1,000 scholarship; Annaliese Jeschke, $500; and Katelyn Lay, $500.

The scholarship is dedicated to all law enforcement officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The 6 winners were presented with a Brown County Sheriff challenge coin, a certificate and check.

The release says this was the final year for the Brown County Sheriff Memorial Scholarship. In the future, the Sheriff's Office plans to roll the Scholarship in to the Deputy Todd Michael Widman Memorial Scholarship.

Sheriff Merchant said, “We are so proud to provide these scholarships to our county High School seniors and wish them only the best for their futures.”

(KMZA)--Seneca city officials hope to be able to open the Aquatic Center this summer, but a final decision has not been made.

The Seneca City Council discussed the issue when they met Wednesday evening.

The Aquatic Center traditional opens Memorial Day weekend, but that is not happening this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

City Administrator Matt Rehder said even if everything was fine with the pandemic, they currently don't have enough lifeguards to open.

The Council asked Rehder to have the city's new recreation director use social media to attract applicants.

Rehder said he thinks the Aquatic Center could open in July.

Mayor Joe Mitchell said the city needs to have a plan in place, so if everything falls into place they are ready to open.

Several Kansas cities have announced their swimming pools won't open this summer, including locally, Atchison, Hiawatha and Holton.

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

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports Wayne Grable, of Troy, filed Thursday as a Republican candidate for 2nd District Commissioner.

The position is currently held by Thad Geiger, who has not yet filed.

Also up for election is the position of 3rd District Commissioner, currently held by Jerry McKernan.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

(KMZA)-- The Nemaha County Sheriff's Department is investigating a burglary and theft from a Corning area worksite location.

 The Sheriff's office says it happened sometime between Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning at 650 N Road.

 Taken was about 750 gallons of a concrete additive.

 The loss was estimated at about $6,500.

 Anyone with information on the theft is urged to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office in Seneca at (785) 336-2311.  

(KAIR)--Atchison County moves into the next phase of reopening, in conjunction with the latest state phase announced by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly this week.
Kelly on Tuesday announced that due to the current COVID-19 forecast, and timed with the Memorial Day holiday, the state would move into reopening phase 2 Friday, replacing the previously announced phase 1.5.

Atchison County health officials met Thursday with the Atchison County Commission to outline the County’s plan for phase 2.

Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge highlighted the key changes between the two phases, including inside dining again being allowed.

Other changes between phase 1.5 and phase 2 include mass gatherings being restricted to 15 people or fewer, all businesses and activities, except bars, nightclubs, and swimming pools, will be allowed to open, including theaters, bowling alleys, and other leisure centers.

(KAIR)--Confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in several local area counties, as the State of Kansas reports more than 8,500 cases statewide.

The Jackson County Health Department Thursday reported three additional cases, bringing the county's total to 36.  The latest statistics show one of the Jackson County cases is hospitalized, while seven have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

Atchison County this week has seen a three case increase, with Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter on Thursday confirming the County’s 18th case. The person is identified as a woman in her fifties who is hospitalized.

On Wednesday, Lanter confirmed the County’s 16th and 17th cases, both men, one in his fifties, the other in his forties, who are isolating at home. The latest statistics show that 12 of Atchison County’s cases have recovered, meaning they’ve been released from isolation.

Last week, one of the then 11 recovered cases was re-tested after showing a return of virus symptoms, and the results were positive.

Nemaha County Community Health Services on Wednesday reported three additional cases, bringing the county's total to 8.  One is hospitalized, while one has recovered and is no longer in isolation.

The Brown County Health Department Wednesday reported one additional case,  bringing the county’s total to 6. One of the cases has recovered and is no longer isolating.

The Doniphan County Health Department Wednesday reported one additional case, bringing the county's total to 10.  8 of the cases have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Wednesday reported 8,539 cases in 84 of the state’s 105 counties.

Kansas has incurred 178 virus-related deaths.

(KLZA)-- A Kansas City, Kansas teenage girl died early Wednesday morning after walking into the path of a semi about  five miles south of Oregon, Missouri on Interstate 29.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 17-year-old Autumn Buckmaster was standing in the median and walked into the path of the southbound semi , which was in the passing lane at about 3:15 A.M.   

The truck was driven by 27-year-old David Collier of Independence, Missouri.  He was not hurt.

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

Buckmaster was pronounced dead at the scene by Holt County Coroner Susan Lentz 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha resident appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to voice her concerns about what she says are the plans to build “ an industrial-sized building” on neighboring property.

Annette Wilson, who lives at 1108 Wentley Drive, said the building will impact the aesthetics and visual quality of her quiet, residential area, along with property values.

Wilson said neighbors were not aware of plans to construct the 90-by-95 foot building until dirt work began.

Code Enforcement Officer Dave Wilson said he has approved a building permit for construction of the building, which he says meets the city's zoning requirements. He noted the building is being constructed on a sizeable lot.

City Attorney Andy Delaney said accessory buildings are allowed in a residential zoned area.

Mayor Bill Collins and Commissioners said there isn't anything they can do since a building permit has already been approved.

Delaney said Wilson's only option would be to seek possible legal action.

She appealed to Commissioners to update the city's zoning codes so a similar situation doesn't happen to others.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County Attorney Charles Baskins is seeking re-election to another 4-year term.

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports Baskins filed Tuesday as a Republican candidate.

So far, he is facing no opposition.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

(KLZA)-- The Atchison County, Missouri Health Department has announced a third positive COVID-19 case in the County. 

The patient is a female in her 60's and is isolating per guidelines.

Individuals who will need to self-quarantine due to close contact with the positive case have been identified. 

The health department urges the public to continue physical distancing as well as practicing good handwashing and hygiene.

(KLZA)-- Former Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriff Loras Baumhover is being remembered.

Baumhover died Monday at the age of 86 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Following his retirement from the Nebraska State Patrol,  Baumhover served two terms as Sheriff, elected to serve from 1995 – 2003.

Following his time as Sheriff,Baumhover served as the Nemaha County Veterans Service Officer.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Loras Baumhover  will be held Friday afternoon at 2 at the st. Joseph Catholic Church in Auburn.

Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. 

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County  Ag Society has decided to cancel the 2020 County Fair because of restrictions for fairs due to the coronavirus.

The 4-H Fair will go on as long as all restrictions are followed. 

The announcement was made during  Tuesday's Pawnee County Commissioners meeting.

Extension Office Manger, Mary Gottula introduced Mary Moser as the new Pawnee County UNL Extension Educator while providing the update on the fair.

Following a discussion on procedures for the Courthouse and County Shop,  the Board decided to keep both facilities closed to the public until June 2. Possibly reopening the facilities will be revisited in two weeks.  

Plexiglass dividers will be installed in courthouse offices.  

(KAIR)--Confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in several local area counties, as the State of Kansas reports more than 8,500 cases statewide.

Nemaha County Community Health Services on Wednesday reported three additional cases, bringing the county's total to 8.  One is hospitalized, while one has recovered and is no longer in isolation.

Atchison County on Wednesday saw a two case increase, bringing the total to 17. Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter said, in a release, the 16th case is a man in his fifties while the 17th case is a man in his forties. Both are isolating at home. The latest statistics show that 12 of the 17 cases have recovered, meaning they’ve been released from isolation.

Last week, one of the then 11 recovered cases was re-tested after showing a return of virus symptoms, and the results were positive.

The Brown County Health Department on Wednesday confirmed an additional case, bringing the county’s total to 6. One of the cases has recovered and is no longer isolating.

The Jackson County Health Department on Wednesday reported one additional case, bringing the county's total to 33.  Five cases have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

The Doniphan County Health Department on Wednesday reported one additional case, bringing the county's total to 10.  8 of the cases have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

Elsewhere among local Kansas counties, Jefferson County has 21 cases, while  Pottawatomie County has 24.

Leavenworth County, with 1,057 cases, continues to have the highest number among local Kansas counties and the fourth highest number of cases in the state.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Wednesday reported 8,539 cases in 84 of the state’s 105 counties.

Kansas has incurred 178 virus-related deaths.

(KAIR)--Two people were treated at the scene following a two vehicle, Tuesday afternoon Atchison crash.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened at 4:20, at the Omaha Junction, when vehicles driven by Roderick Warren, of Hiawatha, and Tanneil Robinson, of Hopkins, Missouri, were involved in an accident.

Wilson said two passengers in the Robinson vehicle were treated at the scene by Atchison County EMS, but no one required transport for hospital care.

Warren was cited for failure to yield.

(KNZA)--An additional candidate has filed for one of two positions up for election this fall on the Brown County Commission.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Lamar Shoemaker, of Willis, filed Tuesday as a Republican candidate for 2nd District county commissioner.

The position is currently held by Keith Olsen, who has not yet filed.

Shoemaker previously served as Brown County Sheriff.

Dwight Kruse filed earlier this year for re-election as 3rd District commissioner.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved a number of purchases when they met May 11.

The Board approved the expenditure of $121-thousand for a new Science program that will include textbooks for Calvert Elementary, Auburn Middle school and Auburn High School.

Just over $118-thousand was approved for purchase orders for the next school year.

$51-thousand for the purchase of Chromebooks and other necessary equipment was also approved.

In other action the Board approved a resolution for core Services from Educational Service  Unit #4  and approved the resignation of school Psychologist Susan Larson.

Amanda Reynolds was approved for hire as a part-time pre school teacher.  

(KNZA)--Kansas Republican Senator Dennis Pyle has sent a formal request to Senate President Susan Wagle to take the necessary steps, prior to the end of the legislative session, to examine the need to introduce and hear legislation creating a constitutional procedure expanding the grounds for a recall petition.

That’s according to a news release, and prerecorded audio, issued Monday by the rural Hiawatha Republican:

Pyle stated, "Recently, I have been contacted by numerous constituents with concerns about the ability to check gubernatorial powers. The language in the constitution and the statutes is a little unclear. Before the legislature adjourns, I would like to have others look at the process, to see what ability there is to recall."

The Legislature is meeting Thursday, May 21 for “Sine Die,” which is final adjournment for the year. Some committees are meeting prior to Thursday, and it is expected there will be a proposal for statutory language to place checks on the governor’s powers:

Pyle continued, "While I support putting checks and balances in place, doing something statutorily will not be veto proof. Should the governor veto the legislation, the legislature will not have the opportunity to override her veto once we have adjourned."

Kansas Republicans have challenged the Democratic Governor’s decisions, including state-wide closures, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

(KAIR)--Kansas moves forward with its reopening plan, moving into what Governor Laura Kelly calls a modified phase 2 just days after phase 1.5 took effect.
Kelly, during a Statehouse news conference Tuesday afternoon unveiled her decision to implement phase 2, beginning Friday.

Kelly, during the conference, outlined what the plan means for Kansans, saying mass gatherings will be restricted to 15 people or fewer, all businesses and activities, except bars, nightclubs, and swimming pools, will be allowed to open, including theaters, bowling alleys, and other leisure centers. State owned casinos can also reopen, and organized sports tournaments and practices will be allowed to begin Friday, so long as guidelines are followed.

Kelly said that despite current virus trends allowing the next reopening phase, adhering to such strategies as social distancing and wearing masks are a must, citing an outbreak blamed on a gathering at Jefferson County’s Lake Perryas an example of community spread. “We know at gathering at Lake Perry, in the midst of the stay-at-home order led to a wave of sickness. At least 10 people fell ill, a number that’s expected to grow, and there are many others in quarantine.”

If virus trends continue to show positive signs, Kelly said the third reopening phase will take effect Monday, June 8.

The current phase, known as 1.5, was implemented Monday.

Kelly on Wednesday will visit the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump.

Kelly addressed the trip following questions posed during Tuesday’s press conference, with the state’s phased reopening and statewide testing strategy, protecting America’s food supply chain, supporting Kansas’ farmers, and partnering to ensure the health and safety of food supply workers during the coronavirus pandemic, are all likely topics to be discussed during the White House visit.

(KLZA)--  Richardson County Commissioners voted Tuesday morning to reopen the Richardson County Courthouse for regular business on Monday, June 1.

Commissioners met in the Courthouse Tuesday morning for their regularly scheduled meeting and approved keeping the doors closed until June 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you need to visit an office in the Courthouse in person, you need to call ahead and make an appointment.

You will be required to wear a mask upon entering the building. Only one person per family should enter the building. Offices will have customer limitations of two or less in each office. You will also be asked to follow the CDC recommendation of staying six feet apart.

Sneeze guards have been installed in all offices.

The Department of Motor Vehicles will not be in Richardson County for the foreseeable future. Please contact the DMV office in Lincoln at 402-471-3861 if you need assistance.

(KLZA)-- On a 3-1 vote during the May 11 Pawnee City Council meeting,  Council members voted not to open the Pawnee City swimming pool this summer due to uncertainty concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Council member Susan Eisenhauer cast the lone vote against the motion not to open the pool.

City Clerk Tammy Curtis said there are several projects at the pool that will be worked on this summer so some summer help will be hired to complete those tasks. 

The Council did approve opening the campgrounds and the shelter and allow fishing at the Pawnderosa campsite.

In other business the Council approved allowing a $1-thousand credit to the Pawnee City Historical Society towards their water bill and a $650 credit for the Pawnee City Ball Association  toward their water bill along with paying for the Ball Association electric bill from NPPD.

Approval was also given to moving forward with a mudjacking project to raise the sidewalk in front of the new City Office at a cost of up to $600.

The meeting began with an approximately 90-minute closed session to discuss the job evaluations for City Foreman Spencer CuMley and City Clerk / Treasurer Tamela Curtis

(KLZA)-- Community Medical Center CEO Ryan Larsen is hosting a weekly ZOOM meeting to gather and provide information about how various entities are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Monday,  Larsen provided an update on activities at the hospital in Falls City noting that procedures are ongoing with people coming to the hospital being heavily tested for COVID-19.  He says they are taking more time between patients to make sure everything is disinfected.  Larsen says he feels the hospital is one of the safest places around. 

Larsen said while the hospital treats COVID-19 victims,  it is more likely the victims will be recovering at home.  Nationally, most patients are able to quarantine at home and be treated by their primary doctor.

During Monday's update, Falls City Mayor Shawna Bindle noted that as of Monday, City Hall and the Utility Office in Falls City are open again.  CDC guidelines are being followed in the offices and the public is encouraged to pay bills online and use the drop box outside to help limit contact.  At this time, all other city facilities that have been closed remain closed at this time. 

Mayor Bindle did note that at the present time, there is no set date for opening the Aquatic Park or splash pad.  Governor Ricketts has said he expects to have guidelines regarding pools opening by the end of May. 

You can view the weekly updates on the Community Medical Center Facebook page. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Sacred Heart School has announced administrative changes for the school. 

Fr. Lee Jirovsky who has served as Chief Administrative Office at Sacred Heart for just over a year has been assigned by the Archbishop of the Diocese of Lincoln to Chief Administrative Officer at Bishop Neumann in Wahoo. 

Last week it was announced that Doug Goltz, who has been  Principal at Sacred Heart for 17 years, following 17 years of teaching at Sacred Heart will be the new Chief Administrative Officer at the school.

Goltz will continue to serve as Athletic Director and and will retain is coaching duties.  

Fr. Lawrence Stoley will assist Goltz as a local superintendent. 

In addition,  Sacred Heart announced in a press release Tuesday that Jenny Dunn has been hired as Principal beginning with the 2020-21 school year. 

Mrs. Dunn is a 1993 graduate of Sacred Heart and taught English at the school and coached volleyball from 2000 – 2004.  

Dunn spent 13 years teaching English at Hiawatha High School before serving as Counselor for two years.

(KNZA)--The two recipients of the Deputy Todd Michael Widman Memorial Scholarship have been announced.

According to a release from the Brown County Sheriff's Office, the winner of the one-time $2,500 award from the Hiawatha High School was Seth Bauerle. Seth is the son of Daron and Elizabeth Bauerle, of Hiawatha. He will be attending Kansas State Polytech in Salina majoring in professional piloting.  

The release says the $2,500.00 scholarship winner from the Horton High School was Kailea Smith, daughter of Jason and Rhonda Smith. Smith will be attending Kansas State University in Manhattan, majoring in athletic training with the goal of obtaining a Doctoral degree in physical therapy.  

A committee consisting of Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, Horton Police Chief John Calhoon and retired Brown County Sheriff Jim Wolney met on May 12 and selected the two scholarship recipients.

March 1 of this year marked the 20th anniversary of when Deputy Widman was killed in the line of duty.

In honor of his sacrifice, the Sheriff's Office had challenge coins made that were made available to the public, with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards the scholarship. 

Hiawatha and Horton High School students turned in about 17 scholarship applications.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved appointments to city positions, except that of fire chief.

A request from the Hiawatha Fire Department to appoint Ryan Shockley as fire chief failed to receive approval due to the lack of a motion and died on the floor.

The Commission voted last November to remove Shockley as fire chief. No reason was publicly stated for the decision. Gene Atland was appointed as interim chief at that time.

Since then, several members of the fire department have appeared before the Commission asking that Shockley be reinstated.

Atland will continue as interim chief until a successor is appointed.

The Commission unanimously approved the re-appointments of John Defore as police chief; Andy Delaney as city attorney; Tish Sims as city clerk and Ted Collins as municipal judge.

Lacey Conlin was appointed as the new city treasurer. She was among two candidates considered. The position had been held by Pamela Tesoriero, who did not seek re-appointment.

The appointments are for two-year terms.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Courthouse reopened to the public as of noon, Monday.

The Doniphan County Commission on Monday approved a re-opening plan presented by Emergency Management Director Julie Meng.

 Under Phase 1.5 of Governor Kelly's reopening plan for the state, no more than ten individuals will be allowed in the courthouse at a time, with screening to take place upon entry.

 Residents are encouraged to wear masks but not required.

 A log will be kept of when residents enter and leave the building and offices visited.

 All residents will enter and exit through the north courthouse doors.

 Those needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Doniphan County Clerk’s Office at 785-985-3513 for curbside service or access to the accessible lift and elevator.

 Residents are encouraged to continue to transact county business by mail, phone or email.

 The courthouse had been closed to the public since March 21 to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

(KNZA)--With an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county, the Brown County Commission on Monday approved the hiring of a part-time employee to help the county Health Department with case investigations.

County Health Department Supervisor Chastity Schumann requested approval to hire the part-time worker.

Schumann said the employee would work 20-25 hours a week and be paid $20 an hour. Federal funding would pay for 75 percent of the employee's salary, with the health department responsible for the remaining 25 percent.

As of Monday, the county had five confirmed positive cases of COVID-19.

Following discussion, the Commission voted to make one change to the county-level restrictions currently in place for businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Commission approved allowing self-serve beverages at convenience stores and other businesses provided that social distancing is maintained, and " re-fills” are not allowed.

Buffets and salad bars will continue to be prohibited at restaurants.

Any restaurant wishing to resume dine-in service is required to submit an application to Brown County Emergency Management Director Don Pounds, with a floor plan showing how they will maintain social distancing requirements.

The revised county health order will remain in place until June 1, at which time it will be re-evaluated.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Aquatic Park will not open this summer and organized baseball games will not be allowed at city-owned ball fields.

The Hiawatha City Commission made the unanimous decision during their meeting Monday evening.

Commissioner Becky Shamburg said she didn't think it was a safe idea to open the pool this summer and worth the risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Toni Hull said by the time the city would be able to open the pool, the season would be half over.

The Commission voted to allow the opening of the city's ball fields, parks and playgrounds when Phase 2 of the Governor's re-opening plan is reached. While no organized baseball games will be allowed on the ball fields, team practices will be allowed.

The Commission also voted to keep the public restrooms at Bruning and Noble Parks closed until phase 4 of the Governor's plan is reached.

City Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper said she plans to open the Fisher Center when Phase 2 of the Governor Plan is achieved, abiding by the guidelines of gathering sizes and social distancing.

Jasper earlier this month announced a tentative plan for opening up the city's parks, ball fields and pool, but a final decision was tabled until Monday's meeting.

Editor's note:  Hiawatha Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper released the following statement

(KNZA)--A Jackson County traffic stop leads to the arrest of a Hiawatha man on drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said a deputy observed a car traveling southbound on Arizona Street in Holton shortly after 9:30 Monday morning.

Morse said the deputy stopped the vehicle after confirming the driver did not have a valid driver’s license.

The passenger, 31-year-old Christopher Speckhals, was subsequently searched and arrested for allegedly being in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The driver was released at the scene.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department has confirmed two additional cases of coronavirus within the district which includes Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson and Otoe counties. 

A male in his teens living in Nemaha County and a female in her twenties who lives in Otoe County are the two newest COVID-19 patients in the area.

All identified close contacts will be asked to self-quarantine.  Individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should self-isolate to avoid transmitting the virus to others.  

As of Monday the total cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the district is 15.  Six are in Johnson County,  six in Otoe  County, two in Nemaha County and one in  Richardson County. 

(KAIR)--The Jackson County Health Department Monday reported 6 additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the county, bringing the county's total to 31. Three of the cases have recovered and are no longer in isolation.

According to figures released Monday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Leavenworth County has the fourth highest case-count in the state with 1,051. Pottawatomie County has 23 confirmed positive cases, Jefferson County has 20, Atchison County has 15, Doniphan County has 9, and Brown County has 5.

Kansas confirms 8,340 cases statewide and 173 deaths.

(KNZA)--After several months of work in progress, the city of Horton has launched a new website.

According to a news release, the new website is designed to better serve residents with access being more user friendly and easier to search for various documents and information.

Several months ago, city administration began to look into various website providers and participated in demos from at least 3 vendors.

City Administrator John Calhoon said they wanted to enhance their website as it had become outdated and was not user friendly to staff or anyone that sought out public information from the city. Calhoon said the new website also provides them with the opportunity to enhance, as well as market their various activities, businesses and resources within the city. The site is also ADA compliant.

City utilities billing clerk Brianna Dowell has been assigned the task of maintaining the website. Any concerns, ideas, or questions should be directed to her by calling  ( 785) 486-2681 during business hours.

The new website can be found at cityofHorton.com

(KLZA)-- A Clarkson, Nebraska man was hospitalized following a wreck in Holt County, Missouri early Saturday morning. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 65-year-old Thomas Vrba was northbound on Interstate 29 at approximately 2:30 A.M., when his 2020 Freightliner semi went off the east side of the roadway, struck a guardrail,  returned to the road and then traveled off the east side of the road again striking a bridge.  The truck then overturned as it slid down an embankment, coming to rest on the drivers side.

Vrba was transported to the Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph by the Atchison-Holt Emergency Medical Service with what were described as moderate injuries.  

The truck was totaled.  The Holt County Sheriff's Office and Missouri Department of Transportation also responded to the scene.  

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A fourth inmate has died of the coronavirus during an outbreak that has sickened hundreds at the state’s largest prison.

The Kansas Department of Corrections announced Monday that the Lansing Correctional Facility inmate who died Saturday was over the age of 60 and had underlying medical conditions.

His name wasn’t released, but the corrections department said had been imprisoned since 1989 on charges that included aggravated robbery and first-degree murder.

The prison near Kansas City has been the hardest hit in the state, with 88 staff members and 750 inmates testing positive. Two of the staff members have died. 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Emergency Management Agency will be conducting Siren Maintenance Tuesday afternoon. 

You may hear the sirens sound periodically throughout the county.

Please be advised this is just maintenance.
 

(KAIR)--Atchison County’s 2nd District County Commissioner has filed for reelection.

According to election filing documents from the Atchison County Clerk’s office, Eric Noll filed May 7 to seek another term in the seat.
The Effingham Republican first began serving in the role after he was appointed to the seat in 2015 to fill a vacancy.

Noll so far faces no challengers for the position.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file with the County Clerk’s office.

The primary election will be held August 4, if needed, followed by the general election November 3.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s annual Juneteenth celebration has been canceled.
That was discussed May 12, during the regular meeting of the Atchison County Commission, where requests for 2021 financial support were heard.

Don Bratton, Treasurer of the Atchison Juneteenth Committee, appeared before the Commission. “Every year, we have a celebration,” Bratton said. We didn’t have one this year because we’re respecting the safety of everybody in our community, just everyone in general, because of the COVID-19 virus.”
The celebration, commemorating African-American emancipation, is annually held over the course of a June weekend at Atchison’s LFM Park.

The 2020 event had been planned for June 13 and 14.

The Juneteenth Committee has requested funding of $2,000, but told the Commission any amount is appreciated. The County approved funding of $1,000 for the committee last year. “You’ve always been there for us, and we depend on people’s donation to help us have this celebration,” Bratton said.

The 2021 budget request, along with others made to the Commission by other area non-profit organizations, will be considered, and finalized, in the future.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Recreation has decided to go forward with the 2020 summer baseball and softball seasons. 

The Falls City Rec Board has met with city officials and local healthcare officials after Governor Peter Ricketts announced the decision to allow youth sports to continue under strict guidelines.

The season will be modified to best benefit local players, coaches, their families and everyone else involved.

Some of the modifications include following all youth sports guidelines outlined by the Governor.  Eliminating the t-ball season for this year only.  
There will be no end of season tournaments.
There will be no team sponsorship or team shirts or uniforms.
The primary focus will be on practice to get palyers more active with their peers and outside. 
Some games or scrimmage may be played near the end of June or the first couple of weeks int July.  
There will be a minimum three coaches per team with a goal of four to help ensure that players and their families are abiding by the guidelines.  

If you would like for your child to play baseball or softball this season, you can go to www.fallscityrec.com,click on the Baseball/Softball homepage and click on the link for “2020 Baseball/Softball Player Registration.”  This needs to be completed by Thursday, May 21.  

See the complete release below.  

The Falls City Recreation Board has decided to move forward with having our 2020 summer baseball/softball season at this time. 

Because Governor Ricketts recently made the decision to allow youth sports to continue under strict guidelines with practices beginning June 1 and the earliest possible date for any games to begin being June 18, the Falls City Recreation Board met with city officials and local healthcare officials shortly after that decision was made to decide on what we felt would be best for our community during this time. Together, we decided to move forward with a modified season that we felt would best benefit our players, coaches, their families, and everyone else involved.

With every activity that Falls City Recreation provides for the youth of our community, we aim to provide them with an opportunity to build on skills that can benefit them not only athletically, but socially as well. Our aim for this season has not changed, but it will look quite different in order to best meet the requirements given to us by our state government. Our goal is to provide our youth with the opportunity to participate in an activity outside and with their peers. Something they have not been able to do for the last couple of months.

The following are some of the modifications that we will be making ‘for this season only’ in order for us to be able to provide this opportunity for our community.
All healthcare guidelines for youth sports outlined by Governor Ricketts will be followed
Eliminating the t-ball season
Practice can begin no earlier than June 1 and any type of games/scrimmages can begin no earlier than June 18
Eliminating postseason activities (i.e. no end of the season tournaments)
Eliminating team sponsorships and team shirts/uniforms
The primary focus will be on practicing in order to get players more active, with their peers, and outside
Our plan right now allows for either some games to be played near the end of June or first couple of weeks in July, or the possibility of scrimmages to played with other teams in their league (these details are still being discussed and will more than likely be determined once we are able to begin and input from coaches can happen)
We will require additional coaching for each team (a minimum of three coaches per team, but our goal is to have at least four to help ensure that players and their families are abiding by the guidelines during the entire course of the season in order for us to even provide this opportunity)
It will be required by all coaches to ensure that the healthcare guidelines set forth by the state are being met for every practice and game/scrimmage
If you are planning to volunteer coach, please be sure to read over these guidelines. A copy can be found on the Falls City Recreation website at www.fallscityrec.com on the Baseball/Softball page. Falls City Recreation Board members and city officials will be going over these with all coaches. Then it will be the responsibility of the coaches, with the help of the board, to go over these guidelines with their players and parents.

If you would like for your child to play baseball or softball this season, then you can go to www.fallscityrec.com, click on the Baseball/Softball homepage, and click on the link for “2020 Baseball/Softball Player Registration”. That link will take you into a Google Form that will allow you to easily register your child. This needs to be completed by Thursday, May 21. This is only the initial registration that will allow us to get our initial numbers. If we have youth who are interested in playing this season under these modifications, but probably, more importantly, this season if we are able to get enough volunteer help, then we will move forward with teams. After that point, we will have coaches assist us with getting the official sign-up and usual waivers of liability signed, along with a modified fee for this season which will be $10 instead of the usual $20. That cost this season will be used to help purchase the necessary cleaning supplies that will be required, along with some of our usual expenses for running the season that may not have been eliminated by the modifications.

If you are willing to volunteer to coach this season, then you can go to www.fallscityrec.com, click on the Baseball/Softball homepage, and click on the link for “2020 Baseball/Softball Coach Sign-up”. That link will take you into a Google Form that will allow you to easily register yourself as a possible coach for this season. This needs to be completed by Thursday, May 21. Without sufficient help, we will not be able to move forward with the season under the guidelines put on us.

We want to remind everyone that this continues to be a fluid situation as it has been the past several months. The Falls City Recreation Board will maintain communication with local officials and continue to abide by any guidelines or recommendations set forth by our local, state, and federal governments in the coming months. We understand that these modifications may not be ideal for everyone and you have the right to choose whether your child will participate or not, but they allow us to easily adapt to any changes that might occur while still providing the youth in our community with this opportunity. The Falls City Recreation Board reserves the right to cancel the season as it deems necessary.

(KNZA)-- A mill and overlay project on K-92 and U.S. 59 in Jefferson County will begin Tuesday, May 19.

The Kansas Department of Transportation said work will occur in Oskaloosa on K-92 from Union to Liberty Street and from Delaware Street to the U.S. 59 junction, also U.S. 59 from south Oskaloosa to the K-4 junction. 

KDOT says traffic will be controlled with daily lane closures, lane width restrictions, traffic cones and signage. A pilot car will be utilized to guide traffic through work zones during working hours. Delays of up to 15 minutes should be expected.

Herzog Contracting Corporation of St. Joseph, Missouri is the contractor on the about $3.1 million project.

The project is expected to be complete in late July.

(KNZA)--A new Jackson Heights Elementary School principal and high school athletic director has been hired.

Following an executive session at their May 11 meeting, the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board of Education voted to offer a contract to Annie Diederich.

Diederich has been with Topeka's Seaman School District for 20 years, the past three as middle school principal.

She has 21 years of elementary and middle school administrative experience.

Diederich will replace Cody Witte, who has served as the Jackson Heights district's athletic director for the last three years and as elementary principal the past year.

Diederich is to begin work July 1.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County Sheriff Rich Vernon is seeking re-election to another 4-year term.

The Nemaha County Clerk's Office reports Vernon filed May 8th as a Republican candidate.

So far, he is facing no opposition.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

A primary election will be held August 4, if needed. The general election is November 3.

(KAIR)--On Wednesday, May 20, Governor Laura Kelly will visit the White House for a meeting with President Trump.   

In addition to discussing the state’s phased reopening and statewide testing strategy, topics of discussion will include protecting America’s food supply chain, supporting Kansas’ farmers, and partnering to ensure the health and safety of food supply workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I look forward to the discussion with President Trump on ways we can continue to work with the federal government on our response and recovery efforts," Governor Kelly said. "Our continued emphasis is on protecting Kansans' health and well-being, and helping the state recover from a public health crisis that has exacted a painful financial toll on many. The economic damage will be long lasting, and will require collaboration at every level. I look forward to discussing how the President and I will continue partnering together in our recovery.”

(KNZA)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Jackson County continues to rise.

The Jackson County Health Department on Sunday reported one new case, bringing the county's total to 25.

The Health Department says three of the county's cases have recovered and been released from isolation.

No hospitalizations have been reported.

(KAIR)--A Thursday evening Atchison traffic stop led to two arrests, one involving the possession of illegal drugs.  

According to report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a traffic stop was made in the 500 block of South U.S. Highway 73, around 7:20 Thursday evening, and the driver, 36-year-old Andrew Banker, of Atchison, was taken into custody for driving while suspended, interference with law enforcement, allegedly having provided the officer with false identification information, and four District Court warrants for failure to appear.  

Wilson said, during the stop, the police department’s K-9 unit was used at the scene of the traffic stop, which resulted in the discovery of the alleged drugs.  

Arrested was Banker’s passenger, 27-year-old Ashlynn Clinton, of Atchison, who now faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a prescription anti-anxiety medication, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Both Banker and Clinton were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--A Thursday evening Atchison traffic stop led to two arrests, one involving the possession of illegal drugs.  

According to report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a traffic stop was made in the 500 block of South U.S. Highway 73, around 7:20 Thursday evening, and the driver, 36-year-old Andrew Banker, of Atchison, was taken into custody for driving while suspended, interference with law enforcement, allegedly having provided the officer with false identification information, and four District Court warrants for failure to appear.  

Wilson said, during the stop, the police department’s K-9 unit was used at the scene of the traffic stop, which resulted in the discovery of the alleged drugs.  

Arrested was Banker’s passenger, 27-year-old Ashlynn Clinton, of Atchison, who now faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a prescription anti-anxiety medication, and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Both Banker and Clinton were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KMZA)--A second positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Nemaha County.

Nemaha County Community Health Services, in a release, said they were notified Saturday morning that another resident in the county had tested positive for the virus.

The release says the individual is in isolation and following the recommendations of health officials.

NCCHS is working to identify any close contacts of the individual and those who may have been exposed. The agency will be monitoring these contacts for symptoms related to COVID-19.

No further information about the individual will be released. 

(KLZA)--The Southeast District Health Department (SEDHD) has confirmed an additional case of coronavirus (COVID-19) within the district in southeast Nebraska.

The person is a man in his twenties who lives in Johnson County. 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.

The SEDHD will continue to update the district as new information becomes available.

(MSC News)--The Atchison, Hiawatha and Horton Police Departments will be joining other law enforcement agencies across the state in the 2020 Kansas Click It or Ticket campaign, beginning Monday and continuing through Sunday, May 31.  

The campaign is supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.  

The campaign is designed to increase seat belt awareness and to cut down on injuries and deaths from traffic crashes due to the lack of seat belt usage.  

Enforcement will occur around the clock. Seatbelt use diminishes after nightfall, meaning the likelihood of unbelted crash injuries and deaths rise during those hours.

About 345 persons are involved in 170 crashes each day in Kansas. Only 7% of those that are unbelted are likely to escape without injury.  Half of all fatalities occur among those who are not wearing a seat belt.

The state of Kansas requires that all occupants be properly restrained.  The fine for an adult not wearing a seat belt is $30.  The fine for youth 14-17 is $60, while the fine for a child under 13 is $60 plus court courts and goes to the driver of the vehicle.

Kansas’ overall adult seat belt compliance rate is 85% and ranges, by county, from 62% to 97%, with occupants in rural counties generally less likely to buckle up than those in urban counties.  

According to KDOT, almost two-thirds of Kansas’ fatality crashes occur on rural roadways while these roads account for only one-third of all crashes.  

(KAIR)--Following the lead of the State of Kansas, Atchison County Friday unveiled the details of the latest reopening phase in the slow walk toward restored normalcy in the time of the coronavirus.

Phase 1.5, as it’s been named by the state, will take effect Monday, in place of phase 2, which has been delayed due to the statewide conditions of the virus.

The reopening was detailed Friday during a special meeting of the Atchison County Commission.

The meeting followed Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday releasing the state’s plan.

A key change for Atchison County comes to the reopening, with stipulations, of inside dining for restaurants and bars. While Kansas, in phase 1 of the reopening plan, allowed such business, Atchison County did not, leading to questioning of the policy by local restaurant owners. When they reopen, restaurants must maintain no more than 50-percent of occupancy, with tables at least 6 feet apart.

Personal services, such as salons and barbers, can also reopen, if stipulations, such as service by appointment only, are met. Also reopening are gyms and fitness facilities, so long as guidelines, such as only 10 clients per 1,000 square feet, are followed. Personal service facilities much also maintain a list of customers, as part of required screening, in order to allow for the tracing of possible community spread, with names, dates, and times to be collected. 

Mass gatherings of more than 10 people remain off-limits under the latest reopening phase, both locally and statewide.

There are no restrictions on religious services.

The Commission Friday also approved keeping the Atchison County Courthouse, and county offices, closed, except by appointment only, and extended the County’s pandemic-related emergency disaster plan, first approved in March.

(KAIR)--The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas has confirmed its first two positive cases of COVID-19 on the Kickapoo Reservation, located west of Horton, in Brown County.

According to a news release from Tribal Chairman Lester Randall, both diagnosed individuals are self-isolating.

The two cases are not connected and both individuals, who reside on the Kickapoo Reservation, contracted the disease outside of the Reservation boundaries.

Staff for both the Tribe and the Casino were notified of the positive tests late Thursday.

As a safety precaution, the Tribe has closed its Golden Eagle Casino until June 1, at which time they will re-evaluate the health data and consult with public health officials to determine the appropriate course of action.

Randall, in the release reiterated the importance of being cautious, saying to ‘follow self-distancing guidelines, wash your hands frequently, stay home when you feel ill and wear a mask in public if at all possible.”

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Jackson County continues to rise.

According to the Jackson County Health Department, the county saw a one case increase from Thursday to Friday, bringing the total to 24. That follows the confirmation of 10 new cases in Jackson County Thursday.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Friday reported there are 7,886 confirmed positive cases statewide.  172 have died in Kansas.

Leavenworth County has 957 cases, Pottawatomie County has 22, Jefferson County has 18, Atchison County has 15, Doniphan County has 9, Brown County has 3, and Nemaha County has 1.

(KLZA)-- A repair project is scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 19 on Route T near Mill Bluff Road in Holt County, Missouri. 

A slide developed at the site just south of Forest City amidst the devastating flooding of 2019.  The section of road has been closed while an extensive geological  investigation and roadway design was completed by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

In an effort to avoid expensive repairs if the road remained in its current alignment, the repair project will shift the road slightly onto a more stable rock base. 

Amino Brothers Construction was awarded the bid to complete the project with a reopening date of August 17.   

Schedules could change due to weather.  

(KLZA)-- Based on a survey of senior parents,  the Pawnee  City School is planning a formal in-person graduation ceremony Saturday, August 1,  if Directed Health Measures allow. 

A web-stream graduation tribute to Pawnee City seniors will be shown Saturday, May 16 at 2:00  P.M.  The time and date will coincide with the original graduation ceremony.

During his report to the School Board Monday evening Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus noted that after the 4th of July, he and Principal Derek Niss will begin to assess whether an alternative start to the 2020-21 school year will be needed, and what it will entail.   

(KAIR)--A planned power outage in the City of Troy is scheduled for tonight, Friday, May 15.

According to a message Friday morning from the City, the outage will last for around 4-hours, beginning at 11:00 tonight and lasting until 3:00 Saturday morning.

According to a letter sent to the City of Troy by energy provider Evergy, the outage is necessary for the company to make repairs in Troy.

According to a notice from the City, the sub-station, servicing Troy, will be shut down to fix hot spots, with the reminder sent that those on oxygen need to be prepared with portable oxygen during the outage.

(KAIR)--A planned power outage in the City of Troy is planned for tonight, Friday, May 15.

According to a message Friday morning from the City, the outage will last for around 4-hours, beginning at 11:00 tonight and lasting until 3:00 Saturday morning.

According to a letter sent to the City of Troy by energy provider Evergy, the outage is necessary for the company to make repairs in Troy.

According to a notice from the City, the sub-station, servicing Troy, will be shut down to fix hot spots, with the reminder sent that those on oxygen need to be prepared with portable oxygen during the outage.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has approved the location for new signs to replace a pair of state championship signs located around Red Hawk Drive.

Pam Smith, representing a group of Hiawatha alumni, met with the Board Monday evening by video conference to provide an update on the project and ask them to make a decision on where the signs would be located so they can move forward with fund-raising efforts.

The group approached the school board in February to propose replacing the 1980 football and 1978-79 girls basketball signs, which have faded over years and fallen into a state of disrepair.

Smith said the group would like to see the signs relocated to a more visible location, preferable on 1st Street near the electric marquee.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Board unanimously approved the First Street location, and asked Smith to make the signs two-sided if enough funds are raised.

The cross country sign will stay in it's current location on the north side of Red Hawk Drive.

Tax deductible donations toward the new signs can be sent to the USD 415 board office.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has approved the location for new signs to replace a pair of state championship signs located around Red Hawk Drive.

Pam Smith, representing a group of Hiawatha alumni, met with the Board Monday evening by video conference to provide an update on the project and ask them to make a decision on where the signs would be located so they can move forward with fund-raising efforts.

The group approached the school board in February to propose replacing the 1980 football and 1978-79 girls basketball signs, which have faded over years and fallen into a state of disrepair.

Smith said the group would like to see the signs relocated to a more visible location, preferable on 1st Street near the electric marquee.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Board unanimously approved the First Street location. They also asked Smith to attempt to raise enough money to make the signs two-sided in case they would need to be moved sometime in the future.

Tax deductible donations toward the new signs can be sent to the USD 415 board office.

(KNZA)--A pipe replacement project is planned for Monday in Doniphan County.

According to a news release from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the work is planned on K-20, with cross road pipes to be replaced at two locations. The first pipe to be replaced is located one-half mile east of Ash Point Road at mile marker 23 and the second pipe to be replaced is located at the south limits of Denton at mile marker 29.  

The work is expected to be a one-day project.

Traffic will be controlled using signage and traffic cones. There will not be any signed detour, and motorists should expect delays and are advised to find alternate routes.

(KMZA)--Marshall County Sheriff Dan Hargrave has announced his retirement, effective June 1.

Hargrave is stepping down after almost 21 years in law enforcement—including 12 years as sheriff.

Hargrave said in a release that after 32 years total in public service, 12 of those with the Kansas Department of Transportation, he feels the time is right for retirement and on to his next journey.

The Marshall County Republican Party precinct committee will have to nominate a successor to fill his term, which expires in January 2021. The nomination will be forwarded to Governor Laura Kelly for confirmation.

Undersheriff Tim Ackerman will serve as acting sheriff during the interim. Ackerman filed earlier this year to run for sheriff's in this year's election.

(KMZA)--A vacancy has been filled on the Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education.

The Board voted unanimously Monday evening to appoint Amy Sudbeck to fill position 1 on the board.

The two other candidates were John Howard and Chad Baker.

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 November's general election, and it was declined by the winner of write-in voting.

The position will be up for election in November 2021.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Department's K-9 was busy at work in two states recently.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, his agency's K-9 unit, Ari, assisted the Richardson County, Nebraska Sheriff's Department with a May 2 residential raid in Falls City.

He said the raid led to the discovery of a “large quantity of marijuana,” along with THC wax cartridges, ground-up “magic mushrooms,” paraphernalia, pills, a small quantity of ecstasy, and approximately $5,000 in cash.

The investigation then led to property located in northwest Brown County where Merchant alleges that 7 pounds of marijuana was seized, along with “a small quantity of mushrooms,” after permission was granted for the search. The alleged drugs were discovered after the K-9 Unit “alerted on a vehicle located on the property.”

Arrested during the Falls City raid were 36-year-old Matthew Pohlman and 34-year-old Ashley Pohlman, both of Falls City.

Matthew Pohlman faces charges for distributing more than 450 grams of marijuana, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to Merchant, the case is still under investigation by the Brown County Sheriffs Office with assistance from the Brown County Attorney's Office.
 

(KNZA)--An ongoing investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department into the distribution of metamphetamine leads to the arrest of three individuals.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said the Sheriff's office served a search warrant at 714 Idaho, Apt. 11 in Holton Tuesday afternoon.

Morse said deputies seized methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of U.S. currency from the residence.

Arrested were 37-year-old Nicole Robbins, of Holton; 32-year-old Garnet Williams, of Holton; and 37-year-old Joey Lee Howard, of Topeka.

All three were booked into the Jackson County Jail on various drug charges.

(KAIR)--Gunshots led to a standoff in Holton, and then to one arrest.

Taken into custody Thursday was 31-year-old Holton resident Justin Lee Judy.

According to a news release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, Judy’s arrest followed multiple reports about gunshots fired in the area of 8th and Kansas avenue, around 6:00 Thursday evening, in Holton.

Sheriff’s Deputies, Holton Police Officers, and a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper responded to the scene, located the residence where the gunfire originated, identified Judy, and unsuccessfully ordered him out of of the residence using a public address system. A telephone connection was then established with Judy, by the Sheriff’s Office, and he complied with the order to come outside, surrendering without further incident.

Booked into the Jackson County Jail, Judy faces charges for the unlawful discharge of a firearm.

A search warrant was executed at the residence Thursday night, and unspecified evidence was seized.

According to Morse, the investigation is continuing, and if anyone has related information, they are asked to notify the Sheriff’s Office or the Holton Police Department.

(KNZA)--Two additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Brown County, bringing the county's total to 3.

That word came Thursday in a press release issued by the Brown County Health Department.

The release says the individuals are in isolation and following the recommendations of health officials.

A joint press release issued by STARS Inc. and the Hiawatha Community Hospital confirms one of the positive cases is an employee of STARS, Inc, a local area provider for physical, occupational and respiratory therapy.

The release says the employee works at the Hiawatha Community Hospital location and is not involved in direct patient care.  The employee is currently in isolation at home.

Editor's note: the following is the joint press release from STARS, Inc. and the Hiawatha Community Hospital 

 An employee of STARS, Inc, a local area provider for physical, occupational, and respiratory therapy has tested positive for COVID-19.  This employee works at the Hiawatha Community Hospital location and is not involved in direct patient care.  They are currently in isolation at home.

“We are thankful that our employee is doing well and look forward to her returning to work after her full recovery.  Our staff members are vital to the care of our patients and community, even more so at this time,” said Dave Thompson, co-owner of STARS, Inc.

STARS, Inc. and Hiawatha Community Hospital have worked together to ensure consistent and diligent practices regarding return to work processes for employees in order to limit the risks of exposure to employees and patients. Dr. Bryon Bigham, Hiawatha Community Hospital Chief of Staff shared, “With testing criteria changing and more tests being completed, we will likely see an increase in positive cases in Brown County. In an effort to reduce the risk of exposure for our employees and our patients, we are continuing to monitor all employees with daily temperature checks, all patients entering our facility go through diligent screening processes that include temperature checks, and everyone in the facility is required to wear a face covering or mask.” Dr. Bigham went on to stress that, “it is still very important to remain diligent about social distancing, practice good hand hygiene, wear a face covering in public, and stay home if you are sick.”

John Broberg, CEO, Hiawatha Community Hospital, shared that we know that COVID-19 is in the community.  We have increased COVID-19 testing in Hiawatha. 

So far this month, we have already completed 100 tests and 190 since we started in March.  Of these tests, 187 were not positive for COVID-19, three tests have been positive and four tests are still pending results.

If you are experiencing symptoms, please Call Before You Go to the clinic, the hospital, or emergency room. This will allow for appropriate screening processes to be performed ahead of time in order to lessen potential exposure in our facility.  

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has slowed down the reopening of Kansas’ economy.

Kelly on Thursday ordered bars and bowling alleys to remain closed through the end of the month and plans to keep some coronavirus-inspired restrictions in place until near the end of June.

Kelly’s new order takes effect Monday and is likely to stir strong opposition in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

A limit on public gatherings of 10 or fewer people will remain in place, rather than being increased to 30 on Monday. Kelly is allowing barbershops and hair and nail salons to reopen as planned but limiting them to appointments only.

Editor's note: the following is a release from the Governor's office on the new phase

(Topeka)--This afternoon, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed Executive Order 20-32, which establishes a new phase to the “Ad Astra: Plan to Reopen Kansas.” The new “1.5” Phase, effective May 18, 2020, continues reopening efforts while preserving some data-driven restrictions necessary to prevent community transmission of COVID-19.

“The good news is that hospitalizations and COVID-related deaths continue to decline, enabling us to move forward with our efforts to safely reopen Kansas,” said Kelly. “Unfortunately, the daily rate of disease spread has not shown the downward trajectory necessary to move fully into Phase 2. I said from the beginning that public safety must remain the top priority, which means that our reopening efforts must be driven by data, not dates. Phase 1.5 will continue our transition, but with necessary caution.”

Key Phase 1.5 highlights:

• Mass gatherings of more than 10 individuals continue to be prohibited;

• Nail salons, barber shops, hair salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlors and other personal service businesses where close contact cannot be avoided may open, but only for pre-scheduled appointments or online check-in;

• Fitness centers and health clubs may open, but in-person group classes may not occur and locker rooms must be closed except as necessary to use restroom facilities.

• In-person commencement or graduation ceremonies may occur with no more than 10 individuals in a room, gymnasium, or facility at one time as long as 6-foot social distancing is maintained. Outdoor drive-through graduation ceremonies during which no more than 10 individuals are in the same area outside of their vehicles at a time (i.e. school administration, graduate, family members, etc.) are allowed. 

Under Phase 1.5, the following, unless they are repurposed for use in an essential function under the Kansas Essential Function Framework, shall remain closed to the public:

• Bars and night clubs, excluding already operating curbside and carryout services;

• Non-tribal Casinos;

• Theaters, museums, and other indoor leisure spaces (trampoline parks, arcades, etc.);

• Community centers;

• Outdoor and indoor large entertainment venues with capacity of 2,000 or more;

• Fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades;

• Swimming pools (other than backyard pools);

Organized sports facilities, sports tournaments, sports games, and sports practices; and

• Summer camps.

The Governor will evaluate the state’s disease spread, testing rates, death rates, hospitalizations, ability of state and local public health authorities to contain outbreaks and conduct contact tracing, and personal protective equipment availability when determining if the state should move to the next “Phase.” Regardless of phase, the State Health Officer retains the authority to impose additional public health interventions in any area that contains an emergent and significant public health risk.

Throughout all phases, Kansans should continue to adhere to hygiene and social distancing protocols, including:

• Washing hands frequently, while avoiding contact with one’s face;

• Remaining home when sick or running a fever;

• Following isolation and quarantine orders issued by state or local health officers;

• Wearing a cloth face mask when in public;

• Working remotely, if possible.

Kelly’s “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” is available in full at covid.ks.gov, in addition to industry-specific guidance for Kansas businesses.

(KLZA)-- Johnson-Brock School Superintendent Jeff  Koehler told School Board members Monday night that conference calls are held with the Southeast District Health Department,  ESU 4 and the Nebraska Department of Education concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Superintendent said he hopes to know more by the end of May about what June and July will bring and the start of the next school year.

Principal Lucus Dalinghaus  noted the supply exchange day for parents has been scheduled for Thursday, May 21.  Parents can return school items and pick up their students personal items that day.

The Board discussed summer school project proposals and approved an interlocal agreement with the Sterling Public Schools for Spanish instruction via the distance learning network.  

The purchase of a tract of land owned by the Village of Johnson was approved in an amount of $4,000.  

Also approved was a bid to place new carpet in three classrooms in amount of $12,900. The bid was awarded to Midwest Floor Coverings. 

A three percent salary increase for classified staff in the Johnson-Brock School District was also approved.  

(KNZA)—Ten new positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Jackson County, bringing the county's total to 23.

That word came Thursday in a Facebook post by the Jackson County Health Department.

It comes after six new virus cases were reported Wednesday, and three new cases on Tuesday.

The health department reports three of Jackson County's cases have recovered and been released from isolation, while no deaths or hospitalizations have resulted from the county's cases.

Johnsonville on Wednesday temporarily suspended production at its Holton sausage processing plant after five employees were confirmed to have the virus.

Johnsonville said all employees will continue to get paid, and downtime will be used to implement even more aggressive safety protocols before reopening.

The company didn't announce when it plans to reopen the plant.

The plant, which employees about 230 workers, is Holton's largest employer.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education Monday night approved a resolution to authorize a line of credit with F & M Bank in Falls City in the amount of $950-thousand.

The line of credit was set up in the event of financial disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Board members accepted the resignation of elementary teacher Leigh Anne Blankenship who has been with District 56 for three years.  

Superintendent Tim Heckenlively reported the 2020-21 State Aid Certification was made available May 1.  Falls City Public Schools will receive $287,111 for the next year, an increase of nearly $117-thousand.  

The money is a combination of Net Option Funding and Income Tax Rebate funds.  The Falls City District is once again not eligible for state aid equalization support.  

It was also noted that student equipment, devices and materials will be checked in and out the week of May 18th for preK – 11 grades students.  

(KLZA)--An arrest has been made in a hit-and-run collision that occurred just outside of Auburn Sunday evening.

23-year-old Katelynne Moore of Auburn has been hospitalized in Lincoln in critical but stable condition with a traumatic brain injury.

According to a press release from the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, 33-year-old Dustin Pierce of Auburn was arrested Wednesday evening for leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury.

Wednesday morning deputies served a search warrant in Auburn that resulted in the recovery of the vehicle that struck Moore.

The warrant was the result of several tips from the public and deputies eliminating vehicles matching the description of the vehicle being sought.

Shortly after 9:00 Sunday evening the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office received a call of a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle just east of Auburn on 728 Road.

Moore was found in the north grader ditch of the roadway and eventually flown to the Lincoln hospital.

.

(KAIR)--COVID-19 testing has increased in Atchison County, with related supplies now on-hand.

That message came Tuesday during the regular meeting of the Atchison County Commission, delivered by Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge and County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter. “Right now we are sitting pretty well with testing supplies. Same with the PPE supplies we’ve ordered in for all of the agencies,” Lanter said.
Although Atchison County’s case-count has grown to 15, as of Tuesday the number stood at 14, and Forge explained that of those cases, there was one confirmed as having been contracted through community spread. “I was able to investigate back and find where they came from,” Forge told the Commission, referencing the origin of the local cases. We have one that I was able to and it was a community spread.”

Atchison County, along with the State of Kansas, remains in phase one of reopening following closures made due to the pandemic. Taking effect May 4, the first phase of the state’s plan allowed restaurants to reopen for inside customers, so long as certain guidelines are followed. Atchison County’s plan remains stronger, keeping restaurants operating only for curbside pickup and delivery. That led to an outcry from some local restaurant owners, and those concerns are being addressed as plans are developed for phase 2. “Wes put out a questionnaire for the restaurants to kind of have their say on how they wanted things to look, and there was really, really good feedback. They have really, really good ideas, so I think that’s going to go pretty smoothly.”

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly will issue an executive order to move into the second phase of the Kansas reopening, tentatively planned to begin Monday.

A special meeting will be held by the Atchison County Commission for the release of the details of the local reopening plan. However, Lanter told MSC News that plan can’t be released until after Kelly releases that of the state. Once that timeline is known, the local meeting will be scheduled.

(KNZA)--There's a vacancy on the Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education.

The Board Monday evening officially accepted the resignation of longtime board member Dr. Pete Rosa, which was effective at the end of the meeting.

Rosa announced at the March Board meeting that he planned to step down.

Board President Ian Schuetz thanked Rosa for his service, saying he will be missed.

Rosa said its been a very interesting 15 years, and has seen a lot of changes in the school district during his tenure.

The Board approved publishing a notice of the vacancy.

Rosa represented position 5, district 2. District 2 consist of all of Hiawatha Township south of 240th Road and Wards 3 and 4 of the city of Hiawatha.

Those interested in filling the position are asked to let Board Clerk Sarah Windmeyer know in writing by noon, June 5. Applicants must reside in the member district.

Plans are to interview candidates at the Board's June 8 meeting and then appoint someone to fill Rosa's term, which expires in January 2022.

The position is up for election in November 2021.

(KNZA)--A Soldier woman is accused of the theft of funds from the Holton American Legion Auxiliary while serving as president of the Auxiliary.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said 50-year-old Paula Keating was arrested Monday on a Jackson County District Court warrant for five counts of misdemeanor theft and four counts of felony forgery.

The warrant was issued following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.

Morse said the crimes are alleged to have occurred between January 2015 and January 2017.

He said Keating as one of the signers on the bank account, allegedly diverted money from the account for her own personal use. Some of the transfers of unauthorized funds allegedly were done by forging false signatures and documents.

As a result of the monetary loss, the Auxiliary was forced to disband.

Keating was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Editors note: the following release was submitted Wednesday by the Hiawatha Community Hospital

Hiawatha Community Hospital is happy to report we are easing back into elective surgery procedures.  We are following the roadmap to safely resume elective surgery after the COVID-19 pandemic, which was developed by the American College of Surgeons, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and American Hospital Association as well as collaborating with other regional hospitals such as Stormont Vail and Mosaic.  We have implemented an internal Elective Surgery Review Committee with Dr. Rod Warren, Dr. Bryon Bigham, Dustin Williams, our anesthesia providers, and hospital leadership for resuming elective surgery and procedures.  The committee will meet each week to review the potential cases for the following week.

“We are committed resuming elective surgery procedures for the health and wellness of our patients in a way that supports safety for both our employees and our patients,” says Chief of Staff Dr. Bryon Bigham.

The hospital is implementing best practices to have a safe environment for our employees and our patients.  These practices include incorporating COVID testing into the standard preop testing for certain patients. The additional testing will not only help protect our employees and patients, but it will also increase the amount of testing done in our area to help with the detection of COVID.   

Other factors taken in to consideration for continuing to progress with elective procedures is monitoring the COVID-19 in the state and the region.  While we have cared for a few persons under investigation (PUI) at the hospital, we have not had any positive patients in our ED or COVID/PUI unit at this time. The one positive case in Brown County was tested at HCH using drive through processes and has managed recovery at home.  We also monitor our personal protective equipment (PPE) supply levels, our capability in the acute and COVID/PUI units and our staffing.  If all these indicators are positive, then the organization will continue to move forward with elective procedures.  

When asked why the hospital is easing back into elective procedures, Chief of Staff Dr. Bryon Bigham reported, “Our hospital cares deeply about the health and well-being of the community and we do not want the public to put off needed health care services.”

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic continues, members of our community should not be afraid to seek the care they need when they need it. Chronic illnesses and urgent or emergency conditions require timely care to avoid a high risk for complications later. Please CALL BE YOU GO to the clinic, the hospital, or the emergency department.  HCH Family Practice and Highland Clinics have expanded their Wellness Visits recently to ensure time for patients to meet with their providers.

We will continue to offer telehealth visits as well.  Your health is our priority, so please schedule your appointments.  We will continue to use our mobile clinic for all patients that call into our COVID line, if they meet the criteria.  So far, we have seen 114 patients through the mobile clinic.  

Our hospital – together with the KHA, public health departments and others – is continuously monitoring guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as collaborating with federal, state and local partners, so we can adjust safety practices and update contingency plans accordingly. If we experience a COVID-19 resurgence, our hospital is continuing preparations to ensure appropriate staffing, equipment, and patient care readiness.  

(KLZA)-- A one-and-a-half percent sales tax proposal in Humboldt has failed.  

The remainder of the early ballots and the provisional ballots were counted Wednesday afternoon and the proposal was defeated 140 votes against the tax with 138 votes in favor of the sales tax. 

None of the results were changed by the additional votes.

Third District County Commissioner Terry Frank was defeated in his reelection bid by Rick Karas of Dawson 377 to 307.  Karas will face Democrat Philip Hitchcock of Verdon in the November General Election.

Second District Commissioner David Sickel has won a  fourth term in office.  Sickel received 346 votes.  Jonathan Kirkendall received 129 votes and Les Baker 121 in the Republican Primary.  No Democrats filed for the position. 

There were no changes in the election of a Village Board member in Shubert.  Tomas Borrego received 46 votes to 9 for Bobby Hammer.  

(KNZA)—Six new positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Jackson County, bringing the county's total to 13.

That word came Wednesday in a Facebook post by the Jackson County Health Department.

The six are isolating at home.

It comes after 3 new virus cases were confirmed on Tuesday.

The health department reports two of the 13 Jackson County cases have recovered.

Meanwhile, a sausage processing plant in Holton is temporarily halting operations after five employees were confirmed to have the virus this week.

A spokesperson for Johnsonville said they suspended production Wednesday. 

Johnsonville says all employees will continue to get paid, and downtime will be used to implement even more aggressive safety protocols before reopening.

Some new safety protocols include placing additional barriers between workstations where social distancing is not possible, additional testing among all staff, additional sanitation and providing masks for members to wear.  The plant already had been requiring mandatory temperature checks.

The company didn't announce when it plans to reopen the plant.

The Johnsonville plant, which employees about 230 workers, is Holton's largest employer.

(KLZA)-- A Tuesday afternoon two-vehicle Pawnee County wreck claimed the life of an elderly Liberty, Nebraska man.

The Pawnee County Sheriff's office, in a news release,said 85-year-old Charles “Chuck” Thomas, of Liberty, was driving a utility vehicle eastbound on Highway 8   when he attempted to make a turn at the intersection of 609 Avenue and collided with the side of a semi truck.

Thomas, who was not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The semi driver, 33-year-old Dodge City, Kansas resident Erasmo Jasso-Solis, was not hurt.

Emergency personnel responded to the wreck shortly before 2:30.

The Pawnee County  Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol. 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County has it's first confirmed case of COVID-19.  

Community Medical Center in Falls City said in a news release Wednesday afternoon, the person was tested after presenting themselves to the emergency department.

The person is under the care of a medical practitioner and is quarantining at home.

The Southeast District Health Department is working on contact investigations and will assess the risk for potential exposures. 

All identified close contacts will likely be asked to self-quarantine. 

You can see the complete release from CMC below:

A patient in the Falls City community has tested positive for COVID-19. They were tested after presenting to the hospital emergency department and are under care of a medical practitioner. We are not able to share the patient’s name or any information about the patient. Additional information, if any, may be provided through the Southeast District Health Department. Their press releases are posted at sedhd.org/press-releases.

Trained staff from the Health Department are working with the patient to identify how the patient was exposed and to trace contact the patient may have had with others in the community. They will contact individuals identified for risk of exposure and provide recommendations for follow-up actions.

All CMC staff that treated the patient in the hospital, as well as the patient’s primary care practice, have been contacted and are being monitored, as is standard practice even when PPE is used. No staff member is known to have contracted COVID-19. We are following the guidelines of the CDC and DHHS related to potential health care worker COVID-19 exposure.

Hospital infection control and cleaning staff are fully trained and equipped to handle these issues, and there are no concerns for lingering contamination of the treatment area or infection of other patients. Situations like this are why hospitals exist. Examples of infection control measures include negative air-flow rooms for treatment, HEPA filters for air, use of PPE by staff, thorough cleaning with sanitizing chemicals, removal of potentially contaminated cloth and paper items, and application of the hospital’s medical grade disinfecting UV light system.

It is natural for community members to be concerned. Those concerned about potential exposure should contact their primary care practitioner or the State DHHS COVID-19 Hotline at 402 552-6645. The hospital requires a practitioner order to conduct COVID testing. Alternately, the National Guard is hosting a COVID testing clinic for those with or without symptoms at the Fire Hall in Humboldt on Thursday, May 14. It is first-come, first-serve but participants must register in advance at https://is.gd/covidtest. No practitioner order is required for the National Guard testing, but tests are limited to the first 200 patients.

Since COVID-19 is often passed to others before an infected person experiences symptoms (or without every showing symptoms), we recommend limiting unnecessary community contact, washing hands frequently, staying home when sick, wearing a mask when in public, and being especially careful around community members at highest risk from the disease.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Office has recently taken numerous theft reports from all over Richardson County.  

The Sheriff's Office is asking the public to please report any strange or suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Office and make sure to keep vehicles and property locked up.

If you see something suspicious, contact the Richardson County Sheriff's Office at 402-245-2479.
 

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting it’s 15 confirmed positive case of COVID-19.

That word came Wednesday in a release issued by Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter.
The release identifies the person as a woman in her forties who is isolating at home.

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

According to statistics included with the release, 11 of Atchison County’s cases have recovered, meaning they are no longer required to remain in isolation.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 7,468 cases in 84 of the state’s 105 counties.

164 deaths are confirmed statewide.

Locally, Leavenworth County is confirmed to have 952 cases, Pottawatomie County has 21 cases, while Jefferson County, as of Wednesday, had 16 confirmed positive cases. Doniphan County has 9, and Brown and Nemaha Counties have one confirmed case each.

(KAIR)--COVID-19 has claimed the life of an Atchison County native.

According to the obituary for Luetta “Lulu” Arensberg, she died May 7 following what the obituary calls “a ferocious fight” with the virus. Arensberg was 92.

Born near Nortonville on December 28, 1927, Arensberg had been a resident of Brighton Gardens in Prairie Village, Kansas since June, 2017.

The wife of Lee Arensberg, who died in 2017, the couple of nearly 65-years was known locally for their management of the former Arensberg Shoes, in downtown Atchison.

Atchison’s Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Arensberg, which include a private family service, followed by burial in Atchison’s Mount Calvary Cemetery.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Nemaha County community of Wetmore.

The advisory was issued issued Monday because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

KDHE, in a news release Wednesday, said laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Wetmore indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed to be resolved.  

(KAIR)--A long discussed proposal to change Atchison County’s liquor-by-the-drink requirements will come before voters in November.

That comes with the unanimous approval Tuesday by the Atchison County Commission of a resolution placing the issue on the general election ballot. If approved by voters, it would mean businesses could sell liquor-by-the-drink without having to also sell food.

The motion was made by 2nd District Commissioner Eric Noll. “I’m really neither for or against it,” Noll said. I would not make a motion to do away with it without going to the ballot, but when we have the choice that the public can vote on it, I’m for that, so I’ll make the motion.”

3rd District Commissioner Bill Pohl voiced similar feelings to those of Noll. “I’ll second,” Pohl said. Eric’s comment is exactly where I’m at. I don’t want to be one of three votes that makes this decision. I think if we let the public vote on it, if it passes that’s what they wanted, if it fails, that’s what they did not want.”

The push to see the matter decided comes from the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, with Chamber Executive Director Jim Rowland appearing before the Commission during the online meeting.

Rowland told MSC News the issue, in discussion for sometime, gained momentum this year, saying the Chamber believes the change would mean new economic development opportunities, with a request received to possibly open a microbrewery in the Atchison area.

Currently, a business can only sell liquor-by-the-drink if 30-percent of its total sales comes from food.

Rowland said the Chamber began collecting signatures to place the issue on the ballot, but was stymied by the virus pandemic. It was then decided to bring the issue directly to the County Commission for their approval to place it on the ballot.
The Jackson County Commission recently approved a similar resolution, also placing the matter up for a vote during the November 3 general election.

According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, 35 of the state's 105 counties do not require a business to sell food in order to sell liquor-by-the-drink.

(KMZA )--A new recreation director is on the job in Seneca.

Seneca City Administrator Matt Rehder said Drew Conwell, of Lawrence, began work Friday.

He was hired last week.

Conwell previously served for more than 8 years as assistant recreation director in Bel Aire, Kansas in the Wichita area.

Rehder said the 2020 Seneca Aquatic Center season remains up the air due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Seneca City Council discussed the issue at their May 6 meeting and plans to revisit it at their June 3 meeting.

Normally, the Aquatic Center opens for the Memorial Day weekend.

Rehder said they hope to be able to open the Aquatic Center at some point this season.

The earliest it could open is June 16 under the Governor's re-opening plan. 

(KLZA)-- A mass testing event for COVID-19 will take place in Humboldt Thursday from 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. 

The drive-through testing will be take place at the Humboldt Fire Hall at 1128 Grand Avenue.  

200 tests will be available to be administered during the event.  You are asked to register prior to coming to the site to help speed up the testing process.

To register go online to https://is.gd/covidtest.

If you have questions you may contact the Southeast District Health Department at 402-274-3993.

(KLZA)-- A mass testing event for COVID-19 will take place in Humboldt Thursday from 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. 

The drive-through testing will be take place at the Humboldt Fire Hall at 1128 Grand Avenue.  

200 tests will be available to be administered during the event.  You are asked to register prior to coming to the site to help speed up the testing process.

To register go online to https://is.gd/covidtest.

If you have questions you may contact the Southeast District Health Department at 402-274-3993.

(KLZA)-- There was only one locally contested race in the Johnson County Primary Election Tuesday and none in Nemaha County. 

Incumbent Ted Evans won the Republican Primary election for District 2 County Commissioner 183 – 127 over Kevin Kuhlman. 

77.7 percent of the ballots cast in Johnson County were early ballots.

In Nemaha County voter turnout was 49.7 percent.  Of that total,  78.5 percent of the ballots were cast early. 
 

(KLZA)-- With a few ballots left to count,  a one-and-a-half percent sales tax proposal in Humboldt is deadlocked at 136 votes following Tuesday's primary election.  

The remaining early votes and provisional ballots will be counted Wednesday afternoon.

Third District County Commissioner Terry Frank of Humboldt was defeated in his bid for reelection by Rick Karas of Dawson 371 – 302 in the Republican primary.  Karas will face Democrat Philip Hitchcock of Verdon in the November General Election.

Second District County Commissioner David Sickel defeated a pair of challengers in his bid for a fourth term.  Sickel received 331 votes.   Jonathan Kirkendall received 125 votes and Les Baker received 119 votes. 

Tomas Borrego won the election to complete a term on the Village Board of Shubert.  Borrego received 46 votes to Bobby Hammers 29 votes.

47.7 percent of the 5,428 registered voters cast ballots in the primary election.  Of that total more than 62 percent were early ballots.  

(KLZA)-- Incumbent Julie Slama of Peru, easily advanced to the November  General Election for Nebraska's 1st District Legislative seat in the Tuesday Primary Election.  

Slama will be challenged by Janet Palmtag of Nebraska City.  

Slama who was appointed to the seat in 2019 by Governor Pete Ricketts received 6,497 votes accounting for nearly 61 percent of the ballots cast in the nonn-partisan election.  Palmtag received 2,232 votes and Dennis Schaardt from Steinauer received 1,937 votes.

Slama received the most votes in Richardson and Johnson counties in addition to her home county of Nemaha and also in Palmtags home county of Otoe County.    

Schaardt received the most votes in Pawnee County where he lives.

(KLZA)-- District 1 Pawnee County voters elected former Nebraska Lt. Governor and State Senator Lavon Heideman District 1 County Commissioner Tuesday.

Heideman defeated two other Republicans in seeking the seat currently held by Dennis Schaardt.  Heideman received 156 votes,  Kenneth Edwards had 48 votes and Benjamin Laun received 47.  No Democrats sought election.

In Pawnee City, five people were looking to advance to the November General Election  Tuesday.  Four will advance, seeking two Council seats up for election.  Donnie Fisher received 175 votes,  Bruce Haughton 154,  incumbents Vickie Zelenka received 122 votes and John Dahlgren 87.  Katheryn McAhon was eliminated with 28 votes. 

In the First District Legislative race Steinauer resident Dennis Schaardt received 447 votes,  Incumbent Julie Slama 445 votes and Janet Palmtag received 78 votes.

Of the 983 ballots cast in Pawnee County,  689 were early ballots with just 294 people going to the polls Tuesday.   

(KNZA)--Three new positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Jackson County, bringing the county's total to 7.

That word came Tuesday in a Facebook post by the Jackson County Health Department.

The three are isolating at home.

The health department reports two of the 7 Jackson County cases have recovered.

Meanwhile, Johnsonville Sausage has announced that due to five positive COVID-19 cases this week they will temporarily halt operations at their Holton plant, effective Wednesday afternoon, May 13.

Editors note: the following release was submitted by the Holton Community Hospital

LANSING, Kan. (AP) — A coronavirus outbreak that has sickened hundreds of people at the largest prison in Kansas has claimed the life of a prison guard, the first employee at the facility to die of the virus.

Department spokeswoman Rebecca Witte says three Lansing Correctional Facility inmates already had died of the virus before the employee died Monday.

Relatives identified the man as 61-year-old George “Bernie” Robare, a former Marine and longtime Corrections Department guard. The Kansas City Star reports that Susan Robare was worried her husband wouldn’t be able to defeat the virus when he tested positive last month. He was a leukemia survivor.

Meanwhile, a Kansas court has thrown out a lawsuit filed by a civil rights rights group seeking the immediate release of prisoners who have preexisting medical conditions that make them vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Leavenworth District Judge David King dismissed the class action petition filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas on behalf of seven inmates and others similarly situated at Kansas prisons.

The district court found the ACLU didn't prove that jail officials either failed to meet their constitutional duty to provide adequate medical care or acted with deliberate indifference to the inmates' serious medical needs.

Atchison leaders are showing support for an overhaul of U.S. Highway 59, east of Atchison, located in Buchanan County, Missouri. The stretch of roadway, due to elevation, was closed for long periods last year due to the flooding of the Missouri River.

Discussion has been ongoing regarding the elevation issue, with the Mo Kan Regional Council seeking support to apply for funding to move forward the future project. Atchison City Manager Becky Berger May 4 explained that while the resolution supports the Buchanan County Build Grant application to make the improvements, the resolution comes with no financial requirement for Atchison. “This is simply just a resolution supporting Buchanan County’s application. There is no matching grant, which is great because, apparently, neither Buchanan County, nor MODOT, has the money for this project. This would pay for $700,000 to $800,000 in design and engineering for this project. And then, Mo-Kan Regional Council, who is the organization applying for this grant, would then try and identify construction funds once the design and engineering is done.”

According to Berger, actual construction, to change the highway’s elevation along the stretch of roadway is estimated at nearly $9 million.

The Commission granted unanimous approval to the resolution, and Berger said it’s hoped that with the potential funding of the project study, the next step would be actual construction, once funds become available for Missouri.

(KNZA)--Charges have been filed against a Hiawatha teenager in connection with a single-vehicle Brown County rollover wreck last November that claimed the life of another Hiawatha teen.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill, in a news release, said a juvenile complaint was filed Friday in Brown County District Court charging Andrew Kreek with five counts.

Kreek, who was 17-years-old at the time of the wreck, was charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, three counts of aggravated battery and speeding.

Killed in the wreck at the intersection of U.S. 36 Highway and Horned Owl Road, west of Hiawatha, late November 17 was 16-year-old Ian Miller. Kreek and three other Hiawatha teens suffered injuries in the crash.

The charges were filed against Kreek following an investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol. Assisting in the investigation were the Brown County Sheriff's Office and Hiawatha Police Department.

Hill said said his office received the investigate reports from the Patrol April 29.

A date for a first appearance on the juvenile charges is pending.

(KNZA)--Two additional candidates have filed for the Hiawatha City Commission.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Becky Shamburg filed Monday for re-election as Commissioner of Street and Parks, and Paul Mendez filed to challenge her.

Three positions are up for election this November on the Commission.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

A primary election will be held August 4, if needed. The general election is November 3.

(KAIR)--An Atchison County crash sent a man to the hospital.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Deputies were called to 306th and River Road, in rural Atchison County, shortly after 6:15 Saturday evening.

When they arrived, they spoke with 26-year-old Joseph Hunt, of Doniphan County, who is identified as the driver of the Ford Ranger involved in the wreck.

According to the report, Hunt had been northbound on River Road when struck a pothhole and lost control of the pickup, which struck the east ditch.

Hunt was transported to the Atchison Hospital for the treatment of possible minor injuries.

He was issued notices to appear in court for driving without a license and failure to have liability insurance coverage.

(KAIR)--Two separate thefts are being investigated in Atchison County.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the cases include the theft of an 18-foot tandem axle trailer. The report of the theft was made May 7.

It was stolen from property located at 102 Myrtle Street, in Huron.
The trailer is valued at $1,500.

The second case involves a theft at Lancaster Oil, as reported to authorities on May 9.

According to Laurie, two Stihl chainsaws were taken, with the owner reporting that it likely occurred during regular business hours, with no forced entry made.
The missing chainsaws are valued at $500.

Both cases remain under investigation.

(KLZA)-- The State of Missouri will be disbursing funds received through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act known as CARES,  to local governments.

Missouri received approximately $2.4-billion in federal funding.  The funds are distributed to Missouri counties based on population. 

Atchison County will receive $603,377.
Holt County will receive $516,560.  
Buchanan County will receive $10,249,000.
DeKalb County $1,472,000.
Nodaway County nearly $2,592,000.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a service – ready, 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicle from Rockdale Country Ford of  Rockdale, Texas at a purchase price of $45,356 when they met May 5th.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty presented the quote for the vehicle.   

The Sheriff's Department will also be receiving a utility vehicle approved for purchase in July of 2019 from Hullman's Ford in Falls City.  It is scheduled for delivery later this month or in early June and will be purchased in the next fiscal year budget. The vehicle was purchased from Hullman's through state bid pricing which goes through a Lincoln dealership.  Commissioners noted the delay was not due to an issue with the local dealership.

Board members also reviewed a quote from First Wireless, Inc. for the purchase of a radio system for the Law Enforcement Center.  The quote of $182,050 is based on a Nebraska Administrative Services Contract so formal bidding would not be required for this purchase.  No action was taken .

Commissioners did approve the purchase of equipment and software that would assist with the handling of inmate services from Summit Food Service at a cost of $1,800.  

(KNZA)--The 2020 graduation ceremony for Hiawatha High School seniors has been rescheduled.

The Hiawatha School Board Monday evening voted unanimously to move the ceremony to Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said he believes the date allows the best shot to have a traditional graduation ceremony.

He said an alternative plan has been developed for the same date if they are not able to have a traditional ceremony.

Moser said it was the consensus of seniors and parents to postpone this month's graduation ceremony to such a time that it's safe to hold it and meets the state guidelines. Currently, under the governor's 4-phase reopening plan, mass gatherings of that magnitude won't be allowed until beyond June 15.

Baccalaureate services, traditionally planned by the Hiawatha Ministerial Alliance, will be held Wednesday evening ( May 13 ), but in a non-traditional way.

The prerecorded service will be broadcast on KNZA, 103.9 FM at 7:00.

It will also be aired later on Rainbow and available on YouTube.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department has announced a mass testing for coronavirus will be held Wednesday in Nebraska City.

No appointment are necessary, but you are asked to register Wednesday morning to help speed up the testing process.

You can register online at https://is.gd/covidtest

The testing will be done at the Nebraska City Street Department at 1902 4th Corso.

250 tests will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Testing will begin at 10:00 A.M. The testing will continue until 3:00 P.M. unless they run out of tests earlier.

(KNZA)--The Love Jackson County Relief Fund has received a major donation.

Representatives of Giant Communications/JBN Telephone Company, on Friday, presented a $20,500 check to the Jackson County Community Foundation.

The Foundation partnered with the Holton First Baptist Church and Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce last month to establish the fund to help Jackson County small businesses and families who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Giant Communications/JBN Assistant Manager Austin Taylor told MSC News that staff members have an opportunity to participate in a charitable contribution program each year. The staff member gets to choose an organization to receive a $500 donation. In addition, Taylor said the companies also give a donation, totaling $10,000  "There were multiple other organizations that staff members gave to, but JCCF seemed to be the primary target, and I think it's certainly because the mission at JCCF is strong in alliance with our own core values as a company."

Taylor said the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on businesses and residents in Jackson County, saying they discussed a match program with the Jackson County Community Foundation in order to maximize the donation they were going to give. That match program ran last week though Sunday, May 10.

If you would like to make a donation to the Love Jackson County Relief Fund or for more information, go to jacksoncountycf.org.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Wetmore, located in Nemaha County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

• their physicians.

The advisory took effect on May 11, 2020 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

(KLZA)-- Tuesday is Primary Election Day in Nebraska.
The coronavirus and the addition of three new mail-in only precincts has led to a large voter turnout already.

Richardson County Clerk Mary Eickhoff reports 47 percent of the counties registered voters requested early ballots be mailed to them.  As of last week there were already 1,810 votes cast which is more than in the 2016 presidential primary election ,which had just over 1,500 ballots cast.

As of last week, voter turnout was already at 33 percent, surpassing the 25 percent voter turnout in 2016. For those casting ballots at the polls Tuesday, you will be going to your normal polling place to vote. 

Eickhoff says a concentrated effort will be made to keep voters and poll workers safe. Masks will be available for voters to wear.  Each voter will be given a pen to use to cast their ballots and you will keep the pen. Poll workers will be sanitizing the ballot booth once a voter leaves.  Voters are directed to use social distancing guidelines if there is a line when you go to vote. 

Polls will be open Tuesday from 8:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.  Those that received early ballots have until 8:00 P.M. Tuesday to return those ballots to the Richardson County Courthouse and place them in the drop box at the street level entrance on the north side  of the building.  

(KAIR)--Two additional cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in Atchison County, bringing the county’s total to 14.

According to a release issued Sunday night by Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, the 13th case is a man in his sixties, while the 14th case is a man in his thirties.
According to the release, both are isolating at home.

11 of the 14 Atchison County cases have recovered.

Doniphan County saw a one case increase over the weekend, bringing that county’s number to 8. Pottawatomie County reports 21 cases, while Leavenworth County continues to have the third-highest case-count in the state with 939, as of Monday.

 On Saturday, a 4th positive case was confirmed in Jackson County.

Statewide, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported 7, 116 cases in 83 of the state’s 105 counties, and 158 deaths.

(KLZA)-- A 23-year-old female is listed in critical, but stable condition at a Lincoln hospital following a hit and run incident Sunday evening in southeast Nebraska.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office received a call shortly after 9:00 Sunday evening of a pedestrian who had been hit by a vehicle just east of Auburn on 728 Road, which comes off of 26th Street in Auburn.

The victim was found in the north grader ditch of the roadway.  She was transported to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, then transported to the Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln.

The Sheriff's Office report says evidence discovered at the scene indicates the vehicle that likely struck the woman was a gray, 2010 to 2013 Ford Fusion or similar car.  The driver of the vehicle did not stop or report the crash.

Anyone with information or seeing a vehicle matching the description with notable front end damage is asked to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office at 402-274-3139. 

Editors note--the following release was submitted Monday by the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development and city of Hiawatha

The Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development (HFED) and the City of Hiawatha will be accepting applications for a special round of KS Department of Commerce CDBG grants. We have been informed the State of Kansas will receive $9,029,815 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The CDBG-CV funds will be available for non-entitlement Cities and Counties, with awards being made for issues triggered by the COVID-19 virus where no other funds are available. Proposed activities will be grants to micro-businesses (up to 5 employees) and small businesses (6 to 50 employees). There will also be grants available for non-profit clinics and hospitals for Personal Protective Equipment, as well as grants for Meal Programs.

There are three categories of funding:

1 – Business Grants – Grants will be available for inventory purchases (up to a 60 day supply) or for working capital; with funding to being awarded based on business size. Funding limits based on business size are as follows:

Micro – up to 5 employees (including owner(s)); $25,000 per employee available; employees must be 51.1% Low to Moderate Income (LMI); i.e. if you seek $25,000 for 5 employees for a $125,000 grant, at least 3 employees must fall into the LMI category

Small – 6 to 50 employees (including owner(s)); $35,000 per employee available; employees must be 51.1% Low to Moderate Income (LMI); i.e. if you seek $35,000 for 5 employees for a $175,000 grant, at least 3 employees must fall into the LMI category

The LMI limits are:

$36,200 – 1 person family

$41,400 – 2 person family

$46,550 – 3 person family

$51,700 – 4 person family

$55,850 – 5 person family

$60,000 – 6 person family

$64,150 – 7 person family

$68,250 – 8 person family

Per the program requirements, the City applies on behalf of businesses and may line up several businesses for one application. The maximum award for the application is $200,000. Eligible costs are reimbursable retroactive to 3/1/2020 and the businesses do not have to be closed or, have been closed; just disadvantaged by Covid-19 and in need of aid to retain jobs. Additionally, counties may apply for businesses not covered by a city application however, any revolving loan funds available must be exhausted first.

2 - Personal Protective Equipment

The grants for PPE is for non-profit clinics and hospitals. To qualify, the clinic or hospital must document that their insurance doesn’t cover the costs and that no other money is available for the costs. The City can apply on behalf of the hospital or clinic; with the maximum award of $300,000 per application combined with Meal Programs applicants.

3 – Meal Programs

These grants can be for meals on wheels, food banks, lunch programs, etc. To qualify, the organization must document that their insurance doesn’t cover the costs and that no other money is available for the costs. The City can apply on behalf of the organization; with the maximum award of $300,000 per application combined with PPE applicants.

Applications are expected to be made available from CDBG by May 13, 2020 and will be accepted on a first come – first served basis; until all funding is exhausted. CDBG staff expects a quick turnaround on applications but no specific time frame has been committed to.

The maximum allowable award to a city of county is $500,000 ($200,000 for business grants and $300,000 for PPE and Meal Program grants).

As this is a new program, we do not yet have all the information regarding required documentation but, for any type of grant applied for, we expect purchase and/or payroll receipts being needed. For the Business Grants we’re expecting to have to perform income surveys of employees and show proof of income such as a copy of their W-2 or tax documents. For clinics, hospitals and meal providers it will probably be required to review your insurance policy and operating budgets to show you had no other funds available for the COVID related expenses. It would be helpful to have that information readily available ahead of May 13th for interested businesses so we can submit an application as soon as possible.

If interested in applying for a grant, please contact:

Mikaela Moore with HFED at hfedoffice1@gmail.com or,

Mike Nichols with the City of Hiawatha at cityadministrator@cityofhiawatha.org.

(KLZA)-- Tuesday is primary election day in Nebraska.  
There are a number of contested races drawing voter interest in Southeast Nebraska.

Three people are seeking the non-partisan, First District legislative seat which represents Richardson, Pawnee, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe and a small portion on Gage Counties.

Incumbent Julie Slama from Peru is seeking election for the first time after being appointed to the position in 2019.  Janet Palmtag is from Nebraska City and Dennis Schaardt is from Steinauer. Two will advance to the General Election in November.

In Richardson County there are two races for County Commissioner.  In District 2, incumbent David Sickel  is seeking a fourth term in office,  he will be challenged on the Republican ticket by Jonathan Kirkendall and Les Baker.

In District 3, incumbent Terry Frank is challenged by Rick Karas on the Republican ticket. 

Voters in the City of Humboldt will vote for or against imposing a sales and use tax at the rate of one and one-half percent upon the same transactions within the municipality on which the state of Nebraska imposes a sales and use tax.

The Village of Shubert has a special election to fulfill the remainder of a Village Board term expiring in December of this year. Bobby Hammer and Tomas Borrego are seeking election. 

In Pawnee City voters will eliminate one candidate for the two City Council seats up for election Tuesday.  Five people have filed for the two seats up for election in the non-partisan race.  Incumbents Vickie Zelenka and John Dahlgren are each seeking reelection.  Donnie Fisher, Katheryn McAhon and Bruce Haughton are also running. 

There is a contested race on the Republican ticket in  Johnson County for District 2 County Commissioner.  Incumbent Theodore Evans is running for reelection and is challenged by Kevin Kuhlman.

There are no local contested races in the Nemaha County primary election.  

Polls will be open in Nebraska from 8:00 A.M. - 8:00  P.M. on  Tuesday.  Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a large number of early ballots have been cast in Nebraska.  

Editors note: the following release was submitted Monday by the Morrill Public Library,in Hiawatha.

Like most Kansas businesses and organizations, our library doors have been closed due to COVID-19. We are happy to report, however, that much has been happening behind those closed doors!

The renovation project has continued, and construction is nearly complete in the lower level. The work has included: new, more efficient HVAC units and lighting; new ceiling grid and tiles; both restrooms completely overhauled; update of the large meeting room and creation of a new smaller meeting space; reconfigured staff workroom; and new paint and carpet throughout.

By next week, the construction company should be able to begin working on the upper level renovation. In preparation for this step, the staff boxed the entire adult book collection, and on Thursday, May 7, a moving company moved all of the boxes and upper level furniture to the lower level for storage. It was a big job! We expect this next part of the renovation to take 12-14 weeks.

We have had many questions about when the Library will re-open, and our answer has been complicated both by the renovation project and COVID-19. At this point, we have not set a date for re-opening, but the Trustees and staff are currently working on a phased plan designed to keep everyone safe. We are aware that, once services resume, patrons and staff will be coming into contact with materials that have been taken into various private homes and returned, as well as books and movies received from libraries in counties with higher levels of COVID-19. We are working to come up with protocols that will ensure safety for all.

In the meantime:

• All due dates have been extended and there will be no late fees. Keep the items you have checked out until the Library re-opens.

• Stay up to date on the Library re-opening plan and the upcoming Summer Library Program by visiting www.hiawathalibrary.org and our Facebook page. The Summer Library Program will naturally look a little different this year, but the librarians are planning an array of virtual programs and fun reading challenges.

• If you need reading material, our Library has excellent free resources for e-books for all ages, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and music. Librarians are always available to answer questions and help you get started. E-mail them at morrill@hiawathalibrary.org and include your phone number for a call back.

Like you, we believe Libraries are essential and we are eager to re-open. Until we see you in person, we send our best wishes that all our patrons are safe, well, and happy.

(KNZA)--The Royal Valley school district has rescheduled its 2020 commencement exercises.

The district announced Friday the graduation ceremony has been moved to July 11 at 6 p.m. at the Royal Valley High School, with some restrictions.

There will be a limited number of tickets available to each graduate, which will be based on current direction from state and county health officials.

Live streaming of the ceremony will be available.

The graduation ceremony had originally been scheduled for this month but was postponed due the coronavirus pandamic and current guidelines in place for mass gatherings.

Governor Kelly in March issued an executive order closing K-12 schools for the remainder of the school year to mitigate the spread of the virus.

(KNZA)--Jackson County voters will decide during the November general election whether to allow businesses to sell liquor-by- the drink without having also to sell food.

The Jackson County Commission recently approved a resolution placing the issue on November 3rd ballot at the request of Holton resident Sean Willcott, who plans to open a microbrewery in Holton.

Currently, a business must receive 30 percent of its sales from food in order to sell liquor by the drink.

Jackson County voters approved the county's current liquor-by the- drink law in 2004.

According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, 35 of the state's 105 counties do not require a businesses to sell food in order to sell liquor-by-the-drink.

(KNZA)--A second Mayetta resident has been charged in connection with a string of mail drop box break-ins last fall in Doniphan County.

33-year-old Janna Marshno is charged in a 4-count complaint filed in Doniphan County District Court with felony counts of burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and forgery.

Marshno has held in the Doniphan County Jail on a $100,000 bond since her arrest March 31.

27-year-old Decoteau Jackson was arrested in January on the same charges. He is currently free on an own recognizance bond.

Authorities say locks were cut on postal drop boxes in Elwood, Highland, Troy, Wathena and White Cloud early last October. Taken were personal checks and miscellaneous mail valued at more than $1,500. Authorities allege the checks were then forged.

The pair were charged following an investigation by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Department and U.S. Postal officials.

(KNZA)--A 4th positive COVID-19 case has been confirmed in Jackson County.

That word came Saturday in a release issued by the Jackson County Health Department.

The release says the individual is a man and is in home isolation.

The health department reports two of the four individuals have recovered.

Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of cases among local area Kansas Counties, and remains third highest in the state. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Saturday there were 910 confirmed positive cases in the county, up 3 cases from Friday.

Pottawatomie County is now reporting 18 confirmed positive cases, up one from Friday.

No other new cases were reported in local Kansas counties.

Statewide, KHDE on Saturday reported 6,751 confirmed positive cases, 635 hospitalizations and 157 deaths.

(KLZA)--The Southeast District Health Department (SEDHD) has confirmed an eighth case of coronavirus (COVID-19) within the district.

The person is a woman in her fifties who lives in Johnson county. 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.

The SEDHD will continue to update the district as new information becomes available.

(KAIR)--Jackson County has three confirmed positive cases of COVID-19.

That’s confirmed in a Friday release issued by the Jackson County Health Department.

The release says the County was notified Friday morning of the latest case, while the two previous cases have recovered.

180 Jackson County residents have been tested for the virus.

The person is identified as a man who is recovering at home. The health department is working to identify those he may have had contact with.

Leavenworth County continues to have the highest number of cases among local area Kansas Counties, and remains third highest in the state. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Friday, the county has 907 confirmed positive cases, up from Thursday’s count of 885. Pottawatomie County’s case numbers have grown by 2 from Thursday, up to 17. Atchison and Jefferson Counties have 12 confirmed positive cases each, while Brown and Nemaha Counties have one confirmed case each.

The number of cases in Kansas has climbed from Thursday to Friday, with KDHE noting a 349 case increase, bringing the total number of confirmed positive cases to 6,431, representing 82 of the state’s 105 counties.

152 virus related deaths are now reported in Kansas.

(KMZA)--A construction worker, who died Thursday morning in a Pottawatomie County construction accident, has been identified.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office has identified the victim as 45-year-old Matthew Becker, of rural Manhattan. He is the son of Bob Becker, of Everest, and the late Kay Becker.

Emergency personnel were dispatched to the Rock Creek Junior/Senior High School in the 93-hundred block of Flush Road in rural St. George around 8:00 Thursday morning.

When they arrived on the scene, they found Becker trapped in a hole about 12 feet deep.

Emergency workers tried to free him from the hole, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Becker was part of a crew working on a new baseball diamond, south of the school.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff Shane Jager said the incident remains under investigation.        

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Health Board met via teleconference Wednesday.  

During the meeting it was noted that in the past week, the number of positive cases of Coronavirus in Nebraska had nearly doubled.  That is in part due to more testing being available.

Southeast District Health Department Director Grant Brueggamann was asked about concerns he has with the loosening of health directives. He said he is afraid people will lose site of the goal of flattening the curve and stop social distancing and begin to gather in larger groups again.  

Both Falls City Police Chief Duane Armbruster and Sheriff Rick Hardesty noted their departments are already seeing more activity in the area with the loosening of restrictions.  

Brueggemann said the best way to avoid an outbreak of COVID-19 cases is to continue to follow the guidelines that have been in place, including wearing masks when out in public, stay home when sick,  avoid large crowds and continue to follow social distancing guidelines.

The expected peak of COVID-19 cases in Nebraska has been pushed back again. Later April was the first estimate which was pushed back to the first week or two in May.  It is now expected the peak will hit Nebraska near the end of May or into early June.  
 

(KAIR)--A third candidate has entered the race for Atchison County Sheriff.

According to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, Adam Potts has filed by petition as a Republican. The petition has been verified.
Potts is challenging Republican incumbent Jack Laurie who has already filed to seek another term in the position he’s held since being elected in 2012.
Laurie gained the role of Sheriff after defeating John Calhoon, who was seeking a fifth term in the position he’d held since 1994. Calhoon is seeking to unseat Laurie, filing in March to regain the role as a Democrat.

Potts, a lifetime resident of Atchison County, has a law enforcement and military background. According to a news release, he has served over 16-years in local law enforcement, primarily working as a Deputy for the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

He is also a former employee of the Horton Police Department, and currently serves as Patrolman for the Sac and Fox Tribal Police.
Potts also served 10 years in the Kansas Army National Guard as a commissioned officer, leaving at the rank of Captain in 2016.
Saying he is “very honored by the amount of support and encouragement [he has] already received from the residents of Atchison County,” Potts, in the release, said he would “bring a fresh perspective and ideals to enact progress” to the Sheriff’s Office.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

Media Release: 050720.1

Sponsored by Adam Potts for Sheriff,

Kim Bottorff Treasurer

I would like to proudly announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Atchison County. My decision to seek election is one that is not taken lightly and is one that I make with great reverence. I was born and raised in rural Atchison County and I have devoted a majority, over 16 years, of my adulthood serving the community as a law enforcement officer. Most of this time has been as a Deputy for the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office. I proudly served 10 years in the Kansas Army National Guard as a commissioned officer. I gained a great deal of formally trained leadership experience in the role.

I have a vested interest in the safety and security of those in the numerous communities and rural areas of Atchison county. I hope to give the citizens of Atchison County, including the City of Atchison, a feeling of security and respect with the Sheriff’s Office. I hope to further the efforts of law enforcement, and first responders overall, so that there is a more effective and trustworthy relationship between the community and those serving the community.

The tides of law enforcement have, and will always, change. This requires changes within law enforcement and the way law enforcement interacts with the citizens they serve, as well as the other emergency services in our great county. I encourage every person to talk with others in their communities and see how they currently feel about the state of the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office. Look at the fact that it is no secret that the current administration has struggled to maintain relationships with local and surrounding emergency services. It is also evident that relationships with area communities and organizations have been strained as well. Ask yourself what you would like to see for our county from the Sheriff’s office.

I am very honored by the amount of support and encouragement I have already received from the residents of Atchison County. That, combined with the overwhelming support of members of the first responder organizations that I have worked alongside, furthered my motivation in seeking election to the office.

I feel that I bring with me the experience, the leadership ability, the knowledge, and the respect of Atchison County to lead the office. I also bring a fresh perspective and ideals to enact progress to the office of the Sheriff.

Sheriff Candidate

Adam R. Potts

(KAIR)--A third candidate has entered the race for Atchison County Sheriff.

According to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, Adam Potts has filed by petition as a Republican. The petition has been verified.
Potts is challenging Republican incumbent Jack Laurie who has already filed to seek another term in the position he’s held since being elected in 2012.
Laurie gained the role of Sheriff after defeating John Calhoon, who was seeking a fifth term in the position he’d held since 1994. Calhoon is seeking to unseat Laurie, filing in March to regain the role as a Democrat.

Potts, a lifetime resident of Atchison County, has a law enforcement and military background. According to a news release, he has served over 16-years in local law enforcement, primarily working as a Deputy for the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

He is also a former employee of the Horton Police Department, and currently serves as Patrolman for the Sac and Fox Tribal Police.
Potts also served 10 years in the Kansas Army National Guard as a commissioned officer, leaving at the rank of Captain in 2016.
Saying he is “very honored by the amount of support and encouragement [he has] already received from the residents of Atchison County,” Potts, in the release, said he would “bring a fresh perspective and ideals to enact progress” to the Sheriff’s Office.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

(KNZA)--A third candidate has entered the race for Atchison County Sheriff.

According to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, Adam Potts has filed by petition as a Republican. The petition has been verified.
Potts is challenging Republican incumbent Jack Laurie who has already filed to seek another term in the position he’s held since being elected in 2012.
Laurie gained the role of Sheriff after defeating John Calhoon, who was seeking a fifth term in the position he’d held since 1994. Calhoon is seeking to unseat Laurie, filing in March to regain the role as a Democrat.

Potts, a lifetime resident of Atchison County, has a law enforcement and military background. According to a news release, he has served over 16-years in local law enforcement, primarily working as a Deputy for the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

He is also a former employee of the Horton Police Department, and currently serves as Patrolman for the Sac and Fox Tribal Police.
Potts also served 10 years in the Kansas Army National Guard as a commissioned officer, leaving at the rank of Captain in 2016.
Saying he is “very honored by the amount of support and encouragement [he has] already received from the residents of Atchison County,” Potts, in the release, said he would “bring a fresh perspective and ideals to enact progress” to the Sheriff’s Office.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

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

Editors note--the city of Hiawatha's sewer plant was part of study to determine if  COVID-19 can be detected in wastewater.  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Thursday issued the following release on the study. 

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recently teamed up with the University of Kansas School of Engineering to determine if genetic remnants of COVID-19 can be detected in wastewater. 

The concept originally tested in Massachusetts and the Netherlands, and now throughout the United States, is that people infected with the virus shed it through their urine and feces. The genetic material can be extracted from wastewater and matched against genetic markers keyed to COVID-19. The virus itself does not survive in wastewater, and therefore wastewater is not a significant means of disease transmission. 

Detecting the genetic material in wastewater is indicative of COVID-19 being present and may give local health officials knowledge of how widespread it is in their community, allowing them to take proactive measures to mitigate its spread. While drinking water is not part of this ongoing study, it’s important to note disinfection by all Kansas public water suppliers inactivates the virus and drinking water remains safe for consumption.

The Kansas project is still in its preliminary stages. KU collected samples from 12 wastewater plants in Kansas in late April--including Hiawatha.  Some indication of the genetic material was found in the wastewater in 10 of those plants--including Hiawatha. Results are too variable and uncertain to make actual estimates of the extent of infection in those communities. The results were communicated to officials in cities that participated in the study.

“The initial results do show genetic indications from COVID-19 in wastewater; however, at best, we are at the presence/absence stage of evaluation process,” Tom Stiles, KDHE’s Bureau of Water director, said. “There is much more we need to refine in the methodology to assure quality control and that will start with further testing of samples. We don’t know how quantitative this approach can be, but we are hoping it gives us a means to corroborate our COVID testing of individuals, particularly in counties where positive cases have been low. Additionally, we may employ it as early warning surveillance should the virus come back in the fall or winter to give us a chance to get ahead of it.” 

Samples were taken from a large city and a small town, each in five northeast Kansas counties with multiple wastewater facilities and sampled in Lawrence and Topeka. KDHE and KU are still evaluating the results and formulating plans for next steps in using the detection techniques.

(KNZA)--A Thursday morning single-vehicle Brown County wreck sent a Missouri semi driver to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-20 Highway at Jack Rabbit Road shortly after 8:15.

The Patrol reports 60-year-old David Deal, of Savannah, Missouri, was westbound when his semi left the roadway.  Deal overcorrected, causing his rig to cross both lanes of traffic, coming to rest in the south ditch.

Deal was transported by ambulance to the Hiawatha Community Hospital for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

(KMZA)--A worker died Thursday morning in a Pottawatomie County construction accident.

According to a press release from Pottawatomie County Sheriff Shane Jager, emergency personnel were dispatched to the Rock Creek Junior/Senior High School in the 93-hundred block of Flush Road in rural St. George around 8:00.

When they arrived on the scene, they found a construction worker trapped in a hole about 12 feet deep. The hole was being dug for a light pole being installed at a new baseball diamond under construction south of the school.

The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

The name and age of the individual is not being released pending family notification.

Jager said the incident remains under investigation.        

(KAIR)--Doniphan County’s number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 rises, while Leavenworth County remains with the third highest number of cases in the state of Kansas.

According to a social media post made to the Doniphan County Health Department’s Facebook page, the county now has 7 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. However, the post also says that 5 of the 7 have recovered.

According to figures released Thursday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Leavenworth County’s number of confirmed cases has risen to 885, a 102 case increase from Wednesday to Thursday. The county is topped only by nearby Wyandotte County and Ford County, in western Kansas.

Atchison and Jefferson Counties, which neighbor Leavenworth County, have 12 confirmed cases each. Pottawatomie County has 15 confirmed cases, Jackson County has 2, and Brown and Nemaha Counties have 1 confirmed case each.

Statewide, the KDHE is confirming 6,082 cases, while an additional 62 are listed as probable, in 82 of the state’s 105 counties.

147 virus-related deaths are reported in the state.

(KAIR)--A parade, saluting the seniors of Atchison County Community High School, is planned for Friday evening.

According to a news release, the class of 2020 will gather, utilizing social distancing guidelines, on the circle drive, in their caps and gowns, at 8:20 Friday night, with the parade to pass by them. The stadium lights are being turned on each Friday night in honor of the class of 2020.

According to the release, the parade is open to anyone who wants to take part, with participants encouraged to decorate their vehicles.

Once the parade concludes, the seniors will travel, with their families, for a vehicle parade through downtown Effingham, and then to other Atchison County communities, including Muscotah, Cummings, Atchison, Lancaster, and Huron, where the parade will continue, before returning to Effingham.

Also taking part in the parade will be the Atchison Police Motorcycle Unit, the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office, and rural fire departments.

Residents in the communities on the parade route are encouraged to show signs, or other support, as the parade passes by, with all social distancing guidelines to be followed.

(KAIR)--An Atchison teenager is facing sex crimes-related charges following his arrest this week, stemming from an investigation conducted by Atchison Police.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a report, said the 17-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday afternoon for aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Wilson said the investigation was launched May 4, focusing “on an incident that occurred at a residence on May 3 involving a female child.

Following the teen’s arrest, he was transported to a juvenile detention facility.

According to Wilson, the victim was a 4-year-old child.

The accused is identified as an acquaintance of the victim’s family.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — An employee of a Missouri pork plant where hundreds of workers tested positive for the coronavirus has died from the virus.

The city of St. Joseph announced the death Wednesday night.

The name of the man, a Buchanan County resident in his 40s, was not released.

A news release from the city said the man had underlying health conditions.

The Kansas City Star reports that the man worked at Triumph Foods in St. Joseph, where 412 employees and contract workers have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

(KNZA)--A new Holton Elementary School principal has been hired.

The Holton USD 336 Board of Education, during a special meeting last Friday, voted to offer a two-year contract to Randy Fox at an annual salary of $72,000.

Fox currently serves as Pre-K through 12th grade principal at Wilson, which is part of Central Plains USD 112.

He has 29 years of experience in education. Fox has also served as a middle school principal at Wellsville, an elementary school principal at Wellington and held all three levels of administration at Winfield.

Fox was among two candidates interviewed for the position.

He will replace Karen Wilson, who is resigning at the end of the current school year after serving as Holton Elementary School principal for two years.

(KAIR)--Leavenworth County has the third highest number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the state of Kansas, while Doniphan County’s case-count has climbed.

According to a social media post made to the Doniphan County Health Department’s Facebook page, the county now has 7 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. However, the post also says that 5 of the seven have recovered.

According to figures released Wednesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the local, northeast Kansas county has 783 cases, a 181 case increase from Tuesday, topped only by nearby Wyandotte County, which has 910 cases, the highest in the state, and Ford County, in western Kansas, which has 880 confirmed positive cases.

Leavenworth County’s northern neighbor, Atchison County, has 12, and another neighboring county, Jefferson, has 11. 15 cases have been confirmed in Pottawatomie County, and 2 in Jackson. Brown and Nemaha Counties have 1 confirmed case each.

Kansas, on Wednesday, confirmed a total of 5,734 cases, representing 82 of the state’s 105 counties. At that time, Doniphan County remained listed with 4 confirmed cases.

The KDHE Wednesday reported 144 virus-related deaths in the state.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have decided to keep the courthouse in Falls City closed to the public until they meet again on May 19.

If you need to drop documents off you can use the drop box at the street level entrance on the north side of the courthouse.

You can also call the office you need to communicate with.

In addition,  Sheriff Rick Hardesty said during Wednesday's Richardson County Health Board meeting that the Law Enforcement Center would also remain closed to the public until the 19th. 

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners voted Tuesday to keep the courthouse and county shop locked for two more weeks. The Board will address reopening the facilities to the public on May 19. 

Southeast District Health Department Director Grant Brueggemann and Emergency Manager Amanda Burki met with the Commissioners to discuss regulations adopted by the Southeast District Health Department regarding the prevention of spread of communicable disease, illness or poisoning.  

The Board approved a resolution adopting the rules and regulations. 

Bids were opened for the 2020 culvert package which includes four projects were referred to Mainelli and Wagner Associates for further review.  Hawkins Construction Company of Omaha submitted a bid of just over $576-thousand  with a start date of December 1.   Tim Sisco Construction of Sterling submitted a bid of $449,637 with a September 1 start date.  

(KLZA)-- A Tarkio man was killed in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon three miles west of Maryville, Missouri on Missouri Highway 46.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 37-year-old Neil Minor was a passenger in an eastbound 2004 Mercury Monterey and was ejected when the vehicle overturned several times after leaving the highway and striking a utility pole.

The driver,  31-year-old Elizabeth Merriett of Tarkio was transported by Lifenet to the KU Medical Center with serious injuries.

The wreck occurred at 1:45 P.M.  Safety devices were not in use by the vehicle occupants at the time of the wreck.

The Nodaway County Sheriff's Office, Tarkio Police Department, Nodaway County Ambulance and Maryville Fire Department responded to the site of the wreck.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved the purchase of a new street sweeper.

On the recommendation of Street Superintendent Nic Siebenmorgen, the Commission voted to award the bid to Berry Tractor, of Topeka, for a Global M3 sweeper with an auto-greaser in the total amount of $203,559.

It was the lowest among three bids received.

Insurance proceeds the city received for the previous sweeper in the amount of $106,450 will be applied toward the purchase.

The Commission voted to enter into a three-year lease/purchase agreement with Girard National Bank for the remaining $97,109.

In other business, the Commission approved soliciting bids for the purchase of four new radar units for the police department. Bids are to be opened May 27.

Police Chief John Defore said only one of their current units is working and repairs are no longer available.

The police department received its current radar units about six years ago at no cost from the Shawnee County Sheriff's Department and Kansas Highway Patrol.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska National Guard will conduct a drive thru testing event for the COVID-19 virus Thursday in Tecumseh. 

Southeast District Health Department Director Grant Brueggemann provided details during Wednesday's meeting of the Richardson County Health Board. 

The testing is open to anyone and will be taking place between 10:00 A.M., and 5:00 P.M.   There will be 300 tests available and if that number is reached prior to 5, the testing  will stop. 

The testing will be done at 1110 Buffalo Drive in Tecumseh and is open to anyone, you do not need to have symptoms of the virus to be tested.  

This will be the second time testing has been done in Tecumseh.  Brueggemann says he expects two more opportunities for testing to be done within the district in the next couple of weeks. He has permission to move the locations and would like to do one in the northern half of  the SEDHD and one in the south half.

Brueggemann said even though this is the second round of testing in Tecumseh,  there is no concerns of a major increase in coronavirus cases in the area at the present time.  The State of Nebraska wants more testing done to get a better of idea of what is happening with the pandemic across the state. 

To register for a test in Tecumseh, go online to 
http://bit.ly/3fpXyyy
 

(KAIR)--Atchison’s Benedictine College will open for the fall semester.

According to a news release from the college, the opening will be done on time, and will mean a return to the classroom for students.

The announcement was made Tuesday by College President Stephen Minnis during a virtual Honors Convocation. Along with stating that the opening would mean students in the classroom, Minnis said college athletics would also be included, as “all of those things are important for a dynamic Benedictine education.”

Minnis, citing the importance of in-person education, said it “will take responsible and prudent safety and mitigation strategies,” to make the reopening possible.

According to the release, college administrators, along with a group of faculty and staff on the school’s Coronavirus Response Task Force, are currently working on Raven Safety, with the standards to be in place by the fall to protect the entire Raven Community.

Strategies being considered include social distancing in the classroom, adjusted classroom or course schedules, the use of masks, the possibility of testing, rules for use of common areas, and rules for watching athletic events.

(KAIR)--A McLouth High School teacher is facing charges in connection with an alleged illegal relationship with a student.

Citing court records,WIBW-TV reports Anthony Kuckelman faces three felony counts in connection with the crimes alleged to have occurred between December 2017 and May 2019.

Kuckelman, a Lawrence resident, began teaching in USD 342 in August, 2013.

The TV station reports that Kuckelman was a science teacher and has been suspended from all duties and activities.

According to Jefferson County Jail records, Kuckelman was arrested Tuesday by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and booked into the jail.
He was later released on a $20,000 bond.

(KAIR)--Leavenworth County has the third highest number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the state of Kansas.

According to figures released Wednesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the local, northeast Kansas county has 783 cases, a 181 case increase from Tuesday, topped only by nearby Wyandotte County, which has 910 cases, the highest in the state, and Ford County, in western Kansas, which has 880 confirmed positive cases.

Leavenworth County’s northern neighbor, Atchison County, has 12, and another neighboring county, Jefferson, has 11. 15 cases have been confirmed in Pottawatomie County, 4 in Doniphan, and 2 in Jackson. Brown and Nemaha Counties have 1 confirmed case each.

Kansas statewide is confirming 5,734 cases, representing 82 of the state’s 105 counties.

The KDHE Wednesday reported 144 virus-related deaths.

(KNZA)--COVID-19 has been detected in a wastewater sample taken from Hiawatha's sewer plant.

That word came Wednesday in a press release issued by the city of Hiawatha.

City officials said it does not affect the drinking water.

On April 24, the University of Kansas School of Engineering and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment collected samples from 12 sewer plants---including Hiawatha—to determine if the COVID-19 virus can be detected in the wastewater systems of local communities.

The release says the city has been informed the sample of influent wastewater taken in Hiawatha ( wastewater entering the city's sewer plant) tested positive for COVID-19.

The release says the city hasn't been provided any estimate, based on the test, of how many positive cases they believe there were at the time of the test, but it's safe to say COVID-19 has been present within the boundaries of Hiawatha's wastewater collection system. The research group has not performed any follow up testing as of now.

The release encourages residents to continue taking precautions to deter the spread of COVID-19 and to respect the social distancing guidelines currently  in place.

No positives cases of COVID-19 have been identified through testing in Hiawatha.

Here is a news clip about the testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt4r4w3QaB4

Resources

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

STATE: http://www.covid.ks.gov

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

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

(KLZA)-- The Route T bridge over Spring Branch Creek near Oregon, Missouri has reopened well ahead of schedule.

In early March the bridge was closed for a deck replacement project.  Phillips Hardy, Inc. has contracted to replace the decks on four bridges in the area with the Spring Branch bridge being the first to be completed.  

The Route H bride over Nichols Creek south of New Point will close Monday, May 11.  The Route T Bridge over Easter Creek near Oregon is expected to close in early to mid-June.

In Atchison County, Missouri, the Route U bridge near Phelps City is under construction and  should be completed later this month. 

All four bridges were included in Gov. Mike Parson's $351-million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across Missouri.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Public Schools will continue to provide lunch through the summer break to students.

The lunch only program will begin June 1 and continue through July 30.  Lunch will be provided Monday through Thursday with Fridays lunch included in the Thursday pickup. 

There will be no home deliveries during the summer lunch program.

Lunches will need to be picked up at the Falls City Middle School between 11:00 P.M. and 12:30 P.M.

A lunch will be provided for all children between the ages of 1 and 18.

If you would like to participate in the extended lunch program you will need to fill out a survey.  You can find the survey online at fctigers.org.  

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission, during a special meeting Wednesday morning lasting 2-minutes, approved a request for use of the Courthouse Square.

Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl said he received an email from Pastor Jim Ferris with Hiawatha's Calvary Assembly of God Church requesting use of the Courthouse Square Thursday evening for the National Day of Prayer.

The event is to begin at 6:00 and will last about an hour.

Social distancing guidelines will be followed.

The Commission gave unanimous approval to the request.

(KAIR)--Atchison physician, and Kansas 63rd District Representative, Dr. John Eplee, joined the Hot Country 93.7 FM morning show on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, to address issues pertaining to COVID-19, and to answer questions from the public. 

(KNZA)--A second candidate has filed for one of three positions up for election this November on the Hiawatha City Commission.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Toni Hull filed Tuesday for re-election as Commissioner of Utilities.

Dustin Williams filed Monday for re-election as Commissioner of Police.

Also up for election is the position of Commissioner of Streets and Parks, currently held by Becky Shamburg.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

A primary election will be held August 4, if needed. The general election is November 3.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission Monday took steps to reopen the county.

The Commission ratified an emergency order from County Health Officer Dr. Bradley Gaul that follows Governor Kelly's reopening plan with one exception. Restaurants will not be able to open for dine-in service, but can offer carryout or curbside pickup.

The order was approved after several amendments were made, removing requirements that were more restrictive than the governor's plan.

Commission Chairman Thad Geiger expressed concern with the county being more restrictive than the Governor's plan. He cautioned against government overreach, suggesting businesses self-govern based on their ability to comply with the governor's plan.

The emergency order will be in effect until at least May 18.

It can be viewed on Doniphan County's website at dpcountyks.com.

The Commission also voted to extend the closure of the Courthouse to the public through noon, May 18, at which time it will be re-evaluated.

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

(MSC News)--Governor Laura Kelly Tuesday joined Kansas State University President Richard Myers to confer a bachelor’s degree upon Dennis Ruhnke, of Troy.

Ruhnke recently garnered national attention when he sent a letter to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in which he enclosed an N-95 mask to give to a nurse or doctor in New York.

Ruhnke wrote to Governor Cuomo: “I am a retired farmer hunkered down in Northeast Kansas with my wife who has but one lung and occasional problems with her remaining lung. She also has diabetes. We are in our 70s now and frankly, I am afraid for her.

“Enclosed find a solitary N-95 mask left over from my farming days. It has never been used. If you could, would you please give this mask to a nurse or doctor in your city. I have kept four masks for my immediate family. Please keep on doing what you do so well, which is to lead.”

“Dennis’ donation, at the height of our country’s protective gear shortage, showed us the best in humanity when we needed it the most,” Governor Kelly said. “I would like to thank Dennis for the example he’s set on how to serve – and how to be thoughtful and generous in an extraordinary way.”

In 1971, Ruhnke was studying agriculture at Kansas State University when his father passed away. At that time, he was two credits away from earning his degree, but chose to leave school to take care of his mother and the family farm.

“After speaking with President Myers, we both agreed that Dennis perfectly encapsulates K-State’s democratic mandate to be of service to people,” Governor Kelly said. “Which is why I am very honored that I was able to help present Dennis with his well-deserved bachelor’s degree in agriculture.”

“Along with his fantastic demonstration of kindness and generosity, Mr. Ruhnke’s academic work at K-State in his chosen field of agriculture qualifies him to receive his degree,” President Richard Myers said. "Kansas State University is proud to officially recognize Mr. Ruhnke as an alumus and valued member of the Wildcat family." 

(MSC News)--Governor Laura Kelly Tuesday joined Kansas State University President Richard Myers to confer a bachelor’s degree upon Dennis Ruhnke, of Troy.

Ruhnke recently garnered national attention when he sent a letter to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in which he enclosed an N-95 mask to give to a nurse or doctor in New York.

Ruhnke wrote to Governor Cuomo: “I am a retired farmer hunkered down in Northeast Kansas with my wife who has but one lung and occasional problems with her remaining lung. She also has diabetes. We are in our 70s now and frankly, I am afraid for her.

“Enclosed find a solitary N-95 mask left over from my farming days. It has never been used. If you could, would you please give this mask to a nurse or doctor in your city. I have kept four masks for my immediate family. Please keep on doing what you do so well, which is to lead.”

“Dennis’ donation, at the height of our country’s protective gear shortage, showed us the best in humanity when we needed it the most,” Governor Kelly said. “I would like to thank Dennis for the example he’s set on how to serve – and how to be thoughtful and generous in an extraordinary way.”

In 1971, Ruhnke was studying agriculture at Kansas State University when his father passed away. At that time, he was two credits away from earning his degree, but chose to leave school to take care of his mother and the family farm.

“After speaking with President Myers, we both agreed that Dennis perfectly encapsulates K-State’s democratic mandate to be of service to people,” Governor Kelly said. “Which is why I am very honored that I was able to help present Dennis with his well-deserved bachelor’s degree in agriculture.”

“Along with his fantastic demonstration of kindness and generosity, Mr. Ruhnke’s academic work at K-State in his chosen field of agriculture qualifies him to receive his degree,” President Richard Myers said. "Kansas State University is proud to officially recognize Mr. Ruhnke as an alumus and valued member of the Wildcat family." 

( photo credit: Office of Governor Laura Kelly)

Atchison pool closed for summer

Posted Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 7:30pm

(KAIR)--Atchison’s municipal swimming pool will not open for the summer season.

The Atchison City Commission, during the regular Monday meeting, voted unanimously to keep the Lions Pool closed for the 2020 season.

The recommendation to approve the COVID-19-related closure was made by Atchison City Manager Becky Berger. “If you look at the County’s plan, we could potentially open the last day of June, assuming everything goes according to plan, and we don’t have new cases, to open the pool in late June...[but] we’re really at the end of the season by the time we could potentially open.”

Berger, during her presentation, explained that the pool annually loses nearly $100,000 in operating costs for the City. In a release issued following the meeting, Berger explained that with sales tax revenues expected “to take a major hit,” losing the $100,000 “would have been irresponsible.”

Berger, during the session, explained that the pool’s downtime could be used to make improvements. “We have $50,000 budgeted next year to do repairs to the bottom of the pool. I would like to see us do that this year. Maybe hold off until we get further into the summer and we’ve got a better idea of the revenues coming in.”

The approval of the closure came shortly after Atchison County officials announced the 12th confirmed virus case in the county Monday afternoon.

That case is identified as a teenage boy.

Atchison Dr. John Eplee, during an appearance on the 93.7 FM morning show Tuesday, said the age of the latest Atchison County case is surprising. “Based on the demographics, this has been relegated to being an older person’s disease, but it touches all age groups, and we finally have a teenager with it.”

Eplee added that all indicators show there is community virus spread in the area.

(KNZA)--A tentative plan has been announced for re-opening Hiawatha parks, recreation facilities and activities.

Hiawatha Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper discussed the 3-phase plan at Monday evening's City Commission meeting.

Beginning May 19, plans are to open parks, playgrounds, lake shelter houses and batting cages to the public in accordance with the Governor's guidelines of social distancing and gatherings of no more than 30 people. Organized practices on ballfields will not be allowed.

Beginning June 1, teams may begin scheduled practices at Bruning and Noble Parks.  The Fisher Center will also be open to the public at that time, with restrictions of no more than 90 people within the facility and encouragement of social distancing.  

Beginning June 15, games will be allowed to take place at both Bruning and Noble Parks and the city plans to open the Aquatic Park, as gatherings of more than 90 are permitted.  

Jasper stressed the plan is subject to change.   

The Commission gave her approval to begin circulating the plan, with formal action to take place at the Commission's May 18 meeting.

(KAIR)--A 213 one-day increase in confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas.

That’s shown in virus-related statistics released Tuesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The state has 5,458 cases in 82 of Kansas’ 105 counties, up from Monday’s figure of 5,245.

There have so far been 137 virus-related deaths in the state.

Locally, Leavenworth County saw a 73-case increase between Monday and Tuesday, with that county now reporting 602 cases. Pottawatomie County has 15 cases, Atchison County has 12, Jefferson County has 10, Doniphan County has 4, while Brown and Nemaha Counties have one confirmed case each.

(KNZA)--Efforts to raise funds for the Jackson County Relief Fund are receiving a boost.

The Jackson County Community Foundation has announced that Holton-based Giant Communications has offered to match any donations made to the fund this week up to $20,000. The offer is good through Sunday, May 10.

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

The fund was established help small businesses and families in Jackson County who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Donations are tax deductible.

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

Peru, Nebraska – The Peru State College Foundation is pleased to announce that SaraBeth Donovan is its next Executive Director. Donovan is a Peru State graduate and previously worked with the Foundation and National Alumni Association before returning to a career with the United States Department of Justice.
Interim Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, Dr. Judy (Green) Grotrian (’72), said, “SaraBeth comes to us with over 35 years of association with Peru State College. She brings a wealth of experience in leadership, management, and fundraising, as well as – and perhaps most importantly – a broad based knowledge of hundreds of alumni and friends of Peru State.”
“Despite her tremendous professional and personal successes since graduating from Peru State in 1985, she has never forgotten her alma mater and has continued to give back to it in numerous ways.”
Dr. Dan Hanson, president of Peru State, adds, “SaraBeth has been an ardent advocate for Peru State College as an alumni, as a Foundation employee and as a board member. She brings fantastic experience to the Executive Director role and I look forward to working with her.”
When asked why she retired from the federal government to return to the Foundation as the Executive Director, Donovan replied, “The time is now; great things are happening all over campus.  President Hanson has a vision and the Foundation must help to make that vision a reality.”
Donovan continues, “A strong Foundation and alumni network means a strong Peru State College. Only together, can we ensure a bright future for Peru State and its current and future students.”
Donovan grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated from Peru State with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics education with endorsements in computer science and coaching.  She was very active on campus, serving as President of the Student Senate, playing varsity softball, and being involved in various other organizations. She was appointed by Governor Bob Kerrey to be a Student Trustee for the Nebraska State College System.
After graduation, Donovan taught high school math and computers at Omaha South High School, and coached freshman girls basketball and volleyball.  She went on to obtain her law degree from the University of Nebraska, and spent 23 years as an attorney with the United States Department of Justice.
Donovan served in the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, D.C., and the United States Attorney’s Offices in Nebraska and South Dakota.  Throughout her time in the Voting Section, she enforced federal elections laws throughout the nation, first as a trial attorney investigating and litigating her own cases, and later as a Deputy Chief managing and mentoring less experienced attorneys and support staff.
Donovan took a three year break to serve as the Peru State Foundation’s first Planned Giving Officer. In that position, she started an estate giving program and developed the 1867 Society to recognize those individuals who have included Peru State College in their estate plans. Donovan was also instrumental in creating the National Alumni Association, organized numerous alumni events, and developed meaningful relationships with the College’s alumni and friends across the country.
Since 2008, she has been on the Foundation’s Board of Directors serving as Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. In addition, Donovan has also continued to advocate for Peru State College with the State Legislature.
Asked about her love of Peru State, Donovan said, “Since graduating, I have traveled to all 50 states and around the world. I have even raised a Peru State flag on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and at Machu Picchu. It all started on that little Campus of a Thousand Oaks.”
“Professors Darryl Long and Lyle McKercher not only taught me calculus and statistics, but – like so many others on campus – they taught me to be kind, to dream, to be somebody, to give back.  I know other alumni are echoing those same sentiments.”
Donovan began her new role on May 4.
 

(KNZA)--The first candidate has filed for one of three positions up for election this November on the Hiawatha City Commission.

The Brown County Clerk's office reported Monday that Dustin Williams has filed for re-election as Commissioner of Police.

Williams has served on the Commission since January 2017.

Also up for election are the positions of Commissioner of Streets and Parks, currently held by Becky Shamburg, and Commissioner of Utilities, currently held by Toni Hull.

Candidates have until noon, June 1st to file.

A primary election will be held August 4, if needed. The general election is November 3.

(KNZA)--The search is launched for a suspect believed to be involved in a Hiawatha vehicle theft.

According to a release from Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore, the 2003 Ford Escape was stolen shortly after 6:15 Saturday evening from 715 Shawnee, in Hiawatha

The vehicle was recovered a few hours later in Lincoln, Nebraska, which is where the vehicle’s owner told police she believed the suspect would be headed.

According to the release, the owner reported that she watched 32-year-old Lincoln resident Jacob Ronnebaum steal the vehicle.

The release notes that the felony theft case is being forwarded to Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill for the filing of formal charges.

Ronnebaum is not yet located. 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday approved phase 1 of a plan to reopen the Courthouse, effective May 19.

Under the plan put together by county department heads, the courthouse will be closed to the public on Mondays.

It will be open by appointment only Tuesday through Friday from 1-4 in the afternoon.

Those entering the courthouse will be screened, and there will be limit of 10 people.

The courthouse has been closed to the public since March 19 to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

(KLZA)-- Five people suffered injuries in three separate wrecks this past weekend in Northwest Missouri.   

The Missouri Highway Patrol responded to a two vehicle wreck Saturday morning shortly past 7 on US Highway 59 four-and-a-half miles northwest of Westboro in Atchison County.

A Chevrolet Trax driven by 45-year-old Joel Gibson of Westboro was northbound and crossed the center line striking the front drivers side of a southbound Freightliner truck driven by 63-year-old Charles Hurst of Tarkio.

Both vehicles left the roadway coming to rest on their wheels.  The semi hit an embankment bringing it to a stop.

Gibson was transported to Shenandoah, Iowa and then on to the Trauma Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha with what were described as minor injuries.  Hurst refused medical treatment at the scene for what were described as minor injuries.  

Sunday afternoon shortly before 1 two people suffered minor injuries in a two vehicle wreck on US 136, three miles east of Tarkio.

The Highway Patrol reported a pickup driven by 52-year old Tammy Fly of Fairfax, Missouri was easatbound, making a left turn when a car driven by 17-year-old Morgan Parshall of Tarkio struck the rear of the pickup.

Both Tammy Fly and her husband, 57-year-old James Fly, a passenger in the pickup suffered minor injuries and were going to seek their own medical attention.  Parshall was not injured.  

The third wreck was Sunday afternoon at approximately 4:45 a mile west of Oregon, Missouri on route 111.  A northbound car driven by 32-year-old Lauren Williams of Forest City failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the roadway two times, becoming airborne the second time and striking a ditch before coming to rest. 

Williams suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance District to Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph.  The car was totaled.  

(KAIR)--Atchison County has confirmed a 12th case of COVID-19, with the latest involving a teenager.

The confirmation came Monday afternoon in a news release from Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter.
Lanter, in the release, identified the person as “a male in his teens.”

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

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission, during a special meeting Friday afternoon, approved an emergency public health order that adds further restrictions for restaurants, convenience stores and grocery stores to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

The order, from the Nemaha County Board of Health and Nemaha County Health Officer Jane Sunderland, prohibits self-serve buffets and salad bars at restaurants. In addition, self-serve drinking stations and bar seating are prohibited.

The self-service of unpackaged food, self-serve drinking stations, and refillable water stations are prohibited at convenience stores and grocery stores.

The order also requires all playgrounds in the county to remain closed.

The emergency order can be viewed on the county's website.

Governor Kelly last Thursday unveiled a 4-phase plan for reopening the state’s economy, with phase one effective May 4.  County’s can add stricter rules.

In other business, the Commission decided to leave the Courthouse closed to the public at this time, except by appointment only. The Commission also decided to continue to have department heads rotate their staff as well.

In addition, the Commission approved a resolution that allows the Commission to return to weekly meetings,effective immediately. The Commission had been meeting ever other week.

(KNZA)--A Robinson man has been arrested on several child sex charges.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said 44-year-old Leonardo Hernandez was arrested Sunday after Sheriff's deputies investigated a complaint in Robinson.

Hernandez was arrested on charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated sexual battery involving a child under the age of 14.

He was booked into the Brown County Jail.

Merchant said case remains under investigation. The Brown County Attorney's Office is assisting in the investigation.

(KLZA)-- Starting in the coming weeks, Nebraska  will have 19 separate Directive Health Measures, one for each local health department (LHD).  These DHMs will be effective through May 31st.  
Starting May 4th, places of worship statewide will no longer be subject to the 10-person limitation.  However, households must be seated six feet apart at worship services.  In addition, it will not be permissible to pass items among worshipers. 
 
On a regional basis, restrictions are being  gradually eased in local health departments that are less affected by the virus. The less restrictive DHMs take effect in the Southeast District Health Department beginning May 4. 

In these locations, beauty/nail salons, barber shops, massage therapy services, and tattoo parlors can reopen on a limited basis.  Both workers and patrons of these establishments will be required to wear masks.
Restaurants can also resume dine-in service with up to 50% of their rated occupancy maximum. All dining parties must be seated six feet apart and limited to six persons.

Additionally, childcare facilities will be permitted to have up to 15 kids per room/space.  All other state provisions, statutes, and regulations remain in effect.

Even as these restrictions are slightly eased, continued social distancing will be necessary to ensure protection of the state's healthcare system. 

All Nebraskans are urged to exercise good judgment as directed health measures are eased.  Just because an activity is permitted, does not mean it’s advisable for everyone.  

Elderly Nebraskans and persons with underlying health conditions should be especially mindful of maintaining physical distance until the virus subsides. 
 

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission, during a special meeting Friday afternoon, took steps to reopen the county.

The Commission approved an emergency public health order that adds further restrictions for restaurants, convenience stores and grocery stores to mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

The order, from the Nemaha County Board of Health and Nemaha County Health Officer Jane Sunderland, prohibits self-serve buffets and salad bars at restaurants. In addition, self-serve drinking stations and bar seating are prohibited.

The self-service of unpackaged food, self-serve drinking stations, and refillable water stations are prohibited at convenience stores and grocery stores.

The order also requires all playgrounds in the county to remain closed.

The emergency order can be viewed on the county's website.

Governor Kelly last Thursday unveiled a 4-phase plan for reopening the state’s economy, with phase one effective May 4.  County’s can add stricter rules.

In other business, the Commission decided to leave the Courthouse closed to the public at this time, except by appointment only. The Commission also decided to continue to have department heads rotate their staff at this time as well.

The Commission also approved a resolution that allows the Commission to return to weekly meetings,effective immediately. The Commission had been meeting ever other week.

AUBURN – The Southeast District Health Department (SEDHD) has confirmed a seventh case of coronavirus (COVID-19) within the district. The person is a woman in her twenties who lives in Otoe county. 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. The SEDHD will continue to update the district as new information becomes available. For more information about COVID-19, www.sedhd.org. 

(KAIR)--A late Saturday night Atchison pursuit sent two to jail, facing drug and firearms related charges.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the pursuit began shortly before midnight after an officer attempted to stop a Cadillac Escalade following a report that it had been seen driving erratically in the area of Raven Hill Road.

The SUV instead fled northbound on 6th Street to 4th Street and U.S. Highway 59, where officers deployed stop sticks, flattening several of the SUV’s tires.
Arrested, just west of the Amelia Earhart Bridge, were 35-year-old Kajuan Jackson, of Wichita, and his passenger, 26-year-old Britney Scott, of Independence, Missouri.

Jackson, identified by Wilson as the driver, faces charges of fleeing and attempting to elude, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with defaced identification marks, driving while suspended, and other traffic offenses.

Scott faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm with defaced identification marks.

Following their arrests, Jackson and Scott were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Wilson said an investigation “continues related to other evidence seized from the vehicle.”

(KAIR)--As the first phase of the Kansas reopening plan takes affect today, area communities prepare for a tiered approach on the road toward some semblance of times prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Friday, the Atchison County Commission held a special meeting where county officials outlined details of Atchison County’s four-phase reopening plan, as signed by County Health Officer Lori Forge, County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, and Medical Consultant Dr. Bonnie Tackett, MD.

Lanter explained that while counties can take more aggressive steps than the state, they can not proceed faster than what’s outlined in the Kansas reopening plan. “The Governor started on phase 1, and we have to start on phase 1 at the same time,” Lanter said. “If the Governor switches to phase 2, but we have a huge increase in cases, we don’t have to switch to phase 2 at the same time the Governor does. We can lag behind a week or two. We can not go faster than the Governor, though. Say the Governor gets to phase 2 and she stops, and she sits there for awhile, we can’t go to phase 3 until the Governor goes to phase 3.”

Saying that Atchison County’s tenth confirmed positive case was possibly due to community spread, Forge said she did not want to move to quickly, including continuing the limitation on restaurant operations, a departure from the state’s plan for phase 1. “[We] can’t really go with a cookie-cutter order, you have to look at your county,” Forge stated. “We have St. Joe [Missouri] on one side, with Triumph Food, we have Lansing Correctional Facility. We have so many people who work in so many different areas. We’re not a county with zero [virus cases], or we’re not a county with one case, or we’re not a county with one restaurant. We’re a bigger county with lots of people going in lots of directions.”

Forge added that she is anticipating an increase in the number of cases in Atchison County. “I don’t have a crystal ball, but I feel like our numbers are going to go up before they come down. I don’t think that we’ve seen everything that we’re going to see here.”

The Commission did not need to take action on the plan, which was put into place through an emergency order by Forge.

Social distancing, and other steps to prevent virus spread, remain in place statewide, and County Commission Chairman Jack Bower said his observations in the Atchison area indicate a reminder is necessary. “I was amazed at the number of people out on the streets, walking into businesses close together. I think people need a reminder.”

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday unveiled the state’s reopening plan.

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

That word came Sunday in a news release from Brown County Health Officer Chastity Schumann.

The release said the individual is in isolation and following the recommendations of health officials.

The Brown County Health Department has begun work identifying contacts of the individual.

No other information will be released on the individual.

Atchison Co confirms 11th virus case

Posted Sunday, May 3rd, 2020 12:34pm

(KAIR)--An 11th positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Atchison County.

That word came early Sunday afternoon in a news release issued by County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter.

According to the release, the person is a man in his thirties.
The Atchison County Health Department is completing its investigation into the case.

 

Editors note: the following release was submitted by the Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact

After much thought and deliberation the board of the Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact has made the difficult decision to postpone the 150th Celebration of Seneca that was originally scheduled for June 12 & 13, 2020. On Thursday, April 30 Governor Laura Kelly announced her four phase plan to reopen the state, under this plan mass gatherings will be limited to no more than 90 people until at least June 15.

The board decided to reschedule the celebration to June 11 and 12th of 2021. The celebration, now deemed “Seneca’s 150+1 Celebration”, will still be held with turn of the century demonstrators, live music, a street dance, and much more just one year later than originally planned.

“While it is extremely disappointing to not get to celebrate Seneca’s 150th birthday this summer we believe this to be the right call,” Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact Executive Director Kylee Luckeroth said.  “We have high hopes for this celebration to bring a large number of people to Seneca and with the state of our world during the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Kelly’s recently released plan we would not be able to have this celebration at the magnitude it deserves.”

We also want to take this opportunity to thank all of the businesses who have sponsored our celebration – they will of course remain our sponsors for the “150+1” celebration. If it were not for the support of these businesses we would not be able to have this event at all!

Platinum sponsors: Koch & Company, Community National Bank, and the City of Seneca.

Gold sponsors: Eisenbarth Plumbing, United Bank & Trust, Medical Arts Pharmacy, and Lauer-Love Funeral Home.

Silver sponsors: Hammes Trucking Inc., Altenhofen Inn & Suites, Kichkaeufer & Buessing, P.A., Rainbow Communications, Sure Crop Fertilizers, Heinen True Value, Ag Partner’s COOP, Water Conditioning of Seneca, Seneca Cellular, Saylor Insurance, and Capture Photography.

Bronze sponsors: O’Keefe Law Office, Nemaha County Training Center, Farmer’s Insurance (Jerry Nolte), Bruna Implement, Durland Auto Parts, The Courier-Tribune, G&R Printing, AHRS Construction, Seneca Ready Mix, The American Legion, and the Nemaha County STEP Foundation.

If you have any questions or want to be a part of the Seneca’s 150+1 Celebration please contact Kylee Luckeroth at Senecaimpact@gmail.com or 785-336-1313.

(KNZA)--An investigation by the Richardson County Sheriff's Office leads to the arrest of a Falls City couple on drug and child endangerment charges.

According to a release from the Sheriff's Office, Richardson County deputies, with the assistance of the Brown County Sheriff's Office and Brown County K-9, Ari, on Saturday evening executed a search warrant at 818 East 16th Street.

Over $5000 in cash as well as a large quantity of marijuana, THC wax, paraphernalia, controlled substance and ecstasy were located in the search.

36-year-old Matthew Pohlman and 34-year-old Ashley Pohlman were arrested on ten counts each---including possession with intent to deliver, delivery of a controlled substance in a school zone, illegally possessing money while violating drug laws, no drug tax stamp and child endangerment.

In addition, Matthew Pohlman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia   

The couple were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

( photo credit: Richardson County Sheriff's Office)
    

Motorcyclist killed in Saturday Jefferson Co wreck

Posted Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 8:48pm

(KNZA)--A Saturday afternoon Jefferson County rear-end collision claimed the life of a motorcyclist and left his passenger seriously injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 52-year-old Mark Shughart, of Topeka, was westbound on U.S. 24 Highway near Grantville when his Harley Davidson motorcycle struck the rear of a westbound pickup truck that was attempting to make a turn into a convenience store.

Shughart was pronounced dead at the scene.

His passenger, 56-year-old Jefferson, City Missouri resident Carla Bushjost, was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the pickup, 64-year-old Ottawa resident Terry Harrell, and a passenger in his vehicle were not hurt.

The Patrol says neither Shughart or Bushjost were wearing a helmet when the wreck occurred shortly after 2:00 Saturday afternoon.   

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 climbs by nearly 300 as Kansas communities prepare for the first phase of the state’s reopening Monday.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Saturday, Kansas saw an increase of 297 cases since Friday, representing 80 of the state’s 105 counties.

Kansas virus-related deaths have now reached 131, an increase of one since Friday.

Locally, Leavenworth County is reporting a 14 case increase since Friday, bringing that number to 386. Also increasing by one case each from Friday to Saturday was Doniphan County, which now has 4 cases, and Jefferson County, which now has 10, the same number as Atchison County. Pottawatomie County is reporting 13 cases, while Nemaha County has 1.

(KLZA)--The Southeast District Health Department (SEDHD) has confirmed a seventh case of coronavirus (COVID-19) within the district

The person is a woman in her twenties who lives in Otoe County. 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.

The SEDHD will continue to update the district as new information becomes available.

(KAIR)--Atchison County unveils what County Commission Chairman Jack Bower calls a guide for moving forward at the current stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bower’s statement came during a special meeting of the Commission Friday, focused on the phases Atchison County will use to move forward toward a reopening.

County Health Officer Lori Forge explained to the Commission that the plan will be implemented in four phases, with the timelines to ultimately be determined by the potential for virus spread in the Atchison County area.

After explaining that the County can be more aggressive in its approach than the state reopening measures released Thursday by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, but not more lenient, Forge outlined details of phase one. 

The full plan can be seen here. 

PRESS RELEASE – City of Hiawatha
05/01/2020

Beginning Monday, May 4, 2020 at 12:00 AM, the statewide Stay Home order will expire and Phase I of Governor Kelly’s Ad Astra plan begins per Executive Order NO. 20-29.
Per the Executive Order:
Mass gatherings of more than 10 persons are prohibited. Mass gatherings are defined as instances in which individuals are in one location and are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together) with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity.
The Executive Order also provides guidance for Individuals, Employers/Businesses, Business Restrictions, Education, Activities and Venues Restrictions, and Essential Functions.
The full Executive Order can be viewed at https://governor.kansas.gov/…/EO-20-29-Implementing-Phase-O….
Also, Executive Order NO. 20-28, reissuing and extending certain Executive Orders relating to the COVID-19 pandemic may be viewed at https://governor.kansas.gov/…/EO-20-28-Reissuing-and-Extend…
City Services will continue subject to restrictions already in place and will begin reopening in accordance with the Governor’s plan. Below are links to resources for information related to COVID-19 and steps from the CDC and KDHE to help prevent illness.
Resources
Reliable, updated information on COVID-19 can be found on these websites:
STATE: http://www.covid.ks.gov
KDHE: http://www.kdheks.gov/coronavirus/index.htm
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
GOVERNOR’S AD ASTRA PLAN: https://covid.ks.gov/ad-astra-a-plan-to-reopen-kansas/

(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Missouri health officials report another 167 positive cases of COVID-19 at a pork processing plant in St. Joseph.

It's the latest round of results released by state health officials.

According to a news release from the Department of Health and Senior Services, a total of 295 employees have tested positive for the virus at Triumph Foods. The results do not include testing completed at the plant on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

The second batch of confirmed cases is from samples collected from employees on Tuesday. Out of 916 workers tested, 167 came back positive, according to the release.

The mission to test all Triumph employees took a week to complete. Northwest Health Services was responsible for testing most of the nearly 3,000 plant employees between Monday and Friday. 

The first set of results was released by the DHSS Thursday afternoon. The results showed 92 out of 707 of workers tested Monday came back positive. 

Prior to this week, Triumph Foods had a total of 46 employees test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Samples were collected for testing at the processing facility from an additional 709 employees on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing the total tested this week to more than 2,300.

Any employees who are still seeking testing can do so next week through the mobile testing site operated by Northwest Health Services, according to the DHSS news release.

DHSS has staff on-site in St. Joseph today assisting with case investigations and contact tracing. Staff from surrounding local public health agencies are assisting as well.

“We continue to work closely with our partners to monitor this situation,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of DHSS. “Many thanks to the employees for the important work that they do and for their willingness to be tested and to follow our guide which will prevent further spread of this virus.”

Not all cases among Triumph Foods employees will be counted in Buchanan County’s total case count as they are not all county residents.

Meanwhile, a LifeLine foods worker has tested positive for COVID-19, the company announced Friday.

The company said the production employee tested positive on April 30. It's the first confirmed case of an employee at LifeLine Foods.

The employee is now in self-isolation for 14 days.

LifeLine said in a statement that the company is following CDC guideline to help prevent expose of the virus including notifying anyone who may have been exposed to the affected worker and thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the entire facility.

"Our greatest priority is the health and safety of our employees," said Kevin Kelly, president and CEO of LifeLine Foods. "We are committed to supporting them as they remain dedicated to their role in the nation's critical food supply. We continue to operate with precautions to help mitigate COVID-19 transmission."

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission, during a special meeting Friday, approved additional restrictions and regulations for restaurants planning to reopen next week.

County Emergency Management Director Don Pounds, County Health Department Supervisor Chastity Schumann and County Attorney Kevin Hill met with the Commission by video conference.

Pounds and Schumann discussed Governor Kelly's 4-phase plan for reopening the state's economy, which was unveiled Thursday evening.  Under phase 1 of the plan, many Kansas businesses will be allowed to open Monday if they can maintain social distancing. However, local officials can impose stricter rules.

Following discussion, the Commission voted to require restaurants who plan to resume dine-in service to submit an application, with a floor plan showing their planned seating arrangement, prior to opening.  Applications are available on the county emergency management page of the county's website and are to be submitted electronically. Pounds says he plans to respond back to the business  within 24-hour of receipt of their application.

In addition, the Commission decided not to allow buffets or self-serve beverages.

Convenience stores also will not be allowed to offer self-serve foundation drinks or food.  Prepackaged food will be allowed.

The county's mandates are effective at 12:01 Monday morning.

The Commission voted, during a special meeting Thursday, to keep the Courthouse closed to the public until May 18 to allow time for a reopening plan to be developed.

211 new virus cases confirmed in KS

Posted Friday, May 1st, 2020 1:21pm

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Kansas has grown by 211 cases.

According to figures released Friday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state now has 4,449 cases, up from Thursday’s figure of 4,238. .

Leavenworth County has 372 cases, the highest among local Kansas Counties. Pottawatomie County has 13 cases, Atchison County has 10, Jefferson County has 9, Doniphan County has 3, and Nemaha County has 1.

As of Friday, Kansas has had 130 deaths related to the virus.

(KLZA)-- Friday, May 1 is the last day that a person can register to vote in the May 12 Nebraska primary election.

You can complete the application form found on the  Richardson County website and drop it in the drop box on the north side of the Courthouse.

In addition, this is also the last day for an application
to be completed for requesting an Early Vote Ballot.

The  Richardson County Clerk's Office will be open until 6:00 p.m. this evening to accept your forms.  They will pick them up from the drop box. 

If you have questions you may call the Richardson County Clerks Office at 402-245-2911.
 

(KLZA)-- Farmers markets are very popular in the area giving local consumers an opportunity to purchase fresh goods from local producers.

During a daily COVID-19 update at the state capitol last week, Nebraska Ag Director Steve Wellman provided some tips on precautions to take due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Vendors should not give out samples, should be wearing gloves and be the only ones handling produce.  In addition more space for customers should be allowed and sanitizers should be available.

Consumers are reminded to only pick up the food you are going to purchase. 

While the Nebraska Ag Department is not responsible for operation of the farmers markets,  the Department does have coupons available for those eligible for the Women, Infants and Children program to use at farmers markets.  Each person eligible can get a coupon worth $24.  Call the Department of Agriculture to get information on how to receive coupons.  

Currently Nebraska has 33-thousand participants eligible for the WIC program with projections for a large increase due to the coronavirus.  

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council met with Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang Monday evening to discuss damage to city property including an alley and yard by the water tower caused by kids on 4 - wheelers.

Sheriff Lang said he has talked with the kids and parents about the situation.  If it continues and reaches the point citations are issued, those citations would go to the parents.

The Council also approved a $650 donation to the Pawnee City High School Trap Team and increasing the credit on the water bill for the Fairview Golf Course to $1,000.  A $500 donation was also approved toward the Chamber of Commerce Fireworks show.  

Council members also approved the appointment of Corey Hatfield to a two-year term on the Planning Commission.