(KNZA)--A student at Troy High School has tested postive for COVID-19.

The Troy School District made the announcement Monday in a statement on their website.

The district said they were informed of the positive case by the Doniphan County Health Department.

The district said they are currently working with the Health Department to do contact tracing. The Health Department will contact the families of the students that may have been in close contact with the student.

Classes for students in 7-12 grades have been canceled for Tuesday.  PreK-6th grades will be in session Tuesday and buses will run.

The district said no activities will take place Tuesday.  The volleyball quad for Troy High School students at Onaga has been canceled.

The school district says they will continue to update parents & students on the situation as they communicate with the Health Department.

Last Thursday marked the first day of school for students in USD 429.

(KAIR)--A stolen vehicle from Atchison was recovered in Kansas City, Kansas following a pursuit.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said a 2001 Ford pickup truck was taken Friday morning from the 400 block of Kansas Avenue.

Wilson said the vehicle was spotted by the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Department traveling in northwest Leavenworth late Sunday night.

The vehicle fled east on Metropolitan Avenue into Missouri where the Platte County Sheriff's Department attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle fled south on Missouri 45 to I-435 and then back into Kansas on I-435.

The pursuit continued to the Legends Mall area in Kansas City where the vehicle  became disabled near 106th and Parallel.

Wilson said the 30-year-old male driver from Leavenworth was taken into custody on charges that include possession of stolen property and attempting to elude.

He was taken to the Leavenworth County Jail.

The case remains under investigation.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Health Board met August 26th.  

The Board has been meeting for several months to help keep up to date with the COVID-19 situation.

During the meeting Southeast District Health Department Director Grant Brueggemann responded to questions on several topics.

Brueggemann says he has seen no issues with schools opening over the past several weeks and that the plans have worked out well with students returning to classrooms. 

Brueggemann said he expects  that cases of COVID-19 confirmed in students and Peru State College will be reported locally if they are long-term residents.  Since the pandemic began, a positive test is reported wherever that person lives, and not in the county where the test was conducted or where the person may have contracted the virus. 

Health Board member Dr. Alan  Tramp asked if the SEDHD has been able to determine if cases of the virus are being further spread at events hosting larger crowds.  While unable to comment on specific events in Richardson County, Brueggemann said generally, a lot of the cases are coming from some sort of events such as weddings,  baby showers and golf tournaments.

Brueggemann says his concerns about the pandemic remain similar to what they have been since spring, noting that area residents need to take ownership in what is happening and continue to wear masks and social distance.  He stressed the importance of keeping kids home from school if they are sick to avoid causing some sort of outreak if it were to be COVID-19.

The Richardson County Health Board plans to meet again in three weeks. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn recently announced the closing of the Nemaha County Home Care department.

Due to staffing shortages the department will close September 30, following nearly 20 years of service.  

In the early 2000's, Nemaha County Home Care became part of the hospital and provided care within the homes of members of the community.

It has become increasingly difficult to find experienced care providers. 

The remaining Home Care Staff will continue to be employed by Nemaha County Hospital, working within other areas of the hospital.  

 Patients of the sevice will be given contact  information for other Home Care Agencies currently serving the Auburn community.
 

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners discussed salary increases for deputies sheriffs with five years of overall service in law enforcement during their August 18th meeting.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty submitted the proposal to increase the hourly wage for deputies meeting the criteria by 47-cents per hour to$24.13.  The proposal passed unanimously and was effective as of August 23.

Discussion was also held regarding the establishment of a position for a K-9 officer for the Sheriff's Department.  No action was taken.  

In other business the Board authorized County Attorney Doug Merz to proceed with the filing of six tax foreclosures.
 

( KLZA_ -- Five people were injured in a two-vehicle wreck Sunday morning just before 8 on Interstate 29 approximately two miles north of Rock Port, Missouri. 

Both vehicles were northbound on I-29.  The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates a car driven by 18-year-old Vanessa Fierras of Lincoln struck the towed unit of a semi-truck causing the car to overturn into the grass median, ejecting all four occupants of the Hyundai Elantra. The car came to rest on its wheels.  The truck was able to come to a controlled stop. 

Fierras was transported by Hamburg Resuce to Grape Hospital in Humburg, Iowa, then flown by Life Flight to Mosaic Life Care in St . Joseph with serious injuries.

All three passengers in the car were also from Lincoln and sustained serious injuries. 

18-year-old Madisen Hansen and 19-year old Ahmad Gregory were first transported to the Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance District.  Hansen was then flown by Life Net to a hospial in Lincoln.   Gregeory was trasnported to Lincoln by ambulance. 

19-year-old Traishon Schmieding was transported to the Grape Community Hospital.

The truck driver,  54-year-old Rickey Haney of Melbourne, Arkansas was transferred by private vehicle to the Fairfax Hospital with minor injuries.  

None of the occupants of the car were wearing safety devices while Haney, the driver of the truck was.

The Atchison County Sheriff's Department and the Rock Port Police Department assisted at the scene of the wreck. 

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

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 2001 Ford pickup truck  was taken sometime between 7 and 11:40 Friday morning from the 400 block Kansas Avenue.

Wilson said the vehicle was recovered Sunday night in the Legends Mall area of Kansas City, Kansas following a pursuit by the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Department.

The case remains under investigation.   

(KAIR)--A stolen vehicle was recovered in Atchison County over the weekend, and a motorcycle stolen.

According to report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, sheriff's deputies responded Saturday afternoon to a report of an abandoned 2021 Ford F-250 pickup truck that was parked illegally in the six-thousand block of Kiowa Road.

Deputies discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen through the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, about 72 hours prior.

The vehicle was towed and is currently being held for Shawnee County.

Laurie said its possible its related to the theft of a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle that was reported stolen Friday from a residence in the 7-thousand block of Meade Road.

After a brief investigation, he says deputies retrieved surveillance footage from a business where they were able to identify the suspect and stolen motorcycle.

On Saturday evening, deputies were contacted by the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office that the stolen motorcycle had been recovered after a hit-and-run accident.

A suspect was taken into custody in Shawnee County.

(KNZA)--A former Holton school building will serve as the new, permanent home for a local theater group.

During a special meeting Thursday evening, the Holton USD 336 Board of Education approved the sale of the old Central Elementary School in the 400 block of New Jersey Avenue to the Holton Community Theater for $1.

The building was vacated four years ago after completion of the new Holton Elementary School.

The district had placed the property for sale on the real estate market, but it had not sold.  The original portion of the school dates to the 1950s.

Members of the theater group initially approached the board in June about taking over the building.

Since 2014, the group has had 18 productions plus four summer youth camps.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A second man has been arrested for allegedly shooting into a car and killing a toddler in a St. Joseph neighborhood.

Buchanan County Jail records show 21-year-old Caimon Stillman, of St. Joseph, was booked early Saturday.  He is being held without bond on a charge of second-degree murder in the Aug. 9 shooting that left 2-year-old Raelynn Craig dead and two others wounded.

Prosecutors allege Stillman and another man, 20-year-old Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard, fired from a Hyundai Elantra into the Dodge Caliber in which the victims were riding.

Kimbrough-Ballard also is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting.

He remains in the Buchanan County Jail without bond. 

(KNZA)--A public health advisory has been issued for a portion of the Delaware River in Jefferson County between Valley Falls and Perry Lake due to blue-green algae.

That word came Thursday in a news release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Locally, also under " watch" status are the Brown State Fishing Lake, located northeast of Robinson, and Perry Lake, zones A,B and C.

The release said the health advisory that had been in place for Horton's Mission Lake has been lifted.

For lake's under watch status, KDHE says people are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting is first COVID-19-related death.

The Atchison County Health Department made the announcement Friday in a post on its Facebook page.

The Health Department said the individual was in their 70's.  The Department said they will not be releasing any further information on the individual out of respect to their family.

The Department reported a total of 219 positive cases Friday, with three hospitalizations. They noted over 120 of the cases are due to an outbreak in Atchison.

The health department said they are working closing with the county and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to mitigate further spread.

Statewide, the number of new reported coronavirus cases rose by 1,111 from Wednesday to Friday to bring the total to 41,048. KDHE also reported an additional six COVID-19-related deaths, to put the pandemic total at 443.

(KAIR)--A St. Joseph man has been charged in connection with a drive-by shooting earlier this month that killed a two-year girl.

The St. Joseph News Press reports 20-year-old Marcain Rashaud Kimbrough-Ballard was charged Thursday with second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.

Police say Raelynn Craig was among three occupants in a parked car that was struck by gunfire on August 9 in midtown St. Joseph.

Craig was taken to a local hospital where she died. A man and woman in the vehicle were injured.

Kimbrough-Ballard is being held in the Buchanan County Jail without bond.

He's scheduled to appear in court Monday for arraignment.

(KNZA)--Two proposals for the purchase of Horton's lone nursing home have been turned down.

The Horton Headlight reports the Mission Village Living Center Board held a special meeting earlier this month to review proposals submitted by the Atchison Hospital and Jefferson County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

The newspaper says after evaluation of the two proposals, it was the unanimous decision of the Board not to sell the nursing home.

Operation of Mission Village will continue under the current management contract with Mid-America Hospital Management.

The Atchison Hospital had proposed to purchase the nursing home for $200,000, while the Jefferson County Memorial Hospital Foundation had proposed a purchase price of nearly $131,000.

The Atchison Hospital finalized purchase of the Horton Health Care facilities in March, and re-opened the Horton Clinic June 1.

Hospital CEO Jeff Perry told the Horton City Commission during a special meeting in June that the hospital was interested in providing a full spectrum of health care services in the community, and a nursing home had been part of that plan from the beginning.

(KNZA)--Brown County is reporting its first COVID-19-related death.

The Brown County Health Department, in a news release Thursday, said the individual was a Brown County resident over the age of 65.

Due to the sensitive nature of the matter, the release said no further details will be shared.

The health department on Wednesday reported a total of 70 positive cases, with three current hospitalizations.  57 have recovered.

The health department urges Brown County residents to stay home when you are feeling ill, wash your hands frequently and to wear a mask when social distancing cannot be maintained.

(KNZA)--Brown County residents are continuing to receive unsolicited packages in the mail.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said Thursday he has taken a number of complaints from residents who are receiving packages from Wuhan, China being sent through the U.S Postal Service.  

He says the packages have contained everything from Cartier jewelry, face masks, seeds, clothing and household tools.

Merchant says one thing in common is that they all show that the package originates from Wuhan based on the return address label.  

Some of the packages have the residents name and address as well as their phone number across the address label.

Merchant said he has again contacted postal inspectors and made them aware of what has been received.

So far, he has been informed there appears to be no contamination or reason why random people are receiving these packages.

The Sheriff says if you receive such a package and you did not order it, mark " return to sender” across the face of the package and return it to your local post office. If the package has been opened, Merchant says the postal inspector recommends throwing it away.

As a precaution, he says keep in contact with your bank to make sure unauthorized withdrawals are not being made from your accounts and that there are no  unauthorized charges to your credit card accounts.

Below is information received from Paul Shade, Postal Inspector Public
Information Officer:

A company sends you a gift in the mail — a tie, a good luck charm, or a key chain. You didn’t order the gift. What do you do? Many people will feel guilty and pay for the gift. But you don’t have to. What you do with the merchandise is entirely up to you.

*If you have not opened the package, mark it “Return to Sender.” The Postal
Service will send it back at no charge to you.
*If you open the package and don’t like what you find, throw it away.
*If you open the package and like what you find, keep it — free. This is a rare instance where “finders, keepers” applies unconditionally.

Whatever you do, don’t pay for it — and don’t get conned if the sender follows up with a phone call or visit. By law, unsolicited merchandise is yours to keep.

Victims can contact the USPIS at 1-877-876-2455 with any questions
regarding unsolicited packages.
 

(KLZA)-- A Hiawatha man was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court to 12 years in federal prison with no chance of parole.

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's office in Nebraska, 32-year-old Cody Rhyne was sentenced for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

In December of last year, Rhyne drove to the former Shopko parking lot in Falls City, where he sold an informant a half an ounce of methamphetamine.  Officers followed Rhyne's vehicle and activated emergency lights and sirens but he did not stop.  A pursuit reaching speeds of 105 miles per hour ensued during which Rhyne ran three stop signs,  one traffic control device, turned in front of a semi, and was almost hit at the intersection of Highways 8 and 75.

Rhyne's car ran out of gas south of Humboldt and he then fled on foot. He was taken into custody shortly thereafter.  

Inside the vehicle officers found a .9 mm handgun, a loaded handgun magazine containing hollow point rounds, digital scales and six plastic bags containing a total of 299.734 grams of lab-confirmed methamphetamine mixture.  

Rhyne admitted during an interview that he sold ten grams of meth and a .22 caliber rifle to the informant and that he planned to sell more methamphetamine.  

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as part of  the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.  

Rhyne was arrested by Richardson County Sheriff's deputies following the pursuit. 

Following Rhynes release from prison he will be on supervised release for a period of three years. 

(KLZA)-- The Atchison County, Missouri, Route U bridge over a drainage ditch near Phelps City closed Wednesday afternoon for further evaluation of the bridge deck. 

Phillips Hardy, Inc, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, completed a deck replacement project in early June, reopening the Route U bridge to local traffic. During a follow-up inspection on Wednesday, crews re-closed the bridge to further evaluate of the bridge girders.

For the safety of motorists, the bridge will remain closed to all traffic during the evaluation and subsequent repairs. The duration of the closure is not known at this time. Route U remains closed to thru traffic due to damage sustained during the spring 2019 flooding.

(KLZA)-- A building that had been declared unsafe by the Mound City Board of Aldermen collapsed Thursday morning, causing a section of U.S. Route  59 in Mound City to be closed.

Mound City Mayor Joe Laukemper told MSC News the building, built in 1885 was owned by Mike Reid but was not in use at the present time.

The building, known as "The Crawford Building" is located on the corner of 6th and State Street in Mound City.  

MOUND CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation announced Thursday morning that U.S. Route 59 is closed in both directions in Mound City, from Route 118 to Route E, due to the collapse of a building.

The roadway will be closed for several hours and could be extended. Until the roadway is reopened, motorists must use a different route.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Coiuncil will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget and property tax levy when they meet September 14.

CPA Julie Bauman presented the budget information to the council during their Monday night meeting. 

The Council did vote to approve the additional 1% allowable growth rate in the budget during the meeting.

In other action, Council members received an update on the proposed water tower painting project.  McGuire Iron of Sioux Falls, South Dakota is the only company to respond to a request for proposals for rust repairs,  cleaning and painting the water tower.  

The project would require the tower to be drained,  and would have to remain empty for six days.  

Mitchell Turnbull, owner of the Blazin' Bull in Pawnee City addressed the Council concerning street parking,  support for existing businesses and spending taxpayer money on equipment.

Turnbull was asked to return to a future meeting of the Council with ideas on how the city could help businesses.  

(KLZA)-- Humboldt -  Table Rock – Steianuer School Superintendnet Sherry Edmundson has announced she will retire from her position at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year. 

Edmundson will have been with the HTRS District six years at that point.

Edmundson came to Humboldt from Marysville, Kansas, following her retirement as Assistant Superintendent from that school district. 
 

(KNZA)--The 2021 Doniphan County budget has been adopted as published.

The Doniphan County Commission took the action Monday on a 2-1 vote following a hearing drawing no public comment. Commissioner Timothy Collins cast the lone dissenting vote.

The budget calls for net expenditures of nearly $12.3 million.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 38.601 mills, a 1.1 mill property tax levy decrease over this year.

The tax levy is to generate more than $5.7 million in revenue.

The Commission also adopted the 2021 Doniphan County Ambulance District #1 budget. It contains a mill levy rate of 2.246 mills, with appropriations to made to the city of Troy for operations of the ambulance district in the amount of $144,000. That's an increase of $50,0000 over 2020.

Following an executive session, the Commission voted unanimously to terminate Nicholas Popple as second district road foreman, effective August 24.

Following a separate executive session, the Commission vote unanimously to hire Kim Whitsell on a part-time basis as the Troy Senior Citizens Center director a salary of $11.50 an hour, subject to pre-employment screening.

She replaces longtime director Shirley Clary who was terminated, effective August 12.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Clerk’s Office has been fielding calls from county residents confused about “Vote At Home Ballot Request Forms” that they’ve been receiving through the mail.

The mailer comes from The Center for Voter Information, a non-government, non-profit organization, that’s not affiliated with any state or local election office. The center is legally allowed to send these documents, which have gone out to millions of homes across the country.

The mailer follows one conducted by the Atchison County Clerk’s Office earlier this summer in which county residents were sent applications for mail-in ballots for the primary election in August and the General election in November.

Officials in the clerk’s office say if you’ve already submitted a form requesting a mail-in ballot for the general election, you don’t have to do so again.

This information is also stated in the mailer coming from the non-government center; however, the duplication has naturally led to some confusion.

The clerk’s office adds that the forms tend to be going out only to the registered Democrats in the county.

(KLZA)--A Crab Orchard, Nebraska woman was arrested in Marshall County, Kansas following a pursuit Tuesday that begain in Johnson County, Nebraska.

A news release from Johnson County Attoreny Rick Smith says 43-year-old Tanya Binnick was arrested by Kansas authorities. Johnson County Sheriff's Department officers approached Binnick's residence in an attempt to arrest her on misdemeanor warrants from Johnson and Pawnee Counties.

Officers saw Binnick's vehicle leaving the scene and pursued her through Johnson and Pawnee Counties. Johnson County Sheriff Scott Walton deployed spike strips which flattened her tires, but she crossed into Kansas before her vehicle became immobile after running into a corn field.

Binnick is in the Marshall County, Kansas Jail awaiting extradition to Nebraska to face felony charges of fleeing to avoid arrest, attempted assault of an officer and using a weapon to commit a felony.

(KAIR)-- Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment at Atchison's Benedictine College is setting records.

 The college on Wednesday reported the largest incoming freshman class and the largest overall enrollment in the 162-year history of the private liberal arts college. 

 According to the school’s Office of Academic Records & Registration, the first-day, full-time undergraduate enrollment for the 2020-2021 academic year is 1,980 and the freshman class is 581.

 August 19 marked the first day of classes.

 Of the freshman class, the college said 51% are male.  As a group, they represent five foreign countries and 42 states, with Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Texas, and Illinois sending the most students. 

 The college says it has been steadily expanding its facilities to keep up with the demand.  In the past eight years, Benedictine has built six new academic buildings.

(KLZA)--  After beginning construction in mid-June for a deck replacement project, a Holt County bridge is now complete. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation contracted with Phillips Hardy, Inc. to replace the bridge decks on four bridges in Northwest Missouri. Crews completed the last of these bridges, Holt County Route T Easter Creek Bridge, and reopened the roadway Tuesday afternoon.
The bridges included in this deck replacement project were:
Holt County Route T bridge over Spring Branch – complete 
Atchison County Route U bridge near Phelps City – complete 
Holt County Route H bridge over Nichols creek – complete 
Holt County Route T bridge over Easter Creek near Oregon – completed. 
These bridges are included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
 

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education approved the property tax rate for the 2020-21 Fiscal Year Budget when they met August 18th. 

 The rates will be just over a penny higher than last year with the rate approved at $4.075 cents. 

 The Board also approved the transporation contact extension with Apple Bus.  

 The tuition rate for non-district students was set at $3,500 per year. 

 Following a closed session to discuss personnel,  the Board approved the hire of Ashley Hollingsworth as Elementary Secretary,  Katie Cole as Head Coach of Girls Varsity basketball and Junior High Track.  Alan Ottman will serve as Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach and as High  School Golf Coach.  

  A number of policies were updated during the meeting.  Superintendent Korey  Miles notes that new water bottle filling stations have been installed and two more have been purchased.  He also noted new partitions and sinks have been placed in the gymnasium public restrooms along with new partitions being placed in the Middle School bathrooms.

(KLZA)-- Unemployment rates dipped in Southeast Nebraska counties and statewide during the month of July. 

Locally,  Pawnee County has the lowest jobless rate at 3.2 percent down from 4.5 percent in June.

Richardson County had a dip of 8-tenths to 3.9 percent unemployment.  

Nemaha County had the highest unemployment rate at five percent,  down from 5.9 percent.  Johnson County also had a dip of nine-tenths to four percent.  

The unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in Gage County and 4.1 percent in Otoe County.  The Otoe County  unemployment rate was down 1.5 percent.

Statewide the July unemployment rate was down to 4.8 percent compared to 5.5 percent in June.  

Nebraska has the second lowest unemployment rate in the nation, behind Utah.  Nationally for July the unemployment rate was 10.2 percent. 

(KNZA)--With school ready to start, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is offering a few basic tips to make sure the new school year starts safely.

With a lot more kids on the streets walking to school or riding bicycles, he says motorists need to take extra time to watch out for them, especially near school zones.

Merchant says many of the kids are very anxious to get back to school and they may not be as cautious as they should be when crossing streets, so be alert for them.

Also, buses will be throughout the county picking up children. He says make sure to give them plenty of room and honor their stop sign when extended. 

Merchant says his department has a “zero tolerance policy” when it comes to running a school bus stop sign. If you choose to ignore the sign, he says you will be issued a citation. 

In addition, Merchant says remember to buckle up when driving or riding in a vehicle.

(KAIR)--Just days after students returned to class, Benedictine College in Atchison is seeing a rising number of COVID-19 cases.

 As of Wednesday, the college reported on its website 74 active cases, which is three percent of the campus population of nearly 2,500.   

The private liberal arts college provided mass testing on campus for every student, teacher, and staff as part of their return to campus this fall. 

 Move-in day for students was on Aug. 14 and 15. The first day of classes was August 19.

(KNZA)--The Greater Sabetha Community Foundation is the recipient of a $10,000 gift from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Pathways to a Healthy Kansas.

The gift is part of the company's #AdAstraStrong social campaign, which was launched in May.

Community foundations had the opportunity to share stories from their communities about businesses, groups and individuals working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a news release, the Sabetha foundation submitted the story about the Prairie Hills USD 113 food service program, which earned the monetary gift.

GSCF was among seven community foundations selected to receive a donation.

The release says the gift will benefit the Sabetha City with Heart Fund, which was initiated by the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation and the Sabetha Chamber of Commerce to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To date, more than $40,000 has been donated to the fund. $31,000 has been granted to individuals, families and small businesses.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are investigating a string of catalytic converter thefts from vehicles.

Police Chief Mike Wilson said they have received reports of thefts from four vehicles since late last month.

On July 28, a catalytic converter was taken from a van in a parking lot in the 1600 block Riley Street.

On August 6, the police department took a report of the theft of catalytic converters from two vans in a parking lot in the 1000 block North 2nd Street.

The latest theft was reported Tuesday, with a catalytic converter taken from a SUV in a parking lot in the 600 block Main.    

Wilson said all four vehicles would set high enough where a thief could maneuver under the vehicle and cut the catalytic converter from the vehicle very quickly.   

He said catalytic converters, which cost hundreds of dollars to replace, have a significant value as scrap. 

Anyone with information on the thefts is urged to contact the Atchison Police Department.   

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved funding to assist the Elwood Gladden Drainage District with levee repair costs.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, Attorney Joel Euler met with the Commission Monday on behalf of the drainage district to ask that the county designate $200,000 a year in sales tax proceeds for a five-year period, beginning in 2021, to help offset the drainage district's $3 million required payment for levee repairs.

The project is to include under seepage berm repair, raising the height of the levee structure and acquisition of permanent easements from adjoining landowners.

Kansas is responsible for $33 million of the $77 million federal project.

Euler said use of the sales tax funds would be an allowable expense as a capital improvement project to county owned property in order to protect the county's tax base from potential flood risks.

The Commission voted unanimously to approve the funding request.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A company planning a high-voltage power line carrying wind energy across the Midwest says it plans to distribute more electricity in Missouri and Kansas.

Invenergy Transmission had previously announced that 500 of its planned 4,000 megawatts of power would go to Missouri. The rest was expected to be carried to a power grid connection in Indiana that serves eastern states.

On Tuesday, Invenergy said it will instead set aside up to 2,500 megawatts of wind power for Missouri and Kansas.

That comes as the company still is awaiting regulatory approval for the portion of its power line that would pass through Illinois.

PRATT, Kan. (AP) — Kansas hunters will be allowed to use artificial light and thermal imaging equipment to hunt coyotes at night beginning next year.

The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission voted last week to make changes for night hunting of coyotes in response to requests from hunters.

Artificial lights and thermal imaging will be allowed between Jan. 1 and March 31, and hunters will be required to buy a permit to use the equipment.

Matt Peek, a furbearer biologist with the wildlife department said states surrounding Kansas all allow the use of equipment at night, and Kansas hunters have been asking for the change for several years.

(KAIR)--The Atchison USD 409 Board of Education has ratified a negotiated agreement with the Atchison National Education Association for 2020-22.

Superintendent Renee Scott said the Board approved the two-year contract during a special meeting Friday evening.

Under the contract, Scott said teachers will see an average salary increase of 2.97 percent. The base salary will increase $1,000 to $40,000.

She said the contract includes a clause that allows it to be re-opened and renegotiated after the first year if funding is significantly cut or increased.

In other business, the Board approved the 2020-21 budget as published following a hearing drawing no public comment.

The budget calls for net expenditures of nearly $31 million and contains a slight mill levy decrease.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 53.779 mills, which is to just more than $5 million in tax revenue.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha USD 415 will begin school on-site next week.

The Hiawatha School Board made that decision during a special meeting Monday morning after receiving input from local health care providers and examining guidelines created by the Kansas Department of Education.

As of Monday, the Brown County Health Department reported 62 positive COVID-19 cases to date, with 11 cases currently active in the county, including three hospitalizations.

 Superintendent Lonnie Moser said they will continue to monitor the situation daily and plan so they can pivot to a hybrid or on-line learning mode should circumstances necessitate.

Following discussion, the Board also decided to implement a "ticket system" for football games and volleyball matches to limit the number of spectators so social distancing can be maintained.

The district's administrators will decide on the number of tickets to be provided to each player.

Masks will be required at volleyball matches but optional at football games except when entering and exiting the stadium.

School in USD 415 is to begin September 2 for kindergartners, 5th and 9th graders. All students will begin school  September 3.

(KNZA)--Two men were arrested following a pursuit that began in Richardson County, Nebraska and ended across the Kansas border in neighboring Brown County.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the sheriff's dispatch was advised early Sunday morning that Richardson County deputies were in pursuit of a vehicle heading toward Brown County at speeds of over 130 miles an hour.

A short time later, the vehicle was stopped in the vicinity of U.S. 73 Highway and 270th Road.

Based on information from Richardson County deputies and their own investigation, Merchant said the driver of the vehicle, 21-year-old Falls City resident Broderick Smith, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, transporting an open container,possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, fleeing or attempting to elude and driver's license restrictions.

A passenger, 20-year-old Hiawatha resident Brandon Adams, was also arrested on  charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Adams and Smith were transported to the Brown County Jail.  

Merchant said a 17-year-old juvenile was also in the vehicle, and Richardson County deputies returned him to Falls City.  

No injuries were reported.

The case remains under investigation by the Richardson and Brown County agencies.

Sac and Fox Tribal Police assisted. 

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council last week approved renewing insurance for the Humboldt Fire and Humboldt Rural Fire Departments and the City of Humboldt through the League Association of Risk Management for the next year.

During the Tuesday evening meeting the Council also accepted the retirement resignation from City Maintenance Supervisor Les Drake who had worked nearly 26 years for the City of Humboldt. 

Also approved was the election of Dan Duryea and Dan Ingwersen to the Humboldt Auditorium Board.

An ordinance to amend the City Code concerning the discharge of fireworks in the city limits was approved on first reading.  If given final approval, the fireworks code would mirror the State Statutes on discharging fireworks.

Approval was also given to installing a safety fence to close off the washed out area of the Lake Park going to the Railroad Bridge.

Topics that will continue on the agenda in the future following discussion last week are the possible purchase of security cameras for the City;  the use of ATV's, UTV's and Golf Carts within the City limits.  

(KLZA)-- The annual Holt County Autumn Festival has been cancelled for this year.  

The carnival company for the event canceled and a replacement could not be found.  

According to the Mound City News, the Holt County Health Department expressed concerns about the increase in COVID-19 cases.  

The Holt County Autumn Festival was scheduled for September 16 - 19 in Oregon, Missouri. 

(KLZA)-- A Tarkio, Missouri man suffered moderate injuries when he was ejected from the motorcycle he was riding approximately four miles west of Fairfax, on Route J Sunday afternoon around 3:30. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates 33-year-old Jake Harbin was northbound when the motorcycle traveled off the west side of the road and overturned, ejecting him.  

Harbin refused treatment for his injuries at the scene of the wreck.  There was extensive damage to the 2019 Harley Davidson motorcycle. 

The Atchison County Sheriff's Department and the Fairfax Fire Department assisted at the scene of the wreck. 

(KNZA)-- A White Cloud woman has been appointed to Governor Kelly's Commission on Racial Equity and Justice.

 Kelly announced Friday the appointment of Elyse Towey to the 14-member commission.

 Kelly issued an executive order in June creating the commission.

 According to a release from the Governor's office, the Commission will study racial equity and justice in Kansas, and hold listening sessions with Kansans across the state with experience and expertise in the topic.

 The release says the Commission will make recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and local governments on concrete and immediate steps that can be taken to increase racial equity and justice in the state.

 The governor promised her administration would tackle such issues following George Floyd’s death May 25 in Minnesota. 

(KAIR)-- A Sunday afternoon Buchanan County wreck involving a riding lawn mower and car sent an Easton, Missouri woman to the hospital with serious injuries. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on Route AB about three miles east of St. Joseph around 1:30

 The Patrol says a northbound car driven by 31-year-old Amy Babcock, of Stewartsville, attempted to pass a northbound John Deere riding lawn mower driven by 69-year-old Carol Horton as she attempted to make a left turn.

 Horton was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph .

 Babcock was not hurt. 

(KAIR)--Two Easton, Missouri residents were injured Saturday evening in a Buchanan County UTV accident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on private property on Malden Creek Road about two miles west of Gower around 7:15.

The Patrol says 30-year-old Shianne Mauzey was operating a Can Am X3 when it overturned, coming to rest on its side in a ravine.

A passenger, 37-year-old Matthew Mauzey, was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with what were described as moderate injuries.

Shianne Mauzey was treated at the scene by EMS personnel for minor injuries.

The Patrol says both occupants were wearing safety devices.

(KMZA)--Services have been set for the second teen victim of a Pottawatomie County rollover crash early August 16.

18-year-old Keaton Blaske, of Havensville, died Tuesday at a Topeka hospital from injuries received in the crash on K-63 Highway in rural Havensvile.

According to an obituary from the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga, a Celebration of Life service for Blaske will be at 10:00 Thursday morning ( August 27) at the Onaga Community Center.

Family and friends will meet Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 at the Community Center.

Your asked to wear a face mask at the visitation and funeral.

Keaton will lie in state at the funeral home Wednesday from 9 to 4.

He was a senior at Onaga High School where he was active in several student organizations and participated in basketball, track and cross country.

A private funeral service was held this week for 19-year-old Quinton Norris, of Onaga, who also died from injuries received in the crash.

(KAIR)-- An Atchison accident investigation leads to the arrest of a Bendena man for possession of stolen property.

 Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said 60-year-old Raymond Albright was arrested Thursday following an accident in the 600 block of North 9th Street.

 Wilson said the investigation determined that the 2007 Chevy Silverado pickup truck Albright was driving had been reported stolen in Olathe sometime between July 6 and July 14.

 Wilson said the accident involved a utility pole being struck by a trailer being pulled by the pickup. Albright was taken into custody a block from the accident scene.

 Wilson said the investigation is continuing by Atchison Police as well as Olathe Police.

 Albright was booked into the Atchison County Jail, and has since been released on a $2,500 bond.  

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting a large increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the county.

The Atchison County Health Department on Friday reported 157 positive cases to date. That's up twenty-two cases since Thursday and fifty-eight cases since last Friday, August 14. 

Two hospitalizations are reported. The agency did not report the number of recovered cases.

The Health Department says almost all of the new cases are coming from a cluster in the county.

The county has completed 3,271 tests.

Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge this week issued a new emergency order, which extends Phase 3.5 of the county's reopening plan until October 6.

Under the order, mass gatherings of more than 45 individuals are prohibited and masks are required in public places.

Statewide, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported  36,856 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date,  with 419 virus-related deaths. 

(KLZA)-- The Holt County Health Department has reported the first death of a Holt County resident due to COVID-19.

The resident was a female in her 70's and tested positive for COVID-19 on August 6.  The individual had underlying medical conditions. 

The Health Department also reported the county currently has 53 total positive cases with 24 of those cases being active. 

Holt County residents are encouraged to maintain physical distance of six feet when in public settings,  staying home when your are sick, perform proper hand washing, and continue cleaning frequently touched surfaces.  

If you cannot maintain six feet of physical distance from others, it is recommended you wear a face covering. 

(KAIR)--A Melbourne, Florida man accused the armed robbery of an Atchison business earlier this month has been extradited to Atchison County to face charges.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 26-year-old Mark Stephens is now in the Atchison County Jail.

Stephens was booked into the jail Wednesday on charges of aggravated robbery and felony theft. He's being held on a $100,000 bond.

Stephens is accused of robbing Cricket Wireless in the 100-block of South 8th Street on August 8.

Wilson said Stephens entered the store and ordered a clerk to get him iPhones from a locked box as he showed the clerk a handgun in his waist.

He allegedly grabbed phone accessories before fleeing the scene in a nearby parked vehicle.

Stephens was later arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Platte County, Missouri. It was determine the Nissan SUV he was driving had been stolen from the Kansas City area.

(KNZA )--Royal Valley USD 337 is pushing back the start of school and making some changes to reopening plan.

In a post on the district's Facebook page, Superintendent Aaric Davis announced he was informed by the Jackson County Health Department Thursday night that they are not recommending the Royal Valley District start with full on-site learning on Monday. 

As a result, Davis said he's making some changes for next week. He said there will be no school on Monday or Tuesday, and they will begin with small groups of priority learners on Wednesday and all other students will start classes remotely on Wednesday too. 

Beginning the week of August 31st, the district will begin a hybrid model where priority learners come everyday and all other students attend 2 days per week. 

The district says the determination of which students are priority learners will be made as soon as possible and parents will be notified.

Davis said with this change so close to the start of the year, additional planning will be required and they will get additional information out as soon as possible.  

In addition, Davis said sports practices and competition are suspended immediately and the earliest they may resume is Monday, August 31st.

The Jackson County Health Department on Thursday reported five new positive cases of COVID-19 in the county, bringing the county's total to 178. 156 individuals have recovered and there are currently no hospitalizations. 

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department has updated the information on their new COVID-19  Dashboard. 

As of Friday morning there has been 17 new cases reported within the five-county service area since Monday.  

There were two new cases in Johnson County bringing the total to 20.

Two additional cases in Nemaha County bring the county total to 52.  

There was one new case in Pawnee County making the county total 10.

Otoe County had 12 additional cases pushing the total up to 79.

In Richardson County,  two cases were removed from the total.  Richardson County now has had 28 confirmed cases of COVID-19. 

There have been two deaths reported from COVID-19 within the SEDHD service area. 

Of the 189 total cases,  54.8 percent are from community spread.  33.9 percent are from direct contact.  6.4 percent of those with the virus have been hospitalized.

5,685 tests have been conducted for COVID-19 in the service area with 3.3 percent of those testing positive.

(KLZA)-- Due to the continued increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the Auburn, Nebraska School District is moving to the “Moderate Risk” level beginning Monday, August 24.

Auburn Public School parents are being advised the District will move to an A/B schedule Monday with approximately fifty percent of the students in attendance at any one time allowing for greater chances of social distancing.

It is expected the A/B schedule for all grades, Pre-Kindergarten through 12 will be in effect for six to nine weeks. 

Families should have received a letter recently notifying them of their households A/B placement. An attempt was made to keep students from the same household together to attend classes on the same days.

The A/B schedule will be four days of face-to-face instruction and four days of packet work and / or online work via Class DoJo for K-2 students or Google Classroom for students in grades 3 – 12 Monday through Thursday.  Fridays will be utilized by teachers for planning, professional development and supporting students. 

Because of the move to the “Moderate Risk” level, the Auburn Public Schools will begin to limit spectators at athletic and other activities beginning August 24.  Each participant in the event will allowed up to six individuals to attend the event the student is participating in. 

Masks will be required at all indoor and outdoor events.  

Superintendent David Patton said the school district will continue to work with the local Health Department and other medical professional in the communities making up the Auburn School District to assess the status of COVID-19 and make another assessment of the school status at the next School Board meeting.  

The letter from  Superintendent Patton is below.

August 20, 2020

To our students, families, and communities, 

We must inform you of some needed safety changes for our students, staff, and families in our District.

Due to the continued increase in positive COVID-19 cases, the District is moving to the orange or “Moderate Risk” level beginning Monday, August 24th.  This means the District will be moving to an A/B schedule on this date with approximately fifty percent of our students in attendance at any one time allowing for greater chances of social distancing.  The A/B schedule will be for all grades, PK-12 and will be in effect for approximately six to nine weeks. 

Recently, your family received a letter notifying you of your household’s A/B placement.  We attempted to keep students from the same household together to attend classes on the same days. 

The A/B schedule will consist of four days of face-to-face instruction and four days of packet work and/or online work via Class Dojo (K-2) or Google Classroom (3-12) Monday through Thursday. Fridays will be utilized by teachers for planning, professional development, and supporting students. Teachers will be assigning work for students to complete on the days they are not attending school face-to-face. It is essential that students complete this work to ensure continuity of instruction. All work will be graded as designated by the teacher. Building principals can answer more questions regarding academic requirements. 

Also, because of our need to move to the “Moderate Risk” level, we will begin to limit spectators at athletic and other activities on the 8/24/20. Each participant in the event will be allowed up to six (6) individuals to attend the event the student is participating in.  There are no limits as to whom the student can identify to attend the event. Masks will be required at all indoor and outdoor events. Your building principal or the Athletic Director can help answer any questions you may have. As many events as possible will be streamed on our Striv channel.  More information about watching the events on-line can be found on our website www.auburnpublicschools.org.

We understand that this may cause some inconveniences and are disappointed that we are having to take these steps. We believe moving to an A/B schedule is the correct step to take in order to have a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff.  We desire to do all that we can to keep the schools and the activities our students enjoy open for this year.  

We will continue to work with our local Health Department and other medical professionals in our communities to assess the status of COVID-19 and make another assessment of our status at our next monthly Board of Education meeting. 

Sincerely,

David Patton
Superintendent, Auburn Public Schools
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council Monday evening approved a resolution to transfer $320-thousand from the  Capital Improvement Sinking Fund to the General Fund for the next Fiscal Year.

In addition, Council members approved an additional one-percent allowable growth rate for restricted funds as allowed by state law. That will allow the city to increase restricted funds by three-and-a-half percent.

In other business the  Council approved use of approximately Three thousand dollars of HUD EDI Funds to be used on the new 33rd Street project as requested by Falls City  Economic Development and Growth Enterprise. 

The lone bid for demolition of a two-story house at 1613 Abbott Street owned by the City was approved.  Frederick Brothers of Falls City will demolish the home at a cost of the City of $8,250.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council scheduled a Recall Election for Mayor Robert Mendenhall for Tuesday, November 3 when they met Tuesday evening. 

A recall petition circulated in Humboldt had a sufficient number of signatures to force the recall of the first-term Mayor.  

The Recall Election will be held in conjunction with the General Election the same day. 

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Jefferson County community of Ozawkie.

The advisory was issued Monday because the system was unable to maintain required chlorine residual levels. Failure to maintain adequate chlorine residuals may lead to bacterial contamination.

KDHE says laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Ozawkie indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed to be resolved. 

(KNZA)--An improvement project planned at the Hiawatha Municipal Airport moves forward.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening accepted the low bid submitted by Herzog Contracting Corporation, of St. Joseph, to pave the T-hangar taxilane. The bid was for $57,750.

It was among two bids opened on August 12.

The city was awarded a grant through the Kansas Department of Transportation to help fund the project.

City staff will perform the dirt work and site prep.

The project is slated for this fall.

In other business, City Administrator Mike Nichols provided an update on the ongoing city sales tax streets improvement project.

Nichols said the contractor, AHRS Construction, is currently working on pouring concrete on Miami Street, with one side of the street completed through one section. The Miami Street project was started in 2019 and halted for the winter between Sixth and Seventh Streets.

After completing that stretch of Miami, Nichols said AHRS will move to North 7th Street between Oregon and Delaware, and then on to South 7th between Utah and Iowa Streets.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has identified the man who was shot by a trooper near Mayetta Wednesday evening.

The KBI, in a news release Thursday, identified the man as 41-year-old Shanon Wren, of Topeka.

KBI Communications Director Melissa Underwood said Wren was armed with a knife when he was shot.

A Jackson County sheriff’s deputy spotted a car with a stolen tag at the Prairie Band Casino and Resort parking lot Wednesday afternoon. When the deputy tried to contact the driver, he drove off. The deputy chased him to an area southeast of Mayetta, where Wren crashed.

Wren and a female passenger fled on foot into a wooded area.

The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted in locating them about a half mile away. The KBI said Wren was shot during a confrontation.

Wren was initially flown to a Topeka hospital, and then was later taken by air ambulance to University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, where he remained in critical condition Thursday afternoon.

The female passenger was taken to a Topeka hospital, where she was treated for a condition unrelated to the incident and released.

The Highway Patrol requested the KBI investigate the shooting. Once completed, the KBI says their findings will be turned over to the Jackson County Attorney for review.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners adopted a resolution during their Tuesday meeting to execute the necessary documents requited to receive U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Financial Assistance for a  Sheriff's Office Vehicle and Equipment Project. 

Commissioners also approved a request from Sheriff Rick Hardesty to advertise for sale on social media sites, a surplus 2011 Ford Crown Victoria.

Discussion was also held on the providing of meals to inmates at the jail.  A contract with Consolidated Correction Foodservice was reviewed with other quotes to be sought for further review.  

County Building Maintenance Technician Ryler Cooper met with Commissioners to further review quotes that have been received so for for the replacement of drain and sewer pipes an also a quote for the replacement of the water supply lines to the restrooms and offices within the Courthouse.  

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. informed the Board that he will be advertising to fill a vacancy at the Department.  

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members took no action Monday night on a request from Tom Adams to place STOP signs on Abbott Street at 17th and 18th Streets. 

Adams said he was concerned about the speed of the traffic on Abbott Street with an increasing number of children in the area. 

While the Council acknowledged the problem, some felt it would set a precedent and many more people would request STOP signs in their neighborhoods.

Third Ward Council member Micth Merz suggested the City develop a master plan to held determine the locations most in need of traffic signs since there seems to be a greater number of traffic infractions occurring all over town.

In other action,  The council approved a request to block of 17th Street between Harlan and Stone Streets on Sunday, September 27  for a “eat local take out party” sponsored by the Falls City Chamber of Commerce & Main Street in an effort to support local eating establishments by ordering take out and encouraging patrons to shop downtown. 

(KNZA)--A group of twelve Doniphan County residents appeared at this week's County Commission meeting to protest the recent firing of the longtime director of the Troy Senior Citizens Center.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, group spokeswoman Marla Cummings read a prepared statement voicing the group's concerns about the termination of Shirley Clary.

Commission Chairman Tad Geiger thanked those in attendance for addressing the Board. He said personnel matters are confidential in nature and commissioners couldn't comment publicly. However, Geiger said the Commission would take their comments under consideration.

Following an executive session later in the meeting, commissioners announced the termination of Clary, which was effective August 12.

In other business, the Commission voted to submit an application to the Kansas Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2022 funding for the replacement of a bridge on 140th Road, south of Denton.

Funding is being sought through the Off-System Bridge Replacement Program, which is for fracture critical bridges.

If approved, grant funds would cover 80 percent of the construction cost, with the county responsible for the remaining 20 percent plus engineering costs.

And the Commission accepted a bid from Pierce Heating and Cooling for a new furnace for the County annex building in the amount of $2,155.

The building currently houses the Doniphan County Extension Office.

(KAIR)--The 2021 Atchison County budget has approved as published.

That came during Tuesday's meeting of the Atchison County Commission following a hearing drawing no public comment.

The budget, which calls for net expenditures of $18.3 million, keeps the property tax levy steady.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 53.130 mills, which is to generate more than $9.5 million.

Even though the mill levy will remain steady, the county will collect more than $380,000 in additional revenue due to a nearly $7.2 million increase in the county's assessed valuation.

(KNZA)--More than $130 million in grants are available to support Kansas businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and enable companies to expand broadband access in the state.

According to a news release from the office of Governor Laura Kelly, applications are now being accepted for the SPARK economic development and connectivity grants programs.

In addition to providing financial relief, the release says grants will be available to businesses whose products and services will be needed in greater volume to help combat the virus and its effects. Funding is also being made available to expand broadband access both through infrastructure improvements and by partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income households.

The grants are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.

For more information or to apply, go to the Kansas Department of Commerce website.

Grants will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

(KAIR)--A Wednesday evening two-vehicle Atchison County crash sent a Denton man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 73 about 4 miles south of Atchison.

The Patrol said 21-year-old Nico Munson was traveling on U.S. 73 when his Dodge Dakota crossed the center line and sideswiped a semi tractor-trailer.

Munson, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City with suspected serious injuries.

The semi driver, 55-year-old Leavenworth resident Carlos Pena, was not hurt.

The wreck was reported around 8:30.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will investigate an officer-involved shooting in Jackson County Wednesday afternoon that occurred following a pursuit. 

Shortly before 4:00, Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said in a news release that   a sheriff's deputy discovered a Nissan Altima passenger car in the Prairie Band Potawatomi Casino and Resort parking lot that had been reported stolen.

The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle that was occupied by a male driver and female passenger.  The vehicle stopped and then quickly fled from the deputy.

Morse said a pursuit ensued in southern Jackson County. The driver of the stolen vehicle crashed through a gate to a pasture located west of T. Road on 158th Road.  The pursuit continued across the pasture and into a wooded area where the vehicle lodged in a creek.  

Morse said the two occupants of the vehicle fled into a wooded area with a rugged terrain.

Jackson County deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol troopers pursued the pair on foot.

During a standoff, the suspect was shot by a KHP trooper.

The suspect was transported to an area hospital by Life Star Air Ambulance.  

The female was detained by authorities.

No law enforcement officers were injured.

As is standard practice, in accordance with KHP policy, the Patrol said the trooper involved will be placed on administrative leave while the case is being investigated by the KBI. 

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

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said a sheriff's deputy stopped a Chevy Trailblazaer on U.S. 75 Highway near 302nd Road for traffic infraction shortly after 10:30 Tuesday evening.

Morse said the stop resulted in the arrest of the rear seat passenger who was identified as 26-year-old Damon Lynn Smith.

Smith was booked into the Jackson County Jail for distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp.

Smith also had an outstanding warrant for distribution of a hallucinogenic drug out of Atchison, County, and three outstanding warrants out of Lyon County.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is informing residents of a new scam circulating in the area.

It begins as residents being contacted by phone stating that they had won a Publishers Clearing house monetary prize.  The resident is then given a phone number to call and are instructed to send a money order to an Ohio address.  The man states he is James Anderson.

After the money is received in Ohio, a package is mailed to the resident containing a personal check---the amount varies from $250,000--$500,000. Merchant says its a very realistic personal check made out to the county resident.  

After the package containing the check is received by the county resident, the man again contacts the resident by phone stating that in order to cash the check , taxes need to be paid. At that time, the resident is instructed to send  a money order to a New Hampshire address.

Merchant said when the personal check sent to the resident was researched, it came back to a bank account in Namibia, Africa.

He said their casework has been forwarded to the Kansas Attorney General's office and they are currently working with other agencies as the scam is happening throughout the United States.

Merchant reminds residents if something sounds too good to be true it usually is, and not to send checks, cash or money orders out to anyone with the promise to get rich quick.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council discussed having the Southeast Nebraska Development District be the lead agency in seeking Community Block Grant Funds for another Downtown Revitalization project.

If awarded, the grant will require $100-thousand in matching funds. $10-thousand would be for CDBG Construction Management and $35-thousand for CDBG General Administration making the total cost of the projects $545-thousand.

The proposal calls for $235-thousand in sidewalk improvements in the 1500 block of Stone Street, with a $45-thousand city match.

There would also be $165-thousand in grant funds for commercial rehabilitation projects with $55-thousand paid by the property owners.

The Council will conduct at public hearing on the application during their September 7th meeting. The application is due September 15 with notification of the award anticipated in November or December of this year.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council has approved changes to a pair of articles of the IOUE Police Union contract when they met Monday evening.

The first change approved is changing the schedule and having officers work a regular schedule versus a rotating shift.  Currently officer work a 10-hour rotating shift. With the change, officers will work 12 hour shifts,  working 84 hours every two weeks.

The Council also approved a change to the wage scale deleting the amount of steps on the wage scale to get to the top of the scale.  The Investigator, Sergeant and Police Officer position will go from a seven-step pay-scale to a three-step pay scale, and will now start out at what was previously the fifth step on the pay scale. 

Two recent resignations have left the Police Department short-handed and a number of changes are being implemented including a $10-thousand hiring bonus for certified officers in an effort to recruit officers. 

(KMZA)--School is set to begin Thursday ( August 20) in the Nemaha Central school district, with in-person classes.

For parents not comfortable with sending their student to school, a remote learning option is being provided.

The USD 115 Board of Education, during their regular meeting last week, approved the district's “ Return to School” plan for the 2020-21 school year and guidelines for the wearing of masks on a 4-3 vote. Board members Jason Hammes, Joe Reitz and John Deters cast the dissenting votes.

Masks will required unless six foot of social distancing can occur or students are outside.  Multiple mask breaks will be provided.

A number of safety measures have been put in place—including the installation of a UV lighting system in the district's HVAC units, which has been shown to reduce airborne contaminants. Thermal imaging cameras have also been installed at entrances to more efficiently take the temperatures of entering students. In addition, drinking foundations have been replaced with water bottle refill stations. 

There will be new school hours---8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

The Board also approved dismissing  at 11:30 each Friday morning for the first semester to allow teachers more professional development time.

(KAIR)--After being away for nearly five months, students are to return to the classroom Thursday at USD 377 Atchison County Community Schools.

In accordance with local and state regulations, School Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gaddis says that all students, including pre-school, will be required to wear masks when physical distancing is not possible.

“We are requiring masks. That being said, when you have coordinated physical activities – such as P.E., recess, eating lunch – they won’t have to wear one. If they’re in a class setting and receiving direct instruction, where students can all be sufficiently spaced, and the teacher can be sufficiently spaced, they don’t have to wear a mask. That’ll be a few different classes, not across the board. We also have been working with all of the teachers to create protective barriers between the students so that when they have to sit a little closer than other times – if they have to take their mask off – they have a second layer of protection by them.”

Gaddis says the district will continue to have regular meetings with county health officials to determine if any adjustments need to be made to the school setting.

Regarding sports and other activities, Gaddis says there will be attendance restrictions.

“We have limitations of 45 family cohorts in an indoor event, so when you’ve got a volleyball triangular going on, that 45-family cohort has to be divided among three teams – so there’s a lot of those things. We have to continue the conversations and make adjustments as we go.”

Gaddis says this year’s student enrollment will likely be around 490 to 500, about the same as last year.

He adds that about 5 percent of students have opted for the remote-learning option offered by the district.

(KMZA)--Two Marshall County women were injured early Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle wreck in southeast Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of U.S-166 and K-99, about two miles south of Sedan.

The Patrol says a Ford Fiesta driven by a Jennings, Oklahoma man was southbound on K-99 and failed to yield to a westbound Chevy Cruze on U.S.-166 driven by 35-year-old Waterville resident Traci Koebel after stopping at the intersection. The Ford Fiesta struck the Chevy in the rear portion of the driver's side.

Koebel was transported to a local hospital with suspected serious injuries.

A passenger in her vehicle, 42-year-old Marysville resident Cheryl Farley, was transported to the hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says both women were not wearing seatbelts when the wreck occurred.

The Oklahoma man, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not hurt.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A man convicted in the death of a Nebraska college student whose body has never been found is appealing the verdict and his sentence of 71 years to life in prison.

The Nebraska Supreme Court agreed Monday to consider 38-year-old Joshua Keadle’s appeal.

He was sentenced last month for second-degree murder.

Tyler Thomas was 19 when she disappeared in December 2010 after the Omaha student left a party near Peru State College in southeastern Nebraska, where Keadle also was a student.

Prosecutors say Keadle killed Thomas and dumped her body in the Missouri River.

Keadle maintains that he left her alive.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of residents receiving unsolicited face masks from China through local mail.

Sheriff John Merchant says he has contacted the United States postal inspector in Topeka who offered the following advice: If the package has not been opened, write "RETURN TO SENDER" and take to your local post office.  If the package has been opened and you did not order it, throw it away.

The U.S. postal inspector says complaints of unsolicited face masks from China are being received nationwide.

Merchant said the postal inspector stated that he has not been aware of anything dangerous in the face masks at this time. 

He added unsolicited packages of seeds from China residents have been receiving in the mail as well have been turned over to the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

 As always, Merchant said if you have any questions, contact your local law enforcement.
 

(KMZA)--A second person has died from injuries received in an early Sunday morning rollover crash near Havensville in northeastern Pottawatomie County.

Sheriff Shane Yager said 18-year-old Keaton Blaske, of Havensville, died Tuesday at a Topeka hospital

19-year-old Quinton Norris, of Onaga, died Sunday following the crash.

Both were ejected after their vehicle left K-63 highway, north of K-16, and rolled multiple times.

According to an obituary from the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Onaga, a private funeral service will be held for Norris, with the family greeting friends Thursday evening from 5 to 7 at the funeral home.

The obituary says Norris was a 2019 graduate of Onaga High school  and participated in multiple sports at the school.

Blaske was currently a senior at Onaga High School. Services for Blaske are pending.

The Onaga Country Mart,  where Blaske had worked since May 2019, has set up a fund at the Farmers State Bank, in Onaga, to collect donations for the Blaske and Norris families.

According to a post on the store's Facebook page, donations can be taken to the bank or dropped off at the store.

Yager said the wreck remains under investigation.  He said anyone with information  is asked to call the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office at 785-457-3353, or leave at tip via the crime stoppers link at ptsheriff.com

(KMZA)--A week before the start of school, the Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved a new mask-wearing plan for students and staff..

Superintendent Todd Evans told MSC News that the Board, during a special meeting Monday evening, adopted the “ USD 113 Practical Mask Plan.”

He said the plan identifies by grade bands acceptable times for wearing masks and when they wouldn't be required.

As a general rule, Evans said masks don't need to be worn if students or adults are able to maintain six foot of physical distancing. Masks are required for students on all district transportation or at the request of a responsible adult.

The board last week had voted to make the wearing of face masks optional for each student, teacher, staff member and visitor.

Concern from parents led the board to revisit its decision.

(KLZA)-- An Omaha, Nebraska man suffered minor injuries in an early Tuesday morning wreck on Interstate 29 approximately eight miles south of Rock Port.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 29-year-old Jonathan Brown was a passenger in a southbound semi-truck in the passing lane of I-29 when the truck traveled off the road into the grass median then returned to the road, skidding and the overturning onto is passenger side.

38-year-old Bobby Ivey of LaVista, Nebraska was the driver of the truck when the wreck occurred,  he was not injured.

Brown was transported by the Atchsion/Holt Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment.  

Both men were wearing safety devices at the time of the wreck.

The Rock Port Fire and First Responders and the Atchison County Sheriffs Department all assisted at the scene of the wreck. 

Editor's note: the following release was submitted by the Hiawatha Police Department

(MSC News)--Drivers are advised that during the period of August 20 through Labor Day, September 7, the Hiawatha Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies across Kansas in a crackdown aimed at removing drunk and other impaired drivers from the roadways during the " You Drink. You Drive. You Lose." campaign.

The campaign is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation.

It is illegal to drive while impaired, yet, in 2018 one person was killed in a drunk driving crash every 50 minutes in the United States.

Driving after consuming alcohol or any other potentially impairing substance is a choice you make.

According to Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore, The "You Drink. You Drive. You Lose" enforcement campaign is intended to remind drivers: To have a sober driver lined up:

BEFORE you drink alcohol away from home. Or take a sober ride to and from the location. Remember, this is your decision.

BEFORE you take a new prescription medication, check your medications for driving warnings. More and more in Kansas, DUI arrests are occurring during daytime hours, largely due to the side effects of prescription drugs.

BEFORE you choose to drive after drinking, know that Kansas ignition interlock laws require that any driver convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) must install an ignition interlock device, including an electronic log device, on every vehicle you own or which is registered to you.

BEFORE you choose to drive after drinking, take a moment to consider how it would be to begin every day with the memory of your decision if it resulted in injury or death. If you are driving impaired, you are not only more likely to crash, but that crash is much more likely to cause serious injury or death.

BEFORE you choose to drink and drive, think about your family, your friends, your coworkers, neighbors. Just think.

Always wear your seat belt it’s your best defense against impaired drivers. Every trip, every time. You can count on Hiawatha Police Department to vigorously enforce impaired driving and other traffic laws, not just during this enforcement campaign but all through the year.

(KNZA)--An asphalt overlay project will begin on K-116 on Tuesday, Aug. 18, in Jackson and Atchison counties.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the entire project will extend from the K-16 junction east about 20 miles to the U.S. 159 junction.

Work will begin on K-116 near the K-16 junction and will take place in about 3-mile sections.

KDOT says traffic will be guided through the construction area during daylight hours and possibly on Saturdays. Motorists should expect delays and add extra time to their travel schedules.

The project is expected to be completed in October. Herzog Contracting Corp. of St. Joseph, Mo., is the contractor on the $2.3 million project. 

(KAIR)--A Horton woman escaped serious injury Sunday afternoon in an Atchison County  rollover wreck.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 25-year-old Megan Meadows was operating a SUV in the 13-hundred block of U.S. 73 Highway at Osage Road when the vehicle drifted off the roadway.  Meadows attempted to overcorrect and the vehicle rolled numerous times, coming to a complete stop in a ditch on the north side of the highway.

She was transported to the Atchison Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries.

Laurie said Meadows was issued a notice to appear in court for operating the vehicle with a suspended driver's license.  

Meanwhile, an Atchison man escaped serious injury Saturday in single-vehicle Atchison County wreck.

Laurie said 70-year-old Dwight Downing was westbound on 318th Road when he hit loose gravel and lost control of his Buick Century.  The vehicle overturned, coming to rest in the eastbound lane shoulder.

Downing was able to get out through the back window. 

EMS was called to the scene but Downing declined treatment for minor injuries. 

(KNZA)--A boil water advisory has been issued for the Jefferson County community of Ozawkie.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the advisory Monday  because the water system is unable to maintain required chlorine residual levels. Failure to maintain adequate chlorine residuals may lead to bacterial contamination.   

KDHE says customers should boil water used for drinking or food preparation for one minute prior to use, or use bottled water.

The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved plans to spend more than $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds the county recently received from the state's SPARK Task force.

The action came during a special meeting Thursday.

Nemaha County has a total of nearly $164,000 in reimbursements for COVID related expenses, which leaves more than $1.9 million for direct aid to pay for other items and programs that would assist with protecting the health, safety and welfare of the county's residents.

Commissioners approved the documents to be submitted to the state projecting how the county plans to spend the CARES Act funding, and how the money will be split up among the county as well as businesses, schools, and cities in the county.

If approved by the state, the county will have until December 31 to spend the grant funds.

(KNZA)--Two individuals were arrested on drug charges following the execution of a search warrant at a Hiawatha motel room. 

Based on an investigation, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said deputies served the search warrant on August 9 at the Stars Inn.

Arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were 33-year-old Rita Grier, of Hiawatha, and 27-year-old Nicholas Kauffman, of Sabetha.

Grier also faces a charge of trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

The pair were booked into the Brown County Jail, but have since been released on bond.

The Sac and Fox Police Department assisted.

Editor's note: the following information came from the unofficial meeting minutes of the Jefferson County Commission's special August 13 meeting 

(KNZA)--With an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the county, the Jefferson County Commission was urged during a special meeting Thursday to adopt a mask mandate. 

County Health Officer Crystal VanHoutan made the request. She also presented a letter from eleven local physicians and practitioners requesting that Commissioners place a mandatory mask requirement into effect. 

The health care providers indicated in the letter that they are seeing a “tremendous increase” in positive virus cases and anticipate additional spread with children returning to school. 

As of Thursday, there have been 88 positive cases in Jefferson county. Ten are currently active, with seven hospitalizations.  

VanHoutan said a large motorcycle rally planned over the Labor Day weekend will most likely contribute to more cases. The County's Emergency Management Department has donated masks for the event in an effort to mitigate the exposure.  

VanHoutan reiterated the only tools currently available to slow the progression of the virus are the continual use of masks, hand washing and physical distancing.

A motion by Commissioner Lynn Luck to follow Governor Kelly's mask mandate died due to the lack of a second.

Commissioner Wayne Ledbetter said while he does not oppose the wearing of masks, he feels that a mandate is not needed. Ledbetter added he's supportive of masks in the schools. 

Ledbetter said the Board should make an attempt to better communicate to the public that masks are encouraged and that if the virus keeps getting worse, there may be a point where a mask mandate is required.   

(KNZA)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the death of a Horton man whose body was found in a creek in rural Doniphan County.

According to a release from the KBI, the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a resident around 9:45 Thursday morning who reported finding a body in a tributary of Rock Creek on his property, south of Troy.

The Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.
 
The man was later identified as 55-year-old Darren Blandin. It is unknown how long he had been in the Creek.
 
An autopsy was conducted on Friday. At this time, the release says foul play is not suspected, but a full death investigation is being conducted as investigators wish to retrace Blandin’s final weeks.
 
Anyone who has information about this case, or who had contact with Blandin in the months of July or August is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.
 
The investigation is ongoing.

(KMZA)--One person is dead following a rollover crash near Havensville in northeastern Pottawatomie County.

Pottawatomie County Sheriff Shane Jager, in a news release, said deputies were dispatched shortly before 12:45 Sunday morning to a single-vehicle wreck on K-63 Highway, north of the K-16 junction.

Upon arrival, deputies found two individuals who had been ejected from the vehicle.

Both were transported by ambulance to Community Hospital in Onaga, where one later died from their injuries.

The second individual was transported by helicopter to a Topeka hospital for treatment.

Jager said the investigation showed the vehicle was northbound when it left the roadway and rolled multiple times.

The wreck remains under investigation, and no names are being released at this time.

(KNZA)--A DeKalb, Missouri man was killed Saturday evening when his all-terrian vehicle crashed during an ATV drag race.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened around 6:30 at the Mercer Homecoming Park about a 1/2 mile north of Mercer, Missouri.

The Patrol identified the victim as 64-year-old Billy Nichols.

The Patrol says Nichols was unable to stop at the conclusion of the race, and his ATV struck a utility pole.

Nichols, who was wearing a safety device, was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.   

(KNZA)--Two Topeka residents were arrested early Saturday morning in Jackson County on felony drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said a sheriff's deputy stopped to assist a motorist near 150th and Q.4 Road shortly before 4:00.

Morse said the deputy subsequently arrested 43-year-old Jessie Dale Earwood and his passenger, 35-year-old Janelle Velta Marie Martin.

Earwood was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, two misdemeanor drug counts, driving while suspended and transporting an open container.

Martin was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and two misdemeanor drug counts.

Both were booked into the Jackson County Jail. 

In a separate incident, a Topeka man was arrested Saturday afternoon on drug charges following a Jackson County traffic stop.

A sheriff's deputy stopped a Chevy Trailblazer east of U.S. 75 Highway on 142nd Road for a traffic infraction.

Morse said the traffic stop resulted in the passenger, 47-year-old Raymond Slater being arrested on drug charges.

Slater was booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Morse said additional felony drug charges on Slater will be forwarded to the Jackson County Attorney for prosecution.

(KLZA)--The Southeast District Health Department has confirmed 11 more cases of coronavirus within the five-county service area. 

Five of the new cases were confirmed in Otoe County, bringing the total in the county to 59. There were four additional cases confirmed in Nemaha County pushing the total in the county to 45. The other two cases were reported in Richardson County bringing the total to 27.

Including the 14 cases in Johnson County and nine in Pawnee County, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began is now 154.

(KMZA)--An area Kansas House race has been finalized.

Following a canvass of the August 4 primary election vote Thursday by the Marshall County Commission, Lisa Moser, of Wheaton, was declared the winner of the Republican primary race for the 106th District, defeating Jon Ungerer, of Marysville, by a 7-vote margin.

The district also includes Washington and Republic Counties, along with a portion of Jewell.

Those counties canvassed their votes earlier in the week.

The final district-wide vote tally showed Moser defeating Ungerer by a vote of  2,711 to 2,704.

Moser will now face Democrat Jim Swim, Jr., of Marysville, in the November 3rd general election.

(KAIR)--The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continues to climb in Atchison County.

According to a release Friday from Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, the county is currently at 99 positive cases. That's up 17 cases since Tuesday.

63 have recovered, while two remain hospitalized.

Lanter said the Atchison County Health Department continues to investigate and conduct contact tracing of the latest cases.

Meanwhile, Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge issued a release Friday notifying those who attended the Atchison County Fair Livestock Sale the evening of Friday, August 7 of a potential COVID-19 exposure.

The release says you should call your healthcare provider if you experience any signs of COVID-19.  

Symptoms include: fever,chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, loss of smell or loss of taste, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Statewide, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Friday reported 33,885 cases to date, with 402 virus-related deaths.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says it has received 205 reports of abuse by Catholic priests and has opened 120 cases.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt asked the KBI nearly two years ago to investigate Catholic clergy sex abuse.

A task force of six agents is investigating abuse reports received from the public and reviewing church documents. The investigation involves the state's four Catholic dioceses and the Society of St. Pius X, a breakaway Catholic group with a large branch in St. Marys.

KBI spokeswoman Melissa Underwood said the agency is continuing its investigation and it's unclear when it will be completed.

(KAIR)--Formal charges have been filed in Atchison County District Court against a man wanted in connection with a reported aggravated burglary in the 300 block of Parallel Street in Atchison in the early morning hours of August 6th.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 30-year-old male suspect faces charges of aggravated burglary and aggravated battery stemming from the incident, which involved a 45-year-old victim.

Wilson says the victim was at home at the time and sustained injuries after being struck with an object that was in the intruder’s hand. The victim was treated and released from hospital care.

In addition to the August 6th incident, the same suspect faces aggravated battery and criminal restraint charges in connection with a July 23rd incident at the same residence.

 Wilson says police are still searching for the suspect, who is not from Atchison.

The name of the suspect is not being released at this time.

(KLZA)--The Johnson-Brock Board of Education was introduced to new personnel for the 2020-21 school year during thier Monday night meeting. 

New teachers will include Mitchell Atkinson - 3rd grade, Ashton Bohling - Industrial Tech / Ag;  Kimmie Vogt -5th grade math and science,  and Deb Pfister - Administrative Assistant in the front office.  

The first day of classes for students will be Tuesday, August 18.  

(KLZA)--Pawnee City Council members met with Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang during thier Monday night meeting.  

One of the topics covered concerned an individual stealing water from the Pawnee City Pond.  A man who lives in western Richardson County was identified as the person filling water jugs from hydrants at the campground area.  A letter has been sent to the individual and there have been not recent water thefts. 

The Council is seeking cost estimates for painting of the city water tower.  Various options will be discussed once companies have a chance to look at the water tower and prepare bids. 

The Council approved on a 3-1 vote a corrected bid from Mahoney Construction of Tecumseh for one-thousand feet of cement work to the Bike Trail.  The work will go from 11th Street, to the west edge of the bridge on the trail.  The path will be six feet wide,  six inches deep and will include rebar.  The bid approved last month was for a different project. 

Proposals for repairs at the Pawnee City Swimming Pool have been delayed due to illness. The mudjacking project to fill voids under the pool will be completed when the weather cools down this fall. 

The Council also approved the expenditure of nearly $1,000 for a driveway tube replacement project for John Dahlgren.  The tube was damaged during the water line project in 2007.  The City Foreman at the time committed to replacing the tube.  Normally the City pays $400 for a tube and $100 for rock but Dahlgren claimed that did not cover the cost of the replacement.  

(KNZA)--A public health advisory has been lifted for a local northeast Kansas lake.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a news release Thursday, said Horton's Mission Lake is no longer under a health watch due to blue-green algae.

However, another local lake remains under “ watch” status---the Brown State Fishing Lake, northeast of Robinson.

For lakes under watch status, KDHE says people are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

You should clean fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only.

(KMZA)--Details have been released on a two-vehicle wreck earlier this week in Nemaha County that sent three people to the hospital.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office says 57-year-old Michael Esslinger, of St. Benedict, was northbound on Q Road Monday afternoon when he stopped to make a left turn and his semi was struck in the rear by a northbound pickup truck driven by 30-year-old Dylon Barrett, of Oneida.

Barrett and two passengers in his pickup were transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital for the treatment of injuries.

(KNZA)--An Elwood man escaped serious injury Thursday afternoon in a single-vehicle Doniphan County wreck.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 62-year-old George Blake was eastbound on 200th Road spreading gravel.  As Blake turned south onto Tioga Road his loaded shifted, causing his semi-truck to turn over on its side.

Blake was taken by private vehicle to Mosiac Life Care in St. Joseph with what the Patrol described as minor injuries.

The wreck happened shortly before 2:30, about one mile north of 190th Road.

(KNZA)---The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has voted to make the wearing of face masks optional for each student, teacher, staff member and visitor when the district's schools open later this month.

The Board took the action when they met Monday evening on a 5-2 vote, with Board members Ed Reznicek and Ann Shaughnessy casting the dissenting votes.

Superintendent Todd Evans told MSC News that language was changed in the mask section of the  district's " Return to School" plan to make mask usage "strongly encouragted" instead of required.

A number of patrons addressed the Board at the meeting, with varying opinions on whether masks should be worn in buildings.

School in USD 113 is scheduled to begin August 25, with in-person classes.  However, a remote learning option is available for parents not comfortable with sending their student to school for in-person learning.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners continued to review budget proposals from various departments when they met Tuesday. 

The Richardson County Historical Society presented their annual report to the Board including how the funding received last year was used.  The Society is requesting continued funding in the 2020-21 Fiscal Year of $15-thousand. 

The Board approved the Community Wildlife Protection Plan for Southeast Nebraska.

Cory Matty and Bret Berger representing the Nebraska Strong Recovery Project which is supported by Region V Services presented an outreach program working in partnership within the local communities to provide counseling and identify needs during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Commissioners reviewed with County Building Maintenance Technician Tyler Cooper a quote for replacement of drain and sewer pipes and also a quote for the replacement of the water supply lines to the restrooms and offices within the Courthouse.  More information will be obtained and reviewed again during the August 18th board meeting. 

(KLZA)--The Southeast District Health Department has confirmed 12 more cases of coronavirus within the five-county service area. 

Nine of the new cases were confirmed in Nemaha County, bringing the total in the county to 41.  There were two additional cases confirmed in Otoe County pushing the total in the county to 54. The other new case is in Johnson County which puts the total number of cases there at 14.

Including the 25 cases in Richardson County and nine in Pawnee County,  the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began is now 143.  

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Council approved an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget when they met Monday evening. 

In January water well #2 had to be rebuilt at a cost of $37,500.  The unanticipated expense used up a majority of the Water Budget.  Council members voted to use funds from water reserve accounts to replenish the Water Budget. There will be no change to the property tax levy.

The Council also discussed legal service billing from City Attorney Emily Sisco.  Sisco is on a $12-thousand retainer for the year, however, that amount does not include time spent on courtroom appearances which are billed at $145 per hour.  

A bid to conduct an asbestos inspection on a dilapidated house at 1322 F Street at a cost of $375 was approved.  D.B. Environmental will do the inspection.  This is the property where the new Fire Hall will be built. In addition, an agreement with the Southeast Nebraska Development District to assist with the project was approved.  The Council also approved seeking qualifications for architectural services on the project which will be a pre-constructed building. 

( KAIR)--The Board of Education for the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409 has approved bonuses for classified employees and administrative staff for the 2020-2021 school year.

Superintendent Renee Scott told MSC News that the Board took the action when the meet Monday evening.

She said in lieu of no raises for classified employee's and administrators, they are offering a bonus incentive.

Scott said they are looking at providing the bonus in the first paycheck based on the employee's total salary from last year.

Originally, she said the bonus was to go out in October and November, but with the delay in the start of the school year they didn't want to shorten the first paycheck for classified employees so they are moving to get that instituted in a timely matter.

New board member Brandi Ross was sworn in at the beginning of the meeting and took her seat on the Board. The Board, during a special meeting last Friday, appointed Ross to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Dr. Pam Rizza.

(KNZA)--The Board of Education for the South Brown County Schools of USD 430 approved the district's reopening plan when they meet Monday evening. 

The plan was approved with a few amendments following a lengthy discussion.

The Board decided that masks for all students and staff will be strongly recommended by not mandatory.

Due to not being able to social distance, everyone will be required to wear a mask on school transportation.

The Board also decided if a student is not enrolled in the traditional school setting, they will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities.

Two learning modes will be provided—traditional and remote. The hybrid learning mode will be used as advised by the Brown County Health Department.

The first day of school for 9th graders and any new students will be Monday, August 24, with all students beginning August 25.

(KNZA)--The 2021 Brown County budget has been adopted as published.

The Brown County Commission took the action Monday following a hearing drawing no public comment.

The $11.2 million budget calls for a slight decrease in the property tax levy.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 31.038 mills, which is a .433 mill decrease over this year.

The mill levy is expected to generate $6.4 million in property tax revenue.

Even though the mill levy will decrease slightly, the county will collect nearly $168,000 in additional revenue due to a $8.1 million increase in the county's assessed valuation.

(KAIR)--The 2021 Atchison city budget has been finalized.

Unanimous approval of the budget came during a special meeting Monday of the Atchison City Commission.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 58.050 mills, which is unchanged from this year's mill levy.

The total revenue generated by the city in 2021 through taxes, assessments, charges for services and fees is expected to be $7.9 million.

Total planned expenditures are nearly $25.3 million, up 3.3 percent from this year.

City Manager Becky Berger said the spending plan allows for improved service levels, slightly increases residents' out-of-pocket property tax obligations, budgets for adequate fund balances, provides needed capital improvements and equipment purchases, while accounting for revenue decreases related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commission also approved the 2020 Strategic Plan, which is a culmination of months of strategic planning activities and exercises.

(KAIR)--Applications for the Atchison County COVID-19 Economic Assistance Grant program are now accepted by Atchison County.

Local businesses and non-profits in Atchison County affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to apply for funding from the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The Atchison County COVID-19 Economic Assistance Grant program was created by the Atchison County SPARK Taskforce, implementing the program established through the Federal CARES Act. The program is designed to assist businesses in Atchison County that suffered loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant provides funds to cover reasonable (a) COVID-19 related expenses or (b) business development costs (e.g. online sales; restaurant pickup and delivery software; food supply services, including food processing facilities; increased employment, etc.) for the period March 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020. The expenses must not be previously reimbursed, in whole or in part, through other CARES Act Funding sources.

The minimum grant request is $1,000 with a $50,000 maximum request per applicant. Businesses must have been in operation at least one (1) year prior to the application submittal date.

You can download the grant application from the Atchison County website at www.atchisoncountyks.org. The application is located on the main page under County News. To have an application mailed, please contact Atchison County Emergency Management at 913-804-6131.

All applications are to be marked SPARK and submitted by 5 pm on September 4, 2020 to the Atchison County Clerk’s Office. They may be mailed to the Clerk’s Office at 423 N 5th Street, Atchison, KS 66002; placed in the courthouse drop box, or emailed to spark@atcoks.org by 5 pm on September 4, 2020.

For more information, please contact Atchison County Emergency Management at 913-804-6131.

(KNZA)--A former Hiawatha man has been arrested on sexual exploitation charges.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 24-year-old Kekoa Fujimori was arrested Tuesday night by police in Juneau, Alaska on a Brown County warrant for three felony counts of sexual exploitation of a Child.

In late May, Hill said the Hiawatha Police Department received information pertaining to an electronically facilitated crime in Hiawatha.  An inquisition was opened by the Brown County Attorney’s Office and numerous subpoenas for information and documents were submitted to mobile and internet providers with the assistance of Hiawatha Police.

A search warrant was obtained for digital evidence, and on June 13, the Hiawatha Police officers, with the assistance of Brown County Sheriff deputies, served a search warrant at a Hiawatha residence.

Hill said officers with Kansas Highway Patrol and the U.S. Secret Service assisted the mobile forensics unit of the Hiawatha Police Department in analyzing a large amount of digital evidence seized in the search warrant.

Following their analysis, a criminal complaint was filed in Brown County District Court charging Fujimori.

He was previously employed by Brown County Special Education Interlocal #615, working at the Hiawatha Elementary School as a special education paraprofessional. However, Hill said law enforcement officials indicate that their investigation has not revealed any students being the victim of any charged offenses at this time.

Currently, Hill said Fujimori is contesting extradition back to Kansas and the Brown County Attorney’s Office has begun the process for extraditing him.

He is currently being held on a $100,000 bond at Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Alaska.

(KLZA)--The Holt County, Missouri Health Department has confirmed six additional cases of COVID-19 in Holt County.  The six new cases are associated with 26 cases confirmed this week at a long-term health care facility in the county. 

The St. Joe News Press reported Tuesday that 17 residents of the Oregon Care Center in Oregon, Missouri and nine staff members had tested positive for COVID-19.  

The patients testing positive are living in a specific wing of the facility away from the residents that tested negative.  

Wednesday's additional cases bring the total number of cases of COVID-19 in Holt County to 33.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Education approved a COVID-19 reopening resolution when they met Monday night. 

Students will return to class Thursday, August 13.

Teachers, staff members, employees, volunteers and students will not be required to wear masks but are strongly encouraged to do so.  

While in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, District 56 has endeavored to reopen schools for the benefit of student learning and development.  However,  there is no guarantee the school environment will be completely safe and free from COVID-19 or other related risks and hazards.  Parents uncomfortable with the risks associated with sending their student to school should promptly contact a building administrator to discuss alternative education options.  

Falls City Sacred Heart School will also open on Thursday. 

(KAIR)--Atchison County is now reporting a total of 82 positive cases of COVID-19.

That’s an increase of 18 since the last official report was released this past Thursday.

According to Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, the County Health Department is continuing to investigate and conduct contact tracing of these cases.

Atchison County currently has three patients hospitalized from the virus.

As of Wednesday morning, 59 individuals are listed as having recovered county-wide.

The state of Kansas is reporting 31,730 total cases, with 387 COVID-19 related deaths.

(KNZA)--A teen has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal crash Monday afternoon in St. Joseph.

According to a news release from the Buchanan County Attorney's Office , Prosecuting Attorney Ron Holliday filed the charge Tuesday against 19-year-old Jason Clements.

The State alleges Clements was driving a stolen truck in a reckless manner when the wreck occurred at the intersection of 24th and Jules Streets, resulting in the death of 38-year-old Nicholas Kleckner. 

KQ2-TV reports police allege Clements ran a stop sign and was driving twice the speed limit at the time.

Police say Clements and a passenger ran from the scene.  Clements was later taken into custody.

(KAIR)--A Kansas City, Missouri man who fled from Atchison Police in May has been taken arrested. 

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said 48-year-old Chad Stroble was arrested Monday on a District Court warrant for fleeing and attempting to elude, driving while suspended, reckless driving and other traffic offenses.

Wilson said during the early morning hours of May 22 officers responded to a disturbance in the 19-hundred block U.S.73 Highway.

A van involved in the disturbance was fleeing the scene as officers arrived. Wilson said the driver of the van refused to stop for officers and fled into Missouri.

A subsequent investigation determined the driver to be Stroble.

As of Tuesday morning, Stroble remained in the Atchison County Jail on a $15,000 surety bond.

(KNZA)--All students, staff and visitors in Hiawatha schools will be required to wear face masks when school begins in September.

Masks protocol is included in the USD 415 " Return to Learn" plan, which was unanimously approved at Monday night's Board of Education meeting. 

There will be some exceptions to the mask requirement.  

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the mask mandate will be revisited on a monthly basis and decisions will be made based on the recommendations of local health officials. 

The school district will provide washable cloth masks for students.

Hiawatha healthcare providers, Jodi Twombly and Danielle Jagels, along with Hiawatha Community Hospital CEO John Broberg, were present at the meeting  to answer the Board's questions regarding the wearing of masks.

The plan includes three learning phases--on-site, hybrid and on-line, which will depend on health conditions at the time.

The Board will hold a special meeting the morning August 24 to decide which learning method the district will begin the school year with.

For parents with concerns about their child attending in-person classes, a remote learning option will be provided. The Board  Monday evening approved the remote learning handbook.  So far, Moser said around 60 students have chosen the remote learning option.

The Board also approved a revised 2020-21 calendar. Five minutes have been added to the beginning of each school day and a September 21 Professional Development Day will become a student day.  Moser said that will allow the school year to end before Memorial Day and still meet state guidelines.  

(KLZA)--The Southeast District Health Department has confirmed 15 additional cases of COVID-19 within the five-county service area.

Nine of the cases were in Otoe County brining the Otoe County total to 52.  There were four new cases in Nemaha County, pushing the total in the county to 32.  With the confirmation of two additional cases in Richardson County on Monday,  the total number of cases is now 25.  

There were no new cases in Johnson or Pawnee counties.  The total number of cases in the five-county are has now reached 131.

There were no ages of persons testing positive included in the Southeast District Health Department release. 

(KAIR)--The Platte County Sheriff's Department is investigating an early Tuesday morning shooting that took place inside a vehicle.

According to a news release, the Sheriff's Office was notified shortly before 2:00 of a vehicle crash on I-29 just north of Highway 273 at Tracy.

While en route, deputies were notified of a possible gunshot injury at the scene.

When deputies arrived, the release says they found a 26-year-old man who appeared to have been shot in the back of the head, with an exit wound on his face. 

The man indicated he was driving the vehicle when his uncle shot him in the back of the head.  The release says the victim was transported to an area hospital and is expected to survive.

41-year-old Constantin Iavorschi was taken into custody and booked into the Platte County Jail.

He being held on a $200,000 bond on charges of assault in the first-degree and armed criminal action.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners spent a portion of their meeting time during their August 4 meeting discussing Fiscal Year 2020-21 budgets. 

Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise  Executive Director Beckie Cromer presented the organizations quarterly report  and requested Commissioners continue to help fund the organization.

Commissioners approved two appointments to the Veterans Service Committee.  Fred Sikora will serve a five-year term replacing Wayne Kreutzer.  Dale Oehm was appointed to fulfill the unexpired term of Paul Sells.  Oehm will serve through June 30, 2022. 

The Board approved a contract with Holt County, Missouri for the safekeeping of Holt County inmates at a price of $50 per day. 

A motion was also approved to accept a grant award from the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice for the Four County Juvenile services program in an amount of $72,220. 

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation is requesting motorists in Effingham do not park on the south side of Main Street on Wednesday, August 12 and the north side of Main Street on Thursday, August 13 as crews resurface the lanes on U.S. 159.

KDOT says the paving is part of the resurfacing project currently underway on U.S. 159 north of Nortonville to Effingham in Atchison County.

Crews will begin paving the southbound lane and then move to the northbound lane.

Drivers should expect delays and add extra travel time to their commute.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has adopted a revised 2021 budget.

City Administrator Matt Rehder said the city had published the budget with a mill levy of 34.414 mills, the maximum allowed under the state's tax lid. But adopted a budget last week with an estimated tax rate of 32.588 mills, which is the same levy as this year.

Rehder said the mill levy is expected to generate just over $800,000 in tax revenue and should meet the city's financial needs.

It's the 9th straight year the council has approved a budget with a consistent mill levy relying on increases in the city's assessed valuation.

The city's assessed valuation increased just over $645,000.

In other business, the Council accepted the retirement resignation of longtime City Clerk Jane Strathman, which is effective in April of next year.

Rehder said the city has begun advertising for a replacement and hopes to get someone on board this year to begin training under Strathman.

(KLZA)--18 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Holt County, Missouri, all associated with a long-term care facility in the county.

The Holt County Health Department confirmed in a news release that all the new positive cases are in isolation in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

The name of the facility nor the location of the facility was released. Close contacts to the newly confirmed cases have been identified.

The new cases bring the total number of COVID-19 cases in Holt County to 27.

(KAIR)--St. Joseph Police say a drive-by shooting that killed a two-year-old child and injured two adults is related to a string of other recent shootings in the city.

Police say the shooting occurred Sunday afternoon in midtown St. Joseph. The victim was a 2-year-old girl.

KQTV reports a woman was hospitalized and is stable condition. A man was treated for his injuries and released.

No names have been released and no information about a possible suspect was available.

The investigation is continuing.

St. Joseph Police ask anyone with information to call the police TIPS hotline at (816) 238-TIPS.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are investigating an aggravated burglary.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it occurred at a residence in the 300 block of Parallel Street during the early morning hours of August 6.

Wilson said the 45-year-old victim was at home and sustained injuries after being struck with an object that was in the intruder's hand.  The victim was treated and released from hospital care.

Police have identified and are searching for a 30 year old male suspect. 

Wilson said the victim was familiar with who the suspect was.  Police are not certain what vehicle the suspect was in on August 6th but in the past he was known to drive an older model black Toyota 4 Runner with Pennsylvania tags.  

Wilson said a case file has been presented to the Atchison County Attorney’s Office for prosecution.   

(KNZA)--The results of the August 4 primary election in Brown County were finalized during Monday's meeting of the Brown County Commission.

The Commission went into a special canvassing session to review a total of 44 provisional ballots. A provisional ballot is used to record a vote when there is question about a given voter's eligibility to vote.

A total of 14 provisional ballots were counted based on state statute, while 30 were not counted.

There was one ballot dismissed where a voter had voted twice—the first time with an advanced ballot and the second time at the poll. The first ballot was accepted, while the ballot at the poll was not.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said he would forward the information to the Brown County Sheriff's Office to investigate as a possible “ election crime.”

There was no change in the outcome of any of the local contested races following the canvass.

Final results in race for 3rd District County Commissioner showed Bill Pollock defeating incumbent Republican Dwight Kruse by a 26-vote margin, 323 to 297.  Election night results had Pollock defeating Kruse by a 25-vote margin. 

A coin toss was held to break a tie vote for the position of Republican Mission Precinct Treasurer between Alan Yaussi and Tom Lockwood,  with Yaussi winning the coin toss.

Brown County Clerk Melissa Gormley reported a nearly 44 percent voter turnout for Brown County, including the provisional ballots.

For a summary of the final Brown Co election results click link below:

http://www.brcoks.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif351/f/uploads/final_results_0.pdf

(KAIR)--A Florida man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following the armed robbery of an Atchison business.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, said officers responded at 2:45 to a robbery that had occurred at Cricket Wireless located at 121 South 8th Street.

Wilson said a lone suspect had entered the store and ordered a clerk to get him iPhones from a locked box as he showed the clerk a handgun he had in his waist.

The suspect also grabbed phone accessories before fleeing the scene to a nearby parked vehicle.

Wilson said officers were able to obtain a vehicle description that was broadcast to area law enforcement.

The Nissan SUV with a Missouri license tag was determined to be stolen from the Kansas City area.

Wilson said the vehicle was located at 4:30 Saturday afternoon by the Missouri Highway Patrol on the shoulder of I-29 near the Camden Point exit in Platte County.

26-year-old Mark Stephens, of Melbourne, Florida, was taken into custody and is being held in the Platte County Jail for Atchison Police on a charge of aggravated robbery.  

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission this week approved a new public health order, which allows local school boards to decide what mitigation procedures they want to develop and implement to protect students, teachers and staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It rescinds an order that was issued July 27. That order stated that the school districts in the county would follow the “Navigating Change” document approved by the State Department of Education. The order did not leave decisions concerning how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 up to the local school boards to( make for their school district.

Commissioners agreed that decisions regarding the protocols to be followed at the schools in the county ought to be up to the local school boards of each school district.

The Commission made the decision after consultation with County Health Officer Jane Sunderland, who joined the meeting by phone.

Several local school superintendents and school board members were also present for the discussion.

As of Friday, Nemaha County had just five active cases of COVID-19 out of forty-nine confirmed cases to date. 

(KLZA)--Eight more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed within the Southeast District Health Department's five-county service area.

Four cases are in Nemaha county Nebraska. Two females in their twenties, a female in her forties and a minor. One case is in Otoe county, a female in her seventies and three cases are in Richardson county. A male in his teens, a female in her fifties and a male in his forties.

As of August 7th there have been 116 cases of COVID-19 confirmed within the district. 13 in Johnson county, 28 in Nemaha county, 43 in Otoe county, 9 in Pawnee county and 23 cases in Richardson county.

(KAIR)--Benedictine College announced Friday that it has completed an agreement with an area laboratory that will allow mass COVID-19 testing on its campus without impacting testing supplies within the city of Atchison.

According to a press release issued by the college’s marketing director Steve Johnson, the agreement with clinical Reference Laboratory in Lenexa, KS, provides adequate testing for all students returning to campus. The tests are free to the students and are saliva based.

Benedictine College President Stephen Minnis calls the agreements, “a major step in combating COVID-19.”

The tests will be conducted as supervised self-collection tests - administered as students return in a staggered move-in schedule over the next 10 days.

The college states that this is only one step and does not replace continued adherence to CDC guidelines like wearing face coverings, maintaining social distance, and good hygiene. Students who test positive will go into the quarantine protocol and will go home to recover, if possible.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education, during a special meeting Wednesday, approved for publication a proposed 2020-21 budget that keeps the mill levy about even with the 2019-20 school year.

Superintendent Jason Cline went over the proposed budget with the board.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 42.071 mills, with the amount of tax to be levied at nearly $1.7 million.

Cline said the district's assessed valuation went up about $1.7 million.

The board will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at a special meeting on August 24.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A truck driver from Colorado who caused a fiery crash that killed five people in Leavenworth County has been sentenced to five years in jail.

Fifty-nine-year-old Kenny Ford, of Greeley, Colorado, was sentenced Friday in the July 2017 wreck on Interstate 70 near Bonner Springs.

Investigators said Ford did not heed signs warning of possible traffic backups before his semi-trailer truck hit three vehicles in stalled traffic.

Ford pleaded no contest in January to five counts of vehicular homicide, a misdemeanor. Each count carried a maximum one-year prison sentence.

Two of the victims were from Illinois and three were from Kansas. 

(KAIR)--A vacancy has been filled on the Atchison USD 409 Board of Education.

During a special meeting Friday, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Brandi Ross to fill the vacancy created by resignation of Dr. Pam Rizza.

Rizza resigned June 1st for personal reasons. She had served on the board since January of this year after winning election to a 4-year term last November.

Ross was among three applicants to fill the vacancy. The other two applicants were Beth Clark and John Bishop.

The Board interviewed the three candidates before making their selection.

Ross will take her seat on the board after being sworn in during Monday's regular meeting.    

(KLZA)The Falls City Library and Arts Center will continue to operate with limited hours for the time being.

The Library Board recommended maintaining the hours of operation with lobby hours of 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and drive-up window hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

There will be no public computer use, no public restroom use, no programs, no meetings, no newspapers, no use of the library phone and no unattended children under the age of 12.

Beginning August 13, the first day Falls City School open, the lobby will remain open until 4:00 p.m.

Library staff members will continue to wear masks and encourage visitors to wear masks for everyone's safety.

The Library Board plans to review these matters on August 19.

(KLZA)--Following a public hearing Monday evening the Falls City Council approved an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for a Falls City Foods redevelopment project.

The City Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendment for the company located at 404 Pacific Street.

Falls City Foods is planning a nearly $3.7-million renovation and expansion project that will lead to the creation of 10 new jobs at the facility. 

The project is eligible for tax increment financing. 

Falls City Foods does processing, importing and exporting of animal by-products serving pet food and animal feed industries.

Following a public hearing drawing no public comment Monday evening the Falls City Council approved moving forward with an application for $547-thousand in Community Development Block Grant Funds for an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program.

If approved, the funding would pay for a minimum of 18 housing improvement projects in Falls City for low to moderate income persons.

City Administrator Gary Jorn said the decision was made to apply  for double the amount of CDBG funding the City usually applies for because of the overwhelming response from homeowners during the previous application period.

(KNZA)--A health advisory, issued for a local lake due to the presence of blue-green algae, has been downgraded.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a release Thursday, said the advisory for the Brown State Fishing Lake, located northeast of Robinson, has been downgraded from “ warning” to “ watch” status.

Also under “ watch” status is Horton's Mission Lake.

During the watch status, KDHE recommends people avoid areas of algae accumulation, and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

You should clean fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved for publication a proposed 2020 budget of nearly $12.9 million that calls for a more than one mill property tax levy decrease.  

The Commission took the action when they meet Monday.  The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 38.601 mills, which is down 1.1 mills over this year.

The budget calls for the county to collect $5.7 million in local taxes, an about  $10,000 decrease over this year.

The county's assessed valuation increased nearly $4 million to more than $148 million.  

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their August 24 meeting.

(KNZA)--The victim of an early Thursday morning fatal Jackson County head-on collision has been identified.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says killed in the wreck on U.S. 75 Highway, north of Holton, was 24-year-old Mohammand Alnosif, of Omaha.

The Patrol says Alnosif was northbound, when for an unknown reason, his car crossed the center line and collided with a southbound semi tractor-trailer.

Alnosif, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected about 20 feet into the east ditch.

The semi driver, from Killeen, Texas, and his passenger, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, were transported to the Holton Community Hospital with what the Patrol described as suspected serious injuries.

The wreck was reported just after 1:30 about a 1/2 mile south of 278th Road.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting two more confirmed positive Covid-19 cases. That brings the county’s overall total since the start of the pandemic to 64.

According to the Atchison County Emergency Management Facebook Page, the latest cases involve a 13-year-old and a 34-year-old.

Both individuals are isolating at home.

Fifty-five of the county’s cases are listed as having recovered, while two remain hospitalized.

Statewide, Kansas has seen a total of 29,717 COVID-19 cases as of Thursday afternoon.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reporting 368 COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the pandemic. 

(KLZA)--Falls City Council members held a lengthy discussion Monday evening concerning speeding, racing and noise from vehicles on Harlan Street which is Highway 73 through Falls City.

Ward Two Council member Kaylie Ractliffe requested the discussion be part of the agenda. 

Ractliffe said the issues have been on the increase since Spring.  She asked if there was a way to "put more teeth" into the penalties when tickets are issued for speeding and other violations.

Assistant Police Chief Jamie Baker said the speeding and violations have been more of an issue since some of the stop lights were removed from Harlan Street by the State making longer stretches of street between stops and since kids have been out of school longer due to COVID-19.  Bake said other service calls keep officers from doing more patrolling on Harlan Street.

City Administrator Gary Jorn said the complaints are taken seriously  and the Police Department is trying to implement ways to stop the problems or at least make the situation better.

Ractliffe suggested a social media campaign to let the public know the Police Department is going to be issuing tickets to violators.

The Council approved a motion to find the costs for a pair of signs to set up on Harlan indicating to drivers how fast they are going.  She estimated the costs could be $3 - 7,000 per sign.

(KLZA)--Five more cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed within the Southeast District Health Department five-county service area.

Four of the five cases are women living in Nemaha County, Nebraska.  Two women in their twenties,  one in her fifties and one in her forties. The fifth case was a Pawnee County female in her sixties.

There have now been 108 cases of COVID-19 confirmed within the District.  42 in Otoe County,  24 in Nemaha County,  20 in Richardson County,  13 in Johnson County and  nine in Pawnee County.

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has successfully started to accept applications for Medicaid expansion, also known as Heritage Health Adult, this past weekend. Benefits begin on October 1, 2020.

Heritage Health Adult expands Medicaid to lower income adults of working age (19-64 years old). Lower income means earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, the limit is an annual income of $17,609. For a family of four, the income limit is $36,156. It is estimated that 90,000 additional Nebraskans will be eligible though Medicaid expansion.

All participating Nebraskans will receive a robust and comprehensive services package of physical health, behavioral health, and prescription drugs. This is similar to insurance that some Nebraskans may receive through their workplace.  Nebraskans who are 19-20 years old, pregnant, or medically frail will also receive dental and vision services, as well as over-the-counter medications.

Over the weekend and through Monday, 1,135 Medicaid applications were received. There were 1,550 phone calls answered by Medicaid call centers from Saturday to Monday.

Additional information about Medicaid Expansion is available at www.dhhs.ne.gov/MedicaidExpansion. To apply, individuals can go online to www.ACCESSNebraska.ne.gov or call toll free at 855-632-7633 or go to any DHHS office.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man required hospital treatment following a one-vehicle wreck early Thursday morning.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, William Genail was southbound in the 600 block of North 11th, when the ’94 Honda Civic he was driving left the roadway and struck a concrete retaining wall.

Genail was transported to the Atchison Hospital by EMS for examination.

The vehicle was towed from the scene.

(KNZA)--An early Thursday morning Jackson County head-on collision, north of Holton, has left one person dead.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a semi was southbound on U.S. 75 when a northbound car crossed the center line, striking the rig.

A passenger in the car was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

Two occupants in the semi were transported to area hospitals for evaluation.

The wreck closed a portion of U.S. 75 Highway for a period of time. 

No additional details are being released at this time.

The wreck remains under investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol and Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission was urged Monday to reconsider a mask mandate to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In addition, Hiawatha Community Hospital CEO John Broberg asked the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to consider requiring face coverings in public when social distancing isn't possible.

Since July 1, Broberg said the number of COVID-19 cases in Brown County has more than double.   During the same time, he said the hospital's emergency room has seen a 179 percent increase in patients presenting virus-related symptoms.

Due to current staffing issues, the hospital is transferring positive patients requiring hospitalization to St. Joseph or Topeka.

Broberg said the pandemic has put additional stress on the hospital staff, providers and resources.

He said they are hiring additional staff to work at the screening table, to triage patients, and field questions though the hospital's COVID line.

During the Hiawatha City Commission meeting, Broberg read a letter submitted by Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Administrator Denise Wolney supporting a mask mandate, and submitted several other letters of support from local businesses.

Hiawatha Mayor Bill Collins, along with Commissioners Becky Shamburg and Dave Middendorf, said they support the wearing of masks. However, Collins said the City can't mandate it.

Police Chief John Defore said a mask mandate would be a civil, rather than criminal matter.

Broberg noted several other cities have successfully implemented such a mandate.

The Brown County Commission last month approved a resolution strongly urging residents to wear a mask in public, but not requiring it. They did not discuss Broberg's request Monday for reconsideration.

On Thursday, the Brown County Health Department reported 44 positive COVID-19 cases to date.  31 have recovered, while two remain hospitalized. 

(KAIR)--As early as next summer, Atchison will see an upgrade to internet service, with an Everest-based company planning a multi-million-dollar project to provide a fiber-optic broadband network for the city.

According to a release from Rainbow Communications, the project involves laying and attaching more than 75-miles of fiber-optic cable. Phase one of the project will mean a $3 million investment in the city’s downtown area, and the beginning of permanent residency inside of Atchison.

The fiber build-out will consist of breaking Atchison into thirteen areas, which the company calls “Fiberhoods.” A waiting list for future service can be found on the company’s website.

Rainbow has also purchased property at 101 Commercial Street as a permanent office location; but until the renovation of the former Atchison Grocery Warehouse is complete, the company will operate in Atchison at the Berger Building, beginning in the spring of 2021.

Rainbow Communications has worked within Atchison County in the past, extending its fiber-optic network to the Shannon Industrial Park in 2018, in a partnership with the City and County of Atchison in an effort to attract new businesses.

In 2019, working with the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, the company extended fiber internet to the Amelia Earhart Airport.

(KLZA)--Three new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Atchison County, Missouri.

A male in his twenties, a male in his fifties and a male in his eighties all all isolating per guidelines.

According to a release from the Atchison County Health Department,  Atchison County Emergency Management, Dr. Richard Burke and the Atchison County Commission,  two of the cases are linked to a positive case in a different state.  The new cases bring the total number of coronavirus cases in Atchison County to 15.  11 of the patients are no longer in quarantine.

The health department urges everyone to continue social distancing by maintaining a six-foot separation;  limit in-person interactions and to practice good hand washing and hygiene.  The health department also recommends wearing a mask when physical distancing cannot be achieved.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Council has set a public hearings for September 14 on both the 1 & 6 Year Street Plan and the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget. 

In other action the Council approved a bid from Clint Mahoney from Pawnee County in an amount of $30-thousand to replace some of the graveled areas on the Pawnee City Bike Trail with concrete.  The concrete will be 6-inches deep and will include rebar.

The Council approved development of a plan to replace the city computers and seek bids for the fiscal year 19-20 City Audit.

(KMZA)--The first COVID-19 related death is being reported in Nemaha County, Kansas.

Nemaha County Community Health Services made the announcement in a Facebook post Monday.

The agency said they will not be releasing any information on the individual.

As of Monday, Nemaha County has had 48 positive cases to date. 40 of the individuals have recovered.

(KLZA)--A pair of incumbents were successful in bids for reelection Tuesday in Missouri primary elections.

In the Republican primary in Holt County Sheriff David McLain out-polled challenger John Brook 792 - 263. No Democrats filed for the office.

In the Republican primary race for Holt County Coroner, Incumbent Susan Lentz defeated challenger John David Sommer 811 - 250.

Voter turnout in Holt County was 37.5 percent.

In Atchison County Sheriff Dennis Martin defeated a pair of challengers in the Republican Party primary.  Martin received 1,040 votes. Andy Riley received 312 votes and Tyson Gibbons received 269 votes. There were no Democratic candidates.

There were no other local contested races. 44.7 percent of the counties registered voters cast ballots on Tuesday.

(KLZA)--A Topeka woman was arrested Monday by the Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang following a report of a vehicle being stolen in Table Rock.

Approximately 10 minutes after the report was received,  Sheriff Lang arrested 40-year-old Sally Brown for possession of a stolen vehicle and driving under suspension.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Clerk Mary Eickhoff has notified Humboldt Mayor Robert Mendenhall and the members of the City Council that a sufficient number of signatures have been gathered on a recall petition to force a recall election for Mayor Mendenhall.

The Humboldt City Council must set the date for the recall election and then notify the County Clerk's office. 

121 of the 132 signatures on the recall petition were found to be valid.  113 signatures were required to find the recall petition sufficient.

The recall petition was circulated by Mary White who said the voters in Humboldt have lost confidence in the Mayor who is serving his first term in office.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved a hiring incentive plan Monday night in an effort to hire certified police officers.

Recently two Falls City Police Officers resigned and joined the Richardson County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant Chief of Police Jamie Baker told the Council it has become increasingly difficult to hire officers due to a lack of applicants.

The council approved a hiring incentive of $10-thousand for up to two, certified officers. The incentives would be paid over three years with the first installment paid at hiring to help the officer with relocation expenses.  Baker said that it costs the City approximately $19,600   and 16 weeks to send a new hire to the Nebraska Law Enforcement Center to become certified.

In related action the Council approved a request to hire a third part-time police officer.  The part-time officers are used when there is a manpower shortage, or to help cover vacation and times when officers are ill.    The Council also voted 5-1 to increase the part-time officer wage to $23.60 per hour.  Council member Lucas Froeschl cast the nay vote with Council members Amber Holle and Carla Rhodd absent.

Also approved Monday evening was creation of a Master Police Officer Program for the Police Department.  To qualify an officer would  need to have three years of service as a police officer. There would be a points program to acquire the designation which would make the officer eligible for a two-dollar per hour pay raise.

The City will be opening two areas of negotiations with the Police Department Officers union regarding wages and hours of work.  Assistant Chief Baker said the Department is looking at make a change in shifts for officers. He said the feeling is that going to a 12-hour shifts without the current rotating shifts would make the officers work hours more consistent and would help with morale.

(KNZA)--No serious injuries were reported Tuesday evening in a three-vehicle Jackson County wreck in the city of Holton.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened around 7:00 in front of the Sonic restaurant.

The Patrol reports 18-year-old Madilynd Weidler-Hyten, of Lecompton, was pulling out of a private driveway onto U.S. 75 when her Subaru Forester t-boned a Toyota Camry driven by 68-year-old Charles Morlof, of Platte City, Missouri.

A semi tractor-trailer struck the Subaru Forester, which then struck the Camry again.

A passenger in the Camry, 68-year-old Platte City resident Della Morlof, was transported to the Holton Community Hospital with what the Patrol described as suspected minor injuries.

Weidler-Hyten and a passenger in her vehicle, 18-year-old Holton resident Violet Mesa, were not hurt.

The semi driver, from Enid, Oklahoma, also escaped injury.

The Patrol says all the occupants were buckled up when the wreck occurred.

(KAIR)--A 17-year-old was shot Tuesday evening, and a 16-year-old arrested in connection with the Atchison shooting.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News, his officers were called to the 400 block of North 5th Street around 7:20. “We arrived to find a 17-year-old victim had suffered a gunshot wound. It was a non life-threatening wound. He has been transported to the hospital. Within an hour, we went to a mid-town residence where a 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody.”

Names have not been made public.

The investigation is continuing.

(MSC News)--Unofficial results from Tuesday's election

KS primary election results link 

In Atchison County, Incumbent Sheriff Jack Laurie defeated challenger Adam Potts in the Republican primary race for sheriff.  Laurie received 1,533 votes to Potts, 946.

Laurie will now face Democrat John Calhoon in November.

In the Republican primary race for 3rd District County Commissioner, Casey Quinn defeated incumbent William " Bill" Pohl by a vote margin of 613 to 295.

In Brown County, incumbent Sheriff John Merchant won the Republican primary race for sheriff over challenger Hiawatha Police Captain Dennis Entriken by a more than 700-vote margin, 1,467 to 756.

In the Republican primary race for 3rd District County Commissioner, incumbent Dwight Kruse was defeated by challenger Bill Pollock by a 25-vote margin, 317 to 292.

Betty “ B.J. Spiker won the Republican primary race for County Treasurer by a more than 530-vote margin over Anne Olsen, 1,331 to 793.

No Democratic candidate filed for any of the three positions.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reported a 43 percent voter turnout.

In Doniphan County, incumbent Sheriff Chad Clary won a five-way Republican primary race for Sheriff. Clary received 827 votes; Dustin Robinson, 728; Michael Liechti, 140; Nick Popple, 97; and Dan Rathman, 48

In the Republican primary race for 3rd District County Commissioner, Bobby Hall defeated incumbent Jerry McKernan by a 27-vote margin.

In the Republican primary race for County Treasurer, Nicole Diveley defeated incumbent Lindsay Etherton by a more than 1,100 vote margin.

Incumbent District Magistrate Judge Laura Johnson-McNish won a three-way Republican primary race.  Johnson-McNish received 803 votes; Scott Morris, 647; and Doug Duncan, 376.

No Democratic candidates filed for any of the positions.

Voters in eight Doniphan County townships approved levies to raise funds for the purchase of rock for the township roads.

In Jackson County, incumbent 3rd District County Commissioner Bill Elmer was  defeated in the Republican primary race by Keith Kelly. No Democratic candidate filed.

In Nemaha County, Jason Koch defeated incumbent 2nd District County Commissioner Tim Burdiek in the Republican primary race by a vote of 513 to 333. Koch will now face Democrat Greg Allen in November.

Dylan Keim won the Republican primary race for 3rd District County Commissioner over Bob Sextro by a vote of 454 to 190. Keim will now face Democrat incumbent Dennis Henry in November.

The Nemaha County Clerk's Office reported a 36 percent voter turnout

In Marshall County, Fritz Blaske won the 3-way Republican primary race for 2nd District County Commissioner over incumbent Tom Holle and Don King. No Democratic candidate filed.

In the Republican primary race for District Magistrate Judge, incumbent Angela Hecke defeated challenger Bobbi Pippia. Hecke received 65 percent of the vote.

Voters in Blue Rapids gave overwhelming approval to a half-cent sales tax that will be used, in part, to fund a new swimming pool and bathhouse.

(KMZA)--Details have been released on a single-vehicle Nemaha County wreck that sent a Goff man to the hospital.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office says 42-year-old Ryan Niehues was traveling north on K-62, just north of 1st Road, early Saturday evening when his semi left the road and overturned in the ditch.

Niehues was transported to a local hospital by private vehicle for the treatment of injuries.

(KLZA)--On Monday Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Director Scott R. Frakes announced that a staff member with the NDCS is positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The staff member is employed at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution. The person is self-isolating at home.

Notification will be provided to those who work and live in the facility as to the new positive case. In addition, anyone who may have had close contact with the staff member will be directed to self-quarantine until they are cleared by a medical provider.

This brings the total number of NDCS staff members diagnosed with COVID-19 to 45. Twenty-nine of those individuals have recovered from COVID-19.

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

The additional cases include two cases in Johnson county, a male in his teens and a male in his fifties. A female in her forties who lives in Nemaha county. A female in her forties who lives in Otoe county and a male in his sixties who lives in Pawnee 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 August 3rd the total cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the district is 103. Case counts by county are Johnson 13, Nemaha 20, Otoe 42, Pawnee 8 and Richardson county with 20 cases.

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.

(KLZA)--Pawnee City Council members reviewed a claim for hail damage to city property that occurred during a June storm.

More than $100-thousand in damages were caused to city property including the city offices, water wells, the sewer plant, city shop and other property.

The Council approved a resolution to increase the Demolition Incentive Reimbursement amount from $2,000 to $4,000 for the demolition of nuisance properties after receipts are submitted for Council approval.

Council members also met with Pride Committee members to discuss preparation of a plan to address nuisance properties in the community.  The Council will work with Pride Committee members to develop a plan. 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has voted to let the county's school boards decide whether they want to opt out of Governor Kelly's coronavirus-inspired order requiring schools to have staff and students wear masks.

The Commission took the action Monday on a 2-1 vote after receiving input from County Health Officer Chastity Schumann and consulting with County Attorney Kevin Hill.

Schumann said she believes school boards should make their own decisions.  She suggested if social distancing can't take place then masks should be required. 

Hiawatha School District Superintendent Lonnie Moser and South Brown County USD 430 Board President Jason Selland were present at the meeting.

Moser said they intend to follow the Governor's order, which requires masks for those ages 3 and up--with some exceptions.  Moser added the school district's staff supports the wearing of masks.

Selland said his board has not made a decision and he was looking for some guidance from the county.

Commissioner Keith Olsen said he felt the county should stay out of the matter, and Commissioner Dwight Kruse said the county should let individual school boards make their own decision.

I

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting another confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total to 62.

According to a release from Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter on Monday, the latest case is a 19-year-old man who is isolating at home.
55 of the county’s cases have recovered.
Two remain hospitalized.

Kansas has seen its rate of positive coronavirus tests inch up over the past month and is approaching 29,000 reported cases for the pandemic. The state Department of Health and Environment reported Monday that the state had another 1,064 cases since Friday for an increase of 3.8% to 28,876. The department also reported another seven COVID-19-related deaths to bring the total to 365 for the pandemic. The Associated Press reports the overall rate of total positive tests results has been increasing after bottoming out at 8% in late June and standing at 8.3% on July 3. The rate of positive tests for the pandemic was 9.6% as of Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

(MSC News)--Voters will go to the polls Tuesday to decide which candidates for federal, state and county offices should advance to the November general election ballot.

There are several local contested races.

In Atchison County, incumbent Sheriff Jack Laurie is being challenged by Adam Potts in the Republican primary for the position of sheriff. The winner will face Democrat John Calhoon in November.

Also in the Republican primary, incumbent 3rd District Atchison County Commissioner Henry Pohl is being challenged by Casey Quinn in his bid for re-election to a third term. The winner will face Democrat Duane Boldridge in November.

In Brown County, incumbent Sheriff John Merchant is being challenged by Hiawatha Police Captain Dennis Entriken in the Republican primary for the position of sheriff. No Democratic candidate filed. 

Incumbent 3rd District Brown County Commissioner Dwight Kruse is being challenged in his bid for re-election by fellow Republican Bill Pollock. No Democratic candidate filed. 

Two candidates are vying in the Republican primary for the position of county treasurer. Betty “ B.J.” Spiker and Anne Olsen are seeking to replace current treasurer Cheryl Lippold who plans to retire when her term ends in October of next year.

In Doniphan County, there is a five-way race for the position of sheriff in the Republican primary. Incumbent Sheriff Chad Clary, Michael Liechti, Nick Popple, Dan Rathmann and Dustin Robinson are vying for the position. No Democratic candidate filed. 

There is also a contested race for 3rd District Doniphan County Commissioner in the Republican primary, with incumbent Jerry McKernan being challenged by Bobby Hall. No Democratic candidate filed.

Three candidates are vying in the Republican primary for District Magistrate Judge. They include incumbent Laura Johnson-McNish, Douglas Duncan and Scott Morris.  

In addition, voters in eight Doniphan County townships will decide the fate of tax levies to raise funds for the purchase of rock for township roads.

In Jackson County, there is a contested race in the Republican primary for 3rd District County Commissioner between incumbent Bill Elmer and Keith Kelly. No Democratic candidate filed. 

In Nemaha County, there will be contested races in the Republican primary for the positions of 2nd and 3rd District County Commissioner.

Incument 2nd District Commissioner Tim Burdiek is being challenged by Jason Koch . The winner will face Democrat Greg Allen in November.

Two Republican candidates are vying for the position of 3rd District commissioner. They include Bob Sextro and Dylan Keim. The winner will face Democrat incumbent Dennis Henry in November.

In Marshall County, three candidates are vying in the Republican primary for 2nd District county commissioner. They include incumbent Tom Holle, Fritz Blaske and Don King.  No one filed on the Democratic ticket.

There is a contested race in the Republican primary for District Magistrate Judge between incumbent Angela Hecke and Bobbi Pippia.  No one filed on the Democratic ticket.

Voters in the Marshall County community of Blue Rapids will decide whether to approve a half-cent sales tax proposal that would be used, in part, to fund a new swimming pool and bathhouse.

 The polls will be open Tuesday from 7 in the morning until 7 in the evening.

(KLZA)--On Saturday, Richardson County Deputies, with the assistance of the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office and Sac and Fox Tribal Police, executed a search warrant at 63412 715 Road in rural Humboldt.

During the search, deputies located several items of drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, and numerous firearms.

Four arrest were made. Arrested were 40 year old Joshua D. Arington of Humboldt, NE on a warrant for probation violation, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

58 year old Mark A. Bratrsovsky of Humboldt, NE for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony , possession of drug paraphernalia.

29 year old James Kelly of Falls City, NE for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

44 year old Jamie Vaughan of Humboldt, NE for possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. All four were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(MSC News)--Two local electric cooperatives have announced their Board approvals of a first step forward in a proposed consolidation plan.

The Boards of Trustees for Nemaha-Marshall Electric Cooperative Assn., Inc. in Axtell, Kansas (NMEC) and Doniphan Electric Cooperative Assn., Inc. in Troy, Kansas (DEC) have approved a joint member vote on this consolidation plan in October 2020.

Prior to this vote, the proposed consolidation plan will be reviewed during special meetings with NMEC and DEC employees and members. If meetings are not possible due to coronavirus gathering restrictions, we will communicate with a special mailing.

“We have focused on every possible means to manage costs without affecting our reliable electric service for our members,” said Daniel O’Brien, General Manager for DEC. “This approach allows both cooperatives to continue to provide predictable electric service and good jobs in our communities.”

“Working with several seasoned electric cooperative consultants, we relied upon their analyses to evaluate savings that could be achieved through consolidation,” said Kathleen O’Brien, General Manager for NMEC. “This plan will benefit everyone and put our cooperatives in a stronger financial position going forward."

Under the proposed consolidation plan:

   A new legal entity will be created and named Northeast Kansas Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NEKEC).

· All jobs will be maintained for a combined workforce of 20.

· There will be no changes in members’ reliable electric service.

· Our financial analyses point to significant potential savings over a 10-year period.

· The cooperatives’ Boards of Trustees will combine initially to oversee the consolidated cooperative.

· Offices in both Axtell, KS and Troy, KS will remain open after this consolidation.  It is anticipated both locations will be needed well into the future.

· The combined cooperatives will serve 5000+ customers in eight (8) counties.       

The proposed consolidation will provide cost savings and greater operating efficiencies neither cooperative can achieve individually by:

• Combining purchasing, accounting, billing, information technology, personnel programs and member service functions.

• Sharing equipment, software and engineering services.

• Realizing savings by eliminating duplicated expenses, fees and service charges.

• Incorporating best practices and processes from both cooperatives.

• Enhancing mutual assistance and emergency response during storm management challenges.

The proposed consolidation requires approval of two-thirds of the voting members of both cooperatives. Votes will be held on the same day in October. The date is to be announced. If approved, the consolidation is anticipated to be completed by January 1, 2021.

These two cooperatives are a good match for consolidation. Both use NISC as their core technology for customer and business information systems. Both cooperatives are served by the same power supply provider (Evergy Kansas Central) under the same contract terms for their full-service power requirements. Both receive renewable hydro-electric power from Federal sources. Both share a 75-year tradition of providing highly reliable serve to their members.

“We view this proposal for consolidation as a solid investment in the future. The combined cooperatives will retain their well-established tradition of reliable service and enjoy efficiencies that will help stabilize rates through cost savings. We think this decision will provide a positive outcome for our cooperative customers for many years,” said Kathleen O’Brien.

Mrs. O’Brien is slated to serve as the General Manager of new entity, if approved.

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

The additional cases include a male in his twenties who lives in Nemaha county. Three cases in Otoe county, a female in her forties and two males, one in his teens and the other in his twenties. One case in Pawnee county a female in her fifties and two cases in Richardson county, two females, one in her forties and another in her twenties.

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 July 31st the total cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the district is 98. Case counts by county are Johnson 11, Nemaha 19, Otoe 41, Pawnee 7 and Richardson county with 20 cases.

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.