(KMZA)--Nemaha County is seeing a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the county.

Nemaha County Community Health Services on Tuesday reported an additional eleven positive cases of the virus—the largest increase in cases in one day.

With the increase in cases, the agency said they are seeing community spread.

As of Tuesday, there have been 122 positive COVID-19 cases in Nemaha County since the pandemic began. There are currently 33 active cases, with one hospitalization.

The agency encourages residents to wear a mask, keep six feet from others, practice good hand hygiene and stay home if your sick.

(KLZA)-- The Holt County, Missouri Sheriff's Department is reporting on their Facebook page a large number of scam attempts in the county. 

Holt County residents are being contacted by people claiming to be with the IRS.  The IRS contact will always be made by certified letter.

Another scam is someone claiming to work for the Holt County Sheriff's Office and stating there is a warrant for the arrest of the person they are calling. 

The Sheriff's Office will not give a courtesy call and officers will come find you.

The final scam circulating presently is a call from someone claiming that your social security number has been suspended.  

The Social Security Department will contact persons by mail,  NEVER by phone.

If you have questions about a call you receive, contact the Holt County Sheriff's Department at 660-446-3300. 

(KLZA)--The Holt County, Missouri Health Department confirmed one additional case of COVID-19 Tuesday. 

The latest positive test brings the total in the county to 89,  six of which remain active. 

The Holt County Health Department recommends that you maintain physical distance of six feed when in public settings,  stay home when you are sick and continue to clean frequently touched surfaces, wash hands often and wear a face covering when you cannot maintain six feet of physical distance. 

(KNZA)-- Local authorities are warning of a suspicious person impersonating a health official and approaching residents at their home. 

Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore said an unknown male, impersonating a Brown County Health Department official, went to two Hiawatha residences Tuesday, telling the resident they had been exposed to COVID-19 and requesting they go with him to get tested.

Defore said in both cases the man was turned away and left the area.

He said the first incident occurred at a residence in the 400 block of Oregon Street between 3 and 4 p.m. tand the second incident at a residence in the 100 block of Apache Street shortly before 10:15 p.m.

The unknown white male was described as standing about five feet, six inches tall with a crew cut style haircut and brown eyes. He was wearing a mask with possible facial hair stubble, a green Polo T-shirt and Khaki pants.

The Brown County Health Department reminds residents that staff from their office will never come to your door to notify you of having been a contact, or to request that you come with them to be tested.

They will always call you on the phone and identify themselves.

The health department says if anyone comes to your door requesting this, do not go with them, and notify local law enforcement immediately.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved a conditional use permit that will allow for the construction of a new cell phone tower in the Denton area.

The Commission gave their unanimous approval when they met Monday.

It will allow a 340 foot tower to be constructed on the agriculture-zoned property at 630 Castleton Road. The tower is to be utilized by A T & T and will replace a 320 foot tower located within a half-mile of the location.

Commissioners were told the new tower is needed because the existing tower has decreased performance and is structurally at capacity.

The Doniphan County Regional Planning Commission recommended approval of the conditional use permit.

In other business, County Emergency Management Director Julie Meng presented Commissioners with bids from two companies for the replacement of the courthouse generator.

Commissioners accepted the low bid submitted by CK Power in the amount of $51,740 for the new Kohler natural gas generator—including adding power to the courthouse elevator.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Health Department is warning area residents of a Covid-19 related scam.

According to the department’s Facebook page, they received notification that a resident of a surrounding community had a stranger come to the person’s door, requesting that that person go with them to get tested for Covid-19 because they had been a contact of someone who had tested positive for the virus.

The department reminds residents that staff from their office will never come to your door to notify you of having been a contact, or to request that you come with them to be tested.

They will always call you on the phone and identify themselves.

The health department says if anyone comes to your door requesting this, do not go with them, and notify local law enforcement immediately.

(KLZA)-- The number of COVID-19 cases reported the week ending Friday, September 25, within the Southeast District Health Department service area was 42.

There were 12 new positive tests in both Nemaha and Otoe counties and 10 in Johnson  County.  Richardson and Pawnee counties had just four new cases each.

In the past 30 days, there have been 156 cases confirmed in the SEDHD service area with a total of 399 cases confirmed since the pandemic began. 

There have been 151 cases confirmed in Otoe County, 127 in Nemaha  County,  59 in Richardson County,  46 in Johnson County and 16 in Pawnee County. 
 

(KLZA)-- Following a presentation by JK Engineering during the September 16 meeting of the Auburn Board of Public Works,  the Board voted to increase the water rates for Auburn BPW customers. 

In the next four years, water rates will increase 5.2 percent each year. That will amount to just over $1.60 per month for the average household in year one,  and $1.71 in year two. 

The new rates will take effect January 1.

(KAIR)--More changes are in store for downtown Atchison, as city crews and contractors are set to replace the ash trees in the 700 block of Commercial Street.

According to a city of Atchison press release, the work is being done because the trees are already showing signs of being affected by the Emerald Ash Borer.

The ash trees will be replaced by a mix of other tree types to match those planted in the 800 block of Commercial. Further ash tree replacements are anticipated for the other blocks of Commercial Street within the next year.

Parking may be affected; however, crews will only be working on a few trees at a time to minimize the disruption to traffic flow and parking availability.

The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive pest that disrupts the ability of ash trees to transport water and nutrients.

It’s native to Asia and was first documented in Michigan in the early 2000’s. Since then, it’s been spreading throughout the US and was first documented in Atchison County in 2016.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission on Monday adopted the 2021 budget as published.

That came following a hearing drawing no public comment.

The budget calls for net expenditures of nearly $13.8 million and a .419 mill decrease in the tax levy.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 42.017 mills, which is expected to generate nearly $8.5 million in local tax revenue.

Even though the mill levy will decrease slightly, the county will collect around $288,000 in additional revenue due to a nearly $8.8 million increase in the county’s assessed valuation.

(KNZA)--Brown County is reporting its 4th COVID-19-related death.

The Brown County Health Department reported the death on Monday.

The Department said the individual was a woman in her 60's.

Meanwhile, Atchison County reported its 3rd coronavirus-related death on Friday.  The Atchison County Health Department didn't release any information on the individual.

Local health officials encourage residents to notify their primary health care provider if they experience any symptoms of COVID-19.  Symptoms include: fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, body aches, cough, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell, and runny nose.

Residents are encouraged to do their part to the slow of the disease by wearing a mask in public, practicing social distancing, washing your hands often and avoiding groups or crowds.

(KMZA)--A Sabetha business has been awarded a grant from USDA Rural Development for energy efficiency improvements.

According to a news release from the agency, Garrett's Country Mart will use the nearly $83,000 grant to purchase and install new energy efficient refrigerators and freezers.

The release says the project is estimated to save more than 346,000 kilowatt hours per year, which is enough energy to power 33 homes.

USDA is investing nearly $559,000 to help 17 small businesses and ag producers in Kansas lower energy costs.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn City Budget for the next fiscal year has been approved with total expenditures of more than $16.7-million.

The City Council approved the budget during their September 14th meeting. 

While the total expenditures are higher, the property tax request of $689,638 is down nearly $17-thousand.  The property tax levy will be 43.533 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which is a decrease of just over 4-cents per $100.

The levy decrease is due in part of the city valuation increasing by more than $9.7-million.  

(KLZA)  The flu season is approaching and with COVID-19 cases persisting, the Creighton School of Medicine sayd the influenza vaccine will play a critical role in preventing a potential “twindemic”  that would put further strain on the health care system.  

The Centers for Disease Control estimates the 2019 flu season caused as many as 56-million cases and up to 740,000 hospitalizations.  Without a COVID-19 vaccine, it will be difficult for individuals to distinguish between flu and coronavirus symptoms.

The flu vaccine can have a significant impact in reducing the spread of the flu virus. 

Everyone six months of age and older is advised to have a flu vaccine,  especially high-risk groups, such as children, adults over 65 and those with health complications and chronic illness.

Creighton School of Medicine officials say that wearing a mask in public places is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of both COVID-19 and influenza cases.

Since COVID-19 and influenza present similar symptoms, individuals should stay home when sick and isolate for 10 days when showing  flu-related symptoms.  You should wait 24-hours after your are fever – free before returning to work or going out in public. 
 

(KNZA)--A person of interest in Topeka's latest homicide was taken into custody Monday afternoon in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said 37-year-old Jason Thomas, of Topeka, was arrested by Jackson County deputies after he was seen leaving a residence in Delia.

Topeka Police officers responded to a shooting in the 300 block of SW Roosevelt Street around 2:45 Saturday morning.

35-year-old Matthew Pressler, of Topeka, was found suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman has donated more 100 cotton face masks to the Brown County Sheriff's Office.

Cheryl Mead dropped the masks she made off  Monday morning.

Sheriff John Merchant said Mead is a quilter and wanted to show her support of law enforcement and emergency responders.

Merchant said Mead indicated what isn't needed by first responders, she would like to see go to the Jingle Bell Ride.

Mead added she thought other quilters may want to help out by making face masks, too.

Merchant thanked Mead for her kindness.

(KLZA)--A Clarinda, Iowa man died following a wreck involving a Mack truck and a train Saturday afternoon, south of Rock Port. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 52-year-old Troy Landess was eastbound  in the truck on a private levy access road, attempting to cross a private railroad crossing controlled only by a STOP sign.  The truck was struck in the front passenger side by a Burlington Northern Santa Fe locomotive.

Landess was partially ejected from the truck, which ame to rest down an embankment.  

Landess was transported by the Atchison / Holt EMS to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn where he was pronounced dead.

The wreck was reported around 2:30. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman was injured after she was struck by a vehicle in an Atchison convenience store parking lot.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 86-year-old Albert Zishka, of Lancaster, was driving through a parking lot in the 16-hundred of Main Street shortly before 1:30 Saturday afternoon when his vehicle struck 74-year-old Beverly Reese who was walking in the parking lot.

Reese fell to the ground, striking her head on the pavement.

She was transported by ambulance to the Atchison Hospital.

(KAIR)--An area school has received national recognition.

The Bradley Elementary School in Fort Leavenworth is among six Kansas schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020.

According to a release from the Department of Education, the recognition is based on a school’s overall academic progress and performance in closing achievement gaps among students subgroups.

The release says the Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing.

All Kansas schools were recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.

367 schools across the United States were designated this year as National Blue Ribbon Schools.

An awards ceremony will be held virtually on November 12th and 13th.

(KAIR)--A Kansas City, Missouri motorcyclist was killed Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle wreck in Atchison.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said the wreck happened shortly before 4:00 at the intersection of U.S. 73 Highway and Raven Hill Road.

Wilson said 46-year-old Jason Pelletier was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on U.S. 73 when a westbound Chevy pickup truck on Raven Hill Road driven by 46-year-old Melissa Parkinson, of Leavenworth, entered U.S. 73 and Pelletier collided with her vehicle.

He was transported to the Atchison Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A passenger on his motorcycle, his wife, Colleen Pelletier, was transported by EMS to the hospital with injuries.

Wilson said both were wearing helmets.

Parkinson, who was not hurt, was charged with failure to yield.

(KAIR)-- An Atchison man was arrested Sunday afternoon following a drug raid at an Atchison motel room.

 According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 32-year-old Jesse Smith III was arrested after a search warrant was served on a motel room at 401 South 10th Street.

 Smith was arrested for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute prescription narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute,  possession  of marijuana, and no drug tax stamp.

He was booked into the Atchison County Jail. 

 Laurie said a 46-year-old Atchison woman was also in the motel room. She was released after the search warrant with possible charges, pending further investigation.

(KAIR)-- Two Leavenworth men were arrested early Saturday morning after a man was attacked following an Atchison home invasion.

 According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 400 block of Atchison Street around 12:30.  When they arrived, they made contact with a  23-year-old man and 20-year-old female at the residence.  The two suspects had fled the scene.

The suspects were located a short time later and taken into custody following a traffic stop.

Wilson said an investigation indicated the two suspects entered the residence, damaging a door in the process.  The victim was allegedly attacked with fists and a piece of metal.  He was examined by EMS at the scene but was not transported.  

 Wilson said the victims and suspects were acquinted. 

 20-year-old Gunner Ramey was arrested for battery, criminal restraint, and criminal damage to property. 

 21-year-old Troy Grimm  was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery, criminal threat, criminal damage to property, and interference with law enforcement. 

 Both men were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KMZA)--The Marshall County Commission plans to vote Monday on five agreements with NextEra Energy Resources for the proposed construction of the “ Irish Creek Wind Project” in the southeastern portion of the county.

The proposed wind farm would consist of 110 turbines capable of generating 300 megawatts of power.

The agreements to be voted on include:

A development agreement that will include guidelines for the placement of turbines.

A contribution agreement that calls for NextEra to contribute $4.5 million to the county during the project's first 10 years, when it will be exempt from property taxes. The agreement also states the county can expect to collect more than $2 million per year in taxes on the wind farm during the years 11 through 30.

A road use agreement that will set guidelines for which roads will be used for hauling heavy equipment and how they will be maintained by NextEra.

A complaint resolution agreement that will establish a process to resolve complaints about the wind farm.

The agreements are available for viewing on the county's website at marshall.kansasgov.com

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board voted unanimously at a special meeting Friday afternoon to resume on-site learning at the middle and high schools, beginning Wednesday, September 30.

The action is contingent on being able to adequately staff both buildings.

Remote learning will continue at the Hiawatha Elementary School at this time.

The school nurses provided an updated on the number of positive COVID cases as well as quarantined cases among students and staff.

Board members agreed the main concern was at the elementary school, with discussion centered on options for resuming on-site learning at the other two attendance centers.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the decision was made Wednesday to move from on-site to remote learning at all three of the of district's schools due to an increase in COVID cases and resulting staffing issues.  However, the Board decided during a special meeting Thursday to re-evaluate that decision.

(KNZA)--A Holton teenager was injured Thursday evening in a single-vehicle Jackson County rollover wreck on U.S. 75 Highway, south of Holton.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said 19-year-old Shawn Kramer was northbound when his pickup truck left the roadway. Kramer overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle, which rolled onto its top just south of 214th Road.

Morse said a passerby helped Kramer out of the vehicle.

He was transported by Jackson County EMS to a Topeka hospital with disabling injuries.

The wreck was reported around 7:00.

(KAIR)--Yet another time-honored Atchison tradition has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Atchison Kiwanis Club President Lindsey Hansen says she is sad to report that the club’s annual Halloween Parade will not be held this year.

Hansen says Kiwanis will instead be participating in the Atchison VFW Auxiliary’s Drive-Thru “Trunk or Treat” event.

That event will be Saturday, October 31st, from 2 to 4 in the post parking area at 2201 Main in Atchison.

Parents or guardians are welcome to drive along the circle of decorated trunks while their dressed up trick-or-treaters have candy brought to them.

The post is seeking clubs, organizations, and businesses who would like to reserve a spot for this event.

If interested, or if you have questions, call Lynne Ball at 913-426-4784.

(KLZA)-- In a letter to parents on Wednesday,  Auburn Superintendent of Schools David Patton announced that beginning Monday, September 28,  all students will be in attendance in classrooms.

In recent weeks there has been a decline in positive cases of COVID-19 in the immediate area with rates about half of what they were when the School District decided to change to the A/B schedule.

New Directed Health Measures from the Governors Office released September 21 included significant changes from previous Directed Health Measures.

With the new information the District has decided to have all students back in the classrooms.  All students and staff must wear face coverings while in the classroom or inside a school building.  Patrons and spectators are encouraged to wear face coverings while attending school sponsored events.  

Spectators will continue to be limited at Auburn School District events with each participant allowed to have six people attend.  

If you have questions, you are encouraged to contact your teacher, building administrator or the Central Office.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Holt County Health Department has confirmed 1 more case of COVID-19 in the County.  

This brings Holt County’s total to 83 positive cases.  Of that total,  six cases are currently active.

 The individual is in isolation in accordance with CDC guidance.  
The Holt County Health Department has identified close contacts to the confirmed cases.  If you have not been contacted by the Health Department, you are not a close contact.

(KAIR)--Two Atchison residents have been arrested on drug charges.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded early Thursday evening to the 12-hundred block of Ash Street to investigate a suspicious parked vehicle with two occupants.

Wilson said that investigation led to the discovery of controlled substances in the vehicle and the arrest of the two occupants.

22-year-old Colby Hawk was arrested for possession of an hallucinogenic drug, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

25-year-old Jewel Rawls, Jr. was arrested for possession of marijuana, oxycodone and drug paraphernalia.

Both made were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Hawk remained in custody Friday morning, while Rawls has been released on bond.

( Photo credit: Atchison County Sheriff's Office) 

(KAIR)--Two Atchison residents have been arrested on drug charges.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded early Thursday evening to the 12-hundred block of Ash Street to investigate a suspicious parked vehicle with two occupants.

Wilson said that investigation led to the discovery of controlled substances in the vehicle and the arrest of the two occupants.

22-year-old Colby Hawk was arrested for possession of an hallucinogenic drug, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

25-year-old Jewel Rawls, Jr. was arrested for possession of marijuana, oxycodone and drug paraphernalia.

Both made were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Hawk remained in custody Friday morning, while Rawls has been released on bond.

(KNZA)--Brown County is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases.

As of Thursday, the Brown County Health Department reported 23 new cases this week, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 120.

The Department said this has been the worst week in Brown County since the pandemic began..

Acting County Health Officer Angie Reith said they are now seeing a high number of community-spread cases.

As of Thursday, the Department reported 33 active cases, with two hospitalizations. 15 of the active cases are below the age of 34, with 4 below the age of 17.   

The county has seen three virus-related deaths.

Reith urges residents to do their part to slow the spread of the virus by wearing a mask in public, practicing social distancing, washing your hands often and avoiding groups or crowds.

(KNZA)--A Fairview man has been arrested on multiple child sex charges.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 38-year-old Nathaniel Culver was arrested Thursday on two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of attempted rape.

Hill said the Hiawatha Police Department was contacted this month concerning alleged sex offenses committed against two children who were ages 11 and 9 at the time of the offenses.

Following an extensive investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department, with the assistance of investigators from the Kansas Department of Children and Families, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol, Hill said a complaint was filed in Brown County District Court charging Culver with the felony crimes.

He said all the felonies are punishable by life in prison.

Culver is currently being held in the Brown County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education met in special session Thursday morning and are re-evaluating Wednesday's decision to move to remote learning at all three of the district's schools until October 12.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the decision was made because of staffing issues due an increase in positive COVID cases and subsequent quarantines.

The school nurses provided an update to the Board on the number of positive cases as well as quarantined cases among students and staff.

After reviewing the numbers, Board members agreed the main concern was at the elementary school, which has seen four positive COVID cases, as of Wednesday--including two staff members and two students.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Board directed the district's administrators to look into possible solutions to the staffing issues that would enable the middle school and high school to resume on-site learning. Another special board meeting was set for Friday at 12 noon.

The Board did vote unanimously to resume all sports and other activities, effective immediately. 

(KAIR)--A district judge vacancy has been filled in the 1st Judicial District, comprised of Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.

Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday appointed Joan Lowdon to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael Gibbens. 

Lowden, of Bonner Springs, has been serving as deputy Leavenworth County Attorney since 2017. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Leavenworth County Attorney from 2011 to 2017.

In making the appointment, Kelly said “throughout her career and during the interview process, Lowden proved that she is not only ready to take on the responsibility of a district judge, but that she has the best interests of her community at heart.”

Lowden was selected from among three nominees. The other two nominees included Leavenworth area private practice attorney's Keyta Kelly and Michael Jones.

(KMZA)--Details have been released on a rollover wreck earlier this week in Nemaha County that left a Goff man injured.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office said 31-year-old Benjamin Niehues was westbound on K-9 Highway, west of V Road, early Sunday morning when his car left the roadway. The vehicle struck a field entrance and rolled numerous times.

Niehues was transported by helicopter to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with unspecified injuries.

The wreck was reported shortly before 12:30 Sunday morning.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education met Wednesday morning.

Superintendent Korey Miles noted that there are 269 students in grades K-12 and 21 in the preschool.  The student count is up sixteen from the start of school in 2019.

 High School Principal Jake Shipman praised parents in the Mound City School District for the good work they are doing keeping students home if they are not feeling well and how that helps keep students healthy.

Superintendent Miles is working on a grant application for reimbursement from Holt County for COVID-19 related expenses.  

Board members also approved renewing membership in the ACES Special Education Cooperative and the bus routes for the current school year. 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved an annual salary increase of two percent for dispatchers, jailers, clerical, maintenance staff and deputies at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center when they met Tuesday. 

The pay raises are retroactive to July 1, 2020.

Commissioners also approved the purchase of a 2020 road grader from Nebraska Machinery Company.  The Caterpillar 140G grader will cost $235,300 after the $59-thousand dollar trade allowance.

The Board also approved an agreement with Prichard and Abbott to provide professional appraisal services for oil and gas mineral interest for tax years 2021 and 2022 at a price of $1,930 per year.

It was also noted Richardson County has received $133,669 from FEMA for reimbursement of damages and expenses related to the winter storm and flooding of 2019. 

(KLZA)-- Two juveniles were injured in a two-vehicle wreck about 7:30 Wednesday morning in Atchison County, Missouri at the intersection of Missouri Highway 46 and U.S. Highway 59 in Fairfax.

The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates a John Deer motor grader operated by 33-year-old Jake Harbin of Tarkio was westbound on M-46 and a half-ton Chevy pickup was traveling south on US-59.

The pickup, driven by 34-year-old Cody Stoner of Fairfax allegedly failed to stop at the STOP sign and the front end of the grader struck the front end of the pickup, both coming to a stop, upright in the roadway.

Two juveniles, a 7-year-old male and an 8-year-old female, riding in the pickup were transported to the Fairfax Community Hospital by the Atchison – Holt EMS for treatment of moderate injuries.

The pickup was totaled with the grader sustaining only minor damage.

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

(KNZA)--Holton USD 336 is reporting an additional positive case of COVID-19.

Superintendent Bob Davies said in a release that the middle school was alerted Wednesday by the parents of a student that their child has tested positive.

Its the 4th confirmed case of a student in the district.

Davies thanked the parents of the middle school student for contacting the school so they could ask questions to help speed up the contact tracing aspect of the investigation.

He said if a student has been in “ close contact” with the student, the Jackson County Health Department will contacting parents to let them know.

Jackson County has seen 234 positive cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, with two virus-related deaths.  The Health Department Wednesday reported 8 active cases with no hospitalizations. 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a budget for the next fiscal year with total expenditures of $14,275,242 when they met September 15th.

Total expenditures for the next fiscal year are 4.4 percent below last years total, an amount of more than $648-thousand.

The property tax requirement will be $4,688,924 which includes $400-thousand in cash reserves and the Jail Bond of $278,061.  

The property tax levy will be 32.116-cents per $100 of assessed valuation,  that is a one-half percent decrease.

The valuation of Richardson County property decreased by more than $18.3-million this year, a total of 1.3 percent to $1,373,415,305.

(KLZA)-- Following a conversation with downtown business owner Mitchell Turnbull during the September 14  City Council meeting,  Pawnee City Council members approved the placement of signs restricting the amount of time vehicles can be parked on two streets. 

There will be a two-hour parking limit on non-customers of downtown businesses between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The affected streets will be G-Street between 6th and 7th and 6th Street between F and G Streets.

In other business the council approved a resolution adopting the City 1 and 6-year Street Plan.  

Council members also voted to seek a refund of extra monies used to reimburse John Dahlgren for driveway entrance and tube work.  

Council member Susan Eisenhaur made a motion that due to inconsistencies in a so-called gentleman's agreement presented by Council member John Dahlgren,  that Dahlgren reimburse the City that additional $492 the City paid for the work.

Council members Eisenhauer and Vickie Zelenka voted in favor along with Mayor Charlie Hatfield.  Councilman Dahlgren and Council member Ric Helms abstained.

(KLZA)--Two juveniles were injured in a two-vehicle wreck about 7:30 Wednesday morning in Atchison  County, Missouri at the intersection of Missouri Highway 46 and U.S. Highway 59 in Fairfax.

The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates a John Deer motor grader operated by 33-year-old Jake Harbin of Tarkio was westbound on M-46 and a half-ton Chevy pickup was traveling south on US-59.

The pickup, driven by 34-year-old Cody stoner of Fairfax allegedly failed to stop at the STOP sign and the front end of the grader struck the front end of the pickup,  both coming to a stop, upright in the roadway.

Two juveniles, a 7-year-old male and an 8-year-old female,  riding in the pickup were transported to the Fairfax Community Hospital by the Atchison – Holt EMS for treatment of moderate injuries.

The pickup was totaled with the grader sustaining only minor damage.

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

(KNZA)--Hiawatha USD 415 will be moving from in-person classes to remote learning for all grade levels, beginning Thursday, September 24.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser made the announcement Wednesday after the district received word from local health officials of a significant increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community and schools.

Moser said while many of the cases in the district's schools are isolated in one building, the consequences have hit all their schools.  He said it has also made it impossible to effectively staff their school buildings.

The Brown County Health Department said this has been worst week for COVID-19 in the county.  

The Health Department on Wednesday reported a total of 113 positive cases since the pandemic began, with 26 active cases.  Two individuals remain hospitalized, while the county has seen three virus-related deaths.    

.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha teenager has pleaded guilty to charges in connection with a Brown County rollover wreck last November that claimed the life of another Hiawatha teen.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said Andrew Kreek entered the plea Tuesday to all five counts against him—including involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, three counts of aggravated battery and speeding.

Disposition ( sentencing) was set for November 17.

Killed in the wreck late November 16 at the intersection of U.S. 36 Highway and Horned Owned, west of Hiawatha, was 16-year-old Ian Miller. Kreek and three other Hiawatha teens suffered injuries in the crash.

Kreek, who was 17-years-old at the time of the wreck, was charged in May as a juvenile following an investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol. Assisting in the investigation were the Brown County Sheriff's Office and Hiawatha Police Department.

Kyle White, of rural Hiawatha, was charged last December in the fatal wreck. 

He pleaded not guilty in July to a charge of unlawfully hosting minors and eight counts of furnishing alcoholic liquor to a minor.

A 6-person jury trial in that case is set for November 12, although Hill said the Supreme Court COVID-19 protocols may affect that.

(KAIR )--The two candidates vying for Atchison County Sheriff will participate in a debate hosted by KAIR Radio and mscnews.net.

Incumbent Republican Jack Laurie is being challenged by former Democratic Sheriff John Calhoon.

The debate will be broadcast live on 93.7 FM and streamed through the KAIR Radio Facebook page on Wednesday evening, October 7th, at 6:00.

The debate will feature questions submitted by listeners.

You can submit your questions by emailing them to kairradio@gmail.com. Questions must be received by September 29, and may be edited for length but not for content.

The general election will be held Tuesday, November 3.

(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission voted unanimously Monday to enter into a contract with Theatre Atchison to manage events at the Atchison Event Center.

According to a release from the city, by authorizing the contract that would begin on Nov. 1 and run through the entirety of 2021, commissioners agreed to pay Theatre Atchison $28,000.

Theatre Atchison will be responsible for scheduling, staffing and coordinating all events at the facility. Theatre Atchison will be responsible for budgeted event costs and will get to keep budgeted event proceeds.

The City will continue to be responsible for building maintenance and utilities. The agreement will not affect the current lease agreements the City has with the existing agencies located on the first floor of the facilities.

In other business, the release says Commissioners also approved a pair of grant applications. One would expand on the Safe Routes to Schools plan through the Transportation Alternatives Program, while the other that would assist with land acquisition and apron replacement at the Amelia Earhart Airport.

In addition, The release says Commissioners authorized an increase in the budget for stormwater projects from $150,000 to $175,000. The increase will fund a culvert/drainage project along P Street near 2nd Street and will cover the costs of a study that will analyze potential drainage solutions along South 7th Street.

(KLZA) -- The Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School Board has voted to make a change to their Return to School Plan.

If the COVID-19 pandemic requires the school to move to the orange alert status, students will continue to attend school in person. 

HTRS has enough room available that students will be able to social distance in classrooms.  Students would remain in the same classroom throughout the day and teachers would move from room to room to teach their classes.

In addition, breakfast and lunch would be served to the students in their room. 

Students would only leave their classroom for recess and bathroom breaks. 

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council conducted public hearings concerning budget items when they met September 14.  No one spoke during the hearings.

The final property tax levy was set at 71.12 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.  City Clerk Tammy Curtis noted Pawnee City has a 5-cent addition to the levy due to an interlocal agreement with the Pawnee County Sheriff's Department. 

The Pawnee City levy also includes money for the street improvement project approved by voters. 

Curtis noted the City property valuation went up five percent,  the property tax rate went down four percent and the operating budget is 12 percent lower for the next year. 

The Council also awarded a bid for the city audit for the next three years.  The Julie Bauman CPA firm of Falls City was the only company to submit a bid.  The cost will be $11,200 for the first year,  $11,500 for year two and $11,700 for the third year of the contract.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council Monday evening approved a request from Jessica Santo to barricade off a section of Lane Street in Falls City for trick or treating on October 31.  

The Council agreed to block off Lane Street to vehicles including golf carts, ATV's and UTV's from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.  

The north part of Lane Street traditionally draws hundreds of youngsters trick or treating making it the busiest area in Falls City for trick or treating. 

While details have not been completed,  Santo says area residents are planning activities for that night to include possibly a porch decorating contest and yard games.  

Having other Falls City residents set up trick-or-treat booths on the median on Lane has also been discussed.

In other business Monday night the Council approved on final reading adding a provisional license for nuisance dog breed puppies, to be obtained by dog owners before the dogs are old enough to have all their shots that are required to be allowed inside the city limits.  The vote was 6-1 with Councilman Jim Wisdom casting a no vote and Councilman Derek Leyden absent. 
 

(KNZA)--Plans are moving forward for this year 106th annual Hiawatha Halloween Frolic.

Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau President Kate Miller met with the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to discuss the plans and request the Commission designate two nights for treat-or-treating.

The Commission approved designating Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30 as Treat-or-Treat nights. Residents wanting to take part are encouraged to turn on their front porch light. Miller said they are pushing for residents to decorate their porches this year.

Miller said while some protocol is being put in place to ensure the safety of residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Halloween Frolic is happening.

The grand evening parade, which will take place October 31, will look different this year — similar to a cruise night. Residents are encouraged to decorate their vehicles, and any floats for Halloween, and join the all-inclusive parade. The Hiawatha High School band will be riding a flatbed during the parade.  

The afternoon parade has been canceled.

This year's theme is “ Rock'n Around the Pumpkin Patch.”

(KNZA)--Brown County Services for the Elderly Director Lori Gray has announced she plans to retire next month.

Gray submitted a letter to the Brown County Commission Monday informing them of her decision to take early retirement.

Her last day will be October 30.

Gray has worked for Brown County for almost 18 years.

The Commission voted to advertise the job opening for two weeks and interview applicants at their October 19 meeting.

In other business, the Commission further discussed a resolution that would prohibit semis from “ Jake-braking” or engine breaking on roads within the county.

Vigil Wiltz, who lives just south of the Hiawatha city limits along U.S. 73, requested the commission take the action at their September 14 meeting.

County Attorney Kevin Hill sent a sample resolution to Commissioners for their review.

Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl said he will consult with Sheriff John Merchant as to which roads he suggests be included in the resolution.

The matter was tabled until the Commission's September 30 meeting. 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man was arrested Monday evening on multiple charges following a domestic incident.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said dispatch advised of a domestic complaint in the city of Hiawatha shortly after 9:00.

A short time later, a passenger car being pursued by a pickup truck stopped in front of the Sheriffs office, with the pickup stopping a short distance away.

Merchant said the female driver of the car and a small child were safely escorted in to the Sheriff's Office while deputies conducted an an investigation on the male driver of the pickup.

He said it was discovered that he had his two small children in the pickup with him that were not in child safety seats. They were not injured.  

The driver of the pickup, identified as 38-year-old Donald Garrison Jr., was arrested on charges of felony theft, two counts of child endangerment, assault, driving while suspended, battery of an law enforcement officer, reckless driving, disorderly conduct and interference with law enforcement.

Garrison was booked into the Brown County Jail, where he remains held on a $10,000 bond.

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

The incident remains under investigation.

(KNZA)--Additional positive cases of COVID-19 are being reported at Hiawatha and Horton schools.

Hiawatha USD 415 Superintendent Lonnie Moser, in a release, said the district was notified late Tuesday afternoon that a second staff member at the Hiawatha Elementary School has tested positive for the virus.  The first case at the school was reported Monday.

Per the district's established protocol, Moser said they have cleaned and disinfected all areas of the building the individuals used.

The two staff members will not be allowed to return to school for at least 10 days from the on-set of symptoms.

Moser said contact tracing is in progress. Individuals and families will be notified if they are directly impacted.  As a precautionary measure, Hiawatha Elementary School sent home learning materials and devices Tuesday with all students in one particular grade level. 

The district reported last week that a staff member at the Hiawatha Middle School had tested positive for COVID-19.

South Brown County USD 430 on Monday reported two additional positive cases.

In a release, Superintendent Jason Cline said they include a student at Horton High School and staff member who works in the district.

Both individuals will not be allowed to return to school for at least 10 days.

Last week, a staff member at Horton High School tested positive for COVID-19.

As of Monday, Brown County has seen 105 positive cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Three remain hospitalized. 84 have recovered, with three deaths reported.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting its second Covid-19–related death.

The Atchison County Health Department, in a release posted on its Facebook page Tuesday, said the individual was a male in his 40’s.

As of last Friday, there have been a total of 307 reported cases of Covid-19 in Atchison County since the pandemic began in March.

The department reminds residents to call your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing any signs of COVID-19

(KAIR)--The city of St. Joseph has named its next city manager.

According to a press release from the city, selected to fill the position is Gary Edwards, who currently serves as the city manager of Aransas Pass, Texas.

The release says Edwards, who is a 5th generation Missourian, has twenty-five years of city management experience. He previously served as a city administrator for Sedalia, Missouri and city manager for Moberly, Missouri.

Edwards was among four finalists interviewed by the St. Joseph City Council on September 11.

St. Joseph Mayor Bill McMurray said Edwards has the qualities the City Council was looking for in a city manager and will be a good fit for the community.

Edwards is to begin work November 9th at a salary of $160,000.

(KAIR)--An early Tuesday morning single-vehicle wreck on I-29 in Buchanan County sent a Kansas City, Missouri man to the hospital with serious injuries.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened shortly after midnight about three miles north of Agency.

The Patrol says 29-year-old Sean Williamson was northbound in the passing lane of I-29 when his car traveled off the roadway, struck a cable barrier and overturned.

Williamson, who was not wearing a seat belt, was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

He was the lone occupant in his vehicle.

(KNZA)--South Brown County USD 430 is reporting its second positive case of COVID-19 in the district.

Superintendent Jason Cline, in a release, said the district was notified by the Brown County Health Department Monday that a staff member that works for the district has tested positive for the virus. The release didn't specific which school the staff member works at.

Per their established protocol, Cline said they have temporarily closed off all areas of the building that the individual used in the past several days so they can thoroughly clean and disinfect.

The individual who has tested positive will not be allowed to return to school for at least 10 days.

USD 430 reported its first positive case of COVID-19 on September 16—a staff member at the Horton High School.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Dr. Alan Tramp said the number of cases has gone up in Falls City the past several weeks, but he said the school systems in Falls City have done an outstanding job with their screening and protocols. 

Dr. Tramp said the start of  the allergy season and some influenza cases is causing the need for more testing.  He said the new quick turnaround tests are helping, but there are fewer of them available. 

The doctor also mentioned the start up of the sports programs at local schools, more cases than officials would like to see at Peru State College and the upcoming shutdown of the Cooper Nuclear Station for refueling that brings workers in from around the country are concerns for the healthcare community. 

Tramp said it is a good idea to continue to take precautions including social distancing and wearing masks to help avoid spreading COVID-19.  

During the meeting, concerns were raised about people working in stores and restaurants that are not wearing masks. 

Another concern raised was with health care workers not wearing masks in public. Dr. Tramp says while it is not mandatory to wear masks, he feels its a good idea for them to wear the masks when away from work since they are the ones that will be treating persons even if not related to COVID.  

Recent statistics from the Southeast District Health Department indicate there have been 166 new cases of COVID-19 in the five-county area. The latest county totals are 133 cases in Otoe County,  114 in Nemaha County,  52 in Richardson County,  34 in Johnson County and 12 in Pawnee County.   
 

(KLZA)-- Humboldt – Table Rock -Steinauer School Board members approved an $8.45-million budget when they met September 14 with a property tax levy increase of a nickel.

The total property tax levy will be 78.088 – cents per $100 of assessed valuation,  up a nickel form last years 73 – cent levy, but is well below the state limit. 

The valuation of the properties within the HTRS District dropped 3.6 percent in the past year from $809-million to $780-million.  

The total budget of expenditures in the next fiscal year is $11,658,546 with a necessary cash reserve of $622,338.  
 

(KNZA)--A Circleville man has been charged in connection a UTV accident in July in northern Jackson County that claimed the life of Fargo, North Dakota teen.

The Holton Recorder reports 21-year-old Wyatt Olberding has been charged in Jackson County District Court with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence.

Olberding has also been charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving and transporting an open container, all misdemeanors.

13-year-old Iziah Martinez was killed in the accident early July 5th about two miles northeast of Netawaka. Five others, including Olberding, were injured.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department said Olberding was driving a side-by-side UTV besides another UTV when he lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn. Martinez was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

Olberding is scheduled to make his first appearance in court November 9th.

He remains free on a $10,000 bond.

(KNZA)--Unemployment rates continue to decrease in area northeast Kansas counties.

The Kansas Department of Labor on Friday released the figures for August.

Locally, Atchison County had the highest jobless rate at 8.1 percent, while Marshall County had the lowest at 3.3 percent.

Brown County's unemployment rate was 4.7 percent; Doniphan, 5.2 percent; Jackson, 3.1 percent; Jefferson, 5.2 percent; Leavenworth, 6.7 percent; Nemaha, 4.3 percent and Pottawatomie, 3.8 percent.

All the figures were down from July, but up from August 2019.

Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.9 percent in August. That's down from 7.2 percent in July and up from 3.1 in August 2019.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting residents about a familiar scam that is circulating in the area--only this time, there is a modification to it.  

Residents have been contacted by phone and the caller is identifying  themselves as an official from the social security administration and the DEA. The caller, who has a very thick foreign accent, is telling the resident that their social security number is being used to open multiple bank accounts in Texas and they are being charged with money laundering.  

When the resident begins to question the validity of the accusation, the caller states he will put Sheriff Merchant on the phone to speak with them.  Another person with a thick foreign accent comes on the phone stating that he is Sheriff Merchant and the caller needs to pay restitution or they will be immediately arrested at their home.  

Merchant says several county residents have believed the callers and went to their local banks to withdraw large sums of money. One resident was told that when they had the money, they were to call for instructions on where the money was to be sent.  Thankfully, he said the county's bank tellers were aware this is a scam and saved the residents from losing their hard earned money.

Merchant reminds residents to never give out personal information over the phone and if you are coerced in to sending large amounts of money to someone you are not 100% sure of, contact your local law enforcement or your local bank at once .



 

(KMZA)-There is a vacancy on the Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education.

Superintendent Todd Evans says the Board Monday evening approved publishing a notice of the vacancy created by the resignation of Dr. Jeff DeMint, who represented board member district 2.

Evans said the Board expressed appreciation for DeMint's many years of service on the Board along with USD 113 Foundation.

He said the Board will interview interested candidates at their November 9th meeting.

Eligible candidates must live north of Main Street within the city limits of Sabetha.

Following an executive session, Evans says the Board approved a negotiated agreement with the Prairie Hills Education Association for 2020-21. The agreement calls for a 2.7 percent package increase.

Evans said the Board also approved a 2.6 package increase for the district's administrator's for 2020-21.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved the purchase of a new pumper truck for fighting rural fires.

On the recommendation of Seneca Fire Chief Brett Ohlsen, the Council Wednesday evening approved a bid from Feld Fire, of Kansas City, for the purchase of the pumper truck in the amount of $367,962.

It will replace the fire department's current pumper truck, which is more than 20 years old.

Funding for the purchase will comes from fees charged by the city to four Nemaha County township for providing fire protection. The townships include Center, Clear Creek, Richmond and Gilman.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha plans to start the chip sealing of certain streets starting September 21, weather allowing.

According to a release from the city, the project this year will include Kansas Avenue from 1st to 9th; Hiawatha Avenue from 2nd to 5th; Shawnee Street from 1st to 10th; Delaware from 1st to 9th; Kickapoo, from 1st Street to the railroad tracks; and Navajo from 4th to 6th Streets.

The city is asking that all motorized vehicles be removed from the streets through the duration of the project. If vehicles are not removed, they will be towed at the owner's expense.

Crews will be starting at 7:00 in the morning. Your asked to have your vehicle removed prior to that time.

Those with questions can contact City Hall at 742-7417.

(KMZA)--In-person classes will resume for Pre-K-8th grade students at the Wetmore Academic Center on Monday, but high school students will continue to be remote learners through September 25.

Prairie Hills USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans made the announcement in a release Friday.

Evans said they plan on having face-to-face instruction for all students ( not under quarantine) starting September 28.

In addition to the cleaning and disinfecting conducted by the district's custodial staff, Evans said a contractor has been hired to disinfect the school on Sunday. He sid they are taking the additional precaution to help ensure the safety of their students and staff.

Wetmore students moved to remote learning Thursday and Friday after two students and an adult employee at the school tested positive for COVID-19.

(KAIR)--US Senator Jerry Moran visited northeast Kansas Thursday, with stops in Atchison and Holton.

While in Atchison, the Republican Senator spoke with the Atchison Rotary club about a number of topics, including the federal government’s ongoing Covid-19 response and how it relates to the Kansas economy.

“I’m not intending to vote for some major muli-trillion-dollar bill again. I think that we don’t have the capability of solving all the problems with another government program or with a series of government programs. There’s a few things that I think that we should do, and I want to make sure I’m explaining that to Kansans and getting there feedback.”

Moran says he would like to see a bill targeted more toward aiding health care worker.

“The things that I’m looking for, the things I would be supportive of, is more effort on personal protection equipment to make sure our hospitals, our first responders, our nursing homes, everybody has the protection that they need to do their jobs, because the goal here is to get people to work. The goal here is getting students back in the classroom, in the building, and that means they need the tools to be safe.”

Moran says it’s not likely that another phase of funding, or relief package, will get approved any time soon.

“Unfortunately, we’re in that circumstance now in which the politics, I think, of November now kicks in, and people are not evaluating what they think is the right policy, but what does it mean to them, their cadidates, or their party, going into November’s election.”

Regarding November’s Senate race in Kansas, Moran says he is supporting Republican Representative Roger Marshall, who is running against Democrat Barbara Bollier.

Earlier this week, former Republican U.S. Senator Nancy Kassabaum announced that she would be supporting Bollier.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Health Board met via ZOOM this week to update the situation with COVID-19 in Richardson County. 

Dr. Alan Tramp said that the number of COVID-19 cases have increased in Falls City in recent weeks and  he asked Sheriff Rick Hardesty, Chairman of the Health Board if he was concerned about the Richardson County Fair events going on Saturday in Humboldt.   

Sheriff Hardesty said he is concerned anytime there is an event that brings people from outside of Richardson County, into the County for events.  He said he is pleased the organizers of the events are encouraging those attending to wear masks. 

Events begin Saturday morning and continue through the day and evening in Humboldt.  

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt – Table Rock – Steinauer School Board has selected the Nebraska Association of School Boards to help conduct a search for a new Superintendent.

Current Superintendent Sherri Edmundson will be retiring at the end of the current school year.     

The HTRS Board will pay the NASB $6-thousand to aid in the search process which will include receiving and screening all applications and taking care of all interview details.  Additional costs for advertising, travel expenses and meals incurred due to travel will be added to the total.

The first meeting of the Board and the NASB representatives is scheduled for September 23.  

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education has approved a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2020-21 school year.

Under the agreement approved by the Board Monday evening, Superintendent Jason Cline said the base salary will increase $1,000 to $39,100. The district will continue to pay a single health plan.

The Board also approved a 25 an hour pay increase for all USD 430 classified staff and two percent salary increase for the district's administrators.

Following a lengthy discussion, the board voted 5-1 to increase the pay for substitute teachers from $90 to $100 a day. Cline said the board will discuss the possibility of adding extra incentives to attract more subs at next month's meeting.

The board also approved the purchase of the property west of the elementary school for $7,500. The board had discussed at a previous meeting the possibility of turning the property into a parking lot.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Sheriff's Department is investigating a theft from a rural Atchison County construction site.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Herzog Contracting Corporation reported a white 2005 Wacker light tower/generator was stolen from the area of U.S. 59 and K-116 Highways on September 11.

It was being used by a road paving crew.

The loss was estimated at $6,000.

Laurie said the investigation is on-going.     

(KLZA)-- The former Shopko building in Falls City has been sold to Hy-Vee Inc. of West Des Moines, Iowa.

The building has been owned by Downtown Modernization.  

Hy-Vee has purchased a number of vacant Shopko locations and converted them into Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh grocery stores in  rural communities.

Shopko closed in Falls City in May of 2019, after the company filed for bankruptcy.

The 32-thousand square foot building opened as Gibsons just before Christmas in 1974 and later became Pamida and Shopko after that. 
 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School District is reporting its first positive case of COVID-19.

In a message to USD 415 families, Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the district was notified Thursday by the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department that a staff member at the Hiawatha Middle School has tested positive for the virus.

Per the district's established protocol, Moser said they have cleaned and disinfected all areas of the building the individual has used.  He added they are in contact with local health officials to ensure effective contact tracing and to continue to take the steps necessary to protect the health of their students and staff.

The staff member who tested positive will not be allowed to return to school for at least 10 days from the on-set of symptoms.

(KLZA)-- Former Nebraska 1st District State Senator Floyd Vrtiska is being remembered following his death Tuesday at the age of 93. 

Vrtiska who farmed in Pawnee County in the Table Rock area served six terms as a Pawnee County Commissioner until he was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 1992, serving three terms. 

In addition, Vrtiska served as the Mayor of Table Rock,  was a longtime Fire Chief of the Table Rock Fire Department and served on the State College Board of Trustees. 

Services for Vrtiska will be Sunday, September 20, beginning with a viewing from 2 to 4  p.m. at the Table Rock Methodist Church.

Family and friends are then invited to join Floyd's final  journey home in a car processional beginning at the Table Rock Methodist Church at 4:15 p.m.,  to his final resting place in the Table Rock Cemetery where a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 5:00 p.m.

The family is requesting social distancing and masks throughout the service.

Vrtiska is survived by three children.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners awarded a number of bids when they met September 8.

The Board approved the purchase of a 2020 John Deer 200G-FT4 excavator from Murphy Tractor. The price was $201-thousand with $26,500 allowed for the trade in of a 1996 excavator making the final price $174,500.   

A bid for the Steinauer Northwest bridge construciton project, abutment repair and other related work on 616 Avenue between 719 and 720 Raod was awarded to JJK Constrction of Ceresco in an amount of $95,346. It was the lower of two bids submitted with work to begin October 15.

Bids were awarded on three stream rehabilitation projects, one between 719 and 720 Road,  one on 620 Avenue and 720 Road and one on 714 Road between 619 and 620  Avenue.  Three bids were received for the projects with the low bid from Gana Trucking and Excavation of Martell, Nebraska, in an amount of $225,410 accepted.  

The Board also awarded the bid for the 2021 scrap Tire Recycling Grant to The Tire Cutters of Seneca, Kansas in an amount of $109 per ton which was the lowest of three bids submitted.  

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City School Board  approved the fiscal year 20-21 budget and property tax levy when they met September 2

The property tax levy will remain the same as last year at 95.919 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.  

The total operating budget will exceed last years total operating budget by 4.9 percent.The property tax request for the General Fund will be $2,983,791 with the Special building Fund tax request set at $83,814. The amount of tax dollars required for the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaning Fund was set at $117,340.

Also during the meeting, Board members approved the purchase of a new 59-passenger Blue Bird Vision school bus, taking advantage of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy School Bus Rebate grant program. The total cost of the bus will be $93,022. the NDEE will reimburse the schools depreciation fund in the amount of $42-thousand .

(KMZA)--A semi driver escaped serious injury in a single-vehicle early Thursday morning Pottawatomie County wreck east of Wheaton.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 56-year-old Gerald Taylor, of Clay Center, was traveling on K-16 Highway when his semi-tractor trailer went off the roadway into the north ditch at Wheaton Road.

Taylor was transported to Community Hospital, in Onaga, for the treatment of what the Patrol described as minor injuries.

The Patrol says he was wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred around 6:00.

(KAIR)--A Pennsylvania man wanted in connection with two home invasions at the same Atchison residence is in custody. 

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said 30-year-old Cameron Jensen was arrested Wednesday in Erie, Pennsylvania by U.S. Marshals.

Wilson said the Atchison Police Department had been working with the U.S. Marshals Service to locate Jensen, who was wanted on an Atchison County District Court warrant for two counts of aggravated battery, one count of aggravated burglary and one count of criminal restraint.

Wilson said the charges stem from an investigation of crimes that occurred at a residence in the 300 block of Parallel on July 23 and August 6 involving the same 45-year-old victim.

During the August 6 incident, the victim sustained injuries after being struck with an object that was in the intruder's hand. He was treated at an area hospital and released.

Jensen is being held at a jail facility in Erie Pennsylvania pending extradition.

(KNZA)--South Brown County USD 430 is reporting its first positive case of COVID-19 in the district.

Superintendent Jason Cline, in a letter to district patrons, said  the district was notified Wednesday by the Brown County Health Department that a staff member at Horton High School had tested positive for COVID-19.

Per established protocol, Cline said they have temporarily closed off all areas of the building that the individual used the past several days for extensive cleaning and disinfecting.

He said the staff member will not be allowed to return to school for at least 10 days.

(KMZA)--The Wetmore Academic Center will move to remote learning after a third positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed at the school Wednesday.

Prairie Hills USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans, in a letter to Wetmore families, said they will not have in-person classes Thursday and Friday.   

Evans said there is the possibility, depending on additional positive cases, that remote learning will continue next week.

The district was notified Wednesday that a second Wetmore student had tested positive for COVID-19.  That came after the district received word Tuesday that an adult employee at the school had tested positive.

Evans said the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said the three positive cases are considered a " cluster." 

Counting all absences, Wetmore’s Pre-K-12 grade attendance rate for Wednesday was 40%--including 28 percent who were absent because of being quarantined.

In consideration of the school's absence rate, Evans said KDHE advised they move to remote learning.  

All activities and practices have been canceled through Sunday.

The Prairie Hills school district has seen five positive cases of COVID-19 involving students and staff since last Friday.

(KMZA)--A second student at the Wetmore Academic Center has tested positive for COVID-19.

Prairie Hills USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans said in a statement that the district was notified Wednesday morning of the positive case by Nemaha County Community Health Services.

The student will not be allowed to return to school for at least 10 days.

Its the fifth positive case of COVID-19 in the district since last Friday and third case at the Wetmore school.

Besides the two Wetmore students, an adult employee at the school has also tested positive. The other two cases in the district include a teacher at Sabetha High School and student at the Sabetha Middle School.

Evans said they are in contact with local health officials and will take the steps necessary to protect the health of their students and staff.

He said they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates if there is more information they are able to share.

(KLZA)-- Mound City Aldermen approved ordinances granting utility franchise rights to Evergy, Missouri West, the authorization to construct, operate and maintain all appropriate facilities for carrying on a light, heat and power business and another to Liberty Utilities, which is also know as Midstates Natural Gas to sell and distribute gas to City residents and businesses when they met September, 10.   

Alermen also approved the annual Fall Clean-Up Day be scheduled for October 17 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with the pickup point being the swimming pool parking lot. 

City Clerk Annissa Brandon informed the Council that the contractor has reported there is no asbestos in the building at 601 State Street that collapsed in late August. The rest of the building will be taken down as soon as weather permits. 

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners approved the budget and property tax levy for the next fiscal year when they met on September 8.

The property tax request was set at $1,993,530 requiring a property tax rate of 25.985 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The property tax increase amounts to $57,290 which is a 2.96 percent increase.

The County valuation is $767,171,572 which is an increase of $18.6-million. 

The levy is approxmately a tenth of a cent higher than last year.  

The total budget of disbursements amounts to $8,728,225 which includes $450-thousand in necessary cash reserves.
 

(KLZA)-- Early voting in person for the November,  General Election will begin Monday, October 5 in Nebraska and will be available at the Richardson County Courthouse in Falls City in the  County  Clerk's Office.   Anyone unable to go to their polling place for any reason can request an “Early Voting Ballot.”  Ballots can be mailed to voters upon the receipt of an application or a written request signed by  the voter or their agent and delivered to the County Clerks Office.  Early voting ballots can also be picked up in person and voted at the Office of the County Clerk October 5, through November 2 during regular business hours.   Applications for “Early Voting Ballots” will be published in the Falls City Journal and Humboldt Standard in Richardson County. Forms are also available at the Richardson County website,  www.co.richardson.ne.us.  The deadline for those persons who would like to vote in the November 3, General Election and who have not previously registered to vote is Friday, October 23.  Registration is done at the Office of the County Clerk during regular business hours.    For more information on voter registration and Early Voting, you may contact your County Clerk's Office.

(KMZA)--An operator of the Wamego wastewater treatment facility is accused of sending untreated or inadequately treated sewage into the Kansas River.

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister, in a news release, said 47-year-old David Schleif, of Belvue, was indicted Wednesday on federal charges of violating the Clean Water Act.

In addition, Schleif faces 19 counts of using falsified data in discharge monitoring reports. McAllister said the falsified reports showed lower levels of biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids and E. coli than indicated by actual tests results.

The crime is alleged to have occurred between May 2017 and August 2019.

If convicted, Schleif faces of up three in prison on the discharge count, plus up to two years and a $10,000 fine for each of the other counts.

(KNZA)--Lester Randall has been re-elected chairman of the Kickapoo Tribal Council.

The tribe held elections for four tribal council positions this past Saturday.

Christopher Tucker was elected as treasurer; Christina Wahwasuck as council member; and Jason Thomas as council member.

A swearing in ceremony will be held this Saturday, September 19.

All tribal members at least 21 years of age were allowed to register to vote in the tribal election, which was held by both absentee and poll voting.

Under the Constitution of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, all tribal council terms will be for three years.

The next tribal council election will take place in September 2022.

(KAIR)--An Atchison motorcyclist was arrested early Wednesday morning on multiple drug charges after allegedly attempting to elude police.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, shortly after midnight officers attempted to stop a motorcycle near 4th and Division. The motorcycle continued to the 11-hundred block of North 5th where the ridder got of the motorcycle and fled on foot.

Following a foot pursuit, Wilson said 36-year-old Marquette Jones was taken into custody in the 12-hundred block of North 6th.

He said a large amount of controlled substances—including cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and oxycodone were seized during the investigation.

Jones was booked into the Atchison County Jail on charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of ecstasy with intent to distribute, possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and fleeing and attempting to elude.

(KNZA)--A mill and overlay project on K-20 Highway in Brown and Doniphan counties is to begin tomorrow, weather allowing.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the work will take place from the U.S. 73/K-7 junction in Brown county, east to the K-7/K-20 junction in Doniphan County.

The work will occur during daylight hours. Saturday work is possible.

KDOT says traffic will be controlled using a pilot car operation and motorists should expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

Herzog Contracting Corporation of St. Joseph, Mo. is the contractor on the $2 million project. The project is expected to be complete by Oct. 9. 

(KAIR)--USD 409-Atchison Public Schools is reporting two active Covid-19 cases.

That’s according to Superintendent Renee Scott, who released the information in an email sent out Tuesday afternoon.

Scott says one middle school student and one high school staff member have tested positive for the virus.

She says both cases are not related to school exposure, and that there is no school spread of covid-19 at the district.

Tuesday’s update was the first in what Scott says will be weekly ones that she will be sending out.

Scott says 409 has been working with the Atchison County Health Department on contact tracing,

Any staff member or student that has been contact-traced as a contact will be notified by the health department if quarantine is necessary.

Scott adds that overall students and staff are doing a good job following safety protocols, including physical distancing.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Education approved the District 56 Budget and Property Tax request following public hearings on Monday evening.

The school district operating budget will increase by 4 percent for the 2020-21 fiscal year to $16,441,454 which amounts to an increase of just over $600-thousand.

The property tax requirement of $9,316,140 is a two-percent decrease, amounting to $55,551. The tax requirement includes $378,788 for the Special Building Fund. The property tax levy will be $1.04.399 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, down from $1.05.216 last year.

Superintendnet Tim Heckenlively noted part of the reason for the lower property tax requirment is that District 56 is now debt free with the bond fund being paid off last December.

The School District 56 assessed property valuation increased by two percent for the 2020 tax year.

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

According to a release issued by the city Tuesday, a water sample collected on August 25 showed a nitrate level of 13 milligrams per liter, which above the federal maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter.

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

In addition, the water should not be boiled.

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

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

The release adds the city is reviewing all available options, including seeking funds for a water treatment plant, so the system can return to compliance as soon as possible.

(KMZA)--Four positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the Prairie Hills USD 113 school district since Friday.

According to text alerts sent by the district, the first case was reported Friday---a teacher at Sabetha High School.

The second case was reported Sunday--a student at the Wetmore Academic Center.

The third and fourth cases were reported Tuesday.  They include a student at the Sabetha Middle School and an adult employee at the Wetmore Academic Center.

In reference to their established protocol, the district said the areas the positive cases may have impacted were cleaned and disinfected.

USD 113 said it is in contact with Nemaha County Community Health Services and will take the steps necessary to protect the health of its students and staff.

Each individual who tested positive has been quarantined for at least 10 days.

Parents are urged to closely monitor students for COVID-19 symptoms and to not send their student to school if exhibiting these symptoms.

(KLZA)-- Nemaha  County, Nebraska Commissioners approved a 2020-21 budget with a tax request of $3,890,205 with a property tax levy of approximately 34.5-cents per $100 of assessed valuation when they met September 2. 

According to the Nemaha County Herald the levy is approximately a half-cent higher than the prevsious budget. 

The overall tax reqeust is down nearly $5-thousand from last year, but the valuation of property in the County is approximately $17.66-million lower than lasat year due to flooding and the removal of some land from the tax rolls.  

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Fair and Humboldt Fall Festival are scheduled for Saturday, September 19.

The theme for this years one-day fair is “Our 20/20 Vision.”

Events will begin with the Classic Car and tracotr show and corn hole tournament beginnning at 10:00 a.m.

There will be local talent singing and playing beginning at noon on stage in the City Square Park.  The first free act “Sebastian Sings Sinatra” will be on stage at 2:00 p.m., followed by more local talent.

The awards presentations and opening ceremonies will start Saturday evening at 6 followed by the coronation of the King and Queen at 6:30.

The High Heel band will perform on the stage in the square starting at 8:00 p.m. 

Wearing masks is recommended for those attending and you should bring  your own law chairs for seating in the park.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Administrator Gary Jorn informed the City Council last week of an issue with one of the four air handlers at Prichard Auditorium.

Jorn said he had a technician that works with the Auditourim boilers check it out and that it's going to be an expensive fix.

The estimate for fixing the issue was just over $30-thousand. 

Jorn said the system is approximately 20 years old and the Council suggested getting bids for repairs as well as replacing the system to compare the costs.

Council members also approved having the restrooms at Grandview Park, Stanton Lake Park and Dallas Jones Park re-opened to the public.  
 

(KAIR)--Few details have emerged regarding a skateboarding accident in Atchison that sent a young woman to the hospital Monday evening.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the accident took place shortly after 6 p.m. in the 100 block of East Mound Street.

Wilson says the 21-year-old female, who has not been identified at this time, was transported by EMS to a St. Joseph hospital.

The extent of her injures are not knows at this time.

We’ll have more details on this story as they become available.

(KNZA)--Jackson County is reporting its second COVID-19-related death.

The Jackson County Health Department on Monday said the individual was 65 or older.

The Department said they would not be releasing any further information at this time.

On Monday, the department reported only six active cases in the county, with no hospitalizations.

The county has seen a total of 223 positive cases since the pandemic began.

 (KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has decided to allow unlimited attendance at football games, but will require face masks.

That was the consensus of the Board Monday evening following the input of the district's health committee.

Event tickets will no longer be required to attend Hiawatha Middle School and Hiawatha High School football games. However, masks will be required in the statdium.  All K-8 students must  be accompanied by an adult to attend high school games.

High School Athletic Director Kim Lillie told the Board the the Hiawatha school district is currently the only Big 7 school limiting numbers.

Board President Tom Simmer said he had been contracted by some district patrons who were unhappy they couldn't attend games. Other board members agreed and said they hated to limit numbers, but wanted to start the season with caution.

The district's health committee also recommended the district continue with on-site learning due to the low number of COVID-19 cases in the county. 

The committee told the Board there are currently six active cases in Brown County, with no hospitalizations. None of the active cases are individuals under the age of 18.

As of Monday, Brown County has seen 84 total positive cases since the pandemic began, and three virus-related deaths.  

(KNZA)--A rural Hiawatha resident is requesting the Brown County Commission approve a Jake braking ban.

Virgil Wiltz, who lives just south of the the Hiawatha City limits on U.S. 73 Highway, made the request during Monday's meeting. On hand for the discussion was Brown County Sheriff John Merchant.

Wiltz, speaking to commissioners by phone, said over the last few years there has been big increase in semi truck traffic on the highway, with more semi's hauling grain to Atchison. He said it's really loud when truckers use their Jake brakes to slow down as they are entering the city limits.

Wiltz said he believes the installation of signage prohibiting the practice would help cut down on the amount of Jake braking.

County Attorney Kevin Hill said it would require commission approval of a resolution. He said commissioners could limit it to a specific road and not make it countywide. Hill said the Sheriff's Department would have to enforce the resolution.

Discussion was held on limiting it to the area's outside the Hiawatha and Horton city limits on U.S. 73 Highway.

Hill said he will draft a sample resolution and send it to the county clerk for the Commission to review at next week's meeting.

(KAIR)--Active Covid-19 cases went down in Atchison County in the past week.

According to a Facebook post made by the Atchison County Health Department Monday afternoon, there are currently 33 active cases county-wide.

That represents a 10 person decrease from the 43 active cases posted by the department last Tuesday, September 8th.

As of Monday afternoon, there are still two county residents being hospitalized with the virus.

Since the pandemic began, the county has seen 299 positive cases.

There has been one Covid-19 related death.

(KMZA)--Two additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Nemaha Central Schools, bringing the total number of positive cases since the school year began to four.

USD 115 Superintendent Darrel Kohlman, in a news release, said the school district was notifed Sunday by Nemaha County Community Health Services that a second student at Nemaha Central Elementary/ Middle School as well as a second staff member from the district had tested positive for COVID-19.

Since the school was in the restrictive on-site model, Kohlman said exposure was limited to classmates.

He said the staff member was already in quarantine so there was no exposure to others.

Per the district’s established protocol, all areas of the building that the individual used in the past several days have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

The individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to return to school for at least 10 days.

Kohlman said the district is closely monitoring the situation and will notify families if any additional actions need to be taken.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City School said in a release Monday afternoon that an elementary teacher in the District has tested positive for COVID-19.

The teacher began to feel ill over the weekend, got tested, and did not go to school Monday.

The case was reported to the Southeast District Health Department, which then began their process of contract tracing. 

Parents of students in the teacher's classroom were then notified.  After that, all parents and staff were notified that an elementary teacher tested positive.

At the time of the release,  no students were being required to quaranteine.  

Quarantine will only be required if a student or staff member is requested to do so by the Southeast District Health Department, or by a medical doctor.  

A parent does have the right to keep their child home if they have a concern.  

Pawnee City Schoool staff members all wear face masks while they are around students.  As of the time of the release, the Health Departmetn has not yet completed its contact tracing.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the appointment of Alan Romine to the Board of Adjustments as recommended by Mayor Shawna Bindle when they met last week.

Romine previously served at the City Utility Superintendent before retiring.

Mayor Bindle noted the long service of two members retiring form the Board. Gary Nelson and Sandra Hartmen have each served 34 years as volunteers on the Board.  

The Council also heard a report on a technology plan and security system for City Hall from Brad Griffin. 
 

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved Mayor Shawna Bindles recommendation to hire Kaleb Gilkerson of Falls City and Juan Ramirez of Omaha as new members of the Falls City Police Department when they met September 9.

Both men will need to attend and pass the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Grand Island to become certified law enforcement officers in Nebraska. 

Currently the Falls City Police Department is operating two officers short of capacity which is nine officers.  Gilkerson and Ramirez will begin their training at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy in  January.  

Following a public hearing the Council also approved paying the 25 percent match for a USDA Rural Development Grant to purchase car video cameras and body worn cameras for the Police Department.  Sergeant Patrick Stamper is writing the grant application for $59,838 which would require a nearly $15-thousand local match. 
 

(KNZA)--With harvest time here, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is sending out a reminder to motorists---“use extra caution when driving and allow plenty of space between you and farm equipment.”

Merchant says a lot of the farm machinery takes up much of the roadway, especially on rural country roads.

He said make sure you are aware of your surroundings especially when cresting hills, not knowing what is on the other side.

Merchant says many accidents happen in the early morning or late afternoon hours when the sun is just rising or setting, causing blind spots.  In addition, he says accidents occur when drivers are trying to pass machinery.

 Merchant said area farmers have told him harvest will be very good this year, meaning more grain trucks on the roads. He said drivers should be ready for those trucks to enter the roadway at unusual spots, so make sure you pay attention to the road and avoid any distractions.

(KNZA)--Two individuals were arrested following a drug bust in Humboldt Friday evening.

According to a release from the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, Richardson County deputies, with the assistance of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, executed a search warrant at 819 4th Street.

During the search, the release says deputies located methamphetamine, suspected magic mushrooms, marijuana, several types of drug paraphernalia, drug distribution materials and five firearms.

Paige Gutzmer was arrested on charges of possession of  methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a playground, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Gary Wittrock was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

The investigation is on-going.

(KLZA)--Four individuals were arrested early Saturday morning following a drug raid in Dawson.

According to a release from the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, Richardson County deputies, with the assistance of the Brown County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit and the Sac and Fox Tribal Police executed a search warrant at 815 Nemaha Street.

During the search, deputies located methamphetamine, marijuana, various pills, several items of drug paraphernalia, drug distribution materials, stolen property, and a shotgun.

 Buckley Auxier was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a playground, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Steven Eis was arrested for possession of a methamphetamine,  possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Brian  Mackey was arrested for possession of a methamphetamine, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, theft by receiving stolen property, possession of a legend drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jessica Perris was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, theft by receiving stolen property, possession of a legend drug and possession of drug paraphernalia

All four were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KAIR)--Tim Stout has accepted the position of School Resource Deputy for the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

The announcement came on Wednesday in a post on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Deputy Stout has more than 35 years law enforcement experience.

The Sheriff’s Office says Deputy Stout’s experience and professionalism will make him an excellent addition to the Sheriff’s Office.

He will begin his duties as School Resource Officer in the upcoming weeks, in the Atchison County Community Schools in Effingham.

(KAIR)--An Atchison resident has been elected as the new president of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

According to a press release from the Board of Healing Arts, Dr John Settich has served as a member of the 15-member Board since 2010.

He is a graduate of St. Benedict’s College, earned a master’s degree in public services management from DePaul University, and a doctorate in public policy and political science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Settich’s career has included positions in government and military service, management of healthcare associations and organizations, and academia. He currently serves as professor and chairman of the department of political science at Benedictine College in Atchison.

The Kansas State Board of Healing Arts licenses and regulates most of the healthcare professions in Kansas, including more than 31,000 healthcare providers in 16 different professions.

(KNZA)-- A public health advisory remains in place for a local lake due to blue-green algae, while three other local advisories have been lifted.

 The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, released a revised list on Friday of public health advisories for Kansas lakes. 

 The Brown State Fishing Lake, located northeast of Robinson, remains on the watch list.

 Advisories have been lifted for Horton's Mission Lake, Perry Lake and the Delaware River in Jefferson County  between Valley Falls and Perry Lake 

 For lakes on the watch list, 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. 

(KLZA)--Falls City Public School Superintendent Tim Heckenlively announced Thursday that School District 56 has been notified by the Nebraska Department of Education, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will extend the Summer Food Service Program through as late as December 31, 2020. 

This will allow the Falls City Public Schools to serve free meals to all children into the fall months,  or until available funding runs out. 

Falls City Public Schools will inititate the Summer Food Service Program beginning Monday, September 14, and will credit the full pay and reduced student meal accounts retroactive to September 1.

Under the current guidelines, the program will not be in place for the second semester.  If the funding runs out,  meals will revert back to full pay, reduced or free as determined under current guidelines. 

All families are encouraged to complete andturn in the free and reduced meal applciations if you have not done so already for the 2020-21 school year. 
 

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners approved a correction to a resolution authorizing the County Sheriff and County Clerk to execute documents required to receive U.S. Department of Agriculture Development Financial Assistance for the Sheriff's Office vehicle and equipment project application for assistance.

Previously the Commissioners were listed on the documents instead of the Sheriff's Office. 

In other action the Board reviewed a counter proposal from the Road Department Union.  Commissioners decided to reject the prroposal and will inform the Union that the County's final offer presented to the Union August 25, will be withdrawn if not accepted by the Union membership by the close of business on September 15.  
 

(KLZA)--Following two public hearings drawing no input from the public Wednesday evening the Falls City Council voted 7-0 to approve the 2020-21 Fiscal Year Property Tax Levy and Budget.

The total property tax levy will be $712,594 which is an increase of 1 percent or just over $3,800.  The property tax levy will be 44.27 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which is one percent less.

The valuation of  property within the city limits of Falls City increased $2,892,554 to $160,948,468.

The total operating budget for the City will be $28,837,114 which is a decrease of $2,571,306.

The Council also approved one of the years major expenses which is the city insurance policy which totals $312,563. Only one bid  was received for the insurance.  
 

(KMZA)--A second positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at Nemaha Central Schools.

USD 115 Superintendent Darrel Kohlman announced in a news release that the district was notified Wednesday by Nemaha County Community Health Services that a student at the Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School had tested positive for the virus.

Per the district's established protocol, all areas of the building that the student used in the past several days have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

The release said the student will not be allowed to return to school for at least 10 days.

Staff and students that were in direct contact with the individual will be contacted by Nemaha County Community Health Services with information about quarantining or other directions.

Kohlman said the school has gone to the restrictive on-site model to protect students' and staff's health.

He said the district is closely monitoring the situation and will notify families if any additional actions need to be taken in the near future.

On September 4th, the district reported that a staff member had tested positive for COVID-19.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved for publication a proposed 2021 budget that calls for net expenditures of nearly $13.8 million and a slight decrease in the property tax levy.

The Commission took the action when they met Tuesday.

The proposed budget contains an estimated tax rate of 42.017 mills, a .419 mill decrease over this year's levy.

The mill levy is expected to generate nearly $8.5 million in property tax revenue.

Even though the mill levy will decrease slightly, the county will collect around $288,000 in additional revenue due to a nearly $8.8 million increase in the county's assessed valuation.

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their September 28 meeting.

(KAIR)--District Judge Jeff Elder of the 2nd Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's September 14-18 docket, which will be conducted entirely by videoconference.

Oral arguments will be livestreamed on the Supreme Court YouTube channel.

After hearing oral arguments, Elder will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.

Elder became a judge in 2008 in the 2nd Judicial District, composed of Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties. He hears cases primarily in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties.

Elder received a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas and a law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. He served as county attorney for Pottawatomie County from 1989 to 2001 and was in private practice before becoming a judge.

Elder will hear one case on the September 18 docket--an appeal in a Shawnee County probate case.

(KAIR)--Two longtime educators at Atchison County Community School in Effingham have been honored with a place in the district’s “Wall of Fame”.

USD 377 Superintendent Andrew Gaddis says former band teacher Paul Lundgren and vocal teacher Eileen Wohletz were given the distinction during Wednesday evening’s school board meeting.

“It was a unanimous decision, an overwhelming response, and very well deserving of those two high quality educators.”

Gaddis says Lundgren and Wohletz will be formally recognized during a special ceremony, likely to be held very soon.

“You’re not going to find anybody that hasn’t gone to the schools over the past – probably 30, 40 years – that don’t know and highly respect those educators. It’s going to be a benefit to the school.”

Regarding the ceremony itself, Gaddis says it will either be held in person, or perhaps live streamed, as they look over various options, with safety a priority.

(KAIR)--USDA Rural Development has awarded a grant for an improvement project in the Atchison County community of Effingham.

According to a news release from the agency, the city of Effingham will use a $14,000 Community Facilities Grant to replace the roof of the senior citizens center.

The release says the Effingham senior center provides a hub for public transportation, meals on wheels service and a place for congregate meals for nearly 600 people in Effingham and surrounding townships.

The release adds the project will ensure the continued viability of the senior center and its efficient service for the community.

The civic project is made possible because of a partnership with Project Concern, of Atchison County, which is contributing $26,000.

The Rural Development funding was made available through the $150 million in grants included in the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act President Trump signed into law in June of 2019. The grants are to help eligible rural communities continue their recovery from the devastating effects of natural disasters.

(KNZA)-- Three residents appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission Tuesday evening during the newly reinstated public comments portion of the meeting to voice concerns over the  city's animal control ordinances.

 Beth Spicer detailed her experience after her dog was attacked in July by a neighbor's pit bull in her yard.

 Spicer voiced concerns about the handling of her initial call to request police and lengths she had to go to get action taken.  She said she had to initiate contact on 14 separate occasions in trying to resolve her concerns and had to wait 10 days to receive confirmation the offending dog had been removed from town.

 Elaine Moore said the same dog attempted to attack her son in her yard before he was intercepted by their own dog. 

Both women said the owner of the dog had been made aware that it was getting out of the fenced in area where it was kept.

 Spicer said if the city is going to have a pit bull ordinance it needs to be enforced.

 City Attorney Andy Delaney said there is a pending court case in the dog attack and the dog would not be allowed back in the city limits.    

Jennifer Garcia voiced concerns over the police department's handling of animal welfare check calls.  Police Chief John Defore said police can't seize someone's animal unless the situation falls within very strict guidelines set by the state. He said pictures are taken and analyzed by local veterinarians for every call.

 Garcia cited Atchison's tethering ordinance as an example of guidelines that would give officers more discretion in handling such calls.   

City officials said they would look into the residents concerns.

(KAIR)--A third person has been charged in the shooting death of a two-year-old St. Joseph girl last month.

KQ2-TV reports the Buchanan County Prosecutor's Office on Wednesday charged 20-year-old Te'Avion Hawkins, of Platte City, Missouri, with second-degree murder.

According to court documents, Hawkins was the driver of a vehicle from which shots were fired into another vehicle in mid-town St. Joseph on August 9, claiming the life of two-year-old Raelynn Craig and leaving two others wounded.

Two others, Marcain Kimbrough-Ballard and Caimon Stillman, both of St. Joseph, are also charged with second-degree murder in Craig's death.

All three men are being held in the Buchanan County Jail without bond.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Tuesday evening approved a resolution setting a public hearing regarding the condemnation of seven structures deemed by the city's code enforcement officer as unsafe.

At the October 19 hearing, the owner, owner's agent, occupant or lienholder of record may appear to show cause why the structures should not be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished.

The structures are located 300 South 10th Street, 315 Oregon, 505 Miami, 802 Delaware, 813 Miami, 903 Shawnee and 302 South 8th Street.

A second hearing will be held on twelve other properties that fall under the minimum housing code, which entails a different method to allow for the repair, removal of demolition of the structures.

In other business, the Commission approved a demolition application with Robert and Cherie Herlinger for property located 700 North 7th Street. The city will demolish the structure, with the Herlinger's responsible for all landfill fees.

(KAIR)--A Wednesday morning fire destroyed a former church in Cummings.

The fire was reported around 10:30 at the former United Methodist Church building in the 13-thousand block of Front Street.   

Flames were visible when firefighters arrived on the scene.   

Fire departments from Shannon Township, Lancaster, Nortonville and Atchison worked to control the fire and maintain the security of adjacent properties.

No one was in the building when the fire began.

The fire remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--Extending the life of the Atchison Lion’s Pool for perhaps 10 years.

That’s the hope of the Atchison City Commission following their decision Tuesday to authorize city staff to hire Bottorf Construction to make up to $50,000 in necessary pool repairs.

Approval came following a presentation from Project Manager Seth Howard in which he told commissioners that major deterioration is starting on the pool, which is now 40 years old.

The motion included an allowance for an additional 5% to cover small change orders.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the commission approved an hourly agreement with BG consultants – not to exceed $45,000 – to include the design of improvements to the existing wastewater treatment system, along with construction engineering services.

The decision followed a discussion with city utilities manager Mike Steck and Jason Hoskinson, representing BG Consultants.

According to Hoskinson, BG Consultants will now work on getting specifications to contractors to get competitive bid prices.

He adds that they should be able to come back to the commission with a recommendation for construction in mid-to-late October.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man has been arrested in theft of a vehicle in June.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 25-year-old Darius Fleming was arrested Tuesday on a District Court warrant.

Fleming is accused of stealing a 1992 Lincoln Continental from the 700 block of M Street in Atchison on June 17.

The vehicle was recovered by the St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department on June 18.

An investigation led to a felony theft charge being filed against Fleming in Atchison County District Court.

He was transported from the Buchanan County, Missouri Jail to the Atchison County Jail Tuesday.

Fleming remains held on a $10,000 bond.

(KMZA)-The Nemaha County Commission approved a resolution Tuesday establishing a planning commission and naming the nine initial members.

The planning commission will help develop a comprehensive plan for the county.

Appointed to a one-year term on the commission, expiring September 30, 2021, were Austin Petry, Lynette Strathman and Galen Ackerman.

Appointed to a two-year term on the commission, expiring September 30, 2022, were Michael Schmelzle, Charity Henry and Steve Aberle.

Appointed to a three-year term on the commission, expiring September 30, 2023, were Freda Dobbins, Martin Schmelzle and Bob Ruddick.

After the initial staggering terms, all members appointed will serve three-year terms.

Each commissioner selected three residents each from their district for appointment to the planning board.

At their first meeting, which is to be held before the end of October, the planning commission will select a chairman, vice-chairman and secretary to serve a one-year term. They will also set a date and time for their regular monthly meeting. In addition, they will prepare by-laws to govern the conduct of the commission in accordance with state statutes.

The planning commission members will serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for expenses directly related to their service.

Keith Marvin with Marvin Planning Consultants, of David City, Nebraska, was hired in July to oversee development of the county's comprehensive plan at a cost of up to $36,000. The contract allows either party to opt out at anytime, with the company due payment for the amount of work completed.

(KAIR)--A Wednesday morning two-vehicle wreck in the city of Atchison sent an Atchison woman to the hospital.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened in the 200 block of North 9th Street around 7:30.

Wilson said Genea Kelly was driving a 2014 Toyota southbound when an eastbound 2001 Ford truck entered 9th Street from an alley and the vehicles collided.

Kelly was transported by ambulance to the Atchison Hospital for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

The driver of the pickup, Richard Burge, of Atchison, was not hurt.

(KAIR)--Technical difficulties marked the return to school for Atchison Public School students on Wednesday.

In a text-alert sent to patrons just after 12 noon, USD 409 Atchison Public Schools reported that the internet was down across the district.

The text also said that phones were down at Atchison Middle School, Central, and Atchison High.

MSC News reached out to school superintendent Renee Scott, who informed us that the district was still down as of 2 o’clock and that AT & T was sending out a technician to address the problem.

It’s not immediately known if the internet issue was resolved Wednesday afternoon.

The USD 409 board voted in late July to give families the choice of having their students learn in person, remotely, or with a hybrid-model combining the two.

According to a survey done by a district-appointed committee in July, about 54 percent of families had chosen the in-person model, with the rest evenly divided between remote and hybrid learning.

(KAIR)-- The St. Joseph City Council has voted to extend the city's mask mandate.

 KQ2-TV reports Tuesday night's vote was 5-3 in favor of extending the order as a city ordinance, which means it will be in effect indefinitely.

 The current mandate, which has been in place since July to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, requires masks in any retail store of 10,000 square feet or more.

 It was set to expire this week.   

 Certain persons are exempt from the mask mandate, including those under the age of 5 and those with disabilities. 

 COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Buchanan County, with more than 1,600 cases reported to date and 16 virus-related deaths.

(KAIR)--An Atchison teen is facing charges in the criminal damage of five vehicles.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 18-year-old Malachi Baumgartner has been issued a notice to appear in Municipal Court on misdemeanor criminal damage to property charges.

Wilson said the five vehicles were parked in the 300 block of Laramie, 1000 block of Laramie and 700 block of Atchison when they were damaged during the early morning hours of August 31.

He said four of the vehicles had exterior mirrors damaged and the fifth vehicle had a side window broken out.  The damage estimate on each vehicle was $250.  

Wilson said an investigation led officers to a vehicle that had been occupied by four individuals that early morning and while driving around one of the occupants, identified as Baumgartner, reached out of the vehicle and struck the parked vehicles with a baton, damaging the mirrors and the window.  

Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge on September 2nd issued a proposed quarantine order for the college in response to an increase in COVID cases at the college.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners met August 25th. During the meeting EMA Director, Brian Kirkendall, presented documents to the commissioners to be signed by the Chairman regarding the appointment of an entity administrator for Richardson County to manage the County's registration record, its associated users and their roles with Richardson County, for the purpose of registering with the United States Government through the online System for Award Management (SAM). Kirkendall will serve as this administrator for Richardson County.

Extension Educator, Kaytlyn Kennedy requested approval from the Board to hire a person to fill the position as the office assistant who will continue to have outside employment after hours. The Board approved the hiring of Emily Nussbaum to the position of assistant and approved her outside employment.

The commissioners also approved the purchase order for a 2019 Ford Explorer and Sheriff Hardesty informed the Board that the Nebraska Jail Standards will be conducting the State Jail Inspection on September 15, 2020,

(KAIR)--The second inmate charged in connection with a fire at the Atchison County Jail last December has learned his fate.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, Joshua Hosier, of Atchison, was sentenced September 4 in Atchison County District Court to 18 months in prison on a charge of criminal damage to property. The sentence was suspended and he was placed on 24-months supervised probation.

Co-defendant, Nicholas Jackson, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced in July to two years in prison on charge of aggravated arson.

The case stemmed from an incident that occurred on December 14, 2019.

On that morning, Jackson and Hosier were both inmates in the jail when video surveillance footage showed Jackson taking a glass of water from Hosier and throwing it on an electrical panel inside a jail pod. That caused an electrical fire inside the panel.

All inmates in the pod were evacuated. No injuries were reported, but the fire caused substantial damage.

The case was investigated by the Atchison County Sheriff's Department, Atchison Fire Department and state Fire Marshal's Office.

(KNZA)--A Powhattan man was arrested Monday afternoon on multiple charges following a disturbance call.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the Brown County dispatch received a 911 call shortly after 1:15 about a disturbance in Powhattan.

Upon investigation, Merchant said Sheriff's deputies arrested 42-year-old Brad Donahue on charges of aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal trespass, felony obstruction and battery.

Donahue was booked into the Brown County Jail.

No other details were released.

(KNZA)--A Denton man accused of vandalizing a Doniphan County cemetery has pleaded not guilty to charges.

Nicholas Cluck entered the plea last week in Doniphan County District Court to felony counts of criminal damage to property and criminal desecration.

In addition, he entered a not guilty plea to charges of driving under the influence and a felony count of aggravated battery in connection with an alleged domestic disturbance.

A pre-trial hearing was set for December 2. A jury trial is expected to be set at that time. 

Cluck is accused causing extensive damage to the Walnut Grove Cemetery, northeast of Highland, in March.

Doniphan County authorities say he allegedly drove his pickup truck through the cemetery, damaging multiple grave markers and a chain link fence.

He was arrested following an investigation by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Department and Highland Police Department after his disabled vehicle was found in the cemetery.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert is serving as special prosecutor in the case.

Cluck remains free on bond.

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

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle near 150th and W. Roads in eastern Jackson County around 3:00 Saturday morning for a traffic infraction.

An investigation led to the arrest of the driver, 27-year-old Roberto Reynosa-Silva, for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement and possession of a stolen firearm.

Reynosa-Silva was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Morse said a quantity of a substance believed to be methamphetamine and two guns were located in the vehicle, one of which had been reported stolen from Lawrence.

(KAIR)--District Judge Jeff Elder of the 2nd Judicial District has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in one case on the court's September 14-18 docket conducted entirely by videoconference.

Oral arguments will be livestreamed on the Supreme Court YouTube channel.

After hearing oral arguments, Elder will join Supreme Court justices in their deliberations and decision drafting.

"The Supreme Court looks forward to Judge Elder hearing a case with us. He will read the case materials, prepare for oral argument, and deliberate with the court on its decision," said Chief Justice Marla Luckert. "We thank Judge Elder for helping us, especially because we know he already has a significant caseload in district court to handle."

Elder became a judge in 2008 in the 2nd Judicial District, composed of Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties. He hears cases primarily in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties.

“It is a privilege and honor to be asked to sit with the Supreme Court," Elder said. "I am deeply humbled at receiving this assignment.”

Elder received a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas and a law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. He served as county attorney for Pottawatomie County from 1989 to 2001 and was in private practice before becoming a judge.

Elder will hear one case at 9 a.m. on the September 18 docket:

Appeal No. 118,307: In the Matter of the Estate of Lanny Lentz

Shawnee County: (Petition for Review) Lentz' three adult daughters were heirs to his estate, which included several real properties, four of which are at issue. The district court distributed two of the properties to Diann Wyatt and the other two properties to Lana Kennedy and Marilyn Lentz as joint tenants in common. Wyatt appealed the district court's valuation of the four properties. The Court of Appeals concluded Wyatt's appeal was not filed in a timely fashion and dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction. The Court of Appeals also held even if it reached the merits of Wyatt's issues on appeal, the court found she did not properly raise them before the district court and they were not property preserved for appellate review. Issues on review are whether: 1) Wyatt timely appealed the district court's decision on valuation; 2) Wyatt properly preserved the issues for appellate review; and 3) the district court made a proper determination of the valuation of the properties.

(KAIR)--Atchison County Community Junior Senior High School congratulates the 2020 Homecoming Royalty, who were crowned prior to the football game against Horton on Friday, September 4.

Gunnar Koontz was named Homecoming King and Meagan Pitts was named Homecoming Queen.

Rounding out the royal court were candidates Madison Gill, Skyla Stanley, Gage Koontz, and Bailey Wilson.

Assisting with the crowning were Annie Hall and Ryan Dunn, the 2019 ACCHS Queen and King, crown bearers Harper Hawk and Kallen Madison, and the ACCHS cheerleaders and Student Council.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — A St. Joseph, Missouri woman heard a knock at the door and was shocked by what she found — a newborn baby in a box.

The St. Joseph News-Press reports that the woman who runs a day care center out of her home found the baby girl at her back door around 6:30 Tuesday morning. A note, written in Spanish, asked that the woman “please take care of my baby.”

The woman, who says she doesn't speak English, told the newspaper that she fed the baby and then called the police. She says the baby “was in good condition.”

(KNZA)--Holton USD 336 is reporting a fourth confirmed case of COVID-19.

The district said in a statement on their Facebook page that the middle school was alerted Friday by a parent that their child had tested positive.

Two high school students and an elementary school staff member tested positive for COVID-19 last week, which forced some schedule changes.

The district said the middle school student rides a bus in the morning, is out for middle school football and was at Thursday night's middle school football game.

The district said if a student has been in “ close contact” (within 6 feet of contact for 10 minutes or more) with the student, the Jackson County Health Department will be contacting parents soon to let them know.

 If your family attended Thursday night's middle school football game, the health department is asking that you monitor yourself and your family for COVID-19 symptoms. You are not quarantined unless contacted by the health department.

 Parents of students or staff exhibiting flu-like symptoms are asked to contact their health care provider or the Jackson County Health Department.

(KMZA)--A Nemaha Central USD 115 staff member has tested positive for COVID-19.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman said in a statement that the district was notified Friday by Nemaha County Community Health Services of the positive case.

Per the district’s established protocol, Kohlman said all areas of the building that the individual used in the past several days have been closed off so that custodial staff can thoroughly clean and disinfect the spaces.

The staff member will not be allowed to return to school for at least 14 days.

Kohlman said staff and students who were in direct contact with the individual will be contacted by Nemaha County Community Health Services with information about quarantining or other directions.

He said the district is closely monitoring the situation and will notify families if any additional actions need to be taken in the near future.

(KAIR)--Benedictine College in Atchison and the Atchison County Health Department have announced a joint agreement for enhanced COVID-19 mitigation efforts at the college, which will be in effect from September 5 until September 18.

The agreement was announced Friday in a joint news release following a full day of negotiations.

The plan, dubbed “Atchison and Benedictine: Stronger Together,” addresses on-campus learning, off-campus students, and athletics.

Under provisions of agreement, students who reside on the Benedictine College campus are not to leave campus, except for scheduled or emergency medical or mental health appointments; to fulfill academic requirements; to work or to obtain essential goods for an outside pick-up order at a local business.

The release says this avoids a quarantine order restricting students to their dorm rooms and allows for the continuation of in-person classes.

Off-campus students are not permitted on campus except for authorized athletic practices, religious services, work study, labs, or other necessary academic purposes.

Athletic teams that maintain no active cases may hold practice in smaller groups, determined on a team by team basis and authorized by the Athletic Director. Teams with members who are in isolation due to active COVID cases are prohibited from practicing until Sept. 12.

The release says the steps are in addition to the Raven Safety Plan and the updated mitigation protocols already in place at the college.

On Friday, Benedictine College reported 23 active COVID-19 cases on campus, 0.9% of the campus population. The active cases and new positive cases have been trending downward for the past week.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man was arrested early Friday morning after police responded to a burglary-in-progress call at the Atchison Wal-Mart store.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded to the call shortly after 1:00 at the store located at 1920 U.S. 73 Highway.

When they arrived, Wilson said officers found forced entry had been made through a glass door.

He said officers located 30-year-old Aaron Sollars inside the store.

Sollars was taken into custody on charges of aggravated burglary and theft.

He was taken to the Atchison County Jail.

Wilson said there was an employee still working inside the closed store when Sollars forced entry into the business. He said the employee was able to hide and avoid contact with Sollars until officers arrived and took him into custody.

Wilson said Sollars was allegedly found to be in possession of property from the store when he was taken into custody.

(KNZA)--A suspect has been arrested in a Jackson County stolen vehicle case.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen pickup truck shortly after 4:00 Thursday morning.

The 2001 Ford F-350 pickup was reported to have been taken from the 400 block of Jackson Avenue in the city of Delia.

The vehicle was located shortly after 9:00 Thursday morning at the Topeka Walmart on Wanamaker.

The Topeka Police Department assisted with the investigation and apprehension of the suspect.

Jackson County authorities arrested 27-year-old Jesse Lee McCormick, of Topeka, for felony theft.

McCormick was transported to the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission received an update this week on a sewer flow study undertaken earlier this year.

Mike Milius with the engineering firm Olsson Associates provided the update and discussed options moving forward.

Due to the lack of significant rainfall events, Milius said they were not able to get solid data. As a result, he said they don't have the information necessary to recommend what lines are most in need of rehabilitation.

It was the consensus of the Commission to have the firm proceed with additional flow monitoring in the spring of 2021 at an additional cost of around $51,000.

The Commission also agreed to have the firm move forward with some smoke testing at a cost of about $12,000.

An amendment will be prepared to Olsson's contract with an updated schedule for Commission approval.

The Commission approved a contract with the engineering firm last December to perform the study at a cost of around $309,000.

Despite the completion of previous sewer projects, city officials say there are still parts of the city's sewer collection system that experience high amounts of inflow and infiltration during wet weather events. The study is the first step in figuring out where the problems are in the system.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has tabled action on a conditional use permit for the construction of a new telecommunications tower in the Denton area.

The permit is being sought to allow for the construction of a new 340-foot tower at 630 Castleton Road. It would be utilized by A T & T and replace an existing 320-foot tower located a ½ mile southeast along 130th Road.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, County Zoning Administrator Julie Meng informed commissioners Monday that the Doniphan County Planning Commission approved the application for the new tower at their August 12 meeting.

Jackson Gnaedinger with Cellective Solutions, of St. Louis, said the existing tower is structurally at capacity. He said the new tower would improve cellular coverage while allowing for future growth, technologies, services and additional wireless carriers.

An attorney representing SBA Towers, the company that owns the current tower, voiced opposition to approval of the conditional use permit. Christopher Sevedge said under the county's current zoning ordinances, a study comparison of all potential sites had not been met for approval. He also presented a structural analysis report indicating the current tower is sufficient.

The Commission tabled action until their September 14 meeting to allow time to review the request.

(KLZA)-- During their August 17 meeting,  Holt County, Misosuri Commissioners voted to require visitors to the Holt County, Courthouse wear masks inside the building.   

Several county officials attended the meeting voicing concerns about the COVID-19 situation accoring to the Mound  City News.  

The Missouri Supreme Court had ordered no one be allowed to enter courtrooms in the state without a mask. 

Monday,  the Holt County Health Department confirmed five additional cases of COVID-19 in Holt County, bringing the total to 71 positive cases.  

(KAIR) - It will be business as usual at Benedictine College in Atchison on Friday as a proposed quarantine order has been placed on hold for now as negotiations continue.

That's according to Steve Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications at the college.

The announcement follows a round of negotiations that took place between the college and Atchison County officials during the day on Thursday. 

Those talks stemmed from a disagreement between the two entities that played out during a special Wednesday evening meeting of the Atchison County Commission. 

During the meeting, Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge issued an order calling for all students, living both on and off campus, to quarantine for 14 days, in an effort to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the local area. 

The quarantine was initially set to begin at 12:01 Thursday morning, but was delayed to 12:01 Friday morning.

The order stated that a total of 142 confirmed Covid-19 cases had been directly related to Benedictine College.

The order also states "there is reason to believe that any person who resided on campus or attended any in person class, activity, or gathering on campus between August 19th and September 2nd has been exposed to Covid-19."

Benedictine College President Steven Minnis, who was representing the college at the meeting, told commissioners that he vehemently objected to the order, calling it “draconion”.

The college has submitted a compromise proposal to county officials that would quarantine off-campus students only, who would be required to do on-line classes. 

Minnis said that as of Wednesday evening, there were 39 active cases at the college, which he said represents a very low percentage of the total student and staff population of around 2,500.

He adds that mitigation practices were strengthened at the college beginning on Saturday to address the virus. 

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has delayed the establishment of a planning commission for a least another week.

Commissioners at their regular meeting on Monday announced they had come up with eight of nine people to serve on the commission that will help develop a comprehensive plan for the county.

Commission Chairman Tim Burdiek said he still needed to find one more member from his district.

Keith Marvin with Marvin Planning Consultants, who was hired to develop the comprehensive plan, asked commissioners to come with three names each from their districts for appointment to the 9-member board.

Commissioners decided to hold off on naming the members selected until the ninth member is chosen and resolution approved establishing the planning commission.

Initially they will serve staggered terms of one, two or three years.

The planning board will meet every four to six weeks. At their first meeting, they will elect a chair, vice-chair and secretary.

The Commission will hold their regular meeting next week on Tuesday, due to the Labor Day holiday.

(KNZA)-- A Glen Carbon, Illinois woman was seriously injured in a Wednesday evening Buchanan County, Missouri construction zone accident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on I-29 about two miles north of Faucett around 7:30.

 The Patrol says 56-year-old Alicia Halpin was northbound when she entered the construction zone and struck an electronic arrow board sign and then an unattended pickup truck parked behind the sign.

 Her car went off the east side of the roadway and struck a guardrail. The vehicle then came back onto the roadway and traveled off the opposite side, striking a median cable.

 Halpin, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with what the Patrol described as serious injuries.

(KNZA)--Two additional COVID-19-related deaths have been reported in Brown County.

The Brown County Health Department made the announcement Wednesday in a statement on its Facebook page.

The Health Department says both residents were over 60 years of age. The Department said no additional details will be provided.

Brown County saw its first COVID-19-related death last week, an individual over the age of 65.

The Health Department reported Wednesday 77 total positive cases in Brown County, with three hospitalizations.  61 have recovered.

The Department continues to urge residents to protect themselves by staying home when they are ill, washing their hands often, practicing social distancing and wearing masks when they are unable to safely distance themselves from others.

Statewide, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Wednesday reported nearly 44,000 positive COVID-19 cases, with 458 virus-related deaths.

(KNZA)--Highland Community College has announced two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 at off-campus locations.

HCC announced in a statement on their Facebook page Monday that one case is at its Technical Center in Atchison and the other at its Wamego location.

The college said contact tracers from the local health departments are reaching out to students if it was determined they were in close contact with the individual who tested positive.

The college said if you are sick, do not attend classes. The statement adds other illnesses are also going around such as strep and stomach flu.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man was arrested Tuesday afternoon following a vehicle pursuit.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie said the Atchison Sheriff's Office and Kansas Highway Patrol took over a vehicle pursuit at about 1:20 that was initiated by the Atchison Police Department.

Laurie said the driver, identified as 33-year-old Phillip Roles, was wanted on multiple felony warrants and had fled numerous time from law enforcement in the past few weeks.

After fleeing north on Sedgwick Road to 330th Road, Roles went west then north on K-7. Spike strips were deployed by the KHP on K-7 but were not able to get the suspect vehicle.

Roles then attempted to exit onto U.S. 36 Highway, where his vehicle spun out. Laurie said the vehicle sustained damage, but continued westbound Highway 36 where the Patrol performed a successful tactical vehicle intervention maneuver, disabling the vehicle.

Laurie said the female passenger remained in the vehicle, but Roles fled into a corn field and then into a drainage ditch. A KHP K-9 unit was used to apprehend him.

The passenger, who was not identified, was transported to the hospital.

Roles was arrested and transported to the Atchison Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He was then taken to the Atchison County Jail, where he is currently being held on Atchison County District Court warrants. Additional charges are expected to be filed against Roles in connection with Tuesday's pursuit.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has been urged again to approve a face mask mandate to mitigate the spread of the cornavirus.

Denise Wolney, administrator of Hiawatha's Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, appeared before the Commission Monday evening to make the request.

It comes after Hiawatha Hospital Administrator John Broberg met with the Commission at their August 3rd meeting to make the same request.

Wolney said Brown County continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, rising from 40 cases at the end of July to 72 cases as of August 31. Brown County saw it's first virus-related death last week.

Wolney said she believes Commission approval of a mask mandate would go a long with to stop the spread of the virus.

She said other cities have approved mask mandates. Wolney presented commissioners with a copy of a mask mandate ordinance approved by the Hays City Commission in July. 

Mayor Bill Collins said businesses can already require face coverings without a city ordinance mandating them.

Collins said commissioners will get together with City Administrator Mike Nichols, City Attorney Andy Delaney and Police Chief John Defore to see what direction they want to go.

(KNZA)--The Holton USD 336 Board of education has approved a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2020-21 school year.

The Board took the action following an executive session during a special meeting last week.

According to information provided by Superintendent Bob Davies, the agreement calls for a $1,100 increase in the the base salary from $38,900 to $40,000.

The agreement also allows step and column movement on the salary schedule and increased pay for some extra duties.

In other business, the Board approved wage increases for classified staff for the 2020-21 school year.

The starting salaries for all positions will increase 35 cents an hour and salaries for all current employees will increase 25 cents an hour.

In addition, the Board approved wages increases for the district's administrators for the 2020-21 school year in the amount of $2,180.

(KNZA)--An early Tuesday evening two-vehicle Brown County wreck claimed the life of a Hiram, Georgia man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 75 Highway about 12 miles south of Fairview around 5:45.

The Patrol says 35-year-old Terry Rush was southbound when he attempted to make a U-turn and his Dodge Avenger was struck by a southbound semi tractor-trailer.

Rush was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger in his vehicle, 37-year-old Topeka resident Mary McEwen, was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

The semi driver, 60-year-old Edwardo Torres, of Eagle Pass, Texas, was not hurt.

The Patrol says all three occupants were wearing seatbelts when the wreck occurred.

It was the second fatal Brown County wreck on U.S. 75 Highway in a 4-day period.  A Humboldt, Nebraska man was killed Saturday night in a two-vehicle wreck about 4 miles south of Fairview.

(KNZA)--The Atchison County Sheriff's Department is investigating the burglary of a rural Atchison County home.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the sheriff's department took a report early Sunday morning of a past burglary and theft from a home located in the 3-thousand block of Osborne Road.

Taken were three rifles, a shotgun, ammunition and a trail camera.

The total loss was estimated at around $900.

The burglary is believed to have occurred sometime between 4:30 Saturday afternoon and 2:00 Sunday morning.

On Tuesday, Laurie said  deputies executed a search warrant on a vehicle parked in the 1100 Block of Commercial Street where they recovered 2 firearms and ammunition believed to be stolen from the residence. 

The investigation continues.

(KNZA)--A garage was destroyed by fire at a Hiawatha residence early Tuesday morning.

Hiawatha Fire Chief Gene Atland said firefighters were called to 112 Kickapoo Street around 4:00.

Atland said when firefighters arrived, the detached garage was pretty well gone.

He said firefighters remained on the scene about an hour.

The fire was confined to the garage.

No injuries were reported.

Atland said the state Fire Marshal's Office has been contacted to investigate the cause of fire, but the fire doesn't appear to be suspicious.

(KNZA)--A McLouth woman was arrested in Jackson County early Monday morning on drug charges after she was found asleep in her vehicle in the middle of a highway.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the sheriff's office received a report shortly after 4:30 of a truck parked in the middle of K-16 Highway near W. Road.

Morse said deputies found the truck running, with the driver, identified as 37-year-old Marcy Jean Bowen, asleep being the steering wheel.

He said deputies also discovered a substance believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Bowen was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and two misdemeanor drug charges.