(KNZA)--The 2020 Hiawatha Halloween Queen was crowned Saturday evening prior to the grand parade, which concluded the 106th annual Halloween Frolic.

Selected for the honor was Miss Horton: Avery Wischropp.

As the winner, Wischropp, a senior at Horton High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The 1st runner-up and winner of a $500 scholarship was Miss Sabetha: Leah Renyer, a senior at Sabetha High School. Renyer was unable to attend because she was participating in the state volleyball tournament.

Miss Wetmore: Alyssa Bloom, a senior at Wetmore High School, was named Miss Congeniality and will receive a $250 scholarship.

8 area girls competed in this year's scholarship contest.

The girls were judged on an essay, talent and judge's interview along with leadership skills, community involvement and scholastic achievements.  

(KLZA)--Community Medical Center in Falls City reported Friday there have been 125 positive tests for COVID-19 at Community Medical Center, The Family Medicine Clinic and at Family Practice Clinic in Falls City since the pandemic began.

1,336 tests have been conducted with 125 positive tests which is 8.9 percent. There were 23 tests pending at the time of the Friday afternoon release.

(KAIR)-- A Leavenworth County sheriff’s deputy was killed Friday afternoon when his vehicle collided with a school bus, north of Tonganoxie.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 59-year-old Deputy Corporal Daniel Abramovitz was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash at the intersection of 211th street and McIntyre Road.

The Patrol said the driver of the Tonganoxie USD 464 school bus suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The lone passenger on the bus, an 8-year-old student, sustained minor injuries and was released to his parents on scene.

The Patrol said the bus was northbound on 211th Street and Abramovitz was westbound on McIntryre Road in an unmarked vehicle. The Patrol said the driver of the school bus failed to yield and Abramovitz struck the bus.  

The Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office said Abramovitz had worked at the Sheriff's Office for 26 years and was looking forward to retirement on March 1, 2021. He was most recently assigned to the Investigations Division, where his focus was sex crimes and child sexual abuse cases.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting its 6th COVID-19 related death.

The Atchison County Health Department reported the death on Friday.

No information was released on the individual.

The Health Department reported 25 new positives cases since October 23, bringing the county's total since the pandemic began to 537.

As of Friday, the county has 39 active cases, with three currently hospitalized. 

(KNZA)--5th grade students at the Sabetha Elementary School will move to remote learning next week after several positive cases of COVID-19 are reported at the school.  

Prairie Hills USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans said in a statement Friday that eight adults at the school had tested positive for the virus within the past few days, and those adults working with the 5th grade class have been impacted the most.

Evans said the decision was made to move from on-site to remote learning from November 2-6 after consultation with community health professionals

In addition to the cleaning and disinfecting conducted by their custodial staff, Evans said a contractor will be disinfecting the facility this weekend.

He said they will continue to evaluate the situation and will keep the public posted if there are any new developments.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Clerk's Office will be open Saturday for early voting.

County Election Official Mary Eickhoff says there has been a large number of early ballots cast.  

Saturday the Clerks Office will be open from 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.  You can also cast an early ballot on Monday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 

(KAIR)--An Arrington woman suffered minor burns as a result of a residential fire that happened Thursday in the western Atchison County Community.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, a 76-year old woman was taken by private vehicle to Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of the burns.

Laurie says it appears that a space heater was knocked over, starting the fire in a corner of the residence.

Effingham Fire, EMS, Rescue, and the Atchison County Sheriff’s responded to the fire at 1533 Delaware Street.

No additional details are available at this time.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is recalling hundreds of license plates that have the letter combination NGA amid concerns that the lettering could be seen as a racial slur.

Department of Revenue spokesman Zach Fletcher said that 828 Kansas license plate holders have received letters telling them that they must return the plates or risk being ticketed for having invalid tags.

The Kansas City Star reports that he explained in an email that the “plate combination, if read as a phrase, can be perceived to read as a racial epithet.”

Kansas also recalled more than 700 plates in 2018 that contained the letters JAP.

(KNZA)--The arraignment for one of three Atchison men charged in a fatal 2019 Doniphan County fight has been pushed back again.

Matthew “ Cole” Scherer had been scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in Doniphan County District Court, but a court spokeswoman said it continued to December 16.

Co-defendant, Scott Vandeloo, is scheduled for arraignment on December 2nd, while a pre-trial conference is set for January 6 for the third defendant, Brian Spilman, Jr.

All three men are charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of 42-year-old Jason Pantle, of Cummings.

Authorities allege the trio engaged in altercations with Pantle during a September 29, 2019 party in southern Doniphan County.

Pantle died seven days later at a Kansas City hospital after suffering what investigators called serious head injuries.

Vandeloo is being held in the Doniphan County Jail after his bond was revoked, while Scherer and Spilman are currently free on $150,000 bond each.

(KNZA)--Helen and Toby Melster will serve as grand marshals of this year's Hiawatha Halloween parade.

Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau Administrator Sarah Kloepfer said this year's grand parade, which will be held at 7:00 Saturday evening, is an “ all inclusive parade”, with residents encouraged to take part by decorating their vehicles and floats.

Kloepfer said all vehicle are allowed as long as they have working lights.

The parade route will start at Hiawatha High School. It will go down First and Oregon Streets.

Residents are encouraged to park along the route and spread out—rather than congregate downtown as has been the norm.

Rainbow Communications will live stream the parade.

The theme of this year's 106th annual Halloween Frolic is “ Rockin' Around the Pumpkin Patch.”

(MSC News)--You may have noticed some new signs posted in Hiawatha and Robinson with a simple “positive” message.

Its a project done as a joint effort by the Robinson Lions Club and the Hiawatha Lions Club.

The signs contain one or two word messages-- including “ Be Happy”, “ Have Hope”, “ Be Kind” and “ Smile.”

The signs were made by Mike Brown, of Hiawatha.

The idea was inspired by Wendell and Marsha Ganstrom, of Robinson. While vacationing this summer, they drove through West Yellowstone, Montana where their Chamber of Chamber sponsored what's called a “ Be Kind” campaign. After hearing about this, the Lions Clubs decided it would be a good project to try locally.

The Clubs hope that the messages on the signs will help promote good feelings in this difficult time.

(KLZA)-- There were no injuries reported  in a house fire in Humboldt Wednesday morning. 

The Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call at 9th and Central Streets shortly after 5:00 a.m.

The home suffered significant damage.

The occupants of the home were able to escape without being injured. The State Fire Marshall's Office was called in to investigate the cause of the fire.

Fire fighters were on the scene for about 3 1/2 hours.  

(KLZA)-- The University of Nebraska Medical Center Alumni Association has announced its 2020 award recipients and Dr. Rick Jackson of Pawnee City is included. 

A website featuring photos, biographies and video acceptance remarks has been created to honor the recipients. 

The College of Medicine is honoring Dr. Jackson, a member of the class of 1969, with the Dedication to Student Excellence Award.

Dr. Jackson has spent his entire career practicing in Pawnee City where he still lives. 

Dr. Jackson entered his General Practice in Pawnee  City in 1970 following a year as an intern at Immanuel Medical Center. He became certified in Family Medicine in 1978.  

Dr. Jackson retired after just over 49 years in practice due to recent medical issues.

During his career he was one of the first clinical rotation sites for UNMC Physician Assistant students.  He consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching students and guiding them to develop a desire for growth of knowledge.  

Dr. Jackson's nomination for the award received 14 supporting statements from colleagues.
 

(KLZA)-- The University of Nebraska Medical Center Alumni Association has announced its 2020 award recipients and Dr. Rick Jackson of Pawnee City is included. 

A website featuring photos, biographies and video acceptance remarks has been created to honor the recipients. 

The College of Medicine is honoring Dr. Jackson, a member of the class of 1969, with the Dedication to Student Excellence Award.

Dr. Jackson has spent his entire career practicing in Pawnee City where he still lives. 

Dr. Jackson entered his General Practice in Pawnee  City in 1970 following a year as an intern at Immanuel Medical Center. He became certified in Family Medicine in 1978.  

Dr. Jackson retired after just over 49 years in practice due to recent medical issues.

During his career he was one of the first clinical rotation sites for UNMC Physician Assistant students.  He consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching students and guiding them to develop a desire for growth of knowledge.  

Dr. Jackson's nomination for the award received 14 supporting statements from colleagues.
 

(KLZA)-- The University of Nebraska Medical Center Alumni Association has announced its 2020 award recipients and Dr. Rick Jackson of Pawnee City is included. 

A website featuring photos, biographies and video acceptance remarks has been created to honor the recipients. 

The College of Medicine is honoring Dr. Jackson, a member of the class of 1969, with the Dedication to Student Excellence Award.

Dr. Jackson has spent his entire career practicing in Pawnee City where he still lives. 

Dr. Jackson entered his General Practice in Pawnee  City in 1970 following a year as an intern at Immanuel Medical Center. He became certified in Family Medicine in 1978.  

Dr. Jackson retired after just over 49 years in practice due to recent medical issues.

During his career he was one of the first clinical rotation sites for UNMC Physician Assistant students.  He consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching students and guiding them to develop a desire for growth of knowledge.  

Dr. Jackson's nomination for the award received 14 supporting statements from colleagues.
 

(KLZA)-- There were no injuries reported  in a house fire in Humboldt Wednesday morning. 

The Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call at 9th and Central Streets shortly after 5:00 a.m. The home suffered significant damage.

The occupants of the home were able to escape without being injured. The State Fire Marshall's Office was called in to investigate the cause of the fire.

Fire fighters were on the scene for approximately three-and-a-half hours.  

(KLZA)--Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a Johnson County man after locating multiple controlled substances at his residence in rural Johnson County.

Wednesday morning,  investigators served a search warrant at the residence of 61944 724 Road in Johnson County, as part of an investigation in conjunction with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. During the search, investigators located 83 pounds of marijuana, .5 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, 11 grams of methamphetamine, and cash.

The resident, 50-year-old Kevin Golden, was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance, possession of money during a drug violation, and no drug tax stamp.

Golden was booked into the Johnson County Jail.
 

(MSC News)--Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff after the state passes 1,000 COVID-19 deaths.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported 1,007 total deaths from the coronavirus pandemic on Wednesday, which was an increase of 31 from Monday.

The flag directive starts immediately and runs through sundown Friday, October 30th.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office has received an additional donation of face masks.

Sheriff John Merchant said Hiawatha quilter Cheryl Mead dropped off about 200 children's masks Thursday morning she had made over the past several weeks.

Merchant said the Sheriff's Office would be giving them to children during their annual Trick-or-Treat Night Thursday evening.

Mead also donated more than 100 cotton masks to the Sheriff's Office in September for use by first responders.

Merchant said Mead would like to challenge other quilters to use their excess material to provide masks for their community.

(MSC News)--Holton Community Hospital is requiring all personnel wear medical-grade masks as of Wednesday, October 28th.

CEO Carrie Saia announced in a news release that the decision was made based off current Kansas Department of Health and Environment data showing an increase in COVID-19 test positivity rates over the previous two-week period, coupled with the rise in positive cases. Patients and visitors will still be allowed to wear cloth masks.

“We believe given the current upward trend of positive cases and the County’s positivity rate of 13.42% for the preceding two-week period, it is imperative for our organization to require a heightened level of mask usage.” Saia said. She said the organization developed an internal plan several months ago designed specifically to address issues for additional safety practices in preparation for increased community spread of the virus and to allow the organization to safely operate. “We now consider the County to be in a “Yellow or Moderate” Risk level (10% to 14.99%) based off the current positivity rate. We will continue to implement this phase until the County’s positivity rate falls below 10% for a two-week consecutive period,” Saia said.

Saia noted the plan also addresses staffing, additional PPE requirements for each department and visitation guidelines.

Chief of Medical Staff Dr. Malia Warner stated, “By taking this action, we continue to be ready to safely provide services to our community. Further protecting our staff during this time of higher prevalence will help us mitigate the risk of infection and exposure to our staff. We know many in our community are not seeking care when needed. It is important for you to feel safe entering our facility and this will provide an additional level of safety.”

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, please call your medical provider. Calling ahead of time allows healthcare workers to screen patients and lessen possible exposure within a facility. Please continue to follow CDC guidelines and wear a cloth mask in public, wash your hands frequently and practice social distancing. “It is important we continue to work together to slow the spread of this virus,” Saia said.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas doesn’t appear to be containing the coronavirus.

The state health department reported nearly 3,400 new cases Wednesday over just two days and a new record seven-day rolling average for new COVID-19-related hospitalizations. The health department's data showed that the rolling average for new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases was 1,084 a day for the seven days ending Wednesday. That’s 33% higher than the previous record for the seven-day rolling average of 815 for the seven days ending Monday.

Kansas had another 106 hospitalizations to bring the pandemic total to 3,752. The state averaged 35 new hospitalizations a day over the seven days ending Wednesday.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Chief Deputy Sheriff Roland Merwin updated the County Commissioners this week on business within the Law Enforcement Center. 

Merwin informed the Board that Deputy Colby Mooney had submitted his resignation and that the Sheriff's Office is planning to do interviews for the hiring of a deputy to fill the vacancy.

Commissioners also approved $5-thousand in funding for Humboldt Shares, Inc. for the period of August 1, 2020 though July 31, 2021.

The Board also approved eight distress warrants for personal property taxes in an amount of nearly $3,200. The warrants will be transferred to the County Sheriff for collection. 
 

(KLZA)-- The COVID-19 cases are on the increase in extreme Northwest, Missouri.

Tuesday the Holt County Health Department reported eight additional confirmed cases increasing the total positive cases in the county to 133....

15 of the 133 cases remain active.  The individuals are in isolation.

An Atchison County, Missouri Health Department news release  on Facebook reported there were five new cases confirmed in the County from October 19 to the 26th.  The 7-day positivity rate from October 15 – 21 was 17.1 percent and on the rise. 

Atchison County reported six active cases as of Monday from 90 confirmed cases since the pandemic began.

(KLZA)-- The USDA is reminding producers that the deadline to submit applications for disaster recovery assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus for 2018 and 2019 losses is Friday, October 30.

The program compensates producers for losses due to floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, drought, excessive moisture and wildfires occurring during calendar  years 2018 and 2019.

Drought and excessive moisture were added as eligible losses for the program in March.

In addition,  the Farm Service Agency has launched a new tool on farmers.gov to help producers with the application process.  The new online tool will help producers determine eligibility, and will also connect you with local FSA staff to help you get your application submitted.  
 

(KAIR)--756 in-person advance ballots have been cast in Atchison County.

That word comes in an email from Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, following an inquiry made by MSC News.
According to Phillips, advance voting began Monday morning.
2,397 ballots have been mailed to county voters, and as of Tuesday, more than 1,700 of those have been returned to the County Clerk’s Office.

Phillips told MSC News her office will be open Friday, for advance voting, from 8:30 in the morning until 5:00 that evening, and again Monday, November 2, until noon.

Two remote voting sites will be held Friday, first at the Effingham Municipal Building from 9:30 until 11:30 that morning, and then that afternoon from 1 until 3:00 at the Arrington Community Building.

Election Day is November 3, and among decisions being made by Atchison County voters is a hotly contested Sheriff’s race between Republican incumbent Jack Laurie and his Democratic challenger, former Atchison County Sheriff John Calhoon.

The 3rd District Atchison County Commission seat will also be decided, with no incumbents in that race. Instead, Republican Casey Quinn defeated incumbent William “Bill” Pohl in the August Primary Election, and is challenged in the General Election by Democrat Duane Boldridge.

Atchison-area voters wanting to go to the polls on Election Day, but need a ride, will be able to arrange for free transportation through Project Concern. That can be conducted by calling (913) 367-4655. Rides will be provided on a first come, first serve basis.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County is reporting its first COVID-19 related death, while Nemaha County is reporting its second.

Nemaha County Community Health Services said Tuesday the individual was in their 30's.

As of Tuesday, Nemaha County has had 315 positive cases since the pandemic began.

58 cases are currently active, with two hospitalized.

Meanwhile, the Doniphan County Health Department on Tuesday reported the county's first COVID-related death.

No information was released on the individual.

As of Monday, Doniphan County has seen 211 positive cases since the pandemic began.

22 cases are currently active, with two hospitalized.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission voted Monday to terminate road and bridge secretary Julie Liberty, effective immediately.

No reason was given for the action, which followed an executive session.

Liberty had held the newly created position since June.

The Commission voted to advertise for a new road and bridge secretary until the position is filled.

The Commission also voted to make the position full-time, with a starting salary of $14.75 an hour.  

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging Halloween safety; and in doing so, Sheriff John Merchant says his office will continue it’s annual Trick or Treat Night.

According to a release from Merchant, that will happen Thursday evening from 5 until 8, at the Sheriff’s Office, located at 709 Utah Street, in Hiawatha.

According to Merchant, his staff will hand out Trick or Treat bags in front of the office, instead of inside the lobby, as has been done in years past. The bags will contain safety information, pencils, stickers, candy, and orange safety glow sticks.

Merchant said the event provides an opportunity for his office to interact with parents and children from Brown County.

Leavenworth, Kansas (AP) -- A man will face capital murder charges in the death of his two sons, whose bodies were found in their Leavenworth County home Saturday.

Forty-year-old Donny Ray Jackson Jr. also was charged Tuesday with two alternative counts of first-degree murder.

Investigators allege Jackson killed 14-year-old Logan Jackson and 12-year-old Austin Jackson and the took their younger sisters from the home.

He was stopped and arrested Saturday night in Oklahoma and the girls were found safe.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson would not discuss a possible motive, or how the boys were killed.

The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Department said Jackson and the children’s mother were going through a divorce, and he had “on-again, off-again access to the children.”

Jackson remains in Oklahoma awaiting extradition proceedings.

(KLZA)-- A Shawnee, Kansas man  suffered serious injuries in a one-vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Holt County, Missouri. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol report  says 38-year-old Shawn Wiseman was northbound on Interstate 29 approximately a mile east of Corning when his Box Truck traveled off the east side of the road and struck a highway traffic sign,  continued north along the west edge fo the exit ramp and struck four reflective posts then overturned  and losing the trucks cargo, including produce down an embankment.

Wiseman was transported by Life-Net medical transport to K.U. Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

The truck was totaled.  The produce and cargo was condemned by the Missouri Department of Health.  The Craig Fire Department assisted at the scene of the wreck. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls  City Senior Center is in need of help with Meals on Wheels deliveries. 

The meals are delivered between 10:30 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday in  Falls City with the route taking about an hour.

While area organizations take turns delivering meals throughout the year,  Linda Hardenberger with the Senior Center said they have no one currently lined up for deliveries during the month of November.

There are two routes to be delivered each weekday. If you would like to volunteer or learn more about the program which delivers hot meals to those that can't get out and need a nutritious meal, please call Linda at 402-245-3871.  

(KAIR)-- Atchison Police Officers on Saturday joined forces with a nationally known scuba diving team to recover a vehicle the team discovered in the Missouri River at Atchison.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the team, known as “Adventures With Purpose”, is made up of a dive crew and a camera crew that travel around the country searching rivers and lakes for vehicles, including ones that may be associated with missing people.

The team was in the Kansas City area last week, searching the Missouri River, and then traveled to Atchison.

On Saturday morning, they utilized their imaging equipment to locate a vehicle in the river between the north and south boat docks along the Atchison Riverfront.

Partnering with local tow companies, they were able to remove the vehicle from the river.

Wilson says the vehicle is not known to be associated with any past investigation in the Atchison area.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board, during a special meeting Monday morning, heard an update on issues at the high school track.

Director of Maintenance Chris Morey told the Board that Matt Sprick, with the Brown County Conservation District, evaluated the drainage issues on the visitor's side of the track and suggested the addition of a V-ditch to direct water away from the track at a cost of $4,000 to $5,000 .

Morey said Sprick didn't feel the district needed to spend $30,000 plus to have box drains installed.

Bubbles have formed in the surface of the track, which was installed in 2018. The track vendor, Beynon Sports Surfaces, believes they are due to water drainage issues.

The company says it will not fix the track until the district addresses the drainage issues.

The Board will hold a special meeting November 13 with a representative from Beynon to further discuss the situtation.

The Board on a 6-1 vote gave Morey approval to seek bids for a utility tractor with up to 75 horsepower or equivalent. Board President Tom Simmer cast the lone dissenting vote. The tractor would replace the current 21-year-old 25 horsepower tractor.

In other business, the Board heard an update from members of the district health committee on the proposed new gating criteria they have developed to use as a guide in making recommendations to the board regarding whether the learning mode should be switched at a school. It was emphasized that the context of the current situation will always be a consideration when utilizing the gating criteria.

The Board also voted to accept changes to the Return to Learn Plan as presented by Superintendent Lonnie Moser. The changes include the option for district administration to move a student out of remote learning if needed.

(KNZA)--Jefferson County is reporting two additional COVID-19 related deaths.

The Jefferson County Health Department, in a news release Monday, said one individual was a man in his 70's and the other individual was a man in his 80's.

That brings the total number of COVID-related deaths in the county to six.

The Health Department also reported Monday nine new positive cases, bring the total number of cases in the county since the pandemic began to 277.

There are currently 30 active cases.

Kansas has reported record highs for its seven-day rolling averages of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday that she was considering calling the Republican-controlled Legislature into a special session to impose a statewide mask mandate. Kelly spokesman Sam Coleman confirmed that the governor planned to meet with top legislative leaders Tuesday by Zoom to discuss how the state can impose a mandate for people to wear masks in public.

Kansas is seeing its largest surge in new coronavirus cases of the pandemic, with an average of 815 new cases and 32 new hospitalizations a day for the seven days ending Monday. 

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County meals on wheels program is back in operation after the kitchen where the meals are prepared was shut down for two weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That's what County Aging Administrator Peggy Wood told Doniphan County Commissioners Monday.

Commissioners directed Wood to formulate a plan for continuing operations of the meals on wheels program in the event the kitchen is closed again or has a staffing shortage.

In a related matter, Commissioners were informed kitchen assistant Sherry Walton, who has worked for the county since 2001, will retire this Saturday. A reception in her honor is planned Friday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30 at the Highland Senior Citizens Center.

In other business, the Commission voted to hire Jerry Wayne Carter as 2nd District road foreman, subject to a 90-day probationary period and pre-employment screening. His salary was set at $40,000 for the first 90 days. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, his pay will be comparable to the salary of the other two road foremen.

County Clerk/Election Officer Peggy Franken informed Commissioners that, as of Monday, over 900 voters have applied for advance mail ballots or voted in advance of the November 3rd general election. The County Clerk's Office, in addition to normal business hours, will be open for in-person advance voting this Saturday morning from 8:00 to 12 noon.

*Editor's note: information from the unofficial minutes of the October 26 Doniphan County Commission meeting.

(KLZA)-- A Lincoln man suffered moderate injuries in a wreck just after midnight Monday on I-29, east of Watson. . 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 28-year-old Alexander Cruzpagen was northbound on Interstate 29 when his pickup began sliding on the ice covered roadway and traveled off the road where it overturned on its top.   

Cruzpagan was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa. 

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

(KLZA)-- Nebraska has regained is status as the state with the lowest unemployment rate.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment figure in September fell to 3.5% compared to 4% in August.  That is less than half the national rate of 7.9%. 

Locally,  unemployment figures in Southeast Nebraska counties continued to fall.  Richardson and Pawnee counties have September unemployment figures of 2.4%, down 4-tenths in Richardson County and a tenth of a point in Pawnee County. 

Gage County has the lowest unemployment figure at 2.3%, down a full percentage point from August.  In Nemaha County, Nebraska the jobless rate fell 6-tenths to 2.5%.  In Johnson County the rate declined 7-tenths to 2.9% and in Otoe County the unemployment figure dipped 4-tenths to 2.6%.  

South Dakota and Vermont had the second and third lowest rates at 4.1% and 4.2% respectively.  Hawaii has the highest jobless rate at 15.1% 

(KLZA)-- Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Beckie Cromer presented the organizations quarterly report to both the Falls City Council and Richardson County Commissioners during their meetings last week. 

Cromer said progress is being made on the Champions Crossing development area on the north edge of Falls City.  Sewer tests were approved on first round and water has been installed and they are now waiting for testing of that system. 

Progress was also reported on what is called the North Commercial Corridor project along Highway 73. Cromer said meetings continue with property owners.  Preliminary design and access permits were submitted to the State in September.

It was noted that the $1,170 cost per intersection design to each property owner is an ongoing discussion and will be discussed during right-of-way negotiations. 

Cromer reported that while local industries continue to deal with the impacts of COVID-19, things have improved since the end of the last quarter. There was a net gain of seven jobs in the third quarter and there are 13  employment opportunities currently available.

During the Commissioners meeting Tuesday, the Board approved funding to EDGE for this year of $15-thousand.  

(KMZA)--An Everest man was injured in a car-deer collision Friday evening on U.S. 36 Highway in Nemaha County.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office says 52-year-old Tim Haase was eastbound, west of O Road, when his SUV struck a deer.

Haase was transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca with unspecified injuries.

The accident was reported shortly after 6:30.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board, during a special meeting Monday morning, ratified a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2020-21 school year.

Under the agreement, Superintendent Lonnie Moser said teachers will see an average salary increase of 3.2 percent.

The agreement includes a $1,000 increase in the base salary to $41,000.

The agreement also includes an increase of $630 to any teacher holding a Master's Degree.

The Board also approved a memorandum of understand in relation to the use of sick leave for the 2020-21 school year.

(KAIR)--An Easton man has been sentenced to more than 5 ½ years in prison on child sex-related charges.

Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, in a news release, said Christopher Patrick was sentenced Friday in Atchison County District Court to 68 months in prison on three counts of sexual exploitation of a child-- the maximum sentence possible.

Following his release from prison, Patrick will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

He pleaded no contest to the charges in July.

Becker said the case, which originated in 2018, was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Atchison Police Department.

Patrick was arrested on a District Court warrant in late April 2019.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man is among two individuals that have been charged in connection with an August incident that involved the shooting of a Salina police officer.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidit, in a news release, said 36-year-old Adam Drew Humphrey has been charged with two counts of attempted capital murder, one count of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and one count of criminal possession of a firearm.

Co-defendant, 37-year-old Wichita resident Shawn Patrick Humphrey, faces six counts—including two counts of attempted capital murder, in connection with the same incident.

Schmidt said the incident took place during an attempted traffic stop near Salina. In addition to the officer who was shot and injured, one additional Salina police officer and a Saline County sheriff’s deputy were shot at, but were not hurt.

The charges were filed Friday and arrest warrants executed.

Shawn Humphrey is being held in the Saline County jail, while Adam Humphrey is being held in the Shawnee County jail.

The case is being prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office at the request of the Saline County Attorney.

(KNZA)--Advance voting for the November 3rd general election is underway in Doniphan County.

Doniphan County voters who applied for an advance ballot by mail and have not received one yet are asked to contact the County Clerk’s office at 785-985-3513. 

All mail ballots must be returned or postmarked by 7:00 PM on November 3.

Ballots can returned by 1) postage paid envelope 2) in person to the County Clerk’s Office 3) placed in one of two secure ballot drop boxes located at the Doniphan County Clerk’s office or 4) taken to any polling location on election day.  

The Doniphan County Clerk’s office will be open for in-person advance voting on Saturday, October 31 from 8 am to 12 noon. Voters are reminded to bring a photo ID.

(KNZA)--Eight girls are vying this year for Hiawatha Halloween queen.

This year's event, which will be held at 6:30 Saturday evening on the steps of the Brown County Courthouse, will have limited attendance.

The event is part of the 106th annual Halloween Frolic.

Competing for scholarships are:

Miss Everest: Tommi-Anne McAfee

Miss Fairview: Lauren Gatz

Miss Hiawatha: Ashlynn Henry

Miss Horton: Avery Wischropp

Miss Robinson: Raven Stroud

Miss Sabetha: Leah Renyer

Miss Wathena Grace Feuerbacher

Miss Wetmore: Alyssa Bloom

You can watch the queen crowning on Rainbow LIVE and the Hiawatha Halloween Frolic Facebook page.

 (AP) --Authorities have found two girls who were abducted from a rural Leavenworth County home where two boys were discovered dead Saturday, and a suspect is in custody.

The Kansas Amber Alert System reports that the girls were found near Erick, Oklahoma, and a suspect is in custody.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation identified the girls as 3-year-old Aven Jackson and 7-year-old Nora Jackson. An Amber Alert said the suspect in the abduction is the girls' father, 40-year-old Donny Jackson.

Leavenworth County Emergency Management said in a Facebook post that Jackson is also a person of interest in the homicides.

The Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call around 1:15 p.m. on Hillside Road, east of Lansing, and found the homicide scene.  Authorities say the boys had been shot to death.

The names of the boys, ages 12 and 14, haven't been released.

Leavenworth County Undersheriff Jim Sherley said investigators are still trying to determine what led to the homicide.

(KNZA)--A late Friday morning two-vehicle Brown County wreck sent a Hiawatha man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it occurred at the intersection of U.S. 73 Highway and Raccoon Road, east of Horton.

The Patrol says 41-year-old Jim Spicer was northbound on Raccoon Road when he failed to yield to a semi on U.S. 73 and entered the intersection.  His GMC truck was struck by the International semi driven by 40-year-old Benjamin Rettele,  of Fairview.

Spicer was transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital for the treatment of what the Patrol described as suspected minor injuries.

Rettele was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck happened around 11:15. 

(KLZA)-- Creating a regional housing authority to include Falls City and Pawnee City is being discussed by the City Council's for both communities. 

Anthony Nussbaum, Housing Director for both Falls City and Pawnee  City told both Councils this month that the Pawnee City and Falls City Housing Authorities have been in a joint operating agreement since 2018.

Nussbaum explained there would be no changes for residents of the two housing authorities other than new leases. Funding sources would remain the same.  

Advantages of merging the housing authorities is to save the burden of doubling up work on the administrative side, it could save some money in bookkeeping, insurance, auditing and advertising.  It could also give the authority more purchasing power when purchasing appliances and such.

The Pawnee City Council suspended the three reading rule and approved the ordinance during their October 13th meeting. The ordinance passed on first reading during Monday evenings Falls City Council meeting.  

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Sacred Heart School has been notified by the Nebraska Department of Education that the USDA has extended the option of serving free meals due to the COVID-19 Child Nutrition Response – Waiver #56.

This action extends the Summer Food Service Program and includes all preschool through twelfth grade students on days that school is in session through the 2020-21 school year or until USDA funding runs out.

If funding runs out prior to the end of the school year, meals will revert back to full pay, reduced or free as determined by current guidelines.  

All lunch credits will be carried forward to the 2021-22 school year.  

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang met with the Pawnee City Council Tuesday evening.
Among the discussion topics was semi-trailers parked on properties in the community.

Discussion was also held on abandoned nuisance properties being addressed by the Pride Committee. Sheriff Lang said he has more issues with rental properties in town than he does with abandoned properties and said he did not see the trailers as real eyesores in town.

During the long discussion, it was noted that Zoning Administrator Matthew Kuhlman is planning to go through the Pawnee City Zoning Ordinance book with the Planning Commission and make it more suitable for Pawnee City.  

(KNZA)--A local lake no longer remains under a health advisory due to blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, announced Thursday that the advisory for the Brown State Fishing Lake, northeast of Robinson, has been lifted.

The lake had been under " watch" status since July, and at one point was placed under “warning" status.

Four lakes in the state remain under watch status--including Milford Lake.

For lakes on the watch list, KDHE says people should avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets and livestock away from the water.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is again calling for a statewide mask mandate as the coronavirus case count continues to climb in rural parts of the state that don’t require them.

Kelly said Wednesday that two-thirds of the state’s COVID-19 cases are now coming from outside the Wichita and Kansas City region.

She issued an order requiring Kansas residents to wear masks over the summer, though more than 90 counties opted out. Kelly says she now plans to have discussions with House and Senate leadership to work toward a stronger bipartisan requirement.

Since Monday, the state health department reported that Kansas has had 1,488 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Fire Department is replacing its aerial ladder truck with a newer model.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved the purchase of a used 1998 truck from Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus in the amount of $80,000, with the trade-in of the department's current 1978 truck.

It was the lone bid received.

The aerial ladder doesn't work on the existing truck.

The 1998 truck has 12,000 miles.

Fire Chief Gene Atland, in a memorandum to Commissioners, said the truck is currently in service in Brillion, Wisconsin and is to be delivered to Hiawatha in March of next year.

Atland said the truck meets or exceeds all of the bid specifications.

City Administrator Mike Nichols said between capital improvement funds and the fire department's 2020 budget, there are ample funds to purchase the the truck.

(KNZA)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently announced more than $9 million in grants for projects to strengthen the state’s food supply system.

According to a release from the Governor's Office, 183 Kansas agriculture and food-related businesses in more than 70 counties were awarded grants as part of the Securing Local Food Systems grant program.

In Atchison County, there were three grant recipients. Diamond C Food Service was awarded $100,000; Atchison County Food Pantry, $18,500; and Genova Farms Produce, $10,000.

In Doniphan County, there were three grant recipients. Anderson Meats was awarded $80,000; John's Market, $50,000; and The Marie Antoinette Gluten Free Baking Company, $30,000.

In Jackson County, Holton Meat Processing was awarded a $100,000 grant and Cecil K's Hometown Market, $50,000.

In Jefferson County, Sweetlove Farm and Bowser Meat Processing were each awarded $100,000 grants. Other grant recipients included Winchester Meat Processing, $30,000; Steph's Garden, $16,400; Stony Ridge Farms, $5,000; and Pantry of Hope, $3,000.

In Marshall County, there were 3 grant recipients. Frankfort Meat Company was awarded $100,000; Marshall County Agency on Aging, $15,000 and VB Farms, $5,000.

In Pottawatomie County, Onaga Meat was awarded a $100,000 grant.

The release says the grant money can be used for a wide scope of capital expenses related to increasing the capacity of the businesses.

The Securing Local Food Systems grant is one of several grants made possible in the second round of the Federal CARES Act funding and approved by the Kansas SPARK Task Force.

(KNZA)--Saturday ( October 24)  is National Drug Take Back Day.

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, in a news release, said law enforcement officers at locations across the state will be collecting unused medications for safe disposal.

Schmidt said the collection events, which will be held from 10 to 2, are part of a nationwide effort to safely dispose of leftover medications to prevent accidental or intentional misuse.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says his office will be participating in the Take-Back event Saturday. The sheriff's office has been part of the national event for many years. The sheriff's office collects unused medications year round, 24 hours a day. 

Injectables and needles are not accepted.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office will also hold a collection event Saturday at the Holton Wal-Mart, and the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office in Seneca will serve as a collection location.

Since the Drug Take-Back Day program begin in 2010, more than 95 tons of unwanted medications have been collected and destroyed in Kansas alone.

The National Drug Take-Back Day is coordinated with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, which collects and safely destroys the medications.

(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission voted Monday to approve the construction contract for the Arbor Lane addition to the Brookdale subdivision in northwest Atchison.

According to a release from the city, all four of the commissioners participating in the meeting approved the contract, which was awarded to Engemann Drainage Company, Inc. of Troy, in the amount of nearly $1.2 million ($1,92,126). Commissioner J. David Ferris was absent.

The contract authorizes the building of infrastructure – including streets and utilities-- for up to 48 new residential lots in the subdivision.

The release says the project is backed by city issued general obligation bonds though the repayment is coupled with a newly created benefit district and a special assessment on the properties in the new subdivision.

Commissioners on Monday also approved the re-zoning of the Arbor Lane property from Agriculture to Residential.

Left to right: William Lockman II, Gladys Makes Room For Them, and Thurman Turner, Jr.

(KNZA)--Three arrests were made in Brown County Tuesday afternoon, following the discovery of a Volkswagen convertible, that had been reported stolen.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the car was located on U.S. Highway 73, in the vicinity of 280th Road, by a Deputy.

All three occupants were taken into custody, including 26-year-old Horton resident William Lockman II, 22-year-old Hiawatha resident Gladys Makes Room For Them, and 42-year-old Thurman Turner, Jr., also of Hiawatha.

Lockman was taken into custody for felony possession of stolen property, and a full extraditable $8,000 Texas Bond Surrender Warrant for Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.

Makes Room For Them was arrested on a $500 Seneca failure to appear warrant, a Jackson County bond failure to appear warrant, and faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, trafficking contraband in a correction facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Turner was taken into custody on a $100 Hiawatha City failure to appear warrant, a Jackson County no bond failure to appear warrant, and faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, trafficking contraband in a correctional facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following their arrests, all three were booked into the Brown County Jail.

According to Merchant, the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Sac and Fox Police Department assisted his office with the arrests.

(KNZA)-- The Hiawatha City Commission is moving forward with condemnation proceedings on seven structures.

Following a public hearing Monday evening, the Commission found the structures to be unsafe and unfit. The Commission will consider a resolution at their November 2 meeting ordering the structures demolished, if not repaired or removed by 5:00 p.m. December 7.

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

Representatives of the owners of two of the properties addressed the Commission during the hearing appealing for more time to fix up the properties.

The Commission also held a hearing on seven other structures in violation of the city's minimum housing code.

The properties are located at 308 Miami Street, 310 Hiawatha Avenue, 400 South 4th Street, 815 Hiawatha Avenue, 911 Iowa Street, 1109 Utah Street and 401 South 5th Street.

Comments were heard during the hearing from representatives of two of the properties.

Following the hearing, the Commission voted that the properties be vacated or repaired by December 7.  If not repaired by then, the Commission may order the structures removed or demolished.

( KLZA)-- The Falls City Council has agreed to have a third party inspect a 2003 ladder truck in Burlington, Vermont for possible purchase.  

If the report is favorable, the Council approved Council members Lucas Froeschl and Mitch Merz negotiating a price for the truck which has a list price of $70-thousand.  

Longtime Falls City Volunteer Firefighter Jon McQueen told the Council the current truck, purchased in 1981  has been a valuable tool in fighting fires even though it is not needed on a regular basis.  He said even with hydraulic problems during the Mexican restaurant  fire in the 1500 block of Stone Street it helped save buildings.

McQueen says unfortunately, it is likely there will be more needs for a ladder truck in the future.  He noted that ladder trucks in Auburn and Hiawatha also have issues and may not be able to respond to a fire in Falls City. 

McQueen noted the current fire trucks are reaching the end of their expected length of reliable service. The current ladder truck is going on its 40th year of service in Falls City while the second pumper is coming up on 28 years of service.  Industry standards suggest replacing trucks every 30 years. 

The current ladder truck has not been able to be certified since 2014 with 88 citations issued for various problems including the extension lift cylinder.  

In 2018 a demonstrator truck was brought to Falls City,  it had a price tag of more than $900-thousand and would likely be more than a million dollars now.

The truck being considered for purchase is a 2003 Emergency 1 with a 95 foot-ladder. The truck has 73-thousand miles on it, but McQueen feels with anticipated limited usage, it could serve the department for 10 – 15 years. The list price is $69-thousand and the current ladder is certified. 

Once the city receives information from the inspection,  they will decide whether to move forward with negotiations to purchase the truck.
 

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department reports the number of COVID-19 cases withing the five-county service area continues to climb.

The latest report shows 623 positive COVID-19 tests in the region since the pandemic began   For the week ending Friday, October 16,  there were 40 new cases in Otoe County, bringing the total to 255.  There were 15 new cases in Richardson County putting the overall count at 93.  Nemaha County, Nebraska had 13 new cases and a total of 70,  Johnson County had 10 new cases and 83 total.  Pawnee  County had three positive tests in the past week bringing the total to 22.

Three deaths have been  attributed to COVID-19 in the five-county area.  There have been 278 new cases confirmed in the past 30 days.

Only 4.3 percent of those testing positive have required hospitalization.  57.8 percent of the cases are from community spread and 37.1 percent are from direct contact with individuals.  

Of the 93 cases in Richardson County,  41 are active with 52 having recovered.  There have been two COVID-19 deaths in Richardson County. 

21 percent of those testing positive in the region are 20-29 years of age.  18.3 percent are between 10 and 19.  16.1 percent are ages 50 – 59.  

(KNZA)--A Jonesboro, Arkansas man was arrested after a stolen vehicle was recovered Monday evening in Brown County.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said deputies received a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol of a stolen vehicle from Missouri possibly in the county.

Shortly after 9:15, deputies located a vehicle matching the description near U.S. 36 Highway and Plumtree Road.

Merchant said when the deputy made initial contact with the driver, he fled on foot. A short foot chase took place. Merchant said another deputy arrived on the scene and the suspect then complied with commands to be placed under arrest.

Merchant said 21-year-old Travis Moten was arrested on charges of felony theft and felony obstruction.

He was booked into the Brown County Jail.

(KLZA)-- The cost for trash service is going up in Mound City beginning in January. 

Klosek's Trash Service informed the Board of Aldermen of the $1.50 per resident increase during their October 13 meeting.  

During the meeting Jeff Arp with the Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association presented a grant of $3,540 to the Mound City Police Department for body cameras, an $850 grant for an AED for the swimming pool and a $2-thousand grant for a security camera system for City Hall was presented to the City. 

The Board also discussed health insurance opportunities for the City in 2021. 

After reviewing the sewer and water rate analysis the Board voted not to make changes to the  rates.  

Aldermen also approved a bid of $31,116 for a Dodge Ram Pickup from Reed Chrysler, Dodge of St. Joseph;  $24,537 for three mobile radios and three

handheld radios from Haug Communications;  and a bid for $5,688 from Omnigo Software for software.

Sale of a city owned dump  truck to Justin Courtney was approved in an amount of $10,001 which was the highest of four bids received. 

A bid from Cunningham Sandblasting & Painting for a water tower inspection in an amount of $2-thousand was approved.   

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Clerk’s Office is now open to the public. 

The office was closed to the public last week after four out of five employees in the office tested positive for COVID-19.  

The office re-opened Tuesday.

County Clerk Mary Kay Schultejans says advance voting in the office for the November 3rd general election will start Wednesday ( October 21) 

The office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Schultejans says they will also be open for advance voting in the office on Saturday morning, October 31st from 8:00 to 12 noon. 

Those with questions can call the office at 785-336-2170.

(KNZA)--The Jefferson County Commission has issued a mandatory mask mandate for all county departments and offices.

The Commission took the action Monday to help reduce the spread of coronavirus in the county.

The mask mandate took effective Tuesday ( October 20).

According to a news release from Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Keith Jeffers, the general public will be required to wear masks when entering all county buildings and employees will be required to wear masks when interacting with each other or the general public.

The Commission continues to encourage residents to conduct necessary business by phone or electronic means, if possible.

The release says the mandate will be in place until its rescinded by the Commission.

County Health Department Administrator Crystal Vanhoutan told Commissioners there is currently community spread of the virus in the county.

As of Monday, there have been a total of 255 positive cases of COVID-19 in the county.

There are currently 31 active cases.

There have been 4 COVID-19 related deaths.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Election Office has placed a permanent secured ballot drop box in the Horton City Hall.

County Election Officer Melissa Gormley said the ballot box was installed on Monday, October 19, 2020, by Gormley Brothers Construction.

Gormley said the ballot box can be used by any Brown County voter as another secure way of returning your ballot.

The box will be available 24 hours a day up to November 3.

Voters can request an advance ballot by contacting the Brown County Clerk's Office.  The deadline to request an advance ballot by mail is October 27. 

(KNZA)--A new Brown County Services for the Elderly Director has been hired.

The Brown County Commission voted Monday to offer the position to Wanda Davis.

County Clerk Melissa Gormley told MSC News that Davis has accepted the position, and indicated she would be available to begin work November 1.

She was among three candidates interviewed.

Davis will replace Lori Gray. Gray announced her retirement resignation last month, effective October 30.

Commissioner Keith Olsen presented a plaque to Gray on Monday in recognition of her years of service to Brown County.

She has worked for county almost 18 years.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County 911 dispatch system will be upgraded.

The Doniphan County Commission voted Monday to enter into an agreement with the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council to upgrade the county's dispatch system to Next Generation 911 at a cost not to exceed $36,000 annually, with the cost to be paid from the the 911 surcharge fund.

The agreement was presented by Register of Deeds/911 Coordinator Susan Shuster and Undersheriff Mark Allen.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the system upgrade will eliminate ring delay when dialing 911, enhance mapping location for 911 calls and provide the ability to text and communicate through cellular phone with dispatch. In addition, in the event the county's dispatch center is not available, 911 calls will be answered by a central dispatch service operated by the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council.

Shuster said 91 of the state's 105 counties have entered into agreements for Next Generation 911 services.

(KNZA)--Atchison County is reporting its 5th COVID-19 related death.

The Atchison County Health Department reported the death Monday. No information was provided on the individual.  

That comes as the number of positive cases in the county since the beginning of the pandemic climbs to 500, with 40 additional cases since October 14.

As of Monday, there were 71 active cases, with six currently hospitalized.

Kansas is seeing an average of more than 700 new coronavirus cases a day.

The state Department of Health and Environment reported Monday that Kansas had 2,113 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases since Friday to bring the pandemic total to 72,968. Kansas had an average of 729 new cases a day for the seven days ending Monday.

(KAIR)--A longtime Atchison business owner has died.

Michael “Mike” Begley was 76-years-old at the time of death Monday at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Begley owned and operated Atchison’s Paolucci’s Deli – Restaurant and Lounge for over 50-years, along with his wife of 52-years, Margie.

According to the obituary from Atchison’s Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Begley was also active in the Atchison Community, including membership in the Sacred Heart Council #723 of the Knights of Columbus, Fleming-Jackson-Seever Post #6 of the American Legion, V.F.W. Post #1175, and the Atchison Elks Lodge.

Along with his wife, Begley is survived by two sons, Ed and Mark, as well as a brother, and six grandchildren.

Funeral services for Begley will be Thursday morning at 10:30, with a Mass of Christian Burial at Atchison’s Saint Benedict’s Catholic Church.

(KLZA)-- A second death in Holt County, Missouri has been attributed to COVID-19.

The Holt County Health Department reports a male in  his 60's has died following his September 24 positive test for COVID-19.

Four additional positive tests for COVID were confirmed over the weekend bringing the total number of positive cases to 116.  Of that total, 16 cases are currently active.  

(KLZA)-- A Lamar, Missouri man suffered what were described as minor injuries in a single vehicle wreck Sunday afternoon in Holt  County, Missouri. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol  reports 64-year-old Ray McNaught was southbound on Interstate 29 approximately three miles east of Oregon when the semi-truck he was driving went off the west side of the road and struck two trees.

McNaught was transported by the Atchison-Holt EMS to Fairfax Community Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

The 2001 Peterbuilt was totaled.

The Holt County Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene of the wreck. 
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have requested Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall to to seek estimates from licensed contractors to close and remove an under ground fuel storage tank at the courthouse in Falls City.  

In other action during their October 13th meeting the Board discussed hiring of staff for the vacant positions in the Road and Bridge Department. 

Shannon Engberg,  Vice-Chairman of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska  and a representative of the Land Protection of The Nature Conservancy presented documents to the Board for the Rulo Bluff's Conservation Easement,  reserved by the Nature  Conservancy, a District Of Columbia  based non-profit corporation, to turn the easement for the property over to the tribe.  The proposal was approved by the Board.   

Commissioners also voted to enter into an agreement with Johnson, Pawnee and Nemaha Counties to implement a 4-County Juvenile Services Plan for a period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021.  
 

Our group of five KNZA Inc. local radio stations are now using a new internet streaming provider. If you have previously saved our streaming links you will need to delete them and create a new short cut with the updated streaming address sites. You can save an individual station streaming site, or here is the link to all of our station streaming sites free and world wide anytime: 

http://mscnews.net/indexc.cfm?pk=12

Our five local stations include: KNZA 103.9 FM, KMZA 92.1 FM, KAIR 93.7 FM, KLZA 101.3 FM and KTNC 107.1 FM.

(KNZA)--Two local northeast Kansas Indian tribes have been awarded grants from USDA Rural Development for infrastructure improvements.

According to a news release from the agency, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska will use a $61,100 grant to assist with the purchase of a sanitation truck .

The tribe currently has two older sanitation trucks that are no longer reliable and need significant repairs. The project will allow the tribe to purchase a new vehicle that will be used as the primary waste disposal vehicle.

The Iowa Tribe will contribute nearly $114,000 from its own resources.

The release said USDA is providing a $50,000 grant to the Sac and Fox Nation for stormwater and sewer system improvements at their tribal facilities in Reserve.

The grant will used to install a 120-gallon lift station and more than 500 feet of new piping to connect to an existing drain field. The proposed stormwater solutions are to construct new retaining walls, concrete trickle channel, interceptor ditch, surface water drainage system and roof drains.

The Sac and Fox Nation will contribute nearly $17,000 in additional funding toward the improvements.

The grants are through USDA's Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program.

(KAIR)--A faculty member at Atchison's Benedictine College has been recognized for her writing skills.

The Kansas Authors Club has named Dr. Julie Sellers, associate professor of World and Classical Languages and Cultures at Benedictine, as its Prose Writer of the Year for 2020.

According to a new release, the recognition is awarded to the author who consistently wins across multiple prose categories in the club's annual writing contest. 

This year, Sellers took first in the Humor category, Second in Stories for Teens, and had four Honorable Mentions, including one in Flash Fiction and one in Short Story.

In addition to her enjoyment of writing fiction, creative non-fiction and poetry, Sellers has had her academic research published regularly.

In 2017, Sellers was named the World Language Teacher of the Year by the Kansas World Language Association. She is the coordinator of the first-year, general education Spanish sequence at Benedictine College and also teaches upper-division courses on Latin American literature, civilization and culture.

(KNZA)--New court dates are set for three Atchison men charged in a fatal 2019 Doniphan County fight.

Matthew “ Cole” Scherer is now set for arraignment on October 28 in Doniphan County District Court, while Scott Vandeloo is set for arraignment on December 2.

A pre-trial conference for Brian Spilman, Jr. is now scheduled for January 6.

All three men are charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of 42-year-old Jason Pantle, of Cummings.

Authorities allege the trio engaged in altercations with Pantle during a September 29, 2019 party in southern Doniphan County.

Pantle died seven days later at a Kansas City hospital after suffering what investigators called serious head injuries.

Scherer, Vandeloo and Spilman remain free on a $150,000 bond each.

(KLZA)--The Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School Board met Monday evening. 

The Board accepted the resignations of paraprofessionals Debra Cornelius and Shari Berglund.

Principal Lisa Othmer presented a report that included information on the lack of paraeducators and substitutes. 

The Board voted 5-1 to amend the plan regarding activities.  As of October 19,  all activity attendees and participants will be required to wear a mask with the only exception being the students actively participating in the current event.  Tim Schaardt cast the nay vote on the amendment.  

An executive session was held to discuss negotiations.  Following the closed session the Board voted to recognize the HTRS Education Association as the official bargaining unit for teachers for the2021-22 school year.  
 

(KNZA)--A person of interest in a Brown County criminal case has been located.

26-year-old Phillip Doerr, of Horton, was taken into custody Friday night in Jackson County.

Doerr had been sought in connection with a suspected kidnapping that occurred Thursday night in Brown County. 

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson County Sheriff's Office were jointly working to locate Doerr.  Deputies in both counties believed he may be located near T.4 Road near the Shawnee County line in southeastern Jackson County.

Morse said a Jackson County Sheriff’s deputy located a vehicle near T.4 Road on 94th Road that appeared to have a flat tire. Deputies recognized the male passenger as Doerr.

Doerr allegedly provided a false name and was subsequently arrested by deputies. He was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal possession of a firearm. Doerr was also wanted on a Topeka parole warrant.

The driver, 51-year-old Shelli Gibbs, of Topeka, was arrested by deputies for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and vehicle registration violations.

Both were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Editor's note: Brown County Sheriff John Merchant issued the following statement following Doerr's arrest.

(KAIR)--USD 409 Atchison Public Schools has seen a significant drop in enrollment compared with last year.

That’s according to Superintendent Renee Scott.

Scott tells MSC News that she gave a report detailing the decline to board members at their meeting earlier this week.

“I did give an update on our enrollment numbers, and those are down. They’re mirroring numbers across the state. We’re seeing a huge drop in enrollment across the state. Quite a few people are choosing to home school, as well as people are just moving based on where they can find employment.”

Scott says there are a hundred fewer students enrolled this year compared to last year. She says the drop is fairly even across all grades.

According to meeting agenda packet information,  this year’s headcount is 1,615 for the district.

That number is subject to state audit, which usually occurs after the first of the year.

(KMZA)--Nemaha Central USD 115 in the process of developing a 5-year strategic plan.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman discussed elements of the plan at Monday's USD 115 Board of Education meeting.

Kohlman said through preliminary surveys with parents, staff and community members, they have developed six areas of focus for the next five years.

Input is being sought, and patrons can give their feedback by completing a survey on the district's website. The deadline for the survey is October 23.

The survey results will be reviewed by a committee of around 50 people who will compile results and present the findings to the board at their January 2021 meeting.

In other business, the board approved the purchase of 61 laptops for district staff from the Apple Store for Education in the amount of $52,239.

In addition, the board approved the purchase of a boiler for the Nemaha Central Elementary/Middle School from Eisenbarth Plumbing for $26,349.

The Board also accepted the resignation of Nemaha Central High School business teacher Tony Scism, effective at the end of the current school year.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man suffered injuries in a single-vehicle wreck that happened Friday afternoon in Atchison.

According to an Atchison Police Department report, 62-year-old Randy K. Johnston, was southbound on a private drive adjacent to the Massasoit Apartment complex in the 200 block of North 3rd. The wreck occurred as Johnston was turning east onto another private drive. That’s when the 2003 Chevy Blazer he was driving left the roadway and went over a retaining wall.

The vehicle landed on its top.

Johnston was transported to the hospital by EMS. The exact nature and extent of his injuries was not released.

A 49-year-old passenger, Frederick Paxton of Atchison, was treated by EMS at the scene for injuries, but was not transported.

The accident was reported shortly after 12:30 p.m.  

(KNZA)--Hiawatha school district officials continue to address issues with the new high school track.

Bubbles have formed in the surface of the track, which was installed in the summer of 2018. The track vendor, Beynon Sports Surfaces, has told the district they believed its due to water drainage issues on the visitors side of the track. However, bubbles have appeared in other areas of the track as well.

Beynon says it will not fix the track until the district addresses the drainage issues.

At Monday's USD 415 school board meeting, District Maintenance Director Chris Morey presented bids for track drainage repairs from Aller LLC and Knudson Construction,which included the installation of six 12-inch drains that connect underground and re-grading of the grounds on the visitor's side.  Aller submitted a bid for $39,500 and Knudson for $30,500.

Following a lengthy discussion, it was decided to get an opinion from Matt Sprick with the Natural Resources Conservation Service on needed repairs before moving forward.

The matter will be discussed again at the next board meeting on Monday, October 26.

(KLZA)--The Johnson-Brock Board of Education met with Tia Miller with the Teammates program during their Tuesday meeting.  

While the Mentors and mentees are unable to meet in person at this time due to COVID,  the group is sponsoring an outdoor movie following the football game Friday night with the community invited to attend.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler discussed the Board of Education goals,  football seating and options for a new school car. 

The Board approved the purchase of  car from Sid Dillon in an amount of $18,494. 

Koehler advised the Board members that the Foundation and Booster club would have funds available to help with the expense of new seating at the football field.

(KLZA)-- Six additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Holt County, Missouri.  

The county now has had 111 total cases.  Of that total,  14 are active cases. 

The  persons with COVID in Holt County are in isolation.  

(KLZA)-- Six additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Holt County, Missouri.  

The county now has had 111 total cases.  Of that total,  14 are active cases. 

The  persons with COVID in Holt County are in isolation.  

Update:  The Richardson County Sheriff's Office reports Phillip Doerr is in custody.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriffs office is asking the public's assistance in locating a person of interest in recent criminal activity in Brown County.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said dispatch received reports Thursday of a female who had fled to the All Star truck stop near Sabetha after reportedly being held against her will by a male suspect. 

Officers from multiple law enforcement agencies responded.

After the victim was able to enter the truck stop and request help, Merchant said the suspect--26-year-old Phillip Doerr, with the last known address of Webb City, Missouri--fled in a 2004 Gray Mitsubishi Eclipse and eluded officers. 

The vehicle was recovered in Nemaha County, Kansas Friday morning.

Merchant said Doerr is considered armed and dangerous and should not be confronted by the public. He has ties to Topeka, Horton, Hiawatha, White Cloud, Humboldt,  Falls City and surrounding areas.  

If you know of his whereabouts, please contact your local  law enforcement at once.

(KAIR)--An Atchison County inmate, who walked away from a work detail in July, is back behind bars.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie said 35-year-old Joseph Dyer, of Atchison, was located Thursday morning in the 13-hundred block of Kansas Avenue in Atchison, where he was arrested for escape from custody.

Laurie said Dyer fled from the minimum-security work release area of the Atchison County Jail on July 20 while serving a sentence.  He was working in the jail's kitchen when the incident occurred.

Dyer remains in the Atchison County Jail, held on a $5,000 surety bond.

(KMZA)--Grants are available for small businesses in Nemaha County who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a release, the grant program was created by Nemaha County from funds provided by the Kansas SPARK Program.

Small businesses in Nemaha County with less than 50 employees are eligible for the grant program.

Grant applications are due by Wednesday, November 11.

The County has developed a committee that will review the applications submitted.

Additional information on the Nemaha County Spark Grant program and grant applications are available on the Sabetha Chamber of Commerce website or the Seneca Chamber of Commerce/Downtown Impact Facebook page.

(KAIR)--Advance in-person voting for the November 3rd general election is to begin next week in Atchison County.

Starting Monday, voters can cast an advance ballot in the Atchison County Clerk's Office, weekdays from 8:30 am to 5 p.m.

Advance in-person voting will end Monday, November 2nd at noon.

The Atchison County Clerk's Office will be offering extended hours for advance voting on Thursday, October 22 until 7 p.m and Saturday, October 24 from 10 am until 2 p.m.

In addition, the office will offering four remote voting sites, which will be open to all Atchison County voters.

On Friday, October 23, at the Lancaster City Hall from 9:30 to 11:30 am and at the Cummings Christian Church from 1 to 3 p.m.

On Friday, October 30 at the Effingham Municipal Building from 9:30 to 11:30 am and at the Arrington Community Building from 1 to 3 pm.

You can also request an advance ballot by mail by contacting the Atchison County Clerk's Office. The last day to request an advance ballot is October 27.

(KAIR)--USD 377 Atchison County Community Schools will allow a limited number of patrons to attend indoor winter sports and other activities, at least for now.

Superintendent Andrew Gaddis says the board, during their Wednesday meeting, decided to implement the policy beginning with junior high girls’ basketball, which is scheduled to begin next week.

“We’re going to start with allowing each athlete four people to attend, and then monitor and see what that looks like as far our gym capacity, as well as monitor what’s going on in the county and around us – as far as cases – and make a plan, and set that plan in action in November before we really start hosting activities for high school where you have boys and girls together, and other things.”

Gaddis says the 4-person limit includes the visiting team, whose fans will be seated on the other side of the court.

He adds that the restrictions will probably look different at the high school level, when dealing with both girls and boys games the same night.

The board will continue to monitor and re-evaluate their policy, in consultation with the county health department.

In other business, the board decided to transition to a new way of honoring academic excellence at the high school level. The school will move from a Valedictorian/Salutatorian system to a “with honors” system, allowing students who taking more difficult courses an opportunity to be recognized.

Gaddis says the transition will be completely made by 2025, so that the current 8th grade class will be on the “with honors” system by the time they are seniors.

(KAIR)--A man who was the subject of a manhunt in eastern Jefferson County Thursday afternoon remains at large.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told WIBW-TV the man was wanted for possession of a stolen car and possession of drugs with intent to sell.

Multiple agencies were involved in the ground and air search for the suspect.

The man was last seen on foot in the McLouth area.

The search ended around 8:00 Thursday evening.

A woman, who was originally with the man, was arrested.

Jefferson County North USD 339 schools and McLouth USD 342 schools were both placed on lockdown for a period of time Thursday afternoon as a safety precaution due to the manhunt.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Clerk's Office has been closed to the public due to COVID-19 related issues.

The office was closed Wednesday and will remain closed until further notice.

An announcement will be made at a later date when the office is able to open back up to the public.

The closure comes as in-person advance voting for the November 3rd general election was set to begin.

Advance ballots were mailed out beginning Wednesday and will continue to be mailed out and processed each day as usual.

Voters have until October 27 to request an advance ballot by mail.

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

The Jackson County Health Department said Thursday the individual was age 65 or older.

The Department said they will not be releasing any additional information on the individual out of respect to the family.

As of Thursday, Jackson County has seen 277 positive cases since the pandemic began.

There are currently 19 active cases, with no hospitalizations.

Neighboring Brown County is reporting 32 active cases, with one hospitalization.

As of Thursday, the county has since 182 positive cases since the pandemic began.

There have been five COVID-19 related deaths in Brown County.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department issued a news release Thursday afternoon urging residents within the five-county district to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19.

In recent weeks, the Southeast Health District has seen an increased rate of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The recent transition to phase four of the Directed Health Measure has given some hope of returning to normal life activities. However, this perception of hope is misleading as COVID-19 has embedded itself within the district, which may lead to future disruptions during the fall and winter months. Southeast District Health Department and the district’s healthcare system highly encourages citizens to stay vigilant. As a community, we must take ownership to protect ourselves, our family, and those at most risk. Simple steps can be taken to limit the spread of COVID-19 without jeopardizing the economy and halting day-to-day activities. These steps include:
• Monitor your health daily.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• Wear a mask when in public settings.
• Practice social distancing.
• Avoid large indoor gatherings.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home.
• Wash your hands often.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
If you are exposed to someone with COVID:
• Stay home until 14 days after the last exposure and maintain physical distance from others.
• Self-monitor for symptoms: Check your temperature twice a day. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, or any other symptoms.
• Avoid contact with people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
These simple and proactive strategies are proven to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 within communities. By following these recommendations, southeast Nebraska communities will limit the burden of COVID-19 and be in good standing this spring.

(KNZA)--Brown County will have to seek bids for the replacement of the HVAC system at the county jail.

That's what County Attorney Kevin Hill told the Brown County Commission Monday as they discussed a contract with Energy Solutions Professionals.

The Commission had voted last month to accept a proposal from the Overland Park firm to replace the current 11 rooftop units with new units for a cost of nearly $299.000.

Although the current units are 11 years old, there has been some major issues with excess humidity and air purification due to the type of units that were installed.

Following an executive session, courthouse custodian Ben Walker presented the Commission with his two week notice.

The Commission discussed whether to hire a full-time or part-time custodian. Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl discussed hiring out some of the services done by the custodians as opposed to hiring for a full-time position.

The Commission voted to advertise for an assistant janitor for at least two weeks or until the position is filled.

In other business, Noxious Weed Director George Bruning discussed with the Commission a trailer fire at the county landfill last week. Bruning said the fire was caused by a lithium battery. The trailer was a total loss.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education heard an update from Superintendent Tim Heckelively Monday night on the Pandemic Planning for COVID-19. 

There have been six staff members and three students in  District 56 with positive tests for COVID-19 since August 10.  

The Parent/Teacher Conferences for the fall of 2020 will be in a virtual format utilizing Zoom conferencing, with information coming for parents to access the conference system. 

It is expected that Nebraska School Activities Association protocols for indoor winter activities will be released in the coming weeks as further restrictions are being predicted for the indoor school activities.  It was also noted that fall 2020 semester music and fine arts concerts will be modified or postponed in order to reduce the spread of the virus in large gatherings. 

The Board accepted with gratitude the resignation / retirement notice of Chuck Smith, the Alternative School Teacher who has been with District 56 for 23 years. 

A teaching employment contract for Hailey  Ruiz as a Special Education Teacher was also approved. 

(KNZA)--A Topeka man was arrested on drug charges following a late Wednesday night Jackson County traffic stop.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle near 150th Road and U.S. 75 highway shortly before 11:00 for a traffic infraction.

Morse said the the driver of the vehicle, identified as Lonnie Banks Jr. was arrested following the stop.

Banks was booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, trafficking contraband into a correctional facility, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth woman was killed early Wednesday morning in a single-vehicle wreck in Leavenworth.

Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchen said the wreck was reported shortly before 1:00 at Wilson Avenue and Marion Street.

Kitchen said 23-year-old Courtney Shearer was northbound on Wilson Avenue when she lost control of her Chevy Blazer, which struck a utility pole and overturned several times.

Shearer was ejected from the vehicle.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The wreck remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--With voter registration ending Tuesday in Kansas, county clerk’s offices statewide now begin the task of mailing out ballots to those who have thus far requested them.

In Atchison County, County Clerk and Chief Election Officer Michelle Phillips says her office is sending out 2,244 ballots Wednesday a number she believes is a record for the county.

While those ballots are being sent out beginning today, voters do still have time to request one.

That deadline is Tuesday, October 27th.

Phillips says mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than Election Day, November 3rd, and must be received by the county clerk’s office on Friday, November 6th, to count.

For more information, you can call the Atchison County Clerk’s office at 913-367-1653.

(KAIR)--Atchison County continues to see a spike in COVID-19 cases in the county.

The Atchison County Health Department on Monday reported 30 new cases over the weekend, bringing the total number of positive cases since the pandemic began to 437.

There are currently 74 active cases, with 9 hospitalized.

Meanwhile, Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge is alerting the public about a potential COVID-19 exposure if you visited Paolucci's Restaurant, in Atchison, between September 28 and October 3rd. Forge said the Health Department is investigating several cases related to the exposure.

(KNZA)--An Ozawkie man is facing charges in a August 2019 single-vehicle Jefferson County crash that claimed the lives of two men.

According to the Jefferson County Jail roster, 44-year-old John Lewis was arrested Tuesday on a warrant charging him with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, aggravated battery, driving under the influence and transporting an open container.

He was later released after posting a $10,000 bond.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says Lewis was driving a pickup truck late August 17, 2019 on K-237, north of 50th Street, when he failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle left the roadway and overturned several times.

Two passengers, 21-year-old Oskaloosa resident Luke Puccinelli and 46-year-old Topeka resident Christopher Webb, were killed in the crash.

Lewis and another passenger, Nortonville resident Gavin Lewis, were seriously injured.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has voted to keep the county's senior citizens centers open but will require masks and other measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Commission took the action when they met Tuesday.

County Aging Administrator Peggy Wood recommended the Commission close the senior centers out concern for COVID-19.

The Commission will re-evaluate their decision in two weeks.

Wood informed Commissioners the Doniphan County Kitchen is closed for a period of 14 days due to the coronavirus.

Commission Chairman Thad Geiger voiced concern with the Aging Department and Kitchen not having a backup plan in place to continue the meals on wheels program.

Wood said she is formulating a plan with local school districts to continue the program.

(KNZA)--Two longtime Horton High School teachers are retiring at the end of the 2020-21 school year.

The USD 430 Board of Education Monday evening accepted, with regrets, the resignations of Ag teacher Larry Pottroff  and industrial technology teacher Jay Logan.

Pottroff has been with the district 36 years and Logan, 29 years.

In other business, Superintendent Jason Cline gave an update on the current COVID cases in the district. He said there are currently three positive cases—including two staff members and one student. 27 students and 4 staff members are in quarantine.

Cline asked the Board if there was interest in a bond issue or increasing the district's capital outlay levy. The matter will be taken to the building site councils and put out to the public to see what kind of interest there is.

Also there was discussion on adding additional incentives to attract more substitute teachers. Currently, the district pay $100 a day and $50 per half-day for a substitute teacher. No action was taken.

(KNZA)--The Rural Education Center in the Kansas State University College of Education recently received its largest grant in history to expand a robot distance learning program

The more than $450,000 USDA grant will be used purchase robots, microphones and laptops for the 20 schools in 10 school districts involved the project.

Locally, they include Axtell High School, Jackson Heights High School, Sabetha High School, Sabetha Middle School, Troy High School and Wetmore High School.

The robots will be used as teaching tools and help to fill the gaps where districts may not have a teacher for a specific field of study.

The goal of the robots is to promote career and technical education from a distance, allowing students access to teachers and activities they may not have been able to traditionally access.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Clerk's Office will not start advance voting in the office as planned until further notice due to COVID issues.

The County Clerk's Office made the announcement Tuesday.

Advance ballots will be mailed out beginning Wednesday and will continue to be mailed out and processed each day as usual.

You can apply to have an advance ballot sent by mail by contacting the county clerk's office or applying online at ksvotes.org. The last day to request an advance ballot by mail is October 27.

Those with questions can contact the Nemaha County Clerk's Office at 785-336-2170.

(KMZA)--An October 21 preliminary hearing has been set for a Goff man facing multiple child sex charges involving three alleged victims.

56-year-old David Holst has been charged in Nemaha County District Court with one count each of rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and indecent liberties with child.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert said one of the alleged victims is 14 years of age and the other two alleged victims are under the age of 14.

Holst was arrested October 6 following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office.

He remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $150,000 bond.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County health officials are concerned about the increase in COVID-19 cases in the county.

County Health Officer Jane Sunderland said cases are increasing at a rate far higher than neighboring counties. As of Monday, Nemaha County had 71 active cases.

Nemaha County had a total of 19 cases in July, 8 cases in August, 88 cases in September and 64 cases so far this month. Sunderland said at the current incidence rate, they are projected to have 180 cases by the end of the month.

Sunderland said the number of contacts from positive individuals is especially high. In addition, she said they are seeing an increased number of county residents hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19.

Sunderland said they need to get the virus under control in the county. She is urging residents to social distance, wear a mask, especially when you can't social distance, wash your hands frequently and stay home if you feel sick.

(KAIR)--An Atchison restaurant has temporarily closed after an employee test positive for COVID-19.

Lopez de Mexico announced in a Facebook post Monday they will be closed until October 23.

The restaurant said one of their employees contacted COVID outside the restaurant and unknowingly exposed some of the kitchen staff.

The post said not all employees have been exposed, but they can't operate without cooks.

The restaurant said they hope to be up and running after quarantine.

(KNZA)--Advance voting for the November 3rd general election will begin Wednesday in Doniphan County.

Voters can cast an advance ballot in the county clerk's office during regular business hours until noon, November 2nd.

You can also apply to have an advance ballot sent by mail by contacting the county clerks office or applying online at ksvotes.org. The last day to request an advance ballot by mail is October 27.

Mail ballots can be returned by mail in a postage paid envelope, in person at the county clerks office, placed in one of two secure ballot drop boxes located on the north and south side of the courthouse or at any polling location; all on or before 7:00 PM November 3rd. 

The Doniphan County Clerk’s Office will offer additional in-person advance voting on Saturday October 31st from 8 a.m. to noon. A photo ID required when voting in person. 

Voters in the White Cloud precinct will vote at the American Legion Building 102 Main Street in White Cloud beginning with the November 3rd general election and every election thereafter. 

Tuesday, October 13 is the deadline to register to vote for the November 3rd general election.

(KLZA)-- A project to repair a leak in a Richardson County Rural Water District #1 line under the south fork of the Nemaha River south of Humboldt is underway. 

Rural Water District #1 Chairman Ben Steffen said there is a significant leak in the pipe under the river and a project to bore a new line under the river to correct the problem is taking place this week. 

Steffen said there is potential for a possible interruption of water service to those customers served south of the  river.

The Rural Water District does have a plan in place to aid customers that may lose service in case any significant problems develop during the project that should be completed by the end of this week.  

(KLZA)-- With the November 3 election nearing,  there are a number of deadlines approaching for voters.

Friday, October 16 is the last day to register on-line or with a State Agency.  

Friday October 23 is the last day to register to vote in person at the County Clerk's Office.  The Richardson County  Clerks Office will remain open until 6:00 p.m. on October 23 for new registrants, change of party affiliation, address, name and Early Voting.

General Election Early Voting is available now at the County Clerks Office from 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.  through Monday, November 2.

In Richardson County, ballots will be mailed to registered voters in the All-Mail-In precincts of Arago/Barada,  Grant/Nemaha,  East Muddy and Salem on or about October 14.  

Candidates that seek election as a write-in candidate to a certain office, including Village Boards, City Council and School Board must file a notarized affidavit and filing fee, if required with the County Clerk by Friday, October 23.  

(KNZA )-Holton Elementary School is moving to remote learning this week due COVID-19 related staffing issues.

Superintendent Bob Davies said teachers and other staff are not able to remain at school due to quarantining because of close contacts with infected persons. In addition, he says their substitute teacher pool is not as big this year, so covering classes has been near impossible.

Davies said they hope to return to in-person learning at the elementary school on Monday, October 19.

Holton Middle School and High School classes will remain in session. However, Davies said any middle school or high school students who are needed by parents will be allowed to go remote this week with no barriers.

Also preschool will remain in session as they are in their own building.

(KAIR)--More than $3.2 million in grants have been awarded for broadband expansion projects in Atchison County.

Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday signed an executive order to establish the Office of Broadband Development and announced the distribution of nearly $50 million in Connectivity Emergency Response Grant funds for 67 broadband infrastructure improvement projects across the state. The funding is through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.

The Atchison Area Economic Development Corporation was awarded a nearly $391,000 grant to provide enhanced fiber broadband service from downtown Atchison to the campus of Amberwell Health ( Atchison Hospital) on the southern edge of the city.

A coalition made up of the Economic Development Corporation, Atchison Area Community Foundation, Amberwell Health, and Rainbow Communications is providing the local matching funds for the project.

In addition, Rainbow Communications, headquartered in Everest, was awarded $2.8 million in grant funds for an expansion of its fiber network to the towns of Effingham and Lancaster.

(KAIR)--An early Saturday morning single-vehicle wreck on K-4 Highway in Jefferson County claimed the life of a Topeka man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 23-year-old Nicholas Reeb was southbound when his car left the roadway. Reeb overcorrected and his vehicle left the opposite side the road, striking multiple trees on the way down.

Reeb, who was the lone occupant in his vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Patrol says he was not wearing a seatbelt when the wreck happened around 5:00, south Meriden.

(KNZA)--Advance voting for the November 3 general election is set to begin this week in Brown County.

Voters can request an advance ballot application be sent to them, beginning Wednesday, by contacting the Brown County Clerk's Office.

Advancing voting will begin in the County Clerk's Office on the 2nd floor of the Brown County Courthouse during regular business hours on Friday through noon, November 2nd.

Early voting will be available at three different locations this week. On Wednesday morning, at the Maple Grove Complex in Hiawatha from 9 to 11. On Thursday, at the Morrill Community Center from 9 to 11:30 in the morning and at the Northfield Community Room in Everest from 1:00 to 3:30 in the afternoon.

Tuesday ( October 13) is the last day to register to vote.

(KMZA)--A new Seneca city clerk has been appointed.

The Seneca City Council at their October 7 meeting approved the appointment of Tami Haverkamp, of Seneca, to the position.

She is to begin work November 2.

Haverkamp previously served as Seneca City Administrator from March 2008 through January 2013.

She will train under longtime City Clerk Jane Strathman, who plans to retire in April of next year.

(KNZA)--Voters in the Doniphan County community of White Cloud will face a special question during the November 3rd general election.

The White Cloud City Council has voted to place a one percent retailers sales tax proposal on the ballot for general purposes—including maintaining and improving the city streets.

City officials say the sales tax would also minimize the need for property tax increases.

If approved, the sales tax would take effect January 1, 2021.

(KNZA)--Two individuals were injured Saturday afternoon in a rear-end collision during a pursuit in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 41-year-old Billy Archie, of Lake, Mississippi, was eastbound on K-20 Highway being pursued by law enforcement when his car struck the rear of an eastbound pickup truck at 5th Avenue West in the city of Horton.

Archie and a passenger in his vehicle, 24-year-old Bridgette Mercado, of San Antonio, Texas, were transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital. The Patrol said Mercado suffered suspected serious injuries and Archie suspected minor injuries.

The driver of the pickup, 57-year-old Jay Mohr, of Platte City, Missouri, was not hurt.

The Patrol says all three occupants were buckled up when the wreck happened shortly before 3:00 Saturday afternoon.

Details surrounding the pursuit were not immediately available.

(KAIR)--Atchison's Trinity Lutheran School will move to virtual learning beginning Wednesday, October 14 through October 23.

The decision was announced Sunday in a post on the school's Facebook page.

The statement said several staff members and students have tested positive for COVID-19 or developed symptoms in the last few days at the private Pre-K-8 grade school.  The Day School Committee recommended they hold school virtually to mitigate any future exposure or infections.

Parent/teacher conferences for Monday, October 13 and Tuesday evening, October 14 have been canceled.

The statement said they hope to return to in-person learning October 26.

(KAIR)--A Friday afternoon two-vehicle northwest Missouri wreck left an Elwood man injured.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 36-year-old Jeffrey Kirkpatrick was southbound on Missouri Route 31 in Dekalb County when a westbound car on Ketchum Road pulled out in front of his SUV.  Kirkpatrick collided with the front passenger side of the car.

He was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with what the Patrol described as moderate injuries.

Two passengers in his vehicle refused treatment.

The driver of the car, from Clarksdale, Mo, suffered suspected serious injuries and was transported to Mosaic.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission has approved nearly $725,000 in grant awards to 50 applicants for COVID-19 related expenses and business development costs.

The Commission took the action Tuesday on the recommendation of the county's SPARK grant committee.

The largest grant awards went to Benedictine College, Maur Hill-Mount Academy and Blish-Mize Company.  Each received $50,000, which was the maximum grant available.

More than 65 applications were received from businesses and non-profit organizations in the county seeking a total of more $1.9 million.

Funding for the grant program came from the Kansas SPARK Task Force through the federal CARES Act.

You can find a complete list of the grant awards posted on the Atchison County website. https://www.atchisoncountyks.org/DocumentCenter/View/2289/SPARK-Grant-Award-Summary-for-Atchison-County

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners conducted a public hearing Tuesday to receive comment on the intention of the County to file an application with USDA rural Development for financial assistance to help fund the purchase of two police cruisers and equipment.  

Sheriff Rick Hardesty and Deputy Clinton Stonebarger attended the hearing to provide information on the application.  

No one from the public attended the hearing.   

County Attorney Doug Merz reviewed an inheritance tax case with the Board.  He also discussed staffing at the County Attorney's Office.  Merz said he would be hiring an attorney for the office due to an increase in the number of cases they are handling.  

(KAIR)--The city of Atchison will seek a grant that would transform Unity Street in the same design concept as the 2nd Street Corridor Project completed in 2019.

According to a release from the city, the Atchison City Commission unanimously approved a resolution when they met Monday authorizing submital of a grant application to the Kansas Department of Transporation for funding through the federal Transportation Alternatives Grant Program.

The city will seek more than $1.1 million through the grant program, which would cover 80% of the project costs. The city would be responsible for the remainder of the funds.

If successful, the release says Unity Street would get new curbs, sidewalks and lighting from 2nd Street west to 13th Street. The improvements would likely be completed in either 2022 or 2023.

The grant application will include a phasing provision, which would allow the project to be split into two smaller projects over multiple years and funding cycles.

The application is due in November and expected notification of awards would be sometime in 2021.

The 2nd Street Corridor Project completed in 2019 improved curbs, sidewalks and lighting from Commercial Street to Mound Street.

Editors note: the following was submitted by Rainbow Communications.

(KAIR)--Rainbow Communications, headquartered in Everest, KS, is pleased to announce the expansion of its fiber network to the residents and businesses in the towns of Effingham and Lancaster. Rainbow recently qualified for $2.8 million from the Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) to expand its fiber network to reach underserved rural areas during a time when broadband connectivity is essential.

The federal government created the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Act (CARES Act) and has provided money to the State of Kansas for expenditures related to providing economic support for small businesses and increased internet connectivity in Kansas. In response, Rainbow applied for the CERG to bring a better broadband experience to the towns of Effingham and Lancaster. Both towns are currently underserved according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines of at least a 25Mbps by 3Mbps connection.

“Bringing faster and reliable broadband to Effingham and Lancaster aligns with our mission of enhancing rural communities by delivering exceptional broadband service, “said Jason Smith, GM-CEO of Rainbow Communications. Smith continues, “We would like to thank the legislature and State of Kansas for recognizing the importance of broadband during this time.”

Rainbow is very grateful for the opportunity to bring its neighboring towns, Effingham and Lancaster, a better broadband experience.

(KLZA)-- A Mound City, Missouri man suffered what were described as moderate injuries in a single vehicle wreck Wednesday afternoon.

The Missouri Highway Patrol report says 62-year-old Donald Blevins was eastbound on Missouri Highway 113 at 12:50 P.M., approximately five miles east of Mound City when his car went off the south side of the road, Blevins overcorrected and the car returned to the road before going off the north side of the road.  The car returned to the road a second time and then traveled off the south side of the road again,  overturning and coming to rest on its wheels.

Blevins, who was not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.  
 

(KLZA)-- During the Monday night Falls City Council meeting, City Administrator Gary Jorn informed the Council the City will be applying for funds through the Cares Act. 

Jorn said the City will apply for $108,800 that can be used toward Police Officer wages.  

Jorn noted that Deputy City Clerk – Treasurer Sandra  Ferris had prepared the request for the funds. 
 

(KLZA)-- During the Monday night Falls City Council meeting, City Administrator Gary Jorn informed the Council the City will be applying for funds through the Cares Act. 

Jorn said the City will apply for $108,800 that can be used toward Police Officer wages.  

Jorn noted that Deputy City Clerk – Treasurer Sandra  Ferris had prepared the request for the funds. 
 

(KAIR)--Atchison County is seeing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, with several active outbreaks sites reported in the county.

The Atchison County Health Department on Wednesday reported 37 additional cases since October 2nd, bringing the total number of positive cases to 400 since the pandemic began.

71 are currently active, with 8 hospitalized.

The county has seen 4 virus-related deaths.

Meanwhile, Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge in a release Wednesday advised of a potential COVID-19 exposure if you visited Pete's Steakhouse in Atchison September 29th through October 4.

Forge listed several current outbreak sites in the county besides the restaurant--including Benedictine College, Bunge Corporation, Maur Hill-Mount Academy and Heritage Tractor.

The Health Department is urging residents to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus by wearing a mask in public places, social distancing, practicing good hand hygiene and staying home if you are not feeling well.

(KAIR)--Two longtime educators at Atchison County Community High School will be honored this weekend.

Atchison County Junior/Senior High School Principal Deanna Scherer tells MSC News formal vocal instructor Eileen Wohletz, and former band teacher Paul Lundgren, will be formally inducted into the school’s “Wall of Fame”, during a special ceremony.

 “It’s a tremendous honor and recognition, and so we definitely want to have people come out, but we will move them through. We will have a very brief soundmaster presentation and a very brief band presentation just to honor these individuals.”

The ceremony and open house will be at 2 o’clock on Sunday afternoon in the ACCHS Commons area.

Both Wholetz and Lundgren taught in the school district for several decades, often working together in directing school musicals.

In a press release, Wohletz and Lundgren listed one of their greatest accomplishments as being able to teach students who went on to become music educators themselves.

(KNZA)--Election officials are trying to ease confusion over mail ballot applications voters are receiving from a non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington D.C

The Brown County Election Officer Melissa Gormley said residents should not be receiving a ballot of any kind from her office.

She said what they might be receiving are ballot applications from the Center for Voter Information, and some may be receiving multiples of this application.

Gormley said they are not coming from her office.

She said if you have received a ballot, please report it to her office so they can notify the proper authorities.

Meanwhile, advance voting is set to begin next week in Brown County for the November 3rd general election.

Tuesday is the last day to register to vote.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Sheriff’s Debate proved to be highly contentious Wednesday evening, with both candidates trading accusations and personal attacks.

The debate, which was broadcast live on KAIR 93.7, pitted the incumbent, Republican Sheriff Jack Laurie, against Democratic challenger and former Sheriff John Calhoon, who held the office for more than a decade before being ousted by Laurie in 2012.

The punches started early, with Calhoon throwing the first jab, when, during his opening statement, he accused Laurie of eroding the relationships with other local agencies, and abusing his power as sheriff.

“I found that the sheriff has completely eroded the relationships with other agencies, such as the city police department, city fire, rural fire departments, and other surrounding public agencies. Not only that, but he has been accused of abusing his authority by reading another agency’s emails. He would like you to believe that this was a one-time thing, but it was nearly a daily ritual for him.”

Fiscal responsibility was brought up numerous times by both candidates, with each accusing the other of not making good use of taxpayer money in the various leadership roles that they’ve held.

Sheriff Laurie saved his sharpest attack for the end, when he criticized Calhoon’s performance during his tenure as sheriff.

“Officer safety was never, never an issue since I’ve taken office. I’ve taken care of my officers, provided them with the proper equipment. In fact, when I started at the sheriff’s office and went to sheriff’s school with a deputy, I learned that there was a deputy that started at the sheriff’s office who wasn’t even issued a gun or a vest, and was told to go out and train as a deputy out on the streets. That is not leadership material.”

Wednesday evening’s debate featured questions submitted by Atchison County residents and was moderated by Steve Johnson, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Benedictine College.

You can listen to the entire debate by clicking the link below.

Atchison County Sheriff's Debate

(KAIR)--Covid-19 has impacted yet another school in the region.

Maur Hill- Mount Academy in Atchison has shifted to a remote learning model for at least the next two weeks, with all athletics and activities cancelled for the same time period.

Maur Hill Mount Academy President Phil Baniewicz said the school, in consultation with the Atchison County Health Department, made the decision on Tuesday, when they had one confirmed positive case.

Although at the time there was just one positive, Baniewicz said a large number students would have required quarantine after contact tracing was done.

At the same time, several other tests were pending, as three other students were showing symptoms of the disease.

Those test results came back positive on Wednesday, moving the number of positive cases at the school to four.

Baniewicz said the school was informed on Wednesday that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment had considered their school an outbreak. As such, athletics and activities are also cancelled for the next two weeks at Maur-Hill Mount Academy.

Baniewicz says the school administration will evaluate the situation regularly, and that they hope to be back in school and participating in all activities beginning on October 21st.

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

This brings Holt County’s total to 97 positive cases.  The individual is in isolation in accordance with CDC guidance. 

Of the 97 positive cases in the county seven are currently active.  

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation has awarded 18 teachers funds to support agricultural education and FFA programs in Nebraska.

Recipients are all agricultural education teachers in their first through fifth year of teaching.  Among the 18 recipients of the scholarships was Brooke Wehrbein who teaches as Auburn High School.

Teachers are eligible for increasing awards each year.

(KLZA)-- Following a public hearing drawing no public comment Monday night, Falls City Council members  voted 6-1 in favor of a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a childcare center at 715  Fulton Street.

Bobby and Missy Campbell made the request for the permit.  Ward II Council member Kaylie Ractliffe cast a nay vote and Ward IV Councilman Derrick Leyden was absent.

In other business the Council approved an amendment to the contract covering dispatchers that would allow dispatchers to work a 42  hour and a 36 hour work week per pay period.  The proposal will now be presented to the Union for their approval. 

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Community Hospital's mobile COVID screening clinic continues to be very busy.

 Hospital CEO John Broberg provided an update on the hospital's activities to the Brown County Commission and Hiawatha City Commission at their respective meetings on Monday.

 Broberg said the number of patients seen at the mobile clinic in September was double the number of patients seen in August.

 413 total tests were completed in September--including 315 patients with COVID symptoms.  The positivity rate was 9.1 percent.

 As of October 2, more than 16-hundred tests have been completed since the mobile clinic opened in late April.  The clinic, which was originally in a tent, is now located inside the former Searight building.

 Broberg said is no charge for a COVID test, if the patient has symptoms and they are sent to the state for testing.  If the test is for exposure, the test would go to a private lab and there is a charge.

As of Tuesday, a total of 147 positive cases have been reported in Brown County, with 5 COVID-related deaths.  There are currently 19 active cases, with no hospitalizations.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Health Department has extended the county-wide mask mandate and the limit on mass gatherings in the county through November 24th.

The measures are part of the county’s “Phase 3.5 re-opening plan”, put in place to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

The plan was originally issued on June 23rd, but has been re-issued several times since.

It was set to expire on Tuesday, October 6th, before being extended that afternoon.

The order puts the limit on mass gatherings at 45.

Mass gatherings are defined as instances in which individuals are in one location, and are unable to maintain a 6-foot distance with only infrequent or incidental moments of closer proximity. This does not include individuals who reside together.

The order does not limit the total occupancy of a business, but it requires that businesses limit mass gatherings in areas in which physical distancing cannot be maintained.

Masks are required at businesses, with a few exceptions, including at fitness centers and health clubs, where they are not required during strenuous activity.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will hold its annual fall Citywide Cleanup Day on Saturday, October 10.

City residents can take their unwanted items to the city public works property at 912 Hiawatha Avenue for disposal free of charge from 8:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon.

Hamilton Recycling will not be shredding or picking up recyclable items this year at the site.

Each household will be allowed one pickup load, one carload or one single-axle trailer load.  No contractors are allowed and the city reserves the right to refuse any load.   Proof of residency will be required.

Unacceptable items include household trash, leaves, grass clippings, tires, paint, oil, gas, hazardous materials and any material containing Freon except appliances.   

(KAIR)--An inmate in the Atchison County Jail has tested positive for COVID-19.

That word came Tuesday in a Facebook post by Sheriff Jack Laurie.

Laurie said the jail confirmed the case over the weekend. He said the infected person, is a pretrial detainee, that had completed the recommended quarantine period after booking.

Laurie said there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 with any other inmate nor jail staff at this time.

He said the jail staff took immediate steps and precautions suggested by their contracted health care provider and the local health department. Laurie said some protocols have been enhanced, such as stricter personal protective gear requirements for jail staff and inmates.

He said the jail implemented quarantine and isolation protocols in March. Laurie said these procedures have worked very well for the last seven months and they will continue with the same practice.

He said they will continue to monitor the situation to prevent further spread.

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

The Jackson County Health Department said Tuesday the individual was age 65 or older.

The Department said they would not be releasing any further information out of respect to the family.

As of Tuesday, Jackson County has seen 258 positives cases since the pandemic began.  241 have recovered.  Of the 17 current active cases, one remains hospitalized.  

(KLZA)-- A truck stolen from a field south of Salem, NE. last week has been found in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Andy Dunn of rural Falls City who owns the 2005 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad was informed the truck was at an impound lot.  No arrests  have been made and there are no suspects at this time.

Personal property in the truck including tools was not recovered.

(KLZA)-- The Holt County, Missouri Health Department has confirmed three additional cases of COVID-19 since Friday.

As of Monday afternoon there have been 96 positive cases in the county with seven of those cases currently active. 

The individuals testing positive are in isolation in accordance with CDC guidelines.

(KLZA)-- During the Community Medical Center online, joint communication release Monday,  Grant Brueggemann, Director of the Southeast District Health Department provided an update on the COVID-19 cases within the departments five-county service area.

Brueggemann noted there were 74 new positive cases within the District last week which is the highest single week total since the pandemic began. The previous high was 51 cases the week of August 29.

In the past 30 days there have been 182 confirmed cases.  

The total by county in the District includes:
179 in Otoe County;
143 in Nemaha County;
68 in Johnson County;
67 in Richardson County 
18 in Pawnee County. 

Nebraska has now recorded 501 deaths attributed to coronavirus since the beginning of the outbreak. 

(KAIR)--The two candidates vying for Atchison County Sheriff will participate in a debate hosted by KAIR Radio and mscnews.net Wednesday evening, October 7.

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

The debate will be broadcast live on 93.7 FM beginning at 6. You can also listen online at mscnews.net, by going to the “Listen Live” tab, and clicking KAIR.

The debate will feature questions submitted by listeners.

Steve Johnson, director of marketing and communications at Benedictine College, will serve as the debate moderator.

The general election will be held Tuesday, November 3.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting its 4th Covid-19 related death.

According to the Atchison County health department’s Facebook page, the individual was a female in her 70’s.

On Friday, the health department reported that six county residents remained hospitalized with Covid-19, and that there were 44 active cases in the county.

A total of 366 county residents have tested positive for Covid-19 since the pandemic began in March.

The health department reminds residents to call your healthcare provider if you have any signs of Covid-19.

(KLZA)-- Farmers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making any other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply for funding available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Office

Those interested should sing up prior to November 20.  

There are several options available to producers.  The most widely applied for conservation programs in Nebraska are the Environmental Quality Incentive Program known as EQIP  and the Conservation Stewardship Program,  CSP.  

The first step is to visit your local NRCS field office and complete an application.  For more information you can visit your local NRCS field office or go online to www.ne.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

(KLZA)-- Fire hydrants in Auburn will be tested throughout the month of October.

The Board of  Public Works will operate all 200 fire hydrants to make certain they are functional.  High velocity flushing removes sediment that may have settled in the water mains.

Auburn BPW customers may find temporary discoloration of the water during these periods.  This is normal and the water remains safe to drink.  Before washing clothes on the testing days,  check the water for clarity.  If it is not clear, please run water until it becomes clear and then wash clothes.

The testing dates will be Tuesdays and Thursdays during the weeks of October 13 and 15;  20 and 22,  and  the 27th and 29th.

The BPW apologized for any inconvenience and appreciates everyone's cooperation.  

If the testing is not performed,  it could affect eh community’s fire insurance rates. 
 

(KNZA)--On-site learning will resume at the Hiawatha Elementary School on Friday, October 9.

The USD 415 Board of Education made the unanimous decision during a special meeting Monday morning after receiving an update from the district health committee and administrators.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said 14 elementary school teachers who were in quarantine will be returning this week, with the majority coming back Wednesday and Thursday. An additional elementary teacher is to return October 15.

Elementary School nurse Whitney McCauley said one additional elementary student has tested positive for COVID-19 since the last special board meeting on September 25.

Students at the elementary school have been learning remotely since September 24.

In other business, the board discussed homecoming festivities and the upcoming parent-teacher conferences.

The board was told parent-teacher conferences will primarily be held virtually but other options are available for parents.

Hiawatha High School homecoming festivities will occur this week with modifications.

The bonfire games Thursday evening will require masks and there will be no contact games.

The homecoming parade, which will begin at 2:00 Friday afternoon at the high school, will proceed through town with no stops along the route –including no downtown pep rally. The parade will proceed west on Oregon Street, south on 8th Street, east on Iowa Street and will finish on Red Hawk Drive. Community members are asked to spread out throughout the parade route.

The 2020 homecoming king and queen will be crowned at 6:30 Friday evening prior to the football game against Holton.

The homecoming dance has been canceled on the advice of the Brown County Health Department.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman was injured in a two-vehicle wreck Friday morning in the city of Atchison.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Robert Mullins, of Atchison, was driving a Ford Focus westbound in the 700 block of Main Street when he struck a GMC pickup truck driven by Sheldon Ivory, of Lees Summit, Missouri that entered Main Street from an alley.

A passenger in the Ford Focus, 51-year-old Tamara Mullins, was transported to the Atchison Hospital for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

The wreck was reported shortly after 7:30 Friday morning.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced recipients for the second-round of 2020 grants, totaling more than $10,000.

According to a news release from the STEP Foundation, they received requests this round for close to $20,000 in grants.

The Sabetha Community Hospital will receive a nearly $4,300 grant to update and replace some items to make patients more comfortable and safer during testing. Director of Nursing, Jenna McClain, said they would like to replace their ECHO table, ten wheelchairs and a blanket warmer.

St. Patrick's Church, in Corning, will receive $2,500 to purchase two automated external defibrillators.

The Nemaha County Museum Consortium will receive $2,000 for the purchase of fifteen hand sanitizer stations along with a gallon container of sanitzer for each. They will be distributed to the museums and libraries throughout the county.

The Centralia Ball Association will receive nearly $1,600 to replace the current picnic tables at the ballpark with new recycled tire heavy duty picnic tables.

Grants are awarded twice a year through the STEP Foundation, with the next deadline being January 15, 2021.

The grants are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff's Office has been awarded a nearly $143,000 federal grant.

According to a release from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, the sheriff's office will use the grant monies to replace outdated and obsolete in-car computers and add crime scene mapping capabilities to improve the speed and efficiency of investigations.

The release says the grant is part of the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Program and was awarded by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, where Schmidt serves as chair of the council.

A total of nearly $1.9 million in federal grant funds for criminal justice efforts were awarded to twenty-three agencies in the state.

(KLZA)--Frontier Bank in Falls City is warning the community about an increase in fraudulent social security activity. 

Both telephone and email scammers are pretending to be government employees, and may threaten you and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action.

If you receive such a call, hang  up immediately and do not give away any personal information.   The Social Security Administration will never call individuals directly.  All correspondence will occur via mail. 

If you receive a call like this and have questions you should call your bank or local law enforcement. 

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Sheriff's Office has been notified about scammers calling people in the area telling them they have active Warrants.
 
These phone calls will often come from a number local to the area because the scammers use computers to make the calls. 
Please DO NOT give out any personal information to these scammers. 
You can report any calls you receive to the Nebraska Attorney General's Office at 402-471-2682.

(KLZA)--Frontier Bank in Falls City has announced the hiring of Kevin Malone as Vice President and Loan Officer.

Malone has been involved in banking services in the Falls City area more over 35 years.

His main focus will be agricultural and commercial lending but will be available to assist in consumer and mortgage lending as well as all other banking services.

Malone is very active in the community serving as Treasurer of the Richardson Foundation and is a founding and current Board member of Falls City EDGE.  
 

(KMZA)--One of two men charged in connection with the death of an elderly Vermillion man, whose body was located inside the ruins of his burned out home in January, waived his preliminary hearing last week.

Jefferson Goad, of Waverly, was bound over for arraignment on a charge of first-degree murder and five other counts.

Arraignment was scheduled for November 17 in Marshall County District Court.

Goad and Jeremy Penix II, of Melvern, are charged in the death of Donald McLaughlin, whose body was located inside his home following a January 24 fire and explosion.

The preliminary hearing for Penix was continued to October 30 after one witness testified last week. Several more witnesses are expected to testify.

In addition to the first-degree murder charge, both men are charged with conspiracy, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, arson and interference with law enforcement.

(KMZA)--Guardrail work on U.S. 36 in Marshall County is to begin Monday, Oct. 5.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the work will start west of Marysville where the four-lane highway becomes two-lane, and continue to the K-87 intersection, excluding Fourth Street to 20th Street in Marysville.

Ten different sites along U.S. 36 will have guardrail repair, or replacement and/or grading and rock added.

KDOT says traffic will be minimally impacted with most of the work being completed on the shoulder or outside shoulder of the road. However, a few areas may require a flagging and pilot car operation to control two-way traffic while utilizing only one lane. Traffic cones and signage will also be used. Drivers could see delays of up to 15 minutes. 

J & J Contractors, Inc. of Iola is the contractor on the $680,000 project. The project is expected to be completed by the end of November, weather allowing.

(KNZA)--Two northeast Kansas Indian tribes will receive a total of more than $2 million in Department of Justice grants for public safety

U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister made the announcement Wednesday in a news release.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi tribe will receive two grants totaling more than $1.5 million.

The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska will receive a nearly $506,000 grant.

McAllister said the funds will assist the tribes in their efforts to protect and support the victims and survivors of violence, to hold violent actors responsible and to prevent future violence by addressing the causes of violence in their communities.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has accepted a proposal for the replacement of the HVAC system at the county jail.

The Commission on Wednesday accept a proposal from Energy Solutions Professionals, of Overland Park, to replace the 11 rooftop units with new units that come with dehumidifers built in at a cost of nearly $299,000 ( $298,858).

Although the current units are 11 years old, there has been major issues with excess humidity and air purification due to the type of units that were installed.

Funding for the new HVAC system will come from the remaining funds from the half-cent sales tax that funded construction of the new jail.

The project is expected to be completed in November.

(KMZA)--A Friday afternoon single-vehicle Nemaha County rollover wreck sent two Seneca girls to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 13-year-old Hailee DeHarst was westbound on U.S. 36 Highway about three miles east of Seneca when she lost control of her car.  The vehicle entered the north ditch and rolled.

Deharst and a passenger, 11-year-old Kyleah Estandig, were both transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca with what the Patrol described as suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says both girls were buckled up when the wreck happened shortly after 12:30.    

(KAIR)--Atchison County has seen a significant rise in the number of active Covid-19 cases.

According to a Facebook post made Friday by the Atchison County Health Department, there are currently 44 active cases in the county, up from 29 a week ago.

Hospitalizations are higher too – now at 6 –  compared with 4 last Friday, September 25th.

Since the pandemic began in March, Atchison County has seen a total of 366 confirmed Covid-19 infections. That number has risen 35 in the last week.

There have been 3 Covid-19 related deaths in the county, with the most recent being reported on the 25th.

The health department reminds residents to wear masks in public places and to maintain social distance to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

(KNZA)--The members of two area electric cooperatives have defeated a proposed consolidation plan.

The announcement was made Friday in a joint release by the Nemaha-Marshall Electric Cooperative in Axtell, and Doniphan Electric Cooperative in Troy.

Recently, the Boards of Trustees for the two cooperatives had unanimously approved a vote by their respective members on the proposed consolidation.

Prior to Thursday's vote, the proposed consolidation plan was reviewed extensively during special meetings with members and employees of both cooperatives.

The vote was held both in-person at the cooperative offices and by mail ballot at Nemaha-Marshall Electric.

The proposed consolidation required approval of two-thirds of the voting members of both cooperatives, with a minimum of 50 members in each cooperative voting.

“We are disappointed with the outcome. The Boards of Trustees have worked diligently on this issue. However, these are member owned and member driven electric cooperatives. The members have spoken with this vote,” said Daniel O’Brien, General Manager for DEC.

“Our organization appreciates the work by both Boards of Trustees, the consultants and key employees who have worked to develop this proposal,” said Kathleen O’Brien, General Manager for NMEC. She added,  “Going forward, we will continue to provide our members with best-in-class electric service."

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

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said Rose Weaver, of Atchison, was westbound on the private road in Decade Acres located in the 19-hundred block of Harper Drive when her pickup truck crossed the center line and collided with a eastbound car driven by Charles Aldridge.

Aldridge was transported by ambulance to the Atchison hospital for examination of unspecified injuries.

Weaver was examined at the scene by EMS but not transported.

Both vehicles received extensive damage in the wreck, which was reported shortly before 10:00

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council approved a proposal from JEO of Lincoln to provide architectural services for the new Fire Station Project. 

JEO will be paid approximately $60-thousand for the work.

Deb Niss with the Pawnee City Pride Committee updated the Council on their work.  The Pride Committee has sent letters to properties identified as nuisances  The buildings,  including houses can be repaired and brought up to code  or they will be turned over to the Health  Board to determine if the properties should be condemned

The  Council also approved a resolution to make it two-hour parking in the business district on G Street from 6th to 7th  and on the north side of 6th Street from F to G Streets.

It was also noted that Miracle Mudjackers are going to finish filling in the small voids found beneath the swimming pool and will remove, clean and replace all joint caulking on the pool. 

(KLZA)-- The Holt County, Missouri Health Department reported another positive test for COVID-19 Thursday.

This brings the total of active cases in the county to 9 and the total number of positive tests to 92 since the pandemic began. 
 

(KLZA)-- A Thursday afternoon wreck on Interstate 9 sent an Odessa, Missouri man to the hospital in Fairfax.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that 29-year-old Tyler Corbin of Odessa was driving a 2012 Freightliner truck north on Interstate 29 just before 12:30 when he traveled off the east side of the road, struck the ground and overturning.

The truck came to rest on its top off the east side of the road.  Corbin was not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck.  He was transported by the Atchison-Holt EMS to the Fairfax Community Hospital for the treatment of injuries described as moderate.  

The truck was totaled.

The Atchison  County Sheriff's Department, Rock Port Police and the Rock Port Fire and First Responders  all assisted at the scene approximately two miles north of Rock Port. 
 

(KLZA)--Three people were arrested on drug charges following a probation search at a Falls City home on Thursday. 

The Falls City Police Department with the assistance of the Richardson County Sheriff's Office,  Brown County, Kansas K-9 Unit and Federal Probation Officers discovered methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the house at 1624 Abbott  Street.

According to a report from the Richardson County Sheriff's Department, 39-year-old Anna Debolt and 35-year-old John Pohlman, both of Falls City were arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver.

22-year-old Josie Lunsford of Falls City was arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.

All three were booked into the Richardson County Jaill.

Pohlman is a convicted felon who is currently on probation.  In October, 2019, during a probation check he was arrested when authorities discovered marijuana and a folding knife with a blade exceeding three-and-a-half inches in his home.

That case is still pending in Richardson County District Court.

( KNZA )--Springtime is here, and it's time to clean-up for the season, and will happen Saturday in Hiawatha.
The City of Hiawatha will work towards a spring beautification during the annual clean-up day planned for Saturday, May 11th. 
That day will allow residents a one stop drop off spot to rid themselves of unwanted items.
That location will be set up at the county property at 11th and Pottawatomie Streets, where items will be accepted from 8 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon.
Spicer Salvage will be on-site to collect air conditioners, tires with rims, iron, metal and batteries.
Those using the drop-off location must be aware of restrictions, including proof of Hiawatha residency. Additonally, only one loaded pick-up, car or single axle trailer will be allowed per household.
Contractors are not allowed.
Items that will not be accepted during the May 11th clean-up day in Hiawatha are household trash, leaves, grass clippings, tires, paint, oil, gas, hazardous materials and any material containing freon, except for applicances.

 

(KMZA)--The Marshall County Commission has unanimously approved five agreements with NextEra Energy Resources for the proposed Irish Creek Wind Project in the southeastern portion of the county.

The agreements were approved when the Commission met Monday.

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

Approved were a development agreement, contribution agreement, road use agreement, decommissioning agreement and complaint resolution agreement.

The county still has three additional agreements to approve. They include a site plan agreement, a decommissioning bond agreement and a haul route agreement.

(KAIR)--An Atchison Police officer was injured attempting to stop a moving vehicle.

 Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said an officer attempted stop a vehicle at 6th and V Streets shortly after 11:00 Wednesday night for a traffic violation.

 Wilson said when the vehicle stopped in the 600 block of V Street the driver, identified as 21-year-old Atchison resident Matthew Carpenter, refused to roll down his window to converse with the officer. 

 Eventually, he said Carpenter allowed the vehicle to roll down the street, which struck a parked vehicle.

 Wilson said the officer sustained an injury to his arm as he reached into the moving vehicle in an attempt to get it stopped.

 Carpenter was arrested in the 12-hundred block of South 7th Street for  fleeing and attempting to elude, driving wrong way on one way street, interference with law enforcement, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.  

 He was booked into the Atchison County Jail, where he remained in custody Friday morning.

(KAIR) - A street name seen by many as representing a racial divide in Atchison is no more.

At an official unveiling on Thursday, city of Atchison crews took down the Division Street sign at its intersection with 2nd, and mounted a new sign – carrying the name Unity – in its place.

Members of numerous local organizations looked on and cheered as the Unity Street sign was hammered into place. Among those in attendance were city of Atchison officials, representatives from nearby Benedictine College, members of the civic group Atchison United, and teachers and schoolchildren.

Sean Crittendon with Atchison United shared his feelings with MSC News.

“You know, this is just a breathtaking moment. This is something that has been talked about for years and to finally see this happen – it is just tremendous. I told somebody else that this is just glorious.”

“This is just a small step of the work that’s being done and that will continue in the community. I think everybody in the community can build off this as we all move forward for unity.”

Speaking about the crows, Crittendon continued, “I love seeing the kids because it’s all about them and the future. I’m so hopeful (with) these young people stepping up and using their voices, and helping be a part of this change. It’s just tremendous.”

The renaming of Division Street to Unity Street was approved by city Commissioners in July.

While the vote was unanimous, it came after some impassioned discussion on the issue, which included a failed motion to table it.

A total of about 40 signs will need to be replaced, as the street, located on the north side of Atchison, runs about 14 blocks, east to west.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting residents about another scam circulating in the area..

Merchant said a letter is being mailed to county residents informing them a relative had died and left them millions of dollars in the form of a life insurance policy.

The letter instructs them to contact a person by e-mail who has all of the necessary paperwork to process the policy and provide immediate payment. It also requests a "high level" of confidentiality.

Merchant is urging residents to throw the letters in the trash and not to respond to them.

He said one person said that the name of the deceased person was in fact a distant relative and they thought it was credible.  Some family members then became involved and spoke with an attorney, who informed them it was a scam.

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

The Brown County Health Department said Wednesday the individual was a man in his 80's.

It's the second COVID-related death this week in the county. On Monday, the Health Department reported the death of a woman in her 60's.

As of Wednesday, Brown County has seen 128 positive cases since the pandemic began.

There are currently 26 active cases, with no hospitalizations.

(KAIR)--A Wednesday afternoon single-vehicle Jefferson County wreck sent a Louisiana teenager to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 18-year-old Steven Lawrence, of West Monroe, Louisiana, was southbound on K-4 Highway, just north of 31st Street, when traffic was slowing for a vehicle that was turning.

The Patrol says Lawrence failed to slow down and swerved to avoid crashing into the vehicle in front of him. He lost control of his pickup truck, which went into the ditch and overturned onto its top.

A passenger in his vehicle, 16-year-old Hannah Brown, of Haughton, Louisiana, was transported by ambulance to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with what the Patrol described as possible injuries.

Lawrence was not hurt.

The Patrol said both occupants were wearing seatbelts when the wreck occurred shortly before 4:30.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council approved a water tower maintenance agreement with Maguire Iron 
when they met Monday evening. 

The water tower is in need of repair and painting.  Under the agreement, Maguire Iron will develop a 4-year plan which will include making needed repairs and painting the water tower.

This winter, the company will develop a plan to drain the water tower and paint the inside of it.  This is expected to be a four-week process. The water tower will be out of service for four weeks when the project is done.

The agreement calls for Pawnee City to pay the company just over $47-thousand dollars over the four-year period.  

In the future, the maintenance plan will continue at a cost of $4,440 annually, once the initial repairs have been completed.

(KLZA)-- The number of COVID-19 cases continues a slow climb in Holt County, Missouri. 

The Holt County Health Department is now reporting 91 positive tests with 8 of the  cases listed as active.

Two more cases were confirmed in the County on Wednesday.

The individuals testing positive are in isolation.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioner met with Clay Burns Tuesday to review the procdures for changing the status of a minimum maintenance road to a regularly maintained road.  

Burns plans to build a house on a road currently labeled as minimum maintenance.

The Board explained that an engineer would need to plan the improvements necessary to bring the road up to state standards. The improvements are at the cost of the person making the request and after they are completed the County would take over the maintenance of the Road. 

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau reported the Humboldt Road Department yard is being cleaned up and readied for the demolition of the wood frame structure.  New fencing is also being planned.  

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in locating a truck stolen from a field in rural Salem, Nebraska on Wednesday.

The vehicle was last seen between 4 and 7 p.m.

The vehicle information is a white, 2005 Dodge, Ram 3500 Quad. The license plate number is 19-113R and is a Nebraska Farm Truck plate.

The truck has dual rear wheels and a black Bradford Built flatbed. Located on top of the flatbed is a black L-shaped fuel tank with an attached yellow air compressor. A spotlight is also mounted on the top of the cab/flatbed.

Any information regarding the vehicle's whereabouts may be relayed to the Richardson County Sheriff's Office at (402) 245-2479.

If you locate the vehicle, DO NOT approach the vehicle or its occupants. Immediately contact your local Law Enforcement or dial 911.

(KAIR)--The Atchison Hospital announced Wednesday the adoption of a new name.

The hospital will now be known as Amberwell Health.

According to an article on the hospital’s web site, the new name was selected as a way of unifying multiple locations and service lines.

The announcement marks the culmination of a nine-month rebranding project that included numerous market surveys to help understand the needs of patients and communities.

Several considerations went into choosing Amberwell Health as the new name, including amber being the state’s gemstone, amber waves of grain being so iconic for the Midwest, and improving the health and wellness of area communities being the vision of the organization.

The article goes on to say that Amberwell Health will continue to be a not-for-profit organization, locally governed by a board of directors. The current board of directors and leadership team of Atchison Hospital will continue with the same responsibilities under the new name.

Beginning October 1st, all locations and services will begin using the new healthcare system name.

The Atchison campus – which includes hospital care, clinic care, and other healthcare services – will be called “Amberwell Atchison”.

The clinics in Horton, Leavenworth, and Troy will be called “Amberwell Horton Clinic”, “Amberwell Leavenworth Clinic”, and Amberwell Troy Clinic”, respectively.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman has claimed a top prize on the Kansas Lottery’s 5-dollar Lucky 7’s Tripler ticket.

While waiting for her grandmother to finish treatment in an Overland Park clinic, Jessica Martin decided to visit a small convenience store to grab her usual bunch of lottery tickets.

Her method of buying 16 tickets at a time paid off, as she scored a win of $27,777.

Martin said she couldn’t believe that she had taken the top prize, and that she probably screamed and yelled for a half-hour.

 Martin’s family was ecstatic to hear about her win because Martin travels quite a bit—taking her grandmother to Overland Park from Atchison for health treatments.

Martin said – quote – The money is going toward a new car that is safer and more reliable.

The winning ticket was sold at H & R Enterprise Inc. in Overland Park.

(KNZA)--Valley Falls Middle and High Schools students will be moving to the hybrid learning model, beginning Friday, due to COVID-19-related staffing issues.

There will be no school Thursday ( October 1)  for 6-12 grade students.

District administrators made the announcement Thursday in a letter to parents.

In the letter, they said the hybrid period will continue through October 9th, with some students learning on-site and others remotely.

The letter said lowering the numbers on campus will allow them to condense the number of classrooms in use and provide supervision for their students.

After school activities and athletics for those students who are not quarantined will still continue trhough October 9th.

There will be no changes for Pre-K through 5th grade students.