(KAIR)--A Leavenworth woman was killed early Tuesday afternoon in a fiery crash on Interstate-35 in Johnson County.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 43-year-old Rhiannon Rodriguez was driving southbound when her SUV left the roadway and went into a ditch.  The vehicle struck a tree and concrete embankment before coming to rest and catching fire shortly after 12:15 p.m.

A 33-year-old Leavenworth man who attempted to save Rodriguez from the burning vehicle was transported to the hospital with suspected minor injuries.

Hardesty defeated challenger Nick Aitken 764 votes to 580 in the Republican Primary. No Democrats sought the position so Tuesday's primary decided the race.

Unofficially just 4 votes separated the top two in the primary election of Mayor of Falls City. Kevin Malone received 374 votes, current City Council member Kenny Killingsworth received 370 votes. They will face off in the November General Election. Dennis Miller received 148 votes and Mark Galaska 26.

In the Ward II Council race in Falls City, Sean Nolte advanced to the General Election with 105 votes. Robert D. Olberding received 79 votes to advance. Terry Kermoade received 67 votes.

The only other contested race in Richardson County was for Mayor of Humboldt. Kevin Burnison received 118 votes, incumbent Jan Wilhelm will advance to November with 56 votes. Ted Schuler had 25 votes and James Cherry 12.

In Pawnee County, the only contested race in the Primary Election was for the Republican nomination for District 2 County Commissioner. Joshua Black received 86 votes, Gavin McHenry 67, Brad Stake 18 and Chris Nicholas 12.

In Nemaha County Nebraska, in the District 3 race for the Republican nomination for County Commissioner Kim Buchmeier received 235 votes, Incumbent Michael Weiss 201 votes, Marvin Bohling 50 votes and Philip Gerdes 21.

In Auburn the field of candidates for Mayor of Auburn was narrowed to two. Stephanie Holmes received 432 votes, incumbent Mayor Chris Erickson 286, Allen Linden 59 and Gary Nerison 22.

Incumbent Angelo Ligouri was defeated for the Republican nomination for Nemaha County Attorney. Seth Hawkins of Cook received 733 votes and Ligouri 388. There were no Democrats seeking the seat.

In Peru, voters cast their ballots in a recall effort of Peru City Council President Theresa Westfall. 66 voters cast ballots to retain Westfall in office with 42 votes cast in favor of the recall.

In Johnson County, Deputy County Clerk Nicole Beck received 445 votes and County Assessor Terry Keebler received 146 votes on the Republican ticket for County Clerk. Kathleen Nieveen has decided to retire and did not seek re-election

In the Republican race for District 3 County Commissioner, Channing Doeden received 119 votes, Mike Buss 78 and Wayne Snyder 29.

Current 3rd District Commissioner Les Agena did run for reelection.

Following the search, 50-year-old Adam Schutte of Falls City was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, one ounce or less, maintaining a drug house, two counts of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person and two counts of possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony.

Schutte is currently being held in the Richardson County Jail, pending a court appearance.

Tracy was sentenced to 71 months in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $6,000 in restitution to victims.

In March of 2024, during an unrelated investigation, a Richardson County investigator discovered child pornography in the hidden photo album of Tracy’s cell phone. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the phone and associated iCloud account. Investigators located 910 files containing child pornography, including 419 images, 71 videos, and 420 duplicate images of child pornography. Metadata showed that the files were obtained between May 1, 2020, through December 31, 2023. Investigators interviewed Tracy, who admitted he downloaded the images from the internet.  

The case was investigated by the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office, and was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice.

(KNZA)--Fireworks will not be allowed within the city limits of Hiawatha this year, following a split vote by the city commission Monday night.

City Commissioner Brian Shefferd made a motion to allow fireworks on July 3rd and 4th, but the proposal failed on a 2–3 vote. Commissioner Tom Martin joined Shefferd in support of the measure. Opposing the motion were Mayor Becky Shamburg and Commissioners Laura Tollefson and Dave Middendorf.

Mayor Shamburg said she received numerous complaints following last year’s one-time approval of fireworks in the city. Commissioner Tollefson cited concerns about the impact fireworks can have on pets and veterans, and also noted that fireworks are already permitted at the City Lake.

While fireworks will not be allowed inside Hiawatha city limits, fireworks sales will still be permitted within the city.

John Umphress/Credit: Doniphan Co Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--An Elwood man has pleaded no contest to an amended child sex-related charge in Doniphan County District Court.

According to court documents, John Umphress entered the plea last week to aggravated indecent solicitation of a child. He had originally been charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Umphress was arrested in November of 2024 following an investigation by the Elwood Police Department.

The charge stems from an alleged incident in May of 2024 involving a child under the age of 14.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 3.

Undersheriff Robbie Parker/submitted

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Office recently received about 4-thousand dollars in equipment from the Kansas Department of Transportation for participating in the STEP program.

The program provides overtime funding and equipment to law enforcement agencies that take part in traffic enforcement efforts during designated times throughout the year.

The Sheriff’s Office received three traffic measuring wheels, two sets of collapsible traffic cones, six preliminary breath testers with 150 mouthpieces, and one Guardian Angel shoulder light for its participation during the last fiscal year.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says he appreciates the partnership with KDOT and the incentives the department receives, saying the program helps stretch their budget and benefits local taxpayers.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha city crews will handle utility installation for a planned new housing development west of Bruning Park.

The City Commission voted four-to-one Monday evening to move forward with having city crews install the water and sewer lines for the project instead of contracting the work out. Commissioner Brian Shefferd cast the lone dissenting vote.

Public Works Director Dominic Grier told commissioners he’s comfortable with city crews doing the work.

City Administrator Brad Scott said using city crews instead of a contractor will save the city about 150-thousand dollars.

Scott added the city will still need to hire someone to handle construction observation, which is required by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for the sewer installation.

The utility installation is expected to take about a month to complete.

Diego Galaviz-Lopez/Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A Kansas City, Missouri man is facing multiple charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County.

Sheriff Tim Morse says a deputy pulled over a GMC Yukon Monday afternoon around 4:15 on U.S. 75 Highway near 118th Road.

During the stop, deputies conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and reportedly found open containers of alcohol, drug paraphernalia, and cocaine.

The driver, 29-year-old Diego Galaviz-Lopez of Kansas City, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges including possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container of alcohol, and driving without a valid driver’s license.

The passenger, 28-year-old Ramon Aguilera Rodriguez, also of Kansas City, Missouri, was arrested and booked into the jail on a charge of transporting an open container of alcohol.

(KNZA)--First District Doniphan County Commissioner Timothy Collins is seeking another four-year term in office.

According to the Doniphan County Clerk’s Office, the Highland Republican officially filed for re-election Monday.

At this point, Collins does not face any opposition.

The commission seat is the only county office on the ballot this fall.

Candidates have until noon June 1st to file at the Doniphan County Clerk’s Office. The primary election is set for August 4th, with the general election scheduled for November 3rd.

(KAIR)--A Saturday evening traffic stop in Atchison left a St. Joseph, Missouri woman facing drug and traffic related charges.

In a release, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says an officer on patrol conducted a stop shortly before 8:00 Saturday evening in the 700 block of Kearney Street for a traffic violation. Wilson says 26-year-old Mikaylah Ramirez was found to be in the alleged possession of controlled substances.

Wilson says Ramirez was arrested for alleged possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, along with several traffic charges.

Once in custody, Ramirez was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Credit: Atchison Police Dept.

(KAIR)--Following an active Atchison weekend, including Saturday's Porchfest and Sunday's annual Mothers Day Atchison Kiwanis Flea Market, additional seasonal events are in the works, including a 40th anniversary celebration of the Atchison Train Club of the Northeast Kansas Railroaders.

That's set to happen Saturday, May 30, with a celebration from 2 to 5:00 that afternoon at 200 South 10th Street. Becky Geiger serves as Committee Chair and says all are invited. "We've been in existence since 1986. We're celebrating May 30. Our theme is Tracks, Trains, and Traditions Celebrating Forty Years. And we hope everyone can join us for a one day railroad anniversary celebration at our little mini train down behind Taco John's and at the Santa Fe Depot museum."

Geiger says a number of family-friendly activities are planned through the day. "We're gonna have train rides," Geiger says, adding that, "We have commemorative train tickets. You can go to our website, get a free ticket to ride. And if you bring that to our information booth, we will give you the commemorative ticket. We've got kids and adult activities. There's a coloring contest. You can go to our Facebook page or our website and download the coloring pages and color those. You can bring those entries back into the Taco Johns. Those will be judged ahead of time, so we need those in by May 16."

Those completed coloring pages will be displayed Saturday, and judged through a People's Choice Award.

One highlight of the day will be a special prize awarded to whoever poses the correct question to the correct person. "We're having you ask anybody you meet, are you the Atchison and Western conductor that day? And if so, then they will give you a token to bring back to our information booth for a prize."

A train-themed photo opportunity is also included among the planned activities.

Entrance is free, but all donations are welcome. The Atchison Train Club, whose goal for its 40-years is the preservation of the railroading traditions that helped shape northeast Kansas, is fully funded through donations, and any will be accepted Saturday as well as at any other time.

A release from the KBCA names Jake Spalding and Chris “Boz” Boswell of the MSC Radio Group as the 2026 Media Sportscasters of the Year. The honor recognizes their work promoting and covering high school student-athletes across the region.

The release notes the pair co-host the Scoreboard Show with Jake and Boz on Kanzaland Radio, airing every Friday evening from the week before Labor Day through the first Friday of March. The show features final scores, game recaps, highlights, interviews, analysis, and in-depth discussion of local teams and leagues.

The release also highlights their weekly game ball feature from the 2025 to 2026 season, recognizing one local girls and one local boys athlete each Friday night, with listener nominations helping drive the selections. The release says they often follow up by visiting schools to deliver the game balls in person.

Spalding, Vice President and Owner of the MSC Radio Group, said, “The weekly game ball was especially fun due to the fact it was driven by the listeners,” Spalding said. “Those that made it onto Boz’ list made it there because someone cared enough to nominate them.”

“This award is really about the kids, the coaches, and the communities we get to cover,” Spalding continued. “We’re incredibly grateful to the KBCA and proud to help tell the stories of our student athletes and their communities, because they deserve every ounce of our effort.”

Boswell added, “There is nothing like Friday nights and the passion across our area. We are lucky to be a small part of it, and this recognition means a lot.”

The award will be presented at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina on the evening of Saturday, June 20. The girls game is scheduled for 6:00, followed by the boys game at 8:00., with the award presentation set for halftime of the boys game.

Weishaar, in a release, says crews were called around 7:50 Sunday evening to 1301 North 4th Street, the Homestead Assisted Living Facility, formerly Vintage Park, where they found staff in the process of evacuating residents as a precaution.

Weishaar says crews traced the odor to a gas stove, but no active gas leaks were detected, and monitoring equipment confirmed there were no dangerous readings inside the facility. Firefighters used ventilation fans to clear the odor, and residents were able to return safely.

Weishaar, in the release, commended facility staff for their quick actions and adherence to safety protocols.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, deputies responded around 12:30 Saturday afternoon to a report of an injury accident on River Road near the Leavenworth County line. Laurie says 55-year-old Rita Ready of Kansas City, Kansas was driving the ATV, with a 17-year-old girl from Hartville, Missouri as the passenger, and both reported injuries.

Laurie says Atchison County EMS and Rescue and Leavenworth County responders assisted at the scene.

Ready was transported by Atchison County EMS, and the 17-year-old passenger was transported by Leavenworth County EMS to Providence Hospital for the treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

During the Primary Election the number of candidates for positions are narrowed down if required for the November General Election. Contested races on Tuesday will include:

In Richardson County:

Two Republican candidates are seeking the position of Sheriff.

Incumbent Rick Hardesty Jr. who has served as Sheriff since 2019 is being challenged by Nick Aitken. Aitken is currently a member of the Falls City Police Department and a former Deputy Sheriff in Richardson County.

In Falls City 4 people have filed to run for Mayor. The two receiving the most votes will advance to the November General Election. Candidates are Mark Galaska, Kenny Killingsworth, Kevin Malone and Dennis Miller. Incumbent Mark Harkendorff withdrew from the race in February.

Three people are running for an open seat on the City Council in Falls City in Ward II. Terry Kermoade, Sean Nolte and Robert Olberding are running with the top two advancing to the General election.

Other contested races in Richardson County include: Mayor of Humboldt. Kevin Burnison, James Cherry, and Ted Schuler seek to unseat incumbent Jan Wilhelm.

All other school board, council positions and County officials do not have contested races in the Primary Election.

Pawnee County has just one contested race in the Primary Election.

Republicans filing for District 2 County Commissioner:

Gavin McHenry; Chris Nicholas, Brad Stake and Joshua Black. Incumbent Ron Seitz did not seek reelection.

In Nemaha County Nebraska the contested races will include:

District 3 County Commissioner:

Republican Candidates: Marvin Bohling of Johnson, a former Nemaha County Commissioner; Kim Buchmeier of Auburn; Philip Gerdes from Auburn and Incumbent Michael Weiss from Johnson.

In Auburn, Four people seek the position of Mayor:

Incumbent, Chris Erickson; Stephanie Holmes, Allen Linden and Gary Nerison.

Two Republican candidates are seeking the position of Nemaha County Attorney. Incumbent Angelo Ligouri of Auburn is challenged by Seth Hawkins of Cook.

In addition, enough valid signatures were collected to place a recall election on the ballot for Peru City Council President Theresa Westfall. Voters will be asked to vote to retain or recall Westfall on Tuesday.

In Johnson County contested races will include:

Three Republicans are seeking the 3rd District County Commissioners seat. Mike Buss, Channing Doeden and Wayne Snyder.

Incumbent Les Agena did not seek reelection.

Two Republicans are also seeking the position of Johnson County Clerk. Nicole Beck the current Deputy County Clerk and Terry Keebler who is currently the Johnson County Assessor and served 12 years as a Johnson County Commissioner.

Current County Clerk Kathleen Nieveen has opted to retire at the end of 2026.

The polls are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. in Nebraska on Tuesday.

Eggers got involved when her son Colton, who suffers from epilepsy was diagnosed and medicine available did not seem to help combat the boys seizures.

Eggers spoke to about a dozen audience members at Smiley Bee Coffee & Sweet Shop in Falls City Wednesday evening outlining the history of the effort to legalize medical marijuana and explaining where the road blocks are to complete the task.

Eggers said the effort to legalize medical cannabis began back in 2014 when patients, caregivers and parents identified Nebraska lacked in medical cannabis access.

Following years of attempts to get the proposal on the ballot, it was overwhelmingly approved by Nebraska voters in 2024, with more than 70 percent of those casting votes in favor.

Despite the overwhelming vote to pass medical marijuana, Eggers said there are factions at the state and federal level fighting against the use. The opposition includes Senator Pete Ricketts, Governor Jim Pillen, the Nebraska Attorney General and the Nebraska Legislature who have taken a hands-off approach.

Although you cannot legally access medical marijuana in Nebraska, Eggers pointed out that it is legal to possess medical cannabis with written recommendations from a health care provider. LB-437 passed by voters in 2024 was signed into law by the Governor which allows possession of up to 5 ounces of cannabis in any form with a written recommendation from a medical provider.

Even with possession being legal, there is currently no way for those who need medical cannabis to access it legally in Nebraska.

Eggers has traveled the entire state in her efforts and says response has been very positive no matter the size of the community they visit. She says people are angry and continuing to suffer without access to the product.

Eggers concluded with a message for Nebraska voters to cast ballots for individuals who will represent you and what you care about. She said the Governor, Senator Ricketts and the Attorney General and legislators are not representing what their constituents have voted for.

Eggers urges those who support the use of medical cannabis in Nebraska to write, call or email you state senator, the Governor's office, the Attorney General and Federal delegates as well as the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.

Re-arrangements will begin May 26th and construction will start in June. Building plans submitted to the City of Falls City indicates an investment of about  $1,130,000. That figure does not include parking lot and sidewalk upgrades to be completed at the conclusion of the interior remodel.

Hy-Vee says this conversion reflects Hy-Vee's long-term commitment to servicing Falls City and the strengthening access to local grocery options.

The upgraded store will include new and expanded services designed to better meet everyday shopping needs while maintaining the convenience of a neighborhood grocery store.

Planned improvements include a 20-foot full-service meat counter offering expanded selections. A broader selection of national and regional name-brand grocery items. A limited service deli counter offering prepared sandwiches, pizza and rotisserie chicken. A specialty candy shop within the store and additional refrigerated and frozen food space.

A bakery with cake decorator will be added as part of a full-service Hy-Vee format to compliment, not replace, the local strong bakery already serving Falls City.

The store's leadership will remain local, with Clint Sailors serving as Store Director of the new Hy-Vee in Falls City. The expanded store offering is expected to create 5 new full-time postions and as many as 30 new part-time positions.

The conversion of the Dollar Fresh Market to a full-service Hy-Vee is viewed as a key step in maintaining strong local retail services and supporting the overall vitality of Falls City's business environment.

(KNZA)--A Friday evening Jackson County traffic stop left a Topeka woman facing 22 alleged felony offenses, along with additional misdemeanor and traffic-related violations. 

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, a deputy stopped a Dodge Charger near 142nd Road and U.S. Highway 75 around 6:17 Friday evening for multiple alleged traffic violations.

Morse says the driver was 38-year-old Kendra Gable.  Morse says a sheriff’s office K-9 was deployed during the stop and alerted to the presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. A probable-cause search allegedly resulted in the discovery of illegal drug contraband. 

The release lists felony allegations including possession of methamphetamine, interference with law enforcement by concealing, altering, or destroying evidence in a felony case, trafficking contraband into a correctional facility by introducing items onto jail grounds, and multiple alleged violations of the Kansas Offender Registration Act, including eight aggravated counts and 11 additional counts. The release also lists allegations including possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, and no proof of insurance. 

Once in custody, Gable was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Scott Miller/Credit: CMH

(KMZA)--Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville has appointed Scott Miller as Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.
Miller brings more than 42 years of experience in public accounting, including over 20 years serving hospitals ranging from critical access facilities to behavioral health organizations.
Throughout his career, he has held senior financial leadership roles, guiding hospitals through complex financial environments, operational improvements, and strategic planning initiatives.
His areas of expertise include budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting, KPI development, cash-flow planning, and financial reporting.
“I am excited to join Community Memorial Healthcare at such an important time,” Miller said. “CMH is a good, solid critical access hospital with tremendous potential. Like many rural hospitals, it faces challenges, but I see great opportunity here and look forward to being part of the team working to address them.”
Miller lives in Arlington, Texas, and in his downtime enjoys running and staying active in church affairs. He is the proud father of three daughters and an adoring grandfather to seven grandchildren.
Miller joins Community Memorial Healthcare through its partnership with Ovation Healthcare, which provides experienced interim leadership and shared services to support independent hospitals.

(KNZA)--A Holton man was injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday evening in Leavenworth County.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 44-year-old Jim McClintock was westbound on Interstate 70 shortly after 9:00 p.m. when his car rear-ended a van traveling in the outside lane.

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

The driver of the van, 83-year-old Clifton Geis Junior of Gardner, suffered possible injuries but was not taken to a hospital for treatment. The Patrol says Geis was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man faces charges following his arrest Thursday after a disturbance call alleging that a family member at the residence had been threatened with a knife.

In a release, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says officers responded around 7:30 Thursday morning to a disturbance in the 1000 block of Parallel Street.

Wilson says 33-year-old Jonathan Ogletree Jr. allegedly threatened a family member with a knife, and was taken into custody at the scene on a charge of aggravated assault.

Credit: Atchison Police Dept.

Once in custody, Ogletree was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

No injuries are reported.

Brian Shefferd/Credit: city of Hiawatha

(KNZA)--Hiawatha City Commissioner Brian Shefferd has filed for the position of mayor.

Shefferd is the first candidate to file for the office currently held by Becky Shamburg. He ran unsuccessfully against Shamburg in 2022.

Also up for election this fall is Hiawatha City Commission Seat One, currently held by David Middendorf. Mitch Bruning has filed for that position.

All city commission positions are non-partisan.

In Brown County, voters will also decide the First District County Commission seat, currently held by Richard Tesoriero, along with the unexpired term for Register of Deeds.

In Fairview, the mayor’s position and two city council seats will be on the ballot.

Candidates have until noon June 1st to file at the Brown County Clerk’s Office.

The primary election is August 4th, with the general election November 3rd.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved continued funding for United 4 Youth following the organization’s annual report presented at the Council’s May 6th meeting.
United 4 Youth President Cody Steinlage, along with Nemaha Central High School SADD representatives Ellie ermesch and Brooklyn Uphaus, updated the Council on ongoing efforts. The organization partners with local SADD chapters across Nemaha County, focusing on prevention programs that encourage youth to make positive decisions and avoid destructive behaviors.  
After the presentation, the Council voted to maintain its annual contribution at $3,000, matching last year’s funding level.  
In other business, the Council approved two street closure requests. One will close Pioneer Street between 4th and 5th Streets for the Father Arul Memorial 5K on August 15th. The other closes a portion of 5th Street for Second Saturday Music events scheduled for May 9th, June 13th, and September 12th, from 4 to 9 p.m.  
The Council also approved the hiring of two summer maintenance workers. Derek Rosenberger will be paid $14 an hour, and Graham Korber will earn $13.50 an hour.

Over the decades, the company has grown from a small livestock operation into a diversified enterprise supporting agriculture, food production, and pet industries through integrated services such as milling, transportation, pet treat manufacturing, extrusion, contract packaging, and ingredient solutions.

Fairview Mills LLC is nearing completion and will open a first of its kind animal protein meal refinement and blending facility in Falls City, Nebraska.

The new 63,000 square foot facility represents a significant advancement in post render processing for pet food ingredients and is expected to create 8 to 10 new full time jobs, with roughly half of those positions being salaried roles.

The investment brings both economic impact to the local community and technological progress to the pet food supply chain.

This expansion reflects J Six’s focus on helping customers strengthen their businesses through improved nutrition, enhanced value, and more reliable supply chains.

The facility incorporates a fully integrated system featuring advanced foreign matter removal, controlled refinement processes, and precision custom blending. These innovations are designed to optimize protein utilization, improve nutritional consistency, and reduce variability in finished products.

As a result, the facility can deliver a sustainable and scalable supply of animal/poultry protein meals with higher protein content, improved digestibility, and lower ash levels than what is commonly available to premium pet food manufacturers today.
This expansion responds directly to growing industry demand for ingredient transparency, consistent nutritional performance, and stronger safeguards against contamination risks. By shifting from availability driven sourcing to specification driven manufacturing, Fairview Mills is enabling the consistent production of customized animal protein ingredients that meet defined physical and nutritional standards.
Troy Kramer, VP of Sales, and Business Development says “The facility is designed for quality, consistency, and speed with state-of-the-art real time ingredient analysis throughout the entire system. Our process enhances already premium ingredients from the animal and poultry food chains. We are excited to bring this much needed service to the Heartland of the United States, and Pet Food Manufactures nationwide.”