(KNZA)--A Sabetha motorcyclist was seriously injured Tuesday evening in a two-vehicle crash in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash occurred just before 6 p.m. on 260th Road, about a half mile east of U.S. 75.

According to the report, 60-year-old Douglas Kleopfer of Morrill was driving a westbound pickup and turning south into a field entrance when his vehicle was struck on the passenger side by an eastbound motorcycle.

The rider, 23-year-old Brycen Hartley of Sabetha, was taken to Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says Hartley was wearing a helmet and eye protection at the time of the crash.

Kleopfer was not injured.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded shortly before midnight Tuesday night to the 200 block of North 3rd Street to investigate a disturbance and a fire alarm sounding at an apartment complex. 

Police, Wilson says, determined there was no fire, and that the alarm had allegedly been falsely activated by 57-year-old Anthony Edwardson. Wilson says it was also determined Edwardson allegedly sprayed a 48-year-old resident in the face with a fire extinguisher.

Wilson says Edwardson was arrested early Wednesday morning for transmitting false information to request emergency services and battery.

The incident at the Massasoit complex also prompted posts of concern in a local social media group from those who initially believed it to be an actual fire.

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

Anthony Edwardson/Credit: Atchison Police Dept.

According to a release from the Kansas Courts, Alexis Rose Twombly, of Mayetta, and Samantha Ann White, of Leavenworth, are among the applicants who successfully passed the Kansas bar examination.

They, and the other 28 will be sworn in as Kansas attorneys Friday morning at 9:30, in Topeka, in the Supreme Court courtroom on the third floor of the Kansas Judicial Center.

The new attorneys can choose to be sworn in during Friday's ceremony or at another time by a state or federal judge.

Chief Justice Eric Rosen will preside over the Supreme Court, and United States District Judge Toby Crouse will represent the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Doug Shima, clerk of the Kansas appellate courts, will administer the state oath. Traci Anderson, a courtroom deputy from the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, will administer the federal oath.

Ollie Horned-Owl & Blackthunder Dorsch/Credit: Atchison Police Dept.

(KAIR)--The two Horton men arrested last week in connection with the April 16 Atchison shooting that left a 12-year-old girl hospitalized are now in the custody of Atchison County.

When 20-year-old Blackthunder Dorsch and 18-year-old Ollie Horned-Owl were arrested Friday in Horton, both were first taken to the Brown County Jail, but have now been booked into the Atchison County Jail, where they're held on bonds of $500,000 each.

A third accused of involvement, identified only as a juvenile boy, was transported to juvenile intake following his Friday arrest.

Formal charges are now filed against the two men, with that six-count criminal complaint filed Monday in Atchison County District Court.

Both men are charged with felony counts of attempted second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm, along with a misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property.

The girl who was shot was one of four people that Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says were on or near a residential porch in the 1400 block of Commercial Street when multiple shots were fired around 11:45 on the night of April 16, sending the child for hospitalized care. 

On Tuesday, Wilson told MSC News she remains hospitalized in Kansas City.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, a resident of Atchison reported the theft of a Glock 43X 9mm handgun from a storage trailer at 18873 258th Road. The sheriff’s office says the theft occurred sometime between June of 2024 and April of 2026.

In Muscotah, Laurie says a resident reported two minibikes stolen from a driveway in the 100 block of East 6th Street. The sheriff’s office says the theft occurred Sunday between 3:00 that afternoon and midnight. The minibikes are believed to be Baja Warriors with Predator 212 engines, one gray and one black.

In a third report, Laurie says a resident of Nortonville reported theft and criminal damage involving an excavator parked in a field south of 6455 Rawlins Road. The sheriff’s office says keys and batteries were taken from the equipment and a window was damaged.

The investigations are continuing.

The Board of Public Works recommended the purchase of the truck at a cost of $321,436.

Utility Superintendent Trevor Campbell said that while the city currently has 3 bucket trucks, the largest one, with a 70 foot reach, is nearing the end of it's usefulness. The large truck is a 2002 model and after 25 years, Altec will no longer provide parts or service for a vehicle. While passing the last inspection, it was noted that the cable operated boom will require more than $25,000 worth of cabling work to pass inspection the next time.

Campbell expects a delivery date of approximately July of 2027.

The new truck will have a 60 foot reach.

In other business the Council tabled action on bids for municipal waste management for the city on the recommendation of Administrator Gary Jorn.

The Council also appointed Jeff Palik with Olsson, as the Class A Street Superintendent for the remainder of 2026. Palik will take over for the previous Superintendent who left the Olsson company for a new position.

Chad Derr and Sheri Meadows were reelected with Jesse Yocum being a new Board member.

Superintendent Korey Miles presented a plaque to Jeff Holstine recognizing his 18 years of service on the Mound City School Board.

The Board officers for the next year will remain unchanged with Dylan Rosier serving as President, Steven Edwards at Vice President and Sheri Meadows as Treasurer.

The Board approved renewal of the health care plan for the districts employees with a 3.9% cost increase through Arnold Insurance and Health Care.

Superintendent Miles recommendation to set the salary schedule with a base salary of $43,000 was approved unanimously.

In personnel moves, the Board approved the resignation from High School English teacher Theresa Jordan and approved hiring Hilary Marshall as the ACES program Director for the next school year.

Other hires were Morgan Wilson as a 1st Grade Teacher and Rachel Plummer as the new High School English Teacher. Extra Duty contracts for the 2026-27 school year were also approved.

The annual proclamation was made, and read aloud, by Mayor La Rochelle Young during Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission; and, in full, it recognizes the history of Arbor Day, which began in April, 1872, in Nebraska, and the benefits that trees bring not only to a local community, but to the world, on a whole. 

Atchison's history of commemorating the so-called "tree planter's holiday" runs deep, maintaining its status as a Tree City USA, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, for 46-years, retaining that title by continuing to follow the four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department; having a community tree ordinance; spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry; and celebrating Arbor Day.

Atchison's long-running forestry commitment is also realized through its Forest of Friendship, a living memorial to the history of aviation which features trees from all 50 states and over 30 countries. It was founded in 1976, the same year as the beginning of the Tree City USA program, with the Forest this year marking its 50th anniversary. The Arbor Day Foundation did the same for Tree City USA, celebrating its anniversary last month in March.

Along with Atchison, another Atchison County location, Effingham, has maintained the status for 33-years, while other local area northeast Kansas communities, including Troy, Valley Falls, Hiawatha, Leavenworth, Sabetha, and Marysville, also hold long-running Tree City USA status.

National Arbor Day is always celebrated on the last Friday in April which, this year, is April 24, as stated in Atchison's proclamation; however, many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on their best tree planting times.

KDHE says the advisory had been issued after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system, which can lead to reduced chlorine residuals and a risk of bacterial contamination.

KDHE says laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from Jefferson County RWD #7 showed no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and officials say the conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

(KLZA)--NioCorp Developments is thanking state leaders following the passage of LB 1165, legislation signed into law that company officials say will strengthen the outlook for its Elk Creek Project in southeast Nebraska. Chairman and CEO Mark Smith expressed appreciation to Governor Jim Pillen, Revenue Committee Chairman Brad von Gillern, and State Senator Bob Hallstrom, along with other members of the Nebraska Legislature, for backing the measure.

LB 1165 expands and adjusts portions of the Nebraska Advantage Act, including extending the timeframe companies have to meet Tier 6 employment and investment requirements. For NioCorp, that change is expected to provide greater flexibility in qualifying for roughly $200 million in state tax benefits over the next decade, as the company moves forward with hundreds of millions of dollars in planned investment in Nebraska.

The Elk Creek Project is projected to bring major economic impacts to the region, including approximately 450 permanent full-time jobs and an estimated 2,100 additional jobs across the broader Nebraska economy. Over the life of the mine, projections also include a $1.1 billion payroll, more than $600 million in state and local tax contributions, and roughly $300 million in payments to landowners.

State officials say the legislation is part of a broader effort to support long-term industrial development and job creation across Nebraska.

(KLZA)--Voters planning to participate in Nebraska’s upcoming Primary Election on May 12 are being reminded to verify their voter registration status to ensure their information is current. Officials encourage residents to confirm they are registered at the correct address and are affiliated with the political party matching the ballot they intend to cast.

Voters can check their registration online at https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov or by contacting the Richardson County Clerk’s Office at 402-245-2911, extension 3.

In-person voter registration is available at the Richardson County Clerk’s Office during regular business hours through Friday, May 1. On that final day, the office will remain open until 6:00 p.m. This is the deadline to register to vote before the Primary Election.

Online voter registration is also available through Monday, April 27, 2026, via the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Voter Registration Portal.

Early voting is currently underway at the Richardson County Clerk’s Office, open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office will again extend hours until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1 for those casting early ballots.

Voters unable to vote in person on Election Day may request an absentee ballot by mail. Application forms are available through the Richardson County website at www.richardsoncounty.ne.gov.

For additional information about the 2026 election, residents may contact the County Clerk’s Office at 402-245-2911, extension 3.

(KLZA)--Two Rock Port, Missouri men suffered what authorities described as moderate injuries Monday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash in Atchison County, Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly after noon when a pickup truck traveling south on Route U, about three miles south of Langdon, Missouri, crossed the center line. The vehicle then ran off the east side of the roadway, struck an embankment, continued into a ditch, and hit a culvert.

The driver, a 66-year-old man, and his passenger, a 39-year-old man, were both reportedly not wearing safety devices at the time of the crash.

Both men were transported by Atchison-Holt Ambulance to Fairfax Community Hospital for treatment of their injuries.

The pickup was declared a total loss.

Assisting at the scene were the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office, Rock Port Fire Department, and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

(KNZA)--A large crowd filled a community information meeting Monday evening in Hiawatha to hear details and ask questions about a proposed housing development known as the " Villas of Beautiful Maples."

Since the Hiawatha City Commission approved an agreement in March, residents have raised concerns about project costs, funding, and long-term community impact.

At Monday’s meeting, city officials, the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development, and the project developer addressed those concerns directly. 

Plans call for a 10-unit duplex development on about four acres of city-owned land west of Bruning Park, with an estimated price tag of nearly 2.7 million dollars. Funding would come from a mix of a grant, tax credits, private investment, and a loan. 

Developer Michael Webb of Desoto says he has completed similar projects in several Kansas communities.

Originally, the city was set to cover infrastructure costs, but Webb now says he will take on street construction expenses. Remaining utility work would be supported through a state housing incentive program.

City Administrator Brad Scott says the project is not expected to raise taxes for current residents, noting the developer will pay full property taxes annually without receiving a tax rebate.

Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development Director Mikaela Moore says housing studies from 2017, updated in 2022, identified a need for moderate-income rental housing in the community, and that the project is designed to help meet that demand.

The proposed units are expected to rent for between 1,600 and 1,650 dollars per month.

If the timeline stays on track, construction could begin by September, with units ready for lease by April 2027. City officials say additional public meetings will be scheduled as the project moves forward.

Rhonda Frakes and Robert Reed/Credit: USD 114

(KNZA)--The Riverside USD 114 Board of Education has completed interviews with two of the three finalists vying to become the district’s next superintendent.

The first candidate, Rhonda Frakes, was interviewed Friday evening. Frakes brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, including 17 years serving as the 9-through-12 principal at Jefferson West USD 340 High School in Meriden.

The second candidate, Robert Reed, met with the board Monday evening. Reed has 27 years of experience in K-12 education and currently serves as superintendent, as well as Pre-K through 6th grade principal, at Hodgeman County USD 227.

The third and final candidate will be interviewed Wednesday evening. The district says the candidate’s name will be released that same morning.

Each finalist is spending time in the district on the day of their interview, touring school buildings and meeting with staff members.

The new superintendent will replace current Superintendent Jennifer Gatz, who is stepping down at the end of the school year to take on a new professional opportunity. Gatz has served in the role for the past three years.

(KNZA)--A 59-year-old Hiawatha man was seriously injured Monday evening in a motorcycle crash in rural Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 6:15 p.m. on 270th Street, just west of Dewberry Road, about two miles south of Morrill.

According to the report, Michael Dyke had just pulled out of a driveway and was traveling eastbound when, for an unknown reason, he lost control of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The bike came to rest on its right side in the roadway.

Dyke was transported to Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

(KAIR)--Atchison County Commission Chair Casey Quinn says the first “Conversations with the County” forum drew a strong turnout and a wide range of feedback from residents.

In a social media post, Quinn said participants at last Thursday’s session raised questions, concerns, and potential solutions for the county to consider moving forward. Quinn noted that some attendees brought ad valorem tax data, and she said the information highlighted the effects of the past several years, including COVID and inflation, and included discussion of how an EMS sales tax could help.

Quinn also said collaboration was a major theme, with discussion centered on ways cities, the county, and townships could pool resources to lower costs for citizens. She said one suggestion raised was exploring a unified government model with cities to better represent the full county and use resources countywide.

Quinn said residents also asked how to get involved, including interest in serving as precinct committee members. She also said the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, or NRP, was discussed, with comments supporting recent changes and emphasizing the program’s role in continued economic development.

Quinn added that community leaders shared ideas for partnerships aimed at addressing mental health and substance abuse, with the goal of reducing long-term costs. She also said some residents voiced frustration over personnel cuts, while also acknowledging the need to reduce spending to lower taxes.

Quinn thanked those who attended and said she wants the community engagement to continue.

The Board also approved a project to cut out and replace the caulking in the bleachers of Bulldog Stadium at a cost of $26,500. The Quality Caulking Company was awarded the bid for the project.

A Core Services Agreement with ESU #4 for the 2026-27 school year was approved and the Board approved the rate to attend summer school at $100. The deposit will be refunded if the student successfully complete the program.

The $26,941 purchase price of Bus Security Caemera with REI was also approved.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. reported about the ongoing review on implementing a comprehensive GPS and an AI-integrated camera system designed to enhance safety and mitigate liability on county owned machinery and motor graders.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported there were 18 inmates being held at the County Law Enforcement Center. He also reported that during March his office had 611 total calls of which 335 were traffic stops with 26 arrests being made. Three by other agencies and 23 by the Sheriff's Department.

Commissioners met in executive session with Sheriff Hardesty, Deputy Trainee Candace Cox and County Clerk Mary Eickhoff to discuss a personnel matter.

Jerad Reimers, District Coordinator for 3rd District Congressman Adrian Smith met with the Board to update them on work being done in Washington D.C.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha USD 415 will host a second facilities master planning community meeting Wednesday evening, April 22.

The session is set for 7:00 p.m. in the Hiawatha High School Auditorium, and district officials are encouraging community members and patrons to attend.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser says the meeting will inform, update and gather feedback regarding the facilities master plan for USD 415 and the Hiawatha community.  

During the meeting, attendees will have the opportunity to provide input through a survey that will be provide.

Last March, the Hiawatha School Board hired Lighthouse Construction of St. George to assist in developing a comprehensive facilities master plan for the district.

As part of that effort, HCK Architects of Topeka completed a facilities assessment over the summer. Initial findings from that assessment were shared with the community during a meeting last November.

(KLZA)-- 20-year-old Keevin J. Maupin of Skidmore, Missouri is facing charges of 1st degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action in connection with a double homicide that occurred Saturday evening. He is currently being held without bond in the Nodaway County Jail.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that Saturday, the Nodaway County Sheriff's Department requested the Patrol Division's Drug and Crime Control to investigate a double homicide at a residence near the intersection of Missouri Highway 46 and Route PP, north of Skidmore.

When they arrived, authorities discovered two deceased females at the residence who had apparently been killed by gunshots. Keevin Maupin was identified later as a person of interest and taken into custody at the scene.

Monday afternoon, the two women were identified by the highway patrol as Liberty A. Moore, 32, of Maryville, and Karen M. Babcock, 58, of Skidmore.

Maupin is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21 in Judge Robert Rice’s courtroom at the Nodaway County Courthouse.

Maupin is facing a sentence of not less than 10 years and not more than 30 years, or life in prison on the murder charges.On the armed criminal action charges sentences may range from less than three years to a period not to exceed 15 years in prison.

Photo: Jack Geiger/submitted  

(KNZA)--Brown County farmer Jack Geiger has announced his campaign for the 62nd District seat in the Kansas House of Representatives.

Geiger is seeking the position as an independent, unaffiliated candidate. He says the current political climate is too divided, and he believes an independent voice can better represent all constituents.

Because he is not affiliated with a political party, Geiger must qualify for the ballot by petition and is currently gathering signatures.

The seat is currently held by Republican Sean Willcott of Holton, who has filed for re-election.

Geiger is a lifelong Kansas resident and a graduate of Kansas State University, where he earned a degree in agronomy. He has also held township and community leadership roles and has been active in several agricultural organizations.

The 62nd District includes Brown and Nemaha counties, along with portions of Atchison and Jackson counties.

The general election is scheduled for November third.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education has approved changes to its grading scale for students in grades five through twelve.

The board took action during its meeting last week, adopting a proposal presented by High School Principal Ben Scism. The updated grading scale will take effect beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

Under the new system, the top grade of an “A” will begin at 92 percent, compared to 94 percent under the current scale. Adjustments were made across all letter grades, slightly lowering the percentage ranges required. School officials say the grade point average scale will remain unchanged.

The board also approved a resolution for a two-mill capital outlay levy for the 2026–2027 school year. Superintendent Tavis Desormiers says the move is aimed at planning for long-term facility maintenance, not increasing the overall tax burden. For a home with an appraised value of 100-thousand dollars, the estimated cost would be about 23 dollars per year.

In other action, board members approved new math curriculum materials. Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade will adopt the Eureka Squared program, while grades six through eight will continue with the Big Ideas series. The total cost is estimated at around 80-thousand dollars.

(KMZA) The city of Seneca is getting ready for this summer’s chip and seal street projects.

At their April 15th meeting, the City Council approved the purchase of haydite at a cost of nearly 43-thousand dollars. The request came from Public Works Director Brian Rusche, who said the cost is cheaper than last year .

Council members also approved the purchase of a pavement grinder for just over 26-thousand dollars. The equipment includes a two-year warranty.

In other business, the Council approved a pay increase for summer maintenance employees, raising the hourly rate from 12 dollars to 13 dollars and 50 cents.

And the Seneca Fire Department was given approval to take its 1922 Stutz fire engine to two car shows next month—May 1st in McPherson and May 16th in Burlingame. Three department members will attend each event, with lodging expenses covered through travel and tourism funds.

Submitted photo

(KAIR)--An Atchison hotel is being recognized with a top internal performance honor from IHG.

According to a release announcing the award, Holiday Inn Express–Atchison and its team received a 2025 Spirit of True Hospitality Award. IHG—short for IHG Hotels & Resorts—is a global hotel company behind major brands including Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, and it presents annual performance awards to hotels across its network.

The release says the Spirit of True Hospitality Award is considered one of IHG’s most prestigious internal honors in the Americas region, based on leadership and performance measures that include guest service and satisfaction, cleanliness, and support of the IHG One Rewards loyalty program.

The release also notes the Holiday Inn Express–Atchison has received multiple IHG awards in the past and is consistently ranked among the top three percent of Holiday Inn Express hotels in the United States for guest satisfaction. The hotel’s ownership group, Atchison Hospitality Group, credits General Manager Kimberly Glover—who assumed the position in March—and the staff’s continued focus on maintaining and building on the property’s established culture.

IHG says its branded hotels emphasize clean, well-maintained guest rooms and public spaces, and the company also highlights work tied to its “Journey to Tomorrow” responsible business plan.

(KAIR)--A Friday night traffic stop in Jackson County left a Mayetta woman facing drug-related charges.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, a deputy stopped a Ford Bronco around 10:20 Friday night near the intersection of 150th Road and Q Road for multiple alleged traffic infractions.

Morse says the driver, 64-year-old Diane Johnson, was arrested on charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of an open container.

Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff

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