Sean Davidson/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man is facing a registered offender violation and drug charges following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Office.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says deputies began investigating a registered offender believed to be out of compliance with the Kansas Offender Registration Act at the Pemberton Village Apartments in Hiawatha around 4:30 p.m. on July 22.

Deputies determined 57-year-old Sean Davidson had failed to comply with the Offender Registration Act and took him into custody.

Deputies later executed a search warrant at Davidson's apartment with assistance from the Hiawatha Police Department. During the search, authorities say they found marijuana grinders, THC products and other drug paraphernalia.

Davidson was booked into the Brown County Jail on charges of violating the Kansas Offender Registration Act, felony possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a phone scam targeting computer users.

Sheriff John Merchant says his office has received several complaints from county residents who have received calls claiming their computer's virus protection is out of date.

The callers offer what they describe as deeply discounted antivirus software and warn that without it, victims could lose valuable photos, documents and other files.

Merchant says the scammers are actually trying to gain remote access to victims' computers. Once access is granted, they can obtain personal and financial information stored on the device.

The sheriff urges anyone who receives one of these calls to hang up immediately and never allow an unknown caller to access their computer.

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of this or any other scam is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency as soon as possible.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded the boil water advisory for the City of Robinson's public water supply in Brown County.

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

According to KDHE, laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from Robinson showed no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and officials say all other conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

 

(KLZA)--Extreme heat will return to the area over the next several days. 
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Southeast Nebraska from Saturday noon until Monday night at 10.
Heat indexes of up to 109 degrees are possible.

An Extreme Heat Watch has been issued for Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri from Saturday afternoon through Tuesday evening.  The heat index could exceed 110 degrees at times during this time period. 

The National Weather Service reminds you to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room,  stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors. 

Take extra precautions when outside.  Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. You should try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Be sure to take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

 

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission, in August, will allow Atchison County voters a choice: fund County emergency services through a dedicated one-cent sales tax or continue funding through property taxes. 

On Monday, June 15, Atchison County Commissioners Casey Quinn, James Campbell, and John Calhoon, were guests of 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday, where all aspects of the approaching decision were discussed. Hear the full conversation here. The Atchison Co Commission, on June 16, joined 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday to discuss the approaching sales tax-to-fund-EMS question. Co-Host Monday airs each Monday morning around 7:20, sponsored by Midwest Interior Solutions. 

(KAIR)--Atchison County Republican Primary voters, on August 4, will decide whether John Calhoon or Randell Vanderweide advances to the general election for the 2nd District Atchison County Commission seat. 

Both, on July 6, were guests of 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday, answering questions as submitted by Atchison County voters in an informal setting. 
Hear their answers here.

Photo credit: Atchison Police Dept.

(KAIR)--A two-vehicle crash, Friday morning at Atchison's 14th and Main Streets, sent a 63-year-old resident of the city to the hospital.

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says officers responded to the intersection around 10:30 after the crash was reported. 

According to Wilson, it happened when an SUV, driven by 15-year-old Wathena resident Jaykylah Fanning, was turning south onto 14th when it collided with an eastbound van, on Main, driven by 63-year-old Staci Crowe of Atchison, the lone occupant of the vehicle. 

Wilson says Crowe and was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for hospital examination.  

Fanning, and her two passengers, were not hurt. 

 

(KLZA)--Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn made a campaign stop in Falls City last weekend. 

(KLZA)--During Monday nights Falls City Council meeting, EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl updated the Council on the electric transmission line project. 

(KAIR)--Criminal damage to seven rail cars at the Atchison County Historical Society in under investigation, and anyone with related information is asked to help find who's responsible.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the damage occurred sometime between July 19th and July 23rd in the 200 block of South 10th Street, and included broken windows and damaged doors.

No suspects have been immediately identified.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Atchison Police Department at 913-367-4323. 

Larry Myer/Credit: KBI

 

(KNZA)--A Brown County Sheriff's Office lieutenant will be arraigned in September on misdemeanor charges involving the alleged harassment of a Kickapoo Tribal Police officer.

According to online court records, Larry Myer made his first court appearance Wednesday in Brown County District Court, where a September 23 arraignment was scheduled.

Myer is charged with intimidation of a witness or victim and harassment by a telecommunications device.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Myer in late June after investigating allegations that he threatened and harassed a tribal officer who issued him a traffic citation in December 2025.

The Kickapoo Tribal Police Department requested the KBI investigation in January. A special prosecutor from the Johnson County District Attorney's Office, appointed by Brown County, reviewed the findings and filed the charges.

Following his arrest, Myer was released on a $2,500 bond.

(KNZA)--A federal bench trial has been rescheduled for August 24 in the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's lawsuit challenging the civil jurisdiction of Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse on the reservation.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil will hear the case after postponing the trial earlier this month.

The lawsuit, filed in July 2024, argues that the sheriff lacks authority to enforce civil matters on tribal land, including issuing parking tickets and intervening in a 2024 tribal tax enforcement operation at the Snak Atak Travel Plaza.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent future interference with its civil authority on the reservation.

Earlier this year, Judge Vratil dismissed the Jackson County Sheriff's Office as a defendant and removed a claim involving service of legal process, but allowed the core jurisdiction dispute against Morse to move forward to trial.

(KNZA)--Brown County Commissioners are proposing a revenue-neutral budget for 2027.

The Commission voted unanimously Monday to sign a notice of intent not to exceed the state's revenue neutral property tax rate. The notice will be submitted to the County Clerk.

Commission Chairman Lucas Heinen said the county's budget consultant confirmed the budget remains revenue neutral after recent changes.

Commissioners also set a public hearing on the proposed budget for 2 p.m. August 31 at the Brown County Courthouse.

In other business, the Commission approved the purchase of a used 2022 Case backhoe for the Solid Waste Department at a cost of about $85,000. The machine has 880 hours.

The purchase will be financed through a three-year lease-purchase agreement with Citizens State Bank of Hiawatha, featuring a 20 percent down payment and a 4.95 percent interest rate.

Commissioner Richard Tesoriero said buying the used backhoe instead of a new one, which would have cost about $155,000, will save taxpayers a considerable amount of money.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County has not qualified for state disaster assistance following heavy rains in early June.

During Monday's County Commission meeting, Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Morris said Governor Laura Kelly issued a disaster proclamation following the heavy rainfall during the week of June 1. However, he said neither the state nor Doniphan County has met the damage thresholds required for assistance.

Morris said the county must document at least $38,200 in eligible damage to public roads and structures to qualify.

Commission Chairman Wayne Grable noted several roads were washed out and ditches were damaged. Morris said the county must prove the damage resulted from the June storms and not from pre-existing conditions before it can be counted toward the threshold.

(KNZA)--Three northeast Kansas organizations are receiving state grant funding through the Kansas Arts Commission.

Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland announced Tuesday that the Commission has awarded $750,000 to support 92 arts and cultural projects in 34 Kansas counties.

In Atchison County, Theatre Atchison received a grant of more than $10,000, while the Amelia Earhart Museum was awarded nearly $11,000 for general operating support.

In Brown County, South Brown County USD 430 received a $10,000 Arts Everywhere grant.

Toland says the arts help shape the unique character of Kansas, strengthen local identity, encourage innovation, and contribute to economic growth.

Kansas Arts Commission Chair Sarah Fizell says investing in the arts helps activate public spaces, connect communities, reduce stress and loneliness, and improve health outcomes across the state.

Organizations receiving grants are required to provide at least a dollar-for-dollar matching investment.

(KNZA)--The annual Doniphan County 4-H Fair will kick off Monday, July 27 at the fairgrounds in Troy, and runs through Friday, July 31.

A highlight of the fair will be the crowning of the fair prince and princess Monday evening at 6:00.

Five girls are vying for fair princess this year. They include Alyx Ellsworth, Chloe Jeschke, Lillian Kuhnert, Hayleigh Cluck and Harper Heinrich.

Four boys are vying for fair prince. They include Hank Heinrich, Eugene Kuhnert, Daniel Jeschke and Westyn Puckett.

Tuesday brings the sheep and goat show, while Wednesday will see the rabbit, poulty, dairy, bucket calf and beef shows.

The premium livestock sale will take place Thursday evening.

The fair wraps up Friday evening with the public style revue and awards presentation. A fair dance will follow from 9 to midnight.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved the property tax levy for the Falls City Airport Authority for Fiscal Year 2026-27 when they met Monday evening. 

The levy will remain the same as last year at just over 4.7-cents per $100 of assessed valuation. 

The Council approved an ordinance on second reading to round up or down to the nearest nickel on money owed to the city,  due to the discontinuation of the penny.

Council members also approved on first reading an ordinance to alter the hours of sale of alcoholic beverages.  If approved on three readings alcohol could be sold in Falls City from 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Currently alcohol sales in Falls City must cease at 1:00  a.m. 

The council approved renewing insurance with the League Association of Risk Management for year two of the current three-year contract, earning a discount of 4 percent. 

The appointment of Ryan Nolte to the Board of Adjustments was approved and the Council approved matching support funds for Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging in an amount of $1,337 and the annual Southeast Nebraska Development District dues for membership and housing totaling $3,365.

The annual request from the Falls City Chamber of Commerce & Main Street for the 2026 Cobblestone Festival coming up in August were also approved.   

(KLZA)--Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Lucas Froeschl presented the organizations quarterly report to the City Council in Falls City Monday night and Richardson County Commissioners on Wednesday.  
During the update Froeschl noted that Nebraska Rural Generation continues an effort to construct a power plant on the south edge of Falls City. 
The company has executed a six-figure contract with an engineering firm to study the area. The plan is to put a package together and then present it to the City Council . Froeschl said it will likely be 6 months to a year before the feasibility of the project is known. 
This is a private investment project with no funds having been sought from the City, Utility Department or EDGE.  
Nebraska Rural Generation focuses on innovative power generation solutions to support rural community growth and economic development in Nebraska.  
According to an earlier release concerning the project,  the plant’s size, total investment, and final site location within Falls City’s electrical jurisdiction remain to be determined.
Froeschl also provided a brief update on the proposed Citroniq, bio-polypropylene project that would be built about two miles south of Falls City. 
Citroniq continues work to advance their technology and organize their company.  Froeschl said the company remains very much in play to locate their facility near Falls City at the Mid-America Rail Campus site.  
The quarterly update also noted that EDGE hosted a Community Housing Event for developers, sub-contractors, and those interested in housing solutions during the quarter. 

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Department of Labor reports the states seasonably adjusted unemployment rate for June was 2.9%,  ranking in a 5th place tie in the U.S. 
In Southeast Nebraska unemployment figures jumped up during the month of June.  
In Richardson County the jobless rate in June was 3.2%, up 9-tenths of a point.
In Pawnee County unemployment for the month was up 7-tenths to 3.5%.  Nemaha County, Nebraska had the highest unemployment rate in the area in June at 3.9% which was up 6-tenths of a point. 
For Johnson County the June unemployment figure was 3.5%, up 6-tenths. 
Gage County had the best unemployment mark at 2.9% and Otoe County was right behind at 3%.  
South Dakota continues to have the lowest unemployment in the country at 2 percent. North Dakota is 2nd at 2.3%.
Iowa tied for the 8th spot  with a jobless rate of 3.2.  Missouri was tied for 19th at 3.7% and Kansas was tied for 22nd spot with unemployment running at 3.8%.  

Photo credit: Atchison County/Facebook

 

(KAIR)--Atchison County Commissioners are recognizing the work of local corrections professionals this week.

According to the county, commissioners proclaimed July 19th through the 25th as Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week during Tuesday's regular, weekly meeting of the county leaders meeting.

The County, with the proclamation made, is asking residents to help honor and recognize the achievements of those serving the community in Community Corrections, Court Services, and Parole.

On social media, Atchison County credits, by name, the numerous individuals involved in various roles that encompass the week's recognition, as seen below. 

(KNZA)--A Winchester man has been selected to fill a vacancy on the Jefferson County Commission.

According to the Jefferson County Clerk's Office, members of the 3rd District Republican precinct committee selected Richard Jobbins Tuesday evening to fill the vacancy created by the retirement resignation of former longtime Commissioner Richard Malm.

Jobbins was among three candidates nominated and was elected with 4 out of 5 votes.

His name will now by forwarded to Governor Kelly, who will make the official appointment.

Malm resigned from Commission July 6th, effective immediately.   He had served on the commission since 2009. Malm also previously held a stint on the board from 1985 to 1989.

Jobbins will fill a term expiring in January 2029.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education has approved a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2026-27 school year.

The agreement, approved during a special meeting Tuesday, raises the district's base teacher salary by $800, bringing it to $44,300. That's a 2-point-69 percent pay increase.

The contract also includes several changes requested by the Nemaha Central Education Association. Those include revisions to the sick leave pool, changes involving teacher coverage during instructional class time, and the addition of assistant theater supplemental positions for both the fall and spring seasons.

The agreement also increases supplemental pay for the FCCLA sponsor position and the head forensics coach.

In other business, the board approved classified and administrative salaries for 2026-27. Those employees also received a 2.69 percent pay raise.

Photo credit: City of Atchison/Facebook

 

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is asking for the public's help after vandals damaged the playground fence at Jackson Park over the weekend.

According to a release from the city, the fence around the small playground had recently sustained minor damage, and the city had contracted with a specialized welder to make repairs. Staff checked the site Sunday evening, but when the welder arrived Monday morning, crews found a much larger section of the fence broken, beyond what could be repaired on site.

The city says the damage will now require a more expensive and time-consuming process to remove and replace the entire fence section.

In the meantime, the playground remains open, though the city is asking parents and guardians to keep children away from the broken fence posts, which have been covered with cones.

The city is asking anyone with information on who may be responsible to contact the Atchison Police Department, saying vandalism to shared public spaces hurts the whole community.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded the boil water advisory for the City of Valley Falls' public water supply in Jefferson County.

KDHE says the advisory had been issued Saturday after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system, a situation that can lead to a drop in chlorine residuals and possible bacterial contamination.

According to KDHE, laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from Valley Falls showed no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and officials say all other conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

 

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Robinson's public water supply in Brown County.

KDHE says the advisory took effect Wednesday, July 22nd, after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system, a situation that can lead to a drop in chlorine residuals and possible bacterial contamination.

Until further notice, KDHE is asking Robinson water customers to boil water for one minute before drinking or food preparation, or to use bottled water instead.

The advisory will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk are resolved.