(KAIR)--A boil water advisory is in effect for the Lakeside Village Improvement District in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the advisory Sunday after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Low pressure can reduce chlorine levels and increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

Until the advisory is lifted, customers should boil water for one minute before drinking or preparing food, or use bottled water. Residents should also discard existing ice and avoid using household ice makers.

Tap water that appears dirty should be allowed to run until it clears. Water used for bathing generally does not need to be boiled, but children should be supervised to prevent them from swallowing it.

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

File photo of algae

 

(KNZA)--The public health advisory for Hiawatha City Lake in Brown County has been lifted, but a watch remains in effect for Elkhorn Lake in Jackson County because of blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says Elkhorn Lake is among eight Kansas lakes under a watch status, while 11 lakes remain under warning status.

Under a watch, people should avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets away from the water. Fish should be cleaned with potable water, and only the fillet portion should be eaten.

Advisories are lifted when algae and toxin levels fall below watch thresholds.

 

Justin Metz/Credit: Atchison County Sheriff's Office

 

(KAIR) -A Leavenworth man will be sentenced in December after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a sexual assault at the Atchison Walmart.

According to court documents, 43-year-old Justin Metz pleaded guilty in July to aggravated sexual battery and criminal restraint.

As part of a plea agreement, charges of rape and theft were dismissed.

Metz was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a restroom at the Atchison Walmart in March 2025.

In a separate case, Metz also pleaded guilty to aggravated internet trading in child pornography.

Sentencing is set for December 11th in Atchison County District Court.

Police, at the time of the arrest, told MSC News that on the afternoon of the alleged attack, Metz posed as a store asset protection officer to convince his victim to come to the back of the store with him.

Metz was arrested the following weekend when he returned to the store and was spotted by staff, who then alerted police who took him into custody.

Kristin Wahquahboshkuk/Credit: Shawnee County Corrections 

 

(KNZA)--A Mayetta man is facing charges in the shooting deaths of two men in north Topeka earlier this month.

Shawnee County Attorney Michael Kagay says 21-year-old Kristin Wahquahboshkuk was formally charged last week in Shawnee County District Court with two counts of first-degree murder, two additional counts of first-degree murder and one count each of criminal discharge of a firearm into a building, aggravated endangering a child and criminal trespass.

The charges stem from the September 10th shooting deaths of 75-year-old Warren Eteeyan of Mayetta and 75-yeear-old Larry Smutny of Topeka in the city's " NOTO" district.

Topeka Police say Wahquahboshkuk was identified as a suspect in the incident during the criminal investigation.  He was located and arrested.

Wahquahboshkuk remains in the Shawnee County Jail on $1 million bond.

Larry Myer/Credit: KBI 

 

(KNZA)--A Brown County Sheriff's Office lieutenant facing misdemeanor charges has requested a jury trial.

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

Myer was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in Brown County District Court. Court records now show he has requested a jury trial.

A pretrial motion hearing is scheduled for December ninth.

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

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

(KAIR)--The proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine has reached another milestone toward an Atchison opening.

In a release, Benedictine College says the school has been granted Candidate Status by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.

The designation allows the college to advance to the next stage of the accreditation process. Benedictine submitted its application for Pre-Accreditation Status earlier this month, with consideration expected during the commission’s December meeting.

Pre-Accreditation Status would allow the school to begin recruiting, admitting and educating medical students. The college hopes to reach that stage by the middle of next year and welcome its first class in 2028.

Benedictine says it has secured more than 50 million dollars in donations for the project and more than 270 clinical training seats.

Planning is also underway for a medical education facility of more than 110 thousand square feet. The building would house both the medical school and Benedictine’s School of Nursing and would represent the largest construction project in the college’s history.

All plans remain subject to the required accreditation and institutional approvals.

(KAIR)--Your Government, your candidates, your questions. 

93.7 FM, part of the MSC Radio Network, wants your questions for the candidates seeking the open Atchison County Commission seats of Districts 1 & 2, as well as that of 63rd District State Representative. 

Send your questions to kairradio@gmail.com and hear them answered live, on the air, by the candidates, in advance of the October 19 start of early voting. 

The morning of Monday, October 12, and part of Co-Host Monday around 7:20, will be John Settich(D) and Randell Vanderweide(R) candidates for 2nd District Atchison County Commission. 

7:20, Wednesday morning, October 14, it's the race for 1st District County Commission, with Katherine Kohler(R) and Charles Perdue(D) seeking that seat. 

On Thursday morning, October 15, at 7:20 it's the race for 63rd District State Representative, sought by incumbent Republican Allen Reavis and Democrat Adam Booth. 

The general election is November 3, with a list of important deadlines courtesy of the Atchison County Clerk, below. 

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council has approved on final reading an ordinance to provide regulations concerning bicycles, E-Bikes, scooters, E-Scooters, skateboards, E-Skateboards, Hoverboards and skates. 

The action occurred during the Monday night Council meeting.

Under the new ordinance,  it will be unlawful for any person to operate these devices on any sidewalk within the congested district of the City of Falls City.

 

 The devices can only be ridden from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset unless equipped with a headlight visible for not less than 500 feet.  They could not operate on any state or federal highway within the municipality except to cross highways at a marked intersection.

 

Law Enforcement will have the authority to take immediate possession of,  and transport the device to the police department if an unaccompanied minor is in violation of any provision or operating it in an unsafe manner.

 

Violations of the provisions shall be considered traffic infractions and punishable by fines.

 

The Council also approved a new internal control policy concerning financial reporting  and approved an amendment of a contract with JEO Consulting Group on Falls City Electrical Distribution System Improvement projects at a cost of $72,500 which will be in addition to the original bid price agreement of $822,170.  The new total will be $894,670.

 

The additional charges are for additional services to be performed by JEO and modifications to services of JEO.

(KLZA)--An air force veteran who served as  a Judge Advocate before going into private practice is challenging 10-term Nebraska 3rd District Congressman Adrian Smith for his seat.
Mark Cohen who now lives in Lemoyne, Nebraska has and advanced degree in agricultural law and teaches Karate, is an independent candidate for the Congressional seat.
Cohen was in Falls City and Humboldt last week campaigning.
He talked with folks about what he sees as issues in the campaign which include tariffs,  data centers and diesel prices.  
Cohen also discussed what he thinks it will take to fix the issues facing the country, noting he feels the first thing to be fixed is government. Cohen says too many of the country's representatives are influenced by money from big donors.  He also said he would favor term limits and single subject bills.
Cohen says despite Smith's claims that he is a conservative, his actions, including voting to add $3.3 trillion to the debt while voting to cut $1 trillion from Medicaid funding hurting rural hospitals and and clinics. 
MSC News asked Cohen why he feels he is the best candidate to represent Nebraska's expansive 3rd legislative district.  Cohen responded that he is a veteran, an independent that is beholden to no one or no group and that he owes it to this children, neighbors and friends to try to make a difference. Cohen said America now is not the America he believed in when he joined the Air Force.
To learn more about Mark Cohen he invites voters to go to his website Markfornebraska.org.

(KNZA)--The annual Maple Leaf Festival will take place Saturday, September 26 around the Brown County Courthouse Square in downtown Hiawatha.

The festival runs from 9:30 to 3 and will feature vendors, food trucks, activities and live entertainment.

Musical performers include Tori Wist, the Hiawatha Headliners, Lux, Randy Beech and the Rockin’ Blues, and Dakota Livingston.

Children’s and adult activities include rock climbing, bounce houses, inflatable slides and obstacle courses. New this year are a foam party and train rides. A ten-dollar wristband covers the activities.

A free petting zoo will be open from 10 to 3, along with games and entertainment from Bluffwoods Boffers.

Balloon artist Karen Smith will be on the courthouse south lawn from 11 to 2.

More than 100 vendor booths will be set up around the courthouse square.

The festival is organized by the Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau.

(KNZA)--The Horton City Commission has approved on second reading an ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicles on city streets.

The ordinance was unanimously approved Monday evening.

It allows ATVs on city streets, roads and alleys with posted speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less.

Operators must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license and liability insurance.

ATVs also must be registered with the city, with an annual license fee of 30 dollars.

The ordinance includes requirements for lights, safety equipment and eye protection, along with other restrictions.

Three violations within a three-year period could result in permanent revocation of an individual’s city ATV permit.

The ordinance will take effect after it is published in the official city newspaper.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved cleanup of an illegal dumpsite.

The site is on 130th Road between Ottumwa and Monument Roads.

Northeast Kansas Environmental Services Health Specialist Martha Smith informed the commission Monday the site qualifies for a Kansas Department of Health and Environment grant covering 75 percent of the cleanup cost, with the county paying the remaining 25 percent.

Commissioners approved the cleanup on a unanimous vote.

In other business, Custodian Laura Winkel told the commission Forge and Build has donated the shingles needed to replace the courthouse courtyard gazebo roof.

Commissioners approved 500 dollars in additional labor for Stonebarger Electric to complete the roof replacement.

The board also tabled action on masonry repairs to the courtyard’s Statue of Liberty and stone wall, pending additional bids.

(KLZA-- Richardson County Commissioners voted Wednesday to table adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget until the September 30 meeting.

The Board will continue to review the budget proposals to see if they can find areas to cut spending and reduce the proposed property tax levy.

The budget as currently proposed calls for expenditures of $22,424,406, a 5.8% increase from last year.

The property tax request would be $8,284,080 which is an increase of $2,203,698 or 34% higher than the Fiscal Year 25-26 budget.

The property tax levy would increase by 8.3-cents per $100 of assessed valuation to 38.34 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which represents an increase of 27.6 percent.

The Richardson County valuation for the next fiscal year increased more than $102.7-million which is 4.75 percent.

The new valuation is $2,160,620,189.

The County must submit the final fiscal year budget to the State Auditors office on or before September 30.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a Rural Workforce Housing Fund program loan in an amount of $158 thousand for Adam Bek, with Bek Build LLC, when they met Monday evening.

Bek intends to construct a house on land available at 1014 Barada Street, through the Southeast Nebraska Land Bank.

The home be a two-story house with approximately 1280 square feet of room. The anticipated sale price will fall within the $185,000 to $200,000 range which EDGE has discovered to be the desired range for the local demographic seeking new homes.

Bek hopes to break ground this Fall and have the home ready for sale in the spring of 2027.

This project is the first of what is intended to be six homes built on Land Bank properties in the community.

In other business the Council approved a request submitted from Eva Seeba to replace the YIELD signs at the intersection of 23rd and Chase Street and 23rd Stone Streets with STOP signs due to drivers failing to yield and the fact the street is an emergency route to Highway 73.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A late Tuesday morning wreck involving an Atchison County Sheriff's Deputy and a semi truck is under the investigation of the Kansas Highway Patrol; and, as that report is awaited, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie confirms there were no injuries in the wreck. 

He tells MSC News the non-injury accident happened on U.S. Highway 59, at 274th Road, as both vehicles were turning, but specifics aren't immediately available, pending finalization of the official report. 

The wreck was reported around 10:40 Tuesday morning. 

(KAIR)--A nearly decade-long project at Atchison’s Amelia Earhart Airport has reached a major milestone, with the airport’s new runway now open for daytime flights.

The City of Atchison, through a social media post, announced the runway is available for daytime use as the FAA completes final lighting and instrument checks. Once those checks are finished, the runway can become fully operational for nighttime flights as well.

The project represents nearly 10 years of active work at the Atchison airport.

With daytime operations now underway, pilots are once again being welcomed to Amelia Earhart Airport, along with its remodeled FBO office and the nearby Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.

Officials say completion of the remaining FAA checks will mark the final step toward full operation of the new runway.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has hired a new noxious weed director and appointed an interim county appraiser.

Commissioners took both actions Monday following executive sessions.

The Commission unanimously approved hiring Brandon Roberts as noxious weed director, effective November ninth.

Roberts has served as the county’s emergency management director since May and will continue in that role. He’ll work 16 hours a week as noxious weed director and 24 hours in emergency management.

Roberts replaces Richard Rodvelt, who was terminated September eighth.

The Commission also unanimously appointed Kerri Koch as interim county appraiser, effective immediately for six months.  

Koch is the Nemaha County appraiser and will split her time between the two counties.

Former Brown County Appraiser Steve Markham resigned August 31st.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Utilities would like to notify customers of scheduled electric system work beginning Thursday, September 24 at 7:00 a.m. 

Falls City Utilities is working with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories to upgrade generator and feeder protection and control equipment at the City Power Plant. The work will require the City’s bus tie to be taken out of service while new equipment is safely installed and commissioned. 

During this work, the City’s 4,160-volt electric circuits will be supplied by local generation. The work may take up to eight hours to complete. 

No interruption or disturbance to electric service is expected, and City crews will be onsite and prepared throughout the work. 

This notice is being provided to keep the public informed about the operation of Falls City’s electric system during the scheduled maintenance.

 

(KLZA)--During Husker Harvest Days, Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts recognized three individuals, who will be inducted into the NRD Hall of Fame later this month.

Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter.

Among the 2026 NRD Hall of Fame inductees was Nemaha NRD Employee Jane Kuhl.

Jane Kuhl has 43 years, and still counting, of dedicated service to the Nemaha NRD. During her career, Kuhl has served as secretary, information & education representative and assistant manager, taking on increasing responsibilities while becoming a trusted source of knowledge and guidance for staff and directors.

Kuhl has helped the Nemaha NRD navigate leadership transitions and changing priorities while preserving institutional knowledge and providing continuity. Her professionalism, dependability and willingness to help have made her a valuable resource to the district, its partners and the communities it serves.

Kuhl’s dedication to conservation extends beyond her professional life. She and her husband, Gary, operate a family farm, maintaining a close connection to the land she has spent her career helping protect.

The other 2026 NRD Hall of Fame honoree's are NRD Director – Marcel Kramer, from Crofton, and NRD Supporter – Patrick Cowsert,  from Wisner. 

Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. 

In the posted picture:  From left, Nemaha NRD Information & Education Coordinator Maddie Million; Nemaha NRD Manager Kyle Hauschild; Nemaha NRD Assistant Manager Jane Kuhl; Gary Kuhl; Nemaha NRD Director Eldon Snoke; and Nemaha NRD Director Dan Stukenholtz. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison driver was arrested following a Tuesday evening Atchison crash at Seventh and Q streets.

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says officers responded at about 7:40, where they found that a Honda Accord driven by 28-year-old Ty Rauber had been westbound on Q Street when it failed to stop at a stop sign. The car collided with a GMC Yukon driven by 38-year-old Kristen May, who was southbound on Seventh Street.

Fire and EMS crews responded, but no one was taken to a hospital.

Rauber was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Atchison County Jail. He was arrested on allegations of driving under the influence, transporting an open container, possessing marijuana and failing to yield.

(KAIR)--Atchison and Brown counties will be represented among the new Kansas attorneys set to be sworn in this week.

Vincent Gregory Schiffiano of Atchison and Nolan William Brey of Fairview are among 105 applicants from 17 Kansas counties who passed the bar examination.

A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Friday morning, September 25, at 9:30, at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. New attorneys may attend the ceremony or take the oath later before a state or federal judge.

Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Rosen will preside, and U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse will represent the federal court.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Atchison County is recognizing 10 years of service by Corey Scott, its chief of emergency services.

In a social media post recognizing Scott, the county says he has spent the past decade advocating for EMS and first responders, supporting emergency crews and working to strengthen emergency response.

The county thanked Scott for his leadership and dedication to Atchison County.

Pic credit: USD 409/Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A “well-deserved recognition” is how Atchison Public Schools describes an award given to one of its staff members for early childhood leadership.

Stefanie Bourne, the district’s special education programs and systems specialist, received the 2026 Whelan Leadership for Learning Award as a member of the Early Childhood Leadership Cadre.

A release from Atchison’s USD 409 says the group brings together leaders from early childhood programs across Northeast Kansas to share expertise and strengthen learning opportunities for young children and families. The award recognizes the group’s leadership, collaboration and work to sustain high quality programs.

Before joining Atchison Public Schools, Bourne was principal of the Earl Lawson Early Education Center in Leavenworth, where she represented the district on the Cadre.

Kelby Rosenberger/Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)--A Lawrence man was arrested Sunday evening in Jefferson County in connection with the theft of a motorcycle.

Twenty-four-year-old Kelby Rosenberger was taken into custody by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department following a traffic stop.

He’s accused of taking a 2025 Honda motorcycle belonging to a Lawrence resident sometime between September 19th and 20th.

According to court documents, Rosenberger was formally charged Monday in Jefferson County District Court with felony theft and misdemeanor driving while suspended.

He’s being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a 15-thousand-dollar bond.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council conducted a public hearing on the 2026-27 budget and property tax request Monday evening prior to the start of the regular council meeting.

During the regular Council meeting the budget and property tax request for the fiscal year 2026-27 was approved.

The operating budget for the next fiscal year will be $70,625,921 which is an increase of 126%. However, the property tax request will be $836,120, an increase of $22,060 or 3%.

Two large expenditures are included in the 26-27 fiscal year budget that greatly increased the budget of expenditures. The projects include a $40 million electrical transmission line and a $5 million sub-station project.

The valuation of the city increased 11% to $232,155,778.

The property tax rate will be 36.0155 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which is a 7% decrease from the previous year.