Photo Credit: KS Teachers Hall of Fame

(KNZA)--A longtime Brown County educator will be inducted into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame.

Darlene Rake, of rural Horton, is among eight educators selected for induction during a ceremony Saturday, June 6th, in Dodge City. Rake was the only nominee from northeast Kansas chosen for this year's Hall of Fame class.

Rake spent 30 years in education--including 28 plus years teaching  in the Hiawatha Public Schools of USD 415.   Beyond that, she also spent many years as a substitute teacher.

To be eligible for nomination, candidates must have been certified K-through-12 teachers in Kansas for at least 25 years. Rake was nominated in March by members of the Brown County Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel.

She was selected for the honor in recognition of her lifelong commitment to student achievement and her contributions to education and the community.

The Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, established in 1977, was the first state-level hall of fame in the nation dedicated to the teaching profession. More than 450 educators have been inducted over the years.

Photo credit: Amberwell

(KAIR)--Cancer patients in northeast Kansas who currently face lengthy drives for treatment may soon be able to receive care close to home, as Amberwell Health and Mosaic Life Care announce a clinical collaboration to bring cancer treatment to Atchison.

In a joint release, the two health systems announce the launch of Amberwell Cancer Care, a new program that will bring chemotherapy, infusion therapy, and onsite oncology clinic appointments to Atchison and the surrounding region for the first time. The program is expected to welcome its first patients by early 2028.

The release says Amberwell Atchison will own and operate the new program, while Mosaic will supply the oncology physicians and clinical direction. Clinical oversight will be provided by Mosaic Medical Director of Oncology Dr. Rony Abou-Jawde, who has served the region for more than 20 years, and Dr. Vinay Gupta, who currently provides onsite infusion care in Atchison.

Amberwell Cancer Care will be housed in a new two-story, 20-thousand-square-foot addition to the Amberwell Atchison campus, which will also expand rehabilitation services and add specialty clinic space. The building is planned to open in 2027.

The release also announces the launch of Building Hope, a two-million-dollar capital campaign to support construction and equipment for the addition. More information is available at amberwellhealth.org/building-hope.

If there was an increase or decrease from the 2025 assessed valuation of a real property parcel to the 2026 assessed value, the county assessor was required to send a notice of valuation change to the property owner on or before June 1, 2026.

If a change of valuation notice was not received, and there was

a change in value from 2025 to 2026, contact the local county assessor for more information.

If a property owner disagrees with the assessed value, whether or not a notice of valuation change has been received, a protest may be filed with the county board of equalization. The valuation protest may be filed in person, by mail or through email with the county clerk in the county where the property is located.

Requirements for filing a protest are on the Notice of Valuation Change. All real property protests are required to be completed using either Property Valuation Protest Form 422 or Form 422A.

For more information regarding filing a protest, please contact the county clerk where the property is located

Photo credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--A Hoyt man was arrested early Saturday morning on drug-related allegations following a traffic stop in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says a deputy stopped a Ford F-150 pickup shortly after 2:30 along U.S. Highway 75 near 110th Road for an alleged traffic violation.

Morse says 59-year-old Michael Moore was taken into custody.

Moore was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Filing for election to seek the 2nd District County Commission seat is Democrat John Settich whose release announcing his candidacy describes him as a first-time candidate who brings 28-years of involvement in Democratic politics and community service causes, as well as 25-years of teaching politics and government at the college level, including years spent as Chair of Political Science at Benedictine College.

Settich, shortly after Monday's filing deadline, released a Youtube video describing his candidacy.

The 2nd District Commission seat is currently held by Republican John Calhoon, appointed early this year to fill an unexpired term. Having now filed for election to the seat, Calhoon is also challenged by a member of his own party, with Republican Randell Vanderweide filing for election as 2nd District County Commissioner.

Calhoon's ability to hold the position has been challenged through a lawsuit filed by the Atchison County Attorney. The filing alleges he's ineligible to simultaneously serve as both commissioner and Jackson County Undersheriff. The case is making its way through the legal process.

Also filing for Atchison County Commission prior to Monday’s deadline was Democrat Charles Perdue, a former Atchison City Commissioner who now seeks the 1st District County Commission seat. It's currently held by Republican James Campbell, an appointee to the seat who did not file to seek election. However, another Republican, Katherine Kohler, has also filed to seek the role.

Meanwhile, 63rd District State Representative, Dr. Allen Reavis, has gained a challenger.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State, Democrat Adam Booth has filed to run for the seat held by the Republican Reavis.

Booth is listed as a resident of Wathena in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Primary Election is set for August 4 followed by the November 3 General Election.

Organizers say the America 250 Atchison Celebration kicks off early Saturday morning, July 4th, with a free community pancake breakfast from 7:45 until 10:45 that morning. Steve Johnson, marketing director for Benedictine College says a come-and-go open house at the new Benedictine College Library, inspired by Independence Hall, runs from 9 that morning until noon.

That afternoon, a Downtown Patriotic Parade begins at 4:00, with lineup beginning at 10th and Commercial at 2:00 that afternoon. Atchison Mayor La Rochelle Young says entrants are being accepted now to take part in one of the parade categories.

At 5:00 on the July 4th evening, food, inflatables, and music get underway along the Riverfront, with the Garin Noland Band performing from 5 until 7, followed by the Soca Juke Box Band from 7:15 until 9:15 that evening.

All day long, historical reenactors from the Lewis and Clark Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, Missouri, will be camped at Atchison Riverfront Park, sharing the replica keelboat and stories of American history. The newly refurbished Forest of Friendship, with new walkways and signage, will also be open throughout the day.

The evening closes with a patriotic drone show at 9:30, followed by fireworks over the Riverfront at 9:45.

Organizers say flags are still available at the Santa Fe Depot and local businesses. More details can be found here .

(KNZA)--The field of candidates is now set for several local races in Jackson County, and one contest will require a primary election to narrow the field.

According to the Jackson County Clerk's Office, four candidates filed by Monday's deadline for Position Five on the Holton City Commission. Those candidates are Darlene Selley, Shawn LeHotta, Jason Murphy, and John Lemon.

Because four candidates are seeking the seat, a primary election will be held on August 4th. The top two vote-getters will advance to the November 3rd general election. The position is currently held by Marilyn Watkins, who did not file for re-election.

In another Holton City Commission race, incumbent Tim Schlodder will face challenger Mark Davis for Position Three. City Commission races are nonpartisan.

Meanwhile, First District Jackson County Commissioner Mark Pruett has filed for re-election to a four-year term. Pruett is being challenged in the Republican primary by fellow Holton resident Doug Fisher.

The winner of that August Republican primary will face no Democratic opposition in the November general election.

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

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a Semi truck driven by a 38-year-old man from Graham, Missouri was northbound on Interstate 29 and was exiting on the ramp leading to Highway 59, approximately a mile east of Craig, Missouri.

A motorcycle operated by the Mound City man was westbound on Highway 59.

As the semi entered the intersection and attempted to turn west, it failed to yield to the motorcycle.

The motorcycle attempted to avoid the semi, began to skid and struck the trucks front on the passenger side, ejecting the motorcycle operator.

The driver of the motorcycle was transported by the Atchison Holt Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care hospital in St. Joseph for treatment of what were described as moderate injuries.

The Holt County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.

Summer EBT is available to families with eligible school-age children to help them buy groceries during the summer months. A one-time payment of $120 will be issued for each eligible child, covering the summer period.

To align with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Summer EBT benefits can no longer be used to purchase soda or energy drinks, beginning this year.

The first issuance is sent to students receiving public assistance benefits through participation in SNAP, Aid to Dependent Children Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or an income-based Medicaid program.

Additional issuances will include eligible children as reported by school districts and any new eligibility determinations through public assistance benefits and Summer EBT applications.

Summer EBT cards will be mailed to eligible families using their registered address with DHHS or their child's school. Cards may take up to 10 business days to arrive in the mail. Once families receive the Summer EBT card, it must be activated using the instructions mailed with the card.

Eligible families will have 122 days, or four months, to use Summer EBT benefits. The 122-day count begins the day after benefits are issued. If benefits are not used within 122 days, funds will be returned to the federal government and cannot be reissued.

Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase food at any location that accepts SNAP EBT, including grocery stores, online food retailers, and farmer's markets.

For questions regarding Summer EBT, call 800-383-4278, option 5, or email DHHS.SEBT@nebraska.gov.

Superintendent Korey Miles presented a preliminary budget report, noting that with one month remaining in the current budget cycle, the district has received 95% of its projected revenue.

The Superintendent noted that revenues are lower due to less sales tax and lottery / gaming money coming in.

The Board approved hiring Jennifer Daniels as a Speech Pathologist in the district the the 2026-27 school year and Matthew Prussman as the ACES Social Worker for the next school year.

Contracts for non-certified personnel were approved along with extra duty contracts for the next school year.

It was also noted during the meeting that work has started on the gymnasium floor to ensure the bleachers pull onto the floor smoothly and without issue.

Options for a new phone system are being researched and research on finding a carrier to provide Board paid life insurance for all staff member is underway. The current life insurance provider will no longer be available.

A new policy has been agreed upon to provide each staff member with a $10 thousand policy with $20 thousand dollar accidental death coverage.

Richardson County was within the residential class of real property at 95% of actual or fair market value, commercial class of real property at 100% of actual fair market value and agricultural and horticultural land class of real property is 70%.

In 2025 the percentages were 93% for residential property, 95% for commercial property and 75% for ag and horticultural property.

All of the percentages fell within the state allowed ranges for the valuations.

Commissioners appointed County Clerk Mary Eickhoff as the budget-making authority for Fiscal Year 2026-27.

The Board also designated MIPS, a Nebraska software support service company to print the postcard notices for the Joint Public Hearing if needed in September concerning valuations.

A quote for the 3-year licensing agreement for Microsoft programs for the county computer systems in an amount of $10,140 and a quote of $8,796 from Meraki security licensing and support for 3 years along with replacement parts and switches for the county computer systems were approved.

Following the review of a claim submitted May 14th from gWorks for $21,225 for an early termination fee for Emergency Management Tab, Assessor's Tab and for annual support, Commissioners voted to deny the payment.

BPW General Manager Ray Luhring noted there are some minor challenges that are being handled by management and the crew.

The Board also received the 2025 audit report from Julie Bauman, CPA.

Bauman reported that the audit went well and that the Auburn BPW is in good financial position with no findings requiring attention.

A report from Wichita State University in regards to Auburn's Drought Contingency Plan included recommendations, many of which are currently being handled. The BPW plans to continue to work toward an upgraded plan.

Nemaha County Emergency Management Director Renee Critser addressed the Board, expressing gratitude for the rapid response from the BPW in regards to the severe storm damage that devastated the Auburn Community on May 18, noting that clean up is approximately 30% completed.

Sunday evening shortly after 8 p.m. firefighters were called to 1102 Wilson Street to a trailer house owned and occupied by Donald Murphy.

Murphy was on the front porch when a neighbor called in that the north back porch steps were on fire.

Two attack lines were deployed to knock down the fire quickly and exhaust fans were used to pull the smoke out of the trailer.

Metal from the skirting was removed in two locations and part of the bathroom floor to investigate the fires travel path.

The cause of the fire has been declared undetermined.

Four fire trucks, 16 firefighters, the Falls City Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Falls City Police Department and Falls City Utility Department and Richardson County Emergency Management all responded to the call.

Emergency Management assisted in finding housing for the residents overnight and provided transportation.

On Thursday, May 28, a fire was reported at 2121 Harlan Street at approximately 11p.m.

A second-floor apartment was fully involved prior to the arrival of firefighters.

A Richardson County Deputy Sheriff was driving by and saw the flames and stopped to assist with getting residents out of the five apartments.

Falls City Rural Fire Department members made a quick entry along with the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department to knock down the fire. Firemen monitored the exterior of the building for fire extension and power was cut off for the apartment involved.

One resident was taken by private vehicle to Community Medical Center for unknown causes and one fireman was treated at the scene for possible smoke inhalation.

It appears that misuse of smoking materials may have been the cause of the fire.

The apartment building is owned by Eddie and Debra Harris.

The estimated loss is in the neighborhood of $50 thousand.

Falls City Volunteer Fire Department Public Information Officer Jon McQueen noted that first responders appreciate local citizen's cooperation to stay back and give them room as large supply hoses are used to supply water and many units need to get close to the fire scene.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha-based KANZA Mental Health & Guidance Center has been awarded nearly $1.4 million through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, part of a statewide effort to strengthen health care access in rural communities.

The grant, totaling $1,354,975, was announced Friday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as part of $79.1 million awarded to 39 hospitals and health care providers across Kansas. KANZA serves residents in Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, and Nemaha counties.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran praised the program, which he helped establish through federal legislation, saying the funding will help rural providers modernize technology, expand services, and improve health outcomes.

Kansas received the sixth-highest allocation nationwide and is expected to receive about $1 billion through the program over the next five years. State officials say the investments will strengthen rural health systems, improve access to care, and support long-term sustainability for providers serving Kansas communities.

(KLZA)--The Auburn Board of Public Works will be be turning on and testing all fire hydrants in Auburn June 2nd through June 4th to make sure they are in good working condition. 

High velocity flushing removes any sediment that may have settled in the water mains.

Customers may find temporary discoloration of the water during these periods. This is normal and the water remains safe to drink. Before washing clothes on these days, please check the water for clarity. If it is not clear please run water until it is clear before washing clothes. 

Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar, in a release, says crews responded shortly after noon Friday to Atchison Tubular Manufacturing at 8154 Industrial Park Lane in Atchison's annexed business park west of the city, after the facility reported a chemical found in a storage cabinet that had deteriorated into a volatile state.

Weishaar says crews arrived to find the facility's safety team had already moved the product to a safe, open area of the plant. Following an investigation by fire crews and the Atchison Police Department, Weishaar says it was determined the Leavenworth County Bomb Squad should be requested to respond.

A safety zone was established with assistance from the Atchison Police Department, Atchison County EMS, and Atchison County Emergency Management. Weishaar says once the Bomb Squad arrived, the safest course of action was determined to be detonation of the container and chemical. Responders confirmed the threat was eliminated following the detonation.

Weishaar says no injuries were reported and that at no time was there any danger to the public beyond the originally established safety zone, with no broader evacuation necessary. He also commended the facility's management for identifying the hazard and contacting authorities.

(KLZA)--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has announced eligible landowners have from June 1 until Aug. 31, 2026 to review and consider base acre increases on farms enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs, as authorized by provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.  

The Act provides landowners with the opportunity to update and increase base acres in preparation for enrollment in ARC and PLC beginning with the 2026 and future crop years. Nationwide, up to 30 million new base acres can be added by eligible farms.  

ARC and PLC are cornerstone commodity safety net programs that provide financial protection to farmers when market prices or revenues decline. These programs help producers manage risk and maintain the economic viability of their operations amid challenging market and weather conditions.  

FSA began notifying eligible landowners, by direct mail, that Base Allocation Summaries outlining potential base acre updates will be available for review beginning June 1, 2026. These Base Allocation Summaries can be accessed online at fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc using a Login.gov account. Landowners who do not currently have a Login.gov account are encouraged to contact their local FSA county office to obtain their Base Allocation Summary beginning June 1, 2026. The Base Allocation Summary should be reviewed and any necessary actions completed by Monday, Aug. 31, 2026.

For additional information, producers should contact their local FSA county office or visit U.S. Department of Agriculture online at fsa.usda.gov/state-offices.   

(KLZA)--Following an executive session with County Attorney Emily Sisco and Pawnee County Public Defender Steve Mercure  to discuss the Public Defender contract on Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners voted to terminate the Public Defender contract between Pawnee County and Mercure on the recommendation of County Attorney Sisco, based on conflicts of interest.

Commissioners Lavonn Heidemann and Jan Lang voted to break the contract.  Commissioner Ron Seitz was not present at the meeting.  

Highway  Superintendent Chris Rauner met with the Board and discussed cleanup from damages caused by storms last week, especially on the north side of the county.

Joshua Jefferson/Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--A Holton man arrested last week following an hours-long standoff will undergo a court-ordered mental competency evaluation.

A Jackson County judge on Thursday ordered 36-year-old Joshua Jefferson to be evaluated by Kanza Mental Health. A competency hearing has been scheduled for June 11th.

Jefferson was taken into custody on May 20th after a standoff that began during an animal cruelty investigation. He is currently facing multiple charges in Jackson County District Court, including aggravated assault, criminal threat, two counts of interference with law enforcement, battery, and animal cruelty.

Court proceedings in the case are on hold pending the results of the mental evaluation.

Jefferson remains held at the Jackson County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

(KAIR)--A Kansas City, Kansas man has died following a confrontation with deputies Thursday afternoon after authorities responded to a reported domestic disturbance south of Rushville, Missouri. 

The Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, in a release, said deputies were dispatched just before noon to the area of Missouri Route 45 and U.S. 59 after reports of a rolling domestic situation. 

Dispatchers told responding deputies that a woman on the call used the word “kidnapping” and said she feared for her life.  When deputies arrived, they located a Dodge Ram pickup and made contact with a 36-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man identified as Marcus Alan Caldwell, along with his mother.  Officials say Caldwell was extremely agitated and continued to escalate the situation as deputies attempted to de-escalate and take him into custody. During that attempt, the sheriff’s office says Caldwell punched a deputy in the face and fought with multiple deputies. At one point, he also grabbed for a deputy’s firearm before being brought under control and handcuffed. 

After Caldwell was restrained, deputies and Buchanan County EMS began rendering aid when he reportedly suffered a medical emergency and stopped breathing. 

He was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, where he was pronounced dead.  An autopsy is scheduled, and the investigation is ongoing.

(KNZA)--Several additional candidates have filed for positions up for election this fall in Brown County.

According to the Brown County Clerk’s Office, Emily Kloepper, a rural Hiawatha Republican, has filed to retain her position as Register of Deeds. Kloepper was selected in February by the Brown County Republican Precinct Committee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Nellie Brockhoff. The November election will determine whether she continues in the role through January of 2029.

In other filings, Jessica Ann Homan has entered the race for mayor of Fairview, becoming the first candidate to file for the position currently held by Ron Rettele. Jesse Davis has also filed for one of two open Fairview City Council seats, joining Douglas Bletscher in the race.

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

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission is moving forward with a new patriotic banner project to honor veterans and active-duty military members throughout the county.

During Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners reviewed a sample banner design and finalized plans for the program, which will feature commemorative banners on the 20 lamp posts surrounding the courthouse square. Residents will be able to sponsor personalized banners recognizing family members and loved ones who have served in the military.

Each banner will cost 150 dollars. Commissioners also approved spending 16 hundred dollars from the Commissioners Fund to purchase mounting hardware for the display, with two banners planned for each pole.

Commissioner Richard Tesoriero says interest in the project has already been strong, even before the program has been widely advertised. He says several residents have also offered donations to help offset the cost of the mounting hardware.

County officials hope to have the banners installed in time for the Fourth of July holiday and as part of the community’s recognition of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Commissioners plan to display the banners a few months a year and store them in the Courthouse for the remainder of the year.

Additional information and banner order forms are available on the Brown County website.

Caden Vice/Credit: Doniphan Co Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph man accused of multiple vehicle burglaries last October in Highland has entered into a plea agreement.

According to court documents, Caden Vice pleaded no contest last week in Doniphan County District Court to two counts of felony theft. In exchange for the plea, four additional counts were dismissed.

Vice was charged with breaking into several vehicles during the early morning hours of October 27th and stealing multiple firearms.

He was arrested in November following an investigation by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office and Highland Police Department.

Vice is scheduled to be sentenced June 24th.

Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A Hoyt man is facing multiple charges following an early morning traffic stop in Jackson County. 

According to Sheriff Tim Morse, a deputy conducted a traffic stop shortly before 3:00 a.m. Tuesday in the parking lot of Walmart in Holton on an Acura TL.

The driver , identified as 67-year-old Daniel Carlow,  was taken into custody following the stop.

He was booked into the Jackson County Jail on multiple charges, including four counts of aggravated offender registration violations, one count of offender registration violation, and criminal carry of a weapon by a convicted felon.

WIBW-TV reports the incident happened around 4:00 Tuesday afternoon near the Williamstown community, about three miles east of Perry, near U.S. 24 and U.S. 59, when the deputy was transporting the juvenile to the Douglas County Youth Detention Center on two counts of felony auto theft and criminal damage. The juvenile, it's alleged, slipped one of the cuffs off and struck the deputy on the side of her head.

WIBW says the juvenile fled but was captured a short time later by the deputy who was then transported by Jefferson County Ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released.

WIBW, citing Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, reports the juvenile was transported to the Douglas County Youth Detention Center following the capture and will now face additional charges, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated escape from custody, and criminal damage to property.

The Kansas Highway Patrol was among agencies that responded to the scene.