(KNZA)-Two individuals were arrested on drug charges following separate traffic stops Saturday afternoon in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a 1999 Ford F-150 pickup near 142nd and US Hwy 75 shortly before 12:30 after identifying the driver as having a revoked driver’s license.

The driver, 52-year-old Everett Barton, of Topeka, was arrested for being in possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons, driving while revoked and no drug tax stamp.

Barton was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Morse said a Sheriff’s deputy then stopped a 2017 Chevy Cruze near 174th and US Highway 75 around 2:30 for a traffic infraction.

Further investigation led to the arrest of the driver, 45-year-old Horton resident Amanda  Monser, for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license.

Monser was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Sheriff's Office is seeking updated information from livestock owners in the County.

A letter was sent from the Sheriff's Office requesting updated info for the department's livestock listings.

If you have cattle or livestock and did not get a letter to update your information, please give the Richardson County Sheriff's Office a call, at 402-245-2479 and a form will be mailed to you.

The Sheriff's Office asks that the forms be returned as soon as possible.

(KAIR)--A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a Saturday evening Buchanan County, Missouri crash.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on State Route JJ about 5 miles south of St. Joseph around 7:00.

The Patrol reports 53-year-old Joy Deatherage, of St. Joseph, was northbound when she failed to negotiate a curve. Her motorcycle crossed the center line and travelled off the west side of the road where it overturned.

Deatherage, who was wearing a helmet, was ejected.

She was flown by helicopter to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City with what the Patrol described as serious injuries.

(KNZA)--Jackson County is reporting three additional COVID-19 related deaths.

The Jackson County Health Department reported the deaths Friday.

The Department said all three individuals were age 60 and older.

That brings to 15 the total number of virus-related deaths  since the pandemic began.

On the positive side, the Department said there are currently only three active coronavirus cases, with no hospitalizations.

Jackson County has seen 1,330 total positive cases.

The Health Department held a COVID-19 vaccination clinic Thursday, providing both first and second immunizations to 635 individuals.

(KAIR)--The substantial decrease of hospitalizations nationwide due to COVID-19 means a slow return to some semblance of pre-pandemic living, and that includes local communities.

The Associated Press reports the number of hospital cases plummeted by 80,000 nationwide in six weeks, with nearly 20% of the nation’s adult population now vaccinated.

Virus-influenced mandates, implemented by local governments in an attempt to prevent the virus spread, continue to adapt with the changing numbers. Some area counties, including Doniphan this week, and Brown and Jackson in late December, opting to end the mandatory wearing of face masks in public. The Atchison County Commission this week extended the mandate, while the Jefferson County Commission, with a mask mandate remaining in place, set to evaluate the need on Monday.
Local government buildings continue to slowly reopen to the public in phases, following full closures implemented at the height of the pandemic.

Steps toward a return to some sense of pre-pandemic normalcy is noted in a change made regarding public meetings of the Atchison City Commission, with that change to take effect Monday.

The Commission, like others in both local cities and counties, has utilized the online Zoom meeting platform to conduct open business as a method of practicing social distancing.
According to the agenda for Monday afternoon’s meeting of the Atchison City Commission, while the session will be available for public viewing on the City of Atchison’s Facebook page, as had been the procedure prior to the pandemic, Zoom will no longer be utilized, with the Commission returning to an in-person format.

However, in-person attendance by members of the public will remain limited, with any resident who wishes to attend required to RSVP to Atchison City Clerk Julie Behler no later than 12 noon on Monday.

Among matters of business for the meeting will be the consideration of the sale of Walt Wilburn Memorial Ball Park, currently placed in the City’s Land Bank, to Franklin Family Enterprises, which has made a $20,000 offer for purchase of the Branchton area property.

The proposed use of the property, should the City accept the offer, is an entertainment venue for both indoor and outdoor events.

The ballpark has, since the 2010 opening of the Atchison County Sports Complex, been maintained by the City, with official league use of the location moved to the complex.

(KNZA)--A Goff man facing multiple child sex charges involving three alleged victims has entered into a plea agreement.

According to court documents, David Holst pleaded no contest Thursday in Nemaha County District Court to felony charges of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and indecent liberties with a child.

In exchange for the plea, a charge of aggravated criminal sodomy was dismissed.

Sentencing was set for March 25.

Holst was arrested in October of last year following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff's Department into sex crimes involving a 14-year-old and two children under the age of 14.

He remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $150,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- Following a public hearing which drew no public input Tuesday,  Pawnee County Commissioners approved the One – and -  Six – Year Plan for highway improvements in Pawnee County.

Highway Superintendent Chris Rauner presented the plan to the Board.

Commissioners also opened bids for six bridge sites in Pawnee County and sites shared with Johnson and Nemaha counties. 

The sites are on 610 Avenue between 708 and 709 Road;  On 619 Avenue between 705 and 706 Roads, which are both in Pawnee County; On 736 Road between between 608 Avenue and 609 Avenue  in Johnson County;  and on three Gage County sites;  West Plum Road between 131 Road and 142 Road;  on South 80 Road between East Oak and East Maple Roads and on West Willow Road between S1 and S-10 Roads.

The bids were for corrugated metal pipes with steel headwalls and wingwalls and other incidental work at the sites. 

Three bids were received.  Midwest Service and Sales Company of Schuyler, Nebraska submitted the low bid in the amount of $313,262. 

The cost of the projects in Pawnee County will be $52,720 for the project on 610 Avenue and $59,184 for the project on 619 Avenue.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a new excavator for the County Road and Bridge Department when they met Tuesday. 

A 2021 Sany excavator from A-1 Iron Corporation in LaVista, Nebraska will be purchased at a cost of $143,989.  The base bid was $162,489 less the trade-in amount of $18,500 for a 2006 John Deer 120 excavator.  

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau said the Sany machine is built in Georgia but is just  becoming available in the  U.S.  The machine is to be delivered by April 1.

There were seven bids submitted.   A Hyundai excavator was bid at $131,700 with a trade-in amount allowed at just over $40-thousand,  but the machine would not have been available for delivery for at least four months. 

Commissioners also approved a purchase order for equipment to be installed in two new patrol vehicles that will be paid for with USDA grant funds. The purchase order was in an amount of $4,836.  

(KMZA)--Upgrades will be made to the security systems at the Nemaha County Jail in Seneca.

The Nemaha County Commission this week approved the purchase of the upgrades from CML Security for $82,530.

Sheriff Rich Vernon said the security systems, which run the cameras and door locks in the jail, have reached the end of their useful life of 5 to 7 years. 

Funding for the upgrades will come from the Sheriff Department's capital outlay account.

In other business, Senior Services/Public Transit Director Diane Yunghans informed commissioners they are having problems with the current freezer at the Seneca Nutrition Center. She presented quotes for the repair of the freezer and purchase of a new freezer.

Commissioner's voted to purchase a new freezer from Mitchell Appliance, of Seneca, at a cost of $5,500.

County Emergency Preparedness Director Russel Lierz informed commissioners that March 1st-5th is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Kansas. The annual statewide tornado safety drill will be held Tuesday morning, March 2 at 10:00.

Also Road and Bridge Supervisor Dennis Ronnebaum informed commissioners that John Morrison is retiring from the Road and Bridge Department, effective March 2. Discussion was held on filling his position.

WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (AP) — An Elwood, Kansas man has been convicted of killing his girlfriend in Iowa in 2018.

34-year-old Zackery Bassett was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder in the September 2018 death of 50-year-old Andrea Solokowski, in Webster City, Iowa.

Bassett was originally charged with first-degree murder in the case.

Prosecutors said Bassett had abused and stalked Solokowski, of Sioux City, for more than a year before her death. An autopsy found injuries consistent with asphyxiation but Solokowski's cause of death was listed as undetermined.

The maximum sentence possible for second-degree murder is 50 years in prison. Bassett is scheduled to be sentenced April 5.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s annual celebration of success skipped the traditional big night out, with the age of COVID-19 seeing the celebration of community achievement held online.

That happened Monday, during the virtual annual business meeting of the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, with awards presented during online ceremonies.

According to a post to the Chamber’s Facebook page, the Salvation Army of Atchison County earned the Organization of the Year award, while Willie’s Sports Pub, located in downtown Atchison, was honored as Entrepreneurs of the Year.

The Blish-Mize Company was recognized with Happy Birthday honors, as the wholesale hardware distributor celebrates 150 years of operations, in Atchison.

Recognition and thanks also went to outgoing Chamber Board members Steve Glaser, Katie McDowell, Robbie Shriwise, and Steve Wheatley.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is violating the First Amendment rights of its citizens by removing dissenting comments from its social media pages.

That’s the accusation made by Attorney, and Kansas GOP Chairman, Mike Kuckelman, who voiced his concerns during Tuesday’s meeting of the Atchison County Commission. 

Brian Hagen reports. 

(KLZA)-- During Tuesday's meeting of the Pawnee County Board of Commissioners, County Assessor John Bailey submitted his resignation. Bailey will be retiring April 2.

Bailey has served 22 years as the Pawnee County Assessor. 

(MSC News)--911 phone lines were down this ( Thursday) morning in multiple northeast Kansas counties.

Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties all reported their 911 lines down.

If you have an emergency, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office says you can contact the Sheriff's Office at 785-364-2251.

Residents in Jefferson County can call 785-863-2765.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office said until the issue is resolved, residents can call 785-457-3353 for any emergencies or calls for service.

(MSC News)--911 phone lines were down this ( Thursday) morning in multiple northeast Kansas counties.

Jackson, Jefferson and Pottawatomie Counties were all reporting their 911 lines were down.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office says if you have an emergency, you can contact the Sheriff's Office at 785-364-2251.

Residents in Jefferson County can call 785-863-2765.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office said until the issue is residents can call 785-457-3353 for any emergencies or calls for service.

(KLZA)-- NioCorp Developments has announced that it has signed a contract with Cementation USA, Inc, part of the Cementation Americas group, a leading global underground mine contracting and engineering company, to continue advancing detailed engineering work associated with the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project.
 
Under the contract, Cementation will conduct an evaluation of the current design for the Project’s underground mine and prepare a detailed cost estimate for the final detailed engineering that would be required to bring the mine design to “Issued for Construction” status.

 NioCorp selected Cementation as the lead Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contractor for the underground aspects of the Project.  NioCorp expects to engage Cementation, if and when additional Project financing becomes available, to undertake Phase 2 of the contract, which involves completion of the detailed engineering for the mine. 

Based in Sandy, UT, Cementation is a mining- and minerals-focused group of companies, delivering both underground and surface solutions for mines and downstream minerals processing facilities worldwide.  

(KNZA)--Two local residents were involved in a 7-vehicle crash on Interstate-70 in downtown Topeka Wednesday afternoon that claimed the life of a Manhattan woman.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 4:30 when an eastbound semi tractor-trailer carrying large metal pipes lost its load. The metal pipes traveled over the concrete barrier wall and into the westbound lanes.

One of the metal pipes struck the driver's rear quarter panel and window of a Ford Expedition driven by 47-year-old Sabetha resident Amy Mitchell.  That pipe then landed on top of a Kia Forte.

A Ford pickup truck driven by 60-year-old Robert Torrey, of Axtell, was unable to stop and struck the rear of the Kia, sending it spinning and crashing into the outside concrete bridge rail.

The Patrol said due to the severity of the collision with the pipe, the driver of the Kia, 29-year-old Brooke Rees, was pronounced dead at the scene.

No one else was hurt.

There were three passengers in the Mitchell vehicle and four passengers in the Torrey vehicle.

Three other westbound vehicles struck one of the metal pipes or were struck by a pipe.

The crash remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--Despite a two-week winter weather delay, the demolition of Atchison’s downtown pedestrian mall, comprising the 500 and 600 blocks of Commercial Street, is beginning.

That can’t be ignored due to to the sight of heavy equipment now moved into that location.

According to Assistant Atchison City Manager Justin Pregont, tree removal is likely to begin next week, followed by actual demolition work, which will likely take sometime due to needed extra safety in the removal of the mall’s concrete canopies.

Despite that, and the winter weather delay, Pregont said the timeline for completion is not expected to be impacted, with Kansas Heavy Equipment, awarded the $1.4 million construction contract in November of last year, still on target for a June completion.

The City Commission voted last year to move forward with demolition of the mall, which Prejont says will resemble other areas of Commercial Street, once completed.

75-percent of the demolition project’s cost is funded through a Kansas Department of Transportation grant, leaving the City responsible for the remaining 25-percent.

(KAIR)--With past partnership proposals, or lease agreements, having fallen through, including that of the Atchison Mudcat Baseball organization, the City of Atchison again looks to the future of Walt Wilburn Memorial Ballpark, located in the City’s Branchton area.

The City, in 2019, placed the ballpark up for sale, but was met with push back from residents who were using the location for outdoor activities, despite the field no longer maintained, or utilized, for league baseball or softball.

Working with organizations on possible use, the City, in 2021, finds itself still in possession of the ballpark, which is currently held in the City’s Landbank.

The City Commission, which also serves as the Landbank Board, met February 16 and discussed the potential sale of the ballpark following receipt of a proposal from Franklin Family Enterprises, which looks to purchase the location for future use for both outdoor and indoor events.

The application for the proposed $20,000 purchase of the ballpark is signed by Atchison resident Derek Franklin, with the proposal including the placement of a large building in the upper ball field to operate as an event venue, including "the opportunity to create a family fun center."

According to the proposal, the long term plan is to have site drawings available to view by the end of first year of ownership, or the summer of 2022, with construction of the structure, including utilities, by the summer of 2024.

During the Landbank Board’s review of the proposal, short discussion focused primarily on the type of building being proposed, and where it would be located.
Ultimately, the matter was tabled until the March 1 meeting of the Atchison Landbank Board.

(KAIR)--A driver fails to stop for an Atchison County Sheriff’s Deputy attempting a traffic stop, and that led to a pursuit, and to the arrest of a Topeka man.

That’s the allegation outlined in a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, who said the stop was attempted Tuesday night, shortly before 9:15, on U.S. Highway 59, near Neosho Road.

The driver of the Mercury Grand Marquis failed to heed the emergency lights and sirens, leading to what Laurie calls a slow-speed pursuit of 25 to 45 mph.

The Deputy contacted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and deputies from the agency were able to deploy stop sticks on the highway. However, the driver stopped just short of striking the sticks, near 206th Road at the county line, and was taken into custody.

The driver, identified as 46-year-old Trevis Vanwinkle, was taken into custody on charges of fleeing and attempting to elude, driving under the influence, interference with law enforcement, possession of controlled substance, and multiple traffic infractions.

Following his arrest, Vanwinkle was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KLZA)-- During the weekly Community Medical Center update on the COVID-19 information Southeast District Health Department Director Grant Brueggemann said that so far 7,769 COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered,  with 2,654 people receiving both doses.  That amounts to approximately 8.5 percent of the population in the SEDHD jurisdiction receiving vaccinations. 

Brueggemann said that there are approximately 38,500 people within the Southeast District Health Department service area.  He said it's estimated it will take about 75 percent of the population,  about 28,900 people to get vaccinated to create a “herd immunity” to COVID-19. 

Brueggemann  also said last weeks winter weather slowed down the number of vaccinations given. 

Community Medical Center, CEO Ryan Larsen said that as of Monday there were three COVID-19 patients in the hospital in Falls City and he said there have been 161 admissions for COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

Larsen said while its gratifying to see the COVID-19 case numbers in the area on the decline, its important to continue to take the situation seriously and protect your family and friends.  

There have been 27 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the past 30 days in Richardson County.

 The current transmission rate of COVID-19 within the Southeast District Health Department jurisdiction is the lowest it has been since August. 

(KNZA)--Doniphan County's countywide mask mandate has been rescinded.

The Doniphan County Commission took the action Monday on an unanimous vote, making it an individual decision to wear a mask.

Commissioners recommended cities, schools, businesses and other organizations set their own policies, as well as, encourage proper hygiene and social distancing.

County Health Department/Home Health Administrator Sheryl Pierce had recommend commissioners extend the mask mandate through May 1.

In making the recommendation, Pierce noted most county businesses appreciate the mask mandate and concern about the new variant of the coronavirus.

Pierce also presented a letter to commissioners from County Health Officer Dr. Bradley Gaul, requesting the commission give the mask mandate a little more time.

As of Monday, Pierce reported 5 active COVID-19 cases in Doniphan County. Since March 2020, the county has seen 929 total positive cases, with a positivity rate of 5.64 percent over the past two weeks.

(KAIR)--Atchison County’s COVID-19 related mandates remain in place, meaning masks must still be worn, but the number of people allowed to gather at public locations has increased.

According to a Local Health Order from the Atchison County Health Department, all previously implemented steps, intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus, are unchanged, including the required wearing of face masks in public.

However, the health order does expand the number of people allowed to gather together at establishments, or events, from 20 to 40.

The extension of the Health Order, including the change, was approved Tuesday by the Atchison County Commission, and will remain in place until midnight, May 26.

Commissioner Eric Noll, in discussion with Commissioner Casey Quinn, who opposed the lengthy timeline of the health order, explained that the Commission has the ability to revise the order, if needed, prior to the stated date. Quinn said, prior to granting her approval, she wanted more information and input. 

Despite Commission consensus to review the health order on March 30, as suggested by Noll, to see if revisions need to be made, Quinn maintained her position, casting the lone no vote, with the latest health order approved on a vote of 2 to 1.

(KLZA)-- A North Kansas City, Missouri man was hospitalized with what were described as minor injuries in a single-vehicle wreck on Interstate 29 in Holt County, Missouri Monday afternoon.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 25-year-old Daniel Gandara was southbound on the interstate approximately five miles south of Mound City when his Chevy Suburban traveled off the east side of the road, into the median, returned to the road, then traveled off the west side of the road, becoming airborne landing on a southbound entrance ramp then traveling up an embankment and striking a tree.

Gandara was transported by the Atchison-Holt EMS to the MOSAIC Hospital in St. Joseph.

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

(KAIR)--Charges are filed in connection with a body found inside a duffel bag near Faucett, Missouri, just over one year ago.

Identified as 21-year-old Ariel Starcher, of Independence, Missouri, the Buchanan County Prosecutor has filed a second-degree murder charge in connection with her death.

KQ2-TV reports that a criminal complaint reveals that 22-year-old Taylor Stoughton faces the charge, with Stoughton and an accomplice, identified as Marcus Brooks, suffocating Starcher at a Kansas City motel in February, 2020.

Alive at the time she was stuffed into the duffle bag, investigators say they believe Starcher likely died sometime during the ride from Kansas City to Faucett.

The duffle bag was discovered in a roadside ditch February 18, 2020.

Charges have not yet been filed against Brooks, who is in custody, but the case remains under review.

(KAIR)--A single vehicle crash, on the northside of Atchison Tuesday morning, sent an Atchison woman to the hospital.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 62-year-old Julie Elias, of Atchison, was southbound on K-7 Highway when her car struck the guardrail on the K-7 curve.

That caused the car to leave the roadway in the 1300 block of Unity Street, and Elias with unspecified injuries.

She was transported from the scene by Atchison County EMS, and transported for hospital examination.

The wreck happened around 7:45 Tuesday morning.

(KLZA)--  NioCorp Developments Ltd.  has  announced the company has formally exercised an option-to-purchase agreement on a key land parcel associated with the Company’s Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project. 

Once the purchase is finalized, NioCorp will own the surface land on which the Project’s mine infrastructure and supporting operations will be located once sufficient project financing is obtained to allow the Project to proceed. 

The land purchase will also give NioCorp ownership of the mineral rights to more than 90% of the Project’s Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve.
 
NioCorp Chief Operations Officer Scott Honan personally delivered NioCorp’s option exercise to the southeast Nebraska landowner Monday.

Further details of the purchase were not made public at the request of the landowner. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Departments weekly COVID-19 update indicates the number of new cases declined February 14 – 20. 

There were 49 new cases reported in the five-county area which was down from 55 the previous week. 

The new cases bring the total coronavirus case count in Richardson, Pawnee,  Nemaha, Johnson and Otoe counties in Southeast Nebraska to 3,551 with 53 deaths reported. 

During the latest reporting period there were eight new cases in Richardson County bringing the total to 675.  Pawnee County reported nine new cases with 215 total positive reports.

In Johnson County there was just one new case this period making the county total 635.  Nemaha County had 10 new cases pushing the total count to 725.  In Otoe County there were 21 new cases and the total number of  COVID-19 cases is up to 1,301.

Of the 53 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in the SEDHD jurisdiction,  20 have been reported in Richardson County,  11 in Nemaha County,  nine in both Johnson and Otoe counties and four in Pawnee County.

(KNZA)--More than 700 COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in Brown County so far as the county continues Phase 2 of the state's vaccination plan.

Brown County Health Officer Robin Downard provided an update to the Brown County Commission Monday.

Downard said the Health Department, in conjunction with the Hiawatha Community Hospital, are holding clinics at the Fisher Center for those who have signed up and are eligible to be vaccinated under phase 2.

Teachers, law enforcement personnel and firefighters were vaccinated first. Downard said they are now vaccinating those age 65 and older, which is being done strickly by date of birth.

Downard the Health Department has been getting from 100 to 200 doses of COVID vaccine a week, but didn't receive any last week due to the weather.

COVID-19 testing is still going on at the old National Guard Armory in Horton, but Downard said they have seen a considerable drop in the number of individuals coming in to be tested. Testing is also being done at the Hiawatha Community Hospital, but they also seen a drop.

As of Monday, there were currently 17 active COVID-19 cases in Brown County, with one hospitalization. There have been 1,107 total cases in the county since the beginning of the pandemic, with 32 virus-related deaths.

Those with COVID-19 concerns can email brcovidinfo@nekmulticounty.org.

(KAIR)--Three thefts, including a vehicle since recovered, are under investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, two of the crimes were reported February 18, with one involving a missing 1994 Buick Park Avenue, which had broken down in the area of U.S. Highway 73 and Thomas Road, in rural Atchison County.

According to the report, the vehicle was later moved by someone other than the owner, and then located late Saturday morning in a field east of River Road, between 244th and 258th Roads, by a Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism Officer.

Laurie said there are not yet any suspects identified, and the investigation is continuing.

The other case involves the theft of a 2019 Bulldog 12-foot utility trailer. Stolen from a garage located across the street from the owner’s Pratt Road residence, the trailer is valued at $1,450 dollars.

According to Laurie, the investigation is continuing.

The third theft was reported February 20, involving missing AT&T equipment valued at more than $1,000.

According to a report from Laurie, an employee of the telecommunications company reported the theft of phone line cable that had been cut down from telephone poles at two locations, with one occurring in the 16000 block of 274th Road, near Bunge Milling, and the other occurring in the 5600 block of Sheridan Road.

The value of the missing phone line cables is estimated at $1,500.
No suspects are yet developed, and the investigation continues.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Transportation will close K-7/17th Street in Atchison Tuesday morning at 9:00 due to a water main break.

According to a news release from KDOT, work is expected to take 10 to 12 hours.  There is a signed detour.

Traffic will be controlled using road closure signage and traffic cones.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone. 

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Transportation will close K-7/17th Street in Atchison, Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 9 a.m., due to a water main break.

Work is expected to take 10 to 12 hours.  There is a signed detour, see map below.

Detour directions: From the north, at 17th Street, continue west on Country Club Road.  Take a left/south on Pratt Road to Main Street.  From the south, continue west on Main Street, which turns into Pratt Road.  At the 286th Street intersection stay right and follow Pratt Road.  At Country Club Road turn right/east and follow back to K-7.

Traffic will be controlled using road closure signage and traffic cones.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone.  To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1. Drive safely and always wear your seat belt.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Volunteer Fire Department was aided by firefighters from Peru, Johnson and Nebraska City battling a downtown fire that started Saturday evening. 

Firefighters were called to the 800 block of Central Avenue which is also Highway 136 in Auburn at 6:15 p.m.

The Betterway Auto / Auburn Auto building was destroyed by the fire and the American Dream Real Estate building which houses several businesses was also damaged.

The automobile business had oil, fuel and tires inside the building which added to the intensity of the fire.  

More than a dozen vehicles either inside or parked around the automotive business were also damaged during the fire.

The State Fire Marshall will conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire. 

(KNZA)--One person was injured Sunday afternoon in two-vehicle Brown County wreck. 

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said it happened around 4:45 on U.S. 75 Highway near 130th Road.

Merchant said a semi driven by 38-year-old Brar Inderjit, of Manitoba, Canada, struck a 2002 Ford Focus driven by 29-year-old Megan Arreola, of Sugar Lake, Missouri.

A juvenile passenger in the car was transported by private vehicle to the Hiawatha Community Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The driver of the semi was issued a citation for reckless driving.

(KAIR)--An elderly man was struck by a vehicle early Monday morning while walking in a Valley Falls parking lot, with his injuries sending him for hospital treatment.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 79-year-old Dennis Roth was walking into the Petro gas station, located at 1420 K4  Highway, just before 7:00, when he was hit by a Dodge Ram pickup truck pulling into the gas station.

Roth, a resident of Wolbach, Nebraska, was transported from the scene to Stormont Vail Hospital, in Topeka, for the treatment of what the KHP identifies as a suspected serious injury.

The driver of the truck, identified as 38-year-old Valley Falls resident Andrew Miller, was not hurt.

(KLZA)-- A long time Falls City physician is being remembered following his death on Sunday. 

Dr. Robert L. Burghart practiced medicine in Falls City for a year beginning in 1960 then enlisted in the Air Force where he served 10 years before being honorably discharged and returning to Falls City.

Dr. Burghart retired from his medical practice in 1998.

Mass of Christian Burial services for Dr. Robert Burghart of Falls City will be Thursday afternoon, February 25 at 2 o'clock at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Falls City. 
 

(KMZA)--A change is being proposed to Seneca's tree ordinance.

The Seneca City Council discussed the ordinance when they met last week.

The Council decided to give property owners 30 days to clear or trim obstructive trees or branches instead of the 10 days that is now required by the current ordinance.

The Council will have the city attorney revise the ordinance and bring it back to the council for approval.

In other business, the council approved the purchase of a software program for the Recreation Department, on a one-year trial basis, for $2,000.

The software program will make it easier for residents who want to participate in city organized sports and other activities to sign up for those activities.

The Council also approved a proposal to create the position of pool manager.  Previously, the Rrecreation Department head was also the pool manager.

(KNZA)--Holton Police Chief Gale Gakle is retiring.

Gakle has announced that March 5 will be his last day.

He has served 40 years with the Holton Police Department—including several stints as chief. Gakle began his career as a dispatcher with the department before serving as a patrol officer.

Gakle told The Holton Recorder that he and his wife are looking to slow down, do a little traveling and enjoy some quiet time.

Holton Mayor Robert Dieckmann congratulated Gakle on his 40 years of service to the community and his retirement, saying he's been an asset to the city.

(KNZA)--Holton Community Hospital was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation.

According to Hospital CEO Carrie Saia, the grant has been used to help purchase new digital radiology equipment. “We cannot adequately express our gratitude to the Patterson Family Foundation for this generous grant. It has allowed us to purchase a new portable x-ray machine. This unit is vital to the care of COVID and other emergent patients; as it allows for instantaneous viewing of images, thus offering enhanced patient care,” Saia added.

The Patterson Family Foundation is a family-led foundation extending the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson through collaborations in health care, education and rural communities. 

“Patterson Family Foundation is pleased to contribute funding to Holton Community Hospital as front line providers and staff work tirelessly to care for patients. We hope this funding has helped Holton Community Hospital purchase the critical equipment and supplies needed to treat COVID-19. It is both our privilege and pleasure to offer a helping hand to rural communities navigating through these unprecedented times,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith of the Foundation.

 “The radiology staff is extremely appreciative of this contribution. This grant, coupled with the renovation of our department, will allow us to continue to provide high-quality radiologic services. Applications training for the portable unit is taking place now and the staff are so excited for this heightened level of patient care,” said Director of Radiology, Kristi Roush.

Holton Community Hospital is a 501c3 Not-for-Profit Corporation governed by an eight member Board of Directors. Designated as a Critical Access Hospital, Holton Community Hospital, offers vital health care services to Holton, Hoyt, Wetmore and surrounding areas.

(KNZA)--A man who died following a weekend Jackson County traffic stop has been identified.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said 37-year-old Trevar Johnson, of Topeka,   died following a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway near the Brown County line shortly before 10:00 Saturday  morning. 

Johnson had been the passenger in the vehicle and told a deputy on scene that he had ingested methamphetamine and needed to go to the hospital.

Johnson was rushed to the Holton Community Hospital where he died minutes later.

Morse said deputies seized a quantity of methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, counterfeit bills, credit cards and a handgun.

The driver, identified as 37-year-old Topeka resident Kendra Murdock, was arrested for distribution of methamphetamine, trafficking contraband into a correctional facility, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia for illegal use, criminal use of weapons, counterfeiting currency, driving while suspended, and no insurance.

Murdock is currently being held in the Jackson County Jail.

As per protocol, Morse requested an outside agency to investigate the death of Johnson. The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of the death investigation.

(KAIR)--Saying that the immediate need has been fulfilled, COVID-19 testing, which was being conducted at the Atchison Event Center, has come to an end.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, the drive-through testing location “was seeing exceedingly low traffic,” which lead to the decision to discontinue the service.

As of Wednesday’s figures, released by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Atchison County added five new confirmed positive cases of the virus, bringing the County’s total, since the start of the pandemic, to 1,507.

The County has incurred 13 virus-related deaths.

The KDHE on Wednesday reported 288,717 cases statewide from the state’s 105 counties.

Kansas has had 4,521 deaths since the pandemic’s start.

(KLZA)-- An early Friday morning traffic stop led to the arrest of two Falls City residents on drug charges. 

According to the Richardson County Sheriff's Department, the car was stopped shortly after 1:30, and following further investigation, deputies arested 19-year-old Jaiden Waggoner for possession of a controlled substance,  possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

Also arrested was 22-year-old Josie Lunsford on the same charges.  

Both were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KAIR)--Another step forward toward the possible closure of Atchison’s Central School was made Thursday evening, following a public hearing, focused on the fate of the facility, held at the school.

The forum was lightly attended, brief, and drew no comment from patrons of the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409.

Although no formal action was taken, School Board President Carrie Sowers presented the Board’s proposal to close the school and relocate the students to the renovated Roosevelt Building, located at the Atchison Middle School.

Sowers outlined several reasons, including excessive operating costs, needed upgrades not being a good use of public tax revenues, and Central School students having fewer educational opportunities because of the school’s condition.

Jay Robinson, School District Maintenance Director, provided details of the facility’s condition, saying the building has roof, wiring, and plumbing issues. He further explained that the piping is in very poor condition, despite repairs being made frequently, and that the building provides no handicapped accessibility to the second floor.

Robinson, offering a positive note to the evening’s list of problematic aspects of the building, said there have been window upgrades and asbestos removal has been completed.

Central School Principal Latisha Downing provided her insight, saying relocation would be a great move as far as facility conditions are concerned, and that the Central students deserve that. She expressed what she sees as numerous benefits, including a science room, library, and food service all on-site, but added that no matter what is decided by the Board of Education, the district would be able to meet students’ needs.

Dr. Renee Scott, Superintendent of Schools, said if Central School were to close, and students relocated, those students would have their own entrance and would stay separated from students attending the middle school.

Scott said the School Board will move forward with a possible recommendation to close the Central School at the end of the school year, and consider options to sell it and the property its located on, at the Board’s March meeting. Scott added that the district does not want to see the building sit vacant.

The Central School serves approximately 45 to 50 students in grades K-12.

(KNZA)--Beginning Monday, February 22  through March 5, the Hiawatha Police Department will join other law enforcement agencies—including the Kansas Highway Patrol—with increased enforcement near area high schools in an effort to raise awareness through seatbelt usage.

Its part of the Seat Belts are for Everyone ( SAFE) program. Currently in Kansas, 117 high schools from 57 counties participate in the SAFE Program.

According to a news release from Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens 15 to 18 years old in the United States—ahead of all other types of injury, disease or violence.

Defore said officers will issue citations to any individual who refuses to obey the traffic laws, whether it is for speeding, texting or failing to buckle up.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Commissioners referred bids for an excavator to Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. after opening the bids during their meeting Tuesday. 

Bids were received from seven companies in Nebraksa and Iowa. 

Darveau discused a proposal for the purchase of an ATV to be used by Emergency Management, the Road Department and the Sheriff's Department as needed.  A proposal for a 2021 Polaris Ranger with doors, air and heat will be considered during the Board meeting February 23.

A resolution authorizing Richardson County to enter into an agreement with the Nebraska Department of Transporation to obtain County  Bridge Match Program funds for a local project was approved.  

Purchase orders totaling more than $12-thousandfor camera and K-9 equipment to be installed in the two new patrol vehicles being purchased through USDA rural Development grant funding was approved.

(KLZA)-- During Tuesday evenings Falls City Council meeting 10 liquor license automatic renewals for 2021 came before the Council for comment. 

Council member Amber Holle told the Council members that she had been informed about a compliance issue for Northvuew Cafe'.  According to Nebraska Liquor Commission regualtions a business is required to be open a certain number of days per year, and Northvue Cafe has not met that criteria.  

City Administrator Gary Jorn explained the Council could approve all the businesses and let the state make a determination on Northvue,  or the Council could approve the other nine applicants and not give favorable comment to the Northvue renewal.

Under Nebraska Liquor Commission rules, a local city council does not determine which liquor license applications are approved or denied, the governing body can only give favorable comment or recommend against the proposed licesne.  

The Council voted 6-0,  with Council members Mitch Merz and Jim Wisdom absent, to give favorable comment on nine of the renewals but not recommend the Northvue Cafe license be renewed.  

(KNZA)-- The Hiawatha School Board, during a special virtual meeting Tuesday morning, voted to move forward on elementary school parking lot and driving lane improvements.

 The improvements will include a separate exit, a revised driving lane that will no longer be two-way and islands and parking spaces for parked cars.

 Board members asked District Maintenance Director Chris Morey to come up with a drawing that addressed concerns over the flow of traffic at the elementary school. In addition, board members wanted to explore the possibilities of adding an additional exit from the parking lot.

After getting input from board member Ian Schuetz, Superintendent Lonnie Moser and Elementary School Principal Paul Carver, Morey presented a drawing at Tuesday's meeting of proposed changes to the parking lot.

Following discussion, the board voted to approve the drawing with a couple of amendments and to solict bids for the grading, electrical and concrete work needed to complete the proposed changes. The east side of the drive will change from one lane to two lanes and traffic will exit from the parking lot right only on to Miami Street.

The parking lot will be chip and sealed by county crews this summer following all other work.

(KNZA)--Riverside USD 114 will be searching for a new superintendent.

The Board of Education at their February 10 meeting accepted, with regrets, the resignation of Travis Githens, effective at the end of the current school year.

He is currently in his first year as superintendent in the Riverside school district. Prior to that, he spent the previous four years as the Junior-Senior High School Principal in USD 284 in Chase County.

Githens has been hired as the new superintendent of Cherryvale USD 447 in southeast Kansas.

He is to begin his new job July 1st.

(KLZA)-- Community Medical Center in Falls City is where COVID-19 vaccinations are being given in Richardson County. 

Marketing and Events Coorinator Linda Santo says the hospital is following state health guidelines in issuing vaccinations. Santo reassures area residents that if you want a COVID-19 vaccination,  you will receive one.

If you have not yet registered for a vaccination you can do so online at  vaccinate.ne.gov,  fill out a short questionaire and submit the form.  If you cannot get to the website call 402-274-3993 and someone can help you complete the form.  If you registered previously, you are on the list and will be contacted based on the criteria used by the state. 

CMC Administrator Ryan Larsen said the hospital received notice each week of how many vaccinations and how many second vaccinations will be issued to the hospital.  Along with that information,  the hospital is provided with a list of who is on the list to receive those vaccinations. 

Larsen said he knows some people are frustrated having to wait so long to receive the vaccinations.  He is hopeful the process will speed up in the coming weeks. 

Testing for COVID-19 at CMC in Falls City is now taking place Thursday mornings from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  If you are ill and feel you need to have a test done on a different day contact your physician or Community Medical Center.

(KNZA)--A late Thursday morning two-vehicle Brown County wreck sent a Hiawatha man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 73 Highway about 5 miles south of Hiawatha shortly before 11:30..

The Patrol reports 59-year-old Roland Keller was northbound when his pickup truck struck the rear of a northbound semi tractor-trailer that was slowing to turn westbound onto 170th Road.

Keller was transported to the Hiawatha Community Hospital for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

The semi driver, 74-year-old Horton resident Dale Stirton, was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were wearing seatbelts when the wreck occurred.

(KAIR)--The harsh, wintery weather that’s blanketed the region in recent days left a local county without expected COVID-19 vaccine doses that were needed for a vaccine clinic that had been scheduled for today/Thursday.

According to a news release from the Doniphan County Health Department/Home Health, the February 18 clinic was to be held at the Troy Community Building. However, with the unexpected change of plans, it will instead be held February 25.

The release clarifies that the clinic, on that date, is only for those Doniphan County residents who had appointments scheduled for the canceled clinic. Those residents are to attend the February 25 clinic, at the Troy Community Building, at the same time of their now canceled appointment.

The release states that those residents who can’t come to the rescheduled date, are required to call the Health Department at 785-985-3591 immediately, in order to avoid wasting vaccine.

(KLZA)-- The Judicial Nominating Commission for the County Court Judge in the First Judicial District, consisting of Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, and Thayer counties, provided three names for Governor Pete Ricketts consideration Wednesday.  They include Jeffrey A. Gaertig and Lee M. Timan, both of Beatrice; and Richard R. Smith of Cook, who is currently the County Attorney, in Johnson County.
 
The primary place of office for the judicial vacancy is Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska. The vacancy is due to the retirement of Judge Steven B. Timm.
 

(KAIR)--A Kansas Senate bill, regarding the distribution of sales tax between counties and incorporated cities within, brought Atchison-area representation to Topeka last week, with the majority of those voices, along with others from elsewhere in the state, speaking to the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee in opposition to the bill.

The proposed legislation is of key interest to the Atchison area due to an ongoing dispute on distribution of funds from a voter-approved 1 cent countywide retailers' sales tax approved by voters in 1993, with the tax approved to fund solid waste and joint communications.

The tax has, for years, been controversial, with the City of Atchison receiving 48.6% of the revenue, while Atchison County receives 47.3%. The City of Effingham receives 2.3%, Lancaster receives 1%, Muscotah receives 0.6%, and Huron, 0.3%.

That’s due to a formula, under state law, regarding the distribution of the funds, with half of the generated revenue distributed according to the mill levy, while the other half is distributed based upon population.

Senate Bill 87 would change that, with a county allowed to keep all of the revenue generated through such a tax, with cities to not receive any funds unless an agreement is reached between the county and the city.

Muscotah resident Jay Armstrong, speaking on behalf of the Atchison County Farm Bureau, was the lone voice speaking in favor of the change during the February 11 Senate hearing. "As I understand it, the law says a city can have up to 1-cent city sales tax, the counties can have up to 1-cent county sales tax, but the county will never get their one-percent, unless they cut a deal with a city, because the state will not distribute the money back directly to the county that is the county's tax, that their voters voted on,” Armstrong said during his presentation.

Mike Stec, Utilities Manager for the City of Atchison, is both a resident and business owner in the County, and was among those opposed to the proposed change. "In 2018, I was appointed by the City of Atchison [to a] task force to come to an agreement on how we move forward [with remedying the sales tax matter]. I will say, I served on that with Mr. Armstrong. He didn't like the work product of that meeting, and I think that's why we're here, so, if anything, I do want to apologize to the Senators for the time that this has taken away from you, because this very much is a local Atchison issue."

On Tuesday, the matter was addressed at the local level, with the Atchison County Commission considering a resolution of support for the bill during their regular weekly meeting.

Commissioners Jack Bower, of the County’s First District, and Eric Noll, of the Second District, voted in support of the legislation, with that support approved through the 2-1 vote.

Third District County Commissioner Casey Quinn cast the lone no vote. “I would just like to say that I oppose that,” Quinn said, prior to casting her vote. “I hope to continue working on an interlocal agreement as I have. There's been really great conversation interlocally, and I don't feel like this is a state issue, that we should be able to work it out here in Atchison County, which I'm very hopeful for."

Quinn explained that Mayors from Huron, Lancaster, and Atchison, were to meet Tuesday afternoon, with Quinn planning to meet with the Mayor of Effingham later in the week, with the discussion to focus on moving forward with an interlocal agreement, in lieu of state intervention.

(KMZA)--A Goff man facing child sex charges involving three alleged victims waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday.

David Holst was bound over to Nemaha County District Court on charges of rape, aggravated sodomy, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and indecent liberties with a child.

Arraignment was scheduled for February 25.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert said the alleged offenses involve a 14-year-old and two children under the age of 14.

Holst was arrested in October of last year following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff's Department.

He remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $150,000 bond.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County Community Health Services continues working on vaccinating individuals who qualify under phase 2 of the Kansas vaccination plan.

The health department said they are currently prioritizing individuals age 65 and older, first responders, fire personnel and police officers. Once they complete those individuals, they will be moving to high contact criticial workers.

As of Tuesday, the department had administered 641 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and 210 second doses.

The health department plans to hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics every Wednesday at the Main Event in Sabetha and every Thursday at the Pioneer Building in Seneca.

Their first mass vaccination clinics were held last week, with 80 individuals receiving COVID-19 vaccinations at the clinics.

The vaccination clinics are by appointment and for persons who signed up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine during Phase 2.

Although the COVID-19 vaccine allotment to their agency is still limited, Nemaha County Community Health Services said they remain hopeful to vaccinate more and more individuals each week.

(KAIR)--The mandatory wearing of face masks in Jefferson County continues, with the mandate extended this week.

That happened Tuesday, during the regular meeting of the Jefferson County Commission, after Health Department Administrator Crystal VanHoutan provided the Commission with an update regarding cases of COVID-19 in the County.

VanHoutan explained that Jefferson County added 36 new confirmed positive cases in the ten days prior to Tuesday’s meeting. Saying that the County is at 5% for the 14 day measurement of percent positive, VanHoutan said measures implemented by the County to mitigate the spread of the virus are working. She told the Commissioners continuing the mandate would allow more time to keep residents safe by vaccinations, mask-wearing, social distancing, and hand washing, with 1,900 residents, over the age of 65, still needing to receive the vaccine.

Following VanHoutan’s address, the Commission voted 2-1 to extend the mandate for two weeks, until March 1, with the situation to again be assessed at that time.

The extension was approved, with Commissioners Lynn Luck and Richard Malm voting in support, while Commissioner David Christy cast the lone no vote.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman required hospital treatment following a single vehicle crash in rural Atchison County.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, deputies were called to the 9000 block of U.S. Highway 59 following the report of an injury crash.

Deputies arrived and found a vehicle down a steep embankment, on the northwest side of the highway, with one person inside.

Identified as 38-year-old Tiffany Hysten, she was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, for the treatment of what the report calls a possible broken arm and cuts.

The wreck was discovered early Sunday morning, around 3:15.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting residents of scams circulating locally.

I have had many reports from residents stating they have been contacted by  someone posing as someone from Social Security, stating that their  Social
Security number has been used in the commission of a crime and has been
suspended, or was no longer valid, or needed verification in order to
received benefits.

Other residents have been reporting IRS scams now that tax season is here. They are stating they are receiving calls from people who represent themselves as IRS employees trying to verify Social Security number, or stating that citizens need to verify their bank account numbers for direct deposit, OR they are being audited and need to provide bank account and personal information, etc.

Another scam is the stimulus scam.  Residents are being called by someone who is representing themselves as from the US Treasury and are told their stimulus check is on hold until they can provide bank account numbers so the money can be deposited immediately.

Merchant said be aware that none of the agencies listed will ever contact you by phone wanting your personal information.  This does not happen.  In most  instances, the callers have a very thick foreign accent and when questioned, they argue and become belligerent.  

Merchant said these scammers can make any number appear on your caller ID, they can also make any persons or business name show up on your caller ID so do not trust this.

Scammers are trained to obtain information through conversation, so if you do not positively know who you are talking to, hang up immediately. If you do not recognize the number, do not answer.  PLEASE REMEMBER-- NEVER GIVE OUT ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE OR COMPUTER.

Merchant said contact your local law enforcement at once if you feel you have become a victim of these scammers.
 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriffs office is asking for the public's assistance in  locating the owner of a stained glass window, which is pictured with this story. 

Sheriff John Merchant said information on the owner is needed for an ongoing investigation. 

Your asked to contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office at 785-742-7125 if you have any information about the windown or owner. 

(KNZA)--For the third meeting in row, Tuesday evening's Hiawatha City Commission meeting was dominated by discussion on the city's mask mandate.

Five local residents addressed the Commission regarding the mandate, and the Commission also heard from local healthcare representatives as well.

Local resident Jason Dvorak said he believes local businesses should be able to decide for themselves how masks are handled, but added that if a business wants a customer to wear a mask they should.

His daughter, Joceyln, voiced her concerns that high school students were not being heard in their concerns about mask requirements. She noted the lack of masks in organized sports and in restaurants as proof that mandates were being enforced based on agenda.

Richard Schilling asked the Commission to keep an open mind in considering the opinions expressed by residents.

Staurt Aller, who had appeared at the previous Commission meeting to voice his opposition to the mask mandate, said a local business had since canceled services to his family for stating his opinion. He said residents should not fear retaliation for exercising their freedom of speech.

Jim Robidioux spoke in support the mask mandate. Robidoux stated his belief that many arguments being made for rescinding the mask mandate fail to recognize individuals' responsibility to the greater good of a community.

Hiawatha Community Hospital CEO John Broberg shared data supporting the opinion that the mask mandate is working. He also voiced concerns over the three new variants of the Coronavirus that have surfaced, including at least one variant that is present in Kansas.

Broberg and Brown County Health Officer Robin Downard both asked the Commission to continue the mask order until April 19 and re-evaluate it at that time.

Mayor Bill Collins said he has to rely on what the healthcare experts recommend, and thus believes keeping the mask mandate in place is necessary, at this time. Commissioner Becky Shamburg agreed.

Commissioner David Middendorf said he had heard from several local downtown businesses thanking him for his support of the mask mandate.

Commissioner Evans Woehlecke shared that he has seen up close the effects of COVID deaths, and believes the community needs to do all it can to beat the virus.

Commissioner Brian Shefferd stated that the low number of COVID cases in the county should lead to a repeal or a sunset of the mask mandate. He said even if the mask mandate is lifted, people will continue to wear masks.

With no consensus to add an expiration date to the mask mandate, the Commission moved on to discuss re-opening City Hall to public traffic.

City Administrator Mike Nichols shared some potential guidelines if the commission decided to open City Hall.

City Clerk Tish Sims said her staff prefers keeping the building closed, but continuing to allow access to those who have appointments or knock on the door.

It was the consensus of the Commission not to make any changes at this time.

(KLZA)-- City officials in Falls City are considering Tuesday to have been a win for the community. 

With overnight wind chills of 30-below zero and lower,  Omaha Public Power District told Falls City officials Tuesday morning they would cut the power supply to the community leaving Falls City to provide all the power for utility customers.  

During the Tuesday night City Council meeting, City Administrator Gary Jorn discussed the situation with the Council, noting that with everyones cooperation Falls City Utilities were able to keep all customers online without have to use rolling blackouts.  

Industrial customers in Falls City agreed to shut down production for the day on Tuesday and Jorn said businesses in Falls City were also part of the solution to keeping the lights and the heaters running with no interruptions when they agreed to cut back on the use of power.  

Jorn said praised the powe plant workers,  city line crew and waste water treatment plant staff for working diligently to keep everything running.

Jorn mentioned that city officials are going to meet Thursday to review the situation looking for ways to better respond to the situation if the need were to arise again. 

City Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring said Falls City is fortunate to have the equipment and capability to generate enough power locally to keep the city running.  He credited City leaders for their foresight to invest in having local  electrical generation equipment. 

The city is asking that utility customers continue conserving energy as the cold temperatures continue.  

(KNZA)--The Brown County County Commission when they met Tuesday approved the hiring of a new road and bridge secretary.

The Commission voted to hire Tami Lehmkuhl to fill the full-time position.

Lehmkuhl will begin work February 22 at starting salary of $14.75 an hour.

She was among four candidates interviewed last week to fill the position, which has been vacant since late October.

In other business, the Commission approved the promotion of county employee Rodney Allen to District 3 road and bridge foreman, effective immediately Allen will paid $19.00 an hour.

(MSC News)--The extremely cold temperatures and windchills this week have led to the use of planned rolling blackouts in an effort to avoid longer term outages. 
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on video, addressed questions regarding the situation, with her presentation shared below. 

Editor's note: Below is a release issued Tuesday afternoon, February 16, by the Southwest Power Pool:

As of 12:31 p.m. Central time, SPP has downgraded the energy emergency alert (EEA) to a Level 1. This is declared when all available resources have been committed to meet obligations, and SPP is at risk of not meeting required operating reserves.

SPP previously declared a move from EEA Level 3 to EEA Level 2 at 11:30 a.m. Central time.

SPP’s forecasts anticipate that due to high load and persistent cold weather, it is likely its system will fluctuate between EEA levels over the next 48 hours.

While SPP works to maintain regional reliability, we continue to urge our member companies to instruct consumers across our service territory to conserve electricity at home and work, and to follow their local utility’s directions regarding safety, conservation, and potential outages.

(KAIR)--On Monday, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued a State of Disaster Emergency due to the extreme conditions, with residents across the area being urged to continue conserving energy as the rolling blackouts continue.

Some local residents, commenting on Evergy’s latest social media post, as shared by the City of Atchison, report experiencing long outages Tuesday morning, with some lasting upwards of 3 hours, according to comments.

A release from the City of Atchison Tuesday said the cold temperatures also mean expected delays in municipal trash and recycling collections for the early portion of the week, with solid waste facilities shut down by the winter weather.

According to the City, no recycling will be collected today, with all collection vehicles focused on regular trash pickups. However, the City does not expect Tuesday’s route to be completed, but says pickups will continue to be made throughout the day until collection vehicles are full.
Locations unable to be collected are being noted, and that will be done after trucks are able to be emptied.

With residents asked to have refuse collection carts placed curbside by 7 am each day this week until the collection service is back on schedule, the City said it’s “possible that delays could last a few days,” although it’s hoped the refuse collection schedule will be caught up by Wednesday.

Below are tips for staying warm provided by the National Weather Service. 

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council approved advertising for bids for the construction of the new firehall.

Bids will be opened on March 4.  Pawnee City fire fighters suggested the Council seek bids now due to an expected large increase in the price of metal. 

In other business, Council members took action to recall and refinance the sewer and water bonds.  Rewriting the bonds is anticipated to save the City just over $295-thousand.  

The City is going to accept bids for a 2004, Chevy pickup with a snowplow on it.  The pickup is a single cab with 157-thousand miles on it.  The minimum bid accepted will be $6-thousand.  

Following a conference call on Thursday, the Council approved the Pawnee City Assisted Living's new management agreemwnt tieh Arobr Management group. 

(KLZA)-- Deputies from the Johnson County  Sheriffs Department will be working  part-time for the Pawnee County Sheriff's Department due to staff shortage. 

A release from Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang says the Johnson County Deputies will be sworn in as Pawnee  County Deputies.  The Johnson County Deputies will be using Johnson County marked vehicles .

A contract for sharing the Deputies is being finalized. 

(KLZA)-- Falls City is generating all of the electric load for Falls City Utility customers due to the Omaha Public Power District disconnecting Falls City from their service.

Falls City Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring told MSCNews the Omaha Public Power District disconnected Falls City from their supply line Tuesday morning. The city will be generating 100 percent of the electricity customers until further notice.

The Southwest Power Pool has required as much load shedding as possible due to the extended cold weather which is stressing the power grid as well as natural gas pipelines. 

Natural gas suppliers have mandated that no power generation is allowed on natural gas requiring the Falls City Power Plant generators to run on diesel which cuts back on the amount of electricity that can be produced.

The City is asking utility customers to conserve as much electricity and natural gas usage Tuesday and Wednesday as possible.  If the  City cannot support the full electrical load or runs short of natural gas,  rolling blackouts may be necessary.

Luhring said every light bulb and device that can be shut off is helpful. He said use of  large appliances such as electric stoves and clothes dryers should be limited or not used at all.  He also said turning the thermostat back 2-3 degrees can be a big help.  

Luhring also has high praise for the Utilities industrial customers who agreed to shut down production for the day to help conserve energy.

He noted the last thing Falls City Utilities wants to do is put citizens at risk.  

(KAIR )--The ongoing goal of establishing a greenhouse for the students of USD 377 took a strong step forward last week, with a proposal approved for the project.

That happened when the Board of Education for the Atchison County Community Schools met February 10 and approved the proposal from Hummert International, of Topeka, for the purchase of materials and construction of a 24 by 36 foot greenhouse.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gaddis told MSC News the total expenditure approved for project use is $90,000, but bids have not yet been received for some dirt and concrete work.
As it stands, $49,000 is now approved for greenhouse materials, with an additional $41,000 approved for construction.

Gaddis said donations and grant funds, which currently total $92,000, will be used to fund the project, with the Atchison County Community Schools Education Foundation continuing to take donations. The foundation has verbally committed to making up any shortage of funds. 

In other business during the meeting, the board approved a contract with Lankford Floors, of Bucyrus, Kansas, to replace the gym floor at the elementary school gym in the amount of $106,200 and to refinish the Junior-Senior high school gym floor in the amount of $21,435

(KLZA)-- For the second time in less than a week a wreck has occurred in Holt County involving a Missouri Department of Transporation snow plow.  

Sunday afternoon just past 1:30 a wreck occurred on Interstate 29 when a car driven by 34-year-old Timothy Henzel of Bellevue, Nebraska passed a pickup  driven by 46-year-old Tyson Gibbons of Tarkio, Missouri and in the process ran into the back of the MODOT snow plow operated by 32-year-old Brenten Hughes of Forest City who was plowing the southbound passing lane of I-29.  The Henzel vehicle went skidding into the driving lane and was struck by the Gibbons pickup.  Henzel was trasnported by the Atchison-Holt EMS to the Mosaic Care Hospital in St. Joseph with what were described as serious injuries.  Henzels car was totaled. 

 The other drivers were not injured .   Hughes has been the driver of the snow plows that were hit from behind both times in the past week.  The Holt County Sheriff's Office and Oregon Fire Department both responded to the wreck.

(KAIR)--The extreme cold, including frigid wind chills, can play havoc with our home’s plumbing.

Roger Engemann is the Manager of Doniphan County Rural Water District #5 and #6.

He told MSC News that while the extremely cold temps in the forecast will impact those rural water customers, all homeowners, across the area, should take steps to keep lines from freezing.

Listen here. 

(KNZA)--Evergy continued more rolling blackouts Tuesday morning in order to conserve power.

The outages began at 7:00 at the direction of the Southwest Power Pool due to regional power supply needs. 

By 10:15 Tuesday morning, Evergy announced it had suspended the rolling blackouts after the SPP lifted the current emergency order.  

However, Evergy announced Tuesday evening that the Southwest Power Pool had again increased their energy emergency alert level as extended cold temperatures continue to strain the regional power grid.

Evergy said current conditions make additional controlled, temporary electricity reductions a strong possibility through 11:00 Wednesday) morning.

About 100,000 customers were impacted by Tuesday's rolling blackouts

The first round of blackouts on Monday affected about 60,000 customers.

With record-breaking cold affecting much of the country through mid-week, Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. is asking electric co-op members — as well as natural gas customers — to limit and reduce usage as much as possible through Tuesday.

“We are already seeing high electric use and are anticipating record-breaking demand in the next 24 to 48 hours,” said Lee Tafanelli, CEO of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

The record-breaking cold is also putting a significant strain on natural gas supplies. The cold weather is freezing off natural gas production, making less gas available for delivery to customers.

“We are facing a several critical days where both electric and natural gas supplies will be extremely tight,” Tafanelli said. “By reducing power usage where safely possible, we can help protect the integrity and reliability of the electric grid.”

Kansans can conserve energy by turning down thermostats and not using high energy-consuming appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, ovens and dishwashers, beginning at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Feb. 15, and continuing through mid-week.

Other ways Kansans can do their part to help conserve electricity include:

• Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees if your health permits.

• Check and change furnace filters if needed to ensure optimum airflow. Rule of thumb: change filter every 3 months; 2 months if you have pets or family members have allergies.

• Close furnace registers and doors to unoccupied rooms to keep occupied rooms warmer, which will help reduce consumption.

• Keep vents clear. High efficiency furnaces have vents leading outside. Make sure they are not blocked with ice or debris. Inside, make sure vents are not covered by rugs or furniture.

• Resist the urge to crank up the thermostat as it’s unlikely to make much of difference except to put a strain on the furnace and your energy bill. Instead, wear an extra layer or use blankets to keep warm. Lowering the temperature just a couple of degrees will protect your furnace.

• Reprogram thermostat if it’s set to lower significantly at night or when no one is home. During extreme cold weather like we are experiencing now, the furnace will have a hard time raising the temperature to the desired level and it will use more energy to do so.

• Close blinds and curtains to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.

• Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.

• Make microwave or toaster-oven friendly meals to save energy.

• Businesses should minimize use of lighting and electric-consuming equipment as much as possible

The winter weather is affecting all of Kansas and several surrounding states, and Kansas electric cooperatives are monitoring conditions and staging personnel and resources so in the event there are power outages, restoration work can begin as quickly and safely as possible.

Editor's note: the following release was submitted by Nemaha Central USD 115

(KMZA)--Beginning on or about February 15, phones will be ringing across the Nemaha Central unified school district, as a comprehensive survey of patrons’ opinions will begin.

Nemaha Central officials believe the survey of 354 households will provide insight into what residents think about the district’s strengths, challenges, and priorities.

“This survey will give us an outstanding opportunity to hear from a cross-section of our patrons and their opinions about our performance, and what our priorities should be for the future,” said Darrel Kohlman, Superintendent. “We’ll hear from all geographic parts of the district, people of all different ages, and everyone from newcomers to long-term residents.”

The 10- to 15-minute survey will touch on a wide variety of topics, and will include “pick one”-type questions, along with opportunities for residents to share their comments.

The survey was designed by Patron Insight, Inc., a Kansas City-based market research organization that has worked with school districts across the Midwest on similar research since 1992.

The calling will be done by Kansas City-based Market Research Associates, a firm that uses only locally based, professional researchers. Participants will be selected totally at random, and all responses will be kept completely confidential.

In general, calls will be placed between 7 and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. While there may be some variation on those times, no calls will take place during the traditional dinner hour. The caller ID may show “Market Research Associates” or it may simply show an 816 or 913 area code, because the company uses calling facilities in both Missouri and Kansas.

If there are any questions contact Superintendent Darrel Kohlman at 785-336-6101 or dkohlman@usd115.org

(KLZA)-- The good news is there  has been a downward trend in the number of new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks within the Southeast District Health Department five-county jurisdiction.

SEDHD Director Grant Brueggemann advises that with the variants of the coronvirus beginning to circulate across the country, we need to remain vigilent.  He notes that even though the COVID-19 vaccine is becoming more readily available, it does not mean it is time for everything to go back to normal.  

Last week in Nebraska the number of hospitalzations in the state due to COVID-19 reached their lowest point since October 1.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Belle Terrace Skilled nursing Facility in Tecumseh will no longer be receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding starting in early March. 

According to the Tecumseh Chieftan,  the facility was notified February 8, that the Centers for Medicare and Medicad funding along with State regulators took action to “decertify” the facility. 

The ruling will not affect private pay residents and the ruling does not effect the facilities license.  

The decision was made after substantial improvements had been made to the facility to improve resident care and the building.

The ruling has no effect on the Ridgeway Towers Assisted Living facility. 

(KLZA)-- A Falls City home is considered a total loss following an overnight fire.

The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department and the Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to a call at 807, East 12th Street shortly after 11:30 Sunday evening.

When firefighters arrived on the scene flames were coming out of the roof of the home. 

There was no one home at the time of the fire.  Home owners Roger and Angelina Reynolds had left earlier in the evening for supper and had not returned.  

Public Information Officer Jon McQueen said multiple puppies were saved.

The extreme cold led to equipment freezing up and McQueen advised the street in the area is very slick.

Firefighters remained on the scene until 5:30 Monday morning, then returned at 7:30 Monday morning when the fire rekindled.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation . The State Fire Marshall was at the fire in the early stages but the fire was not under control.  He will return for the investigation when temperatures warm up.

McQueen reported there were no injuries while nearly 20 firefighters battled the blaze.
 

(KAIR)--A Jefferson County historic home is named as one of 15 such properties statewide set to receive grant funds.  

The Newell-Johnson-Searle House Outbuilding is named in a news release from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly as the recipient of nearly $83,000 in 2021 Heritage Trust Fund grant.  

That follows the awarding of more-than $1 million in grant funds by the Historic Sites Board of Review for use by the 15 historic preservation projects.  

According to the release, HTF grants “reimburse expenses for projects that preserve or restore qualifying historic properties,” with the funded projects representing “a diverse collection of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places and/or the Register of Historic Kansas Places.”  All awards are contingent upon available funding.  

The Newell-Johnson-Searle House, located on U.S. Highway 59 on the east edge of Oskaloosa, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017.  

The house, a two-and-a-half-story, wood-frame building, was built and modified in 1860, 1877, and 1913. The property also includes a contributing one-story stone building with a cellar and a non-contributing wood-frame garage.

The property was deemed significant as one of Oskaloosa’s finer early homes, as well as its association with Oskaloosa co-founder Newell, who owned it from 1858 to 1918.     

(KNZA)--Voters in the Jackson County community of Mayetta will decide the fate of a one-half percent retailers sales tax increase during a special election on Tuesday, March 9.

The Mayetta City Council voted earlier this month to place the sales tax issue on the ballot

If approved by voters, the sales tax increase would help cover the cost of extending a city sewer line to the new Dollar General Store, which is currently under construction on Mayetta's west city limits.

Revenue from the sales tax would also be used for “ general purposes” in the city, such as street maintenance and sidewalk construction and repair.

If approved by voters, Mayetta's current one percent sales tax would increase to 1.5 percent, effective April 1 of this year.

Mayetta city officials will hold a public meeting Thursday evening ( February 18) at 7:00 at the Mayetta fire station to answer city residents questions about the sales tax proposal.

(KLZA)--During their weekly appointment with Sheriff Rick Hardesty,  The Richardson County Commissioners approved a request from the Sheriff to rehire former employee Dexter Holliday who has completed the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training certification as a deputy sheriff. 

The Board also approved the three-year Comunity Plan developed and presented by 4-County Juvenile Services Grant Administrator Laura Osborne.  

Commissioners also approved entering into agreements with Trace Vardsveen and and Dr. Richard Wiener along with Johnson, Nemaha and Pawnee counties for to complete the Evaluation of Diversion Program Data.

The Commissioners also approved a resolution to extnd payment of leavethrough June, 30, 2021 to county employees affected by a positive test of COVID-19 or a mandatory quarantine requirement.  

(KLZA)--Pawnee City Council members Ric Helms,  Bruce Haughton and employee Spencer Cumley met with Pawnee County Commissioeners and Highway Superintendent Chris Rauner Tuesday to discuss Interlocal Agreements between the City and County.

An agreement was approved for kenneling of animals. 

The other agreement discussed was in regards to road and street maintenance.  Following the discussion  the matter was tabled by the Commissioenrs for further review. 

(KLZA)--Following the annual job performance evaluation of the Johnson-Brock K-12 Principal Monday night the Johnson-Brock Board of Education voted to extend the contract of Lucus Dalinghaus for the 2022-23 school year.

In addition, Dalinghaus will receive a $4-thousand salary increase for the 2021-22 school year. 

During the meeting, Dalinghaus presented an update on school improvement and advised the Board members of a community meeting to be held March 29 at 6:00 P.M.  

The rough draft of the 2021-2022 course schedule and ACT data sheet was also shared with the  Board. 

In other business the Board approved a teaching contract for the 2021-22 schoolyear with Diane Freitas;  Approved the summer drivers education  tuition rate of $250 per student and a contract with Tim Newman for 2021 summer driver educaiton instruction at a rate of $150 per student. 

Membership renewal in the Nebraska Association of School Boards for 2021-22 was  approved at a cost of $3,563.  
 

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Board of Education approved the expenditure of more than $110-thousand from the Pawnee City Public Schools Education Foundation when they met Wednesday evening. 

Nearly $75-thousand of the money will go for various scholarships.  Other funds will be used for printing and mailing the school newsletter and the purchase of equipment and supplies for various programs at the school. 

The Board also approved renewal of the Board of Education’s membership in the Nebraska Association of School Boards for 2021-22 at a cost of $3,546.

Board members also voted to employ Adam Robertson as a full-time teacher beginning in the 2021-22 school year.  
 

(KLZA)--A Friday evening traffic stop in Richardson County lead to the arrest of two individuals on drug and weapons charges.

According to a release from the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff's deputies initiated a traffic stop on a 2011 Chevy Malibu shortly after 7:30.  Deputies called for assistance from the Brown County Sheriff's Office, K-9 Unit.

As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Kristin Clements, of Robinson, Kansas, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

41-year-old Walter Lee Cole, Jr., of Salem, Nebraska, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a concealed weapon, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Clements and Cole were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KAIR)--The Atchison public schools are without phone service Friday afternoon, with work underway to get it restored. 

According to a text alert, sent to patrons of USD 409 shortly before 12:25 Friday afternoon, an AT&T circuit is down across the district, meaning no phone service at the Atchison High School, Central School, the Atchison Middle School, and the Board of Education Office. 

The alert said AT&T, aware of the issue, is working to fix the problem. 

(KAIR)--The decision behind a court case, filed by the City of Atchison against Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, was completed with no official input from the Atchison City Commission.

That’s according to the timeline shown through court documents electronically filed December 19 in Atchison County District Court by Atchison City Attorney Robert Cambell. Campbell, on behalf of the City, filed a petition for a Writ of Mandamus on December 19, seeking to have the court compel Laurie to accept “all prisoners committed to him by the lawful police authorities of the City of Atchison, Kansas.”

The filing, which occurred in the early morning hours of that Saturday, followed an incident the previous night, when, the court document claims, Jail Captain Travis Wright refused to accept a felony aggravated domestic battery suspect as an inmate. A summons was served to Undersheriff Toby Smith, for Laurie and to County Clerk Michelle Phillips, on December 21.

The City Commission held no meeting, or special session, prior to the legal filing, with no clarity yet provided on who chose to pursue the court action. MSC News, in an email to Atchison City Manager Becky Berger late last month, questioned the timeline, asking who made the decision to file. Citing legal advice, Berger said she cannot comment on pending litigation. On Monday, MSC News sent an email to City of Atchison Mayor Abby Bartlett, seeking her comment and clarification. In reply, Bartlett said that while she appreciated 'the opportunity to shed light on the current situation," she "will not be supplying a comment regarding the pending litigation." 

Laurie, in a January 25 counterclaim, denied the City’s allegations, instead claiming the City of Atchison’s officers operate under a “detour and dump” policy, meaning they ignore suspects’ immediate medical needs, taking them instead to the Atchison County Jail to, as the court document states, "dump them there and thereby unlawfully impose those costs upon the County.”

Editor's note: An early version of this story stated that Mayor Bartlett had not immediately returned an emaiil solicting comment. Her email was returned within 24 hours, but was not immediately available due to a Gmail server error. 
The story has been updated with her response. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board, during their regular meeting this week, adopted the 2021-22 school calendar as presented.

The first day of school will be August 19 and the last day of school will be May 19, 2022.

Winter break will take place December 22 through January 4 and spring break from March 14-18.

In other business, the school district nurses reported that as of Monday there were no COVID-19 positive cases among district staff or students, with only a handful of students in quarantine at the high school.  In addition, the Board was told that 113 staff members had received a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so far, which is about 60 percent of the staff. 

Following an executive session, the Board accepted the resignation of fourth grade teacher Inessa Hood.

The Board also voted to extend Superintendent Lonnie Moser's contract through the 2022-23 school year.

As part of the consent agenda, the Board approved the hiring of Sierra Thomas as fifth grade social studies teacher and Bethany Meyers as assistant softball coach.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Public Schools have received 300 Chromebook devices valued at $84-thousand through the Nebraska GEER device program. 

Last fall Falls City Public Schools indicated a need for Chromebook devices in the Nebraska Department of Education's Digital Learning Profile and Plan, submitting a request for purchase and reimbursement of the Chromebooks.  

The GEER advisory team, in consultation with Governor Pete Ricketts' office determined and prioritized schools and districts where student devices are lacking and need updating.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education approved the Master Teacher Contract for the 2021-22 school year when they met Monday evening. 

The agreement includes an $800 increase to the base salary o $37,300 and also includes health insurance options.

The agreement adds Intermural Sports to the extra duty schedule at 2.5 percent of the base;  eSPORTS at 2% for coordinator and 1% for assistants.  STRIV Coordinator was added at 4%.  Middle School Yearbook, Middle school Clown Troup and Middle school Cheer Sponsor were removed as extra duty pay positions.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A Nebraska City woman and lifelong Republican who unsuccessfully ran for the Nebraska Legislature is suing her own party, claiming the Nebraska GOP defamed her in ads and robocalls it sponsored to help her rival. The Omaha World-Herald reports that Janet Palmtag's lawsuit accuses the Nebraska Republican Party of knowingly lying in campaign ads that said she had broken the law and lost her real estate license. The party's campaign efforts in the race were intended to help state Sen. Julie Slama of Peru, who won the seat in the officially nonpartisan Legislature. The bitter race exposed a divide in the state GOP, as Slama was backed by Gov. Pete Ricketts, who appointed her to the seat in 2019, while Palmtag was endorsed by former Gov. Dave Heineman.
 

(KAIR)--Two Saint Benedict Catholic School students took first and runner up honors by showing off their spelling skills this week.

That happened Tuesday during the annual Atchison County Spelling Bee, with the Atchison Catholic school serving as the host location for this year’s event.
School Principal Helen Schwinn, talking to MSC News, said that while all students from across the county who took part should be commended, she expressed strong pride for her students’ success. “They all did a great job from the Atchison County schools,” Schwinn said, adding, “I am proud to say our Atchison County Spelling Bee champion is a sixth grader from Saint Benedict’s Catholic School, the lovely Capri Koechner.”

Koechner correctly spelled “ectoplasm” and “venerable” to take the first place win.

She will now compete in the State Bee to be held Saturday, March 27, in Wichita.

Named as runner up in Tuesday’s spelling bee was another student at Saint Benedict’s Catholic School, 6th grade student Trinity Hemp.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education has approved calendars for the next two school years.

The Board took the action when the met Monday.

Superindent Jason Cline said a two-year calendar allows the district to better plan to meet the expectations set in the district's Strategic Plan.

The first day of school for the 2021-22 school year will be August 17 and the last day of school will be May 20.

The first day of school for the 2022-23 school year will be August 16 and last day of school will be May 19.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Board voted 6-1 to allow remote learners to participate in spring sports and activites.

Discussion was held on starting an after school program/summer school program. It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with the project by getting a program director hired.

Following an executive session, the Board approved a recommendation to hire David Pottroff as Horton High School industrial technology teacher for next school year.

Pottroff, a 2008 Horton High School graduate, will replace longtime instructor Jay Logan, who is retiring at the end of the current school year after 29 years with the district.

The USD 430 Board also voted unanimously to extend Cline's contract through the 2022-23 school year.

(MSC News)--Thirty-two rural Kansas communities--including six local communities--will receive a share of nearly $14 million in federal grants to assist with community development projects.

Governor Laura Kelly made the announcement Thursday.

Locally, Horton was awarded a $190,000 grant; Highland, $600,000; Holton, $600,000; Nortonville, more than $500,000; Valley Falls, nearly $116,000; and Vermillion a $250,000 grant.

Kelly said through the Community Development Block Grant program facilitated by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the federal grants are being awarded for a variety of projects, including sewer and water projects, housing rehabilitation and community facility improvements.

(KNZA)--Due to the negative windchill forecasts during the AM bus route times, all Royal Valley USD 337 students will attend school remotely on Friday.

Superintendent Aaric Davis made the announcement Thursday.

Electronic devices were sent home with students.

Davis said he will be making a decision for Monday by 1:00 Sunday afternoon. 

At this point, the windchills for Monday are expected to be between 25 to 35 degrees below zero. Davis said if the forecast does not change, they will plan to be remote on Monday and/or Tuesday as well. 

(KLZA)-- Following the annual public hearing on the proposed 1 & 6 Year Road Plan Tuesday, Richardson County Commissioners adopted the plan as presented. 

Only one person was present from the public for the hearing.  The One-Year Plan for 2021 includes a $1.5-million asphalt overlay project from the City limits of  Rulo to the Nemaha Bridge south of  Rulo. 

The estiamted cost of the projects on the One-Year Plan is $2,290,000.

The entire plan calls for the expenditure of $11,554,000 on 25 projects in Richardson County.  

The Airport Road and Bridge project on the northeast edge of Falls City remains on the Six-Year Plan with an estimated cost of $2-million. 

(KLZA)--Current public health guidelines and the most recent DHM for schools in Nebraska remain mostly unchanged. 

Falls City Public Schools will continue to follow the health recommenations of the Southeast District Health Department’s public health guidelienes for masking, social distancing and hand hygiene. 

 It is noted this is particularly imporatnt with students attending school.  It is felt these measures are the best way to prevent outbreaks in the schol setting and reduce virus transmission.

The mask requirement will stay in place as long as possible to keep the Falls City Public Schools open, reduce transmission and protect the staff and students district wide.

The Falls City School District principals reported there are currently two COVID-19 positive cases and five individuals under a directed quarantine due to close contact exposure.

Pawnee County Commissioners reviewed information regarding transferring the duties of ex-officio Clerk of the District Court to the Judicial Branch when they met  Tuesday. 

Following disucsion, Board members Ron Seitz, Jan Lang and Lavon Heidemann voted unanimously to oppose the change.

In other action, bids were opened for a box culvert or corrugated metal pipes for a project north of DuBois. 

Three bids were submitted ranging from $197,639  up to $241,295.  Following discussion, the Board approved the low bid from M.E. Collins of  Wahoo for the box culvert at a bid of $197,639 with a start date of October, 2021.

(KLZA)-- Omaha Public Power District is receiving an increased number of calls today from our customers, regarding scam phone calls. So far today, we have received about 80 reports of aggressive callers, trying to con customers out of money. And that number is expected to climb.

Scammers have been targeting utility customers across the country for years, now. They pick up several times a year. Sometimes, these calls spike around holidays or after highly-publicized weather or outage events. Callers may be trying to capitalize while customers are feeling vulnerable.

Often, the scammers use “spoofing” technology so that caller identification appears to show a legitimate OPPD phone number. Callers pretend to be OPPD employees, demanding payment from customers on bills they claim are overdue. In some cases, they claim customers need to pay for equipment, such as meters.

Callers tell customers their service will be disconnected if they don’t pay up. They try to get their targets to give up credit, debit or checking account information over the phone to make a payment, or to purchase a pre-paid debit card, such as a Green Dot card, from a nearby store. They instruct customers to call them back with the card numbers.

We’ve also heard of scammers trying to convince customers they overpaid on their utility bill. They ask the customer to provide bank account information in order to receive a credit. They have also been known to use phony apps or QR codes to steal customers’ money.

OPPD stresses that none of these people demanding payments or financial information work for the utility. The utility never cold calls customers demanding payment. And it does not accept payment in the form of pre-paid debit cards.

OPPD advises customers:

·         Never give personal or financial information to a stranger during an unsolicited phone call.

·         If such a person should appear unannounced at one’s door, claiming to work for the utility, do not allow them inside. Always ask for identification or verification. OPPD employees always carry identification. Failure to produce identification is a tip-off to the customer that something is wrong.

·         Be suspicious of any emails you receive regarding your utility bill if you have not opted in to online communications from OPPD.

·         Never provide personal information via email, and do not click on suspicious links.

·         Do not respond to text messages seeking personal information or utility bill payments. Do not click on links within such messages.

·         Never turn off security systems for any reason if a stranger asks. Any customer who receives such a request should call law enforcement immediately.

Customers with questions about making a payment, or about their account in general, should always call OPPD directly. Within Omaha, the number is 402-536-4131. Outside of Omaha, customers should call 1-877-536-4131.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board continues to ponder the future of the Hawthorne House as they move forward with some repairs to the home that was once part of the historic Hiawatha Academy.

Director of Maintenance Chris Morey Monday evening reviewed an estimate of $27,000 for repairs to the exterior of the house located on school district property---including tuck pointing, porch repairs and drainage work.

Discussion was held regarding which repairs to prioritize and which repairs can be completed in-house.

The Board directed Morey to have district employees handle as much of the drainage work as possible and hire a local contractor as needed. The drainage work includes removing concrete slabs on the left side and rear corner of the house and adding topsoil to direct water away from the house's foundation.

The Board voted to put the tuck pointing work out for bid.

The historic home and land was deeded to USD 415 by E.N. Morrill for the use of education.  The land cannot be sold, but the house can be given away and moved off the propery. 

The Board again discussed possible future plans for the house, but made no decision.

Board members do not want to see the house torn down, but don’t believe the district should be in the rental business as well.

Board member Ian Schuetz said he thinks its worth exploring the possibility of moving the house to another lot and making it a home remodeling project.

In other business, discussion was held regarding improvements at the Hiawatha Elementary School parking lot. The board asked Morey to look into creating a direct entrance to and exit from the parking lot on Miami Street. A virtual special board meeting will be held Tuesday, February 16th at 10:00 in the morning to discuss the new plans.

(KAIR)--An all day investigation Wednesday led to the early evening arrest of an Atchison man, blamed for the early Wednesday morning armed robbery of an Atchison apartment complex management office. 

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a Wednesday evening release, said investigators, by late afternoon, had identified 39-year-old Gale Hewitt as the suspect. 

Hewitt was spotted behind the wheel of a Chrysler PT Cruiser, in the area of 6th and M Streets, shortly before 5:00 in the evening. Getting out of the vehicle, police saw he was holding a handgun as he ran into a wooded area.
Atchison Police were joined at that location by Atchison County Sheriff’s Deputies and Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers, with a perimeter secured. About eighteen minutes later, Hewitt was in custody, arrested north of the wooded area, just south of Harper Drive, in the 500 block, through the assistance of a KHP K-9. 

Following his arrest, Hewitt was transported for hospital treatment of minor injuries, and later transferred to the Atchison County Jail. 

Hewitt faces charges for burglary, aggravated assault, theft, theft of a firearm, criminal damage to property, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, and felony interference with law enforcement.

Hewitt is accused of the burglary of the office at Atchison’s Massasoit Apartments, in the 200 block of North 3rd Street, allegedly pointing a handgun at an apartment employee who walked-in on the 4 a.m. burglary in  progress.

The employee escaped safely and called police, with Hewitt accused of stealing cash and a handgun, prior to going to the home of a residence in the 200 block of North 4th Street, around 90 minutes after the office burglary. Wilson said Hewitt, at the residence, confronted the occupant, displaying a gun during a conversation that ended with no one hurt, and nothing stolen.

(KAIR)--An early Wednesday morning burglary, targeting the management office of an Atchison apartment complex, is investigated, with police searching for the armed suspect.

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says it happened around 4:00 in the morning, at the office of the Massasoit Apartments, located in the 200 block of North 3rd Street.

According to Wilson’s report, the suspect, as the door to the office was opened by an apartment employee who discovered the crime in progress, pointed a handgun at the employee, who was able to escape safely and call police.

Following the management office burglary that Wilson said resulted in the theft of a handgun and cash, the same suspect went to the door of a residence, located in the 200 block of North 4th Street, about 90 minutes after the office burglary.

Wilson said the suspect, at the residence, confronted the occupant, displaying a gun during a conversation that ended with no one hurt, and nothing stolen, when the suspect left the area.

Wilson describes the suspect as a stocky white man, standing 6-foot-2-inches, with a slick bald head and a gray haired goatee with a rubber band around it. He was last known to be wearing a gray sweatshirt and bleach-blue jeans.

Anyone with information should contact police at 913-367-4323.

The investigation is continuing.

(KMZA)--Beginning March 22, masks will be " recommended" rather than required in Prairie Hills USD 113.

Superintendent Todd Evans said the Board of Education voted to make the change during Monday evening's meeting.

Until then, the district's " Practical Mask Plan" will remain in place as is. 

Evans said the Board took the action after hearing from a number of patrons on both sides of the issue and examining the results of a survey of parents and staff.

The Axtell School is currently under Marshall County's mask mandate, while the Sabetha and Wetmore schools are currently under the district's mask plan.

The Sabetha City Commission voted February 1 to rescind the city's mask mandate and the Nemaha County Commission voted last month to rescind the countywide mask mandate.

Evans said those mandates were more restrictive than the district's mask plan, which was approved in August.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is going to prison, sentenced to serve more than 5-years behind bars for drug distribution charges related to marijuana.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, 28-year-old Bill Manley was sentenced Monday in Atchison County District Court to the time behind bars "for the crimes of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana and interference with a law enforcement officer."

Those crimes stemmed from a traffic stop inside the Atchison City limits, on October 6 of last year, when a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper observed Manley's vehicle involved in a traffic violation.

Once stopped in a nearby fast food restaurant parking lot, located at 412 South 10th Street, the Trooper, approaching the vehicle "smelled an overwhelming odor of raw marijuana" coming from the vehicle. The driver, later identified as Manley, was ordered to exit the vehicle, with the Trooper saying he saw Manley, once outside, reaching for an item in his front right pocket and setting it behind a wall in the parking lot.

Gaining a better view as he moved forward, the Trooper saw that the item was a small baggy containing light colored pills.

Manley, ordered to place his hands behind his back, refused to do so, and instead grabbed the pill bag and threw it onto a steep hill in a rock covered area. Later recovered, with Manley placed under arrest, the bag was found to contain 81 oxycodone pills. A vehicle search was also conducted, and led to the discovery of what Becker's release calls "22-ounces of marijuana, as well as scales and packaging materials."

Manley was originally arrested on charges related to possession with intent to distribute both the cannabis and the pills, as well as interference with a law enforcement officer.

Becker, in the release, said a guilty plea was entered by Manley on December 14 of last year, for only the marijuana and the law enforcement interference, leading to Monday’s sentencing.

(KNZA)--Holton Community Hospital has changed the name of its rural health clinics.

CEO Carrie Saia made the announcement Tuesday in a news release.

The new clinic names will be Holton Family Medicine, Hoyt Family Medicine and Wetmore Family Medicine. Along with the name change, the organization has also introduced a new logo and tagline, “Personalized Care. Hometown Heart.”

The release says the name changes and modernized branding reflect the new look of the hospital, as it continues to complete the expansion and renovation project.

“The new clinic names allow us to more accurately depict our presence throughout not only Jackson County, but other areas of northeast Kansas. The Board of Directors felt this was the opportune time to change our name and brand as we move closer to the completion of this major construction project,” said Board Chair, Bobbi McGrath. “The clinic name changes honor all the communities we serve and reflect our commitment to each of them.”

“We understand our community is excited about our new and upgraded facilities,” said Saia. “We feel the new name and branding efforts extend that excitement and are the final steps in the many changes we have undergone these past 16 months.”

(KAIR)--A local district judge vacancy has been filled.

Governor Laura Kelly on Monday appointed Kansas City, Kansas attorney John Bryant, Jr., to the 1st Judicial District vacancy created by the January 11 retirement of Judge Robert Bednar.

The 1st Judicial District includes Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.

“John brings an impressive mix of experience to the bench and has served the people of Atchison and Leavenworth counties well as an attorney,” Governor Kelly said. “I know that he will do the same as a Judge.”

Bryant has run a solo law practice, Bryant Law Office, since 2014, primarily handling criminal defense cases. Prior to starting his private practice, he worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Fraud and Medicaid Abuse Division in the Office of the Kansas Attorney General and was Deputy County Attorney for Leavenworth County.

District court judges in the 1st Judicial District are appointed by the governor and selected from nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years.

The three other nominees selected by the district nominating commission included two Atchison attorney's—John Kurth and Andrew Werring—along with Lansing attorney Michael Jones.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has filled the position of road and bridge secretary.

The Commission voted Monday to offer the position to Tami Lehmkuhl. She was among four candidates interviewed.

County Clerk Dawn Boyles told MSC News that Lehmkuhl has accepted the position. She will attend next week's Commission meeting to discuss her position, benefits and pay.

The position has been vacant since late October following the termination of Julie Liberty, who had held the position since June, 2020

Assistant County Clerk Melissa Gormley has been serving as interim road and bridge secretary.

(KLZA)-- Two people were hospitalized following separate wrecks Sunday in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that arournd 8:20 a.m. a southbound Chevrolet Cobalt driven by 48-year-old Karen Pender of Omaha began to pass a tractor trailor and struck the rear of a Missouri Department of Transportation truck that was plowing snow in the passing lane of Interstate 29.  Both vehicles were driven to a stop. 

Pender was transported by the Atchison -Holt Ambulance to Fairfax Community Hospital with what were described as moderate injuries.  Her vehicle was totaled.  

The truck driver,  32-year-old Brenten Hughes of Forest City was not injured in the wreck that occurred approximately five miles south of Mound City.  The Holt County Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene of he wreck.

Sunday afternoorn about 12:50 a Mobile, Alabama man,  31-year-old Garland Moore was transported to the Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph with minor injuries when the semi he was driving south in the passing lane of Interstate 29 struck the back of a semi driven by 52-year-old Kevin Totten of Mena, Arkansas.  

Teten was not injured.  Both trucks suffered extensive damage and were towed from the scene of the wreck.

The Holt County Sheriff's Office and Missouri Department of Transporation assited the Missouri Highway Patrol at the scnee fo the wreck. 
 

(KLZA)--There was a slight increase in the number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in the five-county Southeast District Health Department area January 31 – February 6.  

There were 73 newly confirmed cases in the area compared to  68 the previous week. 

43 of the new cases were in Otoe County which now has had 1,255 confirmed cases with eight deaths reported.

There were six new cases in Richardson County,  nine in Pawnee County,  seven in Nemaha County and eight in Johnson County. 

Within the district there have been 50 deaths due to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.  18 of  those deaths have been reported in Richardson County. 

(KAIR)--The final details of the Rainbow Communications fiber expansion to the City of Atchison were outlined, and discussed during a February 2 pre-construction meeting, clearing the way for the actual construction work, meaning an upgrade to Atchison internet service, to begin.

According to a release from Atchison Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont, the meeting included representatives of the Everest-based Rainbow, Evergy, contractor North Central Service, and the City.

Construction for phase one was set to begin Monday as an outcome of the meeting. According to Pregont, while the work has officially begun, the arctic blast across the local region is a factor in the current progress.

Pregont, in the release, explained that phase one of the fiber expansion consists of a new route to Amberwell Health, as well as routes to Benedictine College, the Amelia Earhart Airport, and Atchison’s downtown business district.

North Central Service expects to have up to four crews working on the project in various locations throughout Atchison over the next several months. Some of the work requires burying fiber optic cable underground with directional drilling, while other portions of the work require aerial attachment to existing utility poles.

During construction there may be intermittent disruptions to the City’s solid waste and recycling collection service, specifically when the contractor is working in narrow alleys. The City asks that in the event of missed collections, residents just leave their trash and/or recycling at the collection point until the City can gain access, which will likely be the next day. Missed trash and/or recycling collections can be reported to the City Shop at 913-367-5561.

The release says that as with any construction project in the public right of way, the City asks that motorists use caution when they see stopped work vehicles or traffic control devices to ensure worker safety.

Plans for the project were announced in August of last year, with a release issued by Rainbow at that time saying phase one of the project will mean a $3 million investment in the city’s downtown area, and the beginning of permanent residency inside of Atchison.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved a bid for a highway resurfacing project in Marshall County

According to a release from KDOT, Hall Brothers, of Marysville, was awarded the contract for the milling and overlay of a 12 mile stretch of K-9 Highway in the amount of more than $1.7 million.

The project will take place from junction with U.S. 77 east to the junction with K-99.

A construction start date hasn't been announced.

The bid letting took place January 20 in Topeka.

(KNZA)--Brown County is reporting an additional COVID-19 related death.

The Brown County Health Department reported the death Friday, bringing the total to 32 since the pandemic began.

On the positive side, the county continues to see a decrease in active cases.

As of Monday, there were 6 active cases, with one individual currently hospitalized.

Brown County has seen a total of 1,088 positive cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha Elementary School teacher is being remembered.

USD 415 Superintendent Lonnie Moser on Monday announced the death of 1st and 2nd grade special education instructor Janice Kneisley following a courageous battle with lung cancer.

The 62-year-old Kneisley had spent the last 18 years working in special education.

Moser said Kneisley was " a true teacher to the end."  He said "her dedication and positive influence will be deeply missed."

Moser said counselors, social workers and other personnel will be present for the days ahead to assist students and staff with their emotional needs during this difficult time.

A celebration of life service will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Hiawatha.

(LINCOLN, NEB.) — The State of Nebraska has recognized the City of Auburn (pop. 3,307) for ongoing development within the community’s business, education and housing sectors. This week, the Department of Economic Development (DED) announced the City’s recertification in Nebraska’s Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) program.

Auburn is one of 40 Nebraska communities to earn membership in the EDCC program, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by DED. State officials established the program in 2005 to recognize communities for preparedness to attract new industries and efforts to grow existing businesses. As part of the certification process, qualifying communities must identify a well-defined program that actively engages with their current business community and offers a supportive environment for welcoming new economic development projects. This includes documenting available sites and buildings, local financing and incentive programs and a strategic plan for economic development. The City of Auburn was among Nebraska’s first communities to earn EDCC status in May 2006. The City was recertified in December 2009, June 2015 and November 2020.

Over the past five years, local leaders have created new economic and employment opportunities through successful business recruitment efforts. Collaboration between the Auburn Development Council (ADC) and City officials resulted in a Minnesota-based manufacturing company’s expansion project in 2018. FAST Global Solutions acquired its second Nebraska facility at Auburn’s former Ariens Company manufacturing site just 90 days after the Ariens closure. FAST Global Solutions established its first Nebraska plant in Falls City in 1989. Both facilities produce air ground support equipment, conveyors and agricultural sprayers.

ADC’s continued commitment to economic vitality led to the creation of various programs to support Auburn’s retail and tourism industries in response to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The organization’s Double Down Gift Card Program encouraged gift card purchases at restaurants, retailers and salons by providing matching funds for 18 local businesses. Additional support for the program came from local investors, which created a total of $3,500 for disaster relief funding. Two area businesses have been awarded grants from the relief fund since its recent inception.

“Local support for businesses has always been a key component to success in Nebraska’s small communities, and has proven even more essential in 2020,” said Nebraska Diplomats President Tim O’Brien. “Auburn Development Council’s recent programs have incentivized shoppers to invest in the area’s retail, hospitality and personal care industries during the pandemic. In addition, disaster relief funding encouraged support for Auburn’s entire business community, which highlights ADC’s ongoing commitment to stabilization and growth.”

Six new businesses have opened in Auburn over the past nine months, including two restaurants, a nutrition juice shop, a clothing boutique, a coffee roasting business and a coffee shop. Over the past five years, ADC has hosted business plan workshops facilitated by the Nebraska Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP).

“Auburn’s attractive business climate goes hand in hand with our community’s amenities,” said ADC Director Kim Beger. “When it comes to an investor’s decision to become a business owner, so much of that is about quality of life. As a family-oriented community, we have great schools and access to healthcare, jobs and fiber capabilities.”

Creativity spurred by the 2018 Nemaha County Leadership class led to Auburn’s “Honeybees in the Heartland” project, which celebrates Nebraska’s state insect. The project supported the creation of dozens of outdoor community art sculptures, which were showcased on the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s 2020 Nebraska Passport program. The sculptures featured Auburn as one of 70 passport stops across Nebraska.

Auburn’s Rural Institute Fellows program offers paid student internships and specializes in leadership development training via the University of Nebraska’s Rural Prosperity Nebraska program. ADC hired two students in 2020 and offered specific training with an Auburn digital marketing company, Bcom Solutions, and the community’s Rural Impact Hub. The hub was generated by Bcom ownership and serves as a collaborative space for economic development efforts, workshops and community activities.

Rural Impact Hub leaders recently partnered with Auburn Public Schools and Peru State College to host a coding camp for 20 local elementary students. An additional partnership between Auburn Public Schools and the Nebraska Department of Labor resulted in “Explore It” sessions to connect students to local employers. The event provided information about workforce needs and in-demand skill sets in southeast Nebraska for nine area schools. In addition, local junior and senior high school students participate in annual Manufacturing Day events hosted by FAST Global Solutions, Magnolia Metal Corp. and ADC.

The City of Auburn continues to build housing opportunities through a DED Owner Occupied Rehabilitation grant, which was awarded to the community in 2019. The City is also one of five communities in Nebraska’s Rural Workforce Housing Consortium in collaboration with the State of Nebraska, Southeast Nebraska Development District, the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, the Village of Deshler and the Cities of Auburn, Beatrice, Fairbury and Geneva. The City of Auburn also offers several local housing incentives, including grant and loan housing rehabilitation programs and a new house construction grant.

The City continues to benefit from a 2014 DED Community Development Block Grant for Downtown Revitalization. The City of Auburn has since completed eight reuse projects totaling more than $150,000.

“As you can see, a bold vision and proactive approach to economic development are crucial to the long-term health and durability of Auburn’s economy,” said ADC President Leslie Clark. “We look forward to these next several years with the utmost confidence because we at Auburn Development Council are committed to that approach and seeing that vision for Auburn become a reality.”

(KLZA)-- Richardson County firefighters had a busy weekend.

Saturday afternoon the Falls  City Rural Fire Department was called to a residence several miles northwest of Falls City.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, the chimney fire had been extinguished.  The Department stayed on the scene for a short period of time to make sure there were no flare-ups.  No damage was reported.

At about 6:00 p.m. Saturday the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department was called to 905 East 12th Street where a shed had caught fire.  

Upon arrival it was discovered that an electrical line to a water pan had caught the structure on fire.  A pot belly pig was housed in the shed, the animal was relocated.  There were no injuries.

Saturday evening the Verdon Volunteer Fire Department was called to 408 East 3rd Street where a fire had started in the attic of the home.

Fire Chief Phil Hitchcock said that a wire in a ceiling fan is believed to be the cause of the fire that burned into blown-in insulation.  The fire was extinguished. 

Sunday morning between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. the  Department was called back to that location when the fire flared up again and burned through the attic floor. A ceiling was torn out of a bedroom and the fire extinguished. 

There was some structure damage along with smoke and water damage but no injuries.

Hitchcock noted he was pleased with the response to the fire calls during such cold, snowy conditions. 

(KAIR)-- A long-running and very popular Atchison tradition has been cancelled.

St. Patrick’s Parade Committee Chairman Janie Pickman says this year’s decision to cancel the parade and related festivities stems from concerns over Covid-19.

“Mostly what went towards it is just people worried about Covid and how to restrict entry into a lot of places, because we’re still restricted to the amount people we can have per square footage – like for the ceremony – so the Elks didn’t feel comfortable figuring out how they were going to limit people coming in and out of that building – and the bars the same way a little bit. And having to make sure people social distance on the street. The city was going to issue a permit so that was not the issue, it’s just with all the Covid things that were stacked against us we just decided to be safe we better not to do it this year.”

In a normal year the St. Patrick’s festivities draw multitudes to the downtown area for a wide array of events – including live music at the ELKS lodge, a grand marshal ceremony, and pub crawl.

Pickman says the parade has been held annually for more than 35 years, and typically draws 50 to 80 entries.

She says she looks forward to its return next year.

The parade is traditional held on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day. 

(KMZA)-- A new Seneca police officer has been hired.

On the recommendation of Police Chief Jordan Weaver, the Seneca City Council at their February 3rd meeting approved the hiring of Phillip Steinlage, of Corning.

Steinlage will attend the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in Hutchinson next month.

No date is set yet for his first day on the the job.

He will be paid a starting salary of $14.50 an hour.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved a bid for an Atchison County bridge project.

According to a release from KDOT, Pfefferkorn and Drury Construction, of Olathe, was awarded the contract for the replacement of a bridge on K-116 Highway over Spring Creek Drainage, located 3 ½ miles east of the junction with U.S. 159.

A construction start date wasn't immediately available.

The letting took place on January 20 in Topeka.

(KAIR)--A man is dead, with his body found inside an Atchison residence that was the scene of a Friday evening disturbance that led to law enforcement response.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a news release, said officers responded to the 300 block of North 16th Street, around 5:30 that evening, following the report of a domestic disturbance involving a weapon.

A woman, who had left the residence prior to police arrival, met with officers several blocks away, with investigators learning that she had walked outside, following a dispute inside, and heard a gunshot. Stepping back inside, the release says the woman saw her male companion holding a firearm, and that a gunshot had been fired at the ceiling. Wilson said the man made threats to harm the woman, to police who responded, and to himself. It was then that she ran out of the house, leaving the man alone inside, and met with police.

According to Wilson, as officers were securing a perimeter, a gunshot was heard from inside the residence, but it was not clear if that shot was intended for the police outside the home.

Officers continued to maintain a secure, outside perimeter, as other officers made contact with neighbors, informing them of safety steps needing to be taken.

Continued attempts were made by police to make contact with the man, but they gained no response. A search warrant for the residence was obtained by police, who were assisted at the scene by Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers who utilized a robot to make entry inside. Wilson said the Police Department’s Special Response Team subsequently entered the residence and found the 25-year-old man dead due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Wilson, on Monday, told MSC News that due to the nature of the case, names will not be made public.

(KAIR)--A man was found dead following an armed standoff in Atchison Friday evening.

Atchsion Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a news release, said police officers responded to a disturbance involving a firearm at a residence in the 300 block of North 16th Street around 5:30.

Wilson said one person had left the residence before officers arrived and met officers at another location.

It was learned that a 25-year-old man was alone inside the residence, was armed, and had made statements that he would shoot at police.

Officers responded to the residence where attempts were made to make contact with the person believed to be inside.  There was no response.

Officers secured the area around the residence.

Wilson said Atchison Police obtained a search warrant and were assisted at the scene by Kansas Highway Patrol troopers who utilized a robot to enter the residence.

He said the Police Department's Special Response Team subsequently entered the residence, where the 25-year-old man was found dead.

The investigation is continuing.   

(KAIR)--The Atchison VFW Post #1175 has awarded its Officer of the Year and EMT of the year.

The Officer of the Year Award went to Captain Travis Eichelberger of the Atchison Police Department, while the EMT Award went to Captain George Duff.

Fred Gage is the Junior Vice Commander for the local post and is in charge of the awards program. Gage says both Eichelberger and Duff are great examples of people who work hard to serve the local community.

“These individuals that are nominated are the ones that are the front-runners, the self-starters, the ones that come out and help you. And a lot of times in our community the EMT’S and the law enforcement are dealing with people that are really having a hard time.”

Eichelberger and Duff were presented plaques at outdoor ceremonies earlier this week.

Both nominations now advance to the VFW’s district level, where they will compete with other posts in the area. Those results are expected later in the year.

The local VFW post also recognizes exemplary individuals from other groups. Each year the post honors a student of the year and a teacher of the year at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. They also present awards to outstanding boy and girl scouts.

(KNZA)--Two individuals were arrested on multiple charges after a search warrant was served at a residence southeast of Hoyt early Friday morning

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the warrant was served at 9915 T.4 Road following a drug investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

45-year-old Rachael Butts, of Hoyt, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of aggravated endangering a child.

51-year-old John North, of Hoyt, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a weapon and possession of stolen property.

Morse said deputies recovered a 2014 Chevy Cruze on the property, which had been reported stolen out of Jefferson County.

Two children in the residence were taken into police protective custody.

Butts and North are being held in the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--A Holton woman has been arrested on drug and child endangerment charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Sheriff's Office arrested 32-year-old Kristina Hyatt Thursday night following a deputy checking on the welfare of her children.

Morse said a deputy stopped at a residence in the 300 Block of Topeka Street in Holton around 8:00 to follow up on a report of child neglect.

As a result of the investigation, the deputy placed Hyatt under arrest for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and three counts of child endangerment.

Hyatt was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--A Holton man convicted of fatally shooting his father has been sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison.

51-year-old Derrick Bohnenkemper was sentenced Friday in the death of his 73-year-old father, Galen Bohnenkemper, at the family's home in September 2018.

Following his release from prison, Bohnenkemper must serve 36-months on post release supervision and register as a violent offender for 15 years.

He pleaded no contest in December to a charge of second-degree murder.

His mother was able to escape the home and call 911.

Bohnenkemper surrendered to authorities following a more than five hour armed standoff, during which shots were fired at officers.

No officers were injured.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. complimented the Road Department staff for their excellent and successful job with snow removal from county roads following last weeks winter storm when he met with the County Commissioners Tuesday. 

Darveau requested the Commissioenrs consider extending the COVID  Cares aCt provision that ended December 31, allowing 10 days of paid leave for those testing positive and / or must be required to quarantine.  The Board has placed the request on the agenda for their February 9 meeting. 

Commissioners also approved a resolution directing Darveau to conduct a study on the use of County Road 708 between 643 and 644 Avenue with the report to be submitted to the Board by March 4.

A petition has been filed with the County Clerk to vacate or abandon that portion of road which is located northwest of Salem. 

(KLZA)-- RichardsonCounty Commissioners met with Sheriff Rick Hardesty and Chief Deputy Roland Merwin Tuesday.

Sheriff Hardesty presented a purchase order for obtaining a drug dog.  

The Sheriff's Office will accept donations to help with the purchase and training for a drug dog.  

Several area businesses have already made donations toward the purchase of the K9 and related expenses.

The Board unanimously approved purchasing a fully trained K9 and for 120 hours of handlier training, working with K9 Working Dogs International of Sullivan, Ohio.  The cost will be $14,853.
 

(KAIR )--A two-vehicle wreck in the city of Atchison Thursday afternoon sent an Atchison woman to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened around 3:40 at the intersection of South 10th Street and U.S. 59 Highway.

The release says Candace Shields was driving a Chevy pickup truck southbound on 10th Street when a northbound Chevy Suburban driven by Mary Wurtz, of Atchison, attempted to turn west onto U.S. 59 and the vehicles collided.

Shields was transported to the Amberwell Health Hospital by ambulance for the treatment of injuries.

Three children in the Shields vehicle were examined by EMS at the scene, but were not transported.

Wilson said the occupants in both vehicles were wearing seatbelts were the wreck occurred.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County  Commissioners are planning to prepare a written proposal for locating the 911 Public Service Answering Point from the Falls City Police Department to the Richardson  County Law Enforcement Center.  The proposal will  be forwarded to the City Council for consideration once it is finalized.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty and Commissioner John Caverzagie met with the Falls City Council to discuss the possibility in January. 

If the proposal were to be approved, all of the dispatching for the Sheriff's Department, Police Department and other entities including fire departments and ambulance service would be provided by the  Sheriff's Department.

Currently the Police Department is the 911 Public Service Answering Point. 

(KNZA)--The Horton Fire Department will be getting a newer aerial truck.

The Horton City Commission, during a January 28 special meeting, approved the purchase of a 1993 International  truck with less than 13,000 miles for a cost of $25,000. The truck has a 50-foot ladder.

It will replace their aging 1983 truck that doesn't meet standards.

The newer truck will lower the city's ISO rating, meaning businesses will pay less for insurance.

The Fire Department will also be replacing the air compressor used for their for self contained breathing apparatus gear. The existing compressor is from the late 70's and parts are rare.

Purchase of the fire truck and compressor will be financed through $30,000 lease purchase agreement with First Option Bank, at an interest rate of 1.73 percent. Bids were received from three banks.

(KAIR)--With COVID numbers trending in a slightly better direction and vaccinations now occurring, Atchison City Hall will be reopened to the public, but just for access to the customer service and police records windows.

The building doors will be unlocked during normal business hours (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) beginning on Monday, Feb. 8.

According to a release from the city, even with the doors open, if residents or visitors need access to any other departments or offices, those will be done by appointment only.

The second floor of City Hall will remain closed as most employees are still encouraged to work from home as much as possible until the threat of COVID spread is greatly minimized.

In addition to the reopening of the customer service windows, the release says public meetings will return to in person with a Zoom option. That impacts City Commission and Planning Commission meetings specifically. However, if a resident or visitor wishes to attend a City Commission or Planning Commission meeting in person, an RSVP will be necessary to City Clerk Julie Behler at 367-5500 prior to the start of the meetings.

“We aren’t out of the woods yet,” City Manager Becky Berger said. “We are still encouraging everyone to take proper precautions, social distancing, mask wearing and hand sanitizing measures especially. If you can conduct business virtually or over the phone, that is still the best option right now.”

(KNZA)--A Kansas City, Missouri couple were arrested in Jackson County on drug charges after their U-Haul truck was stopped for a traffic infraction.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said sheriff's deputies stopped the southbound U-Haul near 134th Road and U.S. 75 Highway in southern Jackson County shortly after 1:30 Wednesday afternoon.

Morse said a Sheriff's Department K-9 was deployed, which detected the smell of illegal drugs.

The driver, 41-year-old Steven Hernandez was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while revoked.

The passenger, 46-year-old Mary Ann Hernandez, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

The couple were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday approved a reassignment of the 22nd Judicial District director and assistant director positions.

Director Chris Denner sent a letter requesting to be reassigned to the assistant director position and to move Vicki Hubin from the assistant director to director position.

The Commission approved a salary of $52,500 for Hubin and salary of $24.24 an hour for Denner. They also approved a salary of $19.23 an hour for Office manager Peggy Siebenmorgen.

The Commission voted in December to offer Denner the director's position following the resignation of longtime director Venice Sloan.

The 22nd Judicial District includes Brown, Doniphan, Nemaha and Marshall Counties.

In other business, the Commission reviewed the applications received for the position of road and bridge secretary.

Commission Chairman Rich Lehmkuhl suggested calling the three applicants in for interviews next Monday.

(KAIR)--A grant will be sought for a new Atchison Fire Department truck.

The Atchison City Commission Monday evening unanimously approved a grant application that the Fire Department is submitting that would pay for 95% of a new mini-pumper truck – changing the way the department responds to medical emergency calls.

According to a release from the city, the department estimates that more than 80% of calls are as first responders to medical emergencies. Currently, the department must use one of its full-sized pumper trucks to respond to all calls. One of the pumper trucks – Engine 3 – is approaching the end of its useful life and is due for replacement in the next couple years. Rather than replace that truck with another fullsized vehicle that could cost about $500,000 and has high maintenance costs, interim chief Pat Weishaar told commissioners that the mini-pumper would be more than sufficient as a replacement.

He said a mini-pumper truck will cost about $275,000, and have lower maintenance costs.

To help purchase the truck, the department is applying for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The grant would cover 95% of costs, leaving about a $14,000 price tag to the city.

The department will continue to maintain other full-sized pumper trucks available for fire emergencies, in addition to the mini-pumper which still has some firefighting capability.

(KNZA)--The countywide mask mandate in Jefferson County has been extended.

 At the request of County Health Department Administrator Crystal VanHoutan, the Jefferson County Commission voted Monday to continue the mask mandate until February 16.

 It's been in place since November to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

VanHoutan updated the Commission on the latest COVID statistics.  As of Monday, the county has seen 1,532 total cases, 64 hospitalizations and 24 deaths since the pandemic began.  

VanHoutan said the county is now at a 7 percent positivity rate.  

She said 333 people were vacinated during the first Phase 2 COVID vaccination clinic held January 26.  Clinics will continue this week.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Health Department is urging patience as they continue to administer their, so far, limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine.

Health Department Administrator Sheryl Pierce informed the Doniphan County Commission Monday they had administered 260 COVID-19 vaccines to date.

Doniphan County is currently vaccinating its Phase 2 population. This includes people who are 65 and older, high-contact critical workers, people who've been in congregate settings and any previously unvaccinated medical personnel and long-term care residents.

The Health Department, in a press release, said it's a slow process and they are committed to getting a vaccine to everyone that wants one. They added they are doing the best they can with the number of doses they are allocated each week from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Doniphan County residents who are eligible for a vaccine can call 785-985-3591 to get put on a waiting list. You will then be contacted when a dose is available.

(KMZA)--An open house will be held Thursday afternoon for outgoing Seneca City Administrator Matt Rehder.

The open house will take place from 2 to 4 in the city council room at the Seneca City Hall.

Rehder, who has served as Seneca city administrator since April 2013, is leaving to take a new position as city administrator in Iola, in southeast Kansas.

His last day in Seneca will be Friday, February 5.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council Monday night approved two funding requests for the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department.

One reqeust was for just over $4-thousand for training on the recently purchased ladder truck. E-One, the company that built the truck will send personnel to Falls City to train local fire fighters on the use of the truck.   In addition, the Council approved the purchase of 10 new tires for the truck which are expected to cost in the neighborhood of $6-thosand.  

Council members also approved a bid from Mezger Construction to build the Shamrock Circle cul-de-sac and Abbott Street extension at the Champions Crossing housing development location.  Work added to the project is expected to require and additional $60-thousand which will push the total cost of the work to approximately $170-thousand. 

In other business the Council approved Mayor Shawna Bindle's recommendation to appoint Tim Campbell to the Board of Public Works. He will replace Brad Albu who retired from the Board. 
 

(KLZA)--Three people were arrested by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department following the execution of a search warrant on a house and property at 1624 Abbott Street in Falls City Tuesday. 

Arrested were 44-year-old Peter Ranjel, 34-year-old Jessica Hayes and 39-year-old Anna DeBolt all of Falls City. 

Ranjel and Hayes were arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a playground,  possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and being habitual criminals.

The habitual criminal enhancement carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. 

Anna Debolt was arrested on three counts of possession of a controlled substance,  possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three are housed at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center. 

(KLZA)--Three people ere arrested by the Richardson County Sheriff's Deparmtnet following the execution of a search warrant of a house and property at 1624 Abbott Street in Falls City Tuesday. 

Arrested were 44-year-old Peter Ranjel, 34-year-old Jessica Hayes and 39-year-old Anna DeBolt all of Falls City. 

Ranjel and Hayes were arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a playground,  possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and being habitual criminals.

The habitual criminal enhancement carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. 

Anna Debolt was arrested on three countes of possession of aa controlled substance,  possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and two countes of possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three are housed at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center. 

(KLZA)--Three people ere arrested by the Richardson County Sheriff's Deparmtnet following the execution of a search warrant of a house and property at 1624 Abbott Street in Falls City Tuesday. 

Arrested were 44-year-old Peter Ranjel, 34-year-old Jessica Hayes and 39-year-old Anna DeBolt all of Falls City. 

Ranjel and Hayes were arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a playground,  possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and being habitual criminals.

The habitual criminal enhancement carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. 

Anna Debolt was arrested on three countes of possession of aa controlled substance,  possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and two countes of possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three are housed at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board, during a special meeting Tuesday morning, approved changes to the winter sports attendance policy that had been in effect since early December.

The Board voted to allow for the issuance of four tickets per participant for all high school athletic events-- regardless if the event is held in the high school gym or middle school gym, four tickets per particpant for middle school events held at the high school, and two tickets per participant for middle school events held at the middle school.

The changes will go into effect immediately.

The Board took the action after hearing from High School Activities Director Kim Lillie and Middle School Principal Kyley Gatz regarding the number of student participants and gym capacities.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association Board of Directors voted last month to allow up to 4 spectators per participant beginning January 29—an increase from the previous two allowed.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser advised the board they could vote to follow the KSHSAA guidelines, or be stricter on the number of spectators they allowed—based on the size of the facilities.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha's mask mandate was a topic of discussion again at Monday evening's City Commission meeting.

Two local residents, Stuart Aller of Hiawatha and Chris Kroll of rural Fairview, addressed the Commission with their concerns about the mask mandate and asked that it be rescinded.

Aller called the mask ordinance a “ rights violation”, and suggested that the toll the mask mandate has taken on the public is greater than any benefit it may lend.

Kroll, who said he does business in town, called the mask mandate an" infringement on liberty” and “ political theater”, noting that it is not enforced.

Mayor Bill Collins said he is not interested in the politics of the situation, but in saving people's lives.

Hiawatha Community Hospital CEO John Broberg and Brown County Health Officer Robin Downard then provided an update.

As of Monday, Downard said there were 12 active COVID-19 cases in Brown County, with two currently hospitalized.  She said the health department started vaccinating those on the high risk list last week and hope to vaccinate 100 more on that list this week.

Downard and Broberg both said they believe the mask mandate has helped to reduce cases and should be keep in place.

Commissioner Brian Shefferd said he doesn't believe there is any evidence that mask mandates are related to the lower active case numbers. Shefferd then made a motion to immediately rescind the mask mandate, which died due to the lack of a second.

Commissioner Becky Shamburg said her decision to stand behind the mask mandate comes from talking to medical professionals, educators and citizens.

Shamburg and Commissioner David Middendorf both felt the Commission should wait until the vaccination process if further along before considering lifting the mandate.

(KNZA)--South Brown County USD 430 intends to survey district patrons regarding their perceptions related to district facilities.

According to a news release from the district, the board of education is considering needed facilities improvements in the district and a potential bond election to finance those improvements.

The release says the district wishes to hear from patrons regarding their priorities for maintenance and other possible projects that would benefit students.

The survey will open on February 8 and will be available in both an on-line and paper-pencil format.

Registered voters will receive a copy of the survey by mail; however, respondents are encouraged to use the on-line survey link rather than using the paper-pencil form if possible. The paper-pencil form has been provided for those patrons who do not have access to the internet or are not comfortable with completing a survey on-line. Paper-pencil survey responses will have to be entered into the database by district staff so results can be tabulated.

All patrons, including those who are not registered voters, can provide their input through the on-line survey link.

Survey can be accessed at: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdASpWcdLpg7a4VXJaEBo6pnJi-cMVrNaBxdHFxOhYkxeDLhA/viewform

Surveys should be completed and returned by mail or online by February 19.

Results of the survey will be shared with the board of education and patrons in March.

(KAIR)--A car, stolen Sunday while parked on an Atchison street, has been located.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was recovered in Brown County Tuesday morning.

It was located near 120th and Nighthawk Roads, about a mile north of U.S. Highway 73, between the cities of Everest and Horton.

Wilson, in a release, said Atchison Police Detectives Tuesday morning joined the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at the scene where the car was found.

The parked car was stolen from the 1700 block of Atchison’s Utah Street sometime during a 12-hour window Sunday.

The owner parked the car unexpectedly at that location around 1:00 Sunday morning, due to fuel pump problems.
Around 1:00 Sunday afternoon, the man returned to the car expecting to make repairs, but found it missing, and contacted police.

The keys were left inside the car’s console at the time it was stolen.

No information regarding suspects is immediately available 

(KLZA)-- The latest update on the number of COVID-19 cases within the five-county jurisdiction of the Southeast Nebraska Health Department shows a significant decrease in the number of new cases from the previous week. 

January 24 – 30, the Health Department reported 68 new confirmed cases of COVID-19,  that is 61 fewer new cases than the previous week. 

Richardson County reported just seven new cases brining the total in the county to 652 with 18 deaths.

Pawnee County had just two new cases.  Johnson County had five new cases, Nemaha County Nebraska reported 19 news cases pushing the county total to 702 with 11 deaths reported.   Otoe  County reported 35 new cases which brings the county total to 1,213 cses with seven deaths.

District wide there have now been 3,373 confirmed cases with 48 deaths reported.  

(AP / KLZA ) -- Authorities have now released the names of the four Topeka residents who died in two-vehicle crash on Highway 75, just south of Union, Nebraska Sunday evening. 

A Cass County Sheriff's Department news release says a northbound pickup truck driven by 55-year-old Ronald Dubas of LaVista, Nebraska crossed the centerline striking a southbound SUV. 

Those who died at the scene were identifed as 21-year-old Ashley Bracken, the driver of the SUV;  22-year-old passenger Tatiyana Wade;  4-year-old Malysia Reece and 5-year-old Keniah Robinson. Wades 20-year-old sister, was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Dubas suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.   

(KLZA)-- Tecumseh State correction Institution inmate,  30-year-old James Pilcher has been sentenced in Johnson County District court for an October 25, 2018 assault with a weapon.

A news release from Johnson County  Attorney Rick Smith said during the incident, a staff member was retrieving an item from Pilcher's cell, when Pilcher reached out through the hatch in is cell door and swung a makeshift knie at the staff member, striking him in the abdomen and causing a superficial puncture wound.

District Judge Rick Schreiner added 10 to 20 years to Pilcher's current prison sentence, which was prevsiously set to end in 2022.

Pilcher is servic ea six-year sentence for assault convictions out of Lancaster County. 
 

(KLZA)-- A 28-year-old Syracuse man will serve additional time in prison following his sentencing Monday. 

Johnson County Attorney Richards Smith said in a news release that Dylan Boyle was sentenced to an additional two years, on a prison sentence he is currently serving for drug convictions in Otoe County. 

The new charges stem from a March, 17, 2020 stop by the Johnson County sheriff's Office.  During the stop, deputies found methamphetamine, a portable scale, and other drug paraphernalia in Boyle's car.

District Judge Rick Schreiner added the two year to a sentence that had been scheduled to end in August of 2021. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission voted unanimously Monday evening to reopen the Fisher Center.

The action came after Recreation Director Stacy Jasper developed a plan for safely reopening the facility, which has been closed to the public since last November to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

 All customers renting and/or reserving the Fisher Center will be required to sign a COVID waiver and follow safety protocols. Masks will be required for entry.

Walkers may utilize the facility between 8 and 10 Monday through Friday mornings, depending on gym availability.  Your asked to call ahead of time.

Later in the meeting, Commissioner Brian Shefferd made a motion to reopen City Hall, with customers required to wear masks and social distance. However, the motion died due to the lack of a second.

City Hall is currently open by appointment only.

Mayor Bill Collins expressed concerns about the safety of staff, if they were to re-open City Hall.

(KAIR)--A single vehicle, Sunday night Buchanan County, Missouri crash left a Faucett, Missouri woman dead.

Killed in the wreck that occurred just north of DeKalb, Missouri, on Southwest Old North Road, just east of Highway JJ, was 18-year-old Cassandra Donaldson, who is identified in a Missouri State Highway Patrol report as a passenger in a GMC pickup truck, driven by 18-year-old Wyatt Gardner, of Rushville, Missouri.

Gardner was transported to Mosaic Lifecare, in Saint Joseph, Missouri with minor injuries.

A 15-year-old male passenger was not hurt.

According to the Patrol's report, the fatal wreck happened when Gardner was northbound on Highway JJ, and attempted to turn right on Old North Road. Gardner lost control of the truck, which went off the south side of the roadway, and down a steep embankment, before stopping, upside down, in a creek.

The Patrol reports that none of the occupants of the vehicle were buckled up when the wreck occurred around 11:40 Sunday night.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly is proposing that Kansas legalize marijuana for medical use to generate revenues that would finance an expansion of the state’s Medicaid health coverage for the needy.

Kelly announced her proposal Monday.

Kelly has made expanding Medicaid for as many as 165,000 additional Kansas residents a top priority since becoming governor two years ago, but top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature have prevented its passage.

Kelly also previously said she’d sign a medical marijuana bill but she hadn’t actively pushed the idea. She is wedding two ideas that are likely to face strong opposition among Republican legislative leaders and many rank-and-file GOP lawmakers.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is beginning a new venture intended to promote “the development and revitalization of [the city’s core] as a means of economic development.”

That’s according to information provided by the City, following approval at the January 19 meeting of the Atchison City Commission of a resolution supporting the creation of the Atchison Main Street District, as part of the Kansas Main Street Program. Approval by the Commission means using a portion of Transient Guest Tax revenues to help fund the local organization. The revenues would additionally be used to develop an independent Board of Directors to oversee guidance of the organization.

Joe Warren, Director of Administrative Services for the City of Atchison, told MSC News that while the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce is heading up local implementation to begin the program, it would be an independent organization with an independent board. However, the organization is likely to share a staff member with the Chamber “under the current proposal that is being submitted.”

The program, part of the national Main Street America organization, provides training, contacts, trusted programming, and other resources for members.

The State of Kansas, under past Governor Sam Brownback, discontinued its program, but existing Kansas member communities were allowed to keep the Main Street affiliation.

The program has been reinstated by the state under current Governor Laura Kelly, with Warren explaining that Kansas is accepting three new members, with Atchison one of the hopefuls.

Atchison’s application for membership was due Friday, with the Chamber of Commerce working with assistance of members of city staff in seeing the application completed by that date.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission voted unanimously Monday to sign a letter that will be sent to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment with concerns about a proposed chicken farm northeast of Hiawatha.

The letter asks the state agency to throughly investigate how the proposed 224,000 head boiler chicken facility would affect the water supply in the area and to submit their findings to the county.

The letter also request that KDHE hold a local public forum to allow residents the opportunity to voice their concerns about the proposed facility.

A group of landowners met with the Commission at their January 25 meeting to voice their concerns about the proposed facility, which would be located in Padonia township near the intersection of Nighthawk and 270th Roads.

Among the concerns voiced was that the proposed facility would be located near the Brown County Rural Water District #2 well site.

A permit is being sought from KDHE for the facility, which would consist of eight new broiler houses and a 50 by 100 foot litter/manure shed.

KDHE is taking written comment on the proposed facility until February 20th.

(KLZA)-- Cass County, Nebraska Sheriff William Brueggemann has released more details of a Sunday evening wreck that occurred about 7:15 on Highway 75,  just south of Union, Nebraska, that claimed the lives of four Topeka, Kansas, residents.

According to a news release,  a pickup truck driven by 55-year-old Ronald Dubas of La Vista, Nebraska was northbound on Highway 75, crossed the center line and collided with a southbound Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by a 21-year-old female.  

The cause of the collision is being investigated. 

The driver of the Cobalt and three passengers died in the wreck while a fifth occupant, age 20, who was a front seat passenger is lited in critical condition at an Omaha Hospital.  

Killed in the crash were back seat passengers, a 22-year-old female,  a 4-year-old female and a 5-year-old female.
The names of the victims in the Cobalt have not been released. 

Dubas was transported to the University of Nebraska Medical Center with non life threatening injuries. 

The Cass County Sheriff's Office and th Nebraska State Patrol are investigating the accident.  
 

(KLZA)-- 2020 was another busy year for the Falls City Police Department. 

There were 4,892 calls for services during the year.  Officers made 679 arrests including 33 felony arrests.

Officers issued 729 warnings during the year.  During 2020 there wer 100 theft reports called in. The Department responded to 200 suspicious person or vehicle calls and 101 noise disturbance complaints.

There were 61 domestic disturbance calls,  19 for assault, 292 animal calls and 384,  911 hangups or misdials. There were nearly 1,600, 911 calls, an average of more than 130 per month. 

In addition, the Police Deparmtent received 69 phone scam complaints and responded to 104 fire calls.  94 accidents were also investigated.

The Department issued 275 traffic citations, 602 warnings and 135 parking citations were issued.
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Clerk Mary Eickhoff informed Richardson County Commissioners last week that the County has received a total of $341,652 from the State of Nebraska Local Government Coronavirus Relief Program.

The program makes payments to local governmental entities to include counties, cities, municipalities, villages and public utility districts for eligible costs related to COVID-19 on a reimbursement basis. 

The first funding package was awarded in an amount of $140,544 which was reimbursement for costs incurred for the period of March 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020 for police protection provided through the sheriff's Department.

The second amount was $201,108 which included reimbursement for costs incurred for the priod of Marh 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020 for public safety officials which include correctional or detention facility personnel and or supervisors, communications or dispatcher personnel and / or supervisory and emergency management personnel.

Eickhoff complimented her staff for conducting the 2020 General Election during a global pandemic with a record number of registered voters voting and also managing to complete the extensive dicouments required before the deadline of November 13, 2020 to request funing in two different packages. 
 

(KNZA)--A local student took top honors in a state contest celebrating Kansas.

Third grade student Estie Grimm, of Morrill, took first place in her grade division in the "Happy Birthday, Kansas! " Student photo contest.

The statewide contest, now in its seventh year, invited students in first through 12th grades to shoot photographs based on the theme, Learning in Kansas in 2020.

The contest received 400 entries from 22 Kansas counties. First place in each grade receives an iPad and second place a Kindle.

The annual contest is sponsored by the legislative spouses in conjunction with the Kansas Historical Society.

Winners were announced on Friday, January 29, which was Kansas Day.

(KNZA)--Jackson Heights earned the top spot in overall placings in the 2021 Northeast District Kansas FFA Public Speaking competition, held last week. 

Jackson Heights took first place honors in the January 28 event, with Sabetha taking second place, while Marysville took third.

FFA members, from across the local area, earned individual wins in the eight categories that made up the competition.

(KLZA)--A man was struck and killed by a train in southeast Nebraska Saturday morning.

According to a release from the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, the sheriff's office received a call shortly before 9:45 that an individual had been struck by a train about a half mile north of the Nemaha-Richardson County line.

Deputies and Auburn Fire and Rescue responded to the call.

The victim, identified as James Miller, Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol and Union Pacific Police are investigating the death.

The release says foul play is not suspected.

(KNZA)--Plans are underway for annual Brown County Spotlight Auction.  

The Spotlight Auction, a fundraiser for the Brown County Fair, is scheduled to air live on KNZA 103.9 FM March 15 and 16.  

Brown County Extension Agent Matt Young said with the financial strain COVID-19 has placed on many local businesses, they are suggesting this year that you purchase gift cards from your favorite business and then donate the gift card to the Spotlight Auction to re-sell as a Brown County Fair fundraiser.  Young said that way you're helping to keep your local businesses open and supporting 4-H at the same time.  

He said donated items need to be turned in to the Extension Office by Friday, February 5.  

Those with questions can call the Brown County Extension Office at 785-742-7871