(KAIR)--A relatively simple dispute has turned into expensive litigation.

That’s the word delivered in a news release issued Wednesday by Atchison City Manager Becky Berger regarding a lawsuit filed by the City against Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie last year.

The release says it was filed in Atchison County District Court “in response to the Sheriff’s repeated unlawful refusal to accept detainees arrested by the Atchison Police Department”, with the release noting that the Court agreed with the City, orderng Laurie to accept the detainee at the heart of the suit into his custody on December 21. The inmate had been housed in the Doniphan County Jail, where he was taken after the Sheriff’s Office said he should receive medical treatment, prior to being booked.

Laurie’s countersuit alleges that the City routinely takes prisoners in need of care to the jail, instead of to the hospital, in violation of their constitutional rights, in order to avoid the treatment cost, which is deferred to the County.

Berger calls Laurie’s allegations “completely groundless,” with the claim converting “a relatively simple dispute into expensive litigation,” with “the Sheriff’s baseless claims” resulting “in a growing legal bill that has exceeded $30,000 to date.”

An attorney cited in the release, Curt Tideman, says “Laurie is now asking the Court to determine the constitutional rights of numerous detainees who never claimed that their rights were violated,” calling the countersuit “a shameful waste of public funds.”

Berger, in the release, says every dollar spent by the City on the case “is a dollar that can’t go toward streets or sidewalks or to improve our parks.”

Expecting Laurie’s countersuit claims to be rejected, Tideman says there are Kansas statutes permitting the City to claim the fees, if that happen.

Editor's note: Below is Berger's statement, in full. 

For Immediate Release

        City Sues Sheriff Who Responds by Driving Up Legal Bills

In response to the Sheriff’s repeated unlawful refusal to accept detainees arrested by the Atchison Police Department, the City filed a lawsuit against Sheriff Jack Laurie last December, to force the Atchison County Jail to accept a prisoner. The case was filed in Atchison County District Court and the Court agreed with the City, ordering Jack Laurie to “accept” the detainee “into his custody” on December 21, 2021. Prior to the order, the prisoner had been housed in the Doniphan County Jail, at taxpayer expense, where the Doniphan County Sheriff accepted the prisoner without any of the objections which had been raised in Atchison County.

Sheriff Laurie, however, filed a countersuit alleging that Atchison Police routinely violate constitutional rights of detainees by failing to administer to their medical needs. While these allegations are completely groundless, they have converted a relatively simple dispute into expensive litigation. The Sheriff’s baseless claims have resulted in a growing legal bill that has exceeded $30,000 to date. Every request to mediate the dispute has been rejected or ignored by the Sheriff.

We have limited resources and too many needs as it is,” City Manager Becky Berger said. “Every dollar we spend on this litigation is a dollar that can’t go toward streets or sidewalks or to improve our parks. The loser in all of this is the city taxpayers, who are also county taxpayers.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is trying to dump their obligations regarding the proper care and treatment of persons in their custody, on the Sheriff and County.

That word comes in a response from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie to a release issued Wednesday by Atchison City Manager Becky Berger, regarding an ongoing lawsuit between the City and the Sheriff, as first filed by the City in December of last year.

In her statement, the first made publicly by Berger since the filing was made in Atchison County District Court in December, said “a relatively simple dispute has turned into expensive litigation” due to Laurie’s countersuit against the City’s appeal to the Court to require Laurie to accept all Atchison Police arrests into the jail.
Laurie, in his response, maintains claims made in his countersuit, saying that he has asked the City of Atchison, for years, to “do its job by implementing effective procedures to make clear that when their police officers arrest individuals, they cannot dump them at the county jail” if they are in need of immediate medical care. Laurie has maintained the City does that to defer the medical costs to the County.

Saying that he never received any communication from Berger prior to the filing of the lawsuit by City Attorney Robert Campbell, as shown during a sworn court deposition Laurie cites as evidence in his response, he says Berger “is in no position” to blame him, the Sheriff, for litigation expenses, saying that Campbell is already on the City’s payroll.

In her release Wednesday, Berger said the cost of the case has climbed to $30,000.

Adding that it’s his belief that Berger failed to consult with all members of the Atchison City Commission prior to the lawsuit’s filing, Laurie states that “if someone has been arrested and has serious medical needs, dumping them at the jail and being indifferent to their medical needs is unlawful, and is an invitation to lawsuits from those individuals,” adding that as Sheriff, he is “obligated to protect Atchison County and the Sheriff’s Office from such lawsuits.”

The City’s lawsuit was filed December 19, alleging that Laurie, in his official capacity as County Sheriff, is violating Kansas statute by having what the legal document calls “a policy not to accept prisoners brought to the jail by Atchison police officers if they meet or don’t meet certain criteria.”

Editor's note: Below is Laurie's response, in full: 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: In response to Becky Berger’s Press Release

Atchison City Manager Becky Berger has admitted that she never directed that an investigation occur before ordering what she now describes as a relatively simple lawsuit be filed against me (Jack Laurie), using YOUR tax dollars to do so.

When asked in her sworn deposition why she did not communicate with me prior to suing me Berger said, ‘is there a requirement to do that?’ If her lawsuit was truly a relatively simple lawsuit, maybe the professional courtesy of a phone call or a simple letter laying out her claims might have been considered.

Becky is in no position to blame me for litigation expenses, as the attorney who filed the lawsuit is already on the City of Atchison’s payroll. If, City Attorney Robert Campbell were not competent enough to litigate a lawsuit that he filed under her direction, perhaps she should have explored other options. Alternatively, maybe she should have consulted with her Elected City Commissioners, as a whole, as a fiscally responsible City Manager would do. I have good reason to believe that all members of the City Commission were not even made aware of the lawsuit until after it was filed. Now because of her actions, Atchison County taxpayers, including those who live in the City, will bear the cost of her inexperience in oversight of the police department.

Having sued me as a county official, did she really expect me not to defend the lawsuit by telling the Sheriff’s/Atchison County’s side of the lawsuit? The truth is, for years I asked that the City of Atchison do its job by implementing effective procedures to make clear that when their police officers arrest individuals, they cannot dump them at the county jail if and/or when they need immediate medical attention. The City is trying to dump their obligations regarding the proper care and treatment of persons in their custody, on the Sheriff and County. The Atchison County jail is not a medical facility!

While claiming to abide by the law, the Atchison Police Department’s standard operating procedures on these issues have not been updated since 2003, and have never been subjected to external legal review for legal compliance. Police Chief Mike Wilson admitted that in his own deposition. Never has the Atchison police department been audited for legal compliance, Berger separately admitted.

I was employed by the City of Atchison in its police department for a number of years. At no time during my tenure did Chief Wilson ever provide training for me or my colleagues on our obligations under federal law to determine whether someone we had in our custody was fit for confinement in the county jail before we take them there. Now, seeing the conduct of Atchison police officers from the other side because I am now in charge of the county jail, their misconduct is apparent. Unfortunately, the misconduct has continued even during the pendency of Mrs. Berger’s lawsuit.

In other instances, City police will “un-arrest” suspects in their custody to avoid their obligation to seek medical care for those persons. That is a separate violation of state law. If you go to the trouble of arresting persons, the sudden decision to unarrest them when you see that they need medical attention is profoundly suspicious, not to mention dangerous. It happens quite frequently with the Atchison Police Department and dispatch records demonstrate this.

Taxpayers expect the law enforcement community to comply with law not ignore it and that includes the Atchison Police Department. If someone has been arrested and has serious medical needs, dumping them at the jail and being indifferent to their medical needs is unlawful, and is an invitation to lawsuits from those individuals. As Sheriff, I am obligated to protect Atchison County and the Sheriff’s Office from such lawsuits. Now that the City has acted precipitously, to retaliate against me for exposing its conduct, it seems proper to make a public record of the evidence for the entire community to evaluate on its own. That, apparently, has Ms. Berger worried for the first time about her lawsuit’s expenses. I suspect it is not the expense that truly has her worried.

Please let me remind you, this lawsuit was filed roughly 45 days after my successful November 2020 re-election campaign. A political campaign that the City Manager allowed city employees to use city resources, vehicles, tax dollars, and their official position titles to campaign against me in the sheriff election. Why are your tax dollars being wasted and used for political purposes?

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Jack Laurie, Sheriff

(KAIR)--Changes are made regarding the locations of COVID-19 vaccinations in Atchison County.

According to a news release issued by the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments-Atchison County office, and Atchison County Emergency Management, the Sophia Center, in Atchison, will no longer be used for mass vaccination clinics because, the release says, "there is no longer enough demand to justify pulling staff off-site for an all-day event."

However, the release clarifies the change does not include the second dose appointments already scheduled at that location on May 6.

Despite the closing of that vaccination venue, the release says "there is still plenty of vaccine available for anyone wanting to get protected," and is available at several Atchison County locations.

The Health Department will be offering vaccinations to county residents, by appointment only. Currently available is the two-dose Moderna vaccine and the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Appointments can be arranged by calling 913-367-5152.

The Amberwell Health Hospital, in Atchison, is also continuing to offer vaccines, with those interested needing to visit the website nekshotofhope.org for information. The release notes that vaccination-related phone calls should not be placed to the hospital, as all information and appointment times will be released to the website.

The Atchison WalMart is also offering vaccinations, with the release saying appointments are required, and must be made online at the store's website.

All COVID-19 vaccinations are free.

(KLZA)-- Take Pride in America Day is a day for people to get outside and contribute their time and energy to making a difference in our state parks and wildlife areas. It is a national partnership established by U.S. Department of the Interior to encourage and empower volunteers to improve our parks, lakes, wildlife areas and cultural and historic sites.

Anyone can volunteer and pitch in on Take Pride in America Day. Volunteers under the age of 19 must have parental permission, and the range of volunteer projects will be limited.

Take Pride Day is designed for individuals who wish to make a one-time contribution to our parks system and for groups such as service clubs and youth organizations to play a valuable proprietorship role in parks in their areas. 
Verdon Lake State Recreation Area located near the town of Verdon will be the focus of such an event this year coming up Saturday, May 1. Start time is 9:00 A.M.  and will finish at noon.

 Activities include cutting trees, wood chipping, cleaning and painting restrooms, picking up trash, cleaning grills, and painting and repairing picnic tables.
For more information call the Indian Cave State Park office at 402-883-2575.
Come rain or shine and bring your work gloves, seasonal clothing, sunscreen and insect spray. If you have any pruners, lopers or rakes that would also be helpful.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Birthday Festival is coming up Saturday.

The family themed events will begin in the morning and run through the evening.

An all-day scavenger hunt will be held.  There will be an 8:00 A.M. 5K fun run starting at the Auburn Rec Complex.

There will be a breakfast served at the Nemaha County Fairgrounds between 8:00 A.M. and noon.  

Other events include kids activities from 9:00 A.M. until noon;  a disc golf tournament starts at 10 A.M.  there will be a ping pong ball drop at noon at the Legion Park tennis courts;  an Art Walk at the Legion Park starts at 1, there will be rock painting a sidewalk chalk art contest and the Auburn Middle School Show Choir will perform starting at 3:00 P.M.

 Also on the schedule of events is bingo from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M.  A clown will perform at 5:00 P.M.  

Starting at 5:00 P.M. there will be a beer garden at Legion Memorial Park followed by cupcakes for the crowd at 6:15 to celebrate Auburn's 139th birthday. 

At 6:30 Church Howe and Charles Nixon,  Auburn's founding fathers will be recognized.   

There will be an evening concert starting at 7:00 P.M. featuring the DJ Bridwell Band and Savanna Chestnut
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners John Caverzagie presented a letter to the  County Board Tuesday from Falls City, City Administrator Gary Jorn concerning proposals about county wide dispatching.

The letter dated April 22, says the Council will agree to form a committee consisting of a City Council member, the Chief of Police,  the Richardson County Sheriff and a County Commissioner for discussions of the Public Service Answering Point for Richardson County.  The letter goes on to say the Council respectfully declines further negotiations regarding county wide dispatching. 

Currently the Falls City Police Department serves as the Public Service Answering Point for 911 calls and then relays information to the Sheriff's Office for calls outside the City of Falls City.

Commissioners had proposed going to a single dispatch center instead of having one at the Police Department and one at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center.  Both dispatch centers are facing expensive upgrades in their respective dispatch centers.  The  County has estimated their cost to be in the $1.5-million range.

(KAIR)--United States Senator Roger Marshall is coming to the local area this weekend.

According to a release from the Kansas Republican, a Town Hall session will be held Saturday morning in Hiawatha, with the public invited to engage with the Senator on issues of the federal government.  

Marshall, in the release, said he looks forward to the opportunity, and values being able to hear directly from Kansans so that he can take their stories and concerns with him when returning to Washington D.C.

The town hall will begin at 10:00 Saturday morning at the Morrill Public Library, located at 421 Oregon Street, in Hiawatha.

(KAIR)--Johnson and Johnson-brand COVID-19 vaccinations are beginning again in Doniphan County.

That word comes in a news release issued by the Doniphan County Health Department Home Health, and comes after the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration recommend that the use of the vaccine resume in the United States, concluding that the benefits of that particular vaccine outweigh a rare risk of blood clots.

Use of the vaccine had been paused April 13.

According to the Doniphan County news release, the health department now has that vaccine available for anyone over the age of 18. Appointments to receive it can be made by calling 785-985-3591.

Meanwhile, doctors are reporting that more parents are refusing to have their sick children tested for the coronavirus because they don’t want to deal with the hassle if the result is positive. The Associated Press reports that Kansas Pediatrician Kristen Stuppy says that “from a public health perspective it scares me.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and teens who have COVID-19 symptoms should be tested immediately — “especially important if they have in-person in school, sports or jobs, so that anyone who may have been exposed can be alerted." They also need to isolate.

(KAIR)--A pickup truck, reported stolen earlier this month from an Atchison parking lot has been recovered, but not before it became embroiled in a Wednesday night pursuit with Kansas and Missouri authorities.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 1995 Dodge Ram had been reported stolen April 20, missing from a parking lot at 9th and Commercial Streets, in Atchison.

Sometime Wednesday night, into early Thursday morning, the vehicle was pursued by the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, with the pursuit ending in Wyandotte County, at I-435 and Wolcott.

According to Wilson, the truck was then recovered around 12:30 Thursday morning.

There’s not yet any word of any arrests in connection with the case, with Wilson saying the investigation is continuing.

(A.P. / KLZA)-- Republican agribusiness owner Charles Herbster has officially launched his campaign for Nebraska governor. 
Herbster, of Falls City, emphasized his agricultural roots and his ties to former President Donald Trump during his formal announcement Monday in Fremont.
The candidate kicked off a statewide tour announcing his candidacy Tuesday morning in Falls City. 
Herbster is the owner of Herbster Angus Farms in Falls City and the owner and CEO of Kansas City, Missouri-based Conklin Company. He also worked as an agriculture adviser to Trump. Herbster joins a Republican gubernatorial field that includes University of Nebraska Regent Jim Pillen, a hog producer from Columbus. State Sen. Brett Lindstrom, of Omaha, has also announced his intentions to enter the race. 

(KNZA)--A longtime Hiawatha teacher has died.

Chris Vitt was 59-years-old when he died Wednesday after, what his obituary calls, “a courageous battle with cancer.”

According to the obituary, from the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Hiawatha, Vitt was surrounded by his family at the time of his death at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Vitt taught biology at Hiawatha High School for 35-years, retiring in 2016.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Vitt would be inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, in June, in Dodge City.

Among his survivors are his wife, Michelle, his sons, Jeremy and Ryan, and his parents, Barbara and Gregg Vitt.

A celebration of life service is planned for the afternoon of Saturday, May 8, at the Hiawatha Memorial Auditorium, beginning at 1:30.

(KNZA)--A longtime Hiawatha teacher has died.

Chris Vitt was 59-years-old when he died Wednesday after, what his obituary calls, “a courageous battle with cancer.”

According to the obituary, from the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Hiawatha, Vitt was surrounded by his family at the time of his death at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Vitt taught biology at Hiawatha High School for 35-years, retiring in 2016.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Vitt would be inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, in June, in Dodge City.

Among his survivors are his wife, Michelle, his sons, Jeremy and Ryan, and his parents, Barbara and Gregg Vitt.

A celebration of life service is planned for the afternoon of Saturday, May 8, at the Hiawatha Memorial Auditorium, beginning at 1:30.

(KNZA)--A longtime Hiawatha teacher has died.

Chris Vitt was 59-years-old when he died Wednesday after, what his obituary calls, “a courageous battle with cancer.”

According to the obituary, from the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Hiawatha, Vitt was surrounded by his family at the time of his death at the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

Vitt taught biology at Hiawatha High School for 35-years, retiring in 2016.

Earlier this month, it was announced that Vitt would be inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, in June, in Dodge City.

Among his survivors are his wife, Michelle, his sons, Jeremy and Ryan, and his parents, Barbara and Gregg Vitt.

A celebration of life service is planned for the afternoon of Saturday, May 8, at the Hiawatha Memorial Auditorium, beginning at 1:30.

(KLZA)-- Members of the Chrome Angelz Riding Club, an international motorcycle riding organization are headed for Tecumseh.  

Around 1,500 riders are expected   Friday through Sunday as Dream Chaserz, the Nebraska chapter of the riding club will have a family event in Tecumseh.

A group known as Women of  Worth will join
the Dream Chaserz in hosting the festival.

All of the activities will take place at the Johnson County Fairgrounds.  

An opening ceremony is planned for 6:30 Friday evening.  Saturday there will be a guided female motorcycle ride through southeast Nebraska.  There will be music, a comedian  as well as other activities. 

Ann Clark, President of Dream Chaserz said the group is hoping to raise $10-thousand over the weekend festival to support women and young people at risk for sexual exploitation.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council met in special session Tuesday evening.

During the brief meeting the appointment of Rhonda Dettmer to fill the vacant Ward II Council seat was approved. She will fulfill the term of Stacey Edmundson who resigned due to his moving out of Humboldt.

The Council also approved the appointment of  Todd Dierberger as President of the Nursing Home Board.  

The other action item was the appointment of David Boughton to fill a city maintenance position.   

(KAIR)--A rodeo of sorts is coming to Effingham on Saturday, but instead of animals, school buses will serve as the heart of the competition.

According to Dwight Myer, Transportation Director for the Atchison County Community Schools of USD 377, that will happen as the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association 2021 Regional Driving Competition, formerly known as the Bus Rodeo, is held in the parking lot of the Atchison County Community High School, in Effingham.

According to Myer, the drivers who successfully complete the competition will advance to the State Driving Competition, to be held in Salina on June 4.

Registration information for the competition says it’s “open to any person who is currently employed or has been employed within the past 12 months as a full-time or substitute school bus driver in the state of Kansas,” with all contestants needing to meet Kansas school bus driver qualifications.

Registration will begin at 8:30 Saturday morning, with the school bus rodeo beginning at 9:00.

The public is invited to watch.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Public Power District has contracted with the Osmose Utilities Service to inspect wood poles used in its distribution system, sub transmission and transmission operations throughout the NPPD service territory. 

Crews will start the inspections this month and will complete the project by July 1.

Crews will be dressed in high visibility vests, hard hats and will be traveling in Osmose marked pickup trucks  with beacon lights. 

NPPD will have  nearly 11-thousand poles inspected this year.

Anyone with questions relating to the project can call 1-877-275-6773,  that is 1-877 ASK-NPPD.  
 

(KLZA)-- Owners of Ridgeview Towers Assisted Living in Tecumseh had announced the business is closing due to financial hardships.

The Tecumseh Chieftan reported residents of the facility and their families were notified April 16th of the closing. 

Thirty-Day termination noticies were sent to the residents.  

Staff members are working with families to find places for all residents.  

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is dead, killed Monday night in a single vehicle Buchanan County crash.

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 49-year-old Christopher Harvey was eastbound on U.S. Highway 59, one mile east of Atchison, when his GMC Sierra truck went off the south side of the roadway, vaulted from a field entrance, and went airborne.

The truck struck the ground and overturned several times, ejecting Harvey through a rear window. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Patrol’s report, Harvey was not wearing a seat belt when the wreck happened around 8:40 Monday night.

(KLZA)-- There is to be no parking on Chase Street in  Falls  City from 14th to 21st Street and from 25th to 26th Streets this week on Thursday and Friday, april 29th and 30th and on Monday, May 3.

The Herzog Company will be milling to top of Chase Street on Thursday and Friday and then doing an overlay of those sections of the street on Monday.
 

(KLZA)-- Nebraska First District State Senator Julie Slama from Peru attended an event in Falls City Saturday honoring Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty.

During the visit Senator Slama talked about her   frustration with some State Senators not willing to allow debate on property tax cuts.  She noted that 20 State Senators who did not vote to end a fillibuster that blocked debate on structural property tax. 

Slama also discussed efforts to make Nebraska and individual counties sanctuaries for the Second Amendment giving citizens the right to keep and bear arms.  

She said she supports the effort on the county and state level, and called executive orders implemented by the Biden administration very      unconstitutional concerning citizens rights concerning guns. She says she is excited to see the sanctuary movement take off in the state. 

Slama represents District 1 in the Nebraska Legislature having been elected to the position this past November. She was originally appointed in 2019 to replace Dan Watermeier when he was elected to the Nebraska Public  Service Commission. 

(KLZA)-- During a meet and greet session Saturday to allow Richardson County Citizens meet Sheriff Rick Hardesty along with the Deputy Sheriff's in the County,  the tables got turned on the Sheriff when First District State Senator Julie Slama presented the Sheriff with an award.

Slama presented Sheriff Hardesty with a certificate making him an Admiral in “The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska .”   Senator Slama said Hardesty has done an outstanding job leading the Sheriff's Department in helping keep Richardson County safe. 

Sheriff Hardesty was surprised and accepted the award on behalf of the Sheriff's Department saying “its never about me, it's always about the people that work here.”

A good crowd attended the two-hour event to meet members of the Sheriff's Department and discuss any concerns they might have.

Sheriff Hardesty said he was happy with the turnout for the first-time event. 

The Sheriff invites county residents to contact the office with concerns and suspicions anytime.  He says the public's help can be a vital piece in fighting crime.  

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang updated the Pawnee City Council on personnel in the Sheriff's Department during their April meeting.

Sheriff Lang said he has hired a new deputy.  Ryan Boverhuis is scheduled to attend the Nebraska State Patrol Law Enforcement Training  Center starting in September.   Another deputy is currently in the process of qualifying to be accepted into the training center.

Lang said that Johnson County deputies will come to Pawnee County to assist when needed to assist with certain duties but will not be working full shifts in Pawnee County as had been discussed. 

(KAIR)--Atchison County currently has 29 active cases of COVID-19.

That’s according to a release Monday from the Atchison County office of the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments.

According to the release, “Atchison County has been averaging 12 to 14 active cases at any given time,” with the release urging residents to “continue to take precautions to avoid the spread” of the virus.

The release urges residents to get vaccinated, avoid large crowds, wear a mask in public, maintain social distance, avoid touching your face, wash your hands often, and if you are ill stay home and get tested.

The Health Department continues to offer free testing, along with the Moderna vaccine, which requires two doses, given 28 days apart.

It’s being provided by appointment only, with residents to schedule their vaccination by calling 913-367-5152.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Atchison County virus statistics, two are currently hospitalized due to the virus.

Fifteen have died.

The statistics also show that no virus variants of concern have been confirmed in Atchison County.

It’s a different story for other local counties, with KDHE statistics showing that two cases involving the variants are confirmed in Doniphan County, with Brown County having the same number. Five such cases are confirmed in Jefferson County, and four cases each in the counties of Leavenworth and Pottawatomie.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press is reporting that  Kansas health officials will resume using the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine after federal agencies concluded its benefits outweigh a rare risk of blood clots. Administration of the shot was paused on April 13 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration following reports that some recipients developed a rare disorder involving blood clots. Federal health officials lifted an 11-day pause on the vaccine on Friday. The state’s next supply of the J&J vaccine is expected the week of May 3 with 1,700 doses. 

(KAIR)--Delays are likely for motorists traveling in Jefferson County starting next week, as overlay and milling work begins on K-4 Highway.

According to a release from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the work will include the northbound and southbound lanes, and will cover approximately 22-miles, from the K-4/U.S. 24 junction to the K-4/K-92 junction in Shawnee and Jefferson counties.

According to KDOT, work will alternate between the left and right lanes throughout the project, with traffic to be restricted to one lane in the work zone, directed by a pilot car, flaggers, signs, and cones. The release states that “drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes and add extra time in their travel schedules.”

Work will take place Monday through Saturday, beginning 30 minutes after sunrise until 30 minutes before sunset.

Hamm Inc., of Perry, is the contractor on the $2 million project, which is expected be completed by early June, if weather allows.

(KLZA)-- A Pawnee City water tower project is expected to last the entire month of May.

Work is to begin May 1 and is to include sand blasting and relining the liner inside the water tower.  The outside is to be repainted and work to bring the tower up to code will also be completed.  

While the project is going on, Pawnee City water customers are asked not to water yards or gardens or to fill swimming pools during the Month.  

City wells will be running on-line pressure  during the project. It will be difficult to keep up with a high water demand during the project.

Anyone with questions may contact City Hall or the City Shop.

(KLZA)--The Mound City Board of Education approved approximately $675-thousand in improvements at the Track and Field Complex when they met Monday. 

The work will include expanding the track from six to eight lanes with the original lanes being resurfaced.  The Fisher Track Company was awarded the bid for the work which will cost $468-thousand. 

The work will include some excavation work in front of the stands to make room for the additional two lanes and construction of 210 feet of retaining wall that will be eight feet tall. 

The other part of the project is new LED lighting at the complex.  Techline Sports Lighting was awarded the $207-thousand bid for the new lights.

Both projects will be done this summer. 

(KLZA)-- Two Omaha residents were hospitalized following a single vehicle wreck in Atchison County, Missouri Sunday afternoon. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that a pickup, southbound on Interstate 29 traveled off the west side of the road and struck a tree stump.

The diver 41-year-old Benjamin Goll sustained minor injuries while a passenger 38-year-old Laren Goll suffered moderate injuries.

Both were transported to the Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance for treatment.  

The pickup was totaled.  

The Atchison County  Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene of the wreck. 

(KAIR)--The details of the weekend arrest of an Atchison County Jail escapee are released, while Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie both thanks the public for information that helped lead to the apprehension of Taggart Lee, while also offering apologies for, in his words, “everything that occurred.”

That’s lined out in a release from Laurie who confirms a Saturday morning Atchison County CODE RED Emergency Alert announcing that the 20-year-old Lee had been apprehended.

According to Laurie, Lee was arrested around 2:10 Saturday morning, taken into custody by Sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of the Atchison Police Department, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

That followed a Friday evening search for Lee after information revealed both that he was in Atchison and the type of vehicle he was driving.

An attempt to locate was issued, with Atchison Police spotting the vehicle in the city, which led to a pursuit shortly after 9:30 Friday night. With the pursuit leaving the city limits, the Sheriff’s Office took over as it continued into the rural Farmington area, with Lee, allegedly behind the wheel of the suspect vehicle, reaching high speeds that caused law enforcement to lose track of the speeding vehicle near Meade and 262nd Roads.

A CODE RED emergency alert was issued, and Laurie says “cooperation by citizens helped pinpoint a location, where the Kansas Highway Patrol air support unit was able to locate the suspect vehicle abandoned in the area of 262nd and Kiowa Road, on the former railroad tracks.”

Lee, on foot, fled to a nearby residence, where it’s believed he stole another pickup truck, complete with stock trailer, and drove away.
However, the release says “Lee was located a short time later after the Atchison Police Department located the stolen vehicle, in Atchison, in the 800 block of north 4th Street.

Through Sheriff’s Office information linking Lee to a residence in the 800 block of Atchison’s North 5th Street, permission was obtained by law enforcement to enter that residence “where Lee was apprehended by K9.”

Transported to Atchison’s Amberwell Health for treatment of what Laurie calls “superficial wounds from the K9 apprehension,” Lee was returned to the custody of the Atchison County Jail.

Originally booked into jail in January for an aggravated robbery on New Year’s Eve 2020, Lee was taken into custody Saturday morning on “an outstanding District Court warrant for aggravated escape from custody, and aggravated assault, that occurred during the escape” from the jail early Thursday morning due to what Laurie earlier said was because “several security policies were not followed by jail security staff,” which allowed Lee to manipulate a door lock, ultimately leading to his escape.

Following an Atchison County Sheriff’s Office social media post, made around 9:15 Thursday morning announcing Lee’s escape, the public took to Facebook to comment, with some of the comments critical of the situation, including the time it took to notify the public that Lee, who escaped around 1:20 Thursday morning and is considered dangerous by the Sheriff’s Office, was on the loose.

Laurie, in a release Sunday night, offered apologies, saying “it’s an unfortunate, dangerous and embarrassing event,” adding that the Sheriff’s Office “will learn from it and continue addressing the issues that led to the escape.” Laurie concluded the release by saying his office will “review and address the reasonable concerns that the public provided.”

Along with the charges stemming from his January arrest, and the escape from custody, Lee faces other pending charges, including two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, flee and attempt to elude law enforcement, and burglary of a non-dwelling. 

(KAIR)--The second of two public input sessions to gain opinions on what’s necessary for Atchison’s future through what’s called “an exciting process to define a new vision through placemaking,” will be held Tuesday morning.

The concept of placemaking, defined as “a people centered approach to building strong, vibrant communities,” is at the heart of USDA’s Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge to Create a Placemaking Action Plan, which awarded the grant to assist with funding of the initiative.

The first session, with both being held primarily through the online Zoom platform, was held Thursday, and featured comments from representatives of two of several groups involved with the process.

Among the speakers was Alex Holland, the Vice-President of Atlas Community Studios, and program project manager, who explained the focus on Atchison’s future is placed on three key priorities, housing, culture, and downtown revitalization.

A second session will be held online Tuesday morning from 8:30 until 10:00, with those attending asked to pre-register.

(KMZA)--A Westmoreland woman, who was reported missing Friday, has been found.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, in a Facebook post, said a KIA Sportage belonging to 40-year-old Rachael Stevens vehicle was located in rural Havensville Saturday.

Personnel from multiple agencies assisted in a ground and air search in the area surrounding her vehicle, but Stevens was not located at that time.

The Sheriff's Office said she was located later Saturday evening in the city of Havensville and was reunited with her family.

The case remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--An inmate who escaped from the Atchison County Jail earlier this week is back in custody. 

The arrest of 20-year-old Taggart Lee, of Atchison, came hours after the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office issued an attempt to locate a vehicle, believed to have been driven by Lee, around 10:45 Friday night.

According to an emergency Code Red alert issued by Atchison County Emergency Management early Saturday morning, Lee was captured shortly after 2:00 with the assistance of the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Atchison Police Department.

Additional details pertaining to his arrest weren’t immediately available.

A release issued Thursday by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie said Lee walked out of the Atchison County Jail early Thursday morning, with Laurie saying that because several security policies were not followed by jail security staff,” Lee was able to manipulate a door lock, which allowed him to enter an unsecured area of the jail and then the outside.

An unarmed jail officer, following the escape, pursued Lee on foot for several blocks before allegedly being threatened by Lee with a 2x4 piece of lumber.

Lee was booked into the jail January 8, held for an aggravated robbery he allegedly committed on New Year’s Eve of 2020 by taking a woman’s phone at knife-point.

(KAIR)--Excited about a normal start to the school year next fall.

That word is delivered in a release from Benedictine College President Steven Minnis, who says a regular schedule, including the traditional fall break and semester's end in December is what's currently planned for the Atchison college.

Adding that the Catholic college is "subject to certain government mandates which could disrupt" the current plans, Minnis said that, as of now, the college anticipates no mask mandate, with an in-person academic year expected, including the "normal slate of student activities, including athletics, arts, and intramurals" along with other Benedictine College social traditions.

Saying that he has been asked about the possibility of the college mandating coronavirus vaccinations for all students, Minnis, in the release, said "vaccination is an individual's decision on how best to serve the common good," and while "the U.S. Bishops have indicated that these vaccines are a way to contribute to the common good," Minnis said it's understood that there are "many individual considerations that must be respected regarding" receiving the vaccine, and encourages students to consult with health care providers and spiritual guides, but adds the college will no require vaccinations.

As for the mask mandate, Minnis says that while it won't be required by the college, they "will follow all federal, state, and local requirements," adding that it's "possible that the NAIA might still have specific protocols for athletic events" which Benedictine College will abide by.

The first day of class for the 2021-2022 fall semester will be August 25.

(KMZA)--The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help to find a missing Westmoreland woman.

The Sheriff’s Office says 40-year-old Rachael Dawn Stevens was last believed to be in the Havensville area early Wednesday morning, April 21.

She is described as a white female, standing about 5 feet and 5 inches, weighing 165 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

The Sheriff’s Office said it has no clothing description at this time.

The Sheriff’s Office says Stevens drives a white 2015 KIA Sportage SUV with Kansas registration, which is also missing.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Stevens should contact Detective Gordon at the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office at 785-457-3353 or or leave a tip via the Crimestoppers link at ptsheriff.com.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a Hiawatha man in the March 2013 beating death of his 4-year-old son.

In an unanimous decision announced Friday, the high court affirmed a Kansas Court of Appeals decision denying a motion by Lee Davis IV to withdrew his plea outside the one-year time limitation.

Davis pleaded no contest in Brown County District Court to charges of second-degree murder and child abuse in 2013 and was sentenced to nearly 20-years in prison.

Four years later, Davis filed a motion to withdraw his plea, claiming excusable neglect for his out-of-time request.

The motion was denied in district court. Davis appealed, with the Court of Appeals affirming the district court ruling.

In affairming the Court of Appeals and district court decisions, the Supreme Court found harmless a Court of Appeals error in the way it determined whether to grant or deny Davis' motion to withdraw his plea.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill was pleased with the decision. “Today ends a multi year legal battle by Davis and his legal team to set aside his conviction and sentence. We wholeheartedly agree with the Supreme Court’s decision and are pleased to finally have some closure on this case.”

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners met with Highway  Superintendent Chris Rauner Tuesday to discuss the Burchard Lake Road project. 

The County has committed to paying half of the projected cost of approximately $600-thousand.  The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has offered to pay $265-thousand toward the project plus a portion of the engineering costs which are not currently known. 

Since the last Board meeting, Rauner noted the estimate for the road project has been reduced to approximately $500-thousand.  

Rauner will be contacting the Department of Transportation to confirm the Pawnee County commitment to pay one-half of the project up to $300-thousand,  and ask that a Department of Transportation representative attend the next Pawnee County Board meeting  to discuss the project. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the expenditure of just over $28-thousand  to install influent flow meters at the Wastewater Treatment Plant when they met Monday evening.

Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring explained the City used to estimate the numbers and submit them quarterly.

Now the reports must be made to the state quarterly and provide backup data on the influent rate in order to meet requirements  for the City wastewater permit.

Council members also heard the EDGE quarterly report presented by Lucas Froeschl.
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners opened sealed quotes for county employee health insurance coverage when they met Tuesday. 

Quotes were received from four companies.  The Board accepted all of the quotes for the purpose of further review by the County Employee Health Insurance Committee who will make a recommendation to the Board on which company to select.

Commissioners also approved entering into an agreement with g-Works for redistricting services once the results of the 2020 census are received.  The cost for the service will be $5,650.

A work order to have O'Keefe Elevator replace the mechanical safety edges on the Courthouse elevator with a modern microlight full door infrared protection device to comply with ADA requirement was also approved at a cost of $4,542. 

A contract with Warrior Structural Integrrity LLC to conduct 37 bridge inspections in Richardson County at a cost of just over $42-thousand was approved.

The Board also instructed Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. to conduct a study on use of a bridge and road right-of-way on a section of road just west of the intersection of 706 Road and 648 Avenue which is southwest of Salem. The bridge is over the old channel of the Big Nemaha River. 

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education held a special meeting Wednesday evening to continue their discussion on a possible bond issue for facility improvements.  

According to the unofficial minutes from the meeting, the board was in consensus to move forward with a bond issue but will have more discussion at later meetings on the different projects that will be included in the bond.  

The board was also in consensus to move forward with the application process for a construction manager at risk.  

The last bond issue that was passed in USD 430 was over 20 years ago in 1998 and has been paid off since July of 2018.

(KNZA)--Ten-digit dialing will begin soon in Kansas area code 785, a change that Governor Laura Kelly says will make it easier for people in crisis to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Last July, the Federal Communications Commission approved 988 as the new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. As a result, any area code that uses the 988 prefix in telephone numbers is mandated by the FCC to adopt 10-digit dialing. That includes Kansas area codes 785 and 620, which cover the majority of the state. In total, 82 area codes in 36 states will make the change.

The governor's office, in a news release, said it will take time to get in the habit of using 10-digit dialing, so a practice period has been established. Callers are encouraged to begin using 10-digit calling on Saturday ( April 24). Any calls dialed with 7-digits will still go through during this practice period.

Beginning October 24, callers in 785 and 620 area codes must use 10-digit dialing or the call will not go through. The only exceptions are any three digit abbreviated numbers available in the community, such as 911.

Callers will still dial 1 + the area code and telephone number for all long distance calls.

(KAIR)--The first of two public input sessions to assist Atchison’s growth through what’s called “an exciting process to define a new vision through placemaking,” was held Thursday.

The session, physically held as part of the regular meeting of the Atchison Kiwanis Club, was held online for the public.

Placemaking, or “a people centered approach to building strong, vibrant communities,” was further defined during the session by Alex Holland, the Vice-President of Atlas Community Studios, which she called a small firm “that assists small and rural communities develop collaborative, strategic plans” that can actually be implemented.

Atlas is one of several groups partnering for the initiative, made possible through a grant from the USDA’s Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge to Create a Placemaking Action Plan.

Holland, who serves as Project Manager for the program, explained that Atchison is one of three communities participating in the challenge, along with Sheffield, Iowa and Allen County, Kansas.

Joining Holland virtually for the session was Clint Sloss, Creative Placemaker for Kansas City-based McClure, which specializes in engineering and community development.

Holland explained that an action plan, focused on three key priorities for the City of Atchison, housing, culture, and downtown revitalization, will be developed as part of the process.

Once the details were outlined, Holland began collecting input from meeting attendees.

Opinions were gained based on a range of questions pertaining to the earlier outlined priorities, including matters of Atchison housing, business, and culture, prior to the session’s end.

Atchison Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont spoke at the meeting’s conclusion, saying that the process is ongoing, and input can always be provided by the public through meetings with City leaders at Atchison City Hall.

A second session, similar to the first, will be held Tuesday morning from 8:30 until 10:00.

Attendance will be done online, with those attending asked to pre-register.

(KAIR)--Coronavirus variants of concern are confirmed in five area counties, as the number of variants has risen sharply across Kansas.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, two cases each are confirmed in Doniphan and Brown counties, while three are confirmed in Jefferson County, one in Leavenworth County, and four in Pottawatomie County.

Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge, following questions posed by MSC News, confirmed that no virus variants have been reported in Atchison County.

KDHE statistics show that Kansas, in the past week, had a 32-percent increase in the total number of confirmed variant coronavirus cases, with all five variants of concern having now been identified in the state.

On Monday, KDHE reported a total of 175 variant cases in Kansas. That’s up from 133 such cases confirmed last week.

According to KDHE, variants of concern are those that evidence shows to be more easily transmittable, have more severe outcomes, including an increase in hospitalizations or death, and are less likely to be neutralized by treatments or vaccines.

(KAIR)--Coronavirus variants of concern are confirmed in five area counties, as the number of variants has risen sharply across Kansas.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, two cases each are confirmed in Doniphan and Brown counties, while three are confirmed in Jefferson County, one in Leavenworth County, and four in Pottawatomie County.

Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge, following questions posed by MSC News, confirmed that no virus variants have been reported in Atchison County.

KDHE statistics show that Kansas, in the past week, had a 32-percent increase in the total number of confirmed variant coronavirus cases, with all five variants of concern having now been identified in the state.

On Monday, KDHE reported a total of 175 variant cases in Kansas. That’s up from 133 such cases confirmed last week.

According to KDHE, variants of concern are those that evidence shows to be more easily transmittable, have more severe outcomes, including an increase in hospitalizations or death, and are less likely to be neutralized by treatments or vaccines.

(KLZA)-- During a Wednesday meeting of the Richardson County Health Board,  Southeast District Health Department Executive Director Grant Brueggemann said that 33.41 percent of the the residents within the five-county health district have been fully vaccinated from COVID-19. Another 44.76 percent of the residents have received at least one shot of the vaccine. 

In Richardson County, 69 percent of the residents 75 and older are fully vaccinated and approximately 51 percent of those ages 60 – 74 are fully vaccinated.   

Brueggemann noted that some of the variant strains of the coronavirus have been reported within the District and that the variant strains seem to affect young people more than the original strain. 

Brueggemann encourages everyone to get vaccinated in an attempt to avoid another surge in cases in the future. 

Since the pandemic began there have been 778 cases of COVID-19 reported in Richardson County with 23 deaths attributed to COVID.

There have been 1,441 cases and 11 deaths in Otoe County.   779 cases with 13 deaths in Nemaha County,  236 cases and four deaths in Pawnee County and 652 cases reported in Johnson County with 10 deaths. 

In all there have been 3,886 reported cased of COVID in  the District with 61 deaths confirmed.  

(KLZA)-- Following an interview Tuesday, the Pawnee County Commissioners appointed Vickie Wiers
to the position of Pawnee County Assessor. 

Wiers has been the Deputy Assessor and will begin her duties May 6.

Wiers will replace Jonathan Bailey who retired earlier this month. 

Sheriff Braden Lang also met with the Board.  The Sheriff acknowledged a donation of $30-thousand to Pawnee County to be used by the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office by the Randall Schaefer Family Foundation.  

Lang expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the county and the Sheriff's office for the donation. 

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education approved a 2.5 percent salary increase for certified staff members when they met Monday. 

The new base salary for teachers will be $36-thousand annually. 

The Board also approved the employee health care proposal from Arnold Insurance Services for the 2021-22 school year.  The premium increase will be 12-percent.  The School District will continue to pay 100-percent  of the employee health insurance. 

Following a closed session to discuss personnel, the Board approved a contract with Kristin Rogers to teacher 1st Grade for the 2021-22 school year and approved a contract for Shawna Farr to serve as a Paraprofessional for the next school year. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison County Jail inmate, considered dangerous, is on the run, and an initial look into the early Thursday morning escape places blame on a failure to follow security polices.

That’s according to a release issued by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, who, citing a preliminary investigation by Sheriff’s administration, says 20-year-old Taggart Lee, because “several security policies were not followed by jail security staff,” was able to manipulate a door lock, which allowed him to enter an unsecured area of the jail, and then, the outside.

Pursued on foot for several blocks by an unarmed jail officer, Lee, brandishing a 2x4 piece of lumber he had picked up, threatened the officer and escaped.

Although an attempt to establish a perimeter was made, Laurie said law enforcement was unable to locate Lee.

The release states that Lee, who has a history of being armed, is considered dangerous by the Sheriff’s Office.

Laurie, in the release, describes Lee as a light skinned black man who stands 6-foot-1, weighing 170 pounds. Lee has short black hair and a short beard, and was last known to be wearing lime green pants, a white t-shirt, and orange slip-on shoes.

Anyone with information related to Lee’s whereabouts is urged to contact Atchison County Dispatch at 913-367-4323, the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office at 913-804-6080, or 911 if the situation is an emergency.

Lee had been in custody since January 8, held for aggravated robbery. He allegedly committed the crime on New Year’s Eve of 2020, accused of taking a phone from a 44-year-old woman at knife-point during a disturbance.

(KMZA)--Face masks will still be required in Nemaha Central schools for students and staff despite a request from group of patrons at last week's USD 115 Board of Education meeting for a change to the district's policy.

Patrons John Jost, Amy Rottinghaus, Karla Kramer and Kathy Holthaus addressed the Board, asking the district's mask policy be changed from " required” to “ recommended.”

The group cited the low number of COVID-19 cases in the county, along with health and social risks of continued mask use. Coronavirus cases in Nemaha County have remained in the single digits since early March.

Following discussion, a motion by board member John Deters, and seconded by board member Joe Reitz, to make masks "recommended" instead of required failed on a 2-5 vote.

Reitz noted that times have changed since the board established its policy, and no longer saw a need for masks in a school setting.

Board members in favor of keeping the mask requirement expressed their desire to finish the school year without quarantines or disruptions in school and activities.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman told the board he would like to see summer school with “ no masks required” if cases in the county continue to stay low. In addition, he said he would like to move forward with plans to start next school year without a mask mandate if the number of positive cases remains low.

(MSC News)--Coronavirus variant cases are confirmed in five area counties, as the number of variant cases has risen sharply across Kansas.

 According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, two cases each are confirmed in Brown and Doniphan Counties, while three are confirmed in Jefferson County, one in Leavenworth County, and four in Pottawatomie County.

 Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge, following questions posed by MSC News, confirmed that no virus variants have been reported in Atchison County.

KDHE statistics show that Kansas, in the past week, had a 32-percent increase in the total number of confirmed variant coronavirus cases, with all five variants of concern having now been identified in the state.

On Monday, KDHE reported a total of 175 variant cases in Kansas. That’s up from 133 such cases confirmed last week.  According to KDHE, variants of concern are those that evidence shows to be more easily transmittable, have more severe outcomes, including an increase in hospitalizations or death, and are less likely to be neutralized by treatments or vaccines.

(KNZA)--The owner of a local trash disposal service would like to get a recycling program going again.

RJ Hamilton, with Falls City-based Hamilton Recycling and Disposal, met with the Brown County Commission on Monday to discuss his efforts.

Hamilton said the Falls City recycling center shut down in December 2019 due to the failure of some equipment, leaving a void.

He said he would like to get several counties involved in a regional recycling program, with the Falls City location serving as a sorting center and drop off locations in participating counties.

Commissioners were open to providing a drop-off location in the county, but wanted more information before committing any funding toward a recycling program.

Commission Chairman Rich Lehmkuhl asked Hamilton to return with a detailed plan at a later date.

Hamilton also requested a change to the fee structure at the county landfill.  He said some of his competitors are getting a discounted rate.

The Commission will discuss the situation with the landfill supervisor and get back with Hamilton.

(KAIR)--A Wednesday morning Jackson County wreck, involving a farm tractor, sent one person to the hospital.  

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says the tractor was eastbound on K-16, west of O. Road, when it was struck from behind by a Chevy Impala, sending the tractor into a ditch.  

The woman behind the wheel of the car received minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle for medical care.  

The tractor driver refused treatment.  

Names were not immediately released  The wreck happened around 7:45.

Jackson County EMS and the Holton Fire Department responded to the scene.

The highway was shut down for a period of time while rescue personnel cleared the roadway.

(KAIR)--A special Tuesday morning meeting of the Board of Education for the Atchison Public Schools, held in executive session, ended with the finalization of the termination of a district teacher, following his initial written request to a hearing.

The USD 409 Board of Education, on March 8, voted to terminate Atchison High School teacher Lee Supple for what was then identified as his failure "to maintain professional integrity as an educator, by unprofessional conduct with students, parents and administrators, insubordination with district administrators, [and] violation of the teacher's contract of August 27, 2020.”

Supple, on March 26, submitted his written hearing request, but “subsequently advised the Board of Education of his wish to withdraw his request for a hearing in exchange for termination of his contract as a result of violations of USD 409 Policy IA.”

The mission of that policy, as defined by the school district, is “to identify and remove all barriers to promote equal opportunities for success by all students.”

The School Board’s vote Tuesday morning to finalize Supple’s termination followed a closed door meeting held to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel.

The vote was to terminate Supple’s current teaching contract, effective Tuesday, with “the payment of the remainder of his 2020-2021 contract because of actions” contrary to the school district’s policy.

Supple began his employment with the School District in August, 2006.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council voted during their April 12 meeting to move forward with the construction of a new Fire Hall.

Bids came in higher than expected for the building and following negotiations with AHRS Construction of Bern, Kansas,  to make changes to the building plans the cost will be $746,021. 

Changes to the plan include deleting a concrete parking lot on the north side of the building,  a change in the heating system,  eliminating a steel liner on the interior walls but still allowing for insulation.

There will be water in the building to fill fire trucks but there will be no toilets in the building.

The total reductions came to $100,979.  

The City will use $392,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds,  $95-thousand from a USDA Grant,  $40-thousand from a USDA loan and just over $259-thousand from the Rural Fire District to pay for the construction of the building.  

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education listened to a COVID update from Superintendent Korey Miles when they met Monday. 

Miles presented the results of a survey of district teachers and staff concerning the wearing of masks. 

Following the presentation the Board voted to drop the mandate that masks be worn in the classroom,  with the stipulation that Superintendent Miles has the authority to put the mask mandate back into effect if the COVID case numbers increase to a concerning level.
 

(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures dipped significantly in Southeast Nebraska during the month of March. 

The jobless figures in the area dropped from a half-a-percentage point to nine-tenths for the month.

Pawnee County has the lowest unemployment rate in the six-county region at just two percent.

The Richardson County unemployment figure was down to 2.6 percent, Nemaha County, Nebraska had a 2.2 percent unemployment rate.  Johnson County was at 3.5 percent unemployment with Otoe County at 2.5 percent and Gage County at 2.8 percent. 

Statewide the jobless rate dropped two-tenths to 2.9 percent in March which puts Nebraska in a tie with South Dakota, Utah and Vermont for the lowest unemployment rate in the  country.

Nationwide for March the unemployment rate was six percent. 

(KLZA)-- Former First District Holt County, Missouri Commissioner Carla Markt is serving as interim First District Commissioner until Missouri  Governor Mike Parson appoints a permanent replacement.

Markt served as First District Commissioner in Holt County for four years. The position became vacant with the death of Roger Brock on march 24.  

The Governor has 60 days from March 24 to appoint a permanent replacement.  

(KLZA)-- Following a lengthy discussion and the expression of varying opinions Monday night, the  Falls City Council approved the creation of a committee to further discuss 911 dispatching with Richardson County.

There have been several proposals between the County and City concerning combining the dispatching into a single dispatch center instead of both the  City and  County each having a dispatch center.

Despite City Administrator Gary Jorn stating he feels finances should not be part of the discussions at this time, it was apparent that several Council members including President of the Council Mitch Merz, feels differently, saying that if the County is not willing to pay their fair share, the City should be done talking. 

Richardson County stopped paying fees to the City for 911 dispatching in 2018.

Merz said the city is in good position and the only reason to form a committee is to continue to build a relationship between City and County law enforcement, so that relationship is strong. 

Ward IV Council member Derek Leyden feels the formation of a committee is a good idea. He noted that he does not like there being tension and an us versus them attitude between the City and the County. He hopes the committee will help find more common ground for the two entities.

Mayor Shawna Bindle also said she feels there is a need for a committee to oversee 911 dispatching no matter who serves at the Public Service Answering Point for emergency calls. 

Discussion included debate on how many committee members there should be.  The County had proposed 8 members total to include a resident of the City of Falls City and a person from within the County and to include City Administrator Gary Jorn and County Clerk Mary Eickhoff.  

The City proposal is to include only the Chief of Police,  a Council representative, the Richardson County Sheriff and a County Commissioner.

After about 15 minutes of discussion, a motion by Merz to create a committee to continue keep the lines of communication open, but that at this time, the city is not interested in letting go of any of the City services.  The motion was approved unanimously by the Council.  

Both the City and the County would need to make expensive upgrades to their dispatch systems if they serve as the Public Service Answering Point for Emergencies.  

(KAIR)--A late Tuesday afternoon head-on collision in the Jefferson County town of Perry sent a Perry woman to the hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 5:00 at 203 East Front Street.

The Patrol says a car driven by 26-year-old Kayla Nilsen was westbound on Front Street when it collided head-on with a pickup truck that was turning eastbound on Front Street from an ally.

Nilsen, who was wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the pickup, 18-year-old Lecompton resident Dustin Parrish, was not hurt.  The Patrol says he was not buckled up.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to make mask “ highly recommended” instead of required at City Hall, the Fisher Center and Law Enforcement Center.

The change took effect Tuesday.

City Administrator Mike Nichols recommended the change at City Hall, which will include city commission meetings.

Masks will still be required during Muncipal Court.

City Recreation Director Stacy Jasper recommended the change at the Fisher Center for staff and day-to-day traffic.

The Commission voted last week to not require masks for private events at the Fisher Center, leaving the decision to those booking the events.

On the recommendation of Police Chief John Defore, the Commission approved wage increases for Officers Dugan Shoemaker, Lorenzo Mendez and Chance Johansen. The wage increases are effective starting with the next pay period.

On the recommendation of Water Department Superintendent Brad Scott, the Commission approved promotions and wage increases for water department employees Chad Goben and Juan Weisel.

The Commission also approved a volunteer firefighter application for Jamie Carlson. The Fire Department recommended approval of the application.

(KAIR)--A special Tuesday morning meeting of the Board of Education for the Atchison Public Schools, held in executive session, ended with the finalization of the termination of a district teacher, following his initial written request to a hearing.

The USD 409 Board of Education, on March 8, voted to terminate Atchison High School teacher Lee Supple for what was then identified as his failure "to maintain professional integrity as an educator, by unprofessional conduct with students, parents and administrators, insubordination with district administrators, [and] violation of the teacher's contract of August 27, 2020.”

Supple, on March 26, submitted his written hearing request, but “subsequently advised the Board of Education of his wish to withdraw his request for a hearing in exchange for termination of his contract as a result of violations of USD 409 Policy IA.”

The mission of that policy, as defined by the school district, is “to identify and remove all barriers to promote equal opportunities for success by all students.”

The School Board’s vote Tuesday morning to finalize Supple’s termination followed a closed door meeting held to discuss personnel matters of non-elected personnel.

The vote was to terminate Supple’s current teaching contract, effective Tuesday, with “the payment of the remainder of his 2020-2021 contract because of actions” contrary to the school district’s policy.

Supple began his employment with the School District in August, 2006.

(KAIR)--Coronavirus variants of concern, as the Centers for Disease Control identifies them, have been discovered in Jefferson County.

That information was released Monday during a COVID-19-focused update provided to the Jefferson County Commission by Health Department Administrator Crystal Vanhoutan.

Vanhoutan, addressing the Commissioners during their regular weekly meeting, told them the variants are identified as B117 and B1429.

According to the CDC website, the variants are being closely monitored, with the variants “having mutations in the virus genome that alter the characteristics and cause the virus to act differently in ways that are significant to public health.” Examples of differences noted by the CDC include causing more severe disease, spreads more easily between humans, requires different treatments, and changes the effectiveness of current vaccines.”

According to Vanhoutan, Jefferson County, as of Monday, reported 6 new positive cases of COVID-19 since April 12, with a total of 16 positive cases during the ten day period leading up to Monday.

Vaccinations for the virus have now been provided to all Jefferson County residents on the waiting list, with clinics continuing this week for those who have not yet received a vaccination.

(KAIR)--Two forthcoming public input sessions, with the first this week, will be held virtually for those interested in what meeting registration information calls “an exciting process to define a new vision [for Atchison] through placemaking,” which is defined as “a people centered approach to building strong, vibrant communities.”

According to a release, Atlas Community Studios and McClure, in partnership with USDA Rural Development and their team at the Innovation Center, “have partnered with the City of Atchison and a diverse group of local leaders to develop a placemaking action plan” for the City.”

The release says the purpose of the action plan “is to assist the City of Atchison with implementing innovative placemaking strategies and catalytic projects to improve quality of life for current and future residents.”

Atlas Community Studios, on its website, defines itself as “a team of problem solvers, artists, and innovators” who help “rural communities plan for growth through collaborative strategic planning, and simple to execute, realistic plans.”

McClure President Dennis Folden, on the company’s website, says their “vision is making lives better...through engineering, surveying, and community development.”

The release from the City notes that the placemaking action plan will focus on three key priorities: housing, cultural amenity, and downtown revitalization.
The City continues its ongoing efforts to enhance the downtown district, including the demolition of the long-standing, downtown pedestrian mall.

The City calls public feedback "critical to ensuring [that the City has] a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities Atchison faces as it looks to the future."

That feedback can be provided during what are being called two Virtual Visioning Sessions to kick-off the local placemaking process.

The first of the two sessions, to be held on the Zoom online meeting platform, will be Thursday afternoon from 12 noon until 1:30, followed by the second session on the morning of Tuesday, April 27, from 8:30 until 10:00.

Advance online registration is needed from residents interested in providing input during one, or both, of the sessions.

(KAIR)--The armed kidnapping turned armed robbery of an 18-year-old Atchison man Saturday night led to an Atchison Police investigation that ended with the arrest of a 21-year-old Atchison man.

Aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, criminal discharge of a firearm, and criminal damage to property, are the criminal charges faced by Gary Brown, Jr., according to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Wilson, in the report, says the investigation began 11:30 Saturday night after officers responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 4th and M Streets, in Atchison.

Wilson says officers were led to the victim through the investigation, with the 18-year-old reporting that he was forced inside a vehicle, at gunpoint, in the 700 block of M Street, “then driven several blocks to the area of 4th and M”, where his cash was taken and “he was struck in the head with a gun” and forced to lay in the street.

His alleged assailant, now identified as Brown, allegedly “fired several rounds into a nearby grassy area” and then fled from the location.

According to Wilson, the victim’s gunfire-damaged vehicle was found by officers in the 700 block of M Street, with the investigation continuing throughout Sunday and Monday, and ending with Brown’s arrest at his residence around 7:00 Monday evening. Once in custody, he was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

The 18-year-old victim suffered a head injury but was not transported for hospital treatment.

The search for a second person that Wilson said was in Brown’s vehicle at the time of the alleged crimes is still being sought as the investigation continues.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the appointment of Joe Buckminster to serve as as Ward II City Council member Monday night. 

Buckminster will serve the remainder of the term of Lucas Froeschl who resigned  due to a job change. 

The Council also approved Mayor Shawna Bindles appointment of Jamison Baker as Chief of Police.  Baker's appointment will be effective July 7.  He will replace Duane Armbruster who is retiring as Chief.

Baker currently is the Assistant Chief of Police and investigator for the  Falls City Police Department. 

Also approved during the meeting was the appointment of Levi Jones of Falls City as a member of the Falls City Police Department.  

Jones will begin his duties May 3. He will be attending the Nebraska State Patrol Training Center in the Fall to become a certified officer in Nebraska. 

(KLZA)-- Fire caused major damage to a Falls City home Monday evening.

Falls City Volunteer firefighters and members of the Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to the call at 1924 Wilson Street at about 9:30.

The fire department report said the fire started in the southwest bedroom on the second story of the home of Trevor and Katelyn Godemann producing heavy smoke throughout the house. There was water damage to the first floor living and dining rooms. 

Firefighters were able to get upstairs quickly and knock down the flames but not before severe damage was done on the second floor.

The State Fire Marshall's Office was called to investigate the cause of the fire and was on the scene until about 2:00 A.M. working with members of the local department to try and pinpoint the origin of the fire, which remains under investigation.

There were no injuries reported.  

(KLZA)-- Major damage was caused to a home in Falls City Monday evening by a fire that started in an upstairs bedroom.

Falls City Volunteer Firefighters and members of the Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to the call at 1924 Wilson Street at approximately 9:30 P.M.

The fire department report said the fire started in the southwest bedroom on the second story of the home of Trevor and Katelyn Godemann producing heavy smoke throughout the house. There was water damage to the first floor living and dining rooms. 

The firefighters were able to get upstairs quickly and knock down the flames but not before severe damage was done on the second floor.

The State Fire Marshall's Office was called to investigate the cause of the fire and was on the scene until approximately 2:00 A.M. working with members of the local department to try and pinpoint the origin of the fire which remains under investigation.

There were no injuries reported.  

(KLZA)-- Major damage was caused to a home in Falls City Monday evening by a fire that started in an upstairs bedroom.

Falls City Volunteer Firefighters and members of the Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to the call at 1924 Wilson Street at approximately 9:30 P.M.

The fire department report said the fire started in the southwest bedroom on the second story of the home of Trevor and Katelyn Godemann producing heavy smoke throughout the house. There was water damage to the first floor living and dining rooms. 

The firefighters were able to get upstairs quickly and knock down the flames but not before severe damage was done on the second floor.

The State Fire Marshall's Office was called to investigate the cause of the fire and was on the scene until approximately 2:00 A.M. working with members of the local department to try and pinpoint the origin of the fire which remains under investigation.

There were no injuries reported.  

(KLZA)-- Major damage was caused to a home in Falls City Monday evening by a fire that started in an upstairs bedroom.

Falls City Volunteer Firefighters and members of the Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to the call at 1924 Wilson Street at approximately 9:30 P.M.

The fire department report said the fire started in the southwest bedroom on the second story of the home of Trevor and Katelyn Godemann producing heavy smoke throughout the house. There was water damage to the first floor living and dining rooms. 

The firefighters were able to get upstairs quickly and knock down the flames but not before severe damage was done on the second floor.

The State Fire Marshall's Office was called to investigate the cause of the fire and was on the scene until approximately 2:00 A.M. working with members of the local department to try and pinpoint the origin of the fire which remains under investigation.

There were no injuries reported.  

(KLZA)-- Major damage was caused to a home in Falls City Monday evening by a fire that started in an upstairs bedroom.

Falls City Volunteer Firefighters and members of the Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to the call at 1924 Wilson Street at approximately 9:30 P.M.

The fire department report said the fire started in the southwest bedroom on the second story of the home of Trevor and Katelyn Godemann producing heavy smoke throughout the house. There was water damage to the first floor living and dining rooms. 

The firefighters were able to get upstairs quickly and knock down the flames but not before severe damage was done on the second floor.

The State Fire Marshall's Office was called to investigate the cause of the fire and was on the scene until approximately 2:00 A.M. working with members of the local department to try and pinpoint the origin of the fire which remains under investigation.

There were no injuries reported.  

(KLZA)-- Major damage was caused to a home in Falls City Monday evening by a fire that started in an upstairs bedroom.

Falls City Volunteer Firefighters and members of the Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to the call at 1924 Wilson Street at approximately 9:30 P.M.

The fire department report said the fire started in the southwest bedroom on the second story of the home of Trevor and Katelyn Godemann producing heavy smoke throughout the house. There was water damage to the first floor living and dining rooms. 

The firefighters were able to get upstairs quickly and knock down the flames but not before severe damage was done on the second floor.

The State Fire Marshall's Office was called to investigate the cause of the fire and was on the scene until approximately 2:00 A.M. working with members of the local department to try and pinpoint the origin of the fire which remains under investigation.

There were no injuries reported.  

(KAIR)--Two new members are added to the Atchison Art Association team, with a new Muchnic Gallery Director and Media Director now in place.

According to a release from the Association, Jennifer Tufte is named to serve as the gallery director, bringing to the role Benedictine College degrees in art and marketing, a masters in business administration, and five-years of teaching experience at Atchison’s Saint Benedict Catholic School, as well as what the release calls “a lifetime of loving all things related to art.”

Named to the position of Media Director is Lorna Garrison, who brings to the role more than 20-years of experience in marketing, graphic arts, technology, and fine arts. Her last position saw Garrison working on international marketing campaigns and sustainability promotions. She has served on the Atchison Art Assocation Board, and was named the Atchison Art Association Artist of the Year in 2019. Association Executive Director Deborah Geiger, in the release, said the association is “very fortunate to have Lorna and Jennifer on board,” adding that she is “confident their combined depth of art experience, knowledge, and management capabilities will allow [the Association] to expand the arts in the Atchison Community.”

(KNZA)--A domestic disturbance report early Sunday morning led to the arrest of a Horton man on numerous charges, mostly pertaining to drug related crimes.

 A release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says 55-year-old Gene Dunlap was taken into custody after deputies responded to 1425 K-20 Highway, in Brown County, following the reported disturbance around 5:00 in the morning.

Dunlap was initially taken into custody for domestic battery, but the release says a responding Deputy, at the residence, “had probable cause to believe other issues needed to be addressed.”

 Following assistance from Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill for preparation of a search warrant, a search of the residence led to the discovery of what’s alleged to be methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription medication, paraphernalia, and cash.

 Merchant, in the release, says Dunlap, due to the search, faces charges including distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substance without a tax stamp, buying sexual relations, possession of prescription only drug, and criminal use of weapons.  

Following his arrest, Dunlap was booked into the Brown County Jail.  

Formal charges are expected to be filed Tuesday.  

The Horton Police Department assisted with the investigation.

( items seized after search warrant served at 1425 K-20 Highway/Credit: Brown Co Sheriff's Office)     

(KNZA)--A Jackson County jury has convicted a former Mayetta man, accused of falsely reporting a crime, on multiple charges.

Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller says Thomas McLaughlin II was convicted Friday of a fraudulent insurance act, making false information and obstructing law enforcement following a nearly week long trial. 

McLaughlin was convicted of falsely reporting a burglary at his residence on August 2, 2016, and then later filing an insurance claim on property he never owned. 

McLaughlin is to be sentenced May 24 in the Jackson County District Court. Miller said he is expected to receive probation based on his criminal history.

(KAIR)--A weekend dispute, in Effingham, led to a single shot fired, and to the arrest of an Effingham man.

That’s according to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, who says 51-year-old Brian Kuykendall was taken into custody on two counts of aggravated assault, battery, and criminal damage to property.

The report outlines Kuykendall’s alleged crimes, which Laurie says happened Saturday night, shortly before midnight, with Deputies called to 316 George Street, in Effingham, for the report of shots fired.

The investigation that followed their arrival revealed that Kuykendall had, that night, been involved in a verbal argument with a woman who lived with him at the home. According to the report, Kuykendall left the residence during the argument, but returned a short time later, engaging in a separate altercation with a man, who Laurie identifies as a neighbor. Kuykendall again left the area, allegedly returning a short time later, this time going into his home to retrieve a rifle. Going outside, he then allegedly pointed it at both the neighbor he’d earlier argued with, and a woman, also identified as a neighbor. When the two fled into their nearby home, it’s alleged that Kuykendall went to that residence, attempting to break in through a back door. Told several times by the neighbor to leave, Kuykendall refused, leading the neighbor to fire one round of a shotgun. Kuykendall escaped unhurt, leaving the neighboring home to return to his own residence, which is where he was located by Deputies when they arrived.

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

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Falls City man on a warrant Friday afternoon.

37-year-old Chance Simon was wanted for delivery of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a playground,  possession of methamphetamine and possession of money while violating a drug statute.

Simon was booked into the Richardson County Jail. 

(KLZA)-- A Falls City woman was arrested Saturday evening by the Falls City Police Department and jailed on multiple charges.

Assistant Chief Jamie Baker said the Police Department received a call Saturday about a woman supplying minors with marijuana and alcohol.

A search warrant was served on the home of 39-year-old Stacey O'Banion and she was arrested around 9:20 P.M.

O'Banion was arrested for delivery of a controlled substance to a minor. Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana; possession of schedule One and Two drugs which are felonies; possession or use of drug paraphernalia; no drug tax stamp; possession or obtaining legend drugs, which are drugs requiring a prescription to obtain; delivery of a controlled substance near a school; committing child abuse intentional / no injury and contributing to the delinquency of a child.

The child abuse charge is due to minors being present inside her home when the alleged sale of alcohol and drugs took place.

(KNZA)--A second person has been charged in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was found inside a duffel bag near Faucett, Missouri last year.

KQ2-TV reports Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Ronald Holliday announced Friday that 29-year-old Marcus Brooks has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ariel Starcher.

23-year-old Taylor Stoughton was previously charged with second-degree murder in the case.

Starcher's body was found bound and gagged inside a duffel bag along Vincent Road in rural Buchanan County in February 2020.

A medical autopsy showed that she died as a result of suffocation along with a fractured cervical vertebra.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved holding graduation for the 2021 seniors outside at Bulldog Stadium on Sunday, May 16th.  

By moving the ceremony outside it will allow more people to attend the graduation.  In case of rain, the graduation would move indoors and the audience would be limited,  under current protocols to 75 percent of capacity. 

Each graduating senior will receive 13 tickets to give to family and friends for the ceremony in case it has to be inside. 

The Board also approved the resignations of High School English teacher Diana Eickhoff who is retiring.  High School Social Studies Teacher Bryce Roth and Middle School and High School Instrumental Music teacher Matthew Stubbs.

Teaching contracts for the 2021-22 school year were approved for Cassandra Eickhoff and Ben Hanika.  

Expanding Summer School to include some math classes was approved and a property purchase and sale agreement was approved that will allow the school district clear access to 80 acres of land the District owns west of the High School.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County  Commissioners received a letter requesting the permanent closing and removal of a bridge structure west of the intersection of 706 Road and 648 Avenue when they met last week. 

The bridge crosses the old channel of the Big Nemaha River.  Commissioners will consider a resolution during this weeks meeting to set a public hearing date to receive input in support or opposition to the closing and removal of the bridge. 

Commissioners also received quotes for 37 bridge inspections that are due in July.  Two bids were received. One for $42,025 and another for $64,990.  The bids will be further reviewed during Tuesday's meeting. 

A bid for culvert materials was awarded to Metal Culverts from Jefferson City, Missouri totaling $99,557. It was the low bid of the three received.  

Commissioners also discussed possibly implementing a hiring freeze for Richardson County.  No action was taken. 

(MSC News)---Families who lost loved ones due to COVID-19 can now get help with funeral expenses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA says families can apply for up to $9,000 in financial assistance for expenses related to COVID-19 deaths that occurred after January 20, 2020.

Congress approved billions of dollars in funding for funeral benefits in two Covid relief measures--the one signed by former President Donald Trump in December and the one known as the American Rescue Plan that President Biden signed last month.

FEMA began accepting applications April 12 for the funeral assistance program.

The FEMA website has complete information about eligibility requirements, documentation you will be required to provide as part of your application and how to start the application process.

(KMZA)--The Marshall County Commission has approved four agreements with NextEra Energy for the construction of the Irish Creek Wind Farm in the southeastern portion of the county.  

The Commission approved the agreements last week.  The agreements included haul routes, buried electric line cabling routes, compenstation for improvements  to county and township roads and bridges, and decommissioning plans for wind tower sites. The agreements can be viewed on the Marshall County website.  

Under the agreements, NextEra will pay the county more than $779,000 to replace five bridges and a culvert within the area where the wind farm is to be built.  

The company will also pay $85,000 annually for the first 10 years of the project to Marshall County for maintenance of township roads.  The county, in turn, will distribute the funding to the eight townships affected.

NextEra has already agreed to pay the county $4.5 million over the first 10 years of the wind farm's life, money which could be used for maintenance on affected county roads.  

The wind farm is to consist of 108 turbines, which is to produce around 300 megawatts of power.

(KNZA)--The City of Hiawatha has retained Governmental Assistance Services, of Lawrence, to conduct a Low-to-Moderate income survey this summer for the purpose of qualifying the city for a Community Development Block Grant.

According to a release from the city, the $700,000 grant is intended to offset the costs of a proposed sanitary sewer improvements project.  The release says qualifying for the grant will help to keep future utility bills down.

Representatives from GAS will be conducting the survey door-to-door and by telephone between April 19 and August 15.  The survey will be conducted using strict social distancing measures.  Surveyors will knock at your door and ask 4 questions from an appropriate distance.  Each survey will take less than 1 minute.

You will recognize members of the GAS survey team by their clipboards.  

(KNZA)--Atchison County Community Junior/Senior High School Principal Deanna Scherer is stepping down from her position at the end of the current school year.

The USD 377 Board of Education accepted Scherer's resignation during their regular meeting April 14.  

Scherer has served as principal since the 2011-2012 school year.  

In other personnel action, the Board also accepted the resignation of Corey Thomas as 7th grade social studies and 7th-8th grade Ag teacher.  

The Board also approved the hiring of Gregory Scheetz as K-2/6-12 music teacher.

(KNZA)--Use caution on area roads as farm equipment becomes more prevalent.

That word comes from area authorities, with Brown County Sheriff John Merchant saying the increase comes as planting season begins, with area farmers starting to get into fields to conduct planting work.

Most farm equipment is not designed to travel at highway speeds, and may only travel 15-25 mph. It’s often wider than the lane of traffic, so extra room should be allowed when sharing the road.

Merchant adds that when approaching hills on country roads, motorists need to slow down as they approach the top, and be ready to pull to the side if meeting farm equipment.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission in a short special meeting Friday evening voted to not require the wearing of masks during Saturday's Prom at the Fisher Center--reversing a decision made two days earlier.

Mayor Bill Collins made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Brian Shefferd, and approved on a unanimous vote.

There was no discussion prior to the vote.

The Prom issue was the only item on the agenda, and the meeting lasted only two minutes. 

The Commission in a special meeting Wednesday afternoon had approved lifting the mask requirement for private events at the Fisher Center, beginning Monday--after the high school prom.  

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth teenager is dead, killed Friday morning in a three vehicle Leavenworth County crash.

The Kansas Highway Patrol identifies the victim as 18-year-old Karley Renee Housworth.

According to a report from the KHP, she was not wearing a seat belt when the fatal wreck occurred around 9:50 Friday morning in the 10400 block of 222nd Street.

The KHP reports Housworth was driving southbound when her car struck the rear of a pickup truck in front of her.

Housworth over corrected, causing her car to collide head on with another vehicle in the northbound lane of 222nd.

The Basehor driver of the rear ended vehicle was not hurt, while the Lawrence driver of the vehicle hit head on suffered a possible injury, leading to hospital transport.

(KAIR)--Two arrests are made in connection with the burglary and theft of an Atchison residence earlier this week.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, two 13-year-boys were taken into custody Thursday in connection with the crime that occurred Tuesday evening in the 800 block of Parallel Street.

Entry was made into the home through an unlocked door.

Taken was cash and jewelry, estimated to cost several hundred dollars.

Following their arrests, the two teens were released to parents.

(KAIR)--A preliminary budget is approved by the Kansas Legislature, which has reached First Adjournment, commonly referred to as the Legislature’s spring break.

According to State Representative Dr. John Eplee, of Atchison, approval of the budget sets a portion of the budget now, with finalization to follow the release of the April Consensus Revenue Estimates, which Eplee says will provide a better idea of the state’s revenue, helping the Legislature establish the rest of the budget.

Saying he doesn’t support everything in the budget, Eplee says “there are some important things funded, including transportation, higher education, and social services.”

Eplee calls the education budget “the largest piece of the budget sill needing finalized,” which he says must be accomplished when the Legislature returns to business for the veto session. Eplee explains that the education budget was included in separate legislation that did not pass, saying he voted no on the two education funding bills because deviating from a constitutional funding formula “invites additional lawsuits, wastes taxpayer dollars, and takes money away from [Kansas] classrooms.”

He says the house education funding bill strayed from the formula “by sunsetting the high-density at-risk weighting, establishing new education policy and including tax elements in the bill.”

Eplee also voted against the Senate’s compromise bill, saying it “blurs the lines too much between education funding, education policy, and tax policy.”

(KAIR)--A new play structure is expected to be seen at the Atchison Riverfront in coming weeks.

Atchison Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont told MSC News a replacement was necessary due to the condition of the former structure that stood at the Independence Park location. 

The new play structure has been delivered to Atchison Public Works, with a release from the City saying installation is expected within the next few weeks. That will include the replacement of the rubber safety surfacing, with funding assistance coming through a 50-percent matching grant awarded to the City through the Kansas Waste Tire Grant Program, which is offered through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment-Bureau of Waste Management.

According to the release, in addition to the $9,912 surfacing grant, the remainder of the project will be funded through donations from the Riverfront Foundation.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Leavenworth police say a 12-year-old boy who was shot to death outside a pharmacy was not the intended victim.

Police say Brian Henderson Jr., of Kansas City, Missouri, was shot Wednesday night near the Kare Pharmacy in Leavenworth. He died at a Kansas City hospital.

Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens says officers called to the pharmacy didn't find any victims, but were notified later about Henderson's death. Kitchens said it's “very clear” that the child was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Investigators are still trying to determine what prompted the shooting.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 25-year-old Darvon Thomas and a 17-year-old are both charged in Leavenworth County in connection with the child’s death. Thomas, of Leavenworth, is charged with first degree felony murder, while the 17-year-old is charged with felony murder and discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission will hold a special meeting this ( Friday) evening to consider approval of not requiring the wearing of masks during Prom at the Fisher Center.

Commissioners Brian Shefferd, Evans Woehlecke and Dave Middendorf requested the special meeting, which is set to begin at 5:00.

That follows the Commission's approval of a motion by Commissioner Becky Shamburg in a special meeting Wednesday afternoon to lift the mask requirement for private events at the Fisher Center, beginning Monday.

Shamburg said she uncomfortable with lifting the mask requirement prior to Saturday's Prom. She cited the potential for a mass quarantine if there were a positive COVID-19 case. Shamburg said she was concerned about how the wrong decision could effect school activities, as well as graduation.

Shefferd, who was in favor of lifting the mask requirement before Prom, said he felt the Commission was overstepping their authority by not allowing Prom organizers to make the decision.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County traffic stop leads to the arrest of a Holton man on methamphetamine charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2001 Ford Taurus in the 13-thousand block of 142nd Road around 8:30 Wednesday morning for an alleged vehicle registration violation.

Morse said further investigation led to the discovery of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

He said the passenger, 33-year-old Joshua Alan Shughart, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Shughart was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — Police say a 12-year-old child from Kansas City was shot and killed this week outside a Leavenworth pharmacy.

Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens says officers responded to several calls about a shooting at Kare pharmacy Wednesday evening but did not find any victims. About an hour later, Kansas City police reported that a family arrived at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with a child who was shot. The child was pronounced dead at the hospital.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, two are charged in Leavenworth County, with 25-year-old Darvon Thomas and a 17-year-old both charged in connection with the child’s death. Thomas is charged with first degree felony murder, while the 17-year-old is charged with felony murder and discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle.

Thompson, in the release, explains that Kansas does not allow for the identity of those under the age of 18 to be released, with those below that age “presumed a juvenile for criminal purposes.” Adding that it is possible to try a juvenile as an adult, Thompson said that would require a motion and evidentiary hearing, but does not state whether that course of action will be pursued.

Thomas is expected to appear before Judge Gerald Kuckelman, in Leavenworth County District Court, Friday. The teenage juvenile was to have a hearing Thursday afternoon.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education continues to consider a bond issue for facility improvements.  

It was a topic of discussion again when the Board held their regular meeting Monday.

Kelly McMurphy with Landmark Architects and Engineers met with the board to talk about their firm and how they can help during a bond project.

The Board approved having the Hutchinson firm serve as achitects/engineers on a bond project.  The Board also approved having Piper Sandler and Company provide financial services for a bond project.     

The board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, April 21 at 6 p.m. to further discuss the bond project.  

Following discussion, a motion by board member Laurence Berger to add a baseball and softball program for the 2021-2022 school year died due to the lack of a second.  

The item had come up for discussion following the recent approval of a grant to the city of Horton for upgrades to their baseball fields.  

Superintendent Jason Cline felt it provided the district with the opportunity to move forward with adding the sports.

(KAIR)--The COVID-19 vaccination process is continuing in Doniphan County.

That’s according to a release issued Wednesday by the Doniphan County Health Department/Home Health.

According to the release, the agency will be hosting a Moderna COVID-19 appointment-only clinic on April 28. It will be held at the Doniphan County Health Department, located at 201 South Main Street, in Troy.

According to the release, those wishing to be vaccinated at that time, must call 785-985-3591 to make an appointment.

The release notes that those choosing the Moderna-brand vaccine must be able to return to the office on May 26 for a booster dose.

Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that Kansas has crossed the threshold of vaccinating more than 1 million people as a third highly contagious variant is detected in the state. That means 35% of the state’s 2.9 million residents have received at least one shot, according to state data released Wednesday. The state hit the mark one day after the Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced that a particularly contagious variant of COVID-19 that is sweeping through Brazil has been detected for the first time in Kansas. The agency said it is investigating how someone in Sedgwick County became infected with the P.1 variant and whether others may have been exposed.

(KAIR)--A historic structure, located two miles east of Highland, is set to return to its original, Native American owners.

That follows action of the Kansas Legislature, returning ownership of the Highland Mission to the Iowa Tribe of Northeast Kansas.

According to State Representative John Eplee’s “House Calls” Legislative update newsletter, he was joined by members of the tribe April 5 as lead testimony was given to the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee on the conveyance of the structure to the tribe.

The Highland Mission, according to Eplee, is possibly the oldest standing structure in Kansas, and has functioned as an assimilation center, as a school, an orphanage, and more recently as a Kansas State Historical Society museum showcasing the Iowa Tribe and the Kickapoo Nation. The museum closed in 2008, as a result of the economic downturn.

According to Eplee, the bill calling for the return of the structure to the Iowa Tribe has passed both the Kansas House and Senate and was, at last check, awaiting the signature of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

Eplee said the approval of the bill means the property will be placed back into the hands “of the appropriate owners once and for all and allow the tribe to showcase the rich heritage of the Indigenous Peoples of Kansas, provide ongoing museum displays, and education opportunities for surrounding schools.”

According to Eplee, the Legislature is currently on April break, having reached what’s known as First Adjournment.

He says that while the Legislature “accomplished a great deal...much work remains ahead of the scheduled 10-day Veto Session in May.”

Pictured above are (L to R) Alan Kelly-tribal rep, Representative Ponca-we Victors—Sedgwick, Lance Foster—Iowa tribe VP, and Russel Brien—tribal attn. Many thanks to Ted Collins—Highland Community Attn., and Cindy Davis—Librarian at HCC, who gave testimony via WebEx. 

(KAIR)--A search for a missing elderly Atchison man ends tragically, with his body discovered Thursday morning in rural Doniphan County.

An extensive search had been launched for 79-year-old Garland Blanton, who was last seen alive mid-morning Tuesday, as he walked out of his Atchison apartment complex, on Santa Fe Street.

Blanton’s SUV was first located in rural Doniphan County, with Atchison Police working with the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks, and Tourism to search for Blanton.

Atchison Police interviews with Blanton’s family members revealed him to be a mushroom hunter whose search often took him to certain areas of Doniphan County.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson confirmed Blanton’s death late Thursday morning, saying his death is considered to be the result of natural causes while he was mushroom hunting.

(KAIR)--A search for a missing elderly Atchison man ends tragically, with his body discovered Thursday morning in rural Doniphan County.

An extensive search had been launched for 79-year-old Garland Blanton, who was last seen alive mid-morning Tuesday, as he walked out of his Atchison apartment complex, on Santa Fe Street.

Blanton’s SUV was first located in rural Doniphan County, with Atchison Police working with the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks, and Tourism to search for Blanton.

Atchison Police interviews with Blanton’s family members revealed him to be a mushroom hunter whose search often took him to certain areas of Doniphan County.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson confirmed Blanton’s death late Thursday morning.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved a resolution Monday night that would allow the school district to recall more than $2.7-million in bonds sold for projects several years ago.  

While recalling the bonds cannot be done for several months,  this action will allow the school district the flexibility to do so if interest rates are favorable to allow a reduction in the annual payments on the bonds. 

The Board also approved moving forward with the installation of some new air handling equipment at a cost of $425-thousand.  Facilities Advocates from Omaha will perform the work. Federal funds from Corronavirus Relief Supplement funding the school district received will be used to pay for the project.

In addition, while the new air handlers are being put on the roof, the Board approved the use of Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Funds to make roof repairs over the same section of the Middle School / High  School building.   
 

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved a resolution Monday night that would allow the school district to recall more than $2.7-million in bonds sold for projects several years ago.  

While recalling the bonds cannot be done for several months,  this action will allow the school district the flexibility to do so if interest rates are favorable to allow a reduction in the annual payments on the bonds. 

The Board also approved moving forward with the installation of some new air handling equipment at a cost of $425-thousand.  Facilities Advocates from Omaha will perform the work. Federal funds from Corronavirus Relief Supplement funding the school district received will be used to pay for the project.

In addition, while the new air handlers are being put on the roof, the Board approved the use of Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Funds to make roof repairs over the same section of the Middle School / High  School building.   
 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau has announced the recipients of the organization's annual awards for 2020.

According to a post on the organization's Facebook page, the award recipients are:

“ Business of the Year”---Hiawatha Community Hospital

“ Organization of the Year”--Hiawatha USD 415

“ Volunteer of the Year”--Brown County Humane Society.

The recipients were presented with their awards this week.

Nominations are taken from the public and voted on by Chamber members.

The awards are typically presented at the HCVB annual dinner at the beginning of the year. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, HCVB Administrator Sarah Kleopfer said they plan to have an outdoor event for their Chamber members early this summer.

(KAIR)--New mascots for two Atchison schools will be known sometime this coming summer.

That word comes from Dr. Renee Scott, Superintendent of the Atchison Public Schools, following this week’s action of the USD 409 Board of Education, removing the district’s Native American themed mascots. On Monday evening, the School Board voted unanimously for the removal of the Atchison Middle School’s “Braves” mascot, along with the Atchison High School’s “Redmen.” Both mascots are cited as playing into Native American stereotypes.
Following an inquiry from MSC News, Scott said a committee is being formed to determine what mascots will be selected as replacements, saying “the exact process the committee will go through will be discussed at the May 10 board meeting.”

In the meantime, Scott told MSC News surveys, regarding mascot ideas, will, in the next few weeks, be sent out so that “all community members, students, and staff” have an opportunity for input into the mascot selection.

According to Scott, a more detailed timeline for the final decision of the mascot selection will be outlined at the May board meeting, with the goal currently being to have a mascot approved by the School Board, at the earliest, at the June board meeting, or at the July board meeting, at the latest.

The district has, since 2016, explored the fate of the mascots. Although a 2018 vote of the school board kept them in place, further study, including additional input from the public and experts, led to Monday’s vote to remove the mascots.

(KAIR)--The burglary of an Atchison residence is under investigation.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the burglary occurred around 7:00 Tuesday evening at a residence located in the 800 block of Parallel Street. Entry was made through an unlocked door.

Missing from the home were several items, including cash and jewelry. The value of the loss is estimated at several hundred dollars.

Wilson said leads are continuing to be followed as the investigation continues.

(KNZA)--Masks will no longer be required during private events at Hiawatha's Fisher Center, beginning Monday, April 19.

The Hiawatha City Commission gave their approval in a special meeting Wednesday afternoon.

Discussion centered on when to lift the mask requirement, with the high school prom set this weekend at the Fisher Center. 

City Recreation Director Stacy Jasper said she, as well as her staff, were comfortable moving forward without masks at private functions, but Commissioner Becky Shamburg said she didn't feel comfortable lifting the mask requirement prior to Saturday's prom. " We've been told by the Health Department that if there is a positive (COVID-19 ) case, that could possibly result in a huge quarantine because there will be no masks and there is no way to contact trace. It's rolling the dice and making a gamble i'm not comfortable doing."

Commissioner Brian Shefferd said he thought the Commission was overstepping its authority by not allowing prom organizers to make the decision. He said he believes students should be able to enjoy prom without having to wear a mask. "These kids have had to wear masks all year. I think they've done an excellent job of keeping the masks on. I think these kids deserve one dance as a senior where they can look at their friends with a smile and enjoy themselves one night.”

Following discussion, Shamburg made a motion to lift the mask requirement for private events, beginning Monday.  It was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Shefferd casting the lone dissenting vote.  He favored removing the mask requirement before prom. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board voted Monday evening to sign a letter support for a proposed sports complex at Noble Park but did not commit any funds to the project at this time.

Troy Kolb, representing the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club board, appeared before the school board to seek their support.

Kolb said they are looking for the school district to partner with the group to make the project a reality.  He said they are asking for a $200,000 commitment from the school district to help get started with the “ seed money” for phase 1 of the three-phase project.

Phase one would consist of the construction of an around $300,000 indoor practice facility. Phase 2 would include a new softball field and phase 3, upgrades to Paul Rockey Field. The total project cost is estimated at $1.5 to $1.8 million.

The group plans to seek donations and grants to help with the project.

Kolb said the indoor facility would provide a place to practice year round when there's inclement weather.  

He said they would like to start contruction this fall if they receive the $200,000 commitment from the school district.

Several board members said they tought it was great idea and something needed.

The group is seeking a long-term lease from the city of Hiawatha for land to construct the indoor facility.  The Hiawatha City Commission is to consider approval of a letter of intent to lease the land at their April 19 meeting.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Public School Nurse Jenny Helmick expressed appreciation for the District 56 School Board Monday night for allowing school staff two vacation work days to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Helmick reported approximately 85% of the staff have or will be vaccinated.  Staff members will be considered fully vaccinated on April 23, following a two-week inoculation period to build antibodies.  

There were two students in quarantine in the Falls City School District and none in isolation as of Monday.

There have been 352 individuals quarantined and 92 isolated since Helmick began tracking cases in the Falls City School District last fall. She feels those number would have been much higher without mask usage.  

Falls City School have not had to go to a restricted schedule or temporarily close due to an increase of COVID-19 transfer in school this school year.

Superintendent Tim Heckenlively reported the allocation of Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funds allocated to District 56 is $621,626.  

The funds may be used for pre-award costs dating back to March 13, 2020.  The funds are to help ensure safe conditions for in-person learning, to restore and maintain high-quality learning environments, and to take comprehensive action to address unfinished teaching and learning. 

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City School Board members approved the expenditure of nearly $174-thousand when they met Monday evening. 

Just over $70-thousandwill be spent on a new gymnasium roof.  The money will come from the Depreciation Fund.

$55,395 will go for the purchase of 70 iPads and 35 MacBook Pro laptops

$31,552 goes for Reading Wonders2020 curriculum for grades Pre-K through fifth grade.  Another $16,735 will be sued to purchase Eureka Math curriculum for grades Kindergarten through eighth grade. 

(KLZA)--A Falls City house was damaged by fire Wednesday morning.

Both the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department and Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to the fire at 1223 Lane Street around 8:00.

The second story of the home was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene.

The house, which is owned by Joshua Darden, is currently unoccupied. 

The fire was extinguished, but the second floor of the home was severely damaged.

Firefighters remained on the scene in case the fire flared up under the metal roof on the home. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(KLZA)-- Both the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department and Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1223 Lane Street at 8:00 A.M. Wednesday morning.

The second story of the home owned by Joshua Darden was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene.

The house is currently unoccupied. 

The fire was extinguished but the second floor of the home was severely damaged.

Firefighters remained on the scene in case the fire flared up under the metal roof on the home. 

(KLZA)-- Both the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department and Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1223 Lane Street at 8:00 A.M. Wednesday morning.

The second story of the home owned by Joshua Darden was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene.

The house is currently unoccupied. 

The fire was extinguished but the second floor of the home was severely damaged.

Firefighters remained on the scene in case the fire flared up under the metal roof on the home. 

(KLZA)-- The City of Falls City has turned down a pair of counter proposals offered by Richardson County concerning the creation of a single Dispatch Center for Richardson County Emergency Services.

The County proposals were presented following a proposal by the City. 

During Tuesday's Richardson County Commission meeting,  City Administrator Gary Jorn said he feels the two sides have lost site of the purpose of the discussion and should further discuss the idea.  He feels the  conversation has become money driven and there are other details to work out before getting to that point. 

Commissioner John Caverzagie said both the County and City will do the right thing, but that money is a big reason for the conversation. Caverzagie said the idea is to go from the current situation with two dispatch centers down to one in order to save money for the taxpayers.  
Falls City Police Chief Duane Armbruster said there needs to be more understanding of the two entities needs before an agreement is reached. He said the City needs and the County needs are different and must be determined before an agreement is reached. 

Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty says safety for citizens is his main concern. He raised concerns about the current system where 911 calls go the the Falls City Police Department and the information is then relayed to the Sheriff's Department dispatch center, requiring added time to respond to emergency situations. Hardesty said he doesn't care who does the dispatching as long as it benefits the citizens of Richardson County. 

Following a nearly 20 minute discussion, it was decided the County and the City would appoint representatives to a committee to continue looking at the dispatch needs for both the County and Falls City.  
 

(MSC News)-- Hundreds of people are expected to visit the communities of Brown, Doniphan and Nemaha counties May 6-9 as part of the Kansas Sampler Foundation’s Big Kansas Road Trip.

The first-ever Big Kansas Road Trip (BKRT) started in 2019 in Barber, Comanche and Kiowa counties to replace the popular long-running Kansas Sampler Festival. The purpose of the BKRT is to give cities of every size an opportunity to have visitors and to show-and-tell their story, as well as to provide the public first-hand experiences in rural communities.

Foundation director Marci Penner said, “Each year we choose three counties to be showcased in a big tri-county open-house format. All we ask of communities, attractions, and businesses is to be good at being themselves. The exploring public just wants to know you as you are. Visitors look at a menu of things to see and do and then create their own schedule for their custom-designed adventure.”

This northeast Kansas version of the BKRT was intended to take place in May, and then September, of 2020 but was postponed both times because of Covid. Penner said, “No matter the status of Covid, the BKRT will take place this May. People can make choices depending on their level of caution and concern. It’s likely that many will still want to do carry-out from restaurants.”

Local county leaders and communities have been organizing and preparing since April of 2019. Listings of events, attractions, restaurants, and participating businesses are listed in a 52-page printed guide that can be picked up in most local businesses or city and chamber offices. The bigkansasroadtrip.com web site also has all the listings of things to see and do. Linda Duesing, a county leader in Hiawatha, said, “There are so many interesting and fun activities taking place throughout the three counties. From farm tours and pie on the porch to food fundraisers and musical performances, there is so much to choose from.”

Kylee Bergstrom, director of Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact said, “I hope that citizens of the three counties will take this opportunity to get out and see things in the three counties that they might not have seen before. For instance, Sycamore Springs will be open and giving tours, Don Werner will give tours of his wheelwright and wainwright business near Horton, and several churches in Nemaha County, including two in Seneca, one in St. Benedict, and one in Kelly, will be giving tours. Even remote places like Woodlawn Baptist Church in southern Nemaha County will offer musical entertainment each evening.”

Leah Johnson, county leader in Doniphan County, said, “We encourage the people of our three counties to act as friendly ambassadors to the visitors. The Kansas Explorers Club teaches their members to visit with locals, shop in locally-owned stores, to not judge a town but get to know it, and to take the back roads. We expect the public to have many questions for the locals so take the time to enjoy a conversation with them.”

In addition to county leaders named above, Gina Murchison and Cindy Alderfer represent Nemaha County; Connie Werner and Sarah Kleopfer represent Brown.

Penner said, “We will announce the site of the 2022 BKRT at the Kansas Explorers Club meeting that will take place in the Powhattan city park on Sunday, May 9 at 10 a.m.”

(KMZA)--The principal at the Sabetha Elementary School has resigned.

Prairie Hills USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans said the Board of Education on Monday evening accepted the resignation of Sarah Toedman as part of their consent agenda.

Board President Ed Reznicek thanks Toedman for her 21 years of service with the former USD 441 and USD 113—including 15 years as Sabetha High School counselor and 6 years as Sabetha Elementary School principal.

 As part of the process of hiring a construction manager at risk, Evans said the Board approved a range of design options for facility improvements at the Sabetha Elementary School along with Axtell and Wetmore Schools.

Preliminary estimates place the project at between $3 and $4.5 million. The board also approved a scoring system for applicants and set a special meeting for June 2 to interview finalists for construction manager at risk.

 In other action, Evans said the Board approved the hiring of an additional elementary teacher at the Wetmore Attendance Center for next school year in order to split a combined 1st and 2nd grade class that is anticipated to have 22 students. Federal COVID relief funds will be used to pay for the position.

 Evans said the board also reviewed a report by mechanical engineer Scott McKinley on some air quality issues related to the aging heating and cooling systems in the district's schools. HVAC systems identified by McKinley as being in need of replacement include those at Sabetha High School, Axtell and Wetmore schools. Evans said the board will continue to examine information from the report.  

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department is pausing administration of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration recommendations. 

On Tuesday, April 13th, CDC and FDA released a joint statement recommending a pause on Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccinations nationwide after receiving reports of a rare but severe type of blood clot in individuals who have received the Johnson & Johnson/Jansen vaccine. 

Only six instances of this severe clotting event have been identified among approximately 6.8 million who have received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine across the United States. 

The pause is a transparent and deliberate decision to allow time for a thorough review and investigation. 

SEDHD is communicating the pause to healthcare providers and pharmacies across the district. Individuals who have received the Johnson & Johnson/Jansen vaccine and develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider. 

Any potential adverse reactions to vaccines should be reported into the CDC's Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System at https://vaers.hhs.gov. 

There are currently no recommendations to pause the use of the other two vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna. These two vaccines should be provided in place of the Johnson & Johnson /Janssen vaccine until further notice. 

(KLZA)-- While patient service revenues declined,  there were factors that made it a strong financial year for the hospital. The hospital utilized a strong cash reserve position and grant funds from the Federal Government and others to help offset financial losses due to COVID.

Patient revenue was down by $1.94-million.  Expenses were down just under one million dollars.  The other revenues which includes the government grants were more than $2.9-million, up from  just $263,000 in 2019. 

The hospital realized a profit of nearly $2.8-million for the Fiscal Year.  Salaries and benefits accounted for just over $12-million of the total expenses.  

CMC Community Benefits for the year included nearly $950-thousand in subsidized health service;  more than $165-thousand in bad debts,  more than $900-thousand in charity care. Combined with other categories, that total was just over $2-million. 

 (AP) — Kansas’ top health official said Tuesday that the state is suspending distribution of Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccines as federal health officials investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.

Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, predicted the pause won’t have a “big impact” on the state’s overall rate of shots.

That’s because less than 4% of the shots administered in Kansas have been from Johnson & Johnson, according to KDHE data. However, Norman noted some clinics scheduled for Tuesday morning had been put on hold.

 (AP) — Kansas’ top health official said Tuesday that the state is suspending distribution of Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccines as federal health officials investigate reports of potentially dangerous blood clots.

Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, predicted the pause won’t have a “big impact” on the state’s overall rate of shots.

That’s because less than 4% of the shots administered in Kansas have been from Johnson & Johnson, according to KDHE data. However, Norman noted some clinics scheduled for Tuesday morning had been put on hold.

(KNZA)--A three-vehicle wreck in western Jackson County Monday evening sent two people to the hospital.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the wreck was reported shortly after 5:00 on K-16 highway, east of B. Road in rural Havensville.

Morse said 38-year-old Cassville, Missouri resident Jonathan Smith was eastbound on K-16 when his mini-van crossed the center line and collided with a westbound pickup truck driven by 74-year-old Effingham resident James Moore.

Morse said Smith was flown to a Topeka hospital with critical injuries. He said Moore was taken to a Topeka hospital with "debilitating injuries."

Three other occupants in Moore's truck refused transport.

A third vehicle, a passenger car, was also involved in the collision. Morse said both the driver, 26-year-old Onaga resident Anthony Goforth, and his passenger were not hurt.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board voted Monday evening to end the mask mandate in district schools and instead make masks " highly recommended", effective at the end of the school day on Friday ( April 16).

 Following a lengthy discussion, Board member John Wright made the motion, which was approved on a 4-3 vote.

 Joining Wright in voting yes were Board members Andrea Groth, Amy Kopp and Ian Schuetz.  Voting against the motion were board members Jeff Brockhoff, Keith Erdley and Tom Simmer. 

 Board members in favor of the motion noted county cases are low and felt the health risk in district schools is low as well. 

 Board members against the motion expressed concern about finishing the school year strong without further quarantines. In addition, they were also in favor of keeping the mandate to help ensure spring sports and graduation would not be affected by the coronavirus. 

 The decision came after the board received an update from Brown County Health Officer Robin Downard and school nurse Whitney McCauley.

 As of Monday, Downard said there were two active COVID-19 cases in Brown County, with no hospitalizations.   

 McCauley said the last case in the school district was two weeks ago when a staff member tested positive.  She said its been "some time" since a student has tested positive.

(KAIR)--The family of an Effingham woman who died after being vaccinated for COVID-19 has retained legal counsel to investigate her cause of death.

68-year-old Jeanie Evans died March 24, with her obituary, from Atchison’s Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, citing the vaccine as her cause of death.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a statement issued last month, said the agency became aware of the death of a 68-year-old Atchison County resident who had been vaccinated in Jefferson County. Saying that “according to the Local Health Department, appropriate CDC guidelines were followed,” the statement explained that during the waiting period following receipt of the vaccine, the individual, confirmed to be Evans, “began experiencing anaphylaxis and medical treatment was provided,” prior to transport for hospital treatment. Adding that “the death will be fully investigated in accordance with standard protocol,” the statement says that “until the investigation is complete, it is premature to assign a specific cause of death.”

WIBW-TV, citing Evans’ son, reports that her family has retained Kansas City, Missouri law firm Shamberg, Johnson and Bergman to determine if Evans’ death may be a wrongful death case.

The Centers for Disease Control website offers information related both to potential severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, and non-severe allergic reactions, for those receiving the vaccine.

(KAIR)--Two Native American-themed school mascots, including Atchison High School’s “Redmen” and the Atchison Middle School’s “Braves” become a matter of history, following action of local school leaders Monday.

The Board of Education for the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409 voted unanimously to drop the controversial mascots during their regular monthly board meeting Monday evening.

The decision followed a lengthy process that included public comment sessions, input from district patrons, educational leaders, and those with close ties to the Native American communities.

Board member Sean Crittendon moved for the change, with his motion immediately seconded by board member Diane Liebsch.

Crittendon, in making the motion, said moving on from the mascots was in the best interest of the District’s students.

Liebsch and Board Member Dr. John Eplee said they felt it was important for the School District to put the mascots to rest, citing the recommendations of numerous psychological studies which conclude the negative impacts caused by mascots based on ethnic groups, or nationalities.  

The latest School Board review of the mascot issue, leading to Monday’s vote for removal, follows a similar process, begun in 2016, that ended with a 3-2 vote of the School Board, in November 2018, that kept the mascots in place. That vote followed a motion also made by Crittendon, and seconded by Liebsch, calling for removal. Eplee was among the three Board Members who voted in opposition of the motion, at that time, keeping the mascots in place.

Now that removal of the mascots is approved, the question being posed by the public, as seen through social media posts made Monday night following the School Board’s decision, is what names will be chosen to replace the long-standing mascots.

That question has no immediate answer, with the Board of Education not yet establishing a timeline for the future process necessary to select two new mascots for the two district schools.

(KLZA)-- A Mound City, Missouri man suffered serious injuries in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday evening about 6:45, five miles south of Graham, Missouri in Andrew County.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 35-year-old Jason Mick was northbound on Route Y, driving a 2004 Peterbilt when the truck crossed the center line and traveled off the west side of the highway and overturned, coming to rest on its top in a ditch.  

Mick was not wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck.  He was transported to the Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph by the Andrew County Ambulance.

(KLZA)-- Like so many other places,  2020 was a challenging year for Community Medical Center in Falls  City.

The hospital released its 2020 Annual Report recently. 

Hospital Administrator and CEO Ryan Larsen said he was extremely grateful for the way everyone associated with the hospital responded to the years challenges thanking doctors, nurses, technicians, clerks and all the rest.  

Larsen also expressed gratitude for the way area residents supported the staff during the pandemic by doing things such as putting thank you messages placed on the lawn.  He noted that some colleagues reported healthcare workers were discriminated against and not allowed in certain places because they were working with COVID patients.

While many healthcare centers did not allow hospital patients to have any visitors,  Larsen said it was important for the non-COVID patients to have limited visitation.  Larsen said CMC felt it was important patients see familiar faces and family and even when it was just one visitor allowed it was helpful because patients do better when their loves ones are around. 

CMC also was honored with several awards again in 2020. CMC was the only Nebraska hospital to receive a Gold Level Award for safety from The Nebraska Hospital Association Services Division.  It was also the fifth consecutive year CMC was named a Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the country. 

During the year more than 2,100 emergency visits were made to CMC;  585 people received In-patient care;  there were 607 surgical procedures done;  more than six-thousand specialty clinic visits with more than 6,500 diagnostic imaging procedures completed.  In addition, more than 2,900 COVID-19 tests were completed.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners adopted a resolution during their Tuesday meeting to establish the American Rescue Plan Act Fund 2580.

Richardson County anticipates receiving revenue in an amount of $1,525368 from the Federal Government as part of the COVID American Rescue Plan.

There are limits on how those funds may be spent. 

A resolution to abandon a section of county road approximately a quarter mile east and a half mile north of Salem on 708 Road was also approved during the meeting. 

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. informed the Board that there will be 37 bridge inspections that will need to be completed this year and that the Nebraska Department of Transportation will not be assisting the counties with this.  

Darveau is obtaining quotes from licensed inspectors to complete a portion of the inspections that are due. 

(KLZA)-- A former Richardson County Commissioner and longtime fixture at the Richardson County  Fair is being remembered. 

James “Jim” Standerford of Humboldt died Tuesday, April 6 at the age of 92.

Jim Standerford served as a Richardson County  Commissioners serving the Third District from 2012 – 2016. 

Jim became involved with the Richardson County Fall Festival in September 1943 as a member of the clean-up crew.  He joined the Richardson County  Ag Society in 1961, serving as president from 1968 until his passing.

In addition, Standerford served on the State Fair Board for several years, being named the 2000 Nebraska Association of Fair Managers Person of the Year.  

He also served on the Richardson County Extension Board and the Board of Mid-America Dairymen.

A Celebration of Life Service for Jim Standerford will be held Saturday, April 17 at 10:00 A.M.  at the First Presbyterian Church in Humboldt.   

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of a utility terrain vehicle.  

The Sheriff's Office says sometime between April 5th and April 9th a Polaris Ranger 570 UTV was taken from a property south of Wetmore.

The loss was placed at about $9,500.

Anyone with information on the theft is urged to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office at 336-2311 

(KNZA)--On occasion, five American flags will be displayed in front of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Hiawatha.

The Hiawatha City Commission gave their blessing for holes to be drilled in the concrete sidewalk, which was performed by city workers. Chapel Oaks provided the supplies—including ground sleeves for the poles to be placed and caps for the concrete when the poles are removed.

The flags and poles are provided in cooperation with the Hiawatha Kiwanis.

The funeral home says the flags will be displayed only during a deceased veteran’s visitation and funeral service in honor of their service to the country. 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Topeka Police say a Horton woman was killed and a Horton man seriously injured after being struck by at least one vehicle while walking along Interstate-70.

Police said in a news release that officers were called to the area late Thursday night and found two people in the eastbound lanes of the interstate near Gage Boulevard.

Police say one of the victims, 28-year-old Ellen Keo, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other victim, 25-year-old Dalton Herwig, was taken to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police said Herwig was in serious but stable condition by early Friday afternoon.

Police say it appeared several vehicles were involved in the crash. Officials have not said whether the vehicles involved stayed on the scene.

(KAIR)--A 22-year-old mother and her three young children were killed Friday night in a two-vehicle wreck in St. Joseph, Missouri.

KQ-2 TV reports said the crash occurred in the 29-hundred block of Pear Street around 11:00.

Police say two cars crashed head-on sending one of the cars off the road, where it landed upside down in a water-filled ditch.

The mother and two of her children were pronounced dead at the scene.  A third child was taken to the hospital where they later died.

Family members said the children were ages 4, 2 and 1.

Police said two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.

The wreck remains under investigation.

(KNZA)--A Holton woman has died from injuries received in a two-vehicle Jackson County wreck Tuesday morning near Mayetta.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 29-year-old Rachael McCoy died Wednesday at Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital where she had been transported following the wreck at the intersection of U.S. 75 Highway and 158th Road.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, in a press release, said McCoy was employee of the Tribe.

The Patrol says McCoy was crossing the highway from 158th Road when her pickup truck was struck by a car.

McCoy was thrown from the vehicle.

Two passengers in her truck, a 7-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl, suffered suspected serious injuries and were also transported to Stormont-Vail Hospital.    

Also transported to the hospital with suspected serious injuries was the driver of the car, 83-year-old Lyndon, Kansas resident Wayne Dunn.

Dunn was the only occupant who was buckled up at the time of the wreck.

(KLZA)-- A preliminary investigation by the Nebraska State Fire Marshall's Office has determined that an early Thursday morning Gage County fire claiming the life of a child and injuring four other people was accidental. 

Upon arrival, firefighters found a house engulfed in flames and multiple injured parties.  

An adult male was transported to CHI Health St. Elizabeth Burn Center in Lincoln with life-threatening injuries. An adult female and two children were transported to Beatrice Community Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. One child was found deceased a bedroom of the house. The Gage County Attorney has requested an autopsy.

 At approximately 3:58 Thursday morning, the Blue Springs Volunteer Fire Department responded to the report of a house fire at 213 W Cherry Street.  Also responding to the fire call were the Wymore Volunteer Fire Department, Wymore Rescue, Beatrice Fire and Rescue, Gage County Sheriff’s Office, Gage County Attorney and the Nebraska State Fire Marshal. 

The names of the victims have not been released.  The investigation into the fire is ongoing.  

(KNZA)--A tow truck driver was transported for hospitalized treatment following an early Thursday morning accident on U.S. 75 Highway in southern Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Sheriff's Office received a report of a 2014 Dodge Challenger that had hydroplaned and slid into the median near 118th Road.

A deputy responded to check on the vehicle and driver.

Morse said a tow truck arrived to pull the vehicle out of the median when a northbound van nearly struck the deputy's patrol vehicle and drove into the median shortly after 6:00.

The van passed between the tow truck and the Dodge Challenger, striking the tow truck's cable.

The cable broke and struck the tow truck operator, identified by the Kansas Highway Patrol as 59-year-old Holton resident Timothy Reino, who was standing outside his vehicle. 

Reino was transported to Topeka's Stormont Vail Hospital for treatment of a suspected minor injury.

The Patrol says the driver of the van, 33-year-old Topeka resident Tyler Morrison, was not hurt.  Also two children in his van, ages 5 and 10, escaped injury.  

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members voted  Monday night to make a “No Parking” area on the south side of 26th Street from Harlan Street to east to the alley between Harlan and Lane Streets. 

Ward I Council member Don Ferguson brought the proposal before the Council noting that during daytime  hours there is a liquor store and the entrance to Ace Hardware being congested due to vehicles parking there.

During the discussion, City Administrator Gary Jorn said that since a no parking designation was approved on 13th Street from Harlan to Lane earlier this spring,  he has been making arrangements to have a city-wide traffic study to help determine where STOP signs and restricted parking areas may be needed as well as taking a look at the Emergency Routes.

Council member Mitch Merz has been in favor of a parking study for quite a while suggested that no more “no parking” areas be designated until after the study has been completed. 

In other business the Council gave favorable comment to a liquor license application for Zechariah Bragg for The Den.

Blocking off Barada street from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on April 16, 17 and 18 near the Fire Hall was approved so Falls City Volunteer Fire Fighters can receive training on the recently purchased ladder truck.   
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a resolution during their Tuesday meeting supporting the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of Nebraska protecting the inalienable and individual right of the people to keep and bear arms.

The document notes the Commissioners took an oath to support both the U.S.  Constitution and the State Constitution and the laws of the State of Nebraska.

The document affirms the Board's support for the duly elected Sheriff of  Richardson County, in  the exercise of  his sound discretion and affirms its resolve to support the Sheriff to defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Nebraska. 

State Senator Tom Brewer has asked Nebraska counties to adopt resolutions supporting the Second Amendment.  As of earlier this week,  more than 40 counties have approves similar resolutions.  

(KMZA )--A familiar face has been hired as the new Seneca city administrator.

The Seneca City Council voted Wednesday evening to offer the position to Tami Haverkamp, who has accepted the job.

Haverkamp previously served in the role from March 2008 through early 2013, and had been training to take over as the new city clerk.

Haverkamp was among eight candidates interviewed for the city administrator position from among twenty-seven applicants.

The position came open following the resignation of Matt Rehder, which was effective February 5.

With Haverkamp taking the city adminstrator position, the Council agreed to begin advertising for someone to fill the city clerk's job.

Longtime City Clerk Jane Strathman is retiring, effective April 9.  A plaque was presented to Strathman in recognition of her 35 years of service to the city.

In other business, the Council approved the hiring of Logan Frost as pool manager for the 2021 season. He will be paid $15 an hour.

The Council also accepted the resignation of Bruce Stanley from the city Planning Commission and voted to appoint Bruce Hermesch to replace him.

(KAIR)--Four-way stops are coming to more intersections in downtown Atchison, following adoption of a resolution Monday by the Atchison City Commission establishing all-way stops at 5th and Commercial, 6th and Commercial, and 7th and Commercial.

Calling the latest additions to downtown Atchison traffic control “consistent” with other four-way stops installed in the downtown district in recent years, Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont outlined the proposed placement during Monday’s commission meeting, noting that the 5th and Commercial Streets location could prove to be more complex to driver’s than the others. He added that complex, to his mind, means safer.

Discussion followed Pregont’s presentation, including questions from Vice-Mayor Allen Reavis regarding enactment of potential driving prohibitions, such as no u-turns, as a matter of traffic safety. Saying that the new stops won’t be effective until June First, Pregont said time remains to discuss such possibilities.

Once discussion concluded, the Commission adopted the resolution approving the four-way stops with a unanimous vote of support.

(KMZA)--One person was injured in an apartment fire this past weekend in Seneca.

Nemaha County Emergency Management Director Russel Lierz said the fire was reported around 8:40 Friday evening in the 800 block of North Street.

Lierz said the individual, whose name has not been released, was life flighted to the Burn Center at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.

Lierz said another individual was displaced because of smoke filling their apartment. A hotel room was provided for the night, and the individual was able to return to their apartment the next day after the smoke had cleared out.

Lierz said the Seneca Fire Department did an excellent job of containing the fire so that it did not affect the other apartments in the building.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(KMZA)--An early Wednesday morning two-vehicle Pottawatomie County wreck claimed the life of St. Mary's teenager.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 24 Highway, west of Belvue, around 6:15.

The Patrol says 19-year-old Phillip Harrison was westbound when the passenger side tires on his Toyota Camry dropped off the roadway and he overcorrected. His car slid sideways into the eastbound lane and was struck on the passenger side by a Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by 31-year-old Leon Weisbender, of St. George.

Harrison was transported to the Wamego Health Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Weisbender was also transported to the hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says both drivers, who were alone in their vehicles, were wearing seatbelts when the wreck occurred.

(KLZA)-- A Tecumseh State Correctional Institution inmate was hospitalized Saturday morning for injuries resulting from an assault by two other inmates.

According to a release from the Nebraska Department of Corrections the assault occurred shortly after 11.  The injured inmate received cuts and puncture wounds to his harms and torso. 

Two homemade weapons were recovered by staff members.  

Findings from an investigation into the incident will be provided to the Johnson County Attorney for determination of criminal prosecution.

The victim suffered what were described as serious injuries.  

The prison was placed on modified operations allowing more closely controlled movement of inmates within the facility due to safety and security needs.  

(KLZA)-- An unfortunate break down in communications is causing the need for Falls City to dig deep into the Electric Department reserves to pay the February electric bill. 

Falls City Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring addressed the Falls City Council Monday night to discuss how the City has come to owe $1,453,699 for electricity following an extended period of sub-zero temperatures in February. 

Falls City paid several million dollars toward the construction of an Omaha Public Power District  coal-fired power plant south of Nebraska City in the early 2000's, in return for OPPD providing power to Falls City from the plant. 

Prior to the February cold snap,  a tube leak at the plant caused OPPD to shut the plant completely down with no power generation. However, Falls City was not notified of the situation.

Through the agreement, Falls City receives credit for 135 megawatts of electricity daily.  However, with the plant out of operation February 11 – 14,  the City received no credit and the power was purchased on the open market. 

Luhring said that he was disappointed the City did not receive a call advising them of the situation.  He told the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska representative that he felt notice should have come from MEAN since that is who the City contracts with to purchase power on the market.

It was noted that even though the City is seeking relief from the bill,  it has to be paid, or the City would be in default and power to the City would be shut off. 

The City is now reviewing ways to come recover the $1.5-million. 

It boils down to a rate increase for Falls City Utility customers. The Board of Public Works will consider the options on how long of a period to stretch the rate increase to customers during their next meeting and their recommendation will be brought back to the Council for approval. 

Council member Don Ferguson noted his displeasure with the lack of communication from the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska.

Following the presentation the Council voted unanimously to use the reserve funds to pay the invoice.

Luhring assured the Council that steps have been, and are being taken to make sure such a breakdown in communications does not happen again.   
 

(KLZA)-- A new Holt County Commissioner will be appointed  due to the March 24 death of First District Commissioner Roger Brock, following a bout with cancer.

Brock started his term on January 1 of this year. 

A temporary replacement will be appointed to fill the position until it is filled.

Party committees will meet and select one candidate from each party.  Letters of nomination from each party will be sent to Governor Mike Parson, who will appoint a person within 60 days to fill the vacancy until the next General Election which will be in 2022.

Those interested in serving can contact the Holt County Clerk's Office for more information. 

(KLZA)-- Municipal elections were held across Missouri on Tuesday.  
Locally Amy Thomas was elected Mayor of Rock Port against write-in candidate Joshua Hayes 138 – 54.  
In the Rock Port North Ward Alderman race Ron Deatz defeated Erika Daughtery 66-21.
Atchison County voters approved increasing the Atchison County Health Department's levy from $10 to $15 per $100 of assessed valuation.  
Jon Gaves and Theresa L. Larson Pennel were elected to the Fairfax R-III School Board.  
In the Westboro race for Mayor Jo-Ellen Estes defeated Jerry Kirkpatrick 28-26.  In the Westboro Alderman-at-large election,  Krystal Manchester and Nathan Vardaman were elected to serve.
The Fairfax Hospital levy was approved 88-19.

In Holt County,  Mound City and Oregon voters both approved forgoing annual elections if the number of candidates filing for a particular office is equal to the number of positions in the office to be filled.
Oregon voters approved a one percent city sales tax of all tangible personal property or taxable services at retail 75 – 37.
Big Lake voters approved a four-year,  30-cent levy per $100 of assessed valuation for general pumping an dredging expense.
Maitland voters approved the continuance of a 24-cent levy for general operations for an additional four years. 
The Corning Special Road District 35-cent levy was extended another four years. 
  
 

(KAIR)--Atchison County’s mask mandate comes to an end, following action Tuesday of the Atchison County Commission.
Discussion leading up to the decision included input from the Superintendents of Atchison’s Public Schools of USD 409 and the Atchison County Community Schools of USD 377.
Dr. Andrew Gaddis, Superintendent for USD 377, told Commissioners that his recommendation, pending approval of the district’s Board of Education, is to keep the mask mandate in place at the Atchison County Schools through the end of the school year.

Dr. Renee Scott, Superintendent for USD 409, said masks will continue to be worn in the school district, adding that the county-wide mandate makes the wearing of masks, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, more effective.

The wearing of masks in the Atchison-area schools, following past discussion with school leadership, was a key reason cited by Commissioner Casey Quinn, during the Commission’s March 15 regular meeting, for her stance on keeping face masks mandatory while allowing all other virus-based restrictions and mandates to expire, which was the outcome of that session last month.

Kansas City attorney Mike Kuckelman, who owns property in Atchison County, has become a familiar face at recent Commission meetings due, in part, to his criticism of COVID-19 based restrictions. He again addressed the Commission Tuesday, questioning the legality of the Commission’s weekly workshop meeting, as it pertains to the Kansas Open Meetings Act, and Commission Chair Jack Bower’s wording during the Tuesday morning workshop regarding the County’s role regarding local school district health-based decisions.

Once discussion concluded, Bower called for a motion stating that Atchison County would take no further action, at this time, on the mandatory wearing of face masks.

Quinn made the motion, which received a second from Commissioner Eric Noll, with the following unanimous vote voiding extension of the mask-policy, which expired March 31.

On Wednesday, Atchison County Emergency Management Director Wes Lanter, in a release, said that while no Local Health Orders, including a mask mandate, are in place in Atchison County, he said residents “are still encouraged to use caution while in public.”

The release included, on behalf of the Atchison County Health Department, CDC and KDHE public health measures that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC and the KDHE continue to recommend public health measures in an effort to stop the spread of Covid-19. Public Health measures apply to everyone, including those who have been vaccinated.

• Avoid crowds

• Wear a mask in public

• Avoid poorly ventilated areas

• Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face

• Get tested if you are experiencing symptoms

• Get vaccinated!!

Please continue to do your part in slowing the spread.

Superintendent Gaddis, following the conclusion of Tuesday's meeting, and the decision of the Commission, released the following statement explaining USD 377's face mask policy. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to table for two weeks consideration of the approval of a letter of intent to lease land at Noble Park for a proposed indoor sports facility.

Mayor Bill Collins asked that the matter be tabled until after the proposal is presented to the Hiawatha School Board at their April 12 meeting.

The estimated around $300,000 indoor facility is the first of a three-phase project proposed at Noble Park by the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club. It would also include a new softball field and upgrades to Paul Rockey Field.

The group says the letter of intent will allow them to begin fund-raising efforts.

In other business, the 2020 audit report for the city of Hiawatha was presented by Karen Linn, managing director of the Topeka CPA firm BT & Co.

Linn gave the city “ an unmodified opinion”, which is the best opinion the city can receive.

City Administrator Mike Nichols credited the work of City Clerk Tish Sims for the positive audit report.

Mayor Collins signed a proclamation that proclaims this as “John McLendon, Jr., Week” in Hiawatha.  

The basketball legend and civil rights pioneer was born in Hiawatha on April 5, 1915.

The proclamation was read by McLendon's cousin, Vicki Combs.

It encourages all citizens to follow the many examples set by Coach McLendon both on and off the basketball court.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha Community Hospital official updated city and county officials Monday on COVID-19 vaccination numbers.

HCH Chief Operating Officer Alison Kerl appeared before the Brown County Commission and Hiawatha City Commission during their regular meetings to provide an update. 

Kerl said the hospital staff have been very involved in working with the Brown County Health Department on the mass COVID-19 vaccinations in the community.

As of Monday, they had administered 3,035 vaccines, which equates to 1,718 people. Currently, the general public is eligible to receive the vaccine.

Kerl said the hospital recently started to receive vaccines as well. She said they are doing 100 Johnson and Johnson vaccines this week, which requires only one dose. Kerl anticipated the hospital would continue to get the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

She said the hospital has seen a decrease in COVID patients requiring admission and decreased volume in the hospital setting. In March, they were still averaging 9 patients a day in their West Clinic. The positivity rate was 4.5 percent in March, with an increase towards the end of the month.

As of Monday, the Brown County Health Department reported five active COVID-19 cases in the county, with no hospitalizations.

(KLZA)-- Three Atchison County, Missouri juveniles were injured when an ATV they were in overturned into a ditch Monday evening about 6:30.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports the ATV was westbound on 300th Street,  three miles south of Fairfax when the operator lost control and the ATV skidded off the road and overturned into the ditch, coming to rest on its side.

The victims included a 12-year-old female from Rock Port, who was driving. She sustained serious injuries and was transported by private vehicle to the Hospital in Fairfax,  a 15-year-old male who was also seriously injured and a 14-year-old male who suffered moderate injuries.  

Both of the boys were from  Fairfax. They were transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to Community Hospital in Fairfax. 

None of the occupants of the ATV were wearing safety devices at the time of the wreck. 

The Atchison County Sheriff's Department and the Fairfax Fire Department both assisted at the scene.  

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council met in special session Friday to review the bids to construct a new Pawnee City Fire Hall.

JEO Consulting Group had estimated the costs would come in between $640,000 and $736,000.

AHRS Construction submitted a bid of $855,000; The Dicon company submitted a bid of $1,188,000 and Ironhide Construction submitted a bid of $1,105,000.

The Council voted to reject all the bids submitted and enter into negotiations with AHRS to find value engineering items in an effort to lower the overall project costs.  

The Fire Hall Building Committee will meet this week to discuss the Value Engineering Proposal that AHRS comes up with.  Once negotiations are complete  with the company,  the Committee will make a recommendation to the Council on how to proceed. 

(KLZA)-- Holt County, Missouri is looking for a new Sheriff.

Sheriff David McClain turned his resignation in to Holt County Commissioners on March 22. His last day on the job will be April 14. 

The Mound City News reports McClain told Commissioners he has been dealing with his wife's health issues for the past year which started with COVID-19.

The McClains are moving to Colorado to be closer to family and hopefully, better help his wife recover.  

The Holt County Commissioners will order a special election an appoint a temporary replacement until the position is filled by the special election.  

Party committees will select one candidate for each party and the person name will be placed on the special election ballot.

An independent candidate will need to circulate petitions and gather at least 43 valid signatures before their name can be placed on the ballot.

It is expected the special election will be in the later part of June, but an official date has not yet been set. 
 

(KNZA)--Four persons, including two children, required hospital treatment following a two vehicle, Tuesday morning Jackson County crash, near Mayetta.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, it happened at the intersection of 158th Road and U.S. Highway 75, when a Ford F-150, eastbound on the road crossing the highway, was struck by a northbound car.

The driver of the pickup truck, 29-year-old Holton resident Rachael McCoy, and her two young passengers, a 7-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, all suffered what the KHP called suspected serious injuries, and were transported to Topeka’s Stormont-Vail Hospital for treatment. The KHP report states none of the three were buckled up at the time of the wreck.

The driver of the car, 83-year-old Lyndon, Kansas resident Wayne Dunn, also suffered suspected serious injuries and was transported to Stormont-Vail. He was wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred shortly after 7:40 Tuesday morning.

(KAIR)--Despite last year’s failed attempt to secure federal funds for elevation of an oft-flooded stretch of highway that connects Missouri to Kansas, at Atchison, planning is underway to make another attempt. 

That was dicussed during the March 30 regular meeting of the Atchison County Commission. 

(KAIR)--An agreement is reached, and the strike launched last month at the Atchison Bradken foundry by members of United Steel Workers Local 6943 has come to an end.

Union President Gregg Welch told MSC News the union and Bradken management came to terms around 3:30 Monday afternoon, leading to the end of the strike, launched due to disagreements over management rights. “[We negotiated management rights] to where I think both parties can really have a say in what goes on in the foundry, as far as the union seat at the table in negotiating policies and training and things like that,” Welch told MSC News late Monday afternoon.

Welch commended the union members, and others, who maintained and supported the strike. “I couldn’t have been more pleased to see the strength in unity of our members, and non-members, sticking together for the right thing to do,” adding that, “it’s kind of sad to know we have to be out there, not getting paid, in the rain and cold, but I’m proud of everybody. I’m proud of the community for everything they did, for sticking with us and the support. I’m kind of overwhelmed by how it all went.”

Bradken Vice-President of Operations, Ken Bean, told MSC News, "Obviously we’re excited the strike is over and we’re now able to go back to work.  We’re very pleased we were able to work with the USW to make the needed changes to the contract to ensure the viability of Atchison & St Joseph and position the sites for future success."

The strike began at 5:00 on the evening of March 22 after negotiations between the union and Bradken management failed.

(KMZA)--A Sabetha man is facing multiple child sex charges.

33-year-old Jesse Davis was arrested Friday on a Nemaha County warrant by the Sabetha Police Department.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert says a complaint has filed in Nemaha County District Court charging Davis with aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent liberties with a child, criminal sodomy and sexual exploitation of a child.

Lippert says the first three charges are alleged to have occurred between January 25, 2017 and January 24, 2019, and the charge of sexual exploitation of a child between January 25, 2017, and January 24, 2021.

The case was investigated by the Sabetha Police Department.

Lippert said a preliminary hearing has been set for April 19.

Davis remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $100,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County will host two scrap tire collection events in May. 

The first will be Wednesday, May 5 at the Richardson County Shop at 305 South Nemaha Street in Humboldt form 8:00 a.m. - noon.

The second will be Thursday, May 6 from 8:00 a.m. - noon at the Richardson County Shop at 65087, 706 Trail on the west edge of Falls City. 

Funding for the scrap tire event is provided by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and Nebraska Department of Environmental and Energy.

Only Richardson County residents will be allowed to bring tires to dispose of.  A drivers license or other acceptable proof of residency will be required.  Only vehicles with Richardson County license plates will be allowed. 

In addition, no retailers are allowed to bring tires.  No rims or tubes will be accepted.  Tires will only be accepted during the event hours.

You must also know how many tires you have and where they came from at  check-in.  

Semi Truck and Trailer tires up to 24-inches will be limited to 20 per customer.  Large Equipment  and agricultural implement tires are limited to six per customer.

You must be prepared to unload your own tires and facial coverings will be required for those bringing tires to dispose of.

For more information you may call the Richardson County Road Department at 402-245-2614. 

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha Natural Resources District has issued the organizations Annual Report for 2020. 

2021 brings a new General Manager, Kyle Hauschild who began his duties on January 11.  Hauschild replaces Bob Hilske who served as Nemaha NRD General Manager for 18 years before his retirement.  

Serving as Chairman of the Board for 2021 will be Mick McDonald from Palmyra;  Doug Iske from Syracuse will serve as Vice-Chair.  Tim from Hickman will serve as the Secretary-Treasurer.   

Just over three thousand annual park permits were issued in 2020, coupled with two-day permits nearly $50,400 in revenue was generated by the permit sales.  

New playground equipment was erected at Iron Horse Trail Lake near DuBois in June.  The NRD provided $15-thousand toward drainage tile and a berm to protect Kirkman's Lakeview Golf Course from floodwater from Kirkman's Cove Lake.  

The NRD received two grants totaling $55-thousand for debris removal and cleanup on the Steamboat Trace Trail from 2019 floods.  The trail was closed in 2020 and remains closed currently.  A third grant from FEMA in an amount of $240-thousand toward trail repairs was also approved.

The Nemaha NRD also spent more than $164-thousand from the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program and NNRD funds to provide 50 percent cost-share for more than 76-thousand feet of terraces,  waterways,  tile and windbreaks.  

The report also included information that due to the ongoing pandemic, the Watershed of Wonders day camp will not be held in 2021.  The program for kids 10 -12 years of age will be planned for 2022.  

The Nemaha NRD Parks,  Kirkman's Cove, Iron Horse Trail Lake and Duck Creek Recreation Area and Wirth Brothers Recreation Area are now open.  A Nemaha NRD park permit is required for entry to the areas.  

You can purchase the permits online or by mail or at the Nemaha NRD Office in Tecumseh.  

(KLZA)--Two Tarkio residents were hospitalized following a wreck involving three vehicles Friday afternoon north of Maryville on U.S. Highway 71. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports vehicles driven by 26-year-old Marissa Saville from Elmo, Missouri and 38-year-old Mary  Cox of Tarkio were stopped at a stop light when a car driven by 90-year-old Howard Carlisle of Tarkio failed to see the stopped vehicles and struck the Cox car in the rear, pushing it into the Saville vehicle.  

93-year-old Beverly Russell of  Tarkio and a 10-year-old juvenile who were occupants in the Carlisle vehicle were transported to the Mosaic Life Care Hospital in Maryville.  The juvenile suffered what were described as minor injuries and Beverly Russell suffered injuries described as moderate. 

Spring is in the air, and the Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced recipients for the first-round of 2021 grants.

The grants are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County, Kansas. Requests totaled close to $80,000 for this round of grants, with the STEP Foundation awarding $24,250.00.

The City of Sabetha will be receiving an award of $4,000.00. To create an outdoor basketball court for people to gather and play ball for free. $2,000 will come from the STEP General Endowment Fund and $2,000 from the Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund. Nathan Bauman, community member, shared in the grant application that “in Sabetha, we do have an indoor basketball court in the Wellness Center, but there is a cost to use it. The only other place to play ball is the old Midtown building. However, that building is going to be torn down. This leaves nowhere for kids to go if they can’t afford to go to the Wellness Center.” Bauman went on to share “this court would be located at the Old Legion Field (Field 4).”

Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library will also be receiving $4,000 for the spring grant cycle. Again, $2,000 will come from the STEP General Endowment Fund and $2,000 from the Glen J. Meyer Fund. Sophia Bennett, President and grant writer, explained in the grant application that “the Friends of the Mary Cotton Public Library is spearheading an extensive interior redesign of the Youth Library at the Mary Cotton Public Library. Rethinking the space to be more accessible to all, the new environment will support the evolving needs of the library and the community it serves. It will include age-specific zones, a variety of soft-seating options, more visible navigation, and a safe, interactive area for toddlers.” Bennett further shared “Project R.E.A.D. (Reach, Engage and Discover), as the renovation project has been named, is focused on enhancing these five key areas: accessibility, safety, navigation, engagement, and comfort. By thoughtfully addressing each of these, the new space’s design will better serve our community’s kids and families. Age-specific zones upstairs include a Toddler Area, Intermediate Area, Junior Area, and a Junior STEM Zone. The Young Adult books will be moved downstairs to create a more mature area targeted to pre-teens and teens.”

Accuracy in weighing patients during their home care experience will be a wonderful improvement at the Nemaha County Home Health and Hospice thanks to the $1,250 being awarded from the STEP General Endowment Fund. “In Home Health and Hospice accurate patient weights are important. We provide services to several patients who are wheelchair bound or even bed bound (particularly hospice). Having a portable wheelchair and bed scale will allow us to safely get accurate weights on our patients and allow us to monitor their weight throughout their home care experience,” stated Jennifer Ploeger, director.

The final grant award will go to the Sacred Heart Baseball and Softball Association in Baileyville. The Glen J. Meyer Fund will award $15,000 to purchase a new light and power supply. Currently, there are several pending grants from the Glen J. Meyer Fund so once those have been disbursed, the remaining balance will be disbursed to the Sacred Heart Baseball and Softball Association as well, closing out the fund. Jennifer Rusche, softball director, explained in the grant application, “We are planning to update the outdated and no longer available lights at the ball field with cost-efficient lights and power supplies. New lights will help reduce the running costs for the Scared Heart Ball Association and the year-round lighting of the flag and Sacred Heart sign running along Highway 36. Along with replacing the lights since the current lights are non-replaceable, the cost of running the lights would be lowered.”

Grants are awarded twice a year through the STEP Foundation, with the next deadline being July 15, 2021. Online applications are accepted at www.nemahastep.org. Executive Director Tory Jost is happy to assist with any questions at 785-294-0312.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man is dead, killed when his semi rolled over Friday afternoon on a Brown County Road.

Killed in the crash that the Kansas Highway Patrol reports occurred in the 600 block of Dewberry Road, was 57-year-old Jon Bruns.

His funeral arrangements are pending at Hiawatha’s Chapel Oaks Funeral Home.

According to a report from KHP, Bruns was northbound on  Dewberry Road, south of 330th Road, behind the wheel of a 2010 Kenworth.

The semi left the roadway to the east, with the report saying that caused Bruns to over-correct, which sent the semi back onto the highway, where it rolled over.

Bruns was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, that happened around 2:10 Friday afternoon.

(KAIR)--A late Friday morning fire on Atchison’s Main Street brought fire crews rushing to the scene, where they battled the flames that began with a heavy equipment fire that spread to hoses, wiring, oil, and grease, at Brox Properties, located at 900 Main Street.

According to a news release from Patrick Weishaar, Interim Fire Chief of the Atchison Fire Department, the spreading of the flames led to what he calls “a more significant fire,” that crews “were able to quickly extinguish.”
No injuries, or damages to the property, long known as a scrapyard for metal recycling, were reported.

According to Weishaar, fire crews, upon arrival, found a piece of Dott-brand heavy equipment on fire. It was being dismantled for scrap when heat from a cutting torch ignited a tire on the vehicle, with led to the 11 a.m. fire.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man was arrested on drug charges after being found asleep in a running car in Brown County.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said a Sheriff's deputy was dispatched to Morrill around 2:20 Thursday morning on a report of a suspicious vehicle.

Upon arrival, the deputy located the vehicle stopped at an intersection. Merchant said the car was still running, but the driver, identified as 36-year-old Andrew Tryon, appeared to be asleep.

Upon further investigation, Tryon was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while license cancelled, suspended or revoked.

Tryon was booked into the Brown County Jail. 

(KMZA)--A Morrill woman is facing a pair of felony charges in Nemaha County.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert said 41-year-old Heidi Jones is charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated battery.

He said both offenses are alleged to have occurred on September 4 of last year.

Jones was arrested March 24 on a Nemaha County warrant following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office.

Lippert said a preliminary hearing for Jones is scheduled for April 6.

She remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $50,000 bond.

(KNZA)--Concerns over the cost of the Meals on Wheels program was among topics discussed when the Brown County Commission meet Wednesday.

Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging Director Karen Wilson met with the commission about the program the county helps subsidize.

The Area Agency on Aging took over the program last year from the Hiawatha Community Hospital.

County Services for the Elderly Director Wanda Davis said she was surprised the costs went up more than what was previously discussed. Wilson said they are now providing seven meals a week—rather than five. In addition, she said more participants have signed up.

The county subsidizes $1.80 per meal for the participants.

The commission decided to table the matter until they could review the budget further.

(KMZA)--The criminal damage of a wind turbine in Nemaha County is being investigated.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office says sometime between noon on March 23 and 1:00 pm on March 24, a turbine was damaged at 24th and R Roads.

The Sheriff's Office said it was discovered that someone had shot at the housing, causing damage to it as well as wiring.

The damage was estimated at $780,000, which includes the cost of equipment needed to facilitate the repair.

The turbine is owned by NextEra Energy Resources, and is part of the Soldier Creek Wind Farm in southern Nemaha County. 

The Sheriff's Office currently has no suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office at 785-336-2311.

(KAIR)--New oversight for Live Well, Live Atchison, the local not for-profit organization that promotes healthier Atchison County lifestyles, while working toward grant awards, and other health-related funding support, for the local county.

According to a news release, Atchison County native Jeff Schuele has been appointed to serve as the new Executive Director of the organization.

Schuele brings to the role a background of management in the insurance and agriculture industries, as well as seven-years of service as Commissioner for Atchison County’s First District.

Schuele, who has been involved with the organization since it’s beginnings, both as a volunteer and a board member, replaces former Executive Director Andrea Clements, who Schuele, in the release, says did a “great job taking [Live Well, Live Atchison] to a new level as an advocate for [the] organization’s health initiatives." 

Schuele, among other duties in his new role, will manage the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services, oversee financial planning, development, and management, including budget preparation and securing adequate funding for the operation of the organization.

Schuele, in the release, says it’s his goal “to continue [the] mission of the organization to promote and sustain healthy behaviors through education, community action and advocacy.”

Along with his current career as a sales coach and insurance advisor, Schuele serves on the boards of Project Concern and Atchison County Extension.

(KNZA)--The feasability of creating a countywide ambulance district in Doniphan County will be studied.

The Doniphan County Commission voted Monday to enter into an agreement with the consulting firm, Fitch and Associates of Platte City, Missouri, to perform the study at a cost not to exceed $13,000.

The Commission took the action at the request of attorney Joel Euler, who serves on a committee that's been considering the creation of a counywide ambulance district.

The study will look critical care, overall operations, fiscal responsibility, regulations and community issues.

Once complete, commissioners will be given a copy of the report and make the final decision on changing the structure of ambulance districts within Doniphan County.

There are currently two ambulance districts in Doniphan County-- one based in Highland and the other in Troy.

(KNZA)--A new superintendent has been named to lead Riverside USD 114.

The USD 114 Board of Education, in a news release, announced the selection of John Whetzal as the new superintendent.

Whetzal will take over July 1. He will replace Travis Githens who is leaving the district at the end of the current year after one year in the role. Githens has been hired as the superintendent of Cherryvale USD 447.

The release says Whetzal has 23 years of broad educational experience—including 10 years as a teacher, 10 years as a building leader and 3 years as a district leader.

He currently serves as Superintendent of Barnes-Hanover-Linn USD 223. Whetzal previously served as K-12 principal of Vermillion USD 380.

USD 114 Board President Jennifer Davis says that Whetzal emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the district.

He was among two finalists interviewed for the position.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners continue to discuss the idea of the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center being the 911dispatch center and to include the service to provide the City of Falls City Police  Department dispatch services.

During a meeting with Sheriff Rick Hardesty Tuesday Commissioners reviewed the recent proposal from the City of Falls City.  The  County will be presenting two different proposals to the City for their consideration on the topic. 

During a public hearing on the proposal to close  approximately 1,400 feet of a county road approximately a quarter mile east and a half-mile north of Salem on 708 Road,  Louis Fritz was the only person in attendance and he was in support of closing the road. 

Commissioners also awarded the bid for the installation and, or repair of the plumbing within the Courthouse on the second and third floors to St. Joseph Plumbing and Heating in an amount of $69,999.  It was the lone bid received.  
 

(KLZA)-- Beginning April Friday, April 9, all Missouri adults will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.  

Residents of Atchison and Holt counties are strongly urged by local health care officials to consider getting the vaccine.

In the U.S. Since December,  more than 190-million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, making this the largest vaccination program in U.S. History and have been found to be both safe and effective.

Locally Atchison and Holt counties more than 4,000 doses have been administered with no know severe reactions. 

In a news release,  Dr. Aron Burke, Chief Medical Officer at CH-F and Medical Directors of Atchison and Hold County Public Health assures everyone that the vaccine is a much safer alternative to getting the disease.  

The Atchison County Public Health Department and Community Hospital – Fairfax are partnering to offer a mass vaccination event on Monday, April 12 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Tarkio Activity Center which is located at 110 North 13th Street in Tarkio.

All adults 18 and over are encouraged to make an appointment by accessing a link online:
https://form.jotform.com/210835025909152.
You can also access the link by going to www.FairfaxMed.com.  If you need assistance, call 660-736-4121.

Walk ins will also be welcome.
You may also contact your local pharmacy for vaccine information.  

(KLZA)-- A former two-term Richardson County Sheriff, Richardson County Commissioner and Dawson Village Board member is being remembered.

Charles B. Laux Sr. of Dawson died Tuesday at the age of 73.

During his law enforcement career Laux served as a police officer, a deputy sheriff and was elected Richardson County Sheriff in 1986.  He was elected County Commissioner in 1996 and served one term.

A memorial service for Laux will be held Tuesday afternoon a 2:00 at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home, in Falls City.

Among survivors are two sons. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education meet in special session Tuesday to hold their annual facilities tour.

After having lunch in the high school cafeteria, the board toured all the attendance centers.

Joining the Board on the tour was District Maintenance Director Chris Morey.

Prior to going on the facilities tour, the Board held a short executive session.

Following the session, the Board approved the memorandum of understanding for summer school. It sets the compensation for certified staff who teach summer school during the 2020-21 school year.