(KAIR)--A recently reported burglary, and two related thefts, are under the investigation of the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the crimes, occurring at the same rural Atchison County location, were reported Monday.

Missing from 18858 262nd Road, where a burglary reportedly occurred, was an air compressor and a generator, as well as a Tasco trail camera.

According to Laurie, Deputies on Tuesday “recovered the items [including the air compressor and generator] at another residence.”

The release states that the camera was located earlier, recovered Monday afternoon from a suspect vehicle.

According to Laurie, suspects have been developed in the crimes, and the investigation is continuing.

All totaled, the value of the once-missing items was under $300.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh is currently in the midst of a couple of projects.

The hospital is  using CARES ACT funding it received to make upgrades to the heating, cooling and ventilation systems in the hospital. 

In addition, the hospital received a grant from the Sunderland Foundation and a donation from the Johnson County Hospital Foundation to replace the deteriorating retaining wall and upgrade the stairs leading to the hospital entrance.

With the projects currently underway, hospital officials are requesting that anyone who does not have hospital-related business to please avoid the driveway and parking lot areas until the projects are completed to help keep everyone safe..

(KNZA)--A Tuesday evening two-vehicle Jackson County wreck sent a Georgia woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 7:30 on U.S. 75 Highway at 162nd Road near Mayetta.

The Patrol reports 24-year-old Anthony Lee, of Topeka, was driving a Fed Ex truck westbound on 162nd Road when he failed to yield at a stop sign and was struck by southbound SUV on U.S. 75 as he attempted to cross the highway.

The driver of the SUV, 29-year-old Karmeka Allen-Cox, of Austell, Georgia, was transported to a Topeka hospital for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

Two children in her vehicle, ages 1 and 5, were not hurt. Lee also escaped injury.

The Patrol says all the occupants were properly restrained.

(KAIR)--There are currently 12 active cases of COVID-19 in Atchison County.

That’s revealed in the latest statistics posted this week by the Atchison County division of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health.

According to the agency, in a separate recent release, Atchison County had zero reported cases for almost one month; then, in the June 25 release, the agency stated that nine cases had been reported in the four days leading up to the release.

At that time, the agency stated that they were “hearing reports that some residents of the county are symptomatic and refuse testing,” adding that those who “are sick stay home and get tested,” with the agency reminding the public that “the testing is free and available” at the health department, and other locations.

Coronavirus vaccinations also continue to be provided at no cost.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved for publication a proposed 2022 city budget of $8.9 million with a “revenue-neutral” tax rate.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 46.259 mills, which is to generate more than $1.1 million in property tax revenue—the same as levied for this year.

The Kansas Legislature this year approved a bill repealing the previous property tax lid on yearly mill levy increases and instead established a “ revenue neutral rate”, which adjusts the effective tax rate to account for an increase in assessed valuation.

Local government entities that plan to exceed the “ revenue-neutral rate” are required to hold a special public hearing in addition to the regular public hearing on the budget.

The Hiawatha City Commission will consider adoption of the 2022 budget following a public hearing at their July 12 meeting.

(KNZA)--A report of a suspicious vehicle leads to the arrest of a Hiawatha woman on drug charges.

According to a report from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, a deputy was contacted by a Hiawatha resident around 10:00 Monday night about a suspicious vehicle in their neighborhood.

Upon further investigation, the deputy located the vehicle and after interdiction, 50-year-old Becky Rhyne was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Rhyne was booked into the Brown County Jail.

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.    

(KAIR)--Two drivers escaped serious injuries after their vehicles collided inside the Atchison city limits Monday afternoon.

A report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says Ronald Bell, of Atchison, and Rebecca Keller, of Troy, were behind the wheels of the two vehicles that wrecked at K-7 and Harper Drive.

According to Wilson, “EMS was on the scene and examined both drivers but no one was transported” for hospital treatment.

Bell was cited for inattentive driving.

The wreck occurred around 4:50 Monday afternoon.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council approved changes to the city water rates on final reading during their June 14 meeting.  

The increase was necessitated by increasing costs from the water bond and the city water tower maintenance agreement. 

The water bond has been refinanced lowering the final payout but the payments will increase due to shortening the payoff term.  

The rates will increase over a three-year period going from $28 to $29.50 for residential users in year one. Eventually going up to $32.75 in year three. 

Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang met with the Council, reporting that former Deputy Sheriff Ryan Boverhuis was no longer employed as a Deputy for the County. 

 Discussion was had again about parking the wrong way, Sheriff Lang said he will start issuing tickets to anyone he sees parked the wrong way on city streets. 

(KNZA)--A local disaster emergency has been proclaimed in Doniphan County following last week's heavy rainfall.

County Emergency Management Coordinator Julie Meng presented the disaster proclamation to the Doniphan County Commission on Monday for their approval.

Between 6 to 11 inches of rain fell in Doniphan County last Thursday evening, with an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain Friday evening

The heavy rainfall caused wide-spread damage.

The disaster proclamation will remain in effect for a period of seven says unless terminated earlier or renewed by consent of the Commission.

(KNZA)--Brown County has been awarded nearly $2 million in COVID-19 relief funds through the American Rescue Plan Act.

County Emergency Mangement Director Don Pounds suggested to the Brown County Commission on Monday that an advisory committee be appointed to recommend how the funds should be spent.

Pounds said the county has until the end of 2024 to spend the funds.

County Attorney Kevin Hill suggested holding off on appointing the advisory committee until the county secures a CPA firm to handle the funds.

Commissioners voted to allow County Clerk Dawn Boyles to seek out a CPA firm.

In other business, Boyles presented to Commissioners three bids to finance the three-year lease-purchase of a new backhoe for the District 3 Road and Bridge Department.

The Commission voted to accept a bid from Citizen's State Bank and Trust, of Hiawatha, with an interest rate of .95 percent.

It was among three bids received.

The Commission at their June 14 meeting accepted bid from Victor L. Phillips, of Topeka, in the amount of nearly $123,000 for the new Case backhoe.

(KAIR)--A Weston, Missouri man is dead, killed Monday morning as he performed flood-related emergency work on a Missouri highway

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol killed was 61-year-old Lloyd Crawford, who died shortly before 9:00 Monday morning, on Missouri 273, west of Missouri 371, in Platte County.

According to KQ2-TV, Crawford was a near 18-year employee of the Missouri Department of Transportation, serving as the Platte City Maintenance Supervisor.

The Patrol's report says Crawford was struck by a pickup truck, with the impact sending Crawford into a collision with another truck.

A jury trial is now set for the third Atchison man accused of playing a role in the 2019 beating-death of Cummings resident Jason Pantle.

Matthew “Cole” Scherer pleaded not guilty last week in Doniphan County District Court to a charge of second-degree murder. A five-day jury trial was set, beginning November 29.

Jury trials are also set for the other two defendants in the case, Scott Vandeloo and Brian Spilman, Jr. The trial for Spilman is set to begin August 30 and the trial for Vandeloo on October 19.

The trio is charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of 42-year-old Pantle. Authorities allege all three engaged in altercations with the victim during a September 29, 2019 party in southern Doniphan County.

Pantle died seven days later at a Kansas City hospital after suffering what investigators called serious head injuries.

(KLZA)-- Steve Portman has been sworn in as Holt County, Missouri Sheriff. 

Portman won the special election on June 22 to  complete the term of Dave McClain who resigned in March, following being elected in November of last year. McClain moved from the area due to his wifes illness. 

Portman will complete the current term of office which runs until November, 2024.

Portman received 310 votes to outpoll fellow Holt County Deputies Colin Staples and Chase Howell.

Staples received 291 votes and Howell 120 votes. 

(KLZA)-- The following Richardson County roads are closed due to water over them.  Barricades are going to remain in place due to the expectations of more rain. 

The closed roads include:
703 Loop south of Falls City.
656 Road from Highway 159 south to Preston.
702 Trail east of Highway 73.
Pony Creek Road west of Highway 73.
The Nebraska – Kansas State Line Road is closed approximately two miles west of Highway 73.660 Boulevard is closed southwest of Rulo at the Nemaha River bridge.
707 Road is closed from 654 – 655 Road.
642 Avenue between 703 and 705 Roads, south and west of Salem in closed indefinitely due to damage to a bridge. 

You are reminded to NEVER drive around barricades into water that is over a road.  

(KLZA)-- Following a lengthy discussion during their June 14th meeting, the Pawnee City Council unanimously approved pay raises to City staff members.

The Wage Committee proposed a mix of 5 – 7 percent wage increases. The increase would bump City Crew members up to slightly above the entry level pay of $19 per hour for county employees.

The approved wages will bring City Clerk / Treasurer Tammy Curtis to $25.34 per hour and Foreman Spencer Cumley to $24.15 per hour which were five-percent increases.

Assistant City Clerk Kellie Wiers received a seven-percent increase to $21an hour. Crew mbers received pay increases amounting to more than eight percent.

Mayor Charlie Hatfield said “that his boss has always said that when you get a good crew, you pay them because you want to keep them even if it costs you a little more.”

The Council also approved switching from Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health insurance for City employees to United Healthcare.

(KLZA)-- Saturday evening shortly before 7:30,  Richardson County Deputies stopped a 2005 Chevy Express Van on Highway 75 near Highway 4. 

Deputies executed a probable cause search of the van.  
During the search, Deputies located suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana. 

Jeffrey Sullivan of Valley, Nebraska was arrested and placed in the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center on charges of  possession of Methamphetamine;  possession of marijuana less than One Ounce; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(KLZA)-- Auburn Board of Public Works General Manager Dave Hunter informed the Board this month that engineers are working with the community of Peru on a route for a new waterline.  The BPW will not have a lot of involvement until its is time to work on connecting the line to the Auburn BPW water system. 

The temporary water treatment facility was out of service for nine days for maintenance and the BPW hauled 679-thousand gallons of water to Peru during that time.

A two-inch line burst during the scheduled maintenance which required extra downtime for the temporary water treatment facility. 

The temporary facility is now up and running again. 

(KAIR)--The recent storms, that brought torrential rains, were immediately followed by the issuance of flash flood warnings, due to the heavy rainfall.

One warning remains in place, as flooding of the Missouri river threatens counties, near and far.

Among those in the local area that remain under a flood warning are Atchison and Doniphan counties, in northeast Kansas, and Buchanan and northern Platte counties in northwest Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, as of Sunday night, “local law enforcement continued to report numerous roads closed across the warned area due to flooding.”

That’s due to what the weather service says was “between 6 to 11 inches of rain fell across the warned area Thursday night with an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain Friday evening.”

According to the weather service, moderate flooding is occurring in Saint Joseph, Missouri, at the Platte River near Agency, no flooding was reported in Atchison, Doniphan, or Leavenworth counties, as of Sunday night.

With more rain in the forecast for this new week, the National Weather Service is joined by other safety officials in sending the reminder to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

(KAIR)--An investigation is launched following the reported burglary of the Effingham City Pool.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the crime is believed to have occurred sometime between June 26 and June 27.

Laurie said about $170 in cash and candy was stolen, while about $70 in damage was incurred to the door and the counter.

Laurie says that while there are no suspects at this time, the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information related to the pool burglary should notify the Sheriff’s Office at 913-804-6080.

(KAIR)--Despite rainy weather impacting the first targeted completion date, the City of Atchison says the renovation of the streets where the downtown mall once stood, is moving forward.

According to a release from City of Atchison Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont, “work Work on the 500-600 Commercial Street Project continues to make,” what he calls, “big strides” due to the weather “in recent weeks being much more conducive to concrete and asphalt work.”

In the release, Pregont says it’s expected by the City that the project will “reach substantial completion by the middle of July,” although Pregont notes that always depends on weather.

As the work progresses, Pregont says that “in the weeks ahead brick pavers will be placed in the bulb outs, a final 2" asphalt surface will be applied, pavement markings will go down, and site furnishings, such as benches and water fountains, will be installed.” Pregont notes that “trees will not be planted until the fall.”

The project, which began in February, will make the former mall area resemble other areas of Commercial Street, and bring the location closer to how it was utilized, meaning vehicle traffic, prior to the mall’s construction.

According to the City, the 500 to 600 block-stretch of Commercial Street was converted into the pedestrian mall after two flash-floods in 1958 devastated the downtown area. The Atchison City Commission voted last year to move forward with demolition of the mall, with 75-percent of the demolition project’s cost being funded through a Kansas Department of Transportation grant. That leaves the City responsible for the remaining 25-percent.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man will spend more than 25-years behind bars, sentenced in Atchison County District Court in two separate cases.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, Marcel Bailey pled to the two different cases, one being an August, 2018 armed home invasion, committed with two other men. According to Becker, he pled guilty, in that case, to aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and aggravated burglary.

The residents inside the home at the time of the invasion included a husband and wife, and three children, aged 5,13, and 15, at that time.

The arrest of Bailey, and his cohorts, followed an investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

The second case involved Bailey shooting at an occupied vehicle in September, 2018.

In that case, Becker says Bailey pled guilty to criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery.

His arrest followed an investigation by the Atchison Police Department.

(KLZA)-- Auburn Board of Public Works General Manager Dave Hunter provided information to Board members during their June 16, meeting on the 319  Source Water Protection Plan.

Auburn BPW customers will be receiving notice of an opportunity to cap abandoned wells and cisterns within the city limits of Auburn at no cost.

Engineering costs will be covered by grant funds.  

In addition, property owners who currently have septic systems may have their system inspected at no cost.  Information on the importance of septic system maintenance and source water protection will also be provided.

The Board approved moving forward with the project.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City  Board of Education approved the purchase of a new school bus during their June 14 meeting.

A bid from Nebraska / Central Equipment for a 2022, 53 passenger school bus for $96,198 was approved. It was the lowest of the bids received. 
Bids were also received from Blue Bird,  International for a new bus.

During the meeting Transportation Director Tyler Bek presented the annual report.  Buses traveling the eight rural bus routes during the school year completed in May traveled 94,897 miles.  The mileage for this year was more than 22-thousand miles more than the previous year due to the 2019-20 school year being cut nearly a quarter due to the pandemic.  

The average daily number of students transported to and from school for the year was 315.  Students were also transported to 174 school activities, covering an additional 28,945 miles. 

Bek commended the dedicated and experienced bus drivers for contributing to the school districts stellar transportation safety record.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County has entered into an Interlocal agreement for Emergency Dispatch Services with the City of Beatrice, which is the host community for the Southeast Nebraska 911 Dispatch Center. The three-year agreement was approved Tuesday.

Under the agreement, Richardson County will pay $180-thousand for dispatching of emergency and non-emergency calls for service originating in Richardson County, outside the city limits of Falls City for the first year.  Included will be the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, Rural Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments and/or emergency medical services located within Richardson County.

The dispatch center will also maintain associated records and recordings. The County will pay costs for receiving radio towers and radio equipment for personnel and volunteers in the direct employ or under the direct supervision of  the County including portable and mobile radios, mobile data computers and pager units.

In addition, the dispatch center will provide information technology services related to the Computer Aided Dispatch or CAD systems utilized by Richardson County. 

Under the agreement, the costs for the service shall increase three-percent annually which will increase the cost to $185,400 for year two.

The agreement may be terminated by either party by giving the other party notice thereof, at least 180 calendar days before the beginning of the next three year term.  

The parties also agree that advisory committees shall be formed including one representative of each law enforcement agency served by the Southeast Nebraska 911 Center and another consisting of representatives of all affected fire, rescue and ambulance services served by the Center.  

Editor's note: the following is a release from the KBI following the arrest of what the release calls a "former deputy of the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office."

DONIPHAN COUNTY – Special agents of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested a former deputy of the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday morning.
 
On June 24, at approximately 5:30 a.m., KBI agents conducted a search warrant at a home at 330 W. Poplar in Troy, Kan.
 
Nathaniel M. Keller, 33, of Troy, was arrested for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, sexual exploitation of a child, and aggravated indecent liberties of a child, for crimes suspected to have occurred in 2017. He was also arrested for aggravated domestic battery, criminal threat, and criminal damage to property for incidents alleged to have occurred in 2019 and 2021.
 
The Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office cooperated fully in the investigation.
 
Following his arrest Keller was booked into the Doniphan County Jail. Formal charges are pending.
 
Nothing further will be released at this time.

(KAIR)--Citing unanswered questions, and a need for more transparency, the Atchison City Commission Monday voted unanimously to not approve the Atchison County 2022 Joint Communications and Solid Waste budgets, the latest move in a decades long dispute between the City and the County regarding those funds.

The dispute stems from a long-controversial 1% county-wide sales tax approved by Atchison County voters in 1993 to fund solid waste and joint communications

(KAIR)--There are currently no active coronavirus cases in Jefferson County.

That word was provided Monday to the Jefferson County Commission by Health Department Administrator Crystal VanHoutan.

During her virus-statistics update during the Commission’s regular weekly meeting, VanHoutan informed the County leaders that Jefferson County, during the coronvirus pandemic, had 1,754 cases, 74 hospitalizations and 38 deaths.

According to statistics released Monday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, of Jefferson County’s total number of cases, 15 involved variants of concern.

Atchison County last week also reported no active coronavirus cases in the county.

(KAIR)--A pickup truck, stolen from rural Atchison County, has been recovered.

That’s according to a release from Atchison County Undersheriff Toby Smith, who says the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 was located June 10 in Saint Joseph, Missouri, recovered near the Belt Highway and Frederick Avenue. It had been abandoned in a residential neighborhood.

A 1974 Carrier King trailer was attached to the truck when it was reported stolen June 1 when parked near 218th and Sheridan Road, in Atchison County. The trailer has also been located, recovered June 3 in Leavenworth.

Now, the Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in the ongoing investigation.

Smith, in the release, says leads are continuing to be followed as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information related to the thefts should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 913-804-6080.

(KLZA)-- During the Nebraska Career Education Conference earlier this month, the Nebraska Agricultural Educators Association held a virtual awards ceremony and presented the Outstanding Teacher Award to Pawnee City Agricultural Education Instructor Mark Bloss.

The awards recognize NAEA members who conduct the highest quality agricultural education program in the state along with leadership in civic, community, agriculture /agri-business and professional activities. 

The award winners are nominated and selected by their peers.  

The Pawnee City Republican notes that Pawnee City students under Bloss' leadership manage and market seven acres of land and raise a garden with the produce going to the local food bank.

Pawnee City Ag students have also done very well in state competitions and earned numerous honors. 

(KLZA)-- Unemployment rates in Southeast Nebraska continue to be very low.

In May, Nebraska had an unemployment rate of 2.6 percent, tied with Vermont for the second-lowest rate in the nation,  trailing only the 2.5 percent jobless rate in New Hampshire. 

Locally, Pawnee County has the lowest unemployment rate in the Southeast Nebraska region at 1.7 percent. Elsewhere the unemployment rates are 2.4 percent in Richardson County, 2.6 percent in Johnson County,  2.3 percent in Nemaha County, Nebraska,  2.2 percent in Gage County and 2.1 percent in Otoe County. 

The Nebraska unemployment rate is less than half of the 5.4 percent jobless rate in May of 2020.  

Kansas ranks eighth with an unemployment rate of 3.5 percent.  Iowa is 10th at 3.9 percent.  Missouri is 17th at 4.2 percent.  Hawaii has the highest jobless rate in the nation at 8.1 percent.
 

(KNZA)--A Delia man was arrested early Wednesday morning following a pursuit in southwestern Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2006 Ford F-250 pickup truck for traffic infractions shortly after midnight near 126th Road and U.S. 75 Highway.

The vehicle allegedly failed to yield to the deputy and continued south on Highway 75 increasing its speed.

Deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol pursued the vehicle for about 25 minutes until authorities lost site of the vehicle.

Morse said deputies were able to obtain the license number from the tag and met the suspect as he returned to his residence in the 8000 block of 110th Road.

58-year-old Shanon Saia was arrested by Jackson County deputies.

He was booked into the Jackson County Jail for fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement, and driving under the influence.

(KAIR)--Three more catalytic converters are stolen from vehicles parked in Atchison, bringing the total number of such thefts in 2021 to seven.

That’s according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says the latest thefts are added to the ongoing investigation.

The latest thefts occurred sometime between Friday evening and Monday morning, from two trucks parked in a parking lot located at 2605 U.S. Highway 73. Two catalytic converters were stolen from one of the trucks, while a third was stolen from the second truck. Wilson estimates the total dollar loss at $1,100.

In the release, he notes that while seven have been stolen this year, 10 were taken in 2020. Of the seventeen catalytic converter thefts, Wilson says 10 were taken from trucks, five were taken from vans, and two were stolen from SUVs.

According to Wilson, because such vehicles set higher, “thieves can quickly crawl underneath the vehicles and cut the converters from the exhaust system, usually with a battery powered Sawzall.”

The values of the stolen parts have ranged from $300 to $2,000 each, with the converters containing precious metals that can be sold as scrap.

Wilson, in the release, says the Atchison Police Department is “working with other law enforcement agencies in northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri who are experiencing similar thefts.”

Anyone with information should notify the Atchison Police Department at 913-367-4323.

According to an NPR report in April, the theft of catalytic converters has been on the rise across the U.S., with the National Insurance Crime Bureau saying that over the last three years, there’s been a tenfold increase in such thefts, partly blamed on the rising cost of the valuable metals used to manufacture them.

(KAIR)--Three more catalytic converters are stolen from vehicles parked in Atchison, bringing the total number of such thefts in 2021 to seven.

That’s according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says the latest thefts are added to the ongoing investigation.

The latest thefts occurred sometime between Friday evening and Monday morning, from two trucks parked in a parking lot located at 2605 U.S. Highway 73. Two catalytic converters were stolen from one of the trucks, while a third was stolen from the second truck. Wilson estimates the total dollar loss at $1,100.

In the release, he notes that while seven have been stolen this year, 10 were taken in 2020. Of the seventeen catalytic converter thefts, Wilson says 10 were taken from trucks, five were taken from vans, and two were stolen from SUVs.

According to Wilson, because such vehicles set higher, “thieves can quickly crawl underneath the vehicles and cut the converters from the exhaust system, usually with a battery powered Sawzall.”

The values of the stolen parts have ranged from $300 to $2,000 each, with the converters containing precious metals that can be sold as scrap.

Wilson, in the release, says the Atchison Police Department is “working with other law enforcement agencies in northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri who are experiencing similar thefts.”

Anyone with information should notify the Atchison Police Department at 913-367-4323.

According to an NPR report in April, the theft of catalytic converters has been on the rise across the U.S., with the National Insurance Crime Bureau saying that over the last three years, there’s been a tenfold increase in such thefts, partly blamed on the rising cost of the valuable metals used to manufacture them.

(KLZA)-- A semi-truck driver suffered serious injuries in a single-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Atchison County, Missouri. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol says 29-year-old Andrew Williams, of Excello, Missouri, was southbound on Route B about 3 1/2 miles east of Watson when his rig went off the west side of the road, overturned and lost its cargo.  

Williams was transported by air ambulance to a Lincoln, Nebraska medical facility. 

The Patrol says he was wearing a seatbelt.

The wreck was reported around 3:00.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners voted last week to have the Southeast Nebraska 911 Center located in Beatrice handle all dispatching services for Richardson County, outside the city limits of Falls City.

Opinions have varied on whether or not it is the correct decision.  Indications are that in the not-too-distant future costs to upgrade equipment and maintain the required staffing levels will push toward regional dispatching.

Following discussions between Richardson County and the City of Falls City about combining the two dispatch centers into one, in hopes of saving money,  talks broke down and Richardson County started to look at other options.  

Third District Commissioner Rick Karas told MSC News that he and Sheriff Rick Hardesty went to Beatrice to see the dispatch center and get information on a price to have dispatching for Richardson County done by the dispatch center.

To make the change, Richardson County is facing one time costs of over $300-thousand for a new radio tower plus $75-thousand for new radio equipment.  In addition, the  annual contract fee for the dispatching has been proposed at $180-thousand.  

Monday night, representatives of the Southeast Nebraska 911 Center presented information to the City Council in Falls City to see if the City is interested in joining in.  Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang said that if Falls  City would join along with Richardson County,  annual fee for the County and City would be less than the $180-thousand annual fee quoted for Richardson County alone, would actually be less than that amount.  A firmer figure is expected to be presented to the City later this week.

One concern raised about both entities going with the regional dispatch is a potential loss of jobs for the current dispatchers.  Karas says the County will not be losing any employees due to the change, the dispatchers would likely be able to move to other positions within the department. 

By making the change now,  Richardson County Commissioners are hoping the cost will be less than if they waited until regional dispatch centers become mandated.  

Karas says that he hopes Falls City will join the regional dispatch center and believes it would be the best option for all Richardson County residents, saving Falls City taxpayers as well as all other taxpayers in the County money. 

Tuesday, the Commissioners approved a three-year  contract to have the Southeast Nebraska 911 Center provide dispatch services. 

Falls City officials are waiting on proposed costs before they continue discussions on joining the regional dispatch in July.  

(AP) — A former Elwood, Kansas man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for killing his girlfriend in Iowa in 2018.

The Fort Dodge Messenger reports that 34-year-old Zackery Bassett must serve at least 35 years of the sentence that was handed down Monday.

A jury in February convicted Bassett of second-degree murder in the death of 50-year-old Andrea Solokowski.  She was killed in September 2018 in Webster City, Iowa. Prosecutors said Bassett had abused and stalked Solokowski, of Sioux City, Iowa, for more than a year before her death.

An autopsy found injuries consistent with asphyxiation but Solokowski’s cause of death was listed as undetermined.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education reviewed updated proposals for improvements to the district's schools when they met last week, which included a new “ competition” gym and a theater/auditorium.

HTK Architects presented the updated proposals to the Board, which were developed based on community and staff input.

Most of the proposals were for improvements at the high school, but also included four additional classrooms at the elementary school for the Pre-K program.

The biggest individual project proposed at the high school is a 2,100-seat new gym. Construction of the new gym would allow the secondary gym to be renovated into a 250-350 seat theater/auditorium, which is something a group of patrons have told the Board they would like to see included.

Also proposed at the high school is the construction of four additional classrooms and a wrestling room that would also serve as a storm shelter, along with renovation of the existing building, replacement of the HVAC system and upgrades to the high school tech building.

The total cost of the proposed improvements is estimated at more than $27 million.

The Board is to decide at next month's meeting which projects it wants to include in a bond issue in order to be placed on the November general election ballot.

(KMZA)--A local fire department will receive a lifesaving tool to aid in grain bin rescues.

The Columbus, Ohio-based insurance company, Nationwide, announced Tuesday that Nemaha County Rural Fire District #4 in Bern is among 48 fire departments across the country selected to receive grain rescue tubes and hands-on training to prepare them to respond when entrapments occur.

The fire departments were selected to receiving the life-saving tool from more than 1,000 nominations received in the annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest.

The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety will deliver the rescue tubes and training to the winning fire departments throughout this year.

Since 2014, Nationwide has supplied these rescue resources to 200 fire departments across the country.

In 2020, grain entrapments led to 20 deaths across the nation.

(KNZA)--Flags will be displayed around the Brown County courthouse square on certain holidays in the future.

The Brown County Commission on a 2-1 vote Monday approved having the Hiawatha Kiwanis Club install eight U.S. flags around the courthouse square on five holidays a year at a cost of $240 a year.

The Kiwanis will provide the flags, poles and ground sleeves.

The flags will be installed on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day.

The project is a fund-raiser for the Kiwanis.

Commissioner Bill Pollock cast the lone dissenting vote.

(KNZA)---A Tuesday evening two-vehicle Jefferson County collision claimed the life of an Ozawkie woman.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-92 Highway about one mile east of Ozawkie around 7:00.

The Patrol says an eastbound pickup truck driven by 22-year-old Patrick Shuler, of Ozawkie, attempted to pass a car driven by 45-year-old Frances Stockton when he saw oncoming traffic and swerved back into the eastbound lane, rear-ending Stockton's car.

Stockton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shuler was not hurt.

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

(KLZA)-- Falls City School Superintendent Tim Heckenlively reported during the June 14th District 56 Board meeting the Falls  City Public Schools will received $370,694 in Net Option Funding and Allocated Income Tax Funds for the 2021-22 school year.  That is an increase of $83,756 from last year.

Heckenlively pointed out that District 56 remains “Unequalized” meaning the district will receive no State Aid funding.   

It was also revealed the Nebraska Department of Education will award more than $491.3-million to Nebraska school districts in ESSER III funds.  These funds will allow school districts to take additional measures to safely sustain their healthy operations, including the use of funds to enact appropriate measures to help schools to invest in mitigation strategies consistent with the CDC to the greatest extent practicable.  This will allow school district  to address the many impacts of COVID-19 on students including unfinished instruction and help meet students social, emotional, mental health and academic needs.  The application period for ESSER III funds will be July 15 – September 1. 

District 56 is serving more than 250 meals per day through the summer meal program which runs Monday through Friday, providing a daily breakfast and lunch.  The grab and go meal pick up process operates out of the front entrance of the Middle School facilitated by Falls City Public School nutrition staff and volunteers. 

(KLZA)-- Two are jailed in Richardson County on drug charges following a Tuesday morning traffic stop.

According to the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, deputies pulled over a car for driving on the shoulder of Highway 75 and excessive window tint at about 8:45.

Deputies and the Richardson County K-9 Unit executed a probable cause search of the car.  During the search, the Sheriff's Office says deputies located a substance suspected to be methamphetamine along with drug paraphernalia, marijuana and prescription medication.

Two occupants of the car were arrested.  

The driver,  50-year-old Eugene Cosey, Jr. of Grand Island was jailed on charges of possession of a legend drug,  possession of marijuana,  possession of drug paraphernalia along with driving under suspension, driving on the shoulder of the highway and excessive window tint.

A passenger in the car,  43-year-old Nikki Martindale, of Indiana, was jailed for  possession of methamphetamine,  possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Cosey had made bond and was released by early Tuesday afternoon.  

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education has accepted a bid for the sale of a house built by two Horton High School classes.

During their regular meeting Monday evening, the Board accepted a bid for $85,000 for the sale of the house located at 1565 1st Avenue East.

It was among two bids received. The other bid was for $75,000.

The house was built by the high school home improvement class and the Ag construction class.

It went up for sale on June 10.

In other business, the Board voted to use the construction manger-at-risk delivery method for projects identified in a proposed bond issue and to request proposals from firms.

The action followed a hearing drawing no public comment.

The Board voted last month to put a $7 million bond issue on the ballot to fund the district's larger capital outlay projects.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members heard a presentation from Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang Monday night about the Southeast Communications 911 Center in Beatrice. 

Last week Richardson County Commissioners voted to make the switch to have the Regional 911 Dispatch Service serve all of Richardson County except Falls City which is currently the Public Service Answering Point for the City and all of Richardson County. 

Lang pointed out the  advantages the regional 911 center has in keeping up with the latest in technology and told the Council he is sure the City would realize a cost savings of at least $100-thousand, and likely more by joining the regional program. 

Richardson County will be paying $180-thousand annually to join the regional program.  Lang said that if Falls City were to join as well,  the combined cost for the City and County would be less than than $180-thousand annually for the two entities combined.

Currently the City's annual budget for dispatching is in the neighborhood of $250-thousand.

James Almond with the Nebraska Public Service Commission was also in attendance at the meeting and said that he believes that by the end of 2022, 911 dispatch centers will be required to have two 911 dispatchers on duty, 24 hours per day.

Council member Kaylie Ractliffe noted that she did not want the public to feel there are issues with local dispatching because of the ongoing conversations about possible changes.  She said the current system is not broken and does not want the public to get the impression that the dispatch center is not functioning properly.

Mayor Shawna  Bindle said she believes the dispatching center in Falls City is amazing but said the Council owes it to the taxpayers to look at the options noting this could be the way of the future.

Concerns were raised about the current dispatchers losing their jobs is a move were to be made.

City Administrator Gary Jorn noted that the City has funds in the budget for dispatching for the remainder of the fiscal year which ends in September.

The Council ask for a contract proposing the cost for the City to join, to help make a decision.  Lang said he could have that available by the end of this week.

James Almond will be meeting with City officials this week discussing some technical issues with 911 and changes that will occur with upcoming improvements to the 911 system.

The Council will likely discuss dispatching options again at their July 5th meeting.  

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday received an update on the Meals on Wheels program.

Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging Director Karen Wilson met with the Commission to provide the update.

The non-project agency has been in process of transitioning to take over the program from Hiawatha's Amberwell Hospital.  As of the end of May, the hospital is only providing meals on Wednesdays at the Hiawatha Senior Citizens Center, and no deliveries.

For the first five months of this year, Wilson says they provided an average of more than 2,500 meals a month to senior citizens in the county.

The agency currently receives no subsidy from the county for providing meals, with the program estimated to cost around $55,000 this year.   

Wilson said they are asking for $60,000 from the county for next year to help fund the program.

Commission Chairman Richard Lehmkuhl said the Commission will consider the request when drafting the 2022 budget.

(KNZA)--Three individuals were arrested on drug charges after the Richardson County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant on a Falls City residence Friday afternoon.

According to a Facebook post by the Sheriff's Office, deputies served the warrant at 1624 Morton Street.

During the search, the post says deputies located suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a prohibited weapon.

Arrested were Donald Richbourg, Sarah Fritts and Tylor Fritts.

The trio were arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. In addition, Tylor Fritts was arrested for possession of deadly weapon while committing a felony.

All three were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KAIR)--The countersuit filed by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, following last years lawsuit filed against him by the City of Atchison, has been dismissed.

That happened last week after Judge David King heard arguments Thursday relating to the City’s motion to dismiss the counterclaims.

Following an inquiry Friday by MSC News, Atchison City Manager Becky Berger said the Judge, “after reviewing the City’s motion, the Sheriff’s response, and the arguments of counsel,” dismissed “all of the Sheriff’s counterclaims,” adding that, “although City officials expected the dismissal, the Court’s ruling brings” what Berger calls “a welcome end to the attorney fee expenses related to the defense of the Sheriff’s counterclaims.”

The City, in December of last year, filed suit against Laurie after the Captain of the Atchison County Jail refused to admit as an inmate an Atchison Police detainee, citing medical reasons.

Laurie, in his countersuit, claimed the City Police Department has long operated what the suit called a “detour and dump” operation, routinely taking prisoners in need of medical care to the jail, instead of to the hospital, in order to avoid the treatment cost, which is deferred to the County.

Although he has not yet offered comment on the dismissal of his countersuit, Laurie, in a statement released in April, maintained his position, saying 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.”

Berger, in Friday’s statement to MSC News, said “City officials are hopeful that the entire suit will be resolved soon.”

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.”

(KAIR)--The Mayor of Lancaster has died.

Timothy John “Tim” Callahan was 65-years-old.

According to his obituary from the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, of Atchison, Callahan died unexpectedly Saturday at his home.

A cause of death was not stated.

According to the obituary, Callahan, the longtime Mayor of Lancaster, was also a registered EMT, a Fire Department and Rescue volunteer, a lifetime member of the Jaycees, and a member of the Lions Club.

Callahan also owned and operated Lancaster Oil since 1978.

Among Callahan’s survivors are his wife, Sandy, two sons, a daughter, two brothers, three sisters, and ten grandchildren.

Services for Callahan are set for Saturday morning, with a Mass of Christian Burial at the Saint Louis Church, at Good Intent, beginning at 10:00.

(KLZA)-- Law enforcement officers from Pawnee and Johnson counties and the Nebraska State Patrol were able to bring a threatened suicide attempt to a successful outcome Friday afternoon. 

The Pawnee County Sheriff's Office reported they received information about 4:45 that a man in his 30's had made his intention known of committing suicide by cop. 

The reporting party stated the individual had been drinking heavily and made comments about running his car head-on into oncoming traffic.

Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang contacted the individual, attempting to de-escalate the situation, but was unsuccessful.  A pursuit ensued which included State Troopers attempting to use spike strips to terminate the pursuit, but they were unable to get ahead of the vehicle.

At the first sign of oncoming traffic, Sheriff Lang performed a maneuver that spun the individuals car into the ditch.  The individual exited the vehicle with an edged weapon attempting suicide, but was subdued with pepper spray and was transported to a medical facility. 

No officers were injured, and the man suffered only superficial self-inflicted injuries. 

The Pawnee County Sheriff's Office thanked the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol for assisting in the successful outcome.  

(KLZA)-- During  the June 15th meeting of the Richardson County  Commissioners, Ashley Greiss, District 1 Probation Chief Probation Officer presented her annual report to the Board.

Chris Reece, Coordinator for the Problem Solving Court – Drug Court also reported.  

In 2020, a total of 226 persons in Richardson County were provided services by the District 1 Probation Office.  A total of 58 persons are currently participating in the Southeast Nebraska Drug Court which is comprised of Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Otoe, Gage, Jefferson, Saline Fillmore and Thayer counties.  

The Board also approved Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendalls request to advertise for four positions to be filled for Level II positions needed to complete the number of persons required for the radiological drills required by the Cooper Nuclear Station.  These persons participate in two to three drills per year. 

An agreement with Pawnee County for the Safekeeping of Pawnee  County inmates at a fee of $55 per day was approved. 

The Board also approved the purchase order presented by County  Assessor Kim Riggs in an amount of $15-thousand to update the software for the GIS program to add the 2021 annotation layer.
 

(KLZA)-- A Tecumseh woman won $100-thousand in the Nebraska lottery on a scracth off game ticket on May 28th.  

Cindy Rademacher purchased the winning ticket at Sapp  Brothers in Falls City.

Rademacher told lottery officials that when she discovered the ticket was a winner, she put iti in the deep freeze because she could not redeem it until June 1. She had also won $1,000 two weeks earlier on another scratch-off ticket.  

Rademacher said she just put the money in the bank sowhe will have it if she ever needs it.

The chances of winning $100,000 are one in 171,000.  

(KNZA)--10 years in prison.

That was the sentence handed down Friday to 26-year-old Jacob Ewing, of Holton, on two counts of aggravated sexual battery. 

Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller told MSC News that Ewing was sentenced to 120 months ( 10 years ) on one count and to 32 months on the other count, with both to run at the same time. He was given no jail time credit.

Miller said Ewing will be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life once he is released from prison.

Ewing, who was facing a retrial on sexual assault charges, entered an Alford plea to the reduced charges last month. In an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit to the crime but agrees that the evidence will likely result in a guilt verdict in trial.

As part of the plea deal, both sides agreed to the 10-year sentence.

Ewing was initially sentenced to more than 27 years in prison following his 2017 convictions for raping and sodomizing one woman in 2016 and raping and committing two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy against another woman in 2014.

But the Kansas Court of Appeals threw out those convictions in 2019 and ordered a new trial, citing errors by the prosecutor and court.  

(KNZA)--Four Hiawatha residents were arrested on drug charges following the execution of a search warrant Thursday evening.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, Sheriff's deputies served the warrant at a residence in the 200 block of Oregon Street in Hiawatha around 9:30.  Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill assisted deputies in preparation of the search warrant.

19-year-old James Fetty was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

19-year-old John Fetty was arrested for felony possession of opiates, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

21-year-old Michael Fetty was arrested for felony possession of opiates, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia

18-year-old Sidney Winder was arrested for possession of marijuana and  possession of drug paraphernalia.

All four were booked into the Brown County Jail, but have since been released.

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha has been awarded more than $470,000 in COVID-19 relief funds from the state through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to accept the funding, and authorized Mayor Bill Collins to sign the terms and conditions.

50 percent of the funding will be distributed this year and the remaining 50 percent next year.

Under guidelines, the funds can be used to support public health expenditures, address negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic, replace lost public sector revenue, provide premium pay for essential workers and to invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

The funds must be used by the end of 2024.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners conducted a public hearing Tuesday to receive comments on a proposal to close a bridge and right-of-way west of the intersection of 706 Road and 648 Avenue which is a minimum maintenance road south of Highway 8 and about halfway between Falls City and Salem. 

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. said the bridge has been closed to traffic because it is unsafe for any type of vehicle to use it.  The bridge pilings have been burnt out.  

Earl Schawang and Dennis Meyer asked questions about who would bore the cost of removing the bridge since it was once a State of Nebraska bridge.  Darveau explained that once the state abandoned a plan for that road and bridge to part of the highway, the bridge ownership went to Richardson County and has been that way for more than 35 years. The County will absorb the cost of removing the bridge.  The road will remain open.

The Board is expected to take action on whether or not to approve the removal of the bridge during their June 22 meeting.  

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education voted to amend the 2020-21 Budget so the budget revenues and expenditures were equal to actual revenues and expenditures when they met Tuesday. 

The Board also approved the final 2020-21 budget as the preliminary budget for the 2021-22 school year. 

Information was presented on proposed changes to the Elementary and Middle School Handbooks in an effort to condense.  Changes to reflect consistency throughout the building concerning dress code and other areas have been proposed.  The Board will take action on approving the Handbooks during their July meeting. 

Superintendent Korey Miles updated the Board on the track expansion and new football field lighting projects.  The new light poles are up and the work on the lights will be completed the last week of June.

Dirt is being moved to allow the track to be widened to eight lanes.  

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved  three new hires when they met Monday evening.  

Sara Toedman will serve as a Secondary School counselor and Hannah Lempka and Courtney Brethouwer were both hired to teach elementary classes.

The Board did accept the resignation of First Grade teacher, Tashia Krecklow.

A new series of science books were approved during the meeting and the 2021-22 student fee schedule was approved, Superintendent David Patton said  no changes were required for the next year, mainly due to the government program that is helping to feed students so no changes to meal prices are required.  

Board members approved a number of policy updates and adopted several policies exclusively for District 29.
 

(KNZA)--Five individuals have been inducted into the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame for 2021.

This year's honorees included Brooks Barta, Jay and Rogette Branam, Tim Morris and Carrie Saia.

The induction ceremony took place at a banquet held Wednesday at the Northeast Kansas Hertiage Complex exhibition hall.

It marked the 16th annual celebration of indivduals who represent inspired leadership, business excellence, entrepreneurial spirt, community impact and influential volunteer work.

This year's event was original planned for February, but was postponed due to concerns over COVID-19.

(KNZA)--An Emmett woman was injured in a Thursday afternoon Brown County rollover wreck.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 41-year-old Sarah Hoskins was eastbound on the U.S. 36 off ramp to U.S. 73 when her pickup truck left the roadway onto the shoulder.

She overcorrected and her vehicle rolled into the grass median to the north of the off ramp.

Hoskins, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle.

She was transported to Hiawatha's Amberwell Health Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The wreck was reported around 1:30. 

(KAIR)--A Mayetta woman, and a Chanute, Kansas man, are jailed in Jackson County following what authorities say was a late Wednesday morning vehicle pursuit that led to their arrests.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, a deputy, around 11:30 Wednesday morning, “attempted to stop a Chevy Cavalier near 126th and 75 Hwy in southern Jackson County for allegedly speeding and a registration violation,” but the vehicle’s driver “failed to yield and a pursuit ensued,” which “continued into northwest Shawnee County and then into the City of Topeka.”

According to Morse, a Kansas Highway Patrol “aircraft unit was able to follow the vehicle into central Topeka and observed the suspects park the vehicle and enter an apartment building” where they were arrested by law enforcement.

Taken into custody was Chanute resident, and alleged suspect vehicle driver, 21-year-old Raymond Meyer who was arrested on charges including felony fleeing and eluding, interference with law enforcement, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving without a license.

22-year-old Mayetta resident, and vehicle passenger, Madison Hemelrick was arrested on charges including interference with law enforcement, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and drug paraphernalia.

Following their arrests, the pair was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

The release notes that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and KHP, were assisted by the Hoyt and Topeka police departments, as well as the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man will learn his fate next month, following his Leavenworth County conviction related to child sex abuse.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 67-year-old Marshall Weidman entered a no contest plea to one count of rape in Leavenworth County District Court.
His sentencing is set for July 21.

According to the release, Thompson’s office filed charges against Weidman after “a child disclosed that Weidman would take her” to the basement of her relative’s home, where Weidman lived at the time, and touch her inappropriately.

According to Thompson, the child said it “happened multiple times over a period of years,” with the child also disclosing that Weidman “forced her to have sex with him in the basement.”

Weidman remains in the Leavenworth County Jail.

(KAIR)--A challenging, but successful year, for the food pantry based on the campus of the Atchison High School.

That word was delivered to the Board of Education for USD 409 this week by Atchison educator Sarah Tschauder, who explained, during the board’s Monday meeting, that the Campus Cupboard operation is a partnership with Saint Joseph, Missouri-based Second Harvest Community Food Bank. That organization stocks the in-house food pantry, which provides food to any enrolled student and their families, with volunteers overseeing its operation.

During the presentation, Tschauder informed the board that due to "many generous donations this year," the Campus Cupboard’s services were expanded, with coats, gloves, and scarves among the offerings provided, along with prom dresses, basic cleaning supplies, and hygiene supplies, all offered during the past school year through the use of the coronavirus pandemic-inspired curbside pickup.

More than 2,500 pounds of groceries were distributed during the 2020-2021 school year, with the majority of those distributions made in the past 3 months.

In December, prior to the winter holidays, more than 40 boxes of food were delivered to Atchison families by educator volunteers.

Although the turnout was strong last summer, Tschuader told the board that summertime staff absences will keep the pantry closed until the next school year.

The Campus Cupboard opened in March, 2019.

(KAIR)--Recognition of the return of Atchison’s Juneteenth celebration, with last weekend’s activities commended during Tuesday’s meeting of the Atchison County Commission.

That included comments from Commissioner Eric Noll, who was in attendance at Juneteenth in conjunction with the Atchison County office of NEK Multi-County Health, which held a coronavirus vaccination clinic as part of Saturday’s LFM park events. 

The 2020 Juneteenth celebration was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Commissioner Casey Quinn reflected on the weekend’s ceremonies, including last Friday evening’s walk in honor of George Johnson, the victim of an 1870 Atchison lynching. 

Further remembrance of Johnson is scheduled for this coming Friday evening, with the dedication of the George Johnson Memorial Marker and the Reflections Sculpture.

That ceremony is planned from 7 until 8:00 in the Sculpture Courtyard, located in the 400 block of Atchison's Commercial Street.

According to a release from the Atchison Art Association, the marker and sculpture will be unveiled during the event, which will include Reflections Sculpture Artist, Dave Breneman.

A poetry reading will also be included as part of the evening's activities.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha residents will again be able to discharge fireworks at the City Lake to celebrate the 4th of July.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved allowing the discharge of fireworks at the Lake on July 1 until 10 pm and July 2-4 until midnight.

Its against city ordinance for residents to discharge fireworks in the city limits.

The City of Hiawatha will be hosting its annual fireworks display on July 3rd at dusk along the Windmill Lane at the Brown County Ag Museum.

Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau Administrator Sarah Kleopfer presented a $2,500 check to the city toward the purchase of the fireworks for the celebration.

(KLZA)-- Missouri Governor Mike Parson has appointed Carla Markt to the vacant First District Commission seat in Holt County. 

Markt served as Holt County First District Commissioner from 2016 until her retirement in 2020 when she chose not to seek re-election. She will fill the position left vacant due to the death of Commissioner Roger Brock. 

Markt also previously served as Holt County Assessor and Holt County Floodplain Coordinator.  

Markt is a member of the Missouri River Recovery and Implementation Committee and past member of the Missouri Assessor's Association.  
 

(KLZA)-- Representatives of Richardson County Rural Water District #2 met with Richardson County Commissioners Tuesday, inquiring about funding Richardson County received through the America Rescue Plan Act.

The Rural Water District is working on a project to provide water services to rural residents in the northeast portion of Richardson County

Due to COVID this past year, the construction of the project has slowed and now they are discovering that pipe is not available and if it is available, the price has become so inflated it is pushing costs above the project budget. 

The engineer for the project indicated to the Rural Water District that ARPA  
funds were available to counties and these funds could be utilized for water, sewer and utility improvements. 

Commissioners told RWD representatives Gayle Swisegood, Dean Stevens and Paul Benitz that more information on the specific use of the ARPA funds will be received from the State in the next month and that their project would be given strong consideration for the funding that is received. 

(KLZA)-- Record temperatures are predicted for Thursday and as energy usage rises, so will monthly electric bills. 
The Nebraksa Public Power District is offering some simple steps that can be taken to help lower energy usage during the hot summer temperatures forecast throughout this week and in the future:
· Set the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. If 78 degrees is too high for you, keep in mind you'll save around 5 to 10 percent on cooling costs for every two degrees you raise the temperature. 
Use ceiling and box fans to provide continuous circulation of air in a room. This creates the wind chill effect whereby the body feels cooler than the room temperature. Run the fans only when the room is occupied.
· Limit using heat-generating appliances such as the oven, stove and dishwasher until the cooler hours of the day or night. 
Do chores such as cooking, cleaning, ironing and laundry during the cooler early morning and evening hours to avoid home heat buildup. Using a microwave or grilling outside can also help.
· Unplug electronics, gadgets, and chargers, and turn off computers, monitors and lights that aren’t being used. Much of the energy from a light bulb is heat.
· If your thermostat is located in a hallway with bedrooms, open the doors. Closed doors prevent air movement around the thermostat, which can provide a false reading that causes your AC to run longer than needed.
· Close curtains, blinds and/or shades to prevent the sunlight from warming up the room. Make sure furniture or drapes do not block your registers for supply and return air. 
Additional energy saving tips can be found at nppd.energywisenebraska.com.
 

(KNZA)--Security upgrades have been approved for the Doniphan County Jail.

The Doniphan County Commission on Monday approved a proposal from INA Alert, of Ellinwood, for the intallation of a new camera recording sytem and replacement of the door locking system at a total cost of $97,163.

Sheriff Chad Clary said the current system is 13-years-old and outdated.

Funding for the upgrades will come from the sales tax fund.

In other business, representatives with the Doniphan County Natural Resources Conservation Services Office submitted their 2002 budget request in the amount of $35,000.

Currently, Doniphan County appropriates $33,000 to the NRCS.

Commissioners took no action pending preparation of the 2002 Doniphan County budget.

(KMZA)-- A new Axtell Public School principal has been hired.

 In a statement Wednesday, Prairie Hills USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans announced the hiring of Alana Seddon for the position.

 Most recently, Seddon has been the instrumental and vocal music director at Jackson Heights USD 335.

 In addition to a Bachelor and Masters degree in Music Education, Evans said Seddon has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

 She has experience in school management at the Hartt School of West Hartford, Connecticut.

 Seddon will replace Jayson Tynon, who has served as Axtell principal since the 2017-18 school year.

 The USD 113 Board of Education accepted his resignation in a special meeting June 2, effective at the end of the current school year.

 Tynon will become the new physical education teacher at Axtell for the 2021-22 school year.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Deputies and the Richardson County K9 Unit executed a search warrant Wednesday afternoon at 806 Wilson Street in Falls City resulting in the arrest of two Falls City women.

55-year-old April Kelly was arrested on three counts of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

46-year-old Tammi Snethen was arrested for possession of methamphetamine,  attempted delivery of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a playground or school and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both were booked into the Richardson County Jail. 

(KLZA)-- A South Dakota man was arrested following a traffic stop for speeding in Richardson County Tuesday night and is now facing multiple charges including being a habitual criminal.  

Richardson County Sheriff's Deputies stopped 56-year-old Stephen Roberts at 11:40 Tuesday evening and following an investigation he was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of  more than one ounce of marijuana,  driving under suspension,  possession of a legend drug,  no proof of insurance, fictitious plate, no valid registration no license on person, failure to use a seat belt and having an obstructed view.

In addition,  the Habitual Criminal Enhancement was added which carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentenced of 60 years.  

Roberts was booked into the Richardson County Jail.  

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison calls it “a very special Employee Spotlight,” as the City recognizes it’s Water D&C crew.

Specifically named in the City’s social media post are Robert Young, Bill Smith, Ryan Hanshaw, Mark Lone, Jason Ellis, Nicholas Tull, and Ethan Piper.

The crew members, called “hardworking employees” by the City, are being recognized for the repair work they were involved with following last weekend’s broken water main at 5th and Kansas Avenue.

According to the City, they “worked for nearly 21 hours to fix the broken cast iron pipe, restore water service to local businesses and residents, and backfill the worksite” with the broken pipe identified as having been installed in 1887.

The crew members were commended for their efforts with the presentation of $50 gift cards to a local restaurant, by Public Works and Utilities Manager Clinton McNemee and City Manager Becky Berger.

(KAIR)--Despite questions from the committee tasked with making the change, and last minute comments from the public making requests ranging from reversing the decision to expediting the process, the Board of Education for the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409 remain on track to name a new district wide mascot next month.

That follows an update provided to the school board Monday evening, provided in part by Atchison High School Principal Lacey Warren, focused on the mascot committee’s work, including public survey results and potential mascot names. The mascot ultimately selected will replace both the Atchison Middle School’s “Braves” and the Atchison High School’s “Redmen” mascots. The school board in April voted unanimously to retire those mascots due to cultural insensitivity toward Native-Americans.

One member of the public pushed for the name “Trailblazers,” which Warren said, according to research by students, does not fit the district’s non-discriminatory policy. Two other members of the public requested that the decision to retire the “Redmen” name be reversed. Another asked that the matter be expedited, and a mascot named, to avoid what she called a potentially toxic atmosphere.

Questions from the mascot committee, as presented to the school board, included questioning the timing of the process, with high school Head Coach Jim Smith, a supporter of the Redmen name, and a member of Monday evening’s meeting’s audience, requesting a slow down of the process.

However, following board discussion, it was agreed upon by board members that due diligence has been performed, with the committee working as requested by the board. The update regarding the committee’s work broke down the votes acquired through community surveys, with the new mascot to be utilized district wide, under a red and gold color scheme, with “Phoenix” selected as the top choice by 5 of the 7 groups surveyed.

A vote by the school board, solidifying the choice, is expected during next month’s regular meeting.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School District received no bids for the Hawthorne House.

That's what Superintendent Lonnie Moser informed the USD 415 Board of Education during their regular meeting Monday evening.

The Board voted last month to put the historic house up for sale through sealed bids, with the stipulation that the house must be moved from its current location by September 1 of next year. Bids were due by Monday.

It was reported several people had looked at the property during a recent open house. However, Moser said the feasibility and expense of moving the house seemed to cool one potential bidder, and no other interest was shown.

It was the consensus of the Board to have Moser contact a local real estate agent to investigate the possiblity of listing the property.

In other business, board officers were elected for the 2021-22 year. Tom Simmer was re-elected as board president and Ian Schuetz as vice-president.

As part of the consent agenda, the Board accepted the resignations of Sarah Windmeyer as board clerk and director of finance, Sherrie Hoffman as high school Spanish teacher, Leighanna Stewart as 3rd grade teacher and Mikaela Lehew as 3rd grade teacher.

Following an executive session, the Board approved several new hires. They include Jared Estrada as middle school and high school band teacher, Sadie Miller as middle school math interventionist, Christina Simpson as district nurse, Cassandra Bangert as social worker and Eric Edie as tech systems analyst.

(KNZA)--The Morrill Public Library Board of Directors is recommending that a levy be added to the Hiawatha city budget for 2022 to fund library employee benefits.

Library Director Erin Verbrick met with the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to make the request on behalf of the board.

Verbrick said the levy would allow them to move a current part-time employee to full-time and increase wages. Verbrick is currently the only full-time library employee.

The proposed levy would be in addition to the current levy for library operations.

Commissioners took no action and were expected to discuss the request during a budget work session following the meeting.

The Commission is expected to approved a proposed 2022 budget for publication at their June 28 meeting.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday approved the purchase of a new backhoe for the road and bridge department.

The Case 590 Super N backhoe will be purchase from Victor L. Phillips, of Topeka, for $122,995, contingent upon a suitable lease-purchase agreement.

$70,000 will come from the special machinery fund for the down payment.

Bids were opened last week from four vendors.

In other business, the commission approved a resolution re-appointing Steve Markham as County Appraiser for a 4-year term at a salary of $65,000 a year.

Markham has held the position since March 2019.

The Commission approved submitting applications to the Hiawatha Land Bank for the purchase of two lots located behind the Sheriff's Office at 712 and 714 Kickapoo Street in Hiawatha.

Glen Obbards, President of the Horton Chamber of Commerce, met with the Commission to request the county help fund the drumline at this year's Brown County Fair parade. The Commission voted to provide $750 in funding.

The Fair will be held July 12-16 in Horton, with the parade the evening of July 13 at 6:00.

And Ryan Meininger, chairman of the Hiawatha Maple Leaf Festival Committee, met with the Commission to request use of the Courthouse Square and the Courthouse restrooms for this year's festival, which is to take place Saturday, September 25. The commission gave their approval.

(KLZA)-- Following another lengthy discussion with input from representatives of Falls City and more information from the Southeast Communication 911 Center in Beatrice Tuesday morning, Richardson County Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with having the Southeast Communications Center provide the emergency service.

Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang provided Commissioners with information on costs Richardson County will incur by making the change.  A 198 foot radio tower will be necessary at a cost of $325-thousand along with $75-thousand for new radio equipment.  The unknown costs at this point will be determined by the amount of technology local officials want to include in the new system.

Lang said that if Falls City did decide to join the regional dispatch program,  the costs could be shared.  The annual cost for Richardson County to be part of the system will be $180-thousand.  If Falls City were to join,  the annual cost would increase, but would not double in price. Again the annual costs could be shared by both Richardson County and Falls City. 

Lang said that by joining the regional dispatch the costs would be less due to a reduction in staff  and he said by sharing staff and resources the regional plan would provide better service to Richardson County.  Lang also pointed out that the population in Richardson County does not justify the costs of having a 911 dispatch center. He said all of Southeast Nebraska just does not have a lot of population so sharing costs makes sense. 

Falls City Council members, Police Chief Jamie Baker and City Administrator Gary Jorn attended the meeting along with Falls City Rural Fire Chief Mike Ramsey and Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall.  

Following several months of discussion between the City and County about combining 911 and a breakdown in those negotiations,  Jorn said he feels a new conversation should be started before the County took action to join the regional dispatch program.  Jorn urged the Commissioners to take a hard look at what is best for the County as well as the City of Falls City.

Jorn said the disconnect between the City and County need to be put  in the past and the money for dispatch not be a determining factor.  He suggested a new committee should come up with a proposal for both the City and County.

Jorn said while he thinks eventually 911 will be a regional program, he feels moving the dispatching out of the county is premature and that they would be taking jobs out of the county. Jorn said that he feels the County has lost sight that Falls City is part of Richardson County.  

Commissioner Rick Karas made the motion to approve the Southeast Communications proposal.  Commissioner John Caverzagie said he felt the City had made their decision when they were going to continue serving as the Public Service Answering Point for 911 calls in Richardson County and stop negotiating.  

Following the Commissioners decision,  Falls City, City Council President Mitch Merz said the regional dispatching idea should be researched, but was a premature decision rushed by the Commissioners, saying for short term pains, the  Board made long-term decisions. 
 

(KLZA)-- Like so many other events the 2020 Falls City Hot Air Balloon Festival was cancelled due to the pandemic. 

The Hot Air Balloon Festival returns to Brenner Field this Saturday and Sunday.  The gates will open to the event at 5:00 p.m. and events go on until 10:00 p.m. 

When the Balloon Festival returned to Falls City in 2019 after a break of around 20 years,  a crowd estimated at 5 -6,000 showed up for the event.
With lessons learned about parking and having plenty of food on hand, Falls City Chamber Manager Amber Holle says this year the on-site crowd will be limited, with only three-thousand tickets to be sold. As of Monday morning 2,200 tickets had been sold.

If you cannot get online to get a ticket, you can stop by the Falls City Chamber Office at 1705 Stone Street and you can purchase tickets there.

A real old fashioned traffic jam occurred in 2019 due to the size of the crowd. With a smaller crowd, and a re-configuring of how the event is set up, all vehicles will be able to park on the airport grounds. 

If  you are coming to the balloon show, there are a couple of rules you need to be aware of.  You cannot bring in a cooler and there are no pets allowed.  Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and remember you sunglasses, camera's, sunscreen and perhaps some bug repellent.  

There will be plenty of food vendors set up for the event with everything from hamburgers and hot dogs to enchilada's, barbecue,  wood fired pizza, crab cakes and funnel cakes among the choices.  

The gates open at 5:00 p.m. and the balloon liftoff's should begin around 7:00 p.m.  Following the liftoff, the balloons will be brought back and the baloon glow will begin at dusk. 

There will be a second balloon liftoff on Sunday morning around 6:30 – 7:00 a.m. along with a fly-in breakfast sponsored by the Falls City Area Jaycees and the Falls City Partners in Education group.  In addition, some local pilots will be giving plane rides for those interested.  

Tickets for the event are $12 for adults and children over 8 years of age.  Those 8 and under are admitted free of charge. 

(KNZA)--Scam are on the rise again in Brown County.

That word from Sheriff John Merchant, who says in the last week or so he has taken over a dozen complaints from residents on the following scams:

SOCIAL SECURITY SCAM
County residents are being contacted by phone and advised that their Social
Security has been compromised and all benefits put on hold until verification is made. I have been told that their called ID shows "SOCIAL SECURITY" so they answer.  Never trust your caller ID because  scammers can make any number or location appear on your screen.  Social Security will NEVER call you for bank account or personal information.  The caller is requesting personal financial information such bank account number and routing numbers so they can deposit late funds and to verify ownership of the account.  NEVER GIVE OUT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE.  If you have questions or concerns about your account, contact your bank at once and then your local law enforcement .

STUDENT LOAN SCAMS

County residents are being contacted by phone from people representing themselves as student loan debt collectors. Residents are being told they have co-signed student  loans for either their children of grandchildren and the accounts are in collections and immediate payment is demanded or a warrant for their arrest will be issued. The caller is demanding bank account information so an immediate withdrawal can be made. Several resident have stated the caller has a thick foreign accent and when questioned, they become irate and state the "Sheriff is on his way to arrest you."   Once again, this is a scam call intending to intimidate and coerce you in to sending your hard earned money to these unscrupulous people. Do not fall for this scam.  If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.  If you feel that you have been made a victim of a scam, notify your bank and local law enforcement at once.

PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE SCAM

This one is still going around and many people have contacted me this week
about receiving calls from people representing themselves as publishers
clearing house financial advisors. The caller ID even shows--"PUBLISHERS
CLEARING HOUSE".   The caller is requesting county residents to go to a
local Wal-Mart or Dollar General store and purchase gift cards in the amount of $500 or more to cover taxes and expenses for the new vehicle and millions of dollars you have just won.  Folks,  if you win the PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE SWEEPSTAKES, you will find out about it when they come to your home with a great big check.  You will not be required to pre-pay and taxes or fees.  I know many people could certainly use millions of dollars, but do not fall prey to this scam.  I spoke with representatives from  PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE and they have advised me that they will NEVER call anyone about winning the grand prize.  If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. Remember, scammers have the ability to make any name or number appear on your caller ID so you can not trust what you see.  If something sounds too good to be true, then it most likely is.   If you feel that you have been made a victim of a scam, notify your bank and local law enforcement at once.

SWEEPSTAKES SCAM IN THE MAIL

County residents have been receiving INTERNATIONAL SWEEPSTAKES GIVEAWAY brochures in the mail  that are coming from out of the country.  A few days after residents  receive the letter, a scammer then calls them to confirm 
that they have received the brochure and  advise they have won over $5 million dollars and requires bank account information to process the winnings.  DO NOT CALL ANY OF THE NUMBERS PROVIDED IN THE LETTER AND DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR BANKING INFORMATION.   AGAIN, this is a scam and do not give out info or speak with these scammers. Believe it or not, these scammers are highly trained to find a common interest so you will continue to speak with them. The longer they keep you on the telephone, the more info you may accidentally provide them. They also prey on senior citizens who are lonely or wanting to speak with someone for company. 

Merchant says please contact your bank and local law enforcement if you feel you have been a victim of a scam.

(KAIR)--Ownership of a longstanding Atchison school building will soon transfer to a local development company, meaning possible new downtown area apartments, following action of Atchison’s USD 409 Board of Education Monday evening.

The action, in the way of a unanimous vote to sell the Central School Building, came during the Board’s regular monthly meeting.

The decision followed information presented to the school board by School District Attorney Larry Mears, who explained that two bids were received during the process leading up to the board’s actual sale of the property.

Following Mears’ presentation, and prior to the board’s vote, discussion between board members reflected a consensus of agreement regarding Pomeroy Development, LLC’s submitted plan to convert the former Central School building into apartments.

Although specific details of the plan were not cited, board members said the plan was clear, and met the board’s desire to see the building, located at 215 North 8th Street, remain utilized in the community.
The Atchison-based development company submitted the high bid of $40,000, which was accepted through the board’s unanimous vote.
Mears said details still need to be ironed out, with the motion approved by the board reflecting those future negotiations.

The school board in May, following past public discussions and a public hearing, issued a notice of invitation for offers to purchase the school building property.

The school served approximately 45 to 50 students in grades K through 12, with those students to be relocated next school year to the Atchison Middle School’s Roosevelt Building.

(KAIR)--The issuance of General Obligation Bonds, to refinance existing debt, is expected to save the City of Atchison nearly $700,000 over the life of the notes.

That’s according to a release from the City of Atchison, following last month’s unanimous vote of the City Commission to over the bonds. The release explains that “the $8.2 million in bonds will refinance an existing GO bond issuance from 2014, three loans with [the Kansas Department of Health and Environment] for water and sewer infrastructure projects, and the temporary note for the Brookdale neighborhood expansion infrastructure build out that was originally sold in December 2020.” The bonds, and KDHE loans, will be wrapped into one set of GO bonds, “and each debt will still mature when the original debts were supposed to sunset.”

According to the release, “the temporary funds will be rolled into another temporary note, with a final GO Bond issuance necessary in the future when the infrastructure build out is complete and final costs are known later this year.” The release explains that based on the difference in interest rates between when the original debts were issued, and the current interest rates, “the net savings would be $700,000 if current rates hold true.”

The bond sale offering had been set for last week, but was moved to June 21. 

(KLZA)-- Drugs, firearms and a stolen scooter were recovered Monday afternoon following the execution of a search warrant in Salem by Richardson County Deputies and the Richardson County K-9 unit.

During the search at 24 South Church Street, deputies seized about 6 grams of  methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, four firearms, one of which is believed to have been stolen in New Mexico in 2012.

Arrested was 28-year-old Buddy Graves of Salem for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during a felony, felony possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a financial transaction device and criminal mischief.

53-year-old Douglas Christensen of Salem is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during a felony, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

36-year-old Jessette Gifford of Salem is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KNZA)--A 25-year lease agreement for an indoor practice facility at Hiawatha's Noble Park failed to gain the approval of the USD 415 Board of Education Monday evening.

Troy Kolb with the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club met with the Board to review the agreement drafted by local attorney Mike Riley.

The Club is seeking $200,000 from the school district toward the cost of constructing the estimated $300,000 facility.  

Kolb said they are asking the district to make two rental payments of $100,000 each, one by July 1st of this year and the other no later than October 1.

Kolb said they need to put 60 percent down so the contractor can order materials and start construction this fall.

He said the Club has raised more than $55,000 in private donations so far toward the construction of the building, with the bulk of that coming during a Memorial Day weekend fundraiser.

Board member John Wright said while he likes the idea, he doesn't think the school district should invest $200,000 in something they don't own.

Following discussion, a motion by Board member Andrea Groth to move forward with the lease agreement died due to the lack of a second.

(KMZA)--After a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pony Express re-ride returns June 16-26..

Personal mail and commemorative letters will be carried by rider and horse relays nearly 2,000 miles from Sacramento, California to St. Joseph, Missouri.

The first rider will leave on Wednesday ( June 16)  from Sacramento, with the last rider arriving in St. Joseph on June 26. The route will be over the Pony Express National Historic Trail.

It is a 10-day, 24 hour a day event honoring the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company founded by a Missouri freighting company. It carried letters and telegrams from April 1860 to November 1861.

600 riders will take part in the re-ride, riding in relays of one to five miles.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 39-year-old Leavenworth woman is charged with stabbing her fiance to death.

Eva Banks is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 44-year-old Jerrold Rhodes. Police say Rhodes was stabbed to death Saturday at a home the couple shared in Leavenworth.

Police Chief Pat Kitchens says investigators believe Rhodes' death was the result of domestic violence.

Banks made her first appearance via video in court on Monday. She said she planned to hire an attorney. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department held an open house Saturday which offered an opportunity for area residents to see the 2003 E-One ladder truck purchased by the City.

The truck replaces the 1981 ladder truck which had a 65-foot ladder.

Former fire fighters were among those taking a look at the new purchase.  The City bought the truck from the city of Burlington, Vermont at a cost of $59-thousand.  Dennis Becker Trucking of Senecas, Kansas hauled the truck back to Falls City.  New tires came with a price tag of $5,786 and two days of training by E-One personnel cost the city just over $4-thousand. 

Heritage Falls and Candles donated the door logo design for the truck. 

Assistant Fire Chief Jon McQueen noted the department did investigate the costs of purchasing a new truck versus used.  The new truck price tag was in the neighborhood of a million dollars.  

McQueen said he felt upgrading by 20 years was probably better for the department than making a 40-year jump in technology.  The truck has 78-thousand miles on it with 10,600 hours on the engine.  The engine was rebuilt in 2014.  A key addition with the new truck is the 95-foot ladder that can go four stories high and includes controls for the ladder in the basket. 

Due to the length of the truck,  it is not one you will see responding to every fire call in town.  The truck weights 69,700 pounds,  it is 48-feet, six-inches long,  is an inch shy of being 12-feet tall has with the mirrors is 116 inches wide or nine-feet, eight-inches.

The truck has been set up at some key buildings downtown including the Grand Weaver Hotel and the Tru-Value building that are among the tallest in town. That being said, you will see the truck out so it is not just sitting on the tires in the station.  McQueen says he believes the truck will serve the department well when needed.

Following the initial training the fire department can now use the truck to respond to calls when needed.  McQueen said the members of the department are excited about the new truck.  While a single driver can get the truck to the fire, it will take several firefighters to help operate the ladder, making sure the ground is level and strong enough for the outriggers to sit on. 

The truck will be known as T-1.

(KNZA)--Friday's storm caused widespread damage in Brown County.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said most of the county sustained damage, with the west side of the county appearing to be the hardest hit.

According to Merchant, the strong winds accompanying Friday's storms caused damage to buildings, vehicles and signs. 

Widespread tree damage was reported and power lines downed in some areas.

At the Sabetha airport, some hangars incurred damage, while planes were flipped over. 

Merchant said some homes also were damaged in the county and many crops suffered damage due to the intense winds, torrential rain and hail.

Even though the storm was short lived, he said it wrecked havoc, causing many thousands of dollars in damage over a good portion of the county.

He said residents pulled together to help each other. "Even while the storm was still in progress, many residents were clearing streets and roadways for emergency crews.  Utility workers were out working on downed power lines.  Farmers came in to towns to help clear trees and debris with their equipment.  Neighbors were checking on each other and helping wherever they could to help those who couldn't help themselves."

Merchant thanked everyone who helped out.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved bids for highway projects in Brown and Doniphan Counties.

In Brown County, a bid was approved for the repair of a bridge on U.S. 73 Highway over the Union Pacific Railroad, just south of Reserve.

KDOT awarded the contract to PCI Roads, of St. Paul, Minnesota, in the amount of nearly $840,000.

A construction start date hasn't been announced yet. The contractor will have 120 days to complete the project.

In Doniphan County, a bid was approved for the installation of lighting at the U.S. 36/ K-238 interchange in Elwood.

KDOT awarded the contract to Wildcat Construction Company, of Wichita, in the amount of nearly $174,000.

A construction start date hasn't been announced yet. The contractor will have 45 days to complete the project.

Bids were opened May 19 in Topeka.

(KNZA)--The Powhattan Post Office will be closed until further notice after being damaged during Friday's storm.  

According to a Facebook Post, the Post office sustained extensive water damage after the roof was damaged on the building.  

The post says anyone who receives PO Box mail in Powhattan will need to temporarily pick their mail up in Hiawatha until the office can be repaired and reopened.

(KNZA)--A Nebraska fugitive is in custody following a two-state pursuit late Saturday night.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Holton Police officer stopped a 2015 Dodge Durango for a traffic infraction in the 400 Block of Arizona Street in Holton shortly before 11:00 Saturday night. The suspect vehicle stopped in a nearby Casey's parking lot.

Morse said it was discovered that the driver, 23-year-old Davionne Starks-Briggs, of Houston, Texas, was wanted in Nebraska on a felony warrant for roberry. He was to be considered armed and dangerous.

The Holton Police officer attempted to arrest Starks-Briggs when he allegedly fled in his vehicle striking the Holton Police vehicle.

Jackson County deputies entered into the pursuit with Holton Police north of Holton on U.S Highway 75. The pursuit continued into Brown County and into Nebraska.

Morse said several law enforcement agencies attempted to use tire deflation devices to stop the pursuit, however, the pursuit continued through Dawson, Nebraska and then east to Fall City.

Just north of Fall City, Briggs-Starks vehicle left the highway and went into a ditch. He fled the vehicle on foot and headed into a field. He was taken into custody about 200 yards from where the vehicle pursuit ended.

Deputies from Brown County and Richardson County, Nebraska assisted.

Starks-Briggs was booked into the Richardson County Jail.

According to the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, he was booked into jail on charges of operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, driving under suspension, resisting arrest, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person.  In addition, he is also being held on Lancaster County and Douglas County, Nebraska warrants.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says Century Link has advised that 127 users in the Morrill area have no 911 connection.

He said its unknown how long the outage will last.

Merchant said the Sheriff's office will receive an all clear when service is restored

If 911 is needed, the cell 911 service is still operational.

785-742-7125 will still be answered if called from a land line 

(KMZA)--Friday afternoon’s severe thunderstorms, which led to the issuance of warnings across the area by the National Weather Service, left power outages, and damage, in their wake.

That includes the flipping of air planes at the Sabetha Airport by Friday’s strong winds, with one building at that location reported as having been damaged.

Nemaha County Emergency Preparedness Director Russ Lierz told MSC News two power lines were pulled from the poles, located at 200th Road, just east of K-63.

Bern tree damage is reported, including a home’s roof damaged by a falling tree, as well as flooding.

Tree and roof damage is also reported in Sabetha.

(KAIR)--The annual Atchison Juneteenth celebration returns, following last year's cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
The event begins with a walk Friday evening, June 11, and a full day of events and activities Saturday, June 12, at Atchison's LFM Park. 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man was arrested Thursday afternoon following a high speed pursuit in Brown County.

35-year-old Derek Frakes was arrested in Hiawatha by the Iowa Tribal Police Department following the pursuit, which went through parts of town.

Also involved in the pursuit were the Brown County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Hiawatha Police Department.  

Frakes was booked into the Brown County Jail on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, unsafe stopping or turning, disobeying traffic control devices and failure to give proper signal.

Details surrounding what led to the pursuit were not immediately available.

(KAIR)--As the Atchison Fire Department gains a new Chief, so, too, does it lose one of its longtime members.

That comes as Captain Leroy Kipple, commonly known as “Lee,” retires after 35-years of service.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, a retirement ceremony, open to the public, will be held Friday afternoon from 2 until 5:00 in the Atchison City Hall conference room, located at 515 Kansas Avenue.

The release outlines Kipple’s more-than-three-decades with the Atchison Fire Department, saying the former Prairie View, Kansas-area resident moved to Atchison in 1986, along with wife, Sharron, and son, Curtis, to begin his career, which led to Kipple’s promotion to Captain in 1996.

The release notes that Kipple brought with him “vast mechanical experience,” which “earned him the position of Department Mechanic until his promotion to officer where he continued to oversee the maintenance and other mechanics.”

Kipple’s retirement comes as his longtime fellow firefighter, Patrick Weishaar, is named this week as Chief of the Fire Department.

Weishaar, in the release, calls Kipple “a huge asset for the department with his mechanical skills and knowledge.”

Kipple, in the release, calls his years at the Atchison Fire Department “a very diverse, interesting, and rewarding career,” which allowed him “the opportunity to meet and work with a lot of individuals,” and thanks his coworkers, and the public, “for their support to the Atchison Fire Department.”

(KLZA)-- NioCorp Developments has announced the initiation of testing of Elk Creek Project ore using High-Pressure Grinding Rolls technology. 

HPGR technology is an energy efficient and low-emission alternative for reducing the size of the ore to enable the recovery of niobium, scandium, titanium, and potential rare earth products.  The use of HPGR in the Project reinforces the Company's commitment to the environment and designing a sustainable operation. 

The testing is being conducted at the   Natural Resources Research Instituteof the University of Minnesota-Duluth, in partnership with Weir Minerals.  During the testing, which is expected to take several weeks, approximately 3 tons of Elk Creek drill core will be reduced to the 1-millimeter size needed for hydrometallurgical test work. 

 The network is expected to provide key data that will be used to properly size the HPGR unit for the potential ore throughput at the Elk Creek Project, once project financing is secured and the project is operational. 

The Company is currently evaluating the next steps in its overall metallurgical test work program, which will focus on optimizing and streamlining the existing processing flowsheet as well as establishing process routes for the potential recovery of rare earth products.

NioCorp is developing a superalloy materials project near Elk Creek, that will produce Niobium, Scandium, and Titanium. Also under consideration by the Company is the production of several magnetic rare earth products.

Niobium is used to produce superalloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium is a superalloy material that can be combined with Aluminum to make alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium is also a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various superalloys and is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics and is also used for aerospace applications, armor, and medical implants.   

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved an idea presented by Deputy City Clerk / Treasurer Sandra Ferris Monday night that will allow library patrons to check out a family pass to the Falls City Aquatic Center.

Ferris explained the program would allow families who can't afford to go to the pool to be able to check out the family pass at the library for three days and then  return it for another family to use.  

Each family would  only be able to utilize the pass one time to allow more families to use it. Ferris says the program would promote usage of both the library and the aquatic center. 

Mayor Shawna Bindle said she would purchase two family passes to donate the library for the program.

(KLZA)--  A section of Holt County Route 111 will close the roadway to all traffic next week as part of a flood repair and resurfacing project.

 Crews from Herzog Contracting Corp.,working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will close Route 111 from Beagle Road to Annapolis Road for a culvert replacement Monday morning, June 14, through end of day Wednesday, June 16. 

The roadway will remain closed around the clock.

Motorists will need to use an alternate route during the closure. 
All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.

(KNZA)--Security upgrades are being sought at the Doniphan County Law Enforcement Center.

Sheriff Chad Clary presented the Doniphan County Commission on Monday with a proposal from INA Alert, of Ellinwood, to install a new camera recording system and replace the door locking system at a total cost of just over $97,000.

Clary said the current system is 13-years-old and outdated.

The Commission took no action pending review of the proposal.

In other business, Emergency Mangement Coordinator Julie Meng presented the Commission with bids for replacement of the ADA accessible lift on the south side of the Doniphan County Courthouse.

On the recommendation of Meng, the Commission accepted the best bid from Access Elevator and Lifts in the amount of $18,250.

It was among two bids received.

And County Appraiser Danielle Kiefer presented the Commission with a letter on behalf of Deputy Appraiser Brian Maupin, announcing his retirement resignation effective July 20.

The Commission accepted the resignation with regret, and approved advertising to fill the vacancy.

(KMZA )--A former Seneca volunteer firefighter charged with arson waived his right to a preliminary hearing this week.

According to the Nemaha County Attorney's Office, David Frehe was bound over for arraignment in Nemaha County District Court on August 5 on two counts of arson.

He is accused of setting a vacant dwelling in Seneca on fire on May 1, 2019, and a pasture in rural Nemaha County on November 4, 2020.

Frehe was charged following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, Seneca Police Department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

He was arrested March 22, and is currently free on a $10,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- A Richardson County, Nebraska native and Air Force Veteran will begin his orthopedic medical practice serving three area hospitals in August. 

Dr. Adam Streit  is currently completing his military career based in St. Louis. During an interview with MSC News Tuesday, Dr. Streit said he grew up on a small farm south of Humboldt and graduated from HTRS and went on to Kansas State University where he received a degree in mechanical engineering.  

Streit said he always saw himself returning to the area and that following medical school he was in contact in neighboring hospitals that indicated a growing need for orthopedic surgical care in the area and he is happy they have been able to work out a very unique partnership between three local hospitals. 

Dr. Streit will offer clinic and surgery services at Community Medical Center, Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn, and Sabetha Community Hospital in Kansas. Falls City’s services will include evaluation, treatment of sports injuries, and simple procedures such as rotator cuff repair, meniscus injuries and ACL reconstruction where the patient goes home the same day, and larger cases like total knee and hip replacement surgeries using modern techniques that will have the patients up and walking the same day and hopefully returning home the next day.

Similar cases, initially focused on outpatient procedures will be performed at the hospitals in both Auburn and Sabetha.

The doctor says that surgery is not the only answer when dealing with orthopedic issues. Injections, physical therapy and splinting are options to be considered before surgery. 

Streit said that appointments can be made for August starting in mid-July for his Falls City location, reachable at 402-245-6510. Start dates for his practice in Sabetha and Auburn are being determined. Appointments for these locations can be made using the number above, or through the outpatient clinics at the Sabetha Community Hospital and the Nemaha County hospital in Auburn. Dr. Streit will be based at Community Medical Center in Falls City but will also offer services in Auburn, Nebraska as well as Sabetha, Kansas.  At Falls City outpatient services will be provided as well as surgeries such as rotator cuff repair and meniscus injuries where the patient goes home the same day.  Total knee and hip replacement surgeries will also be performed using modern techniques that will have the patients up and walking the same day and hopefully returning home the next day. 

Dr. Streit said that appointments can be made for August starting in mid-July. You can contact the Falls City office at CMC at 402-245-6510 and those wanting to see the doctor in Sabetha or in Auburn should contact the Outpatient Clinics at the Sabetha Community Hospital and the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council members approved the recommendation from Mayor Shawna Bindle to appoint Patrick Stamper as the new Assistant  Chief of Police Monday evening.

Stamper has been serving as a Sergeant with the Department.  He will replace Jamie Baker who is the new Chief of Police in Falls City. 

The Council took no action on a bid proposal from the Olsson company in an amount of nearly $12-thousand to conduct a traffic study. Council members felt the proposal was more limited in scope than what they wanted done.  

In other business the Council approved requests from the Chamber of Commerce for Lemonade Days July 10 and the Cobblestone Festival beginning August 12.   

It was noted during the meeting that Sam's Amusements will not be part of the Cobblestone Festival this year.  RockIT Event Pros will provide rides and attractions no Stone Street but will only be operating on Saturday of the Cobblestone Festival. 

(KLZA)-- A Richardson County, Nebraska native and Air Force Veteran will begin his orthopedic medical practice serving three area hospitals in August. 

Dr. Adam Streit  is currently completing his military career based in St. Louis. During an interview with MSC News Tuesday, Dr. Streit said he grew up on a small farm south of Humboldt and graduated from HTRS and went on to Kansas State University where he received a degree in mechanical engineering.  

Streit said he always saw himself returning to the area and that following medical school he was in contact in neighboring hospitals that indicated a growing need for orthopedic surgical care in the area and he is happy they have been able to work out a very unique partnership between three local hospitals. 

Dr. Streit will be based at Community Medical Center in Falls City but will also offer services in Auburn, Nebraska as well as Sabetha, Kansas.  At Falls City outpatient services will be provided as well as surgeries such as rotator cuff repair and meniscus injuries where the patient goes home the same day.  Total knee and hip replacement surgeries will also be performed using modern techniques that will have the patients up and walking the same day and hopefully returning home the next day. 

Outpatient surgeries including sports injuries and ACL reconstruction will be performed at the hospitals in both Auburn and Sabetha.    

The doctor says that surgery is not the only answer when dealing with orthopedic issues. Injections, physical therapy and splinting are options to be considered before surgery. 

Streit says having local orthopedic care available helps keep a continuity of services including physical therapy allowing the patients to see the therapist while in the hospital.  Follow up care is also quicker and smoother with the patients knowing the layout of the facility,  being closer to home meaning no long drives.  Dr. Streit said the staff at all three hospitals employee excellent medical staff members who are well trained and ready to begin providing quality orthopedic care. 

Dr. Streit said that appointments can be made for August starting in mid-July. You can contact the Falls City office at CMC at 402-245-6510 and those wanting to see the doctor in Sabetha or in Auburn should contact the Outpatient Clinics at the Sabetha Community Hospital and the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn.

(KLZA)-- A Richardson County, Nebraska native and Air Force Veteran will begin his orthopedic medical practice serving three area hospitals in August. 

Dr. Adam Streit  is currently completing his military career based in St. Louis. During an interview with MSC News Tuesday, Dr. Streit said he grew up on a small farm south of Humboldt and graduated from HTRS and went on to Kansas State University where he received a degree in mechanical engineering.  

Streit said he always saw himself returning to the area and that following medical school he was in contact in neighboring hospitals that indicated a growing need for orthopedic surgical care in the area and he is happy they have been able to work out a very unique partnership between three local hospitals. 

Dr. Streit will be based at Community Medical Center in Falls City but will also offer services in Auburn, Nebraska as well as Sabetha, Kansas.  At Falls City outpatient services will be provided as well as surgeries such as rotator cuff repair and meniscus injuries where the patient goes home the same day.  Total knee and hip replacement surgeries will also be performed using modern techniques that will have the patients up and walking the same day and hopefully returning home the next day. 

Outpatient surgeries including sports injuries and ACL reconstruction will be performed at the hospitals in both Auburn and Sabetha.    

The doctor says that surgery is not the only answer when dealing with orthopedic issues. Injections, physical therapy and splinting are options to be considered before surgery. 

Streit says having local orthopedic care available helps keep a continuity of services including physical therapy allowing the patients to see the therapist while in the hospital.  Follow up care is also quicker and smoother with the patients knowing the layout of the facility,  being closer to home meaning no long drives.  Dr. Streit said the staff at all three hospitals employee excellent medical staff members who are well trained and ready to begin providing quality orthopedic care. 

Dr. Streit said that appointments can be made for August starting in mid-July. You can contact the Falls City office at CMC at 402-245-6510 and those wanting to see the doctor in Sabetha or in Auburn should contact the Outpatient Clinics at the Sabetha Community Hospital and the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn.

(KMZA)--The City of Seneca will celebrate the city's 150th +1 birthday this weekend.

The city had originally planned to celebrate its 150th last year, but the event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Activities will kick off Friday evening at 5:00 with Cruise Night on Main Street. Music will play on the loudspeakers while classic cars cruise Main.

Mitch Holthus, who serves as the play-by-play voice of the Kansas City Chiefs, will speak at 7:00 in Skoch Park.

Also at Skoch Park there will be food trucks available from 5:30 to 7:30.

A full day of activities is planned Saturday.

All Seneca museums will be open from 9 to noon, plus there will be turn of the century demonstrators.

A cornhole tournament will take place at Skoch Park. Registration is $40 per team, with registration beginning at 10:00 at the tennis courts, and play beginning at 11:00.

There will be games and activities at Skoch Park for all ages from 1 to 6 pm---including axe throwing, face painting, yard games, a cake walk, a strolling magician and more.

In addition, there will be live music, beginning at 1:00. Repeat Offenders will perform from 1 to 3; Sawyer Jay from 3:30 to 5:30; Acoustic Rooster from 5:45 to 8:00; and headliner, David Oakleaf and the Open Road, from 8:30 to 10:30 pm

(KMZA)--Mill and overlay projects are to begin in Marshall County Thursday, June 10, on U.S. 77 and K-233. 

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, about 11 miles of U.S. 77 will be restricted to one lane from U.S. 36 to the Kansas/ Nebraska state line.

Traffic will be directed by a pilot car, flaggers, signs and cones.

Eastbound and westbound U.S. 36 will also be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car when work on U.S. 77 is taking place near the intersection.

K-233 will also be restricted to one lane for about 3.5 miles. The work will extend east from the junction with U.S. 77, then north to the Oketo city limit.

A pilot car, flaggers, signs and cones will direct traffic through the work zone.

Drivers on either route should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes and add extra time in their travel schedules.

Work will take place Monday through Friday, and Saturday if needed, during daylight hours.

Both projects are expected to be completed by late July.

Hall Brothers, Inc., of Marysville is the contractor on the combined $2.4 million projects.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is reminding area residents about the importance of not leaving your young or infant children in your vehicle unattended — especially with temperatures on the rise.

One child death is too many when it comes to this totally preventable tragedy, he emphasized.

“A few years ago I attended a safety conference and spoke with a mother who had lost her infant child due to heatstroke,” he said. “She only went in to the store for a short amount of time and when she came out, her infant had perished due to the high temperatures that had escalated on a sunny day. She now regularly speaks at conferences so people can know first hand how a simple mistake has affected her life.”

Now, with the COVID-19 precautions there are more concerns about unattended small children and infants in vehicles.

“Parents feel that if they leave the vehicle running with the A/C on or the windows cracked open, that is acceptable,” Sheriff Merchant said. “I’m sorry to say that it is not---if the engine quit, temperature’s can soar in a matter of minutes in direct sun. Best case scenario is to make sure to have an older adult or family member supervise the children or make sure to leave them with a qualified care giver or family member.”

By statistic---A child dies from heatstroke about once every 10 days from being left unattended in a hot vehicle. Heatstroke is the number 1 leading cause of NON-CRASH vehicle fatalities for children under the age of 15. These types of child deaths are 100 percent preventable.

“Vehicle heatstroke occurs when a child is left in a hot vehicle, allowing for the child’s temperature to rise in a quick and deadly manner,” Sheriff Merchant said.

Merchant also warned about the Greenhouse Effect in vehicles, where the inside of a vehicle heats up very quickly. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can reach 125 degrees in minutes. Cracking the windows does not help slow the heating process OR decrease the maximum temperature. Sheriff Merchant said 80 percent of the increase in temperature happens in the first 10 minutes, and children have died from heatstroke in cars in temps as low as 60 degrees.

“A child’s body absorbs more heat on a hot day than an adult — just because we do not feel the effects of the heat, it doesn’t mean the children are OK,” he said. “High body temperature can cause a child permanent injury or even death. 10 minutes is all the time it takes for a car to reach deadly temperatures.”

Merchant reminded to NEVER leave your child alone in a vehicle — even for short periods of time.

Some statistics:

54% of child death heatstroke cases, the child was “forgotten” by caregivers

27% of child heatstroke cases, the kids got in the vehicles on their own.

18% children were intentionally left in the vehicles by an adult.

1% unknown circumstances

The children that have died from vehicular heatstroke in the United States (1998-October 2016) have ranged in age from 5 days to 14 years. More than half of the deaths are children under 2 years of age. Below are the percentage of total (695) deaths (and the number of deaths).

SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE

Red, hot and moist

or dry skin

No sweating

A strong rapid pulse

or a slow weak pulse

Throbbing headache

Dizziness

Nausea

Confusion

Being grouchy or acting strangely

“We are asking the public’s assistance in helping to prevent these types of tragedies from happening,”  Merchant said. “Be aware when in parking lots, garages, anywhere vehicles may be parked. Be on the lookout for any small children left unattended in vehicles. Notify law enforcement at once by calling 911, and stay with the vehicle until help arrives.”

Merchant issued a reminder that pets are also as susceptible to heat strokes in vehicles, just like children.

“With the higher summer temperatures on the way, we are also reminding everyone in addition to keeping an eye out for children at risk, the elderly and those with medical issues need proper care also,” he said. “If you have an elderly neighbor or relative, check on them often during days with high temperatures, make sure the have fans, a/c. etc that is needed to keep them comfortable. Regular fluid intake is a must, stay away from alcohol and caffine."

(KAIR)--The interim Chief of the Atchison Fire Department will remain in the position permanently.

Patrick Weishaar has served as Interim Fire Chief since January, filling the position after former Chief Ted Graf stepped down.

That’s according to a release Wednesday from Atchison City Manager Becky Berger, announcing Weishaar’s move into the department’s top leadership position.

A native of Nortonville, Weishaar joined the Atchison Fire Department in 1999, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2012 and to Captain in 2017. The release notes that Weishaar was named Deputy Fire Chief in 2020, and has been the department’s code enforcement officer since 2014. He manages the lighting system for the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge, serves on several boards and committees within the community and was recently named the city’s Administrative Hearings Officer.

Berger, in the release, says Weishaar’s work in the interim position has been “innovative,” working “to lead the department in an efficient and effective way,” which Berger says earned him “the right to remove the interim tag from his job title.”

Weishaar, in the release, says he has “had many great mentors throughout [his] career with the department,” noting that he is “proud to serve [Atchison’s] citizens and continue the exceptional reputation and legacy of the Atchison Fire Department.”

(KLZA)-- Following the acceptance of the resignation of City Administrator, Clerk,Treasurer Gary Jorn Monday night, the Falls City Council discussed how to approach filling the position. 

Council member Mitch Merz expressed he feels the job currently includes too many duties for one person.  Jorn's duties currently include doing building inspections, working with zoning as well as treasurer, clerk and administrator.  

Merz said with Jorn leaving, and possibly some other upcoming retirements, this is a good time to look at a restructuring of duties at City Hall and deciding what the cities needs are in the office. 

Following the discussion, the Council approved advertising locally for a City Manager,  with the duties to be determined by the talents of the candidates for the job.  

(KAIR)--A teenage bicyclist did not require hospital treatment despite being struck by an SUV at an Atchison intersection.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the teenage boy was struck after his northbound bicycle entered the intersection at 6th Street and U.S. Highway 59, on a red light, and collided with the westbound SUV.

The teen was treated at the scene for minor injuries by Atchison County EMS, but was not transported for hospital treatment.

The wreck happened around 4:20 Tuesday afternoon.

(KAIR)--A late April disturbance led to the discovery of a handgun, and to this week’s arrest of an Atchison man on charges related to its possession.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 20-year-old Dwayne Nixon was taken into custody Monday for possession of a firearm by a felon.

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

According to Wilson, Nixon had the handgun when police were called to the 700 block of Parallel Street on April 30 for the report of a disturbance.

The report states that “an investigation determined that [Nixon] has a felony conviction in the state of New Jersey,” making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has denied zoning change requests that would have allowed for the construction of two Verizon Wireless towers in the county.

The Commission took the action Monday following public hearings.

The first zoning change request was for property located at 518 North Centre Street in Troy that would have allowed for the construction of a 190-foot cell tower.

County Clerk Peggy Franken presented the Commission with a petition in opposition to the zoning change filed on behalf of 13 adjoining property owners. Also six adjoining property owners spoke in opposition to the request.

Paul Greeley, Selective Site Services Representative, spoke in favor of the zoning change. He said there are no health effects caused by telecommunication towers within a distance of up 200 feet from the tower site, and there are Kansas statutory regulations on cell towers. Charles “ Ken” Huss, who owns the property where the cell tower was to be constructed, spoke in favor of the zoning change as well.

The second zoning change request was for property located at 1141 Tioga Road, in rural Wathena, and would have allowed for the construction of a 150-foot cell tower.

An adjoining property owner spoke in opposition to the zoning change.

Both zoning change requests were denied on 2-1 votes, with Commissioner Wayne Grable casting the dissenting vote on each.  That came after motions by Grable to approve the zoning changes failed on a 1-2 vote.  

The Doniphan County Regional Planning Commission had recommended approval of the zoning changes.

( Editor's note: information from unofficial commission meeting minutes)

(KMZA)--A Valley Heights FFA member has received one of the association's top honors.

Wesley Denton was recognized as the State Star Farmer during the virtual 93rd Kansas FFA Convention, which was held June 2–4.

Each year, the Kansas FFA Association recognizes three FFA members who have the top Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs with the Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness, and Star in Ag Placement awards. The Kansas Star Farmer award is sponsored by United Bank and Trust.

Denton’ SAE is in Beef Production – Entrepreneurship. During his SAE experience, he expanded and grew his beef operation while working at Springhill Herefords. He started his operation at 3 years old when his grandfather gave him his first heifer. Since then, his herd size has grown to 45 mature cows, along with 25 heifers, steers, and bulls. Denton has gained valuable knowledge related to successful beef production, including research on breeding beef cattle as well as haying and row crop operations. 

Wesley is the son of John and Angie Denton. His FFA chapter advisor is Drew Obermeyer.

(KNZA)--A Hoyt man was injured after being struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Sheriff's Office was notified of the accident in the 12-thousand block of 110th Road, west of Q Road, shortly before 7:30.

He said a 2015 Ford F-250 Super duty truck was westbound when it struck the man.

He was taken by ambulance to a Topeka hospital with what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries.

The names of those involved have not been released.

Jackson County EMS, Hoyt and Mayetta Fire Departments responded to the scene.

The accident remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

(KAIR)--Vehicles of all varieties, prohibited for years from operating in the area where Atchison’s downtown pedestrian mall stood, will again be allowed.  

That comes as crews continue to progress on the demolition of the long-standing, long-controversial mall, which encompassed the 500 through 600 blocks of Commercial Street, with the bulk of the removal funded through a grant awarded to the City of Atchison.  A completion date around mid-July is expected.  

Assistant Atchison City Manager Justin Pregont presented the proposed change for allowable traffic to the Atchison City Commission Monday. The 400 block will remain a pedestrian-friendly area, despite the removal of the majority of the mall, with vehicles remaining prohibited between 4th Street and 5th Street.  

The ordinance, allowing motor vehicles, bicycles, roller skates, in-line skates, and skateboards to return to the 500 through 600 blocks of Commercial Street, once the Commercial Street Revitalization Project is finished, gained unanimous support from the Commission when approved during Monday’s Commission meeting.  

The project, which began in February, will make the former mall area resemble other areas of Commercial Street, and bring the location closer to how it was utilized prior to the mall’s construction. According to the City, the 500 to 600 block-stretch of Commercial Street was converted into the pedestrian mall after two flash-floods in 1958 devastated the downtown area, and “hastened the replacement of many of the oldest commercial buildings.”  

The Atchison City Commission voted last year to move forward with demolition of the mall, with 75-percent of the demolition project’s cost being funded through a Kansas Department of Transportation grant. That leaves the City responsible for the remaining 25-percent.

(KAIR)--Two residential thefts, both occurring on Atchison’s King Street, are under investigation by Atchison Police.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, one of the two thefts occurred at a residence located in the 700 block of King, and is believed to have occurred June 5.

A cordless drill, along with batteries and fishing reels, were among the items taken.

The estimated cost of the stolen items is $525.

The second theft occurred sometime between June 1 and June 5 at a residence located in the 900 block of King.

Taken during the theft were items including a bench grinder, fishing rods and reels, a ladder, and hand tools.

According to Wilson, those missing items are valued at $1,500.

Anyone with information related to the two residential burglaries are asked to notify Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KAIR)--Two Atchison residents, arrested as part of a late 2020 drug investigation, are going to prison.

That's according to Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker who, in a release, says that an Atchison County Sheriff's investigation led to the search of a residence on December 30, and to the arrests of Demarko McClenton and Bailey Walker. Both were arrested on drug-related charges following the discovery of what Becker calls "evidence consistent with drug distribution," including methamphetamine, digital scales, and plastic baggies. A small child was also living in the home at the time of the search.

Both McClenton and Walker pled guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aggravated child endangerment.

In April, McClenton was sentenced in Atchison County District Court to nearly 5 years in prison. He will serve the first 51-months for the drug charges and 6-months for child endangerment, with both sentences running consecutive to each other.

On Monday, Walker was sentenced in Atchison County District Court to nearly 6-years in prison, with her first 64-months be served for the drug charges and 6-months for child endangerment, with her sentences also running consecutively.

Becker, in the release, explains that while both McClenton and Walker were convicted of the same crimes, their sentences are slightly different due to their past criminal history scores.

(KLZA)-- Falls City, City Administrator Gary Jorn has resigned.  His last day on the job will be August 13.  

Jorn, who also serves as city clerk and treasurer, told MSC News that he is headed back to school, and will enter a graduate program to continue his education.  

Jorn is a member of the Falls City Volunteer Ambulance Squad and hopes extend his EMT training and continue in the medical field. 

First appointed to his current position in 2007, Jorn says he feels now is the time to take on a new challenge before he gets any older. 

Jorn said that he is satisfied with most things that have happened during his time as City Administrator, Clerk, Treasurer including the implementation of new programs and growth. 

Jorn noted that serving in the Administrator position is demanding and a challenge, requiring the juggling the many moving parts of the City. 

Following action on Jorn's resignation Monday night, the Council discussed ideas for restructuring the  City Administrator Position.  

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department served a search warrant over the weekend in connection with an investigation into the alleged sexual exploitation of a child.

Police Chief John Defore, in a news release, said the Department served the search warrant on Saturday in the 500 block of Iowa Street.

Defore said the warrant was obtained following an investigation triggered by a suspicious activity report made by the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

During execution of the warrant, officers seized electronics, hard drives, computers and other data storage devices, which were believed to have been used for the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 14.

The case remains under investigation. Once the investigation is complete, Defore said reports will be submitted to the Brown County Attorney's Office for review of potential charges.

(KAIR)--An elderly woman went to the hospital after being struck by a vehicle in an Atchison parking lot.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 87-year-old Minnie Frakes, who was on foot, was struck by a vehicle that was backing up in the Atchison Walmart parking lot, located at 1920 U.S. Highway 73, around 12:15 Saturday afternoon.

Wilson says Frakes was transported by private vehicle for hospital examination.

The driver of the Toyota Cruiser, Shelly Hall, of Meriden, was not hurt.

(KAIR)--A Wounded Warriors Memorial Stone could be coming to the Atchison Riverfront, pending the receipt of donations and Atchison City Commission action on the request.

The matter is among items set to come before the Commission during its late Monday afternoon meeting.

The idea of the memorial is that of citizen Jackie Bowen, who took the matter before the Riverfront Foundation, which has granted its approval, with certain stipulations, including colors and location.

According to a memo sent from the foundation to the City, the memorial stone would be placed “between the two trees that are just southeast of the Courtney Turner Wall,” which stands at the riverfront.

With the proposed memorial meeting the criteria established by the City for such donations, a recommendation to approve placement of the memorial is provided to the Commission by City Staff.

Bowen is now working to raise the $4,400 needed for the purchase of the memorial, in care of Combat Wounded Warriors.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has begun the 2022 budget process.

Department heads and organizations receiving funding from the county met with the Commission on Friday to present their budget requests for next year.

The largest budget request was for the road and bridge department--nearly $4 million.

Commissioners took the budget requests under advisement. 

A proposed 2022 budget will be drafted for publication.  Final approval of the budget will follow a public hearing, which is expected to take place in July.

In other business, the Commission voted to allow George Bruning to take over as Solid Waste Director in addition to continuing to serve as Noxious Weed Director. Bruning will be paid $25 an hour for a period of six months at which time the commission will re-evaluate.     

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A state board unanimously recommended Friday that the Kansas  Supreme Court disbar a prosecutor who's accused of misleading juries in two separate cases, actions that caused them to be overturned by higher courts.

The Topeka Capital Journal reports the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys argued that Jacqie Spradling embraced a “win at all costs” attitude in two cases: a 2012 double homicide case and a 2016 rape and sodomy case.

Spradling is accused of falsely leading a jury to believe that Dana Chandler in Shawnee County had violated a protection order obtained by her ex-husband, who was killed along with his fiance. No abuse order was ever found to have existed.

Similar accusations were made against Spradling in the case of Jacob Ewing, a Jackson County man convicted in the rape and sodomy case.

In both cases, appeals courts tossed out the convictions.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County traffic stop leads to the arrest of an Emmett man on drug charges.

Sheriff Tim Morse said sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop Saturday evening on a car south of Holton near 214th Road and U.S. 75 Highway around 9:30.

Morse said a Jackson County Sheriff's K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. He said deputies located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.

39-year-old Skyler Dobson was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Dobson was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man, accused of stealing a semi in northern Jackson County in April, has been taken into custody.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said 35-year-old Zane McHenry was arrested shortly after 6:30 Saturday morning following a traffic stop near 150th Road and U.S. 75 Highway.

McHenry was arrested on a felony no bond Jackson County warrant for burglary, felony theft and criminal damage to property. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Morse said the Sheriff's Office was notified in April of the theft of a 1989 Peterbilt semi-tractor from the 11-thousand block of 310th Road on April 8.

On April 10, the Jackson County Undersheriff as well as several callers observed the stolen semi in north Topeka.  The semi was recovered at that time.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County standoff with a wanted Nemaha County fugitive ended with the man in custody Friday night.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, his deputies were joined by Holton Police and the Kansas Highway Patrol for the nearly two hours it took to persuade the fugitive, identified as 35-year-old Wetmore resident Robert Lee Rye III, to surrender.

Rye was wanted out of Nemaha County on a felony probation warrant.

Rye, who was barricaded in a rural Holton residence located at 12349 244th Lane, surrendered without incident to law enforcement shortly after 11:15 Friday night.

He was booked into the Jackson County Jail for interference with law enforcement and on the felony probation warrant.

(KNZA)--Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with a vandalism spree in Hiawatha late last week.

Hiawatha Police took several reports of offensive graffiti and profanity being spray painted in black on utility boxes, signs, sidewalks and the skate park.

The incidents are believed to have occurred between midnight and 5:00 Friday morning.

Police Chief John Defore said the police department received a tip from a local resident that aided in the arrest of two juvenile males in the case.

He said criminal charges are being forwarded to the Brown County Attorney for his consideration. 

(KNZA)--A temporary change in operation at the Hiawatha City Hall.

Due to a staffing shortage related to a Covid-19 exposure, City Administrator Mike Nichols said in a news release that the doors to City Hall will be locked until noon on Wednesday, June 9th. 

Nichols said they will be operating by appointment only and appreciate your patience.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Police are investigating an early Friday morning vandalism spree.

According to a release from Police Chief John Defore, officers took several reports of black rubber spray paint on utility boxes, signs, sidewalks, and the skate park.  

Defore said it is believed the crimes took place between midnight and 5:00.

He said officers are currently working several leads and are talking to witnesses.

Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to contact the Hiawatha Police Department at 785-742-2156 or Brown County Dispatch and request to speak to a Hiawatha Police Officer.  

The investigation is ongoing.

(KLZA)--The Mound City R-2 Board of Education met on May 18th

High School Principal Jake Shipman and Elementary and Middle School Principal Dee Flint discussed revisions and offerings for the 2021-22 school year. Parental involvement statistics along with student enrollment, retentions, attendance and suspensions were also discussed. 

Superintendent Korey Miles read a retirement letter from preschool teacher Ann Walker, who was to retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year.

The board approved the concrete project bid to Schueth Concrete to install the concrete wall for the track project. Superintendent Miles reported that work had started on the track. Fencing was being taken down and lighting work was to begin the following week. 

(KMZA)--The 24-year-old Manhattan man whose body was recovered from Tuttle Creek Lake on Wednesday has been identified.

The Riley County Police Department on Friday identified the man as Okheem Riley. 

Fort Riley officials say Riley was a First Lieutenant from the 1st Sustainment Brigade and had served at the Fort since 2018.

Authorities were called to the lake around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon after someone found a vehicle and clothes near the shoreline.

His body was recovered shortly before midnight following a nearly 10 hour search. 

Foul play is not suspected.   

(KAIR)--A Friday morning, Atchison County crash sent an Atchison woman to the hospital.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 18-year-old Destinee Ogle fell asleep while driving on U.S. Highway 73, near 222nd Road.

After falling asleep behind the wheel of her Dodge minivan, Ogle over-corrected, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and roll-over multiple times.

Ogle was transported for hospitalized treatment of non-life threatening injuries by Atchison County EMS.

The wreck was reported shortly before 7:00 Friday morning.

(KNZA)--A primary election will be needed to narrow the field of candidates for two school board positions in Jackson County.

According to the Jackson County Clerk's Office, they include position 5 on the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board and position 4 on the Holton USD 336 Board.

On the Jackson Heights board, Wendie Richter, Shannon Henry, Matthew Browning and Justin Moore are vying for position 5. The position is currently held by Ed Rostetter.

On the Holton school board, Ryan Phillips, Zachary Lancaster, Simon Murnahan and Rochelle Falk are seeking position 4. The position is currently held by Allen Arnold.

During the August 3 primary election, the top two getters for each position will advance to the November 2 general election ballot.

There will also be contested races for several other school board positions in November.

On the Jackson Heights USD 335 board, Bobbie Ray and David Holliday are vying for position 4, which is currently held by Kelly Kennedy. Incumbent Douglas Amon is being challenged by Samantha Mellies for position 6.

On the Holton USD 336 Board, Brittany Debarge and Terry Clark are seeking position 2, which is to fill an unexpired term. In addition, Casey Kathrens and Terry Lierz are seeking position 6, which Lierz was appointed to last year.

There will also be a contested race for a position on the Royal Valley USD 337 Board. Incumbent Ann Kelly is being challenged by Michelle Decker and Bailey Parker in her bid for re-election to position 6.

Tuesday was the filing deadline.

(KLZA)--A Falls City man was arrested on multiple drug charges following a traffic stop Wednesday evening.  

According to the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Chance Simon near 12th and Chase St in Falls City around 7:30. The Brown County Sheriff's office K-9 Unit assisted.

Simon was arrested on 9 felony charges. 

They include new charges of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a playground, possession of methamphetamine and possession of money during a drug crime.

He was also arrested on two Richardson County warrants for three drug-related offenses each. 

Simon was booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KLZA)--A Brock man was killed Tuesday evening in a single-vehicle roll-over wreck on a Nemaha County, Nebraska road.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office says the wreck was reported around 7:45 just west of the intersection of Highways 105 and 67, west of Brock. 

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Offfice says 55-year-old Alan Dickute was westbound on 735 Road when it appears he lost control of his vehicle, which went off the north side of the road and rolled.

Dickhute, who was the lone occpant in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Responders from Johnson Fire and Rescue, Brock Fire Department and Talmage Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. 

(KLZA)--Old Man River Days returns to Peru June 4 – 6th. 

The Peru Community Impact Group sponsors the weekend of events.  

Friday events begin at 6 p.m. with live entertainment from 6 -9 including a talent show and watermelon feed.

There will be plenty of food and beverages to keep guests filled up.  
Saturday kicks off with a Missouri River fishing tournament.  At 9 a.m. the Peru Free Book Exchange will be dedicated. 

Starting at 10 a.m. there will be a car, truck and motorcycle show,  entertainment, craft and vendor booths. A quilt show will be held at the Peru  Community Church and there is a  Firemans' lunch at City Hall from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

The entertainment continues through the afternoon and evening and Sunday a Peru State College Campus Walking Tour will take place.  
 

(KAIR)--The final survey is released regarding the future mascot for the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409.  

According to a release from the school district, four options are “listed in the survey that fit the [school district’s] non-discriminatory policy.” The survey indicates that the mascot selection that is chosen will be utilized for the entire district, encompassing grades K-12.

The four mascot choices listed on the survey are Phoenix, Bison, Red Storm, and Eagles.  The release notes that the school district’s red and gold “A” logo, separate from the mascot, will continue to be used district wide, which is why it was not a mascot choice.  

The survey will close on June 9, and the results will be shared publicly at the June 14 School Board meeting.

The latest, and final survey, comes through the work of a committee formed to study the mascot issue following the USD 409 Board of Education’s unanimous vote in April to retire the Atchison Middle School’s “Braves” mascot and Atchison High School’s “Redmen” mascot due to cultural insensitivity toward Native-Americans.  

The mascot input committee is comprised of three school board members, various numbers of school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community members.

(KNZA)--A Horton woman was among two women arrested Wednesday evening following a Shawnee County burglary.

According to the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office, they received a 911 call just after 8:30 about a vehicle burglary and theft that had just occurred in the 58-hundred block of Northwest 75 Highway. Deputies responded, and with information from a resident, were able to locate the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was stopped near Northeast 24 Highway and Northeast Goldwater Road.

During the investigation, the Sheriff's Office says multiple stolen items from the burglary and items associated with other Jefferson County cases were located.

Arrested were 32-year-old Jessica Garza, of Horton, and 34-year-old Lindsey Wabaunsee, of Topeka.

Garza was charged with burglary, theft, possession of stolen property and felony criminal damage to property. Wabaunsee was charged with burglary, theft, possession of stolen property, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

Both women were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

The incident remains under investigation.

(KNZA)--An extensive remodeling project is planned next week at the Brown County Treasurer's Office.

The Treasurer's Office says they will be operating in the 2nd floor lobby of the Courthouse at temporary stations during the project.

According to a release, there may be delays, shut downs and long wait times.

They ask customers to be patient with them as they work through the remodel, which is to take place June 7 through 11th.

The last remodel was more than 30 years ago.

(KNZA)--With the filing deadline coming to a close this week, races have been set for November's general election in Doniphan County.

In Elwood, Timmy Kieser, Sr. is being challenged in his bid for re-election as mayor by Darrell Lamme.

Five candidates are vying for two open seats on the Elwood City Council. They include incumbent Dennis Smith along with Jim Colhour, Megan Shackelford, Crystal Hontz and Samuel Meers.

In Troy, five candidates are seeking three open seats on the city council. They include incumbents William Ruhnke, Micheal Brissett and Tim Hanlan, along with Tom Cook and Duane Weishaar.

In White Cloud, nine candidates are vying for five open seats on the city council. They include incumbents Leslie Coelho, Lois Elrod, Clint Waggoner and Michelle Waggoner, along with Jessica Edie, Brad Cluck, Jennifer Goff, Geoffrey Goff and Richard Nuzum.

Four candidates are seeking three open positions on the Elwood Gladden Drainage District Board. They include incumbents Bobby Hall, Alvin “ Woody” Wood and Dave Patterson, along with Jared Paden.

Write-in votes will determine who will fill several city positions due to a lack of candidate filings.

Only one candidate filed for five open seats on the Denton City Council. Incumbent Christine Tharp was the lone candidate to file.

Only one candidate filed for three open positions on the Highland City Council. Terry Gibson is seeking re-election to one of the three positions.

No one filed for Leona mayor or for two open positions on the Leona City Council.

No one filed for Severance mayor

Two candidates filed for three open positions on the Wathena City Council. Incumbents Jarod Jackson and Cory Shue are seeking re-election.

(KNZA)--Two individuals were arrested on multiple drug charges following the execution of a search warrant at a Falls City apartment Thursday afternoon.

According to the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, deputies served a search warrant at an apartment located at 2702 Chase Street at about 4:00.

The Sheriff's Office says deputies located about 55 grams of methamphetamine, as well as marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Also seized were multiple police scanners and a list of deputies and their badge numbers.

The Sheriff's Office says the scanners were believed to be used to monitor law enforcement radio traffic during the distribution of methamphetamine.

Arrested were Daniel Lock and Taylor Zimmerling.

Lock was arrested on four felony charges—including possession of over 28 grams of meth, possession of meth, possession of money during a drug crime and no drug tax stamp. He was also cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Zimmerling was arrested on three felony charges—including possession of over 28 grams of meth, possession of meth and no drug tax stamp. In addition, she was cited for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The pair were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KMZA) A body was recovered late Wednesday night from Tuttle Creek Lake after emergency crews searched for nearly 10 hours.  

The Riley County Police Department, in a news release, said a resident reported a vehicle and clothes near a shoreline at the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and and Shady Lane just before 2:30 Wednesday afternoon.

When emergency crews responded, they located identifying information for a 24-year-old Manhattan man, but were unable to locate the individual. 

Emergency personnel from numerous agencies assisted in the search, and the body was located just before midnight.

The man’s name is being withheld at this time  

The Riley County Police Department will investigate the cause of death, but foul play is not suspected.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Texas jury has awarded $222 million to the widow of a man who was killed in an accident at Evergy's Jeffrey Energy Center power plant in northeast Kansas.

The jury found Team Industrial Services, a Texas-based subcontractor for what was then called Westar Energy, was 90% responsible for the death of Jesse Henson, of Manhattan.

Henson and a co-worker, Damien Burchett, of Overbrook, were burned alive by steam at the plant near St. Marys in June 2018.

Westar, which is now called Evergy, was found to be 10% responsible. The men were engulfed by hot steam while checking on a loss of power. Burchett's relatives have filed a separate lawsuit. 

(KAIR)--Monument repairs are underway at Atchison’s Oak Hill Cemetery.

 According to a release from the City of Atchison, donated funds for staff time and materials are being utilized for the effort.  Personnel from the City’s Public Works and Utilities “have been spending several evenings resetting and repairing broken, leaning and toppled monuments at the City-owned cemetery.”  

According to the release, 150 monuments, in a 2018 survey, were identified “as being the most hazardous or otherwise problematic,” with the crews now having repaired around 75 monuments.  

Plans are in place to continue the repair work throughout the summer.  

Last year, controversy arosee regarding the cemetery when the City moved to replace headstones, deemed to be safety threats, with metal plaques.

(KAIR)--Nine grants, totaling more than $22,000, have been approved as part of the ongoing effort to revitalize downtown Atchison.

 According to a release from the City of Atchison, the grant monies will “go toward building facade improvements in the 500 through 600 blocks of Commercial Street.”  

The release notes that the nine grants, totaling $22,275, were recently approved by the City’s Economic Development Advisory Group. The grant awards, made through the City’s Facade Grant Program, “are expected to leverage just under $70,000 worth of facade improvements.”  

The Atchison City Commission, earlier this year, voted unanimously to create the Facade Grant Program as a way, according to the release, “to incentivize improvements to buildings that had been partially obscured by the concrete canopies in the 500 through 600 blocks of Commercial Street for nearly six decades.” Those concrete canopies have been removed in recent months as part of the renovation of the now demolished Commercial Street pedestrian mall, with the street to return to vehicle traffic once the project is completed.  

The release says that nearly $30,000 of Facade Grant Program funding remains in the program, and a second round of awards is expected to be announced in August.

(KAIR)--Races are set for Atchison County elections with the deadline to file coming to a close.  

That happened Tuesday at noon, with several filings happening on the day of the deadline.  

Six candidates have filed to seek one of the three open seats on the Atchison City Commission.  That includes former city commissioner William "Bill" Murphy who, along with David Deware and Michael White, filed to run Tuesday. Previously filing for the Commission race was Jesse Greenly, seeking to keep the position he was appointed to in June, 2020 to fill an unexpired term. Incumbents Lisa Moody and Dr. Allen Reavis are also seeking reelection.  Two of the three open seats are four-year terms, while one is a two year term.

Two filed Tuesday to seek election to the Lancaster City Council, with Larry Myer and Ryan Hermwreck joining Emily Pruett-Bare in seeking one of the three open seats. No one filed to seek the open Mayoral seat, currently held by Tim Callahan. All of the positions are four-year terms  

The Effingham City Council has six, two-term open seats, along with the position of Mayor, up for election this year, with four filing to seek the openings. Harvey Fasse filed to seek the position of Mayor, a seat currently held by James Potts, who did not file for reelection. Newcomer Adam Diebolt filed for election to the council, while incumbents David Lowe and Kirk Wohlgemuth filed to seek reelection.

Six, two-year terms, including Mayor, are up for election on the Muscotah City Council, with five incumbents filing to run, Susan Higley, Darryl Hundley, Margaret Jacobs, Dale Small, and Dalia Wilson. Filing for the Mayoral position is incumbent Brian Higley.

Six positions, including that of Mayor, all two-year terms, are open for the Huron City Council, with incumbent Mayor Jaquetta Peak the lone Huron filing.  

Local school boards are also up for election, with newcomer Allison Marschean filing Tuesday to seek election to the USD 409 Board of Education for the Atchison Public Schools. Five open, at-large positions are up for election on the board. Four of the positions are four-year terms while one is an unexpired, two-year term, which is what Brandi Ross will seek, according to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips. Ross was appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Board in August, 2020. Two other newcomers, Deborah Eplee and Chuck Tilton are seeking election, while incumbents Sean Crittendon, Diane Liebsch, and Carrie Sowers filed to seek reelection.  

Three positions, numbers four, five, and six, are open on the USD 377 Board of Education for the Atchison County Schools, with incumbent Corey Neill challenged in his bid for reelection to position 5 by Trenton Beagle. Incumbent Kelli Bottorff filed for reelection to position 4, while incumbent Lori Lanter filed for reelection to position 6. All three positions are four year terms.

(KLZA)--A farewell reception for Peru State College President Dan Hanson and his wife Elaine is scheduled for Saturday.

It will take place outdoors on the Peru State campus, beginning at 1:30. A program will begin around 2:00.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Al Wheeler Activity Center.

Reservations are not required and refreshments will be served. Masks are recommended for anyone that has not yet been vaccinated.

Hanson is retiring June 30 after serving 12 years as Peru State President

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a free, catch and release fishing derby at the Pawnderosa City Pond in Pawnee City on Saturday, June 5.

Kids ages 4 – 15 are invited to take part.  Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the event from 8 – 11:00 a.m.

The age  groups will be 4 -7;  8-11; and 12 – 15. 

All participants must be accompanied by an adult.

Bait will be provided, the kids just need to bring a fishing pole.  There will be a limited supply of loaner poles available.  

Educational fishing information will be provided and there will be a casting contest and drawings.  Smith Auto is providing a hot dog lunch following the event.

Anyone that would like to volunteer to help should contact Nanette Smith at 402-239-8838.

(KLZA)--The City of Peru has announced that beginning Monday, June 7th water will be trucked into Peru while mandatory maintenance takes place on the temporary water treatment plant and well.

As a result the city will be in a boil advisory and a stage three water emergency. 

The city's supply will be trucked in from Auburn. Therefore it will be necessary to vigorously boil your water for 1 minute for drinking and cooking or to use an alternate source of water until sampling confirms that no further bacteriological contamination has occurred.

Peru Community Impact Group has donated pallets of drinking water that will be available to the public. 

The city is also requiring that water conservation be practiced to ease the burden of hauling water. 

During a stage three water emergency there is to be no use of  outside water , car washing, all lawn/irrigation or waste of water. 

The city will notify it's residents as soon as the stage is able to be lifted.

(KNZA)--Construction of new passing lanes on U.S. 75 Highway in Brown County is scheduled to begin Monday, June 7, weather permitting.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the $8 million project will begin about three miles north of the intersection with K-20 and extend north 2.5 miles. The bridge over Plum Creek will also be widened during the project.

KDOT says both northbound and southbound passing lanes are being added.

One lane in each direction will remain open to traffic for a majority of the project. Traffic will be reduced to one lane with the usage of temporary signals during a later phase of the project.

Work will take place Monday through Friday during daytime hours, and is expected to be completed by April 2022.

Hamm Inc., of Perry is the contractor on the $8 million project.

In a separate project, passing lanes are currently being added to a two-mile stretch of U.S. 75 in Jackson County, just south of the intersection with K-9 Highway near Netawaka.

That $4 million project is also slated to be completed by April of next year.

Hamm Inc., of Perry, is the contractor on both projects.

(KNZA)--Emergency repairs will be made to a Brown County bridge due to weather-related damage.

During a short special meeting Tuesday, the Brown County Commission accepted the lone bid received from Norfolk Contracting, of Norfolk Nebraska, in the amount of $48,732 to repair the east pier of a bridge on 220th road about a quarter mile east of Nighthawk Road.

The county will be responsible for the backfill and rip rap, if necessary, as well as furnishing the concrete needed.

The contractor is to begin construction by June 15.

(KNZA)--There will be several contested races during the November general election in Brown County for city and school board positions.

On the Horton City Commission, Carmela Boller and Bobby Bacon are vying for Commissioner of Streets and Utilities. The position is currently held by Wade Edwards, who didn't seek re-election.

Ken Krug is being challenged by Tina Nigh in his bid for re-election as Finance Commissioner.

There will be a contested race for Powhattan mayor. Incumbent Lyle Chadwell is being challenged by Vickie Schuetz.

There will be contested races for two positions on the Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education.

Incumbent Andrea Groth and Jacquelyn Kerl are vying for position 5.

Three candidates are vying for position 6, which is currently held by Keith Erdley. They include John Hoschouer, Jim Robidoux and Jeff Moore.

There will be two contested races for positions on the South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education.

Shelby Rice and Jared Wilson are seeking position 5, which is currently held by Jamie Bottom. Bottom didn't seek re-election.

Three candidates are vying for position 6, which is currently held by Jacob Bruning. They include Sarah Stirton, Shelly Smith and Kayla Thorson.

Tuesday was the filing deadline.

(KMZA)--Several additional candidates filed for city and school board positions up for election in November in Nemaha County before Tuesday’s deadline.

Julie Burenheide filed for the position of Sabetha mayor. She joins Cody Bletscher is seeking the position currently held by Doug Clark, who didn‘t seek re-election. Burenheide currently serves as Commissioner of Streets.

Sharon Kibbe filed for Commissioner of Finance on the Sabetha City Commission. She is challenging Maridel Wittmer in her bid for re-election.

Two additional candidates filed for position 2 on the Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education. Cara Baker and Dr. Tony Szymankowski join Troy Lewis in vying for the position, which is currently held by Dave Clements.

The general election will be held November 2.

(KNZA)--A primary election will be needed to narrow the field of candidates for a position on the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board of Education.

Four candidates have filed for position 5, which is currently held by Ed Rostetter, who didn't seek re-election.

They include Wendie Richter, Shannon Henry, Matthew Browning and Justin Moore.

During the August 3 primary election, the top two vote getters will advance to the November 2nd general election ballot.

There will be also be contested races in November for positions on the Holton USD 336 Board of Education and Royal Valley USD 337 Board of Education.

Three candidates are vying for position 4 on the Holton USD 336 Board. They include Ryan Phillips, Zachary Lancaster and Rochelle Falk. The position is currently held by Allen Arnold, who didn't seek re-election.

Three candidates are seeking position 6 on the Royal Valley USD 337 Board. They include incumbent Ann Kelly, Michelle Decker and Bailey Parker.

Tuesday was the filing deadline.

(KAIR)--A Tuesday afternoon two-vehicle Atchison County wreck sent one person to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 73, just west of Atchison, shortly before 3:00.

The Patrol reports 73-year-old David Phelan, of Atchison, was exiting a private drive and failed to yield to a westbound vehicle on U.S. 73 driven by 30-year-old Cierra Cummings, of Atchison. Cummings Ford Explorer struck Phelan's Acura RDX on the driver's side.

Cummings was transported to Amberwell Health in Atchison with suspected minor injuries.

Phelan, a three-year-old child in Cummings vehicle and a passenger in Phelan's vehicle were not hurt.

The Patrol says the occupants in both vehicles were properly restrained.

(KLZA)--Southeast District Health Department will continue its daily walk-in COVID-19 Clinics, but there will be a slight change in the schedule this week.

Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be given today and Pfizer on Wednesday, located at their office at 2511 Schneider Ave, in Auburn

On Thursday their walk-in clinic will be at the Tecumseh Fire Station (1110 Buffalo Street, near the intersection of Hwy 136 & 50). Theywill offer all three vaccines in Tecumseh (Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson). For further updates, please visit their website: https://www.sedhd.org/about-us/news-events.html

Questions? Please call the Southeast District Health Department. 402-274-3993, dial extension 109 or 110.

(KAIR)--Following an April kickoff, that included a strong push involving two in-person survey input sessions, the City of Atchison is continuing to gather community input for Atchison’s future.

The process, known as placemaking, or a people centered approach to building communities, is funded through a grant from the USDA. The grant, known officially as the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge, is split between three communities, Sheffield, Iowa, Allen County, Kansas, and Atchison. According to Atchison Assistant-City Manager Justin Pregont, the split leaves Atchison with a share of around $80,000, with the City responsible for 20%.

During the two April public input sessions, it was explained by Alex Holland, the Vice-President of Atlas Community Studios, and program project manager, that the focus for developing a placemaking action plan for Atchison’s future is placed on three key priorities, housing, culture, and downtown revitalization.

No additional public sessions are planned, so to collect community ideas focused on the three priorities, Pregont told MSC News an online survey remains active, with the City needing upwards of 500 responses as part of the initiative.

Pregont told MSC News “the hope is to come away with a handful of actionable bits to make Atchison better,” adding that the City will be working with its consulting team for what Pregont calls “the better part of the next year,” with more to be known “as the project progresses in the coming months.”

(KAIR)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in Platte County Saturday evening.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 46-year-old Eric Bernardino was traveling on I-29 when his motorcycle left the roadway, striking the median cables. Bernardino, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from his motorcycle.

He was transported to Mosiac Life Care in St. Joseph with suspected serious injuries.

The crash was reported around 6:30 Saturday evening.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Community Foundation's 1st annual Match Days fundraiser  was a hugh success.

359 gifts totaling $173,801 were given Saturday and Sunday to benefit twenty-four non-profit organizations and projects.  

The group set aside $35,000 to provide a 50 percent match for qualifying donations.

The Hiawatha Championship Sports Complex Fund generated the largest amount of donations, totaling $46,595.  That was followed by the Little Hands, Inc. Fund, which received donations totaling $21,625, and Amberwell Hiawatha Foundation Fund, which  received donations totaling $14,795.

You can find the complete list of donations made to all the participating charitable funds at https://www.givebacktomoveforward.com/leaderboard.cfm