(KNZA)--Two Horton residents were arrested late Monday night on drug charges following the execution of a search warrant.  

According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force was granted a search warrant for an apartment at 200 East 8th Street in Horton on probable drug activity at that location.

After execution of the search warrant, 26-year-old Tyler Allen and 28-year-old Cinnamon Smith were arrested.

Merchant said two firearms and cash was collected as evidence, along with illegal drugs and paraphernalia.

Allen was arrested on charges of Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of a Hallucinegenic Drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp.  

Smith was arrested on charges of Possession of a Hallecinegenic Drug, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  

The Horton Police Department and Sac and Fox Police Department assisted.

* ( picture credit: Brown Co Sheriff's Office )

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of  Public Works will host an open house for the public and property owners Wednesday, Sept. 21, to help the public learn about the City's Wellhead Protection Area through the Drinking Water Protection Program.  

The wellhead protection area is an area of land above the aquifer contributing to the municipal wells along with the local area of influence from surface water. 

During the open hose the those attending will have an opportunity to help improve the quality of their drinking water.  The open house will be form 6:00 p.m. - 7:00  p.m. at the  Auburn  City Hall Council Chambers. 

Auburn receives its drinking water from a wellfield on an aquifer along the Little Nemaha River.  The source water area includes surface to groundwater contributions from the Little Nemaha River and multiple small perennial tributaries which provide recharge to the aquifer and are hydrologically connected to the groundwater.  The connection has resulted in potential for increased nitrate concentrations in the groundwater and Auburn's drinking water supply. 

The public and property owners in the city of Auburn and the WHP area are encouraged to attend the open house.  

(KAIR)--Two public hearings are set for next month as the USD 409 Board of Education considers adoption of the budget for the Atchison Public Schools.

That follows a special meeting of the Board of Education last week, which included a budget presentation, breaking down the ins and outs of the document.

The proposed 2021-2022 budget calls for net expenditures of nearly $39.2 million, and a slight decrease in the property tax levy. It contains an estimated tax rate of 53.525 mills, which amounts to a .247 mill decrease. The amount of tax to be levied is more than $5 million.

The Board of Education, during their meeting scheduled for September 13, will consider adoption of the budget, following a public hearing. A second public hearing will be held prior to the budget hearing, with public comments welcomed regarding the school district’s intent to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate, as established through new legislation during the Kansas Legislature’s last session.

(KAIR)--A Tuesday morning fire, in the kitchen of a long-standing Atchison business, was successfully handled, but left one employee in need of medical attention.

According to a release from Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar, firefighters were called to 115 South 3rd Street, the location of Paolucci’s Restaurant and Deli, around 7:15 in the morning.

When they arrived, Weishaar said Atchison Fire Department crews “found a small fire in a storage area behind the kitchen,” adding that “employee that were working in the kitchen were able to extinguish most of the fire using fire extinguishers,” with firefighters extinguishing the remaining fire and removing smoldering items.

According to the release, “one employee of the restaurant was treated for possible smoke inhalation by Atchison County EMS and was released from their care shortly after.”

Weishaar, in the release, says “there doesn’t appear to be any structural damage from the fire, but smoke did fill the building, which [firefighters] were able to ventilate but the smoke odor remained prevalent throughout the kitchen and dining area” as of Tuesday morning.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board in a special meeting Tuesday morning voted unanimously to require everyone to wear face masks in the district's school buildings for a two-week period, beginning Wednesday.

The mask mandate will remain in place until the beginning of the school day on Tuesday, September 14.

All students currently in quarantine due to close contact will be allowed to return to school as long as they are asymptomatic.

The action followed a lengthy discussion and after the board heard an update on COVID cases from Superintendent Lonnie Moser.

As of Tuesday, Moser reported there were 109 students in quarantine and 15 students who had tested positive for COVID-19. The largest number of students in quarantine was at the high school.

(KMZA)--U.S. Senator Roger Marshall will hold a town hall meeting in Marysville Wednesday evening, September 1.  

The Kansas Republican will be at the Landoll Lanes Event Center at 2005 Center Street from 5 to 6.  The public is invited to attend the town hall to learn about federal legislative issues and ask questions of the Senator.

 “I look forward to speaking with Kansans and learning more about the issues and concerns impacting their lives,” said Senator Marshall. “I value the opportunity to hear directly from folks in Marshall County so that I can take their stories and concerns with me when I return to Washington D.C.”

Marshall is currently serving his first term in the U.S. Senate, having been elected last year to replace longtime Senator Pat Roberts.  He was previously the representative for Kansas’s 1st congressional district from 2017 to 2020.

Atchison motorists, traveling west on U.S. Highway 59, will notice a new art installation, complete with large gears, representing movement.  

The artwork, titled “On the Go,” was installed last week by the City of Atchison and the Atchison Art Association, placed in the roadside park rest area, located on west U.S. Highway 59.  

Atchison Art Association Executive Director Deborah Geiger says the sculpture was created by artist Craig Schroer.  

“On the Go” was donated to the City of Atchison by the Art Association.  

Atchison Vice-Mayor Allen Reavis, in a Facebook comment made to a post announcing the installation, calls the sculpture “a wonderful addition to the Atchison Art Scene,” while thanking the local art association and Geiger, saying, “you make art fun again!”

(KMZA)--A Sabetha man has been arrested on a pair of child sex charges.

40-year-old Marvin Nix was arrested last Thursday on a Nemaha County warrant for aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

The allege offenses involving a child under the age of 14.

Nix remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $1 million bond.

No additional details were immediately available.

(KLZA)-- Nemaha County, Nebraska residents are encouraged to participate in the Transforming Where We Live Survey.

The survey is online at go.unl.edu/auburnecap.  You can also pickup a copy at the Auburn Memorial Library  or the Rural Impact Hub in Auburn.  

The Auburn Development Council and Communities for Kids are coordinating the survey.  The survey's will help identify future economic and community opportunities for Auburn  and Nemaha County, and will help determine the childcare needs in Nemaha County. 

Sessions to discuss the results of the surveys are scheduled for Monday's:  

September 20,  October 4 and 18 and on November 1 at  the Educational Service Unit 4 building. 

The surveys need to be filled out and submitted by September 8.  

(KMZA)--Organizers say the Nemaha County STEP Foundation's first annual STEP UP Match Day was a hugh success.

216 gifts totaling $48,089 were given during the event on Friday, with donations taken both in-person and on-line.

The purpose of the Match Day was to help area non-profits raise monies for their funds. Each fund is eligible for a dollar to dollar match up to $3,000 per fund.

The Centralia Community Fund generated the largest amount of donations, totaling $10,185.

That was followed by the STEP General Endowment Fund, which received donations totaling $9,000, and Underprivileged Children Fund, which received donations totaling $7,550.

You can find the complete list of donations made to all the participating charitable funds at stepupnemaha.com.

(KAIR)--The highest rank means the lowest risk of contracting the coronavirus, with Brown County earning the top spot in regards to its handling of COVID-19.

That’s revealed in the Kansas COVID County Rankings made available online by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
According to the state website, counties are ranked on each of three COVID measures, including vaccination rate, average number of COVID cases, and the average number of COVID tests given.

Brown County earns first place overall, with a vaccination rate of 58-percent, 30 COVID cases per 100,000, and 393 tests per 100,000.

Atchison County earns a rank of 32, with a vaccination rate of 41-percent, 35 cases per 100 thousand, and 463 tests per 100,000.

Doniphan County is ranked 65th, with a vaccination rate of 42-percent, 51 virus cases per 100,000, and 376 tests administered per 100,000.

Jackson County earns a rank of 14, with a 62-percent vaccination rate, 78 cases per 100,000, and 438 tests per 100,000.

Jefferson County is ranked 20th, with a vaccination rate of 51-percent, 51 cases per 100,000, and 343 tests per 100,000.

Leavenworth County earns a ranking of 8, due to its vaccination rate of 57-percent, 42 cases per 100,000, 322 tests administered per 100,000.

Marshall County, with a vaccination rate of 56-percent, 60 cases per 100,000, and 153 tests, earns a rank of 65, while Nemaha County is ranked 3rd, with the KDHE statistics showing a vaccination rate of 53-percent, 34 cases per 100,000, and 420 tests per 100,000.

Pottawatomie County earns a rank of 97, with KDHE citing a vaccination rate of 39-percent, 37 cases per 100,000, and 151 tests administered per 100,000.

(KNZA)--Mistaken as a juvenile breaking curfew, a Horton man is arrested on drug charges.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, 20-year-old Skye Joe Coversup was taken into custody early Friday morning on charges including possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Following his arrest, Coversup was booked into the Brown County Jail.

According to Merchant, the arrest was made shortly before 3:00 Friday morning during what Merchant told MSC News was “an interdiction on a pedestrian thought to be a juvenile out past curfew in Horton.”

The Horton Police Department assisted.

(KLZA)--Richardson County deputies conducted a methamphetamine distribution investigation over the last several months. Numerous arrests have been made and a June 2021 search warrant and investigation resulted in the seizure of around 62 grams of methamphetamine, cash, marijuana and various pieces of drug paraphernalia.

Subsequent investigation led to the conclusion that at least 434 grams or nearly one pound of methamphetamine was distributed in and around Falls City between January 2021 and June 2021.

Daniel Lock and Taylor Zimmerling were arrested by the Richardson County Sheriff's Office in June of this year for possession of nearly 55 grams of methamphetamine after a search of their Falls City apartment.

After further investigation, the Sheriff's Office requested arrest warrants for Lock and Zimmerling for Distribution of 140 grams or more of Methamphetamine, a Class 1B felony which carries a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and maximum of life in prison. 

Lock and Zimmerling are each charged with Distribution of 140 grams or more of Methamphetamine within 1,000 ft of a school and no Drug Tax Stamp. 

(KAIR)--A teenage girl, from Faucett, Missouri, escaped injury, but a Saint Joseph woman required hospital treatment following a two vehicle, Wednesday evening Buchanan County, Missouri crash.  

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a Jeep Compass, driven by the unnamed teenage girl, was westbound on County Line Road, at Saint Joseph, when she attempted to turn south onto U.S. Highway 169, but failed to yield to another vehicle. That caused the driver's side of the Jeep to strike the front of a Toyota Highlander, driven by 64-year-old Mary Vernon.  

According to the report, Vernon was transported by Buchanan County EMS to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, for the treatment of minor injuries.  The teen was not hurt.

Both drivers were buckled up when the wreck happened shortly after 5:30 Wednesday evening.

(KAIR)--Students attending the Atchison County Community Schools have tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of activities earlier this week.

That word was delivered in a letter addressed to the Tiger Nation by Superintendent of Schools for USD 377, Dr. Andrew Gaddis.

Gaddis, in the letter dated Thursday, wrote that on that day, the district was "notified that students [of the district] tested positive for COVID-19,” with that finding affecting both school buildings in the district.

Gaddis said the positive cases "involve both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.

Citing "safety of the community as a whole," Gaddis, in the letter, explains that was the reason for the cancellation of Thursday's after school activities, in order to allow the district's custodial staff "to thoroughly and deeply clean the buildings."

Gaddis says it's "extremely important that all students, parents and community members closely monitor for potential symptoms," adding that everyone "must be diligent so [the school district] is not significantly affected by COVID-19."

Saying that "not informing the school of potential exposure or symptoms and refusal to be tested will only make the situation worse, not better," he added that the school district recommends "that unvaccinated individuals wear a face covering while inside buildings or in crowds where social distancing cannot be practiced."

The number of students who tested positive is not made public.

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Department of Transportation has received one of six Marine Highway Project designations from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) as part of the America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP). The application to initiate a container-on-barge service was developed in partnership with AGRIServices of Brunswick (ASB), the largest multimodal transportation provider on the Missouri River.

This is MoDOT’s first designation and only 52 such designations have been approved since the program’s inception in 2010. A Missouri Department of Agriculture grant to ASB was used to develop the application with technical support from MoDOT’s Multimodal Division.

The AMHP encourages the use of America’s navigable waterways for the movement of freight and people as an alternative to land-based transportation. This Container-on-Barge Project will expand options for the transportation of goods on inland waterways beginning with agricultural products at ASB in Central Missouri to international markets in the Gulf of Mexico as early as 2022. The service could then expand to other products along the Missouri River.

“Container on barge has the potential to be transformational for cost effective and efficient movement of freight, broadening the commodities that can be shipped,” said Tom Waters, chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. “We are proud of the collaborative public-private partnership to successfully receive this designation. The more freight we can shift to the uncongested rivers, the more capacity we open on the interstates and rail lines in the state.”

“It is very exciting to see an idea, which was seeded by a grant from the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, bring much needed additional freight capacity to our state,” said Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn. “Our farmers and agribusinesses will be more competitive on the global market with this expanded use of the Missouri River.”

Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources concurred, “Our core mission involves promoting the use of our resources to benefit all Missourians – this project does that. It provides environmentally sound and efficient use of our waterways, and we are excited to see AGRIServices setting the example with this opportunity.”

Products being transported in rail containers into the Midwest is growing rapidly. Services such as container-on-barge can use this supply of available containers to move Missouri produced goods at a low-cost and environmentally friendly method.

“Missouri’s greatest competitive advantage is our location,” said U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo. “This designation will allow our state to further capitalize on that advantage by expanding freight capacity on the Missouri River – getting more goods to more markets more efficiently.”

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo. commented, “By containerizing grain right here in Missouri, we’re opening endless opportunities to ship all sorts of consumer products in and out of our state. Congratulations to all who worked hard to secure this important designation.”

“The MASBDA grant allowed us to pull together a talented team to develop this plan”, said Lucy Fletcher, Business Development Manager at AGRIServices at Brunswick, “The container-on-barge service builds redundancy in the freight supply chain between the Missouri River, Norfolk Southern and highways making sure products get to market in the most cost-effective way. Each mode working together builds capacity needed for the increased freight volume anticipated in the next few years.”

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty discussed the idea of increasing the inmate capacity of the jail at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center when he met with the County Commissioners on  Tuesday. 

The facility currently has 24 beds for inmates. Currently several Richardson County inmates are being held at the Nemaha County Jail in Auburn due to the Richardson County facility being full. 

No decision was made. 

Sheriff Hardesty also reported he has been in contact with the Superintendent at the HTRS School regarding the hiring of a school resource officer and they have determined that it will not be feasible at this time. 
 

(KAIR)--A two vehicle, Thursday afternoon Atchison crash, sent one to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened around 3:15, at the intersection of 10th Street and U.S. Highway 59, when a car, southbound on 10th street, turned left to go eastbound onto the highway. The car, driven by Sara Bergman, of Atchison, collided with another car, driven by Karen Servaes, of Atchison, northbound on 10th Street.

According to Wilson, the 72-year-old Servaes was transported from the scene by Atchison County EMS, and taken to Amberwell Atchison for examination.

The 16-year-old Bergman was examined at the scene by EMS but was not transported for further treatment.

Bergman was cited for failure to yield.

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(KAIR)--Hospital treatment was necessary after an Atchison High School student was located in need of medical care Thursday.

According to a release from the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409 the student “was found unresponsive on the [high school] track” after school had ended for the day.

The release notes that the student was discovered by a staff member, and transported for treatment by Atchison County EMS.
At the time the student was discovered, temperatures approached 100, but Superintendent of the Atchison Public Schools, Dr. Renee Scott, told MSC News it “was not practice related,” adding that “school had been dismissed.”

Other than those details, Scott said late Thursday afternoon that she was “unable to give any other information at this time.”

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners conducted a public hearing Tuesday to receive input from the public on a recommendation from the Pawnee County Planning Commission regarding a request for a conditional use permit for Nextlink.

Nextlink wants to place a high-speed internet tower on property owned by John Kostecka. 

During a Monday meeting of the County Planning Commission,  a recommendation was made to approve the conditional use permit.

Following the public hearing the Board approved the request.

Commissioners also approved writing a letter of support for a Household Hazardous Waste Collection grant for the Five Rivers RC&D.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a $2-thousand annual pay increase for Noxious Weed Control Superintendent Brian Kirkendall when they met Tuesday.  The pay increase to $5,050 is retroactive to July 1, 2021.

Commissioners also approved a recommendation from the Veterans Service Committee to increase the salary of the Veterans Service Officer and Assistant by five-percent, effective January 1, 2022. 

The Veterans Service Officer salary will increase by one dollar per hour to $20.90 per hour with the Assistant pay increase of 78-cents per hour to $16.40 per hour. 

Ben Steffen with Richardson County  Rural Water District #1 met with Commissioners, presenting an idea of obtaining and / or utilizing the ARPA funds for the replacement and repairs to Rural water district lines in District 1. Commissioners agreed to consider the request. 
 

(KAIR)--Frustrations are voiced regarding the availability of local coronavirus statistics from the Atchison County office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health .

That happened Tuesday, during the regular meeting of the Atchison County Commission, which began with public comments focused on the publishing of coronavirus-related statistics by the health office.

(KAIR)--A convicted felon returned to jail this week, after a traffic stop led to the discovery of a firearm.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 30-year-old Ryan Marcus Brownfield was stopped by a deputy Tuesday night at 11373 U.S. Highway 59.

He was ultimately arrested following the stop for driving while suspended, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and driving while suspended.

According to Laurie, Brownfield, following his arrest, was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Doniphan Co approves budget for 2022

Posted Thursday, August 26th, 2021 1:51am

(KAIR)--Public hearings, held regarding the 2022 Doniphan County budget, brought no comments from the public, leaving the Doniphan County Commission to adopt the 2022 Doniphan County budget as published.

That happened Monday, during the Commission’s regular meeting, that included two public hearings, the first pertaining to the Commission’s plan to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for 2022. With no public comment offered, the Commission adopted the resolution to do so unanimously.

A second public hearing, relating to the budget itself, also saw no input from citizens, with the Commission, following the hearing, voting to approve the budget as published at a rate of 38.607 mills.

The Commission, following that vote, then gave unanimous approval to adopt the 2022 Doniphan County Ambulance District Number 1 budget as published at a rate of 2.216 mills.

 

TOPEKA-- Kansas courts are telling couples who need a marriage license in September to apply for them now.

 That word comes in a release that says that while “the usual advice courts give to couples is to allow two weeks from the time the application is filed for the license to be delivered,” this time is different because “a database courts use to process licenses will be offline for a week in September,” meaning that “couples can expect some delays as a result.”

 The release explains that the Kansa Courts use a database managed by the Office of Vital Statistics to record marriage license application data, with that database to be offline from September 8 through 13.

 According to the release, if a couple applies for a marriage license by August 31, they will have a license in hand by Septembe 7, barring unforeseen circumstances.

Applications submitted after August 31 will be processed after September 14, when the database comes back online. There is a three-day waiting period required by statute, and courts begin processing the application after the waiting period ends. 

Couples can apply for a marriage license throughout this period, but the applications cannot be processed while the Office of Vital Statistics database is offline.

(KNZA)--“Test to Stay” is approved by the Hiawatha Board of Education, despite concerns ranging from liability due to the coronavirus test’s cited 80-percent accuracy to stress on staff to conduct the testing.

The issue was first explored last month by the School Board for Hiawatha’s USD 415, with school nurse Erin Wenger bringing the idea to the board, explaining at that time that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is offering a grant, known as “Test to Stay,” which covers the costs of testing, as well as the addition of staff to administer testing on-site at the schools.

Utilizing the grant would allow students to stay in school, without having to be quarantined, if they have a negative test daily for ten days.
Parents would provide written permission one time, good through the school year, for tests to be conducted. They can opt out at any time.

The matter, following the school board’s consensus last month to pursue the grant, was addressed during a special school board meeting Wednesday afternoon.

The Hiawatha World reports that following discussion, including the voicing of concerns by school board members, approval of the grant came on a vote of 5 to 1, with School Board President Tom Simmer casting the lone no vote, based on, according to the report, his view that unnecessary testing would be conducted, and that last year’s mask mandate worked.

(KNZA)--The recent search for two lost Brown County boys was successful, but the County Sheriff is saying future instances may not have such happy endings, making his office’s need for a drone all the more urgent.

That message is delivered in a release issued by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, who says the use of drone surveillance would have allowed for the boys to “have been located in a more timely manner,” adding that with the heat and high humidity that blanketed the area while the two boys were lost last week in a cornfield near Fairview, “dehydration could have set in within a short amount of time.”

Merchant, in the release, explains how the boys stayed on their cell phone, communicating with a dispatcher until they were found, saying that “if the boys wouldn’t have had a cell phone, the outcome could have been catastrophic.”

Merchant, in the release, explains that a drone, which he says carries a $32,000 price tag, would be utilized in such searches, including those for missing persons and dementia walk-aways.

Explaining that his budget does not allow for the purchase of the needed drone, which is “specifically manufactured for law enforcement use,” Merchant, in the release, announces that he is seeking public donations which, he says, would afford “the ability to purchase this vital piece of equipment.”

Explaining that such donations are tax deductible, Merchant asks those interested in assisting the purchase to contact his office at 785-742-7125, with donations able to be delivered to the Sheriff’s Office, located at 709 Utah Street, in Hiawatha.

(KAIR)--Declines are noted in the populations of both the City of Atchison and Atchison County.

The numbers are outlined in a release issued this week by the City of Atchison, following the release of the 2020 United States Census numbers.
According to the release, the population in Atchison County, as noted in the census, stands at 16,348, down from the population count of 16,924 county residents in the 2010 census.

The City of Atchison’s population, according to the 2020 statistics, stands at 10,885. That’s down, according to the release, from the 11,021 residents included in the 2010 numbers. However, the release notes that the City’s current population is up from the 2019 estimate of 10,505.

(KLZA)-- During the August 17 meeting of the Mound City Board of Education, Superintendent Korey Miles presented a plan for spending of ESSER II and ESSER III monies available through the federal government.

The Superintendent noted that the school district currently has roofs that have been well maintained by maintenance staff, but that new roofs are needed as they are getting older. 

Miles said they will be looking soon at bids for roof replacement on possibly six roofs.  

Miles also noted that the projects at the football field and track are moving along.  The retaining wall has been completed and the lighting project has been completed. 

Fisher Track is to begin their paving possibly this week. They are behind due to untimely rains and the large amount of rain during those times.

The new scoreboard has been installed and is working.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday. 
 
During the meeting, Southeast District Health Department Director Grant Brueggemann met with the Commissioners to discuss American Rescue Plan Act funds.  

The Southeast District Health Department asked for 9 percent of the Pawnee county share of ARPA funds which would amount to $45,679  or 10 percent which would come to $50,754.  

No action was taken by the  Board.

Earlier in the meting, Commissioners voted to ask the CPA firm Lutz & Company to provide consulting services for the American Rescue Plan Act Funds after reviewing correspondence from the Nebraska Association of County Officials. 

The Commissioners did approve a resolution to increase the property tax lid levy for the 2021-22 fiscal year budget by an additional one-percent.

A resolution  setting levies for the Pawnee County Rural Fire Districts and the Pawnee County Agriculture Society was also approved. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education voted to revise the school district policy on leasing, rental and use of school facilities during a special Monday meeting. 

The revised Administrative Regulation 5340, returns the authority for managing the facility use of Thomas Memorial Track and Field to the Falls City Public Schools administration, and provides the administration, general facility usage guidelines. 

In a news release issued Tuesday afternoon, it says “The Board of Education believes the authority for managing the use of the Thomas Memorial Track and Field is best addressed within the leadership and coaching ranks of our school. “  The Falls City Activities Director will be responsible for the scheduling. 

The release says the intention is not to take away the use of the facility to any Falls City school or community organization,  but the board wishes to provide guidelines for the use of the school district's stadium facility, so it is fully utilized to meet the needs of Falls City Public School students. 

Section 7 of Administrative Regulation Code 5340 says the policy of the Falls City Public Schools is to make Jug Brown Stadium / Thomas Memorial Field facilities available for Sacred Heart School use when that use does not conflict with any scheduled Falls City Public School function.

The guidelines state the football field is available for use at 6:00 P.M. to allow Falls City Public School to practice at the stadium in advance of games.  If the field is not in use,  earlier use times, Junior Varsity and Junior High games will be permitted as scheduled through the Activities Director.

Varsity practices will be permitted on the week of a home game, again to be scheduled through the Activities Director.   

(MSC News)--Unemployment was up in area northeast Kansas counties in July, except in Doniphan County, which saw a decrease in its jobless rate from June.     

The Kansas Department of Labor released the July unemployment figures Friday.

Nemaha County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.8 percent, while Atchison County had the highest at 6.2 percent.   Elsewhere, Brown County's unemployment rate in July stood at 4.1 percent; Doniphan, 4 percent; Jackson, 3.8 percent; Jefferson, 4.1 percent; Leavenworth, 4.6 percent; Marshall, 3 percent; and Pottawatomie, 4.1 percent.  

Statewide, the unemployment rate edged up to 3.8 percent in July. That was an increase from 3.7 percent in June and a decrease from 6.6 percent in July 2020.

(KAIR)--No suspects are yet identified as being behind the apparent shooting of an Atchison County traffic light.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Joe Snyder, the Superintendent of Public Works for Atchison County, reported the damage to the flashing red light at the stop sign for westbound traffic at 262nd and Ottawa Roads around 8:30 Saturday night.
It’s believed it’s likely the light was shot and damaged sometime overnight Friday.

According to the release, damage is estimated around $500.

The Sheriff’s Office was active through the weekend, responding to reports of vehicle-related burglaries.

According to Laurie, an Atchison man reported late Saturday morning that a toiletry bag containing prescription medication and vitamins was taken, as was a half-carton of cigarettes.

On Sunday night, the same victim reported that multiple items had also been taken from a different vehicle.

According to Laurie, it’s believed that crime happened sometime between 5:00 and 6:30 Sunday evening.

Among the items taken was a duffle bag containing volleyball attire, clothing, and shoes.

Also Sunday night, the Atchison County Sheriff’s office received a theft report from a 17-year boy. He reported that his backpack, Chromebook, and a text book were all stolen from a vehicle parked in the 8000 block of Pratt Road.

The theft investigations are ongoing, with suspects not yet identified.

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

 

(KNZA)--What began as a response for domestic violence ended with the arrest of a man on charges including drugs and child endangerment.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, deputies responded to the report of domestic violence, in Powhattan, shortly before 8:00 Sunday night.

According to Merchant, the investigation led to the arrest of 32-year-old Tobey Barnhart on two counts of domestic battery.

While the deputies were at the residence, the release says “they had probable cause to believe illegal drug activity was present.” Deputies applied for a search warrant, which they were granted, and a search of the home led to Barnhart’s additional arrest for two counts of child endangerment, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, battery of a law enforcement officer, and felony obstruction.

According to Merchant, the investigation remains ongoing by his office.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education met in special session Monday,  taking action to adjust protocols for the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Calvert Elementary School was closed last week on Thursday and  Friday due to the number of positive COVID cases within the building.  

Superintendent David Patton said the Board voted to approve changes following input from about 15 school district patrons who spoke both in favor and against mandating masks be worn in classrooms. 

If the absenteeism rate reaches eight percent in a particular building over a two-week period,  staff and students will be required to wear masks.  If the absenteeism rate reaches 11 percent, the building will be shut down,  cleaned and then reopen with everyone required to wear a mask.  When the two-week rolling averaged goes below eight percent, the masks will not be required. 

Auburn School District patrons will be able to stay up to date on the absenteeism rate on the district website,  auburnpublicschools.org. 

Patton said the district will also be monitoring the number of staff members that are gone due to illness. There is a limited amount of substitute teachers available so if staff attendance rates get too high, adjustments will have to be made.

Superintendent Patton said the goal is to provide a healthy environment while giving students and families a sense of normalcy and predictability so the school buildings can remain open.

The vote to approve the protocol adjustments was 5-1 with Board member Laura Osborne casting the nay vote. 
 

(MSC News)--Highland Community College held Pinning and Graduation ceremonies for the 2021 Associate Degree Nursing Students on August 13 in the Culbertson Auditorium.

According to a release from the College, the class had 28 graduates who completed an eight month LPN to RN completion program. The graduates all receive a specially designed pin and then recited the Nightingale pledge by lamp light before receiving their diplomas.

Four of the graduates received special recognition. These awards are given annually and the recipients are chosen by the instructors and Director of the nursing program.

The Florence Nightingale Award is given to the student who exhibits clinical excellence and professional dedication to patients and families. This year's winner of the Florence Nightingale award was Elena Blackwell from Topeka.

The Leadership Award is given to the student for overall academic achievement and leadership skills as well as excellence in the field of nursing. This year’s winner of the Leadership award was Melissa Willyard from Topeka.

The Academic Excellence Award is given to the student who not only meets the high standards of the program, but continuously rises above them. The winner of the Academic Excellence award this year was Rebecca Steffey from Ozawkie.

The Scottie Award was given for the first time this year. This award is given to the student who was engaged in academic activities in spite of difficulties or obstacles. This student exhibited grit, determination, persistence, and grace throughout the program. The winner of the Scottie award went to Karen Clevenger from Leavenworth.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska unemployment figures for July matched the states all-time low mark at 2.3 percent.  

Nebraska continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the country. 

Locally, the jobless rates for Southeast Nebraska counties  continued to decline.

Pawnee County has a jobless rate of just 1.6 percent.  Richardson, Nemaha and Otoe counties had unemployment rates of 2.1 percent in July,  Johnson County was at 2.2 percent and Gage County was at 2 percent.  

Previously Nebraska had a 2.3 percent jobless rate from April through August in 1990 and from October 1997 until February 1998.  

There were 100,700 people working manufacturing jobs in Nebraska during the month of July,  that is the highest total since October, 2008. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education has approved a tax rate for the new fiscal year with an increase of just over a half-cent from last years rate. 

Also during the August 17th meeting the  Board set the tuition rate for non-district students at $3,500 per year.

The topic of masks was discussed.  When school opened Monday,  there  was not  a mask mandate for students or teachers in the Mound City School District.  Students or teachers are strongly encouraged to use masks.  Teachers are expected to social distance as much as possible to adhere to Center for Disease Control guidance.

There are currently 82 students enrolled in grades 9 – 12 at the Mound City School 
 

(KAIR)--Masks must be worn by all students, staff, and visitors to all buildings within Holton’s USD 336.

That follows Monday evening’s meeting of the school district’s Board of Education, which amended the district’s face mask mandate for pre-K through 12th grade.

According to a release issued following the meeting, the school board’s decision means that beginning today, August 24, 2021, all students, staff and visitors will required to wear face masks while indoors, with the release defining approved face masks as those “made up of two cloth layers or a mask with an N-95 rating or better,” with the release adding that “gators” and other single ply cloth masks will not be allowed.”

The release, which explains that students will not be required to wear face masks during outdoor activities, such as recess or sports practice.

According to the release, USD 336 will not differentiate between students or staff that are vaccinated or unvaccinated while indoors.

(KAIR)--Honored to have recently been named Atchison’s Interim City Manager.

That’s the message that begins a release from the City of Atchison’s Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont, who was named to fill the top position of leadership last week by the Atchison City Commission, following the resignation of City Manager Becky Berger.
Pregont, in the release, says the role of City Manager, even on an interim basis, “comes with a profound responsibility,” and says it’s important to him to “clearly communicate [his] intentions moving forward.”

Saying that his is “honored and excited to serve as the Interim City Manager for the next 9 months,” Pregont states, in the release that he does “not wish to be considered a candidate for the permanent City Manager position.”

Saying that he’s “developed a passion for real estate development projects, especially downtown housing,” Pregont intends “to continue pursuing those efforts as a private endeavor in the coming years,” having “fully disclosed the extent of [his] real estate interests to the City Commission,” which Pregont says will “be responsible for managing [his] performance as Interim City Manager as well as any real or perceived conflicts of interests” with Pregont’s real estate endeavors.

Adding that it’s possible that his role with the City could change following his 9-months in the Interim role, Pregont says that “for now, [he] will do [his] best to keep this City going in a positive direction.”

Pregont’s release notes that “the search for a permanent City Manager will not begin in earnest until after the upcoming City Commission election,” with Pregont saying, “the new Commission that takes office in December deserves the opportunity to choose Atchison’s next City Manager and any newly appointed manager deserves to know the composition of the City Commission they’re be working for in the years ahead.”

(KLZA)-- On Friday, August 20th, at about 5:20 PM, Richardson County Deputies and the Richardson County K9 Unit, assisted by the Nebraska State Patrol executed three search warrants in Falls City.

During the searches, suspected methamphetamine, digital scales, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located. The investigations are on-going

At this time one person has been arrest, Chase Ramer of Falls City. Ramer is charged with possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

(KMZA)--The Wall That Heals is coming to Marysville this week.

The Wall That Heals exhibit features a three-quarters scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet tall at its highest point.

The Wall will be on the grounds of American Legion Post #163 at 310 Veterans Memorial Drive in Marysville from Thursday until Sunday.

Marysville Tourism Director Toby Carrig, in a news release, said everyone is invited to welcome the arrival of The Wall That Heals Tuesday afternoon. The wall is expected to reach Marysville at about  3 p.m. Carrig said individuals, groups and families may line Highway 36 from the west junction with Highway 77 to 19th Street beginning at 2:30 p.m. and should bring an American flag of any size to wave when the wall arrives.

Hundreds of motorcycles are expected to escort the wall into Marysville.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, August 26, the wall will be open for 24-hour access until 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 29.

The wall’s appearance in Marysville is sponsored by American Legion Post No. 163.

The Wall That Heals is made of Avonite, a synthetic granite, and includes machine engraving of more than 58,000 names, making it possible for visitors to do name rubbings.

Carrig said a 53-foot mobile education center accompanies the wall and features a timeline of “The War and The Wall” as well as additional information about the memorial in Washington.

The Wall That Heals is coming to Marysville from an appearance in Minnesota and is the only appearance in Kansas this year.

For more information, call the American Legion at 785-562-5584. Look for updates on www.Facebook.com/The-Wall-That-Heals-Marysville-Kansas.
Information also is available at TheWallThatHeals.com.

(KNZA)--On Thursday, August 19th The Richardson County Deputies performed two separate drug related arrest in Richardson County.

In the first case the Richardson County Deputies arrested Alexis J. Bruckner for Delivery of Methamphetamine in Falls City. On an earlier date, Deputies conducted a controlled buy of methamphetamine involving Bruckner.

Bruckner was stopped and arrested in Falls City. Probable cause was developed and her vehicle was searched. Suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and marijuana was located. 

Bruckner was charged with Delivery of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana less than one ounce and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Also on Thursday, August 19th at about 6:50 PM, Richardson County Deputies and the Richardson County K9 unit along with The Nebraska State Patrol executed a search warrant at 102 W. 3rd Street in Verdon.

During the search Deputies located suspected methamphetamine, digital scales with suspected methamphetamine, packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia.

James P. Kelly of Verdon was arrested at the scene on the charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute within 1,000 feet of a playground and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

(KNZA)--An early Saturday evening single-vehicle Atchison County wreck sent two Valley Falls residents to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the wreck happened in the 49-hundred block of Bourbon Road about three miles south of Muscotah shortly before 5:30.

The Patrol says 74-year-old Vernie Fox was southbound when the front driver's side tire on his 1998 Dodge Ram pickup truck, which was towing a trailer, failed.  Fox lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway to the east and entered the ditch.

Fox and his passenger, 74-year-old Evalena Fox, were transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says they were not buckled up at the time of the wreck.  

AUBURN, Neb. (AP) — An outbreak of COVID-19 cases has shut down a southeastern Nebraska elementary school only days after it opened for the new school year with no requirement for face masks.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that officials shut down Calvert Elementary School in Auburn on Thursday after "a pretty high number” of cases were confirmed among students and staff.

School and health officials declined to say how many cases were confirmed, citing privacy concerns.

There are 466 students enrolled at the school.

The school is set to reopen Monday following a deep cleaning. And when it does, Auburn Public Schools Superintendent David Patton said, masks will be required.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Deputies and the Richardson County K-9 Unit conducted a search at an apartment at Eastview Apartments in Falls City Monday afternoon. 

During the search, suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located.

Arrested was Kimberly Chandler.  Chandler was booked into the Richardson County Jail on charges of Delivery of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Money During a Drug Crime. 

(KAIR)--A semi and car collided Thursday afternoon, at the Omaha Junction, west of Atchison, but serious injuries were avoided.  

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a car, driven by Atchison resident Frank Busenbarrick, southbound on the connecting link of U.S. Highway 73 and U.S. Highway 59, proceeded to cross U.S. 59, after stopping at the stop sign. That’s when his car was struck by an eastbound semi tractor-trailer.

The 57-year-old Busenbarrick was treated at the scene by Atchison County EMS, but was not transported.  

According to Wilson, Busenbarrick was cited for failure to yield, expired tag, and no proof of insurance.  

The truck driver, from Iowa, was not hurt.

(KNZA)--A public health advisory remains in place for two Brown County lakes due to the presence of blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, announced Thursday that the Brown State Fishing Lake, northeast of Robinson, and Pony Creek Lake, north of Sabetha, remain under “ watch” status.

For lakes under " watch" status, KDHE says people are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets away from the water. Boating and fishing are safe.  However, you should clean fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners continued to review budgets for various departments when they met Tuesday.

The Board reviewed the budgets for the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center, County Weed Control, County Court and County Attorney.

Veterans Service Officer Mona Godemann along with members of the Veterans Service Committee met with the Board to review the department budget. Committee members Fred Sikora, Jim Owings and Dr. Terry Malcolm offered comments in support of a salary increase for the Veterans Service Office staff, stating the duties have significantly changed and increased in recent years especially with the applications for services from veterans of Vietnam and future needs that will be realized with the Gulf War and Afghanistan. They recommended a five-percent pay increase for the staff members.

Richard Meinzer and John Seeba with the Richardson County Historical Society presented the groups annual report and requested continued funding in the amount of $15-thousand.

In addition, Commissioners approved accessing the additional 1-percent budget authority for the next fiscal year as allowed by state statute.

A public hearing on the proposed Richardson County budget for fiscal year 2021-22 was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September, 13.

(KNZA)--Beginning Friday, August 20 and running through Labor Day, September 6, the Brown County Sheriffs office will join other local and state law enforcement agencies across the state in a crackdown aimed at removing drunk and other impaired drivers from the roadways. It's the “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose” campaign.

According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the campaign is intended to remind drivers:  “Don’t consume impairing substances and get behind the wheel.” Merchant said impaired driving is a major cause of crashes and a danger not just to you and those riding with you, but to every single person on the road.

He said make it a habit to have a sober driver lined up before you drink alcohol away from home.

Merchant also reminds everyone to always have your seatbelts on, saying it’s your best defense in case of a crash.

He said you can always count on the Sheriff's Department to vigorously enforce impaired driving and other traffic laws, not just during this enforcement campaign but all through the year.”

“As the summer travel season comes to a close, the Kansas Highway Patrol will be working to ensure our travelers make it to their destinations safely. As you celebrate the upcoming Labor Day weekend, we urge everyone to play it safe and have a sober driver or use a rideshare service if you will be drinking,” said Lieutenant Candice Breshears. “If you are traveling and suspect another motorist may be impaired, please dial 911.”

If you’re traveling for the Labor Day holiday, the Patrol offers the following tips:

• Always wear your seatbelt every trip, every time. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

• Check your vehicle’s condition, including tires, fluid levels and mechanical equipment.

• Check road conditions at www.kandrive.org to look for construction or delays on your route.

• Allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

• Buckle up and make sure your children are in the appropriately fitted child safety seats.

• Have an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials such as water, flashlights, chargers, blankets and non-perishable food.

• Always have a sober driver before you drink alcohol away from home or take a sober ride to and from the location if you will be consuming alcohol. Remember, this is your decision. 

• Before you take a new prescription medication, check your medication for driving warnings.

• Before you choose to drive after drinking, know that Kansas Ignition Interlock laws require that any driver convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) must install an Ignition Interlock Device, including an electronic log device, on every vehicle you own or which is registered to you. 

• Before you choose to drink and drive, think about your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors.

(KNZA)--COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Jackson County.

The Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Thursday reported 70 active cases, with one hospitalization.

That's up from 44 active cases reported on August 11.

The more contagious delta variant continues to be prevalent in the county.

The county has seen 1,582 positive cases since the pandemic began, with 15 virus-related deaths.

The health department reports 51 percent of eligible Jackson County residents have been fully vaccinated.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners voted to waive the bidding requirements due to an emergency situation for the purchase of communication equipment included on a proposal from Motorola Solutions for a dispatch console connected to SRS when they met Tuesday. 

Following approval to waive the bidding requirements, Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the purchase of  the equipment at a cost of $222,348.

The Board approved a request from Sheriff Rick Hardesty to re-hire Brandi Kratz as a dispatcher.  Kratz recently left employment in good standing and has requested to return. 

Discussion was held regarding 911 dispatching services for the County and when Southeast Communications 911 Center in Beatrice will begin answering calls.  Sheriff Hardesty indicated that he would move forward to get the communication lines transferred so the new system could begin.

The Board took no action on hiring a new deputy to serve as a school resource officer for the Humboldt – Table Rock – Steinauer school District.
Sheriff Hardesty said he had been in contact with the HTRS Superintendent in regards to the proposal.  The school district would py 75 percent of the total cost and the county would pay 25 percent. The deputy would be a full-time officer for Richardson County. More discussion is to be held on the topic.

(KLZA)--Falls City Council members approved spending nearly $345-thousand in American Rescue Plan Act funds on water and wastewater upgrades when they met Monday evening. 

The scope of where those funds can be spent is extremely limited. 

Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring said one project coming up will be necessitated by bridge upgrades by the Burlington Northern – Santa Fe Railroad which is replacing two bridges in the Preston area.  The City's 20-inch line that carries water from the water plant at Rulo into Falls City is attached to one of the bridges and must be removed.

The line must be bored beneath the Nemaha River and the estimate for the work is up to one-million dollars. 

The water line project will need to be done in the next year.

Another project needing to be funded is cleaning out the reed beds at the wastewater treatment plant.  

The cleanout is overdue and will cost an estimated $100-thousand if the reeds can be reused.  If new reeds that are native to Nebraska are required,  the cost of the project could double. 

The third project is some new lining for manholes and water manes at a cost estimated at $550-thousand. 
 

(KLZA)--The annual Fairfax Fair will take place this weekend in Fairfax, Missouri.

Activities will be held Friday and Saturday with the theme for the fair being 
“Magic on Main Street.”

The events begin Friday evening at 6 in the City Park.  The evening will feature local talent, a band and a magician followed by a dance.  There will also be games and food stands.

Saturday events will include an 11:00 a.m. parade,  a corn hole tournament and the annual baby show and crowning of Miss Fairfax.

There will also be a dance on Saturday evening.  
 

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Middle School parents are being alerted of possible exposure to COVID-19.  

Word of the possibility comes in a release from the Brown County office of the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments, which says the office "has been advised that both a student and a parent who have both tested positive with COVID-19 attended the Hiawatha Middle School Back-to-School Night," held Tuesday.  

The release clarifies that the parent and student are unrelated cases, with that student also in attendance at school Wednesday morning.

The release notes that the health department is "advising families that also attended Back-to-School Night...and/or had students in school on [Wednesday] to monitor for any symptoms that may be related to COVID-19," adding that those who have been tested but have not received a negative confirmation should not attend work, school, or other public events, until contacted with the testing results.

Those who are positive will receive a phone call from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, or the Brown County health office.

(KMZA)--An additional COVID-19 related death is being reported in Nemaha County.

Nemaha County Community Health Services reported the death Thursday, saying the individual was 65 years and older.

It brings to 56 the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in the county since the pandemic began.

Since the pandemic began, the county has seen 1,676 total positive coronavirus cases.

The health department is currently reporting 36 active cases, with three hospitalized.

(KAIR)--A seven hour standoff that began Wednesday evening at a south Atchison residence, ended early Thursday morning with a 57-year-old Atchison man in custody.

Arrested was Porter Webb, who Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News is believed to have pulled the trigger during a non-fatal early Wednesday evening shooting. "We responded to the [Amberwell Atchison] hospital because a 47-year-old male had been taken there by private vehicle with a non life-threatening gunshot wound. We believe the shooting occurred outside a residence in the 1100 block of South 7th." 

It was that location, now identified as the residence of Webb, where the standoff happened. 

Wilson told MSC News numerous methods were used in an effort to get Webb to leave the home and surrender.

With those attempts, including deployment of a chemical agent, providing no results, a Kansas Highway Patrol robot was used to enter the home, where it searched for Webb, determining that he was not in the main area of the residence.

That’s when, according to Wilson, the Police Department’s Special Response Team entered the home, with their search leading to Webb, who was hiding in a crawlspace below the residence.

Webb was taken into custody around 12:45 Thursday morning, and then transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison prior to being booked into the Atchison County Jail.

He faces charges related both to the shooting and the following standoff.

Wilson told MSC News both law enforcement and Webb avoided any serious injuries, which, he said “was [the] goal during the seven hour standoff.”

Along with the Kansas Highway Patrol and EMS, the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office provided assistance during the standoff.

Editor's note: below is how the story developed Wednesday night.

Update: The standoff continued as of 11:25 Wednesday night, with Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson telling MSC News officers on the scene have confirmed that while the suspect remains inside the home, located in the 1100 block of South 7th Street, no one else is inside. 
Wilson said the Atchison Police Department Special Response Team has the perimeter of the house secure, and a Kansas Highway Patrol "robot is making its way through the residence but has not yet located the 57-year-old suspect."  

Update: At 9:15 Wednesday night, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson confirmed for MSC News that attempts were continuing in the effort to see the shooting/standoff suspect leave the home. 

(KAIR)--An early Wednesday evening non-fatal Atchison shooting sent police searching for the suspected shooter. 

That search turned into a standoff that continued Wednesday evening as MSC Radio News Director Brian Hagen talked to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson. 

(KLZA)-- Six passengers traveling in a motorhome were hospitalized following a wreck on Interstate 29 in Holt County, Missouri, about 4:20 Wednesday morning. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported a southbound semi-truck driven by 44-year-old Khamidjon Murodov of Brooklyn, New York struck a towed unit being pulled behind the motorhome which caused the motorhome to begin sliding and it then overturned coming to rest on its passenger side.  

The semi was able to come to a controlled stop. 

The driver of the motorhome, 54-year-old Timothy Rasta of Clearfield, Utah was not injured.   One passenger,  36-year-old Travis Wheeler from Redmond, Oregon suffered serious injuries and was transported by Life Net to Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph. 

The other occupants, all males,  ranging in age from 19 – 36 suffered only minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to the hospital in St. Joseph.  The other occupants hailed from Arizona,  Washington, Indiana and Oregon.

St. Joseph, Mo. – Crews working with Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad closed Holt County Route 111 near Big Lake  Wednesday morning for repairs to the St. Joseph Sub railroad crossing.

The road will remain closed around-the-clock through Thursday, at 5 p.m. 

During the closure, motorists will need to seek an alternate route.

All work is weather-permitting and schedules are subject to change.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department arrested two Kansas residents early Wednesday morning following a traffic stop on Highway 4.

The female subject provided deputies with a false name. After further investigation it was discovered the female,  Heather Easter of Salina, Kansas had a full extradition warrant out of Topeka.  

During a probable cause search of the vehicle, deputies located suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Easter is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, false reporting and a probation violation.

The other occupant of the car was Wilse Daniels of Wamego, Kansas.  Daniels was  arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The traffic stop occurred at approximately 12:25 a.m.
 

(KAIR)--An Atchison County long-term care facility is no longer listed as a coronavirus cluster site.

That's according to the latest virus-related statistics released by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

As of last week, Atchison Senior Village had been named as a cluster site, which KDHE explains happens at "locations that have five or more COVID-19 cases with symptom onset dates in the last 14 days."

While cases involving residents of the Atchison County-owned senior care facility remain active, County Commissioner Casey Quinn, during Tuesday's Commission meeting, said good news in being seen at the facility. "Last week we had 20 residents, and six staff members, and then this week, we have 21 residents with 8 staff members. Those are active positives [coronavirus cases] but the ones coming off the quarantine are getting moved back to their rooms for recovery.” “That's exciting," Quinn stated, saying, "I know a lot of the families really want their family members to be comfortable, and get back to what they're used to."

According to KDHE, once a cluster site location, such as Atchison Senior Village, "no longer has five or more cases with symptom onset dates within the last 14 days, it will be removed from the list."

KDHE reports that Atchison County has experienced a total of 1,893 active coronavirus cases since tracking began at the start of the pandemic.

21 have died in Atchison County from virus-related causes.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha city crews will be crack sealing the 500-900 Blocks of Oregon throughout the night, starting August 19th at midnight.

The project is estimated to take one week, weather permitting.               

The city ask that you have vehicles moved to side streets overnight during that time. 

(KAIR)--A more than $200 haul of stolen merchandise from an Atchison retailer leads to police response, a joint search by City and County authorities, and to the arrest of a Leavenworth man.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 18-year-old Kaleb Marshall was arrested for theft and for the possession of methamphetamine.

According to Wilson, Police Officers were called to the Atchison Walmart, located at 1920 U.S. Highway 73, around 11:00 Tuesday night to investigate a theft.
During the investigation, “it was determined that a suspect had stolen $221 in merchandise that included a backpack and clothing.”

Having left the area in a vehicle, a search for the suspect was launched, with an alert issued for the vehicle.

According to the release, “a short time later Sheriff’s Deputies stopped the vehicle at 262nd and Ottawa Road.”

Marshall, according to Wilson, was found to be in possession of meth at the time of his arrest for the alleged theft at Walmart, and he was taken into custody on both charges, then booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council heard a report Monday night from John Krajewski with JK Energy Consulting on how a proposed 10-year infrastructure improvement plan with a price tag of nearly $32-million would impact utility rates for Falls City Utility customers. 

Krajewski has worked with Falls City on rate studies since 2010 and complimented Falls City on looking toward future utility needs and upgrades.

Krajewski presented information on all of the city owned utilities and looked at various avenues to pay for the improvements.  He said that even though the costs are high,  the benefits may include less costs for operation of utilities. 

One of the recommendations is to continue to have small rate increases rather than large one-time increases making the impact on rate payers more palatable.
 
The Council took no action and will continue to develop a plan on how to move forward with improvements to the cities infrastructure.  

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Education Foundation has presented their annual Outstanding Teacher of the Year and Outstanding Employee of the Year awards.

Falls City High School science instructor Robert Streit was presented the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award.  Streit is beginning his 28th year of teaching with the Falls City Public Schools. 

Mara Dungan is the recipient of the Outstanding Employee of the Year Award.  Dungan is starting her 8th year with District 56 having served as a special education paraeducator and is currently the Nutrition Services Coordinator.  

When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the food security for children in the district starting in March, 2020,  with less than a week to prepare, the Grab & Go meal program was organized and launched, serving over 600 meals daily from the middle school site.  The program continued through the summer of 2021, serving nearly 350 meals per day. 

The awards recognize excellence in the field of education. The recipients play key roles in creating a school environment promoting student achievement, safety and health.

The awards were presented Tuesday during the Falls City Public Schools Pre-Service.

(KAIR)--Customers of a local area bank are being warned about an attempt to steal their money.

That word comes in a release from Denison State Bank, which warns that the Jackson County-based bank has been targeted by what the release called “a fraudster.”

According to the release, the person is impersonating the Denison State Bank’s so-called “fraud department,” contacting customers by phone, email, or text, saying the customer needs to take action to prevent unauthorized transactions from posting.

The release says “the fraudster talks the customer into revealing their [bank account’s] login credentials and then does a login and takes their money.”

The release notes it’s believed the fraud attempts are originating in Florida, though the phone number received by the intended bank customer victim indicates the bank’s correct, main phone number.

Denison State Bank customers are told the scam attempts began around August 12.

Such phone calls should be ignored, but if someone falls victim, they should contact the bank at 785-364-3131 or email online@dsbks.com.

(KAIR)--The success of the first Match Day fundraising event in Atchison is being touted as a success.

Fundraising efforts, for all fund holders of the Atchison Area Community Foundation, had been ongoing, leading up to last Friday’s “All Aboard Atchison” Match Day event.

The Atchison Area Community Foundation made available $55,000 in matching grant funds to the non-profit fund holders.

Atchison County Commissioner Casey Quinn, during the Commission’s regular meeting Tuesday, touted the outcome of the event. “I just wanted to congratulate the Atchison Area Community Foundation for their Match Day,” Quinn said during Commissioner comments at the start of Tuesday’s meeting. “They had a total of 553 total gifts for local organizations, totaling $229,273, which is awesome for one day of giving, I feel like,” Quinn said.

The $55,000 in matching grant funds were made available to provide a 50% match for funds raised by participating fundholders of the Atchison Area Community Foundation, which was, according to a release, established in 2019 “to enrich the lives of the people in [the Atchison] community through philanthropy.”

(KMZA)--Nemaha County Health Officer Jane Sunderland has resigned.

The Nemaha County Commission "reluctantly" accepted her resignation Monday, which is effective August 31.

Sunderland has served as county health officer and administrator of Nemaha County Community Health Services for the past 17 years.

At this time, Commissioners are looking at options for Sunderland's replacement.

By Kansas statute, the county health officer is appointed by the county commission. The person can be a registered nurse, with a Kansas doctor supervising.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved the purchase of two vacant lots located south of the Sheriff's Office in Hiawatha.

The Commission on Monday voted to authorize Commission Chairman Rich Lehmkuhl to sign the contract for the purchase of the lots located in the 700-block of Kickapoo Street for $200 through the Hiawatha Land Bank, as long as there are no special assessments.

The Commission also voted to authorize Lehmkuhl to sign a reversionary quick claim deed that would deed the property back to the Land Bank if there are any nusiance issues.

Lehmkuhl said the property is being looked at for the possible construction of a building that would house the Brown County Rescue Squad and Brown County Emergency Management, along with provide storage space for emergency management and the Brown County Health Department. Lehmkuhl said it's hoped COVID relief funds could be used for the project.

(KNZA)--Two lost boys were found safe in Brown County Monday afternoon.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said dispatch received a 911 call around 2:30 from a 13-year-old child who reported that he and his 8-year-old brother were lost.

Merchant said the kids went fishing in a local pond north of Fairview and decide to take an alternate route home. They became disoriented with the tall corn and unfamiliar surroundings, and couldn't find their way home.

The 13-year-old kept in contact with dispatch who located a specific area where they could be found by tracking his phone signal.

A local farmer assisted in honing in the possible area where the kids might be.

Merchant said Undersheriff Brian Guilliams walked through a corn field and located the kids, unharmed but tired and thirsty, at about 3:30.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s Assistant City Manager becomes Interim City Manager.

The unanimous vote of the Atchison City Commission, naming Justin Pregont to fill to position vacated by Becky Berger, was made during Monday night’s meeting of the Commission.

The vote installing Pregont to head the City’s key role followed a 15-minute closed-door, executive session relating to personnel matters of non-elected personnel.

It was not immediately stated what the process will be for filling the position permanently.

Berger resigned last week for reasons not stated publicly.

She held the position of City Manager from 2018 until her resignation.

She first began working for the City of Atchison in 2012, as Assistant City Manager/Finance Director.

The Commission Monday also accepted for publication the proposed 2022 budget for the City of Atchison.

A budget hearing is scheduled for September 7 as part of that day’s regular Commission meeting.

According to the City, “the proposed budget keeps the combined general fund and debt service mill levy unchanged, which coupled with a modest increase in assessed valuation, will result in an additional levy of $24,148.”

The total proposed budget for 2022 is $31,031,631. Property tax levy funds make up $10,682,862 of the total proposed budget, with a General Fund budget of $9,811,612 and Debt Service Fund budget of $871,250.

(KNZA)--Voters in South Brown County USD 430 will decide the fate of a $7 million bond issue for facility improvements during the November 2nd general election.

The USD 430 Board of Education, when they meet last week, approved a resolution authorizing the bond election.

If approved by voters, the bonds would be paid off over a 20-year period.

The majority of the bond issue would cover new windows, doors, exterior restoration and updating of the HVAC units at the district's three schools. In addition, the bonds would cover some concrete repairs across the district and a roof replacement at the elementary school.

The last bond issue in USD 430 was approved in 1998 and paid off in 2017.

OMAHA, Neb. – As students across Nebraska return to school, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division is reminding families to make time for conversation about the dangers of drugs and is encouraging discussions on the risk of overdose associated with counterfeit pills.

“Students can face an enormous amount of peer pressure to try or experiment with substances they are told are safe,” DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin King said. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to talk with your kids and explain to them how harmful drugs are to their mind and body. The choice they make when asked to experiment could have long lasting effects and potentially deadly consequences.”

Between 2019 and 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a nearly 30 percent increase in drug overdose deaths. 92,183 people died from drug overdose in 2020 and nearly 61 percent of these deaths involved synthetic opioids including fentanyl.

The DEA has seen a surge in counterfeit pills, with 26 percent of the pills examined in 2019 containing a potentially lethal dose, 2 milligrams or more, of fentanyl. This marks an increase from 2017 when 10 percent of the pills examined contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.

Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin and a lethal dose is equal in size to a few grains of salt. Inconsistencies and lack of quality control during production make taking counterfeit pills extremely dangerous. Marketed as M30’s, Perc30’s, Blues and Mexican Oxy’s, counterfeits are being sold on the street and through the Dark Web.

In Nebraska, pill seizures increased 229 percent from 2017 to 2020. DEA Omaha Division investigators collected roughly 3,566 pills in 2017 and 11,731 pills in 2020. DEA investigators have seized approximately 26,000 pills in the first seven months of 2021.  Several of the 26,000 pills seized this year were distributed through Dark Web vendors who live out of state, but supply clients living across the country, including residents of Nebraska.

In addition to counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, DEA has seen an uptick in counterfeit pills made of pressed methamphetamine. Investigators have seen both fentanyl and methamphetamine laced pills marketed and sold with common prescription brand names including Adderall and Xanax.

“The truth of the matter is that there are some dangerous people pushing dangerous drugs and they don’t discriminate to whom they sell,” King said. “Talk with your family members and warn them about the dangers of taking pills not filled through a legitimate pharmacy and not prescribed to them individually.  The conversation may just save their life.”

For more information on the drugs students may be exposed to, or for tips on talking with your family members about drugs, visit www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov or www.JustThinkTwice.gov.

(KLZA)-- Most rural areas of America lost population in the past decade according to the latest census figures. 

The new census figures show Richardson County with a population of 7,719,  down .67 percent from the 2010 census.

Pawnee  County had a population decrease of 6.76% to 2,593.  Nemaha County, Nebraska had a population decline of 3.26 percent to 7,002 and Johnson County lost 4.78% of its population from the previous census to 4,983.

Otoe County had a population increase of two-percent to 16,070,  Gage County lost 3.23% of it's population to 21,549 and Jefferson County lost 7.71 percent of its population to 6,942. 

Overall Beatrice with a population of 12,299 ranked 15th in the state.  Nebraska City is the 23rd largest city with a population of 7,322, an increase of .41%. 

Falls City ranked 39th in the state with a population of 4,045, down 6.58% from 2010 when the population was 4,330.

Auburn ranks 45th with a population of 3,348, down 3.1%.  Tecumseh is 74th in population at 1,538 a loss of 8.62%;  Pawnee City is #140 on the list at 820, down 6.82% and Humboldt is down 10.6% in population from the previous count to 784.  

You can find other area communities and their population figures posted with this story at MSCNews.net.

Community        State       Population    % change
                          Rank
Peru                  151         749                -2.98%
Johnson            256        330                +.92%
Table Rock        308        253                 -6.3%
Rulo                  374        158                  -8.14%
Stella                392        141                  -7.24%
DuBois              395        137                 -6.8%
Shubert             396        136                 -9.33%
Dawson            398        133                  -8.9%
Brownville         400        132               No change
Salem               433        112                 -7.14%
Burchard           483         72                 -12.2%
Steinauer          484         70                  -6.67%
 

(KAIR)--Three juveniles are accused of intentionally setting a series of fires in Jefferson County earlier this month.

According to a release from Jefferson County Sheriff, his office, on August 10, “received information from a concerned parent monitoring their child’s social media usage, that allowed for the identification of three juveniles from Jefferson County as being involved in the starting of all four fires.”

According to the release, “all three juveniles and their guardians have been contacted in reference to these arsons, and these crimes are being referred to the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office for prosecution.”

According to Herrig, the first arson occurred August 3, when a vehicle was intentionally set on fire in the 7100 block of K-4 Highway, south of Meriden.

Three separate fires occurred August 5, one in the 600 block of Meriden’s Main Street, where a vehicle and garage were destroyed. A second fire was allegedly set at the Meriden Threshing Bee grounds, and a third occurred in a field located at K-92 Highway and Village Greens Road.

No injuries are reported.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha home is considered a total loss following a Friday morning fire.

Hiawatha Fire Chief Gene Atland said firefighters were called to 406 North 8th Street shortly before 6:30.

Atland said the occupants were home at the time of the fire but got out safely.

He said the house sustained major water and smoke damage throughout.

The State Fire Marshall was called in to investigate the cause of the fire. Atland said the fire was ruled electrical in nature, with the cause from a power line outside.

The Robinson Fire Department assisted.

Firefighters were on the scene about 4 ½ hours.

(KAIR)--A Topeka man is jailed in Jackson County, “following the report of a sex crime alleged to have occurred at [Jackson County’s] Banner Lake early [Monday] morning.”

That word comes from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release issued Monday afternoon.

In the release, Morse identifies the suspect as 19-year-old Tanner Allen Daughtery, who “is believed to have been staying in the Banner Creek Resevoir campground west of Holton.”

He was taken into custody, following a search, on charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and booked into the Jackson County Jail.

According to Morse, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office “was notified shortly after [2:00] Monday morning of an incident involving a minor child.” Prior to the arrival of law enforcement, the suspect, now identified as Daughtery, “fled the area on foot,” leaving deputies “unable to locate the suspect in the immediate area.”

According to Morse, it was shortly after 8:00 Monday morning that deputies “received a tip that the suspect may be in the 16,000 block of I. Road,” and when they responded to the area, “they were advised the suspect fled into a large wooded area west of the location.”

Deputies, detectives, and K-9 units soon arrived, along with additional help from the Kansas Highway Patrol and the Prairie Band Pottawatomie Nation Police, “who formed a perimeter.”

A KHP helicopter, along with a Sheriff’s Office drone, searched the area, with Morse saying a K-9 team located Daughtery “south of 166th Road east of H. Road in a corn field” where he surrendered, without incident, shortly before 12 noon Monday.

(KNZA)--A Horton woman was arrested early Monday morning on drug and child endangerment charges.

According to a report from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, a deputy was investigating a complaint in the city of Horton around 2:30.

Upon speaking with the resident, Merchant said the deputy had probable cause to believe illegal drug activity was present in the home.  

39-year-old Jamie Long was arrested on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernallia and two counts of Child Endangerment.

Long was booked into the Brown County Jail.

(KNZA)--A Horton man was arrested over the weekend on drug and firearm charges following the execution of a search warrant.

According to a report from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, a deputy responded to the Kickapoo Reservation shortly after 6:30 Saturday evening on a report of a 911 hangup.

Upon investigation, Merchant said it was discovered that a small child was playing with a cell phone and had accidentally placed the call. 

While the deputy was at the residence, Merchant said he had probable cause to believe illegal drug activity was present. He applied for and was granted a search warrant for the premises. 

Upon serving the search warrant, 43-year-old Jeremy Simon was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Simon was booked into the Brown County Jail.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man was arrested Friday, accused of child rape.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 36-year-old CJ Lonnie McPhie was taken into custody for rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent liberties with a child, criminal sodomy, and electronic solicitation.

The arrest came after a police investigation on Friday that Wilson said involved a female victim “relating to crimes committed when [the] victim was under the age of 14 and crimes committed when [the] victim was under the age of 16.”

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

His bond is set at $100,000.

(KAIR)--With concrete likely to be poured in a matter of weeks, construction of Atchison’s new skatepark continues to progress.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, “skatepark construction at Reisner Park is moving along with the contractor finishing major grade work and transitioning into placement of forms and reinforcement in anticipation of concrete in 3 weeks.”

Artisan Skateparks is the contractor for the 4,500 square foot project being built on greenspace inside the City’s Reisner Park.

The Reisner Park Skatepark Project is a cooperative effort between the Skate High With Hope the Joshua Kinsman Foundation and the City of Atchison. The foundation was named for late Atchison resident, and skateboarding enthusiast, Joshua Kinsman, who died in January, 2018 at the age of 17. Kinsman’s mother, Pamela Cline presented her vision of seeing the park built in Kinsman’s honor to the City Commission in April, 2018. According to McNemee, the $200,000 project is being funded by a $5,000 grant from The Skatepark Project, formerly known as The Tony Hawk Foundation, a $75,000 City of Atchison contribution, and private donations raised by Skate High with Hope, the Joshua Kinsman Foundation.

Atchison Public Works Director Clinton McNemee, last month, told MSC News the City hauled 550 tons of dirt, donated by Rubble Reprocessing, to the park, in preparation of the project’s start.

The Reisner Park Skatepark Project is a cooperative effort between the City of Atchison and the Skate High With Hope the Joshua Kinsman Foundation, named for late Atchison resident, and skateboarding enthusiast, Joshua Kinsman, who died in January, 2018 at the age of 17. Kinsman’s mother, Pamela Cline presented her vision of seeing the park built in Kinsman’s honor to the City Commission in April, 2018.

According to McNemee, the $200,000 project is being funded by a $5,000 grant from The Skatepark Project, formerly known as The Tony Hawk Foundation, a $75,000 City of Atchison contribution, and private donations raised by Skate High with Hope, the Joshua Kinsman Foundation.

(KNZA)--Masks will be required on all South Brown County USD 430 district transportation when the new school year begins, if more than one person is in the vehicle.

The Board of Education approved the USD 430 Safe Return to Learn Plan with the updated change when they met August 11th.

The change comes on the advice of the Kansas Department of Education following a CDC order requiring masks on public tranporation.

Otherwise, face coverings will be optional for both students and staff in USD 430 school facilities.

USD 430 will not require students and staff to be vaccinated.

The district plans to use a program through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment that will provide funding and resources to design and implement a school-based COVID-19 testing strategy.

The program is designed to reduce outbreaks, keep school districts open and minimize school absenteeism.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education has approved for publication a proposed 2021-2022 budget that calls for net expenditures of more than $19.9 million and a slight mill levy increase.

The board approved the budget for publication when they meet August 9.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 48.846 mills, which is to generate nearly $ 6.5 million in tax revenue.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the proposed budget equates to an overall mill levy increase of 0.493 mills. “The increase is not the result of any new programming or spending. Rather, it is the formulaic result of school finance budgeting. Most of that increase comes in the supplemental general budget. That is derived from a variety of factors and is based on the general budget. Aside from the general fund, other contributing factors are enrollment and assessed valuation. The proposed bond and interest levy is essentially the same as proposed last year.” said Moser.

The board will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their September 13 meeting.

An additional hearing will be held prior to the budget hearing on the district's intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate established by a new state law approved by the Kansas Legislature this year and signed by Governor Kelly.

(KAIR)--A Saturday afternoon house fire was battled by Atchison Fire Crews who were called to 1431 Santa Fe Street shortly after 2:15 Saturday afternoon.

According to Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar, when crews arrived, after the fire was reported by a passerby, they “found smoke coming from the 2-story home.”

Unaware if anyone was inside the the home, Weishaar said that “initiated firefighters to conduct a rapid search of the smoke filled residence,” where “heavy fire was found on the first floor, at the rear of the building, in the kitchen, which was extinguished quickly, and multiple pets were able to be rescued” by firefighters.

According to a release, from Weishaar, Atchison Police Officers, who were on the scene, “acted quickly, working with Atchison County 911 dispatchers to identify the homeowners, and make contact, insuring everyone was accounted for, including the pets that were rescued.”

A cause of the fire is not immediately available, with the investigation continuing through the weekend.

The Salvation Army is assisting the family.

According to Weishaar, Atchison County EMS responded to the residence “to standby for any injuries encountered,” adding that “they assisted in the care of the rescued pets by providing oxygen to treat for any smoke inhalation,” with the Atchison Fire Department and EMS both carrying oxygen kits for small pets.

(KNZA)--No injuries were reported after a small plane made an emergency landing in Jackson County Saturday evening.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Sheriff's Office received a report of an airplane landing near 142nd Road and U.S. 75 Highway at about 8:15 on the northbound portion of the Highway.

Morse said the 1991 Bonanza V-35 was headed to Omaha, Nebraska from Topeka when it lost its engine and was forced to make an emergency landing.  

He said the plane was able to land without incident, nearly striking an overhead power line.  All four occupants were uninjured.  

Traffic was reduced to one northbound lane during the incident except for a short time when both lanes were closed so the plane could be removed from the highway.  All northbound lanes were back open by shortly after 9:30.

(KNZA)--A three-vehicle Saturday afternoon Doniphan County crash claimed the life of an Atchison man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-7 Highway about three miles east of Highland shortly before 3:00.

The Patrol says an ATV driven by 26-year-old Eli Whittaker, of Atchison, and a UTV driven by 21-year-old Jarret Scholz, of Atchison, were crossing the Wolf River Bridge.  Scholz slowed for traffic. Whittaker failed to slow and attempted to avoid striking Scholz' UTV in the rear by swerving to the left.  Whittaker clipped the rear of the UTV, causing his ATV to overturn and cross into the path of a car. The  ATV was struck by the car, which was driven by 72-year-old Donna Caples, of St. Joseph, Missouri.

Whittaker, who was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Scholz and a passenger on his UTV escaped injury.  

Caples and two passengers in her car also were not hurt.

(KLZA)--Repairs to damage caused by the 2019 flood are scheduled to begin next week on the Atchison County U.S. Route 136 bridge over the Missouri River to Brownville, NE.

Contractors from Lehman Construction Company, working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, will begin repairing erosion damage around the bridge structure on Monday, Aug. 16.

Construction will take place under the bridge with crews utilizing river barges to complete the repairs, although some intermittent lane closures on U.S. Route 136 in Missouri and Nebraska may be necessary. Motorists may experience delays and should expect higher volumes of truck traffic. Repairs are expected to be complete in early October.

(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved a tentative negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2021-2022 school year.

Superintendent Todd Evans said the action came during the board's August 9th meeting.

Under the agreement,  Evans said teachers will see an an average increase of 4.56 percent.  He said the additional health insurance premium cost to the district reflects one percent of the total increase.

The agreement calls for a $750 increase to each step on the salary schedule, taking the  base pay for a beginning teacher to $39,250.

It also includes premium pay of $500, which is being financed through COVID relief funds.

The agreement must be approved by the Prairie Hills Teachers Association. 

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — The CoreCivic Leavenworth Detention Center is on lockdown after an inmate died there.

Leavenworth Police Major Dan Nicodemus said 39-year-old Scott Wilson died two days after he was attacked at the center on Aug. 2. Nicodemus said a 28-year-old man has been identified as a suspect but no charges were filed as of Friday.

Ryan Gustin, spokesman for CoreCivic, said the detention center was  placed on lockdown Aug. 3 and the lockdown remained in effect on Friday. Gustin said CoreCivic is working with the U.S. Marshals Service to determine when to lift lockdown.

The Leavenworth Detention Center houses pretrial detainees for the Marshals Service.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man was arrested on drug charges Thursday following the execution of a search warrant.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said a search warrant was served at 303 Delaware Street in Hiawatha following an extensive investigation by the Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force.

39-year-old Richard Swimm was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  He was booked into the Brown County Jail.

The incident remains under investigation.  

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

(KNZA)--An elderly Hiawatha woman died from injuries after being struck by a vehicle late Friday morning.     

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 43-year-old Liberty Beau Hasenohr, of Hiawatha, was turning north in the Hiawatha Wal-mart parking lot at 701 Hopi Drive when his 2014 Ford Explorer struck pedestrian 90-year-old Mary Kleppe.

Kleppe was transported to Hiawatha's Amberwell Hospital, where she died. 

Hasenohr was not injured.

The accident was reported shortly before 11:30.    

(KNZA)--A Las Vegas, Nevada man was arrested in Brown County late Thursday night after he was found walking away from a vehicle with bullet holes in it.

According to a report from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, deputies responded to a 911 call around 11:45 of a reported motor vehicle accident in the vicinity of 170th Road and U.S. 73 Highway.

On arrival, Merchant said deputies noticed a vehicle parked in the northbound lane.  No damage from an accident was visible, however there were several bullet holes in the vehicle that came from within protruding outward.   

Merchant said the driver was located a few yards from the vehicle walking in
the roadway uninjured.  

Upon further investigation, he said deputies arrested 42-year-old Jorrin-Yusmeike Reini Farjado on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia,  pedestrian under the influence, driving while license cancelled, suspended or revoked and criminal possession of weapon by a felon.  

Merchant said the incident remains under investigation, and other charges are possible.

(KNZA)--The 2021 Cobblestone Festival is underway.  

A number of events will begin tonight on Stone Street in Falls City.

Friday night events include: 
Food trucks on set up from 5 – 10 p.m.
The BPO Does Supermarket Sweep at SunMart at 6.
Crowning of Little Mr. and Miss Cobblestone on the Courthouse lawn at 7 p.m. sponsored by Partners in Education.
From 7 – 9 an ice cream social will be held in the 1700 block of Stone Stree honoring Frontline Workers showing appreciation for their time and dedication during the pandemic.
The moving “Sing” will be shown at 8:30 on the Outdoor movie screen in the 1700 block of Stone.
From 8 – 11 p.m. the Elk's Lodge will host a street dance on their parking lot. 

Saturday is the big day for Cobblestone with events beginning at 7:00 a.m. with the Community Medical Centers Fun Run beginning at Stanton Lake. 
The Car show in the 1800 block of Stone street goes from 8 a.m. until noon.  Food trucks and vendors will be set up on Stone Street.  The frog jumping contest is at 9 a.m;  the Buchanan Highlanders Bagpipe Concert will take palce at 10:15 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.

The Cobblestone Parade will start at 11 a.m. going south on Harlan Street from 20th Street to 14th. 

The afternoon will include Hot Wheels Races,  the RockIT Activities and Games; the FFA Alumni Bohemian Tractor Pull;  a watermelon eating contest at Dollar Fresh;  and at 6 p.m the Falls City Area Jaycees Demolition Derby begins at the Jaycee Community Arena two miles south of Falls City.

The annual community celebration will finish up Sunday evening with the Community Vespers Service at the Nazarene Church.  

(KNZA)--A new use is being sought for the former Horton Hospital.

Amberwell Atchison CEO Jeff Perry told the Horton City Commission at their August 2 meeting that efforts in investigating opportunities for use of the building have been unsuccessful to this point.

He said they worked with military type and office space for a couple entities as options for a solution to put someone in the building to maintain it.  

Perry said paying for an unoccupied building is very expensive and hard to do. He said the facility is deteriorating quickly and would require over one million dollars to update.  

Perry opened the door for the Mayor and Commissioners thoughts on how the building can be used and potentially where the funds could come from.  

Perry said that the concern is if they don’t have a solution in the next six months, they may have to tear it down, so it is not a risk to the community.  

He said they are open to hear any ideas, even if they had to donate the building and land if there’s a good opportunity to be sustainable.  

The Horton Hospital closed its doors in March 2019. The Atchison Hospital Association purchased the facility and related property in Horton at an auction in December 2019.  That sale was finalized in March 2020.

(KAIR)--An Atchison County accident, involving a runaway pickup truck, left a Saint Joseph, Missouri man dead Thursday.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 61-year-old David Richardson ran after the driverless Chevy Silverado, with trailer attached, as it went "out of control, westbound, on a private driveway at 3789 US 73 Highway."

As Richardson pursued the out of control truck, on foot, the KHP report says he was hit by the vehicle as it jackknifed.

Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The fatal accident happened shortly before 2:00 Thursday afternoon.

(KMZA)--After several years of discussion, the Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education is moving forward with a facilities improvement project at three district schools.

Superintendent Todd Evans said the board Monday evening determined the scope of the remodeling/construction project.

He said Civium Architecture and Planning presented the Board with several options that would impact the Axtell, Sabetha Elementary and Wetmore schools.

Evans said the board approved moving forward with the option that includes new construction at the Sabetha Elementary School of a media center, music room and gym to provide physical education space. The media center and music room would be storm shelter-rated. Estimates put the total cost of the project nearly $4.6 million.

The proposed timeline calls for the project to be put out for bid in December.

The project would be paid for using contingency funds, capital outlay funds and a through a lease-purchase agreement.

The board voted to solict lease-purchase proposals for $2.4 million from local banks for a five-year term.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education approved Return to School plan for the 2021-2022 school year when they met Monday evening.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman said masks will be recommended but not required in Nemaha Central Schools when the new school year begins.

Kohlman said they are also recommending vaccinations, but not requiring them. He said if a student is vaccinated and comes in close contract with a positive case they will not have to be quarantined as long as they stay symptom free.

Staff has been added to the district's schools to help reduce the number of students in classrooms, which allows for more physical distancing.

Kohlman said they are trying to get back too normal as much as they can, and will continue to do that as long as conditions allow them too.

The first day of classes for students in USD 115 will be Thursday, August 19.

In other business, the board approved for publication a proposed 2021-22 budget that calls for net expenditures of nearly $13 million and for the property tax levy to remain about the same.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 41.611 mills, which is expected to generate nearly $3.9 million.

The board will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their September 13 meeting.

A second public hearing will be held prior to the budget hearing on the district's intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate as established by a new state law approved this year by the Kansas Legislature.

(KLZA)--The 2021 Cobblestone Festival will be held this weekend in Falls City.

This year the theme of the event is Cobblestone Hollywood Red Carpet.

Following a year without the event due to COVID-19, 2021 will find a mix of traditional events and a few new things.

Falls City Chamber of Commerce and Mainstreet Executive Director Amber Holle says the first event will be the traditional, and always well attended Kids fishing contest at Stanton Lake.  
There will be free hotdogs and ice cream for the kids as well. 

The event begins at 5 p.m.

There will not be a carnival set up this year for Cobblestone.  This year the Chamber has contracted with RockIT Activities and Games to provide an afternoon full of entertainment on Stone Street. 

Activities will include a zip line, bunge trampolines, inflatables, rock climbing and other games for the kids from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Holle said the new events will hopefully bring something new and exciting.  The Chamber wanted to try something new to set the Cobblestone Festival apart form other area events.  She said this should also help local businesses who sometimes had to shut down on Friday's because  customers could not get to their businesses.

The annual Cobblestone Parade will be Saturday morning beginning at 11 going south on Harlan Street, which is Highway 73 from 20th to 14th Street. 

(KAIR)--Atchison Senior Village is identified as a coronavirus cluster site, based on the number of COVID-19 cases confirmed at the long-term care facility.

According to the latest statistics from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Atchison County-owned Senior Village is identified as having 16 confirmed, positive cornonavirus cases within the past 14-days, as of August 11.

The state health department data lists the last onset date as August 1.

The statistics also identify a Jackson County private business as a cluster site.

According to KDHE, Northeast Kansas Community Action Partnership has had five active cases within the past 14 days of August 11.

More commonly known as NEK-CAP, the organization addresses poverty in northeast Kansas.

The last onset date of the current cases at the NEK-CAP location is stated as August 3.

Atchison County has had 1,884 coronavirus cases, while Jackson County has had 1,919 since the pandemic began.

KDHE data shows that 20 have died in Atchison County, while Jackson County has incurred 17 coronavirus-related deaths.

(KLZA)--The Johnson-Brock Board of Education met Monday evening.

Principal Lucas Dallinghaus informed the board that registration day was well attended. He advised the board of new staff and long term subs that will be starting at the beginning of the school year.

Principal Dallinghaus also informed the board that the Elementary open house will be held Friday the 13th from 5 to 7 P.M. and that the Digital Citizenship presentation will be held on August 23rd.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler met with the board to discuss the Emergency Connectivity Fund with the board and how it may be utilized. He also informed the board that the 2021-22 budget was almost complete, just waiting on valuations.

Superintendent Koehler also informed the board that at this time, masks will be optional at Johnson-Brock, but will wait and see what the Southeast Health Department recommends for the upcoming school year.

(KLZA)--The 2021 Cobblestone Festival will be held this weekend in Falls City.

This year the theme of the event is Cobblestone Hollywood Red Carpet.

Following a year without the event due to COVID-19, 2021 will find a mix of traditional events and a few new things.

Falls City Chamber of Commerce and Mainstreet Executive Director Amber Holle says the first event will be the traditional, and always well attended Kids fishing contest at Stanton Lake.  
There will be free hotdogs and ice cream for the kids as well. 

The event begins at 5 p.m.

There will not be a carnival set up this year for Cobblestone.  This year the Chamber has contracted with RockIT Activities and Games to provide an afternoon full of entertainment on Stone Street. 

Activities will include a zip line, bunge trampolines, inflatables, rock climbing and other games for the kids from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Holle said the new events will hopefully bring something new and exciting.  The Chamber wanted to try something new to set the Cobblestone Festival apart form other area events.  She said this should also help local businesses who sometimes had to shut down on Friday's because  customers could not get to their businesses.

The annual Cobblestone Parade will be Saturday morning beginning at 11 going south on Harlan Street, which is Highway 73 from 20th to 14th Street. 

(KAIR)--A group of local health care providers have put their support for a local school district's reopening plan in writing, saying they support the Atchison public school district's "efforts to assist the community in mitigating the spread [of COVID-19] while educating students in person."

The district’s plan includes such mitigation efforts as the wearing of face masks in school buildings.

The letter, signed by 15 Atchison-area health care professionals, including school board member and state representative, Dr. John Eplee, says that as physicians in Atchison, they "are seeing firsthand the impact COVID-19, especially the new variant, is having on residents of all ages," adding that "in order to decrease the spread, we must all continue to work together in our efforts, which support vaccination, masking, and frequent handwashing."

The letter also states that while many of the students in USD 409 "are still not eligible to receive the vaccine” “they are at high risk to get COVID" as well as to spread it.

The letter, dated August 4, was written in support of USD 409's Safe Return and Continuity of Services plan for the 2021-2022 school year," with the letter calling the plan "a sound course of action."

(KAIR)--Although face masks need not be worn in school facilities, the Atchison County Schools of USD 377 will require masks be worn on buses.

That word comes in a release from Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gaddis, who said “the Kansas Department of Education provided legal advice to all school districts regarding the Federal Order requiring masks while on Public Transportation.”

Gaddis, in the release, explains that the order “was issued by the CDC and requires all individuals to wear a mask while riding on public transportation,” with Gaddis adding that “the legal advice was that school buses and vehicles are considered public transportation and therefore face masks are required to be worn by all passengers as well as the driver.”

Gaddis, in the release, notes that while face masks, at this time, are optional inside all school district facilities, he highly recommends “that all unvaccinated individuals wear one inside of USD 377 facilities.”

Despite the lack of a mask mandate inside school facilities, Gaddis explains that “teachers and staff will continue to stress proper handwashing and using hand sanitizer regularly,” while “high contact areas will be cleaned frequently and all buildings deep cleaned nightly.”

(KAIR)--A St. Joseph, Missouri child has died from injuries he suffered after being struck by a truck last month.

KQ2-TV reports that 7-year-old Dante Harris died Tuesday after sustaining serious head injuries in the July 9 accident that occurred in front of the city’s Pickett Elementary School.

The St. Joseph School District issued a statement saying it is “keeping the family in [their] thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of grief and sadness.”

(KAIR)--A system, designed, in part, “to protect consumers from fraud,” and being implemented by the State of Kansas, could have some affect on the operations of the Atchison County Treasurer’s Office Monday.

According to a release from County Treasurer Connie Ellerman, Kansas is transitioning to include National Motor Vehicle Title Information System reporting in titling and registering vehicles, “designed to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles and to keep stolen vehicles from being resold.”

The transition is set to happen Monday, and according to the release, “the Atchison County Treasurer’s office is not certain how this may affect motor vehicle processes Monday morning.”

Saying that a widespread issue is not anticipated, the release encourages “citizens to arrange another time to renew and register vehicles other than Monday morning.”

Any questions can be addressed by calling 913-804-6050.

A four-vehicle crash in St. Joseph, Missouri Tuesday afternoon sent two to the hospital, including a Doniphan County resident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened shortly after 4:30 at the intersection of U.S. 36 Highway and I-229.

According to the Patrol report, an SUV driven by 25-year-old Tyler Odell, of St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 36 when he failed to stop for a red light. His vehicle struck a pickup truck driven by 32-year-old Troy, Kansas resident Joel Jorgensen. The impact caused Odell's vehicle to strike the concrete barrier and a westbound car driven by 36-year-old Eli Gallagher, of St. Joseph. The impact then caused Gallagher's car to strike a westbound SUV driven by 39-year-old Elwood, Kansas resident Dustin Robinson.

Odell was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with suspected moderate injuries, while Jorgensen was transported to the hospital by private vehicle with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says Odell was the only occupant not buckled up when the wreck occurred.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has turned down a request from NEK-CAP to use the old RV park site on South 1st Street for the re-location of their administration building and Head-Start Center.

A motion by Mayor Bill Collins to allow NEK-CAP to use the property failed on a 2-3 vote Monday evening. Collins made the motion without any discussion, saying NEK-CAP had waited long enough for an answer from the city.

Commissioner Evans Woehlecke joined Collins in voting in favor of the motion, while Commissioners David Middendorf, Becky Shamburg and Brian Shefferd voted “ no.”

Collins and Commissioners expressed a willingness to work with the non-profit organization to find another location in the city.

Middendorf felt city-owned property just west of the Ag Museum would be a better location for NEK-CAP.

NEK-CAP Executive Director Jeanette Collier said its critcal they find a location in Hiawatha for their Head-Start program because they just had to close their Sabetha center this week. She indicated they might look for other sites outside of Hiawatha for their administration building.

NEK-CAP had offered to pay for the cost of re-locating the skate park currently located on the 1st Street property.

(KNZA)--A four-vehicle crash in St. Joseph, Missouri Tuesday afternoon sent two to the hospital, including a Doniphan County resident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened shortly after 4:30 at the intersection of U.S. 36 Highway and I-229.

According to the Patrol report, a SUV driven by 25-year-old Tyler Odell, of St. Joseph, was eastbound on U.S. 36 when he failed to stop for a red light. His vehicle struck a pickup truck driven by 32-year-old Troy, Kansas resident Joel Jorgensen. The impact caused Odell's vehicle to strike the concrete barrier and a westbound car driven by 36-year-old Eli Gallagher, of St. Joseph. The impact then caused Gallagher's car to strike a westbound SUV driven by 39-year-old Elwood, Kansas resident Dustin Robinson.

Odell was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with suspected moderate injuries, while Jorgensen was transported to the hospital by private vehicle with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says Odell was the only occupant not buckled up when the wreck occurred.

(KNZA)--Jackson County continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases.

The Jackson County office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Wednesday reported 44 active cases in the county, with one hospitalization.

That's up from 28 active cases on August 4.

The more contagious delta variant continues to be the prominent strain in the county.

Since the pandemic began there have been a total 1,534 positive cases, with 15 virus-related deaths in Jackson County.

The Health Department reports 50 percent of eligible Jackson County residents have been fully vaccinated. 

(KAIR)--The visible results of the process of canceling two, then instating one district wide mascot, are now in place, with the Atchison public schools moving into a new era, under the new name, “Phoenix.”

The new mascot was approved by the USD 409 Board of Education in July, using the results of a community survey which placed “Phoenix” as the top choice.

An additional community survey, offering two choices for the look of the new logo, was later released, with that top choice now displayed on the school district’s Facebook page.

The results of that survey were presented to the School Board Monday, and finalized.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Renee Scott, told MSC News Wednesday, “the image on Facebook is the Phoenix logo that USD 409 will use.”

That logo will be used in conjunction with an additional phoenix head logo.

Selection of the new, district wide mascot follows the Board of Education’s unanimous vote in April to retire the Atchison High School “Redmen” and Atchison Middle School “Braves,” citing insensitivity toward Native Americans.

Retirement of the mascots followed a lengthy process, including the use of community input sessions, and a mascot committee which oversaw the community surveys.

Along with the new mascot, the surveys were also used to select a red and gold district-wide color scheme.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening received the results of a concrete depth examination of Miami Street.

Following citizen concerns, a firm was hired to take core samples on Miami Street between 1st and 10th streets to determine the concrete thickness.

Kansas City Testing and Engineering took 27 core samples last week.

City Administrator Mike Nichols said 10 of the cores were below the 8 inches required. Of those, one was seven inches. The other nine were greater than 7 inches and less than 7.8 inches.

17 cores were within specifications or over.

Based on KDOT specifications, Nichols said at least 20 additional cores are required.

The Commission voted to proceed with the additional core samples at a cost not to exeed Nichols spending authority of $5,000.

(KLZA)--The 2021 Nemaha County, Nebraska Fair begins with set up and cleanup at the fairgrounds in Auburn Wednesday evening (8/11)  at 6:00 p.m.

Friday will be 4H, FFA and Clover Kid Entry from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. with pre-fair judging and entry of FFA and 4-H Home Economics and General Areas Exhibits.

Saturday will be the Open Class entries from 8:00 – 11:0 a.m. in the 4-H building.  All Home Economics, General areas and Horticulture judging will begin at 11:00 a.m. 

Sunday, August 15 the horse show will be held following the 8:00 a.m. check in.  The poultry show will be at 2:00 p.m.  From 3:00 – 6:00 will be the 4-H Horticulture Exhibits entry and judging.  

Monday, August 16:
8 a-m Bucket Valf Show / Beef Show at the Livestock Arena.
1 p.m. - Rabbit Show at the Livestock Arena.
3 p.m. Clove Kid Pet Show at the Livestock Arena.
6 p-m Fair parade.
8 p.m. The Pioneer and Heritage Farm Awards will be presented followed by the free Grandstand Show featuring the Lucas Minor Band. 

Tuesday, August 17
8 a.m Dairy Cattle, Dair Goat and Pygmy Goat Show at the Livestock Arena.
9 a-m Shooting Sports contest  for archery at the ballfield.
3:30 – Horse, dairy and livestock judging contests at the livestock arean. 
6:30 – FFA Ag Olympics.
7:15 p.m. Little Tuggers Tractor Pull.
8 – 11 p.m. -Fred Huffman Band – Humdinger wil perform.

Wednesday, August 18
8 a.m. Swine Show at Livestock Arena.
10 a.m. Shooting sports contest for BB Guns.
1 p.m. Sheep show followed by the meat goat show at the Livestock Arena.
4 p.m. - Rocket Launch – weather permitting.
5:30 p.m. Livestock buyers meal.
6 p.m. Presentation of McIninch Judging Trophy and Judging contests and Herdsmanship awards. Followed by the 4H / FFA livestock premium sale at the Livestock Arena.
7:30 p.m. - Chain saw woodk sculpture auction with proceeds going to benefit the Nemaha County Agricultural Society.

Thursday, August 19,  6 p.m.  cleanup of the Fairgrounds. 
Sam's Amusements will be open on the midway Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 

(KNZA)--With the beginning of school just around the corner, the Hiawatha School District is seeking a grant to provide COVID-19 testing.

School nurse Erin Wenger informed the Hiawatha School Board Monday evening that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has come out with a grant where schools can do testing for the coronavirus on students and staff.

She said one option is a nasal antigen test for those have been directly exposed, but have no symptoms. It is called the “ Test to Stay”, and provides results in 15 to 30 minutes.

Wenger said the testing would allow students to stay in school, without having to be quarantined, if they have a negative test daily for 10 days.

Parents would have to give written permission one time for a test to be conducted, which would be good throughout the entire school year.

Wenger said the grant would cover the costs of the tests, along with possible additional staff to administer testing on-site at the schools.

Board member Amy Kopp said she wasn't comfortable with the district administering the test. She felt the school district was essentially taking the place of the health department or a family physican.

Board member Ian Schuetz said he believes it would provide a safe alternative to having to be quarantined.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the state is limiting the amount of time school districts can provide remote learning to 40 hours.

It was the general consensus of the board to allow Moser and Wenger to pursue the grant.

(KAIR)--The Administrator of Atchison Senior Village has resigned.

The resignation of Haley Tinch, who began her employment in the position late last year, is effective immediately. That’s according to Atchison County Commissioner Eric Noll who, during Tuesday’s regular meeting of the County Commission, made the motion to accept Tinch’s resignation. “The Commission had been informed of the resignation of Haley Tinch by email on Sunday,” Noll said, adding that, “right now I would like to move that we accept her resignation effective immediately."

The Commission, including Noll and his fellow Commissioners Jack Bower and Casey Quinn, voted unanimously to accept the resignation, effective immediately.

The Commission’s vote of approval followed discussion Tuesday, held behind closed doors during executive sessions focused on matters of non-elected personnel, which came as part of the Commission’s meeting.

Tinch, hired to replace the former Senior Village Administrator, began her time in the position in December, 2020.

(KAIR)--A Parkville, Missouri woman is accused of second degree murder in connection with the weekend traffic-related death of a Leavenworth teenager.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 27-year-old Amber Alexander was formally charged Tuesday with three counts stemming from the death of a 16-year-old bicyclist.

Police said Miranda Lynch was riding her bicycle early Saturday in Leavenworth when she was hit from behind by a vehicle and the driver fled the scene.

Lynch was taken to a hospital but died from her injuries.

Alexander was arrested by police Sunday.

Besides second-degree murder, Alexander was charged with an alternative DUI involuntary manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with evidence.

Although a court appearance was not formally set as of Tuesday afternoon, Thompson, in the release, said it was possible that Alexander could appear in Leavenworth County District Court Wednesday morning.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha man has been arrested in Brown County on drug charges.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the sheriff's department's drug task force received information Monday about illegal drug activity in the northwest part of the county.

Upon investigation, Merchant said deputies arrested 59-year-old Louis Fulton on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fulton was booked into the Brown County Jail, and was later released on bond.

The incident remains under investigation.   

(KAIR)--Atchison City Manager Becky Berger is resigning.

The answer to lengthy, local speculation comes in a news release issued Tuesday afternoon by the City of Atchison.

Berger is quoted in the release as saying she has “enjoyed having the opportunity to serve the City and the Atchison community for the past nine years, and will miss the work and all of [her] colleagues at the City,” but provides no reason behind her decision to resign. Berger did add that she wishes “the City of Atchison continued success and will always cherish the relationships and experiences” she gained during her years of employment.

According to the release, Berger began working for the City of Atchison in 2012, first as Assistant City Manager/Finance Director until 2017, when she was named Interim City Manager. In 2018, she was selected to serve in the position officially.

The release states that “Mayor Abby Bartlett and the Commission are proud of Berger and what has been accomplished during her tenure, with Bartlett saying the City leaders “are grateful for her leadership and service to the Atchison Community,” adding that Berger “will be missed not only by the Commission but by the dedicated employees of the City of Atchison.”

Speculation regarding Berger’s role with the City has been swirling locally following her noticeable absence during a string of Commission-related meetings.

According to the release, the Atchison City Commission “will decide the next steps for moving forward” during the next Commission meeting, which will be held Monday afternoon, August 16, at Atchison City Hall.

(KLZA)--The Community Medical Center in Falls City is reporting that as of Monday they have conducted 99 COVID-19 tests in the last two weeks. Out of the 99 tested 17 have come back positive, which is 16.3%.

Since they have been reporting they have conducted 4512 tests. 3738 of those test have come out negative which is 83.3% and 721 have come back positive which is 16 %. 32 tests are pending.

(KLZA)--The Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors will elect a new Board Chairman when they meet Thursday evening. 

During the July Board meeting Board member Doug Iske ( is-key) asked to addressed the board regarding issues within the board and conduct of some board members, which hd considered unprofessional and unethical.  Iske added that he was also acting as the voice of staff who were present and would open it up to them to comment as well.  

A motion to go into closed session with the board members only to discuss personnel issues failed.  A motion to go into closed session with board members, staff and guests for the prevention of needless injury to an individual to discuss personnel passed.

Following th 46 minute closed session,  board member Rob Bohling moved to ask for Mike McDonald's resignation as board chairman.  At that point McDonald stated he would resign as chairman and Bohling withdrew his motion.

Board members present voted unanimously to accept McDonald's resignation.  

Iske stated he was not interested in stepping up as board chair at this time.  

The person elected will serve as chairman until the next election of officers in January. 
 

(KLZA)--During the August 2 Falls City Council meeting EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl presented the economic development groups quarterly update. 

Froeschl reported that the North Commercial Corridor project is still in the works with a goal of building the street from Highway 73, west to the driveway entrance of Community Medical Center starting next spring.  

EDGE is hopeful the permit to connect Highway 73 to 33rd  Street to be approved. 

He also reported the new Abbott Street section at Champions Crossing is now complete and the installation of utilities will be coordinated with the City Utility Department. 

(KAIR)--A Monday evening rollover wreck led to the arrest of a 23-year-old after the man allegedly ran from the crash site.

A report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says Ioannis Markou, of Atchison, was behind the wheel of a southbound SUV on 6th Street “when it left the roadway, struck a power pole and street sign, [then went] up a grassy embankment” which caused the SUV to roll over onto its top.

Markou was not injured and, according to Wilson’s report, “ran from the accident scene but was taken into custody by officers in the 800 block of South 5th.”

Markou was arrested for leaving the scene of the accident, then booked into the Atchison County Jail.

A passenger in the vehicle, 28-year-old Christopher Edwards, of Atchison, was examined at the scene by Atchison County EMS, but was not transported for hospital treatment.

The wreck happened around 5:35 Monday evening.

Guilty plea in Leavenworth Co deadly crash

Posted Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 5:11am

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 31-year-old Kansas City man has pleaded guilty in a Leavenworth County crash that killed an Illinois man.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said Anthony Dorsey pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder in the death of 19-year-old Nathan Pena, of Brookfield, Illinois.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash occurred on Interstate 70 in Leavenworth County in September 2019 when Dorsey was fleeing troopers over an alleged vehicle registration violation.

The Patrol says Pena was driving another vehicle and both men swerved to avoid a collision but their vehicles crashed.

Dorsey faces up to 49 years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 17.

(KAIR)--The Atchison Police Department is investigating the theft of skid-steer loader, while a pickup truck stolen last month from a residence in the city has been recovered. 

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the owner of a 2001 Bobcat 763 skid steer had been utilizing it to do work in the 11-thousand block of U.S. 59 Highway on Saturday until 4:00 in the afternoon, and then left it at that location. 

Wilson said shortly after 11:00 Sunday morning it was discovered that the Bobcat had been taken, with indications it was loaded onto a trailer. 

The Bobcat was valued at $15,000. 

It was orange and white in color, with a toothed bucket attached. 

Anyone with information on the theft should contact the Atchison Police Department. 

Meanwhile, Wilson said a 1997 Ford F-250 pickup truck that was reported stolen from the 1000 block Hickory on July 20 was recovered on Saturday in Blue Springs Missouri.  The case remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--Atchison County authorities say an Atchison man was involved in a hit-and-run accident early Sunday morning that caused extensive damage to a building.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, a hit-and-run accident was reported at the former Lockwood Company building at 8191 Pratt Road shortly before 6:30.

Laurie said it was discovered that 39-year-old Bryan Gammon was driving a 2010 Nissan when he struck a chain link fence and also drove through the building.

Gammon and the suspect vehicle were later located at 8344 Freemont. He was issued a notice to appear for failure to report an accident. Gammon was also arrested on a district court warrant for failure to appear on an unrelated matter.

He is currently free after posting a $500 surety bond.

(KAIR)--An early Monday morning single-vehicle Atchison County wreck sent an Effingham man to the hospital.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 46-year-old Jason Lindsey was southbound in the 11-thousand block of K-9 Highway when he fell asleep at the wheel and lost control of his Ford Focus.

Lindsey was transported by ambulance for a possible back injury.

The wreck was reported shortly before 1:30 Monday morning.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Public and Falls City Sacred Heart School students will not have to pay for meals for the 2021-22 school year. 

The USDA has approved local school districts to provide no-cost meals to all enrolled students for the duration of the new school year. 

Families will need to file a new application for free and reduced meals. The applications help determine the funding schools receive.  Regardless, the students will not have to pay for meals.  

(KLZA)-- Falls City EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl presented the organizations quarterly report to the Falls City Council last week. 

Froeschl noted in the Industry Report that he had recently visited with Fast Global Solutions President and CEO Steve Hagstrom who said the company intentions are to grow at both their Falls City and Auburn facilities. 

Froeschl said there had been questions around Falls City about the company keeping the Falls City location when they purchased the Auburn facility. 

Froeschl also updated the Council on the building on the south edge of Falls City that was the former home to AMES True Temper Manufacturing.  EDGE has not heard if the building is available for purchase.  He did note that the building cannot be used for storage.

Froeschl said that he has been busy since accepting the Executive Director's position and said he has visited with most corporate partners and toured a few of the local facilities.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Volunteer Fire Department will soon being raising funds for the purchase of new extrication equipment. 

The Nemaha  County Herald reports the department is looking at a cost of $35-thousand for equipment to help extricate victims from wreckage following accidents. 

The new equipment is stronger and more compact, requiring fewer extra tools that equipment currently in use. 

The equipment the department is looking to purchase will be on display August 16 and 17 at the Nemaha County Fairgrounds during the fair.

Fund raising efforts for the equipment are being planned including a Sunday,September 5 event at Legion Memorial Park during  a Music in the Park concert and on Sunday, October 24 which is the date of the annual Auburn Volunteer Fire Department Soup Supper. 

Donations will be accepted anytime.  

(KMZA)--A mill and overlay project on K-9 Highway in Marshall County is underway.  

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the work covers about 12.5 miles, from the K-9/U.S. Highway 77 junction to the K-9/K-99 junction in Frankfort.

According to KDOT, traffic is restricted to one lane in the work zone and will be irected by a pilot car, flaggers, signs and cones.  Drivers should plan for delays up to 15 minutes.

Work will take place Monday through Friday, during daylight hours.  

Hall Brothers, of Marysville, is the contractor on the $1.7 million project.  The project is expected to be complete by late August, weather permitting.

(KNZA)--The name of the Holton man killed in a fatal Friday night UTV accident in eastern Jackson County has been released.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse identified the victim as 34-year-old Aaron Jack Minde.

The accident was reported around 11:00 Friday night on W. Road near 198th Road, just north of Denison.

Morse said Minde was northbound when his UTV left the roadway. The UTV  re-entered the roadway and Minde lost control of the vehicle, which overturned and pinned him underneath.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident remains under investigation.

A memorial service for Minde will be held Saturday afternoon, August 14 at 1:00 at the Mercer Funeral Service in Holton.

The family will greet friends Friday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 at the funeral home.

(KAIR)--An early Saturday morning single-vehicle Atchison County wreck sent an Atchison man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 53-year-old Patrick Wentz was northbound on U.S. 73 Highway, north of Rooks Road, when he failed to negotiate a curve and his pickup truck went off the roadway. Wentz overcorrected and lost control of his vehicle, which went into the ditch, traveled up an embankment and overturned.

Wentz was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says he was not wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred shortly before 2:30.    

(KNZA)--A Friday night UTV accident in eastern Jackson County claimed the life of a Holton man.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the accident was reported around 11:00 on W. Road near 198th Road, just north of Denison.   

The Holton Fire Department, Jackson County EMS and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Morse said the UTV had been northbound on W. Road when it left the eastside of the roadway. The UTV re-entered the roadway when it lost control, overturning and pinning the man underneath.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The name of the victim is not being released at this time pending the notification of family.

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

(KAIR)--A Friday night two-vehicle Jefferson County wreck claimed one life and left two others seriously injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 9:00 at the intersection of U.S. 24 and U.S. 59 Highways about 4 miles east of Perry.

According to the KHP report, 37-year-old Rebecca Krom, of Yakima, Washington was southbound on U.S. 59 and failed to stop at the stop sign. Her car was struck by an eastbound pickup truck on U.S. 24 driven by 26-year-old Kansas City, Missouri resident Ashley Noel

Krom, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ashley Noel and a passenger in her pickup, 27-year-old Pleasant Valley, Missouri resident Sean Noel, were transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says neither occupant in the pickup was buckled up when the wreck occurred.

(KLZA)-- Frontier Bank has notified customers that the Stella Branch of the bank will be closed as of December 31, 2021.  The bank formerly the Richardson County Bank and Trust has had a location in Stella for more than 25 years. 

In a letter to Stella Branch customers it was noted that Vice President and Loan Officer Bill Niedfeldt would continue to work in the Falls City location of Frontier Bank while Vicki Owings, who has worked at the bank in Stella for 30 years will be retiring.

The bank recommended that customers with a safe deposit box in the Stella location make arrangements to transfer their items  and return the key by December 31.

(KNZA)--A Fairview man facing multiple child sex charges waived his right to a preliminary hearing this week.

39-year-old Nathaniel Culver was bound over to Brown County District Court on two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of attempted rape.

Arraignment was scheduled for September 20.

Culver is charged in connection with alleged sex offenses against two children who were ages 9 and 11 at the time.

He was arrested last September following an extensive investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department, with the assistance of investigators from the Kansas Department of Children and Families, the Brown County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

All the felony charges against Culver are punishable by life in prison.

Culver remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a $500,000 bond.

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca has begun the search for a new recreation director.

The Seneca City Council Wednesday evening accepted the resignation of Erin Toby, who has held the position since August of last year.

Her resignation is effective September 1.

City Administrator Tami Haverkamp says Toby has accepted another job.

Due to staffing issues, the Council agreed the last day the Aquatic Center will be open will be Sunday, August 29. The hours that day will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Staff will remain on duty until 8:00 that evening for pool clean-up.

(KMZA)--A Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education member is facing a recall vote.

Nemaha County Clerk Mary Kay Schultejans on Wednesday certified a petition seeking the recall of Amy Sudbeck as valid.

She said the petition contained 8 valid signatures, more than the 3 required.

Registered voters living in the USD 115 board member position 1 boundaries will decide during the November 2 general election whether Sudbeck should be removed from office.

The recall petition, which was submitted July 12, was circulated by a group of patrons upset by the board's refusal this spring to change its mask policy from “required” to “recommended.”

Sudbeck was among the majority of board members who voted against changing the policy in April and again in May.

The petition alleges she failed to perform duties prescribed by law. Specifically, it alleges she violated Kansas Statute 60-5305 by not allowing parents to make decisions regarding the healthcare of their children when attending school.

Sudbeck commented on the recall: " It's unfortunate that this issue has caused division in our community. I voted with the majority to allow our kids freedom to participate in activities, stay in school and keep them out of a quarantine invoked by the health department."

Sudbeck was appointed to the position last year and is seeking election this fall. She received the most votes in Tuesday's primary election among four candidates and will advance to the November general election ballot.

(KNZA)--A public health advisory has been lifted for Horton's Mission Lake, while two other Brown County lakes remain under advisories due to blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, announced Thursday that Pony Creek Lake, north of Sabetha, and Brown State Fishing Lake, northeast of Robinson, are under " watch" status.

For lakes under " watch" status, KDHE says people are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets away from the water.

Boating and fishing are safe.  However, you should clean fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only

(KAIR)--Atchison City Commissioners this week unanimously approved a new comprehensive community survey “which will help City leaders to measure service delivery performance and allow for public input at a strategic level.”

That’s according to a release from the City of Atchison, which explains that the survey, approved by the Commission Monday, “is a follow up to one taken in December 2018 that covered nearly every area of City government service delivery as well as outlining community standards and priorities.”

 According to the release, “the first survey helped lay the groundwork for the strategic plan that was adopted in 2020, which has been used extensively in budget creation and performance management within the organization over the past year.”

Assistant City Manager Justin Pregont, in the release, said doing the surveys every three years or so can help commissioners and staff to plan from a strategic level.

The Commission was back to business Wednesday, holding a noon hour special meeting held mostly behind closed doors as an executive session.  

According to the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting, the private session was held "for discussion relating to personnel matters of non-elected personnel.”  No action was taken by the Atchison City Commission following the special meeting.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Ward IV Council member Derek Leyden addressed the need for infrastructure upgrades in Falls City when the Council met Monday evening. 

The Falls City Utility Department has prepared a 10 year capital improvement plan that comes with a price tag of $31.675-million.  Leyden said improvements are needed at the electrical plant, new water mains are needed,  gas lines need to be replaced and upgrades of up to five-million dollars may be required at the wastewater treatment plant.

Leyden said some of the current infrastructure is decades old and said the city doesn't want to be forced to make changes following a failure in any of the systems.  He noted the power lines in the alley's between Chase and Stone Street and between Stone and Harlan Streets are in bad shape and suggested the lines should be underground if possible. 

The biggest issue is how to pay for the proposed upgrades.  Leyden outlined several funding scenarios including an increase in the local sales tax, budget cuts including a cut in services and personnel,  increasing utility rates,  bond the project  or use of a mixture of all four scenarios to pay for the improvements. 

During the quarterly EDGE update Monday evening,  EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl noted that a potential industrial prospect was looking at Falls City that would have provided 45 jobs at around $60-thousand annually with a $4-500-million investment.  However, at the present time Falls City could not meet the electrical needs or capacity for wastewater the company would require. 

Leyden said despite the cost, the improvements simply need to be done. 

Council member Mitch Merz said the City will need to invest in itself to grow. He said if we don't improve out systems, there is no reason for NPPD to spend the money to provide more electrical power to Falls City.

Leyden invited citizens to reach out to him or other council members with their thoughts and ideas on whether or not to move forward with improvements or any idea's they may have to pay for the improvements.  

(KMZA)--A Seneca man has been arrested on a child sex-related charge. 

According to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, 34-year-old Nathaniel Lee Griffith was arrested Tuesday by the Seneca Police Department on a Nemaha County warrant for sexual exploitation of a child.

The arrest follows an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert said a complaint filed in Nemaha County District Court alleges that between October 25, 2019 and October 21, 2020, Griffith unlawfully possessed depictions of children under 18 years of age shown or heard engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Griffith remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $100,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A new Doniphan County kitchen administrator has been appointed.

 According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the Doniphan County Commission on Monday unanimously approved the appointment of Laura Winkel to the position, effective August 16.  

Winkel will be paid an annual salary of $35,000.  

She will replace longtime administrator Judy Allen, who plans to retire effective October 31.

Allen will providing training for Winkel in the coming weeks.

The kitchen director is in charge of preparing meals for the county's jaiil inmates, all of the senior centers in the county, and the county's Meals on Wheels program.   

(KMZA)--Nemaha County continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Nemaha County Community Health Services on Wednesday reported 41 active cases, with one hospitalization.  That's up from 28 active cases reported on July 27.

The Health Department says the more contagious Delta variant continues to be the predominant strain.

As the rate of infection in the county has increased, “ breakthrough” cases have been occurring.

The Department reports 27 fully vaccinated individuals in Nemaha County have tested positive for COVID-19, with those breakthrough cases representing less than one percent of the total number of county residents vaccinated. The Department says their symptoms have been mild.

According to the CDC COVID tracker, about 51 percent of eligible Nemaha County residents have been fully vaccinated.

(KLZA)-- Two North Platte, Nebraska men are facing drug charges in Richardson County following an early Wednesday morning arrest. 

Richardson County Deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 75 about 3:10 a.m. 

A search of the vehicle was conducted and substances suspected to be crack cocaine,  marijuana as well as drug paraphernalia were located.

Gervis Carter JR. is facing charges of possession of crack cocaine with intent to deliver and no drug tax stamp.  

Lonnie Oliver was arrested for possession of crack cocaine.

Both men were booked into the Richardson County Jail. 

Editor's note: the below statement was released Wednesday by Atchison County Health Officer Lori Forge. 

Atchison County is experiencing an increase of Covid19 cases, more now than ever before. The county currently has 140 active cases. It is imperative that each and every one of us do our part to stop the spread. Wear a mask when unable to maintain a six foot distance from those that do not reside with you. Keep your hands clean and away from your face. Avoid large gatherings. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK and get tested! KDHE is helping with Atchison County’s investigations of positive cases and contact tracing, therefore the Health Department is sometimes unaware of hospitalizations, however, there are at least 8 individuals in the hospital and sadly there is another death to report. This virus has devastated many lives and continues to rage on. We need to come together as a unit to help each other, stop the hate, and be kind to one another.

Also a reminder, if you are having symptoms you should be tested. You should stay at home until you have those test results back from your provider. If you are positive for Covid19 you must stay home until your isolation period is over. (date will be provided by KDHE) If you are a contact to a positive case and have NOT been vaccinated you must stay in your home until your quarantine period is over. (date will be provided by KDHE). This is not a suggestion, this is a must. If you are in need of supplies or medical care contact family, friends, or your medical provider. If you are having a medical emergency call 911 and tell the operator that you are Covid19 positive so that the ambulance and the medical facility can prepare for you.

A 20-year-old Atchison man is facing charges in connection with a robbery last month that sent another man to the hospital.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Landen Williams was arrested Tuesday on an Atchison County District Court Warrant for aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, and theft.

Wilson, in the report, says William's arrest stems from a July 7 robbery that occurred during the afternoon outside a residence in the 700 block of Washington Street.

According to Wilson, a 51-year-old man reported to police that “he was confronted by individuals who were known to him” who demanded his money, punched him in the face repeatedly, stole his wallet, and then fled.

Wilson says “the victim was taken to the hospital by private vehicle for treatment of injuries.”

Williams was taken into custody Tuesday morning in the 700 block of Kansas Avenue and booked into the Atchison County Jail.

His bond is set at $100,000.

(KAIR)--The annual Atchison County Fair kicks off today ( Wednesday, August 4) at the fairgrounds in Effingham and will run through Saturday.  

The theme this year is “ Plant Your Roots in Atchison County.”  

This ( Wednesday ) evening there will be an ice cream social, 4-H demonstrations, a blacksmith contest and food auction.  

The Kiddee Pedal Power Contest sponsored by the Atchison County Farm Bureau and Bob Chew will take place at Thursday afternoon at the Shelter House at 4:00, with registration beginning at 3:30.  

Thursday evening will bring the 4-H Fashion Revue, Mutton Busting at the show arena and entertainment provided by Gary McKnight and Friends at 8:00.  

The fair parade will take place Friday evening down Main Street at 7:00.

After the parade, entertainment will be provided by “ Voice” contestant Matt Snook.  

Saturday will bring the Knuckle Draggers car show, a BBQ cook-off contest, along with 4-H livestock sale and Mary Boldridge cake sale at the livestock arena at 2:30.  

The fair will wrap up Saturday evening with entertainment provide by Eric Dillion and Friends at 8:00.

(KLZA)-- A new Falls City administrator has been named.

Falls City Mayor Shawna Bindle announced at Monday evening's City Council meeting she is recommending the appointment of Kevin Cluskey, of Falls City, to the position, effective August 14. 

The Council is to consider his appointment during a special meeting August 9.

Cluskey most recently worked for Sunflower Health and from December 2014 to April of 2018 worked as the Executive Director of the Southeast District Health Department. 

Cluskey will replace Gary Jorn who has resigned from the position.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department hosted a National Night Out event at Stanton Lake Park Tuesday evening. 

After canceling the event in 2020 due to COVID-19, a good sized crowd showed up for the event that included free food and a number of organizations from around the area and the state.

The Nebraska State Patrol was represented in addition to having the State Patrol helicopter on sight.
The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department,  Falls City Rural Fire Department,  Falls City Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Community Medical Center,  Richardson County Sheriff's Office,  Nebraska State Fire Marshall,  Southeast Nebraska Community Action,  Operation Lifesaver,  the Falls City Police Department Dispatchers,  the  City Hall Office Girls and various city crews were all represented at the event.

Falls City Police Chief Jamie Baker said the event is a good way to show the public and help teach kids that Police officers and fire fighters are your friends and are there to help.

Baker said he was pleased with the attendance after being forced to cancel the event in 2020.
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department hosted a National Night Out event at Stanton Lake Park Tuesday evening. 

After canceling the event in 2020 due to COVID-19, a good sized crowd showed up for the event that included free food and a number of organizations from around the area and the state.

The Nebraska State Patrol was represented in addition to having the State Patrol helicopter on sight.
The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department,  Falls City Rural Fire Department,  Falls City Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Community Medical Center,  Richardson County Sheriff's Office,  Nebraska State Fire Marshall,  Southeast Nebraska Community Action,  Operation Lifesaver,  the Falls City Police Department Dispatchers,  the  City Hall Office Girls and various city crews were all represented at the event.

Falls City Police Chief Jamie Baker said the event is a good way to show the public and help teach kids that Police officers and fire fighters are your friends and are there to help.

Baker said he was pleased with the attendance after being forced to cancel the event in 2020.
 

(KLZA)-- Following a discussion Tuesday morning with members of the Southeast Nebraska Communications 911 Center in Beatrice and James Almond with the Nebraska Public Service Commission, Richardson County Commissioners confirmed they will move forward with having 911 calls in Richardson County, outside of the City limits of Falls City, go to the dispatch center in Beatrice. 

Third District Commissioner Rick Karas asked for clarification following what he had heard the Public Service Commission told Falls City officials about 911 dispatching including possible near future mandates on having multiple 911 dispatchers on duty at all times as well as an expected push for regional dispatching. 

  Almond told the Board that he knows of no such forthcoming mandates.

Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang who is in charge of the Southeast Communications 911 Center said there is a difference on where he believes the regulations are going, and new laws being implemented.  Lang said he feels there will be new regulations implementing requirements that will push to that conclusion.

Richardson County has signed a three-year contract with the Southeast Communications 911 Center to provide dispatching services.  The cost for year one, is $180,000.  

The  County can break the contract by giving 60 days notice. 

Following the discussion, Commissioners said they will honor the contract. 

Lang said while there will be glitches along the way, but he feels everything will work out. He said the hope is to make the change as seamless as possible and that there are good communications between those involved. 

Falls City Police Chief Jamie Baker was in attendance.  He said he has developed a scenario where the City and County could combine dispatching into one location and split the costs which he believes the City would approve.

Baker said no matter what the County decided, the City will continue to operate a Public Service Answering Point for 911  in Falls City and will be making necessary upgrades to equipment and personnel if necessary..  

Commissioner John Caverzagie did say the site to build a radio tower for 911 has been selected.  It appears it will be a two – three month process to get the tower in place. 

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved a $2 per hour increase in premium wages for current Falls City Police Officers and Dispatchers who worked through the COVID-19 pandemic.

City Administrator Gary Jorn explained the American Recovery Plan Act funds can be used on a narrow list of things, including premium pay and infrastructure. 

Jorn suggested the Council discuss at the next meeting ideas of where the rest of the money, which amounted to a little over $300-thousand could be used. 

Jorn said the rules allow the premium pay for hours worked during the pandemic will amount to about $16-thousand. 

The premium pay was approved by the six Council members present Monday evening.  

(KAIR)--An overlay project has begun on U.S. 59 Highway in Atchison County.

The Kansas Department of Transportation, in a news release said the work covers about 14.5 miles, from the Jefferson/Atchison county line to the western city limits of Atchison.

KDOT says traffic will be restricted to one lane in the work zone and will be directed by a pilot car, flaggers, signs and cones. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will take place Monday through Saturday, during daylight hours.

Herzog Contracting of St. Joseph, Missouri, is the contractor on the $1.8 million project. The project is expected to be complete by mid-September, weather allowing. 

(KNZA)--Hiawatha City officials met with the Brown County Commission on Monday to discuss the dispatch agreement between the city and county.

Meeting with commissioners were Mayor Bill Collins, City Administrator Mike Nichols and City Attorney Andy Delaney. Also on hand for the discussion was Sheriff John Merchant.

In 2017, the existing county commission agreed to suspend the payment the city had been providing for dispatch services since 1990. In lieu of that payment, the city agreed to provide in-kind services, with the savings to be used for law enforcement purposes.

Delaney said the savings were used to fund an additional officer, allowing the city to provide 24-hour police coverage.

Merchant said he needs to come up with a way to fund raises for employees after this year. He said the raises are needed to retain employees. Merchant said he would like the city to put funding toward dispatch services in order to keep quality employees in his department.

County Commission Chairman Rich Lehmkuhl said counties are charging city's for providing dispatch services.

Commissioner Bill Pollock said he believes the city should help pay for dispatch services.

Nichols said he feels city residents already pay for dispatch services through taxes.

No action was taken. Additional information will be gathered and discussions will continue.

(MSC NEWS)--Voters want to the polls Tuesday to narrow the field of candidates for three area school board positions.

In Nemaha County, advancing to the November 2nd general election ballot for position 1 on the Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education was incumbent Amy Sudbeck, who received 82 votes.

But just who will join Sudbeck on the general election ballot is not yet know, with candidates Doug Dalinghaus and John Howard each receiving 23 votes.

The outcome will not be known until the Nemaha County Commission canvasses ballots at their August 9 meeting and considers any provisional ballots cast.

Eliminated from the race was Laurie Osterhaus, who received 7 votes.

In Jackson County, advancing to the November general election ballot for position five on the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board of Education were Matthew Browning, who received 42 votes, and Justin Moore, who received 34 votes.

Eliminated from the race were Shannon Henry, who received 18 votes, and Wendie Richter, who received six votes.

The position is currently held by Ed Rosetter, who didn't file for re-election.

Advancing to the November general election ballot for position 4 on the Holton USD 336 Board of Education were Rochelle Falk, who received 68 votes, and Ryan Phillips, who received 54.

Eliminated from the race was Zachary Lancaster, who received 41 votes, and Simon Murnahan, who received 27 votes.

The position is currently held by Allen Arnold, who didn't file for re-election.

The results are unofficial until they are canvassed by the Jackson County Commission at their August 9 meeting.

Editor's note: the below was posted to Atchison Senior Village social media Tuesday. 

Atchison Senior Village does have COVID-19 in the building.

At this time there are 20 residents that have tested positive, along with 6 staff members.

We are following all local, state, and federal guidelines to mitigate the spread and keep our residents safe. Please note, our residents are the number 1 priority.

We are working around the clock with Emergency Management, the local Health Department, and KDHE in our COVID response.

Editor's note: Below is the MSC News story that preceded the announcement re: Senior Village.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is reporting 58 new confirmed, positive cases of COVID-19 since Friday.

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

On July 21, the office reported 68 active cases in the County.

The release calls for Atchison County residents to “be diligent in handwashing,” and to stay home if ill.
It also notes that vaccinations and testing are available, with scheduling to be made by calling 913-367-5152.

According to the latest statistics available from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Monday, 334,636 cases from 105 of the state’s counties have been confirmed, with 5,266 deaths reported. 11,737 of 172,639 cases statewide have been hospitalized.

Atchison County has had 1,724 confirmed virus cases since the pandemic began.

(KAIR)--A special meeting of the Atchison City Commission has been set for Wednesday.

Word of the noon hour session, which will be held mostly behind closed doors, was announced by the City of Atchison Tuesday afternoon. 

According to the agenda for the meeting, once the meeting is called to order publicly, the bulk of the meeting will be held in Executive Session "for discussion relating to personnel matters of non-elected personnel. 
The agenda states that once the executive session concludes, the open meeting will resume, prior to adjournment. 

Other than the legal wording provided in the agenda, the exact reason behind the special session has not been specified. 

The special meeting of the Atchison City Commission will begin at 12 noon Wednesday at Atchison City Hall. 

(KAIR)--Another catalytic converter is stolen in Atchison.

That’s according to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie.

The report states that an Atchison woman, on Sunday afternoon, “reported the theft of a catalytic converter from her 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander.” The vehicle was stolen while it was parked at the woman’s residence, located in the 4200 block of Ottawa Road.

Laurie estimates the value of the theft at $500, and says the investigation is ongoing.

The theft of catalytic converters in the Atchison area has been noted in recent months, with the Atchison Police Department in June reporting that seven such thefts had occurred in Atchison so far this year, with a total of ten catalytic converter thefts reported in all of 2020.

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)-- Recycling services are no longer offered in the communities of  Tecumseh and Pawnee City. 

The Pawnee Republican and Tecumseh Chieftan newspapers reported that Recycling Enterprises of Nebraska, Inc. have ceased providing a recycling service within their “small town recycling program.”

The company was asked by the health department to make changes withing their processing center.  Due to the amount of contamination coming in from some sites, there is concern with the amount of recycling versus the amount of trash the company is collecting.  

(KLZA)-- One person suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle wreck Monday morning about 11:30 at the intersection of Route Y and County Road 200, approximately a mile east of Rock Port. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a Ford Ranger, westbound on 200tth Street approached Route Y and failed to stop at a STOP sign, striking a pickup that was southbound on Route Y.

The driver of the second pickup, 52-year-old Harry Horton of Westboro, Missouri, was taken by private vehicle to Community Hospital in Fairfax for treatment. 

34-year-old Joshua Green of Hamburg, Iowa, who was driving the Ford Ranger was not injured in the wreck.
 

(KLZA)-- Johnson County Central School students will be eating free meals during the 2021-22 school year. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the use of the Seamless Summer Option, which allows local school districts to provide no-cost meals to all enrolled students for the duration of the 2021-22 school year. 

A new meal application will need to be filled out even though the meals will be provided at no cost.  School funding depends on the completed meal applications.  

Only one meal application is needed for each household.  

The applications need to be filled out as soon as possible.  The applications are available online at www.jccentral.org

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved for a publication a proposed 2022 budget that calls for more than $12 million in total expenditures and an about 2.3 mill property levy increase.

The Commission approved the budget for publication Monday.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 33.333 mills, which is to raise nearly $7 million in local tax revenue.

It calls for the county to collect nearly $579,000 in additional tax revenue due to the proposed mill levy increase and a $318,000 increase in the county's assessed valuation.

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their August 31st meeting.

The Commission can lower the property tax levy, but not increase the levy, prior to adoption of the budget.

The Commission will hold an additional hearing, prior to the budget hearing, to allow for public comment on the county's intent exceed the revenue neutral rate established by a new bill approved by the Kansas Legislature this year.

(KNZA)--An Elwood, Kansas man drowned over the weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said 20-year-old Cornelious Anderson was seen entering the water by security at Shady Gators Bar and Grill around 11:30 Saturday night and did not resurface.

His body was recovered shortly after 9:30 Monday morning.  He was pronounced dead by the Camden County medical examiner. 

It was the fifth drowning in the Lake of the Ozarks area in July, and the seventh drowning this year.

Anderson was a graduate of Riverside High School in Wathena.

(KMZA)--A UTV accident has claimed the life of rural Bern woman.

According to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, it happened around 8:30 Friday morning just south of 2844 L Road about two miles west of Bern.

The Sheriff's Office says 78-year-old Lulu Korber was driving a 2011 Polaris side-by-side UTV south on L Road when the vehicle left the roadway, entered the east ditch and rolled.

Korber was pronounced dead at the scene.

A celebration of life service for Korber will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 at Friedens United Church of Christ in rural Bern.

Korber is survived by her husband, David, and three adult children.

(KAIR)--More than $4,000 is the estimated loss of an Atchison County guardrail believed to have been hit by a vehicle.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the Atchison County Road and Bridge Department, last week, “reported damage to a guardrail in the 9000 block of River Road, at the Independence Bridge.

According to Laurie, “it appeared a vehicle attempted to turn east to cross the bridge and crashed into the guardrail.”

The report states that the guardrail was replaced in March, at a cost of $4,500.

Laurie says the investigation into the damage is continuing.

(KLZA)-- Public health officials are concerned about the increase in the number of COVID cases in recent weeks.

Last week the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported 49 percent of Nebraska resident had been fully vaccinated for COVID with another four percent receiving at least one shot of the vaccine.

Nebraska DHHS CEO, Dannette Smith told MSC News it is important to get vaccinated to keep our own bodies healthy, but also to keep others in our community safe. 

Smith says there is a lot of information available for those still undecided about getting vaccinated. She suggested going to the DHHS website dhhs.ne.gov.  The information explains the importance of getting vaccinated.

While some have raised questions about the various vaccines being approved without enough testing,  Smith said that is not true.  The Emergency Youth Authorization, was given by the CDC and FDA, the vaccines went through all the necessary trials to make sure it was safe.  

Smith said if you have concerns about how the vaccine may impact their health in the future,  talk to your personal physician about how the vaccine may affect you personally. 

CEO Smith also explained the benefits of being vaccinated are that if you come in contact with someone with COVID,  the symptoms and signs you have will be minimal and that getting vaccinated helps keep you, your family and your community safe.  

Smith reminds everyone there is no cost for COVID vaccine.
 

(KLZA)-- A spokesperson for the Falls City Cobblestone grand marshal committee has announced that the committee has selected community leaders Randy and Lori Gottula as grand marshals for the 2021 parade. The parade is on August 14th at 11:00 a.m.

The Gottulas, who have organized the parade for 24 years, will still be

directing this one, but will take time away at 11:00 a.m., to lead the parade. The grand marshal honor is given to an individual or couple that has given substantially to the betterment of the Falls City community.

The Gottulas owned and operated the Hinky Dinky/SunMart grocery store in Falls City 
for 23 years, employing 14 full-time people, and scores of part-timers each year, including high 
school and college students. They also initiated the Support Our Schools program, through which
the store donated tens of thousands of dollars to area schools.

Randy has also worked part-time as a play-by-play announcer for KTNC and Sunny 101.3, and on August 27th will begin his 50th season behind a microphone. When he isn’t  working a game, he can be found on the sidelines, taking pictures that he gives to kids and their schools.

Lori often does the same thing. She attends games and takes pictures, giving them away 
to the students. In addition, writes freelance feature articles for the local paper, and has been involved in the community in numerous other ways. Other than directing the Cobblestone 
parade each year, she has served as the Chamber of Commerce president, secretary of the 
Country Club board of directors, President of the ladies golf association, and even directed two high school musicals when the couple’s daughter, Cassie, was in school.

The Gottulas lived in Falls City for 31 years, and just last month retired to their family 
farm so they could spend more time with their three kids and five grandchildren.

As Don Hogue stated in his nomination letter, “The Gottulas deserve this award and will 
be humbled by the offer.” Congratulations, Randy and Lori Gottula.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department will host a National Night Out event Tuesday evening, August 3 at Stanton Lake Park in Falls City. 

There will be free food, giveaways, activities and demonstrations provided by local law enforcement, first responders and other safety agencies.

This event will allow citizens an opportunity to meet with local police officers and interact with local first responders.

The event begins at 6:00 p.m.

(KMZA)--A primary election will be held Tuesday to narrow the field of candidates for three area school board positions.

Four candidates are vying for position 1 on the Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education.

They include Doug Dalinghaus, John Howard, Laurie Osterhaus and incumbent Amy Sudbeck.

Only registered voters that live in USD 115 board member District 1 may vote.

Voters will cast their ballots at the Nemaha County Community Building in Seneca.

The top two vote getters will advance to the November 2nd general election ballot.

In Jackson County, a primary election will be held for two school board positions.

Four candidates are vying for position five on the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board of Education. They include Matthew Browning, Shannon Henry, Justin Moore and Wendie Edwards-Richter. The seat is currently held by Ed Rostetter, who didn't file for re-election.

Four candidates are seeking position four on the Holton USD 336 Board of Education. They include Ryan Phillips, Zachary Lancaster, Simon Murnahan and Rochelle Falk. The seat is currently held by Allen Arnold, who didn't file for re-election.

Only voters who live within those specific member districts will be able to vote in the primary election.

All of Jefferson Township will vote at the Circleville Christian Church and all others at the Jackson County Courthouse.

The two candidates with the most votes for each position will advance to the general election in November.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 7:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening.

(KNZA)--National Night Out events are planned in Hiawatha and Holton Tuesday evening.

 For the 26th year, the Hiawatha Police Department will sponsor the annual National Night Out.  

Agencies will set up displays in the Schuneman Addition at the Fisher Center on East Iowa Street from 6 to 8.  Also from 6 to 8, a pool party will be held at the Hiawatha Aquatic Park at no charge.

Corn dogs, chips, soda pop and bottled water will be served free of charge thanks to donations from local businesses.  

Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore said this year's event will be extra special, since the event had to be canceled last due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jackson County and the city of Holton will host a National Night Out event on the eastside of the Jackson County Courthouse from 5:30 to 8:00 Tuesday evening.

Hot dogs, brats, chips, cookies and drinks will be provided free of charge.  

Public safety agencies from Jackson County and the state of Kansas will have equipment and apparatus on display.  In addition, there will be a drone presentation, a law enforcement K-9 presentation, investigations presentation and much more.  Music and a number of give aways and prizes will be provided as well.  

The National Night Out program is a campaign to help build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships.