(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have approved an agreement with RenoDry USA out of Overland Park, Kansas to install the RenoDry, USA system to help alleviate the water and mold issues with the foundation of the Richardson County Courthouse. 

The cost to the county will be $11,325.  Company representatives estimate that once the system is installed it will dry out the building and keep it dry so long as the system remains in place. 

 RenoDry USA estimates the system will remain effective for at least 80 – 100 years.

( MoDOT)-- It’s harvest season, and with the crisp temperatures come a larger number of farm vehicles and equipment on rural roadways. 
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind motorists to be on the lookout for slow-moving farm vehicles.
Motorists may not immediately recognize farm equipment on roadways or be aware of the special hazards they present. Lighting and reflector locations on tractors, combines and other farm equipment are different from other motor vehicles and loads may be wider. These may present special challenges to travelers who lack experience driving around farm equipment.
The most common collisions occur when the approaching motorist hits a farm vehicle from behind, or when a passing motorist hits a farm vehicle that is attempting to make a wide left turn. 
The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety recommends these simple tips when driving around slow-moving farm machinery:
Be mindful that it’s harvest season and keep an eye out for machinery.
Be patient and remember that farmers are just doing their jobs.
Always pass on the left and only when you have clear sight distance.
Always wear your seat belt and pay attention to the road. Buckle Up Phone Down.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission approved several appointments when they meet Monday—including four individuals to the county Planning Commission.

Appointed to three-year terms were Lynette Strathman, Galen Ackerman and Brent Alverson. The terms will expire September 30, 2024.

Strathman and Ackerman were initially appointed to a one-year term when the planning commission was formed last year.

The Commission also approved the appointment of Andrew Grove to fill the unexpired term of Nick Montgomery on the Planning Commission. The term will expire September 30, 2022.

The Planning Commission was established last September to help develop a comprehensive plan for the county, with nine members appointed to staggering terms.

Following an executive session, the Commission approved the appointment of Dr. Mark Steffen, of Hutchinson, as a consultant to the local health officer. Steffen will serve in the capacity at no charge to the county.

He will replace Dr. Irving Cohen, of Topeka. The Commission voted to ask for his resignation, effective October 1.

Commissioner Dylan Keim reported that the offer made last week following a special meeting to fill the permanent position of county health officer has been declined. Commissioners reviewed another application that was received for the position. They also decided to run an advertise for the position for an additional two weeks.

Nicole “ Nikki” Keim, was appointed last month as interim county health officer following the resignation of Jane Strathman. She began work September 1.

Keim will continue to serve in the role until a permanent replacement is hired.

(KAIR)--A teenage bicyclist required hospital treatment after his bike was struck by a car Wednesday morning in Atchison.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 13-year-old Joshua Franke was eastbound on Santa Fe Street, “when he failed to stop at the stop sign and entered the intersection.” As he did so, Wilson said Franke was struck by a passenger car, southbound on 9th Street, driven by Lesley Schoenfelder, of Atchison.

According to Wilson, Franke was transported from the scene by Atchison County EMS for treatment at a Saint Joseph, Missouri hospital.

The wreck occurred around 7:00 Wednesday morning.

(KLZA)-- It has been a long couple of days for Falls City Utility and power plant personnel trying to correct issues that led to a couple of extended  power outages to sections of Falls City including the downtown business district and along Highway 73 both Monday evening and late Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening.

Falls City Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring told  MSC News that a power cable that feeds a transformer at the power plant blew which was the original problem Monday evening.  OPPD had to be called in to test the transformer and a new line had to be run from the plant to the transformer.   
 
Luhring praised the work of the line crew, power plant personnel, the street crew and those individuals around Falls City who helped find the conduit necessary to correct the problem. 

Luhring said the power outages confirm the need for a major overhaul of the city electrical infrastructure discussed this month by the City Council leading to a contract being signed with JEO to start the design process and reviewing possible grant funding available.  

The power outage Tuesday afternoon lasted until just past 10 p.m. Tuesday evening.  

(MSC News)--The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a Public Safety Alert to warn the public of the alarming increase in fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and meth.

The DEA, in a news release, said these counterfeit pills are easy to purchase, widely available, and often contain deadly doses of fentanyl. The DEA warns that pills purchased outside of a licensed pharmacy are illegal, dangerous, and potentially lethal. This alert does not apply to legitimate pharmaceutical medications prescribed by physicians dispensed by pharmacists.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year more than 93,000 people died of overdoses in the United States, marking the largest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in a year. Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid most commonly found in counterfeit pills, is the primary driver of this alarming increase in overdose deaths.

DEA agents, in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, have seized record amounts of counterfeit pills containing deadly doses of fentanyl. Officials also report that increasingly, methamphetamine is being pressed into counterfeit pills. The release says drug traffickers are using fake pills to exploit the opioid crisis and prescription drug misuse in the United States. More than 5 million counterfeit pills have been seized this year.

At this unprecedented rate, the release says more counterfeit pills will be seized in 2021 than in the previous three years combined.

(KNZA)--The jury trial one of three Atchison men charged in connection with a fatal 2019 Doniphan County fight began Tuesday.

Brian Spilman, Jr. is charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of 42-year-old Jason Pantle, of Cummings.

His trial is scheduled to run through Friday in Doniphan County District Court.

Matthew “ Cole” Scherer and Scott Vandeloo are also charged in the death of Pantle.

Jury trial's are also set in their cases. The trial for Vandeloo is scheduled to begin October 19 and Scherer's on November 29.

Authorities allege the trio engaged in altercations with Pantle during a September 22, 2019 party in southern Doniphan County. Pantle died later at a Kansas City hospital after suffering what investigators called serious head injuries.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha resident is seeking to raise funds to replace two deteriorating signs honoring basketball legend and civil rights pioneer John McClendon Jr., who is a native of Hiawatha.

Brenda Bolden appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to seek their support.

Since there is no money available in the 2022 city budget for new signs, Bolden wants to set up a fund through the city for tax deductible donations.

She said each sign in front of the GN Bank on South First Street would cost $1,045 to replace, if city crews pickup and install the signs.

The signs were installed in 2014 following an effort by a group of local residents and students to honor McClendon.

It was agreed to have City Attorney Andy Delaney draft an agreement between Bolden and the city for creation of the fund and bring it back to the Commission for approval.

Bolden also updated Commissioners on her efforts to save the former the former Bethel African Episcopal Methodist Church, located at 4th and Pottawatomie, from demolition.

The building has been cited for violation of the city's minimum housing codes.

Bolden said she called the owners and they are willing to sign over the property. She said she is looking for entity to take it over.

Bolden will bring back more information after the Brown County Historical Society has had time to determine if they will have a role in the project.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will hold their citywide clean-up day on Saturday, October 2.

The clean-up site will be located at the city Public Works property at 912 Hiawatha Avenue. Items will be accepted from 8 to 1.

Hamilton Recyling will not be shredding or reycling this year.

Tight restrictions will be adhered to at the unloading site, including proof of Hiawatha residency.  Each household will be allowed one pickup load, one carload, or one single-axle trailer load.  No contractors are allowed and the City reserves the right to refuse any load. 

Unacceptable items include household trash, leaves, grass clippings, tires, paint, oil, gas, hazardous materials, and any material containing Freon except appliances.             

(KMZA)--A Wisconsin man is facing a child sex charge in Nemaha County.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert in a news release Tuesday said a complaint has been filed in Nemaha County District Court charging 41-year-old Simon Survila, of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, with aggravated indecent liberties with a child. 

Lippert said the complaint alleges that on or between September 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020, Survila engaged in the lewd fondling or touching of a child under 14 years of age.   

The case was investigated by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.

Lippert said Survila was arrested in North Dakota and extradited to Kansas. 

He was booked into the Nemaha County Jail Monday, where he remains held on a $250,000 bond.

(KAIR)--A malfunctioning device is blamed for what Vyve Broadband is calling “an extremely rare impairment in its network” that “impacted the quality of service across several states” last week. 

The issue, affecting the Oklahoma-based Vyve Broadband, impacted areas with service interruption times ranging from 30-minutes to 48 hours in more impacted regions.  

The instability of the network impacted customers in Atchison last week, with both homes and businesses left without internet for stretches at a time, impacting financial transactions as well as causing other issues.  

According to a release from Vyve, “employees and engineers worked around the clock to restore service to impacted customers,” with “subject matter experts from across the industry” brought in “to identify what could be causing” the impairment. The release explains that all of those involved in resolving the issue “concluded that they had never seen an impairment” like the one last week, “and would not have thought [the] malfunctioning device would cause so much disruption.”  

As service returned at the end of last week, into the weekend, Vyve engineers took time to review the issues in order to take extra steps to, the release says, “prevent it from happening again.”

Atchison's new skatepark, built in memory of a late Atchison teenaged skateboarding enthusiast, is set to open next month.

According to a release, the grand opening celebration for the skatepark, constructed at Atchison's Reisner Park, is set for Saturday, October 9. It will begin at 11:00 that morning and run until 2:00 that afternoon. The ceremony will include a special appearance by the River Rat Skate Team.

Artisan Skateparks served as contractor for the 4,500 square foot project built on greenspace inside the 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.

The $200,000 project is 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.

(KLZA)-- A cable failure involving a transformer caused a lengthy power outage in a large area of Falls City including the downtown business district and most businesses along Highway 73 Monday evening. 

The outage occurred around 6:00 p.m. and continued until around 9:30 p.m.

The Falls City Utility Department is asking customers to conserve power until further notice as the final repairs have not been made.  A crew from the Omaha Public Power District will be in Falls City today ( Tuesday ) to help set a new transformer.

If the power goes out again,  the Utility Department is asking for customers to be patient and not flood the power plant or the Falls City Police Department with phone calls. You can call City Hall or the Utility Office  to report or log your address.

Phone 402-245-2851  or 402-245-2724. 
 

(KNZA)--A new security system will be installed at the Brown County Courthouse.

lThe Brown County Commission on Monday approved the purchase of a keyless entry system for the courthouse doors.

The Commission accepted a quote from INA Alert for installation of the system on the north and south doors for a cost of $9,246, with a 10 percent discount.

A representative from the company joined the meeting via phone to answer commissioners questions.

The system will be installed within six weeks and should take three days to complete.

Citing a decline in active cases of COVID-19 in Brown County, Commissioner Bill Pollock said he would like to see the temperature check be discontinued when customers enter the courthouse.

Commissioner Lamar Shoemaker said he would like to visit the Brown County Health Department and District Court before making any decisions.

(KAIR)--A detached garage, at an Atchison residence, is considered a total loss following a late Sunday night fire.

Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar told MSC News it occurred at 1017 North 10th Street, the location firefighters were called to following the report of the fire.

When they arrived, they found the garage fully engulfed in flames; and while the fire crews were able to extinguish the fire, Weishaar said “major damage had already been done to the structure.”

No injuries are reported, and an estimated loss is not immediately available.

According to Weishaar, Atchison Fire Department investigators are being assisted by the Kansas State Fire Marshall’s office in determining the cause of the fire.

(KAIR)--An investigation is underway, following the discovery of a burnt vehicle along Atchison’s River Road.

According to a report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the discovery was made around 6:00 on the evening of September 23, when “deputies responded to the area of 244th and River Road for a report of a Subaru that was burnt.”

According to Laurie, the vehicle, a 1998 green Subaru Legacy, had not been reported stolen as of the time of its discovery by the deputies. However, Laurie says “the registered owner has claimed they sold the vehicle [five to six] months ago.

The investigation into the case is continuing.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing weapon and drug-related charges despite his alleged attempt to run when confronted by police.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Ioannis Markou “was arrested Sunday in the 300 block of North 4th for possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement, and a District Court warrant for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, leaving the scene of an accident, no proof of insurance, and reckless driving.”

Mound City Aldermen meet

Posted Monday, September 27th, 2021 11:05am

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Aldermen met September 14.  

A motion to abate the sewer and water fees for those affected by the sewer issue on Ridge Drive during the month of September was approved.  

City Clerk Annissa Brandon reported that she has been contacted by Snyder & Associates about a cost increase to the Davis Creek Bridge Project underway in Mound City. The increase is due to the overrun of the pilings on the north end of the bridge. 

Alderman Jim Krueger brought up the poor condition of North  Street. Clerk Brandon will be looking into possible ways to fund a major street project in the next year or two.  
 
Police Chief John Panning reported his department is still looking for a full-time police officer.  Mayor Joe Laukamper said he has visited with Chief Panning about adding additional cameras around Mound City.  Chief Panning is looking into a system and will report back to the Council.
 

(KLZA)-- Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to attend an informational meeting at Big Lake State Park on Wednesday, September, 29. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at the Shelter House. 

The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the park and its operations. Representatives from the park will be present to provide information and to answer questions.

Informational meetings are being held in all state parks and historic sites to help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities.

Big Lake State Park is located at 204 Lake Shore Drive. For more information about the meeting, call the park office at 660-442-3770. 
After pulling into the entrance at the park, turn left (south) onto the park road; go past the pool and enter the day-use area. The playground will be on the right. Continue south and the shelter will be on the right on the south end of the day use area.

(KLZA)- Two people were arrested by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department on Sunday. 

At approximately 9:30 Sunday morning Deputies arrested 40-year-old Jessica Scheele of Falls City for possession of methamphetamine and unlawful acts relating to drugs.  

Scheele was booked into the Richardson County Jail.

About 3:45 Sunday afternoon Deputies, with the assistance of the  Falls City Police Department arrested 34-year-old Deidra Kirkendall of Dawson on a federal probation violation warrant.

Kirkendall was also booked into the Richardson County Jail. 
 

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A political consulting firm is suing Nebraska Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster over what it says are $37,500 in unpaid fees and a wrongful contract termination. The Omaha World-Herald reports that EZ Politix says in its lawsuit that the Herbster campaign hired it in to perform campaign-related services from December 2020 until May 10, 2022, and was to be paid $12,500 a month. The lawsuit says the contract required notice of termination and 30 days to remedy any problems before the contract could be terminated. Instead, according to the lawsuit, the contract was canceled in April without notice. Herbster campaign manager Ellen Keast declined to comment to the World-Herald.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission is proposing a 2022 county budget that calls for net expenditures of nearly $14.3 million and a nearly 1.9 mill levy decrease.

The Commission approved the budget for publication when they met last week.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 40.118 mills, which is to generate nearly $8.5 million in tax revenue.

Even though the property tax levy will decrease, the total tax levied will remain the same as this year due to a more than 9.4 million increase in the county's assessed valuation.

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their October 11 meeting.

(KNZA)--Four individuals were arrested over the weekend in Jackson County on drug charges following three separate traffic stops.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Topeka woman was arrested early Saturday morning after a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Toyota Corolla near 110 Road and US Hwy 75 shortly after 3:00  

A Sheriff’s K-9 indicated with a positive alert for the presence of illegal drugs within the vehicle. 

The passenger, 37-year-old Ashley Kuykendall, was arrested for felony distribution of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The driver, 45-year-old Robert Hobbs, of Fairview, was arrested on an outstanding Brown County warrant for drugs.

Morse said a Hoyt woman was arrested early Saturday morning after a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop shortly before 4:30 on a Honda CRV near 150th and T. Roads. 

The driver, 35-year-old Shantel Rene Simmons, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and driving while suspended.

Morse said a Denison woman was arrested Saturday afternoon after a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop in Holton near 4th and Lincoln after 4:00. 

During the course of the investigation, illegal contraband was seized from the vehicle.

The driver, 38-year-old April Knight, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.

(KNZA)--Five Hiawatha residents were arrested on drug charges and a child was placed in protective custody following the execution of a search warrant on a Hiawatha residence Friday morning.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a news release, said the Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force served the search warrant at 111 North 5th Street around 10:15.

Merchant said the case involved extensive investigation and coordination between the Sheriff's Office and Brown County Attorney, which resulted in a positive outcome for the community.

50-year-old Ronald Clauson was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

44-year-old Jeff Davis was arrested on charges of possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

29-year-old Ashley Rhyne was arrested on charges of distribution of marijuana within 1000 feet of a school,no drug tax stamp, possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession drug paraphernalia,and child endangerment.

55-year-old Kimberly Wagner was arrested on charges of possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.

33-year-old Gary Wendtlandt was arrested on charges of  possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment.

Upon investigation, Merchant said it was discovered that a small child was present at the location and was immediately placed in protective custody.

Seized was suspected meth, marijuana, scales, syringes, needles, bongs, pipes and other items.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Hiawatha Police Department, Sac and Fox Police Department and Juvenile Justice Authority assisted.

*( photo credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office ) 

(KNZA)--The number of active cases of COVID-19 continues to decrease in Brown County.

The Brown County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Friday reported only three active cases in the county. That's down from 15 active cases on September 17 and 21 active cases on September 10.

The Health Department reported one COVID-19 related hospitalization.

Since the pandemic began, Brown County has had 1,369 total positive coronavirus cases and 32 virus-related deaths.

(KNZA)--Two Flint, Michigan men are jailed in Jackson County after a robbery and theft at a Holton convenience store late Wednesday night.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said authorities were notified shortly after 11:00 of an alleged robbery at the Seven Eleven store located at 111 U.S. 75 Highway in Holton. 

Morse said the men left the premises in a white Dodge Charger after allegedly taking a financial card from the clerk. Holton Police and Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area.

Morse said a Jackson County Sheriff’s deputy located the vehicle two miles south of the Holton and executed a car stop on the vehicle on Highway 75.   An assortment of area law enforcement officers descended on the scene where the two men were taken into custody.

21-year-old Mondre Willis was arrested for robbery, criminal use of weapons, possession of firearm by an addicted person, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

20-year-old Rory Gillespie was arrested for robbery, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both men were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

v

(KNZA)--Two Flint, Michigan men are jailed in Jackson County after a robbery and theft at a Holton convenience story late Wednesday night.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said authorities were notified shortly after 11:00 of an alleged robbery at the Seven Eleven store located at 111 U.S. 75 Highway in Holton. 

Morse said the men left the premises in a white Dodge Charger after allegedly taking a financial card from the clerk. Holton Police and Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area.

Morse said a Jackson County Sheriff’s deputy located the vehicle two miles south of the Holton and executed a car stop on the vehicle on Highway 75.   An assortment of area law enforcement officers descended on the scene where the two men were taken into custody.

21-year-old Mondre Willis was arrested for robbery, criminal use of weapons, possession of firearm by an addicted person, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

20-year-old Rory Gillespie was arrested for robbery, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both men were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--Two Flint, Michigan men are jailed in Jackson County after a robbery and theft at a Holton convenience story late Wednesday night.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said authorities were notified shortly after 11:00 of an alleged robbery at the Seven Eleven store located at 111 U.S. 75 Highway in Holton. 

Morse said the men left the premises in a white Dodge Charger after allegedly taking a financial card from the clerk. Holton Police and Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area.

Morse said a Jackson County Sheriff’s deputy located the vehicle two miles south of the Holton and executed a car stop on the vehicle on Highway 75.   An assortment of area law enforcement officers descended on the scene where the two men were taken into custody.

21-year-old Mondre Willis was arrested for robbery, criminal use of weapons, possession of firearm by an addicted person, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

20-year-old Rory Gillespie was arrested for robbery, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both men were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KLZA)-- The City of Mound City has been notified that EVERGY will be working on an electrical substation in Mound City which will cause an area-wide power outage beginning at midnight Saturday night..

Power will be out from 12:00 A.M.  Sunday morning until 5:00 A.M. Sunday monring.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners heard a report from Michael Clancy and Don Brown with RenoDra USA from Overland Park, Kansas Tuesday on the moisture damage found on the foundation of the Courthouse.

A proposal from the company would rid the building of the salts and water and allow the brick and mortar to be repaired permanently. Once installed, they claim the system will dry out the building and keep it dry so long as the system remains in place.  RenoDry USA estimates the system will remain effective for at least 80 – 100 years.

The price tag for the work is $11,325.  

Commissioners are to consider the proposal during their September 28 meeting. 

Commissioners also approved the purchase of a rotary tire changer and balancing machine for the Richardson County Road and Bridge Department.  The machine will be purchased at a cost of $24,769.  

(KLZA)-- Construction is underway at Indian Cave State Park to replace the boardwalk that was damaged by landslides in 2019.

Flooding at that time caused numerous landslides and resulted in the removal of a section of the boardwalk leading up to the cave that bears prehistoric Native American petroglyphs.

 Those rock carvings previously could be viewed from the boardwalk that extends the length of the cave wall. The boardwalk has been inaccessible since May 2019.

Construction will replace the boardwalk and make it American with Disabilities Act complaint. The surrounding area, which also was buried under mud, rock and downed trees, will be restored.

The road to the cave will be closed during construction. Work is expected to be completed in spring 2022.

(KLZA)-- A two-vehicle wreck at the US-136 exit from Interstate 29 in Rock Port sent a South Dakota woman to the hospital on Thursday afternoon.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that a car turning east onto US-136, failed to yield and ran into a pickup that was westbound on 136. The pickup, driven by 26-year-old Bryce Roecker of Fairfax came to a controlled stop off the roadway while the car driven by 71-year-old Rita Sutton of Kadloka, South Dakota came to rest in the intersection. 

Sutton was transported to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn with what were described as serious injuries.    Rocker was not injured.  Both vehicles were totaled. 

The Rock Port Police Department,  Rock Port Fire Department, Atchison County Sheriff's Department and the Atchison-Holt Ambulance Squad     all responded to the scene of the 4:45 p.m. wreck.  

(KNZA)--For the third week in a row, Jackson County has seen decrease in the number of active cases of COVID-19.  

The Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Wednesday reported 34 active cases.  That's down from 52 active cases on September 15 and 89 active cases on September 8.  

Since the pandemic began, Jackson County has had 1,836 total positive cases, 56 total hospitalizations and 18 virus-related deaths.  

The county's vaccination rate continues to increase, with the Health Department now reporting nearly 56 percent of eligible Jackson County residents have been fully vaccinated.

(KNZA)--A rural Hiawatha man has pleaded no contest to charges that he supplied alcohol to teenagers later involved in a fatal wreck in 2019, canceling a jury trial that had been set this week.

Kyle White entered the plea earlier this month in Brown County District Court to one count of unlawfully hosting minors, a Class A misdemeanor, along with three counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor.

In exchange for the plea, four additional Class B misdemeanor counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for October 20.

White was charged in December 2019 following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Department and Brown County Attorney's Office.

The investigation was launched following a single-vehicle wreck in November 2019, west of Hiawatha, that claimed the life of 16-year-old Ian Miller, of Hiawatha. Four other Hiawatha teens were injured in the wreck—including the driver, Andrew Kreek.

Kreek was convicted of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence and four other counts. He was given a suspended sentence in November of last year and placed on probation.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Maple Leaf Festival will take place Saturday ( September 25) around the Brown County Courthouse Square in downtown Hiawatha.

Festival Chair Ryan Meininger says the festival will run from 10 to 5.

He said it will include live musical entertainment—including Graceful Grit at 10:30, Red Dirt Band at noon, Stephanie Gummelt at 1:00 and Nirvana Petersen at 2:30.

In addition there will be children's and adult activities--including laser tag, a rock climbing wall, 3 bouncy houses, leaps and bounds, screamer slide, a mechanical bull and log slammer.

A $10 wristband will be available at the festival for the events.

For an additional $10 fee, there will be blade and timber axe throwing.

Local wildlife experts ArcWild will be on hand for a presentation with wild animals at 10 am and children's educational entertainment will be provide by the Omaha Children's Museum from 11:00 to 3.

Local magician Barron Stringfellow will perform at 11:30 and 2:00.

In addition, expect Spiderman, Elsa and Captain America to make an appearance.

Craft and food vendors will be set up around the courthouse square.

The festival, organized by the Hiawatha Chamber and Visitor's Bureau, is being held in conjunction with the Brown County Historical Society's Heritage Days, which will take at the Ag Museum on East Iowa Street. A trolley will be offering transportation to and from the Ag Museum.

The day will kick-off will the 2nd Annual Glazin' the Streets 5K and Donut Dash Fun Run sponsored by Hiawatha Parks and Recreation.

(KAIR)--A longtime area law enforcement official has died.

Mike Batchelder, of Highland, was 71-years-old at the time of his death Wednesday.

The lifelong Doniphan County resident’s lifetime career was law enforcement, doing police work in the city of Highland for a number of years. Batchelder later served as the Sheriff of Doniphan County, stepping into that role following a period serving as a Deputy Sheriff in the county.
He retired from the full time position of Sheriff in 2001.

According to his obituary from the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Highland, Batchelder served his community through other roles as well, including work for the Fire Department, EMS, and served as a member of the Highland City Council.

According to his obituary, Batchelder “was instrumental in helping obtain the funding for the new Fire Department/Community Building" in Highland.

Services for Batchelder will be 11:00 Tuesday morning at the Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with Sheriff Rick Hardesty, Chief Deputy Roland Merwin and Deputy Joshua Townsend on Tuesday.

Deputy Townsend requested permission from the Board to utilize his personal drug dog with the Sheriff's Department.  The County currently has a K-9 unit on duty.  

The Board directed the Sheriff and Deputy Townsend to review this idea with County Attorney Doug Merz. 

Discussion was also held concerning a current issue with a lack of space for inmates at the jail.  Sheriff Hardesty reported that a survey, being conducted on the Sheriff's website has more than 300 responses with most being in favor of adding more beds to the current facility. 

Commissioners approved the purchase of equipment through a state contract to upgrade finger print procedures at a cost of $20,653. 

The purchase of equipment  for e-citation issuance at a cost of $12,732 was also approved.  Grant funds from the Nebraska Crime Commission will be used to pay for his equipment.  Mounting kits and supplies for the e-citation equipment at a cost of $2,396 was also approved. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a proposal from the Board of Public Works Monday night to begin the process of upgrades to 14 blocks in downtown Falls City from overhead 4.16 kv distribution to 13.8 kv underground distribution, including new underground feeders from the power production facility.  

JEO will provide design service,  grant administration, bidding assistance and construction administration services. The Council approved the expenditure of more than $822-thousand for the services.

Matt Kalin, an Engineer with the JEO Consulting Group said the project would start at the power plant in Falls City and change over existing switch gear over to 13.8 kv switch gear and move the power lines in the alley's in downtown Falls City from overhead lines to underground. 

This is part of a 10-year plan for infrastructure upgrades that carry a price tag of more than $30-million.  

Kalin said one of the first steps will be to apply for Nebraska Emergency Management Agency grant funding to be used toward the cost of the upgrades. There are also federal grant funds the city could qualify for. 

If grant funds were to be received, this phase of the infrastructure upgrades could be completed by the fall of 2023. 
 

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners approved the purchase of a new motor grader for the Highway Department when they met Tuesday. 

A Cat 140-15 grader which includes a seven-year 7-thousand hour extended warrant was purchased from NMC Cat.  The purchase price is $214,680 less a $64-thousand trade in of a Cat 140M2.

The only other quote was from Murphy Tractor at a price of $282,500 minus a $50-thousand trade allowance.

The Board also approved a contract to have Central Plains Valuation LLC do commercial property appraisals at a cost of $20-thousand for the 2021-22 year and $10-thousand for the 2022-23 year. 

The name of the Workplace Safety Committee has been changed to “Workplace Safety Advisory Committee.  Larry Bradbury, Mary Moser and LaRita Weber were appointed to the present committee.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a proposal from the Board of Public Works Monday night to begin the process of upgrades to 14 blocks in downtown Falls City from overhead 4.16 kv distribution to 13.8 kv underground distribution, including new underground feeders from the power production facility.  

JEO will provide design service,  grant administration, bidding assistance and construction administration services. The Council approved the expenditure of more than $822-thousand for the services.

Matt Kalin, an Engineer with the JEO Consulting Group said the project would start at the power plant in Falls City and change over existing switch gear over to 13.8 kv switch gear and move the power lines in the alley's in downtown Falls City from overhead lines to underground. 

This is part of a 10-year plan for infrastructure upgrades that carry a price tag of more than $30-million.  

Kalin said one of the first steps will be to apply for Nebraska Emergency Management Agency grant funding to be used toward the cost of the upgrades. There are also federal grant funds the city could qualify for. 

If grant funds were to be received, this phase of the infrastructure upgrades could be completed by the fall of 2023. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a proposal from the Board of Public Works Monday night to begin the process of upgrades to 14 blocks in downtown Falls City from overhead 4.16 kv distribution to 13.8 kv underground distribution, including new underground feeders from the power production facility.  

JEO will provide design service,  grant administration, bidding assistance and construction administration services. The Council approved the expenditure of more than $822-thousand for the services.

Matt Kalin, an Engineer with the JEO Consulting Group said the project would start at the power plant in Falls City and change over existing switch gear over to 13.8 kv switch gear and move the power lines in the alley's in downtown Falls City from overhead lines to underground. 

This is part of a 10-year plan for infrastructure upgrades that carry a price tag of more than $30-million.  

Kalin said one of the first steps will be to apply for Nebraska Emergency Management Agency grant funding to be used toward the cost of the upgrades. There are also federal grant funds the city could qualify for. 

If grant funds were to be received, this phase of the infrastructure upgrades could be completed by the fall of 2023. 
 

(KAIR)--The number of active COVID-19 cases in Atchison County has decreased.

That’s according to figures released Wednesday by the Atchison County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health.

The statistics show 99 active cases of the coronavirus in the county. That’s down from 135 active cases as reported September 15.

Despite the decrease in cases, the latest figures show that COVID-19 related hospitalizations has increased from 5 to 9 over the past week.

Atchison County Second District Commissioner Eric Noll, during Tuesday’s meeting of the Commission, used his time during Commissioner comments to encourage Atchison County residents who are not yet vaccinated to do so. “Everybody mind your Ps and Qs and get vaccinated, if you can tolerate it,” Noll said. 

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Atchison County has had 2,196 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

Twenty-two have died in the County.

The state of Kansas, overall, has seen 410,931 cases of the coronavirus since the time cases began being tracked.

5,919 have died in the state.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a proposal from the Board of Public Works Monday night to begin the process of upgrades to 14 blocks in downtown Falls City from overhead 4.16 kv distribution to 13.8 kv underground distribution, including new underground feeders from the power production facility.  

JEO will provide design service,  grant administration, bidding assistance and construction administration services. The Council approved the expenditure of more than $822-thousand for the services.

Matt Kalin, an Engineer with the JEO Consulting Group said the project would start at the power plant in Falls City and change over existing switch gear over to 13.8 kv switch gear and move the power lines in the alley's in downtown Falls City from overhead lines to underground. 

This is part of a 10-year plan for infrastructure upgrades that carry a price tag of more than $30-million.  

Kalin said one of the first steps will be to apply for Nebraska Emergency Management Agency grant funding to be used toward the cost of the upgrades. There are also federal grant funds the city could qualify for. 

If grant funds were to be received, this phase of the infrastructure upgrades could be completed by the fall of 2023. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a proposal from the Board of Public Works Monday night to begin the process of upgrades to 14 blocks in downtown Falls City from overhead 4.16 kv distribution to 13.8 kv underground distribution, including new underground feeders from the power production facility.  

JEO will provide design service,  grant administration, bidding assistance and construction administration services. The Council approved the expenditure of more than $822-thousand for the services.

Matt Kalin, an Engineer with the JEO Consulting Group said the project would start at the power plant in Falls City and change over existing switch gear over to 13.8 kv switch gear and move the power lines in the alley's in downtown Falls City from overhead lines to underground. 

This is part of a 10-year plan for infrastructure upgrades that carry a price tag of more than $30-million.  

Kalin said one of the first steps will be to apply for Nebraska Emergency Management Agency grant funding to be used toward the cost of the upgrades. There are also federal grant funds the city could qualify for. 

If grant funds were to be received, this phase of the infrastructure upgrades could be completed by the fall of 2023. 
 

(KLZA)-- Two people were arrested Wednesday afternoon by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department following the execution of a search warrant at 1323 McLean Street in Falls City. 

During the search, deputies located numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia along with suspected methamphetamine, and numerous unused small plastic baggies,  suspected THC Dabs and several bladed weapons. 

Arrested was 48-year-old Kristy Keller and  53-year-old Randy Glander, both of Falls City.

Keller was detained at the scene after allegedly obstructing law enforcement that were attempting to execute the search warrant.  She is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school.  Possession of concentrated THC; possession of a deadly weapon; obstructing a Peace Officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Glander, who arrived at the house on foot while the warrant was being executed is facing charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both Keller and Glander reside at the 1323 McLean address.  The house is within 1,000 feet of Falls City High  School, Falls City Middle School,  South Elementary School and is also within 1,000 feet of Grandview Park. 

(KNZA)--South Brown County USD 430 has scheduled three community meetings to inform patrons about the upcoming $7 million bond election for facility improvements and to answer questions.

The meetings will be held Sept 29 at Horton Elementary School, Oct 4 at Horton High School and Oct 6 at the Everest Middle School   Each meeting will begin at 6:00 in the evening. 

According to a release from Superintendent Jason Cline, the meetings will begin with an opportunity for patrons to tour the schools, obtaining a “behind the scenes” look at the infrastructure needs of the building.  Cline will give a brief presentation highlighting the planned projects, the rationale behind the scope of work, and the investment required of taxpayers to complete the proposed projects.  The release says remainder of the time will be an open forum for patrons to ask questions. Representatives from the district’s construction manager and bond advisor will also be on-hand to answer technical questions.    

The bond election question will appear on the November 2 ballot.

(KAIR)--An Oskaloosa woman is in custody, arrested on drug and identity theft related charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says Stephanie Meier was stopped by a deputy, near 150th and Q. Road, in Jackson County, around 4:00 Tuesday morning.

Allegedly providing a false name to the deputy, a search of her vehicle, following an alert from a Sheriff’s Office K-9, led to the discovery of what’s alleged to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Meier was arrested on charges including possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, identity theft, interference with law enforcement, and driving while suspended.

According to Morse, she was also “wanted on a number of outstanding out of state warrants.”

Following her arrest, Meier was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KLZA)-- A breakdown of the number of people receiving COVID-19 vaccinations within the Southeast District Health Department service area, reveals the five-county region is lagging behind vaccination percentages statewide. 

According to information provided September 16, 80 percent of those 65 and over within the SEDHD region have been fully vaccinated compared to the statewide average of 84 percent.

61 percent of those 50 – 64 in the region are vaccinated,  statewide the figure is 67 percent. 

48 percent of those residing in the SEDHD service area aged 30-49 have received a vaccine compared to 58 percent across the state.  For those ages 16 – 24 the statewide vaccination rate is 43 percent while in the SEDHD jurisdiction the figure is 33 percent. 

7.8 percent of young people aged 0 -15 have been vaccinated in the Southeast region while the statewide figure is 10 percent. 
 

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members voted to accept an Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Department of Homeland Security when they met Monday night.  

Public Information Officer Jon McQueen informed  City Council members of the $133,679 grant  which will require a five-percent local match amounting to $6,684 making the total funding to $140,363.

Also included in the award is $1,500 to cover some of the city cost for hiring a grant writer.  Former  Council member Lucas Froeschl did the leg work to find the company the city agreed to hire at a cost of $3-thousand.  Information for the grant application was provided by McQueen and Former City Administrator Gary Jorn.

The grant funds will be used to purchase 10 complete new air packs with facepiece and two, composite light weight air cylinders per unit, along with with a fixed air compressor/ cascade fill station for filling the air cylinders at the Fire Station. 

The grant funds will allow the Fire Department to upgrade two fire trucks with the new air packs and increase the amount of time firefighters can work with the lighter weight composite cylinders. Some of the current air packs were purchased in 1999 and before.  

McQueen says the upgrades will be a huge step forward,  and thanked Mayor Shawna Bindle and the council members for seeing the needs and supporting the  Falls City Volunteer Fire Department.

The grant process started in February, 2020 with the final draft submitted in February 2021.  Nine departments across Nebraska have received grant wards totaling just over $1.6 million so far.  

(KAIR)--The search for a missing Ozawkie man ends tragically with the discovery of his body located in a remote area of western Jefferson County.

The disappearance of 59-year-old Kenneth Klenklen led to the issuance of a local alert last Friday, and then a statewide silver alert on Monday.

According to a release, Klenklen’s body was found Tuesday.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, in the release, sends its condolences to Klenklen’s family, while offering gratitude for the public’s help in trying to locate him.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Valley Falls Fire Department are also acknowledged in the release for providing “invaluable assistance in the recovery of Mr. Klenklen.”

Klenklen disappeared after last being seen on the afternoon of September 15 at a Meriden convenience store, leading to the now-canceled statewide silver alert, issued by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Klenklen suffered health issues, including dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

The release does continue to ask for assistance from the public, saying that anyone with further information pertaining to Klenklen’s disappearance should contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-863-2351.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission on Monday received a COVID-19 update.

County Health Department/Home Health Administrator Sheryl Pierce informed commissioners there were 13 active cases in Doniphan County as of September 20.

She said Doniphan County has an about 21 percent positivity rate.

Pierce said the Health Department has begun giving an additional dose of COVID-19 to high risk individuals with auto immune deficiences. She said COVID-19 booster vaccines are not currently available.

Pierce also presented commissioners with two bids for placement of a concrete parking lot behind the Health Department building in Troy.

The Commission voted to accept the low bid submitted by Muse Excavation and Construction, of Elwood, in the amount of $16,630.

Grant funds will be used to cover the cost.

Following a hearing drawing no public comment, the Commission voted to close a portion of 265th Road in Iowa Township.

Several landowners had filed a petition seeking the road closure.

*( information taken from unofficial meeting minutes) 

(KNZA)--Sabetha Elementary School is among five Kansas schools that have been designated 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona made the announcement Tuesday. 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The Department of Education said in a news release that the National Blue Ribbon School award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools.

There were 325 schools across the country designated as 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools, including the five in Kansas.

The Blue Ribbon program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing.

Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among the state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s subgroups and all students.

In the high-performing category, schools are recognized for being among the state’s highest-performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

All Kansas schools were recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category.

Now in its 39th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed about 10,000 awards to more than 9,000 schools, with some schools winning multiple awards.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department is conducting an on-line survey to find out what the public thinks about adding additional bed space to the law enforcement center.   

The current Richardson County Jail houses 24 inmates.  The facility was completed in 2016 with projections indicating the County would not need additional bed space until 2030. 

 Due to an increase in the number of arrests being made,  the jail has quickly exceeded the 24 bed capacity.  The average population including inmates housed in other facilities is between 25 and 30 inmates per day.  The Sheriff's Office alone has averaged 45 arrests per month in 2021 with 52 arrests in August.  This figure does not include arrests made by the Falls City Police Department.  

With many other jails facing the same overcrowding problems,  there are times the closest jail with available beds in two hours away with daily costs per inmate of $60 - $80 per day.  This also requires overtime hours to transport prisoners back and forth.  

Sheriff Rick Hardesty recently discussed the idea of adding additional beds to the jail and his department is asking for the public's opinion on the matter.  

If approved, the additional beds would be utilized by local inmates as well as state and federal contract inmates.  Federal and state contracts could generated revenue that would help pay for the additional beds.   

During a conversation with the head of the Nebraska Jail Standards during a recent Richardson County Commissioners meeting, it was estimated the cost for additional beds would be approximately $177,000 per bed.  

Richardson County currently owes $2,150,000 on the Law Enforcement Center which will be paid off in eight years.    

You can find the link to the survey at the Richardson County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council voted unanimously Monday night to have City Attorney Mike Dunn draft an ordinance to increase the city sales tax by one-half percent for a period of 10 years.

Ward IV Council member Derrick Leyden who proposed the plan to help pay for a proposed downtown electrical infrastructure upgrade with a price tag in excess of $30-million said the city has the ability to increase the city sales tax by one-half of a percent to two percent.  By law, the increase could only be for a 10-year period. 

Once the ordinance is written, it must be approved by the Council and would then go before the voters in Falls City in the May, 2022, primary election.

The added sales tax money would only pay for a portion of the proposed upgrades.  Other funding could include bonding and rate increases.  

(KNZA)--It will cost Brown County more to provide hot meals to seniors in the county.

Services for the Elderly Director Wanda Davis information the Brown County Commission on Monday that Mission Village, in Horton, which provides the meals, is asking for a $1 per meal increase due to the rising costs of groceries.

Currently, the cost of a meal is $4.50, with the county's portion being $1.80.

Commissioners voted to pay 50 cents toward the $1.00 increase. That will bring the county's share of the cost of a meal to $2.30.

Under the program, county residents age 60 and over can sign-up to receive a hot meal delivered to their home. The meals are provided Monday through Friday, except holidays

(KAIR)--A no contest plea was entered last week in Leavenworth County District Court by an Atchison woman accused of over-medicating a resident of a senior care facility while working as a nurse.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, sentencing for 37-year-old Jenni Reavis is not yet scheduled, pending approval of the Judge’s docket, as regular criminal judge, Gerald Kuckelman, recused himself from handling the case.

Reavis is free on bond, awaiting the sentencing date.

According to Thompson, Reavis, on Friday, was convicted of endangerment, unlawful administration of a controlled substance, and battery. That stems from what Thompson says was giving evening and bedtime medications at the same time, along with an Ativan and a Benadryl, which was not in the resident’s schedule of medications, with the medications known to make a person drowsy.

Atchison Attorney Andrew Werring is representing Reavis. He told MSC News in email correspondence that his client gave the patient a single 25 milligram tablet of Benadryl, an antihistamine, believing there was, what Werring calls, a standing order authorizing the medication due to the resident having had symptoms similar to an allergic reaction. Werring calls it a case where his client “was charged with a very heavy handed felony,” which was reduced through the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office offering a plea to the misdemeanors with an agreed sentencing recommendation for probation.

Thompson, in his release, cites a text message sent by Reavis to the oncoming night shift nurse at the Twin Oaks Health and Rehab Center, in Lansing. Thompson describes the text message as containing a picture of the medicated resident slumped over in a wheelchair, and who appeared to be asleep, along with the caption reading, “you’re welcome! I hope she is asleep most of the day tomorrow.” A second text, including the photo, was also sent, reading “hint hint.”

Werring told MSC News that while his client regrets the text messages and photograph that were sent, “she continues to maintain that she had no criminal intent or desire to see any harm come to the patient.”

According to Thompson, the investigation leading to Reavis’ arrest was conducted by the Lansing Police Department in May 2019.

(KLZA)-- Two separate two-vehicle wrecks on Highway 73 north of  Falls City over the weekend sent five people to the hospital.

The first wreck occurred around 5:40 Saturday evening at the intersection with  650 Avenue.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office report indicated that a westbound SUV driven by 48-year-old Scott Bachman, Sr, of Humboldt collided with a pickup truck driven south on 650 Avenue.  The Sheriff's Office says the pickup, operated by 53-year-old Troy Tucker of Caldwell, Texas failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection.  Tucker proceeded southbound into the intersection in front of the Bachman vehicle.  Bachman attempted to avoid the collision but struck the pickup on the drivers side.

Both drivers refused medical treatment after being assessed by members of the Falls City Volunteer Ambulance Squad.  Two of the three passengers in the Bachman vehicle were transported by ambulance to Community Medical Center in Falls City---including one with suspected serious injury.   A juvenile passenger was not transported.  The lone passenger in the Tucker vehicle was not transported. 

Tucker was arrested for driving under the influence, causing serious bodily injury, refusal to submit to a pre-test, and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Tucker was also cited for reckless driving and violating a stop sign. 

The second wreck occurred around 5:15 Sunday evening east of 651 Avenue on U.S. Highway 73.

The Sheriff's Office says a car driven by 87-year-old Ruth Groothuis of Falls City was stopped in the westbound lane of Highway 73, attempting to turn south in the  St. Paul's Lutheran Church parking lot when she collided with an eastbound pickup truck driven by 30-year-old Lucus Ely of  Brownville.  

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office investigation concluded that Groothuis did no see the Ely vehicle prior to turning.  Ely attempted to avoid the turning vehicle but was struck on the drivers side, causing the pickup to roll into the south ditch. 

He was transported to CMC by private vehicle with suspected serious injuries. Groothuis and two passengers in her vehicle were transported to the hospital in Falls City with suspected minor injuries.

Groothuis was cited for failure to yield as a result of the wreck. 

(KAIR)--What began as a local alert has now gone statewide, as an Ozawkie man, who suffers health issues, has not yet been located, following his disappearance last week.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation Monday, following a request from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, issued a statewide silver alert for 59-year-old Kenneth Klenklen.

The release calls on the public to help locate Klenklen, identified by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as “a vulnerable, older white [man].” He’s described as five foot nine inches, weighing approximately 155 pounds with blue eyes and gray hair. He suffers from Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other health issues.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, “Klenklen was last known to be at the Jefferson West Junction Convenience Store, in Meriden, around 2:00 Wednesday afternoon. He was last seen wearing black shoes, black pants, a black t-shirt, and a blue, unbuttoned short-sleeve shirt.

Klenklen was driving his black with tan trim 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition bearing Kansas License Plate 246 MUZ. 

A release from the Sheriff’s Office says he’s “known to frequent the Ozawkie American Legion and the bars in Oskaloosa,” and “has also been known to frequent the Prairie Band and Sac and Fox Casino’s in the past.”

Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of Klenklen, or his vehicle, is asked to immediately call 911 or the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-863-2351.

(KLZA)-- NioCorp Developments Ltd. has announced plans to host an “Investor Day” at its Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project near Elk Creek, Nebraska, on Wednesday, October 6,  to provide shareholders with a walking tour of the proposed project site and a briefing on construction plans for the underground mine and surface processing facility the company intends to pursue once project financing is secured. 

The event is open to NioCorp shareholders only and attendance is limited because of space and tour logistics limitations.  Future tours are expected to be organized for those unable to participate in this event.

NioCorp executives expectred to be on hand for the event include CEO and Executive Chairman Mark A. Smith, COO Scott Honan, CFO Neal Shah, VP of External Affairs Jim Sims, and Corporate Controller Jeff Mason.

Investor Day will begin at 9:30 a.m. CT on October 6 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church near Elk Creek, Nebraska, where participants will sign in.  Starting at 10 a.m. CT, buses will transport investors from St. Peter’s to the Elk Creek Resources Corp. property, located three-quarters of a mile to the north of the Church.  At the site, participants will join NioCorp executives on a walking tour of the site and will be given a hands-on briefing on Project geology, construction plans, and other elements of the Project’s planned operations.

Shareholders will then be transported back to St. Peter’s for lunch and a question-and-answer session with NioCorp executives.  The event is expected to conclude at 2 PM CT. 

NioCorp shareholders wishing to register for the event can do so here:   https://www.niocorp.com/home/october-2021-investor-day-rsvp/ 

WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing additional time for livestock and poultry producers to apply for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). Producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing may now apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals through Oct. 12, 2021, rather than the original deadline of Sept. 17, 2021. PLIP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.

“Livestock and poultry producers were among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We want to ensure that all eligible producers have the opportunity to apply for this critical assistance. The October 12 deadline also aligns with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 deadline.” 

PLIP provides payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020 through Dec. 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. Payments are based on 80% of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys. 

PLIP Program Details 

PLIP payments are calculated by multiplying the number of head of eligible livestock or poultry by the payment rate per head, and then subtracting the amount of any payments the eligible livestock or poultry owner has received for disposal of the livestock or poultry under the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or a state program. The payments will also be reduced by any Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 1 and 2) payments paid on the same inventory of swine that were depopulated. 

Eligible livestock and poultry producers can apply for PLIP through the Oct. 12, 2021, deadline by completing the FSA-620, Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program application, and submitting it to any FSA county office. Additional documentation may be required. Visit farmers.gov/plip for more information on how to apply. 

Additional Pandemic Assistance 

Other programs within the Pandemic Assistance for Producer initiative with upcoming deadlines include: 

·       Oct. 12 - Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2, which provides critical support to agricultural producers impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions. 

·       Oct. 15 – Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers, which provides financial relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced losses in 2020 due to COVID-19. 

To learn more about USDA’s commitment to deliver financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers and businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19 market disruptions, visit farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance. 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have approved motions to clear the way for several large purchases over the past two weeks.

During the September 14th meeting the board approved a resolution regarding the acquisition of radio equipment by Richardson County through a lease-purchase agreement the the Nebraska Association of County Officials Leasing Corporation.  The equipment purchase approved in August came with a price tag of more than $222-thousand.

The Board has also approved alterations to a county van to be used as an inmate transport vehicle.  

During the  September 7 meeting,  Commissioners approved the purchase of a 2021 CAT 140 Tandom motor grader through the state contract at a price of $231,600.
 

(KLZA)-- Nebraska recorded the states lowest ever monthly unemployment figure in August at 2.2 percent, down a tenth of a point from July.

In Southeast Nebraska the unemployment figures continued to fall during the month. 

Pawnee County had the lowest jobless rate in the area at 1.5 percent.
In Richardson County the unemployment rate dipped four-tenths of a percent in August to 1.7 percent.

1.8 percent was the unemployment rate in Nemaha, Gage and Otoe counties with Johnson County having the highest unemployment rate in the area at 2 percent for August. 

(KAIR)--The sighting of a stolen vehicle turns into an Atchison County pursuit that ended with the driver in custody.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, it happened Sunday morning, around 10:30 when deputies spotted a Chevrolet Malibu, reported stolen in Atchison, traveling on U.S. Highway 59, in rural Atchison County.

Instead of stopping, Laurie said the driver fled, but the car was eventually disabled by the On-Star in-vehicle safety and security system. Once stopped, the driver allegedly fled on foot, but deputies, through use of the Sheriff department’s K-9, were able to apprehend the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Casey Cane Jordan Crawford, a short distance from the disabled vehicle.

Crawford, of Atchison, was taken into custody on charges of theft of a vehicle, fleeing and attempting to elude, interference with law enforcement, operating a vehicle with no valid license, and several traffic infractions.

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

Shot into ground leads to Atchison man's charges

Posted Monday, September 20th, 2021 8:56am

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is accused of firing a firearm in the backyard of an Atchison residence following a disturbance.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 35-year-old Kevin Love, last week, was issued a notice to appear in court for unlawful discharge of a firearm in the 600 block of North 2nd Street.
Wilson told MSC News, Atchison Police Officers were called to the 600 block of North 2nd Street, around 9:00 Thursday morning, “to investigated a subject with a gun in the backyard of a residence.”
When they arrived, “officers learned there had been a disturbance at the residence,” and a man, identified as Love, “walked out of the residence to the backyard where he fired one round into the ground with a handgun.” Love, who had left the area, was located a short time later by officers. A handgun, allegedly used by Love, was recovered and seized by officers.

According to Wilson, a case file relating to the disturbance has been forwarded to the Atchison County Attorney's Office for review.

(KNZA)--The number of active cases of COVID-19 in Brown and Doniphan Counties continue to decline.  

The Brown County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Friday reported 15 active cases, with two currently hospitalized.  

That's down from 21 active cases on September 10 and 33 active cases on September 3.  

Since the pandemic began, Brown County has seen 1,365 positive coronavirus cases and 32-virus related deaths.  

The Health Department reports 61 percent of eligible Brown County residents have been vaccinated.  

In neighboring Doniphan County, the Health Department on Friday reported 10 active cases of COVID-19.  That's down from 22 active cases reported on September 10.  

Doniphan County has seen 1,281 total positive cases since the pandemic began and 27 virus-related deaths.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has extended a moratorium on commercial wind energy projects in the county for one year.

The Commission at their September 13 meeting unanimously approved a resolution that extends the moratorium for period of 12 months from September 29, which is when the current moratorium is scheduled to expire.

The moratorium has been in place since May 2019, and extended several times since then.

The resolution states Commissioners will not consider the development of any large wind energy projects impacting the county or hear any requests for use of roads, infrastructure and other public areas of the county during that time.

Commissioners have appointed a Planning Commission to develop a comprehensive plan for Nemaha County, and to make recommendations regarding the viability of enacting a zoning ordinance, either limited or broad, for the county.

The resolution states Commissioners intend to receive, discuss and debate both the conclusions of the Planning Commission, and overall merits of a zoning ordinance.

The resolution does not apply to the Irish Creek Windfarm project originating in Marshall County, which Nemaha County has already signed a road use and maintenance agreement for.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has approved a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2021-22 school year.

Approval of the agreement followed an executive session at their September 13 meeting.

The agreement calls for a 4 percent increase to the base pay for teachers. That will bring the salary for a beginning teacher to $42,640.

Following two hearings drawing no public comment, the Board approved the 2021-22 budget as published and a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

The budget calls for net expenditures of nearly $20 million and a .493 mill levy increase.

It calls for the school district to collect nearly $6.5 million in tax revenue.

LEAVENWORTH, KS (AP) - An Atchison nurse who texted a co-worker a picture of a dementia patient slumped over in a wheelchair and then suggested she was responsible and deserved thanks has pleaded guilty to intentionally administering the wrong medication.

The Kansas City Star reports that 37-year-old Jennifer Lynn Reavis is free on bond as she awaits sentencing on charges of endangerment, unlawful administration of a controlled substance and battery.

She pleaded guilty to the charges Friday in Leavenworth County District Court.

(KNZA)--A Soldier resident is facing a charge of attempted 2nd degree murder, arrested Thursday afternoon following a domestic disturbance.  

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, 45-year-old Ervin Mitchell also faces charges for aggravated domestic battery, criminal restraint, and criminal threat.  He remains in the Jackson County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Morse, in a release, said the arrest came after deputies were called to 2340 238th Road, in Soldier, around 4:15 Thursday, following a report of a disturbance.  When they arrived, deputies found a woman who said she had been strangled during the disturbance.  

Deputies spotted the vehicle the suspect, identified as Mitchell, was driving, and deployed stopsticks to disable it, as it traveled southbound on K-62 Highway, north of Soldier.  

Stopping the vehicle was successful, with Mitchell taken into custody and booked into the jail.

(KAIR)--The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Kenneth Klenklen.

Klenklen is a vulnerable older white male 59 years old. Klenklen is 5 foot 9 inches tall weighing approximately 155 lbs. Kenneth suffers from Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and other health maladies.

Klenklen was last known to be at the Denison State Bank in Meriden, KS at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 15 th, 2021 where he made a small cash withdraw. Klenklen was driving a Black with tan trim 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition bearing Kansas License Plate 246 MUZ.

Klenklen is known to frequent the Ozawkie American Legion and the bars in Oskaloosa, KS. Klenklen has also been known to frequent the Prairie Band and Sac and Fox Casino’s in the past. 

If you have any information or see Kenneth Klenklen or his vehicle please call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-863-2351 or your local law enforcement agency.

(KAIR)--The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Kenneth Klenklen.

Klenklen is a vulnerable older white male 59 years old. Klenklen is 5 foot 9 inches tall weighing approximately 155 lbs. Kenneth suffers from Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease and other health maladies.

Klenklen was last known to be at the Denison State Bank in Meriden, KS at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 15 th, 2021 where he made a small cash withdraw. Klenklen was driving a Black with tan trim 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition bearing Kansas License Plate 246 MUZ.

Klenklen is known to frequent the Ozawkie American Legion and the bars in Oskaloosa, KS. Klenklen has also been known to frequent the Prairie Band and Sac and Fox Casino’s in the past. 

If you have any information or see Kenneth Klenklen or his vehicle please call the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-863-2351 or your local law enforcement agency.

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

Merchant said county residents are being contacted by phone and the caller is stating there is an issue with their Social Security  payments.

The resident is urged to "PRESS 1" to continue. When doing so, a man comes on the line stating he is the 'County Attorney' or 'Kevin Hill' with a foreign sounding accent and that payment needs to be made immediately or legal action will take place.

 Merchant said the county attorney's office is not involved in collecting social security overpayments and neither the county attorney's office  or the Social Security office will ever contact you by phone to demand payment of any kind.

 He said the number that shows up on the caller ID is a 742 number so people are believing it is a credible call.  Merchant reminds residents that you can never trust the number that shows up on your caller ID because it can be manipulated very easily.

 If you feel that you have been a victim of a scam, your urged to contact you local law enforcement at once.

(KNZA)--Two Jackson County men are in custody on methamphetamine charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County Wednesday night. 

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said a Sheriff’s deputy stopped a northbound passenger car on U.S. 75 Highway near 162nd Road for a traffic infraction around 11:00.

Morse said a Sheriff's Department K-9 was deployed during the traffic stop and alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle.  Deputies located items believed to be drug contraband.

The driver, 32-year-old Levi Eisenbarth, of Soldier, and his passenger, 30-year-old Randy Hyatt, Jr., of Holton, were arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. 

(KNZA)--For the second week in a row, Jackson County has seen a decrease in COVID-19 cases.

The Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Wednesday reported 52 active cases in the county. That's down from 89 active cases reported a week ago.

Since the pandemic began, Jackson County has seen 1,836 total positive cases, 56 total hospitalizations and 18 virus-related deaths.

Jackson County continues to see an increase in vaccinations, with the Health Department reporting nearly 55 percent of eligible residents are now fully vaccinated.

Formal charges are filed against an Atchison man who police say attempted to set a house on fire during a disturbance last weekend.

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says 34-year-old Delvin Debnam is charged with attempted aggravated arson.

The charge, filed by the Atchison County Attorney’s Office, follows Debnam’s arrest last Saturday evening after police were called to a residence in the 1500 block of Atchison’s Commercial Street to, according to the release, “investigate a report of a man trying to set a house on fire.”

When they arrived at the residence, police located Debnam, while other officers located a 38-year-old woman who had left the home.

According to Wilson, “it was determined that a disturbance had occurred at the residence between Debnam and the [woman], who both reside at the residence, and during the disturbance [Debnam] threatened to burn the house down.”

Wilson further explains, in the release, that “although there was no active fire found at the house, the investigation determined that Debnam had attempted several times to start a fire in the house.”

Debnam was arrested and booked into the Atchison County Jail, with the attempted aggravated arson charge filed this week.

Debnam remains in custody at the Atchison County Jail. His bond is set at $50,000.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board addressed public concern about the district's Diversity Council when they meet Monday evening.

The discussion came after the board heard a presentation by patron Jerry Aller, who has accused the district of using the Council to promote Critical Race Theory, even through the district has publicly announced it is not teaching CRT. At Monday's meeting, he again called on the board to publicly ban any teachings of CRT and for any educators teaching it to face discipline.

Board member Ian Schuetz said he felt the topic had turned into a “ three-headed monster.” He said he felt the district should make a statement that it does not give preferential treatment of one student over another due to skin color.

Board member John Wright said he felt the main problem was bullying, adding that the presence of the Diversity Council was causing too many issues and the district needed to address other concerns.

Following discussion, Wright made a motion to disband the Council and put efforts into dealing with the bullying situation. The motion was seconded by board member Andrea Groth.  However, other board members asked to be provided more information and have the Diversity Council give a presentation.

Board member Keith Erdley, who is a member of the Diversity Council, said the group has not focused on Critical Race Theory at all, but has been looking at learning what makes us all different.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser he would visit with the council to see if representatives could provide more information to the board.

Wright agreed to amend his motion to postpone the matter until next month.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has adopted a resolution to impose a 180-day moratorium on the issuance of conditional use permits for commercial wind energy and solar energy projects within the zoning jurisdiction of the city.

Seneca City Administrator Tami Haverkamp said the Council took the action Wednesday evening on the recommendation of the city Planning Commission.

She said the Planning Commission made the recommendation for the moratorium following review of current zoning regulations for wind and solar energy projects. Haverkamp said the Planning Commission concluded that setting a period of time to conduct a comprehensive review of current regulations, to learn about commercial solar energy, and to gather public opinion was an appropriate course of action.

During the 180-day moratorium, the zoning administrator shall not accept an application and the Seneca Planning Commission shall not issue a conditional use permit for a commercial wind energy system or a commercial solar energy system.

During the moratorium period, the Planning Commission asks to hear the concerns of citizens. Residents are encouraged to contact city hall to share information or to be put in contact with members of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission meets the first Thursday of each month.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has adopted a resolution to impose a 180-day moratorium on the issuance of conditional use permits for commercial wind energy and solar energy projects within the zoning jurisdiction of the city.

Seneca City Administrator Tami Haverkamp said the Council took the action Wednesday evening on the recommendation of the city Planning Commission.

She said the Planning Commission made the recommendation for the moratorium following review of current zoning regulations for wind and solar energy projects. Haverkamp said the Planning Commission concluded that setting a period of time to conduct a comprehensive review of current regulations, to learn about commercial solar energy, and to gather public opinion was an appropriate course of action.

During the 180-day moratorium, the zoning administrator shall not accept an application and the Seneca Planning Commission shall not issue a conditional use permit for a commercial wind energy system or a commercial solar energy system.

During the moratorium period, the Planning Commission asks to hear the concerns of citizens. Residents are encouraged to contact city hall to share information or to be put in contact with members of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission meets the first Thursday of each month.

(KAIR)--The wearing of face masks in all Atchison County Community School facilities is now optional.

That followed action of the Board of Education for Atchison County’s USD 377 this week.

The decision, approved by a 4 to 2 vote during Tuesday’s meeting of the school board, overturns a decision made last week during a special meeting.

At that time, it was decided by the school board that all unvaccinated elementary-aged students, from PreK through 6th grade, along with staff, were required to wear face masks.

Tuesday’s decision overturns that mandate.

Meanwhile, in an "effort to reduce the number of students quarantined from school," the Jefferson County North Board of Education this week adopted measures, including the voluntary wearing of masks within school district facilities.

That's according to a letter made available to parents and patrons this week, as published to the district’s website on Wednesday.

According to the letter, the Board of Education for USD 339 adopted the measures Monday, with the school board "strongly"recommending that parents monitor students for symptoms and "keep children home when ill or symptoms occur.”

Six COVID-19 prevention-related measures are outlined in the letter, including that face mask wearing is optional in school buildings and on buses. Student temperatures will be checked daily upon entry to school, and parents and staff will be notified of possible COVID exposure.

Additional measures pertain to those students and staff who test positive for the coronavirus, with the letter stating they must isolate and PCR test on day 7 after testing positive "to return to school on day 8 with a negative PCR test result.” In the alternative to testing, they must isolate for ten days, with all students and staff testing positive required to "be COVID symptom free before [they] return to school.”

The letter also explains what students with two or more of the COVID symptoms listed in the letter, including having a temperature above 100, must do in order to return to class. That includes an evaluation from a medical professional or the health department for a release to return, isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms, and have a negative PCR test.

The new measures, as adopted by the school board, take effect Monday.

(KLZA)-- The Royalty for the Richardson County Fair was crowned Wednesday evening during the Humboldt Fall Festival and the Humboldt Woman of the Year was honored.

Crowned as the Queen of the Fair by votes cast at Humboldt Chamber of Commerce member businesses was Auburn High School senior Emily Gerdes, the daughter of Jay and Brook Gerdes.

Named as the King for this year was longtime Humboldt businessman, current City Council member and veteran Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department member Larry Stauffer.

Recognized as the Humboldt Woman of the Year was Sandy Stalder who has been associated with the Humboldt Chamber for 55 years and spent 14 years as a member of the Humboldt – Table Rock – Steinauer School along with many other civic activities.

First Runner-up in the Queens race was HTRS Junior, Libby Standerford;  2nd Runner-up was HTRS Senio,r Brook Hain;  3rd Runner-up was HTRS Senior, Allison Vaughn  and the 4th Runner-up was HTRS Junior,  Gracie Shaffer.

The Richardson County Fair will be held in Humboldt on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The theme for the fair this year is “The Roaring 20's.”

The Fair will feature parades at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and the D.C. Lynch Spectacular Shows carnival and games will be open all three days.

Free entertainment will be provided at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. all three days of the Fair on the stage in the City Square Park. Thursday will feature singer, entertainer and impersonator Jeff Gordon doing rock & roll and country music from the 50's – 90's.

Friday Country Rewind will perform traditional country music from the 60's through the 90's. Saturday a diverse group called 2nd House will perform country, pop, rock and soul.

The Livestock Judging includes:

Poultry at 1:00 p.m. Friday and cattle and horses Saturday afternoon at 1.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday the Southeast Nebraska Community Band will perform a concert followed by the presentation of the AK-SAR-BEN 100 Year Pioneer Farm Family Awards.

The Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull will begin at 4:00 p.m. Friday at the livestock pavilion.

Saturday events include a tractor and gas engine show on the lot west of the United Methodist Church.

All the free entertainment is sponsored by the Richardson County Agricultural Society and the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee City Council members unanimously voted to approved the 2021-22 fiscal year budget and property tax asking when they met Monday. 

The total budget of expenditures will be $3,358,137 requiring property taxes of $220,932.  The levy will be 73.3212 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

The budget calls for $95-thousand for the street bond payment and nearly $126-thousand for the general fund.
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners conducted public hearings on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year on Monday.  No one from the public attended the hearings.

During the Commissions regular weekly meeting on Tuesday the Board approved the 2021-22 fiscal year budget as presented.

The property tax levy will be 34.8232 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which is up just over 8-tenths of a cent.  

The Board approved the transfer of $400-thousand from the inheritance tax fund to the general fund or the levy would have increased by nearly a nickel per $100 of assessed valuation.  

The property tax requirement will be $4,928,713, an increase of 5.1 percent, amounting to nearly a $240-thousand increase. 

The budget required $268,700 for the jail bond payment which will require eight more annual payments to pay off the bonds. There is still $2.1-million owed on the facility.  The budget also included $400-thousand for cash reserves.

The valuation of taxable property in Richardson County increased three percent this year,  $41,937,542  to $1,415,352,847. 

Board Chairman David Sickel was absent from the meeting. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education conducted property tax request hearings for the next fiscal year when they met Monday evening.  No one from the public attended to comment on the budget proposals.

Following the hearings, during the regular board meeting,  the 2021-22 budget was approved. The operating budget increased 10- percent over last year and will require $9,515,961 in  property taxes, which is a two percent decrease. 

The property valuation within District 56 increased by four percent for the 2021 tax year to more than $930-million. 

The budget increase includes $2-million in ESSER II & III Federal funding  for the 2021-22 fiscal year.  The additional Federal funds will be used for approved programs and curricular and instructional materials and will  also be used for replacement and upgrade projects designed to improve the indoor air quality in the high school and middle school facilities including mechanical heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.   

(KMZA)--Teachers in Prairie Hills USD 113 will be getting new laptop computers.

The USD 113 Board of Education approved the purchase of 135 laptops in the amount of nearly $123,000 ( $122,850) when they met Monday evening.

The existing laptop computers are 5 ½ years old.

Superintendent Todd Evans said plans are to utilize funding through the federal Emergency Connectivity Fund program for the purchase.

In other business, Evans said the Board voted to move forward with a HVAC improvement project at the Sabetha High School, Axtell and Wetmore schools as presented by mechanical engineer Scott McKinley. The project is to be funded with federal Covid relief funds. Installation is to happen this summer.

The Board approved a resolution for publication of the intent to enter into a five-year lease purchase agreement with GN Bank for the principal amount of $2.4 million to finance a new contruction project at the Sabetha Elementary School.

Evans said the Board approved the 2021-22 budget as published. He said property in the former USD 441 area is anticipated to see a mill levy of 49.01, while the former USD 488 area will be a mill levy of about 43.02. The bond issue being paid off in the former USD 441 area is the reason for the difference.

Also approved was a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate as established under new legislation approved by the Kansas Legislature this year.

Approval of the resolution and budget followed two hearings drawing no public comment.

(KNZA)--More concerns over the sales tax streets project in Hiawatha were discussed at Monday evening's City Commission meeting.

Engineer Jason Hoskinson with BG Consultants was present via Zoom to discuss concrete coring on Miami Street when Commissioner Brian Shefferd bought up the topic of rebar placement.

Shefferd said he had taken several pictures in the 100 block of North 7th Street that showed rebar resting on gravel beneath the concrete, rather than midway through the pour as specified. He said local resident Richard Tesoriero had also taken similar pictures.

Hoskinson said he had not seen the pictures yet. Once he's had a chance to review them and discuss the matter with city staff, he will begin a dialogue with the contractor, AHRS Construction, if necessary.

Shefferd said he had also sent the pictures to AHRS, but had not received a reply.

If its determined the rebar was improperly placed, Hoskinson said it would likely mean tearing out and replacing the affected concrete.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education has approved a 2021-22 budget that calls for net expenditures of nearly 13 million and keeps the mill levy steady.

The budget was approved Monday evening following two hearings drawing no public comment.

Following the first hearing, the Board approved a resolution for exceeding the revenue neutral rate, which was established by a new state law approved this year by the Kansas Legislature.

Following the second hearing, the budget was approved. The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 41.611 mills, which is to generate nearly $3.9 million in tax revenue.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman said the district's total levy has been relatively “ flat” at 41 mills since 2015. Each mill raises about $96,000 in local property tax revenue.

(KAIR)--Coronavirus cases in Atchison County have risen since last week, with the number of confirmed cases growing by 22.

That’s according to the weekly, Wednesday release of figures from the Atchison County office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health.

The latest statistics show that Atchison County currently has 135 active cases, up from last week’s total of 113 cases.

Five are currently hospitalized in Atchison County, up one from last week.

According to the figures released Wednesday, 4 of the current cases involve those under the age of 5; 11 cases are those 5 to 12-years of age; 75 are aged 13 to 21; 15 are aged 22 to 35; 15 cases are those 36 to 50; 9 cases involve those aged 51 to 65; and 6 cases are persons over the age of 65.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Atchison County has had 2,150 cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.

23 have died.

(KAIR)--Body cameras are coming to the Atchison Police Department, following City Commission approval of the purchase during the regular meeting of September 7.

The vote of the Commission approving the near $47,000 contract with WatchGuard Technologies followed a presentation by Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who explained that action of the Kansas Legislature, making body camera footage mostly exempt from the public record, means now is the time to move forward with the purchase.

Purchase of the cameras, and support equipment, has been discussed by the City leaders during past budget workshop sessions, with the funds already budgeted to cover the price tag.

According to the City, the expenditure will “outfit all of the officers with cameras, along with charging stations, a transfer station that moves the footage from the cameras to a server, and the server for storage of footage.”

The cameras will sync with dash cameras already outfitted in each patrol car, and can sync together when multiple officers are in the same vicinity on a call.

Delivery, installation and training is estimated to take about 3 months, with the goal being to have the cameras fully operational by the end of the year.

(KAIR)--Body cameras are coming to the Atchison Police Department, following City Commission approval of the purchase during the regular meeting of September 7.

The vote of the Commission approving the near $47,000 contract with WatchGuard Technologies followed a presentation by Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who explained that action of the Kansas Legislature, making body camera footage mostly exempt from the public record, means now is the time to move forward with the purchase.

Purchase of the cameras, and support equipment, has been discussed by the City leaders during past budget workshop sessions, with the funds already budgeted to cover the price tag.

According to the City, the expenditure will “outfit all of the officers with cameras, along with charging stations, a transfer station that moves the footage from the cameras to a server, and the server for storage of footage.”

The cameras will sync with dash cameras already outfitted in each patrol car, and can sync together when multiple officers are in the same vicinity on a call.

Delivery, installation and training is estimated to take about 3 months, with the goal being to have the cameras fully operational by the end of the year.

(KAIR)--All who have served, or those currently serving, will be honored Saturday, during the 14th annual “Stars and Stripes” celebration, hosted by Atchison’s Benedictine College.
It will take place during halftime of the Ravens’ football game against Clarke University, Saturday afternoon. 

(KLZA)-- A 63-year-old Tarkio man died early Tuesday evening from injuries suffered when his pickup ran into the rear of a semi-truck on U.S. 136 Highway on the east edge of Rock Port. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports the semi and the pickup were eastbound when the semi slowed to make a turn into a private drive.  The pickup, driven by Scott Price, struck the rear of the semi and skidded off the south side of the highway into a ditch. 

The semi driver, 20-year-old Icics Vandevere, of Rock Port, suffered minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn.

Price was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Rock Port Police Department,  Atchison County Sheriff's Department, Rock Port Fire Department, and Air Evac of Clarinda, Iowa all responded to the scene of the wreck. 

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Board of Education voted Monday night to appoint a committee to meet with a committee from the Lewiston Consolidated school to discuss co-oping high school football for the 2022-23  and 2023-24 schedule cycle. 

The Lewiston School District proposed the idea to the Pawnee City school District earlier this month.

The Board approved holding a special workshop on October 5 at 6:30 P.M. to solicit feedback from the public about high school football options for the next two-year cycle.

If approved, the co-op would allow the schools to be eligible for the 8-Man playoffs in the next schedule cycle, and remain eligible for the following two year “grace cycle.”

Any decision about a co-op must be made by October 31 and the options include whether to co-op and play 8-Man football;  no co-op and return to 8-Man football or option three would be to continue to play Six-Man football. 

In other business the Board tabled action on dirt work and a tubing project proposal from Gyhra Construction to repair erosion of the ditch along the northwest side of the campus until the regular October Board meeting. 

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Fair will be held in Humboldt on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  

The Humboldt Fall Festival and Coronation Program will start the festivities on Wednesday evening at 7 in the City Square Park, with the crowning of the Fair Queen and King and the Humboldt “Woman of the Year” will be honored.

The theme for the fair this year is “The Roaring 20's.”

The Fair will feature parades at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and the D.C. Lynch Spectacular Shows carnival and games will be open all three days. 

Free entertainment will be provided at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. all three days of the Fair on the stage in the City Square Park.  Thursday will feature singer, entertainer and impersonator Jeff Gordon doing rock & roll and country music from the 50's – 90's. 

Friday Country Rewind will perform traditional country music from the 60's through the 90's.  Saturday a diverse group called 2nd House will perform country, pop, rock and soul.

The Livestock Judging includes:
Sheep and Goats  at 1:00 p.m.  Thursday.
Poultry at 1:00 p.m. Friday and cattle and horses Saturday afternoon at 1.

Thursday will also feature the open class judging of photography and flowers, textiles, crafts, ag products, foods and clothing beginning at 1:00 p.m. with a sidewalk art contest on 4th Street under the mural beginning at 1.

At 3:30 there will be a salsa contest at the Ag Building followed by the casserole contest at 5:00 p.m. 

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday the Southeast Nebraska Community Band will perform a concert followed by the presentation of the AL-SAR-BEN 100 Year Pioneer Farm Family Awards.

The Kiddie Pedal Tractor Pull will begin at 4:00 p.m. Friday at the livestock pavilion.

Saturday events include a tractor and gas engine show on the lot west of the United Methodist Church.

All the free entertainment is sponsored by the Richardson County Agricultural Society and the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the formation of a Falls City Housing Study Committee when they met September 8.

Council President Mitch Merz proposed the idea suggesting the City needs to take advantage of a recently conducted $23-thousand housing study paid for by EDGE and the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority.  

EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl says there is a corporation already formed in Falls City that can take the lead on making recommendations on houses that need to razed.

Froeschl said there are some local entities that are interested in using their crews, and some grant funding they may have access to,  to start the process of doing away with dilapidated houses.  

Houses that need to be razed have been an ongoing issue in the community.  There is annually a list of 25 – 30 houses that need to be declared a nuisance, but only enough funding from the city to get 3 – 4 of the properties cleaned up.

The EDGE director said ideas such as volume contracts to demo homes to get a better price,  giving the land to the entity that tears down the home if they agree to build a home on the site within a certain amount of time could be considered. 

Froeschl noted that with the need for workers, improved housing could be the backbone of helping to solve workforce issues.  

The Council voted unanimously to approve creation of the housing study committee. 
 

(KNZA)--A supicious vehicle report in Brown County leads to the arrest of a Salem, Nebraska man on drug charges.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the Sheriff's Office received a report the afternoon of September 9 about a suspicious motor home without a visible license plate that was parked in the roadway on the west side of Robinson.

Deputies located the vehicle and made contact with the driver, identified as 41-year-old Walter Cole.

Merchant said while deputies were speaking with Cole about the license plate issue, the Sheriff's Department K-9, Ari, alerted on the vehicle.

Upon completion of the search, Cole was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, along with no registration and no proof of insurance.

(KAIR)--With no public comment heard during two public hearings related to the budget for the Atchison Public Schools, the 2021-2022 budget is adopted.

That came during Monday’s meeting of the Board of Education for USD 409.

The first public hearing focused on the school district exceeding the revenue neutral rate, with a public hearing required in order to do so. That follows past action by the Kansas Legislature which approved a bill repealing the previous property tax lid on yearly mill levy increases, and instead established the so-called revenue neutral rate, which adjusts the effective tax rate to account for an increase in assessed valuation.

Following a brief review that came after the public hearing, the board approved a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

A second public hearing, focused on the school district’s budget followed; but with no one providing input, the Board of Education accepted and adopted the 2021-2022 budget as presented.

It 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.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha resident is seeking to save a former church from demolition.

Brenda Bolden appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to request that the former Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church located at the corner of 4th and Pottawatomie be preserved.

Bolden said not only is the church a part of black history, but also is a part of Hiawatha's history.

The building has been cited for violations of the city's minimum housing codes.

Bolden said she would be willing, along with the Historical Society, to help maintain the building.

The property is currently owned by a limited liability corporation, and Code Enforcement Officer Dave Wilson said it doesn't appear the owners have any plans to repair the structure.

Mayor Bill Collins said that because Bolden does not own the property, there is not a lot the city can do to help.

Wilson said he would provide Bolden with the owners contact information.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission is moving forward with two bridge repair projects.

The Commission Monday accepted the lone bid received from Husker Steel, of Columbus, Nebraska for the repair of a bridge located on Prairie Road, south of 270th Road, in the amount of $151,967.

The Commission also accepted a bid from Husker Steel for the repair of a bridge on 270th Road, west of Plum Tree Road, in the amount of $98,852.

Both bridges were damaged by heavy rain earlier this year.

In other business, the Commission accepted a bid from Welborn Sales, of Salina, for the purchase of 60 by 60 foot tube to replace a tube located on Mallard Road, a half mile north of 130th Road, in the amount $ 12,222, with a two-week lead time.

It was among three bids received.

Commissioner Lamar Shoemaker discussed helping gravel a one mile stretch of Plum Tree Road from U.S. 73 Highway to 120th Road. He said the road allows access to the business Full Throttle Repair.

On the recommendation of Shoemaker, the Commission approved paying $7,000 toward the purchase of the gravel, with the payment to be made directly to the quarry from District 2 road and bridge funds.

(KAIR)--The latest case of a stolen catalytic converter joins a number of other thefts reported at an Atchison County location Saturday.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, says his office was called to the 1000 block of 262nd Road, in rural Atchison County, around 4:15 Saturday afternoon. It was at that location that a 72-year-old Holton man reported that the catalytic converter had been cut off and stolen from his 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.

The cost of the loss is estimated at $1,000.

A 17-year-old Circleville boy, at that same location, reported that thieves targeted his 2004 GMC Sierra, stealing $270 in cash from inside the vehicle, as well as a backpack containing a Lenovo laptop computer owned by Washburn Institute of Technology. He also reported another backpack stolen, with the second one containing an iPad, three new brake pads, and a hand-held vehicle tuner.

The items stolen from the teen are estimated to have a value of around $2,000.

According to Laurie, there is not yet a suspect in the case, and the investigation continues.

The theft of catalytic converters has been ongoing in recent months in the Atchison County area.
One day prior to the report of those thefts, the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office had begun an investigation into another case following the reported theft of items from Vance Brothers Paving company work trucks.
According to Laurie, that report was received during the noon hour Friday, with the Kansas City, Missouri-based paving company reporting that the trucks had been parked in the 7000 block of 286th Road, in rural Atchison County, at the time of the thefts.
Taken were two communication headsets, a pair of gloves, two phone chargers, a STIHL brand leaf blower, approximately five gallons of diesel fuel, siphoned from a drum roller, a case of industrial type lubricant, and a case of starting fluid.

The total loss is estimated at $800.
No suspects are identified, and Laurie says the investigation is continuing.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council has agreed to open up a union contract to create a new Dispatch Supervisor position for the Police Department. 

During the September 3, City Council meeting,  Police Chief Jamie Baker explained that with new equipment being purchased, trying to upgrade to the next generation 911,  he feels it important to have someone responsible for monitoring training, the equipment and the implementation of the new equipment.

In addition, the Council approved the hiring of an additional full-time dispatcher because of the difficulty in hiring part-time dispatchers. This would allow the Supervisor to help cover shifts as needed while also communicating with another 911 dispatch center in Richardson County and also with companies concerning equipment needs for the dispatch center.

Baker said it is difficult to get part-time dispatchers to come in to fill a shift if they have another job, creating difficulty when a full-time dispatcher is ill, or wants time off.
 

(KNZA )--Brown County Treasurer Cheryl Lippold is retiring September 30 after serving in the position for 21 years.

She took office in 2003 after being chosen for the office by the Brown County Republican committee. 

Lippold has seen a lot of changes to her office over the years, including a major software upgrade to the Motor Vehicle program (MOVRS) in 2012. 

She also implemented the Tax Escrow program, which allows people to make payments on delinquent taxes. 

Lippold is the longest serving Treasurer for Brown County and has enjoyed serving the citizens of Brown County. 

A retirement reception will be held Friday afternoon ( September 17) from 2 to 4 on the 2nd floor lobby of the Brown County Courthouse, and the public is invited to attend.

Betty “ B.J.” Spiker was elected last November to replace Lippold and will take office October 1st.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has voted to revise the district's quarantine policy.

Following a lengthy discussion Monday evening, the USD 415 board voted unanimously to only quarantine students and staff who have at least two symptoms of COVID-19.

That's a change from the guidelines established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which the board had adopted as part of the district's Return to Learn Plan.

At a special meeting August 31, the board voted to put a mask mandate in place for two weeks in an effort to reduce the number of students in quarantine. At that time, there were more than 100 students in quarantine.

At Monday evening's meeting, District Head Nurse Erin Wenger said coronavirus-related  numbers in Hiawatha schools had dramatically improved. Wenger reported there were a total of six positive cases in the district, with three of those at the high school. In addition, she said there were 26 students in quarantine.

Concern over the possibility of a spike in quarantines after removing the mask mandate is what led the board to change the policy to only quarantine symptomatic students and district staff. 

It was the general consensus of the board to let the mask mandate expire as of the original date of the morning of Tuesday, September 14.

During the public comment portion of the meeting several patrons voiced their concerns about the mask mandate.

(KNZA)--Two Hiawatha residents were arrested Monday on drug charges after the Hiawatha Police Department executed a search warrant on a Hiawatha residence.

According to a release from Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore, a search warrant was served on a residence at 708 Hiawatha Avenue following the conclusion of an investigation into allegations of illegal drug activity at the residence.

Arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were 33-year-old Ashley Sowders and 29-year-old Colby Sowders.

Defore said officers also located and seized suspected stolen property at the residence

The investigation is ongoing.

(KAIR)--One of three vehicles, stolen from the Leavenworth County Council on Aging, has been recovered in Atchison County.

A news release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says the vehicle was located shortly before 7:00 Friday evening, in the 5000 block of River Road, or 244th and River Road.

According to Laurie, Leavenworth County, last week, reported that three vehicles had been stolen from the Council on Aging, which, according to online directories, is located at 1830 South Broadway Street, in Leavenworth.

Following the discovery, Leavenworth County was notified and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

(KNZA)--The mandatory wearing of face masks, as a preventative measure in stopping the spread of the coronavirus, is dialed back in a Jackson County school district, with the majority now allowed the option of whether or not to wear one.

That follows a vote Monday night of the Board of Education for Holton’s USD 336.

According to a release issued following the decision, “the wearing of a face mask within all USD 336 school buildings is now optional,” clarifying that, “masks will only be required of those individuals that are unvaccinated and are deemed to be in close contact with a person that has tested positive with COVID-19.”

The release explains that those who have been in close contact with someone infected “will be allowed to continue in school in a Modified In-School Opportunity as long as they are without symptoms and wearing a mask for the designated restriction period.”
Masks remain required on all district transportation.

The revised masking guidelines take effect immediately, as of September 14, and affect all students, PreK through 12th grades, as well as faculty and staff.

(KLZA)-- Following public hearings drawing no comment on the proposed Pawnee County budget for the next fiscal year,  Pawnee County Commissions adopted a budget that will require a property tax levy of 29.4918 cents per $100 of assessed valuation during the September 7 meeting.  That is an increase of 3.5-cents from last year. 

The total property tax request will be $2,317,470 an increase of 2.43 percent. 

The total operating budget of $9,596,487 which is a 10.49 percent increase from last year.  

The Pawnee County valuation increased by $18.6-million to $785,802,348.  

In other action during the meeting, Board members approved a letter of engagement with Lutz and Company P.C. To perform consulting services in regards to the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. 
 

(KNZA)--A public health advisory has been lifted for a lake in Brown County, while another lake in the county remains under an advisory due to the presence of blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, announced Friday that the Brown State Fishing Lake, northeast of Robinson, is no longer on the advisory list.

However, Pony Creek Lake, north of Sabetha, remains under " watch" status.

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

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education has adopted a 2021-22 budget that calls for net expenditures of nearly $12 million and a two mill levy increase.

The action followed a hearing at their September 8 meeting drawing no public comment.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 44.129 mills, which is to generate $1.8 million in revenue.

Following a second hearing, also drawing no public comment, the board approved a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral tax rate that was established by new legislation approved by the Kansas Legislature this year.

Following an executive session, the board approved a negotiated contract with teachers as presented, which includes a $1,000 increase in the base salary to $40,100.

Also approved was an increase in pay for all other staff members.

That includes a 35 cent an hour increase for 9-month employees, 50 cent an hour increase for 12-month employees and licensed non-certified staff, 65 cent an hour increase for directors and district office staff and two percent increase for principals and the curriculum director.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Liberty Alliance sponsored a special ceremony Saturday morning in Hiawatha in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and to honor local first responders.

Stuart Aller emceed the event, which was held on the north side of the Brown County Courthouse. He talked about the first responders who gave their lives to save those in need when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center.

Also speaking was Father Dan Gardner of St Ann’s and St Leo’s Catholic Churches.

Several local first response agencies were on hand for the event, which included the sounding of sirens and flashing of emergency vehicle lights at the time when the planes first hit the Twin Towers.

Aller brought forth representatives from all the agencies and a total of 275 names were read of local first responders.

Spencer Madison and Sarah Kleopfer sang patriotic songs and the audience joined in to close the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, those attending could view emergency response vehicles on display on the east side of the courthouse.

A 45-minute virtual tour of the New York City World Trade Center Memorial and Museum was shown at the Arrow Twin Theatre, with a special private showing for first responders and their guests. Several showings were then held for the public.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Liberty Alliance sponsored a special ceremony Saturday morning in Hiawatha in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and to honor local first responders.

Stuart Aller emceed the event, which was held on the north side of the Brown County Courthouse. He talked about the first responders who gave their lives to save those in need when terrorrists attacked the World Trade Center.

Also speaking was Father Dan Gardner of St Ann’s and St Leo’s Catholic Churches.

Several local first response agencies were on hand for the event, which included the sounding of sirens and flashing of emergency vehicle lights at the time when the planes first hit the Twin Towers.

Aller brought forth representatives from all the agencies and a total of 275 names were read of local first responders.

Spencer Madison and Sarah Kleopfer sang patriotic songs and the audience joined in to close the ceremony.

Following the ceremony, those attending could view emergency response vehicles on display on the east side of the courthouse.

A 45-minute virtual tour of the New York City World Trade Center Memorial and Museum was shown at the Arrow Twin Theatre, with special private showing for first responders and their guests. Several showings were then held for the public.

( Photo Credit: Annette Hoskins)

(KAIR)--A veteran from Horton has been awarded the opportunity to compete at the national level at the 2021 Veteran Golfers Association Championship in Newark, New Jersey next week.

Retired Army Sgt. Charles “ Chuck” May II is a Purple Heart recipient, having been wounded while serving in Iraq.

Recently winning regionals, May will compete in the VGA national championship tournament September 12th-15th.

According to its website, the VGA is dedicated to enriching the lives of Veterans and their family members through the camaraderie and sportsmanship of golf.

The Association, which currently has over 9,100 members, was created in 2014. Annually, the VGA hosts more than 450 local tournaments across the country, culminating in a VGA National Championship each fall.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City woman awaiting a court appearance in October on a charge of possession of methamphetamine and attempted delivery of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a playground has been arrested once again by the Richardson County  Sheriff's Department.

46-year-old Tammi Snethen was arrested Wednesday  for possession of methamphetamine and was issued a citation for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Deputies arrested Snethen after a search of a house on Wilson Street.

Following the arrest, Deputies requested and were granted a search warrant for a motor home belonging to Snethen which was located on a property south of Falls City.  

The vehicle was searched Thursday by Deputies and the Richardson County K-9 Unit.  During the search,suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were located in the motor home.  

Snethen was charged with an additional count of possession of methamphetamine.  

(LINCOLN, NEB.)  — The Nebraska State Patrol continues its investigation into the disappearance of Linda Dillard and has new information that may be of assistance in locating her.

Dillard, 55, was last seen on June 16 in the rural Table Rock area and was believed to be wearing a white tank top, jean shorts, and brown sandal boots. As part of the investigation, NSP has recovered those clothes and has learned that Dillard was last seen wearing a different outfit.

Investigators now believe that when she was last seen on June 16, Dillard was wearing a black t-shirt, black DKNY boxer brief shorts, and brown Birkenstock type sandals. Dillard is described as a white female, 5’0”, 130 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair (possibly dyed or wearing a wig).

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts or information about her disappearance is urged to submit a tip through Nebraska Crime Stoppers. Tips are completely anonymous and can be submitted via the Nebraska Crime Stoppers website, the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or by calling 1-800-422-1494. Nebraska Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information in this investigation. Tips to Nebraska Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously. 

(LINCOLN, NEB.)  — The Nebraska State Patrol continues its investigation into the disappearance of Linda Dillard and has new information that may be of assistance in locating her.

Dillard, 55, was last seen on June 16 in the rural Table Rock area and was believed to be wearing a white tank top, jean shorts, and brown sandal boots. As part of the investigation, NSP has recovered those clothes and has learned that Dillard was last seen wearing a different outfit.

Investigators now believe that when she was last seen on June 16, Dillard was wearing a black t-shirt, black DKNY boxer brief shorts, and brown Birkenstock type sandals. Dillard is described as a white female, 5’0”, 130 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair (possibly dyed or wearing a wig).

Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts or information about her disappearance is urged to submit a tip through Nebraska Crime Stoppers. Tips are completely anonymous and can be submitted via the Nebraska Crime Stoppers website, the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or by calling 1-800-422-1494. Nebraska Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information in this investigation. Tips to Nebraska Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council has approved moving forward with an application for a $445-thousand Community Development Block Grant for Downtown Revitalization.

Liz Cody, Community Development Specialist with the Southeast Nebraska Development District said the money would be used within an area categorized as blighted and would include improvements for sidewalks, curbs and gutters as well as commercial facade. Lighting, railing and ADA accessibility could also be included.

The grant would require $100-thousand in matching funds from the City or from businesses that receive funds for improvements to their buildings.

$155-thousand would be for commercial facade rehabilitation; $235-thousand would be for public facility improvements such as sidewalks, $35-thousand would be for general administration costs and $10-thousand would be for construction management.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council conducted a public hearing drawing no comment from the public Wednesday evening on the proposed 2021-22 Fiscal Year budget proposal. 

During the regular meeting the Council approved the budget proposal and final tax request on a 7-0 vote with Council member Derek Leyden being absent. 

The budget will require $739,940 in property taxes which is a three-percent increase.  The property tax levy will be 44-cents per $100 of assessed valuation. 

Former City Administrator,  Clerk, Treasurer Gary Jorn who helped construct the new budget said it pretty much mirrors the previous budget.  One thing added in was $20-thousand for document scanning. Jorn said the preservation of the city documents is very important.  

The total operating budget for the city will increase eight percent to $31,139,858.
 

(KMZA)--A former Seneca volunteer firefighter has been placed on 24-months supervised probation on a charge of arson.

David Frehe  was sentenced Thursday in Nemaha County District Court. As part of the terms of his probation, he was ordered to pay $1,950 restitution.

Frehe pleaded no contest last month to one count of arson. In exchange for the plea, a second count was dismissed.

He was convicted of setting a vacant dwelling in Seneca on fire May 1, 2019. Frehe was also charged with setting a pasture on fire in rural Nemaha County on November 4, 2020.

He was arrested in March following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, Seneca Police Department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, accused of a late week Atchison theft, is jailed on related charges.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 26-year-old Darius Fleming was arrested Thursday night around 10:00 in connection with the theft that police say occurred about 4-hours earlier in the 300 block of North 13th Street.

Atchison's BC committed to change the culture

Posted Friday, September 10th, 2021 8:48am

(KAIR)--Atchison’s Benedictine College has announced a new “bold and visionary” strategic plan, making “Transforming Culture in America” the goal of the private, Catholic college, in conjunction with its mission of “the education of men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.”

Announcement of the plan comes in both a news release from the college, and a video message from College President Steve Minnis, who says BC’s “success in the 21st Century,” which includes record enrollment numbers, helped to inspire the plan, which has four priorities, Formation, Profession, Extension, and Excellence.

• Form students on campus in the mission through programs including the Raven Standard, intentional disciples, and the Catholic intellectual tradition.

• Advance alumni professionally to succeed through the mission with programs including: the Raven Walk online platform, and alumni formation.

• Extend the mission beyond our campus through Centers of Distinction including: the Center for Catholic Media, the Center for Beauty and Culture, the Center for Constitutional Liberty, the Center for Eco-Stewardship and the Center for Family Life. The interface with the Benedictine College extension content is the new site ExCorde.org.

• Excellence. Build upon our commitment to excellence in all aspects of the college, especially academic excellence, a strong endowment, a vibrant student life program, and a beautiful campus. Possible capital projects include: an iconic library renovation; an architecture wing to historic Fink Hall; a high-performance athletics facility, residence life expansion; and a Fine Arts Building

The plan was produced by a process that began in 2018 and in which the college’s faculty, Board of Directors, staff and administration met with leaders from all walks of American life.

“We had spent 10 years with the goal of building one of the great Catholic colleges in America and had made huge gains,” said President Stephen D. Minnis. “So we started asking the question: Why? What can a great Catholic college do?”

The college’s vision statement dedicates the college to educating students to “become leaders” who would “transform the world through their commitment to intellectual, personal, and spiritual greatness.” So the college turned to nationally known experts, from Kansas City television anchor John Holt to author and speaker Christopher West, to discuss how the college can impact the culture.

• Architect Duncan Stroik along with EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo and others participated in the Arts and Media subcommittee.

• S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry was on the Civic Life and the Law subcommittee.

• Brad Wilcox of the University of Virginia, Mary Hasson at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington and Rev. Eugene Rivers of Boston’s TenPoint Coalition helped address the Family.

• Patrick Reilly of the Cardinal Newman Society met three times with the Academia subcommittee.

Each of three meetings with the group were led by speakers addressing author and Time magazine columnist David French and author and American Enterprise Institute fellow Timothy P. Carney.

The Chair of Benedictine College’s board of directors, Jack Newman, said: “The college has a proven track record of success and this is a tremendous opportunity to give back to the communities where our alumni live. This plan was designed to turn lofty goals into pragmatic, practical solutions and the college gathered people who excel at that.”

The college recently completed its previous strategic plan, Benedictine 2020: A Vision for Greatness, which also expanded the college’s mission of community, faith and scholarship.

• Benedictine 2020 opened nine new residence halls, a new Dining Hall, the Murphy Recreation Center, and updated or expanded every athletic facility.

• The college was consecrated to Mary, enthroned the Sacred Heart, opened three new chapels with 24-hour access to the Blessed Sacrament, and greatly expanded mission trips.

• The plan built five new academic buildings including America’s finest small-college science and engineering building, added an architecture major, a Great Books Program ranked in the top 25 nationwide, added $1 million to the yearly academic budget and attracted the highest academically achieving students statewide.

“A college whose motto is Forward, Always Forward, can never be satisfied with past successes,” said President Minnis. “We truly believe God blessed Benedictine College not for our own sake but for the sake of others, and we will be judged on our generosity. I think we found some wonderful ways the college’s mission of community, faith, and scholarship can transform culture in America.”

Minnis, in his message, said that the plan is designed to apply the college’s mission in order to “transform culture,” stating that “in a world of loneliness and polarization, community is the key; in an age of hopelessness and incivility, faith is the key and in a ‘post-truth’ era that is information-rich but analysis-poor, scholarship is the key.”
 

(KAIR)--Atchison’s Benedictine College has announced a new “bold and visionary” strategic plan, making “Transforming Culture in America” the goal of the private, Catholic college, in conjunction with its mission of “the education of men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.”

Announcement of the plan comes in both a news release from the college, and a video message from College President Steve Minnis, who says BC’s “success in the 21st Century,” which includes record enrollment numbers, helped to inspire the plan, which has four priorities, Formation, Profession, Extension, and Excellence.

• Form students on campus in the mission through programs including the Raven Standard, intentional disciples, and the Catholic intellectual tradition.

• Advance alumni professionally to succeed through the mission with programs including: the Raven Walk online platform, and alumni formation.

• Extend the mission beyond our campus through Centers of Distinction including: the Center for Catholic Media, the Center for Beauty and Culture, the Center for Constitutional Liberty, the Center for Eco-Stewardship and the Center for Family Life. The interface with the Benedictine College extension content is the new site ExCorde.org.

• Excellence. Build upon our commitment to excellence in all aspects of the college, especially academic excellence, a strong endowment, a vibrant student life program, and a beautiful campus. Possible capital projects include: an iconic library renovation; an architecture wing to historic Fink Hall; a high-performance athletics facility, residence life expansion; and a Fine Arts Building

The plan was produced by a process that began in 2018 and in which the college’s faculty, Board of Directors, staff and administration met with leaders from all walks of American life.

“We had spent 10 years with the goal of building one of the great Catholic colleges in America and had made huge gains,” said President Stephen D. Minnis. “So we started asking the question: Why? What can a great Catholic college do?”

The college’s vision statement dedicates the college to educating students to “become leaders” who would “transform the world through their commitment to intellectual, personal, and spiritual greatness.” So the college turned to nationally known experts, from Kansas City television anchor John Holt to author and speaker Christopher West, to discuss how the college can impact the culture.

• Architect Duncan Stroik along with EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo and others participated in the Arts and Media subcommittee.

• S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry was on the Civic Life and the Law subcommittee.

• Brad Wilcox of the University of Virginia, Mary Hasson at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington and Rev. Eugene Rivers of Boston’s TenPoint Coalition helped address the Family.

• Patrick Reilly of the Cardinal Newman Society met three times with the Academia subcommittee.

Each of three meetings with the group were led by speakers addressing author and Time magazine columnist David French and author and American Enterprise Institute fellow Timothy P. Carney.

The Chair of Benedictine College’s board of directors, Jack Newman, said: “The college has a proven track record of success and this is a tremendous opportunity to give back to the communities where our alumni live. This plan was designed to turn lofty goals into pragmatic, practical solutions and the college gathered people who excel at that.”

The college recently completed its previous strategic plan, Benedictine 2020: A Vision for Greatness, which also expanded the college’s mission of community, faith and scholarship.

• Benedictine 2020 opened nine new residence halls, a new Dining Hall, the Murphy Recreation Center, and updated or expanded every athletic facility.

• The college was consecrated to Mary, enthroned the Sacred Heart, opened three new chapels with 24-hour access to the Blessed Sacrament, and greatly expanded mission trips.

• The plan built five new academic buildings including America’s finest small-college science and engineering building, added an architecture major, a Great Books Program ranked in the top 25 nationwide, added $1 million to the yearly academic budget and attracted the highest academically achieving students statewide.

“A college whose motto is Forward, Always Forward, can never be satisfied with past successes,” said President Minnis. “We truly believe God blessed Benedictine College not for our own sake but for the sake of others, and we will be judged on our generosity. I think we found some wonderful ways the college’s mission of community, faith, and scholarship can transform culture in America.”

Minnis, in his message, said that the plan is designed to apply the college’s mission in order to “transform culture,” stating that “in a world of loneliness and polarization, community is the key; in an age of hopelessness and incivility, faith is the key and in a ‘post-truth’ era that is information-rich but analysis-poor, scholarship is the key.”
 

(KNZA)--A milling and overlay project has begun on K-16 Highway in Jackson County.

The project covers about 13 miles, from Wisconsin Avenue in Holton to the Jackson/Jefferson county line.

 According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, 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 and add extra time in their travel schedules.

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

 Herzog Contracting of St. Joseph, Mo., is the contractor on the $1.5 million project.  The project is expected to be complete in late September, weather allowing.

(KNZA)--89 active cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Jackson County.

That's according to information released Wednesday by the Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health.  

That's down from 145 active cases reported on September 2.

Since the pandemic began, Jackson County has seen 1,797 total positive coronavirus cases, 56 hospitalizations and 18 virus-related deaths.  

Jackson County continues to see an increase in those vaccinated, with the Health Department reporting 54 percent of eligible residents have now been fully vaccinated.

(KAIR)--A new rehabilitation hospital is coming to Doniphan County.

Announcement of the planned construction of the 30-bed hospital in Elwood was made Thursday in a release issued by ClearSky Health, a healthcare provider that currently owns and operates five such facilities out-of-state.

According to the release, “the hospital is expected to treat about 650 patients annually who are living with disabling injuries or illnesses,” ranging from strokes and brain injuries to COVID-19.

Darby Brockette, CEO of ClearSky Health, in the release, says the Elwood location “was selected with the intent of serving both the Elwood, Kansas and St. Joseph, Missouri markets,”adding that, according to a national study, “patients treated at inpatient rehabilitation hospitals return home sooner, remain home longer, have fewer hospital readmissions and ER visits, and live longer versus other types of rehabilitation programs.”

The planned hospital will be about 40,000 square feet, and will feature all private rooms, a rehabilitative gym, dining room, and daily living space.

Groundbreaking is planned this fall, with a winter 2022 opening expected. According to Brockette, the area to be served “has an unmet need for rehabilitation services,” with the Elwood location “selected with guidance from both towns’ community and medical leadership.”

Doniphan County Economic Development Director Leah Johnson, in the release, calls the planned hospital “a win/win situation,” providing not only access to a higher level of rehabilitative care, but will also “provide about 100 new healthcare-related jobs.”

Elwood Mayor Timmy Keiser, in the release, also notes the future increase in both local healthcare services and career opportunities, saying the hospital will assist in continuing “to support and expand the quality of life for members of the community."

The Elwood City Council held a public hearing Tuesday evening regarding the issuance of up to $22 million in industrial revenue bonds for the hospital project.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget on Monday, September 13,  beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Commissioners meeting room at the Richardson County Courthouse in Falls City.

The proposed budget of expenditures is $17,920,935  which is an increase of 25.8 percent or nearly $3.7-million.  A major factor in the large increase in the ARPA funds the county expects to receive from the federal government which is expected to be in the neighborhood of $1.52-million.

The property tax requirement is projected at $4,928,713  which includes $400-thousand in Cash Reserves and $268,700 for the Jail Bond.

The projected property tax levy is 32.9247-cents per $100 of assessed valuation, an increase of 2.5 percent, or .8 cents per $100 of valuation.

The Richardson County valuation for the year increased $41,937,542  or 3 percent to $1,415,352,847. 
 

(KNZA)--Formal charges have been filed against a former Doniphan County Sheriff's deputy arrested in June after Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents served a search warrant on his home.

The Kansas Attorney General's Office filed a formal complaint September 1 in Doniphan County District Court charging Nathaniel Keller, of Troy, with 15 counts.

Keller has been charged with criminal sodomy, three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, furnishing alcohol to a minor for illicit purposes and promoting obscenity to minors.

The charges stem from crimes alleged to have occurred in 2017 with a child 14 or older, but less than 16 years of age.

In addition, Keller has been charged with criminal restraint, four counts of domestic battery, criminal damage to property, stalking and aggravated intimidation of a witness or victim.

Those crimes are alleged to have occurred in 2019 and this year.

A status hearing has been set for Friday ( September 10) , during which time a preliminary hearing is expected to be set.

Keller remains free on a $500,000 bond.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Deputies conducted a traffic stop, on September 2nd, of a vehicle for speeding in Dawson near 5th and Ridge Street.

During the traffic stop, deputies located suspected Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, a weapon and Fraudulent Items.

Deantre Watson of Wichita, Ks was booked into the Richardson County Jail on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving Under Suspension, Drug Paraphernalia along with other crimes involving forgery and Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges may arise.

(KAIR)--Forced entry into an Atchison County farm implement business results in a loss valued at thousands of dollars, with county authorities continuing to investigate.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, deputies responded to a burglar alarm at Heritage Tractor, located in the 17000 block of 286th Road, shortly before 2:30 on the morning of September 1.

When they arrived, the deputies found that the front door had been broken in with a concrete paver, but no one was found inside the business following a search, assisted at the crime scene by the Atchison Police Department.

Missing was around $350 in cash, taken from the cash register, as well as two gas powered transfer pumps.

According to Laurie, damage to the door is estimated at $2,000, while the theft is estimated at $2,500, bringing the total estimated loss to $4,500.

No arrests are yet made, as the investigation remains ongoing.

(KAIR)--A former Kansas City volleyball coach is jailed in Leavenworth County, arrested Wednesday on child sex-related charges following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a release from the KBI, 27-year-old Levinson “Levi” Gibson is accused of soliciting nude photos from a juvenile female volleyball player while he was employed by the Dynasty Volleyball Academy, in Kansas City, Kansas.

The alleged crime was reported to the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s Office on July 11, 2020, leading to the joint investigation and to the execution of a search warrant on July 21, of that year, at Gibson’s then-workplace, in Kansas City, with the search leading to his resignation from his coaching position a short time later.

An arrest warrant was issued last month, on August 31, charging Gibson with one count of sexual exploitation of a child.
Gibson, according to the release, traveled from his home in Indianapolis, Indiana to turn himself in at the Leavenworth County Jail during the noon hour Wednesday.

The release notes that while “investigators do not currently have evidence that additional victimization occurred,” anyone with information related to the case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS CRIME or submit a tip online at https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

After turning himself in, Gibson was booked into the Leavenworth County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

(KAIR)--113 active cases of COVID-19 in Atchison County.

Those figures are shown through the weekly release of statistics from the Atchison County office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health.

According to the release, of the 113 cases, four are hospitalized.

The statistics show that two of the current Atchison County cases involve patients under the age of 5. Twelve are those 5 to 12 years old, 47 are 13 to 21, 24 are 22 to 35, 20 cases are 36 to 50, five involve those 51 to 65, while three of the total number of cases are those over the age of 65.

On September 1, the agency reported 72 active Atchison County cases, and one hospitalization.
However, one day following the regular weekly release, the office noted an additional 29 cases, with those cases continuing to grow until they reached the current 113 case count.

According to a separate release, the Atchison County office is currently without rapid testing supplies, but continues to offer a free saliva PCR test, which provides results in 48 to 72 hours.

The office anticipates receiving a new stock of rapid testing supplies late this week, or early next week.

Those who have already scheduled a rapid test appointment at the Atchison County office have been accounted for, and supplies for those appointments remain on hand.

(KAIR)--Funeral services are set for the Atchison High School sophomore who died last month from what his obituary calls “a rare birth defect.”
Rocky Delfs was 15-years-old when he died August 31 at Children’s Mercy Hospital, in Kansas City, Missouri.

That’s where he was transported after he was found, by a school staff member, unresponsive on the high school track, after the school day had ended on August 26.

Delfs died after suffering a cardiac arrest due to Brugada Syndrome, a rare, but potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder that is sometimes inherited. According to his obituary, Delfs, an organ donor, was able to save the life of his twin brother, and five other lives. through his death and donation.

Delfs, originally from Tuscon, Arizona, relocated to Atchison, with his family, in 2019, where the straight A student was a member of the Cross County team, and aspired to invent new technology.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday morning at 10:00 on the lawn of Delfs’ home, at 517 Parallel Street, in Atchison.

The Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, in Atchison, is assisting the family with the services.

Among his survivors are his parents, Bill Delfs and Joe Leotaud, and three brothers, including his twin, Alias.

According to the obituary, Delfs’ animals were considered to be siblings, and were treated like family.

(KAIR)--Funeral services are set for the Atchison High School sophomore who died last month from what his obituary calls “a rare birth defect.”

Rocky Delfs was 15-years-old when he died August 31 at Children’s Mercy Hospital, in Kansas City, Missouri. That’s where he was transported after he was found, by a school staff member, unresponsive on the high school track, after the school day had ended on August 26.

Delfs died after suffering a cardiac arrest due to Brugada Syndrome, a rare, but potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder that is sometimes inherited.

According to his obituary, Delfs, an organ donor, was able to save the life of his twin brother, and five other lives. through his death and donation.

Delfs, originally from Tuscon, Arizona, relocated to Atchison, with his family, in 2019, where the straight A student was a member of the Cross County team, and aspired to invent new technology.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday morning at 10:00 on the lawn of Delfs’ home, at 517 Parallel Street, in Atchison.

The Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, in Atchison, is assisting the family with the services.

Among his survivors are his parents, Bill Delfs and Joe Leotaud, and three brothers, including his twin, Alias. According to the obituary, Delfs’ animals were considered to be siblings, and were treated like family.

(MSC News)--COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC. (the parent corporation of Community National Bank) and BOTS, INC (the parent corporation of  VisionBank) jointly announced today (September 1) they have executed a Definitive Agreement whereby BOTS, INC. will become a part of COMMUNITY BANCSHARES’ BANKING ORGANIZATION.

Community National Bank (CNB) President and CEO, Dorsey Hall said, “We are so very happy to acquire this high caliber institution with such a professional management team. Gary Yager and his board have operated a very successful bank. VisionBank will be a great addition allowing CNB to expand our Kansas family of customers. The culture, the customers and the staff of VISIONBANK will fit into CNB’s culture perfectly.”

Gary Yager, President/CEO of VISIONBANK said, “We are very excited about this new direction. As a smaller institution, it has been challenging and costly to meet the regulatory burden of product delivery to our customers on the technical side. The great thing about this move is our lenders and customer service staff will be here so our customers will see the same faces, but the bank will now have the strength and size of Community National. Our bankers look forward to being able to provide additional services and expanded product offerings. This economy of scale will help us all maintain a lower cost to our customers with service levels remaining at the high standard for which we are known. I personally take pride in this transaction as I believe it the best for our customers we work so hard for, and our staff.”

Hall further commented, “We are excited that a professional like Gary Yager will be joining our Management Team as well as his professional management team members. Certainly their experience is very important, but their sincere concern for VisionBank customers make the leadership and team members of VisionBank a valuable asset to Community National Bank. Gary has assembled a very professional staff that we are looking forward to working with to grow our markets and serve our customers. Gary and his team, like us at Community National, believe a customer banks with the people they trust and have confidence in, not a bank name. The Directors, Officers, Shareholders and staff of Community Bancshares sincerely care about all our staff, and all our customers. We are proud and honored that VisionBank has agreed to become a part of our organization and look forward to its staff and customers becoming a part of Community National Bank.”

The combined assets are estimated to be near $800 million once the acquisition is completed. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions, including the receipt of shareholder and regulatory approvals. It is anticipated to close before the end of the fourth quarter of 2021 once required approvals are obtained. Details of the transaction have not been disclosed. Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP served as legal counsel to Community National Bank. BOTS,Inc/VisionBank was advised by Stinson, LLC as legal counsel and The Capital Corporation, Leawood, Kansas as financial advisor.

(KMZA)--A new Marshall County health officer has been appointed.

The Marshall County Commission on a 2-1 vote last week approved the appointment  of Dr. Nancy Zidek with Onaga-based Community HealthCare to be the county health officer for the remainder of 2021.

Commissioner Barbara Kickhaefer cast the dissenting vote, saying she preferred to have a health officer who was a resident of the county.

Zidek lives in Pottawatomie County.  She regularly serves patients at the Frankfort Clinic in Marshall County, which is part of the Onaga hospital system.  

Zidek will replace Dr. John Ryan, who recently retired from Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville and resigned his post as county health officer.

(KAIR)--With no public voices heard, either for or against, during two budget-related public hearings at Tuesday’s meeting of the Atchison City Commission, the City’s budget for 2022 is adopted.  

The first public hearing was held, as required prior to the Commission's adoption of a resolution authorizing the City of Atchison to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate in 2022. That follows the Kansas Legislature’s approval of a bill repealing the previous property tax lid on yearly mill levy increases and instead established a “revenue neutral rate,” which adjusts the effective tax rate to account for an increase in assessed valuation.

The second public hearing was held in regards to the City's now approved budget. The Commission last month accepted for publication the proposed 2022 budget which, according to the City, “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 budget for 2022 is $31,031,631.  Property tax levy funds make up $10,682,862 of the total budget, with a General Fund budget of $9,811,612 and Debt Service Fund budget of $871,250.

(KNZA)--A McPherson accounting firm has been hired to oversee COVID relief funds awarded to Brown County.

 The Brown County Commission on Tuesday approved an engagement letter with Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk and Loyd for adminstration of the funds.

 Brown County has been awarded nearly $2 million through the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 County Clerk Dawn Boyles presented to Commissioners a request from Brown County Emergency Management and the NEK Multi-County Health Department for immediate use of the funds.   

 They are requesting $29,068 for 400 COVID-19 test kits at $72.67 each.  The test kits will provide same day results.  They are also requesting $9,365 for a full-time staff person to administer the tests through the end of the year.

The test kits will be replaced by ordering replacement test kits if the client has insurance that is billed.

The Commission will wait for the approval from Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk and Loyd before making a decision.

(MSC News)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation held its first STEP UP Nemaha Match Day on Friday, August 27, 2021. Donors gave in person at the Seneca Free Library between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Online donations were collected at www.stepnemaha.com.

Executive Director Tory Jost shared “Thanks to our generous donors, Match Day was a huge success with over $105,500 raised.” Sixteen funds were eligible for a dollar for dollar match up to $3,000. The General Endowment Fund brought in the most overall donations with $23,300 followed closely behind by the Catastrophic Medical Fund with $21,025. The Centralia Community Fund raised over $13,375 at Match Day with the new Community National Bank/CNB Custody/Invisor “Underprivileged Children’s Fund” raising $10,550. For a complete list of funds and balances, check out the leaderboard at www.stepupnemaha.com.

Jost emphasized “This is a terrific start and I am excited to see what next year brings.” To set up a fund with the STEP Foundation, please contact Tory Jost at info@nemahastep.org.

(KAIR)--A valuable lawn mower, stolen from an Atchison County church, has been returned.

That followed it’s discovery in Doniphan County.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, his office was contacted by the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office at the first of this month regarding a John Deere zero turn mower that had been recovered in that area.
It was later learned, Laurie said, that the mower had been stolen from the Saint Louis Church, located at 11321 Morton Road, in Atchison County.

Witnesses reported seeing the mower being driven, around 7:15 on the morning of August 31, on 105th Road, in Doniphan County, to 330th Road, in Atchison County, then continued east across K-7.
Witnesses told investigators the mower was being driven that morning by a white man, who remains unidentified.

Laurie, in the release, said the mower, valued at $7,800, has been returned to the church. However, a STIHL MS 170 chainsaw, valued at $200 and also reported stolen by the church when the mower was taken, has not yet been located.
The investigation is continuing.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau presented quotes for the purchase of a motor grader when the met with the County Commissioners Tuesday. 

Darveau presented information from Nebraska Machinery Company in Lincoln and Murphy Tractor and Equipment in Lincoln.  

The quotes are provided through Nebraska State contracts.

Darveau recommended the Board consider the purchase of a 2021 CAT 140 Tandom through the state contract at a price of $231,600.

Commissioners will consider the recommendation when they meet September 7. 

The Board did approve continuing the funding from the County to Humboldt Shares Inc. for the next year in an amount of five-thousand dollars. 
 

(KLZA)--The annual Holt County Autumn Festival is coming up soon.

The 68th annual event will take place Wednesday,September 8 through Saturday, September 11 in Oregon, Missouri.

This years theme is,  Oh, The Places We Have Been! 200 Years of Missouri. 

Events during the event include an antique show at the TJ Hall Building in Oregon,  exhibitors must be Holt County residents and entries should be at least 50 years old.  The show will be open Thursday 1:30 – 6:30 p.m. Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 to 5:30 and on Saturday form 10:00 a-m to 1:30 p.m. 

There will also be a flower show, a hobby show in addition to all of the regular fair displays.

Fun for the kids will be provided by Mid-Mo Fun, featuring bounce houses, slides, rock climbing and a boat pond.  There will also be laser tag.  

Friday night entertainment will be presented by country singer Blaine Howard with Swift Kick performing on Saturday night.  

The Junior Festival Queen Contest will be Wednesday evening at 7:30 with the Senior Queen contest at 8:00 p.m. 

The Prince and Princess contest will be Thursday, September 9 at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Junior Miss Festival Queen contest.

The children's parade is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 10. The Bicentennial Program will be at 6:15 Friday evening,  

Saturday events include the 10:00 a.m. tractor, car, motorcycle and golf cart show.  The Mic-O-Say Dancers perform at 1:15 with the parade at 2:00 p.m. 
 

(KMZA ) --A new Seneca recreation director has been hired.

The Seneca City Council at their September 1 meeting voted to hire Brock Miller, of Platte City, Missouri, for the position.

City Administrator Tammi Haverkamp told MSC News that Miller currently serves as a sports grounds technician at Park University in Parkville, Missouri.

Haverkamp said he was among two applicants for the position.

It's not yet known when Miller will begin work with the city.

He will replace Erin Toby, who resigned effective September 1 after serving as recreation director for about a year.

(KMZA)--A Seneca teenager was killed in a two-vehicle collision Monday morning on a Nemaha County road.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's office said killed in the wreck on Q Road, south of 112th Road, was Lawson Schmelzle.

The Sheriff's Office said Schmelzle was northbound when his pickup truck went left of center and struck the rear axle of a southbound semi-truck driven by 32-year-old Craig Nolte, of Seneca. His pickup truck then went off roadway and overturned.

Schmelzle was pronounced dead at the scene.

 Nolte was not hurt.

The wreck was reported shortly before 10:30 Monday morning.

Schmelzle was a junior at Nemaha Central High School.

Mass of Christian Burial for Schmelzle will be Saturday morning at 10:00 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in St. Benedict.  

Among survivors are his parents, Norman and Zena Schmelzle, and three siblings. 

(KAIR)--Two public hearings are planned to start off today's meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

The Commission's regular session was moved to today, Tuesday, September 7, instead of Monday, September 6, due to the Labor Day holiday.

The first public is regarding the Commission's adoption of a resolution authorizing the City of Atchison to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate in 2022. The Kansas Legislature this year approved a bill repealing the previous property tax lid on yearly mill levy increases and instead established a “revenue neutral rate”, which adjusts the effective tax rate to account for an increase in assessed valuation. Local government entities that plan to exceed the “revenue-neutral rate” are required to hold a special public hearing in addition to the regular public hearing on the budget.

The second public hearing, set for today's meeting, is in regards to the City's budget itself, which is planned to be adopted, and approved, during today's session.

The Commission last month accepted for publication the proposed 2022 budget for the City of Atchison.

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.

Today’s meeting of the Commission begins at 4:30 at Atchison City Hall.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Liberty Alliance is sponsoring a 9/11 remembrance in Hiawatha.

On Saturday, a procession will begin at 8:45 in the morning at Hiawatha Family Dentistry and proceed west to the Brown County courthouse, where at 9:00, a ceremony will begin honoring first responders on the north side of the courthouse. Those attending are asked to bring lawn chairs and signs of appreciation.

From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., emergency vehicles will be on display on the east side of the courthouse square.

A free virtual tour of New York City World Trade Center Memorial & Museum will be held at the Arrow Twin Theatre with a viewing for first responders and guests at 10:30 a.m. Other showings at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. will be open to all.

The community is invited to this special remembrance of the 9/11 tragedies. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the attacks.

(Hoyt, KS)--Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse reports a Hoyt man is behind bars following a domestic incident shortly before 10:00 p.m. Friday night. 

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from 14081 Q. Road where the caller reported that the male subject at the residence allegedly was intoxicated and fired a weapon a number of times from the residence. A female occupant of the residence was able to escape the premises without serious injury.  The heavily armed male suspect fled the residence into an adjacent wooded area.

Deputies encountered the subject where a standoff ensued.  After law enforcement negotiated with the man for a period of time, the suspect surrendered to law enforcement a little after 10:30 p.m.

The suspect, Daniel Charles Carlow, 63, of Hoyt was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for the following: aggravated assault, aggravated assault on law enforcement, battery of law enforcement, criminal threat, felony interference with law enforcement, domestic battery, disorderly conduct and possession of a stolen firearm.   

(KNZA)--A joint investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Office and Richardson County Sheriff's Office led to the arrest of three Hiawatha residents on drug charges Friday evening.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said deputies executed a search warrant at 1105 Iowa Street in Hiawatha. 

Merchant said the Sheriff's Department's K-9, Ari, also indicated drugs were present in a vehicle.

39-year-old Nicole Patterson was arrested on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Transporting  an Open Container.

Randall Bostic and Renee Bostic, both 40, were arrested on charges of Possession of Meth with intent to Distribute, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug  paraphernalia, Child Endangerment and Possession of Marijuana.

Merchant said deputies seized marijuana, about 27 grams of methamphetamine  and paraphernalia during the search.   

He said other charges are possible by both entities and the incident remains under investigation.  

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

Merchant said the collaboration of the two entities over the past year and a half have netted many successful drug arrests in both jurisdictions.

( Photo credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office)

Masks for unvaccinated required in USD 377

Posted Friday, September 3rd, 2021 2:21pm

(KAIR)--When elementary-aged students of Atchison County’s USD 377 return to class following the Labor Day holiday, face masks will be required to be worn by the unvaccinated.

That follows action of the Board of Education for the Atchison County Community Schools during a special meeting held Wednesday.

According to a release from the District, the school board action means that mask wearing will be mandatory for all students, from PreK through 6th grade, as well as staff, who are not vaccinated.

Approval came on a 4 to 3 vote.
The school district, prior to the start of the school year, had not required but encouraged, the wearing of face masks for those not vaccinated.

The mask mandate takes effect Tuesday.

(KNZA)--A burglary suspect was arrested Friday morning after he was found sleeping on a porch of a Jackson County residence.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said sheriff's deputies arrested 30-year-old Jared Harris, of Mayetta, after receiving a call from a resident reporting finding a man sleeping on their porch.

Deputies responded to 10755 X Road in southeastern Jackson County shortly before 7:00.

Deputies located a vehicle believed to have been driven by Harris near 114th and W.6 Roads.

Morse said deputies discovered that a residence at 11468 W.6 Road had been burglarized. Deputies recovered property that had been taken from the residence allegedly connecting Harris to the burglary.

Harris was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of burglary, theft, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

(MSC News)-- NEK-CAP, Inc. (Northeast Kansas Community Action Program) was recently selected as one of ten community organizations throughout Kansas to receive funding to assist individuals enroll in Marketplace insurance, Medicaid, and CHIP.

This was made possible through a federal grant Thrive Allen County received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to help underserved populations find affordable health insurance coverage with the assistance of Navigators. The grant is expected to provide $2.9 million over a three-year period.

Navigators are federally trained and certified individuals who help consumers find and apply for Marketplace health insurance. According to CMS, “Since 2013, Navigators have helped Americans understand their health insurance options and facilitated enrollment in health insurance through the Federally-facilitated Marketplace. As trusted community partners, their mission focuses on assisting the uninsured and other underserved communities. Navigators serve an important role in connecting communities that historically have experienced lower access to health coverage and greater disparities in health outcomes to health coverage.”

NEK-CAP, Inc., a non-profit Community Action Program, provides social and education services for low-income individuals, families, and communities throughout 16 counties in Northeast and North Central Kansas – Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Leavenworth, Marshall, Mitchell, Nemaha, Osborne, Pottawattamie, Republic, Riley, Smith and Washington. Through the Navigator Project NEK-CAP, Inc. staff will conduct outreach and education and provide coverage enrollment for individuals and small businesses into the Kansas Marketplace Exchange and other safety net services.

Established in 2007, Thrive Allen County is the pre-eminent rural health coalition in the state of Kansas. Thrive is on the leading edge of public health in the state, designing models of engagement with communities throughout Kansas by partnering with community organizations like NEK-CAP, Inc. Since 2013, Thrive Allen County has offered enrollment assistance services for the Marketplace and other health and safety net services through its Thrive CARES program. Thrive’s Care Coordinators are crucial fixtures in the community health ecosystem, providing a personal connection to those in need. They were instrumental in lowering Allen County’s uninsured rate from 21% in 2013 to under 9% in 2018.

Says Thrive President and CEO Lisse Regehr, “The impact Navigators have on healthcare access cannot be understated, and we are honored to help community organizations implement what we have learned across the state.”

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has adopted a 2022 city budget that calls for net expenditures of more than $13 million dollars and keeps the mill levy steady.

The action followed a hearing Wednesday evening drawing no public comment.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 32.585 mills, which is to generate nearly $830,000 in local tax revenue.

Even though the mill levy will remain the same, the city will collect an additional $30,000 in taxes due to a $920,000 increase in the city's assessed valuation.

Following a second public hearing prior to the budget hearing, the Council approved a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate established by new legislation approved this year by the Kansas Legislature.

(KLZA)-- Two public hearings were conducted during the August 23 meeting of the City Council in Pawnee City. 

Following a hearing drawing no public comment, the  Council voted to give favorable comment on a new Class D liquor license for the Little Brown Jug , now owned by Scott and Carla Hanna.

The Council also conducted a hearing on a request from Mike Wilcox to narrow a portion of “J” Street from 11th to 14th Street to allow him to build a fence.  Following the hearing the Council approved the request on final reading.  

In addition, the Council approved vacating a portion of 12th Street from I to J Streets. 

The Council also scheduled a public hearing on the One and Six Year Street Plan for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 13.  

(KLZA)-- During Tuesday's meeting of the Richardson County Commissioners,  Grant Brueggemann, Executive Director of the Southeast District Health Department met with the Board to request Richardson County consider allocating at least 10 percent of the American Rescue Plan Act funds to be received by the county to assist with the Southeast District Health Department.

The Health Department is requesting funds from the five counties included within the District.  Richardson County's allocation would be $152,768.  

The Health District could plan to use a portion of the funds to make improvements to the current facilities.  

Commissioners said they would give the request further consideration when more definitive guidelines are received from the federal government. 

Richardson County also reviewed with Austin Duerfeldt the possibility of him providing consulting services to the County for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds which are part of the ARPA funds.

Duerfeldt informed the Commissioners that he serves as the financial coordinator for the Southeast District Health Department.  

The Board will continue to review the idea. 

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Thursday, Governor Mike Parson announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved Missouri’s request for a major disaster declaration. A total of 21 counties will receive federal assistance in response to severe storms and flooding beginning in late June and continuing through July 1. The Governor’s August 13 request included $10 million in qualifying disaster-related expenses that had already been identified.

“FEMA’s approval of our request means millions of dollars in federal and state reimbursements will now go to hard-hit communities in 21 Missouri counties,” Governor Parson said. “We appreciate the hard work of our local emergency managers and officials to assess the damage and tally expenses to meet the initial federal reporting requirements. Their communities and taxpayers will now benefit from their efforts.”

FEMA’s approval means local governments and eligible nonprofits in Andrew, Audrain, Boone, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Carroll, Chariton, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, Grundy, Holt, Howard, Lincoln, Livingston, Moniteau, Montgomery, Ralls, Ray, and Saline counties will receive reimbursements for emergency response costs and repairs to roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

Missouri’s request to FEMA was for damage and emergency response costs incurred due to severe storms and flooding from June 19 to July 1. FEMA’s major disaster declaration notification, received on September 1, was for the period of June 24 to July 1. State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has already begun efforts with the federal government to expand the incident period to include June 19-23 in order to maximize financial assistance to Missouri communities and eligible nonprofits. 

On July 6, Governor Parson announced Missouri’s request for joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in 17 counties. Audrain, Daviess, Grundy, and Ralls counties were later added to the request after more damage was documented locally. On July 8, joint preliminary damage assessment teams comprising representatives from SEMA, FEMA, and local officials began validating damage data, estimating a total of more than $10 million in damage to public infrastructure and emergency response costs eligible for federal assistance. On August 13, Governor Parson requested FEMA approve a major disaster declaration for Missouri.

(KAIR)--61 additional positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Atchison County since Wednesday, bringing the total number of active cases to 162..

The Atchison County office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Wednesday reported 72 active cases, with an additional 29 cases reported Thursday and 32 more cases on Friday. 

The Health Department also reported one additional hospitalization on Friday.  One person was reported hospitalized in Atchison County on Wednesday due to the virus.

Atchison County, as of Wednesday, was ranked 78th in the Kansas County Covid rankings, overseen by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and based on a county’s vaccination rate, the average number of COVID cases, and the average number of COVID tests given.

Jackson County continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases fueled by the more contagious delta variant.

The Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Thursday reported 145 active cases. That's up 44 cases from one week ago.

Since the pandemic began, the county has seen 1,743 positive cases, 54 total hospitalizations and 18 virus-related deaths.

The Health Department reports 53 percent of eligible Jackson County residents have been totally vaccinated.

Jackson County is ranked 19th in the Kansas County Covid Rankings. 

(KNZA)--Jury trials are set this fall for three Atchison men charged in a fatal 2019 Doniphan County fight.  

Matthew “ Cole” Scherer, Brian Spilman, Jr., and Scott Vandeloo are charged with second-degree murder in the beating death of 42-year-old Jason Pantle, of Cummings.  

Authorities allege the trio engaged in altercations with Pantle during a September 22, 2019 party in southern Doniphan County.  Pantle died later at a Kansas City hospital after suffering what investigators called serious head injuries.  

The jury trial for Spilman is scheduled to begin September 28.  His trial had been scheduled for this week, but was continued.  

Vandeloo's trial is set to begin October 19 and Scherer's on November 29.

Vandeloo remains held in the Doniphan County Jail without bond, while Scherer and Spilman remain free on bond.

(KNZA)--A Circleville man has pleaded no contest to reduce charges in a 2020 utility vehicle accident in Jackson County that claimed the life of a Fargo, North Dakota teenager.

The Holton Recorder reports 22-year-old Wyatt Olberding entered the plea last Friday in Jackson County District Court to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter, along with misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence, reckless driving and transporting an open container.

Sentencing was scheduled for October 29.

Olberding had originally been charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, which carrys a presumptive prison sentence.

13-year-old Iziah Martinez was killed in the accident early July 5th of last year about two miles northeast of Netawaka. Five others, including Olberding, were injured.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department said Olberding was driving a side-by-side UTV besides another UTV when he lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn. Martinez was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

(KMZA)--A September 7 preliminary hearing has been set for a Sabetha man facing multiple child sex charges.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert says a complaint has been filed in Nemaha County District Court charging 41-year-old Marvin Nix with two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Lippert says the criminal complaint alleges that on or between June 1 and August 23 of this year, Nix engaged in sodomy with a child under 14 years of age. The complaint also alleges Nix engaged in lewd fondling or touching of the same child.

The case was investigated by the Sabetha Police Department.

Nix was arrested August 26 and remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a one-million dollar bond.

(KNZA)--Jackson County continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases fueled by the more contagious delta variant.

The Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Thursday reported 145 active cases. That's up 44 cases from one week ago.

Since the pandemic began, the county has seen 1,743 positive cases, 54 total hospitalizations and 18 virus-related deaths.

The Health Department reports 53 percent of eligible Jackson County residents have been totally vaccinated.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha street closure is planned next week for storm sewer repairs, weather allowing.

 According to a release from City Administrator Mike Nichols, East Iowa Street will be closed beginning Tuesday, just east of the Fisher Center, for about one week.  

The release says anyone trying to access any location east of the Fisher Center parking lot entrance will need to do so by taking East Miami Street to Mallard Road, then south to Iowa Street.  

The city appreciates your patience during the project.

(KLZA)-- A public hearing on the proposed 2021-22 Fiscal Year budget for the City of Pawnee City will be Monday, September 13.

CPA, Julie Bauman presented the final draft of the budget document and levy to the City Council during their August 23 meeting.

The total budget of expenditures amounts to $3,358,137. The total tax asking is $220,932 with $95-thousand going to the street bond payment and nearly $126-thousand to the general fund.  

The valuation within Pawnee City increased slightly this year to $30,548,717.

The Council also approved the additional 1-percent allowable growth rate during the meeting.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with Denny Macomber, Director of Nebraska Jail Standards during their Tuesday meeting. 

Commissioners asked Macomber to meet with them to review options that could be considered to increase the inmate capacity at the Richardson County Jail,  which currently can house 24 inmates. 

Macomber estimated the expansion cost to be approximately $170,000 for each bunk added. He said that counties,  the State of Nebraska and Federal Prisons are looking for places to house prisoners due to overcrowding.  

Last week Sheriff Rick Hardesty discussed the possibility of adding more space for inmates at the law enforcement center to avoid having to move inmates to other facilities and having to pay to house the inmates.

No action was taken following the discussion.

Commissioners did vote to enter into an agreement letter with D.A. Davidson & Company for them to serve as the placement agent with the Nebraska Association of  County Officials Lease Purchase agreement for the financing of a communication tower and equipment in an amount of $620,737.  

(KNZA)--Kansas education officials made a stop in Hiawatha Wednesday afternoon as part of the “Kansans Can Success Tour.”

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Brad Neuenswander are visiting 50 cities across the state to gather feed-back on the state's vision for K-12 education, which was created after a 2015 tour.

Information was shared on the progress made toward achieving the vision established by the Kansas State Board of Education.

Watson and Neuenswander are meeting with educators, parents, legislators, school board leaders and community members.

Dr. Watson said the tour conversations are mainly focused on how best to shape education across the state for years to come and not just for the present. "When we get back, we'll crunch all the data. We will have, probably, Kansas State or another university, help us with that, and then we'll bring it to the state board and we'll take a look at what we're currently doing; what Kansans said that maybe we want to change, or things that we can do to strengthen and support schools. Then we'll merge that together and see if there's any difference and then we'll share that back out." 

The tour also made a stop Wednesday in Marysville. The tour, which kicked off in July, is to wrap-up September 9.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Office including the K-9 Unit assisted the Nebraska Probation Office with a probation search at a Dawson home on Monday evening about 7:30 p.m.

58-year-old Mary Clancy of Dawson was arrested for possession of methamphetamine.  Clancy was enrolled in the local drug court after being charged in two separate drug cases in 2020.

Clancy was booked into the Richardson County Jail. 
 

(KAIR)--An arrest is made in connection with a number of Atchison County thefts reported in August. 

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 30-year-old Atchison resident Ryan Marcus Brownfield is accused of the crimes involving the theft of a variety of items, ranging from those taken from vehicles to mail stolen from a local veterinarians office.

Atchison Co virus count decreases

Posted Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 10:00am

(KAIR)--Atchison County sees a decrease in the number of active cases of COVID-19.

That's shown through figures released Wednesday, September 1 by the Atchison County office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health.

According to the latest statistics, Atchison County has 72 active coronavirus cases, down from the 86 cases reported August 25.

One person is currently hospitalized in Atchison County due to the virus.

The figures released this week from the county health department breakdown the number of current, active cases by age, with the figures showing that 11 cases involve those 5 to 12; 17 are aged 13 to 21; 26 are aged 22 to 35; 13 are 36 to 50; three are 51 to 65; and two current cases involve those over the age of 65.

Atchison County, as of Wednesday, was ranked 78th in the Kansas County Covid rankings, overseen by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and based on a county’s vaccination rate, the average number of COVID cases, and the average number of COVID tests given.

Doniphan County is reporting 17 active coronavirus cases, as presented this week to the Doniphan County Commission by Doniphan County Health Department/Home Health Administrator Sheryl Pierce.

According to Pierce, all 17 cases involve the fast-spreading Delta variant.

Doniphan County is currently ranked 35th in the Kansas County COVID rankings.

The County’s health department will hold a vaccination clinic this week.

According to a release from the agency, it will be held Friday afternoon at 1:30 on the Highland Community College Campus, in the lower level of the Stadium Center, Barber Room.
All three vaccines, Johnson and Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer, will be available.

 

(KMZA)--An interim Nemaha County Health Officer has been appointed.

The Nemaha County Commission this week approved the appointment of Nichole Keim, of rural Seneca,  to serve in the role  until a permanent replacement is hired.  She will be paid $30 an hour.

Keim began work Wednesday.

Longtime county health officer Jane Sunderland resigned effective August 31. Sunderland also stepped down as director of Nemaha County Community Health Services after 17 years.

With Sunderland's resignation, the health officer will no longer be an employee of the health agency but will become a county employee.

Commissioners will begin advertising for a permanent health officer.

The health officer's responsibilities include reporting and tracking communicable diseases, disaster planning, health education and risk reduction, and environmental services.

(KNZA)--A Marysville man is jailed in Jackson County on drug charges following a report two suspicious individuals north of Holton

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says the Sheriff's Office received a report Tuesday afternoon of two suspicious individuals in a black Equinox, who were reported to be  sitting on a porch in the 21-thousand block of Q Road.  

A Holton police officer located the pair at the Holton Community Hospital.

Morse said 37-year-old John Ray Crow was subsequently arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

(KAIR)--An Atchison High School student has died, with a release from the Atchison public school district saying his death came while working out.

According to the release, issued Wednesday morning by USD 409 Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Renee Scott, sophomore Rocky Delfs died Wednesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest “due to Brugada Syndrome while working out.”

According to the release, “the school’s Crisis Response Team will be available to help students work through any grief they may experience.”

Scott, following an email inquiry made by MSC News, confirmed that Delfs was the student who was found unresponsive by a staff member August 26, after the school day had ended, on the high school track. He was transported for hospital treatment by Atchison County EMS.

Wednesday’s release states that Delfs is going to be an organ donor, and the school district does not yet “have any information regarding memorial services,” but that information will be released once available.

Brugada syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder that is sometimes inherited.

(KAIR)--A Tuesday evening Atchison wreck sent an elderly woman to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the two vehicle crash happened around 6:15, at the intersection of Woodlawn Avenue and Pine Street.

It was at that location that an SUV, driven westbound on Pine Street by 83-year-old Mary Yankovich, of Kansas City, Kansas, entered the intersection at Woodlawn Avenue and collided with another SUV, driven by 35-year-old Emily Armstrong, of Atchison.

Yankovich was transported by Atchison County EMS for examination at Amberwell Atchison.
Armstrong, and her 40-year-old passenger, were examined at the scene by EMS but were not transported.

Yankovich was cited for failure to yield.

(KLZA)-- Over the past several years, agencies and organizations across Northwest Missouri have received funding for programs aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities on our roadways. 
With preliminary reports showing 43 fatalities in the 20 counties of Northwest Missouri during 2020, the work is not over yet. To assist agencies in the fight towards zero deaths in Northwest Missouri and across the state, the Northwest Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety (NWMCRS) is once again offering grants for highway and traffic safety programs and resources.

The Northwest Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is now  accepting applications for the next round of grant funding for the 2022 fiscal year. Completed applications are due by the close of business on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021.
Grant requests may not exceed $5,000.
Organizations eligible to apply for these funds include schools, community groups, law enforcement, health departments, and more.
Program must address at least one of the emphasis areas identified in the Show-Me Zero strategic highway safety plan. These include occupant protection, distracted driving, speed and aggressive driving and impaired driving. More information can be found at: https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/show-me-zero.
Or, you may contact coalition chairperson Amber Dydell at 816-387-2445, or your local regional planning commission. 
Grant funds are through reimbursement only.

(KLZA)_-- Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts has announced recent appointments made to fill Nebraska’s boards and commissions.

The following appointees are unpaid and are not subject to Legislative confirmation:

Among the appointments is:
David Crook of Humboldt to the Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board.

Michael Schilling of Pawnee City to the Nebraska Grape and Winery Board.

Tim Heckenlively of Falls City to the Professional Practices Commission.  
 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has adopted a 2022 county budget of $12 million that calls for a 1.1 mill property tax levy increase.

The action came on a 2-1 vote Tuesday following a public hearing, with Commissioner Bill Pollock casting the dissenting vote.

During the hearing, County resident Annette Hoskins voiced her concerns about the proposed budget.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 32.159 mills, which is to generate $6.7 million in local tax revenue.

Commission Chairman Rich Lehmkuhl said the commission had cut several thousands of dollars from the budget and transferred funding from capital outlay in an effort to reduce the mill levy. He noted that Brown County has the third lowest property tax rate in the state.

Following a second public hearing prior to the budget hearing, the Commission approved a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the revenue neutral rate that was established by new legislation approved by the Kansas Legislature this year.

During the hearing, county residents Annette Hoskins and Brady Hoskins voiced their concerns about the mill levy increase.

(KMZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education, in a special meeting Saturday, voted not to allow an off-site COVID-19 testing program.

The Test to Learn/Test to Play program would have allowed students who are quarantined as close contacts to return to school after a daily, negative COVID-19 test. 

According to the program document, it would provide a way for students to safely continue to attend school and participate in activities while in quarantine. Under the program, students would be required to wear a mask at school.

Parents would have to sign a consent form for their child to be tested daily for the duration of the quarantine.

Board member Kathy Lippert, who made the motion against allowing the program, said she believes parents should be the ones responsible to make decisions about their kids, not an educational system.  

Board member Ed Reznicek cast the lone vote in favor of the program. 

(KAIR)--A 17-year-old Effingham boy is facing sex-crimes charges, arrested on three counts of criminal sodomy.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the teen is accused of three separate incidents involving a 14-year-old boy.

According to Laurie, the alleged crimes all occurred in Atchison County between June and July.

Following his arrest Saturday, the 17-year-old was released to juvenile intake.

Laurie says the two teens were acquainted with each other at the time the alleged crimes occurred.