(KNZA)--A motorcyclist was injured Saturday evening in Jackson County after striking a deer.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 59-year-old Todd Shumaker, of Netawaka, was driving a Yamaha motorcycle westbound on K-9 Highway, west of P Road, when he struck the deer shortly before 7:00.

Shumaker was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says he was wearing a helmet when the accident occurred.   

(KNZA)--The 2021 Hiawatha Halloween Queen was crowned Saturday evening prior to the grand parade, which concluded the 107th annual Halloween Frolic.

Selected for the honor was Miss Seneca: Faith Henry. 

As the winner, Henry, a senior at Nemaha Central High School, will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The 1st runner-up and winner of a $500 scholarship was Miss Morrill: Emma Schilling, a senior at Sabetha High School.

Miss Sabetha: Kendall Edelman, a senior at Sabetha High School, was named  Miss Congeniality and will receive a $250 scholarship.

10 area girls competed in this year's scholarship contest.

The girls were judged on an essay, talent and judge's interview along with leadership skills, community involvement and scholastic achievements.   

(KNZA)--Former Holton Police Chief Gale " Butch" Gakle is being remembered.

According to an obituary from the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, Gakle died Friday at Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital at the age of 61.

Gakle retired on March 5 of this year after 40 years with the Holton Police Department--including several stints as chief.  He began his career with the Department in 1980 as a dispatcher before serving as a patrol officer.

The funeral service for Gakle will be held Thursday morning ( November 4) at 10:00 the Evangel United Methodist Church, in Holton.

The family will greet friends Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 at the funeral home.

Among survivors are his wife, Lori, and six children.  

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman, accused of overmedicating a patient while working as a nurse at a Leavenworth long-term care facility, will serve probation for one year.

That’s the sentence handed down to 37-year-old Jennifer Reavis, in Leavenworth County District Court, according to Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.

Thompson, in a release, said that Reavis, if probation is violated, “has the potential of two years in jail, with the judge running the battery and endangerment charges consecutively to one another. The court did run the battery conviction concurrent to the other two counts.”

Reavis, last month, entered a no contest plea, leading to her conviction for 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. Reavis’ legal representation, Atchison attorney Andrew Werring, last month 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.

According to Thompson, the endangerment charge is recklessly exposing another person to a danger of great bodily harm or death.  The other two counts were for unlawful administration of a controlled substance, and battery.

The Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges after an investigation by the Lansing Police Department was conducted at the Twin Oaks Health and Rehab Center in May 2019.

(KMZA)--A Sabetha teenager, facing charges in a child rape case, has entered into a plea agreement.

The Nemaha County Attorney's Office said 18-year-old Blake Bowser pleaded no contest Thursday in Nemaha County District Court to a felony count of contributing to a child's misconduct or deprivation.

In exhange for the plea, a charge of rape was dismissed.

Bowser was accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under 14-years-old on July 24 of this year, and sheltering or concealing a runaway.

He was arrested in July following an investigation by the Sabetha Police Department and Nemaha County Sheriff's Department.

Sentencing was scheduled for December 21.

(AP)- A Leavenworth County man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for causing a crash earlier this year that killed a grandmother and injured her 6-month-old grandson.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said 23-year-old Josiah Coleman was sentenced Thursday to 77 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter and methamphetamine possession.

Prosecutors say Coleman was high on meth on Feb. 21 when he drove more than 90 mph in a 40 mph zone, ran a stop sign and crashed into a car driven by 62-year-old Donna Gay Osborne.

Osborne died at the scene, and her infant grandson, who was in the car, suffered minor injuries.

(KNZA)--The 107th Annual Hiawatha Halloween Frolic will be held Saturday.

This year's theme is Festival of Frights.

The Frolic will feature the Miss Mary Kids Costume Contest at 1:00 in the afternoon at the Brown County Historical Society's Memorial Auditorium. Registration starts at 12:30.

The traditional afternoon Kiddie Parade will kick off around the Courthouse Square in downtown Hiawatha at 3:00.

12 girls are vying for Halloween Queen this year, with the crowning to place at 6:00 on the north side of the courthouse square. The Hiawatha High School marching band will perform at 5:45 prior to the crowning.

The grand evening parade will begin at 7:00 traveling from Hiawatha High School down Oregon Street.

This year's grand marshal's are John and Nancy Weingart.

(KLZA)-- A former Richardson County Commissioners and Falls City businessman is being remembered.

Rex Jones of Falls City died Wednesday at the age of 91.

Jones was a Falls City native and joined the Nebraska National Guard, becoming Company B 134th Infantry Division Unit Administrator at Falls City until he retired in 1985.

Jones and his wife Virginia owned and operated  The Front Porch in Falls City.  He was later elected Richardson County Commissioner and worked with Bob Ferguson to found the “Wall of Fame” at Falls City High School.

A funeral service for Rex Jones will be Friday morning, November 5 at 10:30 at the ST. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Falls City.  

(KLZA)-- As little ghosts and goblins embark on their quests for candy this weekend, trick-or-treaters and drivers are urged to stay alert for each other.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, children are three times more likely to be struck and killed by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. 

Drivers should avoid distractions so they’re aware of any pedestrians walking on or near the roadways. Be especially cautious in the dark, as children in dark clothing may be difficult to see. Drivers should also slow down in areas where pedestrians are likely to be or where sight distances are limited, and never drive impaired.

Pedestrians should also make smart choices, such as bringing a flashlight to make yourself as visible as possible to passing motorists. Trick-or-treaters should always walk on a sidewalk wherever one is available. If one isn’t available, walk facing traffic and as far to the side as safely possible. Make sure traffic has stopped or passed before you begin to cross the road. And like drivers, pedestrians should also avoid distractions so you are alert to the traffic around you. 

(KMZA)--A Sabetha man, who was shot by officers last week after firing a nail gun at them, has been arrested.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said 38-year-old Kelly Hall was arrested Thursday for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer.

The KBI said Hall was arrested following his release from a Topeka hospital where he had been receiving medical treatment.  He was booked into the Nemaha County Jail and later released on a $25,000 own recognizance bond.

Officers from the Sabetha Police Department and deputies from Nemaha County Sheriff's Office tired to convince Hall to exit his home the evening of October 20 after responding to a report of man threatening suicide. He eventually did, holding an air-powered nail gun that he used to shoot at officers.  Two officers, one from each agency, fired back and injured Hall.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Hall is scheduled to appear in Nemaha County Court November 9.

(KAIR)--A 26-year-old Atchison man is facing charges for possessing a gun as a convicted felon.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Chad Gorrell was taken into custody Wednesday.

Wilson, in the release, says the arrest of Gorrell came after Atchison Police Officers “responded to the area of the Oak Hill Cemetery, located in the 200 block of North 17th [Street], to investigate a suspicious person with a gun.”

Officers, when they arrived at that location, found Gorrell to be in possession of the weapon, and he was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Once in custody, Gorrell was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Editor's note: A release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie states that it was later learned the tractor was taken as a repossession, and was not a theft.

(KAIR)--The theft of a tractor, from the Nortonville area, leads to an investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the 1973 John Deere 4430 tractor was reported stolen early Monday evening.

The tractor, according to Laurie, was “stolen from a shop building located at 10087 242nd Road, in Nortonville.”

Laurie describes the tractor as having a cab and a chrome exhaust pipe, adding that “it is believed to have been loaded onto a silver Dodge rollback type tow truck and to have traveled east on [Highway] 116 from Johnson Road.” It’s believed the rollback truck had writing on the doors.

The investigation is ongoing.

In a separate investigation, the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office is working to learn who broke into the old school building located in Huron.

According to Laurie, the school building sustained damage to a window, a door lock, and a fire extinguisher.

The crime, reported Monday, is believed to have happened sometime between 5:00 Saturday evening and 5:00 Monday evening.

The investigation is continuing.

The Sheriff’s Office is also investigating the theft of three stop signs, and one metal sign post at the intersections of Cheyenne Road and Clay Road, along 254th Road, in rural Atchison County.

Investigators believe the thefts occurred at some unknown time over the past weekend.

Anyone with information about any of the investigations are asked to notify the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office at 913 804-6080.

(KAIR)--A pickup truck, reported stolen in Atchison earlier this week, has been recovered.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 1991 Chevrolet was found Wednesday afternoon in rural Buchanan County, Missouri.

No suspects are immediately identified.

The truck was believed to have been stolen sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning while it was parked in the 1000 block of Atchison’s South 6th Street.

(KLZA)-- Austin Duerfeldt who was hired by Richardson County as the American Rescue Plan Act Fund Administrator met with Commissioners Tuesday, informing them he would accept the position and worl perform the work necessary to assist the  County with the receipt and expenditures of  ARPA funds.  Duerfeldt will be paid $36 per hour.

Duerfeldt said he would develop a grant application for use by those within the County to apply for ARPA funds with the County Board and would develop a news release to encourage citizens to contact the County Board with projects that might be eligible to receive ARPA funds.

Lucas Froeschl, Executive Dirctor of Falls City EDGE offered to release an on-line survey to receive suggestions from the public on the possible projects that ARPA funds could be allocated to for the betterment of the communities within Richardson County. 
 

(KNZA)--Brown and Jackson Counties are reporting a big increase in the number of active cases of COVID-19.

The Brown County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Wednesday reported 49 active cases, with one currently hospitalized. That's up from 13 actives cases last Friday.

Since the pandemic began, Brown County has had 1,469 total positive coronavirus cases, with 40 virus-related deaths.

The Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health on Wednesday reported 86 active cases in the county, up from 37 active cases one week ago on October 20.

Since the pandemic began, Jackson County has had 2,029 total positive coronavirus cases, 61 total hospitalizations and 19 virus-related deaths. 

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca is moving forward with plans for the replacement of the next section of the city's Main Street.

The Seneca City Council approved a letter of agreement with Wilson and Company last week to provide engineering services for the project from 7th and 11th Streets at a cost of $31,975.

The Salina firm worked with the city on the last two Main Street projects, which utilized grants funds to rebuild the brick street from 3rd to 6th Streets and from 6th to 7th Streets.

Grant funds are not available this time. The council is looking at rebuilding the street with a concrete surface, along with new curb and gutter and storm drainage. An alternate bid will sought for sidewalk replacement.

In other business, the Council approved a resolution that implements the new electric rates approved by the council at their October 6 meeting to pay off the high wholesale power costs the city incurred during February's artic blast. The new rates will take effect November 1. The average residential customer will see an around 10 percent increase.

The council also approved a contract for the sale of lot 11 in Fairway Addition #2 to BS Development for $91,000. 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is encouraging Halloween safety, and in doing so, Sheriff John Merchant says his office will continue it's annual Trick-or-Treat Night.  

According to a release from Merchant, that will happen Friday evening from 5 to 8 at the Sheriff's Office located at 709 Utah Street in Hiawatha.

Merchant says his staff will be handing out Trick-or-Treat bags that contain safety information, pencils, stickers, candy, and glow sticks for safety.

Merchant says the event provides an opportunity for his office to to interact with parents and children.  

Thursday and Friday evenings have been designated as Trick-or-Treat nights in Hiawatha.  Residents who want to take part are encouraged to turn on their front porch light.  

The Business Treat-or-Treat will take place Friday afternoon from 4-5 in downtown Hiawatha.

(KNZA)--An investigation by the Osage County, Kansas Sheriff's Office into the online solicitation of child has lead to the arrest of an Effingham man.

Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells, in a news release, said 39-year-old Marcus Smith was arrested Tuesday in Ozawkie by investigators from his office and Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies.

Smith was arrested on an Osage County warrant for electronic solicitation and indecent solicitation of a child.

He was transported to the Jefferson County Jail, where he was held on the warrant.

On Wednesday afternoon, Wells said Osage County deputies transported Smith to the Osage County Jail, where he is being held on a $75,000 bond.

Editor's note: Due to weather, KDOT has changed the start date for the work to Monday. 

(KMZA)--A milling project that will impact what state transportation officials call “multiple locations in the region” is set to begin Monday, November 1, with local area roadways to be affected and drivers to face delays.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the first phase of work, beginning if weather allows, will take place in Marshall County. That includes U.S. Highway 36, from the U.S. 36/K-87 junction east to the county line; K-9, from the K-9/K-87 junction east to the county line; K-99, from the northern city limit of Frankfort, to the K-9/K-99 junction; and from the K-9/K-99 junction north to the U.S 36/K-99 junction.

A release from KDOT states that work will take place at each location from approximately 7:30 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon. Work in each area is expected to be completed in one day.

Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected in the work zones, with traffic to be restricted to one lane, and directed by flaggers, signs, and cones. A pilot car may be necessary in some of the impacted locations.

Additional local impacts are also expected next week, with Doniphan and Nemaha counties included in work set to start Monday.

Locations and dates are as follows:

Monday, November 1:

  *   U.S. 36, from U.S. 36/K-87 junction east to county line (Marshall County)
  *   K-9, from K-9/K-87 junction east to county line (Marshall County)
  *   K-99, from Frankfort northern city limit to K-9/K-99 junction (Marshall County)
  *   K-99, from K-9/K-99 junction north to U.S. 36/K-99 junction (Marshall  County)

Tuesday, Nov. 2:

  *   U.S. 36, from Seneca western city limit to Seneca eastern city limit (Nemaha County)
  *   K-9, from western county line to Corning southern city limit (Nemaha County)
  *   K-63, from southern county line north to the southern K-9/K-63 junction (Nemaha County)
  *   K-120, from K-120/K-20 junction to Highland southern city limit (Doniphan County)

Wednesday, Nov. 3:

  *   K-30, from K-30/I-70 junction to Maple Hill city limit (Wabaunsee County)
  *   K-31, from K-31/K-99 junction east to county line (Wabaunsee County)
  *   K-195, from K-195/K-31 junction to Harveyville southern city limit (Wabaunsee County)
  *   K-99, from K-99/K-4 junction north to county line (Wabaunsee County)
  *   U.S. 24, from western county line east to concrete pavement (Pottawatomie County)

Thursday, Nov. 4:

  *   K-4, from western county line to K-4/I-70 junction (Shawnee County)
  *   U.S. 50, from Emporia eastern city limit to U.S. 50/I-35 junction (Lyon County)
  *   U.S. 75, from U.S. 75/K-68 junction to U.S. 75/K-31/K-268 junction (Osage County)
  *   K-237, from K-237/U.S. 24 junction north to end of route at Perry State Park (Jefferson County)

Friday, Nov. 5:

  *   U.S. 59, from U.S. 59/K-4 junction north to county line (Jefferson County)
  *   K-4, from K-4/K-192 junction to U.S. 59/K-4 junction (Jefferson County)
  *   K-192, from K-192/U.S. 59 junction east to county line (Jefferson County)
  *   K-192, from Jefferson/Leavenworth county line east to K-192/U.S. 73 junction (Leavenworth County)
Friday, Nov. 5: (The following locations will be single-lane closures. Work will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

  *   I-70, westbound from 78th Street to just west of I-635 (Wyandotte County)
  *   I-70, westbound from just east of Kaw Drive Bridge to the western approach of 18th Street Bridge (Wyandotte County)
  *   U.S. 56/Shawnee Mission Parkway, from just west of I-35 to State Line Road (Johnson County)
  *   U.S. 56, from approximately Warren Street to Sycamore Street in Gardner (Johnson County)

Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc., of Topeka is the contractor on the $43,000 project with KDOT maintenance crews that will handle traffic control.
 

(MSC News)--Flags are flying at half-staff across Kansas in honor of Kansas Representative Russ Jennings, who died Wednesday at the age of 66.

State-wide media is reporting that Jennings, of Lakin, Kansas, died three months after he publicly announced he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Kelly, in a release, calls for all flags flown on state buildings, grounds, and facilities, to be flown at half-staff from now until sundown Sunday.

Jennings represented Kansas House District 122 since 2013.

Kelly, in the release, says Jennings’ “commitment to public service, his mastery of the subject matter, and his boundless tenacity made him a natural leader, well-respected by his colleagues and his constituents.”

Prior to being elected to the Kansas House of Representatives, Representative Jennings served as a deputy sheriff in Kearny County, director of the Southwest Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center, a district magistrate judge and as a member of the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority.

Among Jennings’ survivors are his wife, Judy, and children.

(KAIR)--A ten-case decrease in the number of active coronavirus cases in Atchison County, over a one week period, is noted, while the number of hospitalizations increased by one.

According to statistics released Wednesday by the Atchison County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health, the county currently has 58 active cases of COVID-19. That’s down from the 68 cases reported by the health department October 20.
Three are now hospitalized in connection with the virus, up from 2 hospitalizations reported in last week’s statistics.

The figures also show that two of the county's cases are those under the age of 5; 6 are aged 5 to 12; 16 are 13 to 21; 6 are 22 to 35; 11 are 36 to 50; another 11 cases are aged 51 to 65; and 6 cases involve those over the age of 65.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Atchison County has had 2,413 cases of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.

25 have died.

(KNZA)--A Wednesday morning three-vehicle chain-reaction crash on U.S. 75 Highway, just north of Topeka, sent a Holton woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 20-year-old Joel Cobler, of Meriden, was southbound when he struck the rear a Nissan Altima driven by 17-year-old Holton resident Michael Wamego, which then caused it to strike a Mazda 6 driven by 40-year-old Melissa Weir, of Holton.

The Patrol said the Nissen and Mazda were slowing down at the time of the crash.

Weir was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected minor injuries.

Cobler and Wamego were not hurt.

The Patrol says all three drivers, who were alone in their vehicles, were buckled up when the wreck occurred around 8:00.

(KLZA)-- Applications are available now for holiday gift and food baskets at the Southeast Nebraska Community Action officers in Falls City and Humboldt.

No applications will be accepted after November 15 at 4:00 p.m. 

The pickup dates for the baskets and gifts in Humboldt are Thursday, December 16 at the Humboldt Auditorium.  Call Pastor Dorothy at 402-679-6216 to schedule an appointment for pickup. 

In Falls City someone from SENCA will call you and schedule a pickup time.

If you have questions,  call the SENCA offices in Humboldt at 402-862-2411 or in Falls City call 402-245-5284.  

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has announced awards totaling approximately $5.3 million to 14 recipients under the Community Development Block Grant program’s Public Works funding opportunity.
The announced Public Works awards total $5,331,787 and will support crucial facility and infrastructure projects, from new sidewalks and fire hydrants, to fire safety, to critical flood control and everything in between. 
The CDBG Public Works program allows Nebraska, as a state to support communities as they make a positive impact through infrastructure projects that enhance their well-being and potential for growth.
Among the communities receiving funds are: 
Village of Brownville: $309,500
The Village of Brownville is preparing to replace the box culvert at the intersection of 7th and Main Streets, and to repave the street above.
City of Wymore: $410,000
The City of Wymore is preparing to purchase one rescue pumper fire truck to service the city. The truck will replace two fire trucks that have been removed from service, ensuring the city meets its firefighting needs.
 
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty met with Richardson County Commissioners Tuesday and  requested the the Commissioners consider terminating the dispatching services agreement with the Southeast Communications Center in Beatrice.

Sheriff Hardesty said there are some problems and concerns that he feels are not being addressed.  No action was taken by the Board.

In June Commissioners approved joining the regional dispatch center at a cost of $180,000 for the first year.

Nebraska Jail Standards sent a letter regarding the annual inspection of the Richardson County Jail which found the facility to be in full compliance with the Standards. 

Sheriff Hardesty also reported three Nebraska certified applicants submitted applications for the open deputy position.  An applicant that is being considered does not reside within Richardson County.  Commissioners approved allowing the hiring of a deputy that does not reside within Richardson County. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing charges in connection with the allegation that he threatened another man with a hammer.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 33-year-old Jeffery Walker was taken into custody Tuesday evening for aggravated assault.

Wilson says the arrest of Walker was made after Police Officers, Tuesday evening around 6:20, “responded to a disturbance at an apartment complex in the 900 block of South 4th Street.”

It’s alleged that during the disturbance, Walker threatened a 51-year-old man, who lives there, with a hammer.

Walker was taken into custody at the apartment complex.

Wilson, in the release, said no one was injured during the disturbance.

Walker was booked into the Atchison County Jail. 

(KAIR)--There’s no timeline yet for when the defective, purple-glowing streetlights will be replaced in Atchison.

That word is delivered in a social media post made by the City of Atchison, elaborating on a late September post that touched on the topic.

In the release, the City explains that in Atchison, “like many other cities throughout Kansas, street lighting systems are actually owned and operated by the electric utility, Evergy. The City does pay an annual lease to Evergy in exchange for their owning and operating the street light system.”

The problem, leaving many streetlights in the City glowing a ghostly purple, comes down to a defect in the LED lights, which is “a nationwide occurrence,” due to a prematurely failing component in the lights, making them glow the blue-purple color that’s caught the attention of Atchison residents in recent weeks.

While the manufacturer of the LED bulbs has taken responsibility, and Evergy is working to correct the problem, widespread throughout its service territory, the City notes that it’s “unsure of the timeline for replacing the malfunctioning fixtures in the Atchison community.”

Despite the unusual color being caused by the defect, not all local residents are opposed to the lights.

Along with criticism of the lighting, a number of comments on the City’s social media post voice support for the unusual coloring, with one commenter saying it’s time to “break out the old black light posters.”

(KNZA)--A Fairview man facing multiple child sex charges has entered into a plea agreement.

39-year-old Nathaniel Culver pleaded no contest Monday in Brown County District Court to amended felony counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated solicitation of a child.

In exchange for the plea, five additional counts were dismissed.

Sentencing was scheduled for November 19.

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

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

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

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved new licensing and permit fees. 

On a 3-2 vote, the Commission approved increasing the fee for a new construction contractor's license from $25 to $75 and to $50 for renewals.

On the same 3-2 vote, the Commission approved increasing the tree trimmers licensing fees by the same amount and adding the requirement of a surety bond.

Mayor Bill Collins and Commissioner Brian Shefferd cast the dissenting votes.

The Commission also approved increasing the fee for a mobile food vendors license from $25 to $100 per year and adding an event mobile food vendor license that will be available for a fee of $25 per event.

A motion to increase the permit fee for solicitors failed on a 2-3 vote. Commissioner Evans Woehlecke joined Shefferd and Collins in voting against the motion.

City Clerk Tish Sims recommended the changes, which will be brought back in ordinance form for approval.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman is dead, killed Tuesday morning in a single vehicle roll-over wreck in Atchison County.

According to a release from Atchison County Undersheriff Toby Smith, 26-year-old Laporshia Seymore was transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS, where she died of her injuries a short time later.

A one-year old child in the vehicle suffered only minor injuries in the wreck.

Both were ejected from the vehicle at the time of the wreck, which occurred shortly after 10:00 Tuesday morning.

According to Smith, the investigation shows that Seymore was southbound on U.S. Highway 73, near 242nd Road, when her Hyundai Santa Fe, for unknown reasons, left the roadway onto the right shoulder. Seymore over-corrected, causing the vehicle to skid back onto the highway, where it rolled over, ejecting Seymore and the child.

Three other children, one three-year old and two 5-month old children, were also in the vehicle. While the youngest two of the three escaped injury, the three-year old received a minor injury to an arm.

According to Smith, the investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.

(KLZA)-- A former nurse from Nebraska City has been sentenced in federal court in Omaha for acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, which is a felony. 

38-year-old Skye Parde was sentenced by Judge Brian C. Buescher to 3 years probation and fined $5-thousand. 

In November,  2018, administrators with Ambassador Health, an assisted living facility in Nebraska City, reported the theft of controlled substances to local law enforcement after learning that narcotic pain medication had been repeatedly refilled from a pharmacy bun not logged as given to patients. 

An audit determined that more than 6-thousand tablets of Hydrocodone, Tramadol, and Oxycodone prescribed to 23 different assisted-living patients had been ordered but were missing from the facility.

Staff observed most of the medication refills had been ordered by Parde, who was employed at the facility at the time as a registered nurse on the night shift at the facility.   

The case was investigated by the Nebraska City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. 

(KLZA)-- Pawnee City Council members heard updates on  repairs when they met October 12.  

City Foreman Spencer Cumley reported that a blower had gone down at the sewer plant.  He has ordered a replacement from Germany, but it will not ship until November 12.  The cost for the blower, filters oil and belts will cost in the neighborhood of $5,500.  

Cumley also reported that water well #2 is back in service and that Sargent Drilling has completed the project to replace the well liner with PVC casing instead of steel.  He noted the motor and all of the internals of the well have been totally rebuilt. 

City Clerk Tammy Curtis updated Council members on additional USDA Grant Funding towards the purchase of a well generator.  The USDA approved the extra costs which will provide the City with an additional $39,300 in Grant Funds.  The well generator has been ordered but it will likely be six months before it  arrives.  The City will be responsible for another $32-thousand  of the total cost.
 

(KAIR)--A pursuit, that began with a theft call from the Hiawatha Walmart, started in Brown County and ended in Doniphan County, with two of the suspects escaping authorities on foot.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, his office was alerted to the theft shortly before 11:00 Sunday morning, complete with a description of the vehicle, that indicated two men and a woman were involved.

A deputy on routine patrol located located the vehicle, southeast of Hiawatha, and initiated a stop. However, the driver refused to pull over, with speeds of 80 to 85 mph, on gravel and dirt roads, noted.

The vehicle came to a stop in a field located near 290th and Chalk Bluff Roads, with two occupants fleeing the scene on foot.

The Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Iowa Tribal Police, assisted the Brown County Sheriff’s Office during the pursuit, both on the roadway and on foot, but the two persons, due to inclimate weather, were not located.

There’s no word regarding the third person initially reported as being involved.

According to Merchant, his office has “recovered the stolen property from the
vehicle and  with the help of the public, have potentially  identified
those involved in the incident.”

No injuries are reported.
The case remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--An additional death, and a slight increase in active cases of COVID-19, is reported in Doniphan County.

That word is delivered in a release from the Doniphan County Health Department/Home Health, explaining to residents that coronavirus vaccine booster shots are now being made available.

According to the release, citing statistics from October 22, Doniphan County was reporting 13 active coronavirus cases, up from 11 active cases the previous week.
28 deaths were cited in Monday’s release, which is a one-death increase from that noted in the October 15 statistics from the health department.

Doniphan County has had 1,321 positive virus cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

The release explains that “the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had already approved booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine and has now approved them for Moderna and Johnson and Johnson [vaccines] as well.”
Late last week, the newly approved booster shots of all COVID-19 vaccinations were adopted by the State of Kansas.

The release notes that “also under the new guidelines, the CDC approved mix and match dosing for boosters. Therefore, eligible recipients aren’t required to use a certain booster brand.”

According to the release, “an adult is eligible for a booster if they have completed two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago and are 65 years and older; 18 and older with underlying medical conditions, live in long-term care settings, or work or live in high-risk settings.”

An adult 18 years and older who took the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is eligible for a booster if they received it over two months ago. 

The Doniphan County Health Department /Home Health Walk-In Immunization Clinic is held every Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11:30, and afternoons, from 1:30 to 4:00, every other day of the week.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling 785-985-3591.

(KNZA)--An additional death, and a slight increase in active cases of COVID-19, is reported in Doniphan County.

That word is delivered in a release from the Doniphan County Health Department/Home Health, explaining to residents that coronavirus vaccine booster shots are now being made available.

According to the release, citing statistics from October 22, Doniphan County was reporting 13 active coronavirus cases, up from 11 active cases the previous week. 28 deaths were cited in Monday’s release, which is a one-death increase from that noted in the October 15 statistics from the health department. Doniphan County has had 1,321 positive virus cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

The release explains that “the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had already approved booster shots of the Pfizer vaccine and has now approved them for Moderna and Johnson and Johnson [vaccines] as well.”

Late last week, the newly approved booster shots of all COVID-19 vaccinations were adopted by the State of Kansas. The release notes that “also under the new guidelines, the CDC approved mix and match dosing for boosters. Therefore, eligible recipients aren’t required to use a certain booster brand.”

According to the release, “an adult is eligible for a booster if they have completed two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago and are 65 years and older; 18 and older with underlying medical conditions, live in long-term care settings, or work or live in high-risk settings.” An adult 18 years and older who took the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is eligible for a booster if they received it over two months ago. 

The Doniphan County Health Department /Home Health Walk-In Immunization Clinic is held every Wednesday morning from 9:30 to 11:30, and afternoons, from 1:30 to 4:00, every other day of the week. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 785-985-3591.

(KNZA)--A pursuit, that began with a theft call from the Hiawatha Walmart, started in Brown County and ended in Doniphan County, with two of the suspects escaping authorities on foot.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, his office was alerted to the theft shortly before 11:00 Sunday morning, complete with a description of the vehicle, that indicated two men and a woman were involved.

A deputy on routine patrol located located the vehicle, southeast of Hiawatha, and initiated a stop. However, the driver refused to pull over, with speeds of 80 to 85 mph, on gravel and dirt roads, noted.

The vehicle came to a stop in a field located near 290th and Chalk Bluff Roads, with two occupants fleeing the scene on foot.

The Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Iowa Tribal Police, assisted the Brown County Sheriff’s Office during the pursuit, both on the roadway and on foot, but the two persons, due to inclimate weather, were not located. There’s no word regarding the third person initially reported as being involved.

According to Merchant, his office has “recovered the stolen property from the vehicle and with the help of the public, have potentially identified those involved in the incident.” No injuries are reported.

The case remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--A chance to hear from candidates seeking local, Atchison-based offices.

That’s set to happen Tuesday evening, as the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a candidates forum.

Scheduled to be featured are those seeking seats on the Atchison City Commission, as well as candidates for the USD 409 Board of Education.
Beginning at 5:30, the candidates will provide answers to questions presented during the forum, set to be held in the Community Room of the USD 409 Board of Education, located at 626 Commercial Street, in Atchison.

Those who attend in person will be required to wear a face mask.

The forum will also be live-streamed on the Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.

The general election will be held November 2.

(KNZA)--A Horton man was arrested Sunday afternoon on multiple charges after Brown County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report of an individual, who appeared intoxicated, standing in a roadway waving a large stick.

According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, 33-year-old Howard Cline was arrested after deputies responded to K-20 Highway, east of Everest, around 2:30.

Merchant said the sheriff's office had received reports of motorists having to drive around Cline to avoid hitting him .

Cline was arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

He was booked into the Brown County Jail.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee City Council members heard updates on  repairs when they met October 12.  

City Foreman Spencer Cumley reported that a blower had gone down at the sewer plant.  He has ordered a replacement from Germany, but it will not ship until November 12.  The cost for the blower, filters oil and belts will cost in the neighborhood of $5,500.  

Cumley also reported that water well #2 is back in service and that Sargent Drilling has completed the project to replace the well liner with PVC casing instead of steel.  He noted the motor and all of the internals of the well have been totally rebuilt. 

City Clerk Tammy Curtis updated Council members on additional USDA Grant Funding towards the purchase of a well generator.  The USDA approved the extra costs which will provide the City with an additional $39,300 in Grant Funds.  The well generator has been ordered but it will likely be six months before it  arrives.  The City will be responsible for another $32-thousand  of the total cost.
 

(KLZA)-- The U.S. Army Corps of engineers will host a Missouri River Water Management meeting on Wednesday, October 27 at the Steinheart Lodge in Nebraska City.  

The meeting is one of seven to be held throughout the Missouri River basin.  The meeting will be held starting at 6 p.m.

Updates will be provided on the 2021 runoff and reservoir operations as well as operations for the 2022 runoff season.  

Due to COVID-19 meeting guidelines, attendance will be limited to 50 people.  All attending will be required to wear masks.  
 

(KLZA)-- Nebraska has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at at two-percent, which is the lowest unemployment figure in state history.  Records have been kept since 1976.

The state labor force participation rate held steady with the August rate of 68.4 percent.

In Southeast Nebraska,  jobless figures all declined for the month of September. 

The lowest unemployment rate was in Pawnee County at 1.2 percent,  down three-tenths.  

Richardson, Nemaha, Gage and Otoe counties all had jobless rates of 1.3 percent for September all decreasing at least four – tenths of a percent. 

The highest unemployment rate in the area was in Johnson County, but just at 1.6 percent.

(KAIR)--An Atchison resident is missing a pickup truck, and police are on the search to find it, and whoever stole the vehicle.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the owner of the 1991 Chevrolet pickup truck reported it stolen after it was taken sometime between 8:45 Friday night and 8:00 Saturday morning.

It was stolen while parked in the 1000 block of Atchison’s South 6th Street.

According to Wilson, the truck is two-tone blue, with two air conditioners in the truck bed.

Anyone with information related to the crime should call Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KAIR)--No word of any injuries, following severe weather that threatened portions of the local area Sunday.

Tornado warnings were issued Sunday afternoon, around 2:00, for Doniphan County, Kansas, while local areas of Missouri, including Buchanan County, were also placed under a warning a short time later.

In Doniphan County, a tornado was spotted near Troy, with images of the tornado posted to social media by some residents who witnessed the storm.

The Associated Press reports that debris consistent with a tornado was found in Doniphan County, and the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of damage to outbuildings, along with downed tree limbs, and other similar damage. Lawn furniture, such as patio tables, were flipped over, and lawn chairs thrown about, in the affected area of the tornado.

Other areas of the listening area escaped tornadic activity, but did incur strong winds, which blew lawn furniture at some south-side Atchison residences, along with heavy rainfall that came with Sunday’s thunderstorms.

(KNZA)--A Holton man was arrested early Sunday morning after a burglary was reported at a Holton residence.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said law enforcement was notified shortly after 12:30 of an intruder inside a residence at 217 West 4th Street in Holton.

Holton Police and Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the address.  Morse said deputies and police officers found signs of forced entry to the residence and a man on the floor being held at gunpoint by the owner of the property.

The man, identified as 27-year-old Dylan Thomas, was placed under arrest. Morse said it was reported that Thomas had been dressed in a Halloween type costume.

Thomas was booked into the Jackson County Jail for attempted aggravated burglary, criminal damage to property and criminal trespass.

(KNZA)--Unemployment was down in area northeast Kansas counties in September.

That's according to figures released Friday by the Kansas Department of Labor.

Atchison County had the highest unemployment rate among area counties at 4.1 percent, while Marshall and Nemaha Counties tied with the lowest rate at 2.1 percent.

Elsewhere, Brown County's jobless rate was 3.1 percent; Doniphan County, 2.5 percent; Jackson, 3 percent; Jefferson, 3.2 percent; Leavenworth, 3.6 percent; and Pottawatomie, 3 percent.

All the figures were down from August and from September 2020.

Statewide, the September unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9 percent. That's up from 3.8 percent in August but down from 6.1 percent in September 2020.

(KAIR)--Six people were transported for hospital care following a noon-hour, Jefferson County crash Sunday.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, two of the six were from Hoyt, while the other 4 were all from Salina.

KHP reports that that the vehicle carrying the Salina residents ws eastbound on U.S. Highway 24, a 1/4 mile east of U.S. Highway 59, when it attempted to pass a truck. That caused both the Chevrolet Equinox, driven by 53-year-old Bryan Hone, of Salina, and a westbound Chevrolet Cavalier, driven by 63-year-old Robert Simpson, of Hoyt, to drive into the north ditch, where they collided head on. The truck was not involved in the crash.

Injured were Simpson, and his passenger, 61-year-old Cindy Simpson, who were both transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail with suspected minor injuries.

Hone, and his three passengers, including an 11 and 13 year-old, were all transported to the Topeka hospital. Hone suffered what the Patrol calls "suspected serious injuries," while the others in his vehicle incurred suspected minor injuries.

According to KHP, everyone involved in the wreck was buckled up when the wreck happened shortly after 12 noon Sunday afternoon.

(KLZA)-- A 13-year-old Rock,Port boy was seriously injured when the 2020 Polaris Ranger he was a passenger in wrecked Saturday afternoon, two-and-a-half miles south of Rock Port, Missouri on 245th Road.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported the vehicle was northbound on 245th Street and began to slide and went off the west side of the road and overturned.  The right side passenger was ejected from the vehicle which came to rest on its wheels.  The boy was transported by Life Net to Children's Hospital in Omaha. 

The driver who was a minor was not injured.

The Atchison County, Missouri Sheriff's Department, Rock Port Fire Department and the Atchison Holt Ambulance District all responded to the scene of the wreck.

(KNZA)--A semi driver was injured in a Brown County rollover wreck Friday evening.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-246 about three miles east of Sabetha shortly before 8:00.

According to the KHP report, 36-year-old Michael Palmer, of Topeka, was eastbound when his semi tractor-trailer left the roadway and rolled into the south ditch.

Palmer was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says he was buckled up when the wreck occurred.

(KNZA)--A Friday morning traffic stop in southern Jackson County led to the arrest of a Holton woman on drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle on 118th Road, west of U.S 75 Highway, after 8:00 after identifying that the driver's license was suspended.

The driver, 30-year-old Nicole Lynn Thompson, was arrested by deputies for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.

Thompson was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--A Texas man is in custody following a two-state pursuit Friday afternoon.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Jackson County Sheriff's Office was notified of a pursuit with a motorcycle with authorities in Richardson County, Nebraska around 3:45.

The pursuit continued into Brown County and then into Jackson County where authorities lost sight of the suspect.

Jackson County deputies later located the suspect and motorcycle near 198th and P. Roads in Jackson County.

The driver, 20-year-old Dylan Reid Aubey, of New Braunfels,Texas, was arrested by deputies around 4:20 p.m.

The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police assisted with the incident.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock Board of Education approved the purchase of a new scoreboard for the football field when they met October 12. 

The cost for the new scoreboard will be $10,700. 

Superintendent Jeff Koehler discussed options for utilizing ESSERS funding for HVAC updates and roofing options for the school district. 

Koehler also reported the new school bus the District ordered is still waiting for a chip before it can be delivered. 

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved two request for temporary street closures when they met Monday evening.

The first for October 24 from 3 – 8 p.m. to close Stone Street from 18th to 19th Street for a fundraiser for Jenny Strecker; the second is to close Stone Street from 15th to 18th Street on November 26 between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. for the annual Home for the Holidays event which is to include a parade of lights that will include a decorated motorized vehicle parade.

The council also approved a request to purchase a volleyball net system for Prichard Auditorium for $4,600 to replace the current net that is more than 20 years old. 

The Council took no action on a request to approve a street indicator sign for Victory Way.  The City does not own the street.  However, the Council directed City Administrator Kevin Cluskey to discuss the situation with the EXCEL Corporation to see if they would allow the City to place signage on their property.  

(KNZA)--Formal charges have been filed against an Elwood man in connection with a shooting earlier this month in Elwood.

18-year-old Liam Christian McCorkle has been charged in Doniphan County District Court with attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery.

McCorkle was arrested October 2 after a man was shot in a garage in the 600 block of Libel Street.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found the victim, identified as Joey Ezell, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Ezell was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment. He has since been released.

A preliminary hearing for McCorkle is scheduled for November 4.

He remains in the Doniphan County Jail, held on a $300,000 bond.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — People with the 620 and 785 phone area code will have to start dialing 10 digits to complete local calls starting Sunday.

The Kansas Corporation Commission says that the reason for the change is to avoid conflicts when the Federal Communications Commission implements 988 as the three-number speed-dial code to reach a suicide prevention hotline next year.

KCC  spokeswoman Linda Berry says 988 is used as a prefix for some numbers in the 620 and 785 areas.

From Sunday on, phone users in those areas who try to dial without their area code will get a recording that the call cannot be completed.

The City of Atchison will seek a grant in order to gain “supplemental funding for a new runway at the City’s municipal Amelia Earhart Airport.”  

The approval of the application for the Kansas Department of Transportation airport grant came Monday, during the Atchison City Commission’s regular meeting.  

Prior to the decision, during the public forum held early in the meeting, Atchison County resident Joe Osborne, who resides at 17249 286th Road, voiced concerns about the affects the airport improvements could have on residents who live near the airport, including their quiet, county lifestyle. 

Despite concerns, the Commission granted approval to apply for the state funding. According to a release from the City of Atchison, the City “was recently awarded Federal Aviation Administration funding for the project and the state grant would supplement the local match portion necessary.”

(KAIR)--Details are released regarding a fatal weekend crash that claimed the life of an Atchison man.

Dead is 24-year-old Lane Sinclair, who died Monday at the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas. That's where he was transported following the Sunday afternoon Doniphan County wreck that claimed his life.

According to the crash report from the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office, Sinclair, aboard his Honda motorcycle, eastbound on U.S. Highway 36, attempted to pass an eastbound Ford Focus while both were in the inside lane of the highway, while a third vehicle was in the outside lane.

According to the report, Sinclair "did not have enough room to pass" leading to the fatal crash around 3:00 Sunday afternoon.

Sinclair’s obituary, from Atchison’s Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, says his services are planned for Monday afternoon at 2:00 at the funeral home.

Among Sinclair’s survivors are his wife, Serene, and a daughter, Paisley.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday night in Sabetha.

According to a release from the KBI, preliminary information indicates that around 7:45 the Sabetha Police Department and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a man who was threatening suicide. When officers arrived at 319 N. 9th St. in Sabetha, they tried to convince the resident, 38-year-old Kelly Hall, to come outside so they could verify his welfare. He would not exit the house, so they attempted to communicate with him over their PA system.

During the incident, officers heard several pops coming from inside the residence. Attempts to communicate continued until Hall stepped outside the front door holding an air-powered nail gun. Officers and deputies ordered him to drop the nail gun. The KBI said Hall began firing nails in the direction of officers. A deputy from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Sabetha Police Department fired rounds at Hall, striking him. The shots were fired around 9:45 p.m.

Hall retreated back into the residence. Officers and deputies entered the house and rendered aid to Hall. EMS responded and transported him to the Sabetha Community Hospital. He was later transferred to Stormont Vail in Topeka. Hall was reported in critical, but stable condition Thursday afternoon.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Once the investigation is complete, the KBI said they will turn their findings over to the Nemaha County Attorney for review.

(KNZA)--An Atchison man has pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter in the beating death of a Cummings man in 2019.

46-year-old Scott Vandeloo entered the plea October 14 in Doniphan County District Court, canceling a jury trial that had been set for this week.

Vandeloo was among three Atchison men charged with second-degree murder in the death of 42-year-old Jason Pantle.

Sentencing was scheduled for December 8.

Last month, a Doniphan County jury found 24-year-old Brian Spilman, Jr., guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Pantle. He's scheduled to be sentenced November 3.

A jury trial for the third defendant, Matthew “ Cole” Scherer, has been pushed back to March 28 of next year.

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.

(KAIR)--Atchison County health officials are reporting a one week, 19-case increase in the number of confirmed, positive cases of COVID-19 in the county.

That’s according to coronavirus-related statistics released Wednesday by the Atchison County office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health. However, the number of those hospitalized for virus-related reasons has dropped in half.

The latest figures show 68 active cases of COVID-19, up from 49 active cases reported October 13.

One week ago, 4 residents were reported as hospitalized due to the coronavirus. One week later, that number has dropped to two.

According to the health office, three of Atchison County's current 68 cases involve children under the age of 5; 11 cases are those aged 5 to 12; 14 cases involve those aged 13 to 21; 12 cases are aged 22 to 35; 17 cases involve residents from 36 to 50; 8 cases are those aged 51 to 65, while 3 are over the age of 65.

The latest virus-related figures released by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment show that Atchison County has had a total of 2,363 cases since the pandemic began.

24 have died.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a resolution to change the number of deputies in the Sheriff's Department to allow the hiring of a full-time deputy to serve as a transport officer when they met Tuesday. 

Approval comes with a stipulation that if it proves at any time at a later date to be unnecessary, the position will be removed. 

Commissioners approved the hiring of Austin Duerfeldt to serve as a temporary employee in a position to provide professional services for ARPA funds received by Richardson County.  Duerfeldt was the only person to provide a resume for the position. 

The Board met with Department officials and supervisors for the quarterly safety meeting.  Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall reported a concern about the room in the courthouse where the phone service and internet service are connected and suggested an electrician be contacted to install more outlets in the area to avoid the use of extension cords and power strips. 

A letter received from concerned citizens regarding the dress code within the courthouse was also reviewed. 
 

(KLZA)-- An early Thursday morning traffic stop by Richardson County Deputies resulted in the arrest of a Goff, Kansas woman.  

Shortly after 12:00 a.m. a traffic stop of a vehicle for a defective headlight was made on Highway 75 south of Dawson.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies located a substance suspected to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Jacqueline Collier of Goff, Kansas was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(KLZA)-- Following a public  hearing Monday night on the proposed 1 & 6 Year Street Plan, the Falls City Council approved the plan presented by Olsson Company.

On the One-Year plan are six projects which includes approximately 15 blocks of street paving with the City cost for the projects estimated at $922-thousand. 

Included in the plan is building 33rd Street from Old Highway 73 east to an intersection with Highway 73.  The cost is estimated at $422-thousand with private funds used to pay that cost. 

Another $257-thousand would be for extending 33rd Street from Highway 73 east for approximately 600-feet. Another $259-thousand is for milling and overlaying an existing private Road from Highway 73 east approximately 1,100 feet to Fulton Street.

The costliest project included in the one-year plan is $437-thousand to extend Abbott Street from 28th Street north 900 feet to meet the new 31st Street. 

Hard surfacing of the Airport Road from Fair Avenue to the City Limits remains on the six-year plan with the city portion of the project now estimated at $518-thousand.  If the project were to be done, the cost to Richardson County is now estimated at $777-thousand. 

Council member Mitch Merz suggested a portion of 14th Street from Highway 73 west be considered for hard surfacing on future plans.  Merz noted traffic has increased with the opening of a new grocery store and said it is one of the first streets visitors use going to the ballpark for games and tournaments.  Merz said the brick street carries many heavy loads of cement and feed trucks from businesses on West 14th Street.  

Possibly adding the south section of Fulton Street that is not in the city limits, but meets up with Highway 73 near the wastewater treatment plant was also discussed for future inclusion. 

(KAIR)--The theft of tools from an Atchison garage, resulting in a loss approaching $2,000, is now under investigation by Atchison Police.

According to a release from Police Chief Mike Wilson, the theft, which occurred in the 1300 block of Santa Fe Street, was reported Monday.

Wilson told MSC News, it’s believed the theft took place sometime between 3:00 Sunday afternoon and 12 noon Monday.

According to Wilson, the thief, or thieves, forced their way inside the external garage, located behind a residence, and successfully made off with numerous tools, valued at $1,700.

Stolen during the theft, and now sought by police, are such items as numerous hand tools, located inside a backpack stolen during the crime, two battery-powered circular saws, a radial arm chop saw, a battery powered brad nailer, a Ryobi-brand battery-powered tool set, and guttering attachments.

No suspects are immediately identified as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information related to the theft is asked to call Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriffs office will be participating in the National Drug Takeback event Saturday.

According to a news release, the Sheriff's Office will be collecting unused medications for safe disposal from 10 to 2

The release says the event provides citizens an effective way to dispose of medication they no longer need or use.  

The Sheriff's Office has been part of the national event for many years. The release says hundreds of pounds of unwanted, unused or expired medications have been collected at the Sheriff's office  and then turned over to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration for safe disposal.  

The Sheriff's Office collects medications year round, 24 hours a day.  

Injectables and needles are not accepted.

(KNZA)--A rural Hiawatha man, convicted of supplying alcohol to several teenagers prior to a fatal wreck in 2019, has been ordered to serve 60 days in jail to be followed by 24-months supervised probation.

28-year-old Kyle White was sentenced Wednesday on one count of unlawfully hosting minors and three counts of furnishing alcohol or cereal malt beverage to a minor.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said White was sentenced to a total of 18 months in jail, with all but 60 days suspended.  

Hill said White's request to serve the jail time on weekends was denied and he began serving the jail time Wednesday.

He was allowed work release with electronic monitoring.

White pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charges last month.  In exchange for the plea, four additional counts were dismissed.

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

JEFFERSON CITY – Snowy weather is just around the corner. In preparation, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) will hold its annual winter operations drill on Thursday, Oct. 21. With high turnover rates and many positions still open, the training is more critical than ever.

“With nearly 20% of our plow operators with less than one year of experience, this training drill is important to be ready when snow flies,” said Becky Allmeroth, MoDOT chief safety and operations officer. “One of the most valuable parts of the drill is it allows our newest employees the opportunity to drive a snowplow over their designated routes so they are aware of curbs and raised islands that might be hidden in snow or ice.”

Despite the department’s best efforts, it has not made progress filling the winter operations vacancies. Additionally, the department is experiencing record high turnover, including more than 70 employees leaving every month for the past six months. “We are several hundred employees below what we need in order to cover more than one shift in a statewide storm,” said Patrick McKenna, MoDOT director.  “If a widespread winter storm lasts more than one 12-hour shift, we will not have enough employees to fill all the trucks on the second shift and therefore it will take longer to clear the roads.”

During the drill, motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes. In rural areas, crews will deploy after 8 a.m. In urban areas, the drill will not begin until after 9 a.m. The exercise should be completed by 3 p.m.

MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested.

“The drill ensures that proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used by every MoDOT employee,” said Allmeroth. “In addition, every piece of equipment—every truck, motor grader, snow blower and tractor—is inspected and calibrated to conserve materials and operate efficiently and safely.”

MoDOT spent more than $58 million on winter operations last year and used over 139,000 tons of salt; 2.8 million gallons of salt brine; and nearly 490,000 gallons of beet juice. MoDOT has purchased 118,000 tons of salt to refill salt supplies and has a total of 240,000 tons available for use statewide this winter.

For information on road conditions across the state, safe traveling tips, and other winter weather information, visit www.modot.org.

(AP / KLZA)-- The Lincoln Diocese has reassigned and placed restrictions on a pair of priests after an investigation into misconduct claims. The Lincoln Journal-Star reports that the reassigned priests are Scott Courtney, who faced allegations that he had sexual contact with a woman, and Thomas Dunavan, who was accused of sexual misconduct that dated back 20 years. Neither priest has been charged with a crime. But Courtney has been out of active ministry since September 2018. He previsously was assigned to St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Steinauer, and Dunavan was placed on administrative leave in March 2019. Dunavan previously served Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Falls City and at St. Andrew's in Tecumseh. 
 Bishop James Conley announced this month that Courtney was assigned to minister to prisons, nursing and retirement homes. Dunavan was assigned to provide administrative assistance to the chancery and help retired priests. 

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Association of School Boards, Board of Directors and Staff honored 2021 Award of Achievement recipients during a meeting in Nebraska City earlier this month. 

The NASB, a private, nonprofit serving Nebraska public school districts and Educational Service Unit board members recognized Falls City School Board President John Martin for achieving a new level of success, attaining Level 9.

School board members may participate in board development training throughout the year by attending workshops and conferences to help strengthen their role in governance, legislative advocacy and stewardship of district resources in support of student achievement.

There are 10 total levels of achievement that carry over year-to-year. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved seeking bids for installation of a bulk fuel system at the city yard when they met Monday night. 

Councilman Derek Leyden said employees have suggested having fuel on-site could help with some lost time in fueling machinery.  

Currently with only one place where the city purchases diesel fuel, there can be a 15 – 20 minute wait in line if other trucks or equipment are already fueling or in line.  

Leyden said an employee also suggested a bulk fuel system could help costs due to more efficiency if machines can be filled at the end of the day and ready to go first thing the next morning and not have to wait in line for receipts, which takes time away from projects. 

One area company has proposed having one tank for unleaded fuel and one for diesel fuel.  Both tanks would hold 1,000 gallons.  The estimated cost for the two tanks was nearly $15,500 which included pumps and meters.

The company also offered a discount per gallon when fuel is  purchased in bulk.
 

(KAIR)--Anticipated low, winter Missouri River flows leads to action by the Atchison City Commission to alleviate concerns regarding a possible impact on the City’s raw water intake, which is what supplies the City of Atchison with its water. 

(KAIR)--Atchison’s water may taste, or smell different, but it’s perfectly safe to consume.

That word is delivered in a release from the City of Atchison, explaining that the City’s water treatment plant “is temporarily changing to a free chlorine disinfection process.” The release states that the change is being made while one of the rural water districts, served by the City, performs system maintenance.

According to the release, while the “switch to free chlorine is a result of the needed repairs for that customer, it is a common practice that the City undertakes within the normal maintenance program for the water distribution system.”

The change, meaning that water “customers may detect a difference in taste or smell,” is expected to last for one week.

(KMZA)--A new Nemaha County Health Officer has been hired.

The Nemaha County Commission voted Monday to hire Heaven Schuette, of Sabetha, for the position.

Schuette will begin work November 3rd at a starting salary of $60,000 per year.

She has served as a school nurse for Prairie Hills USD 113 for five years.

Schuette said she looks forward to serving in her new position.

Nicole “ Nikki” Keim has been serving as interim county health officer since the resignation of Jane Sunderland, which was effective August 31st.

Schuette will work under the supervision of Dr. Mark Steffen, of rural Hutchinson.

He took over in the advisory role on October 1 replacing Dr. Irving Cohen, of Topeka.

Steffen is working at no cost to the county, while the county was paying Cohen $1,000 a month.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Office received into custody two residents of Hiawatha, Kansas on Sunday.

40-year-old Renee Bostic and 41-year-old Randall Bostic are currently being in the Richardson County Jail on felony drug charges.  

According to a press release, the Richardson County Sheriff's Office conducted two controlled buys of methamphetamine in late August and early September involving the couple in Richardson County. 

Renee Bostic is facing two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of methamphetamine and two counts of possession of money while violating a drug statute.

Randall Bostic is charged with aiding and abetting during the distribution of methamphetamine.  

Renee Bostic is being held on a $30,000 bond and Randall Bostic on a $15,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- KOLN-TV in Lincoln has reported court records indicate the Nebraska State Patrol believes 55-year-old Linda Dillard who was last seen near Table Rock may have been killed.

Dillard, who lived near Fairbury was last seen June 16 in the Table Rock area where she joined friends where court documents indicate they drank and smoked meth at a farmstead. 

A search of the property turned up a wig belonging to Dillard as well as clothes belonging to her.  The NSP investigators reported people who were at the farm said Dillard and a man at the property had an argument and she left.  She has not been seen since. 

Following numerous searches and interview by the State Patrol, no arrests have been made and Dillard has not been located. A search warrant filed by the State Patrol said Dillard may have been a victim of a crime of “theft, assault, kidnapping and or murder. 

Anyone with information on her whereabouts or information about her disappearance is urged to submit a tip through Nebraska Crime Stoppers.  A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information in this investigation.  

(KLZA)-- KOLN-TV in Lincoln has reported court records indicate the Nebraska State Patrol believes 55-year-old Linda Dillard who was last seen near Table Rock may have been killed.

Dillard, who lived near Fairbury was last seen June 16 in the Table Rock area where she joined friends where court documents indicate they drank and smoked meth at a farmstead. 

A search of the property turned up a wig belonging to Dillard as well as clothes belonging to her.  The NSP investigators reported people who were at the farm said Dillard and a man at the property had an argument and she left.  She has not been seen since. 

Following numerous searches and interview by the State Patrol, no arrests have been made and Dillard has not been located. A search warrant filed by the State Patrol said Dillard may have been a victim of a crime of “theft, assault, kidnapping and or murder. 

Anyone with information on her whereabouts or information about her disappearance is urged to submit a tip through Nebraska Crime Stoppers.  A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information in this investigation.  

(KLZA)-- Missouri District 6 Congressman Sam Graves said in a release last week that it is time for Social Security Administration  Field Offices to reopen.

For over a year and a half, senior citizens who showed up expecting help at their local Social Security office have been met with a “CLOSED” sign. When COVID-19 hit, the Social Security Administration, like the rest of the world, shut their doors to the public. The problem was that they never reopened. 

More than 1,000 Social Security Administration Field Offices are dotted across the country, giving seniors a place to go when they have trouble getting the benefits they've earned through the program.  

When those offices closed their doors to America's seniors in March 2020, everyone was pushed to relay their problems over the phone, through email or mail. Graves said that just doesn't work for everyone. It's not the same.

The Congressman notes that for one, not every senior has a phone, an email address, and some don't even have a physical address to pick up their mail. Our seniors also don’t deserve endless wait times on the phone. Not to mention, many seniors would rather just sit down and have a face-to-face conversation about their issue with the program. On top of that, no one should have to mail in sensitive documents if they don’t want to.

Now, the Social Security Administration says they will meet in-person in “limited, critical situations.” However, there’s very little that qualifies under that definition. 

Graves has  joined with several colleagues to call on the Social Security Administration and the federal government employees' union to come up with a plan to safely get these offices fully open again. 

(KMZA)--Nemaha County registered voters may now vote an advance election ballot for the November 2nd general election either by mail or in person at the Nemaha County Clerk’s Office.

The deadline for in-person advance voting is 12 noon, November 1.  

In order to vote by mail, you must complete an application for an advance ballot and include your driver's license number of a copy of our photo identification. The deadline to request an advance ballot by mail is October 26.

All ballots must be postmarked on or before election day and received in the county election office by the close of business on the Friday following the election.

Besides deciding city and school board races, voters in Nemaha Central USD 115 will also decide the fate of a $36.7 million bond issue for facility improvements.

 For more information, you can call the Nemaha County Clerk’s Office at 785-336-2170.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man has been arrested on multiple child sex-related charges.

According to a release from the Hiawatha Police Department, 28-year-old Richard Hargett was arrested Thursday on a five count complaint charging him with one felony count of internet trading in child pornography and four felony counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

The arrest followed an extensive investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department following a case referral by the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

As part of the investigation, the release says officers executed a search warrant on a residence occupied by Hargett and seized electronics, hard drives, computers, and other data storage devices, which were believed to have been used for the sexual exploitation of a child under the age of 14 years.

Following an extensive digital forensic examination of the electronic media by the Hiawatha Police Department Digital Forensics Unit and the U.S. Secret Service Digital Forensics Unit, the five count complaint against Hargett was filed in Brown County District Court.

The case remains under investigation.

The Hiawatha Police Department and Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill are affiliate members of the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

(KMZA)--Fall has arrived, and the Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced recipients for the second-round of 2021 grants. The grants are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County Kansas. Requests totaled $128,000 for this round of grants, with the STEP Foundation awarding $3,772.00.

Pheasants Forever, Inc. will be receiving an award of $1,750.00 from the STEP General Endowment Fund. To create the Nemaha County Community Garden, Matt Holland, Director of Grant Development, shared in the grant application that “the partnership proposes the establishment of a community garden in the city of Seneca to provide educational opportunities, fresh produce, and a source of fellowship (within) Nemaha County community members. The garden will feature 20 raised beds that can be ‘adopted’ by families, friends, church groups, school classrooms, sports teams, local restaurants, FFA/4-H clubs, individuals, etc. A sign-up will be sent out early in the year to collect information from interested parties and beds will be assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. At least one plot will be dedicated as a ‘pollinator plot’ to provide food and habitat to native pollinators as this is the primary mission of Pheasants Forever.” Pheasants Forever plans to host a garden meeting each spring with gardeners to go over policies and procedures and to help clean out garden beds to prepare them for the growing season.  

The Nemaha County Historical Society will be receiving $2,022 for the STEP General Endowment Fund for the fall grant cycle. Cathy Holthaus, grant writer, explained in the grant application that “the original stucco façade, on all exterior walls of the Military Museum, is deteriorating. There are multiple cracks in the plaster and in some places the plaster stucco is falling off the building. Cracks in plaster allow moisture to enter the interior and will cause damage to the interior walls.” Holthaus further shared, “The west wall is in the most serious need of repair so it will be prepared in the summer/fall of 2021 with Historical Society funds. However, the other three walls are in the same need. The plan for the remaining three walls is to clean up the algae and mildew, repair damaged stucco where necessary, caulk cracks, seal stucco, then re-stucco with appropriated medium and color to match the existing façade. All wood trim will be cleaned, repaired and repainted, and the windows will be cleaned and re-glazed.”  

Congratulations to these grant recipients. Thank you for making Nemaha County a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Grants are awarded twice a year through the STEP Foundation, with the next deadline being January 15, 2022. Online applications are available at www.nemahastep.org. 

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, whose motorcycle struck and killed a pedestrian in 2020, has pleaded guilty to charges.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said 37-year-old Justen Michael McCarter entered the plea Friday in Leavenworth County District Court to charges of involuntary manslaughter and possession of stolen property.

Authorities say McCarter was driving his motorcycle at a high rate of speed on March 1st, 2020 when he struck 44-year-old Adam Wheeler, of Leavenworth, as he crossed a Leavenworth street. Wheeler was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thompson said an accident reconstruction team determined McCarter was driving between 80 to 90 miles an hour when he struck Wheeler. The area has a 30-mile-per hour speed limit.

Thompson said officers also determined the motorcycle McCarter was driving had been stolen.

McCarter is scheduled to be sentenced January 19

(KMZA)--One of two men charged in connection with the death of a Vermillion man in early 2020 has entered into a plea agreement.

Jefferson Goad, of Waverly, pleaded guilty October 5 in Marshall County District Court to a reduce charge of second-degree murder in the death of 83-year-old Donald McLaughlin.

McLaughlin's body was found inside the ruins of his burned out home on January 24, 2020.

Goad also pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and arson.

As part the plea deal, two others counts were dismissed.

Goad had originally pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and five other counts.

Sentencing was scheduled for December 14.

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

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop Tuesday evening shortly before 5:30 on a 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo near 214th Road and U.S. 75 Highway.

The driver, 31-year-old Dylon Jo Barrett, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Barrett was booked into the Jackson County Jail, but later released on bond.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha man facing multiple child sex charges waived his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday.

The Nemaha County Attorney's Office said Jesse Davis was bound over to Nemaha County District Court for arraignment on November 4.

Davis is charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent liberties with a child, criminal sodomy and sexual exploitation of a child.

The alleged offenses date back to January 2017.

The case was investigated by the Sabetha Police Department.

Davis is currently free on a $100,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Roads has announced that Highway 136 from Tecumseh to Beatrice will be closed  starting Monday, October 18 and it is expected the closure will last for approximately one week. 

The Department of Roads will replace a culvert near the  Vesta Cemetery.  Traffic going to Beatrice will need to take a detour on Highway 50, south to Highway 4 then west until it joins up with 136 again four miles west of Filley. 

Highway 136 will be open west of Tecumseh to local traffic only.
 

(KLZA)-- Several members of the Richardson County House of Hope, a 501 c (3) non-profit corporation met with Richardson County Commissioners this week to outline their plans to establish a house for temporary homeless persons offering hep and assistance to get job training, obtaining personal documentation to assist with getting gainful employment and eventually establishing a residence on their own.

Plans call for the drug and alcohol-free house to be staffed 24-hours a day with a zero-tolerance policy.

The group has been working to seek financial support through grant applications, community support and private contributions.

Members of the Board of Directors are David Sickel,  Jerry Duerfeldt,  Gayle Keller,  Sara Morris,  Julie Bauman,  Linda Santo and Ashley Schramm.  
 

(KNZA)--Two Falls City residents were arrested early Wednesday morning following a reported stabbing.

According to a Facebook post from the Falls City Police Department, Falls City Police, with the assistance of the Richardson County Sheriff's Office responded to an ambulance call of a man being stabbed multiple times around 3:00.

During the joint investigation, 29-year-old Tauna Frederick and 34-year-old Jeremy Hale, were arrested.

The pair were arrested on felony charges of 2nd degree domestic assault and use of a deadly weapon.

In addition, Hale was arrested on felony charges of assault by strangulation or suffocation and terroristic threats.

Both were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

No additional details were available.

(KAIR)--A Federal grant has been awarded for the construction of a new runaway at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Airport.

According to a release from the city of Atchison, the Federal Aviation Administration on October 5  announced the award of more than $479 million in airport infrastructure grants for 123 projects across the country.  

The release says the Amelia Earhart Airport was the only project selected in Kansas with a 100% federally funded grant of $6.1 million.  

The city says the new runway will be 4,000 ft. long and 75 ft. wide compared to the existing runway, which is 3,000 ft. long and 48 ft. wide.

The city purchased around 113 acres of land about 10-months ago for the project. The purchase was funded by a 90 percent federal grant with the local 10 percent match coming from a private donation.

(KAIR)--A mill and overlay project is underway on a 12-mile stretch of U.S. 73 Highway between Atchison and Leavenworth.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the project will take place from north of Millwood Road in Leavenworth County to south of Ravenhill Drive in Atchison County.

Work began in early October and is scheduled for Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

During work hours, KDOT says traffic will be restricted to one lane and controlled by flaggers and a pilot car operation. Motorists may face delays of up to 15 minutes and should be prepared to slow down and stop.

Traffic will be also controlled using portable digital message signs, arrow boards, signage and traffic cones.

Herzog Contracting Corporation, of Kansas City, Mo., is the contractor for the $2.2 million project, which is expected to be completed in mid-November.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board heard from the Diversity Council when they met Wednesday evening.

Diversity Council members, Middle School teacher Marissa LeMay and district patron Laura Fortmeyer, made the presentation.  

The Diversity Council, which was formed in late 2019, has garnered controversy from a few local patrons who have accused the district of using the group to push Critical Race Theory. LeMay and Fortmeyer said that wasn't the case at all. 

They said the Diversity Council was formed to address the range of human differences--not just race. 

LeMay said for a small community Hiawatha has many different ethnic groups, which are represented in the schools as well. She said they want to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe in our schools. 

Fortmeyer said the 8-member Council serves as an advisory group to Superintendent Lonnie Moser.

Board member John Wright, who made a motion to disband the Diversity Council at last month's meeting, told the group that he didn't feel the district had a problem with racism, but rather bullying, which is what he felt spurred the forming of the Diversity Council in the first place.

Board member Ian Schuetz said his initial concern was that the Diversity Council could potentially be a way for political ideologies to infiltrate the schools. He said as long as the group was not political, then he would support it.

Wright said as long as the group proceeded as they described, he would rescind his motion made last month to disband the Council and board member Andrea Groth said she would rescind her second of the motion.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, the board allowed five speakers on each side--those against and for the Diversity Council--to speak.    

(KLZA)-- The City of Falls City is sponsoring a free, Community Clean-up event Friday and Saturday. 

Paper shredding by Paper Eaters will be done from 4:30 – 6:30 Friday  In the parking lot of the Falls City Library and  Arts Center at 14th and Stone Street, sponsored by F & M Bank.

Electronics recycling by Cross Electronic Recycling will be Saturday from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m at the library parking lot.  

Anything with a cord, battery or motor will be accepted including computers, printers, keyboards, cell phones, stereos, power tools, lawn mowers and batteries.  Flat Screens are free. T.V.'s, and microwaves for disposal are charged for by size.  This is sponsored by Frontier Bank

Household, basement and garage items including furniture, wood, clutter, metals and appliances will be accepted by Falls City Sanitation Services and Koelzer Salvage and Construction on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the parking lot east of Prichard Auditorium at 17th and Barada Streets. 

Recyclable items that can be dropped off include eyeglasses for the Lions Club at the Falls City Library and arts Center;  markers and mascara wands and denim can also be dropped off at the Library.  

(KNZA)--A Powhattan woman is jailed in Jackson County following a two-county pursuit Wednesday night in a stolen vehicle.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the pursuit began in southern Jackson County after a deputy attempted to stop a 2016 Chevy Equinox on U.S. 75 Highway near 110th Road shortly before 10:30 for a traffic infraction.

The driver, identified as 28-year-old Chelsea Jean Finch, failed to stop and continued south into Shawnee County.

Morse said several law enforcement agencies attempted to stop her vehicle with  tire deflation devices, which resulted in the deflation of two of the SUV's tires.

The pursuit continued west on I-70 where the vehicle left the interstate on Danbury Lane and sideswiped another vehicle.  Finch continued, striking a mailbox. The pursuit came to a stop near Fairlawn and West Drive, where Finch was taken into custody.

Morse said the vehicle Finch was driving had been reported stolen out of Lawrence.

She was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement,  possession of methamphetamine,  possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, identity theft, avoiding spike strips, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and multiple counts of stolen property. Further charges are possible. 

Morse said Finch is known to area law enforcement. In 2020, she as involved in a pursuit in Shawnee County. In 2018, Jackson County deputies found her hiding from law enforcement in the attic of a Horton residence.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a proposal Tuesday from Prochaska &  Associates for the scope 1 Needs Assessment Phase Update to include feasibility preliminary design for the addition to the jail area at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center. 

The cost for the work will be $15-thousand.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty has proposed adding up to 40 additional beds to the current total of 24 to house not only local inmates,  but to also house inmates from neighboring counties as well as state and federal prisoners. A final number of new beds has not been settled upon.

Commissioners also approved the hiring of an additional deputy to serve as a transport officer with the stipulation that if it proves at any time at a later date to be unnecessary,  it will be deleted.  

(KAIR)--The number of active cases of the coronavirus in Atchison County continues to decline.

That's reflected in figures released Wednesday by the Atchison County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health.

According to the statistics, there are 49 active coronavirus cases in the county. That's down from 59 cases reported on October 6 and 82 cases reported September 29.

As of Wednesday, 4 were hospitalized due to the coronavirus, up from 3 hospitalizations reported last week.

The latest figures show that two Atchison County cases involves a child under the age of 5; 9 are children aged 5 to 12; 7 are those aged 13 to 21; 13 are aged 22 to 35; 11 are 36 to 50, 6 are 51 to 65, and 1 of the cases involve those over the age of 65.

(KNZA)--A state grant has been awarded for the construction of a multi-purpose community center at Banner Creek Reservoir, west of Holton.

The Friends of Banner Creek Reservoir Board of Directors announced in a news release Tuesday that they have been awarded a $160,000 grant through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for the project.

The organization will provide a similar amount in matching funds.

The building will include a kitchen, gathering area for 125-150 people, restrooms and a basement, which will be a designated storm shelter.

The Friends of Banner Creek organization submitted the grant application in July of last year under the authority of Jackson County.

Due to repetitive delays created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the grant announcement date was pushed back. The Board had remained optimistic because the proposal had not been declined.

The release says former Banner Creek Reservoir Director, the late Lu Griffiths, was instrumental in the grant proposal process and significant to the building process.

Due to the announcement delay and the pandemic, material costs acquired in April 2020 have increased and additional funds will need to be raised to complete the project.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening moved forward on a list of 18 properties found to be in violation of the city's minimum housing code.

Monday was the deadline to remove, repair or demolish the structures.

Several owners were on hand to request extensions to continue working on their properties.

After hearing from the owners, as well as from commissioners who have spoken to other owners, eight of the properties were granted 60-day extensions. The Commission voted to extend the deadline for properties at 308 South 10th Street, 507 Miami Street, 311 Delaware Street, 111 Navajo Avenue, 606 Kansas Avenue, 804 Kansas Avenue, 412 Miami Street and 113 South 6th Street. Those properties will be re-evaluated at the Commission's December 13 meeting.

City Code Enforcement Officer Dave Wilson updated the Commission on the other ten properties.

Following the update, the Commission voted to move the properties to the city's demolition list. They are located at 211 North 5th Street, 913 Miami Street, 704 Iowa Street, 806 Kickapoo Street, 401 Kickapoo Street, 400 Pottawatomie Street, 209 Oregon Street, 1216 Oregon Street, 708 Kickapoo Street and 602 Miami Street

(KMZA)--Electric rates will be going up in Seneca.

The Seneca City Council at their October 6 meeting approved an around 10 percent rate increase.

City Administrator Tami Haverkamp presented two different options for adjusting electric rates to pay off the high wholesale power costs the city incurred during February's arctic blast.

The Council on a 4-1 vote approved an option that will increase rates by .005 per kilowatt hour and add a monthly $5 meter access fee. Council member Jim Mitchell, who favor the other option, cast the lone dissenting vote.

The adjustment is expected to add $8.85 to an average residential customer's monthly bill.

Seneca saw its February bill come in around $695,000 higher than normal. Haverkamp said it should take less than three years for the additional revenue from the increase to pay off the extra costs the city incurred.

The Council is expected to approve a resolution at their next meeting implementing the rate increase.

In a related matter, the Council approved a proposal from Haverkamp to lock in one-half megawatt of electric power for the months of December-February to reduce market exposure in a season of uncertainty due to rising gas prices.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has adopted the 2022 county budget as published.

The action followed a hearing Monday drawing no public comment.

It calls for net expenditures of nearly $14.3 million and a nearly 1.9 mill levy decrease.

The budget 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 county will collect the same amount of tax as this year due to a more than $9.4 million increase in the county's assessed valuation.

(KLZA)-- A welfare check was conducted by the Richardson County Sheriffs Department with assistance from the Falls City Police Department on Monday afternoon resulting in the arrest of a Falls City woman.

The welfare check was on a minor child residing at 1117 Lane Street.

During the investigation, a suspected methamphetamine pipe was observed in plain view,  and within the reach of a child. 

The child was removed from the home and 40-year-old Dawn Wygant was detained at the scene.  Richardson County Deputies obtained a search warrant for the premises which was executed. During the search, suspected methamphetamine,  digital scales, drug paraphernalia and several thousand dollars in cash were located.

Dawn Wygant was arrested on a felony count of possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor child abuse along with possession of drug paraphernalia.  

The case remains under investigation. 
 

(KLZA)-- A motion to approve a proposed football co-op with the Lewiston School District for the next two-year schedule cycle died for a lack of a second during Monday nights Pawnee City School Board meeting.

Mary Moser made a motion to approve the co-op, proposed by Lewiston, but no other board members would second the motion.  

The Pawnee City Board will now meet in special session on Monday, November 22, at 6:00 P.M. to make a decision about whether to play six-man or eight-man football the 2022 and 2023 seasons.  

The Board also voted to extend the drainage project bid to repair erosion of the ditch along with northwest side of the campus to be paid for from the Depreciation Fund to the regular November board meeting.   

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education approved the resignation / retirements of three people when they met Monday evening.

High School Science teacher Robert Streit will retire after 28 years with District 56.  Robert Alderson, South School Elementary Principal is retiring after three years in that position.   Kathy Gifford, High School Special Education Teacher is retiring after 11 years with the Falls City School District. 

The resignations are all effective at the end of the current school year. 

A committee is being formed to set goals of selection of K-12 English Language Arts material by spring of 2022, and implementation beginning in the fall of 2022.  Updates for K-12 Mathematics will follow a similar adoption process in 2022-23.  

The passage of the ESSER III funding will allow District 56 significant resources to purchase, adopt and implement evidence-based curriculum to respond to students' academic needs.  

Activities Director Don Hogue presented information to the Board on adding high school girls wrestling as an NSAA sanctioned activity for the 2021-22 school year.  

A cost analysis, potential wrestling competition schedule and estimated participation, and NSAA rules for girls wrestling were included in the presentation.  The Board will consider the addition as an action item during their November meeting.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday further discussed the need for a security guard at the main entrance of the Courthouse.

The discussion came after county resident Brian Hoskins addressed the commission with his concerns about the security measures in place at the courthouse, saying he feels they violate his second amendment rights.

Currently, those entering the courthouse must pass through a walk-through metal detector. A security guard is stationed at the front entrance. Firearms and other weapons are prohibited.

Hoskins said he isn't a violent person, but does carry several pocket knives.  He said the Brown County Courthouse is the only one in the region with restrictions.

In addition, Hoskins said he didn't feel the temperature check in place at the courthouse was necessary.

Commissioner Bill Pollock has voiced his opposition to  the restrictions. A motion by Pollock at the September 30 meeting to get rid the temperature check and allow people to bear arms within the courthouse died due to the lack of second.

Commission Chairman Rich Lehmkuhl said he didn't agree with allowing everyone coming into the courthouse to be able to carry arms.

Commissioner Lamar Shoemaker said he felt that by removing courthouse security then some people who were unable to defend themselves could be exposed.

The security measures have been in place since January 2018.

(KNZA)--A Doniphan County bridge project moves forward.

The Doniphan County Commission Monday accepted a bid for the replacement of a bridge on 180th Road, north of Severance.  

On the recommendation of engineer David Beach with Schwab-Eaton, the Commission voted unanimously to accept the low bid submitted by Reece Construction Company, of Salina, in the amount of $366,423.

It was among two bids received.

Funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation will pay for a portion of the construction cost. 

(KAIR)--An Atchison man was arrested on drug and firearm charges following the execution of a search warrant on an Atchison residence Tuesday morning.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the Sheriff's Office served the search warrant at 200 East Riley Street following a month long investigation.

During the search, Laurie said deputies discovered a distribution amount of methamphetamine, distribution amount of hallucinogenic drugs (believed to be Psilocybin Mushrooms), marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and firearms.

At the about the same time, Laurie said deputies arrested 44-year-old Shane Lawrence at the Atchison County Courthouse following a court hearing on an unrelated matter.

Lawrence was arrested for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school, possession with intent to distribute a hallucinogenic drug within 1000 feet of a school, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, criminal use of a firearm, possession of marijuana, and no drug tax stamp.

Lawrence was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KLZA)--A longtime Falls City businessman is being remembered. 

Melvin ( Mel ) Harmon of Falls City died Friday, October 8  at the age of 78.  

Melvin Harmon started working at Harmon's OK Tire when he was 14 years old washing tires. He continued on to changing and repairing tires and then worked his way up to selling tires. 

Melvin and his brother Galen eventually became co-owners of the business.

Mel Harmon served 25 years as President of the Falls City Educational Foundation and served 9 ½ years on the City Council in Falls City. In addition, he served as President of the Falls City Chamber of Commerce.

Funeral services for Mel Harmon of Falls City will be Wednesday morning at 10:30 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Falls City. The family will receive visitors at the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home Tuesday evening from 6 – 8 p.m.

Harmon's OK Tire will be closed all day Wednesday for the funeral of Melvin Harmon.  
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved formation of the group earlier this summer. The committee will look at the recently conducted housing study and work on opportunities to improve code enforcement,  and improve the housing stock in Falls City. 

EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl included information about the committee being formed during last weeks City  Council meeting. 

Froeschl has said he feels improved housing could help bring workers to Falls City which would in turn help local industries find workers they need.  
 

(KNZA)--Firefighters and other emergency personnel responded to the Hiawatha Middle School Monday evening after a report of smoke at the school.

The call came in around 7:00.

USD 415, in a Facebook post, said a HVAC motor blower caught fire following an electrical brownout. 

The school district said the situation was resolved and school was in session Tuesday as normal.

Power was lost in a portion of Hiawatha, primarily along and east of 1st Street, along with the Highland and Robinson areas.

There was no immediate word from Evergy what caused the outage.

Due to the power outage, Monday evening's Hiawatha School Board meeting was postponed to Wednesday evening at 7:00.  

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing charges of aggravated assault and  unlawful discharge of a firearm

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said 37-year-old Tony Carter III  was arrested Friday night after police investigated a domestic disturbance  that had occurred in the 600 block of Unity shortly before 11:00 involving a weapon.

Wilson said a 35-year-old woman reported that as she was in the driver's seat of vehicle outside of a residence and was beginning to drive away, Carter allegedly produced a handgun. The woman reported she heard a gunshot  as she was driving away.

She left the area and was uninjured.

Carter was booked into the Atchison County Jail. He was later released on a $15,000 bond.
 

(KMZA)--An early Sunday morning single-vehicle Pottawatomie County wreck claimed the life of a Wamego man.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office says an initial investigation shows 34-year-old Joshua Higdon was eastbound on Military Trail Road, near Bluebird Road, at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his truck, which rolled.

Higdon, who was the lone occupant,  was ejected from the vehicle.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The wreck, which was reported shortly before 12:30 Sunday morning, remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--The famous Budweiser Clydesdales will make a stop in Atchison, Kansas, on Wednesday, October 13, on the campus of Benedictine College.

According to a release from the College, the horses will arrive on trailers at approximately 11:00 a.m. and will be unloaded in the Amino Center parking lot. The public is invited to watch the “hitching” process and then a parade, which will include the Raven Regiment Marching Band. The parade is scheduled to start at approximately 12:15 p.m. and will tour the Benedictine College campus, with a photo stop in front of the Haverty Center.

The release says the Budweiser Clydesdales represent strength, quality, heritage and teamwork, and have been a symbol for Anheuser-Busch for over 80 years. A gift from August Busch, Jr. to his father following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the Clydesdales made a promotional tour of the East Coast that year, and even delivered the first case of post-Prohibition Budweiser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the White House.

There are eight horses driven at any one time, but 10 horses are on each team, or hitch, to provide alternates when needed. Clydesdales are also used as animal actors in television commercials for Budweiser beer, particularly in Super Bowl ads. There are several teams of Clydesdales, housed at various locations around the country, with most of them raised at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis, Missouri, and Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri.

To make a team, a Clydesdale must be at least 6 feet tall at the shoulder, weigh between 1,800 and 2,300 pounds, be reddish-brown (bay), have a black mane and tail, have four white stocking feet, and have white on the face.

The largest Clydesdale in the Budweiser stables is called “Jake” and the name “Big Jake” is used for the Anheuser-Busch Ambassador Trophy, given only to the top distributors in the nation. O’Malley Beverage, operated by Benedictine alumnus Kevin O’Malley, Class of ’79, received the “Big Jake”  trophy as a wholesaler ambassador after achieving Gold Level status four years in a row from 2017-2020 and finishing as the top wholesaler in America in 2019. The release says it is thanks to Kevin O’Malley and his business accomplishments that the Budweiser Clydesdales are in Atchison.

(KAIR)--A goal since 2018 is realized, as Atchison’s new skate park opens for use, following a grand opening celebration held Saturday at the Reisner Park location.

A cooperative effort between the City of Atchison and the Skate High With Hope-The Joshua Kinsman Foundation, the park serves as a living reminder of Joshua Kinsman, a 17-year-old Atchison skateboarder who died in 2018.

His mother, Pamela Cline, took the idea of the skatepark to the City Commission later that year, leading to Saturday’s opening of the first phase of the planned 3-phase project.

Once approval to proceed was granted, Cline, and her significant other, Jeremy Watkins, worked toward the goal, setting up the foundation, holding fundraisers, and seeking all avenues to generate the needed revenue for the $200,000 project.

The 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.

The opening of the skatepark instills in Cline fond memories of her son’s skateboarding passion.

As for the completion of the first phase of the project, Watkins says he believes it will serve local skateboarders well.

The North Carolina-based Artisan Skateparks served as contractor for the more than 4,000 square foot skatepark.

(MSC News)---New ownership is the plan for a group of local radio stations, with the planned transfer to keep operations in local hands.

KNZA Inc., which includes radio stations KAIR, KNZA, KMZA, KTNC, AND KLZA, has filed an application for transfer of control with the Federal Communications Commission, necessary to place ownership into the hands of Justin Fluke, a current owner and Vice-President of Operations for the company.

Greg Buser, KNZA Inc. President and General Manager, announced in a news release that an application was filed with the FCC on September 29 as the first step in transferring control of the stations to Fluke, which would happen upon approval of the application.

Buser, in the release, cites his longtime business partner and fellow owner, Robert Hilton, when explaining the reason behind Flukes selection. Buser, in the release, notes that several others have approached him and Hilton through the years about acquiring the radio stations, but they didn't feel the potential buyers would keep investing in local employees and the local communities served by the radio stations. However, Buser says Fluke, who has been a part of KNZA Inc. for over 20-years, "has demonstrated he has the interest and the abilities to keep the stations full of local programming content and he will bring new ideas both on the air and to the [station website] mscnews.net."

Fluke, who's held an interest in broadcasting from a young age, accepted the full-time sports director position at KNZA Inc. in June, 2001. Since that time, Fluke has, according to the release, "successfully been involved in all aspects of the business," having started working in sales in 2006 before joining the management team in 2012, and then buying into the ownership group in 2015. Among volunteering and serving on boards for many local organizations, the release notes that Fluke was elected to the Kansas Association of Broadcasters state board in 2019 and will serve as chair-elect in 2022.

Fluke, in the release, says "he was grateful for the opportunity," saying he is "very excited and looking forward to continuing the legacy of providing trusted local information and staying highly involved" in the local communities served by the radio stations.

Saying that he shares the same philosophies and goals that Buser and Hilton built the company on, Fluke says he doesn't plan any major changes, and credits what he calls "a terrific and dedicated staff that consistently produces a great product." Buser plans to remain on-staff for approximately one year to focus on his current advertising clients and "to help Fluke with the transition of 38-years of business details."

Hilton retired from active involvement in the stations in 2012.

Pending the timeline of application approval, KNZA Inc. hopes Fluke will be installed as owner by January 1, 2022.

Buser and Hilton, who worked together at Hiawatha's KNZA, one of the first small market FM only stations in the area, which came on-air in 1977, purchased it from Mike Carter and began operating it in June, 1983 as as KNZA Inc.

(KLZA)-- A Texas man was arrested early Friday morning by Richardson County Sheriff's Deputies. 

47-year-old Ernest Guest was booked into the Richardson County Jail for possession of a deadly weapon by a felon,  possession of concentrated THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under suspension and  driving on the shoulder. 

The arrest occurred shortly before 2:00 A.M. 
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners adopted a resolution during their Tuesday meeting authorizing Sheriff Rick Hardesty and County Clerk Mary Eickhoff to execute documents for financial assistance from the USDA for the Sheriff's Department in an amount of $197,602.

Sheriff Hardesty made a request for approval to hire an additional employee to serve as a transport officer.  Commissioners conducted the quarterly jail inspection and found the facility to be in good order. 

The Board also heard a presentation on updating light fixtures and bulbs in the courthouse to LED  lighting.
 

(KLZA)-- Funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program — combined with teamwork at the federal, state and local levels — has once again helped a Nebraska employer expand and create quality jobs. 

Great West Pet Food Holding, Inc., dba Falls City Foods LLC, operates two sister companies in Nebraska that store, process and distribute raw ingredients for the pet food industry. Recently, Falls City Foods, in Falls City, was able to access funding in the form of a CDBG loan to support the purchase of new, more powerful freezer equipment. This effectively doubled its capacity to process meat and poultry for sale to national manufacturers, while creating the demand for an additional 10 full-time jobs.

The CDBG loan was administered to Falls City Foods by regional economic developer Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD), in collaboration with grant recipient the City of Falls City.

The most direct economic impacts are likely to be felt by the low- to moderate-income (LMI) individuals and families slated to benefit from Falls City Foods’ new full-time job offerings. As part of its loan agreement with 

SENDD, the company will create 10 new positions, primarily benefitting LMI persons.

But the ripple doesn’t stop there. As Falls City Foods repays its required portion of the loan — half, after satisfying LMI job requirements — grant administrator SENDD, a nonprofit economic development organization, will be able to reinvest those funds into other impactful projects in their service area.
Now, with the new equipment up-and-running and the demand for pet food nearing historic levels, Doug Haycock, managing director for Great West Pet Food and both sister companies, says Falls City Foods is growing faster than ever before. CDBG funding, he said — but even more so, Nebraska’s business friendliness and welcoming communities — has played a big role in that success.

Haycock complimented the economic development groups both locally and at the state level that have helped the company pursue this expansion. He said with their support the company has been able to accomplish everything they set out to do and more and are looking forward to what's in store for the future. 

(KAIR)--Atchison’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program, which eliminates concerns of higher property taxes due to home improvements, has been reauthorized.  

Unanimous approval of keeping the program was given Monday by Atchison’s City Commission.  

According to a release from the City, along with curbing homeowners fears, the program also provides for developers, contractors, and/or investors “more robust property tax rebates that “make real estate projects/investments more financially feasible.”  

The release explains that projects inside the City’s core neighborhoods, and valued at $100,000 or more, are eligible to receive a 95% property tax rebate for 10 years, with rebates of 80%, 70%, 60%, 40%, and 20% to follow in years 11 through 15.

Commissioners, during Monday’s meeting, also approved the 2022 Employee Compensation plan, meaning pay raises for City employees.  According to the release, the approved plan “will offer 3% cost of living adjustments to all employees and create a 2% pool for merit raises.”

(KAIR)--A local area school superintendent, and Atchison resident, is among 13 other Kansans in the running to win $1 million.

That’s according to the Kansas Lottery, which says in a release the group of 14 has been chosen as semi-finalists for their chance at the prize money as part of the Powerball First Millionaire of the Year second-chance promotion.

The semi-finalists will also receive $1,000 in cash.

Among the group of 14 is Dr. Keith Mispagel, a resident of Atchison who serves as the Superintendent of Schools for Fort Leavenworth’s USD 207.

Five finalists will be chosen from the nationwide pool of semi-finalists to celebrate Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2022 virtually from home, as well as receive a prize package valued at $20,000. During the event, one of those five finalists will win the $1 million prize.

The five finalists will be drawn by the Multi-State Lottery Association the first week of November.

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

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said a search warrant was served at 714 Iowa Street shortly before 8:30.

Merchant said the department's drug task force initiated the investigation, which led to the arrest of the three individuals.

60-year-old Morton Alfrey and 65-year-old Steven Schler were arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and  possession of drug paraphernalia.

38-year-old Sissy Wilson was arrested on a charge of possession of stimulants.

The trio were booked into the Brown County Jail.

The Brown County Attorney, Kansas Highway Patrol and Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

(KNZA)--A new Doniphan kitchen director has been hired.

The Doniphan County Commission voted Monday to extend an offer to Traci Marriott, of Troy, subject to pre-employment screening.

Marriott was among four candidates interviewed.

Longtime kitchen director Judy Allen is retiring, effective October 31.

Laura Winkel had been hired to replace Allen but submitted her resignation last month, which was effective October 1.

The kitchen director is in charge of preparing meals for the county's jail inmates, all of the senior centers in the county, and the county's Meals on Wheels program.

In other business, bids were presented for miscellaneous interior repair work at the Highland Senior Citizens Center.

The Commission accepted the low bid from Littleman Construction, of Wathena, in the amount of $6,629. It was among two bids received.

The Commission also accepted the lone bid received from Kimberlin Masonry,of Wathena, for construction of a cement block wall in the basement of the Highland Senior Center in the amount of $3,200.

(KNZA)--Governor Laura Kelly has signed a bill that returns a historic structure to its original, Native American owners.  

Kelly this week ceremonially signed House bill 2408, which authorizes and directs the executive director of the Kansas Historicial Society to transfer nearly 10-acres of land in Doniphan County to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

 Kelly said the legislation, which was approved by the Kansas Legislature during the 2021 session, was long-overdue.  She thanked a bipartisan group of legislators and the Executive Committee of the Iowa Tribe for making the bill possible.  

The property, located about two miles east of Highland, contains the Presbyterian Mission, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

It became the property of the state in 1941. Since 1963, the Kansas Historical Society has administered the property as a state historic site. In 1996, the Mission was rehabilitated as a museum to showcase the arts and history of the emigrant tribes of American Indians in northeast Kansas. The museum closed in 2008, as a result of the economic downturn.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s new skatepark is set to open, with the first phase of the projected three-phase project to be viewed, and utilized, beginning Saturday.

The 4,500 square foot skatepark is constructed on former greenspace inside Atchison’s Reisner Park, and built to commemorate the legacy of late Atchison skateboarder Joshua Kinsman, who died in 2018 at the age of 17.

Seeing the skate park built became the goal of Kinsman’s mother, Pam, who took the idea to the City of Atchison months after her son’s death, eventually leading to a cooperative effort between the City and the Skate High With Hope-the Joshua Kinsman Foundation, named in honor of Joshua. “It’s very emotional and very exciting for us,” Cline told MSC News. “We’re just excited to see kids get excited about it and see them [using the skatepark].”

Saturday’s grand opening celebration is planned from 11:00 until 2:00, at the park, where the skatepark will be unveiled, and a special appearance by the River Rat Skate Team planned.

Music, a bounce house, and food are all planned as part of Saturday's ceremony, with JW's Boys Barbecue to be on hand, with 100% of their food sales that day earmarked to assist the future, next phase of the park.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle Thursday afternoon Jefferson County wreck sent an Atchison woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the junction of K-4 and U.S. 59 Highways shortly after 4:15.

The Patrol reports an International truck driven by 75-year-old Charles Luse, of Winchester, was southbound on U.S. 59 when he failed to yield the right of way and struck an eastbound Ford Explorer on K-4 driven by 63-year-old Karen Laflin, of Atchison.

The Patrol says Laflin complained of pain and was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with a possible injury.

Luse was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck occurred.

(KLZA)-- The AMES Tru Temper building on the south edge of Falls City has been empty for more than a year now.

During Monday night's Falls City Council meeting EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl told the Council it is a valuable property for the community.
Froeschl said the property could be split into three different properties including the building located on just over five acres.

Froeschl said despite more than 40 years of manufacturing the facility,  the bones of the building are in pretty good shape.  Cosmetically the building could use some work,  but he noted it would be very expensive for a company to have to build a long-span steel building similar to this one.  

Froeschl is hoping that EDGE will receive permission to solicit offers for the project from potential prospects in the next few weeks. 

(KNZA)--The 100th anniversary of the construction of the Jackson County Courthouse will be celebrated during the Falls Fest Saturday in Holton.

The Jackson County Commission will host a special ribbon-cutting cermony on the east side of the Courthouse at 10:00 that morning. Free cake will be provided to note the anniversary.  

Guided tours of the Courthouse will be offered at 9 and 11 in the morning and 1:00 in the afternoon.  Those interested in participating in the tours are asked to meet inside on the first floor of the Courthouse.  

The current Courthouse first opened to the public on July 4, 1921.  

The current Courthouse, located on the Holton Square, is the third Courthouse in the county's history.  It was constructed at a cost of nearly $264,000.  

The Fall Fest, sponsored by the Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, will kick off Saturday morning at 9:00.  It will feature vendors, a chili cook-off, scarecrow contest, music, shopping, blacksmith demonstrations and more.

(KAIR)--A three-day jury trial for the Kansas City, Kansas man accused of shooting an Easton man in 2019 ends with a guilty verdict.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 46-year-old Daniel Wayne Owens was found guilty Wednesday of attempted involuntary manslaughter.

A hearing related to sentencing for Owens is scheduled for November 12.

According to Thompson, Owens, on February 13, 2019, entered the Easton home of Danny Clark, and shot him multiple times in the head and neck.

Clark survived, and Owens fled from Kansas, but was later arrested in Nebraska.

(KAIR)--A dedicated husband, a loving father, an avid motorcyclist, and a very valued member of the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office.

That’s how Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie describes Jeremy Masuch, a corrections officer with Laurie’s office, who was killed early Wednesday morning in a rural Atchison County traffic crash.

The words of remembrance were posted to social media by Laurie, following the fatal wreck, with Laurie, in the post, saying “thank you for your service, Officer Masuch.”
Masuch, a 42-year-old Nortonville resident, was on his way to work, shortly before 3:00 Wednesday morning, when his motorcycle and a pick-up truck collided at the intersection of U.S. 59 and K-116, leaving Masuch dead.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Masuch was northbound on U.S. Highway 59, about 10 miles south of Atchison, when a pickup truck turned north onto 59, from K-116, causing Masuch’s motorcycle to strike the passenger side of the truck.

Masuch, wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the pickup, 65-year-old Cummings resident Ricky Brown, was not injured.

(KAIR)--The number of active cases of the coronavirus in Atchison County is on the decline.

That's reflected in figures released Wednesday by the Atchison County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health.

According to the statistics, there are 59 active coronavirus cases in the county. That's down from 82 cases reported September 29.

As of Wednesday, 3 were hospitalized due to the coronavirus, down from 6 hospitalizations reported last week.

The latest figures show that one Atchison County case involves a child under the age of 5; 14 are children aged 5 to 12; 10 are those aged 13 to 21; 13 are aged 22 to 35; 8 are 36 to 50, 10 are 51 to 65, and 3 of the cases involve those over the age of 65.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle Wednesday morning Brown County wreck sent a Baileyville woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 75 Highway about 5 miles north of Sabetha shortly after 10:00.

The Patrol reports 62-year-old Alison Mueting was driving a northbound pickup truck when she slowed to turn into a field entrance. A northbound semi-tractor trailer began to pass on the right shoulder and struck her pickup.

Mueting was transported by ambulance to the Sabetha Community Hospital with what the Patrol described as possible injury.

The semi driver, from Texas, was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck occurred.

(KNZA)--An early Wednesday morning two-vehicle Atchison County wreck claimed the life of a Nortonville man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the junction of U.S. Highway 59 and K-116 about ten miles south of Atchison shortly before 3:00.

The Patrol reports 42-year-old Jeremy Masuch, of Nortonville, was driving a motorcycle northbound on U.S. 59 when a pickup truck turned north on U.S. 59 from K-116. Masuch struck the passenger side of the pickup.

Masuch, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The pickup driver, 65-year-old Cummings resident Ricky Brown, was not hurt.

According to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Masuch was a corrections officer with the Atchison County Sheriff's Offfice.

(KNZA)--A northwest Kansas man was arrested in Brown County Tuesday  afternoon following a domestic incident.

According to a report from Brown Sheriff John Merchant, the sheriff's dispatch received a 911 call shortly before 3:30 from a motorist who reported a possible domestic situation involving a red vehicle east of Hiawatha, westbound on U.S. 36 Highway.

Upon investigation, Merchant said it was discovered that the male passenger, identified as 40-year-old Phelan Warren, of Oberlin, had removed the keys while the female driver was operating the vehicle.

There was partial lane blockage from the vehicle as it stopped in the westbound lane of traffic.  

Merchant said Warren gave himself up to authorities a short time later after he left the scene on foot.

No damage was reported to the vehicle or injuries during the incident

Warren was arrested by Brown County deputies  on charges of domestic battery, obstruction and  endangerment.  He was booked into the Brown County Jail.

The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted.

(KLZA)--Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Lucas Froeschl presented the organizations Third Quarter report to the Falls City Council Monday night and Richardson County Commissioners  Tuesday morning. 

 Froeschl reported the Nebraska Department of Roads has approved a permit to construct 33rd Street from Highway 73, west to Bill Schock Boulevard.  

The Falls City Council must approve the project. Froeschl said he is working on lining up the funding to build the street.

Froeschl also provided updated information on the progress at the Champions Crossing housing development on the northwest edge of Falls City.  A new sign indicating the layout of the lots has recently been placed on the south edge of the property. 

Two of the six lots on Shamrock Circle have been sold.   
 

(KAIR)--Racism is a Pro-Life Issue.

That’s the topic of a presentation planned for Wednesday evening, October 6, on the campus of Benedictine College.

Speaking, beginning at 7:00 at the O’Malley McAllister Auditorium, is Gloria Purvis, cited in a release as “one of the leading speakers in the country on racial and life issues.”

Purvis, an author, commentator, and broadcast show host, has been a strong Catholic voice for racial justice, life issues, and religious liberty. In 2020 Purvis became one of the prominent Catholic voices speaking out against racism. Her once popular radio show, Morning Glory, was dropped by the Guadalupe Radio Network shortly after she spoke out about the murder of George Floyd and was then not renewed by EWTN without explanation. Now, hosting “The Gloria Purvis Podcast,” she brings her message to the Atchison community.

Free and open to the public, a strict face mask requirement will be enforced without exemption for those who attend.

According to a release from the college, the event will also be streamed on social media.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved waiving the three-reading rule and adopted the Flood Plain Map when they met Monday evening. 

Approval of the Flood Plain Map is required for Falls City to be able to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program by FEMA.  

The Council heard an update on the One and Six Year Street Plan prepared by Olsson Engineers who serve as the Street Superintendent in Falls City.
There are no changes on the One-Year Plan which includes six projects with an estimated cost of $922-thousand.  

The agenda did not include a required public hearing on the One and Six Year Street Plan proposal so action to approved the plan was tabled.  

The Council did approved closing Lane Street to vehicle traffic from 19th to 25th Street on October 31 for trick or treaters.

(KAIR)--A manufacturing defect is the reason for bluish or purplish light emanating from street lights in Atchison. In fact, the issue is widespread, affecting other areas of Kansas serviced by Evergy as their energy provider.

That’s according to a KWCH report last summer focused on the LED lighting issues in Wichita, and referenced recently by the City of Atchison in answering a question pertaining to the issue on social media.

Gina Penzig, Manager of External Communications for Evergy, told the TV station the company, earlier this year, began to receive reports of “some of the LED street lights shining a very vibrant blue and sometimes purple color,” which led to the company learning that the affected lights are defective, with that defect identified as part of a nationwide occurrence.

Penzig explained the manufacturing defect, saying it stems from a component in the light that is failing prematurely, causing the light to shine with a blue-purple color. The color change being seen in defective lights is not often noticeable from the start but, according to Penzig, becomes apparent after a period of usage.

The unspecified manufacturer is working to replace the lights, taking what Penzig called “complete responsibility for the cost of repairs, including the labor, and taking charge how that replacement plan is approached.”
Although replacement work in Topeka and Wichita were anticipated in June, a timeline for such work in Atchison is not immediately known.

The manufacturer is handling all replacement efforts at no cost to Evergy or to its customers.

Penzig told KWCH LED streetlights were chosen because, when working properly, they are more efficient with a longer lifetime than older-styled lights.

(KAIR)--An 18-year-old Atchison man required helicopter transport for hospital treatment after his bicycle collided with an SUV around 3:45 Monday afternoon at Atchison’s 11th and Kansas Avenue.
According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 18-year-old Chandler Moorshead “was riding a bicycle south on 11th Street and was unable to stop at the stop sign at Kansas Avenue and struck an eastbound SUV.”

Atchison Police, the Atchison Fire Department and Atchison County EMS, all responded to the intersection, with Moorshead tranported from that location. First taken to Amberwell Atchison, he was later airlifted to a Kansas City hospital for treatment of his injuries. Wilson said Moorshead suffered head injuries, a broken bone in the shoulder, and scrapes and bruises on his body.

The driver of the SUV, Atchison resident Elizabeth Collins, was not hurt.

According to Wilson, an inspection of the bicycle by officers, following the crash, revealed that it had no brakes.

(KAIR)--Funeral services are set for the 17-year-old Atchison County Community Schools’ student who died last weekend.

According to an obituary from the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Cummings resident Colby Smith will be remembered Thursday afternoon during a Celebration of Colby’s Life, at the Atchison County Community High School, beginning at 2:00.

Summed up in his obituary as “the All-American Kid,” the funeral notice highlights Smith’s athletic accomplishments. Known since middle school as “the Lunch Box Kid," Smith “played football and excelled at wrestling,” with the obituary saying “he was a member of the Effingham Wrestling Club” starting at a young age. He was also part of the Kansas National Wrestling Team and wrestled on several traveling teams, including the O-Team.

According to his obituary, memorial contributions are suggested to the Atchison County Community Schools Foundation for use in the construction of a new gymnasium.

A visitation with Smith’s family will precede the celebration of life, from noon until service time, at the high school.

Word of Smith’s Saturday death was delivered to parents and patrons of Atchison County’s USD 377 in a letter from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Andrew Gaddis. Gaddis, in that release sent Sunday, called the death of the 12th grade student a “sudden and tragic loss,” and outlined the school district’s response, saying that counselors were being brought in to assist students, staff, and patrons.

In a second letter, sent to parents Monday, Gaddis explained that following "consultation with the USD 377 Board of Education, it has been determined that classes will not be in session Thursday," in order to "provide all students and staff the ability to attend the services for the passing of one of our students and pay their respects to the family." Gaddis also wrote that the school district plans to "continue providing counselors and social workers for any students and staff who need them in the coming days."

Among Smith’s survivors are his parents, Greg and Stacey Smith, his brother, Austin, and a sister, Lauren.

(KNZA)--A new assistant police chief has been hired for the city of Horton.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant informed the Brown County Commission Monday that the Sheriff's Department's K-9 officer, Cody Spire, has accepted the position.

Merchant requested that the Sheriff's Department's K-9, Ari, and K-9 vehicle, a 2013 Tahoe, be donated to the Horton Police Department, which the Commission unanimously approved.

He said Spire has served as the dog's only handler, and thinks its important to keep them together.

Merchant said the city of Horton is on board with taking on the responsibility and will allow Spire to assist the sheriff's department when a K-9 is needed.

He noted the 2013 Tahoe was donated to the Sheriff's Department by the Sac and Fox Tribal Police Department when they disbanded their K-9 program.

In other business, Brown County Solid Waste Director George Bruning discussed advertising for the solid waste position that will be vacated due to Calb Clement leaving employment with Brown County. Clement's last day will be October 13.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Board of Education will meet in special session Tuesday evening at 6:30 in the school cafeteria to receive feeedback from the public about the options for the Pawnee City High School football teams for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Parents and patrons of the Pawnee City School District are encouraged to attend the meeting and express their opinions. 

The Pawnee City School Board will be making a decision in the next month about the programs future.  The options are to co-op with Lewiston and play 8-Man football;  return to 8-man football as a standalone team  or remain a 6-man standalone team for the next two year cycle. 

The Nebraska School Activities Association deadline for two schools to declare a football co-op for the next two-year cycle is November 1. The NSAA deadline for a team to declare if it will play 8-man or 6-man football is November 30. 

The Lewiston School Board sent a letter to Pawnee City in June inquiring about the possibility of discussing a shared Junior High and High school extra-curricular activities program with the Pawnee City School.

Pawnee City would remain eligible for the 6-man playoffs for the next two-year cycle even though the current count of boys in grades 9-11 would be above the NSAA maximum for playoff eligibility of 27.

Pawnee City  Board members will not engage in conversation with,  or answer questions from the public during the meeting.  

If a football cooperative agreement were reached,  the combined team would be playoff eligible as an 8-man team, likely in Class D1 for the next season.  
 

(KLZA)-- A Rulo man was arrested Saturday evening after Richardson County Deputies executed a search warrant at 510 West Broadway in Rulo. 

Deputies with the assistance of the K9 unit located what is suspected to have been methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia,  numerous firearms and chemicals consistent with those used to make explosives.

38-year-old Jordan C. Keller was arrested on felony charges of:
possession of a firearm during a felony;
possession of explosives during a felony;
possession of methamphetamine along with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of less than one ounce of marijuana which are infractions. 

The investigation into the case is ongoing and according to the Sheriff's Office report more charges could be added.   

(KLZA)-- A Verdon man was arrested early Monday morning on drug possession charges.

Richardson County Deputies arrested 40-year-old Christopher Stephens shortly after 1:00 a.m. for possession of methamphetamine; possession of concentrated THC and no license. 

Stephens was also issued citations for following too close, driving on the shoulder, no proof of ownership, no insurance,  possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. 

Stephens was booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Community Schools are mourning the loss of a student, with counselors brought in to assist with the grieving process.

A letter from the Superintendent of Schools for USD 377, Dr. Andrew Gaddis, was sent to parents Sunday.

The letter explains that the school district was notified Saturday night of what Gaddis calls "the sudden and tragic loss" of a 12th grade student.

According to the letter, the student's death "may be the first time that [students] have experienced a loss of someone close to them." Gaddis, saying that it is important for the students to "have the necessary time and support during this period of grief," explains in the letter that counselors and social workers were being made available to "any students, staff and community members who need them."

First made available late Sunday afternoon, additional counselors were brought in Monday, with counseling to continue to be available later into the week, as needed.

The cause of death, and the student's name, have not been stated publicly.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Community Schools are mourning the loss of a student, with counselors brought in to assist with the grieving process.

A letter from the Superintendent of Schools for USD 377, Dr. Andrew Gaddis, was sent to parents Sunday.

The letter explains that the school district was notified Saturday night of what Gaddis calls "the sudden and tragic loss" of a 12th grade student.

According to the letter, the student's death "may be the first time that [students] have experienced a loss of someone close to them." Gaddis, saying that it is important for the students to "have the necessary time and support during this period of grief," explains in the letter that counselors and social workers were being made available to "any students, staff and community members who need them."

First made available late Sunday afternoon, additional counselors were brought in Monday, with counseling to continue to be available later into the week, as needed.

The cause of death, and the student's name, have not been stated publicly.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Community Schools are mourning the loss of a student, with counselors brought in to assist with the grieving process.

A letter from the Superintendent of Schools for USD 377, Dr. Andrew Gaddis, was sent to parents Sunday.

The letter explains that the school district was notified Saturday night of what Gaddis calls "the sudden and tragic loss" of a 12th grade student.

According to the letter, the student's death "may be the first time that [students] have experienced a loss of someone close to them." Gaddis, saying that it is important for the students to "have the necessary time and support during this period of grief," explains in the letter that counselors and social workers were being made available to "any students, staff and community members who need them."

First made available late Sunday afternoon, additional counselors were brought in Monday, with counseling to continue to be available later into the week, as needed.

The cause of death, and the student's name, have not been stated publicly.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Community Schools are mourning the loss of a student, with counselors brought in to assist with the grieving process.

A letter from the Superintendent of Schools for USD 377, Dr. Andrew Gaddis, was sent to parents Sunday.

The letter explains that the school district was notified Saturday night of what Gaddis calls "the sudden and tragic loss" of a 12th grade student.

According to the letter, the student's death "may be the first time that [students] have experienced a loss of someone close to them." Gaddis, saying that it is important for the students to "have the necessary time and support during this period of grief," explains in the letter that counselors and social workers were being made available to "any students, staff and community members who need them."

First made available late Sunday afternoon, additional counselors were brought in Monday, with counseling to continue to be available later into the week, as needed.

The cause of death, and the student's name, have not been stated publicly.

(KNZA)--A traffic stop in Jackson County on Friday morning lead to the arrest of two individuals on drug charges.

According to Sheriff Tim Morse, a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy stopped a Toyota Sienna around 11:30 near 114th Road and U.S. 75 Highway for an alleged registration violation.

Morse said a KHP K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drugs within the vehicle.

42-year-old Brant Powell, of Wichita was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

45-year-old Susan Tolin, of Mulvane, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a prescription drug.

Both were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--A three-vehicle Friday night Buchanan, County, Missouri crash sent four individuals to the hospital--including an Atchison, Kansas woman.
 
The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 59 Highway about one mile west of Faucett just after 9:30.

The Patrol said a mini-van driven by 34-year-old Jamie Arb, of Vienna, Missouri, was southbound when it struck the rear of a SUV driven by 21-year-old Luke Spencer, of Kansas, City, Missouri, who was stopped in traffic. The impact pushed the SUV into a mini-van driven by 57-year-old Thomas Smith, of Atchison, who was also stopped in traffic.  After impact, the SUV traveled off the road and down an embankment.

A passenger in the Smith mini-van, 30-year-old Atchison resident Chelsey Mestagh, along with Arb, Spencer and a passenger Spencer's vehicle, from Prairie Village, were transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph.

The Patrol says all the occupants were properly restrained.

(KNZA)--A Faucett, Missouri teenager was seriously injured in a all-terrian vehicle accident over the weekend in Buchanan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the crash occurred shortly after midnight Sunday in a harvested corn field on private property about five miles south of St. Joseph.

The Patrol reports the 16-year-old boy was southbound when he attempted to turn east and lost control of his ATV, causing the vehicle to overturn. The boy was ejected and the ATV came to rest on top of him.

The teen was transported to Mosiac Life Care in St. Joseph with what the Patrol described as serious injuries.

The Patrol did not release the name of the boy, who they report was not wearing a safety device.

Four Falls City residents injured in NW MO wreck  10/3/21 GB

(KNZA)--Four Falls City residents were injured early Saturday evening in a two-vehicle Holt County, Missouri crash.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 159 about four miles east of Fortescue around 6:15.

The Patrol reports 29-year-old Jared Dishong, of Falls City, was driving a SUV southbound when he changed lanes and began to overtake a semi-tractor trailer that had slowed to make a left turn.  The SUV struck the drivers side cab of the semi.

Dishong and three passengers in his SUV, 38-year-old Chrystyna McClure and two 4-year-old girls were transported to Community Medical Center in Falls City with what the Patrol described as minor injuries.

The semi driver, 25-year-old Nathan Hayes, of Craig, Missouri, was not hurt.

The Patrol says all the occupants were properly restrained.   

(KNZA)--An early Saturday morning single-vehicle Doniphan County wreck claimed the life of a Highland man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 62-year-old Keith Terry was traveling eastbound on 240th Road, west of Highland, when he failed to negotiate a curve. His 2008 Cadillac CTS went off the roadway onto the right shoulder. The car then came back onto the roadway and Terry overcorrected, causing his vehicle to travel off the roadway again and strike a guardrail. The vehicle went over the guardrail, down an embankment, and rolled.

Terry, who was the lone occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Patrol says he was not wearing a seatbelt.

The wreck was reported shortly after 12:30 Saturday morning, just south of Castleton Road.

WESTMORELAND, Kan. (AP) — Pottawatomie County officials say computers systems are being restored after the county was hit by a ransomware attack.

The county said in a news release Friday that hackers launched the cyberattack against several servers on Sept. 17.

County Administrator Chad Kinsley said the county resolved the attack by paying less than 10% of the hackers' original demands. He did not specify how much the county paid.

County officials said additional sensors have been installed on all servers to prevent further attacks.

The investigation into how hackers accessed the servers is continuing.

Officials say most county offices are functional but wait times for various services may be longer than normal.

(KLZA)-- During Tuesday's meeting of the  Richardson County Commissioners,  Curt Field of Prochaska and Associates met with the Board and Sheriff Rick Hardesty to review the Jail inmates space and some options for the County to consider  for adding more beds to the current facility. 

Field explained to the  Board that a feasibility study would probably be required before considering an addition to the existing facility.

The Commissioners will continue to review the possibility of adding more beds to the current jail which now has room to house 24 inmates.  

Commissioners also approved an agreement with Tiger Correctional Services for commissary services for inmates at the Law Enforcement Center. 

The Board also approved closing the Courthouse form noon to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 22 for a County employee lunch event, declaring the day to recognize “Breast Cancer Awareness.”

Commissioners have also approved advertising for a temporary part-time position to assist and provide for professional services with the receipt and expenditures of funds received from the American Rescue Plant Act.  

Resumes must be received by October 15, 2021.  

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Republican candidate for governor Charles Herbster said Thursday he was cutting ties with a longtime advisor to former President Donald Trump after he was accused of making unwanted sexual advances to a GOP donor at a fundraising event. Herbster said he has known Corey Lewandowski since 2015 and had relied on him as a senior advisor to his campaign for governor, but he is asking him to step away from that role now. Lewandowski recorded an endorsement video for the Falls City businessman three weeks ago where he praised him for always maintaining his support of Trump.

(KNZA)--Temperature and security checks will continue at the Brown County Courthouse despite a county commissioner's attempt to end the measures.

After reading from a statement at Thursday's Brown County Commission meeting, Commissioner Bill Pollock made a motion “ to return to the public the liberty they once had” to enter the Courthouse without restrictions. Pollock further moved that the public, as well as employees with proper training, be allowed to bear arms in the building as provided for in the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. Also as part of his motion, Pollock moved that the security guard be allowed to move about the building as needed to perform his duties.

The motion died due to the lack of a second.

Pollock said he believes personal liberties are being taken away a little bit at a time.

Currently, customers entering the Courthouse must have their temperature checked and pass through a metal detector. A security guard is stationed at the entrance.  Weapons are prohibited from being carried into the courthouse.

Citing a decrease in active cases of COVID-19 in Brown County, Pollock said at Monday's Commission meeting that he would like to see the temperature check be discontinued. However, Commissioner Lamar Shoemaker said he wanted to visit with the Brown County Health Department and District Court before making any decisions.

On hand to discuss the matter at Thursday's meeting were District Judge Jim Patton and Kristina Romine with the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department. Both expressed support for keeping the temperature screening in place. Romine said she didn't think it was intrusive or infringed on anyone’s rights, while Judge Patton said he felt it provided a level of protection against the coronavirus.

(KMZA)--Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in has announced plans to build a 22-million-dollar expansion and remodel to the current hospital.

NVCH CEO Kiley Floyd said the project will address many critical improvement areas throughout the facility.

“The constant change in the needs of our communities, standards of care, new governmental regulations, and advances in medical technology require us to continuously evaluate our services, equipment, physical plant and staff. These evaluations are essential for us to continue to provide the level of service and high quality of care our patients and their families deserve,” said Floyd. “We have a beautiful building and have been blessed to have been able to maintain the infrastructure for such a long period. However, we now need to address some critical issues and expand to meet emerging services.”

• Critical issues include but are not limited to: The Emergency Room is too small to meet the needs of today’s technological advances in addition to privacy and security concerns.
• Decontamination facilities in our ER do not meet the state or national standards.
• Updated Radiology equipment needs a much larger space to meet patient comfort and regulatory standards.
• Respiratory Therapy currently works out of an area designed to be a storage closet.
• The ability to advance technologies in our laboratory are hindered by a lack of space for additional equipment.
• Surgery staff has had to take space away from other functions to meet standards. A larger space is needed to meet regulatory demands as well as our growing surgery services.
• Patient room bathrooms are too small and could create safety issues for patients and staff.
• Many of our mechanical systems are original equipment that are over 32 years old. They have outlived their life expectancy and are not suitable for meeting regulatory demands. One way or another these will have to be replaced.

“We believe the time is now to invest in the continued success of our organization and the infrastructure needed,” said Fred Henry, NVCH Board of Trustees Chairperson. “A great hospital is essential for our personal health and the strength of our community. The hospital expansion will be paid for through community support, grants and loans from the USDA. This expansion will not result in increased property taxes.”

According to T.J. Haverkamp, Chairperson of Nemaha Valley Health Care Foundation, “We are in the early stages of a Capital Campaign to raise $2.5 million dollars to support the hospital expansion project. We will be announcing the formal kickoff of the campaign in the next few weeks. We ask everyone to support this project because it is essential to the survival of the quality health care we have come to expect at NVCH.”

CEO Floyd added, “We are currently in the design phase. We are working with HFG Architects out of Wichita. The request for proposals for a Construction Manager have been published. That award will be made by the end of October. Our timeline for construction is then dependent on a number of things including the USDA loan process. We approached this project from the standpoint of ‘here is what we need’ and ‘here is what we can afford’.

We recognize this is a long process but want to do it right the first time. It is hard not to be excited about the hospital’s growth potential and opportunities with some additional space. The key is to set this organization up for at least another 30 years of continued success.

For more information about the Hospital expansion please contact Kiley Floyd at 785-336-6181. To learn more about the upcoming Capital Campaign contact Courtney Schmelzle at 785-336-0426.