(KAIR)--The number of active cases of COVID-19 is up in Jackson County over last week and the county is reporting its first two confirmed cases of the new Omicron variant.

According to statistics released Wednesday by the Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health, the county has 117 active cases. That's up from 104 active cases reported on December 22.

Jackson County is reporting one additional COVID-related death since last week, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 21.

The Delta variant continues to be the prominent coronavirus strain in the county.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Jackson County has had 2,672 total positive coronavirus cases.

An anticipated increase in Kansas holiday-season coronavirus testing is a reality for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, with the state agency hoping that will continue as the delta and omicron variants continue to spread in the state. WIBW-TV reports that Deputy State Health Officer Dr. Joan Duwve says the state’s mass testing sits have not exceeded capacity, despite the rise in testing. She told the TV station she attributes the increase to people understanding that to be with family and friends during the holiday season, testing is key to keep such gatherings safe.

The state saw more than 7,000 new coronavirus cases from Monday to Wednesday of this week. Nearly 2,600 of those occurred Tuesday, which WIBW reports is “the highest one-day total since November 30,” the Tuesday that followed Thanksgiving.

On Wednesday, KDHE data showed that 45 cases involving the highly tranmissible omicron variant are now identified in Kansas. Two cases are confirmed locally in Jackson County, three in Leavenworth County, and one in Nemaha County.

Testing site information can be found online at KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's assistance in solving a recent burglary and theft at a rural Sabetha business.

The Sheriff's Office said an unknown individual broke into Floyd's Truck Repair at 2496 U.S. 36 Highway around 10:00 Monday evening, December 27.

About $2,100 worth of tools were stolen.

The Sheriff's Office has posted pictures of an individual and vehicle possibly involved on its Facebook page.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office at 785-336-2311.

(KAIR)--Coronavirus cases have declined in Atchison County over a one week period.

According to figures released Wednesday by the Atchison County Office of the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments,  Atchison County reported 128 active cases of COVID-19. Statistics released last week showed 149 active cases.  

A slight drop in those hospitalized for virus-related reasons is also noted, with the health department Wednesday showing that 10 are hospitalized in Atchison County, down one from last week's 11 hospitalizations.  

This weeks figures show that 5 of the active Atchison County cases involve those under the age of 5; 3 cases are 5 to 12; 13 cases are 13 to 21; 27 cases are 22 to 35; 32 cases are aged 36 to 50; 28 cases are 51 to 65; and 20 of Atchison County's current cases involve those over the age of 65.  

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment notes that the county has experienced 2,978 cases since the start of the pandemic.  

27 have died.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast Community College Board of Governors approved a $3 per credit hour increase in the Facility Fee for the 2022-23 academic year when they met December 14th.  Tuition rates for the same time frame will be unchanged from the current academic year.  The new rates begin in August.

Nebraska residents will pay $102 per credit hour in tuition and $15 per credit hour in fees making the total $117 per credit hour.  Non-resident students will pay $123 per credit hour in tuition and $15 per credit hour in fees for a total of $138 per credit hour. 

The additional fees will mean resident students will pay $3,510 for 30 semester hours which is one year. That represents a 2.6 percent increase from the current year. 

Room and board rates for the 2022-23 academic year will increase slightly but will depend on if you have a single or double occupancy room. 

(KNZA)--Reputable agencies will not make phone calls inquiring about a person’s vaccination status.  

That word is delivered in a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant who says his office has received reports from citizens who “have been receiving phone calls from someone representing themselves as information centers for COVID compliance.”

According to Merchant, those who receive such calls are informed that “they are taking a survey to see if they have been vaccinated, what vaccination taken, when taken, side effects, and concerns or comments.”  

Merchant points out that caller IDs read “unavailable” or “scam” when such calls are received, adding that hanging up if the phone call is received is the best bet to keep from supplying personal information to the suspicious caller.

(KLZA)-- +Holt County, Missouri officials will receive two-percent pay raises in each of the next two years.

The Holt County Salary Commission met in November to discuss pay increases.  Elected officials may not receive pay increases larger than employee pay increases are.  

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting residents of a new scam circulating in the area.

Merchant said residents have reported receiving phone calls from someone who claims to be from the Information Centers for COVID Compliance.  The callers are informing individuals they are taking a survey to see if they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, what vaccination was taken, when the vaccines were taken, any side effects experienced and comments or concerns.

The Caller ID shows Unavailable or Scam

He said that when asked if people have concerns or comments, one person stated they engaged in a lengthy conversation with the scammers.

"We are informing people if they receive such a call, to hang up immediately. These callers are not credible. No reputable agency will be contacting you regarding your COVID immunization or concerns," he said. "If you feel you have been made a victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement at once."

(MSC News)--The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in three local northeast Kansas Counties.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, three cases of the highly transmissible variant have been confirmed in Leavenworth County, two cases in Jackson County and one case in Nemaha County.

As of Wednesday, 45 cases of the omicron variant have been confirmed in Kansas.

Meanwhile, Kansas is now reporting more than 7,000 deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Gov. Laura Kelly has ordered flags flown at half-staff until sundown Friday in remembrance of those who have died.

(KAIR)--A special election is planned in the new year for Doniphan County, with voters to decide  the fate of establishing countywide ambulance service.  

That follows a study regarding the feasibility of such a move, with the consultant’s report from Fitch and Associates LLC, compiled to assess ambulance service and 911 response in the county, determining that the plan is feasible.  That was revealed during Monday’s meeting of the Doniphan County Commission by attorney Joel Euler, who was in attendance along with other EMS Committee members, and Troy City Representatives, to discuss the issue.  According to the unofficial minutes of Monday’s meeting, “the EMS Committee recommends [that the County Commission] develop requests for proposals, with the assistance of Mo-Kan Regional Council, for administration of a countywide ambulance service.”  

However, the committee agreed that prior to that, “a special election be held seeking community input on the formation of a countywide ambulance service.” The Commission agreed, voting unanimously to set a special, March 8 election for establishing the countywide ambulance district.  

Following the vote, Troy City Attorney Alan Boeh told the Commission, the City endorses the goal; and while the City had previously given the County notice to terminate their contract for operations of Doniphan County Ambulance District Number 1, the service is still functioning, and the City of Troy “strongly suggests the County consider a perpetuation of the current month to month agreement to provide ambulance service through [District 1] at a monthly rate as determined by the annual contractual amount,” with the City to “continue to provide ambulance service through [District 1] until a new district is formed or until no longer feasible for the City of Troy.”  

The Commission voted unanimously to accept the proposal, and to continue to contract on a month to month basis for ambulance services through Doniphan County Ambulance District Number 1 at a monthly rate as established by the annual budgeted amount.”

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Public Works approved a three-percent, cost of living pay increase for BPW General Manager Dave Hunter when they met December 15. 

Hunters current salary is $107,313.  

Following a presentation by Hunter on the Wink Overhead power Line,  the Board approved replacing the line with underground service.  The line is just over two-thousand feet in length and crosses private property which makes it difficult to access.  The upgrade will carry a price tag of approximately $24-thousand.  
 

(KLZA)-- Tuesday afternoon at about 4 o'clock, Richardson County Deputies responded to a call in Humboldt.

After arriving on the scene at 7th and Edwards, Deputies learned that a male subject had barricaded himself inside a garage. At that point 7th Street was shut down between Nemaha and Edwards Streets.

A release from the Sheriff's Office noted that Humboldt Rescue and the Humboldt Fire Department were requested to stand by due to the nature of the incident and the Nebraska State Patrol Swat Unit was requested, but was cancelled.

Richardson County Deputies were able to resolve the incident and the subject was taken into custody after exiting the garage.

No criminal charges are pending in the matter.

The Sheriff's Office thanked the agencies that responded for their assistance.

(KNZA)--A traffic stop last week in Jackson County sent two to jail on drug-related charges.  

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, a Deputy stopped a vehicle in southern Jackson County, near 126th and U.S. Highway 75, for a traffic infraction.  

The stop led to the arrest of 40-year-old Topeka resident Richard Lane for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and making false information.  Also arrested during the stop was 36-year-old Holton resident Jennifer Crabill. She was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. According to Morse, she was also wanted on outstanding Jackson County warrants.  

Following their arrests Tuesday, both were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KAIR)--A new trash truck is approved for purchase, at a cost of $256,950, by the Atchison City Commission. 
Brian Hagen has that story. 

(KLZA)-- The first U.S. Laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. occurred on January 20, 2020 in the state of Washington.

Since that time medical professionals across the country have dealt non-stop with the pandemic.  On Monday, there were more than 500-thousand new cases reported in the U.S.

Ryan Larsen, Administrator of the Community Medical Center in Falls City says locally,  healthcare workers are doing a great job, but they too are tired from the ongoing COVID cases. 

Larsen said he is grateful for what the local medical professionals have done and continue to do and the sacrifices they, and their families make.  

Larsen said many of the local medical community members including doctors, nurses, technicians and aids,  are exhausted and at times it is noticeable but that they show up, cover for one another and continue to do their jobs and make sure patients are getting great care.

The latest figures from CMC indicate 414 tests for COVID-19 from December 13 – 27 with 327 negative results and 87 positive results which was a 20 percent positive rate.  

(KLZA)-- As reported earlier the number of COVID-19 cases in Richardson County has been on the rise since November.

During an interview last week, Community Medical Center Administrator Ryan Larsen said there have been 164 patients hospitalized locally with COVIID-19 since the pandemic began.  He noted that locally, statistics indicate the majority of those hospitalized with COVID, have not been vaccinated. 158 of those hospitalized have not been vaccinated. 100 percent of the local patients that required being transferred for a higher level of care were unvaccinated.

Larsen said the cases are more severe for those that are not vaccinated.  He also says this year, younger adults are getting more severe cases of COVID.

About 25 percent of those getting tested for COVID in Richardson County since November have been positive for the virus. If you are interested in being tested you can contact your doctors office and you can take advantage of the drive through testing at Community Medical Center.
  
If you would like to sign up to receive your COVID vaccination or boosters, you please call 402-245-6547 or go to vaccinate.ne.gov to find an appointment site near you.

Larsen also said there are a number of other respiratory illnesses that are occurring in the area. 
 

(KNZA)--An investigation into the report of a child in need of care leads to the discovery of home-grown marijuana plants and to the arrest of two.

It happened in Hiawatha, when a Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy, Sunday night, received the report pertaining to the child; and, following an investigation, Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, says, “it was learned that illegal drug activity was present at that location.”

Among items allegedly found by authorities were a number of cultivated marijuana plants and grow lights.

50-year-old Eric Clary and 37-year-old Starlette Clary, both of Hiawatha, were taken into custody for felony cultivation of a controlled substance, two counts of felony child endangerment, no drug tax stamp, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved the appointment of a new fire chief.

On the recommendation of the Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department, the Commission Monday evening unanimously approved the appointment of Patrick Sheldon to fill the unexpired term of Gene Atland.

Following his appointment, Sheldon was sworn in by City Clerk Tish Sims.

Atland was removed as fire chief at the Commission's December 13 meeting on a 3-2 vote to allow the fire department to select their own chief.

The Commission appointed Atland as fire chief, without recommendation, after they voted in November 2019 to terminate Ryan Shockley.

(KLZA)-- Two Oklahoma men were arrested by Richardson County Sheriff's deputies following separate traffic stops Sunday and Monday.

About 9:20 Sunday night deputies conducted a traffic stop and during a search located suspected concentrated THC,marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm.

James McWilliams of Rush Springs Oklahoma was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon and carrying a concealed weapon in addition to possession of drug charges. 

About 1:00 a.m. Monday deputies stopped JaDerric Harrell of Muskogee, Oklahoma. During a search deputies located drugs alleged to be concentrated THC and marijuana.   Harrell was jailed on drug possession charges. 

HIAWATHA, Kan. (AP) — A Minnesota woman is dead after her SUV collided with a semi in northeastern Kansas on Christmas Eve.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said the accident happened just before 1:30  Friday morning on U.S. 75 in Brown County, south of Fairview at the Sac and Fox Truck Stop.

The Patrol said a semi was pulling out of a driveway when it was struck from behind by a 2005 Chevrolet Suburban driven by 46-year-old Socorro Mercado, who died in the accident. She is identified by KHP as a resident of West Concord, Minnesota. 

The driver of the semi, from Park City, Kansas,  was uninjured.

(KNZA)--After nearly a decade on the job, Hiawatha’s Police Chief is out.
That comes following unexpected action of the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening, with Police Chief John Defore ousted on a vote of 3 to 2.

Hiawatha Mayor Bill Collins, saying he is not pleased with the Chief of Police and that the City needs to go in a new direction of leadership, made the motion toward the meeting’s end.

The motion, seconded by Commissioner Brian Shefferd, was supported by Commissioner Evans Woehlecke, leading to the 3 to 2 vote.

Commissioners Becky Shamburg and David Middendorf cast no votes against the move, with the two voicing surprise and opposition to the motion.

Defore, present during the time of his firing, told the Commission that due to his contract calling for severance if terminated without cause, he would collect his belongings, and turn in property, prior to departing Monday evening.

A reason for the decision to terminate Defore, who has held the position since July, 2012, has not been stated publicly.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved opening a union contract for the creation of a Code Enforcement Officer when they met December 20.

City Administrator Kevin Cluskey said he feels currently some code issues get overlooked because there is no one working for the City that is fully aware of the codes. The hope is that the person would begin as a Code Enforcement Officer and eventually be trained to be a Building Inspector.     

In addition to looking into creating this position,  The Council will consider later creating a building logistics person to help out with issues at city facilities.  

The Council also approved an Interlocal Agreement with the CRA, forming an infrastructure committee.  This is the first step necessary to put a one-half percent additional sales tax proposal before voters on the ballot next May.  

(KLZA)-- A new doctor will join the Johnson County Hospital staff in July of 2022.

The Tecumseh Chieftan reports Dr. Grant Saltzgaber will be a full-time primary care physician.   Dr. Saltzgaber is currently working in the emergency room and at Tecumseh Family Health while completing his residency in family medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Saltzgaber grew up near Palmer, Nebraska and obtained a masters in physics from Oregon State University and worked as a computer technology engineer in Oregon.  He and his wife moved to Omaha where he enrolled in medical school at UNMC.  

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department will conduct a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic on Thursday, December, 30 from 2:00 – 6:00 P.M. at Prichard Auditorium in Falls City.

The clinic was originally scheduled for December 15th, but was postponed due to the weather that day.

If you plan to take part, you must be at least 90 days past receiving a monoclonal antibody infusion as treatment for COVID-19 and wear a mask before entering the building.

If you are under the age of 19 you must have a parent or legal guardian present at the clinic for consent.  In addition, you must be at least six months past your second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

You should bring your insurance card although there is no out of pocket expense for the vaccine.

If you have questions contact the Southeast District Health Department toll free at 1-877-777-0424 prior to the vaccine and booster clinic.  
 

(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission last week approved a resolution stating they oppose state involvement in a local sales tax issue. 
Brian Hagen reports. 

(KNZA)--A 17-case increase in the number of active cases of COVID-19 is being reported in Brown County from last week.

According to figures released Thursday by the Brown County Office of the Northeast Kanas Multi-County Health Departments, there are 59 active cases in the county. That's up from 42 active cases on December 17.

Six are currently hospitalized.

The Health Department reports 8 of the current active cases involve those up to the age of 9; 5 cases those 10 to 17; 4 cases involve those 18 to 24; 7 cases those 25 to 34; 13 cases involve those 35 to 44; 7 cases those 45 to 54; 8 cases 55 to 64; 4 cases those 65 to 74; and three cases involve those 75 to 84.

Since the pandemic began, Brown County has had 1,818 total positive coronavirus cases and 41 virus-related deaths.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners voted to approve following the 2020 Census data for drawing new boundary lines for the three County Commissioner districts prepared by gWorks when they met last week. 

COMMISSIOENR DISTRICT 1:  All of Falls City Ward 3, Ward 4 and the following in Ward 2 lying south of a line beginning on West 21st Street, traveling east to Clifton Avenue then north on Clifton Avenue to 22nd Street,  then east on 22nd Street to Fulton Street, then south on Fulton Street to 21st Street, then east on 21st Street to the city limit.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT II: All of Falls City Ward 1 and that portion of Wart 2 lying to the north of line beginning on West 21st Street traveling east to Clifton Avenue then north on Cliflton Avenue to 22nd Street, then east on 22nd street to Fulton Street and the following townships:  Arago/Barada,  Falls City Rural / Ohio and Jefferson/Rulo.

COMMISSIONER DISTRICT III:  All of the following townships:  Franklin / Humboldt Rural / Speiser,   Grant / Nemaha,  Humboldt Ward I and Ward II,  Liberty, East Muddy,  West Muddy/Porer and Salem.

Commissioners also approved a proposal from the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service to increase the 4-H Assistant's salary in which the County will be responsible for 25 percent of the salary, effective July 1, 2022.  This will be an additional cost to Richardson County of approximately one-thousand dollars. 

Southeast Nebraska Extension District Director Carli Black and Richardson County Extension Educator Katelyn Kennedy presented the proposal to the Board which is based on a salary equity study for 4-H Assistants to ensure all staff were being compensated in proportion to newly adjusted starting salary of $38-thousand.

(KNZA)--A Thursday morning single-vehicle Brown County wreck sent two to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-20 Highway at King Fisher Road shortly after 8:00.

The Patrol says a Ford Explorer driven by 28-year-old Cory Herbers, of Horton, was westbound when he lost control of his vehicle on an icy patch. His vehicle traveled into the ditch and overturned.

Two passengers, both of Horton, were injured. 46-year-old Carrie Steimel was transported to Hiawatha's Amberwell Hospital with suspected minor injuries. 6-year-old Easton Herbers was transported to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says all three occupants were properly restrained when the wreck occurred.

(KAIR)--A two-case decrease in the number of active COVID-19 cases is noted in Atchison County. 

That's shown through the weekly release of local coronavirus statistics by the Atchison County office of the Northesast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments. 

According to the figures released Thursday, Atchison County currently has 149 active coronavirus cases, down from 151 cases as reported December 15. 

11 are currently hospitalized in Atchison County for the virus, down from 13 hospitalized as of last week. 

The latest figures show that of Atchison County's 149 cases, five are those 5-years-of-age or older; 7 are aged 5 to 12; 23 are aged 13 to 21; 22 are 22 to 35; 33 are aged 36 to 50; 34 cases are 51 to 65; and 25 of Atchison County's cases are those over the age of 65. 

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Atchison County has had a total of 2,899 coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. 

26 have died. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council Monday night approved a proposal from Lucas Froeschl,  the Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director to make an attempt to acquire ARPA funds to build a second electrical transmission line to Falls City.  

Froeschl said the state of Nebraska has millions of dollars in ARPA funds to be made available for projects in the state. 
Froeschl says the proposal needs to be submitted to the Nebraska Legislatures 
Appropriations Committee during the session that begins January 3.  

It was also noted that such a project would fit in the guidelines for use of the funds lined out by Governor Pete Ricketts which is for one-time only projects.

Senator Slama, OPPD and the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool are all on board for Falls City to submit a request for funding for an additional electrical transmissionline. 

The new line would not be for power to serve residents of Falls City, but would be available to potential new industries and businesses wanting to build new or expand in the community. Currently Falls City has only two - three meggawats of power that is not currently utilized. 

Froeschl also noted there could be other funds available to help with such a project including $50-million alloted through the Rural Projects Act for non-profits like EDGE that want to build business railparks.

It has been noted in the past that Omaha Public Power District will not build another service line to Falls City to provide additional electric power unless there is an existing need for the extra power.  The flip side of the coin is that industries that look at Falls City as a potential location, won't locate in the community if there is not sufficient power available for their business.  

(KLZA)-- The number of COVID-19 cases is on the rise in Richardson County. 

While test results are not yet available to determine if the new Omicron variant is in Richardson County,  Community Medical Center CEO Ryan Larsen said the number of positive test results have increased since the start of November.  

Larsen said 50 – 60 positive tests are reported each week recently which is about 25 percent of the tests conducted.  In addition, there are more tests for COVID-19 being conducted this year than last.  

Larsen told MSC News Thursday that there are currently no COVID patients in the hospital in Falls City.  

(KLZA)-- Richardson County  Commissioners have created a Citizens Advisory Committee for the proposed addition to the Jail area of the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center in Falls City. 

Most of those agreeing to serve were previously on the Citizens Advisory Committee created in 2013 to determine if a new jail was needed.  In 2014 the committee suggested Richardson County move forward with a new law enforcement center with 24 beds in the jail area. 

Reappointed to the CRA committee for the proposed addition to the jail area were: Ray Joy,  June Bowers,  Mark Joy,  Jake Ankrom,  Jerry Duerfeldt, Charlie Fiegener and Phil Bletscher.  Newly appointed members will be Trent Phillips and Austin Duerfeldt.  

The CRA Committee will discuss the jail expansion with Richardson County residents and recommend to the Commissioners if the proposal should be put on the ballot in May, 2022 to allow Richardson County voters to decide if the jail expansion will happen. 

In a related agenda item, Commissioners voted to enter into an agreement with Prochaska &  Associates for the Pre-Design Phase of the proposed addition to the jail area at a cost of $15-thousand.

Various expansion sizes ranging from 10 to 20 and up to 40 additional beds have been discussed.  

Sheriff Rick Hardesty said that since he was appointed in September, 2019, there have been approximately 1,200 bookings into the Richardson County Jail.  Some of the people held have helped generate revenue for the facility. In 2019 and 2020 $80 - $90-thousand has been generated by housing prisoners for other entities.  This year, the jail has been so full of local inmates there is rarely additional space available to house inmates for other jurisdictions. 

Sheriff Hardesty says there is interest from other law enforcement agencies in have additional places to house prisoners, including the U.S. Marshall Service which has indicated they might be interested in up to 20 of the beds for housing their prisoners.  Richardson County already has contracts to house prisoners for Pawnee, Nemaha and Otoe counties when bed space is available.  

The Sheriff encourages anyone with questions about the jail expansion proposal to contact him.  

(KNZA)--A new Doniphan West USD 111 superintendent has been hired for the 2022-23 school year.

During a special meeting on December 16, the USD 111 Board of Education voted to offer the position to Dr. Volora Hanzlicek.

Dr. Hanzlicek brings 33 years of educational experience to Doniphan West.

She has served as superintendent of Valley Falls USD 338 since July 2018.

Prior to that, Dr. Hanzlicek served as a consultant for the Southwest Plains Regional Service Center in Sublette and as assistant superintendent of Prairie Hills USD 113.

(KMZA)--Former Marysville Police Chief Todd Ackerman has been hired by the city of Augusta for the position of Director of Public Safety.

Ackerman will succeed former director Bob Sage, who retired in September.

Augusta is a community of 93-hundred in Butler County.

Ackerman has worked in the public safety field for 30 years—including most recently as Chief of Police for the city of Marysville for twenty-two years.

He was relieved of his duties in September by Marysville City Administrator Austin St. John. No reason was given for the action.

(KNZA)--For the past two weeks, the number of active cases of COVID-19 has declined in Jackson County.

According to figure released Wednesday by the Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health, there are 104 active cases in the county. That's down from 124 active cases on December 15 and 163 active cases on December 8.

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

Since the pandemic began, Jackson County has had 2,603 total positive COVID-19 cases, 72 total hospitalizations and 20 virus-related deaths. 

(KNZA)--A former Doniphan County Sheriff's deputy will stand trial on multiple charges.

Following a preliminary hearing Tuesday, a judge determined there was sufficient evidence for Nathaniel Keller to be bound over to Doniphan Count District Court on 15 counts.

Arraignment was scheduled for January 5.

He was arrested in June of this year after Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents served a search warrant on his home.

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

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

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

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

Keller remains free on a $500,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved taking the next step forward to build 33rd Street between Highway 73 and Bill Schock Boulevard, creating an intersection and building a stub street east onto a potential development site of nearly 19.5 acres adjacent to Highway 73.  

EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl called the proposal the culmination of an 18-month effort for economic development on the north edge of Falls City.

The Council approved $865-thousand for the project.  Of that amount,  Community Medical Center has pledged $250-thousand to help build the portion of street from Highway 73, west to Bill Schock Boulevard which would align with the entrance to the hospital. 

(KLZA)-- A Shenandoah, Iowa man suffered moderate injuries in a single vehicle wreck shortly before 8:00 p.. Tuesday evening in Atchison County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates a Ford Ranger pickup was northbound on U.S. Highway 59 approximately three miles north of Tarkio when the vehicle, driven by 39 -year-old Bobbi Christo , traveled off the east side of the road,  then returned to the road before traveling off the west side of the highway and striking an embankment,  rolling over and coming to rest on  the drivers side. She was not injured.

47-year-old David Ryan of Shenandoah was a passenger in the pickup and was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance Squad to the Shenandoah Medical Center for treatment of what were described as moderate injuries.

Both occupants of the pickup were wearing safety devices at the time of the wreck.

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

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission on Monday received an update on the damage from last Wednesday's wind storm.

County Emergency Management Director Russel Lierz said 10 buildings were destroyed in the county, which were all facing south. He said a barn and storage building containing RV's were among the buildings destroyed.

Three semi-tractor trailers on U.S. 36 Highway were blown over.  Only minor injuries were reported.  

Lierz said the winds in Nemaha County were a sustained 30 to 35 miles an hour, with peak gusts of 73 miles an hour.

Power poles and transformers in the county were downed.

The City of Centralia was without electricity for 8 hours and part of Seneca was without power for that length of time also.

Lierz said the western part of the county was the most affected by the wind, with the city of Wetmore sustaining some damage also.

In addition to the damage, a tornado warning issued at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, for the Corning and Goff area due to radar-indicated rotation.  However, Lierz confirmed there was no tornado, just straight-line winds. 

He praised the efforts of emergency responders and the Nemaha County Sheriff's dispatch. 

Lierz will be looking into receiving FEMA funds to help cover the cost of repairs  following last week’s storm.

(KNZA)--Doniphan Co employees will be receiving a pay increase for 2022.  

Following discussion, the Doniphan County Commission on Monday unanimously approved a $1 per hour pay increase for all county employees, with some exceptions.  

The county has been having a hard time keeping road and bridge department employees.  Commissioner Bobby Hall said the department is currently down 9 employees.  

In other business, the Commission signed two contractual agreements with KANZA Mental Health and Guidance Center for the 2022 fiscal year for appropriations in the amount of $30,000 plus an additional $1,000 for substance abuse disorder services from the liquor tax fund and an additional $14,200 for a crisis stabilization unit.

(KLZA)--The Nebraska unemployment rate continues to set new all-time lows.

For the month of November the statewide unemployment rate dipped to a lowest-ever recorded 1.8 percent. 

Locally in Southeast Nebraska the unemployment rate ranged from a low of 1 percent in Pawnee County to a high of 1.2 percent in Johnson County. 

The unemployment rate was 1.1 percent in Richardson, Otoe, Nemaha and Gage counties.

Some of those that are unemployed aren't eager to return to work since there are caring for relatives or have concerns about he pandemic.  

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Elementary and Middle School students will be getting new Chromebooks.

The Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education, when they meet this week, approved the purchase of 240 Chromebooks at a total cost of nearly $45,000 ( $44,983).

136 of the Chromebooks will go to the Elementary School and 104 will go the Middle School.

They will replace the current devices, which were purchased in January 2015.

COVID-19 relief funds awarded to the district will be used to fund the purchase.

In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Christina Simpson as Hiawatha Elementary School nurse and approved hiring Heather Gildersleeve to replace her.

The Board also approved the hiring of Patricia Leeper and Myles Long as Hiawatha High School custodians along with Samantha Reynolds as Hiawatha Elementary School custodian.

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

Roger Kiekhaefer died Friday at the age of 85. 

Following a stint in the United States Navy,  Roger Kiekhaefer attended Peru State College, returning home to take over the family business,  Western Auto, when his father passed away.  Western Auto became True Value Hardware. 

In addition to the hardware store, Kiekhaefer owned and operated several businesses throughout the years including apartment rentals, laundromats, the Lil' Duffer restaurant and Sonic.  

He also served on the City Council and was instrumental in building Grandview Park.  Kiekhaefer also served on the Downtown Modernization Committee. 

Roger Kiekhaefer is survived by his wife Patty,  four children and a sister. 

A funeral service for Roger Kiekhaefer will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Falls City.  The service will be livestreamed on the Dorr and Clark Funeral Home Facebook page.  
 
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have approved the purchase of 11 cell phone units and 11 Airgain Connect Antenna-Modems at a cost of $15,010 for the Richardson County Sheriff's Department from “FirstNet Buiilt with AT&T.”

After three billing cycles,  the County will receive a $9,700 credit.  

The Sheriff's Office has been testing the system and determined that cellular service is obtained in many more areas of the County than with the current provider.   

Commissioners also voted to receive its direct share and potentially receive additional funds from the Nebraska Opioid Recovery Fund, rather than contribute the county's direct share to the Nebraska Opioid Recovery Fund for use within Region V  Behavioral Health. 

County Attorney Doug Merz and Deputy County Attorney Samantha Scheitel reviewed with Commissioners the Nebraska Association of County Officials salary recommendations for County Officials for the 2023 – 2026 term of office.  

Merz noted the number of court cases filed this year were more than 200 District Court cases, more than 600 criminal cases in County Court with 750 traffic cases filed in County Court and 400 child support cases.  He also reminded the Board about the contract with the Public Defender capping the number of felony cases that must be handled by the Public Defender at 40.  
After 40 cases the court appointed attorney's will be assigned to those felony cases which will be an added cost to the County. 

(KLZA) -- The Humboldt -Table Rock – Steinauer School Board approved the 2022-23 negotiated agreement with district teachers when they met Monday evening.

The base salary was increased $517 to $37,990.

The Board approved the resignation of Sue Ann Tripp from the  Six Pence Program and approved the hiring of Laura Stalder as a Paraprofessional. 

A project to provide water to the Farm to School Programs garden was approved.  The contract with the roofing company HRC was tabled.

The HTRS Board also met in executive session concerning the B-Fit Program facility. No action was taken following the closed session.

(KNZA )--Three local northeast Kansas communities have been awarded funding through USDA Rural Development for water infrastructure improvements.

According to a news release, Highland, Nortonville and Vermillion are among 13 Kansas communities awarded funding from the agency.

The city of Highland has been awarded a nearly $1.3 million loan and $34,000 grant to start repairing the city's water distribution system, and construct a new Ion exchange treatment plant.

The city of Nortonville has been awarded a more than $770,000 loan for the second phase of the rehabilitation of the existing water system. The proposed project will replace an abandoned well, replace the remaining 1.5 mile portion of cast iron waterline and construct two new wells. It will also include 185 new meters, 90 meter settings, 14 valves and 9 fire hydrants.

The city of Vermillion has been awarded a more than $1.2 million grant and $272,000 loan for the first phase of the rehabilitation of the existing water system. It will include the construction of a new water well, standpipe and distribution system.

(KMZA)--A vacancy has been filled on the Seneca City Council.

The Council voted 4-0 Thursday evening to appoint LuKas Koch to fill the Ward 1 Council position left vacant by the resignation of Kylee Bergstrom, who is moving out of the ward.. Council member Mike Stallbaumer was absent.

Koch was the lone candidate to express an interest in filling the position.

Bergstrom resigned, effective December 1st. She had served on the Council since January 2018.

Koch will be sworn-in and take his seat on the Council at their first meeting in January.

He will serve a 4-year term.

The meeting was moved from Wednesday evening to Thursday evening due to a power outage at City Hall caused by Wednesday's high winds.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Commissioners approved the reappointment of Myron Battles to a four-year term on the Pawnee County Veteran's Service Board when they met Tuesday.

Laura Osborne with the Four County Team met with the Board to provide updates as the team has set a number of goals concerning affordable housing,  after school activities for kids 8 – 12 years of age,  child care, behavioral and mental health, senior citizen needs and resource coordination.

Highway  Superintendent Chris Rauner updated the Board on various projects and noted that prices for rock at Martin Marietta at DuBois will be going up January 1.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man was arrested early Friday morning following a business burglary.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says the Sheriff's Office was notified of a vehicle in the roadway north of the One Stop Gas Station located at 190th Road and U.S 75 Highway around 3:30.

A Jackson County Deputy found the vehicle abandoned in the roadway. 

A Prairie Band Pottawatomi Tribal Police Officer found the front window of the business broke out and a man dressed in dark clothing fleeing on foot. 

Jackson County Deputies and K-9s responded to the scene along with a Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft unit to search for the suspect. 

Deputies took the suspect into custody near 178th Road and U.S. 75 Hwy around 5:15 a.m. 

44-year-old Colby Kastens was placed under arrest by Jackson County Sheriff Deputies and Tribal Police.

(KMZA)--An interim Nemaha Co Senior Services and Public Transit Director has been named.

Following an executive session Monday, Nemaha County Commission Chairman Gary Scoby announced that Senior Services/Public Transit Administrative Assistant Marie Weaver has accepted the position of interim director.

Weaver will receive additional compensation of $250 a month beginning December 21.

She will serve as interim director until a new permanent director is hired.

Diane Yunghans resigned earlier this month as Senior Services/Public Transit Director, effective December 17.

She has served in the role since May 30, 2013.

In other business, County Attorney Brad Lippert spoke to commissioners about increasing the amount that the county pays to court appointed attorneys.

Following discussion, the commission approved increasing the amount from $80 an hour to $100 an hour.

(KMZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved the purchase of new laptops for students in grades 6-12.

Superintendent Todd Evans said in continuing the district's 1:1 technology inititive, the board Monday evening approved the purchase of 550 laptops at a total cost of $473,000 to replace the exising iPad devices. The laptops will be purchased with a grant from two federal funds

In other business, Evans said the board accepted the resignations of two longtime district employees. Wetmore teacher Linda Boyd will be retiring at the end of the current school year. She has  has taught English, speech, journalism and theatre at Wetmore High School since 1980. Also accepted was the resignation of Kathy Kesler, who has been working with the food service program at Sabetha since 1989.

Evans said the Board also recognized two outgoing board members. Ed Reznicek has served on the board since 2003--including as board president from 2010 to June 2021. Ann Shaughnessy has served on the board since 2018.

Anissa Bloom was elected during the November general election to replace Reznicek and Phillip Buessing was elected to replace Shaughnessey.

They will take their seats on the board in January.

(KLZA)-- During a special meeting of the Richardson County  Commissioners Thursday morning a state of emergency declaration was approved on behalf of Richardson County and all cities and villages within Richardson County.

The declaration was in response to the Wednesday winds storms that caused significant damage in the county. 

Power outages were reported in Falls City, Rulo, Barada, Verdon, Shubert and Salem.  Buildings were damaged, roofs were blown off and there was major tree damage reported. 

Of major concern is a metal roof that was blown off of the water treatment plant at Rulo which supplies water to Falls City and Falls City Rural Water customers. The roof blew into the tower where a number of controls for the water plant are housed.

Richardson County Emergency Management Agency  Director Brian Kirkendall has ordered two truck loads of bottles water from the Red Cross. Water customers are urged to conserve as much water as possible. 

Power poles were snapped off and power lines were down in Falls City and in the rural areas. 

The Omaha Public Power District line serving Falls City was heavily damaged.  It is anticipated OPPD will have the line repaired sometime Friday. 

Until then Falls City is generating its own power at the power plant,  but there have been some equipment issues due to low voltage, that delayed the restoration of power.  Wartzilla has been contacted and a tech will be helping resolve the issues with the newest generator.  A person from Farbe Mechanics is assisting and one from Nebraska  City is also helping.  

Currently the power plant has three engines running generating power for Falls City customers.  

Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring thanked the Auburn Board of Public Works for sending down a crew to help reset poles in the rural area and Falls City Utility customers for their patients while the repairs are being made.

Luhring also praised the local crews for their long hours of helping restore power.  

Residents are urged to conserve as much water and electricity until repairs are completed. 

(KAIR)--A two-case, one week increase in the number of active coronavirus cases in Atchison County.

That word was delivered in Wednesday’s update of the local numbers by the Atchison County office of the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments.

According to the figures, Atchison County currently has 151 active cases of COVID-19, up two from the 149 cases reported December 8.

Additionally, a three-case increase in the number of virus-related hospitalizations in Atchison County is also reported, with the health department Wednesday saying the current number hospitalized is 13, up from last week’s 10 hospitalizations.

The statistics show that of Atchison County’s current 151 coronavirus cases, eight are less than 5-years-old; 11 are between the ages of 5 to 12; 26 cases involve those aged 13 to 21; 28 cases are those between 22 and 35; 24 cases are aged 36 to 50; 34 cases are aged 51 to 65; and 20 of the county's cases are those over the age of 65.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Atchison County has had 2,801 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

26 have died.

Meanwhile, the first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Kansas.

That word comes in a release issued Thursday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which confirms that the case was confirmed in “a vaccinated adult in Franklin County,” who the release says “has not received a booster dose.”

No additional details are being made public “to protect the privacy of the individual.”

The variant was discovered at the state Health and Environmental Laboratories, which is now “screening all current positive PCR COVID-19 samples received at the lab to look for a specific genetic characteristic that would indicate the Omicron variant.”

(KNZA)--Wednesday's high winds caused significiant damage in portions of Brown County.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the county endured some of the worst weather conditions it has experienced in many years, with wind gusts of 90 miles an hour plus estimated.

Trees and debris were blown on to homes. Damage was reported to roofs. Sheds, barns and outbuildings were destroyed.

In several areas of the county, semi's were blown over in the roadways and residents reported their vehicles overturned.

Power outages were reported throughout most areas of the county.

Several areas reported fences down and livestock being rounded up.

No major injuries or fatalities were reported.

Merchant praised the efforts of emergency responders. He said many county residents  helped clear roadways of downed trees and debris, and provided assistance to friends and neighbors.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening granted extensions for seven properties in violation of the city's minimum housing codes.

The Commission took the action after hearing from one of the property owners and Code Enforement/building inspector Dave Wilson.

The Commission at their October 11 meeting had granted an extension until Monday's meeting for the properties.

Local resident Dean Tollefson, who owns a downtown building on the list at 113 South 6th Street, appeared before the Commmission to request more time to bring his property into compliance. The Commission voted to grant Tollefson a six-month extension until June 13.

The Board voted to grant extensions for the other six properties until April 11. They are located at 507 Miami Street, 606 Kansas Avenue, 111 Navajo Street, 308 South 10th Street, 804 Kansas Avenue and 412 Miami Street.

In the meantime, the Commission plans to take action to have a garage removed from the property at 308 South 10th Street, saying it poses a safety concern.

(KAIR)--Following a day of mild temperatures and strong winds, which led to the issuance of a high wind warning, the local region Wednesday evening was met with severe, springlike weather to match the unseasonable warm weather.

Tornado warnings were issued as the afternoon turned to evening, with such local, Kansas counties as Atchison and Doniphan included in the issuance by the National Weather Service.

Atchison County Emergency Management Director, Wes Lanter, told MSC News the warning was radar indicated, with radar showing rotation between the Effingham and Lancaster areas.

Although no tornado damage has been reported, Lanter said damage did occur throughout the county due to Wednesday’s strong winds, with several metal outbuildings incurring damage, along with trees, power lines, power polls, and residential roof damage. Lanter added that numerous road signs, located throughout the County, are missing.

Along with the dangers brought by Wednesday’s strong winds, another side effect was the strong smell of smoke, blown in from fires outside the local area.

According to information shared by the Emergency Management Offices of both Atchison and Leavenworth Counties, the strong smell possibly originated with what the release calls “large grass fires out in Central Kansas.”

The release notes that the evening’s strong storms, accompanied by winds with reported gusts around 80 mph, “brought the smoke with them.”

Lanter told MSC News there was “dense smoke across the county from wildfires to the west and south of Atchison County.”

The smell of smoke, along with a dense haze, blanketed the City of Atchison Wednesday evening, where some areas were left in darkness due to power outages caused by the evening’s storms.

While the downtown area joined much of Atchison in remaining lit, some areas went without power for hours, including several major intersections, such as 6th and U.S. Highway 59, meaning the loss of power to traffic signals. The traffic lights were replaced with temporary stop signs to control traffic, as businesses in that corridor, including fast food restaurants and a full-service pharmacy, closed early for the evening.

Atchison’s Walmart was also found to have closed early, with the U.S. Highway 73 location left in the dark.

Power was restored, at least in some locations, around 11:00 Wednesday night, nearly five hours following the start of the outage.

Earlier in the day, prior to the arrival of the storms, crews faced the dangerous winds as they battled an early afternoon Doniphan County grass fire along the east entrance to Troy, with the smoke leaving low to no visibility along nearby U.S. Highway 36.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County woman has been convicted of stabbing a man 11 times early this year.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 50-year-old Becky Lynn Kelly “was convicted as charged in a two-day trial [for] aggravated battery from an incident in the City of Leavenworth.”

According to the release, Kelly, of Lansing, was arrested after she was identified as the one involved in the stabbing at a Leavenworth apartment complex.
Police were called there twice on January 7, first for a noise complaint and again after a neighbor heard a man yell that he had been stabbed.

When they returned, police found two neighbors tending to the victim, and learned that Kelly had been seen leaving the apartment, with her victim following “after her before collapsing at the base of the steps.”

He suffered serious injuries, including two collapsed lungs and a punctured colon, but survived.

(KAIR)--The search for Atchison’s next City Manager is underway, with the new top-spot of City leadership likely to be in place sometime early in the new year.

According to Interim City Manager Justin Pregont, the City has received 25 applications for the position, with the City Commission “currently working on evaluating those candidates.”

A first review of applications for those seeking to fill the role had been set for December 8, with the extended executive session at Monday’s Special Meeting of the Commission focused on the topic. According to Pregont, it’s likely the City will “have another executive session at next Monday’s meeting to continue” the evaluation, adding that he thinks it’s safe to say that the City is “hoping to conduct interviews by the end of January,” with the City likely to “opt for the “interview conference” format that the City has used for department head and executive level positions over the last 10-years or so.”

The City Manager’s position became vacant following the resignation of Becky Berger in August for reasons not made public. She served in the role from 2018 until her resignation.

A week following her resignation, Assistant City Manager Pregont was installed, by a decision of the Atchison City Commission, to serve as Interim City Manager until the time the position is filled permanently. Pregont has stated publicly that he does “not wish to be considered a candidate for the permanent City Manager position.”

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education has approved a contract with the Falls City Education Association for the 2022-23 school year. 

The new base salary will be $38-thousand which is an increase of $700 on the base schedule.  The total package increase for the teaching faculty in the Falls City District will be 3.41 percent and is projected to increase total costs by $235-thousand.  The figures take into account movement on the teacher salary schedule and the insurance premium increase, but do not account for resignations, retirements, staffing changes and new hires to be determined. 

The Board also approved an engineering agreement with RDG Planning and Design for the high school athletic stadium turf replacement project.

The company will provide professional design and construction administration services for the project.  An evaluation of the turf completed this past fall noted the hardness of the turf has continued to increase and is reaching points near the maximum impact threshold and range of compaction.  In addition, the fiber length is shortening in areas and some seams have been identified as separating.  

The artificial turf was installed in 2005.  

(AP)--The company working to build a mine in southeast Nebraska to extract a rare element used to make steel lighter and stronger said Tuesday it may also be able to produce some of the key ingredients needed to make the powerful magnets used in electric vehicles. NioCorp Developments released a new report showing that those rare earth elements are present throughout the deposit it plans to mine if it can raise roughly $1 billion to build the project about 80 miles south of Omaha. But the company won’t know for sure whether it can economically produce those rare earth elements until it does some additional analysis over the next few months.  

(KLZA)-- Frontier Bank has announced that, as of January 1, Trent Scheitel will succeed Marc Morehead as President of its Falls City location. 
Morehead will retire from day to day work December 31, but will remain with the bank in a part-time consulting role as he intends to travel and enjoy time with family after 28 years with Richardson County Bank & Trust/Frontier Bank.

Scheitel is currently Vice President and has been with Frontier Bank since 2017. The Falls City native and Nebraska Wesleyan graduate started his career as a CPA for KPMG, LLP in Omaha before moving to Falls City. 
He currently is on the Board of Directors for Community Medical Center, Falls City Educational Foundation and the Community Redevelopment Authority. Trent and his wife, Samantha, reside in Falls City with their son, Peter.
Also with the New Year, Bill Niedfeldt will bring nearly 34 years of banking experience to the Falls City location. Bill is excited to continue to work with his existing customer base and to meet and work with new customers. Niedfeldt has served on many civic organizations including the Board of Directors for Community Medical Center, the Richardson County Visitors’ Committee and the Nemaha NRD Board.

(KAIR)--Installation of fiber-based internet continues in Atchison, as Rainbow Communications continues its focus on the City’s downtown district.

According to a release from the Everest-based telecommunications company, crews, for the past few months, “have been busy installing services for the businesses and residents” in what the company calls “the Downtown East fiberhood.”

According to the release, issued earlier this month, “construction is still progressing for the remaining areas of phase one, which include the Downtown West fiberhood,” with that step in the overall installation process set to begin soon.

The release notes that crews “have also been busy preparing the details for the fiberhoods in [the] phase two construction areas.”

According to the release, the next construction phase will be announced early next year.

The Rainbow Fiber Expansion Project began in the spring of this year.

According to Rainbow, phase one of the fiber expansion means a $3 million investment and the laying and attaching of more than 75-miles of fiber-optic cable, consisting of a new route to Amberwell Health, as well as routes to Benedictine College, the Amelia Earhart Airport, and Atchison’s downtown business district. Rainbow Communications has been expanding into the Atchison area, from its Brown County headquarters, for several years, including a private-public partnership with the City and County of Atchison that resulted in the 2018 expansion of the fiber-optic network to the Shannon Industrial Park. In 2019, the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation sought the company’s help in expanding fiber internet to Atchison’s Amelia Earhart Airport, as part of the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum project, as well as what the company at the time called an improvement to “the airport’s operational efficiency."

(KMZA)--The second of two men charged in the death of elderly Vermillion man in 2020 has been sentenced to 23 years and 9 months in prison.

According to the Marshall County Attorney's Office, Jefferson Goad, of Waverly, was handed the sentence Tuesday in Marshall County District Court on charges of second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and arson.

He pleaded no contest to the amended charges in October stemming from the death of 83-year-old Donald McLaughlin.

Co-defendant, Jeremy Penix II, of Melvern, was sentenced last week to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole on a charge of first-degree murder.

In addition, he received another 20 years for other crimes related to the death and for a separate case of sexual exploitation of a child. He will be eligible for parole during the 20-year sentence, which is to run consecutive to the “ hard 25” sentence.

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

Authorities say the two men robbed and beat Mclaughlin before setting his home on fire.

(KNZA)--An additional 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, in a news release Tuesday, announced they were awarded a $10,000 grant from the Johnsonville Member Giving Drive for the project.

Employees of Johnsonville nominate local non-profit organizations for the potential grant, and then vote to select the organization to receive the grant 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 original building construction estimate from April 2020 was $320,000. The release says with tremendous community support, the Friends of Banner Reservoir raised half of the estimated project costs, $160,000.

In October of last year, they were awarded a $160,000 matching state grant.

Due to delays created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the grant announcement date was pushed back about a year and a half. Material and construction costs have increased during the delay.

The release says they are in the process of finalizing their building plans and preparing to request bids.

Even with in-kind donations, the release says additional funds will be necessary to complete construction of the building.

The Friends of Banner Creek Reservoir Board of Directors include Aaron Deters, Eric Deneault, Barb Dillner, Deb Dillner, Lana Dillner, Richard Iverson, Rob Ladner, and Beth Nelson.

(KNZA)--A Holton woman was arrested on drug charges following the execution of a search warrant late Tuesday afternoon.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Sheriff's Office conducted a search warrant at a residence north of Holton located at 12379 244th Lane following a drug investigation.

Morse said 33-year-old Kristina Hyatt was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hyatt was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

In a separate incident, a White Cloud woman was arrested early Sunday morning on drug charges after a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy stopped to assist a stranded motorist on U.S. 75 Highway near 286th Road.

Morse said the driver, 44-year-old Tiffany Boaldin, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and no insurance.

Boaldin was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KAIR)--A four-day jury trial ended with a Leavenworth man being found guilty in connection with an armed home invasion that happened during the late summer of 2019.

32-year-old Lonnie Holmes was found guilty in Leavenworth County District Court for aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery, and aggravated battery.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, a hearing is scheduled for January 14 for sentencing.

During the four day trial, one day was suspended, according to Thompson, “due to a juror going to the emergency room between the second and third day of the trial.”

The release explains that Holmes, who was accompanied by another, “entered a [Leavenworth] home at 403 Logan Street while looking to retaliate for a person breaking a car window earlier in the night” on August 25, 2019.

Not finding who he was looking for, Holmes instead held another person at the residence, who was not connected to the matter, at gunpoint, demanding the whereabouts of the person he was seeking and the victim’s phone and passcode.

Tying the victim up after dragging him to a back bedroom, Holmes then “struck him multiple times with a crowbar while trying to extract information.”

Holmes then partially cut off one finger of the victim, took his phone and money, and fled.

The victim, according to Thompson was found “in a pool of blood with a partially amputated finger and a 4-5 inch laceration to his head.”

The man survived.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha School Board member, in the final month of his 20 years on the board,  resigned Monday evening in protest to a decision by another board member to remove her children from Hiawatha schools and enroll them in a private school in another community.

John Wright said he had talked to Board member Andrea Groth personally about her decision prior the meeting and urged her to resign.

He said he had lost confidence in Groth to serve the district as a school board member and he felt her actions had given the school district a black eye.

Wright challenged Groth to resign and when she indicated she wouldn't, offered his resignation in protest in her place.

Board President Tom Simmer encouraged Wright to reconsider, and finish out the remaining month of his term.

Wright said he was not comfortable sitting on the board with Groth and left the meeting.

The action came after Superintendent Lonnie Moser recognized Wright, Groth and board member Keith Erdley for their service on the board.

Wright and Erdley did not seek re-election. Groth was defeated in the November general election by Jacquie Kerl.

Roni Tietijens was elected last month to replace Wright and Jim Robidoux was elected to replace Erdley.

The three newly elected members will take their seats on the board next month.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to remove Gene Atland from the position of Fire Chief, effective immediately.

Commissioner Brian Shefferd made the motion during his designated time at the end of the meeting, saying he believes the fire department should be able to select their own chief.

The motion to remove Atland was approved on a 3-2 vote. Joining Shefferd in approving the motion were Commissioners David Middendorf and Evans Woehlecke. Voting no were Mayor Bill Collins and Commissioner Becky Shamburg.

Shefferd said he has nothing against Atland, but just believes the fire department should be able to recommend who they want to fill the position.

The Commission appointed Atland as fire chief in November 2019, without recommendation, after voting to terminate Ryan Shockley as fire chief.

Assistant Chief Paul Shaefer will be notified that he will be Acting Fire Chief until a recommendation and appointment are made to fill Atland's unexpired term.

The position of fire chief is up for appointment in May 2022.

Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District’s (NPPD) Board of Directors approved a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from generation resources by 2050 during Thursday’s regularly scheduled board meeting. Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has been discussing decarbonization for years and has worked with its wholesale customers and the communities it serves to thoughtfully develop a policy that points NPPD towards net-zero carbon in a timeframe that allows for technology to enable this change, while maintaining affordability, reliability, and system resiliency. NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent says, “We believe it will take a variety of actions to reach this goal, from alternative fuels, energy efficiency projects, lower or zero carbon emission generation resources, carbon capture, carbon-offsets, beneficial electrification, energy storage, and other new emerging technologies that may not yet be commercially available or have yet to be developed.” In the process of developing this goal, NPPD worked with external consultants to explore potential scenarios for decarbonizing its generation mix, garnered extensive feedback from wholesale customers, hosted five public information forums across the state, and received thousands of responses to a survey on the topic. These all provided opportunities for education and feedback that would help NPPD’s board members develop the goal that was approved. A process Vice President of Customer Service and Chief Customer Officer Ken Curry says took several years of work. “It was important to provide opportunities for our customers to share what is most important to them as we embark on our journey to net zero carbon. Decarbonization is very important, but we heard resoundingly that protecting reliability and affordability are also critically important to those we serve,” continued Curry. The goal was approved by the board by a 9-2 vote. NPPD currently serves it’s Nebraska customers with roughly 65 percent carbon free energy resources, due in large part to Cooper Nuclear Station, in addition to hydro, wind and solar generation. “NPPD already sits in a great position with our diverse generation mix and we will continue to work closely with our customers as we move towards a goal of net-zero without compromising reliability and affordability,” says Kent. NPPD serves energy to customers in 86 of Nebraska’s 93 counties, including more than 92,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 79 Nebraska communities. NPPD also has wholesale power supply agreements with 38 municipalities and 23 rural public power districts and/or cooperatives.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department is holding a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Falls City on December 16th from 2 to 6 PM at Prichard Auditorium.

The walk-in clinic will be for the first or second dose and for the booster shot. The Morderna and Pfizer vaccines will be administered.

Individuals who plan to attend must be at least 90 days past receiving a monoclonal antibody infusion as a treatment for COVID-19. You must wear a mask before entering through the main entrance. If you are under the age of 19, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the clinic for consent.

If you are getting a booster shot it must be at least 6 months since your 2nd dose of Morderna or Pfizer. You also need to bring your insurance card to submit a claim for the administration of the shot. However nobody will be denied a vaccine due to insurance coverage.

If you have any questions call 402-274-3993 or 877-777-0424

(KLZA)-- Former Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman announced Tuesday morning that he will not run for Governor in 2022.

Heineman said he appreciates the strong support and encouragement he has been offered by Nebraskan's the past several months, and that he was very close to saying “Yes,”  but said family is very important to to him, now more than ever.

Heineman became governor in 2005 when Gov. Mike Johanns became the U.S. Agriculture Secretary.  He was elected to his first full term in November 2006 and served until January 2015.  

Heineman, who was born in Falls City, said he intends to remain politically active and will support candidates who can be future leaders in the state.

He encouraged the current candidates for governor to speak to the issues Nebraskan's had shared with him,  tax relief, education and broadband.  

Heineman noted the states 1967 tax code needs to be restructured to reflect the modern economy of the 21st Century,  one that promotes economic growth and creates higher paying careers.  

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education approved several hirings when they meet last week, and two outgoing board members were recognized.

The Board voted to hire Mikaela Lehew as a kindergarten teacher for the 2022-23 school year.

Julie Geiger was hired as the high school 9th-10th grade language arts teacher and Gary Sorensen as the high school college/career advisor.

In addition, the Board approved the hiring of Nick Dowell as the 9-12th grade activities director the 2022-23 school year and Marissa Blanton as high school secretary.

The action followed an executive session.

In other business, Board President Jason Selland and Superintendent Jason Cline each thanked outgoing board members Jacob Bruning and Jamie Bottom for their service on the board. Bruning and Bottom didn't seek re-election this fall.

Selby Rice was elected during the November general election to replace Bottom and Sarah Stirton was elected to replace Bruning.

The will take their seats on the board in January.

(KNZA)--A Denton man convicted on charges in the vandalism of a cemetery and a domestic disturbance in March 2020 has been placed on probation and ordered to pay more than $30,000 restitution.

Nicholas Cluck was given a suspended prison sentence last week in Doniphan County District Court on felony charges of aggravated battery and criminal descecration, and placed on 36-months supervised probation.

Cluck pleaded no contest to the charges in October. In exchange for the plea, charges of criminal damage to property and driving under the influence were dismissed.

Authorities say Cluck drove his pickup truck through the Walnut Grove Cemetery, northeast of Highland, on March 7, 2020, damaging multiple grave markers and a chain link fence.

(KLZA)-- A new 60 x 120-foot building at the Pawnee County Fairgrounds should be ready for use prior to the 2022 Pawnee County Fair.

The Pawnee Republican reports the new building has been ordered. To make room for the new building the livestock arena and sheep barn will be torn down.

What is described as a “generous” donation has been made to help pay for the new building.  However, additional fundraising will be necessary to cover the costs of the cement for the floor,  livestock pens, electricity, plumbing and guttering.

Tax deductible contributions can be made for the project.  Donations can be sent to the Pawnee County Fair Foundation in care of Holly Siske, 62281,  714 Road, Table Rock, NE.  68447.  

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Library and Arts Center has reopened.  The Library was closed Friday afternoon due to a COVID-19 exposure.

The facility was disinfected and is now open for regular hours,  9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday,  Tuesday and Wednesday;  10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Materials may be requested for drive-through pickup.  

Children's programs have been cancelled for this week and will resume on December 20.  

For those utilizing the Library for computers, WIFI, faxing, scanning and copy machine use, masks are available and social distancing is encouraged.

If you have questions you man call the Library at 402-245-2913. 

(KAIR)--A fire broke out in the Platte County, Missouri Jail Sunday afternoon.

According to a release from Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen, the fire, which was reported shortly after 4:00, was contained to the laundry room.

Owen said no inmates nor staff were injured, and the facility did not need to be evacuated.

Based on a preliminary investigation, he said the fire started in a dryer and is believed to be the result of a mechanical failure.

Sheriff Owen stated, “I am very proud of our staff. Their actions and quick response helped protect the rest of the facility and ensure the safety of our inmates.”

The Central Platte Fire Protection District responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.

(KAIR )--A Friday afternoon two-vehicle wreck in the city of Atchison sent four individuals to the hospital.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the wreck was reported shortly before 3:30 at the intersection of 10th and Commerical Streets.

Wilson said a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven 17-year-old Atchison resident Emily Dexter was westbound on Commercial Street when a northbound Ford pickkup truck on 10th Street entered the intersection and struck her vehicle.

Dexter and three passengers, two 9-year-olds and a 13-year-old, were transported by ambulance to Atchison's Amberwell Hospital where they were treated and released.

The driver of the pickup, Tim Cooper, of Leavenworth, was not hurt.

Wilson said Cooper was cited for failure to yield.

(KNZA)--The second of three Atchison men charged in the 2019 beating death of a Cummings man has learned his fate.

46-year-old Scott Vandeloo was sentenced December 8 in Doniphan County District Court to 4 years and one month in prison on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Vandeloo was given credit for 487 days served in jail.

His prison sentence will be followed by 24-months post release supervision.

Vandeloo pleaded no contest to the reduce charge in October. He had been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 42-year-old Jason Pantle.

Co-defendant, 25-year-old Brian Spilman, Jr., was sentenced in November to more than 2 ½ years in prison on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. A jury found his guilty of the felony offense in September.

A jury trial for the third defendant, Matthew “ Cole” Scherer, is scheduled to begin March 28 of next year. He faces a charge of second-degree murder.

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 USD 409 is mourning the loss of a longtime teacher.

Superintendent Dr. Renee Nugent announced Friday the unexpected death of Atchison Elementary School first grade special education teacher Ramona Wilson.

In a post on the district's Facebook page, Nugent said Wilson touched the lives of many staff and students throughout her tenure with Atchison Public Schools.

Wilson had served as a teacher at Atchison Elementary since August 2009.

Nugent said extra counseling support was provided to staff and students Friday and will be available on Monday as well.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

(KNZA NEWS)--The number of active cases of COVID-19 are up in Brown and Nemaha Counties.

According to figures released Thursday by the Brown County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health, there are currently 49 active cases in the county. That's up from 45 active cases on Monday and 31 active cases on November 24.

Five individuals are currently hospitalized.

19 of the current cases involve those under the age of 17; five cases are those 18 to 24; 3 cases involve those 25 to 34; 11 cases involve those 35 to 54; 12 cases involve those 45 to 64 and nine cases are those 65 years and older.

Since the pandemic began, Brown County has had 1,726 total coronavirus cases with 40 virus-related deaths.

Meanwhile, the Nemaha County Health Department on Wednesday reported 94 active cases in the county. That's up from 59 active cases reported on December 1.

The Health Department classified 14 of the current active cases as " breakthrough" cases--those involving individuals who have been fully vaccinated.

Six individuals are currently hospitalized.

Since the pandemic began, Nemaha County has had 2,296 total positive coronavirus cases and 56 virus-related deaths.

(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission this week approved new water and wastewater rates. In addition, the Commission updated the CSO fee for 2022.

Residential water rates will remain unchanged, but commercial rates will undergo an average 5% rate hike.

Wastewater rates were increased 1% for all users and the CSO fees were increased 2.5% for all users.

According to a news release from the city, the rate increases were in line with what the commission had already budgeted for 2022.

In other business, Commissioners approved $80,000 in curb and gutter repairs in the Westridge neighborhood to be performed by Bottorff Construction. The curb and gutter project is in advance of an upcoming special streets project that the city has budgeted in 2022, that is expected to include the Westridge neighborhood.

And Commissioners approved a resolution allow the city to participated in an opioid class action litigation settlement that is expected to bring between $50,000-$100,000 to the city for use in drug education and/or treatment programs.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission this week discussed employee wage increases for 2022.

For discussion purposes, Commissioner Wayne Grable proposed a 50 cent per hour increase for hourly employees, 75 cent per hour increase for appointed/salaried employees and $1.00 per hour increase for elected officials, with concessions to be made for some employees.

Commissioner Bobby Hall voiced concern with all part-time road employees starting at the same rate of pay, not hiring some individuals at a higher rate. He also suggested the county not hire additional Road Department staff instead increase the pay of current employees and contract out more road projects, allowing employees to concentrate on maintenance and contractors to do larger projects, thus being more time efficient and cost effective.

Commissioner Timothy Collins said consideration needs to be given to raising all county wages including courthouse and jail staff, as some are not making a decent wage.

County resident C B Lackey, who was present at the meeting, asked if the County has ever established a wage range per job responsibility. County Clerk Peggy Franken advised previous Boards of County Commissioners have but with change in composition of Board Members every two years, salary schedules were done away with.

Action was tabled pending further discussion.

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

The Nemaha County Attorney's Office says Jesse Davis pleaded no contest Thursday in Nemaha County District Court to charges of indecent liberties with a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

In exhange for the plea, charges of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and criminal sodomy were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for February 17.

The offenses date back to 2017

Davis was arrested in April following an investigation by the Sabetha Police Department.

He remains free on bond.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Library and Arts Center is closed due to a COVID-19 exposure. 

Mayor Shawna Bindle closed the Library as of Friday afternoon at 2:30 so it could be disinfected.  

The Southeast District Health Department is being consulted as to when it will be safe to reopen the Library.  

(KAIR)--The Atchison community is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved Catholic leaders.

Abbot Barnabas Senecal died Tuesday morning at St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison at the age of 84.

Several monks and health care workers were present with him when he died.

Abbot James Albers of St. Benedict’s Abbey reflects on the legacy of Abbot Barnabas, remembering his service in the local parishes, Maur-Hill Mount Academy, and St. Benedict’s and Benedictine College.

“So he really has impacted all of the outreach that we have with the faithful. You can see his fingerprints on all of it - just the subtleness and the way he led us in a community - just a gentleness. [He was] Unexcitable as St. Benedict says an Abbot needs to be. He was an unexcitable person in the sense that he didn’t get overly worked up when things were difficult things on this plate.”

Vespers for the Dead, followed by visitation, will be prayed on Monday evening at 7 in St. Benedict’s Abbey.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Abbot Barnabas will be celebrated in St. Benedict’s Abbey Church on Tuesday morning at 10:30.

Vespers for the Dead and the Mass of Christian Burial will be streamed live on the “KansasMonks” YouTube page.

(KLZA)--An Oregon, Missouri man was hospitalized following a hit-and-run wreck on Interstate 29 approximately two miles north of St. Joseph shortly after 6 o'clock Wednesday evening.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 48-year-old Daniel Hunzier suffered minor injuries when the northbound pickup that Hunzier was driving was impacted in the rear bumper by another vehicle.

Hunziger as able to pull off to the shoulder.  The other vehicle left the scene and was unable to be located. 

Hunziger was transported to the Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph with minor injuries by private vehicle.   
 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved upgrading the county email accounts to provide improved security when they met Tuesday.

Joe Buckminster of buckIT will complete upgrades to the email accounts of county officers and employees to provide for an improved, secure system to make application to change the domain to .gov. 

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. reported several employees are not working due to illness and requested the county Board approved using funds received through the America Rescue Plan Act to provide payment for leave when employees are away from work due to COVID.  No action was taken on the request.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported his department is currently utilizing a period of time for a demonstration of cell phones through AT &T along with a device that will boost internet services in which the Sheriffs Office has indicated the service is much more accessible.  The Sheriff also reported that a patrol unit had hit a deer earlier Tuesday morning. The  estimate of damage was not yet available. 

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding with with Nebraska Crime Commission for the 2023 Community – based Juvenile services Aid Application when the met November 30.

Commissioners also discussed salaries for the next term of office for elected county officials with no action taken.

The Boar approved having Soarin Group serve as the new Pawnee County IT Security company for the courthouse.  
 

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Health Department will hold two additional pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics this month for children ages 5 to 17.

The first clinic will take place Tuesday, December 14 and the second clinic on Thursday, December 23.

Both will be held at the Doniphan County Health Department located at 201 South Main Street in Troy from 3 to 6 pm.

The Pfizer vaccine is the only one authorized for children five years old and older at this time. The Federal Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control authorized the vaccine on November 2nd.

Those with questions can call the Doniphan County Health Department at 785-985-3591.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Health Department will hold two additional pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics this month for children ages 5 to 17.

One will take place Tuesday, December 14 from 3 to 6 at the Doniphan County Health Department located at 201 South Main Street in Troy, with the second dose to be administered on Tuesday, January 4.

A pediatric vaccine clinic will also be held on Thursday, December 23 from 3 to 6 at the Health Department, with the second dose being given Thursday, January 13.

The Pfizer vaccine is the only one authorized for children five years old and older at this time. The Federal Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control authorized the vaccine on November 2nd.

Those with questions can call the Doniphan County Health Department at 785-985-3591.

(KMZA)--A man charged in the death of an elderly Vermillion man in 2020 has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

Jeremy Penix II, of Melvern, was handed the sentence this week in Marshall County District on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of 83-year-old Donald McLaughlin.

Penix pleaded no contest in October to the charge along with charges of aggravated robbery and arson.

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

Co-defendant Jefferson Goad, of Waverly, pleaded guilty in October to a reduced charge of second-degree murder along with charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary and arson.

Goad is scheduled to be sentenced December 14.

(KAIR)--A third woman has been arrested in connection with the burglary of an Atchison apartment in November.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 56-year-old Tamara Mies, of Atchison, was arrested Wednesday on a District Court warrant for burglary and theft.

Mies was booked into the Atchison County Jail, where she remains held on a $25,000 bond.

20-year-old Karla Woods, of Stover, Missouri, and 27-year-old Janice Jimenez-Saavedra, of Atchison were arrested following the burglary November 20.

The three women are accused of breaking into an apartment in the 200 block of North 3rd. Clothing and household items were taken.

(KLZA)-- The Southeast District Health Department is holding a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Falls City on December 16th from 2 to 6 PM at Prichard Auditorium.

The walk-in clinic will be for the first or second dose and for the booster shot. The Morderna and Pfizer vaccines will be administered.

Individuals who plan to attend must be at least 90 days past receiving a monoclonal antibody infusion as a treatment for COVID-19. You must wear a mask before entering through the main entrance. If you are under the age of 19, a parent or legal guardian must be present at the clinic for consent.

If you are getting a booster shot it must be at least 6 months since your 2nd dose of Morderna or Pfizer. You also need to bring your insurance card to submit a claim for the administration of the shot. However nobody will be denied a vaccine due to insurance coverage.

If you have any questions call 402-274-3993 or 877-777-0424

(KLZA)--  Richardson County Deputies made two separate drug arrests on Tuesday.

The first occurred at about 1:00 P.M. when deputies and the Richardson County K-9 Unit executed a search warrant at 402 North Main Street in Stella.

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

Brian McFeeters was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The second arrest occurred about 11:15 P.M. Tuesday when the Richardson County Deputies conducted a traffic stop.

During a probable cause search, deputies located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Eric Hestermann of Humboldt was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
 

(MSC News)- Dr. Julie Rosa and Dr. Pete Rosa were recognized at the 41st Annual Family Medicine Winter Symposium on December 3, held by the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita, for being outstanding clinicians, teachers, and role models.

Each year the Department of Family and Community Medicine at KUSM–Wichita recognizes an outstanding volunteer faculty member who teaches medical students in Wichita or rural Kansas. According to Rick Kellerman, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, both physicians received outstanding evaluations from students about their teaching and Amberwell Hiawatha has become a favorite rural rotation site for medical students.

“They are an outstanding team and have been leaders in the Hiawatha medical community,” says Dr. Kellerman. Several students shared feedback as well:

“Dr. Julie is known for challenging her medical students to learn and improve their skills as clinicians and be the best physicians they can possibly be.”

“Dr. Pete is known to be a highly skilled, thoughtful, yet unassuming physician who has that hard-to-quantify but you-know-it-when-you-see-it ‘good bedside manner.’”

The selection committee noted the impact Dr. Pete Rosa and Dr. Julie Rosa have had on high school and college students from Hiawatha. “They are enthusiastic community physician role models,” said Dr. Kellerman. “They have inspired a generation of Hiawatha high school students to pursue a variety of professional careers in health care, many of whom are now (or were) medical students and resident-physicians at KUSM-Wichita.”

Both Dr. Pete Rosa and Dr. Julie Rosa were medical students at KUSM-Wichita and completed their postgraduate training at the KUSM-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Smoky Hill – Salina. As clinical assistant professors at KUSM-Wichita and primary care providers at Amberwell Hiawatha, Dr. Pete Rosa and Dr. Julie Rosa have helped attract new talent to Amberwell Hiawatha through their influence on the next generation of medical students.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved a zoning change to allow for a farm winery operation.

Following a hearing Monday, the commission approved a zoning change for property located at 505 North Second Terrace, in Troy. The property is owned by Chapple Farms LLC.

Owner Tim Chapple said the farm winery would consist of winemaking operations and wine testing events. Wine tasting would take place a couple of Saturdays a month and private tasting events held, with the farm winery being in operation by 2023.

Doniphan County Zoning Administrator Julie Meng said the Doniphan County Regional Planning Commission held a hearing on November 10 on the zoning change request. She said they received letters from three individuals in favor of the zoning change and no one opposed.

The Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the zoning change from R-O outer residential to A-1 conditional use.

(KAIR)--Atchison Mayor Abby Bartlett was voted in for a second year by fellow city commissioners during Monday’s regular meeting, which also included the swearing in of three commissioners for another term.

Bartlett is going into the third year of a four-year term, her second as the mayor. In Atchison the mayor is elected each year by commissioners from among their ranks. The mayor is responsible for setting the agenda, running the meetings and being the public face of the city, but has only one of five commission votes when it comes to setting policy.

Commissioner J. David Farris was elected as vice-mayor.

Commissioners Allen Reavis and Jesse Greenly were sworn into new four-year terms after being the top two vote getters during November’s election. Commissioner Lisa Moody was sworn into a new two-year term, her second consecutive.

(KAIR)--54 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Atchison County since last week.

According to figures released Wednesday by the Atchison County Office of Northeast Kansas Muli-County Health, there are currently 149 active cases in the county.  That's up from 95 active cases reported on December 1.

10 are currently hospitalized, down from 13 hospitalizations reported last week.

Six of the current cases involve those under the age of 5; eight cases are those 5 to 12; twenty-six cases involve those 13 to 21; 37 cases are those 22 to 25; 21 cases involve those 36 to 50; 32 cases are those 51 to 65; and 19 of the current cases are over the age of 65.   

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved a bid for a three-inch asphalt overlay of the Bern-Sabetha Road.

The Commission Monday accepted a bid from Hall Brothers, of Marysville, for the project in the amount of nearly $2.4 million ($2,365,294).

The project is to take place next summer.

Following a public hearing, the Commission approved a resolution to vacate a portion of 216th Road in Clear Creek and Nemaha Townships.

In other business, County Health Officer Heaven Schuette informed commissioners she has hired Lynn Rowland as a contact tracer for her department. Rowland began work Monday at a salary of $18 an hour.

And following an executive session, Commission Chairman Gary Scoby announced that Carolyn Jones has been hired as a a relief driver for the county public transit department. Jones began work Monday at a salary of $14.48 an hour.

BLUE RAPIDS, Kan. (AP) — A civil rights group says an area northeast Kansas town has dropped all charges against a man prosecuted for flying a flag outside his home with a profanity against President Joe Biden.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas said Wednesday it got involved after the city of Blue Rapids charged David Sain in August with promoting obscenity.

The ACLU says in a news release that Sain has a constitutionally protected right to free speech.

Blue Rapids officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sain says he is grateful that he can express himself without fear of prosecution.

(KAIR)--Two people were killed and three others injured—including two children-- in a Wednesday evening Atchison County head-on collision.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 73 Highway about 4 miles south of Atchison around 9:20.

The Patrol says a soutbound car driven by 37-year-old Derek Wohletz, of Tonganoxie, drove left of center and struck a northbound car driven by 26-year-old Felieca Paxton, of Atchison, head-on.

Paxton and a passenger in her vehicle, 33-year-old Jovonnie Franklin, of Atchison, were pronounced dead at the scene. 

Wohletz and two passengers in the Paxton vehicle, 7-year-old Jontae Paxton and 6-year-old Jayden Paxton, were injured.

Wohletz was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, with suspected serious injuries.

Jayden Paxton was transported to Children's Mercy Hospital, in Kansas City, with suspected serious injuries and Jontae Paxton was transported to Atchison's Amberwell Hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says none of adult occupants were wearing seatbelts and its not known if the two children were properly restrained   

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council met Monday evening.

A public hearing was held for the proposed subdivision on the North Commercial Corridor. Nobody from the public spoke. The council approved the subdivision.

Ray Luhring spoke to the council about a recommendation by the Board of Public Works to approve and authorize Mayor Bindle to sign the agreement with JK Energy Consulting in the amount of $20,500 for a Cost of Service Rate Study. The council approved the recommendation.

After hearing from Luhring again the council voted to approve the BPW recommendation to award a contract for sanitary improvements to Municipal Pipe Tool Company of Hudson, Iowa in the amount of $489,226. Which was the lowest of the two bids received.

The council also approved the agreement with Richardson County on a joint ariel photo project, approved the hiring of Mitchell Cheek as a police officer as recommended by Mayor Bindle and they also approved a Master Agreement in assistance for design and project development for Prichard Auditorium Parking and ADA Access as a voting station from Ollson.

The last item on the agenda was taking action on a Master Agreement for the development of a city-wide street study and survey with Ollson. The Council approved the study and survey.

(KAIR)--A 14-year-old boy was injured when the skateboard he was riding collided with a vehicle Tuesday evening in Atchison.

According to report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it had happened around 6:15 at the intersection of U.S. 59 Highway and 10th Street.

Wilson said a pick-up truck driven by Thad Jenkins, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was eastbound on U.S. 59 when he entered the intersection on a green light. A southbound skateboard ridden by the boy entered the intersection and collided with the truck.

Wilson said the boy was transported to Mosiac Life Care in St. Joseph by ambulance with unspecified injuries.

(KAIR)--A Horton man has been arrested in an Atchison County stabbing.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie said 33-year-old Howard Cline was arrested December 3 on charges of aggravated battery, criminal threat and aggravated assault.

Laurie said the charges stem from an incident late December 2nd in the 11-thousand block of Cheyenne Road, where a 40-year-old man alleged that Cline stabbed him in the face.

The victim was transported for hospitalized treatment.

Cline remains in the Atchison County Jail, held on a $25,000 bond.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man was arrested on multiple charges Monday after police responded to a criminal trespassing report.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded to the 1500 block of South 8th Street around 8:30 Monday morning. Officers located a suspect several blocks away who ran from officers.

Wilson said the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Jason Price, Junior, was apprehended in the 1000 block of South 7th Street. He was alleged found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Price was arrested for criminal trespass, interference with law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KMZA)--A statewide Silver Alert was cancelled for a missing Marysville man Tuesday evening after he was found safe in Nebraska. 

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue the  alert 72-year-old James “ Jim” Knecht.

The KBI requested the public's assistance in locating him.

The KBI said Knecht left his home around 8:30 Tuesday morning and was last seen around 10:00 at a gas station along U.S 36 Highway in Marysville.

Authorities were concerned because he has dementia and didn't take needed medication with him.

KAIR)--MGP Ingredients and local non-profit agencies are teaming up again this holiday season to distribute food boxes to Atchison-area families in need through the “Boxes of Blessing” project. Each box contains 25 pounds of non-perishable items.

The food boxes will be available, while supplies last, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, December 10 in the alley south of Atchison Wholesale Grocery, 100 South 3rd Street. Drivers are requested to line up on Main Street.

“‘Boxes of Blessing’ is a labor of love for all of us and we are excited to bring the program to Atchison for the eighth consecutive year,” said Michael Buttshaw, MGP’s vice president of Ingredient Solutions sales, marketing and R&D. “We hope to brighten the holidays for our neighbors.”

The project was inspired by a community program developed more than 20 years ago at B.C. Williams, a Dallas-based ingredients distributor and producer of custom mixes, bases and concentrates. “Boxes of Blessing,” initially focused on helping families in Texas and Tennessee, was extended to the Atchison area in 2014.

Local partners include Atchison County Food Pantry at First Christian Church; the Salvation Army of Atchison County; Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas; and Pantry of Hope; Atchison Wholesale Grocery and the Atchison Police Department.

(KMZA)--A statewide Silver Alert has been issued for a missing 72-year-old Marysville man.

The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue the alert for James " Jim " Knecht.
 
The KBI said the whereabouts of Knecht are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.
 
Knecht left his home Tuesday morning, Dec.7, at around 8:30, and was last seen at about  10 a.m. at the C.J. East gas station along Highway 36 in Marysville.

Knecht is driving a blue 2002 Buick Century with Kansas tag 240NEX. He may be traveling toward Iowa.
 
Knecht has dementia, and takes medication that he does not have with him.
 
Knecht is a white male, about 6 ft. 1 in. tall, and weighing 280 lbs. He has blue eyes and is bald. He has a red birthmark on his forehead. Knecht was last known wearing a black zip-up jacket and blue jeans.
 
If you see Jim Knecht, or his vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, please call the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at 785-562-3141.
 

(KNZA)--Two individuals were arrested after a search warrant was served on a Hiawatha apartment late Friday night.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said Sheriff's deputies assisted Hiawatha Police on a 911 call around 11:00.

Upon investigation in the vicinity of 110 South 12th Street, Merchant said illegal drug activity was observed by a deputy and he applied for, and was granted, a search warrant for Apartment #7 at the location.

51-year-old Lance Schulz, of Hiawatha, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In addition, 30-year-old Latisha Campbell, of Sabetha, was arrested on a $1000 cash Hiawatha failure to appear warrant.
 

(KNZA )--USDA Rural Development has awarded funding for two local energy infrastructure improvement projects.

According to a news release, a more than $177,000 grant has been awarded to create infrastructure to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels at fueling stations owned by the Kickapoo Tribe of rural Horton. The project will increase the amount of ethanol sold by nearly 110,000 gallons per year.

A nearly $5,000 grant will used to install an 8 kilowatt rooftop solar array on the main building of the Red Rock Guest Ranch—a bed and breakfast facility in Soldier. The project will realize nearly $1,800 per year in savings and will replace nearly 16,000 kilowatt hours—equating to 44 percent of annual energy use and enough energy to power one house.

Dan Fischer, acting state director for USDA Rural Development, announced Monday that the agency is investing nearly $834,000 to improve the energy infrastructure in 26 Kansas towns and counties.

The funding is coming through two programs designed to help people and businesses in rural areas---the Rural Energy for America Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman is facing additional charges following her arrest Saturday on a District Court warrant.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 25-year-old Allison Blakley was arrested Saturday morning in the 700 block Kansas Avenue on a District Court warrant for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement, and criminal damage to property.

Wilson said the warrant was associated with a case officers investigated on November 15 when a police officer on patrol observed Blakley, known to have active warrants for her arrest, as a passenger in a vehicle near 10th and U.S. 59. The officer stopped the vehicle in the 1000 block U.S.59. Blakley got out of the vehicle and ran to a wooded area north of U.S. 59. She was apprehended and the subsequent investigation that followed led to the recovery of methamphetamine.

During the warrant arrest on Saturday, Wilson said officers found Blakley to be in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, resulting in additional charges.

She was taken to the Atchison County Jail.

Editor's note: the following release was submitted by the Nemaha County STEP Foundation.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is excited to announce two new funds provided by a $100,000 anonymous donor.

Thanks to the generosity of this donor, $50,000 will begin the Barbara K. Vitt Scholarship Fund and $50,000 will start the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School (SPPS) Fund.

Barbara Beckenhauer Vitt, born in Council Grove, KS, many decades ago, grew up in Manhattan, KS. There, she attended a small two-room rural grade school. It was while going to the Strong School that she cemented her desire to become a teacher someday. Barbara had been leaning in that direction since she was a little girl, and wanted to follow in her mother and both her maternal and paternal grandmothers’ footsteps. They had all taught in one-room country schools when they were young, unmarried women. (In that era, once a woman teacher married, her teaching career was over!) At Strong School, Barbara enjoyed the teaching expertise of two wonderful teachers—Miss Lois Cravens, grades 1-4 and Mrs. Helene Carswell, grades 5-8. Her teachers taught all subjects to students in all four grades, without the assistance of any paraprofessionals, and they handled all disciplinary problems without the aid of a principal on the premises. Both women were smart, dedicated, compassionate, and demanding, and Barbara Beckenhauer wanted to be “just like them."

After graduating from the eighth grade, having had only three others in her class, Barbara entered Manhattan Junior High School where her ninth-grade classmates numbered 198! In the fall after her graduation from Manhattan High School, Barbara enrolled at Kansas State College. She completed her freshman year, married Greg Vitt, and moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. After having three children (Bernadette, Chris, and Joe), the family moved to Seneca where Greg worked as a dental laboratory technician for Dr. Al Vitt and Dr. Ralph Herrman. The couple had one more baby, David, and Barb ran the household and cared for their four little ones! When David was three years old, an opportunity arose that allowed Mrs. Vitt to go back to college, so they packed up and moved to Manhattan. Greg stayed in Seneca with Dr. Vitt during the work-week and joined the family on weekends. Mrs. Vitt finished her degree in two years and two summers, taking the maximum number of classes allowed each session. While her first goal had been secondary education/English, she decided that she would have more employment opportunities if she were to major in elementary education. Her first teaching job, for which her salary was $5500, per year, was at Sts. Peter and Paul in Seneca. She taught at SPPS for nine years, mainly teaching junior high math and vocal music. (She also coached boys track for one season, and played the organ for daily mass after Sts. Peter and Paul High School, until the school closed in 1974.) Mrs. Vitt took a year off from teaching to complete her master’s degree (from KSU) in school guidance and counseling and to do two practicums—one in elementary counseling at Highland Park Elementary School in Topeka and one in high school counseling at B & B High School at Baileyville.

Following her practicums, Mrs. Vitt was hired at B & B. She became the school counselor, taught junior high mathematics, junior high language arts, and college psychology for many years. She was also the scholars’ bowl and pep club sponsor for years. Her first graduating class was the class of 1980, with whom she worked during her practicum, and her last class before retiring was the class of 2006. After that, she did substitute teaching at the Nemaha Valley Schools and at B & B. Mrs. Vitt’s last teaching assignment was instructing the college psychology class at B & B in the fall of 2013. During the summer of 2014, Mrs. Vitt received a request to take a part-time counseling job at the Axtell school, so she went back to work. Besides counseling, Mrs. Vitt accompanied the choirs and the vocal/instrumental soloists. She retired again in the spring of 2020.

Mrs. Vitt said that in all of her teaching/counseling jobs, she felt as if she were working in a little piece of paradise. The students with whom she worked were considerate, hard-working, and respectful. Her colleagues, the administrators, and the school boards were wonderful. Best of all, the parents of her students valued education, expected their children’s best efforts, and were supportive of the school and the teachers. If she, had it to do over again, she would not hesitate!

Barbara K. Vitt has been a wonderful example, serving Nemaha County for decades. Her dedication and commitment to teaching is exemplary. Thanks to a very generous anonymous donor, up to three $1,500 scholarships will be available to Nemaha County students annually. All graduating High School Seniors in Nemaha County are eligible to apply; however, preference will be given to those majoring in education, science, or mental health. To apply, simply go online to www.nemahastep.org and complete the scholarship application.

Additionally, this generous anonymous donor’s donation allowed for the creation of the St. Peter and Paul Catholic School (SPPS) Fund for $50,000. This fund, available beginning in the July 2022 grant cycle, will assist in funding field trips, classroom supplies and/or materials such as microscopes, laptops, etc. Staff at SPPS are encouraged to apply.

Thank you again, to the anonymous donor for giving back. What an incredible gift!

(KMZA)--A Sabetha man has been charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

 37-year-old Eric Shawn Puckett was arrested Friday following an investigation by the Sabetha Police Department.

 Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert says Puckett is accused of engaging in the lewd fondling or touching of a child under the age of 14 on or between November 19 and December 3.

 He remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $100,000 bond.

 A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 20.  

(KAIR )-An Atchison house was damaged by fire Monday morning.

Atchison Fire Chief Pat Weishaar said firefighters were paged to 1426 1st Avenue around 9:00.

Weishaar said when crews arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames coming from the single-family home.

He said bystanders said the home was unoccupied and was being used for storage.

Due to the amount of storage inside the structure, he said crews were unable to enter and the fire had to be extinguished from outside.  

Crews remained on scene under the fire could be brought under control, eventually making entry to extinguish the remaining fire.  Weishaar said firefighters were able to salvage several items for the owner, including a large chest full of family photos.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Atchison Police Department and Atchison County EMS assisted.

(KAIR)--A Kansas City, Kansas man convicted of attempted involuntary manslaughter in the shooting of an Easton man in 2019 has learned his fate.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said 46-year-old Daniel Owens was sentenced Friday in Leavenworth County District Court to two years and three months in prison.  

Thompson said the defense requested probation, but the state argued for prison. He said a special rule under the Kansas sentencing guidelines says the commission of a crime with a firearm is presumptive prison.

Owens was found guilty on the felony charge following a three-day trial in October.  

He was charged with entering the home of Danny Clark, of Easton on February 13, 2019 and shooting him multiple time in the head and neck. Clark survived his injuries.  

Owens fled the state of Kansas before being arrested in Nebraska.

(KAIR )--An Atchison man was injured Saturday afternoon after jumping from a vehicle that began rolling.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a pickup truck owned by Glen Parrott rolled from a stopped position in the 11-hundred block of Commercial Street around 4:30 and struck a parked vehicle.

Parrott was in the cargo area of the pickup at the time it began rolling forward and was injured as he jumped from the vehicle in an attempt to get it stopped.

Parrott was transported to Atchison's Amberwell Hospital by private vehicle with unspecified injuries.

(MSC News)--The sixth Give to Grow challenge resulted in 709 gifts totaling $250,609. On top of this total is a match of $105,000 that will be added to the nonprofits total in a prorated rate. As a result, $355,609 was raised to uphold 53 local area charitable organizations.

The matching gifts were anchored by LaVon and Erma Wenger. Adding donations to the match pool were Kent and Donna Saylor, Paul and Betsy Tedman, Ray and Jeannie Bachelor, Ag Partners Coop, Morrill and Janes Bank, Wenger Manufacturing, Edelman’s Home Center, Community National Bank, Schenck Process and Extru-Tech and four board members. The top three organizations on the leaderboard were Sabetha Health & Wellness, the Sabetha Community Hospital Foundation and Neighbor-2-Neighbor. The leaderboard can be viewed at www.givetogrowday.com.

The event was sponsored by the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation which is a vehicle for people of all means to make a lasting difference in their local community. All donations are tax deductible and help fund local projects or existing nonprofits. GSCF was established in 2015 and is operated by a 15-member board of directors. GSCF is an affiliate of Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. GSCF can assist other organizations or people with ideas for community projects as well as help individuals establish donor advised funds which allows a donor to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit and make personal planned giving decisions over time.

The Greater Sabetha Community Foundation is celebrating its sixth anniversary this year. As of September the asset base of the foundation was $5,300,000. GSCF assists six other area community foundations to promote charitable giving in those communities.

A Community Celebration Gala will be held January 8 at the Main Event to honor the charitable organizations in the area, celebrate the community and give recognition to honorees who have “Served Sabetha Strong.” The honorees this year are Roger and Lavonne Aberle, Doug and Sharron Clark and Von and Jerre Lauer. This catered event is sponsored by KSi and Schenck Process and is free to the public.

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

The Nemaha County Clerk's Office says a special election has been set for Tuesday, January 25 on the recall of Owen Zinke.

That comes after a recall petition was deemed as valid by the county clerk's office on October 29. County Clerk Mary Kay Schultejans said the petition contained 137 valid signatures, which was more than the 126 signatures required.

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

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

The petition alleges he failed to perform his duties as prescribed by law by not allowing parents to make decisions regarding the healthcare of their children when attending school.

All USD 115 registered voters will decide the recall question.

Zinke, who's term expires in 2023, has represented the at-large position on the board since USD 115 was established in 2011, and previously was a member of the USD 442 board.

A similar effort to recall board member Amy Subeck was turned down by voters during the November general election.

(KNZA)--A Fairview man was killed Saturday when his motorcycle crashed on a Brown County highway.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said 50-year-old Thomas Sherwood Jackson II was southbound on U.S 75 Highway at 270th Road when his Harley Davidson motorcycle left the road for an unknown reason and went into the east ditch.  Jackson was thrown from the motorcycle, which came to rest in the ditch.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home.

The time of the accident remains under investigation.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for Pottawatomie Co. Rural Water District No. 1.

The advisory was issued Friday because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system due to a waterline break.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residual levels and may result in bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it’s the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from Pottawatomie Co. RWD No. 1 indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.  

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Corrections has announced that an inmate at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institute died Wednesday.

68-year-old Frank Hardy was serving a 75 – 95 year sentence on Gage County charges including first degree sexual assault of a child, third degree sexual assault of child and visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct. 

Hardy has been in prison since May, 2011.

The cause of death has not been determined.  Hardy was being treated for a long-term medical condition. 

Whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, a grand jury will conduct an investigation into the death. 

(KNZA)--The 29th annual Horton Christmas Luminaries will be held Sunday evening ( December 5). 

The event, being put on by the South Brown County Ministerial Association, will take place from 5:30 to 7:00, weather permitting.

The Luminaries transform ten city blocks into living, dramatic scenes of the life of Christ. Men, women and children of the Ministerial Association churches take their places as Bible characters in a setting of live animals, colorful props, costumes and music. 1,300 glowing candles outline the route from scene to scene.

The event draws hundreds of people each year.

A route guide, which indicates all of the scenes, will be handed out at the beginning of the drive at 14th and Central.  The route ends at 14th and First Avenue East.

 A free-will donation may be dropped in a receptacle at the end of the route to support the South Brown County Ministerial Association benevolence outreach.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County Senior Services and Public Transit Director Diane Yunghans has resigned.

Nemaha County Commission Chairman Gary Scoby made the announcement following an executive session at Monday's meeting.  

The resignation is effective December 17.  

Yunghans has held the position since May 30, 2013.

Commissioners said they would like to begin advertising to fill the position as soon as possible.

 In other business,  the Commission approved the appropriation of $3,320 from the Broxterman Home Health Fund to Nemaha County Home Health and Hospice for the purchase of two iPads and the annual data cost for the devices.

Jennifer Ploeger and Shawn Weldin with the organization came before the board to request the funding. 

(KNZA)--A 50-case increase in the number of active cases of COVID-19 is being reported in Jackson County from last week.  

According to figures released Wednesday by the Jackson County Office of Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health, there are 113 active cases in the county. That's up from 63 active cases on November 24.  

Since the pandemic began, Jackson County has had 2,361 total positive coronavirus cases, 63 total hospitalizations and 20 virus-related deaths.

(KAIR)--Two Kansas Lottery Powerball tickets, sold in Northeast Kansas, earned $50,000 each, but so far the winners remain unidentified.

According to a release from the Kansas Lottery, the two tickets matched four numbers and the Powerball, with Wednesday’s winning numbers listed as 12-15-38-57-63 Powerball 24.

The northeast region, where the tickets were purchased, includes such local counties as Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Nemaha, Marshall, and Pottawatomie.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman is going to prison, sentenced this week in Atchison County District Court to nearly 12-years.

Bailey Walker learned her fate Monday regarding charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal restraint, and theft.

The crimes stemmed from a violent attack on a man, during a party at Walker's residence, in May.

Truck stolen by crashing through fence

Posted Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 11:13am

(KAIR)--An Olathe, Kansas man is jailed in Atchison County, accused of stealing a pickup truck early Thursday morning by crashing through the fence of the Effingham City Shop.

Arrested several hours after the theft, following a search, was 23-year-old Michael Anthony Wright II. He’s accused of burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to property.

Coronavirus cases climb in Atchison County, statewide

Posted Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 10:48am

(KAIR)--Atchison County coronavirus cases climb close to 100, indicating a 22-case increase since last week.

According to figures released Wednesday by the Atchison County office of the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments, the county currently has 95 active cases of COVID-19, up from 73 as reported November 24.

13 are currently hospitalized, up from 8 hospitalizations reported last week.

Three of the current cases involve those under the age of 5; five cases are 5 to 12 years of age; 17 cases are those 13 to 21; another 17 of the current Atchison County cases involve those aged 22 to 35; 19 cases are those 36 to 50; 13 cases are 51 to 65; and 21 of the current cases are over the age of 65.

Atchison County has had 2,605 cases since the start of the pandemic.

26 have died.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Wednesday reported that coronavirus cases increased by 4,477 cases in two days.

KSN-TV reports that the state has not seen that big of a two-day increase since early September.

KDHE also reports that 19 more Kansas deaths have been linked to COVID-19 since Monday, bringing the state’s death toll to 6,705.

Although the new omicron variant is not yet found in Kansas, the first United States case involving the variant has been detected in California.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners reviewed the proposed redistricting for the County Commission Districts when they met with a representative of gWorks Tuesday. 

The proposals are based on the 2020 U.S. Census data. Commissioners will continue to review the proposals but must make a final decision on the boundaries prior to the December 30 deadline. 

Sheriff Rick Hardesty and Commissioners met via teleconference with Curtis Field of Prochaska and Associates to address items needing to be completed before continuing with the proposed plans for an addition to the current jail facility. 

The annual Verification of Emergency Plan Letters of Agreement with the Nebraska Public Power District were reviewed with Emergency Manager Brian Kirkendall.  The Board voted to authorize the Chairman to sign the letter of agreement with NPPD, owners of the Cooper Nuclear Power plant near Brownville to maintain a Radiological Emergency Response Plan. 
 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department participated in the Buckle Up, Every Time, Every Trip mobilization November 24 – 28. 

The mobilization centered on seat belt and child restraint use and awareness.  During the mobilization officers made 96 traffic stops resulting in 17 citations being issued.

Two citations were issued for seat belt violations.  Arrests were made involving drug and weapons charges along with a warrant arrest.

Falls City Police Officers worked overtime hours during the program with the overtime funding coming through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. 

In addition to the traffic stops during the program, officers responded to 41 calls for service. 

Survey's conducted prior to and following the mobilization indicated seat belt usage within the city of Falls City increased slightly following the conclusion of the mobilization.  

(KNZA)--A high nitrate warning has been issued for water customers of the city of Highland.

According to a release issued by the city Wednesday evening,  a water sample collected on November 8  showed a nitrate level of 13 milligrams per liter, which is above the federal maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter.

The release says customers are advised not to give the water to infants or use it to make infant formula, as children below the age of 6 months could become seriously ill. In addition, the water should not be boiled.

Adults and children older than six months can drink the water. However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

The release says the city of Highland will provide, free of charge, an alternate source of drinking water for all infants less than six months of age, nursing mothers of infants less than six months of age, pregnant women, and other at-risk customers as identified by a health care provider.

The release adds the city is reviewing all available options, including seeking funds for a water treatment plant, so the system can return to compliance as soon as possible.

(KNZA)--It will cost more to dispose of trash at the Brown County Transfer Station beginning in 2022.  

According to a news release, the price for both in-county and out-of county trash will increase $2.50 a ton, beginning January 1st.  

The Brown County Commission recently approved the increase.  

With the rising costs in operating expenses, county officials felt the increase was needed.  

The increase will only be for trash.  All other items will remain the same.  

The minimum cost for trash will remain $6.00 a ton.

(KLZA)-- Authorities have identified the man killed in an early Thanksgiving morning house fire in Humboldt.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Department, in a news release Tuesday, identified the victim as 77-year-old Roy Minks, Jr.

Firefighters were dispatched to Minks home at 1055 7th Street shortly before 4:30 a.m.

When they arrived on the scene, the structure was fully engulfed in flames.

The Nebraska State Fire Marshall's Office is conducting the investigation into the fire.

According to a release from the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department, initially the evidence indicated a wood fired furnace used to melt aluminum scrap was operating above the temperature capacity of the unit and the flue.

The Dawson and Stella Fire Departments assisted at the scene.

(KNZA)--A 26-year-old Oskaloosa man is behind bars in Jefferson County following his arrest on child sex-related charges.

Kenneth McClelland was arrested Tuesday by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.

According to the Jefferson County Jail roster, McClelland was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on charges of attempted aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, attempted electronic solicitation of a child and violation of the offender registration Act.

The alleged sex offenses involve a child under the age of 14.

McClelland is being held on a $50,000 bond.