(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Effingham in Atchison County.

That word came Thursday in a news release issued by the agency.

The advisory was issued Tuesday because of unknown water quality in the distribution system due to a power outage.

KDHE says laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Effingham indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed to be resolved.  

(KAIR)--An early Thursday morning Atchison crash sent the driver of the lone involved vehicle to the hospital.

The driver, identified by Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson as 44-year-old Scott Keller, of Atchison, was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

According to a release from Wilson, the wreck happened around 2:00 Thursday morning, at 2nd and Unity Street, after Keller’s truck, northbound on 2nd Street, left the roadway just north of Unity Street and struck a tree.

Keller was transported by Atchison County EMS to Saint Joseph’s Mosaic Hospital for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

According to Wilson, charges are pending against Keller.

(KLZA)-- Following a meeting with American Rescue Plan Act Funds Administrator Austin Duerfeldt and Richardson County Attorney Doug Merz on Tuesday, County Commissioners said they will continue to review the grant applications received for funding and the approved use of the funds.

Commissioners are tentatively scheduled to meet with Duerfeldt and Merz again on April 12.

Requests from various entities for funding totaled more than $1.7 million. The County received approximately $1.5 million in funds and have already spent around $80 thousand on a major courthouse plumbing update.

Karly Black with the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service presented a revised Interlocal Agreement to the Board for the services provided in Richardson County. Commissioners will forward the agreement to the County Attorney's Office for review and will consider it at a later date.

Richardson County Road Department Union representatives who will be serving on the Grievance Board met with Commissioners. Both the Union and County presented names of persons to be the fifth member of the Grievance Board to hear a grievance filed on behalf of Gerald Kuker who worked for the Road Department. No action was taken, further discussion will take place during the April 5th Commissioners meeting.

(KLZA)-- $1.7 million in revenue bonds will be used by The Missouri State Parks to convert 28 campsites at Big Lake State Park to full-service sites.

The Mound City News reports the monies will be used to connect the campsites to sewer, electricity and water. The plans for the project are being completed now.

Overall there will be 76 campsites available at the park.

The revenue bonds will be used to repair damage to the wastewater system in the park due to flooding.

The sites with 30-amp service are currently $23 per night and sites with 50-amp service are $25 per night. Basic sites with no services are $13 per night.

Once the project is completed, it is anticipated the 50-amp service with water service will be $37 per night.

The pool and pool house were severely damaged by the flooding and currently it is expected the pool will be replaced with a splash pad playground.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission was updated Monday evening on the plans for an indoor practice facility at Noble Park—the first phase of a three-part plan to create a baseball and softball complex.

Troy Kolb and Keith Erdley with the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club presented the update.

Kolb said they've had great support from the community and have raised enough funds to order materials, with construction of the building scheduled this fall.

Kolb requested an amendment to their lease agreement with the city, granting them a one-year extension until June 30, 2023 to complete fundraising efforts for the building. Commissioners voted to have City Attorney Andy Delaney draft an updated lease for their approval.

Kolb also requested the city provide the labor to extend water and sewer service to the building site and waive the tap fees for both. He said the group would provide the materials. The Commission approved both requests.

Kolb said the group has been granted 501C3 status and want to start writing grant applications to move forward with the 2nd phase of the project---a softball field.

He said they want to locate the softball field in the open area south of the Legion Field and the new indoor practice facility.

Kolb said they would like a formal commitment from the city for the grounds to be available for the softball field, with a 5-year window to acquire the grants and matching funds.

Mayor Bill Collins indicated he was open to the request. City Administrator Mike Nichols suggested the commission get the city attorney's input and discuss the matter at their next meeting.

The final phase of the project is to include improvements to the existing Paul Rockey Field.

(KAIR)--An Atchison County Commissioner is seeking constituent input regarding zoning, or a lack thereof, with planning underway for a future Town Hall meeting to address the topic.

3rd District County Commissioner Casey Quinn, in a post to her Commission Facebook page, said she recently spoke to some County residents who had zoning questions she could not answer. Because of that, Quinn said she will find those answers so that her constituents can be informed. At the same time, her post says she wants to hear county residents’ thoughts on zoning, with the feedback and direction received to determine her course of action in representing those residents.

Quinn, on the post, lists questions she’s encountered about zoning, telling rural residents to read it in full and to provide her with their opinion on how to move forward. Noting that zoning is a “sensitive” topic, she wants residents to address the pros and cons of zoning which they can then share with her.

Quinn says she is hoping to have a location, a date in May, and speakers, to hold an informational meeting, or Town Hall, for her constituents. Saying that the topic of zoning “gives everyone heart burn,” Quinn said an eventual goal is to compile a zoning-related Comprehensive Plan through a committee of rural residents “to hear, suggest, and be part of the process of designing what works” for Atchison County, which currently has no zoning regulations.

(KAIR)--Just over a week into spring, and the local area Tuesday night received strong storms befitting of the season.

 Sirens sounded throughout Atchison County as tornado warnings were issued for the location, along with other local Kansas counties including Leavenworth and Jefferson, as well as those in nearby Missouri, such as Buchanan and Platte.

Other local areas, despite not undergoing a tornadic threat, felt the affects of the severe thunderstorms that rolled through during the late evening.  

Damage is confirmed in Saint Joseph, Missouri, where a tornado is confirmed to have touched down, causing damage, on the east side of the city.  KQ2-TV reports that a tornado is the confirmed reason for structural, and other damage, to homes in the area of Antelope Circle.  

The tornado, confirmed as an EF-1 by the National Weather Service, contained winds up to 90 mph and a path length of .3 miles.

(KLZA)-- A public forum is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5 at the Velma Houts Building in Rock Port to discuss expanded broadband access in rural northwest Missouri.

During the meeting precision agriculture will be emphasized.

The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.

The forum is open to all interested people.

The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments has partnered with the University of Missouri Extension and economic developers to expand broadband access in the region.

(KLZA)-- County Court Judge Curtis L. Maschman who serves the First Judicial District in Nebraska will be retiring May 31 after serving 30 years on the bench according to a State of Nebraska, Judicial Bench news release.

The 1st Judicial District includes Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer counties.

Maschman was appointed to the bench in 1993.

The Humboldt resident was in private practice in Humboldt from 1980 – 1993.

Judge Maschman was presented the highest honor given by the Chief Justice, the Distinguished Judge Award for improvement of the Judiciary, being recognized along with Judge Patrick McDermott for innovation and assistance in developing several portions of the computer system used in Nebraska's trial courts. He was also named as a Nebraska State Bar Foundation Fellow.

He also helped develop the County Judge Orientation program as a member of the New Judges Orientation Committee and served as a mentor judge to numerous judges throughout the state.

Judge Maschman currently serves on several Supreme Court Committees.

Judge Maschman serves his community by serving as the HTRS High school Mock Trial Team Advisor and Coach. He is a member of the Richardson County Fair Coronation Committee and serves as the Master of Ceremonies. He is also a member of the Humboldt Community Foundation Board of Trustees and served more than 25 years as an Emergency Medical Technician for the Humboldt Rescue Squad.

The first step in replacing Maschman will be for the Judicial Resources Commission to call a meeting to determine whether, based on judicial workload statistics, his retirement creates a judicial vacancy on the County Court for the 1st Judicial District.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission is considering retaining an attorney to provide advice on wind energy issues.

County Attorney Kevin Hill, during Monday’s meeting of the Commission, discussed an engagement letter that was forwarded to the County last week by Patrick Hughes with the Adams Jones Law Firm, in Wichita.

Hill said the proposed engagement letter inaccurately stated that the firm was engaged by the County Commissioners “to prevent the development of “windfarms” in Brown County.”

He also pointed out that Hughes had reported to the commissioners that he would have a conflict of interest in representing the county on matters outside of preventing the development of wind farms.

Hill said the county has not voted to oppose wind development in the county and had instead voiced their interest in retaining an attorney with expertise in wind energy who could advise the county on all sides of the issues pertaining to the matter.

He recommended that the commission seek legal counsel from someone who could advise the County on all sides of the wind energy issue, and act in best interest of the county without a conflict of interest.

Hughes attended a portion of the meeting via Zoom and clarified the services that his firm could offer in addition to the limits contained in his original engagement letter.

 Hughes said he will revise and resubmit an engagement letter to the county for the commission’s consideration.

 

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

32-year-old Matthew “ Cole” Scherer was sentenced Monday in Doniphan County District Court to nearly 11 years in prison on a charge of second-degree murder in the death of 42-year-old Jason Pantle.

He was also ordered to serve three years post-release supervison.

A jury found him guilty on the murder charge last month.

Scott Vandeloo was sentenced in December to just over 4 years in prison on a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter, while Brian Spilman, Jr., was sentenced in November to more than 2 ½ years in prison after a jury found him guilty of the same offense.    

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

(KAIR)--A Boil Water Advisory is issued for the City of Effingham, in Atchison, County.

The advisory was issued Tuesday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for issues, the agency says, are “not related to COVID-19.”

Instead, a release from KDHE explains that the advisory was issued “because of unknown water quality in the distribution system due to a power outage.”

The release notes that the advisory will remain in effect “until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.”

Among the precautions to be followed by water customers affected by the advisory is to boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

Editor's note: the original KDHE release follows: 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Effingham public water supply system located in Atchison County. This advisory is not related to Covid-19.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory took effect on March 29 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of unknown water quality in the distribution system due to a power outage.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE’s PWS Consumer Information webpage:

kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s food safety & lodging program at  kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office has been recognized by AAA Kansas for their efforts in addressing local traffic safety issues.

Bob Hamilton, law enforcement liaison for the Kansas Department of Transportation, presented the 2021 Community Platinum Traffic Safety Award to the Sheriff's Office, which was accepted by Undersheriff Brian Guilliams.

Its the fifth consecutive year the Sheriff's Office has received the Platinum Award, which is the highest award given.

In order to obtain the platinum status , agencies must meet many requirements all geared towards educating and working with  the public on traffic safety.

The Brown County Sheriff's office has implemented the Seatbelts Are For Everyone (SAFE) program as well as one of the few agencies to teach First Aid, CPR and AED training to high school students. Many other programs and initiatives have been provided to help inform and educate county residents, which enabled the Sheriff's office to earn this most prestigious award.

According to Hamilton,  "The people of Brown County are very fortunate to have such dedicated officers at their Sheriff's office"

The Sheriff's Office is among thirty-five law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas receiving awards for their 2021 work to keep roadways in their cities and counties safe through a variety of initiatives and programs.

Also locally, the Hiawatha and Horton Police Departments received gold awards.

(KLZA)-- Indian Cave State Park will be the focus of this years Take Pride in America Day event on Friday, April 8 from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Take Pride In America Day is a day for people to get outside and contribute their time and energy to making a difference in state parks and wildlife areas. It is a national partnership established by the U.S. Department of Interior.

Anyone can volunteer, but those under the age of 18 must have parental permission and the range of volunteer projects will be limited.

Volunteers can arrive later and leave at their own discretion.

Activities will include picking up sticks, trash and general clean up. An evening meal will be provided.

You must pre-register by Monday, April 4. Volunteers should being work gloves and dress appropriately for the weather.

For more information or to pre-register call the Indian Cave State Park Office at 402-883-2575.

(KLZA)-- If you drive by the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Holt County, Missouri, you will notice signs announcing the auto tour route through the refuge is closed to the public,

The closure is due to the highly contagious avian influenza, which has been detected in dead birds according to information on the Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge website.

The release notes that refuge staff continues to see increases in sick and dead birds as the spring migration continues. To ensure the safety for our visitors, volunteers, and staff, the refuge auto tour will be closed until further notice.

Updates will be available on the website.

The CDC considers the current risk to the general public from the virus detections in U.S. wild birds and poultry to be low, but risk depends on exposure, and people with more exposure may have a greater risk of infection; all strains of HPAI should be treated as potentially transmissible to humans.

The disease is spread through direct contact, infected water and contaminated fecal matter.

The public is advised not to touch or handle sick or dead birds.

(KMZA)--A Falls City, Nebraska woman was injured in a single-vehicle Nemaha County, Kansas wreck Sunday evening.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office said 53-year-old Michelle Werner was driving around the curve at 240th and P Roads when she swerved to miss a deer, causing her Buick Regal to leave the roadway and strike a tree.

Werner was transported by ambulance to the Sabetha Community Hospital with unspecified injuries.

The wreck was reported around 7:00 Sunday evening.

(KNZA)--The League of Kansas Municipalities will assist the city of Hiawatha in its search for a new city administrator.

The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to enter into an agreement with the League to assist the city in filling the position for a base fee of $4,646 plus additional costs for trip charges, mileage, advertising and any additional requests.

The search process is expected to take 3-4 months. 

The Commission plans to appoint an interim adminstrator to serve until a new permanent administrator is hired. Commissioners directed City Administrator Mike Nichols to recommend someone to fill the interim role from a list of names submitted for consideration.

Nichols has been hired as the new city administrator of North Kansas City, Missouri where he grew up. His last day will be April 6. 

Monday marked his last city commission meeting.  Nichols thanked the commissions he has served, organizations he has been a part of and worked with, as well as the community. Above all, he said he wanted to thank city employees.  Nichols said there have been a great number of accomplishments over the last eight years, all due to them.

Mayor Bill Collins and commissioners praised the job Nichols has done.

Commissioner Becky Shamburg presented a plaque to Nichols in recognition of his service to the community.

Update--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant reported early Monday evening that missing rural Hiawatha teenager Tia Howard has been located and is safe.  The Kansas Bureau of Investigation said the Brown County Sheriff's Office informed them that the 16-year-old was found  in Rulo, Nebraska . The KBI canceled the endangered person advisory that had been issued for Howard.

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(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation are asking for the public's assistance in locating a missing rural Hiawatha teenager.

16-year-old Tia Howard, who is believed to have run away, was last seen by her parents Sunday evening around 10:30  She is believed to have left in an unknown vehicle near 260th and Linden Roads.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is concerned about her welfare and asked the KBI to issue an " endangered person advisory" for Howard. 

She is described as a white female, about 5 foot, 6 inches tall, who weighs about 120 pounds.  Howard has reddish brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing black yoga pants, a black Under Armour hoodie with pink lettering, and white Crocs shoes.

If you know the whereabouts of Howard , or have seen her, please call 911 immediately. For all other information, call the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 742-7125.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson County Central School Board of Education will host open house and special board meetings that will help provide information to residents of the JCC school district, concerning the May 10, School Bond Election.

The first event will be Thursday, March 31 at the Johnson County Central High School Gymnasium in Tecumseh. The open house will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the Board meeting to begin at 7:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 12 an open house will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Johnson County Central Middle School Gymnasium in Cook, followed by a Board meeting at 7:30 p.m.

The final open house is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27 at the JCC High School Gym in Tecumseh. The open house begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by a School Board meeting at 7:30 p.m.

The open house events will allow the public to tour the school facilities. Representatives from Boyd Jones, the Construction Manager AT-Risk, Clark-Enersen Partners, Architects and the bonding agent DA Davidson will be present at the events to provide information and answer questions.

(KLZA / A.P.)-- A three-day search of more than 1,100 acres in an area east of Table Rock did not uncover the remains of a woman who has been missing for more than nine months, but the State Patrol said the search still helped the investigation.

Nebraska State Patrol Lt. Eric Jones said Sunday that investigators are now confident that Linda Dillard’s remains aren’t in the area that was searched, but they continue to believe she may have been the victim of a crime.

Throughout the three-day operation, teams searched more than 1,100 acres of land in and around the Table Rock State Wildlife Management Area, 24 miles of roadside ditches, 1.5 miles of river, 2 local farms, and a local lake area. The search team consisted of 44 law enforcement officers, 65 volunteers and support personnel, 15 mounted patrol teams, and 8 dog teams trained for human remains detection.

Numerous tips have been received through Nebraska Crime Stoppers and other avenues in recent days. Nebraska Crime Stoppers continues to offer a reward for information in this investigation. Tips can be made anonymously through Nebraska Crime Stoppers via the Nebraska Crime Stoppers website, the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or by calling 1-800-422-1494.

Dillard, 55, of Tecumseh, was last seen near Table Rock on June 16. No one has been arrested in connection with her disappearance.

(KLZA)-- A home on 703 Loop, south of Falls City sustained heavy fire, smoke and heat damage in a fire Friday afternoon.

Falls City Rural Firefighters were called to the home of Denny and Kathy Heinzelman about 2:45 p.m.

Rural Fire Chief Mike Ramsey said there was significant fire damage to the laundry room and a hallway in the home and heavy smoke and heat damage throughout the rest of the house.

No dollar estimate of damage is available. The Nebraska State Fire Marshall's Office was called to investigate the cause of the fire.

The fire was extinguished in about 30 minutes and firefighters remained on the scene until approximately 6:00 p.m.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a proposal from the Prochaska & Associates architectural firm from Omaha regarding the Courthouse roof request when they met Tuesday.

The Board granted Prochaska & Associates the authorization to obtain services of Elevate Roofing of Denison, Iowa to preform a full roof inspection to include within the bid specifications for the Courthouse roof replacement.

The project is expected to go to bid later this year.

Commissioners also authorized Board Chairman David Sickel to sign a contract with Schawang Masonry to restore the limestone wall around the Courthouse square.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported that St. Joseph Plumbing & Heating and Cooling had completed an inspection at the Law Enforcement Center and repaired some items. He also reported that Law Enforcement Center staff members will be taking care of some of the the routine maintenance items that need corrected.

Sheriff Hardesty will be attending a meeting with Humboldt – Table Rock – Steinauer School District representatives to develop a contract for a School Resource Officer.

The HTRS School has notified Sheriff Hardesty they are going to move forward to have a School Resource Officer in place.

Scholl Lawn & Landscape will be doing the mowing at the Courthouse and the Law Enforcement Center this year. The cost will be $100 per mowing at the Courthouse and $150 per mowing at the Law Enforcement Center.

(KNZA)--Input will be sought from Nemaha Central staff as work continues on a revised bond proposal. 

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman informed the USD 115 Board of Education at their March 21 meeting that Zack Snethen with HTK Architects and Tucker Peddicord with Lighthouse Construction Guidance will be meeting with the staff on April 4 to gather their input on the proposed bond projects.

They will use that information to update and finalize the plans that will be presented to the Board at their April 11th Board meeting. 

During the April board meeting, dates will also be set for community meetings.

In other business, the Board approved paying classifed staff for days missed due to school cancellations because of the weather.

The Board approved the purchase of a mower from Heritage Tractor for $10,500, with the trade-in of a 2010 Grasshopper mower.

Also the Board approved a change to the calendar for next school year, moving the professional development date in April from the 3rd to the 24th.  

(KNZA)--A Saturday morning single-vehicle Brown County rollover wreck claimed the life of a Horton man.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the wreck was reported around 11:18 on U.S. 73 Highway near 140th Road.

Merchant said a 2007 RAV 4 driven by Catherine Martinez was northbound and had went to the shoulder of the road.  Martinez overcorrected, causing the vehicle to roll numerous times.  The vehicle ended up in the ditch on the west side of U.S. 73. 

Both Martinez and a passenger, identified as Lincoln Brown, of Horton, were ejected. 

They were later transported by Lifestar helicopters to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City.

Merchant said the Sheriff's Office was informed that Brown later died from his injuries.

He said a small child was also in the vehicle and suffered very minor injuries.  Merchant said the child was properly restrained in her car seat, which most likely saved her life.

The child was transported to Amberwell Hospital, in Hiawatha, where she was treated and released to family members.

The wreck remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--A Saturday evening Atchison County single-vehicle rollover wreck sent a Cummings teenager to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 59 Highway about 8 miles southwest of Atchison shortly after 7:00.

According to the KHP report, 17-year-old Coltin Myers was traveling northeast when his Nissen Altima drifted across the highway and into the north ditch.  The vehicle struck an embankment and rolled multiple times.

Myers was transported to Amberwell Health, in Atchison, with suspected minor injuries.  

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

(KAIR)--The early Friday morning sun is named as a contributing factor in an Atchison accident between a motorist and pedestrian.

Injured was 32-year-old Georgia Thomason, who Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says “was walking southbound in a crosswalk” in the 1200 block of Green Street.

After she was struck by an eastbound Ford Taurus, Thomason was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison, and then flown by helicopter to a Kansas City hospital.

The driver of the car, 18-year-old Carson Van Dyke, was not hurt.

Atchison Police were joined by the Atchison Fire Department, Atchison County EMS, and the Kansas Highway Patrol, in working the scene, following the accident that happened around 7:50 Friday morning.

(KLZA)-- A request from Falls City Ward II Council member Kaylie Ractliffe to create a personnel Committee died for lack of a motion during Monday nights City Council meeting.

Ractliffe proposed creating the personnel committee consisting of the Mayor, Council President and two more Council members.

She said this will help establish a system to gather information from City employees regarding workplace issues and public policy while enhancing communications between the Council and city staff.

City Attorney Mike Dunn advised against the creation of such a committee. He said the Council is the final grievance committee on union contracts, meaning the Council should not be involved in anything dealing with the personnel before that time, since the Council should come into that situation in a neutral position before making the final ruling prior to an arbitration hearing.

The Council took no action on having the EMC On Call Nurse Program assist the city with managing workman's comp claims. The staff is still waiting on more information from EMC before moving forward with the proposal.

(LINCOLN, NEB.)  — The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is conducting a large-scale search effort for a missing woman as part of an ongoing investigation into her disappearance. Linda Dillard was last seen in the area near Table Rock on June 16, 2021.

The specific search area, near the Table Rock State Wildlife Management Area, has been identified as part of the investigation. NSP investigators believe Dillard may have been the victim of a crime, which led to her disappearance.

The search operation includes numerous partners from multiple states. Participating agencies include the Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, NecroSearch International, Brown County (KS) Mounted Search and Rescue, Saline County (KS) Mounted Patrol and Rescue, Sedgewick County (KS) Emergency Management, HRD Canine Search and Rescue Teams, University of Nebraska Department of Forensic Anthropology, and Midwest Archaeological Center.

The search operation is scheduled for today, March 24, through Saturday, March 26, if necessary.

(KLZA)-- More than 125 people including law enforcement and volunteers spent Thursday searching for 55-year-old Linda Dillard near Table Rock.

Dillard who lived in the Fairbury area was with friends in Pawnee County on June 16, 2021, the last time she was seen.

The Nebraska State Patrol records indicate they believe Dillard and her friends drank and smoked meth at a farmstead. A wig belonging to Dillard was located as well as clothes belonging to her during a search of that property.

Investigators were told by people who were at the farm that Dillard and a man had an argument and she left and has not been seen since. The State Patrol believes Dillard may have been the victim of a crime which led to her disappearance.

The search which could last through Saturday is focused on 6 – 700 acres east of Table Rock in and around the Table Rock State Wildlife Management Area.

The search included numerous partners from multiple states including the Brown County, Kansas Mounted Patrol and Rescue, Canine Search and Rescue teams, the University of Nebraska Department of Forensic Anthropology and Midwest Archaeological Center.

Dillards daughter, Winterstar Schaber told reporters they hope the search will help determine what happened to her mother and help bring closure for the family.

You can view interviews with Lt. Jones and Winterstar Schaber on the SUNNY 101.3 and KTNC  Facebook page.  

(KNZA)--Discussion, regarding a possible partnership between Doniphan County and the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, was opened this week, with Tribal Chairman Tim Rhodd appearing before the Doniphan County Commission during Monday’s meeting.

The possible partnership would include maintenance, such as asphalt overlay of roads within nine-miles of the Reservation.

During his presentation, Rhodd told the Commission the Tribe has available federal funding, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to improve access roads and infrastructure leading to reservation land; and, while the Tribe does not want to take ownership of the roads, they would assist the County in maintaining them.

According to the unofficial minutes for Monday’s meeting, County Attorney Charles Baskins will work with legal counsel for the Tribe on drafting road maintenance agreements between the two parties.

Additionally, discussion was also held during Monday’s meeting regarding a partnership to repair erosion along 325th Road.

Rhodd also told the Commission that the Tribe had additional resources that could benefit both the County, and the community on a whole, and expressed an interest in assisting with projects including, but not limited to, ambulance service in the northern portion of the County, broadband expansion, and applying for tourism grants to upgrade the Four State Lookout, located in White Cloud, and currently listed as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas.

Following his presentation, the Commission voiced thanks for the proposed assistance, and expressed an interest in partnering with the Tribe moving forward.

No official action was taken, with the matter likely to be explored further at future meetings.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission discussed revisiting the contract with the city of Hiawatha for dispatch services when they meet Monday.

Commissioner Bill Pollock brought up the topic.

In 2017, the existing county commission agreed to suspend the payment the city had been providing for dispatch services since 1990. In lieu of that payment, the city agreed to provide in-kind services, with the savings to be used for law enforcement purposes.

Pollock said he feels the city should pay something for dispatch services.

He said in previous discussions with Hiawatha City Administrator Mike Nichols, he was advised that if the county wanted to make any change in funding for dispatch services the city would need to know well in advance of budgeting for the next year, which starts in early summer.

County Clerk Dawn Boyles told commissioners she will forward on any previous documents the clerk’s office has on the matter.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Commissioners have approved allowing the District One Probation Office to do drug testing of probation clients outside of regular courthouse hours.

During their Tuesday meeting the Board voted to allow the probation office to check out two courthouse keys, which can be rescinded at any time by Pawnee County if problems arise.

Following a meeting with Sheriff Braden Lang to further discuss the sale of a bullet proof vest to deputy Elliott Boldt in an amount of $627, Board members approved the request.

The vets was custom made to fit Boldt who has resigned from the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office.

(KLZA)-- The City of Falls City like many businesses is having trouble finding help to hire for the summer.

Interim City Administrator Sandra Ferris noted during the Monday evening Council meeting that she has received only three applications for the positions after two weeks of advertising. Ferris said she had surveyed local businesses and some surrounding communities which are paying more to part-time workers than what the City is offering.

Following discussion the Council approved increasing the hourly wage for the summer help to $12 per hour with an additional 50-cents per hour for returning part-time help.

The City generally hires two summer helpers for the Gas Department, two for the Street Department and two additional workers.

The Council also approved a request by Ferris to advertise for a janitor position since current Animal Warden and Prichard Auditorium custodian Lindsay Jones will become the new City Code Enforcement Officer. The position will pay $14.30 per hour.

Another request by Ferris to hire a part-time person for the summer in the city office was also approved. She noted that during the summer the office is very busy and with a new scanner system now available the person could help with scanning the cemetery records and other documents.

(KAIR)--A crowd numbering around 30 gathered Tuesday night at Atchison’s Memorial Hall for what was billed as an old fashioned townhall discussion regarding the future of the sports complexes in Atchison County.  

At issue, as explained by County Commissioner Eric Noll, is ownership, as the sunset of the sales tax used to fund construction approaches. 

(KNZA)--An early Wednesday morning suspicious vehicle report in Brown County led to the arrest of Seneca man on drug charges.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said deputies investigated a report of a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity of K-246 and Bittersweet Road around 12:45.

Upon arrival, Merchant said deputies found the sole occupant, identified as 37-year-old Andrew Tryon, asleep in the vehicle.  He said Tryon stated he had ran out of gas.

Tryon was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was booked in the Brown County Jail.

(KLZA)-- For the second time in less than a year, Falls City has hired a new City Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer.

Monday night the Council voted unanimously to hire Anthony Nussbaum of Falls City for the position.

Nussbaum is currently Executive Director of the Southeast Nebraska Housing Partnership serving Falls City and Pawnee City.

Nussbaum studied civil engineering and surveying at Southeast Community College in Milford. He worked as a Technical Manager for Olsson Associates in Omaha and Lincoln performing personnel management and was responsible for implementation of special inspections program including roads, bridges, dams, housing developments and commercial building construction before going to work for Southeast Nebraska Community Action in 2014 when he and his family moved back to Falls City.

Nussbaum will begin his job full time in mid May.

In the meantime, the Council voted to appoint Sandra Ferris as Interim City Administrator / Clerk/ Treasurer.

Audience member Phyllis Kruetzer asked if it was necessary to increase the wage paid to Nussbaum by $10-thousand more than the previous Administrator / Clerk / Treasurer.

Mayor Shawna Bindle said she felt the $85-thousand annual wage was justified based on experience and educational background.

While serving as the interim, Ferris will be paid the wage of the previous Administrator / Clerk / Treasurer.

Kevin Cluskey resigned from the position earlier this month after being on the job since August of 2021.

(KLZA)-- Tuesday, March 29 is the deadline for those wanting to file to run for positions during the August 2, Primary Election in Missouri.

Holt County positions up for election include: Associate Circuit Judge; Presiding Commissioner; First District Commissioner; County Clerk; Circuit Clerk and Recorder; County Treasurer; Prosecuting Attorney; County Collector and Township Committeemen and Committeewomen.

To file to run for office you must go to the Holt County Clerk's Office at the Holt County Courthouse in Oregon, Missouri.

(KNZA)--A suspicious device was discovered at a residence on the Prairie Band Potawatomi reservation Tuesday afternoon.

According to a news release, Tribal Police serving a search warrant at a home on Buffalo Drive discovered a possible improvised explosive device in a bedroom closet.

Officers closed down the street and evacuated residents in the area as a precaution.

Authorities requested assistance from the Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority bomb team. They also asked Royal Valley School district administrators to reroute busses around the area.

The release says a MTAA bomb technician entered the residence and determined the device was not capable of exploding.

Authorities declared the scene safe at about 4:30 Tuesday afternoon.

Prairie Band Potawatomi Chairman Joseph Rupnick, said, “On behalf of the Council I would like to commend our officers on their quick thinking and rapid action to ensure the safety of everyone in the area had this been a functional explosive. This is the kind of situation that shows how our Tribal Police handle themselves under pressure.”

Rupnick also thanked the Tribal Fire/EMS and the MTAA for their rapid action and assistance in resolving this situation safely.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says with nicer weather on the way, coupled with higher costs of fuel and food, criminal activity tends to spike—especially burglaries and thefts.

Merchant said thieves have become more brazen with thefts occurring in broad daylight. He said it is fortunate some residents have security cameras placed so suspects can be identified.

From visits with other agencies - not only in Kansas but across the nation - Merchant said officials agree higher crime rates are either on the way or already plague communities.

“Most of the suspects who are committing these crimes are active users of drugs, alcohol, or both,” Merchant said.

Merchant is asking residents to remain alert and to notify officials if they see strange or suspicious vehicles in the area. He said any information residents can gather in a safe manner is appreciated. Merchant said license plate information is very important as well as make and color of vehicle, direction of travel and number and type of occupants in the vehicle.

“What many of these thieves do is travel the back roads during daylights hours and look for out-of-the-way properties or places that look abandoned or neglected,” Merchant said. “If opportunity presents itself, they will steal items that are convenient, if not, they will then make their way back after dark to steal property that they can readily sell for cash or trade.”

The Sheriff encourages landowners to set up trail cameras to capture pictures in case a theft occurs on their property. He said gates with chains and locks, as well as fences, could help protect property.

“I have several rural property owners who also have dogs guarding their out-of-the-way property and have not had any issues with thefts,” the Sheriff said.

Merchant said officials have also seen an increase in door-to-door activity, especially in rural areas.

“I am not suggesting that all people going door to door are scammers or doing something illegal, however, with the changing times--we cannot be too careful of who we are allowing into our homes,” Merchant said.

The Sheriff said it is always a good idea to request identification from anyone who enters your home whether they are attempting to sell you a product or for any other reason. At the bare minimum, he said a seller should be able to provide a business card representing themselves, a company letter head or something similar.

“It is my opinion that credible vendors should offer this in advance and not pressure anyone into a financial decision,” Merchant noted.

The Sheriff said when vendors go through Brown County, he requests they come to the Sheriff’s Office so he may become familiar with who they are, what vehicles they drive and who will be in the area. He said he also requests contact information to forward to residents have they have complaints about tactics used.

Unless residents know who they are dealing with, Merchant said they should not allow unfamiliar people in their homes.

With farmers about to start planting season, the Sheriff said he anticipates fuel, tool and vehicle thefts will increase in the area. He said residents should remember this when they leave tractors, UTVs, and trucks parked in fields as thieves look for easy opportunities to steal hard-earned properties.

“The public is law enforcement’s greatest asset, you know what is normal in your area and what is suspicious,” Merchant said. “With your information, we have held many people accountable for their actions.”

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man has pleaded guilty to charges of  internet trading in child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child, canceling a jury trial that had been set for May.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 29-year-old Richard Hargett entered the plea Tuesday in Brown County District Court prior to a scheduled pre-trial hearing. 

Sentencing was set for June 6.  

Depending on his criminal history, Hill said Hargett faces a prison sentence of between 31 months and 136 months, along with lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Hargett was arrested in October of last year following an extensive investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department following a case referral by the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

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

LINCOLN – Monday, Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation to designate March 20-26, 2022 as “Agriculture Week” in Nebraska.  The Governor issued the proclamation at the State Capitol, where he was joined by leaders from Nebraska’s agriculture community.

“Nebraska agriculture powers our state’s growth and helps to feed the world,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “Each March, we set aside a week to thank our ag producers for their dedication to grow Nebraska.  Our strength as a state is rooted in the work ethic, resourcefulness, and generosity of our farm and ranch families.”

Durin a Monday morning press conference, Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue talked about the numerous ways Nebraska’s growth in agriculture benefits the state’s communities.  Andy Jobman, President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, noted the state’s record corn production in 2021.  He also emphasized the work of Nebraska’s farmers to steward land and water and to support American energy independence through their contributions to the state’s ethanol industry.  Ken Herz, past president of the Nebraska Cattlemen, highlighted the beef cattle community’s commitment to care for their animals and provide high-quality beef for consumers.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners conducted a public hearing during their March 15 meeting to receive comments in support or opposition to the granting of American Rescue Plan Act funds received by Richardson County.

Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise is seeking $400-thousand for Falls City Housing Improvements. The City of Humboldt and the Humboldt Volunteer Rescue has applied for $260-thousand for a new ambulance. The Richardson County House of Hope Transitional Housing group is seeking $350-thousand. East Richardson County Rural Water District #2 is seeking $499,613 for an improvement project. The Village of Rulo has applied for $51,860 for the Rulo Public Library and Richardson County Drainage District #7 is seeking $194,315 for levee stabilization and improvements.

It is anticipated that Richardson County will have approximately $1.5 million in ARPA funds. $80-thousand has already been spent on needed plumbing updates at the Courthouse in Falls City.

The total amount of request received totals nearly $1,756-thousand.

Commissioners will be reviewing the grant applications received and plan to make a formal decision on the awarding of funds during the March 29 Board meeting.

(KAIR)--An internationally known resource for Amelia Earhart History.

That’s how Lou Foudray, who died March 17 at the age of 92, is described in her obituary from the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, in Atchison.

Foudray was long known locally for her work on behalf of Earhart, the famed aviator, and one time Atchison resident.

Foudray, for 30-years, resided at the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, in Atchison, where she served as curator and gained her recognition for expertise on the famous aviator.

Foudray has been cremated, with a memorial service planned to be held April 23, in Atchison, with those details to be released at a later date.

Among her survivors are her six children, three sisters, and one brother.

(KAIR)--The final report from the 2021 Atchison Community Survey is complete, with the results reviewed during Monday’s meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

According to a release from the City, more than 450 responses were submitted, “well exceeding the minimum necessary for the results to be considered statistically significant.”

Questions posed in the survey included the perceived quality of public safety, code enforcement, infrastructure, parks and facilities, utilities, economic development, and city communication services.

According to Interim City Manager Justin Pregont, in the release, the City conducted the survey first in 2018, meaning “the 2021 dataset now allows [the City] to see where [the City has] most improved and where the people of Atchison most want to see improvement in the future.”

The release notes that the biggest improvements from 2018 to 2021 include Overall Quality of Downtown Atchison, which is up 17%, Overall Feeling of Safety in the Community, up 12%, Quality of Entertainment Options, up 12%, Quality of Drinking Water, up 9%, Quality of Parks, up 9%, and Maintenance of Oak Hill Cemetery, up 9%.

The release also notes the biggest drops from 2018 to 2021, which include Quality of Animal Control, down 11%, Overall Condition of Streets/Bridges/Sidewalks, down 7%, and Quality of Fire Prevention and Education Program, down 7%.

According to the release, “police, fire, and solid waste/recycling services again received the highest marks from survey respondents,” with the survey identifying “infrastructure and code enforcement as the biggest priorities for improvement going forward.”

Police, fire, and solid waste/recycling services again received the highest marks from survey respondents. The survey also identified infrastructure and code enforcement as the biggest priorities for improvement going forward.

The survey, and resulting report, were compiled by ETC Institute, an Olathe, Kansas organization that the City says has “an outstanding record of performance in gauging community feedback nationwide.”

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Elementary School Principal Paul Carver has resigned.

Following an executive session Monday evening, the Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education accepted his resignation, which is effective at the end of the current school year.

Carver has served as principal since the 2019-20 school year.

The Board also accepted the resignations of 3rd grade teacher Cathleen Grissom, High School social studies teacher Gary McCown and High School weights and physical education teacher Carl Parman.

The Board approved the hiring of Michael Downard as the new High School physical education teacher.

In addition, the board extended employment offers to Kelsey Hubin and Ariel Blanton as elementary school teachers.

The Board voted to extend the contracts of High School Principal Lori Fordyce, High School Assistant Principal Josh Moser and Middle School Principal Kyley Gatz through the 2023-2024 school year.

In other business, the Board approved the purchase of a new 65-passenger bus from Midwest Transit for a total cost of $104,962. It will replace an existing bus.

(KNZA)--Murder-suicide is named as the cause of death for a husband and wife found dead Monday at a residence in southwest Jackson County. 

They are identified by Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse as 68-year-old John Zempel and 68-year-old Linda Vidosh-Zempel.

Their bodies were discovered by law enforcement Monday evening at the residence located at 15104 94th Road, near the Jackson-Shawnee County line.

According to a release from Morse, his office received a 911 call, shortly before 6:45 Monday evening, with the caller telling the emergency dispatcher that her husband was dead, hanging up before providing any additional details.

Jackson County deputies responded to the residence, and as they approached the home, noticed a woman armed with a firearm inside. A short time later, deputies heard a gunshot.

Shawnee County Deputies, and additional Jackson County support, also responded, with law enforcement attempting to make contact with anyone inside the home.

With that effort unsuccessful, law enforcement made entry into the home where the two bodies were found.

According to the release, it’s suspected that the woman, believed to have been suffering from mental health issues in recent years, shot her husband sometime during the day Monday before turning the gun on herself as deputies approached the home.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, Mayetta Police and Fire, the Hoyt Fire Department, Jackson County EMS, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team, and the Coroner’s Office all provided assistance.

Story as originally published Tuesday morning:

(KNZA)--Two bodies have been discovered at a southwest Jackson County residence.

That’s according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, who said in a release that his office “responded to the 15000 block of 94th Road in reference to a deceased person shortly before” 7:00 Monday evening.

Deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office were joined by deputies from Shawnee County in responding to the residence.

When they entered the home, the discovery of the two bodies was made.

Jackson County investigators remained on the scene well into the night Monday, with no additional details yet made public as the investigation continue

(KNZA)--Five individuals were arrested after the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force served two search warrants in the city of Hiawatha Friday, based on an extensive investigation by the Task Force and Brown County Attorney.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the first warrant was served at 714 Iowa Street where four individuals were arrested.

60-year-old Morton Alfrey, of Hiawatha, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

36-year-old Laura Barnhart, of Hiawatha, was arrested on charges of possession of meth, selling sexual relations and possession of drug paraphernalia.

42-year-old Peter Carter, of Sabetha, was arrested on charges of possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and traffic contraband into a correctional facility.

32-year-old Kevin Smith, of Hiawatha, was arrested on a misdemeanor failure to appear warrant, possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution and no drug tax stamp. In addition, Smith was arrested for criminal threat due to an incident in the jail.

Merchant said evidence collected from the residence consisted of meth, marijuana, needles, syringes, pipes and other paraphernalia associated with illegal drug use.

He said the second search warrant was served at 715  ½ Oregon Street, where 66-year-old Renee Trotter, of Hiawatha, was arrested on charges of possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted with both search warrants.

(KLZA)-- Two Omaha residents are facing multiple charges following their arrest by Richardson County Deputies on March 17.

The two were arrested in connection with a Nebraska City Police Department investigation that began on Wednesday, March 16.

Christopher Jestrab is accused of crawling under the dressing room door at Walmart in Nebraska City where two young girls were changing. He is also alleged to have stolen a jacket along with other items.

On Thursday, Jestrab and Jamie Kraus a female from Omaha were arrested in Richardson County on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, Possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, and being a fugitive from justice.

In addition, Jestrab is charged with being a habitual criminal.

(KAIR)--A special meeting, focused on the soon-to-sunset sales tax used for funding the Atchison County Sports Complex is set for Tuesday, with use of the Atchison County Code Red Emergency Alert system to announce the session drawing controversy.

The session, billed as an “old fashioned Townhall discussion,” is set to explore the future of the sports complex locations in Atchison and Effingham as the Sales Tax Revenue Bonds series, used for funding of the operations, will be paid off soon.

On March 17, Atchison County subscribers to the Code Red service, regularly used to announce countywide emergency-related information, received a notice announcing the meeting.

That led to questions regarding use of the system, with MSC Radio News taking the issue to the County.

3rd District Commissioner Casey Quinn, who was named in the notification, said in email correspondence that the idea to use the system for the announcement came from one of her “constituents concerned that a meeting to do with [the sales tax sunset] should be promoted to everyone in the county and not just on social media.”

Quinn explained that a conversation with the County’s IT Director about utilizing Code Red to inform about the town hall meeting met the “general notification” category of the alert. While no such future use is planned, Quinn said “if a critical topic comes up again [the County] will utilize the tool at [its] discretion,” adding that Code Red subscribers are able to opt out of such “general notifications.”

1st District Commissioner Jack Bower sees the issue differently, telling MSC News in an email that the “communication was out of line,” adding that “the Commission runs the County not a single Commissioner, and that “the Emergency Manager Should have known better.”

Meanwhile, the Townhall meeting itself will be held Tuesday evening at 6:00 at Memorial Hall, located at 819 Commercial Street, in Atchison.

(KLZA)-- This is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska.

A statewide tornado safety drill is planned for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday.

2021 brought unique weather to all portions of Nebraska from tornado outbreaks and dust storms to tornado warnings and snow squall warnings on the same day.

The National Weather Service urges everyone to take time this week to review and practice your severe weather plan for your home and office.

If you don't have a plan, this is a great time to consider developing one and sharing it with others.

Preparing an emergency kit with basic supplies such as food, water, blankets and a flashlight can save precious time when reacting to an actual event.

Tornadoes reported in Nebraska in 2021 were down slightly from the 30-year average of 51. OF the 44 tornadoes reported, more than half of the storms occurred on either May 26 or December 15.

The National Weather Service reminds you that a WATCH means to be prepared. The watch should give you hours to be get prepared and you should monitor sky conditions and know where to take shelter if need be.

A WARNING means take action, severe weather is in the area and is imminent. You should take shelter immediately. You should continue to check for forecast updates, as conditions can change rapidly.

(KLZA)-- The Five County Republican Gubernatorial Forum Committee is planning to host Republican candidates for Governor of Nebraska in a forum at the Sterling Community Building on Sunday, March, 27.

The forum will give residents of Southeast Nebraska an opportunity to hear directly from Republican candidates during the 2:00 p.m. event.

The doors will open at 1:00 p.m.

All Republican candidates for Governor are invited to participate, and have campaign information and materials on hand.

The candidates are also encouraged to be on hand prior ot 2:00 p.m. to speak directly to voters.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Library and Arts Center and the Falls City Public School Counselors will partner to host a panel discussion on Social and Emotional Health on Thursday, March 24 beginning at 6:00 P.M. in the lobby of the Library.

Counselors Sara Baker from Falls City High School, Haylee Erickson Falls City K-12 Counselor; Jenny Helmick School Nurse, Troy Nelson, K-5 grade Counselor and School Psychologist Clarissa Ross will present a program used with Falls City Public School teachers and staff promoting positive healthy lifestyle.

This will be the first of a series of programs on this topic with Library displays of support materials. The public is invited to attend.

 (LINCOLN, NEB.)  — The Nebraska State Patrol is renewing its request for information regarding the disappearance of Linda Dillard, who went missing last June in southeast Nebraska. The investigation is ongoing.

Dillard was last seen on June 16, 2021, in the rural Table Rock area. As part of the investigation, NSP and assisting agencies have conducted multiple searches in the area where Dillard was last seen.

Investigators believe Dillard may have been the victim of a crime, which led to her disappearance.

Dillard was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black DKNY boxer brief shorts, and brown Birkenstock type sandals.

Dillard is described as a white female, 5’0”, 130 lbs., with blue eyes and brown hair, possibly dyed or wearing a wig.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing charges after allegedly firing a gun during a weekend disturbance in Atchison.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 60-year-old Leodis Byers, Jr. was arrested Saturday for aggravated assault, battery, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in the 200 block of Green Tree Road.

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

Wilson, the in release, explains that at 3:00 Saturday morning, officers responded to a disturbance with shots being fired behind the residence where the disturbance had occurred. Witnesses in front of the residence told police shots had been fired inside the residence, and then continued outside, with Byers then located and arrested.

The investigation alleges that with several people inside Byers’ residence, a disturbance occurred “and the suspect fired multiple rounds from several firearms.”

Although no one was hurt during the shooting, a 32-year-reported being the victim of battery and aggravated assault during the disturbance but did not require medical care.

According to Wilson, police recovered several firearms at the residence.

(KNZA)--The Horton City Commission has rejected the bids received for the ballfield improvements project and is re-bidding the project again.

The Commission took the action at a special meeting March 9 after the bids, which were let last month, came in over budget yet again--this time by about $200,000.

The Kansas Department of Commerce has granted the city a 60-day extension until April 28 to award the construction contract.

City Administrator John Calhoon is hopeful the commission can award the bid at their regular meeting on April 18. 

The city was awarded a $190,000 Community Development Block Grant last year for the project and about $200,000 has been raised from donations.

Calhoon told commissioners the city will likely need to come up with additional funding for the project due to inflation.

The commission discussed the option of submitting another grant application in November for additional funds.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman was injured Saturday morning in two-vehicle Brown County wreck, east of Horton.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the wreck happened shortly before 8:00 on U.S. 73 Highway, north of Nighthawk Road.

According to the KHP report, 58-year-old Charlotte VanDiver was eastbound when her Buick LeSabre struck the rear of a John Deere tractor and came to rest in the north ditch.  

VanDiver was transported to Amberwell Hospital, in Hiawatha, with suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the tractor, 55-year-old Horton resident Timothy Lehew, was not hurt.

The Patrol says Vandiver, who was alone in her vehicle, was buckled up when the wreck occurred.

(KMZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education accepted several resignations when they meet this week. 

They include longtime District Transportation Supervisor Randy Plattner; Sabetha High School social studies teacher Maggie Suther; Sabetha High School business teacher Nathan Bauman, who has been hired as the new Sabetha High School Principal; Axtell music teacher Rachel Ronnebaum and Wetmore elementary teacher Joyce Stallbaumer.

All the resignations are effective at the end of the current school year.

In other business, the Board voted to reduce 1 ½ positions for next school year.  The reduction is to be done through attrition.

The Board accepted a bid from Midwest Coating for a roof replacement project at the Axtell school in the amount of nearly $78,000. The roof on the secondary gym and 1941 building will be replaced.

And as part of the consent agenda, the Board accepted two donations totaling $400,000 toward the remodel/construction project at the Sabetha Elementary School, Axtell and Wetmore schools. 

(KAIR )--A burglary at an Atchison church is under investigation, with Atchison Police seeking whoever’s responsible for the unlawful entry.  

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the burglary occurred at the Trinity Episcopal Church, located in the 300 block of South 5th Street.  

Despite nothing being taken from the church, Wilson says a safe inside the building was damaged from an attempt to open it.  

It’s believed the burglary occurred sometime between 5:30 Wednesday evening and 4:00 Thursday morning.  

The investigation is continuing.  Anyone with information related to the crime is urged to contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KLZA)-- Several community cleanup events are scheduled in Falls City during the month of April.

On Friday, April 1, Richardson County and the Five Rivers RC&D will host a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m at the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department at 1820 Towle Street. A $5 donation per household is requested.

Friday, April 22 the Paper Shredders company will be in Falls City, sponsored by F & M Bank. The Paper Shredders will set up from 5 – 7:00 p.m. at the Falls City Library and Arts Center parking lot.

The Earth Day Celebration in Falls City will take place from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Stanton Lake Park on Sunday, April 24. The event will include music by John Rodgers, food and more.

On Saturday, April 30, Frontier Bank is sponsoring a stop by Cross Electronics at the Falls City Library and Arts Center in their parking lot. They will be accepting anything that has a cord.

(KLZA)-- The public is invited to tour the exhibit titled, Anne Frank: A History for Today at the Auburn High School Media Center on Monday, March 21.

Tours will be led by eighth and ninth grade students and will begin every 30 minutes from 5 until 7:00 p.m.

The exhibit will be on display through Friday, March 25. There is a short video to be shown as part of the exhibit.

The exhibit is sponsored by the Institute for Holocaust Education in Omaha and the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding while the Netherlands were occupied by Germany during World War II from 1942 – 1944 when she was discovered. In 1945 Anne Frank died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City School Board received updates on facility projects when they met Monday evening.

The High School HVAC project to do list includes demolition of the existing boilers which is tentatively scheduled to begin May 2.

The new boiler has been ordered and is in Omaha.

The new locker room air handling unit is on order and should be shipped in early July. The existing unit will be ready for demolition following the last day of school.

The turf replacement project at the football stadium is moving forward. The bid opening will be the week of March 28 and construction will begin the week of June 6 with a substantial completion date of July 13.

(KMZA)-- A Fredonia man has been hired as the new Marysville Junior-Senior High School principal.  

The USD 364 Board of Education at their March 9th meeting approved the hiring of Tim Woodcock for the position.  

He has served as an elementary/early childhood principal at Fredonia USD 484 since June 2017.  Prior to that, Woodcock was a high school English teacher at Rossville and Hosington.    

Woodcock is to begin work in July.  He will replace Darren Schroeder, who was named in January at the new Marysville USD 364 superintendent.  

Schroeder is replacing Mike Couch, who is retiring at the end of the current school year.

South Brown County USD 430 is moving forward with planning and approving bids for projects being financed by a $7 million bond issue approved by patrons last November.  

At their March 9 meeting, the USD 430 Board of Education approved a bid from Higgins Glazing Systems for the replacement of windows and doors in the district's three schools for a total of $1.2 million.  

Previously, bids were approved for a new roof at the elementary school, new HVAC systems at the three schools and exterior restoration of the buildings.  

The remaining projects that need to be bid out include--security systems, concrete replacement and outside handrails.  

With the increase in cost that is being seen across the country, USD 430 Superintendent Jason Cline said he pleased how things have been going so far and is confident they will be able to finish all the projects that were part of the bond issue.  

Work has begun on the installation of the new HVAC systems at the Horton Elementary School and Everest Middle School, with work expected to be completed by the end of May. Work will then shift to the high school in June.

Cline said all bond projects are anticipated to be designed, bid, and completed by this fall.

(MSC News )--A tradition of 20-years, providing a one-stop shop for a wide variety of services available across the local region, will be held Saturday, March 19.

That's the date for the Regional Expo, sponsored by the radio stations of KNZA-FM, KMZA-FM, KAIR-FM, KLZA-FM, and KTNC-AM.

It will again be held at Hiawatha's Fisher Center, at 201 East Iowa Street, from 9.a.m. until 3 p.m.

The radio stations, which service the areas of northeast Kansas, northwest Missouri, and southeast Nebraska, combine their resources to attract a wide variety of vendors, which represent businesses, and other service providers, from across the region.

More than 30 vendors are confirmed to attend.

Lawn and garden expert Carl Jarboe, host of the “Lawn and Garden Solutions” show, will be on hand again.  Jarboe will hold two sessions, answering your lawn and garden questions.  The first session will be at 9:30 Saturday morning and the other at 12:30 in the afternoon

Two big prizes will be given away at the Expo this year--a  50-inch smart television, courtesy of the Hiawatha Walmart, and a 40-volt blower and trimmer from Full-Throttle Repair in Everest.

The public is invited to attend all, or part of the expo, where admission is free.

(KLZA)-- NioCorp Developments, the company planning to start a large mining project near Elk Creek is reporting a significant advancement in the process to recover rare earth materials.

L3 Process Development, located in Quebec, Canada, has made significant advancement in it's ongoing process optimization

and rare earth recovery test work conducted for the Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project.

If proven, the advancement may result in major improvements including possible elimination of entire steps in the Projects current processing flowsheet.

The improvements potentially could help with the recovery and purification of rare earth elements, in addition to the Projects planned production of niobium, scandium and titanium.

The process could potentially increase revenue derived from those projects, could lower the costs in the projects pyrometallurgical plant and produce a higher purity titanium product.

(KAIR)--Details are released regarding how $366,500 in state transportation funds, awarded to the City of Atchison, will be used for upgrades at the municipal Amelia Earhart Airport. 

The monies were awarded through the Aviation Division of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s annual Kansas Airport Improvement Program funding awards.  

Of the 36 projects selected from the 145 applications received, one is Atchison’s airport, which received three of the grants from the total available grant funding of $5 million.  

According to a release from the City of Atchison, more than $89,000 is earmarked for the Primary Apron Expansion Design at the airport, with those funds being used to “supplement the local funding match for the Federal grants received earlier for construction of a new runway,” with the current construction estimate standing at $7.9 million, “most of which will be funded by a 100% Federal aviation grant,” while “the remaining project costs will be funded by the standard 90% Federal aviation grants, which require a 10% local match.”  

The City explains in the release that the overall estimated local funding responsibility for the $7.9 million price-tag is around $90,000 after factoring in the grant funding, while “100% of the local match funding will come from private donations.”  

According to the release, the apron expansion, at the airport, “will add tie-down parking spaces, improve circulation of taxiing aircraft, and replace the taxilane connections to two recently renovated, city-owned hangars.”

(KAIR)--Several local area law enforcement agencies will benefit from the more than $11.5 million in funding approved for Kansas Law Enforcement.  

Word of the funding was delivered in a release from United States Senator Jerry Moran.  

Moran, the lead Republican on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, says that the funds included in the 2022 Appropriations Package also means increases in the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and Community Oriented Policing Service Hiring Program.  

Moran, in the release, says such new funding will “make certain police officers receive the best training, the newest technology and the tools they need to protect our communities and keep our officers safe.”  

Of the 28 law enforcement agencies named as recipients of the funding, three are from the local area, with the Atchison Police Department, the Hiawatha Police Department, and the Leavenworth Police Department designated to receive funding.  

Detailed dollar amounts, and anticipated uses, are not immediately made available.

(KAIR)--A 19-year-old man is going to prison, sentenced last week in Leavenworth County District Court for child sex-crimes related charges.

Austin Wiles will spend just one-month shy of 23-years behind bars for his crimes. The Basehor resident plead no contest last month to two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child in connection with the criminal acts that occurred in 2020.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, Wiles must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The crimes were committed in Basehor on May 28 and June 1, 2020.

The first crime included Wiles engaging in lewd fondling and touching of a 12-year-old girl near Basehor Elementary School. The second crime involved similar actions with another 12-year-old girl.

Both were acquainted with Wiles who was 18 at the time the crimes were committed.

(KAIR)--A meeting planned for next week by the Atchison County Commission is being billed as “an old fashioned Townhall discussion,” with a number of Atchison County organizations and schools invited to attend.

According to a release from Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, the special meeting of the Commission will be held Tuesday evening “to start brainstorming for the future of the Sports Complex locations in Atchison and Effingham.”

The release explains that the Sales Tax Revenue Bonds series, used for funding of the county sports complex, will be paid off soon, with the Commissioner’s wanting “to get together to start planning a positive future for the properties.”

Included among those specifically named as invited to the session are ASAF, or Atchison Sports and Fitness, Inc., a non-profit which oversees management and operations of the sports complex located behind the Atchison Elementary School; the Atchison County Ball Association, Atchison Mudcat Baseball, the Atchison Recreation Commission, the Benedictine College Athletic Department, Memorial Hall Trustees, the YMCA, Atchison’s USD 409 Board of Education, and the USD 377 Board of Education for the Atchison County Schools, which oversees the sports complex in Effingham.

The special meeting of the Atchison County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 6:00 at Memorial Hall, located at 819 Commercial Street, in Atchison.

The release says that to make sure enough seating is prepared for the special meeting, an RSVP by those attending should be sent to the Atchison County Clerk’s Office before Monday. To do so, attendees should call 913-804-6030 or email mphillips@atcoks.org.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Board of Education approved a Special Education Agreement with Educational Service Unit #4 for the 2022-23 school year when they met Monday evening. The Pawnee City School District will pay ESU#4 $284,125 for their services.

The Board also set the final day of school for students for May 11 and the final contract day for teachers at May 12.

The Board also approved adoption of the 2022-23 master school calendar. The first day of the school year will be August 12. Graduation will be May 13, 2023. The final day of school in 2023 will be set in March of 2023.

Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus reported the concrete walls have been poured for the new press box. The next step is to dig out the floor to make it level and pour a concrete slab floor.

Work on the gymnasium floor is underway with the repair company having removed the bad portions of the floor and patched in new maple and sanded down most of the old surface. The new design does not include an Indian mascot in the event that the mascot may need to be changed in the future.

The gym will be available for after prom activities.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock Board of Education approved a Special Education Service contract for the 2022-23 school year during their Monday meeting in an amount of $172,385.

Board members accepted the resignation of 5th grade Tara Gossman who has accepted a position with Educational Service Unit #4.

Teaching contracts for the next school year were approved with Zadie Smith to teacher 5th grade and Kelsey Brundage to be the Music teacher.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education voted to accept the resignations from High School Art Instructor Gayle Weinert; 4th Grade Teacher Kristene Ogle; High School Custodian Harry Kirkendall and Registered School Nurse Jenny Helmick when they met Monday evening.

The Board approved employment contracts for the 2022-23 school year with Alexis Bippes to serve as Speech & Language Pathologist and Instrumental Music Instructor Nathan Novak.

The Board also approved a Reduction in Force of .38 full time equivalency to the music program. The change will result in reducing two periods of vocal music instruction at the Middle School.

(KMZA)--Services have been set for Vermillion USD 380 Superintendent Matt Rogers.

Rogers, of Corning, died Wednesday morning at the age of 52 following a long battle with bile duct cancer.

According to his obituary from the Lauer Funeral Home, in Seneca, “ he was determined to fight the cancer and gave it his all while never complaining and always showing his amazing smile.”

Rogers began his career in education in 1993, serving the past four years as superintendent at USD 380.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday morning at 11:00 at St. Patrick's Church, in Corning. A rosary will be recited at 10:30 prior to the mass.

Among survivors are his wife, Cary, and three children.

(KNZA)--Discussion continued this week focused on the next steps in forming and operating a countywide ambulance service in Doniphan County.

That’s according to the unofficial minutes of Monday’s meeting of the Doniphan County Commission, with that session bringing County EMS Committee members together focused on the ongoing, long-discussed proposal.

Among related matters discussed was that the MO-KAN Regional Council is making final amendments to the Request for Proposals prior to sending to third-party administrators for operations of the possible ambulance service.

Discussion also included possible funding for such an operation, with the County Commission considering dissolving Doniphan County Ambulance District Number 1, comprised of Fire Districts numbers 1 and 5, “and forming a new countywide ambulance service district by May 1 for budgeting purposes; levying up to the current 2.2 mills for operations.” Another change considered as part of the discussion is for Fire Districts numbers 2 and 3 to no longer levy a tax for Highland Ambulance Service, but would be included in the countywide ambulance service district along with Elwood.

The proposed tax of 2.2 mills for funding of the district would, according to the meeting’s minutes, “remain neutral for some taxpayers, reduce property tax for others, and slightly increase property tax for those not currently paying for ambulance service.”

Additionally, the Commission Monday discussed placing a 1% designated sales tax referendum for EMS Services on the August 2 primary election ballot.

Despite Monday’s discussion regarding the proposed ambulance district’s future, no action was taken on the matter during the meeting.

(KMZA)--Marshall County Republicans Tuesday evening selected Brad Lippert as their nominee for Marshall County Attorney.

Lippert's name will now be forwarded to Governor Kelly for appointment through the end of the year.

Lippert, a Sabetha Republican, is also the Nemaha County Attorney.

If appointed to the Marshall County position, The Marysville Advocate reports Lippert plans to hold both jobs and share duties in Marshall County with an assistant county attorney.

Current Marshall County Attorney Meghan Voracek recently announced her resignation, which is effective March 23.  She has held the position since July 2019.

Lippert plans to run for the office in the November general election. 

(KMZA)--Vermillion USD 380 is mourning the loss of Superintendent Matt Rogers.

Rogers , of Corning, died Wednesday morning at the age of 52 following a long battle with cancer.

Frankfort schools shared a post from his wife, Cary, informing the community of his passing.  

“He was surrounded by family and went to sleep peacefully holding my hand,” his wife Cary wrote. “He is finally free from this beast of cancer. Forever in my heart; never to be forgotten.”

On its Facebook page Wednesday, USD 380 wrote, “Our district surrounds the Rogers family with love today, and everyday. You all have made a tremendous impact on our communities, and this great man will be truly missed. All our love and support.”

Rogers had served as superintendent since 2018.  

During a special meeting Wednesday afternoon, the USD 380 Board of Education voted to appoint Dean Dalinghaus as the district's interim superintendent through June 30.  Dalinghaus currently serves as principal at the Frankfort school.

Joel Bickford was recently hired as the district's new superintendent.  He will take over July 1st. Bickford currently serves as a secondary principal in Bottineau, North Dakota, a role he's held since 2012.

The funeral mass for Rogers will be held Saturday morning at 11:00 at St. Patrick's Church, in Corning.  A rosary will be recited at 10:30 prior to the funeral mass.    

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners met with Sheriff Braden Lang during their March 8 meeting.

An executive session was held to discuss the Pawnee and Johnson County Sheriff's Offices. No action was taken following the closed session.

Sheriff Lang and Administrative Assistant Nancy Tilton discussed the sale of a bullet proof. Sheriff Lang said the vests are made to specifically fit the person they are made for. Elliott Boldt will be leaving the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office and wants to purchase his vest. Commissioners will revisit the top during their March 22 meeting.

During the meeting it was learned the Fairview Golf Club has withdrawn their request for a portion of the County's ARPA Funds. County Assessor Vickie Wiers met with the Commissioners requesting ARPA Funds be used for the Pawnee County Historical Society. No action was taken on the request.

Commissioners will also discuss during the March 22 meeting a request from District 1, Chief Probation Officer Ashley Griess to be able to access the Pawnee County Courthouse before courthouse hours, for drug testing probation clients. It would be for random testing two to three days per week for eight to ten people.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has decided against modifying the current moratorium on wind energy projects in the county to allow the Grain Belt Express transmission line project.

Chicago-based Invenergy had requested the county exempt the project from the moratorium, which has been in place May 2019.

County Attorney Brad Lippert met with the commission Monday to discuss the request.

Representatives from Invenergy meet with the commission at their February 28 meeting to provide a project update.

The about 800-mile line is to deliver up to 4,000 megawatts of wind-generated power from southwest Kansas to eastern states. The line is to go through 14 Kansas Counties—including Brown, Doniphan, Marshall and Nemaha County.

There was no immediate word how Nemaha County's decision will impact the project.

(KNZA)--This year's annual Brown County Fair Spotlight Auction was a big success, raising $15,533. That was almost $2,000 more than last year.  

The Spotlight Auction was broadcast Monday and Tuesday evenings over KNZA 103.9 FM, with bids taken by phone.  

More than 335 items, mostly donated by area businesses, were auctioned off during the two nights, bringing 92 percent of retail value.  

Proceeds from the auction will be used for operation of the 2022 Brown County Fair to be held July 9-15 at the fairgrounds in Horton.

(KMZA)-- Nemaha County is among 10 rural Kansas counties awarded more than $6 million in federal funding to improve the safety and efficiency of roads and local roadways.

Governor Laura Kelly, in a release Monday, announced the funding through the Kansas High Risk Rural Roads Program.

Nemaha County was awarded $340,000 to replace road signs in the northern half of county.  

The project isn't slated until 2024.

More than 40 applications were received seeking $21 million in federal funds.  

Funding through the program covers 90 to 100 percent of the total project cost with the counties making up the difference if required.

(KLZA)--A Hiawatha man was arrested by Richardson County Deputies on Sunday on Richardson County warrants.

Phillip Doerr was arrested on a warrant for terroristic threats and on a warrant for 1st degree assault and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony and use of a firearm during a felony.

Some of the charges stem from an incident in 2018 when Doerr allegedly threatened a man attending a sheriff' sale on property that Doerr owned in Humboldt.

(KLZA)--Rev. Msgr. Robert A. Roh, formerly of Falls City,  is being remembered.

Msgr. Roh died Monday, March 14th at Saint Joseph Villa retirement home in David City. He was 82

Msgr. Roh was superintendent of Falls City Sacred Heart from 1988 until his retirement in 2015. He was pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church during that time, leading the school and the parish.

His community involvement extended beyond church and school. He was a board member for Blue Valley and a board member of the Nebraska State High School Athletic Association for over 30 years.

The funeral Mass for Msgr Roh will be Friday morning at 11 at The Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln.

Falls City Sacred Heart schools will be closed on Friday for the funeral mass

(KLZA)--The Mound City Board of Aldermen awarded bids for mowing and fertilizing city property when they met March 8.

Low bids submitted were awarded for mowing at Griffith Park, Chautauqua Park and the City Hall property.

Six bids were submitted for mowing with Parker's Lawn Service awarded the bid totaling $6,095 per year, for a three-year period.

The bid for fertilizing city parks and the City Hall property was awarded to Customer Waterworks on a three-year contract amounting to $6,450 annually. It was the lowest of two bids received.

The Aldermen also approved a motion to vacate the alley at 614 State Street behind the Nodaway Valley Bank if approved by the Zoning Board.

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and Entergy have mutually agreed to end their Support Services Agreement regarding NPPD’s Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville. This agreement has been in place since late 2003.

While Entergy provided certain personnel for the plant along with other support services as part of the arrangement, NPPD has maintained ownership of and responsibility for the safe and reliable operations of the plant. NPPD plans to continue operating Cooper Nuclear Station and will utilize Entergy and other available industry resources, as appropriate.

Cooper Nuclear Station is an important part of NPPD’s generation mix. It is NPPD’s largest generating unit and the largest single source of carbon free generation in the state.

The station, which began commercial operations in 1974, has the capacity to serve approximately half of the annual energy requirements for NPPD’s retail and wholesale customers with reliable and carbon free electricity. It employs a little more than 600 individuals and has a significant economic impact on Southeast Nebraska.

Over the past several years, Entergy has been exiting its merchant fleet nuclear operations in the Northeast United States and elsewhere to focus on the nuclear plants in its regulated utility business operations in the Southern United States. Cooper Nuclear Station was the last plant outside of Entergy’s regulated utility business for which Entergy had contractual obligations.

Cooper Nuclear Station reliably provides carbon-free electricity around the clock for two-year periods between refueling outages. The plant is currently licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to operate until early 2034.

Over the next few years, NPPD will begin discussing the opportunity to pursue a second license renewal which would extend the operating license an additional twenty years.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners approved an agreement with Johnson County, Nebraska for the safekeeping of inmates at the Richardson County Jail when they met March 8.

Johnson County will pay $65 per day to board prisoners at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty also discussed the renewal of the Humboldt Law Enforcement Contract which calls for a three-year agreement with a five percent increase from the current contract amounting to approximately $10,900 for the three-year period.

Commissioners also held a closed session to review a grievance filed with the Highway Superintendent by Gerald Kuker. The Grievance had been denied by the Highway Superintendent and Kuker requested the hearing with the Board.

Following the closed session the Board voted to deny the grievance which alleged violations regarding paid time off.

(KLZA)--Nebraska First District State Senator Julie Slama has selected LB 977 as her priority bill for the current legislative session.

The bill would allow for an historic infrastructure investment for District 1 by investing $15 million to allow Falls City to upgrade the city's electrical grid.

Falls City has missed out on many economic opportunities due to the electrical grad, and many residents have had frequent power outages. During the pandemic, when many people were staying home, this issue worsened.

The Senator says by investing in this upgrade, it will add redundancy and reliability for Falls City's electrical system and provide the infrastructure necessary to draw new businesses to Richardson County. This will help create countless job opportunities for District 1 residents, and strengthen our economy.

LB 977 advanced unanimously out of the Appropriations Committee last week and placed on the floor for General File.

Slama says District 1 deserves the same access to reliable, growth-oriented infrastructure as the states large cities.

Also last week LB 887 sponsored by Senator Slama, a bill to expand Peru State's master's degree offerings, advanced to final reading without objection. The Appropriations Committee-approved budget also included $5 million to repair Peru's levy, still damaged from the 2019 floods.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening addressed the recent finding that several commission members had violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act, and approved a consent agreement.

An extensive investigation by the Brown County Attorney's Office, through the independent assistance of the Atchison Police Department, found that Mayor Bill Collins, Commissioner Brian Shefferd and Commissioner Evans Woelecke had violated the Open Meetings Act. All three voted to terminate former Police Chief John Defore at the commission's December 27 meeting without warning.

As part of the consent agreement, each commissioner must complete training regarding the requirements of the Kansas Opening Meetings Act and the city pay a $500 civil penalty.

Former city commissioner Toni Hull told commissioners she does not want the taxpayers to have to foot any of the bill for KOMA violation and the subsequent investigation. Instead, she said she felt the mayor and two commissioners found in violation should pay the penalty. In addition, she voiced her concerns over the termination of Defore.

Following Hull's comments, Commissioner Shefferd said he would gladly donate the $500 for the fine.  Commissioner Woehlecke, prior to the meeting's end, apologized for his part in the violation and said he would also help pay the fine.

Commissioner Becky Shamburg said while she would vote to approve the consent agreement, she does not appreciate having to take hours of training due to the actions of others. She also commented that since December the city has lost five vital employees. Shamburg said she thinks its time the commission takes a step back and looks in the mirror when trying to figure out why the city is losing important people. She added its not the commission's job to micro-manage city employees.

Prior to those comments from his fellow Commissioners, Shefferd said he had no statement to make during the Commissioner’s comment section; however, following their statements, he shared website statistics showing that property crime has been disproportionately high in Hiawatha, defending his position that a change was needed in the Police Department.

(KNZA)--A portion of southbound U.S. 75 in Brown County will close as part of an  ongoing passing lanes project.

Beginning Tuesday,  March 15, the Kansas Department of Transportation says temporary traffic signals will be placed near 140th Road and 150th Road to direct both directions of traffic through the reduced area.

There will be a reduced speed limit and 12-foot lane restriction.

KDOT says drivers should be prepared for slow-moving traffic and add extra time to their travel schedules.

The closure is expected to last through late May, weather permitting.

Hamm Inc., of Perry, is the contractor on the $8 million project.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone.  To stay aware of all road construction projects across Kansas, go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Mayor Shawna Bindle released a short statement Friday announcing the resignation of City Administrator Kevin Cluskey.

Cluskey was appointed City Administrator on August 14, 2021.

In the release, Mayor Bindle says Falls City citizens can be assured the city will continue to operate seamlessly while the search for a new City Administrator is underway.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing charges for aggravated assault and sexual battery.  

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 27-year-old Joseph Evans was taken into custody Sunday on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with the crimes, stemming from January 16.  

It was in the early morning hours of that date, according to Wilson, that “police officers responded to a residence in the 1900 block of Harper Drive where an 18-year-old female reported being the victim of a sexual battery.” A 38-year-old man reported that he’d been threatened with a firearm.  

Following his arrest Sunday, Evans was booked into the Atchison County Jail. He was later released on a $40,000 bond.

(AP) -The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is investigating after about 300 snow geese were killed and left piled on a road.

According to The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission the dumping of the birds happened sometime between February 19th and February 27th a half mile south of Highway 8 along 649 Avenue, west of Falls City.

Thousands of snow geese are migrating through Nebraska and there is no hunting limit on the birds. But Nebraska Game and Parks officials say it is illegal not to clean and properly dispose of the birds.

Those involved could face misdemeanor charges if they didn't have proper hunting permits or stamps. They could also face misdemeanor charges for littering a waterway and wanton waste.

Report tips to Wildlife Crimestoppers at 800-742-7626

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is getting a new tool to help with missing person searches and criminal activity surveillance.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant put out a request to the public last August for donations in order for the Sheriff's Office to purchase a drone, which carries a $32,000 price tag.

Merchant said by the end of the year they had surpassed their fund-raising goal, allowing them to purchase the vital piece of equipment. 

The drone is specially designed for law enforecement and has thermal imaging, which can detect body heat.

“ It's an incredible piece of equipment. It will greatly enhance the safety of the county and ability to serve it's citizens”, said Merchant.

Merchant said his department's officers will be trained on how to use the device later this month, and hopes to be able to put the drone into use by the end of April.

OMAHA, Neb (AP) — The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is investigating after about 300 snow geese were killed and left piled on a road in Richardson County.

According to a release from the agency, the dead birds were discovered west of Falls City.

Thousands of snow geese are migrating through Nebraska and there is no hunting limit on the birds. But Nebraska game and parks officials say it is illegal not to clean and properly dispose of the birds.

Those who were involved could face misdemeanor charges if they didn't have proper hunting permits or stamps. They also could face misdemeanor charges for littering a waterway and wanton waste.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will be searching for a new city administrator.

Current City Administrator Mike Nichols has resigned, effective April 6.

Nichols has been hired as the new city administrator of North Kansas City, Missouri, a town of nearly 5,000 residents. The North Kansas City Council approved his appointment as city administrator at a special meeting on March 9.

Nichols, who grew up in North Kansas City,  is expected to begin his new job April 11.

He has served as Hiawatha city administrator for more than 8 years, beginning his duties with the city in December 2013.

The Hiawatha City Commission is expected to discuss the process for filling his position when they meet Monday evening.

Nichols resignation comes as the city is seeking to fill two other positions--Chief of Police and City Clerk. 

(KMZA)--A new Nemaha Central superintendent has been named.

The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education, in a special meeting Friday afternoon, approved a contract with Tavis Desormiers, effective July 1.

Desormiers has served as superintendent of USD 208 Trego Community Schools, in Wakeeney, since 2018.  Prior to that, he served as an elementary principal, middle school athletic director,and middle school teacher and coach, all in Trego County.

Nemaha Central Board President Jason Hammes, in a release, said the Board is very excited to find someone with the experience and passion Desormiers brings to the table.  Hammes added he is a life long educator with proven results.

Desormiers, a Silver Lake native, received his master's degree in educational administration from Kansas State University in 2005 and his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Washburn University in 1996.  

Desormiers was among three candidates interviewed by the Board.  The other two candidates were Shane Clark, who currently serves as the district level coordinator in Southern Lyon County USD 252; and Trevor Ashcraft, who currently serves as USD 380 curriculum director and Vermillion principal.

Desormiers said he's excited to start working with the communities that make up Nemaha Central.

He will replace Darrel Kohlman, who has been superintendent at Nemaha Central since the 2010-11 school year.  Kohlman announced his resignation last month after a 32-year career in education.      
 

(KNZA)--An elderly Holton man escaped serious injury after his vehicle landed in a creek following a single-vehicle wreck late Friday morning.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the sheriff's office received a report of an accident involving an occupied vehicle in a creek near 238th and T Roads shortly after 11:30.

Morse said a Dodge Ram pickup truck had been eastbound on 238th Road where it appeared to have lost control and slid off the roadway and down into a creek.

Members of the Holton Fire Department, Jackson County Sheriff's Office and nearby residents helped to rescue the driver, identified as 85-year-old Delmer Klahr.

Klahr was evaluated by Jackson County EMS, but refused further treatment and transport. 

(KAIR)---No injuries are reported following an early Friday morning industrial fire in Atchison.

According to a release from Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar, firefighters were called to Progress Rail Services, located at 2604 Industrial Road, shortly after 6:00 Friday morning.

When they arrived, Weishaar said “they found a fire had extended to the duct work and filter system of welding equipment inside the plant.” The firefighters were able to access the equipment and extinguish the fire, remaining on the scene “to ventilate smoke from the building and monitor the situation.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(KLZA)--Three individuals were arrested early Friday morning in Falls City following an investigation by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department into the alleged distribution of methamphetamine.

As part of the investigation, the Sheriff's Office, in a release, said a search warrant was executed at 1520 McLean Street.

The release says deputies recovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

Arrested were Chase Ramer, of Falls City; Wanda Parrish, of Falls City; and Kimberly Hoagland, of Humboldt.

Ramer was arrested for conspiracy to distribute meth, two counts of delivery of meth within 1,000 feet of a school, and two counts of possession of meth.

Parrish was arrested for conspiracy to distribute meth, delivery of meth within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of meth with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of money while during a drug crime, maintaining a drug house and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Hoagland was arrested for conspiracy to distribute meth, possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The trio were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education will hold a special meeting this ( Friday ) afternoon to approve a contract for position of superintendent.

The meeting will take place at 3:00 via Zoom.

The Board this week interviewed three finalists seeking to be the district's new superintendent.  

They included:

Shane Clark, who currently serves as District Level Coordinator for Food Service, District Testing Supervisor, and District Coordinator of School Information System/KIDS in Southern Lyon County USD 252.  

Trevor Ashcraft, who currently serves as USD 380 curriculum director and Vermillion principal.

Tavis Desormiers, who currently serves as superintendent of USD 208 Trego Community Schools in Wakeeney.  

The individual selected will replace current superintendent Darrel Kohlman, who is resigning at the end of the current school year after serving in the position since 2010.

(KMZA)--A Sabetha woman, accused of the criminal sodomy of a teenage girl, waived her right to a preliminary hearing this week.  

According to the Nemaha County Attorney's Office, Karen Davis was bound over to Nemaha County District Court for arraignment on March 24.  

Davis was arrested on a Nemaha County warrant by the Sabetha Police Department last July.  

She is accused of engaging in sodomy with a girl between 14 and 15 years old between January 25, 2017 and January 24, 2019.  

Davis remains free on a $50,000 bond.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Fair Spotlight Auction will be held next week on Monday and Tuesday evenings, March 14-15.

It will be broadcast over KNZA 103.9 FM from 5:30 to 9 each evening.

The Spotlight Auction is a live radio auction of merchandise, services and chamber dollars donated mostly by area businesses, with bids taken via the phone.

You can see pictures of the items being sold and view the flyer online by going to the Brown County Fair Facebook page or the Brown County Extension website at www.brown.ksu.edu.

Those unable to call on the two evenings can call the Brown County Extension Office and give a maximum bid on the item or items you would like to buy, and one of the Fairboard members will be the bidder for you.

Proceeds from this year’s auction will be used for the operation of the 2022 Brown County Fair to be held July 9-15.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 26-year-old Leavenworth man has been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison for the shooting death of a 12-year-old boy.

Darvon Thomas was sentenced Wednesday for second-degree murder in the April 2021 death of Brian Henderson Jr., of Kansas City, Missouri.

Police say the shooting happened in the parking lot of a Leavenworth pharmacy during a gun purchase.

Evidence showed the firing occurred when the buyers determined the gun was a BB gun. Henderson was sitting in a car that was shot during the argument.

Another man, Jaylen L. Johnson, is scheduled to go to trial May 9 on a first-degree murder charge in Henderson's death.

(KAIR)--Atchison City Commissioners Monday, along with the approval of $87,000 worth of concrete and brick work in three Atchison locations, also approved a Community Development Block Grant agreement during its meeting Monday.  

According to a release from the City of Atchison, Commissioners also approved an updated show cause hearing “for the potential demolition of properties originally presented to the commission on January 18.”  The hearing had been scheduled to take place during Monday’s meeting, but is instead moved to April 18 “to ensure proper notifications of property owners takes place.”

The Commission also appointed Sherri Smith to serve a four-year term on the City’s Community Corrections Advisory Board and appointed Todd Dulac to fill an unexpired term on the Parks and Forestry Board.  

Following the conclusion of the under 15-minute Commission meeting, Commissioners Monday held a workshop session for the purpose of discussing vacant lots “and what should be allowed on those lots in the future.”  According to the release, “any potential changes to city ordinances related to vacant lots will be brought and discussed during a future regular meeting.”  

The next regular session of the Atchison City Commission is set for March 21 at 4:30 at Atchison City Hall.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Fire Department was able to contain a hay fire and save a barn Wednesday evening.

Hiawatha Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said the fire was reported at 308 North 12 Street shortly before 6:00.

Upon arrival, Sheldon said crews found heavy smoke coming from the barn.

He said the initial fire was knocked down and contained to a hay pile in the barn within 20 minutes. Crews then went to work to remove the hay so no further damage occurred to the barn.

The barn sustained minimal smoke and fire damage.

Crews remained on the scene until shortly before 8:00.

The Robinson Fire Department, Squad 48, Brown County Sheriff's Office, Hiawatha Police Department and Town and Country EMS assisted.

(KLZA)--The Auburn Board of Education approved a 2022-23 negotiated agreement with the Auburn Education Association when they met for their February Board meeting.

The new base salary will be $36,700 which is an increase of $700 from the current year.

The Board also approved a three-year contract with Superintendent David Patton that will begin July 1 of this year and continue through June of 2026.

The Superintendent's salary for 2022-23 will increase by $7,500 to $162,000.

The Baord also approved contracts for the 2022-23 school year with secondary assistant principal and activities director Jason Palmer at a salary of $85,502; director of special education Shane Keeling with a salary of $92,226; Calvert Elementary principal Breanne Poston with a salary of $90,409 and Suzanne Whisler, director of school improvement and curriculum with a salary set at $105,000.

A contract for new secondary principal Scott Siegel was approved in December with a salary of $105,000.

(KMZA)--It may still be winter, but preparations are being made for the opening of the Seneca Acquatic Center this spring.

The Seneca City Council, during their regular meeting last week, approved the hiring of Jenna Burger as pool manager.

The Council also approved the hiring of lifeguards, along with concession stand and gate workers.

A total of more than 30 employees have been hired to work at the pool this summer.

Weather allowing, the pool is set to open Memorial Day weekend, on Saturday, May 28.

(KNZA)--Details have been released on a fatal UTV accident last week in Doniphan County that claimed the life of a rural Troy man.

The fatal accident was reported on March 3rd on private property at Eminence and 200th Roads, west of Troy.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 79-year-old William "Bill" Foster was backing up to unload brush and backed over a riverbank. His UTV overturned and ended up in the Wolf River.

The Patrol says the exact time of the accident is unknown.

The report also states Foster was not wearing a helmet.

He was laid to rest Tuesday at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Severance following a service at the Highland Christian Church.

Foster spent 30 years as a teacher. He taught math and science for Troy High School, and chemistry and physics for Highland Community College.

(KAIR)--Authorities in Jefferson County are working to identify a body found Friday in Winchester.

WIBW-TV reports the body was discovered in a tree line, near an abandoned house, located off of 166th Street, east of Mooney Creek Road, by a farmer.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told the TV station the body appears to be that of a man in his forties, and may have been in the tree line since January.

An autopsy is being conducted.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Lansing Police Department, and the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s office, are assisting with the investigation.

(KAIR)--A stolen vehicle has been located in Atchison.

The recovery is noted in a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He said Atchison Police, Sunday evening, “recovered a 2005 Acura passenger car in the 1600 block of Main” Street.

The car had been reported stolen to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department of February 6.

There’s no word of any arrests in connection with the vehicle theft.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has appointed an interim county emergency preparedness director.

Following an executive session during their regular meeting Monday, the commission approved a resolution appointing Sheriff Rich Vernon to the interim role retro-active to March 3.

Vernon will receive an extra $500 a month in compensation during the time that he serves as interim director.

The Commission voted in a special meeting March 2 to accept the resignation of former emergency preparedness director Russel Lierz, which was effective immediately.

Lierz had held the position since December 2018.

(KLZA)--Nebraska residents may soon see a helicopter or Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) trucks and UTVs near powerlines as crews begin their annual Spring inspection of the transmission system.

NPPD wants residents to be aware of this process, which involves looking at every component on every transmission structure, across the state, over the next couple of months.

This allows NPPD to identify any parts or equipment on the transmission system that might need replaced or repaired. The project helps NPPD avoid outages that would have otherwise occurred, reduce costs by being proactive with maintenance, and improve the overall reliability of the system throughout the year.

Helicopter patrols will take place around the southeastern portion of the state during the second half of March. Crews in all areas of the state are starting to inspect these lines from the ground, and will be completing their patrols over the next couple of months.

(KLZA)--The South Hold R-1 School Board approved contract extensions for the school district administrators when they met February 16.

The contract for Superintendent Bob Ottman, Junior High and High School Principal Ted Quinlan were extended through the 2023-34 school year and Elementary Principal Kristen Mendenhall's contract was extended through the 2022-23 school year.

The Boards also voted to accept a letter of resignation from junior high science teacher Christina Dunn.

On a 5-2 vote the Board approved a quote from Heartland Seating to install new bleachers and a press box on the north side of the football field at Oregon. The bleachers will have 10 rows. The press box will have tow eight foot by 24 foot rooms. The cost will be $172,451.

(KLZA)--With a bridge rehabilitation project on the Missouri River Bridge on U.S. Highway 36 at St. Joseph, traffic has been narrowed to a 12-foot wide lane in each direction.

The narrow lanes present a problem to businesses and large equipment operators needing to move wide loads across the bridge.

The Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Highway Patrol and River Bend Ag Services of Wathena have worked on a solution to the problem.

Any parties that need to move a load wider than 12-feet across the Missouri River Bridge at St. Joseph should contact the Missouri Highway Patrol at 816-387-2345 or Zach Emmendorfer at River Bend Ag Services at 785-989-2128. Emmendorfer and the State Patrol will work together to coordinate movement of the wide vehicles in the early morning hours, one or two days per week as needed.

Phase One of the bridge rehab project will continue through July 18 with Phase Two scheduled for July 18 through December 1, 2022.

MoDOT and the Missouri Highway Patrol are committed to working with local businesses, the agriculture industry and freight traffic to keep commerce flowing across the vital bridge.

During the project, loads wider than 12-feet will only be moved across the bridge under the direction of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

(KNZA)--The execution of a search warrant leads to the arrest of a Hiawatha man on drug charges.

According to a report from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the sheriff's office drug task force served a search warrant late Monday afternoon at 110 South 12th Street, Apartment #7, in Hiawatha.

52-year-old Lance Schultz was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Schultz was booked into the Brown County Jail.

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved the purchase of an upgraded security system for the county jail and annex building.

The Commission on Monday accepted a bid from Commenco in the amount of $137,644 for the upgraded system, subject to an acceptable contract.

Sheriff John Merchant presented the proposal to the commmision for their approval.

The Commission voted to fund $80,000 of the cost from the commissioner's budget, with the remaining expense coming from the Sheriff's Department budget.

In other business, the Commission approved the purchase of a used 2012 Peterbilt semi-truck for the Road and Bridge Department in the amount of $168,000, subject to an acceptable inspection by a Brown County representative.

The Commission also accepted the lone bid received from Troy Kolb, of Hiawatha, for the right to harvest about 60 acres of brome hay this year at the county landfill for $2,075.

(KAIR)--Doniphan County real estate property owners are in support of countywide ambulance service and would support levying a tax to finance it.  

That’s according to a survey taken by the Doniphan County Commission.

County Clerk Peggy Franken on Monday outlined the results of the survey.  She told the Commission, during it’s regular weekly meeting, that of the 3,074 surveys that were sent out in the mail, 1,162 were returned.  887 of those returns said “yes” to the ambulance service and tax, while 241 said “no.” According to the unofficial minutes of Monday’s meeting, 54 of the returned surveys had no answer.

Following the results, discussion was held regarding a dedicated sales tax referendum for emergency medical services.  Franken explained to the Commission that, for reference purposes, based on 2021 countywide sales tax collections, a dedicated 1% sales tax would have netted more than $1 million-517-thousand.  

It was decided that the Commission will meet with the Doniphan County EMS Committee March 14 to discuss a countywide ambulance service plan in further detail.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education this week will interview three candidates seeking to be the district's new superintendent.

The Board will hold special meetings Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings to interview the candidates in executive session. The meetings will take place at Willow's Restaurant.

Monday was the deadline for applications.

The Board voted last month to accept the resignation of current Superintendent Darrel Kohlman, effective June 30. Kohlman has been with the district since 2010.

He is retiring from public education and is beginning a career with DCS Services, a Wichita firm providing building and HVAC design and construction services.

The Greenbush Education Service Center was retained by the board to help with the search for a new superintendent.

(KLZA)--During the February 23 meeting of the Falls City Council, action was taken to approve approximately $8,700 of repairs and upgrades to the City street sweeper.

In January the Council discussed purchasing a new street sweeper which had a price tag of $245 thousand or trying to make repairs to the current 12 -year-old machine to try and get another year or two of use out of it.

After reviewing the needed repairs and getting prices to refurbish the machine, City Mechanic Bobby Lock told City Administrator Kevin Cluskey he feels the work can be done in house for approximately $8,700.

Cluskey said in January that picking up leaves is a major contributor to the problems the city has had with the current machine. Cluskey feels the City needs to determine what other equipment might better suit the cities needs such as a vacuum to pick up the heavier debris.

If the work on the machine was to be done by Rose Equipment, the parts alone were estimated to cost just over $8 thousand.

(KLZA)--Students attending the Nodaway-Holt R-VII Schools will have a four-day school week staring with the 2022-23 school year.

The Mound City News reports the School Board voted 4-3 in favor of the change during their February 16 meeting.

Board members noted they hope the calendar change will help with recruiting teachers since the number of teachers applying for jobs has declined.

The new four-day school calendar will result in 11 fewer Monday's on the school calendar.

Earlier in the month, the Rock Port School District voted to go to a four-day school week and so did the West Nodaway R-1 School District in Burlington Junction.

(KLZA)--Persons wanting to vote in the May 10, Primary Election in Nebraska are urged to check their voter registration status to make certain they are registered at the correct address and affiliated with the political party for which they are going to cast their nomination ballot.

Voters may check their registration at https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov, or by contacting their County Clerk's Office. In Richardson County you may contact the Clerk’s Office at 402-245-2911.

Voter registration is taken at the Office of the Richardson County Clerk during regular business hours until Monday, May 2 at 6:00 p.m. Voters can also register at http://ne.gov/go/NEreg2vote.

The deadline for any voter registration form other than in person is Friday, April 22.

Early voting applications are also available to request that your ballot be mailed to you if you are unable to vote at your regular polling place on Election Day. An application form can be found on the Richardson County website www.co.richardson.ne.us.

Please contact your County Clerk’s Office if you have further questions or need more information regarding the 2022 Elections.

(KLZA)--Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced two judicial appointments to the 4th and 23rd Judicial Circuits on Friday.

Brett Hurst, of Fairfax, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Atchison County in the 4th Judicial Circuit.

Hurst currently serves as the Prosecuting Attorney for Atchison County. He earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture business management from the University of Missouri—Columbia and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley School of Law. Mr. Hurst will fill the Associate Circuit Judge vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Corey K. Herron to Circuit Judge.

The Honorable Edward L. Page, of Festus, was appointed as Circuit Judge for Division 2 of the 23rd Judicial Circuit.

(KNZA)--An early Sunday evening Brown County two-vehicle weather-related  wreck sent three people to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-20 Highway, west of Hazelnut Road, around 5:00.

According to the KHP report, 41-year-old Cesar Lopez, of Hiawatha, was eastbound in slushy and slick road conditions when he lost control of his pickup truck. Lopez slid into the westbound lane, striking a SUV driven by 45-year-old Chad Miller, of St. Joseph, Missouri, head-on.

Lopez was transported to Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha with suspected serious injuries.

Miller and a passenger in his vehicle, 46-year-old Shelly Miller, of St. Joseph, were also transported to the hospital.

The Patrol says Chad Miller suffered suspected serious injuries, and Shelly Miller suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says the Miller's were buckled up when the wreck occurred, while it was not known if Lopez was wearing a seatbelt.          

(KNZA)--Multiple fire departments battled a large grass fire north of Holton Saturday afternoon that was fanned by strong winds.

The fire was reported in the area of 286th and U.S. 75 Highway.

Netawaka Rural Fire District #6, in a social media post, said thanks to all who helped at least three families still have homes.

The post said out buildings were lost and vehicles were totaled but without the tremendous group effort it could have been far worse.

No serious injuries were reported.

Fire departments from Fairview, Holton, Horton, Hoyt, Kickapoo Tribe, Powhattan, Soldier, Wetmore and Whiting assisted in battling the fire. 

Area farmers also provided assistance, along with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Highway Patrol,  Kansas Department of Transporation, and Jackson County EMS.

Large out-of control grass fires were also reported Saturday in other portions of the state.

Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal declaration of disaster emergency Thursday due to the potential for wildland fires in the state on Friday and Saturday. The declaration allowed the state to preposition aerial firefighting assets from the Kansas Forest Service for a quicker response to any fires that may begin.

Officials on Saturday afternoon advised motorists traveling on U.S. 75 Highway to  avoid the area about 6 miles north of Holton due to a large out-of-control grass fire.

Officials say the fire has jumped the highway.

Numerous fire departments are on the scene trying to bring the fire under control.

Officials on Saturday afternoon advised motorists traveling on Highway 75 Highway to please avoid the area about 6 miles north of Holton due to a large out-of-control grass fire.

Officials say the fire has jumped the highway.

Numerous fire departments are on the scene trying to bring the fire under control.

Officials on Saturday afternoon advised motorists traveling on U.S. 75 Highway to please avoid the area about 6 miles north of Holton due to a large out-of-control grass fire.

Officials say the fire has jumped the highway.

Numerous fire departments are on the scene trying to bring the fire under control.

(KLZA)-- Emily Murray, a Public Affairs Specialist with the Drug Enforcement Administration and a DEA agent presented a program at Falls City Middle School on Tuesday providing information to students and their teachers about methamphetamine and other drugs that are prevalent in the area.

Murray said it was a great experience and that the students were very receptive to the message and learning about specific drug issues in Nebraska, particularly in Richardson County.

Murray said there are some very dangerous drugs available in the area, especially an upward trend in the use of methamphetamine and Fentanyl.

Students asked question about how the DEA personnel got started in their jobs and the difference between the state and federal personnel. Students were also very curious about ways they can say no to drugs. Murray said while its never an easy situation, it's apparent that kids in this age group are being approached about experimenting with different drugs.

Part of the program was helping kids learn ways to get themselves out of those situations.

Murray wants parents to know that while it can be a hard conversation to start out, its a good idea to begin talking about drugs with your kids as early as Kindergarten. She noted the importance of helping younger children distinguish between a drug and candy or medications as they can look very similar.

She said the DEA finds that the more parents have an open dialogue with their kids, the kids are more likely to discuss what they are experiencing with their friends and what they are talking about as they get older.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Deputies arrested 34-year-old Chase L. Ramer on March 1, following a traffic stop in Falls City.

During a search of Ramer's vehicle suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was located. A struggle ensued when Ramer was being taken into custody and he was ultimately arrested on additional charges.

Ramer was booked into the Richardson County Jail on felony charges of possession of methamphetamine and assault on an officer and misdemeanor charges of obstructing a peace officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In a news release from the Sheriff's Department, they thanked the Falls City Police Department for their assistance in the arrest.

(KLZA)-- Following a morning program to present information to Falls City Middle school students and staff on Tuesday, a recently formed coalition met at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center to discuss how the coalition could help the local fight against drugs and how local authorities could help the coalition.

Emily Murray with the Drug Enforcement Administration told MSC News that in January, representatives from the DEA, U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Nebraska, the Nebraska State Patrol, the FBI and the Nebraska Attorney General's Office got together to form a coalition which is the first of its kind in Nebraska to push back against the drug problem and the spread of methamphetamine use in the state.

The groups are working together with local law enforcement to share information and work together on investigations.

Murray says that no area, including rural America is insulated from the current drug problems. In 2021 nearly 768 pound of meth was recovered by law enforcement agencies in Nebraska. One user amount is considered to be 1/16th of a gram.

An example of how much that is, if you divided the meth recovered in last year, for the 90 thousand seats at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, that amount of meth would mean there would be 65 doses for each seat. That amounts to 5,850,000 doses.

The coalition is spending two weeks going across Nebraska visiting with local law enforcement to share information and ideas and see how to pool resources to push back against the drug threat..

Murray said that major highways such as Interstate 29, I-80, and Highway 75 are some of the main routes used to transport drugs in the U.S.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County resident, who worked as an officer for the Lawrence, Kansas Police Department, faces sex-crimes related charges following his arrest in connection with the allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman while on duty.

According to a release Friday from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, 41-year-old Jonathan Gardner, of Tonganoxie, was arrested for one count of rape, 12 counts of unlawful acts concerning computers, and 12 counts of official misconduct. The release explains that the charges of official misconduct and unlawful acts with computers “claim Gardner committed illegal and unauthorized searches of the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System, as well as internal police department public safety systems between 2017 and 2020.”

According to the release, the Lawrence Police Department, on November 1, 2021, “requested KBI assistance after they received a report that day from a female subject alleging that one of their officers [identified as Gardner] had sexually assaulted her while he was on duty. The crime is suspected to have occurred on January 1, 2017.”

Gardner was arrested Friday morning by KBI agents, with assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol, near the intersection of Smiley Road and Highway 40.

Following his arrest, Gardner was booked into the Leavenworth County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Douglas County Attorney is expected to prosecute the case.

Gardner’s employment with Lawrence Police was severed shortly after KBI agents initiated the investigation into his alleged crimes, with cooperation of the Lawrence Police Department.

(KAIR)--Two Atchison men, both wanted on active failure to appear in court warrants, now face methamphetamine-related drug charges following their arrests Sunday.

Taken into custody in the 400 block of U.S. Highway 59 was Weston Anderson, who was spotted in a parking lot by an Atchison Police Officer who knew he was wanted.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the officer approached Anderson, who allegedly fled on foot, but was stopped after a brief police pursuit and arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement, and the Municipal Court warrant.

Also arrested Sunday, in the same location, was 44-year-old Matthew Davis, who was, according to Wilson, observed by an officer on patrol who knew he was wanted.

He was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine which, like Anderson, was allegedly found on his person, along with possession of drug paraphernalia, and the Municipal Court warrant.

Following their arrests, Anderson and Davis were each booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--Atchison’s municipal Amelia Earhart Airport is among 36 projects selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program funding.

According to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, funding is done for the purpose of planning, constructing or rehabilitating public use general aviation airports.

The release notes that at total of $618,950 is earmarked for Atchison’s airport.

$89,396 of the total will go to construction of a new runway; $38,000 will be used for primary apron expansion, while $328,500 will be used for construction of primary apron expansion.

The release explains that the Kansas Airport Improvement Program receives $5 million annually through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE, and requires airport sponsors to share in the project costs by paying between 5% and 50% of the total project. The Kansas Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation, which manages the program, considered 145 project applications this year with a combined total project value of over $78 million.

The selection board identified $4,968,161 in projects to address the most impactful airport improvements across the state.

(KAIR)--Two burglaries reported this week are under investigation by the Atchison Police Department, including one involving a local, private school.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, investigators believe the burglary at the Flynn Center, located on the campus of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, occurred during the early morning hours on Thursday.

Taken in the burglary was an Apple iPad.

The second burglary is believed to have occurred during the early morning hours on Friday, with an office/storage building, at 1101 Main Street, targeted for the crime.

Taken were a laptop computer and hand tools.

Both burglaries remain under investigation, and no suspects are immediately identified.

Anyone with information related to the crimes should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is facing numerous charges, including using a hammer to threaten a victim during a domestic disturbance.

35-year-old Delvin Debnam was arrested Wednesday by Atchison Police on a District Court warrant for aggravated assault, criminal threat, and domestic battery. He was also arrested on another District Court warrant charging him with theft and attempted theft.

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

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the theft and attempted theft charges stem from incidents that occurred December 5 and 24 of last year at the Atchison Walmart, located at 1920 U.S. Highway 73.

The other charges, including aggravated assault, criminal threat, and domestic battery, are in connection to what Wilson calls “a police investigation on January 11 of a domestic disturbance that had occurred at a residence in the 1500 block of Commercial Street.
It’s alleged that Debnam, during the disturbance, struck the 39-year-old victim with his fists and made threats with a hammer.

(KAIR)--Atchison County has had its first filing for the 2022 election.  

According to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, current Atchison City Commissioner Dr. Allen Reavis has instead filed to seek election to the Atchison County Commission.  

Reavis, a Republican, filed by fee Wednesday to run for the 1st District County Commission seat, currently held by Republican Jack Bower.  

Candidates have until noon June 1st to file.  

According to Phillips, along with numerous state positions up for election, the 2022 ballot will, locally, include Precinct Committee People, with one man and one woman for each of the precincts in Atchison County, as well as Township Clerk for each of the eight townships in Atchison County.  

The Primary Election will be held August 2nd.  

The General Election will be November 8.  

Atchison County voters are reminded that July 12 is the deadline to register to vote for the Primary Election.  

Among the state offices to be decided by voters include State Representatives for the 62nd and 63rd Districts, Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Treasurer, and Commissioner of Insurance.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners discussed a proposed budget for the Law Enforcement Contract with the City of Humboldt when they met Tuesday.

The next contract period will be from September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2025. The current contract calls for Humboldt to pay $72,663 annually for law enforcement. The proposed draft from the County is to increase the current contract amount by five percent, which would increase the annual amount to $76,295.

Commissioners also reviewed projected salary increases for Fiscal Year 2022-23.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty and Chief Deputy Roland Merwin met with the Board. $2,114 was collected from the sale of surplus cell pones.

The Board voted 2-1 with Commissioner David Sickel casting a nay vote to approve a purchase order submitted by the Sheriff for two patrol cars to be purchased from Anderson Ford at a total cost of $74,753.

After further review, it was determined there is no approved contract with the state Purchasing Division for the model years of the patrol units included with the purchase order. The Board voted to rescind the motion to purchase the two patrol units until the purchasing contract from the state Material Division is approved and released.

(KAIR)--A double vehicle Atchison wreck left a man injured, but no one hospitalized.  

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, “officers responded to an injury accident at 5th and U.S. 59” at 6:45 Tuesday evening.  

The resulting investigation showed that 33-year-old Samantha Roles, of Atchison, and 52-year-old St. Joseph, Missouri motorcyclist, Thad Jenkins, had both been eastbound on the highway when Roles, behind the wheel of a Ford Fusion, turned south onto 5th Street, with Jenkins’ Harley Davidson striking the car in the rear end.  

According to Wilson, Atchison County EMS responded to the wreck, and examined Jenkins, who had an injured shoulder, but was not transported for hospital care.

Roles was not hurt.

(KNZA)--A boil water advisory has been lifted in the Brown County community of Willis.

The advisory was put in place following a water outage on February 10 to make repairs at the pump house.

City officials say customers no longer need to boil the water they use for drinking or food preparation.

(KLZA)-- Two Falls City residents have been indicted on federal charges resulting from a Richardson County Sheriff's Office investigation that began more than a year ago.

Deputies arrested 33-year-old Daniel S. Lock on February 26 and 26-year-old Taylor Zimmerling on March 1 on federal arrest warrants.

Lock and Zimmerling were indicted in February in US District Court, on charges of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The indictments are related to a Sheriff's Office investigation of methamphetamine distribution that occurred at an apartment complex located less than 500 feet from an elementary school.

More than 50 grams of methamphetamine were seized during the investigation along with numerous pieces of drug paraphernalia, cash and police radio scanners.

A release from the Sheriff's Office says the Department looks forward to continuing the fight against methamphetamine, other dangerous drugs, and the crimes that result from their use and sale.

(KNZA)--A new Sabetha High School principal has been named.

Prairie Hills USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans, in a release Thursday, announced the position has been offered and accepted by Sabetha High School business teacher Nate Bauman.

Bauman has been a teacher and coach at Sabetha High School since 2002.

He will start his new position on July 1st.

Bauman will replace David Glynn, who is resigning at the end of the current school year after serving as principal the past four years.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County Emergency Preparedness Director Russel Lierz has resigned.

The Nemaha County Commission, in a special meeting Tuesday, voted to accept his letter of resignation, which was effective immediately.

The action followed an executive session, the only item on the agenda. 

Lierz had held the position since December 2018.

During Monday's regular commission meeting, representatives from Chicago-based Invenergy met with commissioners to discuss the Grain Belt Express transmission line project that will run through Nemaha County. Present for the discussion was County Attorney Brad Lippert.

The about 800-mile line will deliver up to 4,000 megawatts of wind-generated power from southwest Kansas to eastern states.

Commissioners will need to decided whether or not to exempt the project from the current moratorium that in place on wind energy projects in the county.

(KLZA)-- Tuesday, March 1, was the non-incumbent filing deadline in Nebraska.

The Primary Election will be Tuesday, May 10.

Recent filings for various positions in Richardson County include:

Mark S. Harkendorff for Mayor of Falls City.

Teresa L. Olberding for the Falls City School Board.

John R. Coonce of Falls City has filed to run for the 1st District County Commission seat on the Democratic ticket.

Ted Schuler, Dyann Herr and Ronald Rathbone have filed to run for Mayor of Humboldt. Vicky Lynch has filed to run for the Ward II Humboldt City Council position.

In addition, Lauren Bierman of rural Falls City and Nicholas Aitken of Falls City have filed to to run for positions on the Falls City Airport Authority.

The candidate filing deadline for Village Board of Trustees and Educational Service Unit #4 is July 15 for incumbents and August 3 for non-incumbents.

(KLZA)-- During their February 23 meeting, the Falls City Council approved replacing the current light bulbs at the Grandview Park ballfield to LED bulbs.

Council member Derek Leyden said members the Parks Department and the Utility Department suggested making the change. The current quartz bulbs require changing every year to 18 months. There are 32, 1500 watt bulbs that use 48 thousand watts of electricity.

The new LED lights will require only 15, 400 watt bulbs that will require 87 percent less electricity to light up the area.

The Council voted to award a bid for the new LED lights to Husker Electric Supply Company from Lincoln at a cost of $16,800.

It was not the low bid for the units, but is a company the city has done a substantial amount of business with.

(KNZA)--A new superintendent has been hired for the Valley Falls school district. 

The USD 338 Board of Education, in a release Monday, announced the hiring of John Hamon for the position.

He currently serves as the superintendent of schools at Kinsley-Offerle USD 347. Prior to that, Hamon served as a principal in the Jefferson West, McLouth and Uniontown school districts.

Hamon, a native of Valley Falls, was among three candidates interviewed by the USD 338 board last week.

The release says Hamon has proven that he is a leader who leads by example, is an effective communicator, and someone who works to build consensus.

He will take over as superintendent on July 1st, replacing Dr. Volora Hanzlicek.  Hanzlicek has hired as the new superintendent of Doniphan West USD 111.

Hamon and his wife, Lisa, has three adult children.

(KNZA)--An extensive investigation by the Brown County Attorney’s Office, through the independent assistance of the Atchison Police Department, finds that members of the Hiawatha City Commission violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

The investigation, launched by Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill, followed what the Notice of Violation calls "two separate requests for an investigation into alleged violations of the Kansas Open Meetings Act by one or more Hiawatha City Commissioners in the month of December 2021."

The complaints, received January 3 and January 4 of this year, "specifically voiced concerns over potential violation by three commission members who voted in favor of terminating the Hiawatha Police Chief, John Defore, at the December 27, 2021, Hiawatha City Commission Meeting.”

Noted in the document's Conclusion of Law is that the three, Mayor Bill Collins, Commissioner Evans Woehlecke, and Commissioner Brian Shefferd, excluded fellow commissioners Becky Shamburg and Dave Middendorf from their phone calls, text messages, and third-party communications regarding the fate of Defore.

The document outlines a thorough investigation, aided by Atchison Police Detective Austin Surritt, which utilized records and discovery subpoenas, testimony under oath, and procurement of AT&T cell phone records, which revealed that the Commissioners, using phone calls, text messages, and shared discussions with Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, violated the open meetings act. The violating communications led up to last year’s motion, made by Mayor Collins to fire Defore, as seconded by Shefferd, which left, as the document puts it, Commissioners Shamburg and Middendorf “shocked and dumbfounded.”

The focus of the discussions between Collins, Shefferd and Woehlecke  pertained to a juvenile case they perceived to be incorrectly handled by Defore and his department.

Hill said the Police Department fully investigated the case and his office filed formal charges the week following the incident.

Hill, Tuesday, submitted a consent agreement to the Hiawatha City Commission for the review and approval of four conditions, including an agreement to cease and desist from further violations of the Kansas Open Meetings Act; execute a resolution as a public meeting indicating "its intent and desire to comply with all provisions of the Kansas Open Meetings Act; each City Commissioner, within the next three months, will complete a training approved by the Brown County Attorney's Office concerning the requirements of the open meetings act; and that the City of Hiawatha pay a civil penalty in the amount of $500 within 45 days of Tuesday's receipt of the notice.

Failure to agree with the four terms, "will result in the Brown County Attorney's office applying to the District Court of Brown County" for enforcement. Should that happen, the document states, the Brown County Attorney's office "will have the discretion of requesting that the District Court enter an additional order requiring the City of Hiawatha to pay all costs incurred" in the violation investigation, "impose a civil penalty against any and all commissioners who knowingly violated the act, as well as other remedies authorized by Kansas Statute."

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, who stabbed a man who then shot him, was found guilty following a single-day jury trial in Leavenworth County District Court Monday.

46-year-old Marquis Holmes was found guilty by a jury on a charge of aggravated battery causing great bodily harm.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, the charge stems from when Holmes, on August 18, 2018, went inside a Leavenworth residence, in the area of 10th and Miami Street, and stabbed his victim, 33-year-old Shawn Hiatt, of Leavenworth, twice in the upper hip area.

Holmes fled on foot, with Hiatt, who followed him out of the residence, seeing Holmes as he entered an SUV, with the stabbing victim then shooting Holmes.

Hiatt was convicted of the shooting in April, 2019, and was sentenced to four-years in prison.

Sentencing for Holmes is scheduled for next month.

(KAIR)--Just over seven-years in prison is the sentence handed down Monday to an Atchison woman who previously plead no contest to methamphetamine-based drug crimes in Atchison County District Court.

Sheena Kley was sentenced on charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to distribute, and interference with law enforcement.

Kley was also ordered to register as a drug offender for 15 years.

She pleaded no contest to the charges on January 11 of last year.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, Kley was arrested November 19, 2019, following an investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff's Office, leading to the allegation that she was traveling to Missouri from Atchison, and returning with meth.

Following her arrest, Kley struggled with deputies when refusing to hand over what was determined to be a bag of meth. She was later accused, after being taken to the Atchison County Jail, of flushing meth down a jail toilet, with a bag containing meth crystals recovered. That happened as deputies were collecting remnants of the drug Kley spread throughout the patrol vehicle.

After she was initially charged, the coronavirus pandemic closed the court system, with Kley absconding Atchison County jurisdiction until she was arrested in Missouri and extradited to face the charges.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha-based KANZA Mental Health and Guidance Center has a new chief executive officer.

Jackie Feathers, of Sabetha, replaces David Jasper.

Jasper introduced Feathers to the Brown County Commission Monday.

Monday marked the last day for Jasper, who retired after serving as CEO since August 2018.

Feathers has 12 years of experience working in the mental health field. She joined KANZA in 2017 as an outpatient therapist and took over as the clinical director in 2020.

Prior to joining KANZA, Feathers served as a school-based behavioral health specialist in Kauai, Hawaii, and as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Albany, Oregon helping individuals who were homeless and experiencing mental health issues.

KANZA serves Brown, Doniphan, Jackson and Nemaha Counties.

(KMZA)--Vermillion USD 380 has announced the selection of a new superintendent.

In a news release Monday, the district announced the hiring of Joel Bickford for the position.

Bickford currently serves as a secondary principal in Bottineau, North Dakota, a role he's held since 2012. He has been a principal for 15 years and was a history/physical education teacher for 14 years.

Bickford was among three candidates interviewed last week by the USD 380 Board of Education. 

Bickford will take over July 1st.  He will replace Matt Rogers, who is resigning for health reasons after leading the district since 2018.

Bickford said he's humbled and honored to be a part of the USD 380 team.

He and his wife, Vicki, have four children. She moved to Kansas earlier this year and is a medical laboratory scientist for Kansas State University's Lafene Health Center in Manhattan.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha is searching for a new city clerk.

Tish Sims, who has held the position since April 2018, has resigned to become the new city clerk of Lansing, Kansas. 

Her last day with the city of Hiawatha will be Friday ( March 4).  

Sims told the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening she has loved her time with the city and is leaving it in good hands.

Mayor Bill Collins, Commissioners and City Administrator Mike Nichols said Sims will be missed and praised the job she has done.

Nichols said the position has been advertised on the League of Kansas Municipalities website, through the Kansas Clerk's network, and on the city's social media and website.

The city is also seeking a new Chief of Police, and Nichols said as of Monday had received nine applications for the position.

He strongly recommended the Commission consider chartering out of having the clerk and chief of police seek re-appointment every two years. Instead, Nichols said they could be appointed for an indefinite period of time, like his position, subject to discharge at the will of the commission.