(KLZA)--The Richardson County Emergency Management Agency will be conducting siren maintenance again on Tuesday May 31, 2022 and Wednesday June 1, 2022.

You may hear the sirens sound periodically during this time.

Please be aware that it is just siren maintenance and no action is needed.

(KLZA)--After the Memorial Day holiday, a pavement improvement and flood remediation project on U.S. Route 159 will close Holt County Route 111 and narrow U.S. Route 159. The project will be constructed in multiple stages.

The work schedule includes:

Bypass construction around the intersection of U.S. Route 159 and Route 111.

Traffic impacts will include possible single-lane closures.

Beginning May 31 and continuing through the end of June, Intersection improvements to raise the roadway grade of U.S. Route 159 to meet the level of the railroad crossing on Route 111.

During this time, U.S. Route 159 traffic will be redirected to a single-lane bypass with temporary traffic signals in place.

• Route 111 will be closed from U.S. Route 159 to just north of the railroad crossing. Motorists will need to seek an alternate route.

June 27 – Aug. 5: Concrete repairs and sealing from the Little Tarkio Creek west of Fortescue to Route 111 north of Forest City will be done.

Single-lane closures may be necessary

From July through mid-September: Ditch clean-out and roadside grading will be taking place, again there will be single-lane closures and temporary traffic signals for the project to be done in three segments moving east to west starting at the Little Tarkio Creek going to Route 111; Then from Route 111 to the Big Lake Overflow Bridge and the third section will be from the Big Lake Overflow Bridge to the Missouri River.

Sept. 19 – Dec. 8: Erosion control installation will be taking place, again meaning single-lane closures and temporary traffic signals with the project to be completed in three segments.

The work will shut down for the winter on December 9.

Also scheduled to begin after the Memorial Day holiday is the rehabilitation of the Big Lake Overflow Bridge on U.S. Route 159. The roadway will be narrowed to one lane with a 13-foot width restriction at the bridge through July. Temporary traffic signals will be in place to direct motorists through the work zone.

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

(KLZA)--The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants who are in the final year of their CRP contract to request voluntary termination of their CRP contract following the end of the primary nesting season for fiscal year 2022.

Participants approved for this one-time, voluntary termination will not have to repay rental payments, a flexibility implemented this year to help mitigate the global food supply challenges caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other factors. Today, USDA also announced additional flexibilities for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).  

“Putin’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine has cut off a critical source of wheat, corn, barley, oilseeds, and cooking oil, and we’ve heard from many producers who want to better understand their options to help respond to global food needs,” said John Berge, USDA’s Farm Service Agency State Executive Director in Nebraska. “This announcement will help producers make informed decisions about land use and conservation options.”

FSA is mailing letters to producers with expiring acres that detail this flexibility and share other options, such as re-enrolling sensitive acres in the CRP Continuous signup and considering growing organic crops. Producers will be asked to make the request for voluntary termination in writing through their local USDA Service Center.  

If approved for voluntary termination, preparations can occur after the conclusion of the primary nesting season. In Nebraska the primary nesting season ends July 15. Producers will then be able to hay, graze, begin land preparation activities and plant a fall-seeded crop before October 1, 2022. For land in colder climates, this flexibility may allow for better establishment of a winter wheat crop or better prepare the land for spring planting.  

Organic Considerations 

Since CRP land typically does not have a recent history of pesticide or herbicide application, USDA is encouraging producers to consider organic production. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to help producers plan and implement conservation practices, including those that work well for organic operations, such as pest management and mulching. Meanwhile, FSA offers cost-share for certification costs and other fees. 

Other CRP Options 

Participants can also choose to enroll all or part of their expiring acres into the Continuous CRP signup for 2022. Important conservation benefits may still be achieved by re-enrolling sensitive acres such as buffers or wetlands. Expiring water quality practices such as filter strips, grass waterways, and riparian buffers may be eligible to be re-enrolled under the Clean Lakes, Estuaries, and Rivers (CLEAR) and CLEAR 30 options under CRP. Additionally, expiring continuous CRP practices such as shelterbelts, field windbreaks, and other buffer practices may also be re-enrolled to provide benefits for organic farming operations.  

If producers are not planning to farm the land from their expiring CRP contract, the Transition Incentives Program (TIP) may also provide them two additional annual rental payments after their contract expires on the condition that they sell or rent their land to a beginning or veteran farmer or rancher or a member of a socially disadvantaged group. 

Producers interested in the Continuous CRP signup, CLEAR 30, or TIP should contact FSA by Aug. 5, 2022.   

NRCS Conservation Programs 

USDA also encourages producers to consider NRCS conservation programs, which help producers integrate conservation on croplands, grazing lands and other agricultural landscapes. EQIP and CSP can help producers plant cover crops, manage nutrients and improve irrigation and grazing systems. Additionally, the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), or state or private easement programs, may be such an option. In many cases, a combination of approaches can be taken on the same parcel. For example, riparian areas or other sensitive parts of a parcel may be enrolled in continuous CRP and the remaining land that is returned to farming can participate in CSP or EQIP and may be eligible to receive additional ranking points. 

Other Flexibilities to Support Conservation

Additionally, NRCS is also offering a new flexibility for EQIP and CSP participants who have cover cropping included in their existing contracts. NRCS will allow participants to either modify their plans to plant a cover crop (and instead shift to a conservation crop rotation) or delay their cover crop plans a year, without needing to terminate the existing contract. This will allow for flexibility to respond to market signals while still ensuring the conservation benefits through NRCS financial and technical assistance for participating producers. 

More Information 

Producers and landowners can learn more about these options by contacting FSA and NRCS at their local USDA Service Center. 

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

(KAIR)--A weekend wreck in Atchison sent the driver to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened Saturday afternoon, around 2:45, when Michael McCrory was northbound in the 500 block of South U.S. Highway 73. It was there that his vehicle “left the roadway and struck road signs” before it “subsequently struck a stopped vehicle that was leaving a business parking lot.”

McCrory was transported by Atchison County EMS for hospital treatment.
According to Wilson, it’s “believed the driver was suffering a medical episode that caused the accident.”

(KNZA)--An early Sunday morning traffic stop in Jackson County led to arrest of a Texas woman on drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse,in a release, said a sheriff's deputy stopped a Honda passenger car near 142nd Road and U.S. Highway 75 shortly before 4:00  Sunday morning for a traffic infraction.  

The driver, 26-year-old Megan Brown, of Dallas, was arrested for possession of cocaine and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.  Brown was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Community Foundation's 2nd annual " Give Back to Move Forward" match day event was a huge success.  

551 gifts totaling $215,528 were given Saturday and Sunday to benefit 31 non-profit organizations and projects, surpassing last year's amount.   

The Foundation set aside $62,000 to provide a dollar-to-dollar match up to $2,000 per fund.  

The Amberwell Hiawatha Foundation Fund generated the largest amount of donations, totaling $23,585.  That was followed by the Little Hands, Inc. Fund, which received donations totaling $22,175, and Hiawatha Championship Sports Complex Fund, which received donations of $17,731.  

Organizers are still calculating the final match amount.  

You can find the complete list of donations made to all the participating charitable funds by going to givebacktomoveforward.com and clicking leaderboard. https://www.givebacktomoveforward.com/leaderboard.cfm

(KAIR)--Attempted first degree murder, aggravated battery, and two counts of aggravated assault.

Those are the charges faced by the 68-year-old man accused of pulling the trigger during a Memorial Day family dispute that occurred in the 9600 block of 86th Street, in rural Oskaloosa.

According to a release from Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, Larry Hysten was located by Sheriff’s Deputies, following the shooting, and taken into custody.

Shot during the dispute was 54-year-old Winfred Rodriguez, who was transported by Jefferson County EMS to Topeka’s Stormont Vail for the treatment of his injuries.

The relationship between the two men has not been clarified.

According to Herrig, “no other subjects are being sought” in connection to the shooting, but asks for the public’s help as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information related to the shooting should contact the Detective Division of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-863-2765.

Following his arrest Monday, Hysten was booked into the Jefferson County Jail.

(KAIR)--No arrests are yet reported in what authorities call the possible desecration of gravesites “and other sacred properties of the [Prairie Band Potawatomi] Nation.”

The investigation was announced Saturday in a social media post by the Prairie Band Potowatomi Tribal Police Department.

In the post, the Tribal Police called on the public to “be on the lookout for a muddy silver pickup truck with Arkansas license plates driven by a white male in a ball cap.”

Anyone with information about the truck are asked to call 785-966-3024.

(KAIR)--The leaders of Atchison County’s two public school districts are speaking out following the school shooting in Texas, offering their condolences while addressing the safety in the local classrooms.

Dr. Andrew Gaddis is the Superintendent for the Atchison County Schools of USD 377.
Following an inquiry made by MSC News, Gaddis, in an emailed response, said “unfortunately, horrific events like what occurred this week are becoming more common,” adding that “the safety of [the district’s] students, staff and all other individuals in [the district] buildings has been and will continue to be a top priority” for USD 377.

Gaddis explains that “over the past few years, USD 377 has taken steps to make [school district] buildings even more safe and secure,” adding that “in the Spring of 2020, [the district] replaced all exterior doors at the Jr-Sr High School and added door card readers and cameras to both the elementary and Jr-Sr High building.”

Gaddis also credits the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office which provides “a full time School Resource officer in [district] buildings everyday,” adding, too, that “school staff is trained on how to react if there is an instance of a school intruder.”

Gaddis also told MSC News the school district is “currently seeking grant opportunities to add even more cameras, provide additional training opportunities and enhance communication with law enforcement in the event of an emergency.”

Dr. Renee Nugent, Superintendent for the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409, also provided answers to our inquiry regarding school safety, saying that “the horrific tragedy this week in Texas is a stark reminder that we have to remain diligent in being proactive around the issues of school safety, including mental health and wellness in our schools as well as physical structural safety measures.

Saying that her “heart goes out to the staff and students in Texas, Nugent told MSC News the school district, this week, “received information about safe and secure school grant opportunities,” saying the district plans “to apply for grant monies to add technology that will allow [schools] to screen visitors and volunteers as well as monitor all staff and students entering and exiting the building daily.” Nugent added that the district plans “to implement a district-wide radio communication system that will positively affect the timeliness of response to any crisis intervention.”
Nugent also noted appreciation for the school district’s school resource officer as well as “all of the support services [the district is] currently able to offer within [the] schools.”

(KAIR)--The leaders of Atchison County’s two public school districts are speaking out following the school shooting in Texas, offering their condolences while addressing the safety in the local classrooms.

Andrew Gaddis is the Superintendent for the Atchison County Schools of USD 377.
Following an inquiry made by MSC News, Gaddis, in an emailed response, said

“unfortunately, horrific events like what occurred this week are becoming more common,” adding that “the safety of [the district’s] students, staff and all other individuals in [the district] buildings has been and will continue to be a top priority” for USD 377.

Gaddis explains that “over the past few years, USD 377 has taken steps to make [school district] buildings even more safe and secure,” adding that “in the Spring of 2020, [the district] replaced all exterior doors at the Jr-Sr High School and added door card readers and cameras to both the elementary and Jr-Sr High building.”

Gaddis also credits the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office which provides “a full time School Resource officer in [district] buildings everyday,” adding, too, that “school staff is trained on how to react if there is an instance of a school intruder.”

Gaddis also told MSC News the school district is “currently seeking grant opportunities to add even more cameras, provide additional training opportunities and enhance communication with law enforcement in the event of an emergency.”

Dr. Renee Nugent, Superintendent for the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409 also provided answers to our inquiry regarding school safety, saying that “the horrific tragedy this week in Texas is a stark reminder that we have to remain diligent in being proactive around the issues of school safety, including mental health and wellness in our schools as well as physical structural safety measures.

Saying that her “heart goes out to the staff and students in Texas, Nugent told MSC News the school district, this week, “received information about safe and secure school grant opportunities,” saying the district plans “to apply for grant monies to add technology that will allow [schools] to screen visitors and volunteers as well as monitor all staff and students entering and exiting the building daily.” Nugent added that the district plans “to implement a district-wide radio communication system that will positively affect the timeliness of response to any crisis intervention.”
Nugent also noted appreciation for the school district’s school resource officer as well as “all of the support services [the district is] currently able to offer within [the] schools.”

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man is going to prison, sentenced to nearly 14-years for the death of his fiancee.

38-year-old Andrew Wieland learned his fate in Leavenworth County District Court, where he had, in March, plead guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, and interference with law enforcement.

The crimes occurred May 30, 2019, when Leavenworth Police were called to a residence for an injured person.

First meeting what a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson calls a “frantic” Wieland on the front porch, police went inside where they “found victim Heather Wunderlich lying motionless in the middle of the living room,” partially naked with injuries to the head and face.

Despite blood stains both up and downstairs, including on himself, Wieland told police Wunderlich fell down the stairs while he was upstairs asleep in the bedroom, coming downstairs to find her hurt.

However, an investigation of the home found bloody indications of a struggle, and an autopsy showed Wunderlich had multiple injuries.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty has issued a statement saying, the Richardson County Sheriff's Office would like to make it clear that there was never a threat to any of the schools in Richardson County, Nebraska and that if at anytime the Sheriff's Office believed that there was any sort of threat towards any school not only would we have addressed the threat, but would have immediately contacted the schools in Richardson County.”

The statement was issued Friday after Falls City Public Schools were contacted late Thursday afternoon in regards to a published News Channel Nebraska article, concerning a school threat in Falls City.

Superintendent Tim Heckenlively said the school district was never contacted by law enforcement about a possible threat. Heckenlively contacted Sheriff Hardesty to inquire about the reported threat.

A release from Superintendent Heckenlively says District 56 continues to commit efforts to keep students and educators safe. From mental health supports to Standard Response Protocol, Vector Alerts and the new Safe2Help Report Line, Falls City Public Schools are committed to early interventions for students in need.

The release also notes the Falls City school building are equipped with the continually updated infrastructure and safety plans as security best practices are studied and implemented.

(KAIR)--Travelers during the extended Memorial Day weekend are reminded to Click It or Ticket, with a heavy showing of law enforcement at work on local area roadways.

According to a release from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Safety Administration’s high-visibility enforcement effort is underway now through June 5.

According to NHTSA, there were 10,893 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in the United States in 2020.. In that same year, 51% of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night were not wearing their seat belts, which is why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement.

(KAIR)--An Oskaloosa lawyer has been suspended from the practice of law for two years after the Kansas Supreme Court found she violated various rules and made false statements that challenged a judge’s integrity.

The Kansas Supreme Court says in the matter of Donna L. Huffman, it has suspended her from the practice of law for two years with the possibility of probation after 90 days.

WIBW-TV reports the Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys found that Huffman violated various Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct while she represented clients in a mortgage dispute.

The Court said it ordered Huffman to be suspended for two years, however, the suspension could be stayed after 90 days if she enters a practice supervision plan approved by the Disciplinary Administrator’s office which will cover the remaining period of time.

(KNZA)--A new Jackson County Attorney has been selected.

Members of the Jackson County Republican Precinct Committee voted Thursday evening to nominate Jeff Morrow to fill the unexpired term of Shawna Miller.

Morrow currently serves as Assistant Jackson County Attorney.

Miller, who has served as county attorney since 2009, is resigning, effective June 1st. She informed the Jackson County Commission of her resignation at their May 9 meeting. Miller plans to join a law firm in Topeka. 

Morrow's name will be forwarded to Governor Kelly for appointment to a term expiring in January 2025.

The position will be up for election in November 2024.

(KNZA)--1st District Doniphan County Commissioner Timothy Collins has filed for re-election.

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports Collins, a Highland Republican, filed Friday for another 4-year term.

He is being challenged by Bryan Ptomey, also a Highland Republican.

The position is the only county office up for election this November.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.

The primary election will be held August 2 and the general election is November 8.

(KLZA)-- Memorial day weekend is expected to be the busiest in three years.

AAA is forecasting the second largest single-year increase in travelers since 2010.

Reservations for flights, hotels, and cruises for Memorial Day weekend are twice as strong as last years holiday. 39.2 million Americans are expected to travel for this holiday weekend, an 8.3 percent increase from 2021.

89 percent of travelers will drive, despite record-high gas prices. Gas prices are likely to be the highest on record for Memorial Day.

The average price per gallon in the nation on Tuesday was $4.59 per gallon. In Nebraska and Missouri the average price per gallon was $4.16. In Kansas the average price for a gallon of gas was $4.06.

Gas prices in California earlier this week were averaging $6.06 per gallon.

Previously the highest average price for a gallon of gas on Memorial Day in Nebraska was $3.94 in 2013.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Aldermen approved Mayor Duane Nauman's appointment of Lauber Municipal Law to provide City Attorney Services for the City when they met May 12. Brian Tubbs has stepped down as City Attorney.

A public hearing was conduced on the 2022-23 proposed city budget. The projected revenues are $1,465,344 with operating expenses projected at $1,464,050 plus capital expenditures of $232,000.

The planned capital expenses include $127 thousand in the Water budget for replacing lines, filters, lime machine and lime pits. The Street budget included $55 thousand for street sealing and an asphalt project and the Sewer fund included $30 thousand for a lift station pump and agitating cell #1.

Aldermen also approved individual evaluations to be performed for salary increases up to six percent.

The Mound City swimming pool is scheduled to open Sunday, May 29 with prices to remain the same as last year.

Mayor Nauman signed a proclamation proclaiming Saturday, May 28 as U.S. Navy Seaman 1st Class Wilbur Francis Newton Remembrance Day.

Newton was among those killed at Pearl Harbor in 1941. He will be laid to rest in Mound City.

(KLZA)-- There will be a temporary change to the office hours at City Hall in Humboldt while the City Clerk is on vacation.

City Hall will be open from 8 a.m. - noon Tuesday, May 31, through Tuesday, June 7.

Normal business hours will resume on Wednesday, June 8.

In the event of an emergency you may contact Mayor Bob Mendenhall at 402-862-5114; Council President Larry Stauffer at 402-239-7223 or Water Operator Josh Chesnut at 402-677-0671.

For an after-hours emergency you can call 888-861-1921.

(KLZA)-- Beginning Tuesday, May 31, the office hours for City Hall and the Utility Office in Falls City will change.

The office will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

After hours utility payments can be left in the drop box.

( KNZA)--The first candidate has filed for the position of 1st District Doniphan County Commissioner.  

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports, Bryan Ptomey, a Highland Republican, filed Wednesday for the position, which is currently held by Tim Collins.  

The position is the only county office up for election this November.  

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.  

The primary election will be held August 2 and the general election is November 8.

(KNZA)--A Brown County Commissioner this week continued his push for the removal of the Brown Country Courthouse security check and for residents to be allowed to carry firearms within the building.

Commissioner Bill Pollock brought up the issue as the Brown County Commission was wrapping up their regular meeting Monday.

Currently, with weapons prohibited from being carried into the courthouse, those who enter must pass through a metal detector, as a security guard is stationed at the entrance.

Reading from a statement, Pollock made a motion that the “ NO GUNS ALLOWED” signage be removed from the courthouse doors and the security guard be allowed to be mobile or be in the location where he feels he is most needed at any given time.

Pollock said that would allow citizens, whose taxes go to maintain the courthouse, the same freedom to enter the building as they do to enter nearly every other business in the county, adding that still gives employees more protection than most counties in the state provide.

His motion died due to lack of a second.

Commissioner Richard Lehmkuhl said it wasn't that simple, explaining that before a change is made, the county needs to have a policy in place on how they are going to provide security for the courts, saying that allowing the security guard to just roam the building, doesn't provide adequate security to the third floor courts.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Hall will be closed Friday ( May 27) to the public due to a staff shortage.

Residents are encouraged to conduct business by phone or email.

Payments can be made online or via drop box on the Oregon Street side of City Hall.

Between 8 am and 4 pm, you can call 785-742-7417 for assistance.

City Hall will reopen on Tuesday, May 31 

(KLZA)--There will be change to the hours the pool is open in Humboldt for the first few weeks of the swim season.

The pool will open Saturday, May 28.

Hours will be 1 p-m – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The change in hours is due to the assistant pool manager being unable to begin work until later in the season.

(KLZA)-- Falls City is currently experiencing phone call issues.

You can only make a call from a landline phone to a landline phone and cell phone to cell phone. You cannot make a call to a landline phone from a cell phone and you cannot make a call to a cell phone from a landline phone.

The 911 lines are still working. If you call the Police Department and cannot get through on the regular line you can call 911 until the phone service is fixed.

If you have any non-emergent calls for the Sheriffs Office please call 402-223-4080 and you will be routed to Southeast 911’s dispatch center who dispatches for the Sheriffs Office.

(KLZA)-- Falls City was recently selected to be part of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Communities for Kids, a state-wide initiative supporting young children, families and those providing care.

Falls City Public School Superintendent Tim Heckenlively reported during the May Board meeting about the need to expand the early childhood programs. An additional classroom has been established at North School with more children attending, the collaboration with SENCA Head Start has been strengthened and the SIXPENCE program continues to expand. Currently there is a shortage of facility space.

The Communities for Kids initiative is a multi-year planning and implementation initiative created in response to community requests for assistance with high-quality early childhood care and education programs.

Private funds are part of the program coming initially from some Omaha foundations meant to support communities in need of expanding early childhood programming and education.

Falls City submitted a successful application for funding and will be receiving funds for various planning purposes for programming and expansion.

Two grants have been received in Falls City. The first was from Communities for Kids in an amount of $30 thousand to used over a three year period fro planning purposes. Communities for Kids was also able to access some of the federal ARPA funds and Falls City will receive $140 thousand of those funds to be utilized over a two-year period.

Superintendent Heckenlively says the program will require local support for the program to be successful. Some initial community focus groups have been started. Sometime in the next month, community stakeholders will be invited in to a meeting where Communities for Kids will come in and facilitate a meeting for community envisioning.

Capacity shortages impact children's development and pose a challenge for communities hoping to attract and retain the viable workforce they need to thrive.

The Communities for Kids program helps facilitate conversations among a community's public and private organizations, and also provides expertise, tools and resources to the community to support the creation and implementation of solutions to advance early childhood programming.

(KLZA)-- 19 additional charges have been filed against 35-year-old Thomas Summers of Falls City following further investigation in a case in which Summers was already facing charges of possession of concentrated THC, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and false reporting.

New charges filed against Summers Monday afternoon include conspiracy to deliver marijuana; six counts of conspiracy to deliver marijuana to a minor; six additional counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and six counts of child abuse.

Summers was arrested for possession of concentrated THC following a search of a residence at 620 Fulton Street in Falls City on May 15 when law enforcement were searching for a missing juvenile from Missouri. The juvenile was not found at that time.

On May 18, Richardson County Deputies and the U.S. Marshal Service searched the residence again and located the missing juvenile, returning the juvenile safely back to Missouri authorities.

Further investigation led the the filing of the additional charges.

(KLZA)-- A Kansas man has been sentenced on federal charges stemming from his arrest last year in Richardson County, Nebraska.

United States Attorney Jan Sharp has announced that 42-year-old Deantra Lamar Watson of Wichita, Kansas, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to time served for transportation of fictitious obligations of the United States, possession of counterfeit currency and possession of a document-making implement or authentication feature.

Watson has been in custody for about nine months. He will serve a 5-year term of supervised release upon his release from custody.

On September, 2 of last year, Watson was stopped by Richardson County deputies and arrested on state charges.  A search of his vehicle uncovered more than $3,400 in counterfeit U.S. currency, $4,800 in fictitious U.S. treasury checks and fictitious driver's licenses with the defendant's picture, but other individuals information.

In addition, Watson was in possession of a book bag containing blank white plastic cards with mag strips and chips and printed images purporting to be Kansas Driver's licenses that were printed on paper with an adhesive backing as well as paper images of licenses that could be placed on white plastic cards to create an identification. A printer used to make identification cards on white plastic card was also found.

The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Richardson County Sheriff's Office and the Omaha Police Department.

(KAIR)--Coronavirus cases continue in Kansas, with the weekly cumulative incidence rate, released by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, placing two local counties in the high division. Brown and Leavenworth counties are placed in that category, meaning more than 100 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000. Brown County reports 10 new coronavirus cases during the period beginning May 14 and ending May 20. Leavenworth County reports 107 new cases during that timeline.

The Weekly Cumulative Incidence Rate is determined by KDHE calculating the weekly cumulative incidence rate by summing the number of new COVID-19 cases with a symptom onset date during one week period divided by the population in the county and multiplied by 100,000.

The counties of Jackson, Jefferson, Doniphan and Marshall are placed in the substantial class, with Jackson reporting 9 new cases during the May 14 through May 20 timeline, while Jefferson County reports 16, Doniphan County reports 5, and Marshall County with 7.

The counties of Atchison and Nemaha are placed in the moderate class, with Atchison County reporting 8 new cases while Nemaha County reports 3.

A total of 375 new coronavirus cases statewide were reported as of May 23.

Kansas has had 785,916 cases since the start of the pandemic. 8,939 have died.

Free COVID-19 tests are being provided directly to Kansans in what state health officials call “vulnerable communities.”

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a release, says It has partnered with the Rockefeller Foundation’s public charity, RF Catalytic Capital, and Project Access to Covid Tests, known as Project ACT, to make the tests available.

Kansans are told to go online to AccessCovidTests.org to see if their zip code is eligible. MSC Radio News tested the website, and the Atchison area zip code of 66002 is confirmed to work. Other area zip codes were not tested.

The KDHE release says that “frequent testing [for COVID-19] is especially important for those with more exposure outside the home, such as kids in school or people who spend time in a group setting.”

(KMZA)--More than $7 million in funding has been awarded to 11 transportation construction projects through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Cost Share Program for spring 2022—including Pottawatomie County.  

Governor Laura Kelly joined Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz Tuesday in making the announcement.

In Pottawatomie County, funding was awarded for bridge replacement project on Havensville Road over Mound Creek.    

With these grants, a release from the governor's office says more than $100 million has been given to Kansas communities since the Cost Share Program’s inception in 2019.

The program is part of the Kelly Administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE. By leveraging both state and local dollars to fund community transportation projects, the release says the program improves safety, supports job retention and growth, relieves congestion, and increases access and mobility in rural and urban areas.

With Tuesday's announcement, more than $103 million in state funding, matched by more than $74 million in local funding, has been invested in Cost Share projects since the program was founded by the Kelly Administration.

(KNZA)--Homer White American Legion Post 66 in Hiawatha has several events planned this Memorial Day weekend.  

Kicking off the will be a flag retirement ceremony on Friday afternoon at 1:30 in front of the hospital.  The ceremony will be conducted by Boy Scouts Post 313. The American Legion Post Honor Guard will do a 3-volley salute, along with the playing of Taps.  

On Saturday, members of the community are invited to join Post 66 members, along with scouts and 4-H members, for the installation of  flags at Hiawatha's two cemeteries.  They will be installed at the Hiawatha Cemetery at 8:00 that morning and the Mount Hope Cemetery at 8:30.  The flags will be removed beginning at 4:00 Monday afternoon.  Volunteers are welcome to help.  

On Monday morning, Post 66 will hold its annual Memorial Day program at 10:00 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in downtown Hiawatha.   The public is invited to attend the ceremony. 

(KNZA)--Brown County officials are exploring school safety options in the wake of the devastating school shooting in Texas on Tuesday.

19 fourth-grade students and two teachers were killed in the shooting.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release Wednesday, said its very hard to comprehend as to why anyone would want to harm small children and teachers who are utterly defenseless.

“We are at the point where we have to be vigilant on providing protection for our own schools,” Merchant said.

Merchant said options are currently being weighed in the county that would enable a certified law enforcement officer to be present in schools while classes are in session - as well as addressing other safety concerns that could arise.

Merchant said he has had many Brown Co. residents express valid concerns about the safety of children at school and they have not fallen on deaf ears. He said County Commissioner Richard Lehmkuhl has contacted local and state law enforcement officials, as well as school officials, to create a plan to better protect students and staff.

“We are at a point where all entities are coming together to make sure adequate funding is secured to provide safety measures for our children,” he said. “Children should not be afraid of going to school. We owe students and staff a safe environment where they can focus on learning.”

(MSC News)--Flags are being flown at half-staff across Kansas, in honor of the 19 children and two adults killed Tuesday in the nation’s latest school shooting.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Wednesday, directed that flags be lowered to half-staff immediately, and they will remain flown that way throughout the state until sundown Friday.

Kelly, in a release, says that “Kansas mourns alongside the community of Uvalde, Texas,” the site of Tuesday’s mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.

Late Wednesday morning, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant issued a statement regarding the tragedy:

(KAIR)--Atchison’s latest residential burglary, this one occurring on the city’s south side, is under investigation by Atchison Police.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the burglary took place sometime during the day Tuesday, with thieves targeting a residence located in the 500 block of Q Street, where they forced their way inside.

Taken during the crime was jewelry, Playstation gaming systems, and coins. The estimated total loss is $4,000.

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

(KLZA)-- The remains of a Mound City man killed at Pearl Harbor in 1941 have been returned to Mound City for burial.

Wilbur Francis Newton was serving in the U.S. Navy and was one of more than 2,300 men killed in the attack at Pearl Harbor.

A ceremony to inter his remains will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at the United Methodist Church in Mound City followed by a military service at Mount Hope Cemetery, in Mound City.

The Pettijohn & Crawford Family Funeral Service in Mound City is in charge of the arrangements. They will be open for those wanting to pay their respects May 26 and 27 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wilbur Newton was one of 428 sailors aboard the U.S.S. Oklahoma who died on the battleship that morning.

LINCOLN – The NE Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce that Lucas Froeschl has been selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska Class XIV.

LUCAS was elected to the City Council in Falls City in 2018 while working in sales at a local manufacturing plant. His time serving on the city council provided him with an introduction to economic development, which led him to apply for the Executive Director position with the Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (EDGE). Lucas has been in that role for a little over a year.

He grew up in Falls City and graduated from Sacred Heart. He earned a degree in Journalism and Marketing from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he was active in intramural sports.

Lucas received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 2020. He serves on the Falls City Chamber of Commerce board, the housing study committee, and the John P. Falter Park board. He is a volunteer referee for Sacred Heart football and basketball games, coordinates the local golf league, is parking coordinator for the Chamber’s annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, and is a member of the local Elks Club.

Leadership Nebraska was founded in 2006 to identify current and emerging leaders throughout the state, enhance their leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska.

Participants have been selected from across the state and possess varied backgrounds and diverse talents. All candidates have demonstrated an abiding interest in Nebraska and its future.

The nine-month program covers a broad range of key Nebraska issues, including economic development, workforce and education, agriculture and environment, health care, education, government and policy development.

“If we’re going to compete and win in the race for new families, talent, innovation and community development over the next five to 10 years, we need strong, informed and connected leaders to help us go the distance,” said Bryan Slone, NE Chamber President. “We’re pleased to welcome such a high-caliber group, from across the state into the program.”

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(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Community Foundation will hold its 2nd annual “ Give Back to Move Forward” Match Day event this upcoming Memorial Day weekend to benefit more than thirty nonprofit organizations and projects in the area.  

This year, $62,000 in matching funds are available, allowing for a dollar-to-dollar match up to $2,000 per fund.

The Foundation Board has announced the addition of seven new funds this year—for a total of thirty-one.  

Donations can be made at two separate events at the Fisher Center—including a reception Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:30 and a come-and-go event Saturday from 9 to 5.

 In addition, donations can be made on-line at givebacktomoveforward.com from midnight Friday, May 27 until 11:59 Saturday night, May 28.  You can also go to the website for information on the participating funds and a leaderboard that will keep track of donations. https://www.givebacktomoveforward.com/

(KNZA )--State Representative Francis Awerkamp has filed for re-election.

The St. Mary's Republican filed Monday for another two-year term.  

Awerkamp representative's the 61st District in the Kansas House, which includes portions of Jackson and Pottawatomie Counties.

 He has served in the Kansas House since 2017.  

Awerkamp is the first candidate to file for the position.  

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file.  The primary election will be held August 2 and the general election is November 8.

(KAIR)--A chance to meet the new superintendent for the Jefferson West Schools of USD 340 is planned for next week.

According to a release from the School District, the Board of Education will introduce and welcome new Superintendent Jason Crawford during an open house reception set for Thursday, June 2. It will happen from 3 until 6:00 that afternoon at the Jefferson West High School Library, located at 619 Condray, in Meriden.

The release notes that "staff, parents, and community members are invited to come and meet" Crawford during that time.

Crawford officially begins his role of leadership for the school district on July 1.

With an eye toward generating continued investment in the downtown district the City of Atchison has created and funded a new Downtown Façade Grant program.

In 2021 the City of Atchison created the 500-600 Commercial Street Façade Grant Program to assist property owners with improving the facades of Commercial Street that had been obscured by concrete canopies and a pedestrian mall for ~60 years.

Three rounds of façade grants were awarded to property owners/tenants. The $90,000 in total City funds leveraged nearly $600,000 of private investment in just those two blocks. Looking to expand on that success the City will now offer façade grants throughout the downtown district with $50,000 appropriated toward the program in 2022.

The City’s Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) will review and award applications. Applications will be considered as they are submitted beginning immediately. Eligible projects must be located inside the City of Atchison’s downtown district and include permanent exterior improvements on commercial or mixed use buildings. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, tuck pointing, storefront restoration, awnings/canopy installation, and painting.

(KAIR)--The Tuesday morning arrest of a man for a Delia burglary followed a Jackson County manhunt that began Monday night as authorities searched for his whereabouts.

Taken into custody Tuesday morning, just over 13-hours after the search began, was 41-year-old Dallas Eugene Harmon. Booked into the Jackson County Jail, Harmon faces charges including two counts of aggravated assault of law enforcement officers, two counts of burglary and theft, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement. At the time of his Jackson County arrest, Harmon was wanted on a full-extradition warrant from the State of Colorado.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, his office was notified of a burglary in progress at 2830 102nd Road, south of Delia, around 8:30 Monday night by neighbors of the property.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived, aided by both Troopers and a helicopter of the Kansas Highway Patrol, with the search focused on a wooded area where the alleged burglar had fled. During the search, Harmon was able to return to his pickup truck parked on the property. As he fled behind the wheel, Morse says Harmon allegedly nearly struck a Deputy and a Trooper as he sped across a cornfield then ran into a heavily wooded area located northwest of the residence targeted for the burglary.

The search continued until around 4:00 Tuesday morning, as K-9 officers were used in the pursuit. Residents were alerted to lock doors due to the suspect, with Deputies continuing to patrol the location through the morning.

Around 9:45, Morse says a report was received that a person was approaching a residence near the Shawnee/Jackson County line.
Deputies and detectives located the man, now identified as Harmon, about a mile south of the Jackson County line on Capper Road.

Assisted by Rossville Police and Shawnee County Sheriff’s Deputies, Harmon was apprehended and booked into jail.

(KAIR)--The winners of Saturday’s Salvation Army Duck Race have been named.

That’s follows the competition, held for the 6th year at the Atchison Riverfront, which serves as a key fundraiser for the organization.

The event, complete with rubber ducks racing on the Missouri River, was again overseen by Salvation Army of Atchison County Coordinator Kim Bottoroff.

Named as the winner’s of Saturday’s duck race are Melissa Wolfe, David Deware, Kim Andert, Jane Schuele, Linda Mefford, Christina Stoneking, Talena Bromley, Andrea Reyes, and Sue Ann Bell.

Named as Pokey Ducks are Debbie Thompson and Rosemary Wilkerson.

Kids Duck Drop Winners are listed as Aubree, David, Mateo, Levi, Isla, C.J. Avery, Piper, Michael and Cooper.

Raffle winners are named as Josh Streitenberger, Kim Blasi, Les Moore, Mary Jane Sowers, and Sheila Antes.

(KNZA)--A new Hiawatha City Clerk has been appointed, and she's a familiar face.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved the appointment of Lynette Grier to the position. 

Grier has been serving as acting city clerk since the resignation of former City Clerk Tish Sims in March.

She has worked as utility billing clerk/assistant city clerk since October 2005.

In other business, the Commission voted 3-1 to instruct city staff to proceed with the demolition of a house at 310 Hiawatha Avenue. Commissioner Brian Shefferd cast the lone dissenting vote. Mayor Bill Collins was absent.

Despite being granted several extensions, Code Enforcement Officer Dave Wilson said the owners haven't made any valid efforts to repair the property, and it continues to be a blighted property. 

Following a hearing drawing no public comment, the Commission approved a revised flood plain ordinance. Interim City Administrator Larry Paine said the ordinance only affects a few properties in the southwestern part of town that are prone to flooding.

The Commission also approved a sewer rate adjustment request from Brent Krauter and the appointment of Chris Diller to the Morrill Library Board of Trustees for a term ending in 2026.

(KLZA)-- The man convicted of the December 1999 shooting death of 84-year-old Tennyson Kelsay  in Auburn has died in prison.

64-year-old Russell Harms was serving a life sentence for first degree murder and use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony when he died Monday in the Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln.

Harms was sitting in his pickup in the parking lot of an Auburn store when he shot Kelsay 15 times.

A grand jury will conduct an investigation into Harms' death as required whenever an inmate dies in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

(KLZA)-- A Whiting, Kansas man was arrested Monday on a Richardson County, Nebraska warrant.

Austin Archer was arrested on a warrant for possession of a deadly weapon by a felon; possession of methamphetamine; possession of burglary tools; criminal mischief and driving while suspended.

Archer was placed in the Richardson County Jail.

(KLZA)-- A Phillips 66 convenience store and Gas Station is preparing to open on the west edge of Mound City, Missouri, along Interstate 29, in the former bp gas station.

The Mound City News reports new signage is being put in place and the fuels pumps are being updated. In addition to gas and diesel the plans are to sell snacks and beverages and they are hoping to find someone to lease the kitchen area in the building.

An opening date for the business has not been determined.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department and Falls City Police Department in an joint investigation with the Federal Bureau of Investigations arrested a Falls City man on Friday, May 20.

Dustin Moore was initially arrested for terroristic threats and threatening to use explosives.

The Sheriff's Office obtained a search warrant for the home at 319 West 15th Street in Falls City. During the search, authorities located methamphetamine and a deadly weapon.

Moore was charged with additional counts of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a deadly weapon during a felony.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed.

The Sheriff's Department thanked all the agencies involved in the case.

(KAIR)--Methamphetamine and paraphernalia-related convictions in Leavenworth County District Court are upheld by the highest court in Kansas.

According to a release, the Kansas Supreme Court upheld the convictions for Orville Sieg in a unanimous decision, with the Court saying the evidence presented at Sieg’s trial was handled correctly, meaning his conviction for paraphernalia stands.

The Kansas Supreme Court additionally denied Sieg’s argument that prosecutorial comment during his 2018 Leavenworth County trial was improper.

A jury that year indicted Sieg of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, crimes committed in 2017.

The arrest was made when, according to a release, Sieg “was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped based on suspected criminal activity.” During the stop, methamphetamine and various pieces of drug paraphernalia were found under the passenger seat when the vehicle was searched. The driver, according to the release, “indicated the narcotics and paraphernalia belonged to Sieg, and Sieg’s DNA was on a glass pipe found in the car.”

(KAIR)--With an eye toward generating continued investment in the downtown district the City of Atchison has created and funded a new Downtown Façade Grant program.  

In 2021 the City of Atchison created the 500-600 Commercial Street Façade Grant Program to assist property owners with improving the facades of Commercial Street that had been obscured by concrete canopies and a pedestrian mall for ~60 years.

Three rounds of façade grants were awarded to property owners/tenants. The $90,000 in total City funds leveraged nearly $600,000 of private investment in just those two blocks.  Looking to expand on that success the City will now offer façade grants throughout the downtown district with $50,000 appropriated toward the program in 2022. The City’s Economic Development Advisory Group (EDAG) will review and award applications. Applications will be considered as they are submitted beginning immediately.  

Eligible projects must be located inside the City of Atchison’s downtown district and include permanent exterior improvements on commercial or mixed use buildings. Examples of eligible projects include, but are not limited to, tuck pointing, storefront restoration, awnings/canopy installation, and painting.

(KAIR)--Coronavirus cases continue to be diagnosed locally, with several local counties now listed in the high category due to the number of current cases.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the counties of Brown, Leavenworth, and Pottawatomie are listed in that division, which means those counties have more than 100 cases per 100,000.

The Weekly Cumulative Incidence Rat is determined by KDHE calculating the weekly cumulative incidence rate by summing the number of new COVID-19 cases with a symptom onset date during one week period divided by the population in the county and multiplied by 100,000.

From May 7 to May 13, Brown County reported 16 new cases, Leavenworth had 92, while Pottawatomie County reported 25 new cases.

During that period, Atchison and Doniphan counties weree placed in the substantial class, meaning 50 to 99 cases per 100,000. Atchison County reports 15 new cases during the weekly time period while Doniphan County reports 6.

The local counties of Jackson, Jefferson, Nemaha and Marshall are placed in the moderate category, meaning 10 to 49 new cases per 100,000. From May 7 to May 13, new cases were confirmed in Jackson County, 7 in Jefferson County, and 2 each in Marshall and Nemaha Counties.

Kansas has had a total of 782,802 coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic.

8,802 have died.

(KAIR)--Coronavirus cases continue to be diagnosed locally, with several local counties now listed in the high category due to the number of current cases.

According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the counties of Brown, Leavenworth, and Pottawatomie are listed in that division, which means those counties have more than 100 cases per 100,000.

The Weekly Cumulative Incidence Rat is determined by KDHE calculating the weekly cumulative incidence rate by summing the number of new COVID-19 cases with a symptom onset date during one week period divided by the population in the county and multiplied by 100,000.

From May 7 to May 13, Brown County reported 16 new cases, Leavenworth had 92, while Pottawatomie County reported 25 new cases.

During that period, Atchison and Doniphan counties weree placed in the substantial class, meaning 50 to 99 cases per 100,000. Atchison County reports 15 new cases during the weekly time period while Doniphan County reports 6.

The local counties of Jackson, Jefferson, Nemaha and Marshall are placed in the moderate category, meaning 10 to 49 new cases per 100,000. From May 7 to May 13, new cases were confirmed in Jackson County, 7 in Jefferson County, and 2 each in Marshall and Nemaha Counties.

Kansas has had a total of 782,802 coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic.

8,802 have died.

(KMZA)--A new concession building will be constructed at Seneca's Swisher ballfield.

The Seneca City Council at their May 18 meeting accepted a $100,000 donation from John and Janie Kramer for construction of the new building, which is to be completed by 2023.

The building is estimated to cost a total of $135,000 to $140,000. The city has agreed to come up with any funds needed to finish the building over $100,000.

In other business, the Council also approved fees for the city to provide fire protection to four Nemaha County townships for 2025-2027. The fees total $138,569 annually. The townships include Center, Clear Creek, Richmond and Gilman.

The Council approved plans presented by the Seneca Fire Department to celebrate the 100th birthday of the department's 1922 Stutz fire engine on August 27. Most of the events are scheduled to take place at the Seneca City Park. The activities will include a parade, live band and free-will lunch and dinner.

In addition, the Fire Department was given permission to prepare specifications and seek bids for the replacement of truck #5.   

(KLZA)-- A Falls City man was arrested two times in the past week.

According to a release from the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, on May 15, Richardson County Deputies and members of the Falls City Police Department conducted a search of the residence at 620 Fulton Street in Falls City in reference to a missing juvenile from Missouri.

During the search, authorities were unable to locate the missing juvenile, but Thomas Summers was arrested for possession of concentrated THC.

On May 18, the Sheriff's Office and the United States Marshals searched the residence at 620 Fulton Street again and during the search were able to locate the missing juvenile and return the juvenile safely back to Missouri authorities.

Summers was arrested on the 18th for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and false reporting.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Sheriff's Department thanked all the agencies involved in the investigation.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

Nebraska and Utah both had unemployment figures of 1.9 percent during the month of April.

Locally, unemployment figures dropped in all six of the counties in the extreme southeast corner of the state.

Richardson, Pawnee and Nemaha counties all had jobless rates of 1.6 percent for the month. Otoe and Gage counties had unemployment rates of 1.8 percent with Johnson County having the highest jobless rate at 2.3 percent, but that figure is eight-tenths of a point below the unemployment figures for March.

Nationally the unemployment figure for April was 3.6 percent. Kansas ranked 8th in the country with a rate of 2.4 percent; Iowa was tied for 15th at 3 percent and Missouri was in a tie for 23rd at 3.4 percent unemployment.

(KLZA)-- SEMA and FEMA are updating Flood Insurance Rate Maps and a Flood Insurance Study report in Holt County, Missouri.

 meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Holt County Courthouse, Courtroom.

The meeting will be conducted by SEMA and its Mapping Contractor, Wood Environment and Infrastructure Solutions, Inc. in partnership with FEMA. 

The objectives for this meeting are to explain new Risk MAP products and flood risk for your community with your comments incorporated.

The second objective is to have further discussions about study methods. Thirdly, to provide an update on study progress and fourth, to provide information about how you can elevate risk awareness and stimulate mitigation action reduce risk in your community.

If you have any questions, you can call Diana Phillips at 816-244-3892. This meeting may give you information about future flood insurance rates and rules.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department and the Richardson County Sheriff's Department will be joining other local Law Enforcement Agencies in a National Click it or Ticket high-visibility mobilization beginning May 23, and continuing through June 5.

During the mobilization, officers in both departments will work extra hours focusing on and enforcing seat belt / occupant protection violations.

Funding for the overtime is being provided through a grant from the Nebraska Department of Public Safety.

Local law enforcement encourages everyone to buckle up, use car seats when required, and to please, drive safely.

(KMZA)--Community meetings have been set to present information to Nemaha Central USD 115 patrons on a proposed bond issue that would fund improvements at the district's two schools.

The Nemaha Central Board of Education approved the meetings at their May 9th meeting. 

The meetings have been set for June 28 and July 14 at Nemaha Central High School, with two meetings scheduled each day to get the most engagement with patrons.

Superintendent Darrel Kohlman said the meetings on June 28 will take place at 12 noon and 7 p.m and the meetings on July 14 at noon at 5 pm.  During the meetings, Kohlman said information will be presented on what's included in the bond proposal, cost and financing.  Patrons will be allowed to ask questions.

USD 115 voters last November soundly defeated a $36.7 million bond issue for facility improvements. More classroom space is proposed this time and a new gymnasium, theatre and wrestling room have been eliminated.

(KNZA)--Grants have been awarded to expand broadband access in ten rural Kansas counties—including Nemaha, Leavenworth and Pottawatomie.

Governor Laura Kelly on Friday announced the 11 recipients of the Broadband Acceleration Grant program, which will result in a more than $10 million investment in high-speed broadband access.

Blue Valley Communications was the recipient of a $809,549 grant for a project in Nemaha County.

Charter Communications was awarded a more than $403,158 grant for a project in Leavenworth County.

WTC Communications was the recipient of a nearly $286,699 grant for a project in Pottawatomie County.

The three companies will each provide a similar amount in matching funds.

Launched in 2020, the Broadband Acceleration Grant is a ten-year, $85 million program that will bring critically needed broadband access to Kansas communities. The program is administered by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development and funded through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). This second year of the program brings the total broadband infrastructure investment in Kansas communities to more than $70 million since 2020.

(AP)--The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday disbarred former prosecutor Jacqie Spradling over her conduct in a Topeka murder case.

The court found Spradling engaged in unethical misconduct during the 2012 trial of Dana Chandler, who was convicted of killing her ex-husband and his fiance.

Chandler's convictions were later overturned because of Spradling's misconduct.

In June 2021, a state board unanimously recommended that Spradling be disbarred over her conduct in the Chandler case and the 2017 conviction of Jacob Ewing, of Holton, on rape and sodomy against two women.

The Supreme Court's said Spradling did not violate ethical standards in the Ewing case.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Board of Commissioners reviewed Law Enforcement agreements between the County and the villages of Pawnee County when they met Tuesday.

Following the review Board Chairman Ron Seitz signed the agreements which are for one year with a five-percent increase in costs to the villages.

Commissioners also voted to approve the annual Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court Interlocal Agreement between Otoe, Richardson, Nemaha, Johnson and Pawnee counties.

Ashley Griess, Chief Probation Officer for District 1 and Chris Reece, Drug Court Coordinator for the area provided the annual updates on probation and presented the Drug Court agreement.

In other action Commissioners approved placement of a new NexLink tower on the property of Shane Friedly to provide high speed internet to the area.

The annual report from Southeast Nebraska Community Action was presented. Following the presentation the Board voted to proclaim May as Community Action Month.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a John Deere motor grader at a state bid contract price f $308,941 when they met Tuesday.

The machine will be purchased from Murphy Tractor and Equipment of Lincoln.

The Board also approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F-150 4x4 pickup unit through a federal contract from Hullman's Ford of Falls City in an amount of $39,989 with an additional cost of $500 for a destination charge.

Commissioners also approved a purchase order for the equipment to be installed in a newly purchased 2022 Ford Explorer from 911 Custom of Overland Park, Kansas at a cost of $9,365.

The Board of Commissioners did vote to accept grant funding from the Nebraska Crime Commission from the Nebraska fiscal year 2020 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental funding Program in an amount of $52,155. The funds will be used to purchase a GETAC computer and webcam equipment for nine patrol units.

In other action during the meeting the Board voted to enter into the interlocal agreement with Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Otoe Counties for the Southeast Nebraska Drug Court at a cost to the county of $6,491.

(KAIR)--A 24-year-old resident of Leavenworth County is going to prison, sentenced for leaving the scene of a fatal 2019 wreck.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, Christopher Nichols, Jr., of Basehor, was sentenced Wednesday in Leavenworth County District Court to 2-years-8-months of incarceration for one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death to a person.

Thompson, in the release, explains that the felony charge means “that a person knew or should have known a person was dead, yet still left the scene.”

According to Thompson, the fatal wreck occurred near midnight, on October 25, 2019, when Nichols, and the victim of the wreck, had just left a bar, with Nichols, while driving, posting a photo of himself and his unconscious passenger to Snapchat.

A short time later, Nichols “wrecked his Jeep causing the vehicle to roll over, ejecting the victim,” who “was found on the roadway by nearby residents.”

As those residents tended to the victim, Nichols checked on the victim and then ran from the scene, spotted about four hours later at a friend’s house where his father picked him up, with Nichols going to the hospital, according to Thompson, “approximately seven hours after the crash to seek medical attention for his injuries."

( MSC News)--Sabetha Community Hospital was recently named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAHs) for Best Practices--Patient Satisfaction in the country.

The top 20 CAHs, including Sabetha Community Hospital scored best among CAHs as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for Patient Satisfaction. The rankings were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Mo.

The top 20 CAHs have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight indices of strength: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance. This group was selected from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2022 top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year.

The top 20 CAH best practice recipients have achieved success in one of two key areas of performance:

Quality index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across rural-relevant process of care measures.

Patient perspective index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across all 10 HCAHPS domains.

“Sabetha Community Hospital is proud of the efforts of the physicians and staff who have contributed to our hospital achieving this designation,” says Dr. James Longabaugh, CEO. “Our results as a top CAH for Best Practices--Patient Satisfaction means our community can unt on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future.”

About NRHA

NRHA is a nonprofit organization working to improve the health and well-being of rural Americans and provide leadership on rural health issues through advocacy, communications, education, and research. NRHA’s membership is made up of diverse individuals and organizations from across the country, all of whom share the common bond of an interest in rural health.

About the Chartis Group

The Chartis Group provides comprehensive advisory services and analytics to the health care industry. With unparalleled depth of expertise in strategic planning, performance excellence, health analytics, informatics and technology, digital and emerging technologies, clinical quality and operations, and strategic communications, Chartis helps leading academic medical centers, integrated delivery networks, children's hospitals, and health care service organizations achieve transformative results and build a healthier world. For more information, visit www.chartis.com.

(KNZA)--Beginning Sunday, May 22 and continuing through June 4th, drivers can expect an increased police presence on the city streets of Hiawatha.

The Hiawatha Police Department will be joining 160 other law enforcement agencies in enforcing Kansas occupant restraint and other traffic laws as part of 2022 Kansas “ Click It or Ticket” campaign.

The activity is supported by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation.

According to a release from Police Department, the aim of the campaign is to drastically reduce the number of preventable deaths and injuries that occur when unbelted drivers and passengers are involved in traffic crashes.

The release says being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, as being ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly. In addition, your vehicle’s other safety features, particularly airbags, can’t work as effectively if you’re not buckled up as they are designed to work together.

During “Click It or Ticket,” the release says drivers will be met with extra enforcement of both the Kansas Safety Belt Use Act and the Kansas Child Passenger Safety Act. The statutes require that all vehicle occupants must be appropriately restrained.

The Hiawatha Police Department will be ticketing violators of adult seat belt and child safety laws, as well as other traffic infractions.

(KAIR)--A loss of $3,500 is reported to Atchison Police following the burglary of a storage building earlier this week.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the break-in occurred sometime between 5:00 Monday evening and 10:00 Wednesday morning, in the 1600 block of Main Street, with forced entry used to gain access through a door.

According to Wilson, thieves made off with a 2007 SunL Moto 250 dirt bike, described as blue and white, and valued at $1,500; two Mercury-brand 25 horsepower boat motors, valued together as $1,600; and a wooden entertainment center, valued at $400.

No suspect information is immediately known.

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

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska has agreed to pay $479,000 to the family of a “talkative” Scottsbluff man who was strangled to death in 2017 by a fellow inmate who didn’t want a cellmate.

The lawsuit filed by Terry Berry Jr.’s family against prison officials they argued were responsible for the 22-year-old’s death because they put him in the same cell as Patrick Schroeder who was dismissed last week after both sides agreed to the settlement.

Berry was nearing parole when he was placed with Schroeder, from Pawnee City, who was serving a life sentence for killing 75-year-old Kenneth Albers in Pawnee County in 2006.

Schroeder later pleaded guilty to killing Berry and was sentenced to death.

(KNZA)--The field of candidates vying for the position of Hiawatha mayor continues to grow, with a fifth candidate filing Wednesday.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Randy Thaxton is the latest candidate to file for the position currently held by Bill Collins, who is seeking re-election.

Also challenging Collins are Ronnie Calhoon and current city commissioners, Becky Shamburg and Brian Shefferd.

During the August 2 primary election, the top two vote getters will advance to the November 8th general election ballot.

There will also be a contested race in November for the position of Commissioner of Finance on the Hiawatha City Commission, with incumbent David Middendorf being challenged by Thomas Martin.

Candidates have until noon, June 1st to file.

(KAIR)--An interim superintendent is named to oversee the next school year for Oskaloosa School District 341.  

According to a release from the district, chosen to fill the seat is Joe Palmer, a resident of Overland Park who "has been serving as Superintendent for Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools [of] Kansas City, Missouri since 2018.  

The release outlines Palmer's educational background, saying that, "throughout his career he has taught at both elementary and secondary levels in various Kansas Schools," and "has also served as an elementary principal in both rural and suburban districts, including Tonganoxie Elementary early in his leadership."

 Palmer will officially begin his duties for the 2022-2023 school year on July 1, following the retirement of longtime Superintendent Jon Pfau.

(KAIR)--“It’s not about generating revenue. It’s about improving the quality of life for Atchison residents.” Those are the words of Atchison Assistant City Manager Joe Warren in a release regarding the City’s plan to embark on increased code enforcement efforts.

According to the release, “the City [of Atchison] is looking to partner with residents to address housing issues in response to recent feedback from the 2021 Community Survey,” the same survey that led to the City’s decision to hold a voter referendum to decide a 1-percent sales tax primarily to fund infrastructure improvements. This time, the survey is cited by the City in noting that “only 23% of residents were satisfied with City enforcement of home/property maintenance issues, and 63% think the City should increase efforts to ensure private property is well maintained.”

To make that happen, the release explains that City Code Enforcement Officer Curtis Wheeler “is asking residents who receive letters from his office to engage so that a solution can be found.” Wheeler, in the release, tells residents that if a notice is received from the City, “don’t ignore it.” Instead, he says, if residents “reach out,” the City can work with them, on their timelines, “look for programs and partner with homeowners to help.”

Wheeler, who notes that “code enforcement is about protecting the quality of housing stock in Atchison neighborhoods, to protect property values and ensure that housing is available for generations to come, explains that if the City allows properties to decay, “they eventually have to be demolished and that means less housing-especially affordable housing-for residents.”

Citations can result in fines from $50 to $500 per day should the matter go to municipal court, but Assistant City Manager Joe Warren said that is not the preferred route, adding that the City “would only go that route if property owners refused to work with the City.”

The release notes that Atchison “residents can expect to see Wheeler out in neighborhoods throughout the summer and fall and are encouraged to reach out if there are any questions” at 367-5560.

(KMZA)--It will cost more to dump trash at the Nemaha County landfill, beginning next month.  

On the recommendation of county Solid Waste Supervisor Adam Kuckelman, the Nemaha County Commission Monday approved increasing the in-county fee to $65 a ton and out-of-county fee to $75 a ton.  

The fee increase will take effect June 1.  

In recommending the increase, Kuckelman cited the high cost of diesel fuel and a recent price increase at Rolling Meadows, near Topeka, where trash from the Nemaha County transfer station is hauled.  

In other business, Audrey Schremmer with Three Rivers, Inc. came before the board to let Commissioners know what services the organization provides to county residents and to request $1,200 in funding for 2023. Commissioners will consider the request when drafting next year's county budget.  

And Commissioners authorized the payment of up to $2,500 for postage for a needs assessment survey Senior Services/Public Transit Director Tammy Epple plans to send out to local residents.

(KLZA)--Governor Pete Ricketts and fitness icon Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils (NFGFC) announced the three Nebraska Schools that were selected to each receive a state-of-the-art $100,000 DON'T QUIT! Fitness Center.

The multi-million dollar DON'T QUIT! Campaign named Johnson County Central Middle School in Cook as one of the recipients along with Gothenburg School in Gothenburg and Millard North Middle School in Omaha as the state's most outstanding schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit.

This year the NFGFC program will have gifted fitness centers to 40 states and the foundation plans to reach all 50 in the coming years.

(KLZA)--The Johnson Brock Board of Education met on May 12th.

Andy Carmen addressed the board representing the JB Skilled and Technical Services Council. They have met several times over the year with students. They have recommended some updates to the shop and have requested to obtain quotes for the updates.

Principal Lucas Dalinghaus shared that 36 students were randomly drug tested over the school year and all tests were negative.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler advised the board that the requisitions were done. Two paras have been hired for the next school year. The sports cooperative with Nebraska City was discussed. All students will be able to participate in sports that are not offered at Johnson Brock.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council held a meeting on Monday, May 16th.

During the meeting the board approved Ordinance 2022-105 to impose an additional one-half of one percent municipal sales and use tax for public infrastructure projects. The tax will go into effect on October 1st.

The council approved a Special Designated Liquor License for Falls City Elks Lodge for Smokin' on the Bricks BBQ contest for June 10th through June 12th.

The council also voted to raise Candlelight Cabin rates from $30 for half days to $50 half days and full days from $50 to $100 as recommended by the Park Board to allow for future improvements to the cabin. The change goes into effect June 1st.

(KLZA)--Two federal grant programs administered by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission are accepting applications from communities across Nebraska for recreation improvements.

Applications for the Recreation Trails Program and Land and Water Conservation Fund are due Sept. 9, 2022. Grants recommended for approval will be announced during the January 2023 Commission meeting.

The Recreational Trails Program is a grant program through the Federal Highway Administration that reimburses political subdivisions – such as communities, counties and natural resources districts – up to $250,000 or 80% of project costs for trail acquisition, development, renovation and support facilities. 

Applicants must have the financial means to undertake and maintain the project and all funding should be on hand as this is a reimbursable grant program.

This funding source is for motorized and non-motorized trail projects. It is divided by category: 30% of funding utilized for motorized, 30% for non-motorized projects and 40% for diversified or shared use trail projects.

Apply at ngpcgrants.outdoornebraska.gov. For more information on the Recreational Trails Program, visit outdoornebraska.gov/rtp/.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund, a program administered by the National Park Service, provides matching funds for outdoor recreation projects.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, ballfields, soccer fields, swimming pools, picnicking facilities, playgrounds, pool renovations, splash pads, park acquisitions and development, wildlife viewing facilities, fishing access, hike/bike trails, adventure spots (such as ziplines and rock-climbing walls) and park-related support facilities.

All projects must encourage outdoor recreation. Project sponsors must be a political subdivision, such as cities, county governments or natural resource districts. The LWCF provides reimbursable matching grants for up to 50% of total project costs.

Grant sponsors should have all funding on hand at the time of grant application submission.

The LWCF grant award requests for an individual project must be between $40,000 and $400,000, equating to a $80,000 to $800,000 in total project costs.

To apply and get more information, visit ngpcgrants.outdoornebraska.gov and outdoornebraska.gov/lwcf.

(KAIR)--A man is dead, and another in custody, following a Leavenworth homicide.

According to a release from the Leavenworth Police Department, it was shortly before 6:55 Wednesday morning that “officers responded to a duplex in the 700 block of Osage Street for the report of shots fired.” When they arrived, officers located the body of a man inside the apartment, then “obtained information about the suspect, who was located a short time and distance away in the 700 block of North 7th Street.”

The suspect, identified in the release as a 33-year-old Leavenworth man, was taken into custody without incident.

Arrested for 2nd degree murder, he was booked into the Leavenworth County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are investigating what’s reported as the unlawful entry into a church.  

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the crime occurred sometime between 4:30 Monday afternoon and 5:45 Tuesday evening at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, located in the 800 block of Atchison’s Riley Street.  

The suspects, according to Wilson, damaged a pop machine and helped themselves to snacks before getting away.  

No information is immediately known regarding whoever’s responsible, with police seeking help from the public in order to solve the crime.  

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

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is giving a special shoutout to the City’s Water Treatment Plant Department.  

According to a social media post, the accolades follow the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s release of its annual Consumer Confidence Report, and Atchison was recognized as having safe water based on KDHE and EPA standards.  The release notes that the report shares testing results from various collection dates, with Atchison “required by law to report to the public any instances of violations when they occur, and there were no violations throughout 2021.”

According to the release, “the Water Treatment Plant staff continually monitor and test the water to ensure that it has been adequately filtered and cleaned,” with the release noting that “there are 6 members of the city staff responsible for water quality efforts, and they have a combined 97 years of experience.”  

The City, in the release, notes that the 6 workers are Jim Owens, a employee of 30 years; Quintin Hefner, 27 years; Jeremy Mercer, 21 years; Robert Hundley, 10 years; Colton Boldridge, 7 years;  and Jason Page, and employee of 7 years.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, accused of causing serious injuries during a 2020 Leavenworth bar fight, is going to prison.

 According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 41-year-old Joshua Degroot was sentenced in Leavenworth County District Court to 3 years and 8 months of incarceration.  

In March, Degroot plead guilty to two counts of aggravated battery, stemming from the fight that occurred at the Trails End Lounge.

 According to the release, Degroot went to the bar with several friends, with video surveillance showing that they were asked to leave by the owner of the bar and employees.  Instead, Degroot began throwing punches, causing one woman to suffer an orbital fracture and a man to incur a brain bleed.  

Thompson, in the release, says the bar “wasn’t some rowdy place,” adding that “it appeared that people were trying to have a nice evening” but were instead left with “long lasting trauma.”

(KAIR)--Only minor injuries for a motorcyclist following an Atchison wreck late Monday morning.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened around 11:15, at U.S. Highway 73 and Raven Hill Road.

It was there that a vehicle driven by Norma Auchenpaugh, of Atchison, and a motorcycle, ridden by Travis Kelley, of Atchison, were involved in a collision.

According to Wilson, Kelley received minor injuries, but refused medical treatment. Auchenpaugh was not hurt.

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

According to a release issued by the city Tuesday,  a water sample collected on May 3 showed a nitrate level of 12 milligrams per liter, which is above the federal maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter.

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

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

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

The release adds the city reviewed all available options and are moving forward with a water treatment plant so the system can return to compliance as soon as possible.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Council heard a report and update from council members Bruce Helms and Ric Haughton on the City of Syracuse's Vacant Property Registration Ordinance when they met May 9th.

Haughton stated that the Board of Health met to go over the list of 17 houses in Pawnee City that Mayor Hatfield had compiled for them to review. He stated that out of those 17 property owners, there were only five that he had not previously talked to about their nuisance property.

Haughton said that the City has to come up with something that they can do to close on these properties. City Clerk Curtis stated that the City already has ordinances in place and that the council can do more than just talk to the property owners, stating the City Council and City Attorney need to work together. Curtis continued that the City had followed through with the whole condemnation process with the show cause hearings and the City Crew tearing down the houses but it costs a lot of money and a lot of work to get the process all done,

Mayor Hatfield said that after reading the ordinance that if they wanted to see it work then they have to hire a code enforcer because it takes a lot of time.

Haughton said that this is all just something to think over as this is what the citizens want.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Sheriff's office made two felony arrests in the past week.

On Thursday, May 12th they arrested Jamie Dorney of Humboldt on charges of felony child abuse and 3rd degree assault.

On Sunday May 15th The Sheriff's Office arrested Drew Foster of Falls City on charges of Assault by Strangulation, terroristic threats, felony child abuse, domestic assault 3rd degree, 3rd degree assault and disturbing the peace.

(MSC News)- Holton Community Hospital has been named one of the top 20 critical access hospitals (CAHs) for patient satisfaction/perspective in the country.

The top 20 CAHs, including Holton Community Hospital, scored best among CAHs as determined by the Chartis Center for Rural Health for patient satisfaction/patient perspective. The rankings were recently announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).

An awards ceremony will be held during NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Mo.

The top 20 CAHs have achieved success in overall performance based on a composite rating from eight indices of strength: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance. This group was selected from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2022 top 100 CAH list, which was released earlier this year.

The top 20 CAH best practice recipients have achieved success in one of two key areas of performance:

Quality index: A rating of hospital performance based on the percentile rank across rural-relevant process of care measures.

Patient perspective index: All hospitals in the study are evaluated across all 10 HCAHPS domains. Each hospital’s performance across these 10 metrics is aggregated and ranked against rural peers nationally. The Top 20 CAHs are recognized for the outstanding patient satisfaction they provide.

“Holton Community Hospital is proud of the efforts of the medical providers and staff who have contributed to our hospital achieving this designation,” says hospital Chief Executive Officer, Carrie Saia. “Our results as a top performer in patient satisfaction during a time when healthcare was so challenged to provide care, is such a high honor. On behalf of the Board of Directors, our organization could not be more honored to pay tribute to our staff who provide this culture to our community each and every day.”

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday approved the purchase of a used dump truck for District 1.

Following discussion with District 1 road foreman John Selland and Road and Bridge Secretary Tami Lehmkul, the commission approved the purchase of the used 2022 Peterbilt from MHC for $213,295.

The Commission accepted a bid from First Option Bank, of Horton, for a three-year lease purchase agreement for the truck at an interest rate of 2.95 percent. It was among two bids received.

The Commission also voted to purchase extended warranties for the truck--including a five-year warranty on the engine and 4-year warranty on the transmission, for a total cost of $7,286.

In other business, Three Rivers, Inc. Executive Director Audrey Schremmer met with the commission. She discussed the services the organization offers in Brown County and requested $1,200 funding for fiscal year 2023.

The Commission will consider the request when drafting next year's county budget.

(KNZA)--A Brown County tourism project is one of eleven statewide announced Monday by Governor Laura Kelly as “recipients of Kansas Tourism Attraction Development Grants totaling more than $250,000.

Oregon Trail, LLC was the recipient of $40,000 for a Glamping Project in Brown County .

The grants were presented by Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland on Friday at an event in Colby. 

In total, the eleven grant recipients will invest more than $2.1 million toward the approved projects.

The Attraction Development Grant Program is administered by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The grants assist in the expansion of sustainable, market-driven travel experiences within the state that will influence travel decisions, increase visitation to Kansas, and generate economic impact resulting from the creation of jobs, capital investment, and tax revenue.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are investigating a motorcycle theft that happened in connection with a recent residential burglary.  

According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, the incident occurred at a residence in the 500 block of North 4th, sometime between 11 Friday morning and 2:30 Saturday afternoon.  

Taken was a black and white, 2014 Kawasaki, KLR 650 model. It’s valued at $3,500.

Wilson says there was some damage done to a door forced open during the burglary, but that the motorcycle was the only item taken.  

Wilson says the department has begun to work some leads in the case, and they believe a sole suspect is responsible.  

No one was home at the time of the incident.

(Topeka, KS)--Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that she has signed House Bill 2567, which fully funds K-12 education for the fourth consecutive year and guarantees funding through the 2024 fiscal year. Signing HB 2567 makes Governor Kelly the first governor in more than 20 years to fulfill Kansas students’ constitutional right to school funding.

"I am pleased to be able to uphold my commitment to fully fund our public schools," Governor Laura Kelly said. "Providing schools with the funding and resources they need will create lifelong learners, which are the foundation of our state’s strong workforce and future economic growth.”

In addition to fully funding education in Kansas, HB 2567 enacts the Governor's Budget Recommendations for the Department of Education and the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund. These funds represent historic investments in early childhood and K-12 education. 

HB 2567 includes: 

• $520.4 million for Special Education Services Aid 

• $199.6 million to eliminate the Delayed School Payment

• $20.7 million in Children's Initiative Fund grants 

• $10.5 million for Mental Health Intervention Teams, which help eliminate barriers for students in need of care

• $8.4 million for the Parents as Teacher program 

• $5 million for school safety and security grants

• $4.1 million for the Pre-K Pilot Program 

• $4 million for a virtual math program

• $1.8 million for teacher professional development aid

• $1.5 million for student transportation to career and technical education opportunities 

• $1.4 million for Early Childhood Infrastructure 

• $1.3 million for the Mentor Teacher Program 

• $1 million for Computer Science Education Advancement Grants 

• $500,000 for the statewide expansion of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library

• $40,000 for a new career and technical education credentialing pilot program 

• Full funding for all-day Kindergarten 

HB 2567 makes the necessary adjustments to enable school districts with many military students to keep federal funding. It also improves how students at Kansas community and technical colleges receive financial aid.

While HB 2567 provides historic constitutional levels of funding, it does not include the additional $30 million in funding to increase the special education services Governor Kelly recommended in April.

"Republicans and Democrats agree funds for special education are vital for our schools to provide quality instruction to special education students. I call on the legislature to swiftly appropriate these funds when they return on May 23rd," Governor Kelly said. 

Governor Kelly also called on the legislature to further review a provision requiring school districts to set policies allowing enrollment of out-of-district students.

“Before taking effect during the 2024-2025 school year, the Legislature must work with educators and administrators to make the necessary modifications to ensure that elected school board members maintain local control,” Governor Kelly said.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Council considered two donations to organizations when they met May 9th.

RJ Hickey with the Pawnee City Historical Society met with the council to discuss the donation to the Historical Society. Council Member Eisenhauer moved to donate a $1000 credit towards the Historical Society's water bill to start immediately. The motion was carried.

Courtney and Rob Kosiski with the Pawnee City Ball Association met with the board. They reported that there are currently 130 kids signed up for the Softball and Baseball teams.

The Kosiski's discussed all the vandalism that has been going on at the ball fields during the off-season. They are now investing in a security system and just received a quote from Blue Valley to install a “Hurricane Security Pull-down Door System” to cover each one of the windows on the concession stand.

Council Member Eisenhauer moved to continue paying the electric bill for the Ball Association and in lieu of the usual $650 donation she recommended the city donate $3000 of ARPA funds to the Pawnee City Ball Association to assist with improvements they are making at the sports complex. The motion was carried.

(KLZA)--Saturday, June 11 will be the Citywide Cleanup Day in Humboldt.

From 8 – 11 a.m. that day, Humboldt residents will be able to use roll-off dumpsters at the City Shop, located at 115 Long Branch Street to drop off bagged or boxed trash. Batteries may also be disposed of, but there will be a separate identified area for batteries only. The City Shop will have a designated space for appliances.

Tires, paint, lumber, motor oil, farm chemicals, yard waste and grass clippings will not be accepted at the drop site.

Humboldt residents will be required to bring a current Humboldt water bill with them to prove residency.

If you need assistance transporting items to the city shop, call Humboldt City Hall at 402-862-2171 by Thursday, June 9, at 4:30 so volunteers will have time to haul the items off for you.

(KNZA)--Services have been set for a former Holton woman killed Friday in a two-vehicle wreck in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol say killed in the wreck at the intersection of U.S. 24 Highway and Flush Road, about two miles west of St. George, was 38-year-old Abby Stous, of Manhattan.

The Patrol says Stous was driving Chevy Malibu northbound on Flush Road when she failed to yield at a stop sign and was struck on the driver's side by an eastbound International truck.

Stous was pronounced dead at the scene.

The truck driver suffered suspected minor injury.

According to an obituary from Holton's Mercer Funeral Home, Stous was a 2001 graduate of Holton High School. She formerly owned and operated Lee's Flower Shop, in Holton.

Services will be held Friday morning at 10:00 at the Crestview Christian Church, in Manhattan.  Visitation and viewing will be Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 at the church.

Among survivors are her husband of nearly 15 years, Darin, and four children.

(KNZA)--Services have been set for a former Holton woman killed Friday in a two-vehicle wreck in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol say killed in the wreck at the intersection of U.S. 24 Highway and Flush Road, about two miles west of St. George, was 38-year-old Abby Stous.

The Patrol says Stous was driving Chevy Malibu northbound on Flush Road when she failed to yield at a stop sign and was struck on the driver's side by a eastbound International truck.

Stous was pronounced dead at the scene.

The truck driver suffered suspected minor injury.

Stous was a 2001 graduate of Holton High School. She previously had owned and operated Lee's Flower Shop, in Holton.

Services will be held Friday morning at 10:00 at the Crestview Christian Church, in Manhattan.

Arrangements are being handled by the Mercer Funeral Home, in Holton.

Among survivors are her husband, Darin, and four children.

(KNZA)--An intersection improvement and resurfacing project on U.S. 75 near Sabetha is scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 17, weather permitting.

The two-mile project extends from just south of 260th Street to just north of 280th Street/K-246.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, work includes constructing left turn lanes at the 260th Street and 280th Street intersections, removal of the existing by-pass lanes, pavement resurfacing and street light installation at 280th Street.

KDOT says there will be a speed reduction and 12-foot width restriction through the work zone. Both directions of U.S. 75 will remain open for a majority of the project, however, intermittent periods of one-way traffic will occur. A pilot car and flaggers will direct traffic, and drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes at those times. Traffic delays should be minimal when both lanes are open.

Work will take place Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed, during daylight hours.

Herzog Contracting of St. Joseph, Mo., is the contractor on the $5.4 million project, which is estimated to be complete by late September.

(KNZA)--A traffic stop and subsequent search of a motel room leads to the arrest of a Holton woman on drug charges.

Jackson County Tim Morse, in a release, said a sheriff's deputy stopped a Hyundai Elantra Saturday morning around 10:40 for allegedly failing to display a license plate on the vehicle in the 100 block of Arizona Avenue in Holton.

During the traffic stop, Morse said a hallucinogenic drug was found in the vehicle.

He said a subsequent search was conducted by deputies of a room at the Red Roof Inn in Holton where the driver was believed to be staying.  A substance believed to be cocaine was seized along with drug paraphernalia.

The driver, identified as 29-year-old Jeanata Valentine, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail for  possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

(KNZA)--An early Saturday morning single-vehicle Jefferson County wreck claimed the life of a Valley Falls man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says killed in the wreck on K-4 highway, about 2 miles north of of Meriden, was 51-year-old Robert Elias.

The Patrol reports Elias was driving a pickup truck that left the highway and went onto the shoulder. He overcorrected, causing his vehicle to cross the highway and go into a ditch.  The truck continued down an embankment and rolled, striking a tree, before coming to rest upright hanging over a culvert.  

Elias, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The wreck was reported around 4:20 Saturday morning.

(KMZA)--A Topeka man is facing multiple charges in Nemaha County in connection with alleged incidents  in Seneca last Thursday evening.

Nmaha County Attorney Brad Lippert said a complaint was filed Friday in Nemaha County District Court charging 36-year-old Kyle Rowell with aggravated robbery, two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of theft.

Lippert said Rowell is accused of forcibly taking a 2005 Ford F-250 truck from the owner and then using the truck as a deadly weapon against two people.

In addition, he says Rowell allegedly stole a shirt and keys from one of the victims and a debit/credit card from the other.

Lippert said the case was investigated by the Seneca Police Department, with assistance from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.

Rowell was arrested late Thursday and booked into the Nemaha County Jail where he remains held on a $100,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man goes to jail in Jackson County, arrested this week on drug related charges.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, a “deputy stopped a passenger car in the area of U.S. Highway 75 and 110th Road for a traffic infraction” shortly after 8:40 Thursday night.

A K9 officer was used at the scene of the traffic stop and “indicated to the presence of narcotics,” which led to a vehicle search that led to the alleged discovery of methamphetamine and hallucinogenic drugs.

The driver, identified as 38-year-old Jarod Mosiman, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of paraphernalia, and driving while suspended.

Following his arrest, Mosiman was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KLZA)-- Governor Pete Ricketts has appointed David Bargen of Adams as District Court Judge in the First Judicial District.

The First Judicial District consists of Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, and Thayer counties.

Bargen, 49, has practiced law at Rembolt Ludtke LLP in Lincoln since 2006, becoming a partner in 2012.

  His practice includes municipal and governmental law, water law, and civil litigation.  He has served as city attorney and assistant city attorney to several Nebraska municipalities, and has represented other government entities, including counties, in a variety of capacities.  He has also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Nebraska in various lawsuits.

His trial work includes jury and bench trials in state district court, cases in federal court, appellate arguments, and contested case hearings before agencies.

Bargen holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Master of Science in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  He also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law, where he graduated with high distinction.

Bargen is being appointed to the First Judicial District to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Vicky L. Johnson.

(KAIR)--An out of state man, passing through the local area, found himself jailed after a traffic stop leads to the alleged discovery of drugs and false identification.  

It happened Tuesday in Jackson County after a deputy stopped a car for a traffic infraction near 158th Road and U.S Highway 75..

 According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse 19-year-old Ryan Ahmad Mehio, of Chandler, Arizona, was taken into custody around 8:30 that morning on charges for possession of a stimulant, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a fraudulent identity card.  

Mehio was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KAIR)--Motorists Monday will find a portion of highway closed in Jackson County as maintenance crews replace a tube under the roadway.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, a section of K-9 Highway, just west of Whiting, will be closed for the work from 9 that morning until 3:00 Monday afternoon.

No detours will be posted and motorists will need to use alternate routes.

(KNZA)--Jackson County Attorney Shawna Miller is stepping down.

 Miller notified the Jackson County Commission on Monday of her resignation, effective June 1.

The Holton Recorder reports Miller plans to join a law firm in Topeka.  

She has served county attorney since 2009.   Prior to that, Miller served as assistant county attorney for four years.  

Members of the Jackson County Republican Precinct Committee will nominate a replacement to fill Miller's term, which expires in January 2025.   The name will be forwarded to Governor Kelly for appointment.  

The position will be up for election in November 2024.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 39-year-old man who authorities say randomly shot at drivers stopped on a bridge between Missouri and Kansas has pleaded no contest in the case.

Jason Westrem, from Houston Lake, Missouri, entered the plea Wednesday to attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Investigators said Westrem fired at least 20 rounds at construction workers and drivers stopped on the Centennial Bridge between Leavenworth, Kansas, and Platte County, Missouri, in May 2020.

He was stopped when a soldier from Fort Leavenworth, Master Sgt. David Royer, hit Westrem with his vehicle. One person was injured and gunshots hit several vehicles.

Authorities have not released a possible motive for Westrem's actions.

(KNZA)--A former Doniphan County Sheriff's deputy has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges.

Nathaniel Keller entered the plea last week in Doniphan County District Court to 15 counts—including criminal sodomy, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and domestic battery.  

A pre-trial conference hearing was set for August 29.  

The Kansas Chief reports a new attorney, Greg Robinson, of Lansing, has been appointed to represent Keller after two previous attorney's withdrew, claiming he would not communicate and assist in his own defense.    

Keller was arrested in June of last year after Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents served a search warrant on is home.  

He is charged with sex crimes alleged to have occurred in 2017 with a child 14 or older, but less than 16 years of age.  Keller is also charged with domestic-related crimes alleged to have occurred in 2019 and 2021.  

He remains free on a $500,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- Following the Monday night Falls City School Board meeting there has been much discussion about the “2nd Step” program that was a topic brought forward during the “Audiences” portion of the meeting.

Following a number of comments from audience members the District 56 School Board voted to to suspend the 2nd Step curriculum, and allow the District Curriculum Director time to research other curriculum options.

The “2nd Step” program was used at Falls City Middle School for the first time during the current school year. It has been part of the curriculum in Pre-K - 5th grade for several years in Falls City.

Sandy Morrissey, Prevention Director with Region V Systems, says the program is widely utilized in Nebraska and other states. Morrissey told MSCNews the program was initiated through the Lincoln Public School System and it was highly successful. The program was modeled after a Texas program that was mandated to be used in all schools.

Once the program was successful in the Lincoln Public Schools, Region V began to work with rural schools on the Social, Emotional Learning. The program is used for Pre-K through 8th grade.

Morrissey says the goals of the “2nd Step” program is to work with kids K-8th grade and pre-school in regards to some emotional regulation, to help them feel they have some self-regulation over some of their feelings and are able to deal with conflict resolution and help with problem solving without getting overly emotional. It also helps with bullying kids deal with.

She says the program has a number of benefits in school and outside of school, including staying on track with academics, not worrying so much about friends and stress reduction. With younger children it helps with basic coping skills as they emotionally develop.

Speakers from the audience Monday night suggested “2nd Step” was dealing with topics including transgender, homosexuality and racism. Morrissey feels there has been some misinterpretation of the program. She said she has never seen in the curriculum, or heard of a school district talk about transgender or sexuality issues within social, emotional learning. The program could include information on accepting individuals for who they are and respecting one another.

Morrissey said she has been contacted about the program and that she is visiting with representatives of “2nd Step” to get a better understanding of the program.

The “2nd Step” program as utilized by District 56 is not a class for which students receive a grade and no homework is given.

The program is seen as a way to help teach kids how to better resolve conflict and help understand those that are different from you.

(KLZA)-- A city-side clean-up weekend is happening in Tecumseh.

Friday is “Yours for the Taking Day.” Tecumseh residents can place unwanted household items on the curb and hope someone will take it.

Saturday is the City-Wide Clean-Up Day from 8:00 A.M. - noon, most unwanted items can be disposed of in dumpsters that will be located in the Courthouse parking lot.

Monday will be “Yard Waste Pick-up Day.” Yard waste should be placed at the curb no later than 7:30 a.m. City crews will only take branches bundled in three-foot sections. All other yard waste must be in dumpable containers.

Paint, construction debris, tires, liquid waste and appliances with Freon will not be picked up.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County traffic stop leads to the arrest of a Holton woman on drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said deputies stopped a 2007 Saturn SUV driven by 37-year-old Theresa Maria Ross-Hetrick near 6th and Colorado in Holton around 9:30 Wednesday evening for a traffic infraction.

Morse said Ross-Hetrick was was arrested for possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KAIR)--As part of the return of Atchison's Amelia Earhart Festival, due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be a chance to see first hand the future of the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.

According to a release, the museum, located at the Amelia Earhart Airport, "will be welcoming visitors during the Amelia Earhart Festival for a sneak peek" at the museum build. The release notes that "construction of 13 exhibits and interactive activations has begun.

The museum will be open during the festival weekend, including Friday, July 15, from 10:00 to 4:00; Saturday, July 16 from 9:00 to 4:00; and Sunday July 17 from 12 noon to 4:00.

The centerpiece of the museum is Muriel, the last remaining aircraft similar to the one flown by Atchison native, Amelia Earhart.

The festival, held each July in honor of Earhart's birth, complete with the Friday night Lakefest Concert and the following Saturday night's fireworks display, was cancelled the past two years due to COVID-19.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City School Board approved a food service contract with Taher, Inc. when they met Monday evening.

The five-year contract will go into effect with the start of the 2022-23 school year. There will be a 6% increase for breakfast and a 7.9% increase for lunch. The company guarantees the Pawnee City Public School Food Service Program will generate a break even financial return for the 22-23 school year. The school would be reimbursed for any shortfall.

Prices will be $3.56 for lunch, $2.30 for breakfast.

The Board voted 5-1 to have Table Rock Appliance replace the HVAC system in the elementary quonset building. Board member Lisa Hunzeker cast the nay vote.

In other business a teaching contract for Aeden Gyhra for the next school year was approved.

The Board also approved a teaching contract for Don Jacobs to serve as an interim science teacher for the 22-23 school year and accepted his resignation from that position at the end of the upcoming school year. This will allow the Pawnee City School District to advertise the science teaching position and find a new teacher for the 2023-24 school year. There were no applications for the position this year.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education voted to accept the resignations of Middle and High School Instrumental Music instructor John Furrow after seven years in the position when they met Monday evening.

The resignation of his wife, Michelle Furrow, a part-time teacher and previously a para professional in the district was also accepted.

The Board also approved the hiring of Carter Drake, a graduate of Humboldt-Table Rock – Steinauer School and Peru State College as an elementary teacher.

Following discussion on classified employee wages for the 2022-23 school year, the Board voted to table the agenda item to determine the costs to increase the wages. Superintendent Tim Heckenlively had proposed a three-percent increase that would amount to an increase of $158 thousand to the budget.

Board member Scott Hollens said that with the increase in inflation, he would like to increase the wages more if possible.

The Superintendent will prepare figures for the Board to review. He noted that according to a wage survey, District 56 is in the middle-of-the pack on wages for classified employees.

The pay increase is proposed to be on what the employees are currently paid. Heckenlively said if the base salary for classified employees was increased three percent, the impact on the budget would be approximately $250 thousand.

During the discussion Board member Dan Jones suggested the District need to look at offering more to retain bus drivers. The last time District 56 advertised for bus drivers, there were no applicants.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education has approved the addition of a dog therapy program at the Elementary and Middle School, beginning next school year.

The Board voted Monday evening to fund the $2,800 cost of the program after hearing a presentation from Sheridan Haverkamp, who serves as a counselor at the school.

Haverkamp said she currently has a golden retriever who she believes would be an excellent fit as a therapy dog and is willing to train for such use. The dog will be obedience trained by Mutt School, in Manhattan.

Once the training is completed, Haverkamp and the dog will be registered as a therapy animal/handler team with Alliance of Therapy dogs, one of leading national organizations to register therapy animals and handlers.

Haverkamp said among the goals of the therapy dog program is to increase empathy and compassion, decrease student anxiety behaviors that interfere with academic growth, improve self-esteem and increase school attendance.

Haverkamp said more schools are beginning to recognize the benefits of a such a program. Locally, she said Jackson Heights Elementary School and Frankfort High School have added therapy dogs at their schools. In addition, Prairie Hills USD 113 is in the process of adding one.

(KNZA)--Security upgrades were discussed when the Hiawatha School Board meet Monday evening.

District Maintenance Director Chris Morey discussed proposed upgrades through Security One Systems.

The first project he brought up was the installation of fire alarm panels at the three main school facilities, along with the ag building and wood shop.  The cost of the equipment is nearly $1,900, with an annual fee of nearly $6,400 for monitoring and testing of the five sites.

It was the consensus of the board to move forward with the project. 

Morey next discussed the installation of additional security cameras in the district.  Proposed was the installation of three outdoor security cameras at the bus barn for asset protection at a cost of around $5,000, and the installation of cameras at the ag building--including two outdoor and one indoor--at a cost of nearly $5,400.

In addition, Morey discussed the installation of key card locks to the entries of the Ag Building and Wood Shop at a total cost of nearly $5,300. The board decided to move them down on the priority list.

Morey also informed the board of another project to upgrade the bus repeater, which will allow the communication radius to go from 15 to 30 miles from the repeater at the bus barn. The upgrade is to be completed before the start of next school year.

Following an executive session, the board approved the hiring of two new teachers for next school year. Evan Brockhoff was hired as an elementary school teacher and Xavier Caparros as a Spanish teacher at the high school.  In addition, Karl Kliewer was hired as a part time math teacher at the high school.  The board also accepted the resignation of middle school math interventionist Sadie Miller. 

At the beginning of the meeting, USD 415 Board President Tom Simmer presented crossing guard Jim Rupe with a Certificate of Recognition.  Rupe was nominated for the recognition by a patron who noted that he's always positive and uplifting, waving and providing a friendly face to everyone driving on First Street.

(KAIR)--A Kansas City, Kansas man, accused of the 2021 Leavenworth shooting death of a 12-year-old, has been convicted on related charges.

 According to Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 18-year-old Jaylen LaRon Johnson was convicted in Leavenworth County District Court Tuesday of one count of first degree murder, one count of criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle causing great bodily harm, one count of criminal discharge of a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  

Johnson faces life in prison when he's sentenced June 17.    

Thompson, in the release, explains that Johnson’s crimes were committed April 14, 2021, when Johnson and a friend, Darvon Thomas, as well as a third person, drove to Leavenworth’s Kare Pharmacy to buy a handgun, having previously arranged to meet the sellers at the pharmacy location.

 After the gun was purchased for $400 by the unnamed third person, it was realized it was only a BB gun, and that person shouted at Johnson and Thomas to let them know.  With the sellers attempting to leave the pharmacy parking lot, Johnson stepped out of Thomas’ car and “began firing a .45 caliber Glock 30 handgun at the fleeing vehicle, which was struck in the rear of the car 11-times.”

A 12-year-old passenger in the vehicle’s right rear passenger seat was struck several times.  Taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, the child was pronounced dead.  

Thomas, of Leavenworth, was convicted in February for second degree murder, and sentenced in early March to 16-years-8-months in prison.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has signed a plan from Republican lawmakers into law to phase out the state’s sales tax on groceries over three years.

Kelly had a ceremony Wednesday at a grocery store in Olathe to fulfill a promise to sign the bill even though it is not as aggressive in eliminating the tax as she and fellow Democrats want. They had hoped to eliminate the entire 6.5% tax as of July 1.

Only 13 states charge any sales tax on groceries. Kansas’ rate is second only to Mississippi’s 7%. The new law drops the tax to 4% in January, to 2% in 2024 and to zero in 2025.

Kansans safely disposed of more than 3.5 tons of unused and unwanted medicines during last month's National Drug Take-Back Day, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Wednesday.

Kansas law enforcement officers collected 7,362 pounds of medicines at 66 locations throughout the state during the April 30 event, according to a report from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

“Safe storage and proper disposal are the keys to preventing the accidental or intentional misuse of prescription medications,” Schmidt said. “Kansans continue to recognize the importance of safely disposing of their unused medicines during these Drug Take-Back events. I appreciate the leadership of the DEA and local law enforcement agencies in providing this service for Kansans.”

Kansans have safely destroyed a more than 118 tons of medications in the 22 collection days that have been held since 2010. That is the equivalent of nearly five semitrailer loads of unused medication. Law enforcement agencies turn the drugs they collect over to the DEA, which safely destroys the medications.

Unused prescriptions can be turned in year-round at many local law enforcement locations as well as a limited number of other locations. Kansans should contact their local sheriff’s office or police department for more information. 

(KAIR)--The focus of an Atchison County Sheriff’s Office drug investigation was arrested during a traffic stop, with an additional arrest made when authorities raided the home that was the focus of a narcotics search warrant.

Taken into custody during a traffic stop on the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge was 50-year-old Charles Edward Young. Arrested around 11:00 Tuesday night, Young was apprehended after deputies discovered what’s alleged to have been over 150 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and nearly $1,000 in cash.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, it was during the traffic stop that “additional deputies and detectives of the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant at the [Atchison] residence,” located at 614 South 5th Street.

Located at the residence was 28-year-old Haley Stalder and a 7-year-old child.

It’s alleged that “additional narcotics, paraphernalia, and firearms were seized from the residence.

Young faces charges for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of opiates, believed to be fentanyl, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and aggravated endangering a child.

Stalder was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, & aggravated endangering a child.

Both Young and Stalder were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Bond is not yet set.

(KNZA)--Brown County is looking at placing a moratorium on the development of commercial wind energy projects in the county.

Brown County Commissioner Bill Pollock proposed the moratorium at Monday's County Commission meeting until a comprehensive plan is developed to determine how to best protect the county and its residents from the negative effects of such projects.

A motion by Pollock to enact the moratorium died due to the lack of a second. However, following discussion, the Commission instead approved a motion by Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl to proceed with the moratorium process in consultation with an attorney.

The action came after county resident Cliff Heiniger presented a list of 118 Brown County residents concerned about the development of wind energy projects in the county. That's in addition to a list of 125 names submitted in April by county resident Lucas Heinen.

Heiniger discussed the proposed Pony Express Wind Farm project in northwestern Brown County and northeastern Nemaha County. The project, which is currently in the permitting stage, would consist of 320 turbines.

Heiniger said he believes the Commission should look at zoning as way to way to control the development of wind energy projects in the county.

Lehmkuhl said he heard from several residents over the weekend with the same opinion.

The Commission plans to solicit proposals from engineering firms to develop a comprehensive plan, which would lay the foundation for zoning.

County Attorney Kevin Hill said a comprehensive plan could take up to 2 years to develop.

(KLZA)-- A statement from the office of Falls City Public School Superintendent Tim Heckenlively was released Wednesday morning concerning the decision by the District 56 Board of Education to suspend the 2nd Step curriculum.

The statement says “Parental involvement has always been a crucial component in Falls City Public Schools. Monday evening, the Falls City Board of Education heard concerns from parents about the District's 2nd Step (SEL) curriculum. Upon hearing those concerns, the Board decided to suspend the 2nd Step (SEL) curriculum and allow the District's Curriculum Director time to research other curriculum options. The Board looks forward to continued discussions with parents and key stakeholders to help strengthen and solidify student learning at Falls City Public Schools.”

50 or more concerned District 56 patrons attended the Falls City School Board meeting Monday night with several expressing their concerns about the 2nd Step curriculum.

(KNZA)--As scams continue to circulate across the region, a local sheriff’s office is providing resources to help residents from falling victim to scammers.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is making available identity theft information booklets. They can be picked up, at no cost, in the lobby of the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, located in Hiawatha.

Merchant says the booklets provide important information on how to protect yourself against identity theft, scams, cyber threats, and issues while traveling. In addition, he says it offers information on how to report and identify potential threats as well as websites for reporting purposes.  

With the growing trends in scammers who are always looking for easy prey, Merchant said he's trying to provide as much information as he can to prevent the public from falling victim to these scammers.

As always, he says never give out personal information over the phone or internet and if you feel that you are a victim of a scam, report to your local law enforcement at once.

(KAIR)--Following a presentation, including an outline of the results of a 2021 community survey cited as the reason for a proposed Atchison referendum to levy a 1-percent sales tax, Atchison City Commissioners approved the resolution 4 to allowing for that vote to take place. Commissioner Larry Wilcox was the lone no vote, not in opposition to the referendum itself, but in agreement with public comment that more time could be allowed for the vote. 

A separate resolution, approved unanimously, allocates 75-percent of the funds generated by the sales tax for infrastructure and the additional 25-percent for property tax relief. 
A July 14 mail-in vote is set. 

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education Monday night approved a recommendation from the Transportation Committee to move forward with leasing a 65 passenger Blue Bird Bus for a period of five years and also purchase an additional bus.

The annual lease amount will be $17,062. District 56 will only need to pay for new tires and oil changes and have the bus covered for insurance purposes. Nebraska Central Equipment will cover all other maintenance needs for the bus.

The Transportation Committee felt leasing the bus would be a good experiment to see if the District wants to move from owning buses to leasing buses in the future.

The Board also approved the purchase of a Blue Bird Vision 72-passenger bus at a cost of $133,477.

A 2019 bus purchased during the current fiscal year will be traded in on the new bus ordered. The cost for the 2019 bus was $65,100. The company has agreed since they had no new buses available, they would allow the bus to be traded back to them at full price, less $1,600.

(KLZA)-- A new Road and Bridge Administrator. Laura Kennish of Mound City started her new duties on April 12, taking over for the recently retired Daryl Biermann.

The Mound City News reports the Kennish previously served as a teacher at Avila University in Kansas City and at the University of Central Missouri.

(KAIR)--An intern for the City of Atchison, and senior at Benedictine College, has received a scholarship as she pursues a Master’s in Public Administration, with an emphasis on city/county management.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, Olivia Ortiz has worked as a management intern for Atchison since the spring of 2021. Now, Ortiz earns a Virgil Basgall Scholarship for next year, as she prepares to attend the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration.

The scholarship was recently awarded as part of the Kansas City/County Management Conference at the University of Kansas, in Lawrence.

Atchison City Manager Amy Finch, in the release, calls Ortiz “a fantastic intern who will no doubt make a great city manager one day,” saying that the scholarship award “is a well deserved honor.”

During her time as intern, Ortiz has, according to the release, “taken on such tasks as running the city’s Citizen’s Academy, supporting and filling in for the city clerk, researching policy issues, and teaching staff newer technology.”

Ortiz is graduating from Benedictine College with majors in Political Science and Philosophy.

As the Kansas Legislature remains on break, awaiting the wrap-up session, Atchison area voters can hear, first hand, issues of the Legislature from local State Legislator Republican Dr. John Eplee.

Eplee will provide updates to decisions of the Legislature to local voters during Saturday morning’s Legislative Coffee, arranged by the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce.

It begins at 8:30 at Atchison’s Santa Fe Depot, located at 200 South 10th Street.

The public is invited to attend.

(KLZA)-- Falls City voters approved an additional one-half percent sales tax in Tuesday's primary election. The additional funds will be earmarked to help pay for upgrades to the various infrastructure needs in Falls City outlined in a 10-year long range plan.

The vote was 469 in favor to 259 votes against.

Humboldt voters approved adding a one-and-a-half percent city sales tax. The vote was 119 for and 92 against.

Humboldt voters cast 145 votes for Ron Rathbone for Mayor and 54 for Dyann Herr for Mayor. They will face each other in the November General election. Ted Schuler received 12 votes.

Preston voters cast 4 votes in favor of unincorporating. No votes were cast against the proposal.

Johnson County Central School District voters turned down a proposed $43.3 million school bond issue. If approved the bond would have paid for a new school in Tecumseh to house all the districts students in one building

The unofficial vote total counting votes in Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha and Otoe counties was 563 votes in favor of the bond issue and 666 votes against the proposed bond.

The proposal received 506 votes in favor and 473 votes against in Johnson County. Otoe County voters that are in the JCC School District voted 44 in favor and 153 against, a difference of 109 votes.

In the Republican Commissioner races in Johnson County, David Borrenpohl of Tecumseh received 197 votes in the District 1 race to outpoll Scott Buss of Sterling who received 93 votes.

In Commission District #3 Les Agena of Sterling received 190 votes, James Erickson the incumbent received 86 votes and Dwight Weiss of Sterling received 31 votes.

In Nemaha County, Nebraska, Angelo Ligouri defeated Horace Reynolds IV in the Republican race for County Attorney 671 – 341.

The District Three Commissioner race on the Republican ticket was the closest race of the day. Michael Weiss received 224 votes to 214 for Marvin Bohling.

All of the vote totals are unofficial until each counties Canvassing Board meets to certify the votes.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska hog farm owner and veterinarian Jim Pillen has won the state’s crowded Republican primary race for governor, overcoming another conservative endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Pillen defeated the Trump-backed Charles Herbster, an agribusinessman from Falls City with strong ties to the former president.

He also beat state Sen. Brett Lindstrom, an Omaha financial adviser who emerged as a strong contender late in the contest and was generally viewed as a more moderate choice.

Pillen was endorsed by many top GOP leaders in the state, including Gov. Pete Ricketts, former Gov. Kay Orr, and renowned former University of Nebraska football coach and congressman Tom Osborne.

Pillen will face Democratic nominee Carol Blood in the November General Election.

(KNZA)--A fourth candidate has filed for the position of Hiawatha mayor, forcing a primary election.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Ronnie Calhoon filed Tuesday for the position currently held by Bill Collins, who is seeking re-election.

Collins is also being challenged by current City Commissioners Becky Shamburg and Brian Shefferd.

During the August 2 primary election, the top two vote getters will advance to the November 8th general election ballot.

There will also be a contested race in November for the position of Commissioner of Finance on the Hiawatha City Commission, with incumbent David Middendorf being challenged by Thomas Martin.

Candidates have until noon, June 1st to file.   

(KLZA)--  A standing room only crowd attended the Falls City School Board meeting Monday night.

During the Audiences section of the meeting several concerned parents and grandparents addressed the Board concerning the “Second Step” program which patrons described as a highly sexualized program that deals with topics such as transgender, homosexuality and racism.

Hilary Courtney said she feels these are not the topics to be taught in school, but should be taught at home.

The program was created by The Committee for Children and says it utilizes an holistic approach to social and emotional learning.

A major criticism from some of the speakers was a perceived failure of the school district to let parents know the Second Step program was being taught and what the topics covered by the program consisted of.

Tim Campbell who has grandchildren attending District 56 addressed the Board. Campbell said “the School District has no right to teach his children about sexual things without his consent; no right to teach children the opposite of what he teaches them about Christian values; and that the government, schools, teachers and the morally challenged have no right to devalue parents and their authority over their children.”

Sondra Goff asked about how controversial programs will be handled in the future and how will parents be made aware of these programs?

Board member Kevin Scheitel told the audience members that there was no attempt to hide the program from anybody and that the Board has complete trust in the school districts administrators.

Following approximately 30 minutes of comments the Board moved on to their regular agenda.

Following an executive session later during the meeting to discuss litigation, the Board went back to open session.

At that point, the Board voted to suspend the use of the Second Step program.

(KLZA)--  A standing room only crowd attended the Falls City School Board meeting Monday night.

During the Audiences section of the meeting several concerned parents and grandparents addressed the Board concerning the “Second Step” program which patrons described as a highly sexualized program that deals with topics such as transgender, homosexuality and racism.

Hilary Courtney said she feels these are not the topics to be taught in school, but should be taught at home.

The program was created by The Committee for Children and says it utilizes an holistic approach to social and emotional learning.

A major criticism from some of the speakers was a perceived failure of the school district to let parents know the Second Step program was being taught and what the topics covered by the program consisted of.

Tim Campbell who has grandchildren attending District 56 addressed the Board. Campbell said “the School District has no right to teach his children about sexual things without his consent; no right to teach children the opposite of what he teaches them about Christian values; and that the government, schools, teachers and the morally challenged have no right to devalue parents and their authority over their children.”

Sondra Goff asked about how controversial programs will be handled in the future and how will parents be made aware of these programs?

Board member Kevin Scheitel told the audience members that there was no attempt to hide the program from anybody and that the Board has complete trust in the school districts administrators.

Following approximately 30 minutes of comments the Board moved on to their regular agenda.

Following an executive session later during the meeting to discuss litigation, the Board went back to open session.

At that point, the Board voted to suspend the use of the Second Step program.

(KLZA)--  A standing room only crowd attended the Falls City School Board meeting Monday night.

During the Audiences section of the meeting several concerned parents and grandparents addressed the Board concerning the “Second Step” program which patrons described as a highly sexualized program that deals with topics such as transgender, homosexuality and racism.

Hilary Courtney said she feels these are not the topics to be taught in school, but should be taught at home.

The program was created by The Committee for Children and says it utilizes an holistic approach to social and emotional learning.

A major criticism from some of the speakers was a perceived failure of the school district to let parents know the Second Step program was being taught and what the topics covered by the program consisted of.

Tim Campbell who has grandchildren attending District 56 addressed the Board. Campbell said “the School District has no right to teach his children about sexual things without his consent; no right to teach children the opposite of what he teaches them about Christian values; and that the government, schools, teachers and the morally challenged have no right to devalue parents and their authority over their children.”

Sondra Goff asked about how controversial programs will be handled in the future and how will parents be made aware of these programs?

Board member Kevin Scheitel told the audience members that there was no attempt to hide the program from anybody and that the Board has complete trust in the school districts administrators.

Following approximately 30 minutes of comments the Board moved on to their regular agenda.

Following an executive session later during the meeting to discuss litigation, the Board went back to open session.

At that point, the Board voted to suspend the use of the Second Step program.

(KMZA)--An overlay project began Monday on the Onaga Road.

 According to a release from Pottawatomie County, a 1.5 inch asphalt overlay will be placed on the road from Highway 16 south to Aiken Switch Road.  

The release says traffic will be reduced to one lane with flaggers and a pilot vehicle directing traffic through the work zone.

Work will only take place during daylight hours.  

The release says motorists can expect delays up to 15 minutes when traveling through the work zone and should plan accordingly.  

The project is expected to be completed by May 20, weather allowing.

(KAIR)--A Chief Executive Officer is named to oversee a new hospital set to open in Doniphan County early next year.

According to a release, Deanna Eagans Lamb was selected for the role of CEO at ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Elwood-Saint Joseph.

Located in Elwood, Kansas, the hospital, which “will treat patients with disabling injuries or illnesses such as strokes, brain injuries, hip fractures, spinal injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other debilitating conditions such as COVID-19.” 

The release says that “Lamb brings more than 20 years of experience in her new position, including expertise in strategic planning, business development, finance, organizational development, government regulations, staff relations, and policy and procedure development.”

Prior to the new position, Lamb served as CEO of a veteran and women-owned healthcare consulting firm. She additionally “managed multiple sites as CEO of a healthcare system that provided services to the underserved in northwest Missouri.”

Lamb, in the release, says “it’s rewarding to be involved in bringing specialized rehabilitative care to the Elwood and St. Joseph markets,” adding that the “new medical rehabilitation hospital will provide a level of service that is unmatched within a 50-mile radius.”

(KAIR)--The 1-percent citywide sales tax proposed by the City of Atchison would sunset in 20-years, after taking effect at the start of next year, if approved by voters.

That’s included among information in an FAQ-styled release issued by the City of Atchison in order “to share more information on what was being presented and why” at Tuesday’s special meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

During that meeting, Commissioners will decide the fate of two resolutions, one approving that the sales tax be put up for a vote, and another allocating the tax revenues.

The City explains that 75-percent would go to transportation infrastructure, meaning streets, sidewalks, curbs, and alleys.

The other 25-percent is earmarked for property tax relief, with the City explaining that “the City’s portion of the mill levy will be lowered by an amount directly correlated to the money generated by the tax.”

Voting would be conducted by mail-in ballot, if the matter is approved by the Commission during Tuesday’s 4:30 special meeting at Atchison City Hall.

Citywide Sales Tax “SOS - Save Our Streets” Referendum Information Sheet

How much is the proposed tax?
1.0% - which would add 1 penny to every retail dollar spent in the City of Atchison.

What is the money for?
The tax is for transportation infrastructure and property tax relief. Transportation infrastructure includes streets, curbs, sidewalks, and alleys.

There are two resolutions on Tuesday’s special meeting, what are they for?
One resolution is a legal calling for the referendum – making the question available for the public to vote on. The other resolution designates 75% of all revenue from the SOS Tax to transportation infrastructure – streets, sidewalks, curb, and alleys. The other 25% is designated to go toward property tax relief. That means the City’s portion of the mill levy will be lowered by an amount directly correlated to the money generated by the tax.

When would the tax take effect if it is passed and will it last forever?
The tax would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023 and would sunset after 20 years.

Why this tax, now?
During the 2021 Community Survey, two of the biggest issues facing the community were identified as high property taxes and poor street and alley conditions:

• During the 2021 Community Survey, only 21% of respondents were satisfied with streets and sidewalks overall and streets and sidewalks were identified as the second most important city service by residents (behind police).

• During the 2021 Community Survey, city streets and sidewalks were identified by 58% of respondents as having the greatest impact to improve the quality of their neighborhood – that was the highest response.

• During the 2021 Community Survey, only 40% of respondents were satisfied with major city streets and curbs, and only 21% were satisfied with neighborhood streets and curbs. Only 11% were satisfied with alleys.

• During the 2021 Community Survey, only 32% of respondents were opposed to a new sales tax to fund a higher level of service for transportation improvements. 45% supported such efforts, 22% were not sure.

• In addition, high property taxes were the second most identified as having an impact on improving the quality of life in city neighborhoods and were considered the second biggest issue facing Atchison in the next five years behind Economic Development.

(KAIR)--A man suspected of involvement in a fatal April Saint Joseph, Missouri shooting has been located.

KQ2-TV reports Xavier Lopez was arrested in Fort Smith, Arkansas late last week, taken into custody following what the TV station calls “a short foot pursuit during which Lopez brandished a handgun and threw it into a ditch while running from officers.”

Saint Joseph Police have been working with the United States Marshals Service to locate Lopez, who was wanted on two Buchanan County, Missouri warrants, one for unlawful use of a weapon, and another for second degree murder. That second charge was filed in connection with the shooting death of 17-year-old Brayden Hendrix.

Lopez now awaits extradition to Missouri.

(KNZA)--A new Hiawatha Police Chief has been appointed.

The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to appoint longtime Police Department Investigator Mickey Gruber to the position.

Gruber has also been serving as acting Police Captain since the resignation of Dennis Entriken in February.  As captain, he has been handling the duties of police chief.

Hiawatha has been without a police chief since the termination of John Defore in December.

The Commission also approved the re-appointments of Ted Collins as Municipal Judge; Andy Delaney as City Attorney; Lacey Conlin as City Treasurer; and Patrick Sheldon as Fire Chief for two-year terms.

In other business, the Commission approved the appointment of Leland Hansen to the Morrill Library Board of Trustees to fill an unexpired term until 2024.

(KLZA)-- A single-vehicle wreck six miles south of Mound City, Missouri on Interstate 29 resulted in moderate injuries to a Council Bluff's, Iowa man.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that 30-year-old Jeremy's DeWitt was southbound in a Volkswagon Passat at approximately 6:40 Sunday morning when he fell asleep, traveled off the left side of the road and struck an emergency crossover, became airborne and the vehicle overturned, coming to rest on its wheels.

DeWitt refused treatment at the scene. The vehicle he was driving was totaled.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council approved a few adjustments to their annual donations to organizations when they met on April 25.

The Council increased the donation to the Pawnee City Gun Club and Trap Shooting Team for the next fiscal year by $200 to $850 and will continue to pay the electrical bill. The added money will help cover the cost of the liability insurance for the facility.

The Council also voted to continue providing the Fairview Golf Course with a $1,000 credit on their water bill and donate $750 towards the Fireworks along with continuing to mow and pay the electric bill for the Chamber Welcome signs and have the city crew water the hanging flower baskets.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Council approved a few adjustments to their annual donations to organizations when they met on April 25.

The Council increased the donation to the Pawnee City Gun Club and Trap Shooting Team for the next fiscal year by $200 to $850 and will continue to pay the electrical bill. The added money will help cover the cost of the liability insurance for the facility.

The Council also voted to continue providing the Fairview Golf Course with a $1,000 credit on their water bill and donate $750 towards the Fireworks along with continuing to mow and pay the electric bill for the Chamber Welcome signs and have the city crew water the hanging flower baskets.

(KLZA)-- Johnson County residents are remembering long-time County Commissioner, farmer and Elk Creek businessman Monty “Scotty” Gottula who died Saturday at the age of 66.

Funeral services for “Scotty” Gottula will be Monday morning, May 16 at 10:30 at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church, of rural Elk Creek.

(KLZA)-- Tuesday is Primary Election Day in Nebraska.

The election that has generated the most interest in the state is the Republican race for Governor featuring three candidates including Falls City businessman Charles W. Herbster, Jim Pillen from Columbus who owns Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics and is a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents and Brett Lindstrom, a Nebraska State Senator from Omaha who is a financial advisor.

In Richardson County there are two sales tax issues on the ballot.

Falls City voters will vote on a proposed half-percent increase to the city sales tax with the funds used to help with a planned 10-year infrastructure update.

Humboldt voters will have two items on the ballot. One if to cast their vote on a proposed one-and-a-half percent city sales tax.

Three people have filed to run for Mayor in Humboldt. Dyann Herr, Ted Schuler and Ron Rathbone are seeking election. Two will advance to the November General Election.

Residents of the community of Preston will be voting on whether or not to unincorporate.

In all other Richardson County elections, there is either only one candidate that has filed, or all of those filing will automatically advance to the November General Election.

In Pawnee County all candidates that have filed for a position will advance to the November General election. Some Pawnee County residents will be casting yes or no votes on the Johnson County Central School District bond election.

Johnson County has contested races for County Commission positions.

On the Republican Ticket, District One Commissioner Scotty Gottula from Elk Creek had filed to seek another term in office. Scotty Gottula passed away on Saturday, May 7, but his name remains on the ballot. David Borrenpohl of Tecumseh and Scott Buss from Sterling are seeking the Republican nomination in District 1. There are no Democrats running.

In Commission District Three, incumbent Jame Erickson is challenged by Les Agena and Dwight Weiss, both of Sterling.

Voters in the Johnson County Central School District will cast ballots for or against a proposed $43,325,000 bond issue to build a new school in Tecumseh to house all of the students in the school district in one building.

In Nemaha County, Nebraska, there are two contested races in the County. Angelo Ligouri and Horace Reynolds, IV, both of Auburn are seeking the Republican nomiation for County Attorney. No Democrats are seeking the position.

Marvin Bohling and Michael Weiss have filed to seek the Republican nomination for District 3 County Commissioner. Again, no one has filed on the Democratic ticket.

The voting polls in Nebraska are open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners approved a request from Kyle Daake, a member of Boy Scout Troop #396 for permission to clean the statue on the Courthouse lawn to complete his requirements to earn the Eagle Scout Award during their May 3, meeting.

Daake said the statue which is called “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty” was part of a campaign to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. It is estimated that only 100 – 200 of the statues made between 1949 and 1952 remain standing and on display across the country.

Daake plans to use a special cleaner to bring back the shine of the statue and then apply a protective wax.

(KAIR)--The fate of a proposed new City of Atchison sales tax could be decided by voters pending action of the Atchison City Commission during a special meeting planned for Tuesday.

According to the agenda for the session, new business includes a presentation focused on a Citywide Sales Tax Referendum, which would approve a 1-percent city wide sales tax for transportation infrastructure and property tax relief.

The special meeting is set for Tuesday afternoon at Atchison City Hall beginning at 4:30. It’s being held “to conduct business due to the cancellation of the May 16, regularly scheduled meeting.”

Included with Tuesday’s agenda is the special election notice which would be published if the resolution to proceed with the sales tax referendum is approved. It states that the special question election would be conducted “by mail ballot with a deadline of the 12th day of July, 2022,” explaining that the sales tax would be used “for the purpose of transportation infrastructure maintenance and improvements, property tax relief and general government services.”

The notice further explains that “if approved by a majority of the electors voting,” the sales tax would take effect January 1, 2023.

A second, related resolution, apportioning the sales tax revenues also awaits Atchison City Commission approval Tuesday. It would earmark 75-percent of the sales tax funds to go toward transportation infrastructure and 25-percent for property tax relief.

The City cites the results of a 2021 Community Survey as a reason for the proposed sales tax, which is estimated to generate between $2.1 million to $2.3 million in revenue in 2023.

(KAIR)--The 2022 Outstanding Teachers and Students in Atchison County are being recognized by the Atchison Rotary.

Atchison Rotarian Diane Liebsch organized the awards, and tells MSC News “each school in [Atchison County] is invited to submit the name of a teacher and a student to be recognized by the Rotary.” The teacher nomination form requires evidence of leadership, creativity and innovation, community service, and professional and career development.

The student nomination form requires evidence of leadership, scholarship, community service, and future plans.

Recognized as Outstanding Teachers are Amanda Davis, of the Atchison Elementary School, Sara Noll of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, Amy Minnis of St. Benedict Catholic School, and Joyce Thompson of the Atchison County Community Schools.

The three students named as Student of the Year by the Atchison Rotary are Martha Madden, of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, and the daughter of Jim and Jennifer Madden; Ashlyn Jolly, of the Atchison County Community Junior Senior High School, and the daughter of Brian Jolly and Linda Meyer; and JaLiah Norfleet, of Atchison High School and the daughter of Maggie and Anthony Burton.

(KMZA)--A suspect is in custody, accused of setting a car on fire in Marysville Friday night.

At about 6:40, Marysville Police said officers and fire crews were dispatched to reports of a car on fire near 15th and North Streets.

Upon investigation, it was determined to be an apparent arson.

Police said two witnesses were located who identified a possible suspect. The suspect was located and taken into custody by law enforcement.

The suspect's name has not been released at this time.

Assisting with the incident were Marysville Fire Department, Marshall County Sheriff's Department and the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office.

(KNZA)--Customers of Jefferson County Rural Water District #10 no longer need to boil their water before consumption.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Saturday in a release that the boil advisory that had been issued for the water district on Thursday due to loss of water pressure has been rescinded.

The release said laboratory testing samples collected from the water district showed no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination have been deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

(KAIR)--An annual Atchison tradition reaches the 6-year-mark, as the Salvation Army Great Duck Race is set to return to the Missouri River later this month.

Scheduled to be held May 21, Salvation Army of Atchison County Coordinator Kim Bottoroff says the little plastic floating ducks are available for purchase in the Atchison community. Each duck purchased counts as an entry, with one duck available to purchase for $5.00. A large duck purchase of $10.00 will count as 2 entries. Duck racers can also purchase 5 ducks for 5 entries as $20.00, 13 ducks for 13 entries for $50.00, or 27 ducks for 27 entries for $100.

According to Bottoroff, the annual duck race has become a major fundraiser for Atchison's Salvation Army, providing the funds necessary for the various programs of assitance the agency offers locally. The duck race, along with the annual Christmas season Red Kettle Drive, is key to keeping the Salvation Army's services in place.

The 6th annual duck race is planned from 10:00 to 2:00 on Saturday, May 21, at the Atchison Riverfront, with a 12 noon duck launch planned on the river.

Along with the race, a car and jeep show, a cornhole tournament, live entertainment, and food vendors will be part of the day.

(KAIR)--Although health officials have declared the coronavirus pandemic over, new cases continue to be diagnosed in local Kansas counties, with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment listing state locations as low, moderate, substantial, or high.

Those classifications are used to indicate locations by the number of cases, with those named as low having 10 or less cases per 100,000. Those in the moderate class have 10 to 49 cases per 100,000, substantial locations have 50 to 99 cases per 100,000, while those named as high have 100 cases or more per 100,000.

Locally, from April 25 to May 1, the KDHE places the counties of Doniphan, Jackson, and Pottawatomie in the moderate classification, with Doniphan and Jackson counties reporting 3 new cases each during the reporting period. Pottawatomie County reported 4 new cases.

Atchison, Brown, Jefferson and Leavenworth counties are placed in the substantial category.

Leavenworth County had the highest number of new cases during that time-frame, with 46 new cases reported. Jefferson County reported 16, Atchison County reported 10, and Brown County reported 5 new cases.

Nemaha is the lone, local county to be placed in the low category, with only one new case reported.
No portion of the local area is currently ranked in the high category.

(KLZA)-- Auburn, Nebraska will be celebrating the communities 140th birthday Saturday with a day full of events.

Events begin at 8 a.m. with “The Pancake Man” serving breakfast at Legion Park.

9-11 a.m. Children and their families are invited to learn and play with a few of our Local Childcare Providers and Preschools for a block party at Legion Memorial Park.

The Show and Shine care show hosted by the Nemaha Valley Street Rods will be held 10 a-m – 3 p.m.

There will be spinning demonstrations, a disc golf tournament, “Quilts of Valor” will be awarded to service members and Veterans by the Blue Star Mothers Of America, from 11:30 a.m. - noon near the Veterans Memorial;

There will be live music by the Kyle Sayler band from noon until 4 and a Beer garden from noon until 10 p.m. at the park concession stand.

A Pop Up Retail and Craft Fair will be open from noon until 6 p.m.

At 6:00 p.m. “Happy Birthday Auburn” cupcakes will be served to birthday guests.

At 6:30 Auburn Mayors will present “ Opportunity and Friendship” ant at 7 p.m. a concert by Out Loud will begin in the park.

There will be various food trucks open from noon until 7 p.m.

(KLZA)-- The Second Harvest Community Food Bank will conduct a mobile food drop on Monday, May 9 at Griffith Park in Mound City.

The food drop featuring fresh food is for Holt County, Missouri residents and will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until supplies are depleted.

The maximum number of families a recipient may pick up for will be three. The service is open to all with no eligibility requirements.

Second Harvest will be doing a brief anonymous survey of each family receiving assistance to help them understand who it is serving and where people are coming from.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners briefly discussed the law enforcement contract with the city of Humboldt when they met with Sheriff Rick Hardesty on Tuesday.

The current contract expires August 31 of this year. The City of Humboldt has indicated to Sheriff Hardesty they will consider a renewal of the agreement to begin September 1.

The HTRS Schools have notified Sheriff Hardesty that they will provide for a full-time school resource officer in the next fiscal year. An agreement will be created between the HTRS School District and Richardson County over the next several months.

(KLZA)--Pawnee County Commissioners have proposed increasing the costs for law enforcement in Pawnee County villages by five – percent for the 2022-23 contracts.

In other business during their Tuesday meeting the Board approved allowing more flag receptacles to be placed in the courthouse lawn for use by the Pawnee County Avenue of Flags Committee following a visit with committee member John Dahlgren.

Commissioners also voted to give favorable comment to the Pawnee County Fair Foundation Special liquor license request for July 20 through the 24 during the Pawnee County Fair.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council, during a short meeting Wednesday evening, adopted a resolution extending a temporary moratorium on the issuance of conditional use permits for commercial wind and solar energy projects within the zoning jurisdiction of the city.  

The Council first imposed the moratorium in September of last year on the recommendation of the city Planning Commission.  

The Planning Commission is in the process of reviewing the conditions under which wind and solar energy projects are allowed under the city's current zoning ordinance as a conditional use.  

The Planning Commission recommended the moratorium be extended for an additional 180 days to give the board adequate time to hear the concerns of citizens and to conduct a comprehensive review of potential amendments to the Seneca zoning ordinance.

(KNZA)--Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol will join agencies across the region to increase patrols and enforce “Move Over” laws this Mother's Day weekend.

The KHP, in a release, said one of the most dangerous parts of the job is stepping out on the side of the road, whether for a traffic stop, to help a driver, or to investigate a crash. Since 2017, 149 law enforcement officers have lost their lives in traffic-related incidents.

In an effort to protect more officers and first-responders, KHP said every state has “Move Over” laws that require drivers to slow down and, if safe to do so, move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with activated lights.

The Kansas Move Over law was signed into effect in May of 2000 and is known to many as the “Goodheart Law.” It’s named after Master Trooper Dean Goodheart who served with the Kansas Highway Patrol from 1972 until his death in 1995. On September 6, 1995, Goodheart was struck and killed in the line of duty while conducting a walk-around safety inspection of a semi-truck on Interstate 70 near Colby. The “Goodheart Law” was amended in 2006 to incorporate all emergency personnel, and road crews when flashing lights are visible.

(KLZA)-- Peru State College will hold its' 2022 commencement Saturday morning at 10 in the Al Wheeler Activity Center on the Peru State Campus.

Over 400 masters and undergraduate degrees will be conferred. Eight students will be recognized as Honors Program Graduates.

John Chaney will provide greetings from the Nebraska State College System Board of Trustees.

Dr. Robert Ingram, Jr. Associate Professor of Education at Peru State was selected as the 2022 Teaching Excellence Award recipient for the Nebraska State College System and will be honored during the commencement.

Dr. Daryl Long who taught at Peru State College from 1967 – 2017 will be presented the Distinguished Service Award from Peru State College, which is conferred upon an outstanding person who has made a significatn contribution to the College.

Following the commencement, those in attendance are invited to a celebration reception on the campus quad.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the Jefferson County Rural Water District No. 10 public water supply system, located in Jefferson County.

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 May 05 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 loss of pressure in the distribution system.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

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)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is offering blue ribbons so that local motorists can show their support for National Police Week.

“I would like to invite everyone to come to the lobby of the Sheriff’s office to pick up free blue ribbons to attach to your vehicle antenna to show support for those who gave their lives in the performance of their duties,” Merchant said in a release.

In that same release, Merchant outlines the origins of National Police Week, saying that in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Currently, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation's Capital each year.

The National Peace Officers Memorial Service, which is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, is one in a series of events which includes the Candlelight Vigil, which is sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and seminars sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.)

National Police Week draws in between 25,000 to 40,000 attendees. The attendees come from departments throughout the United States as well as from agencies throughout the world. This provides a unique opportunity to meet others who work in law enforcement. In that spirit, the Fraternal Order of Police DC Lodge #1 sponsors receptions each afternoon and evening during Police Week.

These events are open to all law enforcement personnel and are an experience unlike any other.

 

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A former Leavenworth police officer accused of shooting a man to death five years ago while on duty will face a new trial next month after his first trial ended in mistrial.

Prosecutors tell the Kansas City Star that Matthew Harrington's new trial on an involuntary manslaughter charge will begin June 6.

Last month, a mistrial was declared in his first trial after a jury in Leavenworth could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Harrington is charged in the July 2017 shooting of 47-year-old Antonio Garcia Jr. as Garcia sat inside a vehicle in Leavenworth. Prosecutors say Garcia had a knife but didn’t threaten Harrington.

Harrington was fired from the Leavenworth force after a department investigation found he had violated policies on use of deadly force.

Update:

(KMZA)--The railroad crossings through Seneca will be rebuilt.

City Administrator Tammi Haverkamp said the crossings will be under construction from Saturday – Wednesday ( May 7-11)  

During that time, the crossings at 5th Street and 11th Street will remain open.

(KLZA)-- A public meeting will be held Thursday, May 26, to discuss the evaluation results of a graded exercise at the Cooper Nuclear Station located near Brownville.

Members of the public are invited to attend this meeting beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Cooper Emergency Operations Facility, 902 Central Avenue, in Auburn. Representatives from The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Region VII office, located in Kansas City, will chair the meeting and discuss offsite activities. A representative from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Region IV office, located in Arlington, Texas, will discuss the onsite activities.

The States of Missouri and Nebraska, along with Nemaha and Richardson Counties in Nebraska and Atchison County in Missouri, will participate with Cooper Nuclear Station in a one-day exercise on Tuesday, May 24.  The exercise will require the activation of emergency facilities for the States of Missouri and Nebraska, along with Nemaha and Richardson Counties in Nebraska and Atchison County in Missouri. The activities of the State, county and local units of government will be observed and evaluated by FEMA. The Cooper Nuclear Station’s onsite performance will be observed and evaluated by NRC.

The exercise is a biennial requirement to determine the adequacy of the radiological emergency preparedness and response plans.

The primary focus is on the ability of the States of Missouri and Nebraska, the utility and the participating counties to protect the health and safety of the public living in the vicinity of the Cooper Nuclear Station. The evaluated exercise provides reasonable assurance that the appropriate protective measures can be taken in the event of a radiological emergency.

The NRC is the federal agency responsible for evaluating onsite emergency plans and exercises for nuclear power plants.

(KLZA)-- During the Mayors report during the Monday night Falls City Council meeting Mayor Shawna Bindle asked that people refrain from parking in the handicap accessible parking stalls unless authorized.

Mayor Bindle says she has received several complaints about people using the handicap stalls while making a quick run in and out of a business.

The stalls are clearly marked. Bindle asked everyone to please cooperate.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners briefly discussed the law enforcement contract with the city of Humboldt when they met with Sheriff Rick Hardesty on Tuesday.

The current contract expires August 31 of this year. The City of Humboldt has indicated to Sheriff Hardesty they will consider a renewal of the agreement to begin September 1.

The HTRS Schools have notified Sheriff Hardesty that they will provide for a full-time school resource officer in the next fiscal year. An agreement will be created between the HTRS School District and Richardson County over the next several months.

Commissioners also approved a request from Kyle Daake a member of Boy Scout Troop #396 for permission to clean the statue on the Courthouse lawn to complete his requirements to earn the Eagle Scout Award.

Daake said the statue which is called “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty” was part of a campaign to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. It is estimated that only 100 – 200 of the statues made between 1949 and 1952 remain standing and on display across the country.

Daake plans to use a special cleaner to bring back the shine of the statue and then apply a protective wax.

Commissioners will not be meeting on Tuesday, May 10 due to the Primary Election.

(KAIR)--This week’s approval of the Atchison City Commission to revise a portion of the City’s heavy truck route won’t go into effect immediately.

Instead, according to a release from Assistant City Manager Joe Warren, the change will take effect following the now-approved widening of Harper Drive, between 2nd and 3rd Streets.

In order to make that happen, the Commission approved up to $130,000 for the project, utilizing the construction firm already in place nearby for the construction of a Benedictine College dormitory.

For now, truck traffic going to and from Sedgewick Road north of the city, which becomes 2nd Street inside the city limits, remains allowed to follow the street south, into the city’s downtown area. However, the change approved during Monday’s Commission meeting, and taking effect once the street widening is complete, will mean trucks needing to instead utilize Harper Drive to K-7 Highway.

Warren in the release, acknowledges that the revised route “will be a change for the drivers and those residents along Harper,” but says “pedestrian safety must be a priority,” citing the high amount of pedestrian traffic along 2nd Street due to the college, Saint Benedict’s Church, and Saint Benedict’s Catholic School, as well as the heavy on-street parking along the street.

A timeline for the completion of the street widening project isn’t immediately developed.

(MSC News)--Kansans who were deceived by TurboTax into paying to file taxes which should have been free will get about $30 for every year they filed with the company’s deceitful practices according to the Attorney General.  

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said Wednesday nearly 40,000 Kansans will share about $1.18 million in restitution under a settlement agreement reached with TurboTax for deceiving customers to pay for tax services that should have been free.

AG Schmidt said all 50 states and the District of Columbia reached an agreement worth $141 million with Intuit, Inc., owner of the tax service.

In addition to restitution, the AG said Intuit has been ordered to suspend TurboTax’s “free, free, free” ad campaign which lured customers with the promise of free tax preparation services - only to deceive them into paying for the services, including paying to file their federal tax return.  

Schmidt said the investigation found Intuit had engaged in several deceptive and unfair trade practices that limited consumers’ participation in the IRS Free File Program. He said the company used confusingly similar names for both its IRS Free File product and its commercial “freemium” product.

(KNZA)--Sabetha Community Hospital has announced the appointment of a new Chief Operating Officer.  

According to a release from the hospital, Garrett Colglazier has been appointed to the newly formed position.  

Hospital CEO Dr. James Longabaugh said he's excited to work alongside of Colglazier and see how he grows and develops within their organization.

Over the past seven years, Colglazier has served as the Health Information Management Director at Sabetha Community Hospital.  

In his new role as Chief Operating Officer, the release says he will be responsible for assisting in strategic planning, reviewing, and approving expenditures, participation in quality assurance and risk management, assisting in recruitment and retention of staff as well as professional development of staff,  just to name a few.  

About the change in role, Colglazier  said, “Over the last seven years at SCH, the Department Heads have been very supportive and helpful as we have worked together. I look forward to working more closely with them to help them achieve their departmental goals and overall becoming a bigger part of SCH.”

Colglazier grew up in Scranton, Kansas.  He and his wife, Jessica, currently live in Holton with their two young boys, ages 2 and 9 months.  

Outside of work, the release says Colglazier enjoys spending time with family, hunting, playing Chess, and playing his guitar.

(KNZA)--Citing “foreign election interference,” a local state Senator’s request for a Kansas election system audit leads to approval of that measure by the Kansas bipartisan Legislative Joint House and Senate Committee.

 According to a release from 1st District Republican Senator Dennis Pyle, of rural Hiawatha, the “extensive election system audit” will empower “auditors to examine security vulnerabilities, election procedures, statutes, and security of voting machines, ballots, tabulators, and storage unit.

“Kansans are calling on Attorney General Schmidt to publicly submit the legal notice to Secretary of State Schwab to not destroy election evidence. We must ensure public confidence in our election process and anything subpar is unacceptable as too much time has been wasted with a lack of action in Topeka” stated Pyle. 

The release cites what Pyle calls “numerous intelligence reports out of Washington D.C., including DNI John Radcliff’s January 19, 2021 report,” that “have stated evidence clearly shows foreign election interference occurred including infiltration by China,” with Pyle saying that deserves investigation despite Kansas voting pro-Donald Trump in 2020.

Pyle adamantly stated, “Americans demand the truth about the depth of the interference and numbers of races impacted. Regardless of party, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents all agree that stealing votes and government concealing it is morally and ethically reprehensible. Politicians need to step up.” 

According to the release, “auditors will be conducting their investigation over the next 7 months with 5 major categories and will report back to the Joint Senate and House Legislative Audit Committee.”  

Pyle’s 1st District oversight includes all of Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, and Nemaha counties, as well as parts of the counties of Marshall and Pottawatomie.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County resident, charged in connection with the accidental shooting of another, is going to prison.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 23-year-old Christopher Allen Kelly-Bush, of Lansing, was sentenced to 2-years-8-months of incarceration in Leavenworth County District Court.

Sentencing for Kelly-Bush follows his plea of guilty, entered in early March, to one count of reckless aggravated battery.

According to Thompson, Kelly-Bush was among a group of friends sitting on a porch on June 19, 2020, as Kelly-Bush played with a Glock 19 handgun. He was, Thompson says, “taking the magazine out and replacing it before pressing the trigger,” with the shooting occurring as Kelly-Bush pulled the trigger, not knowing a bullet was chambered.

The victim was struck in the head, but “survived after multiple surgeries but still has long term injuries.”

Along with the prison sentence, Kelly-Bush is required to register as a violent offender.

BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) — Beatrice Police Chief Bruce Lang says a man shot by a Beatrice police officer in a confrontation following a high-speed chase has died.

Lang told KWBE Radio that 35-year-old Bradley Allen died Tuesday afternoon — nearly three days after the Saturday night shooting.

Lang said Allen had led officers on a high-speed chase in Gage County that exceeded 100 mph at times. Allen eventually fled the vehicle on foot and was later confronted by a Beatrice officer. The officer said Allen yelled that he had a gun, then reached into his waistband. leading the officer to shoot Allen several times. Police had said Monday that Allen was in critical but stable condition following surgery.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a 2022 patrol unit from Anderson Ford in Lincoln through the State Bid Price when they met Tuesday.

The amount will be $35,989. Hullman's Ford of Falls City will assist with the delivery of the unit to Richardson County for and additional $511 making the total price $36,500.

Commissioners also approved the purchase of equipment from AceK9 for the 2021 patrol unit used for the County Drug Dog.

Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall presented three informal quotes for a mobile emergency operations trailer ranging from a low bid of $35,996 from Olathe Ford RV Center of Olathe, Kansas up to $67,674 from Leach Camper Sales of Lincoln.

The Board approved the purchase of a 2022, Forest River Wildwood unit from Olathe Ford RV Center for $35,996.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council took no action on a resolution authorizing the City to abate a nuisance home at 2015 Stone Street when they met Monday evening.

Assistant City Attorney Tracy Burns said the City has received numerous complaints about the property owned by Carol Hamilton and had notified her several times about the issue. Burns said there are holes in the roof of the house and that litter is beginning to accumulate in the yard. She said both the City Attorney's office and the Falls City Police Department are receiving complaints from neighbors.

Hamilton said plans to make repairs fell through last fall, but that she now has a new company to do the work. She told the Council she expects the work to begin in the next couple of weeks.

Burns agreed to wait until the end of May to see if any progress has been made on the repair work before she proceeds with the resolution to abate the nuisance.

In other business the Council approved replacing the office furnace and AC unit in the Fire Department building at a cost of $11,780.

Council members also approved a request from Librarian Hope Schawang to split up the approved part-time worker hours amounting to 20 – 25 hours per week between two people rather than just one.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department would like to announce that we have a new Code Enforcement Officer.

The Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for monitoring and enforcing a variety of ordinances, codes, and regulations related to public nuisances, zoning, land use, and other matters of public concern.

If you haven’t already, you will soon see the Code Enforcement Officer out and about identifying nuisances such as low hanging tree limbs and overgrown grass.

Properties found to be in violation will receive a yellow door hanger.  Be sure to read the front and back; it will provide information about the violation, the action(s) required to correct the violation, and a deadline to make the correction(s).

The Falls City Police Department is excited about this new position which will help them better serve the needs of the community!

(KAIR)--The widening of a stretch of Atchison’s Harper Drive is approved, with Atchison City Commissioners Monday granting approval for the expenditure of $130,000 to make it happen.  

The vote followed a presentation by Atchison Public Works Director Clinton McNemee who explained the City’s goal, in the widening of Harper Drive between 2nd and 3rd Streets, is to contract with Lawhon Construction, already at work in that area as part of a Benedictine College construction project. The problem, according to McNemee, is the construction firm’s project bid does not include the addition of an east-west sidewalk.  

Following approval of the contract for the street-widening project, McNemee presented to the Commission proposed changes to the City’s ordinance regarding heavy truck traffic routes, including prohibition of such traffic on 2nd Street south of Harper Drive.  

Changes to the ordinance would not take effect until after completion of the widening of the 200 block of Harper Drive, which is partly being done as part of the rerouting of heavy truck traffic.  

Following discussion, the Commission unanimously approved the changes, including removal of North 2nd Street, from Main to Harper Drive, from the list of authorized heavy truck routes, instead establishing Harper Drive, from 2nd Street to K-7 Highway, as a heavy truck route.  

The ordinance additionally removes currently listed downtown streets from the list of approved routes, with the City saying they were not intended to be “thru-traffic” truck routes, likely added “to address deliveries to downtown businesses. However, both the current and proposed ordinance includes an exemption to those trucks making such deliveries.

(KAIR)--An investigation that began last month leads to the arrest of an Atchison man.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 34-year-old Anthony Lunsford was arrested Tuesday, in the 800 block of Main Street, for domestic battery, theft, and criminal damage to property.

Those charges are in connection to the investigation that police worked April 19 in the 500 block of North 10th.

Wilson said Lunsford was also arrested on charges for resisting and arrest and “for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia which was found on his person.”

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

(KAIR)--The theft of a trailer stolen in Atchison is under investigation by Atchison Police.

According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 2009 Doolittle trailer was stolen around 2:45 on the morning of April 20. The 6-foot by 12-foot white box trailer, owned by Atchison County Emergency Management, was taken from 10443 U.S. Highway 59.

According to Wilson, the trailer, at the time of the theft, contained emergency services equipment, lights, chairs, tables, and supplies.

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

(KAIR)--With Atchison County heading into budget season, meaning the Atchison County Commission’s need to compile plans for the 2023 budget, one Commissioner is calling on constituents to provide input into the process.

Third District County Commissioner Casey Quinn, late last week, took to social media, posting that “appropriations are coming up in our budget season again this year,” saying she believes she failed the process in her first year as Commissioner based on the feedback she received.

The focus of Quinn’s post is what funding should be allocated to local non-profit organizations, with Quinn saying taxpayers and constituents “were very clear...that they don’t believe the county should be in the business of spending on local non-profits.”

Explaining that she believed the $43,623 reduction made by the County “reduced everything outside of those funded by statute and also the [Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, the Atchison County Fair, and the Atchison County Historical Society].” However, Quinn notes that it was brought to her attention “over the course of last year that [the County] is still funding many 501c3’s within the County” which Quinn says she’s confirmed.

Quinn, in her post adds that “eliminating funding for these organizations can be tough or even detrimental on them,” adding that it can be agreed that they are assets to the County. However, Quinn says her stance is whatever decision is made by her constituents “needs to be consistent across the board.”

Quinn calls for feedback in her post, saying she wants feedback as soon as possible so that she “may act accordingly in the upcoming weeks,” asking if all non-profit appropriations should be cut or kept. If kept, she questions how to remain consistent in the selection process.

(KNZA)--Bids are being sought for two projects at the Doniphan County Law Enforcement Center.  

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, Sheriff Chad Clary informed the Doniphan County Commission, when they meet Monday, that bids are being sought to replace the rooftop cooling units to prevent humidity and moisture buildup inside the building.  

In addition, Clary said bids are being sought to make an opening in the Law Enforcement Center building large enough to replace the hot water tank system.

Commissioners asked Clary about re-locating the system to the basement of the building and re-routing waterlines.  Clary said he would ask contractors about the possibility.    

Clary also told the Commission he is exploring the possibility of housing out-of-county inmates and asked commissioners about a portion of the inmate rental income going back into the sheriff's budget to offset meal costs.  

The Commission said due to the sheriff's budget being within the county general fund, any revenues brought in would be used to offset his budget.  

The Commission suggested Clary track actual revenues and expenses for housing out-of-county inmates for 2023 budgeting purposes.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved a bid for an Atchison County highway maintenance project.  

According to a release from KDOT, a bid was approved from J & J Contractors, of Iola, Kansas, for the replacement of 9.5 miles of guard fence at eight locations along U.S. 59 Highway  beginning south of 222nd Street to north of Ottawa Road. The bid was for $1.65 million.  

The bid letting took place April 20 in Topeka.

 A start date for the project hasn't been announced.

(KNZA)--1st District Brown County Commissioner Richard Lehmkuhl is seeking re-election.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Lehmkuhl, a Hiawatha Republican, filed Monday for another 4-year term.

He was first elected to the Brown County Commission in November 2018.

The position is the only county office up for election in November.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file at the Brown County Clerk's Office.

A primary election will be held August 2 and the general election is November 8.

(KLZA)-- Following a public hearing drawing no public comment concerning the use of Community Development Block Grant Funds for the new Fire Hall during the April 25 meeting of the Pawnee City Council, discussion by the Council concerned an agreement for the Rural Fire Department reimbursing the City for their share of the cost.

City Clerk Tammy Curtis explained she learned in a conversation with Mike Habegger, that while the Rural Fire Department had agreed to pay part of the costs, an agreement had never been drawn up. A meeting will be set up to review the costs of the project with the Rural Fire Department. Clerk Curtis asked for the reimbursement to be completed prior to the end of the fiscal year on September 30.

The Council did vote to accept a certificate of substantial completion on the Fire Station Project. The form has to be signed in order for the Fire Department to go inside the building and take over.

Mayor Charlie Hatfield noted that there is a punch list of items to be completed by AHRS Construction before the project in completed to the point it can pass inspection by the Fire Marshall.

(KMZA)--Details have been released on a single-vehicle wreck last week in Nemaha County that sent a Sabetha woman to the hospital.

According to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, 18-year-old Mariah Mayes was westbound on 204th Road, east of V Road, late last Wednesday around 11:30 when she lost control of her Chevy Impala. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.

Mayes was transported by ambulance to the Sabetha Community Hospital for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

(KLZA)-- A bridge rehabilitation project will begin soon at the Big Lake Overflow Bridge on U.S. Route 159, west of Route 111.

Contractors from Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, plan to begin work Monday, May 16. Work is scheduled to continue through late July.

During the bridge project, traffic will be narrowed to one lane and directed over the bridge with traffic signals.

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

This bridge is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man faces numerous charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, after allegedly using his vehicle to intentionally crash into an occupied vehicle.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 22-year-old Ethan Hale, around 6:35 Friday evening, was identified as the driver of a vehicle that struck another vehicle at U.S. Highway 73 and Ravenhill Road, then left the scene.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, says it was about 10-minutes later that his office received a report that Hale had rammed into a moving vehicle, occupied by two people, three times in the 6000 block of Sherman Road. No one was hurt.

According to Wilson, Hale was located by a police officer in the 400 block of South 10th Street where he was taken into custody by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Hale now faces charges for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the alleged attack with his vehicle, reckless driving, driving under the influence and criminal damage to property.

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

(KNZA)--Brown County Noxious Weed and Solid Waste Director George Bruning has announced his retirement resignation.

The Brown County Commission on Monday accepted Bruning's resignation, effective December 20.

In other business, bids were open for assorted tubes for the three road districts. The Commission voted to accept a bid from Contech ES in the amount of $137,242. Bids were received from four companies.

The Commission voted to move road and bridge department employee Brandon Killoren to assistant foremen at a salary of $21 an hour.

Discussion was also held on raising the starting wage for road and bridge department employees.

(KAIR)--The early Sunday morning report of an unknown person inside an Atchison County residence leads to the discovery of a 17-year-old boy who is alleged to have entered the home.

According to Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, it was shortly before 4:00 Sunday morning that his office received the report, with the caller saying they were awakened from sleeping on the couch when the unknown person began turning lights on in the home.

Laurie’s report states that Deputies arrived at the 4792 Highway 73 residence in less than five minutes after being called there, and found the teen walking down the driveway of the residence. He was taken into custody, and identified as a 17-year-old Atchison boy.

Although it remains unknown as to why the teen entered the residence, Laurie says it’s believed the teen had been at a gathering at a friend’s house about a half-mile away, and it’s possible that alcohol was a contributing factor.
The homeowners, who wish to remain anonymous, tell MSC News the teen made his way into the home by forcing his way through a dog door, and then into the home through another walk-in door. Additionally, with the home secured and locked at the time, the homeowners say the teen was caught on camera looking through the windows of the home prior to entry.

A criminal case is being forwarded to the Atchison County Attorney’s Office for review.

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) –Missouri Governor Mike Parson confirmed Monday, that the State of Missouri will carry out the sentence of Mr. Carman Deck on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, as ordered by the Supreme Court of Missouri.

"Mr. Deck has received due process, and three separate juries of his peers have recommended sentences of death for the brutal murders he committed," Governor Parson said. "The State of Missouri will carry out Mr. Deck's sentence according to the Court's order and deliver justice."

Mr. Deck was tried and convicted for the heinous execution-style murders of two innocent elderly victims during a robbery in 1996. Mr. Deck fully admitted to his callous offenses in verbal, written, and recorded statements to law enforcement.

In three different proceedings, separate juries have recommended Mr. Deck’s death sentences. Mr. Deck's case has been reviewed in the state trial court, Missouri Supreme Court, federal district court, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court.

(KAIR)--A Special Agent with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, who died while on duty in Leavenworth in 1923, is one of six who have been memorialized with their names added this year to the Kansas Law Enforcement Monument.

Remembrance of Special Agent James Lee David comes as National Police Week arrives.

According to a release, the State of Kansas, in honor of National Police Week and National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, will hold its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Friday at the Kansas Statehouse at 12 noon. A wreath-laying Ceremony will follow at the Kansas Law Enforcement Monument, located on the Statehouse grounds.

The night prior, a Candlelight Vigil will be held, with Thursday night’s ceremony sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, Topeka #3. That will begin in the First Floor Rotunda area of the Statehouse, followed by a Candle Lighting Ceremony at the Kansas Law Enforcement Monument. The ceremonies will begin at 8:00.

Special Agent David’s name is added to the monument in remembrance of his shooting death as he and another Special Agent engaged in a gun battle with suspects as they patrolled the Leavenworth railroad yards due to a rash of railroad freight car thefts.

David died in the early morning hours of May 17, 1923, at the age of 41.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners plan to meet with individual organizations that have applied for American Recovery Plan Act funds.

During their weekly meeting on April 26, Commissioners voted to place all the ARPA funds in the status of revenue replacement as recommended by ARPA Funds Administrator Austin Duerfeldt. The meetings with the organizations are to help the Board gather more information about the groups needs for ARPA funding.

he Board approved seeking sealed bids for the construction of a new shop building in Rulo. Bids are to be opened June 7. A right-of-way easement for Rural Water District #2 to install a water line through county property was approved as was an agreement for Rural Water District #2 to use county road-right-of-way for installation of a waterline.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty discussed plans to replace some Sheriff's Department vehicles within the next fiscal year budget and that he would have two or three vehicles to sell as surplus.

Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall made a request to replace the Emergency Operations Center trailer. He has located a 2018 27-foot camper / toy hauler for $26,900 or a similar new trailer could be purchased for $36 thousand.

The current trailer in a 1991 model. Commissioners will further review the request when they meet Tuesday.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republican lawmakers have approved a measure that would prohibit Kansas or its cities, counties or school districts from imposing mask mandates to control the spread of any infectious disease.

But the measure’s supporters fell far short early Friday of the two-thirds majorities necessary in both chambers to override a veto from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. She has not said what she will do.

The vote in the Senate was 23-17, four votes short of a two-thirds majority. The tally in the House was 64-53, or 20 votes shy of a two-thirds majority.

The bill represents a response from conservative Republicans to mask mandates imposed during the coronavirus pandemic.

(KAIR)--Jackson County’s 2022 winners in the America’s Farmers Grow Communities Program have been selected.

They are Barb and Scott Albright who have selected the Royal Valley FFA Chapter to receive $5,000 in grant money for the program. According to a release, “the grant money will be used to purchase new equipment for the Plant Systems Pathway and FFA Chapter.”

According to the release, “the Albright family has been an active part of the Royal Valley FFA program over the past 7 years.”

The America’s Farmers Grow Communities Program is a singular effort seeking to give $5,000 grants to a variety of rural nonprofits and education efforts.

(KAIR)--Approving the widening of a stretch of Atchison roadway is among business of the Atchison City Commission set for discussion Monday afternoon.

According to the agenda for Monday's meeting of the Commission, the goal is to widen the 200 block of Harper Drive, with the City saying Harper Drive, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, is approximately 19-feet wide compared to 29-feet wide in the block west of 3rd Street.

Now that Benedictine College's construction project is underway in that block, the City found this to be the right time to address the narrow width, with City Staff having reached out to the college and its representatives who "expressed support for the widening of Harper Drive to reroute heavy truck traffic," a matter also on Monday's agenda.

City Staff also coordinated with Benedictine's project designer and contractor "to incorporate the wider street design into their project in addition to getting pricing from the contractor to perform the work while they were mobilized in the area."

The quote received by the contractor, Lawhon Construction, is $127,367 but does not include an east-west sidewalk.

According to the City, it's believed that "by participating in the cost of an additional training wall to address the elevation issue, [which did not allow the sidewalk construction] performing some work internally and utilizing a local concrete contractor," there is a "potential to add sidewalks without exceeding the original quote amount."

The matter will be explored during today's Commission meeting, which begins at 4:30 at Atchison City Hall.

(KAIR)--Criminal damage, one at an Atchison school and another at an Atchison church, is under investigation by the Atchison Police Department.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, “criminal damage incidents occurred Wednesday on the grounds of the Trinity Lutheran School and Saint Benedict’s Abbey involving spray painted graffiti.

No suspects are yet named.

Anyone with information related to the investigation should contact police at 913-367-4323.