(MSC News)--The Cold Weather Rule, designed to help Kansans who are behind on their utility payments avoid disconnection during the winter months, will begin on Tuesday, November 1 and remain in effect through March 31.  

With energy costs expected to rise this winter, the protections offered by the Cold Weather Rule could be more critical than ever in keeping individuals and families safe and connected. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Midwest households heating with natural gas could see their bills increase by 33%. Those using electric heat could pay 8% more. If the weather is colder than expected, those numbers could be higher.  

While the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, utility companies cannot disconnect a customer's service when local temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees within the following 48-hour period. The Kansas Corporation Commission, the agency that regulates public utilities in the state, implemented the rule in 1983 to prevent utility companies from disconnecting a customer's natural gas or electric service during periods of extreme cold.  

The Cold Weather Rule also requires utility companies to offer a 12-month payment plan to allow consumers to maintain or re-establish service. Any residential customer with a past due balance will qualify for payment arrangements; however, it is the customer's responsibility to contact their gas or electric company to make those arrangements.  

Payment plan terms to maintain or restore service require that customers agree to pay 1/12th of the total amount owed, 1/12th of the current bill, the full amount of any disconnection or reconnection fee, plus any applicable deposit to the utility. The remaining balance must be paid in equal payments over the next 11 months, in addition to the current monthly bill.  

The Cold Weather Rule applies only to residential customers of electric, natural gas, and water utility companies under the KCC's jurisdiction, however many municipal utilities and cooperatives have similar winter weather policies.  

Information about the Cold Weather Rule is available on the Commission’s website. Kansans may also contact their local utility company or the KCC's Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at (800) 662-0027.  

Information on what to expect in terms of energy costs this

(KAIR)--Two new judges are named for the 1st Judicial District of Atchison and Leavenworth counties.

The appointments of Clinton Lee, of Olathe, and Geoffrey Sonntag, of Tonganoxie, to the two judgeship positions was made by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Friday.

According to a release from Kelly’s office, one of the openings was created by the July retirement of longtime Judge Martin Asher while the second was created through Legislative and Judicial action.

Kelly, in the release, says Lee and Sonntag “have a wide range of experience,” adding that she knows “they will bring their passion for the law to the bench and continue to serve the people of Leavenworth and Atchison counties well.”

1st Judicial District Court Judges are appointed by the Governor and selected from nominees chosen by the district nominating commission, with those Judges subject to retention elections every four years.

The other nominees for the 1st Judicial District Judgeship, but not selected by Kelly, included John Kurth, of Atchison.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A northeastern Kansas man is facing a felony charge of threatening to kill one of the state’s congressmen.

But a trial for 31-year-old Chase Neill of Lawrence has been postponed indefinitely so that a federal judge can decide whether he is too mentally ill to help his lawyers.

Federal prosecutors contend in court documents that Neill developed a fixation on eastern Kansas Republican Representative Jake LaTurner. Neill is accused of threatening to kill LaTurner in a June 5 voicemail message left at LaTurner’s office and continuing to make threatening calls the following day.

U.S. District Judge Holly Teeter ordered last month that his mental health be examined.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced recipients for the second-round of 2022 grants. The grants are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County Kansas. There were twelve applications. Unfortunately, three applicants were not able to receive funding this grant cycle.

From the STEP General Endowment Fund, the Nemaha County Historical Society will be receiving $750 for the preservation of historical USD 115 documents. Cathy Enneking, grant writer, explained the purpose for the grant in the application. “The spring of 2022, USD 115 purchased a digital kiosk. This device features a touch screen allowing users to view a multitude of information including information about school organizations and activities, yearbooks, etc. I volunteered to upload content to this device, specifically documents pertaining to the history of USD 115 and all of the schools that have consolidated to become USD 115: Nemaha Central, Nemaha Valley HS (Oneida HS, Kelly HS, Sts. Peter and Paul HS, Seneca HS), B & B HS (Baileyville HS, St. Benedict HS). As I digitized these originals, I could see the important school history they contained. I also felt there needed to a hard copy collection available for ease of reading, so this led to the second part of this proposed project. It is my desire to print books of the 3 collections--B&B. The Bugler, St. Benedict The Chimes, and Baileyville The Bugler. I would want to have a copy of each book at the museum and at the public library and to related entities.”

The Sabetha Community Hospital will be receiving $1,250 from the STEP General Endowment Fund this grant cycle. The hospital will purchase a new audiometer for use in newborn hearing screening. “Every baby born at the hospital is screened at birth or shortly after, per the requirements of the state of Kansas,” explained Debby Thompson, Public Relations liaison. “The hospital takes the health and well being of all our patients very seriously. This includes the hearing status of newborns. It is very important to catch hearing loss as soon as possible.”

Two local ball associations have been awarded funds from the Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund. The Centralia Ball Association has been awarded $1,000 for equipment to properly maintain the ball field and to transplant four shade trees. The Corning Recreation Association has been awarded $3,000 from the Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund to replace the existing lights with new LED lights and four new poles. Both grants will make investments into children and communities.

The following four applications for the CNB/CNB Custody/Invisor Underprivileged Children Fund were awarded. The Centralia Schools ($1,170) to provide athletic shoes and warm-up shirts to students who are economically disadvantaged. The Mary Cotton Public Library ($2,000) to provide wireless internet access to the underprivileged children. The Kids Kloset ($2,500) to provide clothes, food, toiletries, gym clothes, and shoes for children in need. USD 115 ($2,000) to provide basic needs as to low-income students. Some examples include tennis shoes, backpacks, nap mats, coats, gloves, lice treatment, hair brushes and other basic hygiene needs.

Congratulations to the all the grant recipients. The online grant application is open and available at www.nemahastep.org. Grants are awarded twice a year through the STEP Foundation with the next deadline being January 15, 2023.

(KAIR)--A deadly 2021 shooting at a Leavenworth pharmacy leads to the conviction of a Kansas City, Missouri woman.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 21-year-old Brooke Johnson was convicted Wednesday in Leavenworth County District Court on one count of involuntary manslaughter. That comes in connection with an April 14, 2021 shooting in the parking lot of KARE pharmacy, located on Leavenworth’s South 4th Street.

Sentencing for Johnson is scheduled for November 30 in Leavenworth County District Court.

According to Thompson, she faces up to 34-months in prison.

The release explains that Johnson used social media to arrange the sale of a gun to three Leavenworth County residents, but actually intended to sell them a realistic BB gun, then drive-off with their money.

Thompson says Johnson recruited two juveniles, one being her 12-year-old brother along with a 17-year-old, to assist with her scheme.

Meeting with the would-be buyers in the pharmacy parking lot, the intended targets of the scam realized the gun was fake after handing off $400. One of the buyers opened fire, hitting Johnson’s car multiple times as it sped from the parking lot. One stray bullet struck the car of a woman, with her 6-month-old baby inside, as she drove past the pharmacy, but they escaped injury.

Johnson, realizing her brother had been shot, avoided Leavenworth hospitals, instead driving to Kansas City’s Children’s Mercy, where he was pronounced dead.

Three others involved in the purchase-turned-shooting are currently serving prison time.

That includes Jaylen Thompson, who fired the bullet that killed the 12-year-old. He was sentenced in June to life in prison with a chance to apply for parole after serving 25-years.

(KAIR)--$3,000 is awarded by the Atchison County Community Schools Education Foundation to support three teacher mini-grant projects.

According to a release from the foundation, the decision to gift the funds was decided Wednesday, during the foundation’s regular monthly meeting.

The foundation was formed in January, 2019 with the mission, the release says, “to function in cooperation with and support of Atchison County Community Schools to preserve, maintain and improve public education.”

The first of the three awarded projects is “Helping Buddy the Elf travel from the north Pole to New York (Effingham).” Funds will be used for digital projections to show Buddy the Elf’s journey, enhancing the experience of the fall play, according to the release. It was submitted by instructors Noelle Walters, Amy Eckert, and Tim Walters.

The second project is called “Letters and Sounds Fun,” as presented by instructors Charlotte Michel, Jennifer Wiseman, Callie Faught, Jamie Swendson, and Teresa Turner.

The release explains that the funds will be used to assist the effort of helping preK-kindergarten students learn letter/sounds and proper letter formation.

The third project is known as “Funding for the Future: Greenhouse Startup,” as submitted by Agricultural Education instructor Kayla Bodehausen, with the release saying the award will provide funding for a wide range of supplies that are necessary for a successful startup of the school district’s Greenhouse.

The release notes that the $3,000 “is the largest dollar amount that has been awarded to date, as well as the most project receiving funds,” made possible by what the foundation board calls “the generosity of the Atchison County community.”

According to the release, the projects selected for funding “will provide enhanced learning experiences for the students of Atchison County Community Schools.”

(KAIR)--An early morning Atchison house fire Saturday left the home uninhabitable but no one hurt.

Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar, in a release, says firefighters were called to 801 M Street, shortlyl after 12:30 Saturday morning, with the front of the two-story home found to be fully engulfed in flames.

Although the home was occupied, the resident was outside when the fire began.

Realizing the home was on fire after it had spread throughout the front rooms, the resident “attempted to enter the structure to retrieve a phone to call 911 but was unable to enter due to the extent of the smoke and flames.” Instead, Weishaar says, it was a passerby who reported the fire.

When firefighters arrived, moments after being notified, the fire had spread to the second floor, with crews “able to quickly bring the fire under control,” although “the structure had already sustained heavy damage.”

Although the cause of the fire has not been determined, Weishaar says the home’s occupant said “a space heater was in use in the area where the fire is believed to have started.”

According to Weishaar’s release, “the resident did not request any assistance and left the scene in the care of a family member.”

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha has announced that the downtown parking lines on Oregon Street will be painted on Sunday.

The city is asking that all vehicles be removed from 7 am to 7 pm along Oregon from 4th to 9th Streets.

In addition, the city says the Chamber is requesting that all vehicles along Oregon Street by removed by 5:30 Monday evening in preparation for the evening Halloween Frolic.

(KMZA)--USDA Rural Development is providing more than $3 million to bring high-speed internet access to Marshall and Washington Counties.

The announcement was made Thursday.

According to a release, Blue-Valley Tele-Communications will use the grant funding to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network to connect 3,000 people, 255 businesses, 14 educational facilities and four farms to high-speed internet in the two counties.

Blue-Valley will make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program.  

USDA Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis said high-speed internet is essential for success in education, healthcare, and business in the twenty-first century. She said federal funding makes it possible for communications companies, like Blue Valley Tele-Communications, to serve the state’s rural communities.

(KNZA)--A Fairview man, facing a charge of sexual exploitation of a child, will undergo a competency evaluation.  

According to court documents, Brown County District Court Judge John Weingart on Tuesday granted a motion filed by the attorney for Dakota Wilhite for the evaluation, which will be conducted by Kanza Mental Health.  

Court proceedings in the case have been placed on hold pending the outcome of the evaluation.  

Wilhite was arrested in August after Brown County Sheriff's deputies responded to a disturbance call in Hiawatha.  

Following an investigation, he was formally charged with a felony count of sexual exploitation of child under 18, along with two misdemeanor drug charges.  

Wilhite remains free on bond.

(KNZA)--Several local law enforcement agencies will be  participating in the National Drug Take back event Saturday.  

They include the Brown, Jackson and Nemaha County Sheriff's Offices, along with Sabetha Police Department.  

Residents can drop off their unwanted, unused or expired medications from 10 to 2.  Injectable and needles are not accepted.  

The items collected are then turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration for safe disposal.  

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says he believes its a very worthwhile event that provides citizens an effective way to dispose of medication they no longer need or use.  He noted his office collects medications year round, 24 hours a day.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office is nominated for a K9 grant, but support from the public is needed to make the funding a reality.

According to a release, the grant funds of $15,000 are made available by Aftermath, a firm specializing in trauma cleaning and biohazard removal. The grants are being made available to law enforcement and first responder K9 units, with the funds earmarked for the expansion or maintenance of existing K9 units or to create news.

Voting in support of Atchison County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ernie can be done online here. However, what is presumed to be heavy traffic on the website, the County of Atchison says there are additional ways to vote. That can be done through social media accounts including Facebook(@AftermathCares) or Instagram(@AftermathK9Grant) Voters need to follow the accounts, then like and comment on daily posts with the agency name, city and state.

The total of $15,000 in grants will be awarded to the top eight agencies. 

Voting is open now through Halloween, Monday, October 31.

Votes can be cast every 24 hours.

Winners will be selected November 3.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission, when they met Monday evening, heard a request from the Brown County Historical Society for American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Historical Society Director Lynn Allen requested funding for various projects.  They include upgrades to the Memorial Auditorium elevator and repairs to the second story windows, an elevator and air conditioning at the Bruning Memorial Building, repair of the air conditioning and heating, as well as the roof, at the Hiawatha World office, along with for work at the windmill building and gravel at the Ag Museum.

Allen said they are still gathering cost estimates for the projects, and would submit the list for consideration once they are obtained.

Commissioner Dave Middendorf, chairing the meeting in the absence of Mayor Bill Collins, said the Commission decided sometime ago what to spend the ARAP funds on, but would take the group's list under consideration, if any funding is left.

The Historicial Society met with the Brown County Commission last week to also request ARPA funds.

In other business, the Commission approved the appointment of Leon Wissman to the Board of Zoning Appeals to fill the unexpired term of John Moore, who stepped down from the board. The term expires in May 2023.

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

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

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

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

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

The Business Treat-or-Treat will take place Friday afternoon from 4-5 in downtown Hiawatha. The annual Halloween Frolic will be Monday.

The Brown County Sheriff's Office encourages all kids to have a safe and happy Halloween and follow some of these basic safety rules:

1.  STAY IN WELL LIGHTED AREAS
2.  ALWAYS TRICK-OR-TREAT WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY
3.  DO NOT ENTER A STRANGE HOME OR VEHICLE
4.  WEAR LIGHT COLORED COSTUME OR ADD REFLECTIVE TAPE TO DARKER COSTUMES
–MAKE SURE YOU CAN SEE WELL OUT OF YOUR MASK/COSTUME
5.  TAKE A FLASHLIGHT WITH YOU
6.  MAKE SURE AN ADULT CHECKS YOUR TREATS BEFORE EATING THEM
7.  ONLY TRICK-OR-TREAT AT HOMES WITH A PORCH LIGHT ON
8.  LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET
9.  YOUNGER CHILDREN SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

(KLZA)--With the announcement that Excel Development has been awarded more than $260 thousand in housing tax credits and a half-million in HOME Investment Partnership funds to build an additional 16 affordable senior housing units earlier this week, Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Lucas Froeschl said this will help aid a housing shortage that is effecting workers moving to Falls City.

The total project cost of the new units is estimated at nearly $4.8 million which Froeschl says will help increase the tax base which he feels is part of the job of the economic development group.

Froeschl also noted that the newly constructed 33rd Street from Highway 73, west to Bill Schock Boulevard, aligning with Community Medical Center should be open to traffic the first week in November.

In addition, an entrance has been created to a 19-acre commercial development site east of Highway 73. Anyone interested in investing in a business on that property can contact EDGE at 402-245-2105.

(KLZA)--Those doing their grocery shopping at Sun-Mart in Falls City through November 6, have an opportunity to donated $1, $5 or $10, or you can round up your purchase at any checkout lane with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting the Southeast Nebraska Community Action Food Pantry.

SpartanNash underwrites company wide fundraising campaigns in partnerships with its charitable giving arm, the SpartanNash Foundation.

100 percent of all funds raised by the Falls City Sun-Mart will go directly to the SENCA Food Pantry, which will in turn have a huge impact on food-insecure families served by the local food pantry.

Donations can be made through Sunday, November 6.

(KAIR)--More funds are secured for two Leavenworth-based organizations that provide assistance to both the abused and children in need of legal advocacy.

That word is delivered in a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, which says that “more than $22 million will help groups including law enforcement organizations and sexual assault crisis center that support crime victims and survivors.”

Receiving more than $177,000 is the Alliance Against Family Violence, a domestic abuse support organization that provides its services to Atchison.

An additional $227,000 is earmarked for use by the First Judicial CASA Association, with the First District comprised of both Leavenworth and Atchison counties.

The release notes that 65 Kansas agencies were awarded grant funds.

The money is provided by the federal Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance grant program.

(KAIR)--An 18-year-old Atchison man is facing charges in connection with allegedly helping a young teenage girl runaway to Missouri.  

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Ethan Smith was arrested, after the child was located Saturday, on charges of contributing to a child’s misconduct.  

The 13-year-old girl was reported Friday as a runaway from a residence in Huron.

Deputies, Laurie says, “began investigating and was able to determine that the juvenile had been taken to Butler, Missouri by an acquaintance.”  

The next night, around 9:00, deputies were notified that teen had been located in Butler by the local police department.  

Deputies then made contact with Smith, who was arrested and booked into the Atchison County Jail.  

Smith is currently free on a $20,000 bond.  

In a separate case, the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of an entrance sign.  

According to Laurie, a board member of Paradise Lake, last week, reported that the sign had been stolen from the entrance to Paradise Lake.  

It’s believed the sign was stolen sometime between 7:00 on the evening of October 18 and 9:00 on the morning of October 19.  

According to Laurie, the sign is valued at $600.  

The investigation is continuing.

(KAIR)--In person, advance voting, is now underway in Atchison County.

That’s according to a release from the Atchison County Clerk’s Office, which says daily hours to vote at the Atchison County Courthouse Clerk’s Office are 8:30 to 5 pm weekdays.

Extended hours are also planned for advanced voting in person, with that to be happen Thursday evening, October 27 until 7:00; Wednesday, November 2 until 7 pm and Saturday, November 5 from 10 until 2:00.

In person advance voting will end at noon Monday, November 7.

Meanwhile, the County Clerk’s Office has arranged special remote advance voting for all registered Atchison County voters.

Those will continue Friday, October 28, with the first running from 9:30 to 11:30 at the Effingham Municipal Building and the second at the Arrington Community Building from 1 until 3:00.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman is facing drug charges following her arrest last weekend.

According to a report from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, around 6:00 Saturday evening Sheriff's deputies were assisting the Hiawatha Police Department in looking for an individual who was a person of interest in recent criminal activity.

The individual, identified as 60-year-old Donna Cossentine, was located inside a house in the 300 block of Miami Street, and was detained by deputies for Hiawatha Police.

While at the residence, Merchant said Cossentine gave deputies consent to search. Based on evidence found during the search, she was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of opiates, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and interference with law enforcement.

Following her arrest, Cossentine was booked into the Brown County Jail.

She was released Monday on a $2,500 own recognizance bond.

According to court documents,  Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill filed a complaint Tuesday charging Cossentine with a felony count of possession of meth, along with misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana and  possession of drug paraphernalia.  She is scheduled to make her first appearance in a Brown County courtroom on November 9th.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board met in special session Tuesday evening, and accepted the resignation of Elementary School counselor Megan Sommers.

The action followed an executive session.

The resignation was effective immediately.

Sommers was in her first year as counselor at the elementary school.

It was the lone item on the agenda.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County officials are voicing conerns about an anonymous bulk mail flyer sent out late last week.

The flyer ask residents to respond to the recently distributed county-wide survey with specific comments opposing county wide zoning.

In a joint response Tuesday, members of the Nemaha County Commission and county Planning Commission said the unidentified and unsigned mailer was “inappropriate, contained non-factual information, and most importantly, is in no way associated with or endorsed by the planning commission or county commissioners.”

Nearly two years after the formation of the Nemaha County Planning Commission, a countywide survey was developed to gauge residents' opinions on various topics regarding life in Nemaha County.

ETC Institute, of Olathe, distributed the survey last week to all Nemaha County households.  An on-line reply option was also made available.

The survey results are to be used to help create a comprehensive plan for the county.

(KLZA)-- Humboldt Shares representative Deb Lewis presented the organizations quarterly report to the Richardson County Commissioners last week.

She noted that in the past year the group has helped with repairs to the medical clinic building, a welcome sign and the continued progress partnering with the Humboldt Community Foundation and other groups in Humboldt to demolish some vacant homes that need to be removed.

Lewis also said Humboldt Shares is looking to obtain funding in the future for hard surfacing of the road to Kirkman's Lakeview Golf Course and making improvements and repairs to the Humboldt municipal swimming pool

(KAIR)--The boil water advisory for the City of Horton has been rescinded.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Tuesday afternoon, issued a statement saying that “laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Horton indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.”

The City’s public water supply system was placed under the advisory Saturday due to a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure, the release notes, “may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.”

(KAIR)--The City of Holton and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation will share a portion of $11 million awarded to 14 transportation construction projects as part of the Kansas Fall 2022 Cost Share Program.

According to a release from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the Cost Share program was founded in 2019 as part of the Kelly Administration’s 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). By leveraging both state and local dollars to fund community transportation projects, Cost Share improves safety, supports job retention and growth, relieves congestion, and increases access and mobility in rural and urban areas. 

$225,720 of the total funding is earmarked for the City of Holton, with the release saying it will be used for Banner Road Improvements.

$1.5 million is headed to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, with the release explaining that the funds will be used for the 158th Street Full Depth Replacement.

According to the release, for each project, cities and counties match state funding 50/50, bringing the total investment for the latest Cost Share round to $22 million.

(KAIR)--Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving is the motto of a sober driving campaign, timed with Halloween and launched in Kansas.

That’s according to a release, which explains the Kansas Safety Traffic Resource Office is partnering with local law enforcement officials, and other health and safety advocates, to spread the message about the dangers of impaired driving.

The Halloween-themed release outlines what it calls “scary stats,” or statistics, pertaining to impaired driving dangers, with the release saying that “approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers,” noting that in 2020, there were 11,654 people killed in drunk-driving crashes.

In 2020, 56 people were killed on Halloween night in drunk-driving crashes, with adults between the ages of 21 and 34 having the highest percentage of fatalities, at 68%, in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2020.

The release tells those who choose to use alcohol for Halloween celebrations to plan ahead, arranging a sober driver in advance of the spooky parties.

(KNZA)--Nearly $2.4 million is secured to benefit 27 Kansas agencies in order to strengthen law enforcement, prevent crime, and support crime victims.

That’s according to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who says the “grants will provide...law enforcement officers and criminal justice agencies with the resources they need to fight crime and support victims.”

According to the release, the funding is made available through the Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

Three agencies in the local region are selected as funding recipients, with two based in Leavenworth County. The Basehor Police Department receives $83,242 while the Brothers in Blue Reentry program gains $198,749.

In Marshall County, $46,368 is earmarked for the Marysville Police Department.

The Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council oversees the federal criminal justice funding made available to Kansas through the U.S. Department of Justice.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission, during their regular meeting Monday, declined to allow the retail sale of packaged cereal malt beverages in unincorporated areas of the county on Sundays.

A motion by Commission Chairman Lamar Shoemaker to approve a resolution allowing such sales died due to the lack of a second.

Representatives of the Sac and Fox Tribe had requested commissioners approve the resolution to allow them to sell packaged beer on Sunday's at their truck stop on U.S. 75 Highway.

In other business, the Commission accepted the lone bid received from Norfolk Contracting, of Norfolk, Nebraska for a bridge abutment repair project on Mulberry Road between 230th and 240th Roads in the amount of $98,713.

Road and Bridge Secretary Tami Lehmkuhl said the company is not expected to begin the project until January or February of next year.

The Commission also approved a revised contract with Dick Horton Consulting for the creation of a comprehensive plan for Brown county at a cost of $57,000.

Commissioners plan to utilize American Rescue Plan Act funds to pay for the plan.

(KMZA)--An airman from Seneca who was killed in World War II will be buried this week.

The U.S. Army says the remains of U.S. Army Air Forces Staff Sergeant Moses Tate will be interred on Thursday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, in Springfield, Missouri, with full military honors Graveside services will be performed by the Greenlawn Funeral Home, in Branson, before the interment.

Tate was serving as a gunner aboard a B-24 Liberator aircraft on August 1, 1943 when it crashed after being hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire during Operation TIDAL WAVE, the largest bombing mission against oil fields and refineries north of Bucharest, Romania. He was 23-years-old at the time.

His remains were not identified following the war and were buried in Romania.

In 2017, the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency began exhuming unknowns believed to be associated with unaccounted-for airmen from Operation TIDAL WAVE losses. Those remains were sent to an Air Force Base, in Omaha, Nebraska, for examination and identification.

Tate was accounted for in July of this year after his remains were identified using circumstantial evidence as well as dental, anthropological, and DNA analysis.

(KAIR)--The Lansing Correctional Facility inmate who escaped Sunday night has been apprehended.

According to a release, Joshua Renfro was taken into custody Monday night by law enforcement officials in Leavenworth County. He was arrested on the Kansas Department of Corrections escape warrant without incident.

The 39-year-old Renfro had been placed on escape status after he walked away from the minimum-security unit at the Lansing Correctional Facility.

No other details are being released as the investigation is ongoing.

Renfro, at the time of his escape, was serving a 30-month sentence for a 2020 Violation of an extended protection order conviction in Allen County.

Renfro has four prior convictions dating back to 2001.

(KAIR)--It’s been back and forth with the open status of Atchison’s 6th Street Viaduct.

Citing a release from the City of Atchison, we reported yesterday that the viaduct would remain closed through the week. However, that has now changed, with an updated release from the City saying that while the major traffic route was again reopened, “it will need to be closed as the finishing touches on the repairs are made” when the contractor returns.

A timeline for that future closure is not immediately stated.

The repair work is made necessary due to damage caused to the viaduct in August when a construction company’s excavator, transported on a trailer, damaged several of the viaduct’s beams as it passed beneath, eastbound on Main Street, due to a lack of clearance.

(KLZA)-- Wilderness Falls III, a new 16-unit affordable senior housing development in Falls City has been awarded $262,600 in Federal and State Housing Tax Credits from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority and $500,000 in HOME investment Partnership funds from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The Federal tax credits will be spread out over 10 years with the State tax credits covering a six-year period.

Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise and a private landowner are selling their land for the project. The total project cost is estimated at $4,785,856. Construction is estimated to start in the summer of 2023.

The project will include 8 duplexes with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. An outdoor exercise area tailored to seniors 55 and over. All the units will be one-level with 1,034 square feet of living space and a 292 square foot garage and 53 square feet of storage.

The units will include a range oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer and dryer. The units will be all-electric.

Excel Development Group has completed over 2,500 low-to-moderate-income, and market-rate units totaling over $300 million in development throughout the Midwest.

(Peru, Neb.) – It was a perfect weekend to celebrate and that is what Peru State College, its Foundation, and the Athletic Department did this past Friday and Saturday. Peru State inducted its 30th class into its Athletic Hall of Fame which included a banquet Friday night and then an induction during halftime of its football game on Saturday.

To top things off, the Bobcat football team pulled out a 27-25 win over the William Penn Statesmen in the beautiful Oak Bowl.

Five individuals and ten different men’s basketball teams were honored during the two days of events.

The individuals inducted included Jeff George (Leavenworth, Kan.), Doug Goltz (Falls City), Maxine Mehus (Finley, N.D.), Fredd Ward (St. Peters, Mo.), and Mark Yori (Erie, Pa.). George and Ward were inducted as student-athletes respectively in football/track and field and men’s basketball. Goltz earned the recognition under the meritorious service category. Mehus was inducted as a volleyball and softball coach and for her meritorious service while Yori was inducted as a student-athlete and for meritorious service. Yori was a wrestler for the Bobcats.

Each of the individuals shared some of their favorite memories of Peru State and what it meant to them. A common theme was the coaches and faculty members who influenced them. One former faculty member mentioned several times was the late Dr. John Hahn – a professor of political science.

George is the CEO of JAM FITNESS & Body by Jeff while Goltz is the superintendent and coach in the Falls City Sacred Heart Schools. Ward is the owner of Truuth Entertainment while Mehus and Yori are now retired.

In addition, ten men’s basketball teams from the non-modern-day era were inducted. Each of the team’s had made it to the NAIA National Basketball Tournament. The teams honored were from the years of 1938, 1940, 1942, 1945, 1946, 1949, 1950, 1961, 1963, and 1966. At Friday night’s banquet, four team members were present. The oldest was Dr. Tom Hallstrom, a 95-year-old from Omaha who represented the class of 1949. From the class of 1966, three team members were present – Mike Harmon (Wood River, Ill.), Dr. Jack Rinne (Flagstaff, Ariz.), and Rich Gibson (Nebraska City). Dr. Rinne, who was also a member of the 1963 team, shared comments on behalf of the men’s basketball teams. He stressed the importance of teamwork being the key to those team’s success. It took another 27 years before a Peru State men’s basketball team made it to a national tournament.

To learn more about each of the honorees, please go to: https://bit.ly/2022PSCHOF

As part of the banquet, the presenting sponsor, Bridges Trust of Omaha, donated their table back and asked that student-athletes be their guests. Those Bobcat student-athletes representing their respective teams were football – Lander Imbimbo (New Haven, United Kingdom) and Garrison Dodge (Oakland); women’s bowling – Kassidy Haberman (Sioux Falls, S.D.); competitive dance – Haven Appel (Omaha); men’s bowling – Isaac Skalak (Lincoln) and Wyatt Woodward (Broken Bow), baseball – Brenton Pitt (Fremont); softball – Ellie Ohlde (Fairbury) and Maddie Howard (Council Bluffs), and men’s basketball – Skyler Wilson (Omaha).

The Peru State College Foundation is responsible for the Bobcat Athletic Hall of Fame and works in conjunction with the College and athletic department to coordinate the annual event. The purpose of the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame is to foster an appreciation of the past, an enjoyment of the present and an anticipation of future memories to be made by the Bobcats flourishing thirteen-sport program.

Nominations are due by April 1 each year. For more information on how to nominate, please visit this link: https://bit.ly/HOFNOM

The Peru State College Foundation was organized in June 1955 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization for educational and charitable purposes in May 1962. It is a self-supporting and independently governed corporation established solely for the benefit of Peru State College and its student, faculty, staff, and programs.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners voted last week to approve notices to be sent to ARPA funds grant applicants, the Village of Rulo, Richardson County House of Hope and Falls City EDGE notifying them that Richardson County has competed the review of the grant applications and that the remaining funds will be used to fund items within the budget of Richardson County.

Commissioners conducted the quarterly jail inspection and found the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center to be in good order.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty presented statistics to the Board noting the Sheriff's Department has responded to more than six-thousand calls for service since January 1 of this year. There have been 3,151 traffic stops, 486 arrests by the department, 575 bookings into the Jail and 27 out-of-county inmate holds.

Currently there are 14 inmates being held outside of Richardson County with seven of them in the Washington County Jail in Blair.

Sheriff Hardesty said his department is working the EDGE to partner with local agencies to seek grant funding for a digital finger printing system that has a price tag of approximately $25 thousand. He also noted that Deputy Stonebarger is working on grant applications through the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Highway Safety for extra patrol hours during the upcoming holiday season.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt Fire Department, along with departments from Pawnee City, Table Rock, Dubois and Summerfield battled high winds to extinguish a wild fire southwest of Humboldt Sunday evening.

Arcing power lines attached to a grain wagon are believed to be cause of fire that burned approximately 160 acres of pasture, CRP, and crop stubble.

The fire started in the area of former Keith Hunzeker residence, jumped the road north and was stopped at Nemaha river.

The fire call went out shortly before 6:00 p.m. with firefighters out on the call until 9:00 p.m.

Flames and smoke reportedly seen from many miles away.

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca has started a new program to assist property owners with the demolition of dilapidated structures.

The Seneca Cty Council approved the program last week, which will be available for  use on residential and commercial structures within the city limits.  

To be considered for funding, interested parties should file an application with the city before any demolition work is done.

 According to a release from Seneca City Administrator Tammi Haverkamp, applicants may qualify for assistance with 50% of the cost of demolition to a maximum of $5000. The program is reimbursement-based, and funds are awarded on a first come, first served basis.  

The release says the city has set aside $10,000 in budget funds for 2022 and an additional $10,000 for 2023.  

Property owners interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to contact city hall. The city will begin accepting applications on November 1st.

(KNZA)--Authorities are searching for a Lansing Correctional Facility inmate who walked away from the facility Sunday evening.

The Kansas Department of Corrections said 39-year-old Joshua Renfro was reported missing around 9:00 when he could not be located at the minimum-security unit.

Renfro is a white male, standing 6 feet 1 inches tall, weighing 175 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair. He has tattoos on his torso, neck, hands, arms and legs.

Renfro is serving a 30-month sentence for a 2020 violation of an extended protection order conviction in Allen County. He has four prior convictions dating back to 2001.

(KNZA)--Authorities are searching for a Lansing Correctional Facility inmate who walked away from the facility Sunday evening.

The Kansas Department of Corrections said 39-year-old Joshua Renfro was reported missing around 9:00 when he could not be located at the minimum-security unit.

Renfro is a white male, standing 6 feet 1 inches tall, weighing 175 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair. He has tattoos on his torso, neck, hands, arms and legs.

Renfro is serving a 30-month sentence for a 2020 violation of an extended protection order conviction in Allen County. He has four prior convictions dating back to 2001.

(KAIR)--A Friday evening Atchison rollover wreck sent the driver to the hospital.

She’s identified in a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson as 73-year-old Deborah McArdie, of Atchison.

According to the release, it was around 6:20 Friday evening when Atchison Police responded to the rollover wreck on Country Club Road, about 1,500 feet west of 17th Street.

McArdie, Wilson says, had been westbound on Country Club Road when she lost control of her vehicle. It slid off the roadway on the north side of the road into a ditch where the vehicle overturned, landing on its top

McArdie was transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for the examination of suspected minor injuries.

(KAIR)--Atchison motorists this week will need to choose an alternate route of travel as the 6th Street viaduct remains closed to traffic.

That follows repair work begun last week, made necessary due to damage incurred by the structure this past summer.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, the viaduct will remain closed to traffic for approximately one week while the patch material cures, with the engineer requesting that timeline.

The City, in the release, notes that while the closure is “inconvenient,” protecting the repairs from vibrations and movement helps to ensure a more effective and longer lasting repair.

The repair work is made necessary due to damage caused to the viaduct in August when a construction company’s excavator, transported on a trailer, damaged several of the viaduct’s beams as it passed beneath, eastbound on Main Street, due to a lack of clearance.

The City Commission this month gave unanimous approval to accept PciRoads low bid of $82,879 to conduct the work. According to City documents, the insurance provider for the construction company at fault for the damage has confirmed that both engineering and construction costs are able to be reimbursed.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a conditional permit for Family Child Care Home II for Laura Goff at 2503 Crook Street when they met Monday night. It will allow Goff to hire another person to work with her caring for children at the residence.

A request for a new access way from 33rd Street into a property owned by the Falls City Rural Fire Department was approved.

In other action permission was granted to close Stone Street from 15th to 18th Street on November 25 for a lighted Christmas parade. Parking will also be blocked off in the 1500 to 1700 blocks of Stone Street between 5 and 8:00 P.M. that evening.

(KNZA)--Two Oklahoma men are facing charges in Jackson County, arrested following a late Thursday morning traffic stop that authorities allege led to the discovery of illegal drugs.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says the driver, 63-year-old Timothy Wayne Lucas, of Yukon, Oklahoma, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence, transporting and open container. 

The passenger, 42-year-old Fredrick Andrew Gooch, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was arrested for distributing methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and transporting an open container.

Their arrests came after a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy, around 11:30 Thursday morning, stopped the U-Haul truck the men were in, near 190th Road, on U.S. Highway 75, due to a traffic infraction.

(KNZA)--Two teenagers are in custody, arrested in connection with a Brown County Sheriff’s patrol car arson that occurred last month.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the two teens, aged 14 and 16, were arrested following “an extensive investigation” that included assistance from the Hiawatha Police Department, the Kansas Fire Marshals Office, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the Brown County Attorney, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

According to the release, “many leads were reported and followed up on by all agencies,” following the September 6 arson, “which resulted in hundreds of hours of investigations,” that led to the arrest of the pair, who were transported to the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center, where they remained in custody as of Friday.

The patrol vehicle was found ablaze on the night of September 6 in the vicinity of 3rd and Miami Streets, in Hiawatha.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has voted to proceed with a wrestling coop with Doniphan West Middle School, contingent on a minimum of three Hiawatha Middle School students going out for the sport.

The board took the action when they meet Monday evening.

Currently, Doniphan West has 2 to 3 students going out for the sport, while the board was told Hiawatha has 2 students interested for sure and 2-3 on the fence.    

The average cost per year to run the program is $4,500.  Hiawatha would be responsible for no more than half the cost. 

The season runs from October 17th to November 19th.

Practice would be held at the Doniphan West school, and parents would be responsible for transportation.

In other business, there was a discussion about the number of injuries on the Red Hawk football team.

The board asked Athletic Director Josh Moser if he thought they could continue the season with the athletes that they had left, and he said he believed they could.

The football team started with about 45 athletes and is currently down to about 35.

The board brought up the idea of ensuring that physical therapists come in and evaluate the athletes to see what they can do to potentially reduce injury risk.

Board President Ian Schuetz presented three staff members with a certificate of recognition for outstanding service. Special Education para Roni Brockhoff was recognized for her always pushing students to do their best work as well as her genuine interaction with students. HHS STUCO sponsor Chris Diller was recognized for his effort in organizing community service day as well as his commitment to serving the district. Band director Jarod Estrada was recognized for seeking out the opportunity for students to attend the Fountain City Youth Brass Expo in Kansas City as well as his efforts to grow and improve the band program. 

(KMZA)--Fifty-years as a Black Squirrel City. That will be celebrated Saturday, in Marysville, which was first proclaimed as a Black Squirrel City in 1972 by the City’s then governing body.

The official proclamation calls for an annual celebration of “parading, pageantry and feasting,” which is realized in Saturday’s Black Squirrel Fest, which includes a parade featuring nearly 60 entries, along with a presentation by Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter to the nation’s 34th President. Seven food vendors will also be on site, along with carnival games, activities, and live music filling nine blocks of Maryville’s Broadway. Special features will also take place at museums in the city.

According to a release, Saturday’s Black Squirrel Fest will be divided into three parts, including morning activities from 7 to 11:00; Old Fashioned Fun from 11 until 4:00, which includes the parade at 1:00; and a polka concert from 4 until 6:00. All of the events will take place in downtown Marysville.

The release calls the afternoon parade “the heart of the daylong celebration,” explaining that it will travel from east to west, through downtown Marysville, on Broadway.

Two grand marshals will lead the parade, including 1972 Marysville Mayor Mert Ott, who the release says “led the city council to officially declare Marysville as Black Squirrel City, giving the animals specific privileges and protections.

Ott’s co-grand marshal is the black squirrel itself.

Four junior grand marshals will also participate.

The public is invited.

(KAIR)--Repair work is underway this late week on a well-traveled traffic route in Atchison.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, the 6th Street viaduct preliminary repair work began Wednesday, with work continuing through the remainder of the week.

The release explains that the contractor set actual patch work for Thursday and Friday, with the viaduct remaining closed to traffic until the work is completed.

The tentative plan, the City notes, is to have the viaduct reopened for weekend traffic.

However, the contractor will return once the patches have fully cured and finish the repairs by covering the patches with a reinforcing material.

The repair work is made necessary due to damage caused to the viaduct in August when a construction company’s excavator, transported on a trailer, damaged several of the viaduct’s beams as it passed beneath, eastbound on Main Street, due to a lack of clearance.

The repair work began shortly after unanimous approval was granted Monday by the Atchison City Commission to accept PciRoads low bid of $82,879 to conduct the work.

According to City documents, the insurance provider for the construction company at fault for the damage has confirmed that both engineering and construction costs are able to be reimbursed.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved a lease agreement with MacQueen Equipment for a 2023 Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper and trade-in of the cities current street sweeper when they met Monday evening.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum said City will make six annual lease payments of $42,259. At the end of the six year, the City can purchase the machine for $1 or get a new machine.

In other action the Council conducted a public hearing drawing no comment on a notice of intent to discontinue the Community Development Block Grant Income Reuse Loan Financing program which has no funds left to utilize.

The Council also approved a request from Jay Morehead to close Lane Street from 19th to 25th Street on Halloween night between 5 and 8 p.m. for trick or treaters.

(KLZA)--There have been several fires recently in the area involving farm fields or equipment such as combines in fields.

On more than one occasion, rather than calling 911, emergency calls were made directly to a member rural fire departments. While the fire fighters are willing to respond to calls, calling them directly can cause delays that add precious minutes to response times for the fire fighting equipment.

If you have a fire, call 911 and let the dispatch to put out the call to all of the firefighters with the appropriate fire department.

It is also important to give accurate information on where a fire is located. Failing to provide the correct information such as road number or highway number or the address if you have it also slows down the response time for fire fighters.

(KLZA)--There have been several fires recently in the area involving farm fields or equipment such as combines in fields.

On more than one occasion, rather than calling 911, emergency calls were made directly to a member rural fire departments. While the fire fighters are willing to respond to calls, calling them directly can cause delays that add precious minutes to response times for the fire fighting equipment.

If you have a fire, call 911 and let the dispatch to put out the call to all of the firefighters with the appropriate fire department.

It is also important to give accurate information on where a fire is located. Failing to provide the correct information such as road number or highway number or the address if you have it also slows down the response time for fire fighters.

(KLZA)--For the sixth year, the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, along with various safety partners, schools and businesses throughout the state, are encouraging better driving behaviors as part of Buckle Up Phone Down Day; and this year, aiming for the goal of zero traffic fatalities throughout the day.

Missouri’s 2022 Seat Belt Usage Survey showed 89% of vehicle occupants use a seat belt, matching the highest rate the state has ever recorded. But the unbuckled 11% make up a majority of the state’s roadway fatalities, which reached a 15-year high in 2021.

Cellphone use continues to be one of the most concerning behaviors for all roadway users. In 2021, over half of the distracted driving fatalities in Missouri claimed the life of someone besides the distracted driver.

Since the program began in 2017, the BUPD movement has spread steadily across Missouri. More than 20,000 Missouri individuals and businesses have accepted the BUPD challenge, and more than a dozen other states are actively sharing the messages along their highways.

(KNZA)--Deer are more active this time of the fall. Crops are being harvested and deer breeding season is in full swing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has suggestions to help drivers avoid deer-vehicle accidents and lessen the risk of injury or vehicle damage.

• During the breeding season, bucks become more active searching for does. Bucks are bolder, less wary and more susceptible to collisions with vehicles. Deer movement peaks each day near dawn and dusk.

• Anticipate the possibility of a deer on the road and plan how to avoid a collision. Be prepared to stop suddenly but braking too sharply or swerving may cause you to lose control and roll your vehicle.

• Wear your seat belt.

• When driving near shelterbelts, woodlots or creeks, especially during evening or early morning, slow down and watch for deer. Keep your headlights on bright if there is no approaching traffic.

• When you spot a deer, assume there will be others in the same area.

• Deer often seem to be disoriented or confused by headlights. Some react by freezing in the light, some dart into the path of the vehicle and others bolt away. Honk your horn and flash your headlights to frighten deer away. If there is other traffic on the road, activate your emergency flashers and tap your brakes to alert other drivers to the potential danger.

• Many places where deer-vehicle collisions occur are posted with deer crossing signs.

• If a deer is struck, the driver may take possession of the deer, then must contact the Game and Parks within 24 hours and have 48 hours to receive a salvage tag from a conservation officer or designee. See list of conservation officers at OutdoorNebraska.gov/ConservationOfficers.

(KAIR)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Wednesday, announced that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services has been awarded $4.97 million in grant funding to give Kansans with disabilities more flexibility in where they live and receive services.  According to a release from the Governor’s office, Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person program provided the funding to increase the home- and community-based services available to Kansans who want to transition from institutional care to independent living.

Kansas is one of five states and territories to receive the funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

MFP is a five-year cooperative agreement between CMS and the State of Kansas to begin a 16-month planning and implementation period. KDADS will work with stakeholders across the state to develop the program.

(KAIR)--Atchison thieves continue to target parked vehicles, with authorities warning to keep doors locked and valuable items hidden from view.

The latest case involves the burglary of a vehicle parked in the 1600 block of Commercial Street.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 26-year-old victim reported the theft to police, telling investigators that two chainsaws and a pair of boots were taken during the burglary.

It’s believed the theft of the items happened sometime between 6:00 Monday evening and 6:30 Wednesday evening.

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

(KAIR)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday announced today that the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas has received a grant of more than $3.7 million to connect over 350 Native American households and businesses with broadband.

Kelly, in a release, says that “connecting more than 350 Kickapoo households and businesses to high-speed internet” continues the goal “to make Kansas a top 10 state for broadband access by 2030,” with the funding helping to “ensure people in every corner of [Kansas] can connect to the world.”

According to the release, the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas was one of the 23 Tribal communities across the country who received an “Internet for All” grant to expand access to affordable, high-speed internet.

Kickapoo Tribal Chairman Lester Randall, in the release calls the ability to build strong connections “an important key to our future,”adding that the funds from the grant will provide the tribal community with accessible high-speed internet, “enhancing opportunities for economic development and educational achievement while increasing access to critical health and safety resources.”

In 2020, the release notes, Kelly established the Kansas Office of Broadband Development to connect Kansans in unserved and underserved areas to high-speed internet. That year, the Governor also launched the state’s only broadband investment program, the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program, which has since brought more than $70 million of broadband infrastructure investment to Kansas communities.

(KAIR)--The lowest number of coronavirus cases are reported in Jefferson County “in quite some time.”

That’s according to Jefferson County Health Department Administrator Crystal Vanhoutan, who met with the Jefferson County Commission Monday.

According to the unofficial minutes of Monday’s meeting, Vanhoutan, during her presentation, reported to the Commission that as of October 12, seven cases of COVID-19 were reported in the county, with Vanhoutan commending the low amount of activity.

Coronavirus testing is continuing at the Jefferson County clinic.

Meanwhile, in Doniphan County, health officials are ready to begin administering the latest, approved coronavirus booster vaccine.

According to a release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded the use of the Bivalent COVID-19 booster to children aged 5 to 11 who received their last vaccine dose at least two months ago.

The release explains that the updated boosters are given the name “bivalent” because they protect against both the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Omnicron variants that are currently causing most infections. The boosters were shown to be safe and effective and are a key tool in helping provide better protection against variants that are currently spreading.

The Doniphan County Health Department/Home Health will offer vaccination no sooner than Wednesday, October 26, at its Walk-In Immunization Clinic, with the morning session to run from 9:30 to 11:30. The afternoon session will run from 1:30 until 4:00.

(KAIR)--Following a vote of the Atchison City Commission this week, repair work is approved for the City’s 6th Street viaduct.

The necessary work follows damage incurred by the structure in August when a construction company’s excavator, transported on a trailer, damaged several of the viaduct’s beams as it passed beneath, eastbound on Main Street, due to a lack of clearance.

The viaduct was inspected, with the hired engineering firm finding that the damage was limited to the concrete, with no damage to the steel reinforcement of the structure. That same engineering firm, for $25,000, was secured to provide specs, design the scope of work, and administer the bid process.

Once opened, the City received four bids, with the lowest, $82,879, submitted by PciRoads.

That bid Monday was approved by the City Commission on a unanimous vote.

A start date is not immediately announced.

According to City documents, the insurance provider for the construction company at fault for the damage has confirmed that both engineering and construction costs are able to be reimbursed.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council voted to approve a negotiated agreement with the union representing the Falls City Police Department personnel when they met Monday evening.

The new contract will be effective October 2, 2022 through October 2025.

The contract provides for a $4 per hour pay increase for the Investigator, Sergeant and certified Police Officers. A five percent pay increase was approved for uncertified Police Officers, the Dispatch Supervisor, Dispatchers and Code Enforcement Official.

For 2023-24 the contract calls for a 4% increase over the 2022-23 rate and the 2024-25 wage scale will increase 3% over the 2023-24 rate.

In addition, wages were approved for non-union full time, part-time and seasonal employees.

The City Administrator, Clerk, Treasurer salary for Fiscal year 2022-23 will be $89,250. The Assistant City Administrator will be paid $65,551 this year. The Chief of Police salary will be $81,075; Assistant Chief of Police $70,298 and Utility Superintendent $85,270.

In addition, the City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator and Utility Superintendent will be paid $125 per month in compensation for use of personal vehicles.

(KLZA)-- Tiffany Care Centers, Inc. is being sold to Prime Healthcare Management of Kansas City, Missouri.

Tiffany Care Centers has locations in Mound City, Oregon, Rock Port, Pilot Grove, Brookfield and Maryville, Missouri. The organization has been owned by the Duncan Family since Tiggany Care Centers was created in 1976.

The effective date of the slae will be November 1.

(KLZA)-- A resurfacing project on Holt County Route HH is scheduled to begin this week. The Missouri Department of Transportation contracted with Herzog Contracting Corp. to complete this project bundle which will improve 152.8 lane miles of rural roads in Northwest Missouri. Herzog has sub-contracted with Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. to resurface six routes in this bundle during the 2022 construction season, including Route HH. The remaining five routes will be resurfaced by Herzog during the 2023 construction season.

Emery Sapp & Sons plan to narrow Holt County Route HH daily Wednesday, Oct. 19 through Saturday, Oct. 22. Flaggers and a pilot car will guide motorists through the work zone.

Other planned asphalt work in the area includes:

Atchison County Route CC from U.S. Route 275 to the Iowa state line: Oct. 24 – 27

• Atchison County Route KK from Route J to the end of state maintenance: Oct. 27 – 31

• Atchison County Route Z from Route W to the end of state maintenance: Oct. 31 – Nov. 5

• Holt County Route BB from U.S. Route 159 to the end of state maintenance: Nov. 5 – 8

Following the asphalt work, the contractor will place edge rock and stripe each route. During the rock and striping phases, the road will remain open, but motorists may encounter single-lane closures around the work.

The routes to be resurfaced by Herzog during the 2023 construction season include:

• Atchison County Route EE from Route 46 to the end of state maintenance

• Holt County Route T from Route 111 to Route U

• Holt/Nodaway County Route DD from Route C in Holt County to Route 113 in N

This project is part of Gov. Parson’s Rural Roads program. The state’s approved Fiscal Year 2023 budget provided an additional $100 million in General Revenue for work on Missouri’s low volume rural roads.

(KAIR)--A two vehicle Atchison crash sent one to the hospital Wednesday morning.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened at 10th Street and U.S. Highway 59 when a Chevrolet SUV, driven by 43-year-old William Wilson, had been westbound on the highway. When Wilson turned south onto 10th Street, the SUV collided with an eastbound BMW, driven by 57-year-old Dana Ober-Watts.

Ober-Watts was transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for examination.

Wilson was cited for failure to yield.

Both drivers are identified as Atchison residents.

The wreck happened shortly before 7:00 Wednesday morning.

(KNZA)--An award received by Holton Community Hospital, called “prestigious” in a release announcing its receipt, is considered RestorixHealth’s highest achievement.

The release explains that the hospital’s Advanced Wound Healing Clinic has received the Wound Center of Excellence Award, with recipients, the release says, meeting or exceeding national wound care quality benchmarks over a set period of time.

According to the release, “the Wound Center of Excellence Award distinguishes centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by meeting or exceeding clinical and operational benchmarks in several categories, including healing outcomes, assessment and care processes and patient safety, along with a patient satisfaction rate of 96% or higher.”

Hospital CEO Carrie Saia, in the release, says the hospital is “proud to be recognized for the outstanding care” provided by the Advanced Wound Healing Clinic staff.

RestorixHealth develops and manages centers of excellence for amputation prevention, wound management and hyperbaric medicine.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Transportation’s KanDrive website is now also available to download as an App on Android and iOS cell phones.

According to a release from KDOT, KanDrive provides travelers across the state timely details on maintenance and construction activities, winter highway conditions, flooded roadways, incidents and crashes affecting traffic.

The new App includes all account features on the KanDrive website but also includes a hands-free/eye-free feature that announces upcoming traffic events while traveling.

All account features available on the KanDrive website are included on the App, which also offers real time, high-quality streaming of camera views across the state.

The truckers’ mode for commercial vehicle operators is still an option and now announces rest stop parking availability.

The Kansas 511 phone system also has been updated and simplified for people who prefer to receive real-time highway condition information by calling 511.

The voice quality and speech recognition features have been improved, and motorists can ask for reports on a specific route, in a city or between two cities.

(KAIR)--A residential Atchison house fire, suspected to have started due to arson, remains under investigation.

The home, located at 819 Kansas Avenue, was declared a danger, and emergency protocol was followed to demolish the remnants of the structure. Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar Monday explained those steps to the Atchison City Commission, saying the condition of the structure, coupled with its location to neighboring homes and the sidewalk, made it a public danger and it was demolished last week.

The home, which was found engulfed in flames in the early morning hours of October 11, was not occupied at the time of the fire. In fact, the home had no power and was believed, by the owner, to be uninhabited, leading to suspicions about the cause of the blaze.

According to Weishaar, the ongoing investigation by his department is being assisted by the Atchison Police Department and the Kansas State Fire Marshal.

(KAIR)--The two latest, reported vehicle burglaries, in Atchison, are under investigation.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a backpack, containing a laptop, and school books were reported missing Friday.  

They were stolen from inside a vehicle, parked in the 100 block of North 11th Street.  

Investigators believe the burglary and theft occurred sometime between 6:30 Thursday eveninig and 8:30 Friday morning.  

The second case was reported Sunday, with the victim saying that a baseball bat, a backpack, and gloves were stolen from a vehicle parked in the 100 block of North 2nd Street.  

According to Wilson, that crime happened sometime between 11:00  Saturday morning and 12 noon Sunday.  

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

(KAIR)--$400,000 is awarded to the City of Atchison, which is one of 34 cities in Kansas selected to receive a portion of $28.65 million for improvements to the State Highway Systems located within city boundaries.

According to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Atchison's portion of the funding will be used for improvements to the City's stretch of U.S. Highway 59.

The release explains that funds will be directed to preserve and improve pavement, add turn lanes, and modify intersections along essential roadways in both rural and urban areas throughout the state. The Atchison work will entail pavement restoration, which the release says rehabilitates or replaces pavement.

The grants are administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s City Connecting Link Improvement Program, which the release calls “an important component of the state’s bipartisan transportation program, IKE, passed under the Kelly Administration.” A City Connecting Link is defined as any routing of the State Highway System located within the corporate limits of a city, not including the Interstate System.

According to the release, KDOT was able to increase the CCLIP funding level for this latest selection cycle by more than $10 million over previous years due to additional federal funds coming to Kansas as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation.

Both federal and state funds are designated for the CCLIP program and local matching funds are required based on city population.

(KAIR)--A non-specific bomb threat led to the Tuesday morning evacuation of the Horton schools of USD 430.

That's according to a release to parents from Superintendent Jason Cline, who says the South Brown County school district's evacuation procedure was initiated shortly after 8:00 Tuesday morning after the district was informed by the Horton Police Department of a non-specific bomb threat within the city limits. 

As a precautionary measure,  Cline said the district, along with local law enforcement, activated and implemented emergency protocols, as related to the district's crisis plan.

The Horton Police Department, the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department, and the Brown County Sheriff's Office conducted a search at both Horton High School and Horton Elementary School with nothing found.

Saying that "students and staff were safe throughout the evacuation," Cline writes that "they are to be commended for their quick response to this situation."

The all clear was given following the search and school operations resumed as normal, with all students and staff accounted for.

(KAIR)--An elderly driver lost control in the parking lot of an Atchison senior living center Monday afternoon, causing her to crash into the building, injuring one resident.

That’s according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson which says 82-year-old Joan Prohaska, of Atchison, was maneuvering in a parking lot at the Gran Villa of Atchison when she lost control of her vehicle. When that happened, according to the release, Prohaska’s vehicle crashed into the west side of the building, located in the 1600 block of Riley Street.

Moving debris from a wall, damaged in the collision, struck a 78-year-old resident of Gran Villa and caused injuries. She was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for examination.

Prohaska was not hurt.

The wreck happened around 1:30 Monday afternoon.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Whiting public water supply system located in Jackson County.  

The advisory was issued Sunday because of a line break which caused a loss of pressure in the system. KDHE says failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

 KDHE said in a release Tuesday that laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Whiting indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed to be resolved.

(KNZA)--Beginning October 24 through October 28, 2022, Hiawatha Police Department will join other Kansas law enforcement agencies to stop what has been likened to an epidemic in Kansas. In 2019, 8 children aged 13 and under lost their lives due to car crashes in Kansas. Sadly, 62% of those children were not wearing their seat belts.

According to the 2019 Kansas observational seatbelt survey, children are much more likely to be buckled up if the driver is wearing their seatbelt. If the driver is buckled, about 97% of the children are restrained. If the driver is not buckled, only about 30% of the observed children were buckled. We want adults to model good driving behaviors for children.

Starting on October 24 through October 28, 2022, law enforcement across Kansas will be extra-vigilant when patrolling around schools. For more than 20 years, officers have educated and warned drivers and passengers regarding the importance of using seatbelts while in their vehicle.

There should be no surprises when it comes to this enforcement effort. Officers will issue citations to anyone who does not obey Kansas law.

Please slow down, especially in school zones, eliminate the distractions, and always buckle up.”

For the latest data and to see more about Kansas safety belt laws, go to: www.ktsro.org

(KNZA)--An Overland Park woman was seriously injured Monday morning in a Buchanan County, Missouri wreck involving a Missouri Department of Transportation dump truck.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on I-29, about two miles north of Dearborn, shortly before 11:00.

The Patrol reports 77-year-old Lauren Welch was southbound when her SUV struck the towed unit of the MODOT truck, which was stationary in the passing lane due to mowers up head. The towed unit had a flashing arrow to the right indicating the passing lane was closed.

Welch was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the MDOT truck, 33-year-old St. Joseph resident Daniel Roe, was transported by a MDOT supervisor to an urgent care facility in St. Joseph for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

(KNZA)--A Sunday morning traffic stop in Jackson County led to the arrest of a Lawrence woman on drug and child endangerment charges.  

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy stopped a van west of Mayetta for an alleged registration violation around 10:15.

 Morse said a Sheriff's Department K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drugs inside the vehicle.  

The driver, 49-year-old Nicole Jacobs, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, interference with law enforcement, two counts of endangering a child and no insurance.  

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

(KAIR)--A Sunday afternoon dump truck rollover crash, in Atchison County, sent two to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 52-year-old David Weber, of Effingham, was driving the 1978 International Transtar 4300 dump truck on 262nd Road, near Dickinson Road, when the vehicle went off the roadway.

According to Laurie, the vehicle ran into a ditch, which caused it to rollover onto its side.

Weber, complaining of minor injuries, and his passenger, 56-year-old Jeanne Weber, also of Effingham, were both transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Hospital Atchison for the treatment of a possible broken arm and other minor injuries.

The wreck happened around 2:45 Sunday afternoon.

(KAIR)--A Sunday afternoon dump truck rollover crash, in Atchison County, sent two to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 52-year-old David Weber, of Effingham, was driving the 1978 International Transtar 4300 dump truck on 262nd Road, near Dickinson Road, when the vehicle went off the roadway.

According to Laurie, the vehicle ran into a ditch, which caused it to rollover onto its side.

Weber, complaining of minor injuries, and his passenger, 56-year-old Jeanne Weber, also of Effingham, were both transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Hospital Atchison for the treatment of a possible broken arm and other minor injuries.

The wreck happened around 2:45 Sunday afternoon.

(KLZA)-- Two people were seriously injured in separate Atchison County, Missouri wrecks Friday morning according to the Missouri Highway Patrol.

About 9:55 A.M. 49-year-old Joseph Ngendahimana of Kansas City, Missouri, was northbound on Interstate 29 approximately two miles north of Corning when his 2016 Volvo and the unit it was towning, traveled off the east side of the road and overturned.

Ngendahimana was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambualnce to Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph.

The Atchison County Sheriff's Department and the Holt County Sheriff's Department both responded to the call.

About 11:30 Friday morning a Ford Escape and a Mack Truck were southbound on I-29 approximately two miles north of Rock Port.

The Escape, driven by 29-year-old Kristen Kalbfleisch of Lincoln, Nebraska started to slow for traffic when the bumper of the truck, operated by 43-year-old Harjinder Sangha of Surrey, British Columbia,impacted to rear bumper of the Escape which skidded and traveled off the west side of the road, started to role, coming to a stop on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Kalbfleisch was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph with serious injures.

The truck came to a controlled stop and the driver was not injured.

The Atchison County Sheriff's Department and Rock Port Police Department both responded to the scene of the wreck.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners visited via conference call with American Rescue Plan Administrator Austin Duerfeldt last week in regards to additional funds appropriated through the American Rescue Plan Act which recently launched the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund for eligible revenue sharing counties.

Richardson County is eligible to receive $50 thousand for 2022 and 2023.

The Board authorized County Treasurer Amanda Bartek – Ramsey to complete payment information and sign program terms and conditions to receive the funds for the County.

County IT Manager Joe Buckminster updated Commissioners on the county network system, explaining the need for an upgrade for the antivirus protection for the county's computers to meet the requirements for cyber insurance and endpoint protection.

Commissioners approved the purchase of nearly $6,500 worth of software for the upgrades from Barracuda Remove Monitoring & Management with Avast Business.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau, Jr. reported he had received a letter from Martin-Marietta regarding the increase in the price of rock starting January 1 at the DuBois Quarry. An additional 80-cents per ton will be added to all stone products on July 1, 2023.

Darveau also reported he is completing bid specifications for the “Dustless Highway” and “Boy Scout Road” for resurfacing.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock School Board met last Wednesday evening. Principal Lucus Dalinghaus congratulated the staff, students and community on being named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School.

The BLT staff will travel to Washington D.C. November 3 and 4 to accept the award at a ceremony with a local celebration planned for January 3.

Congratulation was also offered to Industrial Technologies instructor Ashton Bohling for being awarded a $50 thousand award from the Harbor Freight Tools for School program.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler discussed personnel options with the Board. He also noted the new football bleachers will be delivered November 1 and that installation could begin right away.

CMBA has visited the Johnson-Brock School in the past week to share the plans for a new addition and answering staff questions.

(KMZA)--Nemaha Central USD 115 will hold two community meetings on the $24.2 million bond issue that will face voters during the November 8th general election.

The first meeting will take place Tuesday evening, October 18, and the second meeting on Wednesday, November 2.  Both meetings will be at 7 pm at the Nemaha Central High School commons  

The meetings will include a presentation on the bond proposal and opportunity for patrons to asks questions.  

The bond issue would fund an early childhood center addition and cafeteria improvements at the elementary/middle school, classroom addition and renovations at the high school, and renovations to the existing Career and Technical Education facility.

If approved by voters, the bond issue would be paid off over a 25-year period and require a tax levy of 14.75 mills. The levy would raise taxes on a residential home valued at $150,000 by $254 annually.  

USD 115 patrons last November soundly defeated a $37.6 million bond issue for facility improvements.

(KAIR)--KAIR Radio’s very own Tom Kautz is going into the Benedictine College Athletic Hall of Fame.

That word comes in a release from the college announcing the 2022 Class set for induction Saturday, Oct. 29, during the school’s Homecoming Weekend.

A native son of Atchison, Kansas, Tom Kautz graduated from Benedictine College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. He began his broadcasting career as a nighttime board operator on Atchison's KARE Radio in 1977 while still a student. He was mentored by Benedictine Hall-of-Famer Bill Ervin and entered the broadcast booth in 1979. Following the passing of Mr. Ervin in 1981, Tom became the home and away voice of Raven Athletics on the air. In more than 40 years of broadcasting, he has only missed nine football games and is proud to have called over 470 Benedictine football games and over 1,900 Benedictine basketball games. Since 2010 he is fortunate to have been joined by his son Gus Kautz '09 on the air as the broadcast team.

The release calls Kautz’s passion for Benedictine College athletics “tremendous” and his love of the school and its players “deep”.

The other inductees are players who propelled their sports to years of success.

All of the 2022 Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized during halftime of the Saturday, October 29 football game and will be inducted at an evening banquet. Tickets for the banquet are available online.
 

(KNZA)--The November 8th general election is just around the corner, and the Brown County Clerk's Office will be providing an opportunity this week for residents to vote early in the upcoming election.

On Wednesday morning, the County Clerk's office will be at the Maple Grove Complex in Hiawatha to provide an early voting opportunity at the West Complex from 9 to 10 and East Complex from 10 to 11. On Wednesday afternoon, early voting will be available at the Golden Eagle Casino Bingo Hall, on the Kickapoo Reservation, from 1 to 3.

On Thursday, two early voting locations will be provided. They include the Morrill Community Building from 9 to 11 a.m. and at the Northfield Community Room, in Everest, from 1 to 3 p.m. 

The County Clerk's Office reminds voters that a photo ID is required to vote.

(KMZA)--Voters in the Marshall County community of Frankfort will decide during the November 8th general election whether to levy a half-percent retailers' sales tax within the city to fund operations and capital improvements at the Frankfort Community Care Home.

The Frankfort City Council voted at its August meeting to place the question on the ballot.

The half percent sales tax would be in addition to the existing one percent sales tax for the city of Frankfort.

The not-for-profit nursing home employs about 50 people and has 29 residents.

The Marysville Advocate reports the sales tax would raise about $80,000 a year for the facility.

If approved by votes, the sales tax would take effect January 1, 2023 and be in place for 4 years.

(KNZA)-The Jackson County Commission has set a public hearing for next month to discuss placing an 18-month moratorium on accepting applications and conditional use permit requests for commercial solar and wind energy projects in the county.

The hearing will be held on Monday, November 7 at 3:00 in the commission meeting room on the first floor of the Jackson County Courthouse.

According to a public notice about the hearing, the moratorium would allow county officials time to undertake a comprehensive review of the county's current zoning regulations to determine if they need to be amended. The notice says the purpose of the hearing will not be to discuss the merits of future solar or wind project requests, only the proposed moratorium.

Florida-based NextEra Energy is proposing a 2,000-acre solar farm in the Delia area.

During recent commission meetings, commissioners have heard from both proponents and opponents of the proposed solar farm.

(KNZA)--A Topeka woman was arrested Friday afternoon on drug charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a sheriff's deputy stopped a Dodge Dakota pickup truck shortly before 4:00 near 142nd Road and U.S. 75 Highway for a traffic infraction.

Morse said the traffic stop led to the discovery of contraband in the vehicle. 

The driver, 64-year-old Sandra Groves, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, unlawful possession of a prescription drug, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and transporting an open container.

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

The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the incident.

(KNZA)--October 28 and 29 have been designated as Trick-or-Treat nights in Hiawatha.

The Hiawatha City Commission approved the designation when they meet Monday evening.

Residents wanting to participate should turn on their front porch light.

Hiawatha Chamber and Visitor's Bureau Director Sarah Kleopfer informed commissioners that the business trick or treat will be held on October 28 from 4 to 5 p.m., and cemetery tours will be provided on the October 29th.

The annual Halloween Frolic will be held on Monday, October 31. The theme this year is " Hiawatha's Haunted Harvest. "

The commission approved a request from Kleopfer to have city staff set up barricades for the afternoon and evening parades and to place a banner on City Hall promoting the Halloween Frolic.

(KAIR)--Recent safety enhancements in a Jackson County School District leads to recognition from the local Sheriff.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse attended Monday evening’s meeting of the Royal Valley Board of Education, in Mayetta, to recognize the district’s achievement.

According to a release from Morse, he presented Superintendent Aaric Davis, along with the Royal Valley Board of Education, with a commendation and an award for recent improvements in school security.

According to the release, citing comments made by Morse during the meeting, “Royal Valley has made significant and crucial improvements to policy, training and infrastructure,” with Morse saying that “Royal Valley has become the model school district for Jackson County when it comes to school security.”

The district, Morse says, “has taken every single security recommendation that was made by [the Sheriff’s Office] and implemented it,” adding that the district has “gone even further and took vital steps in improving the district’s safety.”

Morse told the Board of Education it’s his hope “that other district’s will take note of [Royal Valley’s] accomplishments and will further strengthen their facilities.”

(KAIR)--Recent safety enhancements in a Jackson County School District leads to recognition from the local Sheriff.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse attended Monday evening’s meeting of the Royal Valley Board of Education, in Mayetta, to recognize the district’s achievement.

According to a release from Morse, he presented Superintendent Aaric Davis, along with the Royal Valley Board of Education, with a commendation and an award for recent improvements in school security.

According to the release, citing comments made by Morse during the meeting, “Royal Valley has made significant and crucial improvements to policy, training and infrastructure,” with Morse saying that “Royal Valley has become the model school district for Jackson County when it comes to school security.”

The district, Morse says, “has taken every single security recommendation that was made by [the Sheriff’s Office] and implemented it,” adding that the district has “gone even further and took vital steps in improving the district’s safety.”

Morse told the Board of Education it’s his hope “that other district’s will take note of [Royal Valley’s] accomplishments and will further strengthen their facilities.”

(KAIR)--Recent safety enhancements in a Jackson County School District leads to recognition from the local Sheriff.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse attended Monday evening’s meeting of the Royal Valley Board of Education, in Mayetta, to recognize the district’s achievement.

According to a release from Morse, he presented Superintendent Aaric Davis, along with the Royal Valley Board of Education, with a commendation and an award for recent improvements in school security.

According to the release, citing comments made by Morse during the meeting, “Royal Valley has made significant and crucial improvements to policy, training and infrastructure,” with Morse saying that “Royal Valley has become the model school district for Jackson County when it comes to school security.”

The district, Morse says, “has taken every single security recommendation that was made by [the Sheriff’s Office] and implemented it,” adding that the district has “gone even further and took vital steps in improving the district’s safety.”

Morse told the Board of Education it’s his hope “that other district’s will take note of [Royal Valley’s] accomplishments and will further strengthen their facilities.”

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is working to make residents in the neighborhood surrounding Atchison’s north side LFM Park aware of an upcoming, in person survey.

According to a release, the City of Atchison has hired Governmental Assistance Services to conduct door-to-door survey in that neighborhood.

The City explains that the purpose of the survey “is to qualify LFM Park for a Community Development Block Grant opportunity.”

The survey is set to start next week.

Survey takers will identify themselves and ask a short list of household questions, with any financial information obtained to be kept “strictly confidential and will not become public or be shared with the Atchison elected officials or staff,” and no names will be attached to surveys, which are separate from the U.S. Census.

The release outlines possible, future park improvements, including the installation of a splash pad, the addition of lighting for the new basketball courts, the replacement of the picnic shelter, new park benches, sidewalk improvements, playground updates, and accessible vehicle parking.

The survey, the release says, “is vital to future funding opportunities in [the Atchison] community.”

(KLZA)-- Governor Pete Ricketts; Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils; dignitaries; educators; and students cut the ribbon on the Johnson County Central Middle School’s brand-new, $100,000 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center in Cook Friday morning. 

Johnson County Central Middle School was one of three Nebraska schools selected as the state’s most outstanding schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit.

Gov. Ricketts thanked the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils for generously gifting fitness centers to three Nebraska schools. 

Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Healthy Blue’s Affiliated Foundation, Wheels Up, and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding.

Governor Ricketts has proclaimed October as “DON’T QUIT! Fitness Month” in Nebraska.  During DON’T QUIT! Fitness Month, families and communities are encouraged to renew their commitment to making physical activity and healthy eating part of their children's daily lives.

(KLZA)--  Railroad maintenance will close Holt County Missouri Route 111 just north of U.S. Route 159 and Route P in Fortescue next week.

Contractors working with BNSF Railroad, under a permit from the Missouri Department of Transportation, will perform the work.

Route 111 will close at the crossing just north of U.S. Route 159 on Monday, Oct. 17 at 7 a.m. The road will remain closed around-the-clock through 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18. A signed detour will direct motorists over U.S. Route 159, Route P and Missouri Route 118, around the closure.

Route P will close at the crossing in Fortescue on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 a.m. and remain closed around the clock through Monday, Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. A signed detour will direct motorists around the closure using Routes 118 and 111 and U.S. Roue 159.

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

(KLZA)-- A road repair project at Burchard Lake Wildlife Management Area in Pawnee County is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 17. Access to roads, the campground and boat ramp may be closed temporarily.

The north campground will be closed during this project, but the south campground will be accessible.

Users should know asphalt may be sitting on some of the roads on the WMA and they should be aware of construction traffic during this project. 

This project, which should last roughly 20 days, consists of improvements to the interior road and campground road in the Wildlife Management Area and to a portion of 615 Avenue from Highway 4 to the park.

Burchard Lake is closed annually to all access Oct. 15 through Jan. 14, except walk-in access for bank fishing along the perimeter of the lake during open water and ice fishing when safe ice exists.

Access to the area below the dam remains open during this timeframe.

Camping is only allowed in designated areas. The area is closed to all firearms and all hunting. Closures to the north campground and interior road will be done by posting temporary signs and barricades so road improvements can be completed.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education has agreed to help the High School FFA chapter with travel expenses to the national FFA convention.  

FFA officers, Derek Wurtz, Dan Haverkamp and Adelaide Haverkamp, reported to the board Monday evening that they will be attending the national convention in Indianapolis at the end of the month.  

They have been raising money for the event as this is the first time their FFA chapter will be attending the national convention.  

The students asked the board for assistance in funding their trip. The board voted to contribute $1,500 to the FFA chapter to help with expenses.  

In other business, the board voted to proceed with negotiations with AHRS Construction, of Bern, to serve as construction manager at risk for potential facility improvements should a bond issue be approved by USD 115 voters during the November 8 general election.  

They were among three firms interviewed by the board during a special meeting on October 8.

 Superintendent Tavis Desormiers said pre-selection of a construction manager at risk does not obligate the district to any costs or commitments until a successful bond election.

(KNZA)--A construction worker, killed last weekend while at work overnight on I-49 in Cass County, Missouri, has ties to the local area.

According to the obituary for 35-year-old Jonathon Wilson, he leaves behind his wife, Alexandria Daniels Wilson, who grew up in Hiawatha.

Funeral arrangements for Wilson are pending at Hiawatha’s Chapel Oaks Funeral Home.

He was a resident of Kansas City, Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Wilson was killed when a Ford pickup truck struck him during the early morning hours of October 8.  The driver then fled the scene on foot.

Fox 4-TV reports an Independence, Missouri man was later arrested as the alleged driver that caused the fatal accident.

24-year-old Trent Mitchell entered a plea of not guilty this week to the charges he faces in connection with Wilson's death, including driving while intoxicated and involuntary manslaughter.

(KAIR)--Rural Atchison County churches will come together this weekend, holding a fundraiser to help rebuild a local church.

That follows straight line wind damage incurred by the 110-year-old Effingham Union Church in June 2021.

According to a release, the Effingham Union Church Rebuilding Fund was established to assist the church, which was moved 2-inches by the wind storm, which also left many of the building's bricks broken.

An inspection by structural engineers was conducted, with the building deemed unsafe for occupancy due to the possible collapse of the tower.

Following a church review of available options, and their costs, the Effingham Union Church membership voted to replace the structure with a new church.

On Sunday, the "Pay It Forward Neighbor to Neighbor" initiative will be held at Effingham's Saint Ann's Catholic Church.

According to organizers, the day will include a variety of fundraising activities, from raffles to a silent auction.

The fundraiser will run from 11:00 Sunday morning until 3:00 that afternoon at Saint Ann's Parish Center.

A free will offering barbecue lunch will be featured, as well as a bake sale.

The public is invited to attend.

Along with Saint Ann's, the fundraiser is sponsored by Camp Creek United Methodist Church, Coal Creek United Methodist Church, Cummings Christian Church, Lancaster United Methodist Church, Larkingburg Christian Church, Muscotah United Church New Covenant United Methodist Church, Saint John's Lutheran Church, and Saint Louis Catholic Church.

(KAIR)--A handgun is missing, stolen from inside a vehicle, with the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office seeking its whereabouts.

A report from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says an Oskaloosa man Monday reported the Glock handgun, a green and white holster, and two magazines, stolen.

It’s alleged the theft happened while the man’s truck was parked in the 5600 block of Trego Road, in Atchison County.

The Sheriff’s Office is also working to learn who’s responsible for an attempted theft at an Atchison County property.

According to Laurie, the owner of property at 119 Riverfront Road last week reported two different occasions of trespassing at that location.

On September 23, a man was seen driving a two-toned red and gray, or silver, Dodge Pickup at that site, believed to have been attempting to steal auto parts from the property. A woman was reportedly a passenger in the suspect truck.

On October 7, the property owner reported that another man, who he identified, was also seen trespassing on the property.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with any information related to the crimes should contact the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office at 913-367-4323.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Jingle Bell Ride is scheduled for Sunday, November 6, starting at 1:00 p.m. beginning at the Dollar Fresh Parking lot at 14th and Stone Street. Registration will begin at noon.

All horse riders and volunteers are welcome.

There will be horse rides, pictures with Santa and a pot luck after the ride. You can also take a free ride on the hay racks.

Anyone that would like to donate and get put on the list of pickup stops should call Bonnie Kean at 402-802-6337 or the SENCA Outreach Office at 402-245-5284.

Applications for the holiday gift and food basket program will be available at the SENCA office beginning October 15.

(KLZA)--  On Friday, Governor Pete Ricketts; Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils ; dignitaries; and students will cut the ribbon on Johnson County Central Schools’ new DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center in Cook Friday morning.

The event will be held at the Johnson County Central Middle School in Cook from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Johnson County Central Middle School was one of three Nebraska schools selected as the state’s most outstanding schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit.  The other two winning schools were Gothenburg Elementary in Gothenburg and Millard North Middle School in Omaha. 

Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Healthy Blue’s Affiliated Foundation, Wheels Up, and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding.  My Fitness Store Commercial provides all the fitness equipment.  The NFGFC’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.

The Governor and others will deliver brief remarks before signing a proclamation to declare October as “DON’T QUIT Fitness Month.”  During DON’T QUIT! Fitness Month, families and communities are encouraged to renew their commitment to making physical activity and healthy eating part of their children's daily lives. 

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday began reviewing requests for American Rescue Plan Act funding from the county.

The commission selected six requests to move to the next step in the process.

Among them was funding for the purchase of new mobile radio's for the county fire departments, funding for the development of a comprehensive plan for the county and incentive bonuses for employees.

The ARPA funding must be allocated by the end of 2024.

The commission tabled action again on a resolution that would permit the retail sale of packaged cereal malt beverages in unincorporated areas of the county.

Representatives of the Sac and Fox Tribe last month requested the commission consider approval of the resolution to allow them to sell packaged beer on Sundays at their truck stop on U.S. 75 Highway.

Following discussion, the commission decided to table the resolution until their October 24 meeting so additional information could be gathered.

The commission approved the purchase of a snow plow from American Equipment in the amount of $21,522 for for the District 1 road department. It was among two bids received.

(KNZA)--USDA Rural Development is investing more than $5.5 million in loans and grants toward eight community projects across Kansas—including Hiawatha and Vermillion.

The announcement was made Wednesday.

In Hiawatha, a $1.64 million loan and a $995,000 grant will help complete improvements to the city's wastewater collection system. The project will upgrade the system's ability to process wastewater and make needed improvements to the north lift station.

In Vermillion, a $143,000 loan and a $661,000 grant will help complete the first phase of improvements to the city's water system. The city previously received nearly $1.3 million in grants and a $272,000 loan for the project.

(KAIR)--The City of Effingham is no longer under a Boil Water Advisory.  

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Wednesday rescinded the advisory issued earlier this week because of a line break that caused a loss of pressure in the system. According to the health agency, failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.  

However, KDHE, in a release Wednesday, said “laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Effingham indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.”

(KAIR)--Local area officials are warning of potential dangers when burning outdoors.

That’s due to a forecast of strong wind for the latter half of the week.

Because of that forecast, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for much of the local region, meaning that critical fire weather conditions exist.

That’s due to the combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures which the weather service says “can contribute to extreme fire danger.”

The forecast calls for gusty northwest winds gusting up to 35 mph, a drop in relative humidity to near 20-percent, and temperatures close to 70.

The Red Flag Warning will remain in place from 12 noon Thursday until 7:00 Thursday evening.

Because of the fire danger, open burning should be put on hold until winds subside.

A Burn Ban was put in place for Doniphan County Wednesday, with an emergency alert announcing the ban saying it will remain in place until further notice.

Editors note: the following were submitted by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant and Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie. 

Over the last few weeks I have been contacted by county residents who have had questions about an upcoming concern that will be on the November ballot regarding the office of Sheriff in the state of Kansas. I hope this information will help inform individuals of what this issue pertains to. In short, the Sheriff answers directly to all voters and citizens in their respected counties. With this being said, a YES vote preserves the integrity of the office of Sheriff as we are not shielded or restricted by city or county boards or unelected administrators.

Ballot summary

The ballot summary for the amendment is as follows:[2]

“ This amendment would preserve the right of citizens of each county that elected a county sheriff as of January 11, 2022, to continue electing the county sheriff. The amendment would also provide that a county sheriff only may be involuntarily removed from office pursuant to either a recall election or a writ of quo warranto initiated by the attorney general.

A vote for this proposition would preserve the right of citizens of each county that elected a county sheriff as of January 11, 2022, to continue electing the county sheriff via popular vote. The amendment would also direct that a county sheriff only may be involuntarily removed from office pursuant to either a recall election or a writ of quo warranto initiated by the attorney general.

A vote against this proposition would not make any changes to the constitution and would retain current law concerning the election of a sheriff and the procedures for involuntary removal of a sheriff from office. ”

Sheriff John D Merchant

Brown County Sheriff's Office

709 Utah Street

Hiawatha KS 66434

(785) 742-7125

This upcoming election, there is a proposed amendment to Article 9 of the Kansas Constitution that will be on the ballot.  YOU, the voters, will be asked to decide a measure that will require all Kansas Counties to elect their Sheriff, with the exception of Riley County who consolidated law enforcement services in 1974. In addition, this amendment identifies the Kansas Attorney General as having the sole authority to initiate any ouster proceedings of a sitting sheriff.  Currently, this authority is shared with the county attorney, which has shown to be partisan and subject to personal animus in other counties in Kansas. This change is supported by the Kansas County & District Attorneys Association. Lastly, this amendment does not eliminate or change the voter recall process in any manner.
Kansas is one of fifteen states that do not recognize the office of Sheriff in their state constitutions.  These fifteen states, mostly in the midwest, have the office created by an act of legislature. This means the office of sheriff can be abolished by an act of legislation or through a charter commission. This amendment will preserve the office of sheriff in each Kansas County, while also protecting the ability of electing a sheriff by popular vote every four years.  This is a decision that belongs to the voters, and should never be regulated by a group of elected and/or appointed individuals.  This vote is not about the individual holding the Office of Sheriff; rather it is about preserving your right to choose who holds that office.    
Why is this important? The sheriff is the only elected law enforcement official in Kansas.  As such, the Sheriff is directly accountable to the public they serve and are not filtered through an elected body or appointed official.  The actions of the sheriff should be predicated upon the US Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Kansas and lawful statutes.  A Sheriff is responsible for their own actions and those in their employ. They are subject to remedy grievances directly to the people and not at the direction of administrative oversight.  
In recent years, attempts to abolish the office of sheriff in the Kansas Counties of Phillips, Lyon, Bourbon, Reno, Shawnee, Sedgwick and Johnson County but efforts have failed due to a strong opposition from the populace. However, the threat to remove the right to elect the County Sheriff remains in place.
In 2000, Johnson County established a Home Rule Charter and soon after abolished the elected offices of County Clerk, County Treasurer and Register of Deeds. These positions are now appointees of the county administrator.  Although the office of sheriff and county attorney were initially preserved, every ten years the charter commission is required to revisit this issue.  Earlier this year, the commission met and initially supported abolishing the office of sheriff only to change course and preserve it until the next review period.  The citizens of Johnson County, with a population in excess of 600,000 came dangerously close to losing their ability to cast votes for who they wanted as the chief law enforcement officer of the county.  Until the office of sheriff is preserved in the Kansas Constitution, the voice of 104 Kansas counties remain in jeopardy of being removed.
A YES vote, in support of this amendment is non-partisan. It will preserve your ability to vote for the Sheriff of Atchison County, while preserving the office of sheriff itself.

Jack Laurie

Atchison County Sheriff

(KAIR)--A Valley Falls man escaped injury Tuesday in a construction site accident that claimed one life in Russell County, Kansas.

That’s according to the Kansas Highway Patrol, which reports that 28-year-old Tyler Jennings was the operator of a Caterpillar driving north up a hill on the construction site when the vehicle lost power for unknown reason. That caused it to roll down hill to the south where it struck a separate Caterpillar, leading to the death of 53-year-old Hector Cesar Fraire Montelongo, of New Mexico.

According to the Patrol's initial report, it's unclear if he was on the platform of the second Caterpillar, or on the ground next to it, at the time of the fatal collision.

Jennings and the driver of the second Caterpillar were both unhurt.

The fatal accident happened shortly after 2:00 Tuesday afternoon.

(KAIR)--Following a round of funding in September, a local area domestic violence prevention organization receives an additional $53,000 boost.

That’s according to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, which says those funds are earmarked for the Leavenworth-based Alliance Against Family Violence, and are part of the total $1.46 million awarded to Kansas “to prevent family, domestic, and dating violence,” as well as “to support victims of such violence” and “to safely increase noncustodial parents’ time with their children.”

The funds designated for the Leavenworth organization come through the 2023 Federal Health and Human Services for the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grant Awards.

Providing immediate shelter and support services for victims of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence, along with their dependents, is the goal of the funding.
Last month, the Alliance Against Family Violence was awarded $79,570 as part of the 2023 State General Fund for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Grant Awards.

In August 2019, the Atchison City Commission selected the Leavenworth organization to provide domestic violence services for the City of Atchison.

Also awarded additional funding, following separate grant awards last month, is the First Judicial District CASA Association, which receives $14,671 through the Federal State Access and Visitation Program.

The First Judicial District of Kansas is comprised of Leavenworth and Atchison County, with both to benefit from the funds designated for the Court Appointed Special Advocates association, based in Leavenworth.

Last month, the local CASA association was awarded $47,117 through the 2023 Children's Advocacy Centers Grant Awards, and an additional $7,592 through the 2023 CASA Grant Awards.

(KAIR)--An investigation is launched following the discovery of a burned pickup truck on Atchison’s River Road.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, deputies from his department, Monday morning around 7:30, responded to River Road and Woodson Road after receiving a report regarding the discovery of the burned truck.

Laurie, in the release, says the truck was possibly a Chevrolet 3500 dually with a flat bed, either painted white or green.

Deputies, Laurie said, were able to obtain a partial VIN from the vehicle, which is believed to belong to a Lawrence resident.

The investigation is continuing.

(KAIR)--A handgun is among items missing after Atchison thieves targeted a parked pickup truck last weekend.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the truck was parked in the 1100 block of Riley Street when it was burglarized, with police saying the crime occurred shortly after 6:00 Saturday morning.

Taken was a Glock 46 9mm handgun, cash, and a cellphone.

No suspects are immediately identified, and the investigation is ongoing.

Meanwhile, it’s good news in the case of a missing motorcycle dating back to last month.

Wilson, in the release, says the 2020 Benelli TNT 135 motorcycle has been recovered.
It was reported stolen from the 900 block of Laramie Street on September 28.

No arrests are immediately made.

Anyone with information pertaining to either of the two cases should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in locating a person of interest.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says 49-year-old Richard "Ricky" Retherford is wanted for questioning in a recent criminal case.

He is about  5-foot-9 inches tall,  weighs around 155 pounds and has brown hair.  

Retherford was last seen in Powhattan at about 8:00 Tuesday evening wearing blue jeans and long sleeve light blue shirt.  

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Brown County Sheriff's office at 785-742-7125

(KLZA)-- Weather permitting, work will begin Monday, October 17 on Nebraska Highway-67, from reference post 3.90 to reference post 4.60, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

M.E. Collins Contracting Company, INC., of Wahoo, Nebraska is the contractor for this project. Work includes culvert construction and minor grading.

The roadway will be closed and traffic will be detoured. Anticipated completion is November 2022.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Education heard an update on SENCAP and DC Advantage Dual Credit program opportunities for Falls City High School students when they met Monday evening.

Guidance Counselor, Sara Barker and members of the senior class provided information on how students can earn college credits while still in high school. The program is in partnership with Southeast Community College and SENCAP / DC Advantage which allows the students an opportunity to earn college credit through Career Academies.

Through this program, it is not uncommon for Falls City High Seniors to graduate with 28 – 32 college credit hours earned before beginning their freshman year of college.

The Board also approved a number of policy reviews and revisions on final reading. Included was a policy on school employees transporting students. School employees are not allowed to use their personal vehicle to transport students except for those students residing in the employee's own household or if an emergency exists. Also approved was a policy concerning resignations of certificated staff, encouraging staff members to submit their resignations as early as possible, to enable the board to find suitable replacements.

Also approved on final reading was a policy on selection and review of library materials.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission will interview a new candidate for the city administrator position later this month.

Interim City Administrator Larry Paine informed the commission Monday evening that he has arranged for the candidate to visit Hiawatha on October 26.

The Commission agreed to hold a special meeting that evening to interview the candidate. The potential hire will also meet with department heads and be given a tour of the city during his visit.

The city has been searching for a new city administrator since the resignation of former city administrator Mike Nichols in April. Paine has been serving as interim administrator since that time.

On the recommendation of the Hiawatha Fire Department, the commission approved an application from John Merchant, Jr., as a new volunteer firefighter.

And Police Chief Mickey Gruber informed commissioners that Brian Guilliams has been hired as the new police department captain. Guilliams comes to the police department after working for a number of years with the Brown County Sheriff's Department—including recently as Undersheriff.

(KMZA)--A Seneca man escaped serious injury Tuesday afternoon in an unusual accident on U.S. 36 Highway in Nemaha County, about three miles west of U.S. 75 Highway.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports a semi tractor-trailer was eastbound when it lost a wheel and tire off the driver's side axle on the trailer. The wheel and tire crossed the center line and struck a westbound Toyota Corolla driven by 43-year-old John Eppich.

Eppich was transported to a hospital by private vehicle for the treatment of possible injury.

The semi driver from Kansas City was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the accident occurred around 3:45.

(KAIR)--Two Atchison residents are facing charges in connection with a burglary and theft that led to alleged financial-based crimes.

Arrested Sunday were 32-year-old Mary McDonald and 30-year-old Jacob Camp.

She was taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging her with aggravated burglary and theft.

Camp was arrested on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with computer crime and criminal use of a financial card.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, McDonald is accused of the unlawful entry of a residence, located in the 400 block of Mound Street, that occurred in the early evening of August 24. She allegedly, while inside, took a financial card belonging to a 70-year-old victim.

Camp is accused of using that card at several area retail stores, leaving the victim with a bill of around $850.

Both McDonald and Camp were arrested on the warrants around 6:00 Sunday evening at 7th and Santa Fe Streets.

Once in custody, the pair was booked into the Atchison County Jail.
Her bond is set at $30,000 while his is set at $15,000. 

Editor's note: the following was submitted by Nemaha Co Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine

(KMZA)--A high fire danger will be present across all portions of Nemaha County, Kansas for the next few days. The increased fire danger has already begun and will be present through the evening hours on Thursday.

Fire Weather Watches will be in affect from 1pm to 7pm both on Wednesday, October 12th, and Thursday, October 13th, 2022. Winds will be out of the northwest, 15 to 25 miles per hour with gusts up to 35mph. Relative humidity values will also be 17 to 22 percent creating red flag warning conditions for Nemaha County for those two days

Any questions can be directed toward the Nemaha County Emergency Management office at (785)336-2135.

(KNZA)--The two men involved in an early Monday morning Jackson County pursuit near Mayetta, involving the theft of a vehicle, have been identified.

Both are from Holton, with Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse Tuesday identifying them as 19-year-old Nathan Hurteau and 18-year-old Emory Murillo.

Hurteau was arrested for interference with law enforcement, driving under the influence, fleeing and eluding law enforcement, theft, and possession of stolen property.

Murillo was arrested for interference with law enforcement, transporting an open container, and minor in possession of alcohol.

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

The early morning pursuit began around 3:00 Monday morning, near 134th Road and U.S. Highway 75, when a vehicle failed to stop for a traffic stop by a Sheriff’s Deputy.

With the deputy losing sight of the vehicle on gravel roads near Mayetta, it was soon found wrecked, with the two men having escaped on foot.

An additional vehicle, later found overturned, was allegedly stolen by the duo, who were located around 6:00 that morning and arrested.

(MSC News)--In the one month that sports wagering has been legal in Kansas, it has generated a total of $1.3 million in revenue, which includes nearly $130,000 for the State of Kansas.

That’s according to a release from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Monday, in which she called legal sports betting “a common sense solution that keeps Kansans money in Kansas and supports Kansas businesses,” adding that the “revenues will continue to grow and benefit the state over time.”

In May, Kelly signed the bipartisan legislation making it legal to wager on sports at casinos, on digital platforms, and other venues in Kansas. Sportsbooks opened on September 1.

(KLZA)-- The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low income households stay safe and healthy by providing financial assistance to offset the costs of heating and cooling. This program particularly helps households that pay a high portion of household income for home energy to meet immediate home energy needs.

The LIHEAP Program provides heating assistance, cooling assistance, year round crisis assistance, emergency furnace repair and replacement, fan program and weatherization services for eligible Nebraska citizens/households. LIHEAP in Nebraska is solely funded through a federal grant (no general fund authority for aid).  

For further assistance, or an application, contact the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services office in your county.

(KLZA)-- Farmers and ranchers interested in preventing erosion, improving soil health, conserving water and wildlife, or making other natural resource conservation improvements to their property are encouraged to apply now for funding available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Those interested in receiving funding should sign up before Nov. 18, 2022.

There are several options available to producers.

The most widely applied conservation programs in Nebraska are the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The goal of these conservation programs is to provide a financial incentive to encourage landowners to install conservation practices that protect natural resources, resulting in cleaner air and water, healthy soil, and more wildlife habitat.

Individuals interested in applying for these conservation programs may do so at any time, but applications need to be submitted by Nov. 18 to be considered for this year’s funding.

For more information about conservation programs and other assistance available, call your local NRCS field office or visit www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Education Association is sponsoring a School Board Candidate Forum on Wednesday, October 12.

The event will be held at the Richardson County Historical Society at 14th and Chase Street beginning at 7:00 P.M.

he public is encouraged to attend.
 

(KLZA)--Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Lucas Froeschl presented the organizations quarterly report to the City Council Monday evening.

Froeschl said work on what is now a city project, building 33rd Street is progressing well and that anyone interested in having a business on the 19-acre side on the east side of Highway 73 can contact the EDGE office.

EDGE is also working on a marketing piece to help advertise Falls City to potential businesses looking for a place to locate.

On the south edge of Falls City, EDGE is working with OPPD to design a master plan for the 1,000 acre rail super site. Froeschl said this is part of the process to develop an application to go after $15 million set aside by the State for power transmission to Falls City.

EDGE is also looking for partners to redevelop private property that has been abandoned and make it available. EDGE is working with other communities in Richardson County to work together as required by a 2021 state statute.

The report also indicated that Excel Development should know by October 21 if they will be awarded funds to build duplex housing at Champions Crossing. If awarded, construction is planned for the Spring of 2023.

(KAIR)--An early Tuesday morning Atchison house fire sent fire crews rushing to 819 Kansas Avenue, the location of the two story home which was engulfed in flames when they arrived.

According to Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar, a passerby, around 5:30 this morning, reported the fire, but was unaware of when it actually began.

Weishaar says crews were able to bring the fire under control, but remained on the scene Tuesday morning battling small fires.

Although there was no indication anyone was inside the home, the structure continued to be searched through the early morning.

By late morning, Weishaar said it was confirmed that no one was inside the house at the time of the fire, although it was currently being occupied, with those residents away when the blaze began. However, Weishaar says details of the occupancy remains unclear, as there no utilities to the residence and the property owner lives at a different location.

A State investigator has been called in to assist with the investigation, with Weishaar saying that official will help examine the possibility of arson as the cause of the fire.

The investigation is continuing.

.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison Safe Routes to School project gets another boost in state funds, awarded more than $695,000 for the next phase of the project.

According to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, those funds come as part of  $28.5 million that has been awarded for 32 Transportation Alternatives program projects across Kansas for Fiscal Year 2023-24.

The competitive grant program, administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation provides funding for a variety of projects, including pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure for non-driver access to public transportation, and overall safety and mobility improvements. 

The release says that $695,492 has been awarded for the Atchison Middle School Safe Routes to School Stage 2, Santa Fe West sidewalks.

The project, meaning better, safer sidewalks for pedestrians, has been underway for several years, comprised of various walking routes to school.

Funds for the program come from the Federal Highway Administration and are currently the primary source of KDOT funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects statewide, including Safe Routes to School. The program also funds transportation projects of a historical nature and scenic and environmental projects, including Main Street beautification projects. 

For the latest grant round, KDOT received nearly 50 applications, totaling more than $83 million in federal funds. The program requires a 20% local match. Project recipients selected for this round provided a local match of more than $7 million. 

(KAIR)--Leavenworth County has been awarded part of a $2 million competitive grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for Veteran Treatment Courts in Kansas.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, the  grant will cover a 2-year period and will be used to implement treatment courts in Leavenworth County, Shawnee County, and help the program already implemented in Wyandotte County.  

 The release explains that “Leavenworth County has encountered justice-involved veterans charged with misdemeanors and felonies who face challenges in their lives from struggles with substance abuse and mental health concerns,” adding that “results such as incarceration, monetary fines and probation supervision alone may not reach the root cause of criminal conduct,” explaining that “the purpose of the Leavenworth County Veterans Treatment Court is to provide a treatment alternative for diverting Veterans from incarceration into supervised treatment and supportive services, amplifying public safety and reducing the reentry of offenders to the criminal justice system.”

(KAIR)--Atchison Police recover a missing vehicle two days after they began the search for another.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a stolen 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, reported stolen in Macon County, Illinois in March, was recovered in the 800 block of Kansas Avenue around 1:20 Monday morning.

Wilson says the investigation is continuing.

Meanwhile, Atchison Police are now looking for a pickup truck stolen early Saturday morning.

According to Wilson, the 2002 Ford F-350 had been parked in the 500 block of Laramie Street at the time of the theft, believed to have occurred around 5:15 Saturday morning.

The truck is described as white over gray in color.

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

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

Issued Monday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the agency explains that was done due to a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Affected Effingham water customers should boil water for one minute prior to consuming. Purchasing bottled water is also recommended.

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

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• 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.

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

• 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.

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 at 913-833-4471, 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)--Two men are in custody following an early Monday morning pursuit and vehicle theft in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander near 134th Road and U.S. 75 Highway when a pursuit ensued shortly after 3 A.M.

The driver allegedly attempted to elude the deputy on gravel roads near Mayetta. The deputy lost sight of the vehicle on 166th Road and then found the car wrecked between T. and S. Roads. The occupants had fled the scene.

Morse said an additional vehicle, a 2005 Toyota 4Runner, was taken from 16436 S. Road. The vehicle was later found overturned near 142nd Road and U.S. Hwy 75 around 5:30 A.M.

Two male suspects were located near U.S. Highway 75 and 174th Road shortly before 6 A.M.  Both men were taken into custody by deputies in connection with the pursuit and stolen vehicle.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Police and a Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter assisted with the search.

(KNZA)--A Friday afternoon two-vehicle wreck, about two miles north of St. Joseph, sent a Rushville, Missouri man to the hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports 34-year-old Howard Smith was southbound on U.S. 169 when his car struck the rear of a vehicle driven by 59-year-old Cynthia Knapp-Nelson, of St. Joseph, which was stopped in the roadway waiting to make a turn.

Smith was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, with suspected moderate injuries.

Knapp-Nelson was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck occurred around 3:45 Friday afternoon.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha man was injured Saturday afternoon when his motorcycle crashed on a Nemaha County road.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash occurred on V Road, just north of 192nd Road, shortly before 1:00.

The Patrol reports 44-year-old Jason Krebs was northbound when his Harley Davidson motorcycle left the roadway, entered onto the soft shoulder, and crashed into the ditch.

Krebs, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

(KNZA)--A Wichita man, who had a nationwide extraditable warrant out for his arrest, was taken into custody Thursday night in southern Jackson County following a traffic stop.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle driven by 35-year-old Michael Burris III near 118th Road and U.S. 75 Highway around 11:30 for a traffic violation.

During the traffic stop, Morse said the deputy believed Burris was providing false information about his identity. A possible ID was discovered, and it was learned Burris was wanted out of Reno County for aggravated assault, distribution of opiates and numerous other charges.

Following his arrest, Burris was transported to the Jackson County Jail.  He faces a local charge of felony interference for providing false information.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office arrested three individuals on drug charges this week after a search warrant was obtained for a Robinson residence.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, deputies made contact with 35-year-old Robinson resident Justin Horne, who was wanted out of Richardson County, Nebraska, around 10:00 Monday evening at a residence at 304 Parsons Street. 

Another individual at the residence, 33-year-old Las Vegas, Nevada resident Sara Marano, also had an active warrant.

While in the residence, Merchant said deputies allegedly noticed illegal drug paraphernalia in plain view and obtained a search warrant for the address.

After completion of the investigation, Horne was arrested on local charges of Felony Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Opiates, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and No Drug Tax Stamp. He was also arrested on a Richardson County warrants for Felony Burglary, Criminal trespass, Misdemeanor Theft and Criminal Damage to Property.

Marano was arrested on local charges of Possession of Opiates, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and No Drug Tax Stamp. She was also arrested on a Richardson County warrant for Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, Criminal Trespass and Theft.

In addition, 63-year-old Imogene Summerlin, of Robinson, was arrested on local charges of Possession of Opiates, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana.

Following their arrests, the trio were booked into the Brown County Jail.

Merchant said about 3 pounds of marijuana as well as evidence of Meth, pipes and paraphernalia were located within the residence.

(KAIR)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Thursday, announced that the State of Kansas and the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas have together received $17.2 million in federal grant funding to address the opioid crisis.

According to a release from the Governor’s office, “the funding will be used to increase access to treatment for substance use disorders, remove barriers to public health interventions...and expand access to recovery support services."

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services has received more than $16.7 million, and the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas has received $500,000 in federal grant funding to address the opioid crisis and support individuals in recovery.

The funding, provided through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will support states, tribal lands, and territories’ opioid response efforts. The release explains that the grant, for KDADS, will provide access to medication-assisted treatment to reduce overdose deaths for Kansans with opioid use disorder or stimulant use disorder. The funding will also allow Kansas to increase investments in overdose education, peer support specialists in emergency departments, and allow states to invest in other strategies that will help save lives in hard-hit communities.

According to the release, the Kickapoo Tribe “will develop a holistic TOR program, KTIK Return to Community that includes prevention; screening; treatment; and peer-led recovery for opioid, stimulant, and other substance use. Kickapoo Tribal Chairman Lester Randall, in the release, says the opioid crisis “has had a devastating effect on tribal nations throughout the U.S.", and says that seeing funding to address the issue coming to underserved communities is “a relief.”

The state and tribal grants run until September 29, 2024.

(KNZA)--The city of Sabetha is among more than thirty cities across Kansas that have been awarded grants through the Transportation Alternatives program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday announced a total of $28.5 million in funding for 32 projects in the state for fiscal year 2023-24.

Sabetha was awarded a $955,000 grant for a sidewalk project on Oregon Street. The grant requires a 20 percent local match.

For this grant round, KDOT received nearly 50 applications, totaling more than $83 million.

Funding for the Transportation Alternatives program comes from the Federal Highway Administration.

Since 2019, and as part of the Kelly administration's bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, KDOT has awarded $59 million for 91 TA projects to both urban and rural communities. This round of TA fund distribution was larger than previous years due to additional federal funds provided to Kansas as part of the bi-partisan infrastructure law.

(KAIR)--A late Leavenworth resident is among five Kansas firefighters receiving recognition for giving their lives in the line of duty.  

Johnny D. Ivison, Jr. will be among the names engraved on the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall, located at the Kansas Firefighters Museum and Fallen Firefighters Memorial, in Wichita.  Ivison, a member of the Easton Township Fire Department, in Leavenworth County, died November 8, 2020 following a crash while en route to a house fire, in Easton.  That’s according to the website, firehero.org, which says Ivision was, at the time of his death, “studying to become a certified firefighter for the Easton Township Fire Department.”  

The 23-year-old Ivison was the son of Naomi Guilford and Johnny Ivison, Sr.  

Joining Ivison in seeing their names engraved on the wall are Michael Wells, of the Lenexa Fire Department, Josh Schwindt, of the Rolla Volunteer Fire Department, Malachi Brown, of the Baxter Springs Fire Department, and Joshua Bruggeman, of the Wichita Fire Department.  

According to a release from the Kansas State Firefighters Association, Retired Captain Joe Woyjeck, of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, will serve as Keynote Speaker for the ceremony.

Honors for the fallen firefighters will be held at 1:30, on the afternoon of October 16, at the Memorial, in Wichita.

(KAIR)--An Atchison native is named as the future Vice President of Sales for the Distilling Solutions segment of Atchison-based MGP Ingredients, with the current holder of the title set to retire at the end of the year.  

Matt Krusemark is selected to fill the seat once it’s vacated by David Dykstra who, according to release, “recently announced to customers and colleagues his plan to retire December 31 after more than 30-years with MGP.”  

Krusemark, the release says, “joined MGP in 2005 as an inside sales and customer service representative,” who was promoted five-years later to Inside Sales Manager for food grade and industrial alcohol.  

Following other advances in his career with the company, Krusemark in 2021 was promoted to Alcohol Sales Director.  The release notes that Dykstra is working closely with Krusemark “to assure a smooth transition in the new year.”

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of items from several farmers vehicles while they were harvesting crops.

According to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, deputies were dispatched Tuesday afternoon to the vicinity of 240th and Nighthawk Roads to take the theft report.

Three vehicles parked in the area had items stolen from them--including firearms, tools, and cash--with the total loss placed at nearly $7,000.

Merchant said the thefts occurred while the farmers were combining crops in an area of the field where their vehicles were not in their immediate view, near the roadway.

An older, light colored Jeep Liberty type vehicle was reported in the area around the time of the crime, which is believed to have been between 2 and 3 Tuesday afternoon.

Merchant said surrounding counties have reported similar incidents, as well as home invasions during daylight hours recently.

"It saddens me a great deal that these types of crimes occur on private property during daylight hours. It seems as though these criminals have very little fear of legal consequences as many are repeat offenders."

Merchant wants to end these " crimes of opportunity" and is recommending residents take the necessary precautions to secure their  homes and property.

He is encouraging residents to take their keys when working in the fields, and lock their doors if they are going to be out of sight of their vehicles or equipment.  

Merchant is also urging residents to take the keys from their ATV's and UTV's, which are highly sought after by thieves.

(Peru, Neb.) – Peru State College will be hosting its annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21 and 22. The event will be held on campus in the College’s Student Center. A reception, followed by a banquet, will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday evening. Reservations for this event must be made in advance through the Peru State College Foundation website at bit.ly/2022PSCAHOF (case sensitive). Registration has been extended and is due by October 13. For more information, contact the Foundation Office at 402-872-2304 or email pscfoundation@peru.edu. PSC President Dr. Michael Evans, Foundation Interim Director Ted L. Harshbarger, and Athletic Director Wayne Albury, have announced that Jeff George, Doug Goltz, Maxine Mehus, Fredd Ward, and Mark Yori are being inducted as individuals. In addition, the men’s basketball teams from 1938, 1940, 1942, 1945, 1946, 1950, 1961, 1963, and 1966 are being inducted as they all participated in the NAIA national tournament. The honorees will also be recognized at halftime of the football game versus William Penn (Iowa) on Saturday, Oct. 22. The game begins at 1 p.m. and will be held in the Oak Bowl. Evans said, “We are thrilled to be able to honor Peru State College’s outstanding student-athletes in this way. Each of these individuals has made a significant and lasting impact on our athletic programs that will not be forgotten. Their talent and determination have greatly contributed to the college’s long and proud tradition of athletic excellence. We look forward to honoring more Peru State athletic standouts in the future.” Athletic Hall of Fame – 30th Induction When the Al Wheeler Activity Center was dedicated in 1986, the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame was established. The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize, honor and preserve the memory of those individuals and teams whose contributions have greatly enhanced Nebraska’s first college. The Hall of Fame gallery resides in the lobby of the Wheeler Center, named after the first inductee into the Hall of Fame, Alfred G. Wheeler. A candidate can be nominated in one of four categories: coach, player, team, or meritorious service. A committee of alumni make the selections annually each spring. Nominations are welcomed and can be submitted to PSC Athletic Hall of Fame, c/o Alumni Office, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421. For additional information, call (402) 872-2304.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council conducted a public hearing on the proposed 1 & 6 Year Street Plan when they met Monday evening.

Craig Reinsch with Olsson provided a proposed 1 & 6 Year Plan that included seven projects on the 1-year-plan with projected costs of $1,868,000. Those projects include 33rd Street which is already underway; Tiger Trail from Abbott Street to a Cul-De-Sac. Milling and overlaying an existing private road from Highway 73 east to Fulton Street for approximately 1,100 feet; Extending Abbott Street from 28th Street to new 31st Street. Removing existing brick surfacing and replacing with 6 inches of concrete on 14th Street from Stone to Harlan and removing the existing road surface and putting down 6-inches of asphalt from Highway 73, east to Fulton Street and then north approximately 600 feet.

The 6-Year plan once again included the hard surfacing of 21st Street from Fair Avenue to Business Parkway and north to Brenner Field. This is a project that has been part of the street plan for more than three decades.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum presented a letter from Sarah Bangert who lives along that stretch of road, encouraging the hard surfacing be done on the project noting the safety issue for her children and the amount of traffic on the road, including it being an emergency route to the nursing home and for emergency vehicles needing to life flight patients.

Richardson County would be responsible for $770 thousand worth of work to complete the project.

Council member Derek Leyden said he feels if the project is to ever be done, the City will likely have to annex the road into the city limits.

Brad Ahern who manages Brenner Field said he was interested to hear any updates on what he calls a bad road.

The City share of that project is $518 thousand with a total cost of $1,295,000.

Following the public hearing, the Council voted to approved the 1 & 6 Year Plan, but added a project to hard surface McLean Street from 28th Street to 35th Street, a project recommended by Council member Joe Buckminster. He said he feels if you live in the city limits of Falls City, you should not be having to drive on a gravel road.

The Council voted 7-0 to approve the plan with the additional project.

(KNZA)--A Wednesday morning two-vehicle Leavenworth County crash sent two Leavenworth residents to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 73 Highway at Gilman Road around 10:30.

The Patrol reports D'Marco Rabe was riding a motorcycle southbound at a high rate of speed when he struck a car driven by Larry Hammer, which was crossing the highway to go northbound.

Rabe, who was wearing a helmet, was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City with suspected serious injuries.

Hammer, who was wearing a seat belt, was transported to St. John's Hospital in Leavenworth for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

(KLZA)-- A traffic stop by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department early Tuesday morning resulted in the arrest of a Falls City woman on drug charges.

A Deputy stopped a car at about 12:55 a.m at 21st and McLean Streets. During the stop the Richardson County Sheriff's Office K9 was deployed and a probable cause search was conducted.

Substances suspected to be Methamphetamine, marijuana and concentrated THC were recovered along with a deadly weapon, a knife.

Josie Lunsford was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person and possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony along with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca has announced that 1st Street will be closed from Main to Baltimore on Thursday, Oct 6th while some work is being done on the viaduct.

(KAIR)--Corn shucking returns to Atchison County, with competition set for Saturday.  

According to a release, the event will serve as the Kansas State Cornhuskiing Contest, traditionally held in Oakley, Kansas. The release explains that the state event will now be held in Atchison County every 5th year.  

Saturday’s competition will take place October 8, north of Lancaster, 2 miles north on Hamilton Road.  Activities begin that morning at 8:00, including a hand corn husking contest with horse teams, corn sheller and tractors, kids activities, and a concession stand.  

The corn shucking event will be free to watch, but competitors pay a $25 entrance fee.  

Non-shuckers can purchase a ticket for the evening’s banquet and meal, beginning at 6:00, at the Saint Louis Church, located on Morton Road.  

The Atchison County Corn Shucking competition, in years past, was held annually and overseen by the late Bob Staley, who died in 2015 at the age of 94.

(KLZA)-- A resurfacing project is scheduled to begin Thursday on Holt County Route B from U.S. Route 59 east of Oregon to Route 113 south of Maitland.

Contractors from Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation and prime contractor Herzog Contracting Corp., will begin resurfacing Route B.

Crews plan to work daylight hours, Monday through Saturday, to complete the project by Friday, Oct. 21. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone and a 10-foot width restriction will be in place.

(KAIR)--Gun and tools are among the items reported missing in an Atchison County burglary case.

A release issued by Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says the owner of the location that was burglarized, a Huron resident, reported that the crime occurred sometime between September 9 and September 30.

According to Laurie, multiple items were taken from the residence, located at 105 Main Street, in Huron, after the home was illegally entered.

Missing are guns, a welder, tools, furniture, and other items.

Laurie, in the release, said the investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information related to the Huron burglary and theft should contact the Sheriff’s Office at 913-367-4323.

(MSC News)--On Wednesday, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed into law historic income tax cuts.

Senate Bill 3 reduces Missouri's top state individual income tax rate from 5.3 percent to 4.95 percent starting in 2023. 

The governor also signed into law a $40 million tax break for farmers, ranchers and other agriculture related businesses after passing a special legislative session. 

The Associated Press reports that on Tuesday, the Missouri Legislature passed the annual tax breaks for farmers.

The GOP-led Senate on Tuesday voted 26-3 to send the tax incentive package to Gov. Mike Parson. Lawmakers had passed a similar bill in May. But the Republican governor vetoed it, in part citing the short two-year sunset on many of the tax credits.

He called a special legislative session to extend the agricultural tax credits for a longer period of time.

He also asked lawmakers to spend some of the state's surplus revenue on an individual income tax cut, which they approved last week.

Meanwhile, KQ2-TV reports that part of the agricultural package signed by Parson includes incentives for the production and sale of alternative fuels, such as ethanol.

Ethanol is made from corn and other plant materials found in 98% of gasoline in the U.S. and has increased in production over the past twenty years.

Proponents of Ethanol express its environmental impact compared to fossil fuels, while others cite downsides to the alternative fuel, including what they call a lack of efficiency.

(KLZA)-- Charity fraud schemes can happen any time, but they are especially prevalent after disasters. Criminals use tragedies like Hurricane Ian to exploit those who want to help.

Scammers will leverage a natural disaster to steal your money, your personal information, or both. Disaster and charity fraud can come in many forms, from emails and social media posts, to crowdfunding platforms and cold calls. Always use caution and research where to donate to charitable causes.

The FBI has some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of a charity fraud:

Do your homework when it comes to donations. Research charity reviews online, state regulators of charities, and charity reports and ratings via the Better Business Bureau.

Give to established charities or groups whose work you know and trust.

Never make charitable donations by gift card or wire transfer. Credit cards are safer.

After donating, be sure to review your financial accounts to ensure additional funds are not deducted or charged.

Don't believe your caller ID. Scammers often spoof agency phone numbers. It is always best to research the organization telephone number and call direct to verify. Do not be pressured or rushed to donate. If so, it may be a scam.

Do not click on links from sources you don’t know. These could be attempts to download viruses onto your computer or cell phone. Manually type out links instead of clicking on them.

Be wary of charity names which sound very similar to well-known charities, as well as email addresses which are not consistent with the charity soliciting donations.

Check the charity’s website URL – most legitimate charity organization websites use .org, not .com.

If you think you are a victim of disaster or charity fraud, report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at 1-866-720-5721 or online at justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved the issuing of up to $5.2 million in combined utility revenue bonds to pay for upgrades to the City electric system when they met Monday evening.

The bonds will be paid off over 20 years.

The Council also approved issuing up to $900 thousand in General Obligation bonds to pay for the 33rd Street paving project from Bill Schock Boulevard, east to Highway 73.

The bonds will be sold through Piper & Sandler.

In a related note, the Council approved an agreement with Community Medical Center for the hospital to pay $27,500 annually for a 10-year period

to pay for a portion of the 33rd Street project.

It was noted during the meeting that concrete work on the 33rd Street project has begun.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Clerk's Office is preparing for the November 8, General Election.

Persons wanting to vote in the election are urged to check their voter registration status to make sure they are registered at the correct address to cast their ballot.

Voter registration can be checked on-line at www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov or by contacting the Richardson County Clerk's Office at 402-245-2911.

Voter registration is taken at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours until Friday, October 28 at 6:00 p.m. Voters can also register online at ne.gov/go/NEreg2vote. The deadline to register any way but in person is Friday, October 21.

Early voting applications are also available. To request that your ballot be mailed to you, if you are unable to vote at your regular polling place on Election Day, an application can be found in this week's edition of the Falls City Journal and the Humboldt Standard or at the Richardson County website, www.co.richardson.ne.us.

All-Mail voting precincts will be Arago/Barada, Salem, East Muddy and Grant/Nemaha. Voters who reside in these precincts will receive their ballots in the mail on or after October 20.

If you have any questions regarding All-Mail ballots or other questions or need more information, call the Richardson County Clerks Office at 402-245-2911.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development will be hosting a Hiawatha Housing Solutions Dinner next month.

The event will take place on November 5 at the Hiawatha Country Club. It will begin with a social mixer at 6:00 that evening, followed by an interactive meeting and working prime rib dinner at 6:30.

HFED Director Mikaela Moore said the goal of the meeting is to bring together people from the area who have a legitimate interest in working together to provide more quality housing options in Hiawatha.

Moore said she plans to share the findings from a recent independent Hiawatha housing study.  She said the findings will help guide in the decisions of the housing solutions to pursue, whether that be in the form of apartments, duplexes, homes, or a mixture of all.

Leaders from some of Hiawatha’s largest employers will be featured to share specific examples of how the housing shortage in Hiawatha has negatively impacted their businesses, as well as to project the housing needs for their employees in the near future.

Randy Speaker from Kansas Department of Commerce will be sharing the details of tax credit programs and other grants and incentives that are available to pursue to help minimize the upfront investment required to secure a housing project.

RSVPs are required by Oct. 22 by email to hfedoffice1@gmail.com or text to 913-558-7069. Anyone interested in being an active participant in finding solutions to Hiawatha’s housing shortage is encouraged to RSVP and attend. Admission is free.

(KAIR)--Armed with American Rescue Plan funds, the Doniphan County Commission enters into a Memorandum of Understanding to proceed with a broadband expansion project, increasing the availability of high speed internet for some county residents.

Entering into the agreement with Everest-based Rainbow Communications came during Monday’s meeting of the Commission, who unanimously granted approval to the plan. According to the unofficial minutes of the meeting, the broadband expansion project will be completed along U.S. Highway 36, from the east city limits of Troy to the west city limits of Wathena.

A completion date of December 31, 2026 is set for the project, which will be funded through Doniphan County’s American Rescue Plans funds. The County will pay a 25% initial down payment, or more than $369,000 of the total project cost of nearly $1.5 million. A second payment of more than $738,105, or 50% of the total project cost, will be paid at the start of construction, while a final payment of more than $369,000, or 25%, is to be paid within seven days after Rainbow’s completion of the scope of work.

Meanwhile, a telecommunications company has submitted a public comment challenge to the Doniphan County and Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska application to Kansas Office of Broadband Capital Projects fund broadband grant.

According to the meeting’s unofficial minutes, NextLink submitted the rebuttal to the grant application, saying they could provide service to proposed areas within the county. However, RDOF maps, which show Nextlink’s coverage area, indicates the company does not provide service in the area of the county that applies to the grant submission. Additionally, the company “is currently only providing wireless service which does not work with Donpihan County’s terrain.”

If the funds are awarded, Rainbow Communications will install fiber internet service.

The Commission voted unanimously to submit a rebuttal letter to the Kansas Office of Broadband Capital Projects Fund broadband grant for expansion of service to the Iowa Tribe, the City of White Cloud, north of highland, north and south of Troy, and north and south of Wathena.

(KAIR)--A letter of support, seeking state funds for ADA renovations of a Doniphan County library and daycare facility, is being sent.

That follows last week’s meeting of the Doniphan County Commission where Economic Development Director Leah Johnson provided the Commission with a letter of support for application to the Kansas Department of Commerce TEFFI Strategic Economic Expansion and Development Program, known as SEED.
According to the unofficial minutes of the September 26 commission meeting, the letter presented “is on behalf of Doniphan County Library District Number 1-Elwood Branch, in the amount of $40,000 for ADA renovations and upgrades to [the] library building.”

Additionally, $10,000 is sought for use by Doniphan Darlings Daycare, in Highland, ‘for shade structure and education materials.”

Johnson told the commission while there were several opportunities for local economic development community development projects, the two selected-the library and daycare-”were prominent projects that best meet the qualifications of the SEED grant.”

A motion to sign-off on the letter of support was made, with the Commission giving it unanimous approval.

(KLZA)-- Community Medical Center of Falls City is partnering with Southeast Safety for Kids (SSK), the Southeast Safe Kids Coalition and the Four County Collaborative to provide a check up event for child passenger safety.

The event will be held on Wednesday, October 19th starting at 3:30 pm and concluding at 5:30 pm on the west side of Community Medical Center in the drive-through garage. The area can be accessed via the north driveway.

Nationally-certified child passenger safety technicians will be on hand to assist parents and other caregivers in correctly securing children from birth through age 13 in motor vehicles.

There is no charge for the checks, and expecting parents are welcome to bring their infant seats to the event for assistance.

The misuse rates in 20-plus years of work in this field have ranged from 70% to 85% of all car seats checked.

Parents and caregivers can either drive up to the event or make an appointment by calling 402-245-6571.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Corporation Commission has scheduled a workshop “to give Evergy officials an opportunity to explain a dramatic increase in the company’s capital expenditure projections.”

According to a release from the KCC, the plan was filed earlier this year, and showed an increase of $1.2 billion compared to projections shared when the company presented its Sustainability Transformation Plan last year. 

The workshop is scheduled for the morning of December 13 at 9:30.

The release explains that “in an order issued on September 15, the Commission directed Evergy to work with KCC staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, [known as CURB] to schedule the workshop, which will be conducted by Zoom and available for public viewing on the Commission’s YouTube channel. The workshop will also be recorded for later viewing.”

During the workshop, the release notes, “Evergy will be asked to explain the necessity and impact of the proposed capital spending and answer questions from KCC Commissioners, Commission Staff and CURB.

Prior to the workshop, Evergy is required to file updated and comprehensive financial modeling showing expected retail rate changes resulting from continued increases in capital expenditures. That information must be submitted by December 2.”

Evergy is required to file a Capital Investment Plan with the KCC annually. A report filed by Commission Staff in response to the 2022 report expressed concern that the expenditures outlined exceeded those reported in the STP by 21.82%. The 2022 five-year Capital Investment plan was $1 billion higher than the 2021 five-year plan, and this increased spending projection was on top of a previously announced $1 billion increase between Evergy’s 2020 and 2021 five-year plan.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Corporation Commission has scheduled a workshop “to give Evergy officials an opportunity to explain a dramatic increase in the company’s capital expenditure projections.”

According to a release from the KCC, the plan was filed earlier this year, and showed an increase of $1.2 billion compared to projections shared when the company presented its Sustainability Transformation Plan last year. 

The workshop is scheduled for the morning of December 13 at 9:30.

The release explains that “in an order issued on September 15, the Commission directed Evergy to work with KCC staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, [known as CURB] to schedule the workshop, which will be conducted by Zoom and available for public viewing on the Commission’s YouTube channel. The workshop will also be recorded for later viewing.”

During the workshop, the release notes, “Evergy will be asked to explain the necessity and impact of the proposed capital spending and answer questions from KCC Commissioners, Commission Staff and CURB.

Prior to the workshop, Evergy is required to file updated and comprehensive financial modeling showing expected retail rate changes resulting from continued increases in capital expenditures. That information must be submitted by December 2.”

Evergy is required to file a Capital Investment Plan with the KCC annually. A report filed by Commission Staff in response to the 2022 report expressed concern that the expenditures outlined exceeded those reported in the STP by 21.82%. The 2022 five-year Capital Investment plan was $1 billion higher than the 2021 five-year plan, and this increased spending projection was on top of a previously announced $1 billion increase between Evergy’s 2020 and 2021 five-year plan.

(KLZA)-- Johnson-Brock Industrial Technology Teacher Ashton Bohling was awarded a $50 thousand prize Tuesday morning during a surprise assembly, recognizing her excellence in skilled trades education.

Bohling is one of 20 winners of the 2022 Harbor Freight Tools for schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. There were a record 768 applications from all 50 states for this years awards.

The Johnson-Brock High School skilled trades program will receive $35 thousand and Bohling will receive $15 thousand.

Bohling has been the industrial technology teacher at Johnson-Brock High School for the past two years. She has a Biology Endorsement, a Work Based Learning Endorsement and a Masters of Applied Science Endorsement.

Troy Leavitt with Harbor Freight Tools made the presentation. He called Indusrial Technology teachers are hero's who do not receive enough recognition.

Bohling said after being a finalist for the award last year, she was surprised when she entered the gymnasium Tuesday morning.

Bohling said the Johnson-Brock IT program is important to help train people for careers as electricians, welders and plumbers, especially in small communities. She also noted she feels its important for students to have time during the school day to brainstorm and create, design and build. She also noted that some students who don't really like school, thrive in the shop area.

Johnson-Brock Superintendent Jeff Koehler said it's amazing what Bohling has done with the IT program. He said the money will benefit students by bringing in up-to-date technology into the classrooms and give kids hands on experience they can take out into the real world.

Koehler said Bohling has been a tremendous person on staff for the students and the school district.

Bohling said the students have been thinking of ways to improve the shop and the program, even before they knew about the Harbor Freight prize. Those could include a redesign of the shop plus some needed upgrades to the electrical system in the shop.

Bohling and her students have developed a lawn mower maintenance business out of the programs shop so her agribusiness students can get a mix of hands-on work while learning about sales, marketing, pricing, invoicing and other business principals.

In the past year, Bohling has established the first Johnson-Brock Skilled Technical Sciences Advisory Council. It is composed of six local industry professional and three current students. The Council aims to identify skills necessary to prepare students to enter the workforce, identify employment / work based opportunities for students and identify further learning opportunities for Bohling to keep up with industry standards.

(KAIR)--Kansas has seen an increase in child drug and fentanyl-related deaths while it also saw a slight decrease in youth suicides. That's according to a report from WIBW TV, which cites the Kansas Attorney General’s Office as saying that the State Child Death Review Board reported that the Sunflower State recorded an increase in the number of drug-related deaths in children between the ages of 0 and 17 - including a speedy rise related to fentanyl.

The board’s 2022 report analyzes the deaths of Kansas children which happened during the calendar year - the most recent year for which data is available. It found that the number of drug-related deaths rose to 16 in 2020 - up from five in 2019. There were 11 fentanyl-related deaths in 2020 after none were reported in the past four years.

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 500,000 Americans of all ages died from overdoses involving both illicit and prescribed drugs between 1999 and 2019.

In recent years, both statewide and nationwide, the data indicates an increase in the use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. While fentanyl is a prescription drug, the Office noted that it is also manufactured illegally. Frequently, it said fentanyl is incorporated into illegally manufactured pressed pills and mixed with other substances without the user’s knowledge.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth-based domestic abuse organization, which provides services to Atchison, is among others in Kansas receiving a portion of nearly $6.5 million in state grants “awarded to continue improving services for adult and child crime survivors.”

That’s according to a release issued by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, which explains that the funding comes from State General Funds and “will go toward nonprofits offering counseling, shelters, the statewide language-accessible crisis line, safety planning, advocacy for sexual and domestic violence survivors, and training for community-based direct service providers.”

Awarded $79,570 as part of the 2023 State General Fund for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Grant Awards is the Alliance Against Family Violence, based in Leavenworth.

In August 2019, the Atchison City Commission selected the Leavenworth organization to provide domestic violence services for the City of Atchison.

That followed the disbandment of DoVES Inc. in September, 2018, based on financial factors.

Another Leavenworth-based organization receiving funds, which also provides services to Atchison, is the First Judicial CASA Association, which is awarded $47,117 through the 2023 Children's Advocacy Centers Grant Awards.

The Association earns an additional $7,592 through the

The First Judicial District is comprised of Leavenworth and Atchison counties.

(KAIR)--A downtown Atchison monument, recognizing the man who is cited, despite his loss of legs, as laying thousands of bricks in a matter of hours during the creation of Atchison’s historic brick streets, will have to be repaired.

The statue of William “Deafy” Boular was damaged early Sunday morning when a vehicle struck both the statue and a nearby store.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 20-year-old John Hewitt was behind the wheel of the vehicle, eastbound in the 500 block of Commercial Street around 1:00 Sunday morning, when the vehicle left the roadway and struck the Boular statue and the Sacred Heart Thrift Store building, in the 400 block of Commercial Street.

Hewitt escaped injury in the crash, but was arrested for driving under the influence and transporting an open container.

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

The life-size statue of Boular, titled “Lessons from the Master,” was dedicated in 2013, three years after Boular was named one of the most fascinating people in Kansas history in a 2010 statewide contest.

Boular, born in 1869, lost his legs at the age of 12, when he was run over by a train he could not hear because he was deaf.

Boular, after the loss of his legs, was ultimately fitted with a special pair of boots, which fit the stumps of his legs, making him what the website RoadSideAmerica.com calls “the perfect height for the job of paving the sidewalks and streets of Atchison with bricks.”

Boular’s bricklaying became known worldwide when Ripley’s Believe It or Not, showcased Boular, claiming that he once laid 46,000 bricks over the course of one, eight-hour workday.

Boular died in 1953.

(KMZA)--The area’s autumn celebrations continue this Saturday, October 8, with the Firemen’s Fall Fest on the square in downtown Blue Rapids.

The event is sponsored by the Blue Rapids Fire Department and the Marshall County Arts Cooperative.

For the past nine years, the fest has been held at the Marshall County Fairgrounds. This year, the benefit is moving to downtown Blue Rapids.

“We’ve always wanted to have this on the square,” said Ryan Woodyard, a member of the fire department. “The forecast looks like it’s going to be in our favor Saturday for the fish fry and the great music.”

The event starts at 4 p.m. with a beer garden. The fish fry begins at 5 p.m. The meal includes catfish, homemade baked beans, potato salad, potato chips and tea. A freewill donation will be collected.

The community center will be open for those wanting to eat indoors.

Two bands will provide live music at the event. KJ Bowers will play from 5-8 p.m. and Big Time Grain Company will play from 8:30-11:30 p.m.

Bowers’ acoustic set will feature music from the 1970s through the 2000s.

No stranger to Marshall County, Big Time Grain Company headlines this year’s fest with country western and country rock. Last year, the band opened for The Beach Boys at Alcove Spring Historic Park. A few years ago they performed in Marysville for the Big Blue River Days celebration.

The event is a fundraiser for the fire department. Twenty-eight men are members of the team; they are led by Jason Hemry, chief.

“We are a proud and dedicated group of guys that enjoy serving and protecting our community,” Hemry said.

The fire department provides support to the city of Blue Rapids in addition to approximately 110 square miles surrounding the city.

The volunteer firefighters enjoy working with the community. A highlight for the group is during fire prevention week in October; they go to the Blue Rapids elementary school to give the students and faculty a lesson about fire safety at home and school.

Throughout the year they host fundraisers to raise money for the department and the community.

“Our annual fish fry is one of our big event fundraisers so that we can contribute money back to the July 4th fireworks display,” Hemry added.

In addition to the live music and food, bounce houses will be in front of the Blue Rapids Public Library, 14 Public Square. The bounce houses are sponsored by the Blue Rapids Community Action Team.

Those attending are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

This is the tenth annual fish fry. For more information people may call 785-859-4260.

(KNZA)--Former Fairview Mayor Charles Rogers is being remembered.

Rogers died Saturday at the age of 89.

He served ten years as mayor. In 2003, following the death of the incumbent mayor, Rogers was asked to step in and fill the remainder of his term. He was then elected to two full terms.

During his tenure, Rogers worked hard to secure funding for and coordinated the completion of the Fairview Community Center, which opened in 2006. He focused on improving the appearance of the town, with an emphasis on cleaning up vacant lots and removing unused structures. During his time as mayor, Rogers also contributed substantial sums of his own money to various community improvement projects-- including the restroom addition to the city building in the park and provision of bunker gear to the fire department. In addition, he was the main advocate and fund-raising organizer of the Fairview Veterans Memorial, an important and attractive addition to Fairview. In 2009, Rogers and his wife, Isabel, received the Fairview Distinguished Alumni Award for their outstanding service to the community.

Services for Rogers will be held Friday morning at 11:00 at the Fairview United Church of Christ. A visitation will be held from 9:00 until service time at the church.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission voted Monday to proceed with the development of a comprehensive plan for the county.

The plan will be prepared by Dick Horton Consulting, of Pittsburg, Kansas.

The commission began discussing the need for a comprehensive plan earlier this year as a way to guide decisions on how to regulate the development of large-scale wind energy projects in the county.

In June, the Commission approved a temporary moratorium on commercial wind energy projects in the county for an 18-month period to allow for a comprehensive plan to be developed.

The commission plans to use America Rescue Act Plan funding awarded to the county to fund development of the plan.

In other business, the commission received two additional requests for ARPA funding from the county.

Representatives of the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development requested $500,000 for a housing project in Hiawatha, while representatives of the Morrill Public Library, in Hiawatha, requested $150,000 for modernization of the library elevator and various repair projects.

The Commission is to begin considering ARPA funding requests at its October 10th meeting.

Following an executive session, the commission voted to move road crewman Bill Dean to full-time at a salary of $19.50 an hour.

Also county IT Director Sandy Carter announced her plan to retire, effective December 23. Carter has been with Brown County for 40 years.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of two, 2023 Ford patrol vehicles for the Sheriff's Department from Hullman's Ford, Lincoln, Mercury in Falls City when they met last week.

The price will b $45,011 for each vehicle.

Two purchase orders for equipment and installation for each unit with 911 Customs in Overland Park, Kansas at a cost of $9,990 each was also approved.

Deputy Sheriff Clinton Stonebarger reported to Commissioners that upgraded telephones through FirstNet, will be installed at the Law Enforcement Center at no additional cost through their promotional period.

It was also reported that security glazing glass panes in the Jail will be replaced. The vendor that provided the original material will cover the materials with the County responsible for the installation by Jim Hill's in Falls City at a cost estimated at $995.

(KLZA)-- The state of Nebraska has issued a health alert Friday for toxic blue-green algae, at Big Indian Lake in Gage County, Iron Horse Trail Lake Wildlife Management Area in Pawnee County, and Kirkman's Cove Lake in Richardson County.

Iron Horse Trail Lake and Kirkman's Cove Lake remained on alert this week after also being on the previous week.

These latest sampling results represent the end of the sampling season for NDEE and its partners. Sampling for toxic blue-green algae is conducted annually from May through September.

(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures declined in nearly all of the counties in extreme Southeast Nebraska for the month of August.

Richardson and Pawnee counties had unemployment rates of 2% for the month. Otoe County was at 2.1%; Gage County at 2.2%, Nemaha County was 2.3% which was the same as in July and the jobless rate in Johnson County was 2.6%.

Statewide the unemployment figure was 2.1% which is tied for the fourth best rate in the country with Vermont.

Minnesota has the best unemployment figures in the country at 1.9%, just ahead of New Hampshire and Utah at 2%.

Kansas and Missouri are tied for the 8th best unemployment rate at 2.8%.

(MSC News)--On Monday, Governor Laura Kelly announced Kansas’ September total tax receipts were $961.0 million. Those collections are $96.2 million, or 11.1%, more than the estimate, and reflect a $84.5 million, or 9.6%, growth from last September.  

“Thanks to our laser-sharp focus on creating quality jobs and attracting business to Kansas, we have now seen 26 months of revenue surpluses,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That has enabled us to provide tax credits for teachers and cut taxes for seniors, veterans, homeowners, and businesses – all while paying off debts and fully funding our schools.  These revenue estimates show we are making Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”  

Individual income tax collections were up $31.3 million, or 7.6%, for the month with $441.3 million collected. That is $34.5 million, or 8.5%, more than the same month in 2021. September corporate income tax receipts, which are comprised primarily of estimated tax payments, have continued to trend upward. Corporate income tax collections were $49.2 million, or 40.6%, more than the estimate with $170.2 million collected. That is a growth of $24.9 million, or 17.1%, from the same month last year. 

“The higher-than-expected corporate estimated payments suggests that corporations again anticipate favorable profit margins in 2022,” Revenue Secretary Mark Burghart said. 

Combined retail sales tax and compensating use collections were $309.6 million, 8.3%, or  $23.7 million, more than last September. 

(KAIR)--A Meriden motorcyclist, traveling in Wyandotte County Friday afternoon, was transported for hospital care after his Harley Davidson ran off the roadway and crashed.  

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 49-year-old Ryan Allerheiligen was exiting onto State Avenue West, from northbound I-435, when a Kia merged into his lane, causing the motorcycle to go out of control.  

The driver of the KIA is unknown, with the KHP reporting that the vehicle left the scene of the crash.  

Allerheiligen was transported to Overland Park Regional Hospital for the treatment of what the KHP report calls a "suspected minor injury."  

The wreck happened about 2:12 Friday afternoon.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man who attempted to burn down the restaurant where he worked is going to prison.  

That’s according to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, who says Troy Grimm, Wednesday, was sentenced in Leavenworth County District Court to 3-years-9-months of incarceration.  

Grimm, in August, plead no contest to arson for the March 22, 2022 fire at 513 N. 10th Street, the location of the Towne Pub. The Leavenworth Police Department investigated the arson at the establishment that had fired Grimm the very morning of the fire.  

The investigation led to the arrest of Grimm at his Leavenworth residence. It was there that police found materials used to make the Molotov cocktails that were similar to those found at the Towne Pub.

The fire caused no damage due to rainfall, and no one was hurt.

(KLZA)-- A16-year-old boy died from injuries suffered in a three-vehicle wreck Sunday evening on Interstate 29 in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates a northbound Honda Coupe, driven by 27-year-old Sarah Lockridge of Cape Girardeau, Missouri , was northbound in the passing lane of Interstate 29 when a semi truck driven by 58-year-old Jason Fedak of Spring, Texas attempted to merge from the driving lane into the passing lane and struck the rear passenger door of the Honda Coupe, which then traveled across the median and into the southbound lanes of I-29.

A southbound Subaru Outback driven by 50-year-old James Hood of Staplehurst, Nebraska, was in the southbound driving lane and struck the Lockridge car in the front passenger door. The Lockridge vehicle then skidded into the ditch off the west side of I-29 and struck a tree.

A 16-year-old male in the Lockridge Honda was pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released.

The driver, Sarah Lockridge was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with serious injuries and a 13-year-old male in the same car refused medical attention for what were described as minor injuries.

James Hood the driver of the Subaru suffered minor injuries and was also transported to the hospital in St. Joseph.

The driver of the semi, Jason Fedak was not injured.

The Holt County Sheriff's Department, Mound City Police Department, Mound City Rural Fire and the Atchison-Hot EMS all responded to the scene.

(KAIR)--An arrest is made in connection with a Saturday evening incident that left an Atchison pedestrian seriously injured.

Arrested Sunday afternoon for failure to stop at an accident that resulted in great bodily harm was Nortonville resident, Orie Holt.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 35-year-old Holt is the alleged driver of the westbound pickup truck, on U.S Highway 59, that struck 42-year-old Richard Burge, who was walking southbound across the highway, at 14th Street, around 6:40 Saturday evening.

Wilson said the truck failed to stop after Burge was struck, instead continuing to go west on the highway.

Burge was transported by ambulance to Amberwell Health in Atchison and was later flown to a Kansas City hospital with suspected serious injuries.

Wilson told MSC News Sunday that police located, and impounded, the truck believed to have been involved in the incident, with the investigation continuing.

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

(KNZA)--Firefighters responded to a house fire in Whiting early Saturday morning.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the fire was reported shortly before 5:20 at 135 Deforest Street.

The Whiting, Netawaka and Kickapoo Fire Departments responded.

Firefighters battled the fire and got it under control by day light.

Morse said the house was unoccupied at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Jackson County Sheriff‘s office.