(KAIR)--Unlawful entry into an Atchison residence, which led to the theft of a vehicle from that location, is under investigation by Atchison Police.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the unlawful entry into the residence, located in the 300 block of North 9th Street, occurred sometime between Christmas Eve and December 29.

According to Wilson, once the person was inside the home, they took a key to the vehicle that had been parked outside. It- described as a 2011, navy blue, Mazda hatchback. It remains missing.

No suspects are immediately known as the investigation continues.

In a separate case, Atchison Police are seeking information regarding a burglary that occurred at an apartment complex, located in the 200 block of North 4th Street.

Wilson says the burglary of three apartments in the complex happened sometime between December 17 and December 28, with a 32” Vizio television stolen from each one.

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

(KAIR)--A vacant Jackson County home caught fire early Friday morning, leaving area crews responding to the scene.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the fire began around 1:45 Friday morning, at 2348 270th Road, with the Solider and Holton Fire Departments, along with Jackson County EMS, responding to the blaze.

The Sheriff- Office, and the Kansas State Fire Marshal- Office, also responded to the scene of the fire.

According to Morse, “crews continued into daylight hours [Friday] extinguishing hot spots.”

It- believed the home had been vacant in recent months prior to the fire.

The Sheriff- Office, and Kansas State Fire Marshal- Office, are investigating.

Anyone with information related to the fire is urged to contact the Jackson County Sheriff- Office at 785-364-2251.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved the sale of another lot in the Community West Addition.

The Council, during their December 21 regular meeting, approved a contract with Senior Living Capital Group for the sale of lot 1 at a price of $21,475.

The lot abuts the property where Credo Senior Living is located, which is owned by Senior Living Capital Group.

The Community West Addition consists of four city-owned lots and is located west of the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.

In other business, the Council approved a request from the American Legion Riders to have a public fireworks display on July 8, 2023.

In addition, the Council voted to donate $2,500 to the Nemaha County United 4 Youth organization.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska gas tax will increase with the start of the new year.

The gas tax is going up 17 percent come January, or 4.2 cents, to make it 29 cents a gallon.

But the Nebraska Department of Transportation says these rates are adjusted every six months to account for anticipated new costs.

NDOT adjusts the gas tax rate every July and December to cover road and bridge repairs across Nebraska. That includes 10,000 miles of state highway and over 3,000 bridges. This next cycle, NDOT says it anticipates increased costs. NDOT has an annual operating budget of a billion dollars.

Nebraskans saw the highest gas tax rates right before and during the pandemic, with drivers coughing up 33 cents per gallon in the second half of 2020.

Creighton economist Ernie Goss told KETV in Omaha,that 27 other states still pay higher gas taxes than us. He does not expect Nebraska drivers to cut back on buying fuel either.

(KAIR)--The alleged possession of drugs, including that of fentanyl, leads to the arrest of a Pomona, Kansas woman in Jackson County.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the arrest of 32-year-old Chloe Graham followed a traffic stop which, in turn, led to her alleged escape on foot.

According to Morse, Graham- vehicle was stopped around 12:30 Thursday morning, near 142nd and U.S. Highway 75, for an alleged traffic infraction.

Leaving her passenger behind, Graham fled on foot, Morse said, with a Sheriff- Office drone used to locate her.

Once in custody, Graham was arrested on charges of possession of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of felony interference with law enforcement. According to Morse, she was also wanted on an outstanding warrant, related to drug charges in Douglas County, at the time of her arrest.

Graham was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Her passenger apparently was not arrested.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners will advertise for sealed bids for replacement of the Courthouse roof.

Bids will be opened on Tuesday, January, 24 at 11:00 a.m.

In other action during Tuesday's meeting of the Board, Commissioners approved an agreement with Prichard & Abbot, Inc. to provide professional appraisal services for oil and gas mineral interest for tax years 2023 and 2024 at a cost of $2,080 per year.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty discussed use of the metal building to the north of the Law Enforcement Center to be used as an evidence storage area. The Sheriff also reported that jailers have been issued body cameras to help with clarity on specific situation within the Jail from time to time.

Sue Krogman with the Nebraska Regional Interoperability Network met with the Board to update them on progress on the installation of the NRIN system in Richardson County. The system is a backup to the fiber optic system and plans are to have it completed by the Fall of 2023.

(KLZA)-- The minimum wage in Nebraska increases to $10.50 per hour on January 1.

Nebraska voters approved Initiative 433 in November which paves the way for wage increases of $1.50 per hour each year on January 1, pushing the minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2026. After that, wages will increase equal to the annual cost of living.

Minimum wage workers in Nebraska will earn an additional $3,120 per year due to the increase.

By 2026 California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Washington State will all have a minimum wage of at least $15 per hour.

The minimum wage in Kansas and Iowa is $7.25 per hour. In Missouri the minimum wage in 2023 will increase to $12 per hour.

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and has not increased since 2009.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission will hold a special meeting next month to select a person to fill a upcoming vacancy on the commission.

The Commission Tuesday evening further discussed plans for filling the vacancy that will be created with Commissioner Becky Shamburg is sworn in as mayor January 9.

Shamburg expressed concern that installing a new member during the regular January 9 meeting would place an unfair burden on a new commissioner to vote on items they are not up to speed on.

Commissioners agreed it would be best to hold a special meeting. City Attorney Andy Delaney will verify available dates. Delaney said the commission has ten days after the vacancy is created to appointment someone.

Commissioners also agreed to send 2-3 questions to those interested in filling the vacancy for a written response prior to the special meeting to help them in the selection process.

Those interested in filling the seat are asked to submit a letter of interest to City Hall before 5 p.m on January 3rd.

(KNZA)--Sewer rates are going up for customers of the city of Hiawatha.

The City Commission Tuesday evening approved an ordinance increasing rates about 43 percent, effective with the February 1, 2023 billing.

The city says the average customer will see an about a $25 increase in their monthly sewer rate.

The minimum charge for customers inside the city limits will increase about $14 a month to $45.80, while the minimum charge for customers outside the city limits will increase about $17 a month to $55.87.

In addition, customers inside the city limits will pay a user charge of $42.67 per 1,000 cubic feet of water adn those outside the city limits will pay a user charge of $85.34 per 1,000 cubic feet of water.

The last sewer rate increase was in 2017.

The Commission also earlier this month approved a 20 percent water rate increase, which will take effect with the February billing.

The last water rate increase was in 2016.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A pipeline operator has put a damaged section in Kansas back into service, a little more than three weeks after a spill dumped 14,000 barrels of crude oil into a creek.

Canada-based T.C. Energy announced Thursday that it had completed repairs, inspections and testing on its Keystone pipeline in northeast Kansas. The company said that allowed for a controlled restart of the section from near the Nebraska-Kansas line to northern Oklahoma.

The 2,700-mile Keystone system carries heavy crude oil from western Canada to the Gulf Coast and to central Illinois.

The spill occurred Dec. 7 in Washington County.

(KAIR)--A water emergency is declared in Atchison, as the City works toward conservation due to record low Missouri River levels.

The Atchison City Commission, Thursday, held a special meeting, unanimously adopting the resolution to make the emergency declaration.

A release explains that for several days, the City of Atchison “has been relying solely on a lesser-capacity auxiliary pump to draw from the river as the river level has dropped below the primary intake, and remains at that lower level, resulting in the need for emergency conservation measures to be taken.”

The release clarifies that “all industries and businesses that are affected by these measures have been contacted directly [through] a tiered protocol based on water consumption.”

That follows the City, on Tuesday, implementing mandatory water conservation efforts, which have now been lifted. The release explains that while no mandatory measures are in place for those not directly contacted, including residential households, “any voluntary conservation efforts that can be taken while maintaining health, hygiene and safety are encouraged.”

The release does warn that “further emergency conservation measures for lower-tier customers are possible, depending on the potential circumstances”, such as pump malfunctions or an extended period of low river flow.

The release cites ice jams, reportedly 60 miles in length and located upstream, as the primary cause of the current low river level.

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, which manages the Missouri River, is anticipating that warmer temperatures will alleviate the situation, but the unexpected movement of ice jams, once they break lose, make reliable forecasting difficult.

(KAIR)--A late Thursday morning, single vehicle Atchison crash sent the driver to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 72-year-old Pamela Williamson, of Atchison, was northbound in the 500 block of U.S. Highway 73 when her Kia passenger car left the roadway. When it did, the car struck a drainage culvert, went airborne, and landed on the roadway in the 900 block of Spring Street.

Williamson, identified as the lone occupant of her vehicle, was transported by Atchison County EMS to Atchison- Amberwell Hospital for treatment of her injuries.

The wreck happened around 11:20 Thursday morning.

(KAIR)--A 49-year-old Atchison man was arrested Thursday in connection with a burglary that occurred last month.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Jesse Cox was taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with burglary and theft.

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

Wilson, in a release, explains that on November 3, Atchison Police investigated an unlawful entry that had been made into a vacant residence, located in the 600 block of South 4th Street.

Taken during the burglary was an identification card.

Cox was apprehended during the early morning hours Thursday in the 500 block of U.S. Highway 73.

Police, meanwhile, have launched an investigation into a Christmas time residential burglary.

According to Wilson, the crime happened sometime between 2 p.m., on Christmas Eve, and 11:00 Christmas morning, in the 300 block of North 3rd Street.

Among the items stolen during the burglary was jewelry, clothing, and electronic equipment.

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

(KNZA)--A Troy man has been charged in the burglary of a Troy business earlier this month.

A criminal complaint was filed Tuesday in Doniphan County District Court charging 47-year-old Brandon Marriott with felony counts of burglary, theft and criminal damage to property.

Marriott is accused of breaking into Berwick Oil Company during the early morning hours of December 11.

Stolen was nearly $1,200 cash and multiple cartons of cigarettes. According to court documents, entry was gained by using a cement brick to break the window out of the back door of the business.

Marriott was arrested December 20 following a lengthy investigation by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Department, which included the execution of a search warrant on a residence in Troy.

He remains in the Doniphan County Jail, held on a $50,000 bond.

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Wednesday, signed an executive order which bans the use of the social media platform TikTok on all state-owned devices for Kansas executive branch agencies, boards, and commissions and their respective employees, and prohibits access on the state network.

According to a release from Kelly- office, the move comes “in response to the national security and privacy risks posed by TikTok, whose parent company is a Chinese-owned company subject to Chinese government requests for data, technology, and other intellectual property.”

The release explains that the Executive Order does not include employees in the Board of Regents, Regents Institutions, the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of Secretary of State, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the Office of the State Treasurer, the Department of Education, the Judicial Branch, nor the Legislative Branch of Government.

However, Governor Kelly is calling on all other state entities to implement similar policies.

The ban comes in response to recent warnings from both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Communications Commission that user data from the social media platform TikTok is potentially being shared with the Chinese government, posing both a national and cybersecurity threat. Kansas joins 14 other states, and the federal government, in implementing security policies related to TikTok. In addition to state action, Congress recently enacted a TikTok ban on all federal devices due to potential security concerns.

(KLZA)-- The FBI, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, is issuing a national public safety alert regarding an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for money—a crime known as financial sextortion.

Over the past year, law enforcement has received over 7,000 reports related to the online financial sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys, and more than a dozen suicides.

A large percentage of these sextortion schemes originate outside of the United States, and primarily in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast. As many children enter winter break this holiday season, the FBI and their partners implore parents and caregivers to engage with their kids about financial sextortion schemes so we can prevent them in the first place.

Armed with the information in this alert message, parents, caregivers, and children themselves should feel empowered to detect fake identities, take steps to reject any attempt to obtain private material, and if targeted, have a plan to seek help from a trusted adult.

Financial sextortion schemes occur in online environments where young people feel most comfortable—using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications that feel familiar and safe. On these platforms, online predators often use fake female accounts and target minor males, between 14 to 17 years old but the FBI has interviewed victims as young as 10 years old.

Through deception, predators convince the young person to produce an explicit video or photo. Once predators acquire the images, they threaten to release the compromising material unless the victim sends money or gift cards. Often the predators demand payment through a variety of peer-to-peer payment applications. In many cases, however, predators release the images even if payments are made. The shame, fear, and confusion that victims feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse.

If young people are being exploited, they are victims of a crime and should report it. Contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has outlined steps parents and young people can take if they or their child are a victim of sextortion, including:

• Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.

  Get help before deciding whether to pay money or otherwise comply with the predator. Cooperating or paying rarely stops the blackmail and continued harassment.

• REPORT the predator- account via the platform- safety feature.

• BLOCK the predator and DO NOT DELETE the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.

• Let NCMEC help get explicit images of you off the internet.

• Visit org/IsYourExplicitContentOutThere to learn how to notify companies yourself or visit cybertipline.org to report to us for help with the process.

• Ask for help. This can be a very complex problem and may require help from adults or law enforcement.

• If you don’t feel that you have adults in your corner, you can reach out to NCMEC for support at gethelp@ncmec.org or call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.

• Take a moment to learn how sextortion works and how to talk to your children about it. Information, resources, and conversation guides are available at fbi.gov/StopSextortion.

(KLZA)-- A Rock Port, Missouri, teenager suffered minor injuries in a wreck Tuesday evening at approximately 5:30, two miles west of Tarkio on U-S Highway 136.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a pickup driven by a 16-year-old male from Rock Port lost control on the ice covered roadway and traveled into the path of an SUV driven by 35-year-old Chris Miller of Tarkio, and the vehicles collided.

The injured teen was a passenger in the pickup and was transported by private vehicle to the Fairfax Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Both vehicles were totaled in the wreck.

(KAIR)--No one was hurt, but a mobile home was struck by gunfire, during an early Wednesday morning Atchison shooting.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers were called to the Decade Acres area of the 1900 block of Harper Drive, around 2:30 Wednesday morning.

Wilson, in the release, says “it was determined that a number of gunshots had been fired” with an occupied mobile home struck during the shooting.

No suspects are immediately identified.

The investigation is ongoing.

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

(KAIR)--Several local region communities are among 15 projects selected to receive a portion of nearly $773,000 in matching grant funds.

According to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, all 15 are “recipients of the fall 2022 Historic Economic Asset Lifeline grants to revitalize underused and dilapidated downtown buildings and turn them into economic drivers in Kansas communities.”

Among those in the local region named as recipients are the City of Meriden, in Jefferson County, set to receive nearly $34,000; the City of White Cloud, in Doniphan County, which is on track to receive $25,000; and two in Nemaha County, with $75,000 earmarked for the City of Corning, and another $75,000 designated for Seneca Downtown Impact Inc.

According to the release, the so-called HEAL program is made possible through “a strategic collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation,” explaining that the re-utilization of the underused and dilapidated “buildings as economic drivers creates additional opportunities for investment in downtown areas and is key to growing strong Kansas communities.

(KAIR)--Vehicle burglaries continue in Atchison, with the latest cases involving the theft of stereo equipment.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, one of the latest vehicle burglaries occurred sometime Saturday night, while the vehicle was parked in the 300 block of North 5th Street.

Taken in that burglary was a bluetooth stereo.

Another case, this one involving the theft of a subwoofer, occurred sometime over the past two weeks, according to Wilson.

The crime occurred while the vehicle was parked in the 600 block of Main Street.

Anyone with information about these, or any of the recent vehicle burglary cases, should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KNZA)--Jefferson County authorities have confirmed the identity of a man killed in a December 19th house fire.

WIBW-TV reports Sheriff Jeff Herrig says 38-year-old Jesse Smith died in the fire at 9172 Lakeshore Dr., east of Lake Perry.

Officials from the Kansas State Fire Marshal- Office helped recover Smith's remains the following morning.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Herrig says foul play is not suspected.

(KNZA)--Four individuals face charges after the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force recently executed two search warrants.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the Task Force served a search warrant on December 16 at 714 Iowa Street, in Hiawatha.

41-year-old Doug Milford and 66-year-old Steven Schler, both of Hiawatha,. were arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. In addition, Milford was arrested on a charge of criminal possession of a firearm along with two Brown County warrants for failure to appear.

Milford remains in the Brown County Jail, while Schler was released December 19th on an OR bond.

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

Following a lengthy investigation, Merchant said the Task Force executed a separate search warrant at 1435 K-20 Highway in Horton on December 17.

56-year-old Gene "Crow" Dunlap, of Horton, was arrested on charges of distribution of a controlled substance, possession of opiates, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and distribution of marijuana.

54-year-old Melissa Coy, of Horton, was arrested on charges of possession of opiates, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony obstruction.

Merchant said a quantity of suspected marijuana and fentanyl pills were seized, along with cash

Both Dunlap and Coy were given OR bonds and released from the Brown County Jail on December 19.

The Horton Police Department assisted.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners learned during their December 20 meeting that Community Medical Center in Falls City will discontinue providing Inmate Health Services for Richardson County as of February 1, 2023.

In a letter to Sheriff Rick Hardesty, the hospital said “due to the consistent increase in inmate census significantly impacting the hospitals time commitment with nursing staff” they will be terminating the contract.

The hospital will continue to provide Emergency Department Services, but noted the pricing for those services will be reviewed after the first of the year and may need to be adjusted due to price increases.

Sheriff Hardesty told Commissioners that his office will pursue other avenues for inmate care.

(KLZA)-- The Holt County Sheriff's Department arrested a man Thursday on a charge of vehicle hijacking.

On Wednesday, December 21 the Holt County Sheriff's Department responded to a report of a bank robbery at the Citizens Bank and Trust in Mound City.

As reported earlier, the man was dressed in black and a ski mask and was brandishing a firearm and demanded cash when he entered the bank, leaving with an undetermined amount of currency. The suspect was driving a black sedan when he left the bank.

About 8:45 Thursday morning, the Holt County Sheriff's Department received a call from an individual who said they thought they saw the suspects vehicle being loaded onto a tow truck.

While the Sheriff's Department was en route to the location, the driver of the sedan attempted to take the tow truck drivers vehicle. When law enforcement arrived, the individual, 41-year-old Marvin Joe McWhorter III, of Savannah, Missouri, was taken into custody and transported to Mosaic Life Hospital in St. Joseph.

During the time McWhorter was being discharged from the hospital, he attempted to escape, but was not successful.

An FBI spokesperson said last week that no federal charges had been filed in connection with the bank robbery at that time.

An investigation into the bank robbery by the FBI and the Missouri Highway Patrol is ongoing.

(KLZA)-- A man is in custody as an investigation continues into a bank robbery in Mound City, Missouri, that occurred Wednesday afternoon.

FBI spokesperson Bridgette Patton told MSC News that at approximately 1:40 Wednesday afternoon a lone male entered the Citizens Bank and Trust at 904 State Street in Mound City, brandishing a firearm and made a verbal command for cash, then fled the bank with an undetermined amount of currency.

A unidentified man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon, no details of where the arrest was made, or where the man is being held were made available. At this time, no federal charges have been filed and no other details have been released.

No one was injured during the robbery.

(KAIR)--The call for voluntary water conservation by City of Atchison water customers now becomes mandatory.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, the mandatory water conservation measures are being implemented “due to record low [Missouri River] levels which have limited [the City-] ability to draw a sufficient amount of water to meet the normal demand from domestic, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers.”

Among the customers affected are those in Atchison County Rural Water District #1.

The release explains that the City “is requiring all industrial and agricultural customers to limit the use of water to only what is necessary to maintain the health and personal hygiene of employees on duty,” while commercial/business customers, including restaurants and stores, are required “to limit the use of water to what is necessary to conduct normal operations including what is necessary to maintain the health and hygiene of employees and customers.”

All residential households, meanwhile, are being required “to limit use of water to what is necessary to maintain health and hygiene,” with the City clarifying that cooking, bathing, and doing laundry are acceptable uses of water. “Medical facilities are not being required to limit water usage but are encouraged to conserve water where possible and safe to do so.”

The City, on Tuesday, said the Missouri River level is expected to stay at record low levels for 2 to 3 days as a second ice jam makes its way downstream from Nebraska. The primary intake cannot currently pump any water due to the river level, so the City is utilizing an auxiliary pump which does not have the capacity to move as much water as the primary intake.

The release calls this “a critical time because any complication...can have a tremendous impact on [the City-] ability to supply and store water at this reduced capacity.” Forecasts show that “normal low” river levels will resume by the middle of next week, allowing the City to fully switch back to the primary intake and lift the water conservation measures.

(KNZA)--A Christmas Eve house fire, in the Doniphan County community of White Cloud, has left a family without a home.

A fundraiser has been established for Dan and Sheila Lock by their daughter, Amber Huffman.

According to the GoFundMe, put in place following the fire, the Lock- were uninsured at the time of the blaze, leaving the family only with the clothes on their backs.

The $4,000 goal, as of Monday, had already been well exceeded, with all generated funds to be used, the GoFundMe says, “to rebuild their lives.”

No injuries were incurred in the fire.

(KNZA)--An Atchison woman was killed Monday evening in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says killed in the collision at the intersection of U.S. 73 Highway and 179th Street, about three miles northwest of the city of Leavenworth, was 61-year-old Deborah Frans.

The Patrol says 29-year-old Kyle White, of Hiawatha, was driving a pickup truck eastbound in the westbound lanes of U.S. 73 when he struck a westbound SUV driven by Frans head-on shortly after 7:00.

Frans was pronounced dead at the scene.

White was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says both drivers were wearing seat belts and were alone in their vehicles when the wreck occurred.

(KLZA)--Auburn native Tony Fulton is resigning from his job as the Commissioner of the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

Governor Pete Ricketts thanked Fulton for his excellent service when making the announcement on Thursday.

Fulton has served as Commissioners since January 2016. During that time the State has been able to amass a record $1.7 billion in its cash reserves while also delivering historic amounts of tax relief.

Fulton ran a small business and represented a Lincoln-based district in the Legislature from 2007 - 2013.

Fulton's last day on the job will be December 30. He plans to retun to his business and become active in the private sector.

Deputy Tax Commissioner Glen White will become the interim Commissioner for the Department of REvenue on December 31.

(KLZA)--The first student to complete the Correctional Leadership Scholarship Program at Peru State College graduated December 16.

Paw Wah earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Legal Studies degree. Wah has been enrolled in the program since January, 2020 and was among the first three to complete the Staff Training Academy through the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

While in the program, Wah worked more than 1,250 ours on shift at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution while also attending classes at Peru State.

Wah went to work immediately up on graduation for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services

(KLZA)--Peru State College Students are getting hands-on experience with Red-tailed hawks as part of a research study.

Students in the Wildlife Techniques class recently were part of a trip to tag hawks in northeast Kansas.

Students were able to observe multiple plumage patterns, young and mature birds, bird banding, branchial blood sampling and were able to fix two of the transmitters to individuals with intriguing plumage variation.

Among the students taking part were local residents Molly Girard of Peru and Karley Dieckmann of Holton.

The completed work at Peru State is in support of the PhD dissertation research of Bryce Robinson of Cornelll University, focusing on resolving the populations and relationships between populations of the 14 recognized subspecies of Red-tailed hawks.

Students involved in the study will present their research at the annual Research and Creativity Expo held at the college.

(KNZA)--A weather-related wreck in Jackson County Wednesday evening claimed the life of a Holton woman.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said 23-year-old Sydney Prine was northbound on U.S 75 Highway near 214th Road, south of Holton, when she lost control of her 2008 Honda Civic on ice around 7:00.

Morse said Prine's car struck a truck belonging to a first responder who was already on scene along with other responders of a seperate accident caused by slick conditions.

Prine was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital, in Topeka, by Jackson County EMS where she died

(MSC News)--Governor Laura Kelly Friday announced the recipients of the fall 2022 Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize underused and dilapidated downtown buildings and turn them into economic drivers in Kansas communities. A total of 15 projects from across the state are receiving almost $773,000 in matching grant funds.

HEAL was created in 2021 as a partnership between the Patterson Family Foundation and the Department of Commerce. The first round of HEAL grants resulted in 32 commercial buildings being rehabilitated.

“I have long believed that when you make downtowns attractive, safe places to be, more businesses, better jobs, and greater community follow,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “That- why my administration has worked to bring life back into our town squares by resurrecting the Kansas Main Street program and by pursuing this partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation.

Interest in the program remains strong. A total of 30 applications were received during the latest HEAL grant round.

Locally, the fall 2022 HEAL grant awardees include:

City of Corning, Nemaha County - $75,000
City of Meriden, Jefferson County - $33,950
City of White Cloud, Doniphan County - $25,000
Seneca Downtown Impact Inc., Nemaha County - $75,000

The program is possible because of a strategic collaboration with the Patterson Family Foundation. Through leveraging resources, greater impact is possible for these Kansas communities. The re-utilization of these buildings as economic drivers creates additional opportunities for investment in downtown areas and is key to growing strong Kansas communities.

“Active downtown areas give a sense of place to small communities,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, President of the Patterson Family Foundation. “We were happy to join the Department of Commerce and its partners in helping create new opportunities through revitalization.”

The spring 2023 HEAL round will open February 15 and close March 31. An informational webinar will be offered via Zoom at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 2. Register for the webinar and find more information about the spring 2023 HEAL program at kansascommerce.gov/heal.

(KAIR)--A two day trial in Leavenworth County District court leads to the conviction of a 30-year-old man who threatened another with a handgun that discharged and caused injuries.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, Antoine Courtney, of Leavenworth, was found guilty this week on the charge of aggravated battery.

Sentencing for Courtney is scheduled for January.

The release explains that Courtney, on June 6, 2021, approached a man, outside a home in the 1000 block of Leavenworth- Miami Street, where he pulled a gun and a struggle began.

During that struggle, the gun discharged, shooting the victim in the leg and shattering his bone, which led to multiple surgeries to repair it.

Following the shooting, Thompson says Courtney walked away from the crime scene.

It took the Leavenworth County District Court Jury less than 30-minutes to convict Courtney.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is asking customers of its water supply to continue voluntary water conservation efforts put in place earlier this week due to the affects of frigid temperatures, and ice build up, at the City- river intake.

The City of Atchison, on Wednesday, put out the announcement that voluntary conservation was needed, as a failure to do so “could result in complications impacting [the City-] ability to draw and store water and provide water service to Atchison residents, businesses, and agencies.”

The release explained that the City, on Tuesday, “became aware of an ice jam in the river moving [toward the City] over the next few days,” adding that the ice jam is making its way from Nebraska.

The latest release says “the ice jam is expected to pass by Atchison sometime this weekend.”

In the meantime, efforts have been underway to clear the ice and insulate the pump hoses at the river intake, which allows the City to produce drinking water for its customers.

The low river level, brought on by the freezing temperatures, has made it impossible for the City to use its permanent intake pump at the river, leading to use of the auxiliary intake pump, with City crews, ranging from Public Works to the Fire Department, “battling frigid temperatures and ice build up at the river intake,” with “efforts to clear the ice and insulate the pump hoses” continuing, leaving the pumps to perform what the City calls “at an adequate level.”

(KLZA)-- No details are available so far on a bank robbery that occurred in Mound City, Missouri, Wednesday.

The FBI is investigating the robbery that occurred at the Citizens Bank and Trust, at 904 State Street.

A law enforcement officer who spoke to MSC News said he had no information to release but did say he had not heard of any injuries involved in the robbery.

(KLZA)- Peru State College has announced that one million dollars has been raised in the Project ROAR fundraising campaign.

Peru State President Dr. Michael Evans made the announcement recently but noted there is still a long way to go.

The project will add more than 104-thousand square feet of indoor space to the campus. Three of the buildings will be near the baseball and softball fields at the Centennial Complex south of the mian campus. The other two will be build on a practice field north of the Oak Bowl.

Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible donation can call the Peru State College Foundation office at 402-872-2304. or email Ted Harshbarger at tharshbarger@peru.edu.

(KLZA)-- City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum touched on several topics in his report to the Falls City Council on Monday night.

The Falls City Police Department has been notified their grant application for funds toward a new patrol unit was successful. $50 thousand from the USDA will go toward the total cost of approximately $68 thousand for the vehicle and equipment for the vehicle.

In 2021 the Police Department submitted a successful grant, receiving $200-thousand to use toward the purchase of equipment.

Nussbaum also reported the City is making progress on the abatement of nuisance properties. Recently a houses at 807 East 12th and 1704 Morton have been torn down. City crews also cleaned up a total of four lots in the 1100 block of Lane Street. The remaining mobile home and existing burned out house debris is planned to be razed by the end of January.

While the City was not successful in obtaining a DTR grant to help with the costs of electrical upgrades, Nussbaum said the City will continue to seek funds through the CDBG program to help pay for the improvements.

In addition, it was noted the Falls City Chamber / Main Street organization has received notice they will receive a $10 thousand planning grant to help with their efforts to establish a Creative District. The planning grant will aid in the full application for the Creative District Grant of up to $250 thousand.

(KAIR(00An Atchison man, accused of stalking and threatening an ex-girlfriend, is going to prison.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sheri Becker, Thomas Blankenship was sentenced this week, in Atchison County District Court, to one year of incarceration.

The 39-year-old Blankenship, in November, plead no contest to the charges of criminal threat and stalking, ending a planned trial.

According to Becker, the Atchison Police investigation, leading to the charges and prison sentence, began in August, following a report that a woman who worked at Max's BP, west of Atchison, was threatened by Blankenship while she was on duty.

Police learned that the woman was Blankenship- ex, and that he "had been stalking her in the days leading up to the criminal threat" made inside the convenience store.

(KAIR)--All non-essential Atchison County offices are closed now until Tuesday.

The decision to close early, leaving the doors locked Thursday, came due to the extreme windchill and snowfall.

According to a release from Atchison County Emergency Preparedness Director Wes Lanter, the closure follows discussion with the Atchison County Commission Chair, with the decision made to leave only essential offices operating. Those include dispatch, law enforcement, EMS, Atchison County Senior Village, and the County- Road and Bridge Department.

According to Lanter, the non-essential offices will resume normal business hours Tuesday, following the winter and holiday break.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved resolutions to abate nuisance properties at 1205 Harlan Street, 2009, 2010 and 2015 Stone Street when they met Monday night.

The resolution states the 1205 Harlan house is a menace to the public health or safety of the people of Falls City and may prove detrimental to children.

The properties on Stone Street are described as a menace to the public safety and listed complaints about an increase in the rodent population at surrounding homes, rubbish in the yards, overgrown grasses and weeds and use of enclosed trailers for storage.

Passage of the resolutions authorize the City Attorney's Office to bring a civil action to abate the nuisances.

(KMZA)--Slick road conditions are blamed for an early Wednesday evening two-vehicle collision in Nemaha County that sent three Hiawatha residents to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on V Road about four miles northwest of Sabetha shortly after 5:30.

According to the KHP report, 31-year-old Conser Interiano was northbound when he lost control of his Ford Fiesta on the icy road. His vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a southbound semi head-on.

Interiano and two passengers in his car, 18-year-old Santas Interiano and 18-year-old Gerson Interiano, were transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The semi driver, from Houston, Texas, was not hurt.

The Patrol says all four occupants were wearing seatbelts when the wreck occurred.

(KLZA)--- Much of the listening area looks to be facing blizzard conditions through Thursday, with dangerous travel conditions, including extreme cold, impacting travelers. Temperatures in some parts of the state will get no higher than -30 degrees along with potential wind chills of -70 degrees.

Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) crews are prepared for another major snow event.

While amounts of snow could fluctuate from several inches to 6 inches or more, concerns are for winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour, along with the dangerously cold wind chills.

Travelers are advised to be alert, be aware and check the most up to date travel conditions available through 511, Nebraska- Advanced Traveler Information System. The system is available at all times via phone by, online at www.511.nebraska.gov, Nebraska 511- smartphone app or by dialing 511.

Travelers are also encouraged to utilize NDOT- Plow Tracker at plows.nebraska.gov where the public will be able to observe road conditions in real time from the cabs of NDOT snowplows.

Please note that weather conditions are often worse than they appear on camera.

Should travel be absolutely necessary, NDOT reminds motorists to be prepared with warm clothing, water and food. Be sure to travel on well-established routes and notify someone when you are leaving for your destination. If traveling a distance, a winter weather survival kit is advised with additional basic items.

If you must travel, do not drive faster than conditions allow. Surfaces will be slick under the snow and visibility may be poor. Allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

With snowplows out on the roads, travelers are urged to be cautious and courteous to those operating them, making sure to:

· Slow down as you approach plows. They travel slowly, usually 25-30 miles per hour or less.

· Stay well behind plows to give you and them plenty of room. When traveling outside of a business or

residential district, it is unlawful to follow a highway maintenance vehicle more closely than 100 feet when it is plowing snow, spreading salt or sand, or displaying a flashing amber or blue light.

· Never pass a plow on the right - snowplows are equipped with “wing plows” which extend beyond the
truck itself.

· Know where plows are and actions they may be taking while they plow snow.

Motorists are reminded to make sure everyone in their vehicle wears a seat belt and children are in a car safety seat. Do not use cruise control in wet or snowy weather and keep a full gas tank.

(KAIR)--November- approval of a new Atchison Countywide sales tax, set to replace one that had controversially remained in place since 1993, is cited as the key reason for the City of Atchison- move to increase the residential solid waste fee by $19.25 per month.

Atchison City Manager Amy Finch, on Monday, addressed the City Commission, outlining the financial effects the new tax means for the City.

In November, the County proposed a ballot measure that would repeal the 1993 sales tax and replace it with a 3⁄4 cent sales tax that would be fully retained by the County.

The ballot measure passed and the repeal and replace is expected to take effect April 1, 2023.

Following the presentation by Finch, and comments by Commissioners including their reluctance to make the increase, the resolution to do just that was approved unanimously.

The City notes that eligible low-income senior residents may qualify for a reduced rate of $9.63 per month.

The sales tax set for replacement was approved by voters in 1993 to fund joint communications and solid waste.

Years of controversy surrounding the disbursement of the generated funds ultimately led to the Atchison County Commission- approval to give voters a chance to approve a replacement.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is calling on all of its water customers “to employ voluntary water conservation measures to limit water uses until further notice.”

That- according to a release issued Wednesday afternoon by the City, which says, due to river conditions, a lack of conservation “could result in complications impacting [the City-] ability to draw and store water and provide water service to Atchison residents, businesses, and agencies.”

The release, issued by Atchison City Manager Amy Finch, calls potential issues stemming from the Missouri River- current conditions “a perfect storm potential for a critical situation.”

The release explains that the City, on Tuesday, “became aware of an ice jam in the river moving [toward the City] over the next few days,” adding that the ice jam, making its way from Nebraska, “is causing the river to back up,” with the City anticipating another one-and-a-half-foot drop in river levels over the next 48 hours,” as of Wednesday afternoon. The drop, the release explains, “creates a unique and unprecedented situation with the convergence of several factors,” with the City currently “relying solely on the auxiliary intake pump to pull water from the river until river levels are restored after the ice jam passes.”

The current low river level has made it impossible for the City to use its permanent intake pump at the river, leading to use of the auxiliary intake pump.

Reliance on the backup pump, the release notes, “creates a fragile situation,” explaining that the combination of factors means the City- ability to produce water “at normal capacity is more vulnerable, or at risk, than normal,” leading to the call for voluntary water conservation.

Voluntary cooperation in conserving water, the release says, “will help [the City] mitigate the effect of the [current factors] that could result in complications impacting [the City-] ability to draw and store water and provide water service.”

That- due to “freezing temperatures potentially affecting the function of the auxiliary pump system, and extremely cold temperatures that may cause water main breaks,” with the approaching ice jam possibly meaning “complications which impact [the City-] ability to draw water from the river and/or maintain a maximum amount of water storage” for a three day supply.

The voluntary water conservation effort will stay in place until further notice.

(KNZA)--With the expected forecast, the City of Hiawatha would like to remind city residents that the priority of the street crews is the removal of snow from the streets. Please have vehicles removed from the snow routes for crews to completely clean streets for safe travels.

Street crews will not be clearing snow from commercial and residential alleyways other than those associated with emergency services and located behind the Hiawatha LEC and Fire Department, located adjacent to the Brown Co. Sheriff's Department and the area adjacent to Town and Country Ambulance Service. The Street crews will prioritize the clearing of streets as follows:

Snow Routes including:

(a) Oregon Street from First Street to Hopi Street;

(b) Sixth Street from Delaware Street to Utah Street;

(c) Seventh Street from Delaware Street to Utah Street;

(d) Delaware Street between Sixth Street and Seventh Street;

(e) Utah Street between Sixth Street and Seventh Street;

(f) First Street between the north city limits and the south city limits.

(g) Miami Street from First Street to Twelfth Street

(h) Iowa Street from First Street to Hopi Drive

(i) Twelfth Street from U.S. 36 Highway to Oregon Street

All other streets will be cleared in a timely manner after ensuring that the snow routes have been cleared.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved a bid for a road improvement project.

The Commission Monday approved a bid from Bergkamp Construction, of Wichita, to reclaim and put cement in the base of an eight-mile stretch of the Goff-Oneida Road. The bid was for $1,313,633.

It was among two bids received. Bettis Asphalt submitted of bid for $ l,510,409.

County Attorney Brad Lippert informed commissioners that the city of Seneca has agreed to five-year terms on two agreements with the county---one for dispatch services and the other for lease of the city-owned ambulance facility. County Commission Chairman Dylan Keim signed the lease agreement for the EMS building as presented, which calls for the county to pay the city $17,640 annually.

In other business, the commission approved a lease agreement with the Seneca Housing Authority for the Seneca Nutrition Center for 2023. Senior Services/Public Transit Director Tammy Epple said the cost has been reduced from $800 per month to $500 per month.

The commission will hold a special meeting Tuesday, December 27, beginning at 8 am, to consider adoption of a proposed amended 2022 budget for Nemaha County and to discuss pay and benefits for county employees for 2023.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Sheriff's Department wants to thank everyone that donated items to the “Stuff the Cruiser” events December 10 and 17.

More than 400 toys were donated and will be distributed through Southeast Nebraska Community Action.

Sheriff's Department cruisers were set up at Dollar General Stores in Humboldt and Falls City and at Ace Hardware in Falls City where donations were made.

(KLZA)--The two-year legal fight is not yet over between the loser of a 2020 GOP-on-GOP legislative race and the Nebraska Republican Party that accused her in ads of wrongdoing.

Nebraska City business owner Janet Palmtag lost her defamation lawsuit against the state GOP, a Lancaster County District Court judge ruled Friday in a summary judgment.

District Judge Andrew Jacobsen ruled that Palmtag- legal team failed to clear the higher bar for public figures alleging defamation, saying they didn’t prove the GOP acted with “actual malice.”

Her lawyer, David Domina, said Monday that he plans to appeal the judgment to the Nebraska Supreme Court. He said he sees several potential positives in the ruling for Palmtag.

According to The Nebraska Examiner, the court found she did not violate the law. Domina said Palmtag did not lose her license and the question is whether there was actual malice. He said Palmtags case belongs to the jury.

Part of Jacobsen- ruling found that a reasonable person could read the GOP ads inaccurately and think that Palmtag had gotten in legal trouble herself and lost her real estate license.

The GOP sent ads to southeast Nebraska- Legislative District 1 saying Palmtag, a licensed real estate agent in Nebraska and formerly Iowa, “broke the law” and “lost her real estate license.”

Someone working for Palmtag- real estate firm, J.J. Palmtag Inc., had gotten in trouble in Iowa, documents show, and she as the corporate officer had to sign off on an order issuing a fine.

Palmtag, a long-time state GOP volunteer, lost the race to State Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar.

Slama had recently been appointed to the seat by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. The state GOP, for which Ricketts was the top donor, donated another $113,000 to Slama and spent nearly $50,000 on ads and materials opposing Palmtag.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved moving forward with obligating remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds for general government operations as allowed when they met Monday evening.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum presented a list of possible ways those funds, totaling over $700 thousand could be spent. The funds need to be obligated by December 31, 2024 and expanded by the end of 2026.

Among the suggestions was creation of a $100 thousand fund to be utilized for abating nuisances.

The largest amount proposed was for helping with the cost of the reed bed restoration at the wastewater plant that may have a price tag of around $400 thousand.

Another proposal was creating of a sidewalk assistance program that could be utilized in both the downtown and by private citizens

Another idea presented was for a new records system for the city. The new system could come with a price tag of just over $200 thousand depending on what is included.

(KNZA)--22nd Judicial District Judge Jim Patton is retiring next month after 27 years on the bench.

Patton has served 22 years as the district's administrative judge, overseeing local operations in the court system that includes Brown, Doniphan, Marshall and Nemaha Counties.

Patton's successor on the bench will be current District Magistrate Judge Laura Johnson-McNish. Johnson-McNish, who ran unopposed, was elected in November and will take office in January. She is to be sworn in January 13.

District judge's serve four-year terms. The Kansas Supreme Court, which oversees Kansas' court system, will appoint a new administrative judge to succeed Patton. The other district judge is John Weingart, of Hiawatha, who has served on the bench for twenty-two years.

Governor Kelly will appoint a new magistrate judge to replace Johnson-McNish.

(KNZA)--Additional repairs will need to be made to the elevator at the Brown County Courthouse before its put back into service.

County Commission Chairman Lamar Shoemaker said Monday that the hydraulic jack on the elevator went out while the elevator was recently being pressure tested.

Shoemaker said a quote was received from MEI-Total Elevator Solutions, of Topeka, to replace the jack at a cost of $88,298.

MEI was awarded the more than $100,000 contract earlier this year for renovation of the elevator, which was installed in 1980.

The company began work on the renovation project November 29. Replacement of the elevator jack wasn't part of the project.

Commissioners voted Monday to declare an emergency exist, and to accept the quote from MEI for replacement of the jack. That will allow the commission to bypass the standard required bid-letting process so the repair can be completed without delay. MEI indicated they could complete the repair before the end of the year, otherwise it would be February at the earliest.

(KAIR)--A late Tuesday morning fire has left an Atchison home uninhabitable, but no injuries are reported.

Atchison Firefighters were called to 1016 Kansas Avenue around 10:15 where, Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar, in a release, says they “found the west side, one story addition of a 2-story home, engulfed in flames,” with the design of the structure allowing the fire to spread to the 2-story, center portion of the home “making it difficult for [fire] crews to reach.”
According to Weishaar, firefighters were able to make their way to the second story, where they accessed the attic, with the fire “able to be contained but had spread to an additional add-on of the home, to the east and south sides.”

After battling the fire for over 2-hours, as temperatures hovered in the teens, Weishaar says it was finally able to be fully extinguished.

All of the home- occupants were able to escape without injury, but Weishaar says “it was reported that some family pets were lost.”

The family is receiving assistance from the Atchison Salvation Army.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.

The Atchison Police Department and Atchison County EMS assisted at the scene.

(KAIR)--New leadership for the City of Atchison, with a new City Commissioner selected, and installed, Monday.

Chosen through a unanimous vote of the Commission to fill a seat left vacant was La Rochelle Young.

Once selected and sworn in, Young was seated at the Commission table to oversee business during Monday- meeting.

Young will serve out the term of former, longtime City Commissioner Dr. Allen Reavis who was elected in November to serve as 1st District Atchison County Commissioner.

(KLZA)-- Utilities, social service agencies and fuel companies have spent months urging people to take some simple steps to slice the edge off winter heating bills.

Experts project that this winter- bills could outpace last year- tallies by 15% to 50%, as shifting demand, global instability and inflation increase the costs of natural gas, propane and electricity.

The Nebraska Examiner says the time to conserve energy is now if customers want to avoid an early financial hit from an arctic blast that arrives this week in the Midwest, bringing highs in the single digits and earlier-than-typical, sustained lows below zero.

The most important step to save money is setting the thermostat a little lower than typical. Most utility officials suggested 68 degrees — warm enough to keep water pipes from bursting but cool enough to save some cash. Another big help: turning down the thermostats on water heaters.

Natural gas customers are facing a second straight pricey winter for gas, driven primarily by more people and places competing for tightened supplies.

Another factor driving up prices is the global push for cleaner-burning electricity production, natural gas instead of coal or oil to produce power.

Increased natural gas use for electricity has increased the off-peak prices that utilities and gas companies pay to buy gas in the summer, to store for winter use when the gas typically costs more.

Rural and exurban customers who heat their homes with propane face higher costs, as well, but perhaps less volatility this winter than last, according to dealers.

Regional supplies feel solid for the winter, if it doesn’t get too cold for too long. Prices have come down a bit from this fall. But propane dealers are feeling a pinch from the increased exports to Europe.

Utility leaders urged anybody worried about higher prices to contact their provider and join a budget billing program. These programs spread costs over a longer period of time — often a year.

People who need help with their bills have options, as well, from applying to charities run by and for utilities and their private foundations to the federally funded and state-administered Low Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.

In Nebraska, applications this year are already ahead of 2021- record tally, according to public records provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The state had more than 74,000 applications for the assistance so far this year, compared with 70,499 applications in 2021 and 66,538 in 2020, during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(KLZA)-- A Maryville, Missouri man was pronounced dead at the scene of a single vehicle wreck Monday evening in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 50-year-old James Hurst was eastbound on Route C, approximately two-and-a-half miles west of Maitland at 8:00 P.M. when his pickup began to slide on the ice covered roadway and traveled off the south side of the road, striking two trees and overturning onto the driver's side.

The Holt County Sheriff's Office and Atchison-Holt Ambulance also responded to the scene.

(KAIR)--Two vehicles stolen from Atchison have been recovered.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 67-year-old victim reported the theft of a 1995 Honda Civic from the 600 block Main Street parking lot sometime between December 15 and December 17.

Wilson said the car was recovered by the Atchison County Sheriff- Department on Saturday in the southern part of Atchison County.

Also, he said a 1991 Chevrolet Geo convertible that was reported stolen from the 900 block Ann Street on November 30th was recovered on Saturday in Dekalb, Missouri by the Buchanan County, Missouri Sheriff- Department.

Both vehicle thefts remain under investigation.

(KNZA)--The Board of Education for the Atchison County Community Schools of USD 377 is moving forward with a project to upgrade the HVAC system at the Junior-Senior High School.

After reviewing cost estimates, the board voted last week to have DCS Services get bids for the project at a cost of up to $200,000.

The design of the Junior-Senior High School HVAC system cuts off air to the classrooms as the rooms cool and heaters begin to run.

Officials say the control system is out of date and is set up so that only one company can come work on it. The upgrade will allow the school district to have more competitive pricing when needing to make repairs to the system as well as provide more fresh air consistently to the classrooms.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment awarded $150,000 in grant funds to improve the air quality in the building and those funds will go toward the project.

(KNZA News)--Sixty-one recipients--including several locally--will receive nearly $2.7 million to invest in rural communities across Kansas.

Kansas Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland last week announced the award recipients for the new Strategic Economic Expansion and Development grant program.

Awardees are located in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of four quality-of-life categories. Those categories include childcare and senior programming; community vibrancy; food retail; and libraries.

Locally, Doniphan County Economic Development was awarded a more than $49,000 grant. The funding will be given to Doniphan County Library District No. 1 for needed renovations and upgrades at the Elwood Branch, which currently houses the Elwood Leisure Hour Senior Center. In addition, funds will be given to Doniphan Darlings, a nonprofit daycare center in Highland, for the purchase of materials and required shade structure.

The Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce was awarded a more than $49,000 grant for community vibrancy, food retail and library projects.

The Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development was are awarded a $25,000 grant for childcare, community vibrancy and library projects.

Friends of Vermillion, Inc. in Marshall County was awarded a nearly $38,000 grant for a community vibrancy project.

The award recipients are required to provide a minimum 10-percent match as well as complete the projects within 12 months.

(KNZA)--Holton Elementary School Principal Randy Fox is retiring at the end of the current school year.

The Holton USD 336 School Board accepted his resignation when they met last week.

Fox has served at principal at Holton Elementary for three years.

He is retiring after a more than 30 year career in education.

The Board, also at the meeting, gave its approval for the district to send out a letter to district staff to gauge interest in having the district sponsor a daycare center for kids up to 4-years of age. The daycare, which would operate during regular school hours, would be for young children of teachers and other district staff members.

(KLZA)-- The United States Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey have ordered the names of two area creeks changed.

Squaw Creek that runs through Atchison, Holt and Nodaway counties in Northwest, Missouri has been renamed Minnesota Valley Creek and includes Middle Branch Squaw Creek and East Branch Squaw Creek.

Middle Branch Squaw Creek is now Middle Branch Minnesota Valley Creek and East Branch has now been renamed East Branch Minnesota Valley Creek.

In Atchison County, MO., Squaw Creek was renamed Center Creek.

The new names became official December 8.

Waters on the Kickapoo Reservation in Brown County, Kansas, named Squaw Creek have been renamed Oaks Creek.

In November, 2021, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland declared “squaw” to be a derogatory term and ordered a task force to find replacement names for valleys, lakes, crrkds and other sites that used the word.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance when they met December 14, setting the regular election for the City of Mound City to be held Tuesday, April 4, 2023 to elect an Alderman from the South Ward and an Alderman from the North Ward for two-year terms.

City Clerk Annissa Brandon reported that she had met with the City Attorney to discuss the new regulations on marijuana. The recommendation from the attorney was for the Council to look over and discuss the topic during the January 8 Council meeting.

Scott Panning reported on the new lead and copper rules that DNR is implementing and said inspections of service lines will be need to be completed by October, 2024.

(KAIR)--The 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene January 18 and 19 to interview nominees to fill a district judge vacancy created when Chief Judge David King retires January 1.

The 1st Judicial District is composed of Atchison and Leavenworth counties.

Justice Eric S. Rosen, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 1st Judicial District, said individuals can apply or be nominated, but nominations must come on a nomination form and include the nominee's signature.

District judge appointment process

To be considered for district judge, a nominee must be:

• at least 30 years old;

• a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least five years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school; and

• a resident of the judicial district at the time of taking office and while holding office.

The nominating commission selects three to five people whose names are submitted to the governor to fill the position according to statutory qualification and residency requirements.

The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide whom to appoint.

Nomination process

Nominations must be accompanied by a nomination form available from the clerk of the district court in Atchison and Leavenworth counties, clerk of the appellate courts in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka, or online at https://www.kscourts.org/judges/become-a-judge.html.

Nominations must be submitted by paper copy. The deadline to submit a nomination with a like number of supporting documents is noon Friday, January 6. No documents will be accepted digitally or by fax.

Paper submissions require one original and nine copies of the completed nomination form with a like number of supporting documents, and one executed release form, to be sent to:

Ronald Bates Jr., secretary

1st Judicial District Nominating Commission

529 Delaware St

Leavenworth, KS 66048

Public interviews

The nominating commission will convene at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, with interviews starting at 9 a.m. and continuing Thursday, January 19. Interviews will be in Courtroom 2 at the Leavenworth Justice Center, 601 S 3rd St. Interviews are open to the public.

(KNZA)--USDA Rural Development is investing nearly $480,000 in critical infrastructure to combat climate change and expand access to clean energy for people across rural Kansas.

The funding is through the Rural Energy for America Program, which helps farmers and rural businesses and entrepreneurs purchase and install renewable energy systems and make improvements to energy efficiency.

Grants have been awarded for 11 renewable energy projects in Kansas—including a local project.

A nearly $67,000 grant will help rural Sabetha dairy operator Anita Rokey purchase and install a 129-kilowatt ground mounted solar array. According to a news release, the project will save an estimated 194,147 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, enough energy to power nineteen homes. Rokey currently has three full-time employees and six part-time employees.

(KNZA)--A rear-end collision Saturday afternoon in St. Joseph sent a Lancaster, Kansas woman to the hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says a SUV driven by 21-year-old Anna Huffman, of Savannah, was on the southbound Interstate-29 exit ramp at Fredrick Avenue when she rear-ended a Kia Optima driven by 48-year-old Mallard Berry, of Lancaster, which had slowed for oncoming traffic merging.

A passenger in the Kia, 46-year-old Rose Berry, was transported to Mosiac Life Care, in St. Joseph, with suspected moderate injuries.

The drivers were not injured.

The Patrol says all three occupants were wearing seatbelts when the wreck occurred shortly before 3:30 Saturday afternoon.

(KMZA)--A single-vehicle roll-over wreck in Lyon County Friday afternoon claimed the life of a Wetmore man and left a Wetmore woman hospitalized.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 79-year-old Wayne Segenhagen was traveling on Interstate-335 when he made an " evasive maneuver" to avoid a slow moving vehicle. He overcorrected and lost control of his Ford Explorer, which overturned several times before coming to rest in a ditch.

Segenhagen was pronounced dead at the scene.

His 76-year-old passenger, Anna Segenhagen, was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says both were wearing seatbelts when the wreck occurred around 4:20 Friday afternoon.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, wanted since 2014 on child sex-related crimes, is now in custody.

That- according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says the now 40-year-old Austin Kau was investigated in December, 2014 in connection with a child victim under the age of 14. However, Kau, during the investigation, was taken into custody in Buchanan County, Missouri on an unrelated Missouri case.

Since that time, Wilson says, Kau has remained in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections until his release this week to the Atchison County Jail.

Kau, Wednesday, was arrested on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with aggravated criminal sodomy.

The warrant had been filed in February, 2015.

In a separate case, an Atchison man is arrested in connection with an October domestic disturbance that sent a woman to the hospital.

According to a release from Police Chief Wilson, 27-year-old Zachary Elmore was arrested Wednesday on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with aggravated battery and criminal damage to property.

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

According to Wilson, police were called to the 1000 block of Riley Street during the early morning of October 24. It was from that location that a 44-year-old woman was transported by Atchison County EMS for hospital treatment, as the result of Elmore- alleged crimes.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth woman who plead to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the 2021 death of her fiance.

According to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 41-year-old Eva Banks was sentenced, in Leavenworth County District Court this week to ten-years in prison.

The release explains that the fatal, June 2021 stabbing of Jerrold Rhodes was committed with “an unreasonable but honest belief that circumstances existed that justified deadly force in defense of a person.” She additionally plead to two counts of aggravated battery in connection with a domestic violence incident on that June date.

Banks’ plea was made in November.

According to statements she made to investigators, the couple had a history of domestic violence.

(KAIR)--A local memorial service for the Benedictine College Junior student who died this week while traveling home will be held next year.

That word comes in a release from the college, which says a memorial service for Bryant Rosas will be held “when the campus community is back in Atchison in January” following the Christmas break.

The college Thursday encouraged personal prayer, on behalf of Rosas.

Rosas, a member of the Benedictine College Football Team was traveling home to California Tuesday for Christmas break when he encountered a fatal snowstorm while driving.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved repairs being made to the football stadium retaining wall when they met Monday evening.

The Board accepted a bid of $84,600 from Thrasher Foundation Repair to complete the work.

Board members also voted the accept the retirement resignation of Suzanne Whiser, Director of School Improvement/Curriculum at the Central Office. The resignation is effective at the end of the current school year.

(KNZA)--A rural Everest man, accused of threatening three 10-year-olds with a knife, has pleaded not guilty to charges.

19-year-old Grayson Weesner entered the plea last week in Brown County District Court to three felony counts of aggravated assault.

A jury trial is expected to be set during a pre-trial hearing on February 6.

Weesner was arrested by the Horton Police Department early September 9 after the alleged incident was reported.

He was also charged in November in a separate case with two felony counts of criminal damage to property and a misdemeanor count of criminal derivation of property.

Weesner is accused of damaging a 2015 Dodge pickup truck and a railroad crossing arm on January 13 of this year.

A preliminary hearing in that case is set for January 18.

Weesner remains free on O.R bonds in both cases.

(KMZA)--Gay Frazee will serve as principal at the Axtell Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year.

The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education gave their approval following an executive session Monday evening.

Frazee has been serving as interim principal at the school since September 19 of this year. She was named to the position following the resignation of former principal Alana Seddon.

Frazee is a lifelong member of the Summerfield community. She taught at the Marysville schools for 29 years as a family and consumer science teacher.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education Monday evening approved a resolution authorizing the offering for sale of $24.2 million in general obligation bonds to fund facility improvements.

USD 115 voters during the November 8 general election approved the bond issue.

Dustin Avery with financial services advisor Piper Sandler reported to the board on how the process of the bond sale will proceed. He said the bonds are scheduled to be sold in mid-January with the closing to be in February. A special meeting will be held on January 23 for final approval of sale of the bonds.

Construction on the facility improvements project is anticipated to start in June 2023 and be completed in the summer of 2025.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission Monday approved a $1 per hour cost-of-living increase for all county employees for 2023.

The Commission also approved setting the starting wage at $15 an hour for departments below that amount and to increase all other starting wages $1 an hour.

In addition, the commission voted to grant additional $1 per hour pay increases to Noxious Weed Director Jim Norris, Road Office Manager Lindsay Norris, County Attorney Secretary Celeste Etherton and Deputy 1st District Road Foreman Tom Miller, effective January 1st, 2023.

The commission also voted to set the salary of the county election officer at $600 per month.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Sheriff's Department is seeking the public's assistance in solving a burglary earlier this week at a Troy business.

The Sheriff's Department, in a social media post, said sometime during the early morning hours of Sunday an unknown person broke the window of the back door of Davies Oil Company to gain entry to the business.

Taken was an undisclosed amount of money and tobacco products.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Doniphan County Sheriff's Department at 785-985-3711.

(KAIR)--No injuries are reported, with all occupants escaping safely from an early Thursday morning Atchison house fire.

A release from Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar says it happened at 723 Washington Street, where his crews were called shortly before 4:20 Thursday morning, with flames found “coming from the roof of the one-story residence” when they arrived.

According to Weishaar, “crews were able to bring the fire under control, but damage had already been sustained to the attic and roof of the structure, leaving it uninhabitable until repairs can be made.”

The initial investigation from investigators on the scene is “that the cause of the fire appears to be electrical with indication that the fire started at, or near, the breaker box and quickly spread upwards to the attic and roof but remains under investigation at this time.”

All three adult occupants of the home, who escaped safely, are receiving support from the Atchison Salvation Army.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft of a utility vehicle from a Corning residence.

The Sheriff's Office says a report was taken on December 5th of the theft of a Polaris side-by-side from 6401 6th Street, in Corning.

The loss was estimated at $3,500.

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

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City School Board approved the evaluation of Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus on a 6-0 vote Monday night. The Board then approved a contract for the Superintendent as proposed by the Negotiations Committee on a vote of 5-1 with Board member Hope Koester casting the nay vote.

Under terms of the new contract Rottinghous will be employed for two years, beginning July 1, 2023, and expiring June 30, 2025, with a salary for the 2023 contract year of $131 thousand, plus benefits.

Board members approved the Education Foundation expenses as presented of $1,206 per student attending a trip to Washington D.C. in 2025 as a school history class project.

Rottinghaus presented a plaque to Board member Terry Borcher recognizing him for 16 years of service on the Pawnee City School Board.

Also approved was the use of K-9 Bed Bug Detection of Nebraska, to conduct a bed bug sweep of the school campus. The inspection and treatment for any bed bugs will be $900.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Public Schools are in year two of a School Improvement Process. Currently the school district is planning for a Nebraska Department of Education Framework visit during the 2025-26 school year.

The priority goals include demonstrating growth in the District 56 Language Arts and Mathematics achievement; developing meaningful transaction between the District's schools; Early Childhood Expansion; Increasing youth activity participation and prioritizing vocational trades and community partnerships.

During Monday's meeting, it was reported that Falls City Public Schools are motivated to expand the current space at North School to meet the district's immediate childcare development needs.

A possible addition to the east wing of the school that would house two additional preschool classrooms, the Sixpence program, therapy rooms, a multipurpose room, and additional restrooms all under one roof has been extensively discussed.

The report said this is one of the main focuses for the Communities for Kids Foundation grant program. Discussions of adding a school health clinic in the North School addition have also been discussed.

District 56 is working with architects and consultants at the Wilkins and Lund Company teams on an early childhood facility expansion plan.

(KAIR)--A possible upgrade for Atchison- northside LFM Park remains on the agenda, with the City of Atchison taking steps toward that goal.

Working within the City- focus on quality of life and recreational improvements, staff has proposed a park improvement project during the 2023 budget season, including an around $600,000 project in 2024 for LFM Park.

Clinton McNemee, Public Works Director, says the project would be funded through the next round of the State- Community Development Block Grant Program which the City plans to apply for. However, the application requires a preliminary engineering report, at an non-refundable cost of $25,500 for the City.

Following McNemee- presentation at the December 5 meeting of the Atchison City Commission, unanimous approval was granted to authorize staff to hire Snyder and Associates to complete the preliminary engineering report.

A public hearing on the matter is planned for next month.

(KAIR)--Two business burglaries are under investigation by Atchison Police, with both believed to have occurred earlier this week.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Clem- Trucking, located in the 300 block of South 2nd Street, was targeted by burglars, with the crime having occurred sometime between Sunday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

Taken from the business were impact wrenches, rechargeable batteries, and other tools.

The other burglary, this one occurring at Luxe Steel Windows and Doors, in the 500 block of Woodlawn Avenue, is believed to have taken place sometime between midday Monday and midday Tuesday.

Taken from the business were two 50-inch televisions.

No suspects are immediately identified.

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

(KNZA)--$40.5 million is earmarked for 33 local and off-system bridge projects across Kansas.

Announcement of the funding, which includes three bridges in the local region, was made Tuesday in a joint release from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and state Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz.

The announcement is made as part of two local bridge improvement programs reshaped to take advantage of new revenue streams generated by the federally approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The amount awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation to cities and counties more than doubles and triples local bridge improvement funds available in these programs as part of the existing Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, known as IKE. The KDOT bridge improvement programs include about $137.5 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds over the next five years. The Off-System Bridge Program has been expanded from $8 million in annual funding to $20.5 million.

$20 million in funding was awarded for 11 bridge projects for federal fiscal year 2023—including more than a million dollars for a project in Atchison County. The project is located on 314th Road over Deer Creek about 3 ½ miles north of Atchison. Atchison County will provide a 15 percent local match, or just over $127,000.

$20.5 million in funding was awarded for 22 bridge projects for federal fiscal year 2004—including two local projects. In Brown County, $570,000 was awarded for a bridge replacement project on 220th Road, west of U.S. 75 Highway, about one mile south of Fairview. Brown County will be responsible for 7.9 percent of the cost or just over $49,000. In Pottawatomie County, nearly $1.2 million in funding was awarded for a bridge project on Armstrong Road over Vermillion Creek about 3 miles northeast of Havensville. Pottawatomie will be responsible for 11.3 percent of the cost or just over $147,000.

There are about 19,300 bridges on Kansas’ local road systems. About 26% - or 5,000 - of those bridges are in poor condition or unable to meet today- weight and vehicle requirements.

(KAIR)--A Benedictine College student is dead, killed in a snowstorm while traveling home for the holidays.

According to the college, Bryant Rosas was a Junior at the Atchison-based college where he was a member of the Ravens Football team.

Rosas was a native of San Jose, California.

According to a GoFundMe established to raise funds for costs surrounding his death, Rosas “was a nurturing overall person who loved his family and playing football.”

Along with his college team, Rosas was a member of the American Football Team.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock Board of Education met Monday evening.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler updated the Board on the building project planning. Currently they are working on the sidewalk, ramps and grading plans.

A meeting will be scheduled after the first of the year to review those plans. A target date of February has been selected for construction documents with a bid date of March 16. The estimated cost for the building project is $2.7 million.

School Board members Paul Moerer and Terry Benham were presented eagle plaques in appreciation of their years of service to the Johnson Brock School and Board of Education as their terms come to an end.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man is facing drug charges after a search warrant was served on his apartment last week.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force executed the search warrant Friday evening at 110 South 12th Street, Apartment #7, in Hiawatha.

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

Schultz is currently free on bond.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners agreed to enter into an agreement with Jeremiah Franks who has accepted a position as a Richardson County Deputy Sheriff when they met Tuesday.

Under the agreement, Richardson County will advance $5 thousand of a hiring bonus to Franks, to relocate to Nebraska, provided he remains employed with the Richardson County Sheriff's Office for eighteen months. Franks is a certified law enforcement officer in Nebraska.

Richardson County will pay Franks an additional hiring bonus of $5 thousand after the 18 months, with those funds paid out every four months in equal installments over an additional eighteen months of employment with the Sheriff's Office.

The contract calls for the initial $5 thousand hiring bonus to be paid back, in proportion to the time he actually is employed, if Deputy Franks is terminated prior to completion of the eighteen months.

Deputy Franks, who currently works in the state of Washington.

In other business the Board approved the purchase of firearms training equipment in an amount of $2,214.

Discussion was also held with Sheriff Rick Hardesty about the possibility of obtaining an additional drug dog for the department. Donations have been designated and are being solicited from the community.

An agreement with Mainelli Wagner & Associates for preliminary engineering work on a bridge project southwest of Stella was approved.

Commissioners also agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Nemaha, Johnson and Pawnee counties to apply for the Community-based Juvenile Services Aid Program grant funds available through the Nebraska Crime Commission. Nemaha County will serve as the administering county for the grant.

(KLZA)-- Two people were injured in a wreck involving five vehicles Tuesday afternoon around 4, three miles north of St. Joseph on Interstate-29.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 19-year-old Madalyn Kreek of Oregon, Missouri suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Andrew County Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph and later transported by private vehicle to the Fairfax Community Hospital.

64-year-old Barbara Cronk of Maryville, MO. Suffered what were described as minor injuries and was transported to the Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph.

All five vehicles were northbound on I-29 when traffic became congested due to a traffic crash. A Chevy Blazer driven by Cronk failed to yield for stopped traffic and struck a pickup, which struck the rear of an SUV operated by Kreek, which in turn impacted the towed unit of another vehicle which was stopped and then continued into the passing lane striking another car.

In all, three vehicles were totaled and four of the five had to be towed from the scene.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department reminds everyone that drunk driving is deadly, illegal behavior and puts the driver, his or her passengers, and other road users at terrible risk.

If you feel impaired by any substance, do not get behind the wheel of any vehicle.

The FCPD encourages everyone to always make a plan, designate a driver or other ride, before heading out to parties or other festivities, so that they may avoid driving drunk at all costs.

Even one drink can be too many. Drinking and driving is a choice, one should never make.

The Falls City Police Department want everyone to enjoy this holiday season. Remember, friends don't let friends drive drunk.

(KNZA)--A 20 percent rate increase has been approved for Hiawatha water customers.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved an ordinance setting new water rates for 2023.

Interim City Administrator Larry Paine recommended the rate adjustment, which was included in the 2023 budget. In making the recommendation, Paine noted there is a nearly $149,000 difference in fees paid by customers and the cost of running the utility.

He said about one-third of the city's water customers will only see about a $4 increase in their monthly bill, with a rate table determining extra charges for usage over 200 cubic feet.

The last rate increase was 7 years ago.

Moving forward, Paine said rate adjustments should be considered on an annual basis instead until waiting until a financial issue is in play, forcing an adjustment. He said that usually results in a significant rate change in one year to “ catch up” to the actual expenses.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board heard an update Monday evening on the First and Oregon Street intersection stoplight issue.

The stoplights went out a few weeks ago due to an apparent short. Since that time, Superintendent Lonnie Moser said there has been no movement from the Kansas Department of Transportation on the issue.

KDOT believes there is not enough east-west traffic at the intersection to warrant stoplights, and that stop signs would be a better solution. Moser said its probably going to take a concentrated effort to change their minds.

He said the city and school are trying to get a meeting set up with area legislators to enlist their support. Board member Tom Simmer said he had contacted Senator Dennis Pyle about the matter and he said he would check into it.

Currently, the lights are in blinking mode---yellow for north-south traffic and red for east-west traffic. City crews have also placed temporary stop signs for east-west traffic.

Local officials believe stoplights are needed at the intersection for the safety of traffic in and out of Red Hawk Drive by the school.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man required hospital treatment after his Jeep was struck by an SUV that swerved to avoid hitting items falling from a utility truck Friday afternoon.

Injured was 55-year-old Brian Hord, who was transported from the U.S. Highway 73 crash site to Atchison- Amberwell Hospital for the treatment of possible neck injuries.

His Jeep, eastbound on the highway, in the 12000 block, was struck when the SUV crossed the center line. That driver, 28-year-old Mary Amey, of Prairie Village, Kansas, had been westbound on the highway when three concrete placers fell off the not-yet identified utility truck that was traveling in front of her.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a report, says the falling, long wooden handle concrete construction tools caused Amey to swerve north, to the right, to avoid running them over, causing her to lose control of her SUV, which caused her to cross the centerline and collide with Hord, whose Jeep left the roadway to the south, and appeared to roll over multiple times.

Amey refused medical treatment at the scene.

According to Laurie, the investigation is continuing as his office works to determine the vehicle that lost the tools.

(KAIR)--A Topeka man, arrested earlier this year for shooting an occupied vehicle, is going to prison, sentenced last week in Atchison County District Court.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sheri Becker, 22-year-old Keldon Reynolds will serve 2-years-8-months of incarceration in connection with the August 19 shooting.

He entered a guilty plea in October.

Atchison Police, Becker says, were called to the area of the 400 block of North 9th Street, around 1:00 on the morning of August 19, due to a report of shots fired. No one was present when police arrived, but seven spent shell casings were found. A Mercedes SUV, complete with bullet holes, was also located.

No one had been injured.

Security cameras from two homes were used as part of the Atchison Police investigation, which led to Reynolds being identified as the shooter.

Along with the prison term, Reynolds, as part of his sentence, was ordered to pay restitution to the vehicle owner.

(KAIR)--Contributions from the public are needed to help support what- become an annual Christmas-season tradition, uniting local area law enforcement with children in need.

According to a release from the Atchison County Sheriff- Office, donations are being sought as the 3rd annual Shop with the Sheriff Campaign is held.

The release explains that the campaign “is a community outreach program for children and families in need,” allowing Sheriff's Deputies and staff to “go shopping locally with these children.”

The release says that a goal of the campaign is to “build long lasting and positive relationships between youth and law enforcement, while also serving families and children in need during the Holiday Season.”

Individual and business donations are being sought to sponsor the effort.

Checks can be mailed to the Sheriff- Office at 518 Parallel Street, in Atchison.

Online payments can also be made.

Contact the Atchison County Sheriff- Office, at 913-804-6080, for details.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign December 16 - January 1.

During the special enforcement, sheriff's deputies will be working extra hours of overtime focusing on impaired drivers. A grant funded by the Nebraska Department of Highway Safety pays for the overtime hours worked by the officers.

The Sheriff's Department reminds drivers to buckle up and drive safe.

(KLZA)-- Those wanting to end the secret ballot voting in the Nebraska Legislature say they have enough votes to get the rules changed in the 2023 session which begins January 4. Seventeen new state senators will take their seats that day.

Even if that happens, there is no guarantee the effort would succeed under the current Legislative structure.

Backers of change say secret ballots prevent the elections from being decided on partisan lines, while other argue it undermines transparency.

The secret ballots are used in voting for committee chair people. There are 14 standing committees in the Nebraska Legislature. Those committee chairs hold the majority of the body's political power.

Under the secret ballot system, Democrats in the Legislature, which is dominated by Republicans, are sometimes chosen by their peers to chair committees.

While the debate has gone on for years, supporters of secret ballots have been able to thwart efforts to change the rules.

It would take 25 votes, which is a majority of the legislative body to change the rules. Supports say they have that number of votes.

First District State Senator Julie Slama said by having a secret ballot, “we are keeping Nebraskans from the knowledge that we have promised them. She calls it “demeaning to all Nebraskan's who have a right to know what their representatives are voting for.”

(KMZA)--Pay increases have been approved for Seneca city employees.

The Seneca City Council last week approved a 70 cent an hour cost of living increase for 2023.

In addition, employees will be eligible for a one percent to four percent merit raise, to be determined by the supervisor during the employee's annual anniversary date review.

Also, the Council approved an increase in the longevity pay. Effective January 1, 2023, the longevity pay will increase to $4 a month for every year of service, and then to $5 per month for every year of service on January 1, 2024.

(KMZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education on a 4-3 vote Monday evening approved a resolution setting a public hearing on a proposal to close the Wetmore Academic Center.

The hearing will take place at 10 am on February 4 at the Wetmore Academic Center varsity gym.

At the hearing, a representative of the Board will present the proposal to close the school and the board will hear testimony as to the advisability of the proposed closing.

The closure is being proposed due to a continued declining enrollment, budgetary considerations, and the need to recruit and retain quality staff. The resolution says closure of the school is necessary to allow for additional educational opportunities for students and more efficient use of resources.

There are currently 125 students at the K-12 Wetmore school.

If the school is closed, students would be reassigned to the Sabetha schools.

Approval of the resolution came after the board heard from a number of Wetmore patrons in support of keeping the school open

The board has been discussing the viability of its campuses at several recent meetings--including a November 21 special meeting.

(KLZA)-- Longtime Nemaha County Extension Educator Gary Lesoing is retiring in January.

Over the past 18 years Lesoing has been the Crops and Water Extension Educator serving Southeast Nebraska producers.

Lesoing has been responsible for garnering nearly a million dollars in grant funds to help support educational programs in sustainable agriculture for Nebraskans in the past 15 years.

Those funds were used to support local programs, host large conferences and field day events and also partner with local producers to support on-farm research.

The public is invited to help congratulate Lesoing for his years of hard work and dedication on Tuesday. December 20, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the 4-H Building at the Nemaha County Fairgrounds in Auburn.

(KLZA)-- The Tecumseh City Council learned during their December 5 meeting that a U-Stop Convenience Shop will be opening in Tecumseh in 2023.

The Tecumseh Chieftan reports that Economic Developer Doug Goracke announced to the Council the new store will be located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Highway 136 and 50.

U-Stop will have gas and diesel, a small grocery area a car wash and will also house a Dairy Queen.

Mark Whitehead is the owner of U-Stop.

Goracke also informed the Tecumseh Council that a new NAPA store with a warehouse will be built on the northwest corner of the intersection of Highways 50 and 136.

(KLZA)-- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reduced the flows from Gavins Point Dam into the lower Missouri River to 12 thousand cubic feet per second over the weekend.

Releases will be adjusted during the winter to lessen the impacts of river ice formation on the lower river.

The runoff for 2022 is forecast at 19 million acre-feet which is 74 percent of the normal runoff of 25.7 million acre feet.

There is currently 46 million acre feet of water stored in the Missouri River mainstem reservoirs which is approximately 10.1 million acre feet below the base of the System flood control zones.

While the mountain snowpack is currently above average, it is too early to make a projection of the final 2023 mountain snowpack.

(KMZA)--Plans for a street reconstruction project in Seneca move forward.

The Seneca City Council last week approved the final plans for the reconstruction of Main Street from 7th to 11th Streets, and authorized the issuance of an invitation to bid.

The Council did make one change to the final plans, which is to make colored and non-colored crosswalks as bid alternates so pricing can be obtained on both items.

Plans call for rebuilding the street with a concrete surface, along with new curb and gutter. Alternate bids will also be sought for new sidewalks, storm sewer improvements and street lighting in the project area.

City Administrator Tammi Haverkamp said bids are slated to be opened January 10th. She said the project is expected to be awarded at the Council's January 18th meeting, with construction starting in early spring.

Once the contractor has been issued a notice to proceed, Haverkamp said the work must be substantially complete within 150 working days, with final completion within 180 days.

She said provisions have been made within the bid documents to require the contractor to make the street passable for the Nemaha County Fair.

Haverkamp said sales tax reserves will be used to fund the project.

(KMZA)--Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, of Seneca, has received a $100,000 two-year grant from the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund to employ a community health worker.

According to a news release, the grant application was based on collaboration among county-wide resources including Sabetha Community Hospital, KANZA Mental Health, County Health Department, Nemaha County Community Health Services, and Kansas State Research and Extension.

The release says a community health worker serves as a liaison between community members and the healthcare and social service systems.

Nemaha Valley Community Hospital Care Coordinator, Jane Sunderland, said the community health worker will be a valuable resource in helping individuals complete applications to access health benefits and familiarizing persons new to the community with available local resources. She said another responsibility will include assisting parents who have children with special healthcare needs in finding providers, medical equipment, and financial assistance.

(KNZA)--The Sabetha Fire Department has received new vehicle extrication tools.

The Department, in a social media post last week, said they had taken delivery of new battery powered “Jaws of Life” extrication tools from TNT Rescue Systems.

The tools include a spreader, cutter and ram that can easily disassemble a crashed vehicle from around it's occupant. Also included in the set is cribbing which stabilizes wrecked vehicles while an extrication is performed.

The department says the tools will eliminate hooking up hydraulic hoses to a separate pump and having to move additional equipment at the scene. Firefighters will be able to have the tools off the truck and working independently and simultaneously within seconds of arriving on scene.

The department said more than 80% of the cost of the new vehicle extrication tools were paid for by two generous donations from community members. They added the donations will go on to save lives and help many people over the lifetime of the equipment.

(KNZA)--The city of Horton will conduct smoke testing of the city's sanitary sewer system.

Weather permitting, the city says the smoke testing will begin on Monday, December 12, between 7th and 8th in the alley, and from 2nd Avenue East to 1st Avenue West. The Kansas Rural Water Association will assist with the testing.

According to a notice issued by the city, the smoke testing will locate defects that allow for the infiltration of storm water or other issues that impact the treatment of wastewater.

During the testing, residents may see a white smoke coming from vent pipes on buildings, from cracks in the ground or other places which have a connection to the sewer system. The city says the smoke is not toxic, is non-staining and has no odors.

Even through the smoke is non-toxic, individuals with respiratory problems should leave the building if smoke enters to prevent any distress.

The city says the smoke should not enter homes or buildings unless there is defective plumbing or if drain traps are dry. It is advisable to pour at least a quart of water down each drain that is not regularly used prior to the smoke test. If smoke does enter your home or business, the city says you should advise the survey crew that will be working in the area or call city Hall at ( 785) 486-2681.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Office participated in the Click It or Ticket Mobilization November 23 - 27.

During the special enforcement, deputies conducted 166 traffic stops and issued 42 citations. The department also responded to 36 calls for service and responded to three motor vehicle accidents.

Deputies arrested eight people during the period, three of them were felony drug arrests and one for for driving under the influence.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved dissolution of an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Falls City, Florence, Wisconsin and Shickley, Nebraska known as the American Public Energy Agency when they met Monday evening.

Former City Administrator Gary Jorn who represented Falls City on the APEA Board explained the organization set up to make pre-pay purchases of natural gas.

In all, Falls City received about $1.1 million in distributions from APEA.

Falls City had to pay $300 thousand to join the organization. That money was held from distributions paid to the City, and Falls City never had to come up with funds to pay the initial fee to join.

Jorn said while originally looked at as an investment for the City, economic conditions since the start of the pandemic have made it virtually impossible to do pre-pay transactions.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners will review a request again December 13, to advance a hiring bonus to a person interested in becoming a full-time Richardson County Deputy Sheriff.

The County Attorney's Office is preparing a contract to enter into with employees.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty was unable to meet with the Board Tuesday. The Board will also discuss next week the possibility of purchasing a drug dog.

Sheriff Hardesty told MSC News a second drug dog in Richardson County would allow more opportunities to have a dog in schools and would also take some of the load off the the current dog handler and drug dog.

Hardesty said the drug dog handler works a regular shift but is often called out for service once that shift ends.

The Board also adopted the Richardson County Local Operation Plan to provide for a coordinated response to a disaster or emergency within Richardson County.

The purchase of a docking station for the satellite phone for the Cooper Nuclear Station in an amount of $1,575 was also approved.

Columbus, Neb. - Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) customers will see steady rates in 2023, in addition to receiving a production cost adjustment credit, following a vote by the board of directors Thursday.

NPPD retail customers will experience 10 consecutive years of stable rates, while wholesale customers who purchase electricity from NPPD will also see no overall rate increase for the sixth straight year. In addition to maintaining stable rates, the NPPD Board of Directors has voted to share approximately $34 million with wholesale customers in the form of a Production Cost Adjustment credit.

This is the fifth consecutive year that NPPD- wholesale customers will receive a PCA credit on their bill.

NPPD serves 79 communities at the retail level, which includes residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

Those NPPD retail customers who receive a bill directly from NPPD will continue to see a PCA credit on their monthly bill in 2023.

(KLZA)-- During Monday nights Falls City Council meeting, Council members approved an Annual Fee Resolution for calendar year 2023.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum explained the new resolution will make things easier for the city and contractors. Previously the fees, which were adopted at different points in time, were scattered throughout various ordinances. This will allow the fee schedules to be reviewed annually.

The Council also approved on final reading an ordinance requiring vacant properties to be registered with the Housing Study Committee.

(KAIR)--Another district judge vacancy needs to be filled in the local area.

That follows the selection of two new 1st Judicial District Judges in October due to a retirement in the district, which oversees Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.

According to a release from the Kansas Courts, the latest vacancy will be created with the January 1 retirement of Judge David King.

To fill the opening, the 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission will meet, through telephone conference, Friday afternoon, to set the schedule for filling the vacancy.

To be considered for district judge, a nominee must be at least 30 years old; a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas and engaged in the practice of law for at least five years, whether as a lawyer, judge, or full-time teacher at an accredited law school; and a resident of the judicial district at the time of taking office and while holding office.

The nominating commission selects three to five people whose names are submitted to the governor to fill the position according to statutory qualification and residency requirements.
The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide whom to appoint.

After serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

(KAIR)--A Benedictine College student group is working to collect toys for children in need.

According to a release from the Atchison-based college, the Raven Athletic Leadership Council “is working with the women- and men- basketball teams on the annual Christmas Joy Toy Drive. It- the 11th year the teams have taken part in the drive.

The release explains that anyone who donates a new, unwrapped toy for the drive will receive free admissing to Saturday- basketball games, with the women tipping off against Culver-Stockton Saturday at 12 noon, in the Nolan Gym, while the men meet Culver-Stockton that afternoon for a 2:00 tip off.

Santa Claus will be in attendance Saturday, with the release saying the Jolly Old Elf will be located outside the Nolan Gym, on the lower level of the St. John Paul II Student Center, from 11:30 to 1:00 Saturday. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available.

All toys collected will go to support the Salvation Army- Angel Tree program.

Update: pickup was recovered in Craig, Missouri

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a pickup stolen from rural Falls City.

The 2012, Dodge Ram, 2500 pickup was stolen Wednesday night.

The pickup is two-tone dark and light gray has a fuel transfer tank in the back.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Richardson County Sheriffs Office at 402-245-2470.

(AP) — As of Thursday, it- lawful for adults to possess and use marijuana in Missouri. However, that doesn’t mean you can legally buy it just yet, or use it everywhere.

Medical marijuana has been legal in state since 2018, but voters went a step further this November by approving a constitutional amendment legalizing recreational use. Missouri is the 21st state allowing recreational use.

The change comes with some confusion. For one thing, dispensaries can’t yet sell the drug for recreational use. People will eventually be able to grow their own, but applications to do so won’t be taken until next month. And places such as schools and businesses can still prohibit the drug.

(AP) —An oil spill in a creek in northern Kansas has shut down a major pipeline from Canada through the Plains and to the Texas Gulf Coast.

Canadian-based TC Energy said it shut down its Keystone system Wednesday night following a drop in pipeline pressure. It said oil spilled into a creek in Washington County, Kansas.

The company estimated the spill at about 14,000 barrels but did not say what caused it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said no wells providing drinking water were affected and the oil didn't move into larger waterways.

Randy Hubbard, the Washington County Emergency Management coordinator, said there were no evacuations ordered because the break occurred in rural pastureland.

TC Energy said it had set up environmental monitoring at the site, including around-the-clock air quality monitoring.

The spill briefly caused oil prices to rise Thursday.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission is moving forward with an interior renovation project at the county health department building in Troy.

The Commission voted Monday to accept the lone bid received from Kearney Construction, of Atchison, in the amount of $44,665.

Funding for the project will come from the new sales tax fund.

In other business, the commission voted to enter into an agreement with the engineering firm, Schwab-Eaton, to conduct the biennial update bridge inspection and analysis. 97 bridges will be inspected at a cost of $16,476.

In addition, Gary Satter, Executive Director of the Glacial Hills RC&D, met with the Commission to give an overview of 2022 projects. The commission voted to approve annual support for the organization in the amount of $3,000.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man will spend more than a decade behind bars, sentenced this week “for convictions that arose out of two separate drug distribution cases.”

That- according to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sheri Becker, with the release explaining that 37-year-old Marquette Jones was sentenced in Atchison County District Court this week to 16 and a-half-years of incarceration.

The crimes include a traffic stop in January, 2020 that led police to discover a substantial quantity of marijuana, cocaine, and a handgun.

That traffic stop, made by the Atchison County Sheriff- Office, led to charges for Jones, including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and criminal use of weapons.

While Jones was free on bond, the release says he was spotted September 16, 2020 by Atchison Police when speeding on a motorcycle. Jones refused to stop for police, leading first to a vehicle pursuit, and then one on foot, during which time the release notes Jones discarded a backpack, later found by police. Inside were items including methamphetamine and fentanyl tablets.

Jones was charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and fleeing/eluding law enforcement.

Jones plead guilty to all charges in October.

(KLZA)-- Ron Rathbone was sworn in as the new Mayor of Humboldt Tuesday evening. Rathbone was elected in November and will succeed Bob Mendenhall who did not seek reelection.

Also sworn in Tuesday evening was new City Council member Vicky Lynch.

Rathbone told the Council and audience members that he wants to see improved communications between city officials and the citizens of Humboldt and wants to see efforts to clean up properties in the community continue.

The new President of the Humboldt City Council will be Vicky Lynch. Darla Hulsebus was reappointed City Clerk with Cindy Hayden appointed City Treasurer.

The council also approved the appointment of Doug Merz of Falls City as City Attorney with Samantha Scheitel to serve as Assistant City Attorney. Previously the City Attorney was a lawyer from Wahoo.

Mayor Rathbone also appointed Council members to various departments. There will be one Council person serving as the Department Head, with a second member of the council also serving on the committee.

(KNZA)--The City of Hiawatha is planning a reception to honor Mayor Bill Collins for his nearly 30 years of service to the city.

The reception will take place Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 27, from 3 to 5 - prior to the regular city commission meeting - in the upstairs area of City Hall.

Collins has served on the Hiawatha City Commission since May 1993, first as Commissioner of Finance and then as mayor since July 2018.

Collins did not seek re-election as mayor this year instead running unsuccessfully for the position of 1st District Brown County Commissioner .

Current Hiawatha City Commissioner Becky Shamburg was elected in November to replace Collins as mayor, and will be sworn in next month.

(KNZA)--A juvenile was struck by a vehicle near the Hiawatha Middle School Tuesday afternoon.

According to a report from Hiawatha Police Chief Mickey Gruber, officers responded to an injury accident in the 300 block of South Morrill Avenue shortly after 3:30.

According to the report, a SUV driven by Stacy Simmer, of Hiawatha, was southbound when a juvenile entered the roadway from behind a school bus. Gruber said Simmer was unable to avoid striking the juvenile pedestrian.

The juvenile was transported by ambulance to Amberwell Hiawatha for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

The accident remains under investigation.

(KLZA)-- Prior to the sitting of newly elected Mayor Mark Harkendorff and those elected to serve on the City Council in Falls City Monday night, outgoing Mayor Shawna Bindle used her final Mayors report to thank members of the management team, and had high praise for the City of Falls City employees, thanking them for their dedication to the City, and said she would put their talents up against any other city with great confidence.

Bindle said it was challenging to serve and deal with the issues that came about due to the first pandemic since 1919.

Bindle served one term at Mayor of Falls City.

She said she will continue to be be a champion for the City of Falls City.

(KLZA)-- Prior to the sitting of newly elected Mayor Mark Harkendorff and those elected to serve on the City Council in Falls City Monday night, outgoing Mayor Shawna Bindle used her final Mayors report to thank members of the management team, and had high praise for the City of Falls City employees, thanking them for their dedication to the City, and said she would put their talents up against any other city with great confidence.

Bindle said it was challenging to serve and deal with the issues that came about due to the first pandemic since 1919.

Bindle served one term at Mayor of Falls City.

She said she will continue to be be a champion for the City of Falls City.

(KMZA)--The Seneca Police Department is warning residents to be on the lookout for counterfeit currency.

The Police Department, in a social media post, said its come to their attention that fraudulent currency has been used in the community.

Police are asking business owners to be vigilant and inspect the currency being used. They said one key point to look for is if the top of the bill reads " for motion picture or production use only."

Officials say If anyone comes across any fake currency they should contact the Seneca Police Department at ( 785) 336-2141.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison has placed on hold the setting of new rates for water, sewer, and solid waste.

That follows Monday's meeting of the Commission where the initial call for a motion regarding the water rates failed to gain a second, leaving the matter on the table for the time being.

A key concern, moving forward with the setting of rates, is the impact that an Atchison County voter-approved sales tax, replacing a long-controversial sales tax, will have.

Voters in November gave approval to the three-fourths of one percent sales tax, replacing the current sales tax in funding joint communications and solid waste.

The .75-percent sales tax will expire in 10-years, as required by state statute, after it takes effect in April.

It replaces the 1993 voter approved, countywide sales tax to fund joint communications and solid waste. Years of disagreement followed, with local cities, such as Atchison, questioning their share of apportionment.

City Manager Amy Finch told the City Commission Monday the City's final portion will likely come in March.

Following her presentation, and discussion was held, it was agreed to by the Commission to table the setting of rates until its next, regular meeting.

(KLZA)-- Auburn State Bank in Auburn, recently donated $50,000 to Peru State College- Project ROAR Campaign in support of the new facilities. This will help transform Peru State College and Southeast Nebraska with five new buildings.

Auburn State Bank pledge amount will go to the naming rights for a basketball court in the multipurpose dome.

Project ROAR will add more than 104,000 square feet of indoor space to the campus. This more than doubles the square footage of the Peru State- largest building, the Al Wheeler Activity Center. Three of the buildings will be near the baseball and softball fields at the Centennial Complex south of the main campus. The other two will be built on a practice field north of the Oak Bowl stadium. The largest components are large air-supported, artificially turfed domes at each site.

If you are interested in giving a tax-deductible donation, please call the Peru State College Foundation office, 402-872-2304 or email Ted Harshbarger at tharshbarger@peru.edu. Donors will have the option of spreading pledge gifts out through 2025. Peru State College plans to start breaking ground in 2023.

( Pictured with this story are: David Grant, President of Auburn State Bank, Jeff Allgood, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Michael Evans, President of Peru State College, Kelcie Keeling, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Ted Harshbarger, Interim Executive Director for Peru state College Foundation)

(KAIR)--Longtime Clerk of the District Court, Donna Oswald, is retiring.

That becomes official Friday, one day following a celebration being held in her honor.

The retirement reception is planned for Thursday afternoon at 3:00, in the large courtroom on the second floor of the Atchison County Courthouse.

Oswald has worked in the building, on behalf of the 1st Judicial District Court, for 45 years.

(KAIR)--Computers are missing from a local college, and police are working to find details pertaining to the theft.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the investigation is focused on three laptop computers, and an Ipad, all stolen from an office located on the campus of Atchison- Benedictine College.

Wilson, in the release, says investigators believe the crime occurred sometime between December 2 and December 5.

No suspects are immediately identified.

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

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department reports that over the past several months, Falls City along with communities in the surrounding area have seen a rise in the thefts of catalytic converters.

The Falls City PD is asking that anyone, who sees anything suspicious, or has information about these thefts, or other criminal activity, to contact your local law enforcement agency.

The Falls City Police Department is grateful for the awareness and cooperation by local citizens, calling that cooperation, an invaluable resource the PD does not take lightly.

(KLZA)-- A resurfacing and shoulder improvement project on Atchison County, Missouri, U.S. Route 136 is shutting down for the winter and will resume in early 2023.

The temporary traffic signals which have been guiding motorists through the work zone have been removed.

A date for all work to resume in 2023, and the temporary traffic signals to be re-installed, has not yet been determined.

(KLZA)-- Mark Harkendorff was sworn in as Mayor of Falls City Monday night during the City Council meeting.

Harkendorff was elected in November, unseating incumbent Shawna Bindle who served one-term as Mayor.

In addition, Shawn Fouraker was sworn in as Third Ward Council member replacing Mitch Merz who did not seek reelection.

Incumbents who won reelection were also sworn in, Don Ferguson in Ward 1, Joe Buckminster in Ward 2 and Derek Leyden in Ward 4. Leyden was elected President of the Council for 2022 with Buckminster elected Acting President of the Council.

The Council confirmed Mayor Harkendorff's appointments of Anthony Nussbaum as City Administrator / Clerk / Treasurer. Jameson Baker as Chief of Police; Blake Buckminster as Building Inspector; Michael Dunn as City Attorney and Tracy Burns as Deputy City Attorney.

The Council also confirmed the recommendation of the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department to appoint Matt Beer as Fire Chief, Jon McQueen as First Assistant Fire Chief and Devin Moore as Second Assistant Fire Chief.

(MSC News)--Four northeast Kansas healthcare organizations recently collaborated to raise funds for Damon's Purpose, a grassroots organization dedicated to suicide awareness and prevention and improving mental health.

According to a news release, employees from Sabetha Community Hospital, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, Holton Community Hospital, and Community HealthCare System raised $5,813.

Sarah Hancock, director of communications with Onaga-based Community Healthcare System, said they hope it will help Damon's Purpose continue to do amazing work in the area, particularly in reaching out to youth to remind them that ‘It's OK to not be OK’ and to seek help with mental health.

Damon's Purpose was established by the family of Damon Quigley, of Corning, who died by suicide in January 2021 at the age of 13. He was a 7th grader at Centralia school.

Hancock said part of the fundraiser was a friendly competition among the hospitals to see which one could raise the most money per capita. This year- winner was Community HealthCare System, which raised $9.65 per employee. Hancock said they created a traveling trophy, and plan to engage in fundraising for a charitable cause each year.

(KLZA)-- Two men were arrested last week by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department, and face felony charges in Richardson County.

57-year-old Darryl Chestnut of Plattsmouth was arrested Thursday, December 1, on two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; two counts of possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, possession or use of drup paraphernalia and improper / defective vehicle lighing.

40-year-old Buddy Jo E. Graves of Salem was arrested Friday, December 2 on five couits of possession of a deadly weapon duirng the commission of a felony; five counts of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, possession of a controlled substance, possessestion or the use of a controlled substance, possession or use of drug pereerpharnalia and unlawful acts relating to drugs.

(KLZA)-- Two men were arrested last week by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department, and face felony charges in Richardson County.

57-year-old Darryl Chestnut of Plattsmouth was arrested Thursday, December 1, on two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; two counts of possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, possession or use of drup paraphernalia and improper / defective vehicle lighing.

40-year-old Buddy Jo E. Graves of Salem was arrested Friday, December 2 on five couits of possession of a deadly weapon duirng the commission of a felony; five counts of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, possession of a controlled substance, possessestion or the use of a controlled substance, possession or use of drug pereerpharnalia and unlawful acts relating to drugs.

(KLZA)-- Two men were arrested last week by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department, and face felony charges in Richardson County.

57-year-old Darryl Chestnut of Plattsmouth was arrested Thursday, December 1, on two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony; two counts of possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, possession or use of drup paraphernalia and improper / defective vehicle lighing.

40-year-old Buddy Jo E. Graves of Salem was arrested Friday, December 2 on five couits of possession of a deadly weapon duirng the commission of a felony; five counts of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, possession of a controlled substance, possessestion or the use of a controlled substance, possession or use of drug pereerpharnalia and unlawful acts relating to drugs.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman escaped serious injury, despite her vehicle colliding with the Independence Bridge, on Atchison- River Road.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, his deputies were called to River Road, at the Bridge, shortly after 1:15 Sunday afternoon “for a report of an injury accident with a woman trapped in the vehicle.”

Deputies determined that the driver, 23-year-old Destiny Lauck, was driving westbound on River Road, at the levy, when her Chevrolet Equinox went off the ground, causing Lauck to lose control when it landed, sending the vehicle into the bridge.

According to Laurie, Lauck complained of wrist pain but was not transported for hospital treatment.

She was cited for reckless driving and driving too fast for conditions.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is going to prison, sentenced on charges related to a shooting and standoff in August, 2021.

An August, two-day Atchison County District Court jury trial found 58-year-old Porter Webb guilty for criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle and aggravated battery.

Last month, a District Court Judge sentenced Webb for the related crimes, as well as for an altercation with Atchison County Jail Staff that occurred while he was in custody for the violent crimes.

All totaled, the Judge sentenced Webb to 5-years-8-months of incarceration for the crimes.

On August 18, 2021 Atchison Police were notified of a shooting at Webb- residence, with the victim, according to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sheri Becker, testifying he had gone there to collect money owed to him from a lawn mowing service. Following a verbal altercation, Webb brandished a firearm, sending the victim back to his vehicle in an attempt to flee. Instead, Webb fired through the windshield, sending the bullet through the glass, into the dash, out of the dash, and into the victim- right forearm before striking him in the chest.

Taken for hospital treatment, Atchison Police learned of Webb- involvement from the victim, and went to his residence, where a several hour standoff occurred.

Webb was ultimately located in a crawlspace underneath the house and arrested.

Along with his prison sentence, the Judge ordered Webb to register as a violent offender for 15-years upon his release.

(KMZA)--Weather allowing, the Kansas Department of Transportation will close a portion of K-9 Highway in Nemaha County on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 6th and 7th.

KDOT said the highway will be closed from 9 am to 3 pm while maintenance crews remove trees along the roadway.

The closure will be about three miles west of Centralia, between County Road C and County Road D/Baileyville Road.

No detours will be posted, and through traffic will need to use alternate routes.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone.

(KMZA)--Weather allowing, the Kansas Department of Transportation will close a portion of K-9 Highway in Nemaha County on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 6th and 7th.

KDOT said the highway will be closed from 9 am to 3 pm while maintenance crews remove trees along the roadway.

The closure will be about three miles west of Centralia, between County Road C and County Road D/Baileyville Road.

No detours will be posted, and through traffic will need to use alternate routes.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison was alive with the Christmas Spirit Saturday, as the "Sights and Sounds of the Season" were celebrated.

Following a full day of events, including a visit from Santa Claus, his Christmas friends, storytelling, crafts, and other activities, the annual “Parade of Lights” was viewed by spectators, as lighted floats made their way through downtown Atchison.

Entries were made in in three categories, with awards presented for each.

First place, in the Business Category, was earned by Highland Community Technical Center, followed by BC Engineering in second place. Canery Dental took third in the division.

In the Church/Youth Group category, First Christian Church was awarded first place honors. Boy Scout Troop #86 took second, while the Boys and Girls Club of Atchison earned third place honors.

In the Family Category, Oakland Valley Six took the top spot, while the Weber Family was awarded second place. Their was no third place prize in the category.

Meanwhile, the Christmas season will continue in downtown Atchison this Saturday, with another visit from Santa Claus planned. That will happen at the Santa House, located in the 400 block of Commercial Street, from 11 until 2:00.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) today released the following statement marking the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service, one year after Sen. Dole- passing:

“Sen. Bob Dole lived a remarkable life, yet always treated others with respect and kindness. Whether it was on the battlefield, in the halls of Congress, or in his personal life, Sen. Dole- dedication to his fellow Kansans and to his country was a consistent reminder that a single person can make a difference and change the world for the better.

“Raised in Russell, Sen. Dole left Kansas to serve in World War II where he earned two Purple Hearts. He then spent a remarkable 36 years on Capitol Hill, rising to become Senate Majority Leader and leading significant legislative achievements. Known for working toward commonsense solutions over partisan ones, he became the first Kansan since Dwight D. Eisenhower to be the Republican nominee for President. On the floor of the United States Senate, I am honored to use Sen. Dole- desk, and I am regularly reminded of his dedication to Kansans and all of his fellow Americans through his incredible life and the enduring legacy he left behind for each of us.

“To carry on Sen. Dole- legacy of service and remember him on the anniversary of his passing, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation is holding the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service. I hope that you will join me in honoring Sen. Dole- life by performing an act of kindness to a loved one, friend, neighbor or stranger in your community.”

For information on the inaugural Bob Dole Day of Service, click here.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Depeartment made 28 traffic stops, issuing 16 citations and a dozen warnings during the November 23 - 27 Click it or ticket mobilization.

In addition, officers responced to 38 calls for service with two traffic accidents reported. One warrant arrest was made, eight reports of child abuse/neglect were investigated along with three reports of 3rd degree assault and one report of sexual abuse and two reports of vandalism, five disturbance reports and one report of domestic violence.

The overtime cost associated with the mobilization was funded by a grant provided by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Office.

The Falls City Police Department thanks the citizens of Falls City and all our community partners for their continued support and encourages all drives to Click, Buckle Up, every trip, every time.

(KLZA)-- It's the holiday season, which means toy-sharing and gift-giving are in full swing. But before any child receives a new toy, it's important to stop and consider if it is safe and age appropriate. Unfortunately, thousands of children are hurt or even killed each year due to an interaction with an unsafe or developmentally inappropriate toy. December is known as Safe Toys and Gifts Month in order to create a happy, healthy, and safe gift-giving experience for all involved. More than 217,000 children are treated in emergency rooms annually for toy-related injuries, either because of the toy itself or due to its mishandling.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that in 2018 there were 17 toy-related fatalities. Most of the injuries (72%) involved children under the age of 15, and most of the fatalities were caused by automobiles and non-motorized scooters. Other deaths were caused by airway obstruction such as rubber balls, balloons, toy darts, toy food, and stuffed dolls. Last was drownings and electrocutions. It is estimated that an average of 11,000 toy-related eye injuries occur in children each year, with the majority coming from BB guns and other weapon-related toys. Bungee cords, used for purposes such as securing items to bikes, are another leading cause of eye injuries. Sports equipment may cause some hazards, so it is wise to make sure proper protective eyewear is worn when engaging in sports. Toys with rubber bands can also cause eye injuries.

In recent years, CPSC has created a robust toy safety system that requires testing by independent, third-party testing laboratories around the world. Toymakers have also helped in improving safety by willingly recalling products across the globe when safety concerns arise, such as the presence of lead paint and small magnets. However, shoppers still need to take precautions. Faulty design isn't the sole cause of injuries; usage plays a role as well in injuries and/or deaths. Buying toys and other gifts are one of the most exciting parts of the holiday season, so before making any purchases this year, keep safety in mind so the holidays don't turn from the happiest time of the year to the scariest.

To keep your child safe this holiday season, inspect toys before purchasing. Look for sharp points, edges, and parts that can fly off. Check for durability should a child attempt to break, crush, or pull toys apart; do not give toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements. Make sure crayons and markers are labeled “nontoxic." Finally, it is important to NEVER give small toys with removable magnets or “button" batteries. These can cause serious injury or even death if ingested.

Keep in mind the child's age and development level (most toys offer an age range for guidance) when giving toys. If shopping for infants and children with special needs, look for toys that appeal to the senses (sound, light, movement, texture, etc.). Keep toys that are appropriate for older children away from younger siblings. Remember the rule that if the piece can fit in a toilet paper roll, it is not meant for children under 3 years of age.

Most riding-toy injuries are from falls. Children fall off their bikes, scooters, skateboards, and in-line skates often, especially if they are inexperienced, resulting in cuts, scrapes, bruises, bone fractures, and severe head injuries. Children are also at risk of falling from treehouses and swing sets and other playground equipment. The best way to prevent an injury from a fall is proper padding, using kneepads, elbow pads, and helmets.

Choking is one of the most common toy-related injuries. A child's trachea is extremely narrow, so even the tiniest of pieces from a toy can block a child's airway and cause suffocation, which is the fourth leading cause of unintentional deaths in children under five years old. Toy manufacturers are required to put warnings on labels for choking hazards, so always inspect a toy before allowing a child to play with it. Children can choke or suffocate on deflated or broken balloons. Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than eight years old; discard broken balloons immediately. Once gifts are opened, immediately discard plastic wrapping or other toy packaging before the wrapping and packaging become dangerous playthings.

Battery charging should be supervised by adults; chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to young children. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers, as some chargers lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging.

Share your knowledge about unsafe toys. The CPSC provides free safety alerts, guides, posters, brochures, handbooks, and other materials that can be used to help spread consumer product safety information in your community. For more information, visit https://www.cpsc.gov/

(KMZA)--The body of a Virginia man was recovered from the Centralia Lake over the weekend following an accidental drowning.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, in a news release, identified the victim as 31-year-old Jesse Dove, of Strausburg, Virginia. Dove was a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff's Office, in Virginia.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call Friday morning about a watercraft that had capsized in the lake. The caller advised that there was a man in the water.

Immediately upon receiving the call, multiple agencies responded--including law enforcement, Fire and Rescue, EMS, Wildlife and Parks and LifeNet.

After an extensive search, the Sheriff's Office said it was determined that the response was no longer a rescue, but a recovery. The search continued until dark, when it was determined that the efforts would have to continue early Saturday morning.

On Saturday, the Sheriff's Office said the body of Dove was located with the help of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, along with a local resident who was familiar with the lake.

A procession brought Dove back home to Virginia Monday morning.

(KNZA)--A Saturday night two-vehicle Buchanan County, Missouri wreck sent two to the hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said it happened on Interstate-29, in the city of St. Joseph, around 8:45.

The Patrol reports 62-year-old Lisa Fast, of Rushville, was driving a southbound Oldsmobile Cutlass when she rear-ended a Ford Fusion that was stopped in the southbound passing lane following an earlier crash.

Fast was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, for the treatment of what the patrol described as moderate injuries.

A 17-year-old Kansas City girl who was standing outside the Fusion was transported by private vehicle to Mosaic for the treatment of minor injuries.

The driver of the Fusion, from Kansas City, was not hurt.

(KNZA)--A traffic stop in Jackson County led to the arrest of two Topeka residents on meth charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a news release, said a sheriff's deputy stopped a 2001 Nissan Sentra Thursday afternoon shortly after 3:00 for allegedly committing a traffic infraction near 118th Road and U.S. 75 Highway.

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

The driver, 46-year-old Todd Ray, was arrested for for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended

The passenger, 40-year-old Brandy Martin, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.

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

(KAIR)--A suspicious death is under investigation by Jefferson County authorities.
WIBW-TV reports the death was discovered around 11:15 Sunday morning.
Citing Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, the TV station reports the discovery was made Sunday morning, when Deputies responded to 2601 Knoll Ct., located just east of K-4 and the Shawnee County line.
The victim has been identified as 42-year old Justin Yingling.
With the cause of death unknown, as of Sunday night, Herrig told the TV station investigators will wait for the results of an autopsy to make any further determinations.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact (785)-863-2351 or info@jfsoks.org.

( KMZA)--Multiple agencies responded to a drowning accident at Centralia Lake Friday morning.

The Sabetha Fire Department, which is currently the only department in Nemaha County with water and ice rescue units and a rescue boat, said they were called to the lake shortly after 11:30. The department assisted the Centralia and Seneca Fire Departments and later was assisted by the state Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Unfortunately, the fire department said the rescue operation later became a recovery.

Around 3:00 Saturday afternoon, the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office sent out a text alert saying that the lake was open again to the public and thanked all the agencies who assisted.

The Sheriff's Office said they will provide more information Monday.

The 400-acre lake is located south of Centralia on 72nd Road.

(KLZA)-- Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha and Gage counties are among 42 Nebraska counites the Nebraska Department of Economic Development has determined to have been dispropprtionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is accepting applications for a new Pandemic Relief Housing Program.

The program was created under LB1014 and funded with federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund through the American Recovery Plan Act.

The program will provide awards to eligible nonprofit organizations that develop affordable housing, including housing for refugees and other such immigrants.

Housing developed under this program shall be for households with an income at or below 185% of the most recent poverty guidelines published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Any project funded through the Pandemic Relief Housing Program must ensure that the affordability of the housing provided throughout a 20-year affordability period.

At least one-half of the funds distributed shall be awarded as grants to organizations located in counties with a population of fewer than 100,000 residents as determined by the most recent federal decennial census.

The program is designed to provide state governments with the resources needed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects and to build a stronger economy during recovery.

(KNZA)--Bonuses were approved for Horton City employees for 2022 and a three percent cost of living increase for 2023.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the Horton City Commission took the action at their November 21 meeting on the recommendation of City Administrator John Calhoon.

Funding for the bonuses, totaling nearly $37,000, will come from the American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded to the city. Under the proposal, full-time employees will receive a $1,500 bonus and part-time employees a $750 bonus.

The cost-of-living adjustment, which is effective January 1, 2023, is in lieu of a merit increase. Funding for the cost of living increase was included in the 2023 budget.

Beginning in 2024, the city administrator will conduct performance evaluations on each employee on their anniversary date and consider a raise at that time, as opposed to the 1st of the year.

(KNZA)--The 30th annual “ Festival of Lights” Christmas Luminaries will be held in Horton Sunday evening.

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

The Luminaries transform ten city blocks into living, dramatic scenes of the life of Christ. Men, women and children of the Ministerial Association churches take their places as Bible characters in a setting of live animals, colorful props, costumes and music. 13-hundred candles outline the route, which will begin at the junction of Highways 73 and K-20.

The event draws hundreds of people each year.

A free-will donation may be dropped in a receptacle at the end of the route, which the funds going to support the area's food pantries.

(KMZA)--Negotiations continue between Nemaha County and the city of Seneca on agreements for the county to provide dispatch services for the city and for the county to lease the city's emergency services building for the county-operated ambulance service.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert told the Nemaha County Commission Monday that the city wants both agreements to have eight-year terms. Commissioners advised Lippert to let the city know they would prefer to have five-year terms on both agreements.

The latest contract proposals would have the city pay $6,524 monthly for dispatch services and the city to receive $1,470 for ambulance service rent.

The current dispatch services contract was negotiated in 2011 and was for a ten years.

The city wants to begin receiving rent to house the ambulance service in the city-owned building.

(KNZA)--Eighty percent of all active Kansas attorneys live in six urban counties, leaving Kansas rural communities struggling to find legal help. The newly created Rural Justice Initiative Committee plans to tackle the issue, with the goal of attracting attorneys to practices in rural areas.

According to a news release from the Kansas Judicial Center, Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Marla Luckert created the committee Thursday with an executive order. Luckert said the lack of attorneys constituted a crisis, damaging the lives of rural residents.

The 35-member committee, headed by Justice K.J. Wall, will collect data on the legal needs of rural populations, make recommendations about existing Kansas rural attorney recruitment projects and study demographic trends. At the end of 18 months, the committee will report back to the Supreme Court with its initial recommendations.

Among those appointed to the committee were Jefferson County Attorney Johusa Ney.

(KNZA)--A Texas woman has pleaded no contest to a charge of vehicular homicide in connection with a 2021 Brown County collision that claimed the life of Sabetha girl.

Catrina Weathersett entered the plea Wednesday in Brown County District Court to the misdemeanor charge.

Sentencing was set for January 11.

6-year-old Taya Mooney died from injuries received in the July 25, 2021 wreck on U.S. 75 Highway near Sabetha when a car she was a passenger in was struck from behind by a semi truck driven by Weathersett.

Weathersett was charged following a lengthy investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol that included dashboard video of the collision.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Kirk Thompson says he will retire, effective January 10th.

Thompson has led the law enforcement agency since July 2011.

Republican Kris Kobach will name Thompson's replacement after he takes office as Attorney General in January. Kobach's choice must be approved by the Kansas Senate.

The KBI said in a news release that Thompson began discussing retirement several months ago and the agency's employees were informed about his decision in early November. T

hompson served more than 46 years in Kansas law enforcement and joined the KBI in 1979.

(KLZA)--The Missouri Department of Transportation has extended the special overwidth hauling permit for hay at no cost through March 1, 2023 in an effort to aid the agricultural community as statewide drought conditions continue.

Loads must be of legal height, length and weight.

Permits can be requested online using the MoDOT Carrier Express online service. To have the fee waived, customers can write a comment on the application about the fee waiver or call in to have an agent waive the fee.

Before hauling, drivers must apply for the special overwidth permit for loads that exceed 8 feet 6 inches in width and map their route to avoid work zones, bridges and other areas that have weight, narrow lane or height restrictions. This information, as well as a special bridge and height restriction view, is available on the MoDOT Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Revenue on Thursday announced that total tax collections for November were $642.3 million, which is $15.4 million, or 2.5%, more than last November. Total tax receipts for Fiscal Year 2023 continue to outpace Fiscal Year 2022, with year-over-year growth at 5.4%.

Total tax collections for November were 5.3% below the estimate, which was recently raised at November- meeting of the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group to align with consistently strong revenues. The estimate for November and the remainder of FY 2023 was raised by $773.0 million.

Individual income tax collections were below the estimate for the month by 6.7%, or $21.1 million, with $292.4 million collected. Those receipts were 1.2% greater than in November 2021. Corporate income tax collections were $78,313, or 0.6%, below the estimate, with $13.2 million collected. That is $482,253 less than last November.

Corporate income tax collections for the first five months of FY 2023 are 7.0% higher than FY 2022 over the same period. FY 2022 was a record year for corporate income tax receipts.

Combined sales and compensating use tax collections at $304.9 million were $8.7 million, or 2.8%, below the estimate but $19.5 million, or 6.8%, more than November 2021, reflecting sustained growth in that revenue source.

“As for major tax sources, it is encouraging to see wage withholding tax payments, which is the principal component of individual income tax receipts, remaining stable and combined sales and compensating use tax receipts showing 6.8% growth over November 2021,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart.

Click here to view the November 2022 tax receipts spreadsheet.

(KMZA)--The Brown County Commission, when they met Wednesday, discussed another round of American Rescue Act Plan funding disbursements.

Commissioner Richard Lehmkuhl said he felt the commission needed to make a decision on the most “ time sensitive ” requests.

Following discussion, it was the consensus of commissioners to allocate $50,000 for Phase 1 of the Hiawatha Championship Sports Complex project, $50,000 for the Horton ballfield improvement project, $50,000 to USD 430 for an emergency security system, and $7,000 to the Second Harvest Community Food Bank.

County Clerk Dawn Boyles will check to see if they would be allowable expenditures for the ARPA funding before a vote is taken.

Prior to the discussion, Horton City Administrator John Calhoon and Tim Lentz with the Horton Industrial Development Corporation met with the Commission to provide an update on the city's ballfield improvement project. Calhoon said they trying to get the project completed in time for the spring high school ball season.

Editors note: the following release was submitted Thursday by the Nemaha County KS Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine

(KMZA)--The National Weather Service in Topeka has forecasted that our local rangeland fire danger index will be in the very high category this afternoon and tomorrow. With that being said, a high fire danger will be present across all portions of Nemaha County for the next couple days. The increased fire danger has already begun and will be present through the evening hours on Friday.

EXTREME to CRITICAL fire dangers will be in present from 11 pm Thursday, December 1st, through Friday, December 2nd, 2022. Winds will be out of the south, 15 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 miles per hour. Relative humidity values will also be between 30 to 35 percent creating conditions favorable for large, fast-moving wildfires in Nemaha County for the two days.

Please do your part in not burning or conducting any activities that may cause a fire. If you need to burn, please wait until conditions are more favorable for burning.

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

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(KMZA)--Nemaha Valley Community Hospital (NVCH) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Alexander Hermesch to their medical staff. Dr. Hermesch is a 2020 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He will be completing his residency at Smokey Hill Family Medicine in the summer of 2023 and joining NVCH in September.

Dr. Hermesch and his wife, Michaela, are well known in the Nemaha County area. They bring back the sense of “coming home” to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community. “We are very excited to welcome Dr. and Mrs. Hermesch back to Seneca” reported CEO Kiley Floyd.

Per Dr. Hermesch, “My wife, Michaela, and I are very excited for the opportunity to join the practice in Seneca. Having grown up in the area, we both know first-hand the strong sense of community that Seneca and the surrounding area provides. As I pursued my career in family medicine, we continued to be drawn to the idea of practicing somewhere with the same ideals and morals that we grew up with. In Seneca, we have the opportunity to contribute to maintaining the health and wellbeing of the community that has had such a huge impact on our lives, while also allowing our children to be raised with similar influences and experiences.”

The addition of Dr. Hermesch is a result of a two-year recruitment process. “We continue to look to the long-term needs of our community ” noted Floyd. “Dr. Hermesch is a perfect fit for our staff and shares our values and commitment to patient care.”

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department will begin the process of updating its aging patrol fleet.

Police Chief Mickey Gruber appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to request approval to purchase two new patrol vehicles.

The Department currently has eight vehicles in its fleet, with an average age of ten years and average mileage of around 105,000.

On the recommendation of Gruber, the Commission approved the purchase of a 2022 Dodge Durango from Supervisor Emergency Response Vehicle, of Andover, in the amount of $49,509, plus the purchase of a radio, in-car camera system and radar unit for the vehicle for an additional charge. In addition, the commission approved the purchase of a 2016 Dodge Charger from the Sac and Fox Police Department in the amount of $17,000, and the purchase of the in-car camera system. The total cost for the vehicles and equipment is not to exceed $82,700.

Gruber said there is funding available in his 2022 budget to cover the cost.

He said the purchases will greatly improve the overall reliability of their fleet of vehicles.

Gruber would also like to purchase a new patrol vehicle after the first of the year, with funding available in the 2023 budget.

In other business, the Commission approved an early retirement agreement with longtime Waste Water Superintendent Dave Grimm. Grimm's last day with the city will be January 3, 2023.