(KAIR)--A Saturday morning crash with a parked vehicle and a tree sent an Atchison man to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 67-year-old Richard Croft was driving in the 900 block of South 5th Street when his Jeep Cherokee struck a parked car and a tree, which caused the Jeep to roll over on its side.

Croft was extricated from the wreckage by Atchison Fire Department personnel, and he was transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for evaluation.

Wilson, in the release, said Croft was cited for no valid driver's license.

The wreck happened around 9:15 Saturday morning.

(KAIR)--A Saturday morning crash with a parked vehicle and a tree sent an Atchison man to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 67-year-old Richard Croft was driving in the 900 block of South 5th Street when his Jeep Cherokee struck a parked car and a tree, which caused the Jeep to roll over on its side.

Croft was extricated from the wreckage by Atchison Fire Department personnel, and he was transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for evaluation.

Wilson, in the release, said Croft was cited for no valid driver- license.

The wreck happened around 9:15 Saturday morning.

(KAIR)--A Saturday morning crash with a parked vehicle and a tree sent an Atchison man to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 67-year-old Richard Croft was driving in the 900 block of South 5th Street when his Jeep Cherokee struck a parked car and a tree, which caused the Jeep to roll over on its side.

Croft was extricated from the wreckage by Atchison Fire Department personnel, and he was transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for evaluation.

Wilson, in the release, said Croft was cited for no valid driver- license.

The wreck happened around 9:15 Saturday morning.

(KAIR)--A Saturday morning crash with a parked vehicle and a tree sent an Atchison man to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 67-year-old Richard Croft was driving in the 900 block of South 5th Street when his Jeep Cherokee struck a parked car and a tree, which caused the Jeep to roll over on its side.

Croft was extricated from the wreckage by Atchison Fire Department personnel, and he was transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for evaluation.

Wilson, in the release, said Croft was cited for no valid driver- license.

The wreck happened around 9:15 Saturday morning.

(KAIR)--An arrest is made in connection with an Atchison burglary committed while the resident was inside the home.

Taken into custody Thursday in connection with Wednesday's burglary is Darius Fleming, a 28-year-old Atchison resident who now faces charges for aggravated burglary and theft.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it's alleged that Fleming, Wednesday afternoon around 2:45, entered a residence in the 500 block of North 5th Street through a frong door, grabbed a Playstation gaming console, and then ran from the residence.
Wilson says that although the resident of the home was there at the time of Fleming's entry, the two never made contact.

An investigation was launched, and that led police to Fleming who was arrested Thursday morning, at 5th and Santa Fe, on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation. Later, he was charged with the aggravated burglary and theft.

Once in custody, Fleming was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--A break-in at Atchison's downtown Memorial Hall is under investigation by Atchison Police.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it's believed the burglary of the building, located in the 800 block of Commercial Street, happened sometime after 6:00 Thursday morning.

According to Wilson, forced entry was made to get inside; and, once that was accomplished, forced entry was then made into an office area of Memorial Hall where an undisclosed amount of cash was taken.

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

(KAIR)--An Atchison County investigation, dating back to late February when a local resident reported that someone had apparently entered her home and unwrapped a present, has led to one arrest.

Taken into custody Monday was 19-year-old Blayne Williams who Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says was identified as a suspect during the investigation.

A resident of Atchison, Williams lived close to the sight of the February 5 crime, which occurred at a residence located at 8324 Freemont Street, in Atchison.

According to a release from Laurie, the investigation led to the issuance of a warrant for Williams, who was taken into custody Monday on the Atchison County District Court warrant charging him for burglary, theft, and criminal damage.
Following his arrest, Williams was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

His bond is set at $30,000.

The investigation also led to the identification of another suspect, a 17-year-old Topeka boy, with Laurie indicating in the release that he, too, is charged in warrant.

The investigation began when the victim reported that she had left her house on the late morning of February 25 for about 15 to 20 minutes, only to return home to find that a package she had wrapped that morning had been unwrapped.

(KLZA)-- The Stalder Gallery presents “On the Road Again”, an exhibition of artworks related to the open road from the collection of Sheldon Museum of Art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It has traveled to eight Nebraska communities during the 2022-2023 academic year and will be on display in the Stalder Gallery located inside the Falls City Library and Arts Center April 27th through May 25th.

Landscapes play a major role in this exhibition, displaying the beauty of the natural world and how artists and travelers understand their place in it. Roadside attractions and accommodations are common subjects that can reveal the charm, necessities, and even eccentricities of travel. On the Road Again seeks to visualize the significance of the American road. These collected works of art demonstrate that while everyone- experience is unique, there are sights and sentiments that contribute to a collective imagination of the open road.

This year, Sheldon has produced a series of videos that take a deeper dive into eight of the artworks in this exhibition. These are intended to be a resource for local educators but can be appreciated by all. Access these videos at go.unl.edu/statewide-videos or via QR code at the exhibition.

The exhibition is part of Sheldon Statewide, an annual program through which works from the museum- collection travel to venues throughout Nebraska. Since its inception in 1987, the program has taken exhibitions to 25 communities, reaching more than 365,000 people. “On the Road Again” will be presented in Chadron, North Platte, McCook, Grand Island, York, Beatrice, Fremont, and Falls City.

The Sheldon Statewide series receives funding support from Farmers Mutual Insurance Company of Nebraska, Rhonda Seacrest, the Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment, and the Sheldon Art Association.

April 27th the Richardson County Arts and Humanities Council will host a gallery talk by Assistant Curator of Engagement at UNL, Saraphina Masters. The gallery talk and reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Stalder Gallery in honor of the opening of the exhibition. This event is free to the public and an excellent opportunity to get an inside look at the art chosen for the exhibition. “On the Road Again” will hang in the Stalder Gallery through May 25th during regular hours at the Falls City Library and Arts Center. Questions concerning the exhibition can be directed to curator, Christina Wertenberger at 402-245-6034.

The picture with this story is from Steve Fitch, “Grand View Motel, Highway 87, Raton, New

Mexico, December 18, 1980,” 1980, printed 2018. Archival

pigment print.

Sheldon Museum of Art, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Olga

N. Sheldon Acquisition Trust, U-6830.2018

(KLZA)-- Nebraska- unemployment rate dropped slightly to 2.1%, in March according to the latest Labor Department data, and is tied with North Dakota for being the second lowest in the country.

The Husker state also stands out on another economic indicator: Nebraska- labor force participation rate reported for March was the highest in the nation, at 69.5%.

Locally, Richardson County has a 1.4% unemployment rate in March. The Pawnee County jobless rate was 1.9%. Nemaha had unemployment was at 1.8%; Johnson County had the highest unemployment rate in the area at 3.4%.

Otoe County had an unemployment rate of 2% and Gage County was at 2.2%.

(KNZA)--Charges have been filed against four Elwood residents following a drug raid last week in Elwood.

According to court documents, criminal complaints were filed Tuesday in Doniphan District charging 40-year-old Dustin Owens, 46-year-old Heather Bledsoe-Thornton, 58-year-old Pierce Brown and 34-year-old Heidi Shalz with a felony count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell.

In addition, the four were charged with misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Owens and Bledsoe-Yhornton were also charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of a hallucinogenic drug—mushrooms.

The four were arrested April 19th after authorities executed a search warrant at 1310 Massachusetts Street, in Elwood.

That followed a lengthy investigation by the Elwood Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Doniphan County Sheriff's Department.

All four are currently free on $25,000 bond each and scheduled to make their first appearance in court May 2.

The case remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--A wrongly convicted Jefferson County man, who spent nearly 16-years behind bars for a rape and murder he did not commit, will be awarded $7.5 million through a settlement with Jefferson County.

During the Jefferson County Commission's April 17 meeting, County Attorney Josh Ney presented the Commissioners with documents regarding the case of Floyd Bledsoe.

According to the minutes of the meeting, Bledsoe will receive an initial payment of $1.5 million, with the remainder to be paid over the next ten years, with the Commission voting unanimously to approve the settlement agreement.

Bledsoe was released from prison in 2015 after his brother, Tom, confessed in a suicide note that he killed 14-year-old Camille Arfmann in 1999, and DNA evidence linked his father and brother to the crime involving the Oskaloosa child.

Bledsoe, who received a $1 million settlement from the state of Kansas for his wrongful conviction, sued Jefferson County, and four members of its law enforcement, in federal court, leading to the $7.5 million settlement.

(MSC News)--The new Adjutant General of Kansas has received a unanimous confirmation by the Kansas Senate.

Brigadier General Michael Venerdi- confirmation follows Major General David Weishaar's retirement from the position effective April 1.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, in a release, says Venerdi “brings leadership experience and an unwavering dedication to military service” into the role, adding that she is confident he “will carry on the fine traditions of the Kansas National Guard in his new role as Adjutant General.”

Prior to his appointment and confirmation as the 38th Adjutant General of Kansas, Venerdi served as the Director of the Joint Staff, Kansas National Guard at the Joint Force Headquarters in Topeka. He previously served as Commander of the 184th Wing at McConnell Air Force Base.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a resurfacing project on K-63 in Pottawatomie County on Tuesday, May 2, weather permitting.

The project covers about 8 miles, from the north K-63/K-16 junction to the Nemaha County line.

KDOT says traffic will be restricted to one lane and directed by a pilot car and flaggers when work is taking place. There will be a speed reduction and 12-foot width restriction through the work zone. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will occur Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed, during daylight hours and is expected to be complete by the end of May.

Vance Brothers Inc. of Kansas City, Mo., is the prime contractor on the $1 million project.

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

Editors note:-the following statement was released by Nemaha County Commissioner Dyan Keim regarding recent actions taken by the commission.

We the Nemaha County Commissioners being sworn in, January 2021 and January 2023 are submitting an outline of events, difficult challenges, highlighting positives and giving a vision for Nemaha County in an effort to be as transparent as legally possible.

Challenging spots have been the management of our departments, the 100+ employees, and our effectiveness of working together. There was no HR in place, therefore in an effort to streamline we started contracting with HR Partners, LLC in August 2021. The county government has grown exponentially through the years and increased services.

In September 2021, we implemented a time clock system. We were met with a great deal of resistance from employees that found it unreasonable. Many rumors are in effort to undermine changes within county departments. Moving from handwritten time logs to a more modern up-to-date system has allowed us to be more accountable and verify time as an asset. We have been revising and updating our employee handbook. Newer policies were needed as our workforce is changing. Another challenge we had was getting our wage scales competitive with other employers within the county and surrounding communities.

One outdated policy that was putting an extreme financial burden on the county was sick leave. Sick leave had unlimited hours to be accrued and a payout of 50% of final wage at 720 hours. We have seen sick leave paid out on final paychecks in excess of $15,000. We have multiple employees with a sick leave balance of 720+ hours. This equates to over $200,000 currently owed to employees. Vacation policies are straining our workforce and require us to hire parttime employees to fill vacancies. Part-time employees qualify for benefits such as health insurance, sick/vacation leave, dental, vision, and 11 paid holidays. The total cost of one holiday for county wages is in excess of $20,000. Partly, because employees that are required to work holidays will earn 2.5x holiday pay.

Currently, the total cost of insurance for employees is close to a million dollars/annually that the county pays out. Therefore, we have been researching and obtaining quotes for different health insurance plans. Moving from the State BCBS plan to just a standard BCBS plan may save up to $300,000 annually. This is another cost saving effort for county constituencies.

Facing these challenges, the board was lacking follow through with directives. After many months of discussions, in Fall of 2022, a new position was created, County Administrator. This position will most likely pay for itself by creating a streamlined system for departments, budgets, and services when working with the county. With the assistance of HR Partners the interviewing process has begun. This position will assist with oversight of the day-to-day management and the implementation of policies and procedures. Some of the duties of this position will include; budget preparation and analysis, evaluating each department annually, on/off boarding of employees, and implementing directives at the request of the board. Serving as a final resource and authority for assignments, guidelines and policies. With this position, the County departments will run more efficiently and in a professional manner.

Road & Bridge: We have put more funds into this department than in years past. In 2021 we hired a new department Director, Adam Kuckelman. Adam has proven to be an asset to this county department. His direction and outstanding work ethic has led to better morale and a good team working environment. We challenged Adam and his department to have the best roads in the surrounding counties. We spent over 5 million dollars in 2022 and again in 2023 on roads/bridges. This past summer we re-paved the Bern-Sabetha Road with an asphalt overlay. This is the first time in nearly 30 years that this road has seen substantial repairs. We used PILOT funds to help assist with the cost. This blacktop is the most trafficked road within our County. This coming summer we will tear up a vast majority of the Goff-Oneida Road. The plan is to put down a 12-inch concrete base with paved hard surfaces. We have also implemented a maintenance schedule with shorter intervals to help maintain our road system.

Senior Services Transportation: We offer transportation services to those in the county with sites in Seneca and Sabetha. They operate on a first come first serve basis and strive to serve as many customers as possible. The transportation department has been a challenge to keep within budget due to the rising costs in fuel and repairs this past year. Our new director, Tammy Epple and her staff have done a great job in keeping cost at a minimum to stay on budget. They are awaiting two new vans from KDOT since September 2021. Our fleet is aging and is now replacing transmissions and other costly repairs. This has led to them not taking as many longer distance routes and staying more local. Our transportation department has been the envy of most counties so hats off to a good group of hard-working folks.

Senior Services Nutrition: This department has been in discussions for a while now. In 2021, the board decided not to proceed with a Senior center building grant. Main reasons were:

1. A KDOT/Federal grant was awarded for a Transportation garage and office, NOT a Senior center and meal site.

2. County was to pay $600,000 at the end of 2021 and the previous board of Commissioners didn’t have it included in the budget.

3. The building site survey was not completed for the soil compaction study. It was planned to be built on top of the old school basement that was filled in. Increasing costs to get the soil compaction to the Federal government- requirements for the grant.

4. Design of the building would not house all of the vehicles for transportation dept. which was the original purpose for the building. KDOT was unaware of this.

5. Federal requirements stated if the building was to be used in any other manner, they reserved the right to require the county pay back the grant portion of the funds. Which were around 1.4-1.5 million.

6. The previous Director had signed the KDOT grant without board approval and legal council reviewing it. Only the Board of Commissioners can enter the county into a contractual agreement.

Therefore, the board chose to return the grant funds of $160,000 to KDOT for the project. And paid the Architect for services rendered to-date. This could have been avoided if the Department Director had followed County policy.

This past year, Meals of Wheels/Nutrition has been 140+% over budget. Currently, the county spends $13.48 per meal serving 32,300 meals in 2022. Most of the meal costs are associated with labor and benefits. Unfortunately, this is not sustainable for years to come. Employees reported concerns with the program- funds and procedures. Prompting the board to complete an audit for fiscal year 2022. Upon investigation numbers submitted by the director of a projected $15/meal cost and meal counts were correct. The nutrition dept is partially funded by grants. With these grants come their own set of regulations. One of those regulations is that meals cannot be issued to staff or volunteers. However, it was documented that over 565 unqualified meals were served to employees in 2022.

There was a lack of planning for menu's in accordance to how many people were signing up for meals. Participant personal/health information was not secured properly, inventory and other records being kept were inadequate per grant requirements. Food on hand and leftovers were not documented or accounted for. No itemized receipts from vendors, improper procedures for checking in and accounting for food inventory were not being adhered to per county policy. Time clock information was being used in violation of policy. A vendor, Haverkamp Grocery was given access code to the kitchen after hours, in direct violation of county procedures and policy. No nutrition employee was present to verify inventory delivered and food safety check. This vendor had full access to all participants’ records, including health information, computers, inventory and other sensitive county information, due to items not being secured properly. Daily deposits of the nutrition program did not match county treasurer deposits. The voucher tickets for this program are easily reproducible and payments are not trackable. Volunteers were not being properly trained on policies and procedures of the program. Other legal issues that were found will be addressed by the county and department director.

Moving forward, we are not looking to end the MOW program. We are however looking to implement procedural changes to help sustain the program for many years. We look forward to continuing community involvement and raising awareness of seniors’ needs.

Solid Waste Department: Proper tools were needed to make it a safe work environment. We have invested in new doors and remodeled offices due to mold and water damage. Replaced broken shop doors and fixed the glass breaker. Instead of crushing glass with a skid steer bucket on the concrete floor. Extended the pit and will continue to make up dates. Budget has been tight but, cost of recycled goods can go up and down.

Emergency Management: In the Spring of 2022 a new director was hired, Eddie Aldrine. Eddie had an uphill battle coming into this position and he has exceeded our expectations. He has been updating reports and KDEM requirements that were grossly deficient. Eddie assisted Marshall County after the tornado in 2022 and swiftly got the Kelly tornado siren up and running again. Throughout the state Nemaha County was known to be “sub par” with this department. Eddie has gotten Nemaha County back on track and brought us into the forefront of Emergency Preparedness and leading the way.

Appraiser Office: Betty Roeder is preparing and training a new appraiser Kerri Koch. Appraisers are hard to find and take a while to complete classes and 6,000+ hours. So, we are happy to welcome Kerri to this position before Betty retires. This position isn’t the most desired position, so we are thankful. This office has done a good job staying on budget and giving the board new ideas and information.

We have continued to invest in the county fair. New bleachers were added. There has been some upkeep with the community building, we chipped and sealed the parking lots and continue to maintain this building. We also updated the rental agreement/schedules for this facility.

Health Department: Another big change is the addition of our own health department, as of July 1, 2022. We found during COVID the contractual agreement with Nemaha County Community Health Services (a private entity) opened doors for county liability and no oversight from the board of health (the board of commissioners). In August of 2021 our annual contract with NCCHS changed. This new contract submitted by NCCHS excluded the services for a health officer and other key services that are required by state statutes. Yet still requesting funding plus local health dept grants and office space annually to provide services. Forcing the county to legally find a health officer and a medical advisor. The board hired Heaven Schuette in November 2021 as health officer and in July 2022 she became the Health Dept. Administrator, while still serving as health officer. This has been a challenge in starting at ground zero for a health department.

Every county in Kansas is required to provide specific services. For instance, Rabies investigation, disease investigation for over 70 reportable diseases to KDHE, a health officer position and a medical advisor, VFC (vaccines for children program) and PHEP (Public Health Emergency Preparedness) just to name a few. VFC is a program for children to receive immunizations regardless of their ability to pay. The county contracts with Nemaha Valley Community Hospital to provide this service and we appreciate their partnership. Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) is a service that has needed updating of policies and procedures. The health dept. applies for grants every year through KDHE to help offset costs. We plan to grow this dept over the next several years to include clinical services and help fill gaps not available elsewhere in the county.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding is another topic that there are a lot of questions about. The board has chosen to not disburse said funds; initially waiting for stipulations to be finalized. On 1.9 million, the county has collected 4% interest on these funds and has chosen not to hire a financial advisor like similar counties did for a small fee of $100,000. We hired Jack Willmeth of Seneca to take this over for a fraction of the cost of what other counites have chosen to do. By looking elsewhere and negotiating better terms we have made it to where the interest off of the funds should pay their rate for administering the funds. Waiting for a qualified Administrator to advise the board. We will have to have expenditures planned by 2024 and funds must be exhausted by 2026.

A county wide survey was conducted and completed in January 2023, our planning commission will get the final plan done June 2023. With proper implementation of our county planning it should lead us to growth and prosperity here in Nemaha County.

In closing, we invited anyone to come into our open meetings every Monday at 9 AM in the commissioner's room upstairs in the courthouse. Also, explore our new website that has a wealth of information www.nmcoks.us. Minutes of every meeting are available for anyone to view motions and/or actions of the board.

(KNZA)--Waste Management plans to stop operating the Doniphan County transfer station, effective October 31, 2024.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the Doniphan County Commission received a letter from the company at their meeting Monday informing them of their decision not to renew their agreement with the county.

County Clerk Peggy Franken told commissioners she has arranged for Mike Hey, area manager of disposal operations for Waste Management, to attend their May 1st meeting. In addition, she has also asked Northeast Kansas Environmental Services Office Manager Martha Smith to attend.

In other business, County Aging Department Director Diana Crouse-Johnson informed the commission of a water main break at the Highland Senior Center.

She presented a bid for repair of the line and another for replacement of the entire line.

The Commission voted to accept a bid from Engemann Drainage, of Troy, for replacement of the line from the meter to the building at a cost of $1,598.

And on the recommendation of Crouse-Johnson, the commission approved the hiring of Rebecque Turner to serve as the site director of the Wathena senior citizens center on a part-time basis. Turner began work Thursday at a salary of $15 an hour.

(KNZA)--An Elwood woman, convicted on charges in a child rape case, has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

According to court documents, 23-year-old Kaitland Quimby was sentenced Wednesday in Doniphan County District on two counts of rape.

Quimby pleaded no contest to the charges last month. In exchange for the plea, two additional counts of rape were dismissed.

She was convicted of engaging in sexual intercourse with two different children under the age of 14.

Quimby was arrested last August following an investigation by the Elwood Police Department.

(KLZA)-- A Maitland, Missouri teenager suffered what were described as moderate injuries in a single vehicle wreck about 9:15 Wednesday morning in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol report indicates 19-year-old Sophia Ferguson was westbound on 180th Street, approximately three miles east of Mound City when the car she was driving traveled off the south side of the road and the front drivers side of the car struck a fence post and came to rest.

Ferguson was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance District to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment of her injuries.

Ferguson was wearing a safety device at the time of the wreck.

(KAIR)--A first-place trophy for Theatre Atchison, with the local community theater earning that honor during this month's seven-state region V Theatre Festival at the American Association of Community Theatres.

Now, according to a release, Theatre Atchison “will be one of Twelve award-winning companies from across the country and U.S. Armed Services overseas who will perform at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, in Louisville, during AACTFest 2023," held June 12-17.

In order to transport all that's required to perform Theatre Atchison's “two-time, award-winning production of The Wall,” by Richard Lauchman, to Kentucky, the local theater will hold fundraiser performances next month. That will include performances by Outstanding Actor winner Cameron Carlson and Excellence in Acting winner Charlie Peitsch.

The public fundraising performances will be held on the evenings of May 10 through 12, at 7:00, at Theatre Atchison.

A donation will be accepted for admission, with the funds raised to “help pay the festival costs to take the set, and its crew to Louisville, Kentucky.”

Outside donations are also being accepted.

(KAIR)--A late Wednesday afternoon, Atchison collision sent a Cummings woman to the hospital.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 58-year-old Stacy Peuker, of Bendena, was backing her Chrysler mini van “out of a parking space in the 900 block of Commercial [Street] when it collided with a Chevrolet passenger car.”

Wilson says the car, driven by 20-year-old Cummings resident Grace Bader, was westbound on Commercial Street when the van struck struck the car.

Bader was transported from the scene by Atchison County EMS, and was taken to Atchison- Amberwell Health for treatment of her injuries.

The wreck happened around 4:45 Wednesday afternoon

(KLZA)-- A seal coat project to extend the life of Interstate 29 in Atchison County, Missouri, is scheduled to being Monday, May 1.The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted with Vance Brothers, Inc., to complete the project on north and southbound I-29 from the Iowa state line to Missouri Route 111 near Rock Port.

During construction, the roadway will be narrowed to one lane around the clock in various locations. Crews will be working daylight hours, weekdays and Saturdays as needed. The on and off ramps at Route 111/E (Exit 107), U.S. Route 136 (Exit 110) and Route A/B (Exit 116) will be close periodically for short durations.

A 12-foot width restriction will be in place for all project work zones. The project is anticipated to be completed in June. 

All scheduled roadwork is weather permitting and subject to change.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved an agreement with ChartMeds, Inc. a Missouri Corporation which will provide services to the Jail to assist with administering prescription medications and ancillary treatments of the inmates at a cost of $264 per month when the met Wednesday.

Jail Supervisor Kristen Morehead presented the proposal to Commissioners.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported the new electronic fingerprinting equipment should arrive in late May. He also reported that a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation will be used for a “Click it or Ticket” special enforcement May 22, through June 4.

During the Southeast Nebraska Community action Partnership annual report, Debbie Green with the SENCA Court Appointed Special Advocate relayed the organizations thanks for the successful work the Richardson County Sheriff's Department is doing and for their assistance with helping CASA when requested.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau revealed plans to make repairs and improve 706 Road, west of Falls City which is known as West 14th Street.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council discussed the Main Street project when they meet last week.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, local resident Tom Hilbert expressed his concerns about the project, particularly with the sidewalks.

He was concerned that the affected property owners weren't notified about what would be done with the sidewalks and about the width of the sidewalks. He said yards are being torn up and wanted to know who is responsible for repairing them.

Later in the meeting, the Council discussed the project. Mayor Joe Mitchell said he was not impressed with the communication between the contractor and the landowners.

Following discussion, the council voted to go with a five-foot width on the north side of Main Street between 7th and 11th Streets, to be located on the edge of the city- right of way after confirmation by a survey.

In other business, the sewer lagoon dredging project was discussed.

So far, about 9.9 million gallons of sludge has been removed from cells 1-3. However, the project has been stopped because all the available permitted acres have been utilized.

In preparation for the project, permitting was performed for enough acres to accommodate the 11 million gallons of sludge estimated to be removed, but due to weather delays and changes in farmers crop rotations, the amount of usable acreage was reduced.

About five million gallons of sludge is left to be removed from cells 1 and 3.

The contractor, Reed Environmental, of Sheldon, Missouri, plans to remove the remaining sludge in mid-fall.

(KNZA)--There have been few filings so far for city and school board positions up for election this fall in Brown County.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Bryan Stirton has filed for re-election as Horton Mayor, while two candidates have filed for an open position on the Horton City Commission. K

Kirk Gries and Bruce Hodges have filed for the position of Commissioner of Police, which is currently held by Rex West.

Also up for election on the Horton City Commission is the position of Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, which is currently held by Richard Lovelady.

No positions will be up for election this fall on the Hiawatha City Commission, but there will be positions up for election on the city councils in the smaller cities in Brown County.

The County Clerk's Office says there have been no filings so far for positions up for election on the Hiawatha USD 415 and Horton USD 430 Boards of Education.

Four positions are up for election on the USD 415 Board. They include position 1, currently held by Jeff Brockoff; position 2, currently held by Tom Simmer; position 3, currently held by Ian Schuetz and position 7, currently held by Amy Kopp.

Four positions are also up for election on the USD 430 Board. They include position 1, currently held by April Keo; position 2, currently held by Jason Selland; position 3, currently held by Laurence Berger; and position 7, currently held by Rex Lockwood.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file at the Brown County Clerk's Office.

A primary election will be held, Tuesday, August 1st, if needed. The General Election will be Tuesday, November 7.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man has been arrested in connection with the theft of trailer from the city of Denison.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the trailer was reported stolen Wednesday.

During the course of the investigation, Morse said a sheriff's deputy located the trailer near 110th and M. Roads in southern Jackson County.

Deputies later arrested 51-year-old Jamie Perron in connection with the theft.

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

(KNZA)--A Wednesday morning Jackson County crash left one dead and closed a stretch of highway.

That's according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, who says the two car collision claimed the life of a Jackson County woman.

The fatal crash was reported shortly before 11:00 Wednesday morning, north of Holton, on U.S. Highway 75. Both lanes were closed through the day Wednesday, with traffic diverted through Holton.

Morse, in a release, says his office and the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the scene, with Jackson County EMS and Holton Fire assisting.

Specific details, including the name of the deceased, remain unreleased as the investigation continues.

(KAIR)--A two vehicle, late Wednesday morning Atchison crash, involving a pickup truck and a semi, left two injured.
Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News it happened around 9:40, at U.S. Highway 73 and Raven Hill Drive.

Injured were two 75-year-old Muscotah men, Robert Myers and Warren Wilson, who were both transported from the scene by Atchison County EMS for hospital treatment of their injuries.

According to Wilson, Myers was behind the wheel of a Ford pickup truck that had just entered U.S. Highway 73, after traveling westbound on Raven Hill Drive, and was attempting to turn southbound on the highway when the truck was struck by a northbound semi-tractor/trailer.

The driver of the semi, Cassville, Missouri resident Jerry Reed, was not hurt.

(KAIR)--Special recognition is given to a Benedictine College alumnus, and the first African-American three-star general in United States history, who, this week, will see a military fort named in his honor.

That's according to a release from Atchison's Benedictine College, which says Lt. General Arthur Gregg (retired), graduated from B.C. summa cum laude in December of 1964 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education.

Gregg, the college says, “enlisted in a segregated military in 1946...[and] steadily rose through the ranks.” It was while attending the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, he came to Benedictine College, then known as St. Benedict's, as one of the first “Bootstrappers,” “the group of military officers who participated in a government program to complete their college education.”

On Thursday, the United States Army will officially redesignate Fort Lee, in Virginia, as Fort Gregg-Adams, honoring both the B.C. alumnus, as well as Lt. Col. Charity Adams, the first black officer in the women's Army Auxiliary Corp during World War II.

The college, in the release, credits Gregg for “his perseverance in the face of prejudice,” and calls him “an example of patriotism and love of country.”

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Transportation says work is scheduled to begin May 1 on portion of Nebraska Highway 67, from reference post 34+36 to reference post 40+80.

Work will include an overlay, bridge rehab, bridge replacement and new guardrail at all bridge locations.

Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers for asphalt operations and a traffic signal for bridge rehab work. There will be a marked detour for bridge replacement over Little Nemaha River.

A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is June 2024.

United Contractors, Inc. of Johnston, Iowa is the contractor for this project.

(KLZA)-- A Tecumseh, Nebraska woman is facing charges of leaving the scene of an accident without rendering aid and motor vehicle homicide in connection with the March 16 death of Logan Ascheman.

36-year-old Chelsy Kress called the Johnson County Sheriff's Office about four-and-a-half hours after the accident to report it.

Ascheman worked in security at Smart Chicken and was found dead near the factory.

Court documents allege Kress hit a pedestrian on First Street shortly after 11 p.m. A passerby found a hat and glasses around 11:30 p.m. but Ascheman was not discovered until after Kress called authorities just past 2:30 a.m.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department participated in the drug Impaired Driving Enforcement mobilization April 19 - 23, making 55 traffic stops with 25 citations and 9 warnings being issued.

In addition, the Police Department responded to 32 calls for service with one traffic accident reported and a warrant arrest made. There were 9 theft reports 2 child abuse complaints, 2 calls for uncontrollable juvenile a one call for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and three weapons charges.

Falls City Police Officers worked 20 hours of overtime during the mobilization. The cost for the overtime is paid for by a grant provided by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Office.

The Police Department expressed their thanks to the citizens of Falls City for their continued support and encourages all drivers to drive safely

(KAIR)--“Due to the overwhelming demand for tire disposal in [Atchison] County,” a new tire disposal program is being put in place.

That word comes in a release from Atchison County, which says the County- new program is set to start Thursday at the Atchison County Transfer Station, located at 8575 Neosho Road. From 8 that morning, until 3 that afternoon, County residents may dispose of their unwanted tires at that location.

The release explains that the “new temporary program will be open to accept tires each Thursday through May 18,” with the hours of operation to remain the same each Thursday.

Over the course of the temporary tire disposal program, County leaders “will determine the best structure for a permanent tire disposal program,” with the release noting that each Atchison County resident who uses the service will be limited to the disposal of 50 tires, and availability will be on a first come first serve basis.

A pre-disposal phone call to the Transfer Station, at 913-804-6005, is necessary before each visit to make certain they can accommodate each tire disposal need.

According to the release, the program does not require that tires be processed or removed from rims, but large agricultural equipment tires are not being accepted.

The need for a coordinated tire disposal effort became apparent to Atchison County leaders last weekend during the County's first time to host a county wide cleanup event.

Planned to run from Friday through Sunday, including the collection of tires inside the Atchison city limits, the event hit a snag early when the Atchison tire collection effort was forced to end Friday afternoon, just hours after it began, due to the number of tires received at the drop-off point. According to Atchison County, 3, 53-foot semi-trailers were filled up by that time, leading to the end of the collection.

Atchison County Commission Chair Casey Quinn, in social media post, said, following the clean-up, “it [has] been very eye opening to hear the generations and decades of tire needs that face [Atchison] County that need resources to assist in getting them cleaned up.”

(KAIR)--A familiar, local voice gains national recognition through a leading magazine of the Nashville music industry.

Music Row Magazine, whose website calls it the magazine that music executives rely on, has highlighted Atchison's Neil Wieland, Program Director for Atchison's KAIR 93.7 FM.

The article, written by the magazine's Liza Anderson, focuses on Wieland- past, from childhood forward, that led him to his radio position today, with the magazine, in part, focused on Wieland's role in what it calls “the community growth aspects of secondary market radio.”

The article, and interview, featuring Wieland is included in Music Row's February/March 2023 edition.

Wieland says he was “surprised and honored” to be asked to be featured by the magazine.

(KNZA)--A new residential housing development is planned in Hiawatha.

The Hiawatha City Commission voted Monday evening to authorize City Administrator Becky Berger to sign an agreement with The Anderson Group, L.L.C, of De Soto, Kansas, for a duplex development on about two acres of city-owned land west of Bruning Park along Apache Street.

Dave Anderson appeared before the Commission to discuss the proposed about $4 million project. Anderson says plans are to construct six duplexes, which would be available for rent to residents.

As part of the agreement, the city will seek a $650,000 grant from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to help with the project. The grant application is due June 2nd.

Once awarded, the developer would have six months to start the project and 18 months to complete it.

A housing study conducted last year by the Hiawatha Foundation of Economic Development showed the need for additional housing in the city. The city and HFED have been working together to try to bring additional, quality housing to the community, and Anderson was contacted.

(KMZA)--Marshall County voters in a special election Tuesday rejected a funding proposal for a new jail.

According to the unofficial results from the Marshall County Clerk's Office, 718 votes were cast against the proposal or 64 percent, with 396 votes in favor or 36 percent.

The County Clerk's Office reported only about a 16 percent voter turnout.

Voters were deciding whether the county should enter into a lease-purchase agreement not to exceed $6.5 million to finance a portion of the proposed new jail. The total estimated cost was placed at $12 million.

The decision to hold the election came after a valid protest petition was filed in October objecting to the county's lease-purchase plan.

(KLZA)-- The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments will sponsor an e-waste and white goods collection event at three sites on Saturday, April 29.

The collections are free to residents of Northwest Missouri including those living in Atchison and Holt counties.

Commercial and business waste will not be accepted at the events.

The collection sites will be at Oregon from 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. across from the T.J. Hall community Building and from 10:00 a-m - 11:30 a.m. at the Water Plant on West 7th Street in Mound City. There will also be a collection site in Graham, at the Nodaway-Holt High School from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

E-waste and white goods items that will be accepted include:

Computers, cell phones, refrigerators, cooking stoves, small appliances, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water heaters and dishwashers.

Televisions, monitors and printers will not be accepted.

The collection event is partially funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

For more information you may contact Jerri Dearmont at 660-582-5121, Extension 7 or email jerri@nwmorcog.org.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Public Works will meet in special session at 11:30 Wednesday morning in the BPW Board Room, to consider and possibly take action on a mutual consideration final resolution agreement between the BPW and General Manager Dave Hunter who is currently on leave and matters resulting there from.

The meeting is open to the public and all interested parties will have an opportunity to express their views regarding the proposed considerations during a public hearing.

Hunter has been on paid leave since April 4.

(KNZA)--A Winchester man was injured Monday evening after crashing his motorcycle on a Jefferson County road about two miles west of Perry.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 23-year-old Colby Peck was northbound on Thompsonville Road when, for an unknown reason, he failed to negotiate a curve. His Harley Davidson motorcycle went off the side of the road and overturned, ejecting Peck.

He was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says Peck was wearing eye protection, but wasn't wearing a helmet when the crash occurred shortly before 7:00.

( Omaha) - Agricultural security is national security. Hackers, criminals, foreign intelligence actors, and terrorists continue to pose a threat to Nebraska- food and agriculture sector. In particular, the cyber threats we see today are more pervasive, target a wider range of victims, and can cause greater damage than ever before.

On June 6 - 7, the FBI Omaha field office will host the 2023 Agriculture Threats Symposium. It will take place in Lincoln. Members of the private sector, academia, industry, and government officials from the agriculture sector are invited to attend, as well as law enforcement partners.

The free two-day symposium is designed to provide information on cyber, terrorist, foreign intelligence, and criminal threats to the agriculture sector in the Upper Midwest and offer resources and guidance for the sector to prevent, detect, and mitigate these threats.

To register, please visit https://AgThreatsSymposium.eventbrite.com and complete the registration process. Space is limited.

(KAIR)--Atchison County's first county-wide cleanup, including weekend-long extended services and hours to assist residents with cleaning up the County, has concluded successfully, but with areas needing to be assessed for future events.
The goal was to gain community involvement in working towards a cleaned up County, and that involvement was shown. However, one aspect of the effort, collecting unwanted tires in Atchison, came to an end early, with 3, 53-foot semi-trailers filled up by Friday afternoon.

That's according to Atchison County's Wes Lanter, who says, in a release, that the Atchison tire collection was assisted through the efforts of the Benedictine College Football Team and coaches.

Area students, including those from Atchison- USD 409 and Atchison- County- USD 377, also assisted with the Atchison County-hosted cleanup, which is now set to be reviewed, with an eye on what Atchison County Commission Chair Casey Quinn calls “the tire challenges that have been experienced.”

In a post to social media, Quinn said that challenge will help planners “somewhat gauge the need” for future cleanups that involve the collection of tires.
In the post, Quinn stated that “it [has] been very eye opening to hear the generations and decades of tire needs that face [Atchison] County that need resources to assist in getting them cleaned up.”

(KAIR)--A burglary that occurred late last week at the Atchison Event Center remains under investigation by Atchison Police.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, said the burglary occurred shortly after 1:30 Friday morning, at the Event Center, located in the 700 block of South 9th Street.

According to Wilson, forced entry was made into the building by using a window.
Once inside, whoever's behind the crime made their way into an office where they located, and stole, a laptop computer and safe.
No suspects are immediately identified.

Anyone with information related to the Event Center break-in should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KMZA)--Marshall County voters will go to the polls Tuesday for a special election to determine the fate of a funding proposal for a new jail.

Voters will decide whether the county should enter into a lease-purchase agreement not to exceed $6.5 million to finance a portion of the proposed new jail. The total estimated cost is $12 million.

The decision to hold the election comes after a valid protest petition was filed in October objecting to the county's lease-purchase plan.

The polls will be open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

(KMZA)--Part of K-63 in Pottawatomie County will be reduced to one lane and controlled by temporary traffic signals this week while pothole patching is completed on the bridge deck over Bartlett Creek just north of Emmett.

Kansas Department of Transportation maintenance crews will start work at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 24, and continue daily through Friday, April 28, weather permitting.

Crews will be working during daytime hours, but the temporary traffic signals will be in use for the duration of the repair project. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 10 minutes. There will also be an 11-foot width restriction through the work zone.

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

(KNZA)--A Saturday night single-vehicle roll-over wreck on Interstate-470 in Shawnee County claimed the life of an Oskaloosa man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 47-year-old Darryl Scott Hayes, Jr., was eastbound when for an unknown reason his pickup truck left the roadway. The pickup struck the embankment and rolled over striking a tree before rolling down the embankment.

Hayes was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Patrol says he was not wearing a seat belt when the wreck occurred shortly before 10:00 Saturday night.

(KAIR)--A teacher, a professional clown, and a musician. Those are several of the skills of James Babcock, who taught in local area schools through the years, that are being remembered.

According to an obituary from the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Hiawatha, Babcock, informally known as “Jim,” died April 14 of natural causes. He was 72-years old, and residing in rural Robinson.

According to the obituary, Babcock taught preschool, elementary, and high school students, having worked locally at such schools as Maur Hill-Mount Academy, in Atchison, as well as Horton High School, Horton Elementary School, and Wolf River Child Care Center.

He was teaching 5th grade in the Shawnee Mission School District at the time of his retirement in 2012.

Among his survivors are his wife, Pam, and four children.

Babcock will be laid to rest Thursday, with services to be held that afternoon at Hiawatha's Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 3:00, followed by the service at 4:00.

(KAIR)--A teacher, a professional clown, and a musician. Those are several of the skills of James Babcock, who taught in local area schools through the years, that are being remembered.

According to an obituary from the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Hiawatha, Babcock, informally known as “Jim,” died April 14 of natural causes. He was 72-years old, and residing in rural Robinson.

According to the obituary, Babcock taught preschool, elementary, and high school students, having worked locally at such schools as Maur Hill-Mount Academy, in Atchison, as well as Horton High School, Horton Elementary School, and Wolf River Child Care Center.
He was teaching 5th grade in the Shawnee Mission School District at the time of his retirement in 2012.

Among his survivors are his wife, Pam, and four children.

Babcock will be laid to rest Thursday, with services to be held Thursday afternoon at Hiawatha- Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 3:00, followed by the service at 4:00.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council has determined that the age and current condition of the Humboldt City Pool is non-operational for the upcoming pool season.

The announcement called the pool a safety issue for families and the pool staff.

Contractors will not be available until the middle of August to work on the pool.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty informed Richardson County Commissioners Wednesday that a K-9 dog that was to be purchased for the Sheriff's Department did not pass the training and the purchase of a K-9 from a different source is being reviewed.

The Sheriff's Department has also learned of grant funding available to assist with the purchase of a K-9 and have submitted the application to be considered for grant funds.

Sheriff Hardesty also reported the department has received two grants from the Nebraska Department of Transportation and provided a report on the activity for January 1 through Mach 31 of this year for the department in regards to arrests and bookings into the jail.

The Sheriff also reported that he had met with representatives of the City of Falls City concerning the future of 911 dispatching and the possibility of moving the dispatch center to the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center.

Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall met with the Board to discuss a request from Pawnee County for the consolidation of services for the Emergency Management Director position due to the resignation of the Director serving both Pawnee and Johnson counties.

A joint meeting will be planned for a member of each county board to meet to further review the proposal.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education learned during their Tuesday meeting the school district has been approved for an Immediate Responsive Services Grant that will be utilized to cover a portion of the Middle School Counselor position and curriculum for the 2023-24 school year.

Board members approved the employment of Paula Chambers as the ACES Director for the next school year.

The Board approved having Schueth Concrete do work on the Multipurpose Building Parking Lot while playground upgrades were tabled until the May Board meeting.

Also tabled with action on the Extra Duty Salary Schedule for the 23-24 school year. The Board asked Superintendent Korey Miles to review summer pay for coaches.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has appointed seven members to an advisory committee to help with the development of a comprehensive plan for the county.

At their April 10 meeting, the Commission voted to appoint Griff Howard and Wyatt Kerl from District 1; Rex Lockwood and Bill Sechler from District 2; Ben Swinger and Cliff Heiniger from District 3 and Bill Vonderschmidt for the at-large position.

The Commission last October hired planning consultant Dick Horton to develop a comprehensive plan for the county. Horton recommended the Commission form an advisory committee to help in the process.

The commission began discussing the need for a comprehensive plan last year as a way to guide decisions on how to regulate the development of large-scale wind energy projects in the county.

In other business at their April 10 meeting, the Commission voted 2-1 to authorize County Clerk Dawn Boyles to pay the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club $49,911 and the Horton Industrial Development Committee $49,869 from the county general fund.

Commissioner Bill Pollock cast the dissenting vote.

The two groups had previously requested ARPA funding from the county to help with their ball field projects.

(KNZA)--South Brown County USD 430 will be searching for a new superintendent.

The Board of Education, during their regular meeting Wednesday evening, accepted the resignation of Superintendent Jason Cline, effective at the end of the current school year.

He has served as superintendent since July 2017.

Board President Jason Selland thanked Cline for his time with the district.

He has been hired as the new superintendent for Lakeview Community Schools, in Columbus, Nebraska.

Cline is to begin his new job July 1st.

The USD 430 board voted to hire the Kansas Association of School Boards to assist the district in its search for a new superintendent at a cost of $3,400, plus expenses.

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for a former Doniphan County Sheriff's deputy facing multiple charges.

According to court documents, District Court Judge John Weingart signed an order earlier this month setting a five-day trial for Nathaniel Keller, beginning September 18, in Doniphan County District Court. A pre-trial conference was set for June 14.

That comes after Lenexa attorney Adam Zenter was appointed to serve as special prosecutor in the case. Zenter is a former assistant attorney general for the state of Kansas.

Keller has pleaded not guilty to 15 counts. He is charged with sex crimes allege to have occurred in 2017 with a child 14 or older, but less than 16 years of age. Keller is also charged with domestic-related offenses alleged to have occurred in 2019 and 2021.

He was arrested in June of 2021 after Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents served a search warrant on his home.

Keller remains free on a $500,000 bond.

(KNZA)-- A former Wamego man has been charged in Brown County in an alleged human trafficking case.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill filed a six-count complaint in Brown County District Court Tuesday charging 42-year-old Camden Hubbard with felony counts of aggravated human trafficking, possession of methamphetamine and unlawful use of a communication facility, along with misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and improper registration.

Hubbard made his first appearance in a Brown Court courtroom Tuesday to hear the charges.

He was arrested late Saturday afternoon after a Brown County Sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle on U.S. 36 Highway near Horned Owl Road for a traffic violation.

Authorities say Hubbard was a passenger in the the vehicle driven by a 17-year-old girl.

A preliminary hearing in case has been set for April 26.

Hubbard remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a $150,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- Community Medical Center in Falls City will host an Earth Day Walk - Run for Fun on Sunday at Stanton Lake Park in Falls City.

The event starts at 12:15 p.m. and there will be both 1 mile and a 5K events. The entry fee is $20 and there will be gifts for all the participants.

In addition, there will be activities, booths and live music during the afternoon.

For more information contact Linda Santo at 402-245-6704 or text her at 402-245-0645.

Proceeds raised during the Sunday afternoon events will go to the Community Medical Center Nature Trail that goes around the hospital.

(KLZA)-- With grant monies secured to pay for a recreation center feasibility study, the Falls City Council Monday night approved advertising for proposals for such a study for a multi-generational indoor recreation center.

The study will review the former National Guard Armory and City Hall building for the facility. If the building at 18th and Barada is not adequate, a new building could be constructed.

Community leaders have indicated the need for a recreation / wellness center in the community.

In other business, Nussbaum reviewed proposals from the Board of Park Commissioners concerning rental rates for Prichard Auditorium. The Park Board compared rates with similar facilities in other communities and kept in mind rates for school and non-profits wanting to use the auditorium for events.

The new rental fee proposals increased the cost for a full day rental by $50 to $300 per day; a half-day rental from $150 - $200; The fee for a state registered non-profit is proposed at $150 for a half or a full day. Fees for Falls City Public and Sacred Heart Schools for practices and events are proposed at $15 per hour and the fee for team sports, birthday parties was proposed at $15 per hour with a two-hour minimum.

The Council approved the proposals.

(KLZA)-- Recently reelected Mound City School Board members Chad Derr, Jeff Holstine and Sheri Meadows were sworn in during the April Board meeting Tuesday morning.

The Board voted to keep the board offices the same for this year as they have been the past year with Robert Gibson serving as Board President.

The Board approved the employee health care proposal for the 023-24 school year with Arnold Insurance Services. The District will continue to pay 100 percent of individual policies.

The 2023-24 salary schedule was approved with the base salary increased to $38,750.

The Board also approved continuing the sports cooperative agreement with the Craig, Missouri School for the next year.

Superintendent Korey Miles reported the Mound City School District has applied for a School Safety Grant that would upgrade the camera/security system in the school with new cameras as well as 9 cameras outside the building that would cover the parking lots and playground if approved.

(KAIR)--The Leavenworth County Attorney's Office has issued a safety alert following the death of a 13-year-old Ohio boy who, according to news reports, died after participating in, what a release calls, “the dangerous “Benadryl Challenge” trend on TikTok.”

The release, issued by the Leavenworth County Attorney's Office, cites media reports about Jacob Stevens, the Greenfield, Ohio teen who died on April 12 after spending nearly a week on a ventilator after attempting the challenge. Stevens’ father told an Ohio TV station that Jacob was at home with friends, who were filming him for the challenge, when he overdosed and started seizing.

According to the release, the health and wellness website, Healthline, says the “Benadryl Challenge” encourages TikTok audiences to take high doses of the over-the-counter allergy medication to induce hallucinations.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, in the release, said that when you “combine youth, social media pressure, and drugs...you can have a recipe for disaster,” and calls on parents to remain aware of their child's social media use while engaging in related conversations.

The Federal Drug Administration issued a warning about the trend in September of 2020.

(KLZA)-- Tornado warnings were issued for portions of both Richardson and Pawnee counties Tuesday evening with strong thunderstorms also reported in Nemaha, Johnson and Otoe counties.

The only damage reported to Emergency Management Departments in Richardson and Nemaha counties has been from hail. Golf ball to baseball sized hail was reported in Nemaha County, Nebraska.

Rainfall amounts varied from around 1 inch to as much as 3.5 inches in the Barada area and more than 3 inches in areas south of Pawnee City.

The accompanying picture was posted on the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department social media website.

(KAIR)--The new Atchison Elementary Intermediate Associate Principal is set to begin work this summer.

That's according to a release from Atchison's USD 409, which says that Janis Olds will begin her time in the role beginning July 1.

Currently working for the Kansas State Department of Education in the Division of Title Services, the release says Olds brings with her to Atchison years of classroom teaching experience in Kansas City, Kansas and Fort Leavenworth. That experience includes K-5 Math Intervention, 1st and 3rd grade, and K-6 special education teacher, as well as special education instructional coach.

She is currently working towards her doctorate degree through Baker University in Educational Leadership.

Olds, in the release, says she looks forward to her new role, adding, on a personal note, that she and her husband, both dog lovers, “have a blended family and between the two of [them] have 5 children.”

(KNZA)---There will be no change in how Hiawatha school board members are elected.

Following discussion at their regular meeting Monday evening, the USD 415 Board voted 5-2 to stay with the current voting plan where board members are elected by districts in the primary election and at-large in the general election.

Board members Jim Robidoux and Jacquie Kerl cast the dissenting votes.

Two voting plans were discussed. Under the other plan, which Robidoux said he supported, board members would be elected at-large in both the primary and general elections. Robidoux said it would allow voters to pick the best leaders from across the district.

Board members Amy Kopp and Jeff Brockhoff said they thought the district should stay with the current plan because it ensures there is rural representation on the board. Board member Roni Tietjens said she agreed. However, Robidoux said he believes the current plan places a restriction on rural representation not a protection.

Four positions will be up for election in November on the USD 415 Board. They include the positions currently held by Jeff Brockhoff, Tom Simmer, Ian Schuetz; and Amy Kopp.

Candidates have until noon, June 1 to file at the Brown County Clerk's Office.

Following an executive session, the board accepted the resignation of Hiawatha High School math instructor Hannah Oltjen.

The board also voted to hired Alan Simpson as Hiawatha Elementary School kindergarten teacher, Mariah Haverkamp as Hiawatha High School biology teacher, Megan Hollar as Elementary School 3rd grade teacher and Melissa Keim as Hiawatha Elementary School social worker.

The board recognized the middle school Science Olympiad team that took 2nd place at state.

The team is coached by Brian Lillie and Andy Runer, who were presented Certificates of Recognition by Board President Ian Schuetz.

(KLZA)-- During Monday nights Falls City Council meeting City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum informed the Council that early work for the Wilderness Falls III housing complex is making progress.

Preliminary work is being finalized. EXCEL is hoping to go to bids for the construction of eight duplex units and begin construction this Fall.

The build date for the 2023 Ford Explorer Police Cruiser for the Falls City Police Department continues to be delayed. A new, 2022 Explorer became available and the department purchased it in lie of the 2023 model as it was immediately available and at a cost of about $6 thousand less than the 2023 model.

The new unit is being outfitted and should be put into duty in May. The vehicle is covered by the 2023 USDA Grant.

Roof replacement work is underway on a 2022 insurance claim for damage at Grandview Park, The Aquatic Center, City Hall, the house at the airport and the hangar.

Nussbaum also reported that Head Librarian Hope Schawang will be retiring in the near future after 36 years with the library.

The Library Board has recommended promoting Allie McCann to the Head Librarian position and hiring a new Children's Librarian.

Administrator Nussbaum also noted the build completion date for the new Elgin street sweeper is to be April 19. There have been a number of delays with the build. The delivery date has not been determined.

(KLZA)-- Saturday, April 22 will be the Spring Community Cleanup event in Falls City. Hours will be from 7 - 11 a.m. Falls City residents will be able to bring items to the parking lot east of Prichard Auditorium where Falls City Sanitation will be collecting the items brought. Large and bulky trash, appliances, furniture, building materials and metals will be accepted. Tires, hazardous waste and toxic chemicals will not be accepted. If you need help hauling large items, the Boys Scouts will pick and haul those items off for a $5 donation. Call the Falls City Chamber Office at 402-245-4228 to schedule a pickup time. Later in the Fall, there will be a paper shredding event on Saturday, October 22, sponsored by F & M Bank.

(Peru, Neb.) - Peru State College and the Peru State College Foundation will celebrate Project ROAR with three groundbreakings on Saturday, April 29.

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place in March which included officials from the Nebraska State College System and the Board of Trustees.

The April 29 groundbreakings will be for Bobcat alumni, family, and friends to kick off the first construction of brand-new buildings at Peru State for the first time since 1980. With a $15 million-plus estimated cost, Project ROAR is the largest construction project - both in terms of cost and square footage - in Peru State- entire history. The event is being coordinated around the final home athletic events taking place on the campus for the 2022-23 year.

The schedule of events follows:

1 pm Baseball DH vs. Graceland University

2 pm Softball DH vs. William Penn University

3:30 pm Baseball Groundbreaking at the Centennial Complex

3:45 pm Softball Groundbreaking at the Centennial Complex

5 pm Alumni Flag Football Tournament

6:30 pm Football Groundbreaking at the Oak Bowl

7 pm Spring Football Game

Project ROAR contributors will be throwing out the first pitches/passes. 1951 graduate Carlos Harrison of Shenandoah, Iowa, will throw the first pitch for the baseball game. Carlos, 94 years young, has respectfully requested to be a little closer to home plate for his pitch! For the 2 pm softball game, Dobey and Butch (‘69) Haws of Lincoln will toss the first pitch. Prior to the start of the spring football game, Jerry (’64) and Christina (’88) Joy of Stella and Paul (’67) and Arlene (’67) Fell will throw a few passes.

Each groundbreaking will feature brief remarks from President Michael Evans, representatives from the respective teams, and a Foundation member.

(KAIR)--A residential burglary is under investigation by Atchison Police, with thieves targeting the Atchison address sometime Tuesday afternoon.

That- according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson who says the burglary happened in the 900 block of Atchison Street.
Taken from the residence was a 52” flat screen television and a PlayStation gaming system.

Investigators believe the burglary took place sometime between 1:45 and 3:00 Tuesday afternoon.

No suspect is immediately identified.

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

(KNZA)--An Oskaloosa man, convicted on charges in connection with a shooting last September in Jefferson County, has been placed on probation.

According to court documents, Logan Wittenberg was recently sentenced in Jefferson County District Court to 36 months in prison on charges of aggravated battery and aggravated assault. However, the sentence was suspended and he was placed on 36 months supervised probation.

Wittenberg pleaded no contest to the amended charges in January. In exchange for the plea, three additional counts were dismissed.

He had originally been charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved an agreement with a Kansas City, Missouri company for the chip sealing of roads this summer.

According to the unofficial minutes from Monday's meeting, the Commission voted to enter into an agreement with Vance Brothers for chip sealing a total of 19.8 miles of county roads.

The total cost will be $546,000—which includes all material and labor, with the exception of of road patch.

7.1 miles will be chip sealed in the 1st District, 8.1 miles in the 2nd District and 4.6 miles in the 3rd District.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is investigating a burglary in the Mayetta area, and is requesting the public's assistance.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the burglary occurred between 10 A.M. and 1:30 P.M. Tuesday near 158th and T. Roads.

Morse is requesting that residents check any ring doorbell or other camera footage for any suspicious vehicles or individuals, or information regarding any suspicious individuals and vehicles encountered Tuesday.

Anyone with information regarding the burglary is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 785-364-2251.

(KAIR)--Atchison public school students will exit the current school year early.

That word comes from Dr. Renee Nugent, Superintendent of Schools for USD 409 who, in her weekly “Monday Minute” video release, explains that, due in part to the lack of snow days used this school year, an earlier end has been approved.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has awarded $1,941,360 in Community Development Block Grant funds to five communities under the second round of the 2022 Public Works Opportunity. A variety of projects were funded, including a community center, sidewalks, park improvements and street improvements.

The CDBG program is funded through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by DED on behalf of Nebraska- non-entitlement communities. CDBG dollars exist to help communities enhance public health and safety, economic well-being, local vitality and quality of life.

Among the recipients of the CDBG funds was The Village of Elk Creek, Johnson County, was awarded $333,000 for a new community center which will be located at the intersection of 1st and Ash streets in the Village.

(LINCOLN, NEB.) — The Nebraska State Patrol is alerting the public of a scam going around Nebraska this week.

Over the last few days, NSP has received multiple reports of scammers spoofing Nebraska State Patrol phone numbers, attempting to scam victims.

Scammers often attempt to pose as a trusted entity, such as law enforcement. In this case, they are posing as Nebraska State Patrol representatives.

NSP has received reports from two different areas of the state regarding members of the public receiving phone calls that appeared to come from NSP offices in Grand Island or Lincoln. These phone calls are referred to as spoofing, an act of mimicking a phone number when in reality it is a scammer on the line. The scammer then tries to steal personal information by telling the victim they have active warrants or need to pay a fine. The call recipient has not fallen for the scam in any of the reported occurrences in the last few days.

The Nebraska State Patrol never calls members of the public regarding payment of fines or active warrants. The State Patrol is urging the public to be vigilant with any such phone call and never give out personal information in such cases.

NSP reminds everyone that you should never provide personal or financial information unless you initiated the phone call or are absolutely sure you are talking to the intended group. Any reputable organization will allow you to hang up and call back so you can ensure you are speaking to the correct entity and aren’t being scammed.

(KLZA)-- Falls City School Superintendent Tim Heckenlively reported during last weeks Board meeting that changes are going to be made to the High Ability Learner program in the 2023-24 school year.

Instead of having a single person in School District 56, there will now be a coordinator at South School, Middle School and the High School.

The purpose is to allow the district to offer more programming for the High Ability Learning students and provide it throughout the year.

Curriculum /Director Mehghan Robeson will coordinate the identification process which is a combination of state assessment scores and district level assessments.

Students will be identified in the Spring of each year and letters will be sent out over the summer informing parents and students of their identification, and the district will then have High Ability Learner activities ready to begin in the Fall.

( Washington D.C.) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program, now through May 26, 2023.

Among CRP enrollment opportunities, Grassland CRP is a unique working lands program, allowing producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while conserving grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity as well as healthier soil.

More than 3.1 million acres were accepted through the 2022 Grassland CRP signup from agricultural producers and private landowners. That signup, the highest ever for the program, reflects the continued success and value of investments in voluntary, producer-led, working lands conservation programs.

The current total participation in Grassland CRP is 6.3 million acres, which is part of the 23 million acres enrolled in CRP opportunities overall. In Nebraska, as of February 2023, there were 1,845,482 acres enrolled in CRP, with 1,229,891 of those acres in Grassland CRP.

Landowners and producers interested in Grassland CRP, or any other CRP enrollment option, should contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more or to apply for the program before the deadlines.

Producers with expiring CRP acres can enroll in the Transition Incentives Program (TIP), which incentivizes producers who sell or enter into a long-term lease with a beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher who plans to sustainably farm or ranch the land.

(KNZA)--A Wamego man was arrested over the weekend on multiple charges--including aggravated human trafficking--following a traffic stop in Brown County.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said a deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding on U.S. 36 Highway near Horned Owl Road around 4:50 Saturday afternoon.

Upon contact with the female driver, who was less than 18 years of age, the release said it was discovered that she did not possess a valid drivers license. While the deputy was speaking with the driver, Brown County K-9, Carla, arrived and alerted on the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle was conducted. Suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, fentanyl, paraphernalia, scales, syringes and an open container of whiskey was seized as evidence.

Merchant said an investigation following the search resulted in the passenger in the vehicle, identified as 42-year-old Camden Hubbard, being arrested.

Hubbard was arrested on charges of aggravated human trafficking, aggravated child endangerment, contributing to a child's misconduct, conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a child, use of a communication device to facilitate a felony, transporting an open container, improper vehicle registration, possession of opiates, possession of a stimulant, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Hubbard was booked into the Brown County Jail.

Merchant said the case will be forwarded to the Brown County Attorney for review.

He said the incident remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is planning to host its first county-wide clean-up this upcoming weekend, from Friday through Sunday.
According to a release from Atchison County, extended services and hours will be offered to assist residents with cleaning up the County as part of the weekend.

Those hours and services include being open that Friday at the Effingham site, located at 9803 US Hwy 159, from 8 that morning until 4 that afternoon. Trash, metal, recyclables, household hazardous waste, as well as tires (processed with no rims) are accepted at the Effingham location.

Also being offered is a tire trailer in Atchison, and a special Sunday afternoon trash drop-off in Atchison.

Atchison County is also accepting tires, with or without rims, at the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce parking lot located at 200 South 10th Street, in Atchison, beginning that Friday.

In addition to the standard acceptance of recyclables and glass, trash is also accepted at the Atchison County Recycle Site, located at 2505 US Hwy 73, Atchison, specifically from noon to 4 pm on Sunday, April 23. No bulky items or furniture will be accepted. The Atchison Site, at 8575 Neosho Road, accepts trash; metal; recyclables; brush and yard waste; construction debris; glass; furniture, and household hazardous waste from 8 am to 4 pm daily, Monday-Saturday.

The public is encouraged to post pictures to social media and include the hashtag #ATCOCLEANUP.

Atchison County Commission Chair Casey Quinn, in the release, said she is happy to partner with others in Atchison County and hopes the weekend clean-up will become an annual event.

(Jefferson City)-- With a record-breaking $1.8 billion for road and bridge work this year, Missouri motorists can expect to encounter a significant amount of work zones and ongoing maintenance operations during their travels this year. The Missouri Department of Transportation is hosting the National Work Zone Awareness Week April 17-21, urging motorists to “Work with Us” by making smart, safe driving choices behind the wheel to protect themselves and those they share the road with, including highway workers.

It- not just a courtesy to slow down and move over for these work zones—it- the law. Drivers should be aware of changing traffic conditions, observe warning signs and merge before reaching lane closures.

With a record number of construction projects, you can help make your travel safer by checking out what work zones you’ll encounter before you go. Visit MoDOT- Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org.

In 2022, Missouri saw fewer work zone protective vehicle crashes and fatalities. Crashes with protective vehicles with truck/trailer-mounted attenuators (TMAs) totaled 36 in 2022, a decrease of 25 from the previous construction season. Work zone crash fatalities also decreased, down to 15 compared to 17 the year before.

Over the past three years, TMA crashes resulted in 75 injuries and two fatalities

Be sure to do your part to save lives in work zones. Missouri- strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, provides information for all Missourians to help promote four key messages: buckle up, phone down, slow down, and drive sober. The plan can be viewed at www.savemolives.com

(KAIR)--The Grand Opening, complete with ribbon cutting and guest speakers for the long awaited, interactive Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, happened Friday afternoon.

The museum is an interactive experience pertaining to famed aviator Amelia Earhart, an Atchison native, and the world of flight. A centerpiece of the now-opened museum is Muriel, the world's last Lockheed Electra 10-E, identical to that flown by Earhart on her final flight.

(KAIR)--A weekend, Atchison injury crash remains under investigation.

That word comes from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says 23-year-old Bryan Barraza was driving a pickup truck, around 8:10 Saturday evening, “that had just turned westbound onto Country Club Road, left the roadway on the south side of Country Club Road and struck a residence.”

Barraza, following the wreck, was transported for hospital treatment of his injuries by Atchison County EMS.

According to Wilson, the crash happened in the 1400 block of Country Club Road, and remains under investigation.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Sheriff's Office conducted 203 traffic stops during the U Drive, U Text, U Pay Mobilization April 3 - 9.

60 citations were issued. Three of the traffic stops resulted in drug charges. In addition, the department responded to 67 calls for service and 1 motorcycle wreck,

Six arrests were made during the special enforcement, including one for driving under the influence, one on a warrant and four arrests were made for driving under suspension or revocation.

Deputies also located a missing juvenile rurnaway.

(KNZA)--Former Hiawatha Mayor and longtime city commissioner William " Bill" Collins is being remembered.

According to an obituary from Hiawatha's Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Collins died Thursday at the age of 77.

He served the city of Hiawatha for nearly 30 years--first as Commissioner of Finance and then as Mayor before retiring in January of this year.

His obituary stated " Bill believed that serving the community involved being available, accountable, and seen. His red pickup was a common site each morning as he cruised the city, checking on the progress of projects, visiting with residents, and looking for opportunities for improvement. He believed Hiawatha was a great place to live and worked tirelessly to make it even better."

A Celebration of Life Service for Collins will be held Wednesday morning at 10:00 at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. Burial will follow at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, in Hiawatha.

His family will greet friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 at the funeral home, where friends may call after 12 noon Tuesday.

Among survivors are four children.

(KNZA)--A Friday afternoon two-vehicle Jackson County wreck claimed the life of an elderly Delia woman and left a Horton man injured.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said happened on U.S. 75 Highway about one mile south of Holton.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports a 90-year-old Eudora McQueen was driving a Lincoln Town Car west across northbound U.S. 75 after exiting a business and failed to yield the right-of-way to a northbound Chevy Volt driven by 56-year-old Sammy Ramirez. Ramirez struck McQueen's car on the driver's side.

McQueen was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital where she died.

Ramirez was transported to the Holton Community Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says both drivers were bucked up when the wreck occurred shortly after 3:30.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said Friday they have received a number of reports of scam callers that are calling area residents.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said one of the scams that is circulating is a caller leaving messages as Sgt. Heath Delany with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. The caller asks the recipient to contact him at a particular number.

Morse said another scammer is claiming to threaten recipients that they are going to be arrested.

Morse said these are all scam calls wanting your personal information in order to steal your money. He said do not give any unknown person who calls you any personal information.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol are currently working a two-car-fatality wreck.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said late Friday afternoon that the wreck occurred on northbound U.S. 75 Highway about one mile south of Holton.

Morse said two patients were transported by Jackson County EMS to area hospitals.

He said one person has died due to injuries sustained in the wreck.

Traffic has been reduced to one lane northbound during the wreck investigation.

Motorists are urged to be alert to responders and drive carefully.

(KLZA)-- Saturday, April 22 will be the Spring Community Cleanup event in Falls City. Hours will be from 7 - 11 a.m.

Falls City residents will be able to bring items to the parking lot east of Prichard Auditorium where Falls City Sanitation will be collecting the items brought.

Large and bulky trash, appliances, furniture, building materials and metals will be accepted.

Tires, hazardous waste and toxic chemicals will not be accepted.

If you need help hauling large items, the Boys Scouts will pick and haul those items off for a $5 donation. Call the Falls City Chamber Office at 402-245-4228 to schedule a pickup time.

Later in the Fall, there will be a paper shredding event on Saturday, October 22, sponsored by F & M Bank.

(KLZA)-- It was a short meeting for Richardson County Commissioners on Wednesday.

Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall was unable to meet with the Board due to his assistance at the wildfire in Jefferson County.

Jerad Reimers, District Coordinator for Nebraska Third District Congressman Adrian Smith met with the Board updating Commissioners on the legislative work that Congressman Smith is involved with in Washington D.C.

The Board did approve a purchase order for a fan assembly for a K-9 Unit in the Sheriff's Department at a cost of $1,723.

The meeting ended after approximately 80 minutes.

(KNZA)--A longtime Hiawatha City employee, who recently retired, was recognized during Monday's Hiawatha City Commission meeting.

Mayor Becky Shamburg presented a plaque to Dave Grimm in recognition of his 34 years of service to the city. A retirement reception was held for Grimm prior to the meeting. Shamburg said spending 34 years in any job is a thing seldom seen in this day and age, and thanked Grimm for his time serving the city.

Grimm worked in various positions throughout his years with the city including as Public Works Director and as Waste Water Superintendent.

Also recognized at the meeting were members of the Hiawatha Middle School Science Olympiad team, which recently took 2nd place during the state tournament in Wichita.

In other business, the Commission appointed Megan Green as Acting City Clerk. Green had been serving as Assistant City Clerk.

The action follows the resignation of former City Clerk Lynette Grier.

City Administrator Becky Berger said the open position was posted last week and a couple of applications have been received so far.

Kelly Watterson, who lives in the one-thousand block of Utah Street, appeared before the Commission to acquire about the possibility of keeping chickens in town. She said she would like to purchase a few hens, but no roosters. Commissioners were not in favor of changing the current ordinance which prohibits fowl in the city limits.

On the recommendation of Police Chief Mickey Gruber, the commission approved the purchase of an equipped 2023 Dodge Durango from Superior Emergency Response Vehicles for $52,722. The vehicle will replace a 2015 Ford Taurus with around 120,000 miles.

The Commission also approved bid from IAO Electric for the electrical installation of the lagoon evaporation equipment at the water plant in the amount of $36,942.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, accused of kissing a 17-year-old nanny without her consent, has been sentenced.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, Michael Moreau received a six-month suspended jail sentence and was placed on one-year supervised probation.

The 62-year-old Moreau was charged after a 17-year-old nanny, who was working for a nearby neighbor, reported the incident to the police.

Court documents state, on September 8, 2021, Moreau had gone to the residence after previously borrowing a lawnmower. Moreau went inside the home after the nanny answered the door. Once inside, Moreau eventually grabbed the nanny by both shoulders telling her to close her eyes. After the nanny complied, Moreau kissed her on her lips without her consent to do so. The owners of the residence were not home at the time of the incident. The child the nanny was caring for was asleep at the time Moreau entered the residence.

Originally charged with sexual battery, Moreau pled guilty to a lesser charge of misdemeanor battery on March 8, 2023. Assistant County Attorney Mary McMullen stated that the plea, and the possible sentence, were discussed with the nanny at length before any agreements were made. The plea moved forward because the nanny felt it provided the best and most comfortable outcome for her.

(KNZA)--A traffic stop in Brown County Wednesday evening led to the arrests of two Houston, Texas residents on drug charges.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, a Brown County deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding on U.S 75 Highway near 200th Road shortly after 9:00.

Upon contact, Merchant said a probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in locating meth pipes, a bong, as well as suspected methamphetamine and marijuana.

Both the driver, 35-year-old George Caracostis, and the passenger, 24-year-old Kiara Leone, were arrested on charges of possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Leone also had a felony $10,000 failure to appear warrant out of Galveston County, Texas.

Following their arrest, both were booked into the Brown County Jail. Caracostis was released Thursday on a $2,500 O.R. bond.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Six people are accused in a federal indictment of conspiring to use a drone to fly contraband such as cell phones and marijuana into the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth.

The indictment was unsealed Wednesday after all the suspects were arrested, according to court records in the U.S. District of Kansas.

The Wichita Eagle reported two prisoners, Dale Gaver III and Melvin Edwards, allegedly arranged with four people outside the prison to deliver items requested by other inmates into the prison yard between August 2020 and May 2021.

The items included cell phones, the synthetic drug K-2, marijuana and tobacco products.

Transactions over the money phone application CashApp recorded illegal payments made as part of the smuggling operation, according to the government.

The defendants are Dale Gaver III, 35; Dale Gaver II, 54; Joshua Hamilton, 37; and Rex Hill 33, all originally of Omaha, Nebraska; and Melvin Edwards, 44; and Tamarae Hollman, 36, of Riverside, California.

They have all been charged with conspiracy to provide and possess contraband in prison.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas residents who live near wind farms could eventually get a break from the nearly constant blinking of the red lights on wind turbines under a bill signed Thursday by Gov. Laura Kelly.

Starting July 1, developers of new projects will be required to apply to the Federal Aviation Administration for light mitigation technology. The technology turns off the lights except when aircraft are near — a rare occurrence in rural Kansas.

The developers would have two years to install the technology.

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Topeka Capital Journal reported existing developments would have to apply to the FAA within six months of signing a new power offtake agreement. Because that could take several years, the law allows counties to use bonds to help pay for the expensive technology earlier.

System installation costs about $2 million, with $100,000 in annual costs for a typical wind farm.

Representative Lisa Moser, a Republican from Wheaton, who has wind farms near her home, has said she and thousands of Kansans see red blinking lights every three seconds, 24 hours a day.

Kansas has about about 4,000 turbines now, with plans to add another 6,000.

(KMZA)--A judge has ruled in favor of the city of Seneca in a civil suit filed last year over a decision by the city's Board of Zoning Appeals.

Nemaha County District Court Judge John Weingart announced his decision, in a hearing Tuesday, to deny a petition filed by affected landowners Brett Ohlsen and Ashley Nordhus.

Their attorneys filed the petition last July in Nemaha County District Court asking Weingart to determine the reasonableness of a June 8 decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals to approve a conditional use permit for Ag Partners Cooperative to locate a new distribution center on property west of Seneca. The permit contained certain restrictions.

Citing potential negative health consequences and economic damages, the petition asked the court to direct the Board to deny the conditional use permit and for other relief.

Ohlsen owns a housing development adjacent to the property and Nordhus owns a lot in the development.

A bench trial in the case was held in December.

(KNZA)--The United States Postal Service, not modern technology, is again being used by scammers in an attempt to gain financially from local, grieving families.

In recent weeks, another scam, using a variant of a long-running scheme seeking money from intended victims in order to gain a non-existent fortune, has been targeting Kansans, both locally and statewide, through the U.S. Mail.

The latest scam, according to Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, targets surviving family members of those who have died, with the families receiving a letter addressed to the deceased, which claims to be from a tax processing center.

According to Merchant, the letter writer threatens to seize property if the dubious debt owed is not paid. The phone number provided in the letter is registered through what Merchant calls “a reported scam call center.”

The Sheriff, who has forwarded the information to the Kansas Attorney General- office for investigation, cautions anyone receiving so-called “official looking mail” to have it reviewed for authenticity prior to making any payment.

(KNZA)--An Elwood man, accused of shooting another man in 2021, has pleaded no contest to a charge of aggravated battery.

Liam McCorkle entered the plea Wednesday in Doniphan County District Court.

In exchange for the plea, a charge of attempted second-degree murder was dismissed.

Sentencing was scheduled for May 3.

McCorkle was arrested on October 2, 2021 after man was shot in a garage in the 600 block of Libel Street, in Elwood. When officers arrived on the scene, they found the victim, identified as Joey Ezell of St. Joseph, Missouri, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Ezell was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, for treatment and later released.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department has responded to several wrecks this week.

Wednesday afternoon at approximately 1 p.m. a cement truck was westbound on Highway 8, approximately two miles west of Highway 75 when a front tire on the truck blew out. The driver was unable to control the truck which left the roadway and rolled trapping the driver.

Humboldt Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and extiacted the driver from the wrecked truck. The driver, who has not been identified was removed from the scene by Lifeflight helicopter with what were believed to be serious, but non-life- threatening injuries.

Morrill Collision of Morrill, Kansas was called in to recover the heavily damaged truck.

Also on Wednesday, an unidentified rural mail carrier driving a Jeep Wrangler at 651 Avenue and 711 Road, approximately four miles north of Falls City, left the roadway and rolled onto it's side. The driver was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Monday afternoon a female driver was eastbound on Highway 8 approximately two miles east of US 75 Highway when the car she was driving left the roadway and rolled.

The cause of the wreck remains under investigation. The driver, who has not been identified suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The pictures posted with this story are from the Humboldt Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Public Works conducted an emergency meeting April 4, during which Auburn BPW General Manager Dave Hunter was placed on temporary paid leave.

The prior day, Auburn BPW Board Chair, Chuck Knipe placed Hunter on temporary paid leave. According to a Nemaha County Herald report, Knipe took the action following a conversation with board member Phil Shaw, which “constituted a significant threat to the harmful operation of the board, City of Auburn and the public.”

Hunter will remain on paid leave through Wednesday, April 19, which is the boards regular April meeting. The vote for the leave was approved unanimously.

The Board members assigned management responsibilities to BPW accounting and finance manager Tamara Westhart, with the assistance of Board Chairman Knipe during the duration of the leave.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock School Board received public comments on a number of topics to open the April Board meeting on Monday night.

Jim Rush of Tecumseh questioned if an agenda item to “approve or reject the resolution authorizing the district to enter into one or more lease purchase agreements / related documents” was an adequate description of the proposed action.

Later in the meeting, Board members unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Johnson-Brock School District to enter into one or more lease purchase agreements and related documents.

Discussion was held with the Board attorney and a D.A. Davidson investment company representatives regarding the building project prior to the vote.

Jim Gerking of Brock, compared his tax expenses between surrounding communities and the Johnson-Brock School District, pointing out that the Johnson-Brock expenses are much lower

Denice Rathbone of Auburn voiced concerns about a lack of transparency with the building addition to the school. Dave Baltsenperger of Johnson discussed respect between the Board and constituents and also raised concerns about the schools liability when the community uses the weight room and shop.

The Board voted to accept the resignations of Zadie Smith, 5th grade teacher and Brett Davis, Junior high Social Studies and Secondary Math teacher at the end of the school year.

A teaching contract for the next school year for Rick Schnacker to teach Physical Education was approved along with a contract for Nicole Teten to teach 5th grade during the 2023-24 school year.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler reported that both the Pre School classes and Kindergarten are full for next year.

(KAIR)--A job fair, being held to strengthen the Kansas workforce and grow the economy, is being sponsored next month by a Kansas United States Congressman.

According to a release from the office of Representative Jake LaTurner, the free career fair, which he is hosting, will be held May 3, in Topeka, at the Stormont Vail Events Center.

LaTurner, in the release, says that "helping Kansans re-enter the workforce is key to growing [the Kansas] economy and strengthening small businesses across the state."

The career fair, the second to be sponsored by the Kansas Republican, will run from 9:00 on the morning of Wednesday, May 3 until 3:00 that afternoon at the event center, located at One Expocentre Drive, in Topeka.

To RSVP, go here.

Anyone with questions may call LaTurner's office at 785-205-5253.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee City School Board members approved teaching contracts for the 2023-24 school year when they met Monday evening.

The contracts up for renewal were approved and the Board voted to hire Austin Martin as the High School Special Education teacher.

Board members accepted the resignations of Joni Hegemann, the current Special Education Teacher.

During the Administrators report it was revealed there have been very few applications for the Middle School Social Studies and Special Education opening or the Elementary Special Education opening.

The Core Services Agreement with Educational Service Unit #4 for the 2023-24 school year was approved as presented. The cost for those services during this current school year is $213,948.

Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus reported that if Governor Jim Pillen's School Funding Plan is adopted, the bill would provide an additional $257,834 of State Aid for 2023-2024 for the Pawnee City School District, which is above what has already been certified.

(KLZA)_-- The Nebraska Department of Transportation has announced that Constructors Inc. of Lincoln has begun work on US-73 Highway north and west of Falls City.

The project includes pavement repairs, a bridge remodel and pavement overlays.

A pilot car will lead traffic through the area which includes lane restrictions, and temporary traffic signals. There is a 12-foot width restriction during the project which is anticipated to be completed in July of 2024.

(KAIR)--A woman accused of threatening her ex-boyfriend with a knife at their Easton home has been found guilty.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, a Leavenworth County District Court jury this week convicted Lisa Stalter of aggravated assault.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for the late morning of May 24 in Leavenworth County District Court.

The 57-year-old Stalter was arrested December 9, 2022, after the victim accused her of threatening him with a butcher knife.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved a number of personnel changes for the 2023-24 school year when they met Monday evening.

The Board voted to accept the resignations of 5th grade teacher Jacob Craig and 3rd grade teacher Hannah Lempka.

The Board approved hiring Danielle Gauchat and Danielle Pfister as Elementary teachers for the next school year.

The Board also approved a contract for Shane Keeling to serve as Special Education Director for the 2023-24 school year.

In other action the Board set the deposit rate for those attending Summer School at $100 with the money to be refunded if successfully completed.

The rate for Drivers Education was set at $41 for the online program and $150 for the driving portion of the class.

(Peru)-- The Peru State College Optimist Club partnered with Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership, to collect personal care items on campus for their February project.

Donation boxes were in every building on campus. Students, faculty and staff were encouraged to donate to their outreach project. The Optimist Club at Peru State is just completing its first year on campus.

SENCA is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency that utilizes a variety of programs and services to improve the lives of economically disadvantaged individuals and families throughout southeast Nebraska. With a focus on self-sufficiency, SENCA utilizes a team of more than 50 trained staff to provide local resources that help improve lives and strengthen southeast Nebraska communities.

SENCA programs and services help with budgeting/money management, reducing food insecurity, avoiding eviction/homelessness, keeping the lights/utilities on, attaining, and maintaining safe affordable housing, lowering utility costs while improving the overall health and safety of a home, and educating individuals with skills needed to be competitive for living wage jobs in their community.

SENCA also provides other in-house programs such as Head Start, Financial Literacy, and Court Appointed Special Advocates. SENCA has been serving residents and communities throughout southeast Nebraska for 57 years with the ongoing mission of: “Investing in our neighbors through education and partnerships to improve lives and build strong communities in southeast Nebraska.

Photo attached: Back row, left to right: Peru State College Professor, Dr. Robert Ingram, Brett Soderlund (Danbury, NE), Ivan Wineglass, Optimist International, Inc. member and Peru State College Alum.

First row, left to right: Cora DeBoer (Fairbury, NE), Jerica German (Cortland, NE), Danyel Lewis (SENCA Community Outreach specialist at Southeast Nebraska Community Action in Auburn, NE, Krista Menninga (Pawnee City, NE), Lani Fullerton (Lincoln, NE)

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education accepted the retirement resignation of Christine Ramsey, the special education teacher for grades 3 - 5 when they met Monday evening. Ramsey has taught in District 56 for 28 years.

Certified faculty employment contracts were approved for Jessica Hansen to teach High School mathematics; Allison Johnson to be the Industrial Technology / Agriculture Teacher; Taylor Kearney as an elementary teacher; and Jamie Vonderschmidt was hired as a Elementary Special Education Teacher.

The Board also approved increasing the prices for breakfast and lunches by a quarter for the 2023-24 school year.

The 2023-24 Student Handbook updates were approved the Board decided to make no changes to the admission prices for events in the Falls City School District for the next school year.

(KNZA)--The Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging will seek a $600,000 Community Development Block Grant to help fund the construction of a new facility in Hiawatha.

Following a hearing Monday drawing no public comment, the Brown County Commission approved a resolution authorizing the grant application to the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The new facility is to be constructed on the northwest corner of Hopi Drive and Natchez Street, near the Hiawatha Wal-Mart Store.

The facility would include offices, a community room, training room, commercial kitchen, pantry, storage room and restrooms.

The NEK Area Agency on Aging Executive Director Karen Wilson said the new facility would allow them to provide additional services and programs.

The Agency has already been awarded two grants totaling about $1.5 million for the estimated more than $5 million project.

The county has agreed to serve as a pass-through for the CDBG funds, if awarded. The county will provide no funding for the project.

Lawrence-based Governmental Assistance Services is preparing the grant application, which is due May 1st.

(KNZA)-- A jury trial has been set for a man accused of shooting another man at a rural Oskaloosa residence during a family dispute on Memorial Day 2022.

According to court documents, 69-year-old Larry Hysten pleaded not guilty last week in Jefferson County District Court to charges of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

A three-day trial was set, beginning July 26.

Officers responded to reports of a shooting at a residence in the 96-hundred block of 86th Street in rural Oskaloosa on May 30, 2022 where they found Winfred Rodriguez suffering from at least one gunshot wound.

Rodriguez was transported to a Topeka hospital for treatment.

Hysten remains in the Jefferson County Jail, held on a $500,000 bond.

(KAIR)--An administrative restructuring is approved for the next school year of the Atchison public schools of USD 409.

According to a release from the school district, the move means LaTisha Downing is named the new Atchison High School Principal for the 2023-2024 school year.

Downing currently serves the district as Central School Principal.
A former student of the school district, Downing has held a variety of roles during her many years of employment, including that of class room teaching, prior to ascending to her roles of leadership.

The restructuring also means Lindsey Hansen, current Atchison High School Assistant Principal/District Communications, becomes Central School Principal, as well as Communications/CTE Coordinator for the next school year.

Tyler Lueckenhoff, the current Assistant Principal/Activities Director for the Atchison Middle School, is named as the new District Activities Director, while Mark Felvus, the current Assistant Principal/Athletic and Activities Director at Atchison High School will serve solely as AHS Assistant Principal for the next school year.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Renee Nugent, in emailed correspondence with MSC News, says she is “excited about the restructure” as it means the district “can continue to build leadership capacity within [the district] while navigating a seamless transition all the while maintaining the integrity of [the school district's] Visible Learning Journey.”

The administrative restructuring recommendation was approved Monday during the Board of Education's regular meeting.

(Peru, Neb.) - Dr. Charles Hicks has been awarded the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State College. He will be honored at the College- graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Charles Hicks joined the Peru State College faculty in 2018 and is currently an Associate Professor of English in the School of Arts & Sciences. He began his teaching career in 2010 at the University of Texas - Arlington, where he worked as Lecturer/Undergraduate Advisor/Assistant Director of First Year English until 2017, following which he became Lecturer of English at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Dr. Hicks holds a PhD from the University of Texas-Arlington, a master- from the University of Texas-Permian Basin, and his bachelor- from Texas Tech University.

At Peru State, Dr. Hicks teaches courses such as English Composition, American Literature, Non-Western Literature, Creative Non-Fiction, Literary Theory, and Short Story. He has academy and departmental experience on campus as well as having many professional memberships. Hicks has participated in teacher-candidate preparation through the Praxis Prep Workshop, and he currently contributes institutional service at Peru State through his work on Academics & Curriculum, the Inclusive Curriculum Committee, and chairing a Faculty Search Committee.

As part of his nomination for the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State, one former student wrote: “I still view the world through the lens of the teachings in his classes. Professor Hick- innovative style of teaching and attentiveness to the material had such a profound impact on me that I continue to talk about his teachings even after graduation.”

A current student wrote of Dr. Hicks’ teaching: “I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged greatly, but there is no doubt I have grown immensely as a reader and a writer.” Student support of Hicks extends beyond the English department at Peru State as he was awarded the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award from the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

In addition to his campus contributions, Dr. Hicks has presented papers and lectures at many conferences across the United States since 2008. His scholarly work focuses primarily on representations of motherhood in science-fiction and horror films and literature. His articles have appeared in Hypatia,

(KAIR)--A longtime, former Atchison educator will be remembered during a memorial service Saturday.

According to an obituary from Atchison's Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, Marjorie Kinzer died April 8 at the age of 82, in Olathe, Kansas. That's where she and her late husband, Gary, moved in 2013 to be closer to family.

More commonly known as Marge, Kinzer was well known for her decades served as an educator, with the Atchison native working for 31-years as a first-grade teacher at the then Atchison Catholic Elementary Schools, now known as St. Benedict Catholic School.

According to her obituary, Kinzer “had a lasting impact on countless students, known as their “favorite teacher” to many.”

Among her survivors are three daughters, ten grandchildren, and 21-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned Saturday at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, where family and friends are invited to pay their respects and celebrate Kinzer's life.

The service will begin at 12 noon, preceded by a visitation to begin at 10:30.

Editors note: the following release was submitted by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant

I would like to remind county residents that with the coming of spring we also have the increased chances for tornados and severe thunderstorms and to provide some information to help keep everyone a little safer.

When Brown county is placed in a "TORNADO WARNING" by the National Weather
Service OR when a trained storm spotter identifies tornadic activity, the Brown County Sheriff's office will sound the sirens in Hiawatha, Powhattan and Reserve--the other areas of the county will be notified as quickly as possible and suggested they do likewise. This policy will allow dispatch the authority to warn residents ASAP and save valuable time and lives. Since 1986 all or a portion of Brown County has been placed under a tornado warning less than 2-3 times each year as an average. My main concern is and always will be the safety of Brown county residents.

I have talked with several different meteorologists and have been informed that when atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms, a severe thunderstorm may move into or develop over any part of the county and tornadic thunderstorms my not be confined to just one part of the county. Not one of the meteorologists could assure me that if a tornado warning was issued in the southern part of Brown County, tornado activity would not affect other parts of the county. so in order to give residents as much time as possible to take cover, I have implemented this tornado policy to take care of all of Brown County as a whole.

*Tornados can form very rapidly with little or no warning at all. *Supercell thunderstorms can produce large violent tornados and usually residents will have time to take cover but not always.

*Rain wrapped tornados may NOT be visible from the ground and are very difficult to spot at night.

*Tornados can change directions without warning.

Tornado sirens are meant to be a warning device for people who are outdoors so if you are in your home when the sirens are activated, you may not be able to hear them. We will NEVER sound an all clear siren as this could confuse residents when it is safe to leave their shelters. So at any time when you hear the sirens, there is a potential for tornado activity in our immediate area. Please listen to your local media source for updates and further information.

We are encouraging everyone in the county to have multiple means of receiving severe weather watch and warning notifications. I encourage everyone to own a battery operated ALL HAZARDS NOAA Weather Radio which broadcasts severe weather information directly from the National Weather Service. If commercial power is lost due to a storm, batteries will allow the radio to be activated and wake you up in the middle of the night. In addition, we also urge residents to listen to local TV and radio media for the latest on severe weather coverage. Calling trees are also a good idea so friends and relatives can contact each other to make sure they are all aware of severe weather approaching.

Residents also need to know where to take cover in the event a tornado warning is in effect for our area. Families need to practice where they will go to in order to stay safe. Also look out after your elderly neighbors who live alone or those with medical or health conditions that may need extra assistance. This is what it's all about, people helping each other.

Several years ago I took the opportunity to speak with most of the mayors in Brown county and asked them where a storm shelter would located be in their areas in case the tornado sirens sounded and they needed to take cover. Some did not have and plans in place and took the initiative to do so and identified churches or other buildings in their community for the safety of their citizens. We still encourage everyone to keep doing this. One of my main concerns is the safety of those not knowing what to do or where to go should we have a tornado in our county.

We also offer the basement of the Brown County Sheriffs office as a storm shelter for those in need. Over the past several years we have had quite a number of citizens that have taken refuge in our facility and will continue to offer this as an option for those seeking shelter during severe thunderstorms, tornados, blizzard conditions etc.

I am very proud to have the opportunity to work with all of the emergency responders we have in Brown County. These dedicated men and women respond
at all hours of the night and day to many different emergencies in our county and work together to help provide us with a safer place to live and raise our families. When chances of severe weather are forecasted, they are the first one stationed all over the county to alert us of potential danger. We all owe them a big THANK YOU!!!.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please come by or contact me at
the Sheriffs office.

Sheriff John D. Merchant


Sheriff John D Merchant
Brown County Sheriff's Office
709 Utah Street
Hiawatha KS 66434
(785) 742-7125

(Peru, Neb.) - Dr. Charles Hicks has been awarded the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State College. He will be honored at the College- graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Charles Hicks joined the Peru State College faculty in 2018 and is currently an Associate Professor of English in the School of Arts & Sciences. He began his teaching career in 2010 at the University of Texas - Arlington, where he worked as Lecturer/Undergraduate Advisor/Assistant Director of First Year English until 2017, following which he became Lecturer of English at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Dr. Hicks holds a PhD from the University of Texas-Arlington, a master- from the University of Texas-Permian Basin, and his bachelor- from Texas Tech University.

At Peru State, Dr. Hicks teaches courses such as English Composition, American Literature, Non-Western Literature, Creative Non-Fiction, Literary Theory, and Short Story. He has academy and departmental experience on campus as well as having many professional memberships. Hicks has participated in teacher-candidate preparation through the Praxis Prep Workshop, and he currently contributes institutional service at Peru State through his work on Academics & Curriculum, the Inclusive Curriculum Committee, and chairing a Faculty Search Committee.

As part of his nomination for the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State, one former student wrote: “I still view the world through the lens of the teachings in his classes. Professor Hick- innovative style of teaching and attentiveness to the material had such a profound impact on me that I continue to talk about his teachings even after graduation.”

A current student wrote of Dr. Hicks’ teaching: “I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged greatly, but there is no doubt I have grown immensely as a reader and a writer.” Student support of Hicks extends beyond the English department at Peru State as he was awarded the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award from the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

In addition to his campus contributions, Dr. Hicks has presented papers and lectures at many conferences across the United States since 2008. His scholarly work focuses primarily on representations of motherhood in science-fiction and horror films and literature. His articles have appeared in Hypatia,

(Peru, Neb.) - Dr. Charles Hicks has been awarded the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State College. He will be honored at the College- graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Charles Hicks joined the Peru State College faculty in 2018 and is currently an Associate Professor of English in the School of Arts & Sciences. He began his teaching career in 2010 at the University of Texas - Arlington, where he worked as Lecturer/Undergraduate Advisor/Assistant Director of First Year English until 2017, following which he became Lecturer of English at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Dr. Hicks holds a PhD from the University of Texas-Arlington, a master- from the University of Texas-Permian Basin, and his bachelor- from Texas Tech University.

At Peru State, Dr. Hicks teaches courses such as English Composition, American Literature, Non-Western Literature, Creative Non-Fiction, Literary Theory, and Short Story. He has academy and departmental experience on campus as well as having many professional memberships. Hicks has participated in teacher-candidate preparation through the Praxis Prep Workshop, and he currently contributes institutional service at Peru State through his work on Academics & Curriculum, the Inclusive Curriculum Committee, and chairing a Faculty Search Committee.

As part of his nomination for the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State, one former student wrote: “I still view the world through the lens of the teachings in his classes. Professor Hick- innovative style of teaching and attentiveness to the material had such a profound impact on me that I continue to talk about his teachings even after graduation.”

A current student wrote of Dr. Hicks’ teaching: “I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged greatly, but there is no doubt I have grown immensely as a reader and a writer.” Student support of Hicks extends beyond the English department at Peru State as he was awarded the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award from the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

In addition to his campus contributions, Dr. Hicks has presented papers and lectures at many conferences across the United States since 2008. His scholarly work focuses primarily on representations of motherhood in science-fiction and horror films and literature. His articles have appeared in Hypatia,

(Peru, Neb.) - Dr. Charles Hicks has been awarded the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State College. He will be honored at the College- graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Charles Hicks joined the Peru State College faculty in 2018 and is currently an Associate Professor of English in the School of Arts & Sciences. He began his teaching career in 2010 at the University of Texas - Arlington, where he worked as Lecturer/Undergraduate Advisor/Assistant Director of First Year English until 2017, following which he became Lecturer of English at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Dr. Hicks holds a PhD from the University of Texas-Arlington, a master- from the University of Texas-Permian Basin, and his bachelor- from Texas Tech University.

At Peru State, Dr. Hicks teaches courses such as English Composition, American Literature, Non-Western Literature, Creative Non-Fiction, Literary Theory, and Short Story. He has academy and departmental experience on campus as well as having many professional memberships. Hicks has participated in teacher-candidate preparation through the Praxis Prep Workshop, and he currently contributes institutional service at Peru State through his work on Academics & Curriculum, the Inclusive Curriculum Committee, and chairing a Faculty Search Committee.

As part of his nomination for the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State, one former student wrote: “I still view the world through the lens of the teachings in his classes. Professor Hick- innovative style of teaching and attentiveness to the material had such a profound impact on me that I continue to talk about his teachings even after graduation.”

A current student wrote of Dr. Hicks’ teaching: “I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged greatly, but there is no doubt I have grown immensely as a reader and a writer.” Student support of Hicks extends beyond the English department at Peru State as he was awarded the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award from the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

In addition to his campus contributions, Dr. Hicks has presented papers and lectures at many conferences across the United States since 2008. His scholarly work focuses primarily on representations of motherhood in science-fiction and horror films and literature. His articles have appeared in Hypatia,

(Peru, Neb.) - Dr. Charles Hicks has been awarded the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State College. He will be honored at the College- graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Charles Hicks joined the Peru State College faculty in 2018 and is currently an Associate Professor of English in the School of Arts & Sciences. He began his teaching career in 2010 at the University of Texas - Arlington, where he worked as Lecturer/Undergraduate Advisor/Assistant Director of First Year English until 2017, following which he became Lecturer of English at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Dr. Hicks holds a PhD from the University of Texas-Arlington, a master- from the University of Texas-Permian Basin, and his bachelor- from Texas Tech University.

At Peru State, Dr. Hicks teaches courses such as English Composition, American Literature, Non-Western Literature, Creative Non-Fiction, Literary Theory, and Short Story. He has academy and departmental experience on campus as well as having many professional memberships. Hicks has participated in teacher-candidate preparation through the Praxis Prep Workshop, and he currently contributes institutional service at Peru State through his work on Academics & Curriculum, the Inclusive Curriculum Committee, and chairing a Faculty Search Committee.

As part of his nomination for the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State, one former student wrote: “I still view the world through the lens of the teachings in his classes. Professor Hick- innovative style of teaching and attentiveness to the material had such a profound impact on me that I continue to talk about his teachings even after graduation.”

A current student wrote of Dr. Hicks’ teaching: “I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged greatly, but there is no doubt I have grown immensely as a reader and a writer.” Student support of Hicks extends beyond the English department at Peru State as he was awarded the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award from the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

In addition to his campus contributions, Dr. Hicks has presented papers and lectures at many conferences across the United States since 2008. His scholarly work focuses primarily on representations of motherhood in science-fiction and horror films and literature. His articles have appeared in Hypatia,

(Peru, Neb.) - Dr. Charles Hicks has been awarded the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State College. He will be honored at the College- graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 6, at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Charles Hicks joined the Peru State College faculty in 2018 and is currently an Associate Professor of English in the School of Arts & Sciences. He began his teaching career in 2010 at the University of Texas - Arlington, where he worked as Lecturer/Undergraduate Advisor/Assistant Director of First Year English until 2017, following which he became Lecturer of English at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Dr. Hicks holds a PhD from the University of Texas-Arlington, a master- from the University of Texas-Permian Basin, and his bachelor- from Texas Tech University.

At Peru State, Dr. Hicks teaches courses such as English Composition, American Literature, Non-Western Literature, Creative Non-Fiction, Literary Theory, and Short Story. He has academy and departmental experience on campus as well as having many professional memberships. Hicks has participated in teacher-candidate preparation through the Praxis Prep Workshop, and he currently contributes institutional service at Peru State through his work on Academics & Curriculum, the Inclusive Curriculum Committee, and chairing a Faculty Search Committee.

As part of his nomination for the 2023 Teaching Excellence Award at Peru State, one former student wrote: “I still view the world through the lens of the teachings in his classes. Professor Hick- innovative style of teaching and attentiveness to the material had such a profound impact on me that I continue to talk about his teachings even after graduation.”

A current student wrote of Dr. Hicks’ teaching: “I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and challenged greatly, but there is no doubt I have grown immensely as a reader and a writer.” Student support of Hicks extends beyond the English department at Peru State as he was awarded the 2021 Excellence in Teaching Award from the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

In addition to his campus contributions, Dr. Hicks has presented papers and lectures at many conferences across the United States since 2008. His scholarly work focuses primarily on representations of motherhood in science-fiction and horror films and literature. His articles have appeared in Hypatia,

(KLZA)-- Peru State College will host a series of public events during the month of April for national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

The month-long observance is aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence, prevention, and supporting survivors of sexual assault.

Peru State will welcome to campus Catharsis Productions from Chicago on Wednesday, April 12, to present two live performances of "Sex Signals" at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (PAC). This interactive and engaging show aims to dismantle rape myths and illuminate issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses.

Catharsis Productions returns to campus Wednesday, April 26, to present “The Hook Up” in two live performances at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the PAC. The presentation continues the pro-consent/intervention dialogue while engaging audiences in discussion exploring the topic of hooking up, sexual violence, and toxic language surrounding sex and gender, while empowering bystanders to recognize and stop predatory behavior.

A Campus Healing Circle is being held each Tuesday evening at 7 in the Jindra Choir Room, facilitated by Jennifer Elting, Project Response Sexual Assault Advocate. Healing Circles are a traditional practice of Indigenous people. This Healing Circle is intended for all campus members impacted by sexual assault, providing an opportunity to process impacts of sexual trauma and release stress through dance movement therapy.

(KMZA)-- What do two new playgrounds, buying activities to assist those with Alzheimer-, refinished clubhouse table tops, and mounts for speech generating devices all have in common? They are all making a positive impact in Nemaha County.

The Nemaha County STEP Foundation Board of Directors has announced recipients for the first-round of 2023 grants. The grants are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County Kansas.

The Kelly Ball Association will be receiving $3,000 from the STEP General Endowment Fund along with $2,000 from the Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund for a new playground in Kelly. This playground will be available for use during all community functions and strategically placed in a central location.

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School will receive funding to assist with the SPPS playground project through an award of $2,000 from the STEP General Endowment Fund along with $1,000 from the Glen J. Meyer Advisory Fund. Courtney Strathman, grant writer, explained the purpose for the grant in the application. “The existing playground structure and ground cover was installed in the late 1990s and does not meet the current standards and ADA requirements. The plan is to move the playground to a safer area for the children. The equipment and ground cover will be updated to meet all current standards and create a safe play/learning environment for the school children.”

The Nemaha Valley Community Hospital will be receiving a grant award of $4,000 from the Nemaha County Dementia Fund. Karla Hermesch, social worker and grant writer, shared information in the grant application “Our Alzheimer's population is growing, and it would be useful to buy items for activities to help those who are inpatients. Items needed would be things to fill their time, such as baby dolls, fidgets, activity book, etc.”

The Spring Creek Golf Course will be receiving a $1,000 grant award from the STEP General Endowment Fund. The golf course is in the process of refinishing table tops in the clubhouse. There were 17,000 rounds of golf played at the Spring Creek Golf Course in 2022. That is an economic benefit to the community as people buy fuel, eat at local restaurants, and stay in hotels/motels.

The final grant award will be awarded to USD 115 (Nemaha Central) in the amount of $700 for mounts for speech generating devices. This grant will be from the new Chad Baker Memorial Fund. Jamie Koch, SLP and grant writer, explained the accessories needed at the school. “Multiple families have recently bought speech generating devices for their children to assist in communication and quality of life. These students are all benefitting from their devices within the school setting. Now the students are needing some accessories to better utilize these devices in all settings. The accessory that we are still needing is the 2 iPad cradles that attach to the mount and safely holds the speech generating devices.”

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

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education held a short special meeting last Thursday evening.

During the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of 5th grade English language arts teacher Linda Barnhill and resignation of Andy Gwennap as high school social studies teacher for the 2023-24 school year.

The board approved the recommendation to hire Abby Richardson to replace Barnhall as 5th grade English language arts teacher and Carey McFann as high school social studies teacher for the 2023-24 school year.

The meeting lasted less than 5 minutes.

(KNZA)--A San Diego, California motorcyclist was injured Monday morning in a Brown County crash.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 26-year-old Eric Hertzler was northbound on U.S. 75 Highway when he began to exit to Main Street in Sabetha. Hertzler lost control of his motorcycle and drove into the ditch.

He was transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

The crash was reported around 10:20 Monday morning.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, accused of littering, was stopped in Jackson County Friday and arrested on meth-related drug charges.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, a car, driven by 36-year-old Jermey Thomason, was stopped by a deputy near the K-16/K-116 Junction, east of Holton, for allegedly littering while driving.

During the stop, the deputy located what he believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, leading to Thomason's arrest for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

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

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire that appears to have been set intentionally Saturday evening according to a release from the Department.

The fire call, around 8:00 p.m. was to a location south of Community Medical Center in Falls City, north and west of the Wilderness Falls housing complex, about 200 feet from the housing units.

The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department urges everyone to report suspicious burning activity to the Falls City Police Department.

Last week firefighters responded to what is believed to be a fire intentionally started at Legion Memorial Park.

The department also respond to the tree dump site north of Falls City around 5:00 p.m. Saturday due to a flare up at the site.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners discussed rules for using funds from the OPIOID Settlement the County has received when they met Wednesday.

ARPA Funds Administrator Austin Duerfeldt has been reviewing the rules following a request from the Richardson County House of Hope organization to be able use the settlement funds for a facility.

Duerfeldt will do more research to see if the funds can be used to help with mortgage payments on a home, or utility payments, or if the funds must be used for ongoing treatment and education.

Commissioners approved writing a letter of support for Nextlink Internets Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program grant application to help provide fiber to underserved areas of Richardson County, specifically the Village of Dawson.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. reported projects on 655 Avenue, south of 710 Road and a project on Pony Creek Road approximately 4.75 west of Highway 73 on 703 Road are expected to start in June.

Commissioners approved signing a contract with Sta-Bilt for the 2023 Armor Coat project that is anticipated to begin in June.

The Board also received an annual report from Southeast Communications 911 Beatrice which provides dispatch services for the Richardson County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported that the newly purchased patrol vehicles are being equipped and prepared for service.

Commissioners also conducted the quarterly jail inspection and found the facility to be in good order.

(KLZA)-- A Maitland, Missouri man suffered minor injuries in a wreck Sunday evening about 8:30 on Highway HH, approximately 10 miles east of Fairfax.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 19-year-old Kolten Lekey of Maitland was injured when the pickup he was driving southbound on Route HH struck the drivers side of a semi truck that was pulling onto the highway from a private drive.

The vehicles came to rest blocking both lanes of Highway HH.

The semi was driven by 30-year-old Kyland White of Fairfax. He was not injured.

Lekey was transported to the Fairfax Community Hospital by a private vehicle.

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

Editor's note: the following was submitted to MSC News by Atchison County IT director Wes Lanter early Monday afternoon:

NOTICE: Atchison County's main courthouse server is currently experiencing failure. We are in the process of recovering our systems. Due to this lengthy recovery process we have limited resources to provide services to citizens.

Appraiser's Office - Able to assist with real estate property information. Not able to assist with any information pertaining to personal property.

Treasurer's Office- Only able to help with motor vehicle transactions.

All other departments are completely offline.

This DOES NOT affect Atchison County emergency service response.

Thank you for understanding as we work diligently through this development.

Thanks,

Wesley Lanter

Atchison County

Director

Emergency Management

Information Technology

(KNZA)--Holton voters will decide during a special election in June whether a half-cent citywide retailers sales tax to fund infrastructure improvements and for debt reduction should be renewed for another ten years.

The Holton City Commission approved a resolution when they meet last week setting the special election for June 6.

Holton voters approved the sales tax in November 2013. Its set to expire at the end of this year unless its renewed.

If approved by voters in June, the sales tax would be extended from January 1st, 2024 through December 31, 2033.

Since the half-cent sales tax went into effect, city officials say its generated nearly $4.5 million for infrastructure projects.

(KMZA)-- The Seneca Fire Department will be getting a new truck for fighting grass and brush fires.

Seneca Fire Chief Tom Haug presented bids to the City Council last week for a 4 by 4 regular cab chasis and a custom slide-in bed.

The fire department recommended purchasing the chassis and slide-in bed separately, since the method will result in the shortest lead time to receive a new unit.

The Council voted to accept a bid from Honeyman Ford for a F-550 truck for $55,500, even though it was nearly $2,300 higher than a bid submitted by a Manhattan dealer. Haug and the Council discussed the merit in purchasing the chassis from a local dealer, specifically with service and warranty work.

The Council also voted to accept a bid from Emergency Fire Equipment for the bed for $129,87. It was among two bids received.

The total cost of the truck, which will include a 500-gallon water tank, is $185,377.

In other business, the Council approved staff for the 2023 season at the city's Aquatic Park.

On the recommendation of city Recreation Director Jordan Weaver, the Council approved Brooke Stallbaumer as pool manager, starting immediately, at $17 an hour. Allison Schmelzle will serve assistant manager/lifeguard.

The Council also approved a list of 27 lifeguards and 13 concession stand employees for 2023.

(KMZA)--An informational meeting will be held Tuesday evening, April 11, in Frankfort on the proposal to build a new Marshall County Jail.

The meeting will be at 7:00 at the Leo McMinimy American Legion located at 708 North Locust Street in Frankfort.

Previously, informational meetings were held in Axtell, Marysville and Blue Rapids.

Marshall County Commissioners will join Sheriff Tim Ackerman, the jail's architect, construction manager at-risk and financial adviser to explain the proposed jail project and answer residents questions.

Marshall County voters will decide during a special election April 25 whether the county should sign a lease-purchase agreement not to exceed $6.5 million to finance a portion of the new jail project. The overall project cost has been estimated at $12 million.

A protest petition filed in October spurred the election.

(KNZA)--U.S. Congressman Tracey Mann will hold town hall meetings in Jackson and Jefferson Counties this week as part of his 60-county listening tour.

The Kansas Republican will hold a town hall in Holton Tuesday evening, April 11 at the Jackson County Courthouse at 5:15.

Mann will then hold a town hall meeting Wednesday morning, April 12, at the Oskaloosa City Hall at 8:30.

The public is invited to attend the meetings.

Mann will provide an update on what's happening in Washington D.C. and take questions from those in attendance.

He has represented the state's 1st Congressional District since 2021.

(KNZA)--Special honors, with a unique distinction, are earned by Brown County- Sheriff, recognized as a Community Partner by the YWCA of Northeast Kansas Center for Safety and Empowerment.

According to a release, Sheriff John Merchant received the honor April 1 at the 20th Annual Concealed/Revealed Art Auction, at the Jayhawk Theater, in Topeka, where he was presented with “a plaque and certificate for his commitment to supporting survivors and building a safer community.”

Merchant now holds the distinction of being the first Law Enforcement Partner to receive the recognition.

The Center for Safety and Empowerment services, of Holton, commends Merchant- work, with information presented during the April 1 ceremony saying “he has greatly assisted in connecting [the] agency with community supporters,” adding that Merchant has “gone above and beyond in offering strong protections for survivors of domestic violence and their families.”

The release cites Merchant- certification as a Human Trafficking Investigator in allowing him to “help train and educate [local] communities.”

(KAIR)--A Friday afternoon, three vehicle Atchison crash, sent one driver to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened around 4:15 in the 500 block of South U.S. Highway 73, where a northbound SUV was turning left into a business parking lot when it collided with a passenger car, southbound on the highway. An eastbound three-wheeled motorcycle, stopped at the parking lot stop sign, was struck following the collision of the car and SUV.

According to Wilson, the driver of the SUV, 74-year-old Atchison resident Bert Burton, was transported by Atchison County EMS for hospital treatment of his injuries.

The driver of the passenger car, 17-year-old James Stewart, Jr., of Atchison, was not hurt, but a passenger in his car was examined at the scene by EMS, but was not transported.

The motorcyclist, 58-year-old Derek Gillmore, of Atchison, was also examined at the scene by EMS, but did not require hospital treatment.

(KNZA)--Fire caused significant damage to a Hiawatha home Saturday afternoon.

Hiawatha Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said crews were dispatched to 515 South 4th Street around 3:30 on the report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found the attached lean-to on the south side of the home fully engulfed. The fire spread to the main part of the home before crews were able to control the fire.

Sheldon said the homeowner was able to get out of the home safely with their pet.

He said the home sustained major structural damage along with smoke and water damage. In addition, Sheldon said the house to the south sustained minor damage due to the extreme heat from the fire.

An investigator from the state Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Firefighters remained on the scene until around 6:30 Saturday evening.

Assisting were the Robinson Fire Department, Brown County Sheriff's Office, Hiawatha Police Department, Town and Country EMS and Brown County Rescue Squad.

“ When events like this take place, it is a true community effort.” said Sheldon.

Sheldon also issued this reminder to the public. " We know everyone wants to know what is going on. This causes problems for emergency responders having a difficult time getting to the scene, navigating city streets in large apparatuses with elevated traffic.”

Family members have set up a go fund me account for the owner of the home, Jeanne Holloway.https://www.gofundme.com/f/donations-for-jeanne-holloway

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating a man wanted in a felony case.

Police say 37-year-old Ricardo Herron was last known to be living in Atchison.

The Department says they are attempting to locate Herron in connection with an aggravated battery incident that occurred earlier this year in Hiawatha.

If anyone has information on his location, you are asked to contact your local law enforcement or the Hiawatha Police Department at 785-742-2155.

(KLZA)-- Falls City EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl provided a quarterly report to the Falls City Council and Richardson County Commissioners this week.

Froeschl said EDGE is working with villages in Richardson County to form a Land Bank for future housing development, to assist in bringing delinquent properties to a tax-revenue producing position.

New legislation passed in 2020 allows for property to be held tax-free so it can be used to generate revenue in the future. The idea is to obtain usable spots for dwellings in the future to help alleviate the housing shortage in the area.

Recently the City of Falls City pledged $200 thousand to apply for the Rural Workforce Housing Fund grant to improve workforce housing in the community.

Froeschl also reported the EDGE Investor & Community Relations Committee assisted in mailing more than 50 invitations to area businesses and couples to join EDGE as a member-investor and get a new generation of leadership involved in the organization, designed to create prosperity for everyone involved.

If you are interested in being an member-investor in EDGE you can contact the EDGE Office at 402-245-2105.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department is concerned about fires that appear to have been purposely started recently.

The Department responded to a fire call Tuesday afternoon around 5:30 p.m. Firefighters were dispatched along with the Falls City Rural Fire Department to the City tree pile north of Falls City where it appears a fire was started and due to high wind, blew over into the leaf pile.

Smoke from the fire poured across Highway 73 creating poor visibility and a dangerous situation for travelers on the highway. The Falls City Police Department was dispatched to control traffic and later the Richardson County Sheriff's Office sent units out to help with the traffic.

While efforts to put the fire out were underway, all traffic was stopped as the two departments were turning around and the Falls City Rural watered down the East side of the highway to try and contain the burn.

The Falls City Rural Department applied Class A foam to the leaf pile and brought in their Tanker to fill the City- Pumpers with water.

The Falls City Street Department was called in with two front end loaders to place dirt over the top and divide the trees into two piles.

Thursday evening the Falls City Fire Department responded the north side of Legion Park where again it appears a fire was started in the leaves and bushes along the north side of the park where a baseball team was having practice. Team members told firemen, that they saw two individuals walk over to that area and the next thing it was going up in flames.

The Falls City Police Department is investigating the Legion Park fire.

With high winds the Fire Department request that any suspicion activity be reported to the Police Department. This can become a serious situation should it continue to occur and may be a much larger incident next time.

The Department again asks that you continue to support all area first responders in their duties.

(KAIR)--A Doniphan County resident, traveling in Buchanan County, Missouri Thursday, escaped injury following a three vehicle wreck that caused extensive damage to his vehicle and left one person injured.

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck happened Thursday afternoon, around 4:10, in the southbound lane of I-29, inside the Saint Joseph, Missouri city limits.

The Patrol reports that a semi-truck, driven by a British Columbia resident, struck the rear fender of a conversion van with its front right fender, because the truck driver "failed to observe [that the van and an SUV in front of him were] traveling slowly due to the upcoming construction zone."

The collision came after the driver of the van attempted to avoid a wreck and traveled to the southbound shoulder.

After hitting the van, the semi came to a stop across the southbound lanes of the interstate, while the van, driven by an Omaha, Nebraska resident, was pushed forward, causing its left fender to collide with the rear, right corner of the SUV. The van ran off the west side of the interstate and overturned, landing upside down in a ditch, while the SUV, driven by 36-year-old Troy, Kansas resident Brett Clary, stopped on the southbound shoulder.

According to the Patrol, only the truck driver, identified as 46-year-old Davinder Singh, of Abbots Ford, British Columbia, was hurt, suffering what the Patrol calls "moderate injuries." He was transported by Buchanan County EMS to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, for treatment of his injuries.

All three drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the wreck.

(KAIR)--A Holton man is facing drug distribution-related charges following his arrest this week on a Jackson County District Court warrant charging him with the alleged crimes.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, 35-year-old Derrick Hainline was arrested Monday, taken into custody on the warrant, which charges him with distribution of opiate opium narcotic or certain stimulant within 1000 feet of a school in Holton, possession of opiate opium narcotic or certain stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to Morse, the warrant stemmed from a drug investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, with the investigation alleging that Hainline sold “Dirty 30s”, which are believed to be counterfeit Oxycodone pills with fentanyl in the Holton area.

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

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners met with Johnson County Sheriff, Byron Klauenberg Tuesday to discuss a new Dispatch program that Johnson County is looking at for dispatching of law enforcement.

Johnson County provides dispatching services to Pawnee County.

The new program comes with a cost of $186,652 and the annual maintenance fee will be $70,233.

The Pawnee County Board asked Sheriff Klauenberg to go to the Johnson County Board of Commissioners and offer to pay 32% of the annual maintenance fee.

No action was taken during the meeting. The topic will be discussed with the Sheriff's Office in two weeks.

The Pawnee County Board also discussed the resignation of the Johnson / Pawnee County Emergency Manager position. Amanda Burki is the Director but is stepping down.

Commissioners also approved the use of $22 thousand in ARPA funds to pay part of the cost of a new Sheriff's vehicle.

A letter of commitment to Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging was approved, and the Board voted to appoint County Clerk Candi Nicholas as the contact person to execute participation in the Opioid Recovery Funds for five opioid Litigation Settlements.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Lucas Froeschl presented the organizations First Quarter report to the Falls City, City Council Monday evening and the Richardson County Commissioners Wednesday morning.

Froeschl noted that plans are being finalized for a third phase of the Wilderness Falls senior-living.

Excel Development is working to finalize layout plans for the construction of eight senior-living duplexes at Champions Crossing on the north edge of Falls City. Excel was shorted more than a million dollars in funding on the $4.7 million Phase III project.

Froeschl noted that EDGE continues to work with First District State Senator Julie Slama on LB-977, updating language, distinctive to Falls City, to access funding for additional electrical power from OPPD.

LB-977 passed in the Nebraska Legislature in 2022.

(KAIR)--Like flowers in the spring, Little Free Libraries are beginning to sprout throughout Atchison.

On March 30, one, billed as “The Imagination Station,” was dedicated in memory to late Atchison educators Becky Reynolds and Teresa Ogle.
An idea of students at the Atchison Middle School, under the guidance of instructor Jerlyn Gormley, the Atchison High School Woodworking Class constructed the structure, which now stands on the 5th Street side of AMS.

Now, the civic group, Leadership Atchison, has revealed plans to establish two similar little lending libraries at other locations in the city.

That was explained to the Atchison City Commission Monday by Leadership members Jerel Rawls, Nick Caudle, and Heather Thummel. She told the Commission, on behalf of the group, that the class learned about the number of home schoolers in the Atchison area, leading to the plan to install the Little Libraries, one at Atchison's LFM Park and the other on property belonging to the Atchison YMCA, in an effort to assist those students.

The placement of the two lending libraries is planned to happen this summer.
Books for the libraries are being collected through donations.

The purpose of Leadership Atchison, which falls under the oversight of the Atchison Chamber, “serves the Atchison community by providing programs to develop strong community leaders.”

(KAIR)--A federal law passed in August, 2022, benefiting veterans, will be focus of a workshop planned in Atchison.

According to a release from the Veterans Administration, the 2022 PACT Act expanded VA care and benefits. That includes expanding toxic-exposed veterans access to VA care, extends health care eligibility for Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post 9/11-era combat veterans, and adds new presumptive conditions for radiation, agent orange, gulf war toxins, and burn pit exposures.

According to the VA, questions regarding those changes will be answered during the Friday, April 7 Pact Act Resources and VA Health Care Enrollment. The session will be held that afternoon, from 1:30 to 4:30, at the Soldier's and Sailor's Memorial Hall, located at 819 Commercial Street, in Atchison.

According to the release, those who attend will receive information regarding VA health care eligibility and enrollment, access to veterans service reps for VA disability claims, toxic exposure information, and informmation pertaining to presumptive conditions.

All veterans are invited to attend.

(KAIR)--An Atchison County bridge is set for replacement, starting this month, meaning it will be closed to traffic.

According to a release from the Atchison County Road and Bridge Department, the bridge, located on Meade Road, between 238th and 254th Roads, over Stranger Creek, will close in the middle of this month. Then, with work underway, the closure will remain in place until the project is completed.

Anyone with questions regarding the bridge replacement should call 913-804-6120.

(MSC News)--Special honors for a local radio sports announcer, as Justin Fluke is awarded the Hod Humiston Award from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.

According to a release, the award is annually given to a Kansas broadcaster “who has made significant contributions to the field of sports broadcasting as well as work in the community.”

Fluke, long known as the voice of local sports with the Hiawatha-based KNZA Radio Group, has been with the company for 21-years and is now the president and owner of the five-station group.

Fluke, a native of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, officially began his broadcast career as a volunteer on Christian station KREJ, a goal he had since before the age of ten when he began dreaming of being a broadcaster.

A key factor in earning the Hod Humiston Award is community service work, a field Fluke is no stranger to. That includes his involvement with the local Big Brothers and Big Sisters program as well as serving as a Kiwanis member in Hiawatha. He also serves on media advisory boards for the Holton and Royal Valley schools, as well as a committee for the Jackson County Chamber. He is also an active board member for the Holton Ball Association, Holton Community Theatre and Jackson County Community Foundation.

In 2019, Fluke was elected to the board for the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board, with the organization calling Fluke “a great volunteer and supporter.”

Fluke tells MSC News he is “incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award,” adding that “beyond sports broadcasting, this recognition means a lot because it recognizes community impact, which is something [Fluke is]very dedicated to and passionate about.”

The award, presented annually since 1979, is named for Hod Humiston who was the first television sportscaster in Kansas when he did play-by-play coverage of college games for what is now KWCH TV in Wichita. Award history.

Fluke will be presented with the award on May 2nd during the KAB Sports Seminar at Kauffman Stadium.

(MSC News)--Special honors for a local radio sports announcer, as Justin Fluke is awarded the Hod Humiston Award from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.

According to a release, the award is annually given to a Kansas broadcaster “who has made significant contributions to the field of sports broadcasting as well as work in the community.”

Fluke, long known as the voice of local sports with the Hiawatha-based KNZA Radio Group, has been with the company for 21-years and is now the president and owner of the five-station group.

Fluke, a native of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, officially began his broadcast career as a volunteer on Christian station KREJ, a goal he had since before the age of ten when he began dreaming of being a broadcaster.
A key factor in earning the Hod Humiston Award is community service work, a field Fluke is no stranger to. That includes his involvement with the local Big Brothers and Big Sisters program as well as serving as a Kiwanis member in Hiawatha. He also serves on media advisory boards for the Holton and Royal Valley schools, as well as a committee for the Jackson County Chamber. He is also an active board member for the Holton Ball Association, Holton Community Theatre and Jackson County Community Foundation.

In 2019, Fluke was elected to the board for the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board, with the organization calling Fluke “a great volunteer and supporter.”

Fluke tells MSC News he is “incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award,” adding that “beyond sports broadcasting, this recognition means a lot because it recognizes community impact, which is something [Fluke is]very dedicated to and passionate about.”

The award, presented annually since 1979, is named for Hod Humiston who was the first television sportscaster in Kansas when he did play-by-play coverage of college games for what is now KWCH TV in Wichita.

Fluke will be presented with the award on May 2nd during the KAB Sports Seminar at Kauffman Stadium.

(MSC News)--Special honors for a local radio sports announcer, as Justin Fluke is awarded the Hod Humiston Award from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters.

According to a release, the award is annually given to a Kansas broadcaster “who has made significant contributions to the field of sports broadcasting as well as work in the community.”

Fluke, long known as the voice of local sports with the Hiawatha-based KNZA Radio Group, has been with the company for 21-years and is now the president and owner of the five-station group.

Fluke, a native of Medicine Lodge, Kansas, officially began his broadcast career as a volunteer on Christian station KREJ, a goal he had since before the age of ten when he began dreaming of being a broadcaster.
A key factor in earning the Hod Humiston Award is community service work, a field Fluke is no stranger to. That includes his involvement with the local Big Brothers and Big Sisters program as well as serving as a Kiwanis member in Hiawatha. He also serves on media advisory boards for the Holton and Royal Valley schools, as well as a committee for the Jackson County Chamber. He is also an active board member for the Holton Ball Association, Holton Community Theatre and Jackson County Community Foundation.

In 2019, Fluke was elected to the board for the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board, with the organization calling Fluke “a great volunteer and supporter.”

Fluke tells MSC News he is “incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award,” adding that “beyond sports broadcasting, this recognition means a lot because it recognizes community impact, which is something [Fluke is]very dedicated to and passionate about.”

The award, presented annually since 1979, is named for Hod Humiston who was the first television sportscaster in Kansas when he did play-by-play coverage of college games for what is now KWCH TV in Wichita.

Fluke will be presented with the award on May 2nd during the KAB Sports Seminar at Kauffman Stadium.

(KNZA)-A Hutchinson man was arrested late Tuesday evening in Jackson County after leading authorities on a chase in a stolen vehicle.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said the Sheriff's Office was notified shortly after 11:00 of the theft of a blue 2018 Nissan Sentry from the Casey's General Store, in Hiawatha.

About 25 minutes later, Jackson County deputies located the vehicle inside Jackson County where a pursuit ensued from Holton southbound.

The pursuit ended near 150th road where the driver, identified as 42-year-old Jeffery Primeaux, Jr., surrendered to deputies.

Following his arrest, Primeaux was booked into the Jackson County Jail on a charge of felony flee and eluding law enforcement. He was later released after posting bond.

(KNZA)--A special prosecutor has been appointed in a Doniphan County case involving a former Sheriff's deputy facing multiple charges.

A judge signed an order Tuesday granting a request to appoint Lenexa attorney Adam Zenter to complete the prosecution of the case against Nathaniel Keller.

Doniphan County Attorney Charles Baskins made the request, which was approved by the Doniphan County Commission.

Zenter is a former assistant attorney general for the state of Kansas.

Keller has pleaded not guilty to 15 counts. He is charged with sex crimes alleged to have occurred in 2017 with a child 14 or older, but less than 16 years of age. Keller is also charged with domestic-related offenses alleged to have occurred in 2019 and 2021.

He was arrested in June of 2021 after Kansas Bureau of Investigation agents served a search warrant on his home.

Keller remains free on a $500,000 bond.

(KNZA)--When Horton City Administrator John Calhoon registered to attend the 54th Annual Conference of the Kansas Rural Water Association held this last week in Wichita, he had no idea he would be on stage and on camera in front of hundreds of people accepting an award.

But he was - as the City of Horton received the award for “Most Improved Wastewater System of the Year” in ceremonies March 29 in the Century II Convention Center.

According to a release from the Water Association, the City of Horton- original wastewater treatment plant was constructed in 1956 and, although there had been many improvements since, the 65-year-old plant was having trouble meeting the modern, much stricter permit limits.

In October of 2021, construction began on a 6.3-million-dollar facility upgrade. The project was completed in September of 2022.

Since start up, the release says the new facility has met and exceeded its wastewater permit effluent limits.

Financing for the project was secured from USDA Rural Development, with roughly 40% of the money coming as a grant. The project was engineered by BG Consultants and the general contractor was Bern-based AHRS Construction.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission Monday heard about Rainbow Communications plans to expand their current fiber broadband network in the county.

Angie Kreider, Director of Business Development with Rainbow, said they plan to expand their fiber broadband network in the cities of Elwood, Highland, Troy and Wathena with fiber to all residential locations.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, Rainbow will fully fund the $12.4 million dollar construction project that will consist of nearly 190 miles of fiber, bringing gigabit internet speeds to more than 4,100 people

Construction is slated to begin by 2025 with the projects completed in each city by 2027.

Kreider also updated the Commission on a fiber broadband expansion along the US Highway 36 corridor east of the Troy City limits to west Wathena City limits, two miles north and south of Highway 36.

The buildout project will cover 200 homes.

Fiber materials have been ordered and project staking began three weeks ago. The county is assisting with GIS mapping and Rainbow Communications is working on education materials for county residents and the process for customer interest/sign-ups for internet service.

Doniphan County partnered with Rainbow on the broadband expansion project dedicating nearly $1.5 million of America Rescue Plan Act funds.

The project is to be completed by December 31, 2026.

(KNZA)--The preliminary hearing for a Hiawatha man charged with alleged sex and drug offenses has been postponed again.

48-year-old Jeremy Stover had been scheduled to appear in a Brown County courtroom Wednesday morning for his preliminary hearing. However, his court-appointed attorney, John Kurth, of Atchison, requested another continuance to review additional reports and video interviews

According to court documents, the hearing was rescheduled for the morning of June 7.

Stover has been charged with eight counts—including three felony counts of promoting the sale of sexual relations, three misdemeanor counts of sexual battery, a felony count of distribution of opiates and misdemeanor count of possession of a depressant.

He was arrested in February following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Office.

Stover remains free on a $50,000 bond.

(KLZA)_-- Two Craig, Missouri men were injured in a wreck Tuesday morning at approximately 11:30 on Beagle Road, a half-mile south of Craig.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a southbound pickup driven by 47-year-old Steven Portman, due to a field fire making visibility near zero, struck the rear of a Dodge Durango while it was parked.

Portman suffered what were described as moderate injuries. 31-year-old Jonathan Black of Craig, was the operator of the Durango that was parked. Black suffered minor injuries.

Both men were transported to the Fairfax Community Hospital by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance . Both men were wearing safety devices at the time of the wreck.

(KNZA)--A Morrill man has been arrested on a felony warrant out of Nebraska.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, deputies responded to a reckless driving complaint in the city of Morrill around 6:00 Saturday evening.

Upon investigation. 39-year-old Forrest Gaston was questioned about the complaint.

Merchant said it was confirmed he had an active felony warrant out of Richardson County, Nebraska for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

Gaston was arrested and taken to the Brown County Jail.

(KAIR)--A long running tradition of Easter in Atchison continues, with the annual Easter Egg Hunt, at Atchison's LFM Park, to be held Sunday.

According to a release, the Easter Sunday hunt, again organized by former Atchison resident Rickeye Jenkins, will mark the 18th-year for the tradition.

The release, from Jenkins, explains that the egg hunt will run from 1 until 2:00, at the park, with activities then moving to Atchison's Memorial Hall. It's there that community children will show off their talents through a fashion show/talent show.

Following the display of fashion and talent, a community potluck dinner will be held, complete with games and treats.

According to Jenkins, a fundraising goal of $3,000 was set for the year, with any contributions to be accepted.

The public is invited to take part in Sunday's activities.

Peru, Nebraska - The School of Education at Peru State College is proud to announce the launch of its innovative Teaching Experience Learning Lab (TELL), a creative classroom space designed to enhance teacher candidates' skills and abilities using research-based instructional practices.

TELL is a unique classroom space modeled after 21st Century classrooms currently in the teaching field. The lab's flexible seating and furniture, SMART Board, and various one-to-one technologies provide teacher candidates with the tools needed to create an optimal learning experience for their future students. Additionally, the lab is equipped with recording devices to allow for in-depth personal reflection and collaborative feedback on teaching lessons.

“By creating a space with flexible furniture and 1 to 1 technology, we are empowered to cultivate a learning environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and personalized teaching practices for every candidate that goes beyond traditional teaching methods,” said Dr. Dwayne Chism, Dean of the School of Education. “The lab will help us prepare teaching candidates to be quality educators for tomorrow- learners.”

The lab's flexible furniture design allows it to be transformed within minutes to take on the appearance of various high-impact teaching and learning environments. With TELL, teacher candidates can implement and explore course concepts and various methods first-hand, providing them with invaluable experience and preparing them to be quality educators for tomorrow's learners.

Gabrielle Krienert, a Peru State teacher candidate said, “Learning in the TELL lab classroom has allowed me to see how my classroom set up can foster communication, teamwork, and creativity between my peers and future students with a hands-on approach.”

Peru State College's School of Education is excited to launch the Teaching Experience Learning Lab and looks forward to seeing the impact it will have on preparing teacher candidates to be successful educators.

“Using the TELL room has afforded teacher candidates the opportunity to see cutting edge technology and flexible seating opportunities that they may seek out in their future classrooms,” said Dr. Gina Bittner, Associate Professor of Education.

The Peru State College School of Education is accredited under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards through the CAEP Accreditation System.

Peru State- “Campus of a Thousand Oaks”, an arboretum campus, is nestled in historic southeast Nebraska. The state- first college, Peru State provides students of all backgrounds access to engaging educational experiences to strengthen and enrich communities, Nebraska and the world.

(KLZA)-- City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum informed the City Council Monday evening that the city application for a planning grant has been successful.

The $15 thousand grant will be for a feasibility study for a recreational / wellness center. A request for quotes will be drafted to solicit firms to perform the study and develop a plan to apply for a construction grant in early 2024.

Nussbaum also reported that Olsson company is in the design phase for Phase I of the 2023 Street Improvement projects that will include patch work and minor replacement projects to be completed by the Street Department rather than contracted out.

Overlay work will be bid out in November, 2023 for a spring 2024 construction timeline.

Nussbaum also noted that materials are being procured for the electrical distribution system improvements. Contracts were awarded. The project was originally scheduled for a 2023 start but install will likely be postponed to 2024 due to lead times on some materials.

(KLZA)-- City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum informed the City Council Monday evening that the city application for a planning grant has been successful.

The $15 thousand grant will be for a feasibility study for a recreational / wellness center. A request for quotes will be drafted to solicit firms to perform the study and develop a plan to apply for a construction grant in early 2024.

Nussbaum also reported that Olsson company is in the design phase for Phase I of the 2023 Street Improvement projects that will include patch work and minor replacement projects to be completed by the Street Department rather than contracted out.

Overlay work will be bid out in November, 2023 for a spring 2024 construction timeline.

Nussbaum also noted that materials are being procured for the electrical distribution system improvements. Contracts were awarded. The project was originally scheduled for a 2023 start but install will likely be postponed to 2024 due to lead times on some materials.

(KLZA)-- City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum informed the City Council Monday evening that the city application for a planning grant has been successful.

The $15 thousand grant will be for a feasibility study for a recreational / wellness center. A request for quotes will be drafted to solicit firms to perform the study and develop a plan to apply for a construction grant in early 2024.

Nussbaum also reported that Olsson company is in the design phase for Phase I of the 2023 Street Improvement projects that will include patch work and minor replacement projects to be completed by the Street Department rather than contracted out.

Overlay work will be bid out in November, 2023 for a spring 2024 construction timeline.

Nussbaum also noted that materials are being procured for the electrical distribution system improvements. Contracts were awarded. The project was originally scheduled for a 2023 start but install will likely be postponed to 2024 due to lead times on some materials.

()KLZA)-- Rock Port School District voters approved a $6.5 million bond issue Tuesday by a vote of 288-137.

With 67% of the ballots cast being in favor of the proposed referendum, it surpassed the required 58.5 % supermajority to pass.

Passage of the bond issue means the District will be able to demolish the existing dome structure at the school grounds, and construct a new facility to include classrooms, locker rooms, storage and a library to be used by both the high school and elementary school. The work will also include improvements to the elementary school building.

Amy Thomas was reelected as Mayor of Rock Port 210-75 over Jody Robert Vansickle.

Atchison County voters also approved a countywide 3% tax on marijuana sales by a margin of 832 - 230.

A citywide 3% tax on the sale of marijuana also passed Tuesday in Rock Port and Tarkio, in Atchison County as well as in Mound City, in Holt County.

The three incumbents seeking reelection to the Mound City School Board were successful. Chad Derr, Sheri Meadows and Jeff Holstine will continue to serve on the Board.

Elected to serve on the Tarkio School Board were Amy Hurst, 300 votes, Incumbent Warren Joshua Wright, 273 votes and Raymond Gebhards JR. 266 votes.

Two incumbents were reelected to the Fairfax School Board. Miles Gregg Smith received 159 votes and Brett Michael Johnson received 117 votes.

Treyvor Umbarger received 137 votes. Incumbent Samantha O'Riley lost her bid for reelection with 73 votes.

Elected to serve a two-year term as North Ward Alderman in Tarkio was Scott Walker. In the South Ward Alderman race Jeffrey Olson was elected.

Grant Nagle was elected to serve a 4-year term on the Southern Holt County Fire District. Christopher Russell was elected to serve a 6-year term on the Mound City Rural Fire Protection District. '

In Craig, Missouri, Mitchell Longcor and Caleb Wright were elected to two-year terms on the Board of Aldermen.

In Forest City elections for Aldermen, Jessica Baker outpolled Loyd Russell 9-8 in the East Ward and in the West Ward Michelle Weber defeated Stephanie Tatro 7-6.

Maitland voters approved a proposal to forgo annual elections if the number of candidates filing for a particular office is equal to the number of positions in the office to be filled by the election 27-7.

The Tarkio Road District Tax renewal was approved by more than 140 votes.

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

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

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

(KNZA)--An Elwood woman is to be sentenced later this month after pleading no contest to two counts of rape.

According to court documents, 23-year-old Kaitland Quimby entered the plea March 22 in Doniphan County District Court.

In exchange for the plea, two additional counts of rape were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Quimby was convicted of engaging in sexual intercourse with two different children under the age of 14.

She was arrested last August following an investigation by the Elwood Police Department.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert is serving as special prosecutor in the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 26.

(KMZA)--The arraignment for a Marysville man accused of killing his wife on Thanksgiving Day 2022 has been postponed.

Gerald Brown had been scheduled to appear in Marshall County District Court Tuesday on a charge of first-degree murder, but a judge granted a request for a continuance.

The arraignment hearing was rescheduled for May 2.

Authorities responded to a 911 call early November 24 at the couple's home at 1070 Granite Road in Marysville where they found 57-year-old Jennifer Brown dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Gerald Brown was taken into custody at the scene.

He remains in the Marshall County Jail, held on a $1 million dollar bond.

(KLZA)-- Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced Monday, that the Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved a total of over $9.9 million in grants to 43 sheriff- offices across the state for security and other improvements to local jails.

Among the counties receiving the grants will be the Holt County Sheriffs Office which will received $138,780.

Governor Parson, a former Sheriff said. “These grants are an investment in jail infrastructure that will help provide better safety and working conditions in our jails across the state.”

Jail improvements include cell door lock upgrades, video surveillance equipment, full-body scanners, HVAC improvements, and other maintenance and improvement projects.

The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and was part of Governor Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 budget plan.

Eligible grant expenditures are maintenance and improvement projects. The grants require a local match of 50 percent. Local ARPA grant funds may be utilized for the local match. In-kind matches may be retroactive to March 2020.

Grant amounts varied based on the scale and scope of grant applications submitted by applicants. The Missouri Department of Public Safety is the grant administrator.

(KNZA)--A Rossville man, accused of driving under the influence, was arrested over the weekend after allegedly fleeing after crashing his vehicle in southern Jackson County.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, around 7:30 Saturday evening the Sheriff's Office received a report of a vehicle crash on 94th Road near K Road.

Morse said a witness indicated they saw a vehicle nearly strike their vehicle, lose control, strike a utility pole and crash into a pasture.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 39-year-old Glen Roberts, III, allegedly fled on foot. He was eventually located and taken into custody.

Following his arrest, Roberts was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of DUI, 5 counts of aggravated assault, flee and eluding law enforcement, driving while suspended, transporting an open container and failure to report an accident.

Editor's note: the following was submitted by Brown Co Sheriff John Merchant

I would like to take this opportunity to inform the public that April is National Child Abuse Awareness month and provide information on what steps need to be taken in the event abuse or neglect needs reported by members of the community.

INFORMATION ABOUT CHILD ABUSE::

Not all child abuse is physically violent; emotional abuse and neglect are not as obvious as physical abuse but can do severe damage to the emotional well being of a child. The signs of emotional abuse is much harder to recognize as the scarring and wounds are on the inside of the child, not on the outside.

By statistic over 90% of child victims are abused by someone they know or are related to.

By reporting those who abuse and identifying those who are being abused, help and counseling can enable the child victim to be able to deal with the effect of the abuse and are less likely to become abusers themselves. That is why it is so important to report suspected abuse or neglect as early as possible.

Most children who are abused will not report the abuse. Many times the abuser is a close family member or friend. Most times the child is threatened or pressured not to tell anyone of the ongoing abuse. Children need to be encouraged to tell a TRUSTED relative or friend if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or acts in an inappropriate way towards them.

Child abuse happens in families of every race, culture and income level. Sometimes loving parents can become frustrated and overreact. Unintentional harm is abuse if the injury is due to a punishment.

SOME WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE:

Unexplained or suspicious bruises,burns, fractures or marks.

Explanation of injuries that make no sense

Disturbed sleep

Pain during urination or during bowel movements

Unusual knowledge of body parts

Acting out sexually with toys or other children

Fear of certain people or places

Pain while walking or sitting

Malnourished

Unusual flinching when approached

Withdrawn, lack of energy or interest, poor school attendance, failing grades

Many people in many different professions are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse such as teachers, law enforcement, mental health professionals, medical professionals, etc. but It is the moral obligation of everyone to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect. We ask that instead of a Child Abuse Awareness month in Brown County we all practice Daily Child Abuse Awareness. I am asking everyone in Brown County to become more aware and proactive when it comes to keeping our kids safe.

Kansas has a Protection Report Center where concerned citizens may report suspected child abuse anonymously. That number is 1-800-922-5330---If there is an immediate concern over the safety of a child please report immediately to your local law enforcement at once. IF YOU THINK YOU SHOULD REPORT A CONCERN--PLEASE DO SO!! Law enforcement would much rather investigate a case that does not meet the criteria of child abuse than to let an abused child continue to be victimized. All of the law enforcement agencies in Brown County take child abuse very seriously and will use extra precaution to keep children safe and protected. At any time the immediate safety of a child is in question, dial 911 immediately.

A big THANK YOU to all the agencies that work together in Brown County that take an active role in child safety. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated group of caring individuals who work closely together for the sake of our children.

Remember: THERE'S NO EXCUSE, FOR CHILD ABUSE!

(KMZA)--A Louisville teenager was killed in a Friday afternoon Pottawatomie County motorcycle crash.

According to a release from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, killed in the crash in rural Belvue was 17-year-old Abbott Mumaw.

The Sheriff's Office said Mumaw was westbound on Gerard Road when he appears to have lost control of motorcycle and crashed.

Mumawt was pronounced dead at the scene

The Sheriff's Office said he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The crash, which was reported shortly before 3:30 Friday afternoon, remains under investigation.

The Pottawatomie County EMS, Belvue Fire Department, Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene.

(KAIR)--A longtime Atchison religious leader has died.

The Reverend Robert Ziegler, who long oversaw Atchison's Trinity Lutheran Church, died Sunday. He was 88-years-old.

According to a social media post from the Church, Ziegler died following the church's 8:00 Sunday morning service. According to members of the church, Ziegler suffered a medical emergency around 9:10 Sunday morning, and was transported for hospital care.
However, the congregation, during a prayer service later that morning, around 10:40, received word of Ziegler's death.

Although a full obituary is not yet released, services for Ziegler have been established by the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, in Atchison.

According to the funeral home, the service will be Tuesday morning at 10:00 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Atchison.

Visitation will be Monday evening, from 5 until 8:00, at the Trinity Lutheran School Gymnasium.

Pastor Ziegler will lie in state at the church, from 9:00 Tuesday morning, until the time of service.

Ziegler began his long-term service to Atchison's Trinity Lutheran Church in 1969. About 3-years later, in 1972, Ziegler began his weekly radio ministry on what is now KAIR 93.7 FM.

In 2009, the year that marked Pastor Ziegler completing 50-years in the ministry, an interview was conducted with Ziegler by Kevin Page, Trinity Lutheran Church member and Professor of Journalism at Benedictine College. With the permission of Page, we include that interview here.

(KLZA)-- A woman charged with a felony count of motor vehicle homicide in Johnson County has asked the judge to reduce her $250 thousand bail.

According to the Omaha World Herald, 36-year-old Chelsy Kress of Tecumseh is charged with causing the death of 22-year-old Logan Ascheman of Tecumseh on March 1 and with failure to stop and render aid as well as being in possession of a controlled substance, both of which are felony charges.

Kress is required to pay 10 percent of the bail amount, $25 thousand to be released from jail. So far the judge has not ruled on her request.

About 2:30 a.m. on March 17, Johnson County deputies responded to a call from Kress, when she told them she believed she hit someone with her vehicle.

A deputy discovered Asheman, who was deceased in the area of First Street and the railroad tracks in Tecumseh. The deputy proceeded to Kress' home and found damage to her vehicle.

A surveillance video allegedly shows Kress traveling northbound on First Street about 10 p.m. on March 16. Authorities claim Kress struck Asheman with her vehicle and left the area without stopping to render aid.

Kress then returned home, but did not contact law enforcement for four and a half hours after the incident.

(KNZA)--A Horton man has been sentenced to life in prison on a child sex charge.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 47-year-old Richard VanLaningham was sentenced Monday in Brown County District Court following his conviction on one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

As a Jessica- Law offense, VanLaningham must serve a mandatory minimum term of not less than 25 years in prison before he is eligible for release on parole.

He pleaded no contest to the felony charge last month.

The case involved criminal conduct against an 11-year-old child.

VanLaningham was charged following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Office and a forensic interview by an investigator with the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska State College System Trustees have approved an increase in room and board rates for the 2023-234 academic year at Peru State College.

Increases will range from 4.03 - 5.02 percent for those living in residence halls. The costs for unrenovated apartments will increase 5% and the cost to live in renovated apartments will increase by 5.06%.

The added cost is estimated to bring in an additional $98,310 to help cover the costs of salaries and benefits along with utilities, repairs and supplies..

Food costs are going up 3.06% to 5.36% depending on the meal plan students select.

The additional income is expected to be approximately $98,200.

(KLZA)--The Holt and Atchison County, Missouri, General Municipal Election will be held Tuesday, April 4.

Polling places open 6 a-m til 7 p.m.

Contested Races:

Mound City School Board ( elect 3 )

Shane Gillenwater; Steven Edwards;

Incumbents: Chad Derr; Jeff Holstine; and Sheri Meadows;

Mound City Rural Fire Protection District Board member ( 6 year term )

elect 1: Christopher J. Russell; Bryce Schoonover

City of Craig - Alderman - 2 year term - electing two

Laura Krohn; Mitechell Longcor; Caleb Wright:

City of Forest City - West Ward Alderman - 2 year term - electing 1

Stephanie Tatro; Michele Weber

Nodaway-Holt R-VII School Board - electing 3 - 3-year-term

Megan Morrow; Travis Levi Cochenour; Misty Dawn Million; Haily Randall; Keith Zachary Miller; Matthew Dale Brown; Jane Mary Hanson ( Inc.) Nicholas R. Madden ( Inc.)

Southern Holt Fire Protection District 0 4 year term - elect 1

Edward Joe Williams; Grant Nagle

Question:

Shall the City of Maitland, be authorized to forgo annual elections if the number of candidates who have filed for a particular office is equal to the number of positions in the office to be filled by the election? Yes or No.

Proposition A: Shall the City of Mound City, impose a city sales tax of three perent on the sale of adult use marijuana sold at retail? Yes or No.

ATCHISON COUNTY MO ELECTIONS:

Special School Board bond Election Proposition 2: Shall the Rock Port R-II Board of Education without an estimated increase in the current debt service property tax levy, borrow money in the amount of $6.5 million for the purpose of providing funds to demolish the existing Dome structure; to construct, equip and furnish a new building with classrooms and a larger library to serve both the High School and Elementary School; to complete Elementary School improvements to include new flooring, windows, and lighting to the extent funds are available, complete other repairs and improvements to existing facilities of the District and issue general obligation bonds for the payment thereof.

If approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the School District is estimated to remain unchanged at 86.25 cents per $100 of assessed valuation or real and personal property.

Shall Atchison County impose a countywide sales tax of 3 percent on all tangible personal property retail sales of adult use marijuana sold in Atchison County?

In addition, both the City of Rock Port and the City of Tarkio have placed a question on the ballot,Shall the City impose a 3 percent sales tax on all retail sales of adult use marijuana sold in the City?

Shall the Atchison County Special Road District levy an additional tax rate of 35-cents on the hundred dollars of valuation for a period of 4 years?

This is a renewal of the present tax levy.

City of Rock Port

For Mayor - 2 year term: Amy Thomas, incumbent; or Jody Robert Vansickle

Fairfax School Board: Vote for three:

Treyvor Umbarger. Incumbents: Brett Michael Johnson, Miles Gregg Smith and Samantha O'Riley;

Tarkio R-1 School District Board of Education: ( vote for 3)

Raymond Gebhards Jr.; Natasha Baruth; Amy Hurst; Ashlee Driskell:

Incumbent: Warren Joshua Wright.

City of Tarkio:

North Ward Alderman - 2 year term

Daryl Wiley or Scott Walker

City of Tarkio:

South Wart Alderman - 2 year term

Jeffrey Olson or Timothy Morehouse

Shall the Tarkio Special Road District of Atchison County levy an additional tax rate of 35 cents per $100 of valuation for a period of 4 years?

The would be a renewal of the present tax levy.

(KAIR)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on March 28, paid a visit to JET Produce and Meats, a family-owned farm in Leavenworth, where she declared March as “Kansas Agriculture Month” to “highlight the ag industry's importance for local communities across the state.”

According to a release from Kelly- office, agriculture contributes nearly $80 billion to the Kansas economy and contributes nearly 240,000 jobs - 12% of the state's workforce. In 2022, Kansas produced more than $5 billion in agricultural exports, the most in state history.

JET Produce and Meats started as a small family farm in 2012 and has expanded over the years from sales at farmers markets into the introduction of a fully operated farm store.

In the release, Kelly voices her appreciation for ag-producers, saying that she is “forever grateful to the hardworking women and men in the Ag industry for fueling our economy and feeding the world.”

(KAIR)--A possible software upgrade could be coming to Jefferson County, following further exploration of the change.

Discussion about the proposal for software from GovBuilt happened during Monday- regular meeting of the Jefferson County Commission, with Chief Information Officer Chris Schmeissner and Community Development Director Dustin Parks bringing the matter before the County leaders.

According to the unofficial minutes of the meeting, it was explained to the Commission that the software allows the public and any businesses to apply online for such matters as building permit applications or licenses, while adding more uniformity and structure to the process. Applicants will be able to see where their application is in the process, and information can be shared between County offices to reduce the need for citizens to hand carry documents from one office to another.

Parks addressed the Commission about the use of the software in his office, and the cost savings that could be recognized, as well as processes that can be improved, with Parks telling the Commission he believes the software would allow the County to forgo the placement of a fourth person in the Community Development office.

Following the presentation, the Commissioners agreed, by consensus, that the software is worth investigating, with a legal review of the software-user agreement being the next step prior to any formal decision.

(KAIR)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Tuesday, paid a visit to JET Produce and Meats, a family-owned farm in Leavenworth, where she declared March as “Kansas Agriculture Month” to “highlight the ag industry- importance for local communities across the state.”

According to a release from Kelly- office, agriculture contributes nearly $80 billion to the Kansas economy and contributes nearly 240,000 jobs - 12% of the state- workforce. In 2022, Kansas produced more than $5 billion in agricultural exports, the most in state history.

JET Produce and Meats started as a small family farm in 2012 and has expanded over the years from sales at farmers markets into the introduction of a fully operated farm store.

In the release, Kelly voices her appreciation for ag-producers, saying that she is “forever grateful to the hardworking women and men in the Ag industry for fueling our economy and feeding the world.”

(KAIR)--The grand-opening date, complete with a ceremony including ribbon cutting, has been established for Atchison's Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.

According to a release from the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, that's set to happen at 12 noon Friday, April 14, outside the museum, located at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport.

The museum doors will open following the outdoor ceremony that is open to the public. During the ceremony, elected officials, museum leaders, and such special guests as members of the Amelia Earhart family, will offer comments about the museum, established in honor of Earhart, the famed aviator who called Atchison her childhood home.

Karen Seaberg, Earhart Foundation founder and president, calls Earhart's life “trailblazing,” saying in the release that she, and the foundation, are “thrilled to celebrate [the museum's] grand opening and welcome visitors of all ages to journey through [Earhart's life] as a world renowned aviator, innovator, educator, and activist.”

Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, later disappearing, along with her navigator, Fred Noonan, during a July 1937 flight to circumnavigate the globe.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, in the release, says the museum “will celebrate a woman who showed us what it means to ‘reach for the stars,’ adding that the museum will serve as “a place dedicated to showcasing how a fearless Kansas blazed her own trail to become one of the most admired women in the world.”

A grand-opening weekend of festivities are planned at the museum, following the April 14 opening ceremony.

The centerpiece of the museum is Muriel, the world's last Lockheed Electra 10-E, identical to that flown by Earhart on her final flight.

The museum is also visualized as a learning destination for visitors, featuring interactive STEM and history exhibits.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Effingham public water supply system located in Atchison County.

The advisory took effect on April 3rd and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system.  Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. 

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

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

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

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

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

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

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 913-833-4471, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE- PWS Consumer Information webpage: kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption

(KNZA)--An Ozawkie man admits to defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program of about $1 million intended to help elderly and low income residents with rental housing expenses.

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas, 55-year-old Perry Johnson pleaded guilty last week to one count of making a false statement on loan or credit applications.

The release says Rural Development works with rental property owners to subsize rent and maintenance repair expenses on behalf of low income and elderly tenants. Rural Development has a policy requiring all properties to submit Identity of Interest (IOI) disclosures concerning any personal relationships with vendors performing work on properties.

According to court documents, between 2014 and 2017, Johnson worked as the regional manager of a company that managed 47 properties in Kansas. He was responsible for each property- budget and approval of contracts. The release says Johnson ignored the IOI policy and created about $1 million in vendor maintenance and repair invoices in the names of relatives and friends from which he financially benefited.

The release says Johnson also created false worksheets claiming his son resided at three different rural housing apartments although his son was never a tenant at any of those properties.

Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 21.

The USDA - Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

(KMZA)--A public meeting will be held in Axtell Tuesday evening on a proposal to finance part of the cost of a new jail in Marshall County.

The meeting will be at 7:00 at the Axtell American Legion.

Previously, meetings were held in Marysville and Blue Rapids.

Commissioners will join Marshall County Sheriff Tim Ackerman, the jail's architect, construction manager at-risk and financial adviser to explain the proposed jail project and answer residents questions.

Marshall County voters will decide during a special election April 25 whether the county should sign a lease-purchase agreement not to exceed $6.5 million to finance a portion of the new jail project during a special election April 25. The total estimated cost is $12 million.

A protest petition filed in October spurred the election.

(KMZA)--Weather permitting, the Kansas Department of Transportation will close K-16 at two locations in Pottawatomie County on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 4-5 while maintenance crews replace pipes under the roadway.

On Tuesday, K-16 will be closed to through traffic just east of Blaine, between Kansas Avenue and Marshall Road.

On Wednesday, K-16 will be closed to through traffic about 2 miles east of Onaga, between Straight Creek Road and Lincoln Road.

KDOT says each closure will be in place from 7 am to 5 pm, or until work is complete. No detours will be posted, and motorists 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. To stay aware of highway construction projects across Kansas, go to www.kandrive.org or call 5-1-1.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission heard an update from the operators of the county's ambulance service when they met last week.

Holton-based TECHS, Inc took over January 1st of this year as the county's ambulance service provider.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, owners Brent Teter and Jay Watkins, along with Regional Executive Director Con Olson, met with the Commission to provide the update.

Teter said so far the transition has been positive. He said there have been staffing challenges, but no loss of coverage with both the Highland and Troy stations being covered 24/7 with ALS (Advanced Life Support) staff.

Teter said modifications have been made to both the Highland and Troy facilities to accommodate staffing.

To date, the ambulance service has gone on 140 runs, with 103 of those calls requiring transport.

Olson discussed with commissioners the need to upgrade the radio communications console in the the Sheriff's dispatch center to accommodate 800Mhz radio communications for all emergency services, including fire districts.

Olson said a $4,100 grant was obtained to help with the costs. He presented price quotes from Motorola Solution for the equipment and Midwest Mobile Radio Service for installation for a total cost of $7,782.

Commissioners approved the radio console system upgrade.

(KNZA)-- A Saturday morning single-vehicle Buchanan County, Missouri rollover wreck sent three St. Joseph residents to the hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a SUV driven by 20-year-old Alexis Talbott was merging from southbound Interstate-229 to southbound Interstate-29, south of St. Joseph, when he failed to negotiate the curve. His vehicle traveled off the road, struck a sign and overturned onto its top.

Talbott and two passengers, 20-year-old Javen Banks and 21-year-old Jyzzaiyah Bagsby, were transported by Buchanan County EMS to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph.

The Patrol reports Banks and Talbott suffered suspected serious injuries and Bagsby suspected moderate injuries.

The Patrol says Banks was the only occupant not wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred around 11:00 Saturday morning.