(KNZA)--South Brown County USD 430 has announced the hiring of a new superintendent.

During a special meeting Wednesday, the USD 430 Board of Education voted to hire Dr. Rebecca Kramer for the position, effective July 1st.

She will replace Jason Cline, who has been hired as the new superintendent of Lakeview Community Schools, in Columbus, Nebraska.

According to a release from USD 430, Kramer currently serves as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Seaman Public Schools in Topeka. She has been in the education field for 28 years, fulfilling a variety of positions.

For the past five years, she has served as a district administrator as well as a building principal, before that, at USD #345. Kramer worked in Topeka Public Schools for twelve years as a building principal, following her time in the classroom as an elementary teacher.

She has a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Washburn University. Most recently, she obtained her Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Kansas.

The release says Kramer has roots in rural school communities as she graduated from Jefferson West High School in Meriden. She and her husband, Bill ,have been married for 28 years and are the parents of four children.

“I am incredibly honored and privileged to be named South Brown County's superintendent. I am excited about the possibilities in front of us and the positive impact we can make in the lives of students at USD 430. Let us work together to continue to create a district that inspires a love for learning, fosters personal growth, and prepares our students to become responsible citizens and leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to the incredible journey ahead!” said Kramer

Board President Jason Selland said “Dr. Kramer emerged from an expedited but very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead our School District. The Board is certain in our choice of Dr. Kramer, and we are confident that under her leadership USD 430 will continue to be a place where we empower students to find success.”

Selland said the USD 430 Board solicited input from the community and district stakeholders to help guide them through the selection process.

Kramer was among three candidates interviewed by the board last week.

(KAIR)--An Atchison theft, which is believed to have occurred earlier this month, is under the investigation of Atchison Police.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a Huskee 36” riding lawn mower and a 16’ aluminum ladder were reported stolen by a resident in the 1900 block of Harper Drive.

According to a report, both the mower and the ladder had been inside a shed at the time of the theft, which investigators believe happened sometime between May 18 and May 26.

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

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, arrested Sunday on District Court Warrants from Atchison and Brown Counties, now faces drug charges, with methamphetamine allegedly in his possession at the time of his Sunday arrest.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 35-year-old Anthony Lunsford, shortly before 11:00 Sunday morning, was arrested on the warrants after a police officer spotted him walking in the 1100 block of Santa Fe. During the arrest, it's alleged that Lunsford was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Lunsford was booked into the Atchison County Jail, where he faces, along with the warrants, charges for possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.

(KAIR)--A Valley Falls man is facing charges related to what Atchison County authorities identify as a Domestic Dispute Sunday which occurred in the 5300 block of Bourbon Road.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, a 54-year-old woman, from Muscotah, reported that she had been battered and threatened by a 47-year-old man who had left the residence prior to the arrival of deputies.

The suspect, Jason Green, was located by deputies, and arrested on charges of domestic battery and criminal threat.

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

(KAIR)--Two local area communities will benefit through their share of a total of $3.2 million dollars in Community Development Block Grant funding.

A release from the office of Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland says the grant awards were made in three categories, that of Water and Sewer, Commercial Rehabilitation, and Housing.

Two local communities, Atchison and Meriden, are awarded through the Commercial Rehabilitation category, with the release explaining that “program provides funding to assist private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted structures in downtown commercial districts.”

The two local cities are awarded their share of the nearly $594,000 allocated for that category.

Atchison received $250,000, with the release saying those dollars will be used to repair a historic downtown property. According to a letter, dated April 18, and addressed to Atchison Mayor Lisa Moody from Toland, the award “will include property acquisition, masonry repairs, window repair/replacement and door repair/replacement at 731-733 West Commercial Street/106-110 North 8th Street.

The City of Meriden, meanwhile, receives $93,750 for the rehabilitation of a local bar and restaurant, but details regarding that project are forthcoming.

No local communities were awarded in the categories of Water and Sewer or Housing.

Editor's note: the following was submitted by Brownn Co Sheriff John Merchant

Every year I send out an informational article to our county residents about the importance of not leaving your young/infant children in your vehicle unattended---especially with warmer temperatures coming our way. By the end of the week, temperatures are forecasted to be in the 90's. One child death is too many when it comes to this totally preventable tragedy. A few years ago I attended a safety conference and spoke with a mother who had lost her infant child due to heatstroke. She only went in to the store for a short amount of time and when she came out, her infant had perished due to the high temperatures that had escalated on a sunny day. She now regularly speaks at conferences so people can know first hand how a simple mistake has affected her life.

Parents also feel that if they leave the vehicle running with the A/C on or the windows cracked open while leaving their children in the vehicle, that is acceptable. I'm sorry to say that it is not---if the engine quit, temperature's can soar in a matter of minutes in direct sun. Best case scenario is to make sure to have an older adult or family member supervise the children or make sure to leave them with a qualified care giver or family member.

By statistic---A child dies from heatstroke about once every 10 days from being left unattended in a hot vehicle. Heatstroke is the number 1 leading cause of NON-CRASH vehicle fatalities for children under the age of 15. These types of child deaths are 100% preventable.

Vehicle heatstroke occurs when a child is left in a hot vehicle, allowing for the child's temperature to rise in a quick and deadly manner.

The Greenhouse Effect in Vehicles. The inside of a vehicle heats up VERY quickly! Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can reach 125 degrees in minutes. Cracking the windows does not help slow the heating process OR decrease the maximum temperature. 80% of the increase in temperature happens in the first 10 minutes. Children have died from heatstroke in cars in temps as low as 60 degrees

A child's body absorbs more heat on a hot day than an adult.---just because we do not feel the effects of the heat, it doesn't mean the children are o.k.

High body temperature can cause a child permanent injury or even death.

10 minutes is all the time it takes for a car to reach deadly temperatures.

Remember to NEVER leave your child alone in a vehicle--even for short periods of time.

Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-traffic, non-crash-related fatalities for children 14 and younger:

· April 2023 marks 25 years that pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths have been tracked. By the end of 2022, alone, 30 children died due to vehicular heatstroke. The death rate has been lower in recent years, which is likely due to more families being at home and routines drastically changed.

· From 1998 to December 31, 2022, a total of 937 children died due to vehicular heatstroke, with an average number of 37 deaths each year. Of these 937 total deaths:

o 52.6%: Forgotten by caregiver

o 25.3%: Gained access on their own

o 20.1%: Knowingly left by caregiver

o 1.8 %: Unknown

SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE:

Red, hot and moist or dry skin

No sweating

A strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse

Throbbing headache

Dizziness

Nausea

Confusion

Being grouchy or acting strangely.

We are asking the publics assistance in helping to prevent these types of tragedies from happening. Be aware when in parking lots, garages, anywhere vehicles may be parked. Be on the lookout for any small children left unattended in vehicles. Notify law enforcement at once by calling 911, and stay with the vehicle until help arrives.

A reminder that pets are also as susceptible to heat strokes in vehicles, just like children. All pets need a constant supply of clean fresh water, especially in the summer time.

With the higher summer temperatures on the way, we are also reminding everyone in addition to keeping an eye out for children at risk, the elderly and those with medical issues need proper care also. If you have an elderly neighbor or relative, check on them often during days with high temperatures, make sure the have fans, a/c. etc that is needed to keep them comfortable. Dehydration during the summer months is very common, especially with infants and the elderly. Regular fluid intake is a must, stay away from alcohol and caffeine---

Sheriff John D Merchant

Brown County Sheriff's Office

709 Utah Street

Hiawatha KS 66434

(785) 742-7125

(KLZA)--Omaha Public Power District- 13-county service territory is experiencing unprecedented growth in demand for energy, the result of a thriving regional economy. However, with such growth comes the need to power it.

During recent committee meetings the OPPD Board of Directors, utility leaders made a recommendation to meet the near-future generation needs of our communities. The need for additional generation was identified in resource planning work, which was guided by the district- mission of providing affordable, reliable and environmentally sensitive energy services. OPPD leaders have also publicly discussed the need for additional generation during opens sessions of the past several board meetings. In addition, a growth messaging campaign to keep our customers informed began April 1 and is ongoing.

OPPD expects peak energy load to the system will increase at a rate of approximately 100 megawatts (MW) per year for the foreseeable future. That- the equivalent of adding about 65 metro area high schools or mid-size hospitals - in just one year. To put the growth in context, OPPD was only adding 4 MW per year just a few years ago.

OPPD has been analyzing several resource options for this added generation, which will keep costs low and reliability high, while continue to reduce emissions over time as we diversify our resource mix even further. Generation solutions must be feasible to engineer, procure, construct and interconnect to the regional electric system in the time frame needed to reliably serve our customers. The utility remains committed to its goal of net-zero carbon by 2050.

Recommended proposals included adding:

· 1 ,000 to 1,500 MW of renewables including wind and solar.

·Up to 125 MW of battery storage

·600 to 950 MW of thermal power (such as natural gas

·32 MW or more of demand response which includes shifting or shedding electricity.

Approximately 320 MW of added fuel capacity and fuel oil storage at existing generation facilities - essentially upgrading current facilities to allow for additional winter capacity and resiliency.

Board members will consider the recommendation at an upcoming meeting.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, accused of using an axe to damage multiple vehicles, has plead guilty to charges related to criminal damage to property and stalking.

A release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson says Jeffery Adams, in Leavenworth County District Court last week, was then sentenced to more than two-years in prison-14 months for criminal damage to property and 12 months for stalking-with the two running consecutively, resulting in the 2-year-2-month sentence.

The release explains that on May 24, 2022, home surveillance video revealed that the 49-year-old Adams had used an axe to vandalize multiple parked vehicles outside the victim's residence on South 22nd Street, near downtown Leavenworth, resulting in the criminal damage to property.

Then, just over a week later, on June 4, Police received a call about Adams' harassment and threats toward the victims at the same South 22nd Street location. One of the victims was washing his car in the driveway when Adams approached and shouted at him from his vehicle, leading to Adams being charged with stalking.

The release notes that “during the investigation, it was revealed that Adams had engaged in repeated acts of harassment against the victims,” including posting messages on social media, driving by their home and business, yelling at them when they were outside, and sending threatening messages.

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division reminds property owners that real property Notices of Valuation Change will be sent by county assessors on or before Thursday, June 1, 2023.

If there was an increase or decrease from the 2022 assessed valuation of a real property parcel to the 2023 assessed value, the county assessor is required to send a notice of valuation change to the property owner of record as of May 20, 2023.

If a property owner disagrees with the assessed value, whether or not a notice of valuation change has been received, a protest may be filed with the county board of equalization. The valuation protest may be filed in person or by mail with the county clerk in the county where the property is located, on or before Friday, June 30, 2023.

All real property protests are required to be completed using Property Valuation Protest Form 422 or 422A For more information regarding filing a protest, please contact the county clerk where the property is located.

Lincoln - Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with the State Board of Health, is seeking members to serve on several professional healthcare boards. Professional board responsibilities include granting license privileges to healthcare providers and reviewing proposed regulations. The full term of service is five years, and most terms will end on November 30, 2028. Several vacancies are also available for partial terms and public memberships.

The following healthcare boards are currently looking for applicants:

• Board of Alcohol and Drug Counseling - Alcohol or Drug Counselor; Mental Health

• Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Esthetics, Nail Technology, and Body Art - Cosmetologist; Electrologist

• Board of Hearing Instruments Specialists - Hearing Instrument Specialist; Audiologist; Public

• Board of Medical Nutrition Therapy - Physician

• Board of Medical Radiography - Limited Medical Radiologist

• Board of Medicine and Surgery - Osteopathic Physician; Medical School Faculty

• Board of Mental Health Practice - Certified Marriage and Family Therapist; Professional Counselor; Public

• Board of Nursing - Associate or Diploma Nurse educator; Practical Nurse; Nursing Service Administrator; Public (2)

• Board of Nursing Home Administration - Physician; Registered Nurse; Public

• Board of Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapist or OT Assistant

• Board of Pharmacy - Hospital Pharmacist

• Board of Psychology -- Psychologist

• Board of Registered Environmental Health Specialists - REHS (3)

Applications for board memberships can be requested in several ways:

• By mail: Nebraska DHHS, Division of Public Health, P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509-5026

• By email at monica.gissler@nebraska.gov

• By phone at (402) 471-2948

• By visiting https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Board-Requirements-and-Vacancies.aspx.

Public member applicants must be at least 19 years of age, have been a resident of Nebraska for at least one year, must not hold an active credential in a profession subject to the Uniform Credentialing Act, must not be or have been employed by a facility subject to the Health Care Facility Act, and must not be the parent, child, spouse, or household member of a person currently regulated by the board to which the appointment is being made.

Board members receive per diem and are reimbursed for travel expenses.

Interviews will be held in Lincoln on September 17, 2023. Applications must be received by August 1, 2023.

Questions about the application process or for additional information should be addressed to Monica Gissler at Monica.Gissler@nebraska.gov or (402) 471-2948.​

(KLZA)--The Mound City, Missouri School Board approved the Extra Duty Salary Schedule proposed by Superintendent Korey Miles when they met last week.

The new schedule includes four tiers vs. three tiers in the previous schedule. Depending on the years of service the pay for coaches will range from 10 - 13 percent. The previous three tier salary schedule ranged from 6 - 10 percent.

The Board approved a proposal from Rooster /Rubber to install new Pour-In-Place rubber under and around the play set on the playground at a cost of $32,500. Asphalt repairs and sealant on the playground is going to cost an additional $35,000.

High School Principal Jake Shipman reported that in addition to the current Dual Credit classes offered at Mound City High School, there will be additional Dual Credit offerings for the 2023-24 school year including Medical Terminology, Earth Science, Math/Calculus, Sociology and Spanish.

Superintendent Miles informed the Board that the school district did not receive the School Safety Grant through DESE, however, he is looking to continue with improvements to the security camera system.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty discussed the costs that have been incurred for the school Resource Officer for the Humboldt - Table Rock - Steinauer School when the Board met May 24.

The actual costs have exceeded the contractual amount by approximately $7 thousand. Sheriff Hardesty will meet with representatives from the HTRS School District to request the district consider approving an increase that would cover the actual costs of the school resource officer for the 2023-24 year in the renewal agreement.

The actual costs of providing law enforcement for the City of Humboldt was also discussed briefly.

Jerry Yount and Sherry Huddleston, representing the House of Hope met with the Board regarding the possibility of the OPIOID Settlement funds being obligated to the organization.

The Board said the OPIOID Settlement funds are being considered for the House of Hope and that if the organization would need a letter of commitment from the County for acquiring grant funding for the start-up of the project, the Board would at that time designate and make a future obligation of the funds to the Richardson County House of Hope.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. met with the Commissioners to discuss equipment maintenance and the problem with staff shortages.

(KAIR)--Minor injuries are reported following the collision of two motorcycles in Effingham Sunday afternoon.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 17-year-old Dylan Mullins, of Lancaster, was stopped at the intersection of Effingham's 4th and George Street when another Harley-Davidson struck his on the rear fender.
That happened, according to Laurie, when 19-year-old Lancaster resident Lane Mullins lost control of his motorcycle while approaching the intersection.

Minor injuries were reported, and ambulance transport was not needed.

The wreck happened shortly before 3:30 Sunday afternoon.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board, in a special meeting Tuesday morning, hired a new high school assistant principal/athletic director.

Following an executive session, the board voted to hire Ben Kettler for the position.

He will replace Josh Mosher, who resigned from the position earlier this month after 2 years.

Kettler has served as a physical education teacher and athletic director at the middle school since since August 1999.

(KNZA)--Several candidates have filed for positions up for election in November on the Hiawatha USD 415 and South Brown County USD 430 Boards of Education.

The Brown County Clerk's Office announced the latest filings Friday afternoon.

On the USD 415 Board, Ryan Patton has filed for position 1, which is currently held by Jeff Brockhoff.

Ian Schuetz has filed for re-election to position 3 and Griff Howard has filed for position 7, the at-large position, which is currently held by Amy Kopp.

As of Friday, no one had filed yet for position 2, which is currently held by Tom Simmer.

On the USD 430 Board, Jason Selland has filed for re-election to position 2.

Jim Becker has filed for position 3 ,which is currently held by Laurence Berger, and Rex Lockwood has filed for re-election to position 7, the at-large position.

As of Friday, no one had filed yet for position 1, which is currently held by April Keo.

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

(KNZA)--An early Memorial Day single-vehicle northwest Missouri crash claimed the life of an Amazonia man.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 42-year-old Todd Nelson was northbound on Route T, about a half mile north of Amazonia in Andrew County, when his car traveled off the right side of the road, struck a tree stump and overturned.

Nelson, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The wreck was reported around 2:30 Monday morning.

(KAIR)--Mill and overlay of Atchison Streets is set to start this week, with Bonner Springs-based Little Joe- Asphalt to conduct the work.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, the first few days of work will focus on milling streets.

Streets scheduled for milling Tuesday include 294th Road, from Granduer Road past Westridge Drive; 15th Street from Harper Drive to N Street; and 14th Street Place from Harper Drive to N Street.

On Wednesday, milling will include Harper Drive from Maple to 13th Street; Unity Street from Country Club Road to 12th Street; and Maple Street from M Street to Unity Street.

Then, on Thursday, work is scheduled to include Hickory Street from Unity Street to Harper Drive, while Friday- milling will include 7th Street from Harper Drive to P Street, and 8th Street from Unity Street to Laramie Street.

According to the City of Atchison- release, the contractor asks that vehicles be removed from the affected streets by 7:00 on the morning that the milling is scheduled to take place, and that travel through those areas be minimized while milling is completed.

The City notes that dates are subject to change, depending on weather, equipment, or other unexpected issues.

(KLZA)-- Two people were arrested in separate incidents in Richardson County on May 19.

36-year-old Jeremy Carson of Sabetha, Kansas was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, driving under suspension, operating a motor vehicle without an interlock device, child abuse, open container, possession of drug paraphernalia and an extradition warrant out of Kansas.

On the same date, 38-year-old Naya Cauley of Rochester, New York was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful acts pertaining to drugs and driving under suspension.

Both were booked into the Richardson Count Jail.

(KLZA)-- Two people were arrested in separate incidents in Richardson County on May 19.

36-year-old Jeremy Carson of Sabetha, Kansas was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, driving under suspension, operating a motor vehicle without an interlock device, child abuse, open container, possession of drug paraphernalia and an extradition warrant out of Kansas.

On the same date, 38-year-old Naya Cauley of Rochester, New York was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful acts pertaining to drugs and driving under suspension.

Both were lodged in the Richardson Count Jail.

(KLZA)-- United States Attorney Steven Russell has announced that 45-year-old Amy Henner of Nebraska City has been sentenced in U.S. District court to 66 months in federal prison.

Henner was convicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Following the completion of her sentence, Henner will serve three years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

In March, 2021, Henner was approached by Lincoln Police Investigators who found she had about a half-pound of methamphetamine in her purse. That amount of meth comes to about 190 grams.

Henner admitted she had sold methamphetamine to others.

The case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotic Task Force.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise has announced the creation of a partnership with NAI FMA of Lincoln to advertise the North Commercial Corridor development property along North Highway 73 in Falls City.

Recently NAI FMA installed an advertising sign on the property leading to a number of local citizens expressing their concerns about an outside firm representing the local development.

EDGE and the Falls City Community Redevelopment Authority selected Andy Widman with NAI FMA to advertise the property, recruit businesses and solicit investors for the North Commercial Corridor development area.

Local agents Miller-Monroe and Poppe Realty have been invited to partner on the project and were consulted for their opinion prior to signing the agreement.

NAI FMA are regional experts in the commercial real estate development market. The company does not have exclusive rights on the property.

All entities involved are combining their efforts to achieve the best results for Falls City.

(KLZA)-- The NE Chamber Foundation has announced the members of its new Leadership Nebraska class. This year- class is the 15th in the program- history.

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

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

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

Among those selected to participate in the program was Crystal Dunekacke, Auburn City Administrator and Economic Development Director.

After graduation participants join a network of 330 alumni committed to lifelong learning and community engagement.

(KLZA)-- The NE Chamber Foundation has announced the members of its new Leadership Nebraska class. This year- class is the 15th in the program- history.

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

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

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

Among those selected to participate in the program was Crystal Dunekacke, Auburn City Administrator and Economic Development Director.

After graduation participants join a network of 330 alumni committed to lifelong learning and community engagement.

(KAIR)--Atchison County-area military service veterans will be honored with traditional Memorial Day services planned for Monday morning.

According to a release, the Fleming-Jackson-Seever American Legion Post 6 and Lt. Jared Fox Jackson VFW Post 1175 will “honor their comrades” by visiting all Atchison-area cemeteries where services will be held by the Atchison military veterans’ organizations, including a flag presentation with 21 gun salute by a firing squad, followed by the playing of Taps by a bugler, at each cemetery.

The veterans of the American Legion will begin their portion of the ceremonies Monday morning at 8:50 at Oak Hill Cemetery, followed by Mount Vernon at 9:10, Saint Patrick Cemetery at 9:45, Sumner at 10:00, and Sugar Creek Cemetery, in Rushville, Missouri at 10:35.

The VFW presentations will begin at 9:00 at Lancaster Cemetery, 9:25 at Effingham- Evergreen Cemetery and at 9:40 at Saint Ann's, also in Effingham. Then, it's back to Atchison for a 10:20 ceremony at Sunset Memory Gardens, followed by Mount Calvary Cemetery at 10:35.

Both organizations will then unite at 11:00 Monday morning at the Veterans Park, located at the Atchison Riverfront, where the Memorial Day morning's last presentation will be held near the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.

The release notes that those who wish to attend the ceremonies should arrive at their cemetery of choice about 20 minutes prior to the scheduled times, due to all times being approximate because of travel.

(KAIR)--A pickup truck, reported stolen from Saint Joseph, Missouri early Thursday morning, was recovered that afternoon, in Atchison, by Atchison Police.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the recovery of the 2020 Dodge truck followed a hit and run crash involving a fixed trash container Thursday afternoon, at 7th and Commercial Streets, in Atchison. Police, Wilson said, began the search for the suspect vehicle, described to investigators as a black Dodge truck.

It was shortly after 1:00, Wilson says, that the truck was found in an alleyway, located in the 700 block of Atchison's North 9th Street, with the truck showing “evidence of being involved in the hit and run accident.”

Although police didn’t initially know the truck had been stolen, the investigation revealed that it had been taken from the nearby Missouri city earlier that morning.

Wilson says leads are being followed, with his department sharing information with Saint Joseph Police regarding the case.

Anyone with information should contact authorities at 913-367-4323.

(KNZA)--The Horton City Commission is reconsidering the closure of the city's airport after voting in March to close the facility.

At the commission's May 15 meeting, City Administrator John Calhoon informed commissioners he had received several contacts in the past weeks regarding the closure.

According to the meeting minutes, Todd Banks, Kansas liaison for The Recreational Aviation Foundation, was present at the meeting. He said their mission is to preserve recreational use airstrips. Banks said occasionally the organization can help alleviate whatever constraints or provide resources that might be needed to keep airstrips operational.

Banks requested a month or two to see what kind of support there would be for keeping the airport open, and if there are some kind of grants or help the organization could provide to the city to help in the effort.

Commissioners said they are definitely open to possibilities and gave their consent for Banks to come up with a plan and bring it back to them.

Lancaster resident Matt Dorssom, who was also present at the meeting, said he utilizes the airport a dozen times a year and would hate to see it close.

(KMZA)--As the filing deadline nears, several additional candidates have recently filed in Nemaha County for city government and school board positions up for election in November.

According to the Nemaha County Clerk's Office, two candidates filed this week for position 7 on the Prairie Hills USD 113 Board. They include incumbent Leslie Scoby and Ann Shaughnessy. Three other positions are up for the election on the board.

Three candidates filed this week for the Nemaha Central USD 115 Board. Amy Huerter filed for re-election to position 3 and incumbent Owen Zinke and Kris Anderson filed for position 7. Two other positions are up for election on the board.

Two candidates have filed for re-election to three open seats on the Seneca City Council. They include 2nd Ward Councilman Steve Bennett and 3rd Ward Councilman Michael Stallbaumer.

Three candidates have filed for three open positions on the Sabetha City Commission. Nick Aberle has filed for re-election as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. Jason Enneking has filed for Commissioner of Utilities, which is currently held by Norman Schmitt, Jr. Megan Bunck has filed for Commissioner of Streets, which is currently held by Julie Lancaster-Burenheide.

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

(KNZA)--The administrator of Doniphan County Health Department/Home Health Agency is seeking a pay increase for nurses.

Administrator Sheryl Pierce meet with the Doniphan County Commission Monday to discuss the matter.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, Pierce requested to raise the starting wage of nurses to $30 an hour to make wages competitive. She said they are having difficulty hiring staff with the current wages.

Pierce also requested a $3 an hour pay increase for current full and part-time nurses.

Commissioner Wayne Grable indicated wages need to be reviewed during the budgeting process. Commissioner Bobby Hall said he would like to know the reimbursement amounts from Medicaid and private insurance before justifying an increase.

It was the consensus of commissioners to revisit the issue with Pierce in the upcoming weeks.

(KNZA)--Fire caused heavy smoke and water damage to a Hiawatha home Thursday afternoon.

Hiawatha Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said the Fire Department was dispatched to 114 Kickapoo Street shortly after 3:30 for a report of leaves on fire. Upon arrival, the fire had spread to the structure.

Firefighters were able to gain control of the fire by about 4:15.

Luckily, Sheldon said the homeowner and family were able to evacuate. Unfortunately, he said three inside cats were overcome by smoke.

The adjacent home at 112 Kickapoo Street sustained some siding damage from the heat.

Firefighters were on scene until about 6:00 Thursday evening mopping up and putting out hot spots.

Sheldon said the state Fire Marshall's office will be investigating the fire.

He thanked the Hiawatha Police Department, Robinson Fire Department, Town and Country EMS and Brown County Rescue Squad for their assistance, along with members of the community for bringing out water and Gatorade.

(KAIR)--The opening of Atchison's municipal Lions Pool, timed annually with the Memorial Day Weekend, has been delayed.

A release from the City of Atchison says that while the pool normally opens on the Saturday prior to the holiday, “a combination of staffing and technical challenges” means that the opening of the pool will be delayed until Tuesday, May 30.

Once it opens, operating hours will remain the same as in previous years, with the cost of admission $1 per day.

Meanwhile, Atchison Public Works plans to activate the Independence Park splash pad, near the Atchison Riverfront, by Friday afternoon.

However, the City's other splash pad, located in the 400 block of Commercial Street, “requires additional maintenance before it can be activated.”
Details regarding the status of the delayed opening will be released as they become available.

(KAIR)--Natural causes are named as the likely cause of death for a 70-year-old Jackson County Jail inmate, found unresponsive in his cell early Tuesday morning.

According to a release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, an autopsy for Mark Hull was conducted Wednesday, with the preliminary results indicating “his manner of death was natural, and likely related to heart complications,” with no foul play suspected. The final autopsy report remains pending.

Jail employees, the release explains, discovered Hull unresponsive shortly before 3:00 Tuesday morning, and “life-saving measures were attempted and [Jackson County] EMS was contacted. When they arrived, they took over attempts to revive Hull, attempts that were unsuccessful, with Hull pronounced dead at 3:40 that morning.

As required by state statute, the KBI was contacted by the Jackson County Sheriff- Office to oversee the investigation, which is ongoing.

Hull was a resident of Topeka.

(LINCOLN) -- Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has joined with the Attorney's General from 48 other states including Kansas, Missouri and Iowa in suing Michael D. Lansky, LLC, which does business under the name Avid Telecom, its owner Michael Lansky, and its vice president Stacey S. Reeves, for allegedly initiating and facilitating billions of illegal robocalls to millions of people, and violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the Telemarketing Sales Rule, and other federal and state telemarketing and consumer laws.

Avid Telecom sent or transmitted more than 7.5 billion calls to telephone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry between December 2018 and January 2023- over 28 million of those calls were to numbers in Nebraska.

Avid Telecom is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service provider that sells data, phone numbers, dialing software, and/or expertise to help its customers make mass robocalls. It also serves as an intermediate provider and allegedly facilitated or helped route illegal robocalls across the country. Between December 2018 and January 2023, Avid sent or attempted to transmit more than 24.5 billion calls. More than 90 percent of those calls lasted less than just 15 seconds, which indicates they were likely robocalls. Further, Avid helped make hundreds of millions of calls using spoofed or invalid caller ID numbers, including more than 8.4 million calls that appeared to be coming from government and law enforcement agencies, as well as private companies.

Avid Telecom allegedly sent or transmitted scam calls about Social Security Administration scams, Medicare scams, auto warranty scams, Amazon scams, DirecTV scams, credit card interest rate reduction scams, and employment scams. Examples of some of these scam calls are available to listen to here and here.

The legal action arises from the nationwide Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force of 51 bipartisan attorneys general. The task force is investigating and taking legal action against those responsible for routing significant volumes of illegal robocall traffic into and across the United States. The Federal Trade Commission and the Social Security Administration- Office of the Inspector General provided investigative assistance in this matter.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha has a new city logo.

Acting City Clerk Megan Green announced at Monday evening's Hiawatha City Commission meeting that Jesslyn Gullickson was the winner of the city's logo design contest, with her logo favored by those voting in an on-line poll.

This spring, the city engaged local artists to come up with a fresh new logo for the city. 14 submissions were received. City hall staff then narrowed them down to 3.

The Commission decided at their May 8 meeting to let residents vote on their favorite logo. A poll was posted on the Hiawatha Happenings Facebook page, with voting closing on May 19.

As the logo design contest winner, Gullickson received $150 in Chamber bucks and a certificate.

She graduated from Highland Community College with a Art degree. Jesslyn and her husband, Dustin, have lived in Hiawatha for about 10 years.

In other business, Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club President Troy Kolb appeared before the commission to request that a lease agreement be drawn up with the city for the grounds of the proposed softball field at Noble Park.

Kolb said the club would like to move forward with a lease much like the one created for the recently completed indoor practice facility that was phase one of the Hiawatha Championship Sports Complex project.

It was the consensus of the commission that Kolb work with City Attorney Andy Delaney on developing a lease agreement to bring back to the commission for approval.

(MSC News)--As Missourians hit the road for summer travel, starting this Memorial Day weekend, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to be cautious and patient and use good judgment when traveling. A release from the agency calls impaired driving, distracted driving, excessive speeds, and not wearing seat belts “just a few of the concerns that can accompany the increased Memorial Day weekend traffic.”

State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Nicole Hood, in the release, says that with Memorial Day largely being the start of the summer travel season, more people will be hitting the roads, meaning that “staying alert and focused when behind the wheel is what keeps your family and other families safe,”

Last year in Missouri, the release notes, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 13 people were killed and 67 were seriously injured in crashes over the Memorial Day weekend.

Hood, in the release, says such “fatalities are almost always preventable, and there are easy, simple actions we can all take to end them,” reminding driver to “buckle up, put down your phone, slow down, and never drive impaired, especially when encountering work zones.”

Along with increased summer traffic, there- also increased work zones, with the release saying that on “any day in Missouri there are more than 1,000 work zones for road and bridge construction or maintenance work,” adding that “drivers can stay informed of work zone locations and traffic delays on MoDOT- Traveler Information Map” at traveler.modot.org, which is also available as a free mobile app for Apple and Android devices.

Some major Missouri work zones, with permanent lane closures, will remain in place for the holiday weekend.

(KAIR)--Hundreds of alleged fentanyl pills are seized, along with other drugs and weapons, following an Atchison County Sheriff's Department raid on an Atchison residence.

The search warrant, executed Tuesday at the home of Trevor Siard, located at 217 North 14th Street, led to the alleged recovery of what Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie identifies, in a release, as 300 fentanyl pills, suspected cocaine, marijuana, multiple drug paraphernalia items, two handguns, a shotgun with a barrel less than 18-inches, and other miscellaneous items.

The search warrant followed an earlier Tuesday attempt by Deputies to make contact with the 27-year-old Siard, as he walked near the intersection of 14th Street and Kansas Avenue. Instead of stopping, he fled on foot, dropping what Laurie says was a handgun that Deputies recovered, and was found, when finally stopped, “to be in possession of multiple pills believed to be fentanyl.”

The search of the residence followed, leading to the arrest of Siard for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of suspected cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, aggravated endangerment of a child, criminal use of weapons, distribution of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp, and other pending charges.

Also arrested at the residence was 28-year-old Bristal Gann, of Atchison. Laurie says she was taken into custody on charges for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of suspected cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school, aggravated endangerment of a child, criminal use of weapons, distribution of drug paraphernalia, no drug tax stamp, and other pending charges.

Following their arrests, Siard and Gann were booked into the Atchison County Jail.
Deputies then, Laurie says, “contacted Kansas DCF to assist with the child endangerment issues and arrange placement for a 3-year-old child that was at the residence.”

According to Laurie, his office began the investigation after receiving crime tips and complaints about the alleged distribution of fentanyl from Siard's residence, with Laurie calling fentanyl “a major problem in Atchison County,” with his office to “continue to investigate the distribution of this deadly substance in our community.”

If anyone suspects this type of activity or any other suspicious activity, you can submit anonymous crime tips on the Atchison County Sheriff's Office Website (www.atcosheriffks.org/crime-tips) or call the Atchison County Sheriff's Office at 913-804-6080.

(KAIR)--An 18-year-old Atchison man is going to prison, sentenced this week in Atchison County District Court for fleeing from law enforcement earlier this year.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, Colton Cornett was sentenced to 1-year-4-months of incarceration Monday, following his no contest plea, entered in April, to the charge of fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer.

According to the release, the charge stems from Cornett's failure to stop, on March 1, when law enforcement attempted to pull his vehicle over in the area of U.S. Highway 59 and 254th Road. Cornett, the release says, led law enforcement on a chase, with Cornett speeding, passing in a no passing zone, and running a stop sign.

A Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper deployed stop sticks in the area of the highway and Ottawa Road, with Cornett's vehicle hitting the sticks but continuing eastbound through a yard and then onto 262nd Road. It was there, the release says, a second Trooper used their KHP vehicle to execute a tactical maneuver that brought Cornett's vehicle to a stop, just north of U.S. Highway 73 and 262nd Road.

He was then arrested, and charged in Atchison County District Court.

According to Becker's release, Cornett, in May, argued for probation, but the Court agreed with the State's argument that prison should be imposed, leading to this week's 16-month sentence.

The Atchison County Sheriff's Office investigated the case.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has begun the 2024 budget process.

Department heads and organizations receiving funding from the county reviewed their 2024 budget proposals with commissioners last week.

The Road and Bridge Department submitted the largest budget request. It was $4.2 million.

Commissioners took the funding requests under advisement and will consider them when drafting next year's county budget.

In other business, the ccommission approved the appointment of Lafe Bailey to the Comprehensive Planning Committee to replace Ben Swinger.

Also Road and Bridge Secretary Tami Lehmkuhl discussed the purchase of a used back hoe for District 1 from Purple Wave Auction. Following discussion, the Commission voted to move forward with allowing Lehmkuhl to bid on the back hoe up to $65,500 plus commission.

(KAIR)--The 7th Annual Salvation Army of Atchison Duck Race fundraiser is in the books, held Saturday at the Atchison Riverfront. It was there that small, rubber ducks, sold as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army, raced on the Missouri River during the event.

Salvation Army of Atchison County Coordinator Kim Bottoroff is calling Saturday's race “a success,” adding, in a release, that it was a beautiful day, with beautiful people working toward a beautiful cause."

The annual duck race has become a major fundraiser for Atchison's Salvation Army, providing the funds necessary for the various programs of assistance the agency offers locally, with the race, along with the annual Christmas season Red Kettle Drive, named as key fundraisers to keeping the Salvation Army's services in place.

The winners of the race have been announced, with first place going to Becky Roland, 2nd, to Kristen Fuhrman, 3rd to Lane Herrs, 4th to Diane Dame, 5th to Will Baldridge, 6th to Pat Henderson, 7th to Karen Seaberg, 8th to Ryan Herrs, 9th Carolyn Kane, and 10th place honors earned by Ron Urban.

Pokey Ducks, those coming in at the end, are also recognized, with Doug Grippin earning next to last place, while LeaAnn Callaway's duck came in dead last.

Bottoroff, in the release, says the event could not be called a success “without each and every person, business, donation and time spent.” She concludes her statement by saying planning for next year's duck race, the 8th annual, will be beginning soon.

(KNZA)-- The Jackson County Jail inmate who died early Tuesday morning while in custody has been identified.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse identity the inmate as 70-year-old Mark Hull, of Topeka.

Morse said Hull was found unresponsive shortly before 3:00 Tuesday morning by jail staff.

Attempts to revive him by Jackson County EMS were unsuccessful.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is handling the probe into the death.

Morse said whether a person who is incarcerated in a correctional facility dies of foul play or natural causes in Kansas, the K.B.I. is in charge of investigating the cause of death.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Community Foundation will hold its 3nd annual “ Give Back to Move Forward” Match Day event this upcoming Memorial Day weekend to benefit 43 nonprofit organizations and projects in the area.

This year, more than $90,000 in matching funds are available, allowing for a dollar-to-dollar match up to $2,100 per fund.

Donations can be made at two separate events at the Fisher Center—including a reception Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:30 and a come-and-go event Saturday from 9 to 1.

In addition, donations can be made on-line at givebacktomoveforward.com from midnight Friday, May 26 until 11:59 Monday evening, May 29

You can go to the website for information on the participating funds, a donation form and to view a leaderboard that will keep track of donations.

In the last two years, the Hiawatha Community Foundation has raised more than $500,000 that has stayed in the community for local organizations, and hopes to make this year even better than last year.

(KNZA)--A Meriden woman was injured Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle Jefferson County wreck.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 19-year-old Kali Wherrell, of Topeka, was northbound on K-4 Highway when she attempted to turn left onto Wyandotte Road and struck a light pole shortly before 4:30.

A passenger in her vehicle, 75-year-old Linda Rath, was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

Wherrell and another passenger in her vehicle were not hurt.

The Patrol said its not known if Rath was wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education will interview the third and final candidate vying to be the district's next superintendent Thursday evening.

The school district announced Wednesday afternoon the candidate is Rebecca Kramer. Kramer is currently in her 1st year as Executive Director of Teaching and Learning in Seaman USD 345. Kramer has more than 20 years of experience.

A candidate meet-and-greet will be held in the Horton High School Library Thursday morning from 8 to 9 and Thursday afternoon from 12 to 1.

The other two candidates interviewed by the board this week were Melissa Kennedy, who currently serves as Superintendent of Valley Heights USD 498, and Jennifer Gatz, who currently serves as Assistant Superintendent in Prairie Hills USD 113.

Current USD 430 Superintendent Jason Cline is resigning at the end of the current school year. He will take over as the new superintendent of Lakeview Community Schools, in Columbus, Nebraska on July 1

(KNZA)--A late Tuesday morning Jackson County crash, that led to serious injuries, happened when the driver of a van failed to yield to a motorcycle.

That's according to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, which says the van, westbound on 190th Road, was struck by the motorcycle, northbound on U.S. Highway 75, when the van's driver failed to stop at the intersection.

The Harley Davidson motorcycle rider is identified as 43-year-old Matthew Stegall, of Topeka. He was transported to Topeka's Stormont Vail for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the van, 73-year-old Jimmy Allen Tillotson, of Circleville, was not transported, but incurred what the KHP calls a "suspected minor injury."

The wreck happened shortly after 10:30 Tuesday morning, south of Holton.

(KAIR)--An inmate of the Jackson County Jail died while in custody, with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation handling the probe into the death.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the inmate was found unresponsive, shortly before 3:00 Tuesday morning, by Jail Staff.

Attempts to revive the inmate by Jackson County EMS were unsuccessful, with Morse saying the KBI, according to procedure and state law, was notified to review the incident.

The name of the inmate is not immediately made public as the investigation continues.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man who shot himself in the hand with a pistol will serve prison time after entering two guilty pleas on March 17.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 19-year-old Christian Harris pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and to a charge of interference with law enforcement.

Harris, in Leavenworth County District Court last week, received a total prison sentence of 19 months-1-year.

The release explains that on the morning of March 18, 2022, Harris arrived at the emergency room of Saint John's Hospital with a gunshot wound to his hand. The Leavenworth Police Department was notified, and an officer was dispatched to the hospital to investigate how Harris received the injury. Harris told the officer he accidentally shot himself in the hand with a pistol, saying that the shooting took place behind his mother's residence in Woodland Village Apartments. When the officer confronted Harris about inconsistencies in his story, Harris changed his account of what happened. Through further investigation by the officer, it was learned that Harris was inside his mother's residence when the shooting took place.

A witness advised Harris was playing with the gun when it fired. The gun was recovered at the scene.

Harris is not permitted by law to possess a gun due to a prior conviction.

(KNZA)--A Falls City man has been sentenced in federal court to 3 1/2 years in prison following his meth-related conviction.

U.S. Attorney Steven Russell, in a release, said 35-year-old Daniel Lock, formerly of Hiawatha, was sentenced last week on a charge of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

After he completes his prison sentence, Russell said Lock will also serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, Lock and co-defendant, Taylor Zimmerling, sold meth in and around Falls City from January 2021 to June 2021. Zimmerling is scheduled to be sentenced July 6.

A search warrant was served on Lock- home in June 2021. Officials said they found 55 grams of meth, scales, packaging material, cash, and a police scanner.

The case was investigated by the Richardson County Sheriff- Office.

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

According to a release issued by the city Monday, a water sample collected on May 8 showed a nitrate level of 12 milligrams per liter, which is above the federal maximum contaminant level of 10 milligrams per liter.

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

In addition, the water should not be boiled. Adults and children older than six months can drink the water. However, if you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, you may wish to consult your doctor.

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

The release adds the city reviewed all available options and construction is progressing on a water treatment plant so the system can return to compliance as soon as possible.

(KAIR)--A Kansas City, Missouri man is facing Atchison County charges after allegedly threatening those inside an Atchison business Saturday evening.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says 47-year-old Patrick O’Neill was arrested Saturday for aggravated assault in the 100 block of South 3rd Street.

Wilson explains that officers were called to a business, at the location where O’Neill was arrested, following the report of a disturbance around 7:00 Saturday evening.

When Police arrived, they learned that O’Neill had allegedly “been disorderly and threatening others in the business,” with that information leading to his arrest.

Once O’Neill was in custody, he was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a Bobcat mini-excavator with a tamper, jackhammer and bucket and a Bobcat skid steer from Merz Farm Equipment in Falls City for the Road Department when they met Wednesday.

With trade-ins the cost tot eh County for the equipment will be $103,722.

Commissioners also approved the purchase of the previously approved second drug dog from I-80 K9 Training Services.

(KLZA)--City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum reported to the Falls City Council members last week that four applications for the Sidewalk Improvement Assistance Program the city initiated this spring have been approved.

The approved applications are for sidewalk replacements with additional applications currently under review.

Nussbaum noted the splash pad at Dallas Jones Park has been opened for public use and that the Aquatic Center is scheduled to open Memorial Day Weekend.

Meetings are being held with Blue Rivers Agency on Aging concerning their operation at the Falls City Senior Center. The building is in need of multiple improvements and Blue Rivers noted that utility costs are a burden on them.

Preliminary discussions are being held on options available for moving the program to another facility. For now operations will continue from the Senior Center.

It was noted that Stan Suedmeier, Operator at the Rulo Water Treatment Plant and a 43 -year city employee is planning to retire in mid-July of this year.

(KLZA)--The Johnson County Central Board of Education has voted to conduct a special bond election for a new school in Tecumseh.

The Tecumseh Chieftan reports the Board voted unanimously during the May meeting to conduct the special election for a new school at a cost of $49.5 million.

The plans call for a nearly 124 thousand square foot building to house all JCC District students, PreK through 12th Grade. In 2022 JCC School District voters voted against a $43 million bond issue.

Major renovations are needed in the current school buildings which would require passing a bond to pay for the renovations.

The new proposal calls for a building slightly smaller than what was proposed last year, however, due to rising construction costs the price has increased to $49.5 million.

The new plan is similar to last years, including a competition gym, plus some new items including shop space, a wrestling practice room and a superintendent's office, which would allow the district to entirely vacate existing buildings. Last years proposal called for using the current high school for activities like wrestling practice. The building would also have an auxiliary gym.

The current high school is 55 years old and the elementary school in Tecumseh was built in 1931.

Johnson County Central serves students from Johnson, Pawnee, Nemaha and Otoe Counties.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners met with Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkdendall during last weeks meeting to review systems of “Page My Cell” and “Im Responding” that could be used by the rural fire departments in Richardson County.

Currently the rural fire departments are using “Page My Cell” and will be given an opportunity to use the “Im Responding” system on a two-month trial basis.

It was reported that Southeast Nebraska Communications 911 will be able to receive all 911 calls for dispatch outside the boundaries of Falls City on June 1.

Also discussed was a storm that passed through northwest Richardson County recently and concerns that there are no outdoor warning sirens available at Kirkman's Cove and the Quad County Golf Course area northwest of Humboldt.

Kirkendall said his department has applied for grant funding several times to place a siren in the area, but have not been approved. Commissioner Rick Karas said he would contact the Nemaha Natural Resources District to see if the two entities could work together in an effort to secure grant funding for a siren in that area.

(KNZA)--A longtime Hiawatha veterinarian is being remembered.

Irvin “ Doc” Schwalm died last Thursday at the age of 89.

Dr. Schwalm worked at the Brown County Animal Clinic for many years.

He started his long and successful career as a well respected veterinarian, first in Palmyra, Missouri for two years before moving his young family to Hiawatha in 1959. Schwalm officially retired in 2010.

He served on the Hiawatha Community Hospital Board, Hiawatha School Board, and the Hiawatha City Commission.

A private family graveside service will be held Wednesday.

Among survivors are his wife of 70 years, Cleta, along with four children.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting incident Sunday afternoon.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said the Sheriff's Office is investigating the report of someone driving a light blue Chevy Cruze type vehicle shooting out the rear window of a vehicle on Linden Road about 3:15.

Earlier Sunday afternoon, at about 2:00, the release says complaints of shots fired at the west end of the Hiawatha City lake were reported.

Although no injuries were reported, Merchant the incident could have resulted in serious injury or loss of life.

He says the Sheriff's Office knows there was more than one person in the light blue vehicle and he recommends that those involved come forward as additional felony charges will result the longer it plays out.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Brown County Sheriff's office at 785-742-7125

(KNZA)--A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was held Saturday morning for the new indoor practice facility at Hiawatha's Noble Park.

The facility, now known as "The Robinson Center", was dedicated in memory of Lloyd and Azalea Robinson.

The Robinsons were prominent figures in Hiawatha because of all their volunteer work, contributing many hours of time to youth sports, Scouting and church.

Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club board member Keith Erdley said many donors to the building project requested some sort of recognition be given to the Robinsons because of their contributions to sports in the community. After researching and speaking to the Robinson's children, Erdley said the board believed that Lloyd and Azalea's life perfectly fit the goals of the group and their project.

Among those on hand for the dedication ceremony were members of Robinson family, along with community members, city and Chamber officials, and HBSC board members.

The facility is the 1st phase of three-phase Hiawatha Championship Sports Complex project spearheaded by the HBSC. HBSC Board President Troy Kolb said the building is completely paid off and operational.

Meanwhile, plans are being made for phase 2, the construction of a softball field. That's to be followed by phase 3, renovations to the existing Paul Rockey Field.

(KNZA)--Several candidates have filed for positions up for election in November on the Hiawatha USD 415 and South Brown County USD 430 Boards of Education.

According to an updated list of candidate filings provide by the Brown County Clerk's Office Friday afternoon, Ian Schuetz has filed for re-election to position 3 on the USD 415 board and Griff Howard has filed for position 7, the at-large position, which is currently held by Amy Kopp.

Also up for election on the USD 415 board is position 1, currently held by Jeff Brockhoff, and position 2, currently held by Tom Simmer.

Two candidates have filed so far for four open positions on the USD 430 Board.

Jim Becker has filed for position 3, which is currently held by Laurence Berger, and Rex Lockwood has filed for re-election to position 7, the at-large position.

Also up for election on the USD 430 board is position 1, currently held by April Keo, and position 2, currently held by Jason Selland.

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

(KNZA)--Two candidates have filed for the Highland Community College Board of Trustees, while an additional candidate has filed for the Doniphan West USD 111 Board of Education.

That's according to an updated list of candidate filings provided by the Doniphan County Clerk's Office on Saturday.

Janette Ann Karn and incumbent Carl Tharman have filed for the HCC Board.

Three seats are up for election in November on the Board.

Zach Lee has filed for position 7, the at large position, on the Doniphan West USD 111 Board. The position is currently held by Dustin Libel.

Three other positions are also up for election on the USD 111 board.

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

(KAIR)--A late Sunday afternoon motorcycle crash, at 17th and Commercial Streets, in Atchison, sent an Atchison man to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 46-year-old Clayton Greenly had been southbound on 17th Street, riding a Harley Davidson Sportster, turning east onto Commercial Street. As went to make the turn, Wilson says Greenly lost control of the motorcycle which left the roadway and “ended up on its side in a yard on the southeast corner of the intersection.

Greenly was transported from the scene, by Atchison County EMS, and taken for hospital examination.

According to Wilson, the residential property where the crash happened incurred no damage, while that to the motorcycle was minimal.

The wreck happened around 4:40 Sunday afternoon.

(KAIR)--A late Sunday afternoon motorcycle crash, at 17th and Commercial Streets, in Atchison, sent an Atchison man to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 46-year-old Clayton Greenly had been southbound on 17th Street, riding a Harley Davidson Sportster, turning east onto Commercial Street. As went to make the turn, Wilson says Greenly lost control of the motorcycle which left the roadway and “ended up on its side in a yard on the southeast corner of the intersection.

Greenly was transported from the scene, by Atchison County EMS, and taken for hospital examination.

According to Wilson, the residential property where the crash happened incurred no damage, while that to the motorcycle was minimal.

The wreck happened around 4:40 Sunday afternoon.

(KAIR)--A late Sunday afternoon motorcycle crash, at 17th and Commercial Streets, in Atchison, sent an Atchison man to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 46-year-old Clayton Greenly had been southbound on 17th Street, riding a Harley Davidson Sportster, turning east onto Commercial Street. As went to make the turn, Wilson says Greenly lost control of the motorcycle which left the roadway and “ended up on its side in a yard on the southeast corner of the intersection.

Greenly was transported from the scene, by Atchison County EMS, and taken for hospital examination.

According to Wilson, the residential property where the crash happened incurred no damage, while that to the motorcycle was minimal.

The wreck happened around 4:40 Sunday afternoon.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting residents about unsolicited door-to-door meat sales in the county.

Merchant said he recently visited with a county resident about a concern they had about people conducting door-to-door meat sales. The Sheriff was told several people showed up at a residence in a pickup truck with a freezer in the back of it. They informed the resident that they had a special on meat and needed it sold by the end of the day. The resident politely declined. Then the resident was offered a greater discount on the meat if they reconsidered. The solicitors left when the resident informed them that they were calling the Sheriff.

Merchant urges residents to contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office immediately if residents encounter these types of solicitors. He said these types of solicitors must be registered with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and must provide residents with a 3-day right to cancel, and if paying by check, give the resident five business days before they cash the resident's check. Certain regulations also have to be met to ensure the quality of the products that residents are buying.

Merchant said most credible businesses will contact the Sheriff's Office to let them know they are in the area and provide identification of their employees and vehicle identification in case residents call with concerns. To date, he said they have not been contacted by these solicitors.

The Sheriff said some cities have ordinances that require solicitors to register with them in order to sell goods within their jurisdiction.

Merchant said if you live in the county and have one of these solicitors come to your door, call the Sheriff's office at once because he would like to visit with them.

(KAIR)--An open container violation, along with a number of additional traffic-related citations are among municipal charges, in Belton, Missouri, facing Atchison resident, and Hiawatha City Administrator, Becky Berger.

According to online court records, the charges stem from May 11, with Berger accused of transporting an open container, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to stay on the pavement, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway, and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

Court records show that Berger's appearance in Belton Municipal Court is set for the morning of July 18.

Berger, the former City Manager for Atchison who resigned in August, 2021 for reasons never made public, was hired as the Hiawatha City Administrator in November, 2022.

(KAIR)--A mid-week Atchison residential burglary is under investigation.

That's according to a release issued by Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, which says the crime occurred in the 1300 block of Kansas Avenue.

Investigators believe it happened sometime between 7:15 Wednesday morning and 5:20 Wednesday evening.

According to Wilson, unlawful entry was made through the window of the home.

Once inside, the thief, or thieves, located jewelry that was then stolen.

No suspect information is immediately determined.

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

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Commissioners approved a Class II confined animal feeding use permit for up to 2,500 animals for Summit Pork in Pawnee County when they met Tuesday.

There is a well on the property. The Pawnee County Zoning Board had voted unanimously to recommend approval of the permit during a May 15th meeting.

The Board also gave favorable comment to the special liquor license requests for the Pawnee County Ag Society during the Pawnee County Fair July 19 - 23rd.

(KMZA)--A new Seneca city administrator has been hired.

The Seneca City Council voted unanimously Wednesday evening to approve a two-year contract with Steve Brooks.

He currently serves as the public works director for the city of Girard.

Mayor Joe Mitchell said 14 applications were received for the city administrator position, of which three were interviewed.

Brooks is to begin work June 19 at an annual salary of $100,000.

He will replace Tammi Haverkamp who resigned effective, April 21

(KLZA)-- The City of Peru is under a boil water notice.

The well is being repaired and water is being trucked in from Auburn. Water must be vigorously boiled for one minute for drinking and cooking or you will need to use an alternate source of water until sampling confirms no bacteriological contamination has occurred.

Water conservation is essential to ease the burden of hauling water.

For more information you may contact Peru City Hall at 402-872-6685.

(KNZA)--A dedication ceremony will be held Saturday morning for the new indoor practice facility at Hiawatha's Noble Park.

The Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club is inviting the public to the ceremony, which will take place at 11:00.

The facility is the first phase of the three-phase Hiawatha Championship Sports Complex project.

A ground breaking ceremony was held last August for the indoor practice facility, which was recently completed. The facility was funded primarily through donations.

Phase two of the project is the construction of a softball field at an estimated cost of $1 million, and Phase 3 will consist of renovations to the existing Paul Rocky Field.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County, Kansas Emergency Management Office will be hosting a presentation Saturday evening, May 20 on the destructive tornado of 1896 that affected Nemaha County and other northeast Kansas counties.

The presentation dubbed “ Tornado of Hellish Fury” will be presented by former KSNT meteorologist Bruce Jones at the Nemaha County Community Building, in Seneca, at 7:00.

On May 17, 1896, an estimated E-F5 tornado tracked 100 miles through northeastern Kansas and extreme southeastern Nebraska.

Seneca, Oneida, Sabetha, and Reserve sustained severe damage. While passing through Reserve, the tornado was 2 miles wide. 25 people were killed, and more than 200 were injured.

Jones has conducted extensive research on the tornado using microfilm reels and has visited many of the sites where damage was done. In his presentation, he will tell stories and explain information found while researching the disaster.

The public is invited to attend the free presentation.

(KNZA)--A methamphetamine distribution investigation by the Richardson County Sheriff's Office has led to the arrest of a Falls City man.

The Sheriff's Office, in a release, said Joshua Carpenter was arrested Wednesday on eight counts—including delivery of meth within 1,000 feet of a school, delivery of meth, two counts of possession of meth, two counts of possession of drug money and two counts of no drug tax stamp.

Following his arrest, Carpenter was booked into the Richardson County Jail, where he is being held without bond.

During the investigation, the sheriff's office says deputies purchased meth utilizing confidential informants.

During this activity, the release says Carpenter was out bond for a previous sheriff's office investigation charging him with delivery of meth with 1,000 feet of a playground.

(KAIR)--Two Lawrence, KS women required hospital treatment after their vehicle crashed late Thursday morning in Atchison.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says it happened shortly before the noon hour, in the 1300 block of U.S. Highway 59, where his officers responded following the report of the wreck.

What they discovered was that 20-year-old Lisbeth Alvarenga-Mendoza had been eastbound on the highway, in the outside lane, when her Kia Soul “was forced to take evasive action when an eastbound semi truck that was changing to the outside lane caused the vehicle to leave the roadway [where it] struck a pole causing the vehicle to land on its side.”

Alvarenga-Mendoza was transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for treatment of her injuries.

Her 21-year-old passenger was also taken there, but by private vehicle.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners discussed /EMS and dispatching when they met Tuesday.

Sheriff Braden Lang, Deputy John Samuelson, Sheriff Administrative Assistant Nancy Tilton, Pawnee County Attorney Emily Sisco; Pawnee County Memorial Hospital Administrator John Werner and Dennis Schaardt with the Table Rock Fire Department were in attendance for the discussion. The County Attorney, Sheriff's Office and Hospital are asking to be included in the decision making in regards to the proposed dispatch equipment and dispatch. No action was taken.

Sheriff Lang and Deputy Brad Willey met with the Board to discuss outfitting the new vehicle. Willey estimated it will take approximately 80 hours of work to outfit the vehicle. Following the discussion, Willey agreed to outfit the new vehicle at an overtime rate of pay out of a fund other than the Sheriff's budget and will do the work on the clock.

The Board also approved continuing in the Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court program at a cost to Pawnee County of $1,000.

(KAIR)--Two methamphetamine-related arrests are made in Jackson County, with two separate cases involving out-of-area motorists found to allegedly be in possession of the drug.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says the latest arrest happened Tuesday afternoon around 3:30, in Holton, when a Deputy stopped a car, near 4th and Nebraska Street, for a traffic infraction.

According to Morse, the stop led to the discovery of illegal narcotics and to the arrest of Blaine, Kansas resident Amber Dawn Grace.

She faces charges for possession of meth, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and drug paraphernalia.

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

The other case unfolded Sunday afternoon while a Deputy was investigating a traffic stop near 158th Road and U.S. Highway 75. As the Deputy did so, another vehicle pulled up behind the traffic stop, with the Deputy going to that vehicle “to see what the occupants wanted,” according to Morse.

The encounter led to what Morse says was “the discovery of alleged illegal drug contraband in the possession of the passenger of the vehicle.”

The passenger, identified as 72-year Leandra Gutierrez, of Lawrence, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and drug paraphernalia.
Once she was in custody, Gutierrez was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Thursday, announced that she has signed and line-item vetoed aspects of the bill containing the budget for K-12 education.

That- according to a release from Kelly- office, which says that “with her line-item vetoes, the bill fully funds K-12 education for the fifth consecutive year and protects funding for rural schools facing declining enrollment.”

In addition to funding schools in accordance with the state constitution, the release explains that the version Kelly signed also improves schools safety, empowers parents to be involved in their children's education, supports the teacher workforce, invests in early childhood education and literacy, and gives students the technical skills for a modern economy.

The release also states that “Kelly line-item vetoed appropriations in [the bill] that would have changed the school finance formula that determines the amount of funding annually appropriated by the state to public schools,” adding that “the provision would have risked the state- compliance with constitutional funding requirements and could have resulted in rural schools having to cut services or close buildings.”

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt City Council elected Rhonda Dettmer as President of the City Council when they met Monday evening.

Dale Oehm who had been sworn in earlier in the evening to fill a vacancy on the Council declined to accept a nomination as Council President.

The vote to elect Dettmer was 3-1 with Jan Wilhelm casting a no vote.

The Humboldt Lions Club presented a check in an amount of $5 thousand for use by the Humboldt Pool Committee. The Humboldt swimming pool cannot reopen until repairs are made and companies that do such work are unable to do the work at this time. A report on the needed work is due in August.

A lease agreement to use space at the Old Humboldt Fire Hall for storage by the Humboldt Garden Club was approved at a rate of $75 per month.

The Council voted to accept the resignation of Brett Hutton as PRN Maintenance.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a request from Jennifer and Joe Dixon, owners of Close to Home Kennels, to operate a boarding, day care and grooming for dogs at 3109 McLean Street when they met Monday evening.

Joe Dixon said the business actually opened in September of last year and has been very successful. Dixon said this type of business provides a needed service to the community.

The City required that bark arrestors and a solid fence on property lines with adjoining neighbors be installed before the application was approved.

Dixon said the business has local customers as well as customers from as far away as Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas.

On a 5-2 vote the Council approved an animal permit for Margaret Ramsey and Ken Vonderschmidt to allow 4 ponies and 6 calves to penned in at 1801Schoenheit Street. Jim Wisdom and Joe Buckminster cast no votes with Council member Derek Leyden being absent.

In other action the Council approved an agreement with REGA Engineering for paving, sanitary sewer and water mains for the Tiger Trial cul-de-sac.

This will be part of the Wilderness Falls III project at Champions Crossing, with a portion of 31st Street and Abbott Street to be paved by Excel Development. The City previously agreed to a 50-50 cost share for those sections of pavement.

The city share for the work is estimated at $160 - $180 thousand, with the plan to recoup a portion of that cost through tax increment financing.

Council members also approved a commitment of $5,000 in annual funding to Falls City Recreation to provide recreation services for the youth of Falls City.

(KNZA)--A former Highland educator and administrator is being remembered.

David Jan Collins died Sunday at a Kansas City hospital at the age of 76.

Collins began his educational career as a science teacher at Highland High School in 1970 and coached for several years.

After obtaining his administrator's degree, he transitioned to principal, while still teaching. He then served as the superintendent of schools of Highland USD 425 for many years.

Collins finished his educational career as superintendent at Ottawa USD 290. He was named Kansas Superintendent of the year in 2004.

Collins also served the Highland community as a city councilman and mayor.

Per his wishes, no services will be held.

Among survivors are his wife, Barbara, and two children.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has hired an engineering firm to oversee an improvement project on the Goff-Oneida Road.

According to the minutes from their May 8 meeting, the Commission accepted the lone bid received from Cook, Flatt and Strobel Engineers at a cost of $27,500.

The Commission last December accepted a bid from Bergkamp Construction, of Wichita, in the amount of $1.3 million to reclaim and put cement in the base of an eight-mile stretch of the road.

County Road and Bridge Supervisor Adam Kuckelman said he was hopeful work would begin this week on the project. The project is expected to take about two months to complete.

In other business, Sabetha resident Steve Lukert met with the Commission to ask the county to stripe the three-mile stretch of Old Highway 75 that leads into Sabetha for safety reasons. He spoke about splitting the cost three ways---between Nemaha County, Brown County and funds raised by himself.

Also Nancy Gafford with the Rural Development Association of Northeast Kansas came before the board to ask commissioners to sign a grant application for the acquisition of cardboard recycling dumpsters. Gafford said the county would be responsible for paying 25 percent of the total $16,000 state grant, if awarded. Commission Chairman Jason Koch signed the grant application.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff's office has announced they will be hosting the "No Hunger Summer Program" again this year.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, volunteers will start serving sack lunches beginning Thursday June 1st and running through Friday July 28th in the west parking lot at the Sheriff's Office located at 709 Utah Street, in Hiawatha. Hours will be 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Those wanting to volunteer are asked to contact Patti Merchant by text at 785-741-0698 to coordinate dates and times.

The release says the program is very viable to communities to ensure children have nourishing well balanced food available during the summer months when schools are not in session.

(KLZA)-- Area parents and caregivers will have an opportunity to have child safety seats checked at Community Medical Center in Falls City on Tuesday, May 23rd between 3:30 pm and 6 pm.

Nationally-certified child passenger safety technicians from Southeast Safety for Kids will be present to provide assistance.

Laura Osborne, Southeast Safety for Kinds Coordinator says the group will assist parents, grandparents and other caregivers in securing passengers age 12 and under correctly in motor vehicles.

The misuse rates we have seen over 24 years of work in this field have been about 85% of all car seats we check. When our technicians work with a family, they are working to empower the parent and/or caregiver to install the child safety seat correctly themselves. This is important as we strive to keep the youngest citizens of southeast Nebraska as safe as possible while traveling in motor vehicles.”

Community Medical Center is located at 3307 Barada Street in Falls City. Anyone who transports children are encouraged to attend. Call (402) 245-6571 to sign up for an appointment. Sign-ups are encouraged, but not mandatory.

( Lincoln) - Agricultural producers and landowners with certain expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts can receive additional rental incentives and extend that land- role in conservation for another 30 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened the signup period for its “CLEAR” program, now through July 31, 2023.

CLEAR30 is a part of the CLEAR initiative, which prioritizes water quality practices as a part of Continuous CRP enrollment and is one of several CRP enrollment opportunities.

CLEAR30 allows producers and landowners enrolling certain water quality practices to enroll in 30-year contracts, extending the lifespan and strengthening the benefits of important water quality practices on their land. Like other CRP enrollments, CLEAR30 is a voluntary, incentive-based conservation opportunity offered by USDA- Farm Service Agency (FSA).

CLEAR30 contracts will be effective beginning October 1, 2023. These long-term contracts ensure that conservation practices remain in place for 30 years, which improves water quality by reducing sediment and nutrient runoff and helping prevent algal blooms. Conservation in riparian areas also provides important carbon sequestration benefits. Traditional CRP contracts run from 10 to 15 years.

Annual rental payments for landowners who enroll in CLEAR30 will be equal to the current Continuous CRP annual payment rate plus a 20 percent water quality incentive payment and an annual rental rate adjustment of 27.5 percent.

To sign up for CLEAR30, landowners and producers should contact their local USDA Service Center by July 31, 2023

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council voted to amend a zoning ordinance that will clear the way for building “tiny houses” in the community Monday night.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum said tiny houses could be popping up across Nebraska as a number of communities are looking at doing this. A few people have asked the City about building tiny houses.

With Falls City making a push to raze dilapidated houses in the community, there will be lots available for tiny houses. A number of the lots where houses are being razed are not big enough for a modern full-size home.

Tiny houses could range in size from 70 square feet, up to 800 square feet in size and would be on 6,000 square foot lots.

Ward I Council member Don Ferguson said the proposal helps out on more than one front. It costs the City $8-$10 thousand to acquire a property and tear down the dilapidated houses and the lost is then often sold to an adjoining neighbor for about $500. Having a tiny house on the property could create more tax revenue for the city.

Council member Kaylie Ractliffe said the tiny house idea could also help with Falls City's need for more housing stock.

Administrator Nussbaum reported to the Council Monday night that as of Monday, 41 vacant properties have been registered. Property owners that do not comply with getting the property removed within 180 days of the registration will begin receiving the first round of fees imposed on the property of $250 for residential and $500 for commercial properties.

Based on the number of properties that will be registered by the end of the fiscal year, it is expected the city will impose more than $12 thousand in fees to vacant / abandoned properties. Funds collected will be reinvested into the abatement / demolition program.

(KLZA)-- Dale Oehm has been appointed to fill the Ward I Council seat vacated by the resignation of Larry Stauffer.

Oehm was appointed and sworn in Monday night during the Humboldt City council meeting. He will serve the remaining two-years of the existing term.

The Council also approved the appointment of Dustin White to the Auditorium Board. He will complete the two-year terms of Dan Duryea.

In other business the Council decided that for now, to table the idea of incorporating the trash service with the water and sewer billing.

(KAIR)--With summer just over a month away, steps are being taken in Jefferson County to be ready for the annual 4-H County Fair.

According to the unofficial minutes of Monday- meeting of the Jefferson County Commission, 4-H Fair Board representative, Tom Welsh, appeared before the Commissioners, updating them on what the minutes call “concerns and activities by the Fair Board.” During his presentation, Welsh discussed the water line, internet capabilities, building upkeep, and other aspects, reporting that a new sound system is being purchased with memorial money. Additionally, he discussed a recently donated lot, located on the southeast corner of the fairgrounds, that has bad drainage. The plan is to fill the lot with dirt then grade and slope it to make it usable.

According to Welsh, a sewer blockage has been located, with the Fair Board requesting the County's assistance to help pay the price tag. Two options are proposed: one is to dig down, put a clean-out in, and bore through to clear the blockage, with that proposal estimated to cost $1,500. The other option, if the first fails, would be to dig and redo the line where the blockage is located for an additional cost of $2,000. Once Welsh completed his presentation, including a request for the placement of rock on the 4-H Fairground drives, the Commission unanimously approved the request for sewer line assistance, allocating $3,500 for that purpose.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, early this week, was arrested on a number of warrants, including one from Atchison County for alleged crimes in February, as well as other warrants from the area, including Jackson and Leavenworth counties.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 45-year-old Cory Wabski, shortly after midnight Monday, was arrested in the 100 block of South 5th Street on an Atchison County District Court warrant for fleeing and attempting to elude, driving while suspended, reckless driving, and other traffic charges. Wilson, in the release, explains that the warrant stemmed from an early morning, February 20 attempt by an Atchison Police Officer on patrol “to stop a Pontiac sedan in the 800 block of Spring Street that was being driven by Wabski. Instead of stopping, it's alleged Wabski fled from the officer into Missouri.

Along with the initial warrant, Wabski was also arrested on an Atchison County District Court warrant for failure to appear in court, along with warrants, also for failure to appear, from Leavenworth County District Court, Jackson County District Court, and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation District Court.

Additionally, Wabski is facing charges in connection with a traffic accident he was allegedly involved with on May 11. According to Wilson, it's alleged that Wabski was behind the wheel of a vehicle that left the roadway and struck a guide wire to a utility pole in the 1000 block of U Street. For that, Wabski was cited for leaving the scene, driving while suspended, and driving left of center.

Following his arrest this week, Wabski was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--Atchison County- tire disposal program will last for another month, following what was to be the end of the program this week.

The decision for the extension happened during Monday's meeting of the Atchison County Commission, which met one day earlier this week to allow for a budget workshop Tuesday, the regular day of their weekly meeting.

Once the month-long extension of the program comes to an end, the volume of tires being received at the Atchison County transfer station will be reevaluated by the County leaders.

The program has been met with an outpouring of unwanted tires each Thursday that it's been held.

It was started following the County's first time hosting a weekend-long countywide cleanup event in April. During the first day, the tire collection aspect had to end early due to the amount of tires received. That led the Commission to see the need for such a service, and the program was implemented, originally only for most of the month of May. However, the number of tires that continue to be received led to the decision for the extension.

The County asks that calls be placed to the Atchison County Transfer Station at 913-804-6005 prior to arrival for disposal of tires, as the program works on a first come, first serve basis.

(KMZA)--A semi driver from Nebraska was injured Tuesday afternoon in a single-vehicle Marshall County wreck.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-9 Highway, east of Blue Rapids, around 2:20.

The Patrol reports 60-year-old Robert Bernt, of Phillips, Nebraska, was eastbound negotiating a curve when he drove onto the shoulder and lost control of his rig, which overturned onto the passenger side.

Bernt was transported to Community Memorial Healthcare, in Marysville, for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says he was wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred.

(MSC News)--With more people traveling during the summer months, the Kansas Department of Transportation reminds motorists of the importance of wearing seat belts every time they are in a vehicle.

That's according to a release from KDOT, with Acting Secretary Calvin Reed, in the release, saying that “wearing a seat belt each time you get in any vehicle - whether traveling five blocks or 50 miles - is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from injury or from dying in a crash.”

Law enforcement agencies across Kansas will be supporting the focus on safety by participating in the national Click It or Ticket enforcement effort, with the seat belt awareness campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, running from May 22 to June 4.

Kansas Highway Patrol Lieutenant Candice Breshears, in the release says, “whether you are a passenger in the rear seat, a driver or an occupant of a pickup truck, or the occupants of a passenger vehicle, wearing a seat belt gives you the greatest chance of survival in a car crash.”

Vehicle safety habits are important for all passengers, including children. However, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows when parents ride without their seat belts, the use of child restraints drops up to 40%.

In 2022 across Kansas, 406 people lost their lives in crashes. More than 58% of those fatalities - 236 vehicle occupants - were not wearing seat belts.

(KNZA)--Several additional candidates have filed in Doniphan County for positions up for election in November.

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports Michael Brissett has filed for the position of Troy mayor. The position is currently held by Sarah Boeh-Cerra, who withdrew last week as a candidate for re-election.

Charles Batchelder had filed for re-election as Highland Mayor.

Linda Langley has filed for White Cloud mayor. The position is currently held by Jama Edie. Leslie Coelho has filed for re-election to the White Cloud City Council where five positions are up for election.

Two candidates have filed for three open positions on the Elwood City Council. They include Cecil Garner and Megan Shackelford.

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

A primary election will be held August 1, if needed.

The General Election is November 7.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members learned Monday night during their meeting that a new Utility Superintendent will begin working around August 1.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum informed the Council during his report that Falls City native Trevor Campbell has accepted an offer to take the position.

Campell is currently the Director of Roads and Bridges and Solid Waste in Craig, Colorado.

Campbell will take over for Ray Luhring, who will be retiring from the position.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man is facing multiple charges in connection with a domestic disturbance over the weekend.

Hiawatha Police Chief Mickey Gruber, in a release, said Brown County Sheriff's deputies and a Hiawatha Police Department Officer responded to a domestic disturbance call at the Country View Apartments located in the 200 block of Miami Street in Hiawatha shortly after 2:00 Saturday morning.

After investigating the incident, Gruber said officers attempted to arrest 37-year-old Guillermo Nicholas Vela for violating a protective order and he resisted arrest.

Vela was taken into custody on charges of felony battery on a law enforcement officer, battery, interference with law enforcement, violation of a protective order and disorderly conduct.

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

At the time of the incident, Gruber said Vela was free on bond from a 2022 criminal case in which he was charged with four counts—including aggravated battery.

Gruber said a law enforcement agency from outside of Brown County is reviewing the arrest at the request of Brown County law enforcement due to allegations by Vela's family that excessive force was used to arrest him. It is standard protocol to request that an outside agency review the matter when allegations are made against a local law enforcement agency.

(KMZA)--A 19-year-old Corning woman has been arrested on a felony child sex charge.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office says Kaitlyn Hyatt was arrested Monday on a Nemaha County warrant for sexual exploitation of a child.

The charge was filed last Friday following an investigation by the Sheriff's Office.

According to the criminal complaint, the alleged offense involves a child under 18 years of age occurring on or about February 18.

Hyatt remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $25,000 bond.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Road and Bridge Department is advising motorists that a bridge has been closed west of Highland on 240th Road, east of Ashpoint Road.

That announcement came Tuesday after recent heavy rains caused the bridge to fail.

Lindsey Norris, office manager for the Road and Bridge Department, said the bridge has been has been closed indefinitely.

She said drivers will need to use alternate routes to access Highland.

Those with questions can call the Doniphan County Road and Bridge Office at 785-985-3535.

(KAIR)--A 51-year-old Atchison man is going to prison, sentenced Friday in Atchison County District Court to more than 8-years of incarceration.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, Charles Edward Young entered a plea of no contest in January to the charges of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and aggravated endangering a child.

The release explains that the charges stemmed from an Atchison County Sheriff's Office drug investigation, that included the execution of a search warrant on Young's residence and vehicle.

On May 10 of last year, Young was stopped by law enforcement while driving, and the resulting search led to the discovery of what the release says included 158 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, a digital scale, other drug paraphernalia, and United States currency.

A search of Young's home led to the recovery of what the release identifies as "methamphetamine throughout the living room, a digital scale, and other items consistent with drug paraphernalia.”

A juvenile had been living with Young at the time of the raid, leading to the child endangerment-related charge.

(KAIR)--An Atchison native turned San Antonio Shoemakers CEO will serve as the commencement speaker for Maur Hill-Mount Academy- graduating class of 2023.

That's according to a release issued by Maur Hill-Mount Academy President, Phil Baniewicz, which says Nancy Richardson, CEO of the footwear manufacturer for the past 12-years, is also an attorney, a CPA, and a 1977 alum of what is now Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy. In 2021, the release notes, Richardson “was honored as one of the most influential women of the mid-market by CEO Connections, a networking organization to help mid-market (revenue between $100 million and $3 billion) CEOs with resources and solutions to succeed. The company also received an award in their home city as being one of the top family-owned businesses.”

Richardson will speak during Maur Hill-Mount Academy- Commencement planned for 10:45 Saturday morning in the school's Haverty Gymnasium. That will be preceded by the Baccalaureate Mass at 9:00 that morning at the Mount Saint Scholastica Chapel.

Baniewicz, in the release, calls Richardson “an excellent role model for [Maur Hill-Mount Academy's] students,” citing her leadership and team focus, while adding that the school is “very happy to have her back on campus to hear advice and goals” from Richardson.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Commissioners reviewed a letter from the “House of Hope”organization during their May 10 meeting during which the group outlined their estimated expenses for Transitional Housing of Richardson County House of Hope.

House of Hope has requested the monies Richardson County receives from the Opioid Settlement Funds be used for the expenses associated with transition housing.

In the letter, the monthly expenses are projected for one house for approximately 4 - 6 people include: $1200 for rent, $250 for utilities, $1200 for food, $350for incidentals, $100 for insurance for a total of $3,100.

Richardson County is to receive a share of the Opioid Settlement funds received by the State of Nebraska. Currently the fund has about $19 thousand. Several settlements contribute to the fund; One will receive about $20,000 in total through 2031 and another is expected to receive approximately $83 thousand but that total is through the year 2038.

Details on a couple of other settlements have not been finalized at this time.

Commissioners took no action on the request. They continue to have research done on how the settlement funds can be utilized locally.

(KLZA)-- On Saturday, May 6, Peru State College celebrated commencement for its graduating class of 2023. A large crowd attended the proceedings in the Al Wheeler Activity Center on the College- campus.

The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Michael Evans, President of Peru State College.

The 2023 Peru State College Distinguished Service Award was awarded to Carlos Harrison. Harrison, a 1951 graduate of the college, is an active member of the alumni association and has been a generous donor to many of the College- efforts over the years. He recently donated a sizable portion of his portfolio to the Peru State College Foundation, mostly for Project Roar, the College- campaign to build five new health and wellness facilities.

Dr. Charles Hicks was presented with the 2023 Peru State College Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Hicks, an Associate Professor of English, has taught at Peru State since 2018.

The 2023 ceremony saw 384 graduates recognized for their academic achievements and dedication to their studies. The College awarded 143 master- degrees and 241 bachelor- degrees. After the formal presentation of the graduating class of 2023, Dr. Evans congratulated all graduates on their success and wished them well as they began a new chapter in their lives.

(KNZA)--Two candidates have filed so far for four positions up for election in November on the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board of Education.

The Jackson County Clerk's Office reported Monday that Kallie Kirk has filed for position 2, which was formerly held by the late Melinda Wareham, and Neal Keeler has filed for re-election to position 3.

Also up for election on the USD 335 Board is position 1, currently held by Dr. David Allen, and position 7, the at large position, which is currently held by Konrad Coe.

No candidates have filed so far for four positions up for election on the Holton USD 336 and Royal Valley USD 337 Boards of Educations.

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

(KMZA)--A $100,000 state grant has been awarded to help preserve the Pony Express Barn and Museum in Marysville.

Its among 18 recipients awarded $30 million in funding to develop and improve tourism sites statewide.

Governor Laura Kelly announced the grant awards last week through the State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism program, known as SPRINT, which was launched by the Department of Commerce earlier this year.

According to a release from Kelly's office, the funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas Executive Committee, known as SPARK, and approved by the State Finance Council to support capital projects that spur economic development in the tourism industry, which the release calls " one of the most affected industries by COVID-19."

The release says visitor spending, which generates a total annual economic impact of $11.2 billion in Kansas, has yet to return fully to pre-pandemic levels.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with Chris Reece, the Coordinator for the Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court and Melanie Stormer, District #1 Chief Probation Officer during their May 10 meeting.

An update was presented on the progress, accomplishments and statistical date of the Southeast Nebraska Adult Drug Court.

Commissioners approved entering into an interlocal agreement regarding funding for the SE Nebraska Adult Drug Court with Pawnee, Johnson, Nemaha and Otoe counties at a cost to Richardson County for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 of $8,369.

Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported to the Board on the grant application he is completing for assistance with the purchase of a second drug dog for the county.

K9 Working Dogs International is working with the United States Police Canine Association to submit a grant application and are awaiting approval for the /grant award for Richardson County in an amount of $7,500 from the ALC Reunite grant with Richardson County providing $2,500 toward the purchase of the drug dog.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. informed the Board that the Department will begin working summer hours on June 5 and ending on September 1, working four, 10-hour days a week, those hours being 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Darveau also reported on a road to consider for closing a half-mile of 640 Avenue, between 716 and 717 Road which includes a bridge that has been closed. A resolution to set a public hearing date to receive public input on the possible closure will be considered during the Boards May 17 meeting.

Darveau also reminded Commissioners that a project on Pony Creek Road, approximately 4.75 miles west of Highway 73 on 703 Road is expected to begin in June. The contractor expects to have the project completed in mid-late August before Harvest.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation says a resurfacing project will begin Tuesday, May 16 on K-9 and K-99 in Marshall County, weather permitting.

The project spans about 10 miles, from Frankfort to the U.S. 36 junction.

KDOT says traffic will be restricted to one lane and directed by a pilot car and flaggers when work is taking place. There will also be a 10-foot width restriction in 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.

Hall Brothers Inc., of Marysville, is the contractor on the $1.8 million project, which is expected to be complete by late June..

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.

(KAIR)--$5 million is awarded to the recently opened Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, with the Atchison-based attraction among 17 other recipients awarded for what a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly calls “developing tourism sites statewide.”

All 18 recipients receive a portion of the $30 million in funding made available through the State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism program, known as SPRINT, launched by the Department of Commerce earlier this year.

The funds were designated by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas Executive Committee, known as SPARK, and approved by the State Finance Council to support capital projects that spur regional economic development in the tourism industry, which the release calls “one of the most affected industries by COVID-19.”

Visitor spending, which generates a total annual economic impact of $11.2 billion in Kansas, has yet to return fully to pre-pandemic levels.

The long-planned Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, based at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, opened its doors to the public during a ceremony held last month.

The museum, focused on the history of flight through the achievements of trailblazing aviator Amelia Earhart, is expected to draw out-of-state visitors to the Kansas town that Earhart called her childhood home.

The museum, which emphasisizes interactive STEM and history exhibits, is applying to become an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

Smithsonian Magazine, in January, included the museum in its “The Most Anticipated Museum Openings of 2023” edition.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Board of Education approved the Special Education Contract with Educational Service Unit #4 for the next school year when they met last week.

The District will pay $229,315 for the services.

In other business the Board approved a teaching contract for Donald Jacobs to serve as an interim teacher during the 2023-24 school year, and accepted his resignation from that position at the end of the the 23-24 school year.

Jacobs will serve as Middle School Social Studies and Special Education Instructor. He is a certified teacher and has served a number of positions with the Pawnee City School in recent years.

It was noted that there was only limited interest in the position. Jacobs will be taking necessary coursework to get a provisional special education endorsement which is good for three years.

(KLZA)--Community Medical Center has been recognized as a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital for 2023.

This marks the sixth time The Chartis Center for Rural Health has recognized CMC having previously recognized the Falls City Hospital in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.

The annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the national rural hospitals based on results on the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX.

Now in its 13th year, the INDEX has established itself as the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance.

CMC Administrator Ryan Larsen said in a news release “ that it is nice to have an outside voice tell us we are doing well, and that he is proud of the hospital staff.”

(KNZA)--Bank of Blue Valley, a division of HTLF Bank, announces the promotion of Nick Harling to Market President of the Sabetha and Hiawatha, Kansas markets. In this expanded role, Nick will continue to develop new and existing customer relationships while providing strategic direction for the bank.

“Nick is an exceptional leader and a highly experienced banking professional,” said Will Fox, president, Bank of Blue Valley. “With his focus on the needs of local businesses and customers, he exemplifies what it means to be a community banker.”

As a veteran of the banking industry, Nick has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of business development, management, and ag commercial lending. He began his tenure in 2015 as an ag banker with Morrill and Janes Bank (which was merged into Bank of Blue Valley in 2019) and has supported local farmers with financing solutions through the years. Prior to this role, he served as a Commercial Ag Lender in southeast Nebraska and a licensed real estate and insurance agent.

“This expansion of my responsibilities is particularly meaningful because I’ve grown up in this footprint,” said Harling. “I’m fortunate to have developed trusted relationships with several businesses and families and look forward to continuing our high level of service in a place that I call home.”

Outside of the bank, Nick enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time with his grandkids. He and his wife reside in Sabetha and have two grown sons. His oldest, along with his wife, reside in Falls City, Nebraska with two kids. His youngest is a resident of Sabetha and recently opened his Chiropractic office.

(KNZA)--A primary election will be needed to narrow the field of candidates vying for a position on the Horton City Commission in November.

The Brown County Clerk's Office reported Friday that four candidates have filed for the position of Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, forcing a primary election.

They include incumbent Richard Lovelady, Phillip Wiley, Joshua White and Bobby Bacon.

During the August 1 primary election, the top two vote getters will advance to the November 7 general election ballot.

Also up for election in November is the position of Horton Mayor and Commissioner of Police.

Bryan Stirton has filed for re-election as mayor, while Bruce Hodges and Kirk Gries have filed for the position of Commissioner of Police, which is currently held by Rex West.

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

(KNZA)--A late Sunday night two-vehicle Brown County wreck sent a Bellevue, Nebraska motorcyclist to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 75 Highway, three-tenths of a mile north of 130th Street, shortly before midnight.

According to the KHP report, a Toyota Camry driven by 51-year-old Andrew Gerstner, of Topeka, was entering U.S. 75 from the east when he failed to yield to a northbound Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by 55-year-old Martin Elmore. The motorcycle struck the side of the Camry.

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

Gerstner and a passenger in his car were not hurt.

(KNZA)--A 44-year-old man was arrested last week after leading a Richardson County Sheriff's deputy on a pursuit shortly after bonding out of jail.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office, in a release, said a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle that was southbound on Highway 75 late Wednesday, May 10, shortly after 11:00. The release says the vehicle was traveling at 85 miles an hour in a 65 miles per hour zone when the deputy observed the vehicle.

As the deputy turned around and was getting ready to stop the vehicle, it increased its speed to around 120 miles an hour as it fled southbound into Kansas.

The vehicle ended up stopping at the All Star Truck Plaza in Sabetha.

The release says the driver, identified as Jose Laurido, was non-compliant, and a taser was utilized to take him into custody.

Laurido informed the deputy he had just bonded out of the Richardson County Jail about 35 minutes earlier after posting a $750 bond. He had been arrested less than 24 hours earlier on May 9 in Dawson for possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and concentrated THC.

Following his arrest last Wednesday, Laurido was booked into the Richardson County Jail on new charges--including operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office thanked the Sabetha Police Department and Brown County Sheriff's Office for their assistance.

(KAIR)--A Saturday afternoon Atchison crash, in the area of 17th and Country Club Road, sent a woman to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, police responded to that location, around 1:15 Saturday afternoon, after a car, driven northbound on 17th Street by 51-year-old Veronica Canderlaria, of Houston, Texas, entered the intersection and collided with car, eastbound on County Club Road, driven by 76-year-old Linda Patton, of Atchison.

Wilson, in the release, said Patton was transported for hospital care by Atchison County EMS.

Canderlaria was cited for failure to yield.

Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene.

(KNZA)--Severe storms moved through northeast Kansas Friday evening producing at least two confirmed tornadoes.

The National Weather Service said a tornado touched down four miles southwest of Reserve in Brown County at 7:03 pm.

The tornado traveled 1.2 miles, with a maximum width of 500 yards. It was on the ground for 9 minutes.

A team from the Weather Service surveyed damage Saturday. Damage was found to a home north of Hamlin.

The Weather Service rated the tornado an EF-2, with wind speeds up to 112 miles an hour.

Another tornado touched down north, northeast of Holton in Jackson County at 7:11 pm.

The Weather Service said the tornado traveled 3.5 miles, with a maximum width of 50 yards. It was on the ground 9 minutes.

A survey team determined it was an EF-1 tornado, with winds speeds up to 90 miles an hour.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office said damage was reported to some outbuildings, with at least two barns and sheds destroyed.

No injuries were reported.

(KLZA)-- U.S. Senator Deb Fischer's Director of Outreach-Lincoln will be in Falls City and Auburn on Monday to listen to constituents and speak in person to help with casework and other issues at the federal level.

Ray Ringlein will be at the Falls City Library and Art's Center a 1400 Stone Street from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. and will then travel to Auburn to meet with constituents from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. at the Auburn Memorial Library.

(KNZA)--An Elwood man, charged in connection with a shooting in 2021, has been placed on probation.

According to court documents, Liam McCorkle was sentenced last week in Doniphan County District Court on a charge of aggravated battery. He was given a 41-month suspended prison term and then placed on 36-months supervised probation. McCorkle was credited for 202 days served in jail.

He pleaded no contest to the aggravated battery charge in April. In exchange for the plea, a charge of attempted second-degree murder was dismissed.

McCorkle was arrested October 2, 2021 after a St. Joseph, Missouri man was shot in a garage in the 600 block of Libel Street, in Elwood.

The victim, identified as Joey Ezell, was treated at a St. Joseph hospital and later released.

(KLZA)-- Missouri Governor Mike Parson has announced that public and charter schools in Missouri can begin signing up to utilize a new state-funded mobile emergency alerting app that allows teachers and others to rapidly alert school staff and first responders to emergency situations. The alert app will be available free to schools and users.

The system puts a simple to use silent alerting app into the hands of teachers and school personnel, so they can get word out of an intruder or other emergency. We will continue to advance school safety and the ability to quickly respond to threats to Missouri- students and educators.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety has funding available for an emergency alert app to be available for public and charter schools across the state. Last month, Missouri contracted with Raptor Technologies to provide what is referred to as a silent panic alerting system.

Utilizing technology that schools already have in place, the app expedites and streamlines emergency response by allowing teachers and other school staff to quickly initiate an alert through their mobile device or computer. The silent alert works directly with 911 to provide critical information, such as location-based information and school campus maps, with first responders, law enforcement, and campus personnel - within seconds. Additionally, districts are able to schedule and manage their ongoing safety drills using the Raptor software.

Each district will have its own account that will link the alerts to selected area first responders. Raptor will conduct training for each district, beginning with pilot schools and then district-wide training. The company encourages districts interested in utilizing the app to contact Raptor to begin the enrollment process.

This month, Governor Parson also announced 169 school districts and charter schools have received grants from the newly created School Safety Grant Program. The $20 million grant was part of Governor Parson's Fiscal Year 2023 early supplemental budget request. Governor Parson's Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal includes an additional $50 million for the program.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) announced the recipients of $22,825,000 in awards through the 2022 round of Nebraska- Rural Workforce Housing Fund .Authorized by the Rural Workforce Housing Investment Act of 2017, the RWHF helps communities create quality, affordable housing to accommodate growth.

For the 2022 funding cycle, Rural Workforce Housing Fund awards were available to eligible non-profit development organizations who supplied at least a fifty percent match. In many cases, local financial institutions and employers partnered with the primary applicant in providing the local match. Combined, today- recipients contributed more than $12.1 million in matching funds.

DED administers the RWHF program on behalf of the State of Nebraska through a competitive application process. The department then partners with recipients to provide input regarding project design, development, and implementation.

The Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council which includes Falls City, Nebraska City and Henderson, Nebraska have $800 thousand available in local match funds and has been awarded $1 million in funding.

(KLZA)-- The HTRS School Board approved resignations and new hires when they met Monday evening.

The Board approved the resignations of kindergarten teacher Maggie Badertscher who has accepted a position with the Johnson County Central School District and First Grade teacher Emily Clark.

Board members approved hiring Zadie Smith as an elementary Teacher for the 2023-24 school year.

The HTRS Board also approved Kim Standerford for the half-time PreK - 12 Assistant Principal position and Half-Time Tech Specialist.

Superintendent Dr. George Griffith also reported the HTRS School District is in the process of opening a Day Care facility at the school by the start of the next school year.

In a written report to the Board, Principal Lisa Othmer thanked the Board for the support she has received in the past 15 years. She said that while there is always work to do, she believes HTRS is a solid school built by people who truly care about all of the kids.

(KAIR)--Details are released regarding a pickup truck that rolled over, with trailer and boat attached, while traveling midweek in Atchison County.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Deputies responded shortly after 9:00 Wednesday night to the area of of U.S. Highway 59, near Haskell Road, following the report of a rollover wreck.

When they arrived, Laurie says Deputies discovered a Chevrolet pickup truck, with trailer attached, laying on the west side. The boat was also there, but off the trailer.

The driver is identified by Laurie as 19-year-old Creston, Iowa resident Tyler Loudon who, the investigation shows, had been northbound on the highway when the truck veered to the right shoulder. Loudon reportedly oversteered, sending the truck, trailer, and boat into the west side shoulder where the crash occurred. According to Laurie, it's believed “the truck made at least one complete revolution coming to a stop on all four wheels.”

Atchison County Emergency Services were called to the scene, but following an on-site examination of Loudon, he was not transported for further medical attention.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education has requested a meeting with the Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education to discuss a potential land transfer.

USD 115 is seeking to renew efforts to transfer a portion of the former Bern school area, which lies in USD 113, into the Nemaha Central district.

The USD 115 Board was told at their April meeting that most of the students living there--nearly 80 this year-- attend Nemaha Central after the Bern school closed in 2012.

USD 115 Board President Owen Zinke informed his board when they meet May 8 that a letter was sent last month to USD 113 requesting the meeting.

USD 113 Board President Leslie Scoby sent a letter to Zinke in response to their request. You can find that letter posted below.

Nemaha Central's board was turned down in its attempts to negotiate the issue with Prairie Hills in 2012.

Dear President Zinke,

Thank you for your letter dated April 17, 2023. The USD #113 Board of Education is interested in learning more about your request to discuss land in the Bern area. Unfortunately, we have several board members with conflicts that would prevent them from meeting on April 26th.

In addition to learning more about the intentions of USD #115 regarding the Bern area, USD #113 would be interested in discussing land in the Baileyville area that includes families attending USD #113. A complication that USD #113 faces as we discuss a potential land transfer/trade is the potential for a dissolution petition. A successful vote on a petition for dissolution would negate the time and effort that would be exerted in a land transfer/trade agreement between our boards. A successful petition and subsequent election of dissolution of USD #113 would also present some less than desirable implications for USD #115. If this petition is filed it would likely be on the ballot for the primary election on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. If not at this time, it could be on the general election ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. Our board is inclined to wait until we know the outcome of that petition before moving forward with any finalization of a territory transfer/trade.

In order to move this process forward in the absence of a meeting, USD #113 requests a document that articulates the specific items that USD #115 wishes to discuss, including supporting information. This would allow USD #113 personnel time to research and provide relevant data. It would also allow a forewarning of information that would help to reduce emotions and promote objectivity. USD #113 could then provide a written response that would communicate ideas, perceptions and supporting information to the USD #115 board allowing for the same circumstance. Considering that the Kansas State Board of Education's established timeline to submit a trade/transfer is February 15, 2024, we have time to take this process step by step.

Thank you again for reaching out to us. We look forward to learning more about your intentions and working together to improve our school districts.

Respectfully, Leslie Scoby USD #113 Board of Education President

(KAIR)--A Legislative Coffee, with State Representative Dr. John Eplee as the featured speaker, will be held Saturday, May 13 in Atchison.

The session, focused on the outcomes of the Kansas Legislature, will begin at 9:00 Saturday morning, held at the Santa Fe Depot, in Atchison, located at 200 South 10th Street.

The Atchison Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.

Eplee will present an update on lawmakers' actions during the now concluded 2023 Legislative Session, along with the status of actions taken by Governor Laura Kelly regarding approved bills.

The Republican Legislator expects the informal session to conclude around 10:30 Saturday morning.

The Legislative Coffee had originally been planned for May 6, but due to the scheduling of the Legislature, it was postponed in order for Eplee to deliver the most up-to-date overview of the state leaders.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board approved the adoption of new social studies textbooks and instructional materials for grades K-12 when they meet Monday evening.

The cost to the district will be $85,105. The adoption cycle is for six years.

The board was told last month that the need for the new materials was sparked both by a change in social studies standards as well as the fact that the last curriculum materials for social studies was purchased in 2013.

In other business, the board voted to renew the agreement with the district's current food service vendor, Opaa Food Management, for the 2023-24 school year. Superintendent Lonnie Moser said there will be a four percent cost increase. He said he's heard good things so far from staff and students about the food vendor who took over this semester.

District Transporation Coordinator Jim Farris updated the board on fuel and bus issues. The district is currently getting their fuel from Ag Partners. He stated that the water that got into the districts underground fuel tanks is what has caused most of the issues with the buses. Bus 1 got a new engine in it and the district should have it back soon. The bus that went down at Perry is deemed to be beyond repair, and Ferris recommended salvaging that bus at $140 a ton. The bus is 12 years old and is one of the oldest ones in our district. It was also discussed that diesel engine buses have generally been more expensive to repair so it might be worth considering going back to gas engine buses. Board member Tom Simmer mentioned the possibility of having a couple of 25 passenger buses instead of 60 passenger buses. Ferris said that would be ideal.

Board Vice-President Jim Robidoux, who presided over the meeting, presented Hiawatha Elementary School art teacher Kate Miller with a certificate of recognition for her outstanding work. Miller was nominated for the honor by a patron. She recently earned a $10,000 grant for the school's art program.

Following an executive session, the board voted to hire Lana Sheldon as high school social studies teacher and Joni Abel as elementary school kindergarten teacher. In addition, the board accepted the resignation of middle school social studies teacher Brady Mulligan, effective at the end of current school year.Board

(KNZA)--Mission Village Living Center in Horton is under new ownership.

Anew Healthcare is the new owner of the facility.

According to a release, Anew Healthcare was started by owner Mark Hastings in 2020. The company owns a total of 9 long-term care and assisted living facilities across Kansas, Missouri and Iowa. Locally, they include facilities in Nortonville and Easton.

Hastings, in the release, said they are excited to be part of the Horton community and look forward to the future of the facility.

With the change in ownership, Mission Village will now formally be known as Anew Healthcare of Horton.

The release says an open house will be scheduled in the near future to allow the community an opportunity to come in and meet the Anew Healthcare team.

(KLZA)-- A Clearmont, Missouri man suffered minor injuries in a single vehicle wreck Thursday morning in Atchison County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that 39-year old Byron Clark was westbound on US 136 Highway approximately six miles east of Tarkio when he started to turn north onto Route YY with the International truck he was driving.

The truck began to skid and overturned onto the drivers side and slid off the west side of Route YY. The truck came to rest, on its side, partially blocking the westbound lane of the road.

Clark was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to the Fairfax Community Hospital.

The truck sustained extensive damage.

The Atchison County Sheriff's Department also responded to the wreck.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt - Table Rock - Steinauer School Board approved a salary for Superintendent Dr. George Griffith for the 2023-24 school year when they met Monday evening.

Griffith will receive a $3,500 increase to his base pay bringing his base salary to $135,550.

Board members also approved the expenditure of $33,275 for 30 new Dell Laptops and 30 new Chrome Books for students,

The Board also approved improvements to the lighting at Power Field. Replacement bulbs are hard to find for the current lights and a number of the cross members on the poles need to be replaced. The bid in an amount of $113,790 was awarded to El Camino Electric of Falls City. The light fixtures alone were bid at $70,364.

The new lights should last longer and be more efficient to use.

The purchase of 9 switches and six-year licenses for computer equipment at HTRS was also approved.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education accepted the resignation of Mary Stukenholtz as vocal music teacher when they met Monday evening.

Later the Board approved a contract for Kendra Johnson to serve as the Secondary Vocal Music teacher for the 2023-24 school year.

Also approved was the purchase of Into Reading for grades K - 5 in an amount of $118,504 and the enVision Math workbooks in an amount of $15,372.

Purchase orders for the next school year amounting to $134,233 were also approved.

The Auburn School Board also approved adding Unified Bowling as an extra curricular activity starting with the 2023-24 school year.

(KLZA)-- Richardson Count Emergency Management has announced that warning sirens may sound periodically throughout the day, today ( Friday/ 5/11/23).

The technician should begin work around 2:30 p.m. No action is required and again this is just siren work and maintenance.

(KAIR)--The first round of funds, earmarked for a Jefferson County man wrongly convicted for a child murder, has been approved as part of his first payment in a $7.5 million dollar settlement with Jefferson County.

Floyd Bledsoe spent nearly 16-years behind bars for the 1999 rape and murder of 14-year-old Camille Arfmann.

Bledsoe was released from prison in 2015 after his brother, Tom, confessed in a suicide note that he committed the crimes. Additionally, DNA evidence linked his father and brother to 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.

The Jefferson County Commission, Monday, unanimously approved a resolution “transferring funds (in the amount of $500,000) from the Jefferson County Capital Improvement Fund to the General fund for part of the first payment due in the Bledsoe Settlement.”

Bledsoe will receive an initial payment of $1.5 million, with the remainder to be paid over the next ten years, with the Commission, during its April 17 meeting, voting unanimously to approve the settlement agreement.

(KAIR)--Few details are made public as an investigation continues following a local area drug raid conducted last week.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, it was around 8:30 Friday morning when his Office assisted the Brown County Sheriff's Office in executing a search warrant at a rural Atchison County residence.

It was while the warrant was served that Laurie says drugs and drug paraphernalia were located in the residence, at 5939 US. Highway 159. There's no word regarding any related arrests. Laurie says the investigation is continuing.

Meanwhile, Atchison County investigators are continuing to follow up on a report of illegal dumping.

Laurie, in a release, says his office was notified Sunday, around noon, by a property owner reporting that trash had been dumped on their property located in the 19000 block of 266th Road, in rural Atchison County.

An investigation began, with the identity of the trash owner obtained from a trash bag. However, Laurie says Deputies made contact with that person, and while the trash is theirs, it “was determined that the owner was not the person who dumped it.” Nonetheless, the original owner did pick up the trash.

According to Laurie, the investigation into the illegal dumping is continuing.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County jury on Wednesday returned a verdict of guilty against a man facing sexual assault charges.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, Bobby Joe Brown, a 62-year-old Kansas City, Kansas man, was charged with aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Charges were filed August 17, 2022.

The jury, the release notes, was hung on the charge of aggravated criminal sodomy, but convicted Brown on aggravated indecent liberties with a child. A hung jury means the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on whether the accused was guilty or not guilty to the point that no amount of time could resolve the matter.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, in the release, said there is much to consider “when receiving a hung jury,” saying his office must now re-evaluate the case and consult with the victim and the family. A conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child is a life sentence with the first opportunity for parole being in 25 years.

According to court documents cited in the release, the crime happened between December 2018 and November 2021, when the victim was less than the age of 14.

Investigators first learned of the crime in November of 2021 when the parents of the victim reported to police that their child disclosed to them that she had been sexually abused by Brown, who is identified as a friend of the family.

Brown is scheduled for sentencing in Leavenworth County District Court on June 28.

(MSC News)--A bipartisan bill that decriminalizes fentanyl test strips gains the signature of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

That happened Thursday, as Kelly joined legislators and advocates in Shawnee for the bill signing, with a release from her office saying that “decriminalizing test strips, which can detect the presence of fentanyl in other substances, will help prevent overdose deaths in Kansas.”

Kelly, in the release, says, “by decriminalizing fentanyl test strips, [the State is] providing the resources needed to combat the opioid and fentanyl epidemic so that families and loved ones no longer have to feel the pain of a preventable death.”

The release from Kelly's office cites statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which show that more than 100,000 people died in 2021 from a drug overdose, the most ever recorded in a single year in U.S. history.

The bill also increases criminal penalties for manufacturing or distributing fentanyl and for committing battery against a healthcare provider.

The release explains that 2023 marks the third year a bill has been introduced in the Kansas Legislature to decriminalize fentanyl test strips. In 2022, the bill passed unanimously in the House but stalled in the Senate.

The legislation has continuously had support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

(KNZA)--A resurfacing project on U.S. 75 Highway in Jackson and Brown counties was expected to begin Thursday, May 11, weather allowing.

The work covers about 26 miles, from Holton to just south of Sabetha.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, work will be done in 3-mile sections. Traffic will be restricted to one lane and directed by a pilot car and flaggers when work is taking place. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will take place Monday through Saturday during daylight hours and is expected to be complete by early August.

Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., of Topeka, is the contractor on the $9.2 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.

(KMZA)--With the deadline less than three weeks away, only a few candidates have filed so far in Nemaha County for city and school positions up for election in November.

Two candidates have filed for five positions up for election on the Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education. Jim Scoby has filed for re-election to position 1 and Todd Grimes has filed for position 5, which is currently held by Leslie Scoby.

Amy Sudbeck has filed for re-election to position 1 on the Nemaha Central USD 115. Its among four positions up for election on the board.

Kathy O'Brien has filed for re-election as Seneca City Treasurer. Also up for election is the position of Seneca mayor, currently held by Joe Mitchell, and three city council seats. They include the 1st Ward, currently held by Ray Shinn; 2nd Ward, currently held by Steve Bennett; and 3rd Ward, currently held by Michael Stallbaumer.

No candidates have filed yet for three positions up for election on the Sabetha City Commission. They include the position of Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, currently held by Nick Aberle; Commissioner of Streets, currently held by Julie Lancaster-Burenheidie; and Commissioner of Utilities, currently held by Norman Schmitt Jr.

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

(KAIR)--Forced entry made into an Atchison restaurant led to a theft, and to an investigation by Atchison Police.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, someone forced their way into the local Subway Restaurant, located in the 300 block of South 5th Street, with the crime believed to have occurred shortly before 2:00 Tuesday morning.

Wilson, in the release, says whoever is responsible for the break-in used forced entry to make their way into the building through a window. Once inside, an undisclosed amount of cash was taken.

No suspect, or suspects, are immediately identified.

Anyone with information about the Subway Restaurant break-in should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners met with representatives of Southeast Nebraska Community Action including Susan Keholm, SENCA Housing Development Director Amanda Palmerton and Family Development /Specialist Danyel Lewis during their May 2 meeting. The SENCA representatives provided annual updates on services in Pawnee County.

Following the discussion, the Board voted to proclaim May as Community Action month in Pawnee County.

County Attorney Emily Sisco met with the Board to discuss inheritance tax worksheets and foreclosures. The Board approved a resolution authorizing the Weaver & Merz Law firm from Falls City, on behalf of Pawnee County to approve all inheritance tax worksheets submitted to the county court by the Donahue and Sisco firm.

(KLZA)-- Johnson-Brock School District patrons continue to express their opinions concerning a new addition to the east side of the school in Johnson.

During Monday nights Board of Education meeting, Dave Baltensperger asked about liability coverage and funds spent on the architect for the project. Later in the meeting, Gary Bray, Duane Caspers and Scott Pelican each voiced support for the building addition and moving forward.

Classroom space for teachers was briefly discussed since the addition has not gone through at this point. Superintendent Jeff Koehler said there will be a need to share classroom space at this time.

In action items during the meeting the Board approved a teaching contract with Delaney Roberts to teach fourth grade for the 2023-24 school year.

It was noted that 25 kindergartners are scheduled to start school at Johnson-Brock in the Fall. 17 seniors will be graduating from Johnson-Brock on Saturday, May 13 at 2:30 p.m.

Superintendent Koehler informed the Board he would like to start looking for two vans to replace the current school vans. Both are close to being over 100 thousand miles.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education was informed during their Monday evening meeting, the Sixpence Board of Trustees has recently announced approval of grants for the Falls City Public Schools totaling more than half a million dollars.

$291,907 has been allocated for the 2023-24 grant term with the money to be used to fund various programs to improve the quality of early childhood education in the Falls City area.

In addition, the Sixpence Board of Trustees has approved an allocation of $237,330 for the 2023-24 funding year for the Falls City Public Schools Sixpence Child Care Partnership Program. This funding will support the continuation of the program and its various initiatives.

The Sixpence Program in Falls City is designed to provide high-quality early childhood education and care to young children in the Falls City area, supporting families with young children and promoting positive early childhood development.

(KLZA)-- An Oregon, Missouri man was injured in a single vehicle wreck Monday evening shortly after 6, on route 111 at North Chestnut Street in Forest City.

74-year-old Thomas Williams was eastbound on Route 111 when his pickup traveled off the south side of the road, struck a concrete barrier and traveled down an embankment before coming to rest on its wheels.

Williams was transported by private vehicle to Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph with what were described as moderate injuries.

The Holt County Sheriff's Office assisted the Missouri Highway Patrol at the scene of the wreck.

(KNZA)--Troy Mayor Sarah Boeh-Cerra has withdrawn her candidacy for re-election in the upcoming November General Election.

Doniphan County Clerk Peggy Franken said Boeh-Cerra withdrew her candidacy Tuesday due to health concerns.

She plans to complete her current term.

Boeh-Cerra as served as mayor since 2020.

The position of mayor and two council seats are up for election this fall.

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

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission held a public hearing Monday evening on three properties identified by the city as unsafe or dangerous.

Representatives of two of the properties located at 507 Miami Street and 606 Kansas Avenue appeared before the Commission, sharing their situations and plans to improve their properties.

Following discussion, the Commission agreed to give each additional time to show progress.

With no representative present for the third property located at 913 Miami Street, the Commission voted to move forward with a resolution ordering that the structure be repaired or removed by June 12.

In other business, Acting City Clerk Megan Green discussed the selection of a new logo for the city. The city received 14 submissions from local artists, with City Hall Staff narrowing them down to three preferences. At the suggestion of Commissioner Brian Shefferd, the commission agreed to post the finalists on the city's Facebook page, allowing residents to vote on the winning logo. The winner will be announced at the next city commission meeting.

On the recommendation of city Public Works Director Brad Scott, the Commission approved the purchase of two new mowers for the Parks and Recreation and Sewer Departments. They include a Gravely PT 160 mower from Skyview Equipment for $8,750 and a Spartan RT Pro CXI from Full Throttle Repair for $8,142.

After finding it impractical to solicit bids for a small tract of city-owned land due to the location and nature of the property, the Commission authorized the sale of the 3.9 acres to Bill Vonderschmidt in the amount of $10,000.

City Administrator Becky Berger reported the Fire Department raised $6,000 at their recent pancake feed, with the Hiawatha Community Foundation to provide $2,100 in matching funds.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved bids for bridge replacement projects in Atchison and Marshall Counties.

In Atchison County, KDOT says A M Cohron and Son, Inc., of Atlantic, Iowa was awarded the contract for the replacement of a bridge over Walnut Creek Drainage located 4.6 miles northwest of the U.S. 73/K-74 junction in the amount of $3,761,811.

In Marshall County, KDOT says Reece Construction Company, of Salina, was awarded the contract for the replacement of a bridge over Fawn Creek located 2.7 miles east of the west junction of U.S. 77/K-9 in the amount of $4,401, 271.

The bid letting took place April 19, in Topeka.

Construction start dates haven't been announce yet for the bridge projects.

(KAIR)--A Monday evening Atchison crash sent an Atchison man to the hospital

According to a releaase from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 68-year-old Michael Cardoza was driving in the area of 8th and Main Streets when his vehicle struck a utility pole at that location.

Wilson, in the release, says Cardoza, was transported for hospital examination by Atchison County EMS.

The wreck happened shortly after 7:00 Monday evening.

(KLZA)-- Peru State College is proud to announce the tenth anniversary of the Feeding 44 Program. The program, a partnership between Peru State College and the Food Bank of Lincoln, provides a rural mobile food distribution center for residents of Nemaha County and the surrounding area.

The idea for Feeding 44 originated in 2013 from Dr. Kyle Ryan, who then shared it with Peru State sophomore Rachel (Henry) Schwindt.

Nemaha County was the most food-insecure county in the sixteen- county region at that time according to the Food Bank of Lincoln.

Schwindt became aware of a grant that could help fund the first food distribution. With the help of her professors, she applied for and was awarded one of 100 Sodexo Foundation Youth Grants for youth-led projects intended to reduce childhood hunger. She applied for more grants, and the program continued to gain funding; Feeding 44 was established.

The initial Feeding 44 food distribution took place on May 10, 2013, in the Al Wheeler Activity Center with collaboration between volunteers from Peru State College, the Food Bank of Lincoln, and Catholic Social Services. Twenty-two people representing nine families were served. Ten years later, Feeding 44 provides food to over 200 families (or households) monthly.

Recent statistics from the Food Bank of Lincoln indicate that 12.1 % of the population in Nemaha County deal with food insecurity. The Feeding 44 Program plays a vital role in addressing that issue.

Feeding 44 distributes food on the first Friday of each month from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on the Peru State Campus in the parking lot adjacent to the baseball field. The Food Bank of Lincoln provides the food; students, faculty, and staff volunteers assist with the distribution. Carrie Bradrick, Director of Student Activities and Programs and liaison for the program, appreciates the student's involvement.

Beginning May 1st, those receiving food from the United States Department of Agriculture must complete The Emergency Food Assistance Program form (TEFAP). Forms will also be available on-site.

Starting July 1, 2023, anyone picking up food for another household must have a Proxy form on file with the Food Bank. Notes or text messages will still be accepted in May and June, but Proxy forms will be handed out to be completed by July. These forms must be filled out once per year and can be returned to volunteers or staff at any mobile distribution. Proxy forms can also be mailed to Food Bank of Lincoln, 1221 Kingbird Road, Lincoln, NE 68521.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt-Table Rock - Steinauer Board of Education approved the hiring of Darin Loverheck to be the new Pre-K - 12th Grade Principal for the 2023-24 school year.

Lovercheck will take over for Lisa Othmer who will retire as an educator in Nebraska and has accepted a job in Axtell, Kansas.

Lovercheck is currently the 7 - 12 grade Principal and Co-Special Ed Director at Crawford, Nebraska. The Lincoln native worked as a private agency therapist working with youth, families and couples in Northeast, Nebraska for 8 years before starting his career in education.

(KLZXA)-- During the May 2 Pawnee County Commissioners meeting, Pawnee County Rural Hospital Administrator John Werner and EMS Coordinator Jason Turnbull met with the Board updating them on the ambulance fleet.

The hospital is researching ways to obtain $370 thousand in funding for two new units to replace older ones.

The hospital will receive $75 thousand from the State of Nebraska if they receive $105 thousand in donations by the end of 2023.

They are wanting to have an Emergency Medical Technician Class for new applicants and are looking for people that are interested.

(KAIR)--Game Wardens for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are sending a reminder to boaters: “small vessels are not immune to the diminished water levels in our reservoirs.”
That warning, posted to social media, comes despite recent rainfall that did little to fill the water levels in state reservoirs and lakes.

The Facebook post includes photos of a boat that “ran a ground near Shady Creek Marina at El Dorado Reservoir on Sunday.”

The Game Warden post closes by saying that “the only solution to this issue is much needed rain.”

(KNZA)--An attempted traffic stop turned pursuit, in Jackson County Sunday morning, ended in Nebraska with a Texas man in custody.

That's according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse who, in a release, says a Deputy, shortly before 6:30 Sunday morning, attempted to stop a pickup truck for a traffic infraction, south of Holton. Morse says the truck continued on before eventually stopping in the parking lot of a Holton gas station. While there, he was observed “allegedly conducting bizarre behavior and failing to comply with law enforcement's directions.” The driver then allegedly sped from the parking lot, at a high rate of speed, while Deputies continued to pursue him north, on U.S. Highway 75, with the pursuit continuing into Nebraska, where Richardson County Deputies entered the pursuit. Nebraska authorities, the release says, “were able to deflate the suspect's tires and place him under arrest.”

Arrested in connection with the pursuit is 53-year-old Richard James Wooden, identified in the release as being from the State of Texas. According to a release from the Richardson County Sheriff's Office, Wooden was booked into jail on charges of felony flight to avoid arrest, willful reckless driving, resisting arrest, no operator's license, violate stop sign, and speeding.

(KAIR)--A subsidiary of Atchison-based MGP Ingredients has “reached a definitive agreement” to purchase Penelope Bourbon LLC.

According to a release from MGP, the Luxco, Inc. subsidiary will acquire 100-percent of the equity of Penelope Bourbon and its related assets. Penelope Bourbon, the release explains, was founded in 2018 and “is a family and founder-owned and operated American Whiskey company with a diverse portfolio of high-quality whiskeys in the premium-plus price tiers.”

David Colo, President and CEO of MGP, in the release, says the company is “excited to welcome Penelope as part of [MGP-] expanding premium-plus brand portfolio,” adding that the company is “enthusiastic about this acquisition and its ability to further [MGP's ] participation in the growing American Whiskey category while delivering meaningful long-term growth.”

According to the release, “the acquisition includes all intellectual property and inventory of bottled product, as well as Penelope's aging whiskey inventory on a debt-and-cash-free basis,” with the release noting that “the upfront consideration is $105.0 million in cash to be paid at closing, with further potential earn-out contingent consideration of up to a maximum cash payout of $110.8 million measured through December 31, 2025 if certain performance conditions are met, reflecting the brand- current growth potential.”

According to the Atchison-based company, “the acquisition is expected to be financed using MGP's existing revolving credit facility and cash on hand.”'

(KAIR)--An Atchison County Sheriff's Office investigation into a May 3 crash, on River Road, is continuing.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Deputies responded, that May 3 night around 8:45, to the report of an injury accident, about 4-miles north of the Benedictine Bottoms, on River Road.

The investigators on the scene learned that 27-year-old Atchison resident Julien Tercero had been southbound on River Road, behind the wheel of a Cadillac TCS, when he struck a tractor, belonging to Timothy Hegarty, while it was parked, unoccupied, in the roadway.

Atchison County EMS responded to the scene and examined Tercero who, Laurie says, refused treatment.

According to Laurie, the investigation is continuing.

(KNZA)--The first candidate has filed for a position up for election this November on the Doniphan West USD 111 Board of Education.

The Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports Tana Snyder has filed for one of three open positions in District 1. The positions are currently held by John Gladhart, Wesley Keller and Rocky Ruhnke.

Also up for election is position 7, the at large position, which is currently held by Dustin Libel.

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

A primary election will be held August 1, if needed. The general election is November 7.

(KMZA)--The Valley Heights USD 498 Board of Education has announced the selection of a new superintendent.

According to a release, Sean Spoonts will take the reins on July 1, 2023 following the departure of Superintendent Melissa Kennedy at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Spoonts brings with him 24 years of educational experience in a variety of roles, including as a teacher/coach, activities director, assistant principal, principal, and KSHSAA board of director.

Spoonts currently serves as 7-12 grade principal at Eureka, a position he has held since August 2016. He previously served eight years at Onaga as a teacher and activities director.

Spoonts has also served on the KSHSAA Board of Directors for four years and the KSHSAA Executive Board of Directors for one year.

When asked for his thoughts on the position and Valley Heights community, Spoonts had the following to say, “I am thrilled to accept the Superintendent position at Valley Heights and am excited for the opportunity to work with the students, staff, and patrons of the community. I look forward to building strong relationships with all members of the school community and contributing to the continued success of Valley Heights. Additionally, this move will bring my family closer to our loved ones on my wife's side, making it a truly special opportunity for us."

Board President Sharon Osborne says that Spoonts emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the School District. “The Board is certain in our choice of Mr. Spoonts and confident that under his leadership USD 498 will continue to be recognized as an award-winning district in both scholastic activities and athletics.

Spoontz was among two finalists interviewed by the Board.

(KLZA)--The Humboldt City Council will meet in special session Tuesday morning at 10 at City Hall.

The meeting is being called to review the resignation of Council member Vicky Lynch as Council President and resignation of Planning Commission member Kim Rist.

The council will appoint a new Council President, authorize new President as signer of city bank accounts and review replacement of a generator controller at the Wastewater Plant.

The meeting is open to the public.

(KLZA)-- Governor Jim Pillen, in accordance with a request from the White House, announced that all U.S. and Nebraska flags are to be flown at half-staff immediately to honor the victims of the deadly shooting in Allen, Texas.

Flags are to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

(KAIR)--Work begins in Atchison this week, as crews start the process of reconstructing portions of the eastbound lane of Main Street, and the southbound lane of North 17th Street.

According to the City of Atchison, the work is expected to take two to three weeks for completion, with a complete resurfacing project on Main Street, from 2nd to 17th Street and on 17th Street from Main to Country Club Road, to follow.

The City explains that for the North 17th Street Lane Reconstruction, the west lane will be reconstructed from just north of Gerber Electric, located in the former armory building, to the intersection of Parallel Street. That portion of 17th, according to the City, “will be reduced to one lane with a traffic signal,” with the 1700 block of Parallel Street to “only be accessible by way of Santa Fe Terrace.”

Regarding the Main Street Lane Reconstruction, the City explains there are two locations in the south lane starting at the intersection of 17th and Main and then east, with 17th, south of Main, to “only be accessible from the south,” either Utah or Chestnut Streets, with two way traffic to be maintained in the affected section of Main Street.

Once that two to three week phase of work ends, the asphalt resurfacing work, including striping, will follow, approximately lasting another two weeks. The City, as reminder, says the section of Main Street, between 14th and 17th Streets, will be converted to the same striping/lane pattern as the rest of Main Street, meaning one lane east, one lane west, and a center turn lane.

According to the City's release, “both project areas are expected to see heavier traffic before and after school, with commuters to the area schools told they “may experience fewer delays by accessing 17th Street from County Club Road” during the projects.

(KAIR)--An alleged threat made to an employee of an Atchison liquor store lands one man in jail. Arrested Saturday, in connection with the crime, was 48-year-old Tyon Whitely, of Atchison.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Whitely was arrested on charges of criminal threat and criminal trespass at the business, located at 119 South 9th Street. Following his arrest, Whitely was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Wilson, in the release, explains that a 25-year-old employee of the store reported that a man, now identified as Whitely, had come onto the store's property, although he had previously been banned.

According to the employee's report, Whitely allegedly threatened him with great bodily harm.

Police, Wilson said, located Whitely a short time after receiving the report, finding him in the 100 block of South 8th Street, where he was taken into custody.

(KNZA)--Several candidates have filed so far for city and school positions up for election this fall in Jackson County.

According to the Jackson County Clerk's Office, two candidates have filed so far for four open positions on the Royal Valley USD 337 Board of Education. Boone Smith has filed for re-election to position 2 and Ruth Slocum for position 3, which is currently held by Pat Tuck.

Also up for election is position 1, currently held by Adele Wahwassuck and position 7, currently held by Cindy Broxterman.

No candidates have filed yet for four open positions on the Jackson Heights USD 335 and Holton USD 336 Boards of Education.

Bruce Sweany has filed to retain his position as Dension Mayor, while Jessie Stich and Rhonda Davis have filed for two of the three open positions on the City Council.

Two candidates have filed so far for three open seats on the Netawatka City Council. They include Daryl Wilson and Douglas Amon. Also up for election is the position of mayor.

Positions are also up for election on the city councils in the cities of Circleville, Delia, Holton, Hoyt, Mayetta, Soldier and Whiting, along with the positions of mayor in Circleville, Soldier and Whiting.

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

A primary election will be held August 1, if needed.

The general election will be November 7.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of equipment to update the serve system to operate the networking of county government operations and for updated security and backup capabilities when they met Tuesday.

County IT Director Joe /buck recommended the updates.

Equipment will be purchased from OneNeck IT Solutions in an amount of $54,161 to upgrade the computer infrastructure.

Sheriff Rich Hardesty discussed grant funding that is being sought for assistance with the purchase of a second K9 for Richardson County.

Sheriff Hardesty also reviewed the availability of patrol vehicles and the increase in pricing for any future plans for replacing patrol units.

The Board also noted a letter has been received from the City of Humboldt formally notifying the County, the City has decided to terminate the agreement with the County for the rent of the Humboldt Meeting Hall, effective June 1 of this year.

( KNZA)--A Brown County traffic stop led to the arrest of a Nebraska man on methamphetamine charges.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, a Sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop shortly before 11:30 Wednesday evening in the vicinity of U.S.75 Highway near 260th road.

During the traffic stop, a passenger in the vehicle, identified as 56-year-old Tracey Lieber. of Bellevue, Nebraska was arrested for possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KAIR)--A Friday morning Jackson County shooting, believed by authorities to happened during a road rage incident south of Holton, is under investigation.

A late Friday morning release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the two drivers were being questioned at that time.

The release explains that a truck driver, behind the wheel of a semi-tractor pulling a grain hauler, and the driver of a black Denali, are believed to have first become engaged in the altercation north of Holton, on U.S. Highway 75, around 6:40 Friday morning.

The altercation, which allegedly included multiple shots fired, continued through the City of Holton, with both drivers ultimately stopped, and detained.

Assistance from the public, regarding the alleged road rage shooting, is being sought. Anyone with related information is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 785-364-2251.

(KNZA)--In the wake of the resignation of the county's economic development director last month, the Doniphan County Commission has approved agreements for economic development consulting services.

Following an executive session at their May 1st meeting, the Commission voted to enter into an agreement with Adrienne ( Korson) Neibling, of Korson Consulting Services, at a rate of $100 an hour and an agreement with Attorney Joel Euler, on an as needed basis, at a rate of $125 an hour to provide economic development consulting services.

The Commission also voted to hire a part-time assistant for the economic development office at a rate of $15 a hour.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the position will be under the direction and supervision of the Doniphan County Clerk.

(KNZA)--Charges have been filed against a Fort Worth, Texas man in connection with a fatal two-vehicle wreck last week in Jackson County that claimed the life of a Whiting woman.

44-year-old Ayinde Jriel James was charged Tuesday in Jackson County District Court with second-degree murder, driving under the influence, possession of marijuana and reckless driving.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said James was driving a car on U.S. 75 Highway the morning of April 26 that collided head-on with a vehicle driven by 74-year-old Melinda Wareham about two miles north of Holton.

Wareham was pronounced dead at the scene.

James suffered suspected minor injuries but wasn't transported for hospitalized treatment.

He was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Jackson County Jail, where he remains held on a $750,000 bond.

( KNZA)--A Lawrence man has been charged in several Nemaha County, Kansas burglaries.

According to a release from the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, the Sheriff's Office received multiple reports that between late Sunday night and shortly after 1:40 Monday morning, a suspect went onto six rural Seneca properties with the alleged intent to commit theft.

The Sheriff's Office said 47-year-old James Elston was taken into custody following a confrontation with a homeowner.

The release says a subsequent search of Elston's vehicle produced burglary tools and items that had been taken from one of the properties.

A complaint was filed Tuesday in Nemaha County District Court charging Elston with three counts of burglary and two counts of misdemeanor theft.

According to the complaint, he is charged in the burglaries of a garage in the 1000 block of 120th Road, a shop in the 900 block of 120th Road and a pickup truck.

Stolen was cash and cigarettes.

Elston remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $50,000 bond.

(KLZA)--U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture- disaster declaration announcement allowing farm operators from certain counties to apply for Farm Service Agency, emergency loan assistance.

The USDA announced 13 Nebraska counties as primary natural disaster areas due to the ongoing drought. The announcement also classified 31 counties as contiguous counties. This designation allows farm operators in the primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for the FSA emergency loan assistance. Farmers eligible have 8 months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.

Gage County is among the 13 primary counties receiving the disaster declaration.

Among the 31 contiguous counties are Johnson, Pawnee and Otoe counties.

If you are a resident of one of these counties, have endured damages, or are unsure about your eligibility for emergency loan assistance, please visit

www.farmers.gov/recover; www.ricketts.senate.gov/services or call 202-224-4224.

KLZA)--A free tire collection event for Humboldt residents will be held Saturday, May 6, from 8:00 a.m. until noon at the City Shop parking lot at 115 Longbranch Street.

The event is open to Humboldt residents and those living within a mile of the city limits. You should bring proof of residency with you to the event.

Large tractor tires will not be accepted. If you have more than 10 tires to drop off, please call City Hall at 402-862-2171.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee County Commissioners met with Sheriff Braden Lang, Chief Deputy John Samuelson and Administrative Assistant Nancy Tilton Tuesday to discuss outfitting the new patrol vehicle and the credit card limit for equipment and equipment procurement.

Board members voted to increase the Sheriff's credit card limit to $8 thousand per month for May, June and July for outfitting the new vehicle. Board Chairman Ron Seitz was absent from the meeting.

The Sheriff is able to utilize the new vehicle line item for up to $10 thousand for outfitting the new vehicle.

NIRMA attorney Pam Bourne met with the Board via telephone to discuss a conflict of interest between Wood & Aitkin having a construction client, Midwest Infrastructure, that has a conflict with Pawnee County.

Following the discussion the Board approved a conflict waiver request, which will allow Bourne to continue to represent Pawnee County for labor and employment services and another attorney in their firm in another department to continue representing Midwest Infrastructure.

Board members also conducted a short executive session to discuss litigation.

(KLZA)--The Humboldt City Council will meet Friday morning at 10 at City Hall.

The only action item on the agenda for the meeting is to accept the immediate resignation from the Council of Larry Stauffer.

The meeting is open to the public.

(KLZA)-- During a special meeting of the Auburn Board of Public Works on April 26 the Board approved a final release agreement with David Hunter Jr, as the General Manager of the Board of Public Works in Auburn.

Hunter had been on paid leave since April 4.

During the meeting Frank Critser addressed the Board expressing appreciation for Dave Hunter's service to the community and conveyed the importance of protecting the Board of Public Works.

The Board went into executive session to discuss the terms of the final release agreement with Hunter and in consideration of a claim of litigation to or by the BPW.

Following the action to approve the agreement, BPW Board Chair Chuck Knipe appointed Michael Zaruba and David Grant to begin the process of searching for a General Manager for the Auburn Board of Public Works.

(KNZA)--Representatives of Waste Management met with Doniphan County Commission Monday to discuss the termination of their agreement with the county for operation of the Doniphan County Transfer Station.

The Commission was notified last week of the company's decision to terminate the agreement, effective October 31, 2024.

Mike Hey, Area Manager of Disposal Operations for Waste Management, said the decision was a matter of economics.

Hey said they would continue offering trash hauling services to county residents. In addition, he said they would be interested in entering an agreement with Doniphan County for continued operations of the recycling program, upon termination of the transfer station agreement.

Doniphan County would also have the option of retaining possession of the scale and scale house at no cost, otherwise Waste Management would remove them at their expense.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, Commissioners took no action pending further discussion.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man remained jailed Wednesday, held in the Atchison County Jail on federal charges.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 37-year-old Devaries Smith was arrested Tuesday on a United States Marshals Service warrant for a weapon offense.

According to a search of police records, Smith, on Thanksgiving, 2022, was also arrested on a U.S. Marshals Service warrant for what was then defined as a probation violation.

A search of online records did not immediately return results pertaining to Smith's past, alleged crimes, that lead to the federal arrests.

As of Wednesday, Smith remained in the Atchison County Jail on a no-bond federal hold.

(KAIR)--Additional entertainment is added to the lineup for this year's streamlined and relocated concert to kickoff Atchison's annual Amelia Earhart Festival, in July.

According to a release, Nashville-based duo Kat and Alex will serve as the middle act for what's been dubbed Friday Night Music on the Riverfront, planned for the evening of July 21.

Kat and Alex, which the release says “embody classic country values, while bringing a Latin twist to their performance,” will perform prior to that night's headliner, country music legends Sawyer Brown, as announced in February by Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont.

The concert, previously known as “Lakefest,” was held at Atchison's Warnock Lake for more than two decades, prior to the decision to make the move to the riverfront, which Pregont says will provide an enhanced atmosphere for both the concert and adjacent activities that evening, including those which are child-friendly.

The concert's opening act is also in place, with Atchison native Garin Nolan, leading the regionally-known Garin Nolan Trio, to kick-off the music for the evening of July 21.

The concert is a ticketed event, with prices lower than in previous years. According to the release, the tickets go on sale May 10 at the advance price of $10 plus tax. On the day of the concert, the price will climb to $15 per ticket, plus tax. Gates and concessions will open at 4:00 on the afternoon of July 21, at the Riverfront, with the Army National Guard to present the colors at 7:00, accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem.

The Friday night concert will, as tradition holds, kickoff the annual Atchison festival held in honor of famed aviator Amelia Earhart, who called Atchison her childhood home.

Free festival activities will run all day Saturday, July 22, leading up to that evening's aerobatics display, followed by the annual “Concert in the Sky” fireworks display over the Atchison riverfront.

(KNZA)--Two Horton residents were arrested on drug charges after a search warrant was served on a Horton residence late Tuesday evening.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said the Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force executed the search warrant at 310 East 7th Street shortly after 11:00.

Suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, grinders, needles, syringes, pipes, torches, bongs and other items were seized as evidence during the search.

45-year-old Jeremy Green and 33-year-old Charlott Erickson were arrested on charges of possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

The Horton Police Department and Kickapoo Police Department assisted in the case.

(KAIR)--Financial crimes, involving an 80-year-old victim, send an Atchison man to jail.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 22-year-old Andrew Sinclair was arrested Monday on charges of unlawful computer acts, criminal use of a financial card, and theft.

Wilson, in the release, explains that police opened an investigation Monday after the “victim reported fraud involving her bank account.”
Investigators determined that on April 27 and April 28, “the unlawful transfer of bank funds, through the use of PayPal, had occurred to [the] victim's account.”

According to Wilson, that probe led to Sinclair being identified as the suspect in the crime, and he was located Monday afternoon, near 7th and Commercial Streets, and taken into custody.

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

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members unanimously approved a new sidewalk improvement program suggested by the Building and Planning Department when they met Monday evening.

The new program will assist property owners within the city limits for repairing hazardous sidewalks and will help with the installation of new sidewalks currently without them. This is intended to assist in providing for pedestrian safety, improving the appearance of neighborhoods and increasing property values.

The program is open to residential, commercial and industrial property owners. The property owner may participate by receiving partial cost reimbursement or a loan.

The maximum reimbursement amount is $1,500. Property owners may also receive a loan at a rate of $5:00 per square foot with no loan exceeding $5,000.

The program will initially be allocated a total of $50 thousand from the American Rescue Plan Act Funds. Participation in the program will be based upon the order in which requests are made.

For more information, contact the City of Falls City at 402-245-2851.

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn is celebrating 60 years of providing healthcare services to Nemaha County and the surrounding area.

The hospital opened on May 1, 1963.

In May of 1960 Nemaha County voters approved $240 thousand in bonds for the construction of a new hospital and equipment. Voters also approved a $4.75 million bond issue in 2000 for a major remodeling project completed in 2003.

Originally a 10-bed facility, including an operating room,and modern x-ray and chemical laboratory, over the 60 year history of the hospital and changes in the healthcare field, the number of patients beds has been as high as 44 and currently, the hospital offers 16 patient beds.

In addition to the six doctors on staff and four physician assistants, the Nemaha County Hospital offers specialty clinics with visiting physicians as well as a cardiac rehabilitation program.

(KAIR)--A former St. Joseph Police officer and his wife, a former Buchanan County deputy, pleaded guilty in federal court April 27 to a wire fraud scheme.

According to a release from the United States Attorney's Office of the Western District of Missouri, Michael and Sarah Hardin pleaded guilty in separate appearances to multiple counts of wire fraud. Between 2015 and 2019, the two used debit cards from the Fraternal Order of Police Northwest Missouri Lodge 3. He's listed as being 47-years-old while she's listed as being 43.

KQ2-TV reports Northwest Missouri FOP President Brad Kerns said he realized the audit books were wrong shortly after he took over as president in January 2020, adding that the FOP has worked to make sure a fraud scheme like this doesn't happen again.

The added safeguards include, improved accounting software, a board dedicated to yearly audits, as well as the addition of an assistant treasurer and assistant secretary to ensure checks and balances.

The Hardins' wire fraud scheme totaled nearly $100,000.

Sarah Hardin, a former deputy with the Buchanan County Sheriff's Department, was treasurer of Northwest Missouri FOP Lodge 3 for approximately 10 years. She specifically admitted to making hundreds of personal purchases using the lodge's debit card while serving as treasurer.

Michael Hardin, a former officer with the St. Joseph Police Department, was the president of the Northwest Missouri FOP Lodge 3 for approximately 10 years. He specifically admitted to using the debit card for payments to Hampton Inn and Life Lock Advantage.

The Northwest Missouri FOP is a charitable nonprofit organization. The Hardins used money the FOP would normally utilize to help the community. Kerns said the organization uses funds for events like Holiday with a Hero. It also uses funds to hold memorials for fallen officers and gives donations to the community, such as donations to take care of families of fallen officers.

Michael and Sarah Hardin are each subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the three counts of wire fraud.

(KMZA)--The arraignment for a Marysville man accused of killing his wife on Thanksgiving Day 2022 has been postponed again.

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 August 1.

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.

(KAIR)--Work is underway this week to replace a portion of Atchison's Ravenhill Drive; and despite only slight delays expected, extra time should be allowed if traveling in that area.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, the work involves the replacement of an about 500-foot section of the roadway, located between the east entrance to Walmart and the entrance to Amberwell Hospital.

The release notes that “as the project progresses over the next several weeks, [traffic] will be reduced to one lane and controlled by temporary traffic signals,” with no delays of more than two minutes anticipated. However, the City says “there may be limited times when contractor activities create some additional delay.”

The release closes by asking all motorists to “be aware of emergency vehicles entering and exiting the hospital and allow them to pass through safely and with minimal delay.”

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department participated in the Drug Impaired Driving Mobilization April 19 - 23.

During the special enforcement, sheriff's deputies conducted 192 traffic stops and issued 68 citations. In addition, the department answered 40 calls for service and responded to one motor vehicle accident.

Nine arrests were made during the period which included 2 felony drug charges, one warrant arrest, one forgery arrest and six arrests for driving under suspension or revocation.

(KAIR)--The theft of a trailer, later found on its side, off an Atchison County roadway, is under the investigation of Atchison Police.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 1986 Starlite enclosed trailer was stolen from the 1200 block of South 4th Street, sometime between Sunday evening at 5:30 and 6:30 Monday morning.

On Monday morning, around 7:00, Wilson says the trailer, and its contents, were recovered near 6th and Sherman Road.

According to Wilson, the trailer, when discovered, was off the roadway and on its side, “appearing that the trailer had come loose from the vehicle pulling it” as that vehicle “was traveling eastbound on Sherman Road,” east of 6th Street.

Anyone with information regarding the trailer theft should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KLZA)-- Frontier Bank has announced the appointment of Trent Scheitel, Market President for Frontier Bank in Falls City, has been appointed to the Frontier Bank Board of Directors.

The Falls City native is active in the community serving on various boards in Falls City.

Prior to being named Market President of the Falls City location, Scheitel served as Vice President at Frontier for five years. He and his wife Sam have lived in Falls City for six years.

Frontier Bank has seven locations throughout Nebraska and and is one of the fastest growing banks in the state, becoming one of the largest community banks in Nebraska.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City High School student was transported to Community Medical Center Monday morning for medical treatment after being hit by a car in the school parking lot around 8:00 a.m.

In a news release from District 56, Superintendent Tim Heckenlively asks students, staff,and parents to be vigilant around schools and pedestrian-heavy areas and take extra caution when walking or driving to school.

No other details have been released at this time.

(KNZA)—The arraignment for an Auburn, Kansas man, charged in connection with a 2021 Jackson County wreck that claimed the life of a Topeka woman during a law enforcement pursuit has been pushed back.

According to court documents, the arraignment for 44-year-old Robert Love, Jr., was continued Friday to June 23 at the request of Love's attorney.

Love is charged in Jackson County District Court with five felony counts --including first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated battery while driving under the influence, aggravated battery and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer.

In addition, he is charged with five misdemeanor counts and four traffic infractions.

The charges were filed last November following an investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol into a two-vehicle wreck on May 27, 2021 at the intersection of 286th Road and U.S. 75 Highway about 7 miles north of Holton.

The Patrol reports Love was westbound on 286th Road, fleeing from a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy, when he failed stop at the intersection and his car collided with a southbound SUV on U.S. 75.

A passenger in the SUV, Shai Boyd, was pronounced dead at the scene. Four others, including Love, were injured in the wreck.

Love remains in the Jackson County Jail, held on a $750,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A Highland man, convicted of abusing his two-month-old daughter, has been ordered to serve 36-months in jail.

According to court documents, 20-year-old Seth Ramsey was sentenced last week in Doniphan County District Court on a felony count of abuse of a child and three amended misdemeanor counts of endangering a child.

He was given a suspended 41-month prison term on the felony count and sentenced to 12 months in jail on each of the misdemeanor counts, which are to be served consecutively.

Upon completion of his jail sentence, Ramsey will be placed on 36-months supervised probation.

He pleaded no contest to the charges in March.

Ramsey was arrested in January 2022 following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Highland Police Department and Doniphan County Sheriff's Office.

The infant was treated at a Kansas City hospital for injuries and released.

(KAIR)--Minor injuries for both drivers involved in a two vehicle, Saturday morning Atchison County crash.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 47-year-old Jason Lindsey, of Atchison, was westbound on U.S. Highway 73, around 10:40 Saturday morning, when his Ford Fiesta was struck, near Osage Road, by a Toyota Camry attempting to turn south onto Osage Road.

Lindsey was transported from the scene by Atchison County EMS, and taken to Amberwell Atchison for the treatment of his minor injuries.

The driver of the Camry, 25-year-old Nadia Rowe, of Spring Hill, Kansas, was not transported for treatment, but did suffer minor injuries.

Laurie, in the release, noted that “Rowe was issued a citation for failing to yield the right of way.”

(KLZA)-- One person died and three others suffered various injuries in a two vehicle wreck shortly before 3:00 A.M. Sunday morning on Interstate 29 about a mile south of Mound City.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a Nissan Altima with four males from Omaha, in the car, was stopped in the northbound driving lane of Interstate 29 when the front end of a semi driven by 47-year-old Damion Zachary of Kansas City, MO. Struck the rear drivers side of the car.

A passenger in the car, 20-year-old Deng Arop of Omaha was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck. Another passenger, 19-year-old Shangag S. Shangag suffered serious injuries. A third passenger, 21-year-old Ramkel Gatdiet suffered minor injuries and the driver, 21-year-old Thomas Sule suffered moderate injuries. All of the injured parties were transferred to Mosaic Hospital in St. Joseph by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance Squad. None of the occupants of the car were wearing safety device at the time of the wreck.

The driver of the truck, 47-year-old Damion Zachary from Kansas City, Missouri was not injured.

The Missouri Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Holt County Sheriff's Department.

(KLZA)-- During a special meeting of the Humboldt City Council on April 5, the purchase of a new ambulance for the Humboldt Rescue Squad was approved.

The Rescue Squad received three quotes for a new ambulance and recommended the purchase of a 2023 / Ford E450 Type 3 Arrow Ambulance remounted and fully reconditioned, to include a power load system and power cot installed with a total cost of $241,445.

Richardson County Commissioners has previously approved the use of $135 thousand in American Rescue Plan Act funds from monies granted to Richardson County.

The Humboldt Rescue Squad will utilize other grant funding and squad funds to cover the rest of the cost.

(KLZA)-- The 4 County Collaborative of southeast Nebraska is conducting an awareness campaign concerning underage drinking and opioid awareness. Members of the Collaborative would like to reach the public with some important messages this spring. This includes several messages that are important about under age drinking. First, parents need to realize that their kids may be discussing drinking with someone else. It- important for parents to engage their children in a discussion on this topic. Resources on how to start a conversation can be found at TalkHeart2Heart.org. The Collaborative wants area youth to understand the potential consequences of underage drinking. These include blackouts leading to unwanted sexual activity, legal issues such as charges for minor in possession of alcohol, unstable relationships or fighting with friends, and difficulty getting to school or work on time as well as difficulty keeping your grades up. It is also important for adults to understand that if they provide alcohol to a minor, they face some potential consequences as well. Providing alcohol to a minor can result in jail time, a fine or both. If youth who are provided alcohol end up causing property damage, bodily harm or death, then the adult who provided the beverage(s) can face additional charges as well. Free Responsible Beverage Server training is available to owners and employees of businesses that sell alcohol to help prevent underage drinking and over-serving alcohol to adults. Free Responsible Beverage Server trainings are scheduled for Monday, May 22nd at the Auburn American Legion Post #23. For businesses who sell alcohol for off-site consumption will have a course that begins at 10 am that day. For those who sell for on-site consumption the course will begin at 1 pm. Pre-registration is required and can be done via email to FourCountyCollaborative@gmail.com or by calling 402-414-2460. Other types of responsible beverage server training are available upon request as well. Opioid awareness is another issue the Collaborative wants to increase. Young people may misuse prescription opioids for many reasons, including curiosity, peer pressure, and wanting to fit in. They may also be easier to get than other drugs. After marijuana and alcohol, prescription drugs are the most commonly misused substances among Americans ages 14 and older. Teens and young adults are the biggest misusers of prescription pain medication. Recently, we have also seen opioids being purchased illegally in the U.S. that can be laced with fentanyl, which can be instantly deadly. So it- important to be clear and consistent with your kids about your expectations regarding opioids and other drug use. Parents are urged to visit TalkHeart2Heart.org for tips on how to discuss opioids with their children. People are also urged to dispose of their unused medications at med safes located throughout southeast Nebraska.” For more information visit TalkHeart2Heart.org. Anyone living or working in Nemaha, Johnson, Pawnee or Richardson counties is welcome to join the 4 County Collaborative by contacting Laura Osborne at 402-414-2460 or at FourCountyCollaborative@gmail.com.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department is seeking sponsors for the K9 unit.

The Sheriff's Office is in the process of purchasing a second fully trained K9. This K9 will be prominent in the schools in Richardson County and will aid in removing drug problems in the County. The dog will also be trained in tracking and could assist in searches for lost children or an elderly person.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Department has emphasized stopping the drug problem in Richardson County over the past three-and-a-half years, aided greatly by the use of the current K9 Valor who has been on duty since 2021.

Any donations, large or small, personal or business will be a huge help in the community. As of last week approximately $1,100 has been raised toward the cost of purchasing the K9, attending training for the Deputy who will serve as the handler and the costs associated with having a K9 such as shelter and food. Cost estimates for funding the K9 program are in the range of $9,500 - $12 thousand.

Anyone wishing to donate toward the K9 program can send a check to the Law Enforcement Center or drop it off at the office.

Checks should be made out to the Richardson County Treasurer, with K9 Fund in the memo.

(KNZA)--It is time for Spring Cleaning! The City of Horton is offering residents an opportunity to get rid of their clutter. There will be a roll off or dumpsters in the vacant lot at the corner of 1st Avenue East and 7th Street (south of City Hall) beginning Friday, May 5th - Monday, May 15th.

Acceptable items include furniture, carpet, empty paint cans, plastic, mattresses, wood, cabinets, tables, windows, demolished buildings, tubs, toilets, sinks, and shingles. There will not be anyone on site to assist with moving items, so please plan accordingly.

Antifreeze, herbicides, pesticides, household cleaners, paint & paint products; spray paint, alkaline and Ni-Cad batteries, mercury, used oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, gasoline, leaves, grass clippings and household trash are examples of items that will NOT be accepted. Additionally, NO tires will be accepted.

This annual Spring Cleanup is sponsored by the City of Horton for its residents. If you have any questions, call City Hall at 486-2681.

(KNZA)--There have been several filings so far in Doniphan County for city and school board positions up for election in November. T

he Doniphan County Clerk's Office reports Jessica Herbster has filed for re-election to the at-large position on the Riverside USD 114 Board. Also up for election on the USD 114 board are three positions in District 1.

Jason Winder has filed for re-election to one of the four at-large positions up for election on the Troy USD 429 Board.

Sarah Boeh-Cerra has filed for re-election as Troy Mayor, while Stan Ruhnke has filed for re-election to one of two open positions on the Troy City Council.

Melissa Wilson has filed for one of five open positions on the Denton City Council.

Danny Collins and Marty Allen have filed for re-election to two open positions on the Highland City Council.

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

A primary election will be held Tuesday, August 1, if needed.

The General Election will be Tuesday, November 7