(KNZA)--July 17 through 21 is proclaimed “Rural Road Safety Awareness Week,” in Kansas, with Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse in attendance as Governor Laura Kelly signed the proclamation.

Morse, in a release, says he was invited to attend Wednesday- ceremony at the State Capitol, in Topeka, due to “Jackson County being a primarily rural county,” which, in 2022, saw “a significant reduction in fatal crashes.”

Morse, in the release, says it- critical that all drivers do their part in making roads and highways safer, adding that “drivers need to avoid distractions when driving and follow the rules to prevent being the next statistic.”

(KAIR)--The President of Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy is stepping down, giving his notice of intent as her prepares to fill that same position at a Kansas City-area Catholic high school.

According to a news release, Phil Baniewicz has informed MH-MA leadership of his decision to assume the role of president at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas, a school that like MH-MA, has a long history as a Catholic secondary educational institution within the Kansas City area.

Maur Hill-Mount Academy Board Chair Dave Domann, in the release, says it's expected that Baniewicz will remain in his current position until his successor is hired, adding that the school leaders "anticipate a smooth transition, with no disruptions in the school's normal day-to-day operations."

Domain says Baniewicz, who was named MH-MA president in 2010, "has made important advancements in academic and athletic achievements and has undergone substantial capital projects to modernize the campus buildings, athletic facilities and programs" during his tenure, adding that Baniewicz "will be leaving MH-MA well-positioned to build on his legacy."

Maur Hill-Mount Academy will, the release says, conduct "a nationwide search to find his replacement, with Domann saying the school "will strive to identify a qualified leader who will continue the direction and carry on the traditions that have made MH-MA one of the leading Catholic schools in the nation."

Once the right fit is found, Domann says "there will be a transition phase during which time he or she will have the opportunity to work with [Baniewicz] while taking on the responsibilities" of what Domann calls "an important leadership position," with the new hire to become "thoroughly familiar with the school's faculty, staff, students and many supporters, as well as overall operations."

The Most Reverend Joseph Naumann, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, calls Baniewicz "an exceptional leader for Maur Hill-Mount Academy," adding, in the release, that he is delighted that Baniewicz will continue to use his leadership skills "to serve Catholic schools as he begins his new responsibilities."

Baniewicz, in the release, says he is "grateful for the opportunity to lead for nearly 14 years," noting that he "will always be a Raven," the mascot of the Atchison college-preparatory boarding high school, adding that it's "now time for a new person to step in and take the school to new heights."

(KAIR)--An investigation that began early this year, following a case of theft at an Atchison convenience store, has led to the arrest of an Atchison man on numerous drug-related charges.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, said 29-year-old Kenneth Gulley III was arrested Wednesday evening, in the 500 block of Park Street, on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with possession of fentanyl, possession of alprazolam, possession of drug paraphernalia, and theft. He was additionally wanted on a Community Corrections detain order, and a District Court warrant for failure to appear.

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

His bond is set at $10,000.

Wilson, in the release, explains that the charges stem from what began as a theft investigation at Casey's General Store, located in the 1600 block of Main Street, February 2, of this year. That probe led to what Wilson calls “controlled substances found to be in the possession of...Gulley.”

(KAIR)--A Horton man is arrested, following what Brown County Sheriff John Merchant calls “an extensive investigation” focused on “criminal activity on and/or near the Kickapoo Reservation.”

Arrested Tuesday by Topeka Police was 46-year-old Joseph Ross. He was taken into custody on a Brown County warrant, issued in connection with the investigation, charging him with felony aggravated assault, felony criminal threat, and battery.

According to a release from Merchant, Ross was taken into custody without incident.

Court documents show that Ross is charged in connection with incidents occurring June 26, and involving the same individual who, it's alleged, that Ross struck with a walking stick.

Charges were filed Tuesday by Special Assistant Brown County Attorney Jason Belveal.

Ross made his first appearance in a Brown County Courtroom Wednesday, with a preliminary hearing in the case now set for July 12.

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

(MSC News)--Enjoy the Fourth of July legally and safely.

That's the message delivered in a joint news release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and Safe Kids Kansas.

Along with spreading the message of safe, legal, handling of fireworks in the state, the release notes that some fireworks, including M-80s and bottle rockets, are considered, by state officials, to be explosives, making it a felony to possess, manufacture, or use such fireworks in Kansas. Sale of such devices, deemed to be “extremely dangerous,” is also illegal.

The release notes that, along with local ordinances, other laws apply statewide, making it illegal to shoot fireworks on or under any vehicle, on any public roadway, within 50-feet of a fireworks stand, a fireworks storage area, a gas station, or any place where liquid gas is stored.

There is good news included in the release, with KDHE reporting a 43% decrease in the number of fireworks related injuries between 2021 and 2022, with each age group, except those of the youngest ages, between 0-3, seeing a decline in such injuries.

2022 statistics show that the majority of injuries are attributed to mortars, sparklers, firecrackers, and the illegal M-80s.

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Thursday, joined federal, state, and local leaders to break ground on a new 72-bed mental health inpatient hospital in Olathe, Kansas, jointly operated by KVC Health Systems and Children's Mercy Hospital.

According to a release from Kelly's office, the mental wellness campus will have the capacity to care for more than 3,400 patients annually and will create approximately 150 new jobs.

The $53 million project is supported by a $12.725 million grant from the State of Kansas Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas, or SPARK, Executive Committee, which distributed federal American Rescue Plan Act Funding.

Kelly, in the release, states that “the need to strengthen mental health services is a nonpartisan issue that affects all Kansans, rural and urban alike—and addressing the need pays dividends for everyone,” adding that “a lack of psychiatric beds has been one of the largest barriers to providing mental health care in [the] state,” noting that “when completed, this state-of-the-art hospital will take significant pressure off [the Kansas] health care systems.”

The joint venture between KVC and Children's Mercy Hospital will create an additional 48 pediatric beds and 24 adult beds. It will also create six private courtyards, walking paths, and dining and activity spaces.

According to the release, “the design and healing environment prioritize staff and patient safety, supportive care and treatment spaces, patient wellness, and connection with nature.”

(KAIR)--Last Saturday is considered a success, with activities ranging from a petting zoo to a coed-sand volleyball tournament, raising more than $1,000 for the Atchison Humane Society.

According to a social media post, the organization earned $1,300 from the day's fundraising activities, which also included a wide variety of silent auction items that helped secure the funds. The money is earmarked to be used toward the homeless pets residing at the Atchison shelter.

The organization credits Trina Earl, Director of the Doniphan County Pet Rescue, an ongoing partner of the Atchison rescue, for providing the petting zoo, while the attendance of the Atchison County Sheriff- Office K9 team is also commended.

The fundraiser was held at Atchison's Jackson Park, with the volleyball tournament held well into the evening.

(KMZA)--Strong storms rolled through the region Thursday morning, with Nemaha County among those areas hit hard by the weather.

According to Nemaha County Emergency Preparedness Director Eddie Aldrine, the storm did a considerable amount of damage, mostly caused by falling trees and flooding.

He asks that any Nemaha County residents who experienced damage to contact him with their personal damage reports of property affected by Thursday's storms. That information can be provided by calling 785-336-2135. Emails may also be sent to eddie.aldrine@nmcoks.us. That address is posted with this story at mscnews.net.

The property damage information is necessary in order for Aldrine to issue a county-wide Disaster Declaration.

(KNZA)---A Wednesday afternoon two-vehicle Jackson County collision sent a Denison man to the hospital.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, 58-year-old James Frommer was eastbound on K-16 when his car struck the rear of a SUV that had slowed or stopped for traffic at the junction with 198th Road.

Frommer was transported to the Holton Community Hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The driver of the SUV, 60-year-old Mary Miller, of Valley Falls, was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the wreck occurred shortly after 4:30 Wednesday afternoon.

(KAIR)--Two Rushville, Missouri residents were among three injured in an early Saturday morning, single vehicle Buchanan County, Missouri crash.

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, all three occupants of the Chevrolet Silverado were transported to Mosaic Life Care, in Saint Joseph, Missouri, by Buchanan County EMS, for treatment.

Behind the wheel of the truck, at the time of the crash, was 22-year-old Rushville resident Zachary Novotny who, along with his two passengers, a 16-year-old Rushville girl and 18-year-old Madelyn McKnight, of Agency, Missouri, suffered what the Patrol identified as serious injuries.

No one was buckled up at the time of the wreck, which happened as Novotny drove the truck westbound on southwest Sampson Road, east of Route JJ, in DeKalb, around 1:40 Saturday morning. The truck, for reasons not specified, went off the south side of the road and down an embankment, with the front bumper crashing into the embankment, and the truck stopping, upright, in a creek.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission heard several requests when they meet Monday evening.

Sarah Kleopfer and Kate Miller with the Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau meet with the commission. Kleopfer outlined a street closure request for the Maple Leaf Festival on September 23, which will include an expansion the car show down to the alley between 7th and 8th Streets on Oregon. The Commission approved the request, with the Chamber to coordinate with the Police Department.

Miller gave an update on the Hometown Pride Maple Leaf project. She said they currently have one of the fiberglass leaf statues at the Chamber Office and would like to place up to 50 around town, including on city property. Mayor Becky Shamburg said she thinks its a fantastic idea, but requested that the Chamber come back with written guidelines for approval of placement of the statues.

The Chamber also presented a $2,500 check to the city to go toward the fireworks display.

Terry Ferris, who purchased a house located at 110 Cheyenne, appeared before the commission next to request forgiveness of about $1,300 in mowing fees from before he bought the property. Ferris said he was under the understanding from the county that he would be able to makes payments over time on the back taxes and fees, but has now been told they must be paid in full by July 15, and is hoping to reduce the amount if possible. Mayor Shamburg told Ferris to contact the County Attorney's Office first and come back at the next meeting.

Rick Prochaska, who lives at 215 Kickapoo Street, then appeared before the commission to request that something be done about a rain water drainage issue at the corner of 3rd and Kickapoo Streets. Prochaska said during heavy rains the area becomes a river, causing damage to his property. Mayor Shamburg said Public Works Director Brad Scott has already identified the issue as a top project and would reach out to him.

(KNZA)-- A new principal will take over at Atchison County Community Junior/Senior High School in Effingham, effective July 17.

The USD 377 Board of Education voted at their May 10 meeting to hire Brian Malm for the position at a salary of $85,000 a year.

Malm, a native of Atchison, comes to the district with more than 20 years of educational experience.

Since August 2007, Malm has taught and coached at Lansing High School.

He will replace Ron Shelton who is retiring after serving as principal the past two school years. The USD 377 board accepted his resignation at their April meeting.

(MSC News)--The July 4th holiday is approaching, with Kansas transportation officials saying that while the date is a time to celebrate, it's “never a time to drink and drive.”

According to a release issued by the Kansas Department of Transportation, law enforcement officials, throughout the Independence Day holiday and weekend, “will focus on improving roadway safety for those traveling across the state as part of the Kansas Department of Transportation's annual safety campaign.”

KDOT, the Kansas Turnpike Authority and the Kansas Highway Patrol also encourage motorists to concentrate on safe driving habits and plan ahead before the festivities begin, with the release, citing KDOT statistics, saying that Kansas “recorded a total of 2,158 alcohol-related crashes in 2021, with 86 people losing their lives in those crashes. These crashes can happen any time of day, but more than three-fourths of the ones involving alcohol in 2021 occurred at night.” Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit of .08% in Kansas are considered alcohol-impaired by law. However, a small amount of alcohol is considered buzzed driving because it can affect a person- ability to drive.

Across the United States in 2021, there were 2,226 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where the driver had a BAC between .01% to .07%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County resident will spend 3-years-8-months in prison, after receiving concurrent sentences for attempted sexual battery.

Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez, in a release, says that 44-year-old Warren Jones, of Linwood, was sentenced to 31 months in prison for attempted aggravated sexual battery of an elderly Eudora woman with dementia. District Court Judge Amy Hanley also sentenced Jones to 13 months in prison for a second attempted aggravated sexual battery count in the same case. Jones will serve both sentences concurrently in the Kansas Department of Corrections. He is subject to 12 months post-release and must register as a sex offender for 25-years.

Jones pleaded no contest to the two counts in May. Charges stem from an incident on the morning of December 27, 2021. The elderly woman allowed Jones to enter her home, and Jones attempted to engage in sexual contact with the woman before leaving. Authorities used security camera footage to identify Jones. Jones, the victim, and the victim- family utilized the District Attorney- Office- Independent Assessment Conference (IAC). The IAC is a voluntary program overseen by a retired judge. The typical court process is condensed using the assistance of an experienced mediator trained in trauma-informed practice. A fundamental aspect of the IAC is the empowerment of victims through their engagement in the process.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County traffic stop led to the arrest of an Atchison woman on drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy stopped a car for a traffic infraction near 102nd Road and U.S. 75 Highway shortly before 9:30 Tuesday morning.

During the course of the traffic stop, Morse said the deputy discovered substances and items believed to be fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

The driver, identified as 28-year-old Kasandra Alexander, was arrested.

Alexander was booked into the Jackson County Jail for distribution of opiates, opium narcotics or stimulants, possession of opium, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence.

(KLZA)--Between 7:30 am and 2:00 pm on Friday, June 30th, there will be a scheduled power outage for line maintenance for Falls City. As a result, electrical services, mainly west of the railroad tracks will experience disruptions.

A picture of the effected areas will be posted with this story on our website or you can also view it on the Falls City Utilities Facebook page.

Electrical services outside of the area will not be impacted. As this will impact the Sheriffs office, coordination with emergency services has been performed.

If you have an electrical service in the impacted area, be aware of the outage timing and make arrangements accordingly. Schedule any important activities or tasks that require electricity for a different time.

This could effect KTNC AM 1230 if our tower loses power you can still listen on KTNC FM 107.1.

(KMZA)--New Seneca City Administrator Steve Brooks is on the job.

Brooks began work last week. He comes to Seneca from the city of Girard where he served as director of public works and city administrator apprentice.

Brooks was hired in May to replace Tammi Haverkamp who resigned effective April 21.

He attended his first Seneca City Council meeting June 21.

Brooks announced at the meeting that he was notified by the contractor of the Main Street Project that four storm sewer drain inlets had cracks in the aprons and lids. AHRS Construction looked over the situation and reported only 2 needed replaced at an additional project cost of $2,200.

Brooks also announced that the 2024 city budget is currently being worked on and will be presented at the Council's July 5th meeting. Brooks said the county needs to be notified by July 20 if the city will exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.

Renewal rates for employee health and dental insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the city- contributions were reviewed. The rates will increase by 4.3% at the beginning of the plan year, which is August 1st. The Council voted to approve renewal of the plan and employer contribution rates.

(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 again.

According to court documents, a Jackson County District Court judge granted a motion last week filed by the attorney for for 44-year-old Robert Love, Jr. for a continuance. His arraignment hearing was rescheduled for July 28.

Love is charged 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.

(KAIR)--An early Monday morning crash between a semi and an SUV, in Atchison, sent one to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the semi-tractor trailer, driven by 58-year-old Valley Falls resident John Hefty, and the SUV, driven by 51-year-old Randall Adams, of Atchison, were both eastbound on U.S. Highway 59 when the collision occurred in the 800 block of the highway.

Following the crash, Adams was transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for examination of his injuries.

The wreck was reported shortly after 5:30 Monday morning.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph man has died from injuries received in a motorcycle crash late Saturday night in Buchanan County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 38-year-old Jerry White was southbound on Highway A at Route O, three miles from St. Joseph, when his Harley Davidson motorcycle began to skid and overturned shortly before 11:00. White was ejected.

He was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph where he died Sunday afternoon.

The Patrol says he was not wearing a helmet when the crash occurred.

(KAIR)--A case of what's commonly known as “swatting,” or a fake call placed to 911 claiming that a crime is being committed in order to send law enforcement to the home of a rival, or as a prank, is under investigation in Jackson County.

According to a release from County Sheriff Tim Morse, his office, shortly before 5:30 Saturday evening, “received a call reporting one person was shot inside a residence and two more people were being held captive in the 100 block of Ohio Street in the City of Holton.”

His Deputies, Holton Police, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Special Response Team, all arrived at that address, shutting down down surrounding streets, and made contact with the occupants of the residence.

According to Morse, it was quickly determined that everyone inside was safe, leading authorities to realize the call was likely a case of swatting, with authorities “actively investigating the source of the call.”

Morse adds that “law enforcement agencies in Kansas and surrounding states have recently been receiving swatting calls.”

Such calls can turn deadly, with a 2017 case of swatting in Wichita, stemming from a dispute over a video game, leaving one dead.

(KAIR)--A public meeting, focused on what's called a spin-off study affecting Doniphan County, Kansas and Holt County, Missouri, will be held Monday evening.

A release from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers explains that the spin-off study is part of the larger Lower Missouri River Basin Flood Risk and Resiliency Study, also known as the system plan, which was ordered after the region experienced three devastating floods in 1993, 2011 and 2019.

The meeting, being held at the Toad Hollar Bar and Grill, located at 1710 Nebraska Street, in Mound City, Missouri, will begin with a presentation at 5:00 that will be repeated that evening at 6:15, with the presentation to introduce the project boundaries and purposes. An open house with informational stations will be open between and after the presentations.

The doors will open at 4:45 Monday afternoon, with the meeting to conclude that evening at 7:30.

According to the release, the 2019 flood caused billions of dollars in damages to agriculture and infrastructure in communities in the region. Repair costs to levee infrastructure in the Lower Missouri River Basin in 2019 added up to approximately $1.2 billion. During the 2019 flood, the states of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska formed a four-state coalition called the Flood Recovery Advisory Working Group. The goal was to develop actions in the aftermath of the 2019 flood to reduce system risk and recurring damages, improve system resiliency for the future and improve interagency collaboration.

The overall system plan study largely is a means to developing those beneficial actions, with the spin-off studies seeking to find more specific improvements in a specific shorter reach of the Lower Missouri River Basin.

(KAIR)--Chief Judge Joan Lowdon, of the 1st Judicial District, composed of Atchison and Leavenworth counties, is among a group of three appointed, by the Kansas Supreme Court, to serve on subcommittees of the eCourt Steering Committee.

According to a release from the Kansas Courts, the committee oversees implementation of a statewide centralized case management system, which the release calls “a key component in the Supreme Court's eCourt plan.”

Lowdon will serve on both the eCourt Requirements and the eCourt Workshare subcommittees, while Cindy MacDonald, clerk of the Dickinson County District Court, will serve on the eCourt Requirements subcommittee. Lisa Paxton, director of the central payment center in the Office of Judicial Administration, is named to serve on both the eCourt Rules and Ecourt Workshare subcommittees.

According to the release, implementation of the eCourt system, in courts statewide, “will allow district and appellate case data to reside on a single web-based platform, transforming the way the state court system serves the people of Kansas.”

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman is accused of stealing multiple debit/gift cards from a Wathena convenience store earlier this month.

45-year-old Tonya Longbrake has been charged in Doniphan County District Court with felony theft.

Wathena Police arrested Longbrake at the Casey's General Store after she was allegedly caught stealing multiple PayPal, Green Dot, Netspend and AppleiTunes debt cards.

Longbreak remains free on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court July 25.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County's emergency preparedness director has an additional job title.

The Nemaha County Commission at their June 12 meeting approved the appointment Emergency Preparedness Director Eddie Aldrine to the newly created position of county Safety and Security Operations Director, effective June 21.

Aldrine will be paid $25,000 in the additional role. Commissioners say the salary is to be entirely supplemented by a grant. The salary paid each year will be determined by the amount of the grant.

Aldrine said in his new position he will oversee the installation of various security measures to the Nemaha County Community Building and other county buildings later on. The security measures will be tech devices like cameras and key card entry. He will also work on the County Courthouse security later.

In addition, Aldrine will be writing the "safety plans and procedures" that the state of Kansas requires for procedures for emergency events like floods or tornadoes or loss of power events for the safety of county employees and visitors to the county buildings.

In other business, the commission accepted the resignation of Joseph Dalinghaus as Marion Township Clerk. On the recommendation of the remaining members of the Marion Township Board, the commission approved the appointment of Tyler Dalinghaus to the position.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Commissioners voted to increase salaries requested by Sheriff Rick Hardesty when they met June 14.

The Administrative Assistant will receive $23 and hour, Office Position $22 an hour, Jail Administrator $25 an hour, Jail Supervisor $22 an hour, Jailers $17 to $20 and Maintenance $22 an hour. The board also approved the the re-hiring of former employee, Annie Frederick as a jailer as requested by Hardesty.

John Day, Executive Director of Blue Valley Health, presented to the board an annual report of the organization and a request for Fiscal Year 2023-24 in the amount of $8,000 to continue with the services provided for substance abuse to adults and children in Richardson Count. The board approved continued funding.

The board approved three purchases at the request of EMA Director Brian Kirkendall. The first was batteries for emergency outdoor sirens, the second for a maintenance contract for emergency outdoor sirens and the third request was for an application program to operate emergency outdoor sirens and equipment.

(KAIR)--Theatre Atchison, Atchison's community theater, earns national recognition, following a trip to Kentucky, the site of the 2023 American Association of Community Theatres Festival, held earlier this month.

According to Theatre Atchison Executive Director Travis Grossman, 96 community theaters overall were initially vying for the opportunity to travel to the festival, with Theatre Atchison, in April, earning a first-place trophy in the seven-state Region V Theatre Festival for the “two-time, award-winning production of The Wall,” by Richard Lauchman.

The Theatre's performance of the production in Kentucky led them to be, Grossman says in a social media post, “one of four companies nominated for overall best performance,” while Atchison's Chuck Pulliam took the award for best hair and makeup design.

Grossman, in his post, says “Theatre Atchison is proud to have been recognized at the national level among the top four theaters for this year's festival!”

(KNZA)--Charges have been filed against two Elwood residents arrested last week after a search warrant was served at an Elwood motel.

Criminal complaints were filed Thursday in Doniphan County District Court charging 37-year-old Ronald Grippando, Jr. and 33-year-old Kayla Jenkins with five counts each.

According to court documents, both are charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of fentanyl, possession of opiates, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Grippando and Jenkins were arrested June 16 after officers from multiple law enforcement agencies conducted a search warrant at the Capri Motel, in Elwood.

According to a release from the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office, the warrant was secured following information gained by the Buchanan County, Missouri Drug Strike Force.

During the execution of the warrant, the release says suspected narcotics, paraphernalia and other items were seized.

Grippando and Jenkins are scheduled to make their first appearance in a Doniphan County courtroom June 27.

Both remain in the Doniphan County Jail, held on $75,000 bond each.

(KNZA)--The theft of a pickup truck last weekend from Brown County's Fairview area could be connected to an alleged case of mail theft involving a stolen vehicle in Jackson County.
MSC News sat down with Brown County Sheriff John Merchant to discuss the suspected connection, as well as how residents can stay safe from burglars and thieves.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Planning Commission held their first meeting last week since being formed.

The seven Planning Commission members met with consultant Dick Horton during the Brown County Commission meeting June 12. Planning Commission members present included Bill Vonderschmidt, Wyatt Kerl, Griff Howard, Rex Lockwood, Bill Sechler, Cliff Heiniger and Lafe Bailey.

Horton discussed the procedures and responsibilities of the Planning Commission, which will assist in the development of a comprehensive plan for the county.

Horton said the group's main emphasis will be on the creation of a citizens survey. He said they will be working with an Olathe-based market research firm to develop the survey.

Horton said the group needs to figure out what issues they want to have questions written around to ask in the survey. He said he will be interviewing stakeholders in the county to gather their input.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a culvert replacement survey on Monday, June 26, on K-246 in Brown County.

The culvert is about 2 miles east of the U.S. 75 junction near Sabetha.

KDOT says the survey is necessary to gather information for the detailed design of the proposed improvements and is expected to be complete by July 28.

Joe Bowen, P.S., Survey Project Manager, KDOT, will be in charge of the survey.

KDOT says a member of the survey crew first will contact property owners and/or tenants for permission to enter private property. Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the survey corridor

(KNZA)--A bridge replacement project began Monday in Doniphan County on 195th Road about two miles east of Troy.

Doniphan County Road and Bridge Office Manager Lindsay Norris said 195th road will be closed to thru traffic from Troy's east city limits to Oxide Road during construction, with only local residents having access.

B & B Bridge Company, of St. Paul, Kansas, is the contractor on the nearly $820,000 project.

Funding for the project is through the Kansas Department of Transportation's Off System Bridge Program.

(KAIR)--The path is now cleared for the start of construction on a new coffee shop, to be located in downtown Atchison.

That follows Atchison City Commission approval of the 300 Main Street Sub-Division Final Plat, during Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

That unanimous vote, giving the go-ahead to Scooters Coffee to move forward with setting up shop at the Main Street location, followed a brief presentation by Atchison City Manager Amy Finch, who said the City's Planning Commission had already approved the plans for the business, with only City Commission approval needed for completion of the process.

According to the City, the Main Street lot has been cleared for redevelopment through a grant from the State of Kansas, with Lot 1 to be utilized as the location of the new business, while Lot 2 will continue as a parking lot, for use by neighboring businesses and owned by the City.

Tecumseh, NE - Starting around the 23rd of June and lasting up to a week, a helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin making low-level flights over portions of Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, and Richardson Counties as part of a geological and aquifer mapping study.

The helicopter will fly along pre-planned flight paths relatively low to the ground at 100-200 feet above the surface. A sensor that resembles a large hula-hoop will be towed beneath the helicopter to measure tiny electromagnetic signals that can be used to map features below Earth- surface.

The Aqua Geo Frameworks, LLC. (AGF) study will be conducted by the specialty airborne geophysical survey company SkyTEM ApS, under a AGF contract. The helicopter will be operated by experienced pilots from Livewire Aviation who are specially trained for the low-level flying required for geophysical surveys. The company works with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. Surveys do not occur directly above populated areas.

AGF-led studies have recently used this type of aerial survey to inform groundwater investigations around the country, including Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming and California. By using cutting-edge airborne geophysical technology, AGF scientists efficiently obtain critical information about groundwater resources over large areas, without the need for intensive ground-based work.

This work is part of a Nemaha Natural Resources District (NNRD) project partly funded by the Nebraska Water Sustainability Fund. Information may be found at the Nemaha NRD website: www.nemahanrd.org. This work is also part of the Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA). More Information may be found at https://www.enwra.org/aem2023.html.

(KAIR)--The investigation into around 100 suspicious letters sent to legislators and public officials has now expanded beyond Kansas, with the FBI to now be the agency leading the investigation.

That's according to a release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which says they will continue to work with all law enforcement partners to bring the incidents to an appropriate resolution.

Since the time the first letters were handled and reported by officials, the KBI said they had over 60 special agents, forensic scientists and employees, devoted solely to safely collecting, or screening, evidence, or managing and tracking response to the incidents. Additionally, 17 hazmat teams and 12 bomb squads responded across the state.

Specifics regarding who received the letters, and where, have not been made public.

The release notes that any letters containing an unknown white powder should be immediately reported to the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

The investigation into the suspicious mailings is ongoing.

(MSC News)--A more than 15-year employee of the Kansas Department of Transportation, is appointed to the role of Secretary for the agency.

Governor Laura Kelly, on Wednesday, announced that she has appointed Calvin Reed to the role. Reed has served as acting secretary since the departure of former Secretary of Transportation Julie Lorenz in December 2022.

Greg Schieber, the State Transportation Engineer, will serve as acting secretary starting June 25 until Reed is approved by the Kansas Senate Confirmation Oversight Committee. Once approved by the committee, Reed will begin duties as Secretary of Transportation and will be up for confirmation from the Kansas Senate during the 2024 legislative session.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education held a ground breaking ceremony last Thursday in front of the Nemaha Central High School to mark the the ceremonial start of construction on the $24.2 million bond project approved by voters last November.

The USD 115 Board of Education, during their regular meeting June 12, approved the phase 1 bid package with a guaranteed maximum price of $1.7 million. It includes site demolition, earthwork, building concrete, site concrete, paving and site utilities.

The bond project will include the construction of classroom additions at the elementary and high schools, renovation of the high school and tech building, along with HVAC upgrades.

Bern-based AHRS Construction is serving as construction manager at risk on the project.

(KAIR)--An abandoned, wrecked vehicle, that hit a mailbox before stopping in a ditch, was reported to Jackson County authorities, and that led to the arrest of the alleged driver who now faces drug-related charges.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the investigation began around 7:30 Tuesday morning after his office responded to the 1500 block of W. Road, the location of the abandoned vehicle, which was determined by Deputies to be a 2005 Ford Taurus.

The investigation led deputies to a residence in the 17000 block of W. Road, where they located the suspected driver, 47-year-old John Hudson, of Mayetta.
Already wanted on a Jackson County District Court warrant for failure to appear in court on a drug offense, Hudson was found to be in possession of what the Sheriff- Office alleges were illegal narcotics.

Hudson was arrested, and now faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and for the outstanding warrant.
Once in custody, Hudson was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KMZA)--A Lecompton man was stand trial on charges in connection with a fatal wreck last August in Pottawatomie County that claimed the life of a Wamego man and his 7-year-old son.

Following a preliminary hearing last week, a judge found there was sufficient evidence for 45-year-old Mark Stanwix to be bound over on two counts of involuntary manslaughter, three counts of aggravated battery and one count of interference with law enforcement.

According to court documents, arraignment was set for July 21 in Pottawatomie County District Court.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says Stanwix was driving a semi truck on U.S. 24 Highway August 10, 2022, just east of Wamego, when he rear-ended two vehicles.

Killed in the wreck was 37-year-old Randy Tinkel. His 7-year-old son, Korbin Tinkel, died from injuries three days later. Three others—including Tinkel's wife and two-year-old son, were injured in the wreck.

Stanwix remains free on a $25,000 bond.

(KMZA)--A horticulture agent has joined the staff at the Meadowlark Extension District.

Meadowlark Extension District Director David Key said Laura Phillips began work last week.

Key said Phillips is starting with a “ blank slate” initiating a program anticipated to assist everyone from agricultural producers to gardeners to home landscapers. She will handle part of the load now carried by Crops and Soil Agent David Hallauer, whose specialty lies more with production agriculture.

Key said the need was identified about two years ago, coinciding with COVID when a huge influx of people wanted to start growing their food at home.

Phillips grew up in rural Perry where her parents raised cattle.

She earned her bachelor's degree in ecology, evolution and organismal biology, as well as her bachelor's and master's degrees in classical languages from the University of Kansas. Phillips will work out of the Oskaloosa office.

The Meadowlark Extension District include Jackson, Jefferson and Nemaha Counties.

(KAIR)--An Iowa woman is facing charges in Jackson County, arrested in a stolen vehicle after reports of someone allegedly opening mailboxes in the southern part of the county.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says the suspicious activity was reported Sunday evening, near Hoyt, shortly before 8:00.

Deputies located the suspect vehicle, driven by 28-year-old Tehya Rose Wright, near 126th and Q. Road, about an hour after the mailbox openings were reported.

It was determined by the deputies that the vehicle, a 2007 Toyota Corolla, had been reported stolen from Omaha, Nebraska.

The Mason City, Iowa resident was stopped, and arrested, taken into custody on theft charges.

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

(KAIR)--A Mayetta man is jailed in Jackson County, accused of setting a fire, fleeing from authorities, and threatening a Deputy with a knife.

According to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the arrest of 35-year-old Jeffery Harris came only after a taser was used to bring him into custody.

Harris faces charges for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal use of a weapon, criminal threat, arson, burglary, felony criminal damage to property, felony interference with law enforcement, reckless driving, and transporting an open container.

According to Morse, the charges follow a late Monday morning phone call reporting a building on fire at 211 N. 4th Street, in Mayetta, with it believed that a man started the fire, then cut the hose the structure's owner was using to extinguish the flames.

Harris allegedly then fled the scene, with the car he was driving spotted near 190th Road and U.S. Highway 75, by a Jackson County Sheriff's Deputy. Harris then allegedly slammed on the brakes of his car, and when he exited, was allegedly holding a long knife in his hand as he moved toward the Deputy. That- when the taser was deployed, allowing for Harris to be taken into custody.

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

(KLZA)--Falls City now has an official Mobile App.

The mobile app is designed to provide accessto all the services and information you need concerning Falls City. All you need to do is download the app.

The app will feature news updates from the City; you can submit a request for services, see a list of events and activities, receive alerts and notificaitons, fina a local business directory and event pay bills throughthe app.

There is also a Community Feedback area where you can share yourideas and suggestions with the city.

(KNZA)---The Brown County Sheriff- Department is investigating the theft of a pickup truck over the weekend.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said in a release that a 2002 white Chevy Silverado 2500 HD pickup, with license plate 262DIB, was taken from a field entrance near the intersection of 240th and Chickadee Roads in rural Brown County around 12:15 Saturday afternoon.

Merchant said video surveillance indicated that the vehicle left the scene traveling eastbound to the intersection of 240th and Coyote Roads, at a high rate of speed.

After reviewing video evidence, he said its believed an additional vehicle was connected to the theft. That vehicle is being described as silver/white 4D sedan, which was observed following the stolen vehicle seconds later.

Anyone with information on the vehicle theft is asked to call the Brown County Sheriff- Office (785) 742-7125.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Council approved a 4-year agreement with Pawnee County for the Sheriff's Department to provide law enforcement in the City of Pawnee City when they met June 12.

The first two years of the contract will see a six percent price hike each year with three percent increases in the cost each of the final two years of the agreement. For the first year of the agreement the cost to Pawnee City will be $75,868 with the cost increasing to $85,317 in the final year of the contract.

(KLZA)--A special mail-in election on a proposed $49.5 million bond issue for a new Johnson County Central School is to be conducted.

Voters will be asked to vote yes or no on the bond issue, which if approved by voters would allow the issuance of bonds to pay for land acquisition and construction and needed furnishings for a new pre-kindergarten - 12th grade facility.

The last day to register to vote in the special election is Friday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m.

Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters of Johnson County Central School District between June 19th and 23rd.

All ballots must be returned to the voters respective County Clerk's Office by July 22 at 5:00 p.m. to be counted.

JCC School District patrons live in Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Otoe counties. If you have questions about the election, contact the County Clerk's Office in the county in which you reside.

(MSC News)--Nearly 5-decades come to an end for local broadcaster and radio station owner, Greg Buser, whose retirement became effective at the start of the month, followed by a reception in his honor held Friday in Hiawatha.

Buser, whose career has revolved around his northeast Kansas/southeast Nebraska-based radio station group of KNZA, KMZA, KAIR, KLZA, and KTNC, was highlighted in 2017 during the popular, state-wide “Now That's Rural” radio program, with host Ron Wilson saying, “the key to the success of these stations is local coverage. The stations focus intently on local news, sports, and weather. “If it wasn’t for that, nothing else would matter,” Greg said. Obituaries and community announcements can be heard on these stations.”

Of course, Buser did not establish his broadcast group alone, and remembers the early contributions of his long-time business partner, the now-retired Robert Hilton, whose involvement remained in place well into the 2000's. “Robert and I took over June 1 of 1983, at KNZA. Operated it, and converted everything...to computers. That was quite an adventure.”

The stations are now in the hands of longtime station-group employee Justin Fluke who took the reigns in January, as Buser wound down in his career, including years of salesmanship, which placed him within the center of local communities served by the radio stations. “I’m trying to decompress a little bit, which I’ve had some time to do that with Justin taking over January 1 of 2022,” Buser said, adding, “Justin worked for us for 20-plus years, he did a lot of projects, and he's into local radio, and he's got some new ideas. He's entrepreneur like, he sees opportunities, he knows how to put things together. If you’ve listened in the last few months, there's some new, localized-type things that he's been able to put together with his team, and he's put together a good team,” Buser said of Fluke.

Fluke, in a statement to MSC News, says he's “incredibly fortunate to have worked and learned from [Buser] for the last 22-years,” adding that he “couldn’t be more proud and excited to carry forward his legacy and tradition of broadcast excellence,” excellence that Fluke says “put local radio on the map in Northeast Kansas.” Fluke says it was Buser “who grew the company with adding stations and MSC websites to make a tremendous impact on so many employees, helping local businesses and organizations grow.”

Buser has remained local throughout his broadcast career, having grown up in rural Atchison County and residing in Hiawatha with his longtime wife, Becky.

(KNZA)--A Horton man was fatally injured Friday evening after jumping from a moving vehicle on U.S 73 Highway, south of Hiawatha.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says a SUV was southbound on U.S. 73, north of 220th Road, when the front seat passenger intentionally opened the passenger side door and leaped out while the vehicle was in motion.

The passenger, identified as 33-year-old Kylee Dixon, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, 24-year-old Azaria Richery, of Stockton, Kansas, was not injured.

The incident was reported shortly after 8:15 Friday evening.

(KNZA)--A Mayetta woman was arrested early Saturday morning following a three-county pursuit involving a stolen vehicle.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said shortly before 2:00 Saturday morning Jackson County deputies located a Ford Fusion near Holton that had been reported stolen.

A pursuit ensued with the vehicle south of Holton on U.S. 75 Highway. The pursuit continued into Shawnee County and then east on Highway 24. The pursuit continued into Jefferson County and into the city of Perry. A deputy initiated a tactical vehicle intervention technique that ended the pursuit south of the train tracks on the south side of Perry.

Morse said 38-year-old Saleena Rae Masquat was taken into custody and booked into the Jackson County Jail on multiple charges.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man is facing charges in Jackson County for his alleged deceptive practices related to the construction of swimming pool.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said 56-year-old Douglas Carney was arrested in Ballard County, Kentucky by a state trooper on a Jackson County District Court warrant for two felony counts of theft by deception and one count of deceptive commercial practices.

The warrant was issued following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

A Jackson County resident reported that, through a series of contracts, Carney allegedly agreed to complete the construction of a swimming pool at their property.
However, Morris said Carney never completed any of the work and he allegedly discontinued his communication with the victim after taking their money.

On Friday, Jackson County deputies returned Carney back to the state of Kansas. Carney is currently being held in the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation pavement improvement project began Friday in Jefferson County on K-92 (Union Street) from K-16 (Lake Street) to Meredith Lane in the city limits of McLouth.

The project is part of the KDOT City Connecting Link Improvement Program (CCLIP), which helps cities maintain, repair and improve highway routes that are located within city limits.

Work will include milling and overlay on all lanes of K-92 (Union Street), pavement patching, and sidewalk, curb and gutter and storm sewer improvements.

For the duration of the project, K-92 (Union Street) will have two lanes open with 11-foot lane restrictions. Work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday, as needed.

Access to K-92 (Union Street) from local side streets will be closed at various times as construction progresses. The closures will have marked detours when they occur.

Traffic will be controlled using lane closures, signage, channelizers and barricades.

Sands Construction Company, of Leavenworth, is the contractor for the $648,000 project, which is expected to be completed in early September.

TOPEKA - The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), and several local police departments and fire departments have responded today [Friday, June 16, 2023] after mail was received by legislators and other public officials containing a suspicious white powder.

As of 4 p.m. Friday afternoon, over 30 letters containing a suspicious white powder have been reported across the state. Law enforcement is working to safely collect the letters and investigate the incidents. Currently, no injuries have been reported, but we ask everyone to remain vigilant in handling mail. Any similar incidents should be reported to the KBI at 1-800-KSCRIME.

The investigation is ongoing.

(KAIR)--Authorizing the sale of general obligation bonds to fund the repair of Atchison streets, as well as the latest step needed for the future opening of a new Atchison coffee shop, are all part of new business to come before the Atchison City Commission Monday.

According to the agenda for the session, the Commission, along with the bond issue, will consider the 300 Main Street Sub-Division Final Plat Approval. If granted the Commission's consent, approval means clearing the way for the opening of a Scooters Coffee.

According to the City, the Main Street lot has been cleared for redevelopment through a grant from the State of Kansas, with Lot 1 to be utilized as the location of the new business, while Lot 2 will continue as a parking lot, for use by neighboring businesses and owned by the City.

A site plan is already approved for the future business, with the City to “receive the proceeds from the sale of the property minus associated costs with the preparation of required documents and commissions.”

The Atchison City Commission meets Monday afternoon, beginning at 4:30, at Atchison City Hall.

(KAIR)--A 25-year-old Saint Joseph, Missouri woman becomes the second arrest made in connection with the alleged forced theft of a cellphone, which was then used to make an illegal purchase.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says Skylar Coady was arrested June 9 by Saint Joseph Police on an Atchison County District Court Warrant charging here with aggravated robbery and theft.

Coady has since been turned over to the custody of the Atchison County Jail, where her bond is set at $100,000.

Coady, along with 33-year-old Atchison resident Christopher Heston, are both accused of forcefully taking a cellphone from a 38-year-old man, around 9:00 on the night of May 27, in the 1300 block of South 8th Street. It's alleged the pair then used a mobile pay app on the phone to make a purchase, resulting in theft charges for the pair, as well as the aggravated robbery charge.

Heston is also held in the Atchison County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

(KAIR)--Only minor injuries are reported, following a Monday night Brown County rollover wreck.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, a 17-year-old driver, in the area of 170th and Jackrabbit Road, hit loose gravel which sent the Ford Edge off the edge of the roadway, causing the vehicle to roll over.

According to Merchant, all three of the vehicle- occupants, who were buckled up at the time of the wreck, were transported to Amberwell Hiawatha by Town and County Ambulance, for the treatment of minor, non-life threatening injuries.

All three were treated and released.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Water Commissioner has put customers of the Pawnee City Water System on Stage 2 water rationing due to drought conditions.

Stage 2 water rationing is put in effect whenever total consumption for the preceeding day was higher than the waterworks system can handle, to be determned by the Water Commissioner or City Council.

Under Stage 2 water rationing no person shall use water to sprinkle a lawn, or use water through a hose to water any garden, tree or shrub, except as follows:

Sprinkling shall be permitted on even number days at residences and businesses North of 7th Street. On odd numbered days sprinkling may be done at residences and businesses South of 7th Street.

The restictions apply to all residences and to all businesses and institutions with lawns, gardens, trees or shrubs and shall be followed at all parks and public buildings owned by the City. The restrictions shall not apply to any persons, firm or corporation engaged in the business of growing or selling plants of any kind.

No water shall be used from a hose to wash automobiles, excpet at places of business where autos are washed on evey business day. Any person may wash an automobile with water from a bucket.

No private swimming pool shall be filled. Swimming pools that were filled before stage 2 water conservation went into effect may have water added to make up losses through evaporation or splashing. Water lost through draining or through leaks in the pool may not be made up during stage 2 water rationing.

The Doniphan County Commission took action on two items during a special meeting Monday afternoon following their regular meeting.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the Commission accepted a quote from G.E. Grable to replace the HVAC unit at the county health department building in the amount of $6,102. Funding for the project will come from the sales tax fund.

The Commission also approved the hiring of Elizabeth Cluck to fill a full-time registered nurse position at the county Health Department/Home Health agency. Cluck will be paid $27 an hour.

(KLZA)-- The 2023 KIDS COUNT data has been released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, revealing household data and ranking Nebraska 8th among the 50 states in child well-being.

The rankings are based on 16 indicators in four domains including economic well-being, health, and family and community factors.

This year the report highlights challenges in accessing affordable child care. It shows that parents in Nebraska must frequently miss work or even quit their jobs due to a lack of stable child care. These child care challenges cost the American economy an estimated $122 billion a year in lost earnings, productivity and tax revenue and can stymie women professionally.

Nebraska's median cost of center-based childcare for one toddler in 2021 was $10,422 which is 10 percent of the median income of a married couple and 31 percent of a single mothers income in the state.

The average cost of child care in Nebraska, is higher than in-state tuition at a four-year public university which comes to $9,093.

Six percent of young Nebraska children were in families in which someone quit, changed or refused a job because child care is hard to find and even harder to afford.

The median pay for child care workers in Nebraska was $28,520 annually or $13.71 per hour in 2022, less than the wages for retail work at $14.26 per hour and customer service workers at $18.16 per hour.

The KIDS COUNT Data Book predicts costs for child care could increase even more this fall if Congress does not act. Emergency pandemic funds that have helped 222,000 child care providers stay afloat will run out September 30. Without action by Congress to renew those funds, child care providers will almost certainly have to increase their fees.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation and Voices for Children in Nebraska, the state's KIDS COUNT grantee, calls for more government investment in child care including expanding existing programs and creating new initiatives to support families and caregivers.

More information is available on the report at www.aecf.org.

(KLZA)-- Residents of Richardson, Nemaha, Johnson and Pawnee counties are invited to an Opioid Awareness Night in Auburn on Friday, June 30.

The Four County Collaborative wants residents throughout the four counties to become better equipped to help prevent the abuse of and overdoses and deaths from opioids and Fentanyl.

There have been at least two instances recently when emergency services were called to respond to Fentanyl overdoses in the four county area. The Four County Collaborative is seeking out unique ways to reach out to the community and provide practical information and resources to help.

On June 30th, the Collaborative is sponsoring “Opioid Awareness Night for the Community,” sponsoring the June 30th Auburn Chamber of Commerce Summer Sounds Concert in the Park with a performance at Legion Memorial Park by High Heel from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The bond plays family-friendly music featuring classic rock, pop and country hits.

The Four County Collaborative will be on site providing information about the organization and free Deterra as long as supplies last.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners discussed budget updates with three county officials when they met Tuesday.

Following a discussion with Sheriff Braden Lang, the Board approved the Sheriff's Office using the remainder of their fuel ARPA funds, up to an amount of $10 thousand.

County Assessor Vickie Wiers discussed the budget for her office. She estimated the budget will be short $700. UNL Extension Administrator, Mary Moser estimated the Extension Office budget will be short $1,200. No action was taken concerning the budgets, but the Board will revisit the budget issues during their June 27 meeting to determine the actual need.

County Attorney Emily Sisco met with the Commissioners to discuss office space and storage. Sisco said the Donahue and Sisco Attorney's Office have determined that one-eighth of their office space would be $150 per month for rent, to use for the County Attorney's office. The County Attorney will need to purchase laptops or a computer for the County Attorney's office.

The Pawnee County Board also met with Johnson County Commissioner Ted Evans and Johnson County Attorney Ben Beethe to discuss the Interlocal Dispatch Agreement between the two counties. No action was taken.

(KLZA)-- Johnson-Brock School Board members denied two motions to approve a building addition project when they met Monday evening.

A motion to approve the project with AHRS Construciton in the amount of $3.3 million was followed by a lengthy discusison on compromises and changes that could be made to the proposed project. Following the discussion Board members Chester Bohling, Keith Bohling and Tom Teten voted against the proposal with Board members Jeff Ottemann, Mitch Neddenriep and Blayne Behrends voting in favor. With the tie vote, the motion failed.

A motion to approve the project in an amount of $2,337,000 was then made. Discussion prior to the vote was that it would include the intention of adding a new weightroom within a year. Voting in faavor were Board members Keith Bohling, Teten, and Chester Bohling with Board mebers Blayne Behrends, Mitch Neddenriep and Jeff Ottemann casting nay votes. Again with the tie vote the motion failed.

The building additon proposal would add classroom space needed due to an increase in enrollment, and space needed to accommodate growing programs and class sizes. The building proejct has been an ongoing discussion at Johnson-Brock School Board meeting since March of 2022.

The proposal was for three full-size classrooms, one smaller classroom and a weight room addition on the northeast corner of the current building.

One advantage described on the school website would be to move PreK, Kindergarten and Title students to the other side of the building, moving them out of the main 7 - 12 grade hallway.

(KLZA)-- Johnson-Brock School Board members denied two motions to approve a building addition project when they met Monday evening.

A motion to approve the project with AHRS Construciton in the amount of $3.3 million was followed by a lengthy discusison on compromises and changes that could be made to the proposed project. Following the discussion Board members Chester Bohling, Keith Bohling and Tom Teten voted against the proposal with Board members Jeff Ottemann, Mitch Neddenriep and Blayne Behrends voting in favor. With the tie vote, the motion failed.

A motion to approve the project in an amount of $2,337,000 was then made. Discussion prior to the vote was that it would include the intention of adding a new weightroom within a year. Voting in faavor were Board members Keith Bohling, Teten, and Chester Bohling with Board mebers Blayne Behrends, Mitch Neddenriep and Jeff Ottemann casting nay votes. Again with the tie vote the motion failed.

The building additon proposal would add classroom space needed due to an increase in enrollment, and space needed to accommodate growing programs and class sizes. The building proejct has been an ongoing discussion at Johnson-Brock School Board meeting since March of 2022.

The proposal was for three full-size classrooms, one smaller classroom and a weight room addition on the northeast corner of the current building.

One advantage described on the school website would be to move PreK, Kindergarten and Title students to the other side of the building, moving them out of the main 7 - 12 grade hallway.

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca is preparing for this year's curb and gutter work.

The Seneca City Council at their June 7 meeting approved a trimmed down list of curb and gutter projects presented by City Superintendent Brian Rusche totaling $59,122.

The Council tabled approval of the bid for the work at their May 17 meeting after it came in almost $8,000 over the $60,000 that had been budgeted. Rusche was directed to get the list under budget and bring it back for approval.

The work will be done by J & B Contractors, of Hiawatha.

In other business, the Council approved the appointment of Rick Carlson and the reappointment of Michael Philbrick to the Seneca Free Library Board of Trustees. Both are for 4-year terms expiring in April 2027.

The Council also approved the final plat for the Oasis Subdivision---a five acre residential site located on 136th Road near J Road, south of Seneca. The plat was approved by the city Planning Commission on June 1.

(KMZA)--Prairie Hills USD 113 will be sending letters to three neighboring school districts about land transfer/ trade proposals.

Superintendent Todd Evans said the USD 113 Board of Education approved the letters when the meet Monday evening, which will be sent to Jackson Heights USD 335, Vermillion USD 380 and Nemaha Central USD 115.

Evans said USD 335 and USD 380 will be receiving proposals for southern portions of USD 113 land in addition to receiving $1,258 per student to help with transportation costs of those new students from the transfer area.

He said USD 115 will receive a proposal to trade Bern area land west of O Road for land that is in proximity to the Axtell school.

The letters are meant to start discussions between USD 113 and the other districts.

USD 113 is requesting a written response from the districts by July 17.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has ratified a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2023-24 school year.

The action followed an executive session Monday evening.

Under the agreement, the base salary for a beginning teacher will increase $1,500 from $42,640 to $44,140.

There will be no change in the board leadership for the 2023-24 school year. The board approved the re-appointment of Ian Schuetz as board president and Jim Robidoux as vice-president.

During his time on the agenda, Schuetz expressed disappointment and frustration over the recent decision by the Kansas Department of Transportation to have the traffic signals removed at the intersection of 1st and Oregon Streets, which serves as the primary entrance to the high school as well as main route to the middle school.

"Despite their traffic studies, and whatever their reasons, I believe KDOT had to willfully turn a blind eye to the practical affect that this decision would have on our schools and on our students. There is no question that this, in my opinion, stubborn and callous decision by the Kansas Department of Transportation will create a significant safety risk to this community, and it will be our youngest, and most vulnerable drivers, on which it will have the greatest impact." said Schuetz

Following removal of the signals, the intersection will operate as a two-way stop with traffic flowing freely on First Street and stop signs located along Oregon Street on the east and west sides of the intersection.

Schuetz also took time at the meeting to remember former longtime school board member Steve Lock who died unexpectedly last week. Lock served 16 years on the board before stepping down in 2015.

(KNZA)--Riverside USD 114 has named a new superintendent.

The school district announced Tuesday the appointment of Jennifer Gatz to the position, effective July 1 .

She will replace John Whetzal who has been hired as the new superintendent of Superior, Nebraska Public Schools.

Gatz has been in education more than 20 years.

She currently serves as Assistant Superintendent in Prairie Hills USD 113. She has served in that position since 2020. Prior to that, she was director of student learning for USD 113 for 4 fours and served as Sabetha Elementary School Principal for one year.

Prior to coming to USD 113, Gatz served as an Instructional Coach, Instructional Technology Specialist, and Assistant Principal in the St. Joseph, Missouri School District

She previously taught in the Troy and Doniphan West school districts.

Gatz and her husband, Taylor, have three children.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Board of Education voted 5-1 Monday night to make wrestling a standalone program for the Pawnee City School for the 2023-24 school year.

This will end the wrestling cooperative with the HTRS School District. It is estimated the operational cost to the Pawnee City School District will be $10,203 compared to the cost to continue with the co-op of $8,143. The estimated first year expenses for wreslting mats and safety pads along with singlets and headgear will be $12,200.

Board member Hope Koester voted against the change.

Board members approved an interlocal agreement between the school and the Nebraska Regional Program for students who are deaf or hard of hearing for the upcoming school year and approved Kyle's Service Center in Pawnee City, Speers Truck Repair of Table Rock and Inland Truck Parts & Service of Omaha to conduct service check and repairs of student-transporation vehicles for the 23-24 school year.

During the Administrators reports it was reported that the Pawnee City School is again participating in the Free Summer Meal Prorgam this summer that provides free lunches to any child 18 or younger. The entire cost of the program is covered by grant funds. The program runs weekdays thru June 30 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Between 10 and 25 students have been taking part in the program since it started May 22.

(KAIR)--A 59-year-old Leavenworth man has been found guilty of disorderly conduct after shouting obscenities at a child care worker in front of a van full of children and a preschool.

That's according to a release issued by the office of Leavenworth County Attorney, Todd Thompson, which says 58-year-old Richard Sherman was arrested April 13, by Kansas Highway Patrol Troopers and a Leavenworth County Sheriff- Deputy, at a child care center on the outskirts of Tonganoxie, where the obscenities were shouted.

According to the release, a judge sentenced Sherman to 30 days of incarceration last week in Leavenworth County District Court, but he was granted credit for the time already served.

The release explains that the victim in the case, the driver of the child care van, testified that while driving the van, with 13 children onboard, she saw Sherman walking towards the child care center. She stopped near the entrance and informed Sherman that the building was no longer a church, with Sherman becoming angry, which led to his cursing. The victim rolled up her window and drove the van to the front door of the center, followed by another van carrying 12 children. Sherman followed both vans and attempted to open the door of the building when they reached the center. Sherman approached the door of the facility, which is also where the children were going from the van. Sherman exclaimed he just wanted water, but wouldn’t stop yelling and cursing. Finally, the victim had to tell Sherman that she would call the cops if he did not leave, and eventually asked other employees to call 911. Sherman continued to yell profanities as he walked away, even after being informed that 911 had been called, leading to his arrest.

(KAIR)--One local county is set to benefit from the more than $11 million being awarded to 14 transportation construction projects across Kansas.

Announcement of the funding was made jointly in a release from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly and Acting Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed.

According to the release, Leavenworth County is set to benefit from a portion of the funds, made possible through the State's Cost Share Program, which the release says “is designed to help rural and urban areas advance transportation projects to improve safety, support job retention and growth, relieve congestion, and improve access and mobility.”

The release notes that funds designated for Leavenworth County will be used for the 235th Street roadway improvement project.

The total of Leavenworth County's funding is not immediately released.

According to the release, the Kansas Cost Share Program “was created as part of the Kelly administration's 10-year, bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE.”

(KAIR)--With just over a month remaining before Atchison's annual Amelia Earhart Festival, changes continue to be made, and details ironed out, in advance of the weekend.

It begins Friday, July 21, at the Atchison Riverfront, the site, this year, of the annual country music concert held to kick-off the celebration of the famed aviator, and one-time Atchison resident, Amelia Earhart.

For more than two-decades, the concert has been held at Atchison's Warnock Lake; and, along with the venue change for 2023, comes a change in the lineup for the Friday night concert.

The headliner-country music legends Sawyer Brown-remains the same, but the middle act-originally announced as duo Kat and Alex-has stepped down, with a release from Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont saying they are “taking a break from music at this time,” meaning they are unable to perform that night. However, a replacement was quickly announced, with Tiera Kennedy, an emerging country music star, to fill that middle performance position. Regional favorite, The Garin Nolan Trio, featuring Atchison native Garin Nolan, is still set to open the Friday night concert.

Tickets are on sale now for $10 plus tax but will increase to $15 plus tax on the day of the show. They are also available online here.

Following the Friday night Music on the Riverfront concert, Amelia Earhart-themed activities are planned for the next day, Saturday, July 22, with the annual Concert in the Sky fireworks spectacular, over the Missouri River, to close out the festival.

(KAIR)--A third arrest, in connection with a Christmas Day, Atchison residential burglary, has been made.

That's according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, which says 38-year-old Joseph Dyer was arrested Sunday evening, around 6:20, in the 1200 block of Guthrie Circle. He was taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with theft.

According to Wilson, the warrant was issued in connection with a police investigation focused on the theft of items during a December 25, 2022 burglary in the 300 block of North 3rd Street.

According to Wilson, forced entry was made into the residence while the occupants, all Benedictine College students, were away on Christmas break.

Some of the stolen items, ranging from clothing to electronics, have been recovered.

Dyer is the third arrest made in connection with the case.

Following his Sunday evening arrest, Dyer was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--A Tuesday night fire at the Benedictine College Dining Hall was extinguished rapidly, keeping the fire from spreading to the building's structure.

That's according to Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar who, in a release, says when Atchison fire fighters arrived on the scene, around 8:30 Tuesday night, “they found heavy black smoke coming from the roof,” then “quickly made entry into the smoke-filled building” where they found, after “a rapid search,” “an industrial dish washing machine engulfed in fire spreading to adjacent equipment.”

The sprinkler system in the building had been activated, but the fire had grown beyond its capability, with fire fighters “able to quickly extinguish the fire,” shut down the sprinkler system, and minimize damage, with specialized power fans utilized to clear the smoke from the building.

Weishaar, in the release, says no one was hurt, despite a large number of summer camp students on campus at the time of the fire. He credits the work of the fire fighters, saying their quick actions averted the fire from spreading, with the cafeteria connected to the currently only sparsely occupied Guadalupe Hall dormitory, with Weishaar calling the entire complex “a center piece of campus and a vital part of the college.”

Fire crews remained on the scene well into Tuesday night, with an investigation ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Atchison County EMS and Atchison Police also responded to the college to assist.

(KLZA)-- Over 80% of Missouri counties are experiencing some level of dryness, with the most intense being felt in central Missouri.

In response to worsening drought conditions throughout the state and upon the advice of the Missouri Drought Assessment Committee, Governor Mike Parson announced the availability and process for Missouri family farms to obtain emergency hay and water.

Boat ramps at 25 Missouri state parks, including Big Lake State Park in Holt County, will be open for farmers to collect water with almost 700 acres available for haying at 17 state parks.

Water may be accessed from state park and MDC boat launches/water access points during normal operational hours. Contacting MDC area managers prior to collecting water from conservation areas is required. Water is available for livestock needs only and not for resale. Farmers will need to provide their own pumping and hauling equipment. Contact the Big Lake State Park Office prior to pumping water at 660-771-6341.

A map displaying locations to pump water from state boat ramps is available at mostateparks.com/drought.

Special hay hauling permits can be requested through the MoDOT Carrier Express online service, located at www.modot.org/mce.

MoDOT permits cover movement within Missouri only and are required for each truck. Questions may be directed to MoDOT- Motor Carrier Services office at 1-800-877-8499.

Residents are encouraged to assist local, state, and national decision makers better understand drought conditions in their area by submitting a survey form via the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) service linked via dnr.mo.gov/drought.

The Missouri Department of Conservation also warns of the increased risk for wildfires that drought conditions can cause.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has issued a health alert for two local southeast Nebraska lakes due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae.

The agency says Iron Horse Trail Lake near Du Bois and Kirkman's Cove Lake, northwest of Humboldt ,tested above the threshold of 8 parts per billion of microcystin, the bacteria in toxic blue-green algae that can cause liver damage in humans.

During health alerts, any activity where you come into contact with water or are at risk of drinking it is banned, like swimming and water skiing, but fishing is still allowed.

The agency says if you visit the lakes be sure to also keep your pets from drinking the water.

(KLZA)--Fire hydrant flushing and inspection was recenlty completed on 214 hydrants in Falls City.

In a release from Falls City Volunteer Fire Department Public Information Officer Jon McQueen, as a result of the flusing and testing, it was detected that some hysrants will require repairs and were taken out of service.

When hydrants are taken out of service, they are covered or “bagged” to indicate thay are non-operational and emergency services are infomred of the designation.

The annual flushing removes sediment from the water lines and serves the purpoase of determining their flow rates for emergency situation.

The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department paints the tops of the hydrants with a specific color dorresponding to different flow rates, allowing for quick visual identification. The flow rates can be up to more than 1,000 gallons per minute.

Hydrants that are out of service will be assessed and repaired by the City. The City of Falls City, in collaboration wth the Falls City Volunteer Fire Deparment appreciates the support of the public for all of the first responders in the area.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved a pair of street repair projects.

At the request of Public Works Director Brad Scott, the commission approved a quote from J & B Contractors for concrete repairs at the intersections of 4th and Miami Streets and 6th and Miami Streets at a cost of $9,187.

Scott said since the completion of the recent streets projects there have been issues with the concrete failing at the construction joints at the two intersections. In addition, there is also an issue with the height of the sewer manholes located at 4th and Miami Streets.

With the elementary school out for summer break, Scott said now would be the best time to move forward with the project before school starts again in the fall.

Later in the meeting, Scott said a portion of 3rd Street that used to be gravel needs to be refinished with asphalt before this summer's chip seal project, which he has requested the county push back. The commission approved the repairs at a cost of $12,000.

In other business, Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon appeared before the commission to discuss the purchase of a new brush truck.

Sheldon received a quote from Hays Fire and Rescue for the purchase of a 2023 Ford F-550 at a cost of $168,000, with a 500 gallon tank.

It would replace the department's main response truck, which is a 1990 model that is no longer dependable. Sheldon said the truck has died three times while at fires.

He requested that $131,000 allocated in the budget for a building addition go toward the vehicle purchase.

The Commission took no action. Mayor Becky Shamburg said she wasn't ready to make a decision and asked that the commission be given more time to consider the request. Commissioner Brian Shefferd requested Sheldon have the current truck checked out again.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Corporation Commission has approved the construction of a 370-mile transmission line that will run through the sunflower state.

The KCC announced its approval Tuesday.

The Grain Belt Express Clean Line project will build a 780-mile transmission line in two phases.The KCC says it will run through Kansas and a converter station in Ford County, then it will continue through Missouri, Illinois and Indiana carrying wind generated energy to eastern states.

Invenergy Transmission is the owner of the project, and it will begin phase one in Kansas and Missouri, once all regulatory approvals and financing have been obtained.

Construction on the 370-mile Kansas section of the line could begin in late 2024. The KCC approved the siting permit for the transmission line in July, 2013.

(KLZA)-- The Humboldt-Table Rock- Steinauer School District has been selected to receive a Summer of Youth Grant which will allow students in the HTRS District to participate in four themed camps this summer.

Beyond School Bells, an initiative of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Educaiton, selected the HTRS Summer STEAM Camps 2023, as one of the Nebraska communities to receive a Summer of Youth grant to support summer learning opportunities.

The funds have been made available through Federal dollars as well as private funds and are aimed at increasing high quality summer learning programs in communities where there simply aren't enough spots for the children who need them.

The program was launched utilizing $720 thousand from the Federal government's COVID relief funding, termed ESSER III.

The funds will allow HTRS to provide programs based on student interest and will include a cooking camp; a nature camp a theater camp along with the STEAM based jumpstart week.

HTRS Superintendent Dr. George Griffith said in a news release the grant will directly support the school district- goals for helping all students succeed. 64 HTRS students are signed up for the program.

The Theater Camp will culminate in a performance on August 5 and parents, family members and the community are welcome to attend. Performances will be at 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. in the HTRS Old Gym.

(KLZA)--Six individuals are facing charges in connection with a series of thefts that occurred in Falls City and rural Richardson County from early October through December 8, 2022.

A news release from the Richardson County Sheriff's Office indicates the cases resulted in 24 arrest warrants for six individuals and required numerous interviews and hundreds of hours on invetigation with more than 600 pages of documentation.

Through the investigation a group was identifed that primarily targeted catalytic converters and pickups. It is alleged the group committed numerous thefts around northwest Missouri, in addition to Richardson and Nemaha counties in southeast Nebraska.

The group allegedly cut off and stole at least 18 catalytic converters in and around Falls City. They also are accused with the theft of three trucks, two of which were from Richardson County. The estimated total for the stolen trucks and catalytic converters was $153,261.

The cost to one victim of these crimes was more than $20 thousand to replace catalytic converters on their vehicles. All three vehicles have been recovered.

The stolen items included approximately $190,464 in vehicles and tools; a 2018 Chevrolet 2500 stolen on October 4, 2022, recovered in Kansas City, Missouri. A 2011 Dodge Ram stolen October 28, 2022 and recovered in St. Joseph and a 2012 Dodge Ram and tools reocvered in Craig, Missouri.

The catalytic converters stolen were estimated at $43,797.

Arrested was David Sprague Jr. who is in custody in Buchanan County, Missouri. Sprague is facing nine felony charges and several misdemeanor charges.

Jessica Beltz who is jailed in Richardson County. Beltz is facing four felony counts and two misdemeanors

Scott Robinson is in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections is facing two felony counts and two misdemeanor charges.

Lucifer Jones is in custody in Buchanan County, Missouri. He is charged with four felony counts and a misdemeanor.

Chase Engel is in custody in Richardson County, charged with the felony theft of a truck.

A sixth individual, currently not in custody, is facing two felony counts and a misdemeanor.

Catalytic converters have proven to be reliable and effective in reducing noxious tailpipe emissions.

Because of the external location and the use of valuable precious metals, catalytic converters are a target for thieves.

The problem is especially common among late-model pickup trucks and truck-based SUVs, because of their high ground clearance and easily removed bolt-on catalytic converters. Welded-on converters are also at risk of theft, as they can be easily cut off.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office thanked the citizens that assisted with the case as well as the St. Joseph Police Department; Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriffs' Office; Holt County, Missouri Sheriff's Office; Kansas City Missouri Police Department; and the Lincoln Police Department Forensic Identification Unit for their cooperation in the cases.

(KLZA)-- Five people are currently jailed and another is not currently in custody in connteciotn with a series of thefts that occurred in Falls City and rural Richardeson Count from early October through December 8, 2022.

A news release from the Richardson County Sheriff's Office indicates the cases resulted in 24 arrest warrants for six individuals and requited numerous interviews and hundreds of hours on invetigation with more than 600 pages of documentation.

Through the investigation a group was identifed that primarily targeted catalytic converters and pickups. It is alleged the group committed numerous thefts around Northwest Misosuri in addition to Richardson and Nemaha counties in Southeast Nebraska.

The group allegedly cut off and stole at least 18 catalytic converters in and around Falls City. They also are accused with the theft of three trucks, two of wich were from Richardson County. The estimated total for the stolen trucks and catalytic converters was $153,261.

The cost of one victim of these crimes was more than $20 thousand to repalce catalytic converters on their vehicles. All three vehicles have been recovered.

The stolen items included approximately $190,464 in vehicles and tools; a 2018 Chevrolet 2500 stolen on October 4, 2022, recovered in Kansas City, Missouri. A 2011 Dodge Ram stolen October 28, 2022 and recovered in St. Joseph and a 2012 Dodge Ram and tools reocvered in Craig, Missouri.

The catalytic converters stolen were estimated at $43,797.

Arrested was David Sprague Jr. who is in custody in Buchanan County, Missouri. Sprague is facing nine felony charges and several misdemeanor charges.

Jessica Beltz who is jailed in Richardson County. Beltz is facing four felony counts and two misdemeanors

Scott Robinson is in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections is facing two felony counts and two misdemeanor charges.

Lucifer Jones is in custoryu in Buchanan County, Missouri. He is charged with four felony counts and a misdemeanor.

Chase Engle is in custody in Richardson County, charged with the felony theft of a truck.

Ian Ashworth is currenlty not in custody. Asworth if facing two felony counts and a misdemeanor.

Catalytic converters have proven to be reliable and effective in reducing noxious tailpipe emissions.

Because of the external location and the use of valuable precious metals, catalytic converters are a target for thieves.

The problem is especially common among late-model pickup trucks and truck-based SUVs, because of their high ground clearance and easily removed bolt-on catalytic converters. Welded-on converters are also at risk of theft, as they can be easily cut off.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office thanked the citizens that assisted with the case as well as the St. Joseph Police Department; Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriffs' Office; Holt County, Missouri Sheriff's Office; Kansas City Missouri Police Department; and the Lincoln Police Department Forensic Identification Unit for their cooperation in the cases.

(KAIR)--The alleged use of false financial documents to purchase a vehicle, from an Atchison dealership, lands a Topeka woman in jail.

That's according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says 33-year Lesley Parkhurst was arrested Friday, by Topeka Police, and taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging her with felony theft, identity theft, four counts of forgery, and two counts of making false information.

Wilson explains, in the release, that the “charges are related to a police investigation involving the purchase of a 2021 Buick Encore vehicle from Lewis Chevrolet in Atchison on May 23,” adding that “Parkhurst had provided fraudulent information to purchase the vehicle that included identity theft of a victim who did not know [her].”

Following her Friday arrest, Parkhurst was booked into the Shawnee County Jail.

(KAIR)--A vehicle stop for traffic infractions early Saturday, in Atchison County, leads to the alleged discovery of suspected fentanyl, and to the arrest of the 23-year-old driver on related charges.

That's according to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, who says a deputy stopped the vehicle, around 1:30 Saturday morning, for traffic infractions on 286th and Lincoln Roads.

The investigation led to the discovery of the suspected fentanyl, and other suspect items, and to the arrest of Arhianna Joel Franklin, of Atchison, who was taken into custody on charges for suspicion of driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and interference with law enforcement. Franklin was additionally arrested for an unrelated Atchison County District Court warrant for failure to appear.

Following her arrest, Franklin was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--An aggravated domestic battery suspect was taken into custody following a manhunt south of Holton Monday evening.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said the Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a man beating a woman in the 22-thousand block of Q. Road shortly after 5:30 P.M.

The male suspect allegedly fled on foot in a wooded area.

The Sheriff's Office sent out an alert to warn residents to secure their doors and vehicles.

Morse said a drone was used to locate the suspect in the wooded area. An aircraft from the Kansas Highway Patrol and K-9 Team from Topeka Police also assisted with the incident.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Daniel Martin, of Holton, was taken into custody around 7:30 Monday evening.

Following his arrest, Martin was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of aggravated domestic battery, fleeing and eluding law enforcement and felony interference with law enforcement.

(KNZA)--An Oklahoma man was arrested on drug charges after a Brown County traffic stop.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said a Brown County deputy initiated a traffic stop on U.S. 75 highway near 170th Road around 4:40 Friday afternoon for speeding.

During the stop, Merchant said the deputy smelled raw marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

Based on the investigation that followed, 30-year-old Charles Scott, of Geary, Oklahoma, was arrested on charges of possession of meth, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Scott was booked into the Brown County Jail. He has since been released on bond.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, accused of forcefully stealing a cellphone from another man, is jailed in Atchison County in connection with last month's crime.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 33-year-old Christopher Heston was arrested Thursday morning, in the 400 block of Commercial Street, taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with theft and aggravated robbery, as well as for an additional court warrant charging him with theft.

Wilson, in the release, explains that the aggravated robbery charge stems from the night of May 27, when Heston allegedly used force to take a cellphone from a 38-year-old man, in the 1300 block of South 8th Street. He then, Wilson says, is alleged to have used a mobile pay app on the phone to commit theft.

Additionally, Heston is accused to stealing a cellphone from a 25-year-old woman on the night of May 27, in the 100 block of Atchison's River Road.

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

His surety bond is set at $100,000.

(KLZA)-- A member of the staff of Nebraska 3rd District Congressman Adrian Smith will be in Auburn on Wednesday, June 21.

Area residents will have an opportunity to meet with a staff member from 1 - 3 p.m. at the Auburn Memorial Library at 1810 Courthouse Avenue.

The mobile office program allows area residents to meet directly with the Congressman's staff about federal issues, receive assistance with a federal agency or take advantage of the services available through his office.

For more information you may contact Congressman Smith's Grand Island office at 308-384-3900.

(KLZA)-- A special meeting of the Johnson County Central Board of Education will be held Wednesday evening at 7 at the High School Gymnasium in Tecumseh.

The meeting will allow patrons to view plans for a new school facility and will provide information to voters important to consider for the July 11, school bond election.

Superintendent Jon Rother and representatives from Boyd Jones, the Construction Manager AT-Risk; the architectural firm of Clark-Enersen Partners and bond underwriter D.A. Davidson as well as JCC School Board members will be in attendance to present information and answer questions.

All residents of the Johnson County Central School District are encouraged to attend.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division reminds property owners that the Nebraska Homestead Exemption Application, Form 458 must be filed with your county assessor on or before June 30.

The homestead exemption provides relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the taxable value of a property owner's primary residence.

The State of Nebraska reimburses counties and other government subdivisions for the for the property taxes lost due to homestead exemptions.

Homestead Exemptions in Nebraska are available through several categories of property owners. Persons age 65 or older before January 1, 2023; Individuals with certain qualifying disabilities; Certain Veterans with a qualifying disability and their surviving spouses; or individuals with developmental disabilities. Some categories are subject to household income limitations and residence valuation requirements.

Homestead exemption forms and information are available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/homestead-exemption.

You can also get more information from your county assessor's office or the Department of Revenue by calling toll free 888-475-5101.

(KNZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation field survey will begin tomorrow, June 13, on the U.S. 73 bridge over Otter Creek located about 3 miles east of Horton.

KDOT says the survey is necessary to gather information for the detailed design of proposed improvements and is expected to be completed by July 3.

Joe Bowen, P.S., Survey Project Manager, KDOT, will be in charge of the survey.

A member of the survey crew first will contact property owners and/or tenants for permission to enter private property.

Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the survey corridor.

(KNZA)--A Topeka woman was arrested on charges following a Brown County traffic stop after she allegedly tried to hide a small plastic bag of methampetamine in her mouth.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said in a release that around 9:20 the evening of June 6 a Brown County deputy initiated a traffic stop on Kestrel Road near Oregon Street on the west side of Hiawatha.

Merchant said K-9 Carla indicated on the passenger side of the vehicle.

Following an investigation, the passenger, 51-year-old Jennifer Courtney, was arrested on charges of possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony interference of a law enforcement officer.

Following her arrest, Courtney was booked into the Brown County Jail. She has since been released on bond.

(KLZA)-- In collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy has issued an Air Quality Alert for portions of Eastern Nebraska.

An alert for possible Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups for ozone has been issued for Nebraska counties including: Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee and Richardson, through 11:00 pm. Friday evening.

During Moderate conditions, those who are unusually sensitive to particle pollution should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. During Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups conditions, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children.

When conditions rise to the orange category, sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion and avoid intense outdoor activities. Smoke from Canadian wildfires may affect the air quality in Nebraska. Smoke levels and wind directions are monitored by Nebraska and other states to predict when impacts to the air quality may occur.

(KLZA)-- A resurfacing project on Atchison County, Missouri, U.S. Route 136 is scheduled to resume Monday, June 12. The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted with Phillips Hardy, Inc. to complete the project which includes resurfacing and shoulder improvement on U.S. Route 136.

Crews will begin work at G Avenue, west of Rock Port, and work their way west toward the Missouri River.

U.S. Route 136 will be narrowed to one lane. Traffic will be directed through the work zone by temporary traffic signals. A 12-foot width restriction and 14-foot height restriction will be in place throughout the project.

Last year, crews completed, earthwork and base/roadway widening. Crews will continue the roadside work before the final asphalt overlay from Interstate 29 to the Missouri River is scheduled later this fall. All work is expected to be complete by December 2023.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Leavenworth man accused of killing his two sons before fleeing to Oklahoma with his two young daughters could face the death penalty if he is convicted.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said Wednesday, in a release, that he will seek the death penalty against 43-year-old Donald Ray Jackson Jr., who was charged with capital murder in his sons' death.

Jackson stood silent for his arraignment on Wednesday and a not guilty plea was entered for him.

At the hearing, Jackson's defense team announced it is unlikely to be ready to face a jury until 2025.

Jackson has been jailed in Leavenworth County since November 2020. Prosecutors allege he shot his sons — 12-year-old Austin and 14-year-old Logan — at their home in rural Leavenworth on Oct. 24, 2020.

The boys' bodies were found after Jackson and his sons didn't show up for a soccer game. An Amber Alert was issued for Jackson and his two daughters, ages 3 and 7.

Jackson was stopped hours later in Beckham County, Oklahoma, with the two girls inside his car.

(KAIR)--An Atchison County Commissioner has filed to run for the 63rd District Kansas House seat, which is up for election in 2024.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State's Office, Dr. Allen Reavis, of Atchison, filed June 2 for the Republican nomination.

Reavis is the first candidate to file for the seat, which is currently held by Republican Dr. John Eplee, of Atchison. Eplee has filed to run for the Kansas Senate seat currently held by Dennis Pyle, which is also up for election in 2024.

The 63rd Kansas House District includes Atchison and Doniphan Counties.

Reavis, an Atchison dentist, is currently serving his first term representing the 1st Commission District of Atchison County.

Previously, he served 13 years as a member of the Atchison City Commission—including five years as mayor.

(KNZA)--Former Hiawatha businessman and longtime school board member Steven Lock is being remembered.

Lock died unexpectedly Tuesday at a Topeka hospital at the age of 70.

He opened Steve's Tractor Repair in 1976, retiring in 2019.

Lock served on the Hiawatha School Board for 16 years.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning at 10:00 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, in Hiawatha.

Arrrangements are being handled by the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, in Hiawatha.https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=22565

Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon Sunday. A rosary will be recited Sunday evening at 6, with visitation to follow beginning at 6:30.

Among survivors are his wife, Linda, and three sons.

(KLZA)-- The draft FY 2024-2028 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) was presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission Wednesday.

The draft five-year program includes funding from General Revenue to widen and improve I-70, fix low-volume minor roads, upgrade railroad safety crossings and more. A 30-day public review and comment period is underway.

The STIP makes available $14 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation over the next five years. Of the $14 billion, the draft STIP details $10.5 billion in road and bridge construction contractor awards, averaging approximately $2.1 billion per year. It also includes a record $3.4 billion in state General Revenue funded projects from the General Assembly subject to governor approval of the final budget.

The draft FY 2024-2028 STIP lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2024-2028 and reflects the transportation needs of communities across Missouri.

The proposed program is available for public review. Those interested in seeing the program or offering comments can contact MoDOT by email to STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or by mail to Transportation Planning, Program Comments, P.O. Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The program is also available on MoDOT's website: https://www.modot.org/DRAFTSTIP. The formal comment period ends July 6, 2023.

Following the public review period, the comments will be presented to the Commission. The Commission will review the comments and the final transportation program before considering it for approval at its July 12 meeting.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved requests to close Stone Street from 14th - 15th Street June 9 for the Tanner Shelby Merz Foundation “Smokin on the Bricks” event that day.

Also approved was closing the 1500 block of Stone Street July 8 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. for a Lemonade Days Event sponsored by the Falls City Chamber.

The annual request for street closures and use of miscellaneous city amenities for the Cobblestone Festival August 24 - 27 was also approved.

The Council approved appointments of Joe Froeschl to the Park Board; the reappointment of Tim Heckenlively and appointment of John McNeely to the Library Board.

John Rieger was appointed to a 4-year term on the Board of Public Works. He will replace Merle Veigel who decided he did not want to be reappointed after serving nearly 35 years on the Board.

The Council also approved a resolution to abate a nuisance at 1215 Chase Street. Assistant City Attorney Tracy Burns said the nuisance is the outside the house, including vehicles and items on the front porch, and not the home itself.

Burns said the property owner has not made an attempt to clean up around the property since a letter was sent about clearing the nuisances in March.

To date 47 vacant properties have been registered under the Vacant Properties & Abatement / Demolition Program. Property owners not in compliance within 180 days of registering those properties will start receiving the first round of fees imposed on the property of $250 for residential sites and $500 for commercial buildings.

The City anticipates imposing over $12 thousand in fees during this fiscal year.

(KAIR)--Atchison's Juneteenth weekend arrives, with some aspects of the annual ceremonies beginning Friday, including an afternoon viewing of the vintage WWII Tuskegee Airmen airplane at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, at 2:00, courtesy of a partnership with Atchison United.

An Atchison tradition since 2006, Juneteenth is celebrated annually, held mostly at the north side LFM Park, Saturday and Sunday.

A unique inclusion in this year's celebration is the recognition of the history of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first all African-American fighter pilot squadron.

A flyover is planned for 12 noon Saturday, over LFM Park, following the annual Juneteenth parade. Flying the vintage aircraft will be Dr. Brian Smith, President of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum, headquartered in Michigan. Then, beginning at 12:45 Saturday afternoon, Smith will speak at the park, with a focus on the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The public is invited to any, or all, of the weekend's ceremonies.

Juneteenth, a federal holiday recognized annually, commemorates when slaves in Texas were informed, on June 19, 1865, that slavery had ended, with that message delivered two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective.

Hear Kevin Hill, of Atchison United, discuss in-depth, the Tuskegee Airmen's role in the upcoming weekend events.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man is facing multiple charges in Doniphan County stemming from a May 22nd traffic stop in Elwood.

43-year-old Joshua Sutton was arrested Wednesday by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office on a Doniphan County District Court warrant for 9 counts.

Sutton is charged with felony counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell and unlawful distribution of fentanyl. In addition, he is charged with misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of a weapon, possession of a firearm under the influence, driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked, no insurance and improper registration.

Following his arrest, Sutton was booked into the Doniphan County Jail where he remains held on a $100,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man charged with alleged sex and drug offenses waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Jeremy Stover was bound over to Brown County District Court for arraignment on August 21.

Stover's preliminary hearing had been continued twice, at his request, since his arrest in late February.

He is charged with eight counts—including three felony counts of promoting the sale of sexual relations, three misdemeanor counts of sexual battery, a felony count of distribution of opiates and misdemeanor count of possession of a depressant.

The charges were filed following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Office.

Stover remains free on a $50,000 bond.

(MSC News)--As car manufacturers continue to decide the fate of placing AM radios in newer models, a bipartisan resolution is introduced to support the inclusion of the longstanding broadcast band in new vehicles.

That's according to a release from the office of U.S. Congressman Jake LaTurner, which says the Kansas Republican, on June 5, joined Missouri Republican Representative Mark Alford to introduce a resolution to express support in the House for the continued inclusion of AM radios in cars.

The pair, in the release, noted the safety and value AM radios bring to millions of listeners across the nation, with LaTurner, in the release, saying that millions of listeners tune to “AM radio for crucial information or as an alternative to mainstream media outlets,” with LaTurner calling AM radio “vital to the freedom of expression and ideas,” which “also provides weather updates, crop reports, and emergency alerts to rural communities across America that can’t access cellular or broadband networks.”

LaTurner, in the release, noted that the bipartisan resolution comes as car manufacturers continue to consider the removal of AM radios from new cars and electric vehicles.

Car manufacturers cite electromagnetic interference-which can cause difficulty gaining clear, AM reception-as the reason for the possible removal.

(KAIR)--The November city government election races in Atchison County are set, following last week's filing deadline.

According to the Atchison County Clerk's Office, a primary election will not be needed, with all candidates vying for election in the November 7 general election.

That includes the race for Atchison City Commission, with incumbent Lisa Moody filing for reelection, while Mike Slattery and Bill Murphy file to run as challengers in the race.

Nine filed for election to the Effingham City Council, as well as one filing for the role of Effingham Mayor. Seeking that seat, currently held by Harvey Fasse, is Justin O'Brien. Fasse did not file for reelection. Also filing for open seats on the Council are incumbents Adam Diebolt, David Lowe, and Carl Bosch, with Andrew Eckert, Cathy Martin, Cheryl Moon, Jenna Hawk-Porter, Katie Madden, and Scott McLenon entering the race as challengers.

Three have filed for the Lancaster City Council race, with only incumbents filing to seek reelection. They are Emily Bare, Erin Hager, and Ronnie Myer.

In the Muscotah City Council Race, Brian Higley has filed, unchallenged, to retain the role of Mayor, while incumbents Dale Small, Darryl J. Hundley, Susan J. Higley, Pam Coffman, and Margaret Jacobs have all filed for reelection.

Local school boards also have vacancies up for election in November.

That includes Atchison County's USD 377, where Tabitha McRae is seeking position 1, currently held by Barbara Chapman, who did not file for reelection. Greg Smith filed for reelection to the School Board's position 2, while Wayne Madden and Carl Bosch are seeking position 3, currently held by Nancy Keith, who did not file for reelection. James Cormode filed unchallenged to retain the Board Member At Large role.

In the race for the USD 409 Board of Education, incumbents Brandi Ross, Sally Berger, and Stefanie Gardner have all filed for reelection, while challengers Doug Tschuader has also filed for a run for the board.

(KLZA)-- A 36-year-old Tecumseh, Nebraska woman pleaded guilty Monday in Johnson County District Court to a felony charge of motor vehicle homicide.

The Omaha World Herald reports Chelsy Kress admitted to causing the death of 22-year-old Logan Ascheman of Tecumseh on March 16 by driving recklessly.

In addition, Kress also entered pleas of guilty to felony charges of failure to stop and render aid and being in possession of a controlled substance.

Kress contacted the Johnson County Sheriff's Office about 2:30 a.m. on March 17, telling them she believed she hit someone with her car. A deputy located Ascheman on First Street near the railroad tracks. He was deceased when the deputy found him. The deputy then went to Kress' home and discovered damage to her vehicle that was consistent with striking a pedestrian.

Surveillance video shows Kress traveling northbound on First Street in Tecumseh around 10 p.m. on March 16.

Following her making contact with the victim, Kress returned home but did not contact law enforcement for approximately 4.5 hours.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska's first human case of mosquito-borne West Nile virus for the 2023 season has been identified in the Three Rivers Public Health District, which is composed of Dodge, Saunders and Washington Counties.

The person confirmed with the virus had been experiencing symptoms, went to a doctor and tested positive for West Nile.

The person was not hospitalized, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

However, the case was detected earlier than usual in the season, as cases aren't usually detected until August.

Less than 1% of people infected with West Nile virus become severely ill. However, people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to experience serious consequences.

People can protect themselves by avoiding mosquitoes. People can reduce their risk by using a repellant that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR3535; wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside; and taking extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding near your home, drain standing water around homes and businesses, including managing lawn and garden irrigation to avoid standing water and change water in bird baths, fountains and other outdoor receptacles at least once a week.

(KLZA)-- NioCorp Developments Ltd. has announced the successful completion of a geotechnical drilling campaign at the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in southeast Nebraska, which was done in advance of the proposed site preparation, grading, heavy construction, and eventual foundation pours for the Elk Creek Project that are expected to commence once sufficient financing is obtained.

The campaign involved drilling 16 boreholes and 20 test pits across the one square mile Elk Creek Project site, analyzing soil samples, and generating data for engineering design firms that are continuing to finalize plans for the potential construction of the facility.

The drilling explored the "glacial till" geological layer, which is comprised of the first 30 meters or so of soil, clay, and sand that covers much of southeast Nebraska. This layer of sediment was deposited by repeated glaciation that occurred in the Pleistocene epoch that ended approximately 11,000 year ago.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum reported to Council members Monday night that Utility Superintendent Ray Luhring, who was planning to retire at the end of 2023, has accepted a job as the Auburn Board of Public Works General Manager and has moved his retirement date up to June 14.

The City has hired Trevor Campbell for the Utility Superintendent position but he will not begin working until early August. In the meantime, Nussbaum will work with the Department Supervisors as the Acting Utility Superintendent.

Nussbaum also reported that programs developed to raze dilapidated homes in Falls City and a program providing funds to upgrade sidewalks are both working very well.

More than $45 thousand of the original $100 thousand in funding for demolitions through voluntary agreement with property owners has been utilized.

Approximately $29 thousand of the $50 thousand set aside for a Sidewalk Assistance Program has been utilized so far leaving approximately $21 thousand in the fund.

The Council also approved appointing Olsson +APMA to do the Feasibility Study for the proposed Recreation Center. Two firms submitted proposals to the City. The City received grant funds to pay for the feasibility study.

The study will look at using the former Armory and City Hall building as a site for the proposed rec center.

(KNZA)--Former interim Hiawatha City Administrator Larry Paine is being remembered.

Paine died June 2 in his hometown of Hillsboro at the age of 76.

He served as interim administrator for the city of Hiawatha for a part of last year following the resignation of former city administrator Mike Nichols on April 6th.

His death was announced in a post on the city's Facebook page.

A Celebration of Life service for Paine was set for Wednesday morning in Hillsboro.

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

(KNZA)-- Holton voters in a low turnout special election Tuesday approved the renewal of a half-cent citywide retailers sales tax for another ten years to fund infrastructure improvements and for debt reduction.

According to unofficial results from the Jackson County Clerk's Office, 122 votes were cast in favor of the sales tax and 21 votes against. The County Clerk's Office reported only about a 7 percent voter turnout.

The Holton City Commission in April approved a resolution setting the special election.

Holton voters approved the sales tax in November 2013. It would have expired at the end of this year unless it had been renewed.

With Tuesday's voter approval, the sales tax will now be extended from January 1st, 2024 through December 31st, 2033.

City officials in April said the sales tax had generated nearly $4.5 milion in revenue for the city..

(KNZA)--Following ongoing discussions with the Kansas Department of Transportation, the city of Hiawatha announced Tuesday that the traffic signals at the intersection of 1st and Oregon Streets will be removed in accordance with KDOT instruction.

The city, in a press release, said discussions with KDOT have been ongoing since the fall of 2017 when the southwest signal pole fell during a wind event. The city's request for a permit to repair the lights was denied by KDOT. In an effort to obtain a repair permit, the city requested a traffic control study. Since 2017, two traffic control studies were completed regarding the intersection. The city says neither study satisfied KDOT, who concluded that traffic signals at the intersection were unnecessary.

The city made efforts to re-use the existing signal poles at the intersection. However, the release says upon inspection of the remaining poles, a determination was made that the signal poles do not meet current design standards, leaving the city with no practical choice but to remove them.

Following the removal of the signals, the city says the intersection at First and Oregon Streets will operate as a two-way stop with traffic flowing freely on First Street and stop signs located along Oregon Street on the east and west sides of the intersection.

The city urges motorists to use caution when entering the intersection, especially at high traffic times during the school year.

(KAIR)--Two Independence, Missouri residents are facing charges in Jackson County, Kansas, arrested Friday afternoon following a traffic stop.

That stop, initiated by a Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper after the suspect vehicle left a residence near 182nd and U.S. Highway 75 around 4:30, led to the discovery that both occupants had outstanding warrants.

That's according to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, who says that shortly after the stop, “the homeowner of the residence where the vehicle had left, arrived home,” with the homeowner discovering “that the house had been burglarized.”

The release says that items missing from the home were allegedly found inside the duo's vehicle, which led the Sheriff's Office to conduct a burglary investigation.

Donald Biggs and Sheila Harrison, both 37-years-old, were then arrested, with Biggs facing charges of burglary, felony possession of stolen property, felony theft, and criminal trespass.

Harrison was arrested on charges of burglary, possession of stolen property, and theft.

Additionally, Biggs was found to have outstanding warrants from the Kansas counties of Leavenworth and Johnson, as well as the Missouri counties of Ray and Platte. Charges included in the warrants, according to the release, involve the crimes of burglaries, thefts, identity theft, and illegal drugs.

Following their Jackson County arrests, the pair was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, wanted on several warrants, including one for attempted burglary, now faces additional charges after his alleged attempt to flee on foot from officers trying to apprehend him for the active warrants.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Raymond Fink was the target of officers who were sent to 9th and Unity Streets, around 6:00 Saturday evening, after receiving reports that the 20-year-old Fink was in that area. An officer spotted Fink walking in the area of the 800 block of Mound Street, but Fink allegedly refused to stop, running from officer, leading to a foot pursuit. A short time later, Fink was stopped, and taken into custody in the 1000 block of North 8th Street.

Fink was wanted on four warrants, one for criminal damage to property, in April, and another for theft, in early May, with both warrants arising from incidents at Walmart. The third warrant was for attempted burglary and criminal damage to property, related to an April 26 attempt to enter a vehicle, which Fink allegedly caused damage to, in a parking lot in the 800 block of Raven Hill Road. The fourth Atchison County District Court warrant was for failure to appear.

Following his Saturday evening arrest, Fink was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

According to Wilson, more charges are possible.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners received updates from Sheriff Rick Hardesty when they met May 31.

For the first 30 days of May, the Sheriff's Department answered 762 calls for services, an average of more than 25 per day. There were 47 people booked into Jail, 37 of them from Sheriff's Department arrests and on the 31st there were 24 inmates with one additional person housed at the Nebraska Diagnostic and Evaluation Center.

Sheriff Hardesty presented a contract proposal to the Board which has also been presented to the HTRS School District f0r a School Resource Officer at the school for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. For the first year that proposal seeks $55,652 from the school district and $58,791 for the second year. The HTRS Board is to consider the proposal during their June 12 meeting.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. discussed amending the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Natural Disaster Budget to increase the budget of expenditures to allow for the expenditure of funds received from FEMA for a Disaster Declaration declared due to a December, 2019 storm. The funds would be used to reimburse the Road and Bridge Fund where the expenses for the repairs were incurred.

A public hearing will be held Tuesday, June 14, at 10 a.m. to receive comments concerning amending the budget.

The Board approved the sale of several pickups and trucks, deemed as surplus through Big Iron auctions.

The Board also receive notice from the County health insurance carrier that there will be an average 7.02% rate increase in premiums of all plans offered beginning July 1.

(KLZA)-- SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps recipients buy food, which raises nutrition levels among low-income households. A household may be one person or a group of people who buy and make their food together.

Recently there here have been reports of the general public receiving unsolicited calls from what appears to be the SNAP toll free information hotline number: (800) 221-5689.

The unsolicited callers are requesting personal information offering assistance for filling out a SNAP application or other non-SNAP related services such as home security systems. Never provide personal information or your credit card number over the phone to unsolicited callers. This outside entity that has “spoofed" the SNAP toll free information hotline number is not affiliated with the US Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) or SNAP. If you suspect that you are receiving illegitimate calls from (800) 221-5689, you may file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you have already fallen victim to this or a similar scam, please visit: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ for more information on identity theft.

(KNZA)--With last week's filing deadline, the field of candidates seeking city government and school board positions in Doniphan County has been set for he November general election.

According to the Doniphan County Clerk's office, five candidates are vying for three open positions on the Highland Community College Board of Trustees. They include incumbents Russell Karn and Carl Tharman, along with Janette Ann Karn, William Noll and Mark Rounds.

For the Doniphan West USD 111 Board, four candidates are seeking three open positions in District 1. They include incumbents Wesley Keller and Rocky Ruhnke, along with Keith Edmonds and Tana Snyder. Zach Lee is running unopposed for position 7 on the USD 111 Board.

For the Riverside USD 114 Board, five candidates are vying for three open positions in District 1. They include incumbents Sue Bartley, Jeff Hartman and Erin Shackelford, along with Tina Kimberlin and Dustin Robinson. Jessica Herbster is running unopposed for position 7 on the USD 114 Board. F

For the Troy USD 429 board, incumbents Stephen Bowe, Nathan Geiger, Timothy Grable and Jason Winder are running unopposed for re-election to four open positions on the board.

For the city of Elwood, incumbent Mayor Timmy Kieser, Sr., is being challenged by Tyler Bell. Four candidates are vying for three open positions on the Elwood City Council. They include incumbent Dustin Robinson, along with Cecil Garner, Jamie Miller and Megan Shackelford.

For the city of Highland , three candidates are seeking two open positions on the City Council. They include incumbents Marty Allen and Danny Collins, along with Robert Ellerman. Charles Batchelder is running unopposed for Highland Mayor.

For the city of Troy, five candidates are vying for two open positions on the City Council. They include incumbents Cody Miller and Stan Ruhnke, along with Brittany Clary, Darren Clary and Kohlbe King. Michael Brissett is running unopposed for Mayor.

For city of White Cloud, incumbent Mayor Jama Edie is being challenged by Linda Langley and Janice Nuzum. Seven candidates are seeking five open positions on the City Council. They include incumbents Leslie Coelho and Clint Waggoner, along with Robert Lock, Christopher Mooney, Katrina Nuzum, Linda Rhodd and Michelle Waggoner.

There will not be a primary election. The general election will be held November 7.

There will be no primary election. The general election will be held November 7.

(KMZA)--The National Pony Express Association will be conducting a re-run of the famed mail service June 7-17.

Commemorative letters and personal mail will be carried by horse and rider relays 1,966 miles from the Sacramento River to the Missouri River.

The first rider will depart from Old Sacramento, California Wednesday, and the last rider will arrive in St. Joseph, Missouri the evening of June 17. The riders will be making several local stops along the way.

The re-ride will cross 8 states. The riders travel 24 hours a day, riding in relays of 1 to 5 miles.

The re-ride honors the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company, founded by Russell, Majors and Waddell, a Missouri freighting firm. It carried letters and telegrams from April 1860 to November 1861, to prove the Central Route passable year-round to win a federal mail contract.

Since 1980, the group has conducted a re-ride of the mail route each June.

(KNZA)--Prairie Hills USD 113 Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Gatz has resigned.

The USD 113 Board of Education, in a special meeting Monday morning, accepted her resignation, effective July 1st.

Gatz has been offered a superintendent's position in another district.

She has been with USD 113 for 7 years.

Gatz was hired as Sabetha Elementary School principal in 2015. She took over as director of student learning in 2016 and transitioned to the position of assistant superintendent in 2020.

No other action was taken at the meeting.

(KNZA)--No injuries were reported after a Hiawatha School District minivan went up in flames Friday afternoon.

Hiawatha Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said the Fire Department was dispatched to the vehicle fire at the intersection of 1st and Oregon Streets at 2:49.

Upon arrival, he said crews found the Dodge minivan located on the east side of 1st Street with its engine compartment fully engulfed in flames.

Sheldon said crews brought the fire under control within a few minutes and cleared the scene by 3:20.

The minivan was being driven by USD 415 Superintendent Lonnie Moser who was able to escape the burning vehicle without injury. He was the lone occupant in the vehicle.

The cause of fire is unknown.

Sheldon thanked the Hiawatha Police Department for controlling traffic at the busy intersection.

(KLZA) -- Following a closed session during a special meeting of the Auburn Board of Public Works, Board of Directors on May 23, the Board voted unanimously to offer a contract to Ray Luhring as full-time General Manager for the BPW effective June 19, through December 31, 2023.

The offer is contingent upon approval of the Auburn City Council.

The contract has an option to be renewed on a month-to-month basis, beginning January 1, 2024.

Ray Luhring is currently the Falls City Utility Superintendent, but he was scheduled to retire from that position at the end of 2023.

Falls City recently hired Falls City native Trevor Campbell to be the new Utility Superintendent.

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

(KAIR)--A missing, elderly Jefferson County man has been found safe in Atchison.

That's according to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, who says the 73-year-old man was found after a resident of 5759 Sheridan Road, around 10:45 Saturday night, reported that a red Ford Ranger was stuck in the grass on the property.

Deputies arrived on the scene, and identified the driver of the stuck truck as the 73-year-old Winchester resident who had been the focus of an attempt to locate, and check welfare, issued by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

According to Laurie, Atchison County EMS transported the man from the Sheridan Road location to Amberwell Atchison for evaluation.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office was notified that the man was located.

His name is not made public.

(KTNC)-- A traffic stop over the weekend by a Richardson County deputy led to the arrest of three individuals on drug charges.

The Sheriff's Office, in a release, said a deputy stopped a vehicle around 8:10 Saturdray evening on US Highway 75.

During the course of the stop, probable cause to search the vehicle was developed. Recovered from the vehicle was 103 pounds of marijuana, a handgun and concentrated THC.

Arrested were Stephanie Miller, of Wichita, Kansas, on seven counts--including possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.

Khalil M. Frierson, of Wichita, on seven counts --including possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.

Also arrested was Donnell Moseley Jr of Gladstone, MO.on 2 counts-- including possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.

(KNZA)--With last week's filing deadline, there will be a several contested races in November for positions on Jackson County's three school boards.

For the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board, there will be three contested races. Kallie Kirk and Wendie Edwards are seeking position 2, which had been held by the late Melinda Wareham. Incumbent Neal Keeler is being challenged by Corey Thomas and Jordan Smith for position 3. Michelle Schierling and Jacob Wareham are vying for position 7, the at-large position. The position is currently held by Konrad Coe, who didn't file for re-election.

For the Holton USD 336 Board, there will be two contested races. Incumbent Rex Frazier is being challenged by Brittany Debarge for position 1 on the board. Debarge currently holds position 2 on the board, but filed for position 1 because she moved. Incumbent Dena Swisher is being challenged for position 7 on the board by Brady Black and Allyson Sanders.

For the Royal Valley USD 337 Board, there will be two contested race. Ruth Slocum and Cindy Broxterman are vying for position 3. The position is currently held by Pat Tuck who didn't seek re-election. Broxterman currently hold position 7, the at-large position, but opted to file for position 3. Filing for position 7 were Leonard Allen and Rhonda Lefferd.

There will be no primary election. The general election will be held November 7.

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

The Holton City Commission approved a resolution in April setting the special election.

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

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

City officials in April said the sales tax had generated nearly $4.5 million in revenue for the city.

Holton voters can cast their ballots at the Holton First Baptist Church, located at 404 Juniper Drive, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man is jailed in Jackson County on burglary, theft and criminal damage to property charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said 55-year-old Martyne Christopher Elmer was arrested June 1st following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office.

Morse said Martyne is suspected of committing burglaries and thefts on multiple occasions at a property on 110th Road in southern Jackson County.

Following his arrest, Elmer was booked in the Jackson County Jail. He remains held on a $25,000 bond.

(KMZA)---With Thursday filing deadline, the field of candidates vying in Nemaha County for city government and school board positions up for election in November has been set.

For the Prairie Hills USD 113 Board, there will be two contested races. Vying for position 5 are Todd Grimes and Ross Mosteller. The position is currently held by Leslie Scoby. Scoby filed for position 7, the at-large position. Joining Scoby in seeking the position is Ann Shaughnessy. The position is currently held by Kent Saylor who didn't file for re-election.

Andrea Lagos filed to fill the two-year unexpired term of Anissa Bloom, who resigned in March from position 4 on the board.

For the Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education, there will be one contested race. Incumbent Owen Zinke is being challenged by Kris Anderson for position 7.

Tory Jost filed before Thursday's deadline for position 5. The position is currently held by Jason Hammes, who didn't seek re-election.

For the Sabetha City Commission, there will be one contested race. Megan Bunck and Joshua Burger are seeking the position of Commissioner of Streets. The position is currently held by Julie Lancaster-Burenheide who didn't seek re-election.

In the city of Seneca, there will be no contested races for city government positions.

(KNZA)--A Brown County resident wants to see a three-mile stretch of old Highway 75 stripped for safety reasons.

Steve Lukert meet with the Brown County Commission at their May 22 meeting to request that the outer lines of the road be stripped from U.S. 36 Highway to Sabetha.

Lukert said its especially difficult at night to see where you are at on the road.

The cost to stripe the road has been estimated at $9,000. Lukert said he would be willingly to raise $3,000 towards the cost, if Brown and Nemaha Counties would split the remainder of the cost. The two counties share maintenance responsibility for the stretch of road.

The commission made no decision on the request.

Lukert also recently meet with the Nemaha County Commission to make the same request.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission in a special meeting Wednesday morning approved a resolution authorizing the preparation and submittal of a housing grant application.

The city will seek a $650,000 grant from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation for a duplex development project planned in the community.

The Commission last month approved an agreement with The Anderson Group, of DeSoto, Kansas, for the constructon of six duplexes on about two-acres of city-owned land west of Bruning Park. The duplexes will be available for rent to residents.

As part of the agreement, the city agreed to seek the grant to help with the estimated $4 million project.

The special meeting lasted less than five minutes.

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Thursday, announced that the State- total tax collections for May 2023 were $857.3 million. That is, a release from her office says, $38.8 million, or 4.7%, above the estimate.

Individual income tax collections were $440.1 million. That is $12.9 million, or 2.9% below the estimate, and down 15.1% from May 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $91.2 million, or 140.0% higher than the estimate and up 77.4% from May 2022. The drastic increase in corporate income tax collections can be partly attributed to the continued impact of the SALT Parity Act.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $289.6 million which is $9.4 million, or 3.1% below the estimate and down $16.0 million, or 5.2%, from May 2022.

Total tax collections are down 5.8% from May 2022.

(KNZA)---The field of candidates vying for city government and school board positions up for election this November in Brown County has been set.

Thursday was the filing deadline.

For the Horton City Commission, a third candidate filed for the position of Commissioner of Police before the deadline. The Brown County Clerk's Office reports Avery Thornton joins Bruce Hodges and Kirk Gries in seeking the position. The position is currently held by Rex West who didn't seek re-election.

A primary election will be needed to narrow the field of candidates vying for the position of Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. Challenging incumbent Richard Lovelady are Phillip Wiley, Joshua White and Bobby Bacon. The two candidates receiving the most votes in the August 1 primary election will advance to the November general election ballot.

For the Hiawatha USD 415 school board, there will be one contested race. Mitchell Brown and Richard Schilling filed for position 2. The position is currently held by Tom Simmer who didn't seek re-election.

For the South Brown County USD 430 school board, there will be no contested races. Jonathan Boller III filed before the deadline for position 1, which is currently held by April Keo who didn't seek re-election.

(KAIR/KNZA)--A three-county pursuit, that began with the report of a stolen Seneca vehicle and ended in Atchison after reaching speeds over 100 mph Wednesday, led to the arrest of a 19-year-old homeless man.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, Adrian Richardson is named as the alleged driver of the Dodge pickup truck, reported stolen late Wednesday afternoon from the Nemaha County community. He faces charges for 4 counts of aggravated assault, reckless driving, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference of law enforcement officers, no drug tax stamp, felony theft, and possible additional charges. Richardson had two active warrants, one from Johnson County, Kansas and the other from Jackson County, Missouri, at the time of his Wednesday arrest.

He was taken into custody near the Benedictine College ball field, shortly after the stolen truck arrived in Atchison, following the pursuit that was started east of Fairview by a Brown County Sheriff's Deputy who located the stolen truck, which sped away, making its way toward Hiawatha. As it did so, the pursuit was downgraded due to public safety concerns.

A Hiawatha Police Officer, after deputies temporarily lost sight of the vehicle, spotted it a short time later, southbound on U.S. Highway 73, heading toward Horton, and followed it, as the truck reportedly intentionally attempted to run numerous motorists off the road.

The pursuit was again terminated for safety, this time several miles west of the Atchison City limits, prior to the vehicle being spotted, and stopped, near the Atchison college. According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, an officer on Atchison's west Main Street first spotted the truck, but lost sight of it. Around 5:30, the Atchison agency “received information that a suspicious vehicle had just stopped in the area of Washington Street and Mound Street and the driver ran from the vehicle on foot.” An officer responded, located Richardson, and took him into custody.

Merchant commends the role played by the Atchison Police Department, as well as the Atchison County Sheriff's Office, Hiawatha Police, the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, Seneca Police, Sac and Fox Police, Horton Police, and other assisting agencies, including Brown County Dispatch.

Merchant, who says the investigation is ongoing, is seeking information from the public related to the pursuit, saying in the release that “the [alleged] actions of [Richardson] put many at risk,” and is “asking that if anyone encountered [the stolen truck] during the pursuit that compromised your safety” to call 785-742-7125.

Following his arrest in Atchison, Richardson was transported to the Brown County Jail.

Richardson was reportedly wearing a mask, which hid his face, as he allegedly drove alone during the pursuit.

(KAIR)--A 67-year-old resident of a Tonganoxie nursing home has pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine.

That's according to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, who says Carol Jones, who was found to have possessed the controlled substance on November 11, 2022, plead guilty May 17, in Leavenworth County District Court. Her sentencing is set for June 23.

According to court documents cited in the release, nursing home staff members discovered an unauthorized pill bottle in Jones’ room, with the bottle containing a white substance, which was later tested by a Tonganoxie police officer, “and found to have a presumptive presence of methamphetamine.” Prior to the bottle being located, nursing home staff reported Jones had left with a friend earlier in the week.

Jones was questioned by police and admitted the bottle belonged to her. Originally, Jones stated she acquired the bottle from a local thrift store but denied the source of the contents.

Later, officers returned to the facility on reports that Jones had written concerning notes. When questioned, Jones told officers she wrote the notes because she feared going to jail. While officers were on scene, Jones made a statement surrounding her addiction to methamphetamine as well. Officers determined her admission about methamphetamine addiction gave cause to believe Jones unlawfully possessed a controlled substance.

Jones was not taken into custody, but Tonganoxie police submitted the case to Thompson's office, leading first to charges and then the guilty plea from Jones.

(KAIR)--The 16th President of the United States is set for a return visit to Atchison, this time in statue form, as a long-planned goal to place the likeness of Abraham Lincoln at the Atchison County Courthouse is coming to reality.

According to a social media post made to the Atchison County Historical Society- Facebook Page on May 16, “the long awaited [Abraham] Lincoln Statue has been delivered to Atchison,” with the post adding that “the base is being readied for its final resting place near the courthouse.”

The project was not conceived by the historical society, but whose role it was, as a non-profit organization, to hold the funds on behalf of the Courtney S. Turner Trust, which is funding the statue, sculpted by former Atchison resident Aleda Haug. That's according to Lincoln Task Force Chair, and County Commissioner, Dr. Allen Reavis, who says the County's approval has been granted for placement of the statue on the Atchison County Courthouse grounds. He calls Haug- work “a wonderful contribution of Art and History to our community.”

According to Rick Berger, member of the Turner Trust Advisory Committee, the idea for the bronze statue has been in the works for a decade, with Haug, in 2013, asking the committee to fund the casting for the bronze, in return for her donating her skills to create the statue. The request came shortly after the unveiling of her first public art piece, the statue of Deafy Boular, at 4th and Commercial Streets.

A number of individuals and organizations are involved with the final steps of the process, including the Atchison Art Association and Byrd Memorial Company.

The statue commemorates Lincoln's only visit to Kansas in late November/early December, 1859. That trip, which also included stops in Elwood and Leavenworth, brought Lincoln to Atchison, where, according to the Kansas Historical Society, he spoke on the evening of December 2 for more than 2-hours, in the auditorium of the Methodist Church, which, records show, once stood across from the Courthouse. The statue of Lincoln will be placed to face toward the location of the former church.

During his brief visit to Kansas, the state Historical Society says Lincoln condemned the institution of slavery during the speeches he delivered. That history connects to the approaching Juneteenth celebration, with events planned June 9, 10, and 11. With that local organization also involved with the statue initiative, the plan is to place the statue on the courthouse lawn as part of the Juneteenth weekend.

An exact time is not immediately finalized, but preliminary planning could see the statue put in place that Friday evening, June 9th. However, the official time of the ceremony is forthcoming, and will be announced in the near future.

(KAIR)--The latest reported Atchison residential burglary is under investigation by Atchison Police.

That's according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says the crime was committed at a residence located in the 300 block of North 3rd Street.

Investigators believe the burglary occurred between 1:15 and 1:50 Tuesday afternoon.

Stolen from the residence, according to Wilson, was a Toshiba 42” television.

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

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has turned down a zoning change request that would have allowed for the establishment and operation of a new electrical substation on property located at 1027 Sheridan Road in Wathena.

Following a hearing Tuesday, the commission voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Doniphan County Regional Planning Commission to deny the zoning change due to the characteristics of the existing neighborhood and the detrimental effect on neighboring property.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, seven adjoining property owners spoke during the hearing in opposition to the request for the zoning amendment.

An Evergy representative said the new substation is needed because the current substation is outdated.

County commissioners were told Evergy had five properties to consider for the new substation and the property at 1027 Sheridan Road was identified as the top location based on its proximity to the existing substation and willingness of the landowner to sell.

(KNZA)--A methamphetamine distribution investigation by the Richardson County Sheriff's Office leads to the arrest of a Falls City woman on multiple charges.

The Sheriff's Office said Cara Cavaness was arrested Sunday on a Richardson County warrant for eight counts—including one count each of delivery of meth within 1,000 feet of a playground and delivery of meth within 1,000 feet of a school, along with two counts each of possession of meth, possession of drug money and no drug tax stamp.

Following her arrest, Cavaness was booked into the Richardson County Jail, where she remains held on a $25,000 bond.

During the investigation, the Sheriff's Office says deputies purchased meth utilizing confidential informants.

At the time, Cavaness was out on bond from Otoe County, Nebraska for felony possession of a controlled substance.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Community Foundation's 3rd annual “ Give Back to Move Forward” match day event over the Memorial Day weekend was a big success.

Organizers say 812 gifts totaling $251,952 were given to benefit 43 funds, far surpassing the first two years.

When matching funds of $90,300 are added in, the grand total is $342,252.

The Amberwell Hiawatha Foundation Fund generated the largest amount of donations, totaling $20,172. That was followed by the Friends of the Morrill Public Library fund, which received donations totaling $19,045 and the Hiawatha Championship Sports Complex Fund, which received donations of $14,633.

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