(KILZA) Richardson County Clerk Mary Eickhoff presented a proposed Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget to the Board of Commissioners during their July 26 meeting.

The proposal was based on the budgets submitted by all department officials and is subject to review by the Commissioners with public hearings tentatively scheduled for September 13th.

The preliminary budget of expenditures is proposed at $21,840,325 including ARPA and Inheritance Tax which is an increase of $512,873 or 2.4 percent from the previous year.

If approved as presented the levy would be 40.1986 cents per $100 of Evaluation, an increase of nearly 2.9 cents per $100 of assessed valuation or a 7.7% increase.

Unknown factors for the next budget at this time, include not knowing what the total valuation for county property will be until August 20. The estimated valuation is $1,664,584,895 which would be a 14 percent increase.

Under the proposed preliminary budget, the property tax requirement would increase by $1,249,000.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is inviting the public to join the discussion on priority unfunded transportation needs in their areas.

Missouri- transportation system includes 33,808 miles of roads and 10,424 bridges, making it one of the largest for any state in the nation. MoDOT, working with its regional planning partners, has outlined a draft High Priority Unfunded Needs listing, which identifies $1.1 billion in annual unfunded transportation needs for the system. The list was created to guide the development of needs into funded projects as state and federal transportation funds become available in future years.

The public is invited to review the list and provide feedback on the order of priorities that could be funded in the future. A meeting to discuss the draft updated High Priority Unfunded Needs list for transportation in the Northwest Missouri will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Maryville Public Safety Office, 101 N. Vine St. The presentation materials and a comment form are also available online at https://www.modot.org/unfundedneeds.

MoDOT staff have worked with metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning commissions throughout the state to develop a list of high priority unfunded road and bridge needs. The draft lists include $4.7 billion in road and bridge needs in three tiers. Tier 1 includes $552 million and includes needs that could be accomplished in the time of the current five-year Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as federal and state funding levels increase. These needs have good estimates. Tier 2 is worth $2.1 billion and includes needs beyond the current STIP timeframe. Tier 3 includes $2 billion of needs also beyond the current STIP timeframe with broader estimates. worked with planning partners to identify $1 billion in multimodal needs.

(KAIR)--An animal in the roadway is blamed for a single vehicle, Saturday evening Atchison crash that required EMS response, but no hospital treatment.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 18-year-old Dorian Arenas, of Atchison, was southbound on 10th Street, in the 300 block of North 10th, when he swerved to avoid an animal. When doing so, the Ford Escape struck a parked vehicle, with the impact of the crash causing the Escape to land on its side.

Atchison County EMS responded to the scene of the wreck and examined Arenas.

Determining that the driver was not injured, Arenas required no further treatment.

(KMZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation resurfacing project is expected to begin on K-16 in Pottawatomie County on Wednesday, Aug. 2, conditions permitting. The project covers about 19 miles, from the K-63 junction to K-99 in Blaine.

The contractor will begin at K-63 and resurface the eastbound lane to K-99. Once complete, they will return to K-63 and work on the westbound lane to K-99. Work will be done in smaller sections to reduce impact to motorists.

The roadway will be reduced to one lane when work is taking place, and traffic will be directed by a pilot car and flaggers. The work zone will also have a 10-foot width restriction. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will occur during daylight hours Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed. It is expected to be complete by late September.

Dustrol Inc., of Towanda, is the contractor on the $2.7 million project.

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

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of multiple firearms from a Centralia area residence.

According to a release from the Sheriff's Office, sometime between July 1st and July 28 an unknown person removed 7 firearms from 460 G Road.

The loss was placed at about $6,900.

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

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is going to prison, sentenced last week on charges related to drug distribution.

45-year-old Shane Lawrence was sentenced July 26 in Atchison County District Court to serve 9-years of incarceration for the crimes of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possession of psilocybin mushroomes with the intent to distribute.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, Lawrence plead guilty to the charges in February of this year, following litigation of more than 16-months.

Lawrence was arrested in October of 2021 following an investigation, complete with a search of his residence where the contraband was located, launched in late 2021 by the Atchison County Sheriff's Office.

Lawrence, during last week's sentencing hearing, argued for probation, which the judge denied, giving him the 9-year prison sentence instead.

(KAIR)--An early Sunday morning crash left two Leavenworth County teenagers injured, with one requiring hospital treatment.

A report from the Kansas Highway Patrol says 17-year-old Jeremia Burnett, of Lansing, was driving southbound on 155th from Eisenhower Road, in Leavenworth, when his Jeep Cherokee left the roadway to the right. Burnett overcorrected to the left, sending the vehicle into the left ditch before stopping on a fence.

Burnett, who was wearing a seat belt, suffered only a possible injury, while his passenger, 17-year-old Andresea Prieto, of Leavenworth, was transported to St. John's Hospital with what the KHP calls a suspected minor injury.

According to the report, Prieto was not buckled up at the time of the wreck, which occurred shortly before 7:30 Sunday morning.

(KNZA)--Neighborhoods throughout Hiawatha and Holton are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “40th Annual National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event Tuesday evening.

For the 28th year, the Hiawatha Police Department will sponsor the event.

Local law enforcement and emergency response agencies will set up displays in the Schuneman Addition at the Fisher Center on East Iowa Street from 6-8 p.m.

The Police Department will be serving free corn dogs, chips, soda pop and bottled water.

Residents can swim free at the Hiawatha Aquatic Park from 6 to 8 that evening.

Also Tuesday evening, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Holton Police Department will hold its third annual National Night Out event.

The event will take place from 5:30 to 8:00 on the east side of the Jackson County Courthouse, in Holton.

A free meal of hot dogs, brats, chips, cookies and drinks will be served.

Public safety agencies from Jackson County and the state of Kansas will have equipment on display.

There will be a drone presentation, a law enforcement K-9 presentation and an investigations presentation.

The event will also feature music, giveaways and prizes.

The National Night Out program helps build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships.

(KNZA)--The city of Horton will hold an open house at the city's new wastewater treatment facility Tuesday afternoon, August 1, to allow residents an opportunity to view the facility.

The open house will take place from 3 to 6 at 1514 100th Street, in Horton.

The city's original wastewater treatment plant, which was constructed in 1956, was having trouble meeting the modern, much stricter permit limits.

In October of 2021, construction began on a $6.3 million facility upgrade. The project was completed in September 2022.

Financing for the project was secured from USDA Rural Development, with roughly 40 percent of the money coming as a grant.

The project was engineered by BG Consultants and the general contractor was AHRS Construction.

Earlier this year, the city of Horton was recognized by the Kansas Rural Water Association for having the “ Most Improved Wastewater System of the Year.”

(KNZA)--Horton voters will go to the polls Tuesday, August 1 to narrow the field of candidates vying for the position of Commissioner of Parks and Recreation.

Incumbent Richard Lovelady is being challenged by Phillip Wiley, Joshua White and Bobby Bacon.

The two candidates receiving the most votes will advance to the November General Election ballot.

Voters will cast their ballots at the Blue Building from 7 am to 7 pm.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Hiawatha public water supply system.

The advisory was issued Saturday after a chlorinator malfunctioned at the city's water treatment plant, which KDHE says may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

. Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

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

. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

. Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

In a social media post, the city of Hiawatha says they anticipate the boil water advisory being lifted sometime on Tuesday. The post says the system is currently operating normally, and has been since about 20 minutes after the chlorinator malfunction. The post adds the city is required to take and send 4 water samples to KDHE on Monday and hope to have the results returned to them on Tuesday.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman, who collided with another vehicle while enroute to Amberwell Atchison, was transported there following the crash, but not due to the wreck itself.

That word comes in a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says 18-year-old Morgyn Gerber, Thursday afternoon at 3:00, was turning south onto the entrance road to the hospital, after having been eastbound on Ravenhill Drive, when her vehicle struck a northbound vehicle that was stopped at the stop sign at Ravenhill Road.

According to Wilson, Gerber was transported the rest of the way to the hospital by Atchison County EMS, but because of medical reasons not associated with the wreck.

The driver of the vehicle struck by Gerber was not hurt.

(KAIR)--The more than $414,000 dollars earmarked for Atchison through the 2023 Community Development Block Grant program has been awaited by the City to make long-discussed upgrades to Atchison's LFM Park.

Announcement of the award came Wednesday, with Atchison among a total of 24 communities in rural Kansas counties set to receive a share of nearly $7.9 million in federal grants to assist with community development projects.

Atchison's $414,380 will be matched by the City of Atchison, bringing the total to $828,760.

According to Atchison Public Works & Utilities Director, Clinton McNemee, the intended scope of work at the northside park includes a splash pad, picnic shelter improvements, play equipment, basketball court lighting, and off-street accessible parking, along with other general accessibility improvements, and miscellaneous amenities.

A timeline for the start of the work isn’t immediately finalized.

According to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the CDBG program's federal funds are awarded to projects that will benefit low and moderate-income persons, prevent or eliminate slums and blight, and those projects that will resolve an urgent need that communities are not able to do on their own.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a stream advisory that was issued July 13 for the South Fork of the Nemaha River located north of Seneca.

The stream advisory was due to water contamination from a confined animal feeding facility, which resulted in a fish kill.

The advisory was issued because elevated bacteria and contaminants may have been present in the stream.

KDHE said Friday the stream has been deemed safe for wading and livestock use.

(KMZA)--A comprehensive plan for Nemaha County, Kansas is a step closer to being adopted.

The Nemaha County Planning Commission unanimously approved the plan when they met Monday evening.

That followed hearings last week in Seneca and Sabetha. Planning consultant Dick Horton reviewed the comprehensive plan at the hearings and allowed time for public comments.

There was no public comment at the Seneca hearing and only two residents commented at the Sabetha hearing.

The county-wide planning process began in September 2020.

A certified copy of the comprehensive plan will now be sent to County Commissioners, who have final authority on its adoption.

(KLZA)--Pawnee County Commissioners approved allowing Southeast Nebraska Community Action start the State request for a new Transit bus at a cost of $92 thousand wen they met Tuesday. SENCA will request a 10 percent match for the new transit bus from Pawnee County in the future.

Pawnee County Attorney Emily Sisco discussed an addendum to the Johnson County / Pawnee County Radio Disatching Agreement approved by the Pawnee County Board on July 11. Following the discussion, Sisco will not go back to Johnson County to renegotiate the amount and the wording of the agreement that Johnson County had requested.

Pawnee City Council member Susan Eisenhauer met with the Board to discuss the Sheriff's budget. Sheriff Braden Lang also met with the Board at their request to discuss the 2023-24 Sheriff's Budget.

Commissioners also approved a bid from The Tire Cutters, Inc. of Centralia, Kansas for the 2024 Scrap Tire Amnesty Program. Three bids were received from companies to dispose of the tie collected. The bids ranged from $159 per ton to $180 per ton.

The Board approved the $175 per ton bid from Tire Cutters due to them picking up all tires annd transporting them from te drop off site on the day of the event.

(KNZA)--The Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging has been awarded a $600,000 Community Development Block Grant for the construction of a new multi-use facility in Hiawatha.

It's among nearly $7.9 million in federal grants awarded by the Kansas Department of Commerce to assist with community development projects in 24 communities in rural counties throughout the state. Governor Kelly announced the grant awards Wednesday.

The new facility is to be constructed between Hopi Drive and 23rd Street on the south lot west of the Hiawatha Wal- Mart Store.

The facility will include administration offices, a community room, activity room, commercial kitchen with community café, technology room, and conference rooms as part of the CDBG. There will be a transportation hub, offices,
dispatch center and a passenger waiting area, funded by a separate grant awarded by the Kansas Department of Transportation.

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

(KNZA)--The Brown County Republican Committee will hold a convention next week to select a new county clerk for appointment by the Governor.

According to a public notice, the convention will take place at the Fairview Community Center on Friday, August 4 .

The position came open following the resignation of former Brown County Clerk Dawn Boyles on July 17.

The person selected will fill the remainder of Boyles term, which expires in January 2025. The position is up for election in November 2024.

Barb Grabhorn is serving as interim county clerk until a replacement is appointed.

Those interested in the position should contact Brown County Republican Committee Chairman Chris Kroll at 785-288-0461.

All candidates must be registered Republicans that reside in Brown County.

(KAIR)--Atchison's Amelia Earhart Festival, held last weekend, complete with location changes and expanded activities, is counted as a success.

A social media post, made to the official Amelia Earhart Festival Facebook account, calls it “one of the greatest festivals yet,” with the account noting the numerous weekend activities, including Friday night's country music concert, held at the Atchison River Front, as opposed to its more than 20-years held at Warnock Lake.

Featuring headliner Sawyer Brown, public comments made to the account call the concert “an awesome show” and a “fun night with friends.”

Saturday's events included those at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, which opened in April at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, providing a new destination point during the annual festival.

The festival, as tradition holds, concluded with the Concert in the Sky fireworks show over the Missouri River Saturday night.

However, it wasn’t long after the festival concluded that rumors began circulating regarding the fate of the festival, specifically the fireworks, with a post made to an Atchison social media group expressing concern that the fireworks would be done away with in 2024. Jacque Pregont, longtime Festival Coordinator, says there's no truth to the rumor, telling MSC News that the annual display will be included in the planning for next summer's festival.

The Amelia Earhart Festival is held on the third weekend each July in honor of the birthday of Earhart, the famed aviator who called Atchison her childhood home.

(KAIR)--A familiar northeast Kansas law enforcement officer of many years has died.

Albert “Butch” Clark died Thursday at his rural Holton Home. He was 72-years-old.

Among Clark's many roles in Kansas law enforcement was serving as Sheriff of Nemaha County, a position he was appointed to in 1978, and which he filled until 2001.

Among the numerous other agencies Clark worked for during his 34-year-law enforcement career, according to his obituary from Holton's Mercer Funeral Home, was the Holton and McLouth Police Departments, the Iowa and Sac and Fox Tribal Police Department, and the Sheriff's Offices of Jefferson and Jackson counties.

Clark retired from law enforcement in 2006.

He will be laid to rest, with Military Honors, Tuesday at the Denison Cemetery. That will follow a funeral service Tuesday morning at 10:00 at the Mercer Funeral Home, in Holton.

Clark is survived by his wife of more than 52-years, Marcia, along with four children. His son, Bryan, of Atchison, serves in law enforcement, working for the Kansas Highway Patrol.

(KAIR)--The third annual “All Aboard Atchison” Match Day Event is set for next month, with $125,000 in matching grant funds being offered to fund holders of the Atchison Area Community Foundation, with all 47 of the participating fund holders now made public.

• Amberwell Health

• The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

• The Amelia Earhart Festival Endowment

• The Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation

• The Atchison Area Community Foundation General Fund

• The Atchison Area Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC)

• The Atchison Area United Way

• The Atchison Art Association

• The Atchison Child Care Association

• The Atchison Community Education Foundation

• The Atchison Community Health Clinic

• The Atchison County Community Schools Education Foundation

• The Atchison County Extension Educational Programs Fund

• The Atchison County Food Pantry

• The Atchison County Historical Society

• The Atchison County Kansas Genealogy Society

• The Atchison Public Library

• The Atchison Public Library Building Improvement Fund

• The Atchison Riverfront Foundation

• The Atchison Rotary Foundation Fund

• The Atchison United Methodist Church - Good News Fund

• The Boys & Girls Club of Atchison Fund

• Circle of Art Atchison

• Clubs for Kids Scholarship Fund

• The Delbert “Dub” Ehret Scholarship Fund

• Effingham Union Church

• The First Judicial District CASA Association

• The First Presbyterian Church of Atchison

• The Highland Community College Foundation

• HOPE Family Therapy, Inc.

• Live Well Live Atchison, Inc.

• The Mary Lea Johanning Scholarship Foundation

• The Muscotah Cemetery

• Phoenix Performing Arts Booster Club

• Pony Express Council, Boy Scouts of America

• Project Atchison

• Project Concern, Inc.

• Riverbend Habitat for Humanity

• The Salvation Army Red Shield Center

• The Skate High with Hope Joshua Kinsman Foundation

• Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Benedictine College Chapter)

• Swim Atchison Project

• The Guidance Center

• Theatre Atchison / Fox Theatre

• USD 409 Soccer Field Renovation

• The Valley Hope Foundation - Atchison Facility Improvements Fund

Last year's Match Day event drew 40 participating nonprofit organizations, with the Foundation collecting local gifts totaling $245,253, with a total of $338,935 raised after matching funds were calculated.

According to a release from the Foundation, $125,000 in matching grant funds are available to provide a 60-percent match for funds raised by participating fundholders.

The release explains how Match Day works, saying a $1,000 contribution to a selected charity will be supplemented with a $600 grant from the Foundation for a net contribution of $1,600.
Matching funds are first come, first serve, and max out at $5,000 in match provided per organization.

The Atchison Area Community Foundation's “All Aboard Match Day” 2023 is scheduled for Friday, August 18, from 4 until 6:30, at the Atchison Event Center.

(KAIR)--Four local projects are among those in 24 communities in rural Kansas counties set to receive a share of nearly $7.9 million in federal grants to assist with community development projects.

Announcement of the funds, made available through the Community Development Block Grant Program, was made Wednesday by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

According to a release from Kelly- office, the CDBG program, facilitated and administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Division, is a federal grant program that funds various local projects. The total price tag will be matched with local funding, allowing more than $16.9 million to be available.

According to the release, awards were made in five program areas: Community Centers, Parks, and Libraries; Sidewalks and Trails; Childcare Facilities; Youth Job Training; and ADA Improvements.

Locally, the City of Atchison is awarded $414,380 for park improvement work. Brown County is selected to receive $600,000, with those funds to be used as part of the overall for community center funding. The City of Meriden is named to receive $98,242 for sidewalks and trails, while Wathena is selected to benefit through an award of $99,525, in the sidewalks and trails division. The release explains that the Doniphan County community will match those funds with $101,525, for a total of $201,050 to be used to construct a wide sidewalk, retaining wall, utility modifications, pavement marking, and surface restorations in the community.

According to the release, the CDBG program's federal funds are awarded to projects that will benefit low and moderate-income persons, prevent or eliminate slums and blight, and those projects that will resolve an urgent need that communities are not able to do on their own.

(MSC NEWS)-- Another couple of hot days are in store for the listening area. Heat index values in the afternoon and evening could range from around 100 to 110. A Heat Advisory is in effect for much of Nebraska and Northern Kansas as well as a portion of Northwest Missouri.

The following area counties in Southeast Nebraska are in an excessive heat warning until Friday at 9:00 p.m. Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Pawnee and Richardson.

Northeast Kansas counties included in the excessive heat warning include: Washington-Marshall-Nemaha-Brown-Cloud-Clay-Riley-Pottawatomie-Jackson and Jefferseon.

Nebraska counties in a heat advisory until Friday at 9:00 p.m. include: Nemaha and Otoe. In Northeast Kansas Doniphan and Atchison counties are inclded along with Holt and Atchison counties in Northwest, Missouri.

Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

(KMZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved for publication a proposed 2023-24 budget that calls for mill levy decrease.

Superintendent Todd Evans said the board took the action during a special meeting last week.

Evans said the estimated mill rate for the former USD 441 area of the district is 44.386 mills and the estimated mill rate for the former USD 448 portion of the district is 39.083 mills. He said the difference between these two areas is that the former USD 441 portion of the district is still paying off a bond issue.

The board will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing on August 14, beginning at 6:05 in the evening at the USD 113 board office in Sabetha.

Also at the meeting, Evans said the board voted to retain the services of the Tenpenny law firm, headquartered in Leawood, to assist the board as they work through the land transfer issue.

The board last month sent land transfer proposals to three neighboring school districts-- Jackson Heights USD 335, Nemaha Central USD 115 and Vermillion USD 380.

On July 17, USD 113 received a counter-proposal from an Olathe law firm representing the three neighboring districts. It gives USD 113 until August 1 to respond to the counter-proposal.

The proposals come after the USD 113 Board voted earlier this year to close the Wetmore school.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau President Kate Miller meet with the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to review the proposed guidelines for the placement of fiberglass leaf statues around town.

Miller presented the idea earlier this year. While the commission was receptive, they requested that the Chamber come back with written guidelines for the statues, which will be purchased and designed by individuals and businesses.

Under the guidelines, statues would be placed no closer than 25 feet from corners, and no further forward than the nearest planter.

Designs will have to be approved by the Chamber and then either the City Commission or the City Administrator.

Statue owners will also be required to feature their leaves in the Halloween parade.

The commission was in consensus that the guidelines were acceptable.

(KLZA)-- Enough signatures have been verified on petitions to force recall vote for three members of the Brownville Village Board.

The signatures were verified by County Clerk Diane Johnson, who notified the Village Board that they must order a recall election within 21 days.

Board members Natisha Helmick, Terry Vice and Baily Bindle are up for the recall vote. Vice and Bindle still have three years left in their terms. Helmick has one year left.

County Clerk Johnson would like to mail out ballots, which she feels would be cheaper than setting up an electon date.

If any of the Board members are recalled they must leave office immediately.

(KLZA)-- mU.S. Senator Pete Ricketts recently announced that his constituent casework staff will host Mobile Office Hours in Falls City and Pawnee City on Friday, July 28.

Staff members will be on-site to assist Nebraskans wit their casework needs.

The representatives will be at the Richardson County Courthouse in Falls City from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. and then in Pawnee City at the Pawnee County Courthouse from 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

(KLZA)-- Details have been released on a two-vehicle wreck last week in Richardson County that sent three people to the hospital.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office says it happened on Highway 73, just east of Verdon, on Thursday afternoon, July 20th.

According to the Sheriff's Office report, Richard Davis, of Humboldt, was westbound on HIghway 73 when a vehicle driven by by Tammy Lyn Pilgrim, of Falls City, entered the highway from a private drive and turned east onto the highway. Davis collided with the drivers side of Pilgrim's vehicle.

Both drivers and a passenger in the Davis vehicle, Martha Davis, were transported by ambulance to Community Medical Center in Falls City.

Pilgrim was later transferred by medical helicopter to another hospital.

Both vehicles were totaled in the wreck.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Fair kicks off Thursday, July 27, t the fairgrounds in Seneca and runs through Monday.

Thursday evening will bring the horse show at the Horse Arena.

Friday morning will see the entry of all open class and 4-H exhibits before 10:00. Friday evening will bring the hog show.

Highlights Saturday include the goat, dairy, bucket calf and beef shows.

The Kraft rodeo will return this year on Friday and Saturday evenings, beginning at 8, at the Horse Arena. Prior to the rodeo, Muttin Bustin will take place at the Horse Arena beginning at 7:30 both evenings.

Carnival games will be provided at Skoch Park Saturday from 3 to 7, and Sunday from noon to 4.

The 4-H Public Style Revenue will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Community Building and Barnyard Olympics at 3:00 at the fairgrounds. The annual parade will take place Sunday evening beginning at 6:00. The theme this year is “ Get Wrapped up in 4-H. This year's parade route has been altered due to the Seneca Main Street project.

BBQ's will be held Friday through Monday evening, beginning at 5:30.

The Fair will wrap up Monday evening with the livestock premium auction, beginning at 7.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County, Kansas Emergency Management has a new tool to aid the county's emergency responders--a drone.

Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine told MSC News that the drone has thermal imaging capabilities, which can help in search and rescue and missing person cases.

The drone can also be used for tracking suspects and identifying hot spots in wildfires. In addition, he said the drone can be used by his office for storm damage assessments plus for many other uses.

Aldrine said the drone was purchased for just under $16,000, with most of the cost funded through a grant from TC Energy, which owns the Keystone Pipeline that runs through the county.

County residents can get an up close look at the drone during the Nemaha County Fair, which kicks off Thursday and runs through Monday at the fairgrounds in Seneca. Aldrine will have a booth set up in the Community Building where he will be displaying the drone.

(KAIR)--An Atchison cyclist was transported for hospital care after her bicycle was struck by a pickup truck in the 400 block of South U.S. Highway 73 Tuesday morning.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, explains that 60-year-old Marie Moore was cycling southbound on the trail that runs parallel to the highway, on the east side, when a pickup truck, northbound but turning east into a business parking lot, struck her bike.

According to Wilson, Moore was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for examination.

The driver of the truck, 65-year-old Atchison resident Steven Metcalf, was not hurt.

The wreck happened around 10:10 Tuesday morning.

(KLZA)--Due to low aquifer water levels, Pawnee City water customers remain under Stage 2 Water Rationing.

Under Stage 2 Water Rationing, no persons shall use water to sprinkle a lawn, or use water through a hose to water any garden, tree or shrub, except as follows.

Sprinkling will be permitted before 8:00 A.M. or after 8:00 P.M. North of 7th Street on Even numbered days and South of 7th Street on Odd numbered days.

Water rationing tips include:

Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth;

Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load;

Use a low flow shower head and faucet aerators;

Fix leaks. A leaking toilet can use 15 thousand gallons of water in a month;

You can put food coloring in the top of the tank at night and if the water in the bowl is the same color the next morning, then you have a leak;

Instead of building or filling a private pool, come to the City Swimming Pool;

(KAIR)--A Tuesday morning Horton fire left vehicles and one apartment with extensive damage.

It happened at 700 West 11th Street, with Fire Chief Randy Mayfield telling MSC News Horton Fire Fighters were called to that location around 8:45 Tuesday morning.

When they arrived, suppression efforts were successful in battling the blaze, which Mayfield believes began when a short in a garage door opener led to the garage catching fire. The fire then spread to two cars parked inside the garage, and to another parked outside, substantially damaging all three.

The effort of the fire fighters was able to keep the fire from spreading to the rest of the apartment complex, which likely incurred smoke damage but no structural damage, unlike the unit involved in the initial blaze.

No injuries were incurred by members of the fire crew, or occupants of the complex.

Firefighters from Everest and the Kickapoo Tribe assisted at the scene.

(KAIR)--The alleged threatening of a Potter homeowner with a gun sent another Potter man to jail Monday.

According to a release from Atchison County Undersheriff Toby Smith, 51-year-old Shawn Hirt was located a short time after the threat was allegedly made, and he was taken into custody.

Hirt had, Smith says, left the scene of the alleged crime by vehicle by the time that Deputies arrived in the 500 block of Rawlins Road, in Potter, around 7:05 Monday morning. However, it wasn’t long before he was located and arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

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

(KNZA)--The 2023 Doniphan County 4-H Fair Prince and Princess were crowned during a ceremony Monday evening at the fairgrounds in Troy.

Crowned prince was 13-year-old Zek Leatherman, a 7-year member of the Bendena 4-H Club. He will be a 7th grader at Doniphan West Junior High School this fall and was selected from among five boys vying for prince.

This year's princess is 14-year-old Anna Marie Root. Root is a 9-year member of the Troy Star 4-H Club. She will be a freshman at Troy High School this fall and was selected from among seven girls vying for princess.

In their roles as fair prince and princess, the pair will hand out ribbons and awards during the fair, which runs through Friday at the Doniphan County Fairgrounds in Troy.

(KNZA)--The annual Doniphan County 4-H Fair kicks off Monday, July 24, at the fairgrounds in Troy.

A highlight of the fair will be the crowning of the fair prince and princess Monday evening at 6:00.

Seven girls are vying for fair princess this year. They include Eilliot Lorenz, Aliza Tracy, Kenadie Grace Uplinger, Mia Potter, Olivia Thomas, Hayley Bauman and Anna Morie Root.

Five boys are vying for fair prince. They include Zek Leatherman, Jace Thompson, Rucker Harring, Will Symns and Otto Schultz.

The livestock sale will take place Thursday evening.

The fair wraps up Friday evening with the public style revue and awards presentation.

(KMZA)--A jury trial has been set for a Lecompton man charged 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.

Mark Stanwix pleaded not guilty Friday in Pottawatomie County District Court to two counts of involuntary manslaughter, three counts of aggravated battery and one count of interference with law enforcement.

According to court documents, a 5-day jury trial was set, beginning February 12.

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

(MSC News)--Three state law enforcement agencies are joined by Homeland Security Investigations in a new collaborative initiative to combat fentanyl in Kansas.

According to a release, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas Attorney General's Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the federal HSI will work together on what's being called the Joint Fentanyl Impact Team, or JFIT, whose goal it is to identify and disrupt fentanyl trafficking and distribution networks, with the team comprised of KBI special agents, KHP troopers, and HSI agents who are, the release says, “experienced in complex narcotics investigations.” Team members are embedded alongside federal, state and local law enforcement officers operating across Kansas, allowing for increased coordination of intelligence, personnel, and resources.

One component of JFIT's strategy, noted by the release, is the introduction of the KBI's new K-9 unit, comprised of four K-9 officers recently trained and certified in detecting illegal drugs, including fentanyl, through funding assistance from Midwest HIDTA and the Wichita Metro Crime Commission. Noted as being the first fentanyl-detecting K-9 officers in Kansas, they will work closely with the narcotics team to interrupt all methods of fentanyl movement into the state, including the interception of drugs coming through the mail, roadways, railways, and flown in by air.

JFIT was formed as the enforcement component of Attorney General Kris Kobach's strategy to prevent fentanyl overdose deaths.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Board of Commissioners received an update from Falls City EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl during their July 19th meeting on the creation of a land bank by the City of Falls City along with the Village of Verdon. The requirements as set forth within the Nebraska Municipal Land Bank Act require some specific duties of the County Assessor and the County Treasurer.

Sandy Stalder, President of the Quad County Historical Society & Research Society presented the organizations annual report including plans for the future. The group is requesting the continued $5 thousand in funding from the County for the next Fiscal Year.

Board members met with Anthony Thiner, Vice President of Operations for Skyline Construction, Inc. who presented the Board with an option to install a new roof covering at the Courthouse rather than what was included within the bid award. Bill Huye with Prochaska & Associates, the architect for the project was also in attendance and indicated he would need a “shop drawing” from the contractor regarding the proposal for him to review and make a recommendation to the County.

Commissioners also approved the terms and conditions to have the Nebraska State Auditor of Public Accounts perform the fiscal year end June 30, 2023 audit report. Also approved was entering into an agreement through a Master Group Contract with Medica Insurance Company for county employee helath insurance coverage beginning July 1, 2023 and continuing for the next year.

Board members approved a request from Sheriff Rick Hardesty to hire an immediate family member, Chase Hardesty, at the Law Enforcement Center.

A request from the Village of Dawson for the County to consider approvaL regarding the extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction over land outside the area, extending one mile from the corporate boundaries of the Village was discussed. It was determined the County has not formally adopted zoning regulations and cannot take action.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A federal judge has found that a Kansas Highway Patrol practice known as the “Kansas Two-Step” violates motorists' constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and targets motorists traveling from states where marijuana is legal.

Senior U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil also notified the patrol in her ruling Friday that she is ready to impose changes in its policing practices. The patrol has used the tactic for years to detain out-of-state motorists on Interstate 70 long enough to find a reason to search their vehicles for illegal drugs. A trooper finishes the initial traffic stop, starts to walk away and then goes back to talk more with the motorist.

(KAIR)--Starting with Friday night's concert, featuring headliner Sawyer Brown, to Saturday night's Concert in the Sky fireworks closer, Atchison's Amelia Earhart Festival 2023 is a wrap for another year.

The kickoff concert, traditionally held at Atchison- Warnock Lake, was this year held at the City's riverfront, the same location where the next night- entertainment, including music from Kansas City's The Women of Rock, the annual aerobatics show, complete with wing walkers, and the concluding fireworks, were held.

In between Friday night's concert and Saturday night's fireworks, other Amelia Earhart-themed activities were held elsewhere in the City, ranging from a downtown car and craft show to first-year events at the recently opened Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, to the campus of Benedictine College, where the annual Speaker's Symposium and Pioneering Achievement Award Luncheon were held. The award this year was presented to Dr. Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space and the first woman to go to the depths of the ocean.

Atchison each year holds the July festival in honor of Earhart, the famed aviator who called Atchison her childhood home.

(KNZA)--There will be no change in the leadership of the South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education for the 2023-24 school year.

During their organizational meeting July 19, Jason Selland was re-elected as board president and Rex Lockwood as vice-president.

It marked the first meeting for new Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Kramer. Kramer began work July 1st replacing Jason Cline

In other business, Stuart Mathewson with Maximum Insurance met with the board to review the property and casualty insurance renewal policy through EMC. The district will see a 35 percent increase in the property premium due to an increase in property values and the covering of the district's buildings.

Following an executive session, the board approved the hiring of Lindsay Hughes as high school counselor, Cathy Esquibel as instructional specialist and Ivy Stone as JOM tutor for the 2023-24 school year.

(KNZA)--The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas has a new Chief of Police.

The Tribe announced in a social media post that Michael Baker was sworn in Thursday.

Baker was a member of the Wamego Police Department for 35 years, and served as the Department's Chief of Police for more than 19 years

He replaces Nathan Gray who had served as Kickapoo Chief of Police since August 2017

(KNZA)--A Valley Falls man is facing charges in connection with a police pursuit in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy attempted to stop a black Mustang southeast of Holton around 2:00 Thursday afternoon for allegedly exceeding the speed limit excessively.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and continued eastbound on K-16 Highway. The suspect vehicle is believed to have exceeded speeds over 100 mph.

The deputy, losing sight of the vehicle near Valley Falls, discontinued the pursuit. A KHP helicopter assisted in trying to locate the suspect.

On Friday, with the assistance of the Valley Falls Police Department and further investigation, the suspect driver was identified as 25-year-old Brennen Michael Bosh.

Morse said Bosh was arrested in Valley Falls Friday afternoon by Jackson County deputies with the assistance of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Following his arrest, Bosh was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement and reckless driving.

(KAIR)--A late Friday afternoon, two vehicle, Atchison County crash, just a mile south of the Atchison City limits, on U.S. Highway 73, required hospital treatment for three of the involved, with two suffering serious injuries.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, everyone was buckled up at the time of the wreck.

Injured was 32-year-old Mississippi resident Matthew Hughes, whose northbound Dodge Challenger, according to the KHP report, crossed the center line, where it struck a southbound BMW SUV.

Hughes was transported to Saint Joseph, Missouri's Mosaic Healthcare with what the report calls a "suspected serious injury."

The Leavenworth County driver of the BMW, 51-year-old Tonganoxie resident Heather Smith, suffered the same, and was transported for care at the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas.

Smith's passenger, 62-year-old Gary Smith, also of Tonganoxie, incurred what the KHP calls a "suspected minor injury," and was transported for treatment at Amberwell Atchison.

According to the KHP report, the crash happened shortly before 4:25 Friday afternoon.

(KAIR)--A two vehicle crash, Thursday night in Wyandotte County, sent a Leavenworth man to the hospital.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 57-year-old Kevin Gill was transported from the scene of the crash to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas, for the treatment of what KHP calls a suspected serious injury.
Gill was buckled up at the time of the wreck, which happened shortly before 11:00 Thursday night, on I-70.

According to the report, Gill was eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-70 when his pickup truck smashed head on into a westbound SUV, occupied by two Kansas City, Kansas residents.
They both suffered suspected minor injuries, and were transported for hospital care.The pair was buckled up at the time of the crash.

(KLZA)-- Details have been released on a single-vehicle wreck last week in Pawnee County, Nebraska that claimed the life of a Manhattan, Kansas man.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports 24-year-old Muhammadmahdi Miraj was killed in the wreck on Highway 99 about three miles south of Burchard about 12:30 a.m. on July 10.

The investigation into the wreck indicates that Miraj was driving south when his car veered into a ditch and went airborne twice and hopped two driveways.

Miraj's Lexus continued to accelerate after it went through the ditch and traveled more than 80 feet before jumping a paved driveway. After landing, the vehicle continued south, jumped another driveway about 100 feet furhter down the road before flipping.

Miraj was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck.

(KNZA)--The Thursday night execution of a search warrant at a Hiawatha residence led to the arrest of five on drug possession charges, primarily related to methamphetamine.

That's according to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, who says the search was initiated by the Brown County Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force, around 10:15, at 404 South 3rd Street.

Arrested on possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia charges were four Hiawatha residents, 42-year-old Douglas Milford, 38-year-old Jessica Dominguez, 34-year-old Allicia Ramirez, and 63-year-old Leonard Stanley Bindel who, along with 46-year-old Robinson resident Anthony Tull, also faces a charge for obstruction.

Once in custody, all five were booked into the Brown County Jail.

According to Merchant, meth, marijuana, needles, syringes, scales, pipes, and other paraphernalia, were seized as evidence from the residence.

He adds, in the release, that “many hours went in the preparation, execution and follow up of the search warrant as well as casework.”

The Sac and Fox and Hiawatha Police assisted with the case.

(KNZA)--The Thursday night execution of a search warrant at a Hiawatha residence led to the arrest of five on drug possession charges, primarily related to methamphetamine.

That- according to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, who says the search was initiated by the Brown County Sheriff- Office Drug Task Force, around 10:15, at 404 South 3rd Street.

Arrested on possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia charges were four Hiawatha residents, 42-year-old Douglas Milford, 38-year-old Jessica Dominguez, 34-year-old Allicia Ramirez, and 63-year-old Leonard Stanley Bindel who, along with 46-year-old Robinson resident Anthony Tull, also faces a charge for obstruction.

Once in custody, all five were booked into the Brown County Jail.

According to Merchant, meth, marijuana, needles, syringes, scales, pipes, and other paraphernalia, were seized as evidence from the residence.

He adds, in the release, that “many hours went in the preparation, execution and follow up of the search warrant as well as casework.”

The Sac and Fox and Hiawatha Police assisted with the case.

(KNZA)--A community awareness event, dubbed “Invisible NO MORE!” is planned for Saturday in Horton.

According to a release, which calls it a “transformative public event,” the focus will be placed on educating “the community about critical topics such as human trafficking, sex trafficking, victimization, and other related issues.”

The event, open to the public, including all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, is intended to raise awareness of those issues, and “empower individuals to take action and create a safer environment for everyone” while providing “knowledge, resources, and support for those who may be affected or wish to help others.”

The release notes that law enforcement and speakers will be present, and a question and answer session will be held.

The “Invisible NO MORE” community awareness event is planned for Saturday, from 10 until 2:00, at the Horton Blue Building, located at 716 First Avenue West.

(KLZA)-- Atchison County, Missouri is among six counties honored by the Northwest Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety group for having no roadway fatalities in 2022.

The Show-Me Zero awards were also presented to Caldwell, Carroll, Grundy, Mercer and Sullivan counties.

The Northwest Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is part of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, a partnership of safety advocates throughout the state who have come together for a common purpose, ending traffic fatlties and serious injuries on public roadways. The Northwest Missouri group supports a 20-county region.

Coalition Chairperson Jenna Keyes said “ We appreciate area law enforcement, emergency responders, leaders, educators, and individuals who chose safe driving behaviors.”

Show-Me Zero is a strategic highway safey paln for elimnating fatalities and serious injuries on Missouri Roadways.

(KLZA)-- Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that was first found in Nebraska in the summer of 2016 in the Omaha and Greenwood areas.

The beetle was recently found in Nemaha County, Nebraska.

Emerald Ash Borers are approximately half an inch long and metallic green in color. It has a bronze-purple color under the wings. The larvae may be found underneath the bark of ash trees. They are cream colored and grow up to 1 -1/4 inches long.

Damage from Emerald Ash Borers comes from the larvae that will kill ash trees. Signs of EAB infestations include suckering at the base of an ash tree, decline in the tree from the top of the canopy downward through the tree. There will also be 1/8-inch D-shaped exit holes along the trunk and branches. One of the first signs is that the tips of the branches will be bare of leaves.

EAB can be managed by several methods. First, make sure you have an ash tree. You can choose to remove and replace your tree or treat it. If you have a healthy tree and it's in a good location, there is no urgent need to remove it. However, if you remove it now, you can have more time to get a new tree started this fall. Also, when a tree dies from EAB, it should be removed promptly to remove the hazards of falling branches.

You can do a soil drench to treat the trees in the spring with a product containing imidecloprid on trees less than 14 inches in diameter. Or you can hire an arborist to do a trunk injection or sprary your tree.

It is recommended to wait until the borers are found within 15 miles of your tree before treating it. Currently the treatment zone would include Auburn, Peru, Brownville, Nemaha, Stella, Shubert, Falls City, Dawson, Rulo, Verdon and Salem.

For more information on Emerald Ash Borer, visit the website on /EAB information from the Nebraska Forest Service at nfs.unl.edu/nebaska-emerald-ash-borer.

(KMZA)--The route for the Nemaha County Fair Parade will be altered this year due to weather delays on the street project on Seneca- Main Street. The street project, which was started in April of this year, has been met with several delays due to the amount of rain we have received this spring and summer.

“With the recent rain events, the Main Street renovations have met some unfortunate obstacles to prepare for the parade with a guarantee of no last-minute changes in plans.” Steve Brooks, City Administrator for the City of Seneca said.

“While we recognize that it will have a different look and feel than what attendees are accustomed to, we feel that this route change will provide a good alternative and a solution that will allow the Main Street renovations to continue. The City of Seneca is very appreciative of the understanding and cooperation of the residents and other attendees. Let- have a great parade.”

The plan for the parade will be to alter it as little as necessary, but consideration was given to the fact that many large pieces of equipment are in the parade and need a large enough area to make turns.

“We were aware this could happen,” Kylee Bergstrom, Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact Executive Director said. “We have had a contingency plan ready in case the parade couldn’t happen as normal this year.” The Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact is the entity that puts on the parade each year.

The parade will begin in the same manor that it does each year. Parade entries will line up on their designated streets as they normally do. The parade will begin at the corner of 3rd and Main Street heading west just as it does each year. The route will change when the parade gets to the 6th Street intersection. At this point instead of continuing west on Main Street, the parade route will turn north on 6th Street. The route will continue on 6th Street until Amador Street. The Amador Street intersection will be the official end of the parade route allowing a couple of blocks for parade walkers and those on floats to disembark before reaching Highway 36.

“We really appreciate everyone- willingness to work with us as we pivot our plans to make sure this year- parade is a success,” Bergstrom said.

The theme of this year- parade is “Get Wrapped Up in 4-H”. The parade will begin at 6pm on Sunday, July 30. Those interested in putting an entry into the parade can contact the Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact at 785-336-1313 for line up information.

(KAIR)--Following a national search, and prior to an expected active Amelia Earhart Festival weekend, a new Executive Director is named for the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.

According to a release, Mindi Love Pendergraft has been selected to both oversee the museum, which opened its doors with a grand opening in April, and to serve as Executive Director of the Atchison Amelia Earhart Foundation, which has oversight of the museum. The release says Love Pendergraft previously served as the executive director of the Johnson County Museum where she, according to the release, “led the transformation of a former mid-century modern bowling alley and ice-skating center into a new cultural arts hub for Johnson County, Kansas.”

The release formally announces Love Pendergraft's new role, which she began March 27, prior to the grand opening, and has, since that time, “quickly begun expanding museum partnerships, educational programs and community engagement,” all the while welcoming more than 9,000 visitors from across Atchison, the Midwest, and across the country.”

Karen Seaberg, founder and board president of the Foundation and Museum, cites Love Pendergraft's three-decade career in museum and nonprofit management in the release, saying that experience,“along with her innovative leadership that is well suited to reflect the spirit of Amelia and [the Foundation's] guiding mission to inspire future generations in the pursuit of flight,” makes the Museum and Foundation “fortunate” to place Love Pendergraft into the roles of leadership.

Love Pendegraft calls her new roles “an incredible honor,” adding, in the release, that its “a truly unique opportunity [through the Museum] to inspire young people, especially, with Amelia- life story while exploring possibilities for their own— including careers in aviation and STEM and other future career paths.”

The formal announcement of Love Pendegraft's selection comes just prior to the weekend's upcoming Amelia Earhart Festival, held annually to honor the aviator who called Atchison her childhood home.

The Hangar Museum, located at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, will serve as one of several locations for festival activities, including the hosting of Earhart impersonator, and San Diego Ninety-Nines member, Sydney Schumksy's meet and greet Saturday afternoon from 2 until 4:00. Prior to that on Saturday, Boy Scout Troop 86 will host a pancake breakfast from 8 until 10 Saturday morning, at the airport, while a meet and greet will be held from 9 to 11:00 for the Wing Walking team that will perform at Atchison's riverfront Saturday evening, prior to the closing fireworks spectacular over the Missouri River.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock School Board voted to aprove a contract with AHRS Construciton of Bern, Kansas to construct a $2,337,000 addition which will include four new classrooms when they met July 10.

Board member Blayne Behrends abstained from the vote, with all the other board membes casting yes votes.

Behrends proposed the $3.3 million proposal that included moving the music departent to the existing weight room and building a new weight room connected to the gymnasium be put to a public vote.

The new addition will be connected to the elementary wing of the school and will allow the pre-school to move away from the high school / middle school part of the building.

A $3.3 million project has been proposed but following strong public reaction against the proposal, the smaller additon was approved.

The interest rate on the project will be 4.3 percent and come to $389,500 over seven years, which will increase the property tax levy for district patrons by 2.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler reported the number of students at Johnson-Brock this coming school year will include 9 more students than last year for an expected total of 367.

(KLZA)-- A $49 million bond issue for the construction of a new school in Tecumseh, Nebraska was voted down on July 12 by area voters.

Of the 1,490 ballots cast, 692 were in favor of building a new Johnson County Central School to house all the student in one building with 798 votes cast against the project.

The proposal called for a building to house Pre-K through 12th grade all under one roof, a new competition gymnasium, career and technical education shops and new district offices in an area to cover nearly 124,000-square-feet. .

54 percent of the voters in Johnson County voted for the new school proposal, with the vote being 636 yes votes and 537 against.

18.1 percent of Otoe County voters were in favor of the new school with 52 in favor and 288 voters casting nay votes. In Pawnee County the ballot showed 4 in favor and 17 against.

67 percent of the registered voters cast ballots in the election.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education has scheduled the annual Budget and Property tax hearings for September 11 at 7:00 p.m. The action was taken during the July Board meeting.

In other action the Board scheduled their annual strategic planning workshop for August 21 at 5:00 p.m.

In other action items during the July board meeting, substitute teacher pay for a day for the 2023-24 school year will be increased by $30 per day to $170 per day.

It was also reported during the meeting that the security access control project is underway at all four buildings. A new fire alarm panel project at North School has also been nearly completed.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved execution of the Rural Workforce Housing Fund Agreement for the 2022 Rural Workforce Housing Fund Grant through the Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council when they met Monday evening.

Falls City is part of the Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council along with Henderson, Nebraska City and the Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council, in creating a $1 million fund to invest in workforce housing eligible activiites in the communities included.

The communities contributed $200,000 each to create the fund.

The Council also adopted a resoltuion authorizing execution of a memorandum of understanding with Main Street Falls City, Inc. to support, encourage and stimulate economic development downtown and to provide funding for services.

The Council approved advertising for bids for the construction of the extension of Abbott Street and West 31st Street in the Champions Crossing subdivision.

(KAIR)--The Jefferson County Commission has set a public hearing for next month as the 2024 county budget is readied for publication.

According to the unofficial minutes of Monday's Jefferson County Commission meeting, the hearings will be held for both the exceeding of the Revenue Neutral Rate, as well as the annual, required public hearing pertaining to the budget as a whole.

The minutes state that the mill levy for the proposed budget will be 67.539, with that rate expected to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate of 63.367, meaning the requirement of a hearing.

The Commission agreed to a hearing date on the afternoon of August 28, at 1:30, at Oskaloosa City Hall.

(KAIR)--A Doniphan County resident incurred injuries this week, following a crash into a trailer while traveling on a rural Atchison County roadway.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, says 47-year-old Denton resident Matthew Matthias, on Monday, was negotiating the curve of 290th and Pawnee Roads when he struck the trailer of a truck, on Pawnee Road, driven by Andrew Peuker, of Atchison.

Matthias suffered what Laurie identifies as minor injuries, and was transported for hospital care by Atchison County EMS.

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

The advisory was issued July 11 because of an equipment malfunction which caused a loss of pressure. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

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

(KAIR)--A two vehicle, Tuesday evening, Atchison crash caused injuries, but ambulance transport was not utilized.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says it happened at the intersection of 14th and Main Streets, at 6:00, when a pickup truck, driven by 17-year-old Everest resident Remington Roberts, was northbound on 14th Street, turning west onto Main, when a collision occurred with an SUV, southbound on Main, and driven by 71-year-old David Lackey, of Atchison.

The two drivers, as well as a 9-year-old passenger in Robert's truck, were evaluated at the scene by Atchison County EMS, but were not transported by ambulance.
However, Roberts and his passenger were taken to Amberwell Atchison, by private vehicle, for examination.

Lackey did not go to the hospital.

Roberts was cited for failure to yield.

(KAIR)--The sale of the Atchison County-owned Atchison Senior Village is being considered.

That follows action of the Atchison County Commission last week, with the matter voted on following an executive session apparently focused on that issue.

According to the unofficial minutes of the meeting, the closed door session included all three County Commissioners, County Counselor Patrick Henderson, Atchison Senior Village Administrator Lindsey Wood, Former Atchison Senior Village Administrator Interim David Mercier, Human Resources Director Jodi Moore, and Finance Director Mark Zeltner.

Following the conclusion of the executive session, Commissioner Dr. Allen Reavis made the proposal that a broker firm be hired to assist in selling Atchison Senior Village to another health entity.

During the following discussion, Commissioner Casey Quinn, who serves as an ex-officio member of the Senior Village Advisory Board, said, according to the meeting- minutes, that the move would be in the best interest of the Senior Village residents and the County.

A unanimous vote was given to Reavis’ motion, and the County will now move forward with the broker firm search.

The Commission, last week, also appointed a new County Appraiser.

Selected for that role is Holley Hackathorn, whose appointment becomes effective July 24, and expiring July 24, 2025.

She is hired on an annual salary of $78,000.

The resolution appointing Hackathorn to the role was approved unanimously.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved a resolution stating their intent to exceed the state-imposed revenue neutral tax rate as work continues on the proposed 2024 city budget.

The action was taken on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Brian Shefferd casting the lone dissenting vote.

The city must notify the county clerk by July 20 if they intend to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

The revenue neutral rate, (RNR), is the mill levy rate needed to generate the exact same amount of property tax revenue as the year before, using the current tax year's total assessed valuation.

City Administrator Becky Berger said the city's assessed valuation increased about $3.5 million, making the revenue neutral rate 36.475 mills.

She proposed three property tax rate options for 2024. The commission opted to go with the highest rate option at 53.012 mills. Berger explained the number is not locked in and can be lowered, but not increased, before the budget is finalized.

Mayor Becky Shamburg said it gives the city wiggle room as they continue to look for ways cut the budget.

Commissioner Shefferd said he's not in favor of increasing taxes.

A public hearing is set for September 11 at City Hall on the city's intent to exceed the RNR.

(KNZA)--A local Kansas legislator is seeking re-election to another term in the Kansas House.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State's office, 62nd District State Representative Randy Garber, of Sabetha, filed for re-election July 10.

Garber, a Republican, has served in the Kansas House since 2011.

The 62nd District includes Brown and Nemaha Counties, along with portions of Atchison and Jackson Counties.

All 165 Kansas Legislative seats are up for election in November 2024.

Candidates have until noon, June 3, 2024 to file with the Kansas Secretary of State's Office.

(KNZA)--Brown County Kansas Sheriff John Merchant recently returned from Henderson, Nevada after attending the Campus Safety Conference 2023.

Sheriff Merchant was notified that he had been chosen as a finalist for the Campus Safety Director of the year award presented by Campus Safety Magazine. Sheriff Merchant was recognized for his efforts on launching the "Teen Lifesaver Program" which certifies high school students from the two School Districts in Brown County in First Aid, CPR and AED. Since the inception of the program, more than 2000 high school students, staff and caregivers have been certified or recertified in these lifesaving skills. The program has been nationally recognized and widely supported locally by grants and donations which allows the training and certification to be provided at no cost to the students, staff.

Sheriff Merchant's conference fees and travel expenses were grant funded. The Campus Safety Conference focused on all aspects of school safety such as school violence prevention, scenario-based training, tabletop exercises, as well as school safety assessments. The importance of networking and information sharing between agency leaders and a review of products designed to deter violent acts on schools were also discussed.

Sheriff Merchant said "It was an honor to represent Brown County at such an important educational event.” “The information and insights gained from this training will be invaluable in making our schools a safer and more secure environment for the students of Brown County. The Teen Lifesaver Program has been a team effort which includes support from my staff, our local schools, faculty and students. I would also like to recognize our financial supporters who brought this program to fruition. Many thanks to KEX RX, Sac and Fox Tribal Council,Johnsonville, BPOE ELKS #647, Trans Canada Pipeline, NADA, Dr. Jordan Haedt DDS, and a very special ”Thank You” to the Ruth and Roger Wolfe Charitable Trust." Without the support of these generous donations, this program would not have been possible."

(KLZA)-- A scoping meeting regarding the ongoing lower Missouri River Basin Flood Risk and Resiliency Study is being held in Nebraska City at the Morton-James Public Library from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening. The library is located at 923 1st Corso Road in Nebraska City.

Another meeting is planned for Wednesday evening from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, located at 1730 Elm Street, in Jefferson City, Missouri.

On Thursday, July 20, Benedictne College will host a scoping meeting at Ferrell Academic Center, 1020 North 2nd Street in Atchison from 5:30 - 7:L30 p.m.

The meetings are hosted by the Omaha and Kansas City districts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The System Plan Study considers three devestating floods witin 30 years, 1993, 2011 and 2019. Repair costs to the levee infrastructure in the lower river was about $1.2-billion in 2019, prompting Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa to form a four-state coalition.

For more information about the public scoping meetings or the system plan, in general, please visit Lower Missouri River Basin (army.mil).

(KNZA)--A forum is set in Horton Wednesday evening, July 19, to allow residents an opportunity to hear from the candidates running for two positions up for election in November on the Horton City Commission.

The forum will take at the Blue Building, beginning at 7:00.

On hand will be the four candidates vying for Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. They include incumbent Richard Lovelady, Phillip Wiley, Joshua White and Bobby Bacon.

Also on hand will be the three candidates vying for Commissioner of Police. They include Bruce Hodges, Kirk Gries and Avery Thornton. The position is currently held by Rex West who didn't seek re-election.

Each candidate will speak and then those in attendance will have an opportunity to ask questions.

A primary election will be held August 1 to narrow the field of candidates for Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. The two candidates receiving the most votes will advance to the November 7th general election ballot.

(KNZA)--Brown County Clerk Dawn Boyles announced her resignation at the beginning of Monday's County Commission meeting, effective immediately, and was then appointed as the new Hiawatha City Clerk during Monday evening's City Commission meeting.

In her letter of resignation, Boyles stated her decision to resign comes " after careful thought and consideration over the events that have taken place over the last two-and-a-half months"

Boyles thanked her staff and the residents of Brown County for the opportunity to serve them for the last 19.8 years. She went on to thank Commissioner Lamar Shoemaker and County Attorney Kevin Hill for their support, and then left the meeting.

County Payroll Clerk Barb Grabhorn was brought in to finish the rest of the meeting.

Hill said the county Republican Committee will nominate a new county clerk for appointment by Governor Kelly.

The position of Hiawatha City Clerk has been open since the resignation of former city clerk Lynnette Grier earlier this year. Megan Green has been serving as Acting City Clerk since that time.

Mayor Becky Shamburg and city commissioners thanked Green for her service in the interim role.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, who used Snapchat in an attempt to lure at least one teen into sending him nude pictures, has been sentenced to prison.

According to a news release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 23-year-old Enrique Baker was sentenced Wednesday in Leavenworth County District Court, with the Judge ordering Baker to serve 7-years-10-months in custody, and then serve 3-years post-release supervision.

Baker, last month, entered a no contest plea to one count of electronic solicitation involving a victim of at least 14 years of age but under 16 years of age.

According to the release, Baker was arrested on January 26, following a joint investigation between Tonganoxie police and the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office that began on January 20.

According to court documents cited in the release, Baker friended the victim through the social media app Snapchat, and then asked for “nudes” from the victim, who never sent them, but eventually reported the request to authorities.

(KAIR)--A weekend, Atchison disturbance turned into a pursuit that ended, with no one arrested, in Missouri.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, his officers were called to the 100 block of South 3rd Street for the report of the disturbance, which was originally reported as having involved a weapon.

When officers arrived, they learned that the suspect had driven off in a pickup truck, which was then spotted by an officer, at 4th Street and U.S. Highway 59, with the officer attempting to stop the truck, which fled across the Amelia Earhart Memorial Bridge, into Missouri.

Wilson, in the release, says the suspect driver fled for several miles, traveling eastbound on U.S. 59, before stopping the truck and fleeing, on food, into the early Sunday morning darkness.

According to Wilson, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene and joined in the investigation, which ended with the suspect remaining free. However, Wilson says the suspect's identify has been determined by investigators, and the investigation is continuing.

The disturbance, which was reported around 2:00 Sunday morning, did not result in any injuries.

Despite the initial report that the suspect was armed, Wilson says a handgun was not used in the disturbance, and it was not used to make any threats, with investigators believing it was initially reported because the suspect was seen possessing the handgun inside the vehicle, despite it not being involved in the disturbance.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is accused of entering an occupied home Atchison home, early Sunday morning, and was taking food before fleeing after being confronted by the home's resident.

Arrested in connection with the case is 50-year-old Mark Walker.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Walker was spotted by an officer at 5th and Park Street, after fleeing the residence, where was was arrested for aggravated burglary.

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

Wilson explains that his officers were called, around 5:00 Sunday morning, to the residence, located in the 500 block of Park Street, after the 65-year-old resident reported being awakened by the unlawful entry of Walker, who fled on foot after the resident confronted him for the unlawful entry.

(KLZA)--Fall City Utilities wants to inform the public that some of their customers may be experiencing a brown tint in their water due to ongoing water main replacement work between Falls City and the Rulo Water Treatment Plant.

As part of this project, a 3000 linear foot section of 20" diameter water main is being replaced. In order to complete the replacement, it was necessary to tap into the water main, drain the section, and then refill it as it was put back into service.

During the process of draining and refilling this section, the inside pipe wall underwent scouring, resulting in the dislodging of built-up sediment. As a consequence, the water in the affected area may exhibit a brown tint. They want to assure their customers that the water remains safe to drink; however, the brown tint may persist for an additional 24-48 hours.

They understand that the presence of discolored water may cause concern, and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It is important to note that this temporary discoloration does not pose any health risks and is solely due to the disturbance caused by the water main replacement work.

They recommend taking the following precautions until the water returns to its normal color:

Avoid washing light-colored clothing or fabrics with the discolored water, as it may cause staining.

Before using the water for drinking or cooking purposes, run the tap for a few minutes to flush out any residual discolored water.

If you have any concerns or require further assistance, please contact the Utility Office at 402.245.2851. Their dedicated team is available to address any questions or issues you may have.

( KTNC)-- The Richardson County Board of Commissioners met July 12.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty met with the board on the routine business within the Law Enforcement Center. Discussion was held regarding the installation of a HVAC unit on the rooftop of the Law Enforcement Center that was obtained for use during the outage of the unit that was out of service for a period this past winter. The extra unit would be installed and connected to be used as a back-up to avoid the problem of removing inmates from the jail and transporting them to another facility until repairs could be made.

The board approved to enter into an interlocal agreement with Johnson, Pawnee and Nemaha counties for the operation of the 4-County Juvenile Services program for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30 2024.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man is charged in a Nemaha County financial elder abuse case.

50-year-old William McDaniel was arrested in late June on a Nemaha County warrant charging him with felony counts of mistreatment of an elder person and theft by deception.

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

According to court documents, the offenses are alleged to have occurred between June 27, 2018 and March 1st of this year.

McDaniel is accused of taking the personal property and/or financial resources of an elder person, with the value being at $250,000 but less than one million dollars.

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for Tuesday, but McDaniel's attorney has filed a motion seeking a continuance.

McDaniel remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $100,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A Summerfield man is facing child sex-related charges in Nemaha County.

20-year-old Braden Jones was arrested Tuesday following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office.

A criminal complaint was filed Thursday in Nemaha County District Court charging Jones with felony counts of electronic solicitation of a child and sexual exploitation of a child.

The offenses are alleged to have occurred on or between July 8-11.

Jones is currently free after posting a $20,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear in a Nemaha County courtroom August 3rd.

(KAIR)--An Atchison addiction treatment center is named as one of 36 nonprofit organizations across Kansas selected to share a portion of $4.1 million in Community Service Program Tax Credits.

A release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says the “awarded nonprofits were chosen through a highly competitive, score-based selection process.”

Selected to receive $88,000, or a 70% tax credit, is the Valley Hope Association, with the funds to be used for renovation of a recently acquired 21,000 square foot building, adjacent to the existing center to create a Clinical Care Center with space for counseling, workshops, and a gymnasium to improve the patient experience and privacy at the Atchison facility, located on North 2nd Street.

Kelly, in the release, says “local nonprofit organizations are working diligently to address issues that have tremendous impact on communities,” explaining that the Community Service Tax Credit Program is a valuable tool that allows the state to support their efforts.”

According to the release, CSP tax credits have been issued in the Sunflower State since 1994, and explains that program provides a 70% tax credit to qualified donors in rural communities with populations less than 15,000, and a 50% tax credit in larger communities. The credits are a direct deduction from the donor- state tax obligation.

This year, the program will assist six counties with building new or upgrading existing child care facilities, as well as other community projects across the state, including housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a center for youth who have aged out of the foster system, a dormitory for children in acute psychiatric crises, a community wellness facility, historic renovations, and health care equipment.

(KAIR)--An Atchison addiction treatment center is named as one of 36 nonprofit organizations across Kansas selected to share a portion of $4.1 million in Community Service Program Tax Credits.

A release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly says the “awarded nonprofits were chosen through a highly competitive, score-based selection process.”

Selected to receive $88,000, or a 70% tax credit, is the Valley Hope Association, with the funds to be used for renovation of a recently acquired 21,000 square foot building, adjacent to the existing center to create a Clinical Care Center with space for counseling, workshops, and a gymnasium to improve the patient experience and privacy at the Atchison facility, located on North 2nd Street.

Kelly, in the release, says “local nonprofit organizations are working diligently to address issues that have tremendous impact on communities,” explaining that the Community Service Tax Credit Program is a valuable tool that allows the state to support their efforts.”

According to the release, CSP tax credits have been issued in the Sunflower State since 1994, and explains that program provides a 70% tax credit to qualified donors in rural communities with populations less than 15,000, and a 50% tax credit in larger communities. The credits are a direct deduction from the donor- state tax obligation.

This year, the program will assist six counties with building new or upgrading existing child care facilities, as well as other community projects across the state, including housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a center for youth who have aged out of the foster system, a dormitory for children in acute psychiatric crises, a community wellness facility, historic renovations, and health care equipment.

(KAIR)--The Doniphan County Courthouse is closed this afternoon, Friday, July 14, with the early closure attributed to a gas leak.

According to an alert issued by the County, the Courthouse was closed at 1:00 this afternoon due to a gas leak.

No additional details are yet provided.

(KLZA)--Students in Richardson County needing assistance getting school supplies can register with Sherry at the SENCA office in Falls City. To register please call 402-245-5284

You will be asked to provide your name, phone number, child/children's name, gender and grade child is going into. All information is confidential.

Supplies will be distributed prior to the start of school year.

This year SENCA is trying something new with their Adopt a Child for School Supplies program. SENCA will take student names and grades as usual. Then they will give community members a chance to be part of the child's success by purchasing school supplies for that particular student for the grade they are in.

Each child will be assigned a number. The person will be given the child's assigned number, gender, grade and supply list needed and the date to return supplies to the SENCA office for distribution.

(KNZA)--The 98th annual Jackson County Fair will kick off Monday at the Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, south of Holton.

Monday will bring the poultry, sheep and goat shows, with the kiddie tractor pull that evening.

Tuesday's highlights include the swine and beef shows.

The fair parade will take place Wednesday evening at 6:00 on Holton's Town Square. Serving as grand marshals this year are Pam and Rusty Douglas.

The parade will be followed by the 4-H Style Revue at 8:00 and a concert beginning at 8:30.

The livestock sale will be held Thursday evening, beginning at 6:00.

Great Plains Amusement will return with carnival rides and games Tuesday through Saturday evening.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has voted to suspend the high school boys and girls tennis programs for 2023-24 school year due to a lack of participation.

The board took the action when they met Monday evening on a 5-0 vote, with board members Ian Schuetz and Amy Kopp absent.

There wasn't a girls team this past school year due to no participants nor a coach.

A verbal survey was conducted to gauge student interest in the programs for the upcoming school year. High School Principal Lori Fordyce said there were two returning players and one possible for the boys team and no girls interested.

In other business, Heath Simmer with Maximum Insurance reviewed the property and casualty insurance renewal proposal from EMC. He said it calls for an about 22 percent rate increase, but includes $10 million more in coverage on buildings after valuations were updated. On the recommendation of Superintendent Lonnie Moser, the board agreed to stay with EMC.

The board approved student fees and meal prices for next school year, which includes a 10 cent increase in breakfast and lunch prices. Moser said meal prices hadn't been changed since pre-Covid.

Following an executive session, the board approved the hiring of Linda Miller as high school social studies teacher and Curt Weldon as high school assistant football coach. In addition, the board accepted the retirement resignation of Ann Severin as high school math teacher, effective at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a stream advisory for the South Fork of the Nemaha River, located north of Seneca.

The advisory was issued Thursday due to water contamination from a confined animal feeding facility, which resulted in a fish kill.

KDHE said the advisory has been issued because elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present.

The health agency says those who live near the stream should not enter it or allow children or pets to enter it.

KDHE will rescind the advisory once testing indicates contact with the water has been deemed safe.

(KAIR)--MGP's Atchison distillery is set to close at the start of next year.

That's according to a release issued by the company Thursday, which calls the decision to close "consistent with the Company's plan to address profitability headwinds associated with its grain neutral spirits and industrial alcohol products within its Distilling Solutions segment."

The release clarifies that MGP "will continue to operate and invest in its Ingredient Solutions business located in Atchison, Kansas, including the previously announced $16.7 million texturized protein facility that is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year."

The anticipated closure date for the distillery is estimated as January 2024.

"We are grateful for the unwavering support and contributions of our distillery employees, customers, suppliers, and the people of Atchison. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition as we wind down operations at the distillery between now and the end of the year, and we look forward to continuing to support the Atchison community.”
David Colo, MGP President and CEO

MGP President and CEO, David Colo, in the release, cites reasons behind the decision to close, including what he calls "the additional supply of grain neutral spirits and industrial alcohol that has entered the market over the past few years has had meanginful and structural impact on the market," explaining that the combination of market factors with "the increase in local corn basis costs during this same time frame has resulted in these product lines no longer being economically viable for the Company."

Colo adds that "the decision to close the Atchison distillery unfortunately represents the best path forward," saying that the company is grateful for it's employees, customers, suppliers, and the people of Atchison," adding that MGP looks "forward to continuing to support the Atchison community."

Ensuring "a smooth transition" as MGP winds down the distillery's operations between now and the end of the year, the release adds that "management will be discussing the planned Atchison distillery closure when the Company releases its financial results during the rest of the year, as more information becomes available."

(KAIR)--MGP's Atchison distillery is set to close at the start of next year.

That's according to a release issued by the company Thursday, which calls the decision to close "consistent with the Company's plan to address profitability headwinds associated with its grain neutral spirits and industrial alcohol products within its Distilling Solutions segment."

The release clarifies that MGP "will continue to operate and invest in its Ingredient Solutions business located in Atchison, Kansas, including the previously announced $16.7 million texturized protein facility that is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year."

The anticipated closure date for the distillery is estimated as January 2024.

MGP President and CEO, David Colo in the release, cites reasons behind the decision to close, including what he calls "the additional supply of grain neutral spirits and industrial alcohol that has entered the market over the past few years has had meanginful and structural impact on the market," explaining that the combination of market factors with "the increase in local corn basis costs during this same time frame has resulted in these product lines no longer being economically viable for the Company."

Colo adds that "the decision to close the Atchison distillery unfortunately represents the best path forward," saying that the company is grateful for it's employees, customers, suppliers, and the people of Atchison," adding that MGP looks "forward to continuing to support the Atchison community."

Ensuring "a smooth transition" as MGP winds down the distillery's operations between now and the end of the year, the release adds that "management will be discussing the planned Atchison distillery closure when the Company releases its financial results during the rest of the year, as more information becomes available."

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Planning Commission is about to complete work on the Nemaha County Comprehensive Plan.

One of the last steps is to hold a public hearing. The hearing will be conducted by planning consultant Dick Horton.

The hearing will be at the Nemaha County Community building in Seneca Wednesday evening, July 19, from 6 to 8.

For those who are unable attend the session, a continuance of the hearing will be held at the Sabetha City Hall Commission Meeting Room on Thursday afternoon, July 20 from noon to 2

At each session, Horton will give a review of the Plan and Appendices and then public comment will be allowed for a limited amount of time.

If you are not able to attend either session, you may send signed, written comments to the Nemaha County Courthouse — 607 Nemaha Street, Seneca — attention Planning Commission prior to the July 19 hearing date.

The Comprehensive Plan and the Comprehensive Plan Appendices will be available for viewing on the Nemaha County website. Written copies of both the Plan and the Appendices will be available for viewing at the County Clerk- office in the Courthouse.

(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education approved a tentative agreement with teachers for the 2023-24 school year when they met Monday evening.

Under the agreement, Superintendent Todd Evans said the base salary for a beginning teacher will increase $2,000 from $41,000 to $43,000—a 4.9 percent increase.

The agreement still must be approved by the Prairie Hills Education Association.

The Board also approved a 4.9 percent salary increase for administrators.

(KNZA)--The Sabetha Sabble Club will hold the 68th annual Northeast Kansas Rodeo this weekend at the Sabetha Rodeo Grounds.

The rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday evening's at 8:00 the Sabetha Rodeo grounds. Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 4 to 16. Children ages 3 and under are free.

The rodeo will include steer wrestling, bull riding, calf roping, team roping, bareback riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding and over 40 calf roping, among other events. There will also be a stick horse race for children ages 7 years and under. Children need to bring their own stick horses. In addition, a boot scramble will be held for 8- to 12-year-olds.

The weekend rodeo activities also will include the Rodeo Parade - sponsored by the Sabetha Chamber of Commerce. The Kids’ Bicycle Parade will begin at 6 Friday evening followed by the main parade starting at 6:30. This year's theme is “Saddles, Sashes & Spurs!”

The Topeka High School Drum Line will also perform during the parade. They will play in front of Sabetha City Hall and at the 10th Street intersection.

(KMZA)--A late Wednesday morning two-vehicle Marshall County wreck left three injured—including a Seneca man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the junction of U.S. 36 and K-99 Highways, a 1 ½ south of Beattie.

According to the KHP report, a SUV driven by 57-year-old Ning Wang, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, was southbound on K-99 when she failed to stop at the stop sign at the junction with U.S. 36. Wang entered the highway and her SUV was struck on the passenger side by a eastbound pickup driven by 72-year-old Daniel Broxterman, of Seneca.

Broxterman was transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, in Seneca, with suspected serious injuries.

Wang and a passenger in her vehicle, 76-year-old Naiqian Zhang, of Manhattan, were transported to a Lincoln, Nebraska hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says all three occupants were wearing seat belts when the wreck occurred about 11:50 Wednesday morning.

(KAIR)--A stop for what police say was a traffic infraction sent an Atchison man to jail for the alleged possession of drugs, including the widely discussed opioid, fentanyl.

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says 21-year-old Caleb Cummins was arrested shortly after 11:00 Tuesday night for possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal use of a vehicle license plate.

Cummins was apprehended in the 400 block of U.S. Highway 59, the location where Wilson says Cummins was stopped by a police officer for the traffic infraction, which led to the discovery of the alleged controlled substances.

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

(MSC News)--The State of Kansas will receive $13.3 million in funding to modernize electrical grid infrastructure.

Announcement of the investment from the U.S. Department of Energy was made Wednesday by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly who, in a release, calls the State- power grid “vital to the health and well being of Kansans,” while adding that modernization means creation of “good-paying jobs and ensuring folks across Kansas have access to clean, affordable electricity.”

The release explains that the funds, which will be administered by the Kansas Corporation Commission, “will be used to promote projects that strengthen and modernize the power grid against natural disasters while advancing projects that attract, train, and retain a skilled Kansas workforce.”

Kansas was one of nine states and three tribal nations to receive a combined total of $207.6 million in grants in this third round of funding.

(KAIR)--A Netawaka man was arrested in Topeka Tuesday, accused of rape and circulating sexual media without consent.

WIBW-TV, citing the Topeka Police Department, reports that authorities, on July 2, received information about sex crimes committed in the city.

The suspect, who allegedly raped a victim known to him, was identified early in the investigation as 27-year-old Shawn Quoetone.

According to the TV station, Topeka Police, early Tuesday evening, made contact with him, and he was arrested on charges of rape, aggravated sexual battery, and breach of privacy, stemming from his alleged circulation of sexual media.

Following his arrest, Quoetone was booked into the Shawnee County Jail.

His bond is set at $1 million.

A court appearance is scheduled for September 21.

Atchison- Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum commemorated it- three month anniversary last week, with thousands having already visited the attraction during that window of time.

That- according to a social media post from the museum, which marked the anniversary on Friday, July 7.

Since its opening, at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Memorial Airport, the museum has welcomed over 8,000 visitors, including school groups, Earhart enthusiasts, and many others.

Along with its summertime plans, the museum is hosting a “Wonders of Flight” summer mini camp for students from 1st to 3rd grades. Enrollment is underway, for a $60 fee, with the camp to run from July 31 to August 2.

Meanwhile, the museum has also announced the selection of a member of the San Diego chapter of the Ninety-Nines women pilots organization who is selected to represent Amelia Earhart during the approaching Atchison festival named in her honor. Chosen to represent the aviator, complete with a meet and greet at the museum during the festival weekend on July 22nd is Sydney Blake. The pilot was selected by the organization to serve as the official Amelia Earhart for the festival, which annually honors Earhart, who called Atchison her childhood home.
The meet and greet is planned from 2 until 4 that afternoon, at the museum.

(KAIR)--A preteen bicyclist escaped serious injury Wednesday morning after he collided with a pick up truck at a busy Atchison intersection.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says it happened around 6:20 Wednesday morning when the 12-year-old boy, northbound on 4th Street, entered the intersection with U.S. Highway 59, where his bicycle “collided with a pick up truck.”

The child, who was wearing a safety helmet at the time of the wreck, suffered what Wilson calls “a few cuts and bruises,” and was treated at the scene of the collision by Atchison County EMS. The child was to be transported for hospital examination by private vehicle.

The 60-year old Atchison woman who was driving the pick up was not hurt.

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are seeking the whereabouts of a stolen motorcycle, and working to learn who- responsible for its theft.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 19-year-old owner of the 2015 Honda CBR500 reported it as stolen from the 1000 block of Patriot Street.
It- believed the motorcycle was stolen sometime around 12:45 Wednesday morning.

Wilson describes the colors of the missing motorcycle as red and white.

Anyone with information related to the missing Honda is urged to call Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is going to prison, sentenced in Atchison County District Court Monday to nearly 6-years of incarceration in connection with the burglary of an occupied residence.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, Darius Fleming was sentenced to 5-years-11-months on the charge of aggravated residential burglary, the charge Fleming plead guilty to in early June.

According to the release, Atchison Police, on April 26, "opened an investigation into a residential burglary case" when the Atchison victim reported that items were missing from inside their residence, which MSC News files show was located in the 500 block of North 5th Street.

Surveillance footage from outside the residence was reviewed by investigators, who found that it showed the 28-year-old Fleming entering the residence that afternoon, then exiting four minutes later with several items in his hand, before fleeing the scene of his crime.

According to the release, one adult and one child were inside the residence at the time Fleming entered to commit the theft.

Charges were filed against Fleming, who was arrested by Atchison Police the day following the aggravated burglary.

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

The advisory was issued July 3 due to low pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate water pressure may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.

KDHE said Wednesday that laboratory testing samples collected from the city of White Cloud indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed to be resolved.

(KNZA)--The Nemaha Central Board of Education discussed a land transfer proposal from Prairie Hills USD 113 when they meet Monday evening.

USD 113 sent a letter to USD 115 last month proposing to trade Bern area land west of O Road for land that is in proximity to the Axtell school.

On the recommendation of Superintendent Travis Desormiers, the board voted to utilize contingency funds to hire legal counsel and contract with a lobbyist to provide guidance through the land transfer process.

USD 115 plans to work with the Vermillion and Jackson Heights School Districts in the process. Both of those districts have also received land transfer proposals from USD 113.

In other business, the second bid package was approved for the school improvements bond project with a guaranteed maximum price of $925,476. Its for structural steel and erection.

The board is expected to approve the final bid package at their August meeting.

The first phase of the bond project will include the construction of classroom additions at the grade school and high school.

(KMZA)--The public will have an opportunity to meet new Seneca City Administrator Steve Brooks at a come-and-go event Wednesday afternoon, July 12.

The event will take place from 1 to 3 in the Council Room at City Hall located at 531 Main Street.

Brooks began working for the city in late June.

He comes to Seneca from Girard where he served as Director of Public Works and city administrator apprentice.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man has pleaded guilty to an amended charge in connection with a fatal crash in January that claimed the life of another Atchison man.

According to court documents, 22-year-old Brandon Mann pleaded guilty last Friday to an amended charge of second-degree murder in Atchison County District Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

Mann had originally been charged with first-degree murder.

In exchange for the plea, five other counts were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for September 6.

Atchison Police say Mann was attempting to flee from officers early January 2nd when he lost control of his car, which rolled onto its top.

Killed in the crash was a passenger, 20-year-old Jacey Paris.

Mann and two other passengers, aged 15 and 16, were injured and transported for hospital treatment.

Mann remains free on a $250,000 bond.

(KMZA)--Mill and overlay work is scheduled to begin in Nemaha and Marshall counties tomorrow, July 12, weather permitting.

The Kansas Department of Transportation projects cover about 21 miles of K-9, from the K-87 junction in Marshall County to Corning, and 6 miles of K-63, from Corning to the Pottawatomie County line.

Work will begin at the K-87 junction and be completed in smaller sections to reduce impact to motorists. Traffic will be restricted to one lane and directed by a pilot car and flaggers when work is taking place. There will also be a 12-foot width restriction in the work zone. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will occur Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed, during daylight hours. It is expected to be complete by early October, conditions permitting.

Hall Brothers Inc., of Marysville, is the contractor on the combined $3.3 million projects.

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

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha's annual chip and seal project is set begin Wednesday, July 12, and finish on Friday, July 14, weather allowing.

Streets scheduled to be chip sealed include: Red Hawk Drive, South 8th, 3rd, 4th & 5th, Pottawatomie, Utah, Kickapoo, Green Court, Wentley and Woodbury.

The streets will remain open during the project, but residents asked not to park on the streets until the project is complete.

(KNZA)---The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Reserve public water supply system located in Brown County.

The advisory was issued Tuesday because of an equipment malfunction which caused a loss of pressure. KHDE says failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The agency says customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

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

• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

(KNZA)--A Muscotah woman was transported for hospitalized treatment following a two-vehicle wreck in Jackson County Monday evening.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 89-year-old Donald Debarge, of Holton, was driving a car eastbound on 190th Road when he failed to yield to a southbound car on U.S. 75 driven by 55-year-old Thomas McLaughlin, of Muscotah, and the vehicles collided in the intersection about 4 miles south of Holton.

A passenger in McLaughlin's car, 45-year-old Katherine Smith, was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected minor injury.

The Patrol says Debarge suffered possible injury, but was not transported for hospital treatment. McLaughlin was not hurt.

The Patrol says all three occupants were buckled up when the wreck occurred around 7:40 Monday evening.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin a culvert replacement survey on K-246 in Brown County on Wednesday, July 12. The Terrapin Creek culvert is about 4 miles east of the U.S. 75 junction near Morrill.

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.

(KMZA)--A ground breaking ceremony was recently held to celebrate the beginning of a 22-million dollar expansion and remodel project at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Hospital CEO Kiley Floyd says the project will address many critical improvement areas throughout the facility. She said the design will integrate new technology, create an environment that improves the patient experience and efficiency for staff, and ensure a sustainable future for health care in the area.

The project will include a 23,500-square-foot addition that will include a new patient wing, emergency department and radiology wing.

It will also include a 20,000-square-foot renovation to the existing hospital to convert to a new surgery department, cardiac rehab department, administrative wing, modifications to the labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum room and new mechanical systems throughout.

The hospital expansion will be paid for through community support, grants, and loans from the USDA.

(KNZA)--A Monday morning two-vehicle Brown County wreck sent two people to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of K-20 Highway and Raccoon Road about one mile east of Everest shortly before 10:45.

According to the KHP report, 54-year-old John Schuetz, of Powhattan, was driving a dump truck on K-20 when he attempted to turn south onto Raccoon Road and failed to yield to a pickup truck driven by 78-year-old Robert Becker, of Everest. The dump truck struck the pickup on the driver's side.

Schuetz was transported to Amberwell Health with suspected minor injuries.

Becker was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says Schuetz was buckled up when the wreck occurred, but Becker was not wearing a seatbelt.

(KAIR)--A new partnership is named, meaning new dining services for students of Atchison's Benedictine College.

According to a release, Aladdin Campus Dining, described in the release as “a leader in higher education dining and hospitality,” will take over the college- dining services this summer.

Dr. Linda Henry, Vice President of Student Life, says the college is “excited to have Aladdin bring their energy and expertise to campus and enhance the dining experience” for students, adding, in the release, that the change in oversight is important within the college's mission, calling eating together “an important part of campus life.”

Along with enhancing dining for meals, the addition of Aladdin will add the Grill at the Roost, a burger and milkshake concept, along with an app to allow students to order food and beverages ahead of time.

Along with other enhancements to campus dining opportunities, the release notes that Aladdin will add what the release calls the “A-Zone,” an allergen and gluten awareness station which accommodates students with food allergies, as well as an opportunity to gain information on healthy eating.

Additionally, Fueled, a sports nutrition program developed by Aladdin's team of registered dietitians, will offer what the release calls “optimal nutrition for peak performance and education tools for athletes and active individuals.”

The change also means a refresh for Benedictine's Dining Hall, with digital signage and multiple holiday, cultural and themed events “to enhance the overall dining experience” at the college.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has released the 2022 Kansas Crime Index Report. The report compiles crime statistics reported to the KBI by state and local law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas.

The 2022 Kansas Crime Index Report indicated that violent crime in Kansas decreased by 4.3% from 2021, showing declines in each of the categories of violent crime. A total of 12,849 violent crimes were reported in Kansas in the categories of murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault and battery.

Violent crime in Kansas had been steadily rising each year since 2014, but seems to have started to level off as violent crime offenses declined in 2021 and 2022. Despite this decline, the number of violent crimes in 2022 remained 9.2% above the 10-year average, and have not yet returned to pre-pandemic crime rates.

In 2022, overall property crimes declined by 10%. In Kansas, property offenses have steadily declined since 2017. Property crime offenses are assumed to be underreported to law enforcement.

Find the full 2022 Kansas Crime Index report, and previous year- statistics at: https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/stats/stats_crime.shtml .

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

Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska Susan Lehr said 27-year-old Taylor Zimmerling was sentenced last week for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

After she completes her prison sentence, Zimmerling will also serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Co-defendant Daniel Lock, of Falls City, was handed the same sentence in May.

Prosecutors say Zimmerling and Lock sold methamphetamine in and around Falls City from January 2021 to June 2021.

A search warrant was served on Lock's home in June 2021 where authorities found 55 grams of meth, scales, packaging material, cash, and a police scanner.

The case was investigated by the Richardson County Sheriff's Office.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County Community Foundation will be hosting their second annual Match Days event this week during the Brown County Fair to benefit 35 funds.

During the event, donations made through the Foundation will be eligible for a 50% match from up to $70,0000 in grant funding made available through the Patterson Family Foundation.

To further increase the Patterson Family Foundation's match impact, local sponsors have agreed to divide their combined contribution of $18,000 across all 35 funds during Match Days.

Donations can be made in-person Tuesday through Thursday evening's from 4:30 to 9:30 in the south foyer of the Blue Building, in Horton.

Donations can also be made on-line at at growsouthbrown.com from midnight Tuesday through 11:59 Friday evening.

In addition, donations can be mailed to the South Brown County Community Foundation at P.O. Box 224, Horton, KS 66439. They must be postmarked on or before July 14. All mailed donations must include a completed donation form.

You can go to https://www.growsouthbrown.com/ for a donation form, information on the participating funds, and to view a leaderboard that will keep track of donations.

(KAIR)--New leadership is named for the First Baptist Church in Atchison, with a longtime Atchison resident, well known to the local church community, named to the position.

Pastor Russ Cooper officially began his service to the congregation as Church Pastor July 1.

According to a release, Cooper, an Atchison resident of 25-years, was ordained in 2002, and has served in Atchison as an interim pastor, co-pastor, and senior pastor, in addition to providing pulpit supply for several local churches.

Cooper told MSC News, "It is humbling to become a part of a 165 year history and to consider the impact First Baptist Church has had on the Atchison community for generations,” adding that “through a lengthy interview process, [he] had the opportunity to observe and interact a lot with church leaders and was deeply touched by their regard for one another as well as their compassion for people of all walks.” Cooper adds that being named Pastor for First Baptist Church “is a dream come true; to be able to serve a congregation that truly desires to reflect the love that Jesus spoke of. "

Cooper and his wife, Sharon, have been married for 43 years, and have six children and three grandchildren.

Cooper begins his new role just as the church is set to celebrate its 165th anniversary on August 1.

(KLZA)-- The company that wants to mine for critical minerals in southeast Nebraska has signed a deal with Stellantis, giving the automaker access to the rare earth elements used to produce high-powered magnets needed for its electric vehicles.

NioCorp announced the tentative deal Thursday. The companies didn't disclose how much Stellantis will pay because those details are still being negotiated, but this deal with such a high-profile buyer will likely provide a boost to NioCorp's effort to raise $1.1 billion to build the mine.

Stellantis automobile makers brands include Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Maserati on Thursday.

NioCorp is still working to determine whether it will be make economic sense to produce the rare earth elements present at the site near Elk Creek. The proposed mine's main product would be niobium that's used to make steel lighter and stronger.

But most of the rare earth elements available today are produced in China, so President Joe Biden has been pressing for more of them to be mined domestically.

Currently, America imports all the niobium and scandium and most of the titanium and rare earths that NioCorp hopes to produce. The only U.S. mine that produces rare earths now is run by MP Materials in Mountain Pass, California.

NioCorp CEO Mark Smith said “This could really turbocharge our project financing and help to accelerate moving the project to construction and eventual commercial operation.”

(KLZA)--Though it- been a drier start to summer than usual, seasonal growth along Missouri- roadways still needs to be mowed. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges motorists to use caution when encountering tractor mowers near the shoulders of interstates and other busy roadways.

Mowing roadsides increases visibility for motorists along Missouri roadways. MoDOT asks motorists to please watch out for crews and help keep them safe too. Pay attention, slow down when approaching mowing crews, and never drive distracted.

Major and minor routes will be mowed at least three times through the end of October. MoDOT mows about 400,000 acres of grass each year, which is equivalent to 300,000 football fields.

Crews use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers. Drivers are advised to

Be alert for trucks and tractors with lights flashing and moving slowly, 2-5 mph.

Slow down and focus on the road ahead of you. Put your cellphone down and avoid other distractions.

Be prepared to stop or drive very slowly behind a "follow" truck, especially approaching a hill or curve on a two-lane road.

And to obey the no-passing zone stripes, and only pass when you can see far enough past the "follow" truck to avoid meeting oncoming traffic.

Between mowing cycles, you can report grass and weeds blocking visibility at intersections along state-maintained roads by calling MoDOT- 24/7 Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or by going to modot.org/report-road-concern.

(KLZA)--Falls City Econmoic Development and Growth Enterprise Execuitve Director Lucas Froeschl provided the organizaitons quarterly report to the City Council Monday night.

Froeschl noted the City was successful in updating languarge in LB977 making it distinctive to Falls City for those grant funds. The new language make Falls City the only community in Nebraska that can meet the criteria to utilize the $15 million to help bring more power to the community.

The hope is to work with Omaha Public Power District for them to provide additional electrical capacity for Falls City.

The new language in LB-977 requires communities applying for the funds to have two first class railraods, and be within fifteen miles of two state borders. Falls City is the only City of the Second Class in Nebraska meeting that criteria.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners approved the transfer of funds during their June 27 meeting to cover the shortfall of funds in various departments for the current fiscal year.

The Board approved $647 to the County Assessor; $627 to County Extension and $23,009 to the Pawnee County Sheriff's Budget. The funds were transferred out of the Miscellaneous Genral Fund budget.

Pawnee and Johnson County Emergency Manager Megan Buckley met with the Board to introduce herself and provide updates to the Commissioners.

County Attorney Emily Sisco met in executive session with the Board to discuss possible litigation. After the closed meeting Commissioners voted unanimously to approved the expenditure of $7,000 for settlement of litigation.

The Board approved a resolution changing the county health insurance contributions to the County paying 100% for employee only, 90% for employee/child, employee/spouse and family and the employee paying 10% of the cost effective with the August 1 premium.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a resolution duirng their June 26 meeting, to use unencoumbered funds to cover expense in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budgets of Building and Grounds, $6,959; Communications Dispatch - $2,002; Humboldt Law Enforcement Agreement - $9,596 and Jail $80,675.

The Board also approved a resolution transferring funds from the Natural Disaster Fund in an amount of $178,225 to the Road and Bridge Fund to reimburse the fund for expenses incurred for the repairs completed for damages done March 9, 2019 through July 14, 2019.

An agreement was approved with theHumboldt - Table Rock - Steinauer School District to provide for a School Resource Officer for the next two school years. Earlier in June, Sheriff Rick Hardesty presented information to Commissioners with a first year cost to the school district of $55,652 and $58,791 for the second year.

In other business the Board approved an agreement with Region V Systems for Emergency Protective Custody Services through June 30, 2024, at a cost of $214 per day.

Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall notified the Board that a grant application for the purchase and installation of a generator for the Humboldt Rural Water tower had been denied. Kirkendall has contacted a company to give a quote for a gnerator which needs to be installed to support and accommodate the Nebraska Regional Interoperatility Network which can transport large amoutns of data, radio voice and video quickly in a secure manner.

Board members also voted to advertise for a public heairng to be held Wednesday, July 26, at 9:30 a.m. to receive input on vacating and abandoning a portion of a county road and bridge a half-mile south of 717 Road on 640 Avenue, running to 716 Road.

Commissioners also approved advertising for sale, by sealed bids, which will be opened at 9:20 a.m. on July 26 for a bridge structure on the road proposed to be closed and abandoned.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Econmoic Development and Growth Enterprise Execuitve Director Lucas Froeschl provided the organizaitons quarterly report to the City Council Monday night.

Froeschl noted the City was successful in updating languarge in LB977 making it distinctive to Falls City for those grant funds. The new language make Falls City the only community in Nebraska that can meet the criteria to utilize the $15 million to help bring more power to the community.

The hope is to work with Omaha Public Power District for them to provide additional electrical capacity for Falls City.

The new language in LB-977 requires communities applying for the funds to have two first class railraods, and be within fifteen miles of two state borders. Falls City is the only City of the Second Class in Nebraska meeting that criteria.

(KNZA)--A Lincoln, Nebraska woman is facing drug-related charges in Jackson County following a traffic stop that led to the discovery of the alleged, illegal contraband.

Arrested Wednesday was 36-year-old Heather Stebbins whose vehicle, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, was stopped near 178th and U.S. Highway 75 by a Deputy due to a traffic infraction.

Stebbins faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and endangering a child.

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

(KAIR)--A short police chase that ended in a Jefferson County crash Friday morning leads to the arrest of one.

WIBW-TV reports the pursuit began around 7:35 Friday morning near K-92 and Marion Road, about 2 miles northwest of Oskaloosa.

Citing Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, the TV station reports the chase lasted for a brief period of time before the alleged driver of the vehicle, 24-year-old Jacob Skinner, crashed, leading to his arrest on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, no liability insurance, vehicle registration violation, and speeding.

Following his arrest, Skinner, whose address is not given, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail.

His bond is set at $1,300.

(KAIR)--An entrepreneur, a businessman, a civic leader, and a member of the Kansas Fair Board Hall of Fame.

Those achievements are remembered about Ray Foster, who died at his Horton home on the Fourth of July. He was 98-years-old.

According to his obituary, from Horton's Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, along with founding the long running Foster Ford dealership with his brother, Hugh, in 1956, Foster's community work helped define him, as he spent many hours volunteering in the Horton community.

He was a charter member and officer in the Industrial Development Corp, served on the Board of Education, was co-chair of the Fundraising Committee to build the Horton Hospital, served on the Chamber of Commerce Board, was an officer on the Tri-County Fair Board for 26 years and is in the Kansas Fair Board Hall of Fame. He was the first president of the Liberty Theater Board, and served on the Horton Zoning Commission.

Foster's funeral will be Monday afternoon, at 1:00, at the United Methodist Church, in Horton, with burial in Effingham's Evergreen Cemetery.

(KMZA)--A Seneca teen, and two passengers, required a trip to the hospital following a Friday evening Nemaha County crash.

According to a release from the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, 14-year-old Aiden Streeter was driving northbound on J Road, just north of 104th Road, when he lost control of his vehicle, sending the Lincoln Town Car off of the roadway.

Streeter, and two passengers, were all taken by private vehicle to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, in Seneca, for examination.

The wreck happened around 6:30 Friday evening.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman is facing drug-related charges, including possession of fentanyl, following a weekend traffic stop in the 600 block of Atchison's North 9th Street.

That's according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson who, in a release, says 44-year-old Melody McCannon was driving in that area, around 9:15 Saturday night, when stopped by an officer on patrol for traffic violations.

However, following the stop, McCannon was found to be in the alleged possession of a controlled substance, believed to be fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia. Following the investigation at the scene, she was arrested for no license tag, no driver's license, no insurance, and possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

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

Her bond is set at $10,000.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Corporation Commission will begin public hearings next week to give Evergy customers an opportunity to learn more about the company's rate increase request and to make comments before the Commission.

According to a release, the application, filed with the KCC on April 25, requests an average monthly rate increase of $14.24 for Evergy Central customers and $3.47 for Evergy Metro customers. Commission approval is required before a regulated utility can change its rates.

The first of three public hearings will be held on Tuesday in Topeka at the Washburn Institute of Technology's Conference Center at 5724 SW Huntoon beginning at 6 p.m.

The second hearing will be held on Thursday, July 13 in Overland Park at the KU Edwards BEST Conference Center at 12600 S. Quivira Road beginning at 6 p.m.

A third public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 27 in Wichita at Wichita State University's Lowe Auditorium at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5014 E 29th St. North beginning at 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend a hearing in person, a virtual option via Zoom is available to allow remote participants to comment. Advance registration on the KCC- website is required for those participating by Zoom. The hearings will be broadcast on the KCC- YouTube channel for viewing only.

The Commission is also accepting written comments regarding the rate increase request through 5 p.m., September 29, 2023, on its website, by mail to the Commission- Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC- Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Corporation Commission will begin public hearings next week to give Evergy customers an opportunity to learn more about the company- rate increase request and to make comments before the Commission.

According to a release, the application, filed with the KCC on April 25, requests an average monthly rate increase of $14.24 for Evergy Central customers and $3.47 for Evergy Metro customers. Commission approval is required before a regulated utility can change its rates.

The first of three public hearings will be held on Tuesday n Topeka at the Washburn Institute of Technology- Conference Center at 5724 SW Huntoon beginning at 6 p.m.

The second hearing will be held on Thursday, July 13 in Overland Park at the KU Edwards BEST Conference Center at 12600 S. Quivira Road beginning at 6 p.m.

A third public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 27 in Wichita at Wichita State University- Lowe Auditorium at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5014 E 29th St. North beginning at 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend a hearing in person, a virtual option via Zoom is available to allow remote participants to comment. Advance registration on the KCC- website is required for those participating by Zoom. The hearings will be broadcast on the KCC- YouTube channel for viewing only.

The Commission is also accepting written comments regarding the rate increase request through 5 p.m., September 29, 2023, on its website, by mail to the Commission- Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC- Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

(KNZA)--While recent storms left damage in their wake, including downed trees and power lines, a Pottawatomie County resident also felt the affects of the dangerous weather, as he was struck by lightning Friday.

According to a release from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, they responded that evening to the 5600 block of Lewis Wilson Road, in Wamego, following the report of someone being struck by lightning.

When they arrived, the release says they found 37-year-old Matthew Campbell injured, with his wife, Jennifer, administering CPR.

The rural Wamego man had been, according to the release, walking back from a pasture when he was struck. His wife, who was with him at the time, reported that she had been knocked to the ground, but was not injured.

Matthew Campbell was transported for hospitalized care by Pottawatomie County EMS.

As of last check, his condition was not known publicly.

The 2024 Doniphan County budget has been approved for publication.

That happened during Monday's meeting of the Doniphan County Commission, with the unofficial minutes of the session stating that the budget was presented to the County leaders by County Clerk Peggy Franken.

According to the minutes, the budget contains a projected mill levy rate of 36.917 mills and tax collections remaining revenue neutral, at $5,850,611.

Following a review of the budget document, the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve it for publication.

During the meeting, Franken also presented the Commissioners with the proposed 2024 Doniphan County Ambulance District Number 1 budget, with that also approved for publication unanimously.

The vote followed a review of the figures, with Franken showing that the budget contains a projected mill levy rate of 2.199 mills, with tax collections remaining revenue neutral at $348,516.

Franken explained to the Commission that the reason for keeping tax collections the same was unknown funding from dedicated 1-percent sales tax generations to fund the countywide ambulance service.

(KAIR)--No one was hurt when a sailboat ran a-ground on Lake Perry during a July 4 holiday weekend storm that brought winds in excess of 90 mph.

According to a release from the Game Wardens for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the occupants of the vessel were staying aboard overnight when the storm struck, leading to the grounding of the sailboat.

Game Wardens were able to get the occupants, along with some essential gear, off of the boat and to safety.

The release notes that the situation serves as a reminder to check weather prior to hitting the water, and to pay attention to changing weather conditions while on the water.

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle, July 4th wreck, in Caldwell County, Missouri claimed the lives of a Falls City, Nebraska couple.

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 70-year-old Ricky Nutzman was driving an SUV eastbound on the ramp from Missouri Route 13 to U.S. 36 at Hamilton.

An eastbound semi on U.S. 36 moved from the driving lane into the passing lane for the SUV to merge. The Patrol says Nutzman cut north across both lanes of the roadway in front of the semi. The semi driver braked in an effort to avoid the SUV, but struck the driver's side of Nutzman's vehicle.

A passenger in the SUV, 70-year-old Susan Nutzman, was pronounced dead at the scene. Ricky Nutzman died at at a Cameron, Missouri hospital.

The semi driver from North Carolina was not hurt.

The wreck was reported shortly after 9:30 Tuesday morning.

(KAIR)--An early morning July 4, two-vehicle, Brown County crash, sent five to the hospital.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 44-year-old Timothy Pahmahmie, of Horton, was westbound on 100th Road, a mile west of U.S. Highway 159, when his pickup truck crashed into the driver's side of an SUV that was heading southbound on Kingfisher Road.

That driver, 27-year-old Brandon Wingender, of Everest, was transported to Amberwell Atchison for the treatment of suspected serious injuries. His passenger, 21-year-old Brenda Middleton, of Horton, was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas, also for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

Pahmahmie was transported to Amberwell Atchison with suspected serious injuries, while one of his two passengers, 42-year-old Roberta Hanchor, of Nevada, suffered the same, and was transported to Topeka's Stormont Vail for hospital care.

Another woman in Pahmahmie's truck, 31-year-old Adrian Darnell, of Horton, was transported to Amberwell Hiawatha for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says Darnell was buckled up, while the other four occupants were not wearing seatbelts when the wreck happened just before 5:20 Tuesday morning.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman is facing charges related to child endangerment stemming from an investigation that began in February.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 34-year-old Sasha Gerard was arrested Sunday morning, around 2:15, in the 100 block of South 3rd Street, and taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging her with aggravated endangering a child.
Following her arrest, Gerard was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Wilson, in the release, explains that police began their investigation February 13 after a child, under the age of two, suffered a medical emergency. That morning, Wilson says, his officers responded to a residence in the 900 block of Santa Fe Street shortly before 2:00 that morning, with the baby found to be unresponsive.

According to the release, “life saving measures were taken and the baby was transported to the hospital by EMS and subsequently to Children's Mercy” in Kansas City.

Gerard is currently free on a $25,000 bond..

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man is facing charges in connection with an alleged threat made with a knife during what's being called a case of mistaken identity.

According to a release from Hiawatha Police Captain Brian Guilliams, officers were called to the 300 block of South 6th Street, during the early morning of June 25, following the report of an aggravated assault.

The release says the victim reported that 29-year-old Bryan Emary pulled a knife during a verbal altercation of mistaken identify.

Police located Emary in the alley of 7th and Oregon, where he was arrested without further incident.

Once in custody, Emary was booked into the Brown County Jail where he remains held on a $50,000 bond.

(MSC News)The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of White Cloud public water supply system located in Doniphan County.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.

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

• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory took effect on July 3, 2023 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a water main break causing low water pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain required water pressure may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-850-8690, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE- PWS Consumer Information webpage:

kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption

Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture- food safety & lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767.

(KNZA)--The 106th annual Brown County Free Fair will kick off Saturday and runs through Friday, July 14 at the fairgrounds in Horton

The theme of this year's Fair is “ Handmade, Homegrown, and Country Sown!”

On Saturday, the county's 4-H clubs will rotate on a schedule to drop off their projects at the Blue Building, beginning at 8:00 in the morning.

On Sunday, the horse and pet shows will take place. Monday will feature the livestock entries as well as the Brown County Shooting Sports Show at 12 noon. The public fashion revue and food auction will be held Monday evening beginning at 6:00 at the Blue Building.

Tuesday will bring the fair parade at 6:30 in the evening in downtown Horton. Following the parade, free entertainment will be provided by Curtis Stroud and the pedal power tractor pull will be held.

Wednesday will feature the swine, bucket calf, beef and dairy shows.

Bounce houses and a mechanical bull will be available for entertainment Wednesday and Thursday evening's. Also Thursday evening there will be a rock wall and corn hole tournament. In addition, Callous Maddy/Traffas will be providing free entertainment Thursday evening at 8:00.

The Fair will wrap up Friday evening, July 14 with the awards program and livestock sale.

(KAIR)--A wildlife rehabilitation facility, serving northeast Kansas communities by providing rescue and rehabilitation of native Kansas wildlife, is now a licensed facility.

That word comes in a release from Sherri McNary, Director of ARC Wild, who calls the licensing “a big step forward in our mission,” adding that “the wildlife rehabilitation side is an expansion of services” with ARC Wild to also continue to provide education related to their mission.

The release explains that McNary, in the spring of this year, was asked by Dennis Dinwidee, Director of Northeast Kansas Wildlife Rescue and Director of Education at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation, “to expand ARC Wild to include management of wildlife rehabilitators in the northeastern counties of Kansas.”

Now, ARC Wild has a volunteer staff of seven licensed rehabilitators to serve the local counties of Atchison, Brown, Jackson, Doniphan, Nemaha, and Marshall. Those members include McNary, Wendell Ganstrom, Connie King, Daniela Rippe, Dr. Jessica Stallbaumer, Clint Tegtmeier, and Trina Earl.

According to the ARC Wild website, the all volunteer service was established in 2017, and does not receive any local, state, or federal funding, with financial support received only through contributions from individuals and businesses.

(KAIR)--A Friday afternoon, two vehicle crash in Wyandotte County sent two Leavenworth residents to the hospital.

Injured were 49-year-old Darcie Grandstaff, the driver of a Chevy Silverado pickup truck, and 18-year-old Maikell Clark, driver of a Honda Accord, with both transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Clark was not buckled up at the time of the noon-hour wreck, and suffered a suspected serious injury. Grandstaff, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered a suspected minor injury in the wreck.

According to the KHP, both vehicles were in the southbound lane of K7 Highway when Grandstaff, in a construction zone, initiated a U-turn to head north, in the northbound lane. As she did, Clark's car collided with her truck as Grandstaff was completing the U-turn.

The wreck happened around 12:40 Friday afternoon.

(KLZA)--Between 7:30 am and 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 6th there will be a scheduled power outage in Falls City from 19th and Fulton west to Fair Ave and south to East 16th then south to Highway 159 affecting Nemaha Ave. and Valley Ave. Electrical services outside of the area will not be impacted.

A map of the affected areas will be posted with this story on our website and can also be viewed on the Falls City Utilities Facebook page.

The reason for the outage is to facilitate the removal of overhead lines and the installation of underground lines for the Falls City Sacred Heart south parking lot improvement project.

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.

(KNZA)--A Rulo, Nebraska man has been sentenced in federal court to 4 years and 9 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Steven Russell said 50-year-old Michael Dean was handed the sentence last week in U.S. District Court in Omaha.

Russell said Dean was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release after his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Dean's residence and vehicle in Rulo on May 28, 2021. Seized was 56 grams of methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the Richardson County Sheriff's office.

(KMZA)--A bridge replacement project is scheduled to begin Wednesday, July 5, in Pottawatomie County.

According to a release from the county, a bridge that is more than 90 years old will be replaced on Havensville Road, three-quarters of a mile east of Onaga Road between Sunflower and Trails End Roads.

Havensville Road will be closed at the project location. A detour will not be marked.

The release says the new bridge will be a reinforced concrete haunch slab bridge with a 28-foot roadway width. L&M Contractors, Inc., of Great Bend, is the contractor on the nearly $828,000 project.

Funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation's Cost-Share Program will cover $455,000 of the project cost, with the county responsible for the remainder.

The project is expected to be completed before the end of this year, weather permitting.

The county says Havensville Road is still down to one lane due to an accident in April that damaged a different bridge located one mile east of Onaga Road. Replacement design work is currently being done for that bridge and bid letting for the project will be later this year.

(KAIR)--A long-time Atchison County leader, and a life-long farmer, is being remembered following his death this week.

Floyd Oswald was 89-years-old when he died Thursday, at his Muscotah home, surrounded by his family.

Known for his love of farming, gardening, Farmall tractors, and volunteering, Oswald's obituary from Atchison's Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, says he served for 28-years on the Kapioma Township Board as Treasurer.

According to the obituary, Oswald achieved his longtime goal of becoming an Atchison County Commissioner in 2000, and he served two consecutive 4-year-terms in that role of county leadership.

Oswald will be laid to rest Monday, in the Powhattan Cemetery, following funeral services Monday morning, at 10:00, at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, in Atchison.

Among Oswald's survivors are his wife, Alleta, three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.