(KMZA)--Mill and overlay projects are to begin Friday, September 1st in Jackson and Pottawatomie Counties.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the work will cover about 18 miles of K-16, from U.S. 75 in Holton to the K-63 junction, and about 3 miles of K-79, from the K-16 junction to Circleville.

The contractor will begin at U.S. 75 and work west to K-79, where they will shift north to Circleville. Once complete, they will return to K-16 and proceed west to K-63. Work will be done in smaller sections to reduce the impact to motorists.

KDOT says traffic will be reduced to one lane in the active work zone and directed by a pilot car and flaggers. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will take place during daylight hours Monday through Friday.

Bettis Asphalt & Construction, of Topeka, is the contractor on the combined $3.5 million projects, which are expected to be complete by early October, conditions permitting.

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

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, charged in connection with child sex-crimes, and soliciting to have his victims murdered, received multiple life sentences in Leavenworth County District Court Wednesday.

According to Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 40-year-old Steven Manczuk was sentenced to three life sentences, as well as 4-years-11 months, of incarceration, after a jury, earlier this year, found him guilty of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, sexual exploitation of a child, and solicitation to commit capital murder.

Thompson, in a release, says Manczuk's crimes were committed between 2010 and 2013 when the victims were under the age of 14.

The life in prison sentences were handed down for the charges of aggravated criminal sodomy, sexual exploitation of a child, and rape, while the near 5-year-sentence was for the charge of solicitation to commit capital murder.

Manczuk was initially charged with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and sexual exploitation of a child following an FBI investigation in May of 2020 after the FBI- Detroit Division opened a case on a man who lived in Michigan. Investigators determined that the subject of the Detroit investigation had a Skype account that communicated with another, later identified as Manczuk, with that conversation happening in July 2011. During those conversations, Manczuk shared child pornography pictures and stated that he had access to a child to sexually abuse.

Manczuk was already in custody on the initial charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and sexual exploitation of a child when authorities learned he was soliciting to have those victims murdered.

(KLZA)-- Nationally Certified Technicians will be in Auburn on Wednesday, September 6 from 3:30 - 6 p.m. to offer parents and caregivers an opportunity to have child safety seats checked.

The event will take place at the Kids of His Kingdom, 1320 20th Street.

The technicians, from Southeast Safety for Kids will work with caregivers on the north side of the daycare in securing passengers age 12 and under correctly in motor vehicles.

Laura Osborne , SSK Coordinator said the misuse rates over 24 years of working in their field have been about 85 percent of all seats checked.

Anyone transporting children is encouraged to attend. To sign up for an appointment call 402-414-2460. Sign-ups are encouraged but not mandatory.

(KLZA)-- A Topeka man suffered what were described as moderate injuries Wednesday evening when the semi tractor and trailer he was operating overturned on the southbound entrance to Interstate 29 east of Craig, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol report says 32-year-old Kevin Forst was transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. The truck he was driving suffered extensive damage.

The Holt County Sheriff's Office also responded to the scene of the wreck.

(KNZA)--Kansas Corporation Commission staff has weighed in on Evergy- request for a rate increase in both of its’ Kansas service areas.

Evergy is proposing a nearly 10 percent increase for central customers, which includes those in local counties, and a nearly 2 percent increase for those in the Kansas City metro region.

In testimony filed with the KCC Tuesday, its staff's detailed financial audit of the company determined that an increase of 1.66 percent is all that can be justified for its Central customers and a 7.32% decrease is appropriate for its Kansas City metro customers.

Evergy says its still reviewing that testimony but insist the proposed increases are justified and remain well under inflation.

The KCC is still taking public comment on the proposed rate increases through September 29th.

A final order is expected to be issued in late December or early January.

(KNZA)--The Seneca City Council next week will consider adoption of a proposed 2024 city budget that calls for total expenditures of $14 million and maintains the same tax levy.

According to budget hearing notice, the budget contains an estimated tax rate of 32.576 mills, which is anticipated to generate more than one-million dollars in local tax revenue.

Even though the mill levy will remain the same, the city will collect around $142,000 in additional tax revenue due to a more than $4 million increase in the city's assessed valuation.

The Council will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their September 6th meeting. A second public hearing will be held prior to the budget hearing on the city's intent to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate of 28.01 mills.

(KAIR)--An educator from Atchison, who was named Ms. Wheelchair Kansas 2023 in March, is now competing in the 52nd Annual Ms. Wheelchair America National Competition, in Grand Rapids, Iowa.

According to a release, the competition is underway now through September 3, with 23-year-old Daija Coleman among the competitors at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel who, throughout the week, will be judged based on their ability to make a difference for the more than 56 million Americans living with disabilities.

The competitors represent states across the country.

According to the release, the competition will culminate with a Crowning Gala on September 2, 2023 where Ms. Wheelchair America 2024 will be crowned.

Representing the state of Kansas in the competition is Coleman, who uses a wheelchair for mobility because she has Cerebral Palsy. She lives in Atchison, where she works as a 5th grade teacher at Atchison Elementary School, having received her Bachelor of Education from Washburn University. According to the release, Coleman volunteers at Exceptional Humans, a nonprofit organization that supports humans with diverse abilities to live self-determined lives. She enjoys reading, painting, and writing, and her platform focuses on educating others to be A+ Advocates. Coleman describes herself as compassionate, resourceful, and a troublemaker.

Ms. Wheelchair America, Inc. is a non-profit organization that relies solely on the dedication and hard work of volunteers from across the country, fundraising by contestants, and the help of local sponsors.

(KAIR)--United States mail, recovered on roadways in the area of Atchison County's 274th Road, sparks an investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff's Office, which landed a man in jail on mail theft charges while his alleged female accomplice is facing drug possession charges.

The investigation, which led to the arrest of the two 23-year-olds, Michael Beebe, of Nortonville, and Chelsea Martin of Atchison, began after the Sheriff's Office was notified August 20 by a resident who had recovered mail from the roadway on Phillips Road, between 262nd and 274th Roads, that had been addressed to a residence at 262nd Road, just east of U.S. Highway 59, and residences on 274th Road, between Phillips and Rawlins. Additional mail, addressed to other residences in that area, was recovered at the intersection of 274th and Rawlins Roads.

Working with residents in that area who are equipped with surveillance cameras, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, says his investigators were able to obtain footage of a car that appeared to be accessing mailboxes at multiple locations along 274th Road.

On August 25, the Sheriff's Office was notified by a citizen who reported they saw the possible suspect vehicle pull into their driveway, located on 262nd road, just east of Ottawa Road, and a woman walk to the door, then back to the vehicle, before leaving.

With additional video footage obtained from that location, deputies later discovered the vehicle parked at an Atchison hotel, located at 401 South 10th Street, where a man believed to be associated with the car, now identified as Beebe, was taken into custody. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of what Laurie identifies as multiple pieces of mail belonging to residents in Atchison and Leavenworth counties.
Beebe was arrested for felony theft of mail from three separate locations within 72 hours, as well as possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

According to Laurie, it was four days later, on August 29, that "deputies located the female who was identified as the driver of the maroon vehicle from the residence on 262nd Road."
Taken into custody, for an Atchison Municipal Court warrant, was Martin, who was subsequently arrested for posssession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. As of Wednesday, she had not been charged with theft in connection with the mail case.

Both Martin and Beebe remain in custody at the Atchison County Jail. Her bond has not been set, while his is set at $40,000.

Laurie says the investigation is continuing.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison will not contact residents by text message to notify them about a weed, mowing, or nuisance violation.

That's the message delivered by the City in a release, which follows what appear to be scam text messages received by some.

According to the release, the City of Atchison has "learned that a number of citizens have received text messages from a 913 area code number regarding mowing and trimming of trees," with the City adding that "the text messages include misinformation regarding City code and some have threatened penalties to the recipient [despite that] these text messages are not from the City and should be ignored."

The release clarifies that "if grass is found to be in violation of City code, the owner will receive a certified letter, and a first class copy will go the tenant if the home is a rental property," with the letter allowing ten days to abate the violation.

Any questions or concerns, should be addressed to the City of Atchison Community Development Department at 913-367-5560.

(KNZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education in a special meeting Wednesday evening approved the next step of construction on the $24.2 million bond project approved by voters last November.

The board approved bid package #3 with a total guaranteed maximum price of $12,064,812. It's for work that finishes the new classroom additions and is the largest bid package to date.

The total contract sum to date stands at $14.7 million.

Still left is bid package #4 for work to remodel the CTE building and upgrades to the high school parking lot.

A ground breaking ceremony was held in June for the bond project

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

(KMZA)--The city administrator of Marysville has been hired as the new city administrator of Mulvane in southcentral Kansas.

The Mulvane News reports the Mulvane City Council announced the hiring of Austin St. John last week.

He was among three finalists interviewed for the position.

St. John has served as the city administrator in Marysville for the past seven years. Prior to that, he filled the same role in Chapman from 2014-2016.

St. John is to begin his new position October 7. He will replace Kent Hixon who is retiring, effective October 6, after serving as the city administrator of Mulvane since 1994.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has adopted a 2024 county budget that calls for total expenditures of nearly $15.6 million and keeps the mill levy steady.

The action followed a hearing Monday drawing no public comment.

The budget contains an estimated tax levy of 36.917 mills, which is expected to generate nearly $5.9 million in tax revenue.

Also following hearings Monday drawing no public comment, the 2024 budgets were adopted for Ambulance District #1 and Fire District #3.

The ambulance district budget calls for total expenditures of nearly $1.4 million. The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 2.199 mills, which is expected generate nearly $349,000 in tax revenue.

The fire district budget calls for total expenditures of more than $120,000. The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 1.5 mills, which is to raise nearly $65,000 in local tax revenue.

(KLZA)-- A health alert has been issued for Kirkman's Cove Lake in Richardson County due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae.

The Nebraska Department of Energy and Enviroment said in a release that samples taken last week at the lake measured above the threshold of 8 parts per billion of total microcystin, which is a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

When a health alert is issued, signs are posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed during the alert.

Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to use caution and avoid exposure to the water, particularly avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water.

Do not let pets get in the water or drink from the lake.

People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

(KAIR)--Tractors are again set to cruise across local portions of northeast Kansas, as the annual Northeast Kansas Tractor Cruise is held for the Labor Day holiday.

According to rural Horton's Keith Olsen, registration Labor Day morning, September 4, will happen from 8:30 until 10:15, at the Everest Middle School, where the tractor's will depart at 10:30.

Tractors of all varieties are welcome to join the cruise, which can draw up to 50 tractors for the day's activities.

All proceeds again are earmarked for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, which works towards a cure for the neuro-genetic disorder Olsen's daughter, Ingrid, was born with.

Tractors will pass by the Everest Park around 10:30-10:45, or on east K-20, and will turn off on Castleton Road, bringing the tractors in from the east of Lancaster. They will travel down Lancaster's Main Street, between 11:30 and 12 noon, then go to the park for lunch. Then, between 1 to 1:30, the tractors will go across Highway 73, west by the Rural Water District headquarters. They will continue west until they arrive at the black top north of Effingham, and then travel on Edwards Road. They will then return to Everest on Raccoon Road.

Anyone needing additional information about the Tractor Cruise should contact Olsen at 785-741-0208.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth woman has pled guilty to charges related to the 2019 shoting death of a then 23-year-old Leavenworth man, whose body was found in a ditch in rural Leavenworth County.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 37-year-old Patricia Perkins, in Leavenworth County District Court this month, pled guilty to second-degree murder and robbery in the shooting death of Travis Doughty.
She is scheduled to be sentenced September 20 in a Leavenworth County courtroom.

The release, citing court documents, says that Perkins, and two others, hatched a plot to rob Doughty of money, doing so by Perkins driving him to a rural Leavenworth County area, near Oak Mills Road, with the promise that the group would target shoot with guns. Instead, Doughty was shot and robbed of his money, with his body found March 12, 2019 in a ditch.

One of the alleged participants in the crime has since died from circumstances unrelated to Doughty's murder.

(KAIR)--New details are released as Atchison Police continue the investigation into a Saturday afternoon shooting that sent a teenager to the hospital.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson identified the suspect Tuesday as a 15-year-old girl from Columbia, Missouri. Initially, the teen was identified as a 19-year-old but Wilson, in a release, says "she had originally provided inaccurate information."

Following the shooting, Wilson identified her injuries as non life-threatening.

The teen was shot Saturday afternoon around 4:00, in the 400 block of U Street, as she sat inside a vehicle. According to Wilson, the shooting happened when a vehicle pulled up next to the one in which the teen was sitting and fired a single shot.

The teen, after being transported by private vehicle for hospital treatment, was later transferred to a Kansas City hospital for further care. She has since been released.

The investigation is continuing.

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

(KAIR)--An investigation that saw a Leavenworth County woman lose over $94,000 in a celebrity imposter scam engineered by a network of individuals living outside of the United States has recently concluded without criminal charges being able to be filed.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, the “catfish” scam parallels a story involving recent claims by a Kentucky woman saying she was scammed by an online scam artist who talked her into sending $10,000 in gift cards. The woman claimed she thought she was sending the gift cards to an actor who starred in the Netflix series Stranger Things.

County Attorney Todd Thompson is issuing the scam advisory to prevent others from becoming victims of similar schemes, saying in a release that while he would "love to pursue charges," the fact is that such "internet scams are rarely solvable, and some of the hardest cases to prove because scammers could be anywhere in the world.”

Details of the scam emerged when the victim approached law enforcement. During multiple interviews with investigators, the victim detailed a story claiming that someone who claimed to be country music singer Neal McCoy coerced her into sending them cryptocurrency, cash, cell phones, passwords, gift card account numbers, and proceeds from selling an antique vehicle. The victim stated she met McCoy on a dating website in August 2021.

The victim went as far as attending a concert and reaching out and contacting the real McCoy's staff before discovering the scam. Even after making contact, the victim found it difficult to realize the truth of this scam.

The victim would eventually be coerced into sending the scammers her personal information and new cell phones with active lines. Once the scam artists had her information, her account passwords were changed, and new credit card accounts were created.

After an exhaustive investigation involving the County Attorney's Office, local law enforcement partners, and the FBI, it was determined that the scammers were located in another country.”

(KAIR)--Three locally-based Chambers of Commerce are among a total of 22 tourism-focused organizations receiving funding through Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce.

A total amount of $117,780 has been awarded in the 2023 Tourism Marketing Grant Awards Program, with a release explaining that "the grants are designed to assist local tourism organizations or attractions in new or first-time innovative marketing initiatives."

Selected to receive grant funds of $10,000 is the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, the same amount earmarked for the Marysville Convention and Tourism, while the Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact is named to receive $1,600.

Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe, in the release, says Kansas Tourism is "proud to provide support to our dedicated tourism industry partners through these marketing grants,” adding that "increasing visitation to these exciting destinations boosts local economies in a variety of ways.”

Applications were reviewed by a committee of Kansas Tourism representatives, with funding through the partnership with Kansas Tourism intended to increase travel to tourism destination sites while enhancing the state- image.

According to the release, the grant leverages Kansas Tourism- resources and extends the marketing reach of local communities.

(KAIR)--Three locally-based Chambers of Commerce are among a total of 22 tourism-focused organizations receiving funding through Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce.

A total amount of $117,780 has been awarded in the 2023 Tourism Marketing Grant Awards Program, with a release explaining that "the grants are designed to assist local tourism organizations or attractions in new or first-time innovative marketing initiatives."

Selected to receive grant funds of $10,000 is the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, the same amount earmarked for the Marysville Convention and Tourism, while the Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact is named to receive $1,600.

Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe, in the release, says Kansas Tourism is "proud to provide support to our dedicated tourism industry partners through these marketing grants,” adding that "increasing visitation to these exciting destinations boosts local economies in a variety of ways.”

Applications were reviewed by a committee of Kansas Tourism representatives, with funding through the partnership with Kansas Tourism intended to increase travel to tourism destination sites while enhancing the state- image.

According to the release, the grant leverages Kansas Tourism- resources and extends the marketing reach of local communities.

(KLZA)-- A Community Revitalizaion Grant has been awarded to the Mound City Downtown Restoration and Revitalization Inc. group in an maount of $1,075,596.

The Mound City News reports the grant, funded throug the Missouri Department of Economic Developoment will be used for historic district redevelopment in Mound City.

The local organization is under the direcitonof Juli Crenshaw of Big Lake, Karma Metzgar of Mound Ciyt nad alex Callow of Kansas Ciyt, who owns business property in Mound City.

The money are American Rescue Plan Act funds that are to help revitalize northern Missouri communities.

This was the second round of grants which included six grants in the northern Missouri Region totaling more than $3.7 million.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Examiner is reporting that First District State Senator Julie Slama of Dunbar, has confimred she is internested in becoming State Treasurer.

Slama is a lawyer who currenly chairs the Legislatures Banking, commerce and Insurance Committee.

State Treasurer John Murante confirmed last week that he intends to leave his elected office to lead the Nebraska Public Employee Retirement Systems.

Speculation about who might replace him as treasurer began within minutes of word that Gov. Jim Pillen would select the replacement for a post that often springboards the holder to higher office. The treasurer is the state- in-house banker and financial adviser.

Others that are said to be interested include: State Sen. Theresa Thibodeau of Omaha, a business owner who finished fourth in the 2022 GOP primary race for governor.

State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, a chiropractor who chairs the Legislature- Health and Human Services Committee.

Taylor Royal, Murante- GOP primary election opponent for treasurer in 2018 and an Omaha financial adviser.

Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg, a rising local official attributed with helping his city grow.

The next election for treasurer for whomever Pillen appoints is 2026.

(KNZA)--A resurfacing project is set to begin Wednesday, August 30, on K-16 Highway in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the surface recycle and chip seal project covers about 16 miles, from the Jackson County line to the southern K-4 junction, and from the northern K-4 junction to U.S. 59. The City of Valley Falls is included in the project but will only be chip sealed.

KDOT says the contractor will begin at the western city limits of Valley Falls and work west to the county line. Once complete, they will move to the north K-4 junction and work east to U.S. 59. Work will be done in smaller sections to reduce impact to motorists.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in the active work zone and directed by a pilot car and flaggers. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and expected to be complete by early October, conditions permitting.

Dustrol Inc., of Towanda, is the prime contractor on the $2.4 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.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission voted Monday to delay approval of the 2024 county budget and look for ways to further reduce the proposed mill levy.

The commission took the action on a 2-1 vote following a public hearing on a proposed budget that contained a 4.6 mill levy increase.

Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl cast the lone dissenting vote. He expressed concern about the impact a mill levy reduction would have on the county's ability to make needed repairs to county roads and bridges.

14 county residents attended the budget hearing, with several voicing their concerns about the proposed mill levy increase. They urged commissioners to take steps to reduce the levy to ease the burden on taxpayers.

The commission did approve a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate following a second public hearing prior to the budget hearing.

Following the hearing, the commission discussed possible options to reduce the levy and will further discuss the budget when they meet Thursday after consultant with the county auditor.

Once they agree on a new proposed budget, it will have to be republished and another hearing held before adoption.

The Commission is facing a September 20th deadline for approval of the budget.

(KLZA)--An Omaha woman has been sentenced to two years in prison by Johnson County District Court Judge Ricky Schreiner.

33-year-old Kari Bass was sentenced to two years for criminal possesssion of a financial transaction device and two years for criminal possession of a forged instrument. The sentences will be served concurrently and Bass will be given credit for time already served.

In August of last year Brass was arrested following a traffic stop by Johnson County deputies in Tecumseh.

Officers discovered more than $1,500 in counterfeit currency and 8 debit or credit cards.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners approved accessing the additional 1% budget authority for Fiscal Year 20023-24 when they met last week.

The Board also discussed the budget proposal for the next yea rwith County Clerk Candi Nicholas.

Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang met with Commissioners to discuss the Canine Fund. Sheriff Lang sent out letters to donors on A/ugust 21 to see if they wanted their donations refunded.

Vickie McNealy with Southeast Nebraska Community Action met with the Board to discuss funds for the new transit bus. Commissioners approved a resolution to apply for funding available under the Federal Transit Act and the Nebraska Public Transportation Act.

(KLZA)-- Members of the Southeast Community College Board of Governors met in Falls City Tuesday at the Falls City Learning Center.

The Board approved a preliminary 2023-24 budget earlier, calling for a maximum general -fund tax levy of 9.25 cents per $100 of assessed valuation as the organization transitions to the new Community College Future Fund model.

Following feedback during forums, from state senators and other community leaders, the Board approved advertising a budget that includes a reduction from the maximum of 9.25 cents to 8.5 cents, reprsenting a rate closer to the mid-point between the 7.5-cent minimum CCFF rate and the maximum 9.25 rate for SCC.

The reduction would be a savings of $6.1 million and more each year thereafter to the CCFF. If given final approval, the 8.5-cent levy would result in a general fund budget of $114,300,722 and a todal budget of $351,562,262.

Final action on the tax levy rate will be during the Boards September 26 meeing at the Milford Campus.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners reviewed the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget proposals to finalize the advertisement for the public hearing when they met August 23.

Commissioners voted to approve the 1 percent additional budget authority allowed by state statute. A public budget hearing was scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, at 10 a.m. and a public heairng will be held the same day at 10:15 a.m. to receive input on setting the property tax levy at a rate other than the rate the previous year.

Following the budget review, the preliminary budget calls for expenditures of $20,322,510, a decrease of just over $1 milion amounting to 4.9 percent. However, the total tax requirement is proposed at $114,513, an increase of 1.99 percent. That amount would require a tax levy of 33.24 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, a decrease of 4.07 cents or 11 percent from last year.

Representatives with Skyline Construction met with the Board to discuss the Courthouse roof project. Equipment and materials were to be deliverd this past week with work commencing on August 25. The project is expected to be completed on or before September 5.

(KAIR)--The Justice Department has reached a settlement agreement with Highland Community College following an investigation focused on racial injustice at the Doniphan County-based community college.

The department's investigation stemmed from allegations that Black students, primarily student-athletes, living on HCC's main campus, in Highland, experienced discriminatory treatment in many aspects of campus life, including discipline, housing and interactions with campus security officers. According to a release from the Justice Department, the complaints alleged that Black students were targeted for searches and surveillance and disciplined more severely than their white peers, resulting in their unfair removal from campus housing or even expulsion.

The release explains that under the settlement, the college will improve the fairness and transparency of disciplinary proceedings to prevent such discrimination. The agreement will also strengthen policies, procedures and training on campus security to promote consistent, non-discriminatory interactions between security personnel and students. In addition, the agreement requires HCC to strengthen policies, procedures and training to ensure an effective response to students’ complaints of racial discrimination.

The release notes that the college cooperated fully throughout the investigation and expressed a desire before the investigation was concluded to make positive changes for its students by revising its policies and practices, training employees and expanding student engagement to improve campus climate.

The department opened its investigation in January 2022 under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

(KAIR)--An Easton man, last week, pled guilty in Leavenworth County District Court to charges related to a fatal crash involving a UTV.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, citing court documents, 59-year-old Gregory Zule was under the influence of alcohol on the evening of July 15, 2023, when he crashed the UTV he was driving in rural Leavenworth County.

Following the crash, Zule told deputies he swerved to miss a deer, which is when his UTV rolled. Zule- wife died in the crash.

Zule, last week, pled guilty to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of driving under the influence.

He is scheduled to appear in a Leavenworth County District courtroom for sentencing on October 6, 2023.

(KAIR)--A Saturday afternoon Atchison shooting is under the investigation of local police.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, explains that a 19-year-old woman, shortly after 4:00, was sitting in a vehicle, parked in the 400 block of U Street, when another vehicle drove up next to her and someone inside fired a single shot that struck her.

The woman, a resident of Columbia, Missouri, was transported for hospital care by private vehicle, then transferred to a Kansas City hospital for further treatment.

Wilson describes the woman's injury as non life-threatening.

No suspects are immediately identified.

The investigation is continuing.

(KLZA)--A Friday afternoon single-vehicle rollover wreck in Richardson County claimed the life of a Holstein, Nebraska man.

The Richardson County Sheriff's Office said in a release that the Sheriff's Office, along with responders from Humboldt Fire and EMS, were dispatched to the wreck on Highway 8, west of the Highway 105 intersection, around 2:45.

The release says the driver and only occupant of the vehicle, 60-year-old Joel Schutte, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sheriff's Office says a preliminary investigation indicates Schutte was westbound on Highway 8 when his pickup truck entered the north ditch. The vehicle then rolled across the highway, coming to rest in the south ditch.

The release says Schutte was not wearing a seatbelt.

The wreck remains under investigation.

(KNZA)--The city of Horton is searching for a new Chief of Police.

The Horton City Commission voted Monday evening to accept the resignation of Chief Jonathan Boller, effective August 25.

Boller's resignation was accepted on a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Richard Lovelady casting the lone dissenting vote. Commissioner Carmela Boller abstained.

Commissioners thanked Boller for his service to the community.

Boller submitted his letter of resignation on August 11th.

In the letter, he stated his concerns with micro-management and questioning of his department's integrity by certain commission members led to his decision to resign.

Boller joined the department in September 2014 and took over as Chief of Police in January 2021.

Later in the meeting, the Commission voted to advertise the position and start accepting applications.

Assistant Police Chief Cody Spire will be in charge of the department until a new Chief of Police is hired.

(KLZA)-- nAfter two years in a row of more than 1,000 fatalities on Missouri- roadways, Gov. Mike Parson signed the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, prohibiting all drivers from using a handheld electronic communication device while driving, effective Monday, August, 28.

Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes in Missouri. Between 2012 and 2021, there were nearly 200,000 distracted driving-related crashes in Missouri, resulting in at least 801 fatalities. Cell phone use is responsible for far more distracted driving crashes than are being reported, according to a recent report from the National Safety Council.

When the law takes effect Monday, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone with any part of their body; manually typing, writing, sending, or reading text-based messages; recording, posting, sending or broadcasting video, including video calls and social media posts; and watching a video or movie.

Passage of the law provides law enforcement officers with an additional tool to help stop motorists from being distracted by their cell phones. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will continue to focus on educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving to prevent traffic crashes from occurring.

(KLZA)-- Game Night is the theme for the 2023 Cobblestone Festival going on Friday through Sunday in Falls City.

Friday events include carnival which opens at 6 p.m. Craft and food vendors will be open on Stone Street from 6 - 10 p.m.. An Art workshop will take place in the Heartland Fine Art's Gallery from 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Little Mr. & Miss Cobblestone will be crowned at 6 p.m. Other events include a watermelon eating contest, a wrestling dual and live music by “Rural Medicine” at the Elk's Lodge starting at 8 p-m.

Saturday begins with the annual Community Medical Center Fun Run at 7 a.m. at the CMC Nature Trail. The car show at 18th and Stone will be eld 8 a-m - 2 p.m. The Frog Jumping Contest will be at 9 a-m and the Cobblestone Parade on Harlan Street will begin at 11 a.m. Leading the parade will be Grand Marshall's Marty and Gail Froeschl of Falls City.

Other events include the carvianl rides from 1 - 10 p.m.; the 1:30 p.m Dodgeball tournament; the BPO Does will host their Super Market Sweep event. The Falls City Area Jaycees Demolition Derby at the Jaycee Arena south of Falls City begins at 6 p.m.

Sunday wraps up the event with craft and food vendors on Stone Street, the Pinewood Derby and carvinal rides from 1 - 5 p.m.

(KNZA)--The retail lobby of the Hiawatha Post Office remains closed for extensive repairs following a structural failure Thursday. -

Major damage occurred when a portion of the ceiling collapsed.

In a social media post Sunday, the Post Office provided this update:

(KNZA)--No serious injuries were reported in a Wednesday afternoon wreck near Hiawatha High School.

Hiawatha Police Captain Brian Guilliams said 40-year-old Jacques Ross, of Hiawatha, was driving a 2005 Buick on Redhawk Drive about 3:30 when he suffered a medical emergency.

The Buick struck a parked vehicle on Redhawk Drive and then left the roadway to the north. The vehicle went through the grass and parking lot entrance, entered the west tree line of Morrill Drive and Oregon Street, and struck a tree.

Guilliams said Ross had to be extradited from his vehicle but only suffered minor injuries. He was transported to Amberwell Health, in Hiawatha.

His teenage son, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was not injured.

Also the driver and teenage passenger of the parked vehicle were not hurt.

Guilliams thanked the Brown County Sheriff's Office, Town and Country EMS and Hiawatha Fire Department for their assistance.

(KLZA)-- A traffic stop by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department on August 19 led to the arrest of three people on various drug and weapons charges.

A traffic stop was made in Falls City on a suspicious vehicle with fictitious plates. The Deputy requested the assistance of Freya, a department K-9. The K9 alerted to narcotics in the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription drugs, paraphernalia, two handguns, a machete and brass knuckles.

The occupants of the car, 43-year-old Steven Ingram, of Atchison, Kansas, 36-year-old Cassie Ingram, of Atchison, and 27-year-old Ryan Bost, of Falls City, were arrested.

Numerous charges are pending against the three occupants of the car.

Steven Ingrams charges include, two counts of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, Possession of a controlled substance, False reporting, Obstructing a peace officer, Carrying a concealed weapon, Possession of marijuana less than one ounce, Possess or use drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $100,000.

Cassie Ingram is charged with possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, Possession of a controlled substance, Displaying fictitious plates, Possession of a legend drug, Unlawful acts relating to drugs, Possession of multiple licenses, Possession of marijuana less than one ounce, Possess or use drug paraphernalia. No bond has been set.

Ryan Bost is jailed on charges of Possession of a controlled substance, False reporting, Obstructing a peace officer, Unlawful acts relating to drugs and Possession or use drug paraphernalia. Bond has been set at $75,000.

(KLZA)-- A traffic stop by the Richardson County Sheriff's Department on Saturday, August 19 led to the arrest of three people on various drug and weapons charges.

A traffic stop was made in Falls City on a suspicious vehicle with fictitious plates. The Deputy requested the assistance of Freya, a department K9. The K9 alerted to narcotics in the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located Methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription drugs, paraphernalia, two handguns, a machete and brass knuckles.

The occupants of the car, 43-year-old Steven Ingram, 36-year-old Cassie Ingram and 27-year-old Ryan Bost were arrested.

Numerous charges are pending against the three occupants of the car.

Steven Ingrams charges include, two counts of possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, Possession of a controlled substance, False reporting, Obstructing a peace officer, Carrying a concealed weapon, Possession of marijuana less than one ounce, Possess or use drug paraphernalia. Bond was set at $10,000.

Cassie Ingram is charged with possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, Possession of a controlled substance, Displaying fictitious plates, Possession of a legend drug, Unlawful acts relating to drugs, Possession of multiple licenses, Possession of marijuana less than one ounce, Possess or use drug paraphernalia. No bond has been set for Cassie Ingram.

Ryan Bost is jailed on charges of Possession of a controlled substance, False reporting, Obstructing a peace officer, Unlawful acts relating to drugs and Possession or use drug paraphernalia. Bond has been set at $750.

(KAIR)--Making Atchison's Guerrier Hill Park a destination point for visitors takes another step forward, as the City of Atchison is awarded funding for the future enhancement of that location.

According to a memoradum from Atchison Public Works and Utilities Director Clinton McNemee, the City was notified August 15 by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks that the National Park Service has awarded Atchison a Land and Water Conservation grant. Funds will be used for the Guerrier Hill Park Overlook Project, which includes the addition of an overlook platform, to allow visitors, both local and otherwise, to view the natural beauty of the park, which sits nearby, but is separate from, Jackson Park.

Although an exact dollar amount was not immediately provided to the City, based on the budget that was submitted, the grant, which comes through a 50/50 match with the City, would mean a pricetag over $80,000 for Atchison. According to McNemee's memo, City Staff, in the near future, will receive the grant documents and present them to the City Commission for authorization to execute the agreement. Once executed, the project can begin although it's shown as a Capital Improvement Project for 2024.

The first step after the agreement is executed will be selecting a design firm.

Announcement of the award came as part of Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

(KNZA)--Evergy is proposing a new site for the construction of a new electrical substation in Doniphan County after a zoning change for the first site was denied.

Representatives of the Kansas City, Missouri-based utility met with the Doniphan County Commission Monday to discuss the matter and receive their input. Also on hand for the discussion was county Zoning Administrator Julie Meng.

The company says the new substation is needed because the existing substation that serves the Wathena area is outdated.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, Evergy is proposing the substation be built on property on 175th Road, directly across from 2118 175th Road.

David Peck, Evergy senior project manager, told the commission they were present to determine if the 175th Road site is a viable option, and if not, would be open to recommendations from the commission on different site locations.

Commissioners asked the Evergy representatives to hold public meetings to explain to residents the need for and benefits of a new substation.

The Commission in late May denied a zoning change that would have allowed the new substation to be constructed on property located on Sheridan Road, citing concerns about the effects its would have on neighboring property.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation will hold its 3rd annual STEP UP Nemaha County match day on Friday.

The Step Foundation says the purpose of match day is to help area nonprofits raise monies for their funds.

Twenty-nine funds will be eligible for a dollar-to-dollar match up to $4,000 per fund.

This year, a grant through the Patterson Family Foundation is making up to $70,0000 in matching funds available.

You can donate in-person Friday from 10 to 6 at the Seneca Free Library. In addition, you can donate on-line by going to https://www.stepupnemaha.com/

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

Last year's Step Up Nemaha County Match Day event raised more than $130,000.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education is proposing a 2023-24 budget that calls for net expenditures of $15.3 million and 16.5 mill levy increase.

The board approved the budget for publication when they met last week.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 58.3 mills, which is anticipated to generate more than $6.1 million in local tax revenue.

The mill levy increase includes 14.7 mills for debt service on the $24.2 million general obligation bond issue approved by voters last November for school improvements. It's expected to bring in $1.6 million for principal and interest payments.

Taxpayers in the former USD 442 portion of the district also have an additional 6 mill levy for bonds issued for the construction of the elementary/middle school.

In addition, the budget contains a 1.8 mill levy increase for the supplemental general fund.

The board will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their September 11th meeting.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners reviewed the complete budget as requested by County Officals and discussed changes that have been recommended during their August 16 meeting.

The Board has recommended certain reductions from the proposed budgets to maintain the tax levy at or below last years rate.

The budget proposal presented to Commissioners in July, based on submissions from department officials included a budget of expenditures of $21,840,325, representing a 2.4 percent increase amounting to $512,873. The initial proposal would require a property tax increase of nearly one and a quarter million dollars.

In other buisiness Commissioners discussed with Sheriff Rick Hardesty a letter to the Humboldt-Table Rock - Steinauer Schools notifying them of the County's intention, due to unforseen circumstances, to terminate the agreement to provide a school resource officer.

The Deputy that was to occupy the positon for the school year is a member of the Army Reserves and has been called to active duty. Coupled with pending retirements within the department, the Sheriff's Department does not have enough personnel to staff the position.

(KAIR)--A Tuesday evening, two vehicle, Atchison crash sent one driver to the hospital.

Transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for examination was Jeanette Weber, of Atchison.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 54-year-old Weber had been southbound on 6th Street when her car was struck by a passenger car that had been westbound on Park Street and driven by 23-year-old Taylor Sloan, of Leavenworth.

Wilson said Sloan was cited for failure to yield.

The wreck happened around 6:45 Tuesday evening.

(MSC News)--Updated Kansas drought declarations are approved, through Executive Order, by Governor Laura Kelly, with that move placing the bulk of the local area under a drought watch, with those local counties joining a total of 32 placed under that status.

According to a release from Kelly's office, 55 counties are now in emergency status, while 18 counties are in a warning status.

The local counties under a drought watch are Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Marshall and Nemaha. Pottawatomie County is the only local county placed in the drought warning division.

The Executive Order, which will remain in effect until rescinded by a future Executive Order, means the Governor- Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans, with the release explaining that through an interagency agreement between the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Kansas Division of Emergency Management, counties in emergency stage are eligible for emergency use of water from certain state fishing lakes. These counties also become eligible for water in some federal reservoirs.

The action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor- Drought Response Team.

While most of western Kansas have seen relief from drought in the last two months, central and southeast Kansas have continued to be dry, with nearly 30 percent of Kansas currently in extreme or exceptional drought.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council at their August 16 meeting approved a new ordinance regulating how propane can be stored and used in the city limits.

The new regulations apply to propane storage containers larger than 4.6 gallon or 20--pounds, commonly known as a grill cylinder, and used for the purpose of providing primary or secondary energy alternatives.

The new regulations require tanks to be buried in the ground with annual inspections by a certified inspector.

Once abandoned, tanks would have to be removed unless the owner shows good cause way abandonment is practical and necessary.

The city Planning Commission recommended approval of the ordinance following a public hearing August 14.

The Council voted last month to send the proposed ordinance to the planning Commission for review.

Its in response to a state statue approved in 2021 that limits municipalities' ability to completely ban residential and commercial propane installations.

In other business, the Council approved an updated public sidewalk, curb and gutter improvement policy. The updated policy increases the maximum allowable reimbursement per project to 50 percent, up to $3,400.

The Council also approved the re-appointment of Betty Wenzel to the Seneca Housing Authority Board for another 4-year term, beginning September 1.

(KNZA)--The arraignment for a Hiawatha man facing multiple sex and drug charges has been postponed.

Jeremy Stover was to have been arraigned Monday in Brown County District Court on the charges. However, Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill told MSC News that his attorney requested additional time to review the case.

Hill said the court moved the arraignment to October.

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

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

Stover remains free on a $50,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A new Brown County Clerk has been sworn in to office.

District Judge John Weingart administered the oath of office to Nicole Lee at the beginning of the Brown County Commission meeting Monday.

Lee was selected August 4 by the Brown County Republican Precinct Committee from among two candidates to fill the the unexpired term of former County Clerk Dawn Boyles, who resigned effective July 17.

Governor Laura Kelly then approved the appointment of Lee, who previously served as payroll clerk in the County Clerk's Office.

Barb Grabhorn has been serving as interim county clerk since the resignation of Boyles.

Lee will serve a term expiring in January 2025. The position is up for election in November 2024.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man plead guilty last week to charges related to the pistol-whipping and robbery of a man inside a Leavenworth apartment.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 22-year-old Antonio Nelson plead guilty, in Leavenworth County District Court, to aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary charges. Nelson is set for sentencing on the afternoon of September 27.

According to court documents cited in the release, Nelson went to the victim's apartment on January 3; and, approximately 30 minutes after arriving, Nelson told the victim he was thirsty. When the victim returned with a glass of water, Nelson, and a man wearing a ski mask, were waiting for him. Nelson hit the victim with a gun and would continue pistol-whipping him. Eventually, Nelson grabbed a rope, placed it around the victim's neck, and tightened the rope until the victim lost conciousness.

When the victim came to, he discovered multiple guns had been taken from his apartment.

(KAIR)--A crash on Atchison's River Road led to the arrest of a motorcyclist early Saturday.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 22-year-old Sean Jones was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and reckless driving after his motorcycle collided with a concrete barrier, located in the 100 block of River Road.

Jones also faces a charge of battery for an incident that occurred about an hour prior to his arrest, also occurring on River Road, in the 400 block.

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

The wreck occurred around 12:15 Saturday morning.

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for a Kansas City, Missouri man charged in connection with a head-on collision last November in Jefferson County that claimed the life of a Kansas Air National Guard airman.

According to court documents, Manuel Enriquez pleaded not guilty last week in Jefferson County District Court to a felony count of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and misdemeanor count of DUI.

A three-day jury trial was set beginning January 24, 2024.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports Enriquez was driving a pickup truck on U.S. 24 Highway on November 12 when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a car driven by 23-year-old Cheyanne Branson, of Diana, Texas.

Branson was pronounced dead at the scene. Enriquez was not hurt.

Branson served as a career development specialist with the Topeka-based 190th Air Refueling Wing for more than four years.

Enriquez remains free on a $150,000 bond.

(KAIR)--Another successful day of matches.

That's the ruling following the completion of Friday's “All Aboard Atchison Match Day,” with a release calling it “a huge success.”

The event, overseen by the Atchison Area Community Foundation, and held at the Atchison Event Center, brought in thousands of dollars for participating non-profit agencies.

According to AACF, $311,898.08 was raised through Friday's effort, equating to 776 gifts to 47 fund holders.

Qualifying contributions, made to participating agencies on Match Day, received a 60% match, with funds to be used for agencies’ most crucial needs.

(KNZA)- Brett and Brittney Neibling, of rural Highland, have been named a 2023 Kansas Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year.

According to the KFB, the purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding Farm Bureau families who have distinguished themselves through participation in Farm Bureau programs and leadership, family activities, community and civic service, as well as displaying good farm operation management.

The Neiblings have four girls - Brenna, Bristol, Bryce and Brinkley - growing up on their row crop and cow/calf operation, which has been in their family since the Civil War.

The Neiblings grow corn and soybeans on their completely no-till operation and believe conservation is paramount on their farm. They utilize terracing, tile outlet and grass waterways.

The KFB says Brett and Brittney are very involved in their local community. Brittney is a 1st grade teacher at Doniphan West Elementary, and Brett serves on the Doniphan County Conservation District board, and are both involved in their church.

Brett has served for several years on the Doniphan County Farm Bureau board of directors, having served as president for three. He- proud of the successes the county Farm Bureau has had, including creating a Highland Community College Farm Bureau collegiate chapter, hosting farm tours and a meal packing event. At the state level, Brett serves as the vice president of the Kansas Soybean Association and attends several Kansas Farm Bureau events and meetings.

Brett and Brittney think it- important to remember your history and to share your story as farmers - and it- easy for them to keep their history in mind since their family started to build their life on the farm in 1863.

“As farmers, we must be mindful of our practices and tell our story to consumers who are generations removed from the agrarian life,” Brett says. “This is paramount to my operation, and it should be for all farmers. We engage with the consumer on social media, constantly upgrade our technology to become more efficient and we take part in sustainability studies to highlight our efforts.”

Editor's note: The origninal version of this story listed a 36-year-old woman as having been injured, as reported by APD. However, she tells MSC News she inurred no injuries.

(KAIR)--One person was taken for hospital treatment, following a two vehicle, Friday afternoon Atchison crash.

Transported from the scene of the wreck, which occurred at 15th and Commercial Streets, were 20-year-old Malachi Burnett, who was taken by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for examination.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Burnett was driving southbound on 15th Street when his car collided with a pickup truck that had been westbound on Commercial Street.

The driver of the truck, 64-year-old Robert Burgoon, of Atchison, was not hurt.

The wreck occurred around 2:10 Friday afternoon.

(KNZA)--A Friday afternoon Jefferson County crash involving three vehicles claimed one life and left another person seriously injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened around 2:00 on K-92, two-tenths of a mile east of K-4 Highway.

According to the KHP report, a westbound pickup truck was stopped in traffic waiting for an oncoming vehicle to turn onto Greenview Drive. The driver of a westbound motorcycle applied the brakes hard to try to avoid hitting the pickup and lost control of the bike.

The motorcyclist, 33-year-old Topeka resident Micaleb Hayes, and his passenger, 31-year-old Katy Hayes, also of Topeka, were thrown from the bike. .

Micaleb Hayes was then struck by an eastbound car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Katy Hayes was transported to a Topeka hospital for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says neither was wearing a helmet when the crash occurred.

The drivers of the car and pickup, along with a juvenile passenger in the pickup, were not hurt.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board has approved for publication a proposed 2023-24 budget that contains a more than 1.2 mill levy decrease.

The board took the action when they met Monday evening.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser reviewed the proposed budget.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 47.290 mills, which is expected to generate more than $6.8 million in local tax revenue.

Moser said the district's assessed valuation increased about $6 million, which means a mill will generate nearly $149,000.

In an effort to give residential property owners some relief, the capital outlay mill levy was reduced nearly 1.9 mills. However, Moser cautioned it will not be sustainable in future years.

Board President Ian Schuetz noted the part of the budget the district controls will be “ revenue neutral.” However, due to the 20 mill general fund levy set by the state, the school district will exceed the revenue neutral tax rate.

The board will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their September 11th meeting.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board was updated on the high school gym bleacher renovation project when they met Monday evening.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said there have been several issues with the project, which has caused an extension in the timeline of the project.

He said the original timeline for completion of the project of the end of this month is not going to happen and that he isn't sure the company's " soft" timeline of the middle of September will happen at this rate.

The Hiawatha invitational tournament is going to be rescheduled because of the conflict with the gym seating.

Moser said the high school school has contingency plans in place through the middle of September if the gym is still unusable at that point, and they are working to figure out what to do if it goes beyond that.

He said the contractor chose to start the project July 1st instead of right after graduation as the board requested.

Board members expressed their displeasure and concerns over the delay.

Board member Tom Simmer said the board needs to start implementing a penalty in bid specifications to start protecting itself against issues such as this. Board President Ian Schuetz agreed.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Community Schools of USD 377 are preparing for the new school year, finalizing teaching positions in advance of the return of students to the district's classrooms.

During last week's meeting of the Board of Education, a new social studies teacher was hired, following an executive session held to discuss non-elected personnel matters. At the conclusion of that closed door session, and with a return to open business, the School Board approved the hiring of Timothy Grillot to serve as High School Social Studies Teacher. He will also served as assistant high school football coach and assistant high school baseball coach.

According to Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gaddis, 20-new employees are readying for the new school year, which officially begins with the return of all students for the first day of classes on Wednesday, August 23.

The night prior to the start, Tuesday, August 22, Back to School Night will be held from 5 until 7:00 that evening, followed by the Junior Senior High pep rally from 7 until 7:30.

(KNZA)--A Holton woman was injured Friday morning when the bicycle she was riding struck a SUV.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the accident was reported shortly before 8:00 in the 100 Block of Arizona Avenue (U.S. Hwy 75) in Holton.

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office, the Holton Police Department and Jackson County EMS responded to the scene.

Morse the 71-year-old woman attempted to cross the roadway on her bicycle when she collided with a northbound Jeep Wrangler.

The woman was transported by Jackson County EMS to a Topeka hospital with what was believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

The accident remains under investigation.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha High School Principal Lori Fordyce has resigned.

The USD 415 Board of Education voted Monday evening to accept her resignation, with regrets.

The resignation is effective at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

The action followed an executive session.

Fordyce has served as principal for the past five years.

(KAIR)--An $11.25 million settlement is approved for Jefferson County's Floyd Bledsoe, whose conviction for child murder was overturned after spending 16-years in prison.

WIBW-TV reports the Kansas State Finance Council, on Wednesday, approved the settlement on a vote of 7 to 1. Governor Laura Kelly and state legislators comprise the council.

In May, the Jefferson County Commission approved the first-round of funds toward Bledsoe's $7.5 million dollar settlement with the County. And, according to the TV station, he had previously been awarded a separate $1-million settlement.

Bledsoe spent nearly 16-years behind bars for the 1999 rape and murder of 14-year-old Camille Arfmann, but was released from prison in 2015 after his brother, Tom, confessed in a suicide note that he committed the crimes. Additionally, DNA evidence linked his father and brother to the Oskaloosa child.

(KAIR)--A Tuesday night wreck, on Highway 159 in Atchison County, sent a Winchester man to the hospital after he crashed while trying to avoid a deer in the roadway.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, says it was around 8:30 that night when 26-year-old Michael Johnson was southbound on the highway, near 286th Road, when he swerved to avoid the animal. When he did, that caused him to overcorrect, which sent Johnson's vehicle off the highway, where it rolled over, stopping upside down.

Johnson, according to Laurie, suffered minor lacerations in the wreck and was assessed at the scene by Atchison County EMS, and was later taken for hospital examination by a family member.

Along with EMS, Atchison County Rescue assisted on-site.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education has approved a contract with teachers for the 2023-24 school year.

The board took the action when they met last week.

Under the agreement, the base salary for a beginning teacher will increase $1,000 to $42,000, with $600 increments on the salary schedule for experience and $600 increments for education.

The district will continue to pay for a single health and dental plan.

The board also approved salary increases for administrators, directors and classified staff. That includes a two-percent salary increase for administrators and directors, along with 50 cent an hour pay increase for 12-month staff and 30 cent an hour increase for 9-month staff.

(KNZA)--Evergy is warning customers about the latest scam that has developed with online searches for the utility company.

Scammers are targeting customers who use a search engine to find out how to contact Evergy. They may use search terms such as “pay Evergy,” “Evergy bill,” or “Evergy electric.” They are then shown ads with fake websites and phone numbers to call, with a scammer waiting on the other end to get personal and credit card information.

Evergy officials say there are several steps you can take to protect yourself: Don’t assume the information on your caller ID is always accurate. Never give out personal/financial information over the phone unless you know for a fact with whom you are dealing. Don’t hesitate to hang up the phone and contact us. Always ensure you are paying your bill through the legitimate Evergy website.

Customers who come across a fake site are urged to report the ad to the search engine and to Evergy.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Education met Monday evening.

Enrollment figures as of August 15 show an increase from the 2022-2023 school year. Current enrollment numbers show 836 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, which is up 3 students from a year ago. The largest class is the fourth grade class with 68 students and the smallest class in the 1st grade class with 50 students.

The 2023-2024 school year brings several law updates Nebraska schools will address during the school year. The district will be navigating changes in part-time enrollment and its connection to extracurricular activities participation, while also embracing the new teacher recruitment and retention incentives that include the elimination of the entry PRAXIS requirement and provides monetary incentives for new teachers and teachers in their first 5 years of service.

During the meeting the board approved the UNL Extension Assistant Funding Commitment and they approved the recognition of the Falls City Education Association as exclusive bargaining agent for non-supervisory teaching staff for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 contract years.

(KNZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation mill and overlay project is underway on K-20 in Brown County. The project covers about 10 miles, from the U.S. 75 junction to the western city limits of Horton.

KDOT says the roadway will be reduced to one lane when work is taking place, and traffic will be directed by a pilot car and flaggers. A 10-foot width restriction will also be in place. 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, conditions permitting.

Bettis Asphalt & Construction, of Topeka, is the contractor on the $1.7 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 Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Oketo water supply system located in Marshall County.

The advisory was issued August 9 because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

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

(KAIR)--The Leavenworth man, who suffered critical injuries after he was shot by police following a pursuit that began in Leavenworth and ended in Platte County, Missouri, has died.

WDAF-TV, citing the Leavenworth Police Department, reports that the 25-year-old died from his injuries after he was hospitalized in Kansas City for treatment of his injuries. The Saint Joseph Post reports the death occurred Saturday.

The Platte County Sheriff's Office, which is overseeing the investigation, identified the suspect last week as Jonathan Heath-Taylor, who allegedly fled from Leavenworth Police after they were called to assist with a domestic dispute, during the early morning hours of August 10, at a Leavenworth home located near Spruce Street and Columbia Avenue.

A search for his whereabouts was launched immediately, with Heath-Taylor wanted for attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping, rape, aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation and violation of a protection order.

When his vehicle was spotted by police, Heath-Taylor alledgedly refused to stop and fled, with police in pursuit, into Platte County, with the chase ending near Missouri Spur 45 and 92 Highway, when he and officers exchanged gunfire.

It's not been officially confirmed as to who fired the first shot, with the investigation continuing.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved the appointment of four initial members to the city's housing rehabilitation advisory board.

In addition, the commission approved an ordinance removing the residency requirement for serving on the board.

Appointed to the board were Colton Oswald, Lonnie Moser, Heather Vernon and Kristy Morey.

City Administrator Becky Berger said the four members will constitute a quorum until the board is filled with a total of 7 members.

The commission approved the establishment of the board in April. The board will lead the city through the process of applying for Community Development Block grant funding to rehabilitate housing in the community, and will also assist the Commission in executing the city's housing initiatives.

In other business, Berger informed the Commission that the city's grant application for funding to assist with a duplex development project was denied. She said the city will collect feedback and apply for the next round of grant money.

Jeremy Umland appeared before Commission on behalf of Cub Scout Pack 117 to request use of the city lake for a fishing derby on September 9. The Commission granted approval, along with the use of a shelter house from 8:30 to noon.

Mayor Becky Shamburg presented city employee Rusty Joslin with a certificate in recognition of his 15 years of service to the city.

(KNZA)--A Horton man has been charged with rape and other felony offenses.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 21-year-old Matthew Harris was formally charged Tuesday in Brown County District Court in a 5-count complaint.

In addition to rape, he was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated domestic battery, aggravated assault, and criminal threat.

Hill said the charges follow Harris's arrest on Sunday by the Horton Police Department.

He said the arrest comes after a joint investigation by the Horton Police Department and Brown County Sheriff- Office with the assistance of the Brown County Attorney's Office.

Harris made his first appearance in a Brown County courtroom Tuesday afternoon, where District Judge Weingart set bond at $750,000.

He remains in the Brown County Jail.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for August 23.

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Monday, welcomed iconic singer-songwriter and early childhood literacy advocate Dolly Parton to Kansas to celebrate the statewide expansion of her Imagination Library program.

According to a release from the Governor- office, the celebration follows the announcement last month that every child in Kansas is now eligible to participate in the program to receive one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book per month until their fifth birthday. That- a total of 60 books from birth to age 5. Kansas is now one of just 15 states where the program is available statewide, with more coming onboard later this year.

Parton, in the release, called for a celebration “by registering as many children and families as we can to receive the gift of Imagination Library books right to their home each month. Together, we can inspire children across Kansas to love books and reading, and that- a gift that will last a lifetime.”

This statewide expansion of the Imagination Library was made possible through the additional funding that was included in Governor Kelly- budget proposal at the start of the 2023 legislative session and was passed by the bipartisan Kansas legislature.

Kelly, in the release, said she felt “honored that Dolly has taken the time to help our state celebrate this exciting milestone of being able to provide the gift of reading for children and families in every part of Kansas.”

Monday- closed event welcomed nearly 500 supporters of the program and special guests hosted by the Imagination Library of Kansas, and featured a sit-down conversation between Dolly Parton and Governor Kelly where Parton also presented the governor with a copy of her book, Coat of Many Colors. Kelly, meanwhile, declared August 14 “Imagination Library of Kansas Day.”
To enroll children aged 0-5 click here.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is in custody, facing charges in connection with a fatal traffic crash dating back to December, 2021.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 38-year-old Derek Wohletz was arrested Tuesday on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and one count of aggravated battery, driving under the influence while causing great bodily harm.

The arrest, and charges, stem from an Atchison County Sheriff's Office investigation that followed a fatal crash that occurred about 4 miles south of Atchison, on U.S. Highway 73, near Rooks Road, on the night of December 8, 2021.

The crash, that claimed two lives-26-year-old Felieca Paxton and 33-year-old Jovonnie Franklin, while injuring a juvenile passenger-was investigated by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

At the time of the crash, the KHP report stated that Wohletz was southbound on the highway when he drove left of center and struck the northbound car, driven by Paxton, head-on. According to Laurie, it's alleged that Wohletz was under the influence when he made the fatal maneuver.

Wohletz was already in custody at the Atchison County Jail on unrelated charges at the time of Tuesday's arrest.

(KAIR)--An underway process of rebranding at Meriden's Jefferson West Unified School District has earned ire from patrons, with comments heard at the Board of Education's Monday meeting critical of the changes.

KSNT-TV reports the key to the frustration is the perception of the patrons that the move has been made without transparency. However, School Board President David Jensen told the TV station that while information was not physically sent to the public, the matter has been discussed at past, open sessions of the school board.

The rebrand includes more than the controversial change of the district's mascot, with the TV station reporting that it's part of a two to three year marketing campaign for the district.

WIBW-TV, citing district officials, reports the push toward rebranding is due to a new state law, starting next year, which would bring open enrollment to all K-thru-12 schools.

A detailed look at the rebranding process can be found here.

(KAIR)--An Effingham woman is charged in connection with the theft of a Brown County resident's financial information, which was allegedly used to make a fraudulent purchase.

That's according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson who, in a release, says 40-year-old Elizabeth Rose was arrested Friday on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging her with forgery and theft. She was additionally arrested on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court.

Once in custody, Rose was booked into the Atchison County Jail. Her bond is set at $30,200.

Wilson told MSC News his department launched an investigation April 3 after the 41-year-old Brown County victim reported that an identification that belonged to her was taken by a known acquaintance and used in a fraudulent financial transaction at an Atchison business in March.

According to Wilson, the investigation that followed the report “revealed that a fraudulent check was printed using the identity of the...victim on the check.” The victim's signature was forged on the check, with Rose allegedly taking the check to the Atchison business where a transaction of more than $690 was made on March 11.

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Monday, welcomed iconic singer-songwriter and early childhood literacy advocate Dolly Parton to Kansas to celebrate the statewide expansion of her Imagination Library program.

According to a release from the Governor's office, the celebration follows the announcement last month that every child in Kansas is now eligible to participate in the program to receive one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book per month until their fifth birthday. That's a total of 60 books from birth to age 5. Kansas is now one of just 15 states where the program is available statewide, with more coming onboard later this year.

Parton, in the release, called for a celebration “by registering as many children and families as we can to receive the gift of Imagination Library books right to their home each month. Together, we can inspire children across Kansas to love books and reading, and that's a gift that will last a lifetime.”

This statewide expansion of the Imagination Library was made possible through the additional funding that was included in Governor Kelly- budget proposal at the start of the 2023 legislative session and was passed by the bipartisan Kansas legislature.

Kelly, in the release, said she felt “honored that Dolly has taken the time to help our state celebrate this exciting milestone of being able to provide the gift of reading for children and families in every part of Kansas.”

Monday's closed event welcomed nearly 500 supporters of the program and special guests hosted by the Imagination Library of Kansas, and featured a sit-down conversation between Dolly Parton and Governor Kelly where Parton also presented the governor with a copy of her book, Coat of Many Colors. Kelly, meanwhile, declared August 14 “Imagination Library of Kansas Day.”

To enroll children aged 0-5 click here.

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Monday, welcomed iconic singer-songwriter and early childhood literacy advocate Dolly Parton to Kansas to celebrate the statewide expansion of her Imagination Library program.

According to a release from the Governor- office, the celebration follows the announcement last month that every child in Kansas is now eligible to participate in the program to receive one free, high-quality, age-appropriate book per month until their fifth birthday. That- a total of 60 books from birth to age 5. Kansas is now one of just 15 states where the program is available statewide, with more coming onboard later this year.

Parton, in the release, called for a celebration “by registering as many children and families as we can to receive the gift of Imagination Library books right to their home each month. Together, we can inspire children across Kansas to love books and reading, and that- a gift that will last a lifetime.”

This statewide expansion of the Imagination Library was made possible through the additional funding that was included in Governor Kelly- budget proposal at the start of the 2023 legislative session and was passed by the bipartisan Kansas legislature.

Kelly, in the release, said she felt “honored that Dolly has taken the time to help our state celebrate this exciting milestone of being able to provide the gift of reading for children and families in every part of Kansas.”

Monday- closed event welcomed nearly 500 supporters of the program and special guests hosted by the Imagination Library of Kansas, and featured a sit-down conversation between Dolly Parton and Governor Kelly where Parton also presented the governor with a copy of her book, Coat of Many Colors. Kelly, meanwhile, declared August 14 “Imagination Library of Kansas Day.”
To enroll children aged 0-5 click here.

(KNZA)--An early Monday morning traffic stop in Jackson County led to the arrest of two people on drug distribution charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff- deputy conducted a traffic stop on a mini-van shortly before 1:30 for an alleged traffic violation near 330th Road and U.S. 75 Highway.

During the traffic stop, Morse said the driver, 32-year-old Melissa Marshall, of Twin Falls, Idaho, allegedly provided a false name and date of birth to the deputy.

During the stop, he said a probable cause search of the vehicle led to the discovery of distribution amounts of methamphetamine and psychedelic mushrooms, as well as hallucinogenic drugs and multiple items of drug paraphernalia. In addition, a firearm was also recovered from the vehicle.

Marshall and a passenger, 42-year-old Topeka resident Joshua McCoy, were arrested for distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of hallucinogenic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony interference with law enforcement.

Marshall was also arrested for criminal use of weapons and driving without a driver's license.

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

(KNZA)--A bridge replacement project is underway on U.S. 77 Highway in Marshall County.

The bridge is located over Fawn Creek about two miles west of Blue Rapids.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says temporary traffic signals will direct traffic while the bridge is replaced one half at a time. The work zone will have a reduced speed limit of 40 mph and a 14-foot width restriction. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will occur Monday through Friday during daylight hours.

KDOT says the traffic signals will be in place for the duration of the project, which is expected to be complete in September 2024.

Reece Construction Co., of Salina, is the prime contractor on the $4.4 million project.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Comprehensive Plan has been submitted to county commissioners for adoption.

Planning Commission representatives Lynette Strathman and Bob Ruddick met the county commission July 31 to inform them that the Planning Commission had unanimously voted to approve the plan developed by consultant Dick Horton. That followed public hearings held in Seneca and Sabetha.

The Planning Commission is recommending the county commission engage qualified professional expertise to provide them guidance on how best to honor the 60 percent majority opinion on the surveyed county households opposed to future industrial wind projects.

The Planning Commission is also recommending the county commission develop programs to combat the housing and childcare shortage in the county, along with lack of local sourced broadband access.

County resident Laurie Schmelzle, who was present for the discussion, said the question of zoning was not addressed by the Planning Commission.

County Commission Chairman Dylan Keim responded that the issue would be addressed by commissioners and not by the Planning Commission.

(KNZA)--With the new school year set to begin, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is warning motorists that deputies will be on patrol along school bus routes, and issuing citations to anyone who disobeys a school bus stop sign or other serious violations.

Merchant said state law requires all drivers to stop when approaching a school bus that has the flashing red lights and stop arm activated. Drivers are also required to stay stopped until the safety mechanisms are deactivated. Violations are punishable by fines of $420 or more.

Merchant also reminds motorists to be extra careful as they drive through cities where children are crossing the street or riding their bicycles. In addition, he said those in rural areas should be especially aware at intersections where growing crops could impact visibility.

The Sheriff also urges students to look both ways before crossing a street and put down their phones down as they need to be observant at all times.

Merchant said teen drivers should allow themselves plenty of time to get to school and activities and to always wear their seatbelts.

Also he urges any student who is made aware of suspicious activity to immediately report it to parents, teachers or law enforcement officials.

(KAIR)--When Atchison Public School students return to class for the fall semester, a new transportation set up awaits.

It was in January that the Board of Education for the Atchison Public Schools of USD 409 voted to place the district's transportation operations under the oversight of the district, as opposed to a third party operator, as was done in the past.

On July 1, that vote became official, with student transportation now overseen by the district, through the efforts of a new Transportation Director.

According to a welcome post on the district's social media, Charles Stillian is no stranger to education, having begun as a social studies teacher in Leavenworth while coaching multiple sports. Stillian also served for five years as Assistant Principal and one as an ISS teacher. Most recently, he was employed in Garden City, where he worked for two years as an Assistant Principal/Activities Director, and for the past eight years as Transportation Director.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Renee Nugent, told MSC News following the vote in January that the primary benefit of returning to district transportation management is the elimination of the so-called “middleman,” meaning the district will be fully in charge of transportation, including hiring, training, and routing services.

USD 409 classes begin Tuesday for the fall semester.

(KNZA)--With the new school year set to begin, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is warning motorists that deputies will be on patrol along school bus routes, and issuing citations to anyone who disobeys a school bus stop sign or other serious violations.

Merchant said state law requires all drivers to stop when approaching a school bus that has the flashing red lights and stop arm activated. Drivers are also required to stay stopped until the safety mechanisms are deactivated. Violations are punishable by fines of $420 or more.

Merchant also reminds motorists to be extra careful as they drive through cities where children are crossing the street or riding their bicycles. In addition, he said those in rural areas should be especially aware at intersections where growing crops could impact visibility.

The Sheriff also urges students to look both ways before crossing a street and put down their phones down as they need to be observant at all times.

Merchant said teen drivers should allow themselves plenty of time to get to school and activities and to always wear their seatbelts.

Also he urges any student who is made aware of suspicious activity to immediately report it to parents, teachers or law enforcement officials.

(KMZA)--Health alerts have been issued for three lakes in Nebraska due to the presence of toxic blue-green algae--including Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County.

The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy made the announcement Friday.

Signs will be posted to advise the public to use caution. Designated swimming beaches are closed during the alert.

The state agency says recreational boating and fishing is allowed but the public should use caution and avoid exposure to the water, particularly avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water.

Pets should not get in the water or drink from the lake. People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

(KNZA)--The Holton City Commission is proposing a 2024 city budget that calls for total expenditures of nearly $13.5 million and a more than 4-mill tax levy decrease.

The Commission approved the budget for publication when they meet last week.

The proposed budget contains an estimated tax rate of 55.072 mills, which is expected to generate more than $1.5 million in local tax revenue. Even though the mill levy will decrease, the city will collect nearly $56,000 in additional tax revenue because of a nearly $2.9 million increase in the city's assessed valuation.

The city will exceed the “ revenue neutral” tax rate by 2 mills. 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.

The commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their August 21 meeting.

(KNZA)-- A Saturday afternoon traffic stop in Jackson County led to the arrest of a Topeka man for drug distribution.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy Tahoe pulling a utility trailer west of Hoyt on 110th Road shortly after 4:00.

During the course of the traffic stop, the passenger in the vehicle, identified as 32-year-old Mason Schnegelsiepen, was arrested for allegedly distributing a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

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

The matter remains under investigation.

(KNZA)--U.S Senator Roger Marshall will make stops in Hiawatha and Sabetha on Monday, August 14.

The Kansas Republican will host a roundtable discussion with Hiawatha business owners and area law enforcement, beginning at 9:45 a.m, at the Fisher Community Center.

According to a release from Marshall's Office, the purpose of the roundtable is to discuss business related matters in the community.

Marshall will then travel to Sabetha where he will join leaders from the City of Sabetha and Sabetha Community Hospital for an update on the hospital's expansion project and a tour of the current facility.

Marshall has served in the U.S. Senate since 2021

(KNZA)-- Three people were arrested on felony warrants during an enforcement operation in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said deputies from his office conducted the directed enforcement operation Thursday with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Highway Patrol and the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office.

Morse said the enforcement operation targeted people with felony Jackson County District Court warrants.

22-year-old Katie Lynn Vance, of Havensville, was arrested for possession of a narcotic or stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violation.

31-year-old Alicia Cady ( not pictured), of Oskaloosa, was arrested on a Pottawatomie County warrant for drug and weapon charges.

28-year-old Jordan Monaghan, of Holton, was arrested for probation violation.

(KNZA)--A multi-vehicle chain-reaction wreck in St. Joseph, Missouri Thursday morning claimed two lives and left another person seriously injured.

KQ-2 TV reports the wreck happened shortly after 9:00 on the northbound I-229 offramp to U.S. 36 Highway.

The St. Joseph Police Department said a fully loaded semi-truck struck the rear of a pickup truck. The crash forced the pickup into the back of a fully load dump truck, causing it to rear-end a commercial boom truck.

Two passengers in the pickup were killed. Police identified the victims as Diana Ptomey and Joyce Ptomey. Joyce Ptomey is a former lifelong Troy, Kansas resident.

The driver of the pickup had to be extricated. He was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, with suspected serious injuries.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County, Kansas Commission is proposing a 2024 county budget that calls for total expenditures of $15.1 million and a slight mill levy decrease.

The Commission recently approved the budget for publication.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 36.057 mills, which is down .668 mills from last year's levy.

The proposed budget calls for the county to collect nearly $8.5 million in local tax revenue.

Even though the mill levy will decrease slightly, the county will collect more than $200,000 in additional tax revenue due to a nearly $10 million increase in the county's assessed valuation.

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing on September 18 at 10:00 in the morning in the commissioner's meeting room at the Nemaha County Courthouse.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County, Kansas Commission is proposing a 2024 county budget that calls for total expenditures of $15.1 million and a slight mill levy decrease.

The Commission recently approved the budget for publication.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 36.057 mills, which is down .668 mills from last year's levy.

The proposed budget calls for the county to collect nearly $8.5 million in local tax revenue.

Even though the mill levy will decrease slightly, the county will collect more than $200,000 in additional tax revenue due to a nearly $10 million increase in the county's assessed valuation.

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing on September 18 at 10:00 in the morning in the commissioner's meeting room at the Nemaha County Courthouse.

(KAIR)--A suspect remained in critical condition Thursday, hospitalized in Kansas City after he was shot by police following a domestic dispute that spilled across state lines from Leavenworth, Kansas into Platte County, Missouri, when he fled from authorities early Thursday morning.

On Thursday evening, the Platte County Sheriff's Office identified him as 25-year-old Jonathan Heath-Taylor, of Leavenworth.

KSHB-TV reports that Leavenworth Police were called to a home in the 900 block of Leavenworth's Columbia Avenue, around 12:45 Thursday morning, to, the Saint Joseph Post reports, assist EMS and the Fire Department with an incident that occurred at that residence.

Once the preliminary investigation was completed, an alert to locate the suspect was issued arising from the reported domestic violence incident at the residence. The man was wanted for attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping, rape, aggravated domestic battery and a violation of a protection from abuse order.

Spotted by Police, the suspect fled, with the pursuit ending on Spur 45, in Platte County, where the suspect was shot by Leavenworth officers as they attempted to take him into custody.

Transported to a Kansas City hospital for treatment, the suspect remained, at last check, in critical condition.

No other injuries are reported.

The Platte County Sheriff's Office is overseeing the investigation, with the support of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.

Editor's note: This story continues to be updated.

(KNZA)-A multi-state investigation focused on past thefts in the local region has resulted in arrests and the recovery of stolen property.

Last week, the Brown County Sheriff's Office asked for community assistance in identifying many of the recovered items, with Sheriff John Merchant saying “the community has helped immensely by identifying items recovered over the course of several weeks.”

In a release, Merchant says the lengthy investigation has led to charges for three in Brown County, while four related arrests have been made in Richardson County, Nebraska, and several in Doniphan County, Kansas.

Those Brown County suspects are identified as 40-year-old Highland resident Zach Brown, and 45-year-old Brad Donahue and 53-year-old Mark Levret, both of Powhattan.

Brown was arrested at the end of July on charges related to two counts of felony theft and felony parole violation. Donahue was arrested around the same time on charges of felony theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Levret was arrested this week, taken into custody on the same charges as Donahue.

All three were booked into the Brown County Jail.

The release notes that the investigation included many search warrants obtained with the assistance of the Brown County Attorney, including what he calls a “ping” search warrant for cell phone location data.

The Brown County case remains under investigation.

Merchant notes that stolen items from a burglary in Horton several years ago have also been recovered, while several counties in Missouri have identified some of the recovered property and are investigating.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission is proposing a 2024 county budget that calls for total expenditures of $13.5 million and a 4.6 mill levy increase.

The Commission approved the budget for publication Monday on a 2-1 vote after making several additional cuts in an effort to reduce the tax levy.

Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl casting the lone dissenting vote. He was in favor of including more funding in the budget for employee raises above a 50 cent an hour cost of living increase.

The proposed budget contains an estimated tax rate of 36.538 mills, which is to generate nearly $8.4 million in tax revenue.

Funding for the ambulance service was increased more than $300,000 to $610,000, while funding for employee benefits increased more than $100,000 to more than $1.75 million. General fund expenditures are pegged at nearly $4.7 and funding for the road and bridge department at $4 million.

The commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing on August 28 at 9:00 in the morning in the commissioners meeting room at the Brown County Courthouse.

(KNZA)--A semi-truck driver from Canada was injured in a single-vehicle wreck Wednesday evening in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 75 Highway, about one mile south of Fairview, shortly after 9:30.

According to the KHP report, 23-year-old Sukhveer Singh, of West St. Paul, Manitoba, Canada, was northbound when his semi went into the left ditch and overturned.

Singh was transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

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

(KNZA)--An Overland Park woman is facing multiple charges in Brown County, accused of leading Hiawatha police on a pursuit late last month.

26-year-old Macie Blanks was arrested following the July 25 pursuit.

According to court documents, Blanks has been charged in Brown County District Court with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, two counts of aggravated endangering a child, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A preliminary hearing in the case, which had been set for Wednesday, was continued to September 20th.

Banks remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a $100,000 bond.

(KMZA)-- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Oketo public water supply system located in Marshall County.

The advisory was issued Wednesday because of a water main break causing low water pressure in the distribution system. KDHE says failure to maintain required water pressure 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.

KDHE says the advisory will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

(KAIR)--A 33-year-old Atchison man, accused of leading police on a pursuit aboard a stolen motorcycle last month, has been apprehended.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Tyler Chalfant was arrested Tuesday on Atchison County District Court warrants charging him with theft, fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, and no driver's license.

Following his arrest, Chalfant was booked into the Atchison County Jail on the charges, held on a surety bond of $10,000.

Wilson, in the release, explains that the theft of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle was reported to Atchison Police on the afternoon of July 28, after it was stolen from the 100 block of Atchison's South 3rd Street.

That evening, about 2-and a-half-hours after the theft was reported, the motorcycle was spotted by an officer in the area of 6th Street and Raven Hill Road, with the rider allegedly refusing to stop for the officer, instead fleeing north through Atchison.

Heavy traffic and dangerous conditions put an end to the pursuit, with the investigation that followed identifying Chalfant as the suspect in the crimes.

Chalfant was first arrested Monday, taken into custody on a Municipal Court warrant, then booked the next day on the District Court charges.

The motorcycle was recovered July 31, in Savannah, Missouri.

(KNZA)--Honors are earned by KNZA Radio, Inc., as the winners of the annual Kansas Association of Broadcasters awards are announced.

That happened Monday, with Sports broadcaster Brandon Tadtman taking two first place awards, winning in the category of Complete Sportscast by a Local Station for the 2023 Super Bowl Sportscast. He and fellow sports broadcaster Jared Sleppy also earned the top spot for Station Website, earning that honor for mscsports.net. Jake Spalding, an owner in the KNZA Radio Station Group, took second place honors in the Commercial :60 Seconds or Less category, earning that honor for the station's Red Dirt Saturday Promo. Longtime station News Director, Brian Hagen, also earned an award for 2023, taking second place in the News Feature division for the feature news story "Broadcast's Buser Says Goodbye," in which the career of now-retired KNZA co-founder Greg Buser was highlighted.

The four awards were earned in the Small Market Radio Station Division, which recognizes excellence in those radio station markets that include counties with a Census population under 25,000.

All KAB award winners will be celebrated, and awards distributed, during a dinner ceremony as part of the KAB's Annual Convention planned for October 23 in Overland Park, Kansas.

Judging for 2023 was done by a panel of Alabama broadcasters, with excellence, creativity, believability, and effectivness all part of the criteria used for those chosen as winners.

The Kansas Association of Broadcasters provides representation, lobbying, education, and other services for both TV and Radio station in Kansas.

KNZA Radio Inc. owns and operates three FM radio stations in Kansas, KNZA, KMZA, and KAIR, as well as two stations in southeast Nebraska.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved a street repair project.

City Superintendent Brian Ruske discussed five different options for the repair of North 5th Street between Pioneer and Nemaha Streets when the Council met last week.

The brick street has been plagued by water drainage issues. Ruske said the center of the steet has settled about one inch lower than the new curb and gutter on either side.

Under the option recommended by Ruske, J and B Contractors would remove and replace 300 feet of curb. City crews would use asphalt to patch rough spots and and create a crown on the street. That would then be followed by a chip and seal application. The cost of the project was placed at around 17,000.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Council unanimously approved proceeding with the project, with Council member Ray Shinn absent. Council member Jim Mitchell, in making the motion, stated the work was not to be considered a precedent for work on other streets.

In other business, City Administrator Steve Brooks presented an updated public sidewalk, curb and gutter improvement policy. The updated policy would increase the maximum allowable reimbursement per project to 50 percent up to $3,400. There were questions about the policy and the Council voted to table a decision until their August 16th meeting.

Brooks informed the Council that the Main Street project should be completed by the third week of September. He said the contractor has requested to close the intersection at 11th Street to replace it instead of the original plan to do one lane at a time.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission discussed proposed road improvements when they met Monday.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, Commission Chairman Wayne Grable asked the commission to consider adding several roads to the county's long range hard surface road plan.

Following discussion, the Commission unanimously approved adding to the plan 150th Road from the existing hard surface portion of Monument Road to K-7 Highway and 160th Road from K-20 Highway west to the Brown County line to the plan.

In addition, the Commission approved building up and rocking 180th Road from Half Mound Road to the Severance city limits.

Discussion was also held on funding options for hard surfacing road projects but no action was taken.

In other business, Register of Deeds Susan Shuster presented the commission with a price quote for upgrading the courthouse mainframe AS400 computer system from IBM in the amount of $30,783. Commissioners voted to accept the quote, with payment to be made from the capital improvement fund.

Shuster also presented the commission with a quote from LockIt Technologies to upgrade the outdated courthouse computer server in the amount of $16,429. The commission voted to accept the quote, with the expense to be allocated between the capital improvement fund and Register of Deeds account.

(KNZA)--Brown Co. Sheriff John Merchant says Social Security and Medicare scammers are targeting county residents.

Merchant, in a release Tuesday, said an " alarming number of county residents" are reporting that they are receiving phone calls from individuals representing themselves as being from Social Security wanting personal information regarding their Social Security payments.

Reports indicate that the scammers are actual individuals - not robocalls - who request information. All have been reported to bear thick foreign accents and threaten to discontinue benefits unless information is provided.

Merchant said similar calls have been made individuals representing themselves as Medicare representatives also seeking personal information. The complaints also state the caller has a very heavy foreign accent and threatens to discontinue benefits unless information is provided.

He noted that several residents have stated their caller IDs even show “Social Security,” while others report the caller ID shows different cities in Kansas and outside the state.

The Sheriff said Medicare, Social Security and other agencies will never contact you by phone to gather personal information.

Merchant urges residents who receive such calls to hang up immediately.

He said If anyone believes they have been made a victim of a scam, they should notify their local law enforcement agency immediately.

(KAIR)--The Grant Agreement is signed, paving the way for grant-funded improvements at Atchison's LFM Park.

That came during Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission, and follows last month's receipt of a letter from the State of Kansas informing the City that they had been selected to receive more than $414,000 dollars through the 2023 Community Development Block Grant program. Atchison's $414,380 will be matched by the City of Atchison, bringing the total to $828,760.

The award comes after a series of steps were taken by the City to obtain eligibility for the funding, such as having an income survey conducted within the neighborhood of LFM Park, completing a preliminary engineering report, and agreeing to the 50% match.

According to Atchison's Public Works & Utilities Director Clinton McNemee, following the execution of the agreement, the next step will be to select a design firm for the proposed improvements, which include a zero-depth splash pad, picnic shelter improvements, play equipment, basketball court lighting, and parking/accessibility improvements.

McNemee, in a Commission Action Report, writes that the timeline for the project will become clearer once design is underway, with the proposed improvements anticipated to occur in 2024, without disruption to June's Juneteenth celebration, held annually at LFM Park.

(KLZA)--A Tecumseh, Nebraska, woman has been sentenced to seven years in prison on charges in connection with the death of a pedestrian in March.

36-year-old Chelsy Kress was sentenced Monday in Johnson County District Court on felony counts of motor vehicle homicide, failure to stop and render aid and possession of a controlled substance.

She pleaded guilty to the charges in June stemming from the March 16 death of 22-year-old Logan Ascheman, of Tecumseh.

Kress will be eligible for parole after serving 3 1/2 years.

Following her release from prison, she will be placed on three years supervised release.

(KAIR)--Details are released regarding a weekend Atchison County motorcycle crash that sent two to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 26-year-old Corrigan Depoy, of Atchison, was riding a Suzuki motorcycle southbound on U.S. Highway 73, along with a passenger, identified as 21-year-old Carley Jacobson.

Laurie, in the release, says it was when the motorcycle was near 230th Road, it struck a deer, causing Depoy to lose control.

Both Depoy and Jacobson received minor injuries in the wreck, and were taken to Amberwell Atchison, by private vehicle, for examination. Both were treated and released.

Atchison County EMS and Rescue assisted at the scene, and assessed both Depoy and Jacobson prior to their hospital visit.

The wreck happened around 9:00 Saturday night.

(KNZA)--The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation was recently awarded a more than $17 million federal grant for road improvements on the reservation.

The funding is through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant program or RAISE, which is managed by the U.S Department of Transportation.

According to the federal agency, the project on the reservation includes “ patching, repairing and overlaying about 27 miles of roadway pavement.”

The scope of the project also includes “ cleaning and regrading ditches, replacing culverts, adding shoulders to existing roads, re-seeding and adding new signage”

In addition, about three miles of existing multi-use paths will be repaired.

The release says the repair and rehabilitation project will “ improve safe driving conditions and reduce the opportunity for crashes”

Tribal Chairman Joseph Rupnick said the federally financed work will be part of a four-phrase infrastructure project by the tribe that will "positively impact the lives of its residents for years to come"

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the goal of RAISE is to “ invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives.”

Congress has dedicated about $14.3 billion to fund projects that have a significant local or regional impact.

(KNZA)--A Monday morning two-vehicle Buchanan County, Missouri wreck claimed the life of a Trimble, Missouri man.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of U.S. 169 and Missouri Route 31, about five miles south of Easton, Missouri, shortly after 7:30.

According to the Patrol report, 21-year-old Caitlin McComas, of Easton, was driving a southbound car on Missouri 31 when she pulled into the path of a northbound pickup truck on U.S. 169 driven by 70-year-old Mark Smith. Her car struck the passenger side of the pickup. After impact, the pickup began to skid and overturned, ejecting Smith.

Smith, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

McComas, who was wearing a seatbelt, was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Sheriff- Office has released a free mobile app, available for download.

According to a release, the app will allow users “quick, easy access to the most important features of the Sheriff's website, including contact information, crime tip submissions, County alerts, the roster of Atchison County Jail inmates, both current and released, press releases, and other alerts.

The release notes that app users have the ability to select which push notifications they would like to subscribe to, including daily inmate roster notifications, most wanted, offender, and press release alerts, with the new mobile app serving as an additional information resource for the public and will assist with community policing efforts.

To download the app, go to the Google Play or Apple Store and type “Atchison County KS Sheriff” in the search bar.

(KNZA)--A new Brown County Clerk has been selected.

The Brown County Republican Precinct Committee Friday evening during a convention at the Fairview Community Center selected Nicole Lee to fill the unexpired term of former County Clerk Dawn Boyles, who resigned July 17.

Lee currently serves as payroll clerk in the County Clerk's Office.

Brown County Republican Committee Chairman Chris Kroll told MSC News that Lee was selected from among two candidates on a 14 to 11 vote. The other candidate was Kedrin Pyle.

Lee's name will now be forwarded to Governor Kelly for appointment to a term ending in January 2025. The position is up for election in November 2024.

Barb Grabhorn has been serving as interim county clerk since the resignation of Boyles.

(KNZA)--A late Saturday morning single-vehicle Doniphan County roll-over wreck sent a Denton woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the wreck occurred on K-20 Highway, a half-mile west of K-7, shortly after 11:00.

According to the KHP report, 30-year-old Rachel Rezzaq was eastbound when she was allegedly distracted by a child in her pickup truck. Her vehicle left the roadway to the right, re-entered the roadway, and then left the roadway to the left. The vehicle re-entered the roadway again and overturned multiple times before coming to rest on it's roof.

Rezzaq, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol say four juveniles were present in the vehicle when the wreck occurred. No information was released on them because of their age.

(KAIR)--Motorists are alerted to work planned for the coming week, as the Kansas Department of Transportation will close a section of K-9 in Jackson County on Monday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, while maintenance crews replace a culvert.

The roadway will be closed between R Road and T Road, just east of U.S. 75 and Netawaka.

No detours will be posted. Motorists will need to use alternate routes.

(KAIR)--A Holton man is facing child-related sex crimes charges, following an investigation.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says 30-year-old Taylor Day was arrested Wednesday, taken into custody for the alleged sexual solicitation of a small child.

Day's arrest followed the execution of a search warrant, by Jackson County Sheriff Detectives and Deputies, at a residence located at 110 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, in Holton.

Day is facing charges for criminal solicitation indecent liberties of a child, child endangerment, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KAIR)--An investigation by Atchison Police leads to two teenage boys, who were arrested this week in connection with a theft that occurred during a burglary at an Atchison building.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the two 14-year-old boys were taken into custody Wednesday for burglary and theft in connection with crimes they allegedly committed at 208 South 4th, the location of a building that once housed the TABS printing operation.

According to Wilson, an investigation determined that unlawful entry had been made into the building Monday and Tuesday nights, where criminal damage was committed, and a bicycle was stolen.

Following their arrests, the two teens were released to their parents.

(KNZA)--A $498,000 broadband grant has been awarded to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska to enhance public Wi-Fi services at community hubs and replace outdated equipment.

That's according to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, which says the grant “will also establish a technology learning center for staff and Tribal members, promoting digital inclusion through educational and workforce opportunities, public health, and economic development.”

Kelly, in the release, says the grant “represents a significant step forward” in the State's efforts “to provide communities with the modern digital tools they need to thrive,” adding that the funding “will continue to propel the state and the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska forward, ensuring that all Kansans can fully participate in the global economy."

The funds are from the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, known as TBCP, made available through the federal Internet for All initiative and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska is one of eight tribes to receive funding from the available $3.9 million.

TBCP aims to connect underserved Tribal communities with affordable, high-speed internet service, empowering them to work, learn, and access critical services.

Since its inception, the TBCP has awarded more than $1.78 billion to 191 Tribal entities across the country, marking record investments in high-speed internet deployment. It ensures equitable distribution of grant dollars in recognition of the federal Indian trust responsibility and fiduciary obligation to Tribal governments.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Sheriff's Office along with investigators from Holt Co, Missouri and Brown Co, Kansas conducted a search warrant in Falls City, on August 1st , in reference to a multistate investigation of theft.

As a result many tools and other items were recovered and several arrests were made.

Aaron and Ashley Rhodd were arrested for theft by receiving stolen property greater than $5000 and possession of methamphetamine. Matthew Womeldorf was arrested for out of state warrants and fresh charges of obstructing a police officer, false reporting and possession of methamphetamine.

A subsequent search warrant was issued for another residence in Falls City where Terry Alexander was arrested for possession of methamphetamine.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County motorcyclist, traveling in Wyandotte County Wednesday night, required hospital treatment after his motorcycle ran off the road and overturned.
A report from the Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened around 11:00, as 49-year-old Jeremy Lee Harris, of Tonganoxie, was southbound on the U.S. Highway 73 ramp to westbound State Avenue, south of Parallel Parkway, when he lost control of the Harley-Davidson, which ran off the roadway to the left, where it overturned.
According to KHP, Harris was transported to the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas, for the treatment of what the report calls a "suspected serious injury."
Harris was not wearing a helmet at the time of the wreck.

(KLZA)--On Friday, August 4, Feeding 44 Food bank will be on the Peru State campus. Construction has begun on the Project Roar buildings at the Baseball field. Because of this construction, Lot A will not be able to be used for the Feeding 44 distribution.

It was decided that the best option would be to use Lot C (faculty/staff lot) and D (commuter lot). These are two parking lots at the top of Park Avenue.

Staff will be there to help as people arrive. Signs will be displayed to direct everyone to their new location.

(KNZA)--Following what Brown County Sheriff John Merchant calls “many hours investigating criminal activity and following up on citizen concerns,” multiple arrests are made in surrounding states and “many thousands of dollars of stolen property” has been recovered.

That's according to a release Wednesday issued by Merchant, who says “over the course of the last few days, search warrants involving several different states and multiple locations in Kansas” led to the recovery of the stolen items. Additionally, Merchant says by his office sharing information with other agencies, and networking together, the arrests were made, clearing many of the open investigations in those out-of-area jurisdictions.

Once the local, Brown County investigation concludes, Merchant says additional information will be provided.
In the meantime, he's seeking area residents who may be missing items to help identify those recovered. Photos of the items are posted above.

Those who know the owners of any of the items should contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office at 785-742-7125.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Unit, known as MFCU, recently prosecuted six Medicaid fraud cases recouping more than $42,600 in restitution from fraudsters.

That word comes in a release from the office of Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, with the release noting that of the six cases, one involved a Leavenworth resident.

35-year-old Courtland Allen pled guilty to making a false claim, statement, or representation to the Medicaid program and unlawful acts concerning computers.

The release explains that Allen claimed to be working as a personal care attendant for his brother, a Medicaid beneficiary, when Allen was actually working another job at times when his brother was in school.

Allen was sentenced to 24 months in jail, suspended, and 12 months supervised probation. He was ordered to pay $3,687 in restitution.

The MFCU unit investigates and prosecutes Medicaid fraud cases statewide to stamp out corruption and abuse of Medicaid dollars and services.

(KAIR)--An Atchison burglary, believed to have occurred in recent days and resulting in the theft of a dirt bike and a scooter, leaves police seeking whoever is responsible for the crime.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the burglary occurred at a storage building, located in the 500 block of Woodlawn Avenue.

Investigators believe it happened sometime between July 28 and August 1.

Taken from the building was a Yamaha MX100 dirt bike, along with a Honda scooter.

According to Wilson, the dirt bike is an older model with a black, white and orange gas tank, a white front fender, and a reddish pink rear fender. The scooter is a lime green, older model 49cc.

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

(KNZA)--A late Tuesday morning, Brown County crash, sent two to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, in a report, says the crash happened around 11:40 Tuesday morning, on U.S. Highway 36, just west of U.S. Highway 75.

According to the report, 30-year-old Tanner Shobney, of Saint Mary's, was westbound on the highway when his semi tractor-trailer crossed the center line and struck another semi that was parked legally on the shoulder of the highway.
Although the parked Kenworth was unoccupied, the driver, 47-year-old Matthew Cains, of Batesville, Indiana, was standing outside the truck when the crash occurred.

Both Shobney and Cains were transported to Sabetha Community Hospital for the treatment of minor injuries.

(KAIR)--The stage is now set for November, in the race for the open position of Commissioner of Parks and Recreation on the Horton City Commission.

That follows Tuesday's election, when Horton voters went to the polls to narrow the field of candidates seeking the seat.

According to the unofficial results from the Brown County Clerk's Office, incumbent Richard Lovelady saw his bid for another term come to an end, as he received a total of 18 votes, leaving him in third place in an election seeking the top two vote earners.

The results show that Joshua White was the top choice at the polls, receiving 33 votes, while Phillip Wiley received 21. Challenger Bobby Bacon earned 4 votes cast.

White and Wiley advance to the general election, with voters on November 7 to determine which one of the two will gain the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation seat.

According to the County Clerk's Office, a total of 76 votes were cast in Tuesday's election, with 3 of 3 precincts reporting.

(KLZA)--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.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners conducted a public hearing to receive comment on the proposal to vacate a portion of a road and a structure during their July 26 meeting.

The road is approximately a half mile south of the intersecton of 717 Road and 640 Avenue. A letter from Eric Geiger on behlf of Francis Rosse, an adjacent landowner was presented , requesting an additional 40 feet of the road reman open south past the half-mile section line to continue to provide access to both landowners adjacent to the west and east side of the road. Dale James, landowner adjacent to the public road attended and was in support of closing the road but made the same request as was presented in the letter.

No action was taken by Commissioners. In a related note, the Board did not receive any bids for the purchase of the bridge structure on the road proposed to be vacated.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported that certification and recertification for the drug dogs nas been completed and that grant funding is being sought to assist with the expense of the drug dogs. The Sheriff also reported that a deputy will be attending an active shooter taining program in August.

Tiffany Rassmussen with the Nebraska Department of Labor presented information to Commissioner regarding an On-the-Job Training program the Department offers to employers to assist with the cost of training new hires. The program reimburses the employer 50 percent of the wages paid to the new hires while in training.

Commissioners requested County Clerk Mary Eickhoff to complete the application and submit the contract documents to the County Attorney to review. The Board will then consider the contract at the next meeting.

Following a review of a proposal to change materials for the Courthouse roof project, the Board followed the recommenaton from Prochaska & Associates to have the porject completed with the material specified in the bid document.

(MSC News)--Total Kansas tax collections for July 2023 were $681.0 million. That is $13.9 million, or 2.1%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up $94.7 million, or 16.2%, from July 2022.

Announcement of what Governor Laura Kelly calls “strong financial footing” came in a release from her office, which shows that individual income Kansas tax collections were $313.7 million. That is $3.7 million, or 1.2%, more than the estimate, and a $13.2 million, or 4.4%, growth from July 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $44.7 million. That's $4.7 million, or 11.9%, more than the estimate and up 22.2% from July 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $315.3 million, which is $12.3 million, or 4.1%, more than the estimate and up 38.8% from July 2022.

(KAIR)--A Troy, Kansas motorcyclist, traveling in Harrison County, Missouri Monday afternoon, escaped serious injury after her motorcycle crashed a mile north of Bethany, Missouri, on I-35.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that 52-year-old Melissa McConnaughey was southbound on the interstate when she lost the rear driver's side wheel of her Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide.

The loss of the tire caused the formerly three-wheeled motorcycle to leave the east side of the roadway, and cross the median and northbound lanes of traffic, before crashing into a ditch off the east side of the roadway.

McConnaughey was ejected, and was transported by ambulance to the Harrison County Community Hospital for the treatment of what the Patrol calls minor injuries.

The wreck happened shortly after 3:00 Monday afternoon.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the City of Hiawatha public water supply system located in Brown County. The advisory was issued due to a loss of chlorine residuals. Failure to maintain required chlorine residuals may result in bacterial contamination.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it- the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

Laboratory testing samples collected from the City of Hiawatha indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 785-742-7417 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE- PWS Consumer Information webpage: kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption.

Introduction
The Brown County Planning Commission announces that it will be hosting Key Stakeholder Interviews with selected Brown County citizens on Tuesday, August 15. The purpose of the Interviews is to initiate a process which will result in the development of a statistically valid citizen survey that will be facilitated by Dick Horton Consulting in collaboration with the ETC Market Research Institute of Olathe, Kansas.

Purpose of Interviews
Citizens who are interviewed by Dick Horton (consultant) on August 15 will be asked to share their thoughts and opinion: “What do you think the key issues facing the County are?”
1. The compilation of issues that are shared with Mr. Horton on the 15th will be organized and forwarded to the ETC Institute.
2. ETC will develop a survey document with approximately 25 questions.
3. The questions will be reviewed by both the Planning Commission and County Commission.
4. After the survey questions have been approved, ETC will distribute the survey to a sufficient number of citizens throughout the County to guarantee a statistically valid response.
5. Data from the survey responses will be available for all citizens to review in the Brown County Comprehensive Plan and it will be used to assist the County Commission to make informed decisions about future planning initiatives and resource allocation.

Groups to be Interviewed and Time:

Each county commissioner--prior to August 15

1. Township Representatives--8:00 to 8:30

2. Ag Production-8:30 to 8:50

3. Ag Business-8:50 to 9:10

4. Small Business-9:10 to 9:30

5. City Government-9:30 to 10:00

6. Fire and EMS-10:00 to 10:20

7. Health Care-10:20 to 10:40

8. Education-10:40 to 11:00

9. Youth-11:00 to 11:20

10. USDA and NRCS-11:20 to 11:40

11. Parks and Recreation-11:40 to 12:00

12. Faith Community-12:30 to 12:50

13. Tribal-12:50 to 1:10

14. Economic Development-1:10 to 1:30

15. Social Services-1:30 to 1:50

16. BCLA and Blade Watch-1:50 to 2:10

Drop-In Time:
Following scheduled group interviews at approximately 2:30, Mr. Horton will be available until 4:30 to capture thoughts and opinions from those who were not scheduled earlier in the day but would like their opinion to be heard. All scheduled and drop-in interviews will be limited to not more than 5 minutes per individual.

Interview Location:

All interviews will be held at the Brown County Courthouse in the County Commission Meeting Room in the northwest corner of the Courthouse.

Contact Information
If you need additional information, please contact:
Dick Horton, Brown County Commission Consultant
c) 816.210.3818

(KNZA)--A Jackson County home is likely a total loss following an early Monday morning fire that sent three fire departments, and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, to the scene.

Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says it was about 2:30 Monday morning when his office was joined by the Holton, Netawaka, and Soldier Fire Departments in responding to the 8000 block of 254th Road, where “the residence appeared to be a total loss.”

No injuries are reported.

The Kansas Fire Marshal's Office is assisting with the investigation into the cause of the fire.