(KLZA)-- U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts have announced the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) will receive $15.3 million in federal funding.

These funds will be used to enhance and maintain existing infrastructure at 21 airports statewide.

Among the airports across Nebraska to receive the federal funding will be Brenner Field in Falls City, receiving $277,200 and the

Nebraska City Municipal Airport in Nebraska City, which will receive $336,000.

The total investment in Nebraska airports will be $15,301,750.

(KLZA)-- There have been several people file for elections in Richardson County since the filing period opened January 5.

Rick Karas of Dawson has filed for reelection to the 3rd District Commission seat. Karas is a Republican.

Bobby Campbell of Rulo has filed for the Second District Commission seat. Campbell is a Republican.

Two incumbents have filed to continue serving on the District 70, HTRS School Board. Kyle Hilgenfeld of Stella and Mike Kanel of Humboldt both seek reelection.

Several people have filed for Village Board seats in Richardson County.

James Donahoe has filed for the Village Board of Stella.

Randy Handley, Branson Darveau and Scot Handley all seek reelection to the Barada Village Board.

Incumbents have until February 15 to file for election and non-incumbents have until March 1 to file.

For those seek Village Board seats, incumbents have until July 15 to file while nonincumbents have until August 1 to file for election.

(KMZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation bridge replacement project is scheduled to begin Thursday, February 1st, on U.S. 36 Highway in Nemaha County, conditions permitting.

The structure is about 2 miles west of Baileyville.

KDOT says Initial work will consist of constructing a shoofly detour to carry traffic around the existing bridge. Traffic impact should be minimal during this phase of the project.

The shoofly is expected to be complete later this spring. Traffic will then be shifted to the detour while the bridge is replaced.

Work will occur Monday through Friday during daylight hours and is expected to be complete by December.

Reece Construction, of Salina, is the prime contractor on the $4.2 million project.

(KAIR)--Patrons of USD 409 this week will decide the fate of the Atchison public school district's proposed $27.3 million bond issue, with the funds, if approved, to be used for a wide spectrum of improvements in the district.

Voters, in recent days, received their ballots in the mail. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Renee Nugent, says those ballots must be delivered to the Atchison County Courthouse either through mail, in-person, or ballot drop-off, by 12 noon, Thursday, February 1.

Nugent explained the planned upgrades in a recent video posted to YouTube, in which she provided a reminder of the key scope of the work that would come if the bond election is successful. A key matter, among a wide-range of improvements to be funded through the bond, is the repair and replacement of district HVAC systems, as well as facility roofs. Among other planned improvements are those at the Atchison Elementary School, which would see renovation for a new entrance, a single office suite, and integrations of Pre-K into the interior of the school. Atchison High School would see renovation for a new entrance, upgrades of the band and choir rooms, new turf, for football and baseball, as well as a resurfaced track, and renovation of the locker room.

According to the school district, the $27.3 million bond would come with no increase to the bond and interest mill levy, meaning zero tax increase.

(KMZA)--A Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School 8th grader won the 2024 Nemaha County Spelling Bee held January 20th

Lilly Leis won the Spelling Bee by correctly spelling the word Mumbai, which is a city in India.

Taking 2nd place was Abbott Sullivan, a 6th grader at Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School. Fabrizzio Kramer, an 8th grader at Sts. Peter and Paul School, took 3rd place.

Eighteen 4th through 8th grade students from four Nemaha County schools took part in the Spelling Bee.

As the winner, Leis will advance to the Sunflower State Spelling Bee to held March 23rd in Salina.

(KNZA)---Jefferson West USD 340 has hired a new superintendent.

USD 340 Board of Education President Dave Jensen announced in a release on the district's website that the board voted unanimously Monday evening to hire Dr. Brad Neuenswander for the position.

Neuenswander has served as interim superintendent since last November following the termination of former superintendent Jason Crawford.

Jensen said Neuenswander's focus will be on long-term planning, finding an education solution for the district' s at-risk preschoolers and working through facilities challenges.

Jensen said Neuenswander's resume couldn't be any more suited to leading the district. He has been a classroom teacher, building principal, superintendent of schools, director of school finance for Kansas, and Deputy Commissioner of Education at the Kansas State Department of Education. He also served as the interim Commissioner of Education at the state department of education.

Jensen said Dr. Neuenswander and his wife have long-established roots in the district, having lived in Ozawkie for 17 years. Both their children graduated from Jeff West schools.

(KNZA)--Three businesses were recognized during the annual dinner and meeting of the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development held last week at the Klinefelter Barn.

" To the Stars" Kansas Business Awards were presented to Horizon Therapy Associates, The Hiawatha Creamery and Wilde Tool.

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced the award recipients last fall. The annual awards program recognizes businesses across the state for the valuable contributions they make to the Kansas economy and to the well-being of their communities

Four new HFED members were also acknowledged at the meeting. They include The Country Cabin, The Hiawatha Creamery, Kanza Mental Health and Owl Creek Farms.

Kyle Olson with Trivent Financial was elected as a new HFED board member.

David Anderson of the Anderson Group was the guest speaker. The Desoto, Kansas-based L.L.C. is proposing a duplex development project in Hiawatha on city-owned land west of Bruning Park.

(KNZA)--An Oneida man is facing drug charges in Brown County.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said shortly before 3:00 Sunday morning the Sheriff's Office investigated a suspicious vehicle at the Golden Eagle Casino. K-9 Carla alerted on the vehicle.

At the completion of the investigation, Merchant said 36-year-old Dustin Barrett was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Barrett was booked into the Brown County Jail. He has since been released on a $25,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for February 7.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County has a new county extension agent.

Katharine Sharp, of DeKalb, Missouri, began work January 8, serving as the new agriculture, natural resources, and 4-H agent.

Doniphan County Extension Director Kathy Tharman said they are happy to have a second agent in the county.

Sharp recently held a position with the USDA National Animal Germplasm program in Fort Collins, Colorado. Prior to that, she worked as a genetic support specialist for DNA Swine Genetics in Columbus, Nebraska.

Sharp earned her bachelor's degree in animal sciences from the University of Missouri and her master's degree in animal sciences from Purdue University.

(KAIR)--The latest inductee into the Locally Atchison Chamber Hall of Fame has been selected, with induction ceremonies set for next month.

According to a release from Locally Atchison, Richard "Rich" Dickason has been named to become the 9th inductee into the Chamber Hall of Fame, with the near 30-year president of Exchange Bank to be inducted February 17.

Jim Rowland, Executive Director of Locally Atchison, in the release, calls Dickason "a most deserving inductee not just because of his work in Atchison through his roles at Exchange Bank but more for his commitment and love for the community of Atchison."

The release outlines Dickason's education and career, noting that he served as Exchange Bank President for 29 years, remaining its CEO until his
2023 retirement from the bank following 50-years of service.
Current bank Chairman and President, Douglass Adair, in the release, said he can "think of no one more fitting to receive this prestigious honor," adding that "it is good to see [Dickason's] name [among] the greats from the Atchison business community," expecially that of Richard Bruggen, whom Adair calls one of Dickason's mentors.

The release cites what it calls Dickason's "love for Atchison," which it says is "evident in the many organizations he served and the charitable contributions he's made to the community," with the release noting Dickason's involvement with the Atchison Chamber of Commerce, Atchison Hospital Association, Atchison Family YMCA, Benedictine College, Mount St. Scholastica, Courtney Turner Trust Foundation, Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Atchison Catholic Elementary School.

Rick Berger, President and CEO of Berger Company, in the release, says Dickason's "dedication and business acumen over the years has greatly improved the economic and social climate" of Atchison, adding that the "prestigious honor is well deserved.”

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the appointment of Emily Sisco as a Deputy County Attorney on a contract basis when they met January 24.

Sisco currently serves as County Attorney in Pawnee County. She will assist the Richardson County Attorney's Office following the resignation of Deputy County Attorney, Alexandra Fleming on January 15.

In other business Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. reported the road crew did an outstanding job getting roads opened following the recent snow storms.

Darveau also reported a motor grader required a major repair from damage done while removing snow. He said the repairs have been made and the machine is back in working order.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners were presented a draft of an interlocal agreement for emergency and non-emergency dispatch services from the City of Falls City when they met last Wednesday.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum, Police Chief Jamie Baker and Ward III Councilman Sean Fouraker were in attendance. If approved by Richardson County, the agreement would have went into effect August 1, 2024.

In addition, representatives of the Verdon Rural Fire Department, Falls City Rural Fire Department and Rulo Fire Department attended the meeting. Discussion was held in regards to the dispatch services currently being done with 9 1 1 calls.

On a 2-1 vote Commissioners approved a motion to move and retain the dispatch for the Sheriff's Department at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center effective August 1, 2024, and to approve the purchase of dispatch console equipment from Motorola Solutions, Inc. through the State of Nebraska at a contract price of $246,814, with the life cycle services provided for a five-year period at a total cost of $332,518. . Commissioner David Sickel cast the nay vote.

Beginning August 1, 2024, 9 1 1 calls in Richardson County will go to the Falls City Police Department and the appropriate responding agency will be notified by the Police Department.

(KAIR)--As single digit temperatures gripped the area on January 15, residents of Horton's Anew Healthcare living center felt the affects through a failure of the facility's HVAC system.

According to a social media post made late that afternoon to the Anew Healthcare of Horton Facebook page, that HVAC issue meant a "sleepover" at sister facilities in the area for the retirement and assisted living facility residents who would, the post said, be "welcomed with open arms, along with hot chocolate and hot tea," while the center works "through the technical difficulties" of the HVAC system.

Flash forward nine days later, on the evening of January 24, and an update on the situation was posted to the social media platform, as residents remained displaced. The post, which began by saying, "unfortunately, this is not much of an update," explained that the administration was, at that time, "continuing to assess the current repair situation, but are unable to provide a timeline for residents to return home." The post, which thanks those affected for their "patience and support" during what it calls "this challenging time," adds that Horton staff is working alongside those residents now housed in the center's sister facilities "and all are safe and warm."
According to the post, as soon as any new information developed, it would be shared to social media.

On Monday, January 29, five days after the update was made regarding the situation, a concerned family member contacted MSC News to voice their concerns about the ongoing situation, with several comments made to the social media posts echoing a similar sentiment.

As of now, the residents remain housed in the sister locations.

A social media message sent to Anew Healthcare of Horton by MSC News, inquiring about the current status of the situation and how many residents were affected by the move, was not immediately answered Monday.

(KNZA)--A three-vehicle crash on Interstate-470 in southwest Topeka early Monday morning claimed the life of a Brown County man.

The Topeka Police Department, in a release, identified the victim as 61-year-old Jeffrey McCorkle, of Fairview.

Police say the crash occurred around 5:40 on eastbound Interstate-470, just south of Southwest 21st Street.

The other two drivers were injured in the crash, with one suffering suspected serious injuries.

The names of those drivers haven't been made public.

The crash remains under investigation.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved funding for Nemaha County United 4 Youth for 2024.

During last week's meeting, Commissioner Dylan Keim moved to approve a $23,000 appropriation to the organization for this year, with the understanding that beginning in 2025 county funding levels will be slowly stepped down each year.

The motion was approved on 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Jason Koch casting the dissenting vote. During discussion, Koch said he felt that not enough financial information was provided for him to support the motion.

The funding will be paid out of the county's alcohol control fund and parks and recreation fund.

In other businesss, the commission approved appointing Todd Rokey as a member of the Nemaha County Planning Commission to replace Andy Grove who moved out of district.

(KNZA)--Two individuals were arrested in Jackson County Monday afternoon following a motorcycle pursuit.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop a motorcycle that was occupied by two individuals near Holton around 3:30. The driver failed to stop and attempted to elude the trooper.

The pursuit ensued and continued on P. Road south of K-16 Hwy and then westbound on 214th Road. The motorcycle crossed a field and ended up on 206th Road west of L. Road where the motorcycle became stuck. Troopers and Jackson County Sheriff- deputies attempted to apprehend the pair on the muddy and icy terrain.

Morse said the driver, identified as 26-year-old Topeka resident Colton Merriman, ran from the scene and was bit by a police service K-9.

Merriman and his passenger, 21-year-old Kami Moore, of Saint Joseph, Missouri, were taken into custody. Jackson County EMS also responded to the scene.

Merriman was arrested for felony fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, felony interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended, no insurance and other traffic infractions. He was also wanted on outstanding warrants out of the state of Missouri and Brown County, Kansas.

Moore was arrested for interference with law enforcement.

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

(KMZA)--Details have been released on a two-vehicle wreck last week in Nemaha County that left seven people injured.

According to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, it occurred Sunday morning, January 21st shortly before 10:00 at the intersection of 80th and S Roads.

The Sheriff's Office said 78-year-old Linda Welliver, of Goff, was driving a Dodge Durango westbound on 80th Road when she attempted to turn south on S Road without yielding at the stop sign. Her vehicle struck a Ford Expedition driven by 34-year-old Christina Niehues, of Goff, that was northbound on S Road.

Welliver was taken by Sabetha EMS to the Holton community Hospital.

Niehues and her five passengers were taken by private vehicle to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca

(KNZA)--A Sunday afternoon one-vehicle Brown County wreck sent a Kansas City, Missouri man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol it happened near the intersection of U.S. 73 Highway and 170th Road about five miles north of Horton.

According to the Patrol report, 30-year-old Zachary Thornton was eastbound on 170th Road when he failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 73 Highway and continued eastbound. Thornton lost control of his Volkswagen Jetta, which went into the north ditch and jumped a creek. The vehicle landed on its front end, striking a tree.

Thornton was transported to Hiawatha's Amberwell Hospital with possible injuries.

The Patrol says its unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred shortly after 4:30 Sunday afternoon.

(KNZA)--Three candidates have filed so far for seats up for election in November on the Hiawatha City Commission.

According to the Brown County Clerk's Office, incumbent Toni Hull and Thomas Martin have filed for commissioner of seat 2.

Laura Tollefson has filed for commissioner of seat 4, which is currently held by Evans Woehlecke.

Also up for election is commissioner of seat 3, currently held by Brian Shefferd.

The County Clerk's office reports no candidates have filed so far for Brown County positions up for election this year. They include 2nd District county commissioner, 3rd District county commissioner, sheriff, county clerk, county treasurer, register of deeds and county attorney.

Candidates have until noon, June 3rd to filing.

The primary election will be held August 6th and the general election will take place November 5.

(KAIR)--A Topeka man who wrecked while driving through Jackson County early Sunday morning suffered severe injuries in the fiery crash.

That word comes in a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, who says 27-year-old Elijah Keith was transported by Jackson County EMS for hospital treatment, in Topeka.

Keith was found by Jackson County Sheriff's Deputies, who arrived at the scene of the wreck shortly before 5:00 Sunday morning, "severely injured and bleeding profusely," with Morse adding that "deputies rendered life-saving medical treatment to the victim at the scene."

Minutes after the deputies arrived, following the report of a vehicle on fire, Keith's Ford Fusion, which wrecked near 182nd and U.S. Highway 75, was fully engulfed in flames.
Fire departments from Mayetta, Hoyt, and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, all responded to the scene of the fiery wreck.

According to Morse, the wreck occurred when Keith's Ford Fusion, southbound on the highway, struck a guardrail.

(KAIR)--Atchison, Jackson, and Marshall counties will benefit from the several million dollars being awarded to assist with community revitalization.

A release from the office of Governor Laura Kelly says a total of 21 projects from across Kansas will receive almost $1.4 million, along with more than $3.4 million in private local matching funds.
The awards come through the Historic Asset Lifeline grant program, known as HEAL. It was created to help rural communities revitalize downtown buildings and create safer downtowns with more job opportunities.

Locally, the City of Holton, in Jackson County, is awarded $100,000; The Friends of Muscotah, based in Atchison County, receives $65,640; and two Marshall County-based projects-the Marysville Chamber and Main Street and Marshall County Partnership for Growth-are named as award recipients. The Marysville award is for $7,222 while the County Partnership for Growth receives $40,000.

Specifics of how each award will be used is not included in the release, but it's noted that "projects being funded in this round of awards include upper-story housing, child care facilities, retail businesses, and restaurants."

The Kansas Department of Commerce- Office of Rural Prosperity, Community Development Division, and Kansas Main Street collaborate on HEAL to revitalize underutilized and dilapidated downtown structures where the cost to rehabilitate exceeds the limit that conventional financing can cover. Downtown landmarks that get new life breathed into them through HEAL are transformed into spaces that serve multiple purposes. Projects are to be completed within two years.

Funding for the HEAL program exists because of bipartisan support from Governor Kelly and the Kansas Legislature to provide annual allocations. A total of 51 applications were received during the latest HEAL grant round. A new round is expected to open this summer.

(KAIR)--January is proclaimed as Human Traffic Awareness Month in Jefferson County, following action of the Commission this week.

According to the unofficial minutes of the Commission's regular weekly meeting, held Monday, Mary Smith, representing Willow Domestic Violence Center, met with the County leaders, asking for the proclamation.

Smith, during her presentation, explained to the Commissioners that the Center serves three counties, Jefferson, Douglas, and Franklin; and, during the last year of 2023, those three counties incurred 50 cases of human trafficking.

After Smith read aloud the proclamation, the Commissioner's unanimously approved it, proclaiming Human Traffic Awareness Month in Jefferson County, mirroring the nationwide month dedicated to raising awareness to the problem of human trafficking.

Whitehouse.gov calls human trafficking "a threat to global security, public safety, and human dignity," with the U.S. President, every year since 2010, dedicating the month to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the public about how to identify and prevent the crime.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced 12 Kansas communities--including Holton-- will receive grants to develop plans and support efforts to help build the Safe Routes to School Program in their areas.

According to a release from KDOT, this is the first year applications have been accepted for the two types of SRTS Planning and Programming grants.

Holton USD 336 was among five awarded planning grants. Programming grants were awarded to 7 communities.

The release says planning grants will help develop plans to study existing conditions, facilitate public outreach and find potential infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions. Programming grants are designed to support initial programs, events and projects to help build the program in the future.

Safe Routes to School is a national program that promotes walking and bicycling to school through infrastructure improvements, enforcement, tools and safety education.

(KNZA)---The Kansas Department of Transportation has announced 12 Kansas communities--including Holton-- will receive grants to develop plans and support efforts to help build the Safe Routes to School Program in their areas.

According to a release from KDOT, this is the first year applications have been accepted for the two types of SRTS Planning and Programming grants.

Holton USD 336 was among five awarded planning grants. Programming grants were awarded to 7 communities.

The release says planning grants will help develop plans to study existing conditions, facilitate public outreach and find potential infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions. Programming grants are designed to support initial programs, events and projects to help build the program in the future.

Safe Routes to School is a national program that promotes walking and bicycling to school through infrastructure improvements, enforcement, tools and safety education.

(KNZA)--A Wednesday morning Jackson County traffic stop led to the arrest of a Topeka man on drug possession charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop around 7:30 on a Nissan Altima near 150th and Q. Roads for a traffic infraction.

Morse said the deputy located illegal drug contraband on the passenger and inside the vehicle.

The passenger, 61-year-old Steven Barker, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and trafficking contraband into a corrections facility.

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

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation celebrated its 31st anniversary when they held their annual meeting Wednesday evening at the Knight's of Columbus Hall in Seneca.

Highlights of the past year were reviewed and new board members elected.

Nearly $30,000 in grant awards were made last year to benefit several projects in Nemaha County.

Five new funds were opened with the STEP Foundation in 2023. The new funds include the Chad Baker Memorial Fund, Seneca Community Fund, Spring Creek Golf Course Improvement Fund, Seneca Knights of Columbus Improvement Fund, and the Northeast Kansas Arts Foundation Fund. STEP Foundation Executive Director Tory Jost said the funds are improving the quality of life in Nemaha County and are eligible for Match Day donations.

Jost said STEP's third annual Match Day event set a new record, receiving over 381 gifts totaling nearly $235,000. This year's Match Day event will take place on Friday, August 23.

In other business, Tami Mars, Renee Meyer, and Maggie Grier were elected to the STEP Foundation Board. Board President Marceil Hasenkamp thanked Elaine Mowder for her service on the STEP Board of Directors. Vice President Dan Heiman recognized Hasenkamp for her service on the board. Her term expires this month.

At year end, Treasurer Tim Rottinghaus reported the STEP Foundation's total assets were $2.3 million, an increase of nearly $500,000 over last year. Rottinghaus said that's a tribute to record giving by the community and strong earnings.

A meal served before the meeting was catered by Home Cookin’ of Seneca. The meal was sponsored by Koch and Company.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City School multipurpose room will be the site of a town hall meeting on Wednesday, February, 7, beginning at 5:15 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from Mound City citizens concerning the Missouri Main Street Four Point Approach to Revitalization.

The Mound City Downtown Renovation and Revitalization Inc. group has been awarded a Missouri Main Street Connection grant, and the group wants to hear thoughts from citizens about the downtown and what the future needs are.

Everyone is welcome to attend and businesses, along with individuals are encouraged to participate.

To help celebrate the grant funds being awarded, Chris Cakes will be serving pancakes and sausage at the event.

During the meeting, those in attendance will split into four groups to discuss goals and the next steps.

(KNZA)--A Meriden man is facing charges of rape and aggravated sexual battery in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said 49-year-old Chad Tyler was arrested early Wednesday morning on a Jackson County District Court warrant by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Morse said the warrant was issued following a Jackson County Sheriff's Office investigation into an alleged sexual assault that took place on January 16 in southern Jackson County.

Following his arrest, Tyler was booked into the Jackson County Jail where he remains held on a $75,000 bond.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission gave their approval Monday for the replacement a semi truck.

District 1 road foreman John Selland met with the Commission to seek approval to replace a 1984 Peterbilt.

Selland said the truck is running, but has several mechanical issues. He said it was told by a local repair shop that it could cost up to $35,000 to overhaul the truck.

Selland said he found a 2004 Kenworth truck available on Purple Wave Auction belonging to the state of Kansas that he would like to bid on.

Following discussion, the commission approved allowing Selland to bid on the truck for an amount not to exceed $100,000--including a 10 percent buyer's premium.

If the county is the successful bidder, the existing truck, which is worth about $35,000 to $45,000, will be sold to offset some of the costs.

(KNZA)--Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) prepares students for successful futures. For one northeast Kansas community, that investment is paying dividends in public safety.

A 2021 graduate of Hiawatha High School, Austin Coffelt has already provided significant service to the community. Though just 21, he has gained work experience in corrections and law enforcement. The next step in his young career, Coffelt will attend the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center 14-week academy in Hutchinson in February.

As a senior, Coffelt joined the JAG-K program at Hiawatha High School in its first year of existence. Upon graduation, he earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Highland Community College. Within a year of leaving high school, he was also working at the Brown County Jail in Hiawatha.

Starting a new job is challenging, regardless of the setting. Working in a jail was particularly daunting, Coffelt said.

“When I first started, it was kind of intimidating,” Coffelt said. “I worried that I wouldn’t be able to catch on quickly enough. But I had good co-workers and people who made sure I knew what was going on. So, my confidence built up there.

“The jail is a small jail, so I did some of everything, from booking inmates to cooking, cleaning. It was a great place to start my career and learn. What I learned there helped me adapt quickly to the police force. And I learned a lot just about working with co-workers and just how to work as an adult professional.”

After a year at the jail, Coffelt accepted an invitation to join the Hiawatha Police Department. After completing introductory testing, he earned a certificate that allows him to serve as a police officer for a year of “field training” prior to attending the training academy.

“I’ve been getting a lot of good experience,” Coffelt said. “I’m able to get a lot of hands-on training and mentorship. That's helped me to excel, and I feel a lot more confident because of what I’ve learned.”

JAG-K is a multi-year, in-school program for students in grades 6-12 that offers tools to successfully transition students into post-secondary school, the military, or directly into the workforce with marketable skills. JAG-K provides opportunities for students to explore careers through employer engagement relationships. Those experiences may include field trips, job shadows, internships and summer or part-time employment.

Although Coffelt only benefitted from one year of the JAG-K program, he said it was influential to achieve his goals. He credits Hiawatha High School JAG-K Career Specialist Kelly Griswold for helping him pursue his plan following graduation.

“Under Mrs. Griswold, we studied our career choices and learned about how to succeed after high school,” Coffelt said. “She really makes you feel comfortable and lets you open up. We learned a lot about management of your life, money, time, having a stable foundation. She was really big on having a plan about where you want to go and learning the steps.”

“Austin always had his sights on law enforcement during high school and I wanted to help him achieve his goals,” Griswold said. “He was always driven and pursued the path we spoke about.”

For a year following Coffelt's graduation from Hiawatha High School, Griswold stayed in touch with her former student on a plan of “follow-up,” a formal mentoring relationship that helps graduates transition to their post-high school plans. Coffelt has reciprocated by visiting his former school to talk about careers with current JAG-K students.

“Austin would still reach out if he needed something and that is what makes this job so rewarding,” Griswold said. “I’m so proud of his accomplishments and his willingness to come back to his old classroom and talk with current students about choosing a career path.”

Coffelt said he is receiving considerable professional development and training at the Hiawatha Police Department prior to attending the academy.

“I’m interested in taking lots of classes and really growing as an officer,” Coffelt said. “As soon I stepped into my role at the Hiawatha P.D. I knew I’d made the right decision. I’m very excited to see what the future holds.”

Kansas’ 112 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,000 students in 47 school districts across the state. Participants in the program face multiple barriers to success that their JAG-K Career Specialist helps them overcome through a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Last year more than 900 JAG-K participants graduated from high schools across the state.

(KNZA)--A late Monday night traffic stop in Jackson County led to the arrest of three women on drug-related charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff- deputy conducted a traffic stop on a car for a traffic violation around 11:30 in the area of 126th Road and US 75 Highway.

During the traffic stop, Morse said the deputy located a hallucinogenic drug, a handgun and a controlled substance in the vehicle.

The driver, 23-year-old Dakota Rooks, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was arrested for possession of a hallucinogenic drug, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, and driving under the influence.

The front seat passenger, 24-year-old Eudora, Kansas resident Sophia Hughes, was arrested for possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and probation violations.

The back seat passenger, 24-year-old Topeka resident Aliesha Starks, was arrested for possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a controlled substance, transporting an open container and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

Following their arrest, all three women were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--USDA Rural Development is investing $2.8 million in renewable energy projects in Kansas--including one in Doniphan County.

USDA Rural Development Kansas Director Christy Davis announced Monday the awarding of grants for 12 projects in the state, which she says will lower energy bills, boost energy production and create jobs.

A $43,800 grant will help purchase and install a 15 kilowatt wind turbine for Blevins Farms Inc. of Highland. According to a release, the project is expected to generate more than 37,000 kilowatts per year, 100 percent of the farm's electrical usage and enough electricity to power 3.5 homes.

Davis said the investments will expand renewable energy infrastructure and save Kansans money on their energy costs that can be invested back into their businesses and communities.

(KLZA)-- Fire caused extensive damage to a Falls City home Tuesday evening.

Firefighters and other emergency responders were called to 1723 McLean Street at about 9:30.

Upon arrival, heavy smoke was coming from the second floor eves of the home.

Falls City Volunteer Fire Department Public Information Officer Jon McQueen said it appears the cause of the fire was electrical in nature, stemming from improper ventilation of a plugged dryer vent.

The owners of the home said the fire was coming out from the front of the dryer. They pulled the plug and attempted to extinguish the fire.

All occupants of the house were able to get out without injuries. However, several cats did perish in the fire.

Due to the construction of the house and the fire climbing up through the walls and several confined spaces, including multiple ceilings, it was difficult for fire fighters to locate the fire.

Extensive damage was done to the inside of the home due to smoke and water.

Several fire fighters remained on the scene until around 1:30 a.m. for hot spots. Part of 18th Street was closed as a precaution due to the freezing water.

The State Fire Marshal's Office was contacted. It appears no insurance was in force.

The Fire Department thanked local residents for providing drinking water, clothes and blankets for the family.

The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department, Falls City Rural Fire Department, Falls City Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Falls City Police Department and Falls City Utilities all responded to the fire call.

McQueen noted that a new fire hydrant across the street from the fire that was installed this past year was utilized in fighting the blaze.

According to the Richardson County Assessors website, the owners of the home are Matthew Stroebel and Kari Harwood-Stroebel.

(KAIR)--A former Atchison City Commissioner has returned to the role of leadership, appointed last week to fill an unexpired term on the Atchison City Commission.

Larry Wilcox, retired, longtime head football coach at Benedictine College, served on the City Commission until December of last year, having been appointed to fill an unexpired term on the Commission in February, 2022. Wilcox chose not run for reelection in last November's General Election.

However, it was shortly after the City Commission-complete with new leadership selected during that election, including incumbent Lisa Moody-had organized for the new year that Moody stepped down, resigning from the seat she was to hold through December 6, 2027.

Following Moody's resignation, the City of Atchison began the search for her replacement, with a total of six applicant's, including that of Wilcox, received.

The Commission, during its meeting of January 16, reviewed the applicants, ultimately selecting Wilcox to fill the unexpired term.

Following his selection, Wilcox was sworn in, and seated, on the Commission to begin his term.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission discussed a number of structures deemed by the city as unsafe and dangerous when they meet Monday evening.

A hearing was held on a structure located at 310 Hiawatha Avenue, which has come before the Commission on multiple occasions over the past several years.

City Administrator Becky Berger said no improvements have been made to the property since it was addressed last November and a building permit has not been obtained.

No one representing the property owners was present for the hearing.

Following discussion, the Commission on a 5-0 vote approved a resolution giving the property owners until July 1st to complete repairs or removal of the structure. Commissioner Brian Shefferd was not present at the meeting.

The Commission heard updates from Berger and Code Enforcement Official Dave Wilson on 13 other properties deemed as unsafe and dangerous.

The Commission was told structures on two of the properties have been demolished but no building permit was obtained. Repairs have been made to other properties but not completed, while no repairs have been made to others.

A resolution is to be prepared for consideration at the commission's next meeting that would set a July 1st deadline for repairs to be made or the structures demolished.

(KNZA)--A Leavenworth man was injured Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle Johnson County wreck.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 30-year-old Dalton Keach was northbound on I-435, just south of 53rd Street, when his car left the roadway, struck a bridge structure, and overturned onto its side.

Keach was transported to the Overland Park Regional Medical Center with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says he was wearing a seatbelt when the wreck occurred shortly after 7:30 Tuesday morning.

(KLZA)-- Nebraskans who would like to vote early for the May 14, statewide primary can now submit early voting applications to their county election office.

Voters can either download the early voting applications from the Nebraska Secretary of State- website, or they can request an application from their county election office.

County election offices will begin mailing out early voting ballots on April 8. Early voting in-person at county election offices, which requires an ID but no application, begins April 15.

This will be the first election requiring Nebraska voters to submit a photo ID to cast a ballot.

Acceptable forms of photo ID which must include the voters name and photo include:

A Nebraska drivers license; a Nebraska State ID; a United States Passport; a military ID; a Tribal ID; a hospital, assisted-living facility or nursing home record; a Nebraska political subdivision ID or a Nebraska college or university ID.

Voters can get a free state ID, by contacting the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles.

If the person was born in Nebraska and needs a free certified copy of their Nebraska birth certificate, to get a free state ID, they can contact the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. A birth certificate is not a valid form of voter ID.

(KLZA)-- The Northwest Missouri Solid Waste Management District has grant funds available from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Management Program to distribute to both public and private entities throughout Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth Counties.

The grant funds are intended to reduce the amount of waste entering the local waste stream and facilitate recycling. Examples of past projects include can crushers, aluminum and cardboard balers, forklifts, recycling trailers, recycling bins, and park benches made of recycled materials.

Grant funds have also been used for outdoor classrooms, recycling education, rubberized track, recycling business expansion and structures, and machinery to facilitate composting on a large scale.

The application and guidance document will be available February 1, 2024, at www.nwmorcog.org. Individuals or entities interested in applying for funds for a waste reduction or recycling project may contact Kirk Kopper via phone at 660-582-5121 ext. 4; or via email at solid@nwmorcog.org.

Applications will only be received by mail and must be postmarked by Monday, April 1, 2024.

(KLZA)-- More than 21,000 lung cancer deaths a year are from exposure to radon gas, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Nebraska is third in the nation with the potential for high radon levels behind Iowa and Pennsylvania. The most vulnerable area in Nebraska is the eastern third of the state due to a layer of rock closer to the surface compared to other areas of the country.

Gov. Jim Pillen wants to raise awareness of the danger of radon gas poisoning and share the action Nebraskans can take to reduce risk of exposure to radon. Pillen signed a proclamation at the State Capitol earlier this month declaring January as Radon Action Month.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency and the Surgeon General's office say radon poisoning is the second leading cause of lung cancer, topped only by cigarette smoking.

Radon is a naturally occurring odorless and radioactive gas which can get trapped in homes and other buildings. Any home in any state, with or without a basement, new or old, can have high levels of radon. Radon levels are often the highest in basements and lower levels.

Testing is the only way to know if radon is present in homes and other buildings. There are two types of radon test kits, short-term kits that measure radon for 2-90 days giving quick results, or long-term kits that measure radon for more than 90 days and give an average level of radon gas year-round.

Contact the state radon office for testing or purchase a test kit in a hardware store or online. If the test results show that radon levels are above 4pCi/L, contact the state radon office at (402) 471-1005 to find a qualified or state-certified radon contractor in the area to address the problem. Lowering high radon levels requires technical knowledge and special skills so it is important to rely only on qualified professionals.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends the following steps to help lower radon levels:

• Increase the airflow in any area by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air. However, natural ventilation in any type of house is only a temporary strategy to reduce radon.

• Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk or other mate­rials designed for this purpose.

• Cover earth floors in crawl spaces with a high-density plastic sheet. A vent pipe and fan can be used to blow the radon from under the sheet and vent it to the outdoors.

Always test radon levels again after repairs or changes to make sure radon levels are reduced. For more information visit www.dhhs.ne.gov/pages/radon.aspx.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkdendall Wednesday to review an Emergency Disaster Declaration signed by Commission Chairman John Cavezagie on January 13.

The disaster declaration was declared due to the snow storm and high winds experienced in Richardson County beginning January 11. The declaration was forwarded to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.

Commissioners commended Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. and all of the Road and Bridge Department employees on completion of the difficult task they had removing snow from county rods while fighting sub-zero temperatures and high winds in the past week.

Commissioners continued to visit with Sheriff Rick Hardesty about preparations for terminating the dispatch services through Southeast Communication 911 at Beatrice at the end of July, and returning the dispatching for the Sheriff's Office to the Law Enforcement Center and what equipment and other items need to be completed before the current agreement expires.

Richardson County has received a check in an amount of $23,353 from EMC Insurance Companies and Miller LLC resulting from the good claim experience from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.

(KNZA)--A search committee has narrowed the field of candidates vying to be the 45th president of Highland Community College to three.

The College has announced the finalists include Dr. Vincent Bowhay, Dr. Tiffany Evans and Dr. Tom Havron.

Bowhay currently served as president of Independence Community College. He has held the position since 2021. Bowhay has more than a decade of experience in higher education and assessment consultation.

Evans currently serves as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Colby Community College. She has more than 30 years experience in higher education.

Havron currently serves as the Vice-President of Student Affairs at Fort Scott Community College. He has 18 years of higher education experience, all within Kansas community colleges.

Current HCC President Deborah Fox has announced her plans to retire at the end of the current academic year. She has served as HCC president since July 2019.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission is considering a proposed new position.

County Commission Chairman Rich Lehmkuhl said last week he would like to move forward with the hiring of a project or operations manager, who would oversee certain county operations like the road and bridge department and county landfill.

Lehmkuhl said he believes the position would be " a plus" for the county.

He said he had prepared a preliminary job description, and was seeking the input of his fellow commissioners.

Commissioner Lamer Shoemaker said he had no problem with the position but thought more research would be needed along with a detailed job description.

Commissioner Bill Pollock stated he was not in favor of the new position.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a proposal from Constructors Inc. of Lincoln for a number of street improvement projects to begin this summer when they met last week.

The total cost of the projects will be $760,900. Projects will include removal of the bricks on 14th Street between Harlan and Stone Street and replacing them with cement.

Asphalt overlays will occur o 14th Street from Crook to Stone Street.

An overlay is planned on 25th Street from Towle Street to Schoenheit and on Fulton from 14th to 18th Street.

In addition some patching is planned in other spots on Fulton Street.

The Council also approved a proposal from Farris Engineering for an Arc Flash Study, recommended by Director of Public Works Trevor Campbell and the Board of Public Works. Campbell said while the study is not a requirement, he considers it a priority to help protect city employees.

The cost for the study will be $21,600 and will include the power plant building and part of the electrical distribution system.

(MSC News)--More than $2.3 million will be awarded to 28 Kansas agencies to improve the criminal justice system and enhance support services for crime victims.

Among the recipients are several local area agencies, including nearly $125,000 for the Jackson County Sheriff's Office; two Leavenworth County agencies, including the Basehor Police Department receiving $37.5 thousand and the Brothers in Blue Reentry Program earns more than $96,000; and the Marysville Police Department, in Marshall County, receives $43,000.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, in a release announcing the financial awards, call the funds "investments" into the Kansas criminal justice system and crime victims service programs that she says will make communites safer as the "grants provide the funding necessary to strengthen crime prevention and crime victims services, address equipment and technology needs, and support mental health services.”

A total of $2,344,580 was awarded. The funding comes from the 2024 Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.

The Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council oversees the criminal justice federal funding made available to Kansas through the U.S. Department of Justice.

(KNZA)--Three area educators are among thirty-two Kansas educators being recognized for their outstanding teaching skills through the 2024 Kansas Horizon Award program.

The 2024 Kansas Horizon Award recipients were recently announced by the Kansas State Department of Education.

They include Atchison County Elementary School teacher Erica Harper, Jackson Heights High School teacher Sarah Cormier and Oskaloosa High School teacher Zachariah Harvey.

According to a release from the Kansas Department of Education, the educators will be honored at a special ceremony during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network State Education Conference on Feb. 23 in Topeka.

The release says the Kansas Horizon Award program, sponsored by KSDE, allows all school districts in the state to nominate one elementary and one secondary teacher for the award.

To be eligible for the award, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.

The program is a regional competition with four regions corresponding to the state's U.S. congressional districts. Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each region.

(KNZA)--A Troy woman has filed to retain the magistrate judge position she was appointed to last year.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State's office, Kelly Fuemmeler filed earlier this month on the Republican ticket for the magistrate judge position in the 22nd Judicial District.

The 22nd Judicial District includes Brown, Doniphan, Nemaha and Marshall Counties.

Fuemmeler was appointed to the position last February by Governor Kelly to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Laura Johnson-McNish.

Candidates have until noon, June 1st to file at the Secretary of State's Office.

The primary election will be held August 6th and the general election will take place November 5th.

(KMZA)--A private practice attorney from Marysville has been selected to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Clay County.

According to a release from the Kansas Judicial Branch, the 21st Judicial District Nominating Commission Thursday selected John McNish to fill a vacancy created by the death of former District Magistrate Judge William “ Bill” Malcom, who was killed in a car crash last October.

The 21st Judicial District is composed of Clay and Riley Counties.

McNish was among three nominees interviewed for the position. The other two nominees were Dan Brenner of Holton and Audrey Waid of Clay Center.

McNish currently works for his own firm Bolton & McNish LLC in Marysville. He has been a licensed attorney for 42 years.

He will serve one year in office and then stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, McNish will then serve a four-year term beginning in 2025. His current term starts effective immediately upon his swearing-in.

(KNZA)--Prior to the start of the new year, during the 2023 Christmas holiday break, United States Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) visited Brown County, taking time to stop at the KNZA Radio Studios for a visit with Owner/President Justin Fluke.
The conversation can be heard here.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Board of Education elected officers for 2024 when they met Wednesday evening.

Jason Vetrovsky was elected for another term at President of the Pawnee City School Board.

J. W. Vlcek was elected as Vice-President. Hope Koester was elected Secretary of the Board with Bobbi Haarhues being elected Board Treasurer.

Board committee members for 2024 were appointed and the Board approved a number of updated policies.

Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus reported to the Board that he has contacted Grunwald Mechanical about assessing what it could take to add air conditioning to the school gym and update the boiler / heating system.

In 2021 the Board considered using ESSER funds to complete such a project but the bids came in twice the estimated cost. Extreme inflation at the time and federal funding requirements to reduce the spread of Covid-19 are thought to be among the reasons the bids were so high at the time.

Without those federal funding requirements, the Superintendent is hopeful the Grunwald company may be able to develop a more economical approach. He also noted the current boiler for the gymnasium is 52 years old.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Aldermen met January 11.

The annual contract fee paid to the Rural Fire District in an amount of $35,343 was presented to Rural Fire District Board member Cliff Robbins. The Aldermen thanked Robbins for all the Rural Fire District does in the city.

The Board discussed information from the City Attorney regarding residential properties used as commercial. The Council agreed to follow the suggestions of the Attorney and declare the use of residential property as a commercial property not permittable. City Clerk Annissa Brandon will contact the City Attorney to discuss further action.

Police Chief John Panning reported the new body cameras would require additional equipment that was not stated in the initial quote. Council members agreed to send the new body cameras back and look at other options.

A bid from Waldinger Corporation for the annual Lift Station inspection was approved at a bid of $3,875. A bid to repair the high-pressure line at the Lift Station was also awarded to the Waldinger Corporation in an amount of $6,975.

The addition of a fence on the west side of the City Hall building in Mound City in the new wall project was approved at a cost of $5,244.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock Board of Education elected Keith Bohling as Board President, Mitch Neddenriep, Vice-President, Blayne Behrends as Board Secretary and Kelli Bohling as Board Treasurer when they met Wednesday evening.

The Board voted to extend the contract of Superintendent Jeffrey Koehler through the 2026-2027 contract year. Koehler current contract pays his $161,054 per year through the 2024-25 school year.

Board members also approved the 2022-23 financial audit conducted by Dana Cole.

(KMZA)--A Wamego man convicted in the Fentanyl-related overdose death of another Wamego man has been sentenced to more than a decade in prison.

According to the Pottawatomie County Attorney's Office, McKaine Farr was sentenced Thursday in Pottawatomie County District Court to 13 years and 9 months behind bars on a charge of distribution of a controlled substance, causing death.

A Pottawatomie County jury found him guilty of the felony offense last month.

The charge stems from the overdose death of Jayson Ebert in September 2021.

Farr is also awaiting a separate trial in March for another Fentanyl-related overdose death at a Manhattan hotel last March.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Tuesday evening approved the appointment of a slate of seven candidates to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Appointed to four-year terms on the board were Jill Sprick, Chris Diller, Jeff Moore and Marla Olson.

Appointed to three-year terms on the board were Brooklyn Schuetz, Ryan Olson and Alex Wang.

They were among nine candidates who had expressed an interest in serving on the board.

The Commission adopted an ordinance last November establishing the advisory board.

The board will make recommendations to the city commission via the Parks and Recreation Director regarding the goals, policies, capital projects and initiatives of the Parks and Recreation Department.

(KAIR)--A Horton man, already serving a prison sentence for child sex-related crimes, has received an additional sentence of more than 40-years, arising out of similar crimes committed in Atchison County.

35-year-old Shandon Hoobler learned his fate in Atchison County District Court Tuesday, when the judge sentenced him to prison for 41.7 years for the crimes of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated sexual battery.
Along with the prison sentence, Hoobler was ordered to a lifetime registration as a sexual offender.

He is not expected to be eligible for parole until he is 80-years-old.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, the case, which led to Tuesday's sentence, was first reported to the Atchison County Sheriff's Office in 2021. The resulting investigation revealed that Hoobler was already serving a Brown County prison sentence for electronic solicitation and sexual exploitation of a child.
Hoobler was arrested on the new charges.

In December of last year, Hoobler, in Atchison County District Court, entered a guilty plea to the charges, leading to this week's sentence.

(KLZA)-- The annual meeting of Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Inc. was held Wednesday evening at the Elk's Lodge in Falls City.

During the meeting Hy-Vee Incorporated's Dollar Fresh Market was honored as EDGE's 15th Investor of the Year.

The membership re- elected Dr. Steve Severin to a 3-year term as a General Director and Samantha Scheitel to a two-year term as a General Director.

EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl announced the late Roger Kiekhaefer and the late Don Coupe are the newest members named to the Wall of Fame.

Falls City Public School Superintendent and EDGE Director Tim Heckenlively informed the audience of a partnership between the school district and Southeast Community College for an impending career pathways program available to all Richardson County High School students.

The Annual EDGE report to members revealed that J-Six Enterprises, a family owned company headquartered in Seneca, Kansas, with more than 550 employees has purchased the former Ames Company building on the south edge of Falls City.

John and Janie Kramer founded J-Six Enterprises in 1972. Fairview Mills and KC Treats are divisions of the company that operates in the agriculture, trucking, manufacturing, distribution and milling industries throughout Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska.

The specific operations at the Falls City facility are to be determined.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members discussed a draft agreement for the City to dispatch both emergency and non-emergency calls for Richardson County when they meet Tuesday evening.

Richardson County has notified Southeast Nebraska 911 in Beatrice that they will not renew a dispatch agreement with the organization to dispatch 911 calls when the current contract expires July 31.

The draft of the agreement was proposed to automatically renew annually, unless either Richardson County or the City gives notice to terminate the agreement with 180 days notice required before the termination date.

Council member Don Ferguson said he felt the agreement should be five years in length. Ferguson said the longer agreement would lend to stability due to the possibility of a change in City Council members or County Board members due to elections.

The Council voted to send the agreement back to City Attorney Mike Dunn and have it amended to be a five year term, followed by annual renewals. The vote was 7-0 with Council member Joe Buckminster absent.

Once the agreement is amended, it will be presented to the Richardson County Commissioners for their approval.

If the agreement is approved by both parties, the City would hire two additional dispatchers to give them a total of eight, so there would be dual dispatching capabilities. Richardson County would pay the cost of the training of the new dispatchers, estimated to be $63,900.

If the agreement moves forward, the city and county would split the cost of dispatching in the future.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum said he feels the combined dispatch is a win-win situation for Falls City and Richardson County and the citizens.

An Advisory Committee would be formed that would include one representative for each entity served by the Falls City 911 Center.

Based on last years city budget, Nussbaum estimated that with the additional two dispatcher salaries, the annual budget would be around $446,500 which would be split between the city and county, coming to around $224,000 each.

It was noted that getting an agreement finalized as soon as possible is important with the need to hire two new dispatchers. It requires approximately six months of training for a new dispatcher to become 911 certified.

(KNZA)--An elderly Meriden woman was injured early Wednesday evening in a three-vehicle Jefferson County crash, south of Meriden.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 48-year-old Travis Hansen, of Meriden, was southbound on K-4 Highway, north of 62nd Street, when he struck the rear of an eastbound pickup truck driven by 32-year-old Vincent Smull, of Meriden. The impact pushed the pickup into the northbound lane where it was struck by a car driven by 82-year-old Vanita Hunt.

Hunt was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital for the treatment of a suspected serious injury.

Smull and Hansen were not hurt.

The Patrol says all three drivers were wearing seat belts when the wreck occurred shortly after 6:00 Wednesday evening.

(KNZA)--Brown County Commission Chairman Richard Lehmkuhl provided details during Tuesday's County Commission meeting on efforts to reopen county roads and rescue those stranded in their vehicles following this past weekend's winter storm.

Lehmkhul said a disaster declaration was issued over the weekend to allow for the county to receive state assistance. “ We got to a situation where he had life or death out there. We had people trapped who we did not know that spent the night in 24 and below zero temperature in their vehicle all night and we couldn't get to them—so we had a declaration put in place to get more help”

He said it took several hours to get everyone there because of equipment issues due to the below zero temperatures.

Lehmkuhl said no one ended up being seriously hurt, but they did have four individuals trapped in their vehicles almost all night due to the snow.

He said one of the main obstacles roads crews faced in clearing roads was from abandoned vehicles in the roadways.

Lehmkuhl thanked everyone who helped in getting the county's roads reopened and in the rescue efforts...including a farmer who used his tractor to save two men who had no vehicle heat.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has organized for the new year.

During their annual organizational meeting last week, 1st District Commissioner Ben Glace was appointed as chairman for 2024. He replaces Jason Koch, who served as chairman last year.

3rd District Commissioner Dylan Keim was appointed as co-chairman for 2024.

At the request of County Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine, the commission approved a disaster declaration resolution due to the winter storms, which allows the county to request state resources if needed.

Aldrine informed the Commission the county was not awarded a grant for a new tornado siren to be located at the Sabetha Lake. The county will no longer be pursuing the grant.

In other business, the Commission signed an agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for the replacement of a bridge on O Road. State funding will pay for 90 percent of the project cost, with the county providing a 10 percent match.

(KLZA)-- An Ohio woman was hospitalized following a two-vehicle wreck shortly after 12, Wednesday morning on Interstate 29, 10 miles north of Rock Port.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that a semi-truck in the southbound lane of I-29 struck the rear of a mini van, causing it to skid and slide off the west side of the highway.

The driver of the mini van, 44-year-old Christal Bobbitt of Maple Heights, Ohio was transported by the Hamburg, Iowa, Ambulance to the Grape Memorial Hospital in Hamburg with what were described as minor injuries. Her mini van was totaled in the wreck.

The truck driver, 27-year-old Nogivenname Rajpal of Sacramento, California was not injured.

(KAIR)--The investigation into a reported disturbance at an Atchison parking lot led to the arrest of a Kansas City, Missouri man who now faces weapon and drug-related charges.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says 43-year-old Shalamar Allen was arrested shortly after 11:00 Tuesday night on charges for criminal possession of a weapon and possession of marijuana.

According to Wilson, Allen's arrest came after police were called to a parking lot in the 400 block of U.S. Highway 59 following the report of a disturbance.
The investigation at the scene led to the discovery of marijuana and a handgun, both allegedly found on Allen's person, and he was arrested.
Wilson says the arrest was made "based on [Allen's] criminal history of being a convicted felon."

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

(KAIR)--A woman, who apparently fell into snow after exiting her SUV, was found Wednesday morning lying in snow, near the vehicle that had slid off a Jefferson County road.

WIBW-TV reports the 51-year-old woman was transported for treatment at a Topeka hospital, after receiving treatment at the scene by Jefferson County EMS.

It remains unclear how long the woman had been lying outside in the frigid conditions.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig told the TV station it appears the woman had been driving westbound on N.E. 27th, just west of Detlor Road, when it ran off the snowpacked roadway and into a ditch.

The woman, whose name is not made public, was reportedly suffering from exposure to the cold at the time she was discovered around 7:45 Wednesday morning.

(KNZA)--The state is assisting Brown County in opening roads after a state of emergency was declared by the county.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant provided an update on the road situation Sunday afternoon

Merchant said the crews are out in force trying to open roads blocked by drifting snow.

He said some are having equipment issues due to the below zero temperatures, but everyone is working together to get roads opened as quickly and safely as possible.

Merchant said one of the main obstacles the road crews are facing are abandoned vehicles in the roadways.

"It has taken them many hours to either work around them or move them so the plows can continue. A few of these were folks that had to be out, however--most were people who should have stayed home and this is causing a lot of down time."

Merchant said several medical emergencies have been avoided due to the road crews responding without question to those in need. He said the worst reported issue so far has been potential frostbite from people stranded in their vehicle.

"We have been very fortunate so far, and very blessed to have the caliber of road crews, emergency responders, county employees and citizens who have helped when needed to make the best of a bad situation.", said Merchant.

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's proposal to expand Medicaid to 150,000 additional Kansans was introduced into both chambers of the Kansas legislature Wednesday.

Kelly then called for hearings on the bill in both chambers by Kansas Day, which is commemorated annually on January 29.

The bill, known as the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act, was introduced in the House Appropriations Committee by Representative Vic Miller and in the Senate Ways and Means Committee by Senator Pat Pettey.

Miller, who serves as House Minority Leader, in a news release from Kelly's office, said "Medicaid expansion is not only popular, but it saves lives, creates jobs, and saves our rural hospitals," with Pettey, in the release, saying he introduced the act because " by expanding Medicaid to 150,000 additional Kansans, we can support our hospitals, grow our nurses and doctors, and provide relief for Kansans shouldering the burden of rising healthcare costs.”

The release notes that Republican legislators joined in calling for a hearing on the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act by Kansas Day.

(KAIR)--Boil Water Advisories, issued last weekend for two local area communities, have been lifted.

That happened Wednesday, with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a release, saying the advisories affecting Muscotah, in Atchison County, and Winchester, in Jefferson County, are both rescinded.

The Boil Water Advisory for the City of Winchester's public water supply was issued Saturday by KDHE because of an equipment malfunction resulting in a loss of pressure in the system.

The advisory for the City of Muscotah's public water supply was issued Sunday because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system, with KDHE explaining that failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination. 

According to a release from KDHE Wednesday, the advisories were lifted because laboratory testing samples collected from both cities indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the systems at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

(KLZA)-- Conditions including heavy snowfall, bitter cold temperatures and subzero wind chills have created issues that have left many county roads in Pawnee and Johnson counties impassable according to a joint statement from the Johnson and Pawnee County Commissioners.

The subzero temperatures are contributing to equipment breakdowns as crews attempt to clear roads.

Saturday, January 13 the Johnson County Commissioners submitted a disaster declaration to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and Pawnee County Commissioners did the same on Sunday, January 14.

The needs of the counties will be assessed and the request for any additional resources that may be needed will be made to the State of Nebraska to assist in opening critical transportation routes.

Commissioners thanked the residents of the two counties for their patience and understanding as crews work through multiple challenges to reopen the roads.

Any ag producers or residents that are in need of immediate or emergency assistance due to the storms are encouraged to contact the Johnson and Pawnee County Emergency Management Agency. Ag producers may also contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 1-800-831-0550 for additional assistance.

Commissioners from both counties have expressed their thanks to the crews who have been working tirelessly to get the roads open again. They also thanked the families of the crews for their support during the long days.

(KLZA)-- WOW television in Omaha reports that James Cherry, who was on trial for one count of first-degree sexual assault and three counts of third-degree sexual assault tied to a reported incident in October 2022 has been found not guilty on all but one charge in Johnson County District Court.

Johnson County District Court Judge Rick Schreiner dismissed one of the third-degree counts after the jury could not come to a decision. Cherry could be retried on that count should the state wish to pursue it.

Cherry was accused by a female co-worker, with a lower rank at the Tecumseh State Correctional Institute of sexual assault.

(KLZA)-- Teresa Olberding was elected President of the Falls City Board of Education when the Board met Monday evening. Dan Jones was elected as Vice President for 2024.

The Board voted to approve the retirement resignation of High School Social Studies teacher Lee Kurpgeweit who has taught in District 56 for 35 years.

The Master Teacher Contract for 2024-25 was approved and the Board authorized Superintendent Tim Heckenlively to renew a $527,878 CD at Frontier Bank at an interest rate of 5.1% for a 12-month period.

Superintendent Heckenlively reported that the Falls City Public School Early Childhood Expansion Initiative was shared with representatives of the Scott Foundation in December. The total cost estimate of the project from the Lund Company is $5,040,124.

The next step is the funding the project proposal to be submitted to the Scott Foundation Board of Directors prior to their May, 2024 meeting.

The Falls City School District will be considering the feasibility of the project over the coming months.

(KLZA)-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency in Nebraska is reminding the state- producers who suffered impacts due to recent severe winter weather of programs that may be available for assistance.

Agricultural producers are encouraged to contact the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center to learn about programs and how to apply for assistance, including understanding needed documentation, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses.

Producers who experience livestock deaths due to the winter storms may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program.

The Emergency Conservation Program can assist landowners and livestock producers with financial and technical assistance to restore damaged fence lines and remove snow from feed stocks, water supplies, and feeding areas. ECP implementation begins at the local level when conditions meet program requirements and the FSA County Committee requests, and is approved for, implementation.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County traffic stop leads to the arrest of a Kansas City, Kansas man on drug possession charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in release, said deputies stopped a vehicle around 8:30 Monday morning near 126th Road and U.S. Hwy 75 for for a traffic infraction.

During the stop, Morse said a deputy allegedly observed drug paraphernalia in plain view. Deputies discovered more drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine in the vehicle.

The driver, 50-year-old Jose Conejo, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.

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

(KLZA)-- Conditions including heavy snowfall, bitter cold temperatures and subzero wind chills have created issues that have left many county roads in Pawnee and Johnson counties impassable according to a joint statement from the Johnson and Pawnee County Commissioners.

The subzero temperatures are contributing to equipment breakdowns as crews attempt to clear roads.

Saturday, January 13 the Johnson County Commissioners submitted a disaster declaration to the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and Pawnee County Commissioners did the same on Sunday, January 14.

The needs of the counties will be assessed and the request for any additional resources that may be needed will be made to the State of Nebraska to assist in opening critical transportation routes.

Commissioners thanked the residents of the two counties for their patience and understanding as crews work through multiple challenges to reopen the roads.

Any ag producers or residents that are in need of immediate or emergency assistance due to the storms are encouraged to contact the Johnson and Pawnee County Emergency Management Agency. Ag producers may also contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 1-800-831-0550 for additional assistance.

Commissioners from both counties have expressed their thanks to the crews who have been working tirelessly to get the roads open again. They also thanked the families of the crews for their support during the long days.

(KNZA)--A Tuesday morning Brown County house fire northeast of Morrill led to hospital treatment for two residents, and for the Brown County Sheriff to put out the call seeking assistance for the displaced family who lost everything, including their life saving dog.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the fire was reported around 7:30 Tuesday morning northeast of Morrill, at 668 300th Road , with two people reported to be inside the home. However, with assistance, those two residents, Henry and Carolyn Allen, were able to escape the home, and were transported to Sabetha Community Hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The release says that Carolyn Allen, after her escape, said the family dog alerted them to the fire, attributing the dog's actions to what saved their lives. The dog, Merchant says, died in the fire.

The fire, which led to the house being declared a total loss, was battled in the frigid morning temperatures.

Now, Merchant is working to gain community assitance for the family, which he says lost all of their possessions, including their vehicle which had been parked next to the house when it caught fire.

He says monetary donations, or gift cards, are preferred, and are being accepted at his office, located at 709 Utah Street, in Hiawatha. Donations can also be arranged by calling 785-742-7125 or 785-284-1518.

Clothing will also be accepted, with men's large shirts, 40x30 pants, and 9-and-a-half sized shoes needed. Women's clothing, including medium shirts and pants, along with size 6 and-a-half shoes, is also needed.

Merchant calls the community support for the family "a start to helping them rebuild their lives."

A GoFundMe has also been started for the family. It can be found here.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners will discuss whether to pass an Emergency Disaster Declaration when they meet Wednesday morning at the Courthouse in Falls City.

The declaration would be due to the January 11, snowstorm and high winds causing damage to public and private property, disrupting service and endangering the health and safety of the citizens of Richardson County and all cities and villages within Richardson County.

As of Tuesday morning, Richardson County Road Department crews were still working on clearing county roads of drifts. The snow and high winds have made clearing roads over much of Southeast Nebraska extremely difficult and time consuming.

Commissioners will receive an update during the meeting on storm damage and snow removal as well as using private contractors for assistance with snow removal from county roads.

The pictures posted with this story are from an area Northeast of Falls City near the Aarago Church, provided by Richardson County Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr.

(KAIR)--Icy conditions on a steep Atchison Street, in the Branchton area, is blamed for sending an SUV into the oncoming traffic of U.S. Highway 59 Tuesday morning.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it was around 7:30 in the morning when 46-year-old St. Joseph, Missouri resident Kristie Atkisson was attempting to leave the Atchison neighborhood, northbound on Ann Street, when the icy road conditions made it impossible for her Subaru SUV to stop. The vehicle slid through the stop sign at the intersection with the highway, causing the SUV to collide with a Ford truck that had been eastbound on the highway.

The driver of the truck, identified as 24-year-old Atchison resident Hunter Wahwahsuck, was transported from the scene by Atchison County EMS, and taken to Amberwell Atchison for examination.

Atkisson was not hurt.

(KNZA)--Two area residents are among three nominees to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in the 21st Judicial District, composed of Clay and Riley Counties.

The 21st Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene Thursday morning at the Clay County Courthouse in Clay Center to interview the nominees, which include Dan Brenner of Holton, John McNish of Marysville and Audrey Waid of Clay Center.

Brenner is a Jackson County Commissioner and owner of Diamonds by Design.

McNish is a lawyer and owns a private practice in Marysville.

Waid is the executive director of the Clay County Child Care Center and formerly practiced law.

A magistrate judge doesn't have to be a practicing attorney but must be able to pass an examination to become certified within 18 months.

The individual selected by the nominating commission will fill a vacancy created by the death of former 21st Judicial District Magistrate Judge William " Bill" Malcom, who was killed in a car crash last October.

(KNZA)--The Board of Education for Atchison County Schools has organized for the new year.

That came when the USD 377 board meet last week.

Lori Lanter was re-elected as board president for 2024. Cory Neill was elected as vice-president.

Two new members--Tabitha McRae and Wade Madden--took their seats on the board after being sworn-in.

Also sworn-in for additional four-year terms were board members James Cormode and Greg Smith.

All four won election last November.

(KNZA)--A one-vehicle Monday afternoon Jackson County wreck sent one person to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 39-year-old Leah Sitlington, of Kansas City, Kansas, was southound on U.S. 75 Highway, at the south end of Holton, when she lost control of her car and struck a metal utility pole.

A passenger, 33-year-old Kansas City resident Ashley Currant, was transported to the Holton Community Hospital for treatment of suspected minor injuries.

Sitlington was not hurt.

The Patrol says both women were buckled up when the wreck occurred around 4:00 Monday afternoon.

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

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened around 9:30 at the intersection of U.S. 36 and U.S. 75 Highways, just west of the U.S. 75 off-ramp, near Fairview.

According to the Patrol report, a semi truck was westbound on U.S. 36 when an eastbound pickup truck driven by 71-year-old Lyle Broxterman, of Fairview, struck the oversized load that was in the eastbound lane. After impact, the pickup struck a SUV.

Broxterman was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the SUV, 28-year-old Jada Quarles, of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, was transported to Hiawatha's Amberwell Health for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

The semi driver, 49-year-old Carlo Rea, of Thermopolis, Wyoming, was not hurt.

The Patrol says all three drivers were wearing seat belts when the wreck occurred.

(KLZA)-- The USDA County Service Centers are now accepting applications for the Nemaha Natural Resources District's Soil & Water Conservation Program.

Eligible activities through the program include: establishing cool or warm season grasses on cropland; establishing trees and or shrubs; installing or renovating terraces, grassed waterways, or underground outlets on cropland; Developing a planned grazing system, including cross fencing, livestock tanks,wells and or pipelines on pastureland; Grade stabilization structures with less than 5 feet of drop and no permanent pool.

Up to $8,000 is available per landowner in cost share funds. The sign-up period continues through April 15. Highest priority is given to work that can be completed between July 1 and October 1.

For more information stop by your local USDA service center's Natural Resources Conservation Service to discuss the specifics of the program.

(KNZA)---The Doniphan County Commission held a special meeting Friday afternoon to formulate a plan for emergency snow removal on county roadways.

During the short meeting, the commission voted to increase the rate for contractors providing emergency snow removal and to allow road foreman, at their discretion, to hire contractors to assist the county Road Department with opening roadways.

The contractors rate for emergency snow removal was increased from $215 an hour up to $225 an hour based on size of equipment.

County crews were having a hard time Friday keeping road opens due to blowing snow fanned by strong northerly winds.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued boil water advisories for the City of Muscotah public water supply system located in Atchison County, and the city of Winchester public water supply system located in Jefferson County.

The advisory for the city of Muscotah was issued Sunday because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system, and the advisory for the city of Winchester was issued Saturday because of an equipment malfunction resulting in a loss of pressure. KDHE says failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

The health agency says customers should boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

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

(KLZA)-- Omaha Public Power District is proactively asking their customers in Southeast Nebraska, to conserve energy for the next several days to help keep our systems and your homes and businesses safe and energized.

The request is made due to the dangerously cold temperatures that continue throughout the OPPD service territory.

As of this time, regional transmission organization, Southwest Power Pool, has not called upon member utilities in 14 states to curtail energy usage.

Taking these three easy steps not only benefits our customers, but our neighbors, during the ongoing deep chill:

1. Lower your thermostat by two to four degrees below your normal temperature.

   2. Avoid using appliances like your washer or dryer or dishwasher, especially during the peak usage times of 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m.

2. 3.Prepare for the potential of power outages related to weather or other causes over the next several days by ensuring you have supplies like flashlights, warm clothes and blankets handy. Charge electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones.

Be sure to report unplanned outages via our OPPDConnect app, at OPPD.com, or by calling 1-800-554-OPPD (6773), so that we are aware and can respond as quickly as safely possible.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man has been sentenced to 9 1/2 years in prison for the aggravated sexual battery of a Lawrence woman he met on a dating app.

According to a release from the Douglas County District Attorney's Office, 21-year-old Alex Skidmore was handed the sentence Friday in Douglas County District Court.

The release said Skidmore was also sentenced to lifetime post-release supervision and is required to register as a sex offender for 25 years.

He pleaded no contest to the charge in November.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred on June 16, 2022 when a 21-year-old woman reported to Lawrence police that Skidmore sexually assaulted her in her bedroom.

The case was investigated by Lawrence Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission has organized for the new year, with no changes made to the leadership of the Commission Board for 2024.

The action came Monday, during the Commission's regular weekly meeting.

1st District Commissioner Dr. Allen Reavis made the motion, backed by Noll, to re-elect 3rd District Commissioner Casey Quinn to the role of Commission Chair, which resulted in Quinn retaining the seat of leadership.

Reavis then moved for Noll to remain in place as Vice-Chair for the new year, with that motion approved, putting in place the Atchison County leadership for 2024.

Once choosing leadership was completed, the Commission then went work making other, annual organizational decisions for the new year.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Muscotah public water supply system located in Atchison County.

The advisory was issued Sunday because of a line break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. KDHE says failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(KNZA)--A Friday night Jackson County traffic stop led to the arrest of a Harveyville man on multiple charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Mustang around 10:30 near 150th and Q.4 Roads for a traffic infraction.

Morse said the deputy observed what was believed to be drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, where suspected methamphetamine, multiple items of drug paraphernalia, a hallucinogenic drug and open containers of alcohol were located.

The driver, 57-year-old Bruce Bowers, was arrested for possession of meth, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, 3rd offense driving under the influence, transporting an open container, driving without a license and improper driving.

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

(KNZA)--Two new members joined the South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education when they meet last week.

Board President Jason Selland welcomed new board members Jim Becker and Jon Boller, who were elected last November.

The Board approved the appointment of Boller to the Interlocal 615 Special Education Board.

Becker and Board member Shelby Rice were appointed to the board's buildings and grounds committee for 2024.

Board officers will be elected in July.

The board approved guidelines and an application form for use of the district's Charger logo. The district logo was created in 2019 by Nathan Issacs and is currently trademarked.

The Board also accepted the resignation of 4th Grade teacher Josie Santos, effective at the end of the current school year, and Horton High School office para Ginger Smith as of January 4th.

Editor's note: Brown County Sheriff John Merchant provided an update on the road situation in the county Sunday afternoon.

The crews are out in force trying to open roads blocked by drifting snow. Some are having equipment issues due to the below zero temperatures, but everyone is working together to get roads opened as quickly and safely as possible.

One of the main obstacles the road crews are facing are abandoned vehicles in
the roadways. It has taken them many hours to either work around them or move them so the plows can continue.

A few of these were folks that had to be out, however--most were people who should have stayed home and this is causing a lot of down time.

Several medical emergencies have been avoided due to the road crews responding without question to those in need. The worst reported issue so far has been potential frostbite from people stranded in their vehicle.

A State of Emergency has been declared by the county and the state is assisting with opening roads in the county.

"We have been very fortunate so far, and very blessed to have the caliber of road crews, emergency responders, county employees and citizens who have helped when needed to make the best of a bad situation."

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

The advisory was issued Saturday because of an equipment malfunction resulting in a loss of pressure. KDHE says failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Road Department, like several others in the area, are pulling machinery off the county roads.

As soon as an area is cleared, a release says the blowing snow is drifting the area right back shut.

The Road Department plans to begin clearing roads Saturday morning, if the weather allows.

Any resident that lives out in the county that has an emergency is asked to call 9 1 1 and dispatchers will contact the Road Department so they can assist in clearing a road for emergency service vehicles.

(KLZA)_-- First District Nebraska State Senator Julie Slama addressed the issue of land ownership by foreign adversaries and future initiatives to address the concern in her weekly update released Thursday.

There are now more than 791,000 acres of foreign-owned land in Nebraska, representing a large portion of the state's farm and ranch property. The Senator says this raises concerns about he use and control of our agricultural lands, thereby threatening food security.

Part of the increase in foreign-owned land is attributed to land leased for wind energy by companies with some foreign ownership. Slama calls the influence of foreign entities, especially those from adversarial nations such as China, Iran, and Russia, a concern.

She says those concerns are about the identities and intentions of the owners.

Senator Slama says she is dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of our agricultural lands in a manner consistent with the welfare of Nebraska and the United States. She is expecting new bills this legislative session targeted at preserving Nebraska's agricultural land, calling it urgent that we fortify our defenses against foreign influence and maintain the security of Nebraska and the nation.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty updated County Commissioners on plans being made to have dispatching services discontinued with the Southeast Communication 911 Dispatch at Beatrice as of July 31, 2024 during Wednesday's Board meeting.

The Sheriff also reported there are currently 21 inmates being held in the Jail.

Commissioners also approved the annual report of the Noxious Weed Control Plan program for the County presented by Noxious Weed Superintendent Brian Kirkendall. The report will now be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Protection.

Andrea Mitchell had scheduled an appointment to meet with the Board to discuss concerns she has with matters at the Richardson County Jail but did not appear for the appointment.

The Board also approved a resolution setting the mileage reimbursement for county officials and employees at 67-cents per mile for 2024.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education elected new leadership and welcomed two new members when they met Monday evening.

The meeting was held via Zoom due the inclement weather.

Amy Sudbeck was elected as board president and Cara Baker as vice-president

It marked the first meeting for new board members Kris Anderson and Troy Jost, who were elected in November

In other business, the board approved for publication a notice of a vacancy on the board.

The vacancy was created by the resignation of Amy Huerter, who represented board member district #3. The board accepted Huerter's resignation last month.

The board will appoint someone to fill her position. Applicants for the position should notify the board office by February 7th. Applicants must reside in member district #3.

The board also approved the purchase of a used bus from Midwest Bus Sales for $67,500.

(KNZA)--Three new members joined the Hiawatha School Board when they held their first meeting of 2024 Wednesday evening.

The meeting was moved from Monday due to the inclement weather.

Board President Ian Schuetz welcomed new board members Mitch Brown, Griff Howard and Ryan Patton, who were elected last November.

Following discussion, the board on a 6-1 vote approve a resolution to move the board officer elections to the June board meeting as has been the practice. Board member Jim Robidoux cast the lone dissenting vote.

Hiawatha Police Chief Micky Gruber appeared before the board to provide an update on the school resource officer grant awarded in 2020. Officer Brandon Lowe, who serves in the role, was also on hand for the discussion.

The grant paid for 75 percent of the salary and benefits of the officer for a three year period, and requires that the position be maintained for a fourth year.

Beginning April 1st, Gruber said the position will be 100 locally funded, with the school district responsible for 70 percent of the cost and police department 30 percent.

He said a decision will have to be made whether to continue the position beyond next year.

Schuetz said he feels having a school resource officer has been very beneficial for the district and would like to pursue continuing the position beyond 2025.

Also High School Principal Lori Fordyce reviewed new graduation requirements that will take effect with the class of 2028 .

Fordyce said the new requirements, approved by the state Board of Education, will require changes to what students are taking in the classroom.

The new requirements are designed to better prepare students for higher education or the workforce.

(KLZA)-- A 10-year sports cooperative will come to an end at the completion of the 2023-24 school year.

The Mound City Board of Education has voted to end the Missouri State High School Activities Association cooperative between Mound City and Craig at the end of the current school year.

The co-op started during the 2014-15 school year.

The past several years the number of students from the Craig School participating in athletics as part of the co-op has declined significantly.

(KNZA)--A longtime member of Brown County law enforcement has retired, with the Brown County Sheriff's Office, at the end of last month, recognizing Randy Linck's more than 40-years of service.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, Linck holds "the distinct honor of being the longest serving law enforcement officer in county history, as well as one of the longest employees of Brown County."

Linck, the release notes, began his law enforcement career as a Reserve Deputy and has held the ranks of Deputy, Investigator and Undersheriff throughout the years, as well as serving on the Brown County Rescue Squad as an EMT-I, implemented and maintained the Offender Registry since its inception in 1993, served as Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, and was devoted to his work with CINC cases -always, the release says, "making the safety and protection of children a priority."

Merchant says Linck, during his December 29 recognition, was presented with a Henry .22 rifle with a customized serial number reflecting his service years, as well as a leather jacket and other tokens of appreciation given by the Sheriff's Office, co-workers, family and friends.

Merchant, in the release, says his Office wishes Linck "a long and healthy retirement," while thanking him "for all of the sacrifices he has made throughout the years."

(KAIR)--Changes are made to the schedule of Atchison's commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ceremonies are planned for Monday, the national day of recognition for the slain Civil Rights leader.

The remembrance service, which begins at 12 noon Monday at the Atchison United Methodist Church, will be held as planned, followed by a march, held to reflect those once undertaken by Dr. King. Those attending will walk from the church, located at 5th and Kansas Avenue, down 5th Street to Commercial Street, and to the location of the George Johnson Memorial. Johnson was lynched in Atchison in 1870.
Those who plan to attend the march, scheduled around 1:00 Monday afternoon, are reminded to dress warmly, with a high of only around 2 degrees expected for the day.

Among the special guests set to attend Monday's ceremonies is Jermaine Wilson, a City Commissioner for the City of Leavenworth, where he formerly served as Mayor, a role he gained after living a criminal lifestyle in his youth.

However, another special guest, Darryl Burton, who spent 24-years in prison, but was exonerated in 2008 when his innocence was proven, will not attend, leaving his book reading and reception postponed. However, work is underway to reschedule Burton's visit to Atchison.

The public is invited to attend Monday's ceremonies.

(KAIR)--January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with the national awareness day held January 11.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is joining the effort, working to spread word of the month, which is dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking and educating individuals on how to stop this crime.

A release from MoDot explains that the transportation agency is involved through its "Put the Brakes on Human Trafficking" campaign because Missouri is a transportation hub for the United States, with large amounts of freight moving across the state- highways every day. Common places like rest stops, gas stations, convenient stores and hotels are prime spots for the practice of human trafficking. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were 240 human trafficking cases reported in Missouri in 2021, involving 327 victims. Nationally, these numbers jump to over 10,000 cases involving over 16,000 victims.

In 2018, MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna signed the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking pledge, joining efforts with other transportation leaders across the country, with a commitment to providing what the release calls "specialized training to employees on how to identify the common indicators of human trafficking and what to do when trafficking is suspected in Missouri."

Some warning signs of a potential trafficking situation are outlined in the release, which says such signs include indications of physical abuse, signs of branding tattoos, not in possession of their money or identification, body language indicating they don’t want to be there or seem uncomfortable, lack of eye contact with anyone except their trafficker, or not allowed to speak for self.

If you suspect someone is being forced to engage in any activity from which they can’t leave—whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work or other activity—call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733). Information is available online at humantraffickinghotline.org. Please save the National Human Trafficking Hotline number as a contact in your cellphone: 1-888-373-7888. If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

(KAIR)--An early Wednesday afternoon one-vehicle Leavenworth County crash claimed the life of a New Jersey man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports 24-year-old Damian Osborne was westbound on Interstate-70, just west of the Tonganoxie exit, when his car left the roadway for an unknown reason and struck a highway sign pillar.

Osborne, of West Orange, New Jersey, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Patrol says he was not wearing a seat belt when the wreck occurred shortly after 12:30 Wednesday afternoon.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has organized for the new year.

During their annual organizational meeting Monday, 2nd District Commissioner Wayne Grable was re-appointed as board chairman for 2024 on a 2-1 vote. Commissioner Timothy Collins cast the lone dissenting vote.

Collins was re-appointed as vice-chairman.

Commissioners also voted to re-appoint Jim Norris as noxious weed director, Sheryl Pierce as Health Department/Home Health Administrator and Dr. Bradley Gaul as county health officer for 2024.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Public Service Commission has re-elected District 1 Commissioner Dan Watermeier of Syracuse as Chair for 2024.

Commissioner Watermeier was selected during the Commission's Tuesday meeting in Lincoln.

Watermeier was elected to the Commission in 2018, for a six-year term. He represents eight counties in Southeast Nebraska.

Fourth District Commissioner Eric Kamler of Geneva was elected Vice-Chair.

Kamler was elected in 2022 for a six-year term. The fourth district encompasses 31 counties and includes all
of northeast Nebraska.

The Commission leadership positions are elected on an annual basis.

(KNZA)--Hospital transport followed a single vehicle, Sumner County, Kansas roll-over crash involving a Hiawatha resident.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, in a report, says 38-year-old Anthony Juliano was southbound, in the right lane of I-35, when he lost control of his Nissan Altima, sending the car colliding with a guardrail before entering the west ditch, which caused the car to roll over.

Juliano, who was buckled up, suffered what the KHP identifies as a possible injury, as he complained of pain, and was transported for examination at Via Christi Hospital.

The wreck happened shortly before 10:30 Monday night.

(KLZA)-- Two Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer Middle School students had their art selected to be featured in the Department of Environment & Energy “Don't Waste It” calendar competition.

Chloe Shupp whose entry was put in last school year when she was in the 8th grade and Kassi Kanel, a 7th grader had their art work selected from among 450 other students who submitted entries from across the state.

Kassi Kanel's work will be featured in the July 2024 month. She was able to attend the awards ceremony and receive her award from Governor Jim Pillen.

Chloe Shupps entry will be featured for the month of November.

Both students are being taught by HTRS Art Teacher Sharon Joyner.

In addition to the certificate and having their work published and distributed statewide, each student received a new Wooden Box Artist Set.

(KNZA)---The Brown County Commission has organized for the new year.

During their annual organizational meeting Monday, the Commission approved a resolution appointing 1st District Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl as board chairman for 2024. He replaces Bill Pollock who served a chairman for 2023.

The Commission approved a resolution designating The Hiawatha World as the official county newspaper for 2024. That came after the Commission accepted the low bid submitted by the newspaper for the publication of legal notices in the amount of $2.25 a column inch. The Horton Headlight, which served as the official county newspaper last year, had submitted a bid for $2.75 a column inch.

The Commission also approved a resolution designating the Citizens State Bank and Trust Company, Morrill and Janes State Bank—a division of Bank of Blue Valley—and GN Bank as the official 2024 Brown County banks for checking and investments.

In other business, the board approved a contract with BG Consultants to provide preliminary engineering services for a rehabilitation project on 270th Road from the U.S. 75 interchange to Coyote Road in the amount of $25,000. The county has been awarded a grant to help fund the project. Bid letting for the project is to take place this year, with actually construction slated for 2025.

The Commission also approved seeking bids for the repair of a bridge located near the intersection of Nighthawk and 220th Roads.

Update at 2 PM Wednesday. KAIR Radio is back on air at 93.7 FM although operating with a backup transmitter so signal strength could slightly vary.

Due to the weather, our local radio station KAIR 93.7 FM is temporarily off air. You can still listen to the station free online by streaming on any device. Or tune into our other local stations, including KNZA 103.9 FM that covers the Atchison area.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's Department conducted 290 traffic stops and issued 71 citations during the Driver Sober or get pulled over traffic enforcement between December 15 and January 1.

The Sheriff's Department says 37 arrests were made, 14 of which were felonies.

The overtime hours deputies worked was paid for by a grant through thee Nebraska Department of Transportation.

(KAIR)--Monday's winter weather is blamed for its role in a single vehicle. slide off crash in Jackson County that injured two.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says it happened during the noon hour, just east of Denison, on K-16 Highway. It was there, Morse says, that "a passenger vehicle slid off the roadway and down into a ravine crashing into some trees," leaving two occupants trapped in the vehicle.

Firefighters, and deputies, helped rescue the pair from the vehicle, with both transported for hospital care by Jackson County EMS with what Morse says were believed to be non-life threatening injuries.
Names are not immediately released.

The Holton Fire Department, and Jackson County EMS, accompanied the Sheriff's Office at the scene of the wreck, which occurred around 12:30 Monday afternoon.

Morse says that while Kansas Department of Transportation and Jackson County Road and Bridge have been working to treat and clear roadways, extreme caution is encouraged if travel is necessary.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska First District State Senator Julie Slama will continue to serve as Chairman of the Nebraska Legislatures Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee this year. In addition, she will continue to serve on the Executive Board and the Natural Resources Committee.

In her weekly report to her Southeast Nebraska constituents, Slama notes she will not support a rules Package in the Legislature that does not contain a public vote on committee chairs, noting her feelings that the votes should not be secret.

Slama also noted that she is co-sponsoring LB 575 with Senator Kathleen Kauth which would establish the Sports and Spaces Act. The legislation would provide protections for single-sex spaces, such as girl's bathrooms and changing rooms. The bill also seeks to prohibit the participation of biological males in K-12 athletics designated for biological females and would prohibit biological females from competing in interscholastic K-12 athletics designated for males, with the exception that biological females may compete in interscholastic athletics with biological males where no opportunity to compete with biological females exists.

Senator Slama can be reached at the State Capitol, PO Box 94604 in Lincoln, by calling her at 402-471-2733 or email at jslama@leg.ne.gov.

Editor's note: the following release was issued Monday by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant:

It appears very likely that our first significant winter storm is upon us. Heavy snow is predicted later today on into Tuesday. While snowfall amounts vary, we do have a arctic front that will be moving our way later in the week and another chance at significant snowfall. With heavy snowfall predicted and then zero or below wind chills, this combination can be very severe.

When the full effects of the storm take place, I am asking that residents take precautions before this happens, to keep not only yourselves, but your families safe,and others as well. If you do not have to travel or be out in the storm,please stay home. Make sure to get your needed supplies,groceries, medications, formula, fuel etc now instead of waiting until the last minute.

With the zero or below temperatures coming in later in the week, make sure to check on your family, friends and neighbors, especially if they are elderly, handicapped or disabled.

Make preparations for your outside pets, have adequate shelter food and water at all times. Straw and hay make the best bedding instead of blankets.

The basement of the Sheriff's Office will be open for shelter should this storm cause power outages that would place residents at risk. We will have other options available should anything be widespread. Please do not travel if you do not have to during the storm and contact your local law enforcement or Sheriff's Office if you have questions. We will update everyone when we have more information.

(KAIR)--The name of the man killed Saturday night after a fatal Leavenworth police shooting has been made public by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Dead is 44-year-old Micheal Mills, of Indianola, Iowa, who was killed after he refused to follow verbal commands to drop the knife the KBI says he was holding in the front yard of his Leavenworth home, located in the 400 block of North 5th, around 9:00 Saturday night.
The shooting happened after Mills allegedly charged toward an officer, who fired multiple shots, striking Mills.

The shooting followed a call made to 911 requesting police to arrive to that location, with the report saying that a man was armed, which is what the officers found when they arrived.
Medical aid was provided to Mills, and EMS transported him to a Leavenworth hospital he died from his injuries despite life-saving measures being administered.

The Leavenworth Police Department requested that the KBI conduct an investigation into the fatal shooting. According to a release, "the KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this shooting," and "once completed the findings will be presented to the Leavenworth County Attorney for review."

The investigation remains ongoing.

(KMZA)--A Friday evening two-vehicle weather-related wreck in Nemaha County sent one person to the hospital.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office said 59-year-old Terry Heidemann, of Corning was southbound on K-63 Highway, north of 144th Road, when he lost control of his Ford Ranger on the snow-packed road, causing him to strike a northbound Dodge Journey driven by 60-year-old Theresa Steinlage, of Kelly.

Steinlage was taken by private vehicle to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for the treatment of unspecified injuries.

Heidemann was not hurt.

The wreck was reported around 7:15 Friday evening.

(KMZA)--A public meeting has set regarding a potential new resolution that would implement burn bans in Nemaha County during Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

The meeting will take place at 7:00 Wednesday evening, January 10, in the Courtroom at the Nemaha County Courthouse in Seneca.

Nemaha County Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine said leaders of county fire departments and representatives of the Kansas Forestry Service have asked that the resolution be considered.

Eldrine said the he and the Board of County Commissioners want to be transparent about the new resolution and would like to get the public- thoughts on the matter.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday night in Leavenworth.

The KBI, in a release, said preliminary information indicates that shortly before 9:00 a man called 911 to request police so that he could report a crime. The man also stated that he was armed.

A short time later officers from the Leavenworth Police Department arrived at the man's home located in the 400 block of North 5th Street. When officers arrived, they observed the 44-year-old man armed with a knife in the front yard.

The KBI said several verbal commands were given to him to stop and to drop the knife. However, the man charged toward an officer and the officer fired multiple rounds striking him.

Medical aid was provided, and EMS transported the man to a Leavenworth hospital. Despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries.

The KBI said the man will be identified once his next of kin is appropriately notified.

The release said the Leavenworth Police Department requested the KBI conduct an investigation into the fatal shooting. Once the investigation is complete, the release said the findings will be presented to the Leavenworth County Attorney for review.

The investigation is ongoing.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory issued for a portion of Atchison County Rural Water District 5C, located in Atchison County.

The advisory was issued Thursday because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.

The area affected by the boil advisory was generally bounded by Highway 73 on the north, County Road 214th on the south, Highway 159, Highway 9 and Hamilton Road on the west and Ottawa Road on the east.

KDHE in a release Saturday said laboratory testing samples collected from the water district distribution system indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed to be resolved.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners conducted their Annual Meeting Wednesday.

First District Commissioner John Caverzagie was reelected Board Chairman for 2024 with David Sickel reelected Vice-Chairman.

The Board reaffirmed appointed officials during the meeting.

Steve Darveau Jr. will continue as Highway Superintendent at a salary of $68,850.

Mona Godemann was reappointed Veterans Service Officer with a salary of $25.58 per hour. Brian Kirkendall was reappointed as Emergency Manager and Noxious Weed Control Superintendent at a salary of $64,031. All three officials received a two-percent pay increase.

Commissioners reaffirmed the appointment of Dr. Allan Tramp to the County Health Board; Dick James, Ben Steffen and Jerry Duerfeldt to the Richardson County Planning Commission for three-year terms.

William Niedfeldt and Bonie Kanel were reappointed to 4-year terms on the County Visitor's Committee.

(KNZA)--Two women were arrested late Wednesday night following a Jackson County traffic stop.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said shortly before 11:00 a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a SUV near 150th and Q. Roads for a traffic violation.

The stop led to a search of the vehicle, which revealed what was believed to be drug contraband.

Morse said the front seat passenger, 43-year-old Topeka resident Masheika Davis, was arrested after she was observed attempting to throw a container into the ditch which alleged contained a hallucinogenic drug and methamphetamine.

Davis was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony interference with a law enforcement officer and transporting an open container

During the traffic stop, Morse said it was discovered the backseat passenger, 41-year-old Victoria Everett, of Webster, Texas, was a non-compliant registered offender for distribution of methamphetamine.

Everett was arrested for violation of the Offender Registration Act and transporting an open container.

Following their arrest, both women were booked into the Jackson County Jail where Davis was being held on a $5,000 bond and Everett on a $1,500 bond.

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

For 2023, the Brown County Sheriff's dispatch center received approximately 4,654 911 calls, which averages approximately 13 calls per day. Total number of calls other than 911 to dispatch was approximately 47,663 or 131 calls per day on average. When you combine the two, over 50,000 total calls were handled by dispatchers in 2023 which average to 137 calls per day.

The Sheriff's Office dispatches for the City of Hiawatha, Town and Country Ambulance, Squad 48, multiple fire departments, tribal police as well as Brown County deputies. As you can see from the number of calls received, dispatchers have a huge responsibility for fielding multiple calls, obtaining information and forwarding that information to responding agencies. These positions are some of the hardest to fill, stress is extremely high and dealing with individuals who are frightened, angry or upset is a challenge. We are very fortunate to have the caliber of dispatchers that we currently have.

Recently, dispatchers have been classified as first responders in the state of Kansas and I supported this effort wholeheartedly.

The following are a majority of the statistics of occurrences that were initiated or assisted by Brown County deputies. Over 7,200 occurrences for 2023 in which deputies were involved in, which is approximately 20 per day average.

We have also noticed an alarming increase in drug cases from 2022. DUI/Drug cases increased by almost 50% in 2023 with 185 compared to 2022 with 123 cases. The public has expressed many concerns to me about holding those accountable who participate in illegal drug use in Brown County and we will continue to do so in the 2024 year.

Accident reports-1 fatality - 203

Animal Calls - 144

Assist other Agency Calls - 318

Assault/Battery calls - 22

Building Checks - 155

Burglary Calls - 5

Car Seat/ CINC - 62

Civil Calls - 26

Community Policing - 68

Criminal Damage to Property - 13

Criminal Threat/Trespass - 4

Drone Deployments - 10

Illegal Dumping - 17

Fire Assist - 40

Funeral Escort - 35

Informational/Miscellaneous - 1,562

Medical - 83

Pedestrian Check - 31

Offender Registrations - 348

Narcotics/DUI- - 185

Reckless Driving, Traffic Complaints - 140

Subpoena Service - 1,320

Suspicious Vehicle/person - 52

Theft - 34

Traffic Stops - 1,488

VIN - 234

Warrants - 166

Welfare Check - 98

Vehicle Lock Outs, Vehicle Checks - 423

Each deputy patrols an average of 150-200 miles per shift, going through the small towns almost daily. Deputies are responsible for serving papers, traffic stops, rendering aid to citizens, answering complaints, working cases, making arrests, serving warrants, investigations, attending a minimum of 40 hours continuing education, Sheriff briefings, testifying in court, proper maintenance of their vehicles, etc. Vehicle stops are an important part of crime deterrent as officer presence is not favored by those who choose to break the law.

The jail portion of the Sheriffs Office booked in over 450 different inmates in the 2023 year with an average daily population of approximately 18. These inmates are all arrests of Brown County entities. Very seldom do we house any out of county inmates and if so, is done for a very short period of time under special circumstance. Jail staff are responsible for many areas of the jail and have many duties. Some duties include inmate observation, booking, timely jail inmate checks and documentation, preparing meals, kitchen and utensil clean-up, general upkeep, taking inmates to court, visitation, washing inmate uniforms, handling inmate complaints/concerns, medical observation, jail maintenance, etc. Higher food costs have been a challenge to operate under the current budget but we have an obligation to meet the dietary requirements of inmates.

We have been very blessed to be a location where the No Hunger Summer program has been offered to children and families in our basement during the summer months. This is a wonderful project that has brought together some very dedicated volunteers to make sure kids have noon meals during the week, so hunger wouldn’t be an option. They averaged over 100 sack lunches per day throughout the summer and is operated at no cost to county residents. We are fortunate to have a core group of volunteers who take an active part to help children.

The Sheriff's office car seat program has helped more than 900 families to provide safe travel for children in the last 14 years. This program is funded through grants from the State and donations from the public. We also inspect car seats and provide safety information to parents and caregivers about the importance of proper car seat use, installation and care. We have three staff members who are CPS Techs and one who is a CPS instructor. We have partnered with Amberwell and their technicians to broaden services to the public.

Since we have dispatchers available 24/7, I decided that we should accept unwanted, unused or expired medications at all hours of the night and day, any day of the year. At any time people can drop off this medication at dispatch. We have been participants of the National Takeback event since its inception approximately 10 years ago and have turned in more than 3,000 pounds of medication to be destroyed by the DEA. By active participation we have an avenue to individuals who can drop off medication at any time for proper disposal.

We are also very proud of the fact that as of this year, we have certified approximately 1,900 high school students and staff in First Aid, CPR and AED through the Teen Lifesaver Initiative. This is provided at no cost to the student or staff members. Several years ago, Kansas required all graduating seniors to learn these very important life saving skills before their graduation. We have been certifying students for the last nine years through the generosity of the Ruth and Roger Wolf Charitable Trust, grants and other donations. We have six certified instructors at the Sheriff- Office. We are also pleased to announce that we are classified as a Training Facility by KS CPR which will allow us to certify our instructors in-house. By providing these life saving skills, we have enabled the students to render aid to each other in case of an active shooter situation, vehicle accident, farming accident, while baby-sitting or family medical emergency. We have had several students and staff inform us that they had actually put these skills to use and have saved lives, that is quite a testimony for the importance of this program. This also provides us the opportunity to work with students at a different level in hopes to inspire them to pursue a career in law enforcement or emergency services.

We are very thankful for the generosity of supporters of the Brown County Sheriff's Office which enabled us to purchase a drone several years ago. The drone was 100% funded by donations and has been used on various situations in our county and surrounding counties. We have specific staff who train regularly so they can keep up to date on operation and maintenance. This is a resource that we would have been unable to have without the community support and we appreciate you all!

I firmly believe in the effort that we have put forth in notifying the public on scams that are circulating our county has made a positive difference. By informing and educating our county residents, we have a much safer county and have very few victims when it comes to money loss or identity theft due to scammers. Many residents thank me for coordinating and forwarding this information to our local media so they can be kept up to date.

Since being elected as your Sheriff, we have worked many major cases involving successful prosecution as well as protecting and serving the citizens of Brown County in a professional manner. Your safety and welfare is and always will be one of the most important aspects of my office. I am very appreciative of the people who come to me to express their opinions or concerns. I have always believed in doing the right thing versus the popular thing. I have a very proactive group of employees that I am very proud of and they deserve all the credit when it comes to all of our accomplishments in the county. As time goes by, law enforcement positions are getting harder and harder to fill so I consider myself blessed when it comes to my staff.

I would like to express my sincere thank you to all county residents for their cooperation and support of the Brown County Sheriffs office. Many are very comfortable reporting issues that happen within the county which helps us solve crime due to increased patrol and passing on of the information to the appropriate authorities. We have made and solved many cases due to the fact that you trust us when you share information. You, our citizens, are our greatest assets when it comes to crime prevention. It has always been my goal to provide Brown County citizens with the best employees and service possible and to make sure your concerns and issues are met satisfactorily. I will always do my best to make Brown County a safer place to live and raise a family.

It- a case of missing cattle under investigation in Nemaha County, as authorities work to reunite the animals with their owners.
Sheriff Rich Vernon says the cattle disappeared around Christmas Day(Play Audio)
There are simply no definite leads as to the whereabouts of the cattle, and Vernon urges anyone with information to contact his office at 785-336-2311.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for a portion of Atchison County Rural Water District 5C public water supply system located in Atchison County.

KDHE officials issued the advisory Thursday because of a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.

The area affected is generally bounded by Highway 73 on the north, County Road 214th on the south, Highway 159, Highway 9 and Hamilton Road on the west and Ottawa Road on the east.

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 and parasitic contamination are resolved.

(MSC News)--The State of Kansas has reached a milestone, with Governor Laura Kelly, Thursday, announcing that Kansas "has reached its highest employment in state history."

A release from Kelly's office cites data from the Kansas Department of Labor, which shows that "employment was at an all-time high in 2023, with nine of the top 10 employment months taking place throughout the year. The 10th top employment month was in 2022."

The release points out that Kansas currently has a labor force of just more than 1.5 million Kansans, with more than 1.4 million participating in the workforce. Kansas’ labor force participation rate is many points higher than the national average.

Kelly, in the release, said now the state "must continue to recruit more people to move here and more Kansans to join the workforce in order to keep up with the great job opportunities being created across the state.”

The release notes that the "state- success in growing the workforce is helpful as demand for qualified employees continues to be high," and then cites data from the Kansas Department of Labor which shows the Kansas unemployment rate has been at or below 5%, which many economists consider full employment, for the past 38 consecutive months.

(KLZA)-- Following months of debate, Richardson County Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to terminate an interlocal agreement with the City of Beatrice to provide dispatch services for the Richardson County Sheriff's Department.

Representatives of Southeast Communications 911 in Beatrice and the Nebraska Public Service Commission attended the Wednesday Board meeting to review current dispatching services provided by Southeast Communications 911, Beatrice and what would be needed to have the dispatch service returned to the County, and or the City of Falls City.

Falls City, City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum and Police Chief Jamie Baker also attended the meeting to answer questions regarding the return of the dispatching service to the City of Falls City.

Now in the final year of a three-year agreement for Southeast Communications 911, to provide dispatching services, an initial proposal for a renewal fee was communicated to Richardson County with a cost of $360,000 for the next year. That proposal represented an increase of approximately $170 thousand.

In December, Interim Beatrice Police Chief Jay Murphy met with the Richardson County Board and said he felt the original proposal was too much and offered a two-year contract extension at a cost of $200 thousand the first year with a three-percent increase in price for the second year.

County Board members said they felt Richardson County has paid for some services that were not provided during the current three year contract, thus overpaying. The current contract will expire July 31, 2024. The County is expected to continue to work with Falls City on a dispatch agreement to begin August 1.

(KAIR)--A Platte City, Missouri man has been found guilty of unlawfully possessing fentanyl.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 45-year-old Eric Elliot, last week, entered a no contest plea for unlawful possession of a controlled substance. That happened during a hearing held December 29 in Leavenworth County District Court.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 9.

The release explains that on August 8, 2022, an officer with the Basehor Police Department stopped the vehicle Elliot was operating after noticing the vehicle had crossed the centerline of the roadway.
During the traffic stop, the officer noticed aluminum foil and straws inside the vehicle. Inside the aluminum foil, a substance was found that would later test positive for fentanyl.

(KLZA)-- County Clerks offices across Nebraska are preparing for the statewide Primary Election coming up May 14.

Persons wanting to file as a candidate for an elective office may begin to file for an office on Friday, January, 5.

Candidates wishing to have their names included on the ballot for an office must file by Tuesday, February 15 if you are an incumbent. Non-incumbents must file by Monday, March 1.

It is important to note that an incumbent is anyone serving an elective office, even if they are filing for an office other than the one in which they are currently serving.

Village Board of Trustees and members of Educational Service Unit #4 deadlines are July 15, for incumbents and August 1 for non-incumbents.

Receipts from the treasurer of the respective political sub-division for the payment of filing fees must accompany the filing form when filed in the office of the Secretary of State or County Clerk before the filing will be accepted.

If you have questions or want more information regarding the May 2024 Primary Election, contact the County Clerk's Office in the county in which you reside.

(KAIR)--Commuters take note, as a well traveled Missouri route is set to close for work.

According to the Missouri Depatment of Transportation, Missouri Highway 45, between Highway 273 and Route P, will close Tuesday for nearly one month. The affected route of travel will be between Weston, Missouri to the 273 cutoff, meaning potential affects on Atchison-area motorists traveling to and from Kansas City.

A release from MoDot explains that the closure is being done in order for the transportation department to conduct erosion repair work.

The closure is planned to begin at 7:00 Tuesday morning and remain in place until the evening of February 6. Alternate routes will have to be used by motorists during the time of the closure.

All work is weather permitting.

( KNZA)--The Holton Elementary School was temporarily evacuated Thursday morning as a precautionary measure due to a suspected gas leak.

All K-5 students were relocated to the USD 336 maintenance building across the street from elementary school. Daycare students were moved to the Preschool building, which was unaffected.

Later, the “ all clear” was given from officials investigating the suspected gas leak and students were allowed to return to their classrooms.

Thursday marked the first day of school following the holiday break

(KNZA)--A New Year's eve Jackson County traffic stop led to the arrest of a Topeka man on drug possession charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop around 1:00 Sunday morning on a car for a traffic violation in the vicinity of 126th Road and U.S. 75 Highway.

During the stop, drug paraphernalia was allegedly observed in plain view.

A probable cause search was conducted. Suspected methamphetamine, a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia were located.

Morse said 41-year-old Christopher Clinton was arrested for possession of meth, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Clinton was booked into the Jackson County Jail where he is being held on a $5,000 bond.

(MSC News)--Governor Laura Kelly has announced that consumers in the Sunflower State are projected to see an additional $150 million in savings in 2024 because of the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation she signed in 2022.

According to projections from the Kansas Department of Revenue, the reduction of the state sales tax on groceries from 4% to 2%, which went into effect January 1st, will save shoppers $12.5 million per month in 2024.

Kelly, in release, said the reduction is a step toward eliminating the state sales tax on groceries completely, which will happen in 2025.

In 2023, the state sales tax rate on groceries went down from 6.5% to 4%, saving consumers $187.7 million per year.

By the end of 2024, it is projected that shoppers will have saved more than half a billion dollars in sales tax on groceries over the two years the reduction has been in place.

The state sales tax reduction applies to food, food ingredients, and certain prepared foods. When looking at a receipt, shoppers will see two tax rates, one for qualifying purchases and one for all other items.

(KNZA)- Kansas Department of Transportation officials meet with the Hiawatha City Commission last week to discussed changes they are proposing to the 1st Street corridor to enhance safety.

Meeting with the commission were Michael Hagemann and Leroy Koehn with KDOT.

KDOT is proposing going with a street reconfiguration known as a “ road diet.”

Under the proposal, the existing four-lane street would be converted to a three-lane roadway consisting of two through lanes and a center two-way left-turn lane.

Commissioners were told the reconfiguration has worked well in other communities.

The street would be re-striped following a sealing project slated for this spring and the reconfiguration would be place by the start of school this fall.

The traffic signals would be removed the intersections of 1st and Oregon and 1st and Iowa Streets.

Hagemann said KDOT is not against the signals, they just don't have justification to allocate funding for them since traffic studies indicate they are "not warranted."

In response to a question from Mayor Becky Shamburg, Koehn said the city could replace the non-functioning traffic signal at the intersection of 1st and Oregon, but KDOT would not participate financially.

Koehn said the city would be eligilbe for grant funding to help fund the installation of flashing beacons for pedestrian crosswalks and for new signage.

(KLZA)-- Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced Tuesday, that he has issued an Executive Order banning individuals and businesses from nations designated as foreign adversaries from purchasing agricultural land within a 10-mile radius of critical military facilities in the State of Missouri.

Nations currently classified as foreign adversaries include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela.

For the purposes of this order, "critical military facilities" refers to all staffed military facilities in Missouri. The order does not affect existing landowners.

Executive Order 24-01 creates more stringent requirements for these land purchases and requires approval from the Missouri Department of Agriculture prior to any foreign acquisitions of agricultural land.

These additional requirements will help inform MDA personnel as to whether an agriculture land purchase by a foreign alien or business should be approved or denied.

In the last five years alone, foreign investment in Missouri has totaled nearly $19 billion and directly supported close to 150,000 Missouri jobs.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported to the County Commissioners during the December 27th meeting that his office is reviewing the list of persons on the sex offender registry residing within Richardson County, to check their compliance with the registry requirements.

In an 8-day period in mid-December, Richardson County Sheriff's Department personnel arrested three men in Humboldt and two in Verdon for sex offender registry violations. Two of the men have also facing habitual criminal charges.

In other business Commissioners accepted for further review sealed bids for road rock for 2024. Bids were submitted by Hamm Quarry at Troy, Kansas and Norris Quarries of Maitland, Missouri.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved authorization to submit a letter of intent to apply for a 2024 Civic & Community Center Financing Grant when they met Tuesday evening.

The City could apply for up to $562 thousand from the fund under the direction of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to use toward a Falls City Recreation & Wellness Center.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum informed the Council members that the Rec Center study has been completed and that Alley-Poyner Architects in Omaha will attend the January 16 Council meeting to review the initial plans.

A letter-of-intent to apply for the grant funds is due by January 15, with the actual application for funds due in February.

The current study is concept designs of what could be done by refurbishing the old City Hall building and Prichard Auditorium.

Falls City is only eligible for the grant funding because the community has a creative district formed. Nussbaum says that will put Falls City on a short list of communities eligible to receive the grant funds.

The estimated project cost based on potential rehab costs of the two building is more than $13.9 million.

Mayor Mark Harkendorff said he feels the project could be done for less money, he said he was hopeful the cost could be less than $10 million.

The initial plans call for retention of the current basketball and volleyball court at Prichard Auditorium and renovation of the buildings surrounding areas to include group workout areas, space for youth, a modernized kitchen, lounges gathering zones and additional restroom facilities allowing for activities that could include classes for senior and children, meeting facilities and rooms for party rentals.

The former City Hall building would be transformed into an event center and banquet hall.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved bids for a milling and overlay project on K-7 Highway in Atchison and Doniphan Counties.

According to a release from KDOT, Bettis Asphalt and Construction Inc., of Topeka, was awarded the contract for the project in the total amount of nearly $5.7 million.

The work will take place on a 33.5 mile stretch of K-7 Highway from the north city limits of Atchison to the Kansas/Nebraska state line.

A construction start date has not been announced yet.

The bid letting took place December 13 in Topeka.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is alerting residents of a Medicare scam circulating in the area.

The sheriff says residents are being contacted by phone by a female who is representing herself as a Medicare employee. The caller is asking residents if they have received their new "plastic" Medicare card yet. She is asking
for the date that the individual signed up for Medicare and to have the resident verify their Medicare number.

The female caller has a slight foreign accent, which is hard to understand.

Merchant said Medicare has been contacted and they have verified that this is indeed a scam as they would never contact individuals in such a way.

So far, no one has fallen victim to this scam.

Merchant urged residents to never give out any personal information over the phone.

If you feel that you have been made a victim of a scam, he said you should contact your local law enforcement at once.

(MSC News)--The State of Kansas ends December 2023 with total tax collections at $1.043 billion. That is $36.9 million, or 3.4%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 3.8% from December 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $397.1 million. That is $17.1 million, or 4.5%, above the estimate, and up 5.9% from December 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $235.7 million. That is $39.3 million, or 14.3%, below the estimate and down 16.1% from December 2022.

“Withholding tax, the largest component of the individual income tax receipts, was 9.2% greater than December 2022”, said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “This comes as no real surprise as the growth is entirely consistent with recent findings of the Bureau of Economic Analysis, which showed that personal income and earnings in Kansas grew during the second and third quarters of 2023 at some of the highest rates in the country.”

Secretary Burghart further observed that the corporate income tax receipts were lower than expected because there was one less deposit day this December compared to December 2022. Nearly $34.4 million was deposited on that additional day in December 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $302.4 million, which is $5.6 million, or 1.8%, below the estimate and down $4.9 million, or 1.6%, from December 2022.

(KAIR)--An investigation that began in 2020 has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old Atchison man on charges for rape and aggravated sexual battery.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Joseph Gill was taken into custody Monday on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with the crimes.
Following his arrest, Gill, who was also arrested on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, was booked into the Atchison County Jail.
His bond is set at $500,000.

According to Wilson, Gill's arrest stems from an Atchison Police investigation launched on October 25, 2020, the date of Gill's alleged crimes, which involved a female victim.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has extended the county's Neighborhood Revitalization Plan for an additional five years as of January 1st.

The Commission took the action when they meet Friday following a hearing drawing no public comment.

The program, which has been in place since 1995, offers a tax rebate over a ten-year period for qualified improvements to a property that increase the appraised value at least $5,000.

Individuals and companies participating in the program must file an application with the Appraiser- office. The appraiser makes a recommendation on the application, and if approved, starts the process of issuing refunds on the project.

(KNZA)--A rural Robinson couple were arrested on drug charges following the execution of a search warrant Saturday.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said the search warrant was served at 2941 Thrasher Road.

At the conclusion of the search, 65-year-old Kent Denton and 56-year-old Yvette Denton were arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following their arrest, the couple were booked into the Brown County Jail.

Both were released Sunday on $5,000 OR bonds.