(KLZA))-- A St. Joseph teenager suffered serious injures in a single-vehicle wreck on Highway 159 Tuesday afternoon about 3 miles south of Forest City, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 18-year-old Austin St. Ama was driving a motorcycle when he swerved to avoid a deer. The motorcycle went off the side of the road, returned to the roadway,overturned and skidded off the other side of the road, ejecting the driver.

St. Ama was transported by private vehicle for medical treatment prior to the troopers arrival. He was taken to the Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph.

The motorcycle was totaled.

The Holt County Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene of the wreck.

The wreck was reported around 12:45 Tuesday afternoon.

(KLZA)-- A third person has now filed to run for the Ward I City Council seat in Falls City.

Frank Killingsworth has filed for election to the position.

Killingsworth joins Brent Shubert and Brian Poppe in seeking the Ward I, city council term.

Roger Windle has filed to run for one of three position up for election on the District 56, Falls City School Board.

Windle and incumbent June Bowers are the only two to have filed so far.

The deadline to file for the May Primary Election in Nebraska is Friday, March 1.

(KAIR)--Finalization of necessary procedures for Atchison County to sale its long term care facility to an outside firm has been completed.

That happened Wednesday, during a special meeting of the Atchison County Commission, where details regarding the sale of Atchison Senior Village were ironed out.
County Counselor Patrick Henderson explained legal aspects regarding the move, including the need for a resolution approving the $1.6 million sale , with that resolution then read aloud by Commission Chair Casey Quinn.

Once Quinn had completed reading the resolution in full, her motion of approval was moved, seconded, and approved, meaning the sale becomes effective Friday, March 1.

The Commission has, for some months, been in discussion with the California-based Ensign Group, Inc., to purchase the 45-bed skilled nursing facility, located at 1419 North 6th Street, in Atchison. According to special meeting discussion, the new owners are expected to release further details regarding the acquisition in the near future.

(KAIR)--Possible penalties for those who ignore bans on outdoor burning was a topic of discussion Monday, during the regular weekly meeting of the Doniphan County Commission.

According to the unofficial minutes of the meeting, that happened when Doniphan County Sheriff Chad Clary appeared before the Commission, "to discuss regulations when a countywide burn ban has been issued by the Emergency Management Director."

It was Commissioner Bobby Hall who addressed Clary regarding what he says a deputy stated during a recent, Local Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting, with the Third District Commissioner saying that it was stated that the Sheriff's Department was told by the Commission not to issue tickets during burn bans, a directive Hall says was not given. He further stated that he, as a volunteer firefighter, "knows the severity of battling a fire when conditions are not conducive."

Clary explained the Sheriff's Office's approach to issuing such citations, saying a Doniphan County resolution, pertaining to open burning of land, "is only enforceable as a civil matter in unincorporated areas of the county," adding that incorporated cities follow home rule authority and enforce their own ordinances, including open burning.

Clary ended his time before the Commission by advising them that, on average, nine out of ten individuals contact the Sheriff's Office to report or inquire about open burning prior to doing so.

The matter of open burning was also a topic during Monday's meeting of the Jefferson County Commission.

According to the unofficial minutes of the weekly session, County Emergency Manager Keith Jeffers discussed the effects regarding wild land fire danger, a topic that's gained statewide concern this week. That led to a discussion regarding open burning permits in the county.
Additionally, Jeffers informed the Commission that a storm spotter meeting is planned for 8:30 Tuesday evening, in Meriden, held annually as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week for the state.

On Monday, the same day that local area counties, including Doniphan, Brown, and Atchison, issued burn bans, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, due to increased fire weather conditions, issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation for this week.

All residents, statewide, are urged to avoid outdoor burning, or engaging in any spark-inducing activities, due to the dangers conditions have posed.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha man has been arrested and charged in connection with two recent burglaries at a Sabetha business.

Sabetha Police Chief Robert Wahwasuck said 41-year-old Casey Swogar was arrested Wednesday after the Sabetha Police Department, along with the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol, executed two search warrants. Swogar was taken into custody without incident.

He is accused of breaking into Hack's Meat Shack during the early morning hours of February 23 and 24th. Stolen were two pistols, cash and other items. Images of the suspect were captured on surveillance cameras.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert filed a seven-count criminal complaint Thursday in Nemaha County District Court charging Swogar with two felony counts of burglary, two felony counts of theft of a firearm, along with one count each of felony theft, misdemeanor theft and misdemeanor criminal damage to property.

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

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council accepted a bid for concrete work at the city park when they met last week.

The Council accepted the low bid submitted by Premier Concrete, of Seneca, in the amount of $219,392. It was among two bids opened at the previous Council meeting

The work will include the installation of sidewalks and parking around the city park, along with completion of a sidewalk “ loop” along the new section of Branch Street, connecting 11th Street with Community Drive.

In other business, the Council voted to accept a bid from Nemaha Valley Motors for the purchase of a 2024 Dodge Durango in the amount of $41,580 to replace the city administrator's current vehicle. Bids were opened at the Council's previous meeting.

Also the Council opened bids for repairs at the city library to eliminate water entering the basement. The Council decided to table the two bids for review.

(KNZA)--Two residents appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission this week to voice their opposition to KDOT'S 1st Street "road diet" proposal, which includes removal of the street's traffic signals.

Hiawatha school board member Mitch Brown, reading from a letter composed by USD 415 Superintendent Lonnie Moser on behalf of the school board, outlined why the board feels the commission should refrain from accepting the proposal.

He said the 1st and Oregon Street intersection serves as the main entrance to the high school, and bears the brunt of high school and middle school traffic throughout the school year. Brown said the traffic lights at the intersection have always been there as a means of controlling the chaos.

He said the 1st and Iowa Street intersection serves much of the parent traffic for the middle school and the traffic signals provide a measure of safety for student pedestrian traffic.

Local resident Leah McPeak also voiced her opposition to the proposal. She said many kids utilize the traffic lights at 1st and Iowa to safely cross the street during the school year and in the summer to utilize the Aquatic Park.

McPeak said she has talked to others who share her concerns, and told the Commission she thinks they'll risk the safety of the youth in the community if they proceed with removal of the traffic signals.

Mayor Becky Shamburg acknowledged the concerns of Brown and McPeak.

She said the city plans to hold an informational meeting Monday evening at 6:00 at the Fisher Center regarding the 1st Street corridor and encourages to the public to attend. The meeting will include a presentation by city staff, with a question and answer session to follow.

(KAIR)--Atchison's Benedictine College is set to make history, hosting what the college calls the first ever Consecration Mass for Businesses in the United States.

That's set to happen at 8:15 on the morning of Saturday, March 16, with the Mass to be held at St. Benedict Catholic Church, on North 2nd Street, in Atchison. A release from the college says it "will be a special Consecration Mass for business leaders who wish to position their companies as instruments of God's service."

The release notes that their are requirements to take part in the Mass, with only those who complete an 8-part preliminary sequence of short videos with prayer and reflection, able to participate, "after which they will be invited to join the Association of Consecrated Business Owners," with the release explaining that "membership opens benefits like community, accountability, business best practices, additional faith formation, and fellowship for Catholic business owners."

Although St. Benedict- Consecration Mass will be the first ever celebrated in the nation, that achievement will be reached by just a few hours, the release notes, with a parish in Cumming, Georgia, located outside of Atlanta, to hold a Consecration Mass at Noon that same day of March 16.

The Consecration Mass is scheduled to coincide with Benedictine College- Symposium on Transforming Culture at Benedictine College. According to the release, Symposium sessions are scheduled to occur throughout the day of March 16, with a special Symposium Business Track beginning at 9:45 that morning, following the Consecration Mass.

To learn more about consecrating a business, and to register for the program, see the link with this story on our website, http://mscnews.net .

(KNZA)--An Auburn, Kansas man convicted on charges in connection with a 2021 Jackson County wreck that claimed the life of a Topeka woman during a law enforcement pursuit has been sentenced to ten years in prison.

According to court documents, 44-year-old Robert Love, Jr., was handed the sentence last week in Jackson County District Court. He was given credit for 383 days served in jail.

Following his prison sentence, Love will be placed on 36-months post release supervision.

He pleaded no contest last December to two counts of aggravated battery while driving under the influence and one count each of aggravated battery and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.

As part of a plea deal, a charge of first-degree murder, along with five misdemeanor counts and four traffic infractions were dismissed.

The charges stem from a two-vehicle wreck on May 27, 2021 at the intersection of 286th Road and U.S. 75 Highway about 7 miles north of Holton that claimed the life of Shai Boyd.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says Love was fleeing from a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy when he failed to stop at the intersection and his car collided with a SUV that Boyd was a passenger in.

Four others, including Love, were injured in the wreck.

(KNZA)--A Horton teenager is facing multiple charges after the recovery of a stolen vehicle and execution of a search warrant.

Horton Police Chief Dennis Entrikin said in a release that on Saturday morning a vehicle stolen from Horton was stopped in Jackson County.

Entriken said recovery of the stolen vehicle lead to a search warrant being served on a Horton residence, which resulted in the recovery of multiple stolen items.

As a result, 18-year-old Blake Kaler was arrested on multiple charges.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill filed a criminal complaint Monday in Brown County District Court charging Kaler with one count each of arson, criminal possession of a firearm, burglary, felony theft and misdemeanor theft.

Entriken thanked the Kansas Highway Patrol, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Brown County Sheriff's Office and Brown County Attorney's Office for their assistance.

Kaler is being held in the Brown County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for March 6th.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the expenditure of $185,000 for a professional services agreement with Hydro Optimization and Automation Solutions to provide a SCAD / control system upgrade for the city water system as recommended by the Board of Public Works.

The contract will include system design, programming and integration of the hardware and software, project engineering and training for the water plant operators.

In other business the Council approved two additional owner - occupied Rehabilitation Program projects as part of the 2020 grant. Both projects were awarded to MIT Contracting in an amount of $24,999 each.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission adopted a resolution Monday that bans outdoor burning anytime the National Weather Service issues a “ Red Flag Warning" for the county.

The Commission took the action on 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Jason Koch casting the lone dissenting vote.

County Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine suggested the resolution at the urging two county fire chiefs and a representative of the Kansas Forestry Service.

A public meeting was held in January to discuss the merits of the proposed resolution aimed at preventing destructive rural wildfires.

Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.

Under the resolution, it will be unlawful for any person to initiate, allow, institute or engage in open burning when a " Red Flag Warning" is issued for the county.

Violation of the resolution would be a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $2,500.

In addition, any person convicted of violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of the resolution may also be assessed all costs incurred by emergency responders in controlling and/or extinguishing the fire.

The resolution will become effective after publication in the official county newspaper.

You can view a copy of the resolution by clicking here

(KAIR)--Atchison will celebrate Black History Month Wednesday with a ribbon cutting and ceremony, marking the newest mural in the city's downtown area.

According to a release from Visit Atchison, the "proud son of Atchison," Oscar "Heavy" Johnson, a 1920s Negro Leagues legend, is the focus of the mural, the latest from Atchison artist Vaughn Schultz. Schultz, the release says, has a "commitment to sharing our community's stories through art," as shown through his previous murals of Atchison's Jesse Stone, a rock and roll pioneer, and the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe.

Schultz's latest mural, the release says, "once again captures the essence of Atchison's rich heritage,"adding that the mural is more than art, as it "symbolizes our collective spirit and the powerful bond between art and community."

The ribbon cutting is planned for 5:30 Wednesday evening, at 807 Main Street, the drive-thru side of Kex Rx. Among the invited guests are Phil Dixon, representing the Kansas City Monarchs, and members of Atchison United and the Atchison Art Association.

Following the ribbon cutting, Dixon, an author and expert of Negro League baseball history, will serve as featured presenter for a discussion entitled "The Kansas City Monarchs and America's National Pastime." According to the release, Dixon's program "offers an in-depth look at the KC Monarchs' significant role in baseball history and its ties to our national pastime."

The program will be held, following the ribbon cutting, at the Atchison Board of Education Office Community Room, located at 626 Commercial Street.

Admission to both the ribbon cutting and presentation is free.

(KLZA)-- A Rock Port, Missouri woman is charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian, resulting in death following an accident in Hamburg, Iowa in January.

77-year-old Nancy Bartles of Rock Port has been charged in connection to the death of 77-year-old Willie Donn Thorp of Hamburg, Iowa, on the evening of January 25.

Authorities allege Bartels was operating a pickup that stuck Thorp while he was carrying items to his vehicle from a community center. Thorp died at a nearby hospital.

The Fremont, Iowa, Sheriff's Office says neither speed, alcohol, drugs, nor distracted driving were factors in the accident.

(KMZA)--A Centralia man has filed for the position of 2nd District Nemaha County Commissioner.

According to the Nemaha County Clerk's Office, Austin Petry, a Republican, has filed for the position.

The position is currently held by Jason Koch.

Petry is the first candidate to file for the position.

Candidates have until noon, June 3rd to file at the Nemaha County Clerk's Office.

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

(KNZA)--A Salina man was arrested on drug possession charges following a traffic stop Saturday evening in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop around 5:00 on a car on 150th Road near Q Road.

The traffic stop led to the seizure of illegal drug contraband.

Morse said the driver, 24-year-old Indy Boland, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.

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

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission on Monday approved submitting a grant application on behalf of Amberwell Hiawatha.

The Commission took the action on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Bill Pollock casting the lone dissenting vote.

A Rural Hospital Innovation Grant will be sought through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

If awarded, the hospital would utilize the funds to increase their abilities to do more surgical procedures and for technology infrastructure in order to keep patient information safe.

The hospital would be required to be provide a $2 match for every $1 in state funds.

The county would act as the subrecipient, if the grant is awarded. No county funds would be provided.

The Rural Hospital Innovation Grant was established by the Kansas Legislature in 2021 and funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

(KLZA)-- Mound City School Superintendent Korey Miles reported to the School Board during their February 21 meeting that Heartland Seating is scheduled to begin a project to upgrade the bleachers in the school gym on Monday, March 4.

Motors will be replaced, seats, hand rails and other minor adjustments will be made to improve the bleachers.

The floor in the gymnasium is also scheduled to be replaced this year.

The Board approved the resignations of Caiti Marrant the music and band teacher at the end of the school year.

The contracts for High School Principal Jake Shipman and Elementary and Middle School Principal Emily Petersen have has been extended for 24 months.

The Board also approved hiring Rylee Ebersold as the Pre-K - 12th grade Art Teacher for the 2024-25 school year.

In other business, the district is looking a new carpet for the library and the entry ways to the building.

(KLZA)-- Preparation is underway at the Office of the Richardson County Clerk for the Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Primary Election. Approaching deadlines for candidates and voters to remember are detailed below.

Friday, March 1, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. is the non-incumbent filing deadline.

A complete list of candidate filings on record at the Richardson County Clerk-

Office who will be considered for nomination at the Primary Election are listed below with the incumbents denoted with an *.

County Commissioner District 2 seat is up for a 4-year term—Bob Campbell, Republican, Rulo. District 2 serves the following precincts: Falls City Ward 1, that portion of Falls City Ward 2 lying north of 21st Street, Arago/Barada, Jefferson/Rulo and Falls City Rural/Ohio.

County Commissioner District 3 seat is up for a 4-year term—Rick Karas*, Republican of Dawson and Ron E. Ramer, Republican of Shubert. District 3 serves the following precincts: Humboldt Ward 1 and Humboldt Ward 2, Franklin/Humboldt

Rural/Speiser, East Muddy, West Muddy/Porter, Grant/Nemaha, Liberty and Salem.

School Districts 56 and 70 all have 3 positions up for election this year with up to 6 candidates being considered for nomination at the May 14 Primary Election to be voted upon at the November General Election. Persons who have filed for these positions are: School District 56 4-year term—June M. Bowers*; School District 70 4-year term—Kyle Hilgenfeld*, Mike Kanel*, Leah M. Reyes* and Quentin Bowen.

The City of Falls City and the City of Humboldt have Council Member seats up for election to a 4-year term. Those persons filing for these positions are as follows:

City of Falls City, Ward I—Brent Shubert; Ward II—Joyce M. Jones, Ward III— Sara Ruiz; Les Baker; Ward IV—James Wisdom*; City of Humboldt, Ward I—Dale A. Oehm*; Ward II—Kendra Douglas*.

The Airport Authority in the City of Falls City has 1 member up for election for a 6-year term. No candidates have filed for this position.

Unlike years past, there will no longer be candidates on the ballot for delegates to the Republican Party County Convention. The law now states (NE Revised State Statutes 32-706) that anyone who wishes to attend the Republican Party County Convention as a delegate must register with the County Clerk by March 1, 2024. Those registering thus far are: Vincent C. Metzner, Pamela S. Scott, Gayle A. Swisegood, Philip E. Bletscher and Richard (Dick) James. Any questions or further information on the Republican Party County Convention should be directed to the Nebraska State Republican Party headquarters at 402-475-2122 or via their website at https://ne.gop

Other offices to be nominated at the Primary Election are: President of the United States, United States Senator Class I member, United States Senator Class II member, Representative in Congress-Dist. 3, Nebraska Legislature District 1, Public Service Commissioner District 1, Board of Regents University of Nebraska District 5, Board of Governors Southeast Community College District 2 and At-Large, Nemaha Natural Resource Districts 8, 9, District 10 4-year term and 2-year term. Filing forms for these offices can be obtained at the Office of the County Clerk, but the candidate filing must be made with the Secretary of State. Local candidates who have filed for the Nemaha Natural Resources District Board are: District 8—4-year term: Mike Speece*; District 9—4-year term: Kraig Coonce; District 10—4-year term: Eldon Snoke*; 2-year Term: Tim Schaardt*.

The candidate filing deadline for Village Board of Trustees and Educational Service Unit #4 is July 15 for incumbents and August 1 for non-incumbents. Filings received thus far: Village of Barada: Branson Darveau*, Randy Handley*, Scott Handley*; Village of Dawson: no filings; Village of Rulo: no filings; Village of Salem: no filings; Village of Shubert: no filings; Village of Stella: Jim Donahoe*; Village of Verdon: no filings. ESU#4: no filings

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a five-year contract with Omingo Software when they met February 21st.

The total contract price for the five years will be $114,836 and is for communications software for the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center.

Commissioners discussed advertising for sealed bids for road rock and will be reviewing specifications for those bids when the meet this week.

The Board discussed a request from a producer considering development of a chicken facility, to remove a STOP sign on the road to the development area.

Richardson County's engineer has recommended the STOP sign not be removed. Commissioners have recommended the developer schedule a time to meet with the County Board to further discuss the request.

Mark Joy, representing Humboldt Shares, Inc. presented the organizations quarterly report. Joy said they have implemented a program to assist landowners tear down uninhabitable houses with four houses having been removed thus far. Joy also reported several new businesses have opened in Humboldt and are doing well.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the establishment of two Ad-Hoc committees when they met Wednesday evening.

The first committee will work towards renovating the former Rivoli Theater building in the 1800 block of Stone Street.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum said Mitch Glaeser has potentially agreed to sell the theater building for $25 thousand if it is restored to it's historic use.

The Rivoli Theater Rehabilitation Committee would be taxed with identifying funding sources for the project, developing a plan to renovate the building and come up with strategies for how to manage the facility for community development.

The Council also approved the formal establishment of the Falls City Recreation and Wellness Center Ad-Hoc Committee.

(MSC News)--Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Monday, issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation due to increased fire weather conditions beginning today and continuing through the rest of the week.

According to a release from the Kelly's office, the declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance.

Warmer conditions, strong winds and low relative humidities, will create high to very-high fire weather conditions for many parts of the state, with Kelly, in the release, saying she urges "everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning, if at all possible, adding that "a single spark is enough to touch off a fire that could have devastating consequences.”

Due to the current conditions, any spark-producing activity should be avoided, with Rodney Redinger, Assistant Fire Management Officer for the Kansas Forest Service, saying in the release that "if there are opportunities to avoid welding, using cutting torches or other activities that could cause a spark, please do so over the next few days," adding that "if you must engage in spark-causing activities, make sure to have a fire extinguisher, water pressure can or other tool for extinguishing ready for a fire that could ignite.”

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center starting Tuesday to assist counties and local responders if requested.

Burn bans were put into place for Atchison, Brown and Doniphan counties Monday.

(MSC News)--Beginning Monday, February 26 through Friday, March 8th, the Kansas Highway Patrol will join other law enforcement agencies in a stepped up enforcement around area high schools to raise awareness of roadway safety and the importance of wearing seat belts.

The enforcement campaign is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation and the Seatbelts Are For Everyone or SAFE Program.

Through education, rewards, and enforcement, SAFE highlights the importance of wearing a seatbelt, driving alert, and following traffic laws with the goal of decreasing the number of teen injuries and deaths from vehicle crashes.

According to a release from the KHP, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States, ahead of all other types of injury, disease, or violence.

The KHP says citations will be issued to anyone who refuses to obey the traffic laws, whether it is for speeding, texting, or failing to buckle up.

(KNZA)--A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for burglarizing a Sabetha business.

Hack's Meat Shack located at 520 North 11st Street was broke into over the weekend and a number of items stolen.

The suspect was caught on surveillance camera and the business owner is offering a cash reward for information leading to their arrest.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sabetha Police Department at 785-284-2158

(KAIR)--A 23-year-old Leavenworth man has pleaded guilty in Leavenworth County District Court, admitting to biting a baby last year.

A release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson says Benjamin Oaks plead guilty this month to the charge of aggravated battery, admitting to a Leavenworth Police Detective that he bit the young victim, whom he was caring for, on several occasions.

The release says it was in June of last year that "the Leavenworth Police Department was contacted by a social worker at a Kansas City area hospital concerning a child under the age of one who was believed to have been abused." Court documents cited in the release state that the social worker noted bruising on the child's body consistent with human bite marks.

During an interview with a Leavenworth police detective, Oaks admitted to biting the child once while she was crying and also admitted to using his teeth to grip the child- arm to steady the child while changing a diaper.

Sentencing for Oaks is scheduled for April 19.

(KAIR)--The City of Valley Falls is on the list of nine Kansas infrastructure projects being funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A release from USDA Kansas State Director for Rural Development Christy Davis, the "$22.4 million investment will provide reliable high-speed internet access, clean water, and sanitary wastewater systems for rural communities."

The release outlines the projects, with Valley Falls the only one in the local area. According to the release, the City will receive a loan just short of $3 million-$2,925,000 to be exact-to help refurbish the wastewater collection system in the Jefferson County-based community. The project will include pipe repairs, pipe replacement, heavy pipe cleaning, and manhole repairs and replacement.

Announcement of the funding was made last week.

(KAIR)--The cause of death of a Lansing Correctional Facility inmate, found unresponsive in his cell Saturday, is awaited in a forthcoming, independent autopsy.

That's according to a release from the Kansas Department of Corrections, which identifies the inmate as 51-year-old Eric Avila, who was pronounced dead by local emergency medical service personnel. That followed attempted life saving measures.

As the results of the autopsy are awaited, the investigation is being handled by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the KDOC.

Avila was serving a 249-month sentence for convictions of Kidnapping and Second Degree Murder in Sedgwick County.

The death is unconnected to a Saturday scuffle at the facility that left four staff members with minor injuries.

WIBW-TV, citing prison officials, reports that around noon Saturday, several inmates became upset, leading to what the officials told the TV station was a scuffle between staff and inmates.

The four staff members were treated for their minor injuries and released.

(KNZA)--A Friday afternoon Jackson County traffic stop led to the arrest of three individuals for allegedly trafficking fentanyl.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy stopped a car for a traffic infraction shortly before 3:00 on U.S. Highway 75 near 134th Road.

During the course of the traffic stop, deputies seized illegal drug contraband.

All three occupants of the vehicle were arrested.

The driver, 40-year-old Misty Lang, of Topeka, was arrested for distribution of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and no insurance.

Her two passengers, 46-year-old Wamego resident Patricia Nichols and 28-year-old Topeka resident Marques Cates, were each arrested for distribution of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff's Office is investigating a shooting in the city of Soldier in the northwest part of the county.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said deputies were dispatched to a residence located at 318 Friend Street shortly after 9 Friday evening.

The suspect and the victim were not present upon the arrival of law enforcement.

The victim was later located and was found to be uninjured.

On Saturday morning, the Sheriff's Office requested the public's assistance in locating 56-year-old Teddy Moore, of Soldier, wanted for questioning in the incident.

Early Saturday afternoon, the Sheriff's Office said Moore had been located.

(KAIR)--One day following the nationwide AT&T cellphone outage, Atchison-area customers of the company's internet found themselves without service Friday.

Following an inquiry from MSC News, the company released the following statement:

We are working as quickly as possible to restore wireline service to customers in the Atchison area after a third-party damaged our fiber line. We apologize to our customers for any inconvenience this may have caused. 

As of 3:00 Friday afternoon, at the time of the release, the repair work was continuing.

(KNZA)--The Washington County, Kansas man, who was reported missing this week, has been found dead.

KSNT-TV reports that Ben Berger was located by Washington County law enforcement on Thursday, and was pronounced dead.

Berger's death is not currently being investigated as suspicious.

The TV station, citing the Washington County Sheriff's Office, reports that it's believed Berger died as the result of a crash on February 17, in Washington County, but confirmation of his cause of death is pending an awaited autopsy.

(MSC News)--Two area northeast Kansas cities will receive funding from USDA Rural Development for infrastructure improvements.

The agency announced Wednesday its investing $22.4 million in nine Kansas infrastructure projects--including those in Valley Falls and Vermillion.

Valley Falls will receive a more than $2.9 million loan to help refurbish the the city's wastewater collection system. The project will include pipe repairs, pipe replacement, heavy pipe cleaning and manhole repairs and replacement.

Vermillion will receive a more than $1.1 million grant and $35,000 loan to help complete the rehabilitation of the city's water distribution system. The project will install about 6,500 feet of distribution piping, including new fire hydrants, valves and other equipment.

The funding is through USDA Rural Development's Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program

(KMZA)--The 42nd annual Baileyville Benefit will be held this weekend, with proceeds going to help five Nemaha County families with medical expenses.

The event will take place Saturday and Sunday, February 24-25, at the Nemaha Central High School in Seneca.

It will include basketball and volleyball tournaments, along with a live, silent and online auction of donated items.

The online auction is currently underway and runs through Saturday afternoon at 2:00. Click here for on-line link. The live auction will take place Sunday evening around 5:00, with more than 300 items to be auctioned off.

This year's beneficiaries are:

Rowan Knowles, an 8-year old injured in an ATV accident last September

Mike Scott, recently diagnosed with mouth cancer

Tim, Kasyn and Margaret Winkler, who were seriously injured in a wreck last September

Bruce Hermesch, who has been living with muscular dystrophy since 1992

Heather Myers, a young mother recently diagnosed with breast cancer

The Baileyville Benefit has been helping Nemaha County area families in need since 1982.

Last year's event raised $185,000 to assist four individuals.

(KNZA)--Brown County is preparing for this summer's chip and seal road projects.

The Brown County Commission on Tuesday accepted the low bid submitted by Vance Brothers, of Kansas City, Missouri, for the purchase of an estimated 500,000 gallons of RS-IH Plus road oil for $2.39 a gallon delivered. It was among two bids received.

In other business, Chase Dudzinski, chief financial officer for Amberwell Health, met with the Commission to discuss the Rural Hospital Innovation Grant.

He said they would like to seek the state grant for the Hiawatha hospital.

If awarded, Dudzinski said the grant funds would be used to increase their abilities to do more surgical procedures and for technology infrastructure in order to keep patient information safe.

The hospital would be required to provide $2 of matching funds for every $1 awarded.

The county must serve as a pass-through entity for the grant funds.

Commissioners tabled approval until next week's meeting so they could review the grant application.

(KNZA)---The Doniphan County Commission has approved the purchase of new pickup trucks for the county's three road districts.

According to the unofficial minutes from Tuesday's meeting, the Commission accepted the low bid submitted by Honeyman Ford, of Seneca, for the purchase of three Ford F-250 single cab pickups in the amount of $46,334 each.

It was among three bids received. Bids were also received from Anderson Ford, of St. Joseph, and Aberle Ford, of Sabetha.

In other business, the commission meet with contractors at the site of two bridges on Oxide Road, south of Ottumwa Road.

The Commission previously agreed to install two tubes at each location to replace the dilapidated bridge structures. However, after the on-site meeting, it was determined to go with different sized tubes for each location than original proposed.

The Commission agreed to postpone bid letting until March 11, with sealed bids to be submitted to the County Clerk on or before 5 p.m. March 8th.

(KNZA)--The results of a survey conducted last fall in Brown County will be presented during three public meetings next week.

The Brown County Commission is inviting county residents to attend the meetings.

They will take place Monday, February 26, at 12 noon at the Fairview Community Center and Monday evening at 5:30 at the Fisher Center in Hiawatha, along with Tuesday evening, February 27, at 5:30 at the Blue Building in Horton.

Each meeting will be facilitated by project consultant, Dick Horton.

The purpose of the survey was to identify the needs and preferences of residents to assist in the development of a comprehensive plan for the county

The survey, which was organized by the ETC Market Research Institute, of Olathe, was mailed to every household in Brown County and was available on-line. 803 completed surveys were returned.

(KAIR)--The Community Development Block Grant Team, of the Kansas Department of Commerce, has been traveling the state, outlining ways partnerships, using CDBG funding, can improve Kansas communities.

According to a release from the state commerce department, the team has traveled over 1,000 miles, across all regions of the state, bringing its so-called "road show meetings" to those locations, with the travels coming to an end Tuesday, in Atchison, where the final presentation was held.

Among local leaders in attendance at the session were Atchison County Commissioners Casey Quinn and Eric Noll, as well as County Finance Director Mark Zeltner, and County Counselor Patrick Henderson.

In a release following the session, Quinn called it "informative and exciting to learn of the funding opportunities available," adding that while local business owners were in attendance, those who could not attend will soon be able to view the information on the Atchison County website.

KDOC notes that since the start of the sessions, a total of seven were held, with more than 190 attendees participating statewide.

The federally administered Community Development Block Grant Program supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities.

(KAIR)--Atchison brick streets are set for a makeover, following approval by the Atchison City Commission Tuesday to hire a local firm to make those repairs.

Approval came after a presentation by Atchison Public Works and Utilities Director Clinton McNemee, who outlined the following regarding the annual project:

•The City budgets annual CIP dollars for brick street repairs. The modest annual budget is targeted at blocks of brick street that primarily just need smaller, isolated improvements to noticeably increase the ‘driveability’ of that block.

• The repairs consist of removing the brick pavers within the affected area (e.g. a 6 ft. by 6 ft. square), removing a certain amount of subgrade material and replacing it with compacted rock, a bedding of sand, and resetting the pavers.

• The recommended target areas for 2024 include the 600, 900 & 1000 Blocks of Kearney Street and the 500 & 600 Blocks of Laramie Street.

• The 2024 CIP includes a budget of $35,000 for brick street repairs.

• One bid was received by Urban Lawncare, priced at $14.00 per square foot.

Following the presentation, and resulting questions, the Commission approved the hiring of Atchison-based Urban Lawncare to repair the brick streets at a rate of $14 per square foot, not to exceed $35,000 in total project costs.
Urban Lawncare submitted the lone bid for the project.

According to McNemee, the areas to receive brick street repairs this year include the 600, 900 & 1000 Blocks of Kearney Street and the 500 and 600 Blocks of Laramie Street.

The repairs consist of removing the brick pavers within the affected area, removing a certain amount of subgrade material and replacing it with compacted rock, a bedding of
sand, and resetting the pavers.

A timeline for the work isn't immediatley available.

(KLZA)-- Three people have filed for City Council seats in Falls City.

In Ward I, Brent Shubert has filed for the seat currently held by Amber Holle who is not seeking re-election.

Two people have filed for the Ward III Council seat currently held by Carla Rhodd, who also did not seek re-election.

Les Baker and Sara Ruiz have filed for the 3rd Ward seat.

The filing deadline for the upcoming primary election in Nebraska is March 1. The deadline to file for incumbents was February 15.

Three current Falls City Council members chose not to seek re-election. Holle, Rhodd and 2nd Ward Council member Kaylee Ractliffe.

(KNZA)--An Elwood man was injured Wednesday afternoon after striking a train in the Doniphan County community.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 52-year-old Robert Shultz was driving a SUV southbound on 15th Street near Vermont Street when he failed to yield to the eastbound Union Pacific train, which was being operated remotely.

Shultz was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says there was a juvenile passenger in his vehicle, but no information is being released on the juvenile because of their age.

The wreck was reported around 1:00 Wednesday afternoon.

(KMZA)--Authorities are searching for a missing Washington County man.

According to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, 44-year-old Ben Berger was last seen leaving the Marysville Walmart Saturday afternoon heading eastbound on U.S 36 Highway in a 2002 red Nissan Xterra with Kansas license plate 799RSG.

He has not been in contact with family or friends since Saturday afternoon.

Berger is described as a white male, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing about 230 pounds. He is bald and has hazel eyes.

Anyone with information regarding Berger's whereabouts should contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 785-325-2293.

(KAIR)--Baseball, including its connections with black history, will be the focus of an Atchison presentation, featuring a founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City as presenter.

According to a release from Atchison United, the community organization will host the evening presentation and discussion, "The Kansas City Monarchs and America's National Pastime," on the evening of Wednesday, February 28, as part of Black History Month. It will take place in the Community Room of the USD 409 Board of Education, located at 626 Commercial Street, beginning at 6:00.

The program, made possible by Humanities Kansas, will be presented by Phil Dixon, the author of nine baseball books, leading him to interview over 500 former Negro League players and family members, as well as being a co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Atchison United is encouraging those who attend the presentation to wear Kansas City Monarchs Gear as a welcoming to Dixon.
The Kansas City Monarchs barnstormed across Kansas and the region to play more than 400 games between 1920 and 1957 against local towns

According to the release, the talk will shed new light on that sports history, as well as Kansas baseball history. It will also address modern day progress, as 2020 marked two major milestones for baseball: the Negro Leagues celebrated their 100th anniversary and Major League Baseball merged statistics of those African American players with those of the major league. The release says "the history of Negro League baseball in America mirrors the racial strife experienced by African Americans in society, as it was plagued by discrimination, racism, and inequality."

The program is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to "share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement."

(KLZA)--A Hiawatha man is accused of sexually assaulting a Nebraska teenager for two decades, with 66-year-old Richard Davidson facing two sexual assault charges in Richardson County, Nebraska.

KOLN-TV, in Lincoln, is reporting that a multi-year investigation led to the charges, filed for incidents alleged to have occurred in 2003 and 2005, with Davidson accused of sexually assaulting the teenager multiple times over a 20-year period.

The TV station reports that the alleged victim, in January, 2021 told a Nebraska State Patrol investigator that she had been sexually assaulted multiple times between the ages of 13 and 15, with the assaults taking place at two of her homes between Falls City and Grand Island.

The victim also alleged that Davidson repeatedly targeted her in a variety of scenarios.

Following further victim interviews through 2022,the investigator interviewed Davidson in October of that year, at which time Davidson denied any sexual contact with the victim, and claims that while he was willing to take a polygraph test, health issues prevented him from doing so.

Davidson was arrested last week, on February 15, and is held in the Richardson County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

His next court appearance is scheduled for March 4.

(KLZA)-- Long time Table Rock business owner Dennis Schaardt announced Tuesday that he will run for the District 1 Nebraska Legislative seat.

Schaardt has previously served as a Pawnee County Commissioner, Mayor and City Council member, volunteer fire chief and many other local boards.

Schaardt said in his announcement that he believes the campaign should prioritize Nebraska's spending issues, taxes and protecting life at conception.

Current District One Senator Julie Slama previously announced she will not seek re-election.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man, wanted on a southeast Nebraska felony warrant, is now in custody after he was found hiding in a Hiawatha building early Sunday morning.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the arrest of 47-year-old Anthony Tull came after the Sheriff's Office was alerted that Tull, wanted on a Richardson County, Nebraska felony warrant for 1st degree assault, was in Hiawatha.

Deputies, shortly after 12:15 Sunday morning, tracked Tull to a vacant Hiawatha building where he was found "hiding on top of a small room in the building."

Merchant says after Tull was located, he was taken into custody without incident.

Now facing an additional charge for felony obstruction, Tull was booked into the Brown County Jail.

(KAIR)--It was a celebration of Atchison success Saturday, as the 2024 Locally Atchison Chamber of Commerce was held that evening at the Atchison Event Center.

Held under the theme "Together We Grow," business success was recognized as part of the evening, with Hilligoss Shoes earning the annual Business of the Year Award.

A highlight of Saturday evening's banquet was honoring the 9th inductee into the Chamber Hall of Fame, with Richard Dickason, the near 30-year president of Exchange Bank, receiving that honor.
He served as Exchange Bank President for 29 years, remaining its CEO until his 2023 retirement from the bank following 50-years of service.

Along with his years of business leadership, Dickason earned his induction through what Locally Atchison Executive Director Jim Rowland calls "his commitment and love for the community of Atchison," shown through his 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.

(MSC News)--Flags will fly at half-staff Saturday, as the State of Kansas remembers the life lost, and those injured, during the Kansas City Chief's Super Bowl Victory Parade and Rally.

According to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, flags in the state will fly at half-staff from sunrise until sunset Saturday in honor of Elizabeth "Lisa" Lopez-Galvan, a resident of Kansas who was killed in the shooting. 22 others, a number of which were children, were injured as the region celebrated the Chief's victory on Valentine's Day in Kansas City.

Kelly, in the release, calls it "senseless violence" that turned the day of celebration into one of tragedy, adding that she joins the state in grieving the death of Lopez-Galvan, a DJ and mother of two, from Shawnee, as well as "all the victims and their loved ones."

(KLZA)--During their February 14th meeting, Richardson County Commissioners approved the expenditure of nearly $25 thousand with the Omnigo Software company for software needed as the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center prepares to begin doing the department's dispatching in August.

Chief Deputy Jeremiah Franks presented Commissioners with a contract proposal with the HTRS School District for a school resource officer. The contract will be considered at a later date.

The Board also approved increasing the pay for Election Poll workers to $14 per hour for the 2024 elections. County Clerk Mary Eickhoff requested the increase because poll workers will have added responsibilities with more required training due to the new voter identification regulations.

Following a public hearing on the One & Six Year Road Plan for Richardson County, drawing no public comments, Commissioners approved the plan as presented by Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr.

Darveau reported that he is working with a company wanting to make a significant improvements to a property southeast of Humboldt, who inquired about make some improvements to the county road that accesses the property.

An Interlocal Agreement that would create the Southeast Planning Exercise Training Region, to provide cooperative safety services by and among the counties including Cass, Gage, Fillmore, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline, Seward, Thayer and York counties was approved by the Board.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Rural Fire Fighters responded to a call southeast of Preston late Saturday afternoon.

At around 4:15 the call went out on a house fire at the home where Randy Willey lives, a mile and a half east of 703 Road on 656 Avenue, which is south and east of Preston.

No injuries were reported. Damage to the home is estimated at more than $10 thousand.

(KLZA)-- During their February Board meeting, Nebraska Public Power Districts Board members approved moving forward with extending the license to operate the Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville for an additional 20 years, which would be 2054.

The Cooper Plant was issued an operating license on January 18, 1974 with the license renewed in November of 2010, allowing the plant to operating through January, 18, 2034.

NPPD employs approximately 680 people at the plant with an annual payroll of around $76 million. The plant generates about 835 megawatts of electricity, serving more than 385 thousand residential customers.

According to an online report, the Cooper Nuclear Station was named after Humboldt residents Guy Cooper Jr. and Guy Cooper Sr. who combined to serve 27 years on the NPPD Board of Directors.

O.A. Cooper, father of Guy Cooper Sr. built the first electrical plant in Humboldt in 1890.

(KNZA)--The 45th president of Highland Community College has been named.

The College announced Dr. Vincent Bowhay was approved on an unanimous vote by the HCC Board of Trustees Monday evening following a national search by a hiring committee.

Bowhay will begin his new role July 1st.

The College said in a release that he brings with him more than a decade of experience in higher education and assessment consultation. Bowhay has served as president of Independence Community College since 2021. Prior to that, he served in student affairs roles at Missouri Western State University and Fort Hays State University.

Bowhay was among three finalists for the position, selected from more than 50 applicants. The three candidates came to Highland to give presentations to faculty, staff and students in-person and via ZOOM at the end of January. After presentations and interviews on-campus were complete, faculty, staff and students were asked to submit feedback and recommendations to the hiring committee.

Bowhay will succeed Deborah Fox, who will retire June 30th after serving as HCC President for five years.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Vincent Bowhay to Highland Community College. He brings to us his higher education experience, compassion for students, for the College and community opportunities. Welcome home, Vince,” said Tom Smith, chair of the Board of Trustees.

“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve as president of Highland Community College, an institution that provides lifelong learning opportunities to students and contributes to the economic vitality of northeast Kansas. I am tremendously inspired by Highland- student-centric, mission-driven approach to education, and I look forward to beginning my journey as a Scottie,” said Bowhay.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau held their annual meeting Monday evening at the Fisher Center.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the organization's annual awards, which are nominated and voted on by Chamber members.

Honored as " Business of the Year" was The Country Cabin.

Hiawatha Parks and Recreation was recognized as the " Organization of the Year."

The " Volunteers of the Year" award went to Kyle and Sarah Olson.

HCVB President Kate Miller provided a recap of the organization's activities.

Two new board members were introduced at the meeting—Megan Brobst and Malia Hinkle.

The theme for the meeting was “ Game Night”, with those in attendance playing a Jeopardy style game covering Hiawatha facts.

Lentz Catering provided the meal.

(KNZA)--The Board of Education for South Brown County USD 430 last week approved the purchase of a new school bus.

The board approved the purchase of 2024 65-passenger diesel bus from Kansas Truck Equipment Company, of Wichita, for $111,836.

There was much discussion by the board on the topic of purchasing and storing diesel fuel for the district's buses. The board was in consensus to move forward with getting more information.

Following an executive session, the board unanimously approved extending the contract of Superintendent Dr. Rebecca Kramer, with changes and additions, through the 2025-26 school year. Kramer took over as superintendent July 1st of last year.

The board also voted to hire Sarah Thomas as Everest Middle School 6th grade math teacher for the 2024-25 school year.

As part of the consent agenda, the board accepted the resignations of Jesse Hutfles as Everest Middle School 7th-8th grade science teacher and Connie Hutfles as Everest Middle School 5th-8th technology teacher. The resignations are effective at the end of the current school year.

(KNZA)--An area Kansas legislator is seeking re-election to the Kansas House of Representatives.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State- office, St. Marys Republican Francis Awerkamp filed last week for re-election to another term representing the 61st District.

The 61st District includes portions of Jackson and Pottawatomie Counties.

Awkerkamp is the first candidate to file for the position.

He has served in the Kansas House since 2017.

Candidates have until noon, June 3rd to file.

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

(KAIR)--The discovery of human bones, found this past weekend by pedestrians walking in a Leavenworth County community, is under investigation.

According to a release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, that agency, in conjunction with the Lansing Police Department, is "conducting a death investigation after human remains were found near a creek in Lansing."

The release explains that it was just after 5:00 Sunday evening, when persons walking along a creek bed in the 900 block of Lansing's North Main Street, found the skeletal remains, calling 911 to report the find. Lansing Police responded, requesting KBI assistance Sunday evening, with agents and the Crime Scene Response Team arriving in Lansing.

According to the KBI, "the identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed," with the release noting that "positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains." An autopsy has been scheduled.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. or, online, at kbi.ks.gov.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha City Administrator Becky Berger, facing multiple traffic offenses stemming from an incident last year in Belton, Missouri, has entered into a plea agreement.

According to court documents, Berger pleaded guilty in Belton Municipal Court earlier this month to a single count of failure to stay on pavement. She was fined $500 and ordered to pay court costs.

Berger was given a suspended sentence and placed on two-years probation on a charge of driving while intoxicated. As part of the terms her probation, she was ordered to complete a substance abuse traffic offender program within 120 days.

Berger was arrested May 11th of last year by Belton police after crashing her vehicle into a tree in a residential yard while being pursued by an officer who had attempted to stop her for allegedly driving erratically.

She had faced more than a half dozen traffic violations—including transporting an open container, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to yield to an emergency vehicle.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners continued negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement with the Road Department union when they met on February 14.

Following the exchange of proposals, Commissioners presented their final offer which they asked be submitted to the employees for a final vote. Union representatives relayed that final offer would likely be rejected based on the wages offered by the County.

Union representatives Justin Hubly said he would relay the final offer to the employees and notify Jerry Piglsey, special legal counsel for the County in the next month.

(KAIR)--A Lansing Correctional Facility inmate is dead, with the cause of death pending the resultes of an independent autopsy.

That's according to a release from the Kansas Department of Corrections, which says 28-year-old Kaydin Varland-Hazlelton died Saturday, and was pronounced dead by local hospital staff.

The investigation into the death, conducted jointly by KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, is ongoing.

Varland-Hazelton, was serving an 84-month sentence for several convictions of drug possessions and one count of battery in Sedgwick County.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha city officials meet with the Hiawatha School board last week to discuss changes the Kansas Department Transportation is proposing to the 1st Street corridor to enhance safety.

City Public Works Director Brad Scott and Mayor Becky Shamburg gave a presentation to the board on the proposed changes.

Scott said KDOT is proposing going with 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.

As part of the proposal, the traffic signals at 1st and Oregon and 1st and Iowa would be removed.

Other changes proposed by KDOT include making Longfellow Street a one-way street, removing old school zone signals and implementing flashing beacons at crosswalks.

Scott said the cost to replace the failed traffic signal at 1st and Oregon with a similar traffic signal has been placed at $500,000 to $750,000. KDOT would not provide any funding if the city decides to have the traffic light replaced.

The board's primary concern was student safety, especially when crossing the highway for school and during the summer to get to the pool. It was the consensus of the board that they wanted to see the traffic signal at 1st and Iowa stay, while it is still operational, for safety reasons.

Shamburg invited the board to request to be on the agenda for the next city commission meeting to voice any concerns.

(KNZA)--A new Troy Middle School/High School principal has been hired.

USD 429 has announced that Jeremy Prudden has been hired for the position.

Prudden has been a teacher at Troy High School for the past 15 years. He has taught English and social studies. Prudden has also served as a coach.

The school district, in a release, said Prudden is well respected by his peers and students, having been selected Master Teacher of the Year twice during his tenure in the USD 429 district as well as Teacher of Influence.

Prudden earned his undergraduate teaching degree from Missouri Western State University and his Masters of Science in School Leadership from Baker University.

He will replace current principal Micheal Estes, who is retiring at the end of the current school year. Prudden will begin his new duties on August 1st.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska 1st District State Senator Julie Slama has announced that she will not seek re-election this year.

Slama was appointed to the position in 2019 by then Governor Pete Ricketts and was then elected to the seat in 2020.

Slama said in a social media post that she has decided to go into private practice as an attorney and “focus on the joys and responsibilities of being a new mom.”

Among her accomplishments in her six years in office Slama listed “historic victories” including federal support for the Peru levee repair, legislation supporting $15 million for Falls City electrical upgrades, expanded degree offerings at Peru State College, Constitutional Carry and Voter ID.

Senator Slama's term will expire in January of 2025.

(KNZA)--A Powhattan man is facing additional charges following his arrest last week on a felony warrant from Nebraska.

According to a report from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, 46-year-old Brad Donahue was arrested by the Sheriff's Office around 10:30 Thursday evening on a Richardson County felony failure to appear warrant.

In addition, Donahue was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

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

(KNZA)--Fire caused damage Saturday to a welding shop in Robinson.

Robinson Fire Chief Matt Tietjens said the Robinson Fire Department responded shortly after 8:00 Saturday morning to Tork's Welding shop located at 105 Main Street after a passing Brown Co Sheriff's deputy reported smoke coming from all sides of the metal framed building.

Tietjens said firefighters found the building full of smoke and a fire in the south corner.

He said the fire started in a small office and bathroom area of the shop, where it was contained.

The office sustained heavy damage, with minimal damage to the remainder of the building.

No one was inside the building at the time of the fire.

The state Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause of the fire. Tietjens said no official determination has been made yet, but it appears to have been electrical in nature.

The Robinson Fire Department remained on scene until 12:50 Saturday afternoon.

Tietjens thanked the Everest Fire Department, Hiawatha Fire Department, Town and Country EMS and Brown County Rescue Squad for their assistance.

(KNZA)---The Hiawatha School Board Monday evening adopted new graduation requirements that will take effect with the class of 2028.

The new requirements, approved by the Kansas State Board of Education, are designed to better prepare students for higher education or the workforce.

Hiawatha High School Principal Lori Fordyce laid out a detailed plan at last month's board meeting to make sure the new requirements are met.

In other business, the board approved the 2024-25 school calendar. The first day of school will be August 15 and the last day of school will be May 21.

Following an executive session, the board accepted two resignations and approved several new hires.

The board accepted the resignations of Jean Brintnall as curriculum director and Tom Schmitz as 6th grade math teacher, effective at the end of the school year.

The board approved the hiring of Heather Maze as 7th grade math teacher for next school year.

In addition, the board approved the hiring of Wyatt Jiru as head high school football coach for the 2024-25 school year on a 6-1 vote. Board member Ryan Patton cast the lone dissenting vote.

The board also approved the hiring of Sara Campbell as head middle school track coach and Robyn Saunders as assistant middle school track coach for the upcoming track season.

(KAIR)--A Friday afternoon Atchison shooting, that sent one man to the hospital, remains under investigation, with the Atchison County Sheriff- Office continuing to piece together the details of what happened.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie told MSC News Sunday evening his office has “been following up on leads all weekend,” but there's "no suspect information available at this time."

The Sheriff- Office, around 4:30 Friday afternoon, responded to a report that a 20-year-old man had been shot, with deputies joined by Atchison County EMS and Rescue in responding to the reported location, 8262 Fremont Street, in Atchison.

Laurie, shortly following the shooting, said the man was transported by EMS to Amberwell Atchison for hospital treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

During the initial investigation, Laurie says it was discovered that the shooting occurred at the victim's residence, located at 8344 Fremont.

(KMZA)--Prairie Hills USD 113 has issued a statement regarding the Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education's approval of a resolution authorizing the filing of a petition with the Kansas State Board of Education for the transfer of certain land from Prairie Hills USD 113 to USD 115.

Following the school board's approval February 12, USD 113, on Thursday, released its response, saying that the district has been made aware of the petition, meaning the district will "continue to assess the implications of such a proposal on [USD 113's] educational community," adding that "the board of education is working to ensure a thorough understanding of the potential impact on students and the current and future educational environment."

USD 113 Superintendent Todd Evans, in the release, stated that the school district is "committed to maintaining the integrity and continuity of education for our students,” with Evans adding that the school district “continues to work collaboratively to address this matter in the best interest of our students and their families.”

The school board for USD 115 approved the resolution following an executive session during the February 12 meeting, with the decision coming after mediation efforts between the two sides failed.

Editors note:Below is the full response from USD 113.

Prairie Hills, Unified School District 113, has been made aware that Nemaha Central, Unified School District 115, has officially filed a petition with the Kansas State Board of Education seeking approval for the acquisition of land within the USD 113 school district.

This development has prompted Prairie Hills USD 113 to continue to assess the implications of such a proposal on our educational community. The board of education is working to ensure a thorough understanding of the potential impact on students and the current and future educational environment.

Superintendent Todd Evans stated, "We are committed to maintaining the integrity and continuity of education for our students. Prairie Hills, USD 113, continues to work collaboratively to address this matter in the best interest of our students and their families.”

In addition to other supporting information, the USD 113 Board of Education, holds the following positions and beliefs that are relevant to this situation:

• USD 113 has attempted to reasonably trade district property as a resolution to this dispute. USD 115 has been unwilling to offer any trade, even pennies on the dollar, for the land that is petitioned.

• Because of the intricacies of the Kansas State Aid Equalization Formula, a transfer of land to USD 115 would reduce USD 115 local property taxes for the Local Option Budget (LOB). This would come at the expense of Kansas taxpayers statewide because it would result in USD 113 qualifying for additional LOB state aid.

• In the 2022-23 school year, KSDE reported that Nemaha Central had 123 out of district students enrolled. In the 2022-23 school year, KSDE reports that Prairie Hills had 123 out of district students enrolled. Not only do both districts support the same number of out of district students, but open enrollment, if districts have capacity, will be a legal requirement starting with the 2024-25 school year.

• Concerns exist about the capacity of USD 115 to educate all of the children in the requested area based on past denials of out of district students.

Prairie Hills, USD 113, will be closely monitoring the situation and providing updates as necessary. Further information and updates will be made available on the school district's official website and through other communication channels.

(KAIR)--Slick, Friday morning Atchison County roadways are blamed for two separate crashes that involved a total of four vehicles resulting in several injuries.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the first crash happened about ten-minutes prior to 7:00 and involved 3-vehicles that crashed on U.S. Highway 73, about two miles west of Atchison.

The KHP's preliminary report states that a Ford Explorer and Oldsmobile car were driving southeast on the highway when a Kia Spectra, heading northwest on the highway, lost control due to the slick conditions. That caused the compact car to cross into the path of the Ford Explorer, which collided with the car's passenger side.
Meanwhile, the Oldsmobile was unable to stop, causing it to hit the Explorer in the rear and the Kia on the driver's side.

Behind the wheel of the Ford Explorer was 54-year-old Steven George, of Effingham, who, the report says, suffered a suspected minor injury. According to family members, George was transported for examination at St. Joseph's Mosaic Lifecare, following the wreck.

The St. Joseph hospital is also where the driver of the Kia Spectra was transported, with the KHP's report saying 24-year-old Atchison resident, Tanner Hinson, incurred a suspected serious injury in the morning wreck.

The driver of the Oldsmobile, 32-year-old Andrew Ernzen, of Atchison, suffered no apparent injury in the three-vehicle crash, which happened just east of Osage Road.

According to the KHP's report, all of the drivers were buckled up at the time of the wreck.

A second Atchison County crash, involving a lone SUV traveling on K-116 highway, a mile west of Cummings Road, sent the Nortonville Driver to the hospital.

According to the preliminary report from the KHP, 47-year-old Adrienne Meredith was eastbound on the highway, behind the wheel of her Chevrolet Suburban, when she attempted to slow down at the junction with U.S. Highway 59. However, KHP reports that Meredith was unable to stop, causing her SUV to slide off the highway and overturn, coming to stop upside down.

Meredith was transported to Amberwell Atchison for the treatment of what the KHP identifies as a suspected minor injury.

Meredith was buckled up at the time of the Friday morning crash, which happened around 8:20.

(KAIR)--Scheduling last month kept one special guest from attending Atchison's Martin Luther King Day commemoration, but now, with compelling story ready to be told, the message of Darryl Burton will be heard Monday.

The author of "Innocent: A Second Look," Burton, known as "The Miracle Man," spent 24-years in prison until he was exonerated in 2008 when his innocence was proven.

According to darrylburton. org, Burton now serves as associate pastor at the largest United Methodist Church in the United States, with locations throughout the Kansas City area, and is the founder of the Miracle of Innocence organization.

Burton's message will be delivered Monday evening, at Atchison's United Methodist Church, located at 501 Kansas Avenue, beginning at 5:30. Then, at 7:00 Monday evening, a reception and reading by Burton will be held at the Cultural Center, located at 111 North 8th Street, with the event being called "Looking Back Looking Forward: Our History with Justice."

The public is invited to attend.

(KMZA)--Three individuals have expressed an interest in filling a vacancy on the Nemaha Central Board of Education.

The board Monday evening reviewed letters of interest submitted by Alex Bergstrom, Alan Lierz and former board member Owen Zinke to fill position #3 on the board.

The position had been held by Amy Huerter, who resigned effective December 31, 2023 after moving out of the position boundaries.

The board tabled action on the appointment of a new board member until their March meeting so they can interview the candidates.

The person selected will fill the position until the next school board election in November 2025.

In other business, the board approved the 2024-25 school calendar as presented. The first day of classes will be August 15th and the last day of school will be May 20th.

The board also approved a three-year contract with Varney and Associates CPAs to perform the district's annual audit at a cost of $12,500.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, charged in connection with a fatal 2022 Leavenworth shooting, has been found guilty following a two-day Leavenworth County District Court trial.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, a jury found 34-year-old Ryan Cheatham was guilty Tuesday on charges of voluntary manslaughter and criminal possession of a firearm.

The charges stem from the fatal shooting of Warren "Sugar Bear" Simon, Jr, who was found lying on the floor in a blood-stained shirt when Leavenworth Police arrived at the apartment where the shooting took place on May 18, 2022.

According to court documents cited in the release, a witness who was inside the apartment when the shooting happened told police Cheatham and the victim were inside the living room hen Cheatham picked up Simon's gun and pointed it at someone. Simon said he didn’t like the way Cheatham was pointing the gun; Cheatham then shot Simon multiple times.

After the shooting, Cheatham fled the apartment but was later taken into police custody at a family member's home.

Cheatham will learn his fate in a Leavenworth County courtroom on March 14, the date of his sentencing.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, charged in connection with a fatal 2022 Leavenworth shooting, has been found guilty following a two-day Leavenworth County District Court trial.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 34-year-old Ryan Cheatham was found guilty Tuesday on charges of voluntary manslaughter and criminal possession of a firearm.

The charges stem from the fatal shooting of Warren "Sugar Bear" Simon, Jr, who was found lying on the floor in a blood-stained shirt when Leavenworth Police arrived at the apartment where the shooting took place on May 18, 2022.

According to court documents cited in the release, a witness who was inside the apartment when the shooting happened told police Cheatham and the victim were inside the living room hen Cheatham picked up Simon- gun and pointed it at someone. Simon said he didn’t like the way Cheatham was pointing the gun; Cheatham then shot Simon multiple times.

After the shooting, Cheatham fled the apartment but was later taken into police custody at a family member- home.

Cheatham will learn his fate in a Leavenworth County courtroom on March 14, the date of his sentencing.

(KNZA)--A Mayetta woman was arrested this week on drug-related charges following a Jackson County traffic stop .

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a deputy conducted a traffic stop Wednesday on Q Road, north of 150th Road.

The traffic stop led to a search of the SUV, where items believed to be drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine were located.

Morse said the driver, 57-year-old Anna Potts, was arrested for possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and no insurance.

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

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission heard an update Monday evening on Rainbow Communications fiber broadband network expansion project.

Angie Kreider with Rainbow provided an update on the $5.4 million project to expand its fiber broadband network to customers homes.

She said they have two contractors working on the project, which began last year.

Kreider said the main line that is being buried is about 11 percent complete, while the main line that is aerial is about 80 percent complete.

She said they are looking at a late June or early July switch over to the new network, which will provide customers with faster internet speeds.

Kreider said customers should receive a letter around June talking about when new electronic equipment will be installed in their homes.

Rainbow ran fiber to businesses in 2014.

In other business, the Commission approved the replacement of the effluent meter at the sewer plant at a cost of $15,897. Public Works Director Brad Scott said the current system for measuring the effluent wastewater leaving the sewer plant has been inoperable for a number of years.

As part of the consent agenda, the Commission approved a bid from Rainbow Fireworks in the amount of $15,000 for the city's 2024 fireworks display. The fireworks display will take place on July 3rd.

(KLKA)-- KOLN-TV in Lincoln reports the Pawnee County Sheriff- Office reached out to the Lancaster County Sheriff- Office about a fire rig that had been stolen from the Burchard Volunteer Fire Department in June of last year.

Deputies from Pawnee County suspected the vehicle was being kept on a property in rural Lancaster County.

The vehicle, a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500, was valued at $5,000.

The Nebraska State Patrol- Airwing did a flyover of the property on Tuesday and confirmed that the stolen rig was there. Deputies contacted the property- owner and located multiple items stolen from the truck inside, including a chainsaw, a leaf blower, radios and fire masks.

25-year-old Shelby Watkins, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft.

(KLZA)-- Today is the deadline for incumbents to file for the May primary election in Nebraska.

Non-incumbents have until March 1 to file for the election.

The Richardson County Clerks Office reports several more have filed for the upcoming primary election.

Ronald Ramer of Shubert has filed for the Republican nomination for County Commissioners in District 3. Incumbent Rick Karas of Dawson has filed previously on the Republican ticket.

Two people have filed for positions on the Humboldt City Council. Dale Oehm will seek reelection in Ward I and Kendra Douglas has filed for reelection for the Ward II Council seat in Humboldt.

June Bowers of Falls City has filed for reelection to the District 56, Falls City Board of Education.

As of Wednesday, the incumbents in Falls City Council Wards I, II and III have not filed to seek another term.

In addition, two incumbents for the Falls City Board of Education have not filed for reelection.

(KAIR)--A Wednesday morning Atchison work-site accident left a dump truck driver injured.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says his officers were called to the 1300 block of North River Road, around 10:30 Wednesday morning, where the truck, unloading rock, rolled over onto its side.

According to Wilson, the 72-year-old driver/operator was able to free himself from the truck, and was then transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for hospital examination.

The injured man, whose name is not immediately made public, was working for Powell Trucking of St. Joseph, Missouri.

(KLZA) -Falls City School Superintendent Tim Heckenlively reported to the Board of Education Monday night that the amount of State Aid District 5 will received for 2024-25 under the current state statute will be reduced by $20,878 to $1,462,183.

The reduction is due to the school districts formula need in 2024-25.

Heckenlively pointed out that the budget certification could change based on legislation to be acted on during the 2024 Nebraska legislative session.

In action items during the meeting the Board accepted the resignation / retirement notices of High School Language Arts teacher Victoria Zoeller who has been with District 56 for 28 years. High School Guidance Counselor Sara Barker who has served in the position for 24 years and South School Assistant Principal and Director of Special Education Wendy Craig who has worked in District 56 for 22 years.

The Board approved an employment contract for Brent Krauter to teach High School Social Sciences for the 2024-25 school year and Timothy Ellis to teacher vocal music in grades kindergarten through 5th grade.

Reassignments approved for employees included Meghan Robeson to become the Middle School Principal. Karen Boatright to teach High School English; Ethan Sullivan to serve as Activity Director and Assistant High School Principal and Don Hogue to serve as Work Experience Coordinator and teach Physical Education.

(KNZA)--A Holton man has been arrested on a child-sex related charge.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said 44-year-old Jay Stewart was arrested Wednesday on a Jackson County District Court warrant for aggravated indecent liberties with a child under 14 years of age.

Stewart was taken into custody at a Topeka motel.

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

The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the apprehension of Stewart.

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

(KNZA)--The results of a countywide survey distributed last fall in Brown County were presented at Monday's County Commission meeting.

Jason Morado with Olathe-based ETC Institute, which conducted the survey, want over its key findings via Zoom.

Morado said the survey was mailed to every household in the county and was available on-line. He said they had a good response, with 803 completed surveys returned, well above their 400 completed survey goal.

The survey results showed residents have a positive perception of Brown County. 72 percent rated the county as an excellent or good place to raise children and 69 percent rated the county as an excellent or good place to live.

Identified as the most important issues for the county to address over the next five years were attracting new industry, affordable housing, assuring there are quality schools, crime prevention and job opportunities.

The survey results showed 56 percent of respondents were opposed to the development of industrial wind turbines in the county, while 30 percent were supportive.

The survey results will assist in the development of a comprehensive plan for the county.

Public meetings have been set to share the results with county residents. The meetings will take place Monday, February 26 at 12 noon at the Fairview Community Center and 5:30 that evening at the Fisher Center in Hiawatha. In addition, a meeting will be held Tuesday evening, February 27 at 5:30 at the Blue Building in Horton.

(KMZA)--A stolen fire truck from Pawnee County, Nebraska has been recovered.

The 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 was stolen last June from the Burchard Volunteer Fire Department.

Deputies from Pawnee County suspected the vehicle was being kept on a property in rural Lancaster County.

The Nebraska State Patrol's Airwing did a flyover of the property on Tuesday and confirmed the stolen truck was there.

Deputies contacted the property owner and located multiple items stolen from the truck inside the house—including the vehicle's light bar, fire masks, radios and hose nozzles.

Lancaster County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Ben Houchin told KOLN-TV that the property owner is cooperating with investigators, but it's not known how the truck ended up on the property.

25-year-old Shelby Watkins, of Omaha, had previously been arrested by the Pawnee County Sheriff's Department in connection with fire truck theft.

The Sheriff's Office says hundreds of hours were spent on the case

(KAIR)--A pickup truck, reported stolen when parked in Atchison Tuesday night, has been recovered.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says the 2010 Chevrolet Silverado was recovered Wednesday afternoon in Buchanan County, Missouri. Deputies in that location notified Atchison Police that the truck had been found, recovered on 130th Road, about 1-and-a-half miles south of U.S. Highway 59.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, Atchison Police and Buchanan County Sheriff's deputies were investigating the location where the truck was found.

The investigation is ongoing.

Wilson says the keys had been left inside the vehicle at the time that it was stolen from the Atchison location.

(MSC News)--Flags across Kansas will fly at half-staff Friday in honor of a Kansas Marine who died this month in a helicopter crash.

Flags will remain at half-staff all day Friday, from sunrise until sunset, as directed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly in honor of Lance Corporal Donovan Davis.

Kelly, in a release, said the sacrifices Davis and "the four other young marines made to protect our freedom" will not be forgotten.

Davis, and the four others, died February 7 when their helicopter crashed during a routine training exercise in southern California.

(KLZA)-- A storm spotter training class sponsored by the National Weather Service Office in Valley, Nebraska will be held Thursday, March 14 at the Southeast Community College Learning Center, located at 3200 Bill Schock Boulevard in Falls City.

This event will be a combined program for both Richardson and Nemaha counties and will begin at 7 p.m.

A storm spotter training class for Johnson and Pawnee counties is scheduled for Wednesday, February 29, at the Tecumseh Community Building located at 355 Clay Street.

The programs will last approximately 60 - 90 minutes. Pre-registration is not required. Those wishing to attend one of the programs can attend any of the sessions, regardless of where you live.

The program will provide basic understanding of thunderstorm structures, spotting techniques, reporting criteria, safety information and procedures.

Online spotter courses are also available at Skywarn Spotter Online Training Modules.

Online field guide and cloud charts can also be downloaded for free by visiting www.weather.gov/oax.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock Board of Education met Monday evening.

The Board approved a $750 increase in base pay for teacher salaries; a half-percent increase on the extra duty schedule and the choice to convert five banked sick days to one personal day.

The Board also approved a 3 percent salary increase for classified staff with five paid holidays for the school year staff and year round staff to receive two additional paid holidays.

The contract for K-12 Principal Lucus Dalinghaus was extended through the 2025-26 contract year with a salary increase of $4,000 for the 2024-25 school year and 2025-26 to be negotiated.

In other business the Johnson-Brock Board, Dalinghaus informed the Board that Johnson-Brock has been selected to take part in the NAEP Assessment, with the fourth grade class being tested.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler reported that 20 applications have been submitted for the 2024-25 Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 classes. He also noted that E-rate funding will be used to replace the indoor Wi-Fi at the school.

The summer driver education tuition rate was set at $250 per student with a contract approved with Jeff Koehler to instruct the program at a rate of $150 per student.

Board members also approved renewing membership with the Nebraska Association of School Boards at a cost of $3,772.

A teaching contract was approved with Mitchell Engelken for the next school year.

(KMZA)---The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education approved a resolution Monday evening authorizing the filing of a petition with the Kansas State Board of Education for the transfer of land in the former Bern school area from Prairie Hills USD 113 to USD 115.

The board took the action following an executive session, which comes after failed mediation efforts between the two sides.

The resolution states the USD 115 board has determined that its in the best interest of its students, including the at least 78 students attending USD 115 who live in the petitioned area, to seek the land transfer.

The resolution notes the burden placed on USD 115 taxpayers as a result of the district educating students in the petitioned area, while receiving none of the property tax revenue from the area.

The resolution further states that USD 115 voters in November 2022 passed a bond issue to support district infrastructure and facilities that are functioning at capacity as a result of the influx in students.

Two other neighboring school districts, Jackson Heights USD 335 and Vermillion USD 380, reached agreements in December with USD 113 in a dispute over school district boundaries.

(KLZA)-- The deadline for incumbents to file for the May primary election is Thursday, February 15.

Non-incumnbents have until March 1 to file for the election.

The Richardson County Clerks Office reports that Joyce Jones has filed for the Ward II Council seat in Falls City.

James Wisdom has filed to seek another term as 4th Ward Council member in Falls City.

Leah Reyes of Humboldt has filed to run for the District 70, HTRS School Board.

All of these positions are four year, non-partisan terms.

(KAIR)--It's being called a "lengthy investigation" that led to the arrest of a Horton man this week on drug-related charges.

36-year-old Ray Atlakson was arrested on charges of distribution of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and no drug tax stamp.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, the investigation by the Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force led to the recovery of an alleged 30 grams of meth and various items of drug paraphernalia that were taken into evidence.

Brown County Jail records show that after he was arrested, Atlakson was booked into the jail Tuesday night.

(KAIR)--No one was hurt despite a short, tireless ride, for an Easton driver traveling in Atchison Tuesday.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News the Chevrolet pickup truck, around 12:20 Tuesday afternoon, had been southbound on South U.S. Highway 73, near Green Street, when the rear driver's side wheel/tire came off the truck.

According to Wilson, the tire struck, and damaged, a fence on the east side of the roadway, with the driver able to safely stop the truck, which was later towed from the highway.

No injuries are reported.

(KAIR)--Although months remain before Atchison's July celebration of famous one-time resident Amelia Earhart, planning for the annual festival held in her honor is underway, with the Pioneering Achievement Award recipient of 2024 now selected.

A release from Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont, headlined, "From homeless to pilot," names Skywest Airlines pilot Kamia Bradley as the recipient of the honor, presented annually to one who best exemplifies the Earhart spirit.

According to the release, Bradley grew up homeless in Colorado, but became the first in her family to graduate high school and college, "going on to overcome tremendous obstacles to pursue her dream of flight as a pilot." The release notes that in order "to help others achieve their dreams," Bradley educates future pilots as a certified flight instructor.

It's those accomplishments, the release notes, that earned Bradley the award, with Pregont, in the release, saying that Bradley's "life and career exemplify Amelia Earhart's legacy of perseverance and spirit of determination."

Bradley's recognition includes that of the Woodson Center, with the Washington D.C. based center calling Bradley a "modern-day-Bessie Coleman,"the first black woman to earn a pilot's license, whose legacy is highlighted as part of Atchison's Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum display.

Bradley, the release notes, earned a flying instruction scholarship from the "Fly With Amelia Foundation," a nonprofit formed by Amelia Rose Earhart, 2013's Pioneering Achievement Award recipient.

Bradley, on July 20, will share her story of achievement as part of the day's celebration of Earhart, which will include the presentation of the award to Bradley during that afternoon's award luncheon.

The annual, two day festival will begin the previous evening, July 19, featuring the riverfront country music concert to kick-off the festival weekend.

(KNZA)--No major damage was reported in a Hiawatha apartment fire late Tuesday night.

Hiawatha Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said the fire department was dispatched shortly after 10:45 to 1400 North 1st Street, Apt. #11, for a possible fire. Also responding were Squad 48, Hiawatha Police Department and Town and Country EMS.

Upon arrival, Sheldon said crews found the apartment completely full of smoke and a fire on the stove.

The fire was contained to the stove and extinguished with a fire extinguisher.

Sheldon said the resident was escorted out by police and fire personnel. The resident was checked by EMS personnel, but was not transported.

Crews remained on the scene until 11:45 removing smoke from the building.

Sheldon reminds residents to check their smoke detectors every month and replace the batteries every year. In addition, he says you should have an evacuation plan and practice it.

(KMZA)--The City of Seneca will contribute $10,000 annually to the Spring Creek Golf Course over the next four years under an agreement approved by the City Council last week.

Also as part of the agreement, the city will waive licensing requirements for all carts owned or leased by the golf course and operated within the golf course property and Spring Creek Development.

In agreeing to make the annual financial contribution, the agreement states the city acknowledges "the economic and recreational value that the Spring Creek Golf Course brings to the community."

Under terms of the agreement, the Spring Creek Golf Course will submit a copy of the audited financial statement for the preceding year no later than December 31st of each year.

In other business, the Seneca Fire Department presented its annual report. The department responded to 55 calls last year and firefighters accumulated 533.5 hours of training. During the department's annual elections last month, Tom Haug was re-elected as chief for 2024, Travis Emmons as 1st assistant chief and Brad Kramer as 2nd assistant chief.

The Council also approved the purchase of a used Case asphalt roller at a cost of $30,000.

The Council tabled action on bids received for City Park sidewalk construction and the purchase of a new vehicle for the city administrator.

(KNZA)--A Brown Co bridge is to be repaired.

The Brown County Commission Monday accepted the lone bid submitted Norfolk Contracting, of Norfolk, Nebraska, for the repair of a bridge abutment on Nighthawk Road near 220th Road for $107,814.

The bid was opened at last week's meeting.

Also last week, at the request of county resident Keith Grimm, the Commission approved having a survey conducted on a two-mile stretch of Goldfinch Road, south of 270th Road.

Grimm is seeking to have the stretch of road widen.

He said licensed surveyor, Brent Jorgensen, of Tecumseh, Nebraska, has agreed to perform the survey at a cost of about $4,000.

(KMZA)--A Lecompton man facing charges in connection with a 2022 fatal wreck in Pottawatomie County that claimed the life of a Wamego man and his 7-year-old son has entered into a plea agreement, canceling a jury trial that had been set in the case.

According to court documents, Mark Stanwix pleaded guilty Monday in Pottawatomie County District Court to two counts of vehicular homicide, three counts of aggravated battery, reckless driving and texting while driving.

In exchange for the plea, a charge of interference with law enforcement was dismissed.

Sentencing was set for March 15th.

The charges were filed following an investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

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

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

Stanwix remains free on a $25,000 bond.

(MSC News)--For the first time since 2015, 2023 meant Kansas saw less than 400 traffic fatalities for the year. That's according to a release from the Governor's Office, which shows that preliminary data for 2023 indicates 388 people died in traffic crashes in Kansas, compared to 410 fatalities in 2022.

The number of fatalities has been trending down for three consecutive years.

The simple act of buckling up increases crash survivability by over 45%, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. The Drive To Zero Coalition credits initiatives included in the Kansas Strategic Highway Safety Plan to helping lower fatalities and serious injuries.

Fatalities also decreased on Missouri roads, with preliminary data showing that 980 occurred in 2023, a decrease of 6% from 2022 when 1,057 fatalities occurred.

According to a release from the Missouri Department of Transportation, 2023 is the first year since 2019 that Missouri has seen a decrease in roadway fatalities

While overall roadway fatalities were down, the release states that "motorcyclist fatalities have never been higher," with the preliminary numbers showing that 175 motorcyclists were killed on Missouri roadways in 2023. That's a 14% increase over the previous year when 153 fatalities occurred on Missouri roads in 2023.
According to the release, the current figures represent the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities ever reported in the state, and almost 50% higher than the average number of motorcyclist fatalities prior to the repeal of Missouri- all-rider helmet law in 2020, with the release saying that "safety professionals cite the lack of helmet use as a major contributing factor to the increase."

Prevalent characteristics observed in roadway fatalities, as noted in the release, include lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, speed, and impairment.

(KAIR)--Following last week's canvass of the ballots cast during the recent, mail-in special bond election for USD 409, the official numbers are now recorded as 1,211 in favor and 706 against.

The original count of ballots showed 1,193 cast in favor of the $27.3 million bond issue, while the prelliminary numbers, also as of the night of February 1, showed 678 ballots cast against the now-approved proposal.

The numbers were finalized during last week's meeting of the Atchison County Commission when the ballots cast by the February 1 deadline were canvassed.

According to the Atchison public school district, the $27.3 million bond comes with no increase to the bond and interest mill levy, meaning zero tax increase from those dollars to be used for a wide range of improvements for USD 409. Key among them, school district officials say, is the repair and replacement of school facility 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.

School officials, prior to the vote, said the new entrances are needed as a matter of safety.

(KNZA)--A boil advisory issued for water customers of the Kickapoo Reservation in December has been rescinded.

The tribe was notified Tuesday by EPA Region 7 that the advisory may be lifted.

The EPA recommended the advisory be issued December 21st in response to concern that the water may contain disease causing organisms due to possible elevated turbidity levels leaving the water treatment plant.

Corrective actions were taken to restore adequate filtration.

After reviewing the monitoring data submitted Sunday morning, the EPA says it believes the water leaving the plant is "consistently and reliably meeting applicable health standards."

Based on the information provided, the EPA says they believe the water no longer poses a health risk to consumers.

(KLZA)-- Auburn City Administrator / Economic Developer Crystal Dunekacke was among 29 leaders from across the state of Nebraska honored for successfully completing Class XV of Leadership Nebraska on February 8th in Lincoln.

Graduates are current and emerging leaders from communities throughout Nebraska. The program enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state. Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders who understand issues, define problems, develop solutions and achieve positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska.

The program includes six, three-day sessions held in various locations across Nebraska. Topic areas include economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government and policy.

(KLZA)-- Kimberly Tanner, Emergency Preparedness Offsite Coordinator and Matthew Nee, Emergency Preparedness Manager from the Cooper Nuclear Station located near Brownville, met with Richardson County Commissioners last Wednesday to update Commissioners on emergency training and emergency plans for the nuclear plant.

During the meeting they informed the Board that Cooper Nuclear Station will be moving away from using the warning sirens and going to the IPAWS program that would inform the area of an emergency at the plant.

IPAWS sends emergency notifications to cell phones.

It is likely the sirens, currently in use would be turned over to the counties for their use.

(KLZA)-- Kimberly Tanner, Emergency Preparedness Offsite Coordinator and Matthew Nee, Emergency Preparedness Manager from the Cooper Nuclear Station located near Brownville, met with Richardson County Commissioners last Wednesday to update Commissioners on emergency training and emergency plans for the nuclear plant.

During the meeting they informed the Board that Cooper Nuclear Station will be moving away from using the warning sirens and going to the IPAWS program that would inform the area of an emergency at the plant.

IPAWS sends emergency notifications to cell phones.

It is likely the sirens, currently in use would be turned over to the counties for their use.

(KLZA)-- Missouri 6th District Congressman, Sam Graves from Tarkio helped introduce The Death Tax Repeal Act in January.

In his February news letter, Graves said the death tax is something he has been fighting for years. He says death should not be a taxable event.

The death tax was enacted in 1916 as a way to help pay for World War I. Like many taxes, it was meant to be temporary. Initially, the top rate was 10 percent, but it never went away and nowadays, the death tax can take up to 40 percent of the assets when a person dies. The tax is paid by the children or grandchildren left behind and can force them to sell off a good chunk of the family farm or small business just to make the tax payment which Graves calls wrong.

The legislation proposed in January is designed to end the “temporary” death tax, stopping the double-tax standard.
Graves pledged to continue working to repeal the death tax.

(KLZA)-- Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, who represents District 5 on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, has assumed the role of chairman of the Board after serving as vice chair in 2023.

Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, representing District 6, was elected vice chairman of the Board. In accordance with Board policy, he will assume the chairmanship in 2025.

Schafer is a managing partner at Smith Schafer David Gaertig LLC and a livestock owner and operator. He is a staff judge advocate and lieutenant colonel in the Kansas Air National Guard. Schafer was appointed to the Board in 2013, elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018, the year he first served as chair.

A native of Pawnee City, Schafer earned his bachelor- and law degrees from the University of Nebraska. He and his wife, Andrea, have two daughters.

Kenney is an agribusinessman, farmer and rancher, working a homestead farm that has been passed down through his family for more than 100 years.

(KLZA)-- Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, who represents District 5 on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, has assumed the role of chairman of the Board after serving as vice chair in 2023.

Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, representing District 6, was elected vice chairman of the Board. In accordance with Board policy, he will assume the chairmanship in 2025.

Schafer is a managing partner at Smith Schafer David Gaertig LLC and a livestock owner and operator. He is a staff judge advocate and lieutenant colonel in the Kansas Air National Guard. Schafer was appointed to the Board in 2013, elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018, the year he first served as chair.

A native of Pawnee City, Schafer earned his bachelor- and law degrees from the University of Nebraska. He and his wife, Andrea, have two daughters.

Kenney is an agribusinessman, farmer and rancher, working a homestead farm that has been passed down through his family for more than 100 years.

(KLZA)-- Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, who represents District 5 on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, has assumed the role of chairman of the Board after serving as vice chair in 2023.

Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, representing District 6, was elected vice chairman of the Board. In accordance with Board policy, he will assume the chairmanship in 2025.

Schafer is a managing partner at Smith Schafer David Gaertig LLC and a livestock owner and operator. He is a staff judge advocate and lieutenant colonel in the Kansas Air National Guard. Schafer was appointed to the Board in 2013, elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018, the year he first served as chair.

A native of Pawnee City, Schafer earned his bachelor- and law degrees from the University of Nebraska. He and his wife, Andrea, have two daughters.

Kenney is an agribusinessman, farmer and rancher, working a homestead farm that has been passed down through his family for more than 100 years.

(KLZA)-- Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, who represents District 5 on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, has assumed the role of chairman of the Board after serving as vice chair in 2023.

Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, representing District 6, was elected vice chairman of the Board. In accordance with Board policy, he will assume the chairmanship in 2025.

Schafer is a managing partner at Smith Schafer David Gaertig LLC and a livestock owner and operator. He is a staff judge advocate and lieutenant colonel in the Kansas Air National Guard. Schafer was appointed to the Board in 2013, elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018, the year he first served as chair.

A native of Pawnee City, Schafer earned his bachelor- and law degrees from the University of Nebraska. He and his wife, Andrea, have two daughters.

Kenney is an agribusinessman, farmer and rancher, working a homestead farm that has been passed down through his family for more than 100 years.

(KLZA)-- Regent Rob Schafer of Beatrice, who represents District 5 on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, has assumed the role of chairman of the Board after serving as vice chair in 2023.

Regent Paul Kenney of Amherst, representing District 6, was elected vice chairman of the Board. In accordance with Board policy, he will assume the chairmanship in 2025.

Schafer is a managing partner at Smith Schafer David Gaertig LLC and a livestock owner and operator. He is a staff judge advocate and lieutenant colonel in the Kansas Air National Guard. Schafer was appointed to the Board in 2013, elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018, the year he first served as chair.

A native of Pawnee City, Schafer earned his bachelor- and law degrees from the University of Nebraska. He and his wife, Andrea, have two daughters.

Kenney is an agribusinessman, farmer and rancher, working a homestead farm that has been passed down through his family for more than 100 years.

(KMZA)--The upcoming retirement of Onaga-based Community Healthcare System of Northeast Kansas Chief Executive Officer Todd Willert has been announced.

CHCS Board Chairman Justin Boswell, in a release, said Willert- last scheduled day will be July 12th.

Willert joined CHCS in March 2015 while the new hospital was already under construction. During his tenure, the release says CHCS has brought on a general surgeon and additional family medicine providers, while expanding surgical and orthopedic services. The release adds Willert has facilitated development of new service lines including cardio-pulmonary rehab and bringing nuclear medicine in-house, while expanding counseling services

Boswell said they are grateful for Willert's leadership and expertise during the past 9 years.

Willert says retirement will offer he and his wife Nancy the opportunity to see their grandchildren more frequently, assist with his aging parents and check-off their bucket list of places they want to visit.

Boswell said the search to recruit a new CEO will soon be underway.

(KMZA)--Longtime 22nd Judicial District Magistrate Judge Judge Angela Hecke is running for re-election.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State's Office, the Marysville Republican recently filed for another term.

Hecke serves in Marshall County of the 22nd Judicial District.

Candidates have until noon, June 3rd 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 5.

(KAIR)--A Topeka man faces charges in Jefferson County, arrested over the weekend in connection with a burglary.

WIBW-TV reports 49-year-old Billy Ketron was booked into the Jefferson County Jail, late Saturday morning, on charges for burglary, criminal trespass, aggravated burglary, and aggravated escape from custody.

The TV station, citing the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, reports that Ketron was arrested Saturday morning, about 3 miles south of Meriden, in the 3200 block of 39th Street. However, it's alleged that Ketron, once in custody, tried to escape from a deputy, but was quickly apprehended.

Ketron's bond is set at $100,000.

The TV station's report cites Ketron's criminal history, naming him as the man arrested December 31 for firing a gun in a Topeka neighborhood.

(KAIR)--Details are released regarding the planned use of the just under $5 million awarded to Atchison's St. Benedict's Abbey as part of the goal to increase childcare statewide.

The Atchison apportionment comes through $28 million made available in Capital Projects Fund Accelerator grants, administered through the Kansas Children- Cabinet and Trust Fund, to a total of seven Kansas communities for the purpose of what a state release says is to "build or renovate multi-purpose community facilities that create new licensed child care slots; provide access to high-speed internet; and house programs that facilitate work, education, and health care monitoring."

In Atchison, such services are expected to be available by 2025 at the First Steps Childhood Learning Center, which will be located on north Atchison property, at 1926 North 2nd Street, which once housed the Atchison Juvenile Correctional Facility. The release from the Kansas Governor's office says the Atchison facility will include a career closet, care coordination services, and 24-hour child care, while creating 140 child care slots.

According to a release from the Abbey, the learning center is being opened through a partnership between the Abbey and First Steps of Atchison, with the two, last December, jointly filing the now successful application for the $5 million grant.

St. Benedict's Abbey purchased the property through an Atchison County Tax Sale in April 2021.

Abbot James Albers, OSB, superior at the Abbey, in the release, says when the purchase of the property was made, it was the Abbey's "intent to find uses for the land and buildings that would benefit the City of Atchison as well as Atchison County,” adding that it's the Abbey's belief that "investing in the futures of children by partnering with First Steps is one of the best ways of stewarding this gift we have received while promoting the dignity of the human person.”

The release explains that the Abbey's renovation of buildings on the property will begin this coming spring, with work to last approximately one year.
It was when the location served as a youth correctional home, from 1965 to 2008, that the buildings to be renovated were constructed,

The goal currently set for the center to begin providing childcare services is late spring 2025.

(KLZA)-- This week, I am excited to share with you significant developments in the continued efforts to improve childcare access across Nebraska, especially in rural communities. LB 1416, which adopts the Child Care Capacity Building and Workforce Act and the Family Child Care Home Grant Program, is a critical step toward addressing the need for accessible childcare across the entire state. Introduced by Senator Bostar, and at the request of Governor Pillen, LB 1416 looks to strengthen childcare infrastructure through two key initiatives. The Childcare Capacity Building and Workforce Act grant program is designed to provide much-needed support to childcare providers, ensuring that families across the state have access to quality childcare. By prioritizing grant recipients based on criteria such as increasing childcare capacity for younger children, supporting the childcare workforce, and addressing specific county needs, LB1416 ensures targeted and impactful investments by addressing the most pressing needs of Nebraska families. Whereas the Family Child Care Home Grant Program focuses on tailored solutions for rural communities, recognizing the needs of all communities, especially those in a “child care desert.” This program encourages the establishment and use of “micro-centers” without over-regulations, thereby offering a flexible response to the differing demands for childcare. I support LB 1416 as is a well-crafted bill that should be part of a comprehensive solution to the childcare challenges facing Nebraska. This bill takes significant strides toward working to resolve the childcare shortage in rural Nebraska. It also acknowledges the diverse needs for childcare found throughout our state. This bill seeks to ensure that every child has and will have access to quality care, thereby fostering a stronger future for Nebraska- rural communities and families.

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln NE 68509-4604; telephone: 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners and their special counsel met with representatives of the Road Department Union last Wednesday to negotiate an agreement.

The County submitted a counter-proposal to union proposal submitted in October of 2023. The Union also submitted a counter-proposal for the Board to consider. Following discussion, on the various counter proposals, the County Board said they would need time to consider the last offer proposed by the Union and the two sides will meet again on Wednesday, February 14 for further discussions.

Commissioners approved the purchase of a 40-foot, belly dump trailer from Brazos of Willis Point, Texas in an amount of $38,790. Two other companies were unable to submit bids due to supply issues.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners opened bids for an upcoming road project when they met last week.

Six bids were submitted for the work. After reviewing the bids with a representative from Mainelli Wagner & Associates, Commissioners awarded the project to Tim Sisco Construction of Sterling, Nebraska at a bid price of $120,100. It was the lowest of the bids submitted.

The project is scheduled do start May 1, or sooner if possible and be completed by June 3.

Highway Superintendent Chris Rauner met with the Board to review the project list and personnel.

A public hearing has been scheduled for March 5 at 10 a.m. to receive public input on the possible closing of 617 Avenue, south of 705 Road.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners opened bids for an upcoming road project when they met last week.

Six bids were submitted for the work. After reviewing the bids with a representative from Mainelli Wagner & Associates, Commissioners awarded the project to Tim Sisco Construction of Sterling, Nebraska at a bid price of $120,100. It was the lowest of the bids submitted.

The project is scheduled do start May 1, or sooner if possible and be completed by June 3.

Highway Superintendent Chris Rauner met with the Board to review the project list and personnel.

A public hearing has been scheduled for March 5 at 10 a.m. to receive public input on the possible closing of 617 Avenue, south of 705 Road.

(KNZA)--Kansas will hold its first presidential preference primary since 1992 on March 19th.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab says eight candidates, four Democrats and four Republicans, have filed to be on the ballot.

The Democratic candidates include Dean Phillips, Jason Palmer, Current President Joe Biden and Marianne Williamson.

The Republican candidates include former President Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and Ryan Binkley.

The presidential preference primary transfers responsibility for candidate selection from political parties to the state. Vote totals will be given to each party, which will then allocate delegates to go to the national convention in the summer.

Tuesday, February 20 is the deadline to register to vote or update your voter registration information in order to participate in the presidential preference primary.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Clerk's Office reports two candidates filed last week for county positions up for election in November.

County Clerk Nicole Lee filed to retain the position she was appointed to last August and County Treasurer Betty "BJ" Spiker filed for re-election. Both are Republicans.

Also up for election this fall are the positions of 2nd District County Commissioner, currently held by Lamar Shoemaker; 3rd District County Commissioner, currently held by Bill Pollock; Sheriff, currently held by John Merchant; Register of Deeds, currently held by Nellie Brockhoff; and County Attorney, currently held by Kevin Hill.

Candidates have until noon, June 3rd to filing at the Brown County Clerk's Office.

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

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors met Thursday evening in Tecumseh.

During the meeting the Board approved the appointments of Patty Coates of Nebraska City to the Subdistrict 4 Board position and Kraig Coonce of Rulo to the Subdistrict 9 open seat on the Board.

Both took the oath of office and were installed as directors.

One well permit was approved for Bauman Family Limited Partnership in Richardson County.

The Board did discuss a proposal regarding Steamboat Trace property encroachment but no action was taken. .

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, who pled last year to amended charges arising from a fatal vehicle crash that claimed the life of another Atchison man, is going to prison.

Brandon Mann was attempting to flee from Atchison Police in January, 2023, when he lost control of his car, which rolled onto its top.

Killed in the crash was a passenger, 20-year-old Jacey Paris, who was ejected.
Mann and two other passengers, aged 15 and 16, were injured.

Originally charged with first-degree murder, the now 23-year-old Mann last year entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of 2nd-degree murder.

Mann, in Atchison County District late last month, learned his fate, as the judge sentenced him to nearly 10-years of incarceration on the charge of 2nd degree murder.

(KLZA)--Two additional arrests have been made as the Richardson County Sheriff's Office follows up on several methamphetamine investigations that occurred at the end of January.

The Sheriff's Office said in a release that the follow-up investigations resulted in search warrants being served on two properties in Richardson County last week, one north of Falls City and one in Humboldt.

Deputies located methamphetamine, fentanyl patches, concentrated THC, marijuana and five firearms.

As a result, two arrests were made.

68-year-old Kyle Embretson, of Falls City, was arrested February 7th for possession of meth with intent to distribute while possessing a firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of fentanyl, possession of concentrated THC and maintaining a drug house.

62-year-old Mark Bratrsovsky, of Humboldt, was arrested February 8th on charges of possession of meth with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school while possessing a firearm, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school while possessing a firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of concentrated THC and maintaining a drug house.

Following their arrest, both men were booked into the Richardson County Jail.

The two arrests bring to 12 the total number of individuals arrested as a result of the meth investigations.

(KNZA)--A Friday evening three-vehicle Jefferson County wreck sent two people to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the wreck occurred on U.S. 24 Highway at Oak Road, about a half mile east of Perry.

According to the Patrol report, 58-year-old Donna Worthington, of Perry, was eastbound when she slowed to make a turn onto Oak Road and her car was rear-ended by an eastbound SUV driven by 32-year-old Kelsey Pepin, of Olathe. The impact caused Worthington's vehicle to go left of center and strike a westbound vehicle driven by 18-year-old Wyatt Roberts, of Oskaloosa, head-on.

Roberts and Worthington were both transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.

Pepin was not hurt.

There was a juvenile passenger in the Roberts vehicle, but no information is being released on the juvenile because of their age.

The Patrol says all three drivers were wearing seat belts when the wreck occurred around 9:30 Friday night.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved a zoning change to allow for a solar powered electric generating facility, just south of Troy.

According to the unofficial minutes from Monday's meeting, the commission took the action on a 2-1 vote following a hearing drawing no opposition. Commissioner Wayne Grable cast the lone dissenting vote.

Doniphan Electric requested a conditional use for a 4-acre tract located at 1438 180th Road.

The Doniphan County Regional Planning Commission voted last month to recommend that the conditional use be denied until further information on regulations could be gathered.

Zoning Administrator Julie Meng presented the County Commission Monday with a list of conditions for the conditional use permit.

Commissioners were told the facility will consist of 500 solar panels and is expected to generate over 591,000 kilowatt hours per year.

The facility will be built, owned and operated by North Little Rock Arkansas-based Today's Power, Inc., an electric cooperative that specializes in small, utility-scale solar generation projects.

(KNZA)--A 49-year-old man is jailed in Jefferson County on multiple child sex-related charges.

According to the Jefferson County Jail roster, Eric Jones was booked Thursday evening on charges of rape, indecent liberties with a child and lewd fondling.

Additional details were not immediately available.

Jones was being held Friday on a $750,000 bond.

(KMZA)--Nemaha Valley Community Hospital & Sabetha Community Hospital Launch 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment.

Over the next few months, NVCH & SCH (Nemaha County, KS) will be working together, along with area community leaders to update the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).

We are requesting community input regarding the healthcare delivery and unmet needs necessary to complete this assessment update. VVV Consultants LLC, an independent research firm from Olathe, KS has been retained to conduct this countywide research.

The goal of this assessment update is to understand progress in addressing community health needs cited in 2021, 2018, and 2015 assessment reports, while collecting up-to-date community health perceptions and ideas. A brief community survey has been developed to accomplish this work.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/.../CHNA2024_NemahaCoKS...

All community residents and business leaders are encouraged to complete this online survey by March 8th, 2024.

In addition, a CHNA Town Hall meeting to discuss the survey findings will be held on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, for lunch from 11:30-1:00pm at the K-State Research & Extension Office in Seneca.

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors met Thursday evening in Tecumseh.

During the meeting the Board approved the appointments of Patty Coates of Nebraska City to the Subdistrict 4 Board position and Kraig Coonce of Rulo to the Subdistrict 9 open seat on the Board.

Both took the oath of office and were installed as directors.

One well permit was approved for Bauman Family Limited Partnership in Richardson County.

The Board did discuss a proposal regarding Steamboat Trace property encroachment but no action was taken. .

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners met with Deputy County Clerk Rachel King on Tuesday.

Following a discussion, the Board approved a motion to appoint King as Pawnee County Clerk effective, March, 2, 2024.

Current Pawnee County Clerk Candi Nicholas earlier submitted her retirement resignation from he position.

In other business the Board approved the purchase of a new patrol vehicle from Specialty Vehicle Source of Junction City, Kansas in an amount of $67,331. A 2024, fully equipped Dodge Durango will be purchased using ARPA funds.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved submitting a revised application for a Civic and Community Center Financing Fund Grant through the Nebraska Historic Preservation Office when they me Monday evening.

Originally the City sought a CCCFF grant to rehabilitate Prichard Auditorium in conjunction with creating a Falls City Recreation / Wellness Center. The State Historic Preservation Office determined the concept plans did not align with the Historical Preservation Standard. To access the funds, the facility has to go back to its original use.

The Falls City Creative District proposed submitting a new project, creating a new City Park in the 1500 block of Stone Street, which is currently an empty lot.

Falls City Chamber and Mainstreet Executive Amber Holle, who also serves on the Council, said developing this empty lot has been on the wish list of a number of entities.

The goal is to create an enhanced recreational, outdoor gathering space that can be utilized by multiple generations and serve as a welcoming spot for local residents and visitors to the community. Ideas include a venue for musical performances, various performing arts events, group exercise activities farmers markets and vendor exhibitions.

In order to qualify for a CCCFF grant, a community must have a dedicated Creative District to be a partner in seeking the grant. Nussbaum said there could be as much as $562 thousand available in grant funds, requiring a 50-50 match.

(KNZA)---The Doniphan West School Board is considering the possibility of a 4-day school week for students in the future.

The board decided to explore the option after facing difficulties in filling several teaching positions last fall.

At the request of the school board, Superintendent Dr. Volora Hanzlicek has put together an informational packet on the issue.

Patrons can find a link to the packet posted on the district's website and Facebook page. Patrons can also ask questions and provide feedback at the link or by contacting the district office.

The board is asking that questions, concerns and comments be submitted by Monday, February 12, which is the date for their next board meeting.

No date has been set for a vote.

(KNZA)--A legislative forum is set Saturday morning in Holton.

The forum, which is being sponsored by The Holton Recorder, will take place from 9:30 to 11 in the first floor meeting room at the Jackson County Courthouse in Holton.

Jackson County's three representatives in the Kansas House--Francis Awerkamp, Randy Garber and Ron Ellis--have confirmed they will attend the forum.

The three state lawmakers will provide an update on what's happening in the Kansas Legislature and take questions from the audience.

The public is invited to attend.

Refreshments will be provide.

(KAIR)--Guilty of sexual battery. That's the finding of a Leavenworth County jury this week, following a Disrict Court trial that lasted less than one day, involving a Leavenworth man accused of committing the crime against a sleeping woman.

37-year-old Lance Thompson will learn his fate March 6, the date of his sentencing hearing in a Leavenworth County courtroom.

According to court documents cited in a release from the Leavenworth County Attorney's Office, Thompson's victim awoke in an upstairs bedroom to find him touching her without consent. The woman was able to escape from Thompson and involve her friend, who was downstairs in the house. That friend then confronted Thompson with a handgun, telling him to leave, and that police had been contacted. In response, Thompson provided his address and replied, ‘Fine… call the cops.”

(KAIR)--Atchison is on the list of locations set to receive a portion of nearly $28 million for the purpose of increased childcare.

According to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the funds come through Capital Projects Fund Accelerator awards, with 458 new child care slots to be created through the millions of dollars.

The release explains that a total of seven Kansas communities are named as award recipients, with the funding to be used to "build or renovate multi-purpose community facilities that create new licensed child care slots; provide access to high-speed internet; and house programs that facilitate work, education, and health care monitoring."

St. Benedict's Abbey, of Atchison, is named to receive just under $5 million for renovation of the former Youth Center, located on the city's North 2nd Street, which the release says will create 140 child care slots.

The former Youth Center, through the awarded funds, will, the release says, include a career closet, care coordination services, and 24-hour child care.

St. Benedict's Abbey purchased the former correctional complex site turned now-closed school through a past, Atchison County tax sale.

According to the release, Kansas was awarded $40 million for the program in early September through the grants which are made possible using American Rescue Plan funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund.

(KAIR)--A joint investigation, between the Atchison Police and Fire Departments, is ongoing following a late Wednesday night vehicle fire on an Atchison Street.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, first responders found the unoccupied 2017 Chevrolet Equinox to be fully engulfed in flames when they arrived at the street, where it was parked, in the 200 block of North 10th Street.

The emergency crews were called to the scene shortly before midnight when the vehicle fire was reported.

According to Wilson, the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the two Atchison agencies.

(KNZA)--Holton USD 336 has named its next superintendent.

The school district Wednesday evening announced the hiring of Holton native Trevor Ashcraft for the position.

Ashcraft has served as superintendent of Onaga USD 322 for the past two years. Prior to that, he served as the USD 380 curriculum director and Vermillion principal for five years.

Ashcraft was among four candidates interviewed last week by the Holton School Board for the superintendent's position. The other three candidates were Rhonda Frakes, current principal at Jeff West High School; Patrick Graham, current principal at Santa Fe Trail High School; and Dr. Ryan Most, director of virtual learning and special programs at Kansas City USD 500.

Ashcraft will replace current Holton Superintendent Bob Davies who is retiring at the end of the current school year after serving in the position since 2017.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Sacred Heart Coach Doug Goltz will be inducted into the National High School Coaching Hall of Fame during the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame Banquet on June 25, in Bismarck North Dakota.

The hall of fame selection is based on career longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years and winning percentage. The NHSACA is the oldest coaches association in the nation formed by coaches, for coaches.

Nominees and finalists are evaluated by experts in the field of coaching using sport-specific rubrics to assign points in each category.

Goltz has served as head coach of the Irish football team since 1987 where his teams have gone 341 -69 for a winning percentage of 83.2% and winning 8 state championships.

In basketball Goltz's boys squads have won 11 state titles. He is currently coaching his 38th season. The Irish boys have a record under Goltz of 746 wins and 206 losses, winning 78.4% of their games.

Truly a coach for all seasons, The Irish boys have won 7 track state championships and the Irish girls 4 state track titles.

The induction ceremony will be held at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center in Bismarck, North Dakota.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Sacred Heart Coach Doug Goltz will be inducted into the National High School Coaching Hall of Fame during the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame Banquet on June 25, in Bismarck North Dakota.

The hall of fame selection is based on career longevity, service to high school athletics, honors, championship years and winning percentage. The NHSACA is the oldest coaches association in the nation formed by coaches, for coaches.

Nominees and finalists are evaluated by experts in the field of coaching using sport-specific rubrics to assign points in each category.

Goltz has served as head coach of the Irish football team since 1987 where his teams have gone 341 -69 for a winning percentage of 83.2% and winning 8 state championships.

In basketball Goltz's boys squads have won 11 state titles. He is currently coaching his 38th season. The Irish boys have a record under Goltz of 746 wins and 206 losses, winning 78.4% of their games.

Truly a coach for all seasons, The Irish boys have won 7 track state championships and the Irish girls 4 state track titles.

The induction ceremony will be held at the Bismarck Hotel and Conference Center in Bismarck, North Dakota.

(KAIR)--The top student-spellers from across the county converged on Effingham Tuesday, the sight of the annual Atchison County Spelling Bee.

It was hosted by the Atchison County Community Schools of USD 377.

Crowned as champion was Aubrey Vanderpool, 6th grade student at Atchison County Community Elementary School.

KAIR 93.7 FM's Neil Wieland served as announcer, as heard here.

(KAIR)--The top student-spellers from across the county converged on Effingham Tuesday, the sight of the annual Atchison County Spelling Bee.

It was hosted by the Atchison County Community Schools of USD 377.

Crowned as champion was Aubrey Vanderpool, 6th grade student at Atchison County Community Elementary School.

KAIR 93.7 FM's Neil Wieland served as announcer, as heard here.

(KLZA)-- A South Dakota woman was hospitalized following a single-vehicle wreck just before 9 o'clock Tuesday night on Interstate 29 approximately two miles north of Watson, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports 45-year-old Amanda Wallenkamp of Montrose, South Dakota, was southbound in a pickup when she experienced a medical issue. Her pickup crossed the median, entering the northbound lanes of the Interstate, crossed both lanes and traveled off the east side of the roadway and struck an embankment.

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

The Atchison County Sheriff's Department also assisted at the scene.

(KLZA)-- A Humboldt woman was killed and two others injured in two-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 75 and 723 Road, south of Auburn, Nebraska.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office reports that at about 4:15 a southbound car driven by 15-year-old Cassandra Edwards, of Humboldt, crossed into the northbound lane of Highway 75 to avoid a vehicle slowing to make a turn onto 723 Road.

The car was struck on the passenger side by a northbound semi-truck driven by Daryl Jenkins of Coralville, Iowa.

A passenger in the backseat of the Edwards car, 41-year-old Amber Booth, was ejected from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Edwards and a front seat passenger were transported to the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn. Edwards was later transferred to an Omaha hospital by medical helicopter for treatment.

The Sheriff's Office report indicates that seatbelts were not in use by the occupants of the car. Jenkins, who was driving the semi, was utilizing his seatbelt. He was not injured.

The wreck is being investigated by the Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriff's Office.

Auburn Fire and Rescue units, Nemaha Fire and Rescue and Stella Fire all responded to the scene.

(KAIR)--Politically minded Atchison-area residents are invited to join together Saturday for an informal chat with state leadership.

That comes as the Locally Atchison Chamber hosts another in its annual Legislative Coffee sessions, with residents welcome to the informal discussion with state, and sometimes, federal leaders.

On Saturday, it's local State Representative Dr. John Eplee, of the 63rd District, who will visit Atchison's Santa Fe Depot, located at 200 North 10th Street.
According to Locally Atchison, Eplee will provide updates to those in attendance regarding the status of matters before the Kansas Legislature.
Questions and answers are included as part of the morning discussion.

Saturday morning's Legislative Coffee will begin at 9:00.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is preparing for a tax sale, planned to happen later this month.

According to the county, the Tax Foreclosure Sale is scheduled for the afternoon of February 27, beginning at 3:00, at Atchison's Memorial Hall, located at 819 Commercial Street.

Instructions for the tax sale, a list of what will be auctioned, registration to bid, and other details are available on the Atchison County website, http://atchisoncountyks.org .

(KAIR)--A Topeka woman faces drug-related charges following her arrest Monday, following a traffic stop in Jackson County.

Arrested was 60-year-old Paula Michael, who was taken into custody on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, Michael's arrest came after a deputy stopped her car for a traffic infraction near 162nd and U.S. Highway 75.
During the stop, it's alleged the deputy located illegal contraband.

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

A separate traffic stop, the next day in Jackson County, landed another Topeka resident in custody also for the possession of drugs allegedly discovered after the Tuesday afternoon traffic stop.

Morse, in a release, says the car driven by 41-year-old Harrison Ireland III was stopped by a deputy on Q. Road, just south of 150th Road, for a traffic infraction.

According to Morse, "during the course of the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff K-9 was deployed and alerted to the presence of illegal drug contraband within the vehicle," leading to Ireland's arrest.

Ireland was taken into custody on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Once in custody, he was booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KAIR)--The rumors are confirmed, as Anew Healthcare of Horton is scheduled for closure.

That message was delivered in a social media post made to the long term care facility's official account, with the statement saying that all residents and family have been notified of the decision to close.

The post closes with words of thanks to the community, staff, residents and family members.

The social media post, made Tuesday afternoon, was the first public update provided by Anew Healthcare since January 24 regarding the status of the operation and its residents. That followed an evacuation of the facility's residents, in frigid temperatures January 15, due to what leadership called "technical difficulties" of the HVAC system.

Following the rehousing of residents at other local area Anew-owned facilities, Anew Healthcare of Horton posted to social media regarding the situation, and followed that January 15 post with the brief, January 24 update, but then offered no further follow-up, leading to speculation and rumor regarding the facility, rumor that has now been proven true through the company's official statement of the planned closure.

Anew has only owned the facility, formerly known as Mission Village Living Center, since May, 2023; and, among other facilities it owns in Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa, are those in Nortonville, Hiawatha, and Easton.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Utility customers will now be able to pay their bills online.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum informed City Council members Monday evening the new system is now up and running.

The conversion to the new system has been completed. Paper bill customers will be receiving their bills in the mail this week.

To use the new online bill pay system you will need to get online and go to the portal, and get your new account number which is on the bill itself.

If you have questions or need help you can contact City Hall.

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division reminds property owners that the Nebraska Homestead Exemption Application, Form 458, must be filed with their county assessor between February 2, 2024 and June 30, 2024.

For tax year 2024, June 30th is on a Sunday, which allows for applications to be timely filed on Monday, July 1st.

The homestead exemption provides relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the taxable value of the residence. The State of Nebraska reimburses counties and other governmental subdivisions for the property taxes lost due to homestead exemptions.

In Nebraska, a homestead exemption is available to the following groups of persons:

• Persons over the age of 65;

• Qualified disabled individuals; or

• Qualified disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.

Some categories are subject to household income and residence valuation limitations. The income limitations are on a sliding scale. Homestead exemption forms and information are available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/homestead-exemption.

For more information on the homestead exemption program, please contact your county assessor- office, or the Department at 888-475-5101

(KAIR)--Longtime Atchison County official Wesley Lanter is out, terminated Tuesday following an executive session of the Atchison County Commission.

According to County Human Resources Director Jodi Moore, Lanter was terminated from his positions as both Emergency Management Director and I.T. Director for the County "after a thorough review," with the County Commission "[assuring] the public that this decision was not made lightly."

Moore, in emailed correspondence with MSC News, clarified that Lanter's termination encompasses all of his employment with the County.

Although a reason for Lanter's termination has not been stated publicly, Moore's statement to MSC News states that "Atchison County is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all aspects of [the County's] operations."

According to Moore, Lanter's duties are being filled by existing staff.

Lanter was employed with Atchison County for 14-years.

(KNZA)--Horton City Administrator John Calhoon has been terminated.

According to a release from the City, Calhoon was terminated from the position of city administrator following a 4-1 vote in favor of the action at the Horton City Commission meeting Monday night.

Commissioner Carmela Boller cast the lone dissenting vote.

No reason was publicly stated for the action, which followed an executive session.

City Clerk Kim Knudson was appointed as interim city administrator.

Calhoon had served as city administrator since May 2018, initially serving in a dual role as both police chief and city administrator, before retiring as police chief at the end of 2020.

Calhoon was hired as police chief in September 2013 after serving as the longtime Atchison County Sheriff.

(KAIR)--No charges will be filed in connection with a fatal, officer involved shooting that occurred January 6 in Leavenworth County.

That conclusion is outlined in a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, which says the investigation into the shooting has concluded, with Thompson determining the officers involved acted in self-defense.

That follows his review of audio, video, and written reports stemming from the probe, which led him to the conclusion that the shooting was a case of suicide by cop. That's defined in the release as a suicide method in which a suicidal individual deliberately behaves in a threatening manner, with the intent to provoke a lethal response from a public safety or law enforcement officer to end their own life.

Killed in the shooting, which occurred in the 400 block of Leavenworth's North 5th Street, was 44-year-old Micheal Mills, of Indianola, Iowa.

According to the initial investigation, conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the shooting happened after Mills allegedly charged toward an officer while brandishing a knife he refused to drop despite verbal commands to do so.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved a resolution authorizing continued participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone Student Loan Repayment Program for 2024.

The commission took the action when they meet last week on an unanimous vote.

Representatives of the ROZ program with the Kansas Department of Commerce met with the Commission to explain the program, which allows qualified new residents of designated counties to receive state income tax waivers for up to five years and/or student loan repayments up to $15,000.

Commissioners were told Nemaha County is one of 19 counties in Kansas that have seen population growth due to the program.

Commissioners relayed their concern that there is not enough affordable housing available in the county to handle the population growth. They also said they do not feel the program is being utilized as much as it should be by local businesses.

The Department of Commerce representatives said approval of the resolution allows employers in the county to use the program as a recruiting tool to attract employees. They also let commissioners know the state can assist the county in gaining and utilizing grant funding to add affordable housing and daycare in the counties local communities.

(KLZA)-- Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership, Inc. (SENCA) has donated $10,000 to help kick-off year two of the Humboldt Improvement Project, implemented by State Bank of Table Rock in 2023.

The $10,000 provided by SENCA, will match the $10,000 State Bank of Table Rock has designated to the project for 2024.

Mark Joy, President of State Bank of Table Rock, said the bank modeled Humboldt- Improvement Project after a similar housing improvement project in Pawnee City. The bank made a commitment to invest $10,000 a year, for 2023 and 2024, into the Humboldt project, with the goal of securing additional support.

The Humboldt Community Foundation, who manages the project funds, and Humboldt Shares each donated to the 2023 project for a total of $21,000.

Three properties were approved the first year of the project, with one of the properties already completed. State Bank has also implemented like projects in the communities of DuBois and Table Rock.

As a local Community Action Agency that provides a variety of programs and services addressing top needs in communities throughout southeast Nebraska, SENCA incorporated housing as a top priority in the agency- 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. SENCA has more than 20 years of experience managing and operating housing programs such as Rental Housing, Owner-Occupied Rehab, and Down-Payment Assistance with Minor Rehab. SENCA- initial goal was to utilize some of the agency- discretionary funding to help develop and implement a catalytic housing project to help clean-up and improve dilapidated properties and then work with local and community partners to secure funding allowing the project to expand. Partnering with State Bank of Table Rock on the Humboldt Improvement Project is a perfect opportunity to help combine local resources for project success and community betterment. Humboldt, like many small communities throughout southeast Nebraska, has its share of dilapidated, partially destroyed, or abandoned properties that not only appear unsightly, but are a menace to public health and safety. Unfortunately, for many property owners, the costs associated with clean-up and improvement of these properties has been a deterring factor in getting the job done.

As an incentive, the Humboldt Improvement Project reimburses property owners up to $8,000 for the cost of demolition and debris removal of properties that are in need of improvement. There are no income guidelines to apply. Interested property owners within the Humboldt community simply need to contact Allison James at the State Bank of Table Rock in Humboldt. Once an application has been completed and submitted it will be reviewed by members of the project committee. Applications are on a first-come-first-served basis. Approved property owners are required to complete the projects designated Nuisance Property Demolition Checklist. After each of the requirements have been completed, including taking measures to improve the appearance of the lot after demotion, the property owner will submit applicable receipts to the project committee for review and approval. Following approval, a check will be issued and mailed to the property owner within 30 days of submission. For more information regarding the Humboldt project, or to complete an application, please contact the State Bank of Table Rock Humboldt Branch, 402-862-2434. For additional information regarding SENCA, please call the SENCA Central Office in Humboldt, 402-862-2411 or visit www.senca.org.

Pictured are: Kelly Shupp and Allison James, Humboldt Improvement Project Committee Members, Vicky McNealy, SENCA Executive Director, and Mark Joy, State Bank of Table Rock/Project Committee Member.

(KLZA)-- In celebration of Black History Month in February, Peru State College will be showcasing the permanent collection of African art donated by Dr. Natalie Hahn.

The art will be featured from February 8 through 29 in the AV Larson Gallery on the Campus of a Thousand Oaks. A reception will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

This past fall, Peru State dedicated the Dr. Natalie Hahn African Art Collection which Hahn gave to the Peru State College Foundation.

Hahn, a Polk, Neb. native, donated over 200 pieces. Many of the pieces are on display in academic buildings on campus.

The gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please contact Associate Professor of Art, Susan Moore at smoore@peru.edu or at 402-872-2237.

(KLZA)-- The Little Tarkio Creek Bridge, in Atchison County on Missouri Route 46, is scheduled to be replaced beginning Monday, Feb. 12. The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted North Central Bridge, LLC for the project.

During construction, Route 46 will be closed at the bridge. A signed detour will be in place directing motorists to use U.S. Route 59, U.S. Route 136 and Route N. Construction of the new Little Tarkio Bridge is scheduled to be complete by the end of May.

This project also includes the replacement of bridge over the Pike Creek Drainage Ditch on Atchison Route 111. The replacement of the Pike Creek Drainage Ditch is scheduled to begin once the East Fork Little Tarkio Creek Bridge is complete. All work is expected to be completed by the December 2024 contract completion date.

(KNZA)--Two people were transported to area hospitals following an early Monday morning house fire in Hoyt.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the fire was reported around 6:30 at 104 Highland Avenue.

Morse said the only occupant of the home suffered burns in the fire. The resident was transported by Jackson County EMS to a Topeka hospital and later transferred to the University of Kansas Hospital's burn unit in Kansas City, Kansas.

Morse said a Hoyt firefighter was transported by Jackson County EMS to a Topeka hospital due to a medical condition.

Fire crews from Hoyt, Mayetta, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Soldier Township in northern Shawnee County responded to the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Kansas State Fire Marshal's office and Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

(KNZA)--The 50th Biking Across Kansas tour, the annual celebration of bicycling and the Sunflower state, will hit the highways and byways June 8th-15th.

This year's route will begin just west of Tribune in western Kansas.

Riders will cover more than 480 miles in the span of a week, staying overnight locally in Frankfort and Holton. The ride will conclude in Atchison on the banks of the Missouri River.

Riders pedal between 50 and 80 miles each day.

Each year, riders represent a wide age span and multiple generational families participation. In 2023, the youngest rider was 13 and the oldest was 87.

Starting with around 75 riders in 1975, the ride has grown to as many as 800 participating in recent years.

(KLZA)--Ten people were arrested on felony drug charges following numerous methamphetamine investigations this past week by the Richardson County Sheriff's Office.

The Sheriff's Office, in a release, said the investigations resulted in eight property searches, including four search warrants. The searches took place northeast of Humboldt, north of Stella, and in Falls City.

The Sheriff's Office says deputies found methamphetamine, cocaine, morphine, marijuana, concentrated THC, and suspected magic mushrooms.

Ten individuals were taken into custody on January 29th and 30th.

Eric Hestermann, of rural Humboldt, was arrested for possession of meth

Raymond Scarberry, of Falls City, was arrested for possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felon and possession of meth

Noel Johnson, of rural Stella, was arrested for possession of meth

Mariann Flores, of rural stella, was arrested for possession of meth and possession of marijuana

Taylor Rogers, of Falls city, was arrested for possession of meth, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana and child neglect

Broderick Smith, of Falls City, was arrested for possession of meth

Rylee Ralston, of Falls City, was arrested for possession of meth

Bradley Donahue, of Powhattan, KS, was arrested for tampering with physical evidence, possession of meth, possession of morphine, possession of concentrated THC and possession of marijuana

Stacey O'Banion, of Falls City, was arrested for possession of meth

Nicole Harkendorff, of Falls City, was arrested for possession of meth and possession of marijuana

The Sheriff's office says charges are also pending against two additional individuals.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission approved a resolution Wednesday authorizing participation in the Rural Opportunity Zone student loan repayment program for calendar year 2024.

Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development Director Mikaela Moore met with the Commission to seek approval of the resolution.

The ROZ program allows qualified new residents of designated counties to receive state income income tax waivers for up to five years and/or student loan repayments up to $15,000.

Moore said HFED budgets $6,000 annually to help sponsor program recipients, with the state providing matching funds.

She said there are currently four recipients in Brown County--three in Horton and one in Hiawatha. In addition, there are two employer-sponsored recipients.

The Kansas Legislature created the program in 2011 to help counties with population declines attract residents.

(KNZA)--An early Friday morning traffic stop in Jackson County led to the arrest of Louisburg man for the alleged distribution of methamphetamine.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a truck in the vicinity of 94th Road and U.S. 75 Highway around 2 a.m.

Morse said a Jackson County Sheriff- K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drug contraband inside the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and a quantity of methamphetamine was located.

The driver, identified 41-year-old Travis Ray, was arrested for distribution of meth, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence.

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

(KNZA)--The Holton School Board wrapped up interviews Friday with the four finalists vying to be the new USD 336 superintendent.

The final candidate interviewed by the board was Rhonda Frakes, currrent principal at Jeff West High School.

The other three finalists interviewed by the board this week were Patrick Graham, current principal at Santa Fe Trail High School; Dr. Ryan Most, director of virtual learning and special programs at Kansas City USD 550; and Trevor Ashcraft, current superintendent of Onaga USD 322.

Public meet-and-greet sessions were held for each candidate on the day of their interview.

The four finalists were selected from among ten applicants during a special board meeting on January 22.

Current Holton Superintendent Bob Davies announced last November he will retire at the end of the current school year.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a drone for use by Richardson County Emergency Management and other county departments when they met Wednesday.

Based on a recommendation from Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall, the purchase will be made from Volitant Technologies of Dunabar, Nebraska at a cost of $11,339. That was the low bid of three received.

The Board also discussed the importance of Kirkendall, who also serves as the Richardson County Noxious Weed Control Superintendent to meet the statutory requirements for the position.

Kirkendall will be attending a conference in Norfolk in February and a another training session in Kearney in late March.

Commissioners did approved a contract with Emily Sisco to serve as a deputy county attorney on a contact basis at a cost o $1,000 per week, plus mileage.

A letter from Blue Valley Bahavioral Health concerning Richardson County's $8,000 in funding to support the substance abuse program in the County was received. There have been 63 substance abuse clients served in Richardson County since July 1, 2023, which is an increase from past years.

(KNZA)--Beginning Monday, Feb. 5, the Kansas Department of Transportation will conduct a field survey for a culvert extension on K-20 in Doniphan County. The structure is located about 3 miles south of Denton.

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

Brent Thompson, P.S., Survey Project Manager, BHC, will be in charge of the survey for KDOT.

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

(KLZA)-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that most farm loan borrowers will be able to make payments to their direct loans online through the Pay My Loan feature on farmers.gov in early February.

Pay My Loan is part of a broader effort by USDA- Farm Service Agency to streamline its processes, especially for producers who may have limited time during the planting or harvest seasons to visit a local FSA office; modernize and improve customer service; provide additional customer self-service tools; and expand credit access to assist more producers.

Pay My Loan also provides time savings for FSA- farm loan employees by minimizing manual payment processing activities. This new service for producers means that farm loan employees will have more time to focus on reviewing and processing new loans or servicing requests.

On average, local USDA Service Centers process more than 225,000 farm loan payments each year.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission will consider a zoning change request to allow for the location of a solar farm in rural Troy.

According to the unofficial minutes from their January 29th meeting, the Commission has set a hearing on the request for Monday morning, February 5th at 9:30 in the Commission meeting room.

Doniphan Electric is requesting a conditional use permit for the location of a solar farm on a four-acre tract at 1438 180th Road.

County Zoning Administrator Julie Meng said the Doniphan County Regional Planning Commission voted January 17th to recommend that the application be denied due to their being no regulations in place for solar farms. However, she said the county commission could grant the permit and set the conditional use terms.

Doniphan Electric has withdrawn its zoning application for a second solar farm to be located at 1810 190th Road in rural Wathena after the Planning Commission voted to recommend the conditional use be denied because of the location being too close to residential homes.

(KAIR)--If the unofficial numbers from the special bond election for the Atchison Public Schools are to be believed-with the difference between the yays and nays so far supporting that belief- the issue will gain the voter support needed for passage.

The election was conducted through mailed-out ballots, with those ballots returned to the Atchison County Courthouse by Thursday's 12 noon deadline showing 1,193 cast in support of the $27.3 million bond issue, while 678 voters said no.

According to Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, the votes cast represent the number of ballots which had been collected as of the deadline, with some ballot signatures still needing to be collected. She says those voters who did not include a signature can correct the error prior to Tuesday's meeting of the Atchison County Commission, at which time the canvass of the votes will be conducted. Phillips says some of the received ballots will run as provisional. More ballots could be forthcoming through the U.S. Mail, and will be counted so long as they were postmarked prior to the deadline.

Once the canvass is conducted as part of the County Commission's regular Tuesday meeting, the numbers will become official.

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 from those dollars to be used for a wide range of improvements for USD 409.

Key among them, school district officials say, is the repair and replacement of school facility 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.

(KAIR)--Concerns for a Nortonville man, who never arrived home after leaving Effingham late Wednesday night, lead to the discovery of his pickup truck, overturned and burning in an Atchison County creek, early Thursday morning.

38-year-old Joshua Pace suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was flown by helicopter for treatment at the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, says deputies attempting to locate Pace's truck found it around 1:00 Thursday morning, upside down, and engulfed in flames, in a creek, located on Edwards Road, between 246th and 254th Roads.

Deputies found Pace in the water, near the front of the truck, suffering from his injuries, and had no choice, Laurie said, but to move him away from the burning vehicle until medical rescue crews could arrive.

According to Laurie, it's believed the wreck happened around 11:46 Wednesday night, just minutes after Pace reportedly left Effingham, as the pickup was southbound on Edwards Road.

Assisting at the scene of the crash was Effingham Fire, Atchison County Rescue, and Atchison County EMS.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha firefighters responded to a vehicle fire at the Sonic Drive-In restaurant Wednesday evening.

Hiawatha Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said the fire was reported shortly before 8:30 at the restaurant located at 203 North 1st Street.

Upon arrival, Sheldon said crew's found the engine compartment "fully engulfed."

The fire was brought under control about 10 minutes later.

Sheldon said the fire was kept contained to the engine compartment, with some structural damage sustained to the Sonic building.

No injuries were reported.

Firefighters cleared the scene around 9:30.

Assisting with the response was Squad 48, Town and Country EMS, Hiawatha Police Department and Brown County Sheriff's Department.

(MSC News)--The State of Kansas ends January 2024 with total tax collections at $928.6 million. That is $64.1 million, or 6.5%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 11.3% from January 2023.

A State of Kansas news release shows that individual income tax collections were $475.9 million. That is $19.1 million, or 3.9%, below the estimate, and down 3.9% from January 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $89.8 million. That is $25.2 million, or 21.9%, below the estimate and down 45.9% from January 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $344.3 million, which is $18.7 million, or 5.1%, below the estimate and down $16.9 million, or 4.7%, from January 2023.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is acknowledging the concerns of its citizens regarding the current state of gravel roads, but asks for patience as crews are at work to improve them.

That's according to a social media post made by Atchison County Road and Bridge, which states that the County wants "to ensure that our crews are out trying to make [the gravel roads] better," adding that "the county itself (not including township roads) is responsible for 156 miles of gravel alone."

The post closes by asking residents to "please be patient" as the County crews "get around to each road."

Residents with questions or concerns are directed to call 913-804-6120.

(KMZA)--A candidate has filed for 3rd District Nemaha County, Kansas commissioner.

The Nemaha County Clerk's office reports Joseph Dalinghaus, a Seneca Republican, is the first candidate to file for the position, currently held by Dylan Keim.

Also up for election this November is the position of 2nd District county commissioner, currently held by Jason Koch.

In addition, the positions of County Clerk, currently held by Mary Kay Schultejans; County Treasurer, currently held by Janell Niehues; Register of Deeds, currently held by Roxann Holthaus; County Attorney, currently held by Brad Lippert; and Sheriff, currently held by Rich Vernon, are up for election.

Candidates have until noon, June 3rd to file at the Nemaha County Clerk's Office.

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

(KNZA)--The Holton USD 336 Board of Education is conducting interviews this week with the four finalists seeking to be the district's new superintendent.

Patrick Graham, current principal at Santa Fe Trail High School, was interviewed Monday.

Dr. Ryan Most, director of virtual learning and special programs at Kansas City USD 500 was interviewed Tuesday.

Holton native Trevor Ashcraft, current superintendent of Onaga USD 322, was interviewed Wednesday.

The name of the fourth candidate, who will be interviewed Friday, will not be released by the district until that morning.

The four finalists were selected from among ten applicants during a special board meeting on January 22.

Public meet-and-greet sessions for each of the candidates are being held on the day of their interview from 3:30 to 4:30 at the Holton Elementary School commons area.

Current Holton Superintendent Bob Davies announced last November that he will retire at the end of the current school year. He has served as superintendent since July of 2017