(KAIR)--The City of Wathena, on Wednesday, was revealed as the location for a state-of-the art manufacturing facility that will come through a $50 million dollar investment by Summit Truck Bodies, identified in a release from the office of Kansas Governor Kelly, as "a leader in service and lube truck body manufacturing."

The release says the expansion, which will double the company's production output and create 80 new jobs, aims to meet the rising demand for high-quality service trucks.

The release, announcing the move, explains that "the new facility will include a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing space and 20,000 square feet dedicated to office spaces and showrooms," and "will be located adjacent to the existing production and warehouse facility to ensure efficiency, optimize workflow, and double production output," with the expansion to "focus on service body production and the final assembly of service trucks."

Construction is expected to be completed in 20 months.

The Wathena company's current 132,000 square-foot facility, the release says, " will be transformed to streamline capability in key areas, shifting its focus to manufacturing lube trucks, drawer systems, cranes, body refurbishments, and parts sales."

Kelly, in the release, calls the company's expansion "proof that [the State's] dedicated workforce, quality of life, and central location draw businesses across various industries,” adding that "Kansas will continue to partner with first-class companies...to ensure communities throughout the state have opportunities to prosper.”

Plant Manager Chris Walter, in the release, says the most exciting aspect of the expansion "is the integration of new technology and streamlined processes that will maximize [Summit's] production efficiency.”

Summit Truck Equipment, the release explains, is a sister company of STB, "focused on selling custom service and lube trucks and equipment STB produces," adding that the expansion means "manufacturing capabilities will significantly elevate STE's capacity to meet market needs."

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Local Assistance Division has announced that Nebraska bridge projects in Pawnee and Richardson counties are among five projects that will be eligible for funding through the Off-System Local Bridge Replacement Program.

The BRO Program, part of the Bridge Formula Funds, significantly benefits rural communities, focusing funding on protecting, preserving, rehabilitating and replacing crucial off-system bridges in rural areas.

NDOT selects these projects based on rigorous inspection data and structural assessments, ensuring the most critical needs are addressed.

The local projects include a bridge over Turkey Creek in Pawnee County located two-tenths of a mile north and 1.7 miles west of Pawnee City and a bridge over Goolsby Creek in Richardson County, located north of Strausville on 710 Road.

Funding will also be provided for a bridge over the Little Nemaha in Dunbar, Nebraska.

(KMZA)--The Pottawatomie County Fair kicked off Thursday, August 1st at the fairgrounds in Onaga and runs through Sunday.

The theme of this year is “ Dancing with the Steers!”

The fair will bring the traditional 4-H exhibits and livestock shows.

A Ranch Rodeo will take place Thursday evening at 6:30, and Kraft Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30.

The 4-H Fashion Style Revue will take place Friday evening at 6:00 at the Onaga High School auditorium.

New this year is a foam machine that will be set up at the baseball diamond Saturday evening for the whole family to enjoy.

Kids can also enjoy free inflatables Thursday through Saturday evening.

The kids pedal tractor pull will take place Saturday afternoon at 2:30, with registration beginning at 1:30.

The youth livestock sale will be held Saturday evening, beginning at 5:00.

The fair will wrap up Sunday with a parade at 1:00 and free ice cream social to follow.

(KMZA)--A Wetmore man has pleaded no contest to a charge of electronic solicitation of a child.

Nemaha County Brad Lippert said 53-year-old Edward Robidoux entered the plea last week in Nemaha County District Court.

He was convicted of electronically soliciting a child whom he believed to be under fourteen years of age to commit or submit to an unlawful sex act between October 26, 2023 and May 4th of this year.

Robidoux was arrested in May following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff's Department.

Based on his criminal history, Lippert says Robidoux faces 147 to 165 months in prison when he's sentenced August 22.

He remains in the Nemaha County Jail, held on a $250,000 bond.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for four water districts.

County Administrator Mike Miller and Commissioners discussed ARPA funding requests and the process for releasing those funds to county entities when they met last week.

Following discussion, the Commission unanimously approved the allocation of $50,000 each for Nemaha County Water District #1, Nemaha County Water District #3, Nemaha County Water District #4 and Pottawatomie County Rural Water District #3, which serves residents in Nemaha County.

(KAIR)--Delays are likely due to a Kansas Department of Transportation mill and overlay project underway on K-9 in Atchison County. The 5-mile project spans from the eastern U.S. 159 junction to U.S. 73.

Traffic will be restricted to one lane and directed by a pilot car and flaggers when crews are working. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

An 11-foot width restriction will also be in effect.

Work will occur Monday through Friday, and Saturdays if necessary, during daylight hours.

Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., of Topeka, is the contractor on the $799,000 project, which is expected to be complete by the end of August, conditions permitting.

(KAIR)--A three vehicle crash on an Atchison street left three injured late Tuesday morning.

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says it happened in the 100 block of South 10th Street, with all three of the involved vehicles, driven by Atchison residents, northbound on 10th Street at the time of the wreck.

The wreck, according to Wilson, took place when a minivan, driven by 41-year-old Shawnna Dreher, struck the rear of an SUV in front of her, driven by 67-year-old Debra Gerber, with the impact causing a chain reaction that then sent the SUV crashing into the rear of a pickup truck, driven by 39-year-old Charles Sprouse III.

Gerber, her 43-year-old passenger, and Dreher, who was traveling alone, were all transported to Amberwell Atchison by Atchison County EMS for the treatment of their injuries. According to Wilson, Sprouse was not hurt.

Dreher was cited for following too closely.

The wreck happened around 10:45 Tuesday morning.

(MSC News)--A House bill, passed this year by the Kansas Legislature, requires a public meeting to review Evergy's annual compliance filings to the Kansas Corporation Commission, and this week, the energy company's plans will be discussed in public.

According to a release from the KCC, Evergy's plans for future transmission projects will be discussed publicly Thursday morning at 8:00, during a virtual meeting held by the KCC,

During the session, Evergy will present details of planned projects, take questions, and hear comments from Commissioners, Commission Staff, and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board.

The release notes that the costs of transmission projects are passed on to ratepayers in the form of a transmission delivery charge, which appears on monthly electric bills. The virtual workshop will give the public visibility to the transmission planning process, which is designed to provide the infrastructure necessary to ensure reliability while still maintaining affordability for ratepayers.

Members of the public are invited to watch the meeting, which will be livestreamed to the KCC- YouTube channel and recorded for later viewing.

(MSC News)--From the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office Tuesday afternoon:

The entirety of K-71 from K-63 to Bern is closed due to a semi rollover. Please use an alternate route.

There's no report of any injuries, with the release calling the severity of the rollover "minor," other than the forced road closure.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Local Assistance Division has announced that Nebraska bridge projects in Pawnee and Richardson counties are among five projects that will be eligible for funding through the Off-System Local Bridge Replacement Program.

The BRO Program, part of the Bridge Formula Funds, significantly benefits rural communities, focusing funding on protecting, preserving, rehabilitating and replacing crucial off-system bridges in rural areas.

NDOT selects these projects based on rigorous inspection data and structural assessments, ensuring the most critical needs are addressed.

The local projects include a bridge over Turkey Creek in Pawnee County located two-tenths of a mile north and 1.7 miles west of Pawnee City and a bridge over Goolsby Creek in Richardson County, located north of Strausville on 710 Road.

Funding will also be provided for a bridge over the Little Nemaha in Dunbar, Nebraska.

(KLZA)-- New University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeff Gold kicked off a statewide tour Monday with stops in Nebraska City, Falls City and Beatrice.

During his stop in Falls City, Dr. Gold called the trip a listening and learning trip for him, to find out what is on the minds of Nebraskans, such as what they want from their healthcare system. What is the University doing well, what needs improvements, and what should education look like in 2030.

Dr. Gold talked about some of the important missions of the University of Nebraska system including building workforce for the future; science, research and discovery; community engagement, including through Extension, the ag community and in hospitals where NU teaches, does research and provides care.

The University is also one of the most important parts of the states economy with about a $10.5 impact on the states economy with 75,000 people employed directly or indirectly by the University. NU accounts for approximately 8.5 - 9 percent of the states entire gross domestic product of the state and rapidly growing.

Gold also noted that most people are grateful for what the University has done for individuals and families while he hears concerns about academic programs and the need for workforce to return to local communities and what can NU do to stop the brain drain that has occurred across the state.

No discussion about the University of Nebraska is complete without a prediction for the upcoming football season. Dr. Gold says he feels the Huskers will be in a post season bowl game and expressed confidence in head football Coach Matt Rhule and recently hired Athletic Director Troy Dannen.

Dr. Gold who has spent more than 10 years with the University of Nebraska system including serving as Chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Provost and Executive Vice President at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Chancellor at UNO closed by noting he wants input from Nebraskan's about how to make the Universitybetter.

Dr. Gold will be making numerous stops across the state this week, ending the tour in Scottsbluff on Friday.

(KNZA)--Authorities say a St. Joseph man drown while swimming in the Missouri River at St. Joseph.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 21-year-old Johnathan Harness went swimming in the river early Sunday morning at the French Bottoms Conservation Area and did not resurface.

Multiple agencies responded to the scene shortly before 6:00 Sunday morning and began searching for Harness, but did not find him Sunday.

The search continued on Monday. The Patrol says Harness' body was found shortly after 4:00 Monday afternoon near where he had gone swimming.

Harness was pronounced dead at the scene.

(KNZA)--Doniphan and Nemaha Counties are among 40 Kansas counties awarded a total of $380,000 in the first round of Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) Local Marketing Grants.

The Kansas Department of Commerce, in a release, said the funds are intended to help counties market the unique financial incentives available to new residents through the program, which includes student loan repayment assistance and/or a 100% state income tax credit.

Counties that have annually contributed and supported the matching requirement of the program will receive between $5,000 and $15,000 to better support and promote their program.

Nemaha County will receive $15,000, while Doniphan County will receive $5,000.

The funding will assist the counties and local partner organizations as they develop customized marketing strategies best suited for their community.

(KNZA)-A power outage that had been planned in the city of Morrill Tuesday evening, July 30th, has been canceled due to an issue with Evergy.

That word from Morrill city officials.

The outage had been planned so power could have been transferred from the old substation to a new substation.

Residents will be notified when a new date has been re-scheduled.

(KNZA)--An early Monday morning Buchanan County, Missouri crash sent an Agency teenager to the hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 19-year-old Emma Grogran was northbound on Interstate-29, just south of the I-229 downtown St. Joseph exit, when her pickup truck suffered a mechanical failure. The vehicle slid off the west side of the roadway and struck a cable barrier.

Grogran was transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, for the treatment of injuries.

The Patrol says she was wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred around 6:15 Monday morning.

(MSC News)--Local area communities will benefit artistically, and creatively, through funds allocated for 2024-2025 by the Kansas Arts Commission.

According to a release, nearly $1.3 million has been awarded to 108 recipients in 42 Kansas counties, with the funds earmarked to support museums, arts education, music, dance, visual arts, professional and community theater, creative writing, murals and other creative projects.

The release says grants were awarded in 42 counties, and locally that includes Atchison, where $15,895 is designated for Theatre Atchison, Inc., with the funds for use in General Operating Support, one of four categories the funds were awarded through overall.

In Brown County, the City of Fairview is receiving $3,750 for Public Art and Murals.

Jefferson County is also on the list of recipients, with the Wyandotte Nation of Kansas to receive $2,233 in the Arts Everywhere category.

Two awards, totaling $4,910 in the General Operating Support category, is designated for Leavenworth County, while the Marshall County Arts Cooperative is granted $16,244 in that same category.

Funding for Kansas Arts Commission grants comes from the Kansas Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported in 2022 that arts and cultural production accounted for 2.2% of the Kansas economy, contributing more than 41,000 jobs.

(KAIR)--The Doniphan County Sheriff's Office, following a mock disaster drill Thursday, is sending its thanks to volunteers, Troy High School, and others, who worked to make the effort possible.

According to a release, the mock drill revolved around an active shooter scenario at the high school, with volunteers serving as victims who called an emergency service phone number which connected them to dispatch, with dispatch then relaying the information to first responders, who were provided with little information in advance of the drill. Using the information given to dispatch by volunteers, those "first responders developed a plan to eliminate the possible threat inside the school and form a plan to extract injured victims out of the school and away from any more danger."

The training also involved officers searching for the shooter inside the school, leading up to the first responder response.

The training concluded with a Life Star Air Medical Service landing on the football field to transport a mock, injured victim to the hospital.

The release, issued by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office, closes by saying that due to the support from those involved, "first responders were able to train together to be able to better serve" the County.

(KLZA)-- Results from testing of water in Humboldt this past Saturday indicate that two of the tests detected coliform, but in very low numbers.

The city is now chlorinating the system in order to eliminate the bacteria. The idea is to use enough chlorine to kill the bacteria, without the chlorine being noticeable to customers.

In a release from the city, they note that it will take a few days to distribute the chlorine throughout the entire system, so Humboldt water customers should continue to follow the boil water advisory.

Once the entire system has been chlorinated, the city will need to complete another two rounds of sampling.

(KNZA)--A power outage is planned in the city of Morrill Tuesday evening, July 30th.

The city has announced that the outage will take place from about 5 to 8.

The outage is due to the city transferring power from their old substation to a new substation.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Sheriff's Office, following a mock disaster drill Thursday, is sending its thanks to volunteers, Troy High School, and others, who worked to make the effort possible.

According to a release, the mock drill revolved around an active shooter scenario at the high school, with volunteers serving as victims who called an emergency service phone number which connected them to dispatch, with dispatch then relaying the information to first responders, who were provided with little information in advance of the drill.

Using the information given to dispatch by volunteers, those "first responders developed a plan to eliminate the possible threat inside the school and form a plan to extract injured victims out of the school and away from any more danger."

The training also involved officers searching for the shooter inside the school, leading up to the first responder response. The training concluded with a Life Star Air Medical Service landing on the football field to transport a mock, injured victim to the hospital.

The release, issued by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office, closes by saying that due to the support from those involved, "first responders were able to train together to be able to better serve" the County.

(KNZA)--A Kansas City, Missouri man has been convicted of charges in connection with a 2022 head-on crash in Jefferson County that claimed the life of a Kansas Air National Guard airman.

In a ruling issued last Thursday, Jefferson County District Judge Christopher Etzel found Manuel Enriquez guilty on charges of second-degree murder and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs following a bench trial in June.

Sentencing was set for August 22.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says Enriquez was driving a pickup truck on U.S. 24 Highway in Jefferson County on November 12, 2022 when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a car driven by 23-year-old Cheyanne Branson, of Diana, Texas.

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

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is accused of stabbing his roomate.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded to the 800-hundred block of Atchison Street shortly before 9:00 Friday night to investigate a stabbing that had just occurred.

Wilson said a 50-year-old man was found at the scene suffering from a stab wound to the chest.

He said officers immediately located 40-year-old Morrio Moore in an alley in the 800 block of Santa Fe.

Wilson said the investigation at the scene determined that Moore had allegedly stabbed the 50-year-old victim during a disturbance at a residence in the 800 block of Atchison Street where both the victim and the suspect lived.

Moore was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery. Following his arrest, he was booked in the Atchison County Jail.

The victim was transported to Atchison's Amberwell Health by EMS and later transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph, Missouri.

(KNZA)--The Jefferson County Fair kicks off Monday, July 29th and runs through Thursday, August 1st at the Fairgrounds in Valley Falls.

The Fair theme this year is " Caution: Future 4-H Leaders Under Construction"

The swine show will take place Monday evening.

Tuesday brings the bucket calf and sheep shows.

Wednesday brings the beef show, with the 76th annual parade at 6:30 that evening, along with pedal power tractor pull. .

The Fair will wrap up Thursday evening with the livestock sale and a dance.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Commission is proposing a 2025 county budget that calls for total expenditures of $23.2 million and a slight mill levy increase.

The Commission approved the proposed budget for publication last week.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 72.5 mills, a .05 mill increase over this year's budget.

The proposed budget calls for the county to collect nearly $11.5 million in local tax revenue.

Due to a nearly $5.3 million increase in the county's assessed valuation, the county will collect around $389,000 in additional tax revenue over this year.

The Holton Recorder reports Commissioners plan to use the additional revenue to provide a 4 percent salary increase for county employees.

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing the evening of August 22 at 6:00 at the Jackson County Courthouse. Prior to the budget hearing, the commission will hold a second hearing on its intent to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate.

(KMZA)--A Waterville man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a Blue Rapids man in early July.

Marshall County Attorney Brad Lippert filed a criminal complaint Friday in Marshall County District Court, alleging that 31-year-old James Winkenwader killed 36-year-old Camoran Shoptese on or about July 4th.

Shoptese remains were found July 10th, northwest of Waterville, near Sunflower and 2nd Roads. Investigators said evidence at the scene indicated he was murdered.

The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Marshall County Sheriff's Office.

Winkenwader was already jailed in Marshall County on unrelated charges. His bond is now set a $1 million

A preliminary hearing has been set for August 8th.

(KNZA)---A public health advisory has issued for the Sabetha City Lake due to the presence of blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks, announced Friday that the Lake located in Nemaha County has been placed under " watch " status.

A public health advisory also continues for Atchison City Lake #9 in Atchison County due to blue-green algae. That advisory was issued earlier this month.

For lakes under " watch" status, KDHE says people are encouraged to avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets away from the water. Boating and fishing are safe. However, you should clean fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only

(MSC News)--A lawsuit has been filed against the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Tim Morse by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

WIBW-TV, citing Prairie Band officials, reports the lawsuit stems from when the Nation was in the process of enforcing compliance from a gas station, located on the Nation's Tribal land, which had allegedly failed to pay taxes. The Snak Atak Travel Plaza, according to Joseph "Zeke" Rupnick, Chairman of Prairie Band Potawatomie Nation, as cited by the TV Station, had been sent multiple inquiries and warnings related to what the Nation deemed to be a matter of tax evasion. It was on May 28, of this year, according to the report, that the Tax Commission issued a cease and desist order, and attempted to eject employees of the store, while chaining the doors, to end the illegal practice.

Instead, the Nation alleges that the Sheriff's Office, as the enforcement was underway, threatened to arrest Tribal Police, and Tax Commission officials, for criminal trespass, which the Nation says is in violation of its sovereignty.

MSC News, Friday morning, independently reached out to Sheriff Morse for a response to the lawsuit, and we'll bring you the details of his response if and when received.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man is facing multiple drug charges.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, 24-year-old Connor Barnes was arrested the evening of July 23rd after the Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant at 310 South 6th Street in Hiawatha. The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

Barnes arrested on charges of felony distribution of marijuana, no drug tax stamp, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Barnes as booked into the Brown County Jail where he remains held on a $50,000 bond.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for August 7th.

(KNZA)--Beginning Monday, July 29, maintenance crews with the Kansas Department of Transportation will be replacing a culvert on U.S. 36 in Brown County. The work area is located just east of Hiawatha near Mallard Road.

Temporary traffic signals will direct traffic through the area for the duration of the repair project, which is expected to be complete by Aug. 9, conditions permitting. Motorists should plan for delays of up to 10 minutes.

KDOT urges all motorists to be alert and obey the warning signs when approaching and driving through a highway work zone.

(KNZA)--Representatives of St. Joseph, Missouri-based Herzog Contracting Corporation meet with the Doniphan County Commission Monday to discussed issues that developed following a road overlay project in May.

The company installed a two inch overlay on 240th Road, east of the Highland city limits, on May 10th.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, reports were made of the asphalt overlay blistering.

Upon inspection it was determined moisture in the chip seal subsurface was escaping due to high heat air temperatures at the same time as the asphalt was applied, thereby trapping the moisture in the asphalt.

Herzog representative Kyle Phillips told Commissioners the company inspected the road when they received initial word of the blistering and again recently. The road has since laid back down and Herzog does not expect any further issues. However, during the next heat wave, representatives of Herzog will re-inspect the road.

County Attorney Baskins asked what actions would be taken if after the winter months the road is left with potholes. Bryan Jones with Herzog said he did not foresee that happening, but if the road breaks up it may be necessary to wedge or mill and then overlay the road. He also recommended a 1” asphalt overlay in the future to extend the life of the road.

According to project specifications, the road has a 1-year warranty for workmanship.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man is accused of attacking another man with a metal pipe, causing serious injury.

66-year-old Randy Mendez is also accused of breaking into a pickup truck.

He was arrested Tuesday following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department.

Mendez was formally charged Wednesday in Brown County District with five counts--including felony counts of aggravated battery and burglary, along with two misdemeanor drug offenses.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for July 31st.

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

(KAIR)--A 42-year-old Leavenworth man, previously convicted of charges related to the killing of a woman and theft of a vehicle, is going to prison.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson,, Terrance George learned his fate Wednesday in Leavenworth County District Court, where a judge sentenced him to a total of 20-years of incarceration on the charges of voluntary manslaughter and theft of property.

George, in June, pleaded no contest to both charges.

Court records cited in the release say George, on June 5, 2022, used a knife to stab a man and then drove off in the man's truck before being located later that day and taken into custody.

During the investigation that followed, Leavenworth Police Officers found a woman's body inside of George's apartment, with police learning she died of blunt force trauma.

(KAIR)--A tragic outcome in the search for a Leavenworth man, missing for just over two weeks.

Kansas Missing and Unsolved, early Friday morning, reported that 25-year-old Josiah Papa has been located, but deceased.

Details regarding the discovery, including the cause of death, is not immediately known.

Papa was last seen July 12, and was known to have taken an Uber to Smithville, Missouri, where he was dropped off at a residence in that location.

Searches for Papa, who reportedly made statements regarding self harm, had proved unsuccessful until the discovery of his death.

(KLZA)--Nebraska 1st District State Senator Julie Slama is preparing for a special session of the Nebraska Legislature to discuss proposed tax cuts and new sources of income for the state.

In her weekly column to 1st Legislative District constituents Senator Slama says there- always a temptation in government to overcomplicate issues needlessly. Maybe it makes politicians feel more intelligent, maybe others hope by layering issues they can “hide the ball” from voters and deflect blame. Either way, our Nebraska Legislature is staring down a special session full of overcomplications. One of my high school volleyball coaches put it best: Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Over the last month, details of the Governor- plan for special session have leaked. While it remains unclear what his final plan will be, there will be a few simple tenets that guide my approach to this issue:

1. I take orders from District 1 and no one else.

2. Our district's biggest political threat is a tax crisis that kills growth and forces property taxpayers (especially farmers) to carry a disproportionate burden to keep our rural schools open. In short: Taxes are too damn high.

3. Any proposal must directly benefit taxpayers in Southeast Nebraska to earn my support.

4. Our schools better serve our communities when decision-making is on a local level, not in Lincoln.

5. A government spending crisis is at the root of every tax crisis. Any tax cut plan must include spending cuts (especially on a state level) to be sustainable in the long term.

6. See #1.

You might have seen me calling out Governor Pillen- draft plan online, pointing out issues with his math (he- off by $1 billion, at least), questioning his motives when it appears his proposal would only cut taxes for the wealthiest landowners in the state, and hammering home my support for working Nebraskans. The stakes of this special session are far too high for me to sit quietly on the sidelines while billions of dollars in tax relief could be squandered. We have the chance to make a generationally positive difference for Nebraska taxpayers. I’ll be bringing my own proposal, as will other senators. Hopefully, we’ll be able to debate these proposals alongside the Governor- plan.

You have my word that I’ll be fighting for you, the taxpayers of District 1, every step of the way. I’ll honestly share my thoughts with you and put in the extra hours of prep work to ensure our district has a seat at the table for long-term, sustainable tax relief.

Let- keep it simple, shall we?

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)--Nebraska 1st District State Senator Julie Slama is preparing for a special session of the Nebraska Legislature to discuss proposed tax cuts and new sources of income for the state.

In her weekly column to 1st Legislative District constituents Senator Slama says there- always a temptation in government to overcomplicate issues needlessly. Maybe it makes politicians feel more intelligent, maybe others hope by layering issues they can “hide the ball” from voters and deflect blame. Either way, our Nebraska Legislature is staring down a special session full of overcomplications. One of my high school volleyball coaches put it best: Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Over the last month, details of the Governor- plan for special session have leaked. While it remains unclear what his final plan will be, there will be a few simple tenets that guide my approach to this issue:

1. I take orders from District 1 and no one else.

2. Our district's biggest political threat is a tax crisis that kills growth and forces property taxpayers (especially farmers) to carry a disproportionate burden to keep our rural schools open. In short: Taxes are too damn high.

3. Any proposal must directly benefit taxpayers in Southeast Nebraska to earn my support.

4. Our schools better serve our communities when decision-making is on a local level, not in Lincoln.

5. A government spending crisis is at the root of every tax crisis. Any tax cut plan must include spending cuts (especially on a state level) to be sustainable in the long term.

6. See #1.

You might have seen me calling out Governor Pillen- draft plan online, pointing out issues with his math (he- off by $1 billion, at least), questioning his motives when it appears his proposal would only cut taxes for the wealthiest landowners in the state, and hammering home my support for working Nebraskans. The stakes of this special session are far too high for me to sit quietly on the sidelines while billions of dollars in tax relief could be squandered. We have the chance to make a generationally positive difference for Nebraska taxpayers. I’ll be bringing my own proposal, as will other senators. Hopefully, we’ll be able to debate these proposals alongside the Governor- plan.

You have my word that I’ll be fighting for you, the taxpayers of District 1, every step of the way. I’ll honestly share my thoughts with you and put in the extra hours of prep work to ensure our district has a seat at the table for long-term, sustainable tax relief.

Let- keep it simple, shall we?

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)--The deadline to register for this summer- Ag & Economic Development Summit: One Nebraska is Friday, July 26. Registrations should be submitted online at govsummit.nebraska.gov.

This year- event covers three days and includes breakout sessions on talent attraction, housing and childcare solutions, manufacturing, stewardship of water resources, the emerging bioeconomy and more.

Summit events will take place Aug. 7-9 at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney. A complete rundown of activities and breakout topics can be found on the website.

On Aug. 7, the Nebraska Diplomats will host the opening reception and banquet. Awards will be presented to leaders, businesses and communities that have made key contributions to the state- economic success in the previous year.

In addition to remarks from Gov. Pillen, Summit speakers include Jack Hubbard, executive director for the Center for Environment and Welfare and Athletic Director Troy Dannen from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln on Aug. 8.

The Summit is hosted in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

(KLZA)--The deadline to register for this summer- Ag & Economic Development Summit: One Nebraska is Friday, July 26. Registrations should be submitted online at govsummit.nebraska.gov.

This year- event covers three days and includes breakout sessions on talent attraction, housing and childcare solutions, manufacturing, stewardship of water resources, the emerging bioeconomy and more.

Summit events will take place Aug. 7-9 at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney. A complete rundown of activities and breakout topics can be found on the website.

On Aug. 7, the Nebraska Diplomats will host the opening reception and banquet. Awards will be presented to leaders, businesses and communities that have made key contributions to the state- economic success in the previous year.

In addition to remarks from Gov. Pillen, Summit speakers include Jack Hubbard, executive director for the Center for Environment and Welfare and Athletic Director Troy Dannen from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln on Aug. 8.

The Summit is hosted in cooperation with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

(KLZA)--The boil water order issued for Rural Water District 1 customers has been lifted. However, the boil water order for the city of Humboldt still remains in place

During the month of July, E. coli was detected at the point-of-entry into the public water system.

Officials say water samples have been submitted and the results are total coliform and E. Coli negative.

Rural Water District 1 customers no longer need to boil their water or use bottled water.

The boil water order issued for Rural Water District 1 customers has been lifted. The boil water order for the city of Humboldt still remains in place

During the month of July E. coli was detected at the point-of-entry into the public water system.

Special samples have been submitted and the results are total coliform and E. Coli negative. Rural Water District 1 customers no longer need to boil their water or use bottled water.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved seeking proposals to provide engineering services for the replacement of the traffic signals at the intersection 1st and Oregon Streets.

City Administrator Brad Scott said he wants the proposals back by the Commission's August 26th meeting.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says the current signals are out of compliance with design standards and need to be updated. The city would be responsible for the entire cost to replace them.

Scott said KDOT informed him last week that they don't plan to bag the signals at this time and will leave them in flashing mode. However, he said KDOT wants the city to have designer in place by October or they may take further action at that time.

In other business, the Commission gave Police Mickey Gruber approval to move forward with the purchase of a used patrol vehicle with about 78,000 miles from the Sac and Fox Police Police Department for $21,500. Gruber said he plans to utilize the income from the sale of three of his department's used patrol vehicles for the purchase, which will allow them to further reduce the average age and mileage of their patrol fleet.

Also Herb Roland, who recently retired as city Streets Superintendent, was recognized. Mayor Becky Shamburg presented a plaque to Roland in recognition of his 39 years of public service with the city and Brown County.

(KAIR)--A more than $650,000 Kansas grant is received by a local internet service provider, with those funds to support internet upgrades in selected rural areas of Doniphan County.

Everest, Kansas-based Rainbow Communications receives the $653,526 through the State's Broadband Acceleration Grant fund, making Rainbow one of 12 internet service providers awarded by Kansas through the latest round of statewide grants, totaling $10 million.

Rainbow Communications, in a release, says the company will invest $800,150 to complete the $1.4 million project that will connect 99 homes in rural Troy and Wathena that are currently considered underserved or unserved.

The Broadband Acceleration Grant, in its fourth year since initiated in 2020, is a 10-year, $85 million program designed to bring essential internet access to Kansas communities.

Angie Kreider, Rainbow's Director of Business Development, in the release, says expanding fiber services to the rural locations is more than just the internet connection, as it includes "empowering communities, fostering economic growth, and ensuring everyone has access to the opportunities of the digital age."

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, last seen nearly 2-weeks ago, remains missing.

Kansas Missing and Unsolved reports that 25-year-old Josiah Mathew Papa, who was last seen in Smithville, Missouri, has been missing since July 12.

KQ2-TV reports Papa arrived in Smithville through the use of an Uber, but has not been seen since the time he was dropped off at a residence in that location, with searches for his whereabouts proving unsuccessful.

Papa is described as white, with brown hair and blue yes, standing at around 5'10" and weighing 140 pounds.

Kansas Missing and Unsolved reports that Papa has made statements indicating self harm.

Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of Josiah Papa should contact Leavenworth Police, 913-682-4411 or the KBI, 785-296-4017.

(KAIR)--Advance voting is underway for the August 6 Primary Election, with Atchison County voters also receiving opportunities to vote, in person, remotely.

According to a release from Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips, Advance In Person Voting is underway in her office, at the Atchison County Courthouse. Ballots can be cast there, as of this past Monday, from 8 to 5 weekdays until 12 noon Monday, August 5.
Advance voting by mail is also underway.

Additionally, Phillips says two remote, in person voting locations will be open Thursday, with the first at the Effingham Municipal Building, from 9:30 to 11:30; and the Arrington Community Building, from 1 until 3:00.

Two remote voting locations are also planned for Friday, including Atchison Senior Village, from 10 to 11:00, and the Dooley Center, in Atchison, from 2 until 4:00.

State offices to be decided by primary ballot voters include the 3-way Republican race for State Senate, as longtime, rural Hiawatha incumbent Dennis Pyle is challenged by Dr. John Eplee, of Atchison, and Craig Bowser, of Holton.

Locally, in Atchison County, one contested Republican race, that for Atchison County Sheriff, will be decided as incumbent Jack Laurie is challenged by Adam Potts.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha resident appeared before the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening to express his concerns about the city's tree ordinance.

John Schum, who lives at 306 North 5th Street, said he recently had a tree fall in the public right-of-way on his property and was notified by the city he was responsible for its removal.

He said he spent $700 to have the tree removed and felt it should have been the city's responsibility to remove the tree.

City Administrator Brad Scott said the Commission approved a revised ordinance in 2022 that places the responsibility on the property owner.

City Attorney Andy Delaney said the ordinance matches up with state statute.

Commissioner Dave Middendorf, a member of the city's tree board, said having the city be responsible for trees in the right-of-way would place a great burden on the city.

Commissioner Toni Hull said she would like to see the Commission revisit the ordinance.

In other business, Gabe Joslin with Boy Scout Troop #313 meet with the Commission to seek approval for his Eagle Scout project.

Joslin said he like to place a 20-foot flag pole at the city's Aquatic Park with a light and rock garden at the base.

He said the about $1,500 cost would be raised through donations.

Commissioners voiced support for project.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Fair kicks off Thursday, July 25 at the fairgrounds in Seneca and runs through Monday, July 29th.

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

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

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

A free concert presented by the Travis Gibson Band will be held on Saturday evening, beginning at 8:00, at Skoch Park.

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

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

The 38th annual Seneca Car Show will take place Sunday at the Seneca City Park on 11th Street. The 4-H Public Style Revenue will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 at the Community Building and Barnyard Olympics at 2:30 at the fairgrounds.

The annual parade will take place Sunday evening beginning at 6:00. The theme this year is “ Summer Nights, Arena Nights.” Bryan Schmitz will serve as grand marshal of this year's parade. The Topeka High Drumline will be in attendance. They will put on a performance immediately following the parade at Skoch Park.

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

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

(KLZA)--Bottled water is now available for Humboldt residents and Rural Water District 1 customers

On July 20th a boil water order was issued for the city of Humboldt due to the detection of E. coli at the point-of-entry into the public water system.

The bottled water distribution will take place at the Humboldt Fire Station on the east side Tuesday afternoon 3 to 6.

1 case of bottled water per household. Customers must show proof of residency with a drivers license or a water bill.

(KAIR)--Phone calls, purporting to be from law enforcement, are reported in Doniphan County, with the Sheriff's Department issuing a statement calling such calls a scam.

According to a release, the Sheriff's Department has been receiving calls from the public inquiring about the suspect phone calls, which claim in part, the release says, that the recipient missed an earlier phone call from the department. Other calls claim to be from Sheriff's Department Deputies and Sergeants, claiming the person called has either an outstanding warrant or jury duty.

The Sheriff's Department, which pointedly labels the phone calls as a scam, informs Doniphan County residents that they will never contact citizens by telephone regarding such matters.

The release includes the reminder that if called, provide no information, and simply hang up on the scammer.

Any questions should be addressed to the Doniphan County Sheriff's Department at 785-985-3711.

(KAIR)--Now that many summer events, such as the 4th of July and Atchison's Amelia Earhart Festival, are in the books for another year, eyes turn to school calendars and the start of a new school year.

Area schools, such as Atchison's USD 409, are preparing for the new school year, with student enrollment already underway.

Area businesses, too, are stocking their shelves for back to school shopping, with students needing supplies as they return to class. For the 10th year, Live Well Atchison County will provide some relief to the pocket book, as the organization conducts its annual Back to School Giveaway.

Planned for Sunday, August 4, at the Atchison Family YMCA, Live Well Executive Director Jeff Schuele tells MSC News, a variety of school supplies will be given away to Atchison County students, grades K-12.

The 90 minute giveaway will run from 11:00 that August 4 morning until 12:30 that afternoon. All items are offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Along with the giveaway, other on-sight opportunities will include dental, physical and mental health assistance, as well as block party games and other features.

(KAIR)--Now that many summer events, such as the 4th of July and Atchison's Amelia Earhart Festival, are in the books for another year, eyes turn to school calendars and the start of a new school year.

Area schools, such as Atchison's USD 409, are preparing for the new school year, with student enrollment already underway.

Area businesses, too, are stocking their shelves for back to school shopping, with students needing supplies as they return to class. For the 10th year, Live Well Atchison County will provide some relief to the pocket book, as the organization conducts its annual Back to School Giveaway.

Planned for Sunday, August 4, at the Atchison Family YMCA, Live Well Executive Director Jeff Schuele tells MSC News, a variety of school supplies will be given away to eligible Atchison County students:

The 90 minute giveaway will run from 11:00 that August 4 morning until 12:30 that afternoon. All items are offered on a first come, first serve basis.

Along with the giveaway, other on-sight opportunities will include dental, physical and mental health assistance, as well as block party games and other features.

(KAIR)--Increased enforcement is underway on Kansas roads, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Drive To Zero Coalition, and law enforcement agencies across the state reminding drivers that "Speeding Wrecks Lives."

According to a release, increased safety messaging, highlighting that theme, will greet Kansas motorists, who can also expect increased enforcement of speeding laws, from now through August 11, 2024.

The release explains the reasoning behind the campaign, saying 79 people lost their lives in Kansas speed-related crashes in 2023, a reduction from 2022. However, the 2,085 people seriously injured last year in speed related Kansas crashes was an increase from 2022.

The release, urging drivers to be aware of their speed and follow posted speed limits, says the chance of death or serious injury doubles for every 10 mph over 50 mph, explaining that it takes about 221 feet to stop a vehicle traveling 50 mph. Increase the vehicle speed to 80 mph, and it takes about 460 feet to stop.

Speeding is a factor in almost one-third of all traffic fatalities nationwide.

(MSC News)--Flags fly at half-staff across Kansas in honor of former Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives, Marvin William Barkis.

Kansas Governor Kelly, on Tuesday, gave the directive to fly flags half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities effective immediately until sundown on the day of interment for Barkis, which is not yet finalized.

Kelly, in the release, calls Barkis a champion of "legislation throughout his career that propelled [Kansas] schools forward," adding that his contributions to Kansas will not be forgotten.

Barkis died Friday at the age of 81.

The rural Miami County native was elected to the Kansas House in 1978 and served until 1992 as a Democrat. He served as Minority Leader from 1984 to 1990, and Speaker in 1991 and 1992.

(KLZA)--Nebraska unemployment was up a tenth of a percentage point in June to 2.6%. The jobless rate had been 2.5% every month since September, 2023.

A year earlier the states unemployment rate was 2.2%.

Nebraska ranks fifth in the country in unemployment and well below the national unemployment rate of 4.1%.

Locally, Pawnee County has the lowest unemployment rate in the area at 2.5%. Otoe County was next at 3.2%. Gage County had 3.3% unemployment; Johnson County was at 3.5%, Richardson County was at 3.7% with the highest jobless rate in the area being in Nemaha County at 4.1%.

(KAIR)--An Atchison teenager was killed late Monday morning in a two-vehicle head-on crash in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 17-year-old Caleb Stricker was northbound on U.S. 73 Highway, south of Lowemont Road, when his car drove across the center line and struck a southbound semi truck head-on.

Stricker, who was wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The semi driver suffered suspected minor injuries but was not transported for hospitalized treatment.

Benedictine College said Stricker was an incoming freshman football player and tweeted "the Benedictine College Community is saddened by his sudden loss."

The crash was reported shortly after 11:00 Monday morning.

(MSC News)--Advance voting is underway for the August 6th primary election.

Registered voters may vote an advance election ballot at their county clerk's office until 12 noon on Monday, August 5th. Your reminded to bring a photo ID.

Also voters can vote by mail prior to election day. In order to do so, you must complete an application for an advance ballot and include your driver's license number or a copy of your photo identification.

You can request an application for advance election ballot by contacting your county clerk's office. Mail-in ballot applications are also available online at the Kansas Secretary of State's website.

The deadline to submit an advance voting application to your county election official is July 30th.

All ballots must be postmarked on or before election day and received in the county election office by the close of business on the third business day following the election.

Voters during the August 6th primary election will decide which Republican and Democratic candidates for county, state and federal races advance to the November 5th general election ballot.

(KNZA)--The former program manager and director of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's Diabetes Prevention Program has been charged with embezzlement.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas said in a release that a federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment Monday charging 39-year-old Matthew Waits, of Topeka, with one count of theft concerning a program receiving federal money.

Waits made his initial appearance before a judge after the indictment was returned.

According to court documents, between January 2023 and December 2023, Waits is accused of using his position to embezzle $5,000 or more in federal grant money.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General are investigating the case.

(KNZA)--The 2024 Doniphan County 4-H Fair Prince and Princess were crowned during a ceremony Monday evening at the fairgrounds in Troy.

Crowned prince was Henry Foley, a 6-year member of the Sunflower 4-H Club. He will be a 7th grader at Riverside Middle School this fall and was selected from among four boys vying for prince.

This year's princess is Maycie Bauman, who is an 8-year member of the Sunflower 4-H Club. She will be a freshman at Riverside High School this fall and was selected from among six girls vying for princess.

In their roles as fair prince and princess, the pair will hand out ribbons and awards during the fair, which runs through Friday.

(KLZA)-- Monday, August 1 is the deadline to file as a candidate for Village Boards and for Educational Service Units in Nebraska.

Candidates will be on the November General Election ballot. Those seeking village board seats may file at their County Clerks Office.

In Richardson County Village Board elections there will be three seats up for election in Barada; Incumbents Branson Darveau, Randy Handley and Scott Handley have filed for reelection.

Two seats are up for election in Dawson, Incumbents Brian Burns and Bill Koch have filed to run;

In Rulo there are 2 positions to be elected. Incumbents Hanna Barber and Rebecca Simmonds have filed along with Kraig Coonce who is seeking election;

Three village board seats are up for election in Salem with incumbents Linda Catlin, Mary Jane Wessel seeking reelection and Warren Vogele Jr. having filed.

In Shubert three village board seats are up for election. Incumbents Tomas Borrego and Donna Lockard have filed for reelection.

Three seats are up for election on the Stella Village Board. Incumbents Jim Donahoe and Heath Stanley have filed.

In Verdon they have three village board seats up for election. Incumbent Lois Miller has filed for reelection.

For Educational Service Unit #4, 2nd District, those wanting to run for the position must file at the Office of the Secretary of State. Incumbent Lana Willman has filed for reelection.

For more information, contact your County Clerk's Office.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners heard a report from Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. last week on projects to be considered for funding through State of Nebraska project funding in which Federal funds are received by the State and then distributed to counties for structure funding.

The first project is north of Strausville then east on 710 Road estimated to cost $1.1 million. The second project is northwest of Humboldt on 717 Road estimated to cost $1.6 million.

Commissioners met in executive session with special legal counsel for an update on the pending Court of Industrial Relations case brought by the union representing the counties Road and Bridge Department employees. No action was taken following the 20 minute closed session.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty was unable to meet with the Board. Commissioners will conduct the quarterly jail inspection this week during their Wednesday meeting.

Commissioners also authorized advertising for a hearing to determine the fair market value of a tower site near Barada for Wednesday, August 7 at 10 a.m.

A change order at a cost of $21,465 for the Courthouse roof replacement project to complete the coating stone cap by Conklin Affinity was approved.

(KLZA)-- Voting for Richardson County Fair Queen is underway.

Candidates must be at least 16 years old on or before July 31, 2024 and not out of the 12th grade to be eligible. Requirements include being involved in the community and must reside within the HTRS School District or living in Richardson County.

Votes are based on transactions of at least 25 cents. Each cent equals one vote. A candidate may not receive voters where she is employed or her parents or siblings are employed of she is the daughter or sister of the business owner.

The number of candidates will be reduced to the top 10 on August 1 with the final count on Saturday, September 7.

The Richardson County Fair will be September 11 - 14 in Humboldt and will feature a parade at 11 a.m. each day of the Fair and free acts at 2 and 8 p.m. on the City Park stage.

The theme of this years Richardson County Fair is “Rooted in Tradition.”

(KLZA)--The 2024 Richardson County 4-H & FFA Junior Fair take place this week in Humboldt at the Fairgrounds. The Ag Building is located at 1034, 4th Street in Humboldt.

The schedule of events include:

Monday - July 22: 9 a.m. - Horse Show and Static Exhibit judging.

Tuesday - July 23: 9:30 a.m. - Favorite Foods Contest judging. Noon - The silent static support auction opens. 1 p.m. - Interview judging contest; 6 p.m. - The Fair Kick-Off - barbecue and games. 6 p.m. - Pedal tractor pull followed by the Bohemian Tractor Pull.

Wednesday - July 24: 9 a.m. Swine Show; 1 p.m. Dairy Cattle Show followed by the Dairy Goat Show. 6 p.m. - Livestock Judging contest.

Thursday - July 25: 9 a.m. - Mat Goat Show; 11 a.m. - Sheep Show; 1 p.m. Rabbit Show; 4 p.m. - Poultry Show.

Friday - July 26 - 9 a.m. - Beef Show; 1 p.m. Companion Animal Contest. 3 p.m. - Round Robin including adult showmanship; 6 p.m. The Ag Olympics.

Saturday: July 27 - 9 a.m.- Tractor driving contest followed by the ATV contest and Riding Mower contest. Noon: 4-H Council voting closes.

12:30 p.m. - Public Fashion Show. 2 p.m. - Awards Ceremony. 4 p.m. - Auction; 6 p.m. - 4-H Dinner - Everyone is welcome to attend.

The 4-H Council voting is open Tuesday through noon on Saturday. The Silent Static Support Auction is open from noon Tuesday through 7 p.m. on Saturday evening.

(KAIR)--A Sunday night ATV crash, on a Jefferson County road, sent a woman to the hospital with injuries.

That's according to a report from WIBW-TV, which says it happened on private property, in the 8600 block of North East Meriden Road, shortly before 9:00.

Citing Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, the TV station reports the 50-year-old woman was transported to Topeka's Stormont Vail for the treatment of her injuries.

The name of the woman is not immediately made public.

(KAIR)--A sex crime committed against a child sends an Atchison man to prison for more than a decade.

Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, in a release, says Jayln Cluke was sentenced Thursday in Atchison County District Court to nearly 14-years in prison for the crime of aggravated criminal sodomy, involving a 13-year-old girl.

The child, the release says, reported she'd been sexually assaulted by Cluke in May, 2021.

Cluke, in June of this year, entered a no contest plea to the charge.

Along with his years of incarceration, Cluke, as part of his sentence, will be subject to lifetime post release supervision and will be placed on the sex offender registry for life.

The case was investigated by Atchison Police leading to Cluke's apprehension, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal Service, in October of last year at his Atchison residence on an Atchison Co District Court warrant.

(KNZA)--The South Brown Community Foundation's 3rd annual Match Days event, which was held July 9-11, was a big success.

Organizers said that 295 gifts totaling $114,666 were given during the event to benefit 34 funds.

The Friends of the Everest Fire Department fund generated the largest amount of donations, totaling $15,191. That was following by the Reinvent Horton Community Development Fund, which received donations totaling $14,452, and the Zion Lutheran Church fund, which received donations totaling $11,042.

Donations made through the Foundation were eligible for a 50% match from more than $95,000 in matching funds available.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County traffic stop led to the arrest of a Topeka woman on drug and firearm charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Civic around 11:30 last Thursday night on U.S. 75 Highway near 110th Road.

Morse said illegal drugs and a firearm were allegedly found during a search of the vehicle.

The driver, 35-year-old Renee Rivera, was arrested for distribution of narcotics, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a weapon and interference with law enforcement.

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

(KAIR)--Atchison's annual Amelia Earhart Festival-from Friday night's Music at the Riverfront kickoff, with headliner Diamond Rio, to Saturday night's “Concert in the Sky” Fireworks show-is in the books for another successful year, following this past weekend's celebration.
Now, the Atchison area prepares for the city's next major event: All Aboard Atchison Match Day, set for next month.

According to a release from the Atchison Community Foundation, the event will be held Friday, August 23, through Sunday, August 25, during which time all donations made through the foundation, at the in-person match day happy hour, online at AllAboardAtchison.com, or by mail, will be matched at 60%. That includes every donation between $25 and $8,333, “up to $5,000 in matching funds per participating organization until the $125,000 in matching funds are completely distributed.”

The happy hour donation opportunity will be Friday, August 23, from 4 to 7:00, at the Atchison Event Center.
Mailed in donations can be sent to P.O. Box 387, Atchison, KS 66002.

(KLZA)--A boil water order has been issued for the city of Humboldt, Nebraska.

The city said in a release Saturday that the boil order was issued because E. coli was found at the point-of-entry into the city's public water system.

Residents are told to boil the water they use for drinking or food preparation for one minute prior to use or to use bottled water until further notice.

E coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. They may pose greater health risks for infants, young children, some of the elderly and people with severely compromised immune systems.

The city says they will continue to test the system to confirm there is no contamination.

(KNZA)--A Horton woman was injured Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate-70 in Shawnee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 36-year-old Brandi Carlson was eastbound on I-70 when her car rear-ended a mini-van that had slowed due to traffic, just east of Southwest MacVicar Avenue in Topeka.

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

The driver of the mini-van, 80-year-old Topeka resident Nancy Landman, was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers, who were alone in their vehicles, were wearing seat belts when the crash occurred shortly before 3:00.

(KAIR)--Aggravated assault, arson, and criminal damage to property are the charges faced by a 34-year-old Atchison man, arrested this week for allegedly hurling what's believed to be an explosive device on the porch of an Atchison residence.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Kevin Berning was arrested late Thursday morning on the charges, following the alleged crime that happened Monday evening, around 8:30. Officers, that evening, were called to the 1700 block of Chestnut following the report of an explosion in that area.

Arriving at a residence in that block of Chestnut, investigators "determined that there had been a dispute outside the residence" that included the 56-year-old woman who lived there, and Berning, who had driven to the home.

It's alleged that during the disturbance, Berning, took a wooden trunk from his truck, then threw it on the porch of the residence as the woman stood nearby. Wilson says the trunk, believed to have had an explosive device placed inside by Berning, exploded on the porch, damaging nearby items, including a mailbox, a chair, a flower pot, and a door. The woman was not hurt.

Berning, Wilson says, had left the area before officers arrived, but he was taken into custody less than three days later, and booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--The annual Doniphan County 4-H Fair will kick off Monday, July 22 at the fairgrounds in Troy.

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

Six girls are vying for fair princess this year. They include Allyson Ellsworth, Maycie Bauman, Mia Potter, Emmy Gibson, Lillian Kuhnert and Elliette Geiger.

Four boys are vying for fair prince. They include Brogan Harring, Jace Thompson, Henry Foley and Westlyn Puckett.

The livestock sale will take place Thursday evening.

The fair wraps up Friday evening, July 26 with the public style revue and awards presentation.

(KNZA)--There will be no change in the leadership of the South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education for the 2024-25 school year.

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

In other business, the board approved student fees for the 2024-25 school year. Due to increased costs, breakfast and lunch prices will each increase 15 cents a meal.

The Board approved an increase in substitute teacher pay from $110 to $120 for a full day and $60 for a ½ day.

The board was informed the school district has been awarded a $6,000 Safe and Secure Schools grant for the 2024-25 school year. The matching grant will be used to purchase automatic external defibrillators or AEDs.

The Board approved the hiring of Trudy Wischropp as a part-time 1st grade teacher at the Horton Elementary School from August 7th-December 19, Kayla Thorson as a 1st grade teacher at the elementary school in the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program and Sheryl Smith as a tutor at Horton High School.

The Board also accepted the resignation of Austin Lovelady as assistant High School football coach and assistant high school boys basketball coach.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council approved an ordinance when they met Wednesday evening requiring the licensing of contractors performing work in the city.

The ordinance was approved on a 4-0 vote. Council members Ray Shinn and Kris Enneking were not present at the meeting.

Contractors will be required to obtain a license for a $75 fee and $50 annual renewal.

In addition, contractors will be required to maintain liability insurance and secure a surety bond in the amount of $500,000.

In other business, the Council accepted the resignations of police officer Phil Steinlage, effective July 28th, and Justin Knowles from the city Electric Department, effective July 29th.

The Council was also informed that city maintenance worker Mike Hildebrandt plans to retire, effective July 26th.

(KNZA)--Former Kickapoo Tribal Council Chairman Lester Randall has been indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts for violations of the federal Major Crimes Act.

Word of the indictment came in a release Thursday from the Kickapoo Tribe, which closes by saying "no further comments will be provided at this time."

The Lawrence Journal World reports the 48-year-old Randall was indicted on four counts of felony assault stemming from alleged domestic-related incidents over the past year on the Kickapoo Reservation, which resulted in multiple emergency room visits for the female victim.

The first incident is alleged to have taken place in September of last year, and the remaining three are alleged to occurred on three different days in April of this year.

The grand jury indictment was returned on Wednesday and requested that a trial be held in Topeka.

Randall was arrested in April by the Brown County Sheriff's Department on a charge of aggravated domestic battery after a search warrant was served on a home on the Kickapoo Reservation. A preliminary hearing in that case is set for July 31st.

In addition, he was arrested in May on charges of attempted homicide, attempted arson and assault in the second-degree following investigations into various illegal activities on the Kickapoo Reservation.

The investigations were spearheaded by the Kickapoo Police Department with the assistance of various law enforcement agencies.

Randall remained held in the Brown County Jail Thursday without bond.

(KAIR)--Two 12-year-old children required hospital treatment Thursday after the ATV they were aboard crashed and rolled over on what Doniphan County authorities describe as “an unmaintained county road.”

According to a social media post from the Doniphan County Sheriff's Department, one of the children was driving, with the other a passenger, at the time of the Thursday afternoon wreck.

The young driver, the department says, lost control of the 4-wheeler, causing it to rollover.

Both children were transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, Missouri, for treatment of unspecified injuries.

Their names are not made public.

The Department closes the release with the reminder that “ATVs can only be driven on county roads by a person with valid driver's license.”

(KLZA)-- A new state statute prohibiting right and left turns on red arrow signals will take effect on Friday in Nebraska.

Drivers facing a steady red arrow must come to a complete stop at the intersection before entering a crosswalk or stop line. The new law mandates that drivers remain fully stopped until a green arrow signal is displayed.

This update is part of ongoing efforts to improve street safety and reduce crashes at intersections.

(KLZA)-- A water line running from the water plant at Rulo to Falls City that has been removed from the side of a railroad bridge where it had been for many year and bored under the Nemaha River has been compromised due to flooding.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum expects to a need to file an insurance claim as early estimates to correct the damage is 5 - 600,000 dollars. Nussbaum said that approximately 100 feet of the line is now hanging in the river with an approximately scour of 10-15 feet below the water line.

Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Lucas Froeschl had good news and bad news concerning the Wilderness Falls III Housing Development on the north edge of Falls City.

The good news is that 8 of the 16 new units built over the past several months are now occupied. To move in you must be at least 55 years of age and there is an income component to meet to qualify.

The bad news is there have been some flooding issues with some of the duplexes following the completion of construction.

EDGE does not own the development but was the original developer. EDGE is working with EXCEL Development and local contractors to find a solution to the flooding issues. Froeschl said there is more of a watershed in the area than was anticipated. Froeschl says they parties involved want to get the issue corrected.

Froeschl also noted that EDGE is working to finalize bids for the Rural Workforce Housing Fund project and build a house in Falls City with grant funds matched by the City of Falls City.

And, Community Medical Center is on track to open the Community Kids Center at the current location of of the Sacred Heart Childcare Center within a few months to help create much needed openings for childcare in the community.

(KMZA)--Details have been released on a single-vehicle Nemaha County wreck last week that sent two people to the hospital.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office said the wreck occurred the afternoon of July 8th on D Road, south of 192nd Road.

According to the Sheriff's Office, 70-year-old Joyce Schmitz, of Baileyville, was northbound when her SUV left the roadway and struck an embankment.

Schmitz and her passenger were transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, in Seneca, for the treatment of injuries.

( KAIR)--A combined $26 million is awarded for 33 road improvement projects in Kansas communities, including two in the local area.

According to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the selected projects will receive a portion of the total funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation's City Connecting Link Improvement Program( CCLIP).

Under CCLIP, a city must contribute up to 25% of the project cost based on its population, though some cities contribute significantly more. Cities with a population under 2,500 aren’t required to provide a match.

Selected locally to receive a portion of the funding is the City of Atchison, with $400,000 earmarked for a surface preservation project in state fiscal year 2026, while the City of Horton will receive $1. 5 million for a pavement restoration project in fiscal year 2027.

According to the release, CCLIP funds improvements to state highways that extend through cities.

Kelly, in the release, calls CCLIP a "popular program" that "makes it possible to improve the safety and accessibility of our local highways that are local centers of community life.”

(KNZA)-- Highland Community College has earned a prestigious award from the Kansas Board of Regents.

According to a release from the College, HCC and Wichita State University Technical College received 2024 Data Quality Awards during a conference last month.

Jeff Hurn, HCC Director of Institutional Research, was in attendance to receive the award.

“Winning the 2024 Data Quality Award from KBOR is a remarkable achievement for Highland Community College and it is a team award earned by all of our hard-working employees who strive every day to collect, coordinate, communicate and submit good local, state and federal data on behalf of the many stakeholders we serve,” remarked Hurn.

Now in its 12th year, the release says the annual award serves to recognize institutions for excellence in the quality of data submitted and the timeliness of submissions.

Awards are given each June to the two Kansas institutions with superior ratings, recognizing the outstanding team of professionals who provide institutional data to the Board.

This year, each awardee scored the highest points of institutions from its sector, either for community colleges or for technical-only colleges.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education has approved a negotiated agreement with teachers for the 2024-25 school year.

The agreement with the Nemaha Central Education Association was approved during a special meeting last week.

Under the agreement, the base pay for a beginning teacher will increase $1,000 to $42,500. In addition, extra duty compensation will increase from $12.50 an hour to $14 an hour and pay for instructional duties outside the school day will increase from $15 to $20.

The Board also approved raises for administrative and classified staff. District administrators were granted a $1,000 salary increase and classified staff a $1 per hour wage increase.

(KNZA)--A Wathena man, accused of leading police on a pursuit last week, is facing multiple charges.

According to court documents, a criminal complaint has been filed in Doniphan County District Court charging 46-year-old Walter Kerns with eight counts stemming from the July 10 incident.

Kerns has been charged with felony counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, criminal damage to property and possession of methamphetamine.

In addition, Kerns faces misdemeanor counts of criminal restraint, reckless driving and possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to the criminal complaint, Kerns is accused of striking a Wathena Police Officer's vehicle during the pursuit, causing damage to the vehicle.

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

Kerns remains in the Doniphan County Jail, held on a $125,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- The FBI has launched a Prevent Mass Violence Campaign.

FBI Omaha and the FBI- Behavioral Analysis Unit are urging people to take notice when their friends, family, classmates, and coworkers show disturbing signs they may be on a “pathway to violence.”

Drawing on years of research on targeted violence and mass shooters—to include the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, in 2022 in which 19 elementary school students and two teachers were killed—the FBI unit best known for its “profilers” is asking people to confide in someone they trust or respect when they see behaviors they think are concerning. Too often, the signs are ignored or dismissed because they are not recognized as potentially dangerous, or observers will directly confront the person they are concerned about, believing that alone will be enough to defuse concerning behaviors.

Parents and family, loved ones and friends are most likely to observe concerning behaviors. The FBI says in the release that mass shooters don’t snap. They spend time planning and preparing for their attacks, which offers opportunities for intervention and prevention.

The FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit has launched a Prevent Mass Violence campaign that includes a new webpage and brochures containing tips and strategies to help potential bystanders understand what types of behaviors may be concerning and ways to respond. The webpage sayd says, “The most important thing is to tell someone.” That may not necessarily mean law enforcement; it could be a school administrator, employee assistance peer, a boss, or someone else you trust.

According to BAU, some concerning behaviors may include: ▪ Comments, jokes, or threats about violent plans ▪ Repeated or detailed fantasies about violence ▪ Comments about hurting themselves or others ▪ Creating a document, video, suicide note, or other item to explain or claim credit for future violence ▪ Seeing violence as a way to solve their problems ▪ Unusual difficulty coping with stress ▪ Increasing isolation from family, friends, or others ▪ Angry outbursts or physical aggression ▪ Obsessive interest in prior attackers or attacks ▪ Changing vocabulary, style of speech, or how they act in a way that reflects a hardened point of view or new sense of purpose associated with violent extremist causes.

For a more comprehensive list of concerning behaviors, to include brochures—along with resources and research about targeted violence—please visit the new webpage at www.fbi.gov/prevent. The webpage and all the supporting information are provided to encourage the public to be the key to preventing violence by talking to someone you trust.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council is expected to discuss and eventually take action on city codes concerning the discharge of fireworks in the city and the dangerous dog ordinance.

During Monday nights Council meeting, Ward I Councilman Don Ferguson said that he received a number of complaints this year about how late fireworks were being set off leading up to and following Independence Day and suggested it is time for the council to set a time of day by which the shooting of fireworks must stop..

Falls City does not currently have a set time of day that fireworks must stop being set off. Ferguson pointed out his suggestion only concerns the exhibition of fireworks and not the selling of fireworks by vendors.

The dangerous dog ordinance was brought up by Megan and Stephen Randall. Megan Randall was bit recently by a dog when she went to her brothers house to check on a package and was bit by one of several dogs that belonged to her brothers neighbor. All of the dogs belonged to the same person and were running loose.

The Council is expected to revisit the city ordinance concerning dangerous dogs and possible amend the ordinance. No action was taken Monday night.

Council members also approved resolution authorizing the city to assess unpaid vacant property registration fees totaling $750 against three properties.

Vacant properties can be registered for free. If they are not registered there is a $250 fee following 6 months and $500 for each 180 day period that follows without registering the properties.

The properties are at 2411 Harlan owned by John Sipf and Rebecca Sipf of Peoria, Illinois; 2213 Hiland Avenue owned by Paul Meyer of Auburn and 918 Fulton Street owned by Tammie Fee of Yates Center, Kansas.

(KAIR)--Although emergency crews rushed to the scene of an Atchison crash Monday night, the teenage driver, from Cummings, escaped injury.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the 16-year-old, Kolten Bonnel, left the roadway in the 1700 block of County Club Road which caused his vehicle to crash into a tree at the Bellevue Country Club driveway.

Atchison Police and Atchison County EMS both responded to the scene of the crash around 8:10 Monday night.

Wilson says EMS examined everyone inside the vehicle, but no one incurred any injuries.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County District Court trial, last week, ended with 36-year-old Nicholas Fuller found guilty of indecent solicitation of a child.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney, Todd Thompson, while the jury found Fuller guilty of that crime, he was acquitted of three counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and one count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Fuller pleaded not guilty to all charges in November, 2022.

His sentencing is scheduled for September 4 in a Leavenworth County courtroom.

According to court documents cited in the release, Leavenworth police officers, on August 20, 2022, responded to a home near Muncie Road and Shrine Park Road after a juvenile called 911, reporting they had been sexually assaulted and needed help. Once contact was made with the victim on the scene, the victim told officers that Fuller had molested him inside a home and that it had happened several times before.

(KMZA)--An early Tuesday afternoon two-vehicle Washington County crash claimed the life of Manhattan man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 46-year-old Brian Dowling was driving an eastbound pickup truck on U.S. 36 Highway, about five miles east of the city of Cuba, when he attempted to pass another vehicle and struck an oncoming semi.

Dowling was transported to the Washington County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The semi driver, 71-year-old Waterville resident Wayne Thomsen, was not hurt.

The Patrol says Dowling was not wearing a seat belt, but Thomsen was, when the wreck occurred around 12:30 Tuesday afternoon.

(KAIR)--A McLouth driver escaped injury, but a Tonganoxie man, behind the wheel of a cargo van, required hospital transport, after their vehicles collided Monday afternoon in Johnson County, Kansas.

According to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, both drivers were northbound, in separate lanes, of I435, just north of Shawnee Mission Parkway.

The Patrol says it was when the van, driven by 45-year-old Christopher Putthoff, attempted to make a lane change, he collided with the pickup truck, driven by 54-year-old Shawn Quinn. The impact, the KHP says, caused Putthoff's van to spin into the left median, which caused it to roll over.

He was transported for the treatment of suspected minor injuries at the University of Kansas Hospital, in Kansas City, Kansas.

Quinn, of McLouth, incurred no apparent injury in the wreck, which the KHP says happened around 4:15 Monday afternoon.

Both drivers were buckled up at the time of the crash.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the sale of the Falls City Senior Center located at 221 West 16th Street when they met Monday evening.

APACE, formerly known as Region V Services will purchase the facility to serve their clients who are adults with developmental disabilities. During day residential services, the clients do classes including computer classes, cooking classes and arts and crafts and for approximately half the day they will be out doing activities in the community.

ike Jones, APACE Area Director explained there will normally be 5 - 10 clients per day. Currently, the 11 clients attending the program have to be transported to the APACE facility in Auburn on a daily basis.

APACE plans to continue to lease the kitchen area to Blue Rivers Agency for the Meals on Wheels Program. The facility will be remodeled.

The sale price for the Senior Center facility will be $175,000.

(MSC News)--Early morning storms raced across northeast Kansas Tuesday, bringing torrential rain and damaging strong winds.

The destruction that came with the strong storms left a Jefferson County barn destroyed, with WIBW-TV, citing Jefferson County Emergency Preparedness, reporting it happened southwest of Winchester early Tuesday morning.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

As of late Tuesday morning, Evergy crews were continuing their efforts, with the company's outage map showing less than 2,000 customers without power in such local area counties as Atchison, Jefferson, and Leavenworth.

Only a chance for late Tuesday night showers and thunderstorms remains, with the rest of the week looking rain free and cooler.

(KAIR)--An investigation, following a report from a 67-year-old woman that a man had exposed himself to her, while standing outside her home, has led to an arrest.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 54-year James Bird Sr., of Atchison, was arrested Friday for lewd and lascivious behavior in connection with the alleged crime that happened July 7, in the 900 block of Unity Street.

Bird was issued a notice to appear in court on the charge.

Bird, according to Wilson, allegedly "exposed himself in a sexual manner" while standing outside the 67-year-old woman's home around 7:00 that July 7 morning.

Bird had left the area prior to police arriving, but the resulting investigation led to Bird and his Friday arrest.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Fair will take place this week, Wednesday through Saturday in Pawnee City.

Animals to be displayed during the Fair will checked in on Wednesday.

The Pawnee County Fair Parade will be Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. Virginia Schlender has been selected at the Grand Marshall for the parade. She and her family have been active with the Fair for over 35 years.

Thursday events include: 8 a.m. Swine Show; 10 a.m. Rabbit Show; 1 p.m. Broiler / Poultry Show; The Pawnee Count Fair parade will be at 6 p.m followed by the Horse Show and speed events at 7:30.

The Pawnee County Fair Parade will be at 6 p.m. followed by the chicken barbecue and the Greg Blecha Trio playing. The carnival games entertainment and ice cream social will begin at 6 p.m. At 7:30 the Farm Family Award presentations will be made and the BMX Stunt performance will take place.

There will be an apple pie auction at 7:45 p.m.

Friday will be the Hoses Show at 9 a.m.; the Goat Show at 2 p.m. The Sheep Show at 4 p.m. the JD Bears Wood Carving will begin at 9 a.m. The Friday Night Fun Zone will be open from 6 - 9 p.m. with carnival games , entertainment and an ice cream social from 6 - 10 p.m. The Southeast Nebraska Community Band will perform at 7 pm. And the Grand River Rodeo will begin at 8 p.. followed by the Larry Wayne Band playing at 10 p.m.

On Saturday the events for the day start at 8 a.m with the Bucket Calf Show; the Beef Show is at 9 a.m; the Round Robin Showmanship event will begin at 1 p.m.; the Clover Kids Show will begin at 2 p.m. with the premium auction starting at 3 p.m.

The MWBA BBQ Cook-Off will be at 8 a.m. JD Bears Wood Carving at 9 a.m Also at 9 a.m. will be the gardening workshop and mud volleyball. The car show will be at 11 a.m. That evening will be the BBQ Cook-off meal followed by carnival games and entertainment. The Outlaws Truck and Tractor Pull will be at 7 p.m. with Mutton Bustin at 8 p.m and the Grant River Rodeo at 8 p..

The 53rd annual farm tractor pull will begin at p.m. on Sunday with the children's power wheel races starting at 2 p.m.

The static display building in open from noon until 9 p.m Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

DeLayne Currie from Crab Orchard is the 2024 Pawnee County Fair Queen. She is the daughter of Brian and Jille Sasse and will be a senior at Lewiston High School this Fall.

(KLZA)-- Construction on phase I of the electrical distribution system improvement project in Falls City is beginning.

Residents in the current target underground construction areas will soon be contacted by Watts Electric workers, informing them about the construction in your alley and working with them to locate their sewer lines and other utilities.

During the construction, there will be no alley access for approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Businesses are urged to coordinate busines deliveries accordingly.

Watts Electric will be installing underground electric lines to eliminate overhead power.

The projected dates and ares of work include, July 15 - August 8 in the alleys from 11th to 13th Street, between Chase and Stone Streets.

August 15 - August 23 in the alleys from 11th to 13th Streets between Stone and Harlan Streets and August 26 to September 6 in the alleys from 13th to 14h Streets between Stone and Harlan Street.

(KMZA)--A new Nemaha County Senior Services and Public Transit Director is on the job.

The Nemaha County Commission voted last week to appoint Marie Weaver to the position, effective July 9th. Weaver had served as the department's administrative assistant.

She replaces Tammy Epple who resigned as director, effective July 8th.

Epple had served as director since February 2022.

Commissioners advised at the meeting that the Nemaha County Transportation Department has relocated its offices from the Pioneer Building to the north end of the Community Building.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has adopted a resolution to revise and update the county's floodplain management zoning regulations.

The Commission took the action at their July 8th meeting on an unanimous vote following a hearing drawing no public comment.

County Emergency Management Coordinator Julie Meng said the resolution incorporates, by reference, new floodplain regulations based on the model recommended by FEMA and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

The resolution has been recorded and is on file in the office of the Doniphan County Clerk.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison has gained a new City Manager.

That word is delivered by the City in a release, which says that chosen for the role is Mark Westhoff, the current County Administrator for Prowers County, Colorado.

Westhoff's hiring follows a series of interviews with four candidates seeking the position, with Westhoff coming out on top.

His contract was approved July 1, with Westhoff to begin his new role on August 27.

Westhoff, in the release, says he is "overjoyed at the opportunity to join the excellent team in Atchison and build on the positive momentum they and the City Commissioners have created there."

Westhoff and his wife, Brianne, have four children.

The City Manager position became vacant with the resignation of Amy Finch. The City's Director of Public Works, Clinton McNemee, continues to fil the role in an interim position until Westhoff''s duties begin.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is entering one of their cruisers into the “America- Best Looking Cruiser” contest, with KSNT reporting that Kentucky State Police took the first place honor.

According to the American Association of State Troopers, the contest has been held for 11-years, with the top 13 states receiving the most online votes to be featured in the organizations 2025 fundraising wall calendar. The cruiser receiving the top number of votes will be featured on the calendar's cover.

Voting is underway now, and will continue through the morning of July 29.

To vote, go here.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission in a special meeting Monday morning voted unanimously to turn the traffic signals at the intersection of 1st and Oregon Streets back to flashing mode and re-install the stops signs at the intersection to control east-west traffic.

The meeting came after the Kansas Department of Transportation informed the city last week that they would be turning off the signals on Wednesday or Thursday and putting bags over them after the city failed to switch the lights back to flashing mode by a June 28th KDOT imposed deadline.

The signals were switched from flashing mode to normal operation on May 22 after the wiring was repaired at the intersection.

Even with the action taken Monday, Commissioner Brian Shefferd said KDOT may still cover the lights, which he and Commissioner Toni Hull said would make the intersection even more dangerous and distract drivers.

The two commissioners said they are not giving up on the traffic signals.

Mayor Becky Shamburg said the Commission needs to move forward with coming up with a plan for making the intersection as safe as possible.

KDOT says the current signals are out of compliance and need to be updated. The city would be responsible for the entire cost of any upgrade, which has been estimated at up to $750,000.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with special legal counsel Jerry Pigsley last Wednesday to review a petition filed with the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations by the Nebraska Association of Public Employees / AFSCME Local 61 on behalf of the employees of the Richardson County Roads and Highway Department on June 21.

The Board voted to ratify and confirm that an offer presented to the Union on February 14, 2024, was the final offer from Richardson County to the Union.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported Commissioners that he has assisted Pawnee County a few times in the past several weeks as they struggle to fill vacant officer positions in the Sheriff's Department.

County Attorney Samantha Scheitel has indicated that Richardson County should not be assisting Pawnee County without a contract in place to cover liability. Sheriff Hardesty said the Pawnee County is drafting an agreement to be submitted to Richardson County for review.

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

The advisory was issued July 3rd because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

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

(KNZA)--The Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education heard information on a proposed Sabetha High School track and football field improvement project when they met last week.

Superintendent Todd Evans said High School Activities Director Kaleb Moeller shared information that he's been working for a project that would utilize private money to redo the aging track and install turf on the football field. Also as part of the project, the field events would be moved to the south end of the football field.

The proposed $2.5 million project would start in the summer of 2025 and take eight weeks to complete.

A committee, consisting of community members, is working the project.

Following an executive session, the Board approved a negotiated agreement with the Prairie Hills Education Association for the 2024-25 school year following an executive session.

Evans said the agreement would add $2,000 to each step in the salary schedule. The base pay for a beginning teacher would increase from $43,000 a year to $45,000 year.

The Board also approved a compensation package for administrators, which calls for a 4.5 percent salary increase.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission is proposing a 2025 county budget that calls for total expenditures of $14.3 million and a 2.8 mill tax levy increase.

The Commission approved the budget for publication at their July 1st meeting after making cuts to departmental budgets of up to 5 percent.

The proposed budget contains an estimated tax rate of 39.726 mills, which is expected to generate nearly $6.2 million in local tax revenue.

The Commission will consider adoption of the budget following a public hearing at their August 26 meeting.

(KNZA)--A Meriden, Kansas woman was injured early Sunday morning in a motorcycle crash in Ray County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 39-year-old Megan Christopherson was a passenger on a motorcycle that fled from an officer on Business Route 10, traveled off the roadway and struck an embankment.

Christopherson and the motorcycle driver, 44-year-old Camden, Missouri resident Brandon Hollinger, were thrown from the motorcycle.

Both were transported to Liberty Hospital, Christopherson with suspected serious injuries and Hollinger were suspected moderate injuries.

The Patrol says neither occupant was wearing an helmet when the crash occurred around 2:00 Sunday morning.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman was injured Saturday evening in a single-vehicle crash on a Brown County road.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened shortly before 8:00 on Horned Owl Road, just south of 220th Road.

According to a report from the KHP, 74-year-old Linda Baker was northbound when her Ford Bronco left the roadway. The vehicle went into the west ditch and struck a cement culvert.

Baker was transported to Amberwell Health, in Hiawatha, with suspected serious injuries.

She was the lone occupant in her vehicle.

The Patrol says she was wearing a seatbelt when the crash occurred.

(KNZA)--The 99th annual Jackson County Fair will kick off Monday, July 15 at the Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, south of Holton, and runs through Thursday, July 18.

Monday will bring the poultry, sheep and goat shows, with the kiddie tractor pull that evening. Also on Monday, T.J. Jenkins ,of Kansas City, Mo, will provide chainsaw carving demonstrations.

Tuesday's highlights include the swine and beef shows.

The fair parade will take place Wednesday evening at 6:00 on Holton's Town Square. Serving as grand marshal's this year are Bob and Henriette Area.

The parade will be followed by the 4-H Style Revue at 8:00 and a concert beginning at 8:30 featuring local 80's rock group Undercover.

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

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

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission will hold a special meeting Monday morning at 7:30 at the Hiawatha City Hall to discuss the traffic signals at 1st and Oregon Streets.

That comes after the Kansas Department of Transportation informed the city last week that it plans to turn off the traffic signals at the intersection on July 17th or 18th, and put bags over the signal heads.

KDOT says stop signs will be installed to control east-west traffic at the intersection.

The city received a letter from KDOT last month requiring that the city switch the traffic signals at the intersection back to flashing mode by June 28th, along with replace the stops sign that were removed at the intersection.

The street lights were switched from flashing mode to normal operation on May 22nd after repairs were made to the wiring at the intersection.

City leaders, school officials and community members want to keep the traffic signals at the intersection, citing safety reasons as the intersection serves as the main entrance to the high school .

KDOT says the current signals are out of compliance and need to be updated.

The city would be responsible for the entire cost of any upgrade, which has been estimated at up to $750,000.

(KLZA)-- The City of Pawnee City is requesting resident participation through the completion of a community survey.

The survey is designed to collect your ideas and comments relating to current and future needs of our community. This survey is anonymous.

The survey seeks information concerning the general appearance of areas of the community; seeks the public's thoughts on street conditions, nuisance properties, city services among other topics and wants to know your biggest concerns about the community.

You can return a physical copy of the survey to City Hall; The State Bank of Table Rock; Union Bank and Trust or by mail to P.O. Box 206 in Pawnee City.

Survey's can also be completed online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BYCT9V6.

You can find a link to the survey on the Pawnee City website, pawneecitynebraska.com.

Survey data will be compiled by the Southeast Nebraska Development District and results will be presented during a future public meeting of the City Council.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board held their first meeting of the new school year with they meet Monday evening.

The meeting marked a change in board leadership, with Roni Tietjens taking over board president and Ryan Patton as vice-president.

It also marked the first meeting for new board member Brooklyn Schuetz who was selected in May to fill the unexpired term of Jim Robidoux.

The board approved a list of district fees and meal prices for the 2024-25 school year. Superintendent Lonnie Moser said breakfast and lunch prices will each increase 10 cent. In addition, he said one the technology fees will increase.

The board approved bids for several summer maintenance projects. A bid was accepted from J & B Contractors for concrete repair work at the high school in the amount of $47,932. A bid was approved from N L Driveways for repair of the high school parking lot in the amount of $45,450, which includes asphalt patching, a slurry seal and crack sealing. In addition, a bid was approved from Pierce Striping to stripe the high school and elementary school parking lots.

Following an executive session, the Board voted to appoint Tim White as Director of Maintenance.

The board also approved the hiring of Cindy Scott as kindergarten para, Chrissy Torkelson as kindergarten para, Ashley Lowe as a paraprofessional at the elementary school, Matt Lock as assistant middle school basketball coach for the 2024-25 season, and Jeff Moore as high school assistant boys basketball coach for the 2024-25 season.

In addition, the board accepted the resignation of 4th grade elementary school teacher Regan Jacobson.

(KNZA)--Two separate Jackson County traffic stops on Tuesday led to the arrest of two women on drug possession charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the first traffic stop happened shortly after 4:00 in the morning when a Sheriff's deputy stopped a car for multiple driving infractions near 158th and Q roads.

During the traffic stop, a Jackson County Sheriff- K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics within the vehicle.

39-year-old Sarah White, of Council Grove, was arrested for possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, driving under the influence and no insurance.

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

Morse said the second traffic stop happened shortly before 10:00 Tuesday night when a deputy stopped a car near 150th and Q. Roads for a traffic infraction.

During the traffic stop, the deputy allegedly discovered crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

The front seat passenger, 59-year-old Topeka resident Lisa Ann Tisdale, was arrested for possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

Following her arrest, Tisdale was booked into the Jackson County Jail

(KNZA)--Two people were injured in two separate Jackson County wrecks Thursday.

The first wreck occurred shortly after 10:30 in the morning at the intersection of U.S. 75 Highway and 110th Road, west of Hoyt.

According a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 45-year-old Maria Goddard, of Overland Park, was westbound on 110th Road when her SUV entered Highway 75 and struck a northbound pickup truck driven by 77-year-old Royce Cole, of Omaha, Nebraska.

A passenger in the pickup, 68-year-old Susan Fredricks, of Omaha, was transported to a Topeka hospital for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

The two drivers were not hurt.

The second wreck occurred around 1:30 Thursday afternoon on U.S. 75 Highway, just north of Holton.

The KHP said a semi tractor-trailer was southbound when for an unknown reason it drove off the edge of the roadway. The semi continued southbound, striking an embankment at Rodgers Drive. The driver then overcorrected, causing the semi to overturn onto its side, coming to rest on U.S. 75.

A 25-year-old passenger in the semi, from Winnipeg, Canada, was transported to a Topeka hospital for the treatment of suspected serious injuries.

The semi driver, also from Canada, was not hurt.

The wreck closed down a stretch of U.S. 75 for a period of time.

(KAIR)--A late Thursday morning crash on an Atchison street, involving two vehicles including a motorcycle, sent two Atchison residents to the hospital.

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says it happened at the interesection of 15th and Kansas Avenue, where a car, westbound on Kansas Avenue, was making a left turn onto 15th Street. As the driver, 72-year-old Sandra Dunn, made the turn, she struck a motorcycle that was stopped northbound, at the stop sign, on 15th Street.

The motorcyclist, 65-year-old Alan Yancey, and Dunn, were both transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for treatment of their injuries.

Both were traveling alone.

The crash occurred shortly before 11:30 Thursday morning.

(KNZA)--A portion of U.S. Highway 75 in Jackson County was closed Thursday afternoon due to a semi tractor-trailer rollover, north of Holton.

MSC News, at the scene, observed that the crash occurred in front of Holton Community Hospital, located at 1110 Columbine Drive.

First responders were at the scene, with traffic redirected away from the crash site.

There's no immediate word of any injuries, or what led to the crash.

MSC News will bring you details as they become available.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee City Board of Education approved the purchase of a new school bus and a 14-passenger minibus when they met Monday evening.

A 40-passenger Bluebird Vision activity bus will be purchased at a cost of $148,273. The Pawnee City School has been approved for a Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant which will reimburse the school $24 thousand toward the purchase of the new bus. The new bus will be delivered in 6-8 months.

The new bus will replace a 2004 bus that as part of the grant program, must be destroyed which Smith Auto has agreed to do for the school.

The Board also approved the purchase of a 2025, Ford E350 Microbird Type-A non-CDL 14-passenger minibus at a cost of $105,928 which will be delivered in 8 - 10 months.

The unit will replace a 2013 E-350 van rated for 12 passengers. Under new federal regulations any van rated at 15 or 12 passengers, is no longer acceptable for student transportation.

Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus has been authorized to sell the districts 2012 Ford E-350 conversion van that can no longer be used to transport students.

The Board approved increasing substitute teacher pay from $145 per day to $160 per day and increasing the school bus driver payment rate from $65 per route to $70 per route for the 2024-25 school year.

Membership renewal in the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association for the next school year at a cost of $850 was also approved.

(KAIR)--A 4-year-old Wathena child is dead, one week following an Independence Day drowning in Buchanan County, Missouri during what authorities say was a large 4th of July party.

The child drowned that 4th of July night, with authorities called to Southwest 36th Road, the location of the swimming pool, shortly before 8:00.

KQ2-TV, citing the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, reports that family members, at the holiday gathering, attempted CPR on the boy, who was then transported for hospital care, first in St. Joseph, then at Children's Mercy, in Kansas City.

The TV station Thursday, citing the Sheriff's Office, reported the child died that morning, at Children's Mercy.

The child's name is not made public.

Wathena, in Doniphan County, Kansas, is located about 5-miles west of Buchanan County's St. Joseph, Missouri.

(KNZA)--The search for a missing Blue Rapids man took a turn this week, with human remains found in rural Marshall County during the search for the whereabouts of Camoran Shoptese.

A release issued late Thursday morning by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation says they, along with the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, located the human remains around 5:30 Wednesday evening.

The KBI's Crime Scene Response Team responded to the area of the discovery, located northwest of Waterville, Kansas, near Sunflower and 2nd Roads; and, following that investigation, it's believed the remains are those of the 36-year-old Shoptese.

According to the release, agents found evidence indicating that Shoptese was murdered, but investigators don't believe there's any threat to the community. The release says a person of interest connected to the homicide in is police custody on unrelated charges.

Shoptese was last seen the evening of July 4 in Blue Rapids.

The KBI says the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.

(KNZA)--Formal charges have been filed against a Bellevue, Nebraska man in connection with a two-vehicle injury wreck last week in Brown County, just south of Hiawatha.

According to court documents, a criminal complaint was filed Tuesday in Brown County District Court charging 38-year-old William Bundy with 9 counts.

Bundy was charged with felony counts of aggravated battery and interference with law enforcement. In addition, he was charged with one count of battery on a law enforcement officer, one count of driving under the influence, two counts of battery on a healthcare provider and three drug possession charges, all misdemeanors.

Bundy made his first appearance in a Brown County courtroom Wednesday on the charges. A preliminary hearing was set for August 21st.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said deputies responded to the report of an injury wreck in the vicinity of US 73 Highway and 220th Road on July 2nd.

Following an investigation, Merchant said it was determined that Bundy was driving a pickup truck that crossed the center line and struck a car.

Both drivers were transported by ambulance to Amberwell Health, in Hiawatha, with non-life threatening injuries.

Bundy was taken into custody after being released from the hospital and was booked into the Brown County Jail.

He was released July 5th after posting a $30,000 bond.

(MSC News)--As the summer time heat builds this week into the weekend, with an expected 100 degrees Sunday, authorities again send the message that heat and children do not mix long term.

According to a release, the Kansas Department of Transportation, the Drive To Zero Coalition, and emergency responders, both local and statewide, send the reminder that children face a greater risk of heatstroke or death than adults because their body temperatures rise up to five times faster, even on cooler, summer days. It's due to that fact, the release says, that the organizations key message is to never leave a child alone in a car.

The release says there are three preventable actions that can lead to a child suffering heatstroke inside a vehicle, with parents and guardians told, one, to never forget a child is in the back seat; second, never leave a car unlocked, even at home, as a child could get trapped inside; and third, never think that a cracked window during a quick errand will prevent a child from being overcome by heat.

From now, through July 21, the organizations will work to increase awareness of the dangers that children face in the heat, with the release noting that, on average, a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle every ten days. In over half of those deaths, the adult forgot the child was inside the quickly heating vehicle.

According to the National Safety Council, there were five child heatstroke deaths in Kansas vehicles from 2019-2023, with the victims aged 2 and under. One of the five deaths occurred when the outside temperature was reported at only 59 degrees.

Developing habits to avoid such preventable deaths is a key, according to the release, which adds that those who see a child left alone in a vehicle to check to see if they're responsive. If they're not, 911 should be called. If the child is apparently ok, a bystander is told to locate the parents to get the child to safety.

(KAIR)--Input from residents of Valley Falls is now being collected in connection with the recent awarding of federal and state funds to improve the City's transportation safety.

According to a release, community input is being gathered to complete a Safe Streets for All Action Plan, as funded through the awarded dollars, with the City saying the insight from residents "will directly shape the plan's recommendations to help Valley Falls improve transportation safety for all roadway users including drivers and pedestrians."

Included with the release is a link to an online survey to provide input for the plan, with the City saying the survey is brief, taking about 5-minutes to complete.

The City has also established a dedicated webpage, on it's official valleyfalls . org website, to provide details, and updates, about the project, funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration and the Kansas Department of Transportation for the Safe Streets for All initiative, a nationwide program to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

The City's dedicated webpage outlines the four key goals the City aims to accomplish through the action plan, including Enhance Roadway Safety, Strengthen the Transportation Network, Assess Existing Conditions, such as traffic crash data, Ensure Comprehensive Engagement, which the City says means gathering and incorporating public input "that is comprehensive and representative of all Valley Falls residents," and Set the Stage for Future Implementation.

(KNZA)--A Horton man has been convicted of charges in connection with a July 2023 Brown County wreck that left four others injured.

According to court documents, Timothy Pahmahmie pleaded no contest Monday in Brown County District Court to two counts of aggravated battery and one count of driving under influence of alcohol or drugs.

In exchange of the plea, four additional counts were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for August 5.

Pahmahmie was charged last September following an investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol into two-vehicle wreck early July 4th, 2023 at the intersection of 100th and Kingfisher Roads, about a mile west of U.S. 159 Highway.

The KHP says Pahmahmie was traveling on 100th Road when his pickup truck crashed into the driver's side of a SUV on Kingfisher Road driven by Brandon Wingender, of Everest.

Wingender and a passenger in his vehicle, Brenda Middleton of Horton, suffered suspected serious injuries in the wreck.

Pahmahmie and two passengers in his vehicle, Roberta Hanchor of Nevada, and Adrain Darnell, of Horton, were also injured.

Pahmahmie remains free on a $100,000 bond.

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Public Service Commission has closed its investigation into three separate 911 outages involving Windstream and opening a new department complaint against the telecommunications carrier.

The investigation involved three separate Windstream service disruptions which occurred on September 2 & 3, November 28, 2023, and January 13, 2024.

The department complaint process allows the Commission the opportunity to asserts its authority under Nebraska law to issue punitive sanctions which may include assessing administrative fines for violation of Commission regulations.

A hearing date on the Windstream complaint has been scheduled for August 27 & 28.

The September 2nd and 3rd outage included a multi-hour disruption of 911 service that resulted from a system-wide telecommunications outage experienced by Windstream customers in southeast Nebraska.

The November 2023 Windstream Outage appears primarily to have impacted the delivery of 911 calls and non-emergency telephone service to public safety answering points in the Southeast Region of PSAPs. Fortunately, according to the information available as of the date of this Order, the November 2023 Windstream Outage was resolved, with full service restored, in less than an hour.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education approved a number of policies Monday night including the annual student fees, and parental involvement policies following required annual public hearings on those policies.

Other policies approved concerned bullying, Title I Parental Involvement and Family Engagement; firearms and weapons for non-students, transportation, audio and video recording and student cell phone and other electronic devices.

The Board set the school budget work session for Monday, August 26 and set the budget and property tax hearings for September 9.

Superintendent Tim Heckenlively reported the Falls City School District has been approved for a Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy Grant Award through the 2022-23 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National grant competition. to use toward the purchase of a new bus.

District 56 will replace a 2004 Thomas bus with a new diesel bus at a quoted price of $135,100. The expected reimbursement for the project is 25 percent of the purchase price up to a maximum reimbursement of $24 thousand. The school bus replacement project must be completed and reimbursement requested by June 30, 2026.

Heckenlively also reported State Aid for the Falls City School District has been set at $1,456,096, approximately the same as last year. The 2024 preliminary property valuation for the school district is $1,209,120,106, an increase of $108,073,576, an increase of just over 9.8 percent from 2023.

It was also reported that Turf Diagnostics has completed the stadium turf impact evaluation at Jug Brown Stadium and filed a favorable report on the condition of the football field.

(KAIR)--A step forward for several Jefferson County-based projects, as the Kansas Department of Transportation approves bids for the work.

According to a release from KDOT, each of the three projects are focused on crack repair work on the roadways.

Of the three, one includes 13.6 miles of U.S. Highway 59, from the 98th Street junction north to the Jefferson/Atchison County line. The accepted bid was that of McPherson-based Pavement Pro's LLC, which came in at a cost of just over $116,836.

Another of the three crack repair projects includes K-92 Highway, from the Lovers Lane intersection inside the city of McLouth, stretching 5 1/2 miles northeast to the Jefferson/Leavenworth county line.
Pavement Pro, again, submitted the accepted bid of just over $57,185.

The same company will conduct the 18.3 miles of work on K-4 Highway, from the K-92 junction, northeast to the K-4/U.S. Highway 59 junction.
Cost of that work is just over $108,288.

The bid letting took place last month, in Topeka.

The timeline for the start of work on the Jefferson County projects is not immediately available.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, arrested at the start of Monday on an Atchison Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear, was later arrested for drug possession.

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, says 44-year-old Dustin Dudley, around midnight Monday morning, was spotted by an officer on patrol as Dudley walked in the area of the 700 block of Commercial Street. Knowing that Dudley was wanted on the warrant, the officer took him into custody.

According to Wilson, it was while Dudley was in custody that he was allegedly found to be in possession of cocaine and marijuana, leading to his arrest on those charges.

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

(KAIR)--Good news of the cost saving variety is announced by the Atchison Public Schools, with students, for the upcoming school year, again to eat free.

According to a release from USD 409 Student Nutrition Director, Sharla Oertel, it's due to the school district's participation in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, known as the Community Eligibility Provision, or CEP, for the 2024-2025 school year.

The release says no action is required of parents or guardians, with the breakfast and lunches open to all enrolled students of USD 409.

The free food program for the approaching school year is a continuation of the district's participation last year.

(KAIR)--Two separate trailers were stolen from two separate Atchison-area homes, with one since recovered while the other remains missing.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says missing is a 14 foot Big Tex single axle utility trailer which was stolen from the 7700 block of Schuele Road, located at the Shannon Industrial Park.

The 28-year-old owner of the trailer told police it disappeared sometime between last Wednesday afternoon and Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the trailer that has since been located was recovered by police around 4:00 Sunday afternoon, in the 1100 block of Parallel Street, but no arrest is yet made.

The 10 foot by 5 foot utility trailer was stolen from the 1500 block of Atchison Street sometime between Saturday afternoon and Sunday at 12 noon, four hours prior to police locating it.

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

(KLZA)-- A permit has been denied for a southeast Nebraska chicken farm.

The Tecumseh Chieftan reports the Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission recently voted unanimously to deny a special building permit for Jim Erickson and his family to construct eight buildings for housing chickens on a farm about two miles west of Sterling.

About 60 people attended the meeting.

Erickson said since there is no longer a market for hog production to sustain his family farm for the next generation, and wanted to operate a chicken farm instead.

Each of the buildings would have housed 25,000 chickens, which would cycle through in about two months time.

Neighbors raised concerns about water pollution, manure and carcass management as well as road conditions.

(KMZA)--Discussion was held at last week's Nemaha County Commission meeting about a proposed electric transmission line corridor that's to run through several local northeast Kansas counties.

According to the meeting minutes, Marshall County Republican Committee Chair Beth Salman meet with the Commission about the proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor. It's to run through Marshall, Nemaha, Brown and Doniphan Counties.

Discussion was held concerning how local counties could try to prevent the approval of the transmission line.

The U.S. Department of Energy plans to narrow 10 proposed corridors around the nation to three final paths for new transmission to be built. Companies building in those corridors will be eligible for grants and loans to build the lines.

(KNZA)--Several staff members were recognized at Monday evening's Hiawatha City Commission meeting for their years of service to the city.

Mayor Becky Shamburg presented service awards to Gene Atland for his 20 years of service with the Hiawatha Fire Department, Quentin Overdick for five years of service with the Fire Department and Code Enforcement/Building Inspector Dave Wilson for his five years with the city.

Two other staff members, who were not present at the meeting, were also recognized. Ryan Shockley for 15 years of service with the Fire Department and Police Chief Mickey Gruber for 10 years of service with the Police Department.

In other business, Wilson provided an update on eleven properties the city has deemed as unsafe and dangerous.

It was the consensus of the Commission to grant 90 day extensions for six of the properties, to move ahead with demolition of structures on four of the properties and to remove one of the properties from the list.

In addition, the Commission authorized City Administrator Brad Scott to begin the process of looking into grant funding available through the Kansas Department of Transportation to improve pedestrian safety along the 1st Street Corridor.

(KAIR)--A woman, among a group of three arrested on drug crime-related charges in Jefferson County Sunday, suffered a medical condition while being booked into jail; and the efforts of jail staff are being commended for their life saving efforts.

WIBW-TV reports it was while the woman was being booked into the jail, at Oskaloosa, that her condition led correctional officers to take action, administering five doses of Narcan to the woman, with the drug used to reverse an opioid overdose.

Once in stable condition, the woman, whose name is not immediately released, was transported for hospital care in Topeka, and later released back into Jefferson County custody.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, Monday, voiced his pride for all of his staff to the TV station while singling out the two corrections officers who administered the life-saving procedures.

The woman was apparently booked into Jefferson County for Johnson County, Kansas drug offenses and warrants.

(KAIR)--Two men, identified as father and son on their social media pages, were found, by Sheriff's Deputies, fighting in a Lancaster Street Thursday night; and, it was after the two allegedly separately attacked a deputy, that they were arrested.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, it was around 9:30, on the night of the July 4 holiday, that deputies were called to 109 High Street, in Lancaster, for the report of a disturbance in progress.

When the deputies arrived, Laurie says they saw two men, identified as 46-year-old Curtus Myers, of Lancaster, and 23-year-old Nathan Myers, of Atchison, "rolling around in the street."

When a deputy approached the men, it's alleged that the younger Myers kicked the deputy in the leg, with the deputy then advising that Curtus Myers was under arrest. However, according to Laurie, the two men refused to cooperate, with the two fleeing inside the elder Myers' residence.

The elder Myers then came back outside and was told by a deputy that both he and Nathan, were going to jail, leading Curtus Myers to allegedly lunge at the deputy and place both hands around the law enforcement officer's neck. A taser was deployed by the deputy, leading to the eventual arrest of both men.

The pair was taken into custody on charges of interference with law enforcement and battery on a law enforcement officer.

Once arrested, the duo was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

In a separate case occurring the next night, an Atchison woman, accused of threatening individuals with fireworks while intoxicated, faces Atchison County charges following her Friday night arrest.

According to a release from Sheriff Laurie, his office was called to the 2500 block of McPherson Road for a disturbance where it's alleged 46-year-old Melissa Sue Stepp made the threats. However, according to Laurie, Stepp, who was reportedly trying to leave in a vehicle when the report was made around 9:45 Friday night, was not immediately located, but her vehicle was found nearby the residence.

Deputies were able to contact Stepp, leading to an investigation that led to her arrest for aggravated endangering a child, criminal threat, domestic battery, driving under the influence, and reckless driving.

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

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Transportation has released the fiscal year 2025 Surface Transportation Program Book. The book lists the 2025 State Highway System Program projects separated by each NDOT Geographical District and project type planned for construction within the next six years.

The 2025 program has been published at $772 million. It is funded through state and federal highway user taxes and fees, and does not include Aeronautics, Broadband or Local system related construction.

The 2024 State Legislature allocated an additional $70 million to help fill existing funding gaps. This allocation resulted in an increase from 540 to 805 miles of statewide highway preservation.

The 2025-2030 Nebraska Surface Transportation program and an interactive GIS map are now available at ndot.info/program-book.

Projects planned in Richardson County include just over 13 miles of resurfacing work on Highway 4, from Table Rock to Humboldt at a cost estimated at $5,949,000.

In Nemaha County, 5.5 miles of milling, resurfacing and culvert work on Highway 67 at a cost of $6.522 million on the Peru Spur to the U.S. 75 Junction.

Bridge work is scheduled for Highway 2 and 75 in Otoe Countyat a cost of $4.63 million.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved moving forward in partnering Falls City High Schools Career Academy Work Based Learning program when they met last week.

Academy Director Jack Bangert says the school wants to get students work based learning opportunities, and they feel the City would be a good partner is providing students with those opportunities.

The school wants to be able to place students with the City if they have interest in certain careers including construction, building inspections and possibly other departments within the city.

Bangert says the purpose of the program is bigger than just Falls City High School, noting that it is about finding the next generation of workers and keeping kids in town with good paying jobs.

The Career Academy is partnering with the Southeast Community College Learning Center on the program.

(KAIR)--Over the past couple of Saturdays, we've focused on various pests, including spiders, that are active in Kansas this time of year.

Add timber rattlesnakes to the list of varmints that pose a threat, with one removed from Atchison County property this week by a Sheriff's Deputy.

According to a social media post made by the Atchison County Sheriff's Office, timber rattlesnakes are active locally from late April to the middle of October, with the post encouraging residents to keep their eyes open for the creatures.

In the post, a timber rattlesnake is pictured, with the Sheriff's Office explaining that the snake, Monday morning, was removed by deputies from near an Atchison County resident's shed.

The snake was then relocated by the deputies.

According to the Smithsonian Institute's National Zoo website, timber rattlesnakes are venomous, and capable of killing a human. Although such bites are rare, such a bite should be considered a medial emergency.

(KLZA)-- Dr. Gina Toman, the new Dean for the School of Professional Studies at Peru State College, is no stranger to higher education in Nebraska, nor to Nebraska- first college.

Toman began her appointment on July 1. She came from Clarkson College where she served as Director of Healthcare Education and Clarkson- Leadership Doctoral Program from 2020.

“She has a lot of varied experience in higher education, including working for Peru State College, which will be instrumental in her mentoring of faculty and overseeing the growth of professional studies programs,” said Dr. Wendy Waugh, Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Peru State- Graduate Center Director in the early 2000s, Toman provided administrative and instructional support to faculty and facilitated all academic and graduate student services.

Toman stated, “I am thrilled to return to the “Campus of a Thousand Oaks” as Dean of the School of Professional Studies. I look forward to embracing the rich history of Nebraska- first college while contributing to its impressive mission, vision, and values. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and champion the faculty, staff, and students. I am excited to support and work with the faculty scholars in the various majors as we transform student lives through innovative, empowering, and engaging educational opportunities.”

While at Clarkson, Toman led and managed a department, and oversaw budget matters and faculty workload. She was responsible for curriculum and program development, faculty and student resources, and strategic planning. She also guided doctoral students through the curriculum and their dissertation journey and taught several courses.

Before joining Clarkson College, Toman worked at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for over 10 years in various roles. She was Assistant to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and a Faculty Human Resources Officer ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. In addition, she served as the Assistant Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service. Toman was Dean of Students at Nebraska Methodist College and worked as an adjunct faculty member at Creighton University and the College of St. Mary. She has years of community and institutional involvement including chairing the Board of Directors for the Women- Center for Advancement in the greater Omaha metro. She received a bachelor- degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, a Master's in Higher Education from Syracuse University, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Higher Education from the University of Maine, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“Dr. Paul Hinrichs graciously assumed the interim Dean role last fall in addition to being the Dean of Arts and Sciences, while we searched for a new dean,” Waugh said. “Dr. Hinrichs did a great job of leading the school through a successful academic year; however, we are very excited to be filling the dean position with such a talented and qualified candidate in Dr. Toman.”

Toman also noted, “I am especially thankful to Dr. Wendy Waugh, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the Dean Search Committee for this incredible opportunity to join the Peru State College community. Through my role as Dean, I am eager to support and collaborate with Dr. Waugh and the Academic Affairs team as we help Nebraska- first college continue to thrive, educate, serve, and excel for the next 150+ years.”

Peru State- School of Professional Studies offers majors and minors in business, psychology, and criminal justice, emphasizing practical applications. The school emphasizes the skills that graduates will acquire, providing them with a competitive edge in the workplace, in addition to knowledge.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners discussed rock hauling with Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. when they met July 3.

Possible using contractors to haul rock to create a stock-pile in an effort to get road rock to needed areas was discussed.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported his office took part in a “Click It or Ticket” campaign May 20 through June 2. During the campaign there were 350 calls for service with 227 of them being traffic stops. 28 arrests were made, three from other agencies.

During June the Sheriff's Department received 468 calls for service. 233 were traffic stops. There were 40 arrests made, two from other agencies and five for out of county.

Sheriff Hardesty reported there were 17 inmates being held in the jail currently. In addition the Sheriff reported on deputies currently attending and those that will be attending the Law Enforcement Training Academy to receive Nebraska certification as a law enforcement officer.

(KLZA)-- Falls City officials are continuing efforts to secure grant funds to help pay for projects and upgrades in the community.

During the July 1 City Council meeting, City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum updated the Council on a number of grant applications.

The largest request is for improvements to the city natural gas distribution system. A grant application for $9,514,776 to complete two critical projects for the natural gas distribution system has been submitted. The project is replacement of 21.17 miles of pre-code era coated and bare steel natural gas distribution main and 12.7 miles of pre-code era coated and bare steel natural gas service lines. Of the total grant funds, it would require $9,454,166 to complete the project. The remaining funds would go towards modernization of the existing leak detection and pipeline locating equipment with cutting edge, modern equipment.

A grant application has also been submitted for an $850 thousand project for the Grid Resiliency Project which will relocate electrical wiring from overhead to underground. The project involves replacing 60-year-old wooden structures and outdated components with modern underground cabling and new pole structures to project the distribution network from extreme weather and environmental threats.

Replacing 1,500 feet of overhead wiring underground will help reduce the risk of outages caused by storms, high winds and other natural events.

In addition Nussbaum reported the city received notice to proceed from the Revitalize Rural Nebraska Grant for demolition of 1817 ½ Stone Street, with a goal to complete the demo work by the end of August.

The 2023 Downtown Revitalization grant applications are due back to the City Office by July 15. Grant applications can be obtained from the Falls City Chamber Of Commerce and on the city website. A total of $165 thousand is available to local qualifying businesses.

The Falls City Creative District is working with Southeast Nebraska Development District to submit a grant application through the Rural Community Recovery Program for funding for development of a city park at 1506 Stone Street. No matching funds are required if the grant application is successful.

In addition, a letter of intent has been submitted to the Walter Scott Family Foundation as part of the Advancing Nebraska Communities Grant Program in hopes these grant funds would provide the necessary funding to complete design services and construction services.

(KAIR)--A motion for injunction has been filed in Jefferson County Court as part of the County's continued efforts to remove squatters from County property.

Notice of the filing was delivered to the County Commission July 1 by Assistant County Counselor Jonathan Ehrlich. According to the meeting's unofficial minutes, Ehrlich informed the Commission that a hearing on the County's petition for injunction against the squatters is scheduled for July 24.

Meanwhile, the minutes say, the petition and summons has been served on those currently squatting on county properties at Lakeshore Estates, who now have 21 days, from the date of being served, to respond.

The matter of squatting, and how to handle it, has been discussed at several recent meetings, including the recent purchase, and placement of signs saying "No Squatting," at the affected locations.

Meanwhile, the July 1 Jefferson County Commission meeting also included a focus on the County's Comprehensive Plan, with an update provided to the Commission by Community Development Director Stephan Metzger.

According to the unofficial minutes, his message included the outcome of meetings held with Marvin Planning Consultants, the firm working on the comprehensive plan, during the week of June 17. The goal of the meetings was to meet with individual- one-on-one, meet groups of individuals in several different focus groups, and gather feedback from the
general public at the recent Old Settler- event, in Oskaloosa, and Broadway Nights, in Valley Falls.

Metzger informed the Commission that the focus groups "provided good and consistent feedback" to Staff and the Consultants team, resulting in Staff
recommending that the plan implementation focus on five policy areas, which include the Four Large Lake Communities; Broadening the tax base; Community Coordination; Commercial and Recreational Development around Lake Perry and Transportation.

According to the minutes, the plan development has mostly focused on gathering information; but, moving forward, there will be a much
greater emphasis on policy development and strategies for implementation.

(KNZA)--A Horton man has been convicted on charges of rape and aggravated kidnapping.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 21-year-old Matthew Harris pleaded no contest Monday in Brown County District Court to the two felony charges.

In exchange for the plea, three additional charges were dismissed.

Hill said the charges arose from a violent incident that took place in the City of Horton in August 2023 that involved an 18-year-old victim.

Harris' bond was revoked and he is set for sentencing on September 9th.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County Community Foundation will be hosting their 3rd annual Match Days event this week during the Brown County Fair to benefit 36 funds.

During the event, donations made through the Foundation will be eligible for a 50% match from more than $95,000 in matching funds available.

Donations can be made in-person Tuesday through Thursday evening's from 4:30 to 7:30 at the Horton Blue Building. Donations can also be made on-line at at growsouthbrown.com from 12:01 Tuesday morning through 11:59 Thursday evening.

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

Last year, Grow South Brown raised nearly $82,000 in community donations for local funds, which the foundation matched at 50 cents on the dollar. With donations, matching dollars, and an additional $35,000 in grant money from the Patterson Family Foundation for future special projects, the foundation and its members raised more than $158,000 collectively for South Brown County.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says foul play is suspected in the disappearance of a Blue Rapids man, who was last seen the night of July 4th.

On Saturday morning, the Marshall County Sheriff's Office requested the assistance of the KBI in investigating the disappearance of 36-year-old Camoran M. Shoptese.

Shoptese was last seen around 10:30 last Thursday night at 709 Chestnut Street in Blue Rapids. He is a Native American male, about 6 foot 1 inch tall, weighing around 200 pounds. Shoptese has short black hair, brown eyes, and black tattoos covering his neck and chest.

The KBI says a 2008 black Chevy Colorado may be associated with the case.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Rural property owners in the area are also asked to check for and report any suspicious activity they might notice on their land.

The investigation is ongoing.

(KNZA)--A Colorado woman was arrested on drug possession charges following a traffic stop last week in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle on 150th Road near U.S. 75 Highway around 9:30 the evening of July 1st for a traffic infraction.

The driver, 56-year-old Kathy Jauch, of Golden, Colorado, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KNZA)--Three Topeka residents were arrested on drug and alcohol-related charges following a traffic stop in the city of Hoyt.

Hoyt Police Chief Dan Wentling said an officer stopped a van Friday evening for various traffic infractions near the intersection of 1st Street and Eastern Avenue.

The driver of the van, 36-year-old David Savard, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, felony interference with a law enforcement officer, identity theft, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, transporting an open container, illegal registration, and no proof of insurance.

A passenger in the van, 23-year-old Julieanna Corbett, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

Another passenger in the van, 24-year-old Nathan Leonard, was arrested for transporting an open container.

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

The Jackson County Sheriff's Office assisted.

(KAIR)--The 4th of July has fireworks, Christmas has trees and wreaths, Easter has bunnies, and the election season has signs; and, as those signs sprout up in support of favored candidates, placement in some locations is a no no.

The Kansas Department of Transportation is sending a reminder that all political campaign signage is prohibited from being placed on state highway right of way.

A release from KDOT explains that "by law, all right of way on state highways is exclusively for public highway purposes," with the agency adding that "only regulatory, guide signs and warning signs placed by KDOT are allowed on the 9,500-mile state highway system" which KDOT has jurisdiction over.

When KDOT maintenance crews find political signs on state highway right of way, the signs will be removed immediately and without notice, with all offending signs to be taken to the closest KDOT Subarea office. Political campaign signs not retrieved from the Subarea offices will be disposed of after the election.

The release notes that while "political campaign advertising is allowed on private property bordering state right of way," with permission of the property owner, it explains that a "state law passed in 2015 related to placement of campaign signs on city- or county-owned right of way does not apply to state highway right of way."

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a resolution authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with Richardson County for the transfer of 911 calls to a secondary public safety answering point at the Richardson County Sheriff's Department when they met Monday.

The effective date of the agreement is July 8.

The 911 calls when go to the Falls City Police Department and if it is a call falling under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's Office, the call will then be transferred to the Sheriff's Department.

The agreement will not include an annual payment from Richardson County to the City for the service.

Both the Falls City Police Department and the Richardson County Sheriff's Department will have their own dispatch center and their own dispatchers on duty.

911 calls outside of Falls City have been going to Southeast Communications 911 Center in Beatrice for the past three years. Richardson County initially paid $180,000 for the dispatch service the first year. When time came to renew the contract, the original proposal to Richardson County was for the fee to increase to $360,000 annually. Later that price was reduced to $200,000 for the first year of the new contract, however, Richardson County Commissioners opted not to renew the contract and began a lengthy process of reaching an agreement with Falls City.

(KLZA)-- Dr. Sheri Grotrian of Peru State College was recognized by being inducted into the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Adviser Wall of Fame during the opening general session at FBLA Collegiate- National Leadership Conference. The Adviser Wall of Fame recognizes advisers and state leaders who have completed 20 or more years of service to FBLA.

In addition to the 20-year requirement, Dr. Grotrian had to meet other minimum requirements which included: at least one state or national officer from her chapter; a national competitive event winning place in the top ten; administering state or national competitive events; led workshops at state, regional or national conferences; and received the outstanding local adviser award.

About the honor, Grotrian stated, “Being inducted into the Wall of Fame truly is an honor. While there is an immense number of behind-the-scenes work at times, seeing the student success that results always makes any challenge worth it.”

“As I often tell others, being the adviser is a labor of love,” she said. “Having been a member when I was a student, I understand how meaningful and impactful these opportunities are—and I want students I work with to experience that same positive feeling.”

Grotrian joins several other Peru State graduates from Nebraska to be inducted. The first was Chuck Pickering (Syracuse), who taught at Syracuse and was inducted in 1996 as one of the first group of inductees; Ted L. Harshbarger (Humboldt), who taught at Tecumseh, served as a state adviser in Colorado and Nebraska for more than 25 years, was inducted in 2003; the late Sherry (Reins ’69) Marks, who taught at Wilber-Clatonia and was inducted in 2005; Teresa Hahn (Johnson), who taught at Nemaha Valley and Auburn in Nebraska and was inducted in 2007; Pat Hinkle (Omaha), who taught at Bellevue (Neb.) West was inducted in 2014; and Rita Bristol (Fremont), who teaches at Midland University was inducted in 2019.

Future Business Leaders of America, Inc., (FBLA) is the world- largest business career and technical student organization. Each year, FBLA helps 230,000 members prepare for careers in business.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved a change order for the Electrical Distribution System Improvements Project in an amount of just over $225,000 when they met Monday evening.

Public Works Director Trevor Campbell said Watts Electric, the contractor for the project to place the electrical service underground, brought it to the attention of the City that the 2-inch conduit was not large enough and that 2.5 inch pipe would be needed.

When asked by Council member Joe Buckminster if the city was stuck with approximately 25 thousand feet of 2-inch pipe originally ordered for the project, Campbell said with the cost to return that pipe, would include a 20 percent restocking fee. Campbell said he did not see value in paying the 20 percent fee.

Campbell said the 2-inch pipe can be used on other projects in the city when making improvements and if contractors around town are in need of 2-inch pipe the City could sell pipe to them and recoup some of the money.

The pipe will be used to combine multiple conduits into a single trench.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved a change order for the Electrical Distribution System Improvements Project in an amount of just over $225,000 when they met Monday evening.

Public Works Director Trevor Campbell said Watts Electric, the contractor for the project to place the electrical service underground, brought it to the attention of the City that the 2-inch conduit was not large enough and that 2.5 inch pipe would be needed.

When asked by Council member Joe Buckminster if the city was stuck with approximately 25 thousand feet of 2-inch pipe originally ordered for the project, Campbell said with the cost to return that pipe, would include a 20 percent restocking fee. Campbell said he did not see value in paying the 20 percent fee.

Campbell said the 2-inch pipe can be used on other projects in the city when making improvements and if contractors around town are in need of 2-inch pipe the City could sell pipe to them and recoup some of the money.

The pipe will be used to combine multiple conduits into a single trench.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved a change order for the Electrical Distribution System Improvements Project in an amount of just over $225,000 when they met Monday evening.

Public Works Director Trevor Campbell said Watts Electric, the contractor for the project to place the electrical service underground, brought it to the attention of the City that the 2-inch conduit was not large enough and that 2.5 inch pipe would be needed.

When asked by Council member Joe Buckminster if the city was stuck with approximately 25 thousand feet of 2-inch pipe originally ordered for the project, Campbell said with the cost to return that pipe, would include a 20 percent restocking fee. Campbell said he did not see value in paying the 20 percent fee.

Campbell said the 2-inch pipe can be used on other projects in the city when making improvements and if contractors around town are in need of 2-inch pipe the City could sell pipe to them and recoup some of the money.

The pipe will be used to combine multiple conduits into a single trench.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved a change order for the Electrical Distribution System Improvements Project in an amount of just over $225,000 when they met Monday evening.

Public Works Director Trevor Campbell said Watts Electric, the contractor for the project to place the electrical service underground, brought it to the attention of the City that the 2-inch conduit was not large enough and that 2.5 inch pipe would be needed.

When asked by Council member Joe Buckminster if the city was stuck with approximately 25 thousand feet of 2-inch pipe originally ordered for the project, Campbell said with the cost to return that pipe, would include a 20 percent restocking fee. Campbell said he did not see value in paying the 20 percent fee.

Campbell said the 2-inch pipe can be used on other projects in the city when making improvements and if contractors around town are in need of 2-inch pipe the City could sell pipe to them and recoup some of the money.

The pipe will be used to combine multiple conduits into a single trench.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved a change order for the Electrical Distribution System Improvements Project in an amount of just over $225,000 when they met Monday evening.

Public Works Director Trevor Campbell said Watts Electric, the contractor for the project to place the electrical service underground, brought it to the attention of the City that the 2-inch conduit was not large enough and that 2.5 inch pipe would be needed.

When asked by Council member Joe Buckminster if the city was stuck with approximately 25 thousand feet of 2-inch pipe originally ordered for the project, Campbell said with the cost to return that pipe, would include a 20 percent restocking fee. Campbell said he did not see value in paying the 20 percent fee.

Campbell said the 2-inch pipe can be used on other projects in the city when making improvements and if contractors around town are in need of 2-inch pipe the City could sell pipe to them and recoup some of the money.

The pipe will be used to combine multiple conduits into a single trench.

(KAIR)---USDA Rural Development has awarded grants for 23 clean energy projects in the state to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs in rural Kansas communities.

According to a release from the agency, North Star Feeds LLC, in Atchison, is among the grant recipients.

A $69,960 grant will help North Star Feeds purchase and install a 52.8 kilowatt solar array.

North Star Feeds is a manufacturer of feed fat blends.

The release says the project is expected to save more than 78,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, which is 82 percent of its usage and enough electricity to power more than seven homes. The project is expected to save the company $7,900 per year in energy costs.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission Monday approved the replacement of the computer system at the county law enforcement center.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, Undersheriff Mark Allen informed Commissioners that a power surge in the City of Troy on or around June 20, damaged the Law Enforcement Center computers that operate the door locking mechanisms and intercom system.

A cost estimate to replace the computer system in the amount of $23,472 was presented from CML Security, of San Antonio, Texas, a company specializing in jail security systems.

The Commission approved the proposal.

The payment will made from the New Sales Tax fund, with a claim to be filed against City of Troy insurance company to recoup Doniphan County- cost.

Allen also presented the Commission with a bid to chip seal the Law Enforcement Center parking lot. The Commission asked the Undersheriff to check with the City of Troy on their chip seal projects and to obtain additional bids.

(KNZA)--The 107th annual Brown County Free Fair kicked off Saturday, July 6th, and runs through Friday, July 12 at the fairgrounds in Horton

The theme of this year's Fair is “"There's No Place Like the Brown County Fair!"

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

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

Tuesday will bring the fair parade at 6:30 in the evening in downtown Horton. Following the parade, the pedal power tractor pull will be held.

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

Bounce houses and a rock wall will be available for entertainment Tuesday evening. In addition, bounce houses will be available Wednesday and Thursday evenings. A corn hole tournament will be held Thursday evening at the Civic Center, and free entertainment will be provided by Curtis Stroud.

The Fair will wrap up Friday evening, July 12 with the awards program and livestock sale.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission approved the renewal of the county's property and liability insurance policy ith SBS Insurance Agency when they meet last week.

The quote was for $191,948 for the period from July 1st, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

The Commission also received a quote from KCAMP for the county's property and liability insurance coverage.

In other business, Sheriff Rich Vernon informed commissioners he would like to pay for upgrades being made to the camera systems for the patrol cars and for the interview room out of his capital outlay funds. The Commission voted to allow Vernon to spend $18,462 out of his capital outlay funds for the purchase of cameras and supporting equipment.

Vernon also informed commissioners the Sheriff's Office K-9 did not pass a particular part of his testing recently. He said he would like to trade the dog for different dog through the company that they use. The cost would be paid out of the federal seizure fund.

In addition, Commissioners reviewed a letter drafted by County Administrator Mike Miller to be sent to the U.S. Department Energy voicing the county's concerns about the proposed National Interest Electric Transmission corridor that would take a 5-mile swath of Nemaha County land. Commissioners signed the letter as presented.

(KAIR)--A Jefferson County driver escaped injury Independence Day morning after his vehicle was struck by a train, about 4 miles east of Perry.

WIBW-TV reports the crash happened around 9:00, in the 16200 block of US Highway 24.

Citing Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig, the TV station reports the car, for reasons not immediately specified, became stuck on the railroad tracks, leading to the collision.

The name of the driver was not immediately made public.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved a pay increase for City Administrator Steve Books.

Following a recent evaluation, the Council Wednesday evening approved increasing his salary from $100,000 to $105,000, retroactive to June 19th.

Brooks has served as city administrator since June 2023.

Following a request from local resident John Howard, the Council agreed to extend the last day for fireworks use to July 7th. The last day for fireworks had been July 5.

In other business, the Council approved the appointment of Steve Bennett as Council President. The council president presides over meetings in the absent of the mayor.

The Council tabled an ordinance regulating the licensing of contractors performing work in the city limits till their next meeting.

(KLZA)-- A suspect has been arrested in connection to an car jacking / armed robbery that occurred in the parking lot of the U-Stop store in Tecumseh, Nebraska early Monday morning.

Johnson County Attorney Ben Beethe said in a release Wednesday afternoon that Danger Cabellero was arrested in Del City, Oklahoma later Monday.

Shortly before 7:00 Monday morning, the Johnson County Sheriff's Office was called regarding an armed robbery at the U-Stop in Tecumseh.

A man had been picked up by a good Samaritan east of Tecumseh on Highway 136 where a vehicle was broken down. The man was given a ride into Tecumseh. At that point, the man produced a firearm and demanded the vehicle and and cell phone from the good Samaritan.

The man took the car and the cell phone, left the scene and dumped the cell phone a short distance from the U-Stop and fled. The broken down vehicle where the man was picked up turned out to have been stolen in an alleged armed robbery the previous night in Platte City, Missouri.

The good Samaritan's stolen vehicle was stopped by the Del City, Oklahoma Police Department and the driver taken into custody.

The investigation involving the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Nebraska State Patrol, Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, Platte County, Missouri Sheriff's Office, the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the Del City, Oklahoma Police Department continues.

(KLZA)--A substantial fish kill, affecting all species in the lake, has occurred at Big Indian Recreation Area south of Wymore in Gage County, Nebraska.

Angler reports prompted Nebraska Game and Parks Commission biologists on July 1 to visit the lake, where they observed numerous dead fish of all species. Dissolved oxygen was tested, confirming extremely low levels in the lake caused the fish kill.

Extreme heat and sunshine earlier that week at Big Indian likely contributed to a large algal bloom that subsequently died back during the cooler temperatures and cloud cover that followed. When algae die, the bacteria that consumes it also consumes oxygen. When the algal die-off is excessive, it can cause fish kills.

The recreation area, including the 77-acre lake, is managed by the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District.

Game and Parks’ fisheries staff will continue to evaluate the situation in the coming weeks to determine future management steps for the fishery.

(KAIR)--Flooding, Wednesday morning, forced the closure of a local road, which has, at least temporarily, reopened.

According to a release Wednesday morning from the Atchison County Road and Bridge Department, the closure was for a portion of River Road, from the city limits/county line to the Atchison County Line to the Doniphan County Line. However, Wednesday afternoon, the road reopened, with Atchison County officials asking that all motorists, traveling the roadway, to proceed with caution, with flooding still possible. If that happens, the road will again be closed.

In a separate road closure, due to flooding, Doniphan County authorities, Wednesday afternoon, announced that Mineral Point Road, at the Atchison County line, is closed until further notice.
Motorists are told to use an alternate route.

The National Weather Service reports that the river, at Atchison Tuesday night, stood above the 22 foot flood stage at 24.9 feet. A crest of 26.3 feet is expected Thursday evening, with the river to then fall below flood stage Sunday afternoon.
That area of river affects Atchison, as well as the Missouri counties of Platte and Buchanan. The flood warning for that affected area remains in place through Monday afternoon.

The flood warning for the river, at St. Joseph, Missouri, affecting Doniphan County, Kansas, as well as Buchanan County, Missouri, is in place until further notice.

The National Weather Service reports the river there, as of Tuesday night, stood above the flood stage of 17 feet at 22.7 feet, with the river to crest at 23.9 feet Thursday morning.

(KLZA)-- 60-year-old Guadalupe DeLaCruz was convicted of one count but found “not guilty” of 11 separate charges Tuesday, including first-degree assault and child abuse, filed against him in relation to a 2022 shooting incident in Peru, Nebraska.

DeLaCruz was found guilty of one count carrying a concealed weapon.

DeLaCruz was initially accused of entering his neighbor's house in the area of Washington and 6th Street in Peru during a dispute and discharging a handgun twice, injuring Mark Dupre.

Dupre claimed at the time that his pregnant fiancé was present and that seeing DeLaCruz enter his home

Dupre is in prison now, serving a 15 year sentence out of Fremont County, Iowa, for stabbing a man to death in May 2023. Both he and his fiancé, Katelan Jacobs, were arrested in connection to that incident.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. presented a list of 18 specific areas of brush complaints along county roads to Commissioners during their June 26 meeting.

The list will be presented to the County Attorney's Office for action with notices to be sent to landowners.

Commissioners also agreed that a notice will be placed in county newspapers regarding the responsibility of landowners to mow roadsides in July and September and to remove brush along the county road right-of-way.

State statutes require roadside to be mowed at least twice per year. The mowing should be done sometime in July for the first time and again in September for the second time.

Landowners are also responsible for managing hedges and trees, trimming undergrowth, bordering public roads when they become a public nuisance to travel on the roads, or obstruct the view at or near railroad crossings, crossroads or abrupt turns in the road.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh has been recognized as the I Love Rural Health Critical Access Hospital Advocate of the Year for 2024.

According to an article on the hospitals social media page, the award recognizes exemplary and sustained contributions in rural health advocacy by an organization.

Hospital CEO Mary Kent said “ the award recognizes the hard work everyone on the JCH team contributes to 340B and the many services we are able to offer the community because of this program.”

The 340B program enables providers and pharmacies to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services.

I Love Rural Health was established to celebrate stories of strength and success across Nebraska rural health care — even in the face of evolving modern challenges. The I Love Rural Health campaign is powered by the Nebraska Rural Health Association.

The Johnson County Hospital is an 18-bed Critical Access Hospital providing the people of Johnson County and surrounding counties with many services in Tecumseh. The hospital opened in 1958 as a county owned hospital.

(MSC News)--Governor Laura Kelly announced today that June's total tax collections were $1.03 billion. That is $24.1 million, or 2.4%, more than the estimate. Total tax collections are up 3.9% from June 2023.

“While the tax revenue collected for June is encouraging, we must remain committed to fiscal responsibility,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By continuing our work to put our state on solid fiscal ground, we can ensure Kansans have the services and quality of life they deserve.”

Individual income tax collections were $452.4 million. That is $82.4 million, or 22.3% more than the estimate, and up 19.4% from June 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $193.1 million. That is $53.9 million, or 21.8% less than the estimate, and down 14.6% from June 2023.

“Individual income tax receipts exceeded the June estimate because of higher-than-expected withholding tax and individual estimated payments and the fact that fewer refunds were paid than in June 2023,” said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “Withholding tax receipts are 17.0% greater than in June 2023, and that source continues to be the State- most reliable revenue stream.”

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $292.1 million. That is $2.2 million, or 0.7% more than the estimate, but down $11.4 million, or 3.8%, from June 2023.

(MSC News)--Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, July 2, won a preliminary injunction halting the implementation of the Biden administration's Title IX transgender regulations.

Biden's Title IX regulations would have required public schools to allow biological males who identify as females to shower with biological girls in school locker rooms. It also would have required public schools and universities to allow biological males who identify as girls to compete in girls’ sports.

"Given... the evidence before the court, it is not hard to imagine that, under the Final Rule, an industrious older teenage boy may simply claim to identify as a female to gain access to the girls' showers, dressing rooms, or locker rooms so that he can observe his female peers disrobe and shower," Judge John Broomes wrote in the order.

Broomes, a Kansas federal judge, ruled in favor of the state of Kansas and attorneys general from Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming as well as three private organizations, Moms for Liberty, Young America- Foundation, and Female Athletes United.

Kansas Attorney General Kobach personally argued the case on June 20.

"We have had many wins in court, but to me, this is the biggest one yet. It protects girls and women across the country from having their privacy rights and safety violated in bathrooms and locker rooms and from having their freedom of speech violated if they say there are only two sexes," Kobach said.

The federal district court injunction will have a sweeping effect, prohibiting the implementation of Biden's transgender regulations in the four plaintiff states. In addition, the injunction covers schools throughout the entire country via the plaintiff organizations. The private organizations have members in all 50 states.

(KAIR)--A Platte County, Missouri man who drowned last week in Houston Lake has been identified.

The Platte County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday identified the victim as 52-year-old Eric Stephens, of Houston Lake, Missouri.

According to a release, the Sheriff's Office responded to the lake in southern Platte County the evening of June 26 on the report of a possible drowning.

Upon arrival, deputies located Stephens floating in the water near the dock.

Stephens was removed from the water and transported to North Kansas City Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Sheriff's Office said Stephen's appeared to have been fishing before his death.

The incident remains under investigation, but foul play is not suspected.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved an ordinance that would prohibit grass clippings and yard debris from being blown into city streets.

The Council took the action when they meet June 19 on a 4-2 vote. Voting in favor of the ordinance were Council members Steve Bennett, Ray Shinn, Joe Schmelzle and Kris Enneking, while voting against the ordinance were Jim Mitchell and Mike Stallbaumer.

Those violating the ordinance could be cited for criminal littering, which is punishable by steep fines plus court cost.

The code enforcement officer would be authorized to notify any person violating the ordinance that they may be cited.

City officials say lawn mowing debris is unsightly and presents a safety hazard for cyclists and motorcycle riders. In addition, the debris can build up and plug drainage systems.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Wetmore man for multiple child sex crimes.

According to a release, KBI agents arrested 51-year-old Robert Motto Jr. Tuesday on a warrant for four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, rape, and two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy.

In early April, the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office began investigating the case after a child disclosed sexual abuse. Soon after, the Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance investigating the incident. During the investigation, additional allegations of sex crimes were discovered.

Following his arrest, Motto was booked into the Nemaha County Jail. Bond was set at $500,000.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.

The Nemaha County Attorney is expected to prosecute the case.

(KNZA)--Two arrests followed a late Monday night Brown Country traffic stop, with a Hiawatha man and a Huron woman both taken into custody on a variety of charges, including drug possession.

A release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says it was shortly after 11:00 Monday night, in the area of 210th Road and U.S. Highway 73, that a deputy stopped a vehicle due to an expired registration.

Merchant, in the release, says the deputy, during the investigation, discovered that the driver, 50-year-old Daniel Jennings, was driving while suspended while the passenger, 37-year-old Tara Hamilton, was found to have an outstanding Atchison County warrant.

Ultimately, Merchant says the pair was arrested at the scene of the stop, with Jennings facing charges for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while license cancelled, suspended or revoked, no proof of insurance, and illegal vehicle registration.

His Huron passenger, Hamilton, faces charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of opiate, and possession of drug paraphernalia, as well as the warrant.

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

The Doniphan County Sheriff's Office assisted at the scene.

(KLZA)--A new Mayor is on the job in Mound City.

Randy Miller was sworn in as Mayor on June 11. Miller takes the seat that came open due to the death of Mound City Mayor Duane Nauman who passed away April 15.

Nauman had just began serving a two-year term as Mayor. Miller will serve until April, 2025. An election will be held at that time to fill the final year of the term which expires in April, 2026.

(KAIR)--Benedictine College is in the early stages of exploring the potential for a new medical school on its Atchison campus.

That's according to a release from the college, following an announcement made last month in USA Today, which focused on the proposed Benedictine College of Osteopathic Medicine which would provide, what the release calls "an education faithful to the Catholic Church- bioethical teachings, and train doctors ready to serve those most in need, in Catholic hospitals and in rural areas where health care providers are scarce."

The Benedictine College Board of Directors voted in June to continue efforts to explore the proposed medical school, with the college dedicating an initial $4 million investment.

According to the release, the college has completed substantial due diligence on the project, identified fund raising goals, established a project timeline, and has established a committee of the Board of Directors to provide ongoing leadership."

The interest in supporting a medical school comes from the college- strategic plan, “Transform Culture in America,” which states: “STEM education is a particular emphasis of Benedictine College” and calls for the school “to advance the mission through science and health care.”

The college, the release notes, has been stressing its STEM character for 15 years.

BC had a previous agreement with Catholic Healthcare International to collaborate on a potential medical school; and while that group, on June 12, announced termination of that agreement, College President, Stephen Minnis, in the release, thanks them "for being the inspiration" for the new project.

(KNZA)---Governor Laura Kelly ceremonially signed Senate Bill 1 Tuesday during stops in Hiawatha and Holton.

The Democratic Governor said the bill, which was passed during the Kansas Legisalture's June 18th one day special session, provides responsible tax cuts for all Kansans without threatening the state's long-term fiscal health.

“This tax cuts package provides meaningful relief for hardworking Kansans while preserving our ability to continue fully funding our essential services and infrastructure,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, because we have responsibly budgeted, Kansans will see significant tax cuts without sending us back to an era of fiscal shortfalls.”

Kelly said Senate Bill 1, which passed with bipartisan support, provides nearly $2 billion in tax cuts for Kansans over the next 5 years. The bill reduces property taxes by increasing the residential property tax exemption to $75,000, saving residential property owners more than $236 million over 5 years.

The bill also eliminates state taxes on Social Security income, saving Kansas retirees $152 million in the first year alone. Additionally, the bill reduces income taxes and increases the standard deduction and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

“Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have championed meaningful tax cuts for Kansans,” said Kansas State Senator Dennis Pyle, of rural Hiawatha. “Eliminating the state tax on Social Security income has been a long-time goal of mine. I am thankful this is finally a reality for seniors in Kansas thanks to Senate Bill 1.”

Hiawatha City Administrator Brad Scott questioned Kelly if she was aware of traffic signal situation at the intersection of 1st and Oregon Streets. Kelly acknowledged she had heard about the situation and a resolution was in the works.

(KAIR)--A missing Atchison boy, who disappeared late last month, has been located.

That word is delivered by Kansas Missing and Unsolved, with the agency reporting that Elijah Horned Eagle has been found safe, but no additional details regarding the return of the 17-year-old boy are made public.

Horned Eagle disappeared on June 24, with the missing agency, the Atchison Police Department, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation all involved in seeing the safe return of Horned Eagle.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man found in possession of drugs, including fentanyl, while in a parking lot outside of a downtown Leavenworth school admits his guilt to the crime.

A release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson says 39-year-old Steven Collins, last week in Leavenworth County District Court, entered his guilty plea to charges of unlawful possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

According to court documents cited in the release, Leavenworth police officers, on February 16 of this year, were dispatched to the area of 5th and Metropolitan after a witness reported seeing a man possibly doing drugs inside a parked car. While on the scene, officers arrested Collins, who was found to have a container containing a white powdery substance, a substance that would later test positive for fentanyl. Methamphetamine was also discovered.

Collins is scheduled for sentencing in a Leavenworth County District courtroom on the morning of August 2.

(MSC News)--Kansas motorists, this week of the 4th of July holiday, will see and hear numerous Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving safety messages to stress the importance of never drinking and driving.

That's according to a release from the Kansas Department of Transportation, which says they, the Drive To Zero Coalition, and local law enforcement agencies are joining together for high intensity enforcement to occur over the holiday week along with safety reminders from now through July 7.

According to KDOT, 65 people lost their lives in 2,140 alcohol-related crashes recorded in 2023, marking a decrease from 2022, when 95 alcohol-related fatalities occurred.

Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration above the Kansas limit of .08% are considered alcohol-impaired by law, while a small amount of alcohol is considered buzzed driving because, the release says, "it can affect a person- ability to drive safely."

The Drive To Zero Coalition also reminds all motorists to buckle up every trip, every time.

(KNZA)---Improvements are coming to the Doniphan County Courthouse, at Troy, with Doniphan County Commissioners, last week, reviewing and accepting a bid for the forthcoming work.

According to the unofficial minutes for the June 24 meeting, the work will include the replacement of courthouse steps and handrails on both the north and south sides of the building, along with handrails on the north, west and south sides of the courtyard. A heating element will also be installed in the north and south steps leading into the courthouse building.

Three bids were received, prior to the meeting, with the Commission, following review, voting unanimously to accept what the minutes call “the best and lowest bid” of $100,900, as submitted by Highland, Kansas-based Diamond Fab, LLC.

The payment will be made through Doniphan County- New Sales Tax Fund.

Editor's note--these are the statistics of the Brown County Sheriff's Office for the month of June, 2024 submitted by Sheriff John Merchant.

DISPATCH CALLS:

911 Calls 209

non-emergent calls 2632

TOTAL 2841 averages to more than 94 calls per day.

DEPUTIES RESPONDED TO THE FOLLOWING:

ACCIDENTS 20

ANIMAL CALLS 10

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY 35

BATTERY 1

BUILDING CHECK 2

COMMUNITY POLICING 65

CRIMINAL THREAT 2

DISTURBANCE 5

DRONE DEPLOYMENT 2

DUI/DRUG INVESTIGATION 14

ELECTRONIC SOLICITATION 1

ILLEGAL DUMPING 1

MISC 9

OFFENDER REGISTRATION 32

PEDESTRIAN CHECK 9

PROPERTY LOST/FOUND 2

DRIVING COMPLAINTS 11

SUBPOENA SERVICE 210

SUSPICIOUS PERSON OR VEHICLE 3

TOWN CHECKS 355

TRAFFIC STOPS 147

TRANSPORTS 4

VEHICLE CHECKS & LOCKOUTS 21

VIN's 14

WARRANTS 16

WELFARE CHECKS 10

OVER 1000 INCIDENTS WHICH AVERAGE TO OVER 33 INCIDENTS PER DAY.

BROWN COUNTY JAILERS BOOKED IN 45 INMATES IN THE MONTH OF JUNE

OVER 2131 PHONE CALLS IN/OUT JAIL, WHICH AVERAGE TO APPROXIMATELY 71 CALLS PER DAY

(KNZA)--A suspicious, disabled vehicle, parked on a Brown County roadway, draws law enforcement response and to one arrest related to distributing drugs.

According to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, his office, assisted by the Sac and Fox Police Department, responded to the area of 320th and Kestrel Road, around 9:00 Saturday night, where the vehicle was located.

Merchant said Sheriff's Office K-9 Carla, "indicated on the vehicle," which led to a search and to the discovery of 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine, scales, pipes, baggies, in the vehicle.

The discovery led to the arrest of the sole occupant of the vehicle, 64-year-old Robert Hendricks, of Marysville. He was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony distribution of meth, no drug tax stamp, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Once in custody, Hendricks was booked into the Brown County Jail.

(KLZA)--Nebraska Public Power District- Cooper Nuclear Station, located near Brownville is celebrating 50 years of generating reliable energy for Nebraska, since first coming on-line July 1, 1974.

Nebraska- longest and only current operating nuclear power plant, has a capacity of roughly 800 Megawatts, and over the past five decades, Cooper Nuclear Station has generated approximately 275 million Megawatt-hours of carbon-free electricity.

Throughout the past two years, NPPD has provided Nebraska customers with approximately 56% carbon-free energy, with 42% of the carbon-free generation coming from Cooper.

NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent said the Cooper plant employs more than 600 people and is a tremendous economic driver for southeast Nebraska.

The Cooper plant cost $313 million when built and involved moving more than 760,000 cubic yards of dirt, pouring more than 90,000 cubic yards of concrete, and utilizing more than 10,000 tons of steel.

The Cooper Nuclear Station was named after Humboldt natives, Guy Cooper Sr. and Guy Cooper Jr.

O. A. Cooper, built the first electrical plant in Humboldt in 1890. The two Guy Coopers served a total of 27 years on the board of NPPD and its predecessor agency, Consumers Public Power District.

The Cooper family was a pioneer Nebraska family, active in civic, business, and electrifying the state, dating back to 1868, noted Kent.

Though Guy Cooper Sr. did not live to see the construction of Cooper Nuclear Station, Guy Jr. served on NPPD- Board when the station began commercial operation.

The Cooper plant previously received a license renewal from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in November 2010 to operate the plant until January 2034. NPPD- Board voted during February- meeting to pursue the relicensing of Cooper Nuclear Station for another 20 years, which would allow the plant to operate until 2054.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners voted to award the bid for the county insurance received from Miller Farrell on June 5th when they met last week, with an alternate bid of property coverage presented.

Scott Miller with the Agency reviewed the bid submitted and options for property coverage for the courthouse.

The total amount of the premium for coverage from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 will be $320,180, an increase of $7,157 from the previous year.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty discussed repairs needed to the padded cell in the jail which was damaged by an inmate in April. The County continues to wait for response from Nebraska Jail Standards which has to approve the major repair. Numerous messages have been left with the State Agency but no response has been received.

Commissioners also met with John Day, Executive Director of Blue Valley Behavioral Health who presented a report on services they provide to Richardson County. Day also requested continued financial support in an amount of $8 thousand for the next fiscal year.

County Attorney Samantha Scheitel will draft a contract for the agreement and forward it to Day for review.

The Southeast Nebraska Development District submitted their annual report to the Board. Included was the membership packet and request for Fiscal Year 24-25 dues in an amount of $4,192.

(KLZA)-- The annual Mound City, Missouri Independence Day celebration theme for this year is “Proud to be an American Be the Light.”

Event will begin on Tuesday, July 2 with the Baby Show at 5:30 p.m. at Griffith Park.

Opening ceremonies for the festivities will be Wednesday, July 3 at 6:30 p.m. and will include the presentation of the Honored Veterans and Mr. & Mrs. Mound City at Griffith Park. The Holt County Historical Society will offer a meal starting at 5 p.m. at the Shelter House in the Park.

Registration for the Red Rock 5K Fun Run and 3 Block Walk will begin at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 4 at the Holt County Senior Center, with the event to begin at 8 a.m.

There will be a breakfast served at the Holt County Senior Center from 7 - 9 a.m. followed by a lunch at the Senior Center from 9:30 - 11 a.m.

The July 4th parade on State Street will begin at 10 a.m.

The After Prom Committee will offer a lunch at the Griffith Park Shelter House after the parade and the Holt Count Historical Society will be having ice cream.

There will be kids train rides on the baseball field; a community band concert at 1 p.m.; a pedal tractor pull in the parking lot by the swimming pool at 1; The pet show will be on stage at Griffith Park at 2 p.m.; T/he Penny Drop at the Swimming Poll will be at 3 p.m.; the Water Fight will take place at 3:30 at the Park with various age groups.

At 4:30 there will be Hometown music on te park stage.

Friday, July 5 the Praise int eh Park program will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed at 8 p.m. by the Ping Pong Ball Drop on the baseball field.

The annual fireworks display will begin at dusk on the golf course on Friday nigh.

There will not be a Mound City Prince and Princess contest or a Mound City Jr. Miss Contest this year.

(KLZA)-- A temporary restriction has been imposed for boaters at Big Lake, Missouri.

Missouri boat operations on Big Lake currently are restricted to no wake or idle speed to prevent property damage from flooding, according to officials with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The restriction will remain in effect until there is no longer a threat to property from flooding.

(KAIR)--With minor flooding reported, and with more expected, the Flood Warning for the Missouri River, affecting local areas, has been extended through early Sunday afternoon in some locations and Monday for others

According to the National Weather Service, that will include the river, at Atchison, which affects both the City, as well as surrounding locations in nearby Missouri, such as Buchanan and Platte counties; the Missouri River at St. Joseph, Missouri, which affects not just Buchanan County, Missouri, but also nearby Doniphan County, Kansas; and the Missouri River at Leavenworth, which affects not only that city in Kansas, but also Platte County, in Missouri; as well as the Missouri River above Parkville, which also affects Leavenworth.

The National Weather Service, in its updated flood report issued late Monday morning, reported that the river, at Atchison, reached a stage of 24 feet, with low lying Missouri areas, east of Atchison, beginning to flood at 22 feet, flood stage for the location.

The weather service predicts that the river, at Atchison, will crest at 26.2 feet Thursday morning, then fall below flood stage early Saturday afternoon.
Leavenworth's warning extends through Sunday morning.

At the river in St. Joseph, the stage Monday morning was 21.8 feet, well above the flood stage of 17 feet, with the flood warning there extended to Monday, July 8.

According to the National Weather Service, the river, at St. Joseph, is expected to crest at 24.1 feet Wednesday evening, and then fall below flood stage early Sunday afternoon.

As the flooding continues, motorists are again reminded to be aware of flooded roads, and to Turn Around, Don't Drown, if water is over the roadway.

(KAIR)--A Rushville, Missouri man escaped injury when his pickup truck crashed, and rolled over, late Monday morning, in Atchison.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the crash happened in the 1800 block of Main Street, around 10:30 Monday morning, when the truck's driver, eastbound on Main Street. lost control of the vehicle. That caused the truck to collide with the curb and two signs, before rolling over onto its top.

The driver, identified as 22-year-old Bryce Stratton, the only occupant of the truck, was, Wilson says "able to get out of the truck uninjured;" and while Stratton was not hurt, the Atchison Fire Department and Atchison County EMS were on the scene to check on him following the wreck, which left the truck undrivable.

(KNZA)--Monday morning rain is blamed for a single-vehicle semi-tractor trailer crash in Jackson County.

WIBW-TV reports it happened on U.S. Highway 75, shortly before 8:00 Monday morning, when the southbound big rig, about 3-miles south of Mayetta, hydroplaned on the highway, sending the truck onto its side, blocking both southbound lanes of the highway for a time Monday morning, until they could be reopened less than an hour after the wreck.

Citing Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, the TV station reports that the driver, identified as a Topeka resident, reportedly incurred minor injuries but refused ambulance transport for hospital care.

Along with the Sheriff's Office, other responding agencies included Jackson County Emergency Management, and the Hoyt, Mayetta, and Potawatomie Tribal fire departments.

(KAIR)--A Topeka man was seriously injured early Monday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate-70 along the Kansas Turnpike in Leavenworth County.

According a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol, 33-year-old Juan Santa-Cruz was westbound when his pickup truck left the roadway for an unknown reason and traveled into the grassy median.

The truck entered the roadway again, striking a sign and delineator post before it overturned multiple times, ejecting Santa-Cruz.

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

The Patrol says Santa-Cruz was not wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred shortly after 3:00 Monday morning.

(KNZA)--A November jury trial has been set for a Fort Worth, Texas man charged in connection with a fatal 2023 Jackson County crash that claimed the life of a Whiting woman.

According to court documents, 45-year-old Ayinde-Jriel James pleaded not guilty Friday in Jackson County District court to felony counts of second-degree murder and third offense driving under the influence, along with misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana and reckless driving.

A jury trial was scheduled for November 6-8.

James is charged in connection with an April 2023 crash on U.S. 75 Highway, about two miles north of Holton, that claimed the life of 74-year-old Melinda Wareham.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says James was traveling at excessive speeds and passing several vehicles before he crashed head-on into a vehicle driven by Wareham.

James remains in the Jackson County Jail, held on a $750,000 bond.

(KMZA)--Marshall County voters will decide during the November 5th general election whether to renew a half-cent sales tax for Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville for an additional 5 years.

The Marshall County Commission voted unanimously last week to place the sales tax question on the ballot at the request of hospital representatives.

The sales tax was initially approved by voter in November 2019 for five years, and must be approved by voters again to continue.

CMH is a private, non-profit critical access hospital with 25 beds, employing over 200 staff. The hospital is governed by a 12-member board of directors from four districts.

In 2023, the sales tax generated more than $1.2 million in revenue for the hospital.