(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Public Works received an update on the levels of the water wells from Water / Waste Water Manager Alan Slater when they met December 18.

Four of the wells continue to have five foot or less water, but they are slowly recharging.

BPW General Manager Ray Luhring presented a 2025 rate and fee packet which included changing the labor rate to $65 and changes in the equipment hour rates which were approved by the Board.

Luhring also discussed lots in Auburn with buildings that are not being billed minimum utility rates. The current policy states if water and or wastewater is available, minimums will be billed. The Board tabled the topic until a full quorum is available to decide how to move forward.

Board members also approved a five percent salary increase for department managers for 2025. In lieu of a salary increase for General Manager Luhring, seventeen additional days of vacation were approved for 2025.

Authorization was also given to enter into a three-year agreement with NDEE to waive engineering for projects less than $86 thousand. A $600 fee is assessed on an annual basis.

(KAIR)--The new year will mean new equipment for the City of Atchison, as approved during the Commission's meeting of December 16.

Atchison Director of Public Works, Clinton McNemee, outlined the proposed purchases for the City leaders.

Discussion that followed led to a minor adjustment of the proposed purchase, meaning a slight savings of around $6,000, until other options for the proposed skid steer sweeper attachment are evaluated by City Staff.

Once discussion concluded, and the amended purchase agreed upon, the Commission gave unanimous approval to the purchase, with all of the equipment previously included in the City's 2025 Equipment Replacement Plan, or ERP.

The total price tag approved was $537,515 about $15 above the original estimate.

Equipment replaced through the purchase will be sold through auction.

(KNZA)--A Mayetta man, who is registered as a violent offender, is facing charges for violations of his registration requirements.

Feliciano Anguiano was arrested on the night of December 26, around 9:30, following a traffic stop.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says a deputy made the stop on 150th Road, near U.S. Highway 75, due to what release identifies as a traffic infraction.

The driver of the stopped Impala, identified as the 41-year-old Anguiano, was arrested on four counts of aggravated violation of the registered offender act.

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

A search of online offender registration records shows Anguiano, in 2012, was convicted of aggravated battery with intentional great bodily harm in Shawnee County.

(KMZA)--The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office is seeking information in connection with the theft of a trailer.

The Sheriff's Office says the trailer was stolen from the 900 block of Commercial Street, in Havensville, sometime between 1 p.m. on December 23 and 1 p.m. on December 26.

The trailer is a 12 foot long, single axle, white 2010 Pace enclosed trailer bearing a Kansas tag of 750 DDM.

There is a red/white/blue Pace logo on the front of the trailer on the left side.

There were also miscellaneous tools in the trailer.

The total loss was place at over $3,500.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Kidd at the Pottawatomie County Sheriff- Office at 785-457-3353, or leave a tip on the Sheriff's Office crime-stoppers link at ptsheriff.com.

(KLZA)-- Indian Cave State Park will host a First Day Hike event on Monday, January 1, beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting one hour.

The walk will be on a relatively flat and easy walking trail that is just over a half-mile long. Pets are welcome but must be on a 6-foot leash.

Those taking part will meet at trail head #7. Dress according to the weather. There will be free hot chocolate, hot cider and cookies served at the conclusion of the event.

A valid state park entry permit will be required to enter the park.

(KLZA)-- Recently elected Third Ward, Auburn City Council member Johnny Currttright was sworn in during the December Council meeting.

Relected Council members Rick Janssen and Tom Clark also took the oath of office.

Curttright will take the seat held by Jeff Jeanneret who did not seek reelection after serving 12 years on the Council.

Nathan Seitz was elected Council President for 2025.

Reappointments included Sherry Heskett as City Clerk / Treasurer, Crystal Dunekacke as City Administrator / Economic Developer, Angelo Ligouri as City Attorney, Chris Darnell as City Building Inspector and Code Enforcement Official, Blake Goering as Street Commissioner and the Council appointed Evan Wickersahm with JEO Consulting Group as Street Superintendent and City Engineer.

Phil Shaw was appointed to the Auburn Board of Public Works.

(MSC News)--Flags will fly at half-staff across Kansas in honor of late, former President Jimmy Carter who died Sunday at the age of 100.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, in accordance with the proclamation signed by President Joe Biden, has ordered the flag formation to take effect immediately, remaining in place until sunset of January 28.

Kelly, in a release, calls Carter "a truly moral man" whose "innate humanity, his humility, his devotion to serving his community and his country, and his belief that the world could live in peace is the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.”

Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States, was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, and promote economic and social development. He and wife Rosalynn also served as ambassadors for Habitat for Humanity, helping to build, renovate, and repair more than 4,000 homes.

(KAIR)--A late Friday morning downtown Atchison crash into a Commercial Street business sent the driver to the hospital.

That's according to details of the accident released by Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says it happened when 85-year-old Horton resident Paul Lueske was attempting to park his pickup truck on the north side of the street, in front of 717 Commercial Street, the location of Sunrice Chiropractic.

As Lueske attempted to park, Wilson says the pickup truck instead drove over the curb and onto the sidewalk where it first struck a metal trash can and then the business building. Putting the truck into reverse, Wilson says Lueske then drove south across Commercial Street, where the truck collided with a vehicle parked on the south side of the street.

Atchison County EMS responded to the location of the wreck, transporting Lueske to Amberwell Atchison where Wilson says he received treatment for his injuries.

The struck building, according to Wilson, "sustained broken windows and damage to the front of the building," but no additional injuries were reported as a result of the 11:40 Friday morning accident.

(KNZA)-The Hiawatha Police Department has announced the successful acquisition of crucial upgrades to maintain its digital forensic lab, thanks to the support of two local businesses and other entities.

In the last two months, the Hiawatha Police Department received several grants to upgrade the digital forensics lab.

They include:

a $15,583 federal JAG grant

a $5,000 grant from Rainbow Communications

a $2,500 grant from Wal-Mart

Combining these grant awards with local funding from Brown County and the City of Hiawatha, the police department said in a release that its able to improve and continue the digital forensics lab that serves all law enforcement agencies in northeast Kansas.

The release says the role of digital forensics processing and examination is vital to the investigation of a wide range of crimes. These crimes often involve child exploitation, drug trafficking, as well as financial and cybercrimes.

The total cost of the new forensic computer and forensic software license is $26,717.

( MSC News)--Kansans should notice some savings at the grocery store in the new year as the state- sales tax on groceries will be fully eliminated on Jan. 1.

The current state tax of 2% will be reduced to zero. The tax cut is the third installment of a gradual elimination of the state's sales tax on groceries that was 6.5% before the Legislature and Governor Laura Kelly approved the tax cut in 2022.

The tax cut is only for the state's share of the food sales tax, and other taxing entities can still levy a sales tax on food. There is non-qualifying food that will remain at the 6.5% tax rate.

Kansans won't pay state sales tax on things like produce, milk, meat, bread, bottled water, soft drinks and dietary supplements, but prepared food won't qualify for the cut.

The Kansas Health Institute said at 6.5%, Kansas had one of the highest sales tax rates on food in the country.

Beginning Wednesday, Kansas will be among the 38 states that don't currently tax food.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission will meet Monday, with the announcement of the afternoon special session released Saturday night.
Previously, the Commission had not planned to meet until after the start of the new year.

According to Atchison County Counselor Patrick Henderson, the purpose of the meeting is to address and clarify the County's American Rescue Plan Act expenditures, commonly known as ARPA, before the end of the calendar year. Henderson explains to MSC News that the "ARPA regulations require local governments to return grant funding that remains unobligated after December 31, 2024," adding that the County is holding the "special meeting to make certain that all funds are properly allocated before the end of the year."

However, the agenda released along with the announcement shows a secondary matter set for discussion, that being the recent, late delivery of Atchison County property tax notices.

According to the agenda for Monday's special session, the Commission will also consider a "resolution authorizing the correction of clerical errors [in accordance with state statute] relating to the computation of final tax levies and the late mailing of property tax statements."

Monday's special meeting is set to start at 4:00 in the Commission Room located in the Basement of the Atchison County Courthouse.

(KAIR)--An Atchison teen escaped injury in a crash with other vehicles, but received citations related to the Thursday afternoon wreck.

That's according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says officers responded around 3:30 that afternoon to the 600 block of North 5th Street after a Honda Odyssey, southbound on 5th Street, went left of center and struck a parked vehicle, facing north on the east side of the street. The impact, Wilson says, pushed that vehicle into two others also parked on the east side of 5th.

Atchison County EMS worked the scene, examining the driver, 17-year-old Keyantroi Heyward, who was not transported for further treatment. Instead, Wilson says the driver was cited for driving left of center and exhibition of speed.

(KAIR)--Kansas Highway Patrol troopers issued more than 200 speeding tickets and arrested seven people in connection with driving under the influence during the Christmas holiday, according to a release.

One person was killed in a non-DUI crash over the holiday, which ran from 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25.

That lone fatality crash happened in Doniphan County, leaving 22-year-old Troy resident Katlyn Folsom dead.

The KHP stated that the number of people killed in crashes during the just-completed Christmas holiday period was down three from the four reported over the same travel period in 2023 and down one from the two people reported to have been killed in 2022.

In Missouri, the State Highway Patrol reports there were three traffic fatalities over the Christmas holiday.

According to MSHP, three people died in traffic crashes between 6:00 p.m. on December 24 and 11:59 p.m. on December 25.

Troopers investigated 65 traffic crashes that resulted in 38 injuries and the three fatalities.

Troopers also made 17 DWI arrests.

Last year during the 78-hour Christmas counting period, MSHP reported 1,034 traffic crashes that resulted in 346 people injured and three deaths.

(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures in Southeast Nebraska were up slightly for the month of November according to the latest report from the Nebraska Department of Labor.

Pawnee and Otoe counties had the best unemployment rates in the area at 2.7 percent. In Pawnee County that figure was 4-tenths of a percent higher than in October. In Otoe County the jobless rate was steady.

In Richardson County unemployment was up a tenth of a point to 3 percent. In Johnson County the jobless rate was steady at 3.4 percent. Gage County held steady at 2.9 percent unemployment. In Nemaha County unemployment was up a tenth to 3.1 percent.

Statewide, the November unemployment rate in Nebraska was 2.8 percent which is up 0.1 percent from October and 3-tenths of a point higher than a year ago.

The National jobless rate for November was 4.2 percent, up a tenth of a point from October.

The Nebraska labor force did reach an all-time high in November with 1,057,890 people employed.

(KNZA)--Several new Doniphan County Sheriff's Office hires have been announced.

Sheriff-elect Mark Allen, who currently serves as Undersheriff, informed the County Commission of the hirings when they met this week.

Brendan Wolvington has been hired to serve as Undersheriff. He comes to the Department after serving as a detective with the Brown County Sheriff's Office. Prior to that, Wolvington served as a deputy with the Atchison County Sheriff's Office. He will begin his new job January 6th.

Grady Miller has been hired as a deputy. He comes to the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office after serving an an officer with the Hiawatha Police Department. Miller will begin his new job January 6th.

Kinte Forrest, of Atchison, has been hired as a jailer. Forrest will begin his duties upon completion of pre-employment evaluations.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha city employees have been granted a 3 percent cost of living increase for 2025.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved a resolution authorizing the pay increase for full-time employees.

The increase is effective January 1st.

In other business, the Commission approved the purchase of a 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 crew cab pickup truck from Armbruster Motor Company, in Falls City, for a price of $31,900 for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Following discussion, the Commission decided to table action on a resolution that would allow for the creation of a reinvestment housing incentive district on city-owned property, west of Bruning Park, in order to gather additional information.

The developer of a proposed duplex development planned on the property is requesting the creation of the incentive district to help fund infrastructure improvements.

Police Chief Mickey Gruber informed the Commission that officer Grady Miller has resigned to take a position with the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office. He also said investigator Dugan Shoemaker is filling in as school resource officer for the Hiawatha schools.

It was the final meeting for outgoing commissioners Toni Hull and Evans Woehlecke. Commissioners-elect Tom Martin and Laura Tollefson will take over at the commission's January 13th meeting

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission approved the allocation of the county's remaining ARPA funds in the total amount of nearly $1.5 million when they met last week.

$500,000 was allocated for the construction of new EMS building, in Seneca.

Nearly $462,000 was allocated for the improvement of the Oneida Road. Plans call for the rebuilding of the road with a concrete base and then applying a chip and seal surface from Oneida to Bern.

$298,000 was allocated for the improvement of Kansas Road.

$210,000 was allocated for new fire department radios, with each of the seven fire departments in the county receiving $30,000.

In addition, $112,000 was allocated for new Sheriff's Office radios.

During discussion, Commissioners found it important that law enforcement, EMS and fire departments were able to communicate with each other during emergencies in the county.

In other business, the Commission decided against signing a road use agreement for the Grain Express transmission line project that had been presented by Invenergy. County officials decided there were substantial short-comings in the agreement.

(KLZA)-- During the monthly meeting of the Omaha Public Power District Board of Directors last week, a new $2.3 billion Corporate Operating Plan for 2025 was approved.

The plan will help ensure a reliable, resilient power supply for customers in the face of record load growth, new planning-reserve margin requirements and extreme weather this year that drove up costs.

Included in the plan is an average rate increase of 6.3% across all customer categories. Residential customers will see an 8.4% increase, or roughly $9.44 monthly on a $113 average bill. All rate adjustments will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Extreme weather this year accounts for approximately one-quarter of the proposed increase. Severe winter storms, floods, tornadoes and hurricane-force winds battered OPPD- service territory. -

The increase includes an average 4.9% general rate increase and a 0.4% increase from the Fuel and Purchased Power Agreement, which is a line item on bills.

(KNZA)--An Ozawkie man, facing multiple child sex charges, has entered into a plea agreement.

According to court documents, 50-year-old Eric Jones pleaded guilty December 19th in Jefferson County District Court to a single count of rape stemming from an incident in July 2023 involving a girl under the age of 14.

In exchange for the plea, five additional counts of rape and a charge of indecent liberties with a child were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for January 23.

Jones was arrested in February following an investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

He remains in the Jefferson County Jail, held on a $750,000 bond.

(KNZA)--Brown County will seek sealed bids for the remodeling and construction of an addition to the Noxious Weed and Solid Waste building at the county landfill.

At the request of the county Solid Waste Director Don Pounds, the Brown County Commission voted 2-1 last week to began the bid process. Commissioner Bill Pollock cast the lone dissenting vote.

Pounds made the request after presenting the Commission with an updated bid specification sheet.

It was pointed out that the current building is in poor shape.

Bids will be taken until 4:00 on the afternoon of January 17th and opened at the Commission's January 21st meeting.

(KLZA)-- For the past 15 years, Falls City has earned recognition as an Economic Development Certified Community.

Partnerships to develop housing and attract investment into Nebraska's bioeconomy have earned Falls City recogniton from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The Department announced Falls City's 4th certification in the state's Economic Development Certified Community program on December 13, when DED Business Development Consultant Kris Benson honored members of the Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise board for their accomplishment.

Falls City is one of 38 communities to earn EDCC certification in the program which is sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by DED.

The EDCC program was established in 2005 to recognize communities for preparedness to attract new industries and expand existing businesses. Falls City received its original EDCC certification in 2009 and earned re-certification in 2014 and 2019.

Edge officials prioritize efforts to diversify industry growth in Falls City, Richardson County and Southeast Nebraska.

EDGE's extensive work in developing the 1,017-acre Mid-America Rail Campus aligns with Nebraska's BioEconomy Initiative to strengthen rural communities by leveraging the state's agricultural resources.

In November, biochemicals manufacturer Citroniq Chemicals announced Falls City as a site for the company's new decarbonized plastics production facility.

Falls City recently received an “A” rating as a Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone. Applicants are ranked by an independent review committee, based on a healthy feedstock supply and infrastructure access. In Falls City's case, the feedstock is consistent corn and soybean yields.

Collaborative efforts to create housing in Falls City resulted in two recent development projects. In 2022, EDGE partnered with the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Lincoln based Excel Development Group and DED to construct the Wilderness Falls III project. Falls City received $500,000 in funding from Nebraska's HOME Investment Partnership program, which is administered by DED, to help build the 16-unit affordable senior housing project.

EDGE is currently marketing available lots in the Champions Crossing neighborhood following efforts to complete the development of infrastructure and utilities.

In addition, members of EDGE and the Falls City Community Redevelopment Authority recently developed a master plan to create a 19-acre North Commercial Corridor. The area will offer accessibility to growing commercial businesses via a Nebraska Department of Transportation permit, providing direct access to businesses from US Highway 73.

EDCC Director Ashley Rice-Gerlach, said Falls City's progressive mindset continues to be an important factor in its success as an Economic Development Certified Community.

(KLZA)-- While not all of the I's are dotted and T's crossed at this point, all the principals involved in Citroniq Chemicals constructing a $5 billion plant to transform ethanol into bio-based polypropylene, plastic pellets for use by companies interested in lowering their carbon footprint are very positive the project will be ready to move forward in the not too distant future.

During a public meeting last week to allow local citizens to hear from Citroniq founders Kelly Knopp and Mel Badheka, Falls City EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl said this is a giant step in Falls City building a biochemical hub in Falls City, noting there are companies that value decarbonized products.

Julie Bushell with Nebraska BioEconomy was working with Citoniq to find a location when she met EDGE Director Lucas Froeschl who explained how Falls City was being proactive and looking for companies like Citroniq to locate here. She was able to get the two entities who shared the same vision together.

Bushell said the leadership in Falls City has been great to work with.

The Nebraska BioEconomy is working to revitalize rural communities and protect family farms and ranches by spurring investments in our rural infrastructure.

Bushell says projects like this are important in helping keep young people in Nebraska by creating careers allowing them to do that.

She says the investment back into communities is important in helping grow the needs for commodities like corn grown in Nebraska which in turn helps add value to what farmers are producing and allowing family farms to continue to grow while creating additional revenue streams for those farms.

More than 200 people were in attendance during the meeting last week at Falls City High School. The plan is to have the plant to be located approximately two miles south of Falls City in operation by 2029.

(KAIR)--One person is dead, and two injured, following a Christmas Day head-on crash in Doniphan County.

Killed in the K7 Highway wreck was 22-year-old Troy resident Katlyn Folsom, identified by the Kansas Highway Patrol as a passenger in a Chevy Suburban, driven by Kace Keller, also 22 of Troy.

The KHP's report says Keller's vehicle, southbound on the highway, was hit head-on when a northbound Toyota Tundra crossed the center line, colliding with Keller's Suburban.

Both Keller and the driver of the Tundra, 37-year-old Maria Ann Keys, of Bendena, were transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, Missouri, for the treatment of what the KHP calls "suspected minor" injuries.

Services for Folsom are pending at the Becker-Dyer-Stanton Funeral Home, in Atchison.

According to KHP, Folsom and Keys were wearing seatbelts, but Keller was not, at the time of the fatal crash, which occurred around 8:40 Wednesday morning, just north of 120th Road.

(KLZA)-- After concluding a career in human resources for several of the biggest companies across the U.S., new Peru State College Foundation Board member Lonnie Bane now enjoys spending time tending cattle.

The retired executive raises longhorn and angus cattle on his ranch near Sweet Home, Texas.

A 1980 graduate of Peru State and Nebraska City native, Bane begins a three-year term on the college- Foundation Board of Directors Jan. 1.

The Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation to acquire, manage and distribute charitable gifts in support of Nebraska- first college.

Bane and his wife the former Darla Bargenquast of Hamburg, Iowa, live in New Braunfels, Texas. He is now ready to help the college that gave him the opportunity to embark on his noteworthy career.

Bane put himself through college owning and operating a retail clothing store in Nebraska City from 1976-80. He sold the business, Jean Heaven, just before graduation from Peru State.

Bane- business degree had an emphasis in labor and employee relations and led him into a more than 30-year career in human resources.

Bane retired in 2023. Now he is anxious to devote some of his time and energy to Peru State, where his journey began.

(KLZA)-- After concluding a career in human resources for several of the biggest companies across the U.S., new Peru State College Foundation Board member Lonnie Bane now enjoys spending time tending cattle.

The retired executive raises longhorn and angus cattle on his ranch near Sweet Home, Texas.

A 1980 graduate of Peru State and Nebraska City native, Bane begins a three-year term on the college- Foundation Board of Directors Jan. 1.

The Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation to acquire, manage and distribute charitable gifts in support of Nebraska- first college.

Bane and his wife the former Darla Bargenquast of Hamburg, Iowa, live in New Braunfels, Texas. He is now ready to help the college that gave him the opportunity to embark on his noteworthy career.

Bane put himself through college owning and operating a retail clothing store in Nebraska City from 1976-80. He sold the business, Jean Heaven, just before graduation from Peru State.

Bane- business degree had an emphasis in labor and employee relations and led him into a more than 30-year career in human resources.

Bane retired in 2023. Now he is anxious to devote some of his time and energy to Peru State, where his journey began.

(KNZA)--A methamphetamine distribution investigation by the Richardson County Sheriff's Office leads to the execution of two search warrants and arrest of two Falls City men.

According to a release from the Sheriff's Office, 40-year-old Chad Clark was arrested on December 19th after deputies served a search warrant on a motel room at the Vision Inn Motel in Falls City.

The following day, deputies executed a search warrant at the East View Apartments in Falls City and arrested 38-year-old Dustin Bernard.

Suspected methamphetamine was seized at both locations.

The Sheriff's Office says investigators believe the meth came from St. Joseph, Missouri.

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

Clark was booked on charges of possession of meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Bernard was booked on charges of distribution of meth within 1,000 feet of a playground, conspiracy to distribute meth and possession of meth.

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman will stand trial on charges in connection with an Atchison County crash in August that claimed the life of her 17-month-old son.

Following a preliminary hearing last week, a judge found there was sufficient evidence for 28-year-old Maria Papalas to bound over on felony charges on first-degree murder, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, aggravated endangering a child and interference with law enforcement.

Papalas also faces four misdemeanor counts in the case.

According to court documents, arraignment/status hearing was set for January 17 in Atchison County District Court.

Authorities say Papalas was attempting to flee from an Atchison County Sheriff's deputy when she crashed her vehicle August 25, killing her son, who was a passenger in the vehicle.

Papalas remains in the Atchison County Jail, held on a $500,000 bond.

(KNZA)--Three area northeast Kansas farm families are among ten families recognized by the Kansas Farm Bureau as a 2024“ “Farm Family of the Year”.

They include:

Lucas and Kendra Heinen, of Brown County

Timothy and Dyann Parks, of Jackson County

Darrin and Ashley Jacobson, of Marshall County

They received special recognition at the Kansas Farm Bureau's annual meeting earlier this month in Manhattan.

The families were nominated for the honor by their local Farm Bureau chapter.

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

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca will add a solar energy source to its power portfolio, starting in 2027.

The Seneca City Council last week approved a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement between the city and Kansas Municipal Energy Agency for participation in a solar project being developed by NextEra Energy in Pratt County.

The solar farm is expected to begin producing power in January 2027.

KMEA is looking at purchasing up to 90 megawatts of electric energy from the solar facility and sell that energy to about 30 member cities that have expressed an interest.

Seneca will contract for the purchase of 3 megawatts of power from the facility.

Under the agreement, the city would pay a fixed cost of $50 per megawatt hour for a 30-year period.

Currently, Seneca gets its electric power from a KMEA power pool and other sources.

(KAIR)--Four separate rollover wrecks occurred in recent days in Atchison County, with two of them leaving injuries in their wake.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, the first of the four happened Thursday morning, shortly before 8:00 at Edwards Road, between 222nd and 214 Roads, when a semi-truck and trailer, belonging to Martin's Construction, ran off the right side of the roadway, ran into the ditch, and rolled onto its right side.

The driver, identified as 25-year-old Everest resident Tyler Lowe, suffered what a report from Laurie calls "a laceration to his lower right back."

Lowe was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for treatment of his injuries.

Along with EMS, Atchison County Rescue and the Effingham Fire Department, provided assistance at the scene.

The second crash, occurring on U.S. Highway 59 near Morton Road, happened around the same time, when 41-year Michelle Potter, of Topeka, swerved while eastbound in order to avoid a crash with an unknown westbound vehicle that entered her lane of travel.

After she swerved, Laurie says Potter overcorrected, causing her Toyota Highlander to run off the highway and overturn on the northside of the roadway.

Although Atchison County EMS and Rescue responded to the scene, Laurie says Potter "claimed not to be injured and refused transport" for further treatment.

Two additional wrecks happened Sunday, with the first occurring shortly before 2:00 that morning, at K-116, west of Greely Road, where the Sheriff's Office responded following the report of the crash involving a westbound pickup truck.

According to Laurie, it's believed the driver, 23-year-old Topeka resident Brady Reichart, fell asleep behind the wheel, with Reichart overcorrecting after the truck left the highway. That caused it to overturn, before stopping upright.

Reichart was transported from the scene by Atchison County EMS and taken to Mosaic Lifecare, in St. Joseph, Missouri, for the treatment of possible injuries.

A 23-year-old woman, riding in the truck, was not hurt.

Atchison County Rescue assisted at the scene.

Hours later Sunday morning, shortly after 5:30, deputies rushed to U.S. Highway 59, near 246th Road, following the report of another wreck.

According to Laurie, the driver of the car, 28-year-old Cummings resident Kayleigh Fuhrman, was northbound on the highway when the car left the roadway to the right. Fuhrman overcorrected, sending the car across the center line and into oncoming traffic. It's believed, Laurie said, that Fuhrman overcorrected a second time, causing the car to spin around and leave the roadway to the right before stopping at the bottom of the hill.

Fuhrman, and her 22-year-old passenger, were assessed at the scene by Atchison County EMS, but were not transported for hospital treatment.

(KLZA)-- 225 persons signed in during a meeting last week at Falls High School to hear from the founders of Citroniq Chemicals, a company that is a pioneer in sustainable plastics, and planning to build a $5 billion facility approximately two miles south of Falls City.

The company will use locally sourced, corn-based ethanol to produce bio-based, polypropylene which is a renewable alternative to traditional plastics and strengthen rural economies.

Kelly Knopp and Mel Badheka are the principal founders of the company which has relationships with Fortune 500 companies that are interested in lowering their carbon footprint. Citroniq already has secured purchase agreements with companies in Chicago, Western Pennsylvania and the Rust Belt region of the country.

Citroniq intends to begin operations in Richardson County by 2029. It is expected to take three years to build the plant after all preliminary work is completed. It is estimated that more than 2,000 workers will be used during the construction phase of the project. Those workers will be spending wages on food, fuel and lodging during this time.

Since the announcement of Citroniq selecting Falls City as the site of their plant questions have been asked concerning a number of topics.

Among the questions asked by audience members last week was if the area between the current city limits of Falls City and the site of the plant would be annexed into the City. Falls City EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl said says they are not certain if there will be annexation and that at this point, it is not clear if annexation is an option.

Concerning a question about how the plant would effect the taxes for area landowners. Froeschl said EDGE anticipates with the investment by Citroniq and them paying into the county tax base, the burden on everyone else should decrease.

It appears that there would not be a problem with overcrowding schools in Falls City since there is infrastructure for growth in place.

As for housing for a potential 160 new workers, EDGE feels there is enough land area in and around Falls City, that there should be room for everyone without building vertical apartment buildings. Froeschl noted that steps such as the recent creation of a land bank to reinvigorate our neighborhoods will help provide areas for potential development.

Citroniq developer Kelly Knopp told those in attendance that Citroniq is not coming in looking for subsidies and tax breaks to locate in Nebraska and particularly Falls City. He says the project has strong economics and will work on its own.

Mel Badheka says the company wants to contribute to the area they locate in, not see what they can take back. He says Citroniq is looking for great labor and great environment and want to bring economic development to the area.

Tuesday we will hear from Julie Bushell, the Nebraska BioEconomy Coordinator who was instrumental in working with EDGE to help bring the new industry to Falls City.

(KLZA)-- A large audience turned out at Falls City High School Wednesday evening to hear from Mel Badheka and Kelly Knopp, the founders of Citroniq Chemicals, an innovator in biochemical manufacturing that plan to build a plant to produce bio-based polypropylene pellets used in the manufacturing of products including various automotive parts.

The plant is to be constructed in Falls City's Mid -America Rail Campus located about 2 miles south of Falls City.

Mel Badheka said the passion of the Falls City EDGE representatives and the City administration on how they want to improve life and grow the community were a big part of why Citroniq selected Falls City to build their new facility. He said EDGE and the City provided a lot of information to the company and already had many of the things they need in place.

Plans call for the construction of a plant to employ160 workers and the building of 300 acres of rail structure that will have 10 - 12 rail spurs for parking of up to 4,000 rail cars along with the plant.

The plant will not have noxious or offensive odors and is committed to responsible water use including recycling water used in the cooling process.

Kelly Knopp said the company expects the facility will be a tremendous asset for Falls City and the surrounding area. Knopp says Citroniq is excited and that the plant bringing in new jobs can be a game-changer for the city. He says this will be just the first step with Citroniq planning to grow into a much larger platform.

The plan is for the plant to be operational by 2029.

(KNZA)--A Fort Worth, Texas man, charged in in connection with a fatal 2023 Jackson County crash that claimed the life of a Whiting woman, has entered into a plea agreement.

According to court documents, 45-year-old Ayinde-Jriel James pleaded guilty December 5th in Jackson County District Court to an amended charge of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence. He had originally been charged with second-degree murder in the case.

James also entered an “Alford plea” of guilty to a charge of aggravated battery while driving under the influence.

In exchange for the pleas, misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and reckless driving were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for January 9th.

The plea agreement cancels a jury trial that had been set for March 2025.

James was 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.

(KNZA)-- The Kansas Department of Agriculture says they’ve found new cases of avian influenza in commercial game bird operations Doniphan and Rooks Counties.

Other than a few cases recorded in backyard poultry flocks and wild birds this fall, the bird flu hadn’t hit commercial flocks in Kansas since early spring.

The news comes as human cases of the bird flu tick up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 60 human cases have been recorded this year, including the country's first severe case announced last week in Louisiana.

Health officials say the risk to the public remains low.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing next month on proposed zoning regulations.

The hearing will take place on January 10th at 9:00 in the morning in the Commissioners room at the Brown County Courthouse.

According to a public notice, the proposed regulations would define the area to be subject to the zoning regulation, recite the purpose of the zoning regulation, establish a single zoning district, and establish limits on use of land within that district for commercial wind energy developments.

(KLZA)-- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers draft tiered environmental assessment for levee rehabilitation is currently available for public review.

This evaluates the environmental impacts for correcting damages to the R-562 levee system, caused by 2019 flooding along the Missouri River. These damages compromised the level of flood protection the levee system provides and poses a risk to property and life safety.

The proposed project is between miles 541.5 and 549 along the Missouri River that lays within Otoe and Nemaha Counties.

The 2019 flood caused widespread damage to the R-562 levee system which included severe scouring and multiple breaches. Proposed repairs include critical sections lost, crest damages, relief well damage as well as drainage structures and breaches.

A proposal to the levee section surrounding one of the breached areas would be within the boundaries of the levee sponsor's historic easement. The proposed project is deemed necessary to restore a level of flood protection to the leveed area.

The public can provide comments on the draft tiered Environmental Assessment which is available for viewing online. At usace.contentdm.oclc.org/.../p160coll7/id/27049. Comments can be mailed to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District or can be emailed to cenwo-planning@sace.army.mil

Comments must be postmarked or received no later than December 26, 2024.

(KNZA)--Two people are dead after a semi and pickup truck collided Friday morning in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reports it happened shortly after 8:00, at the U.S. 75/K20 junction.

Dead are both Topeka residents traveling in the truck, 64-year-old David Provorse, the driver, and his passenger, 62-year-old Marcia Provorse.
Both were wearing seatbelts.

Their truck was struck when the semi, westbound on K20, "failed to stop at the stop sign" at the junction, causing the Freightliner to strike the Provorse's Ford F150 broadside, with the impact causing the Freightliner to roll onto its side in the ditch.

The driver of the semi, 26-year-old Edward Bullmaster, of St. Joseph, Missouri, and his 36-year-old passenger, Clay Lutz, of Rushville, Missouri, were both transported for the treatment of what the KHP calls suspected minor injuries at the Sabetha Community Hospital.

Both men were buckled up at the time of the fatal crash.

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Department of Transportation has announced the winners of its fourth annual “Name-A-Snowplow” contest.

This contest strives to bring awareness about winter weather preparedness and safety to Nebraska- elementary and middle school students.

This year, over 1,300 submissions from across the state were submitted which is a new record for the contest.

The Department of Transportation visited the winning schools to personally congratulate the students. In District 1, Johnson County Central students submitted a winning name of Avalanche with student at Southern Elementary School in Wymore submitting the name Fast & Snowiest which was one of the winners.

During the visits, students had the chance to see the newly named snowplows up close and ask NDOT snow fighters questions about snow removal and plow operations.

NDOT operates a fleet of more than 600 snowplows to ensure driver safety during winter weather.

(KLZA)--With the season for holiday travel and family gatherings here, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Division is encouraging communities across the Midwest to make the most of this time together by continuing conversations on the consequences of drug experimentation and dangers of fentanyl.

For the first time since 2018, the United States has seen a decrease in drug overdose deaths and poisonings, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noting a 14.5 percent decrease in deaths between June 2023 and June 2024. More than 107,000 people lost their lives to a drug overdose in 2023, with nearly 70 percent of those deaths attributed to opioids such as fentanyl.

While grateful to see a decline in the number of lives lost, the DEA says there are more than 107,000 families missing their loved one because of the tragic consequences brought about by entangle.

The DEA encourages you to engage with your family and friends on a conversation about the dangers of fake pills and the risk of experimentation to help ensure that next year- holiday gathering brings everyone together again safe and sound.

The latest DEA laboratory testing, announced earlier this fall, indicates that 5 out of 10 pills tested contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl. This is down from 7 out of 10 pills in 2023 and 6 out of 10 pills in 2022. Two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose. For perspective, one gram of fentanyl, equivalent in size to a sugar packet, has the potential to kill up to 500 people.

(KLZA)--After concluding a career in human resources for several of the biggest companies across the U.S., new Peru State College Foundation Board member Lonnie Bane now enjoys spending time tending cattle.

The retired executive raises longhorn and angus cattle on his ranch near Sweet Home, Texas.

A 1980 graduate of Peru State and Nebraska City native, Bane begins a three-year term on the college- Foundation Board of Directors Jan. 1.

The Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation to acquire, manage and distribute charitable gifts in support of Nebraska- first college.

Bane and his wife the former Darla Bargenquast of Hamburg, Iowa, live in New Braunfels, Texas. He is now ready to help the college that gave him the opportunity to embark on his noteworthy career.

Bane put himself through college owning and operating a retail clothing store in Nebraska City from 1976-80. He sold the business, Jean Heaven, just before graduation from Peru State.

Bane- business degree had an emphasis in labor and employee relations and led him into a more than 30-year career in human resources.

Bane retired in 2023. Now he is anxious to devote some of his time and energy to Peru State, where his journey began.

(KLZA)--After concluding a career in human resources for several of the biggest companies across the U.S., new Peru State College Foundation Board member Lonnie Bane now enjoys spending time tending cattle.

The retired executive raises longhorn and angus cattle on his ranch near Sweet Home, Texas.

A 1980 graduate of Peru State and Nebraska City native, Bane begins a three-year term on the college- Foundation Board of Directors Jan. 1.

The Foundation is a private, non-profit corporation to acquire, manage and distribute charitable gifts in support of Nebraska- first college.

Bane and his wife the former Darla Bargenquast of Hamburg, Iowa, live in New Braunfels, Texas. He is now ready to help the college that gave him the opportunity to embark on his noteworthy career.

Bane put himself through college owning and operating a retail clothing store in Nebraska City from 1976-80. He sold the business, Jean Heaven, just before graduation from Peru State.

Bane- business degree had an emphasis in labor and employee relations and led him into a more than 30-year career in human resources.

Bane retired in 2023. Now he is anxious to devote some of his time and energy to Peru State, where his journey began.

(KLZA)-- An idea of leading a monthly movie and activity series utilizing Prichard Auditorium in Falls City was the winning idea in the “My Hometown is Cool” program led by the Nebraska Extension - Richardson County and Falls City Chamber of Commerce.

Four proposals were submitted to the judges Tuesday night at Prichard Auditorium by teams of students. The ideas included an elementary school clothing donation closet, a project to clean up and improve the arboretum and a project to create indoor batting cages .

The winning idea was presented by the team of Thomas Aitken, Adisen Fischer, Tate Wilcox and Quincy Koelliker.

Grant funding of $2000 will being all students together to develop the winning idea further and purchase necessary equipment such as a movie screen.

(KLZA)--A vacancy exists on the Peru City Council.

Applications are being accepted from Peru residents who are registered voters to fill the unexpired term that runs through December of 2026.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of application to the City Clerk's office by December 27 at 9 a.m.

Mayor Katy Novak will make an appointment, subject to Council approval at the beginning of the January 20th Council meeting.

For more information you may contact the City Office at 402-872-6685 or contact Mayor Katy Novak.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met briefly Tuesday.

The Board voted to approve a resolution to transfer funds from the ARPA Fund to the General Fund in an amount of $70,848 per the fiscal year 2024-25 budget document. The funds will assist with the expense of the Courthouse roof replacement project.

The Board will meet on Tuesday, December 24 next week due to Christmas falling on Wednesday.

(KLZA)-- December is the “Season of Giving” for charities across the country. Unfortunately, scammers know this and seek to take advantage of generous consumers.

The Nebraska Attorney General- Office is alerting consumers to be watchful for scammers who manipulate emotions to solicit donations to fraudulent charities. A checklist for avoiding charity scams is available on the Nebraska Attorney General- website.

According to the Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs (NDVA), a scam has been circulating in which callers are posing as NDVA representatives asking for donations to the agency. Keep in mind state agencies do not solicit donations.

To protect yourself, always research a charity before donating, check their legitimacy with organizations like the Better Business Bureaus and charity watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator and GuideStar, and never give out personal information or donate via methods like wire transfers or digital payment methods like CashApp, Venmo, and Zelle.

Key points about charity scams:

False claims

Scammers may use misleading names, stories, or photos to appear like they are directly helping the named charity or cause, even when they are not.

High-pressure tactics

They may pressure you to donate immediately, claiming a limited-time offer or urgent need.

Lack of transparency

They may not provide clear information about how your donation will be used or where the funds are going.

To protect yourself:

Research the charity

Before donating, check the charity- legitimacy by looking at its website, reviewing its financial records, and checking its rating with charity watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator and GuideStar.

• Verify contact information

Contact the charity directly to confirm the solicitation is legitimate.

• Donate through trusted channels

Give to well-established charities with a proven track record. Where possible, give locally.

• Consider donating by credit card

Even though most charities prefer donations by bank accounts like checking or savings accounts, donations made by major credit cards afford consumers nominal limits of liability for fraud regardless of the amount charged on the card.

• Be wary of urgent appeals

Don’t feel pressured to donate immediately. Take the time to research the charity before deciding to support them.

• Report suspicious activity

If you suspect a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to the Nebraska Attorney General- Office by phone at 402-471-2682 or at ProtectTheGoodLife.nebraska.gov.

()KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved an agreement with Ferris Engineering in an amount of $40 thousand when they met Monday night for the 2025 SCADA & Relay Upgrade Project at the City Power Plant.

Public Works Director Trevor Campbell said that its time the city make technology upgrades to the power plant or scrap the plant. Campbell said the upgrades will provide plant operators with better supervision of the cities electrical infrastructure and plays into the plan to eventually eliminate the night shift and weekend shifts at the power plant.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum discussed the need to approve an confidentiality agreement with Evergy Kansas Central Inc. as Falls City continues to explore options for bringing additional electrical power to the community.

The agreement was approved on the recommendation from Campbell and the Board of Public Works.

In addition, a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement with ESS Technology Inc. was also approved. The Delaware based company does mainly battery storage services and renewable components for energy products. The City wants to look at the companies service to see if it could be a benefit to Falls City in the future. There is not financial cost to the City.

This agreement was also recommended by the BPW and Public Works Director Campbell.

(KLZA)-- A large audience turned out at Falls City High School Wednesday evening to hear from Mel Badheka and Kelly Knopp, the founders of Citroniq Chemicals, an innovator in biochemical manufacturing that plan to build a plant to produce bio-based polypropylene pellets used in the manufacturing of products including various automotive parts.

The plant is to be constructed in Falls City's Mid -America Rail Campus located about 2 miles south of Falls City.

Mel Badheka said the passion of the Falls City EDGE representatives and the City administration on how they want to improve life and grow the community were a big part of why Citroniq selected Falls City to build their new facility. He said EDGE and the City provided a lot of information to the company and already had many of the things they need in place.

Plans call for the construction of a plant to employ160 workers and the building of 300 acres of rail structure that will have 10 - 12 rail spurs for parking of up to 4,000 rail cars along with the plant.

The plant will not have noxious or offensive odors and is committed to responsible water use including recycling water used in the cooling process.

Kelly Knopp said the company expects the facility will be a tremendous asset for Falls City and the surrounding area. Knopp says Citroniq is excited and that the plant bringing in new jobs can be a game-changer for the city. He says this will be just the first step with Citroniq planning to grow into a much larger platform.

The plan is for the plant to be operational by 2029.

(KAIR)--State recognition for a local internet service provider, honored with the Northeast Award of Merit in the Retail/Service category as part of what a release calls "the esteemed 2024 To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards."

Earning that recognition is Everest-based Rainbow Communications, with the honor celebrating the company's "outstanding contributions to the community, the state economy, and the people of Kansas."

The release explains that the "To the Stars Awards" showcase "businesses embodying innovation, resilience, and
community impact," with Rainbow "recognized for creating job opportunities, delivering innovative products and services, and fostering local economic growth."

Rainbow CEO, Jason Smith, in the release calls it an honor to receive the award, which he says highlights Rainbow's "commitment to enhancing connectivity and supporting the communities we serve," adding that the company- roots as a cooperative "drive [the company] to innovate and make a meaningful difference in rural Kansas."

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, in a letter to Rainbow announcing the award, likened the company to demonstrating the values that define Kansans: determination, creativity, and perseverance, especially in the face of challenges over the past several years.

(MSC News)--The Federal Department of Energy- announcement this week that ten proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor projects have been scaled down to three, none of which will run through Kansas, will not keep the Grain Belt Express transmission line from being built.

A release from the Kansas Corporation Commission explains that the Grain Belt Express transmission line, approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission in 2011, will continue through the state regulatory process.

While the route of the Grain Belt Express project fell within the borders of one of the proposed DOE corridors, its status as a previously approved project has not changed and is moving forward. In addition, without a Federal Corridor designation, State jurisdiction and approval processes remain intact for the Grain Belt Express and the KCC will continue to review any potential future projects.

Federal “backstop” siting authority or the use of federal eminent domain are not an option.

The DOE- decision does not reverse the previously announced $4.9 billion conditional loan guarantee awarded to the Grain Belt Express project on November 25, 2024.

As proposed, the line would go through 14 Kansas counties, including locally, Brown, Doniphan, Marshall and Nemaha.

Members of the Kansas Federal Delegation, including Republican Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, have held efforts to see the controversial project ended.

(KAIR)--Atchison County- newly elected Register of Deeds has been sworn into office.

That happened Tuesday, as Blair Burton begins her time in the position. selected to fill the unexpired term of Shelley Campbell, whose retirement became effective this week.

The Atchison County GOP, in late October, appointed Burton to fill that role in the absence of Campbell, who served the County for 37-years. In November, Burton ran unopposed in her election bid to formally fill the position, which officially begins in January.

On Tuesday, Burton was delivered the Oath of Office by District Court Judge Geoffrey Sonntag, effectively beginning her time as Register of Deeds.

The ceremony came one day after the County hosted a retirement reception for Campbell.

(KAIR)--The New Year will mean new leadership for Atchison County, as one County Commissioner moves to the statehouse, while the County Clerk heads to retirement.

Commissioner Dr. Allen Reavis is Topeka bound, set to start his role as 63rd District State Representative when the Kansas Legislature begins its 2025 session. Because of that move, Atchison County Republicans have named an Atchison resident to fill the remaining two years of Reavis' unexpired term.

Selected to fill that role is James C. Campbell who will begin the role of leadership as 1st District Atchison County Commissioner January 13, filling the vacancy on the three-member commission.

Atchison County Republicans will now need to fill the role of County Clerk, as Michelle Phillip's resignation for retirement becomes effective January 14.

According to Atchison County GOP Chair Derek Franklin, a GOP convention will be held January 8, with the focus of the meeting being to appoint a replacement for Phillips.

Franklin, who says the meeting will begin that evening at 5:30, in the County Commission room at the Atchison County Courthouse, encourages those who are interested to acquaint themselves with the list of duties, and necessary skill set, required for the role. During the convention, he says interested candidates will campaign on their own behalf to be named to the position.

According to Atchison County's website, the County Clerk's duties are many, including serving as the County Election Officer, with the office handling all voter registrations, while overseeing the filing of all candidates for County offices, School Boards, and Township offices. The Clerk also serves as Secretary to the County Commissioners and is in charge of the records for the county, while all budgets for the schools, fire districts, cemetery districts, drainage, watershed, cities and special districts are filed and processed through the Clerk- office.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education heard a request to add girls golf as a fall sport when they met last week.

Nemaha Central High School students Jade Macke, Olivia Ganstrom and Katie Maty appeared before the Board to request that the sport be added, beginning in the fall of 2025.

The board was told a poll conducted of 8th through 11th grade girls indicated there was interest in the sport at all grade levels.

The board requested to have High School Athletic Director Kelly Williams bring information to the January meeting on the costs of adding the sport.

In other business, the board accepted the resignations of three Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School teachers, effective at the end of the 2024-25 school year. They include 2nd grade teacher Heidi Holthaus, 5th grade teacher Lisa Holthaus and Middle School teacher Betty Peterson, who is retiring.

The board also approved the extension of administrative contracts for additional year through June 2027 for Superintendent Tavis Desormiers, Marshall/Nemaha Special Education Cooperative Director Shana Steinlage, High School Principal Ben Scism, Elementary/Middle School Assistant Principal Jessica Koch and High School Assistant Principal Kelly Williams.

(KNZA)--An Elwood man is facing charges in Doniphan County in connection with a police pursuit last month.

According to Doniphan County District Court documents, 30-year-old Michael Reed was arrested December 6 on a warrant for aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, obstructing official duty, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and reckless driving.

Reed is accused of leading an Elwood police officer on a pursuit November 16th.

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for December 19th.

Reed remains in the Doniphan County Jail, held on a $500,000 bond.

(KNZA)--The next city manager of St. Joseph, Missouri has been named.

According to a release from the city, the St. Joseph City Council Monday chose Mike Schumacher for the city- top administrative position.

He was among four finalists interviewed for the position.

Schumacher comes to St. Joseph with more than three decades of experience in local government, and has served as city administrator in Lebanon, Missouri since 2018. Before that, he was an assistant city manager in Kansas City for six years.

Pending the execution of a contract on January 6, 2025, Schumacher's first day with the city will be January 21. His salary will be $190,000.

(KAIR)--A special recognition of veterans happened this past weekend, with wreaths laid in Jefferson County cemeteries as part of what's known as the "Wreaths Across America" campaign.

According to http://wreathsacrossamerica.org the message behind the laying of wreaths is to remember the fallen, to honor those who serve, and to educate the next generation about the value of freedom.

That happened Saturday, designated as National Wreaths Across America Day, with WIBW-TV reporting that over 300 wreaths were laid in the local effort. According to the TV station, over 100 volunteers laid the wreaths at the Meriden Cemetery, while around 50 did the same at the St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery, in Meriden.

The national organization estimated more than 2-million volunteers and supporters would take part in Saturday's ceremony, with more than 4,600 participating locations in all 50 states.

Wreaths may still be purchased through the Meriden Veteran Family and Friend's Wreaths Across America chapter. The national organization will match the purchase until January 17.

The National Nonprofit selected "Live With Purpose" as the theme for 2024.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise will host a Community Engagement session Wednesday evening to give citizens an opportunity to engage with the co-founders of Citroniq--the company developing a bio-based production facility south of Falls City.

The event will be held in the Falls City High School gymnasium, beginning at 6 pm. The public is invited to attend.

EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl says it will be give the Citroniq founders and area residents a chance to get to know each other. There will be an introduction on how Falls City was selected as a site for the multi-billion dollar facility and the Julie Bushell, a consultant from the Governor's office who is leading the Nebraska BioEconomy Initiative will speak followed by the Citroniq officials.

Those attending the meeting will have a chance to submit questions before and during the event. People wanting to ask questions will be able to fill out note cards with questions to be submitted or you can relay questions you wish to ask at the event, in advance by email to the Falls City EDGE office. That email address is diector@fallsciytedge.com.

The multi-billion dollar facility is to be located in Falls City's Mid-America Rail Campus, about two miles south of Falls City. Plans are to have the plant operational in 2029.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles has announced changes to annual registration fees for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, effective January 1, 2025.

These updates aim to align with legislative mandates and ensure fair contributions from all vehicle owners toward road maintenance and infrastructure.

Key Fee Changes Include the annual fee for vehicles utilizing electric fuel, increasing from $75 to $150.

A new annual fee for plug-in Hybrid passenger vehicles and trucks will be $75. Electric fuel and plug-in hybrid motorcycles will now incur and annual fee of $75.

These fees, collected at time of registration, will be reflected on the vehicle renewal notices sent to registered owners.

Rhonda Lahm, Director of the Nebraska DMV, says these changes help ensure all road users contribute equitably to the upkeep of our transportation infrastructure.

(KLZA)-- Missouri 6th District Congressman Sam Graves from Tarkio says one thing taking away from holiday joy during the Christmas season is the lack of consistent mail delivery.

Graves said in his weekly update to constituents that regardless of where we live, the U.S. Postal Service has major problems, and they aren't improving and are in fact getting worse. Graves says grievances with the post office are being heard every day across North Missouri and across the country.

The USPS is now wanting to utilize what they call “Regional Transportation Optimization,” which would cut the number of times the Postal Service would visit rural post offices to pick up outgoing mail. Graves says this will inevitably cause more delays for those living in rural America.

Graves has written the Postmaster General to let him know this is a terrible idea, calling it downright shameful. These changes would effectively create a two-tiered mail system. Rural Americans don’t deserve to be treated as second-class citizens, but that- exactly what the bureaucrats at USPS are bound and determined to do.
At the same time, they’ve been raising postage rates repeatedly—essentially, pay more, get less.
Graves notes that most of this doesn’t fall on the local carriers, it- a management issue. Yet, we need more folks dedicated to delivering the mail on time.
Graves assures his constituents that this fight is far from over. He says the people of Missouri deserve better, and we will continue pushing for accountability and improvements.

(KNZA)-A Monday afternoon two-vehicle Jackson County crash sent a Holton couple to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 75 Highway, about a mile south of Holton, shortly after 2:00.

According to the KHP report, a Dodge pickup driven by 67-year-old Mayetta resident Patricia Schievelbein was traveling eastbound through the crossover and failed to yield to a northbound Toyota SUV on U.S. 75, which struck her pickup.

The driver of the Toyota,74-year-old Merlin Arnold, and his passenger, 73-year-old Judy Arnold, were transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.

Schievelbein was not hurt.

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

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man convicted on multiple sex-related charges has been sentenced to a total of six years in the Brown County Jail.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 50-year-old Jeremy Stover was handed the sentence Monday in Brown County District Court for his convictions on three counts of sexual battery and three counts of buying sexual relations ( formerly known as prostitution).

Stover pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charges in October as part of a plea agreement.

At the sentencing hearing, Hill reviewed in graphic detail the factual basis of the crimes committed against the six individual victims and followed it up with detailed written testimonials from four of the victims on the impact Stover's crimes had on them and will continue to have on them.

Hill asked that the court sentence Stover to the maximum sentence of 12 months in the Brown County Jail on each count and run the sentences consecutively to each other with Stover being required to serve at least 18 months in jail prior to the court even considering probation.

Stover countered by referring to his mental health treatment at the VA and requested that the court suspend his sentence and immediately grant him probation.

After considering the evidence and statements of the parties, District Judge Laura Johnson-McNish agreed with the recommendations of the State and ordered Stover to serve a total of 6 years in jail and indicated that she would not grant probation until the defendant had served a total of 2 years.

Stover's request for a delay in sentencing to get his affairs in order was denied and he was remanded to the Brown County Jail to begin serving his sentence immediately.

(MSC News)--A long discussed, controversial power line project that would have affected properties in several local counties, is not moving forward.

That comes in an announcement made Monday by the U.S. Department of Energy which said the Midwest Plains proposed transmission line has been removed from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Interest Transmission Corridor project.

The energy department announced that the number of proposed transmission line corridors has been narrowed from ten to three, leaving the Midwest Plains Corridor on the cutting room floor. It was proposed to begin in southwest Kansas and end in Illinois, locally running through the Kansas counties of Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, and Doniphan.

In September, Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, along with 1st District Congressman Tracey Mann, introduced a bill to protect property rights in Kansas as part of their effort to keep the transmission line from becoming a reality.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Public Schools achieved a designation of “Great” in the 2024 Nebraska Department of Education's AQuESTT report.

AQuESTT stands for Accountability for Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow. It is an evaluation of the school district commitment to academic excellence and student success.

The annual report evaluates Nebraska school districts, assigning classifications based on key performance indicators which include student proficiency, growth, graduation rates and college readiness.

The school buildings that make up District 56 also received favorable ratings with Falls City High School earning a “Great” designation; Falls City Middle School, South and North Elementary Schools each received “Good” designations.

District 56 received no federal designations for 2024, which demonstrates progress in equitable student outcomes and performance in all subgroups.

Among the highlights from the report were the proficiency rates for students in grades 3 - 8 showing strong performances including a 75% rate in Science, marking a 6-point improvement over last year.

In College Enrollment, the percentage of Falls City High School students pursuing post-secondary education increased from 63.97% in 2022-23 to 67.92% in 2023-24.

The graduation rate was 96.49% which is 8 percentage points above the state average. Chronic Absenteeism dropped from 17.6/% to 15% which was below the statewide average of 21.19%.

(KLZA)-- Tuesday ( 12/17) if the first day for candidates to file for the April 8, 2025 General Municipal Election in Missouri.

The final day to file to seek election will be Tuesday, December 31.

Seats up for election in April will include school boards, mayor, aldermen, council members, fire protection districts ambulance, water, and college district positions.

In addition, tax, bond proposal and annexation proposals will be voted on.

(KLZA)-- A Corning, Iowa man suffered serious injuries around 12:20 a.m. Sunday morning when the semi truck and trailer he was operating came into contact with another semi truck and trailer while both were northbound on Interstate 29 approximately 1 mile south of Rock Port, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports the injured 29-year-old driver of the first semi was exceeding the speed limit and overtook the second semi operated by a 67-year-old man from Miami, Florida. The speeding semi attempted to swerve and miss the second semi but struck the towed unit with the front corer of the drivers side. The first semi then traveled off the east side of the Interstate and overturned, coming to rest on its passenger side. Vehicle two was able to come to a controlled stop.

The driver of semi- one was transported by Atchison Holt Ambulance District to Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph. The driver of Sem - two was not injured.

The truck that rolled onto its side was a total loss.

The Atchison County, Missouri Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene of the wreck.

In accordance with Missouri Highway Patrol policy, the names of the drivers were not released.

(KAIR)--A vacancy is forthcoming in Atchison County leadership, as the longtime County Clerk plans to step down.

That word comes in a release from the County, announcing the decision of Republican Atchison County Clerk Michelle Phillips to retire as the calendar year comes to a close.

Phillips has served as Atchison County Clerk since January 2017 and in Atchison County government for more than 30 years.

Due to the retirement, the role of County Clerk must now be filled by another Republican, with individuals interested in filling what the release calls an "important role," allowing "an opportunity to make a difference in Atchison County," now being sought.

According to the release, anyone who wants to fill the position should email Atchison County GOP Chair Derek Franklin, mobrant97@gmail.com.

According to Atchison County's website, the County Clerk's duties are many, including serving as the County Election Officer, with the office handling all voter registrations, while overseeing the filing of all candidates for County offices, School Boards, and Township offices. The Clerk also serves as Secretary to the County Commissioners and is in charge of the records for the county, while all budgets for the schools, fire districts, cemetery districts, drainage, watershed, cities and special districts are filed and processed through the Clerk- office.

(KLZA)-- Two cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, have been detected in Nebraska poultry flocks in the past week, state and federal agriculture officials said Thursday.

The first case was detected in a commercial turkey flock in Nemaha County and the second case was detected in a small backyard chicken flock in Dodge County.

The two cases represent the second and third cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, in Nebraska this year.

The virus spreads easily among birds through nasal and eye secretions as well as infected food, water and manure. The virus can spread in various ways from flock to flock, including by wild birds during migratory season, through contact with infected poultry, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. Wild birds can carry the virus without becoming sick, while domesticated birds can become very sick and die.

(KLZA)--Following discussion by the Richardson County Commissioners with Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr., Assessor Kim Riggs and County Attorney Samantha Scheitel last week, the Board approved a motion to move on with the process to update the County Comprehensive Plan and meet with the County Planning Commission to start the process to adopt and implement zoning regulations.

Third District Richardson County Commissioner Rick Karas requested the discussion be held last week due to actions that have taken place southeast of Humboldt with a planned chicken production facility.

Karas and Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. met with the developers about upgrades to the county roads leading to the site of the proposed facility. After being informed Richardson County would not pay the costs to upgrade the roads to meet the requirements for heavy loads to and from the facility, Karas was told the facility would not be built at that site.

Just over a week ago, Karas was informed that a number of pieces of heavy equipment to be used in construction of the chicken production facility was hauled across a county bridge with a 6-ton load limit.

Karas said he was disappointed in the actions by the developer going behind the County's back.

After the equipment was moved in, Karas and Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. shut the bridge down so no more heavy equipment could be moved across it and possibly damaging the bridge.

The majority of Nebraska's 93 counties have zoning regulations in place. Karas noted that Richardson and Nemaha counties in Southeast Nebraska are two of just five counties in the state without zoning regulations.

Karas told MSC News that his proposal is mostly to protect county infrastructure and the citizens in rural areas from having facilities built next to them they don't want.

Karas feels that zoning would give the County more control and that it would be a good idea for things such as chicken production facilities to be built near hard surfaced roads.

Karas also told MSC News that bringing up zoning in Richardson County at this time, has nothing to do with the proposed bio-based production facility south of Falls City, that plans to utilize ethanol to create bio-based polypropylene pellets used to create automotive components and other manufactured goods.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha High School wood shop building will be getting a new dust collection system, following action taken by the USD 415 Board of Education Monday evening.

The Board approved a contract with Universal Construction to facilitate the project. The action will allow the company to obtain bids for materials and installation.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the total projected cost of the project has been placed at $105,000, plus $1,375 for electrical.

High School Industrial Arts teacher Darren Arment said the upgraded system is needed for health reasons. He said the current dust collection system if antiquated and inefficient.

The upgraded system is to be installed next summer.

In other business, the Board approved the renewal of two-year lease agreement with the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club for the Robinson Center through 2026.

The district will be pay $13,000 per year for use of the facility, which is the same amount as the district paid the past two years.

The indoor practice facility, which is located at Noble Park, is utilized by the high school baseball and softball teams.

(KNZA)-- Representatives of Rainbow Communications met with the Doniphan County Commission this week to provide an update on the U.S. 36 broadband expansion project.

Angie Kreider with Rainbow said 45 homes signed up for service. 30 of those have been installed, with the remaining 15 scheduled for installation.

The project was partially funded with American Rescue Plan Act funds received by the county. Kreider requested the the final ARPA payment in the amount of just over $369,000, which the Commission approved.

Julie Bergman with Rainbow also informed the Commission about upcoming 2025 projects.

Grant funds from the Kansas Office of Broadband Development will be used to expand fiber broadband service south of Wathena, and north and south of Troy.

Rainbow will also be completing their fiber overbuild in the cities of Elwood, Highland, Troy and Wathena for future expansion.

In addition, Rainbow, in partnership with the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, will be expanding fiber broadband service to the city of White Cloud and Taylor Seed Farm.

(KNZA)--A Hoyt teenager has been arrested on drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle Tuesday for a traffic infraction near U.S. 75 Highway and 158th Road in southern Jackson County.

Morse said the driver, 18-year-old Thomas Holcomb, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and marijuana.

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

(KNZA)--Following delays, the Jefferson County community of Winchester will be getting a new post office.

The office of U.S. Senator Roger Marshall made the announcement in a release Wednesday.

The release says the U.S. Postal Service anticipates construction of the new post office to begin in 2025 after finalizing a new lease agreement with the City of Winchester.

“The City of Winchester has waited on approval too long for its new postal facility,” Marshall said. “The lack of a mail service hub in this community has had far-reaching consequences, causing significant delays and frustrations for residents.”

The U.S. Postal Service closed the old post office in 2021 due to mold issues, forcing the city to condemn the structure. Residents were forced to drive to the nearby town of Oskaloosa to mail their letters and packages.

“Last week in our USPS hearing, I called on Postmaster General DeJoy to take action and end the delays in Winchester, and I am proud to announce that from that call to action, we were able to get him to step in and get this project across the finish line,” Marshall said.

“This is a huge development for Winchester and a positive good faith step by the USPS in working with us to restore reliable mail service for all Kansans. We will continue to address the statewide concerns at the highest levels.”

(KLZA)-- The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory to go into effect Friday afternoon at 2, and continue until Saturday morning at 9.

Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Otoe and Gage counties in Southeast Nebraska are included in the watch area.

Mixed precipitation expected, and could include snow accumulations of up to one inch and ice accumulations of up to two tenths of an inch.

Plan on slippery road conditions. Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

In Northwest Missouri, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 2 o'clock Friday afternoon to midnight, Friday night.

Freezing drizzle and light freezing rain are expected in the area with total ice accumulations of a light glaze to a few hundredths of an inch.

Holt and Atchison counties are included in the watch area.

(KLZA)-- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began reducing water flows into the Missouri River at the Gavins Point dam to the winter release rate on November, 23 with the navigation flow support season ending on December 1 at St. Louis.

John Remus, Chief of the Missouri River Water Management Division, says releases from Gavins Point Dam, at Yankton, South Dakota have been reduced to 12,000 cubic feet per second which is the winter release rate and that river conditions will be closely monitored and releases adjusted to lessen the impact of river ice formation in the lower river.

As colder winter temperatures enter the basin, Missouri River ice conditions between the System reservoirs and downstream of Gavins Point Dam, the potential for ice jams could impact river stages and water intakes.

Runoff in the upper Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, was 0.7 million acre-feet during November, 67% of average. The 2024 calendar year runoff forecast is 22.9 MAF, 89% of average. Average annual runoff is 25.7 MAF.

The total volume of water stored in the Missouri River mainstem reservoirs on Nov. 30 was 50.4 MAF, which is 5.7 MAF below the base of the System flood control storage zone. System storage is forecast to begin the 2025 runoff season at 50.2 MAF, which is 5.9 MAF below the base of the system flood control zone.

Mountain snowpack in the upper Missouri River Basin is accumulating at below average levels. About 25% of the mountain snowpack typically accumulates by Dec. 1, and normally peaks in mid-April. Currently, plains snowpack in the upper Missouri River Basin is sparse.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced his appointment of Connie Edmond to the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State College System on Wednesday.

She will start January 2. Her appointment term is six years and is subject to confirmation by the Nebraska Legislature.

Edmond is president of E&L Associates in Lincoln. She formerly served as CEO of WRL CPA, also in Lincoln.

Edmond was previously on the State College System Strategic Planning Committee 2025 and was a member of the Peru State College President Search Committee. She is currently serving on the Commission for African American Affairs.

Edmond is a graduate of Peru State College, where she studied accounting and business administration.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee City School Board members voted to renew the contract with Superintendent Brian Rottinghaus when they met Monday evening.

Rottinghaus has been the Superintendent at Pawnee City for 9 years, his renewed contract is for two years commencing July 1, 2025 running through June 30, 2027. His base salary will be $131,000 for each year of the contract with additional benefits making the annual total $183,241.

The Board also accepted a request from the Pawnee City Education Association to be recognized as the bargaining unit for the 2026-27 school year.

The Board also received a presentation concerning the HVAC needs assessment.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson-Brock School Board met in executive session Monday night to discuss the evaluation of Superintendent Jeff Koehler.

Following the closed session, the Board voted to amend Koehler's contract from January 1, 2025 to June 30, 2025 to add full family health insurance with an annual salary of $148,000 plus additional benefits.

In addition, on a 5-1 vote, Koehler's contract will rollover through the 2027-28 school year. Board member Chester Bohling cast the dissenting vote.

The Johnson-Brock Board voted to accept the Johnson-Brock Education Association as the collective bargaining unit for the 2026-27 school year.

The 2023-24 Annual Report was discussed and approved. Superintendent Koehler reported the Nebraska Department of Education website report on the elementary school and the high school AQuESTT report both gave the schools an “excellent” rating for the third consecutive year.

Principal, Dr. Lucus Dalinghaus reported the school improvement visit was recently successfully completed with the team being impressed with the Johnson-Brock district.

The 2023-24 audit report was also approved by the Board.

(KNZA)--A Horton woman and a Topeka man are facing charges following a traffic stop last week in Jackson County, south of Holton.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said in release that during the early morning hours of December 5th a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a GMC Envoy on U.S. 75 Highway near 214th Road.

During the traffic stop, the driver, 46-year-old Michael Bennett, was initially arrested for driving while suspended.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted.

A passenger, 27-year-old Elaine Moore, was arrested on an outstanding Brown County felony warrant. Moore allegedly had a 9 mm Glock pistol in her waistband.

During a search of the vehicle, Morse said suspected heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located.

Besides the Brown Co warrant, Moore was arrested on charges of possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal use of weapons.

Bennett was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and no insurance.

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

(KAIR)--Each month, the City of Atchison recognizes one of its employees for exemplary service.

Known as the ACE of the month award, its granted to those, selected through nominations.

To close out the year of 2024, the City has named its ACE of the Year, with that honor going to a member of the City's Police Department.

Awarded the honor during last weekend's City of Atchison Christmas party was Master Patrol Officer John O' Grady.

According to a release from the City, O'Grady was recognized with the award, when presented by City Manager Mark Westhoff.

In November, the monthly award was also presented to a member of the Atchison Police Department, with 5 1/2 year employee Gregory Peterson nominated for the honor due to the actions he took upon the discovery of a burning Atchison building.

Later deemed an arson, one person was asleep inside the structure during the October morning fire, with Corporal Peterson commended for arriving quickly, utilizing his fire extinguisher, and saving the life of the person inside.

(KMZA--The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that more than $400,000 has been awarded for projects that will boost tourism throughout the state.

Funding from the Attraction Development Grant program, which focuses on assisting local communities in the development of sustainable travel experiences through new and existing tourism attractions, will be divided among 13 entities.

Among those is the Cardinal Community Foundation in Wetmore, which will receive a more than $15,000 grant.

According to a release, the grant program is an initiative designed to provide financial assistance to public, private and nonprofit entities to invest in enhancing tourism across the state.

(KLZA)-- As part of Fraud Awareness Month during December, the Department of Health and Human Services is shining a spotlight on fraudulent activities impacting recipients of Office of Economic Assistance services.

The DHHS Fraud Investigation team is working to investigate and prevent cases of fraud and card skimming to protect both recipients and the integrity of benefit programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Aid to Dependent Children (ADC), Child Care Subsidy (CC), and Assistance to the Aged Blind and Disabled (AABD).

In State Fiscal Year 2024, an investigation was opened on 1,206 complaints/referrals, recovering $536,591in funds and preventing further misuse.

There are important steps Nebraskans can take to help prevent fraud on their account.

• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails claiming to represent government programs. DHHS and benefit processors will never call or text to ask for your PIN, card number, or password.

• Regularly check transaction histories or benefit statements for unauthorized or unfamiliar charges.

• For programs that use EBT or Reliacards, safeguard your PINs and passwords. Change them regularly and avoid easily guessed combinations.

• Only apply for benefits through official state websites, local offices, or designated application sites.

• Government benefit programs are free to apply for. Report anyone asking for payment to process your application or expedite benefits.

• If you suspect fraud or unauthorized activity, contact the appropriate fraud investigation unit or hotline for your program.

Fraud Awareness Month serves as a reminder to everyone in the community to stay alert and informed.

If recipients have additional questions or believe they were affected by fraudulent activity, please contact the Special Investigation Unit at: (402) 595-3789

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners voted to appoint Stephanie Kaster to the position of County Asseasor when they met Tuesday.

Kaster who currently serves as Deputy County Assessor will begin her new duties January 1. Current Assessor Vickie Wiers is retiring at the end of 2024.

The Board also met with Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang to discuss patrol vehicle updates and credit card updates. Commissioners approved using $15 thousand from the Law Enforcement Drug Fund, if approved, available funds from the K-9 Fund and the remainder of the Miscellaneous General Fund to purchase a 2024 Durango to be outfitted as a patrol unit.

County Attorney Emily Sisco met with Commissioners to regarding court appointed counsel. Pawnee County will be sending out letters to attorneys for bids to possibly fill the public defender position beginning in July, 2025 which is the start of the next fiscal year.

(KNZA)--A Honduran man is facing charges in Jackson County after allegedly leading authorities on a pursuit in a stolen vehicle.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a SUV for a traffic infraction near 142nd Road and U.S. 75 Highway shortly before 9:00 Monday night.

Upon attempting to contact the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle allegedly fled in the vehicle initiating a pursuit northbound on U.S. Hwy 75.

A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper deployed a tire deflation device around 214th Road where the vehicle came to a stop.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 37-year-old Quelvin Reyes Corea, of Honduras, was arrested on charges of flee or attempt a law enforcement officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, felony interference with a law enforcement officer, reckless driving and several traffic offenses.

Morse said Corea's vehicle, a 2019 Honda CRV, was discovered to have been stolen from Kansas City, Missouri this past weekend.

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

(KNZA)--Former Kickapoo Tribal Council Chairman Lester Randall is facing a second federal indictment following continued tribal and federal investigations into various illegal activities.

That word comes in release from the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, which says the Kickapoo Tribal Council was informed of the new development on December 5th.

The release says the latest development " is a testament to the dedication, diligence, and hard work of ( our) Tribal law enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The release adds " due to the ongoing nature of the investigations and the sensitive details involved in the second indictment, further comments cannot be provided at this time."

Randall was indicted in July on four counts of felony assault stemming from alleged domestic-related incidents occurring between September 29, 2023 and April 25, of this year, which resulted in multiple emergency room visits for the female victim

The 49-year-old Randall remains held in the Brown County Jail without bond.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening granted approval for the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club to move forward with the construction of a new softball field at Noble Park, which is the second phase of the Hiawatha Championship Sports Complex project.

The Commission also approved providing a letter of support for grant efforts, to waive permit fees and for city staff to help with the installation of utilities for the project. Commissioners Dave Middendorf and Brian Shefferd were absent.

Club representatives, Troy Kolb and Ryan Meininger, appeared before the Commission to provide an update on the project and make the requests.

Kolb said the Club partnered with a Topeka architectural firm to design plans for the field and would like to start moving dirt in January, weather allowing. The field is to be completed by October 2025 and ready for use in March 2026.

He said they have a budget of $750,000 for the project, and have raised a third of the funds. Plans are to install an artificial turf later as funds become available.

In other business, the Commission approved the installation of an 8-foot bench in front of City Hall, along Oregon Street, in honor of longtime City Commissioner and Mayor Bill Collins, who died in April 2023.

Collins daughters, Stacey Wilhelm and Shelly Haverkamp, appeared before the Commission to make the request. They said they would like to utilize their dad's memorial money to pay for the bench, with city staff providing the installation.

The Commission also approved proceeding with a project to remodel the old gas station utilized by the Fire Department at a total cost of $26,150.

Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon appeared before the Commission to review bids received for project, which will add additional space for the housing of one of the Department's brush trucks.

The need for the additional space arose with the recent arrival of the Department's new first response truck.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council heard a presentation about a large-scale solar project the city has the opportunity to be a part of when they met last week.

A representative of the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency, which Seneca is a member of, appeared before the Council to discuss the project, which would add to the city's energy capacity portfolio.

The city would have to enter into a 30-year contract to buy and sell solar power. The contract would begin in 2027.

The Council faces a December 31st deadline for making a decision on participation in the solar project and is expected to make a decision at their December 18th meeting.

In other business, City Administrator Steve Brooks provided an update on the substation/generation project. He said he's still in negotiations on a second potential site for the project.

Brooks said he recently had a meeting with KMEA about the city's electric rates and what's needed to fund the project. He said his goal is to present a rate increase proposal to the Council by their 1st meeting in January.

Brooks said he also working on a water rate increase proposal to present to the Council in January.

Also at the meeting, a plaque was presented to Susan Bowman in recognition of her 28 years of service with the Seneca Housing Authority.

Following an executive session, the Council voted to hire Patrick Lintner for the new journey/lineman position at a salary of $40 an hour.

(KNZA)--Former Brown County Commissioner and community leader Keith Olsen is being remembered.

Olsen, of rural Horton, died Sunday in a farm accident. He was 60-year-old.

A moment of silence was observe at the beginning of Monday's Brown County Commission meeting in remembrance of Olsen, who served 12 years on the Commission.

Olsen had a strong belief in giving back to his community. He organized multiple fundraisers to complete a new gym floor at the Everest Middle School. In addition, Olsen organized an annual tractor cruise to benefit the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.

Olsen shared his love of pedal tractors with others by presenting pedal tractor pulls at various fairs and festivals.

Services for Olsen will be held Saturday morning at 11:00 at the Zion Lutheran Church, north of Everest.

A visitation will be held Friday evening from 5 to 7 at the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary, in Horton.

Among survivors are his wife, Denise, and two daughters.

(KLZA)--The Department of Health and Human Services is sending out expungement letters for unused Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) funds.

Federal requirements deem that Summer EBT benefits are available for 122 days or four months. The 122-day count begins the day after the benefits are issued. The fifth group of eligible households received Summer EBT issuances on September 10. If any Summer EBT benefits are not used within 122 days, they must be returned to the United States Department of Agriculture as required and can not be reissued.

Households that received issuances on September 10 and have not used all of their Summer EBT funds before the 122-day expiration date will receive a letter notifying them of the required expungement that will occur on January 10.

On or before December 30, a household may request a replacement Summer EBT card if the original card has been lost, damaged, or was not received. After December 30, a replacement Summer EBT card will not arrive in time to use the benefits and avoid the expungement. Replacement cards may be ordered by visiting the Summer EBT Card Replacement link at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/SEBT-Card-Replacement.aspx or calling (800) 383-4278, option five.

(KNZA)--A Brown County bridge project moves forward.

The Brown County Commission Monday approved awarding the contract for replacement of bridge south of Fairview to Dondlinger and Sons Construction, of Wichita, in the amount of $542,692.

It was among two bids received after the project was re-bid.

The bid came in about $50,000 lower than the original bid.

Project engineer Brady Hedstrom with BG Consultants said the location of transmission lines near the bridge site drove up costs and limited the number of bidders.

A grant will fund up to $570,000 of the total project cost, with the county responsible for anything over that amount. County Road and Bridge secretary Tami Lehmkuhl said the county's share is estimated to be about $115,000, which includes the majority of the construction engineering cost.

A construction start date hasn't been announced, but Hedstrom said the contractor must begin construction no later than May 5th.

(KLZA)-- Two people were hospitalized following separate wrecks over the weekend in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a 31-year-old man from Tampa, Florida was southbound on Interstate 29, driving a HINO truck when at 5:30 Saturday morning in an area where the Interstate turns west, he traveled off the south side of the road, came back onto the roadway and then skidded off the south side of the roadway and overturned onto the passenger side of the truck in the median.

The man was transported to the Fairfax Community Hospital by the Atchison Holt EMS with what were described as moderate injuries.

The truck was totaled. The Holt County Sheriff's Department also responded to the wreck.

Shortly after 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon a southbound pickup on I-29 went off the west side of the road and struck a guardrail, overturned and came to rest on the drivers side.

The 65-year-old male from Savannah, MO. driving the pickup suffered moderate injuries and was taken by Atchison Holt Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph.

The pickup was totaled.

Per Missouri Highway Patrol policy the identities of those involved were not released.

(KNZA)--Brown County employees have been granted a cost of living increase for 2025.

The Brown County Commission, when they met Monday, approved a 50 cent per hour cost of living increase for employees.

The action was taken on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Bill Pollock casting the dissenting vote.

The pay increase will take effect January 5th.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise will host a Community Engagement session on Wednesday evening, December 18 to give residents an opportunity to engage with the co-founders of Citroniq--the company planning to develop a bio-based production facility south of Falls City.

The event , will begin at 6 pm. in the Falls City High School gymnasium.

The multi-billion dollar facility is to be located in Falls City's Mid-America Rail Campus, with a goal of being operational in 2029.

The public is invited to attend.

A consultant from the Governor's office and Julie Bushell, who is leading the Nebraska BioEconomy Initiative, are also to be in attendance.

You can relay questions you wish to ask at the event to the Falls City EDGE office.

(KLZA)-- A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week in Pawnee City for the Vision 2030 Project.

The project plans call for building 25 new homes in Pawnee City by 2030 with the first three to be completed by this summer.

KOLN-TV in Lincoln reported the affordable homes will be built with people in mind that want to work remotely and take advantage of Pawnee City's broadband access.

The homes are to be affordable, utilizing state grants and Tax Increment Financing.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council voted to appoint Miller & Associates to serve as special engineer for Water and Wastewater Projects for calendar years 2025, 2026 and 2027 when they met last week.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum noted the city has used Miller & Associates for all for the recent water and waste water projects and that engineering services are required to obtain CDBG, Public Works Infrastructure funding for the Phase II sewer lining projects.

The appointment of the firm was recommended by the Board of Public Works and Public Works Director Trevor Campbell.

(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures continued to remain low across extreme Southeast Nebraska counties during the month of October.

The highest unemployment rate in the area was 3.4 percent in Johnson County. Nemaha County, Nebraska had a jobless rate of 3 percent for the month.

The lowest unemployment figures for October was in Pawnee County where the unemployment rate was 2.3 percent. In Richardson County unemployment was 2.9 percent; Otoe County was 2.7 percent and Gage County had an unemployment rate of 2.9 percent.

Statewide the jobless rate in October was 2.7 percent compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.1%.

(KNZA)--Two people were killed in an early Sunday morning wrong-way crash in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-4 Highway, just south of 62nd Road, shortly before 5:15.

According to the Patrol report, a Chevy Silverado pickup truck driven by 28-year-old Dylan Harvey, of Topeka, was heading north in the southbound lane of K-4 when his vehicle struck a southbound Jeep Liberty driven by 33-year-old Gavin Wade, of Valley Falls, head-on.

Both drivers, who were traveling alone, were pronounced dead at the scene.

It's unknown if either driver was wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man is in custody, accused of the Thursday night armed robbery of the Stop and Go gas station in Winthrop, Missouri, located east of Atchison.

According to a release from Buchanan County, Missouri Sheriff Bill Puett, 45-year-old Ryan Beaudoin was arrested Friday morning around 10:00, following an all night investigation between his office and the Atchison Police Department.

Puett, in the release, says that investigation developed information about Beaudoin, and focused on a Leavenworth location, where the suspect was located Friday morning; and, with the assistance of the Leavenworth Police Department, and its Special Response Team, took Beaudoin into custody.

The investigation is ongoing, with the release saying that a search warrant was being conducted Friday, at the Leavenworth location, with Sheriff's Office investigators searching for evidence.

The investigation began following a report Thursday night around 8:30 informing the Buchanan County agency that the gas station had been robbed by a man who "produced a handgun and demanded money from the cash register."

Puett commends his office and the Atchison and Leavenworth Police, calling their work in getting the suspect into custody "outstanding."

The case will be submitted to Buchanan County Prosecutor Michelle Davidson for review and the possible filing of formal charges.

(KLZA)-- It was a short meeting for Richardson County Commissioners Wednesday.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported there were 11 inmates currently housed at the Law Enforcement Center.

Sheriff Hardesty noted that his officers made 338 traffic stops during the Click It or Ticket campaign that ran from November 23 through December 1.

During the special enforcement 333 of the stops were proactive and five were generated by complaints about driving. 247 of the stops were made on Highway 75. 120 citations were issued by officers during the enforcement including 55 for speed, 12 for seat belt violations and 5 for child restraint infractions. One was arrested for felony drugs 1 for DUI and 6 for driving while suspended or revoked and 5 people were arrested on warrants.

Deputies working overtime during the campaign were compensated through grant funds from the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. updated the Board on county road and bridge business.

Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall was given authorization to sell surplus phones and accessories determined to be surplus through social media websites.

(KAIR)--"The Spirit of Christmas" will come alive in festival form on Saturday, as the City of Atchison holds its annual, official welcome to the holiday, complete with the tradition of holding an early evening lighted Christmas parade.

Incoming Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jill Thorne tells MSC News it's a full day of holiday themed events planned for Saturday, leading up to the parade.

Named as grand marshal for the “Sights and Sounds of Christmas” parade is Atchison resident Karl Schuele who- well known through the decades as portraying Santa Claus, with his late wife, Jane, assisting as Mrs. Claus.

The downtown Atchison Christmas-themed activities will begin at 11:00 tomorrow morning, and run until 4:30, with the parade to begin at 5:30.

(KNZA)--The annual “ Festival of Lights” Christmas Luminaries will be held in Horton Sunday evening, December 8th.

The event, being put on by the South Brown County Ministerial Association, will take place from 5:30 to 7:00.

The Luminaries transform ten city blocks into 17 living scenes in the life of Christ. Members of the Ministerial Association churches take their places as Bible characters in a setting of live animals, colorful props, costumes and music.

13-hundred candles outline the route, which will begin at the junction of Highways 73 and K-20. A route guide indicting all of the scenes will be handed out at the beginning of the drive.

The event draws hundreds of people each year.

A free-will donation may be dropped in a receptacle at the end of the route, with the funds going to support the ministries of the South Brown Ministerial Association.

(KNZA)--Two Hoyt residents were injured in a late Thursday morning three-vehicle Shawnee County crash.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened in a work zone on US. 75 Highway, just north of I-70, around 11:00.

According to the Patrol report, a southbound trash truck rear-ended a SUV that had slowed due to congested traffic. The impact pushed the SUV into a car in front of it.

The driver of the SUV, 73-year-old Charles Roman, and his passenger, 58-year-old Twila Howard, were transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The driver of the trash truck, from Topeka, was not hurt.

Also the driver of the car, from Sabetha, and three passengers escaped injury.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the 2025-2030 One and Six Year Street Improvement Plan when they met Monday evening.

The plan includes five projects on the One Year Plan with cost estimates of more than $700,000. There are 22 projects on the Six Year Plan which includes approximately 80 blocks of street paving with the city share of the total cost estimated at nearly $13.2 million.

The Council did vote to move a Fulton Street project from Highway 73 to the east and then north north for just over 600 feet to the 6-Year Plan and moved a 25th Street project from Harlan Street to Barada Street, replacing existing brick with concrete to the One Year Plan.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum explained the city receives Highway Allocation funds based on the lane miles within city limits and from vehicle sales tax. Last year the city received around $622,000 in Highway Allocation funds.

Nussbaum says when developing the street plan, you are always looking into the future. Some sealing work is planned for the current fiscal year and that when you look at the one year plan, you are really planning on how to pay for future projects.

The long range plan has several projects which call for replacing existing brick streets with concrete. Public Works Director Trevor Campbell said that while the brick streets from 14th Street north to 19th Street will always be maintained due to historical significance, there are a large number of brick streets in the community. He noted that when it's necessary to remove bricks to fix a water line issue or sewer line issues, it is cost and labor intensive to put bricks back and that it's likely you will see more concrete patching done in the future, especially if there is no intent to maintain the brick street in the future.

Campbell said it is possible to overlay bricks with cement, but noted that while saving money, there will be more repairs later due to water damage that occurrs when you just overlay bricks with concrete.

The Council also approved the appointment of Jason Stark as City Street Superintendent for 2025 by contract. Stark has the required Class A Street Superintendent license required for the City to receive funding from the state.

(KAIR)--Atchison's City Commission met Monday, beginning the meeting by reelecting Commissioner La Rochelle Young as Mayor and Commissioner Larry Wilcox as Vice-Mayor.

Once the two were reseated in their roles of leadership, the meeting proceeded, leading to discussion regarding the proposed increase of water rates for all water customers of the City of Atchison.

City Manager Mark Westhoff outlined, to the Commission, the reasoning behind the proposed increases. Listen here.

(KNZA)--Brown County will be getting a new machine to aid in the repair of the county's hard-surfaced roads.

The Brown County Commission, when they meet last week, approved the purchase of a 2013 asphalt zipper from the city of Hiawatha for $43,000.

The purchase was approved on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Bill Pollock casting the dissenting vote.

The city accepted sealed bids for the machine and the county was the successful bidder.

In other business, the Commission was presented with two bids received for the replacement of a bridge south of Fairview.

Pollock, whose district the bridge is located in, said he would like to look further into installing a tube instead of replacing the bridge and utilizing a grant the county was awarded for the project.

Commissioners Rich Lehmkuhl and Lamar Shoemaker questioned the financial feasibility of changing plans at this point in the process. It was pointed out that the county had already invested $54,000 in the project.

In addition, Lehmkuhl said not moving forward with the bridge project could hurt the county's chances of receivings grants in the future.

Road and Bridge secretary Tami Lehmkuhl said the Commission needs to make a decision by December 13 on whether to authorize the awarding of a contract for the bridge replacement project.

(KAIR)--In what a release calls "a significant step toward completing a proposed new medical school," Atchison-based Benedictine College is looking to hire a dean.

The search to fill the role of leadership, the release from the college says, "is the latest in a series of exciting milestones reached by the proposed Benedictine College School of Osteopathic Medicine" to be located on the college campus.

The Benedictine College Board of Directors, in June, voted to continue efforts to explore the proposed medical school, with the college dedicating an initial $4 million investment to help make it a reality.

The move to find a dean comes on the heels of the college opening a new 100,000-square-foot building designed to be the finest small college STEM facility in America. Already in place is a successful pre-med program, while the college's School of Nursing is ranked as the best in Kansas.

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.”

Michael Kuckelman, Chairman of the Board of Benedictine College, in the release, calls the proposed medical school "a true game changer,” not only for the college, but "for the city of Atchison, and for rural health care availability in our region.”

The college has partnered with organizations with national success records in accreditation and fundraising to ensure the project succeeds.

(KNZA)--The search for next city manager of St. Joseph, Missouri has been narrowed to four finalists.

The city said in a news release that the finalists were selected following a nationwide search that produced a field of 26 candidates from 15 states.

The finalists include:

Robert Cowell, who mostly recently served as city manager for Roanoke, Virginia and has more than 30 years of experience in local government management.

Jason Gage, who has served as city manger of Springfield, Missouri since 2018 and has more than 25 years experience in local government.

Darron Leiker, who was the long-time city manager of Wichita Falls, Texas

Mike Schumacher, who is the current city administrator for Lebanon Missouri and has worked in local government for more than 34 years.

The four finalists have been invited to participate in an onsite interview process scheduled for December 10-11. The two-day process will include a community tour, engagement sessions with City staff and community members, and extensive interviews by the City Council.

(KAIR)--An icy Jackson County roadway is cited as playing a role in an early Wednesday morning crash, south of Soldier, that sent the driver to the hospital.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says the rollover wreck happened on K-62 Highway, south of 238th Road and a mile north of K-16, when the driver of a southbound pickup truck lost control on the icy roadway of K-62, causing the truck to overturn multiple times, ejecting the driver.

The driver, who was traveling alone, was transported to a Topeka Hospital, by Jackson County EMS, for the treatment of what Morse calls "serious and life threatening injuries."

The name of the driver has not been made public.

Along with the Sheriff's Office and EMS, the Soldier and Holton Fire Departments assisted at the scene of the wreck, which happened shortly after 6:30 Wednesday morning.

(KAIR)--The local region has gained two new Game Wardens, with the pair to provide oversight to four area counties.

In a social media statement, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks welcomes Melissa Skelton and Gabe Jones to their new positions.

Skelton is assigned to Atchison and Doniphan counties, while Jones is assigned to Brown and Nemaha Counties.

According to the release, Skelton brings with her to the position “experience as a certified law enforcement officer,” who recently began her 8 week Field Training program.

Jones, the release says, is currently attending the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center's Basic Class and will graduate in the spring.

Update: The Oberlin Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Wednesday morning that 97-year-old Loyal Shirley was located and is now safe. The silver alert is canceled.

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(KMZA)--A Silver Alert has been issued for a missing Marshall County man.

The Marshall County Sheriff- Office requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation issue the Silver Alert for 97-year-old Loyal Shirley, whose whereabouts are unknown and the public's assistance is requested to help locate him.

Shirley was last seen on Dec. 3, around 7 p.m. He is driving a 2013 Silver Cadillac XTS bearing Kansas tag 8051AFY. A tracking device, an AirTag, pinged him about two miles east of Mankato, Kan. at 7:40 p.m.

Shirley is a white male who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has white hair and blue eyes. Shirley was last seen wearing a blue and grey sweatshirt and a plaid shirt with black or grey slacks.

If you see Loyal Shirley, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, call the Marshall County Sheriff- Office at (785) 562-3141

(KAIR)--Saturday morning snowfall is blamed for two of three Atchison County wrecks reported in recent days; and while no injuries were incurred, serve as a reminder of the danger posed by the conditions of the winter weather season.

The first of the three crashes happened Thanksgiving afternoon, in rural Atchison County, on Jewell Road, south of 302nd.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 38-year-old Lancaster resident Niki Hendrickson was northbound on Jewell Road, around 12:25, when, it's believed, the car hit loose gravel, causing it to slide sideways and roll over.

Atchison County EMS and Rescue responded to the scene, along with Sheriff's Deputies, but Hendrickson did not require treatment. Instead, she was issued a notice to appear in court for driving while suspended.

The two additional crashes both happened Saturday morning, which marked the first local area snowfall of the season, and occurred within minutes of each other, on K116 Highway.

The first of the two was reported around 9:30 that morning, when a pickup truck, westbound on the highway at Edwards Road, near Effingham, struck a second pickup truck which had been southbound on Edwards Road, when it slid through the intersection's stop sign due to the snow/ice mixture on the roadway.

The impact of the collision caused both trucks to spin off the highway and stop on the southwest side of the roadway.

Neither driver, 27-year-old Peyton Barrett, of Winchester, and 20-year-old Preston Harper, of Horton, was injured in the wreck.

The other reported crash happened 4 minutes later, at 9:34 Saturday morning, when 19-year-old Michigan resident Damian Brown was westbound on K116, near Arrington.

According to Laurie, Brown, approaching the curve near Barton Road, encountered a snow-packed roadway, which caused him to lose control of the car, which went into a spin before exiting the road on the south side of the highway. After leaving the roadway, the car overturned into a creek bed, but Brown was not reported to have suffered any injuries in the wreck.

(KLZA)-- A 45 year tradition will continue Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th when Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge near Mound City, Missouri will host the annual Eagle Days events.

Saturday hours will be 9 a-m to 4 p.m. and on Sunday events will take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Eagle Day events , hosted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge are free and open to the public.

Activities during the two-day event include a live captive eagle program provided by the World Bird Sanctuary; free guided bus tours with stops at eagle viewing stations or you can drive the auto tour yourself; special eagle exhibits and crafts for children will also be part of the event.

Wild birdseed and feeders will be for sale from the Midland Empire Audubon Society and the Nature Shop at Loess Bluffs visitors center will be open. There will be food and drinks available.

The live captive eagle programs will be held hourly starting a 9 a.m. Saturday with the last show at 3 p.m. On Sunday the first show will be at 11 a.m. with the final show at 2 p.m.

Visitors to the refuge during Eagle Days should be able to view large numbers of wildlife including bald eagles, trumpeter swans, snow geese and ducks.

(KLZA)-- Four newly elected members of the City Council were sworn in Monday night in Falls City.

Frank Killingsworth will serve in Ward I; Kenny Killingsworth in Ward II; Sara Ruiz in Ward III and Josh Kaster in Ward IV.

Concluding their terms on the Council were Amber Holle in Ward I; Kaylie Ractliffe in Ward II; Carla Rhodd in Ward III; and Jim Wisdom in Ward IV.

When the new members were sworn in, Derek Leyden was elected President of the Council for the next year with Joe Buckminster elected as Acting President of the Council.

Mayor Mark Harkendorff's appointments of Anthony Nussbaum as City Administrator / Clerk / Treasurer; Jameson Baker as Chief of Police and Blake Buckminster as Building Inspector were approved along with Mike Dunn as City Attorney.

Matt Beer was appointed Fire Chief with Jon McQueen as First Assistant Chief and Tim Daniels as Second Assistant Chief as recommended by the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department.

Justin Stark was again appointed as the Street Superintendent.

(KLZA)-- A new automated answering phone line has been installed at the Falls City Post Office.

If you call the listed phone number, you will not get an answer.

The new number to call for the Falls City Post Office is 402-249-0017. When you dial the number, you will hear a recording telling you the hours the Post Office is open, how to track a package and how to report a theft of mail.

Onc the recording has concluded, you can stay on the line which will ring and be answered by an employee at the facility during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. on Saturday's.

Local Postmaster Montana Jones told MSC News that when the new equipment was installed the listed phone number was not able to be used.

In addition, the new system will only receive calls during the hours the Post Office is open, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the week.

Again the new number is 402-249-0017 for the Falls City Post Office.

(KNZA)--A baby was found unharmed following an armed carjacking in St. Joseph, Missouri Sunday evening.

KQ2-TV reports a 31-year-old man told police three men pulled him out of his car in the 500 block of North Belt Highway around 6:30 and assaulted him.

The men then got into his vehicle and drove off with his seven-month-old baby inside.

Police were able to pursue the vehicle using GPS tracking.

The suspects abandoned the vehicle at 20th and Jones Streets with the seven-month-old still in the car seat in the back.

The suspects are reported to have arrived in a late model SUV.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Joseph Police Department or TIPS Hotline at 816-238-8477 (TIPS)

(KNZA)--Four individuals were arrested in Jackson County on drug charges following two separate traffic stops.

Two arrests came after a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle shortly before 12:30 Monday morning near 150th and Q Roads.

During the traffic stop, Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the deputy observed inside the vehicle what appeared to be LSD.

The driver, 28-year-old Ryan Michelle Schommer, of Iola, allegedly resisted arrest with a brief struggle.

Schommer was arrested for possession of LSD, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, battery on a law enforcement officer, interference with law enforcement and driving while suspended.

The passenger, 35-year-old Jeffrey Wilson, of Grove, Oklahoma, was arrested for possession of LSD, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Following their arrest, the pair were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Meanwhile, two Topeka women were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County Friday night.

Morse said Jackson Co Sheriff's deputies arrested the women following a traffic stop shortly after 10:30 near 142nd Road and U.S. 75 Highway.

The driver, 49-year-old Janis Myrick, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and for an outstanding warrant from Jewell County, Kansas.

Her passenger, 58-year-old Lori Price, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony interference with law enforcement.

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

The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the incident.

(KNZA)--An early Monday morning one-vehicle crash in Dekalb County, Missouri sent a Falls City, Nebraska man to the hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 36 Highway, two miles west of Cameron, shortly after 2:15.

According to the Patrol report, the 23-year-old man was westbound when his Jeep Liberty ran off the left side of the roadway and down an embankment.

The man was transported by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, with suspected moderate injuries.

The name of the Falls City man is not made public due to Missouri State Highway Patrol policy.

(KLZA)-- The Eyes of the Child Team is made up of Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha and Johnson counties in Nebraska's 1st Judicial District.

The Team is sponsoring a drive to provide families involved in courts, with opportunities to bond through activities over the holiday season.

The Eyes of the Child team is part of the Nebraska Court Improvement Project. Multiple teams across the state meet regularly to address systemic issues in their juvenile court system.

The team consists of judges, attorney's Department of Health and Human Services administrators, court appointed special advocate employees, Foster Care Review Office members, probation officers and law enforcement.

The 1st Judicial District team is requesting gift cards and certificates to entertainment venues such as movie theaters, bowling alleys, museums and other places where families can go and enjoy time together.

Donation boxes are set up outside each of the participating County Courthouse offices. Donations will be accepted until December 13. Once collected, juvenile agencies will distribute them to the families.

If you have questions you may contact SENCA's Court Appointed Special Advocate Coordinator Debbie Green at 402-209-0446.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department reminds everyone that drunk driving is deadly, illegal behavior that puts the driver, their passengers and everyone else using the roads at terrible risks.

The Falls City PD will participate in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization campaign from December 11 through January 1, 2025.

This mobilization will hopefully result in reducing fatal and serious alcohol / impaired driving related injury and death crashes providing safer travels for all. During the enforcement period additional officers will be working overtime, conducting saturation patrols, concentrating on taking drunk / impaired drivers off the street and highways.

The overtime for the mobilization is funded through a grant provided by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Office.

The Falls City Police Department encourages everyone to make a plan, designate a driver, or make arrangements for another ride, before heading out to parties, gatherings or festivities so you avoid drunk driving at all costs.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeremiah Franks November 27 receiving an update on business within the Law Enforcement Center.

Franks reported there were currently a dozen inmates being held at the jail.

A request made by Sheriff Rick Hardesty to hire an additional dispatcher was discussed. Commissioners relayed to Deputy Franks that the request would be approved, but they recommended employment of the new hire begin after January 1.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. met with the Board. Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the Chairman to sign the Certification of County Highway Superintendent to be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Transportation so Richardson County will qualify for the annual incentive payment.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeremiah Franks Wednesday receiving an update on business within the Law Enforcement Center.

Franks reported there were currently a dozen inmates being held at the jail.

A request made by Sheriff Rick Hardesty to hire an additional dispatcher was discussed. Commissioners relayed to Deputy Franks that the request would be approved, but they recommended employment of the new hire begin after January 1.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. met with the Board. Commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing the Chairman to sign the Certification of County Highway Superintendent to be submitted to the Nebraska Department of Transportation so Richardson County will qualify for the annual incentive payment.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is calling it a “unique opportunity” for fishing aficionados looking to catch rainbow trout this winter.

Saying that trout season began Sunday, and runs through March 31, the City, in a release, says winter fishing can be done at Atchison's Community Lake #1, located on the north side of Harper Drive between 3rd & 6th Streets, due to a partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks.

The lake, the City notes, has received its first stocking.

The release informs those wanting to fish “that there are special state regulations and permits required” to do so.

(KNZA)--No injuries were reported in a late Sunday morning Hiawatha house fire.

Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said the Hiawatha Fire Department was dispatched just before 11:30 to 410 Oregon Street for a possible structure fire.

Upon entry, he said crew's found the second story ceiling and corresponding attic on fire.

It took about 10 minutes to contain the fire and the fire was out by around 12 noon.

Sheldon said there were 7 occupants in the home at the time the fire started and they all made it out safely.

There was water damage to the 1st and 2nd floors, as well as smoke and fire damage contained to a second story bedroom and ceiling.

Sheldon said the Kansas State Fire Marshall was called in to perform an investigation.

Every agency had cleared the scene by around 1:30 Sunday afternoon.

Sheldon thanked the Brown County Rescue Squad, Town and Country EMS, Robinson Fire Department and Hiawatha Police Department for their assistance.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County woman suffered what the Missouri State Highway Patrol calls moderate injuries in a late Sunday morning, Holt County crash on I-29, 5 miles north of Mound City.

According to a report from MSHP, the 20-year-old woman, from Lansing, was southbound on the interstate when her SUV went into the median, causing her to overcorrect. That caused the SUV to travel across both southbound lanes, before driving off the west side of the roadway where the Nissan Rogue ran down an embankment, and overturned. The SUV then struck a barbed wire fence, stopping, upright, in a cornfield.

The driver was transported by EMS to Fairfax Community Hospital for treatment.

The name of the Lansing woman is not made public due to Missouri State Highway Patrol policy.

(KMZA)--A late Saturday morning two-vehicle Nemaha County wreck claimed one life and left four others injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of U.S 36 Highway and W Road, nearly five miles west of Fairview, shortly after 11:30.

According to the Patrol report, 37-year-old Mark Ditmars, of Washington, Kansas, was driving a pickup truck southbound on W Road when he failed to stop at the stop sign and struck a westbound SUV on U.S. 36 driven by 33-year-old Taylar Deere-Novotny, of Lawrence, broadside.

A passenger in the SUV, 35-year-old William Novotny, of Lawrence, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ditmars and a passenger in his pickup, 36-year-old Jonathan Ditmars, of Washington, were transported to Hiawatha's Amberwell Health with suspected serious injuries.

Deere-Novotny was transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital with suspected serious injuries, while a three-year-old girl in her vehicle was transported to the hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says all the occupants were properly restrained when the wreck occurred.