(KLZA)-- Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported to Richardson County Commissioners last week that Deputy Zach Ractliffe has resigned from his position as a Sergeant.

Deputy Ractliffe is the K9 handler for the County Drug Dog Valor. Nemaha County Nebraska offered to pay Richardson County $5,000 to purchase the dog. The offer was approved by the Board.

Deputy Ractliffe has accepted a position with the Nemaha County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Hardesty also reported that he has received resignations from three different staff members at the Law Enforcement Center in recent weeks.

(KLZA)-- A new organization is making it's mission to rally current and former residents, alumni, businesses and friends of Pawnee City to support a project titled Vision 2030.

Pawnee City BOLD is driving an effort to revitalize the community of 850 residents by constructing 25 new single-family homes, offering a modern standard of living with small-town values by 2030.

The housing effort is supported by a $650,000 grant through the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the generosity of local alumni and donors through Pawnee City BOLD. The effort to make the program successful is supported by an innovative housing incentive program, which offers new residents $50,000 in down payment assistance.

BOLD anticipates a population growth of 100 people in the next five years due to building these homes. Such growth would help strengthen the local school system, the hospital, retail businesses and services and help create a sustainable future for the community.

A release from Pawnee City BOLD notes that over 50 families have expressed interest in moving to Pawnee City.

Construction of the first new homes started in November of last year and its anticipated the first homes will be move-in ready by July of this year.

In addition to the new homes, the city is making investments in parks, beautification and community amenities such as the VanHorne Park amphitheater and new pickleball courts.

Steve Glenn is the Chairman of the Economic Development Council in Pawnee City.

For more information on the new homes you can visit pawneecitynewhomes.com; contact the Economic Development Office at 402-630-6977 or reach the office at pawneecitydevelopment@gmail.com.

(KLZA)-- The University of Nebraska at Lincoln's 2024-25 Farm Real Estate Market Survey indicates that agricultural land values in the state declined by 2 percent in the past year, with the average value coming in at $3,935 per acre.

This marks the first decline in the market value of Nebraska ag land in six years.

In Southeast Nebraska, the all land average value was $7,170 per acre, which is 2 percent lower than the previous year.

Center pivot irrigated cropland averaged $11,280 per acre. Dryland cropland without irrigation potential averaged $6,705 per acre which is 3 percent less than last year.

Cash rent rates in Southeast Nebraska ranged from $335 per acres for center pivot irrigated cropland to $190 for dry land cropland. Pasture land cash rent dipped 4 percent to $63 per acre.

The price declines are blamed on current crop prices, interest rate levels and farm input costs.

(KAIR)--Public feedback is wanted as the Atchison Public School leaders of USD 409 seek a new superintendent.
According to a release from the school district, an online survey is in place to gain public input into the qualities and characteristics wanted in the district's next superintendent.

According to the release, the public's "voice is crucial in helping guide this important decision.

The survey can be found HERE.

The search comes as current Superintendent, Dr. Renee Nugent, readies to depart the district and the role she's held since 2019, accepting a position as the Kansas State Board of Education Department's Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Learning Services. She begins the new role on July 1.

According to the release, the USD 409 Board of Education has a selection timeline for the hiring of a new superintendent in place. Applications from those interested in the role are due April 11, with the position's contract to begin July 1 of this year.

(KNZA)--Two Leavenworth teenagers, one a juvenile, were arrested in Brown County last week following a traffic stop for speeding.

That's according to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, who says the stop was made around 10:20 Thursday night on U.S. Highway 75, near 230th Road, with K-9 Carla deployed at the scene. According to Merchant, the K-9 officer indicated on the vehicle, leading to a search that is alleged to have recovered several firearms, one of which, Merchant says, had been reported stolen in Missouri.

Arrested was 18-year-old Michael Dibble who was taken into custody for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a weapon by felon, and criminal carrying of weapons.

Following his arrest, Dibble was booked in the Brown County Jail on the charges.

The juvenile passenger, 17-year-old Dewayne Johnson, was found to be wanted in Leavenworth County on a juvenile warrant for battery.

Following his arrest, the teen was transported by a Jackson County Deputy to the Leavenworth County detention center.

(KNZA)--Brown County is now live streaming Commission meetings on YouTube.

On the recommendation of county Information Technology Director Dallas Jones, the Commission at their March 17 meeting approved utilizing YouTube in place of CivicPlus for the streaming of Commission meetings. The move will save the county about $5,500 annually.

You can find a link to the YouTube channel posted on the county's website.

The county will soon begin to upload previous meeting videos from this year to the channel.

(KNZA)--A northeast Kansas man is accused of intentionally damaging a Tesla in northwest Wichita earlier this month.

The Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office, in a release, said 30-year-old Johnathan Erhart, of Jefferson County, was formally charged Friday with one count of felony criminal damage to property.

The release says the felony charge carries a sentence of 5 to 17 months in prison.

The charge was filed following an investigation by the Wichita Police Department and comes after video footage was released showing a man appearing to scratch a parked Tesla Model X on March 20th in a parking lot outside a Wichita restaurant.

Erhart was arrested Friday on a warrant by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department and booked into the Jefferson County Jail. He was later released after posting a $2,500 bond.

There has been an uptick on attacks on property carrying the logo of Elon Musk's electric-car company since President Trump empowered Musk to oversee the new Department of Government Efficiency that's slashing government spending.

(KNZA)--A Thursday morning Jackson County traffic stop led to the arrest of two individuals on meth-related charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy stopped a Ford Explorer shortly before 10:30 on U.S. 75 Highway near 214th Road, south of Holton.

The driver of the vehicle, 27-year-old Elaine Moore, Horton, was arrested for possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended and transporting an open container.

Her passenger, 46-year-old Michael Bennett, of Topeka, was arrested for possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

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

The MSC Radio Network is excited to announce the return of a Royals Bus Trip on Sunday June the 1st!

25 lucky winners will each win two seats on the MSC Radio Network Royals Bus. The winners wilol also get two tickets the Royals game that day in the lower section of Kauffman Stadium. The Royals will be playing the Detroit Tigers at 1:10PM that day. Drinks and Refreshments will be provided by Seneca Wholesale and Dr. Pepper. Winners will also have a chance at other prizes during the trip!

There are 25 participating locations where individuals can sign up once each day. For a complete list of locations, click the link below:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23955

Entries will be accepted until Thursday May 22nd and winners will be drawn on Friday May 23rd.

A complete list of rules for the 2025 MSC Radio Network Royals Bus Trip can be found here:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23944

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERS!

The MSC Radio Network is excited to announce the return of a Royals Bus Trip on Sunday June the 1st!

25 lucky winners will each win two seats on the MSC Radio Network Royals Bus. The winners wilol also get two tickets the Royals game that day in the lower section of Kauffman Stadium. The Royals will be playing the Detroit Tigers at 1:10PM that day. Drinks and Refreshments will be provided by Seneca Wholesale and Dr. Pepper. Winners will also have a chance at other prizes during the trip!

There are 25 participating locations where individuals can sign up once each day. For a complete list of locations, click the link below:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23955

Entries will be accepted until Thursday May 22nd and winners will be drawn on Friday May 23rd.

A complete list of rules for the 2025 MSC Radio Network Royals Bus Trip can be found here:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23944

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERS!

The MSC Radio Network is excited to announce the return of a Royals Bus Trip on Sunday June the 1st!

25 lucky winners will each win two seats on the MSC Radio Network Royals Bus. The winners wilol also get two tickets the Royals game that day in the lower section of Kauffman Stadium. The Royals will be playing the Detroit Tigers at 1:10PM that day. Drinks and Refreshments will be provided by Seneca Wholesale and Dr. Pepper. Winners will also have a chance at other prizes during the trip!

There are 25 participating locations where individuals can sign up once each day. For a complete list of locations, click the link below:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23955

Entries will be accepted until Thursday May 22nd and winners will be drawn on Friday May 23rd.

A complete list of rules for the 2025 MSC Radio Network Royals Bus Trip can be found here:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23944

The MSC Radio Network is excited to announce the return of a Royals Bus Trip on Sunday June the 1st!

25 lucky winners will each win two seats on the MSC Radio Network Royals Bus. The winners wilol also get two tickets the Royals game that day in the lower section of Kauffman Stadium. The Royals will be playing the Detroit Tigers at 1:10PM that day. Drinks and Refreshments will be provided by Seneca Wholesale and Dr. Pepper. Winners will also have a chance at other prizes during the trip!

There are 25 participating locations where individuals can sign up once each day. For a complete list of locations, click the link below:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23955

Entries will be accepted until Thursday May 22nd and winners will be drawn on Friday May 23rd.

A complete list of rules for the 2025 MSC Radio Network Royals Bus Trip can be found here:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23944

The MSC Radio Network is excited to announce the return of a Royal's Bus Trip on Sunday June the 1st!

25 lucky winners will each win two seats on the MSC Radio Network Royals Bus. The winners wilol also get two tickets the Royals game that day in the lower section of Kauffman Stadium. The Royals will be playing the Detroit Tigers at 1:10PM that day. Drinks and Refreshments will be provided by Seneca Wholesale and Dr. Pepper. Winners will also have a chance at other prizes during the trip!

There are 25 participating locations where individuals can sign up once each day. For a complete list of locations, click the link below:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23955

Entries will be accepted until Thursday May 22nd and winners will be drawn on Friday May 23rd.

A complete list of rules for the 2025 MSC Radio Network Royals Bus Trip can be found here:

https://mscnews.net/announcements/view.cfm?ak=23944

(KNZA)--A resurfacing project is set to begin Monday, March 31 on U.S. 75 in Jackson and Shawnee Counties, conditions permitting.

The Kansas Department of Transportation- project extends about 13 miles, from N.W. 62nd Street in Shawnee County to 158th Road in Jackson County.

Alternating lane closures will occur where crews are actively working. The ramps at 150th Street will also close intermittently during the project. Message boards and signage will be in place to alert and guide motorists.

Work will take place during daylight hours Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed. Traffic control and lane reductions will remain in place during non-working hours.

KDOT says Bettis Asphalt & Construction Inc., of Topeka, is the prime contractor on the project, which is expected to be complete in August, conditions permitting.

(KAIR)---One person was injured in a three-vehicle crash in Atchison Friday afternoon.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, said officers responded to the crash at 4th Street and U.S 59 Highway at 1:45.

Wilson said a Lincoln MKZ driven by 61-year-old Maria Rioux, of Cummings was southbound on 4th Street and when approaching U.S. 59 rear-ended a stopped GMC SUV driven by 66-year-old Karen Pierce, of Faucett, Missouri.

The impact pushed the SUV into a stopped Nissan Altima driven by 35-year-old Jessica Kerr, of Atchison.

Rioux was transported by EMS to Atchison's Amberwell Hospital for examination.

No other injuries were reported.

(KAIR)--A Kansas City, Kansas man, convicted of child sex crimes in Leavenworth County, will spend more than a decade behind bars.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, in a release, said 64-year-old Gilberto Mendoza Jr. was sentenced Wednesday in Leavenworth County District Court to more than 11 years in prison on two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Mendoza plead guilty to the charges last month. As part of a plea deal, an additional count was dismissed.

Thompson said the unlawful acts occurred inside a home in rural Leavenworth County on April 26, 2024 while Mendoza was babysitting the victim.

(KLZA)-- The Peru State College Collegiate FBLA chapter has earned national recognition, winning the Collegiate FBLA Week Poster Contest. This achievement showcases the business and marketing skills students develop through their involvement in FBLA.

Lisa Smothers, Director of Membership for Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), notified local chapter advisor Dr. Sheri Grotrian of the win. The award-winning poster was designed by Amelia Hakl (Spencer), Gerald Lewis (Kansas City, Mo.), and Alexis Mullins (Beatrice) and highlighted key reasons for students to join FBLA, including:

Leadership development; Career preparation; Networking opportunities;

Competitions; Scholarships and awards; Making a difference.

FBLA, the world- largest business career and technical student organization, provides students with opportunities to enhance their professional skills and build connections for future success.

As part of their prize, the Peru State Collegiate FBLA chapter will receive a plaque, an FBLA podium banner, and a Visa gift card to celebrate with a chapter pizza party.

Looking ahead, seventeen Peru State Collegiate FBLA members will compete at the Nebraska State Leadership Conference this weekend in Kearney, further demonstrating their dedication to professional growth and excellence.

(KNZA)--Two were arrested at Mayetta business Wednesday evening on drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said shortly before 6:00 deputies were dispatched to check the welfare of two individuals sitting in a vehicle at the Dollar General store.

During the encounter, Morse said officers allegedly discovered fentanyl, controlled substances, THC and numerous drug paraphernalia items.

Deputies arrested 31-year-old Cassidy Howland and 33-year-old Jonathan King, both of Lawrence.

Howland was arrested for possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and felony trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

King was arrested for possession of fentanyl, possession of a stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

The Kansas Highway Patrol assisted with the incident.

(KNZA)--One person is dead following a police pursuit and officer-involved shooting in St. Joseph, Missouri Thursday morning that police say began after an armed carjacking.

St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster said the carjacking was reported around 10:30 near Sixth and Hall streets.

Police found the stolen vehicle about 30 minutes later near St. Joseph and Highland Avenues with two people inside and attempted to stop it.

The driver refused to stop and a pursuit ensued.

During the pursuit, a person in the suspect vehicle fired at the pursuing officers.

The stolen vehicle eventually crashed near 28th and Mitchell.

One person was taken into custody while the other ran to the 2500 block of Penn Street, where an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The suspect was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Division of Drug and Crime Control will handle the use of force investigation.

(KNZA)--A Thursday afternoon two-vehicle Jackson County crash sent a Hoyt man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of U.S. 75 Highway and 118th Road shortly before 4:00.

According to the KHP report, 43-year-old Kyle Akerstrom was traveling on 118th Road when his pickup truck entered U.S. 75 and struck the trailer of a southbound semi-truck.

Akerstrom was transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The semi driver, 53-year-old Ramon Harmon, of Berryton, was not hurt.

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

(KLZA)-- The United States Attorney's Office has announced that a federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned an indictment, charging 33-year-old Jermaine Cobb of Auburn with being a felon in possession of a firearm on oar about February 27 of this year.

If convicted, Cobb is facing a penalty of up to 15 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and a term of supervised release.

(KLZA)-- Peru State College will welcome distinguished speaker and best-selling author V.J. Smith on Tuesday, April 22, at 11:00 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

This special event made possible through the generosity of the late Dr. Daryl and Peggy Long through the Peru State College Foundation, is free and open to the public.

The Longs were dedicated to enriching the educational experience for students, faculty, and the community by providing access to inspiring speakers.

V.J. Smith is a nationally recognized speaker and author who captivates audiences with his heartfelt and engaging storytelling. A 1978 graduate of South Dakota State University (SDSU), Smith spent a decade working for the Allied Signal Aerospace Company in Kansas City before returning to SDSU to serve in the athletic department.

Today, Smith delivers more than 100 speeches annually across the country, sharing messages of kindness, gratitude, and human connection.

His presentation will center around his best-selling book, The Richest Man in Town, which tells the inspiring true story of ‘Marty,’ a humble Walmart cashier whose simple yet profound approach to life left a lasting impact on those around him.

(KNZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation bridge repair project began Thursday on U.S. 36 in Brown County. The bridge is located about one-half mile west of the U.S. 36/U.S. 73 junction.

The work zone will be reduced to one lane, and traffic crossing the bridge will be guided by temporary traffic signals. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 10 minutes. U.S. 36 will also have a 12-foot width restriction in the work zone for the concrete mill and overlay project.

Work will take place Monday through Friday during daylight hours.

KDOT says PCI Roads, of St. Michael, Minnesota, is the prime contractor on the $334,000 project. The work is expected to be complete by the end of May.

(KAIR)--An Interim Executive Director is named for the Atchison Art Association, with Jennifer Tufte appointed to fill that role.

According to a release from the association, Tufte "steps into the role following the departure of longtime Executive Director Deborah Geiger, whose 14 years of dedicated leadership helped shape the organization into a respected regional leader in the arts."

Tufte, who begins her new role April 1 brings with her, the release notes, "a strong background in marketing and art, holding bachelor's degrees in both and an MBA from Benedictine College," and "previously served as the Muchnic Gallery Director, where she managed day-to-day operations and curated a wide range of exhibitions," with the release saying "her passion for creative engagement, combined with her deep ties to the Atchison community, makes her well-positioned to guide the organization through this transitional period."

As Interim Executive Director, Tufte will oversee daily operations, programming, and community outreach while the Board of Directors conducts a search for permanent leadership.

Tufte, in the release, credits Geiger's years of leadership, saying the association, throughout her time, "flourished as an organization by bringing the Cultural Center to the community, beginning to offer scholarships for up and coming talented young artists, and adding to the public art around Atchison."

President of the Atchison Art Association Board, Angie Cairo, in the release says the association "is confident in Jennifer- ability to carry [the association's commitment of enriching lives through the arts] forward with energy, creativity, and care."

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission is considering an amendment to the county's burn ban resolution.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the issue was discussed at Monday's meeting, with Sheriff Mark Allen, Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington and Emergency Management Coordinator Julie Meng on hand.

Allen told commissioners the current resolution allows burning in a non-combustible container during a burn ban, which resulted in his department receiving several calls of concern about any type of burning during a ban.

Allen asked the Commission to consider amending the resolution to disallow any type of burning when a burn ban or red flag warning has been issued.

The Commission took no action pending review of the current resolution and further discussion with County Attorney Charles Baskins.

(MSC News)- The number of measles cases in Kansas has more than doubled.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported Wednesday that 23 people have now tested positive for measles since the start of this year, with 21 of those cases from this month.

The outbreak has spread to six counties in southwest and south central Kansas.

All of the cases are children under the age of 17, except for two. Twenty of the measles patients have never been vaccinated.

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to hospitalization or death.

State health officials say the Kansas cases might be linked to outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.

The state and local health departments are notifying people who might have been exposed.

Health officials urge people to vaccinate.

(KNZA)--An early Wednesday evening two-vehicle Jackson County crash sent a Delia woman to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of U.S. 75 Highway and 158th Road shortly after 5:00.

According to the KHP report, 82-year-old Marla Bowers was eastbound on 158th Road when she attempted to cross U.S. 75 and her van was struck by a southbound SUV.

Bowers was transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The driver of the SUV, 36-year-old Perry, Oklahoma resident Justin Marshall, was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were wearing seat belts when the crash occurred.

(KNZA)--Concrete repairs are planned at the Hiawatha Aquatic Park.

The City Commission Monday evening approved having J & B Contractors complete the repairs for $46,880.

City Administrator Brad Scott said the primary focus will be on repairing the concrete on the north side of the pool, with the work to be done before the start of the 2025 aquatic season

American Rescue Plan Act funds will be utilized to pay for the project.

In other business, the Commission approved the purchase of the parts needs to rehab one of the banks of the UV disinfection system at the city's sewer plant for a cost of $17,167—including installation. The rehab project will include the replacement of 24 lamps.

The Commission approved a resolution finding a violation of the city's environmental code at 200 Pawnee Street due to a motor vehicle nuisance. The vehicle is not currently registered or tagged. The owner was first notified of the violation last December, but has failed to comply with the code. The resolution directs the removal of the vehicle, and assesses the cost to the owner. The resolution was approved on a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Brian Shefferd casting the dissenting vote.

An updated was provided on the city water meter replacement project.

Scott said Jadwin Construction is currently cutting holes in the meter lids to accommodate the antenna's for the new meters, which are shipped at the end of the month.

He said installation of the new meters should begin in the next several weeks. Plans are to begin on the north end of town and work south.

In addition, Police Chief Mickey Gruber informed the Commission that Officer Lorenzo Mendez has been promoted to the rank of sergeant.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council approved a contract for the purchase of three generators for the new electric substation to be constructed at the Jaycee's ball field when they met last week.

The contract with Foley Equipment is for a total amount $8,270,000 for the 3 Caterpiller generators.

The generators haven't yet been built, but have been reserved.

Once built, Foley will store the generators for the city until the new substation has been constructed.

The city won't have to make a payment until September 2027.

In other business, the Council approved the purchase of the haydite and oil for this summer's chip and sealing of city streets for a total cost of $103,380.

City Superintendent Brian Ruske said plans are to do about 60 blocks of streets.

Also on the recommendation of Ruske, the Council approved the purchase of a new Case skid steer loader with the trade-in of the city's 2000 model for a cost of $42,600 with an extra two-year warranty on top of the two-year warranty the machine comes with.

(KLZA)-- U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) has introduced two bills to cut federal taxes on Social Security and military retirement benefits.

The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act would begin phasing out federal taxes on Social Security benefits. The bipartisan Tax Cuts for Veterans Act, introduced with Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), would eliminate the federal tax on military retirement benefits.

The bills are modeled after successful efforts to eliminate state taxes on similar benefits when Ricketts was Governor of Nebraska.

The Social Security Check Tax Cut Act would phase out federal taxes on Social Security benefits, beginning with a 10% cut in year one and increasing to 20% in year two. Congress can continue phasing out the tax by 10% a year and make all Social Security income tax free by 2035.

Under The Tax Cuts for Veterans Act, savings per veteran would vary depending on their earned retirement pay. An enlisted soldier, sailor, airman, marine, guardsman, or guardian who served for 20 years could save over $500 per month and over $6,000 per year.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education adopted the 2024-25 salary schedule for the 2025-26 contracts when they met March 19. This action is taken each year prior to approved the new salary schedule which will be reviewed during the April Board meeting.

The Board approved the slate of contracts for 9 probationary teachers for the 25-26 school year and contracts were approved for 16 Permanent/Tenure Teachers as well.

The Board approved hiring Shawna Farr as the FACS Teacher for the next school year, Hannah Voltmer as the High School Science Teacher, Shari Greiner as a 5h Grade Teacher and Tyson Jackson as the K-12 Band / Music Teacher.

A proposal from Harvest Homes Construction LLC, was approved to remodel the Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary Bathrooms over the summer. The project will include new partitions, toilets, urinals, faucets and wall coverings.

The cost for the project will be $56,300 and approximately $10,000 more for the toilets, urinals and faucets.

(KNZA)--It will cost more to dispose of trash at the Brown County landfill, beginning May 1st.

The Brown County Commission Monday approved a rate increase as presented by Landfill Director Don Pounds.

The rates to dispose of trash at the landfill will increase 25 percent. The new rate for in-county trash will be $ 75 a ton, while the new rate for out-of-county trash will be $86 a ton.

The rates for the disposal of construction and demolition material will increase 30 percent. The new rate for in-county C & D material will be $36.50 a ton, while the new rate for out-of county C & D material will be $41 a ton.

Commissioners say the rate adjustment is necessary due to continued increases in operational costs.

The last rate increase took effect December 1st of last year.

The landfill is funded through user fees and not subsidized by tax dollars.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission is, as stated in a public notice released to social media Tuesday evening, "reviewing options into selling the County Lake property," located at 326th Road, in a portion of Horton within the County limits.

The public will be able to voice opinions regarding the proposition during the April 15 meeting of the Commission.

The notice lists the property as 217.60 total acres, with a listed selling price of $1.6 million.

The County, in the notice, states the sale would mean savings for Atchison County taxpayers, placing the currently tax exempt-property "back on the tax roll, generating tax revenue and increasing the community's tax base."

The notice further explains that proceeds from the funds generated through sale of the lake "will be reinvested into critical infrastructure and capital improvements to enhance operational efficiency and long-term growth," as well as supporting "upgrades, maintenance, and expansion efforts, ensuring sustainability and increased capacity."

Also included with the notice is a breakdown of the annual cost for upkeep of the lake and related property, with that cost growing from just under $6,000 in 2020 to just under $23,000 for the current year.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners approved a request from County Attorney Samantha Scheitel to re-hire former employee Alexia Fleming as a full-time attorney for the County Attorney's Office when they met March 19.

The Board approved a quote from Summit Fire Protection of Lincoln to install a cellular communicator in an amount of $1,412 and authorized Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall to proceed with contacting the company to oversee the project and to follow-up with Security Equipment Inc. to terminate the monitoring services for the alarm system.

The Board also discussed the rural fire department radio repeaters.

The radio communication equipment is placed on the Falls City water tower and the City of Falls City has indicated at different times, plans to install a generator at the water tower site to provide electrical service when power is out so that radio communication will still be available.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty informed the Board that the school resource officer at the HTRS School in Humboldt is no longer at the school. Commissioners requested that written notification of terminating the position at HTRS be forwarded tot he County Clerk for the record.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Public Works passed a resolution during their March 20th meeting supporting a proposal from Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise to build a secondary electrical transmission line for Falls City and seek designation as a Network Integration transmission Service provider.

The designation must also be approved by the City Council.

The designation would allow Falls City Utilities to purchase electricity from multiple sources and effectively control its own destiny.

In a release to EDGE Members and community leaders, the economic development organization points out that this project will never be more affordable, and that this is Falls City's opportunity, and it's necessary for the future of Falls City's growth.

While poised to land a multi-billion dollar investment from Citroniq, EDGE points out the electrical infrastructure addition is for the future of the community, and not necessarily in preparation for Citroniq.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has approved the proposal and is poised to send the City of Falls City the $15 million the city earned through the LB977 grant in the Spring of 2022.

EDGE hopes to formally present the opportunity to the City Council on Monday, April 7th or possibly April 21.

EDGE encourages you to voice your support to elected officials on the City Council.

Specific details of the project are not yet available for public consumption due to NERC and FERC regulations.

The City needs to seek a reliable electrical source to prevent future power outages.

The current transmission line has no capacity for future growth. While there is a large capital investment that will need to be bonded, the debt payments are affordable.

In addition, Citroniq has verbally committed to Falls City to assist with financing for the project.

(KLZA)--An Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump last week is expected to put the U.S. On the path to critical minerals self-sufficiency and help to reduce the country's reliance on foreign products from the likes of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa according to Mark Smith, Executive Chairman and CEO of NioCorp Developments, the company developing the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in Southeast, Nebraska.

The Elk Creek Project is to produce critical minerals including niobium, scandium, titanium and magnetic rate earth oxides, once project financing is obtained.

Smith says the President's proposed fast-tracking permitting for minerals projects is another good step in the right direction.

NioCorp is now working with the U.S. Export-Import Bank to secure up to $800 million in potential debt financing for the Elk Creek Project through the the Export-Import Bank program “Make More in America” initiative.

In addition, NioCorp is in discussion with the U.S. Department of Defense to potentially secure up to $10 million in grant funding to help the company advance the Elk Creek Project.

NioCorp is unable to estimate how long the application process with the Bank or Department of Defense may take, nor is there assurances the company will be able to successfully negotiate a final commitment of debt financing.

(KNZA)--A Hoyt woman was arrested following a house fire Sunday morning.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said emergency personnel were dispatched shortly before 7:20 to a reported structure fire at a residence located at 103 S. Eastern Ave, in Hoyt.

The reporting party stated they could not get any of the occupants of the residence to come to the door to escape the fire located on the porch, which spread to the rear of the residence.

Sheriff's deputies arrived on scene and made forcible entry after attempting to contact any occupants inside.

Law enforcement found the sole occupant, 35-year-old Sandra Ahlstedt, and was able to escort her to safety with no injuries.

Morse said a deputy allegedly observed drug paraphernalia inside the residence.

A search warrant for the residence was obtained and executed. Crack cocaine, marijuana, THC and multiple items of drug paraphernalia were located.

Ahlstedt was arrested on drug possession charges and booked into the Jackson County Jail.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and caused from a charcoal grill which had blown over in the wind.

(KLZA)-- March 24 - 28th is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency is encouraging state residents be prepared during Nebraska's severe weather season.

You can prepare for severe weather by making sure everyone in your home knows and understands what to do if you were asked to evacuate on short notice.

Suggestions include starting a conversation with your friends and family about how to communicate before, during and after a disaster.

You should gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home, remembering those with special needs including your pets.

Parents should talk to their children about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated.

Be sure to find out what disaster could impact the area where you live and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate.

(KAIR)--An agricultural educator at Jefferson West High School, in Meriden, is named as a finalist for the Golden Owl Award, presented through the Kansas FFA in partnership with Nationwide.

According to a release, Steve Buss "was selected through nominations submitted from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, recognizing his outstanding contributions to agricultural education and student development," with the release noting that "Buss was selected for his exceptional dedication to agricultural education, hands-on learning, and leadership development."

As part of being named as a district finalist, Buss received an individualized plaque and a $500 check as a district finalist, and now advances to the final selection stage, where one educator will be named Kansas Ag Educator of the Year, receiving an additional $3,000 Nationwide-funded check and the prestigious Golden Owl Award trophy.

Beth Gaines, Executive Director of the Kansas FFA Foundation calls Buss "an outstanding mentor and role model for his students," adding, in the release, that "his ability to connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural experiences makes a lasting impact on the future of agriculture."

Established by Nationwide, the Golden Owl Award honors the hard work of agricultural educators and provides additional resources to enhance their programs. This year, the award program recognizes exceptional ag educators in 13 states, including Kansas.

In addition to recognizing finalists, Nationwide is donating $5,000 to Kansas FFA to further support the professional and personal development of students, educators, and advisors.

The Kansas Ag Educator of the Year will be announced at the 97th Kansas FFA Convention at Kansas State University from May 27-30, 2025.

(KMZA)--Work on a Kansas Department of Transportation bridge replacement project is underway on K-63 in Nemaha County.

The Turkey Creek bridge is located about 1 mile south of the K-71 junction.

Beginning Monday, March 24, the work zone will be reduced to one lane, and traffic crossing the bridge will be directed by temporary traffic signals. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 10 minutes.

There will also be a 12-foot width restriction through the work zone.

Work will take place Monday through Friday during daylight hours.

Wildcat Construction Co., of Wichita, is the contractor on the $5.7 million project, which is expected to be complete in January 2026, conditions permitting.

(KLZA)-- The Flatwater Free Press reported in a story last week that union representatives of the employees of the Richardson County Road and Bridge Departments will go before the Commission of Industrial Relations, the state commission that resolves labor disputes between government agencies and public employees.

The employees are represented by the Nebraska Association of Public Employees.

In 2023, the union alleged the county was engaging in prohibited bargaining practices, after confusion over who was responsible for a holdup in negotiating raises.

The commission dismissed the case in November 2023.

Since 2022, the story says Richardson County has spent at least $143,000 on attorney fees and a labor consultant battling with the union over a new contract and wage increases. The road and bridge department budget covers those costs.

During the same time period elected officials received wage increases as well as office staff in county departments received pay increases ranging from $1.50 to $4 per hour.

The commissioners also approved raises for themselves: from $25,151 in 2022 to $35,316 in 2024.

(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Board of Commissioners met last Tuesday.

The board reviewed and approved the interlocal agreement between the City and the County regarding the kenneling of animals.

The board also approved to transfer monies from the STOP fund to the General fund and the transfer of monies from the General fund to Drug Law Enforcement.

The Board approved the rehiring of Candi Nicholas on a part-time basis as requested by County Clerk Rachel King.

The Board approved the purchase of a new patrol vehicle from John Jones Auto Group for $41,943.50 with $20,000 coming out of Inheritance Fund.

(KLZA)-- Community Hospital-Fairfax in Fairfax, Mo was named among the 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Chartis' annual Top 100 awards program honors outstanding performance among the nation's 1,371 critical access rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX.

The INDEX is the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is utilized nationwide by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of rural health to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council heard reports and received funding requests from two organizations when they met last week.

Kylee Bergstrom, executive director of the Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact, presented her organization's annual report.

Bergstrom said they did over 20 events last year—including taking over the Farmers Market. She also said they provided over $58,000 in chamber gift certificates last year, and launched a new website.

Bergstrom requested a 5 percent annual increase in funding from the city for a five-year period, beginning next year.

Mayor Joe Mitchell voiced concerns about making a five-year funding commitment, and instead suggested a one year funding increase.

The Council voted to provide $44,100 to the organization for 2026, which is a $2,100 increase.

The Council also heard the annual report from Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation.

Facilitator Theresa McAnerney presented the update to the council.

The program offers free and confidential business coaching in a five-county area—including Nemaha.

Since beginning in 2003, McAnerney said they have a total of 1,857 clients, with 334 of those from Nemaha County.

She requested funding in the amount of $5,000 per year for 2025-2027, which the Council approved. That's the same amount the organization received the past three years.

(KAIR)--Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy, following what a release calls "an extensive four-month, nationwide search," has selected a new Principal.

The release says, following the search led by the firm RedBalloon, Dr. Christi Adams has been hired for the role. Adams is already a familiar face at the school, having served in the role of interim Principal since October of last year.

The release says applicants from across the country were considered for the role, and the staff at RedBalloon shared that it was "the most impressive applicant pool they had ever seen" generated from a job posting for principal.

Since the hiring of President David Trotter in January 2024, the release explains, "the Board of Directors and school- Leadership Team have made it a top priority to explicitly clarify the mission and vision of MH-MA and align every aspect of the school to that mission and vision as a Catholic, college prep, boarding school that educates young men and women in the Benedictine tradition."

Adams brings twenty-one years of teaching and leadership experience to her new role, beginning her connection to the local school community in 2002 when she served as a dormitory prefect for boarding students while completing her undergraduate studies at Benedictine College. Following graduation, she worked for ten years in the Leavenworth Public Schools before returning to Benedictine College where she has served as Chair of the School of Education.

Adams was recently recognized as the 2024 Distinguished Educator of the Year by Benedictine College for her dedication to teaching and upholding the mission of the College.

(KNZA)--An early Sunday morning one-vehicle Doniphan County crash sent two Troy residents to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said 32-year-old Ashlee Etherton was westbound on U.S. 36 at Saratoga Road when her Lincoln MKZ traveled off the road into the north ditch, vaulted and struck a tree before coming to rest on its side.

Ashlee Etherton and her passenger, 42-year-old Adam Etherton, were both transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says Ashlee Etherton was not wearing a seat belt, but Adam Etherton was buckled up when the crash occurred around 1:15 Sunday morning.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha motorcyclist was injured in a Brown County crash Saturday evening.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on 300th Road, just east of Grasshopper Road, about 4 miles northeast of Morrill shortly before 7:30.

According to the KHP report, 55-year-old Marlon Carroll was westbound when his Harley Davidson motorcycle struck a road sign, traveled into the north ditch and came to rest on its side.

Carroll was transported to Amberwell Hospital, in Hiawatha, with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

(KAIR)--A Fort Leavenworth teen, convicted of using Snapchat to threaten a shooting at Leavenworth High School in September 2024, has learned his fate.

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, in a release, said Leavenworth County District Court Judge Gerald Kuckelman on Friday sentenced 18-year-old Kaden Bentley--who had already served about six months in Jail leading up to his sentence--to probation.

Thompson said he had requested a 32-month prison sentence, but the judge instead used his discretion and sentenced Bentley to three years probation.

A Leavenworth County jury found Bentley guilty in January of aggravated criminal threat during a trial.

As part of his probation, Bentley must seek and maintain employment, obtain his GED, and pay court costs. He was also ordered to undergo an anger management evaluation and comply with any recommended treatment.

On Sept. 16, 2024, Leavenworth police officers were alerted to a potential school shooting threat made on the social media platform. Bentley was eventually located at a home in Fort Leavenworth, where he occasionally stayed with a family member.

(KAIR)--A January disturbance, at an Atchison apartment that left one of two women requiring hospital care due to knife-related injuries, has led to an arrest.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says 42-year-old Michael Leach was arrested Thursday afternoon, around 3:30, at a residence in the 1000 block of Kearney Street. He was taken into custody on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging him with aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated intimidation of a witness, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat, and battery.

Booked into the Atchison County Jail following his arrest, bond, for Leach, is set at $500,000.

According to Wilson, officers, early New Year's morning around 1:30, responded to an apartment in the 1200 block of North 4th Street after two women, aged 37 and 46, reported that a man known to them, identified as Leach, threatened and injured them with a knife before taking their cellphones by force and leaving the apartment prior to police arrival.

One of the two women was treated for knife-related injuries, then released, from the hospital.

(KNZA)-- A Nebraska man was injured in a lateThursday evening one-vehicle Jefferson County, Kansas crash.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of Lecompton Road and U.S. 24 Highway, on the east side of Perry, shortly after 10:00.

According to the KHP report, 24-year-old Ryan Rockenbach, of Crete, Nebraska, was northbound on Lecompton Road when he failed to stop at the stop sign at U.S. 24. His car then crossed both lanes of U.S. 24 before ending up on the north side of the highway.

Rockenbach was transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says he was wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred.

(KNZA)--The number of measles cases in Kansas this year now stands at six.

The update from the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment on Thursday came one week after the state recorded its first case of measles since 2018.

According to KDHE data, the cases are in Stevens and Grant counties, in the southwest part of the state.

All of the patients are under the age of 18 and were unvaccinated. No hospitalizations have been reported.

Measles symptoms often start with flu-like signs including a high fever, cough, and watery eyes, followed by a red rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward.

State health officials say the best way to protect yourself against measles is to get vaccinated.

(KNZA)--Debbie Hoffman has been named Chief Executive Officer of ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Elwood-St. Joseph.

According to a release from the hospital, Hoffman, a registered-nurse, brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience to her new role.

She recently served as Director of Nursing Operations at the hospital.

Hoffman has held numerous leadership positions throughout hospitals in Kansas and Missouri.

"Because I began my career in nursing, quality patient care and safety have always been my priorities," Hoffman said. "I'm passionate about helping patients recover fully so they can regain independence and quality of life. I'm looking forward to leading the team at ClearSky Elwood-St. Joseph as we continue to advance patient care, foster innovation, and ensure the hospital's long-term organizational success."

Hoffman attended Northwest Technical School in Maryville where she became a licensed practical nurse. She earned an associate's degree in nursing from Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa and a bachelor's degree in nursing from Maryville University in St. Louis.

Hoffman earned her master's degree in management and leadership from Webster University in St. Louis and is a member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and Missouri Organization of Nurse Leaders.

(KNZA)--An early Thursday afternoon two-vehicle Shawnee County crash sent a Hoyt couple to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 75 Highway, just north of Northwest Silver Lake Road, shortly after 12 noon.

According to the KHP report, a pickup truck was southbound when the vehicle rear ended a SUV for an unknown reason.

The driver of the SUV, 74-year-old Gilbert O'Shea, and his passenger, 75-year-old Lois O'Shea, were both transported to a Topeka hospital for treatment.

The Patrol says Lois O'Shea suffered suspected serious injuries, while Gilbert O'Shea suffered suspected minor injuries. Neither was wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred.

The driver of the pickup, 89-year-old Topeka resident John Ashby, was not injured.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is warning of a bank scam being reported locally.

Merchant says the Sheriff's Office has been receiving complaints from county residents that they are receiving text messages from what appears to be the Blue Valley Bank of Hiawatha.

The text messages state that a debit was set up on their card and they are asking residents to reply or visit a site provided to cancel.

Merchant said he contacted the Bank of Blue Valley and they have not been sending the text messages.

People have reported that they have never been a customer of Blue Valley and are receiving the text messages.

Merchant is asking those who receive such a text to delete it immediately.

If you feel that you have been made a victim of this or any other scam, you should notify your local law enforcement at once and/or your
bank.

(KAIR)--Atchison-based Benedictine College has announced the keynote speaker for the college's 2025 Commencement Exercises.

According to a release from the private, Catholic college, Sister Deirdre “Dede” Byrne, POSC, a Roman Catholic religious sister, missionary, surgeon and retired U.S. Army colonel, will be the featured keynote speaker for the Commencement Exercises, set for May 17.

The release calls her "a fearless advocate for the unborn and the chronically ill and disabled," who has "worked tirelessly to defend conscience protections for medical doctors."

Her story is told in the recently published biography, Sister, Soldier, Surgeon: The Life and Courage of Sister Deirdre Byrne, M.D. by Leisa Marie Carzon, Ph.D.

Sister Dede currently currently serves as the local superior of the Washington, D.C., house of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts as well as the institute's medical missions.

As keynote speaker, she will, along with three other women, receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree. The others, Denise Burke, Kellie Fiedorek and Erin Hawley, are staff members of the Alliance Defending Freedom and were involved in various ways with the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case in Mississippi that eventually went to the Supreme Court and resulted in the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Due to limited seating, Commencement Exercises at Benedictine College are private events for family and friends of the graduates. Tickets are required for entry into the Ralph Nolan Gymnasium, where the ceremony takes place.

Editor's note: An earlier edition of this story said it was an Atchison County ambulance that could not respond for assistance. Instead, it was an unspecified "local ambulance," with Atchison County Chief of Emergency Services telling MSC News, "Atchison County EMS and Atchison County Rescue were able to reach every single call during that snowstorm. Mr. O'Grady is a member of Atchison County Rescue and we a proud of that fact. We are also certainly proud of all our staff that braved the conditions that day to reach every single call for help."

We apologize for the incorrect information and have updated the story to better reflect accuracy.

(KAIR)--An Atchison Police Officer is named as "Ace of the Month," and the story behind his nomination stems from his actions during a matter of life or death.

MPO John O'Grady was nominated for the honor by Matthew Carr, named in a release from the City of Atchison as a "fellow employee" of O'Grady.

It was in January, Carr wrote in his letter of nomination, during that month's blizzard that left area roadways nearly impassable, that his father required hospital care; but, due to the conditions, a local ambulance, as he stated, was unable to respond to the location, leaving O'Grady, who was off duty, called to assist. "Without hesitation," Carr writes, O'Grady said yes, and provided access to his father, "gave the paramedics items they needed from the jump bag, and helped carry him out on a backboard through the snow to the back of a truck which took him to the ambulance."

Carr adds that it's not just what O'Grady did, but what he said," telling Carr he hoped his dad gets better.

Carr's father did not survive; and, when he told O'Grady several days later, he looked Carr in the eyes and said, "Just know we did all we could do."

O'Grady has been with the Atchison Police Department for four years, but has, the City's release says, "served as a first responder in many different roles over the span of his career."

As Ace for the month of March, O'Grady receives a $50 gift card, good at any local business, and is included in the running for Ace of the year.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Community Foundation (HCF) has announced the hiring of Deborah Geiger as their first full-time Executive Director.

According to a release, the position has been made possible through the Patterson Family Foundation Capacity Building Program established for rural communities and marks the ability for HCF to better serve the community and its nonprofit organizations. Geiger will officially begin her role as Executive Director of HCF on April 1st.

The release says HCF is one of 20 affiliates of the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF) and Geiger will be a member of the GMCF development team while focusing on the growth and success of HCF. HCF has previously been led by a volunteer board and will now have a dedicated executive director to not only enhance the impact on the community but also to strengthen community partnerships and support local initiatives. Along with working with the local board, Geiger will also collaborate with GMCF.

"HCF Board is excited to have Deborah on board to devote more time to the Foundation and to help the Fund Holders. Also, to help bring on new donors to the Foundation," said HCF Board President Virginia Freese.

The release says Geiger's work in nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship demonstrates her deep commitment to rural development and community engagement. She has led initiatives to improve accessibility and build stronger connections in Atchison and the surrounding region. Living on an organic farm in Robinson with her husband and three children, she brings a hands-on approach to sustainability and collaboration. The release adds her experience and passion for community-driving impact will be a valuable asset to the Hiawatha Community Foundation.

"I am so excited to come back to the area. I feel like it is a perfect fit. I am excited to get on board," said Geiger.

HCF was founded in 2020 by a group of volunteer community members.

(KNZA)--A St. George firm will assist the Hiawatha school district in developing a facilities master plan.

The USD 415 Board of Education at their March 10 meeting approved a contract with Lighthouse Construction Guidance to provide the service for fee not to exceed $24,000.

The action came after Tucker Peddicord with Lighthouse Construction Guidance gave a presentation on the services his company could offer regarding the master planning of district facilities.

The company has a skill set that is tailored to school districts, and acts as an advocate on behalf of the school district when planning for a project.

The board discussed and agreed that there would be a benefit and need for master planner.

In other business, the board discussed how to proceed with the wrestling program.

Currently, the school district participates in a wresting co-op with Doniphan West but are exploring the possibility of establishing a district level program.

High School Athletic Director Ben Kettler and Middle School Activities Director Kim Lillie shared information on the advantages and disadvantages of each.

The Board asked Kettler to put out some feelers for coaches as well as gauge the interest in having wrestling at the district level.

Also plans for a summer school program at the elementary school were discussed, utilizing at-risk funds. The program would run from June 2nd-June 25th and cover grades preschool through 2nd grade.

(KLZA)--The Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors met on Thursday, March 13th, 2025.

Todd Boellstorff (Douglas/Subdistrict 2), Kraig Coonce (Rulo/Subdistrict 9), and Ed Ehmen (Sterling/Subdistrict 8) took the oath of office and were installed as directors.

Tracy Ensor was selected to serve as chair of the Operations & Education committee.

Three irrigation well permits were approved for A & K Rippe in Nemaha County.

Due to continued drought conditions and declining groundwater levels in the district, an immediate temporary stay for a period of up to 180 days has been imposed on the issuance of any new well permits. Previously approved, unexpired well permits, replacement wells, public water supply wells, and well permits for wells designed to pump 50 to 150 gallons per minute will continue to be allowed along with test hole drilling and conversions from gravity to pivot irrigation.

Financial assistance in the amount of $315 for the Falls City FFA National Land Judging Team has been approved. The funds will be directed toward their registration for the event in Oklahoma City in May.

Due to higher than anticipated costs, the board declined all quotes received for drone spraying on 18 watershed structures. Staff will investigate other options.

The board approved the contract with SubSurface, Inc., for slip lining 11 watershed structures. This method reinforces the pipes within the dams and has been successfully implemented over the past couple of years.

The next meeting of the Nemaha NRD board of directors will be Thursday, April 10, at 7:00 p.m.

(KMZA)--A Seneca couple has made a large donation to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

The $250,000 donation from Jim and Patricia Koch will support the recent expansion and remodel project at the hospital and recognize the couple as one of the sponsors of the new MRI unit.

Jim Koch said they are honored and proud to be part of the expansion plans at the hospital.

Hospital CEO Kiley Floyd said they are grateful for the generous gift and expressed her thanks to the the Koch's for their ongoing dedication to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital.

She said the contribution will significantly support their expansion and remodeling efforts, ultimately improving the healthcare services they offer to their patients and their families.

The multi-phased project includes a large addition as well as renovation to the majority of the existing hospital.

For information concerning the NVCH hospital expansion or the Capital Campaign please contact Floyd at 785-336- 6181 Courtney Schmelzle at 785-336-042

(KAIR)--Following three-days closed, Atchison County Offices, Thursday, reopen to the public.

The closure followed what the County calls "a recent cyber incident."

According to a release Wednesday evening from the County, "a lot of progress has been made over the last few days to securely restore our network and critical public systems," leading to the decision to reopen.
The release notes that "Atchison County IT and leading cybersecurity and forensic teams continue working to test and recover systems impacted by the recent cyber incident."

The County will "continue working on a phased approach to bring public facing systems back online," meaning "there still may be some delays in processing your requests."

Those with County business are encouraged to call ahead of an in-person visit to make certain assistance is currently available.

(KNZA)--A Utah man, facing multiple charges in connection with a 2024 Jefferson County sex crimes case, will undergo a competency evaluation.

According to court documents, Jefferson County District Judge Christopher Etzel last week granted a motion filed by the attorney for 32-year-old Kolby O'Conner for the evaluation.

The evaluation will be conducted by The Guidance Center, in Oskaloosa.

A competency hearing has been set for May 8th.

O'Conner faces two counts each of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated sexual battery in connection with alleged sex crimes occurring in April 2024 while he was living in Jefferson County.

He was extradited back to Kansas late last month after being arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Tooele, Utah on a Jefferson County District Court warrant.

O'Conner remains in the Jefferson County Jail, held on a $150,000 bond.

(KNZA)--A major financial boost for the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas Health Center.

That comes through more than $2.8 million awarded through the Indian Health Service Small Ambulatory Program. According to a release from the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, the funds will be used for the expansion of the Health Center.

The funding is part of $25 million awarded in fiscal year 2024 to eight tribes and tribal organizations to invest in the construction, expansion, or modernization of small ambulatory health care facilities.

According to the release, the SAP has supported 91 projects totaling over $203 million, since 2001, strengthening tribal health infrastructure and expanding access to essential outpatient services.

The Tribe, in the release, gives what it calls "our deepest appreciation to Jonnah McKinney, Director of the Health Center, for her leadership and dedication in securing this critical funding," adding that through "her hard work and commitment to improving health care services" for the community, those services "will have a lasting impact."

The release also acknowledges what it calls "our incredible clinic staff," thanking them for "everything they do for our patients every day."

(KAIR)--For the third day in a row, Atchison County offices will remain closed to the public as work continues behind closed doors in the aftermath of a cyber attack.

A release from the County, Tuesday, announcing the third day closure, offered no new details regarding the specifics of the breach.

The initial release explained that “in an abundance of caution,” the offices remain closed as they “work to secure and restore services safely.”

Emergency services, such as 911, are not affected.

According to the release, the “recently detected” cyber incident impacted the County- computer network; and upon learning of the issue, the County, “began working to investigate and determine the effects of the incident,” and “are working with nationally recognized third-party cybersecurity and data forensics consultants” for assistance.

The State has been notified.

(KLZA)-- A firearm and archery safety course will be held at the Auburn Senior Center Thursday, March 20th and Friday, March 21st from 6 to 9 PM and Saturday, March 22nd 8 AM to 2 PM. Youth must be at least 11 years of age to attend and must attend all three days.

Registration is required at www.huntsafenebraska.org If you have any questions you can contact Kent Volkmer at 402-274-8865 or Nebraska Extension Nemaha County at 402-274-4755

(KLZA)--Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. met with the board. Maintenance on roads was discussed and Mr. Darveau reported that 2 motorgraders were being serviced at this time. He reported that the grant application has been completed and submitted.

Commissioner Campbell inquired on the maintenance being done on school bus routes. Mr. Darveau explained that the designated school bus routes that he currently has on file, which were received from the school districts many years ago, are some of the first to be cleared. He suggested that the County request that the school districts submit updated bus routes to the Road Department so that any changes that have been made by the schools can be also made by the County so that everyone is using the same information to help alleviate any misunderstandings.

The bridge on the road leading into the County Yard is being replaced and is being torn out this week with the replacement construction to start next week.

Sheriff Hardesty updated the Board on the routine business within the law enforcement center the past few weeks. He reported the he calls received during the month of February totaled 455 of which 202 were traffic stops, a total of 25 arrests with 24 made from the Sheriff- Office and 1 from another agency.

Electric Contracting Company will be starting within the next week to replace and install the improved electronic system that operates the doors, cameras and other items at the Law Enforcement Center. Sheriff Hardesty reported that inmates may have to be housed in another facility for a short time while this work is being done.

Motion was made by Karas to approve and authorize the Sheriff to sign the Addendum with Consolidated Foodservice of Des Moines to terminate the current contract dated August 26, 2020. The motion was carried and to sign a new contract with Consolidated Foodservice effective on March 13, 2025 with the pricing based on the quote between the parties dated February 28, 2025 and will remain in effect for three years.

Motion was made by Caverzagie to recess the regular meeting agenda and go into an executive session at 10:42 a.m. with Jerry Pigsley, special legal counsel to discuss pending litigation and for the protection of the public interest.

(KNZA)--The Northeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (NEKAAA) will break ground on a new multi-use facility Thursday morning, March 20.

The event will take place at 10:00 at 2200 Natchez Street in Hiawatha, across the street from Walmart Supercenter on Hopi Drive.

In addition, to NEKAAA leadership, representatives from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Multimodal Transportation and Innovation Division and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Region 7 will be in attendance to commemorate the milestone.

Area Agency on Aging General Public Transportation provides transit services for individuals of all ages and abilities across Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Marshall, Nemaha and Washington Counties.

According to a release, the multi-use facility will ensure continued access to reliable transportation and provide community resources for aging and disability services, nutrition, technology and socialization activities Northeast Kansas and local communities depend on.

(KNZA)--Highland Community College has appointed Dr. Jennifer Schiller as executive vice president, effective immediately.

According to a release from the College, Dr. Schiller, a first-generation college graduate, brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education leadership roles.

Schiller most recently served as vice president for strategic initiatives at the College, where among many projects, she led the College- efforts to implement a new student information system.

Dr. Schiller holds a doctorate in teacher education, a master of education in general education and data literacy, and a bachelor of arts in English literature from the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York.

(KAIR)--An early Monday afternoon, two vehicle Atchison crash brought Atchison County EMS to the scene, but no one required hospital transport.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened shortly after 12:15, at 4th and Main Streets, when a Ford Focus, northbound on 4th, was turning east onto Main. At the same time. a Freightliner tractor-trailer, northbound on 4th, was turning east onto Main, with the two vehicles colliding.

The semi driver, 73-year-old Craig, Missouri resident Miles Ruch, and the Ford Focus driver, 61-year-old Phillip DiMaggio, of Florida, were not injured.

(KNZA)--Four were arrested following an early Sunday morning traffic stop in Holton.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop on a car around 2:30 near Arizona Avenue and Banner Road.

Deputies placed the four occupants under arrest.

The driver, 62-year-old James Johnson, of Leavenworth, was arrested for possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

68-year-old Charles Hidy, of Lees Summit, Missouri, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.

50-year-old Shelly Straub, of Leavenworth, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia and possessing a hallucinogenic drug.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man is facing sex-crimes charges, among others in Atchison County, after he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in an Atchison box store restroom earlier this month.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, investigators allege 42-year-old Justin Metz, late in the afternoon of March 9, identified himself as an asset protection officer to the 32-year-old woman as she was leaving the Atchison Walmart store, at 1920 U.S. Highway 73. Metz then allegedly escorted the woman to a restroom at the back of the store where the sexual assault allegedly took place.

Atchison Police began to investigate that same day, quickly determining that the suspect was not working for the store, with the investigation continuing until Sunday, March 16, when police, that afternoon, "were notified that the suspect was back at Walmart, walking around the store."

Officers responded, locating Metz in the store, and placing him under arrest for the charges of kidnapping, rape, and sexual battery. He was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Wilson says the investigation is continuing.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Board of Education approved employment contracts for Laura Strehle and Jacob Craig to be full-time teachers in the District for the 2025-26 school year when they met last week.

Strehle will teach Business and Information Technology. Craig will teach Middle School Science and Social Studies.

The Board also voted to accept the resignation of Elementary Special Education teacher Shane Karst.

In other business the Board accepted the Policy Committee recommendations which included protection of pupil rights; parental involvement in educational practices, communicating with parents and rights of custodial and non-custodial parents.

A number of Education Foundation expenditures were approved including partial and full reimbursement for passing SENCA/SCC dual-credit classes; $5,000 for matching funds for the Food Bank backpack program; $9,000 for newsletter printing; $5,000 for Helping Hands; $3,000 for Haunder Ag program and more than $82,000 for scholarships.

Board members also adopted the 2025-26 school calendar. The first day of classes for the 25-26 school year will be August 15, the last day of the school year will be May 19 and graduation will be May 17, 2026.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Education received a School Improvement and Strategic Plan update when they met last week.

Preparations are underway for the school districts Continuous Improvement External Tam visit during the 2025-26 school year.

The visit is a critical component of the districts ongoing commitment to continuous growth.

Dr. Brittany Hajek, Chief Academic Officer for the Crete Public Schools, will serve as the leader of the external review team. The district has requested an October visit by the team. The External Visit program is on a 5-year cycle.

Cleve Reves with BVH Architecture presented early results form visits with the school staff that included a heat mapping exercise and survey.

The finding highlighted the need for specialized resources and spaces, particularly at North Elementary school, South Elementary School and the Middle School.

The results indicate the High Schools career and technical education facilities are outdated and inadequate, needing dedicated spaces for modernizing educational experiences for students.

Recommendations included prioritizing facility improvements, addressing security and accessibility concerns and considering finish upgrades to enhance the teaching and learning environment.

The capacity study indicated District 56 has the space for growth, with recommendations for enhancing existing classroom utilization and crating room for underserved programs.

The District 56 Project Committee outlined facility improvements scheduled for 2025, including installing new flooring in selected classrooms to create a more modern and comfortable learning space.

Improvements at Jug Brown Stadium will include sealing the seating area to ensure durability and constructing a new men's and women's restroom facility to improve accessibility.

Campus security will be enhanced by installing additional security cameras.

(KLZA)--The Falls City School Board approved contracts for two new teachers for the 25-26 school year when they met Monday evening.

Michelle Zamarron will be the Secondary Spanish Teacher and Darin Lovercheck will sere as the Secondary Special Education Teacher.

The Board also passed Board Policy 7136 updating preschool enrollment guidelines to come into alignment with recent changes under LB71.

The policy expands access to the Falls City preschool program and clearly defines eligibility criteria.

Children must meet one of the following criteria, Are 3 years old before July 31 of the enrollment year:: Are 4 years old at the start of the enrollment year: or, are 5 years old at the start of the enrollment year, provided they will not be 6 years old before January 1.

Preschool enrollment will be conducted annually and parents or guardians must complete and submit an enrollment application by the designated deadline.

The policy was effective as of March 10, this year.

(KLZA)--The Johnson-Brock Board of Education accepted the resignation of Special Education Teacher Ben Ideus effective at the end of the current school year when the met Monday evening.

In other personnel moves the Board approved contracts with Lauren Parrish as School Psychologist for the 2025-26 school year and teaching contracts with Rylee Hellbusch and Samantha Borrenphohl for the 25-26 school year.

Potential new classroom arrangements were discussed with Principal, Dr. Lucus Dalinghaus.

(KNZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation bridge repair project is underway on U.S. 73 in Brown County.

The project is about 4 miles north of Horton near 150th Street.

The work zone was reduced to one lane, and traffic crossing the bridge will be controlled by temporary traffic signals, beginning March 17th.

Drivers should plan for delays of up to 10 minutes.

There will also be a 10-foot width restriction through the work zone.

Work will take place Monday through Friday during daylight hours.

KDOT says Comanche Construction, of Olathe, is the prime contractor on the $622,00 project, which is expected to be complete in mid-August, conditions permitting.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Transportation, Tuesday, plans to resume work on a 14-mile U.S. Highway 59 crack sealing project which extends from the Atchison/Jefferson county line to the southern city limit of Atchison.

According to KDOT, traffic will be restricted to one lane and directed by a pilot car and flaggers where crews are actively working, with drivers told to plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

Work will take place Monday through Friday during daylight hours and is expected to be complete by the end of this month, conditions permitting.

Pavement Pro's, LLC, of McPherson, is the prime contractor on the $70,000 project.

(KAIR)--Atchison County offices are closed today, Monday, March 17, and will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 18, due to a cybersecurity attack.

That's explained in a release from the County, which says that “in an abundance of caution,” the offices remain closed as they “work to secure and restore services safely."

The updated release explains that the Atchison County Commission "will conduct an in person only commission meeting starting at 10 am."

Emergency services, such as 911, are not affected.

According to the release, the “recently detected” cyber incident impacted the County's computer network, with the County, upon learning of the issue “working to investigate and determine the effects of the incident,” and “are working with nationally recognized third-party cybersecurity and data forensics consultants” for assistance.

The State has been notified.

Although today is the formal commemoration of St. Patrick's Day, the City of Atchison celebrated early, as tradition holds, complete with the Saturday morning crowning of Grand Marshal Steve Pickman, followed by the afternoon, downtown parade.

Each year, parade entrants vie for top honors, in their division, with Parade Chair Janie Pickman announcing the winners:

Youth/orgazation
1. American legion
2. Atchison bulldogs cheer squad
3. 1st Baptist church youth group
Business
1. Atchison animal clinic
2. Exchange bank
3. Bunker at Bellevue
Family
1. Pickmans family
2. Dooley/Durkin family
3. Hegarty family

Pickman, in correspondence with MSC News, says, "thank you for everyone that helped make this years parade a huge success!"

(KNZA)--The Horton City Commission is considering a possible ordinance that would allow chickens in town.

The issue was discussed when the Commission met March 3.

There's been an online survey showing overwhelming support, a signature petition of those against it, along with letters for and against allowing chickens in town.

The Commission discussed the pros and cons to passing the ordinance.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, it was the consensus of the Commission that it would be best to hire a code enforcement officer before passing such an ordinance. Police Chief Dennis Entriken and Commissioner Avery Thornton will put together a job description to present at the next meeting.

In other business, the Commission approved an ordinance that will allow golf carts and utility vehicles to be operated afer dark as long as they have prior lights.

Mayor Bryan Stirton read a proclamation honoring police officer Loren Lossman, who died unexpectly on January 27th. The proclamation designates January 27th as Loren Lossman day in the city. Signed and framed proclamations were presented to Chief Entriken on behalf of the Police Department and Lossman's family.

Also following an executive session, the Commission voted to offer the Mission Lake caretaker position to Todd and Kimberly Hile.

(KNZA)--Security upgrades will be made at the South Brown County schools of USD 430.

The USD 430 Board of Education last week accepted a bid from Commlink IT for the installation of new security cameras and call buttons for a cost of nearly $50,000.

The project will be funded through a School Violence Prevention Program grant awarded to the district last October through the U.S. Department of Justice.

In other business, the Board approved the adoption of a new K-6 English and Language Arts curriculum through Benchmark Advance at a cost of just over $83,000.

The board also approved proposed math courses changes at Horton High School, beginning next school year. A semester long course titled “ Transition to College Algebra” class will be added, along with an applied mathematics course.

In addition, the board approved approved the hiring of a part-time Career and Technical Education Coordinator.

(KMZA)--A new Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School principal, along with assistant principal, have been hired for next school year.

The USD 115 Board of Education, during their regular meeting last month, approved the hiring of Jessica Koch for the principal position.

Koch currently serves as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at the school.

She has served in that role since the 2020-21 school year. Koch began work in 2001 in the former B & B school district prior to consolidation.

Koch will replace Dr. Amy Beck, who is retiring at the end of the current year.

The Board approved the hiring of Carissa Williams as the new Assistant Principal and Athletic Director. Williams is currently a 4th grade teacher at the school.

(KNZA)--Kansas has recorded its first case of measles since 2018..

The Kansas Department of Health reported Thursday a positive case of measles in Stevens County in southwest Kansas.

State and local health officials are notifying those who may have been exposed.

The case comes on the back of a measles outbreak in west Texas and New Mexico, where two people have since died. KDHE say it is unknown if the Kansas case is linked to the other outbreaks in the U.S.

State health officials says measles symptoms usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure, though they can develop as early as seven days or as late as 21 days.

Early symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes, followed by a rash.

KDHE say the best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine.

(MSC News)--Strong winds, Friday afternoon into evening, have caused reports of power outages from downed power lines, while helping spread area grass and field fires as crews work to contain them.

Reports of such wind related damage and incidents stretch from northeast Kansas to neighboring areas of northwest Missouri.

Meanwhile, Kansas health officials, early Friday afternoon, issued the following release:

A strong low-pressure system is bringing very strong winds into the state this afternoon and evening. These winds are transporting dust and smoke from wildfires in Oklahoma and a few in Eastern Kansas into the area. The Air Quality Index (AQI) will likely range from Unhealthy to perhaps Hazardous at times. You can view the current air quality, AQI and fire activity for your area on https://fire.airnow.gov.

Steps to protect your health on days when dust and smoke is present in your community include:

Healthy people should limit or avoid strenuous outdoor exercise.

More vulnerable people should remain indoors.

Help keep indoor air clean by closing doors and windows and running air conditioners with air filters.

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue.

(KNZA)--A Horton restaurant is closed, seized by the Kansas Department of Revenue for taxes owned.

According to a release, agents from the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) accompanied by the Brown County Sheriff Department on March 11 executed tax warrants and seized the assets of the El Cazador Mexican Grill located 449 East 15th Street in Horton and Ashlee Munoz for nonpayment of sales and liquor drink tax totaling nearly $70,000.

The release says the types of assets seized include all known bank accounts, on-site cash, business inventory, as well as personal property belonging to the owner.

The business was sealed closed with a public notice posted on the outside.

All seized assets will be sold at public auction and the proceeds will pay for the delinquent taxes.

The release says KDOR's policy and practice is to work with taxpayers in delinquent status to voluntarily enter into repayment agreements. The release adds it is only after those efforts and multiple failed collection attempts that the Department is forced to execute a tax warrant and ultimately asset seizure to ensure compliance with the law.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board approved several new hires and resignations when they meet Monday.

Following an executive session, the board approved the hiring of Becky Shamburg as middle school English Language Arts teacher, Heath Simmer as head middle school football coach and Michael Gabbard as High School assistant boys and girls track and field coach.

The board also accepted the resignations of Jackie Meyer as 4th grade teacher, Evans Brockhoff as 1st grade teacher, Zach Nelson as middle school assistant football coach and Kristin Lock as middle school assistant volleyball coach.

The resignations are effective at the end of the current school year.

(KNZA)--A Brown County resident met with the County Commission at their March 10th meeting to discuss a proposed road improvement project.

Keith Grimm wants to see a portion of Goldfinch Road, which he lives along, widen due to safety concerns.

Grimm proposed leaving the current surface of the road alone, and adding shoulders to get to a total width of up to 30 feet. He said some portions of the road are as narrow as 21 feet.

Grimm proposed that a half-mile stretch be done as a trial project, starting at 270th Road and going south.

He said some county residents would help with construction in order to cut costs and asked if the county would put $50,000 toward the project.

The Commission will seek additional information and discuss it at upcoming meetings.

(KNZA)--A new Superintendent has been hired to lead Doniphan West USD 111 in Highland.

The USD 111 Board of Education announced in a release Wednesday the appointment of Heather Ball to the position.

Ball currently serves as an elementary principal in Deerfield USD 216, and brings 25 years of educational experience to her new role.

Ball is nearing completion of a doctorate degree in leadership at Baker University. She also has a Master of Science Degree in Special Education and a Bachelor of General Studies degree in Elementary Education from Fort Hays State University.

She was among three candidates interviewed for the position.

The board said they are confident Ball is the right leader to guide the district into a bright and successful future.

She will take the reins on July 1st, after Dr. Volora Hanzlicek retires at the end of the current school year.

In a letter to the Doniphan West community, Ball says, “I am elated and honored to be selected as your next Superintendent of Schools. I am deeply committed to upholding your tradition of academic excellence and ensuring that every student is fully equipped to live the life that they desire.”

(KNZA)--A search warrant was served on the Kickapoo Reservation Thursday.

According to a release, the Kickapoo Police Department executed a search warrant in the area of 113th Drive on the Reservation near Horton.

As a result of the search, three individuals were arrested on drug charges.

The names of the individuals were not released.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has denied a 10-year property tax exemption for a $1.2 million improvement project planned at the Best Western Plus Hotel, which is being financed through the issuance of industrial revenue bonds.

A motion to approve the tax abatement failed Monday evening on a 2-3 vote. Mayor Becky Shamburg and Commissioner Dave Middendorf voted in favor of the motion to grant the tax exemption, while Commissioners Brian Shefferd, Tom Martin and Laura Tollefson voted no.

Shefferd voiced concerns about the precedent it would set. Martin said he liked having a nice hotel, but said the city needs the funds to run as well.

The action followed a hearing drawing no public comment and review of a cost benefit analysis prepared by Wichita State University, which showed the project would provide a positive cost-benefit ratio to the city.

A ten-year tax abatement was granted when the city approved the issuance of up to 4 million in industrial revenue bonds in 2012 for the construction of the hotel.

The hotel went on the tax rolls this year.

KLZA--Peru State College is showcasing the exceptional artwork of students from the East Central Nebraska Conference, (ECNC) through March 26 in the Colleg's Art Gallery located in the AV Larson Building on campus.

Participating schools include Falls City, Freeman, Auburn, and Johnson County Central.

Earlier this year, art teachers from these schools gathered at Freeman High School to judge the submissions. Each school could submit up to ten pieces for consideration, with top works earning ribbons and honorable mentions.

This year- Best of Show was awarded to Mia Gerdes, a junior from Auburn High School, for her piece titled Twisted Tales - Macrame Dreams. Elsie Thompson, a senior from Falls City High School, received the Runner-Up award for her pencil drawing.

On March 26, Peru State College will host the ECNC Annual Art Conference from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., bringing together students and educators for a day of creativity, learning, and collaboration.

Peru State College art majors will lead the workshops.

A special feature of the conference is WRITE NOW, a fast-paced, interactive workshop led by Laura Gold, Associate Professor of Theatre at Peru State, along with The Disco Citizens. This engaging session will guide students through theme selection, creative writing exercises, and the early stages of production.

The display was thoughtfully arranged by Amy Ludwig and students from Freeman High School.

KLZA--Pawnee County Commissioners approved a resolution during their March 4 meeting regarding wind and solar zoning.

The resolution is a 12-month moratorium on accepting, granting or recommending a conditional use permit for the construction of commercial wind energy systems or commercial solar energy systems in the county.

The moratorium was effective as of March 4, 20025.

The Commissioners have directed the Pawnee County Planning and Zoning Commission to review the county zoning regulations, and to conduct any hearings, if necessary , and to make specific recommendations for the county zoning regulations dealing with commercial wind energy systems and commercial solar energy systems.

The resolution states that it is probable that wind energy systems and commercial solar energy systems will be interested in locating in Pawnee County and that the County Board wishes to review regulations.

(MSC News)--Governor Laura Kelly issued a verbal state of disaster emergency proclamation Thursday due to increased fire weather conditions beginning Friday, March 14 and continuing through the weekend. This declaration allows resources to be used to provide state assistance.

“Weather conditions are such that a high risk exists for wildland fires in the coming days,” Kelly said. “I urge everyone across the state to use extreme caution and avoid burning. Help your local firefighters by avoiding any activity that may spark a fire.”

The forecast includes high wind and Red Flag Warnings due to ongoing drought, dry vegetation, and low humidity (mid-20s to low teens). A few isolated storms may develop Friday afternoon that could become strong, and possibly severe, with the main hazard being damaging winds.

"The major concern for this round of fire weather is the consecutive days of elevated fire danger,” said Bill Waln, Fire Management Officer, Kansas Forest Service. “Once a fire is established, it will be very difficult to suppress under these conditions. If there has been any intentional burning in your area, please check and recheck these burns.”

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management will staff the State Emergency Operations Center with their Emergency Support Function partners starting Friday to assist counties and local responders if requested.

(KNZA)--A rural Lancaster man has been sentenced in a 2022 Atchison County child sex case.

According to court documents, Bradley Scholz was sentenced Tuesday in Atchison County District Court to 32 months in prison on a charge of aggravated battery. The sentence was suspended, except for 30 days, and he was placed on supervised probation for three years.

Scholz will serve the 30 days in the Atchison County Jail on weekends, with the jail sentence to completed by December 31st.

He pleaded guilty to the amended charge in January as part of plea agreement.

Scholz had originally been charged with aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

In exchange for the plea, a charge of indecent solicitation of a child was dismissed.

Scholz was arrested in August 2022 following an investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff's Office.

He was charged in connection with alleged sex offenses occurring in July 2022 involving a then 15-year-old girl.

(KMZA)--Two domestic cats in Pottawatomie County in northeast Kansas have tested positive for avian influenza.

The Kansas News Service reports that local veterinarians are telling cat owners to be cautious.

Associate Veterinarian Kellie Lewis of TimberCreek Veterinary Hospital says cat owners should keep indoor cats inside and closely monitor outdoor cats.

She says bird flu symptoms in cats start as fatigue and lack of appetite but then rapidly progress to neurological and respiratory issues. That can be deadly. Lewis says the risk to cats and their owners is low, but it- wise to be on guard.

Lewis says to wear gloves when handling dead birds and to keep cats or other animals away from sick birds.

(KAIR)--The Superintendent of Atchison's USD 409 has resigned.

The decision of Dr. Renee Nugent was announced by the public school district Wednesday.

The release of the announcement explains that Nugent is making the move as she "steps into an incredible new opportunity," named as the state education department's Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Learning Services.

According to a release from KSDE, Nugent was approved for the position by the Kansas State Board of Education following an executive session during the board's monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 11. She will succeed Dr. Ben Proctor. 

Nugent, who currently carries the title of Kansas Superintendent of the year, begins her new role July 1.

Nugent, a Doniphan County native, from Highland, became the Superintendent of the Atchison Public Schools in 2019.

Calling her departure "bittersweet for the district," the release from USD 409 says the district is "incredibly proud and grateful for her leadership, dedication, and the positive impact she has had on our students, staff, and community."

(KNZA)--A Horton teen, missing since Saturday, has been located.

(KNZA)--Prairie Hills 113 has announced the hiring of a new Superintendent of Schools.

The School District announced in a release Wednesday the hiring of Rob McKim for the position.

McKim currently serves as the Superintendent of USD 320 in Wamego, and brings over 31 years of educational experience to his new role.

His career includes notable positions as the principal of Lansing High School, as well as leadership roles in El Dorado, Fort Scott, and Baldwin High Schools.

The release says McKim has a deep understanding of the educational landscape and a strong record of success in student achievement and school improvement.

A native of Morrill, Kansas, McKim is a 1990 graduate of Sabetha High School. He earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics education from John Brown University in Arkansas and his master's degree in building leadership from Emporia State University. Additionally, McKim is currently pursuing an educational doctorate at the University of Kansas, where he has received district-level leadership training.

Throughout his career, the release says McKim has been dedicated to fostering high standards for academic excellence. He has taught high school math for 15 years, served as an assistant principal at Fort Scott High School, and as the head principal at Baldwin High School. His leadership experience extends beyond the classroom, having coached various sports including basketball, cross-country, track, football, and volleyball.

In making their decision, the release says the USD 113 Board of Education was impressed by McKim's innovative ideas, data-driven approach, and his commitment to fostering strong community engagement. “Rob understands the high expectations of the Axtell and Sabetha communities,” said Leslie Scoby, USD 113 BOE President. “He has a clear vision for ensuring student success and is committed to building a culture of excellence within the district. His ability to involve students and parents in the educational process was a key criterion for our decision.”

McKim's appointment follows a comprehensive and rigorous search process assisted by the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB). The KASB facilitated a closed search, allowing the board to carefully consider the best candidates for the district's future.

“I am thrilled and honored to serve as the new Superintendent of USD 113,” said McKim. “I am eager to get started collaborating with the dedicated educators, staff, families, and community members to continue building on the success of our schools. Together, we will work to create an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. I look forward to contributing my energy, passion, and experience to ensure that our students receive the best possible education.”

The release says the USD 113 Board of Education looks forward to McKim's leadership and is confident in his ability to guide the district towards a bright future.

McKim will replace current superintendent Todd Evans, who is resigning at the end of the current school year. Evans has served as superintendent since 2014. He has been hired as the new superintendent of Pawnee City, Nebraska Public Schools.

(KAIR)--A widely used route of travel is closed in Atchison, meaning motorists, for the week, will need to find an alternate route.

According to the City of Atchison, the 14th Street viaduct was closed Wednesday morning for what they call "much needed repair work."

The viaduct, the City says, "will likely be closed until Friday."

Until it reopens, motorists will need to use such alternate routes as the 4th Street crossing, the 6h Street viaduct, the 10th Street crossing, and the U.S. Highway 73 crossing.

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

I would like to take this opportunity to remind county residents about the
following protocol when a Tornado Warning is issued for Brown County, and hopefully answer any concerns the public may have. One main focus of mine will always be the safety and well being of every person in our county.

When Brown county is placed in a "TORNADO WARNING" by the National Weather Service OR when a trained storm spotter identifies tornadic activity, the Brown County Sheriff's office will sound the sirens in Hiawatha, Powhattan and any other locations where we have authority and suggest other areas of the county upon notification should do likewise. This policy will allowdispatch the authority to warn residents ASAP and save valuable time seeking shelter. Since 1986 all or a portion of Brown County has been placed under a tornado warning less than 2-3 times each year as an average. My main concern is and always will be the safety of Brown County residents. In the past, I have talked with several different meteorologists and havebeen informed that when atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms, a severe thunderstorm has the potential develop over any part of the county and tornadic thunderstorms my not be confined to just one part of our area. Not one of the meteorologists could assure me that if a tornado warning was issued in the southern part of Brown County, tornado activity would not affect other parts of the county. so in order to give residents as much time as possible to take cover, I have implemented the tornado policy to take care of all of Brown County as a whole.

*Tornados can form very rapidly with little or no warning at all.
*Supercell thunderstorms can produce large violent tornados and usually
residents will have time to take cover but not always.
*Rain wrapped tornados may NOT be visible from the ground and are very
difficult to spot at night.
*Tornados can change directions without warning.

Outdoor tornado sirens are meant to be a warning device for people who are OUTDOORS, so if you are in your home when the tornado sirens are
activated, you may not be able to hear them.

We are encouraging everyone in the county to have multiple means of getting severe weather watch and warning notifications, The public is encouraged to own a battery operated ALL HAZARDS NOAA Weather Radio which broadcasts severe weather information directly from the National Weather Service. If commercial power is lost due to a storm, batteries will allow the radio to be activated and wake you up in the middle of the night. In addition, we also urge residents to listen to local TV and radio media for the latest on severe weather coverage. Calling trees are also a good idea so friends and relatives can contact each other to make sure they are all aware of severe weather approaching. Residents also need to know where to take cover in the event a tornado is spotted in our area. Families need to practice where they will go to in order to stay safe. Also look out after your elderly neighbors who live alone or those with medical or health conditions that may need extra assistance. This is what it's all about, people helping each other.

I suggest that the mayors in Brown county identify where storm shelters
would located be in their areas in case the tornado sirens sounded and
their citizens need to take cover. Some have identified churches or other
buildings in their community for the safety of their citizens to take
shelter. We still encourage everyone to keep doing this. One of my main
concerns is the safety of those not knowing what to do or where to go
should we have a tornado in our county. These areas need identified and
the public needs informed as to where to go in the event of a tornado
warning.

We also offer the basement of the Brown County Sheriffs office as a storm
shelter for those in need. Over the past several years we have had quite a
number of citizens that have taken refuge in our facility and will
continue to offer this as an option for those seeking shelter during severe
thunderstorms, tornados, blizzard conditions etc.

I am very proud to have the opportunity to work with all of the emergency
responders we have in Brown County. These dedicated men and women respond at all hours of the night and day to many different emergencies in our county and work together to help provide us with a safer place to live
and we all owe them a big THANK YOU!!!.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please come by or contact me at
the Sheriffs office.

(KAIR)--Educational leadership changes are made at the Atchison Public Schools, with the USD 409 Board of Education, this week, approving the hiring of replacements in key positions.

According to Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Renee Nugent, the school district "is excited to welcome three new leaders who will play a key role in supporting students, staff, and families across the district. Each of these positions brings a unique focus to the district- overall mission of academic excellence, student success, and community engagement."

Named as Director of Curriculum and Instruction is Felicia Yoakam who replaces former director Jacque Coleman. According to a release, she "will be working closely with teachers, administrators, and staff to ensure strong instructional practices, curriculum alignment, and professional development opportunities," with the release calling Yoakam's role "especially important as USD 409 continues to implement Visible Learning strategies, which are designed to help students take ownership of their education and make their learning more effective."
The position of Director of Curriculum and Instruction "is a district-level leadership role that focuses on the quality of teaching and learning across all grade levels."

Selected as Associate Principal of Atchison Elementary School is Catherine Gundersen who, the release says, "will provide additional support in the daily operations of the school, helping students, teachers, and parents navigate the academic year successfully."

Gundersen, who replaces Janis Olds, "brings years of experience as both a classroom teacher and an administrator, making her a great fit for this role."

Also hired is the replacement of long-time Head Atchison High School Football Coach, Jim Smith, who's retirement becomes effective at the end of the current school year.

Named as Smith's replacement is Jordan Malcom, who, the release says, "has seen great success in recent years" working under Smith, with Malcom, the last two seasons, serving as the defensive backs coach which, the release says, gives him understanding of the "expectations of the program," with his focus to be placed on "developing a community-centered culture in student-athletes, not just in their performance on the field, but also in their leadership, teamwork, and personal growth off the field."

The hirings, for the 2025-2026 school year, were approved by the Board of Education Monday.

(KAIR)--An early Sunday evening motorcycle crash, in Atchison County, sent the Horton rider to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, deputies responded to the scene of the crash, K9 Highway at Highway 159, north of Muscotah, following the 5:00 crash. However, the rider, identified as 26-year-old Nathan Pillman, had, according to Laurie, " been taken to Amberwell [Hospital in Hiawatha] prior to [the Sheriff's Office] being notified of the crash." The motorcycle, Laurie says, "remained on the scene" when deputies arrived.

Pillman, after being taken to the hospital, was being treated for what Laurie calls "unknown injuries."

According to Sheriff's Office investigators, Pillman's motorcycle crashed when he was unable to negotiate a curve.

The investigation into the crash is continuing.

Update: The Kickapoo Police Department reports Tara Coversup, who was reported missing, was located safe by law enforcement officers in Hiawatha around 2:00 Wednesday afternoon. The Department said the search for her cousin, Ollie Horned Eagle, remains active

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(KNZA)- A search was conducted Wednesday morning on the Kickapoo Reservation for a missing Horton girl.

15-year-old Tara Coversup has been missing since Saturday ( March 8).

The Kickapoo Police Department organized the search, but said unfortunately she was not located.

The Department, in a release, thanked all the volunteers who helped look for the missing girl.

The Department said just because she was not located on the Reservation does not mean she will not be located safe and well.

Coversup is around 5 feet to five feet and 1/2 inches tall and weighs between 100 to 130 pounds. She has brown eyes and brown hair.

Anyone with information regarding her disappearance or whereabouts is urged to contact the Horton Police Department at 785-486-2694 or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 785-296-4017.

(KMZA)--Preparations are being made for the 2025 season at the Seneca Aquatic Center.

On the recommendation of city Recreation Director Jordan Weaver, the Seneca City Council last week approved the hiring of Brooke Stallbaumer as pool manager at a salary of $17.15 an hour. This marks Stallbaumer's 3rd season as manager.

The Council also approved the hiring of two assistant managers and 24 lifeguards as presented.

Stallbaumer said they had a lot of interest this year in the positions.

The Seneca Aquatic Center is to open Memorial Day weekend, weather depending.

In other business, the Council approved ordinances prohibiting food trucks from parking on city streets.

They would only be allowed on vacant lots, parking lots and private property. All units must be self-contained for the purpose of electric power and can't utilize external power sources, except as approved by the property owner.

The Council took the action on the recommendation of city Planning Commission.

Also on the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the Council approved a zoning change from residential to industrial that would allow for the placement of a new electric substation and three generators on the Jaycee's ball field.

City Administrator Steve Brooks said the Planning Commission approved the recommendation on a 4 to 2 vote.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Beth Niehues and Cheryl Holthaus appeared before the Council to voice their opposition to the placement of the substation and generators on the ball field, and urged the Council to reconsider the zoning change.

(KNZA)--A Nebraska City man, convicted of aggravated criminal sodomy in a Doniphan County child sex case, has been sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison.

According to court documents, 40-year-old Christopher Jimeson was handed the sentence last week in Doniphan County District Court.

Following his release from prison, Jimeson will be subject to lifetime post-release supervision and be required to register as a sex offender for life.

Jimeson pleaded no contest to the charge last month as part of a plea agreement.

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

The charges, which involve a child born in 2006, were filed in January 2022 following an investigation by the Highland Police Department, Doniphan County Sheriff's Department and the Kansas Department of Children and Families.

(KNZA)--Two Topeka women were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County Sunday morning.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in release, said the two were arrested after a Sheriff's Office K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drug within a vehicle stopped near Mayetta.

During a search of the vehicle, Morse said methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, and drug paraphernalia were alleged located.

The driver and registered owner, 61-year-old Paula Michael, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The front seat passenger, 61-year-old Jessica Espinoza, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KNZA)-- Improvements are planned at the Nemaha County Fairgrounds in Seneca.

Neal Haverkamp with the county Fair Board informed the Nemaha County Commission last week that the current horse barn has been sold and moved off the property.

He said they are currently working to prepare the site for construction of a new horse barn.

Haverkamp said the Fair Board has set up funds with the Sabetha Community Foundation and the Seneca Step Foundation, and are accepting donations at this time for fairground improvements.

In addition, he let Commissioners know they are applying for a grant in order to replace the bleachers for the rodeo.

In other business, the Commission accepted the resignation of Lane Hanzlicek as the Wetmore Township treasurer and on the recommendation of township officials approved the appointment of Ron Burdiek to the position

(KNZA)--This year's annual Brown County Fair Spotlight Auction raised $18,062—setting a new record.

The Spotlight Auction was broadcast Monday and Tuesday evenings over KNZA 103.9 FM, with bids taken by phone.

More than 260 items, mostly donated by area businesses, were auctioned off during the two nights, bringing 85 percent of retail value.

Proceeds from the auction will be used for operations of the 2025 Brown County Fair to be held July 12-18 at the fairgrounds in Horton.

This year's Fair theme will be " Blue Jeans and Country Dreams."

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners met with Richardson County Sheriff's Department Dispatch Supervisor Ashley Fisher last week. She reported on salary increases given to three Dispatchers.

She also presented information on a records management program called E Force for the Law Enforcement Center which would replace the current system, Justice Data Solutions.

The cost of the program is $72,303 with half of the payment due for the first year of service and 50% due during the second year of service.

There is also an annual license and support fee of $6,000 for the next five years and the possibility exists for a 3% increase on the cost in the subsequent years.

Third District Commissioner Rick Karas mad a motion to approve the purchase and to fund the first year of the purchase cost from the Inheritance Tax Fund and the second year and annual fees to be included within the Communications Dispatch budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The motion was approved unanimously.

Commissioners also approved the appointment of Brian Poppe and Diana Orton to 4-year terms on the county Visitor's Committee. Their terms will run until December 31, 2028. They will represent the hotel industry within Richardson County.

The Board also met with the elected county officials who work in the courthouse to discuss the re-dedication ceremony of the Richardson County Courthouse which will be 100 years old on April 24 of this year. The event is being planned for April 23.

(KLZA)--During last week's meeting of the Falls City Council, City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum updated Council members on information from the Rivoli Theater Committee concerning the former movie theater and an offer from the Presbyterian Church in Falls City to gift their building to the City.

The committee is discussing the possible purchase of the former theater from current owner Mitch Glaser.

The proposal is to purchase the Rivoli building and refurbish it possibly as a fine arts center and a movie theater, but final plans have not been determined.

The committee has decided for now to focus on the Rivoli building instead of the church.

In other business Council member Kenny Killingsworth inquired about three stop signs posted at 28th and McLean Streets. Mayor Mark Harkendorff said that he directed the signs be placed to help with safety due to speeding in the area. Killingsworth felt the Mayor was required to bring such a proposal to the Council for approval before such action was taken. The Mayor disagreed, noting that one of his main responsibilities is the safety of the citizens.

Harkendorff said people travel of the gravel portion of McLean Street thinking it is a rural country road with a much higher speed limit than the city street speed limit of 25 miles per hour.

The Council also approved board and committee members appointments recommended by the Mayor, and approved lease agreements for city owned farm ground with Jim Fischer.

(KAIR)--Years of band commitment, and participation, has earned Atchison High School senior Austin Smith an invitation to perform on the national stage.

According to information provided by his family, it was in October of last year that Smith auditioned for the National Honor Band Ensemble. Out of hundreds of auditions in the Euphonium category, one of four instruments he plays, Smith was honorarily accepted in late December. Now, later this month, he will travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for several days of rehearsal with the rest of the ensemble, followed by a performance at the National Concert.

Smith is no stranger to earning band-related accomplishments, earning "First Chair" honors for three consecutive years with the Kansas Music Educators Association All-State 1-4A band; “First Chair" for three consecutive years in the Northeast Kansas 1-4A District Band; two number one ratings for State Solo and Small Ensemble; and 16 total Honor Ensembles earned throughout his high school career.

Along with the euphonium, Smith also plays trombone, trumpet, and French horn.

He routinely performs, in the Atchison community, with the Community Band and Atchison Jazz Express.

Smith is the son of Atchison County Undersheriff Toby Smith and Brandi Boldridge.

(KAIR)--A familiar face of many years at Atchison City Hall has died.

Phyllis Walton was 88-years-old when she died March 5 while visiting Alaska. According to her obituary from the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, in Atchison, Walton died "doing what she loved to do, enjoying life and making memories."

Walton was an employee of the City of Atchison for more than 25-years, serving as Deputy City Clerk from 1985 to 1992, then as City Clerk from 1992 to 2005, when she retired "with over 25 years of exceptional service to the City of Atchison."

During her years of service, Walton was recognized with the Mildred Vance City Clerk and Municipal Finance Officer of the Year award for outstanding service and contributions to her community.

Among Walton's survivors are her daughter, Jacque Pregont, of Atchison, and her son, Scott.

Walton will be laid to rest Thursday, with her funeral service set for 11:00 that morning at the First Christian Church, in Atchison.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City, Nebraska woman was among two injured in a single-vehicle wreck last Thursday afternoon in northwest Missouri. that occurred about a mile south of Fairfax, Missouri.

According to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a car was northbound on U.S Highway 59, about a mile south of Fairfax, Missouri, when the driver failed to negotiate a curve and the vehicle went off the roadway. The vehicle struck an embankment and become airborne. The vehicle's passenger side struck the ground before coming to rest on its wheels.

The driver of the vehicle, a 29-year-old Fairfax, Missouri woman, suffered what were described as moderate injuries. A passenger, a 57-year-old Falls City woman suffered serious injuries.

Both occupants were transported to the Fairfax Community Hospital for treatment.

The Patrol says neither occupant was wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred.

(KLZA)-- The Lancaster County Sheriff- Office confirmed Monday morning the body discovered in southwest Lincoln Saturday morning are the remains of 35-year-old Tyler Goodrich — the man who went missing from his home in November 2023.

Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said the human remains were found in a wooded area by a man walking his dog less than 1,000 yards from the home of Tyler Goodrich.

Houchin confirmed the area was searched in the first couple weeks of Tyler- disappearance and that the body has been in the same location for over a year. Goodrich was a native of Tecumseh.

Officials are treating the death as suspicious but not as a homicide. The manner of death is still unclear, but authorities said an autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

(KLZA)-- What started as a car jacking in Tarkio, Missouri Sunday afternoon, resulted in the self-inflicted death of 34-year-old David Armstrong of Tarkio, in Nemaha County, Nebraska, according to a social media post from the Tarkio, Police Department released Monday morning.

About 1:30 Sunday afternoon Tarkio Police responded to a call regarding a male subject, brandishing a firearm and stealing a car at the Gas Spot, in Tarkio.

The suspect fled the area going west on U-S Highway 136, with local bystanders giving chase. He then crossed the Missouri River Bridge at Brownville, Nebraska.

Through the use of On-Star, the car was tracked , A Nemaha County, Nebraska Deputy Sheriff located the stolen car on Highway 67 near Brock. A pursuit ended on the Highway 105, Spur, just south of Johnson, Nebraska, when the car was stopped under control by On-Star.

The suspect did not exit the vehicle on command. A Nebraska State Patrolman approached the car, discovering Armstrong dead from an apparent self-inflicted gun shot wound.

Agencies assisting in the investigation were the Atchison County Sheriff's Department, Missouri State Highway Patorl, Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriff's Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council heard the annual report from the Spring Creek Golf Course when they met last week.

Course Superintendent Tony Altenhofen said membership was up almost 5 percent last year, and revenue was up almost 20 percent over 2023.

He said clubhouse expenses increased about 10 percent. Overall, the Course saw a loss of just over $600.

Altenhofen said they are expecting a big year in 2025.

The 18-hole public golf course was established in 2006.

In other business, the Council approved an updated electric rate structure proposal as presented by City Administrator Steve Brooks.

It contains a $10 base rate increase and an across the board two cent per kilowatt hour increase.

The Council will consider the adoption of a resolution at their next meeting implementing the new rate structure.

(KLZA)--A new superintendent has been hired for Pawnee City Public Schools.

During a special meeting on March 1, the Board of Education voted unanimously to offer the position to Todd Evans, and then voted to accept his verbal approval of a two-year contract for a salary of $130,000 and full family insurance coverage.

Evans grew up in Tecumseh, Nebraska. He taught English and Speech for six years at Table Rock, before moving to Coleridge, Nebraska, where he served as the 7 - 12 grade Principal for two years.

In 1999, Evans moved to Sabetha to become High School Principal. In 2014, he was hired as the Superintendent of Prairie Hills USD 113.

Evans will replace Brian Rottinghaus who is leaving at the end of the current school year to become the Superintendent of Tri-County Public Schools in DeWitt, Nebraska.

(KMZA)--Highland Community College will close its Wamego Center at the end of the spring semester.

HCC President Dr. Vincent Bowhay, in a letter to the editor published in The Kansas Chief, said the college's Board of Trustees made the difficult decision last month.

In recent years, Bowhay said enrollment at the Wamego Center has dwindled to just 44 students, leading to an operational deficit.

HCC has been a part of the Wamego community since 1978 and moved into its current facilities at the Industrial Park in the late 1990's. Prior to the move, classes were held at Wamego High School.

Although the college is closing its Wamego Center, Bowhay said HCC will continue to be part of the fabric of the Wamego area through their online programs and early college opportunities.

The college- main campus is located in the city of Highland. It, and the other two satellite campuses in Atchison and Baileyville, will remain open.

(KAIR)--The Salvation Army of Atchison, last week, benefited through a student donation, courtesy of a grant from an area healthcare provider.

KQ2-TV reports the students, seven in total, attend the Troy Middle School. They received a grant from St. Joseph, Missouri's Mosaic Healthcare, administered through the EmpowerU program, which allowed them to provide 50 bags of essential items to benefit Atchison's homeless population. The donated bags included food, clothing, and hygiene products.

Atchison was chosen, the TV station reports, due to the lack of homeless infrastructure.

The bags were donated Tuesday.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man, accused of smashing the window of a pizza restaurant, then telling responding officers he was God prior to stripping off his clothing and slapping one officer, has plead guilty to the related charges.

A release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson says 25-year-old Dalton Saffer, this week in Leavenworth County District Court, pleaded guilty to the charges of battery and criminal damage stemming from October 6, 2024, when police were called to the South 5th Street business where the window was smashed. Saffer, who was found sitting on the ground, stripped off his clothes, after standing up, when police attempted to move him from the parking lot. During that confrontation, Saffer slapped one of the responding officers.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 9.

(KAIR)--An Atchison failure to appear arrest leads to drug charges for an Atchison man wanted on the Municipal Court warrant.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 59-year-old Gregory Winfield, Saturday afternoon, March 1, around 4:45, was spotted in the 500 block of South 6th Street by an officer on patrol. Knowing that Winfield was wanted on the warrant, the officer arrested him.

It was while Winfield was being taken into custody, Wilson says, that methamphetamine was allegedly found on his person, leading to a related charge.

Once he was in custody, Winfield was booked into the Atchison County Jail for failure to appear in court and possession of methamphetamine.

Another failure to appear arrest-turned drug possession charges happened days later, on Wednesday, March 5, as another Atchison man, wanted for failing to appear in Atchison Municipal Court, now faces additional charges after allegedly attempting to run from arresting police officers.

Wilson, in a release, says 31-year-old Trevor Kiehl, shortly after 10:00 Wednesday night, was spotted by an officer on patrol, walking in the 900 block of Unity Street.

The officer, Wilson says, stopped to attempt to apprehend Kiehl on the warrant, but Kiehl instead allegedly ran, leading to a brief foot pursuit that ended in the 900 block of North 9th Street, where police located Kiehl.

Once Kiehl was in custody, Wilson says he was found to be in possession of what police allege was methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Kiehl was booked into the Atchison County Jail for charges including the failure to appear warrant, possession of the drugs and paraphernalia, and interference with law enforcement due to his alleged attempt to flee.

(KNZA)--The annual Brown County Fair Spotlight Auction will be held on Monday and Tuesday evenings, March 10-11.

It will be broadcast over KNZA 103.9 FM from 5:30 to 9 each evening.

The Spotlight Auction is a live radio auction of merchandise, services and chamber dollars donated mostly by area businesses, with bids taken via the phone.

You can see pictures of the items being sold and view the flyer online by going to the Brown County Kansas Fair Facebook page.

Those unable to call on the two evenings can call the Brown County Extension Office and give a maximum bid on the item or items you would like to buy, and one of the fair board members will be the bidder for you.

Proceeds from this year's auction will be used for the operation of the 2025 Brown County Fair to be held July 12-18 at the fairgrounds in Horton.

(KAIR)--Do you have questions or concerns regarding actions of the Kansas Legislature? If so, you'll have your chance for answers at two Legislative coffees set for Saturday morning, March 8, in Atchison and Troy.

They will take place at The Atchison Santa Fe Depot located at 200 South 10th Street at 8:00 and at the Troy Library located at 105 North Main Street at 10:30.

State Representative Dr. Allen Reavis, of Atchison, and State Senator Craig Bowser, of Holton, will provide an update on what's happening in Topeka and answer constituents questions.

The public is invited to attend the events sponsored by Rainbow Communications.

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

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop around 3:15 Tuesday afternoon on a car at Columbine Drive on U.S. 75 Highway, just north of Holton.

Morse said the driver, 46-year-old James Parr, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

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

(KMZA)--A Goff woman was seriously injured after she was struck by a car late Wednesday morning while authorities say she was attempting to help the victims of a head-on crash that had just occurred on a Nemaha County highway.

The car-pedestrian crash was reported around 11:15 on K-9 highway, about 1.5 miles north of Corning.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a car driven by 73-year-old Ora Martindale, of Havensville, was southbound when he lost control of the vehicle on the snow-covered road and west into the west ditch, where it struck 27-year-old Jordan Sowers.

Sowers was transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for treatment.

Martindale was not hurt.

A head-on crash had just occurred in the same area, leaving both drivers seriously injured.

The Patrol says a Chevy Tahoe was southbound on K-9 when the driver lost control of the vehicle on the ice-covered road and struck a northbound semi- truck head-on.

The driver of the Tahoe, 43-year-old Eric Breeding, of Centralia, was transported to Community Hospital in Onaga for treatment.

The driver of the semi, 62-year-old Leslie Norris, of Mount Vernon, Missouri, was transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for treatment.

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

(KNZA)--Plans are moving forward for the construction of a building addition at the Brown County Landfill.

The County Commission voted Monday to give Landfill Director Don Pounds approval to seek bids for the construction of an addition to the Noxious Weed and Solid Waste building at the landfill, along with the construction of concrete pads.

The addition would house offices for the landfill and noxious weed directors.

The current building is in poor shape.

Bids will be taken until April 11th and opened at the Commission's April 14 meeting.

The successful bidder will have until November 1st to complete the project.

(KMZA)--Two people were injured in a head-on crash Wednesday morning in Nemaha County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says a semi truck was southbound on K-9, about 1.5 miles north of Corning, when the driver lost control of the rig on the ice covered road and struck a northbound Chevy Tahoe head-on around 11:15.

The driver of the Tahoe, 43-year-old Eric Breeding, of Centralia, was transported to Community Hospital in Onaga with suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the semi, 62-year-old Leslie Norris, of Mount Vernon, Missouri, was transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca with suspected serious injuries.

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

(KMZA)--A Goff woman was seriously injured after she was struck by a car late Wednesday morning along a Nemaha County highway.

The crash was reported around 11:15 on K-9 highway, about 1.5 miles north of Corning.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, a car driven by 73-year-old Ora Martindale, of Havensville, was southbound when he lost control of the vehicle on the snow-covered road and west into the west ditch, where it struck the pedestrian.

The pedestrian, identified as 27-year-old Jordan Sowers, was transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for treatment.

Martindale was not hurt.

The crash was reported around the same time and location as a separate head-on crash that left both drivers seriously injured.

The Patrol says a semi truck was southbound on K-9 when the driver lost control of the rig on the ice-covered road and struck a northbound Chevy Tahoe.

The driver of the Tahoe, 43-year-old Eric Breeding, of Centralia, was transported to Community Hospital in Onaga for treatment.

The driver of the semi, 62-year-old Leslie Norris, of Mount Vernon, Missouri, was transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca for treatment.

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

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners and Richardson County Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. are asking Richardson County Citizens to be understanding and patient with the current condition of county roads.

Darveau said in a news release Wednesday that following Tuesday nights storm which began with rain, followed by ice has made it impossible to remove the ice covering the roads.

County roads are expected to be soft for a few days. As soon as it is dry enough to do so, Darveau says the county will begin grading roads and hauling rock.

(KAIR)--A new book, being called "a landmark biography of Amelia Earhart's life and legacy," is set for release July 15, just days before its author appears at Atchison- Amelia Fest.

According to a release from Amelia Earhart Festival Coordinator Jacque Pregont, author Laurie Gwen Shapiro, a past, Atchison festival guest, will make an exclusive festival appearance at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, on the morning of Friday, July 18, at 10:00, with the release saying Shapiro's visit will offer "audiences one of the first opportunities to engage with this major work of historical fiction."

The release calls Shapiro- "The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon," "one of the year- most anticipated nonfiction books," as it "delivers a fresh and revelatory account of Earhart- rise to fame, shifting the focus from the mystery of her disappearance to the extraordinary life she led and the pivotal partnership that shaped her legend."

Pregont, in the release, says the festival committee, and the community, is "beyond thrilled" to have Shapiro visit Atchison, Earhart's birthplace home, so soon after the book's release, adding that Shapiro's visit "is a rare opportunity to hear fresh insights into Amelia- extraordinary life—right in her hometown and just in time for her birthday!”

The festival is held in July of each year in honor of Earhart's July 24, 1897 birthday.

As for Shapiro's book, the release says that "rather than revisiting the over-analyzed mystery of Earhart- final flight, Shapiro- book delivers an urgent and cinematic narrative of her career, exploring how her collaboration with media titan George Putnam launched her into the stratosphere," adding that "for the first time, newly uncovered sources—including lost tapes, hidden archives, and never-before-seen correspondence—shed light on the untold forces behind Earhart- meteoric rise."

Atchison's Amelia Earhart Festival, including Shapiro's Friday, July 18 appearance at the Hangar Museum, will also include that evening's ticketed Friday Night Music at the Riverfront, featuring headliner Neal McCoy, followed the next day, Saturday, July 19, by an extensive Earhart-focused itinerary of family-friendly activities, including that night's Concert in the Sky fireworks conclusion to the festival, held at the city's riverfront.

Editor's note: as of 12 noon Wednesday, the viduct was reopened.

(KAIR)--Atchison drivers, Wednesday morning, will need to use a different route if the 5th Street Viaduct is their normal route of travel.

That's due to the closure of the viaduct, due to a fallen tree. Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News a tree fell on the structure's south end, blocking travel, and leaving both lanes of traffic closed.

(KNZA)--The blizzard that hit the local area overnight Tuesday into Wednesday has left traffic control, at a Holton intersection, damaged.

According to City Manager Teresa Riley, the pole, containing all controls for the stop light at 4th and New York, was broken by the storm. That caused damage to the wiring to the lights, which are currently in a flashing formation.

Riley says they will remain that way until the pole can be changed, and wiring repaired. The work is expected to take several days from Wednesday.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution when approaching the intersection.

(KLZA)-- Falls City EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl addressed the Falls City Council to provide a clearer understanding of a meeting with Richardson County Commissioners last week.

Froeschl felt information from the meeting had given the perception that the proposed $5 billion bio-chemical project by Citroniq, planned for a location south of Falls City may be in peril due to a freeze in federal loan programs.

Froeschl told the Council Monday night that EDGE still feels good about the project moving forward. He said to meet Citroniq's timeline to be operating in 2029, some decisions on where the power for the plant will come from, likely needs to be made by the end of 2025.

Securing a power source for the project and meeting future needs for Falls City utility customers has been a priority for EDGE. Froeschl said wind and solar power are not requirements for the Citroniq facility, but EDGE is looking for reliable sources for the electric generation.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Lucas Froeschl and Falls City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum last week for an update on the proposed Citroniq project planned for south of Falls City.

Progress on the project has been slowed due to actions by the new administration in Washington D.C.

Commissioners voted to accept “with a heavy heart” the resignation of Mona Godemann as Veteran's Service Officer. She retired February 24 following 25 years working in the office including the last 11 years as the Veteran's Service Officer.

Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall continued to review with Commissioners and County Attorney Samantha Scheitel the expenses involved with maintenance and insurance of outdoor warning sirens located within the corporate limits of the villages and cities in Richardson County.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the appropriation of the purchase of two, Ford Super Duty F-600 trucks and pertinent Hook-lift equipment at a cost of $262,113 when they met Monday evening.

Funds from the Solid Waste Fund, which is money collected for the tree dump site north of town will be used to pay for the trucks. The purchase was part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget.

The trucks will be purchased from Hullman's Ford-Lincoln of Falls City with the the Hook-lift equipment purchased from American Equipment in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Council also approved an agreement wit JK Energy Consulting to provide a rate study for the electric, water, sewer and gas utilities as recommended by the Board of Public Works. The cost for the study will be $22,000.

Council members also approved execution of a nondisclosure agreement with the Nebraska Rural Generation, LLC. This is one of several such agreements the city has approved recently concerning attempts to bring additional power generation to the community. Council member Derrick Leyden says such agreements will help the community in negotiations and save money for the citizens.

The Council did approved a liquor license request for the El Canelo Mexican Restaurant at 1022 Harlan.

(KNZA)--A single-vehicle Tuesday afternoon Jefferson County crash sent an Ozawkie couple to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of K-4 and K-92 Highways, about 3 miles west of Ozawkie, around 3:20.

According to the KHP report, a car driven by 70-year-old Stephen Collier was westbound on K-92 when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection.

His car crossed K-4 and entered the west ditch, striking a fence, before coming to rest in a field.

Stephen Collier and his passenger, 69-year-old Margaret Collier, were transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.

The Patrol says both were wearing seat belts when the crash occurred.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved a contract for a bridge replacement project over a stream about 2 miles southeast of Kelly.

The Commission voted last week to accept a contract from Bridges, Inc., of Newton, in the amount of $718,162.

The county will provide a $8,000 match.

Federal funding through the Kansas Department of Transportation cost-share program will fund the majority of project cost.

The bid letting took place February 19th, in Topeka.

In other business, the Commission approved allowing the National Parks Service to put up signs in the county indicating where the Pony Express Trail and the Oregon Trail used to run.

A grant will pay for the signs, with the county responsible for the installation of the signs.

(KNZA)--A Valley Falls woman was arrested on drug charges following an early Monday morning traffic stop in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said shortly before 12:30 a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Mercedes SUV near 150th and Q. Roads.

Morse said a Sheriff's Office K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal drug within the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle ended with the driver, 39-year-old Shantel Simmons, being arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KAIR)--A stolen pickup truck is recovered in Atchison while the search for a reported stolen car is continuing.

That's according to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says the 1989 Chevrolet pickup had been stolen from the community of Easton, located in neighboring Leavenworth County. It was early Saturday morning, around 4:20, that Wilson says Atchison police officers located the truck, bringing that case to a close.

Later, on Saturday, Atchison Police received a report that a 2014 black, Nissan Altima had been stolen. Wilson says the 4-door car was last seen parked in the 1600 block of South 7th Street, the location from which it was taken.

According to Wilson, investigators believe the car was stolen sometime between 3:00 Saturday morning and 12:45 that afternoon.

Anyone with information related to the theft of the Nissan Altima should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KNZA)--Four were arrested for the possession of dangerous drugs after a search warrant was served on the Kickapoo Reservation.

According to a release, the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department executed the search warrant in the area of 142nd Road Friday.

Assisting were the Horton Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol.

The name of the individuals arrested were not immediately released.

The case remains under investigation.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska Department of Revenue Tax Commissioner James Kamm has announced the following changes to the local sales and use tax rates that will be effective on April 1, 2025.

Rulo, Shickley, and Thedford will each start a new local sales and use tax rate of 1%.

The local rate changes are on DOR's website at revenue.nebraska.gov under the Sales and Use Tax link.

Retailers are reminded to regularly check the Sales Tax Rate Finder and the Rates and Boundaries files posted on DOR's website to ensure the correct tax rates based on street address.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded nearly $3.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to support 12 housing rehabilitation and commercial revitalization projects across the state—including projects in the cities of Holton and Marysville.

According to a release from the Department of Commerce, the grant funding will be matched with more than $4.3 million in local contributions, bringing the total investment to about $7.8 million.

The cities of Holton and Marysville were each awarded $300,000 grants for commercial revitalization projects.

Holton's grant will be used for the renovation of Hotel Josephine, located in the 500 block of Ohio Street. The grant will be matched with nearly $101,000 in local funding.

Marysville's grant will be used for the rehabilitation of three commercial buildings in the city's Koester Block. The grant will matched with just over $132,000 in local funding.

(KLZA)-- Winter is not giving up without a fight this year.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for potions of northeast Kansas, southeast Nebraska and northwest Missouri from 8 p.m. Tuesday evening through 4 a.m. Wednesday.

Snowfall of 1 - 3 inches is expected with as much as 5 inches possible in some areas. Winds gusting as high as 70 mph and flash freezing is also expected.

Roads will become slick and hazardous. There could be periods of whiteout conditions making travel impossible during the peak of the storm. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage and power outages.

Persons are urged to stay indoors until condition improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia. Gloves, a scarf and a hat will help keep you from losing body heat.

You are also advised to delay travel if possible. Be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination.

(KNZA)--Brown County is moving forward with a road reclamation project on a 3 1/2 mile stretch of 270th Road from the U.S. 75 interchange to Coyote Road .

The County Commission voted Friday to approve a contract with Hall Brothers, Inc., of Marysville, for the project, with a two inch instead of a 3 inch asphalt overlay and without the add-on for asphalt on the intersection approaches.

The changes will save nearly $285,000, reducing the total project cost to $1.45 million

The changes will make the county's share about $497,000.

The county was awarded nearly $958,000 through the Kansas Department of Transportation cost share program to help fund the project.

Bids for the project were opened on January 29th.

The project is expected to begin in late April/early May and take 3 to 4 weeks to complete.

(KNZA)--An award winning author and historian spoke at two Atchison schools Friday about Hiawatha born basketball legend and civil rights pioneer John McLendon.

Dr. Milton Katz, author of Breaking Through: John B. McLendon. Basketball Legend and Civil Rights Pioneer, spoke to students at Maur Hill Mount Academy and Atchison High School as part of both schools’ commemoration of Black History Month.

Dr. Katz has been featured on ESPN along with numerous documentaries and is a recognized expert on the Naismith Hall of Fame coach.

Coach McLendon, born in Hiawatha, Kansas in 1915, was the first black coach in professional sports, and is widely credited with inventing the fast break in basketball.

Dr. Katz presentation covered Coach McLendon's many contributions to the game of basketball and civil rights during his illustrious career.

Dr. Katz visit was made possible by Atchison United, a social action group that focuses on breaking down barriers and bringing speakers to the Atchison area.

(KNZA)--Two Indiana men were arrested on drug possession charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County last week.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck shortly before 9:00 the evening of February 25 for a traffic infraction on U.S. 75 Highway near 134th Road.

During a probable cause search of the vehicle, the two occupants were arrested.

The driver, 25-year-old Kameron Chapman, of South Bend, Indiana, was arrested for possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

The passenger, 26-year-old Sean Rader, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved providing matching funds to the Mo-Kan Regional Council for the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program.

Representatives of the Mo-Kan Regional Council met with the Commission at their February 24 meeting to discuss the grant program.

Mo-Kan qualified for the federal grant program on a regional basis, with a required match of $20,000.

Mo-Kan Executive Director Trevor Tutt said they would divide the required match across all five counties within their service region.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, he asked Doniphan County for $4,000 in matching funds.

Once the match has been secured, Tutt said a safety action plan is developed and projects from the plan used to apply for grant funding. Each contributing county would submit projects.