Updated Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 12:33 PM

(KAIR)--New details are made public following alleged threats made with a gun, as well as a vehicle attack, that led to Jackson County Sheriff's Office response early Monday morning to a Mayetta residence and to the arrest of a Mayetta woman who now faces charges including that for attempted murder.

There, at 18199 S. Road, deputies learned that a pickup truck was allegedly used to run down, and injure, a motorcyclist while also striking another vehicle.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, on Tuesday, revealed that the arrest of the suspect, 37-year-old Chellcie Lynn Sparks, of Mayetta, came Monday after a search warrant was served at the address, where three juveniles were located and placed into police protective custody.

Sparks, held in the Jackson County Jail since the time of her Monday arrest, faces charges for attempted second degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal restraint, aggravated endangering a child, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

(KAIR)--Early Monday morning armed threats, coupled with information that a motorcyclist was intentionally struck by a pickup truck, lead Jackson County authorities to 18199 S. Road and to the arrest of a Mayetta woman on multiple charges.

That's according to a release from Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, who says his office, around 3:30 Monday morning, received a report that a person, armed with a gun, was threatening people, complete with reported multiple gun shots at that Mayetta location.

Morse, in the release, says deputies who responded "discovered that a pickup truck at the residence was used in running down a man on a motorcycle causing injuries to the man," while it was additionally reported that a second vehicle was struck by the truck.

On Monday, Jackson County Sheriff Deputies and Detectives served a search warrant at the scene. Three juveniles that were found staying at the residence were placed into police protective custody.

37-year-old Chellcie Lynn Sparks was arrested for attempted second degree murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal restraint, aggravated endangering a child, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KAIR)--Nominations are being sought by the 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission to fill the role of district judge.

That's due to a forthcoming retirement in the Judicial District, which encompasses Leavenworth and Atchison counties. A release from the Kansas Courts says District Judge Dan Wiley will retire July 6, creating the district judge vacancy in Leavenworth County.

The release cites Justice Eric S. Rosen, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 1st Judicial District, in saying that "individuals can apply or be nominated, but nominations must come on a nomination form and include the nominee's signature."

That form, the release says, can be obtained from the clerk of the district court in both Leavenworth and Atchison counties, or the clerk of the appellate courts in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka.

Eligibility requirements to fill the district magistrate judge seat include being a resident of Leavenworth County at the time of nomination, election, or appointment, when taking the oath of office, and while holding office; a graduate of a high school, a secondary school, or the equivalent; and either a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or able to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court to become certified within 18 months.

The nominating commission, following receipt of the nominations, will meet to interview nominees and then select three to five, with their names submitted to the governor to fill the position.

The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide which will be appointed.

(KLZA)-- One person died and three others were injured in a three-vehicle crash late Saturday night on Interstate 29, about 5 miles north of Rock Port, Missouri.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a 75-year-old woman from Kansas City, Kansas was southbound in the northbound passing lane of I-29 when the front drivers side of the Kia Sedona she was driving struck the front drivers side of a 2019 Infinity QX8, driven by a 30-year-old woman from Denison, Iowa.

The Kansas City woman was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck.

The woman from Iowa suffered moderate injuries, while two passengers in her car, a 5-year-old girl and a Carrol, Iowa man, suffered suspected serious injuries. All three were transported by ambulance to Grape Memorial Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa.

A third vehicle, a Kia Sorento, driven by a 28-year-old Ward, South Carolina woman impacted the undercarriage of the Infinity, which became partially airborne from the initial impact. She was not injured.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a pair of Ford pickups to be used as patrol units by the Sheriff's Department when they met last week.

The pickups will be purchased from Hullman's Ford in Falls City at the state bid contract of $46,093.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty also reported that a deputy has been hired to fill a vacancy. Taylor Bredemeier is already a certified law enforcement officer.

The Board also further reviewed Sheriff Hardesty's proposed salary increases to be effective July 1 for department staff. No action was taken by the Board. Commissioners said they would continue to review the request and finalize a decision following the county budget review.

The Sheriff's department will be taking part in a special speed enforcement program July 14 - 31. A grant to pay for the overtime hours accrued by deputies during the enforcement has been applied for through the Nebraska Department of Highway Transportation.

(KLZA)-- Unemployment figures were mixed for southeast Nebraska counties in the month of May.

Unemployment figures were lower in two area counties, steady in two counties and higher in two counties.

The jobless rate in Pawnee County dipped half a percentage point to 2.6 percent which is the best in the area.

In Richardson County, unemployment fell 4-tenths to 2.8 percent in May.

Unemployment remained steady during the month in both Johnson and Gage counties. Johnson County has the highest unemployment rate in the southeast corner of Nebraska at 3.8 percent. Gage County remained at 2.8 percent.

Joblessness in Nemaha County Nebraska climbed 8-tenths of a percent to 3.7 percent. In Otoe County the unemployment figure went up a tenth of a point to 2.7 percent.

Nebraska ranks 6th in the country with an unemployment rate of 3 percent which was unchanged from April. Iowa tied for 19th at 3.6%; Kansas was tied for 25th at 3.8% and Missouri was tied for 29th at 4 percent unemployment.

South Dakota continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the country at just 1.8 percent.

Nationwide, the jobless rte in May was 4.2 percent, unchanged from April.

(KLZA)-- With the first reported human case of West Nile virus reported in Nebraska for the 2025 season last week , the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging the public to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from West Nile Virus.

While no mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV so far this season, it is important to remember that not all areas where mosquitoes might be found are sampled, but could still contain mosquitoes carrying the disease. These areas include any instance of standing water found in parks, communities, and backyards across our state.

West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S.

Ways that you can reduce the getting the disease include:

. Use a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.
. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside.
. Take extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
. Drain standing water around your home. Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted trays at least once a week, if not more often.
. Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.
.Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight" and repair or replace torn screens.

Most people who are infected have no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms. Less than 1% of people infected with West Nile Virus become severely ill. However, people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to the disease and are more likely to experience serious consequences.

(KNZA)--A new architectural firm will be doing the facilities assessment for Hiawatha USD 415.

That announcement was made during a special meeting last Thursday of the USD 415 Board of Education.

Tucker Petticord with Lighthouse Construction was on hand to provide the update and discuss the next steps with Master Planning.

Petticord said Wichita-based Alloyway Architects, who had been hired to conduct the facilities assessment, has backed out.

He said HCK Architects, of Topeka, has agreed to do the assessment, with a similar contract.

It was the consensus of the board to move forward with the firm.

Petticord said the architectural firm will try to get the assessment done over the summer.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man was injured after a boat exploded.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the incident occurred about 12:15 Friday afternoon at Standing Rock Hollow at the Lake of the Ozarks.

According to the Patrol report, a 70-year-old man from St. Joseph was attempting to start a 1986 Wellcraft Cabin Cruiser when the boat exploded.

The man was not hurt, but his 35-year-old passenger, also from St. Joseph, was injured.

He was transported by ambulance for hospitalized treatment of suspected moderate injuries.

The boat sank in about 40 feet of water and was listed as a total loss.

(KNZA)--A retirement open house was held Saturday evening at the Sabetha Fire Station for longtime Fire Chief Jim Johnson.

A social media post by the Sabetha Fire Department thanked the many who came out to wish him well.

Johnson is retiring after 50 years of service with the volunteer fire department--including 25 years as fire chief.

He was presented with a plaque in recognition of his service.

Johnson joined the department as a young man in 1975, and has responded to some of the biggest emergencies in Sabetha's history during his tenure.

In a release it noted that "Johnson retires from a department that is fully staffed, one that has replaced 4 trucks in 15 years, one with new bunker gear, new self-contained breathing apparatus, new extrication gear, and one that is better prepared to respond to emergencies than any time in their history."

Gary Elliot will move into the position of acting fire chief until department elections are held.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing work on K-99 in Marshall County the week of Monday, June 30, conditions permitting.

The mill and overlay project spans about 15 miles, starting at the Kansas/Nebraska state line and progressing south to the U.S. 36 junction.

Traffic will be restricted to one lane and directed by a pilot car and flaggers where crews are actively working. Drivers should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes. A 10-foot width restriction will also be in effect.

Work will occur during daylight hours Monday through Friday, and Saturdays as needed.

Hall Brothers Inc., of Marysville, is the prime contractor on the $3.3 million project, which is expected to be complete by the end of August.

(KAIR)--Nominations are being sought by the 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission to fill the role of district judge.

That's due to a forthcoming retirement in the Judicial District, which encompasses Leavenworth and Atchison counties. A release from the Kansas Courts says District Judge Dan Wiley will retire July 6, creating the district judge vacancy in Leavenworth County.

The release cites Justice Eric S. Rosen, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 1st Judicial District, in saying that "individuals can apply or be nominated, but nominations must come on a nomination form and include the nominee's signature."

That form, the release says, can be obtained from the clerk of the district court in both Leavenworth and Atchison counties, or the clerk of the appellate courts in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka.

Eligibility requirements to fill the district magistrate judge seat include being a resident of Leavenworth County at the time of nomination, election, or appointment, when taking the oath of office, and while holding office; a graduate of a high school, a secondary school, or the equivalent; and either a lawyer admitted to practice in Kansas or able to pass an examination given by the Supreme Court to become certified within 18 months.

The nominating commission, following receipt of the nominations, will meet to interview nominees and then select three to five, with their names submitted to the governor to fill the position.

The governor has 60 days after receiving the names to decide which will be appointed.

(KNZA)--A federal grand jury in Topeka has returned an indictment charging a Topeka man with committing an assault on Tribal land.

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas, 23-year-old Wesley Bennett was indicted last week on one count of assaults within maritime and territorial jurisdiction.

The release says Bennett is accused of assaulting and seriously injuring a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation this month within the confines of its Tribal territory.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department are investigating the case.

(KNZA)--Holton Community Hospital CEO Carrie Lutz joined a national delegation of rural healthcare leaders in Washington, D.C. this week to meet with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. and senior policymakers regarding the federal legislation unofficially dubbed “The Big Beautiful Bill,” currently under Senate review.

The legislation, which proposes sweeping changes to Medicare and Medicaid, has drawn widespread concern among rural hospitals across the country—especially Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) like Holton Community Hospital.

Representing Kansas as the sole delegate from the Kansas Hospital Association (KHA), Lutz met with federal officials including Secretary Kennedy, Hannah Anderson (Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy), and separately with staff from Kansas Congressional offices, including Senator Jerry Moran and Congressman Tracey Mann. Lutz emphasized the potential negative impact of Medicare Advantage plans, State Directed Payment reform, and looming changes to the 340B drug pricing program.

“I made it clear that these changes, if passed as currently written, would place added strain on Kansas hospitals like ours—especially as more Medicare beneficiaries are funneled into Advantage plans that often delay or deny reimbursement,” said Lutz. “Our communities simply cannot afford to lose access to local care due to policy decisions made without a rural lens.”

During the meeting with Secretary Kennedy and senior HHS leadership, several top concerns were raised:

.The growing burden of Medicare Advantage: Lutz joined peers in expressing frustration over reimbursement challenges and administrative hurdles associated with Medicare Advantage plans. One rural hospital CEO shared a case where a Humana plan abruptly terminated its contract, devastating the community's access to care.

.Costly administrative burden: In discussions with Deputy Chief Hannah Anderson, Lutz highlighted the growing number of staff hours hospitals must dedicate just to ensure claims are paid. She will follow up with federal officials to quantify the workforce cost tied to revenue cycle management under current Medicare Advantage policies.

.Support for CAHs and workforce flexibility: Lutz plans to send HHS examples of regulations that could be safely delegated to Advanced Practice Providers (APRNs or PAs), rather than requiring physicians—part of a broader rural push for smart deregulation and workforce efficiency.

In a separate meeting with Senator Jerry Moran- office, Lutz raised concerns about efforts to overhaul the 340B drug discount program. Secretary Kennedy had noted the program- rapid expansion from roughly 300 hospitals to nearly 3,000. Lutz thanked Senator Moran's office for continued work to preserve this vital support for rural providers.

“It was encouraging to see Secretary Kennedy and his team genuinely listening to our concerns,” said Lutz. “He asked detailed questions, especially regarding Medicare Advantage abuses and the regulatory barriers we face as a 14-bed Critical Access Hospital. I walked away with hope that our voices are being heard.”

Lutz noted that buses of protestors had lined the Capitol that day in response to proposed Medicaid cuts—an issue also raised during her visit with Congressman Mann- staff. While Kansas has a lower proportion of working-age adults on Medicaid, Lutz reinforced that any cuts could destabilize vulnerable populations and hospital finances statewide.

The trip was organized in partnership with the Kansas Hospital Association and the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). Lutz's participation underscores Holton Community Hospital's continued advocacy for rural health equity and sustainable care access across Jackson County and beyond.

(KNZA)--Two St. Joseph, Missouri residents were arrested on drug charges following a Doniphan County traffic stop this week.

Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington, in a release, said the Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop during the early afternoon hours of Tuesday within the 22-hundred block of K-7 Highway in rural Doniphan County.

During the course of the investigation, a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted.

Wolvington said methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia was allegedly located in the vehicle.

The two occupants, identified as 49-year-old Dione Burkeybile and 43-year-old Timothy O'Connell, were arrested.

Burkeybile was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, while O’Connell was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

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

(KNZA)--Brown County Appraiser Steve Markham has been re-appointed to another 4-year term.

The Brown County Commission unanimously approved a resolution Monday re-appointing Markham.

His new term will begin July 1st.

Markham will be paid an annual salary of $78,000, with his salary to be re-evaluated at the end of two years.

He has served as County Appraiser since March 2019.

(KAIR)--Seven Atchison residents are facing charges, mostly drug related, after being arrested Wednesday night/early Thursday morning, in what Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson calls "a joint investigation conducted by the Atchison Police Department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation."

According to a release from Wilson, the investigation, leading to the arrests, continued through the night Wednesday through the efforts of police officers, detectives, and agents from the KBI.

Among those arrested was 66-year-old Ivan Cushinberry, Jr. who was taken into custody at 1518 South 7th Street after, Wilson says, "officers and agents executed a search warrant at [the residence] where numerous items of evidence were seized." After the search was conducted around 2:00 Thursday morning, Cushinberry was arrested for distribution and possession of cocaine, manufacturing a controlled substance, and distribution and possession of methamphetamine.

The other six were all arrested during Atchison traffic stops Wednesday night, with three of them, 57-year-old Cecilia Daniels, 76-year-old Harold Bowen, and 33-year-old Felicia Lynch, all arrested on charges including possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also arrested were 37-year-old Kevin Maxey, Jr. and 29-year-old Allison Blakely, who now face charges for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Maxey is also accused of disorderly conduct. The pair was arrested after a traffic stop in the 600 block of College Street.

The seventh arrest was that of 30-year-old Kattibrie Lynch who was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All seven accused Atchison residents were booked into the Atchison County Jail following their arrests.

According to Wilson, the investigation is continuing.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved for publication a proposed 2026 county budget of $14.8 million that calls for the county to collect about $42,000 less in property tax revenue over this year.

The Commission took the action when they met Monday.

The proposed budget contains an estimated tax rate of 40.004 mills, which is .276 mills below the revenue neutral rate.

Last year's tax rate was 39.7 mills

The county is to collect more than $6.1 million in tax revenue.

The county's assessed valuation decreased about $2.2 million.

The Commission will consider adoption of the 2026 budget following a public hearing at their September 15 meeting.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, convicted of aggravated criminal sodomy in a sex-crimes case involving a 9-year-old victim, will spend more than a decade in prison.

Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, in a release, says Jeffrey Bowen, last week in Atchison County District Court, was handed his more than 13-year sentence after pleading no contest to the charge in May.

According to the release, the Atchison Police investigation, leading to the arrest of the now 41-year-old Bowen in early September of last year, was launched in late August 2024 "after a nine-year-old girl reported that [Bowen] had touched her inappropriately."

According to Becker, it was during last week's sentencing that she "argued on behalf of the victim and the victim- family in asking that the defendant be sentenced to the maximum sentence" under Kansas law which is 165 months, or 13-years-nine months in prison.

Bowen's attorney, meanwhile, argued for the standard sentence of 155 months, or 12-years-11-months.

Instead, Becker says, "the District Court ultimately ordered that [Bowen] serve 160 months," or 13-years-4-months of incarceration, 5-months short of Becker's sentencing request.

(KLZA)-- An Auburn, Nebraska man is facing a child abuse charge in Pawnee County.

KOLN-TV reports 31-year-old Preston Lee was arrested June 17 on charges of intentional child abuse, resulting in no injury.

Two women reported to a Pawnee County deputy the allegations against Lee, showing a video the reportedly showed Lee acting abusively toward a young child.

Lee reportedly shouted profanities to the child and then headbutted the child twice in the head.

Lee is to appear in court July 3. Bond has been set at $50,000.

(KLZA)-- Auburn Manor was the site of a public meeting Wednesday afternoon presenting an opportunity for area residents to learn more about Next Generation Nuclear.

The Nebraska Public Power District is spearheading a statewide study on the possibility of building small modular nuclear reactors. A million dollars in federal pandemic aid funds for low-income communities affected by weather threats to grid resilience is being used to fund the study.

Nick Wohlers with the 1898 & Company, consulting firm is helping NPPD with the feasibility study that will explore sites statewide.

Phase I of the study was completed in 2024 as the list of potential sites was reduced from 32 communities down to the current number of 16. This year the goal is to narrow those top 16 potential sites down to a final 4 sites.

Among the final 16 sites being studied for a possible Small Modular Nuclear Reactor is the Brownville area in Nemaha County.

Health and safety are top priorities for site selection along with condition of the community, terrain, flood plains, wetland, state forests along with ecological perspective and of course water availability.

Brownville having the Cooper Nuclear Plant built nearby seemed to give the community a boost when the first round of cuts to potential locations were made. Wohlers expects Phase II of the selection process will have more stringent criteria to meet.

The meeting was sponsored by the Auburn Board of Public Works, the Village of Brownville, City of Auburn and Grow Auburn Inc.

Among those presenting information to those attending was Don Buhman, The Nebraska Public Power Districts Director of Nuclear Oversight and Strategic Asset Management.

Buhman pointed out that NPPD has a strong record of producing nuclear generated power safely for more than years operating the Cooper Nuclear Station for more than 50 years.

Buhman says the smaller plants would be more easily assembled and not be mega-projects such as the Cooper Nuclear Station was. The SMR's are manufactures in a factory, shipped to the site and assembled.

Depending on the size of the SMR that may be constructed, several hundred jobs could be created, not including the number of persons it would require to construct the facility.

Buhman noted that while the first SMR would be very costly, prices on construction should come down.

Buhman says there are lots of estimates on the cost for SMR's at this time, but feels the first ones will be expensive, in the neighborhood of 1 - 4 billion dollars.

Buhman also noted it's possible that more than one of the SMR's could be constructed in Nebraskan the future.

Water needs for a Small Modular Reactor is dependent on the size of the plant that is built. The larger the facility that more water required, but some of the SMR's would have low water requirements and some can even be air cooled.

( KLZA)--  A Fairfax, Missouri man is facing 17 additional charges of possession of child pornography and one count of child molestation in the second degree.

James Ball was arrested June 4, by the Atchison County, Missouri Sheriff's Department with assistance from the Cyber Crimes Task Force.  
He was charged with possession of child pornography and 1st degree sodomy at that time.  

Sheriff Andrew Riley notes in a release that on June 18,  Atchison County Deputies amended the probable cause statement with the Atchison County Attorney's Office, resulting in 17 additional charges of possession of child pornography and a count of second degree child molestation.

Ball is being held without bail. 
In the release on Wednesday, Sheriff Riley noted that further charges are pending against Ball.  

(KAIR)--Atchison County road work underway is being brought to the attention of motorists, and the need to find a correct, alternate route around the project.

According to the release from the County, “Bourbon Road from 238th to 246th Road is closed for a culvert replacement. The project is set to take place until weather allows for it's completion.

The County asks all motorists affected by the closure to please ensure the drivers are staying on Highway 159 & Highway 116 for alternative routes, as Township and County Roads, along with the bridges, are not rated to handle heavy loads and traffic.

If you have any questions, please contact the Road & Bridge Office at 913-804-6120.”

(KAIR)---An Atchison woman convicted on charges in connection with Atchison County crash last August that claimed the life of her 17-month-old son has been sentenced to 25 years and one month in prison.

According to court documents, 29-year-old Maria Papalas was handed the sentence Tuesday in Atchison County District Court on charges of second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated endangering a child.

Following her release from prison, she will be required to register as an offender for 15 years.

Papalas pleaded no contest to the amended charges last month as part of a plea agreement, canceling a jury trial that had been set in the case.

She had originally been charged with first-degree murder.

Authorities say Papalas was attempting to flee from an Atchison County Sheriff's deputy when she crashed her vehicle on August 25, 2024. Her son, who was passenger in the vehicle, was killed in the crash.

Evidence showed the child was not properly restrained in a car seat at the time of the crash.

(KNZA)--Two people were arrested Tuesday following a pursuit and manhunt in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy attempted to stop a 2007 Cadillac around 4:15 Tuesday afternoon, just west of U.S. 75 Highway on 158th Road.

The vehicle failed to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The vehicle continued through various roads in southern Jackson County for about 10 minutes before coming to a stop on O. Road between 126th and 134th Roads.

The passenger, identified as 35-year-old Lloyd Wabaunsee, of Mayetta, fled the vehicle. The alleged driver, 34-year-old Desiree Shopteese, of Topeka, was taken into custody at the scene.

A ground and air search involving multiple agencies was launched, and Wabaunsee was taken into custody shortly before 8:00 Tuesday evening.

Wabaunsee was arrested for felony interference with law enforcement, possession of opiates, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and on a hold for the Department of Corrections.

Shopteese was arrested for flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, distribution of a hallucinogenic drug, driving while suspended, driving without an ignition interlock device and transporting an open container.

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

Wabaunsee had just been released from prison in January after serving time for a conviction of 2nd-degree murder in the 2013 shooting death of Kevin Stanley, of Mayetta. Shopteese was also charged in the case.

(KLZA)--Wednesday, June 25 was the first day Falls City residents could legally shoot off fireworks in the city as the July 4th celebrations are beginning.

During a special City Council meeting Monday night, City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum reminded everyone about the legal times to ignite fireworks.

Those times are from 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 p.m. June 25 through July 2, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 3, 4 and 5.

You are not allowed to ignite fireworks on public property such as parks.

Those shooting fireworks are encouraged to be courteous of their neighbors.

(KLZA)-- A 25-year-old Tarkio, Missouri man suffered what the Missouri Highway Patrol described as moderate injuries in a single vehicle wreck early Tuesday morning in Nodaway County, Missouri.

The man was eastbound on U-S 136 Highway approximately 8 miles west of Burlington Junction. The driver lost control of his 2015 Ram pickup in heavy rain, traveled off the side of the road and struck an embankment before coming to rest in a bean field.

The Nodaway County Sheriff's Office assisted the State Patrol at the scene.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council met in special session Monday night to conduct a public hearing on a request from Isaac Knight for a conditional use permit for firearms and ammunition sales at 1801 Stone Street in Falls City.

No one appeared to speak during the pubic hearing. The Council approved the request on a unanimous vote.

Knight will be opening Paladin Firearms and Gunsmithing in the building.

In other action the Council approved the requisition of a Wastewater Lift Station Pump from Allied Systems in Des Moines, Iowa at a cost of $17,550.

There is one sewer lift station in Falls City that receives sewage from some residential homes in the northern part of the community. It also receives wastewater from the hospital and two nursing homes. The current pump is believed to be more than 40 years old and has severe wear and requires extensive work on the pumping equipment.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening set fireworks dates and times.

Residents will be allowed to discharge fireworks at the City Lake from July 1st to July 3rd until 10 pm, and on July 4th until midnight.

In addition, fireworks will be allowed in the city limits on July 3rd from noon until 8 pm as a result of Commission action taken in April.

The city will hold its annual fireworks display on July 3rd at dusk.

Also at the meeting, the Hiawatha Police Department was presented with a traffic safety award for their participation in the Kansas Department of Transportation's Special Traffic Enforcement Program or STEP.

On hand to make the presentation was KDOT Law Enforcement Liaison, Donnie Hughes.

Hughes said there are four STEP campaigns throughout the year, which are designed to increase seat belt use and enforce impaired and distracted driving laws.

He said law enforcement agencies have the option to participate in three of the four campaigns, and the Hiawatha Police Department routinely takes part in all four of them.

Hiawatha Police Sgt. Lorenzo Mendez runs the campaigns.

Update:

(KAIR)--Due to weather, survey work along U.S. 75 in Jackson County will continue Wednesday, June 25, with a flagging operation in effect.

The Kansas Department of Transportation the work will lead to lane reductions. The work is scheduled from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., conditions permitting.

Work will be done in 1-mile sections from Holton to just south of the K-9 intersection.

Flaggers will direct traffic through the reduced area. Motorists should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

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(KAIR)--Motorists traveling in Jackson County Tuesday, June 24 should be aware of planned lane reductions along U.S. Highway 75, meaning potential delays.

According to a release from the Kansas Department of Transportation, the agency will be performing survey work near the highway, leading to the need for the lane reductions, with the work expected to last from 8 in the morning until 5 in the evening, so long as weather allows.

KDOT notes that work will be done in 1-mile sections, from Holton to just south of the K-9 intersection.

Flaggers will direct traffic through the reduced area, with motorists told to plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

(KNZA)--The Board of Directors of Sabetha Community Hospital has announced the appointment of Garrett Colglazier as the hospital's new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2025.

Colglazier, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Dr. James Longabaugh, DO, who announced his resignation in April, effective at the end of July.

According to release, Colglazier is a familiar and respected leader within Sabetha Community Hospital, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. He has served as Chief Operating Officer for the past three years, working closely alongside Dr. Longabaugh and gaining invaluable insight into the hospital's operations and strategic direction. Prior to his role as COO, Colglazier was the Health Information Management Director.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Garrett Colglazier as our new CEO,” said Board President, Norm Schmitt. “Garrett not only possesses a deep understanding of our hospital and the healthcare landscape but also has a proven track record of leadership and dedication to our community. His experience working directly with Dr. Longabaugh ensures a seamless transition and continued commitment to our mission of providing exceptional patient care.”

Colglazier's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Information Management and Health Informatics from the University of Saint Mary and an associate's degree from Allen County Community College.

“I am honored and humbled to be entrusted with the leadership of Sabetha Community Hospital,” said Colglazier. “I look forward to continuing to build upon the strong foundation laid by Dr. Longabaugh and working collaboratively with our dedicated staff, physicians, and the community to further enhance the quality of healthcare services we provide.”

The Board extended its gratitude to Dr. Longabaugh for his leadership and contributions to Sabetha Community Hospital during his tenure.

(KLZA)-- Officers from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Pawnee County Sheriff's Office and the Nebraska State Patrol responded to a home in Tecumseh Tuesday morning shortly after 7:30 when a person wanted on an active warrant for misdemeanor domestic violence refused to leave the home.

Around 2:30 a.m. a Johnson County Deputy Sheriff located a vehicle parked at a house in Tecumseh last known to be driven by 31-year-old Justin Frerichs, who had an active warrant for his arrest.

According to a release from the office of Johnson County Attorney Benjamin Beethe, the Deputy made contact with Frerichs who refused to leave the house.

When officers from the other departments arrived at approximately 7:30, Frerichs did voluntarily leave the house and was arrested on the warrant.

The warrant was issued Monday after a woman reported to staff members at the Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh that her boyfriend had hit her before driving off in her car.

(KLZA)-- Area residents are invited to learn more about next generation nuclear energy during a Wednesday afternoon even in Auburn.

From 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Arbor Manor will host the event which will be sponsored in partnership with the Auburn Board of Public Works, Village of Brownville, City of Auburn and Grow Auburn, Inc.

Brownville has been recognized as one of 16 communities best suited to be the site for a next generation nuclear reactor. The designation followed a state feasibility study which has moved on to phase II to further narrow down the list of possible sites.

The $1 million study was approved by the Legislature in 2022 and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded the funds to the Nebraska Public Power District, operators of Nebraska's only nuclear power generator, the Cooper Nuclear Station located near Brownville

(KLZA)-- Area residents are invited to a town hall meeting in Humboldt Wednesday evening, June 25 to hear information about proposed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid and find out what is at stake for area healthcare facilities.

The meeting will be held from 7 to 8 pm in the Humboldt City Auditorium.

A number of speakers have agreed to discuss how cuts to Medicare and Medicaid could effect area facilities-- including nursing homes and hospitals.

The Medicare and Medicaid programs are critical to how area care facilities operate.

No reservations or registration is needed.

All area residents are invited to attend.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners received a report from Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. last week on rock hauling, the amount of rock the county purchases and placement of county road rock.

Darveau presented information on the amount of rock placed on county roads within each precinct and the costs that are involved. Darveau said records are kept from the previous year for comparison and the numbers are updated monthly.

Commissioners approved renewing an agreement with Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise agreeing to continue contributing $15,000 annually to the economic development group. The only change was for the payment dates to February 28 and August 31 and the duration of the agreement is from August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2028.

Assistant Veterans Service Officer James Kirkendall presented for appointment Richard Malcolm to serve on the Veterans Service Committee for a 5-year term commencing July 1. Malcolm will replace Fred Sikora who the Board thanked for his 5 years of service on the committee.

Commissioners also approved the expenditure of $6,019 in funding for the Southeast Nebraska Development District and $615 in housing dues with the organization.

(KLZA)-- During a visit to Falls City last week, United States Congressman Adrian Smith who represents the Third Congressional District which stretches from the Missouri River west to the Wyoming and Colorado borders, said changes are needed in the Social Security system.

Smith said in the next 8 - 9 years, without a bi-partisan bill to address the Social Security System, at that time there will be an automatic reduction in benefits which will put a large number of senior citizens in poverty.

Smith also noted during the visit that a tax bill must be passed or that in January the average families tax bill will increase by about $1,300 with the average tax bill on a farm operation increasing $5,000.

Congressman Smith also briefly discussed with MSC News, the possibility of federal funding for a rare earth elements mining project near Elk Creek with China threatening to cut off the supply of rare earth elements to the U.S.

The Congressman who was elected to a 10^th term in 2024 says that tax policies encourage investments that can deliver more productivity and that he is anxious to hear the feedback from the business community moving forward to leverage more investments in such projects.

Smith met with a small group of constituents at the Falls City EDGE conference room.

(KNZA)--Two Topeka residents were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County last week.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck for alleged traffic violations shortly after 3:00 Thursday afternoon on U.S 75 Highway near 266th Road.

During the course of the traffic stop, Morse said probable cause was established to search the vehicle for illegal drugs.

The driver, identified as 41-year-old Kevin Davenport, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and for violation of the Offender Registry Act. In addition, he was arrested on an outstanding Pottawatomie County warrant for burglary, theft and criminal damage to property.

The passenger, identified as 33-year-old Jessica Castle, was arrested for possession of meth, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

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

(KMZA) -Longtime Nemaha County Appraiser Betty Roeder has retired.

Roeder's retirement resignation was effective Monday.

She had served as county appraiser since September 2001.

The Nemaha County Commission last week appointed deputy county appraiser Kerri Koch as interim county appraiser, effective June 24.

In other business, County Clerk Mary Kay Schultejans spoke with Commissioners again about staffing in her office.

Commissioners reviewed staffing levels and responsibilities of other county clerk offices in Kansas.

Schultejans has decided to forgo hiring any additional staff at this time and instead plans to hire a full-time employee to begin in 2026 as long as funding for employee is approved by Commissioners.

Jeff Kidd and Bryan Schmitz with SBS Insurance came before the board to speak to Commissioners about the county's property and casualty insurance renewal on July 1st. They informed Commissioners that the county was probably looking at a 6 percent overall premium increase for 2025-26.

Commissioners also discussed the recently adjusted rates at the county landfill, which took effect June 16.

Trash rates have been increased to $85 per ton for in-county trash and $95 a ton for out-of-county trash.

The rates for the disposal of construction and demolition materials have also increased. The new rate for in-county C & D material is $50 a ton, while the new rate for out-of-county C & D material is $60 per ton.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation will perform survey work near the roadway Tuesday, June 24, leading to lane reductions on U.S. 75 in Jackson County.

The work is scheduled from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., conditions permitting.

Work will be done in 1-mile sections from Holton to just south of the K-9 intersection.

Flaggers will direct traffic through the reduced area. Motorists should plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

KDOT urges motorists to stay alert and follow posted signs in all work zone

(KNZA)--A fund has been set up for a Hiawatha couple who lost their home in a devastating fire Sunday.

Ted and Traci Hinton were able to escape the burning home with minor injuries.

An account has been set up for the Hinton's at Citizen's State Bank and Trust Company in Hiawatha.

Those would like to help can send donations to:

Ted and Traci Hinton Relief Fund

Citizens State Bank and Trust Company

P.O. Box 360

Hiawatha, Kansas, 66434.

You can also stop by either Citizens State Bank and Trust Company location in Hiawatha to make a donation in person.

(KMZA)--An Onaga woman was arrested for attempted murder early Sunday morning after allegedly running over another woman.

According to a release from the Pottawatomie County Sheriff Office, the Sheriff's Office received a 911 call shortly after 12:30 Sunday morning about a woman run over in the 20-thousand block of Pauling Run Road, in rural Wamgeo.

The release says Sheriff's deputies responded to the location and were able to determine that a female suspect, identified as 43-year-old Dana Blume, of Onaga, had intentionally run over 52-year-old Kara Murray, of Wamego, with a vehicle following an argument.

Murray sustained serious injuries and was flown to an area hospital, where she is being treated.

Blume was arrested for attempted 2nd-degree murder and booked in the Pottawtomie County Jail.

The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Young at the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office or leave a tip on the crime stoppers link at ptsheriff.com.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha couple escaped their burning home with minor injuries Sunday afternoon.

Hiawatha Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon said crews were dispatched to the fire at 600 Hiawatha Avenue shortly before 4:20.

Upon arrival, Sheldon said they found the west side of the home and most of the first floor engulfed in flames.

He said the homeowners were home at the time of the fire and were able to exit the home.

Both were transported to Amberwell Hiawatha for the treatment of minor cuts and smoke inhalation. They were later released.

Crews cleared the scene shortly before 10:00 Sunday night.

The fire is under investigation by the state Fire Marshal's Office.

The Hiawatha Fire Department was assisted by the Robinson, Horton, Fairview and Morrill Fire Departments.

Also assisting at the scene were Town and Country EMS, the Brown County Rescue Squad, Brown County Sheriff's Office, Hiawatha Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol.

" I would like to thank the great residents of the Brown County community for their out pouring of support to the crews on scene this hot afternoon", said Sheldon.

(KMZA)--A Marysville man was injured Friday afternoon in a semi rollover crash in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-63 Highway, about two miles north of Havensville, around 2:15.

According to the KHP report, 43-year-old Nathan Musil was southbound when his semi truck went off the west edge of the highway.

Musil overcorrected and his semi rolled, coming to rest in the east ditch.

He was transported to Topeka's Stormont-Vail Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

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

(KAIR)---A public health advisory has been lifted for Warnock Lake in Atchison County, while advisories remain in place for two other Atchison County Lakes due to the presence of blue-green algae.

That word came in a joint release Friday from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Warnock Lake had been placed on the advisory list June 13.

The release says Atchison City Lake #9 remains under " warning" status, while the Atchison State Fishing Lake is under " watch" status.

The two lakes were placed on the advisory list June 6.

For lakes under " watch" status, KDHE recommends people avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets away from the water.

You should clean fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only.

For lakes under " warning" status, direct contact with the water should be avoided.

Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water. Only the fillet portion should be consumed, and all other parts discarded.
.

(KAIR)--Ground is set to be broken in Atchison Monday, ceremonially welcoming in a future child care facility funded by the state as part of the goal to see the expansion of such services in Kansas.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the First Steps with Abbey Childcare Center is scheduled for 8:00 Monday morning, at 1926 North 2nd Street.

According to a release from St. Benedict's Abbey, announcing the ceremony, a brief presentation will be included Monday morning, focused on the long-term plans for the property, which once housed the Atchison Juvenile Correctional Facility. A light reception will follow.

Just under $5 million was awarded in early 2024 to St. Benedict's Abbey to see the childcare become a reality. The funds were administered through the Kansas Children- Cabinet and Trust Fund, with a release, issued at the time of the funding announcement, explaining the funds are earmarked to "build or renovate multi-purpose community facilities that create new licensed child care slots; provide access to high-speed internet; and house programs that facilitate work, education, and health care monitoring."

(KMZA)--A Wednesday afternoon one-vehicle Nemaha County wreck sent a Baileyville man to the hospital.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Department says 53-year-old Robert Larkin was westbound on U.S. 36 Highway, approaching the railroad tracks on the east side of Seneca, when his Chevy Silverado pickup truck left the roadway.

The vehicle struck a sign, fence and embankment, which launched him into a field.

Larkin was transported by ambulance to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, in Seneca.

The wreck was reported around 4:30 Wednesday afternoon.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council Wednesday evening approved renewal of the city employee health insurance plan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, which calls for an about 17 1`/2 rate increase.

Blue Cross representative Tami Norris was present at the meeting to answer questions.

Norris said the city is still on a grandfathered plan.

The city employee dental plan was also renewed.

In other business, the Council approved the low bid submitted by Goodman Brothers, of Sabetha, for this year's curb and gutter work. The bid was for a total of $69,015. The Council directed City Superintendent Brian Ruske to add to the list of work to be done to increase the total to the budgeted amount of $80,000.

The Council approved the hiring of a third summer maintenance worker. Deryk Rosenberger will be paid $12 an hour.

The Council approved the appointment of Luke Sunderland as city attorney and a contract for his services. The contract is the same as the city had with former City Attorney Martin Mishler.

Mayor Joe Mitchell announced that City Clerk Michelle Spring has achieved her certified municipal clerk status. As a result, the Council approved a $1 an hour pay raise for Spring per the city's personnel policy, which is retro-active to May 29th.

The Council also approved two street closure requests. One was from the Sts. Peter and Paul Church for the Father Arul Memorial 5K Run/Walk on August 16th. The other was from Community National Bank for their “ Bring Your Kids to Work Day” on July 8th.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have received the findings and a decision on a grievance that was presented to the Grievance Board at a June 9th hearing.

The Board found that Richardson County Road Department employees Bryan Dettman, Wyatt Martin and Ronald Ramer were correctly denied civil leave according to the agreement detailed in Richardson County exhibit 1, that was presented during the hearing.

The ruling means the County is not required to return any vacation or paid time-off used on March 24, 2025.

The employees had requested to use civil leave time on March 24, instead of vacation or PTO time to attend a hearing on a Court of Industrial Relations case, which they were subpoenaed to testify at.

When they were paid, they discovered their request to use civil leave time was not processed, and instead they had vacation and PTO leave deducted.

The grievance they filed sought to have their vacation and PTO time returned and their absence from work be placed under civil leave.

(KLZA)-- Nebraska 3rd District Congressman Adrian Smith made a visit to Falls City Thursday, meeting for about 40 minutes with a small contingent of people at the Falls City EDGE conference room.

Smith is a Republican who took his seat in Congress in 2007.

Smith addressed a number of topics and responded to topics presented by those in attendance.

MSC News asked the Congressman for his thoughts on the U.S. possibly taking an active role in the battle between Israel and Iran as President Donald Trump decides if the United States will take an active role in the war.

Smith suggested we keep all of our options on the table and that our strong support of Israel will can deliver positive results in delivering calm around the world.

The national debt is currently more than $36 trillion, which is the highest national debt in the world. The debt represents the total amount of money the U.S. Federal Government has borrowed and not yet repaid.

Smith says the biggest driver of debt for the country is
healthcare and the cost of it. He says healthcare is impacting spending at the federal level.

Smith says it will be impossible for the country to tax its way out of debt or cut enough spending to reduce the debt, but rather a combination of the two.

(KAIR)--Ground is set to be broken in Atchison Monday, June 23, ceremonially welcoming in a future child care facility funded by the state as part of the goal to see the expansion of such services in Kansas.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the First Steps with Abbey Childcare Center is scheduled for 8:00 Monday morning, at 1926 North 2nd Street.

According to a release from St. Benedict's Abbey, announcing the ceremony, a brief presentation will be included Monday morning, focused on the long-term plans for the property, which once housed the Atchison Juvenile Correctional Facility. A light reception will follow.

Just under $5 million was awarded in early 2024 to St. Benedict's Abbey to see the childcare become a reality. The funds were administered through the Kansas Children- Cabinet and Trust Fund, with a release, issued at the time of the funding announcement, explaining the funds are earmarked to "build or renovate multi-purpose community facilities that create new licensed child care slots; provide access to high-speed internet; and house programs that facilitate work, education, and health care monitoring."

(KNZA)--Representatives from the Northeast Kansas Community Action Program met with the Doniphan County Commission Monday to request funding assistance from the county.

Jason Gibson and Kristi Morey requested the funding assistance for administration of the fiscal year 2026 HUD Housing Choice Voucher program, should federal funding for the program be reduced or end.

Gibson told Commissioners they are trying to plan ahead to keep the program operational.

NEK-CAP serves seven counties in northeast Kansas—including Doniphan.

Morrey said two-thirds of the clientele they serve are elderly or disabled. She said rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program helps offset other out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs paid by the client.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the Commission agreed to commit up to $5,000 to NEK-CAP for the housing voucher program, should federal budget cuts reduce or end their current funding.

Similar assistance is being sought from the other counties served by NEK-CAP.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved a number of requests for street closures for upcoming events when they met Monday evening.

Approved were requests from the Falls City Chamber and Main Street to close the 1500 block of Stone Street July 12 from 8 a-m to 3 p.m. for Lemonade Days along with various street closures for the Cobblestone Festival in August.

Street closures were also approved for the American Legion Club on 7^th Street between Harlan and Lane Streets for a fireworks event on June 28. Closing 17^th Street between Harlan and Lane Street for an Ice Cream Social and fireworks event on June 27^th as requested by First United Methodist Church was also approved.

The Council did approve adoption of the Hearing Conservation Program as well as the “Lock Out Tag Out” program and the Near Miss Program as recommended by the Safety Committee.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved a number of requests for street closures for upcoming events when they met Monday evening.

Approved were requests from the Falls City Chamber and Main Street to close the 1500 block of Stone Street July 12 from 8 a-m to 3 p.m. for Lemonade Days along with various street closures for the Cobblestone Festival in August.

Street closures were also approved for the American Legion Club on 7^th Street between Harlan and Lane Streets for a fireworks event on June 28. Closing 17^th Street between Harlan and Lane Street for an Ice Cream Social and fireworks event on June 27^th as requested by First United Methodist Church was also approved.

The Council did approve adoption of the Hearing Conservation Program as well as the “Lock Out Tag Out” program and the Near Miss Program as recommended by the Safety Committee.

The Johnson-Brock Board of Education approved an Interlocal contract for enrichment activities with Lincoln Public schools Nebraska Regional Program when they met June 16.

The Principal Dr. Lucus Dalinghaus reported on handbook updates and new college credit policies. He also reviewed classroom adjustments.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler reported the new math and science curriculum has arrived and that all positions are filled for the upcoming school year. Enrollment for the start of the 2025-26 school year at Johnson-Brock is projected at 353 students.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man convicted in the 2023 fatal shooting of a former Holton man has been sentenced to 54 years and five months in prison.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said a release that 30-year-old Tremale Serrano was sentenced Tuesday in Shawnee County District Court on charges in connection with the death of 23-year-old Jackson Danner.

A jury found Serrano guilty in April on charges of murder in the first-degree and murder in the second-degree.

His brother, Aaron Serrando, also of Topeka, pleaded guilty in May to a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea deal and was sentenced to more than 4 years in prison.

Responding officers during the morning hours of October 15, 2023 found Danner suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the front yard of his residence near Washburn University. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say he was shot after a fight broke out during a party at his residence.

Danner was a 2018 graduate of Holton High School.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has given their support to the designation of the Pony Express Historic Byway, which aims to enhance local tourism and promote the region's historical significance.

The Commission Monday approved a resolution designating the route that closely follows the path once taken by Pony Express riders.

The Commission took the action at the request of Connie Warner, of Horton, who is the member of a group that's been working on designation.

Warner said Kansas currently has 12 byways---nine scenic and three historic.

The Pony Express Historic Byway route begins in Elwood and ends at the Hollenberg Pony Express Station in Washington County.

The resolution prohibits large signs from being erected along the route.

The resolution will be forwarded to the Kansas Byways Advisory Committee as part of the corridor management plan to preserve the historic route.

Warner said once everything is approved, the Pony Express Historic Byway would be included in a state publication, Kansas Byways.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved renewal of the employee health insurance policy with MEDICA when they met Monday night.

The premium increase for the next year will be approximately 6.98%, which will make the combined monthly premium for the City, $85,350.

Council members approved an agreement on a 7-1 vote, with Woods Aitken LLP, for 2025 union contract negotiations with the Communications Workers of America, the International Union of Operating Engineers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as well as any other matters to which the City requests representation. Those are the unions that represent the various city employees depending on what department they work for.

Jerry Pigsley will lead the negotiations for the City at a rate of $355 per hour for is services. Additional expenses could be charged for out-of-pocket expenses as well as the services of other company attorney's, paralegals and legal assistants.

Councilman Frank Killingsworth cast the lone nay vote.

The Council also approved seeking requests for qualifications for Design Services for the Energy Forward Transmission Project.

The City Electric Department is seeking qualified engineering firms for services related to the procurement of right-of-way, design and construction management for approximately 15 miles of transmission line and a new, up to 50 Mega Volt-Amperes substation.

Proposals are due in the office of Utility Supervisor Trevor Campbell by 5 p.m. Friday, July 15, to be reviewed by the Board of Public works.

(KAIR)--The suspended President of Kansas City-area Bishop Miege and former, longtime President of Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy, both Catholic high schools, is now "restricted from all active ministry in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas due to an allegation of inappropriate behavior with a minor."

That word regarding the status of Phil Baniewicz came Tuesday in a statement released by the Archdiocese, which explained the "restrictions are based on previously unknown information, which has not been released in public media, provided to the archdiocese after the June 6 announcement that [Baniewicz] was placed on administrative leave at Bishop Miege High School," with the statement adding that the "information has been reported to civil authorities."

The release calls the steps taken in regard to Baniewicz "precautionary measures" and "are no indication of guilt or wrongdoing."

The restrictions placed on Baniewicz include him being "prohibited from engaging in youth ministry and volunteer work in any Catholic parish, school, institution or event in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, as is to refrain from representing the Church in any official, volunteer, ministerial, or leadership role."

Additionally, the release says "Baniewicz has signed an archdiocesan safety plan which states he agrees not to contact anyone known to have made an accusation of abuse or misconduct against him, or who may be a witness known to him."

Baniewicz, the subject of past abuse allegations, was placed on administrative leave from Bishop Miege June 6 after parents of students at the school voiced concerns based on those allegations which include a 2005 civil lawsuit accusing him of teen sexual abuse in Arizona during the 1980s. The lawsuit was settled, and Baniewicz has never faced any legal charges in connection with the allegations.

Baniewicz served as President of Maur Hill-Mount Academy from 2010 until beginning his role as Bishop Miege President in late 2023.

Baniewicz remains on administrative leave as President of Bishop Miege pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

(KNZA)--The funding foundation is in place for the construction of a new shelter for Doniphan County animals in need.

According to a release from the Bendena-based Doniphan County Pet Rescue, donations made through the Doniphan County Community Foundation's "Give Where You Live Day," allowed for a $15,000 deposit to be made, allowing the rescue to be placed on the production schedule of a Jamesport, Missouri company for construction of a custom built kennel.

The release calls the funding "incredible news," as a the kennel building will be a "huge improvement" for the dogs under the care of the rescue.

Although the $15,000 is in place, additional funding is still needed, with donations being accepted.

The release says the goal, if enough community support is gained, is to have the new kennel in place prior to the cold winter months.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission adopted a charter resolution Monday exempting the county from the required annual sanitary inspections of schools by the local health department.

Kristina Henry with the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department meet with the Commission via Zoom to request they adopt the resolution.

Henry said the Kansas Legislature passed legislation in 2024 giving counties the option of opting out of doing the annual inspections.

She said the department's nurses have not received the training needed to conduct the inspections, and schools are already inspected by the state Department of Education.

In addition, Henry said they don't have the authority to make schools change anything.

The resolution must be published for two consecutive weeks and will take effect 60 days after the final publication unless a valid protest petition is filed.

(KMZA)--A hearing for an Oklahoma man charged in the fatal shooting of a Seneca priest in April has been postponed.

Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert said in a release that the status hearing for 66-year-old Gary Hermesch, which had been scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, was continued to August 5 by agreement of the parties.

Hermesch is charged in Nemaha County District Court with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Father Arul Carasala.

Authorities say Carasala was shot outside the Sts. Peter and Paul Church rectory in Seneca on April 3rd.

He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries

Hermesch is being held in the Jackson County Jail as a courtesy to Nemaha County. His bond remains set at $1 million.

(KLZA))--Richardson County Commissioners conducted a public hearing during their June 11 meeting, to receive input from taxpayers relating to proposed additional budget expenditures in an amount of $256,518, to meet the expenses that will be incurred in the Capital Acquisition Budget for electrical improvements at the Law Enforcement Center, funded through a Nebraska Association of County Officials lease purchase agreement. No one appeared at the hearing to speak.

Following the hearing, Commissioners approved adoption of the a resolution amending the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget.

Commissioners adopted a revised Local Emergency Operations Plan for the county during the meeting. The plan was approved by the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. Most of the revisions were due to wording.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty met with the Board and reviewed wage increases he is requesting for the staff at the Law Enforcement Center for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025.

The current agreement for the Sheriff's Department to provide law enforcement for Humboldt was discussed. Sheriff Hardesty and Commissioner Rick Karas reported on a meeting of the Humboldt City Council they had attended regarding the renewal of the agreement. The new agreement is to be drafted and submitted to the Humboldt Council for approval.

The Sheriff also reported that Deputy Aitken had hit a deer with his patrol unit earlier in the month.

Humboldt Mayor Jan Wilhelm met with the Board to review maintenance on county roads and bridges the past several weeks. She was concerned especially about the road going past the Humboldt Airport.

Craig Coonce of Rulo addressed the Board and requesting approval to establish a cemetery plot on a parcel of land he owns, located in the Village of Rulo. Commissioners took no action noting that more information would be needed.

An executive session with Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau and County Attorney Samantha Scheitel to discuss personnel matters lasted nearly an hour.

(KAIR)--A collapsed sewer main means the closure of a stretch of Valley Fall's Broadway Street.

According to a release from the City of Valley Falls, Broadway will be closed at Walnut Street, west to the alley, starting Wednesday morning, June 18 at 7:00.

The closure, the release notes, will remain in place for several weeks, both for repair of the sewer main and for brick street restoration.

The release instructs motorists to use an alternate route during what the City calls "necessary work."

(KAIR)--Special honors for a longtime Atchison educator, public school board member, and community leader, awarded for her work by Atchison's Benedictine College.

According to a release from Atchison's USD 409, Diane Liebsch, the Vice-President for the Atchison Public Schools' Board of Education was awarded the Benedictine College Offeramus Medal as part of the college's Alumni Weekend.

The award, according to the release, is given to honor Benedictine College alumni who have distinguished themselves in their profession, showed a prominence of service to the civic community, demonstrated outstanding loyalty to the alma mater, and reflected honor on the college through family and social life.

The Offeramus Medal was established in 1957.

The weekend also included the awarding of the Kanas Monk Award, presented to an alumnus of at least 15-years who is distinguished in his business or profession, prominent for his service to his civic community, of outstanding loyalty to his Alma Mater, and a leader in organizations and programs benefiting the college.

That honor was given to Charles Gartenmayer, a 1975 graduate of the college who currently serves as Athletic Director.

A release from the college calls the now-concluded Alumni Weekend for 2025 "a joyful weekend of reconnection, celebration, and Raven pride," with alumni from near and far returning to Atchison to attend.

(KAIR)--Atchison and Marysville are among five grant recipients that will share $250,000 in funding through the State of Kansas for the addition of new residential downtown apartment units.

According to a release from the Kansas Department of Commerce, the monies are made available through the ROOMS program, which stands for the Residential Opportunities on Main Street program, with the five projects, located within designated Kansas Main Street communities, awarded $50,000 to create what the release identifies as a total of 29 new residential units in the upper floors of downtown buildings.

Receiving the funding allocation in Atchison is the 1913 Apartments, located at 325 Commercial Street, with those funds earmarked for the addition of three one-bedroom units. Originally built in 1913 as a YMCA boarding house, the building was redeveloped through Pomeroy Properties into a 17-unit apartment building with a grand re-opening held in the summer of 2020.

Receiving the funding allocation in the city of Marysville is the Broadway building, which will use the $50,000 in funding to add ten, one-bedroom and two, two-bedroom lofts.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, in the release, says that "by investing in rural downtowns and creating additional housing units, we directly improve the quality of life in these communities while also supporting further economic growth."

Last year, eight communities were awarded ROOMS grants, resulting in 34 new upper-floor housing units in downtown communities and generating nearly $7 million in private reinvestment. The five projects this year, the release notes, "will generate almost $9 million in private reinvestment."

Kansas Main Street Director Scott Sewell, in the release, calls the ROOMS grant program "a staple in addressing the lack of housing options in specific Kansas communities,” adding that “the rehabilitation projects not only increase the housing available, but also helps ensure we restore and utilize the historic downtown buildings across Kansas.”

(KNZA)--A power outage is planned Wednesday, June 18 for some electric customers of the city of Holton , weather permitting.

According to the city, power will be off for a primary voltage conversion.

The outage is scheduled to begin at 8:00 in the morning, and power is expected to be restored by 2:00 in the afternoon.

Holton electric customers that will be affected by the outage include those on K-16 Highway west of P Road, O Road north of K-16 Highway, 238th Road, west of O Road, N Road north and south of K-16, Necole Road, Westridge Road, M4 Lane, M5 Lane and the north side of Banner Lake Reservoir.

(KAIR)--A search warrant served at a Troy residence last week sent three Troy residents to jail on drug-related charges.

A release from Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington says the execution of the search warrant at the residence in the 300 block of Troy's S. Clinton Street around 10:00 Friday night follows "an extensive narcotic investigation" previously launched by the Sheriff's Office.

Arrested during the search warrant's execution were 41-year-old Shawn M. Ashworth, 35-year-old Julian D. Geiger, and 38-year-old Robert S. Sanders, with all three taken into custody for suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Once in custody, all three were booked into the Doniphan County Jail.

(KTNC)-- The Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors met on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

No action was taken regarding the revisions to the Groundwater Quantity Management Rules & Regulations.

The Board authorized the manager to negotiate the purchase of a replacement Parks pickup at a pre-determined price.

The Board approved FNIC- quote to provide the District- Property, Liability, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

Executive Committee recommendations for Fiscal Year 26 salary adjustments were approved with a 3% increase and additional funds for merit increases.

The Manager- Annual Evaluation was reviewed by the board.

No action was taken on a request to reinstate revoked park privileges.

The Board authorized the Village of Brownville to replace the damaged bridge on the Steamboat Trace within the Village, contingent upon appropriate insurance coverage. Additionally, Steve Woerth reported a change in plans regarding the construction of a trailhead on NNRD property.

The next meeting of the Nemaha NRD board of directors will be Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

(KNZA)---A Netawaka man was arrested on meth charges following a traffic stop Saturday morning in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway near 118th Road for an alleged traffic infraction shortly before 7:00.

Morse said 54-year-old Travis Mullins, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KNZA)--The Horton High School gym floor will be resurfaced.

The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education at their June 11th meeting voted to have Kiddoo Hardwood Floors, of St. Joseph, Missouri, do the project for a cost of $24,300. There will be a one-year warranty on the workmanship.

In other business, Superintendent Dr. Becky Kramer discussed proposed changes in student fees for the 2025-26 school year.

A 10 cent increase has been added to the student lunch price at each building. In addition, a credit recovery fee of $50 was added to the high school fees.

The Board will formally approve the fees at their July meeting.

Also a lengthy discussion was held on the capital outlay mill rate. Currently, the district is authorized to levy up to 3 mills for the capital outlay fund. The maximum statutory rate is 8 mills. The board would need to adopt a resolution to have the authority to exceed the 3 mills. No decision was made.

(KMZA)--A Nemaha County company has been awarded a state grant for an innovative transportation-related project.

Governor Kelly last week announced the awarding of a total of more than $4.5 million to 20 projects across the state through the Kansas Department of Transportation's Innovation Technology Program.

Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, which is a spin-off of Heinen Brothers Agra Services, was awarded a more than $688,000 grant for an autonomous agricultural vehicle pilot project. The company will provide a 25 percent match.

KDOT received 22 applications totaling over $5 million for this year's program.

The funding will support initiatives ranging from advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) research to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven infrastructure management and safety enhancements.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Sheriff- Office recently participated in the statewide "Make It Click" seat belt enforcement campaign.

Over the course of this mobilization, six deputies put in 124 overtime hours towards increasing traffic safety.

During the campaign, the department made 298 traffic stops, issued 6 seat belt citations, 1 child safety seat citation, and 22 arrests were made.

The arrests included several fugitives with outstanding warrants, one arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

Numerous high-speed violations were observed across all major highways in Richardson County.

The Sheriff's Department said their goal is to keep communities safe and reduce preventable injuries and fatalities.

(KAIR)--A Saturday evening two-vehicle wreck in the city of Leavenworth claimed the life of a Colorado motorcyclist.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of South 10th and Cherokee Streets about 6:15.

According to the KHP report, 64-year-old Guy Woods, of Fountain, Colorado, was driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound on Cherokee Street when he failed to stop at the stop sign and struck a northbound Toyota Camry in the intersection.

Woods was transported to a Leavenworth hospital, where he died.

The driver of the Toyota, 68-year-old Shirley Fells, of Leavenworth, suffered suspected minor injuries but was not transported for hospitalized treatment.

The Patrol says Woods was not wearing a helmet when the when occurred.

(KLZA)--A new class of Nebraska leaders is ready to take the next step in shaping the future of the state.

The Nebraska Chamber Foundation has announced the members of Leadership Nebraska Class 17, a diverse group of professionals selected from across the state to participate in its premier leadership development program.

Leadership Nebraska, presented by Medica, was launched in 2006 with the goal of connecting emerging and established leaders, deepening their understanding of the state- most pressing issues, and preparing them to make a broader impact in their communities and industries.

Over a seven-month period, participants will take part in immersive sessions covering a wide range of topics including workforce and education, economic development, agriculture, health care, natural resources, and government policy.

The program combines hands-on learning with meaningful dialogue, giving participants a deeper understanding of Nebraska and the tools to lead with purpose.

Upon completing the program, participants will join an alumni network of more than 400 leaders committed to continued growth, collaboration, and service to Nebraska.

Among the Nebraskans selected to participate in Leadership Nebraska- Class is Amber Holle, Executive Director of the Falls City Chamber and Main Street.

(KLZA)--The Auburn Board of Education approved a teaching contract for the next school year for Michael Parde to serve as an elementary teacher.

Board members also approved an Interlocal Contract for Enrichment Activities with the Southeast Nebraska Region Program for the 25-26 school year.

Lease agreements were approved with the Wellness Center and and the Auburn Christian Church.

Early graduation requests from Shane Hanley, Elijah Porter and Destiny Mendoza.

Auburn High School and Middle School Principal Scott Siegel reported to the Board the projections are for improvement in attendance over past years at both the Middle School and High School with chronic absenteeism rates projected to decrease.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold its final public hearing on Evergy- rate increase request on Monday, June 16 in Topeka. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at Washburn Institute of Technology, located at 5724 SW Huntoon Street.

Evergy filed an application with the Commission in January seeking a $196.4 million (8.62%) rate increase. If approved as filed, the new electric rates would take effect in September 2025, resulting in an average monthly increase of $13.05 for residential customers.

At the hearing, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the company- rate increase request, ask questions and make comments before the Commission. The public is invited to attend in person or participate virtually on Zoom (registration is required to attend virtually). The hearing will also be broadcast live on the KCC- YouTube channel. Registration is not required to attend in person or view on YouTube.

The Commission will accept written comments through 5 p.m. on July 14. To register to participate in the hearing via Zoom, make a public comment online or find additional information on the application, go to the Commission- website (www.kcc.ks.gov) and click on the “Your Opinion Matters” tab.

The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before September 29, 2025.

(KNZA)--A public health advisory has been issued for an additional Atchison County Lake due to the presence of blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), in a release Friday announced that Warnock Lake has been placed under " watch" status.

The release says two other Atchison County lakes---Atchison City Lake #9 and the Atchison State Fishing Lake, remain under " warning" status. The two lakes were placed under " warning" status June 6.

For lakes under " watch" status, KDHE recommends people avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets away from the water.

You should clean fish well with potable water and eat the fillet portion only.

For lakes under " warning" status, direct contact with the water should be avoided.

Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water. Only the fillet portion should be consumed, and all other parts discarded

(KAIR)--The all clear is given, as the Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinds the boil water advisory for the public water supply system in Effingham, located in Atchison County.

The agency, Friday morning, announced that the advisory had been lifted as laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from Effingham indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination, meaning all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

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

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for an Atchison man charged in connection with a string of burglaries and thefts in the southeast part of Brown County in 2024.

During a hearing Monday in Brown County District Court, a three-day trial was set for 42-year-old Richard Croft, beginning August 25.

Croft pleaded not guilty last month to three counts of burglary, one count of felony theft and two counts of misdemeanor theft.

He was arrested last November following a joint investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Department and surrounding law enforcement agencies.

Stolen property from the Brown County burglaries was recovered after a search warrant was served in Jefferson County.

Croft remains held in the Jackson County Jail as a courtesy to Brown County.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha School Board leadership will remain the same for the 2025-26 school year.

On Monday evening, Roni Tietjens was re-elected as board president and Ryan Patton as vice-president. Patton was not present at the meeting.

Prior to the vote, Board member Ian Schuetz said officers typically have held roles for two years and Tietjens and Patton have both served one.

Schuetz said the board officers have a lot to do with the crafting of the budget, and he would support both of them again as long as they did not agree to double digit tax increases on homeowners.

Tietjens said she is concerned about taxes but didn't want to commit to an exact number as it would be about what is best for the district.

With that, Schuetz nominated Tietjens as president, and Tietjens nominated Patton as vice-president. Both were approved on 6-0 votes.

In other business, the Board approved an amended calendar for the 2025-26 school year.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser said the main change is that November 24 and 25th, which originally were scheduled as school days, will now be professional development days for teachers. That would give students the week of Thanksgiving off.

August 4th was also removed as an enrollment day on the calendar. In addition, November 12th, which was originally scheduled for early dismissal, will now be a full scheduled day.

(KAIR)--A Kansas Senator supportive of internet expansion in the state worked to remedy a setback for one such effort: past laws preventing black Americans from purchasing property.

A release from the office of Kansas Republican Craig Bowser, of Holton, says the matter came to light when Bowser's son, in December, 2024, told the Senator Wichita State University, where he's a student, was set to gain the first internet exchange point in Kansas, which the release explains is a physical location where different networks come together to exchange Internet traffic, allowing for more efficient data transfer between networks, reducing latency and improving overall Internet performance.

Bowser, who the release says "was thrilled to learn of the IXP as he knew it would benefit all Kansans," sits on the Kansas Senate Committee of State and Local Governments. In February of this year, WSU and the IXP developer, Connected Nation, approached that committee, explaining that the 1.3 acre property purchased by the university in the 1950's, and planned as the location for the IXP, had a racial covenant attached to it, a common practice in the 1940- and 1950- as a way to keep people of color, especially black Americans, out of white neighborhoods by preventing them from purchasing property.

After WSU and the developer requested that the law be changed, Bowser, the release says, "then led the charge," carrying the Senate bill, which is now law, onto the Senate floor, statutorily aligning court rulings on the prohibition of racially restrictive covenants.

Bowser, in the release, says he "was honored to help pass this important piece of legislation which will eliminate racial covenants in [Kansas] and promote healthy communities," while also helping "economic development by improving the entire regional broadband landscape and prepare Kansas for the future.”

On May 15th, WSU and Connected Nation held a groundbreaking ceremony for the state's first IXP and the elimination of racial covenants in Kansas.

The nearly $50 million project is expected to be completed in 2026.

(KLZA)--Holt County Commissioners have signed documents necessary for the County to apply for designation as a Missouri Blue Shield community and for a renegotiated contract with Laptop Pitstop, which serves as Holt County's contractor for law enforcement computers and software.

The Mound City News reported the Blue Shield designation, if approved would give the county access to state grants for purchasing equipment or training officers.

The Blue Shield Community program is part of Governor Mike Kehoe's Safer Missouri initiative.
Blue Shield communities are those that have shown support for law enforcement officers and a commitment to public safety.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety will accept grant applications in July for the 2026 fiscal year.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Education approved a project to resurface the track at Jug Brown Stadium when they met Monday evening.

The cost of the project will be $168,851.

Board members also approved te substitute teacher daily pay rate for the 2025-26 school year at $175 per day, which is unchanged from the previous year.

Superintendent Tim Heckenlively reported the Sixpence Board of Trustees has approved the Falls City School Districts continuation grant request for the next fiscal year in an amount of $425,856. The amount is a temporary reduction of $129,051 due to a delay in the Child Care and development Fund payment, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If additional funding is received, Sixpence will issue an amended award to District 56.

Board members also heard an update from the Transportation Department. It was noted that expected new federal safety transportation regulations could mean school districts can no longer utilize 11-passenger vans. District 56 uses vans of that size to get students to and from school and for transportation to activities.

It is expected the student travel in the future will be shirting toward the use of small buses or minivans instead of large vans.

Transportation Director Tyler Bek reported the eight Falls City School rural bus routes covered 91,318 miles during the last school year.

(KLZA)--The Pawnee City Board of Education voted unanimously Monday evening to approve the primary bid from Rutt's Heating and Air for upgrades to the High Schools HVAC system at a at a bid price of $501,550.

The Board will meet in special session June 23 to discuss two alternates for the project which could include air conditioning for the gymnasium and a new boiler for the gymnasium.

Rutt's Heating and Air is a Hastings company.

In other business the Board approved an agreement sharing a school psychologist with the Sterling Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year. The agreement will be reassessed during the November board meeting.

An interlocal agreement wit the Nebraska Regional Program for students who are deaf or hard of hearing for the next school year was also approved Monday night.

The Pawnee City Board also approved Kyle's Service Center of Pawnee City, Speers Truck Repair of Table Rock and Inland Truck Parts & Service in Omaha to conduct service checks and repairs of student-transportation vehicles for the 25-26 school year.

The Pawnee City School District will also be donating iPads no longer usable for the district to the Education Foundation to sell as a fundraiser.

(KNZA)--An early Wednesday morning Jackson County traffic stop led to the arrest of two individuals on drug charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop around 1:30 on U.S. 75 highway near 142nd Road.

The driver, 42-year-old Topeka resident William Stein, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without insurance.

The passenger, 30-year-old Mayetta resident Andrea Green, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.

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

(KAIR)--A dump truck driver suffers what authorities identify as life-threatening injuries after his truck crashed Wednesday morning in Jackson County.

The driver identified as Logan Kyle Ploeger, of Morrill, by Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, was transported for hospital treatment at a Topeka hospital after he was freed from the crash scene.

According to Morse, Ploeger, driving a 1990 International dump truck around 8:30 Wednesday morning on Highway K-116, had been westbound, about a half-mile east of V. Road, when the truck ran onto the right shoulder of the roadway, causing him to overcorrect and lose control of the vehicle. The truck, Morse says, then crossed the eastbound lane and left the roadway, crashing on the south side of the highway, with the truck, now on its side, left embedded in the timber.

Jackson County EMS and the Holton Fire Department also responded, providing assistance at the scene of the crash, which Morse says remains under investigation.

(KAIR)--The execution of a search warrant at a Highland residence, following what Doniphan County authorities call "numerous hours of investigation and agency collaboration by both the Highland Police Department and the Brown County Sheriff's Office," lead to the arrest of a Highland man and to the seizure of suspected stolen property and illegal drugs.

A release from Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington says the search warrant was executed Wednesday, during the late evening hours, leading to the seizure of the suspected stolen property and to the discovery of the alleged drugs, including methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. That find by officers and deputies, the release says, lead them to obtain a second search warrant.

According to Wolvington, the investigation remains ongoing "as additional charges will be submitted to the Doniphan County Attorney's Office for review."

Arrested following the search of the residence in the 400 block of W. Virginia Street was 50-year-old Brandon J. Marriott who was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of stolen property. Following his arrest, Marriott was booked into the Doniphan County Jail.

During the search warrant's execution, two additional Highland women, aged 58 and 65, were located inside the residence but were not taken into custody.

The release says the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office credits the Highland Police Department, the Brown County Sheriff's Office, and the Iowa Tribal Police Department for assisting in the investigation.

The Sheriff's Office, as the investigation continues, asks that anyone with additional information or related tips, to call 785-985-3711 or 785-442-3212.

(KAIR)--Now that the decision is reached to retain the Atchison County Lake despite recent County Commission consideration of a sale, a committee is formed to oversee the lake property going forward.

That comes following two heavily attended, recent public comment sessions held by the Commission, with input from County residents overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the lake as County-owned property.

3rd District County Commissioner Casey Quinn says appointed Lake Committee Chair Ian Saxton, last week, presented the Commission with an overview of progress being made, including the crafting of a mission statement and the appointment of committee members, a communications director, a wildlife and conservation representative, construction and maintenance representative, and a wildlife and conservation representative. The goal, Quinn says, is to increase public awareness, encouraging community use, securing funding, and leading efforts in repair, maintenance, and enhancement of the lake and it surrounding environment. The committee aims, Quinn adds, “to make the lake a thriving hub for recreation, wildlife, and community pride, now and for generations to come.”

The Commission, following the public hearings and the collection of additional input and information, voted unanimously to retain the property, despite the original goal of seeing it placed back on the tax rolls.

(KNZA)--A state commission has nominated three people to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Kansas Supreme Court.

A seat is opening because Justice Evelyn Wilson is retiring next month for health reasons.

The nominating commission submitted three candidates of which Governor Laura Kelly will choose one to replace Justice Wilson.

The candidates are Douglas County District Court Judge Amy Hanley; Johnson County District Court Judge Christopher Jayaram; and Leawood attorney Larkin Walsh.

It will be the Democratic governor- fourth appointment to the state's seven-justice Supreme Court.

22nd Judicial District Judge Laura Johnson-McNish, of Troy, was among 15 who applied to fill the upcoming vacancy and were interviewed this week by the nominating commission.

Johnson-McNish has served as a district judge in the 22nd Judicial District since 2023. The district includes Brown, Doniphan, Nemaha and Marshall Counties.

(KNZA)--A late Thursday evening Brown County rollover crash sent three Horton residents to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 73 highway, about 5 miles north of Horton, shortly after 11:00.

According to the Patrol report, 16-year-old Deanna Roybal was southbound when her pickup truck left the roadway. The vehicle went into the west ditch and rolled, coming to rest on the driver's side.

Roybal and two passengers, 50-year-old Melissa Mathewson and 16-year-old Clayette Snow Wakole, were transported to Amberwell Hiawatha. Mathewson suffered suspected serious injuries, while Roybal and Wakole suffered possible injuries.

The Patrol says all three occupants were buckled up when the crash occurred.

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

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

KDHE says customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

. Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
. If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
. Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved the purchase of a " Tiny Robot" that will be used to paint lines on city ball fields and streets.

The council approved the purchase of the robot on a 5-0 vote at their June 4th meeting. Council member Ray Shinn absent.

The computer driven machine will be purchased for a cost of $41,640, with an annual fee of $1,990 for cell coverage and tech support.

City Recreation Director Jordan Weaver said the machine will save the city an estimated $2,000 in man hours every season.

Weaver said Nemaha Central USD 115 has also expressed an interest in utitlizing the robot.

In other business, the Council approved contracts with KMEA/Mid-States for the construction of a new electric substation at the Jaycee's ball field and installation of three generators.

The Council was told the project is to begin at the end of this year or beginning of next year. The project is expected to take 18 months to 2 years to complete.

The Council also approved submitting a request for proposals for the construction of a new ball field.

Following an executive session, the Council approved placing City Superintendent Brian Ruske into an interim administrative role to oversee the Public Works and Electric Departments until a new journeyman/lineman is hired. Ruske's annual salary will be increased by $10,000.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved an engineering agreement for the development of housing on city-owned land west of the soccer fields at Bruning Park.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Commission voted 3- 2 Monday evening enter into a contract with BG Consultants to provide survey, platting and design services for a fee of $77,000. Commissioners Brian Shefferd and Tom Martin cast the dissenting votes.

That came after a motion by Shefferd to table action for two weeks and hold a special meeting in order for Commissioners to discuss a plan for the entire 34 acres of property failed on a 2-3 vote. Shefferd said he wants to make sure its done correctly.

Mayor Becky Shamburg said they need to have the civil engineering completed to move forward.

The city is attempting to secure a grant for phase 1 of the project--a duplex development planned on about 3 to 5 acres of the southern portion of the property .

The city has tried unsuccessfully several times to obtain a grant through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation for the project and hopes having some engineering in place will enhance its chances.

The Commission received several letters of support from local businesses for the project.

Engineer Jason Hoskinson with BG Consultants, joining the meeting via Zoom, said a preliminary plat and preliminary construction plans should be completed in 4 to 6 months.

In other business, the Commission approved an ordinance amending the city's vicious animal ordinance and repealing the ban on pit bulls and rottweilers. The Commission voted last month to repeal the ban on the two dog breeds and move forward with a stricter vicious dog ordinance. City Administrator Brad Scott said the amended ordinance adds some further clarification to the city's vicious dog ordinance. The new ordinance will take effect at its publication in the Hiawatha newspaper Friday.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man has been convicted in a 2024 Brown County breach of privacy case.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 35-year-old Charles Wist pleaded no contest Monday in Brown County District Court to one count of felony breach of privacy.

Due to his conviction, Hill said Wist will be required to register as a sex offender in the State of Kansas for 15 years and will face between 7 to 23 months in prison depending on his prior criminal history.

Sentencing was set for July 7th.

Hill said the case arose out of allegations that Wist secretly recorded an adult female who was know to him without her permission.

He was charged following an investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Office and Hiawatha Police Department that resulted in numerous cell phones belonging to the defendant being seized and examined.

Wist remains free on bond.

(KAIR)--A Valley Falls man who allegedly failed to stop for Sheriff's Deputies after speeding through an Atchison construction zone is facing charges in connection with what authorities say was a traffic stop turned pursuit along U.S. Highway 59 Saturday afternoon.

A release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says the deputy, eastbound in the 1600 block of the highway around 3:00, spotted a speeding westbound pickup truck, with radar showing the truck to be traveling 63 mph through the 30 mph work zone in the 1400 block of the highway.

Activating lights and sirens, the deputy attempted to stop the truck, traveling west/south, with the pursuit ending when the truck stopped at the highway construction traffic light, located north of Neosho Road.

It was there, the release says, the pickup's driver, 46-year-old Daryl Branstetter, was taken into custody on charges including transporting an open container, driving under the influence, flee and attempt to elude law enforcement, and other related traffic charges.

Following his arrest, Branstetter was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

According to Laurie, the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted at the scene of the pursuit.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council voted 7-0 Monday night, passing on third and final reading an ordinance authorizing and providing for the issuance of combined utilities revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $20 million.

The bond funds will be used to pay the costs of improvements to the city electric system.

The ordinance allowing for the sale of the bonds is seen as a key piece necessary to bring a secondary electrical transmission line to the community to provide additional electrical capacity for Falls City and it's electrical customers.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum noted the initial feasibility study estimated the cost for the transmission project to be from under $30 million up to $40 million depending on how the heavy the project is built, for instance wood vs. steel, the routing and various other factors.

If the transmission line project can be completed for less than the $35 million of combined grant funds and bond funds, the amount of money left could then be utilized to help upgrade the cities electric distribution system.

Council member Joe Buckminster was absent from the meeting Monday night.

(KMZA)--Rates will be going up at the Nemaha County Landfill.

On the recommendation of county Solid Waste Supervisor Adam Kuckelman, the Nemaha County Commission at their June 2 meeting approved increasing the current trash rate from $85 to $95 a ton and current C & D rate from $50 to $60 a ton.

Kuckelman said the rate increase is needed because Waste Management is increasing its prices to bring trash to their facility and due to the cost of the future expansion of the C & D pit.

The rate increase will take effect on June 16.

In other business, new handicap accessible doors will be installed at the Pioneer Building and the Community Building to achieve ADA compliance.

The Commission approved an estimate from Ackerman Lock and Key, of Marysville, and HEMI Electric, of Seneca, in the amount of $23,324 for the installation of five handicap accessible doors.

Funding will come from the Capital Outlay Fund.

(KNZA)--Highland Community College hosted the Kansas Association of Community Colleges meeting from May 29 to May 31, bringing together trustees and presidents from all 19 community colleges across the state.

Held on HCC's Atchison Campus, a release says the multi-day event focused on collaborative dialogue and strategic planning to strengthen the future of community colleges in Kansas.

Attendees participated in sessions covering legislative updates, innovations in workforce education, student success initiatives and shared governance.

The Kansas Association of Community Colleges serves as a collective voice for community college governance and administration in the state. The association plays a key role in policy development, advocacy and resource sharing among Kansas's community colleges.

(KNZA)--Two Missouri residents have been charged in Doniphan County connection with a string of burglaries at storage units in the cities of Elwood and Wathena.

According to court documents, charges were filed last week in Doniphan County District Court against 48-year-old Amy Edwards, of St. Joseph, and 48-year-old Shawn Erickson, of Richmond.

The pair are charged in connection with break-ins in April at K and R Storage in Wathena and in May at Double Diamond Storage in Elwood. Multiple items were taken in the break-ins.

Edwards faces a total of 22 counts in two separate cases, while Erickson faces a total of 20 counts in two separate cases.

The pair were arrested May 29th following a lengthy investigation by the Elwood Police Department and Wathena Police Department.

As part of the investigation, search warrants were served in Elwood and St. Joseph, Missouri. Numerous items taken in the break-ins were recovered.

The case remains under investigation.

Edwards remains held in the Doniphan County Jail on a $75,000 bond, while Erickson remains held on a $50,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- Brenner Field will play host to the Falls City Hot Air Balloon Festival on Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14.

Sponsored by the Falls City Chamber of Commerce this years Hot Air Balloon Festival is planned to be bigger and brighter than ever before. Festival hours will be 5 - 10 p.m. on Friday and from 3 - 10 p.m. on Saturday.

A dozen hot air balloons from Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma plan to lift off and there will be a balloon glow at dusk.

Other events include a Mega Kite Show. Live music each evening featuring The Traynr Band on Friday night and the country duo Mudbone followed by the high energy band Honeytown on Saturday evening. During the event there will be inflatables for the kids along with face paining, a variety of food trucks with a wide variety of food options.

Friday night will include a fireworks display presented by the Falls City Airport Authority.

Tickets may be purchased for one night or you can buy tickets for both nights and receive a discount.

Be sure to bring you lawn chairs to enjoy the sights and sounds.

For more information go online to www.fallscitychamber.com.

(KLZA)-- The Holt County, Missouri, Sheriff's Department is investigating a suspicious death that occurred near Craig, Missouri on June 2.

A post on the Holt County Sheriff's Office Facebook page noted that Highway 59 south of Craig was blocked for part of that day, due to what authorities described as a situation that appears to be a targeted event.

Holt County Sheriff Tiger Parsons noted in the release that authorities feel there is and was no danger to the local community.

The Holt County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the Buchanan County Sheriff''s Office Investigative Division responded to an area near Highway 59 and Elmwood Road in Holt County.

In addition, the Missouri Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Transportation, Atchison Holt Ambulance District, Craig Fire Department and the Holt County Coroner's Office all responded to the scene to assist.

The Sheriff's Office is asking that anyone who may have witnessed anything or anyone suspicious in the area on Monday morning, June 2, call the Holt County Sheriff's Office at 660-822-3001.

(KNZA)--A rural Horton man convicted on charges stemming from a high speed chase in February has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 35-year-old Andrew Davis was handed the sentence Monday in Brown County District Court on charges of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and felony flee to elude

He pleaded no contest to the charges in April.

Authorities say Davis struck an occupied Sheriff's deputy's vehicle before he sped away following a February 14 traffic stop in Brown County, leading authorities on a two-state pursuit.

During the sentencing hearing, Hill said Davis's attorney asked the court to depart from the sentencing guidelines and grant him probation. Hill objected and stated that due to the seriousness of the offenses and Davis's prior criminal history, he deserved to be sentenced to prison.

After hearing arguments and statements from Davis and his family members, Brown County District Court Judge John Weingart denied Davis's request and sentenced him to prison.

Davis's bond was revoked and he was remanded to the Brown County Jail to be delivered to State prison.

(KAIR)--Your opinion is wanted regarding what Atchison needs to improve street and pedestrian safety.

That public input is being collected through an online Safe Streets 4 All survey, made possible, the City says in a release, due to a partnership with the Mo-Kan Regional Council.

According to Mo-Kan's announcement regarding the survey, input will influence neighborhood safety measures, help identify local concerns, and contribute to a safer, more accessible transportation environment for all.

The survey comes, Mo-Kan says, as an implementation plan is developed, with input from the community crucial to determining what need be done for residents to feel safer on local roads.

The Safe Streets 4 All initiative is aimed at enhancing roadway safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, with the program "committed to reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries through improved infrastructure, traffic management, and community engagement."

According to the City of Atchison, the plan resulting from the survey could help the City secure funding for related improvements.

Mo-Kan points out that the survey is not only for the City of Atchison, but the County on a whole, as well as Doniphan County, in Kansas, and Buchanan County, in Missouri, among other Missouri locations, all part of the designated regional planning commission and economic development district's service area.

(KAIR)--A small bridge, located in a residential area of Atchison, is set for replacement after being what the City of Atchison calls "a concern for many years due to deteriorating concrete and exposed steel reinforcement, requiring periodic and relative extensive patching."

Replacement of the Patriot Street Bridge, to improve drivability along Patriot and Julia Streets, will mean goodbye to the traditional bridge structure. Instead, the City says a concrete culvert structure will be installed, meaning a reduction in the need for significant repairs in the near future.

The matter was addressed during the June 2 meeting of the Atchison City Commission, with Public Works and Utilities Director Clinton McNemee telling Commissioners that because the construction bid came in lower than the estimated cost of $1.2 million, it meets the criteria of the 2023 Kansas Off-System Bridge program grant the City received, meaning that price-tag of $722,157 is fully covered by the awarded grant.

Despite those costs being covered, the City has, McNemee explained, expended funds to see the replacement realized, including costs associated with right-of-way acquisition, utility relocations, and design. The total cost of those items for the City is $264,210 with the sewer
relocation completed earlier this year accounting for most of that cost.

Following McNemee's presentation, the Commission voted to authorize signing of the resolution to award the replacement project to Reece Construction, at no cost to the City.

Commissioner Larry Wilcox abstained from the otherwise unanimous vote.

(MSC News)--United States Senator Jerry Moran, on Friday, visited the local region, touring two area hospitals during his visit.

Included among his stops was Atchison's Amberwell Hospital, where the Senator toured the facilities.

Following his first-hand look at the operations of Atchison's Amberwell, Moran issued a statement, saying that during the visit, he met with hospital CEO Jared Abel, with Moran saying the two "discussed the ways Amberwell Atchison is continuing to provide quality care for Atchison County" as "hospitals like Amberwell Atchison are essential components of communities in Kansas," with Moran thanking "them for their commitment to providing Kansans with the care they need.”

Friday also took Moran to Sabetha for a tour of the Sabetha Community Hospital.

During that stop, Moran, in his statement, says he "learned more about [the hospital's] plans to build new facilities in order to continue to serve patients in Northeast Kansas," adding that he looks "forward to continuing to work with Sabetha Community Hospital in an effort to see this project through to completion."

Moran, following the Sabetha tour, thanked the hospital leadership and team "for their continued work to provide quality care for the region."

(KNZA)--The 51st annual Biking Across Kansas tour is underway and will make two local overnight stops this week.

Hundreds of bicyclists are participating in this year's event, which began Saturday, June 7 at the Colorado/Kansas border, just west of St. Francis.

Riders pedal between 50 to 80 miles each day.

They will make an overnight stop Thursday in Sabetha. On Thursday evening, live music will be provided at the Mary Cotton Library Park from 5 to 8 for the riders and local community to enjoy. There will also be multiple food trucks available.

The cyclists will spend the night at the Sabetha High School before departing Friday morning for Troy.

On their way to Troy, the riders will make a stop in Hiawatha for lunch, which is being provided by Scout Troop #313 at Bruning Park, between 10 and 2.

The bicyclists will spend Friday night in Troy. Vendors and booths will be set up on Main Street in Troy, the Troy Community Building and at Troy High School for the bicyclists and area residents to visit. Also the Doniphan County Rodeo will be held Friday evening at the 4-H Fairgrounds and a street dance will take place that evening on Main Street.

The bicyclists will depart Saturday morning, June 14 for their final trek to the Missouri River in Elwood.

(KNZA)--A public health advisory has been issued for two Atchison County lakes due to the presence of blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, announced Friday that the Atchison State Fishing Lake and Atchison City Lake #9 have been placed under "warning" status.

For lakes under “ warning” status, KDHE says direct contact with the water should be avoided.

Fish may be eaten if they are rinsed with clean water. However, only the fillet portion should be consumed and all other parts discarded.

(KMZA)--A Louisiana woman was injured Thursday afternoon after the vehicle she was driving stuck an object on a Nemaha County highway.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the accident was reported shortly before 3:00 on U.S. 36 highway, about six miles west of U.S. 75 highway.

The Patrol says a SUV was eastbound when it struck a metal object that came off a westbound pickup truck.

The driver of the SUV, 66-year-old Constance Choquette, was transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital with possible injuries.

The driver of the pickup, an Illinois man, was not hurt.

Both drivers were alone in their vehicles when the accident occurred.

(KAIR)--The former President of Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy has been placed on leave from the leadership role he took after departing from the private, Catholic high school.

That leave became effective Thursday for Phil Baniewicz who will remain on leave from his role as President for the Kansas City-area Bishop Miege Catholic high school, pending an investigation.

That's confirmed by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, with Archbishop Shawn McKnight Friday issuing a statement confirming the decision. The statement says he supports the move made by the high school's Board of Trustees "for the well-being of the school," adding that "due to recent reports concerning [Baniewicz's] ability to oversee a safe environment for BMHS, a thorough investigation has been initiated."

An interim president has been appointed to take over during the investigation.

Calling the matter a "confidential personnel matter," the Archbishop's statement says "no further information will be provided until the investigation is concluded."

Baniewicz, the subject of past abuse allegations, has, according to numerous Kansas City-area media reports, drawn concerns from parents of students at the Kansas City-area high school based on his past, including a 2005 civil lawsuit accusing him of teen sexual abuse in Arizona during the 1980s. He was additionally accused of doing nothing to stop abuse committed by other priests there. However, the lawsuit was settled, and Baniewicz has never faced any legal charges.

The allegations are not new to Baniewicz who, after leaving his role as Vice-President of College Relations at Atchison's Benedictine College to accept the role of Maur Hill-Mount Academy President in 2010, sat down with MSC Radio News to address then Atchison concerns regarding his past. Baniewicz, during that interview and at other times the accusations have arisen, denied the allegations.

Baniewicz has served as Bishop Miege President since late 2023.

(KLZA)-- Auburn, Nebraska native and now Lincoln resident Brent Comstock has announced he is a candidate for the District 1 seat on the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

That seat is currently held by Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln who has said he will not seek a fourth term on the board.

New district boundaries took effect in 2021 and match those of the State Board of Education District 1, which in November elected newcomer Kristin Christensen.

The 29-year-old Comstock is an entrepreneuer and serves as the CEO of the Lincoln-based marketing firm BCPM, which he started while he was in school, a decade ago.

NU Board of Regents District 1 includes the northern half of Lincoln and the surrounding communities of Emerald, Malcolm, Agnew, Raymond and Davey.

(KLZA)-- The Four County Collaborative program is putting together a two-part class designed to help adults better identify better ways to cope with stress and challenges that life brings.

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan, known as WRAP is a self-help class where individuals build their own individualized plan, using their strengths and wellness tools, to help them cope at those times life becomes difficult.

The WRAP program can be used daily or on an as-needed basis.

Participants will be taught how to implement the key concepts of recovery including hope, personal responsibility education, self-advocacy and support in their day-to-day lives.

WRAP will also assist participants create a crisis plan to guide the involvement of family members or supporters when the participant is unable to take appropriate action on their own.

WRAP is for everyone and focuses on life experiences, strengths and goals rather than diagnoses, illnesses or deficits.

A WRAP class will be held Saturday June 14 and Saturday June 21 from 8:00 a.m. until noon each day at the Auburn ESU Conference Center.

Everyone is welcome and the program offers free assistance to people who live in southeast Nebraska.

Anyone wanting more information should call 402-414-2460 or go online at
FourCountyCollaborative@gmail.com.

(KLZA)-- Charges have been filed against a Missouri woman in a 2024 fatal accident that occurred in Holt County, Missouri.

Chelsea Guyer who was 21 at the time of the August 25, 2024 wreck is charged with two felony counts of driving while intoxicated causing the death of another and DWI causing serious physical injury.

Guyer was living at Fillmore, Missouri at the time of the wreck.

The Missouri Highway Patrol crash report indicated Guyer was driving on U-S Highway 59 when she crossed the center line and hit a vehicle driven by 57-year-old Angela Woods from Oregon, Missouri. Woods was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck.

Guyer is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday, July 9.

In addition to the criminal charges, a wrongful death settlement has been filed by the Woods family.

Guyer and a passenger in her car, were transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with serious injuries following the wreck. Guyer was then flown to the Truman Medical Center in Kansas City

(KLZA)-- Falls City Third Ward Council member Shawn Fouraker submitted a letter of resignation from the City Council on June 3rd.

On Friday, June 6, Fouraker submitted written notice he wished to rescind his resignation from the Council. Following what he called further reflection and in response from constituents and colleagues.

Under Falls City Municipal Code, when a City Council member resigns, the resignation must be acknowledged and the office declared vacant by the City Council during a regular or special meeting. Following action by the City Council, the City is required to provide public notice of the vacancy, identifying the vacant office and the unexpired term.

According to a report from City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum, because the rescission was received prior to any formal reading at a Council meeting and a formal declaration of vacancy did not occur, Fouraker remains in office.

Fouraker said in his letter requesting his resignation be considered null and void, and he be reinstated to his current position, that he remains committed to advancing the goals and priorities of the city and believes his continued service is in the best interest of constituents.

(KAIR)--In preparation for Atchison's annual celebration of Juneteenth, the Atchison City Commission, this week, made a proclamation for the City's commemoration of the holiday.

Prior to Monday's proclamation, Atchison Juneteenth Committee Treasurer Donald Bratton, Jr. thanked the Commission for their continued support of the local ceremonies.

Following Bratton's comments, Mayor La Rochelle Young provided acknowledgement for late, longtime Juneteenth Committee member Phyllis Downing whose memory is recognized as part of this year's ceremony.

The proclamation was then read aloud by Young.

Death of puppy leads to Atchison arrest

Posted Friday, June 6th, 2025 9:57am

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman, accused of fatally abusing a dog, now faces charges related to the animal's death.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News 28-year-old Taylor Bonar, Wednesday, was arrested by Atchison Police on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging her with cruelty to animals.

According to Wilson, the case dates back to May of last year when Atchison Police, following a report made by the Humane Society of Atchison, began to investigate the alleged dog abuse that occurred at a residence in the 500 block of North 9th Street.

Wilson says the puppy sustained injuries that resulted in its death.

Bonar, following her arrest, was booked into the Atchison County Jail, but was released on a bond of $2,500 on Thursday.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission held an evening session May 30th in the basement of the Sheriff's Office.

Commission Chairman Lukas Heinen said they wanted to give residents an opportunity to interact with the three commissioners at the same time.

A number of county residents took the opportunity to attend the meeting, with several addressing the Commission during the public comment portion of the meeting.

County resident Annette Hoskins thanked Commissioners for doing something different. She and several others in attendance urged the Commission not to raise the mill levy for the upcoming year.

Iowa Tribal Police Chief Mike Shea also addressed the Commission, voicing his concerns about how cases from his department are being handled by the County Attorney's Office. County Attorney Kevin Hill was not present at the meeting to respond to the concerns.

Solid Waste Director Don Pounds and Noxious Weed Director Rich Rodvelt met with the Commission regarding a landfill customer who is refusing to pay invoices in full. The total amount billed for services from March 14 through March 26 was $10,709. The customer submitted payment for only half of the amount and has refused to pay the remaining balance. The Commission reached a consensus that the outstanding balance is still owed and must be paid by the customer.

The Commission did take action on two items. The Commission voted to accept a proposal from Terracon Consultants in the amount of $9,000 to provide geo-technical services for an upcoming bridge project at 170th and Falcon Roads. The Commission also accepted a bid from WKG Sales in the amount of $28,344 for the overhaul of a 2003 semi-truck in District 3.

(KNZA)--The list of candidates vying for city and school board positions this November in Doniphan County has been finalized.

With Monday's filing deadline, where will be contested races for the Doniphan West USD 111 and Riverside USD 114 Boards of Education.

Four candidates are vying for three open positions on the Doniphan West board. They include incumbents Brett Miner and Michelle Meyer, along with Kevin Thompson and Jerry Boos.

Four candidates are vying for three open positions on the Riverside board. They include incumbents Christopher Hewins and Barbara Derrick, along with Zach Euler and Justin Wilson.

Three candidates are seeking two open positions on the Elwood City Council. They include incumbent Sam Meers, along with Matthew McFarland and Nathan Daniels.

Six candidates are vying for three open seats on the Highland City Council. They include incumbents Tana Snyder, Terry Gibson and Keith Edmonds, along with Carl Johnson, Bryan Rhodd and Chris Waggoner.

There will also be a contested race for White Cloud Mayor, with three candidates seeking the position. They include Brendan Wolvington, Kim Tilton and Reuben IronHorse-Kent.

A primary election will not be necessary. The general election will be held November 4.

(KNZA)--The execution of a search warrant at a Hiawatha residence led to the arrest of three Hiawatha residents on drug and child endangerment charges.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said the Sheriff's Office Drug Task Force initiated a search warrant Wednesday evening at 714 Iowa Street.

As a result of the search, 45-year-old Peter Carter was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and aggravated child endangerment. In addition, Carter was arrested on an outstanding Brown County felony warrant for contempt of court.

33-year-old Patricia McKinney was arrested on charges of aggravated child endangerment, possession of meth, possession of marijuana,
possession of drug paraphernalia and felony obstruction.

65-year-old Thomas Doyle was arrested on charges of aggravated child endangerment, possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted.

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

(KLZA)-- Following the execution of a search warrant at a Fairfax, Missouri residence, conducted by the Atchison County, Missouri Sheriff's Department with assistance from the Cyber Crimes Task Force, a Fairfax man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of possession of child pornography and child molestation.

In a social media post Wednesday, Atchison County Sheriff Andrew Riley noted the search warrant was issued by the Atchison County Circuit Court with charges listed as possession of child pornography - 1st offense and 1st degree sodomy - aggravated sexual offense.

The suspect, whose name was not released, is being held in the Atchison County Jail, awaiting his initial court appearance. No bond has been set.

The case remains under investigation and according to the release, further charges are pending.

(KAIR)--Now that the filing deadline has passed, City of Atchison elections are set, with no challengers filing to fill any of the three seats up for election for the Atchison City Commission.

Instead, incumbents Bill Murphy, La Rochelle Young, and Jesse Greenly all filed to retain their current seats.

Only one challenger has entered the race for a seat on Atchison's USD 409.

According to the Atchison County Clerk's Office, Douglas Tschauder filed to unseat one incumbent in the school board race.

Tschauder, according to online voting information, unsuccessfully sought a seat on the board in 2023.

The 2025 General Election will be held November 4th.

(MSC News) --The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold public hearings next week to give Evergy customers the opportunity to learn more about the company- rate increase request, ask questions and make comments before the Commission.

Evergy filed an application with the Commission in January seeking a $196.4 million (8.62%) rate increase. If approved as filed, the new electric rates would take effect in September 2025, resulting in an average monthly increase of $13.05 for residential customers.

Attendees may participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Those participating virtually must register by noon the day prior to the hearing using the registration links below. In addition, the hearings will be broadcast live and recorded for later viewing on the KCC- YouTube channel. Registration is not required to attend in person or view on YouTube.

Public Hearings

Wednesday, June 11 at 6:00 p.m. Wichita State University, Lowe Auditorium Hughes Metropolitan Complex 5015 E 29^th St. North Wichita, KS 67205 Register to attend via Zoom (deadline noon June 10)

Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m. Washburn Institute of Technology 5724 SW Huntoon St. Topeka, KS 66604 Register to attend via Zoom (deadline noon June 15)

The Commission will accept written comments through 5 p.m. on July 14. Comments may be submitted online, by mail or by calling the KCC at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.

To register to participate in the hearing via Zoom, make a public comment online or find additional information on the application, go to the Commission- website (www.kcc.ks.gov) and click on the “Your Opinion Matters” tab.

The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before September 29, 2025.

(KMZA)--Several additional candidates filed before Monday's deadline for city and school board positions up for election this November in Nemaha County.

In school board filings:

Tim Aberle filed for position 4 on the Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education, which is currently held by Doug Renyer who did not file for re-election. In addition, Ann Shaughnessy filed for position 6, which is currently held by Phillip Buessing who didn't seek re-election. Stanley Keim is running unopposed for position 2 on the board.

Amy Huerter filed for position 4 on the Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education. The position is currently held by Jason Kramer who did not seek re-election. In addition, Betsy Macke filed for position 6, which is currently held by John Deters who did not seek re-election. Cara Baker is running unopposed for re-election to position 2 on the board and Alex Bergstrom to retain position 3.

In city filings:

Austin Wasinger filed for the position of Commissioner of Finance on the Sabetha City Commission. The position is currently held by Maridel Wittmer who did not seek re-election.

3rd Ward Seneca City Councilman Jim Mitchell filed for re-election. In addition, Joe Mitchell filed for re-election as Seneca Mayor. Both will face no opposition. There will be a contested race for the 1st Ward Council seat, with incumbent Joe Schmelzle being challenged by Jacee Corby.

Five candidates filed before the deadline for three open seats on the Centralia City Council. They include Nathaniel Engelken, JB Holland, Doug Nelson, Alan Reinecke and Madison Voet.

A primary election will not be necessary. The general election will be held November 4.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission heard 2026 budget requests and a proposal to create a extension district when they met May 28th.

The budget requests ranged from $15,000 for the County Rescue Squad to nearly $4.2 million for the Road and Bridge Department.

The Commission took the budget requests under advisement.

Adoption of a 2026 budget would follow a public hearing.

County Extension Agent Matt Young and Extension Board member Austin Heiniger discussed the proposed formation of a three-county extension district, which would include Atchison, Brown and Doniphan Counties.

Commissioners were told formation of an extension district would offer several benefits--including resource sharing, specialization of staff, and increased efficiency.

The extension district would be overseen by a governing board, initially appointed by each county.

The Atchison County Commission last month approved the formation of the district.

Brown County Commissioners took the proposal under advisement.

( KAIR)--"Words can hurt — and they can also constitute a crime." Those are the words of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson who made the statement in a release regarding a case involving the use of online social media to send threats.

According to the release, 44-year-old Miranda Spurling, of Leavenworth, pleaded no contest in Leavenworth County District Court last week to charges of interference with a law enforcement officer and harassment by a telecommunication device. Spurling was accused of using Facebook Messenger, beginning in February, to harass a man.

The release says it was on February 22 that Leavenworth Police responded to the victim's residence after he reported the threats from Spurling, including one specifically threatening his life. Although he attempted to avoid contact, with the victim saying he had blocked four of Spurling's Facebook accounts, she continued to create new ones for her harassment campaign.

Spurling, that same day, was located by Leavenworth Police at a Leavenworth residence where she was arrested, earning the additional interference with a law enforcement officer charge at the time she was taken into custody.

Spurling's sentencing is scheduled for July 2.

(KLZA)-- In a letter addressed to Nemaha County Commission Chairman Mike Weiss and Nemaha Rural Fire District 4 Chairperson Chris Stevenson, the Nebraska Auditors Office has disclosed the discovery of alleged unauthorized use of Nemaha County fuel pumps by the Nemaha Rural Fire District 4 and District 1 County Commissioner Mike Hall, who also serves as Fire Chief for the Fire District which is in the community of Nemaha.

The letter alleges that State Auditor Mike Foley's audit team had photographs of Hall using a county gas pump to fill his personal pickup after midnight on March 24, 2025.

In addition, the audit team receive allegations that Nemaha County owned fuel pumps in District 1 were used by unauthorized individuals with several photographs taken on March 24, 2025 showing five other vehicles, all appearing to belong to the Fire District being fueled at the County pumps.

Several years ago the report says Hall approved use of the fuel pumps by the Fire District as long as a log showing the usage was maintained and the Fire District would occasionally pay to refill the fuel pumps. However, no formal, written agreement was signed between the County and the Fire District regarding use of the pumps.

In the letter, dated May 23 of this year, the State Auditors Office noted that because the issue addressed in the audit, constitutes a possible violation, the information is to be forwarded to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission for further review.

The Auditors office recommended Nemaha County implement procedures to ensure that County fuel pumps are used only to fill County vehicles, and personal use of County fuel pumps is strictly prohibited.

The letter also notes that if it can be shown the Mr. Hall intentionally misused the County fuel pump for personal gain, such actions may give rise to serious legal concerns.

Logs reviewed as a part of the audit indicate the Fire District has used a total of 826.7 gallons of fuel, consisting of 634.2 gallons of diesel and 192.5 gallons of gasoline from the County's pumps since 2021.

On May 21, Nemaha County Commissioners approved execution of an interlocal agreement between the County and the Nemaha Fire District for fuel cost, usage, and reconciliation.

The Auditors report says fuel pumps in Commission Districts 2 and 3 are padlocked and can only be unlocked by certain County employees while the fuel pumps in District 1 are controlled by a power switch inside the county-owned shop.

(KLZA)-- A Falls City man has been sentenced to serve time in prison on multiple counts.

31-year-old Chance Dunback will spend up to six years following sentencing Tuesday in Richardson County District Court involving charges in two separate cases.

District Court Judge Julie Smith issued sentences of six months to a year on six counts of criminal mischief related to Dunback breaking or damaging windows at 10 businesses and two vehicles in December of 2024. The sentences are to run consecutively. Dunback was given credit for time served. He will be eligible for parole in 18 months.

Damages totaled nearly $22,000.

The damaged businesses included American National Bank, Dollar Fresh, Halbert & Dunn, First Interstate Bank, Nussbaum Photography, F & M Bank, Falls City Family Practice, Growing Great Kids Daycare, Frontier Bank and the Grand Weaver Hotel and two automobiles at Armbruster Motor Company.

In another case, Dunback was sentenced to a period of 2 - 6 years in prison on a charge of attempted manufacture, distribution, delivery of a substance that proved to be methamphetamine.

The sentence in this case will run concurrently to the other sentences.

(KAIR)--An Atchison resident who disappeared in April following hospital care, has been located.

According to a release this week from the organization, Kansas Missing and Unsolved, 22-year-old Sydnee Lust has been found safe.

The release, issued Monday, offers no further details regarding Lust's whereabouts at the time they were found.

Lust, prior to being located, had been missing since April 9, leading to concerns and to public notifications regarding the need to bring Lust home safely.

(KAIR)--Two young, teenage, Atchison County sex offenders have learned their fates, with both sentenced to probation.

That's according to Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker who, in a release, says the crimes involving the two occurred in April, 2024, with a 14-year-old defendant, identified only as K.C. and his 13-year-old accomplice, named only as L.S., convicted of committing the offenses.

According to the release, K.C. offered to pay a 5-year-old girl money for sexual favors, while a 6-year-old girl was touched inappropriately, with those crimes happening as the young girls played outside.

K.C. was charged with several counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child and one count of lewd and lascivious behavior. L.S. was charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, to which he entered a no-contest plea in August, 2024, leading to his October, 2024 sentencing to 6-months probation, which the release calls "the standard sentence under the juvenile justice code."

K.C., in December, 2024, pled no contest to one charge of aggravated indecent liberties with a child as it, the release explains, "pertained to both the five-year-old girl and the six-year-old girl." The court
accepted the plea and adjudicated him.

Last week, Becker says, a two-hour sentencing hearing was held for K.C., with the state asking for the maximum sentence allowed, with a judge, under Kansas law, permitted to sentence a juvenile offender convicted for aggravated indecent liberties to a term of 2-years up to when the offender turns 22 1/2 years old with the juvenile department of corrections.

While the state made its request, the victims requested that K.C. serve time, while K.C. asked for probation, which the judge granted, sentencing him to 12-months probation with numerous conditions, including completing a sex offender treatment program.

The juvenile sex-crimes case was investigated by the Atchison County Sheriff's Office.

(KNZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has approved a salary increase for the county attorney.

Following an executive session at a special meeting on May 27, the Commission voted 2-1 to increase the county attorney's salary by a pro-rated amount of $23,333 for the remaining portion of 2025 as a temporary measure until a new county attorney replacement can be identified.

Commissioner Jason Koch cast the lone dissenting vote.

Funding for the salary increase will be paid out of the funds earmarked for Diversion in the Capital Outlay Fund.

The county attorney will take over child in need of care and all juvenile-related cases.

County Attorney Brad Lippert informed Commissioners last month that he was considering moving up his retirement date from July 1st of next year to July 1st of this year.

Lippert resigned earlier this year from the position of county counselor, which was effective April 1st.

(KNZA)--The field of candidates vying for city and school board positions in Jackson County has been finalized.

Monday was the filing deadline.

There will be a contested race for position 3 on the Jackson Heights USD 335 Board, with Mitch Bagby and Dan Shupe seeking the position.

Four candidates are seeking three open seats on the Holton USD 336 Board of Education. They include incumbents Trent Tanking and Ryan Phillips, along with Terry Clark and Adam Luthi.

There will also be a contested race for position 4 on the Holton City Commission. Incumbent Eric Bjelland is being challenged by Willy Wilson.

There will be no primary election. The general election will be held November 4

(KNZA)--Highland Community College (HCC) has been designated as an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Classifications.

According to a release from the college, the designation recognizes HCC as a national model for advancing student success and long-term economic outcomes.

The release says the designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published this spring by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education.

The new classification examines the extent to which institutions foster opportunities for student success by measuring whether institutions are enrolling students reflective of the communities they serve and how the earnings of those students compare to peers in their area.

In 2025, 479 institutions have been identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities that are in the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

The release says the methodology for the new Student Access and Earnings Classification uses multidimensional groupings of the 2025 Institutional Classification to evaluate student access and earnings between similar colleges and universities.

(KAIR)---An Atchison County Sheriff's Office investigation into the theft of what's identified as "multiple grave decorations" from a local cemetery remains ongoing.

The crime, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says, was reported to his office on May 29, with investigators believing the thefts happened sometime between May 1 and May 29 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, located at 10254 K-7 Highway.

According to Laurie, stolen items include solar lights, toys, and a cross, which had all been placed on the gravesite of a loved one of the person who reported the thefts.

Anyone with information about who's responsible for the missing gravesite items should contact the Atchison County Sheriff's Office at 913-367-4323.

(KNZA)--The field of candidates vying for city and school board positions in Brown County has been set.

Several additional candidates filed before Monday's filing deadline.

There will be a contested race for a position on the Hiawatha USD 415 Board of Education. Orveda Anderson and Phil Roberts are vying for position 5 on the board. The position is currently held by Jacquie Spihlmann, who did not seek re-election.

Incumbent Roni Tietjens is running unopposed for position 4 on the board and Brooklyn Schuetz is running unopposed to retain position 6.

There will be a contested race for a position on the South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education.

Incumbent Sarah Stirton is being challenged by Katelyn Ross in her bid for re-election to position 6 on the board. Ross currently holds position 4 on the board.

Write-in votes will determine who fills position 4 on the Board since no candidates filed. Incumbent Shelby Rice is facing no opposition for re-election to position 5.

There will be contested races for the position of Powhattan Mayor and positions on the city council John Schuetz and James Hazlett II are vying for the position of mayor. 9 candidates are seeking five open seats on the City Council. They include Dale Schuetz, Shirley Ashton, Jackie Zimmers, Luke Pollock, Jim Foster, Lyle Chadwell, Sharon Willey, Elizabeth Pollock and Tracey Sharp.

There will be no contested races for two positions up for election on the Horton City Commission. David Spain filed for the position of Streets and Utilities, while Bobby Bacon filed for the position of Commissioner of Finance. Incumbents Carmela Boller and Tina Nigh did not seek re-election.

Several city positions will be determined by write-in votes due to the lack of candidate filings.

There will be no primary election. The General Election will be held November 4th.

(KAIR)--The boil water advisory for the public water supply of the Lakeside Village Improvement District, in Jefferson County, has been lifted.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment,Tuesday,issued a release giving the all-clear, saying laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the water supply indicates no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

The advisory was issued May 26 because of a loss of pressure due to water tower maintenance, with KDHE saying failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division reminds property owners that valuation protests must be filed on or before Monday, June 30.

If there was an increase or decrease from the 2024 assessed valuation of a real property parcel to the 2025 assessed value, the county assessor was required to send a notice of valuation change to the property owner on or before June 1, 2025.
If a change of valuation notice was not received, and there was a change in value from 2024 to 2025, contact the local county assessor for more information.

If a property owner disagrees with the assessed value, whether or not a notice of valuation change has been received, a protest may be filed with the county board of equalization. The valuation protest may be filed in person or by mail with the county clerk in the county where the property is located.

Requirements for filing a protest are on the Notice of Valuation Change.

For more information regarding filing a protest, please contact the county clerk where the property is located.

(KLZA)-- On a night when a vote was scheduled on an ordinance important to the future electrical needs, four Falls City Council members were absent from the Monday night meeting.

With only four Council members present, the meeting could not be held.

The Council was scheduled to vote on the third and final reading on an ordinance to authorize and provide for the issuance of combined utility revenue bonds, in an amount not to exceed $20 million.

The bond funds would serve as the City match for a $15 million grant from the State of Nebraska that requires a one-to-one cash match.

If the ordinance fails to pass the City would lose the $15 million state grant.

The funds, if acquired would help the city bring a secondary electrical transmission line to the community, providing additional electrical power.

Absent from the meeting were Council members Frank Killingsworth, Kenny Killingsworth, Shawn Fouraker and Sara Ruiz.

Monday nights Council meeting will be rescheduled.

(KNZA)--The former Chair for the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas has pleaded guilty to child-pornography-related charges.

According to a report from KSNT, which obtained court documents related to last week's plea entered by Lester Randall. The TV station reports Randall, on May 29, entered the guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor-receipt of child pornography.

An apparent plea agreement for Randall's admission of guilt led the judge to dismiss all other counts that had been included in the federal indictment.

Randall has agree to pay $3,000 in restitution to each victim in the case, and faces 10-years in prison.

Editor's note: An arrest has now been made, as confirmed Tuesday morning by the KBI:

ELLLIS COUNTY - The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has now canceled the Kansas Blue Alert that was issued after law enforcement were searching for a suspect believed to have shot a Lee- Summit police officer Sunday night.

The alert was canceled Tuesday morning, June 3, after Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27, was located and apprehended in Ellis, Kansas.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has issued a blue alert in Kansas on behalf of Missouri, after a Lee's Summit officer was shot and critically injured Sunday night.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) issued the blue alert Monday morning trying to locate a suspect wanted in related to the shooting. The alert was later extended into Kansas.

Authorities are looking for Thomas Eugene Tolbert, 27. Tolbert is a black male, around 240 pounds, and is 6 foot 2 inches tall with brown eyes and black hair. At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a black top with a hood, and black shorts.

He is armed with a handgun and considered dangerous.

Around 11 p.m, Sunday, June 1, law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance at 3560 SW Hollywood Drive in Lee's Summit, Missouri. After a short foot pursuit between Tolbert and officers, Tolbert shot a Lee's Summit police officer, seriously injuring him.

Tolbert left the scene in a vehicle that has since been recovered in Grandview, Missouri, but Tolbert remains on the loose.

A wireless emergency alert was issued in several Kansas City metro counties on the Kansas side.

Anyone who sees Tolbert should immediately call 911. Any other information about his whereabouts should be reported at 1-800-KS-CRIME.

(KAIR)--The legless brick-layer credited for laying many of Atchison's historic brick streets, has returned in statue form as the damaged representation of the local legend is restored and reset in downtown Atchison.

The statue was removed due to incurring damage when hit by a vehicle.

According to the Atchison County Historical Society, the statue of Wiliam "Deafy" Boular has been restored and given a new base to reflect Boular's original height.

The release from the historical society, which calls Boular "a highly skilled and widely respected brick-layer" who "overcame many adversities" to achieve that skill, concludes by voicing appreciation to the Atchison Art Association "for their dedication to preserving Atchison history and continuing to support art in Atchison."

The life-size statue of Boular, titled “Lessons from the Master,” was dedicated in 2013, three years after Boular was named one of the most fascinating people in Kansas history in a 2010 statewide contest.

Boular, born in 1869, lost his legs at the age of 12 when he was run over by a train that he could not hear because he was deaf.

(KAIR)--A reduced sentence for an Atchison man found guilty of aggravated battery by a jury in April.

The jury, on April 7 in Atchison County District Court, heard from the victim, law enforcement and medical professionals regarding an August, 2024 disturbance in the hallway of a duplex apartment complex located on Atchison's Kansas Avenue.

The victim, Wendy Harris-Hess, was found by first responders lying on the floor at the foot of the stairs, with her 38-year-old nephew, Bryan Harris, blamed for her fall, caused, she told authorities, when he became agitated and angry as she tried to convince him to leave as ordered through an eviction notice.

According to a release from Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker, Harris-Hess suffered a fractured wrist from the fall blamed on her nephew.

Last month during sentencing, Becker says, the State requested the standard 52-month sentence for Harris, based on criminal history, but the District Court Judge, Becker says, "without notice or request from either party, departed on its own motion and voluntarily reduced the sentence to 40 months with the department of corrections," meaning Harris will spend 3-years-4-months in prison.

The case was investigated by the Atchison Police Department.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a letter to be sent to landowners in areas designated by FEMA as floodplain, flood fringes and floodways in the county concerning flood insurance program requirements when they met May 28th.

Prior to approval the Board discussed proposed changes to be considered to the current ordinance with Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall and County Attorney Samantha Scheitel but no action was taken.

The Board approved an amendment to a March 5 agreement with Eforce which provides software for the Law Enforcement Center.

The amendment will provide for the development of an interface with the program to bring the program software and facility into compliance with Nebraska Jail Standards.

Commissioners also approved entering into a professional services agreement with Schneider Geospatial LLC to provide the development of a publicly accessible web-based property information portal featuring land assessment, taxation information and digital map data.

The counties current contract with gWorks will be terminated.

(KLZA)-- An effort to recall Falls City Mayor Mark Harkendorff has failed.

Friday, May 30 was the deadline for the petition organizer, Kaylie Ractliffe, to submit recall petition with a minimum of 475 signatures of registered Falls City voters.

Richardson County Clerk Mary Eickhoff reported that no signed petitions were turned in to her office by the 5:00 P.M. Friday deadline.

In listing a reason for filing the recall effort, Ractliffe listed unprofessional behavior, including insulting city workers, leading to the resignation of every city lineman and dismissing community feedback without respect or personal accountability, saying Harkendorff's actions reflected poorly on our city and leadership.

(KLZA)-- An effort to recall Falls City Mayor Mark Harkendorff has failed.

Friday, May 30 was the deadline for the petition organizer, Kaylie Ractliffe to submit recall petition with a minimum of 475 signatures of registered Falls City voters.

Richardson County Clerk Mary Eickhoff reported that no signed petitions were turned in to her office by the 5:00 P.M. Friday deadline.

In listing a reason for filing the recall effort, Ractliffe listed unprofessional behavior, including insulting city workers, leading to the resignation of every city lineman and dismissing community feedback without respect or personal accountability, saying Harkendorff's actions reflected poorly on out city and leadership.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission approved a road vacation and a box culvert repair project when they met last week.

Following a hearing, the Commission approved an order vacating roads and alleys located on the plat of Maynard, also known as Troy Junction. According to the unofficial meeting minutes, no objections were heard to the vacation request.

In 1871, the town of Maynard was laid out southwest of Troy. The roads and alleys were platted, but never developed.

County Attorney Charles Baskins said he could not foresee a reason why the county would ever have a need to open the platted streets and alleys.

In other business, the Commission accepted a bid from Urban Construction, of Bendena, for the repair of a box culvert on Coronado Road in the amount of $71,895.

The action was contingent upon the city of Highland making paying to the county in amount of $10,000.

The box culvert will be removed and replaced with a 120 by 6 foot galvanized tube.

(KNZA)--A Mayetta man was arrested on drug charges following the execution of a search warrant last Friday.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said the Sheriff's Office conducted a search warrant at 209 E. Clark Street, in Mayetta.

Morse said deputies arrested 70-year-old Perkins Whitetail for possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KAIR)--An Atchison woman charged in connection with an Atchison County crash last August that claimed the life of her 17-month-old son has entered into a plea agreement, canceling a jury trial that had been set to begin June 9th.

According to court documents, 29-year-old Maria Papalas pleaded no contest May 6 in Atchison County District Court to charges contained in an amended complaint of second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated endangering a child.

Papalas had originally been charged with first-degree murder, along with seven other counts.

Sentencing was set for June 24.

Authorities say Papalas was attempting to flee from an Atchison County Sheriff's deputy when she crashed her vehicle on August 25, 2024.

Her son, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was killed in the crash.

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

( MSC News)--Three local towns are among 32 communities across Kansas that have been awarded funding for small-scale projects, thanks to a new grant program focused of revitalizing rural communities.

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced Wednesday that $298,825 has been awarded through the inaugural round of the Towns Grant Program in partnership with the Dane G Hansen Foundation, the Kansas Health Foundation and the Sunflower Foundation.

Locally, Effingham, Powhattan and Waterville are among the grant recipients.

Effingham will receive $3,900 for new welcome signage.

Powhattan will receive $10,000 for improvements to the city park-including playground equipment and seating.

Waterville will receive $10,000 for sidewalk repair and replacement, along with handicapped ramp construction.

The Towns Grant program supports communities with a population of 5,000 or less that have not received funding since 2019 from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

(MSC News )--Three local towns are among 32 communities across Kansas that have been awarded funding for small-scale projects, thanks to a new grant program focused of revitalizing rural communities.

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced Wednesday that $298,825 has been awarded through the inaugural round of the Towns Grant Program in partnership with the Dane G Hansen Foundation, the Kansas Health Foundation and the Sunflower Foundation.

Locally, Effingham, Powhattan and Waterville are among the grant recipients.

Effingham will receive $3,900 for new welcome signage.

Powhattan will receive $10,000 for improvements to the city park-including playground equipment and seating.

Waterville will receive $10,000 for sidewalk repair and replacement, along with handicapped ramp construction.

The Towns Grant program supports communities with a population of 5,000 or less that have not received funding since 2019 from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

(KAIR)--A Newton, Kansas man, riding through Atchison Saturday night aboard a Kawasaki motorcycle, required hospital treatment after crashing in the construction zone in the 1000 block of U.S. Highway 59.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 53-Anthony Groote was westbound on the highway when he entered the construction zone west of 10th Street.

It was at that location, shortly after 9:00 Saturday night, that Groote's motorcycle struck a flashing arrow device, causing him to be ejected, which led to his injuries.

According to Wilson, Groote was transported by Atchison County EMS for treatment at Mosaic Lifecare in St. Joseph, Missouri.