(KLZA)-- The Pawnee County Sheriff's Department announced in a social media post Tuesday that the body of a man who was the focus of a search by a large number of volunteers Monday evening into the early hours of Tuesday morning was located very near a location in which they had been searching.

Matt Kuhlman was last seen around 9:00 Monday morning in the Table Rock area.

A search was conducted from 6:00 p.m. untIl 11:00 p.m. Monday night by volunteers in the Table Rock area. Pawnee County deputies continued to check possible locations until around 1:00 Tuesday morning.

The Sheriff's Office said that Kuhlman's body had been found before searchers were to resume the search at 7:30 Tuesday morning.

The Pawnee County Sheriff's Office posted a message of thanks to area agencies assisting in the search. They included the Richardson County Sheriff's Department, Nemaha County Sheriff's Department, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska State Patrol, Table Rock Fire Department, Burchard Fire Department, Pawnee City Fire Department, Pawnee County EMS and the many volunteers who helped.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Sheriff's office reported in a social media post that on September 18, officers executed a search warrant at 602 Central Avenue in Humboldt.

The warrant was due to a connection with a felon in possession of a firearm invetigation.

During the search, deputies recovered two rifles and a shotgun.

43-year-old Matthew Hillyard of Humboldt was arrested for unlawful possession of firearms by a prohibited person due to being convicted previsously on felony charges.

Upon further investigaton, it was confirmed the firearms recovered had been reported stolen in Pawnee County.

The case remains under investigation with additional arrests and charges anticipated.

(KLZA)--A former Wahoo, Nebraska police officer has resigned after being accused of beating, strangling and possibly raping two women.

KOLN-TV reports prosecutors have charged 28-year-old Juan Ramirez, Jr. with an additional two counts of third-degree domestic violence in Lancaster County.

The new charges come after Ramirez was charged last week in Pawnee County with one count of first-degree sexual assault.

According to an arrest affidavit from Lancaster County, a woman contacted deputies on Sept. 23 to report a series of abuses at the hands of Ramirez. She called after learning he was jailed the day before in a different domestic violence case.

Two bonds have been set for Ramirez, totaling 10% of $140,000. He has posted bail for the Lancaster County case, but he remains in custody in lieu of a $100,000 bond in Pawnee County.

The charges in Lancaster County are misdemeanor counts, and he pled not guilty to both counts.

Ramirez had previously served more than 4 years as a Police Officer in Falls City.

(KAIR)--The return of what was once a long running tradition-the lighting of the bonfire-is happening at Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy, with the community, regardless of school allegiance, invited to attend the celebration.

According to the Catholic high school, the bonfire was a tradition from the 1960's through the 1990's, with students helping to assemble the wood pile, traditionally lit as part of homecoming pep rally activities.

While the school will hold homecoming this weekend, the bonfire and pep rally celebration is being held early, planned for Wednesday evening.

Beginning at 5:30, on the Maur Hill-Mount Academy campus, behind St. Leo's Dormitory, food trucks will be in place, along with inflatables for the children. The pep rally, complete with a DJ and bowling, will begin at 6:30, with the bonfire to be lit as the grand finale.

93.7 FM News Director Brian Hagen (author of this story) recalls that other schools in Atchison County through the 90's, including Atchison High School and ACCHS, also hosted bonfire ceremonies as part of homecoming traditions.

(KAIR)--A former Leavenworth man, and current resident of Holton, is in Jackson County custody, arrested for violations committed while a registered sex offender.

According to online U.S. Attorneys' records, Darnell James Winston was sentenced, at the age of 23, to federal prison in 2016 for sex trafficking of a child.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says Winston was arrested last week, September 25, at a Holton business, taken into custody on 6 counts of violating the offender registration act.

According to Morse, the now 32-year-old Winston is on federal probation and allegedly failed to register as a sex offender in Jackson County.

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

According to the online records, Winston, at the time residing in Leavenworth, was arrested in August, 2015, after meeting an undercover officer at an Arkansas motel, believing the officer to be a 16-year-old girl being recruited for prostitution. Winston was accompanied by a 17-year-old girl, working for him as a prostitute, at the time of his arrest.

(KAIR)--Injuries were avoided Monday night when an SUV crashed into another vehicle parked on an Atchison street.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says it happened around 11:15 Monday night as 45-year-old Rebecca Smith was northbound on 7th Street, behind the wheel of a Honda Pilot.

Her SUV, Wilson says, struck a parked vehicle, which caused Smith's SUV to land on its side.

Atchison County EMS responded to the scene of the wreck, but found Smith, of Atchison, to be uninjured.

(KLZA)- Former Wahoo Police Officer, 28-year-old Juan Remierz Jr. has resigned after being accused of beating, strangling and possibly raping two women.

Prosecutors have charged Ramirez with an additional two counts of third-degree domestic violence in Lancaster County.

The new charges come after Ramirez Jr. was charged on similar counts in Pawnee County. Last Wednesday, he was charged with one count of first-degree sexual assault in the case.

According to an arrest affidavit from Lancaster County, a woman contacted deputies on Sept. 23 to report a series of abuses at the hands of Ramirez Jr. She called after learning he was jailed the day before in a different domestic violence case.

The woman alleged Ramirez Jr. had beaten her in a variety of ways in the previous days, weeks and months. Deputies said the woman had been forced to engage in “violent sexual encounters.” They also think he strangled, aggressively bit and whipped her with belts and other objects.

The alleged victim also alleged several instances of sexual abuse.

The woman in the Pawnee County case suffered a large bruise to her head, stretching from her hairline down past her right eye. She said Ramirez Jr. hit her across the head with an open hand, according to an arrest affidavit.

Authorities said the injury to her neck was swollen and that she suffered bruising to her chest, arms, wrist, legs and shoulder.

Following his arrest on Sept. 22, the Wahoo Police Chief Joe Baulder said he spoke with Ramirez Jr. over the phone on Sept. 24. A letter of resignation followed the conversation.

Two bonds have been set for Ramirez Jr., totaling 10% of $140,000. He has posted bail for the Lancaster County case, but he remains in custody in lieu of his $100,000 bond in Pawnee County.

The charges in Lancaster County are misdemeanor counts, and he pled not guilty to both counts.

He is expected back in court on Oct. 20 and Nov. 6.

Ramirez Jr. had previously served more than 4 years as a Police Officer in Falls City.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded 22 teachers with funds in support of agricultural education and FFA programs in Nebraska.

The Dr. Allen G. and Kay L. Blezek Teacher Retention Award is an investment in the future of Nebraska agriculture. Since agriculture is Nebraska's leading industry, we know that investing in agricultural education and its teachers will continue to produce returns for years to come.”

Recipients are all agricultural education teachers in their first five years of teaching. Teachers are eligible for increasing awards over time. As the teachers’ impact grows in the classroom, in their FFA chapters, and in their communities each year, the award recognizes their service and supports their efforts.

A longtime program of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, the award was renamed in recognition of an estate gift from Dr. Allen Blezek, an agricultural education teacher, the first director of the Nebraska LEAD program, and a founding member of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation board of directors.

Among the 22 recipients of the scholarships is Maren DeJonge, of Richardson County.

The mission of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is to engage youth, educators, and the general public to promote an understanding of the vital importance of agriculture in the lives of all Nebraskans.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Attorney Samantha Scheitel met with county commissioners last week to further review the matter of emergency calls to the Sheriff's Department that are on either the Sac & Fox or Iowa Indian reservations.

The Board has requested that legal counsel for the tribes be contacted to arrange a meeting to review the matter and possibily develop a Memorandum of Understanding to provide proper coverage for emergency calls on the resevation areas.

The questions concern whether the tribal police department are required to respond to all calls or if the Richardson County Sheriff has authority to respond to calls or issue citations.

Scheitel will be following up on previous attempts to get a meeting arranged in the near future.

In other business, the Board approved the annual funding for the Richardson County Historical Society in an amount of $10 thousand and $5 thousand each for the Quad-County Historical Society and Pennsylvania Colony Historical Society of Nebraska.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported the third patrol unit approved for purchase in August should be delivered in early November and that the 2021 patrol unit that needs engine repairs or a replacement will be repaired.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. said a contractor is reviewing the condition of the of the roof at the main shop in Falls City to determine the cost of repairs or a replacement and said spcificaitons are being developed to replace the maintainer garage in Verdon

Plans are also in the development stage to advertise for sealed bids for the resurfacing of the Dustless Highway north and east of Falls City next year.

(KNZA)--A jury trail has been set for a Mayetta woman accused of intentionally striking a man on a motorcycle with her pickup in June, causing injuries to the man

According to court documents, 37-year-old Chellcie Sparks pleaded not guilty Friday in Jackson Country District Court to felony counts of aggravated battery, aggravated assault, possession of methamphetamine, criminal threat and interference with law enforcement. She also pleaded not guilty to four misdemeanor counts.

A jury trial was set for February 10-11 of next year.

Sparks remains in the Jackson County Jail, held on a $500,000 bond.

(KAIR)--An elderly Atchison woman is facing charges for allegedly attacking another elderly woman in the parking lot of the Atchison Walmart store.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the crime happened last week, on the afternoon of September 24, around 12:45, with Atchison Police called to the store, located in the 1900 block of U.S. Highway 73, to investigate.

A 72-year-old woman told them, the release says, that she had been "threatened and struck and pulled to the ground by a person known to her."

That person, identified as 78-year-old Paula Phillips, had left the scene before officers arrived at the store, but she was located Saturday evening at her residence, where she was arrested on an Atchison County District Court warrant charging her with criminal threat and battery.

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

(KNZA)---A Missouri man was arrested last week in Jackson County on drug possession charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a van Thursday morning for an alleged traffic infraction on 150th Road near K Road.

Morse said the traffic stop led to a search of the vehicle where suspected methamphetamine and marijuana were found.

The driver, identified as 45-year-old Ryan Hackett, of Gladstone, Missouri, was arrested for possession of methampehtamine, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Hackett was booked into the Jackson County Jail. He has since been released on bond.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County, Kansas Emergency Management Office has secured a grant through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to purchase five hundred Midland Weather Radios to offer free of charge.

County Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine says weather radio programming events for those wishing to receive a free radio will take place at three separate locations. Those include:

Wednesday, October 1st at the Corning Community Building

Thursday, October 2nd at the Baileyville City Park Shelterhouse

Monday, October 6 at the Sabetha Community Building.

All the events will be held from 5 to 7 in the evening.

Aldrine says the radios will be available at a first come-first serve basis, free of charge.

All radios will be programmed for their respective location, but the recipient of the radio will need to provide three (3) AA batteries once they set up the radio at home.

Per FEMA grant rules, the radios will only be given to Nemaha County residents. Residents of other counties will not be eligible for a free radio. There is a limit of one per household.

Aldrine said additional weather radio programming events may be scheduled at a later date depending on the number of remaining radios after these events.

(KNZA)--Jackson Heights USD 335 will hold public informational meetings on the $5 million general obligation bond issue that will be on the November 4th general election ballot to fund additions at each of the district's two schools.

The first meeting will be held Tuesday evening, September 30th, at the Whiting Community Center at 7:00.

Other meetings are set for:

October 7th at the Netawaka Community Building

October 14th at Wetmore American Legion Post #282

October 21 at the Soldier City Hall

October 28 at the Circleville Christian Church Fellowship Hall.

All the meetings will be at 7 pm.

If approved, the bond issue would pay for an addition at the middle and high school that will include six new classrooms, along with an addition at the elementary school that will include two classrooms, a music room, and a covered connection between the two buildings.

District officials say bond issue will not require a tax increase and the improvements are needed due to an increase in student enrollment in the district following the closure of the Wetmore Attendance Center at the end of the 2022-23 school year.

(KNZA)--Prairie Band LLC will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning, September 30th, for a new travel plaza and truck stop, just south of the city of Mayetta in Jackson County.

The public is invited to attend the groundbreaking celebration at 10:00 on the east side of U.S. 75 Highway, at 150th Road.

Prairie Band Construction Manager Mitchell Pierson said the new development is another significant step in the Prairie Band- economic development and evolution.

Pierson said the new 12,000 square-foot travel plaza will offer modern fueling infrastructure, a full-service convenience store, updated amenities for long-haul drivers and space for national food service tenants.

He said the development is designed to meet the needs of the region, create new jobs and revenue sources and further their commitment to innovation, sustainability and self-determination.

Construction on the project will begin this fall with an anticipated opening in late 2026

(KAIR)--Heretofore federal government records related to famed aviator Amelia Earhart will soon be made public following an order by President Donald Trump.

Earhart has been a figure of mystery since the time of her disappearance over the Pacific Ocean on July 2, 1937, as she was attempting to become the first woman pilot to fly around the world.

Trump, on Friday, took to his social media platform of choice, Truth Social, to say that after being "asked by many people about the life and times of Amelia Earhart," which he calls "an interesting story," as "her disappearance, almost 90 years ago, has captivated millions," Trump said he is "ordering my Administration to declassify and release all Government Records related to [Earhart], her final trip, and everything else about her."

The life and achievements of Earhart, who called Atchison her birthplace home, is immortalized at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, based at the City's municipal airport named in her honor.

The museum, Friday evening, acknowledged the President's announcement, saying, his "action is sure to pique the interest of those dedicated to uncovering the mystery of Earhart's disappearance," adding that "it certainly is exciting to think that the files could contain new information to solve [the mystery of Earhart's disappearance]," closing by saying "then, more attention can be focused on Earhart's legacy and accomplishments inside and outside of aviation."

The museum focuses on the history of Earhart, with an emphasis on STEM education.

There's no immediate statement regarding the date of when the Trump administration will release the records.

(KAIR)--A case of theft is under the investigation of Atchison police.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says items were stolen out of a garage, located in the 900 block of Mound Street.

The 66-year-old victim reported that a push lawnmower, a weedeater, and a fuel can are missing from the garage.

It's believed the theft happened sometime between September 22 and September 25.

Anyone with related information should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KAIR)--Public health advisories have been lifted for two Atchison County lakes.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, announced in a release Friday that Warnock Lake and Atchison City Lake #7 are no longer under advisories.

Both were placed under advisories earlier this month due to the presence of blue-green algae.

Four other local lakes remain under public health advisories. Atchison City Lake #9 remains under " warning" status, while the Atchison County Lake, Atchison State Fishing and Brown County's Mission Lake remain under "watch" 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.

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

(KLZA)-- The state of Nebraska has extended health alerts for Cub Creek Lake in Jefferson County and Rockford Lake in Gage County due to the presence of blue-green algae.

Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County has been removed from the alert.

Samples taken earlier this week at the affected lakes measured above the threshold of eight parts per billion of total microcystin, a toxin released by certain strains of blue-green algae.

When a health alert is in efect, signs are posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed.

Recreational boating and fishing are allowed, but visitors should avoid activities that could lead to swallowing the water.

(KNZA)--A Troy man convicted of sexual battery has been sentenced to six months in jail.

According to court documents, 24-year-old Hunter Artman was handed the sentence Thursday in Doniphan County District Court.

He pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge earlier this month. In exchange for the plea, a felony count of rape was dismissed.

Artman was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in April 2019.

He was charged in February 2023 following an investigation by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office.

Following his hearing Thursday, Artman was ordered to surrender to the Doniphan County Jail to begin serving his jail sentence.

(KNZA)--A woman has been charged in the fentanyl-related death of a St. Joseph, Missouri man in July.

KQ2-TV reports 36-year-old Lynsey Chan, of King City, Missouri, was charged this week in Gentry County, MO Circuit Court with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter and delivery of a controlled substance.

Chan is accused of giving 42-year-old Brandon Haynes fentanyl on July 28th.

A felony complaint in the case alleges Chan forced the victim to leave her residence and watched him through security footage, as he was showing signs of overdosing and failed to call for emergency assistance. The court document also said she advised others not to call for medical assistance.

Police found Haynes dead in the front yard of Chan's residence.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control conducted the death investigation at the request of local authorities.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Art Education Association has selected Hiawatha Elementary School Principal Danielle Dierenfeldt and the Jackson County Tourism Council to receive 2025-26 Art Enhancer awards.

According to a release, the award recognizes the exemplary contributions of individuals, groups, institutions, and businesses which have significantly enhanced art and art education in their community.

Hiawatha USD 415 students and Hiawatha Elementary Art Teacher Katie Miller nominated Dierenfeldt for the award. Miller said Dierenfeldt has lifted elementary art education up in the community, making it viewed as a valued and needed resource.

Katie Morris nominated the Jackson County Tourism Council for the award. She said the Tourism Council has lent financial support to projects that support the arts in Jackson County and has the vision of using the Arts to both enrich the community and bring others in.

The award will be officially presented at the KAEA Fall Conference on October 10 in Hiawatha.

The Kansas Art Education Assocation is a statewide professional organization dedicated to the growth and development of art educators and the advancement of high quality art education.

(KLZA)--Pastor Ronald “Ron” Russell of Humboldt is being remembered.

He died Tuesday at the age of 82.

Pastor Russell, a native of California, moved to southeast Nebraska where his parents had grown up to pursue his call to the ministry.

He served as a youth pastor in Nebraska City before moving to Lincoln and eventually moving to Humboldt in 1973 where he served as a minister for more than four decades.

Pastor Russell retired in 2018 due to health reasons after serving as pastor at the Humboldt Berean Church, the Verdon Congregational Church and the Four-Mile Congregational Church.

He helped start the Humboldt Community Choir; was a founding member of the Humboldt Community Foundation and served on the Humboldt Housing Authority and Southeast Nebraska Crisis Pregnancy Center, along with the Southeast Nebraska Community Action Board.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday afternoon Sept. 29 at 2:00 at the Grace Bible Fellowship Church one mile east of Stella.

Visitation will be held Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. at the Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, with the family to greet friends from 6 - 7 p.m.

He is survived by his wife, Caroline, and sons Eldon and Bruce Russell.

(KLZA)-- Following a national search, the Board of Trustees for the Nebraska State Colleges has announced the appointment of Dr. Robert C. Mock, Jr. as the 35th President of Peru State College.

The announcement was made Thursday.

Mock comes to Southeast Nebraska from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where he has served in multiple leadership roles since 2018, including as vice president for strategic initiatives, chief of staff, vice president for enrollment management and student experience and interim athletic director.

He previously served as president of Johnson and Wales University Charlotte Campus, vice president for student affairs at the University of Kentucky, and associate vice provost for student affairs at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.

Mock holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, a master's in interpersonal and organizational community, and a Doctor of Education in higher education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

He succeeds Michael Evans, who retired as Peru State's president in November 2024.

Mock will start in the position on Jan. 1.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved a pair of changes to meeting participation guidelines approved in 2021.

The Commission will allow public comment on agenda items without having to sign up in advance. Those wanting to comment will be asked to state their name and address.

The city plans to post the agenda in advance on the city's website and Facebook page.

Those wanting to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting on non-agenda items will still be required to sign-up by the Wednesday before the meeting. However, they will now be able to speak for up to 5 minutes instead of 3 minutes.

Earlier during the public comment portion of Monday's meeting, Jim Ellis, who recently moved to Hiawatha from California where he serve on a city council and as mayor , shared his experiences from 14 years of public service. Ellis said allowing public comment is critical to the process, and it actually strengthens the community and commission.

(KLZA)--Governor Jim Pillen has honored 21 Nebraska businesses with the 2025 Governor's Wellness Award, highlighting their evidence-based worksite wellness programs.

These programs focused on preventive care, chronic disease management, mental health support, and targeted interventions, leading to improved outcomes and reduced health risks. These worksite wellness programs encouraged family participation and offered services such as biometric screenings, health coaching, and Mental Health First Aid training.

Since this program began in 2008, 561 Nebraska businesses have been honored for going above and beyond to create health-focused work environments.

The 2025 Governor's Wellness Award Winners include:

Educational Service Unit 4, Nebraska Public Power District and the Nemaha County Hospital in Auburn.

The Grower Award honors organizations for enhanced wellness programs positively changing employee health behaviors.

The Governor's Wellness Award is sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Panhandle Worksite Wellness Council,

(KAIR)--An influx of visitors is expected in Atchison this weekend as Benedictine College holds its annual Family Weekend.

The college, in a release, calls it a "signature weekend" which is "an opportunity for Benedictine students and their families to reconnect on the Benedictine College campus."

Among the many events planned for the weekend will be a Founder's Day tribute during Saturday's football matchup against Peru State, as the Benedictine Sisters and Monks will be honored along the founding institutions of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery and St. Benedict's Abbey.

The weekend also means the naming of Benedictine College's "Family of the Year," with The Steve and Carrie Schmitz Family to be honored during halftime of Saturday's football game at Wilcox Stadium.

According to a release from the college, the Schmitz family has "embraced the Benedictine College mission, established a scholarship for education majors, and have joyfully sent five of their nine children [to BC].” Additionally, four of their children married fellow Ravens, while another is engaged to a Raven.

Family Weekend at Benedictine College runs from Friday through Sunday.

(MSC News)--Energy provider Evergy, which covers much of the local area, has been approved to increase its rates by $128 million.

The Kansas Corporation Commission, Thursday morning, approved a unanimous settlement agreement to allow Evergy to make the increase to allow the company, a release from KCC says, "to recover investments made to replace aging equipment and increase the resiliency and reliability of the power grid."

The new rates will take effect with the October billing cycle, with the release saying residential customers with average monthly usage will see an approximate monthly increase of $8.47.

Evergy had originally, in January, applied for an increase of $194.6 million; but, the release says, following "extensive negotiations," the KCC, based on an independent review of evidence in the record, "found that the agreed upon rates will provide Evergy with sufficient revenues to meet its financial obligations yet will keep rates as low as possible while maintaining reliable service for its customers."

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha police officer was recognized during Monday evening's City Commission meeting for his service to the community.

Mayor Becky Shamburg presented a certificate to officer Chance Johansen in recognition of his 5 years of service.

Police Chief Mickey Gruber praised Johansen and said he hoped he would serve more years to come.

Johansen said he joined the police force to help change how kids saw police and help them grow up. He said now his oldest son wants to be a police officer, so he does it for him too.

In other business, the Commission approved a resolution authorizing Michael Webb with WPS LLC to submit a grant application for a proposed housing project west of Bruning Park for a $2,500 fee.

The city has tried twice before unsuccessfully for the grant through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation.

The application is due in early October and the city should learn in January if its successful.

The Commission on a 3-2 vote accepted the lone bid submitted by Kansas Fencing for a new fence at the Hiawatha Aquatic Park in the amount of $51,510.

Commissioners Brian Shefferd and Laura Tollefson cast the dissenting votes. Shefferd wanted to see the item re-bid since only one bid was received by the deadline.

City Administrator Brad Scott said the current fence is in poor shape.

He said funding for the new fence will come from donations made to the Hiawatha Community Foundation and ARPA funds.

Also as part of the consent agenda, the Commission approved October 29 and 30th as " Tick or Treat nights in Hiawatha.

(KAIR)--A 50-year-old Atchison man is facing numerous charges following what police say was an armed home invasion at his neighbor's residence, complete with an alleged threat, while armed with a knife, made to the 64-year-old neighbor.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, it happened late Tuesday morning, with officers called to a residence in the 1500 block of North 7th Street, shortly before 11:30, for a reported burglary in progress.

When officers arrived, Wilson says, they saw the suspect, Jody Erickson, leaving the neighboring residence, still allegedly holding the knife, with investigators learning that Erickson had allegedly forced entry into the man's residence and threatened him with the knife.

Officers, Wilson says, were able to take Erickson into custody following a brief struggle.

Erickson was arrested for charges including aggravated burglary, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal restraint, and inference with law enforcement.

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

(KLZA)-- Western history author and lecturer Jeff Barnes will bring the life and legend of the notorious Jesse James to the Falls City Public Library on Thursday, September 25, at 5:30 p.m. The program is sponsored by Humanities Nebraska.

“A Bad Man in the Good Life: Jesse James in Nebraska” covers the outlaw and his family- several visits to the Cornhusker State, from the 1860s until just before his assassination in 1882.

“Jesse James typically isn’t thought of in connection with Nebraska, but he was here,” said Barnes. “Nebraska was where the outlaw could find family and friends. It was where he could plan amazing robberies, make a recovery or an escape, and even sit for his most famous photograph. He wanted to buy a farm here and possibly retire here.”

Barnes will also discuss the historical legend of Frank and Jesse James in the Devils Nest area of northeast Nebraska, a remnant of which can still be found.

The 45-minute presentation includes rarely seen images and seldom-heard stories of James, with the opportunity for questions afterward.

A former newspaper reporter and editor, Barnes writes and lives in Omaha. He is a former board trustee with the Nebraska State Historical Society, former chairman of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission, and a frequently requested speaker with Humanities Nebraska, the organization's first to present in all 93 Nebraska counties.

He is the two-time Nebraska Book Award-winning author of Cut in Stone, Cast in Bronze: Nebraska- Historical Markers and Monuments, 150 @ 150: Nebraska's Landmark Buildings at the State- Sesquicentennial, The Great Plains Guide to Buffalo Bill, The Great Plains Guide to Custer, and Extra Innings: The Story of Modisett Ball Park. His newest book - Forts of the Northern Plains - was published by Bison Books in 2024

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners met with Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall when they met September 17, discussing an opportunity of a buy-out program for property owners within a floodway provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Nebraska Department of Natural Resources through a grant.

The purpose of the grant is to reduce flood damage and loss of life by removing structures from high flood risk areas and to restore natural floodplain functions.

The grant is available to communities to reduce their flood risk by helping homeowners move to a safer place out of the floodplain. The grant would cover most or all of the cost of purchasing a home or relocating the home to a non-flood zone area.

The price offered would be based on established appraisal standards.

Commissioners voted to send a letter to homeowners within the floodway areas of Richardson County to receive responses of interst from those homeowners in this prorgam. The area affected by this program would be the Lewis and Clark Estates located along the Missouri River, southeast of Rulo.
Kirkendall also presented a revised ordinance/ resolution for floodway and flood fringe districts for review and future consideration.

(KLZA)--A Wahoo police officer has been arrested in a Pawnee County assault case.

28-year-old Juan Ramirez Jr, was arrested Monday in Lincoln on charges of assault by strangulation and third-degree domestic violence.

Ramirez is accused of beating and strangling a 39-year-old Pawnee City woman at her home on Friday following an argument.

KOLN TV reports an arrest affidavit indicates the argument started after Ramierez started going through her phone and disliked one of the victim's friend.

It's alleged Ramierz called her a degrading name and then strangled her. She lost consciousness.

Ramirez is a former member of the Falls City Police Department.

He is being held in the Lancaster County Jail, awaiting extradition to Pawnee County.

(KAIR)--For the 18th straight year, Atchison's Benedictine College has been named a "Best College" by U.S. News & World Report.

Announcement of the award is delivered in a release from the Catholic college, which says BC earned #7 in the Midwest division of the rankings for "America's Best Colleges."

The release explains that the rankings, published by U.S. News Media Group, list 94 colleges in the Midwest Division of Best Regional Colleges, noting that BC "is currently the highest ranked Catholic college in the division and the highest ranked college or university in Kansas."

Additionally, the college is listed in 2nd place "in the Midwest for Best Undergraduate Education as well as in the Top 20 as a Best Value school."

Benedictine College, the release says, was also recently listed by The Wall Street Journal as the sixth most highly recommended school in the nation by its current students and young alumni, and also named as the Best Private College in Kansas, among other recent awards from other sources.

Stephen D. Minnis, president of Benedictine College, in the release, says the college is pleased to be named a Top 10 college in the rankings, adding that "additional recognition from The Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger-, Forbes, The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College, and others is a clear indication that we are recognized nationally as a great Catholic college and a first choice for high-achieving students.”

The release also notes that "Benedictine College- image and awareness are at an all-time high with record-setting enrollment and a plan to build a medical school on the Atchison campus," while "construction is nearing completion on an Independence Hall-inspired college library that will triple the space of the old facility and offer a replica of the Liberty Bell and the Assembly Room where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in Philadelphia."

( KNZA)--The Brown County Commission Monday approved a 2026 county budget of $17.2 million that contains a property tax levy about 4.2 mills above the revenue neutral rate.

The action came on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Bill Pollock casting the dissenting vote. Pollock was opposed to exceeding the revenue neutral rate.

The Commission had originally been looking at about a 9 mill increase before making more than $2.2 million in budget cuts.

Commission Chairman Lucas Heinen said finalization of the budget has been a long process

"I think we came up with something that's palatable as we could make it, put a lot of effort into doing this, took a lot of input, took a lot of heat. But I think long-term vision for the county, this is a good budget."

Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl said he believes they had to raise the mill levy some.

"Raising it four mills is a lot easier than nine mills on people, but I also know that we got ourselves there by trying to be so frugal with money that we've got ourselves a cash problem trying to get ourselves out of it. It's hard to make that happen in one year. Nine mills would have helped us greatly. Four mills will get us on the right road if nothing major happens."

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 40.339 mills, which is to generate nearly $9.3 million in tax revenue. That's nearly $956,000 in additional revenue than under this year's budget.

(KNZA)--A Topeka couple were arrested in Jackson County this past weekend on drug possession charges following a trespassing complaint .

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said deputies were dispatched to the area of 238th and T. Roads shortly before 9:00 Saturday night in reference to a suspicious pickup truck that was backed into a tree line and was believed to be trespassing.

Deputies found two individuals at the scene.

52-year-old Jamie Perron was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal trespassing.

38-year-old Andrea Josephsen was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal trespassing.

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

(KAIR)--A downtown Atchison business window incurred damage, with the suspect not even yet a teenager.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson it was an 11-year-old boy who was taken into custody Friday evening, shortly after 7:00, for criminal damage to the window, located in the 500 block of Commercial Street.

The boy was later released to the custody of a parent.

The child's name is not made public due to his age.

(KAIR)--The Atchison Event Center, on Wednesday, will serve as the host site for Atchison-area based law enforcement, along with police and sheriff's departments "from multiple Northeast Kansas communities," for what a release calls "the first collaborative autism-focused officer training for rural communities in Northeast Kansas."

The release, from the non-profit Atchison Autism Support, explains that the rural law enforcement autism training is to equip law enforcement "departments with the tools to better recognize and respond to individuals with autism," adding that "while Children- Mercy has provided training in Kansas City areas and Topeka, this is the first large-scale effort dedicated to rural departments."

The presenter for Wednesday's training is Retired Law Enforcement Officer Alison Anderson, LBSW, who works with Kansas City's Children's Mercy Hospital.

The release says the "training helps bridge a gap that rural departments often face fewer opportunities for specialized training," adding that "officers will learn how to recognize key characteristics of autism during emergencies," along with "strategies for child wandering/elopement response, effective communication with autistic individuals, and de-escalation skills that account for sensory needs."

The release calls Wednesday's event "important," saying the "knowledge can be life-saving in rural communities where first responders are often the first point of contact."

The training will run from 1:50 to 4:00 Wednesday afternoon.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Planning Commission will hold two public hearings to allow residents an opportunity to provide input on proposed regulations for commercial solar projects in the county.

The first hearings will take place Thursday evening, September 25th, and the second on October 2nd.

Both will be held from 6 to 9 in the first-floor meeting room at the Jackson County courthouse.

According to a public notice, the purpose of the hearings is to gather public input on a draft of solar energy regulations that could shape how commercial solar development occurs in the county.

Planning commission members will not respond to comments during the hearings, but will take all feedback into consideration before taking any action.

Members of the planning commission have established guidelines for the public meetings, which can be viewed on the Jackson County website.

In addition, the proposed solar regulations can be found on the county website at jacksoncountyks.com. Just type in solar in the search engine.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council voted to move forward with a project at Skoch Park to honor the man who made the park possible when they met last week.

The memorial in the honor of the late Sylvester Skoch will consist of a lighted flag pole with an American flag and two metal canopy benches on a concrete pad. Landscaping will be added as part of an Eagle Scout project.

The cost of the project has been placed at about $34,000-not including the landscaping.

The Council was told Skoch 's family has approved the city plans.

In other business, Scott Heinen, with Heinen Brothers Agra Services, appeared before the Council to discuss a proposal to put a unmanned aerial systems test range at the Seneca Municipal Airport. He said it would be the only privately owned test range. Heinen is seeking a long-term lease with the city. City Administrator Steve Brooks will work on a contract with Heinen.

Also at the meeting, the Council approved the purchase of a new bucket truck for the city's Public Works Department at a cost of $41,000.

In the addition, the Council accepted the resignation of public works employee Tim Heinen. His last day of work will be September 30th.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man convicted of failing to register as a sex offender has been sentenced to more than three years in prison.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 39-year-old Randel McFeeters Jr. was handed a 40-month prison sentence Monday in Brown County District Court.

McFeeters' attorney argued for probation and a departure from the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines.

Hill opposed the defendant- motion and asked that McFeeters be ordered to serve his sentence in prison. He pointed to McFeeters' prior criminal history and the fact that he was subject to a special rule under the sentencing guidelines wherein a presumptive prison sentence applied due to factors that existed in his case.

After hearing arguments, District Judge Laura Johnson-McNish denied the defendant- motion and ordered McFeeters to serve his prison sentence.

McFeeters was immediately remanded to the Brown County Jail to be delivered to state prison.

He was subject to lifetime registration under the Kansas Offender Registration Act due to a 2001 conviction in Brown County District Court for sex offenses committed against a 14-year-old child in Hiawatha, for which he received a prison sentence in 2001.

Hill prosecuted both the 2001 sex offense and the 2025 Failure to Register case on behalf of the State of Kansas

(KNZA)--A Holton man was injured early Monday morning in a vehicle-pedestrian collision in north Topeka.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened around 6:15 in the parking lot of the JM Smucker's plant at 22-hundred Northwest Brickyard Road.

The Patrol says 42-year-old Travis Catlin was struck by a pickup truck at the location.

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

The pickup driver, 41-year-old Topeka resident Jose Gutierrez, was not hurt.

(KNZA)--A Topeka man in jailed in Jackson County after leading a Kansas State Highway trooper on a pursuit Sunday evening.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said deputies were dispatched to the area of 214th Road and U.S. 75 Highway around 7:20 to assist the KHP on a DUI investigation.

The driver allegedly was able to get back into his pickup truck and headed southbound on U.S. 75 towards Mayetta.

The vehicle eventually turned and went northbound on U.S.75.

A Kansas State Trooper attempted a tactical vehicle intervention south of Holton.

The driver continued into Holton, where he surrendered to troopers and deputies in the Sheriff's Office parking lot.

Morse said the driver, identified as 37-year-old Zachary Campbell, was booked into the Jackson County Jail for two counts of felony interference with law enforcement and a felony count of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved execution of a labor agreement between the City and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 571 which represents non-supervisory Police and Dispatch employees of the city, when they met September 15.

The contract is effective from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028.

Council members also approved a resolution to execute a grant agreement and soliciation of requests for quotes for the 2025 Community Forest Improvement Project.

The total project cost will be $231,275. Money for the project will come from the USDA Forest Service, through the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. No local matching funds are required for the grant.

The grant funds will be used for tree trimming and maintenance, removal of diseased trees and new tree plantings.

The Council also approved applying to USDA Rural Development for financial assistance in an amount of $47,808 for the purchase of a fully equipped, 2026 Dodge Durango police cruiser. If approved, the grant would require $11,952 in matching funds from the City.

(KLZA)-- Despite the loss of water pressure in the Pawnee City water system early Monday morning, there is no boil order for Pawnee City water customers.

Early Monday morning, Pawnee City experienced a loss of well controls, leading to the loss of water pressure.

The State of Nebraska was contacted and they stated the city did not have to issue a boil order.

The city is currently chlorinating the entire water system.

(KMZA)--A Marysville teenager was seriously injured Sunday morning in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Nemaha County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-9, just west of V Road, around 9:00.

Acccording to the KHP report, 17-year-old Dalton Riggs was westbound when his car traveled off the north side of the roadway and entered the ditch. The vehicle continued to travel westbound, striking a field entrance. The vehicle then rolled sideways multiple times, coming to rest on its wheels.

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

The Patrol says he was not buckled up when the crash occurred.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha woman was injured Friday afternoon in a rollover crash in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-246, just east of Bittersweet Road, around 4:15.

According to the KHP report, 58-year-old Ercilia McNett was eastbound when for an unknown reason her SUV started to travel off the roadway to the south. McNett overcorrected to the left and then to the right. She lost control of her vehicle, which entered the south ditch and rolled onto its top in a milo field.

She was transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital for the treatment of suspected minor injuries.

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

(KNZA) A longtime Doniphan County official has announced her retirement.

Emergency Management Coordinator and Zoning Administrator Julie Meng informed the Doniphan County Commission at their September 15 meeting that she plans to retire, effective December 31, 2025.

Her retirement comes after 38 years with the county.

Meng began working for the county on November 16, 1987.

(KLZA)--The state of Nebraska has issued a health alert for Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County due to the presence of blue-green algae.

According to a release issued Thursday, samples taken earlier this week from the lake indicated that the toxin level given off by the algae was higher than normal.

Signs have been posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed during the alert.

Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to use caution and avoid exposure to the water, particularly by avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water.

Do not let pets get in the water or drink from the lake.

People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

(KLZA)--On September 19, 2025, at approximately 10:24 PM, the Atchison County Missouri Sheriff's Office received notification that two Rock Port juveniles had been reported missing after failing to return home from a football game. The last known sighting of both females occurred Friday at approximately 8:40 PM near the southwest gate of the football field.

Atchison County Deputies convened a Task Force along with Missouri State Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cyber Crimes Task Force and Missouri Department of Conservation. Every lead was followed up on as quickly as possible, resulting in both children being located safe and sound in Evansville, Indiana as of 10:20 AM Saturday. A suspect was taken into custody.

Further information will be released as it becomes available. This is still very much an ongoing investigation. If anyone has relevant information please call 660-744-6271

(KLZA)--On September 19, 2025, at approximately 10:24 PM, the Atchison County Missouri Sheriff's Office received notification that two Rock Port juveniles had been reported missing after failing to return home from a football game. The last known sighting of both females occurred Friday at approximately 8:40 PM near the southwest gate of the football field.

Atchison County Deputies convened a Task Force along with Missouri State Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cyber Crimes Task Force and Missouri Department of Conservation. Every lead was followed up on as quickly as possible, resulting in both children being located safe and sound in Evansville, Indiana as of 10:20 AM Saturday. A suspect was taken into custody.

Further information will be released as it becomes available. This is still very much an ongoing investigation. If anyone has relevant information please call 660-744-6271

(KNZA)--A Falls City, Nebraska man was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash late Friday afternoon in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened at the intersection of U.S. 75 Highway and 192nd Road, northeast of Sabetha, shortly before 5:00.

According to the KHP report, 29-year-old Weston Witt was driving a eastbound Ford Fusion on 192nd Road when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection. Witt entered U.S. 75 Highway and struck the trailer of a southbound semi-truck.

Witt was transported to the Sabetha Community Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The semi driver, a 74-year-old Lubbock, Texas man, was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were buckled up when the crash occurred.

(KLZA)--A Presidential disaster declaration will allow the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency to extend emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans.

Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts.The FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

Severe winter storms and straight-line winds in March triggered the Presidential declaration.

Primary Nebraska counties that are eligible for the loans include Johnson, Otoe and Jefferson counties in southeast Nebraska with Pawnee, Nemaha, and Gage counties eligible since they are contiguous to the primary counties.

Atchison County, Missouri is also eligible since it is contiguous to Otoe County, Nebraska.

Producers in the eligible counties suffering losses have until January 21, 2026 to apply for the loans at their local USDA Service Center

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners conducted a public hearing Tuesday evening to receive comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. Only three people attended, with two speaking during the hearing.

On Wednesday, during their weekly meeting, the Commissioners conducted a public hearing to receive input related to setting the final property tax request at a different amount than the prior years tax request. No comments were received.

The Board approved the Fiscal Year 25-26 budget document as presented during the Tuesday evening public hearing with a property tax request of nearly $6.2 million, a more than 3 percent increase from the previous year, amounting to an additional more than $196,000.

Of that amount, about $250,000 is to pay bonds on the Law Enforcement Center and included $400,000 in cash reserves.

The total budget of expenditures approved was about $21.2 million, a nearly 11 percent increase.

The property tax levy will be 30.03 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for the general / operating budgets , a decrease of nearly 2.7 cents or 8.19%. The jail bond levy will be about 1.22 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, which is down approximately 4-tenths of a cent.

(KLZA)--The state of Nebraska has issued a health alert for Iron Horse Trail Lake in Pawnee County due to the presence of blue-green algae.

According to a release Thursday, samples taken earlier this week from the lake indicated that the toxin level given off by the algae was higher than normal.

Signs have been posted to advise the public to use caution, and designated swimming beaches are closed during the alert.

Recreational boating and fishing are permitted, but the public is advised to use caution and avoid exposure to the water, particularly by avoiding any activity that could lead to swallowing the water.

Do not let pets get in the water or drink from the lake.

People can still use the public areas for camping, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission approved additional budget cuts Monday as they moved closer to finalizing the 2026 budget.

Following a lengthy discussion on the budget, the Commission voted 2-1 to cut $300,000 from the road and bridge fund, with Commissioner Bill Pollock cast the dissenting vote.

Also the Commission voted 2-1 to terminate the Services for the Elderly position, and replace it with a part-time position--including the Road and Bridge Secretary. She will be paid a salary of $23.95 an hour, to be split equally between both departments. Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl cast the dissenting vote.

Previously, two other county positions were cut--one in the IT Department and the other in the Appraiser's Office. Those two employees were offered severance packages--including salary continuation through November 15th and health insurance benefits through November 30th.

With the budget cuts made to date, the Commission has been able to reduce the proposed property tax levy increase to about 4 mills over the revenue neutral rate. The Commission had been looking at an about 9 mill increase.

The adjustments made Monday will be submitted to the county's budget consultant for finalization of the 2026 budget, with the revised budget back on the Commission's September 22 agenda.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $75,000 in grant funding to support 12 public art projects in rural communities across the state---including Sabetha.

The announcement was made Wednesday.

The Sabetha Chamber of Commerce was awarded a $7,424 grant for a downtown mural designed to promote civic pride and enhance community aesthetics.

The funding is through the state Department of Commerce's Rural Mural Program. The program offers grants to communities under 15,000 in population to create public murals, activating vacant spaces, attracting tourists and fostering community pride.

The grants require a 100 percent match, with at least 25 percent in cash and the remainder in in-kind contributions.

(KAIR)--The report of a vehicle, crashed and off the road, sent Atchison County Sheriff's Deputies responding to the scene Thursday morning; and, upon realizing the driver had fled from the crash site, a search was launched leading to the arrest of a Topeka man.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, says the 2008 Dodge Magnum was located off the roadway and in the trees, just south of Deer Run, at September Hills, around 7:00 Thursday morning, with Deputies determining the car had been southbound on U.S. Highway 73 when it ran off the road.

The Sheriff's Office recently acquired UAV drone was used to locate the suspect, who was spotted about 500 yards south of crash site, south of 258th Road, and appeared to be throwing items.

Deputies were, Laurie says, able to apprehend the man, now identified as 34-year-old Caleb Ryan Hidalgo, while recovering what's alleged to be a distribution amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Hidalgo was arrested on charges for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of felony interference, driving while suspended, and failure to stop for the accident.

According to Laurie, Atchison County EMS and Rescue transported Hidalgo to Amberwell Atchison for examination of possible injuries, and he was later booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Laurie calls the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle drone "a recent addition to the Atchison County Sheriff- Office," purchased without the use of tax dollars. MSC Radio News will bring you details about the drone in later reports.

Meanwhile, the driver and vehicle alleged to have been behind private property damage in Atchison County last weekend have been located by Atchison County authorities.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, Holton resident, Joseph Banks was located during the Sheriff's Office investigation into the hit and run, with the 23-year-old cited for duty of driver to report an accident involving damage to property. The vehicle, which had lost numerous vehicle parts at the scene of the crash, 206th and Decator Road, was also recovered by Deputies.

Vehicle parts were found scattered around the crash site after damage had been done, with the vehicle reportedly striking a corner fence post, causing it to break off and stick into the ground.

Investigators believe it happened sometime before the early afternoon of September 13, with the Sheriff's Office, prior to locating Banks, asking for help from the public in solving the case.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission will hold a special meeting this evening, to allow for an additional public hearing prior to the one set for this coming Sunday.

Atchison County Commission Chair Casey Quinn, in a social media statement, says this evening's session, which begins at 6:00 in the Commission Room at the Atchison Co Courthouse, is being held because the County leaders "realize many Atchison County residents will be attending church services during [Sunday's hearing] and the [County] would like to provide an additional time this Friday evening at 6 pm in the Commission Room to hear from our citizens prior to our budget hearing."

Sunday morning's hearing, meanwhile, is scheduled for 10:15 in the County Commission Room, on the lower level of the Atchison County Courthouse.

Quinn, in the statement, says the Commission, after listening to constituents, has worked with staff to reduce the 2026 Budget from 68.951 mills ($15,832,586) to 59.201 mills ($13,593,751). Total reduction of 9.75 mills ($2,238,835).

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Commission has adopted a 2026 county budget that calls for total expenditures of nearly $23.3 million and a more than two mill property tax levy decrease.

The action came on a 2-1 vote following a hearing drawing no public comment at a special evening session on September 11th.

The Holton Recorder reports Commission Chairman Mark Pruett cast the dissenting vote. He didn't think a revenue neutral budget was a good idea because county expenses continue to increase each year.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 70.458 mills, which is the county's revenue neutral rate.

The budget calls for the county to collect more than $11.4 million in tax revenue, which is about $15,000 less than under this year's budget.

( KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has accepted a funding award for a bridge project.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the Commission voted 2-1 Monday to accept $1.25 million in funding awarded for the replacement of a bridge on Oxide Road, over an abandoned railroad, about 2 1/2 miles east of Troy.

The funding is under the 2027 Off System Bridge Program through the Kansas Department of Transportation.

Commission Chairman Wayne Gable casting the dissenting vote, saying he could not consciously vote to put a new bridge over a dry hole and railroad tracks that no longer exist.

Road Office Manager Lindsay Norris said the bridge is is one of the lowest rated bridges the county has on the bridge inspection list.

Commissioner Timothy Collins said the bridge offers a secondary, alternate route to U.S. 36 Highway and is a school bus route.

The county will be responsible for pre-construction engineering, utility placement and right-of-way acquisition at an cost of about $83,000.

(KNZA)-A Waterville man charged with first-degree murder in the 2024 death of a Blue Rapids man waived his preliminary hearing Tuesday, and is expected to enter a plea next month.

According to court documents, James Winkenwader was bound over to Marshall County District Court for arraignment on October 7th.

He is accused of killing 36-year-old Camoran Shoptese on July 4th, 2024.

Shoptese remains were found July 10th, northwest of Waterville.

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

Winkenwader remains in the Marshall County Jail, held on a one million dollar bond.

(KNZA)--Three individuals were arrested following an early Wednesday morning Jackson Co traffic stop.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop shortly after midnight on a car on 150th Road, west of Q.4 Road, for a traffic infraction.

The driver, 34-year-old Topeka resident Megan Fender, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.

The front seat passenger, 44-year-old Jamie Saric, of Meriden, was arrested for possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The back seat passenger, 35-year-old Dominic Tinoco II, of Wichita, was arrested for interference with law enforcement and a felony Jackson County Warrant.

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

(KLZA)-- The boil order for the Village of Nemaha, Nebraska has been lifted.

The contamination causing the need for the boil order has been corrected according to water operator Alan Slater.

Special samples submited were returned with negative readings for total coliform and E. coli bacteria.

Nemaha water customers no longer need to boil water used for cooking and drinking.

(KNZA)--A Mayetta man is jailed in Jackson County on drug and weapons charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy arrested 45-year-old Dustin Nicol Tuesday afternoon near 4th Street and Arizona Avenue in Holton on two outstanding warrants.

He said Nicol allegedly entered the Jackson County Jail while concealing drug contraband.

A search warrant was issued for vehicle Nicol was driving, and Morris said a glass smoking pipe, a loaded rifle and a quantity of a hallucinogenic drug were seized.

Nicol was booked into the Jackson County Jail for the two outstanding warrants, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, trafficking contraband into a correctional facility, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal use of weapons.

He remains held on a $25,000 bond.

( MSC News)--Berwick Oil Company and Ag Partners Cooperative have announced that their respective Boards of Directors have signed an agreement to merge the two cooperatives, pending final member approval.

According to a release, the strategic merger reflects a shared commitment to long-term success, operational efficiency, and continued investment in the communities both organizations proudly serve. The release adds the agreement marks a significant step forward in securing the future strength and sustainability of the cooperative model amid an evolving agricultural landscape.

Ashley Shupp, CEO of Berwick Oil, shared her enthusiasm about the partnership: “This merger marks a significant milestone for our cooperatives and the communities we support. We are excited about the opportunity to work with Ag Partners, a cooperative that mirrors our commitment to local values, service excellence, and putting people first.”

Wes Spohr, CEO of Ag Partners Cooperative, emphasized the alignment of mission and vision: “This partnership is grounded in shared values and complementary strengths. Together, we will build on our strong community roots and become even more effective in how we serve our members. This merger is not just about growth, it- about ensuring long-term viability and member value.”

Nick Aberle, Board Chair of Berwick Oil, added: “Our cooperatives serve similar geographies and often the same customers. With our strong financial positions and like-minded cultures, this is a natural fit that will deliver lasting value for our members.”

The release says both leadership teams have collaborated extensively to assess the opportunities and synergies made possible through this merger, leading to the signing of the merger agreement by both boards. A membership vote for Berwick Oil Company is scheduled for mid-November 2025. Prior to the vote, Berwick will host a member information meeting to share additional details about the merger and answer questions from the membership.

(KAIR)--The Delaware River Boat Ramp parking lot, at Valley Falls, is closed to the public until further notice.

That word was delivered in a release issued by the City of Valley Falls Wednesday.

The release explains that the closure "is necessary because the City is currently using a backup water intake pump from the river following the breakdown of the main water intake pump," with the release adding that "the backup system requires the use of the parking lot area to ensure continued delivery of safe and reliable water to the community."

The closure, the release says, "will remain in effect until the main intake pump can be replaced," with the City of Valley Falls "actively working on a long-term solution and will update residents as progress is made."

The City, the release says, appreciates "the community's understanding and cooperation as [the City works] through this equipment failure,” adding that the City's "top priority is maintaining uninterrupted water service for all residents.”

(KAIR)--Saying there has been "a little confusion," Atchison County has issued a statement in an attempt to provide reasoning as to why the County's forthcoming budget hearing is being held on a Sunday.

The statement opens by reminding residents the Atchison County Commission will hold the budget hearing on the morning of Sunday, September 21, beginning at 10:15 in the County Commission Room, on the lower level of the Atchison County Courthouse.

The release explains that the hearing date is selected "to meet statutory requirements," as "state law mandates a minimum of 10 days between the publication of the hearing notice and the hearing itself, as well as an additional 10 days between the hearing and the final certification of the budget," with the County adding that "holding the hearing on Sunday is solely to comply with these legal timelines and ensure the budget process remains on track."

The budget was published on September 11.

The Atchison County Commission had originally set the public hearing for September 23, but moved it to the Sunday, September 21 date during a special meeting held September 6.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission Monday adopted a 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 action followed a hearing drawing no public comment.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 40 mills, which is slight below the revenue neutral rate.

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

The county's assessed valuation decreased about $2.2 million to nearly $154 million.

Also following a hearing drawing no public comment, the Commission adopted the 2026 Doniphan County Ambulance District #1 budget.

It calls for an about $33,000 reduction in ad valorem tax.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of one mill, which is down slight from 2025 levy and below the revenue neutral rate.

(KMZA)--A motorcyclist was killed Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in Washington County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 68-year-old Thomas Lewis, of Firestone, Colorado, was eastbound on U.S. 36 Highway, east of Osage Road, when his motorcycle struck the rear of a John Deere tractor around 2:45.

Lewis was ejected from his motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene.

It's unknown at this time whether Lewis was wearing a helmet.

The driver of the tractor, 26-year-old Jonathan Schmidt, of Diller, Nebraska, was not hurt.

(KNZA)--1st District Brown County Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl has announced he plans to tender his resignation following completion of the 2026 budget process, and no later than October 1st.

Lehmkuhl, a Hiawatha Republican, informed his fellow commissioners of his decision at the end of their September 2nd meeting.

He said the decision comes following a lot of prayer and concern.

Lehmkuhl said right now his focus needs to be on his church. He serves as pastor of the Eternal Hope Worship Center, in Hiawatha.

Lehmkuhl has served on the Commission since January 2019.

Under state statue, he must submit his letter of resignation to the Governor and a copy to the county election officer.

Since Lehmkuhl is a Republican, the Brown County Republican party chairman must call a convention of the precinct committee members of the 1st District to elect someone to fill his unexpired term. The convention must be held within 21 days of receiving the notice of vacancy.

The name of the selected individual would then be forwarded to the Governor, who will make the official appointment.

(KLZA)--The HTRS Public Schools Foundation is pleased to announce a recently established endowed scholarship by Cheryl Smithwick in memory of her late husband, Vaughan M. Smithwick.

He was born and raised in North Carolina. In 1963, he married Cheryl Lynne Schultz in Humboldt.

Mr. Smithwick passed away in early 2023 after a very distinguished career. He served 25 years in the military - six of which were in the Air Force with the remainder being in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Vietnam, Korea and Germany and various other places in the United States. While in Vietnam, he earned many medals of honor including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Smithwick was immensely proud to know his grandson was commissioned into the Air Force.

After retirement, Smithwick flew for Capital Airlines between Manhattan and Kansas City. He also flew as a corporate pilot for several companies in the Manhattan area. In addition, he was a commercial pilot, instructor pilot, and an aircraft mechanic.

Smithwick bought land his father-in-law was renting and farmed with him until his father-in-law retired in 1985. He farmed mainly on the weekends until he retired from the military at which time he purchased more land and moved to Humboldt in 1994. At that time, he farmed full-time during the week and worked as a helicopter pilot instructor at Fort Riley, Kan., on weekends for several years.

His passions were flying and farming. Also, Smithwick could fix anything, build anything, and sometimes he would make special tools to get the job done.

With his handiness in mind, Mrs. Smithwick has provided funds for HTRS graduates or post-secondary students who have a preference to students going to a trade school.

The HTRS Public Schools Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt foundation and a community-based nonprofit organization exclusively for the benefit and conducting the purposes of the HTRS schools. For more information about the Foundation and the contributions it has made over the years, please go to https://www.htrstitans.com/page/htrs-foundation

(KNZA)--A Corning man, who had been identified as a person of interest in recent criminal activity in Brown and Jackson Counties, is in custody.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release Tuesday, said 39-year-old Joshua Heideman was apprehended at the Brown County State fishing lake on September 11.

Merchant said a deputy had received a tip that Heideman was staying at the lake in a tent.

He said a coordinated effort between Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officers and Sheriff's deputies resulted in his arrest without incident at the campsite.

Heideman was arrested for a parole violation and on a charge of interference with a law enforcement officer stemming from a September 1st incident.

During that incident, a Brown County Sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of U.S. 36 Highway and Hopi Drive, in Hiawatha.

The passenger in the vehicle, identified as Heideman, fled on foot, while the driver, 65-year-old Leonard Bindel, of Hiawatha, was arrested on charges--including fleeing and attempting to elude and driving while license canceled, suspended or revoked.

Merchant said the investigation is ongoing and expressed his appreciation for the public's assistance.

Heideman remains in the Brown County Jail, held on a $40,000 bond.

(KAIR)--Two required hospital care while another involved in a Monday evening Atchison wreck was cited for failing to stop at the 14th Street and U.S. Highway 59 intersection.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says 56-year-old McLouth resident, Kevin Brauer, had been westbound on the highway behind the wheel of a pickup truck pulling a trailer when the collision with the passenger car, southbound on 14th Street, occurred.

The driver of the car, 54-year-old Tessa Jiminez, of Atchison, required extrication by the Atchison Fire Department and was then transported, along with her 54-year-old passenger, by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for examination.

Brauer was not hurt in the wreck, but Wilson says he was cited for failure to stop at a red traffic control signal.

The wreck happened shortly after 6:00 Monday evening.

(KAIR)--A vehicle believed to be a pickup truck caused damage to private, Atchison County property before driving off, leaving vehicle parts behind and leading the Atchison County Sheriff's Office to call on the public for assistance with the case.

That's according to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, who says the possible hit and run was reported shortly after 12:45 Monday morning, with Sheriff's Deputies responding to 206th and Decator Road where "the property owner reported that a corner fence post had been struck by a vehicle causing the post to break off and pushed to the ground."

Investigators believe the crash happened sometime before 1:15 on the afternoon of September 13, and are in the possession of vehicle parts left at the scene, which Laurie says "are believed to belong to a white Chevrolet Diesel (6.6 Turbo) pickup including the front grill, bumper, plastic molding, and a wheel-well cover."

Laurie asks that anyone who has information related to the investigation to call his office at 913-367-4323 or submit a tip at the Sheriff's Office website.

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man has been charged in connection with an armed carjacking in St. Joseph Sunday morning, and also faces possible additional charges in connection with a shooting.

The St. Joseph Police Department, in a release, said officers responded to a report of an armed carjacking in the 800 block of South 24th Street shortly before 7:30.

The victim reported being approached by a suspect who pointed a firearm and stole his 2014 Honda Accord.

Later that morning, Police say officers were dispatched to a disturbance in the 4500 block of Orchard Road, where the same suspect, identified as 33-year-old Devontra Hughes, allegedly shot a man in the hand before fleeing the scene in the stolen vehicle.

License Plate Reader cameras later tracked the vehicle, which was located in Andrew County, Missouri.

Savannah Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but it fled, resulting in a pursuit.

Shortly thereafter, the vehicle crashed near Frederick Avenue and I-29, in St. Joseph.

Hughes was located at the scene and taken into custody.

Police say a handgun and loaded magazine were recovered near the crash scene with assistance from the ATF K-9.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol worked the crash investigation, while the St. Joseph Police Department is handling the robbery and assault cases.

The release says Hughes has been charged with with a felony count of vehicle hijacking.

Additional charges related to the assault and resisting arrest are pending review.

(KAIR)--City of Atchison properties are named to the National Register of Historic Places.

They include the R.A. Park Home, located at 517 Parallel Street and the Winrow Brothers Property, at 1118 North 7th Street.

Annoucement of the selections was delivered in August letters from the Kansas Historical Society to the affected parties, including the City of Atchison, with City Manager Mark Westhoff including the announcement of the selections with his communications report at Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

Placement of the properties onto the register, the letters explain, "recognizes its historic importance and assures that its significance will be considered in federal planning when applicable."

According to Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce records, the R.A. Park Home was built in the mid-1880's.

The Winrow Brothers property is part of the Atchison Black Business District which is undergoing an extensive remodel through the efforts of the Atchison County Historical Society.

The Atchison properties were officially placed on the National Register of Historic Places August 12.

(KNZA)--A Kansas City attorney has been hired to serve as the new Brown County Counselor.

The Brown County Commission at their September 8th meeting approved a revised agreement with Austin Parker to provide county counseling services for the county, effective immediately.

Approval of the agreement came on a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl casting the dissenting vote.

Parker will be paid a $3,000 monthly stipend.

He was among two attorney's interviewed to fill the position.

Parker currently serves as county counselor/county administrator in neighboring Nemaha County.

Kevin Hill, who had served as Brown County Counselor, will continue to serve as County Attorney and to handle Child in Need of Care cases.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man is dead, killed after his northbound SUV ran off the west side of I-29 and rolled over while he was traveling in Holt County, Missouri, around 3:10 Monday afternoon.

The driver is identified in the Missouri State Highway Patrol's report only as a 59-year-old Atchison man driving a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, with his name withheld due to an MSHP privacy policy.

According to the report, the driver was about 10-miles north of Oregon, Missouri when his SUV went off the west side of the interstate, struck an embankment, went airborne, and overturned, ejecting the driver who was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the MSHP report, the driver was not wearing a seat-belt at the time of the fatal crash.

(KAIR)--Even if you don't immediately recognize the name, it's likely you'll quickly recognize the face, and work, of Siobhan Fallon Hogan, whose screen credits range from Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld to Forrest Gump.

Hogan, an actress, comedian, writer, and producer, is bringing her talents, in the form of a new film, to the campus of Atchison's Benedictine College.

According to a release from the college, Hogan's new film, Shelter in Solitude, will be screened on campus, with admission to the Wednesday evening, September 24 showing at 6:30 free to all members of the public.

The upcoming visit by Hogan, noted in the release as a Catholic actress with over three-decades of stage, screen, and television credits, is courtesy of the Benedictine College Department of Theatre & Dance, with Hogan to take time during her visit "to provide acting and improvisation advice for Theatre Department classes."

Hogan's visit is also sponsored by the Benedictine College Center for Catholic Media and the Office of Advancement.

According to the release, Hogan "has written, produced and starred in two films, RUSHED and Shelter in Solitude," with both having "over 90% ratings on Rotten Tomatoes with domestic and international releases."

(KNZA)--A Beatrice, Nebraska man arrested earlier this month in Brown County for driving under the influence has been turned over to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy on routine patrol during the early evening of September 6th stopped a vehicle on US 75 Highway near the U.S. 36 interchange for a speeding violation.

Upon contact with the driver, identified as 40-year-old Giesic Centeno, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected and he did not possess a valid drivers license.

The deputy performed field sobriety testing, which he failed.

Based on 3 prior DUI convictions, Centeno was arrested on charges of felony DUI and operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

Merchant said it was discovered that Centeno was subject to be deported.

On September 9th, Department of Homeland Security agents took custody of Centeno.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education adopted the 2025-26 budget as published at their September 10th meeting, which calls for a slight mill levy increase.

The action followed a hearing drawing no public comment.

Also following a separate hearing drawing no public comment, the Board adopted a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

In addition, a resolution was adopted setting the local option budget percentage for the 2025-26 school year at 32.3 percent.

The budget calls for the district to collect more than $2.4 million in tax revenue.

In other business, the lone bid was accepted from AHRS Construction, of Bern, to remodel the eight restrooms in the district's three schools at a total cost of $305,300.

A majority of the project cost will be funded through leftover funds from the $7 million bond issue approved by district voters in November 2021 for facility improvements, with the remainder to come from the capital outlay fund.

The work is expected to be completed next summer.

The board also also accepted a quote from Daktronics for the purchase of two new scoreboards and two new shot clock timers for the Horton High School gym in the total amount of $27,619.

In addition, a quote was accepted from Schurle Signs, of Lawrence, for installation of the scoreboards and shot clocks in the amount of $9,228.

(KMZA)--Onaga-based Community HealthCare System (CHCS) is excited to announce the launch of a new transportation initiative designed to make travel easier, safer, and more reliable for both staff and patients.

Beginning in September, CHCS will offer scheduled daily routes between three of our key locations: Holton, Onaga, and St. Marys. These routes will function much like “bus stops,” giving employees and patients a dependable option for transportation between CHCS campuses.

The daily route schedule will be:

8:10 a.m. - Leave Onaga
8:40 a.m. - Arrive in Holton
9:00 a.m. - Leave Holton
9:30 a.m. - Arrive in Onaga
10:00 a.m. - Leave Onaga
10:30 a.m. - Arrive in St. Marys
11:00 a.m. - Leave St. Marys
11:30 a.m. - Arrive in Onaga
12:30 p.m. - Leave Onaga
1:00 p.m. - Arrive in Holton
1:30 p.m. - Leave Holton
2:00 p.m. - Arrive in Onaga
2:30 p.m. - Leave Onaga
3:00 p.m. - Arrive in St. Marys
3:15: p.m. - Depart St. Marys
3:45 p.m. - Arrive in Onaga
For patients, the service provides vital access to appointments and services, helping to eliminate transportation barriers that can delay or prevent needed care. For staff, the service provides a convenient way to travel between facilities, reduces travel expenses, and facilitates connections with colleagues.

The initiative will utilize Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) vans, which CHCS already operates. By implementing these daily routes, CHCS will not only support our communities but also ensure that annual mileage requirements for the vehicles are met.

This effort is being launched as a six-month test program. CHCS will evaluate usage and feedback during this time to determine how best to continue or expand the service in the future.

“This program is another step in making healthcare more accessible,” said John Fitzthum, CHCS CEO. “Whether it- an employee traveling between facilities or a patient needing care, reliable transportation can make all the difference.”

CHCS is proud to invest in innovative solutions that strengthen our rural healthcare network and meet the needs of the communities we serve. For more information on this exciting new patient transportation initiative, please call 785-889-5121.

(KAIR)--A McLouth man was injured Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle wreck in Leavenworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-16 Highway, south of Donahoo Road, around 2:00.

According to the KHP report, 75-year-old Floyd Wood was driving a westbound New Holland tractor pulling a swather when he began turning into a driveway.

A westbound Dodge Dakota driven by a 15-year-old Bonner Springs girl attempted to pass the tractor as it was turning and struck the tractor on the rear driver's side.

The impact caused the tractor to overturn onto its side.

Wood was transported to the Overland Park Regional Medical Center with suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the pickup suffered possible injury, but was not transported for hospitalized treatment.

(KNZA)--One person was injured Saturday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash on I-29 in Buchanan County, Missouri, about one mile south of Faucett.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports a 38-year-old Westport, Washington man was northbound when when the International box truck he was driving crossed the center line and traveled off the west side of the road. The truck returned to the road, crossed the center line again and traveled off the east side of the road, where it began to skid and overturned.

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

The Missouri State Highway Patrol no longer releases the names of crash victims.

The Patrol says the driver was bucked up when the crash occurred shortly before 4:00 Saturday afternoon.

(KNZA)--Two Atchison County Lakes have been added to the list of lakes in the state under public health advisories due to the presence of blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, announced in a release Friday that Warnock Lake and Atchison City Lake #7 have been added to the list.

Warnock Lake is under " warning" status, while Atchison City Lake #7 is under " watch" status.

Four other local lakes remain under public health advisories. Atchison City Lake #9, the Atchison County Lake and Atchison State Fishing Lake remain under " warning status, while Mission Lake, in Brown County, remains under " watch" 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.

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

(KNZA)--U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, Kansas Republican, toured the Kickapoo Nation School Friday morning.

“On Friday, I was in Powhattan for a tour of Kickapoo Nation High School. I appreciated learning more about the academic and cultural programs provided to students. Thank you to Superintendent Otis Clark, Kickapoo Tribe Chairwoman Gail Cheatham, Tribal Council member Michelle Caude and all the students and faculty at Kickapoo Nation High School for the tour”, said Moran

(MSC News)--Flags fly at half-staff across Kansas following the issuance of an Executive Order from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

According to a release from Kelly's office, she is calling for flags to fly in that formation from now until sundown Sunday.

The release says the order is in remembrance of all victims and survivors of political violence, citing both this week's murder of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and that of Democratic Minnesota House Speaker emerita Melissa Hortman as examples.

Kelly, in the release, says the United States "should not be a place where freedom of speech is silenced with political violence,” adding that she calls "on all Kansans, and all Americans, to join in a movement to bring political violence to an end," saying "we must stop the use of dangerous rhetoric and return to respectfully debating issues without threats, hate, or violence.”

(KMZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation field survey will begin on K-9 in Nemaha County on Monday, Sept. 15. The survey area extends from the Nemaha/Marshall county line to the western city limits of Centralia.

KDOT says the survey is to gather information necessary for the detailed design of the proposed roadway improvements and is estimated to be complete by early January 2026.

Ron Feldkamp, P.S., Survey Project Manager, KDOT, will oversee the survey.

KDOT says a member of the survey crew first will contact property owners and/or tenants for permission to enter private property. Survey activities will include the use of survey instruments on the ground to determine locations of existing features within the survey corridor.

(KNZA)--Five individuals were injured in a two-vehicle crash early Thursday morning in St. Joseph, Missouri, including two critically.

The St. Joseph Police Department, in a release, said the crash was reported around 5:30 near the intersection of Messanie Street and Meadow Lane.

Police says the preliminary investigation reveals a Chevrolet Camaro was traveling westbound on Messanie Street when it collided with a Toyota Solara that was turning eastbound onto Messanie Street from Meadow Lane.

The Camaro was occupied by four individuals — one juvenile and three young adults — while the Toyota contained a single adult driver.

All occupants involved in the crash were transported to Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, with moderate to severe injuries. Two of the individuals were listed in critical condition as of Thursday afternoon.

The crash remains under investigation.

(KNZA) Troy man has been convicted of sexual battery stemming from a 2019 offense.

According to court documents, Hunter Artman pleaded no contest Monday in Doniphan County District Court to the misdemeanor charge.

In exchange for the plea, a felony count of rape was dismissed.

Sentencing was set for September 25.

Artman was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in April 2019.

He was charged in February 2023 following an investigation by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Department

Artman remains free on bond.

(KAIR)--49-years of Atchison's International Forest of Friendship will be celebrated this weekend, complete with new honorees, the traditional Parade of Flags, and a celebrated bush pilot as distinguished honoree for 2025, all under this year's theme of Flying and Forests.

According to a release from board member Diane Liebsch, Distinguished Honoree and the Keynote Luncheon Speaker for the annual celebration is Angela Tanton, who began flying lessons in 1992, and now holds both Canadian and American licenses.

An airline transport-rated pilot with over 8500 hours, Tanton is also a lifelong bush pilot who has, the release says, "established a connection between “flying and forests” and all living ecosystems," and has flown in a variety of countries for such diverse pursuits as tourism and VIP transport to aerial firefighting and pollution patrol.

The Forest- celebration kicks off Friday evening at 5:30 with a Cocktail Party at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, while the next day, Saturday, will include the annual luncheon where Tanton will serve as Keynote Speaker. Reservations are required for both by calling 913-367-1419.

No reservations are required for Saturday morning's celebration at the Forest, beginning with the annual Parade of Flags, lead by Smokey the Bear, at 10:00, followed by the induction of 12 new honorees into the Forest- sidewalks, "all representing contributions to aviation and aerospace."

Smokey the Bear will also be available for pictures at the Forest Saturday, as children's activities are held throughout the morning.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Fair is underway. The annual coronation program of the Richardson County Fair Queen and King and the naming of the Humboldt Woman of the Year kicked off the annual event in Humboldt Wednesday evening.

Crowned as Queen of the Fair for 2025 was Chloe Shupp, the 16-year-old daughter of Angie and Ben Shupp. Chloe is a junior at HTRS this year.

This years 1st Runner-up was Ella Glathar, daughter of Kris and Ali Glathar and a senior at Falls City High School.

2nd Runner-up was Elle Bstandig, daughter of the late Becky Bstandig and Sara and Sean Ramsey of Dawson. She is a senior at HTRS.

3rd Runner-up was Makena Dunlap, daughter of Josh and Christina Dunlap of Humboldt and Tanya and Cody Hull of Topeka.

4th Runner-up was Miranda Rist, daughter of Chelsea and Seth Kerwin of Auburn and Franklyn Rist of Humboldt.

Crowned as King of the 2025 Richardson County Fair was Doug Phillips of Humboldt.

Named the Humboldt Woman of The Year was Imogene Frank.

(KLZA)--Circulators of a recall petition for Auburn Mayor Chris Erickson have submitted petitions to the Nemaha County Clerk's Office for verification.

301 signatures from registered voters in the city limits of Auburn must be verified to force a recall election.

Amanda Powell says in the petition that she has initiated the effort because Erickson abuses his office, is ineffective as a leader and appointed someone with a conflict of interest who profits from the city.

Erickson was sworn in as Mayor of Auburn in December of 2022 and served as a City Council member prior to being elected Mayor.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha Central USD 115 Board of Education Monday evening adopted the 2025-26 budget as published.

The action came on a 6-0 vote following a hearing drawing no public comment. Board member Tory Jost was absent.

Also following a separate hearing drawing no public comment, the board on a 6-0 vote adopted a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

In addition, the board adopted a resolution setting the local option budget percentage for the 2025-26 school year at 33 percent.

The budget calls for net expenditures of $17.4 million and a nearly 1.2 mill property tax levy increase.

It contains an estimated tax rate of 60.66 mills, which is nearly 2.7 mills above the revenue neutral rate.

The district is to collect $6.5 million in tax revenue.

The budget includes a 15.2 mill levy for debt service on the $24.2 million bond issue approved by voters in 2022 to fund facility improvements.

Taxpayers in the former USD 442 portion of the district also have an additional 6 mill levy for bonds issued for the construction of the elementary/middle school.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners met with Sheriff Rick Hardesty and County Attorney Samantha Scheitel Wednesdy to discuss when and if services should or could be provided and to what extent they could be provided within the boundaries of the tribal reservation areas of both the Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska and the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

Scheitel will be contacing the legal counsel for the tribes to review and requesting to meet with the Sheriff and County Board to possibly develop a Memorandum of Understanding between Richardson County and each tribe.

Commissioners discussed the possibility of stock-piling rock and developoing an additional motor-grader route in the western portion of the County.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. also discussed replacing the County garage located at Verdon.

Richardson County has received a check from the insurance company in an amount of $57,873 for hail damage.

Board members reviewed the situation with the roof on the area of the Law Enforcement Center that existed prior to the addition being added and are collecting estimates from contractors for review.

(KAIR)--An active weekend is planned in Atchison, from the celebration of the Forest of Friendship to mountain oyster eating for a good cause and a Saturday filled with music.

The music happens as part of the annual Muddy River Music Festival, with Friday, September 12 being the final day for advance ticket purchases at $10. The price increases to $20 Saturday, the day of the festival, which Jill Thorne, Executive Director the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce says will get underway at 11:00 Saturday morning and run until 9:00 that night.

As the bands are playing, another event begins on the south side of the city, as American Legion Post #6 holds its 2nd annual Mountain Oyster Festival, with proceeds to benefit the Legion's new building, under construction at the site of the event, 1617 South 6th Street.

Running from 4 until 7:00, food, a DJ, silent auction, and bounce house are all part of the plan, along with the return of the Ball Eating Contest at 6:00. Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie was last year's champion, the so-called "Nut King," and he returns for another round of competition.

Prior to the start of the aforementioned events will be the 49th anniversary celebration at Atchison's International Forest of Friendship, located near Warnock Lake, including the induction of 12 new honorees, following the Parade of Flags Saturday morning.

Board member Diane Liebsch says registration for children taking part in the Parade of Flags begins at 9:00, with the parade beginning at 10:00, led by Smokey the Bear, all under the theme, "Flying and Forests."

(KNZA)--Local communities joined the nation Thursday in commemorating Patriots Day on the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the nation.

The local commemorations included a morning tribute in the Jackson County City of Holton, where veterans from Mary L. Bair American Legion Post #44 and Veterans of Foreign Wars post #1367 were joined by fellow residents at the intersection of US Highway 75 and KS Highway 16 where American flags were waved to mark the anniversary.

Following the flag waving, a short, late morning ceremony was held at Holton's Linscott Park.

Jake Spalding, of the MSC Radio Network, filed this report live from the ceremony.

$998,470.15. That's the final total from Atchison's annual All Aboard Atchison Match Day event, touted by the Atchison County Community Foundation as a "record breaking achievement."

(KAIR)--A release from the foundation is issued to thank those who offered support, with the release saying "community members came together in extraordinary generosity to raise [the thousands of dollars] in support of local nonprofit organizations."

The Foundation, in the release, says the funds generated by last month's fundraiser "is a testament to the incredible spirit of giving in Atchison County," as "dozens of nonprofits benefited from the event, which drew widespread support from community members, local businesses, and volunteers."

The release notes that "the Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to all who made this possible: the many generous donors in our community, the dedicated volunteers from Benedictine College, and the Atchison Event Center staff for hosting the day- activities," adding that "most importantly, this remarkable total would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our matching sponsors, whose commitment to community philanthropy amplified every gift."

Foundation Executive Director Grace Sammoury, in the release, says the success of Match Day "continues to show that the Atchison Community truly is ‘all aboard’,” adding that the "donors, both large matching sponsors and smaller local donations come together to show incredible support for the work of our local nonprofits.”

(KNZA)--Local communities joined the nation Thursday in commemorating Patriots Day on the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the nation.

The local commemorations included a morning tribute in the Jackson County City of Holton, where veterans from American Legion Posts #44 and #1367 were joined by fellow residents at the intersection of US Highway 75 and KS Highway 16 where American flags were waved to mark the anniversary.

Following the flag waving, a short, late morning ceremony was held at Holton's Linscott Park.

Jake Spalding, of the MSC Radio Network, filed this report live from the ceremony.

(KNZA)--Local communities joined the nation Thursday in commemorating Patriots Day on the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the nation.

The local commemorations included a morning tribute in the Jackson County City of Holton, where veterans from American Legion Posts #44 and #1367 were joined by fellow residents at the intersection of US Highway 75 and KS Highway 16 where American flags were waved to mark the anniversary.

Following the flag waving, a short, late morning ceremony was held at Holton's Linscott Park.

Jake Spalding, of the MSC Radio Network, filed this report live from the ceremony.

(KMZA)--Plans for the establishment of a toddler park in Seneca has received the green light.

That came during last week's meeting of the Seneca City Council.

Jessica Hermesch, a member of the Seneca Community Fund committee, met with the Council to gain their approval.

The Seneca Community Fund was established in 2023 at the Nemaha County Step Foundation to fund projects related to the improvement and growth of Seneca.

Hermesch said the first goal they are focusing on is overall park improvements around town.

She said the idea of a toddler park came from community feedback.

A toddler park is a playground that features equipment specifically designed for young children.

The toddler park is tenatively planned to be located at the Seneca City Park. Its to be funded through donated funds and grants.

Based on feedback received at the Council meeting, Hermesch said their next step will be to create a Recreation Committee to help set clear priorities for improvements that are part of a long-term plan.

The committee will consist of members of the community, the city and Recreation Director.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School Board Monday evening adopted a 2025-26 budget that calls for a less than one mill increase in the property tax levy.

Following a lengthy discussion, the board voted 4-3 to approve a budget with a total mill levy of 49.343 mills—including a lower alternate capital outlay levy of 5.62 mills instead of 6 mills.

In making the motion to approve the budget with the lower capital outlay levy, board member Mitch Brown said it would provide some tax relief to patrons. He noted the concerns voiced by patrons that attended a special meeting prior to the regular meeting about raising taxes.

Joining Brown in approving the motion were board members Ian Schuetz, Brooklyn Schuetz and Jacquie Spihlmann. Casting the dissenting votes were board members Griff Howard, Roni Tietjens, and Ryan Patton.

Howard voiced support for going with a 6-mill capital outlay levy, which he says is where the district has historically been at. He said just because he's in favor of going to 6 mills, doesn't mean he not considering the taxpayers.

Earlier following a hearing, the board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate of 49.1 mills.

The Board also adopted a resolution to set the local option budget percentage for the 2025-26 school year at 31 percent.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services sent out its seventh and last regular scheduled issuance of Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer benefits on Tuesday.

Throughout the 2025 Summer EBT period, households with eligible school-age children were able to receive assistance in buying groceries with the program's second year of operation. A one-time payment of $120 was issued for each eligible child, intended to cover the three summer months at $40 a month.

The last regular scheduled issuance was sent to eligible students as reported by school districts and any new eligibility determinations through public assistance benefits and Summer EBT applications.

Summer EBT cards were mailed to eligible families using their registered address with DHHS or their child's school. Once families receive the Summer EBT card, it must be activated using the instructions mailed with the card.

Eligible families will have 122 days, or four months, to use Summer EBT benefits. The 122-day count begins the day after benefits are issued. If benefits are not used within 122 days, funds will be returned to the federal government and cannot be re-issued.

(KLZA)-- The Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges has announced four finalists for the next president of Peru State College, the state's first institution of higher education.

The finalists are Dr. Amy Clark, Dr. “Nina” Evangeline Grant, Dr. Robert C. Mock, Jr., and Dr. Wendy Waugh.

Dr. Paul Turman, Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System said each brings unique strengths, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to higher education.

Each finalist will visit campus to meet with students, faculty, staff, and community members; tour Peru State College and the surrounding community; and interview with the Board of Trustees. Candidate interviews will take place during a Special Board Meeting on Sept. 17-18 at Peru State College.

Amy M. Clark has served as the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) since 2018. Clark's interview will be Thursday, September 18 at 3:45 p.m.

Nina Grant currently serves as Vice President of Student Affairs at Hawkeye Community College, where she leads enrollment management, student services, athletics, and student engagement. Grants interview is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, September 17.

Robert Mock has served the University of Maryland Eastern Shore since 2018 in multiple leadership roles, from VP for strategic initiatives, chief of staff, VP for enrollment management & student experience, and interim athletic director. Mock's interview will be at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, September 18.

Wendy Waugh is the Interim President and Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) at Peru State College, with a 34-year career in higher education spanning three institutions. Waugh's interview is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 at 3:45p .m.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Transportation, working with Olsson, is scheduled to inspect the U.S. Route 159 Missouri River Bridge in Holt County, Missouri September 22-25.

The U.S. Route 159 Missouri River Bridge at Rulo, Nebraska will be narrowed to one lane with flaggers, Sept. 22-25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

MoDOT asks drivers to help out with safety for workers by always buckling up, keeping your phone down, slowing down and moving over in work zones.

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(KAIR)--A 10-year-old child, shot in the left thigh while sleeping Wednesday morning in St. Joseph, Missouri, remained hospitalized in stable condition as of Wednesday afternoon.

That's according to a report from KQ2-TV which cites the St. Joseph Police Department in reporting that officers responded to the shooting call around 3:20 Wednesday morning in the 900 block of South 18th Street where they saw that the duplex had been shot at and the child, who was sleeping in an upstairs bedroom, was shot in the leg.

Officers provided first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene.

Officers recovered 40 shell casings from the scene, including a mixture of rifle and handgun ammunition, across the street southeast of the duplex. Two vehicles parked on South 18th street were also hit by in the shooting.

Residents at the adjoining duplex reported there were no injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

(KAIR)--An Atchison man, accused of injuring another man during a Tuesday night fight, is facing legal consequences in connection with the altercation that sent the victim to the hospital.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says officers, Tuesday evening shortly after 8:30, responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of S Street where they determined that two men, who knew each other, had been there at a residence when it occurred.

According to Wilson, the 30-year-old victim was transported by a family member for the treatment of injuries incurred during the fight, with Wilson saying the man had sustained head and facial injuries from being struck with fists and kicked.

An investigation launched when police arrived led them to 40-year-old Ryan White, who allegedly caused the injuries.

White was arrested for aggravated battery, and once in custody, was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KMZA)--Thomas Eisenbarth, Precision Agriculture Instructor at Highland Community College- Western Center in Baileyville, has been recognized by the Kansas Farm Bureau for his leadership and advocacy in promoting mental health awareness in rural communities.

Last month, Eisenbarth was named the 2025 Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year, an honor that highlights his dedication to supporting the mental well being of others throughout the state. He will formally receive the award during the Kansas Farm Bureau- Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference, scheduled for Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2026.

“Thomas’ commitment to raising awareness about the importance of mental health in agriculture exemplifies the mission and values we strive to uphold at Highland Community College,” said HCC President Dr. Vincent Bowhay. “We are proud of his efforts to foster stronger, healthier rural communities.”

The Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year Award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in addressing mental health challenges and reducing stigma in Kansas’ agricultural industry.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County Administrator Robert Reece has resigned.

The Nemaha County Commission at their August 25 meeting unanimously accepted Reece's resignation, effective October 1st.

The action followed an executive session.

No reason was publicly stated for the resignation.

Reece has served as county administrator since March 31st of this year.

While he is stepping down as county administrator, Reece will help the county in a new role, as budgetary advisor for the 2027 budget.

The Commission voted unanimously to appoint County Counselor Austin Parker as the transitional county administrator for the county with an additional pay rate of $65,000 per year, effective immediately.

Parker thanked Reece for what he has accomplished during his time with the county.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission Monday reviewed a revised budget draft for 2026.

Budget consultant Scot Loyd , joining the meeting via Zoom, went over the revised budget.

Based on revisions made by the Commission last week, Loyd said they have been able to lower the proposed property tax levy increase from 9 mills down to 6 mills.

The Commission has been looking for ways to reduce the proposed mill levy since holding a hearing on the budget August 25

Commissioner Bill Pollock said he would like to see the tax levy remain below the revenue neutral rate.

However, Commission Chairman Lucas Heinen and Commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl said the county needs to build its cash reserves back up, which have dwindled over the years in an effort to keep the mill levy low.

No action was taken on the budget, which will be back on the agenda for their September 15th meeting.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening unanimously adopted a 2026 budget that calls for city to collect about $20,000 in additional property taxes next year.

The Commission also unanimously adopted a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

Earlier during a hearing on exceeding the RNR, several residents voiced their concerns about increasing taxes and asked questions.

City resident Richard Schilling thanked the Commission for being transparent with the budget and keeping the mill levy down.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 36.3 mills, which is just over a half-mill above the revenue neutral rate.

The revenue neutral rate is the mill levy rate to generate the exact same amount of property tax revenue as the year before, using the current tax year's total assessed valuation.

The budget calls for the city to collect more than $1.3 million in tax revenue.

The city's assessed valuation increased nearly $1.8 million to more than $36.7 million.

(KLZA)-- Community Medical Center in Falls City now has an electronic health record system, featuring streamlined workflows, improved data sharing between facilities and enhanced patient communication features known has Epic.

The Epic program went live on Saturday, September 6 following a year-long collaboration with Bryan Health.

Bryan Helath offers the Epic Community Connect program allowing smaller, independent hospitals and clinics to have access to the platform for their providers, staff and patients.

CMC Chief Executive Officer Ryan Larsen said “providers have asked for a new electronic health record and that Epic has become the premier health record system in Nebraska, adopted by nearly all major health systems.”

The system offers advanced clinical tools and care coordination that CMC doctors and staff will use. Larsen said he thinks local patients will love MyChart, the Epic patient poratl which allows individuals to view test results, message providers and pay bills online, allowing a new level of convenience.

CMC is the first hospital outside the Bryan Health system to be connected to the organization's Epic electronic health record system which is a safe, secure tool.

The Epic system is set-u to allow for future expansion.

For more on Epic Connect, you can visit BryanHealth.org/EpicCommunityConnect.

(KAIR)--Details are released regarding two recent crashes, one in the City of Atchison and the other in Atchison County, that left several injured.

On Monday night, shortly after 10:30, the city crash occurred, with Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, saying it happened in the 1300 block of Commercial Street, where police were called following the reported wreck.

According to Wilson, a car that had been driving at what he calls "a high rate of speed westbound on Commercial Street" ran off the roadway when 16-year-old driver Haylee Roles, of Atchison, lost control. That caused the car to crash into a concrete retaining wall on the north side of the street, and then into concrete steps and a metal railing before rolling over and landing on its top.

Wilson says Roles and the 15-year-old boy traveling with her were both ejected from the car in the crash, with both transported by Atchison County EMS to Mosaic Lifecare, in St. Joseph, Missouri, for treatment of their injuries.

The County crash happened last week, on September 4, involving a City of Atchison dump truck that crashed on U.S. Highway 73, just south of 262nd Road, that morning around 10:30.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 32-year-old Atchison resident Joshua Vandruff was northbound on the highway when, Laurie says, "it appeared that the vehicle- passenger side tires went off the roadway and possibly overcorrected causing the vehicle to cross over the southbound lane and into the ditch where the truck overturned."

Vandruff was trapped inside the wrecked dump truck, but was freed successfully by Atchison County EMS and Rescue, and then transported by EMS to Mosaic Lifecare with non-life threatening injuries.

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

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy shortly after 10:30 Thursday night conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Taurus on 150th Road, just east of Q. Road.

Morse said a Jackson County Sheriff- K-9 "alerted" to the odor of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies located suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The driver, 41-year-old Ashley Chase, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without a license and failure to provide proof of insurance.

Following her arrest, Chase was booked into the Jackson County Jail. She was no longer listed as an inmate on Tuesday

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners reviewed final calcuations and the notice of the public budget hearings when they met Wednesday.

The proposed budget calls for a total property tax requirement of $6,180,383 which amounts to a 3.3 percent increase of more than $196,000. The total includes $400,000 in cash reserves and $250,218 fo rthe jail bond.

The proposed budget of expenditures amounts to a 9.9% increas to $21,191,602 with a property tax levy of just over 28.8 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

The levy amount represents a nearly 9.3% decrease of 2.275 cents per $100 of valuation.

The Richardson County valuation for 2025 increased 12.49% to $2,057,885,951. A dollar amount increase of $228,622,494.

The public budget hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16 at 6 p.m at the courthouse in Falls City. A public hearing on changing the tax levy from the prior year to a different rate is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 at 10 a.m. at the courthouse.

(KLZA)-- NioCorp Developments has announced that a Pentagon-funded exploratory drilling program at the Company's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in southeast Nebraska has been completed.

The resource drilling program, funded by the Pentagon, was designed to support converting a portion of the Company- current Indicated Resources into Measured Resources and the subsequent conversion of a portion of its current Probable Mineral Reserves into Proven Mineral Reserves.

The effort was designed to meet Mineral Reserve requirements of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. as it processes a proposed debt financing package of up to $800 million for the Elk Creek Project.

Phase I of the resource drilling program, which was completed in August, involved 11 drill holes, totaling about 7,336 meters of drilling.

Phase 2 of the resource drilling program involved four drill holes totaling about 2,235 meters of drilling. Drill core processing and analysis is currently underway. Results are expected to be released shortly.

Two additional drill holes are currently underway and are being drilled for geomechanical purposes in the areas where the company plans to locate underground mine access ramp declines.

(KLZA)-- One of the years largest fundraisers for Falls City Sacred Heart School is underway and involves Cornhusker football.

In the past 6 years, not including 2021 when there were not games due to COVID, the Seatback fundraiser has allowed Sacred Heart to receive more than $204,000. That includes $69,950 raised in 2024.

Sacred Heart volunteers including family and friends of Sacred Heart spend time selling seatbacks to Husker fans before the game and then pick up and put away seatbacks after the game has ended.

Transportation is provided by bus. Volunteers earn $125 each for the Sacred Heart School. Volunteering allows you to be in the stadium and watch the Huskers and enjoy the college game day experience.

The money raised in the past 6 seasons has helped the school purchase interactive boards for teachers and students, put in a new playground surface, buy a coach bus, renovate restrooms in the school and purchase two vans. And helped increase the salaries for teachers.

For this year the plan is to purchase classroom interactive boards for teachers and students. and has helped increase the teachers salaries.

This fundraiser takes time and effort on behalf of our volunteers, but it is money from the University of Nebraska rather than Sacred Hear supporters having to buy something or donate their own money. This money isn't coming from our local community like so many other fundraisers.

There is a job for everyone, young or old. A great system is in place for all the volunteers. Seatbacks are sold before the game and picked up and put away after the game. Sacred Heart supplies bus transportation. Volunteers work together and help the school. Each volunteer earns $125 for the school. Besides the work involved, you get to enjoy being in the stadium and watching the Huskers and all of the college game day

Families are welcome. Alumni. Friends and relatives who want to see the Huskers and volunteer to help the Sacred Heart School and students. Students from other schools are also welcome. There are plenty of jobs for those who are old and those who are young.

Seat sales begin when the gates open 90 minute before kickoff and end at the close of the first quarter, or when the staion sells out of seats. After the game volunteers pick up seatbacks until all of the stadium is done.

Volunteers must have a photo ID. In addition, Memorial Stadium is now cashless and the concession stands will only accept credit, debit or gift cards as payment.

Volunteers should also wear red or a Husker shirt. You should not wear other sports teams apparel.

If you would like to volunteer you can signup online at www.signupgenius.com.

The list of volunteers must be submitted by noon on Thursdays.

The Husker host their second home game this coming Saturday, September 13 when they play Houston Christian at 11 a.m.

The bus will leave the school at 6:15 a.m.

Those driving themselves will need to check in at Gate 17.

You can also contact Doug Goltz if you have questions.

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Fair will take place in Humboldt Wednesday, September 10th through Saturday, September 13th.

The theme for the fair this year is “Broadway Magic.”

Events begin Wednesday evening with the coronation of the King and Queen at 7:00 at the City Square Park.

There will be a parade around the city square in Humboldt at 11 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

In addition, the D.C. Lynch Carnival Rides & Concession along with other vendors will be set up in the City Square Park Wednesday evening through Saturday.

A major draw for the Richardson County Fair each year is the free Acts on stage in the City Park with performances at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The free entertainment is sponsored by the Richardson County Agricultural Society and the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce.

This years perofrmers will be the duo of Gray and Webb on Thursday; Waco City on Friday performing popular country; and the Platinum Pearls Saturday featuring classic rock tunes.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency is encouraging all Nebraska residents to take time to prepare for emergencies during September which is National Preparedness Month.

NEMA is urging everyone to build or update emergency supply kits for their homes, workplaces and vehicles.

The kits should include flashlights with extra batteries. Phone chargers; first aid kits and medical essentials for the entire family; water and a 3-day supply of non-perishable food; blankets; pet supplies and extra changes of clothing.

Families that are experiencing food insecurity can turn to local commnity food banks for assistance in building a basic kit.

After you assemble your kit, store it in an accessible, safe locaiton and ensure all family members know where it is.

A Family Disaster Preparedness Kit is available online to help you get started.

(KNZA)--Holton Community Hospital is asking Jackson County residents for community support.

Jackson County voters will decide during the November 4th general election whether a one-quarter percent countywide retailers' sales tax should be imposed to support the hospital.

If approved by voters, the tax would commence January 1st, 2026 and expire after 10 years.

If passed, the tax is expected to generate an estimated $300,000 to $400,000 annually.

The hospital, in a release, says it needs the temporary funding to address financial challenges, including rising costs and declining reimbursements, which threaten its ability to continue providing local healthcare services.

Holton Community Hospital invites the public to attend community meetings and events in September to learn more, ask questions, and voice concerns:

Netawaka - Fitness Center Town Hall: Sept 12 at 10 a.m.

Delia - Car & Tractor Show Meet & Greet: Sept 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holton - Chamber of Commerce Meeting at The Courtyard Event Center: Sept 17 at 12 p.m. (Lunch served, RSVP required)

Holton - Community Blood Drive at Holton Community Theatre: Sept 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holton - HCH Diamonds & Denim Gala: Sept 20 beginning at 5 p.m. (Tickets required at hchfoundation.net)

Hoyt - Community Building Town Hall: Sept 22 at 6 p.m.

Jackson County Commissioners Meeting: Sept 22 (Time TBD)

More events and town halls will be announced for October soon.

(KAIR)--Despite searches ending without closure last week in Jefferson County, the case took a turn, with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Monday saying he's been found safe in Oklahoma.

From the Jefferson Co Sheriff's Office:

"Patrick Crim who was reported missing on September 1, 2025, from the abate bike rally in Jefferson County Kansas has been located by Kay County Sheriff's Office in Kay County, Oklahoma.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office appreciates the volunteers who participated in the search for Patrick Crim along with the various agencies who dedicated their time and effort to assist with this matter.

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is happy this matter has been resolved in a positive manner and the family of Patrick Crim can relax knowing their family member is alive and safe."

(KLZA)--Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported his department had a total of 1,039 calls during the month of August with 369 of them being traffic stops. 37 arrests were made during the month, five of them from other agencies and there were 4 holds for other counties.

During the Drive Sober or get Pulled Over grant period August 16 - September 1, there were 585 calls with 241 of them being taffic stops which resulted in 11 arrests.

Sheriff Hardesty also reported there are currently 22 inmates held at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center, including inmates from other counties.

The Sheriff discussed staffing, noting that two new employees will be hired plus a parttime person to fill vacancies in the dispatch center. It was also noted that deputies will be attending specialized training.

In addition, Sheriff Hardesty said two of the three patrol units recently ordered have been received and are waiting for equipment to be installed.

(KAIR)--Charges are filed against the former Valley Falls Chief of Police whose termination last month led to a public outcry against the Valley Falls City Commission's move.

Now, Carolyn Ann Clark, commonly known as "Carrie," is charged with one misdemeanor count of Unlawful Request for Emergency Service Assistance, according to the complaint filed Friday afternoon in Jefferson County District Court by Special Prosecutor Bethany Lee, of the Jefferson County Attorney's Office.

The complaint alleges that on February 28, Clark "knowingly transmitted or communicated, in any manner, false or misleading information to request law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency service assistance and there was no reasonable ground to believe emergency service assistance was needed, in violation of state statute.

Clark is scheduled to make her first appearance in court October 10th.

Also charged for the same alleged violation, apparently in conjunction with Clark, is Robert Taylor, a former Valley Falls Police Officer who currently serves as the Chief of Police for the City of McLouth.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation oversaw the investigation leading to the filing of the complaints.

MSC Radio News reached out to the City of Valley Falls for comment on the matter, with City Attorney Andrew Werring, in email correspondence saying, "the City is aware of the recent filings but is unable to comment on the ongoing criminal prosecution of former Chief Clark and former Officer Taylor and their roles regarding actions that took place while they were employed by the City of Valley Falls."

Clark was terminated August 6 on a 3-1 vote of the Valley Falls City Commission, which offered, at that time, no reason for the decision.

(KNZA)--Governor Laura Kelly and Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed have announced that 27 local and off-system bridge projects across Kansas--including a project in Doniphan County--will receive a combined total of $40.5 million in state and federal funding as part of two local bridge improvement programs.

Combined with matching funds from the awarded cities and counties, the total project value is over $46.5 million.

According to a release, there are more than 19,000 bridges on local road systems across Kansas, and over 5,000 of those bridges need updates to meet today- standards.

KDOT will award about $20 million through the Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program in Fiscal Year 2026. The funds will go to 11 bridge replacement projects, and an additional four deficient bridges will be permanently removed from local systems.

KDOT will award $20.5 million through the Off-System Bridge program in Fiscal Year 2027 to fund 16 projects across the state--including the replacement of a bridge in Doniphan County.

$1.25 million has been awarded for the replacement of a bridge on Oxide Road over an abandoned railroad about 2 1/2 miles east of Troy. The County will provide about $83,000 matching funds.

For this cycle of the local bridge programs, KDOT received a combined total of 163 applications requesting more than $189 million.

(KAIR)--Atchison businesses and residents alike, on Saturday, were warned by Atchison Police to check their cash following what a social media post from the Police Department calls "a substantial amount of fake $100 bills" recovered by Atchison Police Officers as of late Saturday morning.

The phony bills, the post explains, "will have “For Motion Picture Purposes” printed on the front and back."

Anyone with questions, or believe they're in possession of the fake bills, is urged to contact the Atchison Police Department.

(KAIR)--A special meeting of the Atchison County Commission was called Saturday, held to discuss the now approved change for the County's upcoming Budget Hearing, with the County leaders deciding to hold it on a Sunday, two days earlier than previously scheduled.

During the ongoing, lengthy budget process for 2026, the Commission has engaged with residents, hearing their thoughts and concerns, apparently including one calling for such hearings to be held at a time when most are not at work.

Decided during Saturday's special session was to move the public hearing from the previously approved date of Tuesday, September 23, to Sunday, September 21. It will begin that morning at 10:15 in the Commission Room, located on the lower level of the Atchison County Courthouse.

(KNZA)--The driver of a stolen pickup was arrested in Brown County Friday afternoon after fleeing from authorities.

Shortly after noon, Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said a deputy on routine patrol on U.S 36 Highway near Bittersweet Road was alerted by his License Plate Reader (LPR) system of a stolen vehicle from Wisconsin.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle and a short chase ensued.

The vehicle traveled south of Fairview and ended up in a soybean field just east of the Sac and Fox Casino on Coyote Road between 130th and 140th Roads.

At that point, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, 40-year-old Dustin Hampton, of Prairie Du Chein, Wisconsin, fled the scene on foot.

Assisting in the search for Hampton were a KHP helicopter, KHP troopers, along with officers from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Sabetha, Hiawatha, Horton, Kickapoo and Sac and Fox Police Departments.

Merchant said several tracking dogs were brought in and located Hampton about three-fourth of a mile east of his original location.

No injuries were reported and once Hampton was located, he complied without incident.

The vehicle Hampton was driving, a 1983 Datsun pickup, had been reported stolen from Rice, Wisconsin.

Hampton was arrested on charges of possession of stolen property, criminal damage to property, felony flee to elude and obstruction.

"I would like thank everyone for the assistance they provided in the apprehension of Hampton. With the tall crops the search was very difficult and without a joint effort, he may have eluded arrest", said Merchant

(KNZA)--Two individuals were arrested on drug and child endangerment charges following a traffic stop in Brown County Wednesday evening.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said around 9:15 a deputy on routine patrol on US 75 Highway encountered a vehicle with only one operating headlight.

Upon contact, it was discovered that the driver, 38-year-old Topeka resident Josiah Williams, driver's license had been revoked.

It was also discovered that the passenger, 31-year-old Paige Keefe, of Omaha, was wanted on a failure to appear warrant from Ford County, Kansas.

Merchant said K-9 Carla alerted on the vehicle. Suspected cocaine, a scale, baggies and other items of interest were seized.

Three children were also present at the time of stop.

Williams was arrested on three counts of aggravated endangerment of a child, distribution of a stimulant, possession of stimulant, no drug tax stamp and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Keefe was arrested on charges on three counts of aggravated endangerment of a child, possession of stimulant and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

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Maecenas ornare in dolor nec rutrum. Phasellus et urna sit amet leo tincidunt sodales. Duis egestas purus a dignissim pharetra. Pellentesque consectetur auctor facilisis. Morbi in rutrum ex. Mauris mollis risus non finibus ultricies. Maecenas gravida euismod magna, eget volutpat tortor tincidunt dictum. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Nunc varius eleifend pretium. Sed interdum pretium ultricies. Quisque quis nisl diam. Phasellus rhoncus tempus ligula, et dignissim quam volutpat nec. Donec vel nibh ante. Fusce lectus sapien, sollicitudin at vulputate sit amet, aliquet nec ante. Nunc ut laoreet nisl.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Etiam feugiat nisi in massa cursus rhoncus. Curabitur venenatis ipsum non enim varius facilisis. Sed at tempor risus, non pellentesque tellus. Etiam quis leo vehicula, ultrices nisi ac, viverra nunc. Proin ornare vitae nisl consequat imperdiet. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Vestibulum blandit ligula purus. Aliquam vel eleifend sem. Suspendisse est purus, auctor vitae ullamcorper a, congue quis augue. Vestibulum ultricies tellus quis mi efficitur tempor. Donec suscipit augue ligula, ac interdum ipsum ornare ac. Phasellus vitae dapibus ex. Aenean eget dapibus sem. Nunc egestas erat mollis est ullamcorper venenatis egestas vitae turpis.

Maecenas ornare in dolor nec rutrum. Phasellus et urna sit amet leo tincidunt sodales. Duis egestas purus a dignissim pharetra. Pellentesque consectetur auctor facilisis. Morbi in rutrum ex. Mauris mollis risus non finibus ultricies. Maecenas gravida euismod magna, eget volutpat tortor tincidunt dictum. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Nunc varius eleifend pretium. Sed interdum pretium ultricies. Quisque quis nisl diam. Phasellus rhoncus tempus ligula, et dignissim quam volutpat nec. Donec vel nibh ante. Fusce lectus sapien, sollicitudin at vulputate sit amet, aliquet nec ante. Nunc ut laoreet nisl.

Aenean libero nisi, commodo et egestas at, tincidunt et odio. Etiam rhoncus, ex vitae sodales tincidunt, nibh augue congue justo, vel mattis enim nisl a mauris. Mauris nec tincidunt ligula. Curabitur lobortis malesuada volutpat. Cras tincidunt facilisis rhoncus. Praesent interdum fringilla lectus, placerat placerat ipsum suscipit id. Phasellus at pellentesque lacus. Nullam ornare leo neque, sed aliquam ligula posuere quis. Proin placerat erat tellus, in pellentesque urna convallis volutpat. Proin tempus sit amet nisl a commodo. Etiam porta ut ligula ac posuere.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison, on Thursday, made public the agenda for Monday's special session of the City Commission, with the budget, and required public hearing regarding it, included.

The meeting will begin at 4:30 that afternoon, in the Commission Room, at Atchison City Hall.

The session follows the September 2 regular meeting of the City Commission, which included a lengthy breakdown of the budget numbers for 2026 by Atchison City Manager Mark Westhoff.

(KNZA)--The Board of Education for the Atchison County Schools of USD 337 is proposing a small property tax levy increase to fund the district's 2025-26 budget.

The proposed budget contains an estimated tax rate of 43.858 mills, which is an increase of .108 mills from last year's rate.

The mill rate is slightly above the district's revenue neutral rate of 43.777 mills.

The proposed budget calls for the district to collect more than $3.7 million in property tax revenue.

The USD 377 Board of Education will consider adoption of the budget following a hearing at their September 10th meeting, with the hearing set for 6:25 pm.. A second hearing will be held prior to the budget hearing on the district's intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate, with that hearing set for 6:20 pm.

(KMZA)-The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office is investigating a recent burglary and two criminal damage to property incidents in Onaga.

Between August 3 and September 3, the Sheriff's Office said in a release that they received reports of a burglary at the 4-H Food Stand located at 208 East 9th Street, a criminal damage to property at the pavilion building, also located at 208 9th Street, and a criminal damage to property at the Onaga High School football field- press box.

The release says an unknown person entered the 4-H food stand from a locked window and remained for an unspecified amount of time.

Additionally, an unknown person entered the press box at Onaga High School- football field and broke one of the windows with an estimated repair cost of $200.

Lastly, the Sheriff's Office says an unknown person broke three windows at the pavilion building, with an estimated repair cost of $1,300.

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

(KNZA)--On Monday, two days prior to the naming of Joshua Heideman as a person of interest in what authorities call recent criminal activity in Brown and Jackson counties, the Centralia resident fled from the scene of a traffic stop made by a Brown County Sheriff's Deputy.

That allegation is explained in a release issued Thursday by Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, one day after authorities, including Merchant and Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, put out the call to the public for assistance in locating Heideman.

According to Merchant's release, it was early Monday morning, around 12:45, when a Brown County Sheriff's Deputy stopped a vehicle in the area of U.S. Highway 36 and Hopi Drive, in Hiawatha.

Heideman is named as the lone passenger in the vehicle, with Merchant's release saying he fled from the traffic stop on foot.

The driver, 65-year-old Hiawatha resident Leonard Bindel, was arrested on charges of flee and attempt to elude and drive while license cancelled, suspended, or revoked.

Anyone with information regarding Heideman's whereabouts is asked to contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office, 785-742-7125 or the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, 785-364-2251.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission continues to consider potential budget cuts as they work toward finalizing a 2026 budget.

The Commission is looking for ways to reduce the proposed 9 mill property tax levy.

Those speaking at an August 25 hearing on the proposed budget urged Commissioners to look for ways to cut spending instead of increasing taxes.

The Commission has discussed several potential cost cutting measures, but have not yet finalized a list of cuts.

Representatives of the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development attended Tuesday's meeting to urge the Commission not to cut the organization's funding. The Commission is considering cutting HFED's funding for 2026 almost completely from $25,000 to $5,000.

The Commission was to hold another work session Friday ( Sept. 5th) to continue reviewing the budget.

A final budget must be approved no later than October 1st.

(KNZA)--The Seneca City Council Wednesday evening adopted the 2026 budget as published.

That came came on a 5-0 vote following a hearing drawing no public comment. Council member Mike Stallbaumer was absent.

The Council also on a 5-0 vote adopted a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate.

The nearly $13.6 million budget maintains the same tax levy as the past years. It has an estimated tax rate of 32.58 mills, which is nearly 2.9 mills above the revenue neutral rate.

It calls for the city to collect nearly $1.2 million in tax revenue. Even though the mill levy will remain the same, the city will collect nearly $107,000 in additional tax revenue due to a $3.2 million increase in the city's assessed valuation to $36.8 million.

(KLZA)-- The Hickory Creek Bridge on Holt County, Missouri Route B is now open following a bridge replacement project.

The Missouri Department of Transportation, reopened the bridge Thursday.

The bridge on Hickory Creek has been closed since May 12.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department participated in a Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign from August 16 through September 1.

During the special enforcment, Falls City Police officers conducted 94 traffic stops with 34 citations and 60 warnings being issued. Several arrests were made--including two for Driving Under the Influce and two for being a fugitive from justice.

In addition to the ticket activity, officers responed to 292 calls for servcie which included five accidents, a criminal homicide, three death investigations, four assaults, two sexual assaults, four child abuse complaints along with two terroristic threats, a theft, four MIP calls and a wayward and disobedient minor along with several others.

Falls City officers worked a total of 58 overtime hours during the campaign. The cost for these overtime hours was funded through a grant provided by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, Highway Safety Office.

The Falls City Police Department expressed their thanks to the Citzens of Falls City and all of their community partners for their continued support.

The Falls City PD encourages all drivers to drive safely, don't drink and drive and the buckle up, every trip, every time.

(KLZA)-- Following an executive session to discuss personnel matters Wednesday evening, the Falls City Council approved changes to the city management structure and a new staffing strategy.

In August, the Board of Public Works adopted new job descriptions for Electric Superintendent and Public Works Superintendent for future support to the Director of Public Works / Utility Superintendent.

The positons are intended to create additional management and provide succession planning for critical utility functions.

The Board is not recommending the positions be filled immediately.

Two administrative staff members at City Hall are resigning their poisitions for other opportunities. Sandra Ferris, Deputy City Administrator / Clerk/ Treasurer has been with the city for more than 20 years. In addition, a third person working in the city office is also leaving the city's employment.

The Council also approved new job descriptions for a position titled Deputy City Clerk / Human Resources and the position of Deputy Treasurer / Utility Billing Manager.

Currently, the offices of City Clerk and City Treasurer remain merged within the City Administrators role.

In a report to the Mayor and Council, Administrator, Clerk, Treasurer Anthony Nussbaum says the current structure has become increasingly challenging due to the growth in complexity of city operations and financial oversight.

(MSC News)----The State of Kansas ends August 2025 with total tax collections at $692.3 million. That is $26.2 million, or 3.9%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 4.0% from August 2024.

“This month- stronger-than-expected tax collections highlight the strength of Kansas’ work to attract business investment and workforce development, evidenced by reported witholdings up 13.7% over August of 2024,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “However, even if these better-than-expected revenues continue, I remain concerned about the reckless budget- impact on the long-term fiscal health of the state and the risk of departing from the course of fiscal responsibility we have been on.”

Individual income tax collections were $361.2 million, which is $16.2 million, or 4.7% above the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 9.7% from August 2024. Corporate income tax collections were $18.2 million, which is $1.8 million, or 9.0% below the estimate, and down 9.7% from August 2024.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $294.2 million, which is $11.2 million, or 4.0% above the estimate, and down 0.1% from August 2024.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have set a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget for Tuesday, September 16 at 6 p.m. to be held in the Commissioners room at the Richardson County Courthouse.

In addition, the Board will conduct a public hearing at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, on changing the tax levy from the previous year to a different amount.

(KLZA)-- Just a day after a boil water order was lifted for residents of the Village of Nemaha, Nebraska, a new boil order has been issued.

Water pressure was lost in parts of the system due to either planned mantenance or an unexpected occurrence.

There is not necessarily an immediate risk to public health, however, pressure loss in the pipes can create conditons for bacterial growth.

Nemaha water system customers should not drink the water without boiling it first for one minute and letting it cool. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and food preparaiton until further notice.

Water Operator Alan Slater says a well will be pulled and repaired with the work expected to be completed on Friday.

The boil water notice is in effect until further notice.

(KLZA)-- Just a day after a boil water order was lifted for residents of the Village of Nemaha, Nebraska, a new boil order has been issued.

Water pressure was lost in parts of the system due to eitehr planned mantenance or an unexpectedoccurrence.

There is not necessarily an immediate risk to public health, however, pressure loss in the pipes can create conditons for bacterial growth.

Nemaha water system customers should not drink the water without boiling it first for one minute and letting it cool. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth and food preparaiton until furhter notice.

Waer Operator Alan Slater says a well will be pulled and repaired with the work expected to be completed on Friday.

The boil water notice is in effect until further notice.

(KMZA)--Police are warning of a scam targeting members of a local northeast Kansas church.

The scam targets members of NorthRidge Church in Seneca.

Church members have received emails from a scammer pretending to be a pastor at the church. The scammer asks them to purchase gift cards.

The Seneca Police Department is investigating the scam.

Nationwide, the FTC says impersonation scams cost Americans more than a billion dollars in 2023.

(KLZA)-- The Nemaha County, Nebraska Sheriff's Office received a report of a two-vehicle crash about three miles south of Auburn on U-S Highway 75 shortly after 3:15 Wednesday morning.

A southbound semi tractor-trailer was struck between the front axle and drive axles by a northbound Chrysler Town & Country mini-van that crossed into the southbound lane. The driver of the truck was unable to avoid the collision.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured.

The driver and only occupant of the mini-van was pronounced dead at the scene.

The identification of the driver is being withheld pending the nofitication of next-of-kin.

Highway 75 was closed for several hours to process the scene and clear the roadway.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Patrol are investigating the crash.

Auburn Fire and Rescue and the Nemaha Fire Department also responded to the scene.

(KAIR)--The search continued Wednesday for a man missing in Jefferson County since the night of August 30, with numerous agencies, including those from neighboring counties, along with volunteers, searching the area where Patrick Anno Crim was last seen.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says 34-year-old Crim disappeared after last being seen that night around 9:45 while attending the ABATE Bike Rally at Paradise Point, near Ozawkie.

That location, Jefferson County Emergency Manager Keith Jeffers says, was searched Wednesday, with a release from Jeffers saying despite the effort, Crim remains missing.

According to the release, "Jefferson County Emergency Management along with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Perry Lake Project, the Kansas Wildlife and Parks - Perry State Park Rangers and Fire Districts from Winchester (District 10), Fairview (District 6), Grantville (District 1), Ozawkie (District 7) and Meriden (District 5) and Jefferson County Public Health worked together to conduct a comprehensive search of the large area."

Others included with assisting the search, which utilized the use of drones, dogs, and boats, were Atchison County Emergency Management, Atchison County EMS, the Kansas Search and Rescue Dog Association, known as KSARDA and lead by Dr. Lillian Lockwood, and more than 40 other volunteers who walked the area looking for Crim.

Despite the search effort, which began Wednesday morning, Crim was not located, with the release saying the search was called off at 5:00 Wednesday evening by Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig and Jeffers.

The search efforts will continue, the release explains, with "the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department Detectives doing additional investigations with family and friends" of Crim.

Crim, who is white, was last seen wearing a tan t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and slide on sandals. He may have been wearing a ballcap and carrying a silver flashlight. Crim was not in possession of his wallet, and his cellphone does not answer, meaning it's either turned off or has a dead battery.

Anyone who has additional information regarding the whereabouts of Crim, or has seen him since Saturday, is asked to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff Department at the 9-1-1 Dispatch office at 785-863-2351.

(KLZA)-- The U.S. Government has named three minerals contained in the mineral resource of NioCorp Developments proposed Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project as among the most vital to U.S. national and economic security of all 54 critical minerals.

All of the major minerals in NioCorp's resource at the proposed Elk Creek Project are designated critical minerals.

As a result, NioCorp believes its project is one of the most strategic pure-play critical minerals projects in the U.S.

A recently issued report by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey found that three minerals in NioCorp's mineral resource, niobium, dysprosium, and terbium, were named among the top 10 most critical minerals to the U.S.

(KLZA)-- A section of U-S Highway 75 was shut down for several hours early Wednesday morning due to a wreck in Nemaha County, Nebraska.

The wreck was north of the Stella Corner.

The Highway was reopened shortly before 10 a.m. following the wreck that occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m.

No other details are currently available.

(KNZA)--A Centralia man is named as a person of interest in recent criminal activity in Brown and Jackson counties, with authorities in both asking for the public's help in locating him.

A release, issued jointly Wednesday on behalf of both Sheriff's Offices, identifies him as Joshua Heideman, a 38-year-old white male who stands 6-feet tall and weighs approximately 230 pounds.

Anyone with information regarding Heideman's whereabouts is asked to contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office, 785-742-7125 or the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, 785-364-2251.

(KAIR)--An Atchison attorney, and municipal court judge, is named as one of three nominees in the final running to fill a 1st Judicial District Court Judge vacancy.

A release Tuesday names Patrick Henderson among the pool of three whose names are sent by the 1st Judicial District Nominating Commission to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. She has 60 days to decide which one of the three will fill the vacancy for the Judicial District, comprised of Atchison and Leavenworth counties.

The Nominating Commission, on August 28, interviewed eight nominees, now narrowed to the final three, in the process to fill the vacancy created when District Judge Dan Wiley retired July 6.

(KAIR)--Two separate cases of court warrant arrests leave two men facing additional drug related charges following their arrests as they walked on Atchison streets in recent days.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says the first arrest was made early Friday evening when an officer on patrol spotted Jeremiah Mullins on foot in the area of 9th and Unity streets.

Knowing he was wanted on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear in court, the officer stopped Mullins and took him into custody for the warrant. However, Wilson says it- alleged that when arrested, Mullins was in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, with the 21-year-old Atchison resident now facing those charges.

The second arrest came at 12 noon Sunday when James Myers, of Warrensburg, Missouri, was seen walking in the 300 block of Atchison's South 4th Street by an officer on patrol.

Wilson, saying the 37-year-old Myers was known to the officer for being wanted on a Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear, stopped him and took him into custody for that infraction.

However, Wilson says Myers was allegedly found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at the time of the arrest, with those charges now faced in court.

Both Mullins and Myers, following their individual arrests, were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KAIR)--The search continued Tuesday evening for a missing man following an alert issued through a news release earlier in the day by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

According to the release, 34-year-old Patrick Crim, identified as a white male, "has been missing from the Abate Bike Rally since 9:45 PM on Saturday August 30th."

WIBW-TV, citing Sheriff Jeff Herrig, reports there had been no reports of foul play associated with Crim's disappearance.

Although Crim's city of residence isn't included in the Sheriff's Office release, KSNT-TV, also citing the Sheriff, reports it's believed he's from Topeka.

The Sheriff's Office is seeking public help in locating Crim, with the release closing by saying "if you believe you have seen [Crim] or know of his whereabouts please contact the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office as soon as possible (785) 863 2765.

(KNZA)---Four individuals were arrested recently in Jackson County on drug and other charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said a Sheriff's deputy during the early morning hours of last Friday conducted a trafffic stop on a BMW, just north of 94th Road on U.S. 75 Highway.

A Jackson County Sheriff's K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, open alcohol containers and a firearm were located.

The driver, 45-year-old Junction City resident Jeffery Day, was arrested for criminal possession of a firearm while addicted to a controlled substance.

The passenger, 42-year-old Crystalyn Gocobachi, also of Junction City, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

A Holton man was arrested late Saturday night after Sheriff's deputy initiated a motorist assist with a vehicle on U.S.75 Highway near 118th Road.

Morse said the deputy located an open container, and discovered alleged methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

The rear seat passenger, 53-year-old Timothy Hall, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

Then during the early morning hours of Sunday, a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Nissen Maxima on 150th Road near Q Road for an alleged traffic infraction.

Morse said the driver, identified as 49-year-old Topeka resident Arlando Latham, was arrested for possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

All four were booked into the Jackson County Jail following their arrests.

(KLZA)-- The boil water order for the Village of Nemaha, Nebraska has been lifted.

The contamination has been correctd. Speical samples have been submitted ans the results were negative for total coliform and E. coli.

You no longer need to boil your water or use boiled water or use bottled water.

The boil water order had been in effect since August 25th.

(KNZA)--A Highland woman was arrested after a stolen vehicle was recovered in Doniphan County last week.

Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington, in a release, said at about 1 pm. on August 28th, the Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a vehicle stationary in the roadway within the 500 Block of 265th Road, in rural Doniphan County.

Upon discovery, Wolvington said the vehicle was reported stolen during the early morning hours within the city limits of Leavenworth.

Shortly after, 50-year-old Tonya White was arrested on suspicion of possession of stolen property.

Following her arrest, White was booked into the Doniphan County Jail, where she remains held on a $25,000 bond.

Wolvington said the vehicle was successfully placed back within the owner's possession.

(KNZA)--Two people were killed Sunday evening in a three-vehicle cash in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened at the intersection of K-237 and U.S. 24 Highways, about five miles west of Ferguson Road.

According to the KHP report, 33-year-old Shelby Copp, of Oskaloosa, was driving a Hyundai SUV southbound on K-237 when she failed to stop a a stop sign and struck the passenger side of a westbound Chevy Suburban on U.S. 24 driven by 68-year-old Douglas Gould, of Topeka.

The Suburban was towing a boat trailer, which detached, and struck a westbound Chevy Silverado pickup truck.

Copp was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two children in her vehicle, ages 6 and 8, were transported to area hospitals with suspected serious injuries.

A passenger in the Suburban, 66-year-old Topeka resident Connie Gould, was pronounced dead at the scene,

Douglas Gould was transported to a Topeka Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the pickup and his passenger, both 16-year-old Topeka residents, were not hurt.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson County Central Board of Education adopted a resolution on a 5-1 vote during their August meeting to purchase property described as Outlot D in the Shawnee Ridge Addition at a price of $800,000. Board member Dan Jones cast the lone dissenting vote.

The Nemaha Valley Observer reports the land purchase was in preparation for a future school bond election to construct a building to house Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade students.

Two previous bond issues have failed in the Johnson County Central District.

(KLZA)-- During last weeks meeting of the Board, Richardson County Third District Commissioner Rick Karas expressed appreciation to everyone that appeared during the August 20 meeting of the Commissioners to voice their concerns with the conditions of the county roads.

Karas said that items mentioned during that meeting have been and are being addressed.

District II Commissioner Bobby Campbell told Sheriff Rick Hardesty during his report that he had received a phone call from a landowner concerning debris from a motor vehicle accident left on the county road right-of-way.

That was followed by a discussion of the activity within the Sac & Fox Reservation area and who is responsible for clean up, the Sheriffs Department or the Tribal Police. A wreck on 656 Road that is within the reservation boundaries led to the discussion.

The Board requested that Sheriff Hardesty meet with the tribal police departments to review the areas of responsibility for the continued safety and protection of the public.

Commissioners also reviewed some areas that need to be addressed with the upper part of the Courthouse which may be causing some water damage to occur inside of the building.

Insurance information received regarding damage to the roof of the Law Enforcement Center from a hailstorm was also discussed.

Options for repairs will be reviewed further.

(MSC News)--Flags across Kansas, Wednesday, will fly at half-staff in honor of a fallen Kansas City, Kansas Police Officer.

According to his obituary from the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, Officer Hunter Simoncic was 26-years-old when he was killed August 26 "while proudly serving his community."

Kansas City-area media reports he died after being struck by a vehicle as he and other officers attempted to stop a suspect.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, on Tuesday, issued an Executive Order directing that flags be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on Wednesday, the day of Simoncic's services.

Kelly, in the release announcing her flag directive, says Simoncic, beyond his work as a police officer, "was committed to leaving a lasting positive impact on the Kansas City community."

(KLZA)-- The 72^nd Annual Holt County Autumn Festival begins Wednesday and continues through Saturday in Oregon, Missouri.

The theme for this years event is “Stars, Stripes, and Autumn Nights.”

There will be carnival rides and inflatables along with games and food booths set up by Ozark Amusements Thursday through Saturday around the square in Oregon.

The opening ceremony of the Festival will be Wednesday evening.

The baby show will kick the event off at 5 p.m. in the bandstand on the courthouse lawn at 5 p.m. Other events during the Festival include the Junior Queen contest at 7 p-m. There will be an open pie contest and ice cream social on Wednesday, September 3 followed by the Senior Queen contest.

On Thursday, Sept. 4 judging of exhibits will be completed at 11 a.m. there will be a 4:30 p.m. kids water fight on Main Street; Bingo o the courthouse lawn from 4:30 - 6 p.m. with the Prince and Princess contest to be held at 6:30 p.m at the bandstand.

The Junior Miss Queen contest will 8 p.m. Thursday at the bandstand.

Other events during the festival include a children's parade and children's events, a 5K run, a pet sow, tractor, car and golf cart show and a general parade.

(KLZA)-- Equity Bankshares, Inc. the Wichita, Kansas based holding company of Equity Bank, announced Tuesday morning that it has entered into a merger agreement with Frontier Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Frontier Bank in Omaha, adding seven Nebraska locations, including Frontier Bank in Falls City .

Since 1880, Richardson County Bank & Trust and Frontier Bank have served customers in the Falls City area. Market President of Frontier Bank in Falls City, Trent Scheitel said in a news release that this partnership will ensure the banks commitment to serving customers will continue forward with the partnership providing expanded technology and the ability to support larger loan relationships.

Subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, the merger is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2025. Following completion, Frontier Bank will merge with and into Equity Bank.

Frontier Bank currently operates seven Nebraska locations including Falls City, two in Lincoln, and locations in Madison, Norfolk, Omaha and Pender. As of June 30, 2025, Frontier Bank had $1.4 billion in total assets including $1.3 billion in loans and $1.1 billion in deposits.

Performa Equity Bank will have $7.8 billion in total assets and serve customers in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and now Nebraska.

(KNZA)---Four local lakes remain under public health advisories due to the presence of blue-green algae.

According to a joint release issued Friday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Atchison City Lake #9 and the Atchison State Fishing Lake have been elevated to " warning" status.

The Atchison County Lake also remains under " warning" status, while Horton's Mission Lake in Brown County remains under " watch" 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.

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

(KAIR)--Two separate, weekend violent crimes in Atchison, one involving a stabbing and the other involving a threat with a knife, land three in custody.

Both crimes occurred Sunday, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who, in a release, says one of the two cases involved Atchison Police responding to the 800 block of South 5th Street where officers "began an investigation that focused on an incident that had occurred between two people" at that location, although neither was there when police arrived.

Instead, Wilson says, "officers soon learned that a [31-year-old woman] was at [Atchison's] Amberwell Hospital being treated for a stab wound to the leg, leading investigators to determine "that an argument had occurred between two females who were known to each other and had been in a vehicle together when the two exited the vehicle in the 800 block South 5th Street where a disturbance occurred and the 31 year old victim was stabbed in the leg."

Taken to the hospital by a family member, the woman was treated and released, as police continued their search for a 29-year-old suspect who was located shortly after 9:00 Sunday night in the 400 block of South 10th Street.

Arrested was Allison Blakely, of Atchison, who was taken into custody on charges for allegedly committing the stabbing, with Wilson adding that, at the time of her arrest, Blakely was allegedly in the possession of fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana, and also faces those related charges.

She was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

The other case unfolded around 7:00 Sunday evening when officers were called to a disturbance at an Atchison hotel, located in the 400 block of South 10th Street, where they "determined that a disturbance had occurred between two men" who knew each other; and during that argument, the 35-year-old suspect threatened the 24-year-old victim with a knife.

The suspect, identified as Laredo, Texas resident Ignacio Gonzalez, was taken into custody at the scene, arrested for aggravated assault.

Also arrested was another man at the scene, identified as Daniel Shaw, who was arrested for interference with law enforcement.

The victim was not reported as suffering any injuries.

Once in custody, both Gonzalez and Shaw were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--Two people were killed Sunday evening in a three-vehicle cash in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened at the intersection of K-237 and U.S. 24 Highways, about five miles west of Ferguson Road, around 8:30.

According to the KHP report, 33-year-old Shelby Copp, of Oskaloosa, was driving a Hyundai SUV southbound on K-237 when she failed to stop a stop sign and struck the passenger side of a westbound Chevy Suburban on U.S. 24 driven by 68-year-old Douglas Gould, of Topeka.

The Suburban was towing a boat trailer, which detached, and struck a westbound Chevy Silverado pickup truck.

Copp was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two children in her vehicle, ages 6 and 8, were transported to area hospitals with suspected serious injuries.

A passenger in the Suburban, 66-year-old Topeka resident Connie Gould, was pronounced dead at the scene,

Douglas Gould was transported to a Topeka Hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the pickup and his passenger, both 16-year-old Topeka residents, were not hurt.

(KNZA)--A juvenile suspect was arrested for allegedly making a bomb threat to the Kickapoo Nation School in Powhattan.

The Kickapoo Tribal Police Department, in a release, said the Department received a call Friday morning from a Kickapoo Nation School employee reporting a potential bomb threat that was made the day prior.

It was said an explosive device may have been hidden in the main building on campus by the suspect.

Officers with the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department, Brown County Sheriff- office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff- Office and Iowa Tribe Police Department responded to the school.

A search was conducted for the possible explosive device. No device was located during the search.

The juvenile suspect was arrested following the incident and was transported to a juvenile detention facility.

No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

(KAIR)--Littering, vandalism, and graffiti in parks and bathrooms leads the City of Atchison to ask citizens to be aware and report such crimes, while, at the same time, citing those issues as to why a downtown, public bathroom undergoes new hours.

According to a release from the City, which calls the cited acts "illegal, harmful to other citizens, and costly to repair," explains that "the public bathroom located under the 5th Street viaduct will now only be open between 8 am and 3 pm each day (and during special events)," with the released adding that "City staff are reviewing other possible security and safety measures to institute at several City parks."

The 5th Street viaduct is known as being widely used by members of the Atchison homeless community as a temporary shelter, with those persons sometimes advised to use that location if no other option is immediately available.

The release adds that the City is "calling upon the residents of Atchison to report any littering, vandalism, or graffiti to the City as quickly as possible so we can remedy the problem," explaining that "the City...has over 500 acres of public parkland and a limited staff to patrol it."