(KNZA)--The 2025 Hiawatha Halloween Queen was crowned Friday evening, prior to the grand parade, which concluded the 111th annual Halloween Frolic.

Selected for the honor was Kamryn McCauley, a senior at Doniphan West High School. As the winner, McCauley will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

The 1st runner-up and winner of a $500 scholarship was Ava Payne, a senior at Sabetha High School.

Named as Miss Congeniality and the winner of a $250 scholarship was Quinn Boye, a senior at Hiawatha High School.

11 area girls competed in this year's scholarship contest.

The girls were judged on an essay, a talent portion and interview, along with leadership skills, community involvement and scholastic achievements.

(KAIR)--A public health advisory has been lifted for Atchison City Lake #9 due to blue-green algae.

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

The lake had been placed on the advisory list in early June.

Advisories are lifted when cell densities and toxin concentrations dissipate to levels below the Watch thresholds.

The release says the Atchison County Lake remains on the advisory list, but has been lowered from " warning" to " watch" status.

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)--The Boil Water Advisory, issued in mid-October for Atchison County Rural Water District 5C, has been revised.

That word delivered Friday in a release from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which says the water district, along with its customers of the City of Lancaster, also in Atchison County, and Doniphan County's Rural Water District 3, remain under the revised advisory, issued Friday "because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system." Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and to contamination.

The advisory remains in place until further notice, with affected users continuing to be told to boil water for at least one minute, or to use bottled water, if its going to be ingested.

KDHE, in the release, specifies that the advisory does not affect water district customers of the city of Nortonville, Doniphan Co RWD 5, or the city of Effingham.

The line break, leading to the revised boil water advisory, happened Friday morning, with Lancaster Mayor Ryan Hermreck telling MSC News crews, at that time, were working to make the needed repairs.

(KNZA)--A vehicle-deer collision in southern Jackson County Thursday evening left a Topeka man injured.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 67-year-old Robert Munoz was northbound on U.S. 75 Highway, just south of 102nd Road, when his Ford pickup collided with a deer that had entered the roadway shortly before 7:15.

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

A passenger, 67-year-old Rose Munoz, of Topeka, was not hurt.

The Patrol says both occupants were wearing seat belts.

(MSC News)--Former Kickapoo Tribal Chairman Lester Randall is going to prison.

In a release, the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas said Randall was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court to ten years in prison on a charge of sexual exploitation of a minor (receipt of child pornography.

He previously pleaded guilty to the charge. In exchange for the plea, the remaining counts against him at the governement request.

As part of his sentence, the release says Randall is required to register as a sex offender under federal law, is prohibited from having contact with minors or his victims, and must comply with extensive computer and cybercrime monitoring restrictions. The court also imposed financial assessments totaling $1,100, with restitution to victims scheduled for determination on January 7, 2026.

In January, from the the Kickapoo Tribal Court banished Randall from the Tribe for sixty years following his convictions in Tribal Court for attempted homicide and attempted arson.

“The acts committed by Mr. Randall were reprehensible and deeply damaging to victims, families, and our community,” said Gail Cheatham, Chairperson of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas. “As a sovereign nation, we are committed to protecting our people—especially our children—and to ensuring that justice and accountability are upheld both within our jurisdiction and under federal law.”

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission is considering reducing the 2 acre building site requirement.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, Northeast Kansas Environmental Services Health Specialist Martha Smith and Zoning Administrator Julie Meng appeared before the Commission Monday to discuss the issue.

From a wastewater standpoint, Smith said the average septic system needs 1,000 square feet, and that much more for future expansion, as well as environmental codes call for a set back distance from wells.

She cautioned the Commissioners that by reducing the acreage requirement there would be limited space for future expansion or relocation of current septic systems should they fail. In addition, Smith said some areas of the county, where poorer soil conditions exist, are not conducive to reducing the acreage requirement for a septic system.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has certain setback requirements and geological factors that also play into the acreage requirements for wastewater systems.

Meng said changing the acreage limit would require amending current environmental and zoning codes.

Chairman Commission Wayne Grable said the county would like to see more houses built in rural areas, but the current 2.0 acreage requirement makes it hard to buy land to build on.

Commissioners took the matter under advisement.

(KLZA)-- Great West Petfood Holdings announced Thursday that it will close its Falls City Foods, LLC facility as part of a broader strategic initiative to streamline operations and enhance efficiency across the company. The facility's final day of operations is scheduled for December 17, 2025.

This decision follows a comprehensive review of the company's operational footprint. While it was a difficult step, it aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen long-term performance and position the business for future growth.

Great West emphasized that the closure is not a reflection of business performance or financial health. The company remains strong and focused on continued investment and expansion opportunities within its broader network.

The company expressed deep gratitude to the Falls City community, the Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise, Falls City Chamber Main Street, and local leaders for their exceptional partnership and support. Their efforts, collaboration, and commitment gave Falls City Foods every opportunity to succeed.

Falls City Foods is providing severance packages and additional transition support to affected employees. Operations from the Falls City facility will be transitioned to other company locations to ensure uninterrupted service to customers and partners.

At this time, the building will not be listed for sale, as opportunities are being explored to repurpose the property through interior alternative means. The Great West corporate employees currently based in the Falls City Foods office will continue their employment and operations from this location.

Great West remains committed to being an active and engaged member of the community and will continue its participation in both the EDGE and the Chamber of Commerce.

(KLZA)-- October 23 - 31 is Red Ribbon Week, a time to reflect on the consequences of drug use and the role parents, educators, health care professionals, peers, and all citizens of Nebraska can play in preventing drug use by encouraging healthy behaviors, raising awareness, and directing those who need help to seek assistance.

The national Red Ribbon week theme is “Life's a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free." The theme serves as a reminder that daily choices piece together a bigger picture and are the building blocks of the future. Every day, every individual has the power to make decisions leading to a brighter tomorrow.

Early education about healthy behaviors and intervention can reduce the impact of substance use and mental health disorders on families, classrooms, and communities. Dependence on substances impairs an individual's ability to work, interact with family, socialize with peers, and manage daily activities.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says youth, families, and communities are more resilient when action is taken to stop the initiation and progression of substance use. Engaging in conversations about the consequences associated with substance use and shedding light on the resources available to help people be in recovery at their own pace builds a stronger Nebraska,

The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. The red ribbon symbolizes a continued commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities and to honor those who have given their lives fighting to keep communities safe.

Action to improve our communities and participate in Red Ribbon Week can be taken in several meaningful ways:

• Wear red ribbons and distribute them to your friends, family, volunteers, staff, and employees.

• Get to know the parents of your children's friends. Work together to set boundaries and encourage kids to solve problems by seeking help from trusted sources. Children are less likely to misuse substances when parents and other role models are involved in setting examples of healthy behaviors.

• Check out more Red Ribbon Week resources from the National Family Partnership: www.redribbon.org/resources

• Safeguard medications by storing them in lockboxes to reduce the chance of medications being ingested by an individual without the prescription.

• Dispose of prescription drugs to keep homes and communities safe. Leftover prescriptions, especially drugs for pain management, present risks of overdose, poisoning, misuse, or addiction for family members, yourself, or friends. Unused prescription drugs tossed in the trash can be retrieved and sold illegally. Drugs flushed down toilets can contaminate the water supply or accidentally be ingested by an individual, creating a dangerous and potentially tragic situation. Contact your local pharmacy for more information on proper disposal methods in your area.

• Have conversations about resources to prevent or respond to a substance use crisis.

  • 988 offers 24/7 access to mental health and substance use crisis response, suicide prevention response, crisis de-escalation, and connection to local care and treatment resources. Call or text 988, or webchat at 988lifeline.org.

• • NARCAN nasal spray is an immediate response to reverse an opioid overdose. Access NARCAN at stopodne.com .​

(KLZA)-- October 23 - 31 is Red Ribbon Week, a time to reflect on the consequences of drug use and the role parents, educators, health care professionals, peers, and all citizens of Nebraska can play in preventing drug use by encouraging healthy behaviors, raising awareness, and directing those who need help to seek assistance.

The national Red Ribbon week theme is “Life's a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free." The theme serves as a reminder that daily choices piece together a bigger picture and are the building blocks of the future. Every day, every individual has the power to make decisions leading to a brighter tomorrow.

Early education about healthy behaviors and intervention can reduce the impact of substance use and mental health disorders on families, classrooms, and communities. Dependence on substances impairs an individual's ability to work, interact with family, socialize with peers, and manage daily activities.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says youth, families, and communities are more resilient when action is taken to stop the initiation and progression of substance use. Engaging in conversations about the consequences associated with substance use and shedding light on the resources available to help people be in recovery at their own pace builds a stronger Nebraska,

The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. The red ribbon symbolizes a continued commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities and to honor those who have given their lives fighting to keep communities safe.

Action to improve our communities and participate in Red Ribbon Week can be taken in several meaningful ways:

• Wear red ribbons and distribute them to your friends, family, volunteers, staff, and employees.

• Get to know the parents of your children's friends. Work together to set boundaries and encourage kids to solve problems by seeking help from trusted sources. Children are less likely to misuse substances when parents and other role models are involved in setting examples of healthy behaviors.

• Check out more Red Ribbon Week resources from the National Family Partnership: www.redribbon.org/resources

• Safeguard medications by storing them in lockboxes to reduce the chance of medications being ingested by an individual without the prescription.

• Dispose of prescription drugs to keep homes and communities safe. Leftover prescriptions, especially drugs for pain management, present risks of overdose, poisoning, misuse, or addiction for family members, yourself, or friends. Unused prescription drugs tossed in the trash can be retrieved and sold illegally. Drugs flushed down toilets can contaminate the water supply or accidentally be ingested by an individual, creating a dangerous and potentially tragic situation. Contact your local pharmacy for more information on proper disposal methods in your area.

• Have conversations about resources to prevent or respond to a substance use crisis.

  • 988 offers 24/7 access to mental health and substance use crisis response, suicide prevention response, crisis de-escalation, and connection to local care and treatment resources. Call or text 988, or webchat at 988lifeline.org.

• • NARCAN nasal spray is an immediate response to reverse an opioid overdose. Access NARCAN at stopodne.com .​

(KNZA)---An early Thursday morning two-vehicle crash in Jefferson County sent an Ozwakie teenager to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened at the intersection of K-4 Highway and East Main Street in Meriden shortly before 7:50.

According the KHP report, 46-year-old Jacob Monhollon, of Ozawkie, was driving a Toyota Highlander eastbound on East Main Street when he turned east onto K-4 Highway.

The Patrol said Monhollon failed to yield the right-of-way to a westbound Ford Escape on K-4 driven by 17-year-old Ava Morrow, of Ozawkie.

Morrow's vehicle struck the driver's side of the Toyota.

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

Monhollon was not hurt.

The Patrol says both drivers were alone in their vehicle and were wearing seat belts.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Planning Commission held a public hearing Monday evening to consider adoption of a proposed Land Development Code for the county, but took no action following the hearing.

Nemaha County Counselor/County Administrator Austin Parker gave an overview of the plan, saying the entire county will be zoned agricultural. The floor was then opened up to those individuals who had signed up to speak.

15 county residents spoke during the hearing. Of those, five were against the zoning code, five were in favor and the remaining five did not express an opinion either way.

The zoning code was prepared by Parker, with the input of the county Planning Commission.

Parker said the purpose of the document is to promote the welfare of Nemaha County residents by managing land use and development, including protecting agricultural land from incompatible uses.

Planning Commission Chairman Brent Alverson said the Commission will need to make some wording adjustments to the zoning code before moving forward with a recommendation to the Nemaha County Commission.

Discussion on the matter will take place during the Planning Commission's next meeting on December 1st at 6 pm at the Pioneer Building meeting room.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved two curb and gutter repair projects.

Acting on the recommendation of Public Works Director Dominic Grier, the Commission approved authorizing J & B Contractors to complete work on the curb and gutter at 2nd and Oregon Streets for a total cost of $18,964.

Also the Commission approved having J & B Contractors remove and replace 344 feet of curb and gutter between Cherokee and Kansas Avenue on the east side of the street, and remove and replace the alley approach between the two streets for a total cost of $14,848.

In other business, Daren Ronnebaum, owner of Precision Aerial Ag, in Seneca, appeared before the Commission to discuss a proposal for a long-term lease of the old hangars at the city airport.

He said he works quite a bit in the Hiawatha area in the summer and would like to use the hanger facility for chemical storage.

Ronnebaum said electricity and water would be needed. He said he would be willing to make needed repairs to the facility, including installing new doors.

The Commission was receptive to his proposal, but lease details will need to be worked out.

Also City Administrator Brad Scott informed the Commission that he had accepted a bid from Aller's LLC for the demolition of a derelict house at 310 Hiawatha Avenue in the amount of $8,700.

(KNZA)--The 111th Annual Hiawatha Halloween Frolic will be held Friday, October 31st.

The Frolic, which has been a tradition since 1914, was started by Elizabeth Krebs in an effort to give the town's youth something else to do besides tearing up her gardens.

This year's theme is " Hiawatha's Haunted Happenings."

The Frolic will feature the Miss Mary Children Costume Contest at 1:00 in the afternoon at the Brown County Historical Society's Memorial Auditorium, with registration starting at 12 noon.

The traditional afternoon Kiddie Parade will kick off around the Courthouse Square in downtown Hiawatha at 3:00.

This year's Hiawatha Halloween Queen will be crowned in a ceremony at 6:00, on the north side of the Courthouse. 11 girls are vying for the title.

The day's activities will wrap up with the grand evening parade, beginning at 7:00.

Jay and Bev Brock will serve as grand marshal's of this year's parade. They were nominated by the public for the honor and voted on by Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau members.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is notifying those affected that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, November 2025 SNAP issuances may be delayed or disrupted.

This means November 2025 SNAP benefits may not be available on EBT cards at the regular issuance dates, unless the shutdown has been resolved. However, any previously received unspent issuances will remain available for use.

DHHS staff remain available to accept and process applications, recertifications, and reported changes. Applications may be submitted, and changes should continue to be reported.

As additional guidance is received from federal partners, updates will be made to the DHHS website.

Due to the situation with SNAP benefits, the 4 County Collaborative serving Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha and Johnson counties in Southeast Nebraska is asking everone to help out with local needs since this will create a greater burden on local food pantries.
You are being asked to help donate to local food pantries if you are able through Southeast Nebraska Community Action and Catholic Social Services.

For SENCA donations can be made Thursday's and Friday's from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Auburn SENCA Office on the west side of the Courthouse Square.

In Falls City drop offs can be made Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

In Pawnee County you can drop food by 418, 11th Street, in Apartment 137 all day on Wednesday and you can contact the Transit Driver the other four days of the week.

In Tecumseh, drop off times are Monday's and Tuesday's from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 172 South 4th Street.

For those wanting to donate to Catholic Social Services, their food pantry is located at 1014 Central Avenue in Auburn. You can drop off donations at St. Francis Gift & Thrift Store anytime the store is open. Hours are Wednesday's 10 a-m to 2 p.m. Thursday's from 2 p.m - 6 p.m. and Saturday's from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For large donations, contact April Boellstorff via text at 402-327-6242.

In addition, the Project Response Pantry is also available to support individuals and families in Nemaha, Richardson, Johnson, Otoe and Pawnee Counties.

The pantry operates by appointment only Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

(KNZA)--Changes are being proposed to Brown County's Neighborhood Revitalization plan, which is up for renewal at the end of the year.

Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development Director Mikaela Moore and County Appraiser Steve Markham met with the Brown County Commission Monday to discuss possible changes to enhance the plan .

Moore said housing needs to be a priority. She said the county needs residential housing to attract new business, and added new homes will increase the county's tax base.

The county currently offers a five-year tax rebate plan, with a 75 percent rebate on additional property taxes resulting from improvements. To qualify, projects must increase the property's value by at least $15,000. Both residential and commercial properties are eligible for the plan

Proposed changes discussed included increasing the length of the plan to 10-years, increasing the minimum improvement value for residential, updating the rebate schedule and including agriculture property.

County Counselor Austin Parker will work with Moore and Markham on drafting a new plan for the Commission's approval.

(KAIR)--A number of vehicles are reported as having been broken into within the city limits of Highland, and Doniphan County authorities are seeking the public's help in discovering who's responsible.

A release from Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington says his office, along with the Highland Police Department, on Monday "responded to numerous reports of vehicles that had been broken into in the Highland city limits during" the early morning hours, sometime between 3 to 5:00, with the release noting that "several items were taken from multiple vehicles."

Investigators, the release says, "are currently reviewing evidence and surveillance footage from various locations," as the Sheriff's Office asks "anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area or has additional security footage that could assist in the investigation to please come forward."

Surveillance camera footage of a suspect SUV has been made public by investigators.

Wolvington, in the release, says the Sheriff's Office is asking the Doniphan County "community to stay alert and help...identify those responsible," noting that "even the smallest piece of information can make a difference in solving this case and preventing future crime."

Anyone with related information is encouraged to contact the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office at (785) 985-3711.

Residents are also reminded to remove valuables from vehicles, lock all doors, and report suspicious activity immediately.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners approved purchases of a motor grader and a new pickup for the Road Department when they met last week.

A 2026 John Deere. 6-wheel drive Motor Grader will be purchased through the Sourcewell state and local purchasing contract in an amount of $368,500 from Murphy Tractor & Equipment of Lincoln.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. informed the Board that Armbruster Motor Company in Falls City submitted a revision to their quote on a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty pickup lowering the quote form $56,950 to $55,900.

Following a review of the bids presented the prior week, Commissioners voted unanimously to purchase the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado F2500 HD pickup from Armbruster Motor Company in an amount of $55,900.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported that Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeremiah Franks is resigning. His last day on the job will be November 2. Other staffing changes that have occurred were also reviewed.

The Board approved rehiring former employee Brody Mendenhall who will be employed in the dispatch area of the Law Enforcement Center.

(KAIR)--A weekend traffic stop attempt, in Atchison County, turns into a pursuit, with the teenage driver arrested after passing over the Leavenworth County line.

Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, in a release, says the attempted stop was made around 1:30 Saturday morning when a deputy spotted the vehicle speeding on U.S. Highway 73, near 218 Road.

Instead of stopping, it's alleged the accused speeder drove off, fleeing from the scene southbound on the highway, which turned into a short pursuit.

Laurie says the driver, a 16-year-old, decided to stop south of the county line, in Leavenworth County, where they were taken into custody by the deputy.

The teen, whose name is not made public due to their age, was later released to an adult with a referral for the Juvenile intake process.

Listen to this store here.

(KAIR)--Changes are being made at the Atchison County courthouse as a result of cuts made during the now past budget season.

That includes staff reductions in several County offices, including that of the Atchison County Register of Deeds.

Atchison County Commissioners Casey Quinn and James Campbell were guests this week of 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday, explaining that such changes and cuts come at the request of constituents who voiced approval for changes to gain lower taxes.

According to a release, those changes will be felt in the Register of Deeds Office, where, effective December 15, they will transition from a three-person staff to a team of two, meaning, the release explains, "there may be times when only one staff member is available in the office due to vacations, sick days, or other circumstances."

In order to maintain safety and awareness, especially, the release says "when only one person is present," the office has implemented a doorbell entry system, effective as of Monday. The office doors will remain locked, with entrance to be gained by pressing the doorbell, with the public to then be assisted by a staff member.

Register of Deeds Blair Burton, in the release, thanks the public for understanding and patience, saying that as the office adjusts to the changes, they will "continue to serve the public as efficiently as possible."

(KLZA)--A former police officer accused in two domestic violence cases in Pawnee County, Nebraska has been charged in a third case.

KOLN TV reports court documents filed on Oct. 10 show 28-year-old Juan Ramirez Jr. is charged with assault by strangulation or suffocation, third-degree domestic assault and intimidation by phone in Pawnee County Court.

A Pawnee County Sheriff- sergeant contacted a 39-year-old woman on Oct. 10 who reported an assault to Nebraska State Patrol investigators during an interview pertaining to a different case.

The woman said Ramirez allegedly assaulted in her home sometime between Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.

A probable cause to arrest Ramirez was issued on Oct. 10 in Pawnee County.

He was arraigned on Oct. 16 and was released from jail after posting a $1,000 bond.

Ramirez is due back in court on Nov. 6

He resigned from his position at the Wahoo Police Department in September after being accused of beating, strangling and possibly raping two women. Prior to joining the Wahoo Police Department, Ramirez served more than four year with the Falls City Police Department.

(KLZA)-- Pawnee City native Barry Kennedy, who was a fixture of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce for more than 30 years, including nearly two decades as its president, died Saturday. He was 79.

Kennedy joined the chamber in 1987 and became its president in 2000, a role he held until retirement in June 2018. During his tenure, the organization “grew in membership, influence and notability,” according to Kennedy- bio when he was inducted into the 2019 Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.

After serving in Vietnam, Kennedy joined the United States Junior Chamber, also called the Jaycees, serving as president of the civic organization at the local, state, national and even international level.

Kennedy got involved with the Nebraska Chamber after meeting then-President Jack Schwartz in 1986 while working on a political campaign, according to his obit. His membership with the chamber began a year later.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will hold its trick-or-treat nights on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, October 29th and 30th.

Residents who want to participate are encouraged to turn their front porch light on.

The Brown County Sheriff's office will hold it's 18th annual Trick-or-Treat night on Wednesday evening. Staff will be will be handing out Trick-or-Treat bags from 5 to 8 at the Sheriff's Office located at 709 Utah Street. The bags will contain safety information, pencils, stickers, candy and glow sticks for safety.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says his staff looks forward to the event each year, which also provides them an opportunity to interact with parents and children.

Also Hiawatha Parks and Recreation trunk-or-treat will take place Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 at the Fisher Center parking lot.

Merchant encourages all kids to have a safe and happy Halloween and follow some of these basic safety rules:

1. STAY IN WELL LIGHTED AREAS

2. ALWAYS TRICK-OR-TREAT WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY

3. DO NOT ENTER A STRANGE HOME OR VEHICLE

4. WEAR LIGHT COLORED COSTUME OR ADD REFLECTIVE TAPE TO DARKER COSTUMES --MAKE SURE YOU CAN SEE WELL OUT OF YOUR MASK/COSTUME

5. TAKE A FLASHLIGHT WITH YOU

6. MAKE SURE AN ADULT CHECKS YOUR TREATS BEFORE EATING THEM

7. ONLY TRICK-OR-TREAT AT HOMES WITH A PORCH LIGHT ON

8. LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET

9. YOUNGER CHILDREN SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

(KLZA)-- Currency and the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) are proud to announce the 2025-26 Believers & Achievers. Believers & Achievers is a statewide program designed to give recognition to Nebraska- future leaders.

Beginning in November and continuing through April, the 48 Nebraska high school seniors will be honored as Believers & Achievers. From those 48 statewide winners, eight will receive $1,000 scholarships from Currency to use for the college or university of their choice at a scholarship banquet to be held in April of 2026.

These 48 students will be recognized at NSAA State Championships throughout the 2025-26 activities year and on a poster sent to all NSAA member schools.

All the students nominated for the Believers & Achievers awards program represent the very best of Nebraska- high schools and are considered local school winners.

Local students nominated include:

From Auburn - Alexa Janssen, Addison Fankhauser, and Colt Zentner

From Falls City - Carlea Dunkhas, Brock Caudle, Vaden Leyden, Gavin Bauer.

Falls City Sacred Heart - Parker Hoffman and Kyler Sipple

From Johnson County Central - Saige Rother, Wesley Swanson,

Jack Waring and Ashley Beethe.

From Johnson-Brock - Hannah Groth, Clara Heller and Charlotte Metschke.

From Pawnee City - Shayla Puhalla and Cael Johnson.

(KAIR)--A forum and candidate meet & greet is planned in Atchison Tuesday evening, in advance of next month's election.

According to a release from the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, the evening will run from 6 until 8:00 in the Elks Lodge Basement, located at 609 Kansas Avenue.

The evening will begin, the release explains, with a moderated forum for the eligible candidates of USD 409, scheduled from 6:00 to 7:30, followed by a formal meet-and-greet session at 7:30 for the candidates seeking election to the USD 409 Board of Education, along with the city commissioner candidates.

The release notes that no formal forum will be held for the city commissioners as they are all running uncontested.

(KAIR)--Jefferson West Elementary School is named as one of three Kansas elementary schools selected as 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools.

The announcement was made last week by Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson who, in a release, says the program, discontinued last month by the U.S. Department of Education, "recognized public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories." Those categories, the release says, are Exemplary High Performing Schools, which are those among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests, and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools, which are those schools that excel in narrowing achievement gaps between different student groups and the overall student body.

Wes Sturgeon, principal of Jefferson West Elementary, in the release, said the school- staff, students, and families are “proudly recognizing this achievement, which highlights the dedication and collaboration that define the Jefferson West community,” adding that the "recognition represents years of hard work, high expectations, and a shared belief that every child can succeed.”

According to the release, educators in Blue Ribbon schools employ effective teaching methods with data-driven instruction, participate in robust professional development and collaborate with their students’ families and community in a concerted effort to ensure every student reaches their potential.

Jeff West Elementary is, the release notes, the first USD 340 school to be awarded this honor.

The other two 2025 Kansas winners were McLean Science Technology Magnet of Wichita USD 259 and Sterling Grade School of Sterling USD 376.

(KNZA)--One person was injured Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in Jefferson County. 

The Kansas Highway Patrol said the crash happened on U.S. 24 Highway, just east of Detlor Road, around 3:30.  

The KHP says an eastbound mini-van driven by 55-year-old Peter Cortez, of Topeka, made an evasive maneuver to avoid a vehicle stopped ahead and crossed the center line, striking a westbound car head-on. 

The driver of the car, 55-year-old Topeka resident Joel Stuke, was transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.  

Cortez was not hurt.  

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

(MSC News)---The Kansas Supreme Court has reappointed 28 chief judges, including several locally, to terms that begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2027.

In the 1st Judicial District, which includes Atchison and Leavenworth Counties, District Judge Joan Lowdon was reappointed as chief judge. She has served as a district judge since 2020 and chief judge since January 2023.

In the 2nd Judicial District, which is comprised of Jefferson, Jackson, Wabaunsee and Pottawatomie Counties, District Judge Jeffrey Elder was reappointed as chief judge. He has served as a district judge since 2008 and chief judge since 2020.

In the 22nd Judicial District, which includes Brown, Doniphan, Marshall, and Nemaha counties, District Judge John Weingart was reappointed as chief judge. He has served as a district judge since 2000 and chief judge since January 2023.

The Kansas Courts, in a release, said each of the state's 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

(KNZA)--One person was injured Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol said the crash happened on U.S. 24 Highway, just east of Detlor Road, around 3:30.

The KHP says an eastbound mini-van driven by 55-year-old Peter Cortez, of Topeka, made an evasive maneuver to avoid a vehicle stopped ahead and crossed the center line, striking a westbound car head-on.

The driver of the car, 55-year-old Topeka resident Joel Stuke, was transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.

Cortez was not hurt.

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

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha teenager is facing multiple felony child porn-related offenses.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill, in a release, said 18-year-old Conner Wenger was charged Wednesday in Brown County District Court with two counts of aggravated internet trading in child pornography and four counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Hill said the criminal complaint was the result of an extensive investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department and their digital forensics unit.

The release said the investigation began with a cyber tip from the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, following receipt of a report of suspicious media, allegedly containing child pornography, being transmitted via a social media platform.

Hill said the investigation of Wenger involved the execution of numerous search warrants and records subpoenas on digital media providers, ranging from Meta, also known as Facebook, Snapchat, and various digital providers who provide IP addresses to consumers.

Wenger was arrested Thursday afternoon by officers with the Hiawatha Police Department following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. He is currently being held in the Brown County Jail with bond set at $500,000.

If convicted, Wenger faces a sentence of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

(KNZA)--The Seneca City Council Wednesday evening approved the hiring of a new police officer.

On the recommendation of Police Chief Dylan Blevins, the Council approved the hiring of Dale McClan at a salary of $24 an hour.

Blevins said McClan, who currently lives in Humboldt, Nebraska, has previous experience as a military police officer and also graduated from the Missouri Police Academy.

The Police Department is still looking to fill an additional officer position.

The Council also gave Blevins approval to purchase a used patrol vehicle from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Mayor Joe Mitchell said he prefers vehicles be purchased locally. However, the Police Department needs a vehicle right away and the local dealers wouldn't have a vehicle ready in time.

In other business, the Council accepted the lone bid submitted by AHRS Construction, of Bern, in the amount of $21,045 to pour the concrete base for memorial project at Skoch Park. AHRS said they could have the work completed in one week.

In addition, the Council approved the re-appointment of several members to the city Planning Commission. A J Heinen and Alan Lierz were appointed to two-year terms. Clete Kramer and Jim Schmelzle were appointed to terms ending in September 2028. Galen Niehues will continue to serve as chairman.

The Kansas Supreme Court has reappointed 28 chief judges, including several locally, to terms that begin January 1, 2026, and end December 31, 2027. 

 In the 1st Judicial District, which includes Atchison and Leavenworth Counties, District Judge Joan Lowdon was reappointed as chief judge. She has served as a district judge since 2020 and chief judge since January 2023. 

In the 2nd Judicial District, which is comprised of Jefferson, Jackson, Wabaunsee and Pottawatomie Counties,  District Judge Jeffrey Elder was reappointed as chief judge. He has served as a district judge since 2008 and chief judge since 2020.   

In the 22nd Judicial District, which includes Brown, Doniphan, Marshall, and Nemaha counties, District Judge John Weingart was reappointed as chief judge.  He has served as a district judge since 2000 and chief judge since January 2023.   

The Kansas Courts, in a release, said each of the state's 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to their judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

Photo Credit: Everest/Washington Township Fire Dept. 

(KNZA)--Construction is underway on a new fire station in the Brown County Community of Everest.  

Steel framing for the new station is being erected, and tin is being installed.

Construction began in August, with the concrete flooring being poured.

Volunteer firefighters with the Everest/Washington Township Fire Department will be focusing on completing the interior of the fire station this fall, with a goal of being in the building this winter.

The Department says the new fire station is needed to adequately and safely house all the department's apparatus, which is not possible in the current outdated buildings.

The new facility is being funded through donations. Fundraising efforts began in May 2021.

(KLZA)-- Nemaha County, Nebraska is among a dozen Nebraska counties approved to receive a portion of $15 million in funding to support recovery efforts from a summer storm system that resulted in extremely stong winds and flash flooding during the period of August 8 - 10.

The storms casued extensive damage to schools and public facilities with public power infrastructure taking the hardest hit.

Other counties included in the declaration are Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington and Webster.

The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is working with local emergency managers and public entities now eligible for assistance under this declaration.

(KLZA)-- Falls City EDGE Executive Dirctor Lucas Froeschl included some news future projects under consideration by the Nebraska Department of Transportation during his 3rd Quarter report to Falls City Council members and Richardson County Commissioners this week.

Replacing the viaduct bridge on West 21st Street which is Highway 8 on the west edge of Falls City and the bridge over the Nemaha River just east of Salem is planned for sometime in the next 2-3 years. The projects are currently in the design phase.

Conversations are also taking place about rebuilding a portion of Highway 73 which is Harlan Street in Falls City.

The question of reconstructing the road to be a 3-lane road versus the current four-lane configuration will be considered. About a decade ago when a three-lane design was proposed area agricultural producers were strongly against the new design.

At that time, if the change was made NDOT was going to cover the costs of curb and gutter work, new lighting and traffic signals would have been paid for.

The Harlan Street work would begin in the area of 21st Street and proceed south.

Another project in the planning stage is replacement of the current Highway 159, which is 14th Street going east from Harlan Street in Falls City.

The Department of Transportation is expected to put dollar figures on the proposed projects in the next month.

(KLZA)-- A woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries Thursday afternoon when the mobility scooter she was operating was struck by a car at 17th and Harlan Street in Falls City around 3:45.

The car was driven by Jasmyne Strauss, of Falls City. She was issued a citation for failure to yield to a pedestrian causing injury.

The woman operating the scooter was transported by ambulance to Community Medical Center.

The Falls City Police Department reminds drivers to slow down near crosswalks, schools and intersections. Vehicles should always yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks. Pedestrians are reminded to always cross street at marked crosswalks or intersections when they are available and to look left, right and then left again before stepping off the curb.

The Department asks for everyone to work together to make our roads safer for everyone and to stay alert and look out for each other.

(KLZA)-- Falls City EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl presented the economic developoment organizations 3rd Quarter report to the Falls City Council Monday night and to Richardson County Commissioners on Wednesday.

Froeschl also provided an update concerning the building in the 1500 block of Stone Street that was previously the location of Portillos Mexican Grill.

Froeschl says there is a Richardson County judgement in an amount of $98,506. EDGE has tried to work with the owners and noted the debt collector on the property is located on the east coast. Froeschl said he is not optimistic about attempts to bring the building back to a productive space.

The building is owned by Jilisco, Inc. dba La Fiesta and Luis Salazar. The plaintiff in the lawsuit is Avernon Capital Group, LLC.

(KNZA)--Community HealthCare System (CHCS) Thursday unveiled its Holton Campus Master Facility Plan: “Designing the Future of Care.”

The plan represents more than just construction or renovation—it- a forward-thinking blueprint for how CHCS will continue to meet the evolving healthcare needs of patients, families, and team members for generations to come. Guided by community input, data-driven planning, and the organization's mission to provide high-quality, patient-centered care, the plan outlines a series of strategic projects designed to modernize, expand, and enhance CHCS facilities across all service areas.

Building for the Future

Healthcare continues to change rapidly, and CHCS is preparing to meet those challenges head-on. The Master Facility Plan establishes a foundation for projects that will strengthen access to care, improve efficiency, and create modern, healing environments designed to enhance both the patient and employee experience.

Planned improvements include expanded clinical and specialty areas, upgraded technology, and flexible spaces that can adapt to future innovations in healthcare delivery. Each step forward represents an investment in the people who depend on CHCS every day—and in the dedicated professionals who make exceptional care possible.

A Commitment to Our Communities

“Our commitment to the communities we serve has always guided our decisions,” said CHCS CEO, John Fitzthum. “This plan reflects the input of our patients, staff, and community members. It's designed to ensure that compassionate, high-quality care remains close to home for generations to come.”

Fitzthum also noted that the Master Facility Plan is not sales tax-funded. The projects will be financed through CHCS's own resources, responsible financial planning, and ongoing community support. “We’re proud that these investments will strengthen local healthcare without placing an additional burden on taxpayers,” Fitzthum added.

From Vision to Reality

The unveiling of the Master Facility Plan marks an important milestone for the organization and the community it serves. As CHCS moves from vision to reality, updates will be shared to keep community members informed and engaged throughout the process.

Together, CHCS and the Holton community are designing the future of care—building on a proud legacy, embracing innovation, and creating spaces where exceptional care will thrive for generations to come.

About Community HealthCare System:
Community HealthCare System is a comprehensive health network committed to enriching the health and lives of the people we serve in Northeast Kansas. With a focus on compassion, community, and quality care, CHCS provides services across multiple clinics, facilities, and programs.

(KNZA)--Construction is underway on a new fire station in the Brown County Community of Everest.

Steel framing for the new station is being erected, and tin is being installed.

Construction began in August, with the concrete flooring being poured.

Volunteer firefighters with the Everest/Washington Township Fire Department will be focusing on completing the interior of the fire station this fall, with a goal of being in the building this winter.

The Department says the new fire station is needed to adequately and safely house all the department's apparatus, which is not possible in the current outdated buildings.

The new facility is being funded through donations. Fundraising efforts began in May 2021.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha teenager is accused of child porn-related crimes.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill, in a release, said 18-year-old Conner Wenger was charged Wednesday in Brown County District Court with two counts of aggravated internet trading in child pornography and four counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Hill said the criminal complaint was the result of an extensive investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department and their digital forensics unit.

The release says the investigation began with a cyber tip from the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, following receipt of a report of suspicious media, allegedly containing child pornography, being transmitted via a social media platform.

Hill said the investigation involved the execution of numerous search warrants and records subpoenas on digital media providers, ranging from Meta, also known as Facebook, Snapchat, and various digital providers who provide IP addresses to consumers.

Wenger was arrested Thursday afternoon by officers with the Hiawatha Police Department following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.

Following his arrest, Wenger was booked into the Brown County Jail. He remains held on a $500,000 bond.

If convicted, Hill said Wenger faces a sentence of up to life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years.

(KLZA)-- The Holt County, Missouri Sheriff's Department reports that a suspect has been identified and taken into custody in connection with a case that resulted in the Mound City School going into what was termed a “soft” lockdown for about half an hour Wednesday afternoon.

Sheriff Tiger Parsons reported the susect is a juvenile, and that the Holt County Sheriff's Department worked through the afternoon and into the night to ensure parents felt safe in sending their children to school on Thursday.

Just before 3:00 p.m. Wednesday the Mound City School was informed of a potential threat in the area. During a soft lockdown students are kept in the building while staff members make sure all students are accounted for and are safe in their classrooms.

In a Wednesday social media post, the Sheriff's Office said they receivea call just prior to school dismissing about a subject threatening to shoot someone in the 1300 block of Nebraska Street in Mound City. The Mound City School is in the 700 block of Nebraska Street.

The release said the threat was not directed at the school, but was directed at an individual.

Holt County Sheriff's Department members, Mound City Police Officers and Missouri Highway Patrol officers converged on the school with some setting up a semi-perimeter while the rest attempted to locate the subject.

A member of the public made a call to the Sheriff's Department that led them to the suspect.

Sheriff Parsons thanked his officers and dispatchers along with the Mound City Police Department and Missouri Highway Patrol and the Juvenile Justice Office for their assistance.

Mound City students were dismissed at approximately 3:30 p.m.

The Mound City School Administration thanked area law enforcement for their quick response to the situation and thanked school staff for their response in keeping students safe.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Police Department responded to a call about 3:15 Wednesday afternoon involving 9-year-old female being struck by a vehicle.

The accident occurred in the area of 17th and Fulton Street. Dennis Auffert of Falls City was the driver of the pickup involved.

The juvenile was transported by ambulance to Community Medical Center in Falls City with what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Advance voting is underway in Brown County for the November 4th general election.

Registered voters may vote an advance election ballot at the Brown County Clerk's Office during regular business hours until noon, November 3rd.

The county clerk's office will also be open additional hours on Saturday morning, October 25 from 10 to noon for early voting.

You will need to provide a photo ID when you come to vote.

You may also cast an advance election ballot by mail, with Tuesday, October 28th being the deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you. 

Advance ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or returned to the polling location by 7 pm.

Polls will be open on election day, November 4th, from 7 am to 7 pm.

Voters will be deciding city and school board races during the election.

(KNZA)--Advance voting is underway in Brown County for the November 4th general election.

Registered voters may vote an advance election ballot at the Brown County Clerk's Office during regular business hours until noon, November 3rd.

The county clerk's office will also be open additional hours on Saturday morning, October 25 from 10 to noon for early voting.

A photo ID is required to vote.

You may also cast an advance election ballot by mail, with Tuesday, October 28th being the deadline to apply for a ballot to be mailed to you.

Advance ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or returned to the polling location by 7 pm.

Polls will be open on election day, November 4th, from 7 am to 7 pm.

Voters will be deciding city and school board races during the election.

(KAIR)--A local district judge vacancy has been filled.

Governor Laura Kelly Wednesday appointed Patrick Henderson, of Atchison, to a judgeship position in the 1st Judicial District. The position was created through the retirement of Judge Dan Wiley.

The 1st Judicial District includes Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.

“Patrick Henderson brings diverse legal experiences and wide-ranging expertise to the bench,” Governor Kelly said. “I am confident that his commitment to public service will make him a strong addition to the 1st Judicial District.”

Henderson is a solo practitioner at Henderson Law Office. He also serves as the Atchison County counselor, municipal judge for the City of Atchison, and city attorney for the City of Effingham.

“I am truly humbled by this appointment,” said Henderson. “It has been my privilege to serve this community in many roles, and I am grateful for the chance to continue that service on the bench.”  

District Court Judges are appointed by the governor and selected from nominees chosen by a district nominating commission. Judges in nominating commission districts are subject to retention elections every four years.

The other nominees selected by the 1st Judicial District nominating commission were Christopher Lyon and James Floyd.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City School Administration released a statement late Wednesday afternoon reporting that shortly before 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, the Mound City R-2 School District went into a soft lock down after being informed of a potential threat in the area.

The soft lockdown keeps all students in the school building while staff makes sure all studens are accounted for and are safe in their classrooms.

Students were kept in the building until the all clear was received from law enforcement. All students were released at approximately 3:30 p.m.

In a social media post Wednesday evening, the Holt County Sheriff's Office said they had received a call just prior to school letting out about a subject threatening to shoot someone in the 1300 block of Nebraska Street in Mound City.

No weapon was displayed and the subject was seen leaving the area.

Deputies, members of the Mound City Police Department and Missouri Highway Patrol converged on the school. Some officers maintained a semi perimeter while the rest attempted to locate the subject. The subject was not located and with law enforcement on the scene school was dismissed.

The Sheriff's Office release said the threat was not directed at the school, but at an individual not at the school.

An investigation continues in an attempt to identify and locate the suspect.

Administrators thanked the Mound City Police Department, Holt County Sheriff's Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their quick response to the situation, and also tanked the Mound City R-2 Staff for their quick response in keeping students safe.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved agreements with three companies Monday night that are designed to help improve the city's electrical services.

The Council approved a letter of agreement with the Olsson company in an amount of $1,507,421 for three phases of the Energy Forward Transmission Improvement Project which is to bring additional electrical power to the community.

Olsson will design a transmission line connecting the city utilty system to an Evergy substation in Kansas and will do surveying work, land acquistion support and line routing in addition to detailed engineering work.

City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum said these would be the early phases of the project.

In addition, the Council approved an agreement with Farris Engineering in an amount of $95-thousand for a GRID Resiliency Project recommended by the Board of Public Works. The City has received grant funds to help pay for the work.

The Council also approved the purchase of SCADA System equipment from SEL Engineering Services for the Power Plant Control Upgrade Project in an amount of $98,605.

(KNZA)--New 1st District Brown County Commissioner Richard Tesoriero took his seat on the County Commission Monday after being sworn-in.

District Judge John Weingart administered the oath of office to Tesoriero prior to the meeting.

Governor Laura Kelly approved his appointment to the Commission following his selection by members of the 1st District GOP precinct committee during a convention earlier this month.

Tesoriero will fill the unexpired term of former commissioner Rich Lehmkuhl, who recently resigned.

The term will expire in January 2027. The position is up for election in November 2026.

At Monday's meeting, Commission Chairman Lucas Heinen made a motion to make the 10 percent salary reduction for commissioners that was discussed for the 2026 budget, effective with the next pay period. The motion was unanimously approved.

Also the Commission approved a contract with BG Consultants, of Manhattan, for the inspection of 196 county bridges at a cost of $49,322. All bridges in the county must be inspected every two years.

(KLZA)--An Independence, Missouri man was killed Tuesday morning in a rollover crash in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it happened on I-29, about three miles north of Craig, shortly before 9:30.

The Patrol says the 45-year-old man was northbound when his Nissan Pathfinder traveled off the west side of roadway and overturned.

The man, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

(KAIR)--Atchison water customers, for the next two weeks, may notice some discoloration or cloudiness in the water and possibly a slight chlorine odor or taste.

That's due to the City of Atchison, at the request of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, on Tuesday switching how it disinfects the water for approximately two weeks.

According to a release from Atchison City Manager Mark Westhoff, the move is made "to better enable the rural
water districts in Atchison County that are under a Boil Water Advisory to restore the appropriate chlorine residual levels."

That's a reference to the latest boil water advisory for Atchison County Rural Water District 5C, as KDHE, this week, issued a boil water advisory for the public water supply system, along with the purchasing systems of the County- City of Lancaster and, in Doniphan County, Doniphan County Rural Water District 3. There are, currently, no other locations affected.

Westhoff says as the City uses a stronger, faster acting disinfectant, City water users may want to run the water through the tap until it clears, with Westhoff saying the "water is safe to drink throughout this process."

Additionally, the City of Atchison will use the change as an "opportunity to perform other beneficial maintenance processes that are typically associated with the free chlorine burn process," including open fire hydrants throughout the city, and/or overflowing water storage towers, with Westhoff explaining that "the fire hydrants will be opened to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant" while "overflowing water storage towers further aid in the flushing process and help reduce nitrification."

(KNZA)--Two Holton residents were arrested on drug possession charges after a search warrant was served on a Holton apartment late last week.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said Sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at 511 New Jersey Avenue, Apt 1, shortly after 11:00 Friday morning in reference to an “ illegal narcotics investigation.”

66-year-old Mary Thomas and 35-year-old Caleb Shopteese were arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KMZA)--A Kansas Department of Transportation mill and overlay project will begin Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Marshall County.

The project includes U.S. 77 from Marysville to Waterville and K-9 from Waterville to the Marshall/Washington county line.

KDOT says the contractor will start on U.S. 77 near Linden Road, just south of Marysville, and work south.

Traffic will be restricted to one lane and directed by a pilot car and flaggers where crews are actively working. Motorists should be prepared for delays of up to 15 minutes. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect through the work zone.

Work will occur Monday through Saturday during daylight hours until the winter shutdown period begins in early December. Any remaining project work will be completed next year.

All project work and traffic changes are conditions permitting.

Hall Brothers Inc., of Marysville, is the $3.8 million project- prime contractor.

(KLZA)--The Nemaha County Nebraska Sheriff's Office has been awarded a $50-thousand Specialized Traffic Enforcement Program grant by the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety.

The grant will cover overtime hours deputies work focusing on impaired driving, distracted driving, high traffic volume events and other safety issues within Nemaha County now through September 30, 2026.

The grant requires participation in state-wide and nation-wide traffic enforcement mobilizations such as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High, Get a DUI,” “Click It or Ticket” and “Speeding Prevention.”

While the Nemha County Sheriff's Office has participated in these mobilization programs in the past, the grant funds will allow the latituted to use grant funds for additional focused enforcement activities on other traffic dangers and concerns as well as traffic safety education activities.

The Department may use funds for specific activities such as stop light violations, not observing right-of-way in uncontrolled intersections and other traffic safety concerns at times and on dates when the issues are problematic.

In the new release announcing the grant, the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office thanked the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety for making the program possible.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners met with Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. last week. They discussed a project planned on “Pony Creek Road” and decided it would be better to wait until after the winter weather to start the project, feeling that would be in the best interest of those who travel the road.

Darveau also presented quotes for the purchase of a new motor grader through the state contract. The quotes will be reviewed when Commissioners meet this week on Wednesday.

Quotes for the purchase of a new 2026 pickup for the Road Department were also presented. Quotes were received from Anderson Ford, Hullman's Ford in Falls Cty, Armbruster Motor Comany of Falls City and from Sid Dillon.

A report has been received from Nebraska Jail Standards that the jail facility was found to be in full compliance following the annual inspection.

(KAIR)--It was last weekend; not the one that just passed, but the weekend of October 11, the birthday weekend for the now 3-year-old son of Anna Rachelle Catloth, the founder of Atchison's Arbors & Avenues, that the new nonprofit's first tree planting was held, living up to the organization's goal of "working to beautify Atchison by planting and caring for trees and plants throughout our community" honoring "the city- botanical heritage and inspire civic pride through natural beauty."

Catloth, the founder, told MSC News through online correspondence that she "grew up in Atchison, moved away for ten years, and came back to raise my family, with Arbors & Avenues growing from her "love for this town [Atchison] and for being outdoors." Explaining that she loves improving the space she's in, Catloth says "adding trees and beauty not only brings me joy, but also helps residents take pride in where they live."

Catloth credits the work of the Atchison Area Community Foundation, a supporter of nonprofits through matchday events held to generate funds, saying they "made this possible by letting people focus on what they’re passionate about while handling the behind-the-scenes work," such as, she says, "planting trees, enhancing outdoor spaces, and helping foster civic pride throughout our community."

Catloth says what's "really special" about the support "is seeing the impact right away," citing the group's first tree planting at locations across Atchison as an example.

Catloth credits donors and volunteers of the group, saying they are "already making a difference, one avenue at a time."

(KAIR)--It's official: Atchison will celebrate the haunted season with the annual Halloween Parade, set for Saturday afternoon, October 25, at 2:00.

That word is delivered in an announcement from the Atchison Kiwanis Club, with the release saying community leader Jonathan Mize is named Grand Marshal for the parade, being held under the 2025 theme of "Red, White, and Boo."

Families, schools, organizations, and businesses are invited "to don their best costumes and celebrate" the season by taking part in the annual downtown parade.

Residents, from Atchison and beyond, are invited to attend and watch the ceremonies and floats, and to take part in the annual Trick or Treat Down the Street. Planned from 11 that morning until 2:00 Parade Time, participating downtown businesses will welcome trick or treating youngsters seeking candy and other treats.

Atchison, for decades, has attracted numerous visitors due to it's "Haunted City" designation, with the month of October, leading up to the parade, traditionally hosting numerous tourists, with the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce hosting a number of haunted-themed activities.

(KNZA) --An ongoing narcotics investigation in Doniphan County lead to the execution of a search warrant Friday afternoon, with suspected drugs found and one arrest made.

Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington, in a release, says the search warrant was executed shortly after 12:30 Friday afternoon within the 1300 block of Oxide Road, in rural Doniphan County, and resulted in deputies finding suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Arrested following the search was 66-year-old Troy resident Robert Cummings, who was taken into custody on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Cummings was booked into the Doniphan County Jail.

Wolvington, in the release, says the Sheriff's Office appreciates "the cooperation of concerned citizens during this operation.”

(KLZA)--A Bern, Kansas teenager was killed and three others injured in a rollover crash in Gage County, Nebraska late Sunday evening, about one mile west of Beatrice.

The Gage County Sheriff's Department reports 19-year-old Joseph Korber was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck, which was reported around 11:30 on West Scott Road, just west of Southwest 61st Road. Korber was the driver of the vehicle.

Another man was transported to a Lincoln hospital with life-threatening injuries. The other two passengers were taken to the Beatrice Community Hospital by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.

One of the passengers in the vehicle was alert and conscious, telling officers that Korber was eastbound on Scott Road, traveling at least 100 miles per hour when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled numerous times before coming to a stop.

The Sheriff's Office report indicates alcohol and speed are believed to be a factor in the cause of the crash. It also indicates that seat belts were in use.

The Nebraska State Patrol is assisting with the ongoing investigation into the wreck.

(KNZA)--A Jackson County man is accused of beating another man on the head with a baseball bat over a dispute concerning property.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said 49-year-old Ervin Mitchell, of Soldier, was arrested last Thursday evening for aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated assault after the Sheriff's office received a report of a disturbance in the 17-thousand block of W. Road, south of the city of Denison

Jackson County Sheriff- deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol, along with Jackson County EMS and Mayetta Fire Department responded to the scene.

Morse said a KHP trooper used a taser at the scene in order to bring Mitchell into custody.

Following his arrest, Mitchell was booked into the Jackson County Jail. He remains held on a $30,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- The Salvation Army's “Red Kettle” campaign will begin in Falls City the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Southeast Nebraka Community Action is seeking volunteers to help with the fundraiser.

90 percent of the funds collected will stay in Richardson County, providing assistance to local individuals and families in need.

Bell ringers will be stationed at Family Fair Supermarket and at Dollar Fresh in Falls City.

Volunteers are need to ring the bells Saturdays during two hour shifts from 9 - 11 a.m.; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and from 1 - 3 p.m. and then Monday thru Friday December 1 - 23 from 5 - 7 p.m.

If you or someone you know, would like to volunteer to be a bell ringer, contact Sherry at the SENCA office at 402-245-5284.

If no one answers, please leave a message with your name and phone number.

(KLZA)-- NioCorp Developments a leading U.S. critical minerals developer, has reported results from the first completed diamond drill hole from its drilling program at its critical minerals project in Southeast Nebraska. Known as the “Elk Creek Project”.

The drilling program and associated technical work is being funded by the Pentagon and is designed to support the conversion of a portion of the Elk Creek Project- Indicated Mineral Resources into Measured Mineral Resources and the subsequent conversion of a portion of its Probable Mineral Reserves into Proven Mineral Reserves.

The drilling program was designed to help meet Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve classification requirements associated with the ongoing review of the Company- application for up to $800 million in potential debt financing by the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

Studies of the other completed drill holes during the now complete drilling program are underway at external laboratories.

The latest results are consistent with the existing Mineral Resource model for the Elk Creek deposit along with the lithologies logged by the field geology team when the hole was drilled, and confirm that the deposit is well understood.

NioCorp is looking forward to receiving the remaining results and completing updates to their Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves and continuing discussions with EXIM Bank as they work to advance financing efforts for the Elk Creek Project.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the public water supply system of Atchison County Rural Water District 5C, along with the purchasing systems of the County's City of Lancaster and, in Doniphan County, Doniphan County Rural Water District 3.

There are, currently, no other locations affected.

The advisory was issued by KDHE Monday because Atchison County Rural Water District 5C “cannot currently maintain the minimum required chlorine residual,” as a failure to do so may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination.

The advisory will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk are resolved.

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

. Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
. Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic icemaker.
. If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
. Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

(KLZA)--Two people were injured in a Holt County, Missouri wreck Friday afternooon about 3:45.

The wreck occurred on US-59 and Route B, about 5 miles south of Oregon.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that a car driven by a 20-year-old woman from Pittsburg, Kansas was turning south onto US-59 from Route B and failed to yield to a northbound SUV driven by a 61-year-old woman from Oregon, Missouri.

Both drivers were alone in their vehicles and both were transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment of what were described at moderate injuries.

Both vehicles were totaled in the crash.

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

(KMZA)--Marshall County voters will face a special question during the November 4 general election.

Voters will decide if the sale of liquor by the drink should be allowed in public places without a food sales requirement.

The Marshall County Commission adopted a resolution in August to place the special question on the ballot.

Kansas voters amended the state constitution in 1986, allowing counties to approve the sale of liquor by the drink. Marshall County voters subsequently approved the sale of liquor by the drink with a 30% food sales requirement.

As of early 2025, 51 of the state's 105 counties had eliminated the food sales requirement for liquor sales. One county, Wallace, prohibits the sale of liquor by the drink entirely and only allows 3.2 beer sales.

(KAIR)--The final Atchison County location under a boil water advisory has now been removed from the precaution.

That word was delivered Saturday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which says the City of Lancaster is now in the clear.

The advisory was issued last week because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the Atchison Co RWD 5C distribution system, which provides water to the city of Lancaster, with KDHE adding that failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.

Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the City of Lancaster indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

All other locations affected by the advisory were cleared by the start of the weekend.

(KNZA)--Jackson County authorities say an altercation at a rural Mayetta residence early Saturday afternoon led to one person being shot.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said the Sheriff's Office received a 911 call around 12:30 from a resident reporting a disturbance at a residence in the 16-thousand block of R. Road, just north of Mayetta.

The caller said a female had ran out of the home and flagged him down asking for help.

While on 911, the caller observed 3 people involved in physical altercation that began at the home and moved into the roadway.

During the altercation, a shot was fired striking one individual.

A vehicle left the scene prior to deputies arriving. Deputies located two individuals at the scene.

A short time later, around 12:45, the Sheriff's Office began receiving 911 calls from an address in the 18-thousand block of R. Road stating that a man had arrived at their residence with a gunshot wound. Residents of the residence began administering life saving measures.

All 3 individuals were transported by ambulance to Topeka hospitals.

The Sheriff's office served a search warrant at the residence where the shooting took place.

Morse said no arrests have been made at this time, and the case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information concerning the incident is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at 785-364-2251.

(KMZA)--Enrollment in the Prairie Hills School District is down this school year compared to last school year.

Enrollment numbers from the September 22 official headcount were reviewed during the October 13 meeting of the USD 113 Board of Education.

They showed a total district-wide enrollment of 897 students, which is down 16 students from last school year.

Enrollment at the Sabetha schools totaled 739 students, a decrease of 11 students from the 2024-2025 school year. That includes a decrease of six students at the Sabetha Elementary School and five students at the Sabetha Middle School. Enrollment at the Sabetha High School stood steady at 217 students.

Enrollment at the Axtell School campus totaled 158 students, down five students over last school year. The Axtell Elementary school saw an increase of two students, while the Axtell High School saw a decrease of seven students.

(KNZA)--A Friday afternoon two-vehicle crash in Jackson County sent four people to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says if happened at the intersection of U.S. 75 Highway and 190th Road, about five miles south of Holton, around 3:15.

According to the KHP report, a Ford pickup truck driven by 64-year-old James Tapley, of Holton, was eastbound on 190th Road through the crossover when he failed to yield for a northbound Ford SUV on U.S. 75.

The SUV, driven by 54-year-old Geraldine Bowers, of Tacoma, Washington, struck the pickup.

Bowers and her three Holton passengers, 76-year-old Ramona Alsup, 62-year-old Naomi Gallisath and 21-year-old Jakari Urbano, were transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected minor injuries.

Tapley was not hurt.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Association of School Boards will assist the Hiawatha school district in its search for a new superintendent.

The Hiawatha School Board voted Monday evening to engage with the KASB for the superintendent search process for a fee of $5,500 plus mileage expenses.

Michelle Hubbard, with the KASB, was present at the meeting to discuss the multi-phase search process and a proposed timeline for the hiring of a new superintendent.

The KASB will advertise the position, screen applicants, conduct background checks, gather community input and recommend candidates to the Board for interviews.

A November 19th deadline has been set for applications.

The board will hold a special meeting on November 24, during which the KASB is to provide a list of recommended candidates for interviews.

Under the proposed timeline, interviews would be conducted the week of December 2nd-5th, with the hope of having a candidate hired prior to the holidays.

Current Superintendent Lonnie Moser is retiring at the end of the current school year.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Utilities will be conducting a planned power outage on Monday, October 27, from 8:00 a.m. to about 4:00 p.m. to accommodate the relocation of a house.

The outage will affect customers served from the South Ring Bus feeding east of town, beginning at the Falls City city limits on Highway 159. All customers receiving electric service from Falls City Utilities between Falls City and Rulo
will experience an interruption in service during this time.

Please make necessary preparations in advance of this outage.

For reference, an outage map is available to show the affected areas.

Falls City Utilities appreciates your patience and understanding as we work to safely complete this project.

(KNZA)--Crews from multiple fire departments battled a structure fire in the Hoyt area Wednesday evening, with two firefighters being treated for heat-related injuries.

According to a release from Hoyt Fire Department District #3, crews were called around 6:00 to the 12-thousand block of Q Road for reports of a structure fire involving an equipment building.

Upon arrival, crews found a metal outbuilding that was fully engulfed in flames.

The release says fire crews started fighting the fire from inside the structure, but had to leave the building due to an impending roof collapse.

Crews fought the fire for several hours to ensure it was completely extinguished.

Assisting at the scene were firefighters from the Mayetta, Delia, Potawatomi Tribal, Soldier Township and Holton Fire Departments. Also assisting were the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and Jackson County EMS.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office and Jackson County Sheriff's Office.

(KNZA)--Doniphan Counnty plans to seek a state grant again for an ADA modification project at the county courthouse.

No public comment was received during a hearing at Monday's Doniphan County Commission meeting on the county's intent to resubmitted an application to the Kansas Department of Commerce for a Community Development Block grant.

The county tried unsuccessfully last year for the grant.

The project would add an ADA accessible ramp to the south side of the courthouse.

The new ramp would replace the current electrical lift, which has faced technical and weather-related challenges. The project would allow individuals to access the courthouse independently.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $487,510. If the grant is awarded, the county would provide $84,252 in matching funds.

(KMZA)--Advance voting is underway in Nemaha County for the November 4th city and school general election.

The Nemaha County Clerk's Office says Nemaha County registered voters may now vote an advance election ballot in-person at the County Clerk- Office during regular business hours.

Voters may vote in person up until 12:00 noon on Monday, November 3rd.

Your asked to bring a photo ID.

Voters may also request an application to have an advance election ballot sent to them by mail. The deadline to do so is October 28th.

All advance ballots by mail must be postmarked by Election Day and received by Friday, November 7.

For more information, contact the Nemaha County Clerk- Office at 785-336-2170 Option 1

(KAIR)--Doniphan County Rural Water District #3 is no longer under a boil water advisory, with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Thursday, rescinding the advisory.

According to a release from the state health department, the advisory was issued Monday because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the Atchison County Rural Water District 5C. distribution system, which provides water to the Doniphan County water district, with failure to maintain adequate pressure possibly resulting in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination; however, the release explains that "laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Doniphan Co RWD 3 indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved."

KDHE emphasizes that the Boil Water Advisory remains in effect for the City of Lancaster, in Atchison County, despite the agency, on Wednesday, rescinding the boil water advisory for Atchison County Rural Water District 5C.

(KAIR)--An Iowa motorist, traveling in Atchison County early Sunday morning, is facing local charges after allegedly crashing into public property while driving under the influence.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, 62-year-old Mark Alan Haugland was stopped by a Deputy around 3:45 Sunday morning in the construction zone of U.S. Highway 59, where "the deputy observed that Haugland's vehicle had heavy damage," leading to the belief that the Ford Explorer had recently been involved in a crash, though the deputy could not immediately determine where it had occurred.

Arrested at the traffic stop and then booked into Atchison County Jail connected to a DUI investigation, Haugland saw additional charges added after, Laurie says, a citizen, around 4:00 Sunday afternoon, "reported a possible hit and run in the 12000 block of Sedgwick Road where a utility pole and other items" had been hit by a vehicle, with investigators later determining "that the debris left at the scene matched" Haugland's SUV.

Haugland, of Garner, Iowa now faces DUI related charges as well as failure to stop at an accident.

He was released from custody Tuesday.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth woman, convicted in August on two counts related to the endangerment and death of a 1-year-old child she was caring for, will serve probation.

Liberti Figueroa, convicted for aggravated endangering a child during an August, two day, Leavenworth County District Court trial, was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter.

A sentencing hearing held Wednesday, according to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, resulted in the 24-year-old receiving a suspended, 12-month prison sentence to be served on probation, with Figeuroa having already served 5-months, 18-days in the Leavenworth County Jail.

The charges stemmed from two separate incidents involving the same child, with one in September, 2023, resulting in the child being burned, while the other, occurring October 18 that same year, with the child, reported not breathing, transported to a Leavenworth hospital where they were later pronounced dead.

(KNZA)--A new Sabetha City Administrator has been hired.

The Sabetha Herald reports the Sabetha City Commission, during a special meeting October 8, approved a contract with Nick Rizzio.

Rizzio has served as the municipal project manager for the city of Arkansas City, Kansas since April 2022.

Most of his career has been spent in the private sector.

Rizzio will begin his new job with the city of Sabetha December 15.

He will replace former longtime city administrator Doug Allen, who recently retired.

(KNZA)--A traffic stop in Jackson County Sunday morning led to the arrest of a Rossville woman on drug possession charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop on car that has been traveling southbound on U.S. 75 Highway near 142nd Road around 9:30 for an alleged traffic infraction.

The driver, identified as 31-year-old Kayla Hurla, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following her arrest, Hurla was booked into the Jackson County Jail. She has since been released on bond.

(KLZA)--On Friday October 10th, a team consisting of participants from Falls City, Verdon and Auburn competed in the first annual Special Olympics cornhole competation held in Papillion, Nebraska.

Abbie Clark and Mary Bieker finished 1st.

Angel Mosiman and Donivan Specht were 2nd.

Michael Hamilton and Dakota Armbruster were second in their division while Cabe Marquez and Dane Specht placed 2nd in their division.

Sue Bieker is the team president while Troy Nelson and Sara Barker are the coaches.

(KLZA)--The Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors met on , October 9.

Discussion continued on proposed revisions to the Groundwater Quantity Management Rules & Regulations with no action was taken.

The Board reviewed the Nitrogen Reduction Act Guidelines, with no action taken. Applications for the next growing season are now being accepted through November 15. Next month the board is expected to adopt guidelines for prioritizing 2026 applications for approval.

Action was taken regarding Procedures for NRD Clerks during a Federal Government Shutdown, allowing one clerk per day to work at the NRD headquarters each week until the shutdown concludes or through the next board meeting.

Discussion was tabled on the Temporary Construction Access Easement on the Steamboat Trace Trail related to the Peru Levee Reconstruction project.

The Board accepted the resignation of Director Randy Fox, and the process to fill the vacancy in Subdistrict 5 will begin.

The next meeting of the Nemaha NRD board of directors will be Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m.

(KLZA)--Patons of the Sterling School District will be receiving ballots to cast and mail back in to determine the fate of a proposed $17,500,000 bond issue.

If approved, the money would be used for renovation and to build an additio to the school in Sterling.

Patrons will be receiving ballots for the all mail-in electionbetween Octobaer 24th and 25th.

The bond would be paid for over a 25-year period and would increase property taxes by approximately 22.5-cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

Sterling School Board members voted unanimously to put the bond issue to a vote of district patrons in September.

School District patrons were told during a meeting recently that problems in the kitcher area are not reparable and ther elemenatry portion of the building has infrastructure issues. In addition, the roof was last upgraded 45 yars ago.

The outcome of the election will be known on November 4 once all those casting their votes hav returned their ballots.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Atchison Co RWD 5C public water supply system located in Atchison County.

That word came Wednesday afternoon in a release from the state health agency.

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

KDHE says the boil water advisory remains in effect for the City of Lancaster in Atchison County and Doniphan Co RWD 3 in Doniphan County

(KNZA)--A Brown County traffic stop ended with the driver in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security.

That's according to a release from Brown County Sheriff John Merchant who says the driver, 39-year-old Lincoln, Nebraska resident Diego Juarez, was taken into custody following the stop, and booked into the Brown County Jail for driving while cancelled, restricted, or revoked.

That came after the deputy who stopped Juarez around 10:00 Friday night, on U.S. Highway 75 near 160th, found the driver "did not possess a valid drivers license."

It was while Juarez was in custody, Merchant says, that it was learned the DHS had a retainer for him, with Juarez, released to DHS custody the next morning.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for Atchison Co RWD 5C public water supply system located in Atchison County and purchasing systems of City of Lancaster in Atchison County and Doniphan Co RWD 3 in Doniphan County.

The advisory does not affect customers of the city of Nortonville or the city of Effingham.

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

Customers are advised to boil the water they use for drinking or food preparation for at least one minute or use bottled water until further notice.

The advisory will remain in place until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha city employees have been granted a pay increase for 2026.

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved a resolution authorizing a 3 percent pay increase for all full-time employees, effective January 1st, 2026.

City Administrator Brad Scott said funding for the pay increase was included in the 2026 budget.

In separate action, the Commission adopted a resolution setting the employee pay scale for 2026.

In other business, the Commission approved the revised 2025-2029 capital improvement plan.

The purpose of the Capital Improvement Plan is to plan for and prioritize public improvement projects over the next 5 years.

The plan is subject to change and projects included in the plan still have to be approved by the Commission.

In addition, the Commission approved the re-appointment of seven members to the city Planning Commission, which also serves as the Board of Zoning appeals.

Appointed to staggering terms were Tad Rankin, Jodi Twombly, Denise Wolney, Dean Bailey, Darrin Arment, Jill Sprick and Hillary Boye.

(KMZA)--A new Nemaha County, Kansas treasurer has been sworn-in.

Magistrate Judge Scott Anson Tuesday morning administered the oath of office to Kim Bontrager.

Bontrager, who had served as deputy county treasurer, was elected last November.

She replaces longtime County Treasurer Janell Niehues, who has retired after after more than 38 years with the county.

A retirement reception was held last Friday for Niehues.

In Kansas, the term of office for county treasurer's is from the 2nd Tuesday in October following the election year and runs for 4 years.

(KMZA)--A competency evaluation is being sought for a Oklahoma man charged in the fatal shooting of a Seneca priest in April.

According to court documents, the attorney for 66-year-old Gary Hermesch filed a motion Tuesday seeking the evaluation.

A hearing on the motion has not yet been scheduled.

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

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

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

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

(KNZA)--A Topeka man is jailed in Jackson County following a pursuit and manhunt.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said around 8:30 Monday morning, a Sheriff's deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a car just east of Q.4 Road on 150th Road.

The vehicle allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit ensued eastbound.

The suspect vehicle came to a stop just east of W. Road on 134th Road near a corn field. The driver allegedly fled on foot into the corn field.

A perimeter was established with the assistance of multiple Jackson County Sheriff- deputies, Mayetta Police, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Jesse Gergick, was captured with the assistance from a KHP drone and a police service dog.

He was arrested on multiple charges--including felony flee and eluding law enforcement, felony interference with law enforcement, felony criminal damage to property, criminal possession of weapons, possession of fentanyl, possession of methampehtamine, possession of psilocybin mushrooms, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving and several traffic offenses.

Following his arrest, Gergick was booked into the Jackson County Jail, where he remains held on a $50,000 bond.

(KLZA)-- The public is invited to join the Nemaha Natural Resources District staff for a tree planting event at Kirkman's Cove Recreation Area on Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m.

Thanks to the Trees for Nebraska Towns Initiative, an effort of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum and the Nebraska Forest Service, Nemaha Natural Resources District has received 10 trees to plant at Kirkman's Cove Recreation Area.

The trees will be planted at the main entrance to the facility, just east of Highway 105 and Highway 4, northwest of Humboldt.

Benefits of community trees are shade and beauty, but trees also provide increased comfort, better health, energy savings, and a wide range of other social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Despite this, most Nebraska community forests have lost far more trees than have been planted in recent decades. Many challenges contribute to this decline, including extreme weather, insects, disease, and lack of diversity. The Emerald Ash borer is the latest major challenge added to the list.

In an effort to stop this decline and increase community forest resilience, the Trees for Nebraska Towns program grants high quality trees for community projects, celebrations, and educational events promoting trees and fall planting.

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum's (NSA) Trees for Nebraska Towns Initiative is funded by the Nebraska Environmental Trust and the USDA Forest Service through grants received by both the NSA and the Nebraska Forest Service.

(KLZA)-- Falls City is now the home to a new historical attraction.

The Underground Railroad Museum is located at 1601 Stone Street and tells the story of freedom seekers, abolitionists and the role Falls City played in the struggle for liberty in the mid-1800's.

Visitors will find artifacts from the 1850's and 1860's including tools and equipment salvaged from a Richardson County barn that was to be demolished. Period firearms from the collection of Robert Nelson are on display with plaques sharing information about the Lane Trail, the Freedom Trail, John Brown and abolitionists David and Ann Dorrington, the original owners of the home and barn freedom site.

Volunteers Pam Adams and Dorothy Goodman from The Albany Museum located near Sabetha, Kansas, were instrumental in cleaning, arranging, and making sure the artifacts in the museum are historically accurate.

The Underground Railroad Museum became a reality when historians and descendants of Falls City's founding family, the Dorrington's, Dave Kentopp and Robert Nelson asked Collection Museum founders Susan Sipple and Darlene Hoemann for permission to apply for official recognition through the National Park Service's Network to Freedom program.

The site was designated in 2022.

The Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., or by appointment by contacting Susan Sipple at 402-245-8293 or Darlene Hoemann at 402-245-4177.

The Underground Railroad Museum can be accessed through the Collection Museum at 1601 Stone Street in Falls City.

(KAIR)--A sentencing date awaits, but is not yet set, in the long-running court case involving the former manager of Atchison's Muddy River Credit Union who, the Federal Government says "used her role...to steal at least $844,161.78 to enrich herself and her family," alleging the crimes began "in at least 2007, and almost certainly earlier."

The sentencing hearing for Rita Hartman was held Thursday, October 9 in a federal courtroom, with a notation to the online court document explaining that evidence and witness testimony has been completed, with both parties in the case presenting oral arguments against objections, with the court to take those objections under advisement, with sentencing for Hartman "continued to a day/time set at a later date."

Court documents filed September 30 state that the prosecution is recommending that Hartman be sentenced to 5-years-3-months in prison.

According to the documents, Hartman embezzled money from the credit union, which served the employees of the Bradken foundry located in Atchison, "in three primary ways," with the document saying "first, she stole
physical cash from at least 2010 to 2021 totaling $346,473.13. Second, she fraudulently credited her own and family members’ MRCU share accounts without actually depositing any funds, totaling $381,434.23 from 2007 to 2017." Third, the document says, Hartman "fraudulently reduced family members’ loan obligations when the family member did not actually make a payment, totaling $116,254.42 from 2007 to 2018."

The prosecution, in the sentencing document, says Hartman used "an array of false entries in [the credit union's] records to hide her tracks," keeping the credit union's "general ledger manually, in hard copy, which made it easier for her to conceal her theft."

In outlining Hartman's crimes, the prosecution says the scheme continued until 2021, when a regulator-mandated audit, ordered in 2019, "immediately found discrepancies."

Hartman, the document says, delayed the audit until January, 2021, "abruptly" resigning "just as the audit began."

Hartman, outside of her credit union role, was known for years of Atchison civic involvement, including terms served as the City's Mayor.

She was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 23, 2023.

The FBI investigated.

(KLZA)-- The Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments is offering an opportunity to educate parents and teenage drivers using evidence-based traffic safety education.

First Impact offers a FREE 90-minute evidence-based traffic safety program that educates parents about Missouri- Graduated Driver License law. Attendance is perfect for parents of teen drivers, ages 14 - 19 as well as new and soon to be drivers.

First Impact aims to eliminate motor vehicle fatalities and injuries among teens. It further attempts to reduce teen-involved crashes by increasing parental awareness and enforcement of Missouri's GDL law.

Objectives of the program are to increase awareness of: teen driving risks; Understanding of Missouri- GDL law: GDL monitoring and enforcement at home: and the importance of being a positive role model.

The program is delivered by trained Facilitators and Law Enforcement Officers who coach parents by presenting key facts and proven strategies to help parents lower their teen's crash risk by utilizing the Missouri GDL law.

The program is available free of charge and our facilitators can present the First Impact program anywhere within the northwest Missouri area that includes Atchison and Holt counties.

Funding is provided by MoDOT- Highway Safety & Traffic Division, Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital, and State Farm Insurance. For more information, or to schedule a free First Impact presentation, contact Heather Montenguise at 660-582-5121 or email

heather@nwmorcog.org.

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

The advisory was issued Sunday as a precaution because of a temporary increase in turbidity in the treated water. High turbidity can lead to a loss of chlorine residual levels and may result in microbial contamination.

The volume of water passing through the City of Atchison distribution system indicates that any turbid water would have passed through the system and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.

Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it's the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.

(KAIR)--A boil water advisory is in place for the City of Atchison, issued Sunday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Monday morning, the agency clarified that, additionally, the advisory includes Atchison Co RWD 5C public water supply system and purchasing systems of City of Lancaster, as well as in Doniphan County where Doniphan County RWD 3 and Doniphan Co RWD 5 are affected.

It does not affect customers of the city of Nortonville or the city of Effingham

According to a release from the agency, the advisory was issued " as a precaution because of an increase in turbidity in the treated water," as "high turbidity can lead to a loss of chlorine residual levels and may result in microbial contamination."

Customers of City of Atchison water are instructed to boil all water to consumed at least one minute prior to use, or, in the alternative, to purchase bottled water as the advisory remains in place.

According to KDHE, the boil water advisory will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha will hold its annual fall Citywide Cleanup Day on Saturday, October 18th.

City residents can take their unwanted items to the city public works property at 912 Hiawatha Avenue for disposal free of charge from 8:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon.

Recycling will not be available this year.

Each household will be allowed one pickup load, one carload or one single-axle trailer load. No contractors are allowed and the city reserves the right to refuse any load. Proof of residency will be required.

Acceptable items will include carpets, clothing, paper, cardboard, couches, chairs, mattresses, clean wood (with no paint or tarnish included), shingles, tar paper, cabinets, tables, windows, porcelain, tubs, toilets, sinks, bikes, trikes, scooters, wire, metal cabinets and chairs, cooking and heating stoves, water tanks, metal sinks, appliances, iron, tin, televisions and computers.

Unacceptable items include household trash, leaves, grass, clippings, tires, paint, oil, ignitable liquids (including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc.) hazardous materials and any material containing freon except appliances.

For more information, contact the Hiawatha City Hall at 785-742-7417.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing later this month to consider adoption of a proposed Land Development Code for the unincorporated areas of the county.

Residents will have an opportunity to provide input on the proposed code during the hearing, which will take place October 27 at 7 pm in the meeting room at the Nemaha County Community Center in Seneca.

The proposed Land Development Code was prepared by County Counselor/County Administrator Austin Parker with the input of the Planning Commission.

The purpose of the proposed zoning code is to promote the welfare of Nemaha County residents by managing land use and development, including protecting agricultural land from incompatible uses.

The document has been posted on the county's website. In addition, a copy of the proposed code is on file with the Nemaha County Clerk's Office and can be reviewed during regular business hours.

If adopted by the Planning Commission following the public hearing, the document will be presented to the Nemaha County Commission for final approval.

(MSC News)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved bids for several area highway maintenance projects.

In Atchison County, KDOT accepted a bid from Vance Brothers, LLC, of Kansas City, Missouri, for a crack repair project on a nearly 27 mile stretch of U.S. 159 Highway from the north city limits of Nortonville to the south city limits of Horton in the amount of nearly $520,000.

In Jackson County, Bettis Asphalt and Construction, of Topeka, was awarded the contract for an overlay project on an 8 mile stretch of U.S. 75 Highway from the Shawnee/Jackson County line to 158th Road. The bid was for more than $3.8 million.

In Nemaha County, a bid was accepted from Vance Brothers for a sealing project on an about 14 mile stretch on U.S. 36 Highway from the junction with K-63 to the Nemaha/Brown County line in the amount of about $940,000.

Also KDOT approved a bid from Julius Kaaz Construction, of Leavenworth, for the installation of new traffic signals at the intersection of 10th and Limit Streets in the city of Leavenworth, in the amount of nearly $867,000.

Bids were opened September 17 in Topeka.

Construction dates have not yet been announced.

(KAIR)--A former teacher for the Leavenworth School District is going to prison, sentenced last week in Leavenworth County District Court to more than 10-years of incarceration for child sex crimes.

That's according to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, which says 55-year-old Jerome Riscovallez, last month, was found guilty of two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child after pleading no contest to the charges, with the release saying "each count involved three victims, for a total of six victims," two aged 8, three aged 9, and one aged 10.

According to court records cited in the release, the investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of Riscovallez began earlier this year, on February 25, when "a Leavenworth police officer was dispatched to investigate a report of a juvenile being inappropriately touched at school," with prosecutors saying he sexually abused six students in his classroom between August 1, 2023, and February 25, 2025.

Editor's note: the following was submitted by Brown Co Sheriff John Merchant

(KNZA)--These are the patrol statistics for the 3rd quarter of 2025. I have had a number of people that have expressed their appreciation for all that we do, and like to keep up on our specific activity. I have been engaged in many positive conversations and suggestions from the county residents. I appreciate all of your support and input as community safety partners.

As a reminder, scams are constantly increasing throughout the United States, especially in the rural areas such as ours. Please do not provide personal information over the phone or computer. If you are not positively aware of who you are speaking with on the phone or dealing with on the computer, discontinue your conversation at once. Scammers are becoming more and more convincing so always be cautious. Contact your local law enforcement at once if you feel you have been a victim of a scam.

For July/August/ September, deputies responded to the following:

Accidents - 35

Alarm Calls - 3

Animal Calls - 45

Assault/Battery - 2

Assist Other Agency - 108

Burglary - 2

Community Policing - 67

Criminal Damage To Property - 2

Disturbance - 15

DUI/Drug Investigation - 33

Funeral Escort - 11

Illegal Dumping - 3

Fire Response - 20

Medical - 8

Misc - 187

Noise - 3

Offender Registration - 99

Pedestrian Check - 29

Phone Harassment - 2

Property Lost/Found - 5

Protection Order Violations - 3

Driving Complaints - 27

Scam Reports/Concerns - 87

Sex Offense - 2

Subpoena Service - 304

Suspicious Person Or Vehicle - 19

Theft - 9

Town Checks - 1,352

Traffic Stops - 526

Vehicle Checks/Lockouts, Etc. - 162

VINs - 50

Warrants - 41

Welfare Checks - 31

Over 3,290 incidents in these three months combined, which average to over 36 incidents per day.

(KNZA)--A traffic stop in Jackson County last week led to the arrest of a couple on drug possession charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in release, said around 10:00 on the morning of October 8th Sheriff Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on 150th Road near Q. Road for alleged traffic infractions.

During the course of the traffic stop, Morse said a Jackson County Sheriff- K-9 detected the odor of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of further illegal drugs.

The driver, 38-year-old Dylan Sanders of Overland Park, was arrested on two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal use of weapons and possession of a firearm by a person who is addicted to or an unlawful user of a controlled substance.

His 46-year-old passenger, Tara Jo Ashley, of Topeka, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KNZA)--Public health advisories have been lifted for two local lakes.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, announced Friday that the Atchison State Fishing Lake in Atchison County and Mission Lake in Brown County are no longer under advisories.

The advisories were issued last month due to the presence of blue-green algae.

Two other local lakes remain under public health advisories.

The Atchison County Lake near Horton has been elevated to " warning" status, while Atchison City Lake #9 has been lowered to " 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)--National 4-H Week continues, with ambassadors, earlier this week, meeting with the Jefferson County Commission during the Commission's regular weekly meeting.

According to the unofficial minutes of the October 6 session, the session served as the annual meeting between the 4-H and County leaders, with the County thanked "for all the support and to reiterate that the 4-H has helped many youths in Meadowlark District-Oskaloosa to become confident, independent, resilient, and compassionate leaders."

The 4-H representatives presented the Commission with the National 4-H Week Declaration, with the Commission voting unanimously to sign it.

National 4-H Week, held under the theme "Beyond Ready" for 2025, began October 5 and concludes Saturday.

(KLZA)--The Diocese of Lincoln has limited the assignments of Father Scott Courtney after he was accused of sexually abusing a minor 32 years ago.

According to a statement released September 19th, a woman came forward alleging that she was sexually abused as a minor in 1993 when Fr. Courtney was a seminarian in Lincoln.The diocese said it immediately reported the allegations to local law enforcement. No criminal charges were filed.

The diocese also conducted its own independent investigation and consulted the diocesan review board. From there, Bishop James Conley limited Courtney- ministerial assignment to providing spiritual support to the retired priests of the Diocese of Lincoln.

Courtney has denied the allegations and is entitled to the presumption of innocence, both under state, federal and secular law.

In 2018, Courtney was placed on administrative leave from his role at Sacred Heart Parish in Roseland and Assumption Parish in Juniata while the diocese investigated an allegation involving sexual contact with a woman. His teaching duties at St. Cecilia High School in Hastings were also taken over by other priests.

The allegation did not involve a current or former parishioner of Courtney, and the incident was reported to police.

Fr. Courtney previously served Parishes in Steinauer and Burchard in Pawnee County.

(KLZA)--Following a collection of donations, all climate controlled Automated External Defibrillators will be placed at Grandview and Dallas Jones Memorial Parks in Falls City

The portable devices analyze a victim's heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat during sudden cardiac arrest.

The all-climate AED's are designed to withstand extreme weather, incluidng rain, heat and freezing temperatures.

A First Responders Event and Ribbon Cutting to celebrate the placement of the AED's will be held Sunday, October, 12 from noon - 1 p.m. at the Dallas Jones Memoiral Park near the concession stand.

The event is open to the public and is a way to celebrate the community coming together to make this possible while raising awareness about he importance of these lifesaving tools.

During the event first reponders will be on hand allowing the public an opportunity to see fire trucks, an ambulance, a sheriff's vehicle anda a police cruiser up close.

In the event of a cardiac emergency, the following is how the process to utilize the AED's work.

If you Witness someone collapse.
1. Check for a pulse.
2. If there is no pulse, begin CPR.
3. Call 911 and stay on the line with dispatch.
4. Retrieve the AED from the cabinet. (The dispatcher will provide the access code.)
5. Return to the individual, turn on the AED.
6. Follow the device- prompts (place pads, analyze heart rhythm, deliver shock if needed).
7. Continue CPR if advised, until emergency services arrive.
8. Remain on the phone with dispatch throughout the process.

Time is critical in these situations. Survival rates can exceed 70% if defibrillation is administered within the first 3-5 minutes of a cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, as Falls City operates a volunteer ambulance squad, response times can sometimes take up to 10 minutes. Every minute without an AED decreases the chance of survival by 10%.

(KLZA)--Falls City Elk's Lodge #963 is going to celebrate the organizaitons 120th anniversary Sunday afternon, October 12.

A dedication ceremony for the newly placed Elk Statue and Courtyard of Flags located at the south end of the parking lot will begin the event at 4:30 p.m.

Following the dedication ceremony, a social hour and dinner will be held.

The Falls City Elk's Lodge has been located at it's present location, 1417 Stone Street since 1961.

(KLZA)--Falls City Elk's Lodge #963 is going to celebrate the organizaitons 120th anniversary Sunday afternon, October 12.

A dedication ceremony for the newly placed Elk Statue and Courtyard of Flags located at the south end of the parking lot will begin the event at 4:30 p.m.

Following the dedication ceremony, a social hour and dinner will be held.

The Falls City Elk's Lodge has been located at it's present location, 1417 Stone Street since 1961.

( KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved moving forward with roof repairs at the county Law Enforcement Center when they met Wednesday.

After reviewing quotes received for repair or replacement of the roof, the Board deemed the leaking roof at the facility an emergency situation, threatening serious loss of life, health or property in the county, and waived the requirements for competitive bidding.

A contract with Midwest Homes & Restoration of Mound City, Missouri, in an amount of $146,749 was approved with the understanding the project would begin in the next 10 - 14 days and be completed within 3 - 4 days once the work is started.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. reported the roof repair project at the county shop in Falls City has been completed by Lanter SPS Roofing System of Hiawatha.

Darveau also reported all equipment including rock trucks and motor graders are operating with maintenance being done on roads in the county following significant rainfall in the past week.

Commissioners also met with Dakota Schulenberg, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator with the Nebraska Public Power District, who provided an update on activity at NPPD's Cooper Nuclear Station near Brownville.

Schulenberg reported NPPD has submitted an application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a 20-year extension of the plants license to operate, with an NRC decision on the application expected in 2026.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission Monday adopted resolutions banning battery energy storage system projects and cryptocurrency data centers in the county.

Commissioners cited the health and safety concerns associated with BESS projects. Commissioners say the county currently lacks the infrastructure to accommodate data centers and needs to preserve the quality of life that exists in Doniphan County.

Other Kansas counties have adoped similar resolutions.

Commissioners also adopted resolutions prohibiting community and utility scale wind and solar energy projects in unincorporated areas of the county.

Commissioners say the action is intended to preserve the natural, historical and rural landscapes of Doniphan County.

(KAIR)--A longtime Atchison leader, active in the local Catholic community, including longtime leadership at Benedictine College, has died.

According to the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, Elmer Fangman was 90-years-old at the time of his death on October 8.

He will be laid to rest Monday, with a Mass of Christian Burial at Atchison's St. Benedict Church.

According to his obituary, the Seneca/Axtell native attended Maur Hill Prep, in Atchison, in 1953, leading to his education at Benedictine College, a longtime marriage to his late wife, Anne, time as an educator, and eventually to his leadership at the college.

According to his obituary, Fangman, during the 30-years between August, 1970 to his retirement in August, 2000, held the position of Dean of Students and later also of Vice President of Student Affairs, with his responsibilities, at various times, including counseling, all athletic programs, all college facilities, financial aid, student activities, health services, career planning and placement, intramural programs, foreign student programs, student publications and housing. In addition, in 1982, he was selected as Administrator of the Year at Benedictine College, and he raised the money and sponsored the first Fellowship of Catholic University Students program on a college campus, a program that has grown to over 210 campuses.

He was a founding board member of Atchison Achievement Services and helped spearhead the mainstreaming of Down Syndrome children into the Atchison Public Schools, with recognitions of his service to others including the Kansas Monk Award from Benedictine College and the Lumen Vitae Medal from St Benedict- Abbey.

Upon retirement in 2000, Fangman became a licensed professional counselor at All-Faiths Counseling Center.

(KNZA)--The Executive Vice President of Highland Community College has been honored for making major contributions to the advancement of social justice in higher education.

According to a release from the college, Jennifer Schiller received the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators Region IV-WEST Social Justice and Inclusion Award during the association's regional conference, held this past Sunday through Tuesday, in St. Louis, Missouri.

The release says Schiller has led several initiatives to increase awareness and support of underrepresented students, having developed inclusive policies, expanded student support, and facilitated college-wide training on cultural competency and equity in education.

Schiller, in a statement, said shes "incredibly honored" to receive the recognition, adding that she shares the "award with the dedicated faculty, staff and students at Highland who are committed to building a more inclusive community.”

(KNZA)--A Thursday afternoon one-vehicle crash in Jefferson County sent an Ozawkie man to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-4 Highway, just north of 31st Street, around 4:45.

According to the KHP report, 65-year-old Terry Morrison was eastbound on K-4 and did not see a vehicle stopped waiting to turn on to 31st Street. He performed an evasive maneuver and lost control of his Ford Crown Victoria, which left the roadway and overturned.

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

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

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth-area man is identified as the motorcyclist killed on a rural, Platte County, Missouri roadway at the start of the week.

He's named as 38-year-old Kyle Jonsson, identified as a resident of the Lansing/Leavenworth area, in a release from the Platte County Sheriff's Office.

According to the release, Jonsson was found around 20-yards from his Triumph motorcycle when Sheriff's Deputies, around 4:00 Sunday afternoon, were called to Farley Hampton Road, near Baker Road, in rural Platte County. The motorcycle was found in the grass, on the southwest corner of the intersection of the two roads.

Two persons were already there when the Sheriff's Office arrived, attempting life saving measures, which a deputy assumed until EMS arrived to transport Jonnson, who was declared dead after arriving at hospital in the Platte County area.

According to the release, "the cause and circumstances leading up to the [crash] remain under investigation by the Platte County Sheriff- Office Crash Team."

(KLZA)--An Auburn, Nebraska man was sentenced Monday in Pawnee County District Court to what amounts to time served after he pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of misdemeanor child abuse for head-butting a young child in June.

31-year-old Preston Lee was originally charged with felony child abuse without injury.

He was sentenced to 215 days in jail, but was immediately eligible for release.

Lee had served 115 days in jail and was credited with 100 days for good behavior.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved the execution of labor agreements with both the Comunications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1536 when they met Monday evening.

The unions represent city employees.

The collective bargaining agreements will be in effect from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028.

The employees will receive a 4% pay increase for Fiscal year 2025-26 and Fiscal Year 2026-27 with a 3% increase for FY-2027-28.

In other business, the Council approved renewal of the insurance package with Miller-Farrell, for enterprise operations and boiler/machinery totaling $345,186 for Fiscal Year 25-26. That figure represents an 8% increase from the previous years premium

The appointment of John Sample to the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department was also approved, along with a request to block off Lane Street from 19th Street to 26th Street on October 31 from 5 - 9 p.m. for trick-or-treating.

(KMZA)--A Waterville man charged in the 2024 death of a Blue Rapids man has entered into a plea agreement.

According to court documents, James Winkenwader pleaded no contest Tuesday in Marshall County District Court to an amended charge of second-degree murder.

He had originally been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 36-year-old Camoran Shopteese on July 4th, 2024.

Winkenwader also pleaded no contest to charges of aggravated assault and possession of methamphetamine in two other previous cases.

In exchange for the plea, all remaining charges were dismissed.

Sentencing was set for December 2nd.

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

(KLZA)--NioCorp Developments has announced that it has finalized the purchase of an additional 325.77 acres of land associated with its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project in southeast Nebraska.

The acquisition provides NioCorp with ownership of all land that hosts the Elk Creek Project's Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve and all acreage necessary to commence construction once project financing is obtained. This ownership position includes all necessary surface and mineral rights.

NioCorp CEO and Executive Chairman. Mark Smith says the land purchase positions NioCorp to get out of the blocks quickly once they complete project financing and get the Elk Creek Project under construction and into commercial operations.

Through its land ownership position along with options to purchase additional lands adjacent to that position, the Company has enough land to support planned commercial operations and potentially expand its current Mineral Resource and Reserve beyond the current 38 years of estimated mine life.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners spent a good portion of their October 1 meeting time discussing roof projects.

Quotes received for the repair and or replacement of the Law Enforcement Center roof ranged from $56,245 to as high as $170,000. Four companies submitted bids on the work.

Commissioner Bobby Campbell will be reviewing quotes from two other contractors to be considered when the Board meets Wednesday.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. reported quotes have been received for repairs to the roof of the shop at the County Yard in Falls City. One quote from Skyline of Roca, Nebraska was in an amount of $58,975 and the other quote was from Lanter SPS Roofing systems in Hiawatha in an amount of $18,100.

Darveau said the rock quarry at DuBois has reported to Richardson County that the clean rock supply is currently depleted at the site. It was also noted that plans to correct a problem with a structure on a road northwest of Dawson have been received and the work should begin in the near future.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported his office responded to an accident on the Iowa Tribe reservation area last week and that an unsuccessful attempt was made to contact the tribal police department regarding the accident.

The Sheriff also reported that an additional generator will be installed at the Law Enforcement Center and while that is being completed, there could be some electric disruption at the building.

Commissioners also approved a resolution that will allow attorney's within the county Attorney's Office to handle divorce cases. County Attorney Samantha Scheitel explained the County Attorney would not be performing the work, but other attorneys in the office would be allowed to.

(KAIR)--A 72-year-old Atchison man required a trip to the hospital following a two vehicle crash early Monday evening, in the 400 block of South U.S. Highway 73, in Atchison.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the crash happened when Gary Bewley, behind the wheel of a Toyota Highlander, was exiting a parking lot, located on the east side of the highway. As he did, a northbound Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Atchison resident Walter Pierce, collided with Bewley's SUV, leaving Bewley injured.

He was transported to Atchison Amberwell, by Atchison County EMS, for examination.

Pierce was not hurt.

The crash happened shortly after 5:00 Monday evening.

(KAIR)--A missing mini-bike sparks a police investigation as its whereabouts are sought.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, explains that the red and black Coleman-brand mini-bike had been parked outside an Atchison residence in the 1300 block of Crowell Street at the time of the theft.

It's believed, the release says, that it was taken sometime between September 30 and October 4.

Anyone with information related to the missing mini-bike should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KNZA)---The Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas held their annual election Monday.

The Tribe announced the results Tuesday.

Elected were Nellie Cadue, Gail Cheatham, Merle Green and Michelle Thomas.

After the election, the seven member body reorganized.

Tribal Council officers for 2025-26 will be:

Chairperson; Gail Cheatham.
Vice-Chairperson; Nellie Cadue.
Treasurer; Michelle Cadue.
Secretary; Howard Allen.
Members; Sharon Doxtator, Merle Green, Michelle Thomas.

(KNZA)--An Atchison man convicted of charges in connection with a string of burglaries in the southeast part of Brown County last year has been sentenced to one and a half years in prison.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill said 42-year-old Richard Croft was sentenced Monday in Brown County District Court on three counts of burglary.

He pleaded no contest to the charges in July. In exchange for the plea, three other counts were dismissed.

During the sentencing hearing, Hill said Croft's attorney asked for probation, and he asked the court to sentence him to prison by invoking a special rule under the state's sentencing guidelines on an otherwise presumptive probation case when someone is being sentenced for a burglary conviction and has two or more prior convictions for theft as Croft did.

In the end, Hill said the judge agreed to invoke the special rule as requested by the state and sentenced him to a total of 18 months in prison.

Croft was remanded to the Brown County Jail to be delivered to a state prison.

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

Croft was suspected in a series of burglaries and thefts in northeast Kansas last year, but so far as only been charged in Brown and Atchison Counties.

According to court documents, he was charged last month in Atchison County District Court with 20 counts--including burglary, theft, criminal damage to property and arson--in connection with alleged crimes last October and November in Atchison County.

(KNZA)--Its fall cleanup time in the city of Horton. The city is offering residents an opportunity to get rid of their clutter.

Dumpsters will be set up in the vacant lot, south of City Hall, at the corner of 1st Avenue East and 7th Street beginning Friday afternoon, October 10th until Monday October 20th.

Acceptable items include furniture, carpet, empty paint cans, plastic, mattresses, wood, cabinets, tables, windows, demolished buildings, tubs, toilets, sinks, and shingles.

The city says there will not be anyone on site to assist with moving items, so you should plan accordingly.

Also your asked to place metal items on the ground, as they will be removed separately.

Items that will NOT be accepted are antifreeze, freon, herbicides, pesticides, household cleaners, paint & paint products; spray paint, alkaline and Ni-Cad batteries, mercury, used oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, gasoline, leaves, grass clippings and household trash. In addition, no tires will be accepted.

The annual Fall Cleanup is sponsored by the City of Horton and Hamilton Recycling for Horton residents. If you have any questions, call City Hall at 785-486-2681 extension option 1.

(KNZA)---Highland Community College has reported a 4.9% increase in student enrollment for the fall 2025 semester.

That's according to preliminary 20th-day enrollment data released Oct. 1 by the Kansas Board of Regents.

A release from the college says the early data places HCC among the top seven community colleges in Kansas by headcount, with a total enrollment of 2,297 students.

College officials credit the growth to Highland- continued focus on expanding access to higher education across its nine-county service area and beyond.

HCC President Dr. Vincent Bowhay praised the institution- faculty and staff for their efforts in attracting and retaining students. “This enrollment growth reflects our unwavering commitment to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education,” said Dr. Bowhay. “We are proud to serve our communities and support students in achieving their educational and career goals.”

The release says the enrollment increase highlights HCC- success in adapting to the evolving needs of students and reinforces its role as a leader in community-based higher education throughout northeast Kansas.

(KAIR )--The Atchison County Schools of USD 377 are joining the list of area teams showing support for a Nemaha County student athlete diagnosed with brain cancer.

Danny Childress, a senior at Nemaha Central High School and a member of the school's football team, was scheduled for surgery last week, in Memphis, Tennessee.

A social media post made Saturday afternoon to the county schools' accounts, attributed to Coach Tegtmeier, encourages "every player, manager, coach, staff member, and fan to purchase a shirt...being sold to help with the medical costs" for Childress.

The plan, the post says, is for the shirts, which include the message of "All In for #61," the number Childress wears on the field, to be worn during Atchison County's October 24 football match-up against Nemaha Central. Both teams, the release notes, will be wearing the shirts, showing visible support for Childress.

The post explains that payment is to be made to ACCHS Football, with those donations to be presented as one check "for the cause" to be delivered by the school during the October 24 game.

The Atchison County Schools of USD 377 are joining the list of area teams showing support for a Nemaha County student athlete diagnosed with brain cancer.

Danny Childress, a senior at Nemaha Central High School and a member of the school's football team, was scheduled for surgery last week, in Memphis, Tennessee.

A social media post made Saturday afternoon to the county schools' accounts, attributed to Coach Tegtmeier, encourages "every player, manager, coach, staff member, and fan to purchase a shirt...being sold to help with the medical costs" for Childress.

The plan, the post says, is for the shirts, which include the message of "All In for #61," the number Childress wears on the field, to be worn during Atchison County's October 24 football match-up against Nemaha Central. Both teams, the release notes, will be wearing the shirts, showing visible support for Childress.

The post explains that payment is to be made to ACCHS Football, with those donations to be presented as one check "for the cause" to be delivered by the school during the October 24 game.

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca is moving forward with plans for the construction of a new water treatment plant.

The Seneca City Council, when they met last week, voted to enter into a contract with Midwest Engineering Group to begin the design process for the new plant.

The action is contingent on the acceptance of the contract by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

City Administrator Steve Brooks said the design process should take about a year.

Brooks also provided an update on the proposed new electric substation/generation project. He said he expects to have some bid sheets next month for the transformers and larger components of the substation. Brooks said the 3 generators for the project are currently in storage and will not arrive until the substation is built.

He also provided an update on the Skoch Park memorial project. Brooks said Recreation Director Jordan Weaver has put out a request for proposals for the concrete work, which are due October 9th. In addition, he said the flagpole assembly and benches have been ordered.

(KNZA)--Members of the 1st District Brown County Republican precinct committee during a convention Sunday evening, held at the Carwell Building in Hiawatha, selected a new county commissioner.

Richard Tesoriero was elected on a 6-4 secret ballot vote from among two nominees to fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Richard Lehmkuhl.

The other nominee was Dennis Pyle.

Twenty-one county GOP precinct committee members were present at the convention, with ten eligible to vote.

Each nominee was given an opportunity to speak. Both talked about their background and why they believed they were the best candidate to fill the vacancy. They then took questions from those present at the convention.

Tesoriero felt his experience in running businesses and Pyle his experience serving in the Kansas Legislature would make them a good commissioner.

Tesoriero's name will now be forwarded to Governor Kelly, who will make the official appointment.

He will fill a term expiring in January 2027. The position will be up for election in November 2026.

(KAIR)--A go-cart driver, traveling illegally on Atchison streets, now faces a number of charges, including that related to his alleged escape from police.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says 36-year-old Eric Pennington was arrested shortly before 1:00 Tuesday morning for fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, and other traffic charges. He was additionally arrested on a Municipal Court warrant charging him with failure to appear in court.

According to Wilson, Pennington's arrest followed Monday night's attempt to stop Pennington's go-cart as he traveled in the area of the 1000 block of South 7th Street. Instead of stopping, it's alleged Pennington fled from the area, behind the wheel of the go-cart, but was ultimately located, and arrested, in the 400 block of Spring Garden.

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

Early this year, the Atchison City Commission gave approval to the use of UTV's, or side-by-sides on City streets, so long as the factory model UTV is equipped with a roll cage and safety harnesses.

The ordinance, though, does not allow other, similar vehicles, to be ridden on streets, including golf carts, atv's, and go-carts.

(KLZA)-- A 17-year-old rural Humboldt resident died Friday morning in a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of 634 Avenue and U-S 136 Highway in Nemaha County, Nebraska, about 4 miles southeast of Johnson.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Department responded shortly after 6:30 to a call that a truck had gone off the road and caught fire.

First responders discovered that there were two vehicles involved in a crash.

A Ford Explorer, driven by 17-year-old Ren Avery of rural Humboldt was north bound on 634 Avenue, crossing Highway 136 when his vehicle was struck by an eastbound Freightliner box truck driven by 30-year-old Yaumel Espinosa Gonzalez, of Miami, Florida.

Avery was pronounced dead at the scene of the wreck. Espinosa Gonzalez was not injured.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol.

(KNZA)--Fake phone calls, threatening arrest while claiming to represent the "Border Patrol," are being reported in the local area, with the Brown County Sheriff putting out the word to beware the latest of many scams circulating.

According to Sheriff John Merchant, area residents have reported receiving calls from men, with heavy accents, who say the recipient is wanted on an active warrant and will be arrested immediately if a $500 bond is not posted over the phone.

Rude and pushy is how Merchant says the callers have been described, with the call ID showing a restricted number.

Merchant, who gives his assurance in the release that "Border Patrol does not work this way," advises anyone who receives the phone call to hang up immediately.

(KLZA)-- No one from the public appeared for public heairngs on the proposed 2025-26 Fiscal Year budget or property tax levy during Monday nights special meeting of the Falls City Council.

Following the hearings, the Council approved the 2025-26 property tax request of $814,000 which is 4 percent higher than the previous year.

The property tax assessment will be 38.747 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which represents a 4 percent decrease from last years 40.416 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

The city valuation for 2025 increased 8 percent to $210,094,061, an increase of more than $16.4 million.

The total opearating budget for the next fiscal year will be 12 percent higher than the 2024-25 budget. The new figure will be $31,285,135.

The total budget of expenditures includes $11,451,577 for Government Funds and $20,370,973 for Utility / Enterprise Funds.

(KLZA)-- An effort to recall Auburn Mayor Chris Erickson has failed.

While there were 379 signatures collected on petitions for the recall, Nemaha County Clerk Diane Johnson released a statement noting that due to material irregularities by the circulators, 12 of the 21 circulated petitions were determined to be invalid because they were not notarized, thus resulting in an insufficient number of signatures to force a recall election.

By order of the Election Commissioner, the Nemaha County Sheriff's Department is conducting an investigation to determine who was circulating petitions.

Another recall effort cannot be initiated because it is less than six months before the next regular election of the Mayor in Auburn.

Amanda Powell initiated the recall effort in Auburn.

(KNZA)--A Holton High School teacher is be honored.

Katie Morris has been named by the Kansas Art Education Association as its 2025-26 Overall Outstanding Art Educator for her commitment to art education.

She has served as an art educator in Kansas for the past 16 years. She currently teaches at Holton High School, and previously taught at Jackson Heights.

Morris has been active at both the state and national levels of the Art Education Association. She has been the KAEA Communications and Social Media Chair since 2011 and regularly attends and presents at state and national conferences.

She was named the KAEA Outstanding Elementary Art Educator in 2014 and the KAEA Outstanding K-12 Art Educator in 2021.

Morris earned a Master- in Art Education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a Bachelor of Science in Education, Art Education with an Art History minor from Emporia State University, and has completed numerous continuing education courses at Friends University and Baker University.

In addition to being a full time art educator ,Morris is a practicing artist and has been included in many juried shows across the state, including the prestigious Symphony in the Flint Hills Art Exhibition & Auction. She has completed seven public murals in Kansas. Her photography has been featured in the KANSAS! Magazine Photography edition numerous times. She also contributes articles to the professional art education journals “Arts & Activities” and “School Arts”.

Morris will be honored by the KAEA at its upcoming fall conference, which is set for October 10th in Hiawatha.

KAEA is a statewide professional organization dedicated to the growth and development of art educators and the advancement of high quality art education.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Step Foundation has announced its fall 2025 grant recipients.

The grants are awarded for charitable purposes to enhance and improve the quality of life for the residents of Nemaha County, Kansas.

The Albany Historical Society will be updating the siding on the Rock Creek Church building with the help of a $2,500 from the STEP General Endowment Fund.

The Sacred Heart Parish in Baileyville was awarded $1,900 to replace the lights at the B & B ball field with new LED lights.

Best Life Community Services, formerly the Nemaha County Training Center, will receive a $3,000 grant. The funds will be used for the purchase of overhead track lifts for its new five-person residential living facility under construction in Seneca.

The Centralia Ball Association/City of Centralia was awarded $500 to complete its batting cage project.

The City of Corning will receive a $500 grant to help with its windows replacement project at City Hall.

The Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle school will receive $5,000 for student supplies. The school would like to purchase a variety of alternative seating options as well as fidgets and alternative tools to help support students’ sensory needs.

The Woodlawn Baptist Church which will be receiving $500 to purchase an AED.

Also a $3,000 grant has been awarded to Nemaha Central Schools. The funds will be used to purchase coats, hats, gloves, backpacks, shoes, meals, including snack milk and medical expenses for students who are underprivileged. Funds will also be used to purchase items for the food closet where low-income students can take home extra food for the weekend.

The next grant application deadline is January 15, 2026. Applications can be submitted online at www.nemahastep.org.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission will be meeting at a new time.

The Commission voted Tuesday to change their meeting time on Monday's from 8:10 in the morning to 1:00 in the afternoon.

The action was taken to accommodate County Counselor Austin Parker, who serves both Brown and Nemaha Counties, allowing him to attend both meetings.

The change will take effect beginning with their October 6 meeting.

In other business, the Commission approved a resolution to post 45 mile per hour speed limit signs on a stretch of 270th Road between Coyote Road and the Sabetha city limits.

Also at the meeting, Commissioner Bill Pollock presented a plaque to District 3 Road Foreman Doug Bletcher in recognition of his 11 years of service to the county.

Bletcher will be retiring from the county.

(KLZA)--NioCorp Developments has announced that the Company took another step this week to advance its application for up to $800 million in potential debt financing to be supported by the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. to advance its proposed critical minerals project in Southeast Nebraska.

According to a release, NioCorp executed a professional services agreement with SLR Consulting to conduct an independent environmental and social review.

In February 2025, SLR was selected to conduct an independent technical review of the Elk Creek Project, which is ongoing. SLR will now conduct both the independent technical review and the Environmental and Social review on behalf of the Bank.

NioCorp's application for EXIM funding of the Elk Creek Project passed EXIM- first level of due diligence, in October 2023. In April 2024, EXIM provided NioCorp with a preliminary indicative term sheet for possible financing.

NioCorp has engaged JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. to assist the company in seeking debt financing supported by EXIM. There can be no assurances that the application will advance or be approved by the EXIM Board of Directors nor that debt financing from EXIM will be provided.

(KNZA)--A Topeka motorcyclist was injured Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in Jackson County

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 75 Highway, just north of Holton near Rodgers Drive, around 3:30.

According to the KHP report, the driver of a Ford Explorer was stopped or slowing down due to traffic conditions when a southbound motorcycle approached from behind, lost control and overturned, striking the rear of the SUV.

The motorcylist, 36-year-old Matthew Scott, was transported to a Topeka hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The driver of the Explorer, 70-year-old Raphael Haverkamp, of Goff, was not hurt.

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

(KNZA)--As cooler weather begins to set in, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reminds Nebraskans that mosquitoes will remain active until the first hard freeze, making it important to continue following preventive measures and protect against mosquito bites.

State Epidemiologist, Dr. Sydney Stein says until we experience a sustained hard freeze, we will continue to see mosquito activity.

If you are going to be outdoors, you should continue to take preventative measures to protect yourself from mosquitoes that could be carrying diseases such as West Nile Virus.

People can reduce their risk of mosquito borne illnesses by:

• Use a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.

  Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when outside.

• Take extra precautions when going outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

• Drain standing water around your home. Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted trays at least once a week, if not more often.

• Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days.

• Make sure window and door screens are “bug tight" and repair or replace torn screens.

• As of September 29, 2025, the DHHS Vector-borne Disease Program has tested over 36,000 mosquitoes from over 1,800 mosquito pools across Nebraska.

127 mosquito pools in 17 counties have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

(KMZA)--Support from fans, parents, and students from local area schools is being shown for a student athlete battling cancer.

Danny Childress, a senior at Nemaha Central High School and a member of the school's football team, has gained strong support for both his plays and stats on the field, but is now seeing support in another way, as a shirt and wristband fundraiser is underway.

According to Jake Spalding, of the MSC Radio Network, local schools are reportedly purchasing shirts for their teams to wear for warmups on October 24 to show they're "All In for #61," the number Childress wears on the field.

The deadline to contribute is Friday.

Childress was scheduled for surgery Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee.

(KMZA)--Support from fans, parents, and students from local area schools is being shown for a student athlete battling cancer.

Danny Childress, a senior at Nemaha Central High School and a member of the school's football team, has gained strong support for both his plays and stats on the field, but is now seeing support in another way, as a shirt and wristband fundraiser is underway.

According to Jake Spalding, of the MSC Radio Network, local schools are reportedly purchasing shirts for their teams to wear for warmups on October 24 to show they're "All In for #61," the number Childress wears on the field.

The deadline to contribute is Friday.

Childress was scheduled for surgery Thursday in Memphis, Tennessee.

(KNZA)--Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags to be flown at half-staff Friday in honor of Hays Police Sergeant Scott Heimann, who was killed in the line of duty early Sunday after responding to a domestic violence call.

Kelly signed an executive order Tuesday ordering flags to be flown at half-staff on all state buildings, grounds, and facilities from sunup to sundown on Friday, which is the day of Heimann's funeral.

“For nearly a decade, Sergeant Heimann was committed to protecting those in Hays, and he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “His sacrifice is a debt that we will never forget or be able to repay. My sincere condolences go out to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy, and to all Kansans as we grieve our state- fourth line-of-duty death in the last three months.”

(MSC News)--While the fall harvest season includes the annual warning to motorists to share area roadways with farm equipment, area authorities are issuing an additional alert for farmers and residents alike: secure vehicles during harvest season.

That word is delivered in a release from Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington which says the Sheriff's Office, as the "County's agricultural community begins the busy fall harvest season," is reminding "everyone to take precautions against vehicle burglaries and thefts, explaining that "with farmers spending long hours in the fields, vehicles left unattended become easy targets for criminals."

The Sheriff's Office, the release notes, "has seen numerous reports of thefts from vehicles on rural properties at farmsteads in the past," saying that "criminals often target unlocked vehicles, stealing valuables, tools, and sometimes the vehicle itself."

The release tells the public their cooperation is needed "in preventing these crimes," with the release saying that "taking a few extra seconds to lock your doors and/or remove valuables can make a huge difference."

A similar warning is being sent in Brown County where Sheriff John Merchant, on Wednesday, said he'd received several reports that morning "from farmers who were concerned about suspicious vehicles lurking around their fields recently," noting that "a dark colored SUV and a Maroon colored pickup have been reported pulling in to fields where harvest is taking place and when farmers notice this, the vehicle/s leave in a hurry." Additionally, Merchant- report involves a lighter colored passenger car, with Missouri plates, driving around fields repeatedly.

So far, Merchant says, there have been no theft reports, only suspicious activity, and tells residents to lock all vehicles, equipment, homes, and outbuildings and to remain aware, adding that most of the activity has been in the northern part of Brown County, with deputies and other law enforcement agencies notified and will provide extra patrols.

Anyone who sees activity of concern should contact local authorities, whether it be in Brown, Doniphan, or elsewhere.

(KAIR)--Funding cuts, rising costs, and other factors, has led to the call for community assistance for Atchison County students at risk of food insecurity.

That comes as both Atchison's USD 409 and Atchison County's USD 377 both face the lack of funding needed to take part in the so-called Backpack Buddies Program.

Kim Bottoroff, Salvation Army of Atchison County Coordinator, is leading the charge to see funding secured through community giving, bringing that message Wednesday to the 93.7 FM Morning Petting Zoo.

(KNZA)--A suspicious vehicle call in Jackson County last week led to the arrest of a Topeka woman on drug possession charges.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said a Sheriff- Deputy was dispatched to a residence south of the City of Denison on W. Road around 7:30 the morning of September 25 in reference to a suspicious vehicle parked in the driveway.

A woman was found to be occupying the 2017 Toyota Camry.

Morris said woman, identified as 44-year-old Alexis Anderson, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KNZA)--The Brown County GOP will hold a convention Sunday evening to select a new 1st District county commissioner.

County GOP Chairman Chris Kroll said the convention will take place at 6:00 at the Carwell Building in Hiawatha. He said the doors will open at 5:30, for credentialing, as an ID will be required. The meeting is open to the public.

During the convention, members of the 1st District GOP precinct committee will elect someone to fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Rich Lehmkuhl.

Tuesday marked the Hiawatha Republican's last county commission meeting. Lehmkuhl had served on the Commission since January 2019.

The name of the person selected will be forward to Governor Kelly, who will make the official appointment.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission Monday unanimously approved a 2026 budget of $15.1 million that contains a nearly 3.6 mill property tax levy increase.

The budget contains an estimated tax rate of 39.63 mills, which is to generate nearly $9.5 million in tax revenue. That's about $1 million in additional tax revenue over this year.

The Commission had originally been looking at an about 4.6 mill levy increase before making budget cuts.

Two mills of the total mill levy increase is due to a clerical error in the 2023 budget that classified certain one-time grant funds as part of ongoing revenue.

An additional one mill of the increase is attributed to ongoing private sector increases in the costs of employee benefits.

The county's assessed valuation increased $4.4 million to more than $239 million.

In other business, the Commission voted to award the bid for a road reclamation project on the Bern-Oneida road to King's Construction, of Oskaloosa, in the amount of just over $986,000
The Commission took the action on the recommendation of Road and Bridge Supervisor Adam Kuckelman.

It was the lowest among two bids opened at the Commission's September 22 meeting.