(KNZA)--A Union Pacific freight train derailed Saturday night, just west of Perry in Jefferson County.

WIBW-TV reports the derailment occurred around 10:00 alongside Bridge Road.

More than 20 railcars overturned.

No injuries were reported.

Union Pacific workers were on the scene Sunday repairing damage to the tracks.

Photo--Jennifer Ploeger/Credit: Sabetha Community Hospital

(KNZA)--The Sabetha Community Hospital has announced the appointment of Jennifer Ploeger as its new Chief Operating Officer.  
According to release, Ploeger steps into the leadership role with a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the hospital's mission.  
She most recently served as the hospital's Communication and Community Outreach Coordinator, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening the hospital's connection with the community and enhancing its public presence.
The appointment marks a return to hospital administration for Ploeger, who has a long istory of service to Sabetha Community Hospital.  
She replaces Garrett Colglazier who took over as the hospital's new Chief Executive Officer on August 1st.  
As Chief Operating Officer, the release says Ploeger will be responsible for overseeing the ay-to-day operations of the hospital, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of healthcare services, and working to uphold the hospital's high standards of quality and patient safety.

(KLZA)--Two people were injured Thursday morning in a Holt County, Missouri wreck at Mound City.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a 30-year-old male and a 10-year-old male passenger from Grain Valley, MO., were northbound on Interstate 29, shortly before 10:30,  when the vehicle traveled off the east side of the interstate. The undercarriage of the GMC Yukon struck the ground and as the vehicle continued in a northeasterly direction, the front bumper struck an embankment causing the vehicle to become airborne. When the vehicle hit the ground agian, it continued into a field, crossed an airfield and struck a stationary combine with its front bumper. The vehicle rotated clockwise and the drivers side struck an aircraft hangar. The impact caused the hangar door to impact a stationary airplane.

The driver and the juvenile were transported to the Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance with what were described as moderate injuries.

The Holt County Sheriff's Office, Mound City Police Department, Mound City Fire Department also responded to the site of the wreck.

(KNZA)--A gas pipeline leak east of  McLouth Thursday evening led to evacuation of several homes and closure of portions several roadways.  

Jefferson County Emergency Management Director Keith Jeffers, in a release, said an Enterprise Products Partners L.P. pipline experienced a leak in an area near K-16 Highway, about 1.5 miles east of the city of McLouth, around 7:10.

Jeffers said several cars were stranded on Fairmount Road due to a lack of oxygen to the engines. Crews from fire districts in Jefferson and Leavenworth Counties evacuated the passengers.

Due to presence of the propane gas in the area,   several homes were also evacuated

In addition, K-16 Highway between McLouth and 251st Street--including Fairmount and Dempsey Roads--were closed. The roads have since been re-opened.

Evacuated homeowners were assisted by the American Red Cross with shelters and food.

Jeffers said its expected that they will be able to start returning to their homes after 3:00 Friday afternoon, as long as emergency personnel determine it is safe to do so. 

As of this time, the release says the cause of the pipeline rupture is unknown

(KAIR)--Cybersecurity attacks are behind a series of outages, in recent days, affecting services both locally and statewide.

As of November 25, the CodeRed emergency system used by Atchison County, and in turn the City of Atchison, to report emergency situations, remained down; and it's possible that user account information "may have been compromised."

That's according to a release from Atchison County Emergency Management, which explained that the "OnSolve CodeRed public notification system remains down nationwide following a targeted cybersecurity incident," meaning the "outage continues to prevent Atchison County from sending alerts through CodeRed until the vendor migrates us to their new notification platform." The County adds, in the release, that they "are still waiting on OnSolve to complete this transition," saying that "once the transition is finished, a test notification will be sent to all users."

The outage was first announced by Emergency Management November 19.

The agency, in its release, says they were notified by OnSolve "that contact information from CodeRed user accounts may have been compromised," including, names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and CodeRed account passwords.

The November 25 release says that while "at this time, there is no evidence that this information has been misused or published online," it ads that "there is potential for it to be leaked," with the release telling CodeRed users to, as a precaution, change the account password if used on other accounts and to be alert for phishing attempts, suspicious emails, links, or attachments.

(KAIR)--Thanks to the work of three Atchison-area service organizations, 337 Atchison County households received Thanksgiving dinners they otherwise would have gone without.

According to a post shared to local, public social media by David Gatewood, of the Atchison County Food Pantry at the First Christian Church, they were joined by Catholic Charities and the USD 409 Kay Chapter in distributing "turkeys and all the related items for a nice Thanksgiving dinner."

The deliveries were made Monday.

Gatewood, referring to the Kay chapter members, says that while "we all like to complain about the younger generations," he thinks "the future is bright with young men and women like these."

Photo-Brett Snider/Credit Doniphan Co Sheriff's Office

 
(KNZA)--An Atchison man was arrested on drug charges after the execution of a search warrant in Doniphan County last week.

Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington, in a release, said the Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant during the afternoon hours of Friday, November 21 in the 100 block of Mineral Point Road.

During the execution of the warrant, he said deputies located a substantial quantity of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, and additional unidentified controlled substances.

As a result of the search, 35-year-old Brett Snider was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Following his arrest, Snider was transported to the Doniphan County Jail, where he is being held on a $25,000 bond.

Following a comprehensive narcotics investigation, Wolvington said additional charges involving other identified suspects have been forwarded to the Doniphan
County Attorney’s Office for review.

The release says the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released when it becomes available.

(KLZA)--City of Humboldt, Nebraska  water customers are under a boil water order until further notice. 
During the month of November, E. coli bacteria was found, indicating the need to look for potential problems in the water treatment or distribution system.

The City of Humboldt is required to conduct an assessment to identify problems and to correct an problems that are found during the assessments. 

The presence of E. coli bacteria indicates the water system may be contaminated and could cause short term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms.  They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. 
Humboldt water customers cannot drink water without boiling it first.  Bring water to a boil for one minute,  let it cool before using,  or use bottled water.  Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice.  Boiling the water kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. 

The boil water resolution is expected to be in effect until December 5, 2025.
Free Water Distribution is available at the Humboldt City Maintenance Shop  from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily, while supplies last, during the boil water order.  There is a 1 case per family limit.

(KLZA)--President Donald Trump has endorsed Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen's re-election bid. 
In a social media post on Truth Social Tuesday,  Trump said he gives his complete and total endoresement for re-election to Pillen for what he called “working tirelessly to Champion Nebraska Values.” 

Pillen, in a Tuesday afternoon response to the president on social media site X, wrote that he was “deeply honored to have earned” Trump’s endorsement.  

Charles Herbster, of Falls City, who lost his bid to be Governor in 2022 in the Republican primary to Pillen,  has been critical of the Governor.  Herbster told the Nebraska Examiner recently that, “Pillen’s shortcomings make it hard to say no” to running in 2026 and that he will decide closer to the new year.  

In a statement, Tuesday, Herbster said while he is disappointed in Trump’s endorsement, “it is entirely reasonable that he would endorse the incumbent Republican governor,”  and that he will continue to explore running for governor.

In 2022, Herbster had Trump’s endorsement, and the governor was backed by then-Gov. Pete Ricketts, whom Pillen appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2023.  

(KAIR)--A bus driver for the Atchison Public Schools is accused of threatening a student rider, arrested Tuesday in connection with the crime. 

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson tells MSC News 68-year-old Paul Detherage was taken into custody Tuesday morning, around 8:45, arrested at the USD 409 Bus Barn, in the 2600 block of Industrial Road, after he returned from his bus route. 

Detherage, who now faces a charge of criminal threat, was booked into the Atchison County Jail. 

According to Wilson, Atchison Police, Tuesday morning, were notified about "an argument that had occurred between a bus driver and a student on a school bus" early Tuesday morning when the driver, now identified as Detherage, allegedly made threatening statements. 

Detherage, as of Wednesday morning, remained jailed, with his bond set at $10,000. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Aquatic Park is to be renamed in honor of  former long time pool manager Susie McElroy. 

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening unanimously approved dedicating the Aquatic Park in her honor. 

McElroy, who served as the aquatic park manager for 15 years, died 2012 after a long battle with cancer. 

City Administrator Brad Scott said the idea to rename the aquatic park in her honor was brought up to him and her family is onboard. 

Scott said McElroy was a fixture at the pool.  He said a lot of people in town when they think of the Hiawatha Aquatic Park, they think of Susie McElroy . 

He said he thinks renaming the aquatic park after McElroy would be a good way to honor her memory.  

Scott said the city plans to hold a dedication ceremony in the spring to officially rename the aquatic park as the " Susie McElroy Aquatic Park."

(KNZA)--Doniphan County Commissioners will be receiving a $1 an hour pay raise for 2026 instead of $1.50, as previously approved. 

That follows action taken by the Commission Monday. 

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the Commission voted 2-1 to reduce the commissioners 2026 pay increase by 50 cents an hour.  Commissioner Wayne Grable cast the dissenting vote. 

Prior to the vote, Grable had been a motion to exclude County Commissioners from the 2026 pay increases that were approved last week.  However, the motion died due to the lack of a second. 

The pay increases are effective January 1st.

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has awarded nearly $14.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to 38 projects in 33 communities through the 2025 Downtown Revitalization, Planning, and Public Works opportunities. 

Money for these awards come from the state’s 2025 CDBG allocation and carryover from prior years. No additional funding cycles are planned for the 2025 CDBG Program. 

The next application cycle for all other categories is planned to open in July 2026.
The CDBG program provides funds to help communities tackle projects that enhance local vitality, public health and safety, economic well-being, and quality of life. 

The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

2025 CDBG Program Awardees for Downtown Revitalization totaled ($2,175,000) 

Tecumseh ($435,000) to address the elimination of slum and blight conditions within its downtown business district. 

2025 CDBG Planning Program Awardees included ($547,250) 
Pawnee City ($53,000) to update their comprehensive plan. 
2025 CDBG Public Works Program Awardees included ($11,450,981) 
Brock ($630,000) for a street improvement project, including ADA sidewalk improvements. 
DuBois ($598,000) for a street improvement project, including ADA sidewalk improvements. 
Nebraska City ($630,000) for a street improvement project. 
Steinauer ($291,997) for a sidewalk and street improvement project.

(KLZA)--NioCorp Developments, a leading U.S. critical minerals developer, has announced that U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) will attend and speak at the Company’s evening Town Hall meeting on Friday, December 5 in Elk Creek, Nebraska.

U.S. Senator Ricketts has been a strong supporter of the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project  including when he served as Governor of Nebraska from 2015 to 2023.  

Currently, the Senator serves on these Senate committees:  Environment & Public Works, Foreign Relations, Special Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Budget. 

The Company also announced an updated start time for its Lunch Town Hall event on December 5th.  Doors for the Lunch Town Hall session will now open at 12:00 p.m. and the event will begin at 12:30.

As a reminder, both events will be held at the Elk Creek Community Center, 383 Ash Street, Elk Creek, NE, 68348. Each session will include presentations and a Q&A with NioCorp executives regarding the progress of the Elk Creek Project. Complimentary meals will be provided to all registered attendees.
The Lunch time town hall meeting will feature Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. The doors will open at 12 p.m., with the the event to begin at 12:30. 

The evening dinner Town Hall meeting featuring Senator Ricketts will begin at 5 p.m. The doors will open at 4:45 p.m.   

Attendance is free.  However,  advance registration is required due to limited space.
You can register at www.niocorp.com/2025-town-hall-meeting-registration/.

(KAIR)--Formal charges are filed against the pair blamed for a weekend, Leavenworth County pursuit, complete with gunfire that left a deputy injured when he crashed his patrol vehicle while being fired upon.

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 33-year-old Leavenworth resident Andrew Amundsen is charged with attempted capital murder on two deputies from the Leavenworth County Sheriff’s office, aggravated residential burglary, interference with a law enforcement officer, two counts aggravated battery, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, two counts criminal threat, and aggravated endangering a child, and criminal damage of property.

All are felony charges, the release says, except for the criminal damage.

29-year-old Mariah Huggins, of Kansas City, Kansas, is charged with two counts aggravated battery, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, driving while suspended, reckless driving, and failure to wear a seat belt.

The release clarifies that the aggravated batteries and the flee or attempting elude are felonies, while the other counts are misdemeanors.

According to the release, the charges listed are in place for now, but the case remains under investigation, overseen by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The pair is held in the Leavenworth County Jail, with bond for Amundsen set at $1 million, while Huggins' bond is $50,000.

According to a release from the KBI, the pursuit-turned-shooting began around 8:45 Friday night, in the City of Basehor, after a resident reported being threatened.

The Sheriff's Office arrived, following the victim's description of a suspect SUV that was located, but failed to stop, with the release saying gunshots were fired toward a deputy's patrol vehicle several times, eventually causing the pursuing deputy to crash. The deputy was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and then released.

The pursuit continued until the suspect SUV crashed, with Amundsen fleeing the wreck on foot, allegedly firing several rounds after exiting, with a deputy returning fire.

Amundsen was found, uninjured, hiding in the bed of a pickup truck, and arrested.

Huggins was taken into custody immediately after the SUV wrecked.

(KMZA)--Sabetha-based Berwick Oil Company has announced that the proposed merger with Seneca-based Ag Partners Cooperative was not approved.  

That word came Monday in a release from the Board of Directors of Berwick Oil.  

Members of Berwick Oil voted on the proposed merger during a special meeting held on November 19th.  Approval required a two-thirds majority vote.  The final results were 52 percent in favor of the merger and 48 percent against, which did not meet the supermajority threshold required for passage.  

Berwick Oil Board Chair Nick Aberle said "while the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we will continue to look for opportunities to strengthen our cooperative's future and enhance the value we deliver to our members."  

Aberle thanked all members who participated in the process, whether by attending informational meetings, submitting ballots or engaging in discussions.  

Both Berwick Oil Company and Ag Partners Cooperative will continue business operations as normal.   
The release says the staff and boards of both organizations remain committed to exploring options that support long-term stability and value for their cooperatives and members.

(KNZA)--Fifteen tracts of land in Jackson County are to be auctioned off during a special delinquent tax sale on December 8th. 

The tax sale will take place in the first floor meeting room of the Jackson County Courthouse, in Holton, at 10:00 that morning.  

Owners of the properties for sale have been delinquent on paying their taxes for the past three years and failed to pay the amount due in full by the time the special auction was set.  

Owners have until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5th to redeem the properties by paying the full amount of property taxes due through 2024 tax year, including interest and fees.  Payment will be due by 4:00 p.m. on December 8th. Accepted forms of payment are cash, check or money order.   

You can find a list of the tracts to be sold posted on the county's website at jacksoncountyks.com  
The last tax sale in Jackson County was held in August 2021.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education voted unanimously during a special meeting Monday night for the Tiger football team to play 8-Man football for the next two-year cycle.

Following a meeting of parents of potential players in grades 8 -11 last week and visits with students, the administration recommended going with 8-Man football for the next two years, with the recommendation based on safety of athletes, developing players and sustaining a junior varsity program.

The plan is for the Middle School teams to continue playing 11-man football with hopes of an increase in player participation in the future to allow a return to 11-man at the varsity level following the next two-year schedule cycle.

According to a social media release, the Atchison Art Association has completed its "Artists Feeding Neighbors" food drive, with volunteer drivers credited for delivering the meals Saturday.

The effort, deemed by the Art Association as "extremely successful," was made possible through the donation of food and money, with those who gave credited for their assistance in making the gift of the full, Thanksgiving meals possible.

(MSC News)--Traffic is set to increase on roadways, as thousands of travelers will hit the road for Thanksgiving holiday travels.

AAA projects at least 73 million, or nearly 90-percent of Thanksiving travelers, will travel by car, meaning an additional 1.3 million people on the road compared to last Thanksgiving.

Kansas agencies, such as the state highway patrol and the department of transportation, are urging drivers to put the phone down and avoid distractions, while they and their passengers are reminded to buckle up.

According to a joint release from the agencies, KDOT statistics show that three people were killed and another 193 were injured in Kansas traffic crashes during last year's Thanksgiving holiday.

In an effort to keep such tragedy from happening, drivers can expect an increased law enforcement presence on Kansas roads during the national safety campaign, Thanksgiving Safe Arrival, which began Saturday, November 22 through Saturday, November 29.

Before traveling, the state traffic agencies encourage motorists to check the vehicle’s tires and fluid levels and carry a basic winter travel kit in case of emergency.

Pictured left to right: State Rep. Dr. Allen Reavis, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, and Atchison Co Commissioner James Campbell

To hear this story, including interviews captured live with the bowlers, go here.

This year, as hosted by the 93.7 FM Morning Petting Zoo, the competition was a matchup between city, county, and state, with each position represented appropriately.

Dr. Allen Reavis, Representative for Kansas' 63rd District, represented the state during the competition.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson was a return bowler to the corner of 5th and Kansas Friday morning, representing the city, as rain fell on the bowlers.

Representing the County was 1st District County Commissioner James Campbell.

All three bowlers, wearing frozen-turkey caps supplied by Reavis, took their turns in 3 sets of bowling the frozen turkey down the Atchison sidewalk, knocking down regulation bowling pins, until Campbell was declared the winner.

Campbell took the victory with a score of 27 during Friday morning's competition, held for more than 2-decades by 93.7 FM, in partnership with ALPS, who provided one winner, matched with Campbell through a phone call to the Morning Petting Zoo, with a free, frozen turkey of their own.

(KNZA)--The Greater Sabetha Community Foundation's 10th annual Give to Grow Match Day held November 19-21 was a big success. 

1,246 gifts totaling $585,632 were given to benefit 86 funds.  

Donations are eligible for prorated matching funds from more than $100,000 available.

The Apostolic Christian Home fund generated the largest amount of donations, totaling $73,889 

That was followed by the Sabetha Community Health Foundation fund, which received donations totaling $60,155 and the Kids Kloset fund, which received donations totaling $34,128.  

You can find the complete list of donations made to all the participating charitable funds by going to givetogrowday.com and clicking leaderboard.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is overseeing the probe into an exchange of gunfire during a pursuit that left a Leavenworth County Deputy hospitalized Friday night.

According to a release from the KBI, it happened around 8:45 Friday night, in the City of Basehor, after a resident reported being threatened.

The Sheriff's Office arrived, following the victim's description of a suspect SUV that was located, but failed to stop, with the release saying gunshots were fired toward a deputy's patrol vehicle several times, eventually causing the pursuing deputy to crash.

The pursuit continued until the SUV hit a car, leaving one occupant of the SUV, 33-year-old Leavenworth resident Andrew Amundsen, fleeing the wreck on foot, allegedly firing several rounds after exiting the passenger side. That's when the deputy returned fire, with Amundsen escaping, first allegedly breaking into a home before leaving to hide in the bed of a pickup truck, where he was located, uninjured, and arrested, booked into the Leavenworth County Jail on an outstanding arrest warrant.

A woman inside the SUV, 29-year-old Kansas City, Kansas resident Mariah Huggins, was taken into custody immediately after the SUV crashed, examined medically as a precaution, then booked into the jail on a pre-existing warrant.

According to the KBI's release, additional, related charges are expected for the pair.

The deputy who wrecked, the KBI says, was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and then released.

The investigation is continuing.

(KLZA)--Falls City Council members approved expending funds for the purchase of SCADA controls for the Falls City power plant when they met November 17.

The cost of the upgrade project through an agreement with SEL Engineering Services will be $98,605.

In other action, the Council approved an agreement with Julie Bauman CPA for Fiscal Year End 2025 preparation of adjusting journal entries. The cost will be $8,950.

The appointment of Nicholas Aitken as a member of the Falls City Police Department was approved. Aitken worked as a Falls City Police officer prior to taking a job with the Richardson County Sheriff's Office. As a certified Nebraska law officer he will not be required to go through th Nebraska State Patrol Training porgram.

Also approved was moving forward with an application to USDA Rural Development for financial assistance in an amount of $48,808 for the purchase of a fully equipped 2026 Dodge Durango Pursuit AWD Police Cruiser.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the annual appointment of officers for the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department when they met November 17th.

For 2026, Matt Beer will serve as Fire Chief.  Jon McQueen will serve as First Assistant Chief and Tim Daniels will serve as the Second Assistant Chief.

Brian Vice will serve as President of the Department. Jake Cochran will serve as Vice President, Ben Hullman as Secretary and Jon McQueen as Treasurer.

KLZA)-- The Falls City Board of Education will meet in special session Monday afternoon at 5 in the Central Office at Falls City Middle School.

The purpose of the meeting is to take aciton on the Tiger high school football team playing 11-man or 8-man football for the next two-year cycle. The Tiger football program is facing low participation numbers with a majority of the players expected to be underclassmen, creating significant safety concerns if the program continues to compete in 11-man football.

Last week a meeting of parents of prospective players in grades 8 – 11 was held with 23 players parents in attendance. A release from Falls City High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director Gale Dunkhas, he said 8-man football was favored by most stakeholders due to safety concerns and hopefully increased junior varsity opportunities, despite not being eligible for playoffs for the next two seasons.

School administrators will make a recommendation to the School Board based on the parents meeting and a student survey.

There will be a time for public comment durig the meeting, with the topics limited to the items on the agenda.

The long-term goal for the program is to build a positive experience for athletes with increasing participation, and development of young players.

The city of Seneca is establishing a Parks and Recreation board. 
The Seneca City Council Wednesday evening reviewed the proposed board by-laws and a member application form.  

City Administrator Steve Brooks said the advisory board will consist of seven members—five from inside the city limits and two from outside the city limits, along with a non-voting member.  The non-voting member will act as secretary and be filled by the Parks and Recreation Director once hired.

Initially, two members will be appointed to a one-year term, two members to atwo-year term and three members to a 3-year term.  At the end of their terms, members will be up for re-appointment to a 3-year term.  

The city plans to seek applicants to serve on the board.  

Brooks said the city's personnel committee, which consists of two council members, the mayor, himself and city superintendent, will review the applicants and make a recommendation to the Council for consideration.  

The Council will consider adoption of the board by-laws, by resolution, at their next meeting.

Following an executive session, the Council gave Brooks approval to advertise for new  Parks and Recreation Director.  Jordan Weaver, who had held the position, resigned effective November 12.

(KAIR)--Although tickets are not yet on sale, the date is set, as special, musical guests from Branson, Missouri are coming to Atchison County for a Valentines Day performance in support of the schools of USD 377.

Specifically, the two, planned performances on February 14 by the Hughes Brothers, one a matinee, the other a dinner show, will raise funds for the Auditorium Renovation Project spearheaded by the Atchison County Community Schools Education Foundation.

The Hughes Brothers, of Branson's Hughes Brothers Theater, became acquainted with the school district's Dwight Myer when he attended a past performance where they met, then helped work toward their forthcoming, local appearance.

Myer will be among the guests on the morning of November 24 for 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday to talk, in detail, about the way the Hughes Brothers performance will benefit the auditorium renovation for the school district.

(KAIR)--Five people were arrested Tuesday by the Buchanan County, Missouri Special Operations Division in connection with multiple crimes, which spanned several states across the Midwest.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett, in a press release, said the Northwest Missouri Drug Task Force, comprised of the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office Career Criminal Unit and Drug Strike Force, St. Joseph Police Department, and Missouri Highway Patrol, located three vehicles in Faucett, Missouri at the Pilot Travel Center that were wanted in connection with multiple crimes across the midwest.

Officers took four males and one female into custody and seized the three vehicles at the scene. 

Pruett said all five suspects were found to be citizens of Venezuela and due to the significance of their alleged criminal activity, Immigration Customs Enforcement ( ICE) was notified.

All five suspects were taken to the Buchanan County jail for further investigation before being transferred into ICE custody.

Pruett said the investigation is ongoing.

(KLZA)--An effort sponsored by the Big Lake Improvement Association is underway to rid the Oxbow lake in Holt County, Missouri of invasive Asian Carp.

The group has received donations to purchase more than 5,000 fish which are predators of the Asian Carp. 2,475 catfish, 2,475 hybrid striped bass and 200 walleye.

The Asian Carp were able to find their way into the lake from the Missouri River, mostly during the 2019 flood.

The Association appropriated  $3,000 for the purchase of fish and through donations for the cause, a total of $10,750 was raised for the purchase of fish.

If taming the population of the Asian Carp, plans are to reintroduce species such as bluegill, bass and crappie back into the lake.

(KLZA)--The effort to recall Peru, Nebraska Mayor Kathy Novak is continuing.

Novak issued a formal defense statement to the Nemaha County, Nebraska Clerk's Office prior to the deadline.

Novak said in her statement that she stands by her record of serving Peru with integrity and transparency and says claims of financial misappropriation are false.

Former Peru city employee Phillip Wemhoff is the primary circulator of the recall petition and cited concerns over misuse of funds and encouraged residents to attend council meetings to see the issues.

According to the Nemaha Valley Observer, Peru Council member and former Mayor Josh Whisler cited trust issues and teamwork along with high staff turnover and limited council input on hiring an spending decisions.

Council President and Finance committee member Theresa Westfall also signed the recall petiton, noting a lack of commnication from the mayors office.

The deadline to collect enough signatures to force a recall is December 5. If enough signature are collected, voters will decide whether or not to retain or recall Mayor Novak.

(KMZA)--A Thursday morning two-vehicle Nemaha County, Kansas wreck sent three people--including two children--to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on U.S. 36 highway at Fairway Drive, in Seneca,  around 7:40.

According to the KHP, a Chevy Tahoe driven by 16-year-old Alexis Spring, of Seneca, was westbound on U.S. 36 when she failed to yield the right-of-way to an eastbound Ford Edge as she attempted to turn south onto Fairway Drive and the Ford struck her vehicle.

The driver of the Ford, 32-year-old Ana Lierz, of Wakefield, and two passengers, ages 7 and 10, were transported to the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, in Seneca, with suspected minor or possible injuries.

Spring and three passengers in her vehicle, ages 14, 12 and 2,  were not hurt.

The Patrol says all the occupants were wearing their safety restraints.

(KLZA)-- On a split vote, Falls City Council members voted 4-3 during a special meeting Wednesday evening approving a three-year wage and benefit package for the cities non-union administrative staff.

However, the resolution that passed, will require clarification during the December 1, Council meeting.

The resolution in the packet was for the proposal put forth at the November 17th Council meeting which had a smaller pay increase for the City Administrator, Public Works Director and Chief of Police than the November 3rd Council meeting.

In making the motion to approve the proposed resolution, Councilman Don Ferguson misspoke and referred to the November 3rd resolution when he meant the proposal from the 17th which was what was being discussed.

The final vote was 4 in favor, 3 against with Council member Josh Kaster absent.

Two previous wage proposals were voted down with 5 votes against those proposals. Wednesday evening 3rd Ward Council representative Sara Ruiz voted in favor of the proposal after casting nay votes two previous times.

Voting for the wage proposal Wednesday night were Council members Derek Leyden, Joe Buckminster and Don Ferguson along with Ruiz.

Casting nay votes were Council members Kenny and Frank Killingsworth and Shawn Fouraker.

At the beginning of the meeting Wednesday night, City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum asked to address the Council. He said what has occurred to date with the non-union, administrative wage package is unacceptable for any city government. Nussbaum said the meeting was called on his behalf by Mayor Mark Harkendorff to adjust the breakdown of the wage setting process, determine a path forward and restore fairness and stability.

Nussbaum said the Management Team deserves stability, fairness and closure of the process while deserving the same respect and process afforded by city code, by the mayor's authority in the city code to appoint the committees and the same process all other city employees received through union negotiations.

The Council Chambers were full for the Wednesday night meeting with audience members speaking both for and against the pay increases.

Martin Winfield/Credit: Atchison Police/Atchison Co Sheriff

(KAIR)--A Tuesday evening Atchison traffic stop, initiated by police and assisted by the Sheriff's Office, led to the arrest of an Atchison man who now faces drug-related charges.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says 57-year-old Martin Winfield was taken into custody at the scene of the stop, the 500 block of South 5th Street, arrested on charges for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

According to Wilson, Winfield's vehicle was stopped by an officer around 6:45 Tuesday evening due to an alleged traffic violation.

During the stop, an Atchison County Sheriff's Deputy was on-site with a K-9, which, Wilson says, "alerted to the presence of a controlled substance," leading to the discovery of what's alleged to be "a smoking device containing methamphetamine" inside the vehicle.

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

(KAIR)--As Thanksgiving approaches, millions of Americans shop for the staples of the Thanksgiving meal; but, with food prices high and food insecurity remaining a concern, how much of a hit the family budget will take may make many anxious. 

There is good news, though, as the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute reports that while food prices are up for the year, the Thanksgiving dinner may be a little cheaper. 

According to it's annual Thanksgiving Food Report, Wells Fargo reports that "even though the cost of food at home measured by the Consumer Price Index is up 2.7% from a year ago, the cost of Wells Fargo’s Thanksgiving menu has fallen by about 2 to 3%, depending on the shopper’s strategy."

The report goes on to say that strategy is based on choices made during the Thanksgiving meal purchase, as an all private-label, or store brand, menu comes in at $80, while an all national-name brand menu will total about $95.

As for the turkey itself, the report says, "America’s turkey producers and retailers coordinate all year to bring many birds to the supermarket for the rush of buying," adding that "estimated retail prices are down 3.7% from a year ago for national brands."

National name brand frozen vegetables are down 15-percent, while traditional side items, such as stuffing, gravy mix, and fresh cranberries all dropped between 3 and 4-percent from last year, according to the report.

(KMZA)--The 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking nominations to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Pottawatomie County.  

The vacancy was created when District Magistrate Judge Erich Campbell died September 18. 

The 2nd Judicial District is composed of Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties.   
Justice Caleb Stegall, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 2nd Judicial District, said individuals can apply or be nominated, but nominations must come on a nomination form and include the nominee's signature.   

The deadline to submit a nomination with supporting documents is noon, Tuesday, December 16.  

The nominating commission will interview nominees on January 9th at the Pottawatomie County Courthouse in Westmoreland. 

The commission will then appoint one of the nominees to fill the district magistrate judge vacancy.  

After serving one year in office, the new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

(KLZA)-- Falls City High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director Gale Dunkhas has released a statement following a meeting Monday night to which parents of current and prospective 8th - 11th grade football players were invited.

The meeting was to present information related to the state of the Falls City football program and gather input from the parents that would impact the decision to play 8-man or 11-man football.

Twenty-three players parents attended the meeting.

The Tiger football program is facing low participation numbers with a majority of underclassmen and significant safety concerns if remaining in 11-man football. The decision on playing 8 or 11-man football centers on safety, player development and playoff eligibility.

8-man football is favored by most stakeholders for safety and increased junior varsity opportunities, despite being ineligible for playoffs while playing 8-man ball.

The Falls City School Board will receive a recommendation from administrators and will make the final decision based on the parents meeting and a student survey.

Parents at the meeting felt that coaching changes may have impacted morale and may affect future participation. It was stated that a coaching change could lead to players returning to the sport, but the results will be determined.

Long-term goals are building a positive experience for athletes, increasing participation, and developing young players.

If the decision is to play 8-man football, the school would be looking again at the next 2-year cycle to return to 11-man football and become playoff eligible.

The community is encouraged to focus on supporting student / athlete and recruiting more players regardless of format or coach.

( KLZA)-- Sterling School District patrons passed a bond issue this month that will allow the school district to spend up to $17.5 million for improvements to the districts buildings.

The all mail-in election results were 305 yes votes and 261 votes against the proposal.

The bonds are to be paid off over a 25-year period and it is anticipated the bond will increase property taxes by approximately 22.5-cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

Sterling School District patrons were told of problems in the kitchen area are not repairable and that the elementary portion of the school has infrastructure issues. In addition, the roof was last upgraded 45 years ago.

The elementary school construction is expected to beign in June of 2026 with completion in August of 2027. Construction of the activities areas of the school will begin in June, 2027 with an anticipated completion date in August, 2028.

(KAIR)--Four-years in a row. 

That's how many times the Ravens of Maur Hill-Mount Academy have earned a top victory at the annual Washburn Math Day, again earning the 2A championship, during Tuesday's competition at Washburn University, in Topeka.

According to a release from the Atchison school, MH-MA was represented by advanced math students who earned the team's success by excelling at tests of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, conducted both through written exams and what the school calls "exciting team races." 

Eight students are commended in the release, which also credits the success of instructor Luke Noll.

Kyle White/Credit: Atchison Police/Atchison Co Jail

(KAIR)--A Hiawatha man is facing charges in Atchison County, arrested Wednesday on drug-related charges after he was found by police, allegedly asleep behind the wheel, while stopped in traffic. 

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says Kyle White, arrested around 1:45 Wednesday morning, now faces charges for possession of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia, along with driving while suspended. 

The arrest of the 32-year-old White came after an officer on patrol saw "a vehicle stopped in the lane of traffic" in the 900 block of U.S. Highway 59, and then found White allegedly "asleep or passed out." 

An investigation at the scene, Wilson says, allegedly "resulted in the discovery of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in White’s possession and in the vehicle." 

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

(KAIR)--The reason behind a resolution of censure for the Jefferson County Clerk, approved last month by the Jefferson County Commission, has been made public. 

That follows an open records request made by MSC News October 23rd, and received from Jefferson County, through email, November 19. 

The resolution censuring County Clerk Julie Dunkle was approved unanimously by the Commission October 20, becoming effective through publication in the County's newspaper of record.

According to the resolution, the Commission, which "is obligated to provide a productive workplace environment for County employees free from offensive, vulgar, and obscene language," had, leading up to passage, "received multiple complaints addressing the conduct of the Jefferson County Clerk toward employees, and the [Commission] was compelled to expend County funds to investigate the complaints about the County Clerk." 

The resolution, which says the Commission's "Investigation has credited as true many of the allegations and privileged findings of the Investigation," states that "the conduct of the Jefferson County Clerk, Julie Dunkle, is hereby censured...as unbecoming of the Elected Office of the County Clerk and a distraction from the legitimate business of the County and County taxpayers." 

The resolution outlines remedies, including the Commission engaging "separate legal counsel to provide one-on-one training to [Dunkle] to remediate and correct past unprofessional conduct and to update the [County Employment Handbook] policies related to professionalism in the workplace." 

Additionally, the resolution directs "Dunkle to complete workplace professional training [with the separate legal counsel] on or before December  1" of this year. 

Dunkle, the resolution says, is also "to cease, desist, and prevent all conduct by herself or subordinates in engaging in unprofessional or retaliatory conduct." 

(KNZA)--Doniphan County employees have been granted pay raises for 2026.

Following discussion, the Doniphan County Commission voted unanimously Monday to grant budgeted pay increases of $1 per hour for hourly employees, $1.50 per hour for department administrators and elected officials, and $1.50 an hour for employees of the County Law Enforcement Center to include officers, 911 dispatchers, jailers and administrators.  

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the wage increases are effective January 1st, 2026.  

In other business, the Commission approved a resolution appointing Scott Morris to serve as Doniphan County Emergency Management Coordinator.  He will also serve as county zoning administrator.  

Morris will replace longtime county Emergency Management Coordinator and Zoning Administrator Julie Meng. 

Meng is retiring at the end of the year after 38 years with the county.  

She announced Monday that her last physical day in the office will be December 12, with her last day on the payroll being December 31 due to utilization of accrued leave time.   

Road Office Manager Lindsay Norris also announced the retirement of 1st District road employee Roy Davis, effective January 6, 2026
.  

Photo-Jessica Smith/Credit: Nemaha Co Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman is accused of the theft a pickup truck earlier this month from Sabetha .

39-year-old Jessica Smith was arrested November 10th by the Nemaha County Sheriff's Department on a Nemaha County warrant for felony theft.

She is accused of stealing a  2014 GMC Sierra pickup on November 6.

Smith was charged following an investigation by the Sabetha Police Department.

She remains in the Nemaha Co Jail, held on a $2,500 bond. 

(KLZA)--Following a 40 minute discussion and input from the public Monday night, the Falls City Council voted down two wage proposals setting wages and benefits for non-union city management positions.

A wage and benefit resolution was previously turned down during the November 3rd Council meeting.

Monday night a resolution was proposed which included an hourly salary of $65 for the City Administrator / Clerk / Treasurer, which was $10 an hour less than the November 3 proposal. The wage proposal for the Public Works Director / Utility Superintendent was $62.50 per hour which was $7.50 less than the figure proposed November 3. The proposal offered a wage scale for fiscal years 2026, 27 and 28.

The vote was 3 yea with 5 nay votes on the proposal with 1st Ward Council member Frank Killingsworth, 2nd Ward Council member Kenny Killingsworth, both 3rd Ward Council members Shawn Fouraker and Sara Ruiz and 4th Ward Council member Josh Kaster casting the nay votes.

Council member Joe Buckminster said that he felt the revamped negotiations committee that included two members who voted agains the November 3rd proposal and two who supported the propostal had arrived at agreeable figures to pass the proposal.

Prior to that vote, the Council voted 4-4 on a wage scale proposed during the meeting by Council member Fouraker which would have cut the City Administrators salary to $53.29 per hour and the Public Works Director to $53.85 per hour and was for a one-year period.

Voting no were Council members Derek Leyden, Joe Buckminster, Don Ferguson and Sara Ruiz. Mayor Mark Harkendorff elected not to cast a deciding vote on the proposal from Fouraker.

Council member Ruiz suggested prior to the vote that action be tabled and another committee meeting take place but Buckminster voiced his opposition to yet another committee meeting after having several meetings with two different committees to arrive at figures everyone could support.

Councilman Buck also said that if there are members of the Council still upset over the city utility line crew resigning in mass earlier this summer, and voting against wage proposals for the City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum and Public Works Director Trevor Campbell, it's time to get over it and move on.

Falls City EDGE President and CRA Committee member Kevin Malone addressed the Council spoke in support of Nussbuam and Campbell, calling them capable, talented people who are dealing with many things that should have been handled many years ago. He said the generational projects that are occurring in Falls City currently need oversight and extra work while both men are expected to accomplish their regular work at the same time.

Malone noted the City is a very large business with many responsibilities. Admitting the proposed salaries are significant, Malone said it is partly due to not keeping up on wage rates in the past and that the proposals are comparable and inline to other communities that own their own utility companies.

(KLZA)--Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed a proclamation recognizing November 16-22, 2025, as Quit Tobacco Week, focusing attention and resources across the state to support Nebraskans on their journey to becoming tobacco-free.

The Nebraska Quitline is a valuable tool for Nebraskans who are seeking to quit tobacco for good and take effective steps to live a healthier life both mentally and physically. So far this year, the Quitline has answered over 2,083 calls from Nebraskans seeking help to quit tobacco. 

Tobacco Free Nebraska, the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline, the American Cancer Society, and other partners across Nebraska are teaming up to promote Quit Tobacco Week and the Great American Smokeout. Each year during the third week of November, these events encourage people who use any tobacco product to commit to a tobacco-free lifestyle and help inform people about the many tools they can use to help them quit—and stay quit.

In 2023, 12.1% of Nebraskan adults still smoked cigarettes, 8.2% used e-cigarettes, and 4.4% used smokeless tobacco products. Today, nearly seven out of 10 adults who use tobacco report they want to quit.

The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline offers free and confidential phone, web, or texting-based coaching along with free quit medication starter kits, including nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges at no cost to Nebraskans trying to quit tobacco. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or visit QuitNo?w.ne.gov to connect with a trained quit coach or to see if you are eligible for free quit medication.

The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

(KLZA)--Drop-off locations for Operation Christmas Child are open now, during National Collection Week, November 17- 24th in the three-state area.

Since 1993, gift-filled shoeboxes have been delivered to millions of children around the world. Shoebox gifts, packed with fun toys, school supplies and personal care items bring joy and hope to boys and girls who may have never received a gift of their own.

Operation Christmas Child is hoping to collect enough shoeboxes to reach 12 million children this year.

Drop-off locations in the area include:

The Auburn Christian Church in Auburn, Nebraska.

The First Baptist Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska.

The Eternal Hope Life Center in Hiawatha, Kansas.

Northridge Church in Sabetha, Kansas.

Fairfax Baptist Church in Fairfax, Missouri.

Hours for drop-off vary by location.

Amelia Earhart as captured in a photograph included with the release of files related to the famed aviator by the National Archives.

(KAIR)--November is National Aviation Month, and likely coincidentally, is the month that the United States government released a trove of documents related to Atchison native, and famed aviator, Amelia Earhart. 

The November 14 release of the documents followed President Donald Trump, in late September, announcing on the Truth Social platform that he was "ordering my Administration to declassify and release all Government Records related to [Earhart], her final trip, and everything else about her."

A perusal of the documents, found online at the National Archives, shows 53 files released last week, with the National Archives saying the agency is "coordinating with other federal agencies across the Executive Branch to ensure that any remaining records are identified and transferred...as soon as possible," adding that "the National Archives is digitizing records and making them available online on a rolling basis." 

According to a report from CBS News, "many of the thousands of documents published online on Friday have been released previously by the National Archives or made available to researchers, and aviation experts consider it unlikely that the latest material will shed any new light on Earhart's disappearance."

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

Matt Fradd/Submitted photo

(KAIR)--An internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, author, and podcast creator.

That's how Atchison-based Benedictine College describes upcoming guest, Matt Fradd, who brings with him free copies of his latest book, Jesus Our Refuge, which will be available during his November 24 visit.

According to a release from the college, Fradd's free presentation will be held that Monday evening at the O'Malley-McAllister Auditorium, on the college campus, beginning at 7:00.

Among Fradd's accomplishments noted in the release is the success of his podcast, "Pints with Aquinas," which the release calls an "immensely popular podcast with more than 775,000 followers that features long form discussions about the Catholic faith."

Fradd, who resides in Jacksonville, Florida, is also the author and coauthor of several other books.

To hear the audio of this story, including additional details, go here.

(KAIR)--The annual sound of bells are heard, as the Salvation Army of Atchison County launches the Christmas-season Red Kettle Drive.

Kim Bottorff, Coordinator Salvation Army Atchison County was the guest of 93.7 FM's "Co-Host Monday" this week, and explained that the fundraiser began with a kickoff event November 14.

Bottorff explained that the Red Kettle campaign is the largest fundraiser for the local Salvation Army, with the funds all staying within the local, Atchison County communities served.

Along with the Red Kettles, the local Salvation Army is also again holding it's Angel Tree program for those in need.

The national Red Kettle Campaign is set to kickoff on Thanksgiving, with the annual Thanksgiving halftime show, happening this year during the Dallas Cowboys-Kansas City Chiefs matchup, at Texas, with musical artist, Post Malone set to perform. The native Texan, according to the NFL, says, "It's a real honor to be part of the Red Kettle Kickoff with The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys and help bring hope to so many people."

Photo--Caden Vice/Credit: Doniphan Co Sheriff's Office  

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man has been arrested in connection with several vehicle burglaries that occurred in the city of Highland during the early morning hours of October 27.  

20-year-old Caden Vice was arrested on November 12th on a Doniphan County warrant for three counts of burglary and three counts of felony theft.  

The warrant was issued following an investigation by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Department and Highland Police Department.   

According to court documents, several firearms were stolen during the vehicle break-ins. 

Vice remains held in the Doniphan County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond.  

A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for November 25.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County, Kansas Emergency Management will be getting a UTV to use for emergency response operations like search and rescue in rough terrain.

The Nemaha County Commission voted 2-1 last week to allow County Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine to accept a $40,000 grant from the Federal Homeland Security Department for purchase of a UTV and a trailer. Commissioner Jason Koch cast the dissenting vote.

The grant will cover 100 percent of the cost, except for insurance and maintenance.

Aldrine said the Homeland Security Department gave funding to the state's that are not " sanctuary" states for emergency preparedness purposes.

The state of Kansas distributed the funds to each of the six Regional Homeland Security Council's in the state.

The Northeast Kansas Regional Council decided to purchase UTV's for each of their county emergency preparedness department's with the funds.

Aldrine said Nemaha county's UTV and trailer may not be received until 2026.

Tom Weishaar/Credit: KS Courts

(KAIR)--The Chief Court Services Officer for the local 1st Judicial District has been re-elected president of the Kansas Association of Court Services Officers.

According to a release from the Kansas Courts, Tom Weishaar earned the vote of support to maintain the role during the Court Services Officers Association's fall conference.

Weishaar, the release says, joined the judicial branch in 1986 as a court services officer in the 1st Judicial District, composed of Atchison and Leavenworth counties. He has served as chief court services officer for the district since 2000, and has been a member of the association since 1986, previously serving as interim president and vice president.

Weishaar, in the release, says he is "privileged to serve with some of the most talented, dedicated court services officers,” adding that "they, along with the many volunteer officers who serve on various committees, have positioned the association to be in great shape for the future.”

The release explains that court services officers "contribute to the safety and well-being of all Kansans," supervising adults and juveniles sentenced to probation for their crimes, among numerous other responsibilities.

Julie Kathleen Grey/Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff

(KAIR)--A Topeka woman, wanted on an outstanding warrant from Jefferson County, goes to jail in Jackson County for that reason, arrested Saturday while visiting an inmate at the jail, located in the city of Holton.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, says his office was notified around 3:00 Saturday afternoon that a visitor to the jail, identified as Julie Kathleen Grey, was wanted on the warrant.

The 53-year-old Grey, prior to a confrontation, had left the jail lobby, returning to the passenger seat of a car in the jail's parking lot, where she was arrested by Sheriff's Deputies.

Along with the Jefferson County warrant, Morse says Grey now faces Jackson County charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, felony interference with law enforcement, and felony trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

A 34-year-old Topeka man, alleged to be the driver of the vehicle, was also arrested, with Morse saying Brandon Michael Brooks, was arrested for driving while 3rd or subsequent violation and driving while habitual violator, 3rd or subsequent violation.

Following their arrests, both Grey and Brooks were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

Photo--Kenton Farwell/Credit: Popkess Mortuary

(KNZA)--Funeral services have been set for a Sabetha teenager killed this past Friday in a one-vehicle crash in Nemaha County.

Services for 17-year-old Kenton Farwell will be held Saturday morning at 10:00 at the Northridge Church, in Sabetha.

A visitation with the family will be held Friday evening from 4 to 7 at the church.

Farwell was a senior at Sabetha High School.

His mother, Leighanne Farwell, in a social media post expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support  in the wake of her son's death.   She said "Kenton was an amazing young man who knew no stranger."  She added "he loved life, the outdoors, his family and friends with a passion."  

His family has established a scholarship fund in his memory.  Memorial contributions to the scholarship fund can be sent in care of the Popkess Mortuary, in Sabetha.      

(KAIR)--The "Give Where You Live" Match Day is approaching, with Doniphan County nonprofits set to again benefit from the annual fundraiser.

According to a release from Board Member Esther Gormley, it's set for December 5 through 7, with a number of Doniphan County locations to accept in-person donations.

The Match Money, projected to be capped at $3,000 per fund, will be distributed using a prorated formula of total Match Money available and total donations given to all the funds during the event, according to the Give Where You Live website.

The release says that last year, $199,000 was raised for Doniphan County nonprofits, calling that proof "that when your community comes together, amazing things happen."

Early giving begins Thursday, December 4, during the Chamber Christmas Mixer, from 5 to 8:00 that evening, at Glacial Hills Venues, in Wathena.

The next day, December 5, is Give Friday at the Elwood, Wathena, Troy, and Highland city halls, during their regular business hours, as well as the Troy Community Center from 7 am to 2 pm, including breakfast or lunch.

Donations will also be accepted online, or through the mail.

For more details, including a full list of participating non profits, visit give where you live day dot com.

The Greater Sabetha Community Foundation will will hold its 10th annual Give to Grow Match Day Wednesday, November 19 through Friday, November 21 to benefit 85 funds. 

This year, eligible donations made through the Foundation will receive a prorated match from more than $100,000 in available funds. 

In-person donations can be made Friday from 7 am to 5 pm at The Main Event located at 16 Main in Sabetha. 

Donations can also be made on-line at givetogrowday.com from midnight Wednesday through 11:59 Friday evening. 

Donations can also be dropped off at the Greater Sabetha Community Foundation office at 112 Ninth Street, starting Wednesday, November 19th. 

Last year's Give to Grow Match Day event raised more than $1.3 million to benefit 82 funds.

(KNZA)--An early Saturday morning one-vehicle Nemaha County crash claimed the life of a Sabetha teenager.

According to a release, the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene of the crash on 192nd Road, just east of V Road, shortly after 7:00.

The Sheriff's Office said the lone occupant, identified as 17-year-old Kenton Farwell, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The release said Farwell was westbound on 192nd Road when his Chevy Silverado pickup left the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned into a ditch.

The exact time of the crash has not been determined.    

(KAIR)--Atchison County has issued a reminder to residents that 'tis the season, not just for holiday get togethers and gift giving, but to pay your property taxes.

According to a release from the County, property tax statements are expected to arrive next week to the mailboxes of Atchison County taxpayers.

According to the County, first half, or full payments, are due December 22, extended from the December 20 deadline due to that date falling on a Saturday.

Property tax can be paid in person at the Atchison County Treasurers Office, by utilizing the Atchison County Courthouse drop-box, located on the north side of the courthouse, by mail, or by using the County's online website.

Questions may be posed to 913-804-6050.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha School District will offer its own Certified Nursing Assistant Class at the high school, beginning next school year.

District Curriculum Director Lori Fordyce told the USD 415 Board of Education at their November 10th meeting that the district will be teaming up with the Maple Heights Nursing and Rehab Center to offer the semester long class during the regular school day.

Currently, students have to travel to Atchison or Baileyville to take the class, which is held in the evening.

The course will give juniors and seniors the opportunity to obtain their CNA license through the high school, and provide both high school and college credit.

Elementary school nurse Heather Gildersleeve will be teaching the classroom portion, while Maple Heights Nursing Home Administrator Lori Reiger will be doing the clinical portion.

Highland Community College will be providing the compensation to both instructors.

The district has been awarded a $6,000 grant to provide the equipment for the program and HCC will be providing the textbooks.

Fordyce said the program will not only benefit the district's students but the community as a whole. She said a CNA is a high demand job in Kansas, but especially in Brown County.

Photo--Gerald Adams/Credit: Brown Co Sheriff's Office

( KNZA)--A wanted individual was arrested in Horton Thursday evening.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant said shortly before 8:00 Sheriff's deputies were attempting to locate a wanted individual at 133 West 13th Street in Horton.

A search warrant was granted for the residence and deputies executed the warrant a short time later.

45-year-old Gerald Adams, of Horton, was located hiding in a closet.

He was arrested on a Brown County felony failure to appear warrant.  In addition, Adams face a charge of felony obstruction.

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

The Kickapoo Tribal Police Department and Horton Police Department assisted.   
 

(KLZA)--To help ensure that no child goes hungry while at school, the Auburn Public Schools Foundation has established a School Lunch Fund.

Many of the students are facing financial challenges that make it difficult for their families to afford school meals with many families in the Auburn School District having unpaid lunch balances.

This newly established fund will directly support students by covering the cost of school meals. Every dollar donated will go toward helping kids focus on learning instead of worrying about lunch according to a release sent to Auburn School District patrons.

The Auburn Public School Foundation is asking for donations to help cover the costs of the unpaid balances.

$20 will provide lunches for a student for a week.

$80 can help cover a month of meals and $250 or more can help provide stability for multiple students in need.

The donations will not only provide nourishment but also allows students to learn without feeling hungry.

If you would like to contribute, you can do so in person at the Auburn Schools Central Office at 1713 J Street. You can mail a check to the Central Office, or donations can be made through the APS Venmo account at AuburnPUblicSchoolsFoundation.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Board of Educaiton at the request of Superintendent Andrew Offner tables several agenda items when they met Monday evening. 

Tabled was action on the purchase of a new van and a conversion package for rea-wheelchari access;  action on moving forward with a facilities study at a cost of $45-thousand by BVH Architecture and crating a tri-fold brochure report to be sen to all patrons in District 56.  

The Board received the annual Audit report from Julie Bauman, CPA.  The firm provided an Unmodififed Opinion which is the best an entity can receive. 
Bauman noted that there were no significant findings to report to the Board.  

Superintendent Andrew Offner reported the roofs at Falls City High School and the North gymnasium are underway and nearly completed,  and that the track resurfacing at Jug Brown Stadium has been completed with the striping to be done as weather allows. 

(KMZA)--The 2nd Judicial District Nominating Commission will convene by conference call Monday afternoon, November 17, to discuss the nomination process to fill a district magistrate judge vacancy in Pottawatomie County.

The vacancy was created when District Magistrate Judge Erich Campbell died September 18.
The 2nd Judicial District is composed of Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties.

The nominating commission seeks nominations and then meets to interview the nominees. Interviews are open to the public. The commission selects who is appointed to fill the district magistrate judge vacancy according to statutory qualification and residency requirements.

After serving one year in office, a new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.

(KNZA)--The findings of an assessment of Hiawatha USD 415 facilities were presented Wednesday evening. 

More than 50 people attended the presentation held in the Hiawatha High School auditorium by representatives of HCK Architects, of Topeka, which conducted the facilities assessment this summer.  

Also present was Tucker Peddicord with Lighthouse Construction, of St. George, who was hired by the school board in March to assist the district in developing a facilities master plan.  

The challenges and opportunities at each of the district's three schools were reviewed during the presentation, with those in attendance requested to participate in live surveys to provide feedback on the challenges. 

Those taking part indicated they felt the elementary school has the most needs, with the majority supporting construction of a new building over renovation of the existing facility.   

The survey participates agreed the district's facility committee, comprised of school board members Griff Howard, Ryan Patton and Ian Schuetz, should evaluate opportunities for additional gym space and investigate solutions to accommodate growing special education needs.

In addition, they agreed the committee should explore different options for investment into Career Tech Education programming and facilities.

Peddicord said he will be developing scenarios to address the facility needs, which will be presented to the community in the spring of 2026 for feedback.  

The facilities master plan is to be completed by the end of May 2026.

Photo--Gerry Rilinger/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A Fairview man is facing multiple charges—including attempted murder--after a violent domestic incident last week sent another individual to the hospital.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release, said the Sheriff's Office dispatched a deputy to a local hospital on November 8th to take a report from a  battery victim. 

The deputy obtained suspect information from the victim while at the hospital, and then alerted other Brown County deputies.

A short time later, deputies encountered the suspect, 43-year-old Gerry Rilinger, in Fairview.
When a deputy approached Rilinger for questioning, Merchant said he became argumentative, defiant and initiated a scuffle, which resulted in his arrest. 

Following his arrest, Rilinger was booked into the Brown County jail.  He's being held on a $2 million bond.
Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill filed a formal complaint Monday in Brown County District Court charging Rilinger with 8 counts—including attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated domestic battery, felony battery on a correctional officer, felony interference with law enforcement, two counts of misdemeanor battery on a law enforcement officer and transporting an open container of alcohol.

A preliminary hearing has been set for November 19th.

Merchant said the investigation is still ongoing.

The Sabetha Police Department assisted. 

(KAIR)--The Chief Judge for the 1st Judicial District of Kansas, comprised of Atchison and Leavenworth counties, has been appointed to sit with the Kansas Court of Appeals later this month.

Chief Judge Joan Lowdon will, according to a release, sit with the Court "to hear oral argument in six cases on the court’s November 18 docket."

Lowdon, in the release, says she's "grateful for the opportunity to participate in the appellate process,” adding that she looks "forward to gaining a better understanding of what appellate judges and their staff do on a daily basis.”

Lowdon has served as district judge since 2020 and as chief judge since 2023. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she worked at the Leavenworth County Attorney’s Office, first as an assistant county attorney and later as deputy county attorney.

(KLZA)--During the November 3 Council meeting in Falls City,  the Council approved a resolution to receive a donation of real estate in the 1500 block of Stone Street from Dorothy Towle, owner of Southeast Nebraska Communications.

 The property has been donated to the City to continue the use as a park. 

In other business the Council approved an amendment to the Labor agreement between the City and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 571, to increase the contribution to the pension plan from 6-percent to 7-percent.

Photo Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office

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

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said on November 6th a Sheriff’s Deputy observed a car allegedly  traveling in excess of the posted speed limit on K-16 Highway, near C. Road.

The deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. 

Morse said a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and illegal drug contraband was located. 

The driver, identified as 55-year-old Jasen Roberts, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Community Foundation's 5th annual Thoughtful Giving Day held this past weekend was a big success, raising over $100,000 more than last year. 

The Foundation announced Wednesday that 597 gifts totaling $246,862 were given to benefit 41 funds affiliated with the foundation. 

Donations will be eligible for prorated matching funds from $90,000 available.

The Holton Country Club Historical Foundation, which is a new fund, generated the largest amount of donations, totaling $45,813. 

That was followed by the Holton Community Hospital Foundation fund, which received donations totaling $23,092 and the Netawaka Family Fitness Center fund, which received donations totaling $21,723. 

You can find the complete list of donations made to all the participating charitable funds by going to thoughtfulgivingday.com and clicking leaderboard.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved renewal of the city employee health insurance plan for 2026 with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. 

The total premium will cost the city $457,670, which is an about 7 percent increase.  

City Administrator Brad Scott said they had been budgeted for a 10 percent increase. 

The Commission also approved the renewal of the city employee dental insurance plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield at a total premium cost of $27,619, which is a 26 percent increase.  

The city currently pays for 100 percent of an employee's health and dental insurance, and 74.5 percent of dependent coverage.

In other business,  the Commission approved the adoption of  a resolution removing the property located at 1011 Kickapoo Street from the list of properties to be razed and removed by the city.  The action is being taken to allow of the sale of the property to go through.  No costs will be assessed against the property  

The Commission accepted a bid from Pay Up Sucker Promotions, of Everest, for the annual Third of July fireworks display, and authorized the purchase of the fireworks immediately to mitigate any possible problems with tariffs.  It was among two bids received.  They will put on a 25-30 minute show for a cost of $15,000..  

The Commission accepted the lone bid received from J & B Contractors, of Hiawatha, for concrete work for the 2026 season.

Also at the request of Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon, the Commission approved the donation of 800 feet of fire hose to the Everest Fire Department that the Hiawatha Fire Department doesn't need.

(KLZA)--Johnson-Brock School Superintendent Jeff Koehler discussed the enrollment in the school district when the school board met Monday night,  noting that he has had to deny a couple of option enrollment requests.

Koehler also discussed ares school levy's as well as the upcoming Elk Creek Town Hall meeting scheduled fo rDecember 5 regarding the NioCorp Critical Minerals Project and what the project oulc mean for the future of the Johnson-Brock School District. 

In other business, the Board approved a resolution for a line of credit at First National Bank of Johnson.

Photo credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office

( KNZA)--A Tuesday afternoon traffic stop in Jackson County led to the arrest of a Falls City, Nebraska woman on drug possession charges.

Jacksons County Sheriff Tim Morse, in a release, said Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a Chevy Impala shortly after 3:30 on U.S. 75 Highway, north of 190th Road.

During the traffic stop, Morse said a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted.  
Suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was located.  In addition,  drug contraband was allegedly found on the driver.

The driver, identified as 47-year-old Dena Peters, was arrested  for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of THC.

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

Pictured: KS Republican U.S. Senator Jerry Moran

(KAIR)--"Deeply concerning."

That's what United States Senator Jerry Moran calls "the rise in antisemitic violence in the U.S" in a post made to his official social media Sunday.

Through that post, the Kansas Republican, without naming names or specifics, and intentionally or unintentionally, enters the ongoing national debate regarding the recent mainstream appearance of self-proclaimed antisemite Nick Fuentes, who has publicly praised Adolph Hitler and denied the Holocaust, in an interview hosted by well-known, Republican political commentator Tucker Carlson.

Since the airing of the conversation, which critics say offered no pushback to the beliefs of Fuentes, the debate has raged regarding the so-called platforming of such personalities, with many Republicans voicing their disagreement with the interview, including South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who NPR reports voiced his perspective at the recent Republican Jewish Coalition meeting in Las Vegas.

Moran, in his post, labels "promoting, accepting or even a tepid tolerance of Nazism" as "despicable," adding that Americans "must commit ourselves to never forgetting the horrors of the Holocaust and fighting the poison of antisemitism that has sprung up in America," saying that "promoting or committing violence or hatred against people based on their religion or ethnicity goes against the core principles of our nation’s founding."

(KAIR)--Positive feedback. That's what Atchison County leaders say they're receiving following scaled back polling locations for last week's general election.

Prior to November 4, the County, taking into consideration constituent comments regarding potential changes to reduce taxes during the County's budget season, approved the plan from Atchison County Clerk Susan Carrigan to scale back the number of voting locations from 10 to 2 as a matter of cost savings.

In Atchison County, on election day, voters either went to Effingham's Blue Building, or Atchison's Memorial Hall, to cast their ballots.

Carrigan, in email correspondence with MSC News, says the change, from an internal County perspective, "was much more efficient and smoother to manage," with Carrigan adding that "the feedback from voters was overwhelmingly positive with many mentioning they wondered why this wasn't done sooner."

At Monday's meeting of the County Commission, prior to the canvass of the November 4 ballots, both 1st District County Commissioner James Campbell and 3rd District County Commissioner Casey Quinn voiced their approval of the outcome of the change.

Once the canvass was completed, including the consideration of 16 provisional ballots, there was no change to the outcome of Tuesday's election.

Citing unofficial data from Tuesday, Carrigan told MSC News Tuesday's election resulted in a 14% turnout, with the local election office predicting a turnout of 1,200 voters which was exceeded by a turnout of 1,514, not including mail in or provisional ballots.

(KNZA)--New Kansas Department of Transportation area engineer Wes Moore meet with the Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening.

Moore presented the Commission with a copy of the preliminary plans for sidewalk improvements at the intersection of 1st and Iowa Streets.

He said KDOT plans to install new curb ramps at the intersection to meet current ADA standards in conjunction with a resurfacing project planned on U.S. 73 Highway through town. 

A construction date hasn't been announced for the project.

Moore also received an update from City Administrator Brad Scott on the new traffic signal project at 1st and Oregon Streets.

Scott said the city has received the final plans and is currently in the easement acquisition phase.

Once that's complete, he says the city will apply for permit from KDOT and move to the bidding phase.

Scott said its been a slow, long process, but he expects to see a lot of progress next year.

(KNZA)--Just who will fill an open position on the Wathena City Council has been determined.

During Monday's Doniphan County Commission meeting, a three-way tie vote between write-in candidates Jarod Jackson, Mark Long and Cory Shue from the November 4th general election was broken by lot, with Jackson winning the seat.

Jackson will join Robert Ryser and Adam Booth in filling three open seats.

The Commission canvassed ballots Monday from the November 4th election.

The winners of several city council positions determined by write-in votes were announced.

Elected by write-in votes were:

Denton City Council:   Amy Davis, Stacey Miner, Christine Tharp and Melissa Wilson

Leona City Mayor: Cathryn Adams

Leona City Council:  Robin Duckett and Lisa Ernzen

Severance City Mayor: Christi Lysaght

Severance City Council: Paul Cluck, Joe Keller, Rylan Smith, Cleo Stewart and Natasha Stewart

White Cloud City Council: Brendan Wolvington

(KLZA)--NioCorp Developments has announced that it has completed the acquisition of additional land in Johnson County, Nebraska associated with its Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project.

As a result of this transaction, NioCorp now owns a full square mile of land where it plans to site both its underground critical minerals mine and its integrated surface processing facility, subject to the successful completion of project financing.

The Company retains multiple land purchase options on surrounding parcels to support potential future operations, additional mineral exploration activities, and expansion. 

NioCorp CEO and Chairman Mark A. Smith said he deeply appreciate the fantastic support the compoany has received from local landowners and area residents over the years of the development of the project.  He noted NioCorp is committed to being a responsible neighbor and to maintaining our working partnerships for many years to come.

All of the major minerals in NioCorp’s resource at the proposed Elk Creek Project– including niobium, scandium, titanium, and rare earths – are U.S government-designated critical minerals. As a result, NioCorp believes that the Elk Creek Project is one of the most strategic pure-play critical minerals projects in the U.S. that is permitted for construction, has been completed at the Feasibility Study level.

Photo-William Nellums, Jr./Credit Doniphan Co Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--An attempt to stop "a suspected, impaired driver after the Sheriff’s Office received numerous complaints from concerned citizens" Sunday night in Doniphan County, on U.S. Highway 36, turned into a pursuit that ended in Hiawatha with the suspect driver arrested.

That's according to a release from Doniphan County Undersheriff Brendan Wolvington, who says the pursuit began shortly after 11:00 Sunday night when the driver, now identified as Butler, Missouri resident William Nellums Jr., fled from the responding deputy "at a high rate of speed," driving "recklessly, violating numerous traffic laws and traveling in the opposite lane of traffic," Wolvington alleges in the release.

With the Brown County Sheriff's Office and the Sac and Fox Tribal Police Department assisting the pursuit, the suspect vehicle became disabled, and stopped, in the 1300 block of the highway after "law enforcement successfully deployed a tire deflation device."

The 59-year-old Nellums was taken into custody without further incident, Wolvington says, and booked into the Doniphan County Jail on charges including flee or attempting to elude law enforcement officer, reckless driving, and numerous other traffic infractions.  He's being held on a $25,000 bond.

Wolvington, in the release, credits the work of the assisting agencies, citing "their professionalism and teamwork in safely bringing the incident to a close."

Photo-Romeloe Ballard/Credit: Buchanan Co Sheriff's Office

(KAIR)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man has been charged in connection with a shooting in downtown St. Joseph on Sunday afternoon.

KQ2-TV reports the suspect, 27-year-old Romeloe Kevonte Ballard, was charged with felony count of unlawful use of a weapon by the Buchanan County Prosecutors' Office.

St. Joseph Police responded around 12:10 Sunday afternoon to reports of shots being fired on the third floor of an apartment complex at 210 N. 8th St.

When officers arrived on scene, they encountered an armed male suspect near the doorway of an apartment.

The subject refused officers' commands and was taken into custody after a Taser was deployed. 

Upon investigation, officers found several shell casings and the firearm was recovered.

No injuries were reported as a result of the shooting.

Ballard is currently being held at the Buchanan County Jail on a $10,000 cash-only bond.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha USD 415 has been conducting a master facility plan and will be presenting the initial findings Wednesday evening, November 12.

The presentation will be held from 7 to 8 in the Hiawatha High School Auditorium and the public is invited to attend.  

During the meeting, feedback will be requested from the public through live surveys.  

Plans for new construction projects will be  developed from the feedback received.  

The Hiawatha School Board in March hired Lighthouse Construction, of St. George, to assist the district in developing a facilities master plan.

As part of the process, HCK Architects, of Topeka, conducted a facilities assessment this summer.

(KAIR)--The color of November for Atchison County is green, as the County joins #OperationGreenLight for Veterans.

According to a release from Atchison County, the initiative is "designed to shine a light on the service of our veterans and their families."

The County, which says it joins its colleagues in the collaboration, says that now, "in a time when our country is divided on so many issues, we can all agree that those individuals who risked everything to protect our country and our way of life deserve our support and gratitude," as "now more than ever, our veterans need our support."

Atchison County, in conjunction with the initiative, is illuminating the Atchison County Courthouse in the color green, with individuals and businesses invited to do the same.

#OperationGeenLight for Veterans, the release says, aims "to let veterans know that they are seen, appreciated and supported," with the release noting that "roughly 250,000 members transition out of the armed services each year," with only one green bulb needed to shine "a light of hope and support," as the month of November is designated as Veterans Month.

Those are problems cited by the Atchison County Historical Society regarding the Lewis and Clark Historical Spot, located about 4 miles north of the Atchison City limits, on North 2nd Street.

The social media post regarding the problems followed comments made to a local emergency scanner page recently after suspicious activity was reported at the location.

According to the Historical Society, late night visitors to the location often leave fireworks packaging, beer bottles, and other garbage, as well as the vandalism and damage.

According to the post, the Historical Society, in lieu of the expense of cameras, has called upon neighbors of the property, as well as any visiting members of the public, to remain aware of suspicious activity and to report it to Atchison County authorities. Additionally, the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the problems and is asked to increase patrols of the location.

The reporting of bad behavior, and "exerting a little peer pressure," the post says, may help with reducing the ongoing problems.

Photo- Wesley Lanter/Credit: Atchison Co Sheriff's Office

(KAIR)--The former Atchison County Emergency Management Director turned City Administrator for the City of Valley Falls following his
Atchison County termination, is now jailed in Atchison County.

Wesley Lanter is currently serving a 15-day stay in the Atchison County Jail as part of his sentencing for failure to stop at an accident, interference with law enforcement, and official misconduct, with all three counts connected to a September, 2023 UTV crash in Atchison County where Lanter was among now-terminated emergency personnel that authorities say helped the driver escape the scene to avoid arrest for being under the influence at the time of the injurious crash.

Lanter's sentencing hearing was held last week in Atchison County District Court, on November 5, with Lanter, following the hearing, ordered to begin his consecutive 15-day jail term, which will be followed by another 30 days, to be served within 9- months, according to court documents. The original sentence was for 12 months in the County Jail on each count, but that was suspended to 15 days per count.

Lanter was additionally ordered to serve 2-years of probation. His request for monitored house arrest, or work release, was denied.

He pleaded guilty to the three counts in August.

Lanter was arrested in May, 2024, following what Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, at the time, called "a comprehensive six-month investigation." Lanter had been terminated, after 10-years of Atchison County employment, the previous February 6 and, weeks later on February 22, was hired as Valley Falls City Administrator.

Five others were also arrested that May, including two of Lanter's emergency management employees.

The UTV, which crashed on a bridge near 250th and Graham Roads, in rural Atchison County near Effingham, left one passenger injured and hospitalized with what authorities at the time said were "severe, life threatening injuries."

Photo- Gary Hermesch/Credit: Nemaha Co Sheriff's Office 

(KMZA)--An Oklahoma man accused of killing a Seneca priest in April will undergo an evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial. 

Following a hearing Friday in Nemaha County District Court, District Judge John Weingart issued an order granting a motion filed by the attorney for 66-year-old Gary Hermesch for the evaluation.

The evaluation is to be conducted by the KANZA Mental Health and Guidance Center, in Hiawatha.

If further evaluation is requested by KANZA Mental Health, Hermesch is to be transported to the Larned State Hospital for a period of time not to exceed 60 days. 

The case has been placed on hold pending the outcome of the evaluation.  

Hermesch is charged 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.  He remains held on a $1 million bond.

(KMZA)--The city of Seneca is moving forward with plans for a proposed new ball field at the former golf course property, south of Branch Street.  

The Seneca City Council discussed the proposed project at their November 5th meeting, reviewing cost figures presented by AHRS Construction.  

The majority of the discussion centered on whether to go with a dirt versus turf field.  

Following a lengthy discussion, the Council on a 4-2 vote approved going with a turf field at an estimated cost of around $300,000. Council members Steve Bennett and Joe Schmelzle cast the dissenting votes.  

The Council also made two other decisions regarding the project.  The Council unanimously approved going with a 24-inch backstop and to extend the netting past the dugouts at an additional cost of $33,000. In addition, the Council unanimously approved going with an open instead closed dugout.

Funding for the project was discussed. City Administrator Steve Brooks has proposed that a majority of the funding come from the electrical fund, with the balance coming from the capital improvement fund. Mayor Joe Mitchell said he favored utilizing sales tax funds versus property tax dollars. Other Council members agreed.  

The new ball field is to replace an existing field on 11th Street where a new electric substation and generators are to be located.  

In other business, the Council voted to accept the resignation of Parks and Recreation Director Jordan Weaver, effective November 12th. 

The Council approved an ordinance to establish the Departments of Parks and Recreation. The action will allow the city to move forward with the establishment of a Parks and Recreation Board.  

In addition, the council voted to hire Nick Honeyman as a Public Works maintenance worker at a salary of $18.70 an hour.

(KNZA)--A grand opening is set Saturday morning, Nov. 8th for the Beulah Gilmore Memorial Hall Museum in Highland. 

The museum and its contents were donated to Highland Community College by 1957 College alum Larry Gilmore and is named after his mother.  

The museum includes everything from antique tractors and trucks to oil paintings.  It's the second largest gift in College history. 

The grand opening will take place Saturday morning from 9 to 11 at 502 West Colorado Street, in Highland.  

The museum will then be open the first Saturday of each month.

Admission to the museum is free.

(KLZA)--A grinder is believed to be the cause of a fire that caused extensive damage to a shop building in Falls City Wednesday afternoon.

The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department and Falls City Rural Fire Department responded to the fire at the building owned by Easm Hollens at 402 South Fulton Street.

Falls City Volunteer Fire Department Public Information Officer Jon McQueen said it appears the fire was started from a grinder being used to cut metal, which may have ignited combustibles located nearby.

A 2011 Ford F-250 pickup was in the shop at the time.  A preliminary estimate puts the damage at nearly $100,000--which includes the pickup, contents and building.

Two Falls City fire engines responded to the fire and the Rural Fire Department used their booster tanks to fill the Falls City engines back up with water.

Six of the 23 responding fire fighters remained on the scene for two hours putting out hot spots.

McQueen said one individual was taken to Community Medical Center due to possible smoke inhalation.   

The Falls City Volunteer Ambulance Squad and Richardson County Emergency Management also responded to the call.  

(KLZA)--The Pawnee County Sheriff's Department announced in a social media post that Sheriff's Office K-9 Officer, Deputy Justyce Stankoski  has resigned.  

The October 30 resignation once again terminates Pawnee County's attempt to establish a K9 program.

The Pawnee County Sheriff's Department is working with several are agencies interest in the dog.

Sheriff Braden Lang noted that while he has showed public support for the K9 program, he has had serious reservations about it due to the costs of upkeep, training and overtime needed to make the program work.

While there are benefits, Sheriff Lang said increased enforcment activity would have seriously affected the deparment budgets.  

Sheriff Lang said in the release he intends to negotiate a deal for the dog that will bring back enough money to repay donations toward the K9 program in full.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners met with Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall Wednesday to review information regarding insurance coverage on outdoor warning sirens located within the Villages and the City of Humboldt.

The villages and the City of Humboldt responded that insurance coverage has been and is being maintained by them.

Commissioners approved a motion to have the County Attorney's Office develop an interlocal agreement to be presented to all the villages and cities within Richardson County and the Boy Scout Camp south of Humboldt detailing that insurance coverage will be maintained by them and that the County will provide the maintenance of the outdoor warning sirens.  

The Board also approved writing a letter of support for grant funding for the Sac & Fox Nation of Missouri for renovation of the community building to a daycare facility and for the constructionof a new community building in Reserve, Kansas. 

Kay Wissman, Community Services Director for Southeast Community Action Partnership, Inc. met with the Board to discuss a reduction in hours that Richardson County Transit will be operating due to reductions in federal and state government funding being reduced by approximately 30 percent. 
Hours of operation will be cut from Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  to Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. meaning no transportation service on Wednesday's.  

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved a resolution Monday night authorizing City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum to negotiate to acquire land for an electric substation for the Energy Forward transmission project.

Nussbaum said there is a need to find property and purchase it for the placement of a substation.

The City is working with the Southeast Nebraska Development District  on the project.  The first step is to identify available lots in the vicinity of the City Power Plant, check for any environmental issues with the properties, and then negotiate a deal for purchasing the property.

The Council also approved a resolution writen by City Attorney Mike Dunn to authorize a Deputy City Clerk and a Deputy City Treasuer to sign, attest and certify municipal documents on behalf of the City Clerk and City Treasurer.

Current code does not give the deputies the authority to sign documents. 
Council members also approved the placement of a No Parking sign on the east side of the 900 block of Morton Street after hearing a request and issues raised by Bing Bindrum. 

(KAIR)--The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, following last week's sentencing of it's former Chairman, Lester Randall, has issued a statement in response to the decision.

The statement, which includes details of the case, including Randall's sentencing to 10-years of federal incarceration for child sex-related crimes, calls Randall's actions "reprehensible and deeply damaging to victims, families, and our community," with Tribal Chair Gail Cheatham adding that "as a sovereign nation, [the Tribe is] 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.”

The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, the release states, "reiterates that the Kickapoo Tribal Court has banished Randall from the Tribe for sixty years following his convictions in Tribal Court for attempted homicide and attempted arson."

The Tribe, the release notes, "continues to cooperate fully with federal and local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all tribal members and residents of the Kickapoo Reservation," and closes by saying the Tribe "emphasizes that [Randall's] actions do not reflect the values, culture, or integrity of the Tribe or its leadership," as "the Tribe remains steadfast in its commitment to community safety, transparency, and the protection of victims of abuse."

Randall was sentenced in federal court to 10-years of federal incarceration October 29, following his plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor (receipt of child pornography).

Upon release, Randall will serve five years of supervised release, 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 this coming January 7.

(KAIR)--A longtime, former instructor for Atchison's USD 409 is the top vote receiver in the race for Atchison School Board in Tuesday's General Election, earning Kathy Hines one of four open seats on the board.

According to the unofficial election results, Hines earned 802 votes, followed by another challenger long-connected with the district, as Janet Smith earned 717 votes. Current Board President Carrie Sowers retained her seat with 699 votes, followed by another newcomer to the board, Doug Tschauder, who received 606 votes.

Incumbents Debra Eplee, with 480 votes, and Sean Crittendon, with 472 votes, were defeated in their bids for reelection.

In the race for one contested seat on the USD 377 Board of Education for the Atchison County Schools, incumbent Lori Lanter retained Position 6, defeating challenger Carl Bosch 208 to 78.

The race for Effingham Mayor saw current City Council Member Cheryl Moon defeat challenger Carl Bosch 65 to 14.

All results remain unofficial until they're canvassed at the November 10 meeting of the Atchison County Commission, with other local area counties to do similar.

(KAIR)--A longtime Atchison civic leader, whose years of leadership included time as City Commissioner and Mayor, is going to prison, sentenced in a federal courtroom last week in connection with the embezzlement of hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars from the Atchison-based credit union she once managed.

Along with the sentence of 5-years-3-months of federal incarceration, Rita Hartman is ordered to pay a total of more than $778,361.78 in restitution, named in court documents as the total loss incurred by Hartman's embezzlement from Muddy River Credit Union, which, during the time of Hartman's crimes, served employees of the then Bradken foundry.

According to court documents, the Court recommends placement of Hartman in a medical facility, due to medical conditions, with that "placement as close to Atchison, Kansas as possible to facilitate family visits."

Upon release, Hartman will be placed on 2-years of supervised probation.

On February 4, of this year, Hartman pleaded guilty to one count of a 29-Count indictment, charging false entries in federal credit institution records. For that plea, all other counts were dismissed.

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."

According to the prosecution, Hartman's crimes began "in at least 2007, and almost certainly earlier," saying the scheme continued until 2021, when a regulator-mandated audit, ordered in 2019, "immediately found discrepancies."

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

Her sentencing was held October 30.

(KNZA)--Write-in candidates were elected Tuesday to fill two positions on the Horton City Commission and a position on the South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education.  

Michael Pierce was elected as Commissioner of Finance.  Pierce was appointed to the position in July to fill the unexpired term of Tina Nigh, who resigned.  Pierce received 125 write-in votes. Bobby Bacon, who was the lone candidate on the ballot,  received 53 votes.  

Natasha Gladden was elected as Commissioner of Streets and Utilities, with 98 write-in votes.   David Spain, who was the only candidate on the ballot, received 80 votes.  The position is currently held by Carmela Boller, who did not seek re-election.  

Meanwhile,  Jeremy Forkenbrock was elected to position 4 on the USD 430 board, with 40 write-in votes.  No one filed for the position, which is currently held Katelyn Ross. She was elected to to position 6 on the board.  Ross was no longer eligible for position 4 after moving.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Community Foundation is holding its fifth annual Thoughtful Giving Day” this weekend.

During the event, area residents will have the opportunity to make donations to 44 non-profit organizations affiliated with the Foundation. Donations will be eligible for prorated matching funds from $90,000 available.  

A happy-hour" kick-off event will take place Friday evening from 3:30 to 6:30 at the Holton Community Theatre, located at 401 New Jersey Avenue, in Holton.

Donations can be made in-person Sunday afternoon from 12 noon to 3 at the Holton Community Theatre. 

Donations can also be made on-line Friday through 11:59 Sunday evening at thoughtfulgivingday.com, where you can see a list of all the participating funds and organizations 

There is no minimum donation amount, and donations of up to $5,000 per donor, per organization, are eligible for a prorated match.   

(KLZA)--Following an executive session during an October 29 meeting of the Auburn Board of Public Works to evaluate the job performance of an employee, the Board approved a motion to terminate introductory emplooyee Paul Erickson, recently hired as General Manager of the BPW, during his probationary period.
Erickson was appointed to the postion on August 18.

Following a second closed session with current BPW General Manager Ray Luhring, the Board voted to enter into a one-year agreement with Luhring, effective January 1, 2026, to remain on the job with an annual salary of $180,000 with remote work approved from
January 19, 2026, through February 19, 2026.

Luhring's duties will include development of a succession plan and to mentor and develop an internal employee for the General Manager position. 

(KLZA)--Five Falls City Council members voted against a motion to approve the wage schedule for the next three years for non-union members, which is the management positions including the City Administrator / Clerk / Treasurer,  Chief of Police and Public Works Director / Utility Superintendent, in addition to the deputies and the Parks and Recreation Director when the Council met Monday night.

The Management Negotiation Team proposed wage scales and benefit adjustments and recommended them to the City Council. The Board of Public Works set the wage for the Public Works Director. The proposal was a total restructure of how the city has handled non-union wages in the past. 

The proposals were based on what is paid to similar positions in similar sized communities and operations.  The percentages were larger for 2026 due to changes in job descriptions and duties.  

The wage proposals for 2026 would have included an hourly equivalent of $75 for the City Administrator/ Clerk / Treasurer.  $70 for the Public Works Director / Utility Superintendent,  both of which were in the neighborhood of a 40% increase. The proposed wage for the Chief of Police was $53.85, an increase of approximately 23%.

Casting no votes to the wage proposal were 1st Ward Council member Frank Killingsworth,  2nd Ward Council member Kenny Killingsworth,  both 3rd Ward Council members Shawn Fouraker and Sara Ruiz  and 4th Ward Council member Josh Kaster.  

None of the Council members casting nay votes offered a reason why they were voting nay, when the Mayor asked for discussion following a motion and second to approve the wage proposal.  

The proposed pay increases for the next two years was 4% for 2027 and 3% for 2028.  

(KLZA)--Former 1st District State Senator Julie Slama of Dunbar launched a campaign to be Nebraska's next State Treasurer on Monday, hoping to bring a new energy and fresh perspective to the office.

Monday afternoon, Governor Jim Pillen announed that current State Treasurer Tom Briese was stepping down and that Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg was being appointed to fulfull the remaining term of office.

In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Slama announced that she is suspending her campaign and is pleased to endorse Spellerberg in his 2026 election. She said she believes Spellerberg will bring the energy and perspective needed in the role of State Treasurer.

Slama said too often the Republican Party, primary races turn into expensive and bitter feuds with no upside for voters or the party.

Slama said donations to her campaign since Monday will be refunded and thanked her family, friends, and the rest of Team Slama for their support.

(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Attorney General's Office is notifying consumers of a fraudulent text message circulating claiming to be from the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

The message states that your tax refund request has been processed and approved and instructs you to provide payment information via a suspicious link that you must activate by replying on your mobile device.

The Attorney General's Office urges that you do not follow the instructions provided if contacted. Do not click on any links, or reply to the message in any way.

For legitimate tax refund information, visit the official Nebraska Department of Revenue website at revenue.nebraska.gov/.
Consumers are advised to remain vigilant, as scammers frequently impersonate government agencies to steal personal and financial information.

(KLZA)-- The project to place electric infrastructure underground in downtown Falls City is making steady progress and cutovers have begun.

Falls City Public Works Director Trevor Campbell reports that contractor, Watts Electric will be contacting each affected customer to schedule a temporary outage in order to cut over their electric service from the existing overhead lines to the newly installed underground system.

Once the service has been transferred underground, the overhead electric lines to the businesses will be removed.

The project is divided into four phases. If your property is adjacent to an alley within one of the four phases, you will be affected by the cutover process. A map of the project is posted with this story at mscnews.net.

Phase 1 of the cutovers began the week of October 27 and are expected to continue for approximately three weeks. After Phase 1 is completed, Phase 2 will begin. Phases 3 and 4 will follow later in the project.

Watts Electric anticipates the length of the outages will be 1 - 5 hours, varying depending on the complexity of your particular service connection.

Once Phase I and Phase 2 cutovers are complete, demolition of the overhead electric wires and poles will begin for those phases. The work is weather dependent but may begin as early as January, 2026. Phases 3 and 4 will be removed after their corresponding cutovers are completed.

The anticipated completion date for the downtown underground project is Spring of 2026.

Falls City Utilities appreciates everyone's patience and cooperation as efforts to improve the reliability and appearance of Falls City's downtown electric system continues.

Campbell did note that Spectrum TV cable will not be removed by Watts Electric. A Spectrum contractor will handle all cable cutovers separately and will be coordinated by Spectrum.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact the Falls City Utility Office at 402-245-2851.

(KLZA)-- The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that one person suffered moderate injuries in a two-vehicle crash Sunday morning in Atchison County, Missouri.

A 48-year-old woman from the state of Washington driving an SUV, and a 49-year-old male from Independence, Missouri who was driving a pickup were both southbound on Interstate 29.

As the vehicles merged into the driving lane, the front of the SUV struck the rear of the pickup. Both vehicles came to rest on their wheels, facing south on the off ramp.

The wreck occurred about 5 miles east of Watson, Missouri around 10:00.

The woman driving the SUV was transported to the Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa, by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance.

(KLZA)-- The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that one person suffered moderate injuries in a two-vehicle crash Sunday morning in Atchison County, Missouri.

A 48-year-old woman from the state of Washington driving an SUV, and a 49-year-old male from Independence, Missouri who was driving a pickup were both southbound on Interstate 29.

As the vehicles merged into the driving lane, the front of the SUV struck the rear of the pickup. Both vehicles came to rest on their wheels, facing south on the off ramp.

The wreck occurred about 5 miles east of Watson, Missouri around 10:00.

The woman driving the SUV was transported to the Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa, by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance.

(KLZA)-- Monday was the first day a person could file for a Nebraska statewide office for the 2026 elections. May 12, 2026 is the date for Nebraska- Primary Election with November 3, 2026 being the day for the General Election.

Conservative Republican Julie Slama officially launched her campaign for State Treasurer on Monday.

Slama, previously represented District 1 in the State Legislature. She is a graduate of Auburn High School and earned her degree from Yale University and obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraksa College of Law. She currently works as an estate planning attorney in her families small business in Dunbar where she lives with her husband and two children.

Appointed in 2018 as the youngest female senator in state history, Slama won a full term in 2020.

In the Legislature, Slama led the charge to secure our elections with Voter ID, fought for Constitutional Carry, and helped deliver $948 million in annual tax relief - the largest tax cut in Nebraska history. Senator Slama served as the Chair of the Legislature- Banking, Commerce, & Insurance Committee.

In a related note, State Treasurer Tom Briese is stepping down. Governor Jim Pillen made the announcement during a news conference Monday afternoon.

Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg will replace Briese. Briese said it is time for hime to spend more time at home, and he has no immediate plans to re-enter public service anytime soon.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commisioners approved the appointment of Dexter Holiday to the position of Chief Deputy Sheriff when they met last Wednesday.

Holiday will begin his new duties November 3rd.

He will take over for Jeremiah Franks who resigned from the Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported an application has been submitted to the Nebraska Department of Transportation for grant funds available for a Click It or Ticket enforcmeent November 26 - November 30. An application is also being prepared seeking grant funds for safety vests for the deputies.

A listing of vehicles within the Sheriff's Department deemed surplus will be compiled to be approved to offer for sale at a public auction.

A request to purchase weapons and ammunition and allow the trade-in of current equipment for a total purchase price of $7,390 from GT Distributors of Pflugerville, Texas was also approved.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation will host an open house to provide information on the U.S. 75 Expansion Study in Jackson and Brown counties.

The public is invited to attend the meeting on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Jackson Heights High School, 12719 266th Road, north of Holton.

KDOT says attendees will be able to learn about the study, review potential expansion options and interim improvements, provide input and speak with project staff. There will be no formal presentation; attendees may come and go at any time during the event.

The U.S. 75 Expansion Study will explore options to improve operations on U.S. 75 from Holton to K-20 in Brown County. The study will evaluate the possible expansion to four lanes, as well as other interim improvements to the existing two-lane roadway.

Information presented at the open house will be available on the project website: ksdot.gov/us75-jackson-expansion. Public comments can also be submitted online until Nov. 20.

This study is currently in the discovery phase and has not been funded for construction. There is no known timeline for when the expansion project will take place.

(KLZA)-- Homeowners as well as those who rent can participate in the Southeast Nebraska Community Action Weatherization Assistance Program.

Eligibility is limited to households with income at or below, 200 percent of the federeal poverty level. Households reeiving either Aid to Dependent Children or Supplemental Security Income and LIHEAP assistance are automaticallly eligible to receive services.

Most households struggling to meet basic needs are unable to afford the upfront costs of energy conserving upgrades or repairs made by higher priced professional companies.

Southeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership's Weatherization Assistance Program provides affordable, no cost solutions for houselholds in need of improving the overall health and safety of their home, while reducing heating and cooling costs.

Once eligibility is determined, a trained SENCA Inspector will perform an on-site inspection of the home. If the home meets program guidelines, what improvements can be made will be determined.

Interested individuals are invited to visit SENCAS's website, www.senca.org and complete an on-line weatherization application or call the SENCA Central Office in Humboldt at 402-862-2411and speak with program director Gin Christiansen.

Find more information posted with this story at MSCNEWS.net.

(MSC News)--Voters in area northeast Kansas counties will go to the polls Tuesday to decide city and school board races.

In addition, voters in Jackson and Marshall Counties will face special questions.

In Jackson County, voters will decide whether a one-quarter percent countywide retailers' sales tax should be imposed to support the Holton Community Hospital.

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

The tax is expected to generate an estimated $300,000 to $400,000 annually.

Voters in Jackson Heights USD 335 will decide the fate of a $5 million general obligation bond issue to fund additions at each of the district's two schools.

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

District officials say the bond issue will not require a tax increase.

In Marshall County, voters will decide if the sale of liquor by the drink should be allowed in public places without a 30 percent food sales requirement.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 7 am to 7 pm.

A Nortonville woman was killed and four others were seriously injured in an early Saturday morning wrong-way crash in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-4 Highway, just north of 62nd Street, near Meriden, around 6:20 

The KHP says 67-year-old Loretta Stewart was traveling southbound in the northbound lane of K-4 when her Ford Taurus struck a northbound Dodge Journey head-on . 

Stewart, who was alone in her vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The driver of the Dodge, 27-year-old Phillip Webster, of Fort Riley, and three passengers in his vehicle-- 21-year-old Shianne Webster, a 6-year-old girl and 2-month-old infant-- were transported to area hospitals with suspected serious injuries. 

The Patrol says all the occupants were properly restrained.

(KNZA)--The Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees.

The Chamber says this year- honorees have made a lasting impact on Jackson County through their leadership, dedication, and service.

They include:

Pat & Nancy Fontaine

Beth Nelson

Dennis & Joni White

Rod & Shannon Wittmer

They will join more than 100 Jackson County individuals and organizations who have been previously inducted into the Chamber Hall of Fame during the annual banquet, set for February 7th at the Prairie Band Casino and Resort.

Ticket information is forthcoming.

(KLZA)-- A recall petition has been served on Peru Mayor Katy Novak.

Phillip Wemhoff alleges in the petition that Novak engaged in the misappropriate handling of city funds, including wages and unneccesary purchases, inappropriate communication with the city council and city employees and has not had the community's best interest since being elected in November, 2024.

Novak has until November 12 to submit a statement in her defense to the Nemaha County Clerk's office.

Once the petition documents have been prepared, Wemhoff will have 30 days to collect 57 signatures or 35% of the total votes cast in the most recent general election.

(KLZA)-- As temperatures begin to plunge, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) reminds natural gas customers of its Cold Weather Rule that provides additional protection from service disconnection November 1 through March 31.

During this period, the state- jurisdictional natural gas utilities - Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy - cannot shut off service to customers without allowing an additional 30 days to pay beyond the normal bill due date. The Falls City Utility Department follows the same Cold Weather Rule.

Customers anticipating difficulty paying their natural gas bill should contact the provider to make payment arrangements.

The Public Service Commission adopted the Cold Weather Rule more than 20 years ago, when it assumed regulatory oversight of Nebraska- jurisdictional natural gas utilities. Municipally owned natural gas utilities are not subject to PSC regulation and are not required to comply with
the Cold Weather Rule, but as mentioned, Falls City Utilities does follow the Cold Weather Rule.

The PSC encourages any customers facing hardship to contact their utility providers early to discuss payment plans or assistance options.

Customers can also contact energy assistance programs such as Salvation Army HeatShare and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Additional resources are available on the PSC Natural Gas Department- consumer webpage or by contacting psc.naturalgas@nebraska.gov

(KAIR)--A longtime Atchison civic leader, whose years of leadership included time as City Commissioner and Mayor, is going to prison, sentenced in a federal courtroom last week in connection with the embezzlement of hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars from the Atchison-based credit union she once managed.

Along with the sentence of 5-years-3-months of federal incarceration, Rita Hartman is ordered to pay a total of more than $778,361.78 in restitution, named in court documents as the total loss incurred by Hartman's embezzlement from Muddy River Credit Union, which, during the time of Hartman's crimes, served employees of the then Bradken foundry.

According to court documents, the Court recommends placement of Hartman in a medical facility, due to medical conditions, with that "placement as close to Atchison, Kansas as possible to facilitate family visits."

Upon release, Hartman will be placed on 2-years of supervised probation.

On February 4, of this year, Hartman pleaded guilty to one count of a 29-Count indictment, charging false entries in federal credit institution records. For that plea, all other counts were dismissed.

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."

According to the prosecution, Hartman's crimes began "in at least 2007, and almost certainly earlier," saying the scheme continued until 2021, when a regulator-mandated audit, ordered in 2019, "immediately found discrepancies."

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

Her sentencing was held October 30.

(KNZA)--A Leavenworth man was killed and another person seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash early Saturday morning in Leavenworth.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says 41-year-old Jeremy Head was eastbound in the 700 block of Shawnee Street at a high rate of speed when his Chevy Corvette went airborne before landing back on the roadway. The vehicle rotated, striking a curb, a tree and a building before coming to stop.

Head was pronounced dead at the scene.

His passenger, 32-year-old Margaret Spain, of Leavenworth, was transported to a Kansas City hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol said neither occupant was wearing a seat belt when the crash occurred shortly before 4:00 Saturday morning.

(KNZA)--A Nortonville woman was killed and four others seriously injured in an early Saturday morning wrong-way crash in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-4 Highway, just north of 62nd Street, near Meriden, around 6:20

The KHP says 67-year-old Loretta Stewart was traveling southbound in the northbound lane of K-4 when her Ford Taurus struck a northbound Dodge Journey head-on .

Stewart, who was alone in her vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Dodge, 27-year-old Phillip Webster, of Fort Riley, and three passengers in his vehicle, 21-year-old Shianne Webster, a 6-year-old girl and 2-month-old infant, were transported to area hospitals with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says all the occupants were properly restrained.

(KNZA)--A Nortonville woman was killed and four others seriously injured in an early Saturday morning wrong-way crash in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says it happened on K-4 Highway, just north of 62nd Street, near Meriden, around 6:20

The KHP says 67-year-old Loretta Stewart was traveling southbound in the northbound lane of K-4 when her Ford Taurus struck a northbound Dodge Journey head-on .

Stewart, who was alone in her vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Dodge, 27-year-old Phillip Webster, of Fort Riley, and three passengers in his vehicle-- 21-year-old Shianne Webster, a 6-year-old and 2-month-old infant-- were transported to area hospitals with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says all the occupants were properly restrained.

(KNZA)--Two felony theft suspects were arrested Friday evening following a two-state pursuit that began in Jackson County, Kansas and ended in Nemaha Co, Nebraska.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse said the Sheriff's Office received a report around 6:00 of two men stealing a large quantity of merchandise from the Holton Walmart store.

The two men allegedly exited the emergency exit of the store with two shopping carts and loaded the stolen merchandise in a Toyota passenger car.

The Holton Police Department responded to Walmart where they gathered suspect information and began the investigation. Jackson County Sheriff's deputies searched for the suspects.

A Jackson County deputy located the suspect vehicle in northern Jackson County and attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued northbound on U.S. 75 Highway.

Brown County Sheriff's deputies and a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper assisted with the pursuit.

The suspect vehicle continued northbound into the State of Nebraska, where Richardson County, Nebraska Deputies joined the pursuit and attempted to stop the vehicle with tire deflation devices.

The suspect vehicle continued into Nemaha County, Nebraska, where Nemaha County, Nebraska deputies joined the pursuit.

Morse said the pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle side swiped a southbound vehicle at the south end of Auburn, Nebraska. Local fire and EMS responded to the scene.

Taken into custody were the driver of the vehicle, 51-year-old John Newberry III, of Omaha, and his passenger, 30-year-old Thomas Carodine, of Omaha.

Carodine had an outstanding warrant out of Sarpy County, Nebraska.

The stolen merchandise, valued at more than $3,400 was recovered from the vehicle.

Newberry and Carodine are currently being held on local charges in Nebraska.

Morse said the Jackson County Sheriff's Office will be filing for warrants to extradite both men back to Kansas.