Photo Credit: KS Teachers Hall of Fame

(KNZA)--A longtime Brown County educator will be inducted into the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame.

Darlene Rake, of rural Horton, is among eight educators selected for induction during a ceremony Saturday, June 6th, in Dodge City. Rake was the only nominee from northeast Kansas chosen for this year's Hall of Fame class.

Rake spent 30 years in education--including 28 plus years teaching  in the Hiawatha Public Schools of USD 415.   Beyond that, she also spent many years as a substitute teacher.

To be eligible for nomination, candidates must have been certified K-through-12 teachers in Kansas for at least 25 years. Rake was nominated in March by members of the Brown County Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel.

She was selected for the honor in recognition of her lifelong commitment to student achievement and her contributions to education and the community.

The Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, established in 1977, was the first state-level hall of fame in the nation dedicated to the teaching profession. More than 450 educators have been inducted over the years.

Photo credit: Amberwell

(KAIR)--Cancer patients in northeast Kansas who currently face lengthy drives for treatment may soon be able to receive care close to home, as Amberwell Health and Mosaic Life Care announce a clinical collaboration to bring cancer treatment to Atchison.

In a joint release, the two health systems announce the launch of Amberwell Cancer Care, a new program that will bring chemotherapy, infusion therapy, and onsite oncology clinic appointments to Atchison and the surrounding region for the first time. The program is expected to welcome its first patients by early 2028.

The release says Amberwell Atchison will own and operate the new program, while Mosaic will supply the oncology physicians and clinical direction. Clinical oversight will be provided by Mosaic Medical Director of Oncology Dr. Rony Abou-Jawde, who has served the region for more than 20 years, and Dr. Vinay Gupta, who currently provides onsite infusion care in Atchison.

Amberwell Cancer Care will be housed in a new two-story, 20-thousand-square-foot addition to the Amberwell Atchison campus, which will also expand rehabilitation services and add specialty clinic space. The building is planned to open in 2027.

The release also announces the launch of Building Hope, a two-million-dollar capital campaign to support construction and equipment for the addition. More information is available at amberwellhealth.org/building-hope.

Photo credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--A Hoyt man was arrested early Saturday morning on drug-related allegations following a traffic stop in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says a deputy stopped a Ford F-150 pickup shortly after 2:30 along U.S. Highway 75 near 110th Road for an alleged traffic violation.

Morse says 59-year-old Michael Moore was taken into custody.

Moore was booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Filing for election to seek the 2nd District County Commission seat is Democrat John Settich whose release announcing his candidacy describes him as a first-time candidate who brings 28-years of involvement in Democratic politics and community service causes, as well as 25-years of teaching politics and government at the college level, including years spent as Chair of Political Science at Benedictine College.

Settich, shortly after Monday's filing deadline, released a Youtube video describing his candidacy.

The 2nd District Commission seat is currently held by Republican John Calhoon, appointed early this year to fill an unexpired term. Having now filed for election to the seat, Calhoon is also challenged by a member of his own party, with Republican Randell Vanderweide filing for election as 2nd District County Commissioner.

Calhoon's ability to hold the position has been challenged through a lawsuit filed by the Atchison County Attorney. The filing alleges he's ineligible to simultaneously serve as both commissioner and Jackson County Undersheriff. The case is making its way through the legal process.

Also filing for Atchison County Commission prior to Monday’s deadline was Democrat Charles Perdue, a former Atchison City Commissioner who now seeks the 1st District County Commission seat. It's currently held by Republican James Campbell, an appointee to the seat who did not file to seek election. However, another Republican, Katherine Kohler, has also filed to seek the role.

Meanwhile, 63rd District State Representative, Dr. Allen Reavis, has gained a challenger.

According to the Kansas Secretary of State, Democrat Adam Booth has filed to run for the seat held by the Republican Reavis.

Booth is listed as a resident of Wathena in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Primary Election is set for August 4 followed by the November 3 General Election.

Organizers say the America 250 Atchison Celebration kicks off early Saturday morning, July 4th, with a free community pancake breakfast from 7:45 until 10:45 that morning. Steve Johnson, marketing director for Benedictine College says a come-and-go open house at the new Benedictine College Library, inspired by Independence Hall, runs from 9 that morning until noon.

That afternoon, a Downtown Patriotic Parade begins at 4:00, with lineup beginning at 10th and Commercial at 2:00 that afternoon. Atchison Mayor La Rochelle Young says entrants are being accepted now to take part in one of the parade categories.

At 5:00 on the July 4th evening, food, inflatables, and music get underway along the Riverfront, with the Garin Noland Band performing from 5 until 7, followed by the Soca Juke Box Band from 7:15 until 9:15 that evening.

All day long, historical reenactors from the Lewis and Clark Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, Missouri, will be camped at Atchison Riverfront Park, sharing the replica keelboat and stories of American history. The newly refurbished Forest of Friendship, with new walkways and signage, will also be open throughout the day.

The evening closes with a patriotic drone show at 9:30, followed by fireworks over the Riverfront at 9:45.

Organizers say flags are still available at the Santa Fe Depot and local businesses. More details can be found here .

(KNZA)--The field of candidates is now set for several local races in Jackson County, and one contest will require a primary election to narrow the field.

According to the Jackson County Clerk's Office, four candidates filed by Monday's deadline for Position Five on the Holton City Commission. Those candidates are Darlene Selley, Shawn LeHotta, Jason Murphy, and John Lemon.

Because four candidates are seeking the seat, a primary election will be held on August 4th. The top two vote-getters will advance to the November 3rd general election. The position is currently held by Marilyn Watkins, who did not file for re-election.

In another Holton City Commission race, incumbent Tim Schlodder will face challenger Mark Davis for Position Three. City Commission races are nonpartisan.

Meanwhile, First District Jackson County Commissioner Mark Pruett has filed for re-election to a four-year term. Pruett is being challenged in the Republican primary by fellow Holton resident Doug Fisher.

The winner of that August Republican primary will face no Democratic opposition in the November general election.

The primary election is scheduled for August 4th, with the general election set for November 3rd.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reports a Semi truck driven by a 38-year-old man from Graham, Missouri was northbound on Interstate 29 and was exiting on the ramp leading to Highway 59, approximately a mile east of Craig, Missouri.

A motorcycle operated by the Mound City man was westbound on Highway 59.

As the semi entered the intersection and attempted to turn west, it failed to yield to the motorcycle.

The motorcycle attempted to avoid the semi, began to skid and struck the trucks front on the passenger side, ejecting the motorcycle operator.

The driver of the motorcycle was transported by the Atchison Holt Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care hospital in St. Joseph for treatment of what were described as moderate injuries.

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

Summer EBT is available to families with eligible school-age children to help them buy groceries during the summer months. A one-time payment of $120 will be issued for each eligible child, covering the summer period.

To align with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Summer EBT benefits can no longer be used to purchase soda or energy drinks, beginning this year.

The first issuance is sent to students receiving public assistance benefits through participation in SNAP, Aid to Dependent Children Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or an income-based Medicaid program.

Additional issuances will include eligible children as reported by school districts and any new eligibility determinations through public assistance benefits and Summer EBT applications.

Summer EBT cards will be mailed to eligible families using their registered address with DHHS or their child's school. Cards may take up to 10 business days to arrive in the mail. Once families receive the Summer EBT card, it must be activated using the instructions mailed with the card.

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

Summer EBT benefits can be used to purchase food at any location that accepts SNAP EBT, including grocery stores, online food retailers, and farmer's markets.

For questions regarding Summer EBT, call 800-383-4278, option 5, or email DHHS.SEBT@nebraska.gov.

Superintendent Korey Miles presented a preliminary budget report, noting that with one month remaining in the current budget cycle, the district has received 95% of its projected revenue.

The Superintendent noted that revenues are lower due to less sales tax and lottery / gaming money coming in.

The Board approved hiring Jennifer Daniels as a Speech Pathologist in the district the the 2026-27 school year and Matthew Prussman as the ACES Social Worker for the next school year.

Contracts for non-certified personnel were approved along with extra duty contracts for the next school year.

It was also noted during the meeting that work has started on the gymnasium floor to ensure the bleachers pull onto the floor smoothly and without issue.

Options for a new phone system are being researched and research on finding a carrier to provide Board paid life insurance for all staff member is underway. The current life insurance provider will no longer be available.

A new policy has been agreed upon to provide each staff member with a $10 thousand policy with $20 thousand dollar accidental death coverage.

Richardson County was within the residential class of real property at 95% of actual or fair market value, commercial class of real property at 100% of actual fair market value and agricultural and horticultural land class of real property is 70%.

In 2025 the percentages were 93% for residential property, 95% for commercial property and 75% for ag and horticultural property.

All of the percentages fell within the state allowed ranges for the valuations.

Commissioners appointed County Clerk Mary Eickhoff as the budget-making authority for Fiscal Year 2026-27.

The Board also designated MIPS, a Nebraska software support service company to print the postcard notices for the Joint Public Hearing if needed in September concerning valuations.

A quote for the 3-year licensing agreement for Microsoft programs for the county computer systems in an amount of $10,140 and a quote of $8,796 from Meraki security licensing and support for 3 years along with replacement parts and switches for the county computer systems were approved.

Following the review of a claim submitted May 14th from gWorks for $21,225 for an early termination fee for Emergency Management Tab, Assessor's Tab and for annual support, Commissioners voted to deny the payment.

BPW General Manager Ray Luhring noted there are some minor challenges that are being handled by management and the crew.

The Board also received the 2025 audit report from Julie Bauman, CPA.

Bauman reported that the audit went well and that the Auburn BPW is in good financial position with no findings requiring attention.

A report from Wichita State University in regards to Auburn's Drought Contingency Plan included recommendations, many of which are currently being handled. The BPW plans to continue to work toward an upgraded plan.

Nemaha County Emergency Management Director Renee Critser addressed the Board, expressing gratitude for the rapid response from the BPW in regards to the severe storm damage that devastated the Auburn Community on May 18, noting that clean up is approximately 30% completed.

Sunday evening shortly after 8 p.m. firefighters were called to 1102 Wilson Street to a trailer house owned and occupied by Donald Murphy.

Murphy was on the front porch when a neighbor called in that the north back porch steps were on fire.

Two attack lines were deployed to knock down the fire quickly and exhaust fans were used to pull the smoke out of the trailer.

Metal from the skirting was removed in two locations and part of the bathroom floor to investigate the fires travel path.

The cause of the fire has been declared undetermined.

Four fire trucks, 16 firefighters, the Falls City Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Falls City Police Department and Falls City Utility Department and Richardson County Emergency Management all responded to the call.

Emergency Management assisted in finding housing for the residents overnight and provided transportation.

On Thursday, May 28, a fire was reported at 2121 Harlan Street at approximately 11p.m.

A second-floor apartment was fully involved prior to the arrival of firefighters.

A Richardson County Deputy Sheriff was driving by and saw the flames and stopped to assist with getting residents out of the five apartments.

Falls City Rural Fire Department members made a quick entry along with the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department to knock down the fire. Firemen monitored the exterior of the building for fire extension and power was cut off for the apartment involved.

One resident was taken by private vehicle to Community Medical Center for unknown causes and one fireman was treated at the scene for possible smoke inhalation.

It appears that misuse of smoking materials may have been the cause of the fire.

The apartment building is owned by Eddie and Debra Harris.

The estimated loss is in the neighborhood of $50 thousand.

Falls City Volunteer Fire Department Public Information Officer Jon McQueen noted that first responders appreciate local citizen's cooperation to stay back and give them room as large supply hoses are used to supply water and many units need to get close to the fire scene.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha-based KANZA Mental Health & Guidance Center has been awarded nearly $1.4 million through the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program, part of a statewide effort to strengthen health care access in rural communities.

The grant, totaling $1,354,975, was announced Friday by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as part of $79.1 million awarded to 39 hospitals and health care providers across Kansas. KANZA serves residents in Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, and Nemaha counties.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran praised the program, which he helped establish through federal legislation, saying the funding will help rural providers modernize technology, expand services, and improve health outcomes.

Kansas received the sixth-highest allocation nationwide and is expected to receive about $1 billion through the program over the next five years. State officials say the investments will strengthen rural health systems, improve access to care, and support long-term sustainability for providers serving Kansas communities.