The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the advisory Sunday after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Low pressure can reduce chlorine levels and increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

Until the advisory is lifted, customers should boil water for one minute before drinking or preparing food, or use bottled water. Residents should also discard existing ice and avoid using household ice makers.

Tap water that appears dirty should be allowed to run until it clears. Water used for bathing generally does not need to be boiled, but children should be supervised to prevent them from swallowing it.

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

File photo of algae

(KNZA)--The public health advisory for Hiawatha City Lake in Brown County has been lifted, but a watch remains in effect for Elkhorn Lake in Jackson County because of blue-green algae.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says Elkhorn Lake is among eight Kansas lakes under a watch status, while 11 lakes remain under warning status.

Under a watch, people should avoid areas of algae accumulation and keep pets away from the water. Fish should be cleaned with potable water, and only the fillet portion should be eaten.

Advisories are lifted when algae and toxin levels fall below watch thresholds.

(KAIR) -A Leavenworth man will be sentenced in December after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a sexual assault at the Atchison Walmart.

According to court documents, 43-year-old Justin Metz pleaded guilty in July to aggravated sexual battery and criminal restraint.

As part of a plea agreement, charges of rape and theft were dismissed.

Metz was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a restroom at the Atchison Walmart in March 2025.

In a separate case, Metz also pleaded guilty to aggravated internet trading in child pornography.

Sentencing is set for December 11th in Atchison County District Court.

Police, at the time of the arrest, told MSC News that on the afternoon of the alleged attack, Metz posed as a store asset protection officer to convince his victim to come to the back of the store with him.

Metz was arrested the following weekend when he returned to the store and was spotted by staff, who then alerted police who took him into custody.

Kristin Wahquahboshkuk/Credit: Shawnee County Corrections 

(KNZA)--A Mayetta man is facing charges in the shooting deaths of two men in north Topeka earlier this month.

Shawnee County Attorney Michael Kagay says 21-year-old Kristin Wahquahboshkuk was formally charged last week in Shawnee County District Court with two counts of first-degree murder, two additional counts of first-degree murder and one count each of criminal discharge of a firearm into a building, aggravated endangering a child and criminal trespass.

The charges stem from the September 10th shooting deaths of 75-year-old Warren Eteeyan of Mayetta and 75-yeear-old Larry Smutny of Topeka in the city's " NOTO" district.

Topeka Police say Wahquahboshkuk was identified as a suspect in the incident during the criminal investigation.  He was located and arrested.

Wahquahboshkuk remains in the Shawnee County Jail on $1 million bond.

Larry Myer/Credit: KBI 

(KNZA)--A Brown County Sheriff's Office lieutenant facing misdemeanor charges has requested a jury trial.

Larry Myer is charged with intimidation of a witness or victim and harassment by a telecommunications device.

Myer was scheduled for arraignment Wednesday in Brown County District Court. Court records now show he has requested a jury trial.

A pretrial motion hearing is scheduled for December ninth.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation arrested Myer in late June after investigating allegations that he threatened and harassed a Kickapoo Tribal Police officer who had issued him a traffic citation in December of 2025.

The Kickapoo Tribal Police Department requested the KBI investigation in January.

A special prosecutor from the Johnson County District Attorney's Office, appointed by Brown County, reviewed the findings and filed the charges.

Myer was released following his arrest on a $2,500 bond.

In a release, Benedictine College says the school has been granted Candidate Status by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation.

The designation allows the college to advance to the next stage of the accreditation process. Benedictine submitted its application for Pre-Accreditation Status earlier this month, with consideration expected during the commission’s December meeting.

Pre-Accreditation Status would allow the school to begin recruiting, admitting and educating medical students. The college hopes to reach that stage by the middle of next year and welcome its first class in 2028.

Benedictine says it has secured more than 50 million dollars in donations for the project and more than 270 clinical training seats.

Planning is also underway for a medical education facility of more than 110 thousand square feet. The building would house both the medical school and Benedictine’s School of Nursing and would represent the largest construction project in the college’s history.

All plans remain subject to the required accreditation and institutional approvals.

93.7 FM, part of the MSC Radio Network, wants your questions for the candidates seeking the open Atchison County Commission seats of Districts 1 & 2, as well as that of 63rd District State Representative. 

Send your questions to kairradio@gmail.com and hear them answered live, on the air, by the candidates, in advance of the October 19 start of early voting. 

The morning of Monday, October 12, and part of Co-Host Monday around 7:20, will be John Settich(D) and Randell Vanderweide(R) candidates for 2nd District Atchison County Commission. 

7:20, Wednesday morning, October 14, it's the race for 1st District County Commission, with Katherine Kohler(R) and Charles Perdue(D) seeking that seat. 

On Thursday morning, October 15, at 7:20 it's the race for 63rd District State Representative, sought by incumbent Republican Allen Reavis and Democrat Adam Booth. 

The general election is November 3, with a list of important deadlines courtesy of the Atchison County Clerk, below. 

The action occurred during the Monday night Council meeting.

Under the new ordinance,  it will be unlawful for any person to operate these devices on any sidewalk within the congested district of the City of Falls City.

 The devices can only be ridden from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset unless equipped with a headlight visible for not less than 500 feet.  They could not operate on any state or federal highway within the municipality except to cross highways at a marked intersection.

Law Enforcement will have the authority to take immediate possession of,  and transport the device to the police department if an unaccompanied minor is in violation of any provision or operating it in an unsafe manner.

Violations of the provisions shall be considered traffic infractions and punishable by fines.

The Council also approved a new internal control policy concerning financial reporting  and approved an amendment of a contract with JEO Consulting Group on Falls City Electrical Distribution System Improvement projects at a cost of $72,500 which will be in addition to the original bid price agreement of $822,170.  The new total will be $894,670.

The additional charges are for additional services to be performed by JEO and modifications to services of JEO.

(KNZA)--The annual Maple Leaf Festival will take place Saturday, September 26 around the Brown County Courthouse Square in downtown Hiawatha.

The festival runs from 9:30 to 3 and will feature vendors, food trucks, activities and live entertainment.

Musical performers include Tori Wist, the Hiawatha Headliners, Lux, Randy Beech and the Rockin’ Blues, and Dakota Livingston.

Children’s and adult activities include rock climbing, bounce houses, inflatable slides and obstacle courses. New this year are a foam party and train rides. A ten-dollar wristband covers the activities.

A free petting zoo will be open from 10 to 3, along with games and entertainment from Bluffwoods Boffers.

Balloon artist Karen Smith will be on the courthouse south lawn from 11 to 2.

More than 100 vendor booths will be set up around the courthouse square.

The festival is organized by the Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau.

(KNZA)--The Horton City Commission has approved on second reading an ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicles on city streets.

The ordinance was unanimously approved Monday evening.

It allows ATVs on city streets, roads and alleys with posted speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less.

Operators must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license and liability insurance.

ATVs also must be registered with the city, with an annual license fee of 30 dollars.

The ordinance includes requirements for lights, safety equipment and eye protection, along with other restrictions.

Three violations within a three-year period could result in permanent revocation of an individual’s city ATV permit.

The ordinance will take effect after it is published in the official city newspaper.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved cleanup of an illegal dumpsite.

The site is on 130th Road between Ottumwa and Monument Roads.

Northeast Kansas Environmental Services Health Specialist Martha Smith informed the commission Monday the site qualifies for a Kansas Department of Health and Environment grant covering 75 percent of the cleanup cost, with the county paying the remaining 25 percent.

Commissioners approved the cleanup on a unanimous vote.

In other business, Custodian Laura Winkel told the commission Forge and Build has donated the shingles needed to replace the courthouse courtyard gazebo roof.

Commissioners approved 500 dollars in additional labor for Stonebarger Electric to complete the roof replacement.

The board also tabled action on masonry repairs to the courtyard’s Statue of Liberty and stone wall, pending additional bids.

(KLZA-- Richardson County Commissioners voted Wednesday to table adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget until the September 30 meeting.

The Board will continue to review the budget proposals to see if they can find areas to cut spending and reduce the proposed property tax levy.

The budget as currently proposed calls for expenditures of $22,424,406, a 5.8% increase from last year.

The property tax request would be $8,284,080 which is an increase of $2,203,698 or 34% higher than the Fiscal Year 25-26 budget.

The property tax levy would increase by 8.3-cents per $100 of assessed valuation to 38.34 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which represents an increase of 27.6 percent.

The Richardson County valuation for the next fiscal year increased more than $102.7-million which is 4.75 percent.

The new valuation is $2,160,620,189.

The County must submit the final fiscal year budget to the State Auditors office on or before September 30.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a Rural Workforce Housing Fund program loan in an amount of $158 thousand for Adam Bek, with Bek Build LLC, when they met Monday evening.

Bek intends to construct a house on land available at 1014 Barada Street, through the Southeast Nebraska Land Bank.

The home be a two-story house with approximately 1280 square feet of room. The anticipated sale price will fall within the $185,000 to $200,000 range which EDGE has discovered to be the desired range for the local demographic seeking new homes.

Bek hopes to break ground this Fall and have the home ready for sale in the spring of 2027.

This project is the first of what is intended to be six homes built on Land Bank properties in the community.

In other business the Council approved a request submitted from Eva Seeba to replace the YIELD signs at the intersection of 23rd and Chase Street and 23rd Stone Streets with STOP signs due to drivers failing to yield and the fact the street is an emergency route to Highway 73.

(KAIR)--A late Tuesday morning wreck involving an Atchison County Sheriff's Deputy and a semi truck is under the investigation of the Kansas Highway Patrol; and, as that report is awaited, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie confirms there were no injuries in the wreck. 

He tells MSC News the non-injury accident happened on U.S. Highway 59, at 274th Road, as both vehicles were turning, but specifics aren't immediately available, pending finalization of the official report. 

The wreck was reported around 10:40 Tuesday morning. 

(KAIR)--A nearly decade-long project at Atchison’s Amelia Earhart Airport has reached a major milestone, with the airport’s new runway now open for daytime flights.

The City of Atchison, through a social media post, announced the runway is available for daytime use as the FAA completes final lighting and instrument checks. Once those checks are finished, the runway can become fully operational for nighttime flights as well.

The project represents nearly 10 years of active work at the Atchison airport.

With daytime operations now underway, pilots are once again being welcomed to Amelia Earhart Airport, along with its remodeled FBO office and the nearby Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum.

Officials say completion of the remaining FAA checks will mark the final step toward full operation of the new runway.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has hired a new noxious weed director and appointed an interim county appraiser.

Commissioners took both actions Monday following executive sessions.

The Commission unanimously approved hiring Brandon Roberts as noxious weed director, effective November ninth.

Roberts has served as the county’s emergency management director since May and will continue in that role. He’ll work 16 hours a week as noxious weed director and 24 hours in emergency management.

Roberts replaces Richard Rodvelt, who was terminated September eighth.

The Commission also unanimously appointed Kerri Koch as interim county appraiser, effective immediately for six months.  

Koch is the Nemaha County appraiser and will split her time between the two counties.

Former Brown County Appraiser Steve Markham resigned August 31st.

(KLZA)-- Falls City Utilities would like to notify customers of scheduled electric system work beginning Thursday, September 24 at 7:00 a.m. 

Falls City Utilities is working with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories to upgrade generator and feeder protection and control equipment at the City Power Plant. The work will require the City’s bus tie to be taken out of service while new equipment is safely installed and commissioned. 

During this work, the City’s 4,160-volt electric circuits will be supplied by local generation. The work may take up to eight hours to complete. 

No interruption or disturbance to electric service is expected, and City crews will be onsite and prepared throughout the work. 

This notice is being provided to keep the public informed about the operation of Falls City’s electric system during the scheduled maintenance.

Annually, Nebraska’s NRDs nominate and vote for individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the state’s natural resources. Hall of Fame categories include an NRD Director, NRD Employee and NRD Supporter.

Among the 2026 NRD Hall of Fame inductees was Nemaha NRD Employee Jane Kuhl.

Jane Kuhl has 43 years, and still counting, of dedicated service to the Nemaha NRD. During her career, Kuhl has served as secretary, information & education representative and assistant manager, taking on increasing responsibilities while becoming a trusted source of knowledge and guidance for staff and directors.

Kuhl has helped the Nemaha NRD navigate leadership transitions and changing priorities while preserving institutional knowledge and providing continuity. Her professionalism, dependability and willingness to help have made her a valuable resource to the district, its partners and the communities it serves.

Kuhl’s dedication to conservation extends beyond her professional life. She and her husband, Gary, operate a family farm, maintaining a close connection to the land she has spent her career helping protect.

The other 2026 NRD Hall of Fame honoree's are NRD Director – Marcel Kramer, from Crofton, and NRD Supporter – Patrick Cowsert,  from Wisner. 

Natural Resources Districts Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized at the NRD annual conference dinner banquet in Kearney, Nebraska, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. 

In the posted picture:  From left, Nemaha NRD Information & Education Coordinator Maddie Million; Nemaha NRD Manager Kyle Hauschild; Nemaha NRD Assistant Manager Jane Kuhl; Gary Kuhl; Nemaha NRD Director Eldon Snoke; and Nemaha NRD Director Dan Stukenholtz. 

A release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says officers responded at about 7:40, where they found that a Honda Accord driven by 28-year-old Ty Rauber had been westbound on Q Street when it failed to stop at a stop sign. The car collided with a GMC Yukon driven by 38-year-old Kristen May, who was southbound on Seventh Street.

Fire and EMS crews responded, but no one was taken to a hospital.

Rauber was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Atchison County Jail. He was arrested on allegations of driving under the influence, transporting an open container, possessing marijuana and failing to yield.

Vincent Gregory Schiffiano of Atchison and Nolan William Brey of Fairview are among 105 applicants from 17 Kansas counties who passed the bar examination.

A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Friday morning, September 25, at 9:30, at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. New attorneys may attend the ceremony or take the oath later before a state or federal judge.

Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Rosen will preside, and U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse will represent the federal court.

(KAIR)--Atchison County is recognizing 10 years of service by Corey Scott, its chief of emergency services.

In a social media post recognizing Scott, the county says he has spent the past decade advocating for EMS and first responders, supporting emergency crews and working to strengthen emergency response.

The county thanked Scott for his leadership and dedication to Atchison County.

Pic credit: USD 409/Facebook

(KAIR)--A “well-deserved recognition” is how Atchison Public Schools describes an award given to one of its staff members for early childhood leadership.

Stefanie Bourne, the district’s special education programs and systems specialist, received the 2026 Whelan Leadership for Learning Award as a member of the Early Childhood Leadership Cadre.

A release from Atchison’s USD 409 says the group brings together leaders from early childhood programs across Northeast Kansas to share expertise and strengthen learning opportunities for young children and families. The award recognizes the group’s leadership, collaboration and work to sustain high quality programs.

Before joining Atchison Public Schools, Bourne was principal of the Earl Lawson Early Education Center in Leavenworth, where she represented the district on the Cadre.

Kelby Rosenberger/Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--A Lawrence man was arrested Sunday evening in Jefferson County in connection with the theft of a motorcycle.

Twenty-four-year-old Kelby Rosenberger was taken into custody by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department following a traffic stop.

He’s accused of taking a 2025 Honda motorcycle belonging to a Lawrence resident sometime between September 19th and 20th.

According to court documents, Rosenberger was formally charged Monday in Jefferson County District Court with felony theft and misdemeanor driving while suspended.

He’s being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a 15-thousand-dollar bond.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council conducted a public hearing on the 2026-27 budget and property tax request Monday evening prior to the start of the regular council meeting.

During the regular Council meeting the budget and property tax request for the fiscal year 2026-27 was approved.

The operating budget for the next fiscal year will be $70,625,921 which is an increase of 126%. However, the property tax request will be $836,120, an increase of $22,060 or 3%.

Two large expenditures are included in the 26-27 fiscal year budget that greatly increased the budget of expenditures. The projects include a $40 million electrical transmission line and a $5 million sub-station project.

The valuation of the city increased 11% to $232,155,778.

The property tax rate will be 36.0155 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which is a 7% decrease from the previous year.

If you are planning to vote in the election, you are urged to check your voter registration status to make certain you are registered at the correct address to cast your ballot. 

Voters can check online at www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov or by contacting your local county clerk's office.

In Richardson County, voter registrations will be accepted until Friday, October 23 at 6 p.m. The deadline for any voter registration form other than in person in Friday, October, 16. 

Voters may also register online through the state website.

In Richardson County, early voting will begin in the Richardson County Clerks Office on Monday, October 5 and can be done during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Early voting applications are always available to request that your ballot be mailed to you if you are unable to vote at your regular polling place on election day. October 23 is the last day to request a ballot to be mailed to voters and an application form can be found in last weeks editions of the Falls City Journal and the Humboldt Standard. You can also get a form at the Richardson County website,  www.richardsoncountyne.gov.

All-Mail voting precincts in Richardson County, are Arago/Barada, Salem, East Muddy and Grant/Nemaha. 

Voters residing in these precincts will receive their ballots in the mail on or after October 13.  

Those who may have recently moved within the Villages of Dawson, Shubert, Salem or Barada or the surrounding areas within the townships name, need to make sure they are registered to vote or have changed your voter registration address so you ballot can be mailed to your address.

Anyone with questions about local election information should contact you County Clerk's office in the county in which you live. 

The  grant will be used to cover up to half the cost to replace a 48-year-old generator that is currently inside the fire station.  A new generator, which will be installed outside,  will allow the department to have much needed additional space for storage. 

If as some point a new fire station is built, this new unit will have the capacity to provide for the departments future demands and can be relocated. 

In announcing the award of the grant to the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department, Liisa Lawson Stark, vice president – Public Affairs for UP said ' Union Pacific is proud to support nonprofit organizations doing the hard work on the ground to improve the quality of life for their communities, including those where Union Pacific employees live and work across the companies 23-state network.” 

Morse, on Tuesday, issued a release pertaining to the case, which was settled last month after the two sides reached an agreement, with a U.S. District Judge dismissing the lawsuit August 21.

The Nation filed the lawsuit in July of 2024, challenging the sheriff’s civil regulatory authority within reservation boundaries.

In Tuesday’s release, Morse said the case was complex and costly, and that he believes the settlement allows both the Nation and his office to continue carrying out their respective responsibilities without further litigation.

Morse also emphasized that his office remains committed to protecting everyone in Jackson County and maintaining a cooperative relationship with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

The dispute stemmed from a 2024 incident at the former Snak Atak Travel Plaza, where tribal officials were attempting to enforce the Nation’s licensing and tax requirements.

Under the settlement, the Nation can enforce its civil rules, while Morse and his deputies can continue their duties to keep and preserve the peace within Jackson County.

The agreement does not declare a winner or resolve broader questions over legal authority on the reservation. 

Both sides agreed to end the lawsuit without a trial.

Mayor La Rochelle Young, early in the meeting, proclaimed September 17 through 26 as Constitution Week in Atchison.

The proclamation coincides with the 239th anniversary of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the September 26 dedication of Benedictine College’s new Moritz Library in D’Aniello Hall. The library, modeled after Independence Hall, will house the college’s Center for Constitutional Liberty. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett is scheduled to speak at the dedication.

A second proclamation made by Young designates November 22 as Benedictine College Women’s Lacrosse Day.

The team received the 2026 NAIA Community Awareness Award for its service in Atchison. Its senior class finished with a 63-and-8 career record and two consecutive undefeated national championship seasons.

Head Coach Clare Hanson and her staff were also named the NAIA Coach and Coaching Staff of the Year in both 2025 and 2026.

In related news, the annual MonkRun at St. Benedict’s Abbey will not take place as planned this Saturday, September 26.

Abbey officials announced the change, saying the event is being canceled this year to accommodate campus needs surrounding Saturday’s Moritz Library dedication.

Instead, the Abbey will offer tours beginning at 8:30 Saturday morning. Visitors are also invited to join the monks for prayers and Mass beginning at 6:30.

Those who still want to support vocations at St. Benedict’s Abbey can make a donation through the Abbey’s giving page and designate the gift for the Office of Vocations.

Abbey officials are encouraging supporters to keep their running shoes ready, with plans for the MonkRun to return next year.

Thomas Davis/Credit: Buchanan County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--A St. Joseph, Missouri, man is facing burglary charges after he was shot in the groin while allegedly trying to break into a home early Sunday morning.

KQ2-TV reports 44-year-old Thomas Davis allegedly entered a home in the 33-hundred block of Scott Street in northwest Buchanan County shortly before 3 Sunday morning.

Davis allegedly stole items from a counter and was confronted by the homeowner as he left.

The homeowner told investigators he believed Davis was armed and fired one shot, striking Davis.

Davis fled but was later found in a nearby alley. He was treated at Mosaic Life Care and released into police custody.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission is working to lower the proposed tax rate for 2027.

Commissioners reviewed the Road and Bridge and General Fund budgets at their September 14 meeting, making cuts where possible.

The county’s initial budget proposal called for a tax rate of about 51-point-3 mills — nearly 12 mills above the revenue-neutral rate.

That proposal drew a large crowd for the initial budget and revenue-neutral rate hearings on August 24th.

Commissioners say the tax rate is now below the revenue-neutral rate of 39-point-721 mills.

The commission will continue working on the budget, which must be approved and submitted to the state by October first.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Commission has adopted its 2027 budget, with a slightly lower tax rate than originally proposed.

Commissioners voted unanimously September 14th to approve the budget after a hearing drew no public comment.

The county will use a tax rate of about 71-point-6 mills, down from the 72 mills originally proposed.

The rate is still higher than this year's levy, and is expected to generate nearly 12-million dollars in property taxes — about 542-thousand dollars more than this year.

More than 100 people attended an August 26th hearing on the county's intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate of 68.3 mills

(KNZA)--The Jackson Heights School Board has accepted, with regret, the retirements of two longtime district employees.

At its September 14th meeting, the board approved the retirements of Director of Technology Vern Andrews and second-grade teacher Shelly Riedley, effective at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

Riedley has been part of Jackson Heights for 43 years, including the past 25 years as a full-time teacher.

Andrews began his career at Jackson Heights in 1989 as a math and computer science teacher before transitioning to his current roles as computer science teacher and technology director.

Both employees were recognized for their years of service to Jackson Heights students and the community.

The Patrol says its Division of Drug and Crime Control is leading the investigation.

Zahnd was found dead last Thursday inside the Platte County Courthouse. His cause of death has not been released.

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation

Zahnd had served as Platte County prosecuting attorney since 2002.

The department, also known as Atchison County Rural Fire District Number Three, will host the fundraiser Saturday morning, September 26, from 7:00 until noon at the Jackson Park Shelter House, in Atchison.

Along with pancakes, the event will include a silent auction, gun raffle and a 50/50 money bucket. Entries for the money bucket will cost five dollars each or five for 20 dollars.

The fire department is also accepting donated baskets for the silent auction.

The pancake feed will operate through free will donations, with all proceeds supporting the department’s efforts to purchase the new equipment and fire suits. Organizers are inviting the community to enjoy breakfast while supporting local firefighters.

(KNZA)--The search is underway for a new Jackson County public health officer following the resignation of Allie Meyer, effective September 10th.

The county commission accepted Meyer’s resignation at its August 31st meeting. She also resigned from the Northeast Kansas Environmental Services Board.

Meyer was named public health officer last spring following the resignation of Amy Hallauer.

Jackson County is part of the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments, which also serves Atchison and Brown counties.

The organization is recruiting a replacement.

Health department staff from Atchison and Brown counties will provide services in Holton until a replacement is found.

(KMZA)-- A Friday morning two-vehicle crash in Pottawatomie County claimed the life of an Onaga teenager and left another person seriously injured.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office says the crash was reported shortly after 6:40 Friday morning on K-63 Highway, just north of St. Marys, near Doyle Creek Road.

The Sheriff's Office says 18-year-old Alyssa Mullins of Onaga was driving a Honda Civic southbound when a northbound Chevy Impala, driven by 23-year-old Bryce Ashlock of Ogden, crossed the center line and struck the Honda.

Mullins was flown to Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka with serious injuries and was later pronounced dead.

Ashlock was also taken to the hospital with suspected serious injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Board approved accessing the additional 6% budget authority for the next year.  Superintendent, Dr. Andrew Offner reviewed the recent changes in the formula that allows school districts a 3 percent base growth with the ability to increase the amount the district can tax, but it is based on what was taxed the prior year.  

In other business the Board did approve going forward with tax anticipation notes in a amount of up to $3.6 million to help replenish the District 56 cash reserves that have become depleted over the past several years.  

Superintendent Offner said that due to the changing landscape of school funding in recent years, District 56 has gone from collecting about $8.7 million in local taxes each year to about $5 currently.  

In recent years the Falls City School District has been able to reduce property tax levies but due to inflation and some funding mechanisms coming to an end, there is now a need to increase the levy.  

Offner said it will take several budget cycles to balance the property tax collections  with expenses.

The two cities will temporarily switch their water disinfection processes to free chlorine as part of routine maintenance. Atchison expects its change to remain in place for about two weeks.

Crews may also open fire hydrants to flush sediment from water lines and distribute the change throughout each system. Atchison residents may also see water overflowing from storage towers during the process.

Customers could experience temporarily discolored or cloudy water, a chlorine odor or taste, minor pressure changes or small air pockets. Anyone experiencing discoloration should run cold tap water for several minutes until it clears.

Officials stress the maintenance does not represent a boil water advisory.

Customers with aquariums, fish or other chlorine sensitive uses should properly treat their water before use.

According to a release, that decision came during Wednesday night’s Valley Falls City Council meeting, with Batstone’s appointment taking effect that same day.

Batstone previously served Valley Falls as a police officer and will continue working in the community in his new leadership role.

As interim chief, Batstone will oversee the department’s day to day operations and work with city administrators, the mayor, City Council members and area law enforcement partners.

City officials thanked Batstone for stepping into the position and for his continued commitment to Valley Falls residents.

(KLZA)-- A portion of Interstate 29 between Mound City and the Oregon, Missouri interchange reopened Thursday evening following a closure of both the southbound and northbound lane Thursday following a wreck around 9:15 a.m.

A semi that was eastbound on U.S. 159 Highway at East Olive Drive when it traveled off the side of the road and overturned. The truck was hauling 4,000 pounds of sulfuric acid that was suspended with nitroglycerin.

The driver of the truck, a 25-year-old male from Modesto, California suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Fairfax Community Hospital for treatment by the Atchison-Holt EMS.

Those living within a one mile radius of the wreck were asked to leave the area, but were allowed to return home late Thursday afternoon after an environmental cleaning company out of Kansas City assisted with the cleanup of the hazardous material.

Gary Hards/Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A Mayetta man is facing 11 counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

Twenty-seven-year-old Gary Hards was arrested September 4 on a Jackson County District Court warrant. He made his first court appearance Tuesday.

According to court documents, Hards is accused of possessing visual depictions of people under 18 engaging in sexually explicit conduct on September 19th, 2025.

The charges followed an investigation by Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police, with assistance from the Hiawatha Police Department.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 24th.

Hards remains in the Jackson County Jail on 100-thousand dollars bond.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is warning residents about a gift card scam circulating through email.

Fraudulent messages appear to come from recognizable people throughout the county and ask residents to purchase gift cards. Some emails also request the security numbers from the back of the cards.

Merchant says the emails are fraudulent and do not come from the people identified in the messages. Residents are advised to delete the emails immediately and not respond.

(KNZA)--Construction is set to begin Monday, September 21, weather permitting, on a Brown County bridge replacement project.

The project is located on 170th Street, just east of Falcon Road, about two miles southwest of Powhattan.

The Brown County Road and Bridge Department says the area will be closed to traffic during construction, which is expected to continue through February.

B and B Bridge Company of St. Paul, Kansas, was awarded the nearly 767-thousand-dollar project, which is expected to take 120 working days.

The project is funded in part by more than one million dollars in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Kansas Local Bridge Improvement Program.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has decided to continue operating the county transfer station, rather than turning operations over to Republic Services.

Republic Services representatives met with commissioners Monday to discuss a proposal for the company to operate the transfer station.

Chairman Wayne Grable said the best direction for the county is to continue running the facility, with Miller Trash Service currently operating it.

The county’s current agreement with Republic Services to haul waste from the transfer station to its landfill expires December 31st.

Republic Services said it would not make economic sense to continue hauling the waste unless it also operated the transfer station.

Miller Trash Service will now begin looking for a company to haul waste from the transfer station to an approved landfill beginning January first.

(KMZA)--The 2027 Seneca city budget has been adopted as published.

The City Council unanimously approved the 18-point-4-million-dollar budget following a hearing Wednesday evening that drew no public comment.

The council also unanimously approved a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral tax rate.

The budget carries an estimated tax rate of 32-point-538 mills, unchanged from this year and less than one mill above the revenue-neutral rate.

The city expects to collect about 1-point-2 million dollars in property taxes, roughly 35-thousand dollars more than this year due to an increase in assessed valuation.

In other business, the council approved a sidewalk closure request from Bergman Remodeling. The west side of Third Street from Main Street to the first alley north will be closed during daytime hours through October 17th for demolition work.

The council also approved a request from the Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact to allow food trucks along Main Street during the annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday, October 10th.

Photo credit: Greg Bebermeyer/MSC News

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Public Works Director Dominic Grier was recognized for 20 years of service to the city during Monday’s city commission meeting.

Mayor Becky Shamburg presented Grier with a certificate. The meeting was held at the Fisher Center due to the elevator being out of service at City Hall.

City Administrator Brad Scott commended Grier for his dedication and work, particularly under difficult conditions, including working rainy nights to clear clogged manholes and helping complete city projects.

Grier said his 20 years with the city had gone by quickly and that it had been an honor to serve. He said working for the city had been a career, not just a job.

Crowned as the King of the Fair was Marvin Blecha of Humboldt. 

The 2026 Queen of the Richardson County Fair is PJ Howe. 

PJ is a junior at the Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer School and the daughter of Caleb and Megan Howe of rural Humboldt.  She participates in sports for HTRS and is on the Mock Trial Team, takes part in One Act, Speech, Quiz Bowl, FFA where she serves as chapter secretary, is a member of the National Honor Society the Fellowship of  Christian Athletes and Band. She is the President of the HTRS Class of 2028.

The 1st runner-up for Queen is Hallie Jones, a senior at Falls City Sacred Heart school.  Hallie is the daughter of Luke and Celeste Jones of rural Falls City.

2nd runner-up was Shyla Clark, a senior at Humboldt – Table Rock – Steinauer High School.  The daughter of MaryJo and Jerrod Lippold of Humboldt. 

3rd runner-up was Eden Stewart, a junior at HTRS is the daughter of Nick and Valerie Stewart of Humboldt. 

4th runner-up was Eden Duryea,  a junior at HTRS and the daughter of Dan and Heather Duryea of rural Humboldt. 

Named as the Humboldt Woman of the Year during the coronation program was Carolyn Blecha.  

The King and Queen and the royal court will ride on the queens float in the parade each day of the Richardson County Fair at 11 a.m. 

(KAIR)--New growth in Doniphan County is realized through an expansion for Summit Truck Bodies, expected to generate 80 additional jobs through the $50 million investment in Wathena.

The opening of the company's new facility was marked with a September 10 ribbon cutting attended by employees, community leaders and state and local officials.

The 220,000-square-foot addition includes 200,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 20,000 square feet of offices. It connects to Summit’s existing building, bringing the company’s total Wathena footprint to approximately 352,000 square feet.

Founded in Wathena in 2003, Summit manufactures service and lube truck bodies, hydraulic cranes, tool systems and electronic safety controls for customers across North America.

Company officials say the expansion will double production capacity, reduce lead times and provide room to expand sales, parts and service operations.

An economic impact analysis projects the expansion will generate more than $21 million in purchases during its first 10 years, supporting businesses and communities throughout the region.

(KAIR)--A Lancaster woman is being recognized for years of volunteer work and community service across Atchison County.

Virginia Foley has been named the Northeast Kansas Heart of FCE award recipient. The award honors members of Family and Community Education for grassroots involvement in their communities.

Foley, a release announcing the award says, is a longtime member of the Farmerette FCE unit and currently serves as treasurer of the Atchison County FCE Council.

An accomplished quilter, Foley has taught dozens of barn quilt classes and provides leadership for an annual fall quilt retreat that raises money for a senior scholarship. She also designed a quilt used to raise money for a local autism support group and recently shared information about autism awareness at the Amberwell Health Fair.

Foley also volunteers with Saint Ann’s Parish in Effingham and the quilt department at the Atchison County Fair. She is helping organize the first Peace and Patchwork Quilt Show during the state FCE conference in Atchison this October.

Foley says she simply enjoys helping others, adding that someone needs to volunteer, so why not say yes.

(KAIR)--A fall into an outdoor Atchison swimming pool sent a 2-year-old girl to a Kansas City hospital by helicopter Wednesday evening.

In a release, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says police, first responders for both the Atchison Fire Department and Atchison County EMS were called to the 1200 block of Westridge Drive shortly after 7:00 to what was reported as a medical emergency.

The child was first transported to Amberwell Atchison for hospital treatment and then flown to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

No additional information regarding the accident was immediately released.

The Missouri State Patrol said the tractor-trailer was hauling 4,000 pounds of sulfuric acid suspended with nitroglycerin.

An environmental cleaning company out of Kansas City is assisting with the cleanup.

Residents living within one mile of the hazmat spill on I-29 were evacuated from their homes Thursday morning. They were allowed to return to their homes Thursday afternoon.

With interstate traffic being directed to use U.S. Route 59 around the closure. Motorists should follow all signage and law enforcement direction.

Due to uncertainty of the situation with the crash, and traffic being routed through Highway 59, the Mound City School canceled classes on Thursday.

(KMZA)--Nemaha County Republicans have selected Josh Winkler of rural Centralia to replace Sheriff Rich Vernon, who is retiring November first after 20 years in the position.

The Nemaha County Republican Central Committee met Tuesday evening, with 28 precinct committee members present. Chairman Ray Shinn says Winkler was selected by a majority of members from among three nominees. His name will be forwarded to Governor Laura Kelly, who will make the official appointment.

Winkler will serve a term expiring in January 2029. The position will be up for election in November 2028.

The other nominees were current Undersheriff Robert Cross and Darron Wessel, a sergeant and K-9 officer with the Sheriff's Office.

Shinn says the county was fortunate to have three outstanding candidates with years of experience interested in filling the position.

Winkler brings 17 years of law enforcement experience. He has served as a special agent with the Kansas Attorney General's Livestock Investigation Unit since September 2021. He also currently works part-time as a Nemaha County deputy and previously served as an investigator with the Sheriff's Office.

Winkler and his wife, Rosanna, have four children and live on a small farm southeast of Centralia.

In a statement, Winkler says he is eager to bring his extensive experience, leadership and deep connection to the community back to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office full-time.

(KNZA)--A former Oskaloosa paraeducator has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from the alleged abuse of a five-year-old nonverbal autistic child.

According to court documents, 26-year-old Breah Dame of Winchester pleaded guilty September 10th in Jefferson County District Court to child endangerment and two counts of battery.

Dame was originally charged with felony child abuse. She was employed as a paraprofessional at Oskaloosa Elementary School and was terminated November 7th, 2025, the same day the alleged abuse was reported.

Dame was charged in January following an investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 26th.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha police officers will be getting new body cameras and Tasers.

The City Commission voted unanimously Monday night to approve a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise that will fully equip the department’s nine officers with new body cameras, Tasers and an online evidence storage system at a cost of nearly 111-thousand dollars.

Police Chief Dave Villanueva says the department’s current cameras are outdated, sometimes fail to record and can take several days to upload video.

The commission also approved an amendment to the city’s careless driving ordinance, allowing officers to enforce the law in public-access parking lots and other private property open to the public.

Villanueva says the department has received repeated complaints about aggressive driving and activities such as speeding, racing and burnouts in parking lots, which create hazardous conditions, near-collisions and fear for pedestrians and other motorists.

The meeting was held at the Fisher Center due to the elevator being out of service at City Hall.

( L-R) Jack Geiger and Sean Willcott/Photo Credit: Greg Bebermeyer/MSC News

(KNZA)--The two candidates vying for the 62nd District Kansas House seat spoke at a candidates forum in Hiawatha Sunday night.

Incumbent Holton Republican Sean Willcott is seeking a second two-year term. He is being challenged by independent candidate Jack Geiger of rural Robinson.

Geiger, a former registered Democrat, describes himself as a fiscal conservative and a strict constitutionalist . He said he has a deep sense of loyalty to Kansas and has always been interested in politics. Geiger previously ran unsuccessfully for Brown County commissioner and served as a township trustee.

Geiger said the state is facing an inflation crisis and has fiscal problems that will require unique solutions.

Willcott describes himself as a small-government conservative. He said he believes life begins at conception and supports the Second Amendment.

Willcott serves on three House committees: Commerce, Labor and Economic Development; Federal and State Affairs; and Social Services Budget.

Willcott said the main concern he hears from constituents is rising property taxes. He said the Legislature is looking at ways to address the issue and believes the state has a spending problem.

Also speaking at the forum were Hiawatha mayor candidate Brian Shefferd, City Commission candidate Mitch Bruning and Brown County Commission candidate Richard Tesoriero.

The forum was hosted by the Brown County Liberty Alliance.

(KNZA)--A young teenager, reported missing earlier this week, is returned to safety following his discovery in Holton.

Deontae Harris was reported missing Monday night. WIBW-TV reports the 13-year-old, from Onaga, had been last seen that night around 9:00 in the Pottawatomie County city, leading officials to put out the call for his whereabouts.

On Tuesday morning, the child was located safe about 25 miles east of Onaga, in the Jackson County city of Holton.

Additional details regarding the case are not made public.

Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed this week of September 13 through 18 as Family, Friend and Neighbor Care Provider Appreciation Week.

The Kansas Office of Early Childhood and Supporting Care Providers of Kansas began the observance Monday, September 14.

Family, Friend and Neighbor care providers have an existing relationship with the child. They can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, close friends and trusted neighbors.

State Early Childhood Director Christi Smith says these providers are an important part of Kansas’ child care system, especially for families with limited access to formal child care.

Supporting Care Providers of Kansas assists the caregivers through personalized visits, child development materials and other free resources intended to help children remain healthy, safe and ready to learn.

(KAIR)--The Republican candidate seeking the open 2nd District Atchison County Commission seat in November's general election has been appointed to fill that role's unexpired term following a resignation.

Randell Vanderweide was selected to fill the position vacated by John Calhoon as the outcome of a court case involving him improperly serving in two county offices, that of commission and that of Jackson County Undersheriff. 

Vanderweide was chosen for the role during an Atchison County GOP convention Tuesday night. Atchison County GOP Chairman, Derek Franklin, tells MSC News "the 2nd District Precinct chairmen and women appointed primary GOP winner [Vanderweide] to finish out the remaining appointed term of [Calhoon]."

Franklin is referencing Vanderweide's August primary election defeat of Calhoon, her then Republican challenger, who was then holding an unexpired term of the vacant seat. 

Vanderweide is seeking election to hold the 2nd District Commission seat for a full term, challenged in the November 3 general election by Democrat John Settich. 

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission voted four-to-one Monday night to move forward with reapplying for a moderate-income housing grant for a proposed duplex development using existing lots in town.

Commissioner Dave Middendorf cast the lone dissenting vote.

Two options were discussed after the commission voted last month to rescind the project’s Reinvestment Housing Incentive District following opposition from the Brown County Commission and Hiawatha School Board.

The other option would keep the project at its original site west of Bruning Park and use economic development sales tax proceeds to pay for infrastructure costs estimated at about 886-thousand dollars.

Commissioner Brian Shefferd says moving the project to existing lots in town could save taxpayers about one million dollars because utilities are already in place.

Shefferd says the plan would use two lots in Aztec Street owned by the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development, along with one or two additional lots that would be purchased.

City Administrator Brad Scott says there are still several unknown costs and zoning issues that must be addressed with the option.

During public comment, Hiawatha resident and former city commissioner Bob Freese spoke in favor of keeping the project at the original site. Freese noted the city already owns the property, state approval is in place, and the site is already zoned for the development.

Kurrie Albright/Credit: Doniphan County Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--An Atchison woman is facing multiple drug charges in Doniphan County.

Thirty-seven-year-old Kurrie Albright was arrested last Thursday by the Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office.

According to online court documents, Albright was formally charged Friday in Doniphan County District Court with felony counts of unlawful distribution of methamphetamine within one-thousand feet of school property, possession of methamphetamine, and trafficking contraband in a correctional institution.

She also faces a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Albright was scheduled to make her first court appearance Tuesday and remains held in the Doniphan County Jail on a 75-thousand-dollar bond.

(KNZA)--Horton residents will have two weekends to get rid of unwanted items during the city’s fall cleanup.

Items can be taken to the Horton Civic Center this Friday and Saturday, September 18-19, and October second and third. Hours are eight to four Fridays and eight to noon Saturdays.

Tires will also be accepted for a fee. Proof of Horton residency is required.

The city says hazardous materials, household trash, leaves and grass clippings will not be accepted.

Dmitry Vanderbeek is charged in the death of 76-year-old Alfred Thulin, who was found dead in his cell on August 25th, 2023. A Nebraska State Patrol investigator was assigned to investigate the in-custody death.

Vanderbeek, who is serving 12 to 20 years for first-degree assault out of Douglas County, will be arraigned in Johnson County District Court October 15th. First-degree murder is a class 1-A felony.

(KLZA)---Richardson County Commissioners are asking the Nebraska Department of Transportation to address concerns about planned bridge replacements on Highway 8 in 2027.

The projects include replacing the Nemaha River bridge east of Salem and the bridge on the west edge of Falls City, which would close Highway 8 between Falls City and Salem during construction.

The state’s proposed detour uses Highways 75 and 73, but commissioners say the most direct route will be a gravel road south of Salem known as Pony Creek Road.

The board is concerned about added maintenance costs, limited road-rock supplies and safety hazards from increased passenger and grain-truck traffic, dust and steep hills.

Commissioners are asking the state to help with road maintenance and for Nebraska State Patrol assistance in monitoring traffic.

They also want the state to consider keeping the existing Salem bridge open while the new bridge is constructed, saying that would reduce the impact on residents and agricultural producers.

(KLZA)--A former Hiawatha, Kansas man has been sentenced to one to five years in prison in Richardson County, Nebraska, on a charge of intentional child abuse.

69-year-old Richard Davidson Junior was sentenced in Richardson County District Court. He was originally charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault, but both counts were amended.

Court records indicate Davidson sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl approximately a dozen times between late 2003 and August 2005, with the assaults occurring in Richardson and Hall counties.

The Nebraska State Patrol contacted the woman in January 2021, and Davidson was arrested in February 2024.

Photo credit: Atchison County/Facebook
 

(KAIR)--If you’re traveling in Atchison County and encounter a barricade, don’t move it.

That message was delivered in a post made to Atchison County’s official social media, imploring drivers not to move barricades for their own convenience.

County officials say the barricades protect crews making road repairs and warn motorists that they cannot safely travel through the work zone. If barricades are up, workers are on the road, and drivers should detour around the closed area.

Officials did not say how many recent cases of barricade moving have occurred, but the county’s message indicates it is an ongoing problem.

(KAIR)--Atchison water customers may notice a stronger chlorine smell or taste later this month, but city officials say the water will remain safe to drink and use.

The City of Atchison is spreading notice in advance of the upcoming, temporary change in the water disinfection process. In a release, the City says that will begin Monday, September 21, and remain in place for about two weeks.

The city normally uses chloramines, which combine chlorine and ammonia; but, during the routine maintenance process, known as a free chlorine burn, the city will switch to the stronger and faster acting free chlorine disinfectant.

Crews will also open fire hydrants to flush sediment from water lines and distribute the change throughout the system. Residents may see open hydrants or overflowing water storage towers.

Some customers could experience temporarily discolored or cloudy water, a chlorine odor or taste, minor pressure changes or small air pockets. The city recommends running tap water until it clears.

Home kidney dialysis patients should consult their doctors about any necessary changes, while aquarium owners should also monitor chlorine levels.

City officials stress that any color or odor issues are temporary and do not make the water unsafe.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha man was injured early Saturday morning after his Jeep Cherokee struck a parked vehicle in Sabetha.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office says 29-year-old Ryan Wheeler was traveling southbound on 6th Street, just south of Jefferson Street, when his Jeep struck a parked 2014 Ford Edge shortly after 6:30 a.m.

Wheeler was taken by ambulance to Sabetha Community Hospital with unspecified injuries.

Photo--Bruning Barn/Credit: Brown County

(KNZA)--Brown County residents are invited to “Conversations with the Commissioners” this week.

The Brown County Commission will hold its third informal community meeting Thursday, September 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Bruning Barn at the Brown County Historical Society Ag Museum in Hiawatha.

Residents can stop by to share their thoughts, questions or concerns with county commissioners in an informal setting.

The commission holds the gatherings quarterly, with the first meeting held in February and the second in June.

(KNZA)--The Board of Education for Atchison County USD 377 has finalized a nearly $13.3 million budget for the 2026-27 school year.

Board members officially voted to approve the new budget and passed a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate following two separate public hearings at their September 9th meeting.

Under the new plan, the district expects to collect nearly 4.2 million dollars in local tax revenue. Property owners will see an estimated total tax rate of about 48.2 mills, which sits 4.8 mills above the revenue- neutral rate.

While the state set the base general fund levy at 20 mills, local increases are driving the change.

The board approved a resolution capping the local option budget at 33 percent of the general fund, with the supplemental general fund levy to increase 2.4 mills from last year.  Additionally, the capital outlay levy is up two mills--an increase approved back in May to help fund replacement of the district's track facility.

(KLZA)-- A flash flood watch is in effect for Southeast Nebraska through Tuesday afternoon and includes Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Otoe and Gage counties. In addition, a flood watch is in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon for Atchison and Doniphan counties in Northeast Kansas and for Holt and Atchison counties in Northwest, Missouri. There is a threat of heavy rain and flash flooding through Tuesday morning with the potential for at least 1 – 2 inches of rain per hour during thunderstorms. Some reports of in excess of 5-inches of rain have been reported with the system that moved through the region Sunday night into Monday morning. The recent rainfall combined with the potential for repeated rounds of thunderstorms could lead to flash flooding in the region. Additional rounds of rain are possible through the remainder of the week.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council voted unanimously last week to approve a prepayment agreement with the Omaha Public Power District as recommended by the Board of Public Works.

Under the agreement the City will pay OPPD $988,770 which equals the remaining 115 monthly payments owed under the transmission service agreement which runs through May 1, 2036.

By approving the agreement, it will allow Falls City to enter into Network Integration Transmission Service, known as NITS, giving the community the ability to purchase power from providers other the OPPD.

This will hopefully help the city with possible projects like NRG and Citoniq in the future.

Falls City receives electrical power from OPPD and will continue to do so through the end of the agreement in 2036.

(KLZA)-- Humboldt voters will decided during the November 3 General Election if member of the City Council will in the future, be elected at-large instead of by wards.

Humboldt is divided into two wards. Two City Council members are elected from each Ward with the Mayor elected by all voters in the city.

If voters approve the at-large election proposal, it would go into effect during the next primary and general election.

(KLZA)-- Community Hospital located in Fairfax, Missouri has announced that board certified General Surgeon Roderick Warren will be joining the hospital's team of specialists beginning in October.

Dr. Warren will allow the hospital to expand local surgical services for area patients.

Dr. Warren will begin work at the hospital on Thursday, October 8. He will then see patients onsite the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Dr. Warren has more than 20 years of surgical experience and offers a full array of general surgery services.

In addition, Dr. Warren provides surgical services in Falls City, Nebraska, Hiawatha, Kansas and Atchison, Kansas.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Community Hospital in Fairfax at 660-686-2335.

In a release, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says the first wreck happened Friday on U.S. Highway 73 near Meade Road.

A 2023 Honda Accord driven by 24-year-old Evan Matt, of Lawrence, was westbound when it struck a 2016 Buick driven by 75-year-old Richard Malm, of Leavenworth. Traffic had begun slowing for another vehicle turning onto Meade Road.

Malm was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for treatment. 

Following the investigation, Matt was arrested on suspicion of DUI and received additional citations. He was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

The second wreck was reported around 9:15 Saturday night near 278th Road and U.S. Highway 159 in Muscotah.

Deputies found a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe about 300 feet south of the road with no one inside. Investigators determined the driver missed a curve, struck a power pole and left the vehicle in a field.

A passerby later helped deputies locate 39-year-old Benjamin Wood, of Kirkland, Missouri, lying in the grass west of the wreck site.

Wood was taken to Amberwell Atchison with non-life-threatening injuries. 

He was arrested for DUI and leaving the scene of an injury wreck, then released.

In a release, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says the first wreck happened Friday on U.S. Highway 73 near Meade Road.

A 2023 Honda Accord driven by 24-year-old Evan Matt, of Lawrence, was westbound when it struck a 2016 Buick driven by 75-year-old Richard Malm, of Leavenworth. Traffic had begun slowing for another vehicle turning onto Meade Road.

Malm was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison for treatment. 

Following the investigation, Matt was arrested on suspicion of DUI and received additional citations. He was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

The second wreck was reported around 9:15 Saturday night near 278th Road and U.S. Highway 159 in Muscotah.

Deputies found a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe about 300 feet south of the road with no one inside. Investigators determined the driver missed a curve, struck a power pole and left the vehicle in a field.

A passerby later helped deputies locate 39-year-old Benjamin Wood, of Kirkland, Missouri, lying in the grass west of the wreck site.

Wood was taken to Amberwell Atchison with non-life-threatening injuries. 

He was arrested for DUI and leaving the scene of an injury wreck, then released.

(MSC Radio)--A Horton, Kansas, man is jailed without bond in Florida, accused of making online death threats against President Donald Trump and several other public figures.

KWCH-TV reports 29-year-old Korby Strube faces 23 counts of making written or electronic threats to kill or cause bodily harm.

The station says an affidavit alleges Strube posted threats against President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, podcaster Joe Rogan and conservative commentator Ben Shapiro.

WPBF-TV reports the Florida investigation began with threats against Shapiro, a Palm Beach County resident. The posts allegedly referenced Shapiro’s Jewish faith and included a countdown to Yom Kippur.

WPBF says the 23 threat counts include allegations of prejudice. Court records also list two counts involving the use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.

The affidavit says Secret Service agents and Brown County authorities interviewed Strube at his home in August while investigating alleged threats against President Trump and the Obamas. Investigators say Strube admitted making posts on three social media accounts.

Strube was arrested Saturday and is being held without bond in the Palm Beach County Jail.

In a release, Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson says 62-year-old Rickey Hundley pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count each of residential burglary and criminal damage to property.

Leavenworth County District Court records show Hundley was identified as a suspect in the November 2025 theft of copper from a church south of downtown Leavenworth.

During an interview with police, Hundley admitted breaking copper lines and taking copper from the church. Investigators determined he broke copper piping from three air conditioning units, causing more than 38 thousand dollars in damage.

Hundley was also charged in connection with a residential burglary June 24. Leavenworth police responding to a burglary in progress at a home near downtown detained Hundley at the scene.

Sentencing for Hundley is scheduled for the morning of October 28 in Leavenworth County District Court.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education has adopted a 15-point-2-million-dollar budget for 2026-27 that exceeds the revenue-neutral rate.

The action came at the board’s September 9th meeting following a public hearing that drew no comment and approval of a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate.

The budget carries an estimated tax rate of 58-point-248 mills, about two mills above the revenue-neutral rate. The district is expected to collect about 2-point-5 million dollars in property taxes.

In other business, the board accepted the retirement resignation of longtime Everest Middle School and Horton High School band teacher Mark Vittetoe. He will retire at the end of the 2026-27 school year after 45 years with the district.

The board also approved the purchase and installation of a new high school fire alarm system from Pinnacle Fire and Automation at a cost of nearly 37-thousand dollars.

(KMZA)--A Wamego teenager was killed in a U-T-V crash early Sunday morning in Pottawatomie County, northeast of Wamego.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 17-year-old Dylan Higgins, who was a passenger in the U-T-V.

The Sheriff’s Office says the U-T-V was eastbound on Old Post Road when the driver attempted to turn south onto Genn Road and lost control shortly before 1:00 a.m.

The driver, 18-year-old Harry Costa of Wamego, was not injured. A second passenger, 16-year-old Emily Crocker of Wamego, suffered minor injuries but was not transported by E-M-S.

The crash remains under investigation.

Algae file photo

(KNZA)--A public health advisory has been lifted for Pony Creek Lake in Brown County, while advisories remain in place for two other area lakes because of blue-green algae.

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

Hiawatha City Lake has been elevated from a “watch” to a “warning” status, while Elkhorn Lake in Jackson County remains under a “watch” status.

For lakes under a “watch,” KDHE recommends avoiding areas of algae accumulation and keeping pets away from the water. Fish should be cleaned with potable water, and only the fillet portion should be eaten.

For lakes under a “warning,” direct contact with the water should be avoided. Fish may be eaten if rinsed with clean water, but only the fillet portion should be consumed.

Advisories are lifted when algae levels and toxin concentrations fall below the “watch” thresholds.

Festival organizers Saturday afternoon took to social media to say the decision was made with the safety of attendees, vendors, performers and staff as the top priority. The announcement was made around 3:30, 90-minutes into the music festival that was planned to last until 10:00. Saturday's weather has been unseasonably cool and rainy, accompanied by occasional thunder and dangerous lightning.

Organizers thanked everyone who supported the festival and helped prepare for the event. They are also encouraging the public to stay safe and remain weather aware.

No information about a possible rescheduled date was announced for the free event.

(KAIR)--A legendary Maur Hill Mount Academy football coach is being inducted into the Kansas Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

MH-MA announced that Coach Flynn will receive the honor, recognizing his contributions to the Ravens’ football program.

During his fifteen years of coaching the Maur Hill Ravens his record was ninety-nine wins and forty-eight losses. Flynn took them to the play-offs six times, won the state championship in 1979, was state runner up in 1984 and state championship winner again in 1992. He coached in the Shrine Bowl in 1980 and also served as MH-MA athletic director from 1992-2004.

Flynn retired in 2008 and died in April, 2012, at the age of 68.

A community celebration will begin Friday evening, September 18, at 5:30, with a happy hour at The Roost before the Ravens’ home football game against Riverside.

Coach Flynn’s family will also be recognized during halftime of the game.

The celebration is open to everyone, with former players, students, alumni and community members invited to help honor the legacy of the late Coach Flynn and his Hall of Fame induction.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse identifies the man as 44-year-old Alden Ray Stein.

Morse says the incident began around 9:00 Thursday evening when a deputy noticed a suspicious person near the grain silos west of Netawaka, near U.S. 75 and K-9 Highway.

The person left in a 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis and allegedly drove erratically while committing several traffic violations. Deputies pursued the car before losing contact with it around 9:30. Holton police assisted with the pursuit.

Shortly before midnight, Holton police received a report of gunshots at Prairie Lake, north of the city. Responding officers and deputies found the vehicle from the earlier pursuit.

As law enforcement approached, the car left its parked location, nearly entered the lake and became stuck.

Morse says Stein got out of the vehicle and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jackson County EMS also responded.

The incident remains under investigation.

Luke Post with the firm said preparing the audit was a challenge. Post said his firm put the City staff through hell in acquiring documentation necessary to be able to get the City a clean audit opinion.

Post credited City Administrator Gary Jorn and his staff for their work in gathering the needed information. 

Post outlined some of the issue discovered during the auditing process. The issues including the fund  balance in the Electric Department was off by more than $12 million.  He cited issues with the paper financial statements did not match up with the accounting system. Cash was off in some other funds by as much as $2 million.

Despite the issues, all the money is accounted for. 

Post also discussed issues in tracking of the $15 million grant from the state for the transmission line project that is planned to bring more electrical capacity to Falls City creating additional challenges. 

The money is in the city accounts but entries made did not report any revenue from the grant. 

Post went on to outline deficiencies discovered and  recommendations to correct the issues in the future.  

The theme for this year’s festivities is “Red, White, and Blue – Coming Home to Peru.” 

The parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 24.

Parade entries are available online and are due by Friday, October 16, at 5 p.m. 

For more information regarding the 2026 parade, contact Student Senate President Britany Lofton at Britany.Lofton83291@bobcats.peru.edu. 

Additional information about the 2026 Homecoming can be found at https://www.peru.edu/events/homecoming/

(KNZA)---The Hiawatha School Board Wednesday night approved lease proposals with the Hiawatha Baseball and Softball Club.

Club representative Troy Kolb presented proposals for the softball field and Robinson Center at Noble Park.

The softball field lease would run for 10 years, beginning in 2026, at 15-thousand dollars a year.

The agreement calls for two 75-thousand-dollar lease payments. The first is due by October 31st of this year, with the second due by September 15th, 2027.

The board approved that lease on a six-to-one vote, with board member Roni Tiejens opposed.

The club also proposed a two-year lease for the Robinson Center, beginning in 2027, at 13-thousand dollars a year. That lease was approved unanimously.

In other business, the board approved the 2026-27 budget as published. It carries an estimated tax rate of 49-point-35 mills, slightly below the revenue-neutral rate. No one spoke during a public hearing on the budget.

The board also approved middle school cheerleading on a trial basis for the 2026-27 school year, with a two-thousand-dollar budget cap.

(KLZA)--Two Falls City residents are facing felony drug charges following an investigation by the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty says the Sheriff’s Office has been investigating the distribution of methamphetamine in Falls City since July.

On September fourth, deputies executed a search warrant at 710 Fulton Street in Falls City.  During the search, Hardesty says deputies located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

As a result, 44-year-old Stacy O’Banion of Falls City was arrested and initially charged with possession with intent to deliver within one-thousand feet of a school.

Later that same day, deputies located and arrested 29-year-old Ty Larson of Falls City for possession of methamphetamine.

On Thursday, Hardesty says the Sheriff’s Office concluded its investigation. An arrest warrant was issued for O’Banion on charges of delivery of methamphetamine within one-thousand feet of a school, possession of money during a drug crime, and unlawful acts related to drugs.

An arrest warrant was also issued for Larson on two counts of delivery of methamphetamine.

(KNZA)--The Horton City Commission has adopted a revenue-neutral 2027 budget.

The commission approved the budget unanimously Tuesday following a public hearing.

The budget carries an estimated tax rate of 42-point-558 mills, the revenue-neutral rate and about two mills lower than this year.

Commissioners had considered a one-mill increase that would have generated nearly 11-thousand dollars in additional revenue, but ultimately approved the revenue-neutral budget.

Before the vote, commissioners approved a resolution allowing the city to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, with Commissioner Avery Thornton voting no. Several residents voiced concerns about the proposed increase. City officials said the county sent out tax paperwork showing the proposed rate before the city completed its budget workshops.

Mayor Bryan Stirton said the commission has not raised the mill levy during his time on the commission.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Liberty Alliance will host a candidate forum Sunday evening in Hiawatha.

The forum begins at 6 p.m. at the Bruning Barn, 301 East Iowa Street.

Candidates running in the November 3rd General Election have been invited to participate.

They include Richard Tesoriero for First District Brown County Commissioner; Mitch Bruning for Hiawatha City Commissioner, Seat One; and Becky Shamburg and Brian Shefferd for Hiawatha mayor.

Jack Geiger and Sean Willcott are also scheduled to speak. They are candidates for the Kansas 62nd District House seat.

The forum is free and open to the public. Organizers say it will give residents an opportunity to meet the candidates and hear

(KLZA)--There were no injuries resulting from a Union Pacific train that was northbound hitting the rear end of a westbound Ford pickup just past 11, Sunday evening on West 14th Street on the edge of Falls City. 

The Falls City Police Department report notes that the pickup was not at the scene of the crash but numerous pieces of debris were found at the scene of the wreck.

Richardson County Deputy's were able to make contact with the suspected driver of the pickup, approximately a half-mile west of the scene of the collision and verify the driver of the pickup to be 72-year-old Michael D. Marx of Falls City.

Pieces of debris found at the scene were matched to a pickup in Marx's driveway.

Officers determined that Marx had ignored the railway traffic signal, resulting in a collision and then drove to his home. 

The accident report from the Falls City Police Department shows alcohol is suspected  to have been a factor in the wreck.  A preliminary breathalyzer test  showed a blood alcohol contest of .238, which is nearly three times the legal limit.

The Richardson County  Sheriff's Department is handling the criminal investigation in the case.

(KAIR)--Benedictine College will honor current and former members of the U.S. military Saturday during its 19th annual Stars and Stripes Celebration.

The recognition will be held during the Ravens’ 1:00 afternoon football game against William Penn University at Wilcox Stadium.

At halftime, the college will present its St. Martin of Tours Award, named for the patron saint of soldiers, to retired Marine Corps Major David Litkenhus.

Litkenhus was an All-American basketball player at Benedictine before choosing military service over a possible professional basketball career. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1994, later became a Marine Corps officer and served multiple deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. He retired from the Marines in 2016.

The halftime program will also include the commissioning of a new Air Force officer who graduated from Benedictine.

The Raven Regiment Marching Band will perform the anthems of all six military branches before the ceremony concludes with the unfurling of a 60-foot American flag.

(KAIR)--A Lawrence woman was arrested in Atchison Wednesday afternoon after allegedly speeding toward two city officers responding to a disturbance.

In a release, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says officers were called shortly before 1:00 to a home in the 1200 block of South 6th Street.

As officers got out of their patrol vehicles, a woman alleged to have been involved in the disturbance was attempting to leave in a Nissan and accelerated toward them. The car stopped abruptly, and neither officer was hit.

Police arrested 23-year-old Zoie Bridges at the scene. The investigation found that Bridges allegedly slashed a tire on a vehicle belonging to a 54-year-old resident.

Wilson says open containers of alcohol, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were allegedly found inside the car.

Bridges, arrested for criminal damage to property, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, transporting an open container and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--Amberwell Health in Atchison is among five Kansas hospitals forming a new partnership called Astra Health.

The hospitals will remain independent but work together to improve health care access in rural communities.

Along with Amberwell Health, the partnership includes LMH Health in Lawrence, the University of Kansas Health System, Newman Regional Health in Emporia and Salina Regional Health Center.

LMH Health CEO Shelly Kortkamp says Astra Health will leverage shared resources that no individual organization could efficiently develop on its own.

The partnership was announced Tuesday.

(KNZA)--Highland Community College in Doniphan County is proposing a property tax rate above the state’s revenue-neutral rate for the 2026-2027 school year.

The college is proposing a tax rate of 18-point-495 mills, which is about one mill above the revenue-neutral rate of 17-point-419 mills.

The proposed budget includes total expenditures and transfers of about 26-point-1 million dollars.

The college is proposing to levy about three million dollars in property taxes, an increase of about 175-thousand dollars from last year.

A public hearing on the proposed budget and tax rate will be held September 16th at 6:30 p.m. in the David Reist Administration Building Conference Room at the college.

The hearing will give taxpayers an opportunity to comment on the proposed budget, tax rate and use of funds.

William Holmes/Credit: Nemaha County Sheriff's office 

(KMZA)--A St. Joseph, Missouri man is facing multiple charges in Nemaha County.

The Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office reports 48-year-old Williams Holmes was arrested by Seneca Police last Friday.

Holmes faces charges including fleeing or attempting to elude, criminal possession of a firearm, interference with law enforcement, reckless driving, DUI, transporting an open container, speeding and improper driving on a laned road.

He was booked into the Nemaha County Jail and is being held on a 15-thousand-dollar bond.

(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission approved the city’s revenue neutral rate and 2027 budget Tuesday night, clearing the way for more than 63 million dollars in operating and capital spending.

City Manager Mark Westhoff explained that commissioners had three separate steps to consider. “So there are three things we are doing. The first, the revenue neutral rate and the mill levy, requires a public hearing and then a vote on the mill levy rate and the resolution to set that. The second, the budget proposal, requires a separate public hearing and then a vote to approve the budget. The third is an ordinance which appropriates the funds to the correct city funds for 2027.”The approved budget includes more than 26 and a half million dollars in operating expenses, an increase of 8.1%. Another 36.9 million dollars is planned for infrastructure projects and equipment upgrades.

The city’s property tax rate will decline from 46.359 mills to 45.002 mills. However, that remains above the revenue neutral rate of 43.709 mills, meaning the city expects to collect about 2.6% more in property taxes than last year.

The budget also provides a 2% cost of living adjustment for city employees and creates a city planner position. About two thirds of the budget is supported by revenue sources other than property taxes. “For most people, the question is, ‘Will my taxes go up?’ And the answer is, it’s complicated," Westhoff said. "Taking into account all the factors that we’re talking about here, the city’s reduction in our mill levy, only 2.6% rather than 5.5%, the new growth within the city that allows that to be possible, and the county sales tax, and if USD 409 maintains something like their current mill levy, it still ultimately depends on that individual appraisal for each home. But for many residents within the City of Atchison, based on the proposal in front of you today and the information we have tonight, property taxes will actually likely decrease in 2027. For those who did renovations or who received an updated appraisal from the county appraiser that was maybe lagging behind, they could still see a slight increase. It’ll depend on the value of that property. Some of them still might even see a decrease because we’re talking about nine to 10 mills below revenue neutral, which is pretty significant.”

Public hearings were held, with Mayor La Rochelle young responding to the concerns voiced by two regarding what they said were increasing property taxes and the amount of taxes paid compared to the amount of services delivered to residents. “We can certainly sympathize, and I do agree with our city manager. I would just encourage you to have those conversations with the county appraiser to look at that appeal process. I noted your concerns about the streets. That is noted. We are working diligently to try and address all of those things.”

Once public hearings concluded, votes were held with unanimous approval granted for the City of Atchison's 2027 budget. 

(KLZA)-- The Richardson County Commissioners approved a salary increase for the Highway Superintendent at an annual salary of $78,654, the Road Foreman $28.06 per hour and clerical staff to $20.70 per hour when they met Wednesday.

The pay increases are effective as of August 30.

In other business the Board approved seeking sealed bids for hauling rock from Weeping Water in order to create a stockpile of rock for county roads on the western side of the county. The quarry at DuBois will be shut down until after the first quarter of 2027.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported the radio equipment that was damaged by lightning during a storm several weeks ago has been repaired. He also noted that a couple of leaks in the roof of the law enforcement center have been discovered and that a contractor has been contacted to look at the areas.

Commissioners also discussed salary increases in the new fiscal year with the Sheriff.

A contract with MIPS for professional services to provide Richardson County Rural Residential CAMA Configuration at a price of $79 thousand was approved. Half will be paid in the 2026-27 fiscal year with the second half paid during the 2027-28 fiscal year. This concerns software for Assessment.

Photo credit: Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments, Atchison County/Facebook

(KAIR)--The Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department’s Atchison office is now a certified child passenger fitting station.

In a social media post, the department announced that registered nurse Kelli Tucker is a certified child passenger safety technician at its office at 616 Commercial Street in Atchison.

The certification allows families to receive trained assistance with checking whether child safety seats are properly installed and appropriate for the child using them.

The Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office awarded the fitting station certification August 28.

(KNZA)--Brown County Noxious Weed Director Richard Rodvelt was terminated during Tuesday’s county commission meeting.

The action followed an executive session concerning Rodvelt’s pay and job performance. Rodvelt attempted to leave the meeting despite warnings from county officials, then walked out and slammed the door.

Commission Chairman Lucas Heinen moved for Rodvelt’s immediate termination with cause. Heinen and Commissioner Richard Tesoriero voted in favor, while Commissioner Bill Pollock abstained.

County Counselor Austin Parker cited alleged policy violations, dishonesty, inappropriate behavior and repeated conflicts with commissioners.

Heinen described Rodvelt as disruptive, belligerent, uncooperative and insubordinate.

Tesoriero said Rodvelt’s position was not full-time during the winter and that he was offered other duties at the county landfill. Tesoriero said Rodvelt’s unwillingness to work with other landfill employees made it difficult to find additional work for him.

Rodvelt’s termination was effective immediately. He was ordered to return all county property, with his pay and benefits ending Tuesday.

Jose Angel Gamboa Jr./Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--A Topeka man is facing drug charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County last Friday morning.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says a deputy stopped a vehicle for speeding around 2:00 a.m. on U.S. 75 near the Shawnee County line.

During the stop, the deputy developed probable cause to search the vehicle. The driver, 45-year-old Jose Angel Gamboa Junior of Topeka, was removed from the vehicle and searched.

Morse says methamphetamine and a pipe were allegedly found on Gamboa.

A search of the vehicle also turned up suspected marijuana.

Gamboa was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding.

Michael Alan Hull/Credit: Platte Co Sheriff

Updated Wednesday, September 9, 2026

(KAIR)--A Weston, Missouri man sought during a nearly 12 hour manhunt Tuesday was arrested without incident Wednesday morning. According to a release from the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Weston police arrested 37-year-old Michael Alan Hull around 11:50 after receiving information that he was at a Weston residence. Hull was wanted on a felony warrant after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop Saturday and causing minor injury to a Weston police officer. Tuesday’s search prompted West Platte schools to cancel classes. Authorities suspended the search, which began around 4:20 Tuesday morning, around 4:00 that afternoon because of extreme heat and heavy brush. Hull, after he was located Wednesday, was taken into custody on the outstanding warrant.

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(KAIR)--A 12-hour search for an armed and wanted Weston man was suspended Tuesday afternoon because of extreme heat and heavy brush.

According to the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, deputies began assisting Weston police around 4:20 Tuesday morning near Missouri Highways 45 and H. Authorities were searching for 37-year-old Michael Hull, who is wanted on a felony warrant after allegedly fleeing a traffic stop Saturday and causing minor injury to a Weston officer.

Investigators say Hull was seen on a security camera and may have been armed. West Platte schools first delayed classes because of the nearby search, then canceled school for the day.

Officers searched Hull’s former home on Cherry Street after receiving a report of an open door, but found the unoccupied residence empty.

SWAT teams later searched the river bottoms south of Weston. That search was suspended around 4:00 Tuesday afternoon, but additional law enforcement resources remained in the area.

Anyone who sees Hull should not approach him and should call 911 or the Platte County Sheriff’s Office at 816-858-5848.

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(KAIR)--A manhunt for an armed and dangerous suspect in Weston, Missouri prompted the West Platte School District to cancel classes Tuesday.

KCTV reports multiple law enforcement agencies were searching the Weston area for a man wanted on felony warrants who was believed to have an AR-style rifle.

Weston Police Chief Kelly Clark says officers encountered the man Friday and consider him dangerous.

Law enforcement officers chased the suspect Tuesday morning near the West Platte schools, but he escaped. Clark says the man grew up in the area and is familiar with the surrounding neighborhoods.

The chief did not release the suspect’s identity or details about the felony warrants.

The search was continuing as of 10:45 Tuesday morning. 

(KNZA)--A federal lawsuit filed by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation against Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse has been dismissed following a settlement between the two sides.

According to court documents, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil dismissed the case August 21st.

The Nation filed the lawsuit in July 2024, seeking a ruling that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office had no civil jurisdiction or authority on the reservation.

The dispute stemmed from a 2024 incident at the former Snak Atak Travel Plaza, where tribal officials were attempting to enforce the Nation’s licensing and tax requirements.

The settlement does not declare a winner or resolve who has sole legal authority on the reservation.

Instead, the agreement states the Nation can enforce its civil rules, while Sheriff Morse and his deputies can continue to fulfill their duties to keep and preserve the peace within Jackson County.

Both sides agreed to end the lawsuit without a trial.

(KNZA)--The City of Seneca is proposing an 18-point-4-million-dollar budget for 2027, with the mill levy remaining unchanged.

City Administrator Steve Brooks went over the budget proposal at the city council's September 2nd meeting.

The estimated tax rate is 32-point-538 mills, less than one mill above the revenue-neutral rate.

The city expects to collect about 1-point-2 million dollars in property taxes, roughly 35-thousand dollars more than this year, due to an increase in the city's assessed valuation.

The council will consider adopting the budget following a public hearing September 16th.

The council also approved updated rules for customer-owned renewable energy systems, including solar, and standards for connecting those systems to the city electric grid.

In addition, Galen Niehues and Brad Lueger were reappointed to the Planning Commission through September 2029. Bruce Hermesch is not seeking another term, leaving a vacancy for a city resident.

(KNZA)--Brown County Sheriff John Merchant is warning residents about scam calls threatening legal action, including arrest warrants.

Merchant says many local residents, particularly elderly people, are being targeted. Callers claim legal action will be taken unless the resident immediately returns the call or sends payment.

Merchant says residents should not answer calls from numbers they don't recognize, and should verify who they're speaking with even when the number appears familiar, because phone numbers can be cloned.

He also advises residents not to return calls left on voicemail if they don't recognize the caller, and to hang up immediately if they suspect a scam.

The City Commission will hold separate public hearings on the budget and its intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate during its meeting beginning Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 at City Hall.

The proposed budget includes more than $26.5 million in operating expenses, an increase of 8.1%. Another $36.9 million is planned for infrastructure projects and equipment upgrades.

The city proposes reducing its property tax rate from 46.359 mills to 45.002 mills. However, that remains above the revenue neutral rate of 43.709 mills. The city projects collecting about 2.6% more in property taxes than last year.

The plan includes a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, a new city planner position and several capital improvement projects. Officials say about two-thirds of the city budget is funded through sources other than property taxes.

Following the hearings, commissioners are scheduled to consider adopting the budget, related capital plans and a resolution authorizing the higher-than-revenue-neutral tax rate.

(KNZA)--Two people were injured Friday evening in a three-vehicle crash in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 6 p.m. at U.S. 36 Highway and Coyote Road, east of Fairview.

The Patrol says a van driven by 33-year-old Francisco Torres-Melendez, whose address was listed as unknown, was stopped while attempting to turn north when it was rear-ended by an eastbound car driven by 51-year-old Mandy Nott of Holton.

The impact sent the van into the westbound lane, where it was struck on the passenger side by a pickup driven by 43-year-old Holly Grant of Horton.

Torres-Melendez was taken to Amberwell Health in Hiawatha with suspected serious injuries. Nott was taken to Sabetha Community Hospital with suspected minor injuries.

Grant was not injured.

The Patrol says all three were alone in their vehicles and were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

According to Atchison County Clerk Susan Carrigan, in answer to questions posed through email by MSC Radio News, Damon Bowen has been hired to fill that position. His duties in that role began August 10.

Bowen brings permanency to the role that's been held since early this year by Emily Sternsdorff following an early January UTV crash that left then Superintendent Joe Snyder injured. Sternsdorff was first named as acting Superintendent on January 20 and then installed officially in the interim at the May 12 meeting of the Commission.

It's not immediately clear when Bowen was hired for the position, with his name not found in any 2026 Commission meeting minutes, with the last discussion pertaining to the Road and Bridge Superintendent scheduled to be held in Executive Session at the July 28 meeting. The Commission did not hold a meeting on August 4, days prior to Bowen's August 10 start.

According to past reporting by MSC Radio News, Bowen, a resident of Muscotah, was hired as Transportation Director and Bus Supervisor for the South Brown County Schools of USD 430 in 2019. His resignation from that position was accepted by the school leaders in April of this year.

Nemaha County Sheriff Rich Vernon/Credit: Nemaha County

(KMZA)--Longtime Nemaha County Sheriff Rich Vernon is stepping down.

Vernon has submitted his resignation, effective November first. The Centralia Republican has served as sheriff since 2006.

Nemaha County Republican Party Chairman Ray Shinn says the county Republican Central Committee will meet September 15th to select a replacement. The name will then be forwarded to Governor Laura Kelly for appointment.

Anyone interested in the position should contact Shinn with their resume or qualifications.

(KMZA)--The sixth annual Nemaha County STEP Foundation Match Day has set a new record, raising more than 500-thousand dollars for local charitable funds.

The August 28 event generated 502-thousand, 500 dollars — more than 200-thousand dollars above last year's total.

Fifty-one charitable funds participated, and the foundation's 55-thousand-dollar matching pool was fully matched.

Cardinal Academy raised nearly 70-thousand dollars, while the Spring Creek Golf Course Improvement Fund received more than 103-thousand dollars, including a 50-thousand-dollar matching gift from Jim and Patricia Koch.

The Spring Creek funds will help pay for cart path improvements at the golf course.

"We are extremely grateful for everyone who makes Match Day's success possible. Our communities work together to strengthen the whole county, and we are very blessed to live where we do. Thank you to everyone who shows up, gives, and continues to support our mission," said Tory Jost, Executive Director of the Nemaha County STEP Foundation.

"The excitement of the day was electrifying. You could feel the pride as people arrived with checkbooks in hand to give back to their favorite nonprofits. We had a constant flow of donors and nonprofit leaders who kept the board members busy all day. Thank you to all the nonprofits that worked hard in order to get the word out about their projects and communities to make the day a success," said Maggie Grier, STEP Board President.

Gary Hermesch/Credit: Nemaha County Sheriff's Office 

(KMZA)--A man accused of killing a Seneca priest has been found incompetent to stand trial.

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office says a Nemaha County judge ruled Thursday that Gary Hermesch is not competent to stand trial and ordered involuntary commitment proceedings to be initiated.

Hermesch is charged with first-degree murder in the April 3rd, 2025, killing of Father Arul Carasala outside the Sts. Peter and Paul rectory in Seneca.

A judge ordered Hermesch to undergo a competency evaluation in November 2025. He was later transported to Larned State Security Hospital for further evaluation.

An evaluation report was issued to the court in late July, and that report was the basis for Thursday’s decision.

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office took over prosecution of the case in early August.

Linda Dillard/Credit: Nebraska State Patrol 

(KLZA)--The Nebraska State Patrol is once again asking for the public's assistance in the 5-year-old case of the disappearance of 58-year-old Linda Dillard of Fairbury, who was last seen near Table Rock on June 16, 2021.

Volunteers and law enforcement conducted a large scale, three-day search near the Table Rock Wildlife Management Area in March of 2022.

Investigators say they are confident Dillard's remains were not in the area where she disappeared.

The State Patrol believes Dillard, who was reported missing four days after she was last seen, may have been the victim of a crime.

Search warrants filed in Lancaster and Pawnee counties indicate she may have been kidnapped or murdered.

Richardson County Commissioners continued their review of requested budgets for the new fiscal year when they met Wednesday.

The proposed County Board proposed budget was completed reviewing changes that were made from the budget requests from all departments.

The proposal calls for a total budget of expenditures of $22,424,406. That represents an increase from the 2025 fiscal year budget of $1,232,602 amounting to a 5.8 percent increase.

The property tax request for the proposed budget would be $8,284,080 which would include $400,000 in cash reserves and $279,316 for the bond payment on the jail.

The tax requirement would be an increase of $2,103,698, an increase of 34 percent.

The property tax levy would increase by just over 8.3-cents per $100 of assessed valuation to 38.34 cents per $100. That increase is 27.6 percent.

The total valuation for Richardson County for fiscal year 2026 increased 4.75 percent to $2,160,620,189, an increase of $102,734,238.

Due to the proposed levy increase, Richardson County officials will need to participate in a joint public hearing on Tuesday, evening, September 22 at 6:30 in the District Courtroom on the 3rd floor of the courthouse in Falls City.

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public budget hearing on the proposed county budget on Monday evening, September 21 at 6 in the Commissioners Room at the courthouse.

That follows the outcome of the court case against Calhoon, filed by the Atchison County Attorney asserting that Kansas law doesn't allow two such positions to be held simultaneously, with an Atchison County District Court Judge ruling in favor of that claim. 

Judge John Fresh, on August 21, ruled that the law is clear and unambiguous, and that Calhoon is ineligible to hold both offices at the same time.

Calhoon, who was appointed to fill the unexpired Commission term in January, was defeated weeks prior to the ruling in his August 4 Republican Primary attempt to gain election to a full term, as the court case continued. 

Now, the Atchison County Republican 2nd District precinct persons are to select a replacement to fill Calhoon's seat until a new 2nd District Commissioner is elected in November's general election. County GOP Committee Chair Derek Franklin tells MSC News that will happen during a Republican Party Convention on the evening of Tuesday, September 15, at the Atchison County Courthouse, beginning at 5:15. 

Whoever is elected that evening will fill the role until Atchison County voters, in the general election, select either Republican Randell Vanderweide or Democrat John Setich to serve a full term as 2nd District Atchison County Commissioner. 

(KAIR)--No injuries were reported in an apartment building fire Tuesday afternoon in Atchison.

Fire crews were called shortly after 4:30 to 410 Santa Fe Street following a report of a fire on a second-story balcony.

Atchison Fire Chief Patrick Weishaar, in aa release, says when crews arrived, they found a third-story deck burning. Firefighters quickly brought the flames under control, but remained at the scene removing unstable and charred portions of that deck and the second-story deck below, where the fire had begun to spread.

Officials say there is no positive evidence showing how the fire started. However, a barbecue grill and an ashtray were found near the area where the fire is believed to have originated.

According to minutes from the commission’s August 25 meeting, Commission Chair Casey Quinn raised the issue after a resident suggested the county pursue a data center.

Because Atchison County has no zoning regulations, Quinn wants to determine what could happen if a property owner reached an agreement with a data center company.

The county counselor told commissioners they could directly regulate data centers without adopting comprehensive zoning. He planned to contact officials in Leavenworth County, where the issue has been studied extensively. Quinn also planned to seek information from the Kansas Association of Counties.

Commissioner James Campbell said residents have expressed interest because data centers could generate revenue and jobs. Others have raised concerns about noise, water use and tax incentives.

Campbell supports targeted regulations and believes the county could negotiate terms that benefit residents if a company eventually shows interest.

The matter remains under discussion.

(KAIR)--Although the current hot temps may not feel like fall, an annual tradition of the season returns to the Atchison Riverfront this month.

Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jill Thorne says the annual Muddy River Music Festival, complete with free admission, will feature an afternoon and night of local, live music. That will happen Saturday, September 12, from 2 to 10:00, at the riverfront.

Through a partnership with the Atchison Art Association, local artists will be on-site, displaying, and selling their work.

Other vendors, including food trucks and beverages will also be there, with items available for purchase.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Police are reminding motorists about the importance of seat belts and child restraints.

Police say Kansas law requires drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, and children must use age- and size-appropriate safety restraints.

Children under four must be secured in a child safety seat. Children ages four through seven generally must use a booster seat, unless they meet certain height or weight requirements.

Children ages eight through 13 must use a seat belt once they have outgrown a booster seat, and everyone age 14 and older is required to wear a seat belt.

Hiawatha Police participate in the NHTSA and K-DOT Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, which includes enforcement of seat belt and child passenger safety laws.

Police say seat belts help prevent serious injuries by keeping occupants inside the vehicle and reducing the risk of being thrown into the vehicle's interior or other passengers.

Thomas Pahmahmie/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A Horton man accused of a violent incident in January involving a female victim has pleaded no contest to three felony charges as part of a plea agreement.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 30-year-old Thomas Pahmahmie entered the plea Monday in Brown County District Court to aggravated battery resulting in great bodily harm, aggravated domestic battery and criminal threat.

A judge accepted the plea and found Pahmahmie guilty.

In exchange for the plea, charges of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping were dismissed.

Sentencing is set for November 2nd.

Hill says Pahmahmie faces a presumed prison sentence under Kansas sentencing guidelines.

He was charged following an investigation by the Horton Police Department.

Hill said Pahmahmie's bond was revoked, and he was remanded to the Brown County Jail to await sentencing.

(KNZA)--A pedestrian is dead following a vehicle-pedestrian crash Tuesday night in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The St. Joseph Police Department says officers were called to Highway 36 and Riverside Road shortly before 9:50 p.m.

A male pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and suffered life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The department’s Traffic Unit is investigating. No other information has been released.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved a resolution prohibiting data centers and commercial battery energy storage facilities in the county.

The resolution was approved Monday following a recommendation from the Brown County Planning Commission after a public hearing in August.

The new zoning regulations define data centers to include facilities used for computing, data storage, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and similar operations.

Commercial battery energy storage facilities with a capacity of at least one megawatt-hour are also prohibited, with limited exceptions.

The resolution takes effect after it is published in the official county newspaper.

Mary Lou Moore/Submitted

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha woman is preparing to celebrate 102 years of family, farming and finding the bright side of life.

Homestead Senior Living is inviting the community to a birthday celebration Sunday afternoon for resident Mary Lou Moore.

Moore was born in Hiawatha and later lived on a farm outside the community with her late husband. She raised two children and also worked for her husband.

Moore credits her longevity to enjoying each day, appreciating her loving family and looking for the good in life instead of worrying about the future.

Her 102nd birthday celebration will be Sunday afternoon, September 6, from 2:00 to 4:00, at Homestead Senior Living, 400 Kansas Avenue in Hiawatha.

Cake and refreshments will be served.

(KNZA)--Brown County commissioners have adopted an $18.1 million 2027 budget that remains revenue neutral.

The budget passed Monday on a 2-to-1 vote, with Commissioner Bill Pollock voting against it.

Three county residents attended the public hearing and thanked commissioners for keeping the budget revenue neutral, while urging them to continue looking for ways to reduce the tax burden.

Pollock proposed moving industrial development funds into the commissioners’ budget to give them more oversight of how the money is used.

Pollock said the funds should be available to any group or individual with a valid plan to increase industry and economic growth in Brown County, rather than being designated specifically for the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development or Horton Industrial Development Corporation.

No action was taken on the proposal. Commissioners Lucas Heinen and Richard Tesoriero said they were open to discussing the idea further.

The budget sets the property tax rate at 40-point-329 mills, the revenue-neutral rate, and calls for the county to collect nearly $9.3 million in property tax revenue.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has filled two positions.

Commissioners unanimously approved Cody Boos as the new Emergency Preparedness Director at their August 24th meeting. He’ll begin work September 15th at an annual salary of $70,000.

Boos will also oversee facility maintenance and projects. He replaces Eddie Aldrine, who resigned in May after serving in the position since 2022.

The commission also approved Mary Gatza of Junction City as the county’s new Human Resources Manager. She’ll begin September 14th at an annual salary of $68,000.

Gatza began her human resources career in 2011 following a 15-year career in law enforcement.

Her hiring comes as the county administrator position is set to end December 31st. County Administrator and Counselor Austin Parker will continue as county counselor under a new 2027 contract with no pay increase.

(KNZA)--Jackson County is searching for a new Road and Bridge director.

The county commission accepted the resignation of Joe Gardner at its August 24th meeting. His resignation is effective September 5th.

Gardner has served as director since December 2025.

The director oversees the day-to-day operations of the county’s Road and Bridge Department, including road and bridge construction and maintenance, employee schedules, planning and equipment maintenance.

The county is accepting applications for the position through September 30th. Applications are available at the county clerk’s office.

(KLZA)-- Following three months of remodeling, a grand opening celebration for the HyVee grocery store in Falls City kicked off with a ribbon cutting event Tuesday morning.

Formerly known as Dollar Fresh, a brand associated with HyVee, the change over to HyVee is now complete. Store Manager Clint Sailors told MSC News it's been a long three months for staff and probably the customers while the remodeling has been completed.

The newly renovated store now offers a full-service meat counter, full-service bakery, a Candy Shoppe, rotisserie chicken and 10,000 new items, offering customers a new level of service and selection.

The bakery will offer cake decorating, fresh breads and sourdoughs. The meat counter will offer HyVee signature brats, house cut steaks, fresh sea food and new bunkers fill of a variety of meats.

HyVee is located in the 1300 block of Stone Street and will be open daily from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

In a release, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says a deputy attempted to stop a Ford F-250 pickup shortly before 11:00 Friday night on River Road, north of the Atchison city limits.

The driver continued into Doniphan County before the deputy ended the pursuit because of safety concerns.

Laurie says the deputy identified the vehicle and driver as 19-year-old Brandon Albright who was arrested at his Atchison residence around 1:00 Saturday morning.

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

(KAIR)--An Atchison County woman has been sentenced to one-year of probation for insurance fraud.

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt says 30-year-old Amber Conner pleaded guilty July 13 in Atchison County District Court to one felony count of insurance fraud. She was sentenced August 24.

Investigators determined Conner opened a new insurance policy after her vehicle had already been damaged. She then falsely reported the date of the damage in an attempt to obtain coverage.

Schmidt says insurance fraud increases costs for families and businesses across Kansas, and the department will continue working to hold offenders accountable.

The Kansas Department of Insurance investigated the case. The Kansas Attorney General’s Office handled the prosecution.

The Commission meeting of August 25 has been unavailable, with the video posted by the county following that meeting containing no video or audio. 

Scheduled during that meeting was discussion related to the topic of data centers, but the outcome outside the Commission Room has remained unavailable. However, Atchison County Commission Chair Casey Quinn, through email correspondence with MSC News, says the discussion was brief based on a question posed by a constituent. The minutes of that meeting, approved during Tuesday's Commission meeting, will be, Quinn says, posted to the County's website. 

"Technical difficulties" were cited Tuesday morning in a social media statement from the County prior to that day's September 1 meeting of the Commission regarding online Zoom access. The County, in a later follow-up to that social media statement, clarified that online attendance would be available, but those joining would need to be signed in as an authenticated user due to Zoom security updates. Quinn, in her email, echoed that, telling MSC News that "Zoom has made changes on their platform which caused the issue[s]" with availability of meeting video. 

(KNZA)--Brown County Appraiser Steve Markham has resigned.

County Commissioners unanimously accepted Markham’s resignation Monday, effective immediately, following an executive session.

No reason was publicly given. Commission Chairman Lucas Heinen said he could not comment because it was a personnel matter.

Markham had served as county appraiser since March 2019.

Heinen says the commission plans to appoint an interim appraiser while it searches for a permanent replacement.