(KAIR)--With early voting beginning in just days, KAIR 93.7 FM continues to spotlight your Atchison County Commission candidates, as well as your state representation. 

On Monday morning, the candidates for the 2nd District Atchison County Commission position, Republican Randell Vanderweide and Democrat John Settich, answered submitted questions live for around 40 minutes. 

The forums continue, with Wednesday morning's featuring a live question & answer focused on the candidates for 1st District Atchison County Commission, Republican Katherine Kohler and Democrat Charles Perdue. 

Topics include land use & development, county infrastructure, and taxes & spending, among others. 

On Thursday morning around 7:20, the same format will be followed for the candidates seeking your vote for 63rd Kansas District State Representative, incumbent Republican Allen Reavis and Democratic challenger Adam Booth. 

Following completion of the forums, and prior to the start of the weekend, all three will be posted online, to this website. 
Early voting begins this coming Monday, October 19. 

(KAIR)--Several local area businesses and individuals were recognized during the 2026 To The Stars Kansas Business Awards.

A social media post from the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce congratulated Presley Pierce for receiving a Regional Award for Main Street Momentum during last week’s ceremony.

The Chamber also recognized member Justin Pregont, with Pomeroy Development, who received the South Central Regional Main Street Momentum Award for his work on the Meyer Landmark project in Hutchinson.

Two other local organizations were among this year's nominees. The Atchison Farmers' Market was nominated in the Agribusiness category, while AllWays Community Health Center was nominated in the Healthcare/Nonprofit category.

Meanwhile, Britni Beck, with Circle of Nations Collective in White Cloud, was named the statewide winner in the Welcome Back category.

Top honors went to Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Kansas, which received the Governor's Award of Excellence, and Sabetha-based NorthWind Technical Services, named Governor's Exporter of the Year.

NorthWind was founded by Mike and Marlene Bosworth in their home near Sabetha and has grown into an international provider of automation and control systems for manufacturing facilities.

According to a release from the Kansas Department of Commerce, nearly 500 people attended the October 8 awards ceremony in Overland Park.

More than 340 businesses, organizations and individuals were nominated in 11 categories, with 55 Regional Awards presented.

(KLZA)--A USDA grant will help pay for a new Falls City Police Department Patrol Vehicle. 
The pricetag includes the vehicle being fully equipped, according to Police Chief Jamie Baker, who informed the Commission of the grant's receipt during Monday night's City Council Meeting. 

The USDA funding will cover about 75 percent of the total cost.

According to the unofficial minutes of the Jefferson County Commission’s October 5 meeting, County Treasurer Doug Bond reported that 68 properties sold for a combined $79,550.

Of that amount, $13,200 will go to Jefferson County.

Bond also presented the county’s quarterly financial reports, showing more than $229,000 in interest earned during the third quarter.

In other business, commissioners reviewed next year’s Blue Cross Blue Shield rates and agreed the county will match half of the deductible for employees enrolled in its health savings account plan. The county will retain a $1,000 deductible for 2027 and reconsider the arrangement after that year.

The commission will not meet during the week of October 12. Its next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 19.

(KMZA)--Voters in Vermillion USD 380 will consider a two-question school improvement bond in the November 3rd general election.

Question One is a 16-point-8-million-dollar bond that can pass on its own. Question Two is a nearly two-million-dollar proposal that depends on approval of Question One.

The projects would improve facilities at Frankfort and Centralia schools.

At Frankfort, plans include two additional classrooms, family and consumer science room improvements, a secure entry, traffic and drop-off improvements, an accessible playground and track and field upgrades.

At Centralia, plans include six new classrooms and a storm shelter, a secured administration area, updated career and technical education space and a new competition gym.

Question Two would add music and fine arts improvements, including a new music classroom at Frankfort and renovation of Centralia's old gym.

Superintendent Joel Bickford says the proposals are needed because student needs have changed.

The district is proposing a 25-year repayment plan. If both questions pass, the estimated tax increase is 19 dollars and 65 cents a month on a 100-thousand-dollar home.

Another public meeting is scheduled for October 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Vermillion school.

More information is available on the district's website.

(KAIR)--Two separate crashes in Atchison Sunday sent two people to the hospital and led to a driving-under-the-influence arrest.

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says in a release that officers responded to the first crash around 2:20 Sunday morning in the 900 block of North Sixth Street. A Kia driven by 21-year-old Harrison Kisling of Atchison struck a parked vehicle and rolled onto its top. Kisling was not injured. He was arrested for driving under the influence and later released with a notice to appear in court.

Around noon, officers responded to a two-vehicle crash at Seventh and Kearney streets. Police say a car driven by 30-year-old Jared Herriage of Atchison entered the intersection and collided with a car driven by 63-year-old Staci Crowe, also of Atchison.

Crowe and a 33-year-old passenger were taken by ambulance to Amberwell Hospital for examination. Herriage was examined at the scene and planned to seek medical treatment by private vehicle. He was cited for failure to yield.

The 50-50 match grant funds will be applied toward the purchase of one-thousand feet of large diameter supply hose.

The fire department tested its hose in June and discovered that over a thousand feet of hose had failed to pass testing and was taken out of service for safety reasons. 

The required matching amount for the grant will come from the local Volunteer Fire Department from funds received through the Richardson Foundation Board this past March.  

Plans are to order more hose and place it in service before the end of 2026.  

The total cost for the hose will be $10 thousand.

The Forest Service awards funds to cities with populations under 5,000 and who meet other criteria.  

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners received an update on the County Planning Commission meeting held September 28th from committee Vice-Chairman Mark Jones when they met October 7. 

Only four of the eight committee members were present which left the committee without a quorum.

Jones requested Commissioners consider three different actions to assist the Planning Commission in moving forward including doing nothing and leaving the current plan as is; Amend the current comprehensive plan and develop language addressing changes including: Poultry Farming / Feeding;  Electrical Energy Production and Data Centers and thirdly, rewrite and update the entire County Plan which would include poultry farming / feeding, electrical energy production and data centers. 

Developing a recruiting process to attract residents of Richardson County to consider serving on the Planning Commission was also discussed.   Jones also recommended the Committee either be enlarged by one person to make it a 9-person board, or eliminate a position to make it a 7-person committee.  

Commissioners are expected to further discuss the ideas presented when they meet Wednesday. 

The Board did vote to accept a letter of resignation from Planning Commission member Jerry McKim, effective immediately.  

There are three committee members up for reappointment to an additional three-year term beginning January 1,  they include Jerry Duerfeldt, Dick James and Ben Steffen.  

With two games forfeited earlier in the season due to a lack of players, the Titans were only able to compete in four of their eight scheduled varsity games this season due to having very few players and injuries.

HTRS Athletic Director Taylor Dunekacke submitted a letter to the Nebraska School Activities Association and the two schools remaining on the Titans varsity schedule.

The letter is below. 

Due to recent injuries and a resulting shortage of available athletes, Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer Public Schools has communicated with the Nebraska School Activities Association regarding the forfeiture of the remainder of the 2026 football season.

This decision was not made lightly. After careful consideration, the athletic department, football coaching staff, and school administration determined that forfeiting the game is in the best interest of our players’ health, safety, and overall well-being.

We apologize to our remaining opponents.  We realize that this leaves your team without a game this season.  

We extend our sincere thanks to our football coaches for their dedication, time, and commitment throughout the season. We are also proud of the student-athletes who committed themselves to the program, demonstrated perseverance, and gave their best effort in representing HTRS. Their dedication and determination have not gone unnoticed.

We appreciate the understanding and support of our students, parents, fans, and community as we prioritize the safety and long-term welfare of our student-athletes.  

Sincerely,

Taylor Dunekacke
Athletic Director
Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer Public Schools

(MSC News)--Northeast Kansans struggling to afford wheelchairs, hospital beds or other medical equipment may be able to find help through a statewide equipment lending network.

KMUW and the Kansas News Service report that medical loan closets are growing across Kansas. The programs accept donated equipment, clean and inspect it, then provide it to others for little or no cost. Available items can include power chairs, crutches, CPAP machines and feeding supplies. 

The Kansas Equipment Exchange, operated through the University of Kansas, serves all 105 counties. Its Northeast Assistive Technology Access Site is located in Topeka.

Since beginning in 2003, the exchange has collected about 32 million dollars in equipment and distributed nearly 15 thousand devices.

Advocates say the programs are especially important in rural areas, where residents may face higher costs, limited transportation and fewer places to purchase medical equipment.

Equipment can be borrowed temporarily during recovery or used longer term. The exchange also helps residents choose appropriate devices and learn how to use them.

(KNZA) — Hiawatha police are reminding residents that unhitched trailers cannot be parked or left standing on public streets or alleys.

Police Chief Dave Villanueva says city ordinances require trailers to be parked on the owner's property, on an approved surface such as concrete or gravel.

Trailers may be on the street for up to two hours in a 24-hour period while being loaded or unloaded, but they must remain hitched to a towing vehicle.

Residents needing additional time can request an extension from the police department. Approval depends on traffic safety and the ability to move the trailer if needed in an emergency.

Violators could face fines of 25 to 150 dollars, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Trailers may also be towed at the owner's expense.

Residents needing an extension or more information can contact the Hiawatha Police Department at 785-742-2155.

(KLZA)-- Currency and the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) are proud to announce the 2026-27 Believers & Achievers. Believers & Achievers is a statewide awards program designed to give recognition to Nebraska’s future leaders.

The 48 Nebraska high school seniors listed on the next page have been selected as Believers & Achievers. Eight of these Believers & Achievers will receive $1,000 scholarships from Currency to use for the college or university of their choice at a scholarship banquet to be held in April of 2027.

These 48 students will also be recognized at the NSAA Girls and Boys State Basketball Championships in March 2027 and on a poster sent to all NSAA member schools.

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

The 2026-27 statewide winners include: AJ Rautenbach from

Johnson County Central and Harper Rutt from Lourdes Central Catholic in Nebraska City.

Local winners included:

Isaiah Moyer and Beau Thomas from Auburn.

Jacoby Bangert, Bowdy Jones, Harley Sutton and Jennifer Sweeney from Falls City.

Colt Leech from HTRS.

Harrison Bacon, Andre (AJ) Rautenbach and Molly Weber from Johnson County Central.

Quentin Behrends, Wyatt Fulton, Tate Hawley and Daley Pelican from Johnson-Brock.

Aisilynn Campbell and Justice Curry from Lewiston.

Emalyse Gottula, Kailey Hartman and Adelyn Sisco from Pawnee City.

Joie Janssen, David Roecker and Taylor Truscott from Sterling.

(KLZA)-- The Missouri Department of Transportation is planning a bridge deck replacement project on Holt County Missouri Route 118 over Interstate 29 in Mound City.

A separate project addressing bridge approaches on I-29 from Mound City to U.S. Route 59 is planned for the same construction season. Both projects are currently scheduled to go out for contractor bids as part of MoDOT’s February 2027 letting.

The public is invited to attend a public open house meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, at the Mound City Middle School, 708 Nebraska St. Attendees are welcome to come any time between 4-6 p.m. to speak with project leaders. There will be no formal presentation.  

This meeting will allow the public to share their thoughts and concerns about the plans for both projects and to provide comments, either directly to the engineers or through the comment form.. 

If you are unable to attend the open house, two other opportunities for public comment are available through Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. 

View the project website at www.modot.org/projects/missouri-route-118-bridge-deck-replacement-over-interstate-29-holt-county.

(KNZA) — The Brown County Clerk’s Office will offer several early voting opportunities this week ahead of the November 3rd general election.

On Thursday, October 15th, voters can cast ballots at the Morrill Community Building from 9 to 11 a.m., the Maple Grove East Complex in Hiawatha from noon to 1 p.m., and the Northfield Community Room in Everest from 2 to 3 p.m.

A photo ID is required to vote.

Advance voting at the Brown County Clerk’s Office in the courthouse begins Monday, October 19th, and ends at noon November 2nd.

Tuesday, October 13th, is the deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information.

(KNZA)-- About 175 area students will get a firsthand look at manufacturing careers during the fifth annual Sabetha Manufacturing Day Wednesday.

The Sabetha Chamber of Commerce and 11 local manufacturers are hosting the event, which includes tours of manufacturing facilities and opportunities to meet industry employees.

Students from Sabetha, Hiawatha, Holton, Horton, Nemaha Central and other area schools are expected to participate.

Representatives from Highland Community College, Kansas State, Pittsburg State and Washburn Tech will also discuss education and training opportunities.

Organizers say the event will highlight careers in manufacturing, engineering, technology, business and skilled trades, including opportunities available right here in northeast Kansas.

(KMZA)---A 44-year-old Blaine woman faces drug charges following a search of a Pottawatomie County residence.

The Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office says deputies executed a search warrant Friday in the 12-thousand block of Bucksnort Road in Blaine as part of an illegal drug investigation.

Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized.

Katrina Taylor was arrested on charges of aggravated endangering a child, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Additional charges may be filed pending laboratory testing.

Taylor is being held in the Pottawatomie County Jail on a 15-thousand-dollar bond.

(KAIR)--The Kickapoo Tribal Council joined other tribal leaders for a meeting focused on sovereignty, treaty rights and opportunities for collaboration.

According to a social media post from the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas, council members attended the Four Tribes Meeting hosted by the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska.

Tribal leaders discussed shared concerns and other issues affecting their nations.

The Kickapoo Tribe says the meetings provide an opportunity to strengthen government-to-government relationships, exchange information and work together on matters affecting tribal communities and future generations.

The tribe says the gathering also supports continued efforts to protect the rights and interests of tribal nations.

(MSC News)--Updated flood-flow information for the lower Missouri River is now available following a multi-year study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The study was launched following the historic floods of 2011 and 2019, when the Corps determined that data used to manage flood risk needed to be updated.

The first phase established new flow-frequency estimates at 10 gauges along the river from Yankton, South Dakota, to Hermann, Missouri.

The second phase used that information to estimate the height floodwaters could reach between levees at different flow levels.

The Corps says the updated information can help communities, emergency planners and levee districts improve flood preparation, response and recovery.

Two identical public webinars will be offered next month. The first will be Monday, November 2, from noon to 1:00. The second will be Friday, November 6, during the same time.

The Corps will also offer individual meetings with levee districts to discuss possible effects on their systems. Study results are available through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website.

(KAIR)--Three classroom projects at the Atchison County Community Schools of USD 377 will receive more than $3,700 through newly approved mini grants.

The Atchison County Community Schools Education Foundation approved the three grants Tuesday, totaling $3,718.

Charlotte Michel’s “Morphology Madness” project will help students in second through sixth grades learn about word origins and word parts.

Kate Oswald’s “Spin to Win” project will give sixth graders hands-on experience researching, building, testing and improving model wind turbines while studying engineering, science, math and architecture.

Tonya Eckert’s “Listen, Learn and Light Up Learning” project will create a multi-sensory discovery center combining technology, literacy, sensory exploration and hands-on learning for prekindergarten students.

Photo: Roy Hale/Credit: Mercer Funeral Home 

(KNZA)---A 96-year-old Mayetta man has died from injuries he suffered in a two-vehicle crash in Jackson County.

According to his obituary, Roy Hale died Thursday at the Midland Hospice House in Topeka, five days after the crash.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened shortly before four p.m. October 3rd at the intersection of U-S 75 and 158th Road, just south of Mayetta.

Hale was driving a pickup west on 158th Road when he failed to yield to a northbound S-U-V on U-S 75. The pickup struck the S-U-V, causing it to roll.

Hale was taken to Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka with suspected serious injuries.

The S-U-V driver, 70-year-old Shelia Heiniger, and her passenger, 70-year-old Cory Heiniger, both of Fairview, suffered no apparent injuries.

The Patrol says all three occupants were wearing seat belts.

Hale's funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 Wednesday morning at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Mayetta.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Transportation has approved a more than 740-thousand-dollar project on U.S. 73 in Leavenworth and Atchison Counties.

The project involves sealing 12-point-2 miles of U.S. 73, from just north of Millwood Road in Leavenworth County, north to the south city limits of Atchison.

Vance Brothers L-L-C of Kansas City, Missouri, was awarded the 741-thousand, 470-dollar contract.

The bids were opened September 16th in Topeka.

KDOT lists June 1st, 2027, as the earliest possible start date, with August 23rd, 2027, as the latest start date.

Photo Credit: SDIC

(KMZA)--The Seneca Area Chamber and Downtown Impact have been awarded a 30-thousand-dollar grant from USDA Rural Development.

A special check presentation took place October first, with USDA Rural Development Deputy State Director Dan Fischer, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, SDIC Executive Director Kylie Bergstrom, SDIC board members and Seneca city officials in attendance.

Bergstrom says the funding will help local businesses and organizations with marketing resources and technical assistance.

Planned activities include marketing workshops, hands-on training, one-on-one coaching and help with marketing strategies and digital presence.

The grant will also support Seneca's continued development as a visitor destination.

Part of the funding will be used to create digital content for the downtown walking tour and the new Pony Express Historic Byway Driving Tour, helping visitors discover historic sites, points of interest and businesses throughout the community.

Bergstrom says they are grateful to USDA Rural Development for investing in the community.

(KMZA)--The Seneca City Council has approved a Nemaha Central senior project at Swisher Field.

Levi Thomas appeared before the council Wednesday evening to seek approval to rebuild the south bullpen.

Thomas says he plans to install a chain-link fence around the rebuilt bullpen to help protect spectators nearby.

The Seneca American Legion has agreed to cover the entire cost of the project, with no city funding required.

The council unanimously approved the project.

In other business, the council approved the purchase of oil for chip sealing various city streets at a cost not to exceed 70-thousand-705 dollars.

City Superintendent Brian Ruske said streets in the Spring Creek addition are among those scheduled for chip sealing.

The council also approved the purchase of a new Ford F-450 pickup from Honeyman Ford for the Electrical Department at a cost of 55-thousand-202 dollars.

(KNZA)--Two Horton city employees were recognized during Monday’s City Commission meeting.

Mayor Bryan Stirton presented Code Enforcement Officer Andrew Patterson with a KUDOS Award for stepping forward when the community needs a helping hand.

Public Works Director Randy Mayfield also received a KUDOS Award for going above and beyond to help and serve the community.

In other business, commissioners held a first reading of an ordinance that would reduce minimum floor-area requirements for single-family and two-family homes, allowing for smaller housing options.

Commissioners also approved requests to waive fees for use of the Blue Building. One request was for a charitable fundraiser for Brianna Monson, and the other was for the South Brown County Community Foundation’s annual meeting.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Commission has approved a mural honoring local Purple Heart recipients.

The commission took the action Monday, with plans to have the mural completed by Veterans Day.

Commissioner Richard Tesoriero said Brown County was declared a Purple Heart County in April, but he wanted to do more to recognize local veterans.

Tesoriero reached out to a mural artist and received permission from the property owner to use the wall at Sixth and Oregon streets.

The mural will be funded through donations.

Tesoriero says about 30 to 40 Purple Heart recipients have been identified in Brown County, and their names will be added as recipients are identified.

Seven Purple Heart recipients are still living, and Tesoriero hopes to have them attend the mural dedication on Veterans Day.

He’s also working with the Kansas Department of Transportation to get approval for signs at highway entrances recognizing Brown County as a Purple Heart County.

(KAIR)--Emergency vehicles and first responders will gather at several Atchison locations next Wednesday, but county officials stress there will be no actual emergency.

Atchison County will conduct a full-scale hazardous materials exercise October 14, from 9:00 to 11:00 in the morning.

Exercise activity will take place around Gasoline Alley, the Atchison County Health Department and Amberwell Hospital.

Multiple emergency response agencies and healthcare partners will participate. The exercise will evaluate coordination, communications, hazardous materials response, patient care, public information and incident command.

Residents may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and first responders during the two-hour exercise.

County officials say the training will help local agencies prepare for real-world emergencies.

The cost for the project will be $114,195.

The Council also approved the annual request to block off Lane Street from 19th Street to 26th Street on Halloween, October 31 for trick or treating. 

City Administrator Gary Jorn updated the Council on the tree trimming project that is ongoing in the city utilizing grant funds to pay for the project.  So far Arbormasters has trimmed 597 trees, removed 29 diseased or dying trees and replaced them, all on city property including parks.  The work will be completed by later this fall or by March of 2027.  The grant funds must be expended by the end of 2027.

The appointment of Kristi Simon to the Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging Board was approved. 

Mark McDonald – 45 Years of Service.  McDonald began working for the Nemaha NRD as a part-time employee in 1980, primarily planting trees, before being hired full-time in 1981. In his first three years, the district planted more than a quarter million trees across 452 sites. 

During McDonald's 45 years with the Nemaha NRD, the district has sold more than 1.5 million trees, with at least 1 million planted by district crews under his guidance. 

In 2023, he was recognized as the Tree Planter of the Year for his contributions to tree planting and conservation in southeast Nebraska. 

J. Duane Sugden – 35 Years of Service

Sugden joined the Nemaha NRD Board of Directors in January 1991 and currently represents Subdistrict 6, which serves Gage and Johnson Counties. He serves on the district’s Programs & Projects Committee.

Throughout his 35 years on the board, Sugden has served in several leadership positions, including board chair, vice-chair, and secretary/treasurer.

Kathy Harlow – 20 Years of Service 

Harlow, District Clerk at the Falls City NRCS office, began her service with the district in August 2006 in Pawnee City and transitioned to the Falls City office in 2026. Throughout her career, she has served as a valued resource and point of support for the NRCS offices and the producers and landowners they serve.

(KLZA)--Upgrades continue to be made at the Falls City Power Plant. 
Monday night, City Administrator Gary Jorn provided updates to the City Council Monday evening on recent improvements to the facility including Engine #7 that took longer than anticipated due to the age of the infrastructure. The company will now need to find a date to come back and complete work on Engine #8. 

Jorn said the work has included replacement of relays and meters at the plant.  He also complimented the power plant employees on their cooperative work with the SEL company on the upgrades and producing electricity without issues during a late September day to allow other work to be completed.  

Engine 3 was utilized to produce approximately a a megawatt of electricity for nearly 9 hours without any outside support. Jorn called  it a step in the right direction to get the power plant into a reliable asset for the city. 

The Council did approved the expenditure of $24,859 for a SCADA system to improve cyber security for the power plant and a recommendation from the Board of Public Works to have Farabee Mechanical move forward with a turbo cleaning and inspection of Engine #8 in an amount of $56,840. 

According to a release from the office of Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, 39-year-old Tyler Johnson pleaded guilty Tuesday. The court accepted the plea and found him guilty.

Court documents say Leavenworth police responded October 23, 2023, to a collision near 150 Muncie Road, near the Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Investigators determined Johnson attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone and collided with an oncoming motorcycle. The motorcyclist died from injuries suffered in the crash.

Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on the afternoon of November 13 in Leavenworth County District Court.

In a release, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says officers responded shortly after 9:30 the night of July 24 to Fourth Street and U.S. 59 Highway, where a vehicle was stopped in the roadway with the driver slumped over the steering wheel.

The driver, identified as 21-year-old Sydney Potter, was transported to Amberwell Atchison for examination. During the investigation, officers allegedly found and seized controlled substances.

Potter was arrested Tuesday on an Atchison County District Court warrant for possession of alprazolam, a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, along with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

She was released on bond.

(KAIR)--Three members of the Kickapoo Tribal Council have begun new terms following an official swearing-in ceremony Tuesday.

The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas announced Westley Sakter Keo was sworn in as a tribal council member.

Marlena Cisneros Valdivia was sworn in as tribal council treasurer, while Sunny Boado was sworn in as tribal council secretary.

The tribe congratulated the newly elected members as they begin serving the Kickapoo people and expressed support for continued leadership and teamwork during the council’s 2026 and 2027 term.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says several residents have recently raised concerns about unknown people and vehicles seen in different parts of the county. Similar activity has also been reported in surrounding counties.

Merchant says deputies patrol rural areas around the clock and have been meeting with residents to discuss ways to improve security and identify those responsible for theft or vandalism.

Residents who see something concerning are asked to contact the sheriff’s office immediately.

Merchant says information such as a license plate number, vehicle description or description of the people involved could help deputies identify those in question.

The appointment brings Walker back to the department where he began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer in 1996.

Walker brings 30 years of experience, having served in positions ranging from patrol officer to police chief. He also served as deputy academy director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs United States Indian Police Academy.

Walker is a retired member of the Kansas Army National Guard who served two tours in Iraq and one in Bosnia. His international experience also includes contract work in Afghanistan and providing law enforcement training in Honduras.

Walker holds a Master of Business Administration and is pursuing a doctorate in education.

The tribe, in a release, welcomed Walker back to the Kickapoo community and wished him success in his new role.

Photo: Joshua Jefferson/Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A Holton man arrested following an hours-long standoff in May has been found competent to stand trial.

A Jackson County judge made the determination during a hearing Tuesday, based on an evaluation by Kanza Mental Health.

Thirty-six-year-old Joshua Jefferson’s preliminary hearing is now set for November 12th.

Jefferson was arrested May 20th after a standoff that began during an animal cruelty investigation.

He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault, criminal threat, two counts of interference with law enforcement, battery and animal cruelty.

Jefferson remains free on a 10-thousand-dollar bond.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Police Chief Dave Villanueva says officers are seeing a marked decrease in speeding violations in local school zones.

Villanueva says the department’s school-zone enforcement campaign will continue, including monitoring commercial vehicles such as grain hoppers, cement trucks and other large vehicles.

He says officers have already stopped commercial vehicles during enforcement details.

Hiawatha will also participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Speeding Catches Up with You” campaign from October 8th through the 19th.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down, allow extra travel time, avoid distractions and share the road safely with pedestrians and other vehicles.

More than 11-thousand people were killed in speeding-related crashes nationwide in 2024.

(KAIR)--New support is coming to aspiring business owners in Atchison through a grant awarded to Locally Atchison.

Funding from the Patterson Family Foundation will support the organization’s business incubator space which helps entrepreneurs lower startup costs by offering free or reduced rent.

Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jill Thorne tells MSC News applicants will pitch their business ideas to a panel, with the winning entrepreneur receiving the opportunity to operate from the incubator space, with the selection process similar to ABC’s "Shark Tank."

Thorne says the program is intended to help aspiring business owners take the next step by reducing one of the largest expenses associated with opening a business. That allows entrepreneurs to focus their money and attention on establishing and growing their operations.

Locally Atchison will hold its first pitch competition for the 2027–28 incubator space on November 19.

Those interested in opening a business are encouraged to present their ideas for a chance to be selected for the space.

The Patterson Family Foundation grant will help Locally Atchison continue encouraging entrepreneurship, strengthening the local business community and bringing new activity to downtown Atchison.

Additional information about the incubator program and pitch competition is available from Thorne at the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce.

(KAIR)--Major paving work was beginning Wednesday morning across Atchison, with large scale operations planned over the next two weeks.

According to a release from the City of Atchison, contractor Herzog is completing the city’s 2026 mill and overlay work. Crowell and Green streets are the first two streets scheduled for paving.

Residents along streets scheduled for work should receive door hangers and other notices asking them to move parked vehicles before paving begins.

City officials say keeping vehicles off those streets will allow crews to complete the work as quickly as possible.

The Herzog project is not the only paving underway. City street crews and other contractors are continuing smaller projects throughout Atchison.

Map courtesy of the City of Atchison/Facebook

Photo: Dr. Denis Jimenez/Credit: NVCH

(KMZA)--A Nemaha Valley Community Hospital surgeon has been named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Dr. Denis Jimenez has earned the FACS designation, a distinction earned by fewer than half of practicing surgeons nationwide.

The designation recognizes high standards of surgical care, professionalism and ethics.

The distinction is earned by fewer than half of practicing surgeons nationwide.

Jimenez is a board-certified general surgeon at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital and serves as the hospital’s Trauma Medical Director.

He returned to Kansas in 2022 to practice rural surgery, with a focus on providing surgical and trauma care close to home.

Jimenez also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and is active in trauma education across the state.

Outside of medicine, Jimenez lives with his wife and four sons on their small farm near Holton.

(KNZA)--A Doniphan County resident is asking county officials to help improve safety at a dangerous intersection.

During Monday’s Doniphan County Commission meeting, Dale Wetmore of rural Troy told commissioners about concerns at U.S. Highway 36 and Mesquito Creek Road.

Wetmore said the intersection has been the site of several crashes, including fatalities. He said previous county commissions have contacted the Kansas Department of Transportation about installing warning signals, but no action has been taken.

Wetmore recently spoke with local KDOT supervisor Kenny Peden, who said he would take the request to the local engineer.

Commission Chairman Wayne Grable said KDOT is responsible for the intersection and owns the right-of-way on Mesquito Creek Road almost to the Dollar General driveway. Grable said he would also contact KDOT about the warning signals.

Commissioner Bobby Hall then made a motion to purchase flashing red lights for the stop signs at the north and south intersections of Highway 36 and Mesquito Creek Road, pending KDOT approval.

The motion passed unanimously.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission is moving forward with plans for the Villas of Beautiful Maples duplex development.

During a special meeting Tuesday afternoon, commissioners unanimously voted to have a letter drafted asking the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development to donate four lots on Aztec Street for the project.

The letter will be presented to HFED when it meets Thursday.

City Administrator Brad Scott recommended requesting the lots at no cost, citing the financial risk involved in developing the property.

The city needs a total of eight lots for the project. Other properties being considered include 913 South Third Street and 310 Hiawatha Avenue.

Scott said the developer believes the South Third Street property could accommodate six units, but the city is not prepared to make an offer for that property.

The commission voted in September to move the duplex project to vacant lots in the city after opposition to the original proposed site west of Bruning Park.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County STEP Foundation is awarding 28-thousand dollars in fall grants to eight local projects.

The grants continue the foundation’s 2026 theme, “Think Outside the Box,” and will support schools, libraries, health care and community organizations across Nemaha County.

Sabetha Community Hospital will receive 2-thousand 250 dollars for its AED Readiness Project, which will place automated external defibrillators in the hospital’s therapy departments.

Nemaha County Community Health Services will receive 15-hundred dollars to expand its Little Nest Family Resource Bank with diapers, wipes and other hygiene and baby-care supplies.

The Wetmore Public Library is receiving 2-thousand dollars for a new circulation desk with additional storage.

The Bern Community Support Foundation will receive 7-thousand 250 dollars for a fireworks firing system to improve safety during its annual Fourth of July celebration.

Centralia Schools will receive two 3-thousand-dollar grants. One will fund a new greenhouse, while the other will purchase an audiometer to test students’ hearing.

The CNB Underprivileged Children Fund is helping local children with the everyday essentials that they need. The Kids Kloset will receive $5,000 for clothing, shoes, toiletries, hygiene products and school supplies. Nemaha Central School will receive $4,000 for coats, hats, gloves, backpacks and other items.

The STEP Foundation awards grants twice a year. The next application deadline is January 15th, 2027.

Students, parents, families, alumni and community members are invited to the Homecoming bonfire beginning at 6:00 behind Saint Leo’s Hall. The bonfire, once a long standing tradition at the Catholic high school, had been retired for a number of years prior to its return last year. 

Danielle Fuller, events and education manager for Maur Hill-Mount Academy, discussed the returning tradition during the latest edition of Better Living with Michelle on 93.7 FM. “The kids were so excited to bring it back," Fuller told host Michelle Urban. "This year, the seniors are actually the ones who are going to build it. So, they’re excited to do that. It’s going to be behind Saint Leo’s Hall, and we just want to invite the whole community to come out and enjoy it.”

The bonfire, accompanied by food trucks and a DJ, is one part of this week's showing of school spirit leading into Homecoming activities this coming Friday and Saturday. 

Friday evening's celebration begins at 5:00 with a rededication ceremony for Saint Scholastica Hall. The girls’ residence hall is being renamed to honor the legacy of the Academy of Mount Saint Scholastica. Benedictine Sisters and monks will attend, with tours of the hall following the ceremony.

An alumni tailgate begins Friday evening at 5:30 at The Roost. The Maur Hill-Mount Academy Ravens will then face Effingham in the Homecoming football game, with kickoff at 7:00.

Saturday’s events begin that morning with the Raven Golf Classic. 

Homecoming concludes with an alumni dinner beginning Saturday evening at 5:00 in Saint Michael’s Cafeteria. The evening will include a cocktail hour, dinner and class pictures.

(KAIR)--Drivers traveling K-9 Highway, west of Netawaka on Wednesday, could face delays of up to 10 minutes while state crews complete asphalt repairs.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says K-9 will be reduced to one lane between P Road and U.S. 75 from 8:00 Wednesday morning until 4:00 that afternoon.

Flaggers will direct traffic through the work zone. Traffic on U.S. 75 will also be stopped intermittently while crews work near the intersection.

Signs and cones will mark the work area.

The schedule is weather permitting.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, Spenser Fitzpatrick was arrested for theft at Raven Liquor, located at 1800 Main Street. He was additionally arrested on two Atchison County District Court warrants, including one for an alleged theft at the Atchison Dairy Queen, that occurred September 26. Wilson confirms that it was that afternoon at 2:00 that police were called to the restaurant for the report of a man wanted for stealing a cake from the freezer at the fast-food restaurant, then leaving on foot. The second warrant charges Fitzpatrick with a September 12 theft at the city's downtown Dollar General. Once in custody, Fitzpatrick was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

His bond is set at $4,500. 

(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission is supporting an effort to secure state assistance for a proposed 28-unit infill apartment development at several locations across the city.

Commissioners unanimously adopted the supporting resolution during Monday’s meeting, supporting applications to the Moderate Income Housing program, Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit program and Revolving Loan Fund.

The project is being proposed by DCJP, LLC, a partnership between Justin Pregont, of Pomeroy Development, and Dustin Cox, of ARC Contracting.

“They’ve come together and put together this application for a multifamily housing project that would create 28 infill housing units, using quite a few of our former Land Bank lots, as well as a few other lots in town,” City Manager Mark Westhoff told commissioners.

Proposed locations include properties near Sixth and Santa Fe streets, Seventh and L streets and the west side of North Eighth Street.

Plans tentatively call for about two-thirds of the apartments to have one bedroom, with the remaining units containing two bedrooms. The buildings would each contain four apartments but would be designed to resemble duplexes or single-family homes when viewed from the street.

The development is expected to cost just over $4 million. Developers plan to seek up to $750,000 through the Moderate Income Housing program, $896,000 in Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits and up to $1 million through the Revolving Loan Fund.

Moderate Income Housing funding would pass through the City of Atchison if awarded, but Westhoff said the city would not be required to provide matching funds or pay other project expenses.

“That does flow through, but there’s no expense. There’s no match. There’s no fee that the city has to pay or anything like that,” Westhoff said. “It’s a competitive program, and so not all applications are successful. The support of the city goes a long way to help those applications.”

Developers are also expected to seek an industrial revenue bond for a sales-tax exemption on construction materials and a Revitalization Housing Incentive District for property-tax relief. Those requests would return to the City Commission for separate consideration.

City documents say Atchison has not seen a newly constructed, middle-income or market-rate multifamily project of this size in at least 35 years.

(KAIR)--October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, bringing increased attention to the safety of those walking, biking or using other active forms of transportation.

The Kansas Department of Transportation reminds drivers to slow down, watch for pedestrians and yield at crosswalks. Motorists should never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk and should use extra caution while backing up or driving in low-visibility conditions.

Pedestrians are encouraged to stay focused, make eye contact with drivers, use sidewalks when available and cross streets at marked crosswalks.

The safety message will be reinforced Wednesday, October 7, during Kansas Walk and Roll to School Day. The annual event encourages students and families to walk, bike or roll to school.

Seven Leavenworth schools represent the local area among participants from 30 Kansas school districts.

The event is supported by KDOT’s Safe Routes to School program. Officials say everyone shares responsibility for following traffic signs, signals and other rules of the road.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has finalized its 2027 budget, with the county’s tax rate coming in slightly below the revenue-neutral rate.

Commissioners approved the budget at their September 28th meeting, setting the total mill levy at 39-point-713 mills.

That’s below the county’s revenue-neutral rate of 39-point-721 mills.

The budget also includes a 675-thousand-dollar reserve.

The adopted budget calls for the county to collect nine-point-five million dollars in local taxes.

The commission had previously proposed a tax rate of about 51-point-3 mills, nearly 12 mills above the revenue-neutral rate.

Following public hearings in August and additional budget reviews in September, commissioners made cuts to the Road and Bridge and General Fund budgets.

The final budget was approved unanimously.

(KNZA)---Three people have been arrested following a proactive undercover operation by St. Joseph, Missouri police targeting the enticement of minors.

Police say 20-year-old Zachary Winger and 58-year-old Duane Parrott, both of St. Joseph, were arrested and charged with enticement of a minor. Both are being held without bond.

A third suspect was arrested on a controlled substance charge. That case remains under review.

Police Chief Paul Luster says the operation follows the August 28th effective date of Evie and Sophie’s Law, which provides a clearer framework for investigating the grooming or enticement of minors before a child is harmed.

Police say they will continue proactive investigations targeting adults who attempt to entice minors.

Photo: (L-R) Jake Clary and Sheriff Mark Allen/Credit:  Doniphan County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)---The Doniphan County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed a new deputy.

Jake Clary of Troy joins the department after graduating from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

Sheriff Mark Allen says the department is excited to have Clary join the team and looks forward to the hard work, dedication and commitment he’ll bring to the job.

Clary is a Troy High School graduate.

Law enforcement runs in the family. His father, Jack Clary, served with the Kansas Highway Patrol, while his mother, Jodi Clary, also graduated from the Highway Patrol Training Academy and served as a technical trooper and public resource officer.

(KNZA)--A candidate forum is scheduled for Thursday evening, October 8 in Hiawatha.

The forum, hosted by Brown County United, will begin at 6:30 at The Alley, located at 1000 South First Street.

Candidates planning to attend include Jack Geiger, an Independent from Robinson running for the 62nd District Kansas House seat; Jennifer Lloyd, a Democrat from Jefferson County running for the Kansas State Board of Education District One seat; and Hiawatha mayoral candidate Brian Shefferd.

Geiger is challenging Republican Sean Willcott of Holton. Lloyd is challenging Republican Amy Cawvey of Lansing, and Shefferd is challenging incumbent Hiawatha Mayor Becky Shamburg.

Cawvey and Shamburg are unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, while Willcott did not respond to the invitation.

Those attending will have an opportunity to hear from the candidates and ask questions.

The general election is November 3rd. October 13th is the deadline to register to vote or update voter registration.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners opened bids for rock hauling from the Whetrock Quarry in Murray, Nebraska to create a stockpile of road rock at Dawson when they met last Wednesday.

Seven bids were received ranging from $9.93 per ton up to $21.53 per ton.

All of the bids will receive further review by Highway Superintendent Steve Darvau Jr.

It is expected to bid will be awarded during the Boards Oct. 14th meeting.

Darveau updated the Board on maintenance of county roads due to the heavy rainfall in the area last week

Commissioners did authorize the purchase of a new rock dump trailer to replace one that is in need of repair.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported his department responded to 486 calls during the month of September of which 241 were traffic stops that resulted in 32 arrests.

Sheriff Hardesty reported that grant funding will be made available from the USDA for the purchase of a patrol unit, and that the Sheriff's Department would apply for the grant funding which if approved, would result in a budget reduction of around $50,000.

The Sheriff also reported that a reduction has been made in the amount of funds needed for salaries within the Sheriff's Budget and Communications Dispatch budget. The amount of the reductions will be just over $9,400.

It was also noted that the cost of providing meals to inmates in the jail will increase from $289, to $299 per day, and there will be an increase of 6-cents per meal served, going from $1.75 per meal to $1.81 per meal.

The price increase goes into effect October 8.

(KNZA)--Highland Community College reports a 12.3 percent increase in student enrollment this fall.

According to preliminary enrollment figures released Wednesday by the Kansas Board of Regents, Highland is serving 2,579 students, up 282 from the same point last year. The figures reflect enrollment on the twentieth day of the semester.

Highland President Doctor Vincent Bowhay credits the college’s faculty, staff and academic programs, along with the trust students and families place in Highland.

The increase comes as the college invests in workforce programs, opportunities for high school students to earn college credit, online learning and student support services.

Highland also recently received a federal grant providing approximately 1.6 million dollars in first year funding. With anticipated continuation funding, the five year initiative is expected to bring about three million dollars to support student success and strengthen services for rural students.

Highland serves students through its main campus, regional locations, online programs and partnerships throughout Northeast Kansas.

(KNZA)---A 96-year-old Mayetta man was seriously injured Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in southern Jackson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened shortly before four p-m at the intersection of U-S 75 and 158th Road, near Mayetta.

The Patrol says Roy Hale was driving a pickup truck west on 158th Road when he failed to yield the right-of-way to a northbound S-U-V on U-S 75.

The pickup struck the S-U-V, causing it to roll.

Hale, who was wearing a seatbelt, was taken to Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka with suspected serious injuries.

The S-U-V driver, 70-year-old Shelia Heiniger, and her passenger, 70-year-old Cory Heiniger, both of Fairview, were not injured.

Teddy Moore/Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office

( KNZA)--A Jackson County jury has convicted a Topeka man of multiple child sex crimes.

Jackson County Attorney Bethany Lee says 58-year-old Teddy Moore was convicted Friday of two counts of rape, two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy and four counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

The convictions came after a four-day trial.

Lee says the crimes occurred between 2018 and 2023 in Jackson County.

Moore was arrested in May following an investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.

He remains in the Jackson County Jail on a one-million-dollar bond.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 10.

Photo credit: Elwood Police Department

(KNZA)--A boater was safely rescued from the Missouri River Friday morning after his 16-foot fishing boat ran out of fuel near the French Bottoms area.

Elwood Police Chief Brandon Whetstine says the man called for help after his boat lost propulsion and began drifting down the river.

The Missouri River was under a flood warning, with swift currents and floating debris creating dangerous conditions.

Elwood Police requested help from the St. Joseph Fire Department Water Rescue Team, Elwood Fire Department, Wathena Police and Doniphan County Emergency Management.

A county drone helped locate the drifting boat from the air.

The St. Joseph Fire Department Water Rescue Team then located the man and towed his boat to the ramp near the St. Joseph Casino.

The man was safely recovered and no injuries were reported.

(KLZA)--Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has declared an emergency in southeast Nebraska following heavy rain and severe flooding.

Record-setting rainfall was reported across the region, with some flooded roadways requiring the rescue of stranded motorists.

Pillen toured the affected area Thursday with Nebraska Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director Erv Portis, members of the Nebraska National Guard and other officials to survey the damage.

The emergency declaration allows the state to use additional resources and directs state and federal agencies to work with Nebraska Emergency Management.

NEMA is working with FEMA, the Small Business Administration and the Natural Resources Conservation Service as damage assessments are completed.

Those assessments will help determine whether assistance will be available to individuals, businesses and others affected by the flooding.

The Southeast District Health Department says while this does not mean there are confirmed human cases, it does mean the virus is present in local mosquitoes, making it important to take precautions to reduce your risk of mosquito bites.

Many people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, while some experience symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting or diarrhea or a rash.

In rare cases the virus can cause serious illness affecting the brain and nervous system. Adults over 60 and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk for severe illness.

You can help protect yourself from mosquitoes by used EPA-registered insect repellent; wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk and removing standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed.

If you develop symptoms consistent with West Nile virus, contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation.

The total budget of expenditures was reduced from the original proposal of $22,424,406 to $21,814,989, a decrease of  $609,417.

The Board approved reductions will reduce the property tax requirement by that same amount which will now be $7,674,663.  Prior to the cuts to the budget, the proposed property tax requirement had been $8,284,080.. 

The property tax levy will be 35.5206 cent per $100 of assessed valuation for the next fiscal year which is a 19% increase from 2025.  Last years levy was 30.0327 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

The board approved a property tax request of just over 10-point-1 million dollars, resulting in a levy of 70-point-0271 cents per 100 dollars of assessed valuation.

That’s an increase of nearly 10 cents per 100 dollars from last year.

The total budget for disbursements and transfers is about 20-point-4 million dollars.

Earlier this month, the board approved using an additional six percent in budget authority for the coming year.

Property valuation within the Falls City School District increased by about 3-point-5 million dollars, or 5-point-4 percent.

Overall, the district’s operating budget will increase 18-point-03 percent from the previous year.

(KLZA)--A Maitland, Missouri man accused of sexually abusing a child is scheduled to appear in court October seventh.

Thirty-eight-year-old Derrick L. Kernen was arrested in September on several charges, including statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy, deviate sexual intercourse with a person under 14, and second-degree child molestation.

Kernen is accused of engaging in sexual activity with the child on multiple occasions at a Maitland home.

He remains in the Andrew County Jail without bond.

(KAIR)--A driver was hospitalized and later jailed following a single-vehicle crash Thursday evening in northern Atchison County.

In a release, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says deputies responded around 8:00 to K-7 Highway near 314th Road, with the resulting investigation showing that Jack Artman, Junior was northbound in a 2009 Ford Mustang when the car crossed the southbound lane, left the roadway and struck a utility pole.

Following the investigation, Artman, of Atchison, was arrested for DUI, driving with a suspended license, operating a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device, interference, possession of a controlled substance, transporting an open container and having no liability insurance.

Atchison County EMS transported Artman to Amberwell Atchison for hospital treatment of injuries.

Once released from the hospital, Artman was booked into the Atchison County Jail.

(KNZA)--Jackson County has hired a new road and bridge director.

The Holton Recorder reports the County Commission Monday approved an employment agreement with Randy Pool. He’ll be paid a salary of about 36-thousand dollars.

Pool previously served as the county’s road and bridge administrator, first as acting administrator in 2007, then becoming the permanent administrator in March 2008.

He remained in that position until the commission terminated his employment in June 2013.

Pool had also previously worked for the county as a motor grader operator and road foreman.

He replaces Joe Gardner, who resigned as road and bridge superintendent effective September fifth.

Duane Parrott/Credit: Buchanan County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)---A St. Joseph, Missouri man and former school district teacher is jailed after allegedly enticing an underage child to perform sexual acts.

Fifty-eight-year-old Duane Parrott was arrested Monday by St. Joseph Police on suspicion of grooming or enticing a minor.

According to a probable cause statement cited by KQ2-TV, Parrott communicated online with someone who told him they were 16.

Police say Parrott continued sexually explicit conversations and later met the person at an agreed-upon location, intending to take them to his home.

Parrott reportedly admitted he was “going down the wrong path again” and acknowledged a similar incident several years ago.

He remains in the Buchanan County Jail.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County officials are looking at ways to continue child advocacy and forensic interview services through the Voices of Courage organization.

Voices of Courage Executive Director Melissa Birdsell and Director of Operations Carrie Watkins met Monday with the County Commission and County Attorney Charles Baskins.

Watkins said Doniphan County is currently the only county in Kansas without coverage from a child advocacy center.

She said the organization has been conducting about 20 to 25 child interviews a year for Doniphan County through its Child First program, at no cost to the county.

Birdsell said Voices of Courage has agreements with Missouri counties that pay for the services, and the organization would like to establish a similar agreement with Doniphan County.

Baskins said the service is critical, allowing children to be interviewed as soon as possible following an incident.

Commission Chairman Wayne Grable said the county will explore funding sources to continue the services through a formal memorandum of understanding with Voices of Courage.

(KAIR)--An Atchison intersection closed because of a sinkhole is temporarily back open to traffic.

In an update released Thursday afternoon, the City of Atchison says crews completed an exploratory excavation at South 6th and Spring streets.

The sinkhole was found to be small and localized, with no large underground voids extending in other directions. The excavated area measured about seven feet wide, seven feet long and seven feet deep.

Crews refilled the hole with rock, allowing the streets to reopen temporarily.

They will return next week to inspect pipes and utilities near the intersection. Any damaged pipes, utilities or drains will then be repaired before the excavation area is filled with concrete.

Drivers are asked to use caution in the area until the permanent repairs are completed.

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(KAIR)--The City of Atchison is alerting residents to a sinkhole beneath the street at the intersection of South 6th and Spring streets.

According to a release issued late Thursday morning by the City, streets around the area are closed while crews excavate the sinkhole to stabilize it. Crews have completed work to locate underground utilities.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible.

Map courtesy City of Atchison/Facebook 

(KNZA)-Doniphan County is moving forward with a new public safety notification system.

Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Morris told the County Commission Monday that the county has been approved to participate in the regional Everbridge alert system.

The system’s cost will be fully covered by grant funds through the Northeast Region Homeland Security Council.

Doniphan County currently pays about six-thousand dollars a year for TextCaster, which sends emergency, weather and public safety alerts.

Commissioners agreed to move forward with the switch and gather more information about possible participation by county cities.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha housing assistance grant application has not been funded by the state.

That word came at Monday night’s Hiawatha City Commission meeting.

The city had applied for a 300-thousand-dollar Community Development Block Grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce for a housing rehabilitation project.

The grant would have helped about 20 to 25 low-to-moderate income households with home repairs, with a focus on roof replacements and repairs.

City Administrator Brad Scott said the application was not funded because of competition among communities and the limited amount of grant money available.

The city was encouraged to reapply, and Scott said the city plans to do so when additional funding becomes available.