Photo credit: Greg Bebermeyer/MSC News

 

(KNZA)--The 2026 Hiawatha Halloween Queen was crowned Saturday evening, prior to the grand parade, which concluded the 112th annual Halloween Frolic.
Selected for the honor was Jacie Koch, a senior at Centralia High School.
The 1st runner-up was Tillie Keller, a senior at Troy High School.
Second runner-up was Bobbi Becker, a senior at Horton High School.
Named as Miss Congeniality was Kayte Falk, a senior Doniphan West High School. 
10 area girls competed in this year's scholarship contest.
The girls were judged on an essay, a talent portion and interview, along with leadership skills, community involvement and scholastic achievements.

(KNZA) -The Hiawatha Police Department is warning residents about a loan scam involving threatening phone calls.

Police say two local residents recently received calls from individuals claiming to represent Advance America and offering loans.

The callers reportedly used high-pressure tactics, including threatening to send a doctor to one resident's home.

Police say Advance America is a legitimate business, but the callers are believed to be unaffiliated with the company.

Residents are urged to verify loan offers, avoid signing paperwork without reviewing it, and hang up if a caller uses threats or intimidation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hiawatha Police at 785-742-2156 and ask for Officer Johansen.

(KLZA)--Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise Executive Director Lucas Froeschl presented the organizations third quarter update to the Falls City Council and Richardson County Commissioners last week. 

Froeschl said that efforts to locate the proposed Citroniq Chemicals project south of Falls City are ongoing, noting the project is in the de-risking mode at the current time with work being done on utilities. The proposed Falls City project would be the company's first pilot plant.  

 

Froeschl also discussed the use of a  grant, received from the Department of Energy to study what would be the best use of the $15 million grant Falls City received from the state.  

The study took a look at what solar or battery investment would look like in Falls City. The report indicated those avenues would not be good investments unless the project was subsidized by other funds.

A secondary electrical transmission line to Falls City to provide more electricity to the City is the path that is being followed.

 

EDGE is also assisting with a study concerning childcare centers in the southeast corner of Nebraska. The state of Nebraska is attempting to put together a substitute program to help area childcare facilities. In our area, the project would include childcare facilities in Falls City, Auburn, Nebraska City , Humboldt and Pawnee City.

Through the program, if a worker at a childcare center needed to be absent from work, the facility could call on the substitute program to fill in with state approved childcare providers during the absence.

 

The final part of the report concerned a question concerning the former National Guard Armory that was transitioned to house City Hall and the Police Station in Falls City.  The building now houses only the Falls City Volunteer Fire Department.  

Froeschl said EDGE has fielded some inquiries about the building. He asked the Council if a conversation should be held on the role  EDGE could play in publicly marketing the building if the city desires to sell the building. EDGE currently markets the cities industrial sites and other properties for sale. 

(KAIR)--A vehicle reportedly stopped in an Atchison roadway with its lights off early Friday morning led to the arrest of a 20-year-old Ozawkie woman on alleged drug and alcohol-related offenses.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, an officer on patrol shortly after 1:00 Friday morning spotted the vehicle blocking the roadway in the 1400 block of South 8th Street.

Wilson says the driver and lone occupant, 20-year-old Kaylee Johnson, of Ozawkie, was subsequently found to be in possession of fentanyl, an open container of alcohol and smoking devices containing THC.

Johnson was arrested on charges of possession of fentanyl, THC and drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container and underage possession of alcohol.

She was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Atchison County Jail.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Atchison Police are investigating the theft of a vehicle reported Thursday afternoon from the northern part of the city.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 20-year-old man reported that his 2005 Mazda 6 was stolen from the 1200 block of North 6th Street sometime between 4:00 and 5:20 Thursday afternoon.

Wilson says the vehicle is black with gray wheel rims.

Anyone with related information should contact Atchison Police at 913-367-4323.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha USD 415 School Board is continuing to explore facility improvements and a possible bond issue that could go before voters in March 2027.

About 50 people attended a community meeting Wednesday at the Hiawatha High School Auditorium, where representatives from Lighthouse Construction and HTK Architects presented findings from the district’s facilities master plan.

The elementary school was identified as having the greatest need for improvements.

Three bond options were presented, ranging from 25 to 35 million dollars.

The 25-million-dollar option would renovate the existing elementary school and add a gymnasium. A 30-million-dollar plan would involve a major expansion and renovation of the current building. The 35-million-dollar option would fund construction of a completely new elementary school west of the middle school.

All three options also include secure entry improvements at the middle and high schools, along with upgrades to the high school’s wood and agricultural shop areas.

Surveys conducted at Wednesday’s meeting and a previous meeting in April showed support for building a new elementary school. That preference was also reflected in a staff survey.

The district’s previous bond issue, approved in 2015, is scheduled to be paid off in 2028.

The district will continue gathering public input before the Board considers a possible bond resolution in December.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Community Foundation is accepting applications for its first Community Grants cycle, offering four grants of two-thousand dollars each.

The grants will support local projects and programs benefiting Hiawatha, Robinson, Morrill, Reserve, Hamlin and Fairview.

Applicants must have a fund held at the foundation. Eligible requests may include community programs, equipment, supplies, facility improvements and other projects addressing local needs.

The grants are funded by local donors whose gifts were permanently invested in the foundation’s Community Grants Endowment.

Applications are being accepted through November 22nd. Late applications will not be considered.

Guidelines and applications are available at Hiawatha cf.org/ grants.

Heather Kurtz/Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)---A Holton woman is facing felony aggravated assault charges following an incident Tuesday.

Court documents show 41-year-old Heather Kurtz was charged Thursday in Jackson County District Court with two counts of aggravated assault and one misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property.

The charges stem from allegations that Kurtz threatened two people with a rod and damaged property.

Holton Police arrested Kurtz Tuesday evening after responding to an apartment at 100 Southern Heights Drive.

She made her first court appearance Thursday and remains in the Jackson County Jail on a 50-thousand-dollar bond.

Dennis Cummings/Credit: Buchanan County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)--The Buchanan County, Missouri Sheriff's Office has arrested a 42-year-old St. Joseph man on suspicion of possessing child pornography.

Sheriff Bill Pruett says Dennis Cummings was arrested Tuesday after investigators executed a search warrant at a home at 1311 South 20th Street, following a lengthy investigation.

Investigators seized evidence related to the investigation.

The Sheriff's Office says additional cases involving alleged violations of sex offender registration requirements will also be submitted to the Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for review.

Cummings remain in the Buchanan County Jail.

Photo: Little Hands Daycare/Credit: Hiawatha Community Foundation 

 

(KNZA)--Little Hands in Hiawatha is asking the community for help raising $100,000 to reopen its childcare center following mold contamination that forced it to close in August.

An HVAC failure allowed humid air into the building, resulting in widespread mold. The system has been repaired, and cleanup and remediation work is underway.

The recovery effort is estimated to cost $100,000, with half going toward mold remediation and cleaning and the other half for reconstruction and repairs.

The center's insurance claim was denied in September, leaving the nonprofit responsible for finding the money to restore the building.

Little Hands has served the community since 2012, with more than 90 children depending on its services. The board is now working toward a November 30th reopening.

Donations can be made through the Hiawatha Community Foundation website at hiawathacf.org.  Community members can also help through gifts of grain, appreciated stock, items from an Amazon wish list or volunteer work.

(KMZA)--The Valley Heights School Board is moving forward with plans that could eventually consolidate all students on one campus.

The Marysville Advocate reports the board voted October 20th to begin planning for a new elementary school and gym at the junior-senior high campus.

One of the district’s two grade schools will close beginning in the 2027-28 school year, but the board has not decided whether Waterville or Blue Rapids will be affected.

The district says declining enrollment trends, finances and building conditions are driving the need for changes.

The board’s action does not approve construction or a bond election. Voters rejected more than 18-and-a-half-million dollars in school bonds in 2022.

(KNZA)--St. Joseph, Missouri police have one person in custody after a stolen truck struck several law enforcement and civilian vehicles Wednesday afternoon.

Police say officers located the occupied stolen truck around 1:30 p.m. near 22nd and Walnut streets.

The driver ran over police spike strips and struck two civilian vehicles before colliding with two detective vehicles as detectives attempted to stop the truck.

The suspect then surrendered and was taken into custody.

No officers were injured, but one civilian reported minor injuries. The stolen truck and one detective vehicle were towed from the scene.

The investigation is ongoing, and police say additional information will be released when available.

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Halloween treats will be found in Oskaloosa Saturday afternoon, courtesy of Jefferson County Emergency Services.

A Halloween Trunk or Treat is planned on the holiday from 4:00 until 6:00, at the Jefferson County EMS Barn, at 1250 Walnut Street in Oskaloosa.

The event will feature emergency vehicles, decorated trunks, plenty of candy, music and games for an afternoon of Halloween fun.

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact Kelly Chess at Jefferson County Emergency Services.

(KLZA)--During the October 19 meeting of the Falls City Council, City Administrator Gary Jorn updated the Council members on several topics.

Jorn noted that city code prohibits blowing grass clippings into the streets when mowing.

Jorn also noted that along Highway 73, Highway 8 which is West 21st Street and Highway 159 which is east 14th Street, there are to be no signed placed placed on the right-of-way and there is to be no parking on the right-of-way.

The state has control of those state highways and through a contract with the state, the city is required to remove signs placed on the right-of-way.

 

(KNZA) — The 112th Annual Hiawatha Halloween Frolic will take place Saturday, October 31st, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1914.

The event was started by Elizabeth Krebs to give local youth something to do besides damaging her gardens.

This year’s theme is “Hiawatha’s Graveyard Gathering.”

Activities begin with the Miss Mary Children’s Costume Contest at noon at the Brown County Historical Society’s Memorial Auditorium. Registration starts at 11:00.

The traditional Kiddie Parade will begin at 3 p.m. around the Brown County Courthouse Square.

The Hiawatha Halloween Queen will be crowned at 6 p.m. on the north side of the courthouse, followed by the grand evening parade at 7.

This year’s grand marshals are the Diller family, in honor of the late Chris Diller. The family was nominated by the public and selected by members of the Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau.

The St. Joseph-based fire dancing group Pyro Flow will also perform in front of the grandstand following the evening parade.

 

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle crash in southern Jackson County Wednesday afternoon sent three people to the hospital.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 4:50 p.m. at the intersection of 134th and S Roads, about five miles south of Mayetta.

According to the Patrol, a Ford Ranger driven by 17-year-old Dustin Peters of Holton was northbound on S Road when he failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a westbound Dodge Durango on 134th Road. The Durango was driven by 24-year-old Madelyn Gruber of Holton.

Two 18-year-old passengers in the Ranger, Myles Helton of Denison and Laquita Peters of Holton, were taken to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka with suspected minor injuries. Gruber was also taken to the hospital with a possible injury.

Peters was suspected of having minor injuries, but the report does not indicate he was transported to a hospital.

The Patrol says none of the occupants in the Ranger were wearing seat belts. Gruber was buckled up.

(KNZA)--The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting family members of people incarcerated in the county jail.

The sheriff’s office recently received a report from someone contacted by a scammer posing as a sheriff’s sergeant. The caller claimed money was needed to bond a family member out of jail.

The scammer directed the victim to send money through a payment app, such as Chime, or wire money through a retailer like Walmart or Walgreens. In some cases, callers threaten to transfer the incarcerated person to an out-of-state jail if payment isn’t made.

The victim may then be told their family member is being released, only to discover at the jail that no payment was made.

The sheriff’s office emphasizes that deputies and correctional officers will not call family members or friends to request bail money through payment apps, wire transfers or similar methods.

Anyone receiving such a call should verify the information directly with the sheriff’s office at 785-364-2251 before sending money.

Officials also warn that scammers may disguise their caller ID and use threats or pressure to force quick decisions. Anyone who believes they’ve been targeted should immediately contact their financial institution or payment service and report the incident to law enforcement.

 

 

(KAIR)--A Tuesday night Atchison wreck left a Topeka woman injured after the vehicle she was driving struck a parked van, setting off a chain-reaction collision involving three parked vehicles.

That's according to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, who says officers responded shortly after midnight to the 400 block of North 4th Street.

Wilson says a Ford Edge, driven by 22-year-old Nailea Herrera, of Topeka, was northbound on 4th Street when it struck a parked Nissan van.

The impact pushed the van into two other vehicles parked in an adjacent driveway.

Herrera was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison where she received hospital treatment before being released.

(KAIR)--An upcoming blood drive at Atchison High School will help address an ongoing shortage of donated blood while honoring the memory of a 17-year-old Atchison teenager who died earlier this year.

Atchison High School National Honor Society President Chloe Brinsfield and Vice President Laini Tate announced plans for the event during the October 19 meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

The blood drive, organized in cooperation with the Community Blood Center, is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Atchison High School gymnasium.

During their presentation, the students explained that the Community Blood Center had requested an additional blood drive this year because of an ongoing blood shortage.

“At the beginning of this year, they reached out to us and asked if we'd be willing to schedule a third blood drive as we're in a blood shortage,” one of the student representatives told commissioners.

The event will also serve as a memorial to Ryan Berkhalter, affectionately known as “Hambone,” who died unexpectedly June 28, 2026.

Ryan was the son of Randle Keith Berkhalter and Stephanie Allison Berkhalter. His mother serves as a counselor at Atchison High School.

Atchison Mayor La Rochelle Young, who also serves as the school's National Honor Society sponsor, suggested dedicating the blood drive to Ryan's memory. The students contacted his mother, who supported the idea.

“We know there are a lot of students at the high school who were very close with him, so we just wanted to keep his memory alive,” one of the student representatives told commissioners.

The blood drive provides an opportunity for students and community members to honor Ryan while helping meet the need for donated blood.

Those interested in donating or seeking additional information can contact Atchison High School at 913-367-4384.

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A Monday morning Jackson County traffic stop led to the arrest of a 35-year-old Emporia woman after authorities discovered a vehicle she owned was allegedly not listed on her Kansas offender registration.

That’s according to a release issued Wednesday by Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, who says a deputy stopped a Nissan Pathfinder around 9:24 Monday morning, on the U.S. Highway 75 on-ramp from 150th Road.

The vehicle's owner, Tori Jo Granado, was identified as a front-seat passenger.

Morse, in the release, says the deputy, prior to the stop, had previously identified Granado as a registered offender , “while conducting proactive law enforcement activities in a parking lot near Mayetta.”

During the traffic stop, the deputy determined that the vehicle had been purchased August 31 but was allegedly not listed on Granado's offender registration, as required.

Granado was arrested on two counts of alleged violation of offender registration requirements and transported to the Jackson County Jail.

 

(KAIR)--A late Wednesday morning gathering led to a social media statement, less than four hours before its scheduled start, announcing that a quorum of the Atchison County Commission may be present "for a luncheon honoring Ty Masterson," adding that while "County business may be discussed...no official action will be taken."

The Wednesday morning statement was issued by Atchison County, on behalf of the Commission, around 7:25, announcing the gathering from 11:00 until 1:00, at 121 North 5th Street in Atchison.

Anyone with questions can contact the commissioners by email at commissioners@atcoks.org.

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Recent incidents of vandalism at a playground in Effingham could result in the facility being closed to the public after hours.

In a social media statement Wednesday morning, Atchison County Community Schools, USD 377, reported that someone threw chunks of asphalt throughout the preschool and kindergarten playground at 306 Main Street, including onto playground equipment.

District officials also believe asphalt was thrown at the building's doors, cracking the safety glass.

The district says it wants to keep the playground available to children outside school hours, but continued incidents could force its closure.

Anyone who witnessed the incidents or has information about those responsible is asked to contact the school district.

Officials say no police report has been filed at this point, in hopes those responsible will come forward voluntarily.

(KAIR)--Voters in Jefferson West USD 340, on November 3, will decide the fate of a seven-point-five-million-dollar bond issue for facility improvements. It’s the district’s third bond proposal, after voters rejected measures in 2024 and again in March.

The latest proposal is scaled back from the 17-point-five-million-dollar plan rejected in March, with input from a community group.

The bond would fund improvements to five district buildings, including security upgrades, electrical repairs, and updated heating and cooling systems. Parts of the district’s preschool building date back to 1966.

If approved, the bond would be repaid over ten years, increasing the mill levy by an estimated 12 mills. The owner of a 200-thousand-dollar home would pay about 20 dollars more per month.

District officials say some improvements could begin as early as next spring if voters approve the proposal.

(MSC News)--Kansas is awarding more than 2-point-6 million dollars in broadband grants for projects in Atchison, Brown and Marshall counties.

Governor Laura Kelly announced Rainbow Communications will receive more than 614-thousand dollars to connect 104 businesses and homes in Atchison and Brown counties.

Blue Valley Technologies will receive nearly 1-point-8 million dollars to provide service to 154 businesses and homes in Marshall County.

The grants are part of 12-point-9 million dollars awarded statewide through the Kansas Broadband Acceleration Grant program. The funding will be matched with nearly 14 million dollars in private and local investments to expand high-speed internet access across 44 rural Kansas counties.

The program supports broadband infrastructure to improve access to remote work, telehealth, education and business opportunities.

(KNZA)--The Brown County Sheriff’s Office will host its 19th annual Trick-or-Treat event Thursday evening, October 29th.

The event will take place from 5 to 8 at the sheriff’s office, located at 709 Utah Street in Hiawatha.

Sheriff John Merchant says children will receive bags containing candy, glow sticks, pencils, stickers and Halloween safety information. He says the event is something staff look forward to each year and provides an opportunity to interact with parents and children.

Merchant also reminds families to take precautions for a safe Halloween, including trick-or-treating with friends or family, staying in well-lit areas, carrying a flashlight and wearing reflective clothing. Children should only visit homes with porch lights on, have an adult check their treats and be accompanied by an adult if they’re young.

Thursday and Friday, October 29th and 30th, have been designated as Trick-or-Treat nights in Hiawatha. Residents who want to participate should turn on their front porch lights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--With Halloween approaching, a Kansas State University veterinarian is reminding pet owners that some holiday traditions can pose serious risks to their animals.

K-State veterinarian Susan Nelson says Halloween candy should be kept out of pets' reach, particularly chocolate, raisins and products containing the artificial sweetener xylitol, which can be toxic to animals.

Decorations, electrical cords and candles can also pose hazards, while pet costumes should allow animals to see, hear, breathe and move comfortably.

Nelson also recommends keeping pets indoors during trick-or-treating, providing a quiet space away from frequent visitors and making sure identification tags and microchip information are current.

She says unfamiliar costumes, loud noises and repeated doorbell rings can frighten even normally calm pets.

Owners of animals with severe anxiety are encouraged to consult their veterinarian before Halloween.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Stormwater drainage improvements are planned at several locations in Atchison, following action by the City Commission last week.

Commissioners approved a $102,200 contract with Hagerty and Mack Excavation, of Shawnee, for the replacement of deteriorating stormwater inlets and underground drainage pipes. The agreement also includes an additional $5,000 in change order authority.

Public Works and Utilities Director Clinton McNemee told commissioners during their October 19 meeting that the project will address some of the city's ongoing drainage problems.

McNemee said several stormwater inlets throughout Atchison have deteriorated, with problems ranging from broken or collapsed inlet structures to underground pipes that have rusted, deteriorated or become blocked.

The improvements will include two stormwater inlets and connecting pipes in the 700 block of U Street, two inlets and pipes in the 1600 block of Riley Street, replacement of stormwater piping connecting two inlets on 17th Street near Commercial Street, and one inlet and associated piping in the 900 block of North 5th Street.

McNemee said the contractor has indicated work could begin soon. However, he would prefer that the projects on Riley and 17th Streets, near Atchison High School, be completed during Christmas break to minimize traffic disruptions.

Both projects will require cuts across the streets to replace underground drainage pipes.

The city has budgeted $150,000 annually for stormwater improvements as part of its capital improvement program.

McNemee said the approved work represents only a portion of the drainage repairs needed throughout Atchison. Additional projects are expected to come before commissioners within the next three months.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Sheriff Rick Hardesty met with the Commissioners last week.

The Sheriff reported there were 18 inmates in the jail.

An application has been submitted for funding for overtime hours for deputies November 25 – 29 for the “Click It or Ticket” program through the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

The Sheriff's Office is also applying for funding through “ICE 28 Program,” a federal partnership established under Immigration and Nationality Act Section 287, which allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement known as ICE to delegate specific immigration enforcement duties to trained state, local and tribal enforcement officers.

(KLZA)--October 23–31 is Red Ribbon Week, a national observance focused on preventing drug use and encouraging healthy, supportive communities. In Nebraska, Red Ribbon Week serves as a reminder of the important role parents, educators, health care professionals, peers, and community members play in helping youth make healthy choices and the importance of immediate access to services for those who need help.

This year's national theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.", emphasizes the choice to live drug-free is an act of leadership and courage. Everyday decisions made by youth and adults can positively shape families, classrooms, workplaces, and communities across the state.

Early education and intervention are key to reducing the impacts of substance use and mental health challenges. Substance use can affect a person's ability to work, learn, maintain relationships, and manage daily life. In State Fiscal Year 25, over 21,000 Nebraskans were directly reached with community-based prevention resources. Prevention promotes resilience, strengthens families, and supports community well-being.

“Prevention helps individuals build healthy coping skills and supports safer, stronger communities," said Thomas Janousek, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health at DHHS. “When youth, families, and communities engage in conversations about substance use and learn about available resources, they create a foundation for long-term resilience and recovery across Nebraska. When a crisis or uncertain time affects a youth, they do not have to question next steps. Conversations about prevention and resources will help them know what action to take in critical moments."

Red Ribbon Week began in 1988, created by the National Family Partnership to honor Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena, who was killed in 1985 by drug traffickers. The red ribbon became a symbol of the ongoing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs and recognizing those who work to keep communities safe.

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

Community Engagement

Wear red ribbons and share them with friends, family, volunteers, staff, and coworkers.

Share Red Ribbon Week messages and prevention tips on school or community websites, newsletters, and public bulletin boards. www.redribbon.org/resources 

Create or display educational materials in high-traffic areas such as libraries, clinics, grocery stores, recreation centers, and schools.

Connect with the parents of your children's friends to encourage consistent expectations and model healthy behaviors.

Neighborhood Support

Organize conversations with neighbors about community safety and youth substance use.

Work together to identify concerns and notify one another if suspicious activity is observed.

Medication Safety

Store medications securely in lockboxes to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.

Dispose of unused prescription drugs safely. Improper disposal may lead to misuse, environmental contamination, or accidental ingestion. Contact local pharmacies for proper disposal guidance.

Accessing Help and Crisis Support

988: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 mental health and substance use crisis support. Your reason is reason enough to reach out for help. 

Same Day Scheduling and Walk-In Access: Find providers offering immediate behavioral health support in your local area at dhhs.ne.gov/sameday.

NARCAN Access: NARCAN nasal spray can reverse an opioid overdose. Learn how to access it at stopodne.com 

(KNZA) — The Villas of Beautiful Maples housing project in Hiawatha is returning to its original proposed site west of Bruning Park.

The City Commission voted 3-to-2 Monday night to return to the original location rather than pursue about 1.5 acres at 913 South Third Street. Commissioners Brian Shefferd and Tom Martin opposed the move.

A motion by Shefferd to delay the decision until firmer cost estimates were available failed on a 2-to-3 vote.

Developer Dave Anderson urged commissioners to choose a site, citing project deadlines.

Commissioners supporting the original site said costs are better known there, with the city’s share estimated at more than 800-thousand dollars. Shefferd argued the city doesn’t have the money for either location.

City Administrator Brad Scott had recommended the South Third Street site, saying it could save money compared to the original location, although the costs remain uncertain.

Scott said the city plans to seek a state revolving loan to cover its share, with repayment coming from economic development sales tax funds.

The commission voted in September to move the proposed duplex development to existing vacant lots within the city following opposition to creating a Rural Housing Incentive District.

In other business, commissioners agreed to consider changing a 1977 ordinance limiting trailer parking on city streets to two hours. Local resident Matthew Haws urged the commission to make a change. The issue will be placed on the next meeting's agenda.

Mayor Shamburg also recognized Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon for 15 years of service with the department.  

 

(KNZA)--A 19-year-old Hiawatha man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for multiple felony child sex offenses.

Court documents show Connor Wenger was handed the sentence Monday in Brown County District Court on charges of electronic solicitation of a child under 14, aggravated internet trading in child pornography, and sexual exploitation of a child.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says Wenger will also be required to register as a sex offender for life and serve lifetime post-release supervision.

Wenger pleaded no contest to the charges last month. He was originally charged with six felony sex offenses.

Wenger was arrested last October following an investigation by the Hiawatha Police Department and its digital forensics unit.

Photo: Allen Byler/Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)--A jury trial scheduled this week for a Nortonville man facing child sex charges has been canceled after the charges were dismissed and he was ordered transferred to Colorado to face a separate warrant.

Court records show 34-year-old Allen Byler had been scheduled for trial Wednesday through Friday in Jefferson County District Court on two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He pleaded not guilty in August.

The state dismissed those charges October 9th without prejudice, meaning they could be refiled.

Rape and aggravated criminal sodomy charges against Byler had previously been dismissed after a judge ruled the alleged crimes occurred in Colorado.

Byler waived extradition October 13th, allowing authorities in Lincoln County, Colorado, to take custody of him. An extradition status hearing scheduled for October 21st was canceled after the transfer order was carried out.

Byler was arrested in June following a joint investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation into alleged crimes involving a child under 14.

(KNZA)--The City of Horton has been awarded a $300,000 grant through the Kansas Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program to help rehabilitate about 25 homes.

Mayor Bryan Stirton announced the award during the October 19th city commission meeting. The city will provide an additional nearly $5,300 in local funding.

Commissioners also approved advertising for a part-time or contract information technology support position.

In addition, the commission approved an ordinance on second reading, amending the city's zoning regulations to reduce minimum floor-area requirements for single-family and two-family homes, allowing for smaller housing options.

(KAIR)--A central Missouri traffic stop Sunday led to the recovery of more than $151,000 reportedly stolen from a St. Joseph casino.

According to a report from KQ2-TV, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Macon County Sheriff's Office were notified of a theft at St. Jo Frontier Casino Sunday morning around 10:30.

Authorities were advised that a vehicle involved in the theft was eastbound on U.S. Highway 36.

About 25 minutes later, Macon County deputies located the vehicle west of Highway 63 and conducted a felony traffic stop with assistance from the Highway Patrol.

A man and woman were taken into custody, and a subsequent search of the vehicle, authorized by a warrant, led to the recovery of more than $151,000.

The TV-station reports the money was seized and held at a local bank pending pickup by troopers from St. Joseph.

Both suspects have been charged with felony stealing in St. Joseph and are awaiting extradition to the custody of Buchanan County.

 

 

(KAIR)--Buckle up and put that phone down, with transportation officials saying those actions save lives on roadways.

Wednesday, October 28, is Buckle Up Phone Down Day, an annual campaign encouraging drivers to wear seat belts and avoid distractions behind the wheel.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says preliminary figures from 2025 show 368 people died in traffic wrecks across the state, including 110 who were not wearing seat belts.

Another 60 people died in wrecks involving distracted driving, with more than 400 others suffering suspected serious injuries.

Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed is encouraging drivers to accept the challenge and set an example for younger motorists by buckling up and putting their phones away.

KDOT recommends silencing phone notifications, using the Do Not Disturb feature, or having a passenger handle calls and messages.

According to federal highway safety officials, wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by about 45 percent in a passenger car and 60 percent in a light truck.

The Buckle Up Phone Down campaign began in Missouri in 2017 and has since expanded nationwide.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners reviewed with Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Kirkendall, action that will be taken by the Nebraska Public Power  District's Cooper Nuclear Station at Brownville in the coming months in regards to the emergency siren located in the Village of Shubert.

The siren will no longer be used by NPPD when their warning system change is complete and the siren will be removed from the Village.

The siren has been utilized as an emergency weather siren with Richardson County Emergence Management providing weather alert radios to the village for distribution to residents within the village.

It was also mentioned that NPPD should have also distributed an emergency radio to residents within a 10-mi radius of the Cooper Nuclear Plant.

The County will review the matter and contact NPPD to inquire about the emergency siren and the possibility of transferring to another public entity.

 

 

(KLZA)-- Safety is always on the mind of school officials.

Recently the Falls City Public Schools transportation department took part in school bus safety procedures during school safety week.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Offner talked about the drills which included school bus evacuation drills and also served as bus driver appreciation week.

An additional bus evacuation drill will take place out on a bus route later this school year.

In addition, those passing by school buildings earlier this month may have noticed law enforcement vehicles at the Falls City public school buildings. They were taking part in lockdown drills at the school 4 buildings.

This was an annual lock down drill.

It was the first time for the Falls City Police and Richardson County Sheriff's office to conduct combined drills in the schools.

 

(KAIR)--An Atchison County investigation began Sunday into the theft of several thousand dollars worth of construction tools from two enclosed trailers.

A release from Sheriff Jack Laurie says deputies responded to the 19000 block of 258th Road Sunday morning around 7:30, following a report of theft and criminal damage.

Investigators determined that sometime between 8:00 Saturday night and 7:00 Sunday morning, someone cut the hinges off both trailers to gain access.

Among the items stolen were nail guns, an air compressor, a generator, drills, saws, a blower and batteries.

Laurie says the stolen tools are valued at more than $3,000, with additional losses from damage to the trailers.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Photo credit: Doniphan County Freedom Rock Foundation

 

(KNZA)--A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony was held Saturday morning in Doniphan County for Kansas’ second Freedom Rock, a hand-painted veterans memorial honoring local service members.

The rock is located at the Leonard L. Clary Community Center in Troy.

Iowa artist Bubba Sorensen created the monument as part of his nationwide Freedom Rock project, which began in 1998.

Among those honored are local Kansas National Guard soldiers Clinton Wisdom and Don Clary, who were killed in Iraq in 2004 while defending a convoy from an insurgent attack. The rock also honors Kyle Jewell, who died while helping others during a medical emergency in St. Joseph.  In addition, it honors Medal of Honor recepient Forest Peden of Wathena. 

The project was about ten years in the making and was completed in roughly nine months with strong community support.

Organizers hope the monument will attract visitors and serve as a gathering place for families, veterans and community organizations for generations to come.

(KNZA)--The city of Robinson has been awarded more than 186-thousand dollars in federal grant funding to purchase a new brush truck for the Robinson Fire Department.

The funding, through the Kansas Department of Commerce, will be matched with nearly 23-thousand dollars in local funds.

The new truck will replace an aging 1970 military-surplus vehicle and serve as a primary response vehicle for fires, medical emergencies, rescues, traffic control and mutual-aid calls.

The department serves Robinson, Robinson Township, Irving Township and surrounding communities, including Hiawatha, Horton and Everest.

The department responds to an average of 58 calls a year.

Robinson Mayor Kelly Griswold says the grant is an important investment in public safety for the city and surrounding rural areas.

Photo: Dr. Steve Pegram/Credit USD 500

 

(KNZA)---Doniphan West school district Superintendent Dr. Steve Pegram has accepted a contract extension through the 2027-2028 school year.

Pegram is currently serving as interim superintendent after former Superintendent Heather Ball resigned.

The district says Pegram has focused on communication, supporting staff and students, addressing facility needs and working with the school board on district priorities.

Pegram has worked as a Kansas public school educator and superintendent since 1995.

He says he appreciates the board's confidence and looks forward to continuing efforts to improve educational opportunities while responsibly managing district resources.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha USD 415 will hold a community meeting Wednesday, October 28, to discuss the district’s school facilities master plan and a potential bond issue.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Hiawatha High School Auditorium.

District officials say residents will have an opportunity to learn about facility improvement options, ask questions and better understand the district’s needs.

More information about the facilities master plan and previous community presentations is available on the district’s website.

KMZA) — The City of Seneca and Nemaha County are discussing a property exchange that could give the city ownership of the Nemaha County Community Building.

City Administrator Steve Brooks told the City Council the proposal involves about nine acres of city-owned property near the fairgrounds horse arena.

The community building needs a new roof and other improvements. Local resident Jim Koch has expressed interest in helping fund an expansion with a gymnasium and stage area.

The facility could also house the Parks and Recreation Director’s office and a fitness room.

Council members expressed support, and the city and county hope to reach a final decision by the end of the year.

In other business, the council approved a Junior Firefighter Program and appointed Jim Runnebaum to the Planning Commission.

The council also approved McLiney and Company as municipal advisor for the generation project.

 

 

(KAIR)--Plans for Benedictine College's proposed School of Osteopathic Medicine took another step forward Monday with action by the Atchison City Commission.

Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance vacating portions of three alleys near Unity Street, where the college plans to develop its medical school.

During the October 19 meeting, City Manager Mark Westhoff explained that Benedictine College requested the alley vacations as part of the proposed development.

Westhoff said the college is the only adjoining property owner along the affected alley sections and that property owners within the required notification area had been informed of the request.

The affected areas include portions of alleys between Fifth and Sixth Streets and west of Sixth Street.

According to Westhoff, the alleys are unimproved and unpaved and are not used for trash collection. The vacations are not expected to interfere with city services or prevent access to neighboring properties.

Existing utility easements will remain in place, including one protecting a city sewer line beneath one of the alleys. Westhoff said the easement could be relocated in the future if the college requests and receives approval for such a change.

No members of the public spoke during the public hearing on the proposed vacations.

Following the hearing, commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance, authorizing the alley vacations in connection with BC's proposed medical school development.

Updated Oct 26, 2026, by Brian Hagen 11:40 a.m.

(KAIR)--Additional details are released regarding the Saturday morning arrest of a 45-year-old Iowa man in Brown County, following a pursuit and wreck the night before.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant says the incident began shortly after 9:15 Friday night, when deputies responded to the Atchison-Brown County line following a report of a pursuit involving a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro.

A Brown County deputy later engaged the vehicle, which wrecked on the southern edge of Horton. The driver, Joseph Roth, of Orange City, Iowa, fled on foot.

Roth was located and arrested without incident Saturday morning near U.S. Highway 75, in the Powhattan area.

Merchant says Roth faces felony charges of fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement and obstruction, along with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no proof of insurance, no registration, and failure to report a wreck.

He remains in custody at the Brown County Jail.

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(KAIR)--An ongoing investigation into criminal activity in Brown County led to the Saturday morning arrest of a 45-year-old Iowa man.

The apprehension of Joseph Roth, of Orange City, Iowa, came about an hour after Brown County Sheriff John Merchant issued a release asking for the public's assistance in locating Roth, who was identified as a suspect in recent criminal activity in the county.

In that earlier release, Merchant said authorities had reason to believe Roth was no longer in the Horton area.

A follow-up release from Merchant, issued shortly after 11:00 Saturday morning, said a Brown County deputy located and arrested Roth around 10:20, near 140th Road and U.S. Highway 75, in the Powhattan area of Brown County.

Merchant credited assistance from the Atchison, Horton, Hiawatha and Highland Police Departments, the Kansas Highway Patrol, sheriff's offices in Jackson, Nemaha and Doniphan counties, Sac and Fox Police, and Kansas Wildlife and Parks.

Roth was booked into the Brown County Jail on charges including fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, interference with law enforcement, driving while his license was suspended or revoked, unlawful vehicle registration, failing to report damage to unattended property, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Merchant, in Saturday morning's final release, called the investigation "ongoing," with "more details" to "be released at a later date."

 

 

Photo: ( L-R) Mark Rounds and Dan Glynn/Credit: HCC

 

(KNZA)--Highland Community College is remembering two men whose service helped shape the college and the communities it serves.

College President Dr. Vincent Bowhay says Mark Rounds and Dan Glynn shared a commitment to education and expanding opportunities for others.

Glynn died October first at age 78, and Rounds died October eighth at age 68.

Rounds served on Highland's Board of Trustees and advocated for the college and its students at the state and federal levels. Bowhay described him as a dedicated public servant, a champion for Northeast Kansas, and a close friend and mentor.

Glynn spent 37 years with Highland, including 29 years as a full-time instructor. He taught English, literature, communications, journalism and other courses, including evening classes at 15 locations throughout the college's service area.

He also chaired the English and Communication Department, served twice as faculty association president, and helped support student writing through the Reese Scholarship.

Bowhay says both men left lasting legacies, with Rounds championing the college's mission and Glynn bringing that mission to life in classrooms across Northeast Kansas.

He says Highland and its surrounding communities are stronger because of their service.

Photo:  ( L-R ) Bryan Fix and Gabriel Hernandez  

 

(KNZA)--Two individuals are facing drug charges following separate incidents in Brown County.

According to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, 54-year-old Bryan Fix of Hiawatha was arrested Wednesday after deputies executed a search warrant at an apartment on Lodge Road in Hiawatha.

Fix was booked into the Brown County Jail on charges of possessing methamphetamine, marijuana, hallucinogenic drugs and drug paraphernalia.

The Hiawatha Police Department assisted in the investigation.

In a separate incident Thursday night, a Brown County deputy stopped a vehicle on U-S Highway 75 for a traffic violation.

The deputy reported smelling marijuana and locating THC products, drug paraphernalia and other items.

Thirty-one-year-old Gabriel Hernandez of Fairmont, Minnesota, was arrested and booked into the Brown County Jail on charges of possessing cocaine, marijuana, hallucinogenic drugs and drug paraphernalia.

The sheriff’s office reported Hernandez told the deputy he had suspected cocaine hidden on his person.

 

(KLZA)-Richardson County Commissioners voted to accept a revised bid for hauling road rock from Fuxa Enterprises, LLC when they met Wednesday.

Last week Commissioners approved a contract with Fuxa Enterprises to haul road rock from the Whetrock Quarry in Murray, Nebraska, to the Dawson area where a stockpile of rock would be created.

Fuxa requested the original bid for hauling at a rate of $9.93 per ton, be revised to $12,62 per ton to reflect changing conditions and the delayed project schedule.

Whetrock Quarry has a lack of available rock. The original contract would have cost the county nearly $74,500 in hauling fees.

The cost will be $9.93 per ton which would amount to a total of nearly $74,500 in hauling fees for 75 tons of rock. The added cost will bring the hauling fee up to $94,650, an increase of $20,175.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. presented a recommendation to reclassify 642 Boulevard between 705 Road and 703 Trail to a minimum maintenance road. The area is located southwest of Salem.

The Board will consider the report during their October 28th meeting whether to proceed with the change.

(KLZA)--During the October meeting of the Falls City Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Offner provided information to the Board on land transferring from one school district to another.

Offner said he looked into the details after being approached about the topic. There are some plots of land taxed by other school districts that are totally surrounded by property assigned to District 56.

Offner was asked how the process worked if someone wanted to transfer their land to School District 56.

While it is possible to do such transfers in Nebraska, Offner said it is a detailed process that could include swapping of land between districts.

No such transfers are in the works, it was just an item offered up as information to the Board.

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--The Kansas Court of Appeals will hold a special session in Atchison next week, giving the public an opportunity to see the state's appellate court at work.

A release Friday from the Kansas Judicial Branch says a three-judge panel will hear oral arguments in two cases Tuesday morning, October 27, beginning at 9:30, at Benedictine College's new Moritz Library in D'Aniello Hall.

Chief Judge Sarah Warner will preside over the proceedings, joined by Judges Karen Arnold-Burger and Rachel Pickering.

The session is open to students and the public. Following the arguments, the judges will answer questions about the Court of Appeals and the judicial process.

Warner says holding proceedings at colleges across Kansas provides an educational opportunity while allowing the court to connect with communities outside its regular courtrooms.

The location is also significant. Benedictine's new library was modeled after Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were debated and signed.

Attorneys for each side will have 15 minutes to present their arguments and answer questions from the judges. Written decisions are generally issued within 60 days.

(KAIR)--More than half a million dollars in federal funding to improve patient access to healthcare services has been awarded to AllWays Community Health Center in Atchison

Kansas Second District Congressman Derek Schmidt announced the $544,502 grant Wednesday, saying the money will be used to reduce missed patient appointments and strengthen coordination of referrals for medical care.

The funding comes through the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, which Schmidt says was established last year to help sustain healthcare services in rural communities.

According to Schmidt, the latest award brings total funding through the program for hospitals and clinics operating in Kansas's Second Congressional District to more than $17.3 million.

Schmidt says additional funding is expected as the program continues.

Harley Evans/Credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)--A 34-year-old Holton man faces multiple felony charges following his arrest last Friday on a Jackson County warrant.

Court documents show Harley Evans is charged with one count of child abuse, three counts of aggravated domestic battery, and one count of criminal threat.

The alleged child abuse occurred in July, while the three aggravated domestic battery charges involve separate incidents in March, April and July.

Evans is also accused of making criminal threats against two individuals in September.

A preliminary examination-status hearing in the case is scheduled for November 12th.

Evans remains in the Jackson County Jail on a 100-thousand-dollar bond.

(KNZA)---A Purple Heart mural being painted in Hiawatha and a proposed dispatch services agreement with the city were discussed during Monday’s Brown County Commission meeting.

Commissioner Richard Tesoriero said two Kansas City-based artists began painting the mural this week on a building at North Sixth and Oregon Streets.

The goal is to have the mural completed by the Hiawatha Halloween Frolic on October 31st, ahead of the original Veterans Day target.

About 30 to 40 Purple Heart recipients have been identified in Brown County, including seven who are still living.  The project is being funded through donations.

Tesoriero also updated commissioners on discussions with Hiawatha officials about a proposed dispatch services agreement.

The county has offered to provide dispatch services for 125-thousand dollars a year, with a two-point-seven-five percent annual cost-of-living increase.

The city wants a one-year notice requirement if either side decides to end the agreement. Officials also discussed a longer contract term, with the annual cost-of-living increase delayed until the third year and reduced to two percent.

Tesoriero said he had no problem with the proposed changes.

County Counselor Austin Parker agreed to draft an agreement based on the terms discussed.

(KNZA)--Doniphan County drivers are being urged to use caution Saturday during an overnight marathon and ultra marathon.

Emergency Management Coordinator Scott Morris told the County Commission Monday the October 24th event is sponsored by Show Me Your Free State as a fundraiser for the Benton High School Cross Country team.

The route ranges from a half-marathon to a 100-mile ultra marathon, beginning at Rosecrans Memorial Airport and following the Elwood Gladden Drainage District levee, Valencia Road, Treece Road and East St. Joseph Street in Wathena, with the route repeated.

Sheriff Mark Allen has coordinated with K-DOT and event organizers to post electronic warnings at Treece Road and East St. Joseph Street. Signs and aid stations will also be set up along the route.

Runners will wear reflective gear and headlamps. Emergency Management will send a TextCaster alert urging residents to use caution when driving in the area.

(KLZA)--November 16 – 23 is the National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.

Volunteers are preparing now for the collection of gift-filled shoeboxes for children, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster.

The goal this year is to collect enough gift boxes to reach 12.8 million children.

If you are interested in preparing a shoebox, there is a step-by-step guide on “How to Pack a Shoebox” webpage.

The project partners with local churches around the globe to deliver the shoeboxes. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination.

Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering the gift-filled shoeboxes to children since 1993.

If you prepare a shoebox, area drop off locations will include:

The Christian Church in Auburn, NE. at 1100 15th Street.

Northridge Church in Sabetha, KS. 316 Lincoln Street.

The Fairfax Missouri Baptist Church at 600 Angell Street.

The Highland Kanss Christian Church at 102 Main Street.

The First Baptist Church in Tecumseh, NE. at 333 Jackson Street.

The 1st United Methodist Church in Nebraska City at 1023 1st Avenue.

The Trinity Lutheran Church at 603, North 8th Street in Atchison, KS.

First Baptist Church at 404 Juniper Drive in Holton, KS.

And the Christ Community Church in Beatrice at 2727 Lincoln Street.

Each drop off location has it's own hours to accept the shoeboxes.

JEFFERSON CITY – Following a comprehensive review, the Missouri Department of Transportation announced today the locations of upcoming increases to the speed limit of various interstate corridor segments. These increases are the result of a new law permitting the department to raise the maximum rural highway speed limit to 75 mph, and follows a detailed review within the department of each eligible location.
“The department takes careful consideration of all the different factors that make up a roadway when setting speed limits, including how people use it,” said MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger. “This decision is not made lightly and comes after a detailed study into each of those factors to determine where we can move people and traffic efficiently at higher speeds without sacrificing safety.”
As part of the detailed review process, the department considered the following factors at each eligible location:
Current traffic volumes
Truck traffic volumes
Current speed data
Crash history
Terrain
Road design, including the presence of safety countermeasures
Existing speed limits of border states in eligible areas near the state line
Active construction
As a result, the department has identified the following interstate segments for an increase to the 75-mph speed limit:
I-29: 
From Exit 56 in Andrew County to approximately 2.5 miles south of the Iowa border (64 miles)
I-35: 
From the northern Cameron city limit to approximately 4 miles south of the Iowa border (55 miles)
I-49: 
From the Arkansas border to Exit 24 (24 miles)
From Exit 56 to just south of Exit 101 in Nevada (45 miles)
I-55: 
From the Arkansas border to mile marker 16.6 just south of the I-155 interchange (17 miles)
From mile marker 19.8 just north of the MO 84 interchange to mile marker 64.9 at the Rte. AA bridge (45 miles)
From mile marker 70.5 just north of the Rte. HH interchange to mile marker 86.6 just south of the Rte. PP interchange (16 miles)
From mile marker 106.4 just north of Exit 105 to mile marker 164.9 at the Jefferson County line (59 miles)
A map highlighting the approximate segment locations can be found online - 75 MPH Speed Limit Location Map.
MoDOT crews will be working this fall to update the speed limits on these stretches of interstate, which entails updating the posted signs along the highways. Drivers should continue to abide by the posted speed limit along the highways.
“An increased speed limit may allow motorists to reach their destinations faster, but safety must remain a priority,” said Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Michael A. Turner. “The Patrol and our traffic safety partners at MoDOT remain committed to reducing the number and severity of traffic crashes in Missouri. It is each driver’s responsibility to make safe decisions while driving. Even with an increase in speed, drivers must stay aware and reduce their speed on rural interstates when necessary. Drive responsibly, stay alert, and adjust your speed for roadway and weather conditions. Each of us have a role to play in making sure everyone gets home safely.”
            Like it does for all highways, MoDOT will monitor and evaluate the crash data at these locations and may adjust the speed limit back to 70 mph as necessary.
Hassinger emphasized that highways across our state were not built for 80+ mph traffic. And a driver is looking at a significantly shorter window to react to the road and conditions around them at that speed. Getting where you’re going safely begins and ends with the decisions you make behind the wheel. If you want to make it where you’re headed safely, buckle up, stay alert, drive sober, and follow the speed limit.” 

(KAIR)--New infrastructure funding for improvements at Atchison's Amelia Earhart Airport comes as the city prepares for a return to normal operations following construction of its new runway.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that Atchison is among 11 Kansas communities receiving funding through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Infrastructure Grant Program.

Atchison's project represents a total investment of $275,001 for rehabilitation and reconstruction work involving airport aprons, hangars and taxilanes.

The announcement follows action Monday by the Atchison City Commission to extend its fixed-base operator agreement with Heartland Ag Aviation through December 31, 2028, and reinstate city hangar lease fees beginning January 1, 2027.

The extension is intended to compensate the airport operator for the lengthy suspension of services during construction of Runway 09-27, which experienced delays and required approximately two and a half years of closure.

The city also delayed reinstatement of hangar lease fees to give aircraft owners who relocated during construction an opportunity to return without having to pay rent at two airports simultaneously.

Although the new runway has been completed and is primarily usable, some remaining work includes seeding, weather station activation, flight checks and publication of updated airport information.

The commission unanimously approved the contract extension and reinstatement of lease fees.

Regarding the statewide airport investments, the governor's office says Atchison's project is part of more than $4.5 million in airport infrastructure investments across 11 Kansas communities.

The announcement includes more than $4.2 million in federal funding, over $212,000 in state matching funds through the Build Kansas Fund, and more than $12,000 in local contributions. The release did not specify the individual federal, state and local shares of Atchison's $275,001 project investment.

The funding comes through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with the Kansas Infrastructure Hub helping communities secure federal grants and the Build Kansas Fund providing matching dollars.

Kelly said investments in airports are important for improving transportation connectivity and supporting local economies.

Kansas Department of Transportation Aviation Director Ray Seif said airports provide essential access for air ambulances, agricultural operations, firefighting aircraft, businesses and flight training.

Since 2024, the Build Kansas Fund has provided $51.7 million in state matching funds to help secure nearly $169 million in federal grants for 110 projects across Kansas.

Alexander Holmes/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office  

 

(KNZA)--A Missouri man has pleaded guilty to charges in a Brown County child sex case.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says 36-year-old Alexander Holmes, of Maryville, Missouri, pleaded guilty Monday in Brown County District Court to rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

In exchange for the plea, a charge of aggravated criminal sodomy was dismissed.

Holmes was arrested in March following a lengthy investigation by the Brown County Sheriff's Department into allegations involving a victim under the age of 14 between June and October 2025.

Hill says Holmes faces lifetime sex offender registration and lifetime post-release supervision, in addition to a lengthy prison sentence.

Holmes' bond was revoked, and he was remanded to the Brown County Jail to await sentencing November 16.

( L-R ) Faiqu Nawid and Crystal Velasquez/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--A second person is facing charges in connection with an arson investigation in Brown County.

Court documents show 40-year-old Faiqu Nawid of Morrill is charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson.

His co-defendant, 38-year-old Crystal Velasquez, also of Morrill, faces the same charges.

Both were arrested following an October 15th fire at 605 Virginia Street in Morrill. The complaint alleges four fires were set inside the residence, where both defendants lived.

No injuries were reported.

Nawid’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 28th, while Velasquez’s hearing is set for November 6th.

Both remain in the Brown County Jail on $50,000 bond each.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council heard a number of updates from City Administrator Gary Jorn when they met Monday evening. 
One update included Jorn noting that a substantial increase in the price of the 2024-25 audit from the HBE firm has been paid. 
During the October 5th Council meeting,  following an executive session the Council voted 6-0 with two members absent to deny the HBE additional charges for the audit pending further information.  The additional charges totaled $27,600.
Monday night the bill, split between the General Fund and the Utility funds was approved when the claims were approved.
Approval to pay the additional funds did not come before the Council as a separate item during a meeting for action, Jorn said that he had talked to a few Council members who agreed to go ahead and pay the additional charges and move forward.
Administrator Jorn also noted that updates continue at the City Power plant and improvements seem to be working well.  Equipment was installed on unit 9 at the plant. In testing the engine produced 7.5 megawatts of electricity for about 4 hours, going from diesel to natural gas with no issues.  Since then, the engine has been in operation twice more with no issues. 
In other business the Council approved a recommendation from the Board of Public Works for a roof overlay project at the Power Plant by Salt Contracting in an amount of $84,126.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A Lenexa man was cited after striking a pedestrian Tuesday afternoon in downtown Atchison, sending the woman to the hospital.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 20-year-old Robert Klasinski was driving a pickup truck around 3:15 that afternoon when he struck a 45-year-old woman in a crosswalk at Fifth Street and Kansas Avenue.

The woman was taken by private vehicle to a hospital, where she was treated and released.

Klasinski was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man has been convicted of second-degree murder and several other charges stemming from a deadly wreck during a police pursuit in Basehor last year.

A release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson says 23-year-old Johmelo Marki Mapp-Jenkins entered a no-contest plea Tuesday in Leavenworth County District Court, during the second day of his jury trial.

The charges stem from an August 2025 pursuit that began when a Basehor police officer attempted to stop Mapp-Jenkins for speeding on Leavenworth Road.

Authorities say Mapp-Jenkins initially stopped, but fled as the officer approached his vehicle, eventually reaching speeds exceeding 95 miles per hour.

The pursuit ended when Mapp-Jenkins crashed near 147th Street and Parallel Road, then fled on foot, leaving two unconscious passengers behind.

His front-seat passenger later died from her injuries, while a backseat passenger suffered severe injuries.

In addition to second-degree murder, Mapp-Jenkins was convicted of aggravated battery, fleeing police, and two counts of leaving the scene of a wreck involving death or serious injury.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 13.

Photo credit: Visit Atchison

 

 

(KAIR)--A new expedition hoping to solve the nearly 90-year-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of Amelia Earhart has come up empty-handed.

According to a report from Reuters, researchers announced Monday that an object believed to be possible wreckage from Earhart's missing airplane was actually a collection of trees and other debris.

The expedition, supported by Purdue University and private donors, traveled to the remote South Pacific island of Nikumaroro to investigate an unusual object spotted in satellite imagery.

Researchers had hoped the discovery would support a theory that Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, landed on the island and survived for a time before dying there.

Jacque Pregont, Coordinator of the long-running festival 

Earhart disappeared in July of 1937 while attempting to fly around the world. The U.S. government's longstanding position is that her plane ran out of fuel and crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

Although the latest search failed to locate the aircraft, researchers say they remain committed to investigating the mystery, with several newly recovered objects still awaiting further examination.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A nearly $119,000 project to remove an aging sulfuric acid tank at Atchison's water treatment plant received City Commission approval Monday evening, despite one Commissioner's concerns about the cost and whether additional bids should be considered.

Commissioners voted 4-1 to authorize a $118,749.26 contract with Kinetic Chemical, with total budget authority of $125,000 to cover potential change orders. Commissioner Mike Slattery cast the lone opposing vote.

Public Works and Utilities Director Clinton McNemee told commissioners the acid system has been out of use for approximately 20 years, but was never completely decommissioned. Over time, the remaining equipment has deteriorated, with corrosion affecting the tank, fittings and piping.

McNemee said the city wants to address the problem before the equipment fails and potentially causes a chemical spill.

"And before it completely fails and we have a spill on our hands, the idea was to demo it out, hire a company to come in and do a proper cleanup," McNemee said.

Approval followed discussion over the project's cost, with Slattery questioning whether the city should delay the work to allow additional contractors to examine the site and submit bids.

Slattery said he had previously spoken with companies in the Wichita area that handle similar industrial cleanup work and believed the city might be able to find a less expensive alternative.

"I'd like to, if we're not in a hurry to do it, I'd like to have those people have a chance to look at it," Slattery said. "For that amount of money, it's not all that much work. That's an awful lot of money to spend on a little bitty piece, I think."

Slattery also suggested contractors experienced in oilfield operations might be capable of handling the cleanup.

"If we could wait a while and get some more bids on it, it's worth our time," Slattery said.

McNemee acknowledged that the system has remained in place for decades, but emphasized that the work requires more than simply dismantling and removing an old tank.

He said the presence of sulfuric acid and the condition of the equipment require specialized handling, protective equipment and environmentally compliant disposal procedures.

"This is a delicate, dangerous — this isn't something that I would want my staff to go in there and start trying to clean up," McNemee said.

City officials also noted that the exact amount of acid remaining in the tank is unknown, although fumes continue to be present in the room.

The approved cleanup includes removal of the tank, piping, fittings and associated equipment, along with treatment of affected floors and walls. The contractor will also remove deteriorating floor coatings and concrete supports associated with the system.

McNemee said the work would eliminate a potential environmental concern and allow the room to be used for storage or future improvements.

The project was included in the city's 2026 capital improvement budget. 

Following discussion, commissioners approved moving forward with Kinetic Chemical, with Slattery opposed.

(KAIR)--A former industrial property along Atchison's riverfront is moving closer to redevelopment following action Monday evening by the Atchison City Commission.

Commissioners approved an agreement to demolish the former Maczuk Industries property at 800 River Road, with the work expected to come at no direct cost to the city.

Under the agreement, contractor Rick Stanton, of Skidmore, Missouri, will demolish the buildings and remove storage tanks in exchange for the scrap materials recovered from the site.

City Manager Mark Westhoff said clearing the property has been a priority as the city considers future uses for the riverfront location.

"This was a priority of the city commission to try to get this site level so that we can redevelop it," Westhoff said. "I don't know that we're going to get a better deal than zero dollars."

Maczuk Industries operated at the city-owned property from 1971 until December 2025. Westhoff said the company's removal of remaining materials from the site is nearly complete.

Westhoff also told commissioners that environmental testing conducted in 2021 found no heavy-metal contamination requiring additional remediation before redevelopment.

While no specific plans have been announced for the property, Westhoff said the city's goal is to move away from its former industrial use and pursue development more compatible with the riverfront.

The demolition agreement passed with four commissioners voting in favor. Commissioner Mike Slattery abstained, citing a previous connection to involved parties.

Meanwhile, ongoing street improvements and other construction projects were among the updates Westhoff provided commissioners Monday evening.

Street paving has experienced several delays, with rain and cold temperatures interrupting work last week and repairs to the contractor's asphalt plant preventing paving Monday.

Westhoff said the contractor expected to resume work Tuesday and could bring as many as two paving crews into Atchison to take advantage of favorable weather and make up for lost time.

Streets that have already been milled are expected to receive new asphalt overlays as paving continues.

Work was also expected to begin this week on the First Street connection between Riley and Mound streets.

Elsewhere, construction continues on the skate park at Reisner Park, where crews are working on the concrete features, including the bowl.

At the wastewater treatment plant, reconstruction of the biotower remains underway, with completion targeted before winter weather arrives.

Westhoff also reported progress on the South Headworks sewer project, where underground boring operations have begun. The work will eventually require around-the-clock operations as crews bore beneath railroad tracks, a requirement imposed by the railroad.

The updates came as the city continues several major infrastructure projects involving streets, recreational facilities and wastewater improvements.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department is reminding drivers to buckle up and put their phones down as part of a statewide traffic safety campaign running through October 31.

Drivers can expect increased law enforcement on local roads during the campaign, which aims to reduce traffic fatalities by addressing seat belt use and distracted driving.

Police say sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that's the length of a football field traveled without looking at the road.

Kansas law prohibits handheld cell phone use in active school zones where reduced speed limits are enforced and in designated construction zones when workers are present. Hands-free use is still allowed.

The campaign coincides with Buckle Up Phone Down Day on October 28, encouraging drivers to buckle up and put their phones down on every trip.

Photo credit: MSC Radio

 

(KNZA)--A longtime Hiawatha school crossing guard is being remembered following his death Monday.

Jim Rupe was 84.  For 10 and a half years, he helped middle school students safely cross First Street.

He was known for his big smile and friendly wave to passersby.

Rupe was recently recognized as a Hometown Hero by the MSC Radio Network after being nominated by a local resident.

He and his wife, Barbara, moved to Hiawatha in 1964 after his service in the U.S. Navy. Barbara died in July.

Survivors include a daughter, Christy Metz.

A celebration of life is planned at the Hiawatha First Presbyterian Church, with details to be announced.

Crystal Velasquez/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)---A 38-year-old Morrill woman faces felony charges in connection with a fire investigation in Brown County.

Court documents show Crystal Velasquez is charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson.

The charges stem from an investigation last Thursday at 605 Virginia Street in Morrill. The complaint alleges four fires were set inside the residence.

No injuries were reported.

Velasquez remains in the Brown County Jail. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 6th.

(KLZA)-- Export-Import Bank Chairman John Jovanovic said during a tour of the Elk Creek mine property that a proposed $840 million loan to help finance the Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project near Elk Creek in Johnson County is in the final stages of confirmatory due diligence and is expected to be finalized in short order, but said there is no guarantee it will be approved.

The mine when opened, will be a key step toward producing material used in U.S. Military equipment and defense manufacturing.

The mine will produce eight materials, including niobium, an allowing agent used to strengthen steel, none of which is currently produced in the United States.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the project is supported by President Donald Trump who wants the country less reliant on Chinese materials for critical defense infrastructure.

A day before the gathering of state and federal officials at the mine site, NioCorp announced a partnership with Traxys North America LLC, a materials trader. Under the agreement, Traxys will purchase, on a take-or-pay basis, 50% of NioCorp's planned ferroniobium production for 15 years.
NioCorp also has a deal in place the ThyssenKrupp Metallurgical Products, another materials trader, for the other 50% over the next 10 years.

(KAIR)--Atchison County Sheriff's deputies, for three days in a row last week, stopped four high-speed drivers, with one alleged to have exceeded 100 miles per hour, while the others came closer to 90.

A release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says the first stop occurred Thursday, October 15, when 45-year-old Lauren King, of Lawrence, was cited for driving 102 miles per hour in a 65-mile-per-hour zone on U.S. Highway 73 near Sheridan Road.

Two more drivers were cited Friday. 42-year-old Joseph Fuimaono, of Leavenworth, was stopped for allegedly driving 88 miles per hour on U.S. 73 between Rooks Road and 258th Road.

Also Friday, a 17-year-old Topeka girl was cited for driving 88 miles per hour on U.S. Highway 59, south of 214th Road.

The fourth stop came Saturday, when 25-year-old Savannah Stuebs, of Atchison, was cited for driving 86 miles per hour in a 65-mile-per-hour zone. She was also cited for driving while suspended.

All four drivers were cited for speeding at least 21 miles per hour over the posted limit.

(KAIR)--A track replacement project at Atchison County Community Schools is moving forward following action taken last week by the USD 377 Board of Education.

During its October 14 meeting, the board approved entering into contract negotiations with Mammoth Sports Construction, which submitted one of three bids for the project.

USD 377 Superintendent Dr. Andrew Gaddis, through an emailed response to MSC News, explained that Mammoth's comprehensive proposal totaled nearly $1.2 million. That includes just over $1 million for the track replacement, around $61,000 for a stabilization allowance, and approximately $92,000 for reconstruction and renovation of the area between the track and the concession stand and restroom facility.

Construction is expected to begin around May 15 of next year, allowing spring track practices to be completed, with work scheduled to wrap up by August 15, ahead of football season.

Gaddis said the final cost and project details will be determined during contract negotiations, with the completed agreement expected to go before the school board for approval at its November 11 meeting.

(Updated)--The missing Atchison girl who disappared after last being seen Friday morning is located and is safe. 

That's according to the father of 17-year-old Aydriannah Marie Price, who told MSC News if not for the publics assistance, she may not have been located. He gives thanks for that help, including all who shared the KS Missing & Unsolved flyer that featured the search for Price. 

 

(KAIR)--The effort to locate a missing 17-year-old Atchison girl who has not been seen since Friday morning is underway, with public help needed to bring her back home. 

According to a missing-person flyer issued by Kansas Missing & Unsolved, Aydriannah Marie Price was last seen October 16, around 7:30 in the morning.

The flyer identifies Price as a missing and endangered runaway. She reportedly did not attend school that day, and friends indicated she had been asking for rides to Lawrence.

Price is described as five feet tall, weighing approximately 110 pounds, with brown and red hair, green eyes and a piercing in her right nostril.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Atchison Police Department at 913-367-4323 or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 785-296-4017.

(KAIR)--An Atchison teenager charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a Lawrence bar has pleaded guilty to several charges as part of a plea agreement.

The Lawrence Journal-World reports 19-year-old Caiden Clem pleaded guilty last Thursday in Douglas County District Court to three counts of aggravated assault and one count of attempted trafficking of contraband while in custody.

Prosecutors allege Clem fired several rounds into the air outside The Hawk early January 17th. Another 19-year-old, Daitron Daniels Strickland, then allegedly fired toward a group near the bar’s entrance, killing 18-year-old Aidan Knowles and injuring a 16-year-old.

Two additional counts against Clem were dismissed under the plea agreement.

Clem is scheduled to be sentenced January 5th and remains in the Douglas County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Daniels Strickland is scheduled to be arraigned November 12th. He faces charges of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

(KNZA)--Advance voting is underway in Doniphan County for the November third general election.

Voting is available at the Doniphan County Clerk’s Office during regular business hours through noon on November second.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, October 27th.

Curbside voting is also available by contacting the County Clerk’s Office at 785-985-3513.

Voters are reminded to bring a government-issued photo ID when voting.

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved salary increases for employees as the Law Enforcement Center when they met last week.

The wages will be in retroactively in effect back to July 1 of this year.

The salaries will include Dispatch Supervisors at $25.75 per hour and Dispatchers in a range of $21 to $22.66 per hour.

Administrative Assistant $25.75 per hour. Jail Administrator $24.72 per hour. Jail Supervisors $22.66 per hour. Jailers in a range from $20.60 per hour to $21.63 per hour.

Deputy Sheriff's in a range of $29.25 per hour to $34.22 per hour.

Commissioners also approved directing the Richardson County Planning Commission to rewrite and update the entire County Plan and to include poultry farming and feeding; electrical energy production and data centers which would bring the County Comprehensive Plan into compliance with the Nebraska State Statutes.

Commissioners also approved a Board Proclamation making Friday, October 30, Weatherization Day in Richardson County. The program is celebrating it's 50th year anniversary this year.

Jillian Garcia, Coordinator of Project Response presented a review of the organizations activities to the Commissioners. Project Response has assisted residents in need in Richardson County. She publicly thanked Sheriff Rick Hardesty and the Sheriff's Office for their assistance when needed.

 

 

(KLZA)-- Community Medical Center in Falls City was targeted by what appears to have been a Russian hacker group over the weekend creating major issues for the hospital in Falls City.

CMC Chief Executive Officer Ryan Larsen told MSC News that cyber attack attempts are nothing new for the hospital, having to deal with hundreds of thousand of attempts per month. However, the Qilin Hacker Group, a Russian affiliated organization, was able to access some areas of the computer network, causing damage. While the total extent of the damage is not yet known, it appears the attack reached some of the business files and other areas.

Quick response has helped contain the cyber attack from doing further damage. Larsen says the hospital is having to take precautions and for at least a bit, adjust the way things are handled including going back to using pen and paper vs. computers.

Larsen said the computer system has been locked down, causing frustration for employees but noted you can't take a chance and utilize the computer system until the full extent of the damage is know.

Requiring a shutdown of the computer system has impacted at least for now, some services offered at Community Medical Center. Some appointments were canceled while others have been delayed. Ambulance services are taking critical patients elsewhere due to difficulty in transmitting images to radiologists to look at. Larsen expects a slowdown in some services will last most of this week.

What appears to be a bit of a silver lining of the situation, is that apparently, patient information was not compromised by the cyber attack. Outside experts will be contacted to verify whether or not patient information has been compromised. If other issues are discovered, people will be notified.

Regardless of how quickly the situation was dealt with and the system secured, CMC will be replacing computers and to make sure the corruption did not spread further than what has been discovered.

Computers are being rapid shipped from across the country to Falls City and CMC partners from Bryan Health in Lincoln has helped with computers.

So as not to take chances, an entire new computer network is being deployed at the Falls City hospital.

The Emergency Room at CMC is open and clinical staff is providing patients the care they need.

Some services and appointments were rescheduled due to the cyber attack.

(KAIR)--A juvenile is in custody in connection with a fatal shooting at an apartment complex in St. Joseph, Missouri Sunday.

The St. Joseph Police Department says the juvenile was apprehended Monday with assistance from the department’s Street Crimes Unit, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Officers responded to the Brittany Village Apartments for a report of a person in need of medical attention around 10:40 Sunday morning. The incident was later determined to be a shooting. The victim, an 18- to 20-year-old woman, was located inside one of the apartments. She was transported to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced dead.

Detectives continue to investigate the shooting and are following up on leads.

Anyone with information is asked to contact St. Joseph Police at 816-271-4777 or submit an anonymous tip through the TIPS Hotline at 816-238-8477.

 

 

 

 

(KNZA)--Two Horton residents face drug charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says a deputy stopped a car near U.S. Highway 75 and 142nd Road on October 14th.

Morse said the deputy reportedly saw suspected illegal drugs inside the vehicle and detected the odor of marijuana.

The driver, 38-year-old Mary Jo Cook, and passenger, 46-year-old Chester Cook, were arrested after deputies found additional suspected drugs during a search of the vehicle.

Both face charges of possessing methamphetamine, THC and drug paraphernalia. Chester Cook also faces a felony charge of interference with law enforcement.

He also has an extraditable felony warrant out of South Sioux City, Nebraska, involving alleged resistance and assault against an officer or healthcare professional.

(KNZA)---Enrollment continues to decline in the Hiawatha School District.

Superintendent Kyley Gatz presented enrollment figures to the USD 415 school board at its October 14th meeting.

Gatz said the official headcount on September 21st showed 773 students, down from 780 last year. The district’s full-time equivalent enrollment, which determines state aid, has declined about 20 percent since the 2021-2022 school year.

Several students in Kelsey Lee’s Hiawatha Middle School STEM class shared projects they have been working on since the beginning of the school year. Austin Eppens, Anna Edwards, and Zariah Bauerle presented their work.

The board approved allowing Marysville to join the Big East League. All 11 current league schools voted unanimously October 15th to approve Marysville as the league’s 12th member.

Following an executive session, the board accepted Nicole Pederson’s resignation as Hiawatha High School math teacher, effective at the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

The board also approved Michelle Robinson as Hiawatha Middle School cheer sponsor.

(KNZA)--Voters in Jefferson County North USD 339 will decide on two bond questions in the November third general election.

The proposed bonds would address facility and safety needs that district officials say are too costly to fund through regular capital outlay.

The first question would authorize nearly three-point-five million dollars for heating and air conditioning, roofing, and safety and security improvements at the district’s schools. It also includes high school parking improvements and a separate heating and air conditioning system for the gymnasium.

The second question would authorize up to one-point-five million dollars for additional agriculture and web design classrooms at the high school, along with restroom renovations to improve accessibility.

If both bond proposals pass, the district’s mill levy would increase by eight mills. The bonds would be financed over 30 years.

A bond information meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20th at six p.m. at the high school, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about the proposals and ask questions.

Additional information is available on the Jefferson County North School District website under the Bond 2026 tab.

(KNZA)--A 67-year-old Craig, Missouri, man was killed Friday afternoon when a semi-truck collided with a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train in Holt County, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 1:30 p.m. on Beagle Road, about three miles west of Craig.

According to the Patrol report, the semi was northbound when it struck the train’s engine. The truck was dragged west until the train stopped, then became engulfed in flames.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by the Holt County coroner. No one aboard the train was injured.

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

 

(KAIR)--With early voting beginning Monday, October 19, KAIR 93.7 FM has completed a series of live candidate forums, giving voters an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking seats on the Atchison County Commission and in the Kansas House of Representatives.

The forums featured candidates in three contested races, answering questions submitted in advance and addressing issues affecting local residents.

On Monday morning, October 12, the candidates for the 2nd District Atchison County Commission position, Republican Randell Vanderweide and Democrat John Settich, answered questions during a live forum lasting approximately 40 minutes.

Wednesday morning's forum featured the candidates for the 1st District Atchison County Commission position, Republican Katherine Kohler and Democrat Charles Perdue.

Topics included land use and development, county infrastructure, taxes and spending, and other issues facing county government.

The series concluded Thursday morning, October 15, with the candidates for the 63rd District Kansas House of Representatives seat, incumbent Republican Allen Reavis and Democratic challenger Adam Booth.

The forums were designed to provide voters with an opportunity to compare candidates' positions and hear their responses to questions about the responsibilities and challenges of the offices they are seeking.

All three forums can be heard here. 

 

 

 

 

(KLZA)--The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) released the 2026 Medicare Advantage Report ahead of the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7. 
The report highlights the challenges Nebraska patients and hospitals are experiencing with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. 
The report is based on Nebraska Hospital Association surveys of its member hospitals and reveals that Nebraska’s non-profit hospitals are continuing to have major challenges with Medical Advantage  plans. 
Reimbursement payments from MA plans are significantly less than those from Traditional Medicare for the same services and 94% of Nebraska hospitals say the shift to Medicare Advantage has negatively impacted their financial position. 
However, this year alone the federal government is projected to spend $76 billion more to cover MA enrollees than it would have if these beneficiaries were enrolled in Traditional Medicare.
Patients are feeling the impact as well. 96% of respondents say MA beneficiaries are often unaware of or misunderstand key aspects of their plan such as provider network restrictions, prior authorization requirements, or coverage limitations.
Medicare Advantage plans deny care more often than Traditional Medicare and can delay care when patients need it most. A staggering 94% of hospitals say prior authorization requirements by MA plans negatively impact clinical care by delaying necessary treatment. 
The NHA recommends policy changes for MA plans including reforming prior authorization policies, requiring timely approvals and payments, and aligning reimbursement to reflect the cost of care, as well as additional federal oversight and accountability for the program. Seniors should know the facts about Medicare Advantage and consult with their health care provider before enrolling or switching plans during open enrollment this fall.

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners approved a contract with Fuxa Enterprises of Cedar Creek, Nebraska to haul 7,500 tons of road rock from the Wehtrock Quarry in Murray, Nebraska to Dawson, whenever rock is available at the quarry, to create a stockpile of available rock.

The cost will be $9.93 per ton which will amount to a total of nearly $74,500 in hauling fees.

Commissioners also met with representatives of Van Dorn Valley Constructions to review the Dawson Northwest project completion and final payment. 

The County determined that $11,843 has been incurred in liquidated damages because the work was not completed on schedule.

The work began May 27, 2026 and had a contracted completion date of June 19, 2026.

The company representatives presented information on the facts that hindered their ability to complete the project on time, including excessive rainfall and a sub-contractor for concrete work, leaving the project  and it becoming a struggle to find another contractor to complete the cement work.

The Board voted unanimously to not to pay the contract amount of $40,721, withholding the $11,843 in liquidated damages.

(KLZA)--The Richardson County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents and businesses about fake cashier’s checks circulating in our area.

These checks can look convincing, complete with bank logos, signatures, and security features. Their appearance does not guarantee they are legitimate.

The Richardson County Sheriff's office offers these tips. Verify suspicious checks directly with the bank using a phone number you independently look up.

Never send money back or purchase gift cards because someone sent you a check.

Money appearing in your account does not mean a check has cleared or is genuine.

If you receive a suspected counterfeit check, keep the check and any related messages, contact your bank, and report it to the Richardson County Sheriff’s Office.

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A two-vehicle, Friday morning Atchison wreck sent a teenage driver to the hospital.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, the wreck occurred shortly after 7:00 at the intersection of 14th Street and U.S. Highway 59.

A Chevrolet Cruze driven by 17-year-old Alexsha Scott, of Nortonville, was eastbound on U.S. 59 and turning north onto the 14th Street viaduct when it collided with a westbound Chevrolet pickup driven by 39-year-old David Miller, of St. Joseph, Missouri.

Scott was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison

for hospital examination.

Wilson says Scott was cited for failure to yield.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Two Atchison men were arrested Thursday in separate incidents, including one involving a felony warrant for a sex crime against a child.

According to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, 33-year-old Michael D. Lunsford was arrested Thursday afternoon around 5:30 in the 100 block of South 8th Street on a District Court warrant for aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Wilson says the arrest stems from an August 2025 investigation involving the alleged unlawful touching of a child under the age of 14, who was known to the suspect, at an Atchison residence.

Lunsford was taken to the Atchison County Jail, with bond set at $500,000.

In a separate incident, 64-year-old Jimmy D. Bush was arrested Thursday night around 10:00, following a traffic stop in the 300 block of North 2nd Street.

Wilson says an officer stopped Bush's pickup for a traffic violation and took him into custody for suspected driving under the influence. Police subsequently reported finding controlled substances.

Bush was arrested on allegations of DUI, transporting an open container, and possession of cocaine, fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

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

 

 

(KAIR)--Atchison County veterans will be recognized during a Veterans Day ceremony at Atchison County Community High School.

According to a release from USD 377, the school’s Honor Society will host the ceremony Wednesday morning, November 11, at 9:00 in the JSH School Gym.

Veterans who want to take part should contact the high school by Friday, November 6, at 913-833-2240.

The community is invited to attend and is asked to arrive 15 minutes early so the program can begin promptly.

 

 

(KAIR)--A reported disturbance involving a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier is under investigation by the Atchison County Sheriff's Office.

According to Sheriff Jack Laurie, deputies responded to the 8000 block of Clay Street Wednesday evening around 5:45, after a 27-year-old Atchison man reported being sprayed with pepper spray used as a dog repellent.

The man told deputies the mail carrier had sprayed him before leaving the area.

Laurie says the suspect has been identified, and the investigation is continuing.

 

 

 

 

(MSC News)--Consumer prices in the Midwest rose 0.9% in September, with energy prices posting the largest increase.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the regional Consumer Price Index was up 4.2% over the past year. The Midwest index includes Kansas and Missouri, but does not measure prices in either state separately.

Energy prices rose 3.2% for the month and 22% over the year. Food prices were up 0.2% in September and 2.6% from a year earlier.

Core prices, which exclude food and energy, increased 0.8% in September and 3% over the past 12 months.

(KAIR)--Atchison Animal Control Officer Cassandra Shelton is the City of Atchison’s October Ace of the Month after helping free a young raccoon trapped in a car’s wheel well.

In a social media post, the city says Animal Control received a call about a raccoon hiding under cars in a parking lot to escape the heat. After a wildlife rehabilitator agreed to take the animal if it could be caught, Shelton responded.

The post says Shelton worked for more than 30 minutes to get the raccoon out of the wheel well, with help from the Atchison Fire Department, which jacked up the car. The raccoon ran off once it was free.

Shelton will receive a 50-dollar gift card to a local business of her choice and will be considered for the city’s Ace of the Year award.

(KAIR)--Emergency preparedness took two forms in Atchison County this week: county employees took part in annual safety training Monday, and emergency agencies conducted a hazardous materials exercise Wednesday.

The county’s annual Columbus Day training began with specialized sessions in individual departments, followed by a group training at the courthouse. First District Commissioner Jamie Campbell described the format during Tuesday’s County Commission meeting.

“The departments all have specialized training in the morning for their staff members,” Campbell said. “Then they come to the courthouse, and there’s a mass training held here.”

Campbell thanked Safety Committee Chair Emily Sternsdorf and committee members for organizing the event. She said the gathering also gave county employees a chance to connect with colleagues they may not see often.

Employees also toured Benedictine College’s new library. Campbell thanked Courtney Keegan, a part-time county EMT and full-time college educator, for leading the tour.

On Wednesday morning, emergency response agencies and healthcare partners, including the City of Atchison Police and Fire Departments, took part in a full-scale hazardous materials exercise from 9 to 11:00.

The exercise tested coordination, communications, hazardous materials response, patient care, public information and incident command.

Activities took place near Gasoline Alley, the Atchison County Health Department and Amberwell Hospital; and those residents who may have seen additional emergency vehicles and first responders in those areas are reminded that it was only a drill.

(KNZA)--Advance voting begins Monday, October 19 in Brown County for the November third general election.

Registered voters may cast ballots at the Brown County Clerk’s Office during regular business hours through noon Monday, November second. A photo I-D is required.

The clerk’s office will also be open Saturday, October 31st, from 10 a.m. to noon for advance voting.

Voters who want to vote by mail must apply for an advance ballot by October 27th. Completed ballots must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November third.

For more information, contact the Brown County Clerk’s Office at 785-742-2581.

Photo credit: Kansas Art Education Asssociation

 

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha elementary art teacher has been named the Kansas Art Education Association’s 2026 Outstanding Overall Art Educator.

Kate Miller has taught elementary art in Hiawatha for 14 years. She also serves as a forensics coach and is involved in school leadership and professional development.

Miller has held several leadership positions with the Kansas Art Education Association, including president. She also chaired the association’s 2025 fall professional development conference in Hiawatha.

Beyond the classroom, Miller is active in community arts and theater programs and has helped organize Hiawatha’s Halloween parade and art contest.

Her previous honors include the association’s Outstanding Elementary Art Educator award in 2017. She was also named Hiawatha Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau Volunteer of the Year in 2017 and 2025.

(KLZA)-- NioCorp Developments hosted a number of state and federal officials Wednesday at the company's Elk Creek Critical Minerals Project near the community of Elk Creek Wednesday.

The officials made remarks about the project and it's importance to the future of the U.S., the state of Nebraska Johnson County in southeast Nebraska.

NioCorp CEO and Chairman Mark Smith talked about the critical minerals located underground in Johnson County.

Plans are to produce niobium, scandium, titanium and several magnetic rare earth elements at the mine.

Smith outlined the importance of the project to the country and the changes it will lead to for the area. All of the products will be processed in the United States and not sent off to a foreign country to be processed.

The mining operation will create approximately 1,200 construction jobs while the mine is constructed and will eventually provide about 500 high skilled permanent jobs over the 40 year life of the mine.

The mine will bring more opportunities to Johnson County and create billions of dollars in investments around the state.

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts called the project a win-win-win. Ricketts said we are now living in a dangerous world with Communist China wanting to replace the U-S as the world's super power. Ricketts says the U-S cannot be reliant on our chief adversary for things that are critical to our defense.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright says development of the Elk Creek Mine Project is vital to America's future due to all of the uses for these rare earth elements.

He said China has changed the regime of providing the U-S with such critical minerals. Wright said anything with a button requires magnets from these rare earth elements and that aircraft, air force equipment and factories all require these inputs.

Also in attendance was Nebraska Senior U-S Senator Deb Fischer, Governor Jim Pillen, Third District Congressman Adrian Smith and 1st District State Senator Bob Hallstrom.

(KLZA)-- Auburn City Council member Johnny Curttright is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Nemaha County Court on November 3 at 3 p.m.

During his initial appearance for two counts of falsely swearing to a petition circulator's affidavit, Curttright's attorney requested a preliminary hearing.

The case stems from an effort to gather signatures on a petition to recall Auburn Mayor Chris Erickson.

The charges are Class IV felonies.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A longstanding Atchison business that closed earlier this year after 95-years operating is expected to reopen under new ownership.

That announcement came this week in a post made to the official social media of Hilligoss Shoes, confirming the business has been sold and will resume operating under its longtime name.

The announcement, made Tuesday, follows the closing of the store, which was established in 1931 and operated under the ownership of the Smart family for 95 years. 

In the October 13 social media post, Sarah Kim Biechele, who has retired after more than 40 years with the business, confirmed the sale and expressed her gratitude to the community for its decades of support.

Biechele remembered her late parents, Doug and Patty Smart, and her late husband, Rex, along with son, Adam, as part of the family's history with the business.

She said that while she is enjoying retirement, she misses the customers who were part of her life six days a week for more than four decades.

The identity of the new owners and details about when the store will reopen were not included in the social media announcement, but the post did advise customers to expect future updates from the new owners. 

On Friday, the new owners took to social media, introducing themselves as Tyson and Shelbie Downing and saying no firm opening date is yet set. 

(KNZA)--A two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in St. Joseph, Missouri, sent two people to the hospital.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports the crash happened shortly before 12:45 p.m. at the intersection of North Belt Highway and Blackwell Road.

A 71-year-old Platte City man driving a Lexus entered the intersection from the northbound left-turn lane on a flashing yellow signal. His vehicle was struck on the passenger side by a southbound Toyota Tacoma driven by a 70-year-old Savannah woman.

The woman and her 19-year-old male passenger, also of Savannah, suffered suspected minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph.

Both occupants of the Toyota were wearing safety devices. The Lexus driver was not.

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

(KMZA)--Advance voting is now underway in Nemaha County for the November third General Election.

Registered voters may cast their ballots in person at the Nemaha County Clerk’s Office through noon on Monday, November second. Voters must bring a photo I-D.

Those who prefer to vote by mail must apply for an advance ballot by October 27th.

For more information, contact the Nemaha County Clerk’s Office at 785-336-2170, option one.

(KLZA)--Following discussion, the Johnson-Brock Board of Education approved renewing a Line of Credit with a limit increase to $1.5 million when they met Monday morning. 

The Board discussed potential options for improving the districts financial circumstances. Options discussed included requesting a public bond or levy override. 

Superintendent Jeff Koehler agreed to assist by providing additional financial information by the next board meeting, regarding the cost and process of pursuing each alternative.

 

Board members also discussed possible fixes to the track and broadcast booth at the football field. The school kitchen update was discussed.  Superintendent Koehler reported that Penny Neddenriep has been hired back to help complete paperwork and kitchen responsibilities.  

 

District patron Mark Caspers addressed the Board inquiring what the line of credit limit was last year and questioned why the limit was being increased in addition to why there is not a budget item for interest on the line of credit.  

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners approved a purchase order for a 2027 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Eco Boost vehicle through a state bid contract in an amount of $49,477 from Anderson Ford when they met October 7.  

Delivery of the vehicle is expected to be in January or February of 2027.

Commissioners also conducted the quarterly jail inspection during the meeting and found the facility to be in good order. 

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. met with the Board.  Bids received for rock hauling were discussed.  Further review will be done during the Boards October 14 meeting. 

Darveau also reported that a representative form VanDorn Construction will attend the meeting to discuss funds that are being withheld from the Dawson Northwest project due to the date that construction was completed.  The contract specified the completion date was to have been earlier than the work was finished. 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--The renaming of a residence hall at Maur Hill-Mount Academy during the Catholic high school’s Homecoming weekend pays tribute to the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica and generations of graduates from Mount St. Scholastica Academy.

The dorm, formerly known as Howard Hall, is now St. Scholastica Hall.

The ceremony took place October 9, before the Homecoming football game that Friday night on the school’s Atchison campus.

The Benedictine Sisters presented the school with a statue of St. Scholastica, which now stands in front of the hall. In a social media post, the sisters said the statue represents the Benedictine tradition shared by the Mount and Maur Hill-Mount Academy.

The school says it hopes the hall will inspire future generations of young women and remind them of the legacy of Mount St. Scholastica Academy and its graduates.

(KAIR)--A major expansion of the Amberwell Atchison campus, which will eventually bring cancer treatment services to the community, will be the focus of a groundbreaking ceremony next month.

Atchison County Commissioners, according to a social media post from Atchison County, plan to attend the ceremony for Amberwell Health's new West Addition on Wednesday afternoon, November 4, at 1:00.

The project is part of a previously announced clinical collaboration between Amberwell Health and Mosaic Life Care to establish Amberwell Cancer Care, offering chemotherapy, infusion therapy and onsite oncology appointments in Atchison for the first time.

The two health systems announced earlier that the program is expected to begin serving patients by early 2028.

The new two-story, 20,000-square-foot addition will also expand rehabilitation services and provide additional specialty clinic space, with the building scheduled to open in 2027.

Under the agreement, Amberwell Atchison will own and operate the cancer care program, while Mosaic Life Care will provide oncology physicians and clinical direction.

Clinical oversight will be provided by Mosaic Medical Director of Oncology Dr. Rony Abou-Jawde, who has served the region for more than 20 years, and Dr. Vinay Gupta, who currently provides onsite infusion care in Atchison.

The expansion is also the focus of Building Hope, a $2 million capital campaign to support construction and equipment, including a $1 million matching gift.

(KAIR)--Let the game begin, and let the Atchison community be there, as the city’s mayor tosses the coin to begin the matchup.

That’s on the agenda for Benedictine College’s annual Atchison Community Day, Saturday, October 17, at Larry Wilcox Stadium.

Mayor La Rochelle Young will perform the coin toss before the Ravens face MidAmerica Nazarene, with kickoff set for 1:00.

According to a release from the college, the event celebrates the partnership between Benedictine and the community.

Atchison city and county residents can receive a two dollar discount on adult general admission by showing identification and purchasing their tickets at the gate.

The mayor and other elected officials will also be recognized during halftime, with performances by the Raven Dance Team and Raven Regiment Marching Band.

Residents are invited to arrive early to tailgate in the McDonald Parking Lot or on the practice football field, both next to the stadium.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Treasurer’s Office is reminding residents that selling a vehicle within 120 days of purchasing another may qualify them for a trade-in credit or sales tax refund.

According to a notice shared by the office, the credit may be available when registering a newly purchased vehicle, whether new or used. It cannot be combined with a trade-in credit already provided by a dealership.

To receive the credit through the treasurer’s office, residents need copies of the bill of sale, registration, and both the front and back of the title for the vehicle they sold.

Those who have already registered their replacement vehicle may request a sales tax refund from the Kansas Department of Revenue using form ST-21VT. The form is available online and lists the documents required.

(KAIR)--A $235,000 bond is set for a 38-year-old Atchison man arrested Friday evening after police say he ran from officers responding to a disturbance near 9th and Riley Street.

According to a report from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers later found Kevin V. Maxey Jr. hiding in a detached garage off an alley in the 800 block of Mound Street. Police say Maxey resisted arrest, threatened and spit on officers, and tried to kick out the windows of a patrol vehicle. Officers also found alleged drug paraphernalia containing what they allege to be methamphetamine.

Maxey was arrested on suspicion of assault and battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal threat, interference with law enforcement, and possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He also had district court warrants involving criminal threat, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, interference with law enforcement, possession of a controlled substance and battery.

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

(KNZA)--The St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department is investigating a fatal electric bike crash.

Police say officers responded around 9:20 Sunday night to a walking trail between 77 Francis and 777 Winner Circle.

Officers found a 26-year-old man lying on the ground with an electric bike on top of him. He suffered serious injuries and was taken to Mosaic Life Care, where he later died.

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

(KNZA)-- The Hiawatha City Commission has tabled two proposed agreements for two weeks to allow more time for negotiations.

Monday evening, commissioners tabled a new development agreement for the Villas of Beautiful Maples duplex project and a proposed dispatch services agreement with Brown County.

City Administrator Brad Scott and commissioners have concerns about several provisions in the development agreement and want more details before approving it.

Developer Michael Webb, who joined the meeting by Zoom, said he's willing to work toward an agreement that satisfies both sides.

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

Commissioners also questioned the cost of Brown County's dispatch proposal, which would charge Hiawatha $125,000 a year, with annual increases of 2.75 percent. The city would owe half the cost this year.

Scott and commissioners would prefer the dispatch agreement begin in January because the expense wasn't included in the city's 2026 budget.

Commissioner Brian Shefferd noted Sabetha pays Nemaha County $88,000 a year for dispatch services, while Horton has offered to provide the service for an estimated $75,000 to $85,000 annually.

However, Commissioner Laura Tollefson expressed concerns about using Horton, saying their dispatchers aren't familiar with Hiawatha and she believes dispatch services should remain in the city.

(KNZA)--Phase one of the Atchison County Community High School auditorium project is complete.

The project included new stage lighting and a new sound system.

The USD 377 Board of Education approved the more than 271-thousand-dollar project in March. The Atchison County Community Schools Education Foundation contributed nearly 217-thousand dollars toward the cost. Funding assistance came through last February’s Hughes Brothers performance in the auditorium.

The new equipment will be on display during the Atchison County Drama Club’s production of Annie, November 13th through the 15th.

School officials say phase two could include a projector, spotlight, curtains, a back-row remodel and new house lights. The estimated cost is about 120-thousand dollars.

The Foundation will also hold a Music Bingo fundraiser November 19th at 118 S 2nd Street, in Atchison at the riverfront, featuring Ultimate Country and Christmas music.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Fire Department has been awarded a $5 thousand  grant from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, through the Nebraska Forest Service Volunteer Fire Assistance Program.

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.  

 

 

(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.

 

 

 

(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. 

(KLZA)-- Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer High School has forfeited its two remaining varsity football games because of a shortage of players and injuries.

Following a meeting Monday afternoon, school officials decided it was in the best interest of the student-athletes to end the Titans’ varsity season.

HTRS had already forfeited two games earlier this season because of a lack of players. The Titans were able to play only four of their eight scheduled varsity games.

Athletic Director Taylor Dunekacke notified the Nebraska School Activities Association and the two remaining opponents of the decision.

In a letter, Dunekacke said the decision was not made lightly, but was necessary to protect the health, safety and well-being of the players.

The school also thanked its coaches and student-athletes for their dedication throughout the season and expressed appreciation for the support of families and the community.

 

 

 

(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.

(KAIR)--Nearly 70 tax-delinquent properties have been sold in Jefferson County, bringing in close to $80,000.

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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved a contract with Salt Contracting of Omaha to replace the roof on the Falls City Library and Arts Center when they met Monday evening. 

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. 

(KLZA)--Three members of the Nemaha Natural Resources District were recognized for significant service milestones during the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts Annual Conference on September 29 in Kearney. 

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. 

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a 2023 crash that killed a motorcyclist.

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.

(KAIR)--An Independence, Missouri, woman was arrested Tuesday on drug related charges stemming from a July incident in Atchison.

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.

(KNZA)--An increase in reports of suspicious people and vehicles in rural Brown County is prompting a reminder from local law enforcement.

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.

(KAIR)--The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas has named Shawn Walker as its new chief of police.

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.

(KAIR)--A popular Maur Hill-Mount Academy tradition returns Wednesday evening as Spirit Week continues ahead of this weekend’s Homecoming celebration for the Atchison school. 

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.

(KAIR)--Three recent Atchison business thefts, including the reported theft of a cake from a restaurant's freezer during business hours, lead to Monday's arrest of a 38-year-old Atchison man. 

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.

(KLZA)--For the second time, a mosquito pool in Richardson County has tested positive for West Nile virus.

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.

(KLZA)--Following a review of possible changes to the proposed 2026-27 Fiscal Year budget, Richardson County Commissioners adopted the budget and approved the property tax levy for the next year when they met Wednesday.

 

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.

(KLZA)-The Falls City Board of Education has approved the school district’s 2026-27 budget and property tax request.

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.

===

(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.