(KLZA)--Following a recount of 3 Falls City races vote counts remain the same.

In the Mayor's race, Kenny Killingsworth received 714 votes to 708 for Kevin Malone.

In the Ward I Council race Mark Lowe out polled incumbent Don Ferguson 198-197. 

In the Ward II council race, Sean Nolte received 197 votes to Robert Olberding's 195.

Under statute the difference in all three of those races triggered automatic recounts. 

All results are unofficial until the Canvassing Board meets. 

(KNZA)--An Ozawkie man was killed Thursday evening in a two-vehicle crash in Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 5:30 on K-92, about one mile west of Oskaloosa.

According to the Patrol report, an eastbound motorized mini bike was struck from behind by an eastbound Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

The mini bike's driver, identified as 27-year-old Joshua Chisamore of Ozawkie, suffered fatal injuries.

The Patrol says Chisamore was not wearing a helmet or any other safety equipment at the time of the crash.

The Jeep was driven by 44-year-old Molly Erin Harmon of Oskaloosa. She was wearing her seat belt and reported no apparent injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

(KLZA) — Alphia Incorporated, a pet food manufacturer, plans to lay off 93 employees at its Pawnee City, Nebraska, facility as the company restructures its operations.

The company notified the Nebraska Department of Labor this week that layoffs are expected to begin during a 14-day period starting February first, 2027.

Alphia plans to transition the Pawnee City facility from a manufacturing plant into a warehouse and distribution center.

In a statement to KOLN-TV in Lincoln, the company said it is consolidating operations in Pawnee City and Bern, Kansas. Manufacturing will be relocated to the Bern facility and other company locations.

Alphia says the Pawnee City facility will not close entirely. Instead, it will continue operating as a Midwest warehouse and distribution hub.

The company also says it is developing transition plans to assist affected employees, including opportunities for some workers to transfer to its Bern facility.

Alphia operates seven manufacturing plants, four warehouse and logistics centers, and an ingredient milling facility across the United States.

The Pawnee City plant has been in operation since 1985. The company was formerly known as C.J. Foods before becoming Alphia following a merger in 2022.

James Hubbard/Credit: Doniphan County Sheriff's Office 

 

(KNZA)---An Elwood man faces six felony charges following an investigation into alleged odometer fraud at J-and-M Auto in Elwood.

Elwood Police Chief Brandon Whetstine says officers executed a search warrant October 29th at the dealership, located at 106 North Sixth Street.

Whetstine says there was probable cause to believe James Hubbard and J-and-M Auto were involved in allegedly rolling back vehicle odometers to misrepresent mileage and falsifying official documents.

Court records show Hubbard has been charged in Doniphan County District Court with two counts of theft, two counts of unlawful acts concerning odometers, perjury and making false information.

Whetstine say the investigation is ongoing, with assistance from the Wathena Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Department of Revenue.

Anyone who purchased a vehicle from J-and-M Auto with inaccurate mileage, or who has information about the investigation, is asked to contact the Elwood Police Department.

 

 

(KAIR)--A fatal Atchison wreck on Halloween is prompting city officials to review traffic safety concerns along the North 12th Street corridor, including the intersection where a 45-year-old Atchison man lost his life.

The October 31 wreck claimed the life of Chad Starling, whose vehicle struck a tree after he attempted to avoid another vehicle that failed to stop at the intersection of North 12th and Kearney Streets.

During the November 2 Atchison City Commission meeting, City Manager Mark Westhoff said speed was identified as a contributing factor in the wreck and that city officials would review the intersection for possible safety improvements.

"We will take a look at it," Westhoff told commissioners. "It's an intersection where, if you look at the map, the right-of-way map is a little crooked there. It doesn't quite line up perfectly."

Westhoff noted that the steep grade along North 12th Street, visibility limitations and the configuration of the right-of-way present challenges in addressing traffic safety concerns.

City engineers previously reviewed the possibility of installing traffic mirrors along the corridor but determined they would not provide an appropriate solution.

Westhoff said city officials will review the Kansas Highway Patrol's investigation findings and consider whether additional safety measures are warranted.

Residents are also encouraged to report trees, bushes or other obstructions that interfere with visibility at intersections.

 

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

During the event, area residents will have the opportunity to make donations to 48 non-profit organizations affiliated with the Foundation. Donations will be eligible for prorated matching funds from more than $100,000 available.

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

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

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

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

(KAIR)--After 75 years of supporting local nonprofit organizations, the Atchison Area United Way is preparing to end operations, with its remaining assets to be transferred to the Atchison Foundation.

In a joint release Wednesday from the Atchison Area United Way and the Atchison Foundation, officials announced the United Way Board of Directors unanimously voted to dissolve the organization, effective December 1.

United Way Board President Jolleen Graf says the decision was not made lightly, but reflects changes in the rural fundraising landscape and a desire to keep the organization's legacy of charitable giving in Atchison County.

Before closing, the United Way has provided each of its partnering agencies with its full 2027 grant allocation to help avoid unexpected funding gaps.

Once those grants and closing expenses are paid, the organization's remaining assets will be transferred to the Atchison Foundation, where the gift will be preserved under the Atchison Area United Way name.

The United Way was founded in 1951 and has supported local organizations focused on health, education and financial stability.

Payroll deduction donors have been notified that their contributions will end with 2026. Those wishing to continue supporting local nonprofit organizations may contribute directly to those agencies or through funds established at the Atchison Foundation.

The foundation says the transition will allow the United Way's 75-year legacy of community support to continue benefiting Atchison County.

 

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Ground was broken Wednesday afternoon on a major expansion project at Amberwell Atchison that will bring additional health care services to the community.

The ceremonial groundbreaking was held for a 31,721-square-foot West Addition, which will house Amberwell Cancer Care, expanded rehabilitation services and additional specialty clinic space.

The project is designed to provide patients with greater access to specialized medical care closer to home, with construction expected to be completed in early 2028.

Among those taking part in Wednesday's groundbreaking were Congressman Derek Schmidt, Kansas Representative Allen Reavis, Atchison Mayor La Rochelle Young, and representatives of Amberwell Atchison, the Amberwell Health Foundation, Atchison County, the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce and Mosaic Life Care.

The expansion marks another chapter in Atchison's more than century-long history of hospital care, including the hospital's move from Second Street to its current location on Raven Hill Drive in 2010.

Fundraising for the project continues through Amberwell's Building Hope campaign, which includes opportunities for donors to contribute through naming opportunities and other gifts.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved Mayor Mark Harkendorff signing a state revolving fund loan agreement with the Nebraska Department of Water Energy and Environment in an amount of $4.4 million for a lead pipe identification and replacement project when they met Monday evening.

The loan is payable over 40 years with 0% interest, loan forgiveness of $2.4 million and mechanical inventory grant that will leave a total payment over 40 years of $1.56 million.

The Council voted to waive the three-reading rule to make Monday nights vote, final approval.

In other action the Council approved having Olsson serve as the City Street Superintendent in 2027 at a cost to the City of $4,000.

Council members also tabled action on the purchase of a Grasshopper mower for the Parks Department with a price tag of $30,539.

An executive session was convened to discuss personnel.

(MSC News)--Two local organizations are receiving grant funding to help promote their communities and attract more visitors to northeast Kansas.

Lieutenant Governor and Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that more than 117-thousand dollars has been awarded for 18 new tourism marketing projects across the state.

The Seneca Area Chamber was awarded more than 5-thousand-400 dollars, while the Jackson County Tourism Council received 4-thousand-800 dollars.

The grants are designed to help communities expand marketing efforts, reach new audiences, and encourage more people to visit Kansas.

Toland says tourism generated 8-point-4 billion dollars in visitor spending across Kansas in 2025, supporting local businesses, jobs, and communities.

The 18 grant recipients will also contribute nearly 244-thousand dollars in matching funds toward their approved marketing projects, helping extend the reach of their tourism promotions.

State officials say the projects highlight creative ways communities are working to showcase Kansas and encourage travel throughout the Sunflower State.

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Commission has approved a proposal from Waste Connections to haul refuse from the county transfer station to a site in Iowa beginning January first.

Miller Trash Service representatives Mike and Cody Miller presented the proposal during Monday's commission meeting.

The five-year agreement includes fuel-based rates of 64, 67 or 70 dollars per ton, depending on fuel prices, with a minimum 23-ton load. The proposal includes a four-percent annual price increase.

Republic Services previously submitted a proposal of 95 dollars per ton, while Miller Trash Service received no response from Z Force.

Cody Miller said the gate fee for Doniphan County residents will remain between 25 and 74 dollars per ton.

Commissioners unanimously approved the Waste Connections proposal, pending review and acceptance of a contract.

(KLZA)-- Friday, Nov. 6 is the deadline for applications for the Richardson County Holiday Wish List program.

Applications can be picked up at the Falls City SENCA office at the Courthouse or at the Humboldt SENCA office.

Children up to 18 years of age are eligible for the Wish List Program.

You must be a resident of Richardson County and must have legal custody of the children you are applying for.

The gift pickup will occur after December 11. Those qualifying will be contacted to schedule an exact pick up time and locations.

If you have questions, call the Falls City SENCA office at 402-245-5284.

 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners have scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, Nov. 18 beginning at 9:15 a.m., to hear from those interested to appear and speak for or against the reclassification of county road 642 Boulevard between 705 and 703 Road, located southwest of Salem for the purpose of changing the road to a minimum maintenance road.

If the reclassification is approved, the County Road Department will reduce regular maintenance on this segment of road and will no longer provide regular blading, snow removal or standard surface upgrades.

During the Boards October 28th meeting, Commissioner John Caverzagie reported he has received correspondence from the Nebraska Department of Transportation regarding a letter from the County Board regarding Highway 8, Salem and Falls City bridge projects.

The Nebraska DOT replied that they are willing to discuss options with Richardson County regarding county road maintenance on the local road known as Pony Creek Road, from Salem to Falls City while the bridge construction projects on Highway 8 cause for the highway to be closed, causing a significant increase in traffic on Pony Creek Road.

The next meeting of the Richardson County Board of Commissioners will be Tuesday, Nov. 10 due to November 11 being Veterans Day.

 

 

(MSC News)--The Kansas Cold Weather Rule is now in effect, providing protection from utility disconnections for customers who fall behind on their bills during the winter months.

The Kansas Corporation Commission says the rule took effect November 1 and will remain in place through March 31.

Under the rule, utility companies cannot disconnect service when local temperatures are forecast to fall below 35 degrees within the following 48 hours.

The rule also requires utilities to offer 12-month payment plans to residential customers with past-due balances, allowing them to maintain or restore service while paying off what they owe.

Customers must contact their utility provider to establish payment arrangements.

The Cold Weather Rule applies to residential customers of utilities regulated by the Kansas Corporation Commission. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives are not regulated by the commission but may have similar winter disconnection policies.

The rule was established in 1983 to help protect Kansans from losing essential utility services during periods of extreme cold.

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--There will be no school for Atchison High School students Thursday due to a water main break that has shut off water service to the building.

School officials say the problem was discovered Thursday morning, resulting in the late notice of the cancellation.

Atchison High School staff are asked to work remotely, while staff assigned to multiple buildings should report to their other assigned locations.

City crews are on-site working to repair the water main.

(KNZA)--A former Oskaloosa paraeducator charged in the alleged abuse of a five-year-old nonverbal autistic child has been sentenced to probation.

According to court documents, 26-year-old Breah Dame of Winchester was sentenced last week in Jefferson County District Court to 24 months in jail. The jail sentence was suspended, and she was placed on 18 months of supervised probation.

As part of her probation, she must continue counseling, complete an anger management course and perform 150 hours of community service.

Dame pleaded guilty in September to misdemeanor charges of child endangerment and two counts of battery.

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

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

(KLZA)-- Following completion of the counting of provisional ballots and absentees Wednesday afternoon three races in Falls City will be recounted on Friday.

In the Mayors race, Kenny Killingsworth received 714 votes to 708 for Kevin Malone.

In the Ward I Council race Mark Lowe outpolled incumbent Don Ferguson 198 – 197.

In the Ward II Council race, Sean Nolte received 197 votes and Robert Olberding 195.

Under statute, the difference in all three of those races trigger automatic recounts.

Wednesday's vote totals did not change any races in Richardson County.

All results are unofficial until the Canvassing Board meets.

(KLZA)--A two-vehicle collision injured three people in Holt County, Missouri Tuesday afternoon. 

Just past 2 p.m., a southbound car driven by a 61-year-old man from Falls City collied with a northbound car driven by a 71-year-ole woman from Country Club, Missouri on Highway 159, approximately two miles east of Big Lake. 
The Missouri Highway Patrol reported the man from Falls City was looking at his phone and crossed the center line when the collision occurred.  The report says both vehicles swerved with the car driven by the man from Falls City striking the front passenger side of the northbound vehicle.  
Both vehicles skidded off the side of the road, coming to rest on their wheels. 
The Falls City man was taken by private vehicle to Community Medical Center in Falls City for treatment of serious injuries. 
The driver of the other vehicle and a 72-year-old passenger, also from Country Club Village,  were transported by the Atchison-Holt Ambulance to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment of moderate and serious injuries. 
The Holt County Sheriff's Office, Mound City Rural Fire Department, and Atchison-Holt Ambulance  all responded to the site of the wreck. 
Both vehicles were totaled. 
The Missouri Highway Patrol no longer identifies those involved in traffic crashes.  

(KLZA)--Friday, Nov. 6 is the deadline for applications for the Richardson County Holiday Wish List program. 

Applications  can be picked up at the Falls City SENCA office at the Courthouse or at the Humboldt SENCA office.

Children up to 18 years of age are eligible for the Wish List Program.  

You must be a resident of Richardson County and must have legal custody of the children you are applying for.

The gift pickup will occur after December 11. Those qualifying will be contacted to schedule an exact pick up time and locations. 

If you have questions, call the Falls City SENCA office at 402-245-5284. 

(KLZA)--Richardson County Commissioners have scheduled a public hearing for Wednesday, Nov. 18 beginning at 9:15 a.m., to hear from those interested to appear and speak for or against the reclassification of county road 642 Boulevard between 705 and 703 Road, located southwest of Salem for the purpose of changing the road to a minimum maintenance road. 
If the reclassification is approved, the County Road Department will reduce regular maintenance on this segment of road and will no longer provide regular blading, snow removal or standard surface upgrades. 
During the Boards October 28th meeting, Commissioner John Caverzagie reported he has received correspondence from the Nebraska Department of Transportation regarding a letter from the County  Board regarding Highway 8, Salem and Falls City bridge projects. 
The Nebraska DOT replied that they are willing to discuss options with Richardson County regarding county road maintenance on the local road known as Pony Creek Road, from Salem to Falls City while the bridge construction projects on Highway 8 cause for the highway to be closed, causing a significant increase in traffic on Pony Creek Road. 
The next meeting of the Richardson County Board of Commissioners will be Tuesday, Nov. 10 due to November 11 being Veterans Day.   

(KLZA)--Voters across southeast Nebraska headed to the polls Tuesday, with several close races and ballot issues decided in unofficial General Election results.

In Richardson County, voter turnout was 59-point-38 percent. Election officials say provisional ballots and some remaining early votes still need to be counted. That count is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, so results could change.

One of the closest races was for Falls City mayor. Kenny Killingsworth narrowly defeated Kevin Malone, receiving 708 votes to Malone's 701.

Several Falls City City Council races were also close. Don Ferguson edged Mark Lowe by one vote in Ward One, 196 to 195. Sean Nolte defeated Robert Olberding by two votes in Ward Two, 195 to 193. In Ward Four, Rick Lemerond received 143 votes to 115 for Bing Bindrum.

In the Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer School Board race, which includes votes from Richardson, Pawnee and Johnson counties, incumbent Dave Mezger led with 886 votes, followed by incumbent Neal Kanel with 729. Ashley Shupp received 829 votes, and Heath Finke had 469.

In the Humboldt mayor's race, Kevin Burnison defeated incumbent Jan Wilhelm, 164 to 109.

For the Rulo Village Board, Regina Barber and Matthew Bletscher tied with 44 votes each, followed by Karen Collins with 30 and Jimmy Coonce with 20.

In Stella, Kyle Gossman led the Village Board race with 64 votes, followed by Rick Ramer with 62. Ann Marie Gould received 10 votes.

Falls City voters also approved establishing a city lottery for community betterment purposes. The unofficial vote was 874 in favor and 473 opposed.

Humboldt voters approved electing City Council members at large rather than by wards, with 173 voting yes and 96 voting no.

In Pawnee County, voters reelected Sheriff Braden Lang. Lang received 644 votes, compared to 434 for write-in candidate Justyce Stankoski.

The top three vote-getters in the Pawnee City School Board race were incumbent Julia Smith with 458 votes, Brady Johnson with 418, and incumbent Bobbi Harhues with 392. Donna Nider received 299 votes.

The Pawnee City Council race featured three write-in campaigns among four candidates seeking two seats. Kellie Wiers, a write-in candidate, received 283 votes, while Patrick Hatfield received 211. Write-in candidates Lucas Barloon and Ric Helms received 103 and 101 votes, respectively.

Elected to the DuBois Village Board were Logan Lang with 52 votes, Mark Derby with 46, and Josie Friedly with 35. Jeanie Crossley received 24 votes.

In Nemaha County, Auburn School District voters have approved a bond issue of up to 22-million, 900-thousand dollars for additions, renovations and improvements to existing school buildings and facilities.

The measure passed Tuesday by a vote of 1,105 to 939.

Bond funds will go toward additional classroom space at Calvert Elementary School, a new entrance and improvements at the Middle School, and a new physical education gymnasium at the high school. Plans also call for renovating the existing high school gymnasium into a multi-purpose facility for performing arts and other activities.

In Auburn city elections, Stephanie Holmes defeated incumbent Mayor Chris Erickson, 825 to 478.

In Ward One, incumbent Shawn Clark defeated Logan Merz, 210 to 175.

In the Ward Three City Council race, incumbent Nathan Seitz retained his seat, receiving 250 votes to Dawna Hall's 172.

And in the Auburn Airport Authority race, Cody Bradley was elected, defeating Kendall Neiman, 634 to 516.

In Johnson County, nearly 70 percent of registered voters cast ballots.

Voters in Johnson, Pawnee and Nemaha counties approved the Johnson County Central School District bond issue. The proposal, which authorizes up to 35-million dollars for construction of a new pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade facility, passed 665 to 529. More than 1,160 votes were cast.

In the Johnson County Central School Board race, the top three candidates were incumbent Kim Wellensiek with 841 votes, Scott Straka with 651, and Elisa Prado with 593. Don Gadeken received 477 votes.

Channing Doden won the Third District County Commissioner race with 447 votes, defeating Kale Heusmen, who received 230.

Tecumseh Mayor Jesse Grof was reelected, receiving 295 votes to 193 for challenger Lavern Bartels.

Johnson County Sheriff Lynn Lyon also won reelection by a wide margin, receiving 1,472 votes. A write-in candidate received 198.

In the Elk Creek Village Board race, Kirk Bartels and Greg Bates tied with 26 votes each, while Ashley Peters received 10.

All results remain unofficial pending completion of the canvass and counting of any outstanding ballots.

 

              

 

(MSC News)--With local area KS voters casting ballots for federal and state offices in Tuesday's general election, history may have been made as Atchison County is on-track to gain an all-female Atchison County Commission, while the state, for the first time since 1932, elected a Democrat to the United States Senate.

In Atchison County, Democrat John Settich fell to Republican Randell Vanderweide in the race for the 2nd District Atchison County Commission seat, while Republican Katherine Kohler, according to the last available figures from Atchison County Tuesday night, was enroute to defeating Democrat Charles Perdue for the 1st District.

According to the figures released by Atchison County Tuesday night, identified as unofficial until the November 9 canvass, Kohler defeated Perdue 788 to 560. That means Kohler and Vanderweide would join fellow Republican, 3rd District County Commissioner Casey Quinn, in leading the county.

Settich, shortly after 10:00 Tuesday night, conceded his loss to Vanderweide in a social media post that also thanked his supporters, ending by saying, saying, "I am sorry that it turned out this way. A lifetime of service is not diminished by one loss. My energy continues, just in different directions now."

Vanderweide also took to social media Tuesday night to express her thanks to the voters, saying she was overwhelmed with gratitude and truly humbled by the trust the people of Atchison County have placed in her, adding that, "I didn't run for this position for a title or recognition. I ran because I love this county."

Kohler, on Wednesday morning, issued a statement to MSC News thanking her supporters.

  

Perdue has not issued a statement following his loss. 

According to Atchison County records, the last time the Commission held a majority of female commissioners was in 1995, when two women served alongside one man. The available records indicate an all-female commission would likely be a first for the county.

In Brown County, Hiawatha voters Tuesday elected current city commissioner Brian Shefferd as the city's new mayor. Shefferd defeated incumbent Mayor Becky Shamburg by a vote of 661 to 427. 

In Fairview, incumbent Mayor Ronald Retley won re-election over challenger Jessica Ann Holman by a vote of 59 to 29. 
The Brown County Clerk's Office reported a 51% voter turnout. 

In Jackson County, voters have approved a renewal of the county's four-tenths percent sales tax for road and bridge improvements.

The measure passed Tuesday by a vote of 2,772 to 2,433. The seven-year renewal takes effect in April 2027.

In the race for 1st District County Commissioner, Republican Doug Fisher defeated incumbent Democrat Mark Pruett, 1,210 to 596.

In Holton, incumbent Tim Schlodder won re-election to position 3 on the City Commission, defeating Mark Davis, 594 to 368.

John Lemon was elected to position 5, defeating Darlene Selley, 574 to 388.

In Jefferson County, voters gave mixed responses to four school district ballot

questions in Tuesday's general election, with two receiving majority support and two falling short.

According to unofficial election-night results released by Jefferson County shortly after 10:00 Tuesday evening, voters narrowly supported a bond question in the Jefferson West School District, USD 340, with 1,127 voting yes and 1,056 voting no. The margin was 71 votes. In the area of Jackson County that lays within the school district, 26 voters said no while 19 said yes.

In the Perry-Lecompton School District, USD 343, voters opposed a recreation commission question, with 734 voting no and 639 voting yes, a difference of 95 votes.

Two propositions in the Jefferson County North School District, USD 339, received majority support.

Proposition Number One received 495 yes votes compared with 370 no votes, while Proposition Number Two passed by a much narrower margin, receiving 435 yes votes to 429 no votes — a difference of just six votes.

The unofficial election-night report showed a voter turnout at 55.75 percent.

The results remain unofficial, pending completion of the election canvass.

In Vermillion USD 380, voters approved two bond propositions for facility improvements at Frankfort and Centralia Schools. Proposition 1, a 16-point-8-million-dollar bond, passed by a vote of 808 to 625. Proposition 2, a nearly 2-million-dollar proposal, was approved by a vote of 764 to 664.

Meanwhile, state history was made in the election of Democrat Adam Hamilton, who defeated incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall. 

Hamilton, in a Tuesday night release, acknowledged the historic nature of his win, the first time in 94 years that Kansas voters sent a Democrat to Washington, D.C., to serve as senator.

"Together, we made history tonight,” Hamilton told supporters in Overland Park, adding that he believes that those who voted for him were saying, ‘What’s happening in Washington is not okay.' 

Republican incumbent Allen Reavis defeated Democrat Adam Booth in the Kansas House 63rd District race. 

The Secretary of State's Office reports Reavis gained 5,247 votes to Booth's 2,359.

Unofficial KS Election Results

(KLZA)--The City of Auburn’s Community Redevelopment Authority  has announced that FAST Global Solutions has repaid a loan received as part of an economic redevelopment project. 
In 2018, the CRA entered into an agreement with FAST Global Solutions to provide a loan of $500,000 to support the purchase and continued operation of the former Ariens manufacturing facility in Auburn. 
The acquisition of the facility by FAST and expansion of its Nebraska operations to Auburn preserved jobs for the local workforce. The continued operation of the facility avoided many of the negative economic impacts that were feared following the announcement of the closure of the former manufacturer with 193 employees. 
See the release from Auburn City Administrator/Economic Developer, Crystal Dunekacke below. 

 FAST Global Solutions has repaid a loan received as part of an economic redevelopment project.  In 2018, the CRA entered into an agreement with FAST Global Solutions to provide a loan of $500,000 to support the purchase and continued operation of the former Ariens manufacturing facility in Auburn. 
The acquisition of the facility by FAST and expansion of its Nebraska operations to Auburn preserved jobs for the local workforce. The continued operation of the facility avoided many of the negative economic impacts that were feared following the announcement of the closure of the former manufacturer with 193 employees.  Nebraska then-Governor Pete Ricketts toured the facility just months into its redevelopment, with FAST officials thanking the City of Auburn for their support.

As part of the terms of the agreement, portions of the loan were forgiven as FAST met certain benchmarks through 2025.  FAST repaid a portion of the proceeds to the CRA in the amount of $480,776.21.  Because those funds were derived from a previous TIF redevelopment district that has since expired, the CRA has repaid those funds in total to the Nemaha County Treasurer for distribution pursuant to Nebraska law.

“The funds were used to prevent the loss of jobs and ensure continued production of a manufacturing facility in Auburn,” CRA Board Member Joe Casey stated. "The CRA is proud to have provided financial support in a time of need that can now be returned to Nemaha County."

 

 

(KAIR)--Just days following the completion of phase two work allowing Atchison's enhanced skatepark to reopen, vandalism was committed and an Atchison juvenile is facing a charge for the damage.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, a 16-year-old boy was arrested Monday, taken into custody for criminal damage to property "in connection to spray painting at the skate board park at Reisner Park."

The juvenile was released to the custody of a parent.

 

 

On Monday afternoon, after the vandalism occurred, a photo of the damage, which included the spraypainted word, "King," as well as an expletive and other lettering, was posted to social media. Residents responded, expressing their disappointment while critiquing the vandalism, with one calling it "very poorly done graffiti." Some commenters, citing well-done graffitti, said such "tags" are common at skateparks; and while others agreed, the concensus was against such tagging due to the park serving as a memorial to Joshua Kinsman, an Atchison skater who died at 17 in 2018. The original skatepark opened in October 2021 with Kinsman's mother, Pamela Cline, spearheading successful fundraising efforts for the three-phase project.

Cline weighed in on the social media discussion regarding the young, accused vandal, saying, "just because someone makes bad choices doesn’t mean they are bad person [and] they still deserve love so...I will be forgiving and clean it and move on!" 

The 350-thousand-dollar expansion was funded through a 150-thousand-dollar contribution from Skate High With Hope–The Joshua Kinsman Foundation and 200-thousand dollars from the City of Atchison.

 

(KAIR)--A two-vehicle Atchison wreck Tuesday morning at the intersection of 14th and Main Streets resulted in a traffic citation, but no one was transported for hospital treatment despite EMS presence.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded to the intersection shortly before 7:00 Tuesday morning.

Police say a Chrysler van, driven by 45-year-old Amelia Cluck, of Lancaster, was eastbound on Main Street when it collided with a Ford Explorer, driven by 26-year-old Grace Blevins, of Atchison, who was northbound on 14th Street.

Atchison County EMS responded to the scene, but no one was transported for hospital treatment.

Cluck was cited for disobeying a traffic control signal.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Two arrests were made in separate incidents investigated by Atchison police over the weekend, one involving shots fired from a pellet gun at a vehicle, and the other involving a pickup truck reported stolen in Kansas City, Kansas.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of Mound Street Friday morning at 11:00, following a report of someone shooting at a vehicle.

Police determined that 41-year-old Russell Sullivan Jr., of Atchison, came out of the residence, pointed what appeared to be a handgun at an occupant of a vehicle and fired several shots at the vehicle.

The weapon was determined to be a pellet gun and was seized by police. No injuries were reported.

Sullivan was arrested at the scene for aggravated assault and taken to the Atchison County Jail.

His bond is set at $10,000.

The second, unrelated arrest came after officers responded around midnight Sunday night to a vacant residence in the 1000 block of Forest Avenue, where a man had reportedly been sitting in a parked vehicle for more than five hours.

Police determined the 2004 Toyota pickup had been reported stolen earlier that day in Kansas City, Kansas.

The occupant, 44-year-old Timothy Leger, of Kansas City, Kansas, was arrested at the scene for theft involving the stolen vehicle and taken to the Atchison County Jail.

Leger’s bond is set at $10,000.

James Shepard/Credit: Buchanan County Sheriff's Office

 

(KAIR)--A 77-year-old man is in critical condition following an assault Monday morning in St. Joseph, Missouri.

According to the St. Joseph Police Department, officers responded around 6 a.m. to the area of 38-hundred North Belt Highway for a reported assault.

Police say the victim was walking in the area when he was attacked. He was taken to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph for treatment.

A suspect was taken into custody at the scene and identified as 50-year-old James Shepard of St. Joseph.

Shepard has been charged with first-degree assault of a special victim.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

 

(KNZA)--Four people were injured, including three with suspected serious injuries, following a head-on collision Monday morning in southwest Jefferson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened shortly after 11:30 Monday morning on Kansas Highway 4 near 31st Street.

According to the Patrol report, a pickup truck driven by 76-year-old Edward Albert of Topeka was traveling eastbound on K-4 when Albert failed to yield to a westbound SUV driven by 67-year-old Douglas Hager of Valley Falls while attempting to turn west onto 31st Street. The two vehicles collided head-on, with both coming to rest in the west ditch.

Albert was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka with suspected serious injuries. He was wearing a seat belt.

Hager also sustained suspected serious injuries and was transported to Stormont Vail. He was not wearing a seat belt.

Two passengers in the SUV were also injured. Sixty-four-year-old Kimberly Hager of Valley Falls suffered suspected serious injuries. 12-year-old Aaliyah Hager, also from Valley Falls, sustained suspected minor injuries. Both were transported to Stormont Vail Hospital.

Kimberly Hager was wearing a seat belt, while the 12-year-old passenger was not.

(KMZA)--A Bern woman was injured last Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in Nemaha County.

According to the Nemaha County Sheriff's Office, the wreck happened shortly after 1:20 p.m. on N Road, about four-tenths of a mile south of K-71 Highway.

The Sheriff's Office says 34-year-old Katie Haverkamp of Bern was traveling northbound in an SUV when a pickup driven by 50-year-old Anthony Luckeroth, also of Bern, attempted to turn onto N Road from a private driveway. The two vehicles collided.

Haverkamp was transported to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca with unspecified injuries.

Luckeroth was not injured.

(KLZA)--Voters across southeast Nebraska will have several local races and ballot questions to consider in the upcoming general election.

In Richardson County, the Falls City mayoral race features incumbent Kevin Malone and Kenny Killingsworth.

There are also contested city council races in Falls City. In Ward One, incumbent Don Ferguson faces Mark Lowe. Ward Two features Sean Nolte and Robert Olberding, while Ward Four candidates are incumbent Bing Bindrum and Rick Lemerond.

There are no contested elections for Richardson County offices.

Several school board races are also on the ballot. In the Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer School District, candidates for three school board seats include incumbent Neal Kanel, Heath Finke, incumbent Dave Mezger and Ashley Shupp.

In District One, Pawnee City voters will choose from Donna Nider, incumbent Julia Smith, Brady Johnson and incumbent Bobbi Haarhues for three school board positions.

In Auburn's District 29, five candidates are seeking three school board seats. They include incumbents Ryan Jones, Beth Kearnes Krause and Laura Osborne, along with Kevin Reiman and Katy Billings.

The mayoral race in Humboldt features incumbent Jan Wilhelm and Kevin Burnison. The Humboldt City Council Ward One race includes Jayme Nolte and Barbara Dettman.

Rulo voters will select three village board members from Regina Barber, Matthew Bletscher, Karen Collins and Jimmy Coonce.

In Stella, three candidates—Rick Ramer, Ann Marie Gould and Kyle Gossman—are seeking two village board seats.

Richardson County voters will also decide two ballot questions. One asks whether Falls City should establish a city lottery under the Nebraska County and City Lottery Act, with proceeds designated for community betterment.

The other question asks whether Auburn Public Schools District 29 should issue up to 22.9 million dollars in general obligation bonds for building improvements. The proposed projects include classroom additions at Calvert Elementary School, a new middle school entrance, a physical education gymnasium at the high school, renovations to convert the existing high school gymnasium into a multipurpose facility, and other deferred maintenance, renovations and equipment.

Humboldt voters will also consider a proposal to elect city council members at large rather than by individual wards.

In Johnson County, voters will decide a major school bond proposal for Johnson County Central. The measure asks for authorization to issue up to 35 million dollars in bonds to construct and equip pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade facilities.

Four candidates are seeking three Johnson County Central school board seats: incumbent Kim Wellensiek, Don Gadeken, Scott Straka and Elisa Prado.

The District Three County Commissioner race features Republican Channing Doeden and Democrat Kale Heusmen.

In Tecumseh, incumbent Mayor Jesse Grof faces Lavern Bartels.

Three candidates—Kirk Bartels, Greg Bates and Ashley Peters—are seeking two seats on the Elk Creek Village Board.

In Nemaha County, Auburn voters will choose between incumbent Mayor Chris Erickson and Stephanie Holmes.

The Ward One City Council race features Logan Merz and incumbent Shawn Clark. In Ward Three, incumbent Nathan Seitz faces Dawna Hall.

Two candidates, Kendall Neiman and Cody Bradley, are seeking one seat on the Auburn Airport Authority.

And in Pawnee County, four candidates are seeking three seats on the DuBois Village Board. They are Josie Friedly, Logan Lang, Mark Derby and Jeanie Crossley.

Voters are encouraged to review their sample ballots and make sure they are familiar with the candidates and ballot issues before heading to the polls.

 

(KTNC)-- Community Medical Center in Falls City continues to feel the effects of a cyber-attack.

The Hospital announced October 18 that the facility had been hit with a cyber attack.

In an update issued on Friday, CMC, Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Larsen said said “most services are back to nearly normal.”

Acute inpatient services, clinic, hospital lab, therapy departments and surgery are all functioning at, or close to pre-attack volumes.

Larsen noted the hospital still struggles to send images to radiologists for interpretation. Driving physical copies to be uploaded in Lincoln is too slow for emergency situations so as of Friday night, the hospital was still advising ambulances to divert to other nearby facilities.

The hospital continues to work with forensic experts to determine what might have been compromised. Security systems, Larsen noted, generally prevented penetration into the hospital's electronic health record systems, but other files may not have been so fortunate. CMC continues to investigate and will follow all state and federal reporting requirements.

CMC is not aware of any fraud or misuse that has occurred related to the incident.

It is recommended that patients and community members take cyber attacks seriously at all times.

 

 

(KAIR)--The newly expanded skatepark at Atchison's Reisner Park is now open, marking the completion of the second phase of a project developed in memory of a young Atchison skateboarder.

The 350-thousand-dollar expansion was funded through a 150-thousand-dollar contribution from Skate High With Hope–The Joshua Kinsman Foundation and 200-thousand dollars from the City of Atchison.

The improvements include a skate bowl and pump track, with design work by Pillar Design Studio and construction by Artisan Skateparks.

The original skatepark opened in October 2021 in memory of Joshua Kinsman, who died in 2018 at the age of 17. His mother, Pamela Cline, has led fundraising efforts for the project, envisioned from the beginning as a three-phase development.

Cline, during a phone call to the 93.7 FM Morning Petting Zoo Monday, called seeing the skatepark expanded and open “very touching,” saying she and her sister, on Saturday, went to the park where, following the afternoon Atchison Halloween Parade, young skaters descended on the newly opened park to attempt the new features.

Cline also thanked all who contributed to the goal, saying, “I can not just point out one person, it was everybody, from every little kid that gave a penny in our little jars. It’s very touching to us so we are very thankful.”

The skatepark, at Reisner Park, is located at 700 North 10th Street, in Atchison.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A proposed 140-thousand-dollar livestock exhibition facility at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds is under consideration by the Jefferson County Commission, with the goal of having it ready for next summer's county fair.

According to unofficial minutes from the October 26 commission meeting, Jason Roenne, representing the Jefferson County Fair Board, presented the proposal for a new facility estimated to cost 140-thousand-60 dollars.

The project would support 4-H youth programs, agricultural education and community activities, with plans to use local contractors, suppliers and labor whenever possible.

During discussion, Commissioners Doug Walbridge and Richard Jobbins suggested an alternative that would involve renovating an existing building for livestock and constructing a new facility that could also be rented for community events.

Commissioner David Christy asked how much funding the Fair Board currently has available to contribute toward the project.

Commissioners took no action on the funding request, telling Roenne they would get back to him regarding the proposal.

 

 

(KAIR)--Valley Falls residents are being asked to help identify the community's housing needs as city officials work to establish priorities for future development and improvements.

The request comes from Valley Falls City Administrator Wesley Lanter, who says the city's Community Development Committee is conducting a housing assessment that will help support future applications for infrastructure and housing-related funding.

Among the projects being considered are infrastructure improvements in the Barnes Addition, replacement of the city's water supply system, demolition of deteriorating structures and possible housing rehabilitation assistance.

Lanter says the assessment will help document community needs, although completing it does not guarantee funding.

A survey is being mailed to every residence within Valley Falls city limits, with one response requested per household.

Residents are asked to return their surveys by Tuesday, December 1. The survey can also be completed online or the City of Valley Falls Facebook page.

The survey does not request names or street addresses, and all questions are optional.

Completed paper surveys can be returned to Valley Falls City Hall, while residents needing assistance can contact the city at 785-945-6612.

(KNZA)--The city of Highland and Highland Community College are considering a property transfer that would include the city ballfield, concession stand and adjoining park.

The Highland City Council will discuss the proposal at its November 4th meeting.

Under the proposed agreement, the public would continue to have access to the property, and the city would continue hosting its Summer Recreation League teams on the field and providing a concession stand for games.

The transfer would allow Highland Community College to make significant improvements to the ballfield and concession stand. The college currently intends for the adjoining park to remain a park.

The council meeting begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 4th, in the City Hall Council Chambers. Both the city and college are encouraging residents to attend and participate in the discussion.

(MSC News)--Voters in three area school districts will decide bond issues for facility improvements in Tuesday’s general election. Jackson County voters will also decide whether to renew a special sales tax for road and bridge improvements.

The four-tenths-percent sales tax would be renewed for seven years, beginning in April 2027, and generate about 600-thousand dollars annually for the county.

In Vermillion USD 380, voters will consider two bond questions for improvements at Frankfort and Centralia schools.

The first is a 16-point-8-million-dollar bond that can pass on its own. The second is a nearly two-million-dollar proposal that depends on approval of the first.

If both pass, the bonds would be repaid over 25 years, with an estimated tax increase of 19 dollars and 65 cents a month on a 100-thousand-dollar home.

In Jefferson West USD 340, voters will decide on a seven-point-five-million-dollar bond for improvements to five district buildings.

The proposal includes security upgrades, electrical repairs and updated heating and cooling systems. Parts of the district’s preschool building date back to 1966.

It’s the district’s third bond proposal, following defeats in 2024 and March. The latest plan was scaled back from the 17-point-five-million-dollar proposal rejected in March, with input from a community group.

Meanwhile, voters in Jefferson County North USD 339 will consider two bond questions.

The first would provide nearly three-point-five-million dollars for heating and air conditioning, roofing, security upgrades and high school parking improvements.

The second would provide up to one-point-five-million dollars for additional agriculture and web design classrooms, along with restroom renovations to improve accessibility.

District officials say the projects address facility and safety needs that are too costly to fund through regular capital outlay.

If both questions pass, the district’s mill levy would increase by eight mills, with the bonds financed over 30 years.

Polls will be open Tuesday from seven a.m. to seven p.m.

 

 

 

 

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth man has been sentenced to four years in prison in connection with a residential burglary and the theft of copper piping from a local church.

That's according to a release from Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson, who says 62-year-old Rickey D. Hundley was sentenced to 32 months for residential burglary and 16 months for criminal damage to property, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively for a total of 4-years of incarceration.

Hundley pleaded guilty to both charges in September.

According to court records, Hundley admitted to a Leavenworth police detective that he broke copper piping from three air-conditioning units at a church south of downtown Leavenworth in November of last year.

The damage to the church was estimated at more than 38-thousand dollars.

The residential burglary charge stemmed from a June incident near downtown Leavenworth, where officers responding to a burglary in progress detained Hundley at the scene.

Hundley was arrested and later charged in connection with that incident.

(KAIR)--Atchison's property tax collections are running below expectations, while sales tax revenue continues to exceed projections, according to a financial report presented during the October 19 meeting of the Atchison City Commission.

City Manager Mark Westhoff told commissioners property tax collections had reached 91.1 percent of the projected amount, compared with approximately 95 percent typically collected by that point in the year.

Westhoff said he contacted Atchison County officials about the lower collections and learned the county was reporting similar figures, indicating the difference was not the result of a distribution issue between the county and city.

He noted that another property tax distribution was expected before the end of the year.

Sales tax collections, meanwhile, were providing a more positive financial picture.

“Sales tax collections on the other hand are up overall above our target for the year,” Westhoff told commissioners, adding that collections were also ahead of the previous year's figures.

The financial report also included an update on the Atchison Event Center, where Westhoff reported a strong quarter, helped by the Amberwell Gala and other large events.

Westhoff said the completion of kitchen repairs at the facility allowed food for the Amberwell Gala to be prepared on-site rather than brought in from another location.

The event center also hosted the Forest of Friendship banquet, another event highlighted during the commission's discussion.

Westhoff noted improved coordination between the event center, theater staff and the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, which handles tourism promotion for the city.

He said the collaboration is helping attract conferences and other events to Atchison, including several statewide gatherings scheduled for later this year and next year.

Westhoff told commissioners those events provide opportunities to bring additional visitors to the community.

(KAIR)--A two-vehicle crash Saturday morning in the city of Atchison claimed the life of a 45-year-old Atchison man.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 10:30  near the intersection of Kearney Street and North 12th Street.

According to the patrol report, a Ford Bronco driven by 50-year-old Johnnie Ross of Atchison was traveling eastbound on Kearney Street when it failed to stop at a stop sign.

A southbound Toyota Echo on North 12th Street, driven by 45-year-old Chad Starling of Atchison, attempted to avoid the Bronco. The vehicles did not collide, but Starling lost control, struck trash cans, and then hit a tree.

Starling was transported to Amberwell Atchison, where he later died. He was not wearing a seat belt.

Ross and his passenger, 52-year-old Tanna Ross, also of Atchison, were not injured. Both were wearing seat belts.