(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, on Friday, issued a boil water advisory for the City of White Cloud public water supply system in Doniphan County.

The advisory took effect following a waterline break that caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system.

KDHE says a loss of adequate pressure can result in reduced chlorine levels and possible bacterial contamination.

Until further notice, customers should boil water for one minute before drinking or using it for food preparation, or use bottled water.

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

According to a release from the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified of the missing child in the 300 block of 214th Road. The child had been outside the residence and wandered away.

Multiple agencies and community members responded to search the surrounding area. The child was found about a half-mile from the residence near a pond and was safely returned to family members.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the numerous agencies and local volunteers who assisted with the search, including Atchison County Emergency Services, the Kansas Highway Patrol and its aircraft, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Valley Falls Police, and Effingham Fire.

The Sheriff’s Office also thanked the Horton Police Department and Kansas Bureau of Investigation, who were preparing to assist, along with others who offered their help.

(KAIR)--A 31-year-old Atchison man is facing charges following an investigation into allegations of child abuse. 

Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, in a release, says Terry W. Jones was arrested Thursday afternoon at his residence on charges of abuse of a child, aggravated assault and sexual battery. 

The police investigation began August 14th after a report of child abuse involving a victim under the age of 10 was made to the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

According to Wilson, the investigation led police to identify two additional victims under the age of 18. One victim was allegedly threatened with a knife, while another was allegedly the victim of sexual battery.

Police served a search warrant Thursday at Jones' residence to search for evidence.

Following his arrest, Jones was booked into the Atchison County Jail. As of Friday, he remained in custody with no bond set.

Wilson says the investigation remains ongoing.

Former BC Head Football Coach Larry Wilcox (center) was inducted into the KS Sports Hall of Fame August 16, 2026. Photo credit: Benedictine College/Raven Athletics

(KAIR)--Benedictine College football coaching legend Larry Wilcox is now a Kansas Sports Hall of Famer.

Wilcox was inducted last weekend during the Hall of Fame ceremony held Sunday in Kansas City.

A release from the Hall of Fame notes that Wilcox led Benedictine football for 42 seasons, coaching from 1979 through 2020, and finished with 305 wins and 153 losses.

The Hall says Wilcox ranks second all-time in NAIA coaching wins and 13th in college football history.

Wilcox’s teams made 14 NAIA playoff appearances, reached three NAIA final fours, and played in two bowl games.

He also served as Benedictine’s athletic director for 24 years.

Wilcox, of Atchison, currently serves as Vice-Mayor on the City Commission.

He was part of a record Hall of Fame class this year.

The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame inducted 32 people in the Class of 2026, far more than the typical 10 to 12.

The Hall said the larger group was selected to address a backlog of nominees after a 10-year period when selections were dormant.

That follows a request made August 10 by the legal counsel for Gaylon Gillis during an Atchison County District Court hearing.

The court granted the request, with the evaluation to take place at the Atchison County Jail through the Guidance Center. Once complete, a competency hearing will be held September 11.

The 57-year-old Gillis is facing two felony counts, aggravated assault and criminal threat. That follows his July 27 noon-hour arrest at a residence in the 1900 block of Harper Drive. At the time, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson told MSC News the arrest came after Gillis allegedly threatened a 65-year-old woman and a 62-year-old man during a disturbance at the residence.

Gillis was booked into the Atchison County Jail following his arrest, held initially on a bond of $50,000. However, a bond reduction request was granted by the court, with the bond reduced to $10,000.

At last check, Gillis remained in custody.

Meanwhile, a separate case involving another alleged, Atchison knife threat is moving through the courts.

71-year-old Ross Low made his first Atchison County District Court appearance August 14, one day after his arrest. Low was taken into custody the evening prior, around 5:40, following what Wilson called a disturbance in the 400 block of South 10th Street. It involved two vehicles at the drive-thru lane of the Atchison Dairy Queen where it's alleged Low threatened occupants of the other vehicle with a knife.

After police arrived, Low was arrested for aggravated assault.

Booked into the Atchison County Jail, Low has since been released on a bond of $30,000.

Low's next court appearance is scheduled for September 28.

Neither of the two alleged knife threats resulted in any physical injuries.

The decision follows an independent investigation into allegations concerning Baniewicz’s ability to oversee a safe environment.

In a statement, Archbishop Shawn McKnight says protecting minors and vulnerable people is a fundamental responsibility of the Church.

The formal church decree was signed August 13th.

Baniewicz served as President of Atchison's Maur Hill-Mount Academy from 2010 until beginning his role as Bishop Miege President in late 2023. Prior to his time at MH-MA, he was an administrator at Atchison's Benedictine College.

Baniewicz was placed on administrative leave by the Bishop Miege board of trustees in June of 2025, after concerns were raised about his ability to oversee a safe environment. He was later restricted from active ministry in the archdiocese after an allegation of inappropriate behavior with a minor was reported.

His employment with Miege ended in August of 2025.

The Archdiocese says the independent investigation included 68 interviews, extensive records and reports, and consultation with authorities from multiple jurisdictions. It examined 16 allegations dating from approximately 1985 through 2025, including Baniewicz’s work in youth ministry, with Life Teen, at Maur Hill-Mount Academy, and at Bishop Miege.

According to the Archdiocese, the investigation found a consistent pattern of imprudent professional conduct, repeated failures to maintain appropriate boundaries with minors, deficient safeguarding practices, and conduct incompatible with the standards expected of those serving children and vulnerable people.

The Archdiocese says no criminal charges have been filed against Baniewicz.

It also says the investigation did not establish the level of certainty required under Church law to begin a canonical disciplinary process, but did reveal what it called a persistent and deeply concerning pattern of conduct requiring administrative action.

Baniewicz’s current safety plan will remain in place.

(KMZA)--A Morrill man has died following an ATV crash earlier this month in Nemaha County.

The Nemaha County Sheriff's Office says 43-year-old Forrest Gaston the Second was traveling north on W Road, north of 48th Road, shortly after 1:40 the morning of August ninth when he lost control of his Kawasaki ATV and left the roadway.

Gaston was taken to Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, where he died August 11th.

A celebration of life service will be held Friday, September fourth at 3 p.m. at the Morrill Community Building. Family and friends are also invited to participate in a procession to the Morrill Cemetery following the service.

Description

Christopher Dollen/Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)---A Nortonville man is facing multiple charges following an investigation by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Forty-five-year-old Christopher Dollen was arrested after deputies served a search warrant at his residence August ninth. Suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were seized.

On-line court records show a 12-count complaint was filed August 14th in Jefferson County District Court, charging Dollen with eight felonies and four misdemeanors.

The charges include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, criminal use of explosives, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated endangering a child, interference with law enforcement, a tax stamp violation, possession of a firearm while under the influence, criminal use of weapons and two misdemeanor drug offenses.

Dollen remains in the Jefferson County Jail on a $100,000 bond.

A status hearing is scheduled for August 31st.

The requests would require $8,911,521 in property tax collections which would require a levy of 41.245 cents per $100 of assessed valuation which would amount to a 37% increase from the previous year. 

Following Wednesday's review and taking into consideration reductions to be made, an approximate property tax requirement of $7,915,021 was reached with the proposed property tax levy decreasing to 36.633 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.  That figure amounts to a 22% increase from the previous year.  

Commissioners will continue to review and consider options to reduce the requested Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget over the next several weeks prior to presenting a final proposal.  

(KNZA)--Brown County commissioners are considering new zoning regulations that would prohibit large data centers and commercial battery energy storage facilities.

The County Planning Commission recommended the change following a public hearing earlier this month. The recommendation follows an 18-month development moratorium enacted by the county.

At Monday’s meeting, County Counselor Austin Parker said the proposed prohibition would be constitutional, but noted companies could still build the facilities in neighboring counties.

Parker recommended setting a one-megawatt threshold for data centers, saying smaller, non-commercial facilities should not be prohibited.

All three commissioners voted to send the matter back to the Planning Commission for consideration of an exception for non-commercial data centers operating below the one-megawatt threshold.

(KNZA)--Proposals are being sought for replacement of the track facility at Atchison County Schools USD 377.

The Board of Education last week approved a request for proposals for demolition and reconstruction of the district’s eight-lane track. The project also includes resurfacing the long-jump and triple-jump runways and reconstructing the concession stand area.

Bids are due October 5th, with a contract expected to be awarded October 14th. Construction is scheduled to begin in May and be completed by August 15th, 2027.

School officials say the current track has become a safety concern and needs to be replaced.

The district plans to finance the project through a lease-purchase agreement. In May, the board approved an additional two mills of capital outlay authority for ten years to help fund the project.

(KMZA)- The Kansas Department of Transportation will temporarily close the K-63 bridge over Turkey Creek in Nemaha County Monday evening, August 24 for repair work.

The bridge will close at 7 p.m. for work on the north bridge approach and is expected to reopen by midnight, weather and conditions permitting.

No detour will be posted, so motorists will need to use alternate routes.

KDOT urges drivers to use caution, follow signs and avoid using hand-held mobile devices in the work zone.

According to the unofficial minutes of the Jefferson County Commission's August 17th meeting, Sheriff Tim Bacon sought permission to upgrade the jail control system through Electronic Contracting Company, or ECC.

The upgrade would install an Imperium system in the existing jail area, as well as in the Sheriff's Office's new addition. The minutes note the system would function as its own complete system.

The total cost comes to roughly $326,000. That includes a down payment of about $163,000, followed by three payments of nearly $58,000 each. The minutes indicate the money is in the law enforcement budget.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the new jail technology, along with the payment plan discussed.

City Manager Mark Westhoff presented the recommended budget to commissioners Monday afternoon, with commissioners taking no action, with the document received and filed, following completion after five budget workshop sessions of the Commission.

Under the proposal, the city's overall mill levy would drop from 46 point three-five-nine mills this year to 45 point zero-zero-two next year. But because property valuations are rising, the city would still collect more tax revenue, about 2 point six-four percent more than this year. Total assessed valuation is projected to climb from roughly 109 million dollars to about 115 million.

The proposed budget totals just over 62 point 3 million dollars, including a general fund of nearly 12 and a half million and a debt service fund of about 1 point 1 million. The Capital Improvement Program is set at just over 31 point 3 million.

The single largest expenditure is a projected collector well water project, estimated at 28 million dollars, which Westhoff told the Commission will only happen if FEMA grant funding can be secured.

That project also carries a policy wrinkle. City policy requires the Capital Improvement Program fund balance stay at a minimum of 5 percent of annual expenses. The well project would push it down to 2 percent on a one-time basis, meaning that by approving the budget, commissioners would also be approving that exemption.

A budget hearing is set for 4:30 on the afternoon of September 8th, as part of that day's regularly scheduled commission meeting.

The final budget must be certified and sent to the County Clerk by October 1st.

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council approved the reassignment of Briar Burr to the position of Public  Works Superintendent when they met Monday night. Burr has served as the City Parks and Recreation Director since October of 2024.  

City Administrator Gary Jorn said he felt Burr is underutilized on the General Fund side of the city budget and wanted to see him reassigned to the Utility side to help manage some of the major projects coming up such as the possible Citroniq project, the sub station project, and lead replacement project.  He will also help manage some of the safety programs. 

In other business the Council approved a project to asphalt the alley between 14th & 15th Street between Stone Street and Harlan Street at a cost of $23,000.

Public Works Director Trevor Campbell felt it was better to do just the one alley now where utility lines have been buried in the downtown area  and not rush the project through  by including two other alleys before making sure no new issues arise.  

The Council also approved a contract with Utility Safety and Design Inc.  of Princeton, Minnesota for engineering services for the 2027 project to replace natural gas pipelines in the west section of Falls City as a cost of $39,950.

Bruce Bish/Credit: Doniphan County Sheriff's Office

(KNZA)--A second St. Joseph, Missouri man has been arrested in connection with multiple vehicle burglaries last October in Highland.

Online court records show 19-year-old Bruce Bish was arrested August 6th on a Doniphan County warrant charging him with three counts of burglary and three counts of felony theft.

Co-defendant Caden Vice was arrested last November following an investigation by the Doniphan County Sheriff's Office and Highland Police Department.

Vice pleaded no contest in May to two counts of felony theft and is scheduled to be sentenced September 16th.

Vice and Bish are accused of breaking into several vehicles during the early morning hours of October 27th, 2025, and stealing multiple firearms.

Bish remains in the Doniphan County Jail on a 150-thousand-dollar bond.

(KNZA)---A 2026-27 budget with total expenditures of about 13 million dollars and a 4.4 mill increase in the property tax levy is proposed by the Board of Education for the Atchison County Community Schools of USD 377.

The board approved the budget for publication at its August 12th meeting.

The proposed tax rate is about 48.2 mills, which is above the revenue neutral tax rate of 43.4 mills. The district expects to collect nearly 4.2 million dollars in local tax revenue.

The budget includes a 20-mill general fund levy set by the state, about 20.2 mills for the supplemental general fund and eight mills for capital outlay.

The supplemental general fund levy is increasing 2.4 mills from last year, while the capital outlay levy is increasing two mills. The board approved the capital outlay increase in May to help fund replacement of the district's track facility.

The board will consider adopting the budget following a public hearing at its September 9th meeting.

A second hearing will also be held on the district's intent to exceed the revenue neutral tax rate.

Meanwhile, as the board plans for the hearing, students this week returned to class for the new school year.

The first day of the fall semester was Wednesday.

Jack Geiger/submitted

(KNZA)--Brown County farmer Jack Geiger of rural Robinson will appear on the November general election ballot as an independent candidate for Kansas House District 62.

Geiger’s campaign says the Kansas Secretary of State has accepted the 828 petition signatures he submitted from voters in Brown, Nemaha and Jackson counties.

Geiger says his campaign is focused on issues including property taxes, the cost of living, rural communities and the influence of money and partisan politics in government.

He will face incumbent Republican Representative Sean Willcott in the November general election.

(KLZA)--Plans are in place for an armor coating project to begin Monday, August 24, on U.S. Highway 73 near Falls City.

State maintenance crews will begin work at the south edge of Falls City and proceed south for about seven miles. The project is expected to take two days to complete.

Traffic will be maintained through the work zone with a pilot car and flaggers.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution when traveling through highway work zones.

Of the grants awarded to thirty-one Nebraska libraries, several addressed the need for educational programs, Summer Reading programming, and materials like LEGO®, STEAM, and other activities to encourage creativity in young people. 

Among the libraries awarded 2026 Youth Grants for Excellence funding were: 

The Falls City Library and Arts Center, 

 Grant Amount: $731.00     Total Project cost: $975.00

Growing Readers / Family Fun @ the Library: 

Beatrice Public Library. 

 Grant Amount: $881.00     Total Project: $1,175.00 

Youth Grants for Excellence are made available by the Nebraska Library Commission with funding from the State of Nebraska.

This is Cobblestone Week in Falls City.

This years theme is “Stars &  Stripes Forever.”  Events will be held from Thursday, August 20 through Sunday, August 23rd. 

The annual kickoff event for Cobblestone is the Falls City Volunteer Fire Departments Fishing Contest at Stanton Lake beginning at 5 p..m. 

Events during The Cobblestone Festival will include: 

Friday, Aug. 21 

6 – 10 p.m. Food and sales vendors are open on Stone Street and Sam's Amusements Carnival will be open.

6 p.m. - Heller Martial Arts Sparring Expo at 1700 Stone Street. 

6 p.m. Partners In Education  Little Miss & Mister Cobblestone will be crowned on the courthouse lawn.

6:15 p.m. - Humane Society cutest pet crowning.- Courthouse lawn 

6:30 p.m. - Youth Wrestling Dual. - 1700 Stone Street.

7 p.m.  The Falls City Elks Lodge will host a beer garden and live music. 

Saturday, August 21:

7 a.m. - Community Medical Center Fun Run at the CMC Nature Trail 

8 a.m – 2 p.m. - Car and motorcycle show at 1800 Stone Street 

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Antique Tractor and Equipment Show at the Richardson County Ag Museum.

9 – 10 a..m. - Food and sales vendors will be open 

9 a.m. - Frog Jumping contest – 1700 Stone Street 

SATURDAY CONTINUED:  

10 a.m. - Big Deal Dance Studio performance at 1700 Stone Street.

10:15 am. - Buchanan Highlanders Bagpipe concert at the First United Methodist Church.

11 a.m. -Cobblestone Parade on Harlan Street ( Highway 73)  from 20th Street south to 14th Street.

Noon - 1st United Methodist Church luncheon

1 p.m. Hot Wheels Races at 1800 Stone Street 

1-3 p.m. - Area Fire Department water wars at the Splash Pad.

1-10 p.m. - Sam's Amusements will be open.

1 p.m. - History of Trick Roping Presentation at the Richardson County Ag II Museum.

6 p.m. - Falls City Area Jaycees Demolition Derby at the Jaycees Community Filed south of Falls City. 

Sunday, August 22:

12 – 5 p.m. - Foor and Sales vendors are open on Stone Street. 

1 – 5 p.m. - Sam's Amusements will be open on Stone Street.  

For more information visit online at www.fallscitychamber.com.

The proposal will ask School District #29 patrons to approve a $22.9 million bond issue that would pay for a classroom addition and renovation at Calvert Elementary School.

A new Middle School entryway addition and improvements to address safety concerns;

A new physical education / gymnasium addition at the High School;

Renovations and improvements to convert the existing high school gym to a multi-use facility to include performing arts and other activities;

deferred maintenance renovations and improvements to safety, security and environmental concerns in the districts existing facilities; 

Provide for necessary equipment for the buildings, facilities renovations and improvements.

The proposed projects cost are not anticipated to result in a change to the Auburn School District's current bond levy rate by more than 10 cents, per $100 of assessed valuation, based on current valuation expectations.  

The Board also approved a contract with Clark & Enerson of Lincoln to serve as the consultant for the design-build project.  

(KAIR)--Multiple fire departments responded to a large commercial structure fire in Elwood late Monday night.

The Elwood Fire Department responded around 10:30 to the fire at the former Dean Machinery building located at 1910 Roseport Road, currently home for Dunning Express.  

When firefighters arrived, they found the structure heavily involved in flames.

Doniphan County Emergency Management says a call went out for mutual aid, with firefighters from Troy, Wathena, Rosecrans Airport and the St. Joseph, Missouri Fire Department responding.

The fire was brought under control within an hour.

Three commercial vehicles were heavily damaged or destroyed by the fire.

No injuries were reported.

The fire remains under investigation.    

Scott Griswold/Credit: Kinsley Mortuary

(KMZA)---Services are set Friday for a Marysville man who died last week following an ATV crash northwest of Marysville.

The Marshall County Sheriff's Office says 65-year-old Scott Griswold was driving a Polaris Ranger southbound on Third Road, north of Cherokee Road, last Thursday evening when the vehicle overturned as he turned into a driveway.

A family member discovered Griswold and called for help. He was taken to Community Memorial Hospital in Marysville, where he later died.

Services for Griswold will be held Friday morning at 10:30 at Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Bremen.

(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education has approved a negotiated agreement with teachers and other district employees for the 2026-27 school year.

The agreement was approved following an executive session at the board's August 12th meeting.

Under the agreement, teachers will receive an 800-dollar increase to the salary base, raising the base salary for a beginning teacher to 47-thousand dollars.

Teachers will also receive flex days as provided in the negotiated agreement.

Administrators and directors will receive a one-point-five percent salary increase.

Twelve-month staff will receive a 32-cent-per-hour increase, while nine-month staff will receive a 23-cent-per-hour increase.

The agreement also continues district-paid single health and dental insurance coverage for full- and part-time staff at the district's current contribution rate.