(MSC News)--The MSC Radio Network will again help raise money for the Jackson Heights Honor Flight, setting a $7,000 goal for a four-hour radiothon Saturday on KNZA 103.9 FM.

The next Honor Flight is scheduled for May 26 and 27, 2027. The trip is expected to include about 30 veterans and 20 student guardians from area high schools who will assist the veterans throughout the trip.

Saturday’s radiothon will air from noon to 4 p.m.

Ahead of the fundraiser, MSC Radio Network’s Seth Tollefson spoke with Jackson Heights Honor Flight Hub Leader Tammy Askren, who described the radiothon as the program’s largest fundraiser.

“This year, we’re looking at a goal of $7,000,” Askren said. “I have been blessed with some big donations, so last year we had asked for 10. This year, we’re going to go for seven.”

Askren said the money will help send veterans and their student guardians to Washington, D.C., where they will visit military memorials and see the White House.

“This is an opportunity for us to show our veterans how our country appreciates them and the service that they have provided to us, guarding our freedom,” Askren said.

She added that one of the trip’s greatest benefits is the camaraderie among veterans and their opportunity to share stories with one another.

Saturday’s broadcast will feature veterans who have previously participated in an Honor Flight, along with others who may be considering the trip.

Donations can be pledged during the radiothon. Those unable to listen Saturday may send a check to Jackson Heights High School in care of the Jackson Heights Honor Flight.

(KAIR)--With the arrival of October comes annual Halloween themed traditions, including one at Atchison’s Benedictine College where the holiday combines with hands-on science for Atchison children at the college’s Spooky Science Fun Bash.

According to the college, the free event will be held Friday evening, October 9, from 6:00 to 8:00, throughout Westerman Hall.

Benedictine students and faculty will present games, displays and demonstrations involving biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, astronomy, nursing and psychology.

Activities will include jumping pumpkins, ghost bubbles, exploding gummy bears, carnivorous plants and live animals, including snakes, turtles and a fox. Preserved oddities will include a two-headed snake and two-headed pig. New this year are a dissection display and termite trail activity.

Children can also enjoy face painting, mask making, a skeleton and skull matching game, beanbag zombies, popcorn, cupcakes and candy.

Admission is free, but minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Free parking will be available behind Westerman Hall in the Murphy Recreation Center parking lot, with the entrance off Mound Street. Students will be available to direct guests.

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Another citation is given in Atchison County to a motorist accused of driving just short of 100 miles per hour.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, it happened around 8:30 Sunday morning on U.S. Highway 73 near Rooks Road.

Laurie says 24-year-old Ethan Daniels, of Atchison, was cited for driving 93 miles per hour in a 65 mile per hour zone.

That’s 28 miles per hour over the posted limit and just seven miles per hour shy of 100.

Under Kansas’ uniform traffic fine schedule, driving 28 miles per hour over the limit carries a listed fine of 177 dollars, before court costs.

Speeding, as fall arrives, could be costly in another way, as deer vehicle crashes statistically increase from October through December.

Sheriff Laurie joins other statewide officials in sending the message to slow down and be alert, saying it's safer to hit the animal then to swerve and cause a more impactful crash. 

The Kansas Traffic Resource Center, this week, released information regarding wildlife encounters while driving, including insects. 

Kansas drivers are no strangers to sharing the road with wildlife. From deer crossing at dawn and dusk to a stray raccoon on a neighborhood street, unexpected animal encounters can happen almost anywhere. And while larger animals outside the vehicle often get the most attention, smaller creatures inside your vehicle can be just as distracting. A buzzing wasp, flying bee or wandering spider can quickly pull your focus away from driving.

 

The good news is that a calm response can help you stay safe in both situations.

 

When wildlife appears in the road, your first instinct may be to swerve. However, sudden steering movements can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or enter another lane. Instead, focus on reducing speed and maintaining control while watching traffic around you. Most wildlife encounters happen with little warning, making it important to stay alert, especially on rural roads and during sunrise and sunset when many animals are most active.

 

If you encounter wildlife on the road:

• Slow down as quickly and safely as possible.
• Stay in your lane and avoid sudden swerves.
• Use high beams when appropriate to improve visibility.
• Watch for additional animals, especially if you see one deer.
• Increase following distance in areas where wildlife activity is common.
• Stay alert near wooded areas, fields and waterways.

 

Wildlife is not the only surprise that can challenge drivers. An insect inside your vehicle can trigger panic and create dangerous distractions. Whether it is a bee, wasp or other flying insect, it is important to keep your attention on driving first.

 

If an insect enters your vehicle, resist the urge to swat at it while moving. Taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can create a serious hazard. Instead, remain calm and look for a safe place to pull over if needed.

 

If an insect gets inside your vehicle:

• Keep both hands on the wheel.
• Stay focused on the road ahead.
• Open windows only if it can be done without becoming distracted.
• Avoid reaching, swatting or ducking away from the insect.
• Pull over in a safe location if the insect continues to distract you.
• Once stopped, allow the insect to exit or remove it safely.

 

Whether the surprise comes from a deer on a country road or a bee in your cab, staying calm and focused is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others. When nature makes an appearance, a steady response can make all the difference.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth High School student was arrested after allegedly bringing a gun into the school Monday.

According to a joint statement from Leavenworth Police and USD 453, other students alerted adults that a student might have a firearm inside the building.

School administrators and the school resource officer immediately removed the student and their belongings from the general student population and secured them in an administrative office.

Police say a firearm was recovered during the investigation. The juvenile was taken to a detention facility in the Kansas City area and charged with criminal use of a weapon.

Officials say the school was not placed on lockdown because the student was immediately removed and contained once administrators learned of the situation.

The district says the delay in notifying families was caused by the time needed to secure the situation, investigate and obtain the judicial approval required before a juvenile can be taken to detention.

No credible threat has been identified following the incident, but school administrators and police continue to investigate additional rumors and concerns.

Officials also commended the students who reported the weapon, saying they did exactly what is expected when they see or hear something concerning.

(KAIR)--No criminal charges will be filed against Buchanan County sheriff’s deputies following the death of a Kansas City, Kansas man after a confrontation south of Rushville.

In a final update released Monday, the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office says Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson reviewed body-camera footage, witness statements, physical evidence and forensic reports connected to the May 28 death of 36-year-old Marcus Caldwell.

Deputies had responded to the intersection of U.S. 59 and Missouri Route 45 after receiving reports of a rolling domestic disturbance. Dispatchers were told a woman feared for her life and used the word “kidnapping.”

The sheriff’s office previously reported that Caldwell became agitated, punched a deputy and fought with officers as they tried to take him into custody. Authorities say he also reached for a deputy’s firearm before being handcuffed.

Caldwell then suffered a medical emergency and stopped breathing. Deputies and Buchanan County EMS provided aid before he was taken to Mosaic Life Care, where he was pronounced dead.

After reviewing the completed autopsy and investigation, Davidson determined the deputies acted within the law and found no evidence of criminal intent or unlawful conduct.

The investigation is now closed.

(KNZA)--A 19-year-old Hiawatha man has pleaded no contest to several felony sex offenses.

Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill says Connor Wenger entered the plea last week in Brown County District Court to charges of electronic solicitation of a child under 14, aggravated internet trading in child pornography, and sexual exploitation of a child.

Wenger was originally charged with six felony sex offenses.

Hill says the plea agreement calls for a recommended sentence of 240 months in prison without probation. Wenger will also be subject to lifetime sex offender registration and lifetime post-release supervision.

Sentencing is set for October 19th.

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

The investigation began following a referral from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

Hill says the investigation involved the examination of thousands of images, digital search warrants and the seizure of multiple digital devices from Wenger's home.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday night heard an update on a proposed housing development project.

The commission voted September 14th to move the proposed duplex development to existing vacant lots within the city, after opposition to the original site west of Bruning Park.

City Administrator Brad Scott said there are a lot of moving parts, and he has been in discussions with the developer and the state.

Scott said the developer plans to submit a new development agreement to the city before the commission's first meeting in October.

Three sites are being considered for the duplex units---two lots on Aztec Street owned by the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development, and another on South Third Street.

Scott said the developer wants to negotiate the purchase of property.

He said zoning would need to be changed on only one of the sites, and the city also needs to review setback requirements.

Scott said the South Third Street site would require some utility extensions, but a sewer lift station will not be required, which will save money.

He said the state has indicated the Moderate Income Housing grant awarded for the project should remain available as long as the same number of duplex units are built.

The city will submit a letter to the state outlining the new development plan

(KNZA)--The Doniphan County Health Department Administrator and Home Health Director has resigned.

During Monday’s Doniphan County Commission meeting, Chantal Wilburn submitted her resignation, effective immediately. The action followed an executive session.

Commissioners accepted the resignation.

No reason was publicly given for Wilburn’s resignation.

She had served as Health Department Administrator and Home Health Director since February 2025.

Commissioners say they will advertise to fill the position.

(KAIR)--The long-in-the-works Black Business District Museum in Atchison is scheduled for its formal grand opening this weekend.

According to the Atchison County Historical Society, a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony will begin Saturday morning, October 3, at 10:00.

The museum highlights a once nearly forgotten part of Atchison’s history: the thriving Black business district that operated on the city’s north side.

Preserving that history has long been a goal of the historical society and its volunteers. A major step came in 2024, when the City of Atchison transferred properties connected to the former business district for the project.

Atchison artist and genealogist Patty Boldridge has been instrumental in researching and preserving the history of more than 100 Black-owned businesses identified in Atchison.

Boldridge said the effort began when she learned the remaining buildings could be demolished.

“My cousin Angela called me and she said, ‘You’ve got to be at the City Commission meeting tonight,’” Boldridge said. “That’s when we found out that they were going to possibly demolish the buildings and that they were the last of those businesses to be standing. So many had already been torn down.”

Following that meeting, Boldridge and her sister, Sonja Boldridge, began researching the businesses that once operated in the district.

“We started digging into just those buildings, and in the process were able to find out that there were all these different Black-owned businesses in Atchison,” Boldridge said. “We have uncovered over 100 Black-owned businesses. I believe the earliest was 1876.”

Boldridge said the business district began to change following desegregation.

The museum is housed in a structure dating to 1920 at 1118 North Seventh Street. The community received an early look at the attraction in June during Atchison’s annual Juneteenth celebration at nearby LFM Park.

(KAIR)--Your Government, your candidates, your questions. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

(KAIR)--Atchison County's newest Commissioner is now seated, with Randell Vanderweide sworn in during Monday’s commission meeting to represent the county’s 2nd District.

Commission Chair Casey Quinn welcomed Atchison County District Judge John Fresh, who administered the oath of office.

Vanderweide was appointed to complete the unexpired term of John Calhoon who was selected during a January 29 Atchison County Republican convention to fill the seat left vacant by resignation, and began serving February 17.

While a court challenge to Calhoon’s dual service as commissioner and Jackson County Undersheriff remained pending, Vanderweide defeated him in the August Republican primary.

Judge Fresh later ruled that Kansas law prohibited Calhoon from holding both offices simultaneously. Calhoon resigned from the Commission to remain Jackson County Undersheriff. 

Vanderweide was then selected to serve the remainder of Calhoon’s term during a September 15 Atchison County Republican convention. 

She will face Democrat John Settich in the November 3 general election, with voters deciding who will represent the 2nd District for a full term.

Vanderweide and Settich will answer listener-submitted questions live on KAIR 93.7 FM during Co-Host Monday, October 12, beginning around 7:20 that morning.

Questions can be submitted by email to kairradio@gmail.com.

(KLZA)-- Longtime Richardson County Extension Educator Gerald Hopp is being remembered.

Gerald Hopp died Sunday, Sept. 27 at the age of 77 in Lincoln.

Hopp began his Extension career in 1973 training in Nemaha County before serving two years at West Point in Cuming County as an assistant county agent.

In February of 1976 Hopp was hired as the lead agent in Richardson County where he served in the position for 28 years before he retired in 2004.

Gerald Hopp helped build the 4-H program in Richardson County which culminated each year with the 4-H Junior Fair in Humboldt.

He served on the planning committee for the Powell Livestock Pavilion at the county fair grounds in Humboldt and sparked the idea of the local 4-H Booster Group.

During his time at the Extension Educator Hopp kept the public informed of 4-H and Extension news through a weekly newspaper column titled “Hoppin the County” and a monthly radio program on KTNC.

Hopp served in various district and state leadership roles for the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Association including as President of the 4-H Section and as the national convention banquet chair when the event was held in Omaha. He received the State 4-H Distinguished Service Award in 1984.

After his retirement Gerald worked five years at KTNC Radio writing and reporting news and doing play-by-play sports broadcasts. Along the way he was awarded two bronze awards from the Nebraska Broadcasters Association for human interest stories.

He later became a para-professional working with special education in the Falls City Public Schools.

Over the years he was a member of the Falls City Area Jaycees serving as President; and was a member of the Falls City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He was a member of the Clefsmen men's choir and served on various church committees.

Gerald also serve with the Nebraska Army National Guard.

He was a founding member of the Itha T. Krumme Memorial Arboretum, spending thousands of hours as curator. He was awarded the Johnny Appleseed Award in 2005 by the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

Following his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in 2014, Gerald and his wife Kathy participated in multiple Parkinson's Foundation events and were honored as the top fundraiser in their final Parkinson's Foundation Moving Day event.

A celebration of life service for Gerald Hopp will be Monday afternoon, October 5, at 2 at the Edenton Christian Church in Lincoln.

Gerald Hopp is survived by his wife Kathy; sons Andrew and Brian Hopp, six grandchildren, and many more family and friends.

 

(KAIR)--The boil water advisory for the Lakeside Village Improvement District in Jefferson County has been lifted.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment rescinded the advisory after laboratory testing found no evidence of bacterial contamination.

The advisory was issued after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system, creating a potential risk of contamination.

KDHE officials say the conditions that placed the water system at risk have been resolved.

Sister Lynn McKenzie/Credit: Benedictine College

 

(KAIR)--A firsthand account of life and faith in wartime Ukraine will be shared this upcoming weekend at Atchison’s Benedictine College.

According to the college, Sister Lynn McKenzie will present “A Visitor’s Perspective on Wartime Ukraine” Sunday evening, October 4, at 7:00, in O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium.

McKenzie is a Benedictine sister from Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, Alabama. She previously worked as an attorney, mediator and ombudsman and holds doctorates in civil and church law.

She has also held leadership roles serving Benedictine sisters throughout the United States and Mexico and, since 2018, has led international representation for Benedictine women. That work has included extensive travel and visits with religious sisters in Ukraine.

A release from the college says the presentation marks the return of the annual Mary L. Fellin Lecture to its traditional fall schedule. The series, sponsored by the Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica Monastery, presents topics from a female perspective.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

(KNZA)--A motorcyclist was killed following a crash Sunday afternoon in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The St. Joseph Police Department says officers responded around 12:40 Sunday afternoon to South 22nd and Sacramento streets for a crash involving a minivan and motorcycle.

The motorcycle driver was ejected and suffered serious injuries. He was taken to Mosaic Life Care, where he was later pronounced dead.

The crash remains under investigation. The name of the motorcyclist has not been released.

(KNZA)--Hiawatha residents will have an opportunity to get rid of unwanted items during the city’s annual fall Citywide Cleanup Day Saturday, October 3rd.

Residents can bring items to the city public works property at 912 Hiawatha Avenue from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at no charge.

Each household is limited to one pickup load, one carload or one single-axle trailer load. Contractors are not allowed, and proof of residency is required.

The city will also pick up one bulk item, such as an appliance or piece of furniture, from residents’ curbs. Items must be placed at the curb, and residents must call Hiawatha City Hall at 785-742-7417 by Thursday, October 1st, to be added to the pickup list.

Unacceptable items include household trash, yard waste, tires, paint, oil, gasoline, hazardous materials and materials containing Freon, except appliances.

(KAIR)--A Leavenworth County woman has been sentenced to probation after admitting she misrepresented the date of a vehicle collision in an attempt to obtain insurance coverage.

In a release, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt says 48-year-old Jennifer Walker pleaded guilty July 29 in Leavenworth County District Court to one felony count of attempted insurance fraud.

Investigators say Walker purchased a new auto insurance policy after a collision, then reported a false date of loss in an attempt to obtain coverage for damage that occurred before the policy took effect.

Walker was sentenced September 9 to 12 months of probation.

Schmidt says insurance fraud increases costs for Kansas families and businesses and that the department will continue holding offenders accountable.

The Kansas Department of Insurance investigated the case. It was prosecuted by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.

(KAIR)--A resurfacing project beginning Wednesday on U.S. Highway 73 in Atchison and Brown counties could bring traffic delays of up to 15 minutes.

The Kansas Department of Transportation says crews will mill and overlay approximately 16 miles of the highway, beginning at Horton and progressing southeast to Lancaster.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane where crews are working, with a pilot car and flaggers directing motorists through the construction zone. A 12-foot vehicle width restriction will also be in effect.

Work will take place during daylight hours Monday through Friday and is expected to continue into November, weather permitting.

Bettis Asphalt and Construction, of Topeka, is the prime contractor for the 3.3 million dollar project.

(KLZA)-- The Johnson County Central Public Schools Board of Education

will be hosting two informational meetings concerning the school building bond election.

The first meeting will be Wednesday, evening, September 30 at 7 at the Johnson County Central Middle School Gym in Cook.

The second meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, October 5 at 7 in the Johnson County Central High School Gym in Tecumseh.

The special board meetings are intended to provide accurate information to the school district stakeholders concerning the November 3, School Bond Election. Board members will be present to answer questions.
All residents of the Johnson County Central School District are invited and encouraged to attend one of these events.

The proposal is to build a PreK-8th grade school on a 52 acres site north of the existing football field in Tecumseh.

The anticipated cost of the facility is $31.8 million dollars. Due to anticipated inflation, the total cost will not exceed $35 million.

In addition to the classrooms and office space, gymnasium space, a performing arts stage and a wrestling room are being considered to be included in the project.
A copy of the bond resolution can be found on the JCC website.

(KAIR)--A Horton man was arrested in Atchison County early Sunday morning, accused of using a shotgun to strike another man during a disturbance.

In a release, Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie says deputies were called around 2:45 to a residence in the 12000 block of Labette Road.

It’s there, it’s alleged, that the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Lukas Blanton, struck a 23-year-old man several times with a shotgun, causing cuts and other minor injuries. A 24-year-old woman was also allegedly battered during the altercation. Atchison County EMS and Rescue treated the male victim at the scene, but he declined transportation to a hospital.

Blanton had fled before deputies arrived but was later detained by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.

He was arrested by Atchison County Deputies for aggravated assault, aggravated battery and domestic battery.

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

(KAIR)--A boil water advisory is in effect for the Lakeside Village Improvement District in Jefferson County.

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

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

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

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

File photo of algae

 

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

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

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

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

 

(KLZA)--The Falls City Council has approved on final reading an ordinance to provide regulations concerning bicycles, E-Bikes, scooters, E-Scooters, skateboards, E-Skateboards, Hoverboards and skates. 

The action occurred during the Monday night Council meeting.

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

(KLZA)--An air force veteran who served as  a Judge Advocate before going into private practice is challenging 10-term Nebraska 3rd District Congressman Adrian Smith for his seat.
Mark Cohen who now lives in Lemoyne, Nebraska has and advanced degree in agricultural law and teaches Karate, is an independent candidate for the Congressional seat.
Cohen was in Falls City and Humboldt last week campaigning.
He talked with folks about what he sees as issues in the campaign which include tariffs,  data centers and diesel prices.  
Cohen also discussed what he thinks it will take to fix the issues facing the country, noting he feels the first thing to be fixed is government. Cohen says too many of the country's representatives are influenced by money from big donors.  He also said he would favor term limits and single subject bills.
Cohen says despite Smith's claims that he is a conservative, his actions, including voting to add $3.3 trillion to the debt while voting to cut $1 trillion from Medicaid funding hurting rural hospitals and and clinics. 
MSC News asked Cohen why he feels he is the best candidate to represent Nebraska's expansive 3rd legislative district.  Cohen responded that he is a veteran, an independent that is beholden to no one or no group and that he owes it to this children, neighbors and friends to try to make a difference. Cohen said America now is not the America he believed in when he joined the Air Force.
To learn more about Mark Cohen he invites voters to go to his website Markfornebraska.org.

Justin Metz/Credit: Atchison County Sheriff's Office

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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