Photo credit: Visit Atchison

 

 

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

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

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

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

Jacque Pregont, Coordinator of the long-running festival 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credit: MSC Radio

 

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

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

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

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

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

Survivors include a daughter, Christy Metz.

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

Crystal Velasquez/Credit: Brown County Sheriff's Office

 

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

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

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

No injuries were reported.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sentencing is scheduled for November 13.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All three forums can be heard here. 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

Scott was transported by Atchison County EMS to Amberwell Atchison

for hospital examination.

Wilson says Scott was cited for failure to yield.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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