That comes following last week's meeting of the Board of Education when the school leaders accepted the resignation of Dr. Latisha Williams following an executive session focused on matters of personnel.

When the resignation was announced, followed by comments of gratitude from Superintendent Laura Batson for Williams, a round of applause was given in Williams' honor.

Batson, during an appearance on 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday, said Williams resignation is due to her acceptance of an education position outside the Atchison school district. “She is absolutely a bright spot,” Batson said in reference to Williams. “I hate that she's leaving us to Shawnee Mission, but she'll represent us well. Has definitely left her mark and her fingerprint on 409, and will always be a part of the Phoenix family.”

The school board, following the executive session and just prior to the conclusion of its May 11 meeting, accepted Williams' resignation unanimously.

On Saturday, Batson helped oversee senior graduation, her first since beginning her role as USD 409 Superintendent last summer. “I love the family feel of it. I love the laughter. I love seeing the personality of the students and the staff that shown through the day, “Batson said. “I saw the oak leaf celebration tradition. I've never seen that before, and that was something really special to get to experience. And I love just how the community came together to celebrate.”

Following the graduation of just over 100 seniors, the remaining district students wrapped up the school year on Monday.

( L-R)--Jacqueline Coleman and Tomi Violett

(KNZA)--Doniphan West USD 111 has announced two new principal hires for the 2026–2027 school year following action taken during the board of education meeting on May 11th.

The district has selected Jacqueline “Jacque” Coleman as the new elementary school principal. Coleman comes to Doniphan West after nearly 16 years with Atchison Public Schools USD 409. Most recently, she has served as Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment since July of 2024. Prior to that role, she worked as a fifth-grade teacher.

Coleman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Northwest Missouri State University.

The board also hired Tomi Violett as the new junior and senior high school principal. Violett brings more than 10 years of experience in education and currently serves as a kindergarten teacher at Hyde Elementary School in St. Joseph.

She earned a specialist degree in elementary and secondary principal leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

Both new principals will officially begin their duties on July 1st.

They will replace outgoing principals Chris Lackey at the junior/senior high school and Trish Gibson at the elementary school, both of whom are resigning at the end of June.

Tornado north of Sabetha/Credit: Sabetha Fire Dept.

(MSC News)--Severe storms swept across parts of northeast Kansas and southeast Nebraska Monday afternoon and evening, producing multiple reported tornadoes, damaging winds up to 80 mph, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Forecasters had warned of a significant severe weather outbreak, with a rare “moderate risk” designation issued for the region before storms developed.

In Nemaha County Kansas,  Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine reported a tornado touched down about five miles northwest of Sabetha. He said it struck a few farms before moving into Richardson County, Nebraska.

Communities in southeast Nebraska reported tornado sightings in Gage, Pawnee, Richardson, and Nemaha counties. Flash flooding stranded vehicles in some areas, while emergency crews responded to downed trees, damaged power poles, and structural damage.

In the next few days, weather officials and local emergency managers are expected to conduct storm surveys to determine tornado strength and assess the extent of the damage.

There were no immediate reports of fatalities or serious injuries.

Picture credit to Jr. Chaney of Rock Port, MO. football field

(KLZA)-- An extremely dangerous storm system that spawned tornadoes, produced 70-80 mph straight-line winds, brought large hail and heavy rain to Southeast Nebraska, Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri on Monday afternoon and evening caused extensive damage in areas but fortunately no fatalities or injuries have been reported.

Richardson County Emergency Management Director Brian Kirkendall said that a tornado that touched down more than one time beginning southwest of Salem in a pasture area, then picked up, set down just northeast of Salem, shifted direction and went straight east from the pumping stations north of Fall City and then traveled straight east damaging six residents, completely destroying an implement shed, and two garages, a tree blew onto a house and the roof was torn off of a utility shed.

Train traffic was also disrupted on the Union Pacific line at Strausville where a grain bin blew onto the Union Pacific railroad tracks bringing train traffic to a halt.

Kirkendall says his department is still looking for damage that hasn't been reported. There were a number of utility poles that were broke off by the storm system.

Kirkendall noted that as of Monday morning, the Muddy Creek north and east of Falls City is flooding some area roads.

In Auburn, Nebraska strong winds caused major damage to trees, which in turn caused damage to homes, buildings and vehicles. City Council President Nathan Seitz says the National Weather Service will be investigating to determine if the damage was done by a tornado or straight-line winds.

Seitz had high praise for the work by the Auburn Board of Public Works employees who were out all night restoring power to Auburn area residents and businesses and for the efforts by the Auburn Street Department. The Council President also praised the efforts made by the Street Department in clearing the street of limb and tree debris.

Auburn residents have been clearing trees and limbs and are asked to take them to the rodeo grounds on J Street to dispose of limbs.

Johnson and Pawnee County Emergency Management Agency Director Megan Buckley said while there was damage reported in Johnson County, there were no confirmed tornadoes.

Tree damage and power pole damage was reported and crews are continuing to search for additional damage.

There was a confirmed tornado on the ground in Pawnee County but Buckely says no damage has been reported from that storm.

Buckley is asking for residents of Johnson and Pawnee counties to report any damage to her office. Drones will be utilized to see if any damages can be found.

If you have damage in Johnson or Pawnee County, you may reports it online at the Johnson County Emergency Management Page or to a link on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/jccemg.

In Northwest Missouri, heavy rains were reported along with strong winds. The football and track around the field at Rock Port is underwater from overflow of a creek next to the field.

In a release, the college says anonymous flyers from a group calling itself the “Coalition of Catholics Against Jewish Supremacy” were repeatedly left on campus in late April following a conference hosted on campus exploring Church teaching on Catholic-Jewish relations.

Benedictine says the flyer attacked a faculty theologian, labeled those connected to the campus event as “antichrists,” and included language the college says suggested Jewish people, including those in the community, are less than human.

The college says students took the initiative to remove the flyers from cars in campus parking lots, and that student groups were among the first to respond. The college points to its student Latin Mass Society, which issued a statement expressing disgust and disappointment with the flyer’s contents.

The college, in regards to questions raised about possible repercussions for distributing the flyers, says any student found to have violated the Student Code of Conduct is subject to disciplinary procedures, but that process is confidential.

Benedictine says the incident has reinforced its commitment to official Catholic teaching on relations with the Jewish people, and will continue its mission of affirming the worth and dignity of each individual.

Credit: Hiawatha Fire Department

(KNZA)---Brown County firefighters are assisting in battling wildfires in southwest Kansas.

Brown County Emergency Management organized a Wildland Fire Task Force to assist with the growing wildfire situation in southwest Kansas. 

The team is currently being deployed to support firefighting efforts near Ashland, Kansas. The task force includes personnel from the Everest, Fairview, Robinson, and Hiawatha Fire Departments. 

In total, 10 firefighters and five apparatus departed Tuesday morning to assist crews already battling the fire. 

On Monday, 17 separate fires were identified in Meade and Clark Counties. So far, the fires have burned 85,000 acres, three homes and miles of power lines.

According to the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office,  lightning strikes from recent storms could have ignited the burns, and ongoing winds threaten futher spread.  

Photo credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--Two Colorado residents are facing drug and alcohol-related charges following a traffic stop in Jackson County last week. 

According to Sheriff Tim Morse, a deputy stopped a Chevrolet Silverado shortly before 9 p.m. on May 13th on Q.4 Road near 158th Road for alleged traffic violations.

Morse says a probable cause search of the vehicle led to the arrest of 53-year-old Terry Miller of Lakeland, Colorado, and 40-year-old Angelina Weatherspoon of Brighton, Colorado.

Miller was arrested on charges of interference with law enforcement, possession of opiates, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, failure to provide proof of insurance, unlawful registration acts, and driving while suspended.

Weatherspoon was arrested on charges of interference with law enforcement, possession of opiates, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and transporting an open container.

Both were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)---Voters in Jackson County will decide this August whether to continue funding local infrastructure through a special sales tax.

A question will appear on the August 4th primary election ballot asking residents to renew the county’s current four-tenths of a percent special retailers’ sales tax.

The tax was first approved by voters in 2004 and is set to expire at the end of this year. It currently generates about 600-thousand dollars annually, which is used to fund road and bridge projects across the county.

County commissioners had initially hoped to ask voters to approve an increase to five-tenths of a percent. However, that proposal was not authorized after the Kansas Senate failed to pass enabling legislation.

If approved, the renewed tax would continue supporting road and bridge improvements. However, under the proposal, cities would no longer receive a share of the revenue.

(KNZA)--A new chapter is beginning in Sabetha. The Sabetha History Center will celebrate its grand opening and ribbon cutting Friday, May 22nd at 3 p.m. at 715 Main Street. 

Festivities continue Saturday morning, with doors opening at 9 a.m. ahead of the Alumni Parade, welcoming visitors through 2 p.m.  

After opening weekend, the center will operate Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays with free admission, though donations are appreciated. 

Organizers say this is more than a museum—it’s an interactive experience designed to bring Sabetha’s history to life, inviting visitors to explore stories of innovation and imagine the town’s future.  

The former Wenger Conference Center has been transformed into what planners call Sabetha’s “front porch,” a space where history, creativity, and community come together.

Leaders hope the new center will inspire both residents and visitors, sharing the story of a small town with big ideas—and an even bigger future.

Salvation Army of Atchison County Coordinator Kim Bottoroff says the little plastic floating ducks are available for purchase in the Atchison community.

Bottoroff says the duck race is a major fundraiser for Atchison’s Salvation Army, helping provide funding for local programs of assistance. She says the duck race, along with the annual Christmas season Red Kettle Drive, is key to keeping those services in place.

This year’s duck race will be held Saturday at the Atchison Riverfront in the area of Independence Park. Activities start that morning at 10:00, with the duck launch set for the afternoon at 1:00 on the Missouri River.

Organizers say entries will be accepted up until 15 minutes before the race.

The day also includes a car show featuring cars, trucks, motorcycles, and UTVs, along with food vendors, raffle baskets, and a kids duck drop with prizes.

At Mobile Office Hours, Ricketts’ staff will be on-site to assist Nebraskans with their casework needs. If Nebraskans can’t get an answer in a timely manner or feel they have been treated unfairly, Ricketts and his staff may be able to help resolve the issue or help them get in touch with the correct people.

Ricketts staff is scheduled to be in Southeast Nebraska Thursday, May 21 with stops at the Nemaha County Courthouse in Auburn from 10 – 11 a.m. and in Falls City at the Richardson County Courthouse between 2 and 3 in the afternoon.

She reported that $3,000 in funding grants through Farm Credit Services for America would be used for the food science programs and that a second grant application is pending a June notification.

Bohling also recognized Dawn Metschke for receiving the NRCSA Secondary Teacher of the Year Award. Mrs. Metschke presented updates on the ag Department and FFA Chapter which has a combined enrollment of 232 students.

Principal, Dr. Lucus Dalinghaus reported that a fundraising opportunity through Larsen Motors in Nebraska City entitled “Drive One for Your Community” will be held June 20th, during the Chicken Barbecue in Johnson, with the potential to earn $6 thousand for the Career & Technical Education programs through public vehicle test drives.

Superintendent Jeff Koehler requested the transportation committee meet in June to discuss the possibility of consolidating to three bus routes for the 2026-27 school year.

The Board also approved the appointment of Mike Casey and Irene Seeba to three-year terms on the Foundation Board of Directors.

Richardson County residents may bring tires to the Richardson County Road Department Shop in Falls City, located at 65087, 706 Trail between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and again between noon at 3:30 p.m.

Tires will not be accepted at any other times.

The collection event is for Richardson County residents only. No retailers are allowed to bring tires to dispose of. No rims or tubes will be accepted . 

Drivers will need to have their drivers license or other acceptable proof of residency, know how many tires you have and where your tires came from. You should also be prepared to unload your own tires.

The scrap tire collection is paid through a grant provided by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.

For more information you may contact the Richardson County Road Department at 402-245-2614.

A stalled cold front combined with an upper-level disturbance moving through Southeast Nebraska and Northeast Kansas this afternoon and evening is the reason there is a chance of more severe weather.

There is a marginal to moderate risk for severe thunderstorms in Eastern Nebraska and Northeastern Kansas. That means isolated to widespread severe thunderstorms are possible. The best chance to see severe thunderstorms today will be in Southeastern Nebraska and Northeastern Kansas. 

The storm system has the potential to produce hail up to baseball size or larger, wind gusts of 75 mph or stronger with isolated to widely scattered tornadoes, some of which could be strong.

In addition, there is a flash flood watch in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday morning that includes Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Otoe, Gage, Jefferson. Seward and Lancaster counties, in Southeast Nebraska.

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, stream and other low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Several inches of rain have fallen over portions of southeastern Nebraska with additional rainfall expected through Tuesday morning with 1- 3 inches of rain possible.

Brown County Sheriff John Merchant released the following information:

I  would like to inform county residents that we are in path of a potentially dangerous storm this afternoon into this  evening. Weather models predict that around 4pm-11pm, Brown County is on the northernmost edge of this storm. 

Predictions are for wind gusts at over 70 MPH +, baseball sized hail,  torrential rain and an increase threat of tornadoes.          
 It is very rare that weather predictions alert the public to a  potentially dangerous storm so I am asking that everyone take  this precaution seriously and lets hope for the best on this one.                                                          
 In the meantime, make sure you listen to the latest weather  forecasts, have a plan in place with your friends, families  and neighbors should you need to take shelter immediately, and  especially look out after those who live alone or who are 
 elderly or disabled. Also, don't forget your pets.            
 You may want to visit with your local city officials on where  their designated shelters are located.  The basement of the Sheriff's Office is available should      
 anyone need to shelter from the storm also.                    
                                    
 
 

John Hudson and Jason McClaine/Credit: Jackson Co Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--Two Hoyt men were arrested on drug charges following the execution of a search warrant Saturday evening in Jackson County.

According to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse, deputies assisted the Hoyt Police Department in locating a man with an outstanding warrant in the Hoyt area. Officers found 52-year-old Jason McClane at a residence in the 200 block of Annetta Avenue in Hoyt, where he surrendered without incident on a Denison Municipal Court warrant.

During a follow-up investigation, deputies developed probable cause for a search warrant related to suspected illegal drug activity at the home. The warrant was later approved and executed by deputies.

Inside the residence, deputies allegedly found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. The home is located within 1,000 feet of a school.

Fifty-year-old John Hudson was arrested on multiple charges, including distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, along with no drug tax stamp.

McClane also faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, in addition to the outstanding municipal court warrant.

Both men were booked into the Jackson County Jail.

(KNZA)--Holton USD 336 has announced it is pausing its search for a permanent Holton High School principal until later this year.

District officials say the decision comes because May is late in the administrative hiring season, and waiting until fall will allow access to a stronger pool of candidates.

The district also says the pause will give staff time to strengthen collaboration between Holton Middle School and Holton High School and support long-term planning for grades six through twelve.

For the 2026–2027 school year, Michael Kimberlin will serve as Interim 6–12 Principal, and Aaron Poston will serve as Interim 6–12 Assistant Principal. Both will support students and staff across both buildings, with Kimberlin primarily based at the high school and Poston at the middle school.

The district plans to restart the search for a permanent principal around November 2026, aligning with the peak hiring season.

Once a permanent principal is selected, Kimberlin will return full-time to his role at Holton Middle School.

(KNZA)--The Board of Education for the Atchison County Schools USD 377 has approved a resolution aimed at helping fund replacement of the district’s track facility.

During the board’s May 13th meeting, members approved seeking an additional two mills of Capital Outlay authority for a 10-year period. If approved through the required process, the district’s total Capital Outlay levy would increase to eight mills.

School officials say the current track has become a safety concern and needs replacement. To make the project financially feasible, the district plans to utilize a lease-purchase agreement, requiring the additional Capital Outlay authority.

In other business, the board discussed the upcoming sunset of the sales tax used to build the district sports complex. The tax is scheduled to expire at the end of this year, with the final bond payment made last month. Once the tax sunsets, USD 377 is expected to receive 20 percent of the remaining balance. No action was taken during the discussion.

The board also approved continued funding for the Parents as Teachers program for the 2026-27 school year. The district will continue contracting for two units of service, enough to serve up to 16 families. The cost for next year’s services will be just over 15-thousand dollars.

(KNZA)--A second candidate has filed for First District Doniphan County Commissioner.

According to the Doniphan County Clerk's Office, Roger Hopkins of White Cloud filed Friday for the position.

Hopkins joins incumbent Commissioner Timothy Collins in seeking the Republican nomination.

The commission seat is the only county office on the ballot this fall.

Candidates have until noon June 1st to file at the Doniphan County Clerk’s Office. The primary election is set for August 4th, with the general election scheduled for November 3rd.

During flushing, avoid using water briefly to prevent discolored water from entering your service piping. Temporary brownish-red discoloration may occur, but it's not harmful. After flushing, run cold water for a few minutes to clear any discoloration. Avoid washing white clothes during this time.
Your patience is appreciated.

The Board discussed moving the Alternative School back to the high school from a building in downtown Falls City.

High School Principal Ethan Sullivan has recommended the move would benefit students and the district, providing a safe space for kids and teachers. No action was taken during the meeting.

The Board also approved resignations from Joey Willette who had rescinded his contract to teach elementary music and Timothy Ellis the current elementary music teacher.

The Board approved hiring Bobbi Enniking as a 6th grade and English Language Arts instructor and Rachel Wertenberger as an Elementary Music Teacher.

Superintendent Dr. Andrew Offner recognized Gale Dunkhas for 19 years of service to District 56 in the roles of High School Principal, Assistant Principal and Activities Director.

The State Library of Kansas has announced its 2026 Kansas Notable Books selections, a list that highlights books written by Kansans or about Kansas. The State Library says the titles cover a wide range of genres and topics.

One of the 2026 selections is The Aviator and the Showman by Laurie Gwen Shapiro, an in-depth look at the life of Earhart. Shapiro, last year, was a guest during Atchison's July festival held in honor of Earhart, with the book released around that same time.

A release from the state library says the Notable Books program is intended to highlight the literary heritage of Kansas and encourage interest in books, reading, and libraries.

Each year, the Kansas Notable Books committee recommends 25 books, from which the State Librarian selects 15 as Notable Books.

Kansas Notable Books authors will be recognized and awarded medals during the Kansas Book Festival at Washburn University, Saturday, September 26.

In a release, Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says an officer on patrol spotted 36-year-old Alan Kendrick early Thursday morning, around 2:30, in a parking lot in the 400 block of U.S. 59. Wilson says Kendrick was taken into custody on three district court warrants for failure to appear, and during the arrest was found to be in the alleged possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Wilson says 62-year-old Stephen Oswalt was also in the vehicle and was found to be in the alleged possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Once in custody, Kendrick and Oswalt were booked into the Atchison County Jail.

Kendrick & Oswalt/Credit: Atchison Police Dept.

(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced more than 1-point-3 million dollars in Historic Economic Asset Lifeline — or HEAL — grant funding to support 15 building renovation projects across the state, including projects in Baileyville and Seneca. The funding was announced Wednesday.

Combined with nearly 3-point-9 million dollars in local matching contributions, this round of HEAL grants represents a total investment of about 5-point-2 million dollars aimed at revitalizing downtown buildings and historic structures.

In Baileyville, more than 55-thousand dollars has been awarded to help transform a historic building into a community venue designed for broader public use.

In Seneca, nearly 99-thousand dollars will support the creation of new residential space above a historic theater building.

The HEAL program provides competitive matching grants to help communities restore underused and deteriorating properties, turning them into spaces for businesses, housing, childcare, arts, civic activities, and entrepreneurship.

State officials say the goal is to strengthen rural downtown districts and encourage long-term local investment.

The program, administered by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity, has already helped transform — or is currently improving — more than 100 buildings in rural Kansas communities.

Richard Tesoriero/Credit: MSC News

(KNZA)--Hiawatha Republican Richard Tesoriero has officially filed to retain his seat as Brown County First District Commissioner.

According to the Brown County Clerk’s Office, Tesoriero filed Thursday and is the first candidate to enter the race.

Tesoriero was appointed last October to complete the unexpired term of former commissioner Richard Lehmkuhl following Lehmkuhl’s resignation.

In addition to the county commission race, Brown County voters will also choose someone this fall to fill the unexpired term for Register of Deeds.

Candidates have until noon on June 1st to file at the Brown County Clerk’s Office.

The primary election will be held August 4th, with the general election set for November 3rd.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha USD 415 School Board is preparing to adopt a stricter cell phone policy following new state legislation recently signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly.

Superintendent Lonnie Moser updated board members Monday night on House Bill 2299, which establishes a “bell-to-bell” ban on personal electronic communication devices in Kansas K–12 schools. The law is set to take effect September 1st.

Moser said the new requirements go beyond the district’s current policy, which already restricts cell phone use in classrooms. Under the legislation, student phones must be turned off, securely stored, and made inaccessible during the entire school day.

The bipartisan measure also prohibits school employees from using social media to communicate with students for official school purposes.  Moser said the biggest impact this will have is on coaches with student athletes as they will not be able to simply just send a text, it will instead have to be on an approved platform.

Lawmakers say the policy is intended to improve student focus and support mental health.

Each district will be responsible for creating its own enforcement procedures.

Moser said one of the biggest challenges will be storage options of the devices at the school level.  All of the storage options have potential issues and incur some type of cost.

Moser said a revised cell phone policy will be drafted for adoption by the board in July, with the policy to be implemented by September 1st.

Also at the meeting, the board approved several personnel items following an executive session.

Approved hires included Liam Jones as high school cross country coach, Adelyn Tackett as middle school cross country coach, Tyler Brockhoff as middle school head boys basketball coach, Travis Hampl as high school assistant Scholars Bowl coach, and Lexi Tollefson as high school cheer coach.

Board members also accepted the resignation of Kathy Kliewer as high school junior class sponsor.