(KNZA)-The USD 415 Board of Education took personnel action during a special meeting Wednesday afternoon.

Following an executive session, board members approved the resignation of Taylor Vaughn, who has served as the district’s 5th through 12th grade band director. Vaughn’s resignation will take effect at the end of the current school year.

The board also approved two new hires. Heather Villanueva will join the middle school as a fifth grade English language arts teacher, and Kim Krauter was hired as the high school dance instructor.

In an earlier special meeting on April 14th, the board approved additional staffing moves, including the hiring of Ella Simon as a third grade teacher and Ashlynn Strauss as a Pre-K at-risk teacher.

LaTisha Williams/Credit: Riverside USD 114

 

(KNZA)--The third and final candidate for the superintendent position at Riverside USD 114 was interviewed Wednesday evening.

LaTisha Williams, currently principal of Atchison High School, brings 25 years of experience in education, most of it with Atchison Public Schools.

District officials say Williams’ leadership has focused on improving graduation and attendance rates, implementing data-driven instructional practices, and expanding student opportunities through Career and Technical Education programs, student voice initiatives, and increased community engagement.

The other two finalists interviewed by the Riverside Board of Education were Rhonda Frakes, principal of Jefferson West High School, and Robert Reed, superintendent and Pre-K through sixth grade principal at Hodgeman County USD 227.

The new superintendent will replace Jennifer Gatz, who is stepping down at the end of the school year to pursue another professional opportunity. Gatz has served in the position for the past three years.

Atchison Co Commissioner John Calhoon/Credit: Atchison County

 

 

(KAIR)--A deposition is planned Monday in the ongoing court challenge to the dual roles held by Atchison County Commissioner John Calhoon.

Calhoon's eligibility to hold the 2nd District Commission seat while also serving as Jackson County Undersheriff is challenged by the State of Kansas through Atchison County Attorney Sherri Becker.

Calhoon's Attorney, Michael Kuckelman on April 17, subpoenaed Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie to testify during the deposition, with Laurie ordered to provide such documents as all communications of any nature between Laurie and any person that in any way relates to John Calhoon between December 1, 2025 to the present. The same is requested for all communications related to Calhoon between Laurie and Becker, during that same timeline, as well as other records and documents that support what the court filing calls Laurie's "concern that there would be a conflict of interest or inconsistency" by Calhoon serving in his two positions.

Laurie and Calhoon are not strangers, as Laurie, in 2012, defeated Calhoon's bid for re-election to a fifth term as Atchison County Sheriff, a role he had held since 1994. Calhoon again sought the Sheriff's office unsuccessfully in 2020.

Calhoon was appointed to the vacant Commission seat as the outcome of a January Atchison County GOP convention, and was sworn into the role in February following a review of his appointment by the Kansas Governor and Secretary of State.

Becker, on March 10, filed the petition in quo warranto, a legal action used to challenge someone’s right to hold a public office, in Atchison County District Court. The filing seeks a judge's ruling to declare Calhoon unable to hold both positions at the same time, with Kansas law cited in the filing.

Calhoon, in a response filed April 14, disputes the claim that the two roles are legally incompatible and calls for the case to be dismissed.

The matter was discussed during Tuesday's meeting of the Atchison County Commission following a request for a review by Commissioner James Campbell. County Counselor David Van Parys provided that outline, explaining to the Commission that they have not played any role in the case.

Van Parys concluded his review by telling the Commissioners that, until the legal matter is resolved, Calhoon remains the duly appointed Commissioner, and encouraged the Commission to "focus on the business of the County and allow the District Court proceedings to play out as is proper."

 

 

(KLZA)--EDGE Executive Director Lucas Froeschl provided an update on the proposed Nebraska Rural Generation power plant progress and a word of caution.  

Nebraska Rural Generation has secured land for their proposed power plant project, but noted that there is no promise the project will come to fruition, but the attempt to determine if this can be done is well underway.

In a related agenda item, the Council approved a Dual Representation Power Plant Structure Discovery Contract.  

Attorney David Levy with the BairdHolm firm in Omaha has been identified as the premier public power attorney in Nebraska. 
 
The dual representation contract coupled with a second contract will add an extra layer of protection to protect local rate payers.

Levy represents developers of wind, solar and energy storage projects in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas.

Froeschl also reviewed highlights from a March press release from Citroniq Chemicals  and a 15-year agreement they have to sell products from their yet to be built facility, planned for a location south of Falls City.  

It was also noted that a $5 million grant application submitted to the Economic Development Administration to offset costs of the $8.8 million substation planned on West 14th Street was resubmitted following the correction of a clerical error in the original application.

(KLZA)--A stop at a garage sale by Peru resident Dennis Meyers led to the discovery of the original deed to the land on which Peru State College was founded.
Meyers and his wife purchased a box of secondhand books.  In one of those books Meyers found the more than 160 year old document that traced ownership of the property which included a number of influential early figures from the area. 
Among them was Thomas J. Majors, an Iowa native who had set out of Pikes Peak in search of gold. He turned back at Kearney when he came across weary prospectors returning empty-handed.  Majors stopped in Peru and in 1859 opened a mercantile business that helped anchor the community of about 100 people. 
Another figure was William Dailey, the son of Samuel Dailey who built a sawmill in Peru in 1857.
Methodist Reverend, Hiram Birch who wanted to build a church and was only able to secure funding if the building was serve as a school instead.
Prior to 1857 the community was known as Mount Vernon.  The renaming occurred in 1857.  In 1861 area residents pooled $8,000 to build Mount Vernon Hall, a three story college perched on a hill  overlooking the Missouri River.
The school had several names including Peru Academy, and Peru Seminary before it became Mt. Vernon College, with the first classes held on August 30, 1866. On June 30, 1867 the State of Nebraska formally recognized the college, making it the first institution of higher education.
Currently the site of Mount Vernon Hall lies beneath  Peru States Student Center.
The found deed indicates the land, 160 acres, was originally granted by President Abraham Lincoln to David Roberson on April 1, 1861.
On August 10, 1867, then owner, William Dailey and the originally group of trustees, confirmed by the courthouse in Auburn, formally granted the land to the State of Nebraska.
Today, Peru State College sits on a 104 acre campus in Peru, in Nemaha County, overlooking the Missouri River.

Saturday, April 25  is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and local law enforcement is encouraging residents to safely clean out their medicine cabinets.

In Hiawatha, the Hiawatha Police Department says residents can bring their old and unneeded medications to the Walmart store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also, the Highland Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, will host a collection event at the police department located at 220 West Main Street in Highland, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Officials say properly disposing of old medications helps prevent drug misuse and protects public safety and the environment.

Items such as syringes, sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,200 drop-off locations nationwide.

In partnership with local law enforcement, the program has removed more than 20.4 million pounds—about 10,200 tons—of medication from circulation since its inception.

(L-R)--State Senator Craig Bower and Representative Sean Willcott

 

(KNZA)--Legislative coffees are scheduled for this Saturday morning in Hiawatha and Seneca.

The first will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Rainbow Communications office in Hiawatha. A second session follows at 10:30 a.m. at the Seneca Library.

State Senator Craig Bowser and State Representative Sean Willcott will be on hand to provide updates from the recent legislative session and take questions from the public.

The events are sponsored by Rainbow Communications, and everyone is invited to attend.

(KAIR)--A fire alarm at an Atchison apartment complex Tuesday night prompted concern and evacuations, but police allege it was a false alarm with one related arrest now made.

According to a release from Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson, officers responded shortly before midnight Tuesday night to the 200 block of North 3rd Street to investigate a disturbance and a fire alarm sounding at an apartment complex. 

Police, Wilson says, determined there was no fire, and that the alarm had allegedly been falsely activated by 57-year-old Anthony Edwardson. Wilson says it was also determined Edwardson allegedly sprayed a 48-year-old resident in the face with a fire extinguisher.

Wilson says Edwardson was arrested early Wednesday morning for transmitting false information to request emergency services and battery.

The incident at the Massasoit complex also prompted posts of concern in a local social media group from those who initially believed it to be an actual fire.

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

Anthony Edwardson/Credit: Atchison Police Dept.

(KAIR)--Two local area residents are among 30 attorneys eligible to be sworn in Friday morning.

According to a release from the Kansas Courts, Alexis Rose Twombly, of Mayetta, and Samantha Ann White, of Leavenworth, are among the applicants who successfully passed the Kansas bar examination.

They, and the other 28 will be sworn in as Kansas attorneys Friday morning at 9:30, in Topeka, in the Supreme Court courtroom on the third floor of the Kansas Judicial Center.

The new attorneys can choose to be sworn in during Friday's ceremony or at another time by a state or federal judge.

Chief Justice Eric Rosen will preside over the Supreme Court, and United States District Judge Toby Crouse will represent the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Doug Shima, clerk of the Kansas appellate courts, will administer the state oath. Traci Anderson, a courtroom deputy from the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, will administer the federal oath.

Ollie Horned-Owl & Blackthunder Dorsch/Credit: Atchison Police Dept.

 

(KAIR)--The two Horton men arrested last week in connection with the April 16 Atchison shooting that left a 12-year-old girl hospitalized are now in the custody of Atchison County.

When 20-year-old Blackthunder Dorsch and 18-year-old Ollie Horned-Owl were arrested Friday in Horton, both were first taken to the Brown County Jail, but have now been booked into the Atchison County Jail, where they're held on bonds of $500,000 each.

A third accused of involvement, identified only as a juvenile boy, was transported to juvenile intake following his Friday arrest.

Formal charges are now filed against the two men, with that six-count criminal complaint filed Monday in Atchison County District Court.

Both men are charged with felony counts of attempted second-degree murder, criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery, aggravated assault and criminal discharge of a firearm, along with a misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property.

The girl who was shot was one of four people that Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson says were on or near a residential porch in the 1400 block of Commercial Street when multiple shots were fired around 11:45 on the night of April 16, sending the child for hospitalized care. 

On Tuesday, Wilson told MSC News she remains hospitalized in Kansas City.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three separate theft reports filed in recent days.

According to a release from Atchison County Sheriff Jack Laurie, a resident of Atchison reported the theft of a Glock 43X 9mm handgun from a storage trailer at 18873 258th Road. The sheriff’s office says the theft occurred sometime between June of 2024 and April of 2026.

In Muscotah, Laurie says a resident reported two minibikes stolen from a driveway in the 100 block of East 6th Street. The sheriff’s office says the theft occurred Sunday between 3:00 that afternoon and midnight. The minibikes are believed to be Baja Warriors with Predator 212 engines, one gray and one black.

In a third report, Laurie says a resident of Nortonville reported theft and criminal damage involving an excavator parked in a field south of 6455 Rawlins Road. The sheriff’s office says keys and batteries were taken from the equipment and a window was damaged.

The investigations are continuing.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved the purchase of a new Altec bucket truck for the Utility Department when they met Monday evening.

The Board of Public Works recommended the purchase of the truck at a cost of $321,436.

Utility Superintendent Trevor Campbell said that while the city currently has 3 bucket trucks, the largest one, with a 70 foot reach, is nearing the end of it's usefulness. The large truck is a 2002 model and after 25 years, Altec will no longer provide parts or service for a vehicle. While passing the last inspection, it was noted that the cable operated boom will require more than $25,000 worth of cabling work to pass inspection the next time.

Campbell expects a delivery date of approximately July of 2027.

The new truck will have a 60 foot reach.

In other business the Council tabled action on bids for municipal waste management for the city on the recommendation of Administrator Gary Jorn.

The Council also appointed Jeff Palik with Olsson, as the Class A Street Superintendent for the remainder of 2026. Palik will take over for the previous Superintendent who left the Olsson company for a new position.

(KLZA)-- The Mound City Board of Education members elected to office recently were sworn in for their new terms on April 15.

Chad Derr and Sheri Meadows were reelected with Jesse Yocum being a new Board member.

Superintendent Korey Miles presented a plaque to Jeff Holstine recognizing his 18 years of service on the Mound City School Board.

The Board officers for the next year will remain unchanged with Dylan Rosier serving as President, Steven Edwards at Vice President and Sheri Meadows as Treasurer.

The Board approved renewal of the health care plan for the districts employees with a 3.9% cost increase through Arnold Insurance and Health Care.

Superintendent Miles recommendation to set the salary schedule with a base salary of $43,000 was approved unanimously.

In personnel moves, the Board approved the resignation from High School English teacher Theresa Jordan and approved hiring Hilary Marshall as the ACES program Director for the next school year.

Other hires were Morgan Wilson as a 1st Grade Teacher and Rachel Plummer as the new High School English Teacher. Extra Duty contracts for the 2026-27 school year were also approved.

(KNZA)--A Sabetha motorcyclist was seriously injured Tuesday evening in a two-vehicle crash in Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash occurred just before 6 p.m. on 260th Road, about a half mile east of U.S. 75.

According to the report, 60-year-old Douglas Kleopfer of Morrill was driving a westbound pickup and turning south into a field entrance when his vehicle was struck on the passenger side by an eastbound motorcycle.

The rider, 23-year-old Brycen Hartley of Sabetha, was taken to Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says Hartley was wearing a helmet and eye protection at the time of the crash.

Kleopfer was not injured.

(KAIR)--The City of Atchison's more than 4-decades as a Tree City USA is recognized through a proclamation of Arbor Day.

The annual proclamation was made, and read aloud, by Mayor La Rochelle Young during Monday's meeting of the Atchison City Commission; and, in full, it recognizes the history of Arbor Day, which began in April, 1872, in Nebraska, and the benefits that trees bring not only to a local community, but to the world, on a whole. 

Atchison's history of commemorating the so-called "tree planter's holiday" runs deep, maintaining its status as a Tree City USA, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, for 46-years, retaining that title by continuing to follow the four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department; having a community tree ordinance; spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry; and celebrating Arbor Day.

Atchison's long-running forestry commitment is also realized through its Forest of Friendship, a living memorial to the history of aviation which features trees from all 50 states and over 30 countries. It was founded in 1976, the same year as the beginning of the Tree City USA program, with the Forest this year marking its 50th anniversary. The Arbor Day Foundation did the same for Tree City USA, celebrating its anniversary last month in March.

Along with Atchison, another Atchison County location, Effingham, has maintained the status for 33-years, while other local area northeast Kansas communities, including Troy, Valley Falls, Hiawatha, Leavenworth, Sabetha, and Marysville, also hold long-running Tree City USA status.

National Arbor Day is always celebrated on the last Friday in April which, this year, is April 24, as stated in Atchison's proclamation; however, many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on their best tree planting times.

(KAIR)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Jefferson County RWD #7 public water supply system in Jefferson County.

KDHE says the advisory had been issued after a waterline break caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system, which can lead to reduced chlorine residuals and a risk of bacterial contamination.

KDHE says laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from Jefferson County RWD #7 showed no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and officials say the conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

(KLZA)--NioCorp Developments is thanking state leaders following the passage of LB 1165, legislation signed into law that company officials say will strengthen the outlook for its Elk Creek Project in southeast Nebraska. Chairman and CEO Mark Smith expressed appreciation to Governor Jim Pillen, Revenue Committee Chairman Brad von Gillern, and State Senator Bob Hallstrom, along with other members of the Nebraska Legislature, for backing the measure.

LB 1165 expands and adjusts portions of the Nebraska Advantage Act, including extending the timeframe companies have to meet Tier 6 employment and investment requirements. For NioCorp, that change is expected to provide greater flexibility in qualifying for roughly $200 million in state tax benefits over the next decade, as the company moves forward with hundreds of millions of dollars in planned investment in Nebraska.

The Elk Creek Project is projected to bring major economic impacts to the region, including approximately 450 permanent full-time jobs and an estimated 2,100 additional jobs across the broader Nebraska economy. Over the life of the mine, projections also include a $1.1 billion payroll, more than $600 million in state and local tax contributions, and roughly $300 million in payments to landowners.

State officials say the legislation is part of a broader effort to support long-term industrial development and job creation across Nebraska.

(KLZA)--Voters planning to participate in Nebraska’s upcoming Primary Election on May 12 are being reminded to verify their voter registration status to ensure their information is current. Officials encourage residents to confirm they are registered at the correct address and are affiliated with the political party matching the ballot they intend to cast.

Voters can check their registration online at https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov or by contacting the Richardson County Clerk’s Office at 402-245-2911, extension 3.

In-person voter registration is available at the Richardson County Clerk’s Office during regular business hours through Friday, May 1. On that final day, the office will remain open until 6:00 p.m. This is the deadline to register to vote before the Primary Election.

Online voter registration is also available through Monday, April 27, 2026, via the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Voter Registration Portal.

Early voting is currently underway at the Richardson County Clerk’s Office, open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office will again extend hours until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1 for those casting early ballots.

Voters unable to vote in person on Election Day may request an absentee ballot by mail. Application forms are available through the Richardson County website at www.richardsoncounty.ne.gov.

For additional information about the 2026 election, residents may contact the County Clerk’s Office at 402-245-2911, extension 3.

(KLZA)--Two Rock Port, Missouri men suffered what authorities described as moderate injuries Monday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash in Atchison County, Missouri.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened shortly after noon when a pickup truck traveling south on Route U, about three miles south of Langdon, Missouri, crossed the center line. The vehicle then ran off the east side of the roadway, struck an embankment, continued into a ditch, and hit a culvert.

The driver, a 66-year-old man, and his passenger, a 39-year-old man, were both reportedly not wearing safety devices at the time of the crash.

Both men were transported by Atchison-Holt Ambulance to Fairfax Community Hospital for treatment of their injuries.

The pickup was declared a total loss.

Assisting at the scene were the Atchison County Sheriff’s Office, Rock Port Fire Department, and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

 

 

(KNZA)--A large crowd filled a community information meeting Monday evening in Hiawatha to hear details and ask questions about a proposed housing development known as the " Villas of Beautiful Maples."

Since the Hiawatha City Commission approved an agreement in March, residents have raised concerns about project costs, funding, and long-term community impact.

At Monday’s meeting, city officials, the Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development, and the project developer addressed those concerns directly. 

Mayor Becky Shamburg acknowledged there were a variety of opinions about the development project.

Plans call for a 10-unit duplex development on about four acres of city-owned land west of Bruning Park, with an estimated price tag of nearly 2.7 million dollars. Funding would come from a mix of a grant, tax credits, private investment, and a loan. 

Developer Michael Webb of Desoto says he has completed similar projects in several Kansas communities.

The city will be responsible for the infrastructure costs--including water and sewer lines.   Webb told attendees he is  now willing to take on street construction expenses.

City Administrator Brad Scott says the project is not expected to raise taxes for current residents, noting the developer will pay full property taxes annually without receiving a tax rebate.

Hiawatha Foundation for Economic Development Director Mikaela Moore says housing studies from 2017, updated in 2022, identified a need for moderate-income rental housing in the community, and that the project is designed to help meet that demand.

The proposed units are expected to rent for between 1,600 and 1,650 dollars per month.

If the timeline stays on track, construction could begin by September, with units ready for lease by April 2027. City officials say additional public meetings will be scheduled as the project moves forward.

 

Rhonda Frakes and Robert Reed/Credit: USD 114

 

(KNZA)--The Riverside USD 114 Board of Education has completed interviews with two of the three finalists vying to become the district’s next superintendent.

The first candidate, Rhonda Frakes, was interviewed Friday evening. Frakes brings nearly 30 years of experience in education, including 17 years serving as the 9-through-12 principal at Jefferson West USD 340 High School in Meriden.

The second candidate, Robert Reed, met with the board Monday evening. Reed has 27 years of experience in K-12 education and currently serves as superintendent, as well as Pre-K through 6th grade principal, at Hodgeman County USD 227.

The third and final candidate will be interviewed Wednesday evening. The district says the candidate’s name will be released that same morning.

Each finalist is spending time in the district on the day of their interview, touring school buildings and meeting with staff members.

The new superintendent will replace current Superintendent Jennifer Gatz, who is stepping down at the end of the school year to take on a new professional opportunity. Gatz has served in the role for the past three years.

(KNZA)--A 59-year-old Hiawatha man was seriously injured Monday evening in a motorcycle crash in rural Brown County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 6:15 p.m. on 270th Street, just west of Dewberry Road, about two miles south of Morrill.

According to the report, Michael Dyke had just pulled out of a driveway and was traveling eastbound when, for an unknown reason, he lost control of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The bike came to rest on its right side in the roadway.

Dyke was transported to Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka with suspected serious injuries.

The Patrol says he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

(KAIR)--Atchison County Commission Chair Casey Quinn says the first “Conversations with the County” forum drew a strong turnout and a wide range of feedback from residents.

In a social media post, Quinn said participants at last Thursday’s session raised questions, concerns, and potential solutions for the county to consider moving forward. Quinn noted that some attendees brought ad valorem tax data, and she said the information highlighted the effects of the past several years, including COVID and inflation, and included discussion of how an EMS sales tax could help.

Quinn also said collaboration was a major theme, with discussion centered on ways cities, the county, and townships could pool resources to lower costs for citizens. She said one suggestion raised was exploring a unified government model with cities to better represent the full county and use resources countywide.

Quinn said residents also asked how to get involved, including interest in serving as precinct committee members. She also said the Neighborhood Revitalization Program, or NRP, was discussed, with comments supporting recent changes and emphasizing the program’s role in continued economic development.

Quinn added that community leaders shared ideas for partnerships aimed at addressing mental health and substance abuse, with the goal of reducing long-term costs. She also said some residents voiced frustration over personnel cuts, while also acknowledging the need to reduce spending to lower taxes.

Quinn thanked those who attended and said she wants the community engagement to continue.

(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Education approved the expenditure of $297,250 with Facility Advocates of Omaha to demolish the existing hot water boiler, expansion tank and circulating pump at the Calvert Elementary school and install a new system when they met April 13.

 

The Board also approved a project to cut out and replace the caulking in the bleachers of Bulldog Stadium at a cost of $26,500. The Quality Caulking Company was awarded the bid for the project.

A Core Services Agreement with ESU #4 for the 2026-27 school year was approved and the Board approved the rate to attend summer school at $100. The deposit will be refunded if the student successfully complete the program.

The $26,941 purchase price of Bus Security Caemera with REI was also approved.

 

 

(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners received several updates when they met last week.

Highway Superintendent Steve Darveau Jr. reported about the ongoing review on implementing a comprehensive GPS and an AI-integrated camera system designed to enhance safety and mitigate liability on county owned machinery and motor graders.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty reported there were 18 inmates being held at the County Law Enforcement Center. He also reported that during March his office had 611 total calls of which 335 were traffic stops with 26 arrests being made. Three by other agencies and 23 by the Sheriff's Department.

Commissioners met in executive session with Sheriff Hardesty, Deputy Trainee Candace Cox and County Clerk Mary Eickhoff to discuss a personnel matter.

Jerad Reimers, District Coordinator for 3rd District Congressman Adrian Smith met with the Board to update them on work being done in Washington D.C.