(KNZA)--Brown County residents will have the opportunity to vote early for the upcoming August 4th primary election.

The Brown County Clerk’s Office will offer early voting on Thursday, July 16, at three locations. Voting will be available at the Morrill Community Building from 9 to 11 a.m., the Maple Grove West Complex in Hiawatha from noon to 1 p.m., and the Everest Northfield Community Room from 2 to 3 p.m.

Beginning Monday, July 20, through noon on Monday, August 3, residents may vote by advance ballot at the County Clerk’s Office in the Brown County Courthouse during regular business hours.

The courthouse will also be open Saturday morning, July 25, from 10 a.m. to noon for early voting.

The Brown County Clerk’s Office reminds voters that a photo ID is required to cast a ballot.

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has officially adopted a land use development code for the county's unincorporated areas.

Commissioners approved the measure on a 2-1 vote during their July 6 meeting. Commissioner Joe Dalinghaus cast the lone dissenting vote.

Before adopting the code, the commission approved a recommendation from County Counselor and County Administrator Austin Parker to add electrical and battery storage facilities to the list of projects requiring a conditional use permit.

The code is intended to protect public health, safety and community welfare while balancing the county's predominantly agricultural landscape with compatible residential and commercial development. It also establishes a permitting process for special land uses to help ensure appropriate siting.

In addition, the code creates zoning districts throughout the county to regulate land uses, building heights and minimum property sizes.

The Nemaha County Planning Commission developed the code with guidance from Parker.

Photo credit: Jackson County Sheriff's Office 

(KNZA)--A crop duster pilot escaped serious injury after a crash landing in rural Jackson County Monday afternoon.

Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse says the crash was reported around 12:30 p.m. in a field south of K-9 Highway, about a half-mile west of the Atchison County line, east of Whiting.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the plane struck a communication pole while flying about 100 feet above the ground. The aircraft then crash-landed and caught fire.

Morse says the 49-year-old pilot from Vernon, Texas, was able to get out of the plane and walk to a nearby farmhouse to get help. He was evaluated at the scene by Jackson County EMS but declined transport to a hospital.

Firefighters from the Netawaka and Whiting Fire Departments responded and extinguished the fire. 

(KNZA)--The South Brown County Community Foundation's fifth annual Match Days fundraiser begins Tuesday and runs through Thursday during the Brown County Fair.

Community members can make donations in person each evening from 4:30 until 7:30 at the Horton Blue Building. Donations can also be made online through Grow South Brown beginning Tuesday and continuing through midnight Thursday.

The foundation says Match Days give residents an opportunity to support local nonprofit organizations while stretching the value of every donation.

This year, 29 match sponsors have provided at least 75-thousand dollars in matching funds. A total of 48 nonprofit organizations serving Everest, Horton, the Kickapoo Reservation, Powhattan, and Willis are participating.

Donations will be matched at 50 cents on the dollar on a first-come, first-served basis until matching funds are exhausted.

Last year's Match Days raised nearly 156-thousand dollars in community donations. With matching funds included, the event generated more than 233-thousand dollars to benefit South Brown County nonprofits.

(KAIR)--The Atchison County Commission, in August, will allow Atchison County voters a choice: fund County emergency services through a dedicated one-cent sales tax or continue funding through property taxes. 

On Monday, June 15, Atchison County Commissioners Casey Quinn, James Campbell, and John Calhoon, were guests of 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday, where all aspects of the approaching decision were discussed. Hear the full conversation here. The Atchison Co Commission, on June 16, joined 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday to discuss the approaching sales tax-to-fund-EMS question. Co-Host Monday airs each Monday morning around 7:20, sponsored by Midwest Interior Solutions. 

(KNZA)--Voices representing decades of legal, policy, and statehouse journalism experience will provide northeast Kansas voters with multiple perspectives regarding the approaching August 4 ballot question on how the state selects its Supreme Court justices.

The forum, billed as High Court, High Stakes, brings together a past president of the Kansas Bar Association, a Hiawatha attorney, and editors from the Kansas Reflector, for a free public discussion Tuesday evening, July 14, at 6:30, at the Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha.

Panelists include Natalie Haag, who spent eight years on the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission and now serves as executive vice president and general counsel of Capitol Federal Savings Bank, and Kevin Hill, an attorney practicing in Hiawatha. Clay Wirestone, opinions editor for the Kansas Reflector, rounds out the panel, with Sherman Smith, the Reflector's editor in chief, moderating.

The panel will explain how the current merit selection process for Supreme Court justices came about, following the so called triple play of 1956, how that system works today, and how the proposed constitutional amendment could change it going forward.

Audience questions will follow the panel discussion.

Organizers say the vote is open to all registered Kansans, regardless of party.

Brown County United is hosting the event with the goal of educating voters ahead of the primary election.

Anyone not yet registered to vote in Kansas must do so by the end of business Tuesday, July 14, ahead of that evening's forum.

Both, on July 6, were guests of 93.7 FM's Co-Host Monday, answering questions as submitted by Atchison County voters in an informal setting. 
Hear their answers here.

According to a social media post from the City of Atchison, Building Inspector Ryan Bauman has been named the city's July Ace of the Month. The city says Bauman has only been with Atchison for nine months but has already proven himself a valuable addition to the organization.

Bauman received two nominations for the honor. One resident said Bauman went above and beyond researching a zoning question tied to a home renovation project, communicating clearly throughout the process. The city says the resident noted he would have been satisfied with Bauman's help regardless of the outcome, simply because of his empathy and communication, calling him a "great hire" for the city.

The second nomination credited Bauman for stepping in to help a Spanish-speaking customer get the assistance she needed when a coworker ran into a language barrier.

Bauman receives a $50 gift card to a local business and will carry the Ace trophy for the month of July. He'll also be in the running for Ace of the Year.

According to a social media release from Atchison County, the county's proposed 2027 property tax rate is coming in under the revenue neutral rate, or RNR. The revenue neutral rate is set at 57.314 mills, while the county's proposed tax rate is 56.257 mills.

The county explains that the revenue neutral rate is the specific property tax mill levy needed to generate the exact same amount of property tax revenue as the prior year, based on the current year's total assessed valuation. Coming in under that rate means the county portion of residents' tax bills should offer some relief in 2027.

As an example, the county says a home valued at $250,000, at an 11.5% residential assessment rate and the proposed 56.257 mill rate, would generate about $1,617 in county property tax for the year. The county notes that figure reflects only the county's portion of a resident's overall 2027 property tax bill.

KDHE says the advisory was issued Saturday after the city was unable to maintain the minimum required chlorine residual due to an equipment failure, a situation that can put a water system at risk for bacterial contamination.

According to KDHE, laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from Winchester showed no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and officials say all other conditions that placed the system at risk have been resolved.

The quote was for $50,000 and includes concrete work totaling $30,600, $6,800 for trenching,  $600 for a steel grate and $12,000 to erect the building.  

Board members also met with County Treasurer Amanda Bartek-Ramsey and approved her semi-annual report as submitted. 

(KLZA)-- Pawnee County Commissioners met with Pawnee County Sheriff Braden Lang, Johnson County Sheriff Lynn Johnson and Pawnee County Attorney Emily Sisco on July 7 to discuss the dispatch agreement between the two counties.

Discussed were the advantages and disadvantages between between Johnson and Richardson counties.

Sheriff Lang and Nancy Tilton also met with the Board to discuss the proposed budget.

An agreement for Emergency Protective Custody with Region 5 was approved following a meeting with EPC representatives.

Commissioners are also reviewing options and a quote for patching a damaged section of the ceiling in the Pawnee County Treasurers office.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council last week approved on first reading, an ordinance concerning the paying of bills in the future.

The ordinance if adopted, would provide for the rounding up or down to the nearest nickel any cash transaction conducted with the City.

Gary Jorn, City Administrator said rounding bills to the nearest nickel is becoming the norm due to the penny being discontinued.

The new ordinance will affect any cash transaction with the City, due to the penny being discontinued.

(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council Monday evening approved a request from Brandon Brown with the Would Eye Bar to adopt a resolution to place on the November 6 election ballot a question of: “Should the City of Falls City, establish and conduct a lottery as permitted under the Nebraska County and City Lottery Act for community betterment purposes?”

The request passed unanimously.

Another request from Brown, to change the city ordinance to allow alcohol sales until 2 a.m. To mirror the state regulations also passed unanimously.

A third request from Brown to block Stone Street on August 1 from 9 a.m. until midnight for a customer appreciation street dance and special designated liquor license at the Would Eye Bar also was approved by the 8 Council members.

A resolution to abate a nuisance at 1809 Chase Street was approved. The City has been dealing with the property since April of 2024 and the property owner has not complied.

(KLZA)-- Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance to 34 Missouri counties in response to dangerous flash flooding, several tornadoes, and intense straight-line winds that heavily impacted several regions of Missouri from June 4-18.

Based on the documented damage and emergency response costs, Governor Kehoe is requesting FEMA Public Assistance for 34 counties including Holt, Nodaway and Worth counties in Northwest Missouri.

If approved, federal assistance will provide critical support as communities continue repairing essential infrastructure and recovering from these devastating storms that extended across nearly one-third of the state in June.

Joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, and local officials estimate more than $32.3 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure.

(KLZA)-- Farmers Co-operative in Auburn to close convenience store

The Farmers Co-operative convenience store in Auburn will be closing it's doors on July 15.

The Dorchester based Farmers Co-operative says all other services will be maintained as well as the 24-hour access to fuel.

Farmers Co-op provides feed and bulk fuel delivery.

The building at 9th and J Streets in Auburn also houses Auto Air and Repair which is owned and operated by Tom Stukenholtz who plans to relocate his business later this fall.

A news release from the Sheriff's Office notes Wolfe was located at a Falls City apartment where he was arrested on felony warrants.

In addition, 28-year-old Malinda Honea of Falls City who is the resident of the property where Wolfe was arrested, was charged with being an accessory to a felony.

The Sheriff's Office thanked the U-S Marshal Services Metro Fugitive Task Force for their help in the apprehension of Wolfe.

(KMZA)--A new Marshall County Attorney has been selected.

The Marysville Advocate reports that the Marshall County Republican Precinct Committee, during a July 1st convention, selected Meghan Voracek of Seneca for appointment to the position.

Her name has been forwarded to Governor Laura Kelly, who will make the official appointment.

Voracek was the lone applicant for the position. She previously served as Marshall County Attorney from 2019 to 2022, before family obligations led her to return to private law practice.

Since then, Brad Lippert of Sabetha has served as county attorney for both Marshall and Nemaha Counties. Lippert is retiring effective August 1st.

Voracek will fill the remainder of Lippert’s term, which expires in 2028.

Credit: City of Horton/Facebook

(KNZA)--A Horton Public Works employee was recognized for his dedication and service during the Horton City Commission’s July 6th meeting.

Public Works employee Brent Shaffer received both a KUDOS Award and a 10-year service award from Mayor Bryan Stirton. Shaffer was presented the KUDOS Award by the commission for “going above and beyond” in his work with the city.

Officials noted that Shaffer had been on call for the electric department every day for the past year and was always willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. The commission thanked him for his hard work and dedication to the city.

In other business, Public Works Superintendent Randy Mayfield presented a proposal from Approved Paving for chip sealing approximately 23 blocks of city streets. The commission approved the proposal in the amount of $59,300.

The commission also approved a 50-cent-per-hour raise for Code Enforcement Officer Andrew Patterson following his annual evaluation. The raise will take effect on Patterson’s anniversary date.

Following an executive session, commissioners voted to end the Interim Police Chief designation effective immediately. William Entrikin had been serving in that role. The commission appointed Entrikin as Assistant Chief and approved a $1,500 bonus for his service as Interim Chief, noting that he had not previously received additional compensation for the position.

(KNZA)--A Hiawatha man has been convicted on felony aggravated assault charges.

According to court documents, 36-year-old Dustin McCulley pleaded no contest July 6 in Brown County District Court to two counts of aggravated assault. The court accepted his plea and found him guilty of the offenses.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 3rd.

McCulley is accused of threatening two individuals with a knife on August 31st, 2025. The case was investigated by the Hiawatha Police Department, and McCulley was arrested in December by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant.

McCulley remains free on bond.

(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the City of Winchester public water supply system located in Jefferson County.

The advisory was issued Saturday because  the water system was unable to maintain the minimum required chlorine residual due to equipment failure. Failure to maintain required chlorine residual levels may put the system at risk for bacterial contamination. 

KDHE says customers should boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

The advisory will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved.

(KNZA)--The 101th annual Jackson County Fair kicks off Monday, July 13 at the Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, south of Holton, and runs through Thursday, July 17.

The theme of this year's fair is “Red, White, Blue, and 4-H Green Too!”.This patriotic theme was submitted by Colin Coleman and officially selected by the Jackson County Commissioners in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the United States

The Kiddie Tractor Pull will be held Monday evening 7:00, with registration being held from 5:30 to 6:45.

Tuesday brings the swine and beef shows.

The fair parade will take place Wednesday evening at 6:00 on Holton's Town Square. Serving as grand marshal's this year are David and Mary Schrock.

The 4-H Style Revue will follow the parade at the Amphitheater.

The livestock sale will be held Thursday evening, beginning at 7:00.

Great Plains Amusement will return with carnival rides and games Tuesday through Saturday evening.

The advisory was issued following a waterline break which caused a loss of pressure in the distribution system, raising concerns about chlorine loss and possible bacterial contamination.

State officials, Friday gave the all clear, issuing a release saying lab testing of water samples from Muscotah showed no evidence of bacteriological contamination, and the conditions that put the system at risk have been resolved.

(KAIR)--The Atchison City Commission, Monday afternoon, will meet in special session to take up next year's property tax rate.

The meeting begins that afternoon 4:30 at Atchison City Hall, where commissioners will consider a resolution stating the city's intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate for 2027.

The revenue neutral rate, calculated by the Atchison County clerk, is 43.709 mills. That's the rate that would bring in the same tax revenue the city collected last year. According to Monday's meeting agenda and supplemental documents, City Manager Mark Westhoff is recommending commissioners set a proposed cap of 45.168 mills instead, a move that would generate about 152,000 dollars more across the general fund, debt service fund, and library fund.

State law requires cities that plan to exceed the revenue neutral rate to notify the county clerk by July 20 and hold a public hearing before adopting a final budget.

Monday's action would set that hearing, along with the city's budget hearing, for September 8th at 4:30 in the afternoon at city hall. 

Commissioners could still choose to adopt a lower mill levy before the budget is finalized, but Monday's resolution sets the ceiling.

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department is reminding drivers to slow down as summer travel brings more traffic to Kansas highways. The department is joining law enforcement agencies nationwide in the "Speeding Catches Up With You" enforcement campaign running through July 15.

Officers say speeding is a form of aggressive driving that puts everyone at risk, including passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding increases the chance of losing control of a vehicle, lengthens stopping distances, reduces the effectiveness of safety equipment, and contributes to more serious crashes. Police also note that speeding leads to higher fuel costs and greater economic losses from crashes.

Drivers are encouraged to obey posted speed limits and adjust their speed for road conditions throughout the busy summer travel season.