Atchison County, Kansas Local News

Atchison High names former player Tyson Downing boys basketball coach

Tyson Downing is coming home to lead Atchison boys basketball, bringing college experience and a hometown resume to a program fresh off a state-tournament run.

Lisa Park•2 min read•10:09 PM

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Comprehensive local news coverage for Atchison County, Kansas. Stay informed about government decisions, community events, business developments, and civic matters affecting residents of Atchison, Effingham, Muscotah, and surrounding communities.

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Fundraiser launched for 12-year-old injured in Atchison shooting

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Government

Atchison County Commission races draw challengers ahead of primary, election

Filing closed with contested commissioner races in both districts, including an open District 1 seat and a District 2 race shadowed by a legal challenge.

James Thompson2m read

Government

Atchison County treasurer office changes weekday hours starting June 15

Residents who pay taxes or handle title work at the treasurer office will lose 25 minutes of afternoon access starting June 15.

James Thompson2m read

Government

Atchison adopts ordinance creating common consumption areas for events

Atchison now has mapped common consumption zones for approved events, opening alcohol service on parts of the Mall, River Road and Warnock Lake while keeping the citywide ban elsewhere.

James Thompson2m read

Business

US Ghost Adventures buys Atchison's McInteer Villa for restoration

McInteer Villa’s new owner says it has already spent $25,000 on urgent fixes and will restore the sealed porch and front entrance. The plan could turn a longtime haunted landmark into a museum and bed-and-breakfast.

Sarah Chen2m read

Community

Humane Society of Atchison seeks help amid financial strain

The Humane Society of Atchison says rising vet and utility bills are straining its shelter, where about $500 is needed to care for each animal.

Marcus Williams2m read

Government

Kansas gubernatorial candidate Ethan Corson meets Atchison County Democrats

Ethan Corson took his governor’s campaign to Atchison County, where Republicans dominated 2024 county races and median income is $61,112.

Marcus Williams2m read

Community

Atchison Black business history project seeks photos and memorabilia by Friday

Family photos and scrapbooks in Atchison attics could help fill the history of the Black Business District, but organizers need them by Friday.

Lisa Park2m read

Community

Atchison’s Forest of Friendship plans 50th anniversary repairs, fundraising

Atchison’s Forest of Friendship needs $8,000 to help pay for $15,000 in anniversary repairs, including work on the pond and waterfall honoring founder Joe Carrigan.

Sarah Chen2m read

Government

Trespass complaint leads to meth arrest in Atchison County

A trespass complaint at 832 Commercial Street turned into a meth arrest, with officers saying Jarrett Lynn resisted before they booked him into jail.

James Thompson2m read

Government

Atchison summer safety bulletin warns of rising heat injury risks

Atchison’s summer heat warning says injury risk rises near 85 degrees, with about 28,000 heat-linked injuries a year and danger peaking in June through August.

James Thompson2m read

Healthcare

Amberwell, Mosaic launch cancer care program in Atchison

Cancer patients in Atchison can soon get chemo, infusions and oncology visits closer to home, instead of driving to larger centers in Missouri.

Lisa Park2m read

Education

Atchison schools promote free summer meals, family resources hub

Free breakfasts and lunches will be served at Atchison Middle School, and families can also tap a district hub for food, housing and health help.

Marcus Williams2m read

Government

Atchison County residents can sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts

CodeRED can push Atchison County weather and emergency warnings by call, text, or email, and a late-2025 outage showed why backup alerts matter.

Marcus Williams2m read

Healthcare

Muscotah dog attack sends 77-year-old man to hospital, court action possible

A 77-year-old Muscotah man was hospitalized after two dogs attacked him on Shawnee Street, and two 24-year-olds were cited.

Dr. Elena Rodriguez2m read

Government

Atchison County deputy report leads to driving while suspended arrest

A Leavenworth man was arrested for driving while suspended, and the jail roster showed a steady mix of traffic, drug and warrant cases.

James Thompson2m read

Government

Wanted Atchison man arrested, police say fentanyl found during patrol stop

A late-night patrol stop in north Atchison ended with a wanted man in custody and fentanyl seized, underscoring the county’s overdose risk.

Marcus Williams2m read

Healthcare

AllWays Community Health Center opens downtown Atchison clinic with ribbon cutting

Atchison’s new downtown AllWays clinic will add integrated medical and behavioral care at 516 Commercial Street, while the old site becomes a dental clinic.

Dr. Elena Rodriguez2m read

Business

Bomb squad detonates volatile chemical at Atchison plant

A deteriorated chemical at Atchison Tubular Manufacturing was destroyed by a bomb squad after crews judged it too volatile to move.

Sarah Chen2m read

Community

Atchison Art Association celebrates decades in historic Muchnic Gallery

A Queen Anne home built in 1885 still draws Atchison residents to rotating exhibits, public programs and art education at two downtown sites.

Sarah Chen2m read

Community

Atchison County Lake to host family celebration, reopen spillway access

Families gathered at Atchison County Lake as the spillway reopened for pedestrian access, marking a new step in the county’s push to bring the lake back into daily public use.

Lisa Park2m read

Education

Benedictine College names three valedictorians, 472 graduate in Atchison

Three valedictorians put community, faith and scholarship at the center of Benedictine’s graduation weekend, as 472 seniors crossed the stage in Atchison.

Marcus Williams2m read

Education

Atchison wrestlers take third at Meadowlark, win four titles

Atchison stayed within 11 points of the Meadowlark crown, and four Phoenix champions signaled depth that could carry into the postseason.

Lisa Park2m read

Education

Handke breaks ACCHS triple jump record set in 1982

Ben Handke’s 43-foot-4.75 triple jump erased an ACCHS record that lasted since 1982 and gave the Tigers a new standard to chase.

Lisa Park2m read

Education

Atchison High football coach Jim Smith retires after 27 years

A Tuesday morning post on X ended Jim Smith’s 27-year run and pushed Atchison football into its next chapter.

Marcus Williams1m read

Education

Luke Noll leaves Maur Hill girls basketball job for Jefferson County North

Luke Noll’s move puts Maur Hill’s summer workouts in flux just after a 14-0 league title run. Jefferson County North gains a coach with seven years of Atchison ties.

Sarah Chen2m read

Education

USD 409 begins search for new Atchison High principal

USD 409 is seeking a new Atchison High principal for 2026-27 after Dr. Latisha Williams left for another school, setting up a key transition for families.

Sarah Chen2m read

Healthcare

Benedictine College files accreditation application for proposed medical school

Benedictine College filed the accreditation application for its proposed osteopathic medical school, a step that could affect Atchison’s doctor pipeline, jobs and care access.

Lisa Park2m read