State FCCLA Awards Prestigious Scholarship to KHS Senior

Kearney High School senior Lexie Barton has been honored with the 2025 Missouri FCCLA Outstanding Leader Scholarship, recognizing her exceptional leadership, dedication, and involvement within the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization.

Barton's selection for this prestigious award highlights her significant contributions to FCCLA through outstanding participation, leadership, and service to her school and community. The scholarship is presented annually to students who exemplify FCCLA's values, showing exemplary dedication in Family Consumer Sciences and Human Services.

"Lexie has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence," said Ashley Witte, Missouri FCCLA State Adviser. "She represents the very best of what FCCLA stands for, and we are excited to honor her at this year's state leadership conference."

Barton's involvement with FCCLA at Kearney High School has been marked by numerous successful projects and impactful initiatives, earning her recognition from peers and mentors alike. Through her efforts, she has significantly contributed to building stronger community connections and fostering a sense of civic responsibility among her classmates.

"Lexie is a remarkable young leader whose influence goes beyond the classroom," Kearney High School FCCLA Sponsor Kassidy Robertson said. "We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful for her contributions to both our school and the community. She sets a wonderful example for her fellow students."

The Missouri FCCLA Outstanding Leader Scholarship was awarded during a formal presentation at the State FCCLA Leadership Conference on Monday, March 17 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. Barton was joined by other distinguished Missouri FCCLA student leaders and educators from across the state. Her selection underscores Kearney High School's commitment to nurturing leadership and community engagement among students.

FCCLA is a national career and technical student organization that provides personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Clay County Deputies Assist in Capture of Homicide Suspect

A coordinated effort between local law enforcement agencies, assisted by cutting-edge technology, led to the arrest of a homicide suspect from Ray County.

In the early morning hours of March 20, the Ray County Sheriff's Office had a critical piece of information—a license plate number—related to a suspect who fled the scene of a deadly shooting in the rural Lawson area. Ray County Sheriff's Office quickly broadcasted this information over the radio to neighboring agencies, including the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

Dispatchers immediately entered the license plate into Clay County's Flock camera system, a network of license plate-reading cameras strategically placed throughout the county. The system is designed to alert law enforcement when a specific plate is detected.

As a result, Clay County deputies were notified that the suspect’s vehicle was headed toward Liberty. The Liberty Police Department located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. However, the driver refused to pull over and fled the scene, prompting Clay County deputies to take over the pursuit.

With the help of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, who deployed a tire deflation device, the suspect's vehicle was eventually brought to a stop. The suspect drove off 152 Highway near Maplewoods Parkway and got stuck. Deputies swiftly took the individual into custody without further incident.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is also assisting the Ray County Sheriff's Office with the ongoing homicide investigation.

"This is a great example of how teamwork, technology, and coordination between agencies make our communities safer," read a Clay County Sheriff's Office social media post. "By working together, we were able to track and capture a suspect who is now facing serious charges."

The Clay County Sheriff's Office, along with the Liberty Police Department and other local agencies, continues to work in collaboration with Ray County and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to support the ongoing investigation.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Woman in Custody After Fleeing Deputies

Katherine A. Donohoe

A woman is in custody following a dangerous vehicle pursuit on Saturday afternoon that nearly resulted in a collision with a man attending a birthday party. Katherine A. Donohoe, 48, has been charged with felony aggravated fleeing from a stop (a violation of Valentine’s Law) and is being held on a $75,000 bond.

The incident began around 4 pm on March 15, when a deputy observed an SUV with a fake temporary tag near 210 Highway and Searcy Creek Parkway. Before attempting to stop the vehicle, the deputy witnessed the SUV running a stop sign and driving southbound in the northbound lanes of Searcy Creek Parkway. The vehicle eventually corrected its course, but when the deputy initiated a traffic stop, the driver sped off, frequently driving in the wrong lanes.

The pursuit continued until the deputy lost sight of the SUV near a paintball and laser tag business at 9300 Underground Drive. A bystander, however, provided directions to where the vehicle had gone. The deputy found the SUV crashed in the woods, but the driver was nowhere to be found.

With the help of additional deputies, Donohoe was located walking on Underground Drive and taken into custody. She was treated for minor injuries. According to the bystander, Donohoe’s vehicle nearly struck him as he was retrieving pizzas for a nearby birthday party. The SUV swerved, hitting a gate before overturning in the woods. Fortunately, there were many vehicles in the business parking lot at the time, but no one was injured.

Further investigation revealed that Donohoe did not have a valid driver's license. She remains in custody at the Detention Center awaiting further legal proceedings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Hosts Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair

The Clay County Sheriff's Office, with help from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Liberty Fire Department and Bike Walk KC, is holding a bike rodeo and safety fair in April. The event will have safety information for young riders plus refreshments, displays, and giveaways.

Event participants will have a chance to meet and visit with Clay County Sheriff's Office deputies and Liberty Fire Department personnel, as well as learn the ABC's of bicycle riding and rules of the road.

The bike rodeo will also have an obstacle course, bicycle inspections. drug awareness trailer and Hidden in Plain Sight walk through display. Kids can bring their own bike or borrow one of Bike Walk KC's bikes (for grades 3 to 6).

Free helmets and free donuts and bottled water will be available while supplies last. New bikes will be raffled off for those present at the event

The bike rodeo and safety fair will take place on Saturday, April 5, from 10 am to noon at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 N. State 291, Liberty, Mo. This event is free to the public.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry Return

The annual Knights of Columbus/Church of Annunciation Fish Fry returns on Friday, March 21 and April 4, from 5 to 7 pm. This popular community event will be serving up a delicious variety of fish, shrimp, and sides that are sure to please.

The meal features your choice of hand-breaded fried fish (swai), baked fish (cod) with a secret recipe, or fried shrimp. The dinner also includes savory sides such as cornbread, fried taters, cole slaw, and the cheesiest homemade baked macaroni and cheese.

Amazing homemade desserts are also available for a $1 donation, making for a sweet end to your meal.

The cost for this feast is just $12.00, which includes coffee, iced tea, and water. Adult beverages are also available for purchase.

The fish fry will take place at the Annunciation Community Center, located at 701 N. Jefferson in Kearney, on Friday, March 21 and April 4, from 5 to 7 pm.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.