Wanted Fugitive Arrested After Brief I-35 Standoff

Kearney police arrested a wanted fugitive on Monday, August 11, after a brief standoff that temporarily shut down northbound Interstate 35.

Officers were alerted by another agency that a 47-year-old Mooresville man, wanted by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, might be traveling through the area. The suspect was wanted on felony charges of first-degree rape and first-degree statutory rape of a juvenile under 14, who is a family member.

Police located the suspect driving a semi-truck northbound on I-35 near 92 Highway and initiated a traffic stop. Authorities say the driver refused to exit the vehicle and barricaded himself for several minutes before surrendering peacefully following negotiations.

Chief Mark Thomas posted on Facebook about the danger of these types of situations, “The suspect was reported to be suicidal as well, which escalated our safety concerns not only for the suspect, but also for our officers.”

The suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to jail on his outstanding warrants. He is being held without bond.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Missouri State Highway Patrol Urges Back-to-School Safety

As the 2025-2026 school year begins, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding parents, students, and motorists to make safety a top priority. Increased traffic, school buses on the roads, and students walking or biking to school mean drivers should be extra cautious.

In 2024, Missouri saw 843 traffic crashes involving school buses, resulting in seven fatalities and 345 injuries. Troopers hope to prevent future tragedies by encouraging safe habits for everyone on the road.

Safety Tips for Students

• Walking: Use sidewalks when available, cross at marked intersections, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. Avoid distractions like phones or music.

• Biking: Always wear a helmet, ride on the right side, follow traffic signals, and keep both hands on the handlebars.

• School Buses: Wait on the shoulder or sidewalk, use handrails, never retrieve dropped items from under the bus, and cross at least 10 feet in front of it.

For Young Drivers
Most crashes involving drivers under 21 happen between 3 and 4 p.m., when school lets out. Parents should remind teens that driving requires full attention—no texting, phone use, or other distractions. Missouri is a hands-free state, so buckle up and put the phone away.

Parents’ Role
Parents are encouraged to discuss safe travel—whether walking, biking, or driving—with their children. They should also introduce the Courage2ReportMO program, which allows students to anonymously report safety concerns, including bullying, threats, weapons, and mental health crises. Reports can be made via the mobile app, website, phone (866-748-7047), or by texting “C2R” to 738477. The program operates 24/7 with trained professionals.

Tips for Motorists
Drivers should be especially alert near school zones, playgrounds, and crosswalks, and anticipate heavier traffic during morning and afternoon commutes. Missouri law requires vehicles on two-lane roads to stop in both directions when a school bus is loading or unloading children with warning signals activated. On four-lane roads, drivers must stop only when following the bus.

Troopers stress that children can be unpredictable near traffic. Patience, attentiveness, and extra travel time can help ensure a safe start to the school year for everyone.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Kearney Parks Announces Fall Pickleball Leagues

The popular Kearney Fall Pickleball Leagues are returning for another fall season in 2025, promising an energetic community atmosphere for players of all skill levels. Hosted by Kearney Parks and Recreation, matches will be held weeknights from 6 to 10 pm at the Kearney Pickleball Complex, 619 E 19th Street.

This fall, the league stretches across six weeks, culminating in a double elimination tournament on the seventh. Competitive divisions will play three matches per night on courts 1-8, ensuring plenty of action for participants.

League options include a beginner’s league, designed for those new to the game to develop skills through play; a social league for beginner to intermediate players seeking a fun, lightly competitive experience; and an advanced social division for skilled players who enjoy competitive yet relaxed play. Mixed teams may be made up of either two female players or one male and one female, and most divisions require participants to be at least 18, though social divisions allow players as young as 12.

Registration is open from August 7 to August 31, 2025, with a cost of $50 per participant. Fall leagues begin the week of September 8th and run through October 20th. Detailed schedules, division days, and times are available under the “More Info” tab at KearneyParks.com.

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity in Kearney and across the nation, drawing players of all ages with its blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Local players praise the league’s friendly environment and high-quality facilities, and many cite the opportunity to meet new people and build connections.

Parents appreciate how the league welcomes teens and young adults to compete alongside older players, fostering an inclusive, family-friendly setting. With affordable fees and easy registration, spaces are expected to fill quickly. Early signups are encouraged.

For more information or to register, visit the Kearney Parks and Recreation website or contact league organizers.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Man's Body Recovered from Missouri River

Clay County Deputies are investigating after the body of a man was discovered in the Missouri River near 210 Highway and Edwards Road late Wednesday night.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 8:40 pm, when a couple fishing along the river spotted a body in the water and immediately called 911. Deputies responded to the scene and located the remains of a man on the north side of the river. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Water Patrol Division assisted with the recovery operation.

Investigators have identified the deceased as 32-year-old Dusenge Y. Mukiza of Kansas City, Kansas. Authorities stated that the individual's next-of-kin were notified before his name was released to the public.

An autopsy has been conducted and revealed no indications of trauma or foul play. The investigation remains ongoing, but officials say there is no evidence at this time to suggest suspicious circumstances surrounding Mukiza's death.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Shanks Heating & Cooling Launches 2nd Annual A/C Giveaway

Shanks Heating & Cooling in Kearney has announced the return of its Climate of Caring program with the launch of the 2nd Annual A/C Giveaway. The program offers a chance for one local family in need to receive a free, professionally installed air conditioning system.

Last summer, the inaugural giveaway made a significant impact in the community, bringing comfort and relief to a family struggling with an unreliable heating and cooling system. Charity, last year’s recipient, shared her gratitude: “I am beyond grateful to have been chosen by Shanks for their Climate of Caring program to receive a new a/c-heating unit completely free of charge. This generous gift has made a huge impact in my life as the old system was unreliable and I was worried about getting through another extreme season. I will never forget this experience.”

This year, Shanks Heating & Cooling is once again inviting nominations for individuals or families within the community who are facing hardship and lack adequate air conditioning. Eligible nominees may be those who:

• Do not have air conditioning or have an aging, failing system

• Cannot afford repairs or replacement

• Are elderly, disabled, or facing health challenges

• Have lost a job or are experiencing financial difficulties

• Simply need a break during tough times

Nominations can be submitted by anyone—whether for a neighbor, relative, coworker, or oneself. Shanks Heating & Cooling emphasizes that everyone deserves comfort and dignity, especially during the peak summer months.

To nominate, email givingback@shankskc.com with the nominee’s name, their city or neighborhood, and a brief note explaining why they need assistance. Submissions will be thoughtfully reviewed, and one deserving recipient will be selected to receive a new air conditioner, fully installed and completely free of charge.

The deadline to nominate is Wednesday, August 20. For questions, community members can call 816‑258-2056.

Residents are encouraged to share this opportunity and help ensure that no one in the area suffers through the summer heat without support. Shanks Heating & Cooling is leading by example, showing what a true climate of caring looks like.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story