Riding Center Vows to Overcome Setback After Contractor Abandonment

In a devastating blow to one of the Northland's most respected nonprofits, the Northland Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) has announced the termination of its contract with 221 Construction, LLC, citing gross negligence, abandonment, and serious safety concerns. The decision, made on February 25, 2025, comes after months of silence and inaction from the contractor, who left the project in June 2024, leaving NTRC with a half-completed building and nearly $400,000 in lost funds.

"This was supposed to be more than just a construction project—it was meant to be a place where individuals with disabilities could thrive, even on the coldest days when horse therapy is not an option," said NTRC Executive Director Cathy Huddleston. "Instead, we found ourselves with a dangerous, unusable site and a contractor who walked away, leaving us heartbroken and in a perilous situation."

The original project included the construction of a classroom and meeting facility essential for NTRC's year-round therapeutic programs for individuals with special needs. However, the partnership turned into a nightmare as the nonprofit was left with incomplete work, failed designs, and numerous code violations. Despite repeated efforts by NTRC's legal team, including experienced construction attorney Heather Shore, 221 Construction refused to return and address the safety hazards or provide any refunds for the funds entrusted to them.

Recently, NTRC discovered that 221 Construction had left behind significant electrical hazards that went unaddressed during the initial phases of the project. These issues resulted in costly repairs and further deepened the organization's financial struggles.

Adding to the woes, NTRC learned that 221 Construction is planning to dissolve the business, likely to avoid paying creditors—including nonprofits like NTRC.

"When we began this project, our Board of Directors made a clear commitment: we would not use any funds from our participant programs for construction," explained Board President Michel Kaiser. "We raised all the necessary funds specifically for this building with the intention of completing it debt-free. To see nearly $400,000 taken from us by a contractor, only to be abandoned, is deeply painful—especially for an organization that serves vulnerable children and adults with disabilities."

Despite this setback, NTRC remains resolute in its mission to provide life-changing equine-assisted therapy. The organization is moving forward with the help of a new team of vetted contractors and designers, alongside the volunteer expertise of architect Dave Hendrikse. NTRC is also continuing to work with its legal counsel to hold 221 Construction accountable for their actions.

As the nonprofit looks to rebuild, they are launching a renewed capital fundraising campaign and are calling on the community for support. NTRC is inviting local supporters, media outlets, and partners to help spread the word and assist in turning the page on this unfortunate chapter.

"Together, we can create a space where challenges are met with courage and lives are changed—one hoofbeat at a time," said Huddleston.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office Awarded National Accreditation

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was awarded national accreditation on March 22 by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in the law enforcement program.

“This achievement comes after years of work to ensure our policies and practices meet the highest standards possible,” Sheriff Will Akin said.

The accreditation follows a multi-year assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA. Sheriff Will Akin and the Sheriff’s Office’s Accreditation Unit attended the CALEA conference in Garden Grove, Calif., last week. They went before CALEA’s 21-member Board of Commissioners, which reviewed their findings to determine agencies’ accreditation status.

CALEA President Marlon Lynch and Executive Director Craig Hartley awarded the Clay County Sheriff’s Office with accreditation, signifying excellence in public safety and commitment to community. This is the Sheriff’s Office’s first award of national accreditation.

The Sheriff’s Office now moves into CALEA’s four-year accreditation cycle that includes four annual remote, web-based file reviews and a site-based assessment in the fourth year.

“This award of accreditation does not come easy,” CALEA President Lynch said. “Agencies must go through a rigorous review and evaluation of their organization and then implement the necessary policy and procedure changes. The process does not stop at that point. By voluntarily choosing to seek CALEA accreditation, the agency commits to an ongoing review of adherence to CALEA’s standards. Each community with CALEA accredited agencies should feel confident that their public safety organization is going above and beyond and operating under the highest standards in public safety.”

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); National Sheriffs' Association (NSA); and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

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.