Use Safe Travel, Boating During Fourth of July Holiday

As Missourians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging travelers and boaters to make safety a priority throughout the holiday weekend.

Motorists are encouraged to be courteous, buckle up, obey traffic laws, and never drive impaired. Boaters are reminded to wear life jackets when near, on, or in the water, remain alert for other boats and swimmers, and use good judgment while sharing Missouri’s lakes and rivers.

During the 2025 Fourth of July counting period, 13 people were killed and 415 were injured in 993 traffic crashes across Missouri. Troopers also arrested 118 people for driving while intoxicated.

On the water during that same period, the Patrol reported 11 boating crashes, resulting in four injuries and no fatalities. Troopers made 13 arrests for boating while intoxicated, and no drownings were reported during the holiday weekend.

The 2026 Fourth of July holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

All available troopers will patrol Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws and to provide assistance as needed. The Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E., or Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort, and Operation Dry Water, a national campaign targeting impaired vessel operators.

The Patrol also reminds boaters that Missouri law prohibits discharging fireworks from a vessel. Fireworks should be left in a safe place on shore. Boaters are encouraged to watch their wake, operate responsibly, and help keep waterways safe for everyone enjoying the holiday.

Anyone who witnesses criminal activity or experiences an emergency is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line at (800) 525-5555 or dial *55 from a cellular phone. The numbers may be used for both highway and water emergencies.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Woman Charged After High-Speed Pursuit

A Kansas City-area woman is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say a reported burglary at a home under construction in Liberty led to a high-speed pursuit through Clay County and into Kansas City.

Clay County prosecutors charged Brittany Hamilton on June 27 with second-degree burglary, stealing $750 or more, tampering with a motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing under Missouri’s Valentine’s Law.

According to police reports, Clay County sheriff’s deputies were called June 27 to a burglary in progress at a home under construction in Liberty. Investigators allege Hamilton was stealing windows from inside the garage before leaving the scene in a pickup truck.

A responding deputy later spotted the truck traveling south on Interstate 35 and activated emergency equipment. Police reports say Hamilton did not stop and instead fled at a high rate of speed, prompting a multi-agency pursuit.

Authorities said the pursuit continued southbound on I-35 past Missouri 152, Pleasant Valley Road and the I-435 junction, reaching speeds of about 100 mph. Near Northeast Vivion Road, the truck allegedly accelerated to approximately 110 mph while passing vehicles on the right shoulder.

The chase continued past Northeast Chouteau Trafficway, where police reports allege the driver again used the right shoulder and forced motorists to move out of the way. At Northeast Parvin Road, the Missouri State Highway Patrol took over as the primary pursuing agency as the pursuit crossed into Jackson County.

A short time later, Clay County dispatchers advised that the truck had been found on Genessee Street in Kansas City. Deputies responded to recover the vehicle and contacted Kansas City police, who were searching the area for the occupants.

A records check showed the truck had been reported stolen out of Kansas City. While deputies processed the vehicle, a Kansas City police officer arrived with Hamilton, who had been located and detained nearby. Police reports state that a witness identified Hamilton as the driver of the pickup truck.

Hamilton was taken into custody by deputies and transported to the Clay County Detention Center. The court issued an arrest warrant and set bond at $90,000.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Under Extreme Heat Warning Through Thursday

A prolonged stretch of dangerous heat has prompted the National Weather Service to keep an Extreme Heat Warning in effect Kearney and surrounding parts of Kansas and Missouri until midnight Thursday night.

Forecasters expect heat index values to climb as high as 105 to 110 degrees each afternoon, creating potentially dangerous conditions for anyone spending time outdoors or living without reliable air conditioning. The warning also covers portions of east central and northeast Kansas, as well as central, north central, northeast, northwest and west central Missouri.

The concern is not only the intensity of the afternoon heat, but also how long it is expected to last. Overnight temperatures are forecast to remain above 75 degrees in many areas, limiting the chance for homes, roads and people to cool down before another day of extreme heat begins.

Warm nights can be especially dangerous for people without sufficient air conditioning. When temperatures and humidity stay high after sunset, opening windows may not provide enough relief, and indoor spaces can remain dangerously hot for extended periods.

Health officials warn that heat-related illnesses become significantly more likely during extended periods of extreme heat and high humidity. Older adults, young children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers and anyone exercising outside face increased risk.

Residents are urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces when possible, avoid direct sun and limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. People are also encouraged to check on relatives, neighbors and others who may be vulnerable or may not have access to cooling.

Officials also stress that children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes, even during short stops.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Chemistry Teacher Named Regional Teacher of the Year Finalist

Dr. Brad Miller, a chemistry teacher at Kearney High School and the 2026 Kearney School District Teacher of the Year, has been named a finalist in the Kansas City Regional Teacher of the Year selection process.

The honor places Dr. Miller among a standout group of educators from across the Kansas City region. After reviewing and scoring applications from outstanding teachers throughout the area, the regional selection committee selected six Regional Teachers of the Year and specifically recognized Dr. Miller as a finalist in what was described as an extraordinarily strong field.

Dr. Miller exemplifies those qualities through 17 years of service in public education, including the past seven years at Kearney High School. Known for pairing high expectations with humor, patience and steady encouragement, he helps students see that struggling with challenging material is not a failure, but an important part of learning and discovering what they are capable of accomplishing.

“Brad is the rare teacher who raises the bar while making students feel capable of reaching it,” KHS Principal Dr. Andy Gustafson said.

His impact extends well beyond the chemistry classroom. Dr. Miller regularly tutors students after school, creates engaging learning experiences such as his Chemist of the Year Bracket and helped spearhead the KHS Day of Service. This year, more than 400 students took part in 27 service projects benefiting organizations and neighbors throughout the community.

Dr. Miller will be honored during the Kansas City Regional Teacher of the Year celebration luncheon on July 15. He has also been invited to participate in Teacher Academy, an individualized professional learning experience that gives excellent teachers opportunities to collaborate, strengthen their instructional practices and explore ideas and challenges that matter deeply to them.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Another Top Ten Most Wanted Defendant Arrested

Authorities have announced the arrest of David Lidge, a defendant who had been featured on the Clay County Top Ten Most Wanted List. Lidge is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Firearm.

On June 24, the Arizona FBI PX Desert Hawk Fugitive Task Force worked with the local FBI to take Lidge into custody. Officials described the arrest as a true community effort and a testament to the strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies.

Lidge is currently being held in Maricopa County, Arizona. He has waived extradition and is being held without bond pending the resolution of local charges.

Law enforcement officials expressed appreciation for the joint assistance of multi-agency partners, community members, and everyone who shared information related to the case. Authorities emphasized that public cooperation remains a critical part of helping law enforcement locate and apprehend alleged offenders.

You can find the complete list and information about how to collect a $3,000 anonymous reward at claycountyprosecutor.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.