Boonville School District announces new superintendent

KMIZ on January 30, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Brent Hodge will be the next superintendent of the Boonville R-1 School District, the district announced in a Thursday social media post.

Hodge has served as the principal of Boonville High School since 2023 and was picked out of a national field of 18 candidates, the post says. Current Superintendent Mark Harvey will continue serving in the role through July 1, the post says. The district will begin its search for Boonville High School’s next principal, the post says.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the Boonville R-1 community and excited to get started as superintendent,” Hodge was quoted in the release. “Boonville has a strong sense of pride and a real commitment to students, and I’m looking forward to building on that together. I’m eager to work alongside our staff, families, and community to support our educators, strengthen Pirate pride, and help every student grow and succeed.”

The post says Hodge started his career as a science teacher and has served as a high school assistant principal, principal, and superintendent in Missouri school districts.

Hodge has a bachelor’s degree in biology education from the University of Central Missouri, a master’s and specialist degree from William Woods University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Saint Louis University, the post says.

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Idaho Falls Ranked No. 2 Best-Performing Small City in the Nation for 2026

KIFI on January 30, 2026

News Release

The following is a news release from the City of Idaho Falls:

IDAHO FALLS — The City of Idaho Falls has been ranked the No. 2 Best-Performing Small City in the nation in the 2026 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Report.

Released annually, the Best-Performing Cities Index objectively measures economic performance, ranking cities nationwide based on 13 metrics across labor market conditions, high-tech impact, and access to economic opportunities.

Idaho Falls has maintained strong momentum across these areas and has ranked among the top five Best-Performing Small Cities every year since 2021, highlighting the city’s sustained economic strength and resilience.

“This recognition highlights the consistent efforts of our community, businesses, and workforce to create an environment where opportunity and innovation can thrive,” said Idaho Falls Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw. “Idaho Falls continues to be a city where people and businesses succeed. It truly is a great place to live, raise a family and grow a business.”

According to the Milken Institute report, Idaho Falls ranks third nationally in five-year job growth and eighth in five-year wage growth, with wages increasing by 7.3% in 2024, well above the small-city average. The report also notes strong performance in housing affordability and broadband connectivity, with Idaho Falls in the top quartile nationally for access to affordable housing and 13th for broadband access. Overall, the findings show the city continues to demonstrate equitable growth, ranking among the top cities nationally for income equality and community resilience.

The full 2026 Milken Institute Best-Performing Cities Report is available on the Milken Institute’s website.

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29-year-old man sentenced to more than 50 years in prison for Palm Desert Christmas Day murder

KESQ on January 30, 2026

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 29-year-old man was sentenced to more than 50 years to life for his role in a drug-related robbery and killing of a Palm Desert man on Christmas Day 2016.

Roger Rodriguez of La Quinta was convicted of murder and robbery charges Thursday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. He was sentenced to 11 years, 8 months plus an intermediate sentence of 50 years to life, court records show.

Rodriguez, along with Indio residents Alejandro Zendejas and Anthony Garcia, were arrested with killing Skyler Siva, 24, of Christmas Day 2016.

Alejandro Zendejas (Left) and Anthony Garcia (Right)

Zendejas pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in October 2018. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20, according to court records.

Garcia was convicted of murder and robbery in November 2021. He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, court records show.

In 2021, a mistrial was declared in Rodriguez’s case due to a hung jury.

Deputies found the victim on his couch, wounded but still alive just after 4 p.m. on Dec. 25, 2016, in the 43400 block of Illinois Avenue in Palm Desert, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. He died at a hospital less than an hour later.

The trio was at Siva’s home that day to purchase marijuana from him. He was then robbed and shot by Rodriguez and Garcia, with Zendejas acting as the getaway driver, the prosecution said in court papers.

Rodriguez was spotted by witnesses running from the home, and was arrested three days later in Palm Desert, according to court documents. Garcia and Zendejas allegedly fled from the scene in Rodriguez’s car.

Garcia was arrested on Jan. 4, 2017, in La Quinta, while Zendejas was taken into custody 20 days later in Palm Desert.

Zendejas had a felony conviction for assault. Rodriguez had felony convictions for burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. Garcia, meanwhile, has no documented felony convictions, but he does have an unresolved robbery case.

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One dead in single-vehicle crash in Atchison County

News-Press NOW on January 30, 2026

Leah Rainwater

ATCHISON COUNTY, Kan. (KQTV) — A Troy, Kansas, man is dead in an Atchison County crash from Thursday evening.

Dustin B. Saunders, 32, was driving a 2001 Ford F150 northbound on Kansas Highway 7 at the 213.8 milemarker.

According to a Kansas Highway Patrol crash report, Saunders left the roadway to the right and struck a tree. The vehicle then spun around and came to rest in the East ditch of K7.

Saunders was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. According to the crash report, Saunders was not wearing a seatbelt.

Next of kin has been notified.

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CPS, charter schools ask to pause hearing after charter applications expected to be resubmitted in March

KMIZ on January 30, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Both parties in a lawsuit over charter school applications in Boone County asked a judge on Friday to vacate a hearing next week after Saint Louis University rescinded its application for Frontier Schools.

Columbia Public Schools filed a lawsuit last month, claiming the establishment of charter schools in Boone County is unconstitutional.

It focuses on one of two groups that want to create a Boone County charter school — Frontier. The Columbia Board of Education has written to the state board opposing Frontier, previous reporting shows.

Senate Bill 727 was passed in May 2024 and says charter schools may be operated only in counties “between 150,000 and 200,000 inhabitants.”

Friday’s motion says Saint Louis University and Frontier Schools plans to resubmit their application by the end of March. Saint Louis University withdrew its application after receiving guidance from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, court documents say.

The state had filed a motion to dismiss last week. An amended notice of hearing was filed on Friday for the Missouri Charter Public School Association’s motion to intervene on 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23.

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Idaho Falls’ most wanted ‘four-hoofed suspect’ is finally in custody (and he’s adorable)

KIFI on January 30, 2026

Seth Ratliff

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — The high-speed chase that captivated local social media has finally come to a gentle halt. A four-month-old goat, who became an overnight celebrity on the Life in Idaho Falls Facebook group, was safely captured by animal control officers this week.

For days, people in Idaho Falls reported sightings of the runaway kid darting through neighborhoods. The “four-hoofed suspect” proved to be a formidable challenge for local animal control officers, who were fortunately able to corral him into safety within just 20 minutes.

“Our officers were hot on the trail! This elusive escape artist zigged, zagged, and showed off some serious speed,” the Idaho Falls Animal Shelter shared in a Facebook update.

In honor of his “lightning-fast moves” and undeniable need for speed, shelter staff have officially dubbed the young goat Lightning McQueen, inspired by the popular character from Disney Pixar’s Cars.

After his whirlwind tour of the city, the shelter says McQueen is reportedly trading the fast lane for some much-needed downtime. We’re happy to report he is now safe, warm, and relaxing at the shelter,” states the update.

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‘No danger to the public’: Clay County Sheriff confirms law enforcement presence for two investigations

News-Press NOW on January 30, 2026

Leah Rainwater

CLAY COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on its Facebook page Friday afternoon confirming the presence of law enforcement related to ongoing investigations.

In an act of transparency, the Sheriff’s Office said its “STAR Team” (Safety Training and Resources) and detectives served search warrants in two locations related to two separate, ongoing investigations.

One investigation consists of child sexual abuse, and the other is for narcotics trafficking.

The Facebook post detailed, “We realize seeing a big law enforcement presence can cause concern, but we wanted to let you know there is no danger to the public.”

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Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival to return next month in Indio

KESQ on January 30, 2026

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival will return next month for its 78th year with fan-favorite attractions, live entertainment and new immersive spaces at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio.

With this year’s theme, “Return to the Oasis,” the festival will run from Feb. 12 through March 1 at 46350 Arabia St.   

Organizers said there will be a refreshed look and new exhibits for this year’s festival, including the debut of the National Date Festival museum inside the Sands of Time building, as well as the Oasis Lounge and Tiki bar.   

The museum will offer visitors information about date farming, the festival’s history and the agricultural roots of the Coachella Valley. Nearby attractions will include the Hall of Ribbons, the Cave of Wonders and the Palm Pavilion, which highlights the valley’s signature crop — dates.

The Oasis Lounge and Tiki Bar will feature tiki-style drinks, tropical décor, Hawaiian music on the Balcony Stage, and Polynesian dancers and fire-spinning performances on the Luau Stage.

“We’re always looking for ways to make the things people love even better, while adding new surprises to bring guests back and welcome those who haven’t visited in a while,” Chris Pickering, CEO of Pickering Events, said in a statement.

Scheduled entertainment includes monster truck shows on Feb. 12 and 13, a Monster X demo derby on Feb. 14, Gran Jaripeo-Tardeada featuring Roberto Tapia on Feb. 21, and PRCA rodeo performances from Feb. 28 through March 1.   

Additional attractions will include daily performances by all-Alaskan racing pigs, “Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show,” a petting farm and other family-friendly acts.

The festival will also host an LGBTQ-inclusive day on Feb. 14 titled “Out at the Fair,” featuring live music, dance-fitness programming and a drag show with performers from One Eleven Bar.

“The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival reaches communities across the county and supports programs that matter,” Fourth District Supervisor Manuel Perez said in a statement. “Every visit helps sustain youth exhibits, arts and baking competitions, gem and mineral showcases, and the agricultural traditions that make Riverside County unique.”  

More information on tickets, schedules and event details is available at datefest.org.

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Missing Blackfoot Teen Joseph Haight Found Dead in Bonneville County

KIFI on January 30, 2026

News Team

UPDATE

BONNEVILLE COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Joseph Haight, an 18-year-old from Blackfoot who went missing earlier this week, has been found dead alongside his Ford F150 truck in Bonneville County. The discovery comes after a missing person’s report was issued for the endangered teen.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Police have notified his family.

“We sincerely thank the public and media for their assistance in locating Joseph and his vehicle. Your support and effort were greatly appreciated during this investigation. There is no public risk related to this incident,” said Blackfoot Police Captain Wes Wheatley in a news update.

ORIGINAL:

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — The Blackfoot Police are asking for the community’s help in finding 18-year-old Joseph Haight, who has been missing since Wednesday evening.

Joseph was last seen leaving work on January 28 at around 7:00 PM. He’s described as 5’5″, 130 lbs. with green eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black Pants, and black boots.

According to the police, his truck, a green 98 Ford F150, was seen, and his bank card was used at Sage Hill the following day. His cell phone is not communicating with any cell service.

Police emphasize that Joseph requires daily medication, which he does not have with him. Missing these doses will lead to significant medical complications.

If you have any information regarding Joseph’s whereabouts, contact Bingham County Dispatch at 208-785-1234.

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Rolling Hills Library Belt Branch announces move to Riverside

News-Press NOW on January 30, 2026

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Rolling Hills Library, located on Belt Highway, said its last day of operations at its current location is March 15.

The library will begin its move to its Riverside Branch, which will be located at the south end of Mosaic Court, shortly after its last day of operations on Belt Highway.

The new location is expected to open in April 2026.

Until then, the branch is inviting patrons to share photos from over the years through its Facebook page.

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