Boone Health announces split with Missouri Heart Center after filing lawsuit on Friday

KMIZ on March 30, 2026

Mitchell Kaminski

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

EDITOR’S NOTE: A date has been corrected.

After filing a lawsuit on Friday against the Missouri Heart Center, Boone Health announced on Monday that it is separating from the Columbia-based cardiology group.

According to a release from Boone Health, a select group of physicians from Missouri Heart notified Boone Health that it would be ending an more-than-decade-long partnership on Wednesday, May 6. 

“No cause was given when they sent us the notice that they wanted to end the relationship,” Boone Health CEO Brady Dubois said in a statement. “This is very disappointing because it’s clear that this is about nothing more than a desire to align with Venture Capital over our community hospital. Additionally, this is being driven by a small, select group of physician partners at Missouti Heart. It’s clear that not all the partners agree with this decision.”  

Boone Health estimated during a press conference on Monday that the split is expected to affect 20,000 patients.

Boone Health added that any active cardiology patients can connect with Missouri Heart until May 6 for prescriptions. After May 6, patients will have to contact their primary care provider for any necessary prescription refills. Boone Health is asking all patients without a primary care provider to contact 573-815-8000 or visit their website for help establishing a care provider. 

The separation comes after Boone Health filed a lawsuit accusing Missouri Heart of disclosing or misusing confidential information, including billing rates, reimbursement data, and strategic business details during its transition to new partnerships with outside organizations.

Boone Health alleges it entered into a professional services agreement with Missouri Heart in 2016, which included a conflict of interest and confidentiality provision. 

In January 2021, the two sides updated the agreement, saying Boone Health agreed to provide space and financial resources to Missouri Heart, while also giving them exclusive rights to staff Boone Health’s in-patient services and out-patient cardiology clinics. However, under the agreement, Boone Health owns all patient, business and financial records. 

In November 2025, Boone Health alleges that Missouri Heart sent a letter asking to terminate the agreement without cause. Boone Health claims after receiving the letter, it requested to extend the termination date and asked to meet with Missouri Heart to discuss a transition plan, a request that Missouri Heart did not respond to. 

On Jan. 27, Boone Health says it was sent a proposal from Missouri Heart’s legal counsel for a “Fourteenth Amendment” to the agreement, which stated that if Heart & Vascular Partners LLC or its affiliates acquire part or all of Missouri Heart’s ownership or assets, it would not count as a “Change of Control” under the agreement. However, the amendment clarifies that this acquisition wouldn’t release Missouri Heart from any of its existing obligations under the original contract.

Boone Health declined to sign, claiming that it questioned whether it’s confidentiality agreements with Missouri Heart had been shared with Heart & Vascular Partners, because “it seems unlikely HVP would consent to be added to an agreement they have not seen and nor have information of its value.” 

In February, Boone Health then claims it requested information from Missouri Heart that was necessary for the transition, which included a list of patients and access to its data, a request that Missouri Heart ignored. 

“We’ve asked for multiple meetings,  we’ve asked for multiple data.  They have absolutely refused to give it to us  or they have not replied at all.  They even instructed their I.T. director not to talk with us,” Boone Health spokesperson Christian Basi said during a press conference on Monday.

On March 9, Boone Health says it met with Missouri Heart representatives to discuss its demands. After the meeting, Boone Health said it was apparent they needed to begin to build their own cardiology department to ensure continuity of care for patients after May 9. 

On March 16, Missouri Heart sent a letter to Boone Health indicating it was planning to enter an agreement with a private equity firm to continue practicing in Columbia, something Boone Health believed was a violation of their agreement. 

A day later, Boone Health alleged it asked Missouri Heart to reconsider and offered a new agreement to allow the group to continue practicing in Columbia. 

According to court documents, a renewed agreement was signed in 2021 covering professional services and management of Boone Health’s cardiology operations, but it says Missouri Heart did not respond. 

On March 20, Boone Health said it received a “cease and desist letter” from Missouri Heart’s lawyers that stated it intended to enforce internal three-year, non-compete agreements with any Missouri Heart physicians who stay with Boone Health and threatened Boone Health with “legal liability” for “tortious interference with Missouri Heart contractual agreements.” 

Seven days later, Boone Health filed a lawsuit claiming that Missouri Heart violated its agreements by preparing to launch a competing cardiology practice in Columbia. The lawsuit also argues the planned venture would violate the noncompete’s geographic and time restrictions under Missouri law.

Dr. James T. Elliott of MO Heart disagreed with allegations in the lawsuit through a written statement sent to ABC 17 News on Friday. 

“For months, we have tried to meet with the leadership team at Boone Health to work constructively towards a new, collaborative arrangement that would preserve access to and expand high‑quality care for our patients and for the entire community. Unfortunately, Boone refused to engage with us in any meaningful way. Instead, we have been met with a series of escalating legal threats, culminating in today’s filing,” the statement reads.

“We disagree with the lawsuit’s allegations and believe those claims are both legally and factually incorrect. This litigation does not change our commitment to caring for patients.”

Boone Health denied these claims, writing in a statement: 

“Contrary to Missouri Heart’s posts on social media and statement to KMIZ, they made the decision to terminate the PSA and MSA and end their contractual relationship with Boone Health. In their letter, Missouri Heart said it was terminating the agreements “without cause”. The date Missouri Heart provided is May 6, 2026. They set this date.” 

ABC 17 News reached out to Missouri Heart for additional comment on Monday afternoon.

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Massive haystack fire in Hamer has died down overnight

KIFI on March 30, 2026

David Pace

UPDATED 03/31/2026

HAMER, Idaho (KIFI) — Hamer Fire Chief Scott Jacobs says Monday’s massive hay fire has died down into a smolder Tuesday morning.

Smoke is still visible but crews say the fire is well contained to the yard. Chief Jacobs says they are still on stand by as they wait for the fire to completely die out.

Jacobs says he is thankful for the help of all the people and resources who stepped in to contain this fire.

ORIGINAL:

HAMER, Idaho (KIFI) — Fire crews are continuing to battle a massive haystack fire that ignited Monday in Jefferson County. 

Teams from 11 different agencies are working to prevent the fire from spreading to the nearby Camas National Wildlife Refuge – 11,000 acres of protected sensitive habitat, located about a quarter mile away.

“We’re trying to keep [the fire] off of the refuge,” said Hamer Fire Chief Scott Jacobs. “Right now, we’re only about a quarter to a half mile south on the south end of the Camas Refuge. So if we get into that brush and that grass, it’ll take off, and then we’ll end up in some houses. Right now, we’ve got everything contained here, and we’re just fingers crossed we’ll keep it here.”

The fire ignited when electricity arced from a power pole into a 10-bale high stack of straw at 2000 North 2300 East in Hamer around 12:30 PM Monday.

“The wind picked up, power lines clapped together, arched into the straw bales, and from there, it all went up south there,” Jacobs said.

Eight hundred calves were bedded down next to the giant, U-shaped straw stack. 

One calf died when a burning stack of straw collapsed on top of it, but no other calves were killed, a firefighter reported.

Fanned by gusts of wind exceeding 50 miles per hour, the fire quickly spread from the straw bales to other adjacent stacks of hay and straw.

Four power poles were burned in the flames, knocking out electricity in nearby Hamer.

Fire fighters had to lift the fire station’s garage doors by hand.

All ditches in the area are dry, and the response teams urgently fought to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to the Camas National Wildlife Refuge.

Crews are expected to work throughout the night.

“We’’re just trying to keep everything out of the silage pile,” Jacobs said.

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Idaho Falls to swear in Johan Olson as new Fire Chief

KIFI on March 30, 2026

News Release

The following is a press release from the Idaho Falls Fire Department:

IDAHO FALLS – The Idaho Falls Fire Department will officially welcome Johan Olson as its new fire chief during a swearing-in ceremony on Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

The ceremony will take place prior to the regularly scheduled Idaho Falls City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend in person or tune in to the live stream at www.idahofallsidaho.gov/429/Live-Stream to celebrate this important milestone for the department.

Olson returns to Idaho Falls following a national recruitment process and City Council confirmation. He brings extensive leadership experience, a strong background in emergency management, and a deep connection to the Idaho Falls Fire Department.

Olson most recently served as deputy fire chief for the Grand Junction Fire Department and previously served as assistant fire chief for the Buckley Fire Department. He also served with the Idaho Falls Fire Department from 2007 to 2021, holding roles from firefighter to captain and move-up battalion chief.

“I am honored to return to Idaho Falls and serve as fire chief for a department that means so much to me and to serve a community that truly feels like home,” Olson said in a previous statement. “I look forward to supporting our firefighters, continuing to strengthen safety and operational excellence, and building on the strong relationships the department has within the community.”

The swearing-in ceremony marks the official start of Olson’s leadership of the department. The City of Idaho Falls and the Idaho Falls Fire Department proudly welcome him and look forward to his leadership.

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Bend Fire & Rescue launches Camp Fire Axe for high school students

KTVZ on March 30, 2026

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire & Rescue is inviting Central Oregon high school students to apply for Camp Fire Axe, a four-day summer fire academy scheduled for June 2026. The program is designed for students ages 16 to 19 who are considering a career in the fire service.

Led by professional firefighters and paramedics, the academy allows participants to learn about fire response, CPR, trauma and first aid in a real academy setting. The annual program provides hands-on experience for students interested in emergency services careers.

The 2026 academy will run from June 18 through June 21. Daily sessions are scheduled from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bend Fire & Rescue Training Centre, located at 63377 NE Jamison St. in Bend.

Applications open Wednesday, April 1, at 7 a.m. and will remain open through May 1. Bend Fire & Rescue will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis until all spots are filled.

Attendance is limited to 12 students to ensure personalised instruction throughout the four-day program. The fee for the academy is $250 per person, though scholarships are available through the application process.

Applications can be accessed at bendoregon.gov/camp-fire-axe starting at 7 a.m. on April 1.

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Bingham County shooting: 56-year-old man dead, woman shot in face during domestic dispute

KIFI on March 30, 2026

Seth Ratliff

SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — A Shelley man is dead, and a woman remains in critical condition with an apparent gunshot wound to the face after an early morning shooting that police are describing as an isolated domestic incident.

In a press release, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident began at approximately 1:45 AM on March 30, when a woman called 911 from a home on 1060 N 1000 E to report that she had been injured and her domestic partner was dead on the floor.

Deputies arrived at the home to find the woman, who had an apparent gunshot injury to her face, and called paramedics to the scene. Shelley Fire/EMS provided emergency treatment on-site before rushing her by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

Detectives from the Bingham County Joint Investigations Division were called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. While the male victim was turned over to the Bingham County Coroner’s Office, the press release states BCSO is yielding to the coroner’s discretion regarding the release of his identity. The identity of the hospitalized woman is also being withheld as the active investigation continues.

” Our condolences go out to all involved and their respective families,” wrote BCSO in the release.

Police say preliminary evidence indicates this was an isolated domestic incident and there is no ongoing danger to the public.

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Rockslide crashes wedding ceremony in southern Utah

KIFI on March 30, 2026

CNN Newsource

Originally Published: 30 MAR 26 14:56 ET

By Arianne Brown, KSL

Click here for updates on this story

    IVINS, Washington County, Utah (KSL) — A couple had an unexpected visitor at their elopement ceremony on Saturday.

The couple was visiting from out of state for a picturesque “secret elopement” when a rockslide occurred. The moment was captured by Shane Schieve, who said they initially thought it was a low-flying jet because it was so loud.

“It was at 6:01 p.m. (at the) top of the Veterans Home Street in Ivins,” Schieve told KSL. “They were using my car for the wedding photos, and they were almost done with the ceremony when it happened. It just sounded like thunder and we looked up … and saw the dust and rocks falling down the mountain. Talk about a wedding crasher!”

The couple’s wedding photographer, Lois Valdez, also took photos and video of the event. She said it felt surreal, but also “a little wild in the best way.”

“We were in the middle of the ring exchange,” Valdez said. “Everything was super quiet, intimate and low-key, since it was a secret elopement. And then out of nowhere, we see part of the red rock start sliding down the mountain.”

Valdez said the moment was made even stranger when, just before the rocks came tumbling down, the officiant gave the couple some advice that may or may not have foreshadowed the impending event.

“What made it even crazier was that right before it happened, the officiant had been talking about the mountains,” Valdez said.

The officiant’s words were shared with KSL by the bride. In his address to the couple, the officiant spoke about the native lands where the ceremony was taking place, saying in part, “In the spirit of the love and commitment we celebrate today, we offer our gratitude for the land itself and our respect to the Paiute people —past, present and emerging.”

“The timing just made sense,” Valdez said. “It turned this calm, private moment, into something loud, unexpected and honestly kind of exciting. … On top of that, we saw turtles out there, too, which just added to the whole feeling. That day was just magical and meant to be. … It was perfect.”

The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by KSL’s editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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One injured in semi-truck rollover in Yuma County

KYMA on March 30, 2026

Andrea Turisk

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) – One person was taken to the hospital after a semi-truck rollover in Yuma over the weekend.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) says it happened east of Telegraph Pass Saturday night.

AZDPS says the semi was driving westbound when it rolled over to the left and went down the embankment.

The driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and AZDPS says the semi was left there overnight until it could be dismantled and brought out of the ditch.

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2 women accused of assaulting victim at Clark Lane trailer court

KMIZ on March 30, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Two women were charged with first-degree assault after they were accused of attacking someone Friday in a trailer court on Clark Lane.

Kennadie George, 18, and Trinity Carleton, 20, both of Columbia, are being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. They both had court appearances on Monday afternoon.

The probable cause statement says the victim and a witness were going to meet someone on Friday night referred to as a subject. The “subject” drove up to the victim and witness; and George and Carleton got out of the car and began assaulting the victim, the statement says.

The statement says George slammed the victim’s head into the pavement about 20 times before George and Carleton dragged the victim to a rock flower bed and slammed the victim’s head into rocks, the statement says. The victim had visible injuries, including bleeding, when officers arrived and had to be brought to University Hospital.

George allegedly admitted to part of the assault, but denied slamming the victim’s head into a flower bed, despite police noting blood was seen next to rocks where a witness described seeing the assault, the statement says.

A video allegedly showed part of the assault, court documents say.

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Aging Lompoc Animal Shelter to undergo renovation with federal funding

KEYT on March 30, 2026

Dave Alley

LOMPOC, Calif. (KEYT) – The Lompoc Animal Shelter has been awarded $850,000 in federal funding that will help kickstart a major renovation project of the aging facility.

The funding was recently announced by the office of Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24), who also helped secure millions of dollars in funding for several other projects in Santa Barbara County.

The award for the animal shelter will specifically help the facility improve and modernize the outdoor animal kennels, which are mainly occupied by dogs.

“The space of the kennels is rather small,” said Sarah Aguilar, Santa Barbara County Animal Services Director. “By renovating the dog kennel or some of the housing spaces for our dogs, we’ll be able to provide a lot better care for them and have them be more comfortable while they’re visiting us.”

According to Aguilar, the overall cost of the project is still to be determined, but could land somewhere between $5 million to $8 million.

“Santa Barbara County Animal Services has contracted with an organization called Animal Arts that does shelter design, and they’ll come out, this spring and they’ll take a look at our data,” said Aguilar. “They’ll do laser measuring of all of our spaces. They’ll talk to staff, volunteers, community members and look at all of our data projections for community growth over the coming years and will also take a look at our budget and give us sort of some ranges of what we can do to improve our kennels.”

Once Animal Arts has collected its information about the shelter, it will provide recommendations to Santa Barbara County how to proceed with the capital improvement project.

The County is hoping to have work completed within about three years.

“This $850,000 secured by Congressman Carabajal is transformational for our shelter,” said said Santa Barbara County Third District Supervisor Joan Hartmann. “Modernized kennels mean healthier, less stressed animals, improved conditions for our staff and volunteers, and a facility that truly reflects the compassion of the Lompoc community. From families in Lompoc to the service members at Vandenberg Space Force Base, so many people rely on the work of the shelter — and now we have the resources to do it even better.”

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NTSB: Pilot Error caused November single-engine plane crash in Snake River

KIFI on March 30, 2026

Seth Ratliff

BLACKFOOT, Idaho (KIFI) — Federal investigators have officially determined pilot error led to last November’s single-engine plane crash in the Snake River near Blackfoot. Fortunately, the pilot walked away despite his serious injuries and managed to reach a nearby home to call for help.

According to the final reports released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) last month, the accident took place during the final leg of a multi-leg cross-country training session.

Earlier that day, the student pilot had flown round-trip with his instructor from Idaho Falls to Cody, WY, then Driggs, and back in preparation for a night solo flight endorsement.

Investigators say the student pilot had dropped off his instructor, then flew out of Idaho Falls solo, climbing to 7,200 feet heading for McCarley Field in Blackfoot. Reaching the airfield, the pilot spotted another aircraft on the runway waiting to depart.

Documents indicate the student pilot turned left and began to circle the airfield to make more space between his plane and the departing aircraft.

“While turning, the student pilot kept visual contact with the airport lights. Momentarily, he looked back at the airplane instruments and realized he was descending during the turn,” states the report.

In the darkness, the plane struck a treetop. While the pilot attempted an emergency climb to recover, he lost control of the aircraft and crashed into the waters of the Snake River near Blackfoot’s Porterville Road bridge.

Following the initial crash, police confirmed to Local News 8 that the pilot was able to escape the partially submerged plane and managed to reach a nearby home immediately following the crash to call for help. From there, he was rushed to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

The NTSB has redacted the pilot’s name in the report, but the documents do confirm that he had over 675 hours of flight time.

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