Columbia man accused of jabbing victim with railroad spike during Hartsburg assault

KMIZ on April 24, 2026

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia man has been charged with first-degree assault after he allegedly attacked another man with a railroad spike on Thursday.

Colby McKee, 35, is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says deputies were called to a Hartsburg intersection about an assault. The victim claimed they were a passenger in a vehicle. When they approached Snowy Hills Lane at Christian School Road, McKee allegedly blocked the road with his truck, pulled the victim out of the vehicle and assaulted them.

McKee allegedly punched the victim in their mouth about 10-15 times before jabbing him in his back with a railroad spike, court documents say. The deputy noted several injuries to the victim in the probable cause statement. The victim also told the deputy they lost consciousness during the attack.

Deputies interviewed McKee at his Columbia home, where he claimed he bought cigarettes at a Sunoco location with his wife, the statement says. McKee then claimed the victim and another person with the had made a rude gesture at him and he left, court documents say.

Police reviewed video where McKee allegedly talked with one of the people at the gas station, but his wife was not with him and the rude gesture was not made, the deputy wrote. The person who drove the victim allegedly told deputies that McKee had called him to tell him not to hang out with the victim, the statement says.

While speaking with McKee, the deputy noted McKee’s shirt had red and brown stains on it, but McKee allegedly told the deputy the stains were from wood staining, the statement says.

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How to stay Bear Aware this upcoming season

KIFI on April 24, 2026

Par Kermani

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI) — A warmer-than-usual winter and early spring conditions are changing bear behavior across eastern Idaho, according to wildlife experts.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game says the mild winter and lack of snowpack could impact where bears search for food this season.

James Brower, regional communications manager for the Upper Snake Region, said bears are waking up hungry and may be forced to look beyond their typical food sources.

“We had a very mild winter, and that could affect the movement of bears looking for food in different places,” Brower said. “Some of the resources they typically rely on may not be available right now, so they’re looking for high-calorie food sources as easily as they can find them.”

That shift could bring bears closer to neighborhoods and campsites.

Sightings are already being reported across the region, including images captured on home security cameras and shared on social media. In nearby Yellowstone National Park, bears have also been observed waking up slightly earlier than usual.

“They are definitely up right now,” Brower said.

With increased activity, Fish and Game is urging people to review basic bear safety practices before heading outdoors.

Hikers and outdoor recreationists are encouraged to carry bear spray and know how to use it, travel in groups, make noise, and stay on designated trails. Officials also recommend avoiding hiking during dawn and dusk, when bears are more active.

“One of the things that we love to teach people to do is to carry bear spray” Brower said “Make sure that you know how to use it. And when you go hiking, hike in a group, make lots of noise. Stay on the trail and avoid hiking at dawn or dusk. “

Brower also explained how to stay safe while camping.

“When you’re camping, prepare food at least 100 yards away from where you sleep and clean up as soon as you’re done,” Brower said. “Anything that smells should be secured, whether that’s in a hard-sided vehicle or hung out of reach.”

If someone encounters a bear, officials say the response depends on the animal’s behavior. In most cases, people should remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away without running.

“Make yourself known as a human by speaking in a calm, low voice,” Brower said. “Don’t run. Back away slowly and give the bear space.”

Spring also brings an increase in baby wildlife sightings, which can lead to unnecessary human intervention.

Officials say many young animals are not abandoned, even if they appear alone. In most cases, their mothers are nearby or will return.

“The best thing to do is leave baby animals where they are,” Brower said. “Keep pets away and give them space.”

Anyone who encounters injured wildlife or has concerns is encouraged to contact Idaho Fish and Game so officials can assess the situation.

As warmer conditions continue, wildlife officials say awareness and preparation will be key to avoiding conflicts during the busy spring and summer recreation season.

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Local LEGO enthusiast moves on in national competition

KIFI on April 24, 2026

Megan Lavin

Idaho Falls, ID (KIFI) —  There’s an exciting update for a local Idaho Falls man, David McClelland.

As we reported in December, this engineer by day, LEGO builder by night, had submitted a LEGO design to a national competition. If his build (dubbed “The Excitebike”) got 10 thousand votes, it would move onto the next stage of the competition. And if he wins it all: his build will be mass-produced and sold on actual store shelves.

He and his wife, McKenzi, have been working hard at getting press and getting the word out since then.

Then, he was struck with ANOTHER idea: What if he did a second, similar build based on the pro skater, Tony Hawk?

While David was in California, he reached out to Tony Hawk. And lo behold, Hawk invited David and his family over a few days later.

They were able to watch Tony skate, let Tony play on his LEGO build, and even let their son slide down his skate ramps.

Once Tony got the word out, both builds–the Excitebike build, and the Tony Hawk build hit the required 10 thousand votes.

To follow along on their journey, you can find them on Instagram @Americanbricker and @Arcadebricker. You can also see more about his builds on LEGO’s official voting website here and here.

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Grab your cowboy hat and boots, don’t forget your appetite for good drinks and food at the Buellton Brew Fest!

KEYT on April 24, 2026

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – It’s time to bring out those cowboy hats and boots, because the Buellton Brew Fest returns on Saturday, May 2nd at River View Park in Buellton.

The community favorite event will feature over 55 craft breweries, wineries, kombucha and more.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with the last pour at 4 p.m. Bus transportation will be available around Santa Barbara, Lompoc and Santa Maria.

Kathy Vreeland from Discover Buellton and Andres Nuñez from El Fuego Events joins The Morning News to share about what to expect for the event.

To purchase tickets visit their website here.

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Locals and Legends celebrates the music of James Taylor at Granada theatre

KEYT on April 24, 2026

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – This is an event for the James Taylor fans. The Granada Theater is hosting a tribute performance dedicated to the legendary singer this weekend.

It’ll be the perfect chilly evening to enjoy good company and great music.

Tariqh Akoni, Director of A&R at Santa Barbara Records and on the Board of Directors for the Granada Theatre joins the Morning News to talk about the upcoming event.

For more information on the event and ticket information head to their website.

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Make a stop at Lulios for Santa Barbara Restaurant week for the freshest tasting food

KEYT on April 24, 2026

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Barbara’s Restaurant Week begins today! Foodies can enjoy a number of restaurants for a discounted fixed price. It’s a foodie’s dream right in Santa Barbara!

To tell share about the week, The Morning News is joined by Executive Chef Roberto and Chef Lucas from the Lulio at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara.

You can learn more about restaurant week on their website.

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Columbia police name suspect in Benton-Stephens apartment stabbing

KMIZ on April 24, 2026

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department has named the man it claims stabbed another man on Friday in the Benton-Stephens area.

Grant Buxton, 44, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault, armed criminal action and drug possession, CPD wrote in a Friday night social media post.

Earlier on Friday, Columbia police put up crime scene tape around an apartment building in the city’s Benton-Stephens area after a stabbing.

Officers were called to an assault in progress after noon in the 1600 block of Richardson Street. Police found the victim and provided them emergency care and arrested Buxton. An ABC 17 News reporter saw multiple evidence markers and about 10 police cruisers at the scene.

Police later wrote in a press release that two people were in an “altercation” and one person was stabbed.

The victim, also a man, was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.

No additional threats were reported or seen, police wrote.

Buxton was listed on the Boone County Jail roster Saturday. He is being held without bond. Charges were not filed on Saturday morning.

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Be Mindful: Help students overcome end-of-year anxiety and stress

KVIA on April 24, 2026

Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — During this time of year, many students are completing academic assessments, including STAAR tests and other final exams. However, this can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, worry, dread and even excitement.

Tanya Trujillo, a psychiatric nurse practitioner in El Paso, said it’s important children and teenagers feel supported during this season.

She said students should feel excited about completing the school year, but that’s not the case for everyone.

“It should be a great time of year with celebrations, and looking forward to the end of the year. But with that also comes the testing. And so they do have concerns sometimes,” she said.

Trujillo is a mother of two. She sees around 20 patients every day, including children. She said it’s common for students to visit their school nurse because they feel anxious.

Trujillo said children and teens, just like adults, need to take breaks from schoolwork and recharge.

She also said self-talk is very powerful.

“Our brains start to believe the things that we tell it. And so we want to tell it positive things.”

She recommended saying phrases like the following:

“I know this material; I know this. I’ve studied all of the things that I have in front of me; I’m going to do great. I’m going to do well.”

Students also need frequent, positive reminders, and that starts at home and at an early age.

“So if, you know, we are teaching them the positive things like speaking nicely to ourselves, saying good things about ourselves, those are the pathways that are created, and those are the pathways that our brain has to move forward on.”

Trujillo also recommends parents create a good routine they can follow on big school days.

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TxDOT El Paso: 48-Hour Full Closure Notice

KVIA on April 24, 2026

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- If you travel on I-10 between Vinton and the New Mexico state line, please be aware of upcoming changes. According to TxDOT El Paso, a 48-hour eastbound closure is scheduled this weekend, beginning at 3 a.m. Saturday and ending at 3 a.m. Monday. I-10 eastbound between Anthony, NM, and Los Mochis will be closed during this period.

TxDOT El Paso officials say crews will use this time to shift traffic to the new inside lanes from Anthony to Vinton, marking the first major change in the second phase of the I-10 widening project. This shift is necessary to allow demolition and reconstruction of the outside lanes. The eastbound switch will result in multiple ramp closures, including Exit 1 for Anthony, Exit 2 for Vinton, and the corresponding eastbound on-ramps. Drivers may use Exit 0 eastbound and re-enter I-10 at Los Mochis.

According to TxDOT, a full westbound closure is planned for May 16 through May 18. Afterward, the westbound Vinton on-ramp and Exit 0 will close. Once these changes are implemented in both directions, ramp closures will remain in effect for one year. Please plan accordingly.

NEED TO KNOW:

48-Hour Full Closure NoticeI-10 Widening Phase 2

Saturday, April 25 – Monday, April 27 (48 HR Closure)

3 a.m. to 3 a.m.

I-10 eastbound full closure between Anthony, New Mexico and Los Mochis

Detour:

Traffic to exit East O’Hara, turn left, right to Anthony Dr. and turn left

Traffic to proceed through Doniphan to Vinton

Turn left on Vinton, proceed onto South Desert, and turn right

Continue onto South Desert to enter I-10 eastbound after Los Mochis.

Crews will be conducting a main lane traffic switch.

Saturday, May 16 – Monday, May 18 (48-HR Closure)

3 a.m. – 3 a.m.

I-10 westbound at Los Mochis full closure.

Detour: Traffic will exit at Los Mochis, proceed on North Desert, through the intersections at Vinton and Anthony, and enter I-10 westbound after Anthony.

Crews will be working on a westbound traffic switch.

Artcraft Project

Monday, April 27 – Thursday, April 30

9 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Nightly)

South Desert between Transmountain and Artcraft full closure

Traffic in the local community of Campus Park will have access. Crews will be preparing roadway for girder set.

Wednesday, April 29 – Friday, May 1

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

I-10 westbound on-ramp before Artcraft closed

Crews will be placing column rebar and formwork.

Borderland Expressway Phase 2 Project

Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 1

Daily, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

US-54 east and westbound between Mesquite Hills and McCombs alternate lane closures

Mesquite Hills reduced to one lane between US-54 and Red Man. Flaggers will be on-site directing traffic as needed for haul trucks crossing Mesquite HillsFlaggers will be on-site directing traffic as needed for haul trucks crossing at McCombs and Stan Roberts intersection.

Crews will be transporting earth embankment into the project.

Full Weekend Closure

24/7 Saturday, May 9 – Monday, May 11

Beginning at 4 a.m., Saturday, May 9 – 6 a.m.Monday, May 11 (50-HR Closure)

Martin Luther King (FM-3255) north and southbound between Stan Roberts (FM-2529) and O-Hara (NM-404) full roadwayclosure

Local traffic will access businesses and residences between O’Hara (NM-404) and TX/NM State Line.

Detour: Traffic will use NM-404 (O’Hara Rd.), IH-10, LP-375 (Woodrow Bean/Transmountain) and US-54.

Crews will be working on installing permanent drainage structures for Martin Luther King (FM-3255) new road configuration.

Horizon/Darrington Reconstruction Project

Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 1

Daily, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Horizon Boulevard east and westbound alternating lane closures between Ashford Street and Desert Mesa Drive

Darrington Road north and southbound alternating lane closures between Horizon Boulevard and Nunda Drive

Crews will be paving and working on electrical work on islands and medians.

Safety Lighting on Mesa (SH-20) & Dyer St. (BU-54) Project

Monday, April 27 – Wednesday, April 29

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SH-20 (Mesa) eastbound at Sunland Park intersection right lane closed

SH-20 (Mesa) westbound at Belvidere intersection right lane closed

SH-20 (Mesa) westbound at Resler intersection right lane closed

Monday, April 27 through Friday, May 1

BU-54 (Dyer) eastbound at Hercules intersection right lane closed

Crews will be working on lighting improvements.

Road Repair

Sunday, April 26

5 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Daytime)

I-10 eastbound at Cotton three left lanes closed

Monday, April 27 – Thursday, April 30

9 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Nightly)

I-10 westbound between Viscount and Geronimo alternate lane closures

Monday, April 27 – Thursday, April 30

9 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Nightly)

I-10 westbound between Viscount and Geronimo alternate laneclosures

Crews will be working on road repairs.

Guardrail Repair

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday, April 27

I-10 eastbound between Mesa and Resler right lane closed.

Tuesday, April 28

SH-20 (Doniphan) southbound between Valley Chile and Union right

lane closed

Wednesday, April 29

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound between Paisano and Fonseca

right lane and exit at Fonseca complete closure

Thursday, April 30

US-54 north and southbound between Montana and Cassidy shoulder

closed

Loop 375 (Transmountain) between Main Gap and Mile Marker 19 leftlane closed

Friday, May 1

I-10 eastbound at Sunland Park exit ramp complete closure

Concrete Repairs

9 a.m. –4 p.m.

Friday, April 24 (Emergency)

Gateway East to Gateway West at Trowbridge turnaround complete closure

Thursday, April 30 – Friday, May 1

Desert North between Medan and Helen of Troy right lane closed

Culvert Cleaning

Monday, April 27

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Loop 375 (Border Highway) on-ramp at Executive complete closure

Tuesday, April 28 – Friday, May 1

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound between Spur 1966 and Paseo Del Norte Bridge right lane closed

Maintenance

Monday, April 27

9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Night)

Loop 375 east and westbound between US-54 and Coles complete closure

Paisano to Loop 375 closed

Traffic will detour to Paisano in bothdirections.

Crews will be working on bridge joints.

Monday, April 27 – Friday, May 2

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ramp N connecting between Loop 375 East andUS-54 North ramp closed

Crews will be working on bridge joints.

North Desert between Medano and Helen of Troyright lane closed

Crews will be working on shoulder.

Closure Links:

West Area Project Closures

I-10 Widening West Closures

East Area Project Closures 

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Blackfoot infrastructure project aims to refill Jensen Grove ahead of Summer season

KIFI on April 24, 2026

Par Kermani

Blackfoot, Idaho (KIFI) — City crews in Blackfoot have rebuilt a key dike along the Snake River after high spring runoff last year damaged the system that supplies water to Jensen Grove.

The repairs aim to restore water flow to the popular recreation area, which has seen significantly reduced water levels after the failure of the original dike, which was built too high and pushed too much water towards the head gate that feeds Jensons Grove. It worked for two months before causing the island that separates the part of the river that feeds the headgate from the rest of the river to blow out. Due to the water levels being too low, the headgate was unable to receive water. 

Stufflebeam said crews initially struggled to fill the channel, as water continued to erode the area during repairs.

“Every time we tried to start filling, this started washing away the island,” Stufflebeam said. “So we had to get a longer excavator, start dropping rocks across, and then build back this way. And that was the only way we could do it.”

The rebuilt dike is designed to help raise water levels enough to push flow toward the city’s head gate, allowing water to be diverted under the interstate and into Jensen Grove.

“That allowed us, by filling this dike in, to actually cause the river to rise over here, which was necessary for us to get water to our head gate,” Stufflebeam said.

City officials say water is now moving back into the system, including areas near the Blackfoot Golf Course that feed into Jensen Grove.

Still, the long-term outlook remains uncertain.

State Rep. Ben Fuhriman said while infrastructure repairs and a new agreement with the Snake River Valley Irrigation District have addressed legal and maintenance issues, water availability remains the biggest concern.

“The big problem is, is there water? And that’s something that nobody can really control,” Fuhriman said.

Jensen Grove is a centerpiece of the Blackfoot community, hosting recreation and events throughout the year.

Stufflebeam said keeping the grove filled is important not only for residents, but also for the local economy.

“It’s a great recreation area, but it’s also important for our businesses,” he said. “People see that, they want to come here, they want to visit.”

Officials say they will continue monitoring water conditions through the summer as they work to keep Jensen Grove full.

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