Search Warrant Yields Large Amount of Explosives

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force received several tips that led it to a large amount of illegal explosives and drugs at a Northland Kansas City house.

The STAR (Special Tactics and Response) Team recieved several tips and was able to serve a search warrant Friday morning.The team arrested three people in the 6500 block of North Hickory Street, Kansas City, Mo., shortly after 7 am, on August 2. A search of the home turned up:

  *   107 pounds of explosive powder

  *   Two pipe bombs

  *   15 grenades

  *   20 grams of fentanyl paste

  *   15 grams of meth

  *   Psychedelic mushrooms

  *   Seven guns, including an Uzi

  *   A large amount of ammunition.

Tammie L. Bindel Cole, Cory D. Young, Erika Lahr

An elementary school-aged child also was in the home. The child is now staying with relatives.

Cory D. Young, 46, is charged with delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm and child endangerment. He is being held on a bond of $350,000 cash only.

Erika Lahr, 32, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a firearm and child endangerment. She is being held on a bond of $250,000 cash only.

Tammie L. Bindel Cole, 52, is charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm. She is being held on a bond of $150,000 cash only.

Additional federal charges could be forthcoming related to the explosives and weapons.

This was a joint investigation by the Clay County Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Kansas City Missouri Police Department’s Bomb Squad assisted with the removal and processing of the explosives. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting with the investigation.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Parson Announces Historic Fifth Tax Cut

During the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's annual State of the State on Tuesday, July 30, Governor Mike Parson announced that Missouri's robust economy and continued revenue strength has triggered an additional income tax cut under Senate Bills (SB) 3 & 5, approved by Governor Parson in 2022. This income tax cut lowers Missouri's top income tax rate to 4.7 percent and marks a more than 20 percent decrease in Missourians' income tax burdens during the Parson Administration.

"As a lifelong conservative, I'm exceptionally proud to announce the fifth income tax cut of our administration," Governor Parson said. "We know there is a lot of noise and nonsense from candidates running for political office wanting Missourians to ignore our wins an focus on their fears, but the reality is Missouri's economy is strong. This year alone, we've nearly added 70,000 jobs to our economy, rank first in the nation for job growth, and businesses continue to grow and invest in our communities at a record pace. The simple fact remains: Missouri is on a solid foundation and Missourians are reaping the rewards by keeping more of their hard-earned money in their pockets, and we offer a special thanks to Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, Senator Lincoln Hough, and all legislators in support for helping deliver these historic tax cuts to all Missourians."

Even before this income tax cut, Missouri was ranked 11th for the lowest tax burden in the nation, including both state and local taxes, by U.S. News.

“Throughout his time in office, Governor Parson has been consistent in cutting the state’s income tax, this being the fifth cut over the last six years,” Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said. “I was pleased to support the legislation enabling these tax cuts and am glad to see another cut triggered. This ensures Missourians’ hard-earned dollars remain where they belong – in their own pockets, where they can spend it far better and more wisely than the government. As a state, we must continue to work together to encourage economic growth by ensuring Missourians can spend more of their own money in the state’s economy.”

SBs 3 & 5, passed by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Parson after his special session call in 2022, included additional 0.1 percentage point income tax cut triggers when general revenue increased by $200 million, adjusted for inflation, in a given fiscal year (FY). Net general revenue collections grew by $322.6 million from FY23 to FY24. As a result, Missouri's top income tax rate will be cut from 4.8 percent to 4.7 percent, effective January 1, 2025.

This action marks the fifth income tax cut Governor Parson has implemented during his time in office and a 1.2 percentage point total reduction: 0.5 in 2019, 0.1 in 2022, 0.35 in 2023, 0.15 in 2024, and 0.1 in 2025.

Missourians income tax burdens have now been reduced by more than 20 percent since Governor Parson took office. This was achieved at the same time Missouri's economy earned record wins during the Parson Administration:

• 1st in the nation for job growth in 2024.

• More than 175,000 jobs added to Missouri's economy (since June 2018).

  • Outpacing all neighboring states in manufacturing job growth.

• Lowest unemployment rate ever recorded at 2.1 percent (April 2022).

• Six consecutive years of Missouri's unemployment rate below the national average.

• 61 months of positive job growth – despite a global pandemic.

• $1.9 billion left on the bottom line thanks to conservative and balanced budgets year after year.

• AAA credit rating maintained all six years.

• 40 percent general revenue growth driven by sales tax collections (i.e. Missourians spending their own money).

“This is good news for hard-working Missouri families, and proves our historic tax cut legislation is working exactly as we knew it would," Senator Lincoln Hough said. "More money in Missourians' pockets means more money in the economy and in turn more state revenue, and thanks to our efforts, that revenue is leading to more tax cuts. Every day, I’ll fight for Missourians to keep more of their hard-earned money.”

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Fire’s first EMS Tech Institution Established

The Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District (KFRPD) has worked with the University of Missouri Extension to establish its first EMS program.

The two agencies established the first Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) program and it’s being provided by the EMS Education Institute in the state of Missouri.

“The establishment of this AEMT program is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of emergency medical services in our community and beyond,” reads the announcement on KFRPD’s Facebook page. “The partnership aims to address the growing need for highly trained emergency medical professionals capable of providing advanced life-saving techniques.”

Six KFRPD students will graduate from the course in a few weeks the course will conclude. The students will undergo rigorous training and education which prepares them to deliver advanced levels of care in emergency medical situations.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Deputies Respond to Teen Homicide

*** UPDATE ***

The victim in this case is 17-year-old Therrell K. “TJ” Jackson of Kansas City, Mo.

***

The Clay County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a shots fired call in Avondale on Tuesday, July 30. The call turned an investigation in the death of a teenager in an apparent drive-by shooting.

The Sheriff’s Office reports that multiple 911 calls started coming in at 9 pm about the sound of shots fired in the area.

“Shortly thereafter, a caller reported someone had been shot in the 3200 block of N.E. Excelsior Street in Avondale, Clay County Public Relations Manager Sarah Boyd told KPGZ News. “The victim, a male juvenile in his teens, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.”

Clay County investigators are interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence and the Kansas City Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit is helping process the scene. Initially, it appears a drive-by shooting took place.

Investigators have identified a suspect vehicle, a dark blue or black 1996-98 Chevy Silverado 4x4 Z71 with one of its headlights out.

This is an ongoing investigation, and more details will be shared as they become available. If anyone recognizes the suspect vehicle or has any information that can help solve this case, please contact the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Lifelong Bulldog Takes Assistant Principal Post at Dogwood

As the next academic year nears, Kearney School District's Dogwood Elementary School is welcoming a new member to its leadership team.

Sydney Johnson is joining Dogwood Elementary as the school's new Assistant Principal. Ms. Johnson is filling the job recently opened when former Dogwood Assistant Principal Kathleen Bahan moved up to Dogwood Principal.

Johnson is a lifelong Bulldog and a member of Team KSD who is taking on a new role. She grew up in Kearney, has children in the district, and taught fourth grade at Kearney Elementary during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Her path toward school administration began in 2019 as a member of the Liberty Public Schools' Leadership Academy and the Building Leadership Team at Ridgeview Elementary, where she taught fifth grade. She was also part of the district's English Language Arts collaboration committee for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Johnson is looking forward to continuing to contribute to the community she's proud to call her home.

"In pursuing the Assistant Principal role at Dogwood Elementary, I was driven by a deep-rooted commitment to serve the vibrant community that made me who I am today," she said. "With a passion for fostering academic excellence, nurturing student growth, and collaborating with dedicated educators, I am eager to contribute my skills and experience toward enhancing the educational experience for all students at Dogwood!"

As an elementary school assistant principal in Kearney School District, Johnson will take the lead in supporting, supervising and disciplining students in a way that promotes their growth and reinforces positive classroom outcomes. She will also coordinate with Bahan to address a wide array of daily operational needs across the campus.

During the search process for the Assistant Principal position, Ms. Bahan was impressed with Johnson's combination of classroom experience, leadership skills and passion for serving students, their families and her colleagues.

"We are excited to welcome Mrs. Johnson to the Dogwood community," Bahan said. "I am confident she will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will benefit our students, staff, and families. As a KSD graduate, Ms. Johnson has a deep knowledge of the Kearney School District and is committed to fostering a positive school culture. Her passion for education, dedication to student success, and collaborative spirit make her a perfect fit for Dogwood Elementary."

Before joining Kearney School District last year, Johnson taught at Ridgeview Elementary starting in 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Education Leadership and a Specialists in Superintendency degree, all from Northwest Missouri State University.

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.