Three Injured in Friday Night Crash West of Norton

By NWKS Radio News Staff

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported an injury crash late Friday night, October 17, 2025, on U.S. Highway 36, approximately 3.5 miles west of U.S. 283 near Norton.

According to the KHP crash log, the accident occurred around 11:30 p.m. when a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by 20-year-old Jonah M. Black of Almena, was traveling westbound and attempted to turn south onto Norton County Upper Dam Road. The Ram turned into the path of an eastbound 2018 Toyota RAV4, driven by 35-year-old Jesse D. Rhee of Phillipsburg.

The RAV4 struck the Dodge, causing the truck to spin and come to rest facing northeast in the eastbound lane. The Toyota came to rest on the south shoulder of U.S. 36, facing east.

All three occupants were transported to Norton County Hospital with suspected minor injuries. Those injured included the two occupants of the Dodge — Black and 24-year-old passenger Rylee J. Ankenman of Norcatur — and the driver of the Toyota, Rhee.

The report notes that seat belts were not in use by Black or Ankenman, while Rhee was restrained at the time of the collision.

Both vehicles were towed from the scene by New Look Body Shop, and the crash was investigated by Trooper K88 of the Kansas Highway Patrol.