Public Safety Meet-and-Greet with Prosecutor Zach Thompson

Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson

Kearney residents will have a unique opportunity to engage directly with local law enforcement and legal officials during a community meet-and-greet event on Friday, June 13. Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson will join members of the Kearney Police Department for a relaxed afternoon gathering aimed at fostering transparency, trust, and collaboration between the public and those who serve to protect it.

The event will take place from 3 to 5 pm at Giambalvo’s Woodfired Pizza, located at 751 S. Watson Drive in Kearney. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, share concerns, and learn more about how law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office work together to ensure community safety.

“We are all best protected when law enforcement agencies, the prosecutor’s office, and the public work together for community safety,” said Thompson. “It is a privilege to meet with the hardworking men and women of every Clay County law enforcement agency and discuss the issues facing communities with our residents. We are excited to be in Kearney next week and look forward to visiting every town in Clay County throughout the summer.”

The event is part of a broader initiative by Thompson’s office to strengthen connections with communities across Clay County.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Edward Jones to Medicare and Finance Seminar

Edward Jones, in partnership will host a special informational seminar titled “ABC's of Medicare Insurance” on Wednesday, June 18, at 6 pm, at the Kearney Chamber of Commerce office, located at 190 State Route 92.

The event will explore educational resources to help navigate Medicare as part of retirement planning. The program will explain the different parts of Medicare highlighting the importance of understanding coverage details, budgeting for out-of-pocket costs, and meeting enrollment deadlines. While Edward Jones doesn’t sell health insurance, they partner with experts like 65 Incorporated and provide tools such as webinars and guides to support informed decision-making.

“At Edward Jones, we believe financial education is an important part of achieving your goals,” reads a post from Edward Jones Financial Advisor Beau Walker. “We also realize there is more to life than just financial goals. That’s why we’re excited to invite you to this special presentation.”

The seminar is free to attend and includes dinner. Local Edward Jones financial advisor Beau Walker will host the event.

Guests are encouraged to bring a friend and must RSVP by June 17. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, contact Hitomi Patterson at 816-903-2005 or hitomi.patterson@edwardjones.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Mayor Pogue Highlights Progress, Growth in State of the City Address

Mayor Randy Pogue delivered his annual State of the City address during the Kearney Chamber of Commerce luncheon on June 4, spotlighting recent accomplishments and outlining priorities for the year ahead.

During his presentation, Mayor Pogue shared updates on several key infrastructure and community projects that are helping shape Kearney’s future. He also identified five ongoing priorities for the Board of Aldermen, reinforcing the city’s focus on growth, public safety, connectivity, and quality of life.

Hall Park Development
The Hall Park project is nearing the end of its design phase, with cost estimates expected soon. Funded in part by use tax revenue and a $500,000 matching Land and Water Conservation Grant, the park is designed with seniors in mind. Planned amenities include fitness and exercise areas, game tables, rain gardens, a shelter, and permanent restrooms. “This park will provide new recreational opportunities for the seniors in our community,” Pogue said.

Expanded Trail System
The city secured a $680,000 grant from the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to extend the existing trail from Mack Porter Park along Route 33 to the Kearney Senior Center. The extension will eventually connect to downtown Kearney. Additionally, a $1.5 million MARC appropriation will fund the construction of new sidewalks and improve pedestrian crossings across the city.

19th Street Improvements
One of the city’s most significant projects is the 19th Street Complete Street Project, supported by $5.4 million in funding from MARC and the Missouri Department of Transportation. The project includes shared-use paths, on-street bike lanes, updated traffic signals, sidewalk reconstruction, and railroad safety upgrades. "This important infrastructure improvement feeds our new 19th Street interchange at I-35," noted Pogue.

New Water Tower
Construction is underway on a new 1-million-gallon elevated water tower located east of I-35. Valued at nearly $5 million, the tower will increase water storage capacity and support Kearney’s growing population and public safety needs.

Public Safety and Community Engagement

The Kearney Police Department has expanded its community outreach, participating in programs like Shop-With-A-Cop, assigning a full-time school resource officer, and enhancing public visibility and communication throughout the city.

Additional Developments

Infrastructure improvements on the west side of I-35 include upgraded water lines, sewer and storm water systems, sidewalks, and roadways. Land use has been updated near the 19th Street interchange to promote commercial development, and a new downtown overlay district and Chapter 353 development plan aim to revitalize Kearney’s historic center.

Innovation Business Park and Housing Growth

Kearney’s Innovation Business Park is attracting new investment, with three businesses currently building or preparing to break ground. The park is expected to generate more than $4 million in capital investment. Residential construction is also on the rise. The Westwood North subdivision will add 347 new lots, while Meadow at Greenfield will contribute 37.

Mayor Pogue concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Kearney’s growth and unity.

“Under my continued leadership, we will continue to work to inspire, motivate, and unite our community around our shared vision for Kearney’s future,” he said.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Continues Deliberations on Backyard Chickens

The long-running discussion over whether Kearney residents should be allowed to keep backyard chickens has resurfaced, as city staff continue to receive inquiries from citizens interested in raising hens for fresh eggs.

During a Kearney Board of Aldermen meeting held Monday, May 19, the topic was again placed on the table. However, Alderman Dan Holt recommended postponing any formal action until the city’s legal team could provide additional guidance.

Kearney does not currently have an ordinance that permits the keeping of chickens in residential areas. Under Missouri state statute, poultry is classified as “livestock,” a designation that has led Kearney officials to treat backyard chickens as a zoning violation, requiring their removal when discovered.

Last year, the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission began evaluating the potential for a backyard chicken ordinance but was unable to reach consensus. At its most recent meeting on May 12, the commission voted 4-2 in favor of advancing a revised proposal. The updated recommendation would allow residents to keep up to six hens on properties measuring at least 0.25 acres.

However, the conversation has not been without concern. Alderman David Lehman, who also serves as liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission, noted that commissioners debated whether a quarter-acre lot offers sufficient space. They also discussed potential nuisances—such as dogs barking at chickens—and the impact on neighbors.

“Why should the dog owner be penalized?” Lehman said, referring to concerns that dogs may react to the presence of hens. He added that the issue of required permits was also raised during the commission’s discussions.

Alderman Holt suggested that if chickens are to be considered companion animals by some residents, the city might regulate their numbers similarly to cats and dogs. Currently, Kearney permits households to keep up to four animals. Holt also questioned whether a 0.25-acre threshold was adequate and proposed exploring other options, such as a 0.5-acre minimum or a compromise of 0.33 acres.

Alderman Gerri Spencer supported the idea of finding middle ground. “What about dividing the two in the middle and going a third of an acre?” she said.

Even as city leaders debate local zoning, external regulations remain a factor. Developer Craig Porter raised a reminder that individual homeowners associations may enforce their own rules that override city policy. “Even if a city or county allows chickens, HOAs can prohibit them entirely,” Porter said.

The Board is expected to revisit the topic after legal review, with further public input anticipated at future meetings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Operation Small Fry Pairs Deputies with Kids for Fishing

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is pairing children with deputies and Sheriff’s Office professional staff for a day of fishing and fun on Saturday.  

Operation Small Fry will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 31 at the County Pond located at 16616 NE 116th St., Kearney, Mo.

Counselors and social workers from school districts across Clay County nominated students to participate who could benefit from positive one-on-one interaction with law enforcement. About 25 children will be provided with fishing poles and all the gear needed to catch fish. They will be paired with a deputy or Sheriff’s Office staff member as they attempt to reel one in. The biggest catches of the day will get trophies. Participants also will enjoy a grilled lunch.

Operation Small Fry started in 1996 as the brainchild of Sergeant John T. Wright at Smithville Lake. Sergeant Wright wanted to help provide male role models to children who did not have one in their lives. The event grew, eventually moving to the County-owned pond. Sergeant Wright passed away in 2007, and the Sheriff’s Office memorialized him with a shelter house at the pond. The event was on hiatus for about 10 years, and it returned last year.

KPGZ News - Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.