School District and Chamber Team up for Hiring Fair

Kearney High School and the Kearney Chamber of Commerce are partnering together on a spring Hiring Fair. This is the fifth year the Kearney Chamber of Commerce hiring fair has connected job seekers of all ages with local employers.

The Hiring Fair is open to all employers who have unfilled staff positions or anticipate having open positions in the near future. The Hiring Fair provides an opportunity for businesses to actively interview and hire potential employees on the spot, as-well-as for job seekers to learn about career opportunities.

The 5th annual Hiring Fair will be held at Kearney High School, located at 715 19th Street, on March 21, from 2:30 to 5 pm. The Hiring Fair for high school students takes place from 1:20 to 2:15. It’s open to all area companies and individuals. Registration for area businesses is free. Professionals of all levels are highly encouraged to attend and participate.

For more information or to register your business for a table space, contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 816-628-4229 or by email at Stacie@KearneyChamber.org.

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.

Hurlbert Selected to Chair Committee on Transportation

Missouri State Representative Josh Hurlbert (R-Smithville) has been selected to serve as Chairman of the Committee on Transportation for the 103rd General Assembly.

“To be selected to serve as Chairman is one of the greatest honors of my time in Jefferson City,” said Hurlbert. “This Committee is one of the most important in the legislature as so much of Missouri’s economy is dependent on getting goods from fields to markets across the nation and even the world, whether on our roads, rivers, rails, or through the air.”

“Missouri’s infrastructure is at an important crossroads. As we wrap up work on the new Buck O’Neil Bridge here in the Northland and the Lance Cpl. Leon Deraps Bridge on I-70 at Rocheport, we are beginning a new $2.8 billion investment to expand I-70 to six lanes across the state.”

“Never have we entrusted the Department of Transportation with this level of investment. It’s important to Missouri taxpayers that we ensure MODOT is returning that trust by spending their funds efficiently and providing the services Missourians demand.”

KPGZ News – Hurlbert Press Release.

Man Threatens Deputies with 85,000-Pound Crane

A Kearney business owner was arrested for threatening deputies with a crane on Thursday, January 16th. Clay County deputies were originally at the business at 6 am to seize business assets.

Deputies were executing a court order at LPG Ventures, a storage, tanking, and equipment company located at 971 N Jefferson St in Kearney. Seven levy orders were issued by the Clay County Circuit Court for all businesses under the LPG company, owned by August J. Baanders and his wife.

Seized assets in the case were to be sold to pay an $800,000 judgement. Evidence, including footprints in the snow, showed the Baanders, 64 of Kansas City, parked a distance away and snuck onto the property. Baanders threatened deputies by driving an 85,000-pound crane at them and their patrol cars, coming within about 6 inches of flattening a patrol vehicle.

Baanders was climbing down the ladder, then, changing his mind, stayed on the crane, refusing to come down. Deputies had to go up and pull him off the ladder to finally arrest him. No injuries were reported.

The sheriff’s office reports Baanders is charged with interference with a legal process. He is being held on a $2,500 bond on top of the $800,000 that he owes. Baanders is currently in the Clay County detention center with more charges likely to come.

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.

Enrichment Council Brings Back Wine and Chocolate Tour

The Kearney Enrichment Council is partnering with Kearney businesses to bring small-production, boutique wines from around the world, with chocolates to match to Kearney. The Kearney Enrichment Council’s annual Wine & Chocolate Tour is returning on Saturday, February 8.

It's that time again to enjoy the annual Wine & Chocolate Tour. There are two options for tickets this year: General Admission gives event goers a 2025 wine glass. VIP Admission gives people a 2025 wine glass, plus an exclusive Wine and Chocolate Bag, 2 Extra Raffle Tickets, and a stainless-steel wine tumbler. Optional tickets on the trolley to travel around town in style are available.

“It's a great time to have a date night with your partner or spend time with your friends,” states the Enrichment Council’s Facebook invitation.

There are only 100 VIP tickets available. Tourists will have a punch card to take to each location. At the end of the night event, tourists turn in their card to try their luck at winning the raffle basket.

The Wine & Chocolate Tour is happening on Saturday, February 8. Registration opens at 3:30 pm, and trolleys depart at 4:30 pm. The tour begins and ends at the Old Firehouse Community Center, 106 S. Jefferson Street Kearney.

Wine and Chocolate tourists can find tickets at KearneyEnrichmentCouncil.org/wine-chocolate

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.

Mike Kehoe Sworn in as Governor of Missouri

On Monday, January 13, Mike Kehoe was sworn in as the 58th Governor of Missouri, at a ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, marking a new chapter of leadership for the state.

Building on his distinguished record of public service, successful business career, and an unwavering commitment to Missouri’s communities, Governor Kehoe vowed to honor the state’s rich legacy while forging an ambitious path toward a brighter future. With a focus on public safety, education, economic development, and agriculture, he outlined his administration’s goal to tackle the most pressing challenges and seize the opportunities for growth.

“My life—growing up in the inner city, moving to a small town, building businesses, operating a ranch—these experiences have taught me one thing: Missourian’s are more alike than we are different,” said Governor Kehoe. "It will take each of us, working together, to secure an even safer, stronger, and more prosperous Missouri.”

For his first official act in office, Governor Mike Kehoe took decisive action to prioritize public safety by signing six executive orders and officially launching his comprehensive Safer Missouri public safety initiative.

Developed in close collaboration with law enforcement partners and representatives across all levels of law enforcement within the state, the Safer Missouri plan sets the stage for immediate and impactful action. The measures introduced today represent the first steps in a comprehensive, multi-phase plan that focuses on reducing crime, supporting law enforcement, and fostering community partnerships to achieve lasting change.

Further steps requiring General Assembly action are slated for implementation in the coming weeks, with additional details to be unveiled during Governor Kehoe’s 2025 State of the State address.

"By standing with the brave officers who protect us every day and implementing strategic, forward-thinking measures, we are working to make Missouri a safer place to live, work and raise a family," said Governor Kehoe. "In the coming weeks, months, and years, my administration will be relentless in our pursuit to make Missouri a place where it’s easier to be a cop than a criminal."

Other Executive Orders have been posted HERE.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.