Sheriff’s Office Releases 2024 Annual Report

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has released its 2024 annual report, which shows significant increases in impaired-driving crashes, inmate population and civil orders served.

The Traffic Safety Unit investigated 22 crashes in which a driver was impaired, a 69% increase from 2023. Overall traffic crashes investigated were 299, an 8% jump.

The Detention Center’s average daily population increased by 16% from last year, from 250 to 289. One of the reasons for that change was the completion of technology upgrade projects that shut down parts of the jail in 2023. Detention Center staff also saved numerous lives, intervening in 122 inmate suicide attempts in 2024.

Civil court orders served jumped by almost 10% to 9,973, with the biggest increases in ex parte (no contact) orders.

These are some of the many statistics and accomplishments available in the report. From budget allocation to reported crimes in the County to staffing statistics, the report provides a transparent look into all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office, including those that aren’t often in the public eye like the Transportation and Professional Standards units.

You can read the full Sheriff's Office report HERE.

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

Local Coalitions Urge Parents to Prevent Underage Drinking

County Prosecutors, Beacon Mental Health, Parent Up, and local community prevention coalitions have launched a new campaign urging parents to avoid providing alcohol to minors. A letter has been written to parents across the counties, highlighting the dangers of underage drinking and the lasting impact on youth health, safety, and brain development.

“The overwhelming majority of youth are not engaging in underage drinking because the adults in their lives are protecting their health and safety,” said Laura Bruce, Manager of Prevention at Beacon Mental Health. “This proactive initiative from the county prosecutors empowers parents and caregivers with the knowledge and information to protect their children and our community”

Local schools are encouraged to join the effort by distributing the letter and Parent Up campaign resources at www.parentupkc.com/alcohol to engage parents and guardians in discussions about the risks of providing alcohol to minors.

“We’re asking schools, agencies and our media partners to join with us in educating parents and caregivers about the risks of underage drinking,” said Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.

“It’s important this message reaches far and wide as we embark on the prom, graduation and summer season,” said Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson. 

“My office is excited to participate in this community-wide effort to help prevent underage drinking,” said Ray County Prosecuting Attorney Camille Johnston

This initiative has strong support from local prevention coalitions dedicated to building healthy and safe communities for youth. For more information and resources, please visit parentupkc.com/alcohol.

KPGZ News – Laura Bruce contributed to this story.

Renaissance Festival Presents 11th Annual Kegs 'n' Eggs Event

The Kansas City Renaissance Festival invites you to crack open the fun and join the ultimate adult Easter egg hunt at the 11th Annual Kegs 'n' Eggs on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This one-of-a-kind event, exclusively for guests 21 and older, offers an EGG-cellent blend of thrilling egg hunts and refreshing drink tastings, with over $75,000 in prizes up for grabs!

Each hidden egg contains a surprise, ranging from candy and cash to exciting prizes and tickets redeemable for even more rewards. So, grab your basket and start hunting-you never know what you might find!

The fun doesn't stop there! After hunting for eggs, you can treat yourself to a variety of craft beers, wines, and mocktails at the tasting stations, as well as enjoy a selection of delicious food from local food trucks. Get in the spirit of the event with EGG-citing games, contests, and plenty of opportunities for shopping among the vibrant festival booths.

Whether you're a seasoned festival-goer or new to the scene, there's something for everyone at this EGG-stravagant celebration!

Event Details:

•          Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025

•          Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

•          Location: Kansas City Renaissance Festival, 633 N. 130th Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012

Ticket Prices: $35 - $140 per person (available for purchase online or at the gate)

Event Schedule:

· 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Pre-Party with DJ Odin, costume contest, games and free face painting

· 1:00 PM: Egg Hunt & Beverage Tasting begins

· 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Beverage Tasting begins with shopping, contests and live music with Sass Monkey

Tickets and more information are available at: https://kcrenfest.com/kegs-n-eggs.

KPGZ News – Cammy Whalen contributed to this story.

KHS Celebrates Future Educators at Signing Day Ceremony

In a heartfelt ceremony that blended tradition, pride and purpose, Kearney High School hosted its annual Future Educators Signing Day last night in the school library.

The event honored 11 seniors who have completed the school's Education Internship program and are preparing to pursue degrees in teaching at colleges and universities across Missouri and beyond.

Kayla Resler – Northwest Missouri State University – Elementary Education

This meaningful milestone, modeled after athletic and fine arts signing ceremonies, celebrates students who have committed to entering the teaching profession, a calling that shapes future generations. Family members, staff, and school leaders gathered to recognize the hard work and dedication of these future educators.

"These students represent the very best of what Kearney has to offer," said Mendy Salmonson, the KHS educator who leads the two-year internship program. "They've already spent hundreds of hours in classrooms, learning the realities of teaching and discovering their passion for education. This is more than a career choice for them—it's a mission."

The following students participated in the April 2 signing day event:

Grace Daily – University of Kansas – Elementary Education

Elizabeth Demers – Maple Woods Community College – Special Education

Jules Ford – College of the Ozarks – Vocal Music Education

Olivia Kinstler – Missouri State University – Elementary Education

Brook Llewellyn – Maple Woods Community College – Elementary PE

Kayla Resler – Northwest Missouri State University – Elementary Education

Brylee Stegall – Missouri State University – Early Education

Klara Wentzel – College of the Ozarks – Instrumental Music Education

Three additional students were unable to attend the event but have also committed to pursuing degrees in education:

Garrett Hodge – Missouri State University – Secondary PE

Alaina Lehman – Central Methodist – Elementary Education

Elizabeth Shoemaker – University of Missouri–Kansas City – Elementary Education

The Education Internship Program is part of Kearney School District's Real World Learning initiative and provides seniors with hands-on learning experiences in elementary and secondary classrooms throughout the district. Under the guidance of mentor teachers, students assist with instruction, observe classroom management techniques, and begin developing their own teaching styles.

"We know how critical great educators are to the success of our schools and our communities," KSD Superintendent Emily Miller said. "It's exciting to see this next generation of teachers come up through our own system. We couldn't be prouder of them."

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center Expands in the Northland

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is expanding in the Northland with new locations opening this summer in Briarcliff and Liberty Hospital. Ranked in the top one percent nationwide, the cancer center's growth demonstrates a commitment to providing leading cancer care close to home.

In addition, the expansion will increase patient access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.

The Briarcliff location will open in June 2025 and initially provide medical oncology and hematology exam and limited infusion services. This new location will expand in the fall to offer all oncology infusion services with an on-site pharmacy and lab. This location will include 24 infusion chairs, 10 exam rooms, two consult rooms and laboratory and pharmacy space.

"We are excited to be able to extend our exceptional oncology care so that more people in the Northland will have access to nationally recognized cancer care close to home," said Jeffrey Holzbeierlein, MD, FACS, vice president and physician in chief, The University of Kansas Cancer Center. "Patients in the Northland deserve to have access to the very best cancer care, so we are investing and expanding to ensure even more people in our region experience superior cancer care close to home."

At the same time, a cancer center location will open at Liberty Hospital in summer 2025. Like the Briarcliff location, it will be a phased opening, initially offering medical oncology exam and infusion and adding radiation oncology in the fall.

"We intentionally joined The University of Kansas Health System to extend the reach of the highest quality healthcare – especially nationally recognized cancer care – to the Northland and beyond. Soon people will have access to The University of Kansas Cancer Center at Liberty Hospital, putting advanced cancer care within a convenient driving distance," said Raghu Adiga, MD, CEO of the Liberty Hospital (which joined The University of Kansas Health System in 2024). "We are thrilled to bring world-class care close to home.

With the addition of the Briarcliff and Liberty Hospital sites, the cancer center has 16 locations throughout Kansas and Missouri.

KPGZ News – Jill Chadwick contributed to this story.