New Poll Shows Strong Public Trust in Public Health Agencies

A new statewide survey reveals that Missourians overwhelmingly trust and support their local public health agencies (LPHAs)—and they want to see them thrive. The Missouri Public Health Trust Poll, conducted in early 2025, highlights both the strengths and opportunities in public health outreach across the state.

Key findings include:

• Nearly 60% of Missourians have used their local public health agency—demonstrating the essential role LPHAs play in communities.

• 71% of LPHA users trust their local health department, reinforcing the importance of direct engagement.

• 83% of Missourians support increased public health funding, recognizing its impact on community well-being.

• 26% of Missourians are unaware of the services available through their local LPHA, highlighting an opportunity for increased outreach and education.

“In a time where it can be confusing to know who to trust as a source of reliable information, it’s reassuring to see these results and know that people still largely trust their local health agencies,” said Darrell Meinke, Clay County’s director of public health. “I hope they can look at the members of our team and recognize neighbors who are working hard to make a positive impact on the health of their own community, to the best of their ability.”

The results provide a roadmap for strengthening public health trust and accessibility in Missouri. For both the Independence Health Department and Clay County Public Health Center that means expanding outreach efforts, increasing visibility in the community, and ensuring that every resident has access to the vital health services they need.

“We are in our community every day, providing everything from car seat inspections for new families and oral health classes to preschoolers to public health preparedness, food safety inspections, and mental health care,” said Christina Heinen, Health Director for Independence.  “Public health is here for everyone, and these results show that Missourians believe in the work we do. One of our most successful outreach programs pairs a community paramedic from the Fire Department with one of our licensed clinical social workers. They have made a tremendous impact in our community – responding to 800 persons in mental health crisis in our community last year alone, eliminating almost $300,000 in ambulance and emergency room costs.”

The Independence Health Department ensures the public's health through activities that protect the public from environmental hazards, prevent injury and disease, and promote healthy lifestyles. These goals are accomplished through enforcement of ordinances, health promotion, planning, and surveillance activities. In 2024, it handled 3,624 communicable disease cases, distributed 481 boxes of Narcan, and performed 1,757 permitted health inspections. It is located within Independence City Hall at 111 E. Maple, Independence, MO 64050 and more information can be found on its website.

Clay County Public Health Center aims to empower everyone to lead healthier lives through clinical services like immunizations and STI testing, as well as WIC services and school-based dental services. They also work to prevent foodborne illness, track diseases, connect community members with resources, and educate about healthy behaviors. Their building is located at 800 Haines Dr., Liberty, MO 64068 and more information can be found at clayhealth.com.

About the Missouri Public Health Trust Poll

The Missouri Public Health Trust Poll, which was conducted by Breakthrough Campaigns, surveyed 607 Missouri adults from February 26 – March 3, 2025, with an oversample of rural residents to ensure balanced representation. Respondents included a mix of urban and rural residents, individuals across income levels, and diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Check out the full breakdown of the Missouri Public Health Trust Poll HERE.

KPGZ News – Kelsey Neth contributed to this story.

Driver with Multiple Warrants Arrested After High-Speed Chase

A 33-year-old man from Gladstone, Missouri, is in custody after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through multiple cities Friday afternoon.

The incident began shortly after 3:30 p.m. when a Kearney police officer observed a vehicle speeding and driving recklessly on Watson Drive near the Price Chopper. As the officer attempted a traffic stop, he noticed the vehicle was displaying an expired temporary paper tag from 2024. The driver refused to pull over and fled southbound on Watson Drive.

The pursuit continued past the city’s water tower and onto 19th Street, where the suspect entered southbound Interstate 35. Officers from additional agencies joined the chase as the driver continued to evade law enforcement.

Clay County Sheriff’s deputies deployed stop sticks near the 69 Highway exit. The suspect drove over the devices, resulting in all four tires rapidly deflating. Despite this, the vehicle continued onto Highway 291 and into Liberty, eventually coming to a stop near N. Church Road and the Liberty Price Chopper.

The suspect exited the disabled vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. After a brief pursuit, officers deployed a Taser and successfully apprehended the man without further incident.

Authorities later discovered the suspect had a revoked driver’s license and six active warrants for his arrest, including one for resisting or evading arrest. No injuries or property damage were reported during the incident.

The man was transported to the Clay County Detention Center, where he was booked on felony charges of aggravated fleeing in a motor vehicle under Missouri’s “Valentine’s Law.” He was formally charged by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, and bond was set at $75,000.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Head to Capital Hill

Madelyn Whitten

Kearney High School seniors Lexie Barton and Madelyn Whitten joined 43 other members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization to participate in the annual Missouri Legislative Shadowing Project held April 8–9 in the state’s capitol.

Legislative Shadowing is a Missouri FCCLA-only program and gives students the opportunity to shadow a legislator for a day, advocate for FCS and FCCLA, and get to know the representatives for our area, according to KHS FCCLA sponsor Kassidy Robertson.

Miss Whitten shadowed Representative Josh Hurlbert, and Miss Barton shadowed Representative Mazzie Christensen. Both were able to witness an action-packed day with a heated House vote for a bill about slot machines in gas stations. They also met Governor Mike Kehoe.

"I couldn't ask for two better individuals to represent Kearney High School and FCCLA," Mrs. Robertson said. "Madelyn even expressed on the way home that her goal is to now end up working in the capitol in some capacity!"

The Legislative Shadowing Project gives students the opportunity to engage directly with Missouri’s legislative process, offering a hands-on look into state government as well as the opportunity for members to advocate for Missouri families, students, and Career and Technical Education as an integral part of education in Missouri’s schools.

Lexie Barton

The two-day experience began with a welcome reception on April 8, where students enjoyed light appetizers, participated in a civics review and agenda discussion, and heard from guest speaker Jessica Seitz, Executive Director of the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse (MO-NACA). Jessica, who previously served four years as the agency’s Director of Public Policy, shared valuable insights into advocacy, public service, and her time at the capitol. She also discussed previous and current legislation affecting children and families.

On Wednesday, April 9, participants met with their assigned state representatives and senators to begin their shadowing experience at the Capitol. Students observed legislative sessions and committee meetings, explored the roles of lawmakers, and gained a deeper understanding of how state policies are shaped.

The experience concluded with a reflective wrap-up session, where students shared favorite memories and created thank-you notes for the legislators and supporters who helped make this unique opportunity possible. The Legislative Shadowing Project continues to inspire future leaders by connecting students with real-world civic engagement, fostering the next generation of informed and active citizens.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Top Blue Springs in Midweek Showdown

The Kearney Bulldog baseball team took care of business at home on Wednesday, April 9, knocking off the visiting Blue Springs Wildcats with a 5-2 victory behind strong pitching and clutch hitting.

Blue Springs struck first, pushing across a run in the top of the first inning. But the Bulldogs responded in the bottom of the fourth, when Caleb Fletchall delivered a two-run double to put Kearney in front 2-1 — a lead they wouldn’t give up.

Fletchall, batting seventh in the order, came through in a big way, going 1-3 at the plate and collecting two RBIs. He also shined on defense, leading the team with 10 plays in the field.

Easton Haggart - Photo by David Haggart

On the mound, Easton Haggart turned in a gritty start. The right-hander went five and two-thirds innings, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out eight. Haggart battled through some command issues, walking five, but managed to keep Blue Springs off balance for most of the night. Owen McDaniel and Brock Scott came in out of the bullpen to close out the game.

Offensively, Grant Bogert led Kearney with two hits in three at-bats. The Bulldogs scattered their offense across the lineup and made their hits count.

Blue Springs showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks and swiping four bases. Carson Bushman and Ethan Melissinas led the Wildcats with two walks each. Despite their aggressiveness on the basepaths and a double play turned in the field, Blue Springs couldn’t crack the Bulldogs' defense or capitalize late.

With the win, Kearney improves their record to 5-5 and builds momentum heading into this weekend’s Jefferson City Tournament.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Transformative Health Summit Aims to Inspire Wellness and Purpose

Local residents looking to enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well-being are invited to attend Transformative Health: A Half-Day Summit for Mind, Body & Purpose on Friday, April 25, at the Mid-Continent Public Library, 100 S. Platte-Clay Way in Kearney. The event runs from 9:30 am to noon with doors opening at 9:15 am.

Organizers promise a morning of motivation and actionable strategies to help attendees jumpstart or deepen their personal wellness journeys. The summit will feature four expert-led sessions, a live panel Q&A, networking opportunities, and door prizes—all designed to empower participants to discover their best selves.

Highlights of the event include:

• Expert Talks: Four 30-minute sessions led by top professionals in functional health, physical therapy, mental health counseling, and addiction recovery.

• Interactive Panel Discussion: Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and engage with all four experts in a live Q&A.

• Light Refreshments: Charcuterie snacks provided by Cured by Salt, plus time to network with others focused on self-improvement.

• Prize Giveaways: Attendees will have the chance to win wellness-themed door prizes.

Featured speakers include Mandy Robertson, FDN-P, of Mandy Robertson Functional Health, Dr. Pete, Physical Therapist with True Health & Performance, Christina Blanton, LPC, RPT, of Connected Families Counseling, Zachary Atwell, Addiction and Loss Recovery Coach with Redemption Recovery Coaching.

Early bird tickets are available now at $48 for individuals and $40 for groups. General admission pricing begins April 21 at $55 per ticket.

Organizers encourage anyone looking to boost their energy, manage stress, and make lasting lifestyle changes to attend. For more details and ticket information, visit the Transformative Health EVENT PAGE.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.