Bulky Item Trash Week Starts May 5

Bulky item pick-up in Kearney begins on Monday, May 5, and runs through Thursday, May 8. Items will be picked up by Redgate Disposal.

Bulk items will be removed using the normal weekly schedule. Normal weekly trash pickup will occur as well, by a separate truck. Customers should expect two trash trucks that week, one for bulk and one for regular trash. Each household is allowed to place up to 4 feet of bulky trash items at the curb for pickup by 7am on their pickup day.

The accepted items have changed slightly this year from years past. Items accepted by Redgate include furniture and outdoor furniture, small countertop items, area rugs and blinds, kids toys and bikes, push mowers with gas and oil removed, BBQ grills with propane tanks removed and mattresses and box springs.

Items not being accepted are any construction and remodeling materials, white goods and appliances, hazardous waste: oil, paint, tires, batteries, chemicals, and fluorescent bulbs, compressed gas cylinders, riding lawn mowers, yard waste, heavy metal items or car parts, and fireworks and ammunition.

Bulk item pickups should be placed at the curb by 7 am and are limited to a four by four foot total area size.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

MoDOT Urges Caution as Construction Season Begins

As Missouri prepares for one of the largest construction seasons in its history, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is urging drivers to “Work with Us” by making safe driving decisions in and around work zones. The reminder comes during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21–25, and amid an expected surge in roadwork across the state.

MoDOT officials say motorists will encounter between 800 and 1,000 active work zones daily throughout the 2024 construction season—more than ever before. With so much activity on Missouri roads, driver caution is critical to protecting the lives of workers and travelers alike.

"In each of these work zones are men and women simply doing their job to construct and maintain a transportation system that makes our lives better," said Jon Nelson, MoDOT’s State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer. “Stay alert and slow down to keep them safe.”

In 2024, 23 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes, with distracted driving contributing to at least four of those fatalities and more than 350 total crashes. Speeding and inattention remain the leading causes of work zone incidents.

MoDOT is emphasizing compliance with Missouri’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to change lanes—when safe—when approaching MoDOT, law enforcement, or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights. If a lane change isn’t possible, drivers must reduce speed and proceed cautiously.

The department is also highlighting the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, enacted to curb cell phone use behind the wheel. Since the law took effect, MoDOT has seen promising signs: work zone vehicle strikes were cut nearly in half, and work zone fatalities declined in 2024.

“While we’re encouraged by the progress, we still have a lot of work to do,” Nelson said. “High speeds and distractions remain our greatest threats. That’s why we continue to ask Missourians to ‘work with us’ by putting down the phone and slowing down.”

Drivers can prepare for upcoming roadwork by checking MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org, where they can find up-to-date details about construction zones along their routes.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Graves Opens Nominations for Service Academies

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves has announced the opening of the nomination process for students in North Missouri seeking to attend four of the nation's prestigious military service academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. While the U.S. Coast Guard Academy also offers admission to aspiring cadets, it follows a separate application process that does not require a congressional nomination.

Each year, numerous students from across the region apply for these highly competitive nominations. According to Congressman Graves, the process is rigorous but immensely rewarding, offering young leaders the opportunity to serve their country while receiving a top-tier education.

“It’s one of the greatest honors of my role in Congress to help these exceptional young men and women pursue their goals of military service through academy appointments,” said Graves. “These individuals represent the best and brightest of North Missouri.”

To be eligible for nomination, applicants must meet several criteria, including:

• Being at least 17 years old but not older than 22 (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy),

• Holding U.S. citizenship and permanent Missouri residency,

• Being unmarried with no dependents,

• Meeting all medical, physical, and academic standards set by the academies,

• Demonstrating good moral character,

• Possessing a valid Social Security Number.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to first open an application with their chosen academy, then contact Graves’ Kansas City District Office at 816-792-3976 for further guidance on the nomination process.

The deadline to submit a complete nomination application is 5 pm on October 10, 2025. After the deadline, applicants will be interviewed and evaluated by the Congressman’s Academy Nomination Review Board—a panel made up of academy alumni, veterans, and community leaders. The board will then recommend the most qualified candidates for Graves’ final nominations.

“This process ensures that those who receive nominations truly reflect the leadership, dedication, and excellence our academies demand,” Graves added. “Whether they receive a nomination or not, I am confident each applicant will go on to make North Missouri proud.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

RE/MAX Advantage Hosts Free Community Shred Event in Kearney

As part of a spring cleaning initiative, RE/MAX Advantage is inviting the community to safely dispose of personal and sensitive documents at a free Shred Event on Saturday, May 10, from 1 – 3 pm, at 300 S Platte Clay Way, Ste A, in Kearney.

The event, open to the public, will run for two hours and offers residents a secure way to get rid of old tax documents, financial papers, and other personal records. Whether you're clearing out your filing cabinets or looking to protect your identity, this event provides a convenient and responsible way to dispose of confidential materials.

RE/MAX Advantage is hosting the event in partnership with Stewart Title, Fleming Group KC (Prime Lending), Country Financial – Jenna Nelson, Hammett Services, and Diamond D Land Management.

To sweeten the deal, the first 85 attendees will receive a free drink courtesy of Travelin' Tom’s Coffee Truck, which will be on-site throughout the event.

“This is a great opportunity to tidy up after tax season and safely shred old paperwork while enjoying a coffee on us,” said a RE/MAX Advantage representative. “We’re excited to give back to the community with the help of our generous partners.”

The event is open to everyone—no need to RSVP. Just bring your documents and enjoy a cup of coffee while your papers are securely shredded.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

North Kansas City Hospital Joins Prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network

North Kansas City Hospital (NKCH) has joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a significant milestone that aligns the hospital with one of the most respected names in medicine and strengthens its commitment to delivering exceptional care.

The partnership connects NKCH with a global network of independent health systems that have special access to the Mayo Clinic’s extensive medical expertise, resources, and collaborative tools. Through this affiliation, NKCH providers will be able to consult directly with Mayo Clinic specialists and access a range of services designed to enhance patient care — all while maintaining their independence.

“Joining the Mayo Clinic Care Network is a historic accomplishment that will enhance our capabilities and help us continue our goal of delivering the highest level of care to our community,” said Dr. Stephen Reintjes Sr., president and CEO of NKCH.

The Mayo Clinic Care Network includes a select group of health systems that undergo a rigorous review process to ensure alignment with Mayo Clinic’s standards of high-quality, evidence-based care. As a nonprofit organization, Mayo Clinic is recognized worldwide for its innovations in clinical practice, research, and education.

NKCH leaders say the collaboration opens new doors for both providers and patients. Medical teams at NKCH will now have access to tools like AskMayoExpert, a point-of-care resource for clinical information; eConsults, which enable direct physician-to-physician consultations with Mayo Clinic experts; and eBoards, allowing local teams to discuss complex cases via video conference with Mayo specialists.

“Becoming a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network is the beginning of a new era for our health system,” said Dr. Steven Starr, Chief Medical Officer at NKCH. “The opportunity to have access to Mayo Clinic’s knowledge and to provide that knowledge to our patients locally, at no additional cost, is incredible.”

The affiliation also includes professional development opportunities and continuous medical education for NKCH providers, reinforcing the hospital’s long-standing commitment to excellence in patient care.

With this partnership, North Kansas City Hospital joins a global movement to bring world-class expertise closer to home, strengthening its role as a trusted leader in community healthcare.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.