Deputies Honored for Heroic Rescue of Twin Toddlers

Six Clay County deputies received the Distinguished Service Medal—the Sheriff’s Office’s second-highest honor—and 16 others were awarded the Meritorious Service Award at a ceremony Friday, May 2, for their roles in rescuing twin toddlers from a hostage situation last fall.

The incident unfolded on the evening of October 28, 2024, when Pleasant Valley Police responded to a 6:18 pm call reporting a domestic disturbance in the 7100 block of Fulton Road. Officers arriving on scene spoke with a woman who said her partner had assaulted her and remained inside the home with a firearm. She had managed to get some of her children out of the house safely.

When the man refused to come out, Pleasant Valley Police called for assistance from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies arriving on scene learned that the couple’s 1-year-old twin toddlers were still inside the house, and the man was refusing to release them.

The Sheriff’s Special Tactics and Response (STAR) Team and the Negotiations Team were activated, while nearby townhomes were evacuated as a precaution. Negotiators worked through the night to de-escalate the situation, gathering intelligence from family members, witnesses, and law enforcement databases to build a detailed profile of the suspect and the home’s layout, including the potential locations of firearms.

Shortly after midnight, following hours of failed negotiations, deputies entered the home. They encountered the suspect armed with a handgun, which they were able to wrestle away before taking him into custody. The twin toddlers were rescued unharmed and reunited with their mother. Two deputies sustained injuries entering the home through a broken window.

The suspect has been charged with felony domestic assault and remains in custody awaiting trial.

Clay County Sheriff Will Akin commended the deputies’ bravery and professionalism. “Their courage and teamwork under extreme pressure brought two innocent children to safety. These awards are a small token of the immense gratitude we feel for their dedication,” he said during the ceremony.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Bulldogs Blank Winnetonka in 8-0 Rout

The Kearney Bulldogs were firing on all cylinders Monday, May 5, delivering a dominant 8-0 shutout against the visiting Winnetonka Griffins in a performance that showcased their strength on both sides of the ball.

Gabe Newton hit 1-2 and had 2 RBIs

The Bulldogs wasted no time taking control of the game, getting on the board in the bottom of the second inning when Gabe Newton drove in a run with a sharp single. Kearney kept the pressure on in the third as Tyler Maynard ripped a double down the left field line, followed by a sacrifice fly from Cameron Taylor — each bringing home a run to extend the lead to 3-0.

On the mound, Kearney ace Cale Davis was nearly untouchable. The senior right-hander pitched five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out nine and walking none. Davis set the tone early, mowing down the Griffins lineup with efficiency and control. Brock Scott came in for relief duty and kept the shutout intact, tossing two solid innings with two strikeouts.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs' offense continued to click. Jett Yoakum and Trent Dostal led the way with two hits each, while Newton and Yoakum each recorded two RBIs. Dostal also caused havoc on the bases, stealing two bags as part of Kearney’s six total stolen bases on the night. The Bulldogs’ aggressive baserunning and sharp hitting proved too much for Winnetonka to handle.

Defensively, the Bulldogs were just as sharp, turning a clean double play to squash a potential rally by the Griffins.

Winnetonka's Dylan Kroll shouldered the bulk of the pitching duties, going six innings and allowing nine hits and eight runs (six earned) while striking out five. Offensively, the Griffins managed just four hits — one each from Kroll, Landon Erwin, Mason Crockett, and Hunter Nading.

With this commanding win, the Bulldogs continue to build momentum as they push deeper into the season. Their combination of dominant pitching, timely hitting, and smart base running is proving to be a winning formula.

The Bulldogs’ next home game is Wednesday, May 7 at 5 pm. Listen to live play-by-play action on 102.7FM starting at 4:30 with pregame.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County K9 Golf Tournament Set for June 27

The Clay County Sheriff's Office will host its annual K9 Golf Tournament on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville. The tournament will support the health, safety, and continued operations of the department’s K9 Unit.

The event will begin at 8 am and wrap up by 2 pm, featuring a four-person scramble format. Registration is $400 per team or $100 per individual player. Lunch will be provided, and all players will receive a free raffle ticket. The tournament will also include contests, prizes, and more.

Proceeds from the event will go toward sustaining the department's current K9 Unit, as well as purchasing additional canines. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office K9 teams play a vital role in the community by locating missing persons, detecting dangerous drugs, finding evidence, and assisting other law enforcement agencies across the region.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at levels ranging from $100 to $500. Interested participants and sponsors can download and complete the appropriate forms and mail them, along with payment, to:

Clay County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit

12 S. Water St.

Liberty, MO 64068

Payments should be made payable to: Clay County Sheriff K-9 Fund.

For more information and to access registration or sponsorship forms, visit the Clay County Sheriff's Office website. https://www.sheriffclayco.org/news-events/events/2025-k9-golf-tournament/

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Man Arrested for Felony Domestic Assault

A Kearney man is facing felony domestic assault charges following an incident that occurred Wednesday, April 30, in the Marimack Farms neighborhood.

According to the Kearney Police Department, officers responded to the area after a domestic violence victim managed to escape the residence and call 911. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, who had visible injuries to her head and face resulting from the assault. She was evaluated and treated on the scene by emergency medical personnel.

An investigation by the department’s Criminal Investigations Unit revealed that the suspect — identified as the victim’s father — had at least two prior convictions for domestic violence. Under Missouri law, this incident qualifies as a felony offense.

Officers and detectives located the suspect at his residence, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Jason Connell, 48, of Kearney, Missouri, was arrested and charged with felony domestic assault in the third degree. Charges were filed by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, and Connell is being held on a $20,000 bond.

The Kearney Police Department continues to investigate the case.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

PCEC Election Process Now Open

Platte Clay Electric Cooperative consumer-members have the opportunity to cast their votes to the board of directors. The online voting portal for the 2025 election is open now through May 27.

Three board of director positions that are up for election as well as three bylaw amendments. Information about each candidate and bylaw amendment is available in the voting portal. There is also additional information available in Platte-Clay Electric’s ONLINE VOTING GUIDE.

Members can cast votes for one candidate from each district. All members are eligible to vote for each district race regardless of the district you live in.

All members who vote in this year’s election will automatically be entered to win free energy bill credits. PCEC is giving away two $750 credits and one grand prize credit of $1,500.

Prize winners will be drawn and announced the week following the annual business meeting on May 29. The drawing will not take place at the meeting and you do not need to be present to win.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.