Warrior Wednesday: Empowering the Next Generation

When you hear the word “Warriors,” you think of strength, unity, resilience, and leadership. Ashley Collins and Ashley Crawley came up with an idea to create safe spaces for students to learn about Jesus and it has grown into a movement impacting dozens of young lives every week.

In January 2024, Ashley Collins brought those very qualities to life by launching Warrior Wednesday, a before-school gathering for 6th and 7th grade boys at Kearney Middle School. What started as a simple idea—

Warrior Wednesday meets at 6:50 am and kicks off with breakfast snacks like donuts or other items generously donated by community members. Each week, guest speakers, such as the chaplain for the Kansas City Chiefs, local leaders, military veterans and former athletes share encouraging, Bible-based messages that speak to the hearts of young men navigating life, school, and faith.

After witnessing the impact, Ashley Crawley was inspired to start a girls’ version of the group, offering the same faith-filled community for middle school girls. Together, these groups have not only challenged students but also encouraged them in their physical and spiritual journeys.

“If there's one message these programs strive to share, it’s this: God loves us all and will meet us right where we are,” said Crawley.

These groups also equip students to share the Gospel by providing items like bracelets, necklaces, bookmarks, and small tokens of faith—all made possible through donations and volunteers. On any given Wednesday, between 50 and 70 students gather in fellowship, meeting behind the school or indoors at the New Sparks Building during inclement weather.

As this year’s 7th graders looked ahead to junior high, many expressed disappointment that Warrior Wednesday wouldn’t continue. In response, the leaders are expanding the program with Tribal Tuesdays, launching in the fall for junior high students. These gatherings will also meet at 6:50 am, near the tennis courts, ensuring the mission continues to grow alongside the students.

The passion doesn’t stop there. Wanting to extend the connection beyond the school week, Ashley Crawley partnered with Radiant Life Church in Kearney, MO, to create Warrior Weekends—a monthly evening event open to all 6th–9th graders, regardless of school district. Held from 7–9 pm at Radiant Life, each gathering features fun activities, food, community, and a faith-filled message designed just for teens.

Event dates can be found on the Radiant Life Church website (www.radiantlifeag.org), on Facebook (Radiant Life Church), or by calling the church directly  at 816-628-4169.

KPGZ News – Submitted by Ashley Crawley

Lions Club Hosts Breakfast for Special Needs Individuals

The Fulfillment House, in partnership with the Kearney Lion’s Club is set to host a special breakfast for individuals with special needs on Saturday, July 26, at Jesse James Park. This complimentary community gathering is designed to foster connection, fun, and inclusion for special needs people of all ages and abilities.

Attendees will be treated to donuts and orange juice to start the morning, followed by a variety of engaging activities including cornhole, frisbee, and opportunities to enjoy the amenities of the park. Organizers encourage families and caregivers to join in the festivities, emphasizing that the event is open and accessible to everyone within the special needs community.

The breakfast will take place from 9 to 11 am and is completely free to the public. Organizers hope the event will serve as both a joyful celebration and a platform for building lasting friendships and support networks.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Eight Traffic Fatalities Reported Over July Fourth Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released its preliminary report detailing incidents and enforcement activity during the 2025 July Fourth holiday weekend. The counting period began at 6 pm, on Thursday, July 3, and concluded at 11:59 pm, on Sunday, July 6.

Missouri troopers responded to a total of 246 traffic crashes over the extended holiday weekend, resulting in 115 injuries and eight fatalities on the state's roads. The Patrol also arrested 114 individuals for driving while intoxicated (DWI) during this time frame.

For comparison, during the 2024 holiday counting period, Missouri experienced a higher toll: 14 people lost their lives and 560 were injured in 1,366 traffic crashes. Last year, 149 arrests were made for DWI during the same period.

In terms of waterway safety, troopers reported nine boating crashes statewide, leading to four injuries but no fatalities. Notably, there were also zero drownings documented during the holiday period. Troopers made 13 arrests for boating while intoxicated (BWI), slightly higher than the 12 BWI arrests recorded during the 2024 holiday weekend.

The 2024 July Fourth holiday period saw 10 boating crashes and seven injuries, with no fatalities or drownings reported.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to emphasize the importance of safety on both roads and waterways, especially during busy holiday periods. While the number of traffic fatalities decreased compared to last year, troopers remain vigilant, urging all Missourians to celebrate responsibly and remain attentive behind the wheel and at the helm.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Kehoe Signs Proposition A Relief Bill

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed HB 567 into law today, providing relief to businesses by removing Proposition A’s paid sick leave mandate. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton and handled in the Senate by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter of Jefferson City, keeps the statewide minimum wage at $15 but eliminates automatic annual wage increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. The law takes effect August 28.

Proposition A, passed last year, required paid sick leave for all employees and set up yearly minimum wage hikes based on inflation. Business groups, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, argued that these mandates made it harder to plan and threatened jobs, especially for small and mid-sized companies. The Chamber led a coalition of over 550 businesses to advocate for HB 567 as its top legislative priority in 2025.

Chamber President Kara Corches praised the new law, saying, “Business owners were clear: Proposition A’s paid leave and minimum wage policies were a job killer. Missouri employers value their employees and recognize the importance of offering competitive wages and benefits, but one-size-fits-all mandates threaten growth.”

While the business community welcomes the change, worker advocates warn that ending the sick leave requirement removes a vital protection, especially for low-wage employees. They also caution that eliminating CPI-based wage increases could allow inflation to erode workers’ buying power.

Looking ahead, Proposition A supporters have already filed paperwork for a 2026 constitutional amendment to restore the paid sick leave mandate and CPI-linked wage hikes. Both business and worker advocacy groups are preparing for a renewed battle over Missouri’s labor laws.

For now, Missouri employers will see more flexibility and predictability in managing labor costs, but the debate over paid leave and minimum wage policy is far from over.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Man Arrested After Alleged Molestation at Smithville Lake Beach

Clay County deputies have arrested and charged a 26-year-old man after an alleged assault involving two teenage girls at Smithville Lake on Independence Day.

Carlos Climaco-Garcia

According to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Carlos Climaco-Garcia, 26, was taken into custody on July 4 and now faces two felony counts of child molestation. The alleged incident occurred around 8 pm, at the Little Platte Swim Beach, where two 13-year-old girls were swimming.

Investigators report that the man approached the girls in the water and began asking them personal questions which made them uncomfortable. He then allegedly grabbed and groped the girls, attempting to remove their swimsuits. The girls managed to escape by reportedly kicking the suspect in the groin and returned to the beach to alert their parents.

The parents immediately notified deputies in the area and provided a description of the suspect. Deputies located Climaco-Garcia a short time later and took him into custody.

Climaco-Garcia is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond. A bond hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, during which prosecutors will ask the judge to increase the bond to $100,000.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with additional information to contact authorities.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.