Kearney Spring Bulky Item Pickup

The spring curbside bulky pick up will be collected on resident’s regular trash day during the week of April 20-24.  You can find your pickup day by entering your address into the city’s interactive map HERE. Each household is allowed to place up to 4 yards of bulky trash items at the curb for pickup by 7am on their pickup day.

Accepted Items

• Furniture

• Lawnmowers, which must be empty of any fuel or oil

• Barbeque grills WITHOUT propane tanks

• Carpeting, up to four-foot-long rolls that are securely tied, weighing less than 40lbs. Two rolls count as one item

• Mattresses and box springs

• Wood must be bundled in 4-foot lengths, with each bundle weighing less than 40lbs

• Misc Debris – must be in bags that are no bigger than 39 gallons and weigh no more than 40lbs. 2 bags equal 1 item

Not Accepted Items

• White Goods/Appliances – whether Freon has been drained or not, Missouri Law prohibits white goods/appliances in MO landfills

• Hazardous Waste: flammable, corrosive, explosive, toxic, or radioactive materials, including engine oil, fuel tanks, paint, fluorescent light bulbs, etc

• Automotive batteries

• Tires

• Compressed gas cylinders

• Riding lawnmowers

• Glass panels where any dimension exceeds four feet

• Yard Waste, Brush, or tree limbs

• Rocks, bricks, or concrete

• Latex or oil-based paint

• Fertilizer, pesticide, solvent

• Construction material larger than 4x4, roofing material, loose flooring materials, or railroad ties

• Liquid waste

• Solid waste and recycling materials that are collected as part of regular service

• Any waste or material that is prohibited from being received, managed, or disposed of at a landfill

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Aldermen, Ballot Question Results

Voters went to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, to decide who would serve in elected positions and if the city residents would approve a bond issue to help fund wastewater system improvements. Here are the unofficial results from the Clay County Board of Elections:

Board of Aldermen

Ward 1 Alderman incumbent Ashton King and incumbent Ward 2 Alderman David Lehman ran unopposed and were automatically reelected for those seats on the Board of Aldermen.

Kearney Question (Wastewater System Bond Issue)

Residents also voted how to finance required wastewater system improvements. Wastewater systems are funded by user fees paid by customers who use the system, not taxes.

 A “Yes” vote allows the City to use the lower-interest State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program. A “No” vote means the City would still complete the work but using traditional financing at a higher cost.

The bond issue question was soundly approved by voters. 82.3% voters were in favor of the measure, while 17.7% of voters said no.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Wheels of Engagement Trailer Strengthens Community Connections

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is set to launch its new Wheels of Engagement trailer, aiming to foster stronger connections throughout the community.

The trailer, once used by the Emergency Management Division for supplies, has been transformed and wrapped with a fresh design by Kansas City North Signarama. Now stocked with yard games, sports equipment, and interactive activities, including games played directly on its exterior, the trailer promises to bring entertainment and opportunities for positive interactions wherever it goes.

Community Services Coordinator Hillary Hidy, who led the project, explained that the trailer enables deputies to meet residents in a fun, approachable setting and encourages non-enforcement interactions that break down barriers and build trust.

This initiative is part of a broader goal by the Community Engagement Unit to reach smaller and more rural communities such as Holt, Missouri City, Mosby, and Avondale, following their free holiday meal distribution in December in partnership with Hy-Vee.

Public Relations Manager Sarah Boyd noted that while the office hosts numerous events in larger population centers, the Wheels of Engagement trailer will help bring festivities directly to residents who may not have access to those gatherings. The trailer will appear at community events, schools, neighborhoods, outreach efforts, and pop-up style events throughout Clay County, with schedules posted on the Sheriff’s Office website.

Coordinator Hidy expressed hope that the initiative will create an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable engaging with deputies, ultimately fostering trust, improving communication, and building lasting relationships across the county.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

After Eight Years, Mayor Pogue Will Not Run for Reelection

Kearney Mayor Randy Pogue has announced he will not seek reelection after serving eight years in office. In a heartfelt statement, Pogue expressed that the decision came after much thought and reflection, describing his time as mayor as one of the greatest honors of his life.

“After a great deal of thought and reflection I have made the decision not to seek another term as mayor of Kearney Missouri, said Pogue. “Serving this community has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life over the course of what will be 8 years in this role.”

Mayor Pogue highlighted achievements including strategic infrastructure investments, responsible growth, expanded parks, strengthened public safety, and building a strong financial foundation for the city. He credited the committed board, dedicated city staff, community partners, and passionate residents for making these accomplishments possible, emphasizing that none of the progress happened alone.

Pogue shared his gratitude for being part of a community that actively participates and strives to do things the right way. Although he will not run for another term, He assured residents that he remains fully committed to finishing his current term with the same dedication and focus.

Mayor Pogue believes that a thoughtful transition in leadership can be positive for Kearney and is excited for the city’s future. On a personal note, Pogue looks forward to spending more time with his family and focusing on his professional career, two priorities that he says deserve more attention in the years ahead.

He concluded by expressing pride in what has been accomplished, optimism for Kearney's continued success, and gratitude to the community for the opportunity to serve as mayor.

“Kearney's future is incredibly bright I'm proud of what we've accomplished together and the work we've done truly has positioned our community for continued success it truly has been an honor and privilege to serve you as your mayor. Thank you for your trust and providing this amazing opportunity for me to serve our community.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Community Partnerships Drive Opioid Prevention Success

Clay County is making notable progress in its fight against opioid misuse, as highlighted in the Opioid Settlement Task Force’s newly released 2025 annual report. The report details how settlement funds are being used to reduce opioid-related harm, with 7,686 individuals directly impacted by prevention efforts and an estimated $14 return for every $1 invested.

Clay County is set to receive $2,694,343 over 20 years, and in 2025, $192,343 was distributed to four community partners dedicated to prevention and recovery support.

Beacon Mental Health received $105,000, providing peer support services and assisting clients with housing and transportation needs. The Northland Coalition was allocated $65,000, distributing mini grants to grassroots organizations like Excelsior Springs SAFE and Liberty Alliance for Youth.

The Office of Dispute Resolution used $19,000 to conduct juvenile drug tests and offer educational programming to youth and their parents. Clay County Public Health Center received $3,343, boosting naloxone vending machines from three to eleven and distributing over 4,500 boxes countywide.

Residents are encouraged to read the full report, which includes more data and personal stories from those impacted by these initiatives. The Task Force, led by Public Health Director Darrell Meinke and supported by community leaders, continues to drive collaborative efforts.

In early 2026, the Clay County Public Health Center launched the Opioid Surveillance Dashboard, a new tool offering real-time data on opioid deaths and hospitalizations as part of the county’s broader Data Hub.

While opioid overdose deaths surged during the pandemic, peaking in 2022, the rate has since declined, although it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. Clay County’s ongoing prevention and intervention efforts are helping to turn the tide and provide hope for affected families.

Find more information about opioids and local resources at clayhealth.com/opioids.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.