Storms Cause Damage and Power Outages in Kearney

Storms swept through Kearney overnight, leaving behind a trail of debris and causing a power outage at Kearney Elementary School. Public Works crews confirmed that all roads were passable as of 12:45 a.m. on Friday, April 24.

The Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District stated that the Emergency Management team, along with the U.S. National Weather Service, will survey the area for storm damage. However, city leaders noted that the most significant storm impacts were concentrated between 19th St. and 10th St., east of State Route 33.

Residents are reminded that any debris and trees on private property remain the responsibility of property owners. The City’s Recycling and Compost Center, located at 504 E. 19th St., will accept limbs and woody debris from Kearney residents only. Due to the extensive tree and limb damage, officials have announced that the Center will be open from dawn to dusk on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Kearney School District reported that Kearney Elementary School would not hold classes on Friday because of the power outage caused by the storms. Ameren crews are currently working to restore power, and crews will continue assessing storm impacts throughout Friday.

Mayor Randy Pogue has been in the affected areas and is in contact with regional leaders. He has requested public works crews to keep roadways safe and clear debris. Mayor Pogue described significant wind damage along the 19th Street and 33 Highway Intersection and Southbrook Parkway.

“We experienced significant wind damage,” posted Mayor Pogue on his Facebook account. There are multiple areas of property damage, including downed trees and debris blocking roadways, damage to homes, and hazardous driving conditions.” He remains in direct contact with Emergency Management Director Fire Chief Kevin Pratt and the City Administrator, coordinating efforts to restore safe passage.

Mayor Pogue also commended the nonstop efforts of local crews, expressing pride in the progress made in clearing streets and removing debris throughout the day.

The National Weather Service has completed a detailed on-site assessment and identified specific areas of damage. City officials are awaiting their final determination and will provide further updates when available.

Residents should monitor the City of Kearney and Kearney School District for information regarding power restoration and school status. For questions or concerns, residents can contact Kearney City Hall at 816-628-4142. In case of emergency, call 911.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

KC Royals Choose to Relocate at Crown Center

In a landmark announcement today, the Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards revealed plans for a transformative development at Crown Center, poised to reshape the city’s landscape and economy. The partnership aims to deliver a world-class ballpark, extensive mixed-use facilities, and revamped headquarters for both organizations, promising unprecedented benefits for Kansas City and the region.

The ambitious project encompasses an 85-acre site centered around a park-like square with fountains, setting a new global standard for professional sports developments. The estimated $2 billion in private investment marks the largest in the city’s history, and the initiative is expected to generate more than 20,000 construction jobs.

Royals CEO and Chairman John Sherman expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing the legacy of founder Ewing Kauffman and the shared vision with Hallmark. “This project honors our founder’s wish for the Royals to remain a fixture in Kansas City and to maximize the team’s impact on his hometown,” Sherman said.

Hallmark Cards Executive Chairman Don Hall Jr. reflected on the project’s significance, noting the symbolic return of the Royals’ iconic crown to its neighborhood roots. “With the new stadium at Crown Center, Hallmark’s creative legacy comes full circle,” Hall said. “Fans entering the stadium will be immersed in the spirit that shaped both Kansas City and Hallmark.”

The longstanding relationship between Sherman and Hall, built over decades of civic and philanthropic collaboration, laid the foundation for this historic venture. The project will be financed primarily through private sources, with additional support from the City of Kansas City and Missouri’s Show-Me Sports Investment Act.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe emphasized the project’s statewide impact, stating, “Today’s announcement reinforces that the State of Missouri is not just where the Kansas City Royals play but where they belong,” Kehoe stated. “This decision by the Royals to invest in our state is more than just a commitment to Kansas City, it is a commitment to communities and fans across Missouri.”

The planned $1.9 billion Kansas City Royals downtown stadium and its associated development will utilize a public-private partnership for funding. About two-thirds of the total investment will come from private sources, including the Royals and partners such as Hallmark Cards. The remaining portion, approximately $600 million, will be contributed by public entities, with support from the City of Kansas City and the possibility of state assistance through Missouri’s Show-Me Sports Investment Act.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Hosts World Cup Watch Party and Concert

The City of Kearney is thrilled to announce Cleats & Beats, a premier community FanFest, watch party, and concert event set for Friday, June 19, 2026, at Jesse James Park beginning at 11 am. This high-energy celebration brings together the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event with the best in local entertainment, offering a unique experience for soccer fans and neighbors alike.

As soccer fever sweeps the nation, Kearney proudly invites the community to a special public screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between the USA and Australia. One of seven Northland locations participating in a live viewing partnership with GONorthKC, the city is bringing the global game to its own backyard on a massive outdoor screen.

 “Cleats & Beats is designed to bring that stadium-sized energy right here to our local park,” said Mayor Randy Pogue. “Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a great once-in-a-lifetime event out with your neighbors, this event has something for everyone. We are honored to partner with GONorthKC to ensure Kearney is a destination for fans across the region.”

Following the match, the celebration continues with the "Beats" portion of the event. High-energy party band The Bangerz will take the stage, performing a non-stop set of fan favorites, while a live DJ keeps the atmosphere electric well into the afternoon and evening.

Attendees can look forward to an array of activities and amenities, including:

• Food Trucks & Concessions: Enjoy a variety of local flavors and game-day snacks.

• Selfie Stations: Capture memories with custom-designed photo ops for friends and family.

• Fan Zone: Participate in interactive activities and concessions for fans of all ages, including a drop-in soccer camp with international coaches from Challenger Sports from 11:30 am – 1 pm.

Admission to Cleats & Beats is free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Gates at Jesse James Park will open early to allow fans to secure their spots before kickoff.

For more information and a full schedule of the day’s events, visit kearneymo.us or follow the City of Kearney on social media.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

High-Speed Chase Leads to Felony Charge

Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson

Clay County Prosecutors filed charges on April 20, against Reginald Lampkin Jr. for the Class D Felony of Aggravated Fleeing. This charge carries a possible sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The incident began in Liberty, MO, when Lampkin allegedly ran a red light at high speed and nearly hit another vehicle while driving a white Mazda CX9. After officers tried to stop him, Lampkin reportedly slowed down but then sped away, leading police on a 13-minute chase that stretched across Liberty, Kansas City, and Riverside. The pursuit covered 23 miles and reached speeds of 102 MPH.

Police reports indicate that Lampkin drove recklessly, weaving through traffic and ignoring red lights. The chase ended on Interstate 635 near the Kansas state line, where Lampkin allegedly abandoned his car and ran across busy highway lanes. Officers say he ignored commands to stop but was taken into custody after an officer used a Taser.

The Court has set Lampkin’s bond at $100,000. Authorities thanked the Liberty, Riverside, and Missouri State Highway Patrol departments for their teamwork during the investigation.

Officials emphasized the importance of stopping when signaled by law enforcement to keep everyone safe. The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office says it is committed to seeking justice through legal proceedings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

PCEC 2026 Membership Election Opens May 1

Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative consumer-members are invited to participate in the 2026 Membership Election by casting their votes online or by mail.

Voting opens May 1 and continues through May 26. To vote online, visit www.PCEC.coop/Vote and view each candidate’s full profile. All members who vote will automatically be entered into a drawing for free energy bill credits, applied to the member's electric account. Ten winners will receive $200 each in energy credits and one grand prize winner will take home $1,000 in energy credits.

Three of the nine board seats are up for election each year—one from each of the three service districts. This year, the South District will be the only contested district as directors Kelly Parkhurst and David Edwards are running unopposed in their respective districts. There are no other voting measures on the ballot.

General Manager/CEO Dave Deihl recognizes that it’s easy to skip an election when things are good, but notes voting is just as important when things are going well. “One of the things I often remind people is that participation matters just as much when you’re satisfied as when you’re not,” says Deihl in the Northland Connection. “A healthy cooperative depends on a wide range of voices, including those who feel good about where we’re headed. Voting is one of the simplest and most important ways to stay involved.”

Online voting is secure and managed by a third party to ensure fairness. To access the ballot, members will need their last name or business name, member number, and location number, all of which can be found on PCEC bills or the online billing portal. Alternatively, members can call (816) 343-4847 to request a mail-in ballot. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by May 19 and sent to P.O. Box 1648, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.