Pursuit Results in Felony Charge for Aggravated Fleeing

Clay County prosecutors charged Raquel M. Tapia on June 12 after an alleged high-speed pursuit that began on northbound Interstate 35 and ended after a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper used a Tactical Vehicle Intervention.

Tapia is charged with aggravated fleeing, a Class D felony under Valentine’s Law, and driving while intoxicated, a Class B misdemeanor. The felony charge is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

According to police reports, the incident began when a silver Chevrolet sedan allegedly bypassed a traffic stop while traveling 93 mph in a 55-mph zone. After a trooper activated emergency lights, the vehicle allegedly accelerated and continued for several miles, reaching speeds of up to 114 mph while failing to maintain its lane and nearly striking several vehicles.

Investigators said the driver, later identified as Tapia, drove through a red light while turning eastbound onto 152 Highway, then turned southbound onto 291 Highway and reached speeds of up to 113 mph. The pursuit ended near 291 Highway and Leonard Street after a trooper conducted the intervention maneuver.

Police reports state that Tapia allegedly resisted arrest and repeatedly broke free from standard handcuffs, requiring officers to secure her with plastic flex handcuffs. Officers also reported observing multiple physical signs of intoxication and finding several open and empty alcohol containers inside the vehicle.

The court issued an arrest warrant and set Tapia’s bond at $75,000.

“An impaired driver who attempts to evade police creates an unpredictable and potentially deadly situation for innocent members of the public, other drivers, and law enforcement officers. The charges reflect the seriousness of that alleged risk,” Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson said.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Hall of Fame Golf Tournament Set for June 25

Kearney High School supporters will have the chance to hit the links this summer while supporting the school’s Hall of Fame program during the 2026 Kearney High School Hall of Fame Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 25, at Club Marimack in Kearney.

Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m., followed by a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament will use a four-person scramble format and is limited to the first 18 teams to register. The cost is $240 per team, and teams may sign up and pay online using the event’s QR code.

A catered BBQ lunch will be provided for participants, making the event an opportunity for golfers, alumni, families and community members to gather in support of Kearney High School activities.

Businesses and individuals may also support the tournament through several sponsorship levels. The Hall of Fame Tournament Sponsor package is available for $1,200 and includes a free four-person team entry, a banner at the Club Marimack entry point and recognition as the title sponsor.

Platinum sponsorships are available for $600, with four total opportunities for driving range or beverage cart sponsorships. These sponsors will receive signage at the driving range or on a beverage cart. Gold solo hole sponsorships are available for $400, with 17 total opportunities, and include sole signage on a tournament hole.

Purple course signage sponsorships are also available for $100 if hole sponsorships do not sell out.

For questions about registration or sponsorships, contact the Kearney High School Activities Office at 816-628-3647.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Another Top Ten Most Wanted Defendant Arrested

Dylan Ray Robertson, a defendant featured on Clay County’s Top Ten Most Wanted list, was taken into custody June 8 after a short foot pursuit near East 85th Street and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, according to authorities.

Robertson is charged with second-degree drug trafficking in State v. Robertson. This marks the fourth arrest since the launch of the county’s Top Ten Most Wanted initiative, an effort that offers a $3,000 anonymous reward for information leading to an arrest. The initiative was publicly announced in late May.

The arrest was carried out by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Kansas City Career Criminal Task Force. Officials said the apprehension followed continued investigative work and coordination among Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement partners.

Officials thanked community members who shared information related to the case, saying public cooperation remains an important part of helping law enforcement locate and apprehend alleged offenders. Robertson is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center pending further court proceedings.

To view the 10 Most Wanted list, visit claycountyprosecutor.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Mayor Pogue Highlights 2025 Accomplishments

Mayor Randy Pogue delivered his annual State of the City address during the Kearney Chamber of Commerce luncheon on June 3, spotlighting recent accomplishments and outlining priorities for the year ahead.

During his presentation, Mayor Pogue shared updates on several key infrastructure and community projects that are helping shape Kearney’s future.

“2025 has been another remarkable year for Kearney,” Mayor Pogue told Chamber members. “We have continued to make meaningful investments in infrastructure, economic development, parks, public safety, and other priorities that strengthen our community. New businesses are opening, major projects are taking shape, and we are making thoughtful decisions that position Kearney for long-term success.

The first item Pogue highlighted was the1 billion-gallon water tower, which is now fully operational. City crews also cleaned and inspected more than 21,000 feet of sanitary sewer lines, rehabilitated more than 5,000 feet through trenchless lining, and completed major maintenance improvements at the water treatment facility, where treatment basins were sandblasted and recoated to prevent corrosion and extend their useful life.

Another topic Pogue talked about was Kearney’s strong economic momentum. He acknowledged the opening of Precision Athletics & Wellness and River Trails BierWerks which opened this spring. He also commented that Kearney’s Innovation Business Park is nearing full buildout.

The mayor also highlighted national business brands that are going through the approval and construction process in Kearney, including Chipotle, AutoZone, and Les Schwab Tires.

Mayor Pogue also talked about the downtown revitalization of the original portion of Kearney through the CORE 353 redevelopment program. Six major projects have already been approved that represent more than $5.5 million in private investment.

Pogue also listed ways that Kearney became a more connected community in 2025 through pathway gap projects that improve connectivity and pedestrian safety throughout Kearney. These projects built five new sidewalk connections, ADA-accessible ramps at key locations, and a flashing pedestrian beacon at Meadowbrook Drive to improve crossing safety.

At Lions Park, the city completed a major playground replacement project using a new poured-in-place safety surface, significantly improving accessibility, safety, and usability for children of all abilities. At Jesse James Park, the city added new playground features, including a Ten Spin attraction and a new web climber.

Mayor Pogue also outlined future projects for the city. Projects in the works include the Mack Porter Park connector trail, which will create new recreational and transportation opportunities, a new water line along Nation Road which will support future development near the interchange, the 19th Street Complete Street project to enhance connectivity, improve safety, and support future development potential, and major wastewater system improvements, including a $60 million expansion of the wastewater treatment facility to accommodate Kearney’s continued growth.

Mayor Pogue concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Kearney’s growth and unity: “When I reflect on all we have accomplished, one thing becomes clear: the true strength of Kearney is its people. Success is measured not only in infrastructure and development, but in the families who enjoy our parks, the businesses that choose to invest here, the volunteers who serve their neighbors, and the residents who believe in this community’s future.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Officials Urge Homeowners to Sign Up for Deed Fraud Alerts

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office is warning residents that property deed scams are increasing and can be used to target a homeowner’s equity by filing fraudulent paperwork. In response, the Clay County Recorder of Deeds is encouraging property owners to enroll in Deed Watch, a free fraud alert service that monitors activity recorded under selected names.

To sign up, residents can register with a valid email address at deedwatch.com, select Clay County and enter the verification code sent to their email. Users can then add variations of their own name, a spouse’s name or any other name they want to monitor for recorded documents.

When a document is recorded under one of those selected names, the service sends an instant email alert so the property owner can quickly verify whether the transaction is legitimate. Officials emphasized that Deed Watch is only an alert and monitoring service and does not stop documents from being recorded, confirm whether a filing is legal or replace advice from an attorney.

Officials said the signup process takes about five minutes. Property owners with questions can contact the Clay County Recorder of Deeds at 816-407-3550.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.