Nolte Officially Files for Reelection

Jerry Nolte has officially filed for re-election as Presiding Commissioner, announcing his candidacy on February 24. According to an early poll by Remington Research Group, Nolte holds a twenty-point lead over his opponent among likely voters for the August election.

Nolte holds a twenty-point lead over his opponent among likely voters for the August election.

Respondents cited his leadership, integrity, professionalism, and a strong track record of reducing taxes and controlling government spending as key reasons for their support. Nolte expressed gratitude for the poll results, saying he appreciates the continued support from Clay County residents for his efforts to represent the Northland.

Currently serving as Presiding Commissioner, Nolte has prioritized broad property tax relief, including targeted measures like senior property tax relief and reducing the commercial surtax. He highlighted improvements in county government since his tenure began, noting that Clay County has moved from divisiveness and inefficiency to greater collaboration for its citizens.

With eight years in the Missouri House of Representatives—where he helped pass legislation like the Manufacturing Jobs Act, which was instrumental in keeping the Ford plant and growing local jobs—Nolte brings legislative experience to his role. His nearly three decades in private business, including owning two companies, also inform his approach to economic development.

Nolte said he is honored to be the voice for the people of Clay County and hopes to continue serving, stating, “A first-class county deserves a first-class government we can all be proud of.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Nolte Clarifies Royals Ballot Misunderstanding

Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte has addressed recent confusion following a press release regarding the county’s involvement in a proposal with the Kansas City Royals. Nolte clarified that while the county missed the deadline to secure a measure on the April ballot, the proposal to bring the Royals to Clay County remains robust and active.

Nolte appeared on Mundo in the Morning on KCMO Talk Radio to clarify the press release that went out on January 28.

“The deadline was not met and that was largely an electoral deadline. Part of the reasoning behind that [press release] was we didn’t want people to think just that, that we were out of the picture. We wanted to make sure people understand that there is a strong and competitive proposal that the county has made.”

Nolte emphasized the significance of holding a public vote, stating that it is essential for the residents of Clay County to have a direct say in such a major decision. “The people of Clay County deserve the opportunity to be heard on this important matter,” Nolte said, reinforcing the county’s commitment to transparency and civic engagement.

The next potential ballot the Royals proposal for public vote could be in August, but as Nolte explained, the Royals have to decide where they want to locate the stadium.

“The Royals need to decide what their way forward is, whether they want to go with an option downtown in Kansas City, which quite frankly is a smaller footprint, or if they want to take advantage of the opportunity of approximately 100 acres in Clay County.”

Mundo also pressed Nolte on a post from Commissioner Withington where Withington said he was “done negotiating with the Royals.” Mundo asked Nolte if the commission is done or not.

“No, the commission is not done. Neither myself nor Commissioner Withington are members of our negotiation team. They [the team] still continue their work. I was talking with a member of the team, and I believe the door is still open.”

Commissioner Nolte also discussed the collaborative nature of the process, highlighting the roles of the state and other partners in making the proposal a reality. Nolte assured the public that Clay County remains dedicated to working together with all stakeholders to bring the Royals to the area and to ensure the best possible outcome for the community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Royals Decline Clay County Relocation Proposal

After nearly three years of discussions, the Kansas City Royals have chosen not to accept a relocation proposal from Clay County, Missouri, officials confirmed this week.

The Clay County Commission, which appointed Commissioners Jay Johnson, Jon Carpenter, and Scott Wagner to lead negotiations, had developed what they described as a strong and competitive offer intended to bring the Royals to Clay County. The proposed plan aimed to support the Royals franchise alongside a new dining and entertainment district, while safeguarding the financial interests of local taxpayers.

Negotiations were timed to fit the Royals’ stated desire for a finalized deal that could be placed on the April ballot. The county’s proposal required acceptance by January 8, 2026, to allow for public feedback and a formal vote by the Commission before presenting the measure to voters. The Royals did not accept the proposal within this deadline, meaning there will be no public vote on the relocation this April.

In a public statement, the Clay County Commission emphasized its commitment to prioritizing residents’ interests in all negotiations. The Commission reiterated that it would not engage in a bidding war with other jurisdictions, focusing instead on fair and responsible agreements with any business considering investment in Clay County.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Completes Nation Road Infrastructure Improvements

Clay County, Missouri, is celebrating the completion of two significant infrastructure projects on Nation Road, marking a major milestone in the county’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety and transportation. The projects involved stabilizing the streambank and realigning the roadway, as well as constructing a new bridge over Rock Creek.

Motivated by severe rains in 2022 that led to streambank erosion and the closure of Nation Road, county officials acted quickly to address the damage and prevent future issues. The improvements included reshaping and reinforcing the embankment, enhancing stormwater drainage systems, and relocating the roadway approximately 30 feet north to increase safety and durability for drivers.

The new bridge over Rock Creek replaces a nearly century-old structure originally built in 1925. The replacement is a modern steel girder bridge that is wider, longer, and sits higher than the previous span, making it more capable of handling current traffic volumes and better prepared to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Clay County Commissioner Jerry Nolte highlighted the long-term benefits of the projects, stating, “These improvements represent an investment in safety, resilience, and the long-term reliability of our county infrastructure. We truly appreciate the patience of residents during this project. Thanks to the careful planning and cooperation of our partners, we’ve rebuilt stronger and safer for the future.”

The design work was completed by Veenstra & Kimm, Inc., and construction was carried out by Decker Construction. Funding was made possible through $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stormwater Grants. County officials expressed gratitude to community members, staff, and project partners for their dedication and teamwork in bringing these improvements to fruition.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

County Thanks State Leaders for Advancing Economic Development Tools

Clay County officials today expressed their deep appreciation to Governor Mike Kehoe for his pivotal leadership in building momentum and securing broad-based support for key legislation that enhances Missouri’s ability to compete for major sports-related economic development. His engagement was critical to the successful passage of the Show Me Sports Investment Act and companion legislation specific to Clay County.

Clay County also thanked Senator Kurtis Gregory and Senator Maggie Nurrenbern for their sponsorship and championship of the Show Me Sports Investment Act, which creates new economic incentive tools that counties and municipalities can use to support professional sports investment and regional growth.

In addition, a separate piece of legislation was passed giving Clay County the authority to establish a Sports Authority, a move that enhances the County’s capacity to evaluate and pursue transformative economic opportunities.

The Clay County House Delegation was also recognized for its consistent support and collaboration throughout the legislative process.

“We are especially grateful to Governor Kehoe for his leadership and hands-on engagement, and to Senators Nurrenbern and Gregory for their vision and tenacity in moving this legislation forward,” said Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte. “These tools provide a foundation for meaningful economic development, and we look forward to continued conversations with the Kansas City Royals about the possibilities for Clay County and the region.”

Both bills are currently awaiting the Governor’s signature. Clay County officials are optimistic that the measures will be signed into law in the coming weeks.

KPGZ News – Squall Charlson contributed to this story.