Stolen Vehicle Suspect Arrested Near Worlds of Fun

A Guatemalan man attempted to flee Kearney Police in a stolen vehicle on Black Friday, but the only special deal he received was a K-9 bite and a free ride to jail.

Kearney police officers identified a stolen vehicle on Friday, November 29. When they tried to stop the vehicle, the driver fled south on I-35. Officers requested the assistance of outside agencies to help capture the suspect.

Cristian Guevara-Urbina - police photo.

The vehicle crashed on I-435, just south of 69 Highway in Claycomo. The occupant, Cristian Guevara-Urbina, fled from the vehicle and tried to hide in a wooded area on Randolph Rd.

Urbina was found and taken into custody after being bitten by a Kansas City, MO K-9 officer.

Urbina was charged with two felonies – tampering with a motor vehicle and also “Valentines Law,” a new Missouri law that is described as “aggravated fleeing a stop.” Because of the high-speed and dangerous manner in which he operated the vehicle, this is a Class D felony.

Urbina is being held in the Clay County Detention Facility on a $40,000 bond. Kearney Police are working with the Department of Homeland Security to determine his citizenship status and possible other charges.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Fulfillment House Appoints General Manager

The Fulfillment House is gaining a General Manager. The non-profit organization announced that Joey Soutter will become the General Manager effective December 2.

Joey, Katie and Theo Soutter – Fulfillment house shared photo.

The Fulfillment House made the announcement on their Facebook page and noted some of Soutter’s accomplishments and experience:

“Most recently, he served as a Change Implementation Analyst at Oracle Health in Kansas City, where he managed complex software changes, conducted training sessions, and collaborated with internal stakeholders to escalate changes impacting critical operations,” reads the social media post.

Soutter has also worked as an Account Specialist at Fastenal, overseeing inventory management, auditing processes, and achieving significant operational efficiencies.

The Fulfillment House says Soutter will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, developing strategic initiatives, and ensuring Fulfillment House continues to meet its mission of serving adults with special needs and disabilities through meaningful employment opportunities and community engagement.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Alderman Candidate Window Opens December 10

The window for candidates to file for the annual City election next year will open on Tuesday, December 10, at 8 am. The filing period closes on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 5 pm, in accordance with 115.127.5 RSMo.

In this election cycle one seat on the Board of Aldermen from Ward 1 and one seat from Ward 2 are open. Both seats serve for a term of two years.

According to the city’s website, no person shall be an Alderman unless he/she be at least eighteen (18) years of age, a citizen of the United States, and an inhabitant and resident of the City for one (1) year next preceding his/her election, and a resident, at the time he/she files and during the time he/she serves, of the ward from which he/she is elected.

Filing may be recorded with the City Clerk at Kearney City Hall, 100 E. Washington Street, Kearney, MO, during normal business hours from 8 am, until 5 pm, Monday through Friday. City offices will be closed all day on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and all day Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Election Day is Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Magical Night Returns to Kearney

Kearney’s annual Magical Night and Lighted Christmas Parade returns in less than three weeks with fun activities and an appearance by Santa Claus.

The Kearney Enrichment Council’s Magical Night begins at 6 pm on Saturday, December 14, with the lighted parade through downtown. The parade route will be the same as the homecoming route on Washington and Jefferson Streets.

102.7FM and KMO-TV personalities will be on hand to Emcee and announce the parade floats as they travel past City Hall. The parade will also be televised on KMO-TV and can be seen on the radio station’s Facebook page, KMO-TV, YouTube channel and KPGZ website.

After the parade, Santa will arrive and family activities will begin downtown. Santa will available to talk to kids and take pictures at City Hall. Downtown businesses will be open for kids’ activities and crafts. Each business will have a unique activity for visitors from 7 – 9 pm.

The evening will conclude with a holiday fireworks display.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Man Arrested for Domestic Assault

Liberty police officers were able to arrest a Kearney man who was accused of domestic assault on Friday. The man allegedly assaulted three people, including one juvenile.

Police officers were able to arrest 29-year-old Andrew Colhour after they responded to an assault in progress call. He was taken into custody and faces charges of 2nd degree domestic assault and 4th degree assault.

Colhour has a history of criminal charges including adult abuse with stalking, adult abuse without stalking, receiving stolen property, second-degree burglary, fourth-degree domestic assault, second-degree property damage, fourth-degree assault, and driving while intoxicated.

Colhour was booked into the Clay County Detention Center on a $30,000 bond. His court date is scheduled for January 14, 2025.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.