Travel Safely This Christmas Season

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely. Wear your seat belt, obey all traffic laws, pay attention, and please, don’t drive impaired. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state.

Over the 2023 Christmas holiday, there were 1,034 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, three people were killed and another 346 were injured. Last year, the 78-hour counting period began at 6 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 25, 2023. The 2024 counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Drivers are encouraged to make sure they are well rested, no matter how short their driving distance. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Downloading the MoDOT Traveler Information app to your smart phone allows you to check road conditions before you travel. Be proactive: Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and allow enough time to reach your destination safely. Winterize your vehicle before bad weather arrives, but realize that sometimes, it’s safest to stay home.

If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.

Troopers encourage motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Please obey all traffic laws, and if alcohol is part of your holiday, designate a sober driver. Every driver can help make our roadways safer this holiday season.

KPGZ News –Missouri State Highway Patrol Release

Bulldog Boys Crush Smithville on the Court

The Kearney Bulldogs boys basketball ball squad took care of business on Friday, Dec. 20, as they dominated over their bitter rivals from eight miles west of Kearney. The Bulldogs started their winter break with a statement win over the Smithville Warriors, 60-35.

The Bulldog defense frustrated Smithville throughout the game starting in the first quarter where they only allowed the Warriors to score 6 points. The Kearney offense was able to rack up 17 points in a great team effort as Aden Sallee, Drew Wilson, Brad Doll, Andrew Way, Brock Scott and Angelo Donze saw bucket after bucket fall in their favor.

“Our goal going into this game too was to win each 8-minute quarter, and that was our goal after each quarter,” Head Coach Dillon Starzl said after the game. “We started as 0-0 every time and the goal was to win every quarter and if you do that, you're gonna win the game.”

Drew Wilson Scored 25 points against Smithville.

The Bulldogs were able to keep the pressure on the Warriors throughout the game and Smithville was unable to come close to catching up with Drew Wilson and the Kearney Bulldogs. Wilson was the leading scorer during the game. He scored 25 points on the night, but that wasn’t a game-high score for him.

“My career high is 27 points; I had 27 against Platte County last year, and I had 27 again against Excelsior,” Wilson said. “I don't care too much about my stats. As long as I leave the game knowing I gave it 100% and I left it all out there I'm happy.”

Other top scorers in the game were Aden Sallee who made 11 points, Brad Doll had 9, and Andrew Way scored 7 points. Other Bulldogs who made it in the scorebook were Tre Smith, Angelo Donze, Brock Scott, and Ty Smith.

You can hear the full game replay, commentary and interviews on demand at 1027kearneymo.com/podcasts.

KPGZ Sports – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Shop With a Cop Gives Christmas to 20 Children

Law enforcement officers brought Christmas to over 20 underprivileged kids on Saturday, December 14. The Shop with a Cop program brought smiles to children from Kearney and Holt.

“We have so many great local businesses and generous citizens that donated to this great cause to make it a success each year,” reads a post on the police department’s Facebook page. “The Kearney Police Department is very fortunate to have much an amazing community to serve! Thank you all!”

Police officers from Kearney and Lathrop, as well as the Missouri State Highway Patrol and members of Behind the Badge – Kearney, MO, were able to take the excited kids Christmas shopping at Wal-Mart in Liberty for presents for their families and themselves.

In addition to shopping for presents, Price Chopper in Kearney donated a holiday meal to each family, and Hess Barbershop, Total E-Clips and Henry Rose Salon donated a free haircut to each child.

“The children and their families were absolutely thrilled with all of the items they were able to get for Christmas this year, all thanks to the generous donations of our Kearney community.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Operation Full Cart Press Results in Arrests

The Clay County Sheriff’s office and Liberty Police Department joined forces to take a bite out of crime this holiday season. They worked together on “Operation Full Cart Press” to find and arrest shoplifters as soon as they committed their crimes in retail areas on 152 Highway in Liberty.

Deputies and Liberty police officers were able to apprehend four individuals on Dec. 9 and 13, and three of them have been charged:

• Yolanda K. Tinsley, 54, of Kansas City, Mo. - charged with resisting arrest and misdemeanor stealing in connection to the theft of $634.81 worth of items from Feldman’s Farm and Home, including Carhart coats and accessories

• Sylvester O. Smith, 58, of Columbia, Mo. - charged with felony stealing in connection to the Feldman’s Farm and Home theft

• Joe W. Wright, 51, of Kansas City, Mo. – charged with misdemeanor stealing in connection to Feldman’s Farm and Home theft

• A 22-year-old Kansas City, Mo., woman – charges are pending in relation to the theft of $243.60 worth of stolen goods from Hobby Lobby, Target and TJ Maxx.

Police and deputies were also able to recover a stolen vehicle during Full Cart Press. They were able to return the car to the owner.

Shoplifting incidences have been surging this year and Liberty Police have been making a substantial effort to stop the crime.

"We are committed to utilizing every available resource to ensure that Liberty remains a safe and welcoming community for all. This partnership with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, and our local retail businesses demonstrates our shared responsibility to uphold the law and protect our residents and visitors," Liberty Police Department Chief Jim Martin said. "The initiative aims to proactively address criminal activity within Liberty’s retail sector. The operation seeks to hold individuals who attempt to break the law accountable, ensuring that they are arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office has been working with law enforcement to make sure the suspects will face legal consequences.

“I commend the diligent work done by the professionals of the Liberty Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office,” Prosecutor Zack Thompson said. “This effort shows the positive results our community sees when law enforcement agencies work together to keep our community safe.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Magical Night Brings Lighted Parade to Kearney

It was a magical night in Kearney on Saturday, Dec. 14 as the Kearney Enrichment Council hosted the 4th annual lighted Christmas parade and Kearney’s Magical Night, and it brought out hundreds who filled downtown Kearney streets and businesses for the festivities.

sANTA cLAUS DROPS IN ON PARADE HOSTS tROY rESLER AND tY bRADSHAW.

The Lighted Christmas Parade consisted of over 30 entries and drove up Washington Street while onlookers clapped and cheered on the festive vehicles. After the parade local businesses in the downtown area were open for family crafts and treats.

After the parade, Santa Claus stopped by City Hall to talk to the kids.

The float entries were judged, and participants won awards in the following categories:

• Santa Award: Remax Advantage

• Mrs. Claus Award: Kansas City Northland Jeepers

• Santa’s Sleigh Award: JP Equine Services from Hilltop Farms

• Grinch Award: Harris Excavating

The parade was televised by KMO-TV and 102.7FM KPGZ. The video can be watched on-demand on the 1027KearneyMO.com website by scrolling down to the “Welcome to KMO – TV” section. The parade video can also be viewed in the KMO-TV section of the KPGZ Mobile app and on the radio station’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.