Proposed Water Rate Increase Sent to Aldermen

The City of Kearney is proposing a water and sewer rate increase to keep up with rising costs of providing clean water and sewer services to residents. The Board of Aldermen will consider the rate increase at the February 18 public meeting.

Kearney is proposing the water and sewer rate increase to meet new regulatory standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), address rising operating expenses, replace aging equipment, and enhance system maintenance.

“These efforts ensure a safe and reliable supply of drinking water for residents while protecting public health and water quality by effectively treating wastewater before it is returned to the environment,” reads a notice on the city’s website. “To sustain these vital services for years to come, it is essential to set rates at a level that adequately covers the costs of operating, maintaining, and upgrading the city’s water and wastewater systems.”

The city increased water and sewer rates at this time last year. City officials say the average Kearney household uses 3,000 gallons of water each month. If Aldermen approve the rate increase, the average water and sewer bill would increase $3.77 per month.

“Kearney stands out as one of the most affordable communities in the Kansas City area for water and sewer utility rates, reads the city notice. “Even with the proposed rate increase, Kearney’s rates will remain lower than those of many neighboring communities.”

City Administrator Sheila Ernzen told KPGZ News that a public hearing will be held on February 18 to receive public comments regarding the proposed rate increase: “The Board will consider an ordinance to adopt the proposed rate increase that same evening and if approved, the rates would go into effect after approval.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Missouri Corn Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching

The deadline is quickly approaching for Missouri agriculture students interested in applying for a 2025 Missouri Corn Scholarship. High school and college students pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field must submit the necessary forms no later than Feb. 14 to be eligible for one of seven $1,000 scholarships awarded by the Missouri Corn Growers Association, the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, and the Missouri Corn Foundation.

Missouri Corn Scholarship applications are available at www.mocorn.org. Documents, including an application form, official high school or college transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation, must be submitted online by Feb. 14 to be eligible.

High school senior applicants must be Missouri residents from a farm or rural area. They must plan to attend a two- or four-year college or university and major in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the freshman year of college expenses for high school winners.

College applicants must also be Missouri residents from a farm or rural area and currently a junior enrolled in a four-year college or university majoring in an agriculture-related field. The scholarship funds will apply toward the senior year of expenses for college winners. Upon selection, all recipients must assist in staffing a Missouri Corn event to complete the scholarship requirements.

Applications will be reviewed by the Missouri Corn Scholarship Committee and recipients will be notified by mail before April 15, 2025. To learn more about Missouri Corn programs, please visit www.mocorn.org.

KPGZ News – Missouri Corn Growers Association contributed to this story.

Kearney Police Nab Alleged Wanted Felon

Kearney police officers were able to arrest a man wanted by the United States Marshals Service on Sunday, February 2. After a brief pursuit, the man was taken into custody without further incident.

Officers attempted to stop a driver for a traffic violation at about 6 am on Sunday on 92 Hwy. near QuikTrip, but instead of stopping, the male suspect tried to flee in his vehicle. Officers pursued the vehicle to the Holiday Inn on Watson Drive.

“The speeds were under 40 mph as the vehicle fled, headed towards the Holiday Inn Hotel on Watson Drive.,” reads a Kearney Police Facebook post. “Officers pursued the vehicle a few blocks where it pulled into a parking spot at the hotel.”

When officers identified the driver, a 47-year-old male from Independence, MO, they found he was wanted for weapons offenses by the U.S. Marshals Service and had warrants by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. As officers searched the vehicle, they found multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription drugs. Officers also found a loaded firearm which officers say is illegal for the suspect to possess.

The suspect was taken into custody and additional felony charges for the illegal narcotics and firearm were filed through the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office. He is currently being held in the Clay County Detention Center.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Additional Suspect Charge in Human Trafficking Case

An additional man has been charged for trying to meet a 14-year-old girl for sex after deputies arrested him in a sting operation on Thursday, Jan. 30.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and advocacy organizations, led a counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24 that resulted in the arrest of two men who sought to have sex with a child, as well as services provided to more than a dozen potential trafficking victims.

Josue Rivera, 27, of Kansas City, Kan. has been charged with one count of felony attempted child enticement.

Jose Trinidad-Diaz, 33, of Kansas City, Mo. / Mexico and Dominic Shelby, 34, of Kansas City, Kan. were charged with felony attempted child enticement after they tried to meet whom they believed to be a 14-year-old girl for sex. It was actually under-cover detectives who had been chatting with them online and by text message

Josue Rivera, 27, of Kansas City, Kan. has been charged with one count of felony attempted child enticement.

Rivera was messaging with under-cover detectives during the original operation last week and continued communication until Jan. 30, when he made arrangements to meet whom he believed to be the 14-year-old. Instead, deputies took him into custody at the meet-up location. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Man Faces Charges after Pellet Gun Shooting

Kearney police officers responded to a shots fired call in the James Pointe neighborhood last weekend. One man was arrested and criminal charges were filed.

The victim told police that when he arrived home, the suspect exited his residence and began shooting at him, shattering the window of his vehicle. The suspect then retreated inside his own residence.

Kearney police officers requested assistance from Excelsior Springs Police and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office due to the nature of the call. Officers later determined that the weapon used by the suspect was a rifle-style pellet gun.

Police made several announcements over their vehicle PA system to get the suspect to come out of his house. When he did finally exit the home, officers safely took him into custody. Criminal charges were filed in this case.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.