Fourth Suspect Charged in Counter-Human Trafficking Operation

Clay County Sheriff's deputies were able to arrest a fourth suspect in their counter-human trafficking operation that occurred in January.

Samuel J. Weisse, 34, of Leavenworth, Kan.

Samuel J. Weisse, 34, of Leavenworth, Kan., has been charged with one count of felony attempted child enticement. Weisse was allegedly trying to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex after deputies arrested him in a sting operation Wednesday night.

Weisse was allegedly messaging with under-cover detectives during the Sheriff’s Office original counter-human trafficking operation Jan. 23 and 24. He continued communication until Wednesday night, Feb. 5, when he made arrangements to meet whom he believed to be the 13-year-old. Instead, deputies took him into custody at the meet-up location. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has already arrested and charged three other men in this operation: Jose Trinidad-Diaz, 33, of Kansas City, Mo., Dominic Shelby, 34, of Kansas City, Kan., and Josue Rivera, 27, of Kansas City, Kan.

Enticement of a child or an attempt to commit enticement of a child is a felony which carries a penalty of up to thirty years in prison.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

City Holds Informational Meeting for 19th Street Improvements

The City of Kearney is holding an open house public informational meeting to inform residents about a safety and mobility improvement project planned for 19th Street.

The informational meeting will take place at the Kearney Senior Center, 600 N Jefferson St. in Kearney from 4 – 6 pm on Thursday, Feb 27.

The project includes operational and safety improvements from approximately Paddock Drive to Meadowlane Street for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Project highlights include right turn lanes and pedestrian crossings, railroad crossing enhancements for improved safety, and new bike lanes, sidewalks, and a shared use path for better mobility.

City leaders encourage residents to stop by the Senior Center anytime between 4 and 6 pm on Feb. 27. to ask questions and share their input. No formal presentation is planned but residents can meet with officials to discuss the project.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

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.