Winter Storm Watch Issued This Week

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for northwest, north central and west central Missouri this week. Although snow totals expected are less than the January storm a few weeks ago, accumulating snow is still likely this week.

Light snow is likely to fall on Monday into Monday night with minor accumulations. Less than 2 inches of snow is expected in the Kansas City area.

A heavier snow system is likely late Tuesday night through Wednesday night, including the potential for widespread snow amounts in excess of 4 inches. However, the National Weather Service says widespread amounts over 6 inches is possible in the region. Wednesday morning and evening commutes will likely be affected.

Temperatures will also fall this week. Wind chills between 10 above zero and 10 below zero are expected Wednesday through Friday mornings.

Looking further ahead, there's a chance for a wintry mix on Friday and Saturday.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Girls Wrestling Pins Down Third-Straight Conference Title

The Bulldog girls secured their third consecutive conference title after defeating the Smithville High School Warriors on the road 48-36 on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Beating their Highway 92 rivals made winning the conference title even sweeter, according to Head Coach Nick Ward.

“This dual is always a back-and-forth scrap where every single point matters,” Coach Ward said. “I’m so proud of the work our girls put in this season and am looking forward to what they accomplish in the postseason.”

The following Bulldogs earned wins against Smithville:

• Myla Woolridge

• Ella Herndon

• Bailey Martin

• Riley Walker

• Bella Wenzel

• Emma Schaetz

• Carli Vargas

• Ella Chavez

The girls finish this regular season with a 5-0 record in the Greater Kansas City Suburban Blue Conference. They host the Class 1-District 4 tournament on Feb. 14-15.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

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.