Mayor Pogue Highlights Progress, Growth in State of the City Address

Mayor Randy Pogue delivered his annual State of the City address during the Kearney Chamber of Commerce luncheon on June 4, spotlighting recent accomplishments and outlining priorities for the year ahead.

During his presentation, Mayor Pogue shared updates on several key infrastructure and community projects that are helping shape Kearney’s future. He also identified five ongoing priorities for the Board of Aldermen, reinforcing the city’s focus on growth, public safety, connectivity, and quality of life.

Hall Park Development
The Hall Park project is nearing the end of its design phase, with cost estimates expected soon. Funded in part by use tax revenue and a $500,000 matching Land and Water Conservation Grant, the park is designed with seniors in mind. Planned amenities include fitness and exercise areas, game tables, rain gardens, a shelter, and permanent restrooms. “This park will provide new recreational opportunities for the seniors in our community,” Pogue said.

Expanded Trail System
The city secured a $680,000 grant from the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to extend the existing trail from Mack Porter Park along Route 33 to the Kearney Senior Center. The extension will eventually connect to downtown Kearney. Additionally, a $1.5 million MARC appropriation will fund the construction of new sidewalks and improve pedestrian crossings across the city.

19th Street Improvements
One of the city’s most significant projects is the 19th Street Complete Street Project, supported by $5.4 million in funding from MARC and the Missouri Department of Transportation. The project includes shared-use paths, on-street bike lanes, updated traffic signals, sidewalk reconstruction, and railroad safety upgrades. "This important infrastructure improvement feeds our new 19th Street interchange at I-35," noted Pogue.

New Water Tower
Construction is underway on a new 1-million-gallon elevated water tower located east of I-35. Valued at nearly $5 million, the tower will increase water storage capacity and support Kearney’s growing population and public safety needs.

Public Safety and Community Engagement

The Kearney Police Department has expanded its community outreach, participating in programs like Shop-With-A-Cop, assigning a full-time school resource officer, and enhancing public visibility and communication throughout the city.

Additional Developments

Infrastructure improvements on the west side of I-35 include upgraded water lines, sewer and storm water systems, sidewalks, and roadways. Land use has been updated near the 19th Street interchange to promote commercial development, and a new downtown overlay district and Chapter 353 development plan aim to revitalize Kearney’s historic center.

Innovation Business Park and Housing Growth

Kearney’s Innovation Business Park is attracting new investment, with three businesses currently building or preparing to break ground. The park is expected to generate more than $4 million in capital investment. Residential construction is also on the rise. The Westwood North subdivision will add 347 new lots, while Meadow at Greenfield will contribute 37.

Mayor Pogue concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Kearney’s growth and unity.

“Under my continued leadership, we will continue to work to inspire, motivate, and unite our community around our shared vision for Kearney’s future,” he said.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Continues Deliberations on Backyard Chickens

The long-running discussion over whether Kearney residents should be allowed to keep backyard chickens has resurfaced, as city staff continue to receive inquiries from citizens interested in raising hens for fresh eggs.

During a Kearney Board of Aldermen meeting held Monday, May 19, the topic was again placed on the table. However, Alderman Dan Holt recommended postponing any formal action until the city’s legal team could provide additional guidance.

Kearney does not currently have an ordinance that permits the keeping of chickens in residential areas. Under Missouri state statute, poultry is classified as “livestock,” a designation that has led Kearney officials to treat backyard chickens as a zoning violation, requiring their removal when discovered.

Last year, the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission began evaluating the potential for a backyard chicken ordinance but was unable to reach consensus. At its most recent meeting on May 12, the commission voted 4-2 in favor of advancing a revised proposal. The updated recommendation would allow residents to keep up to six hens on properties measuring at least 0.25 acres.

However, the conversation has not been without concern. Alderman David Lehman, who also serves as liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission, noted that commissioners debated whether a quarter-acre lot offers sufficient space. They also discussed potential nuisances—such as dogs barking at chickens—and the impact on neighbors.

“Why should the dog owner be penalized?” Lehman said, referring to concerns that dogs may react to the presence of hens. He added that the issue of required permits was also raised during the commission’s discussions.

Alderman Holt suggested that if chickens are to be considered companion animals by some residents, the city might regulate their numbers similarly to cats and dogs. Currently, Kearney permits households to keep up to four animals. Holt also questioned whether a 0.25-acre threshold was adequate and proposed exploring other options, such as a 0.5-acre minimum or a compromise of 0.33 acres.

Alderman Gerri Spencer supported the idea of finding middle ground. “What about dividing the two in the middle and going a third of an acre?” she said.

Even as city leaders debate local zoning, external regulations remain a factor. Developer Craig Porter raised a reminder that individual homeowners associations may enforce their own rules that override city policy. “Even if a city or county allows chickens, HOAs can prohibit them entirely,” Porter said.

The Board is expected to revisit the topic after legal review, with further public input anticipated at future meetings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Operation Small Fry Pairs Deputies with Kids for Fishing

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is pairing children with deputies and Sheriff’s Office professional staff for a day of fishing and fun on Saturday.

Operation Small Fry will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 31 at the County Pond located at 16616 NE 116th St., Kearney, Mo.

Counselors and social workers from school districts across Clay County nominated students to participate who could benefit from positive one-on-one interaction with law enforcement. About 25 children will be provided with fishing poles and all the gear needed to catch fish. They will be paired with a deputy or Sheriff’s Office staff member as they attempt to reel one in. The biggest catches of the day will get trophies. Participants also will enjoy a grilled lunch.

Operation Small Fry started in 1996 as the brainchild of Sergeant John T. Wright at Smithville Lake. Sergeant Wright wanted to help provide male role models to children who did not have one in their lives. The event grew, eventually moving to the County-owned pond. Sergeant Wright passed away in 2007, and the Sheriff’s Office memorialized him with a shelter house at the pond. The event was on hiatus for about 10 years, and it returned last year.

KPGZ News - Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

Kehoe Calls Special Session for Stadium Funding, Storm Relief

Governor Mike Kehoe has called for a special legislative session beginning June 2, aiming to tackle unresolved priorities left on the table after the close of the regular session. Central to the agenda are state support for new stadiums to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri, emergency relief for storm-damaged areas in the St. Louis region, and critical budget allocations.

Kehoe announced the special session will revisit several high-profile issues, including the stalled "Show Me Sports Investment Act." The proposed legislation introduces a new bonding mechanism designed to help professional sports teams access state-backed funding for stadium construction, provided they meet specific qualifications. Although the bill cleared the Missouri House, it failed to advance in the Senate before the session ended.

Kehoe emphasized that the effort is more than a sports deal—it’s an economic strategy. “This isn’t just about football or baseball,” Kehoe said. “It’s about securing economic opportunity and long-term investment for communities across Missouri.”

Negotiations over the proposal reportedly gained traction late in the legislative calendar, which contributed to its delay. “We didn’t really reach the right balance until late April or early May,” Kehoe noted.

Time is running out for Missouri to present a compelling stadium funding package to the Kansas City Chiefs, who have said they’ll decide by June 30 whether to remain in the state or accept a lucrative offer from Kansas. Kansas has pledged to cover up to 70% of construction costs for new stadiums for both the Chiefs and Royals if they agree to relocate.

Governor Kehoe acknowledged the urgency of the situation, noting that both franchises are actively weighing their options.

“I’ve spoken with the owners and leadership of both teams on multiple occasions,” Kehoe said. “They have serious offers in front of them, and without a competitive proposal from Missouri, I do think there’s a real possibility they could leave. I can’t speak for them, but the risk is very real.”

Under Missouri’s current proposal, the state would finance up to 50% of the cost for new stadiums through bonds, with repayment terms extending up to 30 years. The bond amounts would be tied to the annual revenue each team generates, ensuring the investment is proportional to their economic impact.

“We’re proud of what was accomplished during the regular session,” Kehoe said in a statement, “but we have more to do. This is a rare opportunity to help Missourians in crisis, stimulate economic growth, and make meaningful investments in our state’s future. We must not let it go to waste.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Incidents Down in 2025

Three people lost their lives in traffic crashes during the 2025 Memorial Day weekend, according to data released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The holiday counting period began at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 23, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26.

Over the course of the weekend, state troopers investigated 182 traffic crashes resulting in 83 injuries and three fatalities. Troopers also made 78 arrests for driving while intoxicated.

On Missouri waterways, the Highway Patrol reported a relatively quiet weekend. Troopers responded to three boating crashes, but no injuries, fatalities, or drownings were recorded. There were no arrests for boating while intoxicated.

The 2025 statistics reflect a decline in incidents compared to the previous year. During the 2024 Memorial Day holiday, the Patrol handled 275 traffic crashes with seven fatalities and 161 injuries. Marine Operations responded to seven boating crashes, resulting in seven injuries. There were 128 DWI arrests and six BWI arrests statewide in 2024.

Overall, Memorial Day 2025 saw fewer crashes and fatalities on both roadways and waterways, suggesting a safer holiday weekend across Missouri.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.