Kehoe Signs Proposition A Relief Bill

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed HB 567 into law today, providing relief to businesses by removing Proposition A’s paid sick leave mandate. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton and handled in the Senate by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter of Jefferson City, keeps the statewide minimum wage at $15 but eliminates automatic annual wage increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. The law takes effect August 28.

Proposition A, passed last year, required paid sick leave for all employees and set up yearly minimum wage hikes based on inflation. Business groups, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, argued that these mandates made it harder to plan and threatened jobs, especially for small and mid-sized companies. The Chamber led a coalition of over 550 businesses to advocate for HB 567 as its top legislative priority in 2025.

Chamber President Kara Corches praised the new law, saying, “Business owners were clear: Proposition A’s paid leave and minimum wage policies were a job killer. Missouri employers value their employees and recognize the importance of offering competitive wages and benefits, but one-size-fits-all mandates threaten growth.”

While the business community welcomes the change, worker advocates warn that ending the sick leave requirement removes a vital protection, especially for low-wage employees. They also caution that eliminating CPI-based wage increases could allow inflation to erode workers’ buying power.

Looking ahead, Proposition A supporters have already filed paperwork for a 2026 constitutional amendment to restore the paid sick leave mandate and CPI-linked wage hikes. Both business and worker advocacy groups are preparing for a renewed battle over Missouri’s labor laws.

For now, Missouri employers will see more flexibility and predictability in managing labor costs, but the debate over paid leave and minimum wage policy is far from over.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Man Arrested After Alleged Molestation at Smithville Lake Beach

Clay County deputies have arrested and charged a 26-year-old man after an alleged assault involving two teenage girls at Smithville Lake on Independence Day.

Carlos Climaco-Garcia

According to a statement from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Carlos Climaco-Garcia, 26, was taken into custody on July 4 and now faces two felony counts of child molestation. The alleged incident occurred around 8 pm, at the Little Platte Swim Beach, where two 13-year-old girls were swimming.

Investigators report that the man approached the girls in the water and began asking them personal questions which made them uncomfortable. He then allegedly grabbed and groped the girls, attempting to remove their swimsuits. The girls managed to escape by reportedly kicking the suspect in the groin and returned to the beach to alert their parents.

The parents immediately notified deputies in the area and provided a description of the suspect. Deputies located Climaco-Garcia a short time later and took him into custody.

Climaco-Garcia is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond. A bond hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, during which prosecutors will ask the judge to increase the bond to $100,000.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with additional information to contact authorities.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bull Riding Returns July 25 to Support Equine Therapy

The annual bull riding fundraiser for Better in the Saddle Equine Assisted Programs is back this summer, bringing two nights of action and purpose to Jesse James Park. The event, produced by Amped Up Productions, will be held Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26.

Proceeds from the event support Better in the Saddle’s mission to serve individuals with disabilities and at-risk youth through equine-assisted therapy. The nonprofit uses specially trained horses to help participants—from children to adults in their 50s and 60s—build physical strength, emotional resilience, and mental focus.

“I would offer an invitation to anybody to come watch that process that a horse has with those people. It’s amazing,” said program leader Jay Bettis on a past appearance on Kearney Live. “The horse’s heart will heal anything. It’s not only good for the riders, but good for the people who volunteer.”

Family-friendly activities begin each evening with mutton bustin’ at 6:30 p.m. for kids. Signup opens at 6 p.m. near the announcer’s stand and costs $10. The evening also features mini bull riding and barrel racing, followed by the main event—professional bull riding—at 7:30 p.m.

Gates open at 5 p.m. both nights. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children ages 6 and under.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

American Legion Hosts Golf Tournament to Support Veterans

The Smithville American Legion Post 58 is gearing up for its annual Golf Tournament, set to take place on Thursday, September 5, at Paradise Pointe Golf Course on Smithville Lake. The event serves as a major fundraiser supporting local veterans, youth programs, and community initiatives.

Hosted by the Post 58 Family—including Veterans, Sons of the American Legion, the Auxiliary, and the Legion Riders—the tournament aims to generate thousands of dollars for programs that promote citizenship, patriotism, and veteran care throughout the region.

Organizers are currently seeking sponsors for various tournament categories, including all 18 holes, the driving range, breakfast, lunch, and golf carts. Sponsors will receive recognition through on-site signage featuring their company name or logo, ensuring high visibility among participants.

As a 501(c)(19) charitable organization, all donations to Post 58 are tax-deductible. The group has made a significant impact in the Smithville area, with a family membership exceeding 400 and annual contributions to school programs often surpassing $20,000.

Community members and local businesses are encouraged to support the event by sponsoring or registering a team for a day of camaraderie and golf—all for a worthy cause.

To get involved, contact Dave Hayes at dohayes84@gmail.com. Checks should be made payable to American Legion Post 58.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Food Pantry Hosts Cereal Drive-By to Feed Local Kids

This summer, you can be a hero—with just a box of cereal. The Kearney Food Pantry is inviting the community to step up and help children in need by donating cereal during its special Cereal Drive-By event on Wednesday, July 16 from 10 am to 2 pm at 108 W. Washington Street.

With school out for summer, many children who rely on school meals are left without a steady breakfast. The cereal drive aims to fill that gap—one box at a time.

Community members are encouraged to “drive by and drop off” boxes of cereal at the pantry. Every donor will receive a FREE drink token from Sonic as a thank-you for their support.

"One small donation can mean the world to a hungry child," said organizers from the Kearney Food Pantry. "Let’s come together and make sure no child starts their day hungry this summer."

Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to participate. Whether it’s one box or a whole trunkful, every donation helps fill empty bowls—and brings hope to local families.

Fill the shelves. Fill hearts. Be breakfast heroes.

For more information, visit KearneyFoodPantry.com or contact the pantry directly.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.