Quick Response Saves Three After Vehicle Crashes Near Kearney Pond

On Sunday, July 27th, a coordinated effort by Kearney Police and the Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District resulted in the dramatic rescue of three people after a vehicle veered off 92 Highway and ended up precariously positioned over a pond.

According to authorities, officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a vehicle that had left the roadway. Upon arrival, they found that the vehicle had struck a tree and was hanging over the water’s edge, with its occupants still inside.

Emergency personnel from both the police department and fire district acted swiftly. Together, they successfully removed two juveniles from the vehicle.

The adult female driver, who had experienced a medical episode while behind the wheel, required extrication by Kearney Fire & Rescue personnel. She was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, but officials confirm her injuries are not life-threatening.

Officials credited the outcome to the quick and coordinated actions of first responders, whose teamwork brought all three individuals to safety.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Resource Fair Offers Vital Support for Local Families

Kearney School District is gearing up to host its annual Back-to-School Resource Fair, a crucial initiative aimed at equipping students and their families for a successful start to the academic year. This year’s event will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, August 7, and from 9 to 11:30 am on Friday, August 8, at Kearney Junior High, located at 2215 Pride Parkway.

The Resource Fair provides much-needed school supplies, backpacks, hygiene kits, gently used clothing, and new underwear, along with access to a wide array of community resources. The event illustrates the district’s ongoing commitment to meeting students’ needs beyond the classroom, ensuring every child in KSD has the support necessary to thrive.

“Last year, we helped 262 students prepare for their first day of school,” said Meeghan Masters, Kearney School District Social Worker. “That success was made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our community partners.”

Volunteers play an essential role in organizing and distributing supplies during the fair, and community members are encouraged to sign up online to lend their support. The district underscores that the dedication of local residents and organizations is vital to the fair’s continued success.

“We are so thankful for the ongoing support from our incredible community,” Masters added. “Your involvement helps make a lasting difference in the lives of Kearney students.”

Families can pre-register for the Back-to-School Resource Fair HERE.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Launches Take Me Home Program

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has implemented a program for people with cognitive or communication disabilities who may need special assistance in times of emergency.

The Take Me Home Program, originally developed by the Pensacola, Fla., Police Department, gathers information that could be of assistance if a person is unable to speak or properly identify themselves, or if they become disoriented or act in a manner that could be misinterpreted by first responders.

The program is entirely voluntary. Loved ones of Clay County residents with cognitive or communication disabilities can sign them up online by submitting identifying information – including a photo – condition or illness, and care-giver contacts.

This information is available in a database that can only be accessed by law enforcement agencies in Clay County. Deputies or officers can query the database or see nearby program participants on a map.

Take Me Home was originally designed for those with conditions that can involve elopement, like dementia or autism. But it can also serve as a way to notify law enforcement of sensory or communication issues should an individual with those conditions come into contact with police.

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

Explosives Discovered After Police Stop Erratic Driver

Just before midnight on Sunday, July 27, Kearney Police Officers responded to reports of a reckless driver on Highway 92. Concerned witnesses described the vehicle's alarming behavior, stating it was swerving erratically and nearly causing several head-on collisions, prompting urgent calls to law enforcement.

Responding officers quickly located the suspect vehicle and observed firsthand the dangerous driving and initiated the traffic stop. During the investigation, officers found probable cause to search the vehicle, leading to a startling discovery: a bag filled with what appeared to be multiple homemade explosive devices. The devices varied in size, measuring between 3 and 10 inches, and each was equipped with a distinctive green fuse extending from its center.

Officers noticed a thin wire or string emerging from the bottom corner of the rear passenger door and trailing underneath the truck, raising the possibility of a trip wire mechanism.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Kearney Police quickly coordinated with a range of partner agencies, including their own detectives, the Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District, the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department Bomb Squad, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). These agencies responded on scene to assist in evaluating and safely neutralizing the suspicious devices.

Kearney Police expressed gratitude to local residents and motorists for their cooperation, “Thank you all for cooperating with our efforts last night to keep the area safe and for following up on our officer's advice to leave the area for a safe location for a short time.”

The suspect, a male individual whose identity has not been released, remains in police custody as the investigation continues. Criminal charges are pending with the Clay County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

At this time, officials stress that there is no ongoing danger to the public. The vehicle and the scene have been rendered safe.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kansas City, Kansas Man Drowns in Smithville Lake

A 23-year-old man from Kansas City, Kansas, drowned Saturday, July 26, while swimming in Smithville Lake, authorities confirmed Sunday.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the man was swimming near the Route W Bridge around 9:15 pm, Saturday when he went underwater and did not resurface. Rescue crews responded to the scene and began a search effort.

The search continued through the night. At approximately 11:30 am, Sunday, the Water Patrol recovered the victim near the location where he was last seen. Officials reported that the man was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have notified next of kin.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story