Prosecutor Files 76 Cases Under Valentine’s Law in First Year

Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson

Nearly a year after the implementation of Valentine’s Law, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office reports that 76 cases have been filed under the new statute, averaging one case every four days since it took effect on August 28, 2024.

Valentine’s Law, named in honor of Detective Antonio Valentine—who was killed during a high-speed pursuit in St. Louis County—targets individuals who flee from law enforcement in a motor vehicle at high speeds or in a manner that poses a substantial risk of death or serious injury. The law classifies such offenses as Class D felonies, but the charges escalate to a Class B felony if someone is injured and a Class A felony if someone is killed as a result of the pursuit.

In the first eleven months of the law’s enforcement, five defendants have been sentenced, with prison terms ranging from three to ten years. Of those, four were involved in vehicle crashes during their attempts to escape, while one was apprehended after police used tire deflation devices.

Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson emphasized the serious risks posed by fleeing suspects. “It is unacceptable for someone to endanger our community and law enforcement officers in an attempt to escape a traffic stop,” Thompson said. “Not only do they put innocent lives at risk — they only make their situation worse.”

Under Valentine’s Law, convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison, with no eligibility for probation or parole.

“Our goal is to hold offenders accountable and send an unmistakable message that dangerous criminal conduct carries serious consequences,” Thompson added. “I commend Missouri state officials for providing us with an additional tool to keep Clay County safe. Public safety requires all levels of government working together.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Missouri Annual Back to School Sales Tax Holiday this Weekend

Missouri’s annual Back‑to‑School Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 am, on Friday, August 1, and runs through midnight on Sunday, August 3. During this time, state and some local sales taxes are waived on qualifying back-to-school purchases, giving families a chance to save money on essential items.

Shoppers will not pay sales tax on a variety of items, as long as they meet specific price limits:

• Clothing: Each item must be $100 or less

• School supplies: Up to $50 per purchase

• Personal computers and computer peripherals: Up to $1,500 per item

• Computer software: Up to $350

• Graphing calculators: Up to $150

Clothing includes standard apparel such as shirts, pants, socks, shoes, and school uniforms. Items like jewelry, handbags, scarves, and sports gear are not included. The purchases must be for personal use, though teachers using personal funds may also benefit from the exemption.

Online purchases made during the tax holiday are eligible, even if the items are delivered later. Out-of-state residents who shop in Missouri during the holiday also qualify for the exemption. Layaway items and rain checks only count if final payment is made during the three-day period.

This annual event is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year in Missouri. Many families take advantage of the savings by stocking up on supplies, clothes, and even electronics before the school year begins.

Tips for Smart Shopping:

• Keep each individual item within the price limits to qualify.

• Check that electronics like laptops and software stay within the allowed price thresholds.

• Make sure online orders are placed and paid for during the holiday window.

• Plan ahead and compare prices before the weekend rush.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

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.