Kearney Launches Project to Combat Rainwater Infiltration

The City of Kearney is embarking on a major infrastructure project aimed at reducing the inflow and infiltration (I/I) of rainwater into its sanitary sewer system. The effort targets the area east of I-35, stretching from Loren Pointe in the north to Melinda Drive in the south, and running near Jefferson, Prospect, and Washington streets.

Set to begin in August and wrap up by the end of the year, the project is designed to bolster the reliability of Kearney’s sewer system and help protect residents and businesses from sewer-related issues such as backups and flooding.

Over the coming months, crews will be busy inspecting and upgrading the sewer system within the project boundaries. The work will start with camera inspections of the pipes to identify sources of I/I—places where rainwater and groundwater are entering the system through cracks, holes, or faulty connections. Once identified, targeted repairs will follow, including sealing manholes and repairing damaged pipes.

While the city aims to keep disruptions to a minimum, residents will notice trucks and equipment in the area, particularly around sewer manholes. At times, roadwork may lead to temporary lane closures or require drivers to slow down and follow flagger instructions.

Inflow and infiltration occur when rainwater or groundwater sneaks into the sanitary sewer system, usually through aging or damaged pipes. This extra water can overwhelm the wastewater system, increasing the risk of backups into homes and businesses, adding strain to sewer lines, and raising long-term maintenance costs.

By reducing I/I, the project will help:

• Lower the risk of sewage backups during storms

• Strengthen and extend the life of the city’s sewer infrastructure

• Save money by minimizing costly emergency repairs and maintenance

• Improve wastewater treatment efficiency and environmental protection by reducing peak flows to the treatment plant

The city encourages all property owners in the project area to check for improper connections—such as sump pumps, downspouts, or drainage systems—that may be directing stormwater into the sanitary sewer. Residents should correct any issues and report sewer backup problems to the city as soon as possible.

Updates on the project will be posted regularly at kearneymo.us and on the City of Kearney’s Facebook page. By working together, the city and its residents can ensure a more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective sewer system for years to come.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Tanker Overturns on Jesse James Farm Road

*** UPDATE *** From the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff's Office, 8/05/2025: Jesse James Farm Road remains closed from 132nd to 138th streets and likely will stay closed the rest of the week while clean up continues. More than 5,000 gallons of gasoline leaked. In the preliminary investigation, the driver of the semi truck stated the road was narrow, and he tried to move over for an oncoming vehicle, causing the truck's wheels to go off the roadway, leading to it overturning.

Original:

A semi-truck hauling gasoline overturned about 1 pm on Monday, August 4, just outside of Kearney, The incident which happened on Jesse James Farm Road at NE 138th Street, prompted an emergency response and the closure of a significant stretch of roadway.

Emergency crews responded promptly as the overturned tanker began leaking gasoline. The Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District arrived on the scene to initiate a hazardous materials response, aiming to contain the spill and mitigate environmental impacts.

Authorities quickly closed Jesse James Farm Road between 132nd and 138th Streets to ensure public safety and allow crews to work unimpeded. Road crews have since placed barricades, and officials advised that this section of the roadway will remain closed overnight, with clean-up operations expected to continue through tomorrow.

Clean-up crews are working diligently to address the gasoline leak and prevent potential environmental damage. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has joined the efforts, alongside the Kansas City Missouri Fire Department, providing expertise and support for the hazardous materials response.

Officials have indicated that the hazardous conditions and the complexity of the clean-up will require extended closure of Jesse James Farm Road between 132nd and 138th Streets. As of a 4:10 pm update, barricades remain in place, and environmental crews expect to continue their work well into tomorrow.

The quick response of local and regional agencies ensured that no residents or responders were harmed during the initial rollover or subsequent leak. The cooperation between Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District, Kansas City Missouri Fire Department, and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources has been crucial in managing the situation safely.

Officials urge motorists to avoid the affected area and seek alternate routes until further notice. The public will be updated as soon as the roadway is deemed safe for reopening.

Authorities will provide ongoing updates regarding the clean-up progress and when Jesse James Farm Road will be reopened for traffic. Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay tuned for further information.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Inspiring Couple Competing for America's Favorite Couple

In a heartwarming display of resilience and love, Kearney’s own Chloe Simoneau and her fiancé Garrett Washington are captivating the nation as contenders in Colossal’s America’s Favorite Couple competition, hosted by none other than Jeff Goldblum. Their journey, marked by last-minute road trips, medical challenges, and tireless commitment to the community, is inspiring supporters across the country.

Garrett, a dedicated teacher, and Chloe, a passionate advocate for the rights of disabled people in the Kansas City area, have made it their mission to serve others. Through the competition, the couple is not only sharing their extraordinary story but also raising crucial funds and awareness for The Los Angeles Food Bank and Oceana, two organizations making a difference in the lives of many.

The competition has become a rallying point for friends, family, and the Kansas City community, whose daily votes and words of encouragement have deeply moved the couple. “Getting to share our story is something that will always be beautiful,” Chloe shared, emphasizing the power of community support and the importance of bringing genuine love to the public eye.

The couple’s love story is as remarkable as their commitment to service. They first connected on Bumble just a month before Chloe was scheduled for brain surgery. After several missed opportunities, fate aligned the night before Chloe’s surgery. “So Chloe drove to the frat house, and we had a great night,” Garrett recalled. What followed was a harrowing 28-hour coma caused by surgical complications, but once Chloe woke up, the rest was history for the inseparable pair.

Among their cherished memories is a spontaneous road trip to Colorado, squeezed into a five-hour packing window. “When so much of your life has been controlled by hospitals, you quickly learn to embrace the last-minute adventures whenever you can,” they shared. The trip, spent with family surrounded by mountains, movie nights, and heartfelt dinners, remains a highlight in their journey together.

If crowned America’s Favorite Couple, Garrett and Chloe hope to use the $20,000 grand prize to finally celebrate their love with a wedding and a down payment on a home. “We want to start our lives desperately and in the way they truly deserve to be celebrated,” they explained, noting that the medical bills from Chloe’s life-saving surgery have made affording a wedding impossible. Yet their gratitude for each other and their community remains unwavering. “We are grateful for what we have and we are happy, but who doesn’t want their dream wedding?”

As Garrett and Chloe continue to win hearts both locally and nationally, their story stands as a testament to love’s resilience and the power of community. In a world that can feel overwhelming, their message is simple: embrace adventure, cherish each other, and never underestimate the strength of a supportive community.

You can vote for Garrett and Chloe HERE.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

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.