Clay County Organizations Host Fentanyl Prevention Event

The Northland Coalition will hold a free community event for National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from noon to 1:30 pm at Beacon Mental Health’s Community Room (3100 NE 83rd St., Kansas City, MO 64119). Presentations begin at 12:30 pm.

The event aims to increase awareness and promote prevention. The event features information about fentanyl risks, local resources, harm reduction strategies, and personal stories. Resource tables, an interactive activity, networking opportunities, and a light lunch are included.

According to Northland Coalition President Dusty Scheiter, fentanyl is a leading cause of overdose deaths both locally and nationwide.

"Fentanyl continues to be a leading driver of overdose deaths nationwide, including right here in our own communities," said Dusty Scheiter, President, Northland Coalition. "This event is an opportunity to come together, honor lives lost and strengthen our efforts to prevent future tragedies through education, connection, and support."

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, founded by Facing Fentanyl, is observed each year on August 21. The day serves to honor those who have lost their lives to illicit fentanyl poisoning and to advance prevention efforts and education regarding the increasing presence of fentanyl in the drug supply.

For more information, contact northlandcoalition@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/NorthlandCoalition. The event is funded by the Clay County Commission’s Opioid Settlement Fund.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Missouri to Eliminate Temporary License Plates Tags

Missouri is set to overhaul its vehicle registration process with a newly enacted law that eliminates temporary license plates for vehicles purchased through dealerships. The change aims to simplify the car-buying experience and ensure immediate payment of sales tax.

Senate Bill 28, which goes into effect on August 28, 2025, will require vehicle buyers at Missouri dealerships to pay sales tax directly to the dealership at the time of purchase. Until now, buyers have received a temporary paper tag and had a 30-day window to pay sales tax at a Department of Revenue office. This new system eliminates the need for temporary tags, reducing paperwork and potential confusion.

Instead of driving away with a temporary plate, buyers will now receive a paper copy of their license plate immediately after completing the purchase and paying the sales tax. This paper plate will display the same configuration as the permanent metal plate, which will be mailed to the buyer’s address once processed by the Missouri Department of Revenue.

The transition aims to deliver a seamless process where the physical metal plate arrives after the sale with no extra trips required by the buyer. The Department of Revenue ensures that the number configuration on the paper plate and the permanent plate match, providing consistency and peace of mind.

It’s important to note that this law only affects dealership sales. Private vehicle purchases will continue under the previous system: buyers must take their bill of sale to a Department of Revenue office, pay sales tax, and receive a temporary tag while awaiting their permanent plate.

While the law becomes effective in late August 2025, the actual changes to sales tax collection are dependent on the rollout of the Department of Revenue’s new FUSION system. Full implementation is estimated for late 2026 or early 2027, according to state officials.

Missouri drivers can expect a more streamlined process for dealership vehicle purchases under this new law—one designed for greater efficiency and simplicity in the coming years.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

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.