Missouri Highway Patrol Urges Safety for Labor Day Weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging residents and visitors to prioritize safety as they celebrate the upcoming Labor Day weekend. With increased travel expected both on the state’s roads and waterways, Turner emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and observing all Missouri laws to help prevent accidents and injuries.

This year’s Labor Day counting period extends from 6 p.m. Friday, August 29, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 1, 2025. The holiday is traditionally one of the busiest for boating in Missouri. Before heading out on the water, boaters are reminded to inspect fuel lines and battery charge, and to exercise caution while refueling. Turning off electrical devices, inspecting for leaks, and using a blower system prior to restarting are recommended steps to avoid hazards.

Statistics from last year’s holiday underscore the need for vigilance: four boating crashes resulted in two fatalities and eight injuries, along with one drowning. Troopers made six arrests for boating while intoxicated during the 2024 holiday period. Marine enforcement officers will be patrolling Missouri’s waterways to promote safety, but boaters are asked to remain alert for other vessels and swimmers, avoid overloading boats, and respect right-of-way rules. Excessive wakes that cause harm may result in enforcement action or civil liability. Wearing life jackets remains a key safety recommendation.

On the roads, safety is equally critical. Motorists should inspect their vehicles before travel, drive courteously, obey traffic laws, and always wear seat belts. The dangers of impaired and distracted driving are highlighted by last year’s statistics: 17 people died and 498 were injured in 1,047 traffic crashes over the 2024 Labor Day holiday—an average of one casualty every 9.1 minutes. Troopers arrested 110 people for driving while intoxicated during the same period.

The Highway Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort), deploying all available troopers to enforce speed limits, seat belt usage, and impaired driving laws. The public is encouraged to report emergencies or criminal activity by calling (800) 525-5555 or *55 from a cell phone, whether on highways or waterways.

For those celebrating with alcohol, the Patrol’s message is clear: designate a sober driver for both vehicles and vessels to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. Safety remains everyone’s responsibility.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

54th Annual Jesse James Festival Returns to Kearney

The 54th Jesse James Festival is set to bring heritage, entertainment, and community spirit back to Kearney, Missouri, September 13 and the weekend of the 19th through 21st. Held at Jesse James Park and downtown Kearney, the festival honors the town’s most famous native son while offering a full weekend of family fun.

The action begins September 13th with the demolition derby and Kids Power Wheels race at 7 pm, always a crowd favorite. Children six and under get in free, general admission is $15, and pit passes are available for $25. Chainsaw carvings by Robinson Chainsaw Carvings will also be on display, with pieces sold at auction.

The following weekend heats up with the 37th Annual and 35th State Championship Jesse James Barbecue Cook-Out, a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned contest running Friday and Saturday. Teams will compete in brisket, ribs, chicken, pork shoulder, and specialty categories for prize money, trophies, and bragging rights. A beer garden and live music add to the festive atmosphere.

Saturday, September 20th, starts with the VFW Country Breakfast and the annual parade downtown, featuring the 2025 theme “Back to 1845: the Wild Frontier Begins.” Floats, equestrian entries, and local groups will compete for awards, while Arts & Crafts Alley, a disc-golf tournament, and the new free Garden Tractor Pull give families plenty to enjoy. A carnival opens at noon, and the afternoon features mud volleyball before the rodeo takes over the arena at 6 p.m. The night wraps up with a free Jesse James Dance under the stars, headlined by Pistol Creek.

On Sunday, September 21st, classic cars roll into town for a show starting at 9 am, while the Cody Vanderau Band provides live music from 10 am to 2 pm. Kids can join a free fishing tournament and families can attend Cowboy Worship near the rodeo arena. Arts & Crafts Alley and the carnival return for one more day, and the festival concludes with a hog raffle drawing and rodeo at 2:30 pm.

Now in its 54th year, the Jesse James Festival has become a tradition that honors Kearney’s place in history while bringing the community together. With food, competition, music, and plenty of small-town charm, it remains one of Missouri’s most anticipated fall celebrations.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Traffic Stop in Kearney Leads to Drug Arrest

Just before midnight on Wednesday, August 20, a routine traffic stop conducted by a Kearney Police night-shift officer resulted in the arrest of a Kansas City woman on multiple drug and traffic charges.

The incident began when officers noticed a vehicle displaying license plates registered to another car, prompting them to pull the vehicle over. Upon approaching the driver, a 26-year-old woman from Kansas City, Missouri, police quickly discovered a series of violations. She was unable to produce a driver’s license, possessed no valid registration for the vehicle, and displayed a fake registration sticker. Further investigation revealed that the car was also uninsured.

Given the circumstances, officers proceeded with a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, they uncovered baggies and several loaded needles containing a substance believed to be methamphetamine. In addition to the suspected methamphetamine, officers found multiple containers of illegal Psilocybin Mushrooms, as well as assorted drug paraphernalia inside the car.

The driver was promptly taken into custody and now faces charges including possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, and a series of related traffic offenses. The police department emphasized that their officers remain committed to proactive enforcement, working diligently to keep illegal drugs and unsafe drivers out of the community.

No further information regarding the identity of the suspect has been released at this time. The case stands as a reminder of the continued risks posed by drug-related activity and the importance of community-focused policing.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Marks Grand Reopening of KCTA Clubhouse

Clay County is preparing to celebrate the grand reopening of the Kansas City Trapshooters Association (KCTA) clubhouse, marking a significant milestone in the community’s recovery from last year’s tornado.

The clubhouse, located at the KCTA Home Grounds in Smithville, was completely destroyed in the devastating tornado of 2024. On Friday, August 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., county officials, KCTA members, and local residents will gather for a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the rebuilt facility.

The public is warmly invited to attend and witness the culmination of a year-long effort driven by the dedication of KCTA members, volunteers, and supporters. The new clubhouse stands as a testament to their hard work and commitment—a modern, accessible space designed to welcome trapshooters from throughout the region.

According to KCTA leadership, the journey toward reopening was marked by resilience and patience. Members were commended for their understanding and perseverance during the rebuilding process. “They say good things come to those who wait. I truly believe all the members at KCTA are a lot more virtuous now than in previous years. Thanks for all the support and patience. We are going to keep this momentum rolling and finish this project very strong,” leadership shared in a recent message.

The restored KCTA clubhouse is expected to reinvigorate the local trapshooting community and provide a hub for both seasoned members and newcomers. County officials expressed their gratitude for the collaborative spirit that made the project possible and emphasized the importance of community events in bringing people together after hardship.

The grand reopening event promises an afternoon of celebration, reflection on the challenges overcome, and optimism for the future of the KCTA and the broader community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Four Arrested for Attempting to Engage in Sex Acts with Children

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office arrested four men Aug. 7 and 8 who were seeking to have sex with 14-year-old girls as part of a broader law enforcement operation to combat human trafficking occurring in communities north and east of Kansas City, Mo.

The following suspects have been charged with felony attempted enticement of a child:

• Jorge Arguello-Benitez, 48, of Kansas City, Mo.

• Simon Gomez-Cruz, 22, of Kansas City, Kan. He also is under investigation by federal authorities for possible immigration law violations.

• Elpidio Lopez-Alonzo, 23, of Kansas City, Mo.

• Nicholas S. Meisenhelter, 32, of Shawnee, Kan.

The suspects believed they were corresponding with a 14-year-old girl online, who turned out to be under-cover Clay County Sheriff’s Office detectives. When they attempted to meet the girl in person, deputies arrested them instead.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office actively works to combat human trafficking in the communities it serves and conducts two to three sting operations annually to do so.

In the operation on Aug. 7 and 8, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was part of a coalition of Northland law enforcement agencies who combined efforts to fight this crime. The Clay, Clinton, Platte, and Ray County sheriffs and the Kearney Police Department each hosted a proactive counter-trafficking operation in their jurisdiction. They were assisted substantially by the Cameron Police, Richmond Police, Kansas City International Airport Police, Kansas City, Kan., Police, and Riverside Police Departments, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Department of Social Services - State Technical Assistance Team, and Homeland Security Investigations. Technical assistance was provided by the Bourbon County (KS) Sheriff, Butler County (KS) Sheriff, Goodyear (AZ) Police, Greenwood County (KS) Sheriff, Mesa (AZ) Police and Peoria (AZ) Police.

This operation was designed from the beginning to reduce the demand for victimization of victim-survivors of sex trafficking in these communities, connect to and provide critical services and support to these potential victims, and especially deter any suspect attempting to prey upon children who have been enslaved by the commercial sex industry. The total results for this operation were:

• Seven suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex with a child

• Three suspects arrested and booked for attempting to buy sex

• Two suspects arrested for promoting prostitution for recruiting a person to engage in prostitution. One suspect in this case was ultimately booked for kidnapping and sexual assault after excellent work by the investigators revealed additional crimes that were occurring in another jurisdiction. A victim-survivor was recovered and placed into aftercare.

• Eight potential sex trafficking survivors met with local advocates from Value Unconditional and Relentless Pursuit Outreach and Recovery, with technical assistance provided by ICTSOS, a Wichita-based anti-human-trafficking organization. Many of them are now receiving advocacy and aftercare support.

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.