Upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment Starts October 15

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is reminding residents that Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 this year. During this period, Missourians eligible for Medicare have the opportunity to review their existing coverage, switch Part D drug plans, or change Medicare Advantage plans.

To support individuals and caregivers in making informed choices, the DCI provides free guidance through Missouri’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Missouri SHIP’s trained counselors help people understand their plan options, determine eligibility for low-income subsidies, and navigate Medicare Savings Programs that may offset prescription drug costs. The department emphasizes that plans can change annually, making it crucial for beneficiaries to ensure their coverage still fits their needs.

Missourians can access unbiased help from Missouri SHIP by calling 1-800-390-3330 or visiting missouriship.org, with one-on-one counseling available. Last year, consumers who used Missouri SHIP’s services reported average savings of $2,000, and nearly all indicated they would return for future assistance and recommend the service to others. Counselors aim to help residents find the most suitable plan without any sales pressure.

As open enrollment approaches, officials warn that fraudsters often target seniors and vulnerable individuals with deceptive sales tactics. The department advises residents to never share Medicare or Social Security numbers with strangers and to stay vigilant against potential scams.

Missouri SHIP is funded by a grant from the Administration for Community Living and operated by Missouri Connections for Health. The DCI oversees insurance, banking, utilities, and other industries to protect Missouri consumers. More information is available at dci.mo.gov.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Jury Delivers Death Sentence in Vasquez Case

North Kansas City Police Officer Daniel Vasquez.

A Clay County jury has sentenced Joshua T. Rocha to death for the 2022 murder of North Kansas City Police Officer Daniel Vasquez. The verdict was delivered Thursday, October 2, 2025, following Rocha’s conviction for first-degree murder and armed criminal action in one of the most disturbing cases to ever impact the community.

The penalty phase began shortly after the guilty verdict, as jurors weighed whether Rocha should face life in prison without parole or the death penalty. “We are grateful to the jury for seeing through any attempts to justify the unjustifiable,” said Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson. “Officer Vasquez’s family, his fellow officers, and our entire community deserve nothing less than complete justice.”

The tragedy occurred on July 19, 2022, when Officer Vasquez began what should have been a routine patrol shift. During a traffic stop at 21st Avenue and Clay Street, Rocha ambushed the officer with an AR-style rifle. Dashcam footage presented during the trial showed Rocha waiting in his vehicle before opening the door and firing point-blank into Officer Vasquez’s head. As the wounded officer lay in the street, Rocha stood over him and fired additional rounds.

When questioned by investigators, Rocha showed no remorse. Asked why he didn’t flee, he replied, “Cause I know I couldn’t outrun him in that car. I knew that car was way too slow.” When pressed about his plan, he coldly answered, “Basically yeah.”

During sentencing, prosecutors revealed Rocha’s deep involvement in illegal firearms activity. He had taught himself to build untraceable guns using 3D printers and knew how to convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic firearms. He even created instructional videos teaching others to do the same. Investigators recovered videos of Rocha firing weapons from moving vehicles toward populated areas.

Prosecutors argued that Rocha killed Officer Vasquez to escape the consequences of his actions, describing his behavior as “pure evil.” Even in jail, Rocha continued to display violent tendencies, fashioning a shank while in Clay County custody and later being caught concealing metal in his armpit in St. Charles County.

“Officer Daniel Vasquez represented the very best of law enforcement,” said Thompson. “He was a dedicated public servant with a heart as big as his smile. This wasn’t just a crime against Officer Vasquez and his family—it was a crime against the entire community.”

Vasquez was remembered as a kind and selfless man who often brought food to share with others while working security. His death leaves a lasting void among his family, fellow officers, and the community he served.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Quick Leads Bulldogs to 20-0 Victory Over Grandview

Alyssa Quick made history, surpassing the previous home run record with her 33rd career blast.

The Kearney Bulldogs softball team dominated the Grandview Bulldogs with a commanding 20-0 win on Monday, powered by an outstanding performance from senior Alyssa Quick. Quick launched two home runs and drove in four runs, helping set the pace for the Bulldogs’ explosive offense.

The game was decided early, with Kearney erupting for 16 runs in the first inning. Kennedi Casey started the rally with a run-scoring single, followed by a triple from Brooke Paalhar that brought another run home. Quick contributed a sacrifice fly and then homered to left field, while Caroline Jury hit a three-run shot. Ellie Switzer doubled, Reese Narron tripled, and Paalhar hit another home run, each adding to the tally. Quick’s solo homer and run-scoring hits by Kate Stumpenhaus, Bailey Sharp, Switzer, and Bailey Barnes capped off the inning.

Brooke Paalhar broke the school’s career hits record, raising the mark to 210 hits.

Kearney kept up the momentum in the second, adding four more runs on six hits. Paalhar doubled in a run, Quick homered to center for two more, and Bentley Thorne singled to drive in the game’s final run.

On the mound, Reghan Lueken earned the win for Kearney, pitching three shutout innings without allowing a hit. Lueken struck out seven and walked just one batter. Grandview’s Morgan Hampton took the loss, giving up 10 runs (seven earned) on eight hits in less than an inning of work.

Kearney finished the game with 20 hits, led by Paalhar and Sharp, who each collected three. Multiple hits also came from Morgan Pennington, Switzer, Jury, and Casey. Pennington showed her speed by stealing two bases, and the Bulldogs played error-free defense, with Jury making eight plays.

This victory was more than just a win for Kearney—it was a record-setting night. Brooke Paalhar broke the school’s career hits record, raising the mark to 210 hits. Alyssa Quick also made history, surpassing the previous home run record with her 33rd career blast, a milestone for Kearney softball.

The Bulldogs’ combination of powerful hitting, strong pitching, and flawless defense made for a night to remember, as they continue to build on their season’s successes. They are currently 23-5 this season.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Prevails 28-14 over Grain Valley

The Kearney Bulldogs drew one of the toughest schedules imaginable; opening their season against Fort Osage and later facing in order: Smithville, Park Hill, North Kansas City and Grain Valley. Kearney remains 6-0 and sits at the top of Missouri Class-4.

Konnar Dampier (9) and Aidan Arellano (0) tackle Grain Valley QB for a Loss – Photo by Ray Weikal

“We know we're battle tested. When we go at this thing and try to make a run at (a title) you know it's going to be that way,” said Head Coach Logan Minnick. “We've got two teams in our district ranked in the top five in class-4, so it's not long before we're playing huge games again.”

Grain Valley mobilized every strength they could muster right up to the final minutes with 6-man defensive fronts, and a vicious ground attack behind sophomore running back, Dawson Head who ran for 144 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.

Despite a brilliant effort by the visiting eagles, they couldn’t contain an overwhelming Kearney offensive attack. Bulldog quarterback Carter Temple scored twice in the first half on 1-yard and 4-yard runs. With 23 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Temple hit Dryden Hendrix on a 24-yard screen pass. Hendrix shed five, would-be tacklers on his way to the end zone as Kearney took a 21-7 halftime lead.

“Those last two wins against class-6 teams were definitely tough, but tonight was honestly a little tougher,” said Kearney senior linebacker Konner Dampier. “They were some big dudes and were technically sound, but we came out with the win tonight.”

Temple ran the football 21 times for 74 yards and 3 touchdowns. His final score, with 59 seconds remaining in the game, was on a reverse-field cutback move that left Grain Valley defenseless.

Kearney running back Matthew Lindsey rushed for 78 yards on 8 carries, Hendrix had 37 yards and a touchdown. Overall, the Bulldog offense had 198 yards rushing and threw for 143 to the Eagles’ 157 rushing and 32 passing yards.

Kearney hosts Raytown South next week for Homecoming.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Project Silhouette Shines Light on Domestic Violence Victims

Shoppers and residents throughout Clay County will see the stories of real domestic violence victims throughout October with the Sheriff’s Office’s new Project Silhouette.

Project Silhouette places five life-sized cut-outs – three women, a man and a child –  at busy businesses and organizations like libraries. Each features the story of a real domestic violence victim, pulled from the Sheriff’s Office’s own criminal reports over the past 12 months. Victims are kept anonymous.

“The goal is to shine a light on the reality of abuse and bring their stories to the forefront – stories that too often go unheard,” Community Engagement Sergeant Megan Blackburn said.

Sergeant Blackburn is spearheading the Project Silhouette initiative during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

For their first week, the silhouettes will be placed in the entrances of the following businesses:

• Hy-Vee, 7117 N. Prospect Ave., Gladstone, Mo.

• Price Chopper, 15700 N. Hwy 169, Smithville, Mo.

• Price Chopper, 701 Watson Dr., Kearney, Mo.

• Wal-Mart, 2203 Patsy Lane, Excelsior Springs, Mo.

• Wal-Mart, 8301 N. Church Road, Kansas City, Mo.

The silhouettes will move to other locations, including libraries, over the course of the month.

“Victims need support, resources, and someone to stand up for them. If Project Silhouette can offer even a small piece of that – if it can make even one person feel seen or safe, provide signs of what to look for – then it’s all been worth it,” Sergeant Blackburn said.

KPGZ News - Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.