Kearney Police Department Warns of E-Bike Dangers Among Youth

The Kearney Police Department has issued a warning to the community in response to a noticeable increase in dangerous incidents involving juveniles operating e-bikes. Over the past several months, officers have responded to numerous accidents—some resulting in serious injuries or fatalities—where young riders were found to be ignoring traffic signs and safety rules. This troubling trend isn’t unique to Kearney; cities across the metro area are reporting similar concerns as e-bikes become more popular among youth.

To address the issue, the department launched an educational campaign targeting both riders and their parents, aiming to raise awareness about the risks of inexperienced and reckless e-bike use. Officers have spent the past five weeks engaging with families, emphasizing the dangers of riding after dark without proper lighting and the importance of obeying all local ordinances, which are available on the city’s website. The department stresses that its goal is not to discourage the use of e-bikes, which are valued for their fun and convenience, but to ensure the safety of all—riders, motorists, and pedestrians alike.

A recent crash involving a juvenile on an e-bike has underscored the potential severity of these incidents, prompting renewed calls for vigilance. Police have clarified distinctions between the types of e-bikes: pedal-assist models, which require pedaling, may be used responsibly by adults and juveniles on streets and trails; throttle e-bikes, which do not require pedaling, are classified as electric motorcycles without pedals and are restricted to private property outside city limits, with the owner’s permission.

The department encourages parents to review the laws, discuss safety with their children, and help prevent further accidents. Officers remain available to answer questions about e-bike regulations and safety, reaffirming their commitment to making Kearney a safe and enjoyable community.

In addition to the educational outreach, the Kearney Police Department is exploring partnerships with local schools and community organizations to offer hands-on safety workshops and helmet fittings. These proactive efforts aim to equip young riders with practical skills and reinforce safe riding habits through interactive experiences. Community members are encouraged to participate in upcoming events and stay informed by following updates on the department’s official social media channels and website.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Winter Weather Preparedness for Drivers in Kearney

As winter weather approaches in Kearney, MO, drivers are urged to take proactive steps to ensure their safety on the road. Cold temperatures, icy roads, and sudden snowstorms can quickly turn a routine trip into a dangerous situation. That’s why local safety officials recommend assembling a comprehensive emergency kit for your vehicle before winter weather hits.

“It's always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in the back of your car, but during the winter months, it's even more important to be prepared,” explains Corporal Phil Lamanna from the Kearney Police Department. “A properly supplied safety kit can help you deal with most situations in your car breaks down or you get stuck.”

A properly supplied safety kit can make all the difference if you find yourself stranded or facing unexpected delays. Key items to include are necessary medications, blankets, sleeping bags, extra mittens or gloves, warm socks, caps, and a small shovel for digging out snow.

Booster cables and a basic toolkit with pliers and screwdrivers are invaluable in case of minor breakdowns. Don’t forget a brightly colored cloth to signal for help, non-perishable foods such as bottled water, and a cell phone charger to maintain communication.

It's easy to overlook preparedness until you’re already stuck, but taking a few minutes now to stock your vehicle can help you solve problems and reach out for assistance when needed. While you can’t prepare for every scenario, having these essentials on hand increases your chances of staying safe until help arrives. For more tips and updates on winter weather preparedness, visit the City of Kearney’s official website at KearneyMO.us.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Opens Law Enforcement Resource Center

Clay County marked a milestone with the official opening of its new Law Enforcement Resource Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance training for Sheriff’s Office staff and local partner agencies. The center, located at 16414 N.E. 116th St. in Kearney, is the county’s first major law enforcement construction project in 25 years, following the expansion of the Clay County Detention Center in 2000.

The $8 million project was made possible through federal grants, including significant support from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. Piper-Wind Architects, Inc. led the design, and Straub Construction LLC served as the general contractor.

Law enforcement personnel will benefit from the facility’s advanced amenities, including a 10-lane indoor shooting range, a classroom with capacity for up to 64 participants, and dedicated spaces for defensive tactics and decision-making training. The center also features cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality technology, providing officers with comprehensive preparation for the evolving needs of the county’s growing community.

To celebrate the grand opening, county employees, elected officials, and representatives from local law enforcement agencies toured the new training center, while over 40 neighboring residents received a preview during a special event the previous evening. The resource center is expected to help Sheriff’s Office staff meet rigorous training requirements and maintain readiness to serve Clay County effectively.

The Law Enforcement Resource Center stands as a significant investment in public safety and officer preparedness, reflecting Clay County’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and adapting to the demands of a growing population.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Quiets the Tigers 49-7

The Kearney Bulldog faithful rolled into the Warrensburg Activities Complex parking lot Saturday morning and gathered for a tailgate party. Intent on another Bulldog victory, they crowded into the stadium together, filling every available seat on the visitor-side bleachers – and they were loud.

Before the end of the first quarter, disappointment silenced the Warrensburg side of the stadium. The Warrensburg Tigers were on a roll, winning five straight behind a promising sophomore quarterback, a 2,000-yard rusher, and an exceptional wide receiver. For the second time in 12 months, the Tigers would face the Kearney Bulldogs – at home – for the right to move ahead in the state playoffs.

Kearney linebacker Kale Tucking stole a soft lob from Tigers sophomore quarterback Camden Mannering and ran it back 54 yards for the pick-six.  Photo by Eric Stevens.

The Bulldogs broke Warrensburg’s bracket. Dryden Hendrix ran 15 yards to the endzone to cap a 96-yard drive in the opening salvo. Kearney’s offensive line pushed the Tiger defense all over the field, clearing the way for four more touchdowns in the first half, but not before Kearney linebacker Kale Tucking stole a soft lob from Tigers sophomore quarterback Camden Mannering and ran it back 54 yards for the pick-six.  

With a 14-0 lead, Bulldog quarterback Carter Temple sprinted 29 yards behind the downfield blocking of Kearney’s running backs for the touchdown at 8:44 in the second quarter. Drew Nelson was a perfect 7-of-7 on PAT kicks.

With 3:48 to go in the first half, Bulldog senior running back Corbin Emmons scored on a 5-yard push pass from Temple. The Bulldogs got busy in the waning minutes of the first half as Temple threw a perfect strike to Emmons who took it 53 yards for the touchdown.

Emmons recovered a Warrensburg fumble on the ensuing kick-off return, and with 1:35 left, Kale Tucking scored on a reverse handoff that went 22 yards, closing the half with the Bulldogs overwhelmingly in charge at 42-zip. 

“What an unbelievable effort from our kids,” said head coach Logan Minnick. “We came out hot which was huge you know, but anytime you score on defense and you have a turnover on a kickoff return, the score could get a little bit lopsided.”

Kearney scored midway in the third quarter on a Carter Temple 45-yard run on fourth down with a yard to go. Coach Minnick turned the reins over to the second unit for the remainder of the game.

Warrensburg’s only score was on a fourth-quarter 40-yard carry by AJ Smith and successful point-after kick by Anton Wiederhoeft for the final 49-7 Kearney win.

“At the end of the day we played the game like Kearney football,” said Minnick. “The defense was absolutely lights out against a team that's averaging 40-plus points a game and likes to spread us out and throw it all over the field at times, but I think our kids have learned to play that kind of defense.”

The 12-0 Bulldogs travel to Festus, Missouri to face the 10-2 Festus Tigers next Saturday November 29, for the semifinal round of the playoffs.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Clay County Delays Some Tax Bills Amid Senior Relief Program

Clay County officials announced that most 2025 property tax bills are now available online, with the release beginning November 21, 2025. While the majority of residents can access their bills as usual, the process is taking longer this year due to the introduction of the Senior Property Tax Relief Program.

This new initiative, designed to provide financial relief for senior homeowners, has added complexity to the county’s annual tax billing. The Collector’s Office is currently working through the challenge of calculating and processing more than 100,000 bills, ensuring every detail is accurate before posting them online. According to county officials, tax parcels not enrolled in the new program have been made available on schedule.

However, the 17,141 parcels participating in the Senior Real Estate Property Tax Relief Program are not yet posted. The county says these bills require extra review to ensure all program adjustments and eligibility criteria are correctly applied. The Collector’s Office emphasized its commitment to accuracy as it finalizes the remaining bills.

Residents whose properties are part of the Senior Relief Program should expect updates directly from the county as processing continues. In the meantime, officials encourage the public to visit the county’s official website, claycountymo.gov, or follow Clay County’s social media accounts for ongoing information and announcements.

The rollout of the Senior Property Tax Relief Program marks a significant change in how the county approaches property tax for older residents. County leaders say they are working diligently to ensure that all eligible seniors receive the benefits intended by the program, even as the additional workload has caused temporary delays in processing.

As the county completes its work, residents are urged to monitor official channels for the latest updates on their property tax bills and relief eligibility. The Collector’s Office plans to notify affected property owners as soon as their bills are available online.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.