Sheriff Refutes Viral ICE Raid Reports as Fake

Clay County Sheriff Will Akin has debunked recent social media reports claiming that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were conducting door-to-door operations in the Kansas City Northland area in January 2026, labeling the claims as false and based on altered images.

Sheriff Akin responded after a series of photos began circulating online, causing widespread concern among local residents. According to Akin, a thorough review was conducted in coordination with local and federal law enforcement partners. “There was no law enforcement activity in the area at the alleged time,” he confirmed. A spokesperson from the Gladstone Police Department also stated that their officers had not been notified of any such ICE activity, nor had they witnessed anything unusual during patrols.

Akin expressed skepticism over the authenticity of the photos fueling the rumors. He detailed a list of discrepancies, including the presence of light bars on vehicles that were supposed to be unmarked, police-style wheels without proper markings, and untinted front windows—an uncommon feature for interceptor-style SUVs.

He also noted inconsistencies in uniforms, pointing out that while some individuals displayed badges and shoulder patches, others did not, making it unlikely they belonged to the same agency. The sheriff further highlighted that the location of vehicles changed between photos, and the images were posted simultaneously, suggesting potential manipulation. “Pictures were posted at the same time with urgency. Surely the vehicles didn’t move that quickly,” Akin remarked.

Additional red flags included the lack of snow on the ground, despite single-digit temperatures in the area, and the absence of cold-weather gear on some individuals in the pictures. Operations of this nature, Akin explained, typically involve more than four people, whereas only four individuals appeared in the images. There was also no corroboration from neighbors or any other eyewitnesses on the street.

In his official social media statement, Sheriff Akin addressed the anxiety caused by the viral posts: “I’ve seen the pictures circulating online that have caused major concern in our community. I understand why images like these can create anxiety, especially when there’s uncertainty about who is involved and why.”

He called on residents to pause before sharing unconfirmed claims and to rely only on verified information from trusted sources. “Our community is strongest when we look out for one another and respond with facts, calm, and care,” he added.

Sheriff Akin also invited the original poster or anyone with direct knowledge of the alleged incident to come forward so he could investigate further and provide a transparent report. Until then, he emphasized, the claims remain unsubstantiated and should not be a source of fear in the community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Wine & Chocolate Tour Returns with International Flavors

The beloved Kearney Wine & Chocolate Trolley Tour is back for 2026, promising an evening of indulgence, adventure, and community fun. Hosted by the Kearney Enrichment Council in collaboration with local businesses, this year’s event will showcase small-production, boutique wines from around the globe, each paired with delicious snacks from various countries.

Set for February 7, the festivities begin with check-in at the Old Firehouse, where guests will collect a commemorative 2026 wine glass, a punch card, and a special swag bag, depending on their ticket type. The trolleys and buses will depart at 4:30 PM, running on a continuous loop throughout the evening to transport participants between the different Kearney business stops. For those who prefer, a self-driving option is also available.

Ticket options for the event include General Admission at $45, which covers the wine glass and optional transportation, and the VIP experience at $65. VIPs will enjoy exclusive perks, such as a special wine and chocolate bag, a wine tumbler, two extra raffle tickets, and additional VIP wine pours. Only 100 VIP tickets are available, making this a sought-after upgrade for wine enthusiasts.

The event adds a playful twist with a punch card system. At each stop, guests get their cards punched, earning raffle tickets for each set of stops completed. Three punches get you one raffle ticket, five punches earn three tickets, and completing the entire route nets an impressive five raffle tickets. Lucky winners will be contacted after the event to receive fun prizes, including bottles of wine featured on the tour.

Doors open at 3:30 PM, giving attendees time to mingle and prepare before the trolleys roll out at 4:30 PM. With limited space on the trolleys and buses, early registration is advised. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a memorable night out with friends, the 2026 Kearney Wine & Chocolate Trolley Tour offers a flavorful journey through the world of wine—without ever leaving town.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Harlem Wizards to Headline Education Foundation Fundraiser

The Kearney School District Education Foundation (KSDEF) is launching a new community event this spring with the arrival of the Harlem Wizards basketball team at Kearney High School on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The Harlem Wizards, celebrated nationwide for their dynamic mix of basketball prowess, comedy routines, and crowd engagement, are set to deliver a family-friendly spectacle filled with high-flying tricks and plenty of laughter. The night will bring together students, school staff, and local residents in a show of Bulldog pride.

This event marks KSDEF’s first collaboration with the Harlem Wizards and represents a fresh direction in the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives. All proceeds from the game will go toward supporting innovative classroom grants, student enrichment programs, and scholarships designed to benefit Kearney students.

Organizers hope that the Wizards game will become an annual tradition, strengthening community bonds while providing direct support to teachers and students throughout the district.

The community is invited to join the festivities at Kearney High School on Saturday, April 11, as the Wizards bring their unique brand of entertainment to town and help raise funds for educational opportunities in Kearney.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Governor Kehoe Delivers State of the State Address

On the anniversary of his inauguration as Missouri’s 58th Governor, Mike Kehoe addressed the Missouri General Assembly with the 2026 State of the State speech, outlining his legislative agenda and budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2027. Kehoe’s address focused on fiscal responsibility, as he proposed a conservative budget aimed at aligning ongoing state spending with reliable revenue sources, moving away from the extraordinary federal funds and increased general revenue that characterized the past few years.

The governor emphasized a return to sustainable, pre-pandemic financial practices, stating, “Today, we delivered a budget recommendation that focuses on the core functions of government and how we can best serve Missourians without overpromising and overspending. Our recommendation proves that state government can live within its means, and our economy can grow and deliver results for taxpayers all at the same time.”

Since Fiscal Year 2022, Missouri has added over 3,400 new budget items, with nearly $13 billion in new general revenue spending. To address a projected future imbalance of more than $2 billion, Kehoe’s plan proposes over $600 million in reductions to the general revenue core operating budget. These cuts, he said, would maintain fiscal discipline while ensuring continued support for mandatory and high-priority obligations such as Medicaid matching, child care subsidies, and disaster relief. Notably, the plan does not reduce core funding for higher education or the K-12 foundation formula.

Governor Kehoe also used his address to advocate for the eventual elimination of Missouri’s individual income tax, calling for a responsible and sustainable approach. He urged lawmakers to pass a joint resolution placing the phased elimination of the income tax before voters on the ballot this year, allowing legislative action in the next session if approved.

Kehoe outlined potential new revenue sources from untaxed modern services and described safeguards in his plan, including triggered reductions to the income tax rate, to protect the state against economic downturns. He assured Missourians that he would not support extending sales taxes to agriculture, healthcare, or real estate, emphasizing the need for a tax code fit for the state’s future.

Looking back on his first year in office, Kehoe highlighted progress in his administration’s four key areas: public safety, economic development, agriculture, and education. He detailed his ongoing commitment to these priorities with both legislative proposals and budget recommendations presented to the General Assembly.

In conjunction with his address, Governor Kehoe signed four executive orders. Executive Order 26-01 creates a statewide school accountability A-F grade card. Executive Order 26-02 affirms the administration’s commitment to safe and effective use of artificial intelligence in state government. Executive Order 26-03 establishes the Missouri Government Responsibility, Efficiency, Accountability, and Transformation initiative, or Missouri GREAT, to improve government efficiency. Executive Order 26-04 forms the Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force to promote nuclear energy deployment within the state.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bratcher Completes First Year at Institute for Organization Management

Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Stacie Bratcher, Executive Director, of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce, has recently completed her first year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.