Verimore Opens Modernized Kearney East Branch

Verimore Bank has officially opened its Kearney East branch following extensive renovations, marking a significant modernization for a building now entering its sixth decade of service. The new branch at 303 S. Jefferson Street offers an updated, customer-friendly design intended to make banking services more accessible and convenient for local customers.

Kristie Stuewe, CEO & President of Verimore Bank, highlighted the importance of local presence and relationships, stating, “Verimore Bank continues to emphasize the importance of local presence and relationships in the communities we serve. Our commitment to the Kearney community is based on that philosophy as we are pleased to be able to serve customers at two locations. With five branches now in Clay County, along with Verimore Bank’s local ownership and management, we look forward to the responsibility and privilege of providing vital community banking to the Northland.”

The opening of the Kearney East branch expands Verimore Bank’s footprint in the community, making it the largest banking presence in Kearney. Branch Manager Stacy Jensen expressed excitement about the enhanced capability to serve customers, saying, “We are excited to better serve customers with the largest presence in Kearney.”

Verimore Bank invites customers and community members to visit the new Kearney East location between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or to learn more at www.verimore.bank.

Founded in 1934, Verimore Bank is a full-service community bank with $639 million in assets, serving Northern Missouri communities from its main offices in Brookfield and branches in Eagleville, Kansas City, Kearney, Liberty, Milan, and North Kansas City. The bank is known for providing friendly, affordable, personal, and convenient banking and financial services to its customers.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this report.

Kearney to Put $62.5 Million Wastewater Bond Issue to Voters

In a decision made during the Board of Aldermen meeting on January 20, 2026, Kearney city officials approved an ordinance to place a $62.5 million revenue bond question on the upcoming April 7 ballot.

The move follows an extensive utility rate study and is designed to secure funding for vital wastewater projects, aiming to save residents more than $30 million over the next three decades—over $1 million each year—by enabling the city to utilize the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program.

On Election Day, voters in Kearney will encounter the following ballot language: “Shall the City of Kearney, Missouri, issue its sewerage system revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $62,500,000 to acquire, construct, extend, renovate, improve, and equip its sewerage system, including, but not limited to, an expansion of the City’s wastewater treatment plant, the replacement of wastewater lines, and other improvements to the wastewater system, including improvements to the wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment system, the costs and maintenance of said sewerage system and the principal of and interest on said sewerage system revenue bonds to be payable solely from the revenues derived from the operation of its sewerage system, including all future improvements and extensions thereto?”

Voters will choose between YES and NO.

A YES vote will allow the city to access SRF financing, which offers a subsidized interest rate for wastewater system improvements. A NO vote would mean relying on traditional financing methods with higher interest rates. City leaders stress that upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant and related infrastructure are essential to maintain reliable services for Kearney residents. The city intends to borrow funds and repay them over time, distributing the cost across future generations who will benefit from the improved system.

Regardless of the vote outcome, the city will proceed with the necessary improvements to the wastewater system. These projects are critical for maintaining reliable service, safeguarding public health, complying with regulatory requirements, minimizing the risk of system failures, reducing the likelihood of enforcement actions, and supporting future growth. Approval of the revenue bonds is required for the city to participate in the SRF loan program, which enables significant long-term savings for residents. The city previously used SRF funding for its water connection to Kansas City in 2001.

City officials clarify that the proposed revenue bonds are not a new tax; repayment will come exclusively from sewer user fees, as the wastewater system operates as an enterprise fund. While infrastructure upgrades will require rate adjustments, passage of the bond issue will keep rates as low as possible. If the measure does not pass, residents face substantially higher rate increases due to more than $31 million in additional interest costs over the life of the loan.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Opens Door to Short-Term Rentals for World Cup

The City of Kearney has adopted an ordinance allowing short-term rentals within city limits, expanding local lodging options as the Kansas City region prepares for increased visitor demand tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kansas City will host multiple World Cup matches in June and July 2026, and communities throughout the region are planning to accommodate thousands of visitors.

The ordinance permits short-term rentals as an accessory residential use and defines them as stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties may be eligible, subject to city standards.

"This ordinance provides flexibility for property owners while maintaining clear standards to protect our neighborhoods," said Mayor Pogue. "As the region prepares for a major international event this summer, we want Kearney residents to have the ability to welcome visitors safely and responsibly."

Operators of short-term rentals must obtain a city-issued permit, comply with occupancy limits, meet parking and nuisance standards, designate a local contact, and renew permits annually.

Permits are non-transferable and may only be held by property owners.

The ordinance follows public hearings and a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and reflects broader regional planning efforts related to housing and lodging demand associated with the 2026 World Cup.

Additional information, including business licensing and permitting requirements, is available at KearneyMO.us.

KPGZ News – City of Kearney

Precision Athletics & Wellness Opens New Sports Facility

A brand new destination for athletes and families has officially opened its doors in Kearney. Precision Athletics & Wellness, a multi-sport training and community facility, began welcoming the public on February 1, 2026.

Located at 815 Premier Drive just off Innovation Drive, the complex is designed to be more than just a place to work out — organizers say it’s a gathering place where people of all ages can play, train, and build connections.

The facility features courts and training areas for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and baseball, as well as strength and conditioning spaces. Whether someone’s looking to sharpen athletic skills, stay active with friends, or spend quality time with family, Precision Athletics & Wellness aims to serve the whole community.

Officials are also hosting an open house on Saturday, February 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. The event invites residents to tour the facility, try out the spaces, and meet staff.

Organizers describe the new complex as “precisely where you belong,” emphasizing a welcoming environment for athletes of all levels and neighbors alike.

For more information, visit their precisionathletics-kc.com or check out their social media pages for upcoming events and membership details.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Nolte Clarifies Royals Ballot Misunderstanding

Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte has addressed recent confusion following a press release regarding the county’s involvement in a proposal with the Kansas City Royals. Nolte clarified that while the county missed the deadline to secure a measure on the April ballot, the proposal to bring the Royals to Clay County remains robust and active.

Nolte appeared on Mundo in the Morning on KCMO Talk Radio to clarify the press release that went out on January 28.

“The deadline was not met and that was largely an electoral deadline. Part of the reasoning behind that [press release] was we didn’t want people to think just that, that we were out of the picture. We wanted to make sure people understand that there is a strong and competitive proposal that the county has made.”

Nolte emphasized the significance of holding a public vote, stating that it is essential for the residents of Clay County to have a direct say in such a major decision. “The people of Clay County deserve the opportunity to be heard on this important matter,” Nolte said, reinforcing the county’s commitment to transparency and civic engagement.

The next potential ballot the Royals proposal for public vote could be in August, but as Nolte explained, the Royals have to decide where they want to locate the stadium.

“The Royals need to decide what their way forward is, whether they want to go with an option downtown in Kansas City, which quite frankly is a smaller footprint, or if they want to take advantage of the opportunity of approximately 100 acres in Clay County.”

Mundo also pressed Nolte on a post from Commissioner Withington where Withington said he was “done negotiating with the Royals.” Mundo asked Nolte if the commission is done or not.

“No, the commission is not done. Neither myself nor Commissioner Withington are members of our negotiation team. They [the team] still continue their work. I was talking with a member of the team, and I believe the door is still open.”

Commissioner Nolte also discussed the collaborative nature of the process, highlighting the roles of the state and other partners in making the proposal a reality. Nolte assured the public that Clay County remains dedicated to working together with all stakeholders to bring the Royals to the area and to ensure the best possible outcome for the community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.