Community Partnerships Drive Opioid Prevention Success

Clay County is making notable progress in its fight against opioid misuse, as highlighted in the Opioid Settlement Task Force’s newly released 2025 annual report. The report details how settlement funds are being used to reduce opioid-related harm, with 7,686 individuals directly impacted by prevention efforts and an estimated $14 return for every $1 invested.

Clay County is set to receive $2,694,343 over 20 years, and in 2025, $192,343 was distributed to four community partners dedicated to prevention and recovery support.

Beacon Mental Health received $105,000, providing peer support services and assisting clients with housing and transportation needs. The Northland Coalition was allocated $65,000, distributing mini grants to grassroots organizations like Excelsior Springs SAFE and Liberty Alliance for Youth.

The Office of Dispute Resolution used $19,000 to conduct juvenile drug tests and offer educational programming to youth and their parents. Clay County Public Health Center received $3,343, boosting naloxone vending machines from three to eleven and distributing over 4,500 boxes countywide.

Residents are encouraged to read the full report, which includes more data and personal stories from those impacted by these initiatives. The Task Force, led by Public Health Director Darrell Meinke and supported by community leaders, continues to drive collaborative efforts.

In early 2026, the Clay County Public Health Center launched the Opioid Surveillance Dashboard, a new tool offering real-time data on opioid deaths and hospitalizations as part of the county’s broader Data Hub.

While opioid overdose deaths surged during the pandemic, peaking in 2022, the rate has since declined, although it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. Clay County’s ongoing prevention and intervention efforts are helping to turn the tide and provide hope for affected families.

Find more information about opioids and local resources at clayhealth.com/opioids.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Chamber Marks 50 Years with Golden Jubilee Open House

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to commemorate its 50th anniversary with a Golden Jubilee Member Appreciation Open House. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, from 3 to 5 PM at the Chamber office, located at 109 W 92 Hwy in Kearney.

Chamber officials say the special gathering will honor five decades of impact, recognizing the members—past, present, and future—who have helped build a thriving local business environment. The festivities will feature a lively, come-and-go atmosphere, complete with cake, ice cream, a Golden Candy Bar, and raffle prizes. Attendees are encouraged to bring a business card to participate in the raffle.

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebration, the Chamber will pay tribute to its founding members and businesses that have served the community for 50 years or more. These individuals and organizations will be presented with commemorative Gold Ribbon Lapel Pins.

In addition to the festivities, the Chamber is launching a “Share Your Chamber Story” Memory Station. Guests can contribute written or recorded memories to help capture the organization’s history. A Legacy Photo Collection is also underway, inviting community members to share photos from the past 50 years of Kearney’s business community. Photos may be submitted at the event or via email to Admin@kearneychamber.org.

“This event is about more than celebrating a milestone—it’s about honoring the relationships, stories, and businesses that have shaped our community,” said Stacie Bratcher, Executive Director of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce.

The open house is welcoming to all Chamber members, whether past, present, or prospective. For further details, contact the Kearney Chamber of Commerce.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Liberty Hospital Celebrates Opening of Multispecialty Clinic

Photo caption: Liberty Hospital CEO Dr. Raghu Adiga and neurologist Dr. Sarah Hon of The University of Kansas Health System cut the ribbon to open the hospital’s new multispecialty clinic featuring health system specialists. 

To meet the growing need for medical specialists in the Northland, Liberty Hospital has opened a multispecialty clinic providing neurology and nephrology services. The clinic, located in the Doctors Building at the hospital campus, features specialists from The University of Kansas Health System.

Liberty Hospital says this is another step towards keeping its promise to bring world-class specialty care to the Northland.

Liberty Hospital Neurology Services provides a full spectrum of care for people living with complex conditions of the brain, spine and nervous system. Board-certified neurologist Deepa Patel, MD, and migraine specialist Cynthia Ward, DO, evaluate, diagnose and treat patients using innovative technologies and treatment options. To learn more about Neurology Services at Liberty Hospital, call 816.415.3472.

Board-certified nephrologists from The University of Kansas Health System provide a full spectrum of kidney care at Liberty Hospital Nephrology Services. The clinic offers diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of kidney diseases from common issues to rare disorders. To learn more and schedule an appointment, call 816.415.3470.

Follow-up appointments for certain conditions may need to be scheduled at the University of Kansas Hospital. To learn more about specialty care at Liberty Hospital, visit www.libertyhospital.org.

KPGZ News – Michelle Manuel contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Annual Report Highlights Growth and Improvements

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has released its 2025 annual report, revealing notable increases in several key areas, including inmate population, court cases, and concealed carry weapon permit renewals.

According to the report, the average daily inmate population rose from 289 in 2024 to 345 in 2025, marking a 19% jump and a 38% increase compared to 2023. Despite the larger inmate numbers, the facility saw improvements in safety: inmate vs. inmate assaults dropped by 9%, and inmate vs. staff assaults fell dramatically by 73%.

Deputies served as bailiffs in 71,156 court cases in 2025, an 11% rise from the previous year. Concealed carry weapons permit renewals surged by 57%, reaching 318.

The annual report also contains new details on employee benefits, drone usage, fleet management, and the Honor Guard—topics not previously featured. These statistics are just a sample of the information provided, as the report offers a comprehensive and transparent overview of the Sheriff’s Office operations.

Readers can find insights on budget allocation, crime reports, staffing, and lesser-known units such as Transportation and Professional Standards HERE, giving the public an in-depth look at the agency’s work throughout Clay County.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Girls Wrestling Pins Down Postseason Honors

Kearney High School Girls Wrestling continues to earn well-deserved recognition following another outstanding season, with Bulldog student-athletes and coaches bringing home honors at the conference, district and state levels.

These awards reflect the strength of a program that continues to set a high standard through talent, discipline and consistent excellence.

Eight Bulldogs were named All-Conference First Team: Rebecca Lafollette, Zolah Williams, Myla Woolridge, Riley Walker, Aida Appenfeller, Bella Wenzel, Carli Vargas and Ella Chavez. Six KHS wrestlers also earned Academic All-State recognition: Rebecca Lafollette, Zolah Williams, Myla Woolridge, Aida Appenfeller, Carli Vargas and Ella Chavez.

Kearney also earned major postseason honors for both individual and coaching excellence. Zolah Williams was named the MWA Class 1 District 4 Wrestler of the Year. The Bulldog coaching staff of Eric Marshall, Lexie Cole, Brett Williams and Cami Aebersold was recognized as both the MWA Class 1 District 4 Coaching Staff of the Year and the MWA Class 1 Coaching Staff of the Year. Head Coach Nick Ward was named both MWA Class 1 District 4 Girls Coach of the Year and MWA Class 1 Girls Coach of the Year.

Congratulations to these student-athletes and coaches on an exceptional list of honors. We are proud of the way Girls Wrestling continues to represent Kearney with excellence in competition, in the classroom and in leadership.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.