Clay County Earns National Financial Reporting Award

Clay County has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report covering the fiscal year that ended Dec. 31, 2024, county officials announced.

The certificate is considered the organization’s top honor in governmental accounting and financial reporting and signals that the county’s report met national benchmarks for clarity, completeness and transparency.

An impartial panel reviewed the report and determined it satisfied the program’s standards, including what GFOA describes as a “spirit of full disclosure” intended to make financial information easier for residents, policymakers and other stakeholders to understand.

GFOA created the Certificate of Achievement program in 1945 to encourage state and local governments to go beyond minimum accounting requirements and publish annual reports that are transparent, informative and accessible to the public.

The recognition is the county’s first-ever Certificate of Achievement. Several Missouri and regional peers, including Boone, St. Charles, Jackson and St. Louis counties, have maintained the distinction for decades.

Before the report was submitted to GFOA, Clay County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was independently audited by an external accounting firm, then evaluated against rigorous national standards and accounting principles, officials said.

GFOA calls the certificate “the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.” County leaders said the award reflects an ongoing focus on clear communication, fiscal responsibility and public trust.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Most Wanted Suspect Apprehended

Eric E. Frazer

Deputies arrested their Most Wanted suspect Friday evening, which led to an assault on a Sheriff’s Office canine and multiple deputies requiring medical attention.

Deputies had been trying to take 54-year-old Eric E. Frazer into custody since December 2025, when he failed to appear in court for drug trafficking charges. He also failed to appear for a Valentine’s Law charge for fleeing a lawful stop. In just the last month, he fled from deputies two additional times. The Sheriff’s Office placed him on its Most Wanted list on April 22.

Investigation revealed Frazer was at a relative’s home in the 16800 block of Ragsdale Road at about 6 p.m. May 1. The relatives exited the home and allowed deputies to go inside to apprehend Frazer. Deputies deployed a drone for an initial search of the house, and after seeing nothing, went inside with K9 Argos. Argos directed them to a bathroom that had an opening to the attic. The drone showed Frazer hiding in the attic, but he refused to come out. Deputies did not know whether he was armed. After several warnings to Frazer, K9 Argos went into the attic to assist with the apprehension.

Frazer fought Argos, lying on top of him and forcing his head into the sheetrock, then pulling hard on the leash around his neck, causing the leash line to break. Fearing for everyone’s safety, deputies in the living room below cut a hole in the ceiling to get Argos and Frazer out. Argos fell through, with one deputy able to catch him just enough to break his fall. Deputies then pulled Frazer down. After being treated for his bite wounds at the hospital, Frazer is now in custody at the Clay County Detention Center with no bond. In addition to his original warrants, Frazer is now charged with:

• Felony aggravated fleeing a stop

• Felony resisting arrest

• Misdemeanor assault on a law enforcement animal

• Four misdemeanor charges of assault on law enforcement

Additional charges may be filed as investigation continues.

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office states this is the first time they have filed a charge under Max’s Law, which became effective in Missouri in August 2024. The law makes it a crime to injure or kill a police animal.

K9 Argos’ handler immediately took him to Long Veterinary Hospital to be evaluated for injuries and treated for inhaling insulation. Four deputies also had to be evaluated and treated at the hospital for various minor injuries sustained during the apprehension.  

MoDOT to Begin Pilot Car Operation on Route C for Resurfacing

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced that a pilot car operation will be in effect on Route C, stretching from Missouri Highway 92 to the Clinton County line, as crews carry out pavement resurfacing.

The project, originally planned for May 5, will now begin on Thursday, May 14 until early June from 7:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. each day.

Drivers traveling through the area should anticipate possible delays and are urged to slow down and pay close attention in the work zone. MoDOT reminds motorists that work zones can vary in appearance and may include temporary lane closures for quick repairs or debris removal. All work is dependent on favorable weather conditions.

For more information on MoDOT news, projects, or events, visit www.modot.org/kansascity.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Missouri House Passes Transportation Bill Raising Rural Speed Limits

The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a major transportation bill that would raise the state's speed limit on rural, four-lane highways from 70 to 75 miles per hour. Senate Bill 1408, sponsored by State Sen. Jamie Burger (R-27th District), not only increases speed limits but also eliminates mandatory vehicle safety inspections for most passenger cars and trucks.

The legislation, which began as a straightforward speed limit proposal, evolved into a comprehensive package after lawmakers merged several transportation-related issues. Among its new provisions are changes to license plate renewals, the introduction of a five-year registration option for vehicles, and the removal of most vehicle safety inspection requirements.

On Thursday, April 30, the House approved the amended bill with a vote of 82-53, highlighting divided opinions among lawmakers. “It sounds like lots of people came together to produce something that is much better than where it started,” remarked State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff (D-Columbia). However, not all were supportive. “Once you slide down this avalanche of absurdity, there is no end,” countered State Rep. Darrin Chappell (R-Rogersville).

Because the House version includes several amendments, Senate Bill 1408 must return to the Missouri Senate for further review. If approved, the bill will proceed to Governor Mike Kehoe for final consideration. The proposed changes could significantly impact Missouri drivers, easing regulatory requirements while increasing speed limits on select highways.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

School District Celebrates Excellence at Team KSD Awards

Kearney School District honored exceptional educators, support professionals, retirees, and community partners at the 2026 Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception held Thursday, April 30, at Tobacco Barn Farm. The event spotlighted districtwide award recipients, with Dr. Brad Miller, chemistry teacher at Kearney High School, named 2026 Teacher of the Year, and Stephanie Dolinar, Puppy Pound Lead at the Kearney Early Education Center, recognized as Support Staff of the Year.

Dr. Miller has dedicated 17 years to public education, spending the past seven at KHS. He is admired for guiding students through complex subjects with confidence, humor, and persistence, setting high expectations while offering encouragement and support.

Mrs. Dolinar, who has devoted all 18 years of her career to KSD, fosters a safe and joyful environment at the Puppy Pound, nurturing the district’s youngest Bulldogs, their families, and staff members.

The Kearney School District Education Foundation was also acknowledged for its ongoing support of the awards and its commitment to investing in students, teachers, and staff, making the honors even more meaningful. Recognition extended to school-level Teachers of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, 2026 retirees, Volunteer of the Year Aaron Jury, and Business of the Year Long Veterinary Clinic.

Congratulations to Dr. Brad Miller, Stephanie Dolinar, and all 2026 Team KSD honorees for their dedication and impact on the Kearney School District community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.