Rallying Around One of Our Own: Bruce Thoman

Courtesy of the Missouri State Troopers Association / Thoman family fundraiser.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Bruce Thoman was seriously injured on August 26, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle during a late-night traffic stop in North Kansas City. The incident has sparked a massive community response, including criminal charges against two drivers and a widespread fundraising effort.

Around midnight on Wednesday, August 26, Cpl. Thoman conducted a traffic stop on the left shoulder of northbound Interstates 29 and 35 near Missouri 210. He pulled over Erika Guerrero-Chavez, 24, on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. According to charging documents, Guerrero-Chavez resisted arrest and attempted to flee back to her car, forcing Thoman to spend a prolonged period in a highly dangerous position on the side of the highway.

While Thoman was attempting to secure Guerrero-Chavez, a passing Ford Focus driven by Ashton Berry, 25, struck him. Investigators noted that Thoman's emergency lights were fully activated, and traffic was minimal, meaning Berry had ample opportunity to move over into an open lane. Following the crash, authorities found methamphetamine in Berry's vehicle, while Guerrero-Chavez reportedly admitted to consuming alcohol and "shooters" before driving.

Both women are being held at the Clay County Detention Center on $200,000 cash bonds.

Cpl. Thoman was rushed to a local hospital with severe, life-threatening injuries and underwent immediate surgery. The Missouri State Troopers' Association (MOSTA) stated that the crash has permanently altered Thoman’s life and mobility, leaving his wife, Jennifer, and their two daughters facing a "future of unknowns."

In response to the tragedy, MOSTA has organized several official fundraising avenues to support the family long-term, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Thoman family.

Official fundraiser: GoFundMe — Support Missouri State Trooper Bruce Thoman

Official benefit page: Missouri State Troopers Association — Bruce Thoman Fund

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Carnival Coming to Kearney for Homecoming Weekend

The carnival is coming to Kearney just in time for Homecoming weekend, bringing three days of rides, games, food and fall fun to the community.

The City of Kearney and Evans Midland Empire Shows will host the carnival from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27, on the southwest corner of 19th Street and Highway 33 in Kearney.

Families can expect a classic midway atmosphere, complete with bright lights, thrill rides, children’s rides, games and familiar carnival treats such as funnel cakes and cotton candy.

Organizers say the event is designed for all ages, offering options for those looking for bigger rides as well as younger children who want something a little gentler.

Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars, bring friends and neighbors, and kick off the fall season with a weekend of carnival fun in Kearney.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Grand Jury Indicts Hit-and-Run Suspect

A grand jury indicted a Clay County resident with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a man on April 13, 2026.  

Deputies took 35-year-old Matthew R. Lavigne into custody yesterday. He is being held on a $250,000 bond.

He is accused of striking and killing 37-year-old pedestrian Steven C. Notari on Petty Road with his vehicle and leaving the scene. Lavigne denied knowing that he struck a person. 

In addition to conducting interviews, investigators gathered evidence including vehicle parts at the scene, the victim’s blood on the suspect’s vehicle, license plate reader camera photos, cell phone data, and footage from business surveillance cameras.

With the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, they presented this evidence to a Clay County grand jury, which determined Lavigne should be charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. 

Lavigne’s first court appearance will be at 9 a.m. Sept. 4 in Clay County Circuit Court Division 4. His booking photo is attached. 

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

Kearney Runs over Belton 42-0

Kearney all-state, senior quarterback, Carter Temple scored on an early first quarter 3-yard burst – his first touchdown of the season, and the first of six Kearney touchdowns in a 42-0 drubbing of the Belton Pirates.

The Missouri Class-4 state champions showcased their senior-laden roster scoring 35 points in the first half. Temple was 11 of 16 for 164 yards passing which included a 14-yard touchdown pass to senior running back Matthew Lindsey. Lindsey rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns.

Matthew Lindsey charges into the endzone for a touchdown. Photo by Ray Weikal.

Temple ran for two more touchdowns in the second quarter helping stack Kearney’s comfortable 35-0 halftime lead. Lindsey scored again on a 13-yard run late in the third quarter giving Kearney a 42-0 lead going into a scoreless fourth quarter.

Junior running back Cruise Emmons added 45 yards on eight carries to the Bulldogs’ 251 total rushing yards.

Grant Bogert was accurate in kicking five point-after attempts. A failed 2-point attempt midway through the second quarter was remedied before halftime with senior Kale Tucking running successfully for the two-point conversion following a Carter Temple touchdown.

“Super proud of our effort,” said Kearney Head Coach Logan Minnick. “You know, this is the way we needed this game to go. Get the nerves out, hit somebody else, and hats off to our JV defense for holding the shutout.”

Kearney’s defense locked down Belton’s prolific rushing attack – which includes senior running backs Aaden Hall, Caleb Campbell, and junior quarterback Robert Rucker – holding Belton to 119 yards total offense. Belton was 0-5 in passing.

“Our linebacking corps is one of the fastest in the state,” said Kearney senior linebacker, Kale Tucking. “We may not be the biggest out there, so we try to use that speed to our advantage using our leverage.”

“Week one is always a battle to see who can adjust the fastest,” said Kearney defensive coordinator Marcus Brinkley. “We knew we were going to get some sets that we weren't prepared for, adjusting the tight end off and doing some things with their wings, knowing at any moment, they can go 80 yards. So, hats off to our kids. They did a phenomenal job adjusting to the flow of the game as it went on.”

Minnick put the win in perspective during his post-game, on-field gathering. “Is that the best game we can play? No. And if you're winning 42-nothing and can play better we're really excited about that,” he told the team. “You know teams get so much better from week one to week two. So, we're really excited – and need to be because you’ve got a really good Grain Valley team coming in here next week.”

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

KSD Hosting Public Sharing and Listening Events

Kearney School District is hosting several Public Sharing and Listening Events this September as part of our Great Schools = Great Community initiative.

These events are designed to help families, staff members, residents and community partners learn more about KSD’s school finance, long-range facilities planning and community engagement efforts. They are also an opportunity to ask questions, share priorities and provide feedback before final decisions are made later this year.

The same information will be shared at each session, with details related to all district buildings. Please choose the date or location that works best with your schedule.

Friday, Sept. 4

8:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Kearney Elementary

Wednesday, Sept. 9

8:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Southview Elementary

Thursday, Sept. 10

8:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Hawthorne Elementary

Friday, Sept. 11

8:15 to 9:30 a.m.

Dogwood Elementary

Tuesday, Sept. 15

6 to 7:30 p.m.

KSD Central Office

Wednesday, Sept. 16

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Kearney Senior Center

Wednesday, Sept. 16

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Kearney High School

Thursday, Sept. 17

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Kearney Middle School

A separate online survey will be available for residents who are not able to attend in person.

Learn more at www.ksdr1.net/GreatSchools.