Mayor Pogue Highlights 2025 Accomplishments

Mayor Randy Pogue delivered his annual State of the City address during the Kearney Chamber of Commerce luncheon on June 3, spotlighting recent accomplishments and outlining priorities for the year ahead.

During his presentation, Mayor Pogue shared updates on several key infrastructure and community projects that are helping shape Kearney’s future.

“2025 has been another remarkable year for Kearney,” Mayor Pogue told Chamber members. “We have continued to make meaningful investments in infrastructure, economic development, parks, public safety, and other priorities that strengthen our community. New businesses are opening, major projects are taking shape, and we are making thoughtful decisions that position Kearney for long-term success.

The first item Pogue highlighted was the1 billion-gallon water tower, which is now fully operational. City crews also cleaned and inspected more than 21,000 feet of sanitary sewer lines, rehabilitated more than 5,000 feet through trenchless lining, and completed major maintenance improvements at the water treatment facility, where treatment basins were sandblasted and recoated to prevent corrosion and extend their useful life.

Another topic Pogue talked about was Kearney’s strong economic momentum. He acknowledged the opening of Precision Athletics & Wellness and River Trails BierWerks which opened this spring. He also commented that Kearney’s Innovation Business Park is nearing full buildout.

The mayor also highlighted national business brands that are going through the approval and construction process in Kearney, including Chipotle, AutoZone, and Les Schwab Tires.

Mayor Pogue also talked about the downtown revitalization of the original portion of Kearney through the CORE 353 redevelopment program. Six major projects have already been approved that represent more than $5.5 million in private investment.

Pogue also listed ways that Kearney became a more connected community in 2025 through pathway gap projects that improve connectivity and pedestrian safety throughout Kearney. These projects built five new sidewalk connections, ADA-accessible ramps at key locations, and a flashing pedestrian beacon at Meadowbrook Drive to improve crossing safety.

At Lions Park, the city completed a major playground replacement project using a new poured-in-place safety surface, significantly improving accessibility, safety, and usability for children of all abilities. At Jesse James Park, the city added new playground features, including a Ten Spin attraction and a new web climber.

Mayor Pogue also outlined future projects for the city. Projects in the works include the Mack Porter Park connector trail, which will create new recreational and transportation opportunities, a new water line along Nation Road which will support future development near the interchange, the 19th Street Complete Street project to enhance connectivity, improve safety, and support future development potential, and major wastewater system improvements, including a $60 million expansion of the wastewater treatment facility to accommodate Kearney’s continued growth.

Mayor Pogue concluded by reaffirming his commitment to Kearney’s growth and unity: “When I reflect on all we have accomplished, one thing becomes clear: the true strength of Kearney is its people. Success is measured not only in infrastructure and development, but in the families who enjoy our parks, the businesses that choose to invest here, the volunteers who serve their neighbors, and the residents who believe in this community’s future.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Officials Urge Homeowners to Sign Up for Deed Fraud Alerts

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office is warning residents that property deed scams are increasing and can be used to target a homeowner’s equity by filing fraudulent paperwork. In response, the Clay County Recorder of Deeds is encouraging property owners to enroll in Deed Watch, a free fraud alert service that monitors activity recorded under selected names.

To sign up, residents can register with a valid email address at deedwatch.com, select Clay County and enter the verification code sent to their email. Users can then add variations of their own name, a spouse’s name or any other name they want to monitor for recorded documents.

When a document is recorded under one of those selected names, the service sends an instant email alert so the property owner can quickly verify whether the transaction is legitimate. Officials emphasized that Deed Watch is only an alert and monitoring service and does not stop documents from being recorded, confirm whether a filing is legal or replace advice from an attorney.

Officials said the signup process takes about five minutes. Property owners with questions can contact the Clay County Recorder of Deeds at 816-407-3550.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Two More Suspects on Most Wanted List Captured

Clay County officials announced the arrests of two more suspects who had been featured on the county’s Top 10 Most Wanted list, marking the second and third apprehensions since the initiative launched last week.

Authorities said Michelle Essig and David Santia were both taken into custody in separate arrests over the past several days. Essig, who faces charges of resisting arrest and first-degree robbery was arrested May 29 by members of the Kansas City Police Department’s East Zone Proactive Squad without incident. Santia, charged with first-degree burglary and first-degree tampering was arrested May 31 by officers with the Mill Creek Township Police Department in Pennsylvania.

Officials credited the arrests to continued investigative work and cooperation among Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement partners. The county’s Most Wanted initiative, announced last week, also offers a $3,000 anonymous reward for information leading to an arrest.

Essig is being held at the Clay County Detention Center pending further court proceedings, while Santia is being held at the Erie County Prison awaiting extradition. Authorities also thanked community members for sharing information tied to the cases, saying public cooperation remains essential to locating and apprehending wanted offenders.

“Creating safer communities is a joint effort, and I am proud of our dedicated law enforcement partners and citizens stepping up to make sure justice is delivered in these cases,” Prosecutor Zach Thompson said.

Officials said the full Top 10 Most Wanted list and reward details are available on the Clay County Prosecutor’s website. https://www.claycountyprosecutor.com/

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Residents Asked to Shape Kearney’s Future with Online Survey

The City of Kearney is asking residents to share their views on quality of life, city services, and future priorities through the National Community Survey, now open through June 17.

City officials said the survey covers topics including public safety, infrastructure, growth, and overall quality of life. Results will help guide the Mayor and Board of Aldermen as they set the city’s priorities and initiatives each year.

The city’s social media announcement about the survey has already garnered several comments suggesting the city look at items like streets, parking lots, police needs, animal control shelters, a community center, a pool, water prices, among other issues.

The survey takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Participants will be asked to provide their ZIP code and email address at the end of the survey to help ensure one response per person. The City of Kearney said all feedback will remain anonymous to the city, while personal information will be securely stored by Polco.

Take the survey HERE.

Residents with questions can contact City Hall by email at CityHall@KearneyMO.us or by phone at 816-628-4142.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

First Top 10 Most Wanted Suspect Arrested in Kearney

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office announced the arrest of Kristen Hailee Wood, who had been featured on Clay County’s Top 10 Most Wanted list. Wood is with delivery of a controlled substance.

On May 28, Clay County Sheriff’s deputies, assisted by the Kearney Police Department, took her into custody without incident in Kearney, Missouri. Sheriff’s Office Officials said the arrest came just one day after the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office publicized its Top 10 Most Wanted list.

The Sheriff’s Office said an anonymous tip helped investigators locate Wood outside a Kearney hotel, underscoring the role of community information in locating wanted suspects. The case also reflects cooperation among the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Kearney Police Department, Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office.

The anonymous tipster in the case is expected to receive a $3,000 reward from the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers. Authorities thanked community members who shared information and said public cooperation remains a critical part of helping law enforcement locate and apprehend alleged offenders.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest said the coordinated effort helped safely take a wanted suspect into custody and reinforced the value of regional partnerships in keeping local communities safe.

Wood is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center pending further court proceedings.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.