After Eight Years, Mayor Pogue Will Not Run for Reelection

Kearney Mayor Randy Pogue has announced he will not seek reelection after serving eight years in office. In a heartfelt statement, Pogue expressed that the decision came after much thought and reflection, describing his time as mayor as one of the greatest honors of his life.

“After a great deal of thought and reflection I have made the decision not to seek another term as mayor of Kearney Missouri, said Pogue. “Serving this community has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life over the course of what will be 8 years in this role.”

Mayor Pogue highlighted achievements including strategic infrastructure investments, responsible growth, expanded parks, strengthened public safety, and building a strong financial foundation for the city. He credited the committed board, dedicated city staff, community partners, and passionate residents for making these accomplishments possible, emphasizing that none of the progress happened alone.

Pogue shared his gratitude for being part of a community that actively participates and strives to do things the right way. Although he will not run for another term, He assured residents that he remains fully committed to finishing his current term with the same dedication and focus.

Mayor Pogue believes that a thoughtful transition in leadership can be positive for Kearney and is excited for the city’s future. On a personal note, Pogue looks forward to spending more time with his family and focusing on his professional career, two priorities that he says deserve more attention in the years ahead.

He concluded by expressing pride in what has been accomplished, optimism for Kearney's continued success, and gratitude to the community for the opportunity to serve as mayor.

“Kearney's future is incredibly bright I'm proud of what we've accomplished together and the work we've done truly has positioned our community for continued success it truly has been an honor and privilege to serve you as your mayor. Thank you for your trust and providing this amazing opportunity for me to serve our community.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

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.