Rabid Bat Confirmed in Clay County

A bat found in Clay County recently tested positive for rabies, according to confirmation from the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory. Clay County Public Health Center would like to remind the community of the risk of exposure to rabies due to contact with bats.

Rabies is an acute viral infection of the central nervous system that can be spread through saliva from the bite or scratch of an infected animal. It is nearly always fatal if left untreated. In 2023, 33 animals tested positive for rabies in Missouri.

“It is important to remember to avoid contact with wild animals, especially bats and skunks. They can carry rabies even if they do not appear sick,” says Deputy Director Ashley Wegner. “If you believe you have been exposed to a rabid animal, seek immediate medical attention from a health care provider.”

To keep your family safe, make sure all indoor and outdoor pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations and do not allow pets to run loose. Keep a safe distance from all wild animals but wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if you do touch a wild animal. Citizens can report wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior to animal control officials in your community.

When it comes to bats, their small teeth may not always leave an obvious bite mark. It is best for anyone who may have come into contact with a bat to seek medical advice. Prevent bats from coming into your home by covering or filling holes larger than a quarter inch that would allow them access to spaces like an attic.

For more information about rabies, please visit the websites of Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services or the Centers for Disease Control.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Several Chances for Fireworks Next Week

Several major Fourth of July fireworks displays are on tap next week:

Kearney will have fireworks on Wednesday, July 3 in Jesse James Park, 3001 Highway 33. The event begins at 5 p.m. with air toys for children and a concert featuring Funk Syndicate at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. The free event includes parking, but spectators are encouraged to park before 9 p.m. Concessions will be available to purchase.

Kearney will have fireworks on Wednesday, July 3 in Jesse James Park, 3001 Highway 33.

The annual Smithville Fireworks Show sponsored by the City of Smithville and Clay County will start at Smith's Fork Park (North side of the Spillway) at dusk, roughly 9 p.m. on July 4. Great spots to watch this free show are at Smith's Fork Park, on the Lake near the dam, Smith's Fork Campground, and surrounding areas around the park. Parking is available throughout Smith's Fork Park. Activities for this free event start at 6 p.m. in the park. Check out this Facebook page for more events and info on rainouts.

The Gladstone Independence Day Celebration is July 4 and kicks off at 7 p.m. in Oak Grove Park. Fireworks will begin at dusk and concessions will be available. Activities include a concert by Flashback, presentation of the Colors, and magnificent fireworks display at dusk. Concessions available for purchase from the Gladstone Rotary. Parking will be available at Oak Park High School. To ensure your safety, Gladstone Public Safety Officers will be directing traffic.

Liberty will light up the sky again with LibertyFest at Capitol Federal® Sports Complex (2200 Old State Highway 210) from 6 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3. However, to manage the event's capacity, parking passes are required and the deadline for purchase was June 24.

Worlds of fun will host its annual Star-Spangled Night on July 4. The Fireworks Spectacular is an unforgettable fireworks display synchronized to the stirring tunes of patriotic music.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Deputies Investigating Toddler Abandoned in Car

Clay County Deputies are investigating an incident of a toddler who was left in a hot car Monday, June 24, near Smithville Lake.

Sheriff’s Deputies were called to W Highway near Smithville Lake regarding  man standing over and possibly assaulting someone. When they arrived on the scene all they found was a car with the doors open.

Inside the car they found a toddler strapped into his car seat. The child was red and sweating profusely. The temperature inside the car was 100 to 102 degrees according to deputies.

The deputies removed the toddler and placed him into one of their air-conditioned patrol vehicles and tried to offer him water while waiting for an ambulance.

Other deputies searched the area when they found a man and woman down by the lake, passed out on a blanket with an infant asleep between them. The baby appeared pale and lethargic.

Deputies woke the adults, who appeared and smelled intoxicated. Deputies removed the baby and placed it an air-conditioned vehicle to cool down.

The adults were asked if they knew where the toddler was, but they didn’t. The adults also had a large amount of alcohol in their possession.

The children were transported to the hospital to be checked, then the Missouri Children’s Division took them into their custody. The female was transported to the hospital for dehydration and the male suspect was booked into the Clay County Detention Center. The case has been turned over to the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Fall Recreation Leagues Now Open

Fall sports leagues are now available through the Kearney Parks and Recreation Department. These programs emphasize safe, fun, and instructional recreation.

Three youth leagues are now available to the public.

Flag Football

Low-contact youth flag football is great for kids to familiarize themselves with the game of football in a fun and challenging way.

All teams play a minimum of 6 games. Games tentatively scheduled to start August 19.

Kearney Parks and Recreation will provide a jersey and a mouthpiece for each player. Parents are responsible for shoes, socks, shorts/pants, etc. Registration: $95.

Soccer

Recreation youth soccer is designed to get kids familiarized and involved in soccer through fun and engaging activities and games. This league is a great way for kids to develop motor and social skills all while having a blast.

Teams practice 1-2 times per week. Six games will be played on Saturdays beginning in September.

Kearney Parks and Recreation will provide a jersey. Parents/Guardians will need to provide shoes, shorts, socks, and shin guards. Registration: $95.

Volleyball

Youth volleyball is an excellent way for kids to have fun and make new friends while learning the game.

All teams will play a minimum of 6 games. Games tentatively scheduled to start mid-September.

Kearney Parks and Recreation will provide a jersey for each player. Parents are responsible for shoes, socks, shorts/pants, etc. Registration: $90.

Scholarships available for those in need. Complete confidentiality is maintained throughout the process. Contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730 for more information. For more information on equipment required, fees and deadlines, and online registration, go to KearneyParks.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Hoffner-Allen Charged with Murder

A Kearney man is deceased and his wife is charged with the crime.

A caller to 911 reported that a man had been shot in a home at 10 pm on Tuesday. The victim, later identified as 50-year-old Ricky Allen, was shot in a home at the 16200 block of Kountry Ridge Drive and died at the scene.

Clay County Deputies were able to take into custody his wife Melissa I. Hoffner-Allen.

MELISSA I. HOFFNER-ALLEN - CLAY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE PHOTO

Probable cause statements state that Hoffner-Allen called police and said she had shot her husband in the chest and he wasn’t breathing on Tuesday, June 18. Documents also reveal that Ricky Allen was mad at her and choked her. Hoffner-Allen said after she went upstairs to get her gun, her husband said, “shoot me” multiple times, which she said she did.

Emergency workers attempted to revive Allen at the scene, but could not. Deputies arrested Hoffner-Allen. Clay County prosecutors charged her with second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Investigators noticed drywall in the home had fallen on the floor, and also found a spent shell casing near the bottom of a staircase. The shell casing matched rounds found in a 9 mm handgun recovered from the scene.

Deputies also noticed Hoffner-Allen had visible bruising on both of her arms when she was booked into the Clay County Detention Center.

Hoffner-Allen was arraigned on Thursday, June 20, and pleaded not guilty. Her bond remains set at $250,000.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.