Edward Jones to Host Retirement Planning Seminar

Edward Jones, in partnership with Age Wave, will host a special seminar titled “The Four Pillars of the New Retirement” on Wednesday, April 16, at 6:00 pm, at the Kearney Chamber of Commerce office, located at 190 State Route 92.

The event will explore findings from an in-depth study conducted by Edward Jones and Age Wave, highlighting four key pillars that can significantly influence quality of life during retirement. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tips to help them prepare for the next chapter of life.

“We will share insights from the Edward Jones / Age Wave research about how retirement is changing,” reads a post from Edward Jones Financial Advisor Beau Walker. “Attendees will gain knowledge about the four essential pillars (health, family, purpose and finances) that can impact quality of life in retirement.”

The seminar is free to attend and includes dinner. Local Edward Jones financial advisor Beau Walker will host the event.

Guests are encouraged to bring a friend and must RSVP by April 14. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, call 816-903-2005 or email beau.walker@edwardjones.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Chamber Offers Free Business Growth Clinics for Members

Local business owners looking to overcome challenges and accelerate growth have a valuable new resource available through the Kearney Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has launched a Business Growth Clinic, offering personalized, one-on-one consultations to help members streamline operations, boost productivity, and plan for long-term success.

The clinics are held bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 11 am to 2 pm at the Kearney Chamber of Commerce office. Each session is 30 minutes long and completely free for Chamber members in good standing.

One-on-One sessions are guided by James Kabucho, President / CEO of STRATEGENESIS LLC. Participants will receive tailored advice, practical solutions, and actionable strategies aimed at driving their business forward. The initiative also aims to strengthen the local business community through more connected and resilient enterprises.

Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Chamber members are encouraged to reserve their spot and take advantage of this unique opportunity to get expert support customized to their business needs.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Coalition Announces Grants to Combat Youth Opioid Misuse

The Northland Coalition is proud to announce the availability of mini-grant funding to support prevention efforts aimed at reducing youth opioid misuse in Clay County. These grants will be awarded to projects committed to implementing evidence-based prevention strategies that build protective factors and reduce risk factors among youth.

Funding is open to local prevention coalitions, youth prevention clubs/advisory councils, prevention programs, and schools. Eligible projects must align with evidence-based prevention science and address the overall goal of reducing opioid use or dependence. Applicants are encouraged to apply for projects that build related protective factors, or reduce risk factors and include a feasible action plan, budget, and outcome measurement. All projects must be aimed at and implemented in Clay County, Missouri.

"The opioid epidemic continues to impact our communities, and it is critical that we invest in proactive strategies that support our youth and prevent substance misuse before it begins," said Dusty Scheiter, President of the Northland Coalition. "These mini-grants will empower local groups to develop innovative and effective prevention initiatives tailored to the unique needs of their communities."

Grant funding is limited, and applications will be reviewed based on their potential to contribute to sustainable reductions in youth substance use. Interested organizations are encouraged to apply by May 30, 2025. The funding application is available at NorthlandCoalition.com. Funding was made available to the Northland Coalition for these mini-grants from the Clay County Commission, through their Opioid Settlement.

For more information about the mini-grant opportunity, eligibility requirements, and application process, please visit or website or contact the Northland Coalition Clay Opioid Settlement Team at northlandcoalition@gmail.com.

KPGZ News – Emily Barnes contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Releases 2024 Annual Report

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has released its 2024 annual report, which shows significant increases in impaired-driving crashes, inmate population and civil orders served.

The Traffic Safety Unit investigated 22 crashes in which a driver was impaired, a 69% increase from 2023. Overall traffic crashes investigated were 299, an 8% jump.

The Detention Center’s average daily population increased by 16% from last year, from 250 to 289. One of the reasons for that change was the completion of technology upgrade projects that shut down parts of the jail in 2023. Detention Center staff also saved numerous lives, intervening in 122 inmate suicide attempts in 2024.

Civil court orders served jumped by almost 10% to 9,973, with the biggest increases in ex parte (no contact) orders.

These are some of the many statistics and accomplishments available in the report. From budget allocation to reported crimes in the County to staffing statistics, the report provides a transparent look into all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office, including those that aren’t often in the public eye like the Transportation and Professional Standards units.

You can read the full Sheriff's Office report HERE.

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

Local Coalitions Urge Parents to Prevent Underage Drinking

County Prosecutors, Beacon Mental Health, Parent Up, and local community prevention coalitions have launched a new campaign urging parents to avoid providing alcohol to minors. A letter has been written to parents across the counties, highlighting the dangers of underage drinking and the lasting impact on youth health, safety, and brain development.

“The overwhelming majority of youth are not engaging in underage drinking because the adults in their lives are protecting their health and safety,” said Laura Bruce, Manager of Prevention at Beacon Mental Health. “This proactive initiative from the county prosecutors empowers parents and caregivers with the knowledge and information to protect their children and our community”

Local schools are encouraged to join the effort by distributing the letter and Parent Up campaign resources at www.parentupkc.com/alcohol to engage parents and guardians in discussions about the risks of providing alcohol to minors.

“We’re asking schools, agencies and our media partners to join with us in educating parents and caregivers about the risks of underage drinking,” said Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.

“It’s important this message reaches far and wide as we embark on the prom, graduation and summer season,” said Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson. 

“My office is excited to participate in this community-wide effort to help prevent underage drinking,” said Ray County Prosecuting Attorney Camille Johnston

This initiative has strong support from local prevention coalitions dedicated to building healthy and safe communities for youth. For more information and resources, please visit parentupkc.com/alcohol.

KPGZ News – Laura Bruce contributed to this story.