August 29, 2013 Volume 3 • Issue 42 75 cents Send community news to gladstonenews@npgco.com
Sheriff’s report: Crime rates seesaw in Clay County Burglaries, assaults down; gang activity rising “With outlaw motorcycle gangs, we’re not talking about motorcycle enthusiasts. These gangs are presenting themselves as outlaws. They’re criminal.”
By Ryne Dittmer
Ryne Dittmer/Staff Photo
The panel discussion on the bill and potential veto override included, from right, Ray McCarty from Associated Industries of Missouri and Todd White, North Kansas City Schools superintendent. McCarty is in favor of an override, and White is against such action.
Groups spar over HB 253 at EDC panel
Opposing sides debate potential override of tax bill veto By Ryne Dittmer
speaking in favor of the bill, and North Kansas City Schools Superintendent Voices from both sides of opinion Todd White and Liberty Public Schools on Missouri House Bill 253 gathered Superintendent John Jungmann in Aug. 20 for a discussion on the vetoed opposition. The income-tax bill has been a highpiece of legislation and its potential veto override next month. The event, ly debated topic since it was passed by hosted by the Clay County Economic the state legislature and subsequently Development Council, took a debate- vetoed by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon type format with Ray McCarty from Associated Industries of Missouri HB 253/Page A10
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is reporting mixed findings in its analysis of crime figures for the first six months of 2013. Compared to first half of 2012, stats compiled by the sheriff’s office from January through June show a 30 percent drop in burglaries, a 20 percent drop in assaults and a 1 percent drop in larcenies. Conversely, deputies have tracked increases in street and motorcycle gang activity in the county. “We do have some categories that have gone down significantly, particularly burglaries,” Clay County Sheriff Paul Vescovo said. “People in the sheriff’s office have been proactive in that.” By department figures, deputies have completed 1,697 car stops to date, compared to 847 by this point last year. “Our car stops have doubled, which I do feel had an impact on the lower burglary rate we’re having,” said Vescovo. “As far
Capt. Matt Hunter, Clay County Sheriff’s Office as the gang activity, we’re seeing a lot more activity here in Clay County in the area of outlaw motorcycle gangs. I think they’d been here before, but we noticed a significant presence of them since the first of the year.” A gang, according to law enforcement definition, is a group of more than three individuals dedicated to or working together to perform criminal acts. According to Capt. Matt Hunter with the sheriff’s office, there are six
nationally known outlaw motorcycle gangs, five of which have a presence in Clay County. “With outlaw motorcycle gangs, we’re not talking about motorcycle enthusiasts. These gangs are presenting themselves as outlaws. They’re criminal,” Hunter said. The attraction to Clay County has been attributed to its central location within the county and access to Interstate 29 and Interstate 35. Hunter said the presence has been felt throughout the county, particularly in and around Kearney. “We’re seeing the most that Kearney’s ever seen before,” said Hunter. “Still, Kearney is a safe community. Kearney’s got a good police department, and I think if the area law enforcement band together, we have a chance to make a difference in what we’re seeing.” Street gang activity has also increased in the first half of the year. Crime/Page A9
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