January 2, 2014 Volume 4 • Issue 8 75 cents Send community news to gladstonenews@npgco.com
2013 YEAR IN REVIEW
Active commission, sheriff’s office highlight news from county’s year
Community Voices
2013 a year of change and progress for Sheriff’s Office
By Ryne Dittmer
petition was denied by the 4th Judicial Circuit Court Clay County government in Nodaway County, the and community services Missouri Court of Appeals, District and experienced an eventful Western 2013. From the proposed Missouri Supreme Court, Clay County constitution to which allowed the public changes made by the Clay vote to take place as schedCounty Commission and uled in November. Sheriff’s Office, here’s a look back at some of the more New direction for notable county headlines economic development from the past year. The Clay County Commission voted to create the Clay County Economic Proposed constitution Development Alliance on rejected by voters For the third time since Feb. 19, formally breaking 2002, Clay County residents ties with the Clay County denied an attempt to adopt Economic Development a new county constitution. Council. The commissionThe proposal was defeated on a 62-to-37 margin Nov. 5. ers awarded a one-year, The proposal had been $162,500 contract to the drafted by the Clay County alliance and named Greg Constitution Commission Martinette as the county’s from January to July. The development consultant group submitted their draft, and alliance president. Commissioners said the which included the creation of a seven-member coun- move was to promote a ty council, non-partisan “full-force” effort on ecoelections and professional nomic development within appointment of most county the county. It was initially met with skepticism from positions, on Aug. 2. In an attempt to remove the county’s cities and critithe proposal from the ballot, cism from the Clay County Clay County Commissioners EDC. The alliance officially Pam Mason, Luann Ridgeway and Gene Owen filed a peti- launched on July 16. As reported in tion against the constitution Sept. 6. The commissioners September, Martinette said claimed the document was the alliance had helped unconstitutional and would bring 122 new jobs and have reduced funding to $96 million in investment several county services. The to the county in 2013.
When I took office in January 2013, the overall crime rate in Clay County had risen 13 percent in the prior year. I am happy to report the Sheriff’s Office has seen a reduction in felony crimes of 13 percent. For example, burglary crimes have been reduced by 22 percent and aggravated assaults by 56 percent. The overall clearance rate for the Investigations Unit is steadily at 73 percent. This is mostly due to the vigilance and professionalism of the men and women of your Sheriff’s Office. I also am proud to say DWI arrests have tripled, as have drug arrests. The Narcotics Unit has been very successful with seizing a total of more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine, 300 pounds of marijuana and numerous amounts of prescribed drugs obtained illegally. Due to an outstanding effort from sheriff’s deputies, business owners and Clay County citizens, the Sheriff’s Office was able to raise enough private funds to purchase two additional
PAUL VESCOVO
Ryne Dittmer/File Photo
Sharon Thomas discusses the changes in Clay County Sheriff’s deputy uniforms with Lt. Will Akin at The Armory in Kearney. The uniforms, designed by Thomas, were unveiled March 17, 2013 and offer a more comfortable and cost-friendly uniform option for deputies.
Crime prevention efforts increased
burglaries were down by 22 percent and aggravated The Clay County Sheriff’s assaults had been reduced Office was able to report by 56 percent. DWI and several positive numbers in drug arrests had also county crime activity for increased. Clay County 2013. According to depart- Sheriff Paul Vescovo said ment figures, felony crimes REVIEW/Page A7 were down 13 percent,
canine units, which will be in full service in 2014. It is a humbling feeling to know the support this office received from not only local business, but businesses outside the county and many citizens. The Sheriff’s Office now has a donated office at the Wheeler Downtown Airport, again by business owners and citizens of Clay County at no cost to the citizens of Clay County. Now our deputies have a secondary office to complete reports, to hold meetings and to plan operations. I am concerned to learn the amount of gang activity taking place in our county, not only street gangs but outlaw motorcycle gangs or “1%” motorcycle gangs. Information obtained through several intelligence agencies report the activity observed in Clay County is unprecedented. We at the Sheriff’s Office will be working with other agencies to help contain any act of violence or criminal enterprise. The 2013 calendar year has been a challenging, yet fulfilling year for the Administration Division, as led by Capt. Steve Siercks SHERIFF/Page A7
Your Honest Hometown Dealer T WARRAN
2008 SUBARU IMPREZA All WD, Auto, Excel. Cond.
8,473
$
T WARRAN
2008 CHEVY IMPALA LTZ Pkg., Leather
9,473
7,973
$ Y
Sport Pkg., Low Miles
4,973
$
T WARRAN
2006 JEEP COMMANDER Limited Pkg., 4x4
7,473
$
13,973
2006 HONDA ODYSSEY TOURING
11,973
$
Y
2007 DODGE NITRO SLT/RT
2001 CHEVY S-10 LS
ABS, Excel. Condition!
Extreme Pkg., Auto, Extra Clean!
12,473
4,973
$
$
T WARRAN
Limited Pkg., Rear Ent. Center
13,473
2007 CHEVY SILVERADO 3500 Diesel, 4x4
17,473
$
Y
Rear Ent. Center, Heat Seats, Front WD
Y
2006 FORD EXPEDITION
$
T WARRAN
Touring, Low Miles
$
2003 FORD F-150 XLT
Y
2007 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY
T WARRAN
New Tires, Loaded!
$
T WARRAN
Y
2005 HONDA ACCORD EX-L
T WARRAN
Y
Y
2010 FORD ESCAPE LIMITED Leather Heat Seats, 4x4, Keyless Entry
14,473
$
“TDR Auto Plaza is Changing The Way Used Cars Are Sold!”
We offer Certified Used Cars and Trucks with warranties included!!! TDR Auto Plaza is an honest, ethical, reliable dealership. We are hand shakers, not arm twisters! We offer financing for all!
TDRAutoPlaza.com Monday-Thursday 9 to 8 • Friday 9 to 6 • Saturday 9 to 5
Dealer
month/3,000 miles WARRANTY 3limited powertrain warranty
816-903-3300 • 801 Country Ave. • Kearney, MO 64060 75015119