Swim Team Secures Third Consecutive Conference Championship

The Kearney Bulldogs girls swim team made a splash this past weekend, capturing their third straight conference championship to close out the regular season. The Bulldogs showcased their talent and determination from the very first race on Friday night through the final events on Saturday afternoon, ultimately winning 9 out of 11 events and clinching the conference title by an outstanding 230-point margin.

Head Coach Trevor Woehrman expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, noting, “The team did not shy away from the moment.” The Bulldogs demonstrated remarkable poise and confidence, rising to the occasion in every event and backing it up with impressive results in the pool.

The secret to this remarkable run lies in the steady growth and development fostered within the team. Coach Woehrman and his staff praised the swimmers not only for their athletic achievements but also for their progress “both in and out of the pool.” Throughout the championship weekend, the Bulldogs posted numerous personal and season bests and delivered clutch performances when it mattered most, underscoring the program’s commitment to excellence and teamwork.

Highlights from a dominant championship weekend include:

• 200 Medley Relay: Emma Cox, Izzy Fowler, Kaylie Gerber, Olivia Burgard - CHAMPIONS

• 200 Freestyle: Jillian Schauwecker - CHAMPION (plus a new PR and her first state consideration cut), with strong finishes and PRs from Jaycie Davis, Emelyn Kane and Grace Thurston

• 200 IM: Kaylie Gerber - CHAMPION, Izzy Fowler (2nd and state consideration cut), Eden Roling (3rd), and Halle Wright (5th) all dropping time

• 500 Freestyle: Eden Roling - CHAMPION (10-second PR and first state consideration cut), with big drops from Jillian Schauwecker and Emelyn Kane

• 200 Freestyle Relay: Halle Wright, Eva Cox, Eden Roling, Olivia Burgard - CHAMPIONS

• 100 Backstroke: Emma Cox - CHAMPION, Avreigh James (3rd place finish and a new PR), Dani Elliott (6th place finish and a new PR), Ella Reese (new PR)

• 100 Breaststroke: Izzy Fowler - CHAMPION, Maggie Rinehart (4th place finish and a new PR), Anne Saegesser (6th place finish and a new PR), Grace Thurston (new PR)

• 400 Freestyle Relay: Kaylie Gerber, Eva Cox, Emma Cox, Izzy Fowler - CHAMPIONS

• 100 Butterfly - Kaylie Gerber - CHAMPION; Eva Cox had 2nd place finish and a season best; Halle Wright finished in 4th place finish and earned a new PR

• 50 Freestyle: Eva Cox (2nd place finish and a new PR), Olivia Burgard (3rd place finish and a new PR), Emery Wells (5th place finish and a new PR), Dani Elliott (new PR)

• 100 Freestyle: Emma Cox (2nd place finish and a new PR), Emery Wells (3rd place finish and a new PR), Avreigh James (4th place finish and a new PR), Maggie Rinehart (6th place finish and a new PR)

The team’s outstanding performances continue to fuel their drive for success. As Coach Woehrman explained, the girls will soon compete in a “Last Chance” meet—an important opportunity for the state roster to sharpen their times and rankings before heading into the State Championships. With their momentum building, anticipation is high for what these athletes will accomplish at the season’s biggest stage.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Precision Athletics & Wellness Open for Business

A local group of entrepreneurs opened the doors to their dream-come-true on Saturday, February 7. Precision Athletics & Wellness invited Kearney residents to experience their new multi-purpose gym and wellness training facility.

The concept evolved from the vision of an indoor activities location where athletes, families, and the entire community can gather to train, play and stay active year-round. The new facility offers basketball, volleyball, baseball, and pickleball in addition to sport-specific strength and agility training.

Dr. Justin Cook, DC, and owner of Precision Chiropractic is one of the partners in this unique offering in the health, wellness, and fitness lifestyle category. “We’ve been a long time putting this together,” Dr. Cook said. “To be here now and actually see people in here enjoying it is pretty amazing.”

Precision Chiropractic and Rejuv Aesthetics + Wellness are not only business partners, they share physical locations within the new building at 815 Premier Drive in Kearney. Both businesses serve to enhance the new facility’s combination of personal fitness, healthy lifestyle and wellness options.

“This whole facility is about helping people meet their own fitness goals in a place the community can gather and stay healthy,” Dr. Cook added.

As a youth sports coach and father, Brad Wheeler became an early partner and deeply involved in the planning and development stages of the Precision Athletics & Wellness project.

“We thought about this for a long time,” said Wheeler. “When Justin Cook came to us, we had both been involved in youth coaching for the longest time. We saw a need and it looked like something that would really benefit the community.”

Kearney Head Football Coach, Logan Minnick saw opportunity when Dr. Cook approached him about becoming a partner in the new venture.

“I came on as a partner because there aren't many of these facilities around,” Minnick said. “I know our parents and our community were driving elsewhere, spending money outside Kearney to find a space like this. Now, we have one of the nicest facilities in the entire Northland.”

Coach Minnick will host a Youth Speed and Agility Training camp for grades K through 7, COED beginning from February 10 through May 7. More information can be found at precisionathletics-kc.com or call (816)343-9322.

Precision Athletics & Wellness is open for business. The official grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held in March. For more information, visit precisionathletics-kc.com or search Precision Athletics & Wellness on Facebook.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Verimore Opens Modernized Kearney East Branch

Verimore Bank has officially opened its Kearney East branch following extensive renovations, marking a significant modernization for a building now entering its sixth decade of service. The new branch at 303 S. Jefferson Street offers an updated, customer-friendly design intended to make banking services more accessible and convenient for local customers.

Kristie Stuewe, CEO & President of Verimore Bank, highlighted the importance of local presence and relationships, stating, “Verimore Bank continues to emphasize the importance of local presence and relationships in the communities we serve. Our commitment to the Kearney community is based on that philosophy as we are pleased to be able to serve customers at two locations. With five branches now in Clay County, along with Verimore Bank’s local ownership and management, we look forward to the responsibility and privilege of providing vital community banking to the Northland.”

The opening of the Kearney East branch expands Verimore Bank’s footprint in the community, making it the largest banking presence in Kearney. Branch Manager Stacy Jensen expressed excitement about the enhanced capability to serve customers, saying, “We are excited to better serve customers with the largest presence in Kearney.”

Verimore Bank invites customers and community members to visit the new Kearney East location between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or to learn more at www.verimore.bank.

Founded in 1934, Verimore Bank is a full-service community bank with $639 million in assets, serving Northern Missouri communities from its main offices in Brookfield and branches in Eagleville, Kansas City, Kearney, Liberty, Milan, and North Kansas City. The bank is known for providing friendly, affordable, personal, and convenient banking and financial services to its customers.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this report.

Kearney to Put $62.5 Million Wastewater Bond Issue to Voters

In a decision made during the Board of Aldermen meeting on January 20, 2026, Kearney city officials approved an ordinance to place a $62.5 million revenue bond question on the upcoming April 7 ballot.

The move follows an extensive utility rate study and is designed to secure funding for vital wastewater projects, aiming to save residents more than $30 million over the next three decades—over $1 million each year—by enabling the city to utilize the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program.

On Election Day, voters in Kearney will encounter the following ballot language: “Shall the City of Kearney, Missouri, issue its sewerage system revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $62,500,000 to acquire, construct, extend, renovate, improve, and equip its sewerage system, including, but not limited to, an expansion of the City’s wastewater treatment plant, the replacement of wastewater lines, and other improvements to the wastewater system, including improvements to the wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment system, the costs and maintenance of said sewerage system and the principal of and interest on said sewerage system revenue bonds to be payable solely from the revenues derived from the operation of its sewerage system, including all future improvements and extensions thereto?”

Voters will choose between YES and NO.

A YES vote will allow the city to access SRF financing, which offers a subsidized interest rate for wastewater system improvements. A NO vote would mean relying on traditional financing methods with higher interest rates. City leaders stress that upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant and related infrastructure are essential to maintain reliable services for Kearney residents. The city intends to borrow funds and repay them over time, distributing the cost across future generations who will benefit from the improved system.

Regardless of the vote outcome, the city will proceed with the necessary improvements to the wastewater system. These projects are critical for maintaining reliable service, safeguarding public health, complying with regulatory requirements, minimizing the risk of system failures, reducing the likelihood of enforcement actions, and supporting future growth. Approval of the revenue bonds is required for the city to participate in the SRF loan program, which enables significant long-term savings for residents. The city previously used SRF funding for its water connection to Kansas City in 2001.

City officials clarify that the proposed revenue bonds are not a new tax; repayment will come exclusively from sewer user fees, as the wastewater system operates as an enterprise fund. While infrastructure upgrades will require rate adjustments, passage of the bond issue will keep rates as low as possible. If the measure does not pass, residents face substantially higher rate increases due to more than $31 million in additional interest costs over the life of the loan.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Opens Door to Short-Term Rentals for World Cup

The City of Kearney has adopted an ordinance allowing short-term rentals within city limits, expanding local lodging options as the Kansas City region prepares for increased visitor demand tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kansas City will host multiple World Cup matches in June and July 2026, and communities throughout the region are planning to accommodate thousands of visitors.

The ordinance permits short-term rentals as an accessory residential use and defines them as stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties may be eligible, subject to city standards.

"This ordinance provides flexibility for property owners while maintaining clear standards to protect our neighborhoods," said Mayor Pogue. "As the region prepares for a major international event this summer, we want Kearney residents to have the ability to welcome visitors safely and responsibly."

Operators of short-term rentals must obtain a city-issued permit, comply with occupancy limits, meet parking and nuisance standards, designate a local contact, and renew permits annually.

Permits are non-transferable and may only be held by property owners.

The ordinance follows public hearings and a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and reflects broader regional planning efforts related to housing and lodging demand associated with the 2026 World Cup.

Additional information, including business licensing and permitting requirements, is available at KearneyMO.us.

KPGZ News – City of Kearney