Sheriff's Office Hosts Golf Tournament Benefiting HALO Team

The annual Clay County Sheriff's Office Charity Golf Tournament is set for 8 a.m. on June 1 at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, Missouri. This 4-person scramble event will raise funds for the CCSO HALO (Helping All Live Optimally) Team, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides critical support to Sheriff's Office members facing financial hardships.

The HALO Team, overseen by a volunteer board of Sheriff's Office employees, has assisted with a range of needs, including utility bills, rent, medical expenses, groceries, and car repairs.

Organizers are seeking teams, sponsors, donations, and items for both the auction and raffle, as well as swag contributions. Registration is $100 per person or $400 per team, which includes lunch, drinks on the course, and a raffle ticket. Participants will have the chance to compete for cash prizes for first place in each flight and enjoy a variety of fun contests throughout the day.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office Charity Golf Tournament alternates years with the Clay County Sheriff's Office Canine Fund Golf Tournament, which is scheduled to return in 2027. Sponsorships ranging from $100 to $500 are available for local businesses and individuals interested in supporting the cause.

Register or sponsor at https://givebutter.com/2026-ccso-charitable-golf-tournament

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Home Opener Ends with Bulldogs on Top

Cale Davis picked up the win, striking out four and allowing two runs in two innings of work. Photo: David Haggart

The Kearney Bulldogs pulled off a thrilling comeback to secure a 6-5 win over Grain Valley on Wednesday, March 25. It was a nail-biter to the end as the lead changed hands throughout the game. Trailing 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth, Hayden Fritter delivered a clutch triple that brought home two runs and gave Kearney the decisive win.

The Bulldogs started strong, getting on the board in the first inning with RBI hits from Evan McDaniel, Grant Bogert, and Luke Tucking. Grain Valley fought back, tying the game at three in the fifth after Logan Jinkins singled down the left field line.

Grain Valley fought back with runs scored in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th innings and took the lead in the top of the sixth. Logan Benett singled, scoring two runs, to give Grain Valley the upper hand, 5-4.

Kearney regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Cade Holder drew a bases-loaded walk. Grain Valley responded in the sixth, with Logan Benett’s single scoring two and putting them ahead. But the Bulldogs’ late-game rally sealed the victory.

Cale Davis picked up the win, striking out four and allowing two runs in two innings of work. Cameron Taylor started for Kearney and struck out seven over four innings, while Bryce Meyer struck out nine for Grain Valley in his four and two-thirds innings.

Fritter led Kearney’s offense, going 2-for-4 at the plate. Bogert, McDaniel, Fritter, and Tucking each drove in a run. Grain Valley tallied nine hits, with Benett leading the team with two RBIs. Zach Lares and Jinkins each collected two hits, and Grain Valley stole four bases and turned a double play. The Bulldogs’ resilience in the late innings proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.

The Bulldogs are currently 3-2 on the season. They face the Kearney, NE Bearcats on Friday, March 27 at noon. KPGZ will broadcast the game beginning at 11:30 am.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this report

Boys Basketball Earns All-Conference and All-District Honors

The Kearney High School boys basketball program is celebrating a strong postseason after several Bulldogs earned well-deserved recognitions for their performances this winter.

Leading the way was Bradley Doll, who was named First Team All-Conference and also earned a spot on the MSHSAA Class 5 District 8 All-District Team. Sal DiBenedetto was selected Second Team All-Conference and joined Doll on the Class 5 District 8 All-District Team. Carter Brock also received postseason recognition as a Second Team All-Conference selection.

These honors reflect not only the talent of these student-athletes, but also the consistency, competitiveness and team-first approach they brought to the floor throughout the season. Earning all-conference and all-district recognition is a significant accomplishment in a highly competitive basketball landscape, and these Bulldogs represented Kearney High School with pride.

The program also received special recognition on the sidelines. Head Coach Dillon Starzl was named the MSHSAA Class 5 District 8 Coach of the Year, an honor that speaks to the leadership, preparation and culture he has helped build within the program.

The Bulldog boys finished the season with a 17-9 season and the conference crown.

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Excel at State Leadership Conference

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students showcased Kearney High School’s excellence at the 2026 FCCLA State Leadership Conference held in Springfield. Kelleigh Andell and Ava Mayse earned second place among 19 teams in Interior Design Level 3, receiving a coveted invitation to the national competition. Their project stood out as a college-level capstone, demonstrating the exceptional quality of work that Kearney High School students can achieve. The pair benefited from the extensive expertise and guidance of Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher and FCCLA Advisor Kathryn Cash.

Harper Harris also competed in Professional Presentation Level 3. Although she did not place in the top five, her willingness to tackle a new challenge and step outside her comfort zone was applauded, reflecting personal growth and determination. Sloan Glenn played a pivotal role as a youth consultant, judging competitive events and representing Kearney High School as a voting delegate. Her leadership, positivity, and dedication contributed to the overall success and meaningfulness of the trip.

FCCLA Advisor Kassidy Robertson commented, “We are small but mighty, and we are so proud of our girls.” Congratulations go out to all the students, Mrs. Robertson, and Ms. Cash for their leadership and support at the state conference. The community looks forward to cheering on Kelleigh and Ava as they prepare for nationals.

The original announcement did not mention the invaluable contributions of Kathryn Cash, who provided crucial interior design expertise and guidance. This updated version highlights her vital role, and the school expresses gratitude to both Ms. Cash and Mrs. Robertson for their outstanding work with students.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Earns Communications Accreditation

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has achieved national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in its Communications program. This recognition comes after the 911 Communications Center met more than 200 professionally recognized standards aimed at excellence in management and service delivery.

Sheriff Will Akin praised the dispatch staff for their commitment, emphasizing their role as the first responders and highlighting the accreditation as a reflection of their professionalism and dedication to the community. The rigorous accreditation process included a multi-year self-assessment, a thorough site-based review by CALEA assessors, and an evaluation of community engagement, policies, procedures, equipment, and facilities.

Last week, dispatch leaders and accreditation staff presented their case at the CALEA conference in Tucson, Arizona. On March 14, the agency appeared before CALEA’s 21-member Board of Commissioners, who awarded the Sheriff’s Office full accreditation in Communications that evening.

CALEA President Matthew Packard noted that the path to accreditation is challenging, requiring agencies to undergo detailed reviews and implement significant policy changes. He added that the process is ongoing, as accredited agencies must continually demonstrate adherence to CALEA’s high standards. Packard assured that communities served by CALEA-accredited agencies can trust their public safety organizations to operate under the highest standards.

With this achievement, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office now holds CALEA accreditation for both communications and law enforcement, as well as Tier 1 accreditation from the National Institute of Jail Operations.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.