Bulldogs Storm Back in Thrilling Victory Over Blue Springs

The Kearney Bulldogs delivered an electrifying performance Wednesday, September 3, rallying from a six-run deficit to topple the Blue Springs Wildcats, 9-6. The home crowd was treated to a display of resilience and power that epitomizes the Bulldog spirit.

On the mound, right-hander Reghan Lueken battled through adversity, pitching a complete game.

Things looked uncertain in the early innings as Blue Springs surged ahead, capitalizing on timely hits and Kearney miscues to build a 6-0 advantage by the middle of the third. The Wildcats’ Raygan Misenhelter sparked the scoring in the second with an RBI single, followed by a costly error that brought three more runners across the plate. Camryn Hoehns added an RBI double, and Mackenzie Turney launched a solo homer in the third, putting the Bulldogs in a deep hole.

But Kearney’s bats refused to stay silent. The Bulldogs began chipping away at the deficit in the bottom of the fourth, ignited by Morgan Pennington’s towering solo homerun to left. Moments later, Ellie Switzer electrified the ballpark with a two-run blast to center, narrowing the gap to 6-4 and shifting the game’s momentum.

With the Bulldogs’ confidence building, Brooke Paalhar delivered a standout performance at the plate, going 3 for 4 and spearheading the comeback. In the fifth inning, Paalhar crushed a solo homer to left, tying the game at 6-6 after a clutch double from Caroline Jury. The Bulldogs smelled victory.

The decisive blow came in the sixth, as Paalhar doubled again to set the table, and Alyssa Quick followed with another double, driving in the go-ahead runs. Before the inning was over, Kearney had stormed ahead, 9-6, and the dugout erupted in cheers.

On the mound, right-hander Reghan Lueken battled through adversity, pitching a complete game. Lueken scattered 11 hits across seven innings, allowing six runs (four earned), striking out two, and walking two. Her determination kept the Wildcats at bay when it mattered most.

Offensively, Kearney racked up 13 hits on the night. Paalhar, Switzer, and Quick each drove in two runs, while Pennington, Jury, and Kennedi Casey joined the multi-hit parade. The Bulldogs also flashed their defensive skills, turning a key double play to thwart a potential Blue Springs rally.

With the comeback win, the Kearney Bulldogs demonstrated tenacity, depth, and heart. The Bulldogs are now 4-2 on the season.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Chiropractor Hosts 10th Annual Memorial Lunch

The Kearney Family Chiropractic Center is hosting its 10th Annual 9/11 Memorial lunch to recognize and thank military personnel and first responders for their public service.

Mike Davis Talks with Dr. Mark Strathman at his 911 Celebration

“Let us honor you for your tremendous effort in keeping our community safe,” said Chiropractic Center owner Dr. Mark Strathman.

This free celebration lunch will take place on Thursday, September 11, from 11 am to 1:30 pm at the Kearney Family Chiropractic Center parking lot. All active military personnel and veterans, as well as first responders including police officers, firefighters, and EMS staff, are invited to attend.

The event is sponsored by Kearney Family Chiropractic Center, Amy’s Healing Hands, Bennett Eyecare Midwest, Hometown Pediatric Dentistry, KPGZ 102.7FM, Summit Media Solutions, Tracy Tucker-State Farm Insurance, and Updike BBQ & Catering. Lyle Updike will be preparing the food for the event.

Kearney Family Chiropractic Center is located at 301 South Platte Clay Way, Suite B in Kearney. For more information you can call the Chiropractic Center at 816-628-6738.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Man Charged After Non-Fatal Deputy-Involved Shooting

A man is facing serious charges after a non-fatal shooting involving deputies that occurred Saturday, August 30, in Kansas City, Missouri. The incident unfolded around 2:21 p.m. on the 5200 block of North Oak Trafficway, after police were alerted to a disturbance involving an adult male armed with a large knife at a shopping center. According to Kansas City Missouri Police Department, the individual had left the scene before officers arrived.

Authorities broadcasted a description of the suspect, and a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy soon spotted the individual near NE 50th St. and North Oak Trafficway at approximately 2:27 p.m. When the deputy attempted to investigate, the man produced a large knife from his waistband and fled northbound along North Oak Trafficway. Deputies initiated a foot pursuit, repeatedly ordering the suspect to stop and drop the weapon.

The chase led to a wooded area, where deputies continued to issue commands for the suspect to surrender. The man stopped but then charged at the deputies before halting again. As backup, including Sheriff K-9 units, was called to the scene to de-escalate the situation, deputies persisted in instructing the man to drop the knife and give himself up peacefully. The suspect again refused to comply and still armed, charged the deputies a second time. At this time, two deputies discharged their service weapons, striking the man.

Deputies immediately rendered medical aid until emergency medical services arrived and transported the individual to a local hospital. His injuries were non-life-threatening, and he was expected to be released from the hospital the same evening. A large knife was recovered at the scene. No deputies were injured during the encounter.

The suspect has been identified as Aaron M. Perez-Engel, 38, who now faces charges of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and armed criminal action. He is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Take Down Fort Osage in Season Opener

The Kearney Bulldogs hosted Class-5, Fort Osage in an annual matchup that is assuming all the characteristics of a rivalry. The Bulldogs are 4-0 over their last four meetings, with Friday’s 36-8 season-opening victory. Rivalry or not, Kearney head coach Logan Minnick consistently schemes up wins against Fort Osage.

Carter temple scored three rushing touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ 36-8 win. (Eric Stevens photo)

“You always worry week one, how your overall execution is going to look. We had very few penalties; I thought we tackled really well which is always an early-season concern and then offensively, we just executed. We moved the sticks and that's what we want to do – move the sticks and put points on the board,” said Minnick.

Both traditionally dominant defenses held each other scoreless until 9:40 in the second quarter when Kearney’s junior quarterback Carter Temple scored on a 5-yard keeper. Drew Nelson’s successful point-after kick put Kearney on the board 7-0.

“Our defense was lights-out all night. I'm so proud of their effort because Fort Osage is a super-physical team and you've got to match their physicality,” said Minnick. “When you get defensive efforts like that, you get a lot more possessions offensively.”

Second-year starting quarterback, Carter Temple made the most of those offensive possessions: 11 of 15 passing completions for 149 yards, 15 carries for 69 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns, and a 2-point conversion pass completion.

“We knew we were coming up against a good team. You know that every single week. You always want to show that you have confidence and you're believing in your guys,” said Temple. “Every single guy on our wide receiver core could start. So, I trust every single one of those guys to go up and get the ball.”

Late in the second quarter, Fort Osage quarterback, Jonathan Ross hit wide receiver Nicholas Penamon on a 6-yard touchdown pass. The missed point-after attempt left the score 7-6.

With 47 seconds remaining, Kearney’s offense advanced the length of the field with impressive precision.  Junior running back transfer, Dryden Hendrix scored on a 6-yard run in his first game as a Kearney Bulldog.

Drew Nelson (14) with the 2-point conversion catch from Carter Temple. (Eric Stevens photo)

The Bulldogs topped off the score with a masterful 2-point conversion pass from Temple to Drew Nelson giving Kearney a 15-6 halftime lead.

“We feel like we can always score. Whether we have thirty seconds, two minutes or twelve minutes left, we can always score. That's how we look at it, no matter what the time is on the clock,” said Temple.  

Kearney took first possession in the second half. Carter Temple scored twice on quarterback keeper plays one for 16 yards, the other for 10 yards.

With a comfortable 29-6 fourth quarter Bulldog lead, Fort Osage had Kearney backed up on their own 1-yard line and forced a safety, making the score 29-8.

With 56 seconds to go in the fourth quarter, Dryden Hendrix iced the game with his second touchdown run. Hendrix finished the evening with nine carries for 56 yards and 2 touchdowns.

“I saw a whole lot of blocking,” said Hendrix.  “The line really made it happen tonight. They opened up the holes and our guys made plays. It was a great night.”

Last year’s Kearney Bulldog 12-1 season ended on a sour note with their semifinal loss to Lutheran North. The state playoffs aren’t guaranteed to anyone, and this 2025 version of the Kearney Bulldogs is fully aware, the championship game isn’t a destination, it’s a process. 

“You know when you get a program rolling the way we have, it's not rebuild, it's reload. It's next man up,” said head coach Logan Minnick. “We graduate dudes every year and then it's another dude's turn. Our hashtag this year is “next level” and we're going to continue to take this program to the next level.”

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Plane Crash Under Investigation in Clay County

The Clay County Sheriff's Office is investigating a plane crash that occurred just north of the Midwest National Air Center near Mosby earlier Wednesday, August 27.

Clay County dispatchers received emergency calls reporting heavy smoke rising from a field near NE 140th Street and Rhodus Road shortly before noon. Witnesses suspected the smoke was the result of an aircraft accident.

Deputies arrived promptly at the scene and discovered a Cessna C340 fully engulfed in flames in a soybean field. The aircraft was found with at least two occupants inside, both of whom have been confirmed deceased. Initial details suggest the plane had been attempting to land at the Midwest National Air Center, and preliminary information indicates it may have originated from an airport outside the St. Louis metro area.

Investigators are currently working to identify the occupants of the plane. Once identification is complete, authorities will notify the next of kin before releasing the names to the public. Until then, the identities of those involved remain undisclosed.

As a result of the crash, air traffic at the Midwest National Air Center remains suspended until 5 p.m. on August 27 to allow investigators to safely work at the site. The Clay County Sheriff's Office has also notified the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, which will take over the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.