Enrichment Council Hosts Annual Gala “Hollywood Nights”

The Kearney Enrichment Council is hosting its annual gala on March 15th from 5 to 9 pm. This year’s theme is “Hollywood Nights” and it features an elegant dinner, an open bar, and thrilling silent and live auctions.

The gala’s purpose is to raise money for Kearney Enrichment Council's Emergency Assistance Program. This program provides vital support for rent and utilities to those facing challenging circumstances. Supporters’ generosity fuels their commitment to initiatives like Shop with a Cop, the Kearney Family Foundation, and community-focused programming.

“Hollywood Nights” will take place at the Annunciation Community Center, 701 N. Jefferson St., in Kearney. Doors will open at 5 pm. At 5:30 pm they will be serving cocktails & Hors d 'Oeuvres. 6 pm is dinner and music, with entertainment and the auctions to follow.

To learn more about the Gala, go to https://www.kearneyenrichmentcouncil.org/kec-gala

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.

Local Candidates set for April Ballot

Gerri Spencer

The filing window has closed for candidates running for leadership in the City of Kearney, and the Kearney School Board this April. Voters who return to the polls will see a mix of incumbents and challengers.

For Kearney Board of Alderman, in Ward 1, Gerri Spencer is running unopposed for a seat on the board. She is looking to occupy Kathy Barger’s position since Kathy decided not to run again.

Incumbent Dan Holt is also running unopposed. He represents Kearney Ward 2.

For the two Kearney School Board seats, Christina Lindsay, Michael Joe Hickey, Justin Cook, and Jason Klindt have filed as candidates.

Election Day for these candidates is April 1st, 2025.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

School District and Chamber Team up for Hiring Fair

Kearney High School and the Kearney Chamber of Commerce are partnering together on a spring Hiring Fair. This is the fifth year the Kearney Chamber of Commerce hiring fair has connected job seekers of all ages with local employers.

The Hiring Fair is open to all employers who have unfilled staff positions or anticipate having open positions in the near future. The Hiring Fair provides an opportunity for businesses to actively interview and hire potential employees on the spot, as-well-as for job seekers to learn about career opportunities.

Registration for area businesses is $50 for Chamber members and $100 for non-members. Discounts and sponsorships are available. Registration includes table space, chairs, bottled water, and hospitality cart. Private rooms will also be available for businesses who would like to conduct on-site interviews.

The 5th annual Hiring Fair will be held at Kearney High School, located at 715 19th Street, on March 21, from 2:30 to 5 pm. The Hiring Fair for high school students takes place from 1:20 to 2:15. It’s open to all area companies and individuals. Professionals of all levels are highly encouraged to attend and participate.

For more information or to register your business for a table space, contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 816-628-4229 or by email at Stacie@KearneyChamber.org.

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.

Hurlbert Selected to Chair Committee on Transportation

Missouri State Representative Josh Hurlbert (R-Smithville) has been selected to serve as Chairman of the Committee on Transportation for the 103rd General Assembly.

“To be selected to serve as Chairman is one of the greatest honors of my time in Jefferson City,” said Hurlbert. “This Committee is one of the most important in the legislature as so much of Missouri’s economy is dependent on getting goods from fields to markets across the nation and even the world, whether on our roads, rivers, rails, or through the air.”

“Missouri’s infrastructure is at an important crossroads. As we wrap up work on the new Buck O’Neil Bridge here in the Northland and the Lance Cpl. Leon Deraps Bridge on I-70 at Rocheport, we are beginning a new $2.8 billion investment to expand I-70 to six lanes across the state.”

“Never have we entrusted the Department of Transportation with this level of investment. It’s important to Missouri taxpayers that we ensure MODOT is returning that trust by spending their funds efficiently and providing the services Missourians demand.”

KPGZ News – Hurlbert Press Release.

Man Threatens Deputies with 85,000-Pound Crane

A Kearney business owner was arrested for threatening deputies with a crane on Thursday, January 16th. Clay County deputies were originally at the business at 6 am to seize business assets.

Deputies were executing a court order at LPG Ventures, a storage, tanking, and equipment company located at 971 N Jefferson St in Kearney. Seven levy orders were issued by the Clay County Circuit Court for all businesses under the LPG company, owned by August J. Baanders and his wife.

Seized assets in the case were to be sold to pay an $800,000 judgement. Evidence, including footprints in the snow, showed the Baanders, 64 of Kansas City, parked a distance away and snuck onto the property. Baanders threatened deputies by driving an 85,000-pound crane at them and their patrol cars, coming within about 6 inches of flattening a patrol vehicle.

Baanders was climbing down the ladder, then, changing his mind, stayed on the crane, refusing to come down. Deputies had to go up and pull him off the ladder to finally arrest him. No injuries were reported.

The sheriff’s office reports Baanders is charged with interference with a legal process. He is being held on a $2,500 bond on top of the $800,000 that he owes. Baanders is currently in the Clay County detention center with more charges likely to come.

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.