Winter Weather Warning Issued for Kearney Area

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Kearney area from 6 pm Friday through 6 pm Sunday as a major winter system brings heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures to the area this weekend.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say 6–9 inches of snow are possible across much of the region, with localized higher totals depending on storm track. Snow is expected to begin late Friday night and continue through Saturday, with additional bands of snow possible Saturday night into Sunday morning before the system finally moves out.

Temperatures will be bitterly cold as Arctic air pours in ahead of the storm. Wind chills could dip into the negative teens and lower, making outdoor exposure dangerous and raising the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly as snow accumulates and roads freeze. Officials are urging residents to limit travel if possible, plan ahead, and carry emergency supplies like flashlights, food, and water if driving is unavoidable.

In addition to the Winter Storm Warning, parts of the area may see Cold Weather Advisories as wind chills reach dangerously low values.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Harmony Hill Animal Hospital Earns National Recognition

Harmony Hill Animal Hospital has been named one of America’s Best Animal Hospitals for 2026 by Newsweek, in collaboration with Plant-A Insights. This prestigious honor places Harmony Hill among the top veterinary clinics nationwide, highlighting its dedication to excellence in animal care.

The selection process for Newsweek’s ranking involved a rigorous national survey and advanced analysis of millions of online reviews. More than 30,000 pet owners from across the United States contributed firsthand accounts of their experiences, while additional desk research and sentiment analysis focused on key factors such as quality of care, customer service, and affordability. Hospitals accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association received extra consideration, further raising the bar for recognition.

This accolade from Newsweek underscores Harmony Hill Animal Hospital’s outstanding service and its role in setting high standards for veterinary care. As pet owners seek trusted providers for their beloved companions, Harmony Hill stands out as a beacon of quality, care, and community commitment.

Founded in 2022 by Dr. Leslie Parsons and Aaron Barnes, Harmony Hill Animal Hospital is a family-owned, full-service veterinary clinic specializing in the care of dogs and cats. The hospital offers a broad range of services, including routine exams, vaccinations, and specialized surgeries.

Dr. Parsons and her husband, who have called the Kearney area home since 2015, are deeply committed to serving their community with compassion and expertise. Their unwavering dedication is a driving force behind Harmony Hill’s recognition among the nation’s best animal hospitals.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff Refutes Viral ICE Raid Reports as Fake

Clay County Sheriff Will Akin has debunked recent social media reports claiming that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were conducting door-to-door operations in the Kansas City Northland area in January 2026, labeling the claims as false and based on altered images.

Sheriff Akin responded after a series of photos began circulating online, causing widespread concern among local residents. According to Akin, a thorough review was conducted in coordination with local and federal law enforcement partners. “There was no law enforcement activity in the area at the alleged time,” he confirmed. A spokesperson from the Gladstone Police Department also stated that their officers had not been notified of any such ICE activity, nor had they witnessed anything unusual during patrols.

Akin expressed skepticism over the authenticity of the photos fueling the rumors. He detailed a list of discrepancies, including the presence of light bars on vehicles that were supposed to be unmarked, police-style wheels without proper markings, and untinted front windows—an uncommon feature for interceptor-style SUVs.

He also noted inconsistencies in uniforms, pointing out that while some individuals displayed badges and shoulder patches, others did not, making it unlikely they belonged to the same agency. The sheriff further highlighted that the location of vehicles changed between photos, and the images were posted simultaneously, suggesting potential manipulation. “Pictures were posted at the same time with urgency. Surely the vehicles didn’t move that quickly,” Akin remarked.

Additional red flags included the lack of snow on the ground, despite single-digit temperatures in the area, and the absence of cold-weather gear on some individuals in the pictures. Operations of this nature, Akin explained, typically involve more than four people, whereas only four individuals appeared in the images. There was also no corroboration from neighbors or any other eyewitnesses on the street.

In his official social media statement, Sheriff Akin addressed the anxiety caused by the viral posts: “I’ve seen the pictures circulating online that have caused major concern in our community. I understand why images like these can create anxiety, especially when there’s uncertainty about who is involved and why.”

He called on residents to pause before sharing unconfirmed claims and to rely only on verified information from trusted sources. “Our community is strongest when we look out for one another and respond with facts, calm, and care,” he added.

Sheriff Akin also invited the original poster or anyone with direct knowledge of the alleged incident to come forward so he could investigate further and provide a transparent report. Until then, he emphasized, the claims remain unsubstantiated and should not be a source of fear in the community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Wine & Chocolate Tour Returns with International Flavors

The beloved Kearney Wine & Chocolate Trolley Tour is back for 2026, promising an evening of indulgence, adventure, and community fun. Hosted by the Kearney Enrichment Council in collaboration with local businesses, this year’s event will showcase small-production, boutique wines from around the globe, each paired with delicious snacks from various countries.

Set for February 7, the festivities begin with check-in at the Old Firehouse, where guests will collect a commemorative 2026 wine glass, a punch card, and a special swag bag, depending on their ticket type. The trolleys and buses will depart at 4:30 PM, running on a continuous loop throughout the evening to transport participants between the different Kearney business stops. For those who prefer, a self-driving option is also available.

Ticket options for the event include General Admission at $45, which covers the wine glass and optional transportation, and the VIP experience at $65. VIPs will enjoy exclusive perks, such as a special wine and chocolate bag, a wine tumbler, two extra raffle tickets, and additional VIP wine pours. Only 100 VIP tickets are available, making this a sought-after upgrade for wine enthusiasts.

The event adds a playful twist with a punch card system. At each stop, guests get their cards punched, earning raffle tickets for each set of stops completed. Three punches get you one raffle ticket, five punches earn three tickets, and completing the entire route nets an impressive five raffle tickets. Lucky winners will be contacted after the event to receive fun prizes, including bottles of wine featured on the tour.

Doors open at 3:30 PM, giving attendees time to mingle and prepare before the trolleys roll out at 4:30 PM. With limited space on the trolleys and buses, early registration is advised. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a memorable night out with friends, the 2026 Kearney Wine & Chocolate Trolley Tour offers a flavorful journey through the world of wine—without ever leaving town.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Harlem Wizards to Headline Education Foundation Fundraiser

The Kearney School District Education Foundation (KSDEF) is launching a new community event this spring with the arrival of the Harlem Wizards basketball team at Kearney High School on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

The Harlem Wizards, celebrated nationwide for their dynamic mix of basketball prowess, comedy routines, and crowd engagement, are set to deliver a family-friendly spectacle filled with high-flying tricks and plenty of laughter. The night will bring together students, school staff, and local residents in a show of Bulldog pride.

This event marks KSDEF’s first collaboration with the Harlem Wizards and represents a fresh direction in the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives. All proceeds from the game will go toward supporting innovative classroom grants, student enrichment programs, and scholarships designed to benefit Kearney students.

Organizers hope that the Wizards game will become an annual tradition, strengthening community bonds while providing direct support to teachers and students throughout the district.

The community is invited to join the festivities at Kearney High School on Saturday, April 11, as the Wizards bring their unique brand of entertainment to town and help raise funds for educational opportunities in Kearney.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.