Kearney Schools Receive Unfounded Threats

The Kearney School District was among many in the metro area that received threats or anonymous tips of threats this week. An investigation by Kearney Police and school officials determined any threat made to schools this week to be unfounded.

The Kearney School District received an anonymous tip on Wednesday, September 11, through the state’s Courage2Report system. The threat concerned a possible threat involving one of the schools.

School Resource Officer Adam Kirkland, law enforcement and administrators conducted a thorough investigation after the tip was reported. They determined the threat to be unfounded. Classes at Kearney schools were held as usual, but with a heightened police presence.

In an unrelated incident, a man who had multiple warrants was stopped and arrested by the Clay County Sheriff's Office at Dogwood Elementary School on Thursday, September 12.

A deputy ran the man's plates and was alerted he had outstanding warrants. The deputy stopped the man, and he pulled into the parking lot of Dogwood Elementary. The man said he had a student at the school but quickly admitted he lied.

The man had warrants for non-violent offenses.

The Kearney School District encourages parents and guardians to speak with their students about the seriousness of school safety. If parents or students become aware of information about a concern or threat, the best course of action is to report that directly to the school or the district. Anonymous tips can be shared using the Scholastic Crime Stoppers program by calling (816) 474-TIPS or visiting KCCrimeStoppers.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.