Kearney Launches Project to Combat Rainwater Infiltration

The City of Kearney is embarking on a major infrastructure project aimed at reducing the inflow and infiltration (I/I) of rainwater into its sanitary sewer system. The effort targets the area east of I-35, stretching from Loren Pointe in the north to Melinda Drive in the south, and running near Jefferson, Prospect, and Washington streets.

Set to begin in August and wrap up by the end of the year, the project is designed to bolster the reliability of Kearney’s sewer system and help protect residents and businesses from sewer-related issues such as backups and flooding.

Over the coming months, crews will be busy inspecting and upgrading the sewer system within the project boundaries. The work will start with camera inspections of the pipes to identify sources of I/I—places where rainwater and groundwater are entering the system through cracks, holes, or faulty connections. Once identified, targeted repairs will follow, including sealing manholes and repairing damaged pipes.

While the city aims to keep disruptions to a minimum, residents will notice trucks and equipment in the area, particularly around sewer manholes. At times, roadwork may lead to temporary lane closures or require drivers to slow down and follow flagger instructions.

Inflow and infiltration occur when rainwater or groundwater sneaks into the sanitary sewer system, usually through aging or damaged pipes. This extra water can overwhelm the wastewater system, increasing the risk of backups into homes and businesses, adding strain to sewer lines, and raising long-term maintenance costs.

By reducing I/I, the project will help:

• Lower the risk of sewage backups during storms

• Strengthen and extend the life of the city’s sewer infrastructure

• Save money by minimizing costly emergency repairs and maintenance

• Improve wastewater treatment efficiency and environmental protection by reducing peak flows to the treatment plant

The city encourages all property owners in the project area to check for improper connections—such as sump pumps, downspouts, or drainage systems—that may be directing stormwater into the sanitary sewer. Residents should correct any issues and report sewer backup problems to the city as soon as possible.

Updates on the project will be posted regularly at kearneymo.us and on the City of Kearney’s Facebook page. By working together, the city and its residents can ensure a more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective sewer system for years to come.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Fireworks Stands Opening in Kearney

Fireworks stands are popping up around Kearney, but consumers will have to wait a few more days before they are legally allowed to shoot off their noisemakers.

Fireworks vendors are allowed to be open from 9 am to midnight every day from June 20 until July 5.

The Kearney Police Department reminds residents that fireworks may only be discharged from June 28 to July 3, between the hours of 9 am to 10 pm. On July 4, fireworks may be discharged between the hours of 9 am to 11 pm. Fireworks may not be fired or discharged except on the individual’s own property or with the permission of the property owners.

People should not fire any fireworks in a way that would threaten or injure another person. Fireworks may be discharged at other times and places with the permission of the City. Bottle Rockets are ILLEGAL in Kearney City Limits.

Fireworks vendors are allowed to be open from 9 am to midnight every day from June 20 until July 5.

This year Kearney’s fireworks celebration will be on Thursday, July 3. The fireworks display will be at Jesse James Park and the city will have inflatables for the kids and a free concert featuring Platinum Express. The concert starts at 7:30 pm, and the fireworks start at 9:30 pm.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Invites Community to Help Shape Future of Pedestrian Connectivity

The City of Kearney is inviting residents to help shape the future of transportation and livability through the new grant-funded Connected Kearney Plan, a comprehensive initiative focused on enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, downtown improvements, and sidewalk connectivity.

An Open House event will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kearney Senior Center, 600 N. Jefferson Street. Community members are encouraged to attend and provide feedback as the city works to create a more walkable, accessible, and vibrant community.

The Connected Kearney Plan is funded by a grant from the Mid-America Regional Council’s Planning Sustainable Places (PSP) program and builds on findings from the city’s recent Transportation Master Plan. Residents voiced concerns about unsafe crossings, missing or deteriorating sidewalks, and a lack of trail connections—issues the new plan directly aims to address.

The initiative centers around three key goals:

• City-Wide Connectivity – A long-term strategy to link neighborhoods, parks, schools, and key destinations across Kearney with safe, inclusive pedestrian routes.

• Downtown District Improvements – Revitalization plans for downtown include improved streetscapes, safer intersections, traffic calming, and better parking and public spaces.

• Sidewalk Inventory and Improvements – A full inventory of existing sidewalks will help identify gaps and prioritize repairs or new construction to improve walkability citywide.

City officials say ongoing community involvement will be essential as the plan progresses, with more engagement opportunities to come.

For updates or to share your input, residents can visit the city's website or attend the July 10 Open House. As city leaders put it, “Together, we’re building a more connected, accessible, and thriving Kearney for everyone.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

City Holds Informational Meeting for 19th Street Improvements

The City of Kearney is holding an open house public informational meeting to inform residents about a safety and mobility improvement project planned for 19th Street.

The informational meeting will take place at the Kearney Senior Center, 600 N Jefferson St. in Kearney from 4 – 6 pm on Thursday, Feb 27.

The project includes operational and safety improvements from approximately Paddock Drive to Meadowlane Street for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Project highlights include right turn lanes and pedestrian crossings, railroad crossing enhancements for improved safety, and new bike lanes, sidewalks, and a shared use path for better mobility.

City leaders encourage residents to stop by the Senior Center anytime between 4 and 6 pm on Feb. 27. to ask questions and share their input. No formal presentation is planned but residents can meet with officials to discuss the project.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Proposed Water Rate Increase Sent to Aldermen

The City of Kearney is proposing a water and sewer rate increase to keep up with rising costs of providing clean water and sewer services to residents. The Board of Aldermen will consider the rate increase at the February 18 public meeting.

Kearney is proposing the water and sewer rate increase to meet new regulatory standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), address rising operating expenses, replace aging equipment, and enhance system maintenance.

“These efforts ensure a safe and reliable supply of drinking water for residents while protecting public health and water quality by effectively treating wastewater before it is returned to the environment,” reads a notice on the city’s website. “To sustain these vital services for years to come, it is essential to set rates at a level that adequately covers the costs of operating, maintaining, and upgrading the city’s water and wastewater systems.”

The city increased water and sewer rates at this time last year. City officials say the average Kearney household uses 3,000 gallons of water each month. If Aldermen approve the rate increase, the average water and sewer bill would increase $3.77 per month.

“Kearney stands out as one of the most affordable communities in the Kansas City area for water and sewer utility rates, reads the city notice. “Even with the proposed rate increase, Kearney’s rates will remain lower than those of many neighboring communities.”

City Administrator Sheila Ernzen told KPGZ News that a public hearing will be held on February 18 to receive public comments regarding the proposed rate increase: “The Board will consider an ordinance to adopt the proposed rate increase that same evening and if approved, the rates would go into effect after approval.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.