Kearney Proclaims August 20 as Hometown Radio Day

As National Radio Day approaches on August 20, the City of Kearney recognized the role of local radio in keeping residents informed, connected, and engaged.

Mayor Randy Pogue proclaimed August 20 as “Hometown Radio Day” in Kearney during the August 17 Aldermen Board meeting, while also recognizing 102.7FM KPGZ as Kearney’s hometown radio station.

For nearly a decade, KPGZ has served the community with local news, weather updates, community event coverage, public service announcements, and Bulldog sports broadcasts. The station has also worked with local businesses, volunteers, listeners, and community partners to promote events, support charitable efforts, and highlight the people and traditions that help define Kearney.

The proclamation notes that local radio remains an important source of information and communication for residents, especially by promoting civic involvement, celebrating community achievements, and helping people stay informed about matters that affect daily life.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Randy Pogue, Mayor of the City of Kearney, Missouri, do hereby proclaim 102.7FM KPGZ as Kearney’s Hometown Radio Station and August 20, as HOMETOWN RADIO DAY in the City of Kearney and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the important role local radio plays in informing, connecting, and strengthening our community,” reads Mayor Pogue’s proclamation.

City leaders also recognized the support of local businesses whose sponsorship helps make hometown radio possible and contributes to the economic vitality and quality of life enjoyed by Kearney residents.

National Radio Day is observed each year on August 20 to honor the lasting value and impact of radio broadcasting across the United States. In Kearney, the local observance will serve as a celebration of the station, its listeners, and the many community partners who continue to make hometown radio part of the city’s daily life.

Candidate Filing Opens for Kearney City Election

Filing for candidacy in Kearney’s annual City election will open on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 8 am. and close on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at 5 pm, following Missouri law 115.127.5 RSMo. The election will take place on April 8, 2025.

This year’s ballot will determine representatives for the Kearney Board of Aldermen, with one member to be elected from Ward 1 and one from Ward 2, each for a two-year term. Residents interested in running for these positions can file their candidacy with the City Clerk at Kearney City Hall, 100 E. Washington Street, during standard business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. City offices will be closed on December 24 and December 25 in observance of the holidays.

To qualify as a candidate for Alderman, individuals must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States, and have lived in Kearney for at least one year prior to the election. Candidates must also reside in the ward they seek to represent both at the time of filing and during their term if elected. In addition, all candidates for municipal office must be registered voters according to Missouri state law and Kearney’s City Code. Anyone delinquent in paying state income, personal property, municipal, or real property taxes on their declared residence is ineligible to run. Those who are or were corporate officers of any fee office owing taxes to the state are also ineligible.

State law further requires that no candidate’s name will appear on the official ballot unless a written, signed, and sworn Declaration of Candidacy is filed with the City Clerk by the deadline. Candidates who have been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony or certain misdemeanors under federal or state law are barred from seeking municipal office, including offenses in other states that would be considered felonies in Missouri.

For more information about filing procedures or candidate qualifications, prospective candidates are encouraged to contact City Clerk Sheila Ernzen by email at sernzen@kearneymo.us, by phone at 816-903-4738, or visit the City’s website at www.kearneymo.us.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Aldermen Approve Backyard Chickens with Restrictions

In a unanimous vote on Monday, June 16, the Kearney Board of Aldermen approved a measure allowing residents to keep backyard hens—marking the end of a years-long discussion on the matter. The decision, includes a series of regulations aimed at preserving neighborhood standards and addressing potential concerns.

Under the new ordinance, only residents living on single-family properties with at least half an acre of land will be eligible to keep hens. Roosters, guinea hens, and any other crowing or non-hen fowl remain prohibited.

Alderman David Lehman expressed concern about how the ordinance addresses potential nuisances, such as odor, noise, or unsanitary conditions. He took issue with how existing nuisance codes could place responsibility on neighbors.

“If your neighbor has hens and your dog barks, you as the dog owner would be penalized,” Lehman said. “I don’t like this aspect personally.”

Alderman Gerri Spencer read the nuisance section differently adding, “If your hens are making the neighbor dogs bark, I think it comes back to the chicken owner.”

Lehman also suggested requiring a permit and fee for chicken ownership, with proceeds going to support animal control services.

Mayor Randy Pogue acknowledged that the issue has circulated in public discourse for several years.

The ordinance outlines strict guidelines for maintenance and sanitation. All feed, water, waste, and other materials associated with the hens must be kept clean, odor-free, and secure to prevent the attraction of rodents or other animals.

With the vote now official, eligible Kearney residents can prepare to bring hens into their backyards—under careful rules designed to keep peace in the coop and the neighborhood.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Launches New Tax Incentives for Property Improvements

The City of Kearney has introduced an exciting new program to encourage property improvements in the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. The K-353 Redevelopment Corporation is now accepting applications for its Chapter 353 tax abatement program, designed to help revitalize eligible residential and commercial properties.

The all-new K-353 Redevelopment Plan targets a 215-acre area generally known as Original Kearney,

The Board of Aldermen recently approved the program under Chapter 353 RSMO, a state statute that permits cities to abate real property taxes for specific improvements in a designated geographical area. The all-new K-353 Redevelopment Plan targets a 215-acre area (see attached boundary map) generally known as Original Kearney, encompassing 317 parcels of residential and commercial properties. The program aims to combat blight, enhance the city’s existing housing stock and attract new businesses and multi-family developments to a resurgent downtown.

“This area is the cornerstone of our city’s identity,” said Mayor Randy Pogue. “Many buildings here date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. This program provides a unique opportunity to preserve our community’s heritage by offering attractive tax incentives for property owners who choose to rehabilitate and enhance their properties. We are confident this initiative will inspire new investment, bringing renewed energy to the neighborhood and our city as a whole.”

The K-353 Redevelopment Plan offers eligible applicants 100% real property tax abatement on new improvements for up to 15 years, effectively freezing property taxes at their pre-improvement level. The program features four levels of tax abatement based on the scope of investment and the type of improvements made:

• Level A-1: Investments of $15,000–$24,999, requiring all improvements to be exterior.

• Level A-2: Investments of $25,000-$149,999, requiring 50% of improvements to be exterior.

• Level B: Investments of $150,000-$749,999, requiring 50% of improvements to be exterior.

• Level C: Investments of $750,000 or more, requiring 50% of improvements to be exterior.

Tax abatement is activated once the approved project is completed.

The program’s Policy and Guidelines are available at City Hall, 100 E. Washington St., and can also be downloaded from the city’s website at www.kearneymo.us. For more information, contact the Economic Development Department at 816-551-3008.

KPGZ News – City of Kearney contributed to this story.