Swift Action Alerts Staff to Firearm on School Property

An 18-year-old student from Kearney is now behind bars and facing felony charges after bringing a loaded handgun onto the grounds of Kearney Junior High School.

The situation unfolded quickly when students spotted a male with a firearm in the school parking lot and immediately notified staff members. Acting swiftly, the staff alerted the Kearney Police School Resource Officer, setting off a rapid response from local law enforcement.

Within just two minutes, both Kearney Police Officers and Clay County Sheriff Deputies arrived at the scene near the Junior High School. Officers detained two individuals believed to be involved in the incident.

The investigation moved forward with Kearney Police Detectives submitting felony charges, and the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office filing charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon against the 18-year-old suspect. He is currently being held at the Clay County Detention Center, with bond set at $5,000.

The second suspect, a juvenile, has not been named. Authorities say the case will be handed over to the Clay County Juvenile Authorities for further review and possible charges.

Officials are crediting students and staff for their quick thinking and decisive action, which helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation at the school. Community leaders emphasize that safety starts with awareness and teamwork, praising everyone who played a role in keeping the school safe today.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

VFW Honors Student for Outstanding Essay

Kearney Junior High eighth-grader Ellianna Murrell was honored recently by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1668 in St. Joseph, Mo., for her essay written in response to the prompt, “Why America Inspires Me.”

Murrell earned second place in the VFW post’s essay contest. The honorees were celebrated during an event in January at the post. Murrell received a certificate of merit and $100.

Murrell is a student in one of Kearney Junior High eighth-grade American history teacher Scott Crall’s classes. Mr. Crall had his students respond to the VFW essay prompt as part of their classwork. He then submitted the essays to the post for the contest.

Theresa Murrell, Ellianna’s mother, was very grateful that Crall gave his students this opportunity.

“I am so proud of her and I’m thankful to you as I did not even realize that this program existed,” Theresa Murrell wrote in an email to Crall. “Thank you for inspiring your students to write about this incredible country that they are blessed to live in.”

Ray Weikal, Kearney School District contributed to this story.