County Receives GFOA Award

Government Finance Officers Association is pleased to announce that Clay County, Missouri received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget.

The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:

- a policy document

- a financial plan

- an operations guide

- a communications device

Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

Press release from Clay County.

Track & Field Boys Earn Silver at State

The Kearney High School Boys Track & Field team garnered second-place honors at the Missouri State High School Activities Association’s Class 4 2024 championships, which were held on May 24-25 in Jefferson City.

This was the boys’ team’s sixth-straight state Track & Field trophy in eight years. The Bulldogs have finished in the top three for four years in a row.

“I could not be more proud of our efforts from this weekend,” Head Coach Scott Crall said. “We broke school records, had personal bests, tied state records, and competed at the highest levels.”

Coach Crall credited his student-athletes and veteran coaching staff for pulling together another outstanding season.

“I could not be more pleased with our senior leadership and I personally thank them for their commitment to our tradition and program,” Crall said. “I want to send out a personal thank you to our assistant coaches; without them, this is not possible! We have been able to stay together for years now and, in my opinion, they are the best in the business!”

State Champions and All-State Athletes:

- Theo Grace – Javelin (Tied the Class 4 javelin record and won the State Championship)

- Ty Smith – Discus (State Champion)

- Ty Smith – Shot Put (2nd Place and set the KHS record)

- Brock Colhour – 400m (Placed 5th and was a 4-year All-State athlete)

- Grant Noland – 300m Hurdles (Placed 5th)

- Harvey Sayon – High Jump (Placed 6th)

- 4x200m Relay – Cole Burnam, Brock Colhour, Deegan Knowles, and Grant Noland (Placed 4th and broke the KHS record)

- 4×400 Relay – Brock Colhour, Sam Way, Jacob Burkemper, and Grant Noland (Placed 3rd and broke the KHS record)

Brian Watts contributed to this story.