Kearney Fire’s first EMS Tech Institution Established

The Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District (KFRPD) has worked with the University of Missouri Extension to establish its first EMS program.

The two agencies established the first Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) program and it’s being provided by the EMS Education Institute in the state of Missouri.

“The establishment of this AEMT program is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of emergency medical services in our community and beyond,” reads the announcement on KFRPD’s Facebook page. “The partnership aims to address the growing need for highly trained emergency medical professionals capable of providing advanced life-saving techniques.”

Six KFRPD students will graduate from the course in a few weeks the course will conclude. The students will undergo rigorous training and education which prepares them to deliver advanced levels of care in emergency medical situations.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Deputies Respond to Teen Homicide

*** UPDATE ***

The victim in this case is 17-year-old Therrell K. “TJ” Jackson of Kansas City, Mo.

***

The Clay County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a shots fired call in Avondale on Tuesday, July 30. The call turned an investigation in the death of a teenager in an apparent drive-by shooting.

The Sheriff’s Office reports that multiple 911 calls started coming in at 9 pm about the sound of shots fired in the area.

“Shortly thereafter, a caller reported someone had been shot in the 3200 block of N.E. Excelsior Street in Avondale, Clay County Public Relations Manager Sarah Boyd told KPGZ News. “The victim, a male juvenile in his teens, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.”

Clay County investigators are interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence and the Kansas City Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit is helping process the scene. Initially, it appears a drive-by shooting took place.

Investigators have identified a suspect vehicle, a dark blue or black 1996-98 Chevy Silverado 4x4 Z71 with one of its headlights out.

This is an ongoing investigation, and more details will be shared as they become available. If anyone recognizes the suspect vehicle or has any information that can help solve this case, please contact the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Lifelong Bulldog Takes Assistant Principal Post at Dogwood

As the next academic year nears, Kearney School District's Dogwood Elementary School is welcoming a new member to its leadership team.

Sydney Johnson is joining Dogwood Elementary as the school's new Assistant Principal. Ms. Johnson is filling the job recently opened when former Dogwood Assistant Principal Kathleen Bahan moved up to Dogwood Principal.

Johnson is a lifelong Bulldog and a member of Team KSD who is taking on a new role. She grew up in Kearney, has children in the district, and taught fourth grade at Kearney Elementary during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Her path toward school administration began in 2019 as a member of the Liberty Public Schools' Leadership Academy and the Building Leadership Team at Ridgeview Elementary, where she taught fifth grade. She was also part of the district's English Language Arts collaboration committee for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Johnson is looking forward to continuing to contribute to the community she's proud to call her home.

"In pursuing the Assistant Principal role at Dogwood Elementary, I was driven by a deep-rooted commitment to serve the vibrant community that made me who I am today," she said. "With a passion for fostering academic excellence, nurturing student growth, and collaborating with dedicated educators, I am eager to contribute my skills and experience toward enhancing the educational experience for all students at Dogwood!"

As an elementary school assistant principal in Kearney School District, Johnson will take the lead in supporting, supervising and disciplining students in a way that promotes their growth and reinforces positive classroom outcomes. She will also coordinate with Bahan to address a wide array of daily operational needs across the campus.

During the search process for the Assistant Principal position, Ms. Bahan was impressed with Johnson's combination of classroom experience, leadership skills and passion for serving students, their families and her colleagues.

"We are excited to welcome Mrs. Johnson to the Dogwood community," Bahan said. "I am confident she will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that will benefit our students, staff, and families. As a KSD graduate, Ms. Johnson has a deep knowledge of the Kearney School District and is committed to fostering a positive school culture. Her passion for education, dedication to student success, and collaborative spirit make her a perfect fit for Dogwood Elementary."

Before joining Kearney School District last year, Johnson taught at Ridgeview Elementary starting in 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, a Master of Science in Education Leadership and a Specialists in Superintendency degree, all from Northwest Missouri State University.

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

A Year Later, Scheidecker Family Still Seeks Answers

The family of John Paul Scheidecker is calling on the community to come forward with information that could help them determine who struck and killed him, then left the scene a year ago today.

John Paul, 30, was located deceased about 4 a.m. July 30, 2023, on NE 120th Street between A Highway and Fishing River Road, northeast of Liberty. He had pulled over and was outside of his vehicle when he was hit.

“Our world has been turned upside down,” his brother Luke Scheidecker said of his brother’s loss.

General Investigations Sergeant Chris Johnson said detectives have completed 95 supplemental reports in the case and were busy just yesterday working new leads that have been developed, including one that is out of state.

“This remains a very high-priority case for us,” Sergeant Johnson said.

Sergeant Johnson and Luke Scheidecker said the incident could have been a tragic accident, and they urge anyone who could have been involved or know who was involved not to be scared to come forward.

Luke described his brother John Paul as an entrepreneur who was living his dream and was always quietly helping others.

A $5,000 reward is available through the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline in this case. Anyone with information can contact them online or at 816-474-TIPS (8477). Sheriff’s Office investigators also can be reached directly at 816-407-3723 or 816-407-3726.

Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

Excessive Heat Returns to Kearney This Week

After a pleasant break in the weather last week, we can expect high temperatures and humidity to return this week. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning from Monday, July 29, at 1 pm to Thursday, August 1, at 7 pm.

The last days of July will bring in some oppressively hot days with actual air temperatures in the upper 90’s to 100 degrees. Heat index values could register at 110 to 114 degrees Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Chances of rain return on Wednesday night, but that won’t provide much cooler air temperatures. Thursday and Friday look to be dry, but temperatures will climb to the low 90s each day and continue into next week.

Those who work or spend a lot of time outdoors this week will need to take precautions to cope with the steamy weather. Have plenty of water to stay hydrated, and a place to cool down, whether that is a car that has working air conditioning or a building that is air-conditioned and shaded properly.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.