Watch for Increased Deer Along Roadways this Fall

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri has consistently ranked within the top 15 states nationally for collisions involving deer. The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) warns drivers to be mindful of deer and other wild animals that commonly cross the roadways as temperatures drop and nights become longer.

In 2023, Missouri drivers experienced 3,591 crashes involving deer, equating to one deer strike occurring approximately every 2 hours and 30 minutes in the state. In these crashes, there were four fatalities, and 420 people were injured.

“Dawn and dusk are the most susceptible times to experience deer collisions,” said Chlora Lindley-Myers, Director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. “Always be cautious and regularly scan both sides of the roadway. Keep in mind some accidents are unavoidable, so it’s always best to be prepared by contacting your agent or carrier to discuss appropriate insurance coverage.”

Deer are often in groups, even in populated areas. Be extra cautious at night when animals tend to be more active and watch for the reflection of their eyes from your vehicle headlights. Stay focused while driving and be ready to react by reducing your speed if you encounter deer. Never swerve to avoid animals in the road, as it can cause loss of vehicle control, resulting in serious injury or death.

Damage to a vehicle from an accident with an animal is covered under an auto policy’s optional comprehensive coverage. If you only have collision or liability coverage, your insurance carrier will not cover vehicle damage from an animal collision.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates damage caused by deer accidents alone results in about $1 billion of uninsured losses annually. If you experience an animal collision accident, ensure your personal safety before promptly reporting the incident to your insurance carrier. Take photos to document the on-scene damage if you can do so safely. Filing a claim for an accident covered by your comprehensive coverage means you’ll still need to pay a deductible. After that, your insurer typically covers the costs of the claim up to your policy limits.

MO DCI Press Release

Light up Jesse James Park this Christmas

It’s time to light up Jesse James Park for Christmas. Individuals, families, businesses, and other groups are encouraged to decorate a tree in the park for Christmas.

The City of Kearney will have electricity available along the trail for people to decorate trees. People and organizations are responsible for lights, extension cords, decorations, and creativity.

There is no reservation system for the event. People may pick out their tree and begin decorating it after Thanksgiving. The city would like the people or organizations to put a sign near the tree so viewers will know who decorated it. The city will turn on the electricity after Thanksgiving.

Tree decorators are asked to take down decorations promptly after January 1st. Decorations left up after January 12 will be discarded.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Junior High Bulldogs Honor Veterans

Kearney Junior High students and staff recognized and celebrated those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a special Veterans Day breakfast and assembly this morning.

Dozens of veterans who are also junior high parents/guardians or other family members were guests of students and staff members at the breakfast, which was held in the school library. This was the first Veterans Day event of its type at the school in recent memory, according to Principal John Goodin.

Junior high social studies teacher Alan King delivered a keynote address about his 22-year career in the Marines.

“We wanted to do something special for all of our veterans and their families. That’s important for all of us at Kearney Junior High,” Mr. Goodin said. “We also saw this as an opportunity for our students to learn more about these veterans and their selfless service.”

Immediately following the breakfast, the veterans and their families were ushered into the school gym for a special assembly with the entire student body and staff. The program started with a ninth-grade band performance of the song, “Salute to the Armed Forces,” the Presentation of the Colors by members of Boy Scout Troop #397, and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the school Chamber Choir.

Several students recited names as part of the Missing Man table presentation. Junior high teacher Daniel Roberts read a list recognizing the veterans who were guests at the event.

Junior high social studies teacher Alan King delivered a keynote address about his 22-year career in the Marines, which included deployment to Iraq and service in the Defense Intelligence Agency. He talked about why it’s important to honor veterans and encouraged all students to consider public service in the military as a career option.

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Overpower Van Horn 49-7

Kearney scored three touchdowns in the first half and four touchdowns in the second half in the Missouri Class 4 District 8 semifinal game. For the seventh time this season, the Bulldog defense held their opponent to one score or less.

Despite their 21-0 lead, the first half of play was uninspiring for the 10-0, defending state champion, Kearney Bulldogs.

Uncharacteristic mistakes, penalties and missed opportunities prompted Head Coach Logan Minnick to call an early timeout and refocus his team on the sideline. “At least offensively, it felt like we extended the bye week into the second quarter,” said Minnick.

“I don’t think we were mentally locked in,” said junior quarterback Brad Doll. “I don’t think everyone was taking (Van Horn) seriously and that’s a great football team over there.”

Emmons had 98 yards rushing for 3 touchdowns on Friday against Van Horn. Photo by Eric Stevens.

Within minutes from the start of the contest, Corbin Emmons scored on a 1-yard touchdown carry. Grant Noland darted 28 yards at the 5:07 mark giving the Bulldogs a 14-point lead. Jacob Dillon was 2-for-2 on the point-after kicks.

With less than a minute to go in the second quarter, Brad Doll tossed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Trent Dostal on a third-and-12 play. Jacob Dillon’s PAT gave the Bulldogs a 21-0 halftime advantage.

“We told our kids – loudly – at times, we didn’t feel like we played our best half,” said Minnick. “We (the first team varsity) hadn’t played into a second half in almost a month. We knocked off a little rust there. We have several things we can clean up. There’s plenty to fix. At this point of the season, you can’t have a bad half. But we’ll take all the bad ‘21-to zero’ halves we can get,” Minnick added.

Sophomore cornerback Aiden Arellano intercepted a pass in the end zone, derailing a sustained Van Horn offensive drive in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The Bulldogs’ offensive line and running game went into high gear on a 21-yard touchdown run by sophomore Kale Tucking. Three minutes later, Corbin Emmons scored on a 1-yard carry, giving Kearney a 42-0 third quarter lead. Dillon and Angelo Donze were on target with the point-after kicks.

Early in the fourth quarter, Van Horn sophomore running back Edarrius Scruggs sliced through the Kearney second-team defense 60 yards for the Falcons’ only score. Kearney Bulldog senior all-purpose player, Grant Noland topped off the victory with a 48-yard rushing touchdown. Donze’s point after kick was good for the 49-7 win.

“Van Horn has beaten seven other teams. They’ve got some really good players over there; they’re well coached,” said Minnick. “Give them some credit too for their game plan. We made some really good second-half adjustments. We came out and said, ‘we’re going to be the most physical football team out here,’ and I think that showed in the second half.”

The Bulldogs host Savannah for the district title next Friday, November 15. KPGZ 102.7FM will provide the live, play-by-play broadcast. Pregame starts at 6:40.

Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Family Foundation Needs People to Adopt Families

Adopting a family for Christmas is a very popular way to help less fortunate people during the holidays. The Kearney Family Foundation has families in the Kearney School District who need your help this year.

Adopting a family through the Kearney Family Foundation brings joy and relief to those who are struggling in our community. Last year, the Foundation was able to provide Christmas gifts to 107 families.

The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in November 2003 as a community volunteer organization dedicated to assisting the children and families in the Kearney/Holt area. Every penny donated – 100 percent of all donations – goes directly to those children and families that the foundation helps.

To help others through the Adopt-A-Family program this year and provide gifts and clothing, please sign-up on the Kearney Family Foundation website at kearneyfamilyfoundation.org/how-to-help2. Scroll down to and complete the “Interested in Adopting a Family or Individual?” form. Please include your budget so that the Foundation can pair you with a family size that will meet your resources.

Gifts should be dropped off on November 30 (8 am - 2 pm) or December 2 (4 pm - 8 pm). All family adoption items can be dropped off at 351 W Washington St, Kearney.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.