Double Header Domination for Bulldogs

The Kearney Bulldogs boys and girls basketball team both grabbed a win in a double header matchup against the Excelsior Springs Tigers on Friday, January 24. Both teams started strong and kept the Tigers on their heels throughout the game.

The lady Bulldogs came out swinging in the first quarter with a 10-0 run on the Tigers from Brooke Paalhar and Addie Taylor. Kennedi Casey and Mallyrie Schwab-Wetzel also contributed to the first quarter, putting Kearney up 16-5 to start the second quarter.

In the second quarter, Kayla Resler put her name in the scorebook, along with Ryleigh Van Emmerik and Addi Smith. The girls’ squad spread out the scoring stats in the second half with Kennedi Casey, Maggie Lakin, Jocelyn Lincoln, and Josie Masters.

The Bulldog girls team won over the Tigers, 54-20. They are 5-9 on the season.

Carter Brock leaps to advance the Bulldogs’ lead 11-4 early in the first half.

Kearney boys came out fighting in a similar way, outscoring the Tigers 21-4 in the first quarter. There was a lot of excitement from Andrew Way getting three big dunks from pass assists from his guards, as well as a Brad Doll 3-point bomb from half court at the first half buzzer.

Not only was the offense hot throughout the game but the defense was a huge factor with great blocks and easy transitions which led to offensive points.

The Bulldogs did a great job sharing the scoring responsibilities around the team. Trey Smith led the scoring with 16 points. Drew Wilson followed closely with 15 and Brad Doll had 10 points. Andrew Way scored 9 points, Sal DiBenedetto made 7, Brock Scott scored 6, Carter Brock made 5, Ty Smith had 4 and Trent Fritz had 2.

The Bulldog boys team dominated over the Tigers, 74-31. They are 10-4 on the season.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

School District Opens Kindergarten Enrollment

Kearney School District’s kindergarten enrollment launched on Jan. 21 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Now is the time for children who will be age five on or before July 31, 2025, to enroll in kindergarten.

Parents/guardians will be required to provide a birth certificate, a record of required immunizations, and a proof of residence for their child during kindergarten enrollment. Use the district’s online district boundary map to locate the elementary school your child will attend. Parents should note that those boundaries were recently changed and will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 academic year.

Any request to transfer an incoming kindergarten student to a different elementary school for the 2025-2026 academic year must be submitted by Feb. 11 for consideration. Transfer requests will only be considered for the reasons outlined in the request form. Approval is not guaranteed. A decision will be made as soon as possible and is contingent upon a wide variety of factors including classroom space and available resources. Parents or guardians will be responsible for providing transportation to and from school if the transfer request is approved.

Kindergarten Orientation events will be held from 6 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 8, at each of the districts’s elementary schools. This is an opportunity for families to receive helpful information about KSD, tour their school and meet their child’s teachers and building principal.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Public Safety Half Cent Sales Tax Decision Moves to Voters

The City of Kearney Board of Alderman approved an ordinance to place Proposition A: “A Public Safety Tax,” on the April ballot for voters to decide. The proposition imposes a citywide sales tax of 1/2 of 1% for the purpose of improving public safety in Kearney.

“The thing that I think is important, is that it will not apply to utilities, gasoline, or prescription drug purchases,” said Thomas.

The Board of Alderman heard a presentation by Chief Mark Thomas at the January 6 city meeting. Chief Thomas’ presentation outlined why the police department was seeking a sales tax initiative, who would be taxed and what would be taxed.

Chief Thomas said additional funds would go to expanding the School Resource Officer program, enhancing officer safety and preparedness, upgrading department technology and facilities, and increasing support, education, and outreach for the community. If approved, funds would expand the number of school resource officers, fund a community outreach officer, provide for police training, upgrade equipment and technology, as well as ADA improvements and safety equipment for first responders.

If approved retailers will begin collecting the sales tax on October 1st, 2025, and the sales tax will have a sunset date in 25 years.

Chief Thomas noted two important parts of this initiative. Anyone who shops in Kearney, whether they are a resident or non-resident including interstate travelers, will pay the sales tax. Thomas also noted that the sales tax will not apply to certain items.

“The thing that I think is important, is that it will not apply to utilities, gasoline, or prescription drug purchases,” said Thomas. “That’s really important for our local residents I think.”

David Lehman also added that it was important to point out that this is not a property tax on residents and that non-residents would also be paying the sales tax: “The burden is not just on our residents. When you’ve got Starbucks right off the highway [and] you’ve got people coming off the highway who are going to pay this tax too.”

By law sales tax revenues must be spent to improve public safety within Kearney. It cannot be used for any other purpose. Residents of Kearney will have a chance to vote on this sales tax on the April 8, 2025, election ballot.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Enrichment Council Hosts Annual Gala “Hollywood Nights”

The Kearney Enrichment Council is hosting its annual gala on March 15th from 5 to 9 pm. This year’s theme is “Hollywood Nights” and it features an elegant dinner, an open bar, and thrilling silent and live auctions.

The gala’s purpose is to raise money for Kearney Enrichment Council's Emergency Assistance Program. This program provides vital support for rent and utilities to those facing challenging circumstances. Supporters’ generosity fuels their commitment to initiatives like Shop with a Cop, the Kearney Family Foundation, and community-focused programming.

“Hollywood Nights” will take place at the Annunciation Community Center, 701 N. Jefferson St., in Kearney. Doors will open at 5 pm. At 5:30 pm they will be serving cocktails & Hors d 'Oeuvres. 6 pm is dinner and music, with entertainment and the auctions to follow.

To learn more about the Gala, go to https://www.kearneyenrichmentcouncil.org/kec-gala

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.

Local Candidates set for April Ballot

Gerri Spencer

The filing window has closed for candidates running for leadership in the City of Kearney, and the Kearney School Board this April. Voters who return to the polls will see a mix of incumbents and challengers.

For Kearney Board of Alderman, in Ward 1, Gerri Spencer is running unopposed for a seat on the board. She is looking to occupy Kathy Barger’s position since Kathy decided not to run again.

Incumbent Dan Holt is also running unopposed. He represents Kearney Ward 2.

For the two Kearney School Board seats, Christina Lindsay, Michael Joe Hickey, Justin Cook, and Jason Klindt have filed as candidates.

Election Day for these candidates is April 8, 2025.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.