Clay County Offers Free Civic Academy for Residents

Clay County is giving residents a unique opportunity to learn more about their local government with its free six-week Civic Academy. The program, which will run in both the spring and fall, is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of how county government operates, including decision-making processes and budget management.

The Civic Academy is open to all Clay County residents who can commit to two hours per week for the six-week course. Sessions will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. during the Spring and Fall terms. Participants will gain insights into the workings of county departments, the role of elected officials, and how the county is adjusting to becoming a Constitutional County. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions directly to Clay County commissioners and department heads.

This program is aimed at fostering greater communication between local government and the community, ensuring residents have a clear understanding of how county operations function.

Applications for the upcoming Spring 2025 session are now open, with the following dates scheduled:

• Wednesday, April 2, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

• Wednesday, April 9, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

• Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

• Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

• Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

• Wednesday, May 7, 2025 – 6 to 8 pm

There are only 20 spots available for the Spring session, and applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Those chosen will be notified of their acceptance upon submission.

Interested residents can apply now at ClayCountymo.gov to secure their place in this exciting opportunity to learn more about their local government and engage with county officials.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

DePrenger Earns Prestigious FFA Degree

Kearney High School senior Stella DePrenger has earned the prestigious Missouri State FFA Degree, an honor reserved for the top FFA members in the state.

State FFA Degrees are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to agricultural education, leadership, and community service. According to KHS FFA Sponsor Erica Hart, recipients must meet rigorous qualifications, including maintaining an exemplary work-based learning project, proving themselves as leaders in their FFA chapter and school, and giving back to the community through service projects.

“This is a tremendous achievement for Stella,” Hart said. “She has worked incredibly hard to grow as a leader and make a positive impact in our school and community.”

The Missouri State FFA Degree is the highest honor the organization bestows at the state level, recognizing students who go above and beyond in their agricultural education and leadership development.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Girls Pin Down Three-Peat at State Wrestling

The Kearney High School Girls Wrestling team earned a third-straight state championship on Thursday, February 27.

The Bulldogs captured the title during the 2025 MSHSSA wrestling tournament at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The tournament began Wednesday, and the team built a nine-point lead by the end of day one, which they maintained for most of Thursday. Though there was a brief moment of uncertainty, a late surge of clutch bonus-point wins in the medal rounds secured the championship over second-place Brookfield by an eight-point margin.

“This title was a total team effort,” Head Coach Nick Ward said. “Someone stepped up whenever we needed a big performance, just as they have in all three championship runs.”

All eight KHS qualifiers won matches, contributing critical points in another intense team tournament. Bailey Martin took 2nd at 115 lbs, Riley Walker took 3rd at 120, Myla Woolridge took 5th at 105, and Carli Vargas took individual gold at 190.

Individual Highlights:

Myla Woolridge – The freshman continued her successful debut season, going 4-2 and securing a fifth-place finish with a pin. Myla consistently delivered in high-pressure moments throughout the season and came up big again when it mattered most.

Ella Herndon – The senior went 2-2 and fell just one win short of a podium finish. A key contributor in the past two state title runs, Ella’s leadership and impact on this team will be greatly missed.

Bailey Martin – The senior made history, pinning her way to the championship finals for a rematch with Delanie Smith of Mid-Buchanan. Though she finished as the runner-up, Bailey became Kearney’s first four-time female state medalist, finishing 5th, 3rd, 1st, and 2nd. Her pin in the semifinal round also marked her 150th career victory. Bailey has been a cornerstone of all three title runs.

Riley Walker – After a tough quarterfinal loss to the eventual state champion, Riley put together a dominant run through the consolation bracket, pinning everyone in her path to secure third place. Along the way, she avenged losses from districts, including pinning a previous opponent who had beaten her by 15 points in January. Now a three-time state medalist, Riley is a major contributor to this program’s success.

Aida Appenfeller – The sophomore made her state tournament debut after an impressive district performance. Though she finished 1-2, her key bonus-point victory in the consolation bracket played a crucial role in the team race.

Bella Wenzel – On her first trip to the state tournament, Bella faced a tough draw, meeting a state finalist in the opening round. After a hard-fought loss, she bounced back in the consolation bracket to secure a vital team victory, finishing 1-2 as a freshman.

Carli Vargas – The sophomore and returning state finalist dominated her bracket, pinning all but one opponent on her way to the state championship. She ended the season with just one loss to the No. 2-ranked wrestler in the country from Oklahoma. A two-time state finalist and now state champion, Carli continues to be a driving force behind this championship run.

Ella Chavez – As a first-year wrestler, freshman Ella Chavez could have been satisfied with simply qualifying for the state tournament. Instead, she stepped up when it mattered most, avenging a prior loss to a ranked opponent and securing a critical pin in the consolation rounds. She finished 1-2 but made her presence felt in the team standings.

“This championship is a testament to Kearney Girls Wrestling’s culture,” Coach Ward said. “From seasoned veterans to first-time qualifiers, every wrestler played a crucial role in bringing home the title. Thanks to our coaching staff, families, and fans for their unwavering support. The three-peat is complete, but the standard remains the same. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!”

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Bulldog Boys Wrestling Takes Sixth at State

The Kearney High School Boys Wrestling team finished in sixth place and two Bulldogs earned individual championships at the MSHSAA Class 3 state tournament on Saturday, March 1.

Ryder Shelton garnered gold at 132 lbs. He was joined at the top spot by his teammate Carter Temple at 190 lbs. Brayden Robinson took fourth at 106 lbs, and Blain Turpin finished in sixth place at 144 lbs.

Individual Highlights (with comments by Head Coach Jacob Hill):

Brayden Robinson – 4th Place (106)

This was sophomore Brayden Robinson’s first trip to the State Tournament and he made the most of it by finding his way on the podium. He wrestled great both days beating some tough competition to finish in 4th place.

Ryder Shelton – State Champion (132)

The senior Bulldog went out on top. Ryder finishes his career as a four-time state finalist and three-time state champion with over 150 career varsity wins. He won all of his matches by bonus points including his finals match with a major decision leaving no doubt he is one of Missouri’s best this year.

Blaine Turpin – 6th Place (144)

This was senior Blaine Turpin’s third trip to the state tournament and first time coming home with hardware. Blaine made the semifinals, which guaranteed his spot on the podium. Blaine’s last win of the tournament was career win 100.

Carter Temple – State Champion (190)

This was sophomore Carter Temple’s second trip to state and the second year in a row he has come home State Champion. Carter showed some serious heart and gutted out a state finals win in overtime.

Other Team Results:

113 Oliver Lee 1-2

120 Phoenix Shelton 1-2

126 Landon Westfall 2-2

157 Kale Davis 1-2

175 Eli Helberg 0-2

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Deputies Arrest Fentanyl Dealer After Pursuit, Fire

Clay County Sheriff’s deputies were able to arrest a man for multiple violations after he fled in a stolen vehicle and on foot on Friday, Feb. 28.

Deputies identified a stolen vehicle on 69 Highway in Mosby, prompting a pursuit when the driver refused to stop. The chase ended near the hotel at the entrance to Industrial Drive near North Church Road in Liberty, where the driver veered off the road and fled on foot. The passengers in the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.

Employees from nearby businesses assisted deputies by pointing them in the direction the suspect had run. With support from the Liberty, Missouri Police Department, officers located and safely apprehended him.

However, as he fled, the stolen vehicle caught fire. The Liberty Fire Department responded quickly and put out the fire. No injuries were reported from the fire.

One of the passengers later revealed that he had met up with the driver, Johnny J. Peguero-Taveras, to purchase fentanyl and other drugs. Peguero-Taveras now faces felony charges for fleeing from law enforcement and tampering with a vehicle. Authorities also discovered he has outstanding warrants in multiple counties.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.