KSD Selects New Activities Director

Kearney School District announced on Monday, March 31, that Joel Lueken will become the next Activities Director effective July 1, 2025. Mr. Lueken's hiring was officially approved by the KSD Board of Education on Wednesday, March 19.

Lueken will take over from long-time Activities Director Dave Schwarzenbach, who is retiring after many years of dedicated service to the district. Superintendent Emily Miller praised Lueken's extensive experience and leadership capabilities.

"Joel Lueken is an outstanding addition to our leadership team," Dr. Miller said. "He has a proven track record of success in athletic administration, community engagement, and student development. Joel's passion for excellence and his commitment to building strong relationships will ensure the continued growth and success of our student-athletes and activities programs."

Lueken joins the Kearney School District after serving as Deputy Athletic Director at William Jewell College, where he oversaw internal and external operations for 23 NCAA Division II athletic teams. His role involved direct management of the athletic budget, human resources, compliance reporting, and coordination with admissions and student services.

Prior to his current role, Lueken served as Athletic Director at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology for a decade. There, he significantly enhanced the student-athlete experience, expanded athletic programs, and successfully led fundraising efforts totaling over $17 million for scholarships and capital projects. He also spearheaded community engagement initiatives, significantly increased attendance and community support, and facilitated multiple facility renovations and upgrades.

"I am thrilled and honored to join the Kearney School District as Activities Director," Lueken said. "KSD has an outstanding reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence, and I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established by Dave Schwarzenbach. My family and I are excited to become part of the Bulldog community and to help advance the success of KSD students both on and off the field."

Lueken holds a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education with an emphasis in Athletic Administration from Northwest Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science from Ottawa University.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Earn Walk Off Win in Thrilling 13-12 Victory

Yoakum was the standout performer, driving in five of Kearney’s runs and finishing the day with a stellar 4-for-5 batting line.

The Kearney Bulldog baseball team took Friday’s game in dramatic fashion, securing a 13-12 walk-off win over Fort Osage. With the game tied at 12 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Jett Yoakum delivered a clutch single, scoring the winning run.

Yoakum was the standout performer, driving in five of Kearney’s runs and finishing the day with a stellar 4-for-5 batting line. His offensive effort was key in the thrilling win.

The Bulldogs got off to a strong start in the bottom of the second inning, thanks to two home runs. Tyler Maynard led the charge with a two-run shot to center field, putting Kearney on the board. The Bulldogs added more in the third inning when Maynard tripled to center field, Trey White hit a sacrifice fly, and Kearney scored on a passed ball, pushing their lead to 5-1.

Fort Osage mounted a comeback in the top of the fourth, scoring seven runs on four hits to take a 8-7 lead. The inning was highlighted by Blake Overbeck’s two-run single, which came on a full count.

However, Kearney responded in the bottom of the fourth, regaining the lead at 10-8. Maynard drew a walk to score a run, followed by a single from Gabe Newton, who brought in another run. Yoakum then doubled, plating two more runs for the Bulldogs.

Fort Osage tied things up in the top of the seventh after a walk by Mason Crose and a hit batter, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Kearney’s pitching staff featured Joe Yetter, who started the game and gave up five hits and three runs over three innings while striking out one. The Bulldogs saw appearances from Evan McDaniel, Owen McDaniel, and Brock Scott in relief.

Kearney’s offense was relentless, collecting 11 hits and drawing 11 walks. In addition to Yoakum’s performance, Garrett Hodge and Maynard contributed multiple hits, and Maynard led the team with three walks. The Bulldogs also showcased their speed, stealing 10 bases in the game, with Hodge, White, and Trent Dostal each stealing multiple bags. Kearney turned one double play in the contest.

The Bulldogs look to continue their winning ways with an upcoming game at Park Hill South on Monday.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Riding Center Vows to Overcome Setback After Contractor Abandonment

In a devastating blow to one of the Northland's most respected nonprofits, the Northland Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) has announced the termination of its contract with 221 Construction, LLC, citing gross negligence, abandonment, and serious safety concerns. The decision, made on February 25, 2025, comes after months of silence and inaction from the contractor, who left the project in June 2024, leaving NTRC with a half-completed building and nearly $400,000 in lost funds.

"This was supposed to be more than just a construction project—it was meant to be a place where individuals with disabilities could thrive, even on the coldest days when horse therapy is not an option," said NTRC Executive Director Cathy Huddleston. "Instead, we found ourselves with a dangerous, unusable site and a contractor who walked away, leaving us heartbroken and in a perilous situation."

The original project included the construction of a classroom and meeting facility essential for NTRC's year-round therapeutic programs for individuals with special needs. However, the partnership turned into a nightmare as the nonprofit was left with incomplete work, failed designs, and numerous code violations. Despite repeated efforts by NTRC's legal team, including experienced construction attorney Heather Shore, 221 Construction refused to return and address the safety hazards or provide any refunds for the funds entrusted to them.

Recently, NTRC discovered that 221 Construction had left behind significant electrical hazards that went unaddressed during the initial phases of the project. These issues resulted in costly repairs and further deepened the organization's financial struggles.

Adding to the woes, NTRC learned that 221 Construction is planning to dissolve the business, likely to avoid paying creditors—including nonprofits like NTRC.

"When we began this project, our Board of Directors made a clear commitment: we would not use any funds from our participant programs for construction," explained Board President Michel Kaiser. "We raised all the necessary funds specifically for this building with the intention of completing it debt-free. To see nearly $400,000 taken from us by a contractor, only to be abandoned, is deeply painful—especially for an organization that serves vulnerable children and adults with disabilities."

Despite this setback, NTRC remains resolute in its mission to provide life-changing equine-assisted therapy. The organization is moving forward with the help of a new team of vetted contractors and designers, alongside the volunteer expertise of architect Dave Hendrikse. NTRC is also continuing to work with its legal counsel to hold 221 Construction accountable for their actions.

As the nonprofit looks to rebuild, they are launching a renewed capital fundraising campaign and are calling on the community for support. NTRC is inviting local supporters, media outlets, and partners to help spread the word and assist in turning the page on this unfortunate chapter.

"Together, we can create a space where challenges are met with courage and lives are changed—one hoofbeat at a time," said Huddleston.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office Awarded National Accreditation

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office was awarded national accreditation on March 22 by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in the law enforcement program.

“This achievement comes after years of work to ensure our policies and practices meet the highest standards possible,” Sheriff Will Akin said.

The accreditation follows a multi-year assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA. Sheriff Will Akin and the Sheriff’s Office’s Accreditation Unit attended the CALEA conference in Garden Grove, Calif., last week. They went before CALEA’s 21-member Board of Commissioners, which reviewed their findings to determine agencies’ accreditation status.

CALEA President Marlon Lynch and Executive Director Craig Hartley awarded the Clay County Sheriff’s Office with accreditation, signifying excellence in public safety and commitment to community. This is the Sheriff’s Office’s first award of national accreditation.

The Sheriff’s Office now moves into CALEA’s four-year accreditation cycle that includes four annual remote, web-based file reviews and a site-based assessment in the fourth year.

“This award of accreditation does not come easy,” CALEA President Lynch said. “Agencies must go through a rigorous review and evaluation of their organization and then implement the necessary policy and procedure changes. The process does not stop at that point. By voluntarily choosing to seek CALEA accreditation, the agency commits to an ongoing review of adherence to CALEA’s standards. Each community with CALEA accredited agencies should feel confident that their public safety organization is going above and beyond and operating under the highest standards in public safety.”

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., (CALEA®) was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP); National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE); National Sheriffs' Association (NSA); and the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF).

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

State FCCLA Awards Prestigious Scholarship to KHS Senior

Kearney High School senior Lexie Barton has been honored with the 2025 Missouri FCCLA Outstanding Leader Scholarship, recognizing her exceptional leadership, dedication, and involvement within the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization.

Barton's selection for this prestigious award highlights her significant contributions to FCCLA through outstanding participation, leadership, and service to her school and community. The scholarship is presented annually to students who exemplify FCCLA's values, showing exemplary dedication in Family Consumer Sciences and Human Services.

"Lexie has consistently demonstrated extraordinary leadership, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence," said Ashley Witte, Missouri FCCLA State Adviser. "She represents the very best of what FCCLA stands for, and we are excited to honor her at this year's state leadership conference."

Barton's involvement with FCCLA at Kearney High School has been marked by numerous successful projects and impactful initiatives, earning her recognition from peers and mentors alike. Through her efforts, she has significantly contributed to building stronger community connections and fostering a sense of civic responsibility among her classmates.

"Lexie is a remarkable young leader whose influence goes beyond the classroom," Kearney High School FCCLA Sponsor Kassidy Robertson said. "We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful for her contributions to both our school and the community. She sets a wonderful example for her fellow students."

The Missouri FCCLA Outstanding Leader Scholarship was awarded during a formal presentation at the State FCCLA Leadership Conference on Monday, March 17 at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. Barton was joined by other distinguished Missouri FCCLA student leaders and educators from across the state. Her selection underscores Kearney High School's commitment to nurturing leadership and community engagement among students.

FCCLA is a national career and technical student organization that provides personal growth, leadership development, and career preparation opportunities for students in Family and Consumer Sciences education.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.