The University of Kansas Cancer Center Expands in the Northland

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is expanding in the Northland with new locations opening this summer in Briarcliff and Liberty Hospital. Ranked in the top one percent nationwide, the cancer center's growth demonstrates a commitment to providing leading cancer care close to home.

In addition, the expansion will increase patient access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options.

The Briarcliff location will open in June 2025 and initially provide medical oncology and hematology exam and limited infusion services. This new location will expand in the fall to offer all oncology infusion services with an on-site pharmacy and lab. This location will include 24 infusion chairs, 10 exam rooms, two consult rooms and laboratory and pharmacy space.

"We are excited to be able to extend our exceptional oncology care so that more people in the Northland will have access to nationally recognized cancer care close to home," said Jeffrey Holzbeierlein, MD, FACS, vice president and physician in chief, The University of Kansas Cancer Center. "Patients in the Northland deserve to have access to the very best cancer care, so we are investing and expanding to ensure even more people in our region experience superior cancer care close to home."

At the same time, a cancer center location will open at Liberty Hospital in summer 2025. Like the Briarcliff location, it will be a phased opening, initially offering medical oncology exam and infusion and adding radiation oncology in the fall.

"We intentionally joined The University of Kansas Health System to extend the reach of the highest quality healthcare – especially nationally recognized cancer care – to the Northland and beyond. Soon people will have access to The University of Kansas Cancer Center at Liberty Hospital, putting advanced cancer care within a convenient driving distance," said Raghu Adiga, MD, CEO of the Liberty Hospital (which joined The University of Kansas Health System in 2024). "We are thrilled to bring world-class care close to home.

With the addition of the Briarcliff and Liberty Hospital sites, the cancer center has 16 locations throughout Kansas and Missouri.

KPGZ News – Jill Chadwick contributed to this story.

Hazardous Waste Collection Event

If you have hazardous waste products like chemicals, paint and batteries, then the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is where you need to take those items. The collection event is part of an initiative put on by the Mid-America Regional Council’s Solid Waste Management District and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Paint and paint-related products, automotive fluids, batteries, lawn and garden chemicals, glues and adhesives, household cleaners, and more can be disposed of at this event until trucks are full. Please do not bring electronics.

This FREE event is open to Kearney residents and other member communities of the Regional HHW Program.

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event will take place on Saturday, April 12, from 8 am to noon at Smithville High School, 645 S. Commercial St., Smithville. For more information on the Regional HHW Program, call the MARC Solid Waste Management District at 816-701-8226 or visit RecycleSpot.org.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

KSD Launches 2025 Summer School Enrollment

Enrollment launched on Tuesday, April 1, for Kearney School District's 2025 "Summer Fun" summer school program, which will provide engaging educational experiences while helping your child stay on track.

This year's summer school program will be held from Monday, June 2 through Thursday, June 26. Elementary school programs will be in session from 8 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Secondary programs will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be NO summer school classes on Fridays except for Friday, June 20. There will be no school on June 19 to observe Juneteenth.

Students who will attend kindergarten through third grade for the 2025-2026 school year will attend the summer program at Southview Elementary. Fourth- and fifth-graders will take summer classes in the LENS wing at Kearney Junior High. All secondary summer classes will be held at the junior high.

Kearney School District will provide bus transportation during the 2025 Summer School program for students entering grades K-5 who live outside of the "No-Busing Zone" on the Google Map. Students need to be enrolled by April 30 to receive district-provided transportation. Please use the link to see if your student is eligible for district busing.

A Summer School Open House will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. More information is coming soon.

Visit www.ksdr1.net/summerfun to learn more about the 2025 Summer School Program and to enroll your child today.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

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.