Bulldogs Top Blue Springs in Midweek Showdown

The Kearney Bulldog baseball team took care of business at home on Wednesday, April 9, knocking off the visiting Blue Springs Wildcats with a 5-2 victory behind strong pitching and clutch hitting.

Blue Springs struck first, pushing across a run in the top of the first inning. But the Bulldogs responded in the bottom of the fourth, when Caleb Fletchall delivered a two-run double to put Kearney in front 2-1 — a lead they wouldn’t give up.

Fletchall, batting seventh in the order, came through in a big way, going 1-3 at the plate and collecting two RBIs. He also shined on defense, leading the team with 10 plays in the field.

Easton Haggart - Photo by David Haggart

On the mound, Easton Haggart turned in a gritty start. The right-hander went five and two-thirds innings, allowing just three hits and two runs while striking out eight. Haggart battled through some command issues, walking five, but managed to keep Blue Springs off balance for most of the night. Owen McDaniel and Brock Scott came in out of the bullpen to close out the game.

Offensively, Grant Bogert led Kearney with two hits in three at-bats. The Bulldogs scattered their offense across the lineup and made their hits count.

Blue Springs showed patience at the plate, drawing six walks and swiping four bases. Carson Bushman and Ethan Melissinas led the Wildcats with two walks each. Despite their aggressiveness on the basepaths and a double play turned in the field, Blue Springs couldn’t crack the Bulldogs' defense or capitalize late.

With the win, Kearney improves their record to 5-5 and builds momentum heading into this weekend’s Jefferson City Tournament.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Transformative Health Summit Aims to Inspire Wellness and Purpose

Local residents looking to enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well-being are invited to attend Transformative Health: A Half-Day Summit for Mind, Body & Purpose on Friday, April 25, at the Mid-Continent Public Library, 100 S. Platte-Clay Way in Kearney. The event runs from 9:30 am to noon with doors opening at 9:15 am.

Organizers promise a morning of motivation and actionable strategies to help attendees jumpstart or deepen their personal wellness journeys. The summit will feature four expert-led sessions, a live panel Q&A, networking opportunities, and door prizes—all designed to empower participants to discover their best selves.

Highlights of the event include:

• Expert Talks: Four 30-minute sessions led by top professionals in functional health, physical therapy, mental health counseling, and addiction recovery.

• Interactive Panel Discussion: Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and engage with all four experts in a live Q&A.

• Light Refreshments: Charcuterie snacks provided by Cured by Salt, plus time to network with others focused on self-improvement.

• Prize Giveaways: Attendees will have the chance to win wellness-themed door prizes.

Featured speakers include Mandy Robertson, FDN-P, of Mandy Robertson Functional Health, Dr. Pete, Physical Therapist with True Health & Performance, Christina Blanton, LPC, RPT, of Connected Families Counseling, Zachary Atwell, Addiction and Loss Recovery Coach with Redemption Recovery Coaching.

Early bird tickets are available now at $48 for individuals and $40 for groups. General admission pricing begins April 21 at $55 per ticket.

Organizers encourage anyone looking to boost their energy, manage stress, and make lasting lifestyle changes to attend. For more details and ticket information, visit the Transformative Health EVENT PAGE.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Aldermen, School Board, and Proposition A Results

Voters went to the polls on Tuesday, April 8, to decide who would serve in elected positions and if the city residents would approve a new half-cent sales tax to help fund Kearney Police initiatives. Here are the unofficial results from the Clay County Board of Elections:

Board of Aldermen

Ward 1 Alderman candidate Gerri Spencer and incumbent Ward 2 Alderman Dan Holt ran unopposed and were automatically elected for those seats on the Board of Aldermen.

Kearney School Board

Four individuals ran for two open seats on the Kearney School District:

[X] Christina Lindsay – 27.03%

Michael Joe Hickey – 5.18%

Justin Cook – 19.21%

[X] Jason Klindt – 30.34%

Proposition A

Residents also voted on Proposition A, that would allow the Kearney Police Department to expand its capabilities, update critical equipment, and effectively address the rise in activity through a half-cent sales tax.

Proposition A was narrowly defeated. 51.64% of voters said no, while 48.12% were in favor of the measure.

“I'm disappointed in the outcome, but I appreciate the continued support we receive from the community,” Chief Mark Thomas told KPGZ News. “The Kearney Police Department will always provide the service and protection to our community that we have always been committed to in the past as well as in the future.”

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Edward Jones to Host Retirement Planning Seminar

Edward Jones, in partnership with Age Wave, will host a special seminar titled “The Four Pillars of the New Retirement” on Wednesday, April 16, at 6:00 pm, at the Kearney Chamber of Commerce office, located at 190 State Route 92.

The event will explore findings from an in-depth study conducted by Edward Jones and Age Wave, highlighting four key pillars that can significantly influence quality of life during retirement. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tips to help them prepare for the next chapter of life.

“We will share insights from the Edward Jones / Age Wave research about how retirement is changing,” reads a post from Edward Jones Financial Advisor Beau Walker. “Attendees will gain knowledge about the four essential pillars (health, family, purpose and finances) that can impact quality of life in retirement.”

The seminar is free to attend and includes dinner. Local Edward Jones financial advisor Beau Walker will host the event.

Guests are encouraged to bring a friend and must RSVP by April 14. Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, call 816-903-2005 or email beau.walker@edwardjones.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Chamber Offers Free Business Growth Clinics for Members

Local business owners looking to overcome challenges and accelerate growth have a valuable new resource available through the Kearney Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has launched a Business Growth Clinic, offering personalized, one-on-one consultations to help members streamline operations, boost productivity, and plan for long-term success.

The clinics are held bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 11 am to 2 pm at the Kearney Chamber of Commerce office. Each session is 30 minutes long and completely free for Chamber members in good standing.

One-on-One sessions are guided by James Kabucho, President / CEO of STRATEGENESIS LLC. Participants will receive tailored advice, practical solutions, and actionable strategies aimed at driving their business forward. The initiative also aims to strengthen the local business community through more connected and resilient enterprises.

Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Chamber members are encouraged to reserve their spot and take advantage of this unique opportunity to get expert support customized to their business needs.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.