Education Foundation Funds Fuel Cutting-Edge Classrooms

The rocket of innovation in Kearney School District continues to be fueled by the KSD Education Foundation.

Foundation leaders recently awarded $11,252 in Teacher Innovation Grants (TIG) to 14 certified district staff members at seven schools. The grants were revealed during a tour of schools by KSDEF Chair Season Kerns, several foundation volunteers and Superintendent Emily Miller on Friday, April 11.

TIGs provide needed funding for new and innovative ideas for classroom teachers to be implemented in the following academic year. Winners are selected annually in the spring to implement programs in reading, technology, science, fine arts and more, Kerns explained.

2025 KSDEF TIG Recipients (School) – Amount & Project:

• Krista Beyeler (Hawthorne Elementary RISE Program) - $1200 for “Reaching Independence Through Supported Education”

• Sara Burgener Madden (Kearney High School) - $1000 for “Biomedical Science Equipment Update”

• Kelsey Colwell (Kearney High School) - $1000 for “Go Direct Blood Pressure Sensor”

• Dani Davis (Dogwood Elementary) - $599.99 for “Social Emotional Learning”

• Shelly Dunn (Hawthorne Elementary) - $540 for “Netting Fun for Everyone – Let’s Play Pickleball!”

• Will Ford (Kearney Elementary) - $1000 for “iPads for Art”

• Katy Foster (Hawthorne Elementary) - $685 for “Egg to Check: A Hands-On Learning Experience in Life Science”

• Catina Green (Hawthorne Elementary RISE Program) - $1000 for “Establish RISE rooms throughout the district”

• Jamie Luppes (Southview Elementary) - $450.74 for “Development Wordsmiths One Word At A Time”

• Chelsea Miller (Hawthorne Elementary) - $300 for “Seeds of Knowledge: A Hands-On Learning Experience Through the Plant Life Cycle”

• Heather Oldham (Kearney Elementary) - $876.72 for “Rocking Into Reading: Enhancing Engagement”

• Tyler Owen (Kearney Middle School) - $950 for “Hands-On Ancient History”

• Kassidy Robertson (Kearney High School) - $1000 for “KitchenAid Attachments”

• Sara Woods (Early Education Center) - $650 for “3-D Minis for Hands-On Language Learning”

These teachers applied for and were selected by a special committee to receive these grants, which are funded with the donations raised by the foundation through direct giving and special events like the annual Turkey Trot run. The Teacher Innovation Grants program brings these concepts to life in classrooms, benefiting students when alternative funding isn't available.

“KSD’s teachers are constantly looking to create new and more engaging experiences for our children,” Kerns said. “We’re grateful to our community for supporting this work and excited to see what our TIG recipients achieve!”

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Residents Urged to Obtain REAL ID Before May 7 Deadline

Starting May 7, 2025, Missourians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or non-driver ID card—or an alternative federally accepted identification—to board domestic flights, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain federal facilities, including military bases and federal courthouses.​

The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) emphasizes that obtaining a REAL ID is optional. However, individuals without a compliant ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport, will be restricted from these activities after the enforcement date.​

Residents can apply for a REAL ID-compliant license or ID at any of Missouri's more than 170 license office locations. Applicants must present original, valid documents proving:​

• Identity and Lawful Status: Such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or certificate of naturalization.​

• Social Security Number: A Social Security card or a W-2 form displaying the full Social Security number.​

• Missouri Residency: Two documents, like a utility bill and a bank statement, showing the applicant's name and current Missouri address.​

Individuals who have changed their legal name due to marriage, divorce, or other reasons must also provide certified documentation, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree, to verify the name change.​

The DOR advises applicants to allow 10 to 15 business days for their REAL ID to be processed and mailed. To ensure timely receipt, especially for those planning to travel on or shortly after May 7, 2025, it's recommended to apply no later than April 1, 2025.​

The cost for obtaining a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card is the same as that of a non-compliant one. Additionally, Missouri law permits a one-time waiver of the duplicate transaction fee for individuals upgrading to a REAL ID outside their regular renewal period. However, standard processing fees of $6 for a three-year issuance or $12 for a six-year issuance will still apply.​

REAL ID-compliant Missouri licenses and ID cards feature a star in the upper right-hand corner. Non-compliant cards are marked with "NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES" in the same location.​

For more information and to determine if you need a REAL ID, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue's REAL ID page.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

New Poll Shows Strong Public Trust in Public Health Agencies

A new statewide survey reveals that Missourians overwhelmingly trust and support their local public health agencies (LPHAs)—and they want to see them thrive. The Missouri Public Health Trust Poll, conducted in early 2025, highlights both the strengths and opportunities in public health outreach across the state.

Key findings include:

• Nearly 60% of Missourians have used their local public health agency—demonstrating the essential role LPHAs play in communities.

• 71% of LPHA users trust their local health department, reinforcing the importance of direct engagement.

• 83% of Missourians support increased public health funding, recognizing its impact on community well-being.

• 26% of Missourians are unaware of the services available through their local LPHA, highlighting an opportunity for increased outreach and education.

“In a time where it can be confusing to know who to trust as a source of reliable information, it’s reassuring to see these results and know that people still largely trust their local health agencies,” said Darrell Meinke, Clay County’s director of public health. “I hope they can look at the members of our team and recognize neighbors who are working hard to make a positive impact on the health of their own community, to the best of their ability.”

The results provide a roadmap for strengthening public health trust and accessibility in Missouri. For both the Independence Health Department and Clay County Public Health Center that means expanding outreach efforts, increasing visibility in the community, and ensuring that every resident has access to the vital health services they need.

“We are in our community every day, providing everything from car seat inspections for new families and oral health classes to preschoolers to public health preparedness, food safety inspections, and mental health care,” said Christina Heinen, Health Director for Independence.  “Public health is here for everyone, and these results show that Missourians believe in the work we do. One of our most successful outreach programs pairs a community paramedic from the Fire Department with one of our licensed clinical social workers. They have made a tremendous impact in our community – responding to 800 persons in mental health crisis in our community last year alone, eliminating almost $300,000 in ambulance and emergency room costs.”

The Independence Health Department ensures the public's health through activities that protect the public from environmental hazards, prevent injury and disease, and promote healthy lifestyles. These goals are accomplished through enforcement of ordinances, health promotion, planning, and surveillance activities. In 2024, it handled 3,624 communicable disease cases, distributed 481 boxes of Narcan, and performed 1,757 permitted health inspections. It is located within Independence City Hall at 111 E. Maple, Independence, MO 64050 and more information can be found on its website.

Clay County Public Health Center aims to empower everyone to lead healthier lives through clinical services like immunizations and STI testing, as well as WIC services and school-based dental services. They also work to prevent foodborne illness, track diseases, connect community members with resources, and educate about healthy behaviors. Their building is located at 800 Haines Dr., Liberty, MO 64068 and more information can be found at clayhealth.com.

About the Missouri Public Health Trust Poll

The Missouri Public Health Trust Poll, which was conducted by Breakthrough Campaigns, surveyed 607 Missouri adults from February 26 – March 3, 2025, with an oversample of rural residents to ensure balanced representation. Respondents included a mix of urban and rural residents, individuals across income levels, and diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Check out the full breakdown of the Missouri Public Health Trust Poll HERE.

KPGZ News – Kelsey Neth contributed to this story.

Driver with Multiple Warrants Arrested After High-Speed Chase

A 33-year-old man from Gladstone, Missouri, is in custody after leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through multiple cities Friday afternoon.

The incident began shortly after 3:30 p.m. when a Kearney police officer observed a vehicle speeding and driving recklessly on Watson Drive near the Price Chopper. As the officer attempted a traffic stop, he noticed the vehicle was displaying an expired temporary paper tag from 2024. The driver refused to pull over and fled southbound on Watson Drive.

The pursuit continued past the city’s water tower and onto 19th Street, where the suspect entered southbound Interstate 35. Officers from additional agencies joined the chase as the driver continued to evade law enforcement.

Clay County Sheriff’s deputies deployed stop sticks near the 69 Highway exit. The suspect drove over the devices, resulting in all four tires rapidly deflating. Despite this, the vehicle continued onto Highway 291 and into Liberty, eventually coming to a stop near N. Church Road and the Liberty Price Chopper.

The suspect exited the disabled vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. After a brief pursuit, officers deployed a Taser and successfully apprehended the man without further incident.

Authorities later discovered the suspect had a revoked driver’s license and six active warrants for his arrest, including one for resisting or evading arrest. No injuries or property damage were reported during the incident.

The man was transported to the Clay County Detention Center, where he was booked on felony charges of aggravated fleeing in a motor vehicle under Missouri’s “Valentine’s Law.” He was formally charged by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office, and bond was set at $75,000.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Head to Capital Hill

Madelyn Whitten

Kearney High School seniors Lexie Barton and Madelyn Whitten joined 43 other members of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) organization to participate in the annual Missouri Legislative Shadowing Project held April 8–9 in the state’s capitol.

Legislative Shadowing is a Missouri FCCLA-only program and gives students the opportunity to shadow a legislator for a day, advocate for FCS and FCCLA, and get to know the representatives for our area, according to KHS FCCLA sponsor Kassidy Robertson.

Miss Whitten shadowed Representative Josh Hurlbert, and Miss Barton shadowed Representative Mazzie Christensen. Both were able to witness an action-packed day with a heated House vote for a bill about slot machines in gas stations. They also met Governor Mike Kehoe.

"I couldn't ask for two better individuals to represent Kearney High School and FCCLA," Mrs. Robertson said. "Madelyn even expressed on the way home that her goal is to now end up working in the capitol in some capacity!"

The Legislative Shadowing Project gives students the opportunity to engage directly with Missouri’s legislative process, offering a hands-on look into state government as well as the opportunity for members to advocate for Missouri families, students, and Career and Technical Education as an integral part of education in Missouri’s schools.

Lexie Barton

The two-day experience began with a welcome reception on April 8, where students enjoyed light appetizers, participated in a civics review and agenda discussion, and heard from guest speaker Jessica Seitz, Executive Director of the Missouri Network Against Child Abuse (MO-NACA). Jessica, who previously served four years as the agency’s Director of Public Policy, shared valuable insights into advocacy, public service, and her time at the capitol. She also discussed previous and current legislation affecting children and families.

On Wednesday, April 9, participants met with their assigned state representatives and senators to begin their shadowing experience at the Capitol. Students observed legislative sessions and committee meetings, explored the roles of lawmakers, and gained a deeper understanding of how state policies are shaped.

The experience concluded with a reflective wrap-up session, where students shared favorite memories and created thank-you notes for the legislators and supporters who helped make this unique opportunity possible. The Legislative Shadowing Project continues to inspire future leaders by connecting students with real-world civic engagement, fostering the next generation of informed and active citizens.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.