Academy Bank to Host Community Event on May 3

Academy Bank is inviting residents of Kearney and surrounding areas to a day of fun and community spirit at their annual Community Event, happening Saturday, May 3, from 10 am to 2 pm at their branch located at 950 W. 92 Hwy in Kearney.

This year’s event goes beyond just a neighborhood gathering. It’s blossomed into a meaningful day of giving back and supporting local causes. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to the Kearney Food Pantry by bringing donations of canned or boxed food.

In addition, the Kearney Rotary Club will be on site collecting new children’s shoes, socks, and shoelaces for Shoes for Orphan Souls, a heartfelt initiative to help children in need.

Animal lovers will want to stop by Ace’s Sanctuary & Cat Rescue, which will be hosting a cat adoption station at the event. In a generous show of support, Harmony Animal Hospital will provide wellness exams for every cat that finds a new home that day.

Local businesses will also be setting up booths, offering a chance to explore and support what Kearney has to offer. As a bonus, a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses will add some extra excitement to the day.

Kids and families can enjoy attractions like Lakeside Bounce, explore firetrucks, grab a bite from food trucks, and enjoy music from 102.7FM KPGZ.

“We’re thrilled to see this event evolve into something more purposeful,” said Amanda Foster, coordinator for the event. “It’s become a true reflection of what Kearney is all about—community, compassion, and coming together.”

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 3, and come be a part of this growing tradition that celebrates giving back and building connections in Kearney.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sophomores Garner Invites to Prestigious State Academy

A trio of Kearney High School Students have been invited to attend an elite academic experience.

Kearney High School sophomores Luke Vanderstel, Carl “Ben” Jenkins and Carter Lydick were recently selected to attend the 2025 Missouri Scholars Academy this summer at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Founded in 1985, the Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week residential program for 330 of Missouri’s academically gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year of high school, according to the program’s website. The Academy is held each June on the Mizzou campus and administered by the university’s Honors College.

“It’s an honor to be nominated and selected for this program,” KHS Counselor Ashlee James said. “We’re so proud of Carter, Luke and Carl, and excited to see what they accomplish at this summer’s academy!”

All public and private schools in Missouri are eligible to nominate at least two sophomore students for the Academy. A selection committee, comprised predominantly of teachers from across the state, evaluates the nominations. Students are selected based on a variety of factors, including grade point average, test scores, essay submissions and letters of recommendation. They also have to demonstrate leadership, creativity, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving ability and initiative.

With a carefully selected faculty and staff, a specially designed curriculum with interdisciplinary courses, and a variety of stimulating extracurricular activities, the Academy enables students to be part of a unique learning community. The Academy provides a model that all schools can use in building or expanding their own programs for gifted students. Educators who have served as faculty members have used this experience to benefit students in their local schools.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story

2025 Summer Concert Seasoned Announced

The City of Kearney announced its summer concert schedule on the amphitheater stage for 2025. This season features something for everyone with four free tribute concerts.

Kearney kicks off summer events at the amphitheater on Friday, June 13 with Private Eyes, a Hall & Oates tribute band that will take you back to the 80’s

The amphitheater’s biggest event is next on the schedule. On Thursday, July 3, Kearney celebrates Independence Day with a free concert and fireworks celebration. The city will have inflatables for the kids and music featuring Platinum Express, a high-energy party band, voted #1 by KC Entertainment Weekly two years in a row.

There will be free inflatable air toys for the children to play in from 5:30 to 8 pm. Spectators are encouraged to be parked before 9 pm and bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The next concert at the amphitheater is on Saturday, July 12 with Motown and More. This band brings back the legendary sounds of the Motown era.

The final concert at the Kearney Amphitheater is a country tribute. On Saturday, August 16, Just Waylon, a tribute to Waylon Jennings will take the stage.

More information is available on the city’s website at kearneymo.us.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulky Item Trash Week Starts May 5

Bulky item pick-up in Kearney begins on Monday, May 5, and runs through Thursday, May 8. Items will be picked up by Redgate Disposal.

Bulk items will be removed using the normal weekly schedule. Normal weekly trash pickup will occur as well, by a separate truck. Customers should expect two trash trucks that week, one for bulk and one for regular trash. Each household is allowed to place up to 4 feet of bulky trash items at the curb for pickup by 7am on their pickup day.

The accepted items have changed slightly this year from years past. Items accepted by Redgate include furniture and outdoor furniture, small countertop items, area rugs and blinds, kids toys and bikes, push mowers with gas and oil removed, BBQ grills with propane tanks removed and mattresses and box springs.

Items not being accepted are any construction and remodeling materials, white goods and appliances, hazardous waste: oil, paint, tires, batteries, chemicals, and fluorescent bulbs, compressed gas cylinders, riding lawn mowers, yard waste, heavy metal items or car parts, and fireworks and ammunition.

Bulk item pickups should be placed at the curb by 7 am and are limited to a four by four foot total area size.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

MoDOT Urges Caution as Construction Season Begins

As Missouri prepares for one of the largest construction seasons in its history, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is urging drivers to “Work with Us” by making safe driving decisions in and around work zones. The reminder comes during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21–25, and amid an expected surge in roadwork across the state.

MoDOT officials say motorists will encounter between 800 and 1,000 active work zones daily throughout the 2024 construction season—more than ever before. With so much activity on Missouri roads, driver caution is critical to protecting the lives of workers and travelers alike.

"In each of these work zones are men and women simply doing their job to construct and maintain a transportation system that makes our lives better," said Jon Nelson, MoDOT’s State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer. “Stay alert and slow down to keep them safe.”

In 2024, 23 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes, with distracted driving contributing to at least four of those fatalities and more than 350 total crashes. Speeding and inattention remain the leading causes of work zone incidents.

MoDOT is emphasizing compliance with Missouri’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to change lanes—when safe—when approaching MoDOT, law enforcement, or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights. If a lane change isn’t possible, drivers must reduce speed and proceed cautiously.

The department is also highlighting the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, enacted to curb cell phone use behind the wheel. Since the law took effect, MoDOT has seen promising signs: work zone vehicle strikes were cut nearly in half, and work zone fatalities declined in 2024.

“While we’re encouraged by the progress, we still have a lot of work to do,” Nelson said. “High speeds and distractions remain our greatest threats. That’s why we continue to ask Missourians to ‘work with us’ by putting down the phone and slowing down.”

Drivers can prepare for upcoming roadwork by checking MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org, where they can find up-to-date details about construction zones along their routes.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.