KSD Rallies Support for 2025 Back to School Resource Fair

As students in the Kearney School District kick off their summer break, district counselors and social workers are already hard at work preparing for the upcoming academic year. Plans are underway for the 2025 Back to School Resource Fair, an annual event aimed at ensuring every Kearney student starts the school year equipped and ready to learn.

Scheduled for August 7th and 8th, the Resource Fair offers vital support to families by providing school supplies, hygiene kits, gently used clothing, new underwear, and access to a wide range of community resources. The initiative reflects the district’s commitment to meeting students’ needs beyond the classroom.

“Last year, we helped 262 students prepare for their first day of school,” said Meeghan Masters, Kearney School District Social Worker. “That success was made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our community partners.”

The district is inviting local organizations and individuals to support the fair in several key ways:

Promote the Event

Community members can help by spreading the word. Flyers and digital materials are available for distribution, and groups can request printed copies. Event registration is open online for families in need.

Host a Supply Drive or Make a Donation

Groups are encouraged to collect school supplies or contribute financially. District staff can help identify priority items or manage shopping with donated funds.

Donate Gently Used Clothing

Clean, gently used clothing in sizes from youth small to adult XXL is needed. Donations can be dropped off at Kearney Junior High from August 4th to 6th between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Volunteer at the Fair

Volunteers are essential for organizing and distributing items during the fair. Community members can sign up online to lend a hand.

The district emphasizes that community support is critical to the fair’s success and the well-being of local students.

“We are so thankful for the ongoing support from our incredible community,” Masters said. “Your involvement helps make a lasting difference in the lives of Kearney students.”

For more information or to get involved, residents can visit the Kearney School District’s official website or contact district staff directly.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Edge Winnetonka in 3-2 Thriller

At the plate, leadoff man Chase Porter led the way with a 2-for-3 performance and swiped two of the Bulldogs’ five stolen bases.

The Kearney Bulldogs baseball team delivered another dramatic finish on Wednesday, walking off the Winnetonka Griffins 3-2 in a tense, back-and-forth battle at Bulldog Stadium.

With the game tied at two in the bottom of the seventh, senior Tyler Maynard came through in the clutch, lifting a sacrifice fly to score the game-winning run and send the Bulldogs and their fans home celebrating.

Pitching dominated much of the evening on both sides. Kearney hurlers combined for five strikeouts, while Winnetonka pitchers racked up 12, keeping Bulldog bats quiet for much of the game.

The Bulldogs broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a Griffins error to take a 1-0 lead. Winnetonka stayed within striking distance and broke through in the top of the seventh, plating two runs on a pair of singles, including the game-tying hit by Oliver Reisenbichler.

Kearney, however, refused to fold. With the game on the line in the bottom of the seventh, the Bulldogs executed perfectly. Timely hitting and heads-up base running set the stage for Maynard, who delivered the decisive sacrifice fly to seal the 3-2 win.

Easton Haggart was solid on the mound, tossing six and one-third innings while allowing just two runs on five hits. He struck out three and walked four. Brock Scott came in to finish the job in relief.

At the plate, leadoff man Chase Porter led the way with a 2-for-3 performance and swiped two of the Bulldogs’ five stolen bases. Grant Bogert and Maynard each drove in a run. Defensively, Kearney played clean ball, turning a key double play and holding strong in pressure moments.

With the win, the Bulldogs continue their string of exciting finishes and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Sheriff’s Office Receives Blue Shield Designation

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has officially received the Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

This prestigious honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.

Sheriff Will Akin

“I’m very pleased Governor Mike Kehoe is recognizing communities that support law enforcement, as well as law enforcement agencies that, in turn, go above and beyond to serve their communities,” Sheriff Will Akin said. “That’s happening in Clay County, and the Blue Shield designation confirms that. This is a testament both to the diligent work of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, and the investment and support we have received in recent years from the Clay County Commission. I’m excited about what this designation means for our future.”

The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety. Each participating community’s commitment will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.

Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2026.

“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state. It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow,” Governor Kehoe said. “We designed the Missouri Blue Shield Program to recognize communities that go above and beyond in creating a place where people want to live, work, and build their futures. A Missouri Blue Shield designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local governments across Missouri who are leading the way in making public safety a priority.”

KPGZ News – Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

Missouri Lawmakers Wrap Up 2025 Legislative Session

Missouri's 2025 legislative session officially concluded on Thursday, May 15, capping off a productive term marked by sweeping changes across state policy. Lawmakers in the Republican-led General Assembly passed 66 bills impacting 467 sections of state statute, with priorities focused on tax relief, public safety, children’s welfare, and small business support.

State Representative Josh Hurlbert (R-Smithville) of the 8th District called the session a success, saying lawmakers “kept the promises made” when voters elected Governor Mike Kehoe and a Republican supermajority. Hurlbert noted five areas where lawmakers made significant advances.

Tax Cuts and Economic Relief

One of the most high-profile measures passed was House Bill 594, which enacts a full 100% income tax deduction for all capital gains reported on federal returns starting in 2025. Missourians will no longer owe state taxes on gains from selling homes, farms, retirement accounts, or investments. The legislation also eliminates sales tax on essential items like diapers and feminine hygiene products and modernizes property tax relief for seniors by linking eligibility to inflation.

Foster Care Reform and Child Welfare

Under House Bill 737, the state will no longer claim federal benefits—such as Social Security or veterans' benefits—meant for foster children. These funds will now be protected for the child's personal needs or saved for their future, such as college or job training. The bill is expected to impact over 1,200 children currently in Missouri’s foster care system.

Public Safety Enhancements

House Bill 495 brings a significant shift in oversight of law enforcement in St. Louis by establishing a new Board of Police Commissioners. The bill also toughens penalties for child trafficking, expands protections for domestic violence victims, adds fentanyl-related offenses to child endangerment statutes, and enhances school safety protocols.

Abortion and Gender Transition Legislation

House Joint Resolution 73 will go before Missouri voters and seeks to amend the state constitution to include new abortion regulations, offering exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies. The measure also aims to restore health and safety standards eliminated by Amendment 3 and would ban gender transition procedures for minors, including surgeries, hormones, and medications.

Support for Small Businesses

Addressing concerns from employers, House Bill 567 repeals newly mandated paid sick leave policies and blocks future automatic minimum wage increases established by Proposition A, which passed last fall. Lawmakers argued the changes are necessary to protect small businesses from financial strain and closures.

“The best way to protect workers is to ensure they have jobs in the first place,” said Rep. Hurlbert.

As lawmakers return to their districts, supporters of the session’s outcomes say the legislation reflects a continued commitment to conservative governance and Missouri family values. The General Assembly is expected to reconvene for the 2026 session in January.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Think Safety This Memorial Day Weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Everyone should expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to follow all of Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle, and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water.

This year's Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 26, 2025. Every available trooper will be on the road or on the water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Troopers on our roadways will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend.

Over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday weekend, there were 1046 vehicle crashes statewide which injured 486 people and killed 10 (Troopers worked 275 traffic crashes involving seven fatalities and 161 injuries). The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes which included no fatalities and seven injuries. No one drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 128 driving while intoxicated and six boating while intoxicated arrests.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to always be courteous and pay attention whether you're operating a vehicle or a vessel and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend is the result of planning and making good decisions.

Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). For road condition reports, travelers can visit the MoDOT website to view their traveler map, download the MoDOT app, or call 1-888-275-6636.

Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

When you’re on the water, please be courteous to others enjoying Missouri’s lakes and rivers, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding the safe operation of a vessel. Always observe no wake zones.

Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Remember: Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

KPGZ News – Missouri Highway Patrol contributed to this story.