Quick Hits for the Cycle, Landewee Throws No-Hitter

It was a night to remember at the diamond as Kearney High School Varsity delivered a commanding 11-0 win over the Smithville Warriors on Tuesday, marked by standout performances from Alyssa Quick and pitcher Kate Landewee.

Alyssa Quick put on a show at the plate, hitting for the cycle and powering the Bulldogs’ offense. Photo by David Haggart.

Alyssa Quick put on a show at the plate, hitting for the cycle and powering the Bulldogs’ offense. She started strong with a double in the opening frame, driving in two runs to put Kearney on the board. In the second inning, Quick crushed a home run to center field, bringing in three more runs and helping build an early lead. She added a single in the fifth and capped off her night with a triple in the sixth, completing the rare feat and keeping the momentum firmly with Kearney.

On the mound, Kate Landewee was untouchable. The Kearney ace struck out 13 batters, allowing no hits or runs over six flawless innings without issuing a single walk. Smithville’s lineup could not solve Landewee, who kept them off balance from start to finish.

Kearney’s offense was relentless, tallying 15 hits on the night. Morgan Pennington, Brooke Paalhar, Kennedi Casey, and Reese Narron each picked up multiple hits, while Paalhar also drove in a run with a single in the second. The Bulldogs added four more runs in that inning, stretching their lead and never looking back.

Defensively, Kearney was perfect, playing error-free ball. Caroline Jury led the way in the field, recording 13 chances without a misstep.

For Smithville, Nora Schoening took the loss, pitching two and two-thirds innings and giving up 10 runs on 12 hits. She finished the outing without a strikeout and walked one.

With Quick’s cycle and Landewee’s no-hitter, Kearney High School Varsity sent a clear message with their dominant performance, securing a memorable win and pursuing the Suburban Blue Conference Title for the fourth year in a row.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Drivers Urged to Stay Alert as Harvest Season Begins

As Missouri enters the fall harvest season, state authorities are urging both farmers and motorists to exercise heightened caution on roadways. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports there were 194 reported traffic crashes in Missouri involving farm equipment, resulting in two fatalities and 65 injuries in 2024. With farmers and drivers sharing rural and urban roads at all hours, officials stress that many of these incidents can be prevented through attentiveness and adherence to traffic laws.

Farmers are reminded to properly mark their equipment with functioning lights and the distinctive orange “slow-moving vehicle” emblem when traveling on public roads. Keeping these lights and reflective markers clean and clear of debris is vital for visibility. Those moving wide equipment are encouraged to use escort vehicles, particularly on narrow roads or in areas where hills and curves restrict sight lines. If traffic builds up behind slow-moving equipment, farmers should pull off onto level ground when safe, allowing vehicles to pass and reduce congestion.

Traveling at dawn or dusk should be avoided due to low visibility, and all-terrain vehicles used for agricultural work must comply with state laws, including travel during daylight hours only, appropriate lights, flags, and slow-moving vehicle emblems. Safety helmets are mandatory for operators under 18, but recommended for all ages. Importantly, agricultural machinery is permitted on state highways at night if properly illuminated, and seat belt use is advised for those operating tractors with roll-over protection.

Drivers are urged to remain alert for slow-moving farm equipment, especially during harvest season. Patience is crucial when driving behind tractors or combines—motorists should reduce speed and wait for clear, unobstructed views before attempting to pass. Passing should never occur on bridges, hills, or curves where sight distance is limited.

Collisions often happen when a motorist misinterprets a farm vehicle’s movements, such as when a tractor veers right before making a wide left turn. Watching for hand or light signals from farmers can prevent such accidents. Extra attention is needed when farm equipment enters or exits highways from side roads or driveways, especially during early morning or evening hours when sunlight can impair visibility.

With increased awareness and cooperation, both farmers and drivers can help ensure a safer harvest season for all Missourians.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Lions Club Organizes Citywide Yard Sale

The Kearney Lions Club is set to bring the community together with a citywide yard sale scheduled for Saturday, October 4th from 7 am – 5 pm.

Residents interested in participating can have their address included on a comprehensive listing and map of participating locations for just $5. This offers an easy way for sellers to attract shoppers throughout the city, with an online link available for sign-ups in the event’s discussion.

For those who want to join the event but don’t have a yard to use, the Lions Club is providing a convenient solution. Limited 10-foot by 10-foot spaces along Washington Street are available to rent for $10 each. Anyone interested in reserving a spot can find the reservation link HERE. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone in the community has an opportunity to participate, whether they have a yard or not.

The Lions Club’s citywide yard sale promises to be a great chance for residents to sell unwanted items, connect with neighbors, and support the local community.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Undefeated with 24-20 Win over NKC

For two straight weeks, the Kearney Bulldogs have faced top-ranked, class-6 football teams on the road and stopped them cold. The most recent being a 24-20 win over the deeply talented North Kansas City Hornets.

“I saw single high safety right in front of me, so I stopped him outside made my move inside and I knew as soon as I made my break, Carter just connected.” - Kale Tucking. Photo by Eric Stevens.

Kearney has matched up at the highest levels of individual competition coming from the likes of Zach Thomas and Dante Dixon at Park Hill, and Power 5 phenom, Kobe Rhymes at North Kansas City. These are the best players in the state at minimum – players that head coaches build their programs around.

First on the scoreboard, Kearney tight end and place kicker, Drew Nelson drove a 40-yard field goal through the uprights. Those first three points would become increasingly more valuable later in the game.

Northtown quarterback Mehki Fields zipped a 17-yard pass to Kobe Rhymes at 9:03 in the first quarter, and a healthy Bulldog defense with Mason Beaver and Clayton Cowan back in the lineup didn’t allow the Hornets to score again until late in the fourth quarter.

“We were so excited to have everybody back,” said defensive lineman Clayton Cowan. “We've been waiting for this for – what is it week five now – and it was exciting to go out there and perform with everyone back,” Cowan added. “I think we’re ready for the rest of the year.”

With 4:53 to go in the half, Kearney quarterback Carter Temple delivered a perfect 24-yard pass into the outstretched hands of a full-stride, Kale Tucking in the endzone, giving Kearney a 10-7 lead going into the half.

“You know they say as a number three receiver you want to run a seam right up the middle,” said Tucking. “I saw single high safety right in front of me, so I stopped him outside made my move inside and I knew as soon as I made my break, Carter just connected.”

In his customary style, Carter Temple led the Bulldog rushing attack with 125 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown. He was 9 of 17 for 77 yards passing with a touchdown.

Kearney Running back Dryden Hendrix scored early in the second half on a 4-yard carry. Hendrix had 64 total yards on 15 carries as the Bulldogs deployed their rushing attack for 163 total yards.

The Bulldogs scored again on a Carter Temple 32-yard sideline sprint to the endzone, giving Kearney what appeared to be a comfortable 24-7 lead with 8:15 remaining the game.

Dudes with the speed and stature of Kobe Rhymes are the powder keg in explosive offenses. With no timeouts remaining and 4:42 to play, Rhymes caught a pass in heavy coverage from Mehki Fields and wriggled his way 45 yards for the touchdown.

24-14 feels like a relatively safe lead in the fourth quarter of most football games. Rhymes and the Hornets rejected that premise. With 48 seconds remaining, Kobe Rhymes blasted over the goal line, on a 1-yard touchdown carry. A missed extra point and an early, Drew Nelson field goal ensured Kearney would finish the game 24-20 in their victory formation.

“Very proud of our kids in a huge game and beating back-to-back, ranked class-6 schools on the road,” said head coach Logan Minnick. “At the same time, we talked about it after the game, our overall program, the thing we take so much pride in is finish. We did not finish the game the way we wanted to tonight.”

“We hold ourselves to a higher standard than that,” Minnick added. “But at the same time, you’ve got to give North Kansas City credit. Still proud of our kids as ever and glad this was a week-5 game because there were so many coachable moments and there's so many things we can take from this to get better.”

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Bulldog Pride on Parade: Kearney Prepares for HoCo 2025

Kearney is gearing up for a week filled with school spirit, community pride, and Bulldog tradition as Homecoming 2025 kicks off. This year’s theme, “Homecoming State of Mind 2025,” sets the stage for a festive week of events that will unite students, families, and neighbors in celebration.

The centerpiece of the week, the annual Homecoming Parade, will take place at 2 pm, on Friday, Oct. 10, in downtown Kearney. Community members are invited to line Washington Street from Clark Street to Prospect Street to cheer on students representing sports teams, performing arts, clubs, public service organizations, and more. Floats and entries will showcase the theme in creative and colorful ways, promising a magical experience for all ages.

Organizations hoping to join the parade must submit an ENTRY FORM bit.ly/KMOhocoparade25 to Brittini Starzl by Friday, Oct. 3. All student participants must also have a signed Activity Permission Slip on file. A mandatory pre-event meeting for parade representatives is scheduled for 5:30 pm, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the KHS new gym.

Friday, Oct. 10, will also be a half-day for students. Kearney Middle School, Kearney Junior High, and Kearney High School will dismiss at 10:30 am, while elementary schools will dismiss at 11:35 am.

Homecoming Week will feature Spirit Days across the district, leading up to fan-favorite events. The annual KHS Powder Puff football game kicks off at 7 pm. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Bulldog Stadium, where the 2025 Homecoming King will be crowned.

The week concludes with Friday night lights as the Bulldogs take on Raytown South at 7 pm, on Oct. 10 at Bulldog Stadium. The 2025 Homecoming Queen will be crowned at halftime. Tickets for the game are available through the KHS Football digital box office.

From the parade to the pep rallies, Homecoming 2025 promises to be a time of celebration, tradition, and community spirit. Go Bulldogs!

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.