Missouri State Highway Patrol Urges Safety for Halloween Revelers

As Halloween approaches, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding residents across the state to prioritize safety while celebrating. Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Patrol, urges both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant as neighborhoods fill with young ghosts, vampires, clowns, and superheroes seeking treats on October 31.

On Halloween night, the excitement of trick-or-treating can lead children to unexpectedly enter the street, making it crucial for motorists to slow down and watch for pedestrians. The Patrol expects an uptick in slow-moving vehicles in residential areas as families transport trick-or-treaters. Courtesy and attentiveness are key, especially with children of all ages crossing roads. Drivers are reminded to avoid distractions—particularly their phones—and keep their focus on the road.

Parents play a vital role in ensuring a safe Halloween experience. The Patrol recommends reminding children to visit only well-lit, familiar homes and to avoid entering strangers’ houses or vehicles. Looking both ways before crossing streets is essential, and accompanying children while trick-or-treating can enhance safety and provide a memorable family experience.

Safety should also be a consideration when choosing costumes. The Patrol suggests using make-up instead of masks, which can limit a child’s ability to see traffic. Costumes that are light in color or have reflective tape are easier for drivers to spot after dark, and flame-resistant materials are encouraged. Small children should always be supervised by adults, while older children are advised to stick together in groups.

Halloween festivities aren’t limited to children. Adults also celebrate by attending haunted houses and parties. If driving to a costume event, make sure your attire does not obstruct your vision. For gatherings where alcohol is served, designate a sober driver before heading home. The Patrol warns that even minimal alcohol consumption can impair reaction time and judgment, posing serious risks behind the wheel.

With increased activity on streets and sidewalks, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to enjoy Halloween safely and responsibly, helping make the holiday fun and memorable for all.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Youth Basketball Returns to Kearney for Fall 2025

Kearney Parks & Recreation is gearing up for another season of youth basketball, inviting local children in grades 1-6 to join the fun and competition this fall and winter. The season promises an inclusive and exciting experience for all participants, with teams open to both boys and girls.

Practices for the 2025 season are tentatively scheduled to begin in late November, with actual dates depending on final team numbers and registrations by the cutoff date. Games will take place on Saturdays at Hawthorne Elementary School, while weekday practices will be held at various elementary schools across Kearney, with times and locations determined by gym and coach availability.

The league is divided into three divisions based on grade: 1st–2nd, 3rd–4th, and 5th–6th. All teams are coed, and no team transfers will be permitted, ensuring the integrity and community spirit of the league. The program also emphasizes accessibility, offering confidential scholarships for families facing financial hardship. Those interested in scholarship options can contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730 for further information.

Registration is now open for the upcoming season. Regular registration runs from Wednesday, October 8, 2025, through Sunday, November 16, 2025, with a fee of $100. Late registration is available from Sunday, November 9, 2025, to Sunday, November 23, 2025, at a cost of $115 to $120. The season itself will span from Monday, November 17, 2025, to Saturday, February 21, 2026. For friends eager to play together, a buddy system is available, allowing players to pair up as long as both parties select each other during registration.

Kearney Parks & Recreation encourages all eligible youth in the community to sign up, make new friends, and enjoy a spirited basketball season this fall and winter.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Lions Club Offers Flag Retirement Ceremony

The Kearney Lions Club and local Scouts are inviting the community to a special flag retirement ceremony on Sunday, November 16th, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Mack Porter Park in Kearney.

The event, hosted in partnership with Scout Troop 397 and Pack 397, will honorably retire a number of United States flags that are no longer fit for display. Organizers say the ceremony is an opportunity to show respect for the nation’s symbol and to teach younger generations about the meaning behind it.

Community members are also encouraged to bring their own worn or damaged flags to be retired properly during the event.

It’s an informal gathering — “come when you can and leave when you must” — so residents are welcome to stop by at any time between 2 and 5 p.m. The Lions Club and Scouts say all are invited to take part in this patriotic and respectful community tradition.

Undefeated Bulldogs are Conference Champs – Again

The Kearney Bulldogs took care of business on a chilly Thursday night with a 63-6 win over the Excelsior Springs Tigers. In their final game of the regular season the Bulldogs rushed for 283 yards and passed for 158 more, emerging as the Suburban Blue Conference champions and establishing themselves as the one-seed with a first-round bye in the Class-4, District-8 playoffs.

Senior starting quarterback Carter Temple was 4 of 8 for 80 yards passing. Photo by Eric Stevens.

“I'm so happy our district moved the game up a day,” said head coach Logan Minnick. “What an unbelievable weather night for football and for senior night for all the activities involved.”

“I think we had seven or eight different people score touchdowns tonight,” said Minnick. “That's always fun. I'm so proud of our kids, you know this is three undefeated seasons out of four, and you know those are hard to get. You've got a senior class with three of them. I’m so proud of the kids’ effort and glad we got to honor them tonight.”

Kearney got the entire roster involved in this senior night blow-out. Twelve different players contributed to the rushing total, including some underclassmen and senior defensive players, who throughout the season, had limited opportunities to touch the ball on offense. Senior running back Kendahl Davis carried the ball 11 times for 61 yards and led the team with two touchdowns. Senior defensive linemen Isaac Beaver and Jackson Leigh-Kent both scored rushing touchdowns on short yardage plunges into the end zone. Senior cornerback and backup quarterback Brad Doll scored on a 6-yard carry to the end zone.

Dryden Hendrix ran for 68 yards and a touchdown. Lindsey Matthew had one 20-yard carry. Freshmen, Colt Weymann had two carries for 37 yards and Landry Parks ran for seven. Senior running back Corbin Emmons had 34 yards rushing and a 51-yard touchdown reception. Sophomore running back, Cruise Emmons carried for 18 yards.

Senior starting quarterback Carter Temple was 4 of 8 for 80 yards passing and stepped aside in the second half for Brad Doll who was 3 of 3 for 66 yards. Later in the game, sophomore Caden Webster was 2 of 2 for 12 yards.

On special teams, Drew Nelson was 7 of 7 on point-after kicks. Kale Tucking had a 56-yard punt return for touchdown. Defensively, sophomore Byrom Braxton had two interceptions.

“We were very excited that we got every single healthy kid that was on the sideline in the game tonight,” said Minnick. “And that’s including we dressed six freshmen tonight.”

District playoffs begin next Thursday, October 30. With their first-round bye, the Bulldogs will face the winner of Van Horn vs. Excelsior Springs on Friday, November 7. District playoff brackets can be found at MSHSAA.org.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Kearney Earns Shutout Victory Over Belton Pirates

The Kearney Bulldogs softball team claimed a decisive 7-0 win against the Belton Pirates on Saturday October 25, powered by a stellar performance from pitcher Kate Landewee. Landewee threw a complete game shutout, holding Belton scoreless and demonstrating exceptional control throughout the matchup.

The second inning proved pivotal, with Kearney’s offense erupting for five runs. Caroline Jury sparked the rally with a single that drove in two. Reese Narron followed with an RBI single, and Brooke Paalhar drew a bases-loaded walk to bring in another run. The scoring continued when Alyssa Quick hit into a fielder’s choice, allowing one more run to cross the plate.

Belton’s pitcher, Courtney Bandy, took the loss after three and one-third innings of work. She allowed seven runs—only two of which were earned—on six hits, striking out one batter and issuing four walks during her time in the circle.

Kearney’s lineup showed impressive depth, highlighted by number seven hitter Chloe Garrett, who led the team with two hits in three at bats. Jury and Paalhar each drove in two runs, helping to cement the team’s dominant offensive showing. Patience at the plate also paid off for Kearney, as the team drew six walks, with Paalhar and Narron each earning two free passes.

For Belton, Aryana Roberts and Delilah Miles provided some offensive sparks, collecting one hit apiece while batting back-to-back in the lineup. The Pirates also executed a double play in the game, showcasing their defensive skills despite the loss.

Kearney’s strong pitching and timely hitting proved to be the difference, with Landewee’s shutout anchoring the team’s success. The victory highlights the depth and discipline of the Bulldogs as they continue to build momentum this season and travel to Springfield on Thursday, October 30 to face St. Francis Borgia in the State Semifinal game.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.