Challenger Soccer Camp Returns for Summer 2026

Following the spring league, the Kearney Parks and Recreation Department (KPR) is again partnering with Challenger Sports to host Soccer Skills Camps, providing a unique international camp experience right in Kearney. The camp will run from June 15 to June 19, 2026, at Jesse James Park, with registration open from January 5 to June 7, 2026.

The Tiny Tykes program introduces young children to soccer through fundamental skills and fun, adventure-themed activities. Influenced by the popular year-round curriculum, Tiny Tykes helps develop coordination, balance, and basic soccer techniques. Participants also receive access to an online library of at-home videos to keep the soccer excitement going after camp ends.

Older players will build on their skills with professional, international coaches leading three-hour sessions each day. The curriculum covers individual technique, small-sided games, and includes World Cup-style competitions. Campers also benefit from a virtual coaching platform to continue their soccer education year-round.

All participants receive a free soccer ball and jersey as part of their camp experience.

Registration for the Challenger Soccer Camp is open now. Families interested in volunteering as coaches or applying for scholarships are encouraged to reach out early to secure their spot and take advantage of available options. For more details or to register, visit the KearneyParks.com website or contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Youth Soccer Leagues Open for Spring and Summer

The Kearney Parks and Recreation Department (KPR) is gearing up for another season of its popular Youth Soccer League, designed to introduce children ages 4 to 14 to the joys of soccer through fun activities and engaging games. The league, held at Jesse James Park Soccer Fields (3001 N. Hwy 33, Kearney, MO 64060), offers a welcoming environment for both newcomers and experienced young athletes.

Teams will begin practice in mid-April, with 1-2 practices per week. The season features six Saturday games starting in May, giving children ample opportunity to develop their skills and enjoy friendly competition. The program will run from April 6, 2026, to June 29, 2026.

Players are assigned to divisions based on their age as of April 1, 2026. For example, children who are 8 on April 1 will play in the Under 10 division, while those who are 10 will participate in the Under 12 division. This system provides a fair and consistent framework for all participants, even if their birthday falls during the season.

All games follow standard soccer rules, and each player will receive a jersey provided by KPR. Parents and guardians are responsible for supplying shoes, shorts, socks, and shin guards.

KPR’s youth sports programs rely on the dedication of volunteer coaches. Those interested in coaching can sign up via the "Volunteer" tab. Volunteer coaches not only help create a positive experience for young athletes, but also receive a free registration for their child (credited for future use after practices begin). Coaches are able to select practice days and times to fit their schedules, making volunteering an ideal option for families wishing to guarantee specific practice times.

Registration for Youth Soccer Leagues is open now. Families interested in volunteering as coaches or applying for scholarships are encouraged to reach out early to secure their spot and take advantage of available options. For more details or to register, visit the KearneyParks.com website or contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Five Fatalities Reported During 2026 New Year Holiday

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, released preliminary statistics for the 2026 New Year’s holiday traffic period, revealing a sobering start to the year on Missouri roads. Between 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, law enforcement responded to 187 traffic crashes statewide. These incidents resulted in 87 injuries and claimed five lives.

Highway Patrol troopers arrested 112 individuals for driving while intoxicated (DWI) during the same period. Notably, there were no boating crashes or drownings reported over the holiday, marking a safer outcome for Missouri’s waterways.

Comparing these figures to the previous New Year’s holiday period in 2024-2025, there was one fatality and 118 injuries in 264 reported traffic crashes. The reduction in total crashes and injuries this year comes with a concerning increase in fatalities.

The statistics provided are preliminary and may change if additional fatalities are reported or if other law enforcement agencies submit late information. Further details regarding specific crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s official website.

It is important to note that the New Year’s holiday counting period varies each year, lasting between 1.25 and 4.25 days depending on which day of the week the holiday falls.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Candidate Filing Window Closes

The filing window has closed for candidates running for leadership in the City of Kearney, and the Kearney School Board this April. No challengers stepped forward in either election.  

For Kearney Board of Alderman, Ashton King is running unopposed for Ward 1 Alderman and David Lehman is running unopposed for Ward 2 Alderman.

For the two Kearney School Board seats, the only filers were the three incumbents. The three incumbents are Jake Klingensmith, Bree Switzer, and Nic Vasquez and will be re-elected automatically.

The Kearney School Board will not have any other items on the ballot, so it will not have an election this season.

Election Day is April 7, 2026.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Youth Recreation Leagues Registration Now Open

Kearney Parks and Recreation (KPR), in partnership with Smithville Parks and Recreation and Platte City Parks and Recreation, has announced open registration for its Youth Recreation Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball Leagues for the Spring 2026 season. These programs offer inclusive opportunities for children of all skill levels, providing a fun and supportive environment for boys and girls ages 4-14.

All leagues operate under standard Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball rules. The programs rely heavily on volunteer coaches. Interested parents can volunteer by clicking the "Volunteer" tab on the registration site. Volunteer coaches receive free registration for their child (credited for future use after practices start) and have the flexibility to set practice schedules around their availability. Volunteering as a coach is also the best way to guarantee preferred practice days and times for your child.

Scholarships are available for families in need, with complete confidentiality assured. For more information about scholarships, families can contact Ryan Marcotte at 816-903-4730.

Baseball League

The Youth Recreation Baseball League is open to boys ages 7-14. Each team will play six games throughout the season, and teams are assigned through a random computer draw to ensure fairness. The age division for each child is determined by their age as of April 1, 2026. Practices will start the week of April 6, and games begin the week of April 29. Participants will receive a jersey, hat, and an end-of-season medal from KPR, while parents are asked to provide a glove and a recommended helmet.

Softball League

Girls ages 7-14 can join the Youth Recreation Softball League. Like the baseball league, teams are assigned randomly, and each team will play six games per season. Practices begin the week of April 6, with games tentatively starting the week of April 27. KPR will provide a jersey, hat, and medal, and parents supply a glove and suggested helmet. The age division is determined by the child's age on April 1, 2026.

T-Ball League

The T-Ball League welcomes children ages 4-6. All games are scheduled for Friday evenings at Mack Porter Park, with start times at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM. As with the other leagues, teams are assigned via random computer draw. Practices begin the week of April 6, and games tentatively start the week of April 27. Each child receives a jersey, hat, and medal, while parents provide a glove and recommended helmet.

Registration for all leagues is now open. Parents can sign up online for regular registration between January 2 and March 31, 2026, or opt for late registration from April 1 to April 5, 2026. The full program duration runs from April 6 through June 29, 2026.

The Spring 2026 Youth Recreation Leagues offer a welcoming environment for children to learn teamwork, develop their skills, and make new friends.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.