KJH Boys Basketball Caps a Great Season

It was a memorable championship week to cap off an outstanding season for our Kearney Junior High Boys Basketball program!

"All three teams delivered remarkable performances and achieved significant milestones," Head Coach Kelly Gentry said. "I am very proud of our players, student assistants, coaches, staff, school, community, parents and fans."

KJH A Team

The A Team brought home the hardware in a major way, winning three games in three days to capture the Greater Kansas City Championship title in the top (Gold) bracket and finish as the overall GKC Champions. 

In the championship game, the Bulldogs defeated Paul Kinder (Blue Springs) 40–26, led by scoring from Jackson Paalhar (12), Brady Willis (10), Jonas Palmer (10), Ben Bolek (5) and Ethan Linneman (3), with strong contributions from Chase Raimo, Maddox Pierce and Davis Spiking. 

The A Team finished 14–1 overall (best record in the GKC Metro), earning both the Regular Season and Postseason Tournament Championships. They also posted an 11–1 regular season record, secured the Suburban North Conference title, earned the #2 seed in the top GKC bracket (out of 40 A teams), and were the last undefeated team in GKC regular season play.

KJH B Team

The B Team also qualified for the top (Gold) bracket, placing them among the top eight B teams in the region. 

Despite battling injuries and illness, they finished the championship week strong with a 43–33 win over Congress to close out the season 11–4 overall. In that final win, Brayson Cox (11) and Beckham Lindeman (8) led the way, with points added by Colt Collins, Cooper Wernimont, Roy Thomas, Bayne Whiford and Asher Beiring. 

The B Team also went 10–2 in the regular season, won the Suburban North Conference title, and earned a spot in the top GKC bracket with one of the best records among 40 B teams.

KJH C Team

In their inaugural season, the KJH C Team made a statement by winning their first two tournament games to reach the championship, then falling to Summit Lakes in overtime by just two points. Top scorers in the title game included Dylan Ferrell (10), Bryce Campbell (7), Lucas Chenoweth (5), and August Frates (4). 

The C Team wrapped up their first season together with an 8–6 overall record, including a 6–5 regular season mark. This was an impressive accomplishment for a brand-new group.

Mr. Gentry is supported by KJH Boys Basketball Assistant Coaches Derek Dixon, Sydney Williamson and Aaron Jury.

The future of Bulldog basketball looks bright indeed after seeing these players in action this season! Congrats to everyone involved in a fantastic season, and thank you again for supporting KJH Boys Basketball. Best of luck to our other winter sports teams as they finish strong!

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Kearney School District Opens Kindergarten Enrollment

Kearney School District will begin kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-2027 academic year on Monday, February 2. Families with children who will be five years old on or before July 31, 2026, are invited to enroll their child in kindergarten during this period.

Detailed instructions on how to enroll will be shared via email, posted online, and made available on the district’s website starting February 2. During the enrollment process, parents or guardians must provide a government-issued ID, the child’s birth certificate, proof of required immunizations, and proof of residence. To determine which elementary school their child will attend, families can use the district’s online boundary map. For further questions, inquiries can be directed to reghelp@ksdr1.net.

Once enrollment is complete, a Parent Educator from the district’s Parents As Teachers program will reach out to schedule a kindergarten screening. These screenings help Kearney School District plan for class needs and provide valuable information and activities to families, including details about summer programs. Parent Educators are also available to answer any other questions parents or guardians may have about the transition to kindergarten.

All families are encouraged to complete the Online Meal Application Form. By doing so, families may qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and the district could become eligible for additional academic resources and funding.

Kindergarten Orientation events are scheduled for Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 7 p.m. at each of Kearney School District’s elementary schools. These events offer families a chance to learn more about the district, tour the school, and meet teachers and the building principal.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Royals Decline Clay County Relocation Proposal

After nearly three years of discussions, the Kansas City Royals have chosen not to accept a relocation proposal from Clay County, Missouri, officials confirmed this week.

The Clay County Commission, which appointed Commissioners Jay Johnson, Jon Carpenter, and Scott Wagner to lead negotiations, had developed what they described as a strong and competitive offer intended to bring the Royals to Clay County. The proposed plan aimed to support the Royals franchise alongside a new dining and entertainment district, while safeguarding the financial interests of local taxpayers.

Negotiations were timed to fit the Royals’ stated desire for a finalized deal that could be placed on the April ballot. The county’s proposal required acceptance by January 8, 2026, to allow for public feedback and a formal vote by the Commission before presenting the measure to voters. The Royals did not accept the proposal within this deadline, meaning there will be no public vote on the relocation this April.

In a public statement, the Clay County Commission emphasized its commitment to prioritizing residents’ interests in all negotiations. The Commission reiterated that it would not engage in a bidding war with other jurisdictions, focusing instead on fair and responsible agreements with any business considering investment in Clay County.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Winter Weather Warning Issued for Kearney Area

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Kearney area from 6 pm Friday through 6 pm Sunday as a major winter system brings heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures to the area this weekend.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say 6–9 inches of snow are possible across much of the region, with localized higher totals depending on storm track. Snow is expected to begin late Friday night and continue through Saturday, with additional bands of snow possible Saturday night into Sunday morning before the system finally moves out.

Temperatures will be bitterly cold as Arctic air pours in ahead of the storm. Wind chills could dip into the negative teens and lower, making outdoor exposure dangerous and raising the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly as snow accumulates and roads freeze. Officials are urging residents to limit travel if possible, plan ahead, and carry emergency supplies like flashlights, food, and water if driving is unavoidable.

In addition to the Winter Storm Warning, parts of the area may see Cold Weather Advisories as wind chills reach dangerously low values.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Harmony Hill Animal Hospital Earns National Recognition

Harmony Hill Animal Hospital has been named one of America’s Best Animal Hospitals for 2026 by Newsweek, in collaboration with Plant-A Insights. This prestigious honor places Harmony Hill among the top veterinary clinics nationwide, highlighting its dedication to excellence in animal care.

The selection process for Newsweek’s ranking involved a rigorous national survey and advanced analysis of millions of online reviews. More than 30,000 pet owners from across the United States contributed firsthand accounts of their experiences, while additional desk research and sentiment analysis focused on key factors such as quality of care, customer service, and affordability. Hospitals accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association received extra consideration, further raising the bar for recognition.

This accolade from Newsweek underscores Harmony Hill Animal Hospital’s outstanding service and its role in setting high standards for veterinary care. As pet owners seek trusted providers for their beloved companions, Harmony Hill stands out as a beacon of quality, care, and community commitment.

Founded in 2022 by Dr. Leslie Parsons and Aaron Barnes, Harmony Hill Animal Hospital is a family-owned, full-service veterinary clinic specializing in the care of dogs and cats. The hospital offers a broad range of services, including routine exams, vaccinations, and specialized surgeries.

Dr. Parsons and her husband, who have called the Kearney area home since 2015, are deeply committed to serving their community with compassion and expertise. Their unwavering dedication is a driving force behind Harmony Hill’s recognition among the nation’s best animal hospitals.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.