Sheriff’s Office launches Special Victims Unit

To manage an increasing caseload of sexual crimes – especially internet crimes against children – the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has implemented a Special Victims Unit.

“Sex crimes are investigations that require highly skilled and dedicated investigators who can be solely focused on that discipline,” Investigations Division Captain Chris Johnson said. “By dedicating people to train in and have a solid understanding of sex crime case law, statutes and investigative analysis, it will make for better outcomes for victims.”

The new Special Victims Unit consists of a sergeant and detective. While they will investigate all sex-related crimes, a majority of their caseload is composed of child sexual abuse material cases. These ICAC (internet crimes against children) investigations require detectives trained and certified in specialty investigative techniques, and only a few agencies in Clay County have them. The Sheriff’s Office takes on cases for jurisdictions who do not have certified ICAC investigators.

ICAC tips typically come from internet service providers, photo hosting sites or social media or messaging platforms that detect child sexual abuse material. Those tips go to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which then distributes them to local jurisdictions like the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for investigation. The Special Victims Unit executed two search warrants last month in regard to these cases, and investigation is ongoing.

Due to the material to which they will be exposed, Special Victims Unit investigators will meet quarterly with a mental health clinician.

Sergeant Jeremy Fahrmeier will oversee the new unit.

“These types of investigations are critical,” Sergeant Fahrmeier said. “We have a lot of work to do and will be working very hard to remove the predators in our community to create a safer environment for our children and the public.”

KPGZ News - Sarah Boyd contributed to this story.

BROOKE PAALHAR HITS 1,000!

Brooke Paalhar Scored 1,000 Points in her High School Basketball Career and Etched Her Name in Record Books on Senior Night

It was a night of celebration and milestones at Kearney High School on Tuesday, February 17, as senior guard Brooke Paalhar surpassed the 1,000-point career mark. The achievement came in dramatic fashion during the Bulldogs’ "Senior Night" showdown against Excelsior Springs, a game in which the hometown Bulldogs dominated with a convincing 57-46 victory.

Brooke, who has been a mainstay of the Bulldogs' offense for four years, entered the contest nearly unaware of how close she was to the elite scoring threshold. “I had no idea until today,” she admitted in an interview with KPGZ 102.7 FM after being named the Intercept Fiber Player of the Game. She finished the night with 22 points, cementing her place in Kearney basketball history.

Brooke acknowledged her teammates and community as those who have helped her along the way, "I could definitely not have done this without them [my teammates]. All my credit goes to them because they got me to where I am."

The 1,000-point milestone is just the latest accolade for the multi-sport star, who has already signed to play softball for the University of Utah and recently broke school records with over 200 career hits on the diamond.

Brooke has been the engine for Kearney (14-9) this year, delivering consistent high-level performances:

• Scoring: Averaging 16.1 points per game, with a season-high of 27 points against Van Horn.

• Efficiency: Shooting an impressive 50% from the field.

• Versatility: Leading the team with 5.3 assists and 2.9 steals per contest.

With the regular season winding down, the Bulldogs turn their attention to the Class 5 District 8 Tournament. Kearney enters as a formidable contender with the following final regular-season matchups:

• Feb 20: vs. Smithville Warriors (Home) – 7:00 PM

• Feb 24: at Grandview Bulldogs (Away) – 7:00 PM

• Feb 26: vs. Winnetonka Griffins (Home) – 7:00 PM

• March 2–6: District Tournament at Kearney High School

Bulldog fans can follow Brooke and the Bulldogs on their playoff journey by tuning into local game broadcasts on 102.7 FM KPGZ.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

School District Announces Awards Honorees

Kearney School District is proud to recognize our 2026 Team KSD Awards school-level honorees! These are educators and support professionals who exemplify the very best of our district’s vision, mission and values. The honorees were selected from nominations submitted by KSD employees.

“Every day, these team members support students, collaborate with colleagues and families, and help foster school cultures where kids feel known, challenged, and cared for,” Superintendent Emily Miller said. “We are grateful for the expertise, leadership, and heart they bring to KSD.”

2026 School Teacher of the Year Honorees:

• Kearney Early Education Center: Michelle Grote, Early Education Teacher

• Dogwood Elementary: Kristina Behrendt, 1st Grade

• Hawthorne Elementary: Katy Foster, 3rd Grade

• Kearney Elementary: Heather Oldham, 1st Grade

• Southview Elementary: Sheena Anello, Speech Teacher

• Kearney Middle School: Lindsey Zoz, Special Education Teacher

• Kearney Junior High: Samantha Rothfuss, English Language Arts

• Kearney High School: Dr. Brad Miller, Chemistry

2026 School Support Staff of the Year Honorees:

• Kearney Early Education Center: Stephanie Dolinar, Puppy Pound Lead

• Dogwood Elementary: Jaden Hensley, Paraprofessional

• Hawthorne Elementary: Emily Boyer, Building Substitute

• Kearney Elementary: Greg Nelson, Custodian

• Southview Elementary: Amanda Textor, Social Worker

• Kearney Middle School: Sam Hansen, Custodian

• Kearney Junior High: Ariel Jones, Paraprofessional

• Kearney High School: Kellie Parker, Paraprofessional

• Central Office: Marsha Bartow, Executive Administrative Assistant - Academic Services

All of these school-level award recipients will be recognized at the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education Banquet on April 21. They will also be celebrated during the Team KSD Awards & Retiree Reception on Thursday, April 30. That’s when the 2026 KSD Teacher of the Year, Support Staff of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Partner in Education of the Year award recipients will be revealed.

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Swim Team Secures Third Consecutive Conference Championship

The Kearney Bulldogs girls swim team made a splash this past weekend, capturing their third straight conference championship to close out the regular season. The Bulldogs showcased their talent and determination from the very first race on Friday night through the final events on Saturday afternoon, ultimately winning 9 out of 11 events and clinching the conference title by an outstanding 230-point margin.

Head Coach Trevor Woehrman expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, noting, “The team did not shy away from the moment.” The Bulldogs demonstrated remarkable poise and confidence, rising to the occasion in every event and backing it up with impressive results in the pool.

The secret to this remarkable run lies in the steady growth and development fostered within the team. Coach Woehrman and his staff praised the swimmers not only for their athletic achievements but also for their progress “both in and out of the pool.” Throughout the championship weekend, the Bulldogs posted numerous personal and season bests and delivered clutch performances when it mattered most, underscoring the program’s commitment to excellence and teamwork.

Highlights from a dominant championship weekend include:

• 200 Medley Relay: Emma Cox, Izzy Fowler, Kaylie Gerber, Olivia Burgard - CHAMPIONS

• 200 Freestyle: Jillian Schauwecker - CHAMPION (plus a new PR and her first state consideration cut), with strong finishes and PRs from Jaycie Davis, Emelyn Kane and Grace Thurston

• 200 IM: Kaylie Gerber - CHAMPION, Izzy Fowler (2nd and state consideration cut), Eden Roling (3rd), and Halle Wright (5th) all dropping time

• 500 Freestyle: Eden Roling - CHAMPION (10-second PR and first state consideration cut), with big drops from Jillian Schauwecker and Emelyn Kane

• 200 Freestyle Relay: Halle Wright, Eva Cox, Eden Roling, Olivia Burgard - CHAMPIONS

• 100 Backstroke: Emma Cox - CHAMPION, Avreigh James (3rd place finish and a new PR), Dani Elliott (6th place finish and a new PR), Ella Reese (new PR)

• 100 Breaststroke: Izzy Fowler - CHAMPION, Maggie Rinehart (4th place finish and a new PR), Anne Saegesser (6th place finish and a new PR), Grace Thurston (new PR)

• 400 Freestyle Relay: Kaylie Gerber, Eva Cox, Emma Cox, Izzy Fowler - CHAMPIONS

• 100 Butterfly - Kaylie Gerber - CHAMPION; Eva Cox had 2nd place finish and a season best; Halle Wright finished in 4th place finish and earned a new PR

• 50 Freestyle: Eva Cox (2nd place finish and a new PR), Olivia Burgard (3rd place finish and a new PR), Emery Wells (5th place finish and a new PR), Dani Elliott (new PR)

• 100 Freestyle: Emma Cox (2nd place finish and a new PR), Emery Wells (3rd place finish and a new PR), Avreigh James (4th place finish and a new PR), Maggie Rinehart (6th place finish and a new PR)

The team’s outstanding performances continue to fuel their drive for success. As Coach Woehrman explained, the girls will soon compete in a “Last Chance” meet—an important opportunity for the state roster to sharpen their times and rankings before heading into the State Championships. With their momentum building, anticipation is high for what these athletes will accomplish at the season’s biggest stage.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Precision Athletics & Wellness Open for Business

A local group of entrepreneurs opened the doors to their dream-come-true on Saturday, February 7. Precision Athletics & Wellness invited Kearney residents to experience their new multi-purpose gym and wellness training facility.

The concept evolved from the vision of an indoor activities location where athletes, families, and the entire community can gather to train, play and stay active year-round. The new facility offers basketball, volleyball, baseball, and pickleball in addition to sport-specific strength and agility training.

Dr. Justin Cook, DC, and owner of Precision Chiropractic is one of the partners in this unique offering in the health, wellness, and fitness lifestyle category. “We’ve been a long time putting this together,” Dr. Cook said. “To be here now and actually see people in here enjoying it is pretty amazing.”

Precision Chiropractic and Rejuv Aesthetics + Wellness are not only business partners, they share physical locations within the new building at 815 Premier Drive in Kearney. Both businesses serve to enhance the new facility’s combination of personal fitness, healthy lifestyle and wellness options.

“This whole facility is about helping people meet their own fitness goals in a place the community can gather and stay healthy,” Dr. Cook added.

As a youth sports coach and father, Brad Wheeler became an early partner and deeply involved in the planning and development stages of the Precision Athletics & Wellness project.

“We thought about this for a long time,” said Wheeler. “When Justin Cook came to us, we had both been involved in youth coaching for the longest time. We saw a need and it looked like something that would really benefit the community.”

Kearney Head Football Coach, Logan Minnick saw opportunity when Dr. Cook approached him about becoming a partner in the new venture.

“I came on as a partner because there aren't many of these facilities around,” Minnick said. “I know our parents and our community were driving elsewhere, spending money outside Kearney to find a space like this. Now, we have one of the nicest facilities in the entire Northland.”

Coach Minnick will host a Youth Speed and Agility Training camp for grades K through 7, COED beginning from February 10 through May 7. More information can be found at precisionathletics-kc.com or call (816)343-9322.

Precision Athletics & Wellness is open for business. The official grand opening and ribbon cutting will be held in March. For more information, visit precisionathletics-kc.com or search Precision Athletics & Wellness on Facebook.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.