GOooal North KC Launches Summer Soccer Watch Party Series

GoNorthKC has announced the GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series, a summer lineup of seven free, public watch parties taking place at various Northland locations. Designed as lively, family-friendly gatherings, the series aims to bring soccer enthusiasts together to celebrate international tournament matches right in their own neighborhoods.

Each event will feature live match streams on big screens, local food trucks, family activities, soccer challenges, interactive games, and more. Parks, entertainment districts, and community spaces will be transformed into energetic hubs as fans of all ages join in the excitement.

“The GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series is about bringing our community together,” said a Go North KC spokesperson. “We’re creating welcoming, high-energy environments across the Northland where families and fans can connect, support the sport, and experience the excitement of tournament play right here at home.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, wear their team colors, and arrive early to enjoy pre-game activities and local vendors. All events are free and open to the public.

GOooal North KC Watch Party Schedule

• June 12 – Liberty High School, Liberty, MO: USA vs. Paraguay | Kickoff at 8:00 PM

• June 27 – Zona Rosa, Kansas City, MO: Algeria vs. Austria | Kickoff at 9:00 PM

• June 16 – Central Bank Sporting Complex, Kansas City, MO: Argentina vs. Algeria | Kickoff at 8:00 PM

• June 19 – Jesse James Park, Kearney, MO: USA vs. Australia | Kickoff at 2:00 PM

• June 20 – Happy Rock Park, Gladstone, MO: Ecuador vs. Curaçao | Kickoff at 7:00 PM

• July 3 – Morton Amphitheater, Riverside, MO: Round of 32 Match | Kickoff at 8:30 PM

• July 11 – Armour & Swift, North Kansas City, MO: Quarterfinal Match | Kickoff at 8:00 PM

The GOooal North KC Watch Party Event Series is part of Go North KC’s ongoing mission to spotlight the Northland as a vibrant destination for sports, entertainment, and community connection.

For the latest updates and event details, visit GoNorthKC.com/soccer-central or follow @gonorthkc on social media.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Nolte Officially Files for Reelection

Jerry Nolte has officially filed for re-election as Presiding Commissioner, announcing his candidacy on February 24. According to an early poll by Remington Research Group, Nolte holds a twenty-point lead over his opponent among likely voters for the August election.

Nolte holds a twenty-point lead over his opponent among likely voters for the August election.

Respondents cited his leadership, integrity, professionalism, and a strong track record of reducing taxes and controlling government spending as key reasons for their support. Nolte expressed gratitude for the poll results, saying he appreciates the continued support from Clay County residents for his efforts to represent the Northland.

Currently serving as Presiding Commissioner, Nolte has prioritized broad property tax relief, including targeted measures like senior property tax relief and reducing the commercial surtax. He highlighted improvements in county government since his tenure began, noting that Clay County has moved from divisiveness and inefficiency to greater collaboration for its citizens.

With eight years in the Missouri House of Representatives—where he helped pass legislation like the Manufacturing Jobs Act, which was instrumental in keeping the Ford plant and growing local jobs—Nolte brings legislative experience to his role. His nearly three decades in private business, including owning two companies, also inform his approach to economic development.

Nolte said he is honored to be the voice for the people of Clay County and hopes to continue serving, stating, “A first-class county deserves a first-class government we can all be proud of.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Absentee Voting Begins for Clay County Residents

Absentee voting for the April 7, 2026, General Municipal Election in Clay County officially began on Tuesday, February 24.

Eligible voters who are unable to be present on Election Day—whether due to travel, disability or illness, religious commitments, serving as an election worker or first responder, or other reasons outlined in Missouri statute 115.275—can participate by casting their ballots absentee.

Residents may vote absentee in person at the Clay County office located at 100 W. Mississippi St, Liberty, MO 64068, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Alternatively, voters can request a mail-in absentee ballot by contacting 816-415-8683 or visiting VoteClayCountyMo.gov.

The Absentee Ballot Request Form can be printed and filled out by hand or completed online and printed, but the voter’s original signature is required before submission. Applicants must provide their name, select the election, enter their residential address, and, if needed, a different mailing address.

Additional information such as the last four digits of the Social Security Number, date of birth, and a contact phone number is required. Every application must include the reason for absentee voting and be signed by the applicant; a marking option is available for voters with disabilities unable to sign.

Completed absentee ballots can be returned by mail or in person. Ballots must be notarized unless the voter is incapacitated or confined due to illness, is a caretaker, or is a military voter.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

KHS Girls Soar at State Swim

The Kearney High School Girls Swim & Dive team delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 MSHSAA State Championship Meet held in St. Louis, marking a significant achievement for Kearney School District. The Bulldogs finished their season with a strong showing against top contenders from across Missouri, securing 21st place out of 58 teams—their best state finish in five years.

Kaylie Gerber

Standout swimmer Kaylie Gerber captured Kearney’s lone state medal, earning seventh place in the 50 freestyle. Gerber entered the meet as the No. 7 seed, set a personal record in preliminaries to move up to the No. 5 seed, and capped off her run with another strong swim in finals to claim the medal. She also demonstrated remarkable resilience in the 100 butterfly, overcoming a last-minute goggle issue before her preliminary race. Gerber regrouped, advanced to the second day, and broke the one-minute mark for the first time, finishing ninth in the state with a time of 59.86.

This year’s state roster featured a young squad, mostly underclassmen, who rose to the challenge. The Bulldogs qualified at least one swimmer in nine of eleven events, advanced two relays to finals for the first time since 2019, and saw an individual swimmer qualify for day-two finals for the first time since 2021.

Additional highlights from the meet included a 16th-place finish in the 200 Medley Relay and a 14th-place finish in the 400 Freestyle Relay after qualifying for finals and dropping more time on the second day. The team also celebrated several personal records and strong individual finishes from its talented, emerging group.

Coach Trevor Woehrman, his staff, and all the student-athletes are being congratulated for an outstanding season. The district expressed pride in the growth, grit, and determination shown by the team throughout the year.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Boys Wrestling Earns District Title

The Kearney High School Boys Wrestling team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 MSHSAA Class 3 District 4 Tournament in Belton, thrilling supporters with an impressive display of resilience and teamwork. The tournament, held over Friday and Saturday, quickly became a fierce competition between Kearney and St. Michael the Archangel, with Kearney trailing for much of the event. However, the Bulldogs rallied at critical moments, turning the tide when it mattered most.

Both teams sent eight wrestlers to the championship finals, setting up a dramatic finish. The Bulldogs seized the opportunity, winning six of eight finals matches—including several decisive head-to-head victories over St. Michael—to clinch a tie for the District Championship in the tournament’s final match.

Kearney’s performance was impressive across the board. The team boasts nine state qualifiers, eight finalists, and six district champions. All 13 Kearney wrestlers advanced to the second day of the tournament and contributed valuable team points. The Class 3 State Qualifiers from Kearney are: Tyler Bell (106 lbs, Champion), Brayden Robinson (113 lbs, Runner-up), Landon Westfall (120 lbs, Champion), Phoenix Shelton (132 lbs, Champion), Kendahl Davis (150 lbs, Runner-up), Kale Davis (157 lbs, Champion), Kale Tucking (175 lbs, 4th Place), Carter Temple (215 lbs, Champion), and JD Romero (285 lbs, Champion).

Coach Jake Hill, his staff, and the entire Bulldog team were commended for their toughness, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament. The community now looks forward to seeing what the state qualifiers can accomplish in the next round as they continue their remarkable season.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.