Spring Pickleball League Launches in Kearney

Kearney Parks and Recreation is thrilled to announce the return of its Spring Pickleball League for 2026, providing players of all skill levels the opportunity to participate in this fast-growing sport. The league will run weeknights from 6 to 11 pm on courts 1-8 at the Kearney Pickleball Complex, located at 619 E 19th Street.

The schedule features a six-week league, culminating in a seventh week double elimination tournament, with competitive divisions playing three matches per night.

League divisions include options for true beginners, advanced beginners, social players, and advanced social competitors. Mixed teams are defined as either two female players or one male and one female, and the minimum player age is 18, except for social divisions which allow participants as young as 12.

Registration for the spring league is currently open, with regular registration available from March 2 to April 5, 2026. The league begins the week of April 13 and concludes June 15, with a regular registration fee of $50.

Additionally, a free beginner pickleball clinic will be held on Saturday, April 11, offering new adult players a two-hour session covering the basics and practice drills. Registration for the clinic is limited to the first 20 participants, so early sign-up is encouraged.

Kearney Parks and Rec invites players to join the league and experience the excitement, camaraderie, and friendly competition of pickleball this spring. Sign up now at KearneyParks.com and don't miss your chance to be part of the action.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Named Blue Shield Community

The City of Kearney has been recognized as a 2026 Missouri Blue Shield Community by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

This designation recognizes communities that demonstrate a strong commitment to public safety, support for law enforcement, and partnerships between officers and the community they serve.

The City and 102.7FM thanks the Kearney Police Department and everyone who works each day to help keep our community safe.

Quarterback Club Golf Tournament Scheduled

The Kearney High School Quarterback Club is inviting the Bulldog community to hit the links for a good cause at its Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 2nd at the Excelsior Springs Golf Course.

The tournament is a fundraiser supporting the Kearney Bulldog Football program and brings together players, families, alumni, and fans for a day of golf and community spirit.

Teams of four can register for $500, and several sponsorship opportunities are available, including corporate, Bulldog, and hole sponsorships for local businesses and supporters.

All proceeds go toward providing resources and opportunities for Bulldog football student-athletes.

Registration and full event details are available at KearneyQuarterbackClub.com.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Claim District Title on Dramatic Buzzer-Beater

In a game that will be remembered for years in Kearney High School history, senior guard Brooke Paalhar drained a three-pointer at the final buzzer to lift the top-seeded Bulldogs to a 44–41 victory over the Lincoln College Prep Blue Tigers in the Class 5 District 8 Championship on Friday, March 6, 2026.

The Bulldogs' path to the trophy was anything but easy. Early in the contest, Lincoln College Prep’s defensive pressure frustrated Kearney, leading to a 10-point deficit for the home team. However, the Bulldogs chipped away throughout the second half. Senior Maggie Lakin provided a crucial spark in the paint, while senior Morgan Pennington drained an unexpected and dramatic 3-point shot right before halftime. Senior Kennedi Casey helped anchor a defense that held the Blue Tigers to just 13 points in the final two quarters.

With the game tied at 41-41 in the closing seconds, Kearney executed a final play from Casey to Lakin who found Paalhar at the arc. The senior, who had surpassed the 1,000-career-point milestone just weeks earlier, launched a deep three that found nothing but net as the buzzer sounded.

This victory secures Kearney’s first district championship in six years and brings their season record to 19–10.

The Bulldogs are set to face the Grandview Bulldogs (21–5) in the MSHSAA Class 5 State Quarterfinals on Friday, March 13, 2026.  The game is scheduled for a 6 pm tip-off at Belton High School, 801 W. North Ave. in Belton. This high-stakes "Battle of the Bulldogs" will determine who advances to the State Semifinals at the MSHSAA Championships in Columbia.

Kearney and Grandview are very familiar with each other, having already played twice during the 2025–26 regular season. The series is currently split 1–1. Kearney won a close defensive battle, 49–45, at home on January 30, and Grandview evened the score with a decisive 56–38 victory on their home court on February 24.

KPGZ is set to broadcast the game live, beginning with pregame at 5:30 pm on 102.7FM, KearneyCountry.com and the KPGZ mobile app.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Choirs Achieve Top Honors at District Festival

Kearney High School choir members have once again demonstrated their exceptional musical abilities, earning the highest accolades at the recent MSHSAA District 17 Large Group Vocal Festival. On Tuesday, March 3, the talented Bulldog choirs traveled to Liberty High School, where every Kearney ensemble walked away with an Exemplary rating—the top distinction available.

Congratulations are in order for the Chamber Choir, Frequency, Bel Canto, Chorale, and Tenor-Bass Choir, each of which showcased remarkable preparation and artistry. The festival is known for its rigorous format, challenging groups to perform two rehearsed pieces and then immediately tackle a brand-new piece in a sight-reading session.

Not only did Kearney choirs impress the judges with their prepared selections, but they also achieved Exemplary ratings in sight-reading, a testament to their musicianship and adaptability.

Choir Director Dustin McKinney expressed his pride in the students’ achievements: “All of the choirs from Kearney performed beautifully, receiving top ratings on the day. To make the day even sweeter, the students also received Exemplary ratings in the sight-reading room. It was a great day to be a Bulldog!”

This outstanding accomplishment reflects not only the talent and dedication of Kearney choir members, but also the ongoing support from families and the Kearney community. The district’s commitment to fine arts continues to empower students to excel.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.