Congressman Sam Graves Announces Retirement After 26 Years

Congressman Sam Graves, a 26-year veteran of the U.S. House and powerful chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced on Friday, March 27, 2026, that he will not seek reelection. The 62-year-old Tarkio native, first elected in 2000, initially filed for a 14th term in February but chose to withdraw his candidacy just days before the state's March 31 filing deadline.

“What I’m most proud of is the work my team did when Washington made life harder for the people of Missouri’s Sixth,” posted Graves on social media. “Together, we stood with hundreds of thousands of Missourians in their toughest moments.  We helped them cut through red tape and navigate a system that often felt stacked against them.  We got them answers and fought to deliver real results when they needed them most.”

In his social media post, Graves also stated that he is "making room for the next generation" and noted it is "time to pass the torch" to a new guard of conservative leaders. Graves emphasized that he is not "slowing down" and plans to spend his final months in office shaping this year’s "Highway Bill" and modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system.

Graves’ retirement from Missouri’s 6th Congressional District—a solidly Republican region spanning 39 counties—has ignited a scramble for the now-open seat. Potential Republican contenders include radio host Chris Stigall, State Representative Mazzie Christensen, and House Speaker Pro Tem Chad Perkins.

On the Democratic side, candidates Josh Smead, Scot Pondelick, and Matt Levine have already filed.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Girls Basketball Garners Impressive Postseason Recognitions

Photo: Ray Weikal

Kearney High School’s girls basketball program earned impressive postseason recognition this winter, with four Bulldogs receiving conference, district and state honors for their performance on the court and in the classroom.

These honors reflect not only individual talent, but also the hard work, competitiveness and consistency this team showed throughout the season.

Brooke Paalhar headlined the group with a remarkable list of honors, earning First Team All-Conference, Conference Player of the Year, All-District, District Player of the Year and All-State recognition. Kennedi Casey was named Second Team All-Conference and All-District, while Addie Taylor earned Second Team All-Conference honors and was also recognized as Academic All-State. Maggie Lakin rounded out the group with All-Conference Honorable Mention honors.

Congratulations to Brooke, Kennedi, Addie and Maggie on these well-deserved accomplishments, and to Head Coach Troy Ressler and the Bulldog program on a strong season. We are proud of the way these student-athletes represented Kearney High School through their effort, leadership and success.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Sheriff's Office Hosts Golf Tournament Benefiting HALO Team

The annual Clay County Sheriff's Office Charity Golf Tournament is set for 8 a.m. on June 1 at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, Missouri. This 4-person scramble event will raise funds for the CCSO HALO (Helping All Live Optimally) Team, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides critical support to Sheriff's Office members facing financial hardships.

The HALO Team, overseen by a volunteer board of Sheriff's Office employees, has assisted with a range of needs, including utility bills, rent, medical expenses, groceries, and car repairs.

Organizers are seeking teams, sponsors, donations, and items for both the auction and raffle, as well as swag contributions. Registration is $100 per person or $400 per team, which includes lunch, drinks on the course, and a raffle ticket. Participants will have the chance to compete for cash prizes for first place in each flight and enjoy a variety of fun contests throughout the day.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office Charity Golf Tournament alternates years with the Clay County Sheriff's Office Canine Fund Golf Tournament, which is scheduled to return in 2027. Sponsorships ranging from $100 to $500 are available for local businesses and individuals interested in supporting the cause.

Register or sponsor at https://givebutter.com/2026-ccso-charitable-golf-tournament

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Home Opener Ends with Bulldogs on Top

Cale Davis picked up the win, striking out four and allowing two runs in two innings of work. Photo: David Haggart

The Kearney Bulldogs pulled off a thrilling comeback to secure a 6-5 win over Grain Valley on Wednesday, March 25. It was a nail-biter to the end as the lead changed hands throughout the game. Trailing 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth, Hayden Fritter delivered a clutch triple that brought home two runs and gave Kearney the decisive win.

The Bulldogs started strong, getting on the board in the first inning with RBI hits from Evan McDaniel, Grant Bogert, and Luke Tucking. Grain Valley fought back, tying the game at three in the fifth after Logan Jinkins singled down the left field line.

Grain Valley fought back with runs scored in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th innings and took the lead in the top of the sixth. Logan Benett singled, scoring two runs, to give Grain Valley the upper hand, 5-4.

Kearney regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Cade Holder drew a bases-loaded walk. Grain Valley responded in the sixth, with Logan Benett’s single scoring two and putting them ahead. But the Bulldogs’ late-game rally sealed the victory.

Cale Davis picked up the win, striking out four and allowing two runs in two innings of work. Cameron Taylor started for Kearney and struck out seven over four innings, while Bryce Meyer struck out nine for Grain Valley in his four and two-thirds innings.

Fritter led Kearney’s offense, going 2-for-4 at the plate. Bogert, McDaniel, Fritter, and Tucking each drove in a run. Grain Valley tallied nine hits, with Benett leading the team with two RBIs. Zach Lares and Jinkins each collected two hits, and Grain Valley stole four bases and turned a double play. The Bulldogs’ resilience in the late innings proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.

The Bulldogs are currently 3-2 on the season. They face the Kearney, NE Bearcats on Friday, March 27 at noon. KPGZ will broadcast the game beginning at 11:30 am.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this report

Boys Basketball Earns All-Conference and All-District Honors

The Kearney High School boys basketball program is celebrating a strong postseason after several Bulldogs earned well-deserved recognitions for their performances this winter.

Leading the way was Bradley Doll, who was named First Team All-Conference and also earned a spot on the MSHSAA Class 5 District 8 All-District Team. Sal DiBenedetto was selected Second Team All-Conference and joined Doll on the Class 5 District 8 All-District Team. Carter Brock also received postseason recognition as a Second Team All-Conference selection.

These honors reflect not only the talent of these student-athletes, but also the consistency, competitiveness and team-first approach they brought to the floor throughout the season. Earning all-conference and all-district recognition is a significant accomplishment in a highly competitive basketball landscape, and these Bulldogs represented Kearney High School with pride.

The program also received special recognition on the sidelines. Head Coach Dillon Starzl was named the MSHSAA Class 5 District 8 Coach of the Year, an honor that speaks to the leadership, preparation and culture he has helped build within the program.

The Bulldog boys finished the season with a 17-9 season and the conference crown.

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal contributed to this story.