Bulldogs Excel at Kearney Classic

Kearney High School’s track and field teams turned in a strong showing Friday, April 10, at the Kearney Classic, their only home meet of the 2026 season.

Competing against a very competitive field, the Bulldog boys finished second as a team, just seven points behind Liberty North, while the Lady Bulldogs placed fourth and scored in the majority of events. It was an impressive day all around, with multiple season-best and personal-best performances, standout relay results and a chance to recognize seniors competing in their final home invitational.

For the boys, Sam Way led the way with a first-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles. Reid Perkins placed second in the 400-meter dash and first in the triple jump, while Braxton Byrom added a third-place finish in the 400.

Kearney also had a big night in the relays, with the 4x400 team of Braxton Byrom, Sam Way, Connor Reid and Reid Perkins taking first place, the 4x200 team of Braxton Byrom, Lucas Denston, Reid Perkins and Sam Way finishing second, and the 4x800 team of Connor Reid, Atlas Owen, Cameron Fowler and Milo Griffith placing third. 

In the boys' field events, Henry Hoover was second in discus, Cruise Emmons was second in javelin, Hudson Best was third in javelin, Damien Carter was fourth in javelin, and Aiden Arellano was second in pole vault. Coach Scott Crall also highlighted the performances of freshmen Tristan Barton and Hunter Phipps, both of whom broke the five-minute mark in the 1600-meter run.

The Lady Bulldogs also delivered an outstanding performance on their home track. Drew Gustafson earned a first-place finish in the 300 hurdles, and Daisy Burnam won the 1600 while also taking second in the 3200. The 4x800 relay team of Abbi McQuillen, Jordin Vaughn, Daisy Burnam and Izzy Fowler placed second, and Maya Sosoatu added another runner-up finish in discus.

The meet also served as a special moment to honor KHS seniors Abbi McQuillen, Camille Hermon, Jordin Vaughn, Daisy Burnam, Josie Masters, Maya Sosoatu and Tristen Holt as they competed in their final Kearney Classic.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Hit-and-Run

***UPDATE 2 - 04/15, 10:50 AM***

The victim in this case is 37-year-old Steven C. Notari of Wisconsin. 

***UPDATE 5:43 PM***

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has a person of interest in custody. Investigation is ongoing. 

INITIAL STORY:

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident involving a pedestrian. At 7:10 am, Monday, April 13, a semitruck driver traveling on Interstate 35 reported seeing a person lying on Edgar Petty Road, just north of NE 116th Street. Deputies responded within four minutes and discovered a deceased man on the roadway, believed to have been struck by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene.

Edgar Petty Road was closed for several hours as investigators collected evidence, with assistance from the Platte County Sheriff’s Office in surveying the crash site. Detectives are working to confirm the victim’s identity and will notify his next of kin before releasing his name to the public.

Authorities suspect the vehicle involved is a 2013-2018 Ford Focus, which likely sustained fresh damage. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Investigations Unit at 816-407-3728 or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.

Officials continue to encourage the public to come forward with any details that could aid the investigation.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Artist Call to Repaint Washington Street Walkway

The City of Kearney is once again looking for artists to create a new public mural at the Washington Street Walkway, located between 113 and 117 East Washington Street. The project aims to transform a 100-inch by 115-inch space into a vibrant landmark, celebrating the heart of the community through creative vision and artistic expression.

The theme for the mural is "Rooted in Community." Artists are encouraged to design works that showcase Kearney’s character, history, and natural beauty. Inspiration may be drawn from local landscapes, Missouri flora, small-town life, community traditions, and the concept of the walkway as a bridge connecting people and places. The city hopes the mural will reflect Kearney’s unique heritage and its promising future.

This initiative offers a paid opportunity, with a stipend of $3,000 for the selected artist, contingent upon funding from the Missouri Arts Council. Additionally, three finalists will each receive $100 to submit a physical sample of their proposed mural. The chosen artist will be responsible for preparing the surface, executing the design, and sealing the mural to ensure its durability against Missouri’s seasonal weather.

Applications are due by May 1, 2026. Artists interested in applying or seeking further information are encouraged to contact Sundi McKinney, Deputy City Clerk, at SMcKinney@kearneymo.us, using the subject line: Washington Walkway Mural Proposal – [Artist Name].

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Spring Bulky Item Pickup

The spring curbside bulky pick up will be collected on resident’s regular trash day during the week of April 20-24.  You can find your pickup day by entering your address into the city’s interactive map HERE. Each household is allowed to place up to 4 yards of bulky trash items at the curb for pickup by 7am on their pickup day.

Accepted Items

• Furniture

• Lawnmowers, which must be empty of any fuel or oil

• Barbeque grills WITHOUT propane tanks

• Carpeting, up to four-foot-long rolls that are securely tied, weighing less than 40lbs. Two rolls count as one item

• Mattresses and box springs

• Wood must be bundled in 4-foot lengths, with each bundle weighing less than 40lbs

• Misc Debris – must be in bags that are no bigger than 39 gallons and weigh no more than 40lbs. 2 bags equal 1 item

Not Accepted Items

• White Goods/Appliances – whether Freon has been drained or not, Missouri Law prohibits white goods/appliances in MO landfills

• Hazardous Waste: flammable, corrosive, explosive, toxic, or radioactive materials, including engine oil, fuel tanks, paint, fluorescent light bulbs, etc

• Automotive batteries

• Tires

• Compressed gas cylinders

• Riding lawnmowers

• Glass panels where any dimension exceeds four feet

• Yard Waste, Brush, or tree limbs

• Rocks, bricks, or concrete

• Latex or oil-based paint

• Fertilizer, pesticide, solvent

• Construction material larger than 4x4, roofing material, loose flooring materials, or railroad ties

• Liquid waste

• Solid waste and recycling materials that are collected as part of regular service

• Any waste or material that is prohibited from being received, managed, or disposed of at a landfill

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Aldermen, Ballot Question Results

Voters went to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, to decide who would serve in elected positions and if the city residents would approve a bond issue to help fund wastewater system improvements. Here are the unofficial results from the Clay County Board of Elections:

Board of Aldermen

Ward 1 Alderman incumbent Ashton King and incumbent Ward 2 Alderman David Lehman ran unopposed and were automatically reelected for those seats on the Board of Aldermen.

Kearney Question (Wastewater System Bond Issue)

Residents also voted how to finance required wastewater system improvements. Wastewater systems are funded by user fees paid by customers who use the system, not taxes.

 A “Yes” vote allows the City to use the lower-interest State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program. A “No” vote means the City would still complete the work but using traditional financing at a higher cost.

The bond issue question was soundly approved by voters. 82.3% voters were in favor of the measure, while 17.7% of voters said no.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.