Give Your Child a Strong Start: Enroll in Summer School

Summer is almost here, and Kearney School District wants every Bulldog to have the opportunity to keep learning, growing and connecting with classmates during its 2026 Summer School! Families who need transportation must complete enrollment by Thursday, April 30.

"Summer school is more than extra time in the classroom. It is a chance for students to build confidence, strengthen important skills, explore new learning opportunities and stay connected to the routines and relationships that help them succeed," KSD Superintendent Emily Miller said. "For many children, a few weeks of summer learning can make a real difference when they return to school in August."

KSD's 2026 Summer School will be held June 1–25, with classes meeting only on Mondays through Thursdays. There will be no summer classes on Fridays. Elementary Summer School will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Secondary Summer School will run from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Whether your child would benefit from extra support, wants to stay engaged, or simply enjoys being part of a fun and positive school environment, Summer School is a great way to make the most of June. Please take a few minutes today to review the information and complete enrollment at: www.ksdr1.net/summerfun.

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

NWS Confirms EF0 Tornado Touched Kearney on Thursday

The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF0 tornado touched down in Kearney on Thursday evening, April 23, with peak wind speeds reaching 85 mph.

The tornado carved a path just over one mile long and up to 100 yards wide, leaving concentrated damage to trees and homes, especially between 19th Street and State Route 92, east of Jefferson/State Route 33.

Public Works crews responded promptly Thursday night, clearing tree limbs and debris from streets to maintain emergency access and public safety. Kearney Fire and Rescue District and the Police Department led the initial response to the affected areas.

Recovery operations continued into Friday morning as Public Works teams revisited the hardest-hit neighborhoods, removing downed limbs from public spaces and pledging ongoing cleanup until all debris is cleared.

Mayor Randy Pogue expressed gratitude that no injuries occurred during the storms and emphasized the city's commitment to swift recovery, assuring residents that the limb and brush site will remain open as long as needed.

Fire Chief Kevin Pratt, who also serves as Emergency Management Director, commended the community’s rapid and collaborative response: "I appreciate seeing the community come together so quickly to help neighbors," said Fire Chief Kevin Pratt. "That kind of response says a lot about this community."

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Storms Cause Damage and Power Outages in Kearney

Storms swept through Kearney overnight, leaving behind a trail of debris and causing a power outage at Kearney Elementary School. Public Works crews confirmed that all roads were passable as of 12:45 a.m. on Friday, April 24.

The Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District stated that the Emergency Management team, along with the U.S. National Weather Service, will survey the area for storm damage. However, city leaders noted that the most significant storm impacts were concentrated between 19th St. and 10th St., east of State Route 33.

Residents are reminded that any debris and trees on private property remain the responsibility of property owners. The City’s Recycling and Compost Center, located at 504 E. 19th St., will accept limbs and woody debris from Kearney residents only. Due to the extensive tree and limb damage, officials have announced that the Center will be open from dawn to dusk on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Kearney School District reported that Kearney Elementary School would not hold classes on Friday because of the power outage caused by the storms. Ameren crews are currently working to restore power, and crews will continue assessing storm impacts throughout Friday.

Mayor Randy Pogue has been in the affected areas and is in contact with regional leaders. He has requested public works crews to keep roadways safe and clear debris. Mayor Pogue described significant wind damage along the 19th Street and 33 Highway Intersection and Southbrook Parkway.

“We experienced significant wind damage,” posted Mayor Pogue on his Facebook account. There are multiple areas of property damage, including downed trees and debris blocking roadways, damage to homes, and hazardous driving conditions.” He remains in direct contact with Emergency Management Director Fire Chief Kevin Pratt and the City Administrator, coordinating efforts to restore safe passage.

Mayor Pogue also commended the nonstop efforts of local crews, expressing pride in the progress made in clearing streets and removing debris throughout the day.

The National Weather Service has completed a detailed on-site assessment and identified specific areas of damage. City officials are awaiting their final determination and will provide further updates when available.

Residents should monitor the City of Kearney and Kearney School District for information regarding power restoration and school status. For questions or concerns, residents can contact Kearney City Hall at 816-628-4142. In case of emergency, call 911.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

KC Royals Choose to Relocate at Crown Center

In a landmark announcement today, the Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards revealed plans for a transformative development at Crown Center, poised to reshape the city’s landscape and economy. The partnership aims to deliver a world-class ballpark, extensive mixed-use facilities, and revamped headquarters for both organizations, promising unprecedented benefits for Kansas City and the region.

The ambitious project encompasses an 85-acre site centered around a park-like square with fountains, setting a new global standard for professional sports developments. The estimated $2 billion in private investment marks the largest in the city’s history, and the initiative is expected to generate more than 20,000 construction jobs.

Royals CEO and Chairman John Sherman expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing the legacy of founder Ewing Kauffman and the shared vision with Hallmark. “This project honors our founder’s wish for the Royals to remain a fixture in Kansas City and to maximize the team’s impact on his hometown,” Sherman said.

Hallmark Cards Executive Chairman Don Hall Jr. reflected on the project’s significance, noting the symbolic return of the Royals’ iconic crown to its neighborhood roots. “With the new stadium at Crown Center, Hallmark’s creative legacy comes full circle,” Hall said. “Fans entering the stadium will be immersed in the spirit that shaped both Kansas City and Hallmark.”

The longstanding relationship between Sherman and Hall, built over decades of civic and philanthropic collaboration, laid the foundation for this historic venture. The project will be financed primarily through private sources, with additional support from the City of Kansas City and Missouri’s Show-Me Sports Investment Act.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe emphasized the project’s statewide impact, stating, “Today’s announcement reinforces that the State of Missouri is not just where the Kansas City Royals play but where they belong,” Kehoe stated. “This decision by the Royals to invest in our state is more than just a commitment to Kansas City, it is a commitment to communities and fans across Missouri.”

The planned $1.9 billion Kansas City Royals downtown stadium and its associated development will utilize a public-private partnership for funding. About two-thirds of the total investment will come from private sources, including the Royals and partners such as Hallmark Cards. The remaining portion, approximately $600 million, will be contributed by public entities, with support from the City of Kansas City and the possibility of state assistance through Missouri’s Show-Me Sports Investment Act.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Hosts World Cup Watch Party and Concert

The City of Kearney is thrilled to announce Cleats & Beats, a premier community FanFest, watch party, and concert event set for Friday, June 19, 2026, at Jesse James Park beginning at 11 am. This high-energy celebration brings together the excitement of the world’s biggest sporting event with the best in local entertainment, offering a unique experience for soccer fans and neighbors alike.

As soccer fever sweeps the nation, Kearney proudly invites the community to a special public screening of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between the USA and Australia. One of seven Northland locations participating in a live viewing partnership with GONorthKC, the city is bringing the global game to its own backyard on a massive outdoor screen.

 “Cleats & Beats is designed to bring that stadium-sized energy right here to our local park,” said Mayor Randy Pogue. “Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just looking for a great once-in-a-lifetime event out with your neighbors, this event has something for everyone. We are honored to partner with GONorthKC to ensure Kearney is a destination for fans across the region.”

Following the match, the celebration continues with the "Beats" portion of the event. High-energy party band The Bangerz will take the stage, performing a non-stop set of fan favorites, while a live DJ keeps the atmosphere electric well into the afternoon and evening.

Attendees can look forward to an array of activities and amenities, including:

• Food Trucks & Concessions: Enjoy a variety of local flavors and game-day snacks.

• Selfie Stations: Capture memories with custom-designed photo ops for friends and family.

• Fan Zone: Participate in interactive activities and concessions for fans of all ages, including a drop-in soccer camp with international coaches from Challenger Sports from 11:30 am – 1 pm.

Admission to Cleats & Beats is free to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Gates at Jesse James Park will open early to allow fans to secure their spots before kickoff.

For more information and a full schedule of the day’s events, visit kearneymo.us or follow the City of Kearney on social media.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.