Summer of Fun in Kearney Starts in May

Summer’s here in Kearney, and it’s shaping up to be our most exciting season yet! From splashing in brand-new parks to grooving at outdoor concerts, the City of Kearney has packed the summer calendar with fun for families, friends, and neighbors. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, there’s something for everyone to celebrate. Here’s your go-to guide to making unforgettable memories all summer long.

The City of Kearney is set to kick off an action-packed summer season with the opening of the Lions Park Splash Pad on Friday, May 22. After months of anticipation, families can look forward to a refreshing new way for kids to cool off as temperatures rise. The splash pad welcomes all ages for playdates, afternoon escapes from the heat, and plenty of sun-filled fun. Residents are encouraged to grab their sunscreen and towels and join the celebration as the splash pad officially opens for another memorable season.

This year, Kearney’s Community Market has a new home. Beginning Thursday, May 28, the Market in the Park will take place at Lions Park every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. The market offers a chance to support local farmers, artisans, and makers, while providing a perfect setting to shop for fresh produce and unique handmade goods. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy the outdoors.

Friday nights at Lions Park promise even more entertainment with the return of Food and Flick Fridays. Starting at 6:30 p.m., local food trucks will serve up dinner options before family-friendly movies light up the big screen at dusk. This summer’s lineup includes:

• June 12: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

• June 26: Barbie

• July 10: Lilo & Stitch

• July 24: Superman

Another highlight of the season is the Cleats & Beats FunFest, taking place on Friday, June 19, at Jesse James Park. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a massive World Cup watch party as the USA takes on Australia, broadcast live on a giant outdoor screen. The event will also feature soccer camps with Challenger Sports coaches, food trucks, selfie stations, community activities, and a concert by The Bangerz following the match.

The music continues at the Kearney Amphitheater with the 2026 Summer Concert Series, where the gates open at 6 p.m. and admission is free. The series kicks off July 3 with an Independence Day Celebration featuring Shiprocked and the region’s premier fireworks display. Additional acts include Sounds of Santana (Latin Rhythms) on July 17 and Outlaw Jim & the Whiskey Benders (Outlaw Country) on August 29.

Finally, families are encouraged to sign their kids up for youth sports activities, with registration currently open. From soccer to new youth pickleball camps, there are plenty of ways for young athletes in Kearney to stay active and engaged all summer long.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

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.