Chemistry Teacher Named Regional Teacher of the Year Finalist

Dr. Brad Miller, a chemistry teacher at Kearney High School and the 2026 Kearney School District Teacher of the Year, has been named a finalist in the Kansas City Regional Teacher of the Year selection process.

The honor places Dr. Miller among a standout group of educators from across the Kansas City region. After reviewing and scoring applications from outstanding teachers throughout the area, the regional selection committee selected six Regional Teachers of the Year and specifically recognized Dr. Miller as a finalist in what was described as an extraordinarily strong field.

Dr. Miller exemplifies those qualities through 17 years of service in public education, including the past seven years at Kearney High School. Known for pairing high expectations with humor, patience and steady encouragement, he helps students see that struggling with challenging material is not a failure, but an important part of learning and discovering what they are capable of accomplishing.

“Brad is the rare teacher who raises the bar while making students feel capable of reaching it,” KHS Principal Dr. Andy Gustafson said.

His impact extends well beyond the chemistry classroom. Dr. Miller regularly tutors students after school, creates engaging learning experiences such as his Chemist of the Year Bracket and helped spearhead the KHS Day of Service. This year, more than 400 students took part in 27 service projects benefiting organizations and neighbors throughout the community.

Dr. Miller will be honored during the Kansas City Regional Teacher of the Year celebration luncheon on July 15. He has also been invited to participate in Teacher Academy, an individualized professional learning experience that gives excellent teachers opportunities to collaborate, strengthen their instructional practices and explore ideas and challenges that matter deeply to them.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Another Top Ten Most Wanted Defendant Arrested

Authorities have announced the arrest of David Lidge, a defendant who had been featured on the Clay County Top Ten Most Wanted List. Lidge is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Use of a Firearm.

On June 24, the Arizona FBI PX Desert Hawk Fugitive Task Force worked with the local FBI to take Lidge into custody. Officials described the arrest as a true community effort and a testament to the strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies.

Lidge is currently being held in Maricopa County, Arizona. He has waived extradition and is being held without bond pending the resolution of local charges.

Law enforcement officials expressed appreciation for the joint assistance of multi-agency partners, community members, and everyone who shared information related to the case. Authorities emphasized that public cooperation remains a critical part of helping law enforcement locate and apprehend alleged offenders.

You can find the complete list and information about how to collect a $3,000 anonymous reward at claycountyprosecutor.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Fireworks Stands Opening in Kearney

Fireworks stands are popping up around Kearney, but consumers will have to wait a few more days before they are legally allowed to shoot off their noisemakers.

Fireworks vendors are allowed to be open from 9 am to midnight every day from June 20 until July 5.

The Kearney Police Department reminds residents that fireworks may only be discharged from June 28 to July 3, between the hours of 9 am to 10 pm. On July 4, fireworks may be discharged between the hours of 9 am to 11 pm. Fireworks may not be fired or discharged except on the individual’s own property or with the permission of the property owners.

People should not fire any fireworks in a way that would threaten or injure another person. Fireworks may be discharged at other times and places with the permission of the City. Bottle Rockets are ILLEGAL in Kearney City Limits.

Fireworks vendors are allowed to be open from 9 am to midnight every day from June 20 until July 5.

This year Kearney’s fireworks celebration will be on Friday, July 3. The fireworks display will be at Jesse James Park and the city will have inflatables for the kids and a free concert featuring Shipwrecked. The concert starts at 7:30 pm, and the fireworks start at 9:30 pm.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County 4-H Invites Community to Celebrate Local Youth

The public is invited to celebrate the creativity, leadership and hard work of local youth at the 2026 Clay County 4-H Fair on Saturday, July 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Northern Hills Christian Academy, 17211 NE 180th Street in Holt.

The annual fair will showcase the talents, skills and accomplishments of Clay County 4-H members through project exhibits, demonstrations, public speaking, fashion presentations and youth entrepreneurial activities.

Visitors will be able to view a wide variety of projects completed by 4-H youth and learn more about the hands-on educational experiences offered through the University of Missouri Extension 4-H program. According to MU Extension, Clay County 4-H helps young people build life skills, contribute to their communities and prepare for college and careers through clubs, camps, contests, conferences and other learning opportunities.

Fair activities will include youth demonstrations from 9:30 a.m. to noon and again from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; Show-Me-Wares youth artisan booths; Speech and Style Revue presentations from 3 to 4 p.m.; a Coin Challenge fundraiser ending at 3 p.m.; and project viewing throughout the day.

Concessions will be available during the event, and admission is free.

The Clay County 4-H Fair is open to families, community members and anyone interested in seeing the accomplishments of local youth. The event provides an opportunity for residents to support young people as they share what they have learned through months of project work and participation.

4-H is the youth development program of the University of Missouri Extension. Open to youth ages 5 to 18, 4-H helps young people build confidence, leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on learning experiences in areas such as science, shooting sports, public speaking, healthy living, civic engagement and the arts.

For more information about Clay County 4-H, contact the University of Missouri Extension Office serving Clay County at 816-407-3490 or Clayco@missouri.edu.

KPGZ News – Katy Wright contributed to this story.

Kearney Food Pantry Hosts Cereal Drive-By to Feed Local Kids

This summer, you can be a hero—with just a box of cereal. The Kearney Food Pantry is inviting the community to step up and help children in need by donating cereal during its 3rd annual Cereal Drive-By event on Wednesday, July 15 from 9 am to 1 pm at 108 W. Washington Street.

With school out for summer, many children who rely on school meals are left without a steady breakfast. The cereal drive aims to fill that gap—one box at a time.

Community members are encouraged to “drive by and drop off” boxes of cereal at the pantry. Every donor will receive a FREE drink token from Sonic as a thank-you for their support.

"Help us fill the pantry, because no kid should ever start the day on an empty bowl," said organizers from the Kearney Food Pantry.

Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to participate. Whether it’s one box or a whole trunkful, every donation helps fill empty bowls—and brings hope to local families.

Fill the shelves. Fill hearts. Be breakfast heroes.

For more information, visit KearneyFoodPantry.com or contact the pantry directly.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.