Food Establishments, Pools Honored for Safety Efforts

Clay County Public Health Center recognized nearly 140 food establishments and recreational water facilities for outstanding safety performance in 2025, highlighting businesses and organizations that met high standards for inspections, sanitation and public health protection.

The health center announced 97 recipients of its Food Safety Excellence Award and 39 recipients of its Pool Safety Excellence Award. The honors recognize facilities that consistently followed Clay County safety rules, avoided repeated violations and achieved strong inspection results throughout the year.

“All of our licensed food and pool facilities play an important role in helping keep people safe,” said Robert Gilliland, Section Chief of Environmental Health. “These award winners stood out because they consistently went the extra mile. We appreciate the care they put into their work in 2025, and we’re proud to recognize what they’ve accomplished.”

The Food Safety Excellence Award is given to establishments that successfully follow the Clay County Food Code, demonstrate strong sanitation practices and earn exceptional inspection results during the calendar year. To qualify, establishments must have been open and operating for the full year, had no repeated violations, required no follow-up inspections and had no confirmed cases of foodborne illness.

This year’s 97 winners represent the top 12.5% of food establishments overseen by the health center. Of those, 26 earned “Gold Standard” recognition for receiving the safety award three or more consecutive years.

Food establishments regulated by Clay County include restaurants as well as school cafeterias, hospitals, nursing homes, food trucks, churches, caterers, bars, convenience stores, concession stands, event vendors and other locations that serve food.

In 2025, CCPHC’s 11-member environmental health team conducted 1,556 routine food establishment inspections, 272 temporary food event inspections and investigated 166 food-related complaints.

Food establishments in Kearney receiving the Food Safety Excellence Award include: Club At MariMack, Dogwood Elementary, Fair Share Farm, Hawthorne Elementary, Kearney Early Education Center, Kearney Elementary, Kearney Middle School, QuikTrip #198, and Southview Elementary.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Irish Festival Returns to Shamrock Hills This Fall

The sights and sounds of Ireland will return to the rolling hills of Missouri this fall when the 3rd Annual Irish Festival comes back to Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery and The Shamrock Ranch on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

The one-day, family- and pet-friendly celebration will run from noon to 7 p.m., with gates opening at 11 a.m. Festival activities will be held in the property’s amphitheater area, where guests can enjoy live Celtic entertainment, local craft beverages, food trucks and regional artisan vendors. Leashed pets are welcome.

The entertainment lineup will feature The Elders, a world-renowned Irish rock band, as the festival headliner. Other performers scheduled to appear include Dublin-born singer-songwriter Eddie Delahunt, regional favorites Into the Sun and Stolen Apples, traditional Irish band Amadán, and dancers from the O’Riáda-Manning School of Irish Dance.

In addition to the main-stage performances, visitors can browse craft vendors, sample food from area food trucks and stop by dedicated beverage areas. Adults will be able to visit the Wine Tent for regional estate labels, the Beer Tent for signature brews and the Whiskey Tent for specialty pours. Non-alcoholic options will also be available at the wine tent and through participating food trucks.

Festival organizers noted that although the winery and event space share the same property address, guests should use the winery gate at the top of the hill and park in the main winery parking lot, which provides direct access to the amphitheater grounds.

The indoor winery tasting room will remain open during the festival from noon to 5 p.m. for guests who want to step inside. The outdoor winery patio will be closed to the public for the day.

Admission is $20 per person, and children 10 and under are admitted free. The festival will be held at Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery and The Shamrock Ranch, 12300 Shoemaker Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024.

Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery and The Shamrock Ranch are located on a historic 323-acre farm owned and operated by Mike and Denise Riley. The property includes a renovated 100-year-old Quonset barn, hiking trails, a spring-fed fishing pond, 11 acres of estate vineyards and an outdoor amphitheater.

Tickets, vendor applications and event updates are available through the official Shamrock Hills Events Page.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Parks Department Offers Fall Martial Arts Foundations Program

Kearney Parks & Recreation is partnering with Limitless Martial Arts to offer Limitless Martial Arts Foundations. The fall program is an eight-week beginner-friendly course designed to help children build confidence, focus, discipline and respect while learning basic martial arts skills.

The program, led by Master Courtney Thuston and nationally certified instructors, is open to students ages 5 and older. Classes begin Wednesday, Aug. 19, and will be held once a week at 6 p.m. at Lions Park. Each class lasts 45 minutes.

Organizers said the program is designed for students with no prior martial arts experience. Participants do not need a uniform to begin, though an optional uniform will be available for purchase. Registration fees for this program is $75 per child.

Limitless Martial Arts Foundations focuses on more than physical activity. Students will work on coordination, balance and beginner martial arts techniques while also practicing listening skills, self-control, respect for instructors and peers, and confidence that can carry into school and daily life.

All classes will be taught in a structured and encouraging environment by instructors who are SafeSport certified and background-checked. The goal, organizers said, is to make sure every student feels seen, supported and challenged in a positive way.

The eight-week session will conclude with a Showcase and Recognition Ceremony, where students will demonstrate skills they have learned, receive a Foundations certificate and have the opportunity to break boards in front of family members and peers.

Limitless Martial Arts says its mission is to develop leaders beyond the belt by helping students build courage, resilience and confidence for success both in class and in life.

Interested participants may sign up for the program at KearneyParks.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

NTRC Trap Shoot Returns Aug. 22

The Northland Therapeutic Riding Center Charity Trap Shoot is making its return this summer, giving participants a chance to take aim for a good cause while supporting equine-assisted services for children and adults with disabilities in the community.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Kansas City Trapshooters Association in Smithville. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., with competition starting at 9 a.m. Shooters may register as a full team of five or sign up individually and be placed with a team.

The competition will include singles, doubles and handicap events. Registration is $65 per shooter for one event or $150 per shooter for all three events. Participants may also enter an optional Annie Oakley game for $25 per shooter.

LC’s Hamburgers will be on-site throughout the event, with brunch and lunch available for purchase.

The trap shoot will also mark the final opportunity to enter NTRC’s Florida raffle. The winner will be drawn live during the event, though participants do not need to attend the trap shoot or be present during the drawing to win. You can register for the trap shoot or Florida raffle at NorthlandTherapeuticRiding.org.

The raffle prize includes a seven-night oceanfront stay in Ormond Beach, Florida, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 7, 2026, plus $500 toward travel or vacation expenses. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100.

Proceeds from registrations and raffle ticket sales will help NTRC continue providing equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Steward Earns Two More All-American Honors

Kearney High School Class of 2026 graduate Whitaker Steward has added two more All-American honors to one of the most accomplished swimming careers in Missouri high school history.

The National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association recognized Whitaker as an All-American in the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle. These honors are awarded to swimmers whose performances rank among the top 100 nationwide.

Whitaker holds the Missouri Class 1 record in the 200 freestyle and the all-class state record in the 500 freestyle. The latest awards make him a six-time All-American.

He concluded his KHS career as the most decorated swimmer in Missouri state history, earning seven individual state championships and twice being named the state’s Swimmer of the Year.

Whitaker’s next challenge begins Sunday, when he travels to compete at the USA Swimming National Championships. The meet features many of the fastest swimmers in the country, including Olympians. Whitaker is scheduled to compete in five events during the July 28-Aug. 1 competition before beginning his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee.

KPGZ  News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.