Driver Killed in Crash Involving Kearney School Bus

An adult driver was killed Wednesday morning in a crash involving a passenger vehicle and a school bus carrying six Southview Elementary students near Kearney, authorities said.

Kearney police officers and Kearney Fire & Rescue Protection District crews responded shortly after 8 a.m. to the intersection of Missouri Route 92 and Jesse James Farm Road. The crash involved a passenger vehicle and a Kearney School District bus operated by Durham Transportation Services.

All six children on the bus were evaluated by emergency medical personnel and medically cleared. One student was treated at the scene for a minor injury. The students were either taken to school or picked up by family members, and the bus driver was not injured.

The driver of the passenger vehicle was taken to an area hospital and later pronounced dead from injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities did not immediately release the driver’s identity.

Because of the seriousness of the crash, the Missouri State Highway Patrol was asked to take over the scene and conduct the investigation. No additional details about the cause of the crash were immediately available.

Kearney School District officials said some students may have witnessed or heard distressing details about the crash and its aftermath. Counselors and other staff members are available to help students process what happened, and the district said it is providing additional care and support to those affected.

District officials expressed condolences to the driver’s family and thanked first responders, law enforcement officers, Durham Transportation Services staff and school employees who assisted students at the scene. The district said it will continue supporting the students and families affected by the crash.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Rally Past Smithville for Birchfield’s 200th Kearney Win

Jacklyn Kirkland delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single that put the Bulldogs ahead 4-2. Photo by Kale Davis, Backroads Designs.

The Kearney Bulldogs gave their fans plenty to cheer about Tuesday, rallying past the Smithville Warriors for a 4-2 victory that marked Coach Birchfield’s 200th win as a Kearney Bulldog.

Smithville struck first in the top of the opening inning. Addi Milford brought home a run with a sacrifice fly, and Marleigh McDonald followed with a solo home run to center field, giving the Warriors a 2-0 lead.

The Bulldogs answered in a big way in the bottom of the fourth. Ellie Switzer doubled to plate Kearney’s first run, Ava Peterson tied the game with an RBI single, and Jacklyn Kirkland delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single that put the Bulldogs ahead 4-2.

That was all the support Reghan Lueken needed. The right-hander went the distance for Kearney, allowing five hits and two runs—just one earned—over seven innings. She struck out seven and walked two to earn the win.

Nora Schoening started for Smithville and surrendered two runs on five hits over three innings, striking out three without issuing a walk. Left-hander Maddy Meyer took the loss after allowing two runs on three hits in one inning, with one walk and no strikeouts.

Kirkland, batting eighth in the Kearney lineup, led the Bulldogs with two RBIs and finished 1-for-2. Reese Narron, Kirkland, Avery Campbell, Switzer, Kate Stumpenhaus, Lueken, Peterson and Payton McLean each collected one hit for Kearney.

McDonald and Schoening paced Smithville with two hits apiece. McDonald and Milford each drove in one run from consecutive spots in the order, while Mattie Marchetti stole two bases.

Coach Birchfield’s 200th win as a Kearney Bulldog. Photo by Kale Davis, Backroads Designs.

With the milestone victory, the Bulldogs improved to 8-6 overall and stayed perfect in district play at 2-0—a memorable Tuesday for Coach Birchfield, the team and Bulldog fans.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Drivers, Farmers Urged to Share the Road Safely During 2026 Harvest

As Missouri enters the fall harvest season, motorists and farmers are being urged to stay alert as slow-moving agricultural equipment returns to roadways across the state.

In 2025, Missouri recorded 163 traffic crashes involving farm equipment or implements. One person was killed and 37 people were injured in those crashes.

Farm machinery and passenger vehicles can encounter each other on any road and at any hour. Officials say many collisions can be prevented when everyone treats driving as a full-time responsibility, remains attentive and obeys traffic laws.

Before traveling on a roadway, farmers should make sure equipment is properly marked with working lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. Lights and reflective materials should be kept clean and free of debris so they remain visible.

Escort vehicles can help warn motorists when equipment is wider than the travel lane, especially on narrow roads or where hills and curves limit sight distance. Equipment operators should stay as far to the right as possible and, when they can, avoid traveling at dawn or dusk, when visibility is reduced.

ATVs used for farming may travel on highways only during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem. Missouri law requires operators younger than 18 to wear a safety helmet, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol recommends helmet use for operators of every age.

State law allows agricultural machinery and implements to operate on state highways after dark for agricultural purposes when the vehicles have the required lighting. Farmers should also use seat belts when operating modern tractors equipped with a roll-over protection structure.

Drivers approaching a tractor or other slow-moving equipment should reduce speed, remain patient and allow extra following distance. They should pass only when they have a clear view of the road ahead and no traffic is approaching. Passing on a bridge or where a hill or curve blocks the view is unsafe.

One common collision occurs when a motorist tries to pass farm equipment that is turning left. A tractor that moves toward the right side of the road may not be inviting traffic to pass; the operator may be preparing for a wide left turn. Motorists should watch the farmer’s hand signals and vehicle lights closely.

Drivers should also watch for farm equipment entering or leaving highways from side roads and driveways. Extra caution is needed around dawn and dusk, when glare from the sun can make machinery and other vehicles more difficult to see.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Pouring Dreams Fundraiser to Support Fulfillment House

The Fulfillment House will host its annual Pouring Dreams fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Walnut Creek Winery, 90 Main St. in Holt.

The event will feature a silent auction, live music and opportunities for guests to meet associates of The Fulfillment House and their families. Ten percent of food and drink purchases during the evening will be donated to the organization.

The Fulfillment House employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its print and fulfillment operations. Proceeds from Pouring Dreams will directly support employment opportunities and skill-building programs for the adults the organization serves.

Organizers are seeking donations of products, gift cards, services and experiences for the silent auction. Participating businesses will receive visibility among event guests while helping advance the nonprofit’s mission.

Businesses may also support the event through sponsorships ranging from the $250 Community level to the $1,000 Business level.

Silent auction items may be picked up by the Fulfillment House or mailed to The Fulfillment House, 103 S. Jefferson St., Suite B, Kearney, MO 64060.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Sets Fall Bulky Trash Pickup for Oct. 5–8

Residents who have unwanted items left after Kearney’s citywide garage sale will have a free curbside disposal option the following week. The City of Kearney and Redgate Disposal will hold Fall Bulky Trash Pick-Up Week from Monday, Oct. 5, through Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.

Residential utility customers may place large household items at the curb for collection on their regularly scheduled trash day at no additional charge. Items must be curbside by 7 a.m.

Redgate will use separate trucks for regular trash and bulky items, so the two collections may occur at different times. Each household is limited to 4 cubic yards of material, or about the capacity of two full-size pickup truck beds.

What residents may set out

Accepted items include couches, chairs, tables, dressers, patio furniture, mattresses and box springs. Push lawnmowers will be collected only after all gas and oil have been drained, and barbecue grills must have their propane tanks removed.

Rugs and carpeting must be rolled and securely tied in sections no longer than 4 feet and weighing less than 40 pounds each. Wood and lumber must follow the same length and weight limits and be securely bundled. Small miscellaneous debris must be placed in heavy-duty bags no larger than 39 gallons, with each bag weighing less than 40 pounds.

Items that will not be collected

Major appliances and other white goods—including refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves, dishwashers and water heaters—will not be accepted. The collection also excludes wet latex or oil-based paint, automotive fluids, pesticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, solvents and other household hazardous waste.

Crews will not collect tires, vehicle or riding-mower batteries, auto parts, propane or oxygen tanks, fire extinguishers, ammunition, yard waste, tree limbs, sheetrock, concrete, bricks, rocks, roofing shingles or glass panels longer than 4 feet.

Other disposal options

Yard waste, brush, leaves and standard recyclables may be taken to the City Recycling Center, 504 E. 19th St. The center is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Paint, chemicals and other household hazardous waste require special handling and should not be placed with curbside trash. Residents can visit RecycleSpot.org to find regional drop-off events in Clay and Jackson counties for hazardous materials and electronics.

Questions about acceptable items or missed pickups during bulky trash week may be directed to Kearney City Hall at (816) 628-4142 or email Redgate Disposal at service@redgatedisposal.com.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.