Bulldogs Secure Victory with Explosive Start and Solid Pitching

The Kearney Bulldogs softball team set the tone early with a commanding five-run rally in the first inning, paving the way to an 8-1 victory over the Park Hill South Panthers on Thursday, September 11.

Caroline Jury blasted a solo home run to center field, working a seven-pitch at-bat into a highlight-reel moment for the home crowd. Photo: David Haggart

Fueled by timely hitting, the Bulldogs wasted no time establishing their lead. Alyssa Quick and Morgan Pennington each delivered run-scoring singles, while Caroline Jury doubled in another run. Bailey Sharp capped off the rally with a two-run triple, giving Kearney a 5-1 edge after the opening frame.

Though Park Hill South struck first with a run in the top of the first—courtesy of a single by Kinsey Haley—the Bulldogs’ early surge proved insurmountable.

Kearney added to their tally in the fifth inning when Caroline Jury blasted a solo home run to center field, working a seven-pitch at-bat into a highlight-reel moment for the home crowd.

On the mound, Reghan Lueken was masterful, earning the win with a complete seven-inning performance. Lueken scattered six hits, surrendered just one run, struck out six Panthers, and did not walk a single batter.

The Bulldogs’ offense was relentless, racking up 15 hits in total. Pennington, Jury, Quick, Brooke Paalhar, Reese Narron, and Sharp all collected two hits apiece. Pennington, Jury, and Sharp each drove in a pair of runs. On the basepaths, Paalhar swiped two bases, further pressuring the Panthers’ defense.

Kearney’s defense was flawless, not committing a single error. Quick led the way in the field with eight defensive chances, showcasing the team’s sure-handed play.

For the Panthers, Kinsey Haley led the offense, going 2-for-3 with their lone RBI. Macie Booth and Jolie Jones also contributed two hits each, but Park Hill South was unable to string together enough offense against Kearney’s pitching and defense.

With this win, Kearney High School Varsity continues to demonstrate their strength both at the plate and in the field, building momentum as the season progresses.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Take Down Grandview 56-13

Kearney held a 50-7 lead at halftime against conference opponent, Grandview Bulldogs. Junior quarterback Carter Temple connected on 17 of 23 passing attempts for 308 yards and five touchdowns. Temple spread the ball to 7 receivers with Dryden Hendrix (65 yards) and Drew Nelson (64 yards) leading the way. Hendrix and Nelson each scored two touchdowns. Matthew Lindsey had 55 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Junior quarterback Carter Temple connected on 17 of 23 passing attempts for 308 yards and five touchdowns.

Grandview running back, Micha Rainey slipped free from the Bulldogs second unit defense with an 86-yard touchdown run at the 4:15 mark in the second quarter.

On the ensuing kickoff, Brad Doll, Kearney senior cornerback, returned the favor, running 75 yards for the touchdown. Carter Temple kept the ball and darted into the endzone for the 2-point conversion with 4:03 remaining in the first half.

Kearney finished out the second half with second-unit players including a number of sophomores. Micha Rainey broke free on a 10-yard touchdown scamper which would be Grandview’s only second half score. Kearney’s Matthew Lindsey finished with the final touchdown of the evening, topping off the Bulldog victory at 56-13.

The defense held Grandview to just 141 yards. Grant Bogert, Kale Tucking, Lane Cook and Isaac Beaver all recorded sacks on the night. The Kearney Bulldog offense finished the evening averaging 11.8 yards per play.

The Bulldogs host rival Smithville this Friday at Bulldog High School Stadium.

KPGZ News – Mike Davis contributed to this story.

Kearney Fall Bulky Item Pickup and Free HHW Collection

The City of Kearney has rolled out its Fall Bulky Item Pickup during the week of October 6–10, aligning with residents' usual trash collection schedules. Just ahead of this, on Saturday, October 4, a free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off event will be held at Mack Porter Park from 8 a.m. to noon.

What You Need to Know: Bulky Item Pickup

• Curbside by 7 a.m. on your regular trash day or items won’t be collected.

• Placement: Leave items at the end of your driveway, arranged efficiently—but keep personal belongings like bikes or toys away from the pile.

• Limit: Up to 4 cubic yards per residence (equivalent to two full-size pickup truck beds measuring about 8 ft × 5.3 ft × 1.5 ft)

Accepted Items Include:

• Furniture

• Lawnmowers (must be free of fuel and oil)

• Barbecue grills (without propane tanks)

• Rolled carpet (no longer than four feet, securely tied, under 40 lbs)

• Mattresses and box springs

• Bundled wood (in 4-foot sections, each under 40 lbs)

• Miscellaneous debris (in 39-gal bags or smaller, ≤ 40 lbs each)

What’s Not Allowed:

• Appliances or white goods (e.g. refrigerators, washers/dryers, stoves—these are prohibited in Missouri landfills)

• Hazardous waste (such as paint, fluorescent bulbs, automotive fluids, solvents, pesticides, fertilizer, etc.)

• Tires, automotive batteries, compressed gas cylinders

• Riding lawnmowers

• Large glass panels, yard waste, tree limbs, bricks, rocks, concrete, larger construction materials, roofing, or railroad ties

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off – October 4

The HHW collection event at Mack Porter Park offers nearby residents a free and convenient way to safely dispose of hazardous materials.

Accepted Materials:

• Automotive fluids (motor oil, antifreeze, etc.)

• Batteries

• Light bulbs (CFL, fluorescent tubes, halogens)

• Cooking oil

• Corrosive cleaners and other hazardous liquids

• Household cleaners, lawn and garden products

• Mercury and mercury-containing items

• Paint, pesticides/insecticides

• Photographic and pool chemicals

• Used oil filters

Not Accepted:

• Appliances

• Asbestos

• Containers over 5 gallons

• Explosives, ammunition, fireworks

• Smoke detectors

• Fire extinguishers (contact manufacturer for disposal)

• Medical waste and needles (check pharmaceutical take-back locations)

• Prescription drugs (see recommended disposal sites)

• Larger propane tanks, butane, freon-containing items

• Tires (at correct recycling centers)

• Yard waste—accepted separately at the Kearney Recycling Center

Recycling Center Drop-Off

Need more disposal options? The City Recycling Center at 504 E. 19th Street is open for drop-offs on:

• Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Residents can drop off recyclables, leaf, brush, and yard waste during these hours.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Local Woman Killed over Labor Day Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) has released preliminary statistics for the 2025 Labor Day holiday weekend, revealing that five people lost their lives in traffic crashes and one person drowned during the holiday period. The counting period for the Labor Day holiday began at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 29, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 1.

During this time, MSHP troopers responded to 222 traffic crashes across the state, resulting in 104 injuries and five fatalities. Additionally, troopers made 100 arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and 14 for drug-related offenses.

On Missouri’s waterways, troopers investigated three boating crashes, which resulted in four injuries and no fatalities. Nine individuals were arrested for boating while intoxicated (BWI). However, one drowning was recorded during the holiday. The drowning incident occurred on Saturday, August 30, at Lake of the Ozarks.

Among the fatal incidents was the death of a 48-year-old female pedestrian from Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She was struck while walking on southbound Missouri 291, north of Middlebrook Drive in Clay County. The driver, a 22-year-old who was wearing a seat belt and was not injured, was unable to avoid the collision. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedic Cameron Conrad. The Liberty Police Department assisted MSHP at the scene.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay and Platte Counties Launch Unified Tourism Initiative

Clay and Platte Counties are joining forces to boost tourism in the Northland through a new partnership under the Go North KC brand. The Clay County Commission’s recent approval of a contract with Platte County marks a significant step toward presenting the region as a single, vibrant destination. Officials from both counties emphasize that the initiative is designed to highlight the Northland’s unique blend of history, culture, recreation, and hospitality.

Megan Sahlfeld, Clay County Marketing and Tourism Manager, said the new brand represents more than just a marketing effort—it’s about building a movement. “By working together, we can shine a brighter spotlight on all that the Northland has to offer, from our festivals and parks to our local businesses and hidden gems,” Sahlfeld noted.

Jennifer Goering, Director of the Platte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, echoed this sentiment, adding that the Northland is stronger through collaboration. She said the partnership aims to foster growth, welcome new visitors, and celebrate the distinct character of the area.

The agreement is supported by grants from the Missouri Division of Tourism as well as local municipalities, chambers of commerce, and community stakeholders. Plans include launching a regional tourism website, enhancing digital resources, and coordinating joint promotional campaigns to connect residents and visitors with attractions throughout the area.

This collaboration arrives as Northland communities prepare for major opportunities, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring global attention to the region. The Go North KC brand encapsulates the welcoming spirit and growing ambition of the Northland, positioning it as a must-visit Midwest destination with a unified message and revitalized sense of identity.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.