Kearney Parks Launches Food & Flick Fridays

Kearney Parks and Recreation is bringing back a beloved summer tradition with an exciting twist—introducing Food & Flick Fridays at Lions Park! This family-friendly event series will feature four free outdoor movie nights under the stars, paired with delicious eats from local food trucks.

The movie lineup kicks off on June 27 with Mufasa: The Lion King, setting the stage for a season of fun, food, and film. Guests are invited to grab a bite from the food trucks on site (food available for purchase) and settle in for a free movie beginning at sunset.

The summer movie schedule includes:

• June 27: Mufasa: The Lion King

• July 18: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

• August 1: A Minecraft Movie

• September 5: Moana 2

All movies are free to attend, and everyone is encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating.

For full details and sunset times, visit KearneyMO.us.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

2025 Kindergarten Orientation to be held on May 8

Kearney School District is hosting 2025 Kindergarten Orientations from 6 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 8 at Dogwood Elementary, Hawthorne Elementary, Kearney Elementary and Southview Elementary.

This will be an opportunity for students who are eligible for kindergarten this fall to prepare by spending time with their teachers and other school support staff. Parents and guardians will get to meet and interact with school administrators during a Q&A session.

In addition, these orientations will include devices and support for parents and guardians who want to complete the kindergarten enrollment process for their children. Families should go to the orientation at the school their child will be attending when school starts this fall.

Visit ksdr1.net/enrollment for details about how to enroll your child in kindergarten for the 2025-2026 academic year.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Academy Bank to Host Community Event on May 3

Academy Bank is inviting residents of Kearney and surrounding areas to a day of fun and community spirit at their annual Community Event, happening Saturday, May 3, from 10 am to 2 pm at their branch located at 950 W. 92 Hwy in Kearney.

This year’s event goes beyond just a neighborhood gathering. It’s blossomed into a meaningful day of giving back and supporting local causes. Attendees will have the opportunity to contribute to the Kearney Food Pantry by bringing donations of canned or boxed food.

In addition, the Kearney Rotary Club will be on site collecting new children’s shoes, socks, and shoelaces for Shoes for Orphan Souls, a heartfelt initiative to help children in need.

Animal lovers will want to stop by Ace’s Sanctuary & Cat Rescue, which will be hosting a cat adoption station at the event. In a generous show of support, Harmony Animal Hospital will provide wellness exams for every cat that finds a new home that day.

Local businesses will also be setting up booths, offering a chance to explore and support what Kearney has to offer. As a bonus, a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses will add some extra excitement to the day.

Kids and families can enjoy attractions like Lakeside Bounce, explore firetrucks, grab a bite from food trucks, and enjoy music from 102.7FM KPGZ.

“We’re thrilled to see this event evolve into something more purposeful,” said Amanda Foster, coordinator for the event. “It’s become a true reflection of what Kearney is all about—community, compassion, and coming together.”

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 3, and come be a part of this growing tradition that celebrates giving back and building connections in Kearney.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sophomores Garner Invites to Prestigious State Academy

A trio of Kearney High School Students have been invited to attend an elite academic experience.

Kearney High School sophomores Luke Vanderstel, Carl “Ben” Jenkins and Carter Lydick were recently selected to attend the 2025 Missouri Scholars Academy this summer at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Founded in 1985, the Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week residential program for 330 of Missouri’s academically gifted students who are ready to begin their junior year of high school, according to the program’s website. The Academy is held each June on the Mizzou campus and administered by the university’s Honors College.

“It’s an honor to be nominated and selected for this program,” KHS Counselor Ashlee James said. “We’re so proud of Carter, Luke and Carl, and excited to see what they accomplish at this summer’s academy!”

All public and private schools in Missouri are eligible to nominate at least two sophomore students for the Academy. A selection committee, comprised predominantly of teachers from across the state, evaluates the nominations. Students are selected based on a variety of factors, including grade point average, test scores, essay submissions and letters of recommendation. They also have to demonstrate leadership, creativity, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving ability and initiative.

With a carefully selected faculty and staff, a specially designed curriculum with interdisciplinary courses, and a variety of stimulating extracurricular activities, the Academy enables students to be part of a unique learning community. The Academy provides a model that all schools can use in building or expanding their own programs for gifted students. Educators who have served as faculty members have used this experience to benefit students in their local schools.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story

2025 Summer Concert Seasoned Announced

The City of Kearney announced its summer concert schedule on the amphitheater stage for 2025. This season features something for everyone with four free tribute concerts.

Kearney kicks off summer events at the amphitheater on Friday, June 13 with Private Eyes, a Hall & Oates tribute band that will take you back to the 80’s

The amphitheater’s biggest event is next on the schedule. On Thursday, July 3, Kearney celebrates Independence Day with a free concert and fireworks celebration. The city will have inflatables for the kids and music featuring Platinum Express, a high-energy party band, voted #1 by KC Entertainment Weekly two years in a row.

There will be free inflatable air toys for the children to play in from 5:30 to 8 pm. Spectators are encouraged to be parked before 9 pm and bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The next concert at the amphitheater is on Saturday, July 12 with Motown and More. This band brings back the legendary sounds of the Motown era.

The final concert at the Kearney Amphitheater is a country tribute. On Saturday, August 16, Just Waylon, a tribute to Waylon Jennings will take the stage.

More information is available on the city’s website at kearneymo.us.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.