Annual Turkey Trot is Open for Registration

The Kearney School District Education Foundation is ready for the popular Turkey Trot at the high school campus for the 13th year.

The 13th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot will take place on Thursday, November 28. Funds raised help provide scholarships for graduating students, teacher grants to expand opportunities within the classrooms, travel expenses for the cross-country team, and many other important initiatives.

The commitment and partnership of local businesses with KSDEF is critical in funding initiatives for students across the district. Their success depends on participants and other community leaders.

The sponsorship form will provide participants with sponsorship options. All donations are tax deductible. Early registration is open now through November 8 for $35 and includes a Turkey Trot Race Shirt. Registration after November 8 is $40.

For more information, please email fundraising@ksdef.com. Participants’ contributions are truly appreciated by the KHS Cross Country Team and KSDEF. More information about the event can be found at ThanksgivingTurkeyTrot.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Open District Play with a Bang

The Kearney Bulldogs Softball team started Class 4 Tournament play with a huge win over the Raytown Lady Jays on Wednesday, October 16. They shutout Raytown 15-0 in three innings.

Reghan Lueken hit a grand slam to center field and cleared the bases in the 1st inning.

Kearney’s bats were hot in all three innings as Brooke Paalhar grounded out and scored one right away in the first inning. Reghan Lueken then hit a grand slam to center field and cleared the bases.

In the second inning, Morgan Pennington hit an inside the park home run, scoring three runs, and Lueken doubled, scoring one run. In the third inning, Jocelyn Lincoln doubled, scoring two runs, and the Lady Jays committed three errors that allowed four runs.

Reghan Lueken also showed her masterful pitching skills in the circle for the Bulldogs. She pitched all three innings to shutout the Raytown Jays. She had 5 strikeouts and allowed 0 walks and 0 runs.

Here are some other highlights of the game:

Macy Marrow went 1-2 with 2 runs scored

Kennedi Casey went 2-3 with 1 run scored

Brooke Paalhar had 1 run scored & 1 RBI

Morgan Pennington went 2-3 with 3 RBIs & runs scored (Inside the park HR)

Kate Stumpenhaus went 1-3 with 2 runs scored

Jocelyn Lincoln went 2-3 with 3 runs scored

Reghan Lueken went 2-3 with 5 RBIs and a grand slam

Caroline Jury went 3-3

Kearney’s next outing is the District Semi Final will be played at Winnetonka High School vs Marshall.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Masters Honored with Hometown Hero Award

The public education team at Kearney School District has long recognized that Lead Social Worker Meeghan Masters is extraordinary; now that distinction is being recognized by a prominent organization that focuses on supporting families across the nation.

Meeghan Masters with Nic Vasquez

Modern Woodmen of America has selected Mrs. Masters for its Hometown Hero Award. The honor was announced by Modern Woodmen Financial Representative Nicolas Vasquez during a surprise event with dozens of her family members, co-workers and friends yesterday afternoon at the KSD central office.

“Since I started working as a social worker for KSD, I’ve made it my mission to help ensure that every child can have the same kind of experiences and opportunities at school as my children have,” Masters said. “I’m so grateful to Modern Woodmen for this award because it affirms and supports that mission that we are all trying to achieve as a team. This is amazing.”

Modern Woodmen of America is a fraternal financial services society headquartered in Rock Island, Illinois. The society’s Hometown Hero program provides an opportunity to honor an individual or volunteer group for their outstanding service to the community or an act of bravery. The award aligns with the organization’s commitment to support social, educational and volunteer activities that identify and meet local needs.

“I cannot think of a person in our Bulldog community who is more deserving of this award,” said Mr. Vasquez, who also serves as a member of the KSD Board of Education. “Meeghan embodies the true spirit of selfless service that is an example for us all.”

As part of the award, Modern Woodmen will make a $100 charitable donation to the organization or deserving individual of Masters’ choice.

Masters became KSD’s first social worker in October 2015. Since then, the program has expanded to include two other full-time social workers and her elevation as leader of that team.

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Take Fourth at District Tournament

The Kearney High School Varsity Girls Golf Team earned fourth place in the Class 3-District 4 Tournament at Eagles Landing Golf Course in Belton on Monday, October 14.

The Bulldogs had a total team score of 420. The individual results included:

Kayla Resler – 92 (8th Place & All-District)

Jessi Kutch – 103 (tied for 16th Place)

Amina Jardak – 111

Brooklynn Cheek – 114

Malia Fairchild – 119

“Our whole team improved so much from a year ago,” Head Coach Troy Resler said. “They battled hard and earned the respect of everyone here at the District tournament.”

By finishing their rounds at 109 or less, Resler and Kutch punched their tickets to the State Tournament, which will be held at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield on Oct. 21-22.

Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Kearney to Switch Trash Service in 2025

The City of Kearney voted to switch residents’ trash and recycling service at the October 7, Board of Aldermen meeting. The current waste disposal agreement expires on December 31, 2024. City leaders agreed to a contract with Redgate Disposal, LLC in 2025.

Kearney received four bids for waste disposal starting in 2025. The lowest and best bid was from Redgate Disposal. The agreement with Redgate will be a three-year contract with two optional three-year renewals.

“They were the only contractor that offered a credit for recyclables,” reported city administrator Shelia Ernzen. “In addition to weekly trash and recycling service, they will allow residents to call and schedule a free bulky item to be picked up every week from the curb. That would be in addition to the regular spring and fall bulky pickup.”

The contract includes penalties for missed pick-ups, and Redgate will also provide pick-up services at city locations including the recycling center.

Residents will see a cost increase of $2.67 for a single trash receptacle and recycling bin. Additional carts will cost $4.36.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.