School District Opens Kindergarten Enrollment

Kearney School District’s kindergarten enrollment launched on Jan. 21 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Now is the time for children who will be age five on or before July 31, 2025, to enroll in kindergarten.

Parents/guardians will be required to provide a birth certificate, a record of required immunizations, and a proof of residence for their child during kindergarten enrollment. Use the district’s online district boundary map to locate the elementary school your child will attend. Parents should note that those boundaries were recently changed and will take effect starting with the 2025-2026 academic year.

Any request to transfer an incoming kindergarten student to a different elementary school for the 2025-2026 academic year must be submitted by Feb. 11 for consideration. Transfer requests will only be considered for the reasons outlined in the request form. Approval is not guaranteed. A decision will be made as soon as possible and is contingent upon a wide variety of factors including classroom space and available resources. Parents or guardians will be responsible for providing transportation to and from school if the transfer request is approved.

Kindergarten Orientation events will be held from 6 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 8, at each of the districts’s elementary schools. This is an opportunity for families to receive helpful information about KSD, tour their school and meet their child’s teachers and building principal.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Public Safety Half Cent Sales Tax Decision Moves to Voters

The City of Kearney Board of Alderman approved an ordinance to place Proposition A: “A Public Safety Tax,” on the April ballot for voters to decide. The proposition imposes a citywide sales tax of 1/2 of 1% for the purpose of improving public safety in Kearney.

“The thing that I think is important, is that it will not apply to utilities, gasoline, or prescription drug purchases,” said Thomas.

The Board of Alderman heard a presentation by Chief Mark Thomas at the January 6 city meeting. Chief Thomas’ presentation outlined why the police department was seeking a sales tax initiative, who would be taxed and what would be taxed.

Chief Thomas said additional funds would go to expanding the School Resource Officer program, enhancing officer safety and preparedness, upgrading department technology and facilities, and increasing support, education, and outreach for the community. If approved, funds would expand the number of school resource officers, fund a community outreach officer, provide for police training, upgrade equipment and technology, as well as ADA improvements and safety equipment for first responders.

If approved retailers will begin collecting the sales tax on October 1st, 2025, and the sales tax will have a sunset date in 25 years.

Chief Thomas noted two important parts of this initiative. Anyone who shops in Kearney, whether they are a resident or non-resident including interstate travelers, will pay the sales tax. Thomas also noted that the sales tax will not apply to certain items.

“The thing that I think is important, is that it will not apply to utilities, gasoline, or prescription drug purchases,” said Thomas. “That’s really important for our local residents I think.”

David Lehman also added that it was important to point out that this is not a property tax on residents and that non-residents would also be paying the sales tax: “The burden is not just on our residents. When you’ve got Starbucks right off the highway [and] you’ve got people coming off the highway who are going to pay this tax too.”

By law sales tax revenues must be spent to improve public safety within Kearney. It cannot be used for any other purpose. Residents of Kearney will have a chance to vote on this sales tax on the April 8, 2025, election ballot.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Enrichment Council Hosts Annual Gala “Hollywood Nights”

The Kearney Enrichment Council is hosting its annual gala on March 15th from 5 to 9 pm. This year’s theme is “Hollywood Nights” and it features an elegant dinner, an open bar, and thrilling silent and live auctions.

The gala’s purpose is to raise money for Kearney Enrichment Council's Emergency Assistance Program. This program provides vital support for rent and utilities to those facing challenging circumstances. Supporters’ generosity fuels their commitment to initiatives like Shop with a Cop, the Kearney Family Foundation, and community-focused programming.

“Hollywood Nights” will take place at the Annunciation Community Center, 701 N. Jefferson St., in Kearney. Doors will open at 5 pm. At 5:30 pm they will be serving cocktails & Hors d 'Oeuvres. 6 pm is dinner and music, with entertainment and the auctions to follow.

To learn more about the Gala, go to https://www.kearneyenrichmentcouncil.org/kec-gala

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.

Local Candidates set for April Ballot

Gerri Spencer

The filing window has closed for candidates running for leadership in the City of Kearney, and the Kearney School Board this April. Voters who return to the polls will see a mix of incumbents and challengers.

For Kearney Board of Alderman, in Ward 1, Gerri Spencer is running unopposed for a seat on the board. She is looking to occupy Kathy Barger’s position since Kathy decided not to run again.

Incumbent Dan Holt is also running unopposed. He represents Kearney Ward 2.

For the two Kearney School Board seats, Christina Lindsay, Michael Joe Hickey, Justin Cook, and Jason Klindt have filed as candidates.

Election Day for these candidates is April 8, 2025.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

School District and Chamber Team up for Hiring Fair

Kearney High School and the Kearney Chamber of Commerce are partnering together on a spring Hiring Fair. This is the fifth year the Kearney Chamber of Commerce hiring fair has connected job seekers of all ages with local employers.

The Hiring Fair is open to all employers who have unfilled staff positions or anticipate having open positions in the near future. The Hiring Fair provides an opportunity for businesses to actively interview and hire potential employees on the spot, as-well-as for job seekers to learn about career opportunities.

The 5th annual Hiring Fair will be held at Kearney High School, located at 715 19th Street, on March 21, from 2:30 to 5 pm. The Hiring Fair for high school students takes place from 1:20 to 2:15. It’s open to all area companies and individuals. Registration for area businesses is free. Professionals of all levels are highly encouraged to attend and participate.

For more information or to register your business for a table space, contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 816-628-4229 or by email at Stacie@KearneyChamber.org.

KPGZ News - Blake Magnusson contributed to this story.