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.

Bulky Item Trash Week Starts May 5

Bulky item pick-up in Kearney begins on Monday, May 5, and runs through Thursday, May 8. Items will be picked up by Redgate Disposal.

Bulk items will be removed using the normal weekly schedule. Normal weekly trash pickup will occur as well, by a separate truck. Customers should expect two trash trucks that week, one for bulk and one for regular trash. Each household is allowed to place up to 4 feet of bulky trash items at the curb for pickup by 7am on their pickup day.

The accepted items have changed slightly this year from years past. Items accepted by Redgate include furniture and outdoor furniture, small countertop items, area rugs and blinds, kids toys and bikes, push mowers with gas and oil removed, BBQ grills with propane tanks removed and mattresses and box springs.

Items not being accepted are any construction and remodeling materials, white goods and appliances, hazardous waste: oil, paint, tires, batteries, chemicals, and fluorescent bulbs, compressed gas cylinders, riding lawn mowers, yard waste, heavy metal items or car parts, and fireworks and ammunition.

Bulk item pickups should be placed at the curb by 7 am and are limited to a four by four foot total area size.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

MoDOT Urges Caution as Construction Season Begins

As Missouri prepares for one of the largest construction seasons in its history, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is urging drivers to “Work with Us” by making safe driving decisions in and around work zones. The reminder comes during National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 21–25, and amid an expected surge in roadwork across the state.

MoDOT officials say motorists will encounter between 800 and 1,000 active work zones daily throughout the 2024 construction season—more than ever before. With so much activity on Missouri roads, driver caution is critical to protecting the lives of workers and travelers alike.

"In each of these work zones are men and women simply doing their job to construct and maintain a transportation system that makes our lives better," said Jon Nelson, MoDOT’s State Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer. “Stay alert and slow down to keep them safe.”

In 2024, 23 people were killed in Missouri work zone crashes, with distracted driving contributing to at least four of those fatalities and more than 350 total crashes. Speeding and inattention remain the leading causes of work zone incidents.

MoDOT is emphasizing compliance with Missouri’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to change lanes—when safe—when approaching MoDOT, law enforcement, or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights. If a lane change isn’t possible, drivers must reduce speed and proceed cautiously.

The department is also highlighting the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, enacted to curb cell phone use behind the wheel. Since the law took effect, MoDOT has seen promising signs: work zone vehicle strikes were cut nearly in half, and work zone fatalities declined in 2024.

“While we’re encouraged by the progress, we still have a lot of work to do,” Nelson said. “High speeds and distractions remain our greatest threats. That’s why we continue to ask Missourians to ‘work with us’ by putting down the phone and slowing down.”

Drivers can prepare for upcoming roadwork by checking MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.traveler.modot.org, where they can find up-to-date details about construction zones along their routes.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Graves Opens Nominations for Service Academies

U.S. Congressman Sam Graves has announced the opening of the nomination process for students in North Missouri seeking to attend four of the nation's prestigious military service academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. While the U.S. Coast Guard Academy also offers admission to aspiring cadets, it follows a separate application process that does not require a congressional nomination.

Each year, numerous students from across the region apply for these highly competitive nominations. According to Congressman Graves, the process is rigorous but immensely rewarding, offering young leaders the opportunity to serve their country while receiving a top-tier education.

“It’s one of the greatest honors of my role in Congress to help these exceptional young men and women pursue their goals of military service through academy appointments,” said Graves. “These individuals represent the best and brightest of North Missouri.”

To be eligible for nomination, applicants must meet several criteria, including:

• Being at least 17 years old but not older than 22 (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy),

• Holding U.S. citizenship and permanent Missouri residency,

• Being unmarried with no dependents,

• Meeting all medical, physical, and academic standards set by the academies,

• Demonstrating good moral character,

• Possessing a valid Social Security Number.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to first open an application with their chosen academy, then contact Graves’ Kansas City District Office at 816-792-3976 for further guidance on the nomination process.

The deadline to submit a complete nomination application is 5 pm on October 10, 2025. After the deadline, applicants will be interviewed and evaluated by the Congressman’s Academy Nomination Review Board—a panel made up of academy alumni, veterans, and community leaders. The board will then recommend the most qualified candidates for Graves’ final nominations.

“This process ensures that those who receive nominations truly reflect the leadership, dedication, and excellence our academies demand,” Graves added. “Whether they receive a nomination or not, I am confident each applicant will go on to make North Missouri proud.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.