Bull Riding Returns July 25 to Support Equine Therapy

The annual bull riding fundraiser for Better in the Saddle Equine Assisted Programs is back this summer, bringing two nights of action and purpose to Jesse James Park. The event, produced by Amped Up Productions, will be held Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26.

Proceeds from the event support Better in the Saddle’s mission to serve individuals with disabilities and at-risk youth through equine-assisted therapy. The nonprofit uses specially trained horses to help participants—from children to adults in their 50s and 60s—build physical strength, emotional resilience, and mental focus.

“I would offer an invitation to anybody to come watch that process that a horse has with those people. It’s amazing,” said program leader Jay Bettis on a past appearance on Kearney Live. “The horse’s heart will heal anything. It’s not only good for the riders, but good for the people who volunteer.”

Family-friendly activities begin each evening with mutton bustin’ at 6:30 p.m. for kids. Signup opens at 6 p.m. near the announcer’s stand and costs $10. The evening also features mini bull riding and barrel racing, followed by the main event—professional bull riding—at 7:30 p.m.

Gates open at 5 p.m. both nights. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children ages 6 and under.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

American Legion Hosts Golf Tournament to Support Veterans

The Smithville American Legion Post 58 is gearing up for its annual Golf Tournament, set to take place on Thursday, September 5, at Paradise Pointe Golf Course on Smithville Lake. The event serves as a major fundraiser supporting local veterans, youth programs, and community initiatives.

Hosted by the Post 58 Family—including Veterans, Sons of the American Legion, the Auxiliary, and the Legion Riders—the tournament aims to generate thousands of dollars for programs that promote citizenship, patriotism, and veteran care throughout the region.

Organizers are currently seeking sponsors for various tournament categories, including all 18 holes, the driving range, breakfast, lunch, and golf carts. Sponsors will receive recognition through on-site signage featuring their company name or logo, ensuring high visibility among participants.

As a 501(c)(19) charitable organization, all donations to Post 58 are tax-deductible. The group has made a significant impact in the Smithville area, with a family membership exceeding 400 and annual contributions to school programs often surpassing $20,000.

Community members and local businesses are encouraged to support the event by sponsoring or registering a team for a day of camaraderie and golf—all for a worthy cause.

To get involved, contact Dave Hayes at dohayes84@gmail.com. Checks should be made payable to American Legion Post 58.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Food Pantry Hosts Cereal Drive-By to Feed Local Kids

This summer, you can be a hero—with just a box of cereal. The Kearney Food Pantry is inviting the community to step up and help children in need by donating cereal during its special Cereal Drive-By event on Wednesday, July 16 from 10 am to 2 pm at 108 W. Washington Street.

With school out for summer, many children who rely on school meals are left without a steady breakfast. The cereal drive aims to fill that gap—one box at a time.

Community members are encouraged to “drive by and drop off” boxes of cereal at the pantry. Every donor will receive a FREE drink token from Sonic as a thank-you for their support.

"One small donation can mean the world to a hungry child," said organizers from the Kearney Food Pantry. "Let’s come together and make sure no child starts their day hungry this summer."

Invite your friends, family, and coworkers to participate. Whether it’s one box or a whole trunkful, every donation helps fill empty bowls—and brings hope to local families.

Fill the shelves. Fill hearts. Be breakfast heroes.

For more information, visit KearneyFoodPantry.com or contact the pantry directly.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Chamber Launches Academy to Build Future Leaders

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of Empower Kearney: Leadership Academy, a new nine-month initiative designed to cultivate strong, engaged leaders equipped to make a lasting impact in the community.

Dubbed “Leadership for Impact,” the program offers both emerging and seasoned professionals a structured path to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and deepen their understanding of local issues. The inaugural class—set to begin in September and conclude in May—will meet monthly on the second Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Each session is themed around a leadership focus and a community topic, from self-awareness and conflict resolution to education, healthcare, and economic development. Participants will also engage with local leaders and organizations, offering them a practical and in-depth view of Kearney’s civic and business landscape.

“This academy is more than just a leadership course—it’s an investment in Kearney’s future,” Chamber Executive Director Stacie Bratcher. “By empowering individuals to lead with intention and community focus, we’re building a stronger, more connected city.”

Program Highlights:

Start/End Dates: September–May

Time Commitment: One full-day session each month (second Fridays)

Cost: $699 for Chamber members, $799 for non-members

Early Bird Incentive: Register by Memorial Day to receive a Leadership Resource Bundle and “Founding Class” recognition

Group Discounts: Organizations sending multiple participants receive 5% off each additional registration.

The curriculum includes professional development tools such as the CliftonStrengths assessment, guided reflection, and hands-on community engagement. Topics range from ethics and motivation to mental health and civic leadership. The academy concludes in May with the creation of personalized leadership plans and a graduation ceremony celebrating the cohort’s journey.

Flexible invoicing is available, including an extra 5% discount for payments made in full via cash or check by September 1st.

For more information or to register, visit KearneyChamber.org or contact the Chamber office at (816) 628-4229.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Closures and Flagging Scheduled on MO 33

Drivers in Clay County should plan for delays and detours as the Missouri Department of Transportation conducts pipe replacement work on Missouri Route 33 at 172nd Street. The work will take place from Monday, July 7, through Thursday, July 10, and is weather-dependent.

Traffic modifications for the project include:

Monday, July 7 – Thursday, July 10: 172nd Street will be closed on the west side of MO 33 beginning at 7 am, Monday through 7 pm, Thursday.

Monday, July 7: MoDOT will conduct a flagging operation on MO 33 at 172nd Street from 9 am, to 7 pm.

Tuesday, July 8 – Thursday, July 10: MO 33 will be closed at 172nd Street starting at 9 am, Tuesday through 7 pm. Thursday.

These closures are part of a broader infrastructure improvement effort along MO 33. A separate bridge replacement project is already underway, resulting in a full closure of MO 33 between Route CC and Burris Road near Holt and Kearney. For more details on that project, visit MoDOT’s website: Missouri Route 33 Bridge Replacement in Clay County.

MoDOT urges drivers to slow down, stay alert, and obey all traffic signs when traveling through construction zones. Work zones may involve lane shifts, flagging operations, or short-term closures for maintenance tasks like patching, striping, or mowing.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.