Boys Basketball Earns All-Conference and All-District Honors

The Kearney High School boys basketball program is celebrating a strong postseason after several Bulldogs earned well-deserved recognitions for their performances this winter.

Leading the way was Bradley Doll, who was named First Team All-Conference and also earned a spot on the MSHSAA Class 5 District 8 All-District Team. Sal DiBenedetto was selected Second Team All-Conference and joined Doll on the Class 5 District 8 All-District Team. Carter Brock also received postseason recognition as a Second Team All-Conference selection.

These honors reflect not only the talent of these student-athletes, but also the consistency, competitiveness and team-first approach they brought to the floor throughout the season. Earning all-conference and all-district recognition is a significant accomplishment in a highly competitive basketball landscape, and these Bulldogs represented Kearney High School with pride.

The program also received special recognition on the sidelines. Head Coach Dillon Starzl was named the MSHSAA Class 5 District 8 Coach of the Year, an honor that speaks to the leadership, preparation and culture he has helped build within the program.

The Bulldog boys finished the season with a 17-9 season and the conference crown.

KPGZ News - Ray Weikal contributed to this story.

Bulldogs Excel at State Leadership Conference

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students showcased Kearney High School’s excellence at the 2026 FCCLA State Leadership Conference held in Springfield. Kelleigh Andell and Ava Mayse earned second place among 19 teams in Interior Design Level 3, receiving a coveted invitation to the national competition. Their project stood out as a college-level capstone, demonstrating the exceptional quality of work that Kearney High School students can achieve. The pair benefited from the extensive expertise and guidance of Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher and FCCLA Advisor Kathryn Cash.

Harper Harris also competed in Professional Presentation Level 3. Although she did not place in the top five, her willingness to tackle a new challenge and step outside her comfort zone was applauded, reflecting personal growth and determination. Sloan Glenn played a pivotal role as a youth consultant, judging competitive events and representing Kearney High School as a voting delegate. Her leadership, positivity, and dedication contributed to the overall success and meaningfulness of the trip.

FCCLA Advisor Kassidy Robertson commented, “We are small but mighty, and we are so proud of our girls.” Congratulations go out to all the students, Mrs. Robertson, and Ms. Cash for their leadership and support at the state conference. The community looks forward to cheering on Kelleigh and Ava as they prepare for nationals.

The original announcement did not mention the invaluable contributions of Kathryn Cash, who provided crucial interior design expertise and guidance. This updated version highlights her vital role, and the school expresses gratitude to both Ms. Cash and Mrs. Robertson for their outstanding work with students.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Sheriff’s Office Earns Communications Accreditation

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has achieved national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in its Communications program. This recognition comes after the 911 Communications Center met more than 200 professionally recognized standards aimed at excellence in management and service delivery.

Sheriff Will Akin praised the dispatch staff for their commitment, emphasizing their role as the first responders and highlighting the accreditation as a reflection of their professionalism and dedication to the community. The rigorous accreditation process included a multi-year self-assessment, a thorough site-based review by CALEA assessors, and an evaluation of community engagement, policies, procedures, equipment, and facilities.

Last week, dispatch leaders and accreditation staff presented their case at the CALEA conference in Tucson, Arizona. On March 14, the agency appeared before CALEA’s 21-member Board of Commissioners, who awarded the Sheriff’s Office full accreditation in Communications that evening.

CALEA President Matthew Packard noted that the path to accreditation is challenging, requiring agencies to undergo detailed reviews and implement significant policy changes. He added that the process is ongoing, as accredited agencies must continually demonstrate adherence to CALEA’s high standards. Packard assured that communities served by CALEA-accredited agencies can trust their public safety organizations to operate under the highest standards.

With this achievement, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office now holds CALEA accreditation for both communications and law enforcement, as well as Tier 1 accreditation from the National Institute of Jail Operations.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Prosecutor’s Office Recognizes Outstanding Public Service

Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Thompson

The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office has announced the launch of a new initiative called PROPS – Prosecutors Recognizing Outstanding Public Service, aimed at honoring first responders and community members who demonstrate exceptional service.

The program will spotlight both law enforcement officers and civilians whose efforts contribute to making Clay County a safer and stronger community.

“Public safety is a team effort,” stated Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Thompson. “Every day, individuals across our community step up to protect others, support victims, and make a difference. PROPS gives us an opportunity to recognize and thank those who go above and beyond in service to the public.”

The initiative will recognize individuals whose actions reflect courage, integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to public service, including law enforcement and emergency personnel who have made a significant impact in the area.

The first PROPS recognition breakfast is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Through this program, the Prosecutor’s Office hopes to celebrate positive contributions across the community and emphasize the importance of collaboration in public safety.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Missouri Scholars Academy Selects Trio of Bulldogs

Three Kearney High School students have been selected to participate in the 2026 Missouri Scholars Academy, one of the state’s most prestigious academic enrichment programs for gifted students.The students who have been selected are Brenley Cartwright, Joshua Robinson, and Konnor Spring.

The Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week residential summer program held at the University of Missouri that brings together some of the state’s most academically talented students as they prepare to enter their junior year of high school.

Each year, approximately 330 students from across Missouri are selected to participate in the Academy, where they engage in an intensive academic experience featuring interdisciplinary coursework, collaborative problem-solving and discussions of contemporary issues.

Students choose a major and minor area of study and spend their days exploring challenging topics in fields such as mathematics, science, humanities and social studies, while also participating in a variety of co-curricular activities designed to deepen their learning and connect them with peers from across the state.

Selection for the Missouri Scholars Academy is a tremendous honor and reflects the academic talent, curiosity and dedication these students have demonstrated throughout their time at Kearney High School.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.