Kearney Fire Adds Ballot Questions in August

The Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District has two questions in the August election for district voters to consider. If approved the initiatives will fund much needed equipment, additional staff and a second location.

Residents of the Kearney Fire District will be voting on Question 1 and Question 2 in the August ballot. Question 1 asks for an extension of the current bond that passed in 2010.

Artist rendering of an additional fire station near 144th st. and plattsburg rd.

“When the current bond was approved by the voters in 2010, we had responded to nearly 1200 calls in 2009,” reports Kearney Fire Chief Pratt. “In 2023 we responded to nearly 2300 calls with more than 1300 of those calls being emergency medical calls.”

Funding from the no tax increase bond extension will provide funds for capital expenditures which include building a second station on the west side of I-35, immediate purchase of a new pumper for the new station, immediate replacement of a 2001 pumper, purchase a third ambulance in 2027, and replace the 2013 aerial in 2028.

Question 2 asks for a half-cent sales tax increase. Funding from the sales tax will be used for funding new staff positions at the second station, funding the increased operating costs of the second station including utilities, personal protective gear, and building maintenance, funding other equipment replacement projects including heart monitors, radios, self-contained breathing apparatus, and vehicle extraction tools, and reduce the need for future property tax increases.

“Currently the property-owning residents of the district carry the entire financial load of the district through real estate and property taxes,” said Chief Pratt. “The sales tax allows funding from people who visit or travel through the district and make use of our Fire, EMS, and Rescue services.”

The district covers 82 square miles stretching from the Liberty city limits and Highway 69 (and includes Prairie Field and Private Gardens) to Arley and near Watkins Mill State Park. 

“We’re trying to balance service and response times in the entire district,” stated Pratt. “A new station built on the west side would decrease the response time with expanded staff and closer proximity to people who live in that area.”

Both questions must be approved by voters for the project to move forward. Election day is Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Asks for Connected Trail Grant Help

The city of Kearney is asking residents to help secure a grant through Mid America Regional Council (MARC) to secure funds to build its Keeping Kearney Connected Trail Plan.

MARC has grant funding set aside for communities to help plan sustainable places and the city of Kearney has applied to receive money for sidewalks and trails.

“There is $900K available to Missouri communities to develop a plan for better sidewalks, trails, pathways, and improved crossings,” reads an email from Kearney Economic Development Director Carolyn Yatsook. “The City of Kearney has applied for some of this funding and is competing with other communities in the Kansas City metro and we need your help!”

City of Kearney staff are asking residents to submit public comments directly to MARC which will positively affect the rankings of Kearney’s application. Comments can be submitted in the GRANT PORTAL. Viewers will see a list of all applications, click on the “view project” tab for Kearney, MO and write your supportive comment. The comment period closes on July 22nd at 11:59 pm.

Kearney is also working with the Clay County Parks Department to build a two-phase Smithville Lake to Kearney Trail Project. 

Phase one will begin with a connection from Jack Rabbit Bend Access to Arley Access at Smithville Lake. The second phase will be from the Arley Access to Mack Porter Park in Kearney. With the addition of this trail, the city of Kearney will also consider extending their sidewalks from Dogwood Elementary north to phase two of the trail. It will also allow a connection to downtown Kearney. This project is the start of a greater goal of multi-use trails going from Smithville Lake to Watkins Mill.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Tracy Tucker State Farm Collects School Supplies

We’re almost half-way through July, and people are already thinking about back-to-school events. Tracy Tucker at State Farm has announced that her office is now accepting school supplies and clothes for the Kearney School District’s Back to School Resource Fair this fall.

The Kearney School District’s annual Back to School Resource Fair features school supplies, backpacks, gently used clothing and other community resources for students in need. The event is designed to ensure that every child in the district has the support they need to thrive in the upcoming school year.

Tracy Tucker has volunteered her office as a drop-off location for new and gently used items for years, and this year is no exception. Tracy's State Farm Office will be available as a drop off site for donations between 9 am and 5 pm from July 15 through August 2. The address is 751 Watson Drive, Suite D in Kearney.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DONATIONS – All students who attend the resource fair get brand new school supplies to help start their school year off just like any other student.

CLOTHING DONATIONS – New and gently used clothes are needed for families. Items for school-age children are particularly important. Kearney High School spirit gear is always appreciated. It is requested that donations of underwear, socks and shoes be new items only.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Shanks to Give Air Conditioner to a Needy Home

Shanks Heating and Cooling in Kearney, Missouri has announced they will be helping a needy household with a new air conditioning system this July. Residents can nominate a household directly to Shanks through July 31.

Part one of Shanks’ Climate of Caring program kicked off on Wednesday, July 10. The program lets people nominate a person or family who they think needs air conditioning at their home.

“We’re excited to introduce part one of our ‘Climate of Caring’ program,” said Shanks owner Scotty Walker. “We’re asking for your help to find one deserving person in our community who could really use a free air conditioning unit. Whether they’re facing health challenges, job loss, or other tough situations, we want to give back.”

To nominate someone, email Shanks Heating and Cooling at givingback@shankskc.com with the nominee’s name, where they live, and why you think they need assistance. Nominations are open until July 31, 2024.

The chosen recipient will receive a reliable and efficient air conditioning unit from American Standard, complete with a 10-year warranty.

“Our expert team will install it using top-notch practices, tools, and equipment, ensuring the highest quality,” said Walker. “Most importantly, it will be installed by people who truly care.”

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Parks Department Now Hosting Pickleball Camps

Now Kearney area youth can get in on the pickleball mania. The Kearney Parks and Recreation Department is now offering pickleball camps this summer.

Kearney Parks and Recreation is offering youth pickleball camps this summer. The camps are designed to teach the fundamentals of pickleball, including the rules of the game, the different parts of the court, serving, scoring and basic shots used in a game.

Participants will need to supply their own paddle, a water bottle, and proper court shoes. Water will be available at the courts to fill bottles as needed and there is also a restroom onsite. For paddle and shoe recommendations along with other questions, contact Joe Landewee at KearneyPickleball@gmail.com

There will be two daily sessions per age group and daily sessions will run 1 hour in length for 5 days. The cost for the camp is $125 per participant.

Camp 1: (6-8yrs): Monday, July 22 - Friday, July 26

Camp 2: (9-11yrs): Monday, July 29 - Friday, August 2

Camp 3: (12-14yrs): Monday, August 5 - Friday, August 9

Camp 4: (15-18yrs): Monday, August 12 - Friday, August 16

Daily Sessions:

8:00 am - 9:00 am

9:30 am - 10:30 am

To register for youth pickleball camp, visit KearneyParks.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.