Kearney Schools Receive Unfounded Threats

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The Kearney School District was among many in the metro area that received threats or anonymous tips of threats this week. An investigation by Kearney Police and school officials determined any threat made to schools this week to be unfounded.

The Kearney School District received an anonymous tip on Wednesday, September 11, through the state’s Courage2Report system. The threat concerned a possible threat involving one of the schools.

School Resource Officer Adam Kirkland, law enforcement and administrators conducted a thorough investigation after the tip was reported. They determined the threat to be unfounded. Classes at Kearney schools were held as usual, but with a heightened police presence.

In an unrelated incident, a man who had multiple warrants was stopped and arrested by the Clay County Sheriff's Office at Dogwood Elementary School on Thursday, September 12.

A deputy ran the man's plates and was alerted he had outstanding warrants. The deputy stopped the man, and he pulled into the parking lot of Dogwood Elementary. The man said he had a student at the school but quickly admitted he lied.

The man had warrants for non-violent offenses.

The Kearney School District encourages parents and guardians to speak with their students about the seriousness of school safety. If parents or students become aware of information about a concern or threat, the best course of action is to report that directly to the school or the district. Anonymous tips can be shared using the Scholastic Crime Stoppers program by calling (816) 474-TIPS or visiting KCCrimeStoppers.com.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Softball Smashes Home Opener Over Staley

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Once again Kearney Varsity Softball bats were on fire on Tuesday, September 10, when the Bulldogs hosted the Staley Falcons. The first home game of the season saw fireworks with an impressive display of hitting and pitching as Kearney took the win 10-1.

The Bulldogs followed one of Coach Birchfield’s keys to the game: score early and often. In the first inning, Brooke Paalhar singled and scored one run. In the bottom of the second inning Alyssa Quick homered to center field, and Macy Morrow doubled, each scoring one run to add to the Bulldog lead.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the third inning, Kate Landewee hit a grand slam to left field, driving in four more runs.

Alyssa Quick pitched two and one-third innings. She gave up two hits and zero runs, struck out four and walked one. Kate Landewee closed out the game and pitched 4 and two-thirds innings and had six strikeouts.

Here are more highlights from the game:

- Macy Morrow went 2-4 with 1 RBI.

- Kennedi Casey went 1-3.

- Brooke Paalhar went 3-4 with 1 RBI.

- Jocelyn Lincoln went 1-4 with 1 RBI.

- Morgan Pennington went 1-3 1 RBI.

- Alyssa Quick went 1-1 with her first home run of the season. She had 1 RBI.

- Kate Landewee went 2-3 with her first home run of the season. It was a grand slam. She had 4 RBIs.

- Caroline Jury went 1-2.

The Varsity's record is now 6-2. Next game is Thursday at Park Hill South at 4:00pm.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Clay County Public Health Family Fun Day

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The Clay County Public Health Center will host its 8th annual Family Fun Day event on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 am to 2 pm. This event is free and open to everyone in the community but will be especially fun for families with children. Previous events have had over 300 participants, but this year is set to be their biggest and best event yet.

Here is a sampling of what will be at Family Fun Day:

- Over 45 local organizations hosting fun activities, sharing helpful information and resources

- A variety of performances on the pavilion stage, from music to feats of strength

- Amazing raffle prizes to help families live healthier – sports equipment, cooking tools/appliances/sets

- Balloon and glitter tattoo artists from SA Entertainment

- Three food trucks

Family Fun Day is a free festival in North Kansas City’s Macken Park, 1002 Clark Ferguson Dr, North Kansas City, MO.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Permit Work Requires I-35 Lane Closures

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Permit work requires MoDOT to temporarily close some interstate lanes this week. Traffic may be impacted by these closures.

Permit work requires temporary lane closures on northbound and southbound I-35. The work will take place just north of the MO Route 291 Interchange or near Mile Marker 18.4 in Liberty on Tuesday, Sept. 10 until Friday, Sept. 13.

Work will be in progress between the hours of 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily for a fiber optic project. This is not a complete closure, but motorists should expect delays. All work is weather permitting.

Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention while driving in work zones. Not all work zones look alike. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris from the roadway.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Chiropractor Celebrates Military, First Responders

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The Kearney Family Chiropractic Center is hosting its 9th Annual 9/11 Memorial lunch to recognize and thank military personnel and first responders for their public service.

“Let us honor you for your tremendous effort in keeping our community safe,” said Chiropractic Center owner Dr. Mark Strathman.

Mike Davis talks with Dr. Mark Strathman at his 911 Celebration

This free celebration lunch will take place on Wednesday, September 11, from 11 am to 1:30 pm at the Kearney Family Chiropractic Center parking lot. All active military personnel and veterans, as well as first responders including police officers, firefighters, and EMS staff, are invited to attend.

The event is sponsored by Kearney Family Chiropractic Center, Tracy Tucker State Farm, Stella Spiking State Farm, 102.7FM KPGZ, Hometown Pediatric Dentistry, Bennett Eyecare, Summit Media Solutions, Amy’s Healing Hands, and Updike BBQ. Lyle Updike will be preparing the food for the event.

Kearney Family Chiropractic Center is located at 301 South Platte Clay Way, Suite B in Kearney. For more information you can call the Chiropractic Center at 816-628-6738.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.