Mayor Proclaims May as Older Americans Month

Mayor Randy Pogue proclaimed May 2024 as Older Americans Month in Kearney during the Board of Aldermen meeting on April 15. Kearney resident and Clay County Senior Services Board Member Marie Steiner was presented a proclamation recognizing May 2024 as Older Americans Month.

Alderman Lehman, Alderman Holt, Past Alderman Steiner, Past Alderman Spencer, Mayor Pogue, Alderman Barger

This year's theme, “Powered by Connection”, emphasizes the profound impact of meaningful interactions and social connection on the well-being and health of older adults in our community.

Mayor Pogue calls on all residents to join him in recognizing the contributions of our older citizens and promoting programs and activities that foster connection, inclusion, and support for older adults. People can make a difference by listening to the stories of older adults, visiting a nursing home and spending time with residents there, volunteering to help local seniors, writing a note of appreciation or simply saying "thank you" to an older adult for their contributions.

102.7FM KPGZ programs music from the 50’s through the 80’s that would appeal to older adults on the weekends. For show details go to 1027kearneymo.com/programming.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Liberty Hospital and University Of Kansas Sign Agreements

The Liberty Hospital Board of Trustees and The University of Kansas Health System announced definitive agreements were signed on Wednesday, May 1, for Liberty Hospital and its clinics to join The University of Kansas Health System.

Liberty Hospital’s decision to become part of The University of Kansas Health System followed an extensive, transparent and thoughtful process by Liberty Hospital and its elected Board of Trustees to assess and select the best partner for its patients, physicians, employees and the community.

“Today marks a tremendous step in our journey as the premier provider of health and well-being in the Northland. This partnership will ensure the future of Liberty Hospital and our ability to meet the growing healthcare needs of people in the Northland and northwest Missouri,” said Raghu Adiga, MD, president and CEO of Liberty Hospital, “We are excited to bring world-class healthcare to our patients, for our employees to experience the benefits of academic medicine, and for our community to enjoy the economic growth and local opportunities we expect from this partnership. This is truly a special, historic day for us and for those we serve.”

As part of The University of Kansas Health System, Liberty Hospital will expand access to high-quality healthcare for current and future patients in the Northland, including a more seamless experience receiving primary, specialty and subspecialty care.

“As the region’s largest locally headquartered health system, we are committed to ensuring patients and their families in our region have access to the highest quality care close to home,” said Bob Page, president and CEO of The University of Kansas Health System. “As a health system, we put patients first in every decision we make. We believe and have proven when you make quality and service your priorities and have the very best people supported in the best and right ways, great things happen. We are excited to have the leaders, physicians, nurses, other care providers and employees of Liberty Hospital join our health system and look forward to serving even more people in our region and beyond.”

“Today, 35% of health system patients come from Missouri,” said Tammy Peterman, MS, RN, FAAN, president of the health system’s Kansas City Division. “As Liberty and the Northland continue to grow, it is important patients can get the necessary care close to home. This agreement will not only allow us to treat more patients overall, but also offer access to those with the most complex care needs at 39th and Rainbow and other locations.”

Liberty Hospital and The University of Kansas Health System previously announced in November 2023 the organizations had signed a Letter of Intent for Liberty Hospital to join the health system. Since then, leaders from both organizations have conducted due diligence to reach definitive agreements.

“As a life-long Liberty resident, I am excited about the hospital’s future as part of The University of Kansas Health System,” said Dennis Carter, chairman of the Liberty Hospital Board of Trustees. "We appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from providers, employees and the Northland for this partnership, which will ensure people receive the highest quality care close to home.”

“I’m excited about the opportunities to expand access to the highest quality care to more people in the Kansas City area,” said Robba Moran, chair of The University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board. “The care provided by The University of Kansas Health System is unmatched in this region, and the ability to continue to grow access to this care with organizations like Liberty Hospital is part of our mission.”

 Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Police Department Announces Captain Promotions

The Kearney Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Lt. Ron McEntire and Sgt. Brian Allen to the rank of Police Captain, effective May 1st, 2024. These promotions mark significant milestones in their respective law enforcement careers and reflect their dedication, leadership, and commitment to serving the community of Kearney. 

Capt. ron mcentire

Captain Ron McEntire joined the City of Kearney Police Department in 1996. Throughout his tenure, Captain McEntire has demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, earning promotions and accolades along the way. Notably, he was promoted to Detective in 2000 and subsequently assumed roles of increasing responsibility within the Investigations Unit, culminating in his appointment as Lieutenant Detective in 2002. In his new role as Police

Captain, Captain McEntire will oversee all day-to-day operation of the Investigations Unit, bringing his wealth of experience and leadership to the unit, helping ensure the safety and security of the community. 

CAPT. Brian Allen

Captain Brian Allen began his law enforcement career with the City of Kearney Police Department in 1998. Captain Allen's journey led him to serve in various capacities, including a brief tenure as a Detective with the Gladstone Police Department from 2009 to 2013.

Upon his return to the Kearney Police Department, Captain Allen continued to distinguish himself, earning promotions to Corporal Detective in 2020 and Sergeant Detective in 2021. Now, as Police Captain, he will assume leadership of the Road Patrol unit, overseeing its daily operations and administrative responsibilities.

The Kearney Police Department congratulates Captain Ron McEntire and Captain Brian Allen on their well-deserved promotions and looks forward to their continued contributions to the safety and well-being of Kearney residents.

Story submitted by press release.

MSHSAA Announces Show-Me Bowl Venues

The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) is excited to announce two top-tier venues that will play host to the Show-Me Bowl for the next five years.

In its April meeting, the MSHSAA Board of Directors voted to approve Columbia as the host city for the 2024 MSHSAA Show-Me Bowl for Classes 1-6. The six games will be played on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Missouri. The Board also approved St. Joseph as the host city for the 2024 Show-Me Bowl for the 8-man game. The 2024 8-man Show-Me Bowl game will return to Spratt Memorial Stadium on the campus of Missouri Western State University for the first time since 2007.

"We appreciate the work the cities put into this bid process, and we have taken this process very seriously," MSHSAA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Rukstad said. “We have an obligation to our membership to find not only the best facilities to host our championships, but also the best support from the host site to serve our schools’ needs. We are very excited about the next five years for the Show-Me Bowl!”

In addition, the Board approved St. Joseph’s proposal to host all 11-man and 8-man Show-Me Bowl games at Spratt Stadium from 2025-28.

“We have been extremely fortunate to host a wide variety of high-profile events over the last several months and cannot wait to welcome our state’s best high school football teams to an outstanding venue here in St. Joseph and Buchanan County,” said Executive Director of the St. Joseph Sports Commission Brett Esely. “In conjunction with our partner Missouri Western State University, we look forward to delivering an outstanding championship experience for all involved!”

Along with Griffon football and soccer, Spratt Stadium is also the home of the Kansas City Chiefs summer training camp.

"We feel Spratt Stadium is one of the premier college venues in the state and for our university to be on display for the best of the best high school football teams across Missouri over these next few years is a win-win for everyone involved,” MWSU Director of Athletics Andy Carter said.

MSHSAA offers championships and festivals in 24 activities, including: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, volleyball, wrestling, scholar bowl, music, and speech, debate & theatre. For more information, visit mshsaa.org.

Story contributed by press release.

Spectrum Launches Services in Rural Clinton County

Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation*, announced on Tuesday, April 30, the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 1,000 homes and small businesses near the communities of Cameron, Delaney, Trimble and Turney. Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout in rural parts of Clinton County is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion RDOF-related investment in unserved rural communities, partly offset by $1.2 billion in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction.

The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1 million customer locations as estimated by the FCC across 24 states in the coming years. Spectrum has also won more than $700 million in state broadband expansion subsidies, which, combined with Spectrum investment, will connect another 300,000 homes and small businesses.

“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Missouri and across America through RDOF,” said Matt Brown, Vice President of Construction. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in rural parts of Clinton County. We are providing local residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and 100% U.S.-based customer service.”

Broadband speeds up to 1 Gbps, plus money-saving Mobile options and 85,000 On Demand choices

Spectrum Internet delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and small business customers, featuring starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers customers 1 Gbps download speeds, with 300 Mbps and 600 Mbps options. The company has also begun a network evolution that will provide gigabit upstream speeds and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire 41-state service area.

“Rural broadband is the rural electrification of our time.” said Rep. Sam Graves. “Reliable, high-speed internet access isn’t a luxury these days, it’s a necessity. It’s great to see these dollars being put to good use in Clinton County—expanding internet access for more than 1,000 homes and businesses.”

Spectrum Internet exceeded advertised download and upload speeds for all tiers measured — even during peak weeknight usage between 7 and 11 p.m. — according to the FCC’s most recent “Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report” issued in January 2023.

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available also include Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum TV®. Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider** and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced Home WiFi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. Spectrum Mobile provides customers access to nationwide 5G at great value, with Unlimited lines starting at $29.99 a month, as well as By the Gig options.

Spectrum TV offers more than 270 HD channels and access to 85,000 On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App — the highest-rated pay TV streaming app in the U.S.*** — viewers can stream content across a growing number of platforms, including iOS and Android mobile devices, Xbox One, Kindle Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, XUMO TVs and PCs.

Local residents and business owners should visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services.

* Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.

** Based on year end 2022 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.

*** iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of August 1, 2023. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of August 1, 2023.

Story from submitted press release.