James Grimm
Oct 26, 2026
Kearney Week at a Glance |
October 27–November 2, 2026 This week, plan your final local early-voting visit, catch up on Bulldog milestones and get ready for Friday’s downtown Halloween Blast. We also explain Children’s Mercy’s 2027 ACA change, share dog-safety reminders and head to Ventana in Excelsior Springs for our food spotlight. |
Trivia Question❓Which grades can play in Kearney Parks & Recreation’s winter youth basketball league? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
 Kearney forecast, Oct. 27–Nov. 2. Source: AccuWeather, retrieved Oct. 26 at 9:45 a.m. CDT. Rain percentages are daytime chances; lows follow each day. NWS was checked but lacked the full date range. |
RECENT NEWS |
Children’s Mercy ACA Change: What Kearney Families Can Do |
Children’s Mercy’s 2027 ACA Marketplace change affects families across eight metro counties, including Clay. Find the hospital’s explanation, continuity-of-care resources and ways to support its mission. |
Clay County Early Voting Opens With 5,997 Check-Ins |
Clay County recorded 5,997 check-ins during the first two days of early voting, as reported Oct. 23. Kearney’s local site runs through Oct. 31; Nov. 2 early voting is available only at the Election Board office in Liberty. |
Kearney Shuts Out Ruskin 50–0, Stays Unbeaten at 9–0 |
Kearney shut out Ruskin 50–0 on the road and finished the regular season 9–0, according to MaxPreps. The Bulldogs scored 436 points and allowed 49 across their nine listed games. Playoff look-ahead: No. 1 seed Kearney has a bye and plays November 6 against the Benton–Van Horn winner. See the article for the official district bracket. |
Kearney Cross Country Sweeps Four Conference Titles |
Varsity girls, varsity boys and both JV teams won conference titles at the Oct. 17 meet. Catch up on the runners and team scores behind Kearney’s four-title sweep. |
Kearney Girls Golf Sets Program Records at State |
KPGZ’s Oct. 25 report celebrates Kearney’s program-best fifth-place state finish and Kindell Owen’s third-place individual result. Meet the five Bulldogs and their coaches. |
Youth Basketball Registration Opens in Kearney, Missouri |
Winter youth basketball registration is open through Nov. 15 for grades 1–6, with a $100 regular fee. Review the coed divisions, mutual buddy requests and the distinction between December practices and games after winter break. |
 Illustrative stock photo; not a local pet or adoption listing. Photo by Sami Aksu on Pexels. Source: https://www.pexels.com/@sami-aksu-48867324 |
Halloween Safety for Kearney Dogs: Before the Doorbell Rings |
Before the Halloween doorbell rush, put candy away, prepare a calm space and check your dog’s identification. Read the ASPCA-based reminders for a safer week. |
LOCAL EVENTS |
Tuesday: Welcome Budget Blinds |
Oct. 27 · 11:15 a.m. · Kearney Chamber of Commerce Welcome Budget Blinds of Kearney & Excelsior Springs as the business makes the Chamber’s coworking space its local home base. Meet the team and connect with fellow Chamber members. Source: Kearney Chamber of Commerce |
Friday: Downtown Halloween Blast |
Friday, Oct. 30 · 4–6 p.m. · Downtown Kearney · Free Halloween Blast brings storefront trick-or-treating, decorated trunks and entertainment downtown. Check the official City announcement and organizer’s guidelines. |
FOOD & DRINK |
Ventana Gourmet Grill: A Dinner Out in Excelsior Springs |
Head to downtown Excelsior Springs for Ventana Gourmet Grill’s varied menu and dessert choices. Dinner runs Monday–Thursday, with lunch and dinner Friday–Saturday; Sunday is closed. Check the official site for current hours, menu and reservations. |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Grades 1–6, with coed divisions for first–second, third–fourth and fifth–sixth grades. |