CLAY COUNTY — While most people blessed to reach the age of 90 have a more laid-back lifestyle, such is not the case for Smokey W. Anderson, who released a book “Rodeo Crazy Cowboys.” The book, a sequel to “Kansas City Rodeo Cowboy,” is available in hard copy, paperback and on Kindle via Amazon.
KEARNEY — Kearney football is heading into a new season and looking to defend their Class 4 state title from last season. After six-straight seasons without a district title, Kearney broke through and made a remarkable run to the top of Class 4 under coach Logan Minnick, finishing with an overall record of 13-2.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS — Two people and their pet dog are dead following an explosion that leveled a house and caused damage to nearby property in Excelsior Springs Friday, Aug. 23.
LIBERTY — A young roster will try to fill the void left by a strong core of seniors from last fall to lead Liberty boys soccer as the team prepares to head into another season. After finishing with an overall record of 13-6 and a KC Suburban Silver Conference record of 6-4 last season, the Blue Jays graduated six players from the team: midfielder Mitchell Dietrich, forward Connor Rottjakob, defender Andrew Shaw, defender Ryan Looney, midfielder Nico Rivera and goalkeeper Andrew Wassmuth.
KEARNEY — After back-to-back trips to the Class 4 state semifinals — with a state title in 2022 and a third-place finish last fall — Kearney softball is looking to put together another great season.
LIBERTY — As a new school year begins, Liberty boys swimming and diving is gearing up for another season. After finishing with a 11-0 record in duals, second in the KC Suburban Silver Conference and seventh in the Class 2 State Tournament, the Blue Jays graduated just one varsity swimmer from last year’s squad.
SMITHVILLE — Smithville softball will soon start a new season and is looking to build off a second-place finish in the KC Suburban Blue Conference last fall. As Amanda Bradberry heads into her second year at the helm of the program, she has a roster full of talent and experience to go into the new campaign.
LIBERTY — Eagles softball is not only preparing for a new season, but the team is also navigating a change in leadership under first-year coach Joe Boman. After serving 14 years as a varsity assistant coach for the Liberty North baseball team, Boman is now leading the Eagle softball program into the future.
KEARNEY — The Bulldogs’ cross country teams are sprinting toward a new season and looking to put another strong campaign in the books. Last fall, the Bulldog girls finished first in districts, first in the KC Suburban Blue Conference and sixth in the Class 4 State Tournament.
SMITHVILLE — The Warriors’ cross country teams are nearing the start of a new campaign and their first season under new head coach Riley Gorham. After five years with Jerad Luke at the helm of the program, Gorham takes over the Warriors’ cross country teams after serving one year as an assistant coach.