Young Professionals Love Life in Kearney, NE

Kirstina Kouma

As a hub for young professionals, Kearney has abundant resources for career building, interacting and recreating. Its networking and leadership groups help individuals bridge connections, while its bountiful entertainment options help them unwind on weeknights and weekends. Learn from these three young professionals on why they love life in Kearney.

Kirstina Kouma

Coming Back Home to Raise a Family

Born and raised in Kearney, Courtney Burbach’s journey briefly veered away from her hometown while her husband finished school in Omaha. Having met at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, the couple knew their time in Kearney wasn’t over yet. “We knew we wanted to come back and raise a family here,” Burbach says. 

When a position at Kearney Regional Medical Center opened for her husband, T.J., the Burbachs jumped on the opportunity to return. Burbach now works as the development director of the Kearney Family YMCA and has no plans to leave again. 

“We love the people,” Burbach says. “It sounds cliché, but people are so kind and welcoming here. It’s a big, small town.” 

As past president of the Young Professionals Network, a program run by the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Burbach knows the importance of networking after graduation when making friends can be hard. Yet, she also knows the value of taking time to recharge, and Kearney offers plenty of options to do so. 

The Burbachs fill their time with fishing and paddle boating in Cottonmill Park or kayaking in the Kearney Canal. They can also be found on the softball field at Harvey Park or on the pickleball courts. 

“I think T.J. and I do a great job of trying to make sure that we’re still out and about in the community but also taking the time to relax,” Burbach says. 

Exceptional Opportunities Abound

Like many youth, leaving her hometown of Kearney was something Kay Babl often thought about while growing up. Yet, as a college student and young professional, Babl came to appreciate her community. 

“Kearney is exceptional,” Babl says. “I’ve been to a lot of other towns the same size, but Kearney is really pretty hard to beat.” 

Babl and her brother, Kyle, now own Babl Kitchen & Bath, a family business started by their father in 1976. For a business owner, Kearney offers the networking opportunities and community support needed to help businesses take off. 

“Kearney has the right market for anyone who wants to move here and create a business,” Babl says. “Kearney is thriving.” 

When not at work, Babl enjoys the views at Buffalo Ridge Golf Course or Meadowlark Hills Golf Course as well as participating in Kearney Park and Recreation events like the Community Olympics. Restaurants such as Cunningham’s on the Lake, Fyre Modern Grill, The Crafty Dog Sports Bar or Joy’s Table Pasta & Steak, offer a welcome respite. 

While she may have entertained thoughts of leaving her hometown growing up, Babl can now call herself a homeowner, business owner and Kearney resident with deep roots. 

“I couldn’t see myself leaving at this point,” Babl says. 

Finding Community in Kearney

Grant Flamig was born in Colorado and grew up in various communities in Nebraska. He always knew Kearney as the place where people from nearby towns would come for shopping, dining and entertainment options. When a position at the Nebraska Public Power District opened, Flamig leapt at the chance to make Kearney his permanent home. 

“Moving to Kearney was never a concern as far as how is it going to fit my lifestyle,” Flamig says. “It’s safe. There are a lot of recreation opportunities. It is a great place to raise a family.” 

Flamig’s three children have grown up in Kearney, participating in sports and band at school. They have even had the chance to perform on stage at the Merryman Performing Arts Center. 

“My kids have opportunities they wouldn’t have anywhere else because of the small-town feel and the level of engagement in the community,” Flamig says. 

From baseball to hiking or biking in Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, Flamig stays active when not at work. Kearney has now been his home for 17 years, and Flamig doesn’t see that changing. “There’s never a dull moment,” he says.