Meet the Neighbors

Brought to you by Bridges Senior Living Advisors, Custer Federal State Bank, and EZ Kitchens

Kearney has a way of welcoming people in and making them feel right at home. For Kyla Bassett and her family, that’s exactly what happened. Originally from Texas, Kyla and her husband Jeff moved to the Kearney area just over two years ago. Jeff, a Nebraska native from Keystone, accepted a welding position with Black Hills Energy, which eventually led him to his current role as Construction Coordinator at Tallgrass Energy.

While it was work that initially brought the Bassetts to the area, it was the community that made them stay. “Even before we officially moved, I had a sense that Kearney was special,” Kyla shared. “There’s just something about the people, the atmosphere, and the way this town supports one another. It’s welcoming in a way you don’t forget.”

Kyla wasted no time getting involved. After transferring her real estate license, she joined Kearney Realty, helping families find their perfect home in the community she quickly grew to love. More recently, she also took on a new role as Development Director at the GRACE Cancer Foundation, where she helps support local cancer patients and their families. It's a role that allows her to serve others while deepening her ties to the community.

Kyla and Jeff are parents to two energetic boys, one who’s passionate about horses and another who’s all about trucks. Raising them in Kearney, they’ve found a balance between small-town comfort and a lifestyle full of opportunity. “There’s so much to do here as a family,” she said. “The YMCA and Children’s Museum are favorites, and the town offers so many events and ways to get involved.”

One event Kyla loves is the Butterfly Release at Yanney Park, hosted each summer by GRACE Cancer Foundation. “It’s free, family-friendly, and incredibly meaningful,” she said. “We gather to honor those we’ve lost to cancer and support those still fighting. It’s beautiful and full of hope, one of those moments where the entire community feels united.”

When asked about her favorite local spots, Kyla doesn’t hesitate to recommend Fyre for a great meal or The Whistling Wolf for a relaxing drink. But when it comes to hidden gems, she lights up talking about The World Theatre. “It’s such a treasure,” she said. “The popcorn is the best in town, and they show films for good causes. It’s more than a movie theater, it’s a piece of Kearney’s soul.”

Beyond family life and work, Kyla is actively involved in the community through LEADS Green, Young Professionals, Leadership Kearney, and the Chamber’s Envoys. She’s participated in local initiatives like Class Act, Go Red for Women, Career Exploration Day, and several charity golf tournaments. “We believe in supporting local, whether that means shopping at small businesses or giving our time,” she explained. “It’s how we invest in our town.”

Though the Bassetts now live in Amherst, just outside of Kearney, their hearts remain rooted in the energy and warmth of the Kearney community. “Living in a small town with only 200 people gives us the quiet of country life,” Kyla shared. “But Kearney gives us everything else arts, dining, opportunities, and most importantly, connection.”

When asked to describe Kearney in one word, Kyla chose welcoming. “From the people to the events to the support we’ve felt since day one, it’s a place that truly opens its arms to everyone. Whether you’re just passing through or planning to stay, Kearney makes you feel like you belong.”

As Kyla continues raising her family, supporting the community through GRACE and Kearney Realty, and engaging in countless local efforts, her story reminds us why community matters. It’s not just about where you live. It’s about who you live it with.