and pretend you’re allergic to boredom Brought to you by Molly Roberts Studio and Metaphysical Hit up the Team 5k Running Group like you’re training for the Olympics (but make it local and slightly more social) Then jog into Open Mic Night at The Atlas Saloon and dominate the stage Whether it’s spoken word or an angry poem about potholes Wander the Book and Gift Fair at the hospital like it’s your personal boutique Then float straight into Mother’s Day Brunch at The Elms where your love language (pastries and polite silence) is finally understood Cosmic Pep Talk: Flower Bowl Candle Class = Taurus heaven you have two speeds this week: “Let’s go!” and “Let’s talk about going.” Sign up for Walking Group bounce over to Mid-Day Mic for clever banter then hit Shop Local Late where you’ll run into at least five people you “totally meant to text back.” Cosmic Pep Talk: You can’t actually be in two places at once but Trolley Wine Tours on Saturday will make it feel like you can you’re all about cozy comfort and community and whisper kind encouragements to yourself during Yoga Foundation like the tender soul you are Cap it off with a Paint and Plant class because you need something to nurture Cosmic Pep Talk: Go to the Fairy Tea Party Strut into Glow with Greatness at Tiger Stadium like the parade’s for you Be spotted at Shop Local Late looking accidentally perfect And don’t forget to belt your favorite 80s ballad at Karaoke Night at The Eagles—because the world needs your version of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Cosmic Pep Talk: Buy the shiny thing at the Gift Fair you’re thriving in “planner season.” Between SNAP sign-ups You’ll love the Hall of Writers group—finally people who appreciate margins and bullet points as much as you do Cosmic Pep Talk: You can’t fix everything… but you can alphabetize the auction items at Mac’s and pretend you weren’t late to every event this week and then float into Fairy Tea at Infinitea Magik where everything is aesthetic and absolutely your brand Cosmic Pep Talk: Get to Crafting Day at Knit Ewe Together You’ll glue something with a bow on it and feel emotionally balanced again this is your week to get weird in the best way Try Goat Yoga—it’s like regular yoga but with hooves Then channel your mysterious vibes at Casa Di Vite Chess Club This is your villain origin story—but in pastels this week is one giant scavenger hunt for fun then convince someone to drive you to the Gift Fair then walk off those impulse buys at the Aqua Kids class—yes Cosmic Pep Talk: The Trolley Wine Tour has your name written on it you’re checking off boxes and cashing in coupons Drop by the Redevelopment Corporation Meeting to feel useful hit Yoga Foundation for structure disguised as serenity Pretend it’s for a Mother’s Day gift this week is perfect for your quirky brilliance Go full inventor mode at the Maker Challenge: Transportation of the Future and then slide into Goat Yoga like it’s a science experiment in chaos Your brain is firing on all cylinders—and one of them is fueled by kombucha Cosmic Pep Talk: Attend Open Mic Night and read your latest alien-themed poem and cry gracefully during Play and Learn because a toddler hugged you too hard This is your time to lean fully into the ✨whimsy✨ Name your creation “Moonlight in a Teacup.” Cry about it later If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen Excelsior Citizen518 Elms Blvd.Excelsior Springs, MO 64024(816)826-1270info@excelsiorcitizen.com Get the Excelsior Citizen e-newsletter delivered straight to your inbox each week It’s a collection of the best news and events all focused exclusively on Excelsior Springs No fluff just local news and information you can trust Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by Excelsior Citizen Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription Read Excelsior Springs Standard Copyright ©2025 Excelsior Springs Standard — Excelsior Springs Hospital (ESH) continues to bring specialized therapies to the community Certified Lymphedema Therapist Natalie Lewis and Occupational Therapy Assistant Amanda Rogers provide compassionate care close to home Lewis began her journey into healthcare after earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri followed by a master’s in occupational therapy from Rockhurst University in 2012 She became a certified Lymphedema Therapist in 2020 Lewis worked at Kansas University Hospital for eight years in the rehabilitation department She started as a PRN therapist at ESH in 2018 later transitioning to a full-time role in 2021 she has become the community’s go-to specialist for lymphedema therapy a therapist in the hospital’s rehabilitation department is not certified in lymphedema therapy but works closely with Lewis She assists in treating patients once an initial evaluation and care plan are established Lewis explained that lymphedema is caused by abnormalities in the body’s lymphatic system though both limbs or other areas of the body can be affected “Lymphedema therapy treats swelling in the extremities Lewis noted that lymphedema is often a result of cancer treatments that affect the lymph nodes Other conditions that can lead to lymphedema include chronic venous insufficiency (a disease that affects the veins) the heart isn’t able to pull fluid up through the body effectively which may cause infection and become very dangerous if not treated,” she explained “It can also significantly affect mobility and be emotionally difficult for people Patients seen at ESH for lymphedema therapy receive a combination of three treatments: compression Compression therapy involves using short-stretch bandages or wraps to reduce swelling and move fluid out of the affected area Manual decongestion consists of specific hand movements that stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage fluid movement Targeted exercises are also used to help improve circulation and mobility in the affected areas Lewis shared that treatment includes two phases: a reduction phase to minimize swelling followed by a maintenance phase to help prevent future flare-ups “The goal is to help patients manage lymphedema and enhance overall quality of life,” she said patients should start with a visit to their primary care doctor who will evaluate their condition and determine if therapy is needed expressed gratitude for the care received:“I was in Excelsior Springs Hospital two years ago and started receiving lymphedema services I feel I have come a long way in the last two years with the help of Lewis and the services offered for lymphedema through the hospital She has gone above and beyond to help me get through some rough patches Lewis said she enjoys working in the Excelsior Springs community which reminds her of her hometown of Chillicothe She added that working closely with her patients—and feeling supported by her team including Rogers—makes the job especially rewarding and I get to know my patients,” Lewis said and we don’t just get to know them—we also learn about their families and even the history of Excelsior Springs.” Last Updated on May 5, 2025 by Courtney Cole Mo.—After more than thirty years of shaping athletes and students alike Excelsior Springs High School (ESHS) head baseball coach and longtime educator Aaron Holst has announced his retirement following the 2024-25 school year Holst began his career in education and coaching at Stewartsville fresh out of college—a time he fondly remembers as “a wonderful experience.” But with his wife Lisa being a Kansas City native the couple hoped to move closer to the metro That opportunity came when Holst attended a teacher placement day and learned that Excelsior Springs was looking for a teacher who could also coach basketball and baseball He accepted the job and began as the junior varsity basketball coach while volunteering with the baseball program he officially joined the baseball coaching staff Holst served under head coach Vic Bonucci before taking the reins as head coach in 2001 “I coached basketball for 30 of my 32 years,” Holst said and baseball in high school and college—but baseball has always been my love.” Known for his emphasis on preparing athletes for next-level play Holst intentionally scheduled challenging matchups 29 of the team’s 42 games were against larger-class schools to help sharpen his players’ skills and competitiveness Holst credited much of the team’s success to strong community “The success we’ve had is bigger than me—it’s because of the people in this community,” he said Among his most cherished memories are those involving his family—particularly coaching his oldest son The two later shared the dugout again as coaches when the Tigers made another Final Four appearance in 2023 “There’s a small fraternity of guys who’ve had the chance to coach their own kids at this level,” Holst reflected Though stepping away from full-time coaching Holst plans to stay involved in ESHS athletics through part-time fundraising and possibly assisting with the middle school cross country team He’s also looking forward to spending more time with his wife and staying active with golf and pickleball As ESHS prepares to name a new head baseball coach Holst offered words of encouragement: “Nobody cares what you know until they know that you care Working for ESHS is a destination career; it’s a beautiful facility with great players.” His retirement marks the end of an era at ESHS and many in the community have shared their appreciation Current and former activities directors Jesse Hall and Eric Marshall praised Holst’s long-standing commitment “His dedication to the students of Excelsior Springs has been truly unmatched over the years He has consistently been a tireless worker and a true team player His record within the district speaks for itself.” a new initiative called “Shop Local Late” will keep downtown Excelsior Springs businesses open later every Thursday evening until at least 7 p.m. launched by the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) is an experiment designed to meet the needs of working residents while testing the community’s commitment to shopping locally The initiative comes in direct response to repeated feedback from Excelsior Springs residents who for years have expressed frustration over shops closing before they could visit after work “This isn’t just a marketing campaign this is our small businesses stepping up for the community,” said Lyndsey Baxter “The demand for extended hours has been growing and our merchants have come together to deliver an experience that’s fun and entertaining and we hope it grows into an evening culture in downtown.” participating businesses will offer exclusive promotions and specialty retail — all within walking distance in the heart of the historic downtown district Broadway) – $1 off seltzers including Long Drinks Casa Di Vite (216 Spring St.) – Promotions coming soon Broadway) – Locally made goods; promotions coming soon Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives (101 E Thompson Ave.) – Open until 7 p.m.; debuting made-from-scratch carrot cake in café Broadway) – Fiber arts boutique; promotions coming soon Broadway) – Natural body products; promotions coming soon Broadway) – Open until 8 p.m.; wine tastings from 5 to 8 p.m Broadway) – Succulent and garden shop; promotions coming soon Broadway) – Hands-on interactive 3D ring design experience and garden accents; Summer Porch Collection featured Broadway) – Half-price bottle of wine with purchase of two entrées Broadway) – Open until 8 p.m.; complimentary wine and 10% off cookbooks and coffee table books Willow Spring Mercantile (downtown Broadway) – Specialty food Shoppers are encouraged to stroll the district enjoy wine tastings and artisan experiences A complete and updated list of participating businesses and their weekly specials can be found at visitexcelsior.com/shop-local-late Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by Courtney Cole the Gentle Giant Ready to Be Your New Best Friend a 14-month-old Labrador mix with a heart full of love and energy to match A handsome face is only the tip of the iceberg with Grizz; he’s a well-mannered pup who has already mastered basic commands and is house-trained and he gets along well with other canine friends making him a great companion for households with existing pets Described by the Excelsior Springs Animal Control Center as “the sweetest big puppy,” Grizz would thrive in a home where he can engage in play and exploration He’s particularly fond of playing ball and would do best in a home with a spacious yard and with a family that has older children to play fetch with Grizz came to the center through an owner surrender His ideal family will be ready to continue teaching him tricks Grizz is available for adoption through the Excelsior Springs Animal Control Center Call 816-630-0816 to learn more about him or to schedule a meet-and-greet Appointments are required for adoption visits For more information on the adoption process, and to view other pets waiting for their forever homes, visit the Excelsior Springs Animal Control Center’s official Facebook page Don’t miss the chance to add the world’s friendliest Grizz-ly to your family Last Updated on May 4, 2025 by S Jason Cole 2025) – In a stunning case of cybercrime that left the Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD) short more than $253,000 have agreed to split the loss after it became clear the stolen funds would not be recovered The two organizations reached a settlement after months of investigation revealed that the money had been fraudulently diverted into a Texas woman’s shell company Neither ESSD’s insurance policy nor law enforcement agencies were able to retrieve the funds The theft had been kept under wraps for more than three years until last week when Excelsior Springs Police Chief Gregory Dull announced that detectives had successfully identified the suspect behind the heist faces felony stealing charges of more than $25,000 in Clay County Circuit Court.Excelsior Springs Police Chief Gregory Dull credited Detective Jeff Kaiser with unraveling the complex scheme that siphoned more than a quarter of a million dollars from the school district and piecing together a tangled web of wire transfers gathered critical financial records from Prosperity Bank and BREX and worked side-by-side with the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office to build a case strong enough to bring charges against Deann Kay Strong local authorities were flabbergasted to learn that Strong had been arrested and appeared before a Texas judge who released her on a $500 bond pending further proceedings when an ESSD accountant received an email purporting to be from KCAV’s Chief Financial Officer The message instructed ESSD’s accountant to send all future payments to a new account at LendingClub Bank citing a companywide change in payment procedures and attached two official-looking documents—one explaining the payment change and another appearing to confirm the new banking information on LendingClub Bank letterhead the ESSD accountant wired $253,692 to the account believing she was paying a legitimate KCAV invoice when a KCAV sales rep called to schedule a pickup for payment ESSD had not paid KCAV—it had sent a quarter of a million dollars to a fraudster who had opened a commercial banking account at Brex Financial Services under the name DKs Global Services LLC—a shell company with no real business operations Within a day of receiving the district’s wire transfer Strong moved $253,000 from her Brex account into her personal Prosperity Bank account $233,000 was transferred into cryptocurrency through an exchange called West Realm Shires (also known as FTX US) which itself collapsed later that year under federal investigation for massive fraud Bank records show that Strong used the remaining funds to make hundreds of smaller purchases through Amazon Prosperity Bank eventually closed her account in May 2022 for fraudulent activity the stolen money had evaporated into untraceable crypto wallets The scheme was more sophisticated than a simple phishing scam Investigators uncovered that KCAV’s Microsoft Outlook email system had been compromised Hackers created hidden “rules” within multiple KCAV employee accounts causing key emails related to finance and payments to be automatically diverted into obscure folders Further forensic investigation revealed that the hackers also forged emails purporting to come from ESSD’s accountant One fraudulent email sent to KCAV appeared legitimate but was never actually created or sent by the district indicating the hackers had complete control over certain email communications The supporting documents provided to ESSD were equally brazen included a signature line supposedly from a bank executive it was a cut-and-paste of Oprah Winfrey’s signature matched by investigators to publicly available online samples “This wasn’t just a fake invoice,” one investigator familiar with the case said “It was a complete and carefully engineered deception layered to look legitimate at every step.” Superintendent Jaret Tomlinson confirmed in police records that ESSD’s insurance carrier denied the district’s claim The insurer argued that because the funds were transferred voluntarily and were immediately withdrawn and laundered The FBI was contacted early in the investigation but Excelsior Springs Police reported receiving little federal assistance in recovering the money Private investigators working for KCAV reached similar dead ends facing the grim reality that the money was gone ESSD and KCAV agreed to split the financial loss equally a bitter compromise that averted a drawn-out legal dispute between the two entities Public records show Strong has a history of financial instability she resided in Corpus Christi and opened DKs Global Services LLC in late 2021 She listed the business as involved in “custom merchandise and makeup” sales although investigators found no evidence that the company ever operated legitimately Strong’s financial records show numerous overdrafts and what police described as an opportunistic approach to banking—maintaining low balances and taking advantage of minimal account oversight at online banks like Brex While Strong listed a man named Patrick Lampton as the beneficiary of her Prosperity Bank account investigators found no evidence linking him to the fraudulent activity The Excelsior Springs theft is a painful case study in the vulnerabilities public institutions face as they increasingly rely on digital communications and online banking the sting of the loss lingers.At the April 22 Excelsior Springs Superintendent Jaret Tomlinson lamented the loss taking some solace in the fact that the suspect had been identified and charged “We probably won’t see a penny from it,” Tomlinson said “but at least they might eventually have to pay the piper.” Last Updated on April 28, 2025 by Courtney Cole Community leaders and stakeholders gathered April 16–17 for a two-day Planning and Design Charrette marking a major step forward in Excelsior Springs’ efforts to update its Comprehensive Plan the charrette brought together members of the city’s Stakeholders and Technical Committees to dive deep into topics shaping the city’s future Following the two-day workshop, the city hosted a Public Open House to share initial findings and gather additional community input. Residents now have another chance to participate through a Virtual Open House, available until Friday, May 9, at www.excelsioracommunityrising.com The last update to Excelsior Springs’ Comprehensive Plan was in 2009 City officials say the new plan will guide growth and development for the next 20 years helping ensure that Excelsior Springs continues to meet the needs of its residents the plan will serve as a public roadmap that records shared goals and values while also identifying priorities for future development They also discussed findings from recent economic and market trend analyses stakeholders emphasized several common themes based on community feedback: Excelsior Springs’ leaders stress that broad public participation is critical to shaping a plan that truly reflects the community’s values and aspirations mirrors the materials presented at the in-person event and invites citizens to provide feedback on draft place types To participate, visit www.excelsioracommunityrising.com and make your voice heard – The spirit of community was alive and well on Saturday morning as more than 60 volunteers gathered for the 9th Annual Earth Day Clean Up organized by Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation received their assignments (and free t-shirts!) grabbed a donut provided by the Excelsior Springs Rotary Club and fanned out across the community to tackle projects ranging from pulling weeds and planting flowers to clearing debris from creeks and wooded areas The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Parks and Recreation and Community Center Director Nate Williams followed by a group photo in front of the iconic mural in Carolyn Schutte Pocket Park capturing the energy and excitement of the day Crews worked diligently at sites throughout the city with some groups braving muddy creek beds to remove discarded tires while others focused on sprucing up public spaces Volunteers could be seen throughout the community hauling out heavy debris all while sharing smiles and a sense of purpose “A huge thank you to everyone who came out for our Earth Day Clean Up Over 60 amazing volunteers gave up their Saturday morning to help beautify Excelsior Springs – we’re so grateful for your time and love for our town,” Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation shared in a statement on their social media and we couldn’t have done it without you!” Williams praised the dedication of those who participated noting that the event’s success is an example of the strong community pride that defines Excelsior Springs the Earth Day Clean Up has served as a way for residents to come together and ensure that the natural beauty of their town is preserved for generations to come Plans are already in motion for next year’s milestone 10th Annual Earth Day Clean Up promising even more opportunities for the community to make a difference Last Updated on April 28, 2025 by S Jason Cole 2025) — As Excelsior Springs area voters across Clay and Ray counties prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday the Excelsior Citizen has put together a guide to help make the process as smooth as possible From where to vote to what’s on the ballot Your polling location is determined by your home address Want to preview what’s on the ballot before heading to the polls Use the links below to view sample ballots for your area: Voters will choose from several candidates running for the Excelsior Springs School Board we invited each candidate to complete a detailed questionnaire on their views The Excelsior Citizen hosted a School Board Candidate Forum last week featuring a presentation from the school district on the proposed tax levy followed by Q&A with the candidates Be sure to check your sample ballot to see what will appear in your area Missouri law requires voters to show a valid photo ID you may still vote using a provisional ballot under certain circumstances you can contact your local election authority: Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by S Jason Cole voters re-elected Kalyn Goode and Tray Harkins to the Excelsior Springs School Board while delivering a decisive “no” to a proposed tax levy increase The outcome leaves the district facing tough budgetary decisions in the months ahead According to official results reported by both Ray and Clay counties Challenger Anna Sue Spohn received 962 votes Write-in candidates accounted for 56 total votes which district officials hoped would bring additional revenue to support staff salaries and programming 685 voters supported the increase while 1,404 opposed it In the Excelsior Springs City Council race Mark Spohn ran unopposed and secured another term with 955 votes including 931 from Clay County and 24 from Ray County expressed appreciation following the results: “I would like to thank everyone for getting out and voting for me I am excited to serve the Excelsior Springs School District for another three years and make all of you proud This job is all about doing what’s best for kids and I promise they will always be at the forefront of every decision I make for the district Tray Harkins also thanked supporters and addressed the levy failure: “I would like to start by expressing my genuine appreciation to all of you for your ongoing support and faith in my ability to serve on the board of education for the next three years This responsibility is one I hold in high esteem we will continue to prioritize the well-being of our staff and investigate potential avenues for cost savings Thank you again for your steadfast support and for participating in the democratic process to benefit our children.” Anna Sue Spohn shared a message with the community via her Facebook account “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your unwavering support and belief in my campaign centered on Transparency and Accountability for our students and stakeholders Your encouragement and prayers have been a pillar of strength throughout this journey The revelation of the ESSD40 scorecard to our community and the resources made available for further research have proven to be instrumental steps forward It is disheartening to witness the level at which our students are performing a fact previously unbeknownst to many in ES As we have successfully addressed the infrastructure of our buildings let us now shift our focus towards nurturing the infrastructure of our students’ learning and preparing them for adulthood I take this moment to congratulate Tray Harkins and Kalyn Goode on their successful election Your combined experience of 21 years holds immense promise for the betterment of our students and their future May this victory instill renewed vigor and determination as you embark on this crucial journey for the next 3 years let us forge ahead with determination and dedication guided by the shared goal of uplifting our community and empowering our students.” Clay County reported a 12.19% voter turnout while turnout in Ray County was reported at 10.7% Withing Excelsior Springs the Washington 1 & 2 and Fishing River 2 precincts (Westside) reported around 18% turnout while Fishing River 1 Precinct (Downtown) reported an approximate 7.5% turnout Results taken from reports generated by the Clay County Election Board and Ray County Clerk websites April 9 Excelsior Springs School Board (Vote for 2)Kalyn Goode – 1,394 (W)Charles “Tray” Harkins III – 1,192 (W)Anna Sue Spohn – 962Write-ins – 56 Excelsior Springs School Tax Levy QuestionYes – 685No – 1,404 ✘ (FAILED) Excelsior Springs City CouncilMark Spohn – 955 (W)Write-ins – 152 Ray County Memorial Hospital Board TrusteeBarb Scowley – 906 (W)Shari Renfro – 533Lisa Reed Nelson – 264Write-ins – 9 Camden Aldermen At-Large (Vote for 2)Mike Dunwoodie – 10 (W)Deborah McGrane – 6 (W)Tony Barchers – 6Write-ins – 5 Crystal Lakes Special Road Board MemberStephen Bean – 15 (W)Ronald Smith – 13 Hardin-Central C-2 School Board (Vote for 2)Shane Buhrmeister – 195 (W)Jeff Doyle – 167 (W)Write-ins – 7 Hardin-Central C-2 Question “Bulldog Strong”Yes – 108No – 133 ✘ Hardin Fire District Directors (Vote for 2)Mark McCorkendale – 146 (W)Thomas Burton – 138 (W)Stephen Shirley – 26 Hardin MayorJon Aaron Cavallo – 62 (W)Write-ins – 2 Hardin Alderman At-Large (Vote for 2)Sharle Doss – 58 (W)Jennifer Gant – 56 (W)Melissa Perkins – 27Write-ins – 1 Henrietta Special Road Board DirectorsRobert E Homestead Village MayorFrank James – 32 (W)Fred Welch – 11Write-ins – 1 Homestead Village Alderman At-Large (Vote for 2)George Pasalich – 29 (W)Glen Stice II – 15 (W)Robert Tustison – 12Write-ins – 19 Homestead Village Question 3Yes – 19No – 25 ✘ Lawson Alderman Ward 2 (Ray + Clay)Rodney V Norborne R-VIII School Board (Vote for 2)Suzanne Hamilton – 2 (W)Chris Leabo – 1Brandon Ehlen – 1Jennifer Grimes – 0 Norborne Proposition PiratesYes – 2 ✓No – 0 Orrick R-XI School Board (Vote for 2)Amy McNary – 138 (W)James Hulsey – 138 (W)Roger Thomas – 79Write-ins – 3 Orrick MayorTommy Schreier – 64 (W)Write-ins – 7 Orrick Alderman At-Large (Vote for 2)Cindy Epperson – 61 (W)Brooke Edney – 48 (W)James Smith – 29Write-ins – 3 Polo R-VII School Board (Vote for 2)Josh Fitzwater – 18 (W)Lori Heisey – 12 (W)Mark Kipping – 11 Richmond City CouncilWard 1: Terry Dickey – 40 (W)Bob Bond 13Ward 2: Deanna Guy – 97 (W)Ward 3: Rodney Williams – 83 (W)Ward 4: Rob Kinnard – 92 (W) Wood Heights Fire Director (Write-in One)Write-ins – 87 (W) Wood Heights MayorMichelle Lambert – 76 (W)Frank Davitt – 47 Wood Heights Aldermen (Vote for 2)Kathy Hart – 72 (W)Bernard Allen – 71 (W)Write-ins – 8 Avondale MayorCharles (Chuck) Lantz (W): 22Write-ins: 0 Avondale Alderman Ward 1Owen Meserole (W): 12Write-ins: 0 Avondale Alderman Ward 2Roxanna Webb (W): 10Write-ins: 0 Birmingham Trustee (Vote for 3)Sharman Blankenship (W): 15Bart Davis (W): 10Chad Lewis (W): 9Write-ins: 1 Claycomo Trustee (Vote for 3)Larry Barrera (W): 54Mark Benton (W): 54David Jett (W): 50Write-ins: 10 Gladstone CouncilmemberMolly Marie Gibson (W): 905Bill Garnos: 867Write-ins: 14 Glenaire MayorFrankie Petty (W): 28Write-ins: 0Glenaire MarshalRandall L More (W): 28Write-ins: 0Glenaire Alderman (Vote for 2)Robin A Young (W): 25Debbie More (W): 21Write-ins: 0Glenaire Alderman (Single-Seat Races)Dale Marcell (W): 28Brian Chadwick (W): 28 Holt MayorJeff Alley (W): 16Write-ins: 0Holt Alderman At-Large (Vote for 2)Jack Butler (W): 13John Franke Jr (W): 10James Raymond Misner: 7 Kansas City Question 1YES ✔: 6,560NO: 2,908Kansas City Question 2YES ✔: 7,072NO: 2,331 Kearney Alderman Ward 1Gerri Spencer (W): 518Write-ins: 34Kearney Alderman Ward 2Dan Holt (W): 500Write-ins: 37Kearney Proposition AYES: 651NO: 695 (Failed) Kearney R-I School District Board Member (Vote for 2)Jason Klindt (W): 1,122Christina Lindsay (W): 1,043Justin Paul Cook: 738Michael Joe Hickey: 211Write-ins: 23 Liberty MayorGreg Canuteson (W): 2,985Gieselle A.B Fest: 1,570Write-ins: 36LibertyCouncilmembersWard 1: Harold A Phillips (W): 796Ward 2: Kelley Pozel (W): 911Ward 3: Jeff Watt (W): 1,198Ward 4: Gene Gentrup (W): 705Liberty ConstableCameron Brenton (W): 2,313Lynn Werner Driggers: 1,364Write-ins: 41Liberty City ClerkDavid M Liberty AuditorTerry Mills (W): 3,454Write-ins: 42Liberty TreasurerMatthew Smith (W): 3,435Write-ins: 43Liberty City QuestionYES ✔: 2,385NO: 2,208 Missouri City MayorWoody Owen (W): 17Write-ins: 1Missouri City Council Ward 1Michael Stewart (W): 9Missouri City Council Ward 2No candidates filedMissouri City Council Ward 3Jan Kohl (W): 4Write-ins: 1 Mosby Alderman (Vote for 2)Guy Holt (W): 9Paul Backhus (W): 8 North Kansas City MayorJesse Smith (W): 399Bryant DeLong: 363Write-ins: 3 North Kansas City CouncilmembersWard 1: Kristen Click (W): 158Ward 2: Tom Bailey (W): 195Ward 3: Connor Fitzgerald (W): 151Ward 4: Amie Clarke (W): 123Additional Ward 4 Seat: Yvonne Salinas (W): 124 74 Director (Vote for 2)Aryn Peters (W): 4,242Daniel Wartick (W): 3,811Roy Copeland III: 3,667Jessica Rezac: 2,015Carolyn Mason: 2,113Jason Russell: 1,436Write-ins: 132Ballot QuestionYES: 8,702 ✔NO: 2,085 Oaks Trustee (Vote for 2)Ryan Hicks (W): 14Terence E Oakview Trustee (Vote for 3)Sherry Rickel (W): 43Aarin McClelland (W): 35Bradley A Oakwood Trustee (Vote for 3)Andy Patton (W): 40Dee Lowe (W): 35Terry V Oakwood Park Trustee (Vote for 3)Jennifer Schmitz (W): 15Write-ins: 35 Pleasant Valley MayorRenee Flippin (W): 142Andrea Hobbs: 96Eric J Pleasant Valley CollectorBecky Goltz (W): 246Write-ins: 2 Pleasant Valley Alderman Ward 1John Callaghan (W): 58Ruth Mesimer: 35 Pleasant Valley Alderman Ward 2Stephanie Freeman (W): 32Mary S Langner: 17Pleasant Valley Alderman Ward 2 (Alternate)Debra A Pleasant Valley Alderman Ward 3Anthony Crawford (W): 24Gregory Unkefer: 22 Pleasant Valley Alderman Ward 4Patrick Gallagher (W): 47Johnathan Aldrich: 41 Prathersville Trustee (Vote for 3)Richard St Smithville R-II School District Director (Vote for 2)Scott Jacoby (W): 1,124Whitney Carlile (W): 1,065Write-ins: 61Smithville R-II School District Bond Initiative QuestionYES: 1,161 ✔NO: 589Smithville R-II School District Levy Transfer QuestionYES: 1,117 ✔NO: 632 DirectorDavid Copeland (W): 706Write-ins: 21 Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by S Jason Cole Since opening its doors, the clinic has worked to remove barriers to healthcare by offering comprehensive, quality pediatric medical and dental services directly within the school district. The initiative is a collaboration between Swope Health, the Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD), and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) emphasizing the critical connection between good physical and oral health and academic success Pediatric medical services are available at the clinic every third Monday from 8 a.m treatment for acute and chronic conditions like asthma optometry services are expected to be added in the near future allowing students to access three essential services—medical and vision—through one convenient location Dental services are offered each Tuesday from 7:30 a.m with nitrous oxide available to ease patient comfort dental care remains one of the most utilized services at the clinic Adults are also welcome to access dental services expanding the clinic’s impact beyond just students led tours of the space during the open house He shared how critical the clinic has been for families without a regular primary care provider “Having access to care directly in the school removes a barrier that often prevents families from seeking needed medical attention,” Dr He noted that the clinic’s success in improving immunization rates has drawn attention from neighboring school districts MARC’s Early Learning and Head Start Director Dr Toni Sturdivant reflected on her personal experience growing up in rural Texas where accessing pediatric care required long drives and time away from work She emphasized how school-based clinics like Swope Health KidsCARE can make a life-changing difference for families Jaret Tomlinson also praised the clinic’s positive impact your guys’ excitement and the enthusiasm you bring that’s infectious and makes it a very welcoming place for our students and families,” Tomlinson said “On behalf of our board of education and all the staff and students thank you so much for how much you provide and help us.” Swope Health KidsCARE Excelsior Springs accepts private insurance ensuring services remain within reach for as many families as possible With one successful year behind them and new services on the horizon the clinic is poised to continue making a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of the Excelsior Springs community Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInEXCELSIOR SPRINGS (KCTV) - One man could spend decades behind bars after he was arrested and charged for a road rage stabbing in Excelsior Springs Clay County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Wednesday has been arrested and charged in connection to a stabbing in the parking lot of an Excelsior Springs grocery store A probable cause statement filed by the Excelsior Springs Police Department revealed that just before 9:30 a.m law enforcement officials were called to the Price Chopper at 1645 Kearney Rd was spotted headed east on Missouri Highway 10 law enforcement officials said they found a sheath and knife in his possession He told investigators he had been “flipped off” in traffic when he decided to follow the victim into the Price Chopper parking lot Daigle admitted he had stabbed the victim before he sped off Investigators noted that the victim was treated at the scene but refused medical transport Daigle has been charged with assault in the second degree and armed criminal action he remains behind bars with no bond listed (KCTV) - “Unnatural causes” have been blamed for the death of two men in an Excelsior Springs home; however the investigation into those causes remains ongoing The Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Police Department says that just before 8:40 p.m emergency crews were called to a home in the area of Trask and Woods Ave with a request for a welfare check from a family member of the residents they said the home was found to be secured The family member then asked officers to force their way in and check on the welfare of those inside When law enforcement officials made it inside the home they said they found two men who were ultimately pronounced deceased Both were found to have died from “unnatural causes.” Excelsior Springs Police indicated that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing the incident is believed to be isolated to those inside Law enforcement officials noted that there is no suspect or person of interest at large at this time Further information is expected to be released when it becomes available The identities of the two men have been withheld to ensure family members of the deceased can make appropriate notifications 2025) – Excelsior Springs Hospital has announced the closure of its Home Health and Hospice services reflects a broader regional and national trend with similar programs shuttering due to stagnant insurance reimbursements and increasing operational costs Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart expressed deep regret over the decision but emphasized that insurance providers had made it nearly impossible to sustain home health and hospice services due to stagnant reimbursement rates and increasing costs “One insurer has had a rate of $90 per visit for the last 15 years and refuses to budge,” DeHart said “That amount has to cover a nurse or therapist’s time and it simply doesn’t cover costs anymore.” The financial strain is further compounded by what DeHart described as unpredictable denials from insurance companies which sometimes revoke coverage for visits retroactively This practice has left providers and patients in difficult positions often forcing last-minute changes to care plans Excelsior Springs Home Health and Hospice has served the region since 1998 providing in-home medical care to patients in Clay The closure will affect approximately 120 patients with hospital staff actively working to ensure smooth transitions to other providers The program’s 22 employees were informed of layoffs early last week but the hospital expects to retain several of the team members in different roles “We had staff who have been with us since the beginning and newer staff who were frustrated that they didn’t have more warning,” DeHart explained “It’s an emotional time for everyone involved.” Excelsior Springs is not alone in this challenge hospitals in Liberty and Ray County have also shut down their home health and hospice services struggling with the same financial hurdles small and rural healthcare providers have increasingly found it unfeasible to continue home-based care services under current reimbursement structures While the hospital remains committed to serving the community in other capacities losing this long-standing program is a somber moment for staff and patients “We are keeping our employees and families in our prayers,” DeHart said “This is an unfortunate reality of the way healthcare is shifting Patients and families needing assistance transitioning to a new provider have been encouraged to contact Tiffany Cook Last Updated on March 17, 2025 by S Jason Cole 2025) – With shovels in hand and a vision for the future and development partners broke ground Friday morning on a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) that will expand health care services to thousands of veterans in the region marked the beginning of construction on the new Excelsior Springs VA Clinic a more than 13,000-square-foot facility that will provide comprehensive outpatient services to over 2,700 veterans in Clay and multi-specialty outpatient services in a location much closer to home for many veterans “This clinic is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of our continued promise to provide compassionate patient-centered care to those who have served our nation,” said Dr Chief of Staff for the Kansas City VA Medical Center “We look forward to opening the doors and continuing to provide the exceptional care that our veterans deserve.” The event opened with remarks from Medical Center Director Paul F followed by an address from Chris Williams Williams detailed the site layout and acknowledged the collaborative effort involved in bringing the project to this point we’re standing close to where the front entrance will be,” Williams said this has been two to three years in the making for our team It takes a lot of people working together to make something like this happen.” Administrative Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs explained that the clinic will replace the current location with a significantly larger and more advanced facility “It will allow us to expand services like primary care and optometry and include additional specialties and rehab services,” she said “We’re very excited to better meet the needs of the veterans in our community.” Construction is expected to take 9 to 12 months with officials aiming for a ribbon-cutting in early 2026​​ The project was described as a milestone in a long-term effort by both the Kansas City VA and Highlands Development Williams thanked key figures involved in making the project possible general contractor Granite Building Company and members of both the VA’s executive leadership and the City of Excelsior Springs Last Updated on April 21, 2025 by Courtney Cole Below you’ll find a series of short briefs highlighting some of the many updates and events that took place around town this past week Excitement is building as construction officially begins on the new Excelsior Springs VA Clinic located just north of El Maguey on Vintage Drive The Kansas City Veterans Administration is planning an official groundbreaking ceremony for Thursday Many citizens have been asking about the project which will continue expanded healthcare services to local veterans Stay tuned for more updates as the clinic takes shape A new chapter is in the works for the old Burger King building in Excelsior Springs the Community Development Department received a construction permit application to remodel the space into a Domino’s Pizza according to Community Development Director Mallory Brown with renovations expected to begin once approved Kilgore’s 414 Company hosted its popular Vintage Garden Sale this past weekend featuring over 10 regional vendors and drawing shoppers from as far as Texas The event highlighted the growing interest in vintage and antique shopping in downtown Excelsior Springs be sure to visit nearby shops like K Grace Home and Gift (455 S This Saturday Everbloom Esthetics opened on Thompson Avenue in downtown Excelsior Springs Emma and Sylvia are both licensed to be estheticians and are eager to help citizens in their skincare journey Team Wabash hit the road this past weekend for the Smoke in the Spring BBQ competition in Osage City kicking off their first contest of the season Competing against more than 90 top teams from seven states and two countries Wabash held their own—earning 14th place overall with a score of 695.9200 While they didn’t place in individual protein categories the strong overall showing proves they’re ready for a flavorful season ahead The Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives raised a total of $11,866 through its annual rummage sale held April 3–5 along with a pop-up sale during DEP’s “Sippin’ Into Springtime” event Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward the development of a shaded patio in the museum’s garden—an inviting new “front door” for visitors entering from the circle drive in partnership with former Kansas City Chiefs player Tim Grunhard and the Chiefs Ambassadors made a generous $1,000 donation this week to local nonprofit Meet the Need The donation honors the vital work the organization does to support families in Excelsior Springs “We’re proud to support those who make a difference in our community,” said the team at Roberts Robinson Warbird Whiskey isn’t just about spirits—it’s about service Thanks to strong community support at their recent tasting event held at Holladay Distillery Warbird raised enough funds to make a meaningful donation to the Veterans Community Project in Kansas City The team shared their gratitude for those who attended and emphasized their ongoing commitment to giving back to the heroes who have given so much Local resident Kirk Zwiers has announced plans to open a community Farm Stand on Dagley Street in the King’s Addition neighborhood The stand will offer a space for neighbors to share fresh produce and items from their gardens fostering a spirit of community and sustainability The opening is expected soon—just in time for the growing season Excelsior Springs Middle School 8th grader Nick Mubanga made history by breaking a decades-old long jump record Nick surpassed the previous record of 5.62 meters set by Joe Barber in 1983 Congratulations to this outstanding young Tiger The Excelsior Springs High School boys’ golf team earned more hardware this week winning the Cameron Invitational Tournament under the leadership of Coach David Stalder with standout performances from Landon Biermann (T-1st Congratulations to the team on a strong showing Excelsior Springs High School Performing Arts students took the stage this weekend with their production of Little Women earning rave reviews from audience members Local resident Karen Ketchum praised the show online “This is a great production—all the students gave an outstanding performance.” The cast and crew were also applauded for their impressive set design and heartfelt delivery of the beloved classic Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by Courtney Cole It’s been another busy and exciting week in Excelsior Springs From community celebrations and student achievements to new business developments and volunteer recognitions we’ve gathered a collection of news briefs to keep you updated on everything you might have missed reflects the spirit and momentum of our growing community—thank you for being a part of it There was someone that reported losing a Crucifix pendant at one of the sales and would appreciate its return if found The City of Excelsior Springs hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Hall of Waters on Thursday celebrating the many residents who dedicate their time and talents to serving the community Special recognition was given to longtime volunteers Betty Bissell who has served on various boards for 30 years with only two missed meetings Additional volunteers recognized for their service include: Others acknowledged for their longstanding contributions include Kent Powell The evening served as a heartfelt reminder of how much these volunteers have helped shape and strengthen the Excelsior Springs community The Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted a well-attended Coffee Brew and View on Wednesday offering guests a chance to network while touring two commercial properties for sale at 1006 and 1010 N The Chamber extends its thanks to Hightower Heritage for sponsoring the event and encourages everyone to follow the Chamber’s Facebook page for announcements about future Coffee Brew and View opportunities Knit Ewe Together pulled out all the stops for Local Yarn Shop Day drawing a line of eager shoppers waiting to join the festivities Owner Shawna Strombaugh treated visitors to exclusive patterns and even a fun scavenger hunt throughout the store celebrating both the art of knitting and the vibrant community that supports it Zion held its City Love event this weekend no-qualifications grocery giveaway at 1800 W Distribution began at noon and continued until every family had been served City Love is made possible through donations and those wishing to support future events can text “ZIONKC” to 77977 to make a tax-deductible contribution History was made in Wood Heights on Monday as Michelle Lambert was officially sworn in as the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor It’s a proud and exciting milestone for the community and residents are looking forward to the future under her leadership The city also took time to recognize and thank outgoing Mayor Frank Davitt for his many years of dedicated service His leadership and contributions have left a lasting impact on Wood Heights helping to guide the community through years of growth and change Congratulations to both leaders on this important transition Pictured: City Clerk Merry Marler swearing Mayor Lambert into office Chamber Director Brian Rice and Assistant Director Lindsay Hall met with new Chamber Board members Cora Boothe Director of the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center The group gathered at Other Trails Coffeeshop to review board expectations and prepare the new members for their roles in supporting the Chamber’s mission and activities Not pictured but also an incoming board member is Mike Edwards of Ameren Missouri 4.27.25 at 11:00pm: This story has been updated to include a missing Crucifix that someone lost at one of the garage sales Last Updated on April 27, 2025 by Courtney Cole Watch a full replay of this meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel. — After two special sessions and a competitive public interview process the Excelsior Springs School Board voted on Wednesday to appoint Brett Jones to fill the board seat left vacant by the resignation of Vice President Troy Snelling earlier this year Snelling stepped down from the board on January 29 amid public backlash over social media comments in which he compared Trump supporters to Nazis Because his resignation came just one day after the January 28 ballot certification deadline the seat could not legally be added to the April election under Missouri law The last day for candidate filing was December 31 Some community members have questioned whether a special election could have been called Missouri law requires that school board vacancies be filled by appointment when they occur after the candidate filing deadline and before the next regular election The appointee serves until the next election cycle at which point the remaining term appears on the ballot the Excelsior Springs School Board was required to appoint a qualified resident to serve until the April 2026 election has four children enrolled in schools across the district and works in the technology sector His wife is a special needs teacher in the district which Jones said gives him a unique perspective on both student and staff experiences “I am humbled by the confidence the Board has placed in me,” Jones said after his appointment “I look forward to getting to work for the betterment of our children and schools I’m also incredibly encouraged and grateful to see so many fellow citizens step up and be willing to serve They deserve our gratitude and appreciation.” Jones will be officially sworn in during the next regular board meeting on Tuesday alongside re-elected board members Tray Harkins and Kalyn Goode The board began the appointment process during a special open session on Monday Five district residents applied for the vacancy: Each candidate answered the same 12 structured questions in a public setting the board deliberated and voted in open session Board member Kenny Manley noted the difficulty of the decision especially given his personal ties to all five applicants he used a blind scoring system to evaluate each candidate’s answers “This was not a decision that was made easily,” Manley said “I’m grateful to everyone who stepped forward.” and Tray Harkins also emphasized the strength of the candidate pool and encouraged those not selected to consider running in future election cycles and restoring community trust as his top priorities He also expressed interest in exploring creative budget solutions following the recent defeat of the district’s proposed tax levy “The lifeblood of any school is its teachers,” Jones said during his interview He noted that keeping great educators in classrooms—even amid financial constraints—will require collaboration Board President Tray Harkins praised the professionalism of all candidates and the respectful tone of the process “We’re grateful to the community members who stepped up Jones will bring thoughtful leadership to the table as we face some challenging years ahead.” Mark Spohn will continue leading the city as the Excelsior Springs City Council unanimously re-elected him as mayor Council members also unanimously named Reggie St the role previously filled by Stephen Spear Spohn won re-election to his council seat earlier this month council members turned their attention to approving a $1.1 million purchase of a new rescue pumper for the fire department The new Pierce Enforcer vehicle will replace a 13-year-old rescue pumper and will be funded through the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund John said the cost includes a $100,000 equipment allowance to update outdated rescue tools “This new vehicle will not only enhance our department’s ability to respond to fires but also improve its capabilities during medical emergencies hazmat incidents and other critical situations,” explained St The Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee recommended the lease option on March 18 and the purchase was secured through a cooperative pricing program Council members also voted to waive a $225,163.97 lien on the former Royal Hotel property at 201 South Street The lien was tied to the city’s emergency demolition of a partially collapsed section of the building in 2021 Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy stated the lien had become a developer hurdle “In all of our conversations that we’ve had with potential developers who have an interest in the remaining building the idea of a lien on the building is becoming an impediment,” said Mehaffy The demolition costs covered asbestos abatement utility disconnection and assistance from the fire department Water used during the demolition was not included in the total cost The council addressed another long-term project by approving a revised conservation easement for the Hall of Waters a condition for securing a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures grant The revised easement reduces the original 50-year requirement to 15 years following a request from the National Park Service Mehaffy emphasized the change would simplify management for both the city and the State Historic Preservation Office The updated easement also includes photos of important architectural elements elevator doors and the building’s front facade which must be preserved during future renovations the council approved a new preventative maintenance contract for the Excelsior Springs Community Center The contract with Quality Plumbing totals $20,980 and covers plumbing Parks and Recreation Director Nate Williams said the agreement would help relieve pressure on maintenance staff and represents cost savings compared to the previous contract “This has been extremely helpful with the facility,” stated Williams “It doesn’t put all that stress on one maintenance person to do all of that preventative stuff.” the council adopted an updated Title VI plan for the city’s transit system as required by federal regulations tied to the 5311-grant program Public Works Director Chad Birdsong believes the plan ensures compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 guaranteeing service without regard to race The plan must now be updated annually and outlines the city’s efforts to reach individuals with limited English proficiency through public notices The council also approved changes to zoning regulations for the R-4 medium-density residential district Community Development Director Mallory Brown explained the amendment allows for medium-density apartment buildings two-family homes and senior congregate living A previous requirement for a planned district for two-family housing was removed at the council’s request The update includes new density limits and landscaping requirements aimed at expanding housing options Finance Director Vonda Floyd presented the city’s financial report for March showing total appropriations of $2,023,021.54 “The appropriations are in accordance with the city’s purchasing policy,” said Floyd noting that several vacancies exist on the Board of Zoning Adjustments Planning and Zoning Commission and the CID Vintage Board Current applicants have been reviewed and more positions will be advertised at the end of April you’ve had those transmittals that include the applicants and staff who also provide you with any comments they have,” said McGovern Council members concluded with remarks about recent community events Councilman Gary Renne praised the success of the State of the City address the mayor’s Block Party Challenge and the comprehensive plan rollout “I was proud to be a citizen of our city on each level.” Spear reminded attendees of the upcoming Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast John highlighted a downtown initiative to keep shops open late on Thursday evenings starting in May encouraging residents to support local businesses Excelsior Springs families had no shortage of Easter festivities to choose from this year with events across the community offering something for all ages Among the highlights were two major celebrations hosted by The Elms Hotel and Spa and the Excelsior Springs Community Center each drawing large crowds and delivering memorable moments for local children and families dozens of families gathered Friday evening for the center’s annual egg hunt Children raced across the grassy fields behind the building to collect colorful eggs filled with candy and surprises Organized by the city’s Parks and Recreation staff free way for children ages 0–15 to kick off their Easter weekend with neighbors and friends the Grand Easter Egg Hunt at The Elms Hotel and Spa made a grand return after more than 30 years Newly reinstated by General Manager Duke Christopher the event marked a major step in reconnecting the historic hotel with the local community Three separate egg hunts were held at the hotel: one at 11 a.m followed by a special teen and adult hunt later in the day and prizes that totaled over $10,000 in value Lucky egg hunters found golden eggs redeemable for hotel stays Many families also enjoyed a delicious Easter brunch inside the hotel’s Three Owls Restaurant The Grand Easter Egg Hunt at the hotel will become an annual event From the fields of the Community Center to the historic grounds of The Elms Easter in Excelsior Springs offered more than candy and colorful eggs — it brought neighbors together and rekindled traditions that will continue for years to come As Excelsior Springs prepares for the upcoming municipal election on Tuesday in partnership with the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce is providing voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for Excelsior Springs School Board A Candidate Forum will be held on Wednesday at the Mid-Continent Public Library – Excelsior Springs Branch (1460 Kearney Rd) the forum will be live-streamed on the Excelsior Citizen’s YouTube channel and shared on Facebook The forum will feature a moderated discussion that includes questions submitted by community members ahead of time Citizens are encouraged to submit their questions using the form on the Excelsior Citizen website Moderators will also monitor virtual comments during the livestream with a selection of those questions incorporated into the discussion as time allows The event will also include time for school district representatives to provide information on the proposed levy increase which is being put before voters in an effort to raise staff pay and address district needs candidates were given the opportunity to respond to a series of written questions submitted by the Excelsior Citizen and members of the public Their answers are shared below to help voters better understand each candidate’s perspectives and priorities share your personal connection to the Excelsior Springs community and explain what makes you a strong candidate to serve on the School Board a 1987 Excelsior Springs Grad and lifetime Tiger I was born and raised in Excelsior and have been involved in many different boards and committees in the past as well as currently I currently serve on the Board of Education In the past I served on the Chamber of Commerce Board the Capital Improvement board with the City and ran the Gregg Williams Foundation for over ten years raising close to 2 million dollars for the school district and the community during that time My knowledge of school Finance as well as my financial background has been and will be an asset to my continued service on the board with upcoming cuts to school funding I also feel that my knowledge and expertise from serving on the board provides irreplaceable assets My name is Kalyn Goode and I am seeking reelection for my third term on the Excelsior Board of Education I’ve been very fortunate to be able to be a part of some wonderful projects while serving on the board such as building two brand new elementary schools and the addition of our partnership with Swope Health KidsCARE in the ECC optometry and dental services for ANY student enrolled in the district I grew up and graduated from Excelsior Springs I am a very involved mother of two students ages 8 & 12 and foster mom I have owned my own business here for the last 10 years giving back to different foundations with donations I currently serve on the Board of Education and a handful of other committees throughout town such as the Rising Star award from the Chamber of Commerce & the Community Champion award from Excelsior Springs SAFE For inspiring children to act with integrity sponsored and facilitated the Little Miss & Mr Waterfest pageant and now all the Kids activities for Waterfest a local festival here in Excelsior Springs I teach children’s self-esteem classes within my business for kiddos ages 4 to 15 and I enjoy volunteering my time to various other organizations around town and being as involved as I can both went to school at ESSD and graduated high school here For the past 40 years I have been in sales and have owned my own business since 2007 with our travel agency I have also attained my real estate license and work with Better Homes and Garden Real Estate learning the art of listening carefully and acting on the processes needed for success are my strengths What specific goals would you like to accomplish during your term on the board I would love to see our district have continuity with our Central office admin as well as our building admin We can not continue to have revolving doors at these positions and expect our students or our teachers to deal with ever changing goals and practices Having experienced tenured teachers and admin staff that sets a goal and sticks to that goal and methods to achieve that goal is a huge key to stronger and better results in our students’ education I have been able to achieve so many goals while serving on the board for the last six years When I was up for reelection the last time I promised my constituents that I would focus on a clear written curriculum for every grade level advocate for a new Lewis elementary with a no tax increase & see that all children in Excelsior Springs were able to achieve free healthcare I would really like to see our kids above just State standards & I want our test scores to go up I want to see every child in our district be able to read above grade level I want to see our teachers making a livable wage and I want  programs put in place to stop bullying Goal-Transparency is essential for trust between the school board and the community Method- I support making all board meetings (except personnel-related sessions) accessible in person and via Zoom Media coverage should be encouraged to inform the public Establishing open communication channels will allow parents and educators to voice concerns and participate in decision-making Community involvement strengthens the school system and I will always be available to discuss issues and receive feedback Encouraging engagement through surveys and forums will ensure that school board decisions align with the community’s expectations and educational goals Academic ranking to scale higher is the #1 Goal a method to reach this goal is to make a district wide policy that all cell phones and smart watches be locked and stored before classtime begins until classtime for the day is finished What do you see as the primary challenges currently facing the district Our Primary challenge is what the state and federal cuts are going to do to our district If the state cuts $300 million from the funding formula that could be drastic to our district We will be looking at every budget item and staffing position with every position that becomes open and determine if we can afford to continue keeping that position Second Challenge we have is keeping teachers long term We don’t want to be a training ground for new teachers to come and learn how to teach and then to only lose them after two or three years to bigger schools and then we have to start all over It takes a lot of time and money getting a new teacher up and running right out of college It’s a huge investment to lose after just a short time I think the challenges ESSD is facing right now are budget cuts with federal and state funding We need to listen to what teachers are asking for Our children need to be striving for academic greatness The easiest fix to that is making sure kids are going to school every day The average GPA in our district is 1.70 this is unacceptable Focus the students on learning and retaining the information with testing and parent involvement ESSD #40 ranks 336th out of 551 Missouri schools with an average GPA of 1.70 (Show Me Institute) Nearby districts Kearney (41st) and Smithville (52nd) significantly outperform us We must prioritize academic excellence by enhancing curriculum standards and focusing on measurable student success Raising our ranking will make ESSD a competitive Our students deserve a top-tier education that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in higher education and the workforce What ideas do you have for retaining and supporting quality teachers and staff and what additional support systems do you believe they need to succeed in today’s classrooms We have done so many creative things to keep and support our quality teachers and staff that now it comes down to money We provide memberships to the community center 100% paid for among other things or Park Hill just to name a few and make 10 to 15 thousand dollars more a year that’s pretty hard to compete at this time That is life changing and makes a huge difference for them in retirement I can’t blame them for doing it to be honest We don’t even compete with Lawson and Richmond much because they are paying right at what we are paying for starting teachers now and we are much larger than them I think we have and continue to provide support systems needed for them to succeed in today’s classrooms and have provided most things that have been asked for we have to get creative if we want to retain a quality staff these are the people that are sitting in the classrooms with our children shaping their future I think we need to pay them a livable wage above state minimums and comparable to other surrounding districts I think we need to provide them with more support in the classroom with behaviors and everyday classroom management I think that we need to make sure that teachers are fostering a good relationship with their admins and that they feel supported by the Board of Education and central office We also need to quit putting unrealistic expectations on our teachers with extra fluff and give them a break and we really have to figure out how to fix that Support of faculty and administration to encourage and mentor new teachers To create a desirable environment in the buildings and classrooms as well as support for discipline and behavior issues that arise locking away the cell phones and smart watches during all class times Encouraging and enforcing ready to learn attire when attending school Pajamas and slippers with blankets is not ready-to-learn attire What role should the school board play in ensuring student safety and well-being—physically The board should continue to provide funding for building safety and security as much as possible along with keeping the SRO’s in buildings Thank god for the Clay County Children’s Fund that provides grants to school districts in Clay County that allows us to get the help that our students need for the emotional well being we would not be able to afford to pay for if not for those grant funds With the use of social media along with phones and tablets it’s so hard to control their social safety We block the best we can from many websites but to be honest kids figure out ways around those blocks more than not I think the board needs to provide the resources that we can to continue to try and stay one step ahead of them Our job is board members is to create policy So our role with ensuring the student safety starts from the top and trickles its way down We need to make sure that our policies coincide with current safety standards and that we are up-to-date on those standards The Board of Education needs to make sure that all of the Clay County Children’s Fund (a grant) dollars are being allocated correctly and maximized to their full potential These dollars help fund a lot of things in our district for mental health services I also think that taking a deep dive into how children are actually feeling and ask them directly would greatly benefit us with our small birds-eye view I don’t think that we as a board ask kids enough how they’re doing and get to hear from them Maybe this could be done with surveys at a classroom level and at home We need to make sure that we do have policies in place that support our children I propose locking and storing cell phones and smartwatches during class and addressing inappropriate language in schools Behavioral expectations should be raised to promote a positive learning environment Collaborating with local healthcare providers can enhance access to mental health services Remove all  DEI and Critical Race Theory from all curriculum and grade levels Prioritizing mental health resources alongside academic excellence will create a well-rounded educational experience that fosters resilience Do you support the proposed school levy that will appear on the April 8 ballot do I like more taxes but I want to be able to pay our entire staff better wages and benefits It takes every employee in the district to make the district run daily and they all deserve more income From a community members standpoint and from a board member standpoint I fully 100% support our staff needing an increase in their wages If you are going to serve on the Board of Education We cannot continue to pay our teachers wages below other surrounding districts and at state minimums We will not be able to retain them if we continue on the path we’re on I hate that we have to ask the public for an increase I do think that we dropped the ball on educating the community about how important this truly is I don’t think that they fully understand the severity of the situation or even what we’re asking for Because we’re not just asking for teacher increases we’re asking for all staff to have an increase even though the majority of it will go to teachers I think that we need to be mindful that we have Title 1 schools and a lot of our parents can’t even afford school lunches It makes me sick thinking that a family won’t be able to feed a child because they’re worried about an extra $25 (I use this number as an example) a month in taxes I know that $25 a month seems like a minuscule amount but it’s not a small amount for a lot of our families Our job as board members is to ensure that all children are getting a fair public education and I don’t know if that will happen if we don’t have the staff who is Self employed I struggle to make ends meet sometimes too so I understand how this could be detrimental for some families I think that it’s OK to want more information about something that you are going to be voting on I understand why others won’t and even I need more time and information I believe the timing for this proposal to ask our community for more money is not a good time I fully support our teachers and what they do and believe there is more money needed for the teachers the money on the levy reads this is money for staff The graph that has been shared from the central office has increased funding for Administration to receive 3% I would like to reevaluate the entire budget and look at how we are spending our money There are several in the elementary who are car riders with parents Can we rezone our routes and use less service with the bus company that will leave three superintendents at the central office With the state’s foundation formula underfunded and recent cuts to the federal Department of Education how should Excelsior Springs prepare to cope with these financial challenges As I mentioned above we may have to make cuts so we will have to look at everything and nothing is off the table when cuts have to be made The school district budget should be an area of concern for any community member Especially with all of the cuts from the federal Department of Education and with being off of the formula I think that we can prepare for these financial challenges by making sure all monies are allocated effectively & correctly by being meticulous Setting our reserves at a conservative number and doing a deep dive into all expenses while maximizing all grant opportunities We need to focus on grabbing every dollar for our students I also think that educating the public on School finance is extremely important Community members need to understand how their money is being spent and allocated because funding might have to come from a local level Especially if state and federal dollars aren’t coming in I think education will be key in our future successes That way in the future when we do need to ask for local support with a tax increase the allocation for funding to the schools has not been fully voted on in the House in Jefferson City The Federal funding has not been decided on as of yet either So these are both assumptions of what could or might happen with an average teacher salary of $59,000 and a superintendent salary of $192,000 These figures require a thorough review to ensure financial efficiency Resources must directly benefit student learning in math Budget discussions should focus on eliminating inefficiencies and reallocating funds to classroom instruction Ensuring fiscal responsibility will allow us to maximize student achievement while maintaining fair teacher compensation Transparency in financial decisions is crucial and I will advocate for responsible spending that prioritizes students and their educational success How can the district strengthen communication and build trust between the school board With the way people see and trust levels of government in the US these days it will be tough I think we do a good job of putting positive things out as well as things that happen at our buildings in a negative light  very well I feel we need to find a way other than social media to get information out as well as hold listening posts maybe quarterly or community members ever have questions they can always reach out to the board members I will speak to anybody about anything except personal and student specific matters I think that the district can strengthen communication and build trust between the school board families and staff by fostering a more open line of communication I think a lot of times we (the board) are set on the back burner just to be seen and not heard We are voted in by the public to be a voice for our community And I think that maybe we need to be more approachable and open to them I want the community and staff to feel like they can voice their concerns to us if they have them without fear of being reprimanded I do think that there is currently a lack of trust that the community has in the district  & the board and I would like to fix that I try to be as involved in the community as I can and just be “out there” I think that the more we make ourselves  available to the public the more it fosters a healthy relationship between the district and the public I always implore community members to reach out at any point in time if they feel like they need to Transparency is essential for trust between the school board and the community I support making all board meetings (except personnel-related sessions) accessible in person and via Zoom How will you ensure transparency in board decisions and accountability to the community I am not sure how much more transparent we could be Our open session meetings are aired live on facebook our monthly agenda are posted with all info that will be discussed on the district’s website Our monthly bills are even posted there for anybody to see and ask us questions The only thing that isn’t public is closed session meetings and we can only discuss four things in those meetings by law We have a complete audit every year by Westbrooke CPA firm and it’s made public and is posted normally at the Sept or Oct board meeting for the public to see and review I welcome any questions about accountability or transparency in my years on the board As I said our Meetings are open to the public to attend or view online I can ensure that the school board remains accountable and transparent to the community by holding my peers and myself to a high standard of responsibility and fostering open lines of communication with the public We need to own our decisions and be able to speak about them I think that having our board meetings broadcasted live during open sessions was a good way to start with being transparent I think carefully weighing all decisions and taking into consideration the ideas and views of the public is very important also to build trust We also need to be more involved with talking and engaging the community Basically the same question that would receive the same answer as above (question #8) What’s one message you want voters to walk away with as they consider who to vote for in this election I would just ask them to ask themselves the same question that I ask before every vote I take as a board member:  Is it good for KIDS If it’s good for KIDS then it gets my vote If they feel that I am on the board to support what’s best for every student then I would greatly appreciate their vote on April 8th One thing I really want voters to consider is who and what they’re voting for Being a school board member isn’t about wanting kids to learn cursive and saying that you want to hold people accountable without a clear vision It takes a long time to understand the ins and outs of a school district It took me a full term (3years) and a million questions to get my footing you need to completely support your district and the staff You need to be an advocate for public education ALL kids regardless of what they look like or what they want to do in or with their life And you need to love the community that you serve and be invested I implore you to look at who you’re voting for and make sure that their view is fully aligned with yours and it is what is best for kids Because that is what this job is all about Board Accountability – As one of seven voices on the school board I will advocate for a strong partnership between the administration and board to prioritize student success Transparency in decision-making is essential and curriculum improvements will create a positive learning environment Ensuring measurable progress in academic performance will hold the board accountable to the community and community feedback will help track progress I am committed to ensuring that ESSD remains focused on providing a high-quality education that prepares students for future success in academics Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Courtney Cole — Excelsior Springs police identified two men found dead Thursday in a house in the 200 block of Woods Avenue According to an Excelsior Springs Police Department news release the department received a 911 call at 8:39 p.m requesting that police check the welfare of the people in the home on Woods Avenue and a family member asked the officers to force their way into the home Police said that the two men's deaths were from unnatural causes No other information was available on how the men died no suspect or person is being sought in the deaths Crime Stoppers could offer you a cash reward Report a typo all parties are innocent until proven guilty the Missouri State Highway Patrol implemented a policy change to exclude the names of individuals involved in traffic crashes and boating/drowning incidents from preliminary online reports This decision followed reports of scams targeting crash victims and communities with suspects allegedly using publicly available information they opted to remove names from online reports while continuing to provide other pertinent details there are no reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) involving residents of Excelsior Springs 14 2025) – Excelsior Springs police are investigating the deaths of two men found inside a home on Woods Avenue Wednesday night According to a statement from the Excelsior Springs Police Department on March 12 after receiving a 911 call from a concerned family member requesting a welfare check at a residence in the 200 block of Woods Avenue After the family member urged law enforcement to enter the home officers forced entry and discovered two adult males deceased from apparent unnatural causes The individuals were later identified as 33-year-old Dare M Kinney was listed as the homeowner of the residence where the incident occurred Authorities have not disclosed details about the cause of death but confirmed that the evidence at the scene suggests the incident was isolated to those inside the residence Police have assured the public that there is no suspect or person of interest at large and additional information will be released as it becomes available Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the Excelsior Springs Police Department (816)630-2000 Last Updated on March 21, 2025 by S Jason Cole Excelsior Springs, Mo. — The Excelsior Springs School District facing criticism for the apparent decision to eliminate its participation in the Northland Center for Advanced Professional Studies (Northland CAPS) program without informing students which has not yet received formal school board approval has left some students and parents scrambling after they had already structured their schedules around the program several school board members have publicly stated they were unaware of the decision to cut the program Northland CAPS is a year-long immersive experience for high school juniors and seniors in Clay and Platte counties Students engage with real industry mentors gain early exposure to professional environments and have the opportunity to work in various industries Excelsior Springs has participated in Northland CAPS for several years and past graduates have gone on to secure scholarships and career opportunities directly because of their experience in the program the school district had promoted Northland CAPS to future juniors and seniors encouraging them to get involved in the program and planned their schedules based on their anticipated participation they were informed that Excelsior Springs would no longer be participating in the program Excelsior Springs School board member Traci White personally reached out to Northland CAPS and was told that the district had already informed the program it would only send two students to fill the 20 seats made available to Excelsior Springs students and Excelsior Springs would no longer be participating in the Northland CAPS program going forward White learned that because Northland CAPS operates on a competitive application basis Excelsior Springs may have forfeited its reserved spots for the 25-26 school year leaving future students unable to participate even if the district reverses course White noted that 10 students are currently enrolled in Northland CAPS at an estimated cost of $3,800 per student each academic year for the district Upset parents have taken to social media to express their disappointment Angela Creason-Bright voiced her frustration over the lack of communication in a widely shared post “Students were informed today that the high school is cutting the Northland CAPS program The board members I have talked to today were not aware that they were cutting the program,” Creason-Bright wrote on Facebook “The school district is promoting new buildings and wanting salary increases but we are cutting programs for students.” shared a heartfelt letter written by her daughter a senior at Excelsior Springs High School who has been part of Northland CAPS for two years Maycie described the program as “life-changing” and credited it with giving her direction for her future I’ve often struggled with not knowing what I wanted to do with my life The Northland CAPS program helped me find clarity,” she wrote “It has shown me that I am capable of far more than I ever imagined.” Maycie detailed the professional skills she learned through the program “Northland CAPS provides so much more than career training and hands-on experience in fields students might never have considered otherwise,” she wrote Her participation in the program led her to an internship that solidified her passion for nursing She has since been accepted to the University of Missouri’s nursing program is in veterinary school at Mizzou—an interest she discovered through the program (Read Maycie’s full letter here.) Excelsior Springs does offer career-based programs through the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center (ESACC) Students interested in skilled trades and professional careers can take courses in areas such as animation and media These programs provide students with hands-on training and certification opportunities in their chosen fields supporters of Northland CAPS argue that the program offers unique advantages that ESACC does not particularly the ability to intern at businesses across the Kansas City Northland region in high-skill Northland CAPS offers five distinct career strands: digital media and design Northland CAPS students work directly with industry mentors and secure internships in high-tech and corporate settings that align with their career interests The controversy over the Northland CAPS program comes just weeks before Excelsior Springs voters will decide on an April tax levy proposal aimed at increasing teacher salaries The decision to cut an academic program while seeking additional funding has already sparked criticism with some parents questioning the district’s spending priorities “I was shocked when [my daughter] let me know she was pulled into the counseling office and told ‘we just can’t afford it.’ I honestly thought maybe she just misunderstood I thought there was no way this is what [the school district] would choose to cut,” one parent said in response to Creason-Bright’s post The decision to cut Northland CAPS has not been finalized Excelsior Springs students could lose their spots permanently due to the high demand for participation The issue is expected to be a central topic at the next school board meeting on Tuesday have expressed that they plan to attend to demand answers and push for reinstatement of the program The Excelsior Citizen livestreams school board meetings to YouTube and Facebook where you can watch for free.*Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article stated that the annual cost per student to the district was $1,900 when it is actually $1,900 per semester Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by S Jason Cole 2025) – A road rage confrontation in the parking lot of Price Chopper on Tuesday morning escalated into a violent altercation that left one man with a stab wound and another in police custody According to the Excelsior Springs Police Department (ESPD) officers responded to a reported stabbing at 1645 Kearney Road at approximately 9:28 a.m Jesse James Road when 47-year-old Richard Okane noticed a black Ford Fusion speeding and weaving through traffic As the vehicle passed him in the opposite direction Okane reacted by flipping off the driver—later identified as 46-year-old Jeremy Paul Daigle of Richmond Police reports indicate that Daigle then made a sudden U-turn in traffic and began following Okane Both men pulled into the Price Chopper parking lot Witnesses stated that during the confrontation Daigle allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the left side of his abdomen Emergency medical services arrived on the scene to treat Okane Officers secured the area and obtained statements from witnesses one of whom saw Daigle pull out a knife and make contact with Okane’s stomach Excelsior Springs Police spotted Daigle’s black Ford Fusion near Isley Boulevard and Regent Avenue and initiated a traffic stop Daigle was detained without resistance and admitted to having a knife in his vehicle and permitted officers to search his vehicle Daigle reportedly made several unsolicited statements “I pulled it because he tried to hit me,” and “I tried to block him It’s like a scratch.” He also expressed remorse Daigle was charged with second-degree assault and armed criminal action The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant with a bond set at $10,000 Conditions of the bond include prohibitions against possessing weapons and coming within 100 feet of the victim — Two men were found dead inside an Excelsior Springs home Wednesday night The Excelsior Springs Police Department says they received a check the welfare call from a family member around 8:30 p.m at a home in the 200 block of Woods Avenue The family member then asked the officers to enter the home to check on the residents Officers entered and found two adult males dead from apparent unnatural causes police say they believe the incident is isolated to those in the home and there is no suspect or person of interest at large 2025) – Families across Excelsior Springs are preparing for a full calendar of Easter-themed festivities From neighborhood egg hunts and cake walks to community center celebrations and Bunny photo ops local organizations are offering something for everyone this season While there are many opportunities to fill a basket with treats this year’s Easter events are all but certain to be topped by the return of one of the community’s most cherished traditions — the Grand Easter Egg Hunt at The Elms Hotel & Spa the Easter egg hunt at The Elms is making a long-awaited comeback under the leadership of new General Manager Duke Christopher Reviving the tradition for the first time in more than two decades Christopher said the hotel is looking to strengthen its bond with the community by hosting more seasonal events throughout the year “It’s been over 20 years since we’ve hosted anything like this and we really wanted to bring back that connection between the hotel and the community,” Christopher said “This is just the start of many more seasonal celebrations to come.” The 2025 Grand Easter Egg Hunt will be held Sunday There will be three separate egg hunts throughout the day: the first children’s hunt will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a second children’s hunt at 1 p.m. and a special egg hunt for older teens and adults will take place from 4 to 5 p.m The $10 admission includes music from a live DJ and the chance to uncover a variety of prizes hidden inside eggs and seasonal offerings from the hotel’s restaurant and spa The Elms will also be serving a festive Easter Brunch from 10 a.m featuring a decadent buffet with prime rib A local discount is available for Excelsior Springs residents making the experience more accessible for area families the brunch promises a high-end holiday meal in a historic setting A three-course Easter Dinner will also be offered later that evening from 5 to 9 p.m. More information and registration details can be found at www.elmshotelandspa.com Other Egg-cellent Easter Events for Area Residents This event will feature a free egg hunt for ages 0-12 along with crafts and a cake walk located at 14305 State Hwy Y – Free Easter Egg Hunt and Bunny visit at Wild Bunch located at 1218 N Jesse James Rd – Free Easter Egg Hunt at Aspire Senior Living located at 1003 Meadowlark Ln – Free Easter Egg Hunt at the Excelsior Springs Community Center for ages 0-15 beginning after Church services on Easter Sunday Grand Easter Egg Hunt located at 401 Regent St Admission for the grand event is $10 per person plus a booking fee; children under 4 are free This grand event will feature a day of egg hunting as well as prize giveaways and opportunities to meet the Easter Bunny Other Easter Events Near Excelsior Springs Include:   – Old Union Church will host a free Easter Egg Hunt for children 0 through fifth grade It will be located at the Cardinal Baseball Complex at 18600 S Clark St – The Polo Community building will host a Free Easter Egg Hunt along with free door prize entry and pictures with the Easter Bunny a cake walk will be available for $0.50 per person along with concessions located at 1010 Main Street – Radiant Life Church to host a 10,000 egg Easter celebration for ages 0-12 as well as an all-inclusive special needs hunt located at 704 N Jefferson Street Are you having an event but don’t see it here? Send us an email at info@excelsiorcitizen.com with the details Here are some news headlines that you may have missed collected and collated from a variety of news sources Turmoil at USDA Rural Development may diminish aid for small towns and farms – KAZUHere’s Kyle Wilkens again standing outside the Miller’s Custom Cabinet factory in Excelsior Springs Governor Mike Kehoe appoints seven to Missouri boards and commissions – KTTN-FM 92.3 and KGOZMark Ellebracht was appointed to the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole Ellebracht is a principal partner at The … Landmark racial gerrymandering Supreme Court case puts another Missourian front and center – The HeartlanderAnd a native of Excelsior Springs and a lawyer with a national reputation in such … Missouri’s Romantic Getaway Spot Has Natural Healing Waters – 97.9 KICK FMMany travelers choose The Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs Missouri if they want a romantic getaway or a peaceful escape Carlton Logan: Burek and Cake is a Bosian … Sixty-two 4-H and FFA students earn Missouri State Fair scholarships – KTTN-FM 92.3 and KGOZMegan Marie Riegel Woman, 2 children taken to hospital after single-vehicle crash near Vibbard – KCTVA woman and two … Court documents: Fatal shooting led to chase with lawmen in another county – KCTV Investigation Ongoing: The Mysterious Case of Andrew Nicholas Frantz in Missouri – KSIS Radio 1050 AMWhy did it take the police in Excelsior Springs three days to find his car Why was the car destroyed instead of kept in evidence Baseball Recap: Benton Wins Going Away Against Excelsior Springs – MaxPreps.comAs for Excelsior Springs they broke their three-game winning streak and moved their record to 5-2 to becoming a defensive assistant with the Houston … Results from I-35 Speedway – USRA Racing(4) 24L Patrick Lewis Raiders re-sign cornerback Sam Webb – Raiders WireThe Las Vegas Raiders have re-signed cornerback Sam Webb 195 pound cornerback appeared in 11 games for the Raiders during the 2024 … Across the Ozarks: Old West outlaws in the Ozarks – McDonald County PressHe was a minister in Excelsior Springs Members of the James Gang were responsible for the first and last train robberies in Missouri … Educator, activist and communist, Dr. Doxey A. Wilkerson – New York Amsterdam NewsDr The following are obituaries of those who have connections to Excelsior Springs. Click here for all Excelsior Springs obituaries Last Updated on April 6, 2025 by Courtney Cole invite you to attend the 2025 Excelsior Springs Candidate Forum in preparation for the upcoming April 8th municipal election This forum provides an opportunity for voters to hear directly from school board candidates about their priorities and vision for the future school district representatives will discuss the proposed levy increase aimed at improving staff pay This moderated forum will feature candidate introductions Community members were asked to submit their questions ahead of time to be asked at the forum Question submissions have now been turned off and we hope that you will join us at the forum on Wednesday 2025 at 6:00pm at Mid-Continent Public Library’s Excelsior Springs Branch Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by Courtney Cole There was a lot going on this week in Excelsior Springs Here’s a run-down of some of the bigger things happening this week in the community March 1st and drew the normal crowd of eager ice cream eaters Owner Jon Saura suggested trying their new flavor a layered Italian dessert made with different flavors and colors the name comes from the Italian word “spuma” The Dryfork Greenway Project is starting Kennedy Ave from Caldwell St to N Salem Rd and N Main St from Grand Ave to Salem Rd will be closed the closure on McCleary Rd is scheduled to be opened again on Monday Watch the Excelsior Citizen group for announcements Highway 69 between Missouri Highway 92 and Vickie Dr.: flagging operation on Mon. US-69 at various locations: intermittent lane closures from Mon. and NE 176th St.: flagging operation from Mon. March 6 with the possibility of an additional closure on Fri. Ray County: Missouri Business Highway 10 between MO-13 and Missouri Highway 10 west.: full closure from Mon. The fourth Thrive Excelsior Citizens Academy was kicked off on Monday February 24th at the Excelsior Springs Community Center Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the program that they are undertaking an opportunity to get an in-depth understanding of our communities ins and outs Citizens Academy Sponsors: Excelsior Citizen The first Coffee Brew and View was held this week at the commercial office location in the Vintage where The Mug Coffeeshop used to be located (2300 Vintage Ct) This event is sponsored by the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce and is meant to be a laid back networking event where local businesses and available commercial spaces take center stage providing a way to discover new and unique spaces the community has to offer The next Brew & View will be March 26th from 7:00am-8:30am in the available property at 2400 Vintage Ct (Behind Edwards Jones/Jeremy Stone) hosted by Beacon Realty 2025 Chamber Board Candidates were announced this week with four nominations being presented for consideration of Chamber membership vote These directors would take seats in April and serve a term of three years Nominations are still open for board candidates If you would like to submit your name as a board candidate Candidates for the board must be in good standing with the Chamber and must have agreed to accept the responsibility of directorship submit your petition request along with supporting signatures of at least five (5) qualified and current members of the Chamber Petitions must arrive at the Chamber office by 4 p.m This weekend the Yard Waste and Bulky Item Drop Off opened providing citizens with an opportunity to haul their yard waste and drop off items on Saturdays in March (as long as it is not snowing!) from 9:00am-3:00pm at 1300 S Marietta St For all the details on this program, click here! The VFW met this week at the Elks Lodge to discuss plans regarding the crash that happened into their building in the early hours of February 15 The crash left the building indefinitely closed until damages can be assessed for insurance Law enforcement is always awaiting figures so that charges can be appropriately made We will continue to keep the community informed as we have more information This weekend volunteers including Bartlett Homes and Padgett Farms helped to remove the tunnel This allows for Lovers Lane to be open to traffic once again The committee was delayed in removing the tunnel due to the harsh winter weather in January and February Last Updated on March 2, 2025 by Courtney Cole Prom night is a special milestone for Excelsior Springs High School juniors and seniors To ensure the fun continues in a safe and exciting way the 2025 After-Prom Committee is working hard to host an unforgettable After-Prom event on Saturday alcohol- and drug-free environment where students can enjoy music The committee’s goal is for every student who attends to leave with a prize and they are seeking donations—big or small—to help make that possible Those who wish to contribute can easily do so through an Amazon Wish List where prize donations can be purchased and sent directly to the committee and other exciting giveaways that help make the night even more special For those who prefer to make a direct monetary contribution instead of using Amazon Checks can be made payable to “ESHS After Prom” and mailed to: Excelsior Springs High School 2025 After-Prom Committee 612 Tiger Drive Excelsior Springs Your support means the world to these students and helps create a night they’ll always remember we can ensure that prom night is not only fun but also safe for all who attend For more details on how to donate directly please reach out to the After-Prom Committee Thank you for being a part of this amazing community effort Last Updated on February 23, 2025 by Courtney Cole Excelsior Springs – Animal Control Appreciation Week starts April 13th and Excelsior Springs residents have an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedicated officers who keep the city’s animal welfare—and by extension This annual weeklong event helps illuminate the sometimes unknown work of animal control officers and gives the community an opportunity to give back to the people who serve with heart Animal control officers in Excelsior Springs are more than just enforcers of municipal codes; they are caregivers responding to complaints ranging from barking dogs to wildlife in distress their work involves much more than simply issuing citations an animal control officer with the agency for more than 20 years has a well-established motivation and philosophy for her duties A year before she started in public service She recalled the experience and how it motivated her saying “I just got off the couch when I got this job and it kind of gave me reason to get up every day and come to work and it gave me purpose after I had suffered the loss of my mom.” The personal passions of their team translate across barriers of humans and animals alike although there are some misconceptions about their work inspiration comes from a genuine love for animals Animal Control Appreciation Week is not only a time to thank the officers for their hard work but also an invitation for the community to get involved The officers serve as mediators and caregivers ensuring that animals are treated with respect and that conflicts between neighbors are resolved amicably Davis explained that handling a complaint often means engaging with a pet owner in a deeply personal moment “When I knock on a door to discuss a complaint it’s not just about the animal—it’s about listening to someone’s story and finding a solution together,” she noted Animal Control Appreciation Week also celebrates the creative ways these officers build bonds with the community Officers have found methods to build trust and lasting animal partnerships with owners such as sharing photos and stories of rescued animals on social media which not only raises awareness but also helps in reuniting lost pets with their families Animal control officers Melissa Davis and Melody Nutt shared that they act as matchmakers between future pets and owners and even personalities helps to make sure animals are placed in forever homes residents of Excelsior Springs are encouraged to give back in ways that directly support the animal control team or even volunteer time can make a big difference “These contributions help us care for the animals,” explained Davis They also offer free resources to pet owners in need of supplies are on display in their front office and are free to pet owners who need them There is no better token of appreciation than empty kennels when animals are matched to good homes Some pets even have their adoption fees sponsored so there is no cost to adopters for those animals There is an application process to ensure the safety of fee-free adoptions; please call animal control at (816) 630-0816 to learn more The week serves as a reminder that the safety and well-being of a community depend on the work of its public servants An animal control officer’s job isn’t just about controlling animals; it’s about building a community where both pets and people can thrive As Animal Control Appreciation Week approaches Excelsior Springs has an opportunity to show their gratitude residents are not only celebrating the hard work of their animal control officers but also supporting the bonds that make the city a caring and connected place the community ensures that every creature—whether human or animal—receives the compassion and care it deserves Last Updated on April 13, 2025 by S Jason Cole — An Excelsior Springs man has been charged with multiple counts of first-degree statutory rape following an investigation by law enforcement and child protective services was taken into custody in January 2025 after an investigation linked him to alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor in August 2021 According to the probable cause statement filed by the Ray County Sheriff’s Office Watson engaged in a sexual relationship with a juvenile victim who Authorities launched an investigation in September 2021 after the Missouri Department of Social Services reported suspected sexual abuse Detectives obtained digital communications from the victim’s Facebook Messenger and Snapchat which reportedly contained incriminating conversations shared between Watson and the victim During a forensic interview conducted at Synergy Services Children’s Advocacy Center the victim detailed multiple incidents of sexual contact that occurred at Watson’s residence in Excelsior Estates between mid-August and early September 2021 The victim reported that Watson had engaged in sexual acts despite knowing the age difference and that he later warned the victim to remain silent about their relationship The report revealed that law enforcement also obtained the victim’s phone which contained explicit messages and images When confronted by detectives in December 2021 Watson initially denied any wrongdoing but later admitted to communicating with the victim Investigators reported that while questioning Watson in his home he began to delete messages from his phone prompting them to seize his phone as potential evidence an analysis of his seized device by the Western Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force was unsuccessful in extracting data Watson was arrested and taken into custody by the Ray County Sheriff’s Office in Richmond after authorities served a warrant for his arrest at 10:33 a.m first-degree statutory rape and statutory sodomy are unclassified felonies carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison The severity of the sentence can increase if aggravating factors punishable by up to four years in prison and potential fines Watson remains in custody on a $50,000 bond after Judge Lori Jeanette Baskins denied his February 4 citing concerns that he posed a flight risk and a danger to victims and the community The court determined that the seriousness of the charges and Watson’s prior legal history warranted continued detention under the current conditions Watson has also applied for a public defender suggesting his intent to fight the charges in court His next scheduled hearing is set for February 11 Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to contact the Ray County Sheriff’s Office Last Updated on February 5, 2025 by Courtney Cole — After six years of leadership in Excelsior Springs and a 28-year career in education Eric Marshall is retiring as the district’s athletic director currently an assistant principal at Excelsior Springs High School who will officially assume the position on July 1 who has dedicated nearly three decades to education emphasized the relationships he built with students and the community as his proudest achievement “I put forth a lot of effort to get to know people and figure out ways to help them achieve their goals,” Marshall said and I’ve always tried to be an encourager.” Marshall looks forward to spending more time with his family including his sons—one of whom plays football at William Jewell College “I feel like I’ve been tied here for so long,” he said “I’m looking forward to the freedom to make decisions about what’s next.” While he intends to stay busy he has no immediate plans beyond enjoying time with his family and exploring new opportunities who joined the district alongside Marshall in 2019 brings a strong background in both athletics and activities Having grown up participating in multiple sports he understands the impact extracurricular activities can have on students “Athletics and activities had a major impact on my life and I hope our students and staff can look back on their experiences here and feel the same way,” Baker said One of his priorities as athletic director is fostering early involvement in all programs “Our band is discussing the possibility of adding a fifth-grade program to get students involved sooner,” he noted “The same principle applies to athletics—we’ve seen how successful programs like soccer and wrestling have been because of strong youth feeder systems.” “I know how impactful athletics and activities can be,” Baker said I want our students and staff to look back at their time here with that same feeling—that it was meaningful.” ​​Along with overseeing student activities and athletics, Baker will also help guide the Tigers through their transition into the Midland Empire Conference (MEC) a move that will bring new competition and logistical challenges in the coming years “Sitting in a new chair always comes with unknowns but I have great people to lean on,” he said “Eric has taught me so much over the past few years… I know I have big shoes to fill and I’m excited to carry on the work he’s done.” The district has not yet announced a timeline for filling Baker’s current position as assistant principal Last Updated on February 16, 2025 by S Jason Cole a planning meeting was held at noon at the Mid-Continent Public Library to advance final design discussions for the RAISE grant infrastructure project focused on improving North Jesse James Road (Route 10) between Price Chopper and Chuck Anderson Ford Led by TranSystems engineers and city staff the session emphasized upcoming changes that will reduce the number of driveways and entry points from 35 to 22 along the corridor—an effort expected to significantly improve traffic safety The project includes major upgrades like sidewalk and trail additions covering roughly 9 miles of infrastructure enhancements Preliminary traffic studies and crash data showed frequent accidents throughout the stretch—not just at intersections—underscoring the need for better access management attendees were encouraged to review and provide feedback and preparing a request for qualifications from design-build teams to carry the project forward Joe’s loving spirit is carried on by his wife six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren They moved from Princeton to Excelsior Springs in 1962 when Joe got a job working for the city of Excelsior Springs Joe quickly moved to a position at Owens Corning Fiberglass He then worked for the Excelsior Springs Housing Authority for 20 years Joe was a man of many interests and talents You could often find him in his garage under the hood of a car with one of his kids holding the flashlight and one of his brothers by his side It should be noted he sold that car to buy a car for his 16-year-old daughter but also could repair or build just about anything He was such an enthusiastic fan he could often be seen down on the wrestling mat helping the referees No one who met Joe could ever forget his sense of humor He was never one to resist a joke or a funny story he kept his sense of humor and his commitment to God He was a member of the Richmond Christian Union Church You will forever be in our hearts and will continue to impact our life choices please consider donating to the Richmond Christian Union Church MO 64085; or a health care-focused charity Last Updated on March 15, 2025 by S Jason Cole Missouri Republicans continue push to bar state funding of diversity, equity, and inclusion – KMZUState Rep filed a bill that would prohibit public schools and universities from using state funding on DEI A brief history of Excelsior Springs and the water that helped grow the city – KMZUAn ambitious project to preserve an important part of Excelsior Springs history is underway 9 Best Wellness Retreats in Missouri – World AtlasA historic retreat built in 1912 The Elms Hotel and Spa in Excelsior Springs is the perfect place to indulge in relaxation Excelsior Springs Job Corps Culinary Students Bound for Disney Internships – KMZUThe Excelsior Springs Job Corps houses 436 students across a 26-acre campus It offers several different programs for its students Mother wants justice for son shot by hunting rifle inside home – Fox 4 News Kansas CityGavin Podhorn was in his home on January 23 when he was accidentally shot with a hunting rifle Troopers Respond to Fatal Crash – KMZUA deer is being blamed for a fatal accident Thursday night in Clay County swerved to avoid the animal and traveled off of the roadway Class 1 District 4 Girls Wrestling Championships – KQ2 News2nd place: Lilly Goetz (Excelsior Springs) 9 Charming Missouri Towns for a Perfect Weekend Getaway – Midwest LivingAlso north of Kansas City Excelsior Springs calls out with its famous mineral waters believed by some to heal ailments like tuberculosis or even gunshot wounds This KC-are town was once a destination for those seeking relief from aches and pains – Kansas City StarExcelsior Springs gained fame for the mineral waters that attracted people to its bathhouses and hotels Postcard: Broadway Street in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Was Still Bustling in the 1950s – Kansas City StarThe image is brimming with small town postwar positivity Signs point people to Jack’s Bar and Grill and Stella’s Cafe The Clay County Bank keeps watch on the corner And large American-made cars line both sides of the road Snow from winter storm ends in Kansas City. Here’s how much snow fell across the metro – Kansas City StarOther higher snowfall reports included 2.8 inches in the Brookside area of Kansas City 2.7 inches in Excelsior Springs and 2.5 inches in Olathe Historical Maps of Excelsior Springs – PastmapsWhat stories do these 29 old maps tell about Excelsior Springs’s past these maps reveal the evolution of streets and natural features in stunning high-res detail Last Updated on February 17, 2025 by S Jason Cole