Excelsior Citizen’s 2025 Year in Review

Throughout the year, our community has witnessed a wide range of events and stories that have left an lasting mark on our collective journey. While it’s true that crime and accidents dominated the headlines as top news stories, we must also acknowledge the multitude of heartwarming moments that unfolded concurrently. Today, we come together to reflect on the highlights that have defined our shared year, Excelsior Springs.

January

Best Week Ever

Donnici’s Italian Deli & Market holds Grand Opening
The Springs Restaurant hosts an Open House and Ribbon Cutting
Glorimar’s Pizza takes over Laura’s Pizza Buffet
ESHS Math Team, Speech and Debate, Wrestling, Tigerettes and Stu Co all had successes in one week

News to Note

Excelsior Citizen joins Missouri Press Association
ESHS student Rebecca McDade competes at National 4-H competition
Ongoing trash problems with Republic Services
School Board approves new score board
Dubious Claims Brewing Co. announces closure and sale of business
Impromptu community snowball fight brought over 25 residents together at Sunny Side Park
Local boy receives adaptive tricycle from Variety KC
ESHS Hosts 2nd Annual Alumni 3v3 Basketball Tournament
Excelsior Floral’s owners Marvin and Nancy Shepherd sell their business to Lori Bales with Blooms and Things
Volunteers act as “Snow Angels” lending a hand during heavy snowfall
ESHS student Emerson Svoboda competes in BMX Grand Nationals

February

Best Week Ever

Downtown Excelsior Partnership sells out with 400 participating in Chocolate Tour
ESPD holds Awards Night where Cpl. Justin Linard was awarded 2024 Officer of the Year
DEP earns 8th consecutive Main Street America Accreditation
ESSD students had the week off due to extreme cold and winter weather. ESHS Speech and Debate Team wins their 6th straight conference title

News to Note

ESSD School Board accepts Troy Snelling’s resignation
Local officials participate in a Clay County legislative event
Poverty simulation held at the community center by Community Action Agency
DEP hosts regional meeting with highlights on KC’s role in 2026 FIFA World Cup
Dennis Hartman interviewed by KMZU on restoration of mineral waters
ES Farmers Market announces their new downtown location at the American Legion
City begins comprehensive planning process with citizens
Sabrina Caves is announced as a new realtor with Re/Max
Women make up 33% of the ESFD workforce
ES Joins Midland Empire Conference for 2026-27
Eric Marshall retires as ESSD Activities Director, Doug Baker successor
ESHS Tigerettes competed at state competition, coming home with 4th in Division 2 Mix and 4th in Division 2 Hip Hop
New Chamber Coffee Brew and View event for businesses opportunity to connect, sip a cup of coffee, and discover unique local spaces!
ESHS Softball Academic All-State 2024-25 Team: Addi Lingle, Bella Loeffert, Kinley Rogers, Reese Ryan, Willa Schreier, Josie Casler
Ray Co task force leads the fight against human trafficking nationwide
Dry Fork Greenway Project makes progress
Wood Heights secures over $1 million grant funding for storm sewer repairs
Mayor Mark Spohn announces citywide challenge for Neighborhood Block Parties

March

Best Week Ever

ESHS Tiger Wrestlers medal in state: Logan Bates, Cooper Collins, Ryne Marcum, Justin Wright, and Lily Goetz
ESHS Lady Tiger Basketball team wins Class 4 District 15 Championship
Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery hosts St. Patty’s Day party
Style by Ry, Knit Ewe Together, and Ciao, Bella celebrate milestone anniversaries
DEP hosts successful Sippin’ Into Springtime event

News to Note

Grant helps firefighters upgrade to battery-powered extraction tools
Communications Officer Carol Hunter retires after nearly 40 years
Tiger Bowl prodigy Averie Bourne rolls perfect game at 12 years old
Nate Williams, director of ES Parks and Recreation and Community Center, received the Missouri Parks & Recreation Distinguished Associate Fellow Award.
ES Museum announces Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall coming in 2026
The ESHS Boys Wrestling Team secured district wins, leading to six students qualifying for state tournament.
ESSD reinstates Northland CAPS after public outcry
Wayfinding grant will cover new downtown signage
ESHS launches Key Club, empowering students through service
Geocachers joined together to clean up trash in Wildwood Park
ESPR announces Boundless Backyard, an all-ability park being built on Milwaukee St
ESACC Carpentry built playhouses that were on display at Union Station
ESMS Teacher Andy Morris Earns State Recognition for Civic Ed.

April

Best Week Ever

Excelsior Springs Parks Foundation holds Annual Piccadilly “Down and Derby” raising $29k for Milwaukee All-Abilities Park
Excelsior Springs Celebrates Animal Control Appreciation Week
Easter activities take place throughout the community with Egg Hunts and visits with the Easter Bunny
9th Annual Earth Day Clean Up organized by ES Parks and Rec

News to Note

ESACC Carpentry won Best Innovation Award at KCHBA Parade of Playhouses!
Federal funding cuts prompts local pantries to request goods
Domino’s Pizza rumored to be going into the vacated Burger King property
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
Dry Fork Greenway Project progresses in the downtown off Salem and N Main St
RAISE Design planning meeting was held at the library
Roof at VFW restored after car wrecks into it
ESSD teacher Katie Boone presented with MACTE Outstanding Beginning Teacher Award
75 local households participate in Spring Garage Sale
Brett Jones chosen to fill vacant ESSD Board seat vacated by Troy Snelling
New VA Clinic breaks ground
Second Annual Silver Prom
ESSD teacher Jennifer Harding earns National LifeChanger Award
Sonic Drive-Thru gets their parking lot fixed after a long wait from their insurance company
FSB Bank purchases scoreboards for baseball and softball fields
Swope Health Center celebrates one year at Early Childhood Center
City Council selects Mark Spohn as Mayor and Reggie St John as Mayor Pro-Tem
Donnici’s celebrate official grand opening with Chamber ribbon cutting

May

Best Week Ever

ESHS students are having the Best Week Ever after a safe and fun Prom
Moms recognized for Mother’s Day
ESSD Seniors graduate
ES Job Corps students hold graduation

News to Note

Alterations and Custom Sewing was recognized by Clay County Sheriff’s Department as their “Business of the Year
ES Golf Course’s Austin Hardison plays in the PGA Professional Championship
Style by Ry starts offering home consultations on wardrobe
Ray Co Sheriff seeks new leads in Colette Greene homicide
Excelsior Springs High School (ESHS) head baseball coach and longtime educator Aaron Holst announces his retirement
Downtown merchants launch “Shop Local Late” in efforts to increase business
15th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast takes place at The Elms Hotel
ES Community Pharmacy installs MedSafe bin for safe medication disposal
City launches Virtual Public Open House on their website – excelsioracommunityrising.com
Rural Clay County residents mobilize to block Ideker Quarry expansion
Trailer fire at Majestic Hills Mobile Home Park
Country Classics played for the last time this Saturday. Band members will continue to play individually but have retired as a group.
American Artifact Co. is now Heartland Quilt Supply
P&R has reported a pitching machine stolen from Eddie Raper Park.
House fire on Stratton St claims one life
Deputy Fire Chief Camron White celebrates 25 years
ESPD Deputy Chief Bobby Warner completes prestigious Command College Program
Abelardo’s Mexican Fresh Drive-Thru taking over DICK’s Drive Thru space
Citizens warned of poison hemlock in the area
Captain Potter crafts training facility to train firefighters
Wood Heights elects first female Mayor, Michelle Lambert
ES Cultural Guild cancels Gatsby Days
143rd Terr Bridge closed indefinitely
Tigers Varsity Baseball Closes Season with 6-0 loss in District Finale
Teresa Bryer named Elkhorn’s Teacher of the Year; Abby Turner, Cornerstone Teacher of the Year; Clara Steffen, Lewis Teacher of the Year; Emily Post, ESACC Teacher of the Year, and Mary DiGirlamo, ESMS Teacher of the Year
ESFD’s Assistant Chief of Training John Potter constructed a comprehensive training facility
Senator Kurtis Gregory and Representative Mark Meirath passed a bill by both the House and the Senate that will allow the City of Excelsior Springs to pursue the mineral waters for tourism benefits

June

Best Week Ever

Shop Local Late kicks off in the downtown
Sam Shouse inducted into the Greater Kansas City Coaches Hall of Fame
Mr. Farabee with the Masonic Lodge Clay #207 presented the Back to School Resource Fair with $6,000 to support students coming back to school
Good Samaritan Center hosts annual Tortoise and Hare Walk
Waterfest has another successful season

News to Note

A Sweet Affair Bakery announces they’re moving
Fluesmeier family held a lemonade stand and raised $100 for the food pantry at Good Samaritan
Pho House restaurant closes downtown
Boopertone Tanning Salon opens downtown
Citizens enjoy Friday Night Car Cruises in the downtown on Broadway
Dept of Labor pauses operations at Job Corps campuses nationwide until a federal judge issued a restraining order to halt the closures
Lyrics on the Lawn returns to the downtown with free summer live music
Thrive Citizens Leadership Academy graduates largest class yet, doubling participation
Veterans start fundraising to cover costs from accidents
Crown Hill Cemetery received a $50,000 donation from a private trust, which will be invested for perpetual maintenance.
Citizens reported receiving 2”-4” of rain after a storm early in the month
City of Excelsior Springs proposes annexation of land in Mosby, blocking quarry expansion
Resignations surge after school tax levy fails in the election
Mallory Brown is hired as the City of Excelsior Springs’ Community Development Director
19th Annual Wine Festival takes place in the downtown
Evening Farmers Market opens in a new location at the American Legion
Good Samaritan Center held their annual Tortoise and the Hare fundraiser
ES Hospital Mental Health Team Becomes Regional Resource
Waterfest takes place in the downtown
ES Museum and Archives holds a ribbon cutting to celebrate their new patio
New mini murals unveiled in downtown Excelsior Springs
Excelsior Springs Hospital’s Psychiatric Services Department and Excelsior Springs SAFE receive $5,000/each grant to combat youth opioid misuse
Museum announced they raised $6,670 during Waterfest Rummage Sale
Food Excellence Safety Awards go to: Aspire Senior Living, Clay-Ray Veterans Assoc., Cornerstone Elementary, ESMS, ES Senior Center, Lewis Elementary, Opportunity Cafe & Coffee, and Other Trails

July

Best Week Ever

Excelsior Springs celebrates with fireworks thanks to The Elms Hotel and Spa and The Eagles
ES Parks and Recreation and Community Center offer many summer activities for the youth
Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery raise over $3,000 for Clay Ray Veterans Memorial Hall
Clay-Ray Veterans Memorial Hall receives $10,000 from ES Elks Lodge from local golf tournament

News to Note

ES Parks and Rec is hosting a Dog Days of Summer event, offering a Mobile Pet for Cats and Dogs offering Vaccinations and Microchipping by Pet Resource Center of KC
Cyclists riding across the US on the Adventure Cycling route come through town
Other Trails hosts their first ever bicycle swap meet
Barbee Church holds Annual Christmas in July drive for local underprivileged children
ES Hospital Community Pharmacy modernizes with local app
ES Chamber holds Summer Swing golf tournament fundraiser
Dr. Brad Hoffman expresses grief in Letter to the Editor for those he believes will be harmed by recently passed legislation that slashes Medicaid, food assistance, and international health aid.
Farmers Market is cancelled due to heat advisory
Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery earns top honors at 2025 MO Governor’s Cup Wine Competition
Ameren donates air conditioners to Good Samaritan Center for heat relief
Oxford House sparks public forums when requesting a zoning exception
Rise in hemp-based products in local gas stations
City announces approval with Urban Trail Co. to develop and maintain trails on the city-owned wooded property near the airport and golf course

August

Best Week Ever

Businesses Butterfly Kisses Boutique, Vesta Hearth & Home, and Wabash BBQ Celebrate Anniversaries
DEP celebrates 25 Years with BBQ Fly In on the River
ESSD is back in session

News to Note

City awarded $250,000 from EIERA grant to remove the asbestos from old Wyman School & the windows with lead based paint.
ES Fire Department holds annual breast cancer fundraiser
Council approves moving waste contract from Republic Services to Redgate
Crystal Lakes holds ribbon cutting for The Overlook event space
The Empowerment Studio holds ribbon cutting
ESPD escorted Jimmie’s Miles for Medals charity motorcycle ride through Excelsior Springs
Valley Manor invites people to bring their friendly, vetted dogs for a summer event
Italian Way closure frustrates citizens
Council denies zoning request from Oxford House after public hearings
The Co-op at Excelsior Springs announces expansion and partnership with First United Methodist Church
The Redbeards, local band, earns spot in International Blues Challenge
Neighbors come together to remember Campbells one year after house explosion

September

Best Week Ever

Local wineries begin harvests
Over 55 homes participate in Fall City-Wide Garage Sale
ES Golf Course holds annual King of the Hill Competition, winner Tim Jarman
DEP celebrates two decades at annual dinner
Clay Ray Veterans holds 10th Annual Car Show

News to Note

Mayor’s block party challenge has total of 30 parties at this point, with 20 to go
ES Fire Department investigating staff member who made remark using ambulance toward protestors in Pleasant Valley
City and local groups work together on addressing homelessness
Dustin Danner joins Excelsior Citizen to cover local sports
Farmers Market doubles up (up to $25) on Food Bucks and accepts SNAP/EBT
NAPA Auto Parts hosts Cars and Coffee
New owner of the Royal Hotel planning for a multi-year restoration that will blend architectural reverence with modern innovation
Citizens excited to see goats along US 69 Hwy clearing brush for Waller Trucking
Black Flame Books and Games opens in downtown
MCPL celebrates record reading with Summer Reading Program
Take It To the Limit: An Eagles Tribute starts at Slightly Off Broadway Theatre
ES Christmas Committee announces theme for parade – Let It Glow
Opening farm stands seems to be the latest local trend.
ES athletes celebrated at 2025 Hall of Fame Ceremony
DEP wins statewide award for economic transparency with the Missouri Main Street Connection
Cultural Guild holds art show for local youth
Wheels for Whiskers Car Show raises funds for pet spay and neuter program
PreventIVe Health and Wellness has ribbon cutting, opening on Thompson in the downtown
Restoration Church buys old Paradise Playhouse for services on Sundays
ESSD senior Willa Schreier commits to play softball at Briar Cliff University
ESHS students gave their time to clean up trash along Crockett Ave
City’s engineer starts the process to evaluate the viability of Lithia Well on Broadway as to quantity, quality & improvements needed on site or in the Hall of Waters to make the mineral water available for the public
Local volunteers prepare over 500 food kits for ESSD students
The Elms hosts Nightmare on Elms Street Pop-up Bar
ES Night Out brings community together with activities for families and first responders
ES Police Dept holds community workshop about crime prevention through design
Cornerstone Elementary celebrates Color Run
ESSD Senior softball player Keira Romazon Hits 200 – Strikeout Milestone

October

Best Week Ever

ES hosted 165 CEC Conference attendees in our downtown for workshops and socials focused on community building
Over 200 participate in Opal Wapoo Gravel Grinder competition
ES Health Care Foundation held their annual gala at The Elms Hotel
ESHS Tigers celebrate Homecoming
DEP holds successful Witch Way to the Wine event with 400 witches and warlocks running the streets to visit over 20 downtown businesses for magical elixirs

News to Note

City Pilots Homebound Support for 30 Residents
City holds listening session ahead of annexation ballot initiative
Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery hosts 2nd annual Irish Festival
Lady Tiger Softball player Josie Casler commits to Baker University Softball
Bill Payne Party returns to circle drive for costume contest followed by the Halloween parade
ESFD holds grand opening of the John Potter Training Facility
Wine and Shine Tasting Room offers lunch for those widowed on Wednesdays
Rotary holds Grocery Grab at Price Chopper fundraising for senior scholarships
Encampment behind City Saver Thrift cleared following city code enforcement
Trial of Timothy Haslett Jr delayed until next year
Residents voice opposing views on quarry expansion and annexation through Letters to the Editor and City releases video series “Voices”
Deputy Fire Chief Camron White will be visiting schools and will see 1200 children with fire prevention messages.
Excelsior Citizen in partnership with the Chamber hold Annexation Panel at the library
Boundless Backyard all abilities park moves toward final phase with $1m in funding
Lady Tiger pitcher Kayden Rogers commits to MCC Softball
Lady Tiger Tennis players end strong season at districts
Gabby Scrivener qualifies for Class 3 State Golf Tournament in Joplin where she went on to set ES record
ESHS Competitive Acting, Speech, and Debate team took overall Sweepstakes in individual events at Benton HS
Ray Co 911 broke ground on their new facility at 105 Matt Waller Ave, Richmond
Fire damages downtown apartment and Bohemian Sage Gallery
ESHS Senior and Mizzou-bound Nick Dunker named National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist
Hightower Heritage Real Estate’s Michelle Goode shares her story of cancer and offers message of positivity
ESSD prepares for possible property tax changes under state’s Senate Bill 3
Family Nurse Practitioner Kirstyn LaFrenz returns to the community to serve patients at the Excelsior Springs Hospital’s Express Care Clinic

November

Best Week Ever

Mayor Spohn’s Block Party Challenge resulted in 51 block parties and over 1,600 people attending a gathering
Dryfork Greenway Project reopens along Main St. The project relieves flooding downstream to reduce flood damage to buildings in the downtown
The Little Mermaid is performed by ESHS Theater and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum showcased at Slightly Off Broadway Theatre
Excelsior Springs Christmas Committee celebrates successful Christmas Kickoff

News to Note

Food drives begin taking place at businesses, schools, and organizations around the community to fill local pantries expecting shortfalls due to a scare in Food stamps cut
The CO-OP in Excelsior Springs offers a private office, a commercial kitchen, conference room, virtual office, or place to host your get togethers
Missouri Municipal League recognizes ES Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart with Civic Leadership Award
Jarrett Sykes comes on the Excelsior Citizen team as our Food Critic
ES Men’s Soccer claim conference title and head to district
MU Extension during Missouri Good Neighbor Week recognized Robbie Farabee as most engaged neighbor, Other Trails as one of Missouri’s most neighborly businesses, and the city itself earning the name “Most Neighborly City” in the state for a second year in a row
Rotary’s 50/50 Raffles at the home football games resulted in $1,399.50 in local funds raised
Excelsior Springs and Mosby voters pass overlapping annexation measures
Former Ray Co Sheriff Scott Childers faces 70 years in prison if convicted of federal charges
Lawn and Garden plant (Gilmour) confirms complete closure, resulting in nearly 100 jobs lost
Museum honors “Dreamers and Doers” at annual benefit dinner
Julia Mees, SAFE Director, named 2025 Community Activist award winner by ES Business Women
Big Brothers Big Sisters program expands to Excelsior Springs
Excelsior Springs Primary Care’s Dr. Heather Wilson gives presentation on why primary care matters to your health
Tiger Soccer’s District title streak ended in heartbreaking shootout loss
ES Tiger Pitcher Kaelen Bedford commits to Johnson County Community College
Tiger Cross Country Season Ends at Class 4 District Meet
City Projects in the planning stages that have been funded – RAISE projects, sewer relining projects in Wilson Acres, Wildwood, Lover’s Lane & Bell Drive, playground at Boundless BackYard, & Garland Bridge. Projects in progress include Water Treatment Plant & Natatorium improvements & removal of hazardous materials at Wyman.
MVP Program prepares to launch with hospital contract and appointment of Tammy Murphy
Chuck Anderson Ford’s Nick Anderson Selected for Car Business Today’s 2025 40 Under 40
APR Data Shows ESSD Falling Below State Accreditation Standards
Wafflehouse undergoes renovation and closes for a period of time
Diane Chipps-Carrel hosts holiday doll giveaway
Excelsior Citizen hosts Memory March during the Lighted Parade, with citizens walking in memory of those they’ve lost
ES Fire Department holds fourth year Season of Hope Toy Drive
Clay County launches Citizen Challenge for 250th Anniversary in 2026

December

Best Week Ever

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train rolls through town after 3 hour wait for some
ES Farmers Market’s Christmas Market and Community Center’s Candy Cane Hunt
ESPD celebrates with Shop with a Cop, allowing local children to shop for their families during the holidays
ESSD Celebrates with Winter Break

News to Note

Three Olives Italian Restaurant holds toy drive for foster children
City and Chamber begin putting together a Job Fair for Lawn and Garden workers displaced by plant closure
Congrats to Levi VanDierendonk, Mya Williams, Sam Besherse, Evie Selby for performing in the NCMBA Honors Band last weekend for ESHS. Sam was awarded the David Goodwin Outstanding Musicianship Award
According to winmeasures.org, Median household income in ES is on the rise. In 2022 MHI in 64024 measured $77,087 compared to US $75,149 & Missouri $65,920
City Begins Testing to Restore Historic Lithia Well
Clay County Sheriff’s Office Opens New State-of-the-Art Training Center
Cornerstone Student Leadership Council Collects Nearly 2,500 Items in Fall Food Drive
City Council Approves Regulations for Overnight Warming Centers
Missouri lawmakers restrict Hemp-Derived THC Products
Joe Meehan posted that he spoke with surveyors at Watkins Mill and they are planning to replace the trail and bridges. He says they’re adding 50 more campsites.
Excelsior Springs Police Revisit Andrew Frantz Missing Person Case
ESHS Senior Cooper Collins claims title at Lee’s Summit Holiday Wrestling Tournament
11 Year Old Isabella Gonzalez makes it her mission to deliver kindness with a card and candy cane to the resident of the Ruey Anna high rise

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Excelsior Springs Fire Department joins Meals & a Visit Program to boost home safety for meal recipients

Missouri’s $216M rural health award draws praise and caution from rural hospital leaders

Community Groups Launch Next Phase of Excelsior Springs Schools Strategic Plan

Judge grants Rhodus intervention motion, gives residents more time in Mosby–Excelsior annexation fight

Slightly Off Broadway Theatre performs Steel Magnolias

January

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February

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March

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April

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May

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June

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July

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August

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September

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October

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November

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December

Top Stories

Best Week Ever

News to Note

Excelsior Springs Fire Department joins Meals & a Visit Program to boost home safety for meal recipients

Missouri’s $216M rural health award draws praise and caution from rural hospital leaders

Community Groups Launch Next Phase of Excelsior Springs Schools Strategic Plan

Judge grants Rhodus intervention motion, gives residents more time in Mosby–Excelsior annexation fight

Slightly Off Broadway opens 2026 season with “Steel Magnolias”

Lady Tigers Win Brookfield Wrestling Title, Crown Three Champs (Jan. 19-23)

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