News

Clay County is continuing their comprehensive planning process and is seeking additional participation in the county’s virtual open house and annual survey. According to a recent press release, the goal of the planning process is to provide county residents and the community with a future vision and plan that will be used as a guideline for the decision-making and development process.

The Excelsior Springs Planning and Zoning Commission met recently to discuss regulations to be placed on those seeking to operate short-term rentals. The commision also finalized an agreement to amend Chapter 400.230 pertaining to special use permits.

After being nominated by other community members for their outdoor holiday décor, James and Brenda Bailey won the monthly curb appeal award for December. Presented by neighborhood specialist Laura Mize on behalf of Thrive Excelsior’s Housing Task Force, the award recognized the Baileys for their hard work and dedication to their home.

On Dec. 22, 2023, an unidentified deceased white or Hispanic male aged 35-40 was uncovered at 14812 Old Quarry Road in Excelsior Springs, otherwise known as Rocky Hollow Park.

The Excelsior Springs Police Department reported the following arrests handled recently by the department. Thursday, November 23 At 8:56 p.m., Robert McKenzie, 38, was arrested for failure to register (expired plates)/ state license plates required; motor vehicle equipment, length vehicle exceeded 45 feet, width of vehicle exceeded 8 ½ feet; no proof of insurance/financial responsibility.

Clay County Sheriff Department announced a new children’s book featuring their Critical Incident Response Team K9, with Lola as the new main character. Author of “Pawsitively Lola (A Service Dog’s Adventures)” Mike Dickerson of Lathrop, tells Lola’s story about how she went from a rescue dog to a rescuer that helps people when faced with a crisis, featuring her handler, Kim Hunter.

With the New Year days away, leaders in the community share future goals and resolutions for Excelsior Springs in 2024. The first resolutions were made nearly 4,000 years ago when the ancient Babylonians walked the earth.

The Excelsior Springs Aging Well Task Force is working towards securing Saturday transportation and field trip options for seniors within the community. Brian Rice, chamber director and task force committee member, explained that with the ongoing struggle to secure Saturday transportation in the community, the Chamber of Commerce’s trolley may be an option.

The Excelsior Springs Road and Bridge District met recently to discuss their 2023-2024 fiscal year budget with plans to purchase a new dump truck for city use, at a cost of nearly $200,000. Chad Birdsong, public works director, elaborated on the subject, saying, “This year, we have an allocation for a dump truck.” The discussion about the new purchase has been ongoing for the past two years, and with the sale of the district’s 1998 Chevy swap loader for $10,500 and the upcoming sale of their 2002 international truck, he said, it’s time for an upgrade.

Carrie Ferriss, a local mother of two children, has been organizing local fundraising campaigns since March 2023 to secure a service dog for her son John Jr. Ferriss (8), also known as, “Captain Can’t Sit Still of the SS Make or Break for It.” John Jr., according to his mother Carrie, undergoes challenges as he navigates life with Down Syndrome.