News

There was no foul play and no crime committed in the death of an inmate while in Excelsior Springs Police Department (ESPD) custody, a Clay County Sheriff’s Office investigation has concluded. The Clay County Sheriff’s Investigative Squad was called to investigate the death of Benjamin E.

Excelsior Springs Mayor Sharon Powell was among the Clay County leaders who shared economic development updates during the county’s annual State of the Cities Luncheon July 14. Held by the Clay County Economic Development Council at Harrah’s North Kansas City, the presentations by leaders from seven communities and Clay County covered a variety of projects, ranging from major industrial development to quality-of-life projects.

Excelsior Springs might have a revised dangerous dog ordinance come August. Paul Campo, city attorney, shared bullet points of the draft for a revised ordinance via Zoom on July 15, when city leaders convened at the Hall of Waters for a work session.

Excelsior Springs native and entrepreneur Serena Kotalik is continuing a family tradition. Watching her parent open their own business inspired Kotalik to one day work for herself.

School leaders will take new roles within the district, beginning with the 2022-23 school year. Dr.

Enrollment at the end of May was slightly higher for the Excelsior Springs School District than May 2021, Superintendent Travis Hux reported when the Board of Education convened June 27 at the Support Services Center.

CHRISTEN EVERETT was selected July 9 to run through the aisles of Price Chopper and grab as many groceries as possible. Everett, the Excelsior Springs High School principal, was chosen at random out of six other contestants to participate in the Excelsior Springs Rotary Club’s annual Grocery Grab fundraiser. During her 5-minute run through the store, Everett racked up $795.76 in meat, snacks and cleaning supplies. She then donated all of her winnings to an Excelsior Springs family.

Excelsior Springs has dissolved its Vintage Plaza II tax increment financing (TIF) plan. As recommended by Melinda Mehaffy, city economic development director, the City Council approved the closure June 21 at the Hall of Waters.

It’s appearing Missouri voters will get to decide in November whether it’s time to legalize recreational marijuana. As the Missouri Independent and other sources have reported, Legal Missouri 2022 submitted roughly 400,000 signatures in May to the Secretary of State’s Office to get the issue placed on the ballot.

Do you spend more time in your yard than in your house? Do you have a passion for landscaping and take pride in your home’s outward appearance? If so, then chances are, Thrive Excelsior will celebrate your work and give you a $25 gift card. It’s an online contest giving away monthly “Curb Appeal Awards” to local residents.