News

Editor’s note: This is the final in a two-part series covering historian and author Mark Gardner’s presentation during the Fall on the Farm celebration at Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site and State Park. Part one, which appeared in the Oct. 24 edition, highlighted Gardner’s introduction and his research into the historical ties between the Watkins and James families through Civil War– era letters preserved at the site. Part two continues with Gardner’s discussion of the James brothers’ wartime experiences, leading to their infamous years as outlaws, the Pinkerton raid that shook the county and the enduring legacy of Missouri’s frontier history.

JACKSON SOOTER places his Hot Wheel on the starting block, ending the competition in third place. MIRANDA JAMISON | Staff

The power of mentorship is coming to Excelsior Springs in a new way this fall as local organizations work together to bring Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Kansas City to the community. The evidence- based mentoring program has helped thousands of youth across the region build confidence, improve academic performance and form lasting connections with positive adult role models.

For nearly half a century, the Excelsior Springs Fire Department (ESFD) has made fire prevention education a priority. This fall, firefighters continued that tradition by visiting classrooms across the district to share practical lessons on safety, prevention and preparedness.

Voters will soon decide whether to expand the city’s limits to include farmland and roadways west of town, a decision that could determine how growth, zoning and mining oversight unfold for years to come.

Beacon hosts Trunk-or-Treat.

Classic rides, candy fill Orrick streets.

For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in rural Missouri, access to quality healthcare often depends on luck – the luck of finding a doctor who understands their needs, a clinic that can keep staff or transportation that gets them to an appointment, according to IntellectAbility President Dr. Craig Escudé, who specializes in care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) aims to change that.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking Missouri turkey hunters and others for their feedback on a potential regulation change to nonresident spring turkey hunting. The proposed regulation change would reduce the nonresident bag limit from two bearded birds in the spring to a single bearded bird in the spring.

The Excelsior Springs Substance Abuse Free Environments (SAFE) coalition will be among the more than 400 prevention professionals gathering this week for the Missouri Substance Use Prevention Conference, with 19 local members attending sessions focused on strengthening community health and prevention.