May 2025

Even with a major setback earlier this year, the tradition of honoring fallen service members continued Monday as the Clay-Ray Veterans Association hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony in Excelsior Springs.

On May 22, Excelsior Springs’ varsity girls soccer season ended, along with the program’s longest winning streak of the year. With their 8-0 loss to Pleasant Hill at Harrisonville in the Class 2 District 7 Tournament, the Tigers finished 2025 129.

A jury trial has been set for an Excelsior Springs woman who is facing two felony charges involving tampering with a witness. Kathryn J.

Clay County has officially been recognized as one of Missouri’s most proactive and community- focused jurisdictions after receiving the Missouri Blue Shield designation. The honor awarded by the Missouri Department of Public Safety recognizes a community-wide commitment to enhancing public safety, reducing crime and supporting law enforcement.

With the 2024-25 school year now complete, the Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD) is reflecting on the accomplishments, partnerships and experiences that shaped a meaningful academic year. The district extends its appreciation to students, families and staff for their continued commitment to learning, growth and community.

For the second time this year, a vehicle went airborne and crashed through the roof of the Clay-Ray Veterans Hall. On the morning of May 28, a middle-aged man, later identified as Excelsior Springs resident Corrie Wright, was injured when his vehicle left the roadway and became lodged in the roof at 208 Veterans Memorial Drive in Excelsior Springs.

Many residents near the Idecker mine shared their views on continued operations in the area during the recent public hearing. Melanie Thompson: “I think the repercussions of the blasting and all the stuff that’s going on are going to be a lot more damaging than what we will reap if we go with them.” Nathaniel Beeghly: “We have Desert Storm veterans, small business owners, working-class people and these are the families getting hurt here.

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A simulated virus outbreak swept through Clay County last week, but instead of panic, it sparked planning. Local agencies came together to test how they would respond if the threat had been real and every second counted.

At 6:53 p.m. May 22, a dream ended for the Excelsior Springs varsity baseball program.