May 2025

With just days remaining to spend the last of its Lewis Elementary lease-purchase funds, Excelsior Springs School District officials finalized a creative list of capital projects to avoid a $377,000 arbitrage penalty – a financial hit that would have provided nothing in return.

MIRANDA JAMISON Lead Reporter As Elaina Lamley stood on stage beside her staff, looking out over a crowd of uniformed deputies and their families, she mouthed a simple question to Sheriff Will Akin: “We’re the first?” Until that moment, she didn’t know her business, Alterations and Custom Sewing of Excelsior Springs, was the first-ever recipient of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Business Partner of the Year award. It was a defining moment during the recent Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Employee Recognition Banquet, where the department honored acts of lifesaving bravery, quiet dedication and outstanding community support during a night that left many in tears, applause and reflection.

A long-awaited jury trial for an Excelsior Springs woman facing multiple felony charges related to sexual abuse, has been canceled. Both the defense and prosecution requested that the court postpone the trial due to unresolved motions, issues with witnesses and delays in the proceedings.

With just days remaining in the 2024-25 school year, Excelsior Springs elementary schools – Lewis, Cornerstone and Elkhorn – are turning their focus to final celebrations, student milestones and the continued promotion of academic and character growth.

After decades of supporting local businesses and community initiatives, the Lawson Chamber of Commerce will officially close its doors on June 4. The decision follows a meeting on May 7, during which members discussed the organization’s future.

Thrive Excelsior celebrates graduates

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is playing a critical support role in an upcoming fullscale emergency response exercise designed to test how prepared local agencies are for a significant public health emergency.

In an unprecedented nationwide operation aimed at protecting children, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced Operation Restore Justice, a five-day sweeping initiative to identify, track and arrest child sex predators across the country in coordination with all 55 FBI field offices.

Excelsior Springs is sending three boys golfers to state competition. Landon Biermann and Tayvion Kennedy, who’ll graduate Friday; and sophomore Lane Overholtzer are slated to compete in the Class 3 state tournament May 19-20 at Twin Hill Golf Course in Joplin.

The Excelsior Springs Police Department reported the following arrests handled recently by the department. Wednesday, April 30 At 5:45 p.m., Scott Brown II, 38, was arrested for outside warrant service.