July 2025

School supply lists released

Body With the start of school still weeks away, the Excelsior Springs School District has released its official supply lists for the 2025-26 academic year in hopes of helping families get a head start on back-to-school shopping.

District preparing for mandated phone-use ban

Body A new Missouri law will require all public school districts to implement stricter policies regarding student use of cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices during the school day, beginning with the 2025–26 school year.

’Cats bring back old-drill to hone defensive skills

Body Orrick varsity 8-man football coach Matt O’Dell brought back an old drill Monday as he and his staff continued to prep the Bearcats for their 2025 season. To conclude the day’s activities, O’Dell had the Bearcats run through “the circle drill.
PARKER FLOYD (left) pursues running back Ozzden Ayers as Orrick runs through the circle drill during an offseason camp session. SHAWN RONEY | Staff

Ameren boosts local relief with cooling donation

Body As scorching summer temperatures settle across Missouri, Ameren Missouri is working to keep local families safe and cool. The company recently donated 15 ENERGY STARcertified window air conditioners to the Excelsior Springs Good Samaritan Center.
DANA JONAS (from left), Mike Edwards, Sara Noblet and Cody Starr help unload donated air conditioners at the Excelsior Springs Good Samaritan Center. Submitted