August 2025

This is a reloading year for Excelsior Springs in varsity girls tennis. The netters, who went 11-5 in duals in 2024, lost six of their top eight players to graduation.

Jake Danneman looks to build on the foundation he started in 2024, when he took the helm of the Excelsior Springs varsity football program. Here’s a look at the Tigers as they enter Season 2 of the Danneman era, slated to kick off Aug.

For the second straight season, Excelsior Springs will open its varsity volleyball season against Oak Park. The Tigers are slated to face the Kansas City-based school Sept.

A new era is underway with Excelsior Springs varsity boys soccer. Brett McKenzie succeeds Zac Ganzer, who led the Excelsior Springs boys to four straight district titles, and top-four finishes in the Class 2 state tournament in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The sound of guitars and harmonies filled Calvary Christian Union Church as families gathered for the fourth annual Oasis Outreach Ministries benefit concert. For Oasis Board President Lori Sams, the evening represented more than music.

For years, the Wood Heights Fire Protection District Auxiliary has joined fire departments across the region in selling pink apparel every October to raise awareness for breast cancer. However, this year, the auxiliary chose to stand out by highlighting a different cause – one that hits closer to home for several of its members and has long remained unspoken. Instead of selling pink shirts for breast cancer awareness in October, the auxiliary is launching a suicide prevention campaign for September, offering apparel that sparks dialogue and fosters hope.

Ameren Missouri is informing customers of planned changes to Missouri law that underscore the importance of contacting Missouri 811 before any excavation project, a crucial step to prevent costly repairs, service interruptions and serious injuries.

Tucked between farmland and floodplain south of Orrick, a 55-acre energy storage project has sparked questions about risk, readiness and transparency in Ray County. After residents raised concerns about flooding, fire safety and lack of communication during a recent presentation before the Ray County Commission, Mission Clean Energy (Mission) is offering a deeper look at its proposed White Sage Energy Center and how the company plans to address those concerns.

The numbers painted a complex picture of growth, debt and looming budget pressure as Excelsior Springs school officials studied their long-term financial outlook. The discussion unfolded during a recent board work session with Raymond James Public Finance Director Dr.

Excelsior Springs is seeking a second straight winning varsity softball season. The girls finished 19-10 in 2024, reaching the Class 3 District 8 semifinals.