September 2025

Counterfeit masks, budget cuts endanger Missouri workers

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Editor’s note: This is the first of a twopart series detailing the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Respirator Approval Program and its impact on Missouri workers and manufacturers. Part two will examine ways policymakers, industry leaders and advocates are responding to funding challenges and what is at stake if the program is weakened.

Dorrel focuses on revenue streams, small-town fixes

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Editor’s note: This is the final of a two-part series about Crystal Lakes Mayor Jeremy Dorrel, focusing on the city’s new revenue streams, conservation agreements and plans for community improvements. Part one, which appeared in the Sept. 19 edition of The Standard, examined Dorrel’s background, his unexpected election and the renovation of The Overlook event center.

Walker has 19-tackle game

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Lucas Walker is on a quest. The Orrick senior wants to break the school record for most tackles in a game, according Bearcats varsity 8-man football coach Matt O’Dell.

Park day fun

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LILLYONNA CLEMONS takes a swing at the piñata at Siloam Mountain Park..
SHARON DONAT | Staff

Crystal Lakes partners with conservation agency

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Crystal Lakes leaders believe a new partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will transform the city’s lakes into more accessible, sustainable and enjoyable public resources. Mayor Jeremy Dorrel noted the idea first surfaced when a resident raised the question of outside help during a city meeting.

Building reports highlight progress across Excelsior Springs schools

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Excelsior Springs schools released building reports for September, highlighting attendance, curriculum initiatives, professional development and upcoming events across each campus. The updates provided snapshots of ongoing work at the Early Childhood Center, Cornerstone Elementary, Lewis Elementary, Elkhorn Elementary, middle school, high school and Career Center.

Excelsior Springs rebounds from Lawson loss

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Excelsior Springs varsity volleyball coach Cindy Price and her Tigers broke even to start this week. After falling 3-2 Monday to Lawson, the girls swept Winnetonka Tuesday 3-0 to cap a three-match homestand that had begun Sept.

Facilities evaluation earns unanimous support

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Excelsior Springs schools are setting a clear course for maintaining safe, reliable learning spaces through an extensive Facilities and Grounds Maintenance program, with the Board of Education giving unanimous approval to the annual evaluation. The vote came during the September meeting, where members also reviewed the district’s Food Service Program, which passed with one dissent.

Irish Festival returns to Shamrock Hills with music, culture

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The rolling hills of Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery will soon echo with the sounds of fiddles, bagpipes and laughter as Excelsior Springs prepares to host the second annual Irish Festival. For two days, Oct. 4–5, the vineyard will transform into a countryside celebration of music, dance, food and fellowship, bringing a genuine taste of Ireland to the Northland.