December 2025

Editor’s note: This is the final of a twopart Ray County Voices series featuring Missouri Army National Guard service member Cale Lyons. This installment will focus on overseas deployments, family life during extended separations and the challenge of transitioning between military and civilian life. Part One examined Lyons’ path into military service, early deployments and the impact of spending holidays away from home.

There are times when life feels slightly off-center. Nothing dramatic has happened and there is no single problem demanding attention, yet everything feels heavier than it should. Responsibilities press closer together, thoughts move faster than usual and confidence quiets down without clearly leaving. In those moments, perception often shifts before it is fully noticed.

Excelsior Springs’ final home varsity girls basketball game of 2025 – a 63-39 loss to Maryville – “was not one of our better nights,” according to coach JD Biermann. “I thought, early, we had some opportunities that we squandered,” Biermann said minutes after the Dec.

From discreet nicotine pouches to high-potency THC products, the substances available to youth today are changing rapidly. A recent virtual workshop focused on helping parents understand what those changes mean and how early prevention can reduce risk.

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A 2024 armed stand-off in Pleasant Valley, which led to the rescue of twin toddlers, has been resolved as a Lawson man was sentenced to eight years. After withdrawing his earlier plea of not guilty, Tyson Scott Campbell, 27, recently pleaded guilty before Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Judge David Chamberlain to two felony charges, including third-degree domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

A December toy drive rooted in personal experience brought together community members, restaurant staff and local families to support foster children across Clay County, turning a simple donation effort into a reminder that the holidays can be especially difficult for children entering care. Hosted throughout the month by the Three Olives Italian Kitchen and Bakery, the fundraiser collected toys for children in foster care ranging from infancy through age 18, with donations distributed through the Clay County Children’s Division.

NICK OF TIME Haylee Ray beat the clock in winning the 140-pound girls title at The Battle at the Katy Trail. Ray, an Excelsior Springs sophomore, pinned North Calloway’s Elka Endres in 5 minutes, 49 seconds in the championship match of the tournament, held Dec.

ODESSA – The 2025 portion of the Tigers’ varsity boys basketball season has helped them take steps toward becoming the team they want to be in 2026, according to Excelsior Springs coach Ian Burch.

Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part Ray County Voices Podcast series featuring Excelsior Springs teacher, coach and Army National Guardsman Cale Lyons. Part One focuses on Lyons’ path into military service, his early deployments and the impact spending holidays away from home has had on him and his family.