January 2026

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January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month and the FBI is reminding the public to be an active partner in preventing human trafficking in the community. Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person for labor, services or commercial sex acts through force, fraud or coercion.

High heat, drop kicks, random observations and points that amuse are all part of the wide, wide world of sports at the community and national levels. Maybe having ice hockey franchises in warm-weather climates is O.K.

Editor’s note: This is the final of a two-part series on the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce’s new Lunch and Learn program and its inaugural presentation, “Progress Over Productivity.” This entry focuses on practical strategies, including goal check-ins, time management and weekly planning.

CONSISTENCY Analese Happy and Lillah Shue ended all of their wrestling matches at the Brookfield Girls Tournament the same way – with a win by pin. Happy went 4-0 to win the 105-pound division and help Excelsior Springs’ varsity squad take the team title at the Jan.

After spending nearly a decade away from Excelsior Springs, one local woman returned to her hometown with the intention of doing something to improve the community and surrounding areas. That goal is now reflected in the work of Jenna Groves at The Overlook at Crystal Lakes.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is once again calling on the community to help spread kindness and connection through a Valentine’s Day initiative focused on local seniors. As part of its annual “feel-good mission,” CCSO is collecting both handmade and store-bought Valentine’s cards to be delivered to nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout Clay County.

A new comprehensive plan set to guide land use, housing and economic development in Excelsior Springs for the next 20 years is expected to be formally adopted next month, providing a long-term roadmap for growth as the city responds to changing community and business needs.

For nearly three years, the Clay County Commission has engaged in discussions with the ownership of the Kansas City Royals regarding the potential relocation of the team to Clay County. The commission appointed Commissioners Jay Johnson, Jon Carpenter and Scott Wagner to serve as the county’s lead negotiators throughout this process.