July 2026

to PRO The men’s World Cup has awakened the dreamer in me again. As I stated in this newspaper’s June 26 issue, I’ve been touched by the outpouring of love international soccer fans are showing for America while visiting here for the World Cup.

The Excelsior Springs Police Department reported the following arrests handled recently by the department. Thursday, June 18 At 8:18 p.m., Devlin Blanton, 57, was arrested for failure to appear.

The Excelsior Standard, July 3, 2026 Geniece Lee “Chicky” McPike, 75, of Graham passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Rock Port. Geniece was born Jan.

The Excelsior Standard, July 3, 2026 David Loomis David Craig Loomis, 63, of Lawrence, Kan., passed away Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his home. Services will be held Monday, July 6, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2700 Lawrence Ave., Lawrence.

Victor Bonuchi Coach Vic Bonuchi passed away peacefully Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy defined not only by victories and championships, but also by the countless lives he influenced through football, wrestling and baseball.

From a first-ever state baseball championship to increased student participation across athletics and activities, the Excelsior Springs School District’s co-curricular and extracurricular programs earned an “Excellent” evaluation for the 2025-26 school year.

As summer temperatures climb, Excelsior Springs Hospital is encouraging residents to take steps to protect their health through prevention, preparation and education. Excelsior Springs Hospital’s July Health and Wellness series will include a program on preventing heat illness and dehydration on July 10, followed by a session on advance directives and Medical Durable Powers of Attorney on July 29.

The following amendments and routine district business were also approved by the Board of Education during its June 23 meeting: Lease refinancing resolution — The board approved a resolution authorizing the district to move forward with a previously announced lease-purchase refinancing plan intended to provide short-term budget relief by refinancing existing 2020 and 2021 lease obligations. The resolution authorizes up to $1.55 million in certificates of participation with a true interest cost not to exceed 4.8%. District officials expect pricing to occur July 7 with closing anticipated July 21.

Watching a child try something new for the first time is exciting until it isn’t. That realization came while sitting in the bleachers at my daughter Aurora’s first cheer clinic.