September 2020

Research into Clay County history reveals white people sold black people on the county courthouse steps in the 1800s, a common occurrence in Southern states. Vivid historical descriptions of slavery talk about requiring people to wear identification tags, about scars from chains and whips, rapes, murders and as many humiliations as soulless people could concoct. Such acts occurred in the city where I once lived – a place called Liberty, ironically.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The city urges residents to prevent a buildup of leaves on roads and gutters as fall arrives. “When residents blow or rake their leaves into roadways or curbs, it causes many problems, such as clogging storm drains, hazardous driving conditions, pollution and even fire hazards,” city information states.

Ronald W. Carmichael, 53, Kansas City, died at Liberty Hospital on Sept. 7, 2020, from natural causes. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Danielle York (Dustin), Erin Sedgwick (Mitchell); two sons, Clay Carmichael (Lindsay) and Curtis Carmichael of the home; and five grandchildren, Carley Sedgwick, Brantley Sedgwick, Lyla Carmichael, Lauryn Burch and Damian York. He also is survived by his parents, Melvin and Linda Carmichael; and two brothers, Brian and Daniel Carmichael.

In less than 60 days, voters will pick two new Clay County commissioners. Until then, present commissioners should give no further consideration to the controversial, $20 million annex a plan – one marked by outrages against the public’s interest.

INDEPENDENCE – The Tigers already have their first top-10 finish from an individual in cross country this season. The feat was achieved during the Fort Osage Invitational Cross Country Kickoff, a Sept.

KANSAS CITY – The Excelsior Springs varsity boys soccer team got its first road trip out of the way last week. Playing in the Winnetonka Tournament, the Tigers visited the Staley High School and District Athletic Complex, where they placed third.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – Kathryn Beile has her first set and match wins as the Excelsior Springs varsity volleyball coach. The Tigers gave Beile those milestones Sept.

EXS – The city has hired a finance director, Vonda Floyd. “I’ve always loved Excelsior,” she said Monday.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – About two dozen Excelsior Springs High School soccer players and support staff personnel turned out to remove litter from streets in the vicinity of Jesse James Road. “Me and my mom adopted this highway about six years ago,” Excelsior Spring senior Emilie Barrera said.

EXS – During the successful campaign to replace Westview Elementary School and make improvements at other schools, suggestions arose that the district would raise the tax rate. The school board proved those suggestions had no merit last week by setting the same tax rate as last year.