December 2020

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The greatgreat-grandson of Charles Dickens, Gerald Dickens, will continue to interact with and act for patrons of the Mid-Continent and Ray County library systems for free this month.

“Dag-blasted nanny state ninnies!” A puff of orange dust settles in his hair as George Orwell Pother pries open the rusting door to his money-colored, green and gold 1990 Ford F-350 dually. He has far better vehicles, but he owns the dually “just to relate to my fans.”

Homer Andrew Pennington Jr., 73, of Orrick, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, at Liberty Hospital.

Bill Stull, 67, of Excelsior Springs, passed away Tuesday morning, Dec. 8, 2020, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. Bill was born on June 15, 1953, the son of Clifford and Dee (Agee) Stull in Kirksville. He grew up in Lawson and was a graduate of Lawson High School.

Timothy E. Jeffers “T.J.”, 58, of Excelsior Springs passed away at 12:45 p.m.

Legendary musician Jimmy Dykes lost his battle with COVID-19 on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. Jimmy, a former Excelsior Springs native, graduated in 1974 from Excelsior Springs High School. Jimmy started his music career at an early age learning guitar after seeing The Beatles on television in 1964.

Carolyn J. Swearingin, June 9, 1943 - Dec.

Marjorie Jean Lana, 92, of Excelsior Springs, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2020.

RICHMOND – Area COVID-19 cases continued to rise this week versus last: up 29% in Clay County and up 8% in Ray County. Numbers reported for the Richmond School District showed six members and 14 students had tested positive for COVID-19.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The Tigers packed in plenty of matches for their first week of the wrestling season. The varsity boys opened Dec.