July 2022

Coleman, Nedblake receive All-Am. honors

3 years ago By Dustin Danner

The Tigerettes will have two All-American dancers in their troupe when they perform their halftime routines during football and basketball seasons. Kelsey Coleman and Grace Nedblake, who’ll be seniors this fall at Excelsior Springs High School, were selected by National Dance Alliance (NDA) staff members as All-Americans.

FROM LEFT, front row, Kelsey Coleman and Grace Nedblake; second row, Lacy Adair, Reece Roberts, Abby Rash, Kyndra O’Dell; third row, Reagan Bishop, MaKenna Maring, Evie Selby, Kaylee Wilmes and Ragan Roberts. EMILY WEST | Staff

Cheer squad nabs All-American noms

3 years ago By Dustin Danner

Seven members of the Excelsior Springs High School cheer squad received All- American nominations during a camp featuring instructors certified by the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), held July 11-13 at the high school.

FROM LEFT, front row, Mateya Figueroa, Ayanna Peterson, Sydney Jarvis, Lilly Hughes; back row, Jaylenn Hudlemeyer, Haley Smith and Keelin Brewer. DUSTIN DANNER | Staff

Veteran pro coach supports Webb’s NFL dream

3 years ago By Shawn Roney

Among those who are pulling for Sam Webb to succeed in the NFL is a fellow Excelsior Springs native who has coached in the NFL and will soon coach in the XFL: Gregg Williams. As The Standard has reported, Webb signed in May as an undrafted free agent with the Las Vegas Raiders.

SAM WEBB, No. 27, has longtime coach Gregg Williams in his corner as he pursues an NFL career. COURTESY OF MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Ancel Eugene Parman

3 years ago By News Staff

Ancel Eugene Parman of Excelsior Springs, MO, passed away on the morning of July 19, 2022.

While known to many as Eugene, to most people he was known as Gene. Born April 17, 1930, near Excelsior Springs to Ivan and Anna (Vassmer) Parman. He graduated from ESHS in 1948. There he met Claudene, his beloved wife of 64 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Claudene; his parents; and son, Stephen E. Parman.

Donald Lee Gorsage

3 years ago By News Staff

Donald Lee Gorsage, 67 of Rayville, MO passed away surrounded by his loving family at North Kansas City Hospital on July 14, 2022.

Don was born to Walter Lee Gorsage and Virginia Gorsage (Drehel) on Mar. 11, 1955, in Harrisonville, MO. He graduated Oak Park High School in 1973. Following graduation, Don enlisted in the US Naval Academy and served aboard The USS White Plains (AFS-4). From there his career began at Ford Motor Company, retiring in 2007. For years he served in the Army National Guard. Don was employed by Orscheln Farm and Home, until his passing.

Karla Kay  Patterson

3 years ago By News Staff

Karla Kay Patterson, of Excelsior Springs, MO was born in Pittsburg, KS on Dec. 22, 1939. She passed away, Feb. 11, 2022, at her home, with her children and grandchildren by her side. 

Karla had a life so beautiful and had a heart so deeply loved. She lived a life that mattered. She was kind, loving, caring and always encouraged us to live up to our highest potential. 

Blackburn receives all-state recognition

3 years ago By Dustin Danner

Brendan Blackburn’s midseason surge drew attention from the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association. Impressed with Blackburn’s play, the association made him a Class 4 all-state selection.

Voters need a better system for candidate selections

3 years ago By News Staff

To the Editor: A significant number of Americans are concerned about our current system of electing those who represent us. Many, if not most, of us deeply believe that changes must happen in order to give us confidence that we can support candidates whose views and goals reflect our own.

Webinar explores proposed recreational marijuana amendment

3 years ago By Sophia Bales

It’s appearing Missouri voters will get to decide in November whether it’s time to legalize recreational marijuana. As the Missouri Independent and other sources have reported, Legal Missouri 2022 submitted roughly 400,000 signatures in May to the Secretary of State’s Office to get the issue placed on the ballot.

JOHN PAYNE is the Legal Missouri 2022 campaign manager, seeking to legalize recreational marijuana in the state on the Nov. 8 ballot.

City of ES dissolves Vintage TIF

3 years ago By Shawn Roney

Excelsior Springs has dissolved its Vintage Plaza II tax increment financing (TIF) plan. As recommended by Melinda Mehaffy, city economic development director, the City Council approved the closure June 21 at the Hall of Waters.