January 2024

The Excelsior Standard, Jan. 5, 2024 1940-2023 Edward Shepard Edward Shepard, 83, St.

The Excelsior Standard, Jan. 5, 2024 CHARLES FRANK LAGOIS Charles Frank LaGois, 51, of Sedalia, Missouri passed away on December 24, 2023.

When I became the general manager of the newspaper in late 2022, I asked myself one simple question: how do I get to know my community better and be involved? Soon after, as luck would have it, I met Kim Halfhill of Thrive Excelsior. She asked me to participate in the Thrive Leadership Academy, and I am so thankful I did. This interactive course is a seven- week-long program that gives a new perspective on the place we call our home. We learned about community leadership, public works, health and wellness, housing, economic development and so much more. It gave me a fresh perspective on Excelsior Springs and all the good things going on in our area. I also learned that we all must work together to make this a better place to not only work but also to plant our roots and live our happiest lives.

The new year means many things to various people, from city leaders to young children. It means focusing on one personal thing to work on or work toward throughout the year. This year, I have taken it upon myself to work on self-advocacy and mindfulness. As empathy is a giant part of my personality, there are times when a balance is needed between being mindful of others and being empathetic, but also standing up for what is right while advocating for myself.

Excelsior Springs looks to end a twogame losing skid in varsity girls basketball as 2024 gets going. The Tigers finished 2023 with backto- back losses: a 45-43 heartbreaker Dec.

Excelsior Springs capped the 2023 portion of its girls wrestling schedule by bringing home a fistful of medals. The Tigers rang out the old year by competing at the Western Missouri Wrestling Tournament, held Dec.