December 2025

Editor’s note: This is the final of a twopart Ray County Voices series featuring Missouri Army National Guard service member Cale Lyons. This installment will focus on overseas deployments, family life during extended separations and the challenge of transitioning between military and civilian life.

There are times when life feels slightly off-center. Nothing dramatic has happened and there is no single problem demanding attention, yet everything feels heavier than it should.

Excelsior Springs’ final home varsity girls basketball game of 2025 – a 63-39 loss to Maryville – “was not one of our better nights,” according to coach JD Biermann. “I thought, early, we had some opportunities that we squandered,” Biermann said minutes after the Dec.

From discreet nicotine pouches to high-potency THC products, the substances available to youth today are changing rapidly. A recent virtual workshop focused on helping parents understand what those changes mean and how early prevention can reduce risk.

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A 2024 armed stand-off in Pleasant Valley, which led to the rescue of twin toddlers, has been resolved as a Lawson man was sentenced to eight years.

A December toy drive rooted in personal experience brought together community members, restaurant staff and local families to support foster children across Clay County, turning a simple donation effort into a reminder that the holidays can be especially difficult for children entering care.

NICK OF TIME Haylee Ray beat the clock in winning the 140-pound girls title at The Battle at the Katy Trail. Ray, an Excelsior Springs sophomore, pinned North Calloway’s Elka Endres in 5 minutes, 49 seconds in the championship match of the tournament, held Dec.

ODESSA – The 2025 portion of the Tigers’ varsity boys basketball season has helped them take steps toward becoming the team they want to be in 2026, according to Excelsior Springs coach Ian Burch.

Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part Ray County Voices Podcast series featuring Excelsior Springs teacher, coach and Army National Guardsman Cale Lyons.