February 2026

Collins, Carr end postseason grappling droughts

For the fourth straight season, Cooper Collins experienced the thrill of being a state qualifier in boys wrestling. This year, though, the Excelsior Springs senior also experienced the thrill of being a district champion.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS SENIOR Cooper Collins (left) appears to glance toward the scorer’s table as he holds down Odessa’s Kamden Hooper during the 144-pound title match at the Class 2 District 4 boys wrestling competition. SHAWN RONEY | Staff

CLAY-RAY SPORTS NOTEBOOK

THE FIELD IS SET Varsity girls coach JD Biermann and varsity boys coach Ian Burch know who their respective teams will face when Excelsior Springs opens the Class 4 District 14 Tournament next week in Knob Noster.

From draft lottery to local legacy

Editor’s note: This is the final of a two-part series on the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives’ “Not Forgotten” exhibit. Part Two explores the broader historical context and connection to the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, while Part One covered the exhibit’s local service stories and displays.
VOLUNTEER DEB FOSTER highlights the Home Front display in the “Not Forgotten” exhibit at the Excelsior Springs Museum, featuring birth announcements, community milestones and historical reporting from the Vietnam era. MIRANDA JAMISON | Staff