April 2026

Sam Graves announces retirement

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When I first ran for State Representative back in 1992, my aspiration was to represent my hometown of Tarkio. I was a 27-year-old farmer who just wanted to stand up for a way of life and his community. I never could have imagined where that decision would take me.

Local road tax renewal up for vote

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A measure to continue a street and road tax in Crystal Lakes will be decided by voters during the April 7 municipal election. The ballot question asks: “ Shall the City of Crystal Lakes, Missouri continue the thirty-cent ($.30) tax levy on one hundred dollars assessed valuation to be used solely for the repair and improvement of streets and roads for four more years (2026-2029)?” To provide voters with additional context about the measure, Crystal Lakes Mayor Jeremy Dorrell, the Board of Aldermen and city clerk responded to several questions from the Excelsior Springs Standard.