July 2026

Families will have five more opportunities to gather under the stars in downtown Excelsior Springs as Movies on the Lawn continues through October.

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A long-term effort to expand special education services within Excelsior Springs schools aims to reduce the district’s reliance on out-of-district placements while providing more students with services closer to home.

Students across the Excelsior Springs School District showed stronger academic growth during the 2025-26 school year, although district leaders say improving overall proficiency remains the next major challenge.

Candidates seeking federal, state, Clay and Ray County offices answered questions from voters during a public forum at the Eagleton Center, giving residents the opportunity to hear directly from those appearing on the Aug. 4 primary ballot.

Three candidates are seeking to represent Missouri House District 39, with two facing off for the Democratic nomination in the Aug. 4 primary election.

High heat, drop kicks, random observations and points that amuse are all part of the wide, wide world of sports at the community and national levels. It’s time to tweak a common metaphor among coaches and athletes: “This is a marathon, not a sprint.”

The Excelsior Standard, July 24, 2026 Judith Mae Orava, 84, Excelsior Springs, passed away July 10, 2026. At her request, she was laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery with no services.

The Excelsior Standard, July 24, 2026 Mike Schwarz John Michael “Mike” Schwarz, 82, formerly of Lawson, passed away peacefully July 14, 2026, at Tiffany Springs Senior Care Center. Mike was born March 11, 1944, in Excelsior Springs to Henry Allen Schwarz and Mary Ann (Lewis) Schwarz.