News

Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series spreading awareness about eating disorders and resources available. With National Eating Disorder Awareness Week being observed from Feb.

Ross Rea, a dedicated fifth-grade teacher at Lewis Elementary School, has been honored as the Best Teacher in the Town and Country Leader’s 2024 Community Excellence Awards. In just his second year of teaching within the Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD), Rea has already made a significant impact on his students and the community.

Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD) has made significant strides in supporting student mental health and well-being using funding from the Clay County Children’s Service Funds to implement prevention, counseling and intervention services.

An Excelsior Springs man has sentenced to 14 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for three felony charges after reaching an agreement with the Ray County Prosecutor’s Office, six years after the initial report was made to law enforcement.

Supporting high school seniors who plan to pursue higher education, Mediacom Communications is providing $60,000 in scholarship support. Now in its 24th consecutive year, this scholarship program will award 60 high school seniors with $1,000 World Class Scholarships.

Local entrepreneur Devon Harris is working to expand outdoor recreational opportunities across Missouri, including the development of mountain biking and hiking trails in Excelsior Springs. Speaking at a recent city council meeting, Harris shared his vision of creating a network of trails within a 30-mile radius of every town in the state, offering opportunities for outdoor adventure, fitness and community engagement.

Two additional men have been arrested in a counter-human trafficking operation led by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Josue Rivera, 27, of Kansas City, KS., and Samuel J.

The Excelsior Springs School District recently presented its monthly building reports, which provided comprehensive updates on key aspects such as student attendance, curriculum developments and upcoming events at the schools within the district.

A local organization’s announcement to host a poverty simulation event in Excelsior Springs sparked controversy before it even took place, with many residents voicing strong opinions both for and against. However, after attending the event on Jan. 29, one attendee shared how their perspective shifted. The participant’s shift in perspective made me reflect on the importance of engaging in challenging conversations with an open and receptive mindset.