News

An area school was recently placed on lockdown after authorities were notified of an unidentified male suspect — wearing only underwear — attempting to break in and gain access to the school. According to Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), a male suspect broke out the glass on an entry door, allowing him to enter Missouri City K-8 Public School.

The Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD) has announced their employee of the month for February. Information Technology (IT) Central Office Technician Collin Huffman, 19, of Smithville, was recognized for his outstanding work performance within the district.

Why do we have eclipses, and why do we rarely get to see a solar eclipse? The relative positions between the Earth, Moon and Sun are always changing, but in a predictable way. As the Moon orbits the Earth, around every 28 days, varying amounts of the Moon’s sunlit side are visible to us.

ORRICK FIRE PROTECTION District (OFPD) responded to a report of a grass fire earlier this week on T Highway near Park Avenue, Ray County. “Someone was burning a levy, left it unoccupied and with the wind, the grass caught fire,” said OFPD Chief Kelly Bilton. “There was an unoccupied residence on the property, along with numerous articles that were burning upon arrival.” A pile of tires, a boat and 12 vehicles were said to be engulfed in flames. Wood Heights Fire Department, Lawson Fire Department, Hardin Fire Protection District, Fishing River Fire District, Richmond Fire Department and Ray County Sheriff’s Office also responded to provide mutual aid. It is unknown at this time who initially ignited the fire and no injuries were reported.

Missouri catch-andkeep trout season is here again. Per state regulations, the season opens Friday.

The deadline to file 2023 tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024. Tax returns can be complicated, particularly for adults who own their homes and have dependents. Though it’s not impossible for individuals to fill out and file their own returns, the complexity of the process and the stakes involved underscore how beneficial it can be to work with a tax accountant.

As Excelsior Springs gears up to celebrate outstanding preservation projects in the city’s historic districts, the Excelsior Springs Historic Preservation Commission is seeking nominations. The Excelsior Springs Historic Preservation Awards Program, sponsored by the commission, will be giving awards to the most exceptional commercial and residential preservation projects.

Two Kearney High School (KHS) students made their way to Richmond News’ headquarters for their broadcasting classes recently. KHS senior Cody Hoessel, 18 and junior Ella Conway, 17, stopped by to film behind- the-scenes footage of the newspaper being printed and to ask questions.

A Henrietta woman facing two felony charges of child abuse has been granted a bond modification, allowing her to be released on her own recognizance. Misty L.

An Excelsior Springs man facing two felony charges had four motions approved in Clay County Court this week, as he prepares for his upcoming trial. Ronald D.