News

One Clay County commissioner was chosen and the fields for three Clay County Commission seats narrowed with Tuesday’s primary elections. Voters considered candidates for two at-large positions – one in the Western District, one in the Eastern District.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) plans to fix the recurring pothole on Missouri Highway 10 by the Sonic Drive-In sometime in August, according to Chad Birdsong, Excelsior Springs public works director.

Cassie Cramer and Samantha Nash-St. John made history July 27.

Excelsior Springs’ regulations regarding dogs that threaten to attack or attack humans have changed – and a decades-long, breed-specific ban has ended. On Monday at the Hall of Waters, the City Council approved an ordinance to amend Chapter 210 of the city code, which covers dangerous dogs.

Melinda Mehaffy, Excelsior Springs’ economic development director, is among the civic and educational leaders in Clay County who are concerned about the county’s decision to have residents vote on a proposal to decrease the county’s commercial property surtax.

On July 13, 54 Excelsior Springs High School football players got together to give back to the community and observe an annual tradition – Tiger Service Day. “It’s a day to get out in the community and give back, get our players kind of used to the thought of helping others selflessly,” varsity coachMark Faubionsaid.

Cassie Cramer and Samantha Nash-St. John made history July 27.

That night, the two women were promoted from corporal to sergeant with the Excelsior Springs Police Department (ESPD) – the first time for any woman to reach that rank with the department.

“It wasn’t until 1982 that we had our first female police officer,” Chief Greg Dull said. “Tonight is another (notable) point in our department’s history; we will have not just one but two femalesergeants for the first time in our 180-year history of the department.”

One woman’s dream to help special needs children culminated in the dedication of an adaptive swing Monday evening at Cornerstone Elementary School. The wheelchair-accessible swing platform brings the fun and health benefits of swinging to children who normally miss out because of their special needs.

Effective Friday, Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Michael Fitzpatrick is leaving his position. Fitzpatrick is leaving Excelsior Springs to take a position in Columbus, Kansas, to aid individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Excelsior Springs Police Department is adding a vehicle to its fleet: a golf cart. On July 18 at the Hall of Waters, the City Council approved Chief Greg Dull’s request to buy a 2017 E-Z-Go cart for $11,538.