News

Allegations of child sexual abuse against a church youth pastor took a significant turn after his bond request was denied. Excelsior Springs resident Donald Aaron Axtell, 37, is charged with two felonies, including second-degree statutory rape and possession of child pornography.

When a tractor-trailer collided with a police patrol vehicle on Missouri 210 Highway in October, the impact left Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Corporal Zach Thomas unconscious and trapped behind the wheel as motorists began pulling over. One of those who approached was Wood Heights Fire Protection District Chief T.J. Curry. His actions led the Missouri State Highway Patrol to nominate him for the Honorary Trooper Certificate, which he was recently awarded.

Clay County’s growing population helped drive the development of the county’s first major law enforcement construction project in 25 years. The Law Enforcement Resource Center opened Nov. 25 to provide space for firearms training, defensive tactics and scenario-based instruction.

What began as a plan for the Wood Heights district to quietly support another Thanksgiving assistance effort turned into a full holiday project for the town’s Fire Protection District Auxiliary. A misunderstanding over the needs of a school district for its holiday outreach left the Auxiliary with purchased food and an unexpected opening to serve families directly. Members moved quickly to turn those items into complete meals for people who needed holiday support.

As Excelsior Springs students move into the final weeks of the semester, elementary buildings across the district are focusing on attendance, academic progress and a smooth transition into the winter season. Schools are closing out quarter two with assessments, family events and recognition of students who have demonstrated strong character and responsibility.

The Excelsior Springs Police Department has identified the vehicle involved in a recent fatal hit-and-run. Detectives said identifying the vehicle that killed 35-year-old Mary Levingston was a development made possible through a combination of advanced technology, interagency teamwork and assistance from residents who shared camera footage from the area.

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An Excelsior Springs man accused of showing up at a protected person’s home and flashing a handgun during an argument is out of jail after pleading not guilty to the charges. Myles Levi Casey, 28, is facing one felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon and one misdemeanor charge of violating a protection order for an adult.

Excelsior Springs is preparing to expand support for homebound seniors with the appointment of Tammy Murphy as the first coordinator for the Meals and a Visit Program (MVP). The initiative is designed to deliver nutritious meals and companionship to residents who struggle with mobility or lack regular social interaction.

When the Excelsior Springs Christmas Parade moved through downtown, a group of family members walked with a purpose much heavier than holiday cheer. Their presence was a reminder that Andrew Frantz is still missing, nearly three years after the 31-year-old disappeared. For his relatives, taking part in the parade was not about celebration. It was about refusing to let the community forget a son, brother and father who has never come home.