News

Stories of sacrifice, service and remembrance echoed through the Clay-Ray Veterans Memorial Day ceremony as veterans, families and community members gathered to honor those who lost their lives serving the nation.

When Shannon Greene first arrived in Excelsior Springs in 2022, she had little familiarity with the community she was appointed to serve. Less than three years later, the First United Methodist Church pastor has become a familiar face across the city through her involvement in local organizations, volunteer efforts and community initiatives extending far beyond Sunday morning services.

Overnight visitors staying in Excelsior Springs hotels, short-term rentals and other lodging accommodations could soon help fund tourism and destination development efforts under a proposal recently approved by the Excelsior Springs City Council and is now headed to voters in August.

Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two-part story about the creation of The Standard Strategic Council and the newspaper’s efforts to strengthen local journalism. Part One covers the council’s formation, the importance of trustworthy local news and challenges, while Part Two explores the council’s identified focus areas and future goals.

While several business leaders and residents voiced support for Excelsior Springs’ proposed transient guest tax during a recent public hearing, former Missouri State Representative and current pastor Doug Richey was the lone voice arguing against the measure. The pastor said the measure represented an inappropriate expansion of taxation and government involvement in economic development.

Business owners, community leaders and residents voiced support for Excelsior Springs’ proposed transient guest tax during a recent public hearing, arguing the measure could help strengthen tourism, support small businessesand continue downtown investment throughout the community.

Gov. Mike Kehoe recently announced he has signed proclamations placing Amendment 1, Amendment 2 (HJR 23/3), Amendment 4 (HJR 3) and Amendment 5 (HJR 173/174) on the Aug.

More than 800 combined hours of meetings, research and discussion helped shape a new five-year strategic plan approved by the Excelsior Springs School District Board of Education, creating a roadmap intended to guide district priorities through 2031.