News

LIBERTY – A March 8 Clay County Sheriff’s Office pursuit resulted in an arrest and four felony charges. The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office charged Jimmy Sonneveldt, 32, with tampering with a motor vehicle, first degree, a Class D felony; two counts of leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage or $1,000 or more, each a Class E felony; and resisting arrest by fleeing, a Class E felony.

LIBERTY – The Clay County Sheriff’s Office issued an annual report to the community. “A report like this is important to show the community how we use their tax dollars and let them hold us accountable,” Sheriff Will Akin said.

In the end, no one got indicted, which makes the story of the state audit of Clay County almost anticlimactic. Almost.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The golf course plans to have a new cart fleet in March 2023. “The city typically purchases” fleets of carts through 60-month rent-to-own agreements, City Manager Molly McGovern stated in a memoradum to city leaders.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – Downtown had “a really positive economic impact year” in 2021, Downtown Excelsior Partnership Executive Director Lyndsey Baxter told city leaders at the Hall of Waters. Last year, the Community Improvement District, or CID, brought in almost $6.5 million downtown “in reported taxable retail sales,” Baxter said while giving the DEP’s annual report in a PowerPoint presentation March 7.

KANSAS CITY – The Missouri Department of Conservation confirmed avian influenza, or bird flu, has been detected in an American white pelican in Clay County. “It was found by a pond by a private citizen, and then it was euthanized and tested,” Missouri Department of Conservation spokesman Bill Graham said March 10.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The city has clarified special use permit rules. The council addressed permit-holders’ failure to comply “with any special conditions imposed at the time of approval” and preservation of “the public health, safety and welfare,” per an approved ordinance.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – Having opened the new season for ice cream a few days earlier, Dari-B received recognition during the City Council meeting Monday. Mayor Sharon Powell proclaimed March to be Dari-B Month.

■ HEARTS DISPLAY UNITY ■ BENEFIT AREA CHARITIES ■ ONE AT THE ELMS HOTEL EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The city is included in the metrowide Parade of Hearts: A Heartland Celebration. Excelsior Springs Mayor Sharon Powell said she participated in the unveiling of the Excelsior Springs heart, one of 154 hearts, all about 5 feet tall by 5 feet wide, and made by 123 community artists.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – The City Council filled two board seats when meeting Feb. 22 at the Public Works Building.