News

Excelsior Springs, Richmond and surrounding communities will soon see the impact of a fully booked spay and neuter clinic aimed at pit bull–type dogs. Organizers with Operation Snip ‘Em confirmed all 21 available slots for the October event at Ray County Animal Hospital are now filled, marking the first time a free service of this scale has been offered in the area.

Editor’s note: This is the first of a twopart series detailing the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Respirator Approval Program and its impact on Missouri workers and manufacturers. Part two will examine ways policymakers, industry leaders and advocates are responding to funding challenges and what is at stake if the program is weakened.

Excelsior Springs schools released building reports for September, highlighting attendance, curriculum initiatives, professional development and upcoming events across each campus. The updates provided snapshots of ongoing work at the Early Childhood Center, Cornerstone Elementary, Lewis Elementary, Elkhorn Elementary, middle school, high school and Career Center.

Crystal Lakes leaders believe a new partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will transform the city’s lakes into more accessible, sustainable and enjoyable public resources. Mayor Jeremy Dorrel noted the idea first surfaced when a resident raised the question of outside help during a city meeting.

Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series profiling Crystal Lakes Mayor Jeremy Dorrel. Part one focuses on Dorrel’s path to office, his background and leadership in creating The Overlook event center.

Excelsior Springs leaders have approved the city’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year, authorizing spending and revenue plans for every department and fund from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026.

The long-awaited trial of an Excelsior Springs man accused of murder, rape and other felonies has been pushed back nearly a year from its original setting of Dec. 1, 2025.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS’ Lillah Shue tracks the ball for a play against Kearney. Sports coverage continues on page 5..

“ I felt very humbled just to get a little taste of what the first responders went through on that tragic day. -- Ryder Rempel Excelsior Springs firefighters joined hundreds from across the region in Kansas City to honor the 343 FDNY members who lost their lives on Sept.

A Lawson family is asking for help to relocate after the beating of a 12-year-old girl left them feeling unsafe in their community. Max Harris launched a GoFundMe campaign titled Help Us Move to Safety and Start Over following the attack on his daughter, Hayley.