2023 Excelsior Springs Year in Review

Throughout the year, our community has witnessed a wide range of events and stories that have left an lasting mark on our collective journey. While it’s true that crime and accidents dominated the headlines as top news stories, we must also acknowledge the multitude of heartwarming moments that unfolded concurrently. Today, we come together to reflect on the highlights that have defined our shared year, Excelsior Springs. Thank you to Kevin Morgan for the visual review. 

January

Top 5 News Stories of the Month (click title to read story): 
Ameren and Missouri American Water Propose Significant Rate Increases
Excelsior Springs Man Transported to Hospital After Car Crash
Four Horses and a Dog Finds a New Home at Shamrock Hills Winery
Alleged Kidnapper/Sexual Assailant Timothy Haslett Pleads for Parental Rights
Critical Repairs Made to Hall of Waters with More to Come

News to Note:
• Samantha Eary, LPN awarded ES Hospital’s first DAISY award winner
• Beloved Coach Larry Jones celebrates 80th Birthday at Ventana
• Ray’s Lunch reopens after a restaurant renovation
• ES Chamber’s Westside Committee forms Community Improvement District (CID)
• Community adopts Job Corps students for holidays
• Author Kim Malaj hosts meet and greet to promote latest novel
• Overnight power outage impacts hundreds in Excelsior Springs
• Clay County Commission grows from Three to Seven
• Beloved Treehouse Preschool Director Darla Sims retires
• Excelsior Roasting Co. reopens after fire destroys roaster

February

Top Stories: 
QuikTrip Plans Moving Forward
Wood Heights Mail Service Suspended After Alleged Gun Incident
Excelsior Springs Man Seriously Injured in Rollover Accident on 88th St and O Highway
Excelsior Springs Man Killed in Rollover Accident
Vehicle Crashes Into Casey’s

News to Note:
• City suspends plastic recycling at Drop Off Center due to the vendor no longer picking up
• Alleged kidnapper/rapist Timothy Haslett loses child custody in court ruling
• Cornerstone Elementary launches new archery program
• Fifteen citizens enroll in Thrive Excelsior’s Citizen Leadership Academy
• ESHS Activities Director Joe Greim recognized during wrestling tournament for service to program prior to retirement
• Fizer’s Garage opens downtown on Isley
• ES Hospital’s Cafe 1700 open to the public
• Timothy Haslett indicted by Grand Jury on nine felony counts
• Career Center and Athletic Training additions halted due to financial constraints
• Schools released early for Chiefs Parade after Superbowl win
• Cornerstone Elementary honors Phil Senger with new book collection
• Theresa Wilson recognized for working 25 years at DaVita Dialysis
• Family of Tommy McKown start Memorial Shelter in his honor
• City receives grant for North Main Bridge and Dry Fork Terracing Project
• Chinese spy balloon flies over Excelsior Springs

March

Top Stories:
Early Morning Police Raid Leads to Arrest of 3
Wrong-Way Driver on 69 Highway Causes Head-On Collision
Family Safe in Monday Afternoon Home Fire
Technicalities Send Haslett Case to New Grand Jury
Copperhead Boutique Celebrates Soft Open

News to Note:
• DEP hosts downtown Steppin into Springtime event
• Lt. Ryan Dowdy graduated from Northwestern Univ. School of Police Staff and Command
• Bill Hightower Team buys 100 ice cream cones for those in line at Dari-B on opening day
• Coach Vic Bonuchi inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
• ESSD Superintendent Travis Hux announces retirement
• ESHS hosts “Prom-Palooza” for local students to provide free prom attire
• Museum installs new awnings with DEP Facade Grant and the Maurer Foundation
• Phil Scherer launches “Nuggets in Verse” podcast
• City hosts Watershed Open House regarding study and plans for flood mitigation
• ES Youth Wrestling Club sends 16 to regionals, 7 to state
• Freshman Cooper Collins made history by winning state championship in Class 2 wrestling

April

Top Stories:
Excelsior Springs Man Dies in Fatal Car Crash on O Highway
Excelsior Springs Man Arrested on Charges of Statutory Sodomy and Child Molestation
Excelsior Springs City-Wide Garage Sale
Excelsior Springs Man Seriously Injured in Motorcycle Crash
Early Morning Police Raid Leads to the Arrest of 3

News to Note:
• Casa Di Vite receives prestigious Preserve Missouri Award from Missouri Preservation Society
• Cameron Huett awarded the John and Mary Pritchard Humanitarian Service Award from William Jewell
• Earth Day Clean Up brings 657 volunteers, including Middle School students help
• Parks Foundation raised $27k for all-inclusive park
• Jim Dusek memorial bench and uniforms unveiled at ESHS Baseball Field
• Youth Wrestlers finish state tournament with 13 medalists and a 3rd place team finish
• Middle schoolers show off their writings for Poetry Night
• Slightly Off Broadway Theatre presents “The Church Basement Ladies”
• UFO sighting on Titus Ave.
• Noah’s Ark Christian Preschool closes
• Mark Spohn named Mayor as Gary Renne and Reggie St. John join City Council
• Cornerstone Elementary opens doors as ES first public storm shelter
• ES Fire Department secures $80k in grants for new gear
• ES Hospital begins Family Care Series
• The Elms Hotel and Spa hired Christian Arriaga as Executive Chef
• Jen Chappel of Good Samaritan Center awarded MO Dept of Health and Senior Services State Caregiver of the Month award
• Excelsior Springs Scream basketball team call it quits
• Elks Lodge gives Early Childhood Center donation of learning tools, educational games, sensory items and more
• City hosts Cultural Heritage Workshop with Missouri Humanities
• ESSD passes measure to build new Lewis Elementary School

May

Top Stories:
Tragic Fatality Occurs as Pedestrian Struck by Train in Excelsior Springs
Alleged Kidnapper/Rapist Haslett Jr. Moved to Johnson County
Joint Operation in Excelsior Springs Leads to Multiple Arrests
Car Accident in Excelsior Springs Sends One to Hospital
Lake Maurer Celebrates 100th Anniversary with Fun-Filled Day

News to Note:
• Coach Zac Ganzer retires as Lady Tiger Soccer coach
• Rockin’ Tiger Club moves to Cornerstone Elementary
• Lewis Elementary’s Jim Wesley recognized by students and parents for being crossing guard
• 13-year-old Dustin McBee exceles in national archery competition
• Wild Bunch Car Show draws more than 80 participants
• Former MLB baseball player Shaun Marcum initiated into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
• ES Tiger Bowling Team places 8th at High School Missouri State Competition

June

Top Stories:
Excelsior Springs Burger King Abruptly Closes Doors Following Failed Lease Negotiations
Serious Crash Involving a Horse on NB US 69, South of Robyn Lane
Family Honors the Life of Daniel Wainscott in Emotional Memorial
Excelsior Springs Gears Up for Waterfest 2023
Excelsior Springs Community Center Unveils Amazing Outdoor Aquatic Oasis

News to Note:
• Citizens lead initiative to rename highway honoring Coach Vic Bonuchi
• Waterfest weekend blessed with beautiful weather and over 90 vendors
• Rage Cave opens
• Holistic Springs Herb Co. opens on Jesse James Rd.
• Ron Prewitt recognized by Historic Preservation Commission for renovation and restoration of 522 Elms Blvd.
• Captain Doug Fales retires from ESFD after 27 years of service
• DEP hosts 17th annual Wine Festival on Lovers Lane
• Second Friday’s discontinued due to low attendance
• Friends of the Wells continues fundraising for restoring mineral waters
• Excelsior Springs Farmers Market kickstarts their season
• ESHS Boys Baseball team heads to state competition after winning district championship
• Community Bank of Missouri recognized as one of Kansas City’s 5 Strongest Small Banks

July

Top Stories:
Small Plane Crash in Clay County Claims Pilot’s Life
Body Found in Saline County, MO Identified as Jaynie Crosdale, a Potential Witness in Haslett Case
Excelsior Springs Police Officer Involved in Collision on Crown Hill Road
Shocking Child Abuse Allegations Lead to Arrest of Excelsior Springs Business Owner
Woodruff Released Without Bond in Ray County Despite Facing Felony Charges

News to Note:
• Eden Village hosts informational session at library
• City receives statues from Shemwell couple
• One Step at a Time Ballroom Dancing has ribbon cutting in new space on Thompson
• Broadway Bar and Grill closes due to staffing problems
• KCUR features citizen Brett Vaughn
• Deviant Tattoo Studio & Supply hosts Tat2You Car, Truck, and Bike Show
• Republic Services change trash day to Tuesdays for all Excelsior Springs citizens
• ESHS Tiger Football hosts annual Tiger Service Day to help citizens
• Mid-Continent Public Library honors Abigail Douglas with Community Spirit Award
• Excelsior Springs Health Care Foundation Golf Tournament raises $29k
• City of Excelsior Springs hosts neighborhood meetings
• The Elms Hotel and Spa hosts fireworks display for community
• Kilgore’s Vintage and Design buys old Fishing River Market for antiques and collectibles
• Skyvuer Imagery captures drone footage of Lewis Elementary School’s Demolition
• Vietnamese Pho House restaurant announced to open on Broadway
• DEP hires new promotional coordinator, Sam Bond-Gilmore

August

Top Stories:
Family Values Continue with New Ownership of Pour Boys Convenience Stores
Evidence Ties Jaynie Crosdale to Timothy Haslett’s Home in Ongoing Investigation
ESHS Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts Former Athletes in Ceremony
Take a Peek Inside Lewis Elementary’s Temporary Classrooms
Excelsior Springs Tigers Back 2 School Resource Guide

News to Note:
• GO Car Wash holds Grand Opening
• Altered Trend Boutique and Tanning Salon holds Grand Opening
• City of Excelsior Springs opens discussion for backyard chickens
• Evelyn Cowsert announces the Mill Inn Restaurant will close after 44 years of service
• DEP holds BBQ Fly-In on the River
• Austin Hardison wins “King of the Hill” Golf Tournament
• Parks and Recreation installs “Kevin the Minion” art piece in Regent Park
• ESHS Welcomes Dr. Sarah Wickham as Principal
• Tractor Supply Co. holds Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Celebration
• Boedecker sentenced 58 years for death of her two children

September

Top Stories:
Two Fatalities and One Seriously Injured in Devastating Head-On Collision
Single Vehicle Accident Claims Life of Lawson Teen, Seriously Injures Another
Excelsior Springs Hit-and-Run Accident Leaves One Person in Critical Condition, Suspect Still at Large
Excelsior Springs City-Wide Garage Sale is Back!
Stabbing Incident in Excelsior Estates Results

News to Note:
• Sept 20th named “Robbie Farabee Sidewalk Chalk Art Day”
• ESFD commemorates new pumper with traditional wetting ceremony
• ES Early Childhood Center opens clinic site with Swope Health
• Clay County Health Department celebrates 70 Years
• DEP raises $13,000 during Annual Awards Dinner
• Rebuilding Together KC rehabs five Excelsior Springs homes
• Unloaded firearm found in student’s backpack
• City owned Golf Hill Subdivision sold to developers
• Shane Bell sentenced for baseball bat assault
• ESPD replaces child’s stolen bicycle
• Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery opens on Shoemaker Rd
• Julie Johnson dominates local pickleball scene bringing home PPA Gold
• Holistic Springs Herb Co. hosts Kids as Vendors event for young entrepreneurs

October

Top Stories:
Family Sues School District for Middle School Bathroom Assault
Keith Bass Charged with Double Homicide After Second Victim’s Passing
Excelsior Springs Area Fall Festival Guide
UTV Operated by 11-Year-Old Overturns, Injuring 12-Year-Old Passenger on Wolf Hollow Rd
Excelsior Springs Welcomes New & Revived Business Adventures

News to Note:
• ES Museum raises $9,200 with annual Rummage Sale and Fall Raffle Fundraiser
• Huey’s Hidden Vault “bartique” and cigar bar speakeasy announced to open in Spring on Broadway
• Deadly Toxins in Drug Takeback Bin jeopardize the life of ESPD specialist
• $235m in scholarships offered to ESSD via VU scholarships collaboration
• Lyndsey Baxter receives multiple accolades for her work as DEP Director
• Tri-County Mental Health unveils new name and logo, going by Beacon Mental Health
• Historical Marker Dedication for O’Dell Cabin
• Stride Martial Arts has grand opening with over 100 attendees
• Bill Fostich recognized for 50 years of employment at PACCOR
• William Jewell College’s Hall of Fame Induction recognizes Vic Bonuchi and Rodney Keuck
• Family sues school district for Middle School bathroom assault
• ESSD to receive $200,000 School Safety grant
• Sons of the American Legion have successful Car and Bike show
• Wine and Shine opens on Broadway in downtown
• ES Hospital welcomes Pediatrician Dr. Josh Umscheid
• Officer Brian Kennedy recognized for 25 Years of Service to ESPD

November

Top Stories:
A Closer Look at UFO Reports in Excelsior Springs
House Hunters: Excelsior Springs Edition – Police Pursue Mobile Home in Highway Drama
Former Pizza Hut Side to Host Two-Office Building
Community Center Unveils Innovative Inflatable Dome for Year-Round Pool Use
Woman Remains in Critical Condition After Nov. 1st Apartment Fire

News to Note:
• ESPD welcome Jo Robertson and Kristina Baxter to the force
• Public Works begins using High-Tech Street Scans
• ES Police Department begin using License Plate Recognition camera systems throughout city
• ESHS Tiger Soccer wins 4th place at state competition, making history for going 3 years in a row
• Darryl Couts and Earl Humphreys named Volunteer of the Year at ES Museum dinner
• 911 Fee approved by voters to take effect April 2024
• K Grace Home and Gift opens on Thompson Avenue
• ES Fire Department raises over $1,400 for breast cancer awareness
• Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce unveils new Community Improvement District
• Planning and Zoning opts against backyard chickens

December

Top Stories:
Unidentified Body Found in Mosby Woods, Suicide Suspected
School District Forming Committee to Explore 4-Day Week
Body Found in Mosby Woods Confirmed to be Missing Teen Andrew Mullin
Court Documents Reveal Disturbing Details of Rocky Hollow Homicide Investigation
Excelsior Springs is Pumped Up for QuikTrip Plans

News to Note:
• ES Fire Department announces plans for new training facility
• Garland Bridge slated for construction in Spring 2024
• ES Inmate Death leads to $150m civil rights lawsuite
• ES Tiger Cheerleaders take 5th among 10 competing districts
• Republic Waste Management missing trash pick ups citywide
• Clay County begins Comprehensive Plan
• Urban SketchersKC explore Excelsior Springs
• Excelsior Springs welcomes National Bicycle Trails

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Horoscopes banner
Excelsior Springs Weekly Horoscopes – Oct 28-Nov 3, 2024
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Talk of the Town – October 21-27, 2024
Around Excelsior This Week: News Briefs – Oct 21-27, 2024
City’s Vision for Hall of Waters Restoration Shared at Missouri Historic Preservation Forum
Excelsior Springs Fall Festivals and Events
Business Women’s Week in Excelsior Springs

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