As the calendar turns to a new year, Excelsior Springs reflects on a remarkable 2024, a year marked by triumphs, challenges, and countless moments that brought our community closer together. From transformative city projects and heartwarming volunteer efforts to milestones in education, sports, and business, our city continued to showcase its unique blend of resilience and progress.
January
• Top Stories:
– Minivan Crash at In and Out Auto Repair Results in Hospitalization and Multiple Totaled Vehicles
– Brief Manhunt Near Mosby Leads to Arrest
– Court Documents Reveal Disturbing Details of Rocky Hollow Homicide Investigation
• Best Week Ever:
– Paul Monnig announced as record setter for having volunteered over 10,000 hours at Good Samaritan Center
– Courtwarming and Matwarming candidates for court were announced
– ESPD goes sledding with kids at Sunnyside Park
– Leavenworth Street renamed “John Shepherd Way” to honor educator in front of Lewis Elementary
– Vic Bonuchi recognized with sign on 69 Highway
• Other Notable Events:
– Point in Time Count offers a snapshot of homelessness in Excelsior Springs
– Clay County Sheriff connects with over 50 kids at MCPL book reading
– Beekeepers Club holds first successful meeting
– ESHS Freshman Hailey McDade participated with 4-H in Family and Consumer Sciences National Championship and Conference in San Antonio, TX
– City Manager Molly McGovern and Kim Halfhill presented prestigious 2024 Baldridge Foundation Leadership Awards
– Carrie and Michael Donnici announce they’re opening an Italian Deli and Market
– Despite negative four degree weather, ES citizens braved the weather for the KC Chiefs game
– Due to harsh winter weather, ES School Board goes virtual for meeting
– MCPL launches Winter Reading Challenge
– Two significant winter storms hit town in one week’s time
– The Grow Spot opens downtown
February
• Top Stories:
– A Sneak Peek Into the Future of John’s Super
– Couple Transforming Paradise Playhouse into Firefly Event Center
– Fiery Crash Near Holt Claims Life of Lawson Woman
• Best Week Ever:
– ESHS Wrestlers compete district competition and seven at MSHAA Wrestling Championships
– Chamber sends busload of people to the Wednesday Superbowl Parade in Kansas City
– DEP’s Chocolate Tour sells out after 400 tickets purchased
• Other Notable Events:
– ESHS Speech and Debate team claim the 2024 Greater Kansas City Speech Conference Championship, their fifth consecutive conference title
– Clay County Public Health Dept announces opening of new WIC Extension Clinic in ES
– MARC launches “Communities for All Ages” program, Excelsior recognized for initiatives
– Postal service delays disrupt municipal billing
– City hosts Listening Session on Wyman School
– Mackenzie Hatfield wins national boxing championship
– Legal team of Haslett seeks to seal documents in kidnapping case
– ESHS alum Deven Bierle sworn in to ESPD
– ESFD responds to smoke alarm at Pho House downtown
– ESPD holds annual awards banquet
March
• Top Stories:
– A Slow Path to a Quiktrip Update from the Economic Development Director
– Daylight Donuts Set to Make a Sweet Return to Excelsior Springs
– Sheriff Childers Barred from Office Following Allegations of Misconduct
• Best Week Ever:
– Austin Hardison playing in 2024 PGA Professional Championship
– DEP hosts sold-out Sippin’ Into Springtime event
– ESHS Sophomore Mackenzie Hatfield wins second consecutive National Boxing Championship
– Chuck Anderson Ford celebrates their 50th year in business
• Other Notable Events:
– Enchanted Interiors opens on Thompson Ave.
– ESFD announces critical need for paramedics
– ES Chamber adds trolley to its fleet
– City announces Summer Sewer Credit Program to residents
– ESHS Mock Trial competes at state championship
– TR Kennedy retires from the City of ES
– Ciao Bella opens along Broadway in the downtown
– Holistic Springs Herb Co celebrates downtown location with ribbon cutting ceremony
– City plans abatement of Wyman School Building in preparation for hopeful future development
– ES Cultural Guild raises $7,600 in “Death by Chocolate” fundraiser
– ES Hospital Health and Wellness programs offered insight into the pharmacy, VA Medical foster home program, misconceptions with baby care, and a feature on the emergency department
– Daylight Donuts open in Excelsior Springs
– Dr Ed Hunter sells dentistry practice to Dr. Dallin Josephson
– Kyle Barrett sentenced to 3 years in MO Dept of Corrections for school bus hit and run
– Dari-B celebrates 70th Season
– FSB Bank celebrates with Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony
– ESHS Tiger Basketball and ESHS Speech and Debate compete at district competition, ESHS Mock Trial competes at state
– New “Dog Moms” group started for people wanting to connect with others at the Dog Park
April
• Top Stories:
– Tragic ATV Accident Claims Life – Injures Teen in Ray County
– Is Excelsior Springs About to Experience a Housing Boom
– Anxiety Attack: Here’s How Your Brain Reacts and What to do About It
• Best Week Ever:
– Over 100 Garage Sales participate in Spring City-Wide
– Firefly Events Center opens in downtown with ribbon cutting and release of season
– ES Museum raises $11,300 during Spring Rummage Sale
• Other Notable Events:
– ES Hospital recognized Staff Coordinator Renita Wilhelmi’s retirement after 26 years
– Republic Services offers Free Bulky Item Drop Off day due to so many missed collections
– ES Parks Foundation announces $40k donation for new inclusive park at Piccadilly Gala
– ES Speech and Debate team find success at State Championships
– ESHS Band and Choir excel at State Music Festival
– ESPR celebrates Earth Day with Spring clean up with over 50 volunteers
– Heart delivered to Elms Blvd for Parade of Hearts campaign in KC
– MCPL hosts annual Food for Fines
– Stephen Spear re-elected, John McGovern joins City Council
– ESHS Kitchen Manager Rachel Coe recognized with award and promotion
– ESHS holds Springo bingo fundraiser
– Nicole Shields awarded the Daisy Award for extraordinary nursing
– Klutch Baseball team plants trees at Century Bark dogpark
– Night with the Band fundraiser brings $8,300 for band program
– City Councilwoman Sonya Morgan retires council seat after 12 years
– ES School Board welcomes Traci White and welcomes back Troy Snelling
– Good Samaritan holds local 5k with 200 participants
– ESHS holds Prom Palooza Event to provide students with free formal wear
– ESHS Performing Arts presents “The Lion in Winter”
May
• Top Stories:
– Excelsior Springs Icon Begins a New Chapter: The Renovation of Mill-Inn Restaurant
– JJ’s Stocking Up for Grand Opening Later This Month
– Isley School Scrap Pile Fire
• Best Week Ever:
– ESHS Track and Field compete at MO Class 4 State Track and Field Championship
– ESSD hosts Graduation and finishes school year
– Over 100 attend first-ever Silver Prom
• Other Notable Events:
– ESPD Raises over $1,300 for Pink Ribbon Fund
-ESFD Deputy Fire Chief Scott O’Dell retires after 37 years
– CAP placed flags on veterans graves in three cemeteries for the ES Elks Lodge
– Garland Ave Bridge closed due to safety concerns
– Firefly Events Center hosts Dueling Piano show
– ESHS Boys Tennis clinches team conference title
– ES Hospital’s Health and Wellness series featured highlights from the cardiopulmonary department and Dr. Wilson gave a presentation on Healthy Aging
– Other Trails Coffeeshop, Fizer’s Garage, and Sonya Morgan awarded Historic Preservation Awards
– Planning and Zoning Commission reject Eden Village Zoning proposal
– ESFD rescues pets during a house fire on Southview Drive
– Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held at The Elms Hotel and Spa
– ESHS and ESCC team up to host Special Olympics Festival
– ES Tiger Bowling participates in State Championship
– ESSD provides free meal program through the summer
– Community holds fundraiser breakfast in memory of new scholarship for Melissa Bierman, beloved teacher who passed away unexpectedly
– ESHS holds annual Fine Arts Night, recognize National Honor Society students, and Academic Excellence with awards
– Jury trial set for Keith Bass, for the shooting and killing of Theresa Bass and Bobby Neal, Jr.
– 414 Company hosts the Hitch Lot Garden Show with great success
June
• Top Stories:
– Tense Standoff Ends with Felony Arrest in Excelsior Springs
– Mill Inn Renovation Hits a Snag: Still Targets Fall Opening
– Wife Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Kearney Homicide
• Best Week Ever:
– Molly Roberts Studio owner Molly Roberts transfers business to daughter, Megan Gantt
– Waterfest committee brings “water” back to festival with successful kids zone!
Dodge Charger “Hellcat” stolen from Heartland dealership, suspect caught after chase
– Wabash brings back Icehouse Blues Garden with a performance from J.D. and The Chasers
– ES Health Care Foundation holds annual golf tournament
• Other Notable Events:
– Excelsior Boulangerie Artisan Bakery opens downtown
– The Selah Center for Women’s Ministry opens in Y Shopping Center
– ES Job Corps Hosts Community Relations Council Luncheon for community leaders
– Calico Quilters hold annual quilt show in the Hall of Waters during Waterfest
– DEP kicks off Lyrics on the Lawn series showcasing local music artists on the lawn at the Hall
– Fox 4 News’ Matt Stewart visits Farmers Market as a vendor selling his authored books
– Jones Custom Auto holds 17th Annual Custom Car, Hot Rod, and Truck Show
– Boopy Locks Bike Show drew motorcycle enthusiasts in its second year at Waterfest
– KC VA Medical Center announces new clinic to open across the street from current one in the next year or two
– Inaugural Plein Art event held, with over 20 artists participating in creating scenes of our beloved town
– ES Farmers Market kicks off another season
– DEP moves Wine Festival back to the downtown and celebrated its 18th year
– ESPD offers community Gun Safety Workshop
– Community Center hosts first-ever “home” swim meet
– Wild Bunch hosts Car Show with a drive in support of the local animal shelter
– Kids as Vendors takes place downtown, offering youth a chance to be entrepreneurs
– MCPL kicks off their summer reading program
– Spike in vehicle break ins reported
– Museum showcases local citizen’s wedding dresses in a special “Say Yes to the Dress” display
– Clay Ray Veterans and Eagles Club hold Memorial Day tributes
– Authorities announce crack down on out of state license plates, like South Dakota
– Slightly Off Broadway Theatre presents “Miss Holmes”
July
• Top Stories:
– QuikTrip Announces Opening Date for New Excelsior Springs Location
– Medical Emergency Leads to Fatal Collision in Excelsior Springs
– Severe Thunderstorm Leaves Excelsior Springs in the Dark: Citizen Photos Capture the Aftermath
• Best Week Ever:
– ES Job Corps Celebrates 60th Anniversary with formal dance at The Montgomery Event Venue
– MU Extension representatives tour community for possible 2025 Conference
– ES Varsity Cheer wins Herkie Team Award, highest award given to cheerleading camp
– The Elms Hotel and Spa and Blue Sparrow Lawn and Landscape give community fireworks show for the 4th
• Other Notable Events:
– Local artist Jenna Olcott crafts mural for The Springs Restaurant
– MoDOT begins resurfacing project on 69 Highway, causing delays
– Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery win several awards in the 2024 MO Governor’s Cup Wine Competition
– Timothy Haslett charged with murder of Jaynie Crosdale
– City holds Comprehensive Plan meeting for the public
– Clay County approves Senior Property Tax Relief Program
– Grants were awarded to four downtown businesses for revitalization of their properties
– Jen Chappel retires from the Good Samaritan Center after serving public for 19 years
– Humane Society of Ray County announces new shelter by end of the year
– Severe thunderstorm takes out power across town
– First United Methodist Church celebrates 140 years in the community
– Class of 1979 holds reunion at Shamrock Hills Vineyards and Winery
August
• Top Stories:
– House Explosion Rocks Excelsior Springs Two People Missing
– Victims Identified in Excelsior Springs House Explosion Linked to Gas Leak
– Two City Employees Injured in Sunday Morning Crash
• Best Week Ever:
– Elkhorn Elementary opens new Outdoor Learning Lab at the start of school
– Butterfly Kisses and Vesta Hearth and Home open downtown on Broadway
– ESPR conclude Parks and Rec Month with 588 citizens participating in events during the month
– BBQ Fly In Celebrates 24th year of contest
• Other Notable Events:
– Annual school resource fair is held at middle school
– Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program becomes available for Missouri families
– Inaugural Vic Bonuchi Golf Tournament raises funds for high school football team
– Chamber offers Kids Day Out with a sold out trolley
– Farmers Market celebration National Farmers Market Week
– Slightly Off Broadway Theatre presents Fiddler on the Roof
– Job Corps students restore Crystal Lithia Pagoda after storm
– ES Hospital’s Dietitian Maura Woolsey and Infection Prevention Coordinator Angela Ochoa, RN gave health and wellness presentations at the Senior Center
– Housing Authority sought public help in supporting government funding
September
• Top Stories:
– Transient Charged with Two Felonies in Road Rage Shooting
– Excelsior Springs PD Assists FBI in Major Residential Operation
– Road Rage Incident Escalates to Shooting in Excelsior Springs – Suspect Arrested
• Best Week Ever:
– DEP holds annual fundraiser awarding multiple downtown businesses
– City awarded Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference for 2025
– ES Irish Festival has an amazing first year of celebration
• Other Notable Events:
– QuikTrip hosts Grand Opening
– Clay-Ray American Legion holds Car Show
– ESHS Softball has a stellar season
– ES Boy Scouts helped repaint hydrants around town
– False bomb threat at Walmart evacuates store, part of national fraud
– First responders hold Excelsior Springs Annual Night Out Against Crime for families
– Rotary announces having raised close to $10,000 since 2014 for community causes
– School District has to spend $700k on mold remediation cleanup before school begins
– Local dads craft “Buddy Benches” to each elementary school to encourage kindness
– Excelsior said goodbye to two instrumental leaders, Carolyn Schutte and Ambrose Buckman
– ESHS Football wins against Winnetonka
– Flats at Coach Crossing affordable housing project gets approval from planning and zoning commission
– Community holds Fall City-Wide Garage Sale
– Former Ray Co Sheriff Scott Childers resigns, is stripped of law enforcement certificate
– Huey’s Hidden Vault bartique opens downtown on Broadway
October
• Top Stories:
– Fiery Explosion at Harts Automotive Repair in Excelsior Springs Leaves One Dead, One Injured
– November General Election Ballot Information
– Impractical Jokers Star Chooses Excelsior Springs for His Upcoming Horror Film
• Best Week Ever:
– ES Health Care Foundation holds Annual Gala at The Elms Hotel, awarding staff
– Museum Rummage Sale brings $11,120 to put toward $38k roofing project
– Citizens gather to take in the sight of rare showing of Northern Lights
– 2024 Homecoming brings ES together for a weekend of fun and great weather
• Other Notable Events:
– Slightly Off Broadway Theatre presents Klondike Kalamity
– City presents Hall of Waters Restoration efforts to MO Historic Preservation
– Friends of the Wells begins testing mineral waters for restoration
– Casa Di Vite International Wine celebrates two years in the community
– Melinda Mehaffy, City Economic Development Director, awarded by ES Business Women with annual Community Activist award
– ES Hospital’s Social Services presents Aging in Place and Long-Term Care Planning presentation during Health and Wellness series
– ESH Radiology Team raises funds and awareness for Breast Cancer with Pink Ribbon Fund
– Huey’s Hidden Vault holds Bras on Broadway event raising $3,750 for hospital’s Pink Ribbon Fund
– Blue Sparrow Garden Center holds Annual Fall Festival
– Kidnapping, Murder Suspect Haslett’s case delayed due to extensive discovery materials
– Rotary raises $2,600 with annual Grocery Grab, money to go to scholarships
– Dr. Robert Shemwell retires from the hospital board and recognized for lifetime of service and dedication to the community
– The Zen Salt Den opens in Crown Hill Plaza
– Vietnam Vets Honored with DC Memorial Trip courtesy of Heartland Honor Flight
– ESPD hosts first-ever Pancake Breakfast to benefit community
– Eagles Club presents $10,000 to GKC Friends of Fisher House, to help veterans
– McElwee family donates Siloam Spring Park and partners with ESSD to offer new play equipment
– US Masters swimming program coming to ESCC
November
• Top Stories:
– Road Rage Incident Leads to Gunfire on Highway 69 – Suspect In Custody in Excelsior Springs
– Suspect Charged After Road Rage Incident Escalates to Gunfire in Excelsior Springs
– Excelsior Springs Road Rage Suspect Takes Own Life During Smithville Lake Standoff
• Best Week Ever:
– Christmas Committee has another successful Christmas kickoff
– American Legion members gathered for presentation from Cornerstone Elementary
– ESHS Tiger Soccer Advances to State Playoffs for fourth year in a row
– ESHS Tiger Soccer wins Suburban Blue Conference Title and is featured as Fox 4 News’ Team of the Week
• Other Notable Events:
– ES Recognized as Most Neighborly City in Missouri
– City announces that we won the competition to host the 2025 Connecting – Entrepreneurial Communities Conference for MU Extension Council
– Style by Ry hosts Fashion Show at the Hall of Waters for the first time
– Fishing River Watershed Phase 1 are underway; Dry Fork Greenway project under state review
– City Neighborhoods collects names for people needing help with snow removal and recruiting volunteers to help offer for those in need
– ESHS Performing Arts presents Mamma Mia!
– Museum holds their annual dinner, themed “Hinges of History: From Horsepower to Horsepower”
– School Board announces tax measure for April ballot
– Turnout from November election ranged from 59% to nearly 80% in local precincts
– ESHS Tiger Soccer plays in state quarterfinals, falling short on a remarkable season
– ES Job Corps celebrates 60th Anniversary with Open House
– ES Applebee’s assures public they will remain open, while other locations in the area close
– Charette held to discuss redevelopment plans for old city hospital site downtown
– Community Center increases membership fee for first time in 8 years
– Walmart unveils multi-million dollar makeover
– Glasshouse Tattoo Studio opens in the downtown
– City of ES receives National Recognition for Community Excellence
– City Community Development offers support for Historic District Homeowners
December
• Top Stories:
– Excelsior Springs Assistant Principal Arrested for DWI After Truck Ends up in Fishing River
– Excelsior Springs Police Apprehend Wanted Man After High-Risk Traffic Stop
– Suspect in Custody After Multi-County Pursuit Ends Near Excelsior Springs
• Best Week Ever:
– ESHS Lady Tiger Wrestlers bring home 1st Place in Lexington Tournament
– ESHS Boys Wrestling Team took 1st Place in the Lee’s Summit Holiday Tournament
– Cornerstone Mom has TikTok video of Elementary Choir Concert go viral and end up on Good Morning America among many other state and national news broadcasts
– Lewis Elementary holds Open House for newly completed building downtown
– Small Businesses for Small Business Saturday
• Other Notable Events:
– Republic Services announces they’re going back to a five-day pickup schedule to correct the problems residents are experiencing in not getting their trash picked up
– Avian Influenza makes its way to ES
– Good Samaritan organized Christmas for 35 local families and nearly 200 children
– Career Students partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build more than 20 beds for area children in need
– ES Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions offered a presentation on dealing with grief during the holidays
– Safe Streets and Sidewalks project begins surveying and holds community meetings
– Five ES projects recognized by Clay County Economic Development Council at Keystone Awards
– Friends of the Wells begins testing of mineral waters; Dennis Hartman releases book on wells
– 90 Senior Citizens gathered at the Community Center to learn about Real Estate Property Tax Relief
– ES Parks and Recreation announces brick fundraiser to raise funds for an all-ability park, Boundless Backyard
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