It’s been another busy and exciting week in Excelsior Springs! From community celebrations and student achievements to new business developments and volunteer recognitions, there’s a lot happening all around town. Below, we’ve gathered a collection of news briefs to keep you updated on everything you might have missed. Each moment, big or small, reflects the spirit and momentum of our growing community—thank you for being a part of it!
Citywide Garage Sale Draws Shoppers Near and Far
Homeowners participating in this weekend’s Citywide Garage Sale reported a strong turnout and positive feedback. Shoppers traveled from as far as Kansas City, Overland Park, and even Iowa—where one couple booked a stay at The Elms and made a weekend of it! The Nelson family shared that Friday morning was especially busy, selling a third of their items by 9:00 a.m. If you participated, either by hosting a sale or shopping, we’d love your feedback—it takes less than a minute to respond: excelsiorcitizen.com/garagesale
There was someone that reported losing a Crucifix pendant at one of the sales and would appreciate its return if found.
S. Jason Cole
City Honors Longtime Volunteers at Annual Appreciation Dinner
The City of Excelsior Springs hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Hall of Waters on Thursday, April 23, 2025, celebrating the many residents who dedicate their time and talents to serving the community.
Special recognition was given to longtime volunteers Betty Bissell, who has served on various boards for 30 years with only two missed meetings, and Kelli Kincaid, who has served for 28 years.
Additional volunteers recognized for their service include:
- 2008: Nick Houk, Sonya Morgan, Reggie St. John, Darryl Couts, Dennis Hartman, and Bill Griffey
- 2009: Mike Edwards, Mary Lou Greim, Brent McElwee, and Jesse Hall
- 2011: Tray Harkins
- 2013: Rusty Lawrence and Kenny Manley
Others acknowledged for their longstanding contributions include Kent Powell, Sharon Powell, Sherri Branson-Hurt, Martha Buckman, Barbara Blubaugh, and Mike Jarman.
The evening served as a heartfelt reminder of how much these volunteers have helped shape and strengthen the Excelsior Springs community.
📸 Melinda Mehaffy
Chamber Hosts Successful Coffee Brew and View Event
The Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted a well-attended Coffee Brew and View on Wednesday, April 23, offering guests a chance to network while touring two commercial properties for sale at 1006 and 1010 N. Jesse James Road, listed by Hightower Heritage. Attendees enjoyed fresh coffee, pastries, and guided tours of the available spaces. The Chamber extends its thanks to Hightower Heritage for sponsoring the event and encourages everyone to follow the Chamber’s Facebook page for announcements about future Coffee Brew and View opportunities.
📸 Courtney Cole
Knit Ewe Together Celebrates Local Yarn Shop Day in Style
Knit Ewe Together pulled out all the stops for Local Yarn Shop Day, drawing a line of eager shoppers waiting to join the festivities. Owner Shawna Strombaugh treated visitors to exclusive patterns, cozy yarns, special discounts, and even a fun scavenger hunt throughout the store. The day was a huge success, celebrating both the art of knitting and the vibrant community that supports it.
📸 S. Jason Cole
Zion Hosts City Love Grocery Giveaway
Zion held its City Love event this weekend, offering a no-cost, no-qualifications grocery giveaway at 1800 W. 69 Hwy. Distribution began at noon and continued until every family had been served. City Love is made possible through donations, and those wishing to support future events can text “ZIONKC” to 77977 to make a tax-deductible contribution.
📸 S. Jason Cole
Wood Heights Welcomes First Woman Mayor
History was made in Wood Heights on Monday, April 21, 2025, as Michelle Lambert was officially sworn in as the city’s first woman to serve as Mayor. It’s a proud and exciting milestone for the community, and residents are looking forward to the future under her leadership.
The city also took time to recognize and thank outgoing Mayor Frank Davitt for his many years of dedicated service. His leadership and contributions have left a lasting impact on Wood Heights, helping to guide the community through years of growth and change. Congratulations to both leaders on this important transition!
Pictured: City Clerk Merry Marler swearing Mayor Lambert into office. 📸 Courtney Cole
Chamber Welcomes New Board Members
On Monday, April 21, Chamber Director Brian Rice and Assistant Director Lindsay Hall met with new Chamber Board members Cora Boothe, owner of Beacon Realty, and Ben Rubey, Director of the Excelsior Springs Area Career Center. The group gathered at Other Trails Coffeeshop to review board expectations and prepare the new members for their roles in supporting the Chamber’s mission and activities. Not pictured but also an incoming board member is Mike Edwards of Ameren Missouri.
📸 Courtney Cole
4.27.25 at 11:00pm: This story has been updated to include a missing Crucifix that someone lost at one of the garage sales.
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