Excelsior Springs Weekly News Headlines – Dec 4-17, 2023

Here are some news headlines that you may have missed over the past two weeks, collected and collated from a variety of news sources, all pertaining to Excelsior Springs.

City/Government

School District Forming Committee to Explore 4-Day Week – Excelsior Citizen
An increasing number of schools in Missouri are transitioning to a four-day week, with over 160 school districts already adopting this model.

Thrive Academy Graduates Ready to Make a Difference – Excelsior Citizen
This past Monday, December 11, the Fall 2023 Excelsior Springs Thrive Citizens Leadership Academy cohort met at the Community Center to mark the completion of the seven-week course. 

24-25 School Calendar, Facility Upgrades, and 4-Day Week: Key Takeaways from Excelsior Springs Board Meeting – Excelsior Citizen

Celebrating Gary Zaborac: 20 Years of Transforming Public Health in Clay County – Excelsior Citizen
The retirement celebration of Gary E. Zaborac, the Director of Public Health for Clay County, held on December 14, 2023, was a testament to his remarkable 20-year tenure.

‘Shop with a Cop’ Event Fosters Community Spirit and Joy – Excelsior Citizen
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Excelsior Springs Police Department teamed up with local children for the annual “Shop with a Cop” event, spreading holiday cheer and strengthening community bonds.

Down in the Dumps: Citizens Baffled by Trash Delays – Excelsior Citizen
Excelsior Springs continues to grapple with the problem of unreliable trash service.

Business

Celebrating a Year of Impact and Vision at the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce – Excelsior Citizen
Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce recently marked another milestone at the historic Elms Hotel and Spa during their Annual Holiday Luncheon.

Fresh From the Market – Excelsior Citizen
The Christmas season was in full swing in the lower level of the 411 Company. There were over 20 vendors eager to share their crafts.

Public Safety

Excelsior Springs Inmate Death Leads to $150 Million Civil Right Lawsuit – Excelsior Citizen
A federal lawsuit has been filed regarding the case of Benjamin Chase, a 21-year-old who died on May 8, 2022, while in custody of the Excelsior Springs Police Department.

Excelsior Springs Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Involuntary Manslaughter – Excelsior Citizen
December 6, 2023, Ryan A. Gillespie, 39, Excelsior Springs, was sentenced to seven years in prison for the death of Ales Carr, a case that dates back to an incident that occurred in Independence in 2021.

Fire Department Celebrates Promotions at Holiday Party – Excelsior Citizen
The Excelsior Springs Fire Department recently celebrated several promotions and achievements at their annual end-of-the-year holiday party and awards ceremony.

Excelsior Springs Police, Fire, EMS, & Sheriff’s Reports for December 15, 2023 – Excelsior Citizen
Police blotter, Fire Calls, and EMS Runs for Excelsior Springs, Missouri, as well as Clay County Sheriff, Ray County Sheriff, and Missouri State Highway Patrol, reports for December 15, 2023. Remember, all parties are innocent until proven guilty.

Excelsior Springs Police, Fire, EMS, & Sheriff’s Reports for December 8, 2023 – Excelsior Citizen
Police blotter, Fire Calls, and EMS Runs for Excelsior Springs, Missouri, as well as Clay County Sheriff, Ray County Sheriff, and Missouri State Highway Patrol, reports for December 8, 2023. Remember, all parties are innocent until proven guilty.

Good Samaritan rescues man after crash north of Excelsior Springs – WDAF – Kansas City
Just a couple of weeks ago, Cameron Kurzweil of Lawson was on his way home from work around 1 a.m. on Hwy 69, north of Excelsior Springs.
Additional coverage: Yahoo News, Ground News

Excelsior Springs Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Involuntary Manslaughter – Excelsior Citizen
Ryan A. Gillespie, 39, Excelsior Springs, was sentenced to seven years in prison for the death of Ales Carr, a case that dates back to an incident that occurred in Independence in 2021.
Additional Coverage: Fox4KC.com, Yahoo News

Polo man sent to hospital after striking embankment on Highway D, arrested on DWI allegation – KTTN-FM 92.3 and KGOZ
Gervy was transported to Excelsior Springs Medical by the Lawson Fire Department for treatment but later released. Gervy was arrested at …

Lawsuit: Man was tased, denied care before death in Excelsior Springs jail – WDAF – Kansas City
A Missouri family filed a wrongful death lawsuit over the 2022 death of 21-year-old Benjamin Chase, who died in the Excelsior Springs jail.
Additional coverage: KCTV5

Former Vernon Man Held in Sex Slave Kidnapping Case, Being Investigated for Witnesses Murder – WMIX94
Excelsior Springs police had identified Jayne Crosdale as a potential witness in Haslett’s case in January and asked for the public’s help finding her …

Political

Representatives continue to meet behind closed doors to discuss ethics complaint – FOX 2
Most of those calls came from other Republicans like Rep. Mazzie Boyd, R-Hamilton, Rep. Doug Richey, R-Excelsior Springs and Sen. Andrew Koenig, R …

Featured

Community Rallies for Isabelle Sears with Impromptu Christmas Parade – Excelsior Citizen
In a touching gesture of community spirit, citizens of Excelsior Springs gathered to bring holiday cheer to one of their own.

A Guide for Holiday Lights in Excelsior Springs – Excelsior Citizen
As the air turns crisp and the holiday spirit fills our hearts, there’s one surefire way to brighten up our Excelsior Springs nights: the dazzling display of holiday lights that adorn our charming town. 

“Hall of Waters” by Tammie Dickerson – Daily Paintworks
“Hall of Waters” original fine art by Tammie Dickerson. Tammie Dickerson. Dec 3, 2023. Hall of Waters. Price: Contact Artist for Price. Media …

What are the best places for a spa day in Missouri? – EnergyPortal.eu
1. The Elms Hotel & Spa: Located in Excelsior Springs, The Elms Hotel & Spa is a historic retreat known for its healing mineral waters. This elegant …

Lady Hornets Wrestling with Strong Showing in Excelsior Springs Tournament – KCHI Radio
The Lady Hornets wrestlers were competing in the Excelsior Springs Tournament Friday night. Tori Stoner placed first in her class while finishing …

7 Pieces of History Near Excelsior Springs, MO – TFD Supplies
Excelsior Springs, Missouri, is a historic town with a rich past full of significant events that hold immense historical significance.

Mitchell Clinic Hospital & Sanitarium – Excelsior Springs Vintage Postcard – PicClick
MITCHELL CLINIC HOSPITAL & Sanitarium Excelsior Springs Vintage Postcard spc3 – $1.00. FOR SALE! It is available in good condition.

What are the local legends and folklore in Missouri? – EnergyPortal.eu
The Ghostly Bride of Elms Hotel: Elms Hotel in Excelsior Springs is known for its elegant architecture and luxurious accommodations, but it is also …

Hall of Trees | Macaroni KID Northland Kansas City
Come experience the magic of Christmas by touring the Hall of Trees located around the Hall of Waters’ Water Bar. This magnificent display…

Obituaries

The following are obituaries of those who have connections to Excelsior Springs. Click here for all Excelsior Springs obituaries.

Charles Wedding – Advantage News
Virginia Looney – Bross & Spidle
Dora Zimmerman – Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs
Clinton James Graham – Shawnee Mission Post
Ana Paula Neves Campos – Ever Loved
Dennis Baker – Legacy.com
Margaret Hall – Legacy.com
Lavere Franklin “Buckeye” McBee – KMZU.com
Belva J. McCray – KOAM
Monica Randolph – Legacy.com
Sharron Joyce Stedem – KTTN-FM 92.3 and KGOZ
Tabitha Due – Legacy.com

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