March 23, 2018 — Excelsior Springs High School assistant baseball coach Seth Morton had a handful of comments on Mike Moustakas, who recently agreed to a one-year contract with the Royals. The contract guarantees Moustakas $6.5 million, and maxes out at $22.7 million. Moustakas set a franchise record with 38 home runs last year, but wasn’t signed this winter during free agency.

“I think the deal was made because he (Moustakas) was testing the free agency after opting out of his old contract and then, later on, the free agency ended up not working out for him. He’s coming back to a team that he has already played for but coming back on lesser paying contract,” commented Morton.

The one-year contract potentially allows Moustakas to give free agency another shot next winter, when he wouldn’t be attached to draft pick compensation. Since Moustakas rejected the qualifying offer this off-season, and is qualified to receive one in the future, teams are more open to spending.

“It’s certainly better than remaining unemployed,” said Morton. “I feel like owners are being rebellious towards MLB because of new rules on salary caps, and there were a lot of good free agents that got big contracts, and some that didn’t. I feel like Moustakas will bring the 2017 stats back, because he only signed a one-year contract, which means he will be a free agent again next year.”

Moustakas sent the franchise home run record during his 2017 season with the Royals.

“His stats were higher than before,” Morton explained. “And I think that is because he knew this winter he was a free agent and he needed to emphasize on what he can do. Hopefully, he brings that back to the Royals, with this possibly being his last year with the Royals.”

March 23, 2018 — Excelsior Springs girls soccer hosted Oak Grove Panthers for their home opener on Monday, March 19. In their previous game against Smithville Warriors, Tigers senior Josie Rimmer obtained her first hat-trick of the season, but the Tigers ended up losing 4-3.

Even though the game was being played on an overcast day, the stadium was filled with supporters for the Tigers. Head coach Zac Ganzer hyped the team up in their huddle seconds before the game started, which started them off on the right foot.

Once the start whistle was blown, the Tigers immediately showed high pressure on-the-ball and off-the-ball defense.

Oak Grove tried to complete long through balls to their right wing, but was stopped by senior Anna Foster. Foster kicked the ball out of bounds, forcing the Panthers to throw it into play.

As Rimmer dribbled the ball up the field, her head remained up, looking for a good pass to complete. Rimmer couldn’t make an easy pass to any of her wing players and had to work the defender to create space. Rimmer created the gap and released all the power she had for an off-balance shot that resulted in the first goal of the game. The Tigers were up 1-0.

Sophomore Faith Niesen stole the ball at midfield and ran the sideline while she looked for Rimmer. Rimmer got away from her defender at the top of the box and received the pass from Niesen. Rimmer turned to take a shot on goal which beat the keeper resulting in another Tiger goal. Tigers headed into halftime up 2-0.

In hopes of scoring within the second half, the Panthers’ passes were connecting as they advanced up the field.

Tiger’s sophomore goalkeeper Caitlin Carder came out of the goal in an attempt to make a save, but was beat by the Panthers’ forward. The Panthers had a chance to score after getting past the goalie, but senior Kimberlyn Snelling was there to stop the ball followed by a quick clearance.

No goals were scored by either team in the second half, but Rimmer approached her second hat-trick of the season, falling short by one goal. Rimmer’s two goals and Tigers defensive players Carder, Foster and Snelling helped the Tigers to finish the game with a 2-0 victory.

Tuesday, March 13

2:25 a.m., 400 block of Regent Ave.: Officers responded in reference to a WM walking around the hotel who was not a guest. Officers checked the building and did not locate anyone in the area.

5:30 a.m., 200 block of Fine St.: Officers responded on a report of someone walking the streets in the area. Officer checked and did not locate anyone in the area.

6:16 a.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Officer checked on a party sleeping in a vehicle in the hospital parking lot. The party agreed to leave the area. The vehicle was left parked and will be picked up later.

9:00 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: An escort was conducted for the Finance Department.

9:01 a.m., 700 block of Sagamore Rd.: Officers responded on a residential alarm. Everything was fine.

9:49 a.m., 100 block of Crest Dr.: Officer spoke with a party who advised his mail had been opened by unknown party. He has contacted the Post Office about the problem.

10:39 a.m., 1100 block of St. Louis Ave.: A party turned a license plate over to an officer. The plate was entered as lost or stolen by KCPD. KCPD was advised of the recovery. The owner was contacted and she requested the plate be returned to Florida Dept of Revenue as she had already replaced it.

10:26 a.m., 14000 block of Salem Rd.: An officer and street department placed “road closed” signs at the city limits northbound on Salem due to hazmat spill.

11:43 a.m., 1400 block of Hospital Dr.: An officer spoke with a party about texts messages from a former boyfriend. She was advised of her options.

11:46 a.m., 500 block of S. Kansas City Ave.: An officer placed a tow sticker on a vehicle parked on the street with two flat tires.

12:58 p.m., 400 block of South St.: An officer placed a 72-hour tow sticker on a vehicle which was parked on the street with expired tags.

1:33 p.m., 100 block of N. McCleary Rd.: An officer contacted parties after minor parking lot accident. The parties exchanged information and requested nothing further.

2:14 p.m., 300 W. Broadway Ave.: Officers responded on a complaint of unruly parents at the School District Office. The parties agreed to leave and nothing further was requested.

4:19 p.m., 900 block of Williams St.: Officers investigated a report of drug activity.

4:27 p.m., 2300 block of Vintage Dr.: Officer unlocked a vehicle for a party.

4:36 p.m., 2200 block of Kearney Rd.: Officers investigated a report of drug activity.

4:49 p.m., 60 block of Stratton St.: Officers responded to a report of children yelling and screaming in the area. The parties were contacted and advised it was verbal only. Nothing further was requested.

5:09 p.m., 1200 block of N. Jesse James Rd.: Officers unlocked a vehicle that an infant was locked inside of. The infant was fine.

5:10 p.m., St. Louis Ave. and Kansas City Ave.: Officers responded to a report of a careless driver. The vehicle was not located.

5:25 p.m., 500 block of Benton Ave.: Officers investigated a report of drug activity.

5:29 p.m., 900 block of Highland St.: Officers investigated a report of drug activity.

7:07 p.m., 69 Hwy. and Vintage Dr.: Officers responded to a report of a vehicle blocking the roadway. The vehicle was towed.

7:49 p.m., 400 block of Regent Ave.: An officer responded to a report of a suspicious party. The party was not located.

8:05 p.m., 69 Hwy. and Cameron Rd.: An officer responded to a report of a careless driver. The vehicle was not located.

8:15 p.m., 400 block of Zay Dr.: An officer responded with EMS on a medical call. The officer stood by until he was no longer needed.

8:14 p.m., 100 block of N. Francis St.: Officers responded to a 911 hang up call. Everything was fine, there was no emergency.

9:01 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Officers responded to a report of two parties bickering and not watching a child in the parking lot. It was determined they had locked the keys in the car. Officer unlocked the vehicle.

9:44 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Brandy N. Minnick, WF, 29, was arrested on a local warrant for failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia, trespass, littering, resist, stealing and fail to appear. She was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine. Her bond was set at $1000 cash only.

9:50 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Officers responded to a report of an intoxicated party in the business. The party was given a courtesy ride to theirt residence. Nothing further was requested by the business management.

Wednesday, March 14

12:16 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Brandy N. Minnick, WF, 29, was arrested on a Ray County warrant for fraud with a bond of $10,000. She was later released to Ray County.

4:37 a.m., 400 block of Regent Ave.: Christopher Fleming, WM, 53, was arrested for littering, open liquor and 12-hour detoxification. He was booked and incarcerated pending payment of bond.

5:56 a.m., 700 block of Bell Dr.: Officer checked on an unfamiliar vehicle in the area. The vehicle was not occupied.

7:14 a.m., Jesse James Rd. and Augustus: Jeffery Thompson, WM, 41, was arrested for open liquor. His bond was set at $200. He was booked and released with a court date.

7:22 a.m., Persimmon Dr. and Dunbar Ave.: David Pendleton, WM, 50, was arrested on a Clay County warrant for possession of a controlled substance, bond $2500. He was transported to Clay County Detention and released to them.

9:27 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: An escort was conducted for the Finance Department.

10:08 a.m., 1700 Rainbow Blvd.: Officers responded on a report of a party sleeping on a bench and not leaving. The party was contacted and arrangements were made for social services to speak with the party.

10:30 a.m., Thompson Ave. and Concourse: Catherine Coleman, WF, 20, was arrested for possession of controlled substance and brake light. She was booked and released with a court date.

10:47 a.m., 2000 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officer responded and contacted an employee in reference to a missing license plate. The plate was entered as stolen.

12:30 p.m., 600 block of Prospect St.: Officer spoke with a party about a landlord/tenant issue. The party was advised of his options.

12:40 p.m., 500 block of St. Joseph: Officers responded on a report of a juvenile who had left the property. The juvenile was located and returned to the school.

12:44 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: An officer assisted a party who was locked out of his vehicle.

1:49 p.m., Tiger Dr.: Mackenzie Hampton, WF, 18, reported she had been rear ended near the high school and the other vehicle left the scene.

2:06 p.m., Corum and Kearney Rd.: Officers stood by with a disabled bus until it was removed from the roadway.

2:06 p.m., 200 block of Fine St.: A WM, 23, was placed on a 24-hour hold for assault.

2:28 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Gavin Vinson, WM, 17, was arrested for shoplifting. He was booked and released with a court date.

4:28 p.m., 200 block of N. McCleary Rd.: An Animal Control Officer picked up a stray dog.

5:24 p.m., 1700 block of Aspen Ln.: An officer unlocked a vehicle for a party.

5:52 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: A controlled substance was found and destroyed.

6:08 p.m., Greenspire and Ivory Cir.: Daniel S. Shanks, WM, 34, and Shawn M. Vogler, WM, 17, were involved in a minor traffic accident. No injuries were reported.

6:27 p.m., Linde Ave. and E. Excelsior St.: Officer responded to a report of an illegally parked vehicle. The owner moved the vehicle.

8:22 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: An officer spoke with a party regarding paper work.

8:50 p.m., McCleary Rd. and Wornall Rd.: Officers responded to a report of a suspicious party walking in the road. The party was not located.

9:46 p.m., 2200 block of Piedmont Pl.: Officers responded with fire units on a smoke alarm investigation. Nothing was found.

10:08 p.m., 600 block of Zay Dr.: Officers responded to an animal noise complaint. Officers attempted to make contact with the dog owner, no one answered the door.

Thursday, March 15

2:27 a.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Officers contacted a subject who requested information on a possible missing person. The subject was provided the information requested and nothing else was requested.

6:10 a.m., 1700 block of Briarwood Ln.: Officers responded on a report of maybe someone inside the residence. Officers checked and no one was located inside the residence besides the home owner.

6:17 a.m., Rhonda Rd. and C. E. King Ave.: Officers responded on a report of a cow running loose in the area. The officers were able to contain the cow until the owner could arrive.

10:45 a.m., Elmwood Ave. and S. Kimball Ave.: Officers responded with EMS on an unknown medical call. Officers stood by until no longer needed.

11:45 a.m., 100 block of Rockbridge Pkwy.: Animal Control Officer responded on a report of an opossum in the resident’s garage. The animal was removed from the residence.

12:15 p.m., 400 block of Zay Dr.: Animal Control Officer responded to check the welfare of a canine. There was negative contact at the residence and a notice was left. Information was taken for a report for animal neglect.

12:25 p.m., 1700 block of Briarwood Ln.: Officer spoke with a party in the lobby regarding her residence being burglarized. She was advised to bring in an itemized list of the items which were taken.

1:19 p.m., 300 block of W. Excelsior St.: Animal Control Officer responded on a stray feline. A feline was impounded.

2:06 p.m., 700 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officers responded to Job Corps on a report of a threat. Information was taken. Investigation continues.

2:10 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Officers responded to Walmart on a report of a possible shoplifting in progress. The subject left the store and no crime was committed.

2:11 p.m., Sycamore St. and St. Louis Ave.: Kevin Walters, WM, 54, and Caleb Seek, WM, 29, were involved in a non-injury accident.

2:13 p.m., 1600 block of Kearney Rd.: Officers responded to Price Chopper on a report of a domestic assault. Information was taken for a report.

2:36 p.m., 400 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officer spoke with a party in the lobby regarding a sexual assault. Information was taken for a report.

4:50 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: James W. Woodruff Jr., WM, 27, was arrested for stealing, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

5:04 p.m., 100 block of Northview Dr.: Officer responded to the residence to speak with a party regarding a civil issue. The party was advised of his options.

7:42 p.m., 400 block of E. Excelsior St.: Officers responded to the area on a report of a disturbance in progress. The suspects were gone prior to officer’s arrival. Parties advised nothing physical occurred and nothing further was requested.

7:57 p.m., 69 Hwy. and Patsy Ln.: Officer responded to the area on a report of a careless driver. The suspect vehicle was not located.

8:12 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Officer responded to Walmart on a report of a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle was located unoccupied and nothing further was requested.

8:31 p.m., 1700 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded to the area on a report of a vehicle which left the scene of an accident in Liberty. The suspect vehicle was located and the driver was contacted. Information was passed along to Liberty PD.

9:54 p.m., 600 block of N. Kent St.: Officers responded to the area on a report of a disturbance in progress. A WM, 34, was arrested and charged with domestic assault and assault.

10:30 p.m., 1700 block of Briarwood Ln.: Officer spoke with a party regarding a possible burglary. The party was advised of her options.

11:33 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: James W. Woodruff Jr., WM, 27, was arrested on a Clay County warrant for DWI and assault. He was transported to Clay County Detention.

11:47 p.m., 700 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officer responded in reference to subjects who were missing earlier and had been located.

Friday, March 16

4:34 a.m., 1700 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officer located an unsecured door on the business. Officer located the night cleaning crew inside the business.

5:06 a.m., 400 block of Benton Ave.: Officer responded in reference to a broken window on one of the apartments at the location. Officer contacted the resident and she had broken the window to get into her apartment. Nothing additional was requested from the resident.

5:46 a.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Officer contacted Damien Youtsey, WM, 33, who advised he had a dent in his vehicle and wanted to see an officer. Officer contacted the subject and it was determined to be a dent from a shopping cart at the business.

11:49 a.m., 900 block of Isley Blvd.: Officers responded to check on a party that had been asleep in his car for several hours. Officers checked the area and the vehicle was gone.

3:50 p.m., 300 block of S. Main St.: Officer responded to the lobby to speak with a party regarding an unknown issue. It was determined the party was attempting to report a crime which occurred outside the city. The party was referred to the appropriate agencies.

4:18 p.m., 69 Hwy., and Italian Way: Robert L. Roberts, WM, 53, and Debra F. Summers, WF, 62 were involved in a non-injury traffic accident.

5:29 p.m., S. Kansas City Ave. and St. Louis Ave.: A Vehicle in violation was towed.

5:40 p.m., South St. and Kansas City Ave.: A vehicle in violation was towed.

5:48 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Tyler J. Mandl, WM, 26, was arrested for stealing and possession of a controlled substance. Megan M. Hill, WF, 26, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and stealing.

5:59 p.m., 700 block of Old Orchard Ave.: Officer responded to the lobby to speak with a party regarding an issue with a missing package. It was determined the matter was already being investigated by the postal service and nothing further was requested at this time.

6:16 p.m., 300 block of Foley St.: An officer responded to a report of juveniles jumping off of a roof. The juveniles were not located.

6:32 p.m., 2000 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded to the Heartland dealership on a commercial burglary alarm. An open door was located. The building was cleared and the door was re-secured.

6:37 p.m., 100 block of S. Kansas City Ave.: An officer responded on a request for a welfare check of juveniles. The juveniles were fine.

6:39 p.m., 200 block of Industrial Park Rd.: An officer responded to a report of a verbal disturbance. The parties were advised of their options.

6:48 p.m., 600 block of N. Kent St.: Officers responded to a report of an open door. The door was shut and no one was located inside.

7:09 p.m., 200 block of Lodwick Ln.: Officer made contact with a party regarding threats made against an animal. Information was taken and passed on to Animal Control.

9:50 p.m., Isley Blvd. and Saratoga Ave.: Raven L. Walters, WM, 19, was issued a citation for minor in possession of alcohol.

10:21 p.m., Elizabeth St. and E. Excelsior St.: Dispatch advised AmerenUE of an issue with an electrical pole.

10:43 p.m., 1200 block of Thompson St.: An officer responded to gather information for a report on assault.

10:22 p.m., 1300 block of Muriel Ln.: Officers responded to a 911 hang up call. Nothing was found.

Saturday, March 17

1:01 a.m., Kansas City and St. Louis Ave.: Buddy J. Wood, WM, 52, was arrested on a Wood Heights PD warrant for fail to appear with a bond of $150. He was later released to Wood Heights PD.

1:17 a.m., 900 block of Isley Blvd.: Officer located an open door on a business and it was discovered the business had been broken into. The suspects already fled the area when the alarm sounded at the business. Investigation Continues.

1:56 a.m., 600 block of Zay Dr.: Officer responded on an excessive noise complaint at the residence. Officer could not get anyone to answer the door. Information was sent to an Animal Control Officer for additional follow up.

2:13 a.m., Wornall Rd. and Kimberly Dr.: Officer responded on a possible disturbance in the area. Officers contacted subjects who advised no disturbance had occurred at the location.

3:33 a.m., Isley Blvd. and Y Hwy.: James Davis, 47, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and fail to dim headlights. He was booked and released after the booking process.

9:26 a.m., 300 block of May St.: Officers responded with EMS on a possible DOA. Information was obtained for a report.

9:43 a.m., 600 block of Zay Dr.: Animal Control Officer responded on a barking dog complaint. The owner was contacted and advised of the complaint. The animals were taken inside.

9:48 a.m., 1900 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded on a report that there appeared to be no employee on duty and parties were acting suspicious near the building. Contact was made with an employee who was just in the back room. Nothing further was requested.

1:10 p.m., 800 block of St. Louis Ave.: Tyler Mandl, WM, 26, was arrested on a Clay County warrant for non-support with a cash only bond of $2500. He was transported to Clay County Detention.

4:11 p.m., 600 block of Zay Dr.: Animal Control Officer obtained a signed complaint and issued a citation for a barking complaint.

4:14 p.m., 1000 block of Rowell Ave.: Christian D. Smitha, WM, 22, was arrested on a Clay County warrant for failure to appear for possession of controlled substance with a bond of $30,000. He was transported to Clay County Detention.

5:28 p.m., 700 block of Tiger Dr.: Officer answered a party’s questions regarding a recently purchased firearm.

5:39 p.m., 400 block of E. Excelsior St.: Officers responded to the area on a report of a known party riding a dirt bike on the street and on private property. The party was not located.

6:36 p.m., 1100 block of Cordell St.: Officer responded with EMS to a report of a party having chest pains and trouble breathing. Officer stood by until no longer needed.

8:01 p.m., 69 Hwy. and Vintage Dr.: John C. Groves, WM, 45, was arrested for open liquor and failure to keep right. He was booked and released on his own recognizance with a court date.

8:04 p.m., Kearney Rd. and S. Titus Ave.: Steven M. Kanatzar II, WM, 19, was arrested for possession of marijuana, no insurance and no plate light. He was booked and released on his own recognizance with a court date.

8:30 p.m., 600 block of N. Kent St.: Officer spoke with a party regarding a complaint of harassment. The party was advised of her options and how to obtain an order of protection. She did not wish to make a report at this time.

8:36 p.m., S. Titus Ave. and Highland Park Ave.: Officer responded to a report of a suspicious party with a backpack in the yard of a residence. The party was contacted and advised he was waiting for a friend. No problems were found and the party agreed to move on.

9:38 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Ashley R. New, WF, 22, was arrested on a local warrant for failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended with a cash only bond of $500.

9:38 p.m., Y Hwy. and Isley Blvd.: Officers responded to the area on a request from Ray County to check for a vehicle possibly involved in a burglary. The vehicle was not located.

10:57 p.m., 400 block of Regent Ave.: Officer unlocked a vehicle for a party.

11:04 p.m., 500 block of N. Kimball Ave.: Officers responded to a report of a loud house party with underage drinking. Multiple juveniles were contacted and parents were called. Officers stayed on scene until all juveniles were picked up by responsible adults.

Sunday, March 18

12:43 a.m., Kearney Rd. and Old Orchard Ave.: Kalyn J. Chambers, WF, 17, was arrested for possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and fail to signal. Daisy M. Mendoza, WF, 17, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Both parties were booked and released on their own recognizance with a court date.

1:11 a.m., 300 block of Foley St.: Officer responded to the area on a report of a juvenile driving a vehicle. The area was checked, but the vehicle was not located. Negative contact was made at the residence.

1:24 a.m., 600 block of N. Kent St.: Officer responded to the area on a report of a suspicious party. The area was checked, but the subject was not located.

1:33 a.m., 200 block of N. Main St.: Officer responded to the area on a report of a suspicious vehicle. The area was checked, but the vehicle was not located.

2:00 a.m., 300 block of May St.: An officer responded to the residence to attempt contact at the request of Grandview PD, regarding checks that were found in a stolen vehicle. Contact was made and the resident advised the checks were stolen. He did not wish to make a report and Grandview PD was notified.

6:43 a.m., 400 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Officers responded to the residence to check the welfare of a male party. Everything was fine and nothing further was requested.

8:11 a.m., 700 block of Elmwood Ave.: An officer responded to take a report for a stolen truck. Investigation continues.

12:46 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: Destiny Goff, WF, 22, was arrested on a local failure to appear warrant for trespassing. She was booked in with a cash only bond of $250.

1:51 p.m., 1000 block of Martin Ave.: An officer responded to take a report for theft of a stereo from a vehicle overnight. Investigation continues.

3:03 p.m., 400 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officers responded on an alarm at the business. Contact was made with an owner and an employee and everything was fine.

4:07 p.m., 500 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officers responded to a report of parties refusing to leave a business. The parties were trespassed from the property.

4:40 p.m., 200 block of May St.: An officer responded to a report of juveniles playing with lighters. The juveniles were not found.

4:43 p.m., 400 block of S. McCleary Rd.: Officers responded to a 911 hang up call. Nothing was found.

4:50 p.m., 200 block of Valley St.: Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. A report was taken and nothing further was requested.

6:08 p.m., 100 block of Corum Rd.: An officer responded to a business alarm. The building was secure.

7:37 p.m., 1200 block of E. Gold Hill Dr.: Officers responded with fire units on a grass fire. They stood by until they were no longer needed.

7:46 p.m., 700 block of Owen St.: Officers responded with EMS on a medical call. They stood by until they were no longer needed.

8:43 p.m., 200 block of Wisconsin Ave.: Officers responded to a 911 hang up call. It was an accidental dial.

10:22 p.m., Lena St. and Oakwood Ave.: David W. Pendleton, WM, 59, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, fail to signal, and fail to obey a lawful order.

11:39 p.m., W. Jesse James Rd. and Crown Hill Rd.: An officer responded to a report of a careless driver. The vehicle was not located.

Monday, March 19

12:24 a.m., 69 Hwy. and 92 Hwy.: Lewis R. Ingerson, WM, 30, was arrested for turn signal, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.

9:23 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave.: An escort was conducted for the Finance Department.

10:07 a.m., 200 block of Miller Ave.: Animal Control picked up a stray canine.

10:19 a.m., 600 block of Tiger Dr.: The School Resource Officer took an assault report at the high school.

10:27 a.m., 200 block of N. Jesse James Rd.: Amy Pearson, WF, 40, reported damage to vacuums at Dr. Spotless Car Wash. Investigation continues.

11:13 a.m., 100 block of South St.: Officers investigated a DOA.

11:41 a.m., 400 block of St. Louis Ave.: Officers responded on a business alarm. The alarm had been accidentally tripped by a responsible party for the business.

12:52 p.m., 700 block of St. Louis Ave.: An officer spoke with Job Corps officials about an assault. They will handle the situation internally.

1:31 p.m., 1000 block of Fredericksburg Rd.: Officers responded to check for a party at the request of Johnson County Kansas Corrections.

2:50 p.m., 700 block of St. Louis Ave.: An officer assisted a party who was locked out of her vehicle.

3:10 p.m., 700 block of Sagamore Rd.: An officer spoke with a party who thinks someone is coming into her home and tampering with her water. She was advised of her options.

3:17 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Bobbie Bauman, WF, 34, was arrested for shoplifting. She was cited and released with a court date.

4:11 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: An officer assisted a party who was locked out of her vehicle.

4:51 p.m., 69 Hwy. and Italian Way: Michael J. Phillips, WM, 36, was involved in a minor vehicle accident that the other driver left the scene. Information was obtained for a report.

5:42 p.m., 100 block of N. Francis St.: An officer spoke with a party regarding her dog being locked in a shed by a juvenile in the neighborhood. The party was advised of her options. The juvenile was contacted and counseled.

6:09 p.m., 2000 block of W. Jesse James Rd.: Officers responded to a report of a disturbance due to a child custody dispute. The parties had separated prior to officers’ arrival. The party contacted advised it was verbal only. She was advised of her options regarding the custody dispute.

6:51 p.m., 1600 block of Kearney Rd.: An officer responded to a report of a vehicle accident on private property. The parties agreed to exchange information and nothing further was requested.

8:53 p.m., 2200 block of Patsy Ln.: Officers responded to a report of a possible shoplifting. The suspect vehicle was not located. A report is pending the business is determining if a stealing did occur.

11:04 p.m., 700 block of Elmwood Ave.: An officer checked the area at the request of a resident due to a motion light activated. No problems were found.

For my son, language is a slippery thing. He’s eight, and on the autism spectrum, and takes nearly everything very literally. Because of that, in our family, we’ve learned to tailor what we say. For example, we would never say, “Television rots your brain” because we know that would result in a very concerned child waking us up at two in the morning in order to check his brain for potential signs of rot.

(So, maybe we have said that before, and that did happen. But we haven’t said it since, I swear.)

Our son’s difficulty with language means his way of expressing himself is unique, and, to us, often beautiful. There is a clarity in his descriptions, unmarred by any flights of fancy, pared down to the absolute essentials, and distilled. For me, as a writer, and one who purely enjoys the occasional overwrought passage, dripping with bonus-point adjectives, watching the way my son develops his voice has been fascinating. I am often envious at his ability to capture a feeling or sentiment so perfectly.

“Mom, don’t take any more pictures. I feel like I’m on a billboard,” he tells me.

Since he was three, he’s struggled with shirts that have writing on them. One, it throws him for a serious loop when people ask him, “What does your shirt say?” because, as he will tell you, “Shirts don’t talk.” Now that he’s bigger, people don’t typically ask him that, but what they will do is sometimes read his shirt aloud, and then ask him about it…which makes him feel like he’s on a billboard.

The solution is pretty simple — I just don’t buy him shirts that say anything, for the most part.

The other day, in an effort to save a little time, I asked my son to go pick out some clothes and get dressed for school. When your child’s wardrobe consists of 3 pairs of jeans and an endless supply of solid-colored shirts, it’s pretty easy.

He came back from his room wearing a t-shirt that read “Best big brother ever.” He’s gotten several of those shirts, with the arrival of his only sibling last May.

“Son, people are going to ask you about your shirt,” I said.

“I know,” he replied. “But I won’t mind.”

“How do you figure?” I asked.

“Because ‘brother’ is my favorite word,” he replied. ‘I’m a good brother. I don’t mind talking about it. I can tell others how to be a good brother.”

I hugged him and sent him on to school, but his words, as they so often do, stayed with me.

He is patient with his sister. He never grows frustrated with her crying, or needing my attention. He is her teacher, too — when I told him we would have to teach her everything, he immediately sat down and began telling her about the dangers of periodontal disease. (Again, it’s that “literal” thing.) He is kind, and loving, and protective. He draws out “plans” to convert the house to solar power, because he wants to get rid of all the cords — he’s afraid she might chew on them. He is, in some way or another, always concerned about his sister’s well-being. That’s what being a brother means to him. That’s what it should mean to all of us.

We are all supposed to be brothers and sisters. But too often lately, it seems like we don’t remember it. Sometimes, we are too busy to sit down and teach. Sometimes, we are too angry to be kind. Sometimes, we are too bitter to want to protect.

But what if we try to make “brother” our favorite word? What if we loved our identity as brother and sister so much that it enabled us to be brave enough to step outside of our comfort zone…whether that means wearing a shirt with words that makes us feel like we are on a billboard, or volunteering at a local charity, or listening with an  open heart and mind to someone whose views differ from our own?

What a radical concept.

For my son, in this stage of his life, the word “brother” is his favorite. He feels it defines him. He’s been there, is doing that, and has the literal shirt. And he’s proud to wear it, because “brother” is his favorite word.

If you had to wear a shirt with your word on it, what would that word be?

March 26, 2018 — Earlier this month, Excelsior Springs Parks and Rec Director Nate Williams went to the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA) Conference and Expo held in Osage Beach, Mo.

At Tan-Tar-A Resort, conference attendees from across the state had the opportunity to compete in a GAGA tournament.

GAGA is a sports game that is similar to dodgeball, contained within a nearly 20-foot octagonal shaped pit. For the tournament, groups were broken up into teams of two, and madness ensued.

Nate Williams, middle, and Tyler Tapps, right, won the Gaga Championship Tournament, and the Gaga Pit, during the Missouri Parks and Rec Association’s Conference. (Submitted photo)

Partnered with his friend, Dr. Tyler Tapps, a professor at Northwest Missouri State University, Williams and Tapps competed with 30 teams in the tournament, and ultimately won the championship. Neither had played or watched GAGA before.

“We signed up not knowing what we were getting ourselves into,” Williams said.  “It worked out okay.”

What did the duo win? The pit, of course. Furnished by Fry Park and Playground Equipment and Action Play Systems, the pit retails for $1500.

The rules of GAGA are similar to the game dodgeball that school-age children play on playgrounds today.

The game begins when the ball is tossed into the middle of the pit and a moderator says, “GAGA.”

Williams explained the rules of GAGA. You can only hit the ball once, without dribbling. The ball must hit your opponents below the waist. You can also bounce the ball off of the wall of the pit.

“They can block it with their hands or they can catch it,” Williams said.

If the ball is caught, the person who hit the ball is out. If you hit the ball outside of the pit, you are out. If you get out, you must leave the pit. The game continues until one person is left standing.

Since the competition was a shared event, Williams and Tapps decided the pit would alternate between the two of them. Williams plans on taking the portable pit to Northwest where he will teach a couple GAGA classes to the students there in Maryville.

Williams hopes to be able to share his win with the community and students, by teaching kids about GAGA.

The Excelsior Springs Community Center usually tries to have an activity planned for Wednesday afternoons since it’s early-release day for the schools.

Excelsior Springs Parks and Rec set up the Gaga Pit they won at MPRA Conference in the racquetball court of the Excelsior Springs Community Center. The organization hopes to be able to offer kids in the community an opportunity to learn and play the dodgeball-like game. (Photo submitted by ES Parks and Rec)

“We’ve talked about setting it up in the racquetball court on Wednesdays,” Williams said. “Maybe one day we will do a GAGA tournament.”

Prior to the conference, Parks and Rec planned on building a GAGA in Excelsior Springs.

“In East Valley Park, where gazebo three was, there’s already a concrete slab there, and we’re planning to build one out of wood,” Williams explained.

Since the new GAGA pit is portable and only takes about 30-45 minutes to assemble, Parks and Rec would like to be able to use the pit in different events around Excelsior Springs.

“Hopefully we can take this one around to a farmer’s market or things that are held in the parks,” Williams added.

Wilma N. Clevenger
February 20, 1929 —March 25, 2018

Wilma Nadine “Dean” (Miller) Clevenger, 89, of Lawson, Mo., was called home to our Lord on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at North Kansas City Hospital.

Wilma Nadine, a homemaker, was born February 20, 1929 in Stet, Mo., the daughter of William Isaac “Bill” and Helen Irene (O’dell) Miller.

She grew up with four siblings in Trask and Vibbard, Mo. Wilma was united in marriage to Charles Wesley Clevenger on Christmas Eve, 1947 in Cameron, Mo. They resided in Kansas City and Lawson, Mo. most of their 49 married years.

Wilma Nadine joined the Baptist Church and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior early in life. She enjoyed telling family and friends about being baptized by a one-legged Baptist preacher in Jack’s Form Creek in South Missouri. She loved going to church, gospel music and shared her faith throughout her lifetime with family and friends. Wilma Nadine was a member of the Assembly of God Church most of her married life. She was a member of the First Baptist Church Lake St. Louis upon her death.

Wilma Nadine was preceded in death by her parents: Bill & Helen Miller; infant brother: David Miller; infant sister: Annie Miller; her husband: Charles Clevenger and son: Dwight Clevenger.

Wilma Nadine is survived by her son: Kenneth Clevenger and significant other Mary Hedgepath of Kansas City, Mo.; daughter: Marcia (Keith) Willis of Wentzville, Mo.; three brothers: Glen Miller of Pontiac, Ill., Daniel (Muriel) Miller of Lincoln, Mo., Ray (Linda) Miller of Lennon, Mich.; one sister: Sue (Norman) Happy of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; nine grandchildren: Mike (Gayla) Striplin, Ronda (Kevin) Freeman, Kenny Clevenger, Michelle (James) Dean, Holly O’dell, Crystal (Matt) Rother, Jessica (Jonathan) Houser, Christina (Josh) Atkins, Wesley (Jennifer) Clevenger; 29 great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Thursday, March 29, at Hidden Valley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., with burial in Old Union Cemetery.

Arrangements provided by Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs.

March 23, 2018 — An Independence babysitter with ties to Excelsior Springs is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-trial conference on Thursday, March 29.

Christian Y. Johnston

Former resident of Excelsior Springs, Christian Y. Johnston, 37, is charged with a Class D felony of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree relating to an incident that happened when a 2-year-old victim was in her care May of last year.

According to court documents released by the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the child burned their hands on a bowl of Ramen noodles while in Johnston’s care.

In an interview, Johnston admitted to detectives that the child received the injury while reaching into a bowl of recently cooked Ramen noodles on Saturday, May 6, 2017. Johnston admittedly minimized the extent of the child’s injuries to the victim’s mother.

When the mother picked up the child on May 9, the child had a sock on each hand in order to protect the injuries, and when the mother attempted to remove the socks, the child screamed as if they were in pain. The mother took her child the hospital where the toddler was evaluated and treated.

If convicted, Johnston could face between two and seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, or one year in the Jackson County Jail, a maximum fine of $10,000, or a combination of a fine and imprisonment.

March 27, 2018 – There is little doubt that Lyndsey Baxter, executive director of the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) is moving Excelsior Springs forward.

Baxter became director four years ago and injected the area with energy. She doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon, either.

“I envision an Excelsior Springs that is going to continue growing through its revitalization efforts,” Baxter said. For her, it’s been exciting to witness the changes she has seen in just that past four years. Even more exciting to Baxter is the idea that things are just getting started.

“With all of the current projects that are now taking place, I truly feel like we are making leaps and bounds toward progress.” Because progress is vital to the continuum of growth Baxter envisions, she makes each decision with care. “Ultimately, each decision made is representative of the long-term vision of becoming a destination community that residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy.”

To that end, Baxter sees Excelsior Springs as being “the first choice of historic destination.”

“I can see a street lined with cars, buildings full of businesses, and consumers enjoying all that we have to offer in downtown Excelsior Springs and the surrounding areas,” Baxter said.

Baxter has been the DEP director for four years.

In her role as director of the DEP, and as a female leader within the community, Baxter felt there have certainly been challenges. However, she believes they relate more to her position rather than gender.

“I felt I had to prove myself or push a little harder to get results, but I truly believe that any individual in my position would have felt the same,” Baxter said. But, like many in leadership positions, Baxter takes those challenges and turns them into opportunities for growth.

“Ultimately, I am grateful for that experience as I feel like it has allowed for me to become a better leader and ultimately have to ability to be creative in how to move forward in various circumstances,” she explained.

She’s seen other women walk the path of leadership before her, and has learned lessons from them, as well. In particular, Baxter admires her own mother, who made her way in a male-dominated field – something Baxter remembers clearly and drew inspiration from.

“As a little girl, I was able to witness my mother be successful in the ‘corporate, man’s world,’” Baxter said. “I remember sitting in the other room, listening to her on various conference calls, in ‘storm’ mode with people from across the entire nation. And they were all men on the call – with the exception of my mom. [She was] the only female voice you ever heard.” Baxter remembered thinking it was wonderful. She said that watching her mom shaped her.

“I believe watching her take on leadership roles within her company and being successful helped develop the person I am today.  It allowed me to develop an understanding that I could do anything I put my mind to, and helped me become the independent woman I have become today,” Baxter stated.

To that end, when asked what advice she herself would give young girls who want to grow up into leaders, Baxter said she wants them to know there is almost always a way.

“Don’t be willing to take a basic no answer, be creative, brainstorm and finds ways,” Baxter said. “Work hard, communicate well, stand your ground and believe in yourself.  Always push yourself to be a better you, and you will grow into the woman you want to be.”

The Excelsior Springs Standard will bring you stories of women who have made significant impacts on our town to recognize March as Women’s History Month.

A frog, captured perfectly so that viewers can admire the delicacy of its lines and nearly see it quiver, in the moment of stillness before it leaps. Look at another piece, and that exquisite realism is replaced by the feyness of fairies, flights of fancies, greenmen emerging from the nature that surrounds them.

It’s the same artist, though.

Cathy Johnson, like many creative people, stretches herself far beyond just one genre, one medium, one art. Watercolor is her first love, but she’s also made jewelry, plunged into pottery, worked in scrimshaw, and more. Lately, she’s learned how to make beautiful, rustic flutes that look as though they’d be more at home in the hands of one of her fairy-people than of this world. She also writes. Oh, and she would define herself as a naturalist, as well, and an avid reader, and a Revolutionary War reenactor…

For Johnson, all of it intersects. All of it merges — history, nature, fantasy, literature, art. Her life, it seems, is a giant, creative collaboration with the world itself — and the world she has created.

“I spend a good amount of time in fantasy land,” Johnson said. But she loves this world, too. Both are evident in her work, because for Johnson, the boundary between the two is barely there. And sometimes, with her art, she is able to cross it.

“They intersect,” Johnson explained. “Have you ever taken a walk in the woods and seen something that looked like a face in a tree? Who’s to say? When you turn your back, it may talk. They say the fairy folk don’t like for you to look at them directly. You see them out of the corner of your eye. And if you look directly, you can’t see them at all anymore. Except,” she said with a laugh, “They let me draw them every once in awhile.”

“Myth and Legend”

Johnson lives with her husband, Joseph, whom she says is also an artist. For Joseph, living with an artist is, he said, “wonderful.” They share a love of nature, a love for the creative, and an obvious love for one another.

“I can’t describe her art,” Joseph said, but he did praise her vision. That is, he believes, the driving force behind the beauty in her art. “We drive through the countryside, and I see rolling brown hills, and she sees color, and vibrant things. This is her favorite time of the year. We drive through the countryside and she just giggles constantly. Spring. The emerging life. She sees all of that, which I would ordinarily miss.”

Johnson believes that art is essential, and that without it, people are lost.

“Art is what we have in common with the Creator,” she said.

Another way that Johnson’s art crosses borders is evident in her journals, of which, she said, she has “billions.” So many, in fact, that her husband is building her a bookshelf — and plans on building a second one after that, simply to house them.

She had a journal present with her. The cover was black and unassuming, the creamy paper almost cloth-like. Looking at it, it’s not certain whether the journal is focused on the written word, the craft of calligraphy, or art. Instead, the three blend together and merge, creating a sort of visual autobiography of what Johnson treasures. Down comforters. Birds. Candles. Honey. Music. Her husband. Her journal is a book that exudes warmth and simple pleasures.

To learn more about Cathy Johnson, and her work as an artist-writer-naturalist, which is how she describes herself, visit cathyjohnson.info. She no longer works on commission, but instead, creates for herself. After all, no longer taking commissions is far different than no longer working.

“You don’t retire from being creative,” Johnson stated. “You just create different things.”

Betty Jane Murray
May 20, 1934—March 26, 2018

Betty Jane Murray was born May 20, 1934 in Jamestown, N.D. and died March 26, 2018 in Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Betty was originally from Jamestown, N.D., and moved to the Excelsior Springs area in 1960, raising a family of five kids.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack E. Murray, and daughter Deann R. Murray.

She is survived by daughter Denise J. (Murray) Royer, of Lathrop, Mo.; sons: Mike L. and Nancy (Mekee) Murray of Lafayette, Colo., Jack A. and Tina (Graf-Bahret) Murray of Silver Lake, Kan., and Charles Chris Murray, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; nine grandkids and 14 great-grandkids.

March 23, 2018 – The Excelsior Springs Fire Department welcomed two new firefighters to their ranks.

Nathan Box is an Excelsior Springs native. This is his first job as a firefighter, but he is no stranger to rescue. He served in the Air Force for eight years, and the concept of rescue is central in his career choice.

“I was in the military for eight years, in combat search and rescue. So, rescue has become a massive part of my life. So, this was just a transition for me into something that is similar,” Box explained.

Dr. Jessica Martin is from Beckley, West Virginia. She has her PhD from University of Georgia, where she studied both biochemistry and molecular biology. This is her first job as a firefighter, but she previously served as an emergency medical technician in other communities. She became a firefighter when she realized that she loved people, and wanted to work with them instead of being in a lab all day.

“I was in the lab a lot, and the concept of what we were doing was amazing, but the day-to-day execution of it was not that interesting. And I really love people,” Martin said. In addition, she loves the problem-solving aspect of the job.

“I love being able to walk into the scene, and it’s like solving a puzzle, because you don’t always have everything you need. I like to sit there and think about it and be that agent of calm in the chaos,” Martin explained. “Life is too short to just do things because they sound cool. So, I decided to follow my heart instead of my degree.”

Both love Excelsior Springs, and look forward to serving the community as first responders.

“This little community has been amazing. They really take care of their own,” said Martin.

“Just having the opportunity to serve the community I grew up in, and serve in that rescue capacity, is just an amazing opportunity,” added Box.

Fire Chief Paul Tribble swore in two new firefighters.

Fire Chief Paul Tribble swore in Martin and Box on Monday, March 19 at the Excelsior Springs City Council meeting.

The swearing in of firefighters follows a longtime department tradition, and serves the purpose of confirming, among other things, that they are now a member of a family, and that it is a privilege and an honor to wear the badge of a firefighter.

Betty Sue Hall

Betty Hall, 80, passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

Private family services.

William “Bill” Tedford Jr.

William passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

A Celebration of life will be held at Century Park in Excelsior Springs, Mo., on Saturday, April 7, from 2-5 p.m.

March 30, 2018 – The 2018 Clay County State of the Cities luncheon was held Friday, March 23, where accomplishments and progress made throughout Clay County were shared.

The annual event featured reports from representatives of Excelsior Springs, Gladstone, Kansas City, Kearney, Liberty, North Kansas City, Pleasant Valley and Smithville. Nearly 200 people attended the event at Harrah’s North Kansas City Hotel and Casino, according to a press release.

Excelsior Springs shared its continual progress in a presentation given by Mayor Pro Tem Sharon Powell. Powell pointed to the diverse growth within Excelsior Springs, widely viewed as a historic community, in both residential and business development, as well as continued outstanding public development. She also spoke of the City’s hope to add on to the already successful Community Center, including an outdoor swim area.

“We are making steady growth in all areas of our city,” said Powell. “Infrastructure, such as sewer and water improvements, road overlays and sidewalks, golf course, club house, development of plat for homes on Fairway One, and Community Center Phase II plans.”

In addition, there is a steering community that is working on the “Community of Excellence” plan for the Baldrige Foundation, Powell added.

“We look forward to all the exciting improvements this will make to our city as all the major stakeholders begin to plan for the future together,” Powell concluded.

Sharon Powell gives address at Clay County state of the cities luncheon.

“I love that over the past few years local businesses have seen value in expanding their investments here,” said councilwoman Sonya Morgan. “Companies such as Magna Seating, KC Machine, Chuck Anderson Ford, and currently McDonald’s, have remodeled at their existing sites. Others, such as Miller Cabinets, TNG Construction, Ashlock Signs, and El Maguey Mexican Restaurant have or are in the process of expanding in new areas of the community.”

Morgan pointed to newcomers in business as measures of success, too.

“These private projects create a profound, ripple effect in community development, boost jobs and strengthen our economy. I believe these investments will provide the ability to drive growth in Excelsior Springs. I’d like to invite other companies to ‘come grow with us’ and take advantage of some of the incentive programs that the City of Excelsior Springs now has to offer.”

Morgan also paid tribute to the effects the efforts from both the Downtown Excelsior Project (DEP) and the Chamber of Commerce had on growth. Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Director Tosha Jackson would agree.

“From the Chamber’s perspective, we are seeing an increase in organizations and entities working together,” said Jackson. “We know this is the only way that progress is going to happen, and we are excited to be a part of it all.” She added that the Chamber Trolley program continues to be a success and brings positive recognition and increased tourism to the community, from across the entire state.

Economic Development Director for the City of Excelsior Springs Melinda Mehaffy said that the city’s achievements can be traced back to three elements: Place, events, and people.

“The Community Center has become a magnet for people and we so many good things coming out of the Community Center,” she said. “The events being put together by the DEP have been outstanding. To see the number of people and the dollars being generated based on these events is outstanding, and helps the community overall be successful.”

“We are so very fortunate to have so many people in this community who are making good things happen,” Mehaffy added. “As a small community, we have a number of people who are giving of their time, talents and treasures to push good things forward, and to encourage partnerships and programs that grow our community.”

“The people are what make Excelsior Springs someplace, not just ‘any place.’ It’s the piece of everything we do that makes us stand out and be unique. We are very fortunate,” she concluded.

Clay County, as a whole, shows a string of successes. Smithville’s mayor Brian Fulmer stated that Smithville has seen a significant residential surge in both single and multi-family construction. Pleasant Valley’s mayor David Slater noted improvements in his city’s Fire Department. Closer to home, Kearney Mayor Bill Dane provided details on multiple school and residential projects.

“Kearney’s most dramatic news may be the 19th Street/I-35 Interchange that also includes major road improvements east and west of what will be Kearney’s second connection with the interstate highway,” the press release stated.

Clay County led the Greater Kansas City area counties in job development, according to the Clay County Economic Development Council.

Featured image by Courtney Cole

March 30, 2018— At 3:27 a.m. on Friday, March 30, a Lawson woman was arrested and later released in Jackson County.

Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest records detail that Alex S. Boone, 28, of Lawson, was arrested by Troop A in Jackson County. Boone was arrested and later released on four charges: driving while intoxicated, lane violation, no insurance and expired driver’s license.

March 30, 2018 — A Kansas City woman received minor injuries in a crash when her vehicle rear-ended a vehicle driven by an Excelsior Springs man. The crash occurred in Platte County on the northbound I-29 ramp to 64th St. at 12:42 p.m. on Thursday, March 29.

Christine A. Peterson, 63, of Kansas City, and Donald R. Warren, 57, of Excelsior Springs, were both traveling northbound on I-29 when Peterson’s 2008 Buick failed to stop for a red light and struck the rear of Warren’s 2014 Ford.

Peterson obtained moderate injuries and was transported by Kansas City Fire Department to North Kansas City Hospital.

Warren’s vehicle obtained minor damage and was driven from the scene. Peterson’s vehicle obtained extensive damage and was towed from the scene bye Andrews Tow and Recovery.

The crash was investigated by Tpr. Cole and assisted by Tpr. Becker.

Mary “Midge” Holt
June 8, 1931—March 26, 2018

Mary Margaret Holt, 86, of Lawson, passed away Monday, March 26, 2018 in Liberty, Mo. Midge was born June 8, 1931 in Marceline, Mo.

She is the daughter of the late Raymond K. and the late Mary (Frost) Davis. She married Jack Herman Holt on November 17, 1950 in Kansas City, Mo.

Midge’s passion for life and great sense of humor spilled over and flowed into the lives of so many others. From her genuine interest in everyone’s lives and activities, to making everyone feel welcome in her home, to being a thoughtful caregiver of family and friends, she was one of those rare people who could turn a difficult time into a pleasant comfort by little more than her infectious laugh. She also had a passion for reading, especially historical fiction, as well as crossword puzzles. Midge was special to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband: Jack Holt; one son: Bradley (Lisa) Holt of Lawson, Mo.; five grandchildren: Kelly Holt, Katie Lyon, Sarah Lyon, Henry Lyon and Margaret Lyon; and three great-grandchildren: Trey Jones, Gavyn Simmons and Mackenzie Simmons.

In addition to her parents, Midge was preceded in death by her grandson, Jason Holt, and brother Charles Davis.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 2, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., both at Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Lawson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.

Thirty students in Excelsior Springs received a pair of brand new shoes, Thursday, March 22, thanks to volunteers from Shoes from the Heart.

Both the morning and afternoon classes of preschoolers at Excelsior Springs YMCA Head Start received a pair of brand new shoes.

The children were so excited, they believed their new shoes could make them run as fast as lighting.

“We are all touched by the joy in a child’s face when they receive their new shoes,” owner Donnie Bonuchi said.

The morning class of preschool students at Excelsior Springs YMCA Head Start show off their new shoes with the volunteers who made the shoe donation possible.

Staff at Head Start were on hand to help students try on and test out their new shoes. Dana Leonard from Home State Health also passed out gift bags to the children. Members from the Excelsior Springs Elks Lodge also assisted the children.

The program was established in 2012 by Cindy Bonuchi. Her vision was simple: to help children in need by providing them with new shoes.

Within the first year, Shoes from the Heart was able to provide shoes to 525 children.

Shoes from the Heart was established as a 501(c)3 and continued to expand. In 2016, the organization served 70 counties in Missouri and blessed 16,000 children that year. Sadly, Cindy passed away in June 2016 due to illness, but her mission continues today.

Last year, every county in Missouri, eastern Kansas, southern Iowa and western Illinois were touched by the organization, which distributed over 30,100 pairs of shoes to children in need.

In partnership with local groups that are instrumental in identifying the particular needs of the community, Shoes from the Heart continues to assist Head Starts, Early Head Starts, school districts, division of family services, churches and women’s shelters.

The organization continues to share Cindy’s vision with their staff who are all purely volunteers.

“Cindy’s vision is shared by thousands of people who help make it possible,” the organization said in a statement.

March 30, 2018 – An apple, red, shiny and whole sets on a plate, next to a knife, toothpick, and magnifying glass.

“Write down thirty observations about this apple,” said SySTEMic Innovations Executive Director Nicole Riegel. “I’ll help.”

Observations were made using all senses. The smooth, slick texture of the red skin gave way to the crisp, white flesh beneath as the apple was cut open. Dissected, the apple revealed a perfect star-shape and hidden within were the tiny brown seeds – the genesis of even more apples. The smell was sweet, the taste was even sweeter. Thirty observations were quickly made.

Riegel then swept away the real apple and replaced it with a fake apple.

Could you make 30 observations about an apple?

“Cross off all the observations you could make with the first apple, but can’t with this one,” Riegel said. Anything that had to do with taste and smell were crossed off. So were observations made about anything beneath the skin. The fake apple was replaced by a piece of paper with first a colored apple, and then a black-and-white apple drawn on it. Observations about texture and color were removed.

Lastly, a piece of paper with the word “pomme” replaced everything.

Pomme is the French word for apple.

“What observations can you make with that?” Riegel asked. “None. If you are going to learn about something, what would you rather learn with, make observations about? The first apple – the real one, that you can touch and smell and taste and interact with, or this piece of paper with a word you don’t understand written on it? Of course you would rather learn with the real thing. And this is what SySTEMic Innovations does.”

Riegel’s love for science, education, and the possibilities they create for children is boundless. It’s why she, along with External Relations Coordinator Kim Halfhill, run the non-profit that works to bring the hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) learning into classrooms. Riegel, who started the company, wants kids to ask questions – and instead of just providing an answer, she wants to teach them how to find the answers out for themselves.

“When your kids come to you and ask why, your answer is ‘I don’t know, let’s find out,’ – even if you know the answer,” Riegel said. She believes there is a lot of creativity in science, and kids should be free to explore in order to answer their own questions.

SySTEMic Innovations Executive Director Nicole Riegel

And she doesn’t mind them getting their hands dirty to do so.

SySTEMic Innovations incorporates what the National Sciences Resources Center calls the five essential components of science education reform: Curriculum, professional development, centralized materials support, assessment, and community support. Each element is central to what they are doing.

Materials make up a large component of the program. To that end, Riegel and Halfhill have taken over the old Sears building at 1450 Kearney Road, where their employees put together kits that they describe as “teacher ready.” This means that if the exploration contained within the kit calls for each student to have a 12-inch piece of yarn, the kit will include an already-cut 12-inch piece of yarn for each student. When teachers are done, they return the kits to the warehouse, where they are restocked, restored, and readied for another classroom.

One kit, Riegel revealed, holds what is called an “owl pellet.” Owls, unable to digest the bones of the small animals they eat, regurgitate the skeleton of their latest meal up. People collect these leavings, bake them in order to sanitize them, and those “pellets” are then dissected by curious students who then put the skeleton back together to see what the owl ate.

External Relations Coordinator Kim Halfhill

Currently, SySTEMic Innovations is in 32 different schools throughout Missouri and Kansas, for grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Currently, Excelsior Springs second graders are using lessons from SySTEMic Innovations this year. The hope is that they continue to grow, and that more schools utilize their curriculum.

“This program is what drives the creativity, and the curiosity, the critical thinking,” Riegel said. “And there’s collaboration, and communication, and all of those pieces – that’s workforce development.”

SySTEMic has been in business for seven years. The seeds of the non-profit were planted when the Bayer Corporation, for whom Riegel began with as a temporary employee, launched the Kansas City Science Initiative, which Riegl worked on, in partnership with the Kansas City School District. That pilot program later became implemented across Kansas City public schools. In 2009, a second school district added KCSI to its curriculum. In 2011, with funding from the Bayer Foundation, SySTEMic Innovations became a free-standing non-profit.

Local residents will have the opportunity to vote on a few measures upcoming in the Tuesday, April 3 election.

Excelsior Springs will be voting in new council members at the city level in addition to commissioner for road district 10.

Mosby voters will be voting for mayor, both ward one and ward two alderman and city collector.

The City of Excelsior Springs has two openings for council members, with two incumbent candidates, Brad Eales and Sonya Morgan, refiling to continue with another three-year term each. One, three-year term position is available for commissioner of Excelsior Springs Road District 10 for candidates Michael Jarman and Mark A. Heller.

In Mosby, three candidates and incumbent are in the running for the two-year term for mayor. Bobby Joe Branscom, incumbent Harlin Clements, Dwayne Morrison and Angela Rose are competing for the single position. For two-year term of alderman, Linda D. Danner will be running unopposed for ward one, while incumbent Jason Stooksbury and Phyllis Stevens are vying for the single opening in ward two. Julie Cazzell is running unopposed for the two-year term of city collector.

Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Missouri voters must present a valid, government issued ID, either driver’s license, non-driver’s license, passport or military ID to confirm their identity. Otherwise, voters must sign the provided statement and present one of the following: voter registration card, ID from a Missouri university, college, vocational or technical school, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document showing their name and address.