SUBMITTED PHOTO

 The 2019 Excelsior Springs High School will crown their 2019 Courtwarming King and Queen Friday, Jan. 18 during the ESHS Boys’ Basketball game against Pleasant Hill. Pictured: back row from left, Lilly Mawby, Garrison Kennedy, Gracie Kindle, Brooklynn Bickford and Derrick Helt; front row, Makenzie Smith, Morgan Milledge, Kaylese Lafferty, Abigail Adair, Makenna Baird and Taylor Crowley; not pictured, Hunter Williams, Zackary Zeller and Alexandra Williams. 

Jan. 19, 2019 – United Fiber plans to break ground soon on a construction project that will provide fiber internet service to all Excelsior Springs residents.

David Girvan, chief operating officer for United Fiber, said the company works on final designs to the project and plans to begin construction Monday, Jan. 21. He said to lay the fiber, workers will bore holes in the right-of-way every hundred feet, which may result in some upturned soil in resident’s lawns. Residents can also expect construction vehicles in their neighborhoods as work continues, he said.

“We expect minimal disturbance as much as possible to the ground, but most of our construction is on the ground,” he said.

The company will try to leave everything the way they found it, he said. If needed, they will return to perform reconstruction work to restore everything to the way they first found it.

United Fiber will split the city into phases, which they plan to finish within 12 months. Phase one and two will be done simultaneously and begins on the west side of town. Phase one includes the Kings Addition and continues south through the neighborhood west of Excelsior Springs High School and onto South McCleary Road. Phase two continues east and includes West Jesse James and North Jesse James roads. Phase three continues through the downtown area.

Phase four will continue north on North Main Street, Kennedy Avenue and the surrounding area. Phase five will continue south to the areas surrounding Lake Maurer Road.

Girvan said they have already completed a few new installs in Excelsior. They plan to be ready to meet their goal of installing 100 new customers per month soon, he said.

“We’re super excited and we have plans to finish the whole construction project within the 12 months,” Girvan said. “Everybody within the greater Excelsior Springs area … will be serviceable by that time frame.”

 Jan. 19, 2019 – The Excelsior Springs Tiger Boys’ Basketball team hosted the Bishop LeBlond Eagles on Dec. 18 where they fell 52-37.

Senior Zane Wilson carries the ball, earning top score of 16 points during the boys’ basketball game against the Bishop LeBlond Eagles Dec. 18.
KIMBERELY BLACKBURN – Staff Photo

Senior Zane Wilson earned top scorer for the Tigers and almost earned a double-double with 16 points, one offensive rebound and eight defensive rebounds. Senior Jax Gibson followed in points with 12.

Sophomore Jalen Soria earned three points for the Tigers while senior Simon Holst, sophomore Tanner Phillips and junior Breyden Haight earned two each.

Gibson got five combined rebounds, while Holst two offensive and two defensive rebounds.

The Tigers matched the Eagles in three-pointers, sinking six each. The Tigers almost matched Bishop in free throws scoring five to their six. 

Bishop doubled Excelsior’s seven two-pointers, sinking 14 for almost 49 percent to the Tigers’ 36 percent. The Eagles made eleven baskets from the paint. In contrast, the Tigers made seven from the paint.

The Tigers traveled to Cameron Dec. 14 to take on the Dragons. Cameron led going into halftime 17-11. After scoring 22 points in the second half, the Tigers almost closed the gap, but still lost 36-33.

All of Cameron’s points came from the paint with no three-pointers attempted. Excelsior completed three of the three-pointer attempts and scored 10 of their field goals from the paint.

Wilson again came close to a double-double with 10 rebounds and eight points. Holst also earned double-double honors with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Gibson also scored 10 points while junior Brandon Gluhm earned three and Haight, two.

Gluhm also earned three offensive rebounds and two defensive, while Gibson got one offensive and three defensive.

The Tigers took on Smithville on Wednesday. Coverage will be included in upcoming issues of The Standard.

The Tigers will take on the Pleasant Hill Roosters Friday in the ESHS gym. The junior varsity game starts at 5:30 p.m. and the varsity Tigers will begin at 7 p.m.

Jn. 18, 2019 –  As the Excelsior Springs School District continue their plans to demolish The Monterey Motel, some Excelsior Springs residents ask they consider other options. 

April Graham of Excelsior Springs spoke to the Excelsior Springs Board of Education Monday evening to request the Board’s decision for demolishing The Monterey be postponed until the summer to allow alternatives for the building to be explored. 

“It serves a need that we already have for a lower cost hotel option and it opens up the potential for a

The Monterey Motel sits vacant after its recent purchase by the school district as part of their school improvement plan.
BRIAN RICE -Staff Photo

partnership that would give our students access to career and professional development through the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute,” Graham said. 

She said this will better prepare students for management roles in hospitality and such skills are transferable to a variety of careers. 

Other alternatives Graham presented included a potential cost saving by combining Lewis and Westview Elementary schools. She said this could benefit current new students by helping to get them into a new school sooner. She also said ESSD could sell The Monterey and Lewis Elementary sites for redevelopment into a retro motel. She said the development would easily bring in over a million dollars in revenue to the community annually. 

She said the group of residents that wish to explore other opportunities for the site do not expect the school district to do this alone and would be willing to assist them in finding an investor. They looked at the long-range facility plan, she said, and believe more fiscally responsible opportunities exist that will provide better benefits for the school district and the community. 

After the meeting, Deputy Superintendent Jaret Tomlinson said the school district began working on their long-range facility plans approximately a year ago. He said they presented surveys to every person in the community to learn their thoughts regarding the future of the school district. They also advertised and hosted five different public forums for anyone to attend. They developed their plans, he said, with all the feedback provided by the Excelsior Springs community. 

“Everything with that facility plan has been geared toward what the people of the community tell us they want,” he said. 

The school district knows when developing a plan such as this, Tomlinson said, not everyone will be supportive. However, he said they looked at what the majority of the respondents wanted in their community and attempted to accommodate their wishes the best way they could for the school district. 

Excelsior Springs Police Chief, Clint Reno also spoke at the meeting in regard to the building’s demolition. He said the Excelsior Springs Police Department will support whatever the school district decides to do. However, because the site provided many problems for the community over the years and he said the department remains excited to see something being done with it. 

“I’ve been here 25 years now, I can tell you that one of the first problem places I learned about when I got on the force in Excelsior Springs was The Monterey Motel.” 

He said whether other opportunities exist or not, the ESPD expresses excitement the school district took ownership of the building. He said the department does not wish to go back to the way things have been at the location. 

Quoting Rick Harrison of Pawn Stars, Reno said, “Just because something’s old doesn’t mean it’s valuable.” 

 Jan. 18, 2019 – After 31 years serving the community, ALDI will open a new Excelsior Springs location, offering a smarter, faster and easier grocery shopping experience. The new store will be located at 2351 Vintage Drive and will replace the current store located at 1719 Jesse James Road, which will close its doors on Tuesday, Jan. 22. 

To celebrate the new store opening, ALDI will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 24 at 8:30 a.m., followed by its popular Golden Ticket giveaway offering gift cards to the first 100 customers. Shoppers can also sample ALDI-exclusive brand foods and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a year’s supply of ALDI produce. 

Mark Bersted, Olathe division vice president for ALDI, said they design ALDI stores to make life easier for their customers. 

“We know people are pressed for time and money, so ALDI has pioneered a model that gives people more of both,” he said. “We only have four or five aisles for a streamlined experience to provide what people need on their first, and only, shopping trip. We offer high-quality foods at affordable prices and a shopping experience unlike anything else.” 

The new Excelsior Springs ALDI store layout provides an improved in-store experience and features additional refrigeration space to accommodate even more fresh, healthy and convenient products. 

The new location will have approximately 14,809 square feet of sales floor space, whereas the current store has about 9,243 square feet of sales floor space, Bersted said. This extra space will include new delicious, fresh and convenient foods found throughout ALDI stores. This carefully selected new product mix includes organic meats, salad bowls, sliced fruits, gourmet cheeses and so much more, he said. Some of the fresh and healthy products include: 

• More ready-to-cook and organic fresh meats to make meal preparation easier, including organic chicken breasts and marinated cilantro lime chicken breasts, 

• An expanded produce selection, including ready-to-eat sliced fruits, such as mango, pineapple and watermelon spears, and more organics, 

• The expanding Earth Grown line with new vegan and vegetarian options, such as kale and quinoa crunch burgers, and chickenless patties and tenders. 

As part of the product expansion, ALDI is increasing its fresh food selection by 40 percent with many organic, convenient and easy-to-prepare options. The store will be open from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday. 

“We want to make grocery shopping the best it can be, especially for our loyal customers in Excelsior Springs,” Bersted said. “We’re so excited to open our new store and continue offering local residents high-quality groceries at affordable prices in our brand new Excelsior Springs store.” 

ALDI currently explores new ways to make grocery shopping even easier for its growing customer base. Customers can now shop with an online grocery delivery service via Instacart across 35 states in 5,000 new zip codes, bringing convenience, quality and value to shoppers’ doorsteps. 

This innovative approach made ALDI one of the fastest-growing retailers in the U.S. As part of the company’s aggressive expansion plans, ALDI is adding 25,000 new jobs in stores, warehouses and offices nationwide by the end of 2022. Forbes named ALDI to its list of “America’s Best Large Employers” four years in a row. ALDI offers staff market-leading salaries and benefits. Energage also recognized the retailer as a 2018 National Top Workplace for the second consecutive year. 

Excelsior Springs Mayor Brad Eales said he thinks the new location will draw attention to the area and bring in shoppers from other communities. 

“There’s a lot of talk about ALDI and a lot of advertising on ALDI and they’re challenging for business,” he said. “I think it’s good for the consumer that they’ll get good prices.” 

Bersted said ALDI also added to the local economy by hiring an additional six employees to help staff the new store. 

Letha Faye Head
Feb. 20, 1920 – Jan. 16, 2019

Letha Faye Head, 98, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, (formerly of Bentonville, Arkansas) went to be with the Lord on Jan. 16, 2019.

Letha was born on February 20, 1920 in Caverna, Missouri to Robert H. and Alma (Slinkard) Spurlock.  She was united in marriage to Bennie Edwards on Sept. 8, 1938. He preceded her in death December 1965.  From that marriage was born two sons, Gerald and Steven. She married Burton Head in 1968 and he preceded her in death in 1987.  Her son Steven preceded her in death in 2005. Also preceding her in death were her two brothers, Ralph and Ira Spurlock.

Letha was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of the Bentonville Church of Christ for over 60 years.  She enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading and gardening. She loved being with family and hosting large social events, especially the annual family Christmas gathering.  Letha was the first to volunteer for anyone in need. She always had a twinkle in her eye when the grandkids were around. She worked in the Benton County Abstract office in Bentonville for many years.

She is survived by son, Gerald (Judy) Edwards of Excelsior Springs; daughter-in-law Debby Edwards of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Stepchildren Valinn (Norman) Covey of Rogers, Arkansas; Burton (Carol) Head of Bentonville; Don (Sarah) Head of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. Grandchildren Patrick (Patricia) Edwards of Texarkana, Texas; Mike (Audra) Edwards of Excelsior Springs; Tennyson (Chris) Haggard of Des Moines, Iowa; Luke (Robyn) Edwards of Bentonville; Effie Edwards of Pasadena, California; Bobbie (David) Bolain of Bentonville; Dwayne (Cindy) Covey of Goshen, Arkansas; Rayanne Story of Searcy, Arkansas; Amanda (Jason) Hufford of Bella Vista, Arkansas; Wanda (Steve) Taylor of Pea Ridge; Lisa (Joel) Thomas of Pea Ridge; Donnie Head of Morrilton, Arkansas.  Great-grandchildren Tommy (Ally) Edwards of Fort Worth, Texas; Emma Edwards of Texarkana; Seth, Bryce and Ethan Edwards of Excelsior Springs; Harper, Ellie, Jack and George Haggard of Des Moines; Riley Edwards of Bentonville; Lindsey Roberts (Shannon) of Rogers; Dylan and Drew Covey of Rogers; Sarah, Rachel and Emily Story of Searcy. Great-great Granddaughter Lanzi Edwards of Fort Worth; and many other nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Services in Excelsior Springs will be at Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Excelsior Springs (Wood Heights) on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, with visitation from 4-5 p.m. and services to follow. Services in Anderson, Missouri, will be at Ozark Funeral Homes, 100 Spring St, Anderson, Missouri on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, with visitation from 1-2 p.m., with the funeral to follow.  Burial will be in Jane Cemetery, Jane, Missouri, on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.

 TUESDAY, JAN. 8

12:17 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., Emma Wohletz, WF, 20, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs Warrant for fail to appear with a bond of $500 cash. She was incarcerated pending payment of bond.

12:51 a.m., 200 E. Broadway Ave., Mikel Hoover, WM, 23, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs Warrant for fail to appear with a bond of $500 cash. He was incarcerated pending payment of bond.

8:00 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., Jada B. Savage-Williams, BF, 19, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs warrant for fail to appear for a revocation hearing, possession of marijuana, stealing, domestic assault, and fail to appear. Her bond was set at $1000 cash only.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9

12:59 a.m., 200 block of Industrial Park Road, Jeremy A. Frost, WM, 24, was arrested for possession of controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked and incarcerated with a bond of $250.

11:05 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., James R. McCubbin, WM, 50, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs warrant for failure to appear for possession of drugs or marijuana with bond of $750 cash only.

12:39 p.m., E. Broadway Ave., Betty K. Lipp, WF, 54, was arrested on two Excelsior Springs warrants for failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia x2, possession of methamphetamine x2, and failure to appear for fines unpaid with total bond of $1,457 cash only.

4:44 p.m., 1700 block of W. Jesse James Road, Joshua Duncan, WM, 19, was arrested on a Clinton County failure to appear warrant for trespassing with a bond of $858.50. He was taken to Clay County Detention to await extradition.

THURSDAY, JAN. 10

10:30 a.m., St. Louis and Crescent Avenue, Ashley New, WF, 23, was arrested on a probation and parole warrant with no bond listed. She was transported to Clay County Detention for extradition.

10:54 p.m., S. Kimball and Elmwood Avenue, Steven J. Bonnel, WM, 27, was arrested for driving while suspended, improper registration, no insurance, and defective equipment with total bond of $650.

FRIDAY, JAN. 11

2:37 a.m., Kimball and Wornall Road, Jacob Carr, WM, 18, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, no turn signal and no license plate light with a bond of $250.00. He later bonded and was released.

SATURDAY, JAN. 12

7:02 p.m., 100 block of Southview Drive, David F, Foushee, WM, 26, was arrested for violation of an order of protection. His bond was set at $300.

SUNDAY, JAN. 13

12:55 a.m., US 69 Highway and Cameron Road, Delvin S. Walters, WM, 41, was arrested for driving while suspended and speeding with bond of $350. Meagan M. McNair, WF, 30, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia with bond of $250. Susan R. Lohman, WF, 43, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia with bond of $500.

2:49 a.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., Jacob Coleman, WM, 23, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs warrant for failure to appear for fines unpaid with total bond of $365.50 cash only.

9:33 a.m., 300 block of Waller Ave., Officers responded on a third-party report of a disturbance in progress at the residence. Contact was made with a WF, 36, and a WM, 44, who were involved in a domestic incident. A WM, 44, was placed on a 24-hour investigative hold for domestic assault.

4:34 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., Robert L. Powell Jr., WM, 26, was arrested on an Excelsior Springs warrant for fail to appear for stealing with a cash only bond of $500.

5:21 p.m., 100 block of Greenwood Ave., An officer responded to a report of a domestic assault that had occurred previously. It was determined the incident had occurred outside the city. The party was advised to contact the appropriate agency to make a report. 

6:04 p.m., 1600 block of Kearney Road, Kayla L. Shelley, WF, 27, was arrested for shoplifting. She was booked and released with a court date.

MONDAY, JAN. 14

10:33 a.m., 100 block of Crest Drive, A WM, 46 was arrested for driving while suspended, possession of drug paraphernalia and placed on a 24 hour hold for possession of controlled substance. Crystal Patton, WF, 37 was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. She was booked and released with a court date.

5:19 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., Samantha Brown, WF, 40 was arrested on a Lafayette County warrant for felony forgery. Her bond was set at $15,000. She was booked and incarcerated pending extradition.

5:26 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., Jacob Coleman, WM, 23 was arrested on three Sugar Creek PD warrants for failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear for possession on controlled substance and failure to appear for loitering. His bond was set at $3000. He was booked and incarcerated pending extradition.

5:28 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., Jeffrey Gray, WM, was arrested on a Dekalb County warrant for DWI. was set at $5000 cash only. He was booked and incarcerated pending extradition.

6:23 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., Jada Savage-Williams, BF, 19 was arrested for a Clinton County contempt of court/fail to obey judge and stealing. Her bond was set at $5000. She was booked and incarcerated pending extradition.

8:38 p.m., 200 block of E. Broadway Ave., Scotty Welch, WM, 46 was arrested on a Ray County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks. His bond was set at $300 cash only. He was booked and incarcerated pending extradition.

10:29 p.m., 400 block of Benton Ave., Shannon D. McFee, WM, 43, was arrested for DWI drugs, possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana, open liquor, defective equipment and no valid license. He was booked and released with a court date.

11:00 p.m., 1100 block of Tracy Ave., Officers responded to an open line 911 call. It was determined a domestic assault had occurred. No one wished to assist with prosecution.

Jan. 25, 2019 – The Excelsior Spring Standard will publish a voters’ guide to help the community know where those running for Excelsior Springs City Council and the Excelsior Springs Board of Education stand on important issues.

Standard staff would like to enlist the help of the Excelsior Springs community in determining what questions candidates should answer for the guide.

Please go to this link to let staff know the important questions needing to be answered. Managing Editor Kimberely Blackburn will include as many of the community questions as possible into news coverage leading up to the April 2 election. The community can also email their questions to kimberely@leaderpress.com.

Please note, questions must be received by Feb. 8 to be considered for the guide.

Jn. 25, 2019 – As many celebrated the life of Martin Luther King on Monday, those in the community striving to extend his legacy continue the work he began.

Garrett Waters, the region 5 president of the Civil and Human Rights Committee within the United Auto Workers Union, said while many believe King to be a superhero by all the work he accomplished during his life, King completed his work with an impeccable work ethic, passion and dedication.

ES resident Jackie Cleaves traveled to Memphis to honor MLK on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Janet Wesley – SUBMITTED PHOTO

“Martin Luther King was not a superhero,” Waters said. “I would like the rest of the world to know that he was a man. He worked vigorously on not letting the integrity of his mission and dream become compromised, he was a community organizer, freedom fighter, martyr and most importantly a man, not a superhero.”

Waters said he can understand why many would see King as a superman. Waters said he traveled to Memphis, Tennessee last year to honor King on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Going through the museums dedicated to King’s life revealed to Waters how much work King actually accomplished.

“It’s like he lived 10 lives,” he said.

King did so by not adding more fire to the existing fire of hatred, Waters said. Firefighters do not attempt to douse a fire with more fire, he said, they use water. King attempted to add water to the existing Civil Rights Movement fires. 

Excelsior Springs resident and Civil and Human Rights Committee member Jackie Cleaves also made the trip last year. She said King’s worked helped make great strides in helping her and her family gain the rights they deserve. 

“Because of the things that he stood for our children now have the right to attend any school that they choose,” she said. “We now can sit at the lunch counter side by side with my white brothers and sisters.” 

THE LEGACY 

Born Jan. 15, 1929 as Michael Luther King Jr., King’s father changed his and his son’s name to Martin after becoming inspired by Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther during a trip to Germany. 

After finishing high school at the age of 15, King continued his studies to eventually earning his doctorate from Boston University in 1955. 

After being elected to lead the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, King sought to provide new non-violence demonstration leadership throughout the Civil Rights Movement. 

Most famous for his speech “I Have a Dream,” of which he delivered at a peaceful march to Washington D.C., he became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, receiving it at the age of 35. 

After a malfunctioning garbage compactor crushed sanitation workers Echol Cole and Robert Walker to death, King traveled to Memphis to aid sanitation workers in a strike protesting unsafe working conditions. While there, a gunman assassinated King while he stood on the balcony of his room at the Lorraine Motel. 

Excelsior Springs High School teacher Keith Dolsky taught United States History for 10 years. He said King wanted to bring opportunities for those of all races through his work. King used the approach of Gandhi, Dolsky said, to help bring forth change. 

King did so because he knew if he used violence, he would help to foster an us versus them mentality, Dolsky said. This mentality would put those in the mindset of having to fight for survival. 

After helping to get the voting rights bill in 1965, Dolsky said King continued fighting for the economic equality for all Americans. 

“He wasn’t just looking out for just one group of people, he was looking out for a lot of Americans,” he said,” All Americans in that true sense.” 

CONTINUING HIS LEGACY 

Waters said he believes King’s legacy to be an important one to keep. Because of King’s non-violence approach to the Civil Rights Movement, Waters said with all the hatred still in existence today, the legacy must live on for the children. 

The racial atmosphere in the country remains similar to the one in 1968, he said. For many in his East Kansas City neighborhood, Waters said the remaining racial tension seems hopeless. King represents that hope. 

“There no way that we can let a person with that courage pass in vain,” he said. 

They continue on, Waters said, by volunteering their time and helping to educate those on how to break the cycle of hate. When he sees someone truly understand the problems from another’s point of view, Waters said he considers it a gift. 

Dolsky said the problems within the races still surface and King’s example helps to show the problem and resolve it without violence. 

Cleaves said with all the newfound racism currently existing, those still fighting have a long way to go. She said at 58 years old, she will continue to fight racism. 

“We have come too far to turn back now,” she said. 

Raymond Eugene Sharp
Feb. 11, 1932 – Jan. 20, 2019

Raymond Eugene Sharp, 86, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, passed away Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, at home in Excelsior Springs.

Raymond was born Feb. 11, 1932, in Elmira, Missouri. He is the son of the late Robert Craven and the late Retha M (Teegarden) Sharp. He married Ruth Ellen Cline on June 27, 1954, in Polo, Missouri. During their nearly 65 years of marriage, Raymond and Ruth tended to their family and watched it grow with three sons, one daughter, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Raymond served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After leaving the military, Raymond became an over-the-road truck driver. During his life-long career, Raymond was a Teamster and received recognition as a Three Million Mile Accident-Free Truck Driver.

In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Estil Sharp and his sister-in-law, Vada Sharp.

He is survived by his wife: Ruth Ellen (Cline) Sharp; one daughter: Karen (Chris) Chenier; three sons: Richard (Debi) Sharp, Terry (Tammy) Sharp, and David (Michelle) Sharp; five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Jan. 25, 2019 – The Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation Board met Tuesday, Jan. 22 to discuss renovations to the airport’s north hangar.

Director Nate Williams said city staff currently looks into the cost to purchase the necessary materials to complete the renovation.

“We budgeted $100,000 to build a new building this year,” he said. “(City Works Director Chad Birdsong projects) that we can probably get the renovation done for about $50,000.”

Mike Anderson with Chuck Anderson Ford recently approached the city with the possibility of selling an unused 20-foot garage door, Williams said. Birdsong also looks into other supplies including garage doors, electrical supplies, lighting, insulation and possibly a heater.

Molly McGovern, city manager, said she will notify the one pilot who still holds his airplane in the north hangar in writing of the change. She said she will offer him space in one of the other existing outdoor hangar areas, but she currently does not have any indoor space available at the site.

McGovern said in order for the Excelsior airport to maintain the minimum standards to maintain its business airport status, over $8 million of improvements would have to be made by the city. Necessary improvements include extending the existing runway by 2,000 feet, a cost of approximately $3 million. The runway would also need to be widened, she said, which would cost the city approximately $1 million. The city must maintain the existing runway for 20 years due to the grant they received from the Missouri Department of Transportation to make improvements, but acceptance of the grant does not include keeping any of the hangars open for pilots, which remain a drain on the city’s resources, she said.

Williams said the shelving needed to take over the former fire station space located in the downtown area recently arrived. They plan to store their sporting equipment at the site. This will require the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce to move the trolleys they store in the building to a new location.

The city allowed the Chamber to move the trolleys to the north hangar location, but pilots advised the city the trolleys blocked access to their planes and asked they be removed. The city allowed the Chamber to move them back to the fire station location until ESPR’s shelving arrived.

Sharon Lou Woodside

Sharon Woodside, twin sister of Karon Woodside, age 69, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at North Kansas City Hospital. She was born and formerly lived in Marceline, Missouri, but presently resided in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.

Sharon loved God and was a member of Siloam Spring Baptist Chapel.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Herman and Dorothy Woodside and sister, Donna Woodside Osborn.

Survivors include twin sister Karon Woodside, brothers: Dennis (Joyce) and Bud (Margie) Woodside.

Visitation will be from 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, MO. Funeral Service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1 at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Excelsior Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Siloam Spring Baptist Chapel.

Floyd “Wayne” Lollar
Sept. 22, 1926 – Jan. 27, 2019

Wayne Lollar, age 92, a resident of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, a former resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, went to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Missouri.

Wayne was born the son of Willard Hall and Bessie Adra Lollar on Sept. 22, 1926, in Daviess County, Missouri. Wayne served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1951 until 1952.   He graduated from Lock Springs High School in 1944. He was united in marriage to Nilene Beaman on Oct. 22, 1950, in Jamesport, Missouri. She preceded him in death on Jan. 22, 1980.  Following his discharge, he returned home to Jamesport, Missouri, where he began his career as a successful dairy farmer.  He also owned dairy farms in both Chula and Chillicothe.  He was an active board member for the All-Star Dairy Association in Lawrence, Kansas.  After retiring from the dairy business in 1985, he drove a school bus for the Chillicothe R-II School District. Wayne was united in marriage to Mary Pat Jordan on Nov. 26, 1982, in Chillicothe. In 1997, he and his wife bought a small acreage near Excelsior Springs, where he continued employment as a bus driver for the Kearney School District.  In the following years, he provided bus transportation for the public transportation system in Excelsior Springs, where he resided at the time of his death.

Wayne loved nature and being outdoors.  He was always very meticulous with his land and yards. When the weather was pleasant, his favorite pastime was sitting on his patio watching small animals and birds.  In addition to being a lover of animals and nature, Wayne was an avid sports enthusiast, especially the KC Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs on TV.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Nilene Beaman Lollar; one grandson, Cameron Lollar; two brothers, Harold and Billy Lollar; three sisters, Velma Eads, Lucille Anderson and Lula Mae Lollar and one stepson-in-law- Ed Larcom.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Pat, of the home; three daughters, Nila Hiskey and husband David of Sun City West, Arizona, Nina Baker and husband Mark of Cameron, Missouri and Debra Hopkins and husband Mike of Kansas City, Missouri;  two sons, Rick Lollar and wife LaRenda of Chillicothe, and Mel Lollar and wife Dawn of Oxford, Indiana; one stepdaughter, Susan Larcom of Omaha, Nebraska; sixteen grandchildren, Christin (Pete) Olas, Cori (Shawn) Hulsey, Kyle (Megan) Hiskey, Shawna Cooke, Tawnya (Philip) Stuedle, Tausha (Brandon) Lien, Shayla (Robby) Shipley, Garrett (Stephanie) Hopkins, Calvin (Whitney) Lollar, Cyrsten Lollar, Cherish (Jarod) Williams, Brock Lollar, Ali Lollar, Laura (Bill) Vodvarka, Kate (Alex) Covalt, and Lisa Larcom; fifteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two sisters; Mildred Hoch, Chillicothe, Missouri and Dorothy Booth, Jefferson City, Missouri.

Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home in Chillicothe from 12-8 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019.

A scheduled visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church in Chillicothe from 12:30-2 p.m, Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 with services to follow. Burial will be held at the Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Chillicothe.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cam’s Memorial Grand Drive and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.

Standard Staff currently works to obtain additional information on this subject. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Feb. 1, 2019 – In a press release issued yesterday, the Clay County Commission announced they served the Missouri State Auditor with a lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment determining the scope of her constitutional authority.

The release goes on to state the Commission took this action to protect County taxpayers from footing the bill for what they said they consider to be unconstitutional actions taken by Auditor Nicole Galloway.

“Auditor Nicole Galloway has made an extraordinary and invasive request for attorney-client privileged information of the County,” the statement said. “This information includes personnel records of individual employees, confidential contract negotiations and legal advice in pending lawsuits against Clay County taxpayers. To divulge this information to third parties would put Clay County taxpayers in a disastrous legal position.”

In response, Galloway’s office issued a statement that said, “The Clay County Commission’s legal action today

Nicole Galloway

seeks to silence the voices of thousands of its own citizens who asked for their government to be audited. More concerning is the idea that Clay County taxpayer dollars could be used to prevent an audit these same taxpayers requested. Auditor Galloway remains committed to her legal duty to complete a comprehensive audit of Clay County and get taxpayers the answers they deserve.”

Clay County officials said they have remained corporative throughout the audit. They said personnel provided more than 300,000 lines of transactions regarding the financial records related to the County’s accounts.

In a separate statement released yesterday by the auditor’s office, Galloway’s office announced her office issued a subpoena to Clay County after the County delayed the release of what the office said they consider to be standard information.

“Within the first six weeks of this process, my team has encountered delays, roadblocks and evasive responses that make it challenging to complete audit work in a cost-effective way on behalf of the taxpayers of Clay County,” Galloway said. “My auditors are requesting basic information, and there is no reason why it should be this difficult. Citizens asked for an audit of their government because they wanted answers about the operations of their county. I will use the full authority of my office to ensure they get the answers they deserve.”

Clay County officials said the press releases issued by Galloway’s office misled the public and do not represent the “professional process that taxpayers expect of their elected officials.”

Clay County official said Galloway indicated the audit cost will increase for taxpayers.

“The County will take every step necessary to ensure that County taxpayers are not impacted by the Auditor’s decision to exceed her constitutional authority, and have specifically asked the Court to prevent her from doing so.”

Clay County officials said taxpayers deserve an audit in line with the Constitution of the State of Missouri and Missouri state laws.

“We will let a court decide the merits of both sides. In the meantime, we call upon Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway to cease her political rhetoric and adhere to the standards of governmental auditing with professionalism and impartiality.”

Feb. 1, 2019 – The Excelsior Springs Elks Lodge 1001 will hold a bowling tournament tomorrow to help benefit a local veteran.
Charlie Boyce, leading knight, said proceeds from tomorrow’s event will help build a long ramp to help assist a veteran get in and out of his home easier.
Northwest Districts Elks Veterans Committee Chairman Rick Strack assist the Excelsior Springs lodge in finding local veterans in need, Boyce said. They plan to hold another benefit in the Springs. Boyce said the community should look out for a sand volleyball tournament to be announced soon.
The tournament filled up quickly and they will have all 16 lanes of full of bowlers helping to raise approximately $1,100 to assist the building of the needed ramp. Boyce said even though the tournament remains full, the community can still help.
The lodge will hold a raffle and silent auction at the event. Anyone wishing to donate items can do so by dropping them off at the lodge, located at 421 S. Titus, Saturday morning. Boyce said they call him at 816-853-0741.
Monetary donations will be accepted as well. Donations can be given at the lodge or at Tiger Bowl, located at 1729 W. Jesse James Road.
The tournament begins tomorrow at 2 p.m. Anyone wishing to help can contact Charlie Boyce at 816-853-0741.

Feb. 1, 2019 – With all the success stories the Good Samaritan Center clients have shown throughout the years, one thing remains constant, the client receives the credit, not the center.

The success comes from God, Executive Director Martha Buckman said, and the client worked to make the change, the center just provided the tools. Buckman said she feels this to be an important component of what the center does for the community. It helps the clients to truly become successful.

Martha Buckman

“If they’re dependent on someone else for their success, they’ll never be successful,” she said.

Even though Buckman refuses to accept any of the credit for the client’s success stories, many still see her as a pillar to the Excelsior Springs community.

Laura Blevins, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, said not only does Buckman lead the GSC staff with grace and purpose, but she also cares deeply about the community.

“I can’t tell you the number of times Martha has gone above and beyond in a situation to help a local family in need,” she said.

Bob Gerdes worked as the executive director before Buckman took over the position. He said he describes her as a good Christian and a team player.

“She’s done an awesome job,” he said.

Buckman began working at GSC in 1989 as a caseworker. Throughout the years, she moved from that position to overseeing the food pantry and served as the housing coordinator for the transitional house for six years. She also worked as the social services director before assuming her current position in December 2011. Now, Buckman plans to retire at the end of March. 

She said the center became a major part of her life over the years. The job required her to guide the center in, not only providing the basic needs but changing as the needs and the local economy changed. The hope, she said, always involved working to provide the best services for their clients. 

“You kind of eat, sleep, think Good Sam and the people that we serve and how to keep it going for the community,” she said. 

Throughout the years, she watched babies grow up and have babies of their own. She said at times, she watched

Martha Buckman could always be found volunteering at community events such as the Chamber’s Waterfest every June.

three generations pass through the center. 

The job allowed her to see her clients successes and celebrate with them. The job also caused her to feel the pain and struggle of others, she said. 

Buckman said she remembers many or her clients throughout the years, many of whom stop in to say hello or stop and speak with her while out in the community. 

Many of her fondest memories, she said, came from her time working with the transitional housing program. 

The program allows clients to live in their triplex for up to a year. The center paid the bills and the clients saved all their money. The program, she said, helped the clients with their goal of homeownership. 

One client came to the program from a mobile home with faulty wiring. Buckman said the client’s doctor suggested the woman do something that made her feel good to help ease the woman’s depression. The woman’s first thought involved going out and purchasing a television set, Buckman said. 

As she went through the program she really began to recognize what that meant and where real happiness came from. 

Martha Buckman holds granddaughter, Charlotte, at the GSC’s annual Tortoise & Hare 5K Run/Walk.

She came back to visit Buckman a few years later. Buckman said the woman told her she still used the tools Buckman taught her about budgeting. 

This may not be seen as much of a success to others in the community, Buckman said, but often the successes came in small changes the clients made to improve their lives. 

The client made the change, she said, Buckman simply served as the cheerleader. 

The successes could not be possible without the staff and volunteers. Together, they watch clients overcome struggles and continue to move forward. The successes would also not be possible without the support Buckman said she received from the community. 

“It takes the community support,” she said. “They’ve been very kind and supporting to me in this position. It would be my hope for that to continue.” 

Gerdes said he agrees and hopes the center finds another good Christian team player like Buckman to help GSC continue forward. He said he learned while in the position that God solved the problems, and Buckman continued following God’s guidance. 

Blevins said she considers Buckman a friend and a mentor. 

“I am a better person having known and worked with her,” she said. “Martha embodies what it means to be a Christian who reaches out to the ‘least, last and lost.’” 

Charles Calvert
Sept. 2, 1935 – Jan. 31, 2019

Charles (Danny) Calvert, 83 of Kansas City, Missouri passed away peacefully on Jan. 31, 2019 surrounded by family.

Danny was born in Marissa, Illinois on Sept. 2, 1935, and moved to Kansas City with his family in 1944 at the age of 9. Danny enjoyed many things including; bird watching, westerns, boxing, golfing and telling tall tales, but most of all spending time with his family. He retired from American Marking & Paving after several years in the asphalt industry.

Danny was proceeded in death by his father, Rev. Earl Calvert, his mother Beulah Calvert, two brothers Earl Jr. and Billy Calvert and one sister Elizabeth.

Danny leaves behind his wife Sandy Calvert of 50 years, granddaughter, Danielle Calvert as well as nine sons, two daughters and their spouses. Chuck (Nancy), Joe (Debbie), Phil (Lori), Terri Byrd, Joe Brogoto (Teresa), Billy Hall (Theresa), Danny Joe (Corey), Rodney (Lisa), Mike Brogoto (Michelle), Pete (Sara) and Lisa Nall (Glenn); as well as, 34 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren (with two more on the way). He also is survived by his brother Rev. Ronald Calvert and his sister Regina Rogers (Phil).

Visitation will be held 11-12:30 pm, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, with service following at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Spring. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery, Excelsior Springs with full military honors.

Arrangements provided by Bross & Spidle Funeral Home 816-630-3131.

Lowell C. Elliott
June 18, 1935 – Feb. 2, 2019

Lowell C. (Buck) Elliott, 83, of Lawson, Missouri passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, at his home.

Buck was born June 18. 1935 in Lawson, Missouri, the son of Thomas Vern and Nellie Elliott. He was married to Sharon K. Gryder on Oct. 24, 1955, in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He was the owner of Elliott Construction (ECCO) for 50 plus years. He was a member of the Lawson Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon Elliott, son Corey Elliott, brother and sister-in-law Randall and Jolene Elliott, and brother-in-law Ralph O’Dell.

Survivors include daughter Sherrie Silvey and her husband Jim, two sons Casey Elliott, Scott Elliott and his wife Tamara and daughter-in-law Debbie Elliott, two sisters Ethenell McKee and her husband Paul and Darlene O’Dell, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Feb. 23 from 12-2 p.m. at the Lawson Baptist Church in Lawson. In lieu of a memorial contribution or flowers, the family requests a kind deed in honor of a kind man.

Myron Lee Smith

Surrounded by family, Myron Lee Smith, 83, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri passed away on Feb. 3, 2019.  Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, at Bross and Spidle Funeral Home, 217 W. Broadway, with services immediately following. Burial will take place following the service at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Clay County, Excelsior Springs, Missouri
The arrangements provided by Boss and Spidle Funeral Home.