 Serving Excelsior Springs since 1889
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March 5, 2010
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Community News | Sports | Opinion | Close Window
DEP is ‘going to the wells’ for funds
By ERIC COPELAND
Managing Editor
 The Downtown Excelsior Partnership knows that much of the history that built this community is tied to the many mineral waters that flowed for decades. They suspect that the waters will play a part in Excelsior Springs’ future, as well.
It only makes sense that the waters figure into the group’s present efforts to rejuvenate the city.
The DEP recently unveiled a new project designed to raise funds to renovate the pagodas and other structures that marked the locations of the mineral water springs and wells from Excelsior Springs’ past.
DEP Executive Director Keith Winge said the project was largely the idea of history buff Dennis Hartman.
Hartman, a lifelong Excelsior Springs resident, had dozens of photographs and postcards depicting the pagodas, and he assembled them into a single poster. Thirty-four small photos provide the detail in the poster, while a larger picture of the Hall of Waters—toward which, starting in the 1930s, many of the mineral waters were directed—serving as the centerpiece.
Three versions of the poster are available for sale in the Hall of Waters Visitor Center. The plain unframed poster can be purchased for just $10. A simple framed version is priced at $25, and a version with a more decorative frame, shown in the photo at left, is available for $50. Proceeds from the sales will go into a fund to identify, mark and recreate the mineral water wells and springs for tourism and historical purposes. Several of the sites have already been targeted as starting points for the project.
Bridge projects coming this year
By Eric Copeland
Managing Editor
Motorists will experience some inconvenience at either end of Excelsior Springs this spring and summer, but that’s the price of progress.
Two bridges on Missouri 10—one over U.S. 69 at the west end of town, the other over the Fishing River at the east end—are scheduled for major repairs this year. During the construction projects, traffic will be rerouted using detours, but once the work is completed drivers should see the benefits almost immediately.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation visited Excelsior Springs High School Tuesday afternoon, passing out informational flyers and answering questions.
In addition to the two bridges listed above, others in the area that are due for work this year include the Missouri 92 bridge over Williams Creek and the Route N bridge over the Fishing River.
Work on the two bridges inside Excelsior Springs are set to get underway “this year,” according to the MoDOT flyers, but the MoDOT Web page for the Safe & Sound/800 Bridges project, www.modot.org/kansascity/safesound.htm, is more specific, placing the start date for the bridge at the west end of town at the end of March and the one at the east end soon after.
Weather permitting, each project is expected to take about 60 days, according to MoDOT estimates.
However, the detours that will be posted for these two projects are not necessarily the best for local motorists in private vehicles.
For the bridge over U.S. 69, MoDOT’s detour signs will direct drivers to use the Missouri 10 spur, going all the way to Excelsior Springs Hospital to get around the construction zone.
The bridge over the Fishing River, located at the bottom of the east end hill, has an even more circuitous detour—MoDOT’s signs will direct eastbound traffic northward on U.S. 69, then east on Route D through Lawson before continuing back to Missouri 10 on Route M.
Public Works Director Chad Birdsong said those detours are primarily intended for through traffic and commercial traffic. Those more familiar with the community could use either Crown Hill and McCleary roads or Kearney and McCleary roads to get around the bridge at the west end of town, while traffic at the east end can find a much shorter detour by using North Golf Hill and East Golf Hill drives to avoid the bridge.
“The only thing is that (these detours) will not be posted,” Birdsong said. “I think most locals will already know how to avoid the long detours. Crown Hill will probably be the most congested unless MoDOT adjusts the length of the traffic signal at 69.”
While work crews repair these bridges, they will also be installing pipes that will carry geothermally-warmed water to keep the bridges ice- and snow-free next winter, MoDOT officials said at the meeting Tuesday.
The MoDOT Web site says the Missouri 92 project will start in April and be finished within 55 days. Traffic will be rerouted using U.S. 69 and Missouri 33.
The Route N project is slated for later in the year, with a July 29 start date and a 55-day work period. The detour will use Route JJ and Missouri 210.
Grandparents Lunch & Learn
The Northland Coalition will sponsor a Grandparents Lunch & Learn event, a town hall meeting to help grandparents connect to their grandchildren’s world, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, March 22, at the Clay County Public Health Center, 800 Haines Dr., Liberty.
The event, which is funded by SAMHSA as part of a national underage drinking campaign, will include information about how grandparents can help influence their grandchildren to make wise choices.
R.S.V.P. to Laura Bruce at laurab@tri-countymhs.org or (816) 877-0498.
Work scheduled for Interstate 35
The Missouri Department of Transportation will begin repairing and improving eight miles of I-35 near Kearney starting in the middle of March. The work will include extensive road improvements and in-depth bridge repairs on both the north and southbound lanes.
The work will sometimes reduce traffic to one lane each direction.
This $23 million project, awarded to Ideker, Inc. covers the interstate from the Clinton County line to the Fishing River just south of Kearney.
All work is scheduled to be complete by the end of November, weather permitting.
New sirens to be tested Tuesday
The city of Excelsior Springs will actively participate in Severe Weather Awareness Week next week.
At 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, the outdoor weather warning sirens will be sounded just as they would be during an actual tornado warning. This will be the first sounding of the newly-installed outdoor sirens. Last year, the city replaced its existing warning sirens with new ones that produce a louder warning tone. The sirens were paid for by Capital Improvements Sales Tax funds.
On Tuesday, when you hear the sirens, or when your NOAA weather radio is activated at that same time, use the event to practice seeking shelter at your home or business. Preparedness and practice now will go far in enhancing your ability to save your life later.
Watch next week for storm season tips from the Excelsior Springs Fire Department.
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GSC recognizes volunteers at annual appreciation dinner
By KRISTIN RULON
Community Reporter
The Good Samaritan Center held their annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Sunday, Feb. 28.
The event was originally set for Sunday, Feb. 21, but was rescheduled due to inclement weather.
During the welcome and introductions, board members and outgoing board members were recognized.
Norma Gorsett, Geri Hosticka and Kelli Rice were recognized as outgoing board members.
Those on the Board of Directors include: Alice Casey, Martin Conrad, Bob Ingle, Bob Hart, treasurer, Shannon Ivie, vice-president, Marlene O’Dell, John Lacy, Steve Meyer, Maynard Moore, Shawna Mull, secretary, Carolyn Schutte, Ernest Smith, Willie Smith, Christine Snedden, Eartha Taylor, Larry Tesar and Ambrose Buckman, president.
Volunteers throughout the community were thanked for their efforts including local churches, The Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center, Cub Scouts, Excelsior Springs High School Art Department for the appreciation banner and other local schools.
In 2009, the following churches donated over $7,000 and 4,334 pounds of food: Barbee Presbyterian, Community of Christ, Crescent Lake Christian Center, Excelsior Springs Baptist, First United Methodist, Flack Memorial Christian Union, Glorious Praise Tabernacle, International Sports Evangelists, Pisgah Baptist, Salem Christian Union, Siloam Spring Baptist, St. Ann Catholic, St. Innocent Orthodox, St. Luke Episcopal, Washington Restoration Branch, Woods Memorial Christian of Excelsior Springs; Arley First United Methodist, Church of Annunciation, First United Methodist and Tryst Falls Baptist in Kearney; St. Andrew the Apostle in Kansas City; Woodland Baptist in Liberty and Good Shepherd in Smithville.
Overall in 2009, community service workers and job training participants worked a total of 20,329 hours for the center.
“Volunteers are the key to the success of the Good Samaritan Center,” said Bob Gerdes, Good Samaritan Center’s executive director.
Tri-County News
Good news, Bad news in State Budget
Missouri’s increasing budget woes are almost certain to impact Tri-County Mental Health Services and other mental health providers this year… and into the future.
With shortfalls projected at up to 20 percent this year, and greater unknowns for 2011, legislators neared mid-term looking to cut costs in almost any location they can. Not surprisingly, community-based services funded by the Department of Mental Health are looking at reductions.
“It is clear that the budget will be a challenge,” Tri-County CEO Tom Cranshaw said. “We have a constitutional requirement to have a balanced budget, so we are looking to find ways for the mental health field to give our fair share, but no more than our fair share.”
Cranshaw and other mental health leaders have been meeting individually with legislators in Jefferson City, including the 12 senators and representatives from Clay, Platte and Ray counties. Cranshaw said the discussions have been very productive.
“All of our 12 state elected officials understand the need to be mindful of shrinking State revenues while also being mindful of community-based mental health services.”
A major concern is that excessive cuts to community mental health—which often includes a preventative component—would actually cost more in the long run. “Mental disorders do not go away in times of economic pressure,” Cranshaw said. “If anything, they grow during economic stress. While we are wrestling with scarce resources, we advocate that we continue to support community-based services because those are the most cost effective and most compassionate. Without access to community mental health, those same people will seek their help in emergency rooms, hospitals, jails, or under a bridge. That ends up costing us all far more than efficient and compassionate community-based mental health.”
Cranshaw said he was optimistic that the area’s representatives recognize those challenges. “Collectively, our legislators understand these issues and the need to minimize pain and agony of our consumers and their disorders, while addressing the state-wide shortfalls. I don’t envy them.”
State budget proposals currently include several proposed cuts of more than $200 million recommended by the governor, as well as more recent recommendations proposed by legislative committees. One report in mid-February included more than $10 million for areas such as community psychiatry for adult and youth, medications and developmental disability programs. More recently concern has been expressed that budget pressures could require us to discharge up to 1,000 current uninsured consumers who are still in need of care.
Across Missouri, community providers deliver services to more than 200,000 men, women and children each year. The consumers served in these programs are some of the most vulnerable of Missouri’s citizens.
Second Fridays Art Crawl begin
The season opener for the Downtown Excelsior Partnership’s monthly Second Fridays Art Crawl will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 12.
Each art crawl will have a specific theme. The crawl begins at Gallery 105, located in the Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives, 105 Broadway.
A list of downtown businesses displaying artwork include: Olde English Garden Shoppe, New Age Skincare and Spa, Choreography of Memories, Cabinets, Vanities and More, Willow Spring Mercantile and Pearl’s Quality Consignment furnishings.
Refreshments will be served.
For more information and a list of future dates and themes go to www.visitessprings.com.
Several ESACC students qualify for state
Excelsior Springs Area Career Center (ESACC) students recently competed in the SkillsUSA Missouri Northwest District Contest. The main contest day was held on Feb. 13.
There were several satellite contests held before and after the main contest day. This year’s contest was organized by SkillsUSA advisors and members from the Carrollton Area Career Center in Carrollton. Students from seven northwest Missouri career and technical schools participated in the contest.
Most of the ESACC medalists are now qualified for the SkillsUSA Missouri State Championships which will be held on March 25-27, held at Linn State Technical College in Linn, Mo.
The following students from Excelsior Springs qualified for state:
Tylor Brittingham took second at districts and will compete in Automotive Service Technology;
Courtney Burnett took second at districts and will compete in Opening & Closing Ceremonies (team event);
Joe Cook took second at districts and will compete in Computer Technology Technical Information;
Brad Davis, earned first at districts and will compete in Residential Wiring;
Katelyn Green took first at districts and will compete in Health Knowledge Bowl (team event). She also took second and will compete in Opening & Closing Ceremonies (team event);
Kendyl Honeywell took third and will compete in Architectural Drafting Technical Information;
Travis Johnston took second and will compete in Residential Wiring Technical Information;
Wesley Jones took second and will compete in Job Skill Demonstration O;
Trent Krier took third and will compete in Promotional Bulletin Board (team event).
Jacob Lee took third and will compete in Residential Wiring Technical Information;
Jeremy Main took third and will compete in Residential Wiring;
Dana Martin took second and will compete in Nurse Assisting;
Chris Mercer took second and will compete in HVACR;
Chris Robinson took second and will compete in HVACR Technical Information;
Jamie Thompson took third and will compete in Promotional Bulletin Board (team event).
The 2010 SkillsUSA National Championships will be held in Kansas City during the week of June 20-26.
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Experience takes the field for Tigers
By DUSTIN CARROLL
Sports Writer
With spring knocking on the door, the snow has began to melt away for the Lady Tigers soccer team to take the field in preparation for the upcoming season.
For the ladies, experience will play a key role in their success. The Lady Tigers return many of their starters from last year with nine of their 11 Varsity starters returning including three seniors. Many of which were first year starters on last year’s team that found much success despite being a very young team. A good sign for this year’s skilled and experienced team.
“I have high expectations for our team because of the fact we have so many returning varsity players that are now upperclassman,” said Coach Mark Bullimore. “We also have a couple freshmen that I think will help contribute quite a bit to the program this year as well.”
Over 40 girls have shown up to the first week of practice so far, making the competition tough for those few spots on the Varsity squad. And the girls have been hard at work during their first week of practice trying to earn one of those spots.
Taking a snow-covered field to freshen up their skills and prepare for a new season might be a little tougher than playing in the warm May weather, but the girls aren’t letting that slow them down.
“The girls are working very hard in practice and learning what exactly it means to play Tiger Soccer,” said Bullimore. “Work hard, train and play with intensity and integrity, and never give up.”
The nine Lady Tigers that return from last years starting lineup know exactly what it takes to play ‘Tiger Soccer’ after showing resiliency through the entire year and making up for their lack of experience by playing hard and going all out the entire game. Those nine ladies are now instilling that same mentality into the new members of the team and those stepping up to the Varsity level.
“The girls are amazing when it comes to encouraging one another,” Bullimore commented. “And we have been implementing some team building concepts into our training. But only through there own hard work and intense preparation will they learn they can count on one another and play with discipline when faced with different types of adversity.”
Excelsior will have much to overcome this season as their schedule looks to be a tough one, opening their season on March 22 at the Platte County Tournament. The tournament will feature some of the top teams from around the area and will give the Lady Tigers a glimpse of a few teams that they will face throughout the year. After that, they begin the regular season against Kearney on March 31. A game that is sure to be a great matchup.
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Board hopefuls, voters must meet
In just a few weeks, residents who live within the boundaries of the Excelsior Springs School District will choose two board members from a slate of five candidates.
Of those five, one—Roy Arnold—is already an elected member of the board. Another, Kristi Shewell, has run for a seat on the board in the past. The remaining three, Jeffrey Mackey, Bart Johnston and Brad McBee, are newcomers with regard to school district operations.
In the next few weeks, we hope that the candidates, especially those who are relatively new to the process, take the time to acquaint themselves with the job they seek to fill for the next three years. They deserve to know what to expect.
We also hope there’s a good opportunity for the public to get to know them. In the past, the American Association of University Women staged a candidate forum each spring for just this purpose; over the past few years they have stopped. This newspaper also traditionally asks each candidate several questions to get our readers acquainted with their backgrounds and intentions.
The election is still a month away, and we hope that the board and the voters can get to know one another, either through the newspaper questionnaires, a candidate forum or both. The resulting information and communication will be invaluable come election day.
NIE program is weapon of mass instruction
By JERRY TIDWELL
Publisher of the Hood County News
Granbury, Texas
Today, more than ever, community newspapers need a Newspaper in Education program.
Our society is in the midst of an information tsunami. This wave of information overload is only in its early stages.
But, instead of being swept away, community newspapers can develop readers through NIE. Where else are we growing lifelong newspaper readers? Most of our parents were newspaper readers. As soon as we learned to read we joined in the reading routine by checking the newspaper for information about our high school’s next game, seeing who was arrested and reading every story on the front page.
Our lives have reached hyper-speed. But, through NIE programs young readers are learning to make newspapers a part of their lives. Most NIE programs encourage students to take the newspaper home they used at school. That puts it in the hands of the parents, albeit tattered, folded haphazardly, marked on and sometimes cut-up.
We must remember that our youth today have huge spending power and have a significant impact on family buying decisions.
NIE pages extend beyond young readers to educating teens and older readers. Our NIE coordinator and Kid Scoop are the foundations of our NIE program. Our NIE coordinator has worked hard to get teachers on board and to teach the teachers NIE. In recent issues readers of all ages used Kid Scoop to learn vital information about Tierra del Fuego, Martin Luther King Jr., Ben Franklin and Tsunami Relief.
The late Bob Keeshan, better known as “Captain Kangaroo,” once said in a newspaper interview, “We have respect for our audience. We operate on the conviction that is composed of young children of potentially good taste, and that taste should be developed.” NIE can develop a taste for reading newspapers in students that will last a lifetime.
NIE is truly a weapon of mass instruction.
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