Office-seekers got a chance to campaign during the Ray County Coalition Candidates Forum and Annual Meeting, held June 29 at the United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond.

Candidates campaigning for county offices who appeared and the offices sought by them included Kymmie Higginbotham, Heather Maulsby, Alice Smith and Michelle Woods, circuit clerk; Melissa Holloway, treasurer; Julie Chowning, collector; and Rhonda Kinnison, recorder. Other county candidates and the offices sought by them included Camille Johnston, prosecuting attorney; Lori Baskins, associate circuit court judge; and Billy Gaines, Lonnie Kersey and Shirley O’Dell, presiding commissioner.

At the state level, Rep. Peggy McGaugh and Joshua Vance appeared to campaign for the District 7 representative race. State Rep. Terry Thompson also appeared to campaign for District 53.

During the forum, moderated by Connie Taylor, the candidates were asked to discuss for one minute why they would be the best for the position they’re seeking. There also were forum questions that some candidates had to answer in three minutes or less.

Vance and Baskins did not speak.

In other event news, board member recognition took place. Taylor was recognized as president. Others recognized were Sharon Donat, presidentelect; Karen Schachtele, treasurer; and Christal Milligan, secretary.

Awards for outstanding service in youth prevention also were presented. Recipients were Michelle Wityk from the Orrick R-XI School District; Suzanne Porth-Cotton from the Lawson R-XIV School District; Bob King, presiding commissioner; and Allen Dale, past presiding commissioner.

Completing the program were the year in review and accomplishments, presented by Emily Barnes with the Tri-County Mental Health Services Inc.; and a speech by Tri-County CEO Tom Petrizzo, whom Taylor introduced.

“I wanted to thank our prevention team at Tri-County, who coordinates and plans this event every year,” Petrizzo said. “It is a wonderful group of folks that help us with prevention activities, which are geared toward promoting youth and young adults.”