News

A longtime Richmond coach has been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing a career spanning decades and leaving a lasting impact on students, athletes and the community. Rob Bowers, who spent more than three decades coaching high school football in Missouri, including two extended tenures at Richmond High School, was selected as a member of the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

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A request for relief from road permit fees tied to fiber construction brought Green Hills Communications before Ray County commissioners. Plant Manager Chris Shoe told commissioners the company is preparing fiber construction tied to its participation in a federal broadband program aimed at expanding service in rural areas.

A proposal to modernize the way Ray County’s Planning and Zoning regulations are accessed and reviewed was recently presented to commissioners with an emphasis on transparency, navigation and document tracking.

Editor’s note: This is the final of a two-part story examining the way traffic tickets can affect Missouri drivers beyond the initial fine. Part two focuses on the way tickets may be contested — and the time frame allowed — before a conviction becomes final, while part one explored how convictions can lead to long-term insurance and record consequences.

From essays and artwork to short videos, Ray County youth are being encouraged to use creativity to share personal perspectives on alcohol and drug prevention. The Ray County Coalition has launched a youth prevention essay, art and video contest, inviting students in grades 5-12 to reflect on one of two themes: “Why I choose to be free from alcohol and drugs” or “Why is alcohol and drug prevention important to me.” The contest is designed to elevate youth voices through creative expression while encouraging healthy decision-making and community-wide awareness around substance use.