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MIRANDA JAMISON Lead Reporter Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part series based on Ray County Sheriff Gary Blackwell’s appearance on the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association podcast, Sheriffs Talk. Part One focuses on Blackwell’s personal journey, career setbacks and the perspectives that shape his approach to leadership.

With the start of the new year, several statewide legal changes take effect in Missouri, including wage changes and a school safety deadline affecting how districts plan for emergencies. The school safety deadline tied to Jan.

Serious illness can suddenly alter life, overwhelming families with decisions, symptoms and fears about the future. Shirkey Hospice and Palliative Care aims to address this by emphasizing quality of life and consistent support, helping individuals live as fully and comfortably as possible, regardless of their stage in the diagnosis.

From impulsive decisions to heightened emotions, adolescence can feel unpredictable for both youth and the adults guiding them. A recent virtual workshop helped parents and caregivers better understand how the developing brain influences behavior and why that understanding matters for prevention.