Ray County will close out Child Abuse Awareness Month with a public courthouse event inviting residents to wear blue, share lunch and stand together for children. The gathering follows a Ray County Commissioners’ proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Awareness Month, encouraging residents to support efforts that protect children and strengthen families. The event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on April 29 at the Ray County Courthouse, located at 100 West Main Street, where organizers said hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and water will be provided. Residents are encouraged to wear blue that day as a visible show of support. Ray County Collector Julie Chowning helped spearhead the effort after asking commissioners to consider a public awareness event tied to the illumination of the courthouse with blue lighting during the awareness month. Chowning also encour- aged broader community participation, including schools and local agencies, as county leaders discussed ways to expand…