News

Bridge of Hope addresses community health concerns

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Ray County Voices Podcast Editor’s note: This is the final of a twopart story about the nonprofit Bridge of Hope and its work supporting women and families facing unexpected pregnancies. Part One focused on the organization’s mission, services and educational programs, while Part Two explores its efforts to address community health concerns, including testing, education and outreach related to sexually transmitted infections.
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RMS hosts first Reality Fair

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Richmond Middle School eighth graders recently participated in the school’s first Reality Fair, an interactive program designed to help students understand the financial decisions adults face when balancing income and everyday expenses. The program was held at the middle school and organized through a partnership with Community Bank of Missouri.
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Ray County invests in school drug prevention programs

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Ray County students will soon see expanded drug prevention education after each district received $20,000 to support programs such as Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), as well as other awareness efforts aimed at helping young people avoid substance use. y County Commissioners approved the funding during a recent meeting, allocating opioid settlement funds to support drug awareness and prevention efforts in all four county school districts. The partnership provides $20,000 to each district for the current year, with the program scheduled for review in December 2026 to determine whether funding will continue into 2027. Commissioners noted the funding represents the first use of opioid settlement dollars received by Ray County, which had previously been held while commissioners considered where the funds could have the greatest impact on prevention efforts.

RAY COUNTY SHERIFF

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Ray County Sheriff’s Department arrests from February 23, 2026 to February 28, 2026. Monday, February 23 At 7:55 p.m., Noah Bowman, 27, of Hardin, Mo., was arrested for domestic assault – 3rd degree; domestic assault – 3rd degree; domestic assault – 3rd degree; harassment – 1st degree.
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Bridge of Hope walks alongside local families

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Editor’s note: This is the first of a twopart story about the nonprofit Bridge of Hope and its work supporting women and families facing unexpected pregnancies. Part One focuses on the organization’s mission, services and educational programs, while Part Two will explore its work addressing community health concerns, including testing and education related to sexually transmitted infections.