News

RICHMOND – Singer-guitarist Scott Fletcher entertained the audience at the Richmond Mushroom Festival the afternoon of May 7, and that evening, he provided the opening act for the opening weekend of the Branded Outdoor Theater.

ON THE LAWN of the Ray County Courthouse, Millie O’Dell, 11, sends bubbles scurrying on the wind during the Richmond Mushroom Festival. J.C.

INSTEAD of the traditional face painting children everywhere wear during the Richmond Mushroom Festival on May 7, Layton Meek chooses a more striking way to display his passion by getting a brightly colored tattoo. In answer to the obvious question, his parents are quick to point out the tattoo is a press-on – not permanent – for their 8-yearold boy. Asked “What’s that all about?” Meek answers without hesitation, “Jesus Christ.” Find more coverage of the Mushroom Festival inside this issue on Pages 9-15.

RICHMOND – Many Richmond folks will remember the late Crystine Harrison and her poems, a few of which are still read during Advent at Richmond United Methodist Church. Her sons, Jerry and Bob Harrison, have compiled a book of their late mother’s poetry.

RICHMOND – Born and raised around Richmond, Emily Layman is back at Shirkey Golf Course. Layman grew up as the average horseback-riding girl, learned to cook from her grandmother and went on to own an in-home bakery and catering service business.

DURING LAST WEEK’S Ray County Commission meeting, retiring County Clerk Glenda Powell sits with her heir apparent, Heather Maulsby. A Republican, Maulsby is unopposed in the August primary and November general elections. Before leaving office Dec. 31, Powell is teaching Maulsby the ropes, with duties including keeping commission records. J.C. VENTIMIGLIA

RICHMOND – Circuit Judge Kevin Walden and the Ray County Commission seek agreement on continued use of the less-costly house arrest alternative to jailing people awaiting trial. “This year, I was requested in my budget to put in the cost that the county was paying for electronic monitoring for folks who were being prosecuted and who were declared to be indigent,” Walden said.