News
SNS receives fly-fishing equipment donation
Body
Special Needs Services (SNS) of Ray County’s new therapeutic fly-fishing program received a jump start with a donation of fly-fishing equipment from South O Bones LLC. Ray County Presiding Commissioner Billy Gaines
Ray County Museum hosts ghost hunt
Body
The Ray County Museum and Haunted Souls Society collaborated to bring a ghost-hunting experience to the area recently. The event began with a short gathering to explain equipment and what to expect during the seven-hour investigation.
Grape stomping fun
Body
DOMINIQUE (LEFT) AND her son, Conrad Purnell Jr., take a turn stomping grapes during Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery annual Grape Stomp event..
Woman who turned in Bloody Bill Anderson
Body
(Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part series on Mary Rowland, who assisted in the capture of Bloody Bill Anderson.) Mary Lyman was born in New Hampshire in 1818 to Asa and Sarah (Davis) Lyman. She came to Ray County in 1838.
Excelsior Springs man faces felony charge
Body
An Excelsior Springs man has been arrested on a felony charge of delivery or possession of a controlled substance at a county jail, private jail or corrections center. According to Ray County Jail, Roger D.
Commission denies wedding venue permit
Body
Rose Blossom Hill Wedding venue owner Tim Rash was denied a conditional use permit following a lengthy discussion during a recent Ray County Commissioner’s meeting. “I represent adjoining landowners. I would like to reiterate that we don’t believe that this body has any authority during this application whatsoever,” said attorney John Riddick. Noting Ray County ordinance 30.9, Riddick explained the commission only has the authority to approve the conditional use permit (CUP) after approval from the planning and zoning board, which has not been attained.
Backs named 2025 Teacher of the Year finalist
Body
A third-grade teacher at Sunrise Elementary in Richmond has recently been selected as the Central Region Teacher of the Year on the University of Central Missouri campus. Jessica Backs was honored for her exceptional educational performance by the Regional Professional Development Center and the Missouri Teachers Development System, co-sponsors of the award..
