News

City officials in Orrick approved two voluntary annexation ordinances Monday after a public hearing on a proposed battery energy storage facility, giving residents two weeks to submit a petition to send the decision to a citywide vote.

Concerns about public access to county records surfaced during a recent Ray County Commission meeting as a resident alleged Sunshine Law requests had been ignored or improperly denied. During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ray County resident Kurt Croix told commissioners he had submitted multiple requests for records, including the county budget, but believed his requests had not been properly addressed.

A Homestead Village alderman accused in a deadly neighborhood shooting will now be allowed limited trips outside his residence after the court modified the conditions of his bond. Glen Michael Stice, 55, is facing two felony charges, including firstdegree murder and armed criminal action.

A dispute over the Ray County Prosecutor’s Office budget resurfaced during a recent commission meeting as Prosecuting Attorney Camille Johnston argued the final numbers submitted to the state do not match the amendments commissioners approved. Johnston noted when she reviewed the finalized budget document, the total for her office appeared to be about $22,937 lower than the amount she calculated based on amendments commissioners discussed during previousmeetings.

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.