News

From essays and artwork to short videos, Ray County youth are being encouraged to use creativity to share personal perspectives on alcohol and drug prevention. The Ray County Coalition has launched a youth prevention essay, art and video contest, inviting students in grades 5-12 to reflect on one of two themes: “Why I choose to be free from alcohol and drugs” or “Why is alcohol and drug prevention important to me.” The contest is designed to elevate youth voices through creative expression while encouraging healthy decision-making and community-wide awareness around substance use.

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January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month and the FBI is reminding the public to be an active partner in preventing human trafficking in the community. Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person for labor, services or commercial sex acts through force, fraud or coercion.

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What started as a small group focused on helping out at school has grown into a student- led effort that raises funds, supports families and brings school spirit to life at Sunrise Elementary. During a recent Richmond R-XVI Board of Education meeting, student members of the fifth-grade Leadership Club presented an update to the board, outlining the group’s goals, activities and service projects aimed at supporting both the school and the broader community.

Public comment stretched across two recent Ray County Commission meetings as standing room-only crowds pressed county leaders for answers about University of Missouri (MU) Extension funding and budget decisions.

Unregulated psychoactive substances sold in gas stations and convenience stores continue to raise concerns among local prevention leaders, who say the products remain easily accessible and largely unchecked. The issue was discussed during a Ray County Coalition meeting alongside updates on legislative efforts, jail-based prevention work and youth-focused strategies.