News

.

For the fifth time since charges were filed in 2022, a jury trial has been canceled for an Excelsior Springs woman accused of sexual abuse. Desiree A.

New restrictions in Richmond will prohibit camping on public property and the use of tents or campers as residences within city limits. Richmond City Council members recently approved a bill, creating a new section of the city code regulating camping within city limits.

Plans to remove the Lexington Road overpass are prompting Ray County commissioners to seek a change in who maintains a portion of the road near Henrietta.

A closer review of Ray County’s poorer-rated bridges is helping commissioners narrow the two projects to pursue for funding.

A decline in assessed valuation will bring a slightly higher property tax rate for the Richmond R-XVI School District in 202627. The Board of Education recently approved an overall tax rate of $4.5126 per $100 of assessed valuation, up from $4.4643 in 202526.

Richmond’s property tax levy will increase slightly for 2026 following a year that brought a slight decline in overall assessed valuation but significant growth in new construction. City Council members recently approved a total property tax levy of $1.

.

From improving deputies’ communication in the field to educating young drivers, grant support is expanding public- safety efforts through the Ray County Sheriff’s Office.

Ray County Sheriff’s Department reported the following arrests handled recently by the department. Monday, August 10 At 3:53 p.m., Johnathan Randall Estep, 27, of Henrietta, Mo., was arrested for stealing - $750 or more; property damage 1st degree; burglary – 2nd degree.