News

Multiple local community members recently earned academic honors from colleges and universities across the area for their achievements during the spring 2026 semester. Belmont University recently released its Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester, with approximately 49% of the university’s 6,724 undergraduate students earning the recognition.

What is it worth to help a human being get back on track? Aside from the fact we see each individual as worthy of help, how much should we be investing in real dollars and how do we go about that? I am writing to share with you what it looks like in real dollars and in lives changed. In 2015, the Gateway Foundation, which operates mental health and recovery programs in several Missouri prisons, reported a 103%300% return on investment for every dollar spent to prevent recidivism.

The latest Capitol report from state Rep. Peggy McGaugh highlighted several pieces of legislation approved during the 2026 session while also reflecting on her final term in the Missouri House of Representatives.

With multiple aging bridges under consideration for repair, replacement or removal, Ray County commissioners are weighing engineering costs, railroad coordination and future infrastructure priorities.

Community connection, family involvement and camaraderie are at the center of a new effort taking shape among local veterans in Ray County. Founded on April 9, the Ray County Veterans Association was created as a separate nonprofit organization, independent from the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).