Opinion

After spending quite a bit of time getting to know Ray County residents there are a few things I have learned about Richmond and surrounding towns as a journalist. A lot of people care deeply about where they live, where their children go to school and what is happening with small businesses.

Have you ever seen the episode of SpongeBob SquarePants where he rips his pants? Everyone has probably ripped their pants at least once in their lifetime. It is unfortunate and hopefully you notice it first, but then there are those other times when someone must give you the alarming news.

The Richmond News, June 23, 2023 Karen Abbott Karen Jo (Finley) Abbott, 57, of Richmond died Sunday, June 18, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Karen was born on Nov.

Summer bucket lists can become lengthy and bold. We all want to spend our summers getting tan, going to the lake or Hawaii, swimming and having cocktails. Barbeques, fireworks, swimsuits, sandals and drive-in movies – all could be on the list.

Spring is a time of cleaning, decluttering and projects that have needed attention since last spring. Most people consider spring a time of rejoicing and new beginnings – Richmond News included. The newsroom team recently undertook the hefty task of cleaning out a storage room and turning it into the Richmond News podcast studio.

Surprises are best when they are undercover and unknown to those who will receive them. This girl knows because about a month ago, unbeknownst to me, my boss, General Manager Sharon Donat, and co-worker, graphic artist Karen Payne, entered my writing into a newspaper contest – and I won.

This past week marked Memorial Day across the nation. It marks a day to remember military personnel who died while in service.

Carrie Classon’s, “Blue Yarn: A Memoir,” is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other fine stores. Learn more at CarrieClasson.

Something I wasn’t prepared for in this field of work would perhaps be the small-town “limelight.” Although every single resident may not read the paper, I’m proud to say most county residents do.

Carrie Classon’s, “Blue Yarn: A Memoir,” is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other fine stores. Learn more at CarrieClasson.