News

Body Ray County Memorial Hospital CEO Jeff Bloemker visited Ray County Commissioners Billy Gaines, Dave Powell and Gary Wilhite recently regarding the rebranding of the wellknown Richmond hospital. Bloemker, replaced past CEO Earl Sheehy last year.

Body Ray County Sheriff’s Department arrests from December 16, 2022 to December 18, 2022. Friday, December 16 Jeffery Gilbour, 37, of Chillicothe, MO, was arrested for a 24-hour hold – possession of controlled substance/ burglary.

Body The Humane Society of Ray County’s new-year event was deemed a success, raising $6,838 and counting. Board President Atalie Blackwell described the fundraiser as ‘good’ and said the board is looking to host more fundraisers in 2023.

Body A traffic stop, high-speed chase and search finally ended with a Kansas City resident being tagged with 25 charges.

Body Many Ray County property owners were faced with paying a higher tax bill than anticipated at the close of 2022. Ray County Tax Assessor Linda Coleman has given some input regarding the tax increase.

Body The Division of Cannabis Regulation of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) created an adult use timeline, giving residents a vision of dates and what will come from Amendment 3 in regard to micro businesses and their application process.

Body Sheriff Scott Childers in the past has discussed mountain lion sightings around Ray County and surrounding counties, including Lafayette County. There have been multiple issues and animal deaths regarding wild animal attacks on livestock.

Body Several local officials took the oath of office during a recent swearing-in ceremony at Ray County Courthouse.

Body Looking forward to being involved in the Ray County Community, John W. Carter Lodge 180 of Prince Hall Freemasonry on Main Street in Richmond. The current members wanted to update the citizens of Ray County of their membership and their hopes for the future.

Body Ray County Board of Commissioners has yet to receive word from their attorney regarding what they are able to do in regards to a recent request to prohibit cannabis micro- businesses from locating in Ray County.