Some Ray County educational leaders and seniors discuss graduation-related topics.Orrick band director Jayson Moll shares memories of some previous graduation ceremonies, prepping for this year's ceremony and the effects of graduation on Orrick's school band. Orrick senior Blake Buchanan discusses his decision to pursue academics and football at Benedictine College, an NAIA-affiliated school in Atchison, Kansas.Trey Cavanah, Hardin-Central superintendent, discusses the school's upcoming graduation ceremony and comments on the class of 2022. He also shares his feelings about his oldest child, Layne Cavanah, graduating from Richmond and Layne's plans to study and play football at William Jewell College in Liberty. Hardin-Central senior Mason Freece and teacher/coach Brent Behler discuss Freece's plans to serve in the U.S. Navy and their coach-player relationship over the past two years. Richmond ag teacher Laura Allen, and seniors Jodi Robinson and GraceAnn Skelton  discuss their plans to attend college, along with Robinson's and Skelton's growth as students at Richmond.  Notes:Tadan McCoy, referred to during Blake Buchanan's interview, is a Richmond senior. Dean Hays, referred to during the Freece/Behler interview, teaches math at Hardin-Central. Music featured in this episode: "Annie Lisle,"  also the melody for numerous school alma mater songs, including the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Kansas, composed by  Henry S. Thompson, arranged by Shawn Roney; "Fanfare for Father John," formerly titled "Fanfare for Father John in F Major" (For Keyboard), composed by Shawn Roney; "God Bless Hardin," composed by Shawn Roney; "Raga of the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse," composed by Shawn Roney; "St. Adele's Waltz" (For Piano), composed by Shawn Roney; "Loop for a Bebop Bishop, No. 2," formerly titled "Loop for Bishop John Burgess," composed by Shawn Roney. All selections are performed by the musical collective Sacred & Secular."Fanfare for Father John" appears on "Peas in a Pod:  Music From Two Podcasts (And Elsewhere)." To listen, visit https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=LYdYZOL9384&feature=share. "God Bless Hardin" appears on "Peas in a Pod:  Music From Two Podcasts (And Elsewhere)." To listen, visit https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsz0AR92xr0&feature=share. "Raga of the 4 Horsemen" appears on "Peas in a Pod: Music From Two Podcasts (And Elsewhere)." To listen, visit https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=VqfKTxPlukk&feature=share. "St. Adele's Waltz" (For Piano) appears on "In Solitude." To listen, visit https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=3y6GK0Edn-Q&feature=share. "Loop for a Bebop Bishop, No. 2" appears on "Peas in a Pod: Music From Two Podcasts (And Elsewhere)."  To listen, visit https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=3897_Q9AxVU&feature=share.   To be a sponsoring business or a supporting patron of this podcast series, contact Sharon Donat, media specialist with the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader, by email at  [email protected] or by calling the Richmond News at (816) 776-5454.

Three recipients of the latest Community Excellence Awards are interviewed:Rob Swofford of Swofford Ford Sales Inc. in Richmond, winner of the Best Auto/Truck Dealership Award. Swofford comments on winning the award and discusses auto industry trends, among other topics.  Jeff Clymore, Richmond R-XVI School District director of bands, speaks on behalf of the Richmond High School Marching Band, winner of the Best Local Band Award. Topics include how marching bands are evolving and band road trips. Richmond High School graduate Dr. Brad Richey of Richey Chiropractic Clinic discusses receiving the Best Chiropractor Award. Additional topics include how other medical disciplines have grown to accept chiropractic treatments. Notes: To see and hear Frances McDormand howl like a wolf at the Oscars, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1hkWbhhga8. The howling starts at around 3 minutes, 40 seconds. Music featured in this episode: "Loop for a Bebop Bishop, No. 1," formerly titled "Loop for Bishop John Burgess," composed by Shawn Roney; "Miles the Monk, Minister of Musical Mantras," composed by Jim "Shecky" McGrane, E.E. Pointer and Shawn Roney; "Fanfare for Father John," formerly titled "Fanfare for Father John in F Major" (For Keyboard), composed by Shawn Roney; "Loop for a Bebop Bishop, No. 2," also formerly titled "Loop for Bishop John Burgess," composed by Shawn Roney. All selections are performed by the musical collective Sacred & Secular."Loop for a Bebop Bishop, No. 1" appears on the 2022 Sacred & Secular album "Peas in a Pod: Music From Two Podcasts (And Elsewhere)." To listen, visit https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=r9jV3qSvIPQ&feature=share. "Miles the Monk, Minister of Musical Mantras" was released in 2020 as a standalone single by Sacred & Secular. To hear it in full, visit https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mDkw4LJXcOHKUFfAx-FEQhK8i8kdgRU8s&feature=share. "Fanfare for Father John" appears "Peas in a Pod:  Music From Two Podcasts (And Elsewhere)." To hear the song in full, visit https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=LYdYZOL9384&feature=share. "Loop for a Bebop Bishop, No. 2" appears on "Peas in a Pod: Music From Two Podcasts (And Elsewhere)."  To listen, visit https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=3897_Q9AxVU&feature=share.   To be a sponsoring business or a supporting patron of this podcast series, contact Sharon Donat, media specialist with the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader, by email at  [email protected] or by calling the Richmond News at (816) 776-5454.

"Ray County Voices" examines  a few area holiday traditions. And one soon-to-be holiday tradition. Guests:Brandon Quick, Richmond High School principal, discusses the fundraising campaign Raise the Roof to assist families in need. Launched this year, the intention is for Raise the Roof to be an annual fundraiser during the holiday season. Steve Mendoza, Ray County undersheriff, discusses Shop with a Sheriff, an annual holiday event that allows youngsters of families in need to buy Christmas presents for themselves. Rev. Cathy Myers with the Richmond United Methodist Church discusses the church's holiday traditions, including decorating for the church and its outreach to those in need. Notes:Coverage of the Shop With a Cop events staged by the Richmond and Excelsior Springs police departments is in the Richmond News' Dec. 24 print and e-editions, provided by Jack "Miles" Ventimiglia, editor-in-chief.  For the e-edition, visit our website, https://www.richmond-dailynews.com/.Clarifications: Brandon Quick's father, Lonnie Quick, is a retired Richmond fire chief.  Kevin Jermain is the Richmond varsity basketball coach. Chad Snyder's duties include serving as Richmond varsity girls basketball coach. Nick Persell coaches varsity football and varsity baseball at Richmond High School. Matt Habermehl is Richmond's athletic director. The Kansas City kitchen referred to during the Steve Mendoza interview is Kansas City Community Kitchen, overseen by NourishKC.Music featured in this episode: "Silent Night," melody composed Franz Xaver Gruber; "Greensleeves" (also the melody for "What Child Is This?"), traditional; "Picardy" (also the melody for "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"), traditional. All selections arranged by Shawn Roney, and performed by Sacred and Secular. To be a sponsoring business or a supporting patron of this podcast series, contact Sharon Donat, media specialist with the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader, by email at  [email protected] or by calling the Richmond News at (816) 776-5454.

We combine the observance of America's two major November holidays, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, as U.S. Army veteran Jeff McFadden and Marine Corps veteran Sandy Myerchin recall their respective stints in the military and share what they're thankful for this Thanksgiving season.Notes:The Veterans Day coverage provided by Richmond News editor-in-chief Jack "Miles" Ventimiglia, mentioned near the end of the episode, is in the Richmond News' Nov. 19 print issue. It includes a front-page story, continued on page 11; and a photo spread on pages 10-11. To pick up a hard copy, visit our offices at 204 W. North Main St. in Richmond, Missouri. For future "Veterans Remember and Give Thanks" episodes: If you're a veteran living in Ray County, or know a Ray County veteran, contact "Ray County Voices" host Shawn Roney at [email protected] to arrange an interview. Music: "We Gather Together" (a.k.a., "Kresmer"), traditional Dutch melody, arranged by Shawn Roney; "Marines' Hymn," melody attributed to Jacques Offenbach from "Genevieve de Brabant," arranged by Shawn Roney; "Taps," melody attributed to Daniel Adams Butterfield. All selections performed by a solo incarnation of the musical collective Sacred & Secular.Disclosure alert: The McFadden family was an initial patron of this podcast series.To be a sponsoring business or a supporting patron of this podcast series, contact Sharon Donat, media specialist with the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader, by email at  [email protected] or by calling the Richmond News at (816) 776-5454.

For those who couldn't get enough of Halloween 2021, series host Shawn Roney of the Richmond News shares some of the results of the Richmond News' Halloween-related poll questions that were posted in October on its official Facebook page. He also discusses his top 10 favorite horror/thriller films. Notes:Follow the Richmond News on Facebook for more Halloween-related poll results and other enriching content at  https://www.facebook.com/TheRichmondMODailyNews. Music: "Main Theme From 'The Nun Disappears,' an Imaginary Film by Alfred J. Herrmann" (Extended Version B); "Vamp for a Prankster Priest"; "Haunted Graveyard Theme From 'The Nun Disappears,' an Imaginary Film by Alfred J. Herrmann"; "Last Rites for Emily D.'s Brain" (Extended Vamping Version); "Main Theme From 'The Nun Disappears,' an Imaginary Film by Alfred J. Herrmann" (Extended Version A), composed by Shawn Roney, performed by a solo incarnation of the musical collective Sacred  & Secular.To be a sponsoring business or a supporting patron of this podcast series, contact Sharon Donat, media specialist with the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader, by email at  [email protected] or by calling the Richmond News at (816) 776-5454.

In September 2021, the Richmond News and its sister newspaper, The Excelsior Springs Standard, published "Red, White and Blue," a three-part special issue commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and honoring area first and second responders. The "Red" section was published Sept. 10, followed by the "White" section on Sept. 17 and "Blue" section on Sept. 24. In relation to those three sections, this episode features the following individuals, whose images and/or stories appeared in "Red, White and Blue":Darrel and Kevin Carmichael, Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team members, who worked at Ground Zero during the days and weeks after 9/11.Ray County Sheriff Scott Childers, who remembers what he was doing the morning of 9/11 and discusses the tragedy's effects on law enforcement, among other topics. Richmond Fire Chief Mark Sowder, who remembers what he was doing the morning of 9/11 and discusses the tragedy's effects on the fire service, among other topics. Other notes: For more information about Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams, visit https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/responders/ndms/ndms-teams/Pages/dmort.aspx.One way many firefighters commemorate the fallen firefighters of 9/11 is to participate in a 9/11 memorial stair climb. For more information about the stair climbs, visit https://www.firehero.org/events/9-11-stair-climbs-2/. The Officer  Down Memorial Page includes a page dedicated to fallen law enforcement personnel who perished Sept. 11, 2001, or from the effects of working at Ground Zero.For a virtual tour of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, visit https://www.911memorial.org/visit/about-your-visit/learn-and-explore-home. 

#RayCoVo #podcast #podcasting #correctionalfacilities #taxesThe pros and cons of a proposed jail tax, to be voted on Aug. 3, 2021, by Ray County voters, are explored. Sheriff Scott Childers provides background on conceiving the proposal, his arguments for voting yes and related topics. Ray County resident J.D. Pierce discusses his involvement with the issue, his arguments for voting no and related  topics. Notes:The Ray County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page, one place where Sheriff Childers addresses questions and concerns  about the proposed tax, is https://www.facebook.com/Ray-County-Sheriffs-Office-223614467998389.The website for the Ray County Citizens Coalition, the coalition referred to by Pierce that opposes the tax, is https://www.raycountycitizenscoalition.com/. In addition to the county jail tax proposal, one Ray County community, Lawson, is voting on a school tax levy increase Aug. 3. Visit https://raycountymo.com/index.php/ray-county-clerk/ for links to the sample countywide and Lawson ballots. Music featured in this episode: "Loop for Bishop John Burgess"; "Raga of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in G Minor" (For Timpani) , composed by Shawn Roney and performed by the music collective Sacred & Secular.To be a sponsoring business or a supporting patron of this podcast series, contact Sharon Donat, media specialist with the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader, by email at  [email protected] or by calling the Richmond News at (816) 776-5454.

If you're looking for something fun to do during the summer (or other times of the year) in Ray County, Missouri,  here are some options:Hardin 150: A postponed celebration of Hardin's sesquicentennial, slated for July 30-Aug. 1. Troy Rust, who heads the Hardin 150 planning committee, discusses the upcoming festival and whether Hardin 150 will inspire the town to resume staging an annual spring or summer festival, among other topics. Dirt-track racing: Richmond resident David Wood discusses his life in motorsports. Additional topics include why stockcar racing appeals to him as a driver and why people should try motorsports as a spectator activity. Sasquatch statue hunting: Ray Countian Natalie Lamar discusses her hobby of hunting for Sasquatch statues in Ray County. She also discusses such topics as taking Sasquatch hunting on the road and vacationing as America emerges from the COVID pandemic. Notes:For more information about Hardin 150, visit https://www.facebook.com/hardinmo150. Here are links to the Kansas City area dirt tracks mentioned in the motorsports segments: Central Missouri Speedway, https://www.centralmissourispeedway.net/ or https://www.facebook.com/Central-Missouri-Speedway-157564600966934 ; Valley Speedway, http://www.valleyspeedway.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/ValleySpeedway; Lakeside Speedway, http://lakesidespeedway.net/ or https://www.facebook.com/lakesidespeedway.kansascity. A Bigfoot-themed Facebook page Natalie Lamar visits is Ray County Bigfoot, located here, https://www.facebook.com/Ray-County-Bigfoot-104582898444025. The ASA mentioned by David Wood is probably the now-inactive American Speed Association. He didn't specify during the interview. Natalie Lamar used the term "gravel travel." Host Shawn Roney picked up on it and began using it during the interview after she had explained what it meant. Music: "Loop for Bishop John Burgess"; "Hardin Makes God Smile"; "Theme From 'The Nun Disappears,' an Imaginary Film by Alfred J. Herrmann," composed by Shawn Roney, performed by a solo incarnation of the musical collective Sacred  & Secular.To be a sponsoring business or a supporting patron of this podcast series, contact Sharon Donat, media specialist with the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader, by email at  [email protected] or by calling the Richmond News at (816) 776-5454.

#RayCoVo #HighSchoolGraduation"Ray County Voices" honors members of the Class of 2021:In the leadup to graduation, student-athletes discuss multiple issues, including what high school was like, their feelings about graduating and life after high school. Those interviewed include Adrian Church and Sophia Farnan, both of Richmond High School; Connor Tabora and Gracie Gibson, both of Hardin-Central High School; and Bishop Grimm of Orrick High School.Teacher-coaches reflect on working with their outgoing student-athletes. Speeches from Orrick High School's commencement ceremony are shared.  Those featured include Principal Michelle Wityk, and honor students Macey Miller and Zachary O'Dell.  Notes:Basehor-Linwood, the school district Alexis Yockel mentions, is located in Basehor, Kansas. Ms. Peters, the teacher mentioned in Zachary O'Dell's speech, is Tricia Peters, Orrick High School's science teacher and a former Orrick varsity girls basketball coach. Mr. Moll, the other teacher O'Dell mentions, is Jayson Moll, the school music/band director.  Music: "Fanfare for Father John in F Major" (For Keyboard), composed by Shawn Roney, performed by a solo incarnation of the musical collective Sacred  & Secular. To be a sponsoring business or a supporting patron of this podcast series, contact Sharon Donat, media specialist with the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader, by email at  [email protected] or by calling the Richmond News at (816) 776-5454.

#RayCoVo #podcast #podcasting #MushroomFestival #RichmondMissouri"Ray County Voices" provides a taste of what to expect for the latest Mushroom Festival in Richmond, overseen this year by the non-profit organization Friends of the Farris:Justin Wrisinger, Friends of the Farris board president, discusses changes to the festival and other event topics. Sara Seidel  discusses the ChalkWalk, a new activity.Haley Williams, city of Richmond recreation director, discusses the 5K run and 1-mile fun run/walk, a Richmond Parks and Recreation fundraiser. Notes:This is the 40th Mushroom Festival. Richmond, Missouri, promotes itself as the "Mushroom Capital of the World."For more festival information, visit https://www.mushroomfestival.net/.Music: "Loop for Bishop John Burgess"; "St. Adele's Waltz" (For Piano); "Stately March of the Church Ladies in E Major" (For Piano); "Hurry, Pyotr Thelonious, You'll Be Late for Church" (For Piano), composed by Shawn Roney, performed by a solo incarnation of the musical collective Sacred  & Secular. "St. Adele's Waltz," "Stately March of the Church Ladies" and "Hurry, Pyotr Thelonious, You'll Be Late for Church" are included on the album "In Solitude," available on multiple streaming platforms, including YouTube Music, https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n_78QgdhLloJ4Fof5j2lXEqC1bnfyCaCU&feature=share. To be a sponsoring business or a supporting patron of this podcast series, contact Sharon Donat, media specialist with the Richmond News and Town & Country Leader, by email at  [email protected] or by calling the Richmond News at (816) 776-5454.