RICHMOND – Voters slammed the door shut on a plan to replace the Ray County Jail, with a whopping 82.41% saying no Tuesday. Sheriff Scott Childers thanked voters and warned that jail problems remain unresolved. Tax opposition leader Jim Pierce acknowledged the present structure has severe issues, but said research is needed to show voters a clear, well-documented solution. The 1/2-cent jail sales tax plan would have raised an estimated $1 million annually, with half the amount dropped upon paying off the jail. The remainder would have been available for law enforcement use. CHILDERS REFLECTS “I thought we’d do much better,” Childers said shortly after Ray County Clerk Glenda Powell had posted results Tuesday night. “It is what it is.” The issue failed 2,685 to 573. Rejection does not mean jail issues can now be ignored or addressed cheaply, he said. “We’re goin...