In 1977, the state of Missouri was looking to build a new medium-security men’s prison. Over sixty applications by communities throughout the state were submitted, including one by Harrison County. A group of Ridgeway businessmen proposed a site three miles north of Ridgeway near a 70-acre lake as it would bring business and jobs into the Ridgeway area. According to an article written by Ramona Schell and Dwight Schell, two RHS students on the newspaper staff, most people assumed this was Rock House Lake.
The students decided to interview Ridgeway residents to get their views on the proposed prison site. Most of the businessmen they interviewed would not admit to supporting the proposal and did not want their names in the paper. Insurance agent Ernie Tripp stated he was against the idea and hoped Ridgeway residents would fight it. Ridgeway school superintendent Mr. Alderson, who had worked at a men’s reformatory in Iowa, did not feel that building a prison in this area was advisable despite the financial aspects. The prison was ultimately built in Pacific, Missouri and opened in 1981. (Bethany Republican-Clipper, Jun 29, 1977.)
