LOOKING BACK Recapping the events that shaped Ringgold County in 2019
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With the new year just two days old, we present a look back on the events found in the pages of the Record-News over the past year.
Last week we focused on January through June. The months July through December are featured.
July
Ringgold County hosts statewide development meeting.
Independence Day celebrations held in Clearfield and Kellerton.
Jessica McCreary, daughter of Tina and Ed McCreary, is crowned Ringgold County Fair queen. First runner-up and Miss Congeniality is Hayley Whittington, daughter of Aleha Shields and Clint and Audra Whittington. Maci O’Kelley, daughter of Denae and Shon O’Kelley, is fair princess.
A grassroots wellness committee recommends adopting a “hybrid” pool plan as part of a new wellness facility.
The Mount Ayr Raiderette softball team finishes third at state softball tourney.
Mount Ayr elementary students are rated as “high performing” in latest data from the State of Iowa.
August
A front-page article features two local women’s searches for their fathers. Cathy Ward’s father died in a training accident in World War II, while Connie Brown located her father living in Lebanon.
John Delaney, a candidate for the 2020 Democrat nomination for president, visit Mount Ayr.
Nathan Nickle is named Ringgold County chief sheriff’s deputy.
Ringgold County Conservation reveals ambitious plans for Liberty Lake (formerly know as the Old Lake). Plans call for RV and primitive camping facilities, a lodge, walking trails and more.
Jillian Kniep of Mount Ayr shows the Grand Champion South Devon heifer at the Iowa State Fair.
A new Veterans Memorial erected on northwest corner of the courthouse square.
David and Joy McFarland of Ringgold County are inducted into the 2019 Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame
U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley visits Diagonal to tour the facilities at Excel Engineering.
Eugene McAlexander of Beaconsfield is recognized for his 30 years of service as a National Weather Service Cooperative Weather Observer.
Third District Congresswoman Cindy Axne (D) makes a brief stop in Ringgold County, where she addressed about two dozen people at the Hawkins Hideaway Shelterhouse at Poe Hollow Park.
September
Sunny skies and mild temperatures help make Diagonal’s Labor Day celebration a huge success.
NASA astronaut and county native Peggy Whitson addresses a large crowd at the dedication ceremony of her commemorative rock on the Mount Ayr square during Ayr Days.
Mount Ayr American Legion Post #172 celebrates its 100th birthday.
Jay-Lynn-O golf tour earns Trail Blazer Award from Camp Courageous.
Issac Grose and Abigail Barnes are crowned king and queen of Mount Ayr homecoming.
October
The Ringgold County board of supervisors passes an ordinance that allows operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and off-road vehicles (UTV) on county roadways under certain circumstances.
Mount Ayr city council approves new urban renewal area in the southern and southeast part of town.
Mount Ayr and Bedford school boards taking action to replace shared superintendent Joe Drake, who has announced his retirement effective at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year.
State auditor reports thousands in misappropriated funds at WRD landfill.
Mount Ayr city council approves borrowing $2.5 million to go toward infrastructure improvement projects.
Mount Ayr Raider football team qualifies for state playoffs.
Ringgold County receives the first measurable snow of the season.
November
Certified enrollments in county schools show Mount Ayr with 608 students and Diagonal with 102.
Incumbents win reelection in city/school elections. Jordan Stewart replaces retiring councilman Don Solliday on the Mount Ayr city council.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst is keynote speaker at high school’s Veterans Day observation.
MACHS Drama Club presents “The Island of Dr. Libris” as its fall production.
WHO-TV is present as 97-year-old Jake Dailey presents a service pin to fellow veteran Richard McMeins.
The Diagonal Schools board of education addresses new curriculum mandates from the Iowa Department of Education.
A front page story features local resident Lorrie Haver and her world travels while in the U.S. Navy.
Third district Congresswoman Cindy Axne faces questions about trade and impeachment during stop in Mount Ayr.
December
The annual Christmas in the Ayr celebration features a stage production, vocal concert, lighted Christmas parade and a visit from Santa.
The board of directors of Community Grocers, Inc. (CGI) recommends closure of the store and dissolution of the corporation to company stockholders, who approve the recommendation at a later meeting.
Woman’s Relief Corps mails boxes to active duty military who will not make it home for the holidays.
Diagonal secondary principal Lorna Paxson develops management plan to meet curriculum mandates from the Iowa Department of Education.
U.S. Senator and 2020 presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) makes campaign stop in Diagonal.
Molly Murphy leads group seeking to resurrect the Community Grocers (CGI) store in some capacity.
Ringgold County land values among lowest in state.
