Snapshots of History: Simpson’ Department Store
By Mike Avitt This photo was at the Mount Ayr Depot Museum when I joined in 2001. The back of the photo had the date 1891, but no location. I was able to figure it out using the window configuration and Ezra McMaster’s law and loan office next door. The sign above the department store…
Read MoreTrump tells more big lies
To the editor: In Tuesday night’s debate, Donald Trump told another one of his “big lies.” This time targeting Haitian immigrants in the town of Springfield, Ohio with the charge that they were eating people’s pets–dogs and cats. And, like the “big lie,”of the stolen 2020 election, this lie is hurting people, not that that…
Read MorePerseverance is necessary
To the editor: Thomas Edison, a man with incredible gifts and a talent for innovation. A man who created the light bulb and telegraph as well as over 2,000 other patents in his lifetime. If you remember from your history textbooks, Edison tried and failed 2,774 times for the light bulb, but on the 2,775th…
Read MoreA very relevant quote
To the editor: The following is a quote from Booker T. Washington and remains, perhaps, even more relevant during the 2024 election cycle: “A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, just because it’s accepted by a majority.” Leota M. Lipovac Urbandale
Read MoreLooking Back
One Hundred Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Record-News,Thursday, September 24, 1924.) The annual powwow given by the Mesquakie Indians on the reservation in Tama county the last week of August drew an immense crowd the first two days, the rain spoiling the third day. Members of various other Indian tribes were present to witness…
Read MoreMACS Homecoming activities next week
Homecoming is quickly approaching for past and present students of Mount Ayr Community Schools. A variety of activities are planned for a week-long celebration beginning this weekend, and continuing into the next. The theme, “A Blast in the Raider Past,” will be central to all planned activities. MACS Homecoming Homecoming at Mount Ayr Community Schools…
Read MoreSchools get serious about attendance
Local schools will be increasing communication about student attendance this year, as they comply with a new Iowa law went into affect July 1. Senate File 2435 required schools to adopt an attendance policy that addresses absenteeism and truancy. The goal of the legislation is to prevent students from being chronically absent, which is defined…
Read MoreRedding church celebrating 150 years
Redding United Methodist Church members are preparing to commemorate their 150th year of congregational worship this month. They are welcoming people to join them for a sesquicentennial celebration on Sunday, September 29. Church service will be held at 10 a.m., and an afternoon celebration is planned from 1-3 p.m. at the Redding community park. Josh…
Read MoreCouncil holds final bi-monthly meeting
The Mount Ayr City Council quickly dispatched a short agenda in their final bi-monthly meeting Monday night. Beginning in October, the council will meet just once per month–the third Wednesday of each month– instead of twice a month on Monday evenings. Additional work sessions will be scheduled in lieu of regular meetings. During the meeting,…
Read MoreRetha Lorene Dillenburg
Retha Lorene May was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1924, to Reuel Emerson May and Bessie Faye (Marsh) May at home. She was welcomed into the family by two brothers, Carl Edward and John Franklin. Later they were joined by sister Bonnie Jean. Retha passed away at the Ringgold County Hospital on September 4,…
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