Obituary – John Franklin Euritt
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of John Franklin Euritt on October 19, 2026, at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 24, 1939, in Kellerton, Iowa, John was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend who left an indelible mark…
Read MoreObituary – Stephen A. Sickels
Stephen A. Sickels, son of Jimmy and Helen Sickels, was born on July 9, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up on a farm 3 miles North of Kellerton and graduated from Grand Valley Community School before moving to Mt. Ayr. He spent his life building connections with the people and community he loved.…
Read MoreObituary – Jessica Lee Doolittle
Jessica Lee Doolittle was born September 11th, 1986, to Rio and Sheryl (Turner) Doolittle, and Brother Mitch, at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. She began her life as a premature fragile little baby in the NICU with the sole purpose of changing the world around her. Diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome early on, she was…
Read MoreObituary – Helene Loraine Weeda
Helen Loraine Weeda passed away on October 30, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on a farm south of Chillicothe, Missouri on February 25, 1928, to parents Leonard and Ruby O’Neal. Helen was the first born of 5 brothers and sisters, all who preceded her in death; Marian, twins Alan and Anne,…
Read MoreObituary – Donald Eugene Stephens Sr.
Donald (Don) Eugene Stephens Sr passed away on October 26, 2026, in the presence of family at Mount Ayr Healthcare. Donald Eugene Stephens Sr. was born on March 22, 1931, to Clarence and Hazel (Lucas) Stephens. When his older sister, Bette was introduced to him, she told her parents to “send the red-faced kid back”.…
Read MoreLOOKING BACK in the Early Files by Lora Stull
One Hundred Twenty-Five Years Ago (From the Ringgold Record, Wednesday, November 4, 1896.) It’s McKinley! The returns indicate his election beyond all question VICTORY. New York will roll up 300,000 Republican majority, Chicago goes Republican by an overwhelming majority. The states of Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Tennessee and Illinois in the Republican column. The vote of…
Read MoreSnapshots of History by Mike Avitt
Lucky Lanes was not Mount Ayr’s first attempt at a bowling alley. In January 1937, a “duck pin” alley opened in the Wilson building on the west side of the square. I believe the location to be 107 S. Fillmore as United Food Market had moved out of this building after a fire in February…
Read MoreThe collegiate athletes of Mount Ayr
By TATUM FRIEDRICH MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Mount Ayr has had many talented athletes compete at the collegiate level. Below are the athletes, in alphabetical order, who have embodied the spirit of Mount Ayr and whose journeys have inspired the next generation of athletes in our community. Kensie Barnes is the daughter of Tracy and…
Read MoreGreenwell competes at state meet
By RYAN STONEBRAKER FORT DODGE, Iowa The 2026 Class 1A Iowa Girls state cross-country meet was held last week with Mount Ayr’s Ryley Greenwell participating. Greenwell was the Raiderette runner to qualify out of the state qualifying meet the week before. Also at state was POI champion Kinsey Prunty from Wayne. Greenwell would run to a 75th…
Read MoreEvent highlights local ag business
By IVY BICE DIAGONAL, Iowa — Community members had the opportunity to learn more about local agriculture and businesses during a free community event last Wednesday at the Honey Hole in Diagonal. The event, “Finding Opportunities in Your Community,” was sponsored by Rice Auction Company in partnership with Women, Land and Legacy of Southern Iowa.…
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