LOOKING BACK in the Early Files by Lora Stull
One Hundred Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Record-News, Thursday, March 31, 1926.) A declamatory contest for grade pupils was held at the high school auditorium last Thursday evening. Ten contestants were entered, seven in the humorous class and three in the dramatic. They were Grace Walker, Loraine Smith, Ruth Armstrong, Violet Heggs, Rosmary Frisby, Alberta…
Read MoreSnapshots of History by Mike Avitt
This week’s picture was scanned from the book, “The Ghost Town of Caledonia,” written by Holland Foster and published in 1978. Mr. Foster explains that the photos used in the book were mostly taken by Foster’s father, Homer Foster, a businessman in Caledonia for many years. This is the second photo I’ve seen of the…
Read MoreReturn of the turkey vulture
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — There are many ways to tell if spring has finally made its arrival known. Tiny green shoots poking out of the garden beds, colorful robins hopping about the yard pecking away at the ground and warm days becoming more the rule rather than the exception. Another way to…
Read MoreEvolution of the press and newspapers in Ringgold County
Publisher’s Note: This is the first in a continuing series about the advent and history of newspapers with a particular focus on news in Ringgold County. By Dalton Shadle MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Since before the times when words formed meaning and stone tablets held writing, humanity has yearned for information. During a time when…
Read MoreFormer Gov. Vilsack visits with Mount Ayr Ag students with insights on World Food Prize, honors alum Peggy Whitson
Submitted by Morgan Quick Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack visited Mount Ayr High School on Monday as a guest of the school’s Ag Department. Gov. Vilsack shared with students his insights about the World Food Prize. The World Food Prize is currently featuring our very own alumni, Peggy Whitson, as their honoree for March 2026.…
Read MoreCommunity college four-year degree program on hold
By Jeff Snyder Publisher’s Note: The following is an analysis by Chief Reporter Jeff Snyder on recent education legislation in the Iowa legislature. MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Last week Governor Kim Reynolds signed off on a new pilot educational program designed to enhance the opportunities available to rural Iowa students looking to extend their education.…
Read MoreBowling Stats
Classic League Week of March 12, 2026 Men Just Us 24.5-11.5 Allendale Auto 22-14 Suds & Gutters 18.5-17.5 Ricker AC/Heating 17-19 Gettin Sauced 15-21…
Read MoreStreit Names District Coach Of The Year
By Ryan Stonebraker MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Mount Ayr head girl’s basketball coach Thad Streit was named the Class 2A Southwest Iowa Coach of the Year. Streit’s Mount Ayr team went 15-1 and defended their Pride of Iowa Conference league crown this year. The Raiderettes shared the 2025-26 title with Nodaway Valley. Both teams were near the…
Read MoreThree Raiders Named To All-Conference POI List
By RYAN STONEBRAKER MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr boy’s basketball team had three players named to this year’s all-conference list put out annually by the Pride of Iowa Conference. Jackson Ruggles, Tate Dugan and Hayes Stogdill were the Raiders who were selected. Southwest Valley and Mount Ayr tied for the 2025-26 boys title this…
Read MoreMount Ayr hoops programs to be represented in SWCC Senior Games
By RYAN STONEBRAKER CRESTON, Iowa — The postseason all-star basketball circuit will include a few Mount Ayr coaches and players for both programs. The annual Senior All-Star games held in Creston will be on Sunday, March 29 at the Southwestern Community College Student Center. The girl-boy doubleheader will be 4 p.m. for the girl’s game…
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