LOOKING BACK in the Early Files by Lora Stull
One Hundred Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Record-News, Thursday, September 9, 1926.) Investigation of the tragic death of Pansy Turnbull, seventeen-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Turnbull of Diagonal, who was found unconscious on the streets of Clearfield during the street fair the evening of August 26, and who died a few hours…
Read MoreSnapshots of History by Mike Avitt
German was the last name of the family that owned the hotel. This hotel would briefly become a sanitarium, but allow me to build up the story. Last week I spent the day with Fred Stark in Washington, Iowa. Fred is a former teacher (1964-1973) in the Mount Ayr School District. In the 1960s, Fred…
Read MoreX-Country meets postponed
By RYAN STONEBRAKER CORYDON, Iowa — The Mount Ayr cross-country teams had their meet at Wayne scheduled last Thursday at Corydon, Iowa scheduled postponed to September 24 due to hot weather conditions impacting the entire southwest Iowa area. Teams that were supposed to be at the meet were Bedford, Centerville, Central Decatur, Chariton, Diagonal, East…
Read MoreRaiderettes split a pair of conference matches
By RYAN STONEBRAKER AFTON, Iowa — The Raiderette volleyball team split a pair of conference matches on the road last week when they played at Lenox and at East Union. Mount Ayr swept Lenox 3-0, but fell to East Union in five sets, 3-2. The contests were the first conference matches of the year for…
Read MoreRaiders drop home opener
Riverside Escapes With 22-16 Win In District Opener By RYAN STONEBRAKER MOUNT AYR, Iowa — An interesting Riverside Bulldog team came to town for the district and home opener for the Radiers last Friday in Mount Ayr. Last season, Riverside lost its first game and then won six straight games including a 44-32 win at Mount…
Read MoreObituary – Cody James Couts
Cody James Couts of Omaha, Nebraska passed away on December 10, 2025. He was born on April 1, 1974, in Mount Ayr, Iowa, to George F. Couts and Lenore E. “Lesa” Perry. His grandparents, Merrill and Susan Perry of Mount Ayr, raised Cody from the age of six. Cody graduated from Mount Ayr Community High…
Read MoreObituary – Ernest Hollinger
Ernest (George) Clayton Hollinger, September 4, 1933 – August 10, 2026 (92 Years Old). George was preceded in death by his loving wife Marilyn Hollinger; daughter Lisa Hollinger; siblings Harold (Jock) Hollinger, Robert (Bob) Hollinger, Myrtle (Myrt) Snyder, Virginia (Ginny) Zimmerman; and son-in-law George Pulliam. George is survived by daughters Vicki (Dave) Contreras, Gloria Pulliam,…
Read MoreTeaching kids about internet safety
By Olivia West MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The internet has become a major part of everyday life for nearly everyone, but especially for children. From games and videos to schoolwork and social media, children are spending more time online than ever. With that comes the responsibility and challenge of teaching them how to use the…
Read MoreSeptember highlights importance of suicide prevention and awareness
By Olivia West MOUNT AYR, Iowa — September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, providing an opportunity for communities to talk openly about mental health, encourage people to seek support and remind those who may be struggling that they are not alone. Mental health affects people of all ages and backgrounds. While…
Read MoreLabor Day weekend in Diagonal
Diagonal Lions annual celebration draws community over Labor Day weekend By Olivia West DIAGONAL, Iowa — The annual Diagonal Lions Club Labor Day Celebration returned this past weekend bringing three days of tournaments, parades, contests, live entertainment and family activities to Diagonal over Labor Day weekend. The annual celebration began on Saturday with a sand…
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