Snapshots of History
By Mike Avitt This week’s photo appears on page 183 of the book, “Early History of Ringgold County,” by Mrs. B. M. (Maryann) Lesan. I’m usually pretty good at narrowing down the date of undated pictures, but this one has me buffaloed. I know the date to be between 1917 and 1936, that’s all. I…
Read MoreLOOKING BACK in the Early Files
One Hundred Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Record-News, Thursday, September 9, 1925.) A pleasant gathering was held at the E.G. Sickels home in the Salem vicinity Sunday when a company of neighbors and friends from the Honey Grove school district, near Grant City, MO, drove up to spend the day with them. Well filled dinner…
Read MoreCancer in Ringgold County – The data
[This article is the second in a series examining cancer in Ringgold County. Today’s installment looks at cancer incidences specific to the county.] As introduced last week, Dr. Mary Charlton, director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, visited Mount Ayr on August 27 as part of her organization’s 99 County Project. The goal of this project…
Read MoreEnrollment, SRO top MACS board meeting
By Darrell Dodge Enrollment numbers, adding a school resource officer, and the naming of district facilities were among topics of discussion at the Monday, September 8 meeting of the Mount Ayr Community Schools board of directors. Enrollment In their reports to the board, elementary principal Chris Elwood and secondary principal Josh Vanderflught shared early enrollment…
Read MoreMount Ayr prepares to celebrate 150 years as a community
By Jennifer Kellner The Mount Ayr City Council approved matching funds for a tornado siren grant application, a SAM GIS mapping plan and considered tree removal options at their regular meeting Monday, September 8. Closed session The first item on the regular business agenda was a closed session “to discuss strategy with counsel in matters…
Read MoreObituary: Maxine Washburn
Maxine Washburn (1925-2025) Maxine Washburn, lifelong resident of the Hatfield, MO area passed away peacefully August 26, 2025, at the age of 100 years and 36 days old. She had been residing at the Worth County Convalescent Center for 10 months. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and dedication to her family and…
Read MoreObituary: Alta Hazel (Ward) Vanderflught
Alta Hazel (Ward) Vanderflught (1934-2025) Alta Hazel (Ward) Vanderflught, better known as Hazel, was born September 24, 1934, in Leon, Iowa. She was the oldest daughter born to Floyd “Curly” and Virginia (McAdam) Ward. Hazel was united in marriage to Donald Eugene Vanderflught on January 17, 1952. To this union was born 6 children: Randy…
Read MoreRaiders beat Shenandoah to open 2025
By Ryan Stonebraker MOUNT AYR – The Mount Ayr Raiders had a battle on their hands for their 2025 season opener. The Raiders hosted Shenandoah in the first of eight games this fall in non-district play. The result was a 26-14 hard fought win against a physical team. Head coach Ryan Victor said he was…
Read MoreRaiderettes go 1-2 at Clarinda triangular
By Ryan Stonebraker CLARINDA – The Mount Ayr volleyball team began their season last week at the Clarinda Volleyball Triangular on Tuesday, August 26. The Raiderettes got three matches in to start the season against Clarinda, Stanton, and Lenox. At the meet, Mount Ayr went 1-2 with their win over POI rival Lenox. Mount Ayr…
Read MoreSnapshots of History
By Mike Avitt We get many items donated to the Mount Ayr Depot Museum every year and this year has been no exception. Frank Baker recently donated a box of old stuff, so let’s see what in it. But, first, let me remind our readers how fragile paper is and how, during World War II,…
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