Homeschool student impact on MACS activities
By Darrell Dodge Mount Ayr, Iowa – In his report to the school board on September 8, middle/high school principal Josh Vanderflught included eight home-schooled students in his initial enrollment numbers. In his report, Vanderflught listed one student in grades 6 and 8, two students in grades 7, 10 and 11 and four students in…
Read MoreCancer in Ringgold County Week 3: What we can do
By Darrell Dodge In her August 27 presentation to county residents, Dr. Mary Charlton, director of the Iowa Cancer Registry (ICR) presented data revealing that Ringgold County ranks 38th out of Iowa’s 99 counties in rates of new cancers and fourth in the number deaths attributed to cancer. In fact, cancer is the No. 2…
Read MoreTimby Lodge welcomes visitors
By Jennifer Kellner Mount Ayr, Iowa – Timby building owners Doug and Gina Still, were ready to slow down after operating Still Smoking restaurant for the last nine years, but have not completely stepped out of the business scene. Their former restaurant at 104 W Madison Street on the north side of the square now…
Read MoreObituary: Rosa LEE Fifer
Rosa LEE Fifer (1935-2025) Rosa Lee Fifer, daughter of Billie Moore and Opal Irene (Vanderpool) Robison, was born May 10, 1935, at home near Maloy, Iowa. Rosa grew up along with her two sisters, Ruby and Loretta. Rosa’s faith would lead her through her life as she attended revivals at Ellston that left a mark…
Read MoreObituary: Linda Lorraine Swank Swanson
Linda Lorraine Swank Swanson (1942-2025) Linda Lorraine Swank was born December 2, 1942, in Creston, Iowa to Lawrence and Wilma (Greenman) Swank. Linda married Bob Swanson on January 20, 1963, at the First Baptist Church in Mount Ayr. Together, they raised two sons, Gary Lynn Swanson and Ronny Duane Swanson. Over the years, they lived in…
Read MoreObituary: Cory Willis
Daniel Cory Willis (1972-2025) Daniel Cory Willis was born on October 20, 1972, in Mount Ayr, Iowa, to Francis and Elaine Willis. Older siblings Craig and Kim welcomed him home, then later came another brother, Cole. Cory was baptized as a child at the Mount Ayr First Baptist Church. He grew up following Craig and…
Read MoreObituary: Carl Leroy Lilly
Carl Leroy Lilly (1940-2025) Carl Leroy Lilly, son of Herman “Pink” and Margaret (Miller) Lilly, was born June 2, 1940, at home in Union County, Iowa. Carl grew up at Afton with a strong work ethic. He farmed in addition to working several years at a quarry between Winterset and Greenfield. Carl married Barbara Kenagy…
Read MoreSports shooting to make return at SWCC for 2026-27
Creston, IA—Following a one-year hiatus, the sports shooting program for men and women will return to Southwestern Community College (SWCC) for the 2026-27 academic year. A contract for Mark Johnson of Mount Ayr, SWCC assistant sports shooting coach from 2022-24, was approved at the August 2025 SWCC board of directors meeting, this time as the…
Read MoreMount Ayr goes 3-2 at Clarke Tournament
OSCEOLA – The Mount Ayr Raiderette volleyball team made the trip to the Clarke volleyball tournament on Saturday, September 6. At the event, the Raiderettes played five matches and went 3-2 in five matches to improve their record to 5-4 overall. The Raiderettes will play their first Pride of Iowa Conference triangular meet on Tuesday…
Read MoreMount Ayr cross-country teams begin season at Wayne Invite
CORYDON, Iowa – The Mount Ayr cross-country teams started their season last week at the Wayne Falcon Invitational. There, the Raiderette girls placed fourth and the Mount Ayr boys did not have enough runners to score as a team. On the girl’s side, Mount Ayr had five runners at the meet and placed fourth with…
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