Snapshots of History
By Mike Avitt I’ve written about the past almost 700 times. What if I wrote about the future? It’s been done before. Jack Terry wrote in the Mount Ayr Centennial Book (1975) that we need to face the future “with courage and optimism” as our forebears did. And that Mount Ayr’s future depends “on what…
Read MoreLOOKING BACK in the Early Files
One Hundred Thirty-one Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Ringgold Record, Thursday, August 2, 1894.) John Dunlap has purchased Harvey White’s interest in the livery barn of White Brothers’ and the busieness with hereafter be conducted by Frank White and Mr. Dunlap. The patrons of the barn may expect to receive the same courteous treatment…
Read MoreSpecial Delivery!
Surprise of a lifetime Tuesday, July 29, started out as just another routine day for Peyton and Harlee Stull. Before the day was out, however, they had a miraculous story to tell about the birth of their son all alone along a rural roadside. Nine months pregnant, Harlee had spent the morning folding laundry, freezing jalapenos,…
Read MorePersonnel, Medicaid top RCH board agenda
by Brenda Grose Announced at Ringgold County Hospital’s Board of trustees meeting, Monday, July 28, was new head of rehabilitation, Nathan Nebel, PT. Nebel heads the newly contracted service, Inspire Rehab which began July 1. Additionally, new to RCH will be tele-health electro physiology, a cardiology specialty provided by Mohit Chawla, MD. Coming on board…
Read MoreSesquicentennial awarded grant
The Mount Ayr Sesquicentennial Committee has been awarded a $15,640 state grant to go toward historical and cultural presentations and activities during the three-day celebration, September 19-21. According to the Iowa Economic Development and Finance Authority, the “Iowa Community Cultural Grants help cities, county governments, tribal councils and nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations to support the development…
Read MoreGarner purchases Ringgold County newspapers
Ken Garner, of Maryville, MO, has purchased Paragon Publications, Inc., which includes the Mount Ayr Record News and the Diagonal Progress from Tom and Tami Hawley effective August 5. The deal has been finalized and the handover to Garner officially took place on Tuesday. The purchase by Garner continues an improbable streak of local ownership…
Read MoreObituary: Gerald Lee Schaefer
Gerald Lee Schaefer age 79 died July 8, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. Gerald Lee Schaefer (Jerry) was born on November 6, 1945, to Lowell and Maxine (Collier) Schaefer in Ringgold County, Iowa. Jerry was welcomed home by his big brother Carl. His family continued to grow with the addition of a sister Gwendolyn Kay…
Read MoreBoys basketball state tourney moving to Hilton in 2027
A century after playing championships inside State Gym, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa State University (ISU) enter an exciting new era together as the IHSAA State Basketball Tournament will move to James H. Hilton Coliseum starting in 2027. An initial five-year agreement with support from Discover Ames will place the five-day,…
Read MoreStreamlined registration for officials
The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) and Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) have collaborated to streamline the officials’ registration process in the 2025-26 school year. When officials register through DragonFly ahead of their 2025-26 sports seasons, they will now be able to select IGHSAU and IHSAA shared sports for one registration fee.…
Read MoreThree Raiderettes named Pride of Iowa All-Conference
The Mount Ayr Raiderette softball team found out late last week that three of their players were named to the 2025 Pride of Iowa Conference, all-conference team. Mount Ayr had a pair of second team selections and an honorable mention pick. The Raiderettes finished the season 11-10 overall and were 7-7 in the POI. The…
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