Ayr Days is a Hometown party
By Olivia West MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The annual Ayr Days celebration is observing the 250th anniversary of the United States with this year’s theme: “Honoring 250 years of Freedom, Community and Pride.” Ayr Days will be on Saturday with most of the events being centered around the courthouse square area. The community celebration is…
Read MoreSchool is back in session
By Olivia West MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr Community School District began the 2026-27 school year on Tuesday. The district welcomed several new teachers for the school year. Elementary Principal Chris Elwood said staff were looking forward to welcoming students back to the building. “We can’t wait to get students in the building,”…
Read MoreCTE open to train students
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Officials from the Mount Ayr Community School district as well as members of Southwest Iowa Community College gathered to officially celebrate the opening of the newest addition to the MACS facilities campus. The Career and Technical Center (CTE) cut the celebratory ribbon on the new 12,000 square foot…
Read MoreMount Ayr softball wins 12 games
By RYAN STONEBRAKER MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr softball team won 12 ball games this summer and placed fourth in the Pride of Iowa Conference with a record of 8-5. The Raiderettes were coached by head coach Sarah Holmes The Wayne Falcons won the Pride of Iowa Conference title outright with a 13-1…
Read MoreRaiders baseball reach district finals
By RYAN STONEBRAKER MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr baseball team had a fine summer, winning 13 games and turning in a winning season. The Raiders were 13-8 overall and 8-5 in the Pride of Iowa Conference in 2026. Mount Ayr was led by head coach Chirs Piperno and assistant coach Jacob Brewer. Martensdale-St. Mary’s…
Read MoreLOOKING BACK in the Early Files by Lora Stull
One Hundred Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Record-News, Thursday, August 11, 1926.) Tingley News: J.A. Johnston bought S.H. Bevin’s barber shop equipment Tuesday afternoon and took possession at once. Mr. Johnston comes well recommended as a good workman, having conducted shops in Kellerton and Mount Ayr. Mr. Bevin’s failing health compelled him to sell. Chris…
Read MoreSnapshots of History by Mike Avitt
David Pugh took this week’s photo in the early 1990s. David took many pictures of Mount Ayr’s business district in the 1990s and he loaned them to me in 2005. I was to keep the duplicates and copy the single photos, which I did. He passed away in 2006. The hotel was closed in 1985…
Read MoreBe aware of buses as new school year arrives
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — As area students prepare to return to school, drivers across Ringgold County are being reminded of the laws designed to keep children safe when they board and leave school buses. While there is no major statewide change to the basic school-bus stopping requirements in the current Iowa Department…
Read MoreThe Iowa State Fair has a long history
By Olivia West DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Fair is the largest annual event in Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. The fair attracts more than 1 million visitors from around the world each year and is currently held in Des Moines. However, it…
Read MoreStep right up to the show
Circus wows and amazes area residents By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — With the smell of peanuts and popcorn filling the warm August air, as area residents were invited to step right up to to watch the traveling circus corps of Culpepper & Merriweather last Sunday. These traveling performers put on two afternoon shows…
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