LOOKING BACK in the Early Files by Lora Stull
One Hundred Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Record-News, Thursday, May 19, 1926.) The trial of man charged with murder of union county sheriff opened Monday. The trial of “Big George” Gibson, of Thayer, charged with the murder of Sheriff Fred Collins of Union County March 8, was begun in the district court at Creston Monday…
Read MoreSnapshots of History by Mike Avitt
I took this photo in 2018. Dick Simpson, as of this month, has been in his barber shop for 62 years. I have written about Dick’s career many times, so I’ll try to add some information I find on the periphery. In the old days, a barber was called a “tonsorial artist” and a barber…
Read MoreIowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services warns Iowans of storm-related scams
DES MOINES, Iowa — In the wake of recent severe weather and extreme winds across the state, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services urges Iowans to be on the lookout for scams and contractors looking to exploit storm relief efforts. Following storms, scammers often take advantage of communities during times of need, utilizing deceptive tactics…
Read MoreDisaster relief funds available
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — In the past week Ringgold County and a number of our neighboring counties have seen their fair share of violent weather. Downed wires, lightning strikes that started fires and many floods reported across the region. In response to these losses the governors’ office has declared a state of…
Read MoreEl Vaquero closes its doors
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — After nine years in operation, El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant, located on Madison Street in Mount Ayr, has closed its doors. El Vaquero, the popular lunch and dinner venue, was originally situated on Highway 2 until relocating to the north side of the courthouse square last year. The authentic…
Read MoreRinggold County remembers
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Once again the Avenue of the Flags showed off more than 337 American flags in a spectacular display under a modeled sky at the Rose Hill Cemetery on Monday, May 25. Each year communities across Ringgold County celebrate the brave men and women who gave their lives to…
Read MoreBe mindful with storm repairs
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — In the past week and a half, Ringgold County, along with several of our neighboring counties, have seen outbreaks of violent weather that inflicted damage to many area homes. The inclement weather caused downed trees, peeled roofs and hail and wind damage which took their toll. Unfortunately, these…
Read MoreMount Ayr to compete in 15 events at upcoming state meet
By RYAN STONEBRAKER LEON, Iowa — The Mount Ayr track and field programs combined to send 15 combined events to the state track and field meet this week in Des Moines. The state meet will be Thursday through Saturday. Automatic state qualifiers and district champions for the boys were Drayden Thompson in the 200-meter dash and…
Read MoreRaiderettes take fourth in tight team race at CD coed meet
By RYAN STONEBRAKER LEON, Iowa — The Mount Ayr girl’s track and field team found itself in a tight team race in their final regular season meet last week. The Raiderettes placed fourth with a team score of 90 points in the 10 team event with only 8.5 points separated three teams for second place. Of the…
Read MoreRaiderettes advance, Diagonal ends season at CD Regional meet
By RYAN STONEBRAKER LEON, Iowa — The Mount Ayr girls golf team traveled to Central Decatur last Friday when the Cardinals hosted a Class 1A Regional girl’s golf meet on May 15 with seven teams were in action. There, the Raiderettes placed second at the meet with a combined score of 387. Martensdale-St. Marys won…
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