Blaze battled by local firefighters
The Mount Ayr Volunteer Fire Department was one of 25 area fire departments called to battle a blaze at an egg production facility northwest of Clearfield on August 26. According to authorities, the fire at Daybreak Foods began in a manure bunker but quickly spread to a housing barn, killing more than 110,000 chickens inside.…
Read MoreObituary: Michael G. Walkup
Michael G. Walkup February 3, 1951 – August 24, 2025 Mike Walkup, 74, of Winterset, passed away, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Azria Health Center in Winterset. Mike was born February 3, 1951, to Harold & Annabel Walkup. He grew up in Redding and graduated from high school in 1969.…
Read MoreRaiderettes to challenge title
By Ryan Stonebraker MOUNT AYR – The Mount Ayr volleyball team will have high expectations on them this year as the Raiderettes return a team that can challenge for the Pride of Iowa Conference title. The Raiderettes had a winning record in the POI and return two all-conference players from last season. The Raidettes were…
Read MoreRaiders Back in black
Mount Ayr to compete in stacked Class A District 7 By Ryan Stonebraker MOUNT AYR – The 2025 Mount Ayr football team will play in Class A District 7 this year and next year and many will recognize the teams. In the district are AC/GC, Central Decatur, Riverside, Southwest Valley, Nodaway Valley and AHSTW. AC/GC,…
Read MoreSnapshots of History
By Mike Avitt I photographed this week’s picture from A. T. Andreas’ Illustrated Historical Atlas of the State of Iowa (1875) and this is the earliest town plat of Mount Ayr I’ve ever seen. There are a few changes since then and I’ll point them out. North Street is called Columbus Street today and this…
Read MoreLOOKING BACK in the Early Files
One Hundred Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Record-News, Thursday, August 26, 1925.) Saturday was circus day in Mount Ayr and the town was thronged with visitors from early morning until late at night. Before the sun appeared a crowd gathered at the station to await the arrival of the Robbins Brothers circus train, due to…
Read MoreTingley ice cream social winners announced
By Jennifer Kellner Fair weather drew a content crowd to the Tingley Ice Cream Social last Sunday. The Ringgold County Cattlemen’s Association grilled burgers and served them with chips and a drink, and ice cream samples were enjoyed along with a slice of pie after the winners of each contest were announced. The Tingley vanilla…
Read MoreSmall town philanthropist
By Darrell Dodge Philanthropy can be defined as the practice of giving one’s time, talent, and treasure to make life better for others. We often read headlines about grand gestures of philanthropy – a wealthy benefactor builds a library or funds efforts to combat disease or promotes early childhood literacy. Philanthropy, however, goes far beyond…
Read MorePersonnel change at City Hall
By Jennifer Kellner The Mount Ayr City Council approved the removal of Niccole Swank as Deputy City Clerk, a rental housing progression plan and a downtown work session at their regular meeting Monday, August 25. Personnel change A special meeting was held on Thursday, August 21 to evaluate the professional competency of an individual and…
Read MoreObituary: Cindy Baker
Cindy Baker (1949-2025) Cindy Baker, of Clearfield, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at the age of 76. Born Cynthia Jean Gordon in Des Moines, Iowa, to Dr. Marvin Gordon and Jean Francis (Slocum) Gordon on January 16, 1949, Cindy was the eldest of four sisters, including Kathy, Connie, and Christie. She spent…
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