Obituary: Richard Hammond, Jr.
Richard “Dick” Hammond, Jr. (1946-2025) Richard “Dick” Hammond, Jr., 76, of Creston, formerly of Diagonal passed away Saturday August 16, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. The service will be live streamed. Theodore J.…
Read MoreSnapshots of History
By Mike Avitt I was looking at the history of Gentry, Missouri and I was reminded of the unusual path (literally and figuratively) the Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy RR took in reaching St. Joseph, Mo. from Chariton, Iowa. Let’s see if I can get the entire history in one article. The Burlington & Missouri River…
Read MoreLOOKING BACK in the Early Files
One Hundred Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Record-News, Thursday, August 19, 1925.) Brief mention was made last week of the receipt of a telegram Wednesday conveying the information that 60 head of steers shipped by W.P. Turner and sons of Lotts Creek township, were sold that day at $16.10 per cwt. This is reported the…
Read MoreWimers welcomed into Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame
Recognized for Everyday Impact DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa State Fair Everyday Impact Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact during the fair. These awards highlight acts of kindness, helpfulness, and going the extra mile to enhance the fair experience for others. Mike Wimer, who has served on…
Read MoreMaking a splash this summer
By Jennifer Kellner MOUNT AYR, IA – After the new pool at Judge Lewis Park officially opened on May 31, summer swimmers have made a big splash. The pool welcomed over 300 swimmers during opening weekend. Just over 150 swimmers enjoyed cooling off Saturday, and the pool welcomed 168 people on Sunday. Daily pool use…
Read MoreMACS prepares for 2025-26
Welcomes five new instructors By Darrell Dodge MOUNT AYR, IA – The 2025-26 school year starts Monday, September 25 at Diagonal and Mount Ayr Community Schools. Mount Ayr elementary students will be starting their day at 8:15 a.m., while high school students begin at 8:20 a.m. The Mount Ayr Community School board of directors heard…
Read MoreObituary: Susan Lynn (Lesan) Smith
Susan Lynn (Lesan) Smith (1949-2025) Susan was born on December 12, 1949, to Mary Eileen (Yashack) Lesan and Charles Joseph Lesan, joining her twin sister, Sharon Lee and big brother Steven Charles. Born in Creston, IA, Susan grew up in rural Ringgold County, baptized and reared in the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr, IA. Susan…
Read MoreSnapshots of History
By Mike Avitt Welcome to “Snapshots of History” number 700. In my first “Snapshots” article from December 23, 2010, I wrote I didn’t know how long this column would run. Now, almost fifteen years later, I still don’t know. My research methods have changed over the years as I use mostly digitized newspapers, now. Previously,…
Read MoreLOOKING BACK in the Early Files
One Hundred Years Ago (From the Mount Ayr Record-News, Thursday, August 12, 1925.) After being successfully engaged in the clothing business in Mount Ayr for fifteen-half years. Charles Agee has sold his stock and fixtures to Charles Hetzel and LeRoy Saltzman. The inventory was completed yesterday and the business turned over to the new proprietors. The…
Read MoreRyce Reynolds excels at Stanford
Inside the classroom, on the track By Darrell Dodge [This is the first part of a two-part article catching up with Ryce Reynolds, a 2024 MACHS graduate, about his first year at Stanford University.] Young boys and girls on Iowa playgrounds often dream of following their role models to reach the highest levels of athletic…
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