People are not for sale
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will be signing a proclamation to recognize January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month on January 15, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. in the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda. A form of modern-day slavery, Human Trafficking occurs when a person uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging…
Read MoreDiagonal Homecoming Royalty
Royalty for Diagonal High School’s Homecoming 2025 includes (front row) Cadance Shiflett – freshman attendant; Tripp Richie – crown bearer; Rebecca Hoffman – senior candidate; Braycie Pierson – senior candidate; and Gemma Gregg – crown bearer; (middle row) Kylie Hubbard – sophomore attendant; Lydia Hoffman- junior candidate; and Halle White – junior candidate; (back row)…
Read MoreWimer recovering after sudden stroke
The day after Christmas, Shelly Wimer experienced a sudden stroke while shopping at the grocery store. “We are so thankful that she chose to go to Hy-Vee that afternoon for groceries and that she received emergency care immediately,” stated Angela Nelson on a CaringBridge page set up for Wimer. After an ambulance ride to Ringgold…
Read MoreWaske awarded essay contest scholarship
Ella Waske is receiving a $500 scholarship as a result of participating in the Iowa Bar Association essay contest. Daniel Showalter at Mount Ayr Community High School sponsorered Waske, and she placed second in District 5B behind Natalia Zimmerman, who was awarded first place. The Sesquicentennial Celebration Essay Contest was sponsored by the Iowa State…
Read MoreStephen Gail Fletcher
Stephen Gail Fletcher, son of Everett Troy & Alice Alcista (Wimer) Fletcher, was born December 26, 1953, at Mount Ayr, Iowa. Steve, better known as Fluff, grew up in the Diagonal community. He graduated from Diagonal High School in 1972. Fluff moved to Colorado and worked out there before returning back to Iowa. While in…
Read MoreSnapshots of History: McNeiley’s Drug Store
By Mike Avitt Finis Edward McNeiley purchased the Lawhead Drug Company in Mount Ayr in January 1941. Dr. C. C. Lawhead, the former owner of the drug store, retained ownership of the building. Dr. Lawhead opened this business in October 1934 and was associated with Walgreen products, known then as The Walgreen System. Horne Pharmacy,…
Read MoreRobert (Bob) Lewis Walker
Robert (Bob) Lewis Walker, husband, father, farmer, and steward of the land, was born February 26, 1934, and died December 25, 2024, surrounded by family. He is remembered by his wife of 67 years, Loy, (Alice Loy Buffington Walker), four children, 16 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. Bob’s legacy is one of generosity, stewardship, an appreciation…
Read MoreSister Joan Sheil, CHM
Sister Joan Sheil, CHM, 90, died December 24, 2024, at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston, Iowa. Services at Bishop Drumm Our Lady of Peace Chapel will be on Saturday, December 28, 2:30-3:30 pm, Visitation and 3:30 pm, Memorial Service. Services at Humility of Mary Center, Davenport, Iowa, are on Monday, December 30, 4 pm,…
Read MoreWind and Rain
Readers note: I hope you love my short story. As the winds dance by I wonder if it will rain, and if it does, I would love mothers warm welcome soup. I catch rain water and watch the ducks going for a swim. Come in, mother called. I came in. I made you soup. Thank…
Read MoreThe Trump Titantic sails
To the editor: As the SS Trump Titanic prepares to leave Mar-a-Lago for Washington D.C. let’s take a look at some of the motley crew. As his proposed Secretary of Education, there is Linda McMahon, longtime Trump loyalist and financial backer. What is her qualification? A professional wrestling magnate who lied about having a degree…
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