Area News
Simple Blessings Senior Table has first meal
By Priscilla Alvik TINGLEY, Iowa — Donetta Phelps and Connie Richards cooked and the “Seniors” flocked in, 29 of them in fact. This was the commencement of a new chapter for Tingley beginning on Tuesday, May 5. When notification from Connections was received in April that the Tingley Congregate Meal Site would be closing at…
Read MoreRotert named new fire chief
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr Volunteer Fire Department will have new leadership following the annual officer election meeting. Ed Rotert, the long time assistant chief, was elevated to Chief. Rotert will replace Mike Wimer who held that role for 17 years. Wimer will remain active with the department and continue…
Read MoreSchool board approves 2026 graduates
By Ken Garner MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr Community Schools Board of Education approved the Class of 2026 for graduation pending completion of all requirements during its regularly scheduled board meeting Monday afternoon. Superintendent Jason Shaffer informed the board of the summer food program that will begin on June 2 and last for…
Read MoreRinggold County area students recognized for academic excellence
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Three Ringgold County area students were recognized by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement at the 24th Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony on April 26 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. The area students honored were Aubree Shields of Mount Ayr,…
Read MoreCity council hears two proposals
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr City Council held its regular meeting on Monday evening and opened with a public forum session. First to speak was Anna Neatherly, owner of the Country Ayr Cottage Bakery. Neatherly laid out a plan to start and manage what she is calling “Mount Ayr Farm…
Read MoreMACS support healthy habits with walk to school day
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr Community Schools held a Walk, Ride or Roll to school day on May 6. Students, mostly in the K-5 grades, were encouraged to ride their bikes to school as a show of a commitment to healthy habits and exercise. The events are usually run in…
Read MoreTime to Book it: Bainum retires after 30 years at library
By KEN GARNER MOUNT AYR, Iowa — For parts of three decades Bobbi Bainum has been the one constant greeting people when they enter the Mount Ayr Public Library or have a question about where a book is located or how to conduct genealogy research or a host of other questions. Now after nearly 30…
Read MoreGrowing Each Year: Mount Ayr Breast Cancer Fundraiser Expands Reach and Support
by Priscilla Alvik MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Conversations plant seeds for thought, opportunities present themselves, and you are off on an adventure that spans years. This is the prologue of the journey that Cindy Glazebrook and Mitzi Hymbaugh began in 2023. During my interview with Hymbaugh she went on to explain the initial conversation where…
Read MoreRinggold Supervisors Review Budget, Consider Data Center Impact
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Ringgold County Board of Supervisors held their regular Monday morning meeting, May 4 and covered the regular agenda items. Among the items discussed was the 2026 budget amendments and consideration of publication along with the weekly update on secondary roads presented by county engineer Jared Johnson. One…
Read MoreSheriff’s office recognizes Crime Victim Rights Week
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Ringgold County officially recognized Crime Victims Rights Week during a brief ceremony last Wednesday outside the courthouse. County Attorney Michael T. Wells delivered a proclamation on the grounds of the county courthouse that declared April 19 -25 as Crime Victims Rights Week. With his proclamation, the intent was…
Read More