Area News
Fire and Ice: Mount Ayr Firefighters Face the Freeze in Advanced Rescue Training
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Snowy and frigid temperatures are not often ideal for outdoor training, but for area fire departments, the frosty conditions on Saturday were a perfect setting for its advanced training on cold water rescue and survival. The training was conducted by Bryan Gentner from Professional Rescue Innovations, a fire…
Read MoreArea youth recognized by Senator Ernst: Diagonal duo’s business takes off
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — A pair of area youth’s were recently recognized by the office of U.S. Senator Joni Ernst for their entrepreneurial spirit. LT Farms, which is run by Diagonal youth Lane and Tyce Parrish, ages 15 and 11 respectively, were chosen by Senator Ernst’s office in October for their ambition…
Read MoreCity council back to the grind
by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr City Council got back to regular business in its first meeting of the 2026 and swore in a newly organized group of elected leaders. The council welcomed new member Rachael Rumple and proceeded with the parliamentary procedures of swearing in city manager Brent Wise and…
Read MoreWhat a difference a century makes
by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — In 1925 a new Ford car could be purchased for the grand total of $585 dollars. Fast forward a century or so and the same car/ truck will set you back a staggering $50,364, the average price of a new car in 2026. Even if adjusted for inflation,…
Read MoreAgriculture Secretary Naig visits Ringgold County
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig paid a visit to the Holmstead Farmstead owned and operated by Kevin and Kendra Martin in Ringgold County last Friday. The visit was part of an annual tour of counties performed by Secretary Naig, but also included a follow up on progress…
Read MoreSheriff’s Department warns residents about potential scammers in the area
By Jeff Snyder and Ken Garner MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department last week requested the assistance of county resident in helping to locate individuals involved in a multi-state scheme. The original BOLO (be on the lookout), issued on January 7, identified a construction company that allegedly had been operating in the…
Read MoreNew rules for Supplemental Nutrition Programs take effect in Iowa
by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Effective January 1, 2026 the department of Health and Human Services has issued new guidelines for the use of SNAP benefits throughout the state of Iowa. The new guidelines are fairly straight forward, whereas, the new plan limitations will only allow for reimbursements for non-taxable food items. Starting…
Read MoreGary and Gabby: A Bond That Needs No Leash
by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Gary Joynes is a 17-year resident of the Mount Ayr community. You may not know the 64-year-old Joynes, but you almost certainly will recognize his constant companion, Gabby. Gabby is a 6-year-old Border Collie who was given to Joynes when she was just one year old. The circumstances…
Read MoreRCH in position for major rural health investment
by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Ringgold County Hospital is poised to receive a substantial cash infusion via a newly approved Rural Health Transformation Program sponsored by the federal government. Iowa was recently informed that the state’s share of this $50 billion federal program will be $209 million dollars. In order to receive benefits…
Read MoreTop stories of 2025
by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa —In the waning days of the year and the beginning of a new, it’s always fun to take a glimpse over our shoulder to review the past 12 months. This past year saw a variety of major stories and a few changes other than the flipping of another calendar…
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