Area News

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…

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…

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…

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…

by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — On December 22 the Mount Ayr Fire Department responded to a call of a house fire located at 203 West South Street in Mount Ayr. The fire emanated from a wood burning stove that was situated in the back yard of the property. The large wood stove was…

by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Work has begun on the new CTE center being constructed on the south side of the Mount Ayr High School property. Crews were busy laying the forms to allow for the pouring of the foundation that will support the new structure. “We’re trying to take advantage of the…

by Jeff Snyder The Ringgold County Hospital opened it’s doors in 1951. Over the years the facility grew with increased capacity and added services largely due to its coordinated merger with Mercy One Health Systems. Currently the hospital stands as a modern full service medical care facility serving the Ringgold County community and surrounding small…

By Priscilla Alvik MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The residents of Mount Ayr and surrounding communities are fortunate to have a library that provides multiple events throughout the calendar year. ThisOn December 2, “Toddler Time” saw Santa and Mrs. Claus come to visit the children. The event was co-hosted by the library and SWCC’s Parent as…

On Tuesday, December 16, Members of Beaconsfield City Council, Ringgold County Board of Supervisors and Ringgold County Historic Preservation Commission hosted an open house in the Beaconsfield Community Building, also recognized as the “First Hy-Vee Store.” The purpose of the open house was to drum up public interest in forming a new non-profit organization that…