Area News
Rural school districts combine resources across the state
By Olivia West MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Throughout the state there are many sharing agreements between smaller school districts are part of a more broad operational understanding. The main objective being to improve efficiency and reduce costs for each school. More and more small schools across rural Iowa are sharing resources, staff and programs with…
Read MoreCity green lights storm water projects
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr City Council gave the green light to several storm water projects during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday night at City Hall. The council gave the go ahead to start four different storm water improvement projects. The projects were previously put out to bid and…
Read MoreArea hit hard by heat wave
By Olivia West MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Despite showers on Monday, a dangerous heat wave continues to bake Ringgold County and southwest Iowa. The excessive temperatures bring triple-digit heat index values, stifling humidity and little overnight relief as state and local officials urge residents to take precautions against heat-related illness. Large portions of the state…
Read MoreBody of missing Atlantic man located
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — An Atlantic, Iowa man, who was previously reported as missing, was located deceased in a field on Wednesday, July 22, east of Judge Lewis Field (Mount Ayr Municipal Airport) following a multi-agency search. According to the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department, Mark Francis, 39, was last seen on July…
Read MoreDaylight Savings Time, maybe.
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Ringgold County residents may soon no longer have to remember to change their clocks twice a year if Congress approves legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time permanent across the United States. The proposal, known as the Sunshine Protection Act, would end the long-standing tradition of moving clocks…
Read MoreSchool board talks athletics and construction
By Olivia West MOUNT AYR, Iowa —The Mount Ayr Community School District Board of Education discussed new athletic opportunities, facility updates and revisions to student handbooks during its regularly scheduled monthly meeting on July 15. Superintendent Jason Shaffer also announced that eighth-grade students will now be eligible to participate in high school athletics on a sport-by-sport…
Read MoreCourthouse roof replaced again after installation issues
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa —For the second time in six months the Ringold County Courthouse has received a new roof. Repairs previously made to the structure as a result of the violent hailstorm the area received in the spring of 2024 had to be redone because of a faulty first installation attempt. The…
Read MorePeggy Whitson Rock restored, protected for years to come
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The now famous Peggy Whitson rock on the southwest corner of the Ringgold County Courthouse lawn has been given a welcomed refresh by none other than the original artist, Roy “Bubba” Sorensen. Sorensen has worked throughout the week in very hot conditions bringing life back to his original…
Read MoreRinggold County Welcomes Fair Goers
by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa- The city of Mount Ayr welcomed county fair attendees from near and far for its annual Ringgold County Fair festivities. The fair kicked off on Tuesday, July 7 and lasted through Sunday July 12. The Ringgold County Future Farmers of America (FFA) along with the local chapter of the…
Read MoreP33 Set for Major Upgrades Following $2 Million Federal Award
by Jeff Snyder DIAGONAL, Iowa — Officials from the federal, state and local level gathered at the Freedom Rock pavilion in Diagonal last Thursday to officially announce a $2 million federal investment to help improve a portion of the P33 roadway located between Diagonal and State Highway 2. On hand for the ceremony were U.S.…
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