Area News

Last Wednesday, March 8, the Mount Ayr School Board of Directors met in regular session. During the meeting, a new athletic complex entry-way was discussed for both the north and south ends, entering the football field/track and baseball and softball fields that included an arch-way that mimicked the top of the football field scoreboard, along…

Last Tuesday, March 7, the City of Mount Ayr held a special election looking to extend its bond referendum that is set to sunset in 2027. There were two measures on the ballot for Mount Ayr residents to consider. Measure A read “Shall the City of Mount Ayr, in Ringgold County, State of Iowa, enter…

The first rhythmic and haunting cooing begins as the night sky fades and sunrise begins. The short grass prairie booming grounds prepares for a display found nowhere else in Iowa. This is prairie chicken country and April 1 will be Prairie Chicken Day at the Kellerton Wildlife Management Area, in Ringgold County. Activities originate from…

After 12 years, Kate Zimmerman says goodbye to Ringgold County Conservation. The Conservation Department has seen incredible success with Executive Director Zimmerman’s passion and leadership despite the many challenges the department faced. Zimmerman raised over one million dollars in grants and donations throughout her tenure, ensuring the fast-paced growth and development of the Conservation Department…

Graham Doodles of Iowa recently partnered with Gigi’s Playhouse to raise nearly $14,000 to help increase positive awareness of Down syndrome. Graham Doodles of Iowa is owned and operated by Jentry Graham, a graduate of Mount Ayr High School and also a nurse with EveryStep Hospice in Mount Ayr. “Working at EveryStep as a hospice…

The Mount Ayr City Council held a brief meeting on March 6, highlighting the need to change its water tower agreement, and potentially building a new water reservoir, or rehabbing an existing tower in the future. The council voted to terminate the existing partnership with Utility Service Co., Inc. The 10 year contract with Utility…

Ringgold County Hospital’s board of trustees held a brief regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 27. The board heard a mixed review from CFO, Missy Walter regarding financials for the month. They also heard reports from Katie Willcox, chief of staff, and Amy Mobley and approved appointment and reappointments to staff. From a financial standpoint,…

Tuesday was voting day for residents of Mount Ayr as the city looked for ways to generate funds for a new public pool. There were two measures on the ballot. Measure A read “Shall the City of Mount Ayr, in Ringgold County, State of Iowa, enter into a loan agreement and issue general obligation bonds…

Friday, February 24 legislators, supervisors, and auditors from across district 9 came together to voice their strong opposition to Senate File 356. In overview, Senate File 356, formerly SSB1124, is a proposal which creates a link between taxable valuations and levy rates. When taxable valuations go up levy rates adjust down via an inflationary adjustment…

The certified enrollment for the Mount Ayr Community Schools increased slightly from 595.8 students in the 2021-2022 school year to 598.3 in the 2022-2023 school year. A comparison of last years and this years certified enrollment data , showed minor changes. Of particular concern was the current change to open enrollment procedures. The new open…