Area News

The board of directors of the Mount Ayr Community Schools met in regular session Monday, December 9. Discussion items included the establishment of a new online school, early retirement incentives for district employees, and review of the elementary school’s Performance Profile results. Online school Superintendent Jason Shaffer presented a proposal for a new online option…

A few months ago, Ringgold County Conservation Director, Travis Scott, reached out to P.J. West to talk with her about an idea to honor Matthew Wayne Munyon and Munyon Plumbing and Heating in the form of a lighted display at Poe Hollow Park. “He shared that Matthew and Munyon Plumbing and Heating had such a…

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has released the state’s deer harvest so far in the 2024 season that includes the first archery, muzzleloader, and shotgun seasons along with the youth and disabled hunter seasons. So far statewide, hunters have harvested 51,067 does and bucks. The DNR estimates this year’s total will trail 2023 when…

Aimed at curbing illegal finance, a new law requires many companies in the United States to report information about the individuals who ultimately own or control the company to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Beneficial ownership information (BOI) only needs to be submitted once, unless…

Over the summer, Bailey Drake quietly opened a private practice in a white brick building along Broadway Street in Diagonal to provide mental health therapy for people of all ages. As a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), Drake served as a shared social worker for Mount Ayr and Diagonal Community Schools prior to announcing her…

[Editor’s note: In recognition of Mount Ayr’s sesquicentennial observance next year, the Record-News will run an occasional feature story recounting the early days of the city and county. Items are told in the colorful vernacular of the day in which they were written, but some have been edited with discretion.] From the Mount Ayr Record-News,Thursday,…

Plans to celebrate Mount Ayr’s 150th birthday are coming into focus thanks to efforts by the Mount Ayr Sesquicentennial Committee. At its most recent meeting December 1, the committee approved the official sesquicentennial logo and announced several activities/events that will take place over the three-day celebration, September 19-21, 2025. Entertainment acts set to perform include…

A common backyard game has turned into a full-time passion and lucrative part-time job for one senior at Mount Ayr High School. Dylan Graham, 17, is making a name for himself in the world of competitive cornhole, also known as “bags.” Dylan is the son of Daniel and Jentry Graham of rural Diagonal. Often played…

The Mount Ayr Chamber of Commerce is bringing the nostalgia of the past back to the town square for a “Christmas of Yesteryears” celebration this weekend. Holiday Shop Hop Several Mount Ayr Chamber member businesses will be staying open from 4-7 p.m. for Ladies Night on Thursday, December 5. Sign up for $25 gift card…

Ringgold County Hospital board of trustees met for their regular meeting, Monday, November 25. Rhett Murphy, director of operations, led the bulk of the meeting sharing with the board information on Ringgold County Hospital’s foundation. Ringgold County Hospital Foundation was started in the fall of 2023 as a 501C (not for profit organization) .The organization…