Area News
Red Cross provides free smoke detectors
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The American Red Cross started a program in 2014 called “Sound the Alarm.” The program was started with the intent to help in the prevention of loss of life, due mostly to residential fires. The organization’s mission is simple — prevent human suffering in the face of emergency.…
Read MoreLOSAP program granted final approval
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr City Council conducted its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday and addressed several housekeeping issues. During the meeting a number of housekeeping issues were discussed and decided upon by council. Chief among them was the council’s final approval of the Mount Ayr Fire Department’s Length of…
Read MoreEmergency Management Announces Burn Ban for Ringgold County Residents
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — With a rash of recent fires Ringgold County has joined other area counties in southwest Iowa in instituting a county-wide burn ban. On February 17, the office of the state fire marshal received a request pursuant to Iowa code 100.40(1) (1995) from Ringgold County Director of Emergency Management…
Read MoreCTE construction continues to move along
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Favorable weather has given the new Careers in Technical Education (CTE) building project for the Mount Ayr Community Schools a welcomed boost in construction progress. Frigid weather in January hampered the building advancement largely due to sub-zero temperatures. The first stages of the progress required preparation of the building…
Read MoreA history of President’s Day
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Originally, President’s Day was supposed to be a day that honored the first president of the United States, George Washington. In reality the federal holiday is quite a bit more complicated. George Washington’s birthday was, and always has been February, 22. In the 18th century, England operated under the…
Read MoreFire claims life in Clearfield
By Jeff Snyder CLEARFIELD, Iowa — A recent fire claimed the life of long time Clearfield resident, Deborah Scott (age 78) on February 7. The home located at 1665 North 110th Avenue is in the a rural part of town located about a mile to the east of town center. The house was fully engaged by the…
Read MoreDry conditions fuel surge of grass fires throughout the county
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Recent dry and breezy conditions have contributed to nine grass fires over the last week in Ringgold County. Mount Ayr’s Volunteer Fire Department has been stretched to the limit with the frequency of these fire events. While the majority have been grass or field fires, several structure fires have…
Read MoreValentines Day keeps marching on
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — Each year residents of Ringgold County and all across the nation prepare to celebrate their unrequited love. They pour through countless card displays, research just the right floral arrangements and scour the pages of the internet looking for just the right gift that says “I LOVE YOU.” Valentine’s Day…
Read MoreCity council approves LOSAP program for Fire Department
By Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr City Council had a full plate to discuss during its regularly scheduled council meeting of Monday, Funerary 9. Chief among the topics was the support for the proposed LOSAP (Length of Service Award Program) previously introduced to council in a recent meeting for the volunteer…
Read MoreWater rates to increase
by Jeff Snyder MOUNT AYR, Iowa — The Mount Ayr City Council was informed of an impending increase in water rates via a letter the city received from SIRWA (Southern Iowa Water Authority) during its regular meeting on Monday night. The letter announced a rate increase effective July 1, 2026 of $2.50 per 1000 gallons…
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