News - The Mexico Ledger

Joanna Borgmeyer, left, at BINGO! (Submitted)

At Sacred Heart Church, 800 South Lindell in Vandalia, a number of people are expected to gather to take in a day of remembrance for JoAnna Borgmeyer. Borgmeyer passed away on August 6, leaving … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/26/22

The Lincoln School in Vandalia is undergoing a makeover as the board of the Concerned Citizenry to Save Lincoln School works toward repairing the building's roof. [Submitted]

School raising the roof

VANDALIA - Once known as one of the largest schools to service the African American students in Missouri, the Lincoln School is making a comeback in its own way. Built in 1927, using four … more

By ALAN DALE Managing Editor | 8/23/22

Invenergy: A desire to work with county landowners

Following a landowners meeting last week in Mexico that focused on the proposed Tiger Belt Connector to the original Invenergy Transmission’s Grain Belt Express project, a number of Audrain … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/23/22

The Mexico Moose Lodge took time out Tuesday to perform a supply drive for area teachers. Front row from left, Daniel Nunnelly of Eugene Field, Casey Echelmeier of McMillan ELC, Dr. Anne Billington of McMillan ELC, Amanda Rowe of Mexico Middle School, Beck Balsamo of Hawthorne Elementary and Patrick Shaw, Administrator of Mexico Moose Lodge. Back row from left, Brad Barnes, Past President of the Mexico Moose Lodge, Kevin Alferman, Activities Committee Chairman for the Mexico Moose Lodge. (Submitted)

Moose Lodge comes through for schools

Knowing what teachers have to come up with year-after-year to make the best for their students, the Mexico Moose Lodge wanted to make sure 2022-23 was anything but rocky. So, Patrick Shaw, the … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/23/22

Family, friends plan fundraiser for infant

Beckett Lorentzen was born diagnosed with Prader-Willie Syndrome and a brain bleed, making his first steps in life a harrowing one. He has a G-tube for feeding and is still on … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/22/22

A look at Mexico's Capital Projects

Projects The City of Mexico continues to move forward with the hope of adding to its progress and improved infrastructure with their recently proposed budget for the 2023 Fiscal Year. Included … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/20/22

New Playground at YMCA begins construction plans

There is no rest for the Mexico Area Family YMCA. Recently, it began a project to build a playground, and thanks to Consolidated Electric, the process started last week. “Youth … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/19/22

Joe Martin Jr. is with his great-grandson, Stetson, who was born on July 12. [Submitted]

Family of man seeks assistance in cancer fight

Joe Martin Jr. loves his family, friends, demolition derbies and fishing. Now that he is on dialysis and has been diagnosed with cancer, his loved ones need help to make sure Martin can grab a … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/19/22

Help Center living by its name

It can be a very cool thing when a business lives up to its name and even better when it comes down to a place dedicated to bettering peoples’ lives. The Help Center Inc. Food … more

8/18/22

Vandalia extends waste disposal deal

Based on the minutes from the August 9 City of Vandalia Board of Alderman regular meeting. The board unanimously approved the proposal to re-up with Dayne’s Waste Disposal for … more

By Alan Dale Managing editor | 8/18/22

AC reports on monkeypox: Audrain County still with no reported cases

The world is trying to work its way out of a COVID-19 pandemic, but now the United States is trying to avoid another threat to public health. Thankfully for Audrain County, so … more

By Alan Dale Managing editor | 8/17/22

Mexico closer to adopting new FY budget

All the Ts have been crossed and Is dotted and the City of Mexico budget for fiscal year 2022-23 is ready for prime time. According to City Manager Bruce Slagle, the proposed budget – … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/17/22

About 75 people met at the Audrain County 4-H building on Wednesday to discuss their feelings about the Tiger Connector and the Grain Belt Express as more questions have gone unanswered according to attendees. [Alan Dale]

Build it, will they come? GBE talks bring questions

By ALAN DALEManaging Editor As the ongoing questions mount for Audrain County and those of her neighboring farmers regarding Invenergy Transmission and the Grain Belt Express Tiger Connector, many … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/16/22

Mexico's Eric Mattson has been quite the presence since moving there in 2017. His ability behind the camera is unquestioned and recently he shared his works covering Miss Missouri at an exhibit at Presser Arts Center. [Submitted]

An inspired artist

He is a man that has been a fixture in Mexico for the past few years as a gentleman of faith and a man with an eye for photography. Rev. Eric R. Mattson, moved to Mexico in 2017, and has doubled … more

By ALAN DALE Managing Editor | 8/16/22

The new teachers of District No. 59 are ready to get things rolling in 2022-23. Sitting, Curt Riley; Front row from left, Chris Williamson, Cali Crile, Keena Johnston, Summer Gipson, Josiah Atteberry, Katie Taylor, JoAnne Marietta, Tiffannie Nitcher, Diana Miller, Sara Hamilton, Sharon Schoonover, Emily Chastain, Jena Coleman and Arien Gilmore; Back row from left, Cooper Manns, Shane Jumper, Qierra Holman, Amber Hawkins, Shyann Prater, Autumn Sublette, Ryan Pickering, Jake Vitale, Natalie Fox, Cameron Christoffer, Kristin Ruhl, Shelby Rollenhagen, Margaret Frazier, Alisa Garner, Buffey Mulligan, Gavin Jones, James West, Bill Duncan, Michael Moore, Scott Daly, Justin Hamm, Joanna McClarey, Amanda Heflin, Bethany Thebeau, Alicia Riles and Alexis Williams. [Christine Harper]

New teachers arrive in Mexico

The school year for the Mexico School District No. 59 gets officially underway on Aug. 24 and a few dozen new teachers are gearing up to bring their respective … more

By ALAN DALE Managing Editor | 8/16/22

Mexico's Karen Thomas recently hung it up after three decades working in the grocery business. [Submitted]

Career in grocery work ends for Mexico woman

It was time to leave the grocery business for Karen Thomas, but make no mistake, it was anything but easy. Thomas, of Mexico, recently wrapped up a solid three decades working in various stores … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/12/22

Man takes initiative, begins own business

With a good 20 years under his belt, Steve Barker decided to go for it and go on his own. A man with longtime experience in plumbing is determined to give his hometown of Mexico someone they can … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/12/22

Volunteers help set up a new transitional housing location on Summit Street this past weekend. [Submitted]

A first chance at new opportunities

With a purpose to give those who might be behind the 8-ball a chance to achieve victories – even in small amounts – is just what the Audrain County Shelter Resource Coalition (ACSRC) is … more

By ALAN DALE Managing Editor | 8/11/22

Rains help farmers with dry summer

First and foremost, farmers will say that their vocation is part the common good and another playing the lotto. While trying to feed their families, it also becomes an act of sustaining so many … more

By ALAN DALE Managing Editor | 8/11/22

Sheriff: County not set for CCW auditing

Audrain County Sheriff Matt Oller makes no bones about it. He is an employee of the State of Missouri, and his loyalty is to her citizens.Some may not realize that much of the background checks that … more

By ALAN DALE Managing Editor | 8/11/22

Next hearing scheduled for woman suspected of pedophilia crimes

Jennifer Huddleston, of Barnhart, who was charged with four felony counts against a child, saw her next court date set last week in Mexico. Audrain County prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger presented … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/10/22

CUTLINE: Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe (left) presents Mexico’s John Matthews (center), along with Rep. Kent Haden, with the Senior Service Award Monday at the Audrain County Courthouse. Matthews has been a dedicated Red Cross volunteer for decades. (Alan Dale)

Mexico man receives Senior Service Award

John Matthews has done things the right way in the eyes of many. The Mexico native has made it a big part of his life to serve those in his community and more so when things get really … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/10/22

This condemnation letter was sent to a family in Monroe County from representatives of Invenergy Transmission, the company spearheading the Grain Belt Express and Tiger Connector project.

Grain Belt, farmers taking next steps

As the discussion about the Grain Belt Express and its proposed Tiger Connector route continues to heat up, Invenergy Transmission is plowing ahead while a plethora of Audrain County farmers continue … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/7/22

Learn how to play the Mountain Dulcimer beginning August 16.

Mountain Dulcimer music class offered

Beginning on August 16 for eight consecutive Tuesdays, the Presser Arts Center will offer musicians a chance to pick up a new type of instrument. Mexico’s Terry Smith will teach the course … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/7/22

New Dollar General set for Laddonia placement

The city of Laddonia is admittedly a small one with very few businesses that make up its landscape. Yet, that won’t keep them from progressing in a direction that gives its citizens more … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/4/22