News - The Mexico Ledger

Alice Leonatti, Voters Service Chairman for the Mexico Audrain County League of Women Voters, played host to Thursday's Candidates' Forum prior to Tuesday's primaries. (Alan Dale)

Candidates forum reaffirms individual stances

Yes, the races would be uncontested and by today Audrain County would receive confirmation of predestined wins by these dozen candidates. However, that didn’t change the importance of … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/1/22

Kent Haden is running unopposed in Tuesday's primary. Most local races face the same 1-candidate situation. (Alan Dale)

Primary set for Tuesday: What to know

A number of unopposed races dot the 2022 primary election for Audrain County on Tuesday, but there is still plenty to know before hitting the polls. A little over a dozen polling places dot the … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/1/22

Martinsburg got hit hard by a recent storm that felt Audrain County and the Northeastern part of the state. (Submitted by Carol Lewis)

Historic storm rolls through Mexico, county

A summer storm ripped through Mexico and Audrain County in the late Monday and early Tuesday hours, rendering several roads flooded and impassable and dumping as much as eight inches of rain in some … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 8/1/22

Man charged with sex crimes vs. child, set for 9/7 hearing

William Dahl, of Rush Hill, is set to appear in Audrain County Court on Sept. 7 by agreement between both the prosecution and the defense in connection with over a dozen sex-related charges involving … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/30/22

Honoring Lue being considered by city council

Tyronn Lue might have been a player in the National Basketball Association and even won a championship ring as the coach of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers, but now, he is approaching Mexico … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/30/22

Dogs are feeling the pinch of economic challenges at the Mexico Animal Shelter. Now only canines with a Mexico address will be taken in for the time being.

Feeling the pinch, animal shelter goes Mexico-centric

Animal overcrowding has delivered a gut punch to dogs from outside of Mexico. Due to overcrowding and an increase in expenses, the only Audrain County animals that will be accepted at the Mexico … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/30/22

Van-Far SD decides on tire bid

Based on the minutes from the July 21 Van-Far R1 School District regular and closed sessions. The Van-Far school board unanimously voted to approve a tire bid from Jireh. The district has … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/30/22

$A North American Refractories Corporation reunion will take place during the myriad of festivities scheduled for the Farber Fun Fest on Aug. 5-6. (Submitted)$

Farber Fun Fest approaching on sesquicentennial

The Farber softball fields will be the scene for this year’s special edition of the annual Fun Fest that rolls through town yearly. This year, Farber will celebrate two days of fun and … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/28/22

Made in Missouri

CUTLINES VH with Peeps: VH with Kids: VH speaking: VH Kent Repping VH: Hartzler rally focuses on Republican values Vicky Hartzler is born and bred Missouri with a blood … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/28/22

Taking time out at the Youth Fair social. (Submitted by Kendra Smith)

Fair wraps up with plenty to appreciate

It was a week of warm weather, a lot of animals and plenty of talented agricultural kids at the 2022 Audrain County Youth Fair. All told, dozens of kids from various 4-H and FFA chapters showed … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/28/22

Kent Hagen is one of many running unopposed in next week's primary. He submitted responses to the League of Women Voters candidate forum Q and A. (Alan Dale photo)

Candidate forum planned for Thursday

The League of Women Voters has gone to work to make sure a number of local election hopefuls get heard in front of Mexico. A total of 11 candidates running for positions unopposed or otherwise … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/28/22

Representatives Mike Haffner and Kent Haden spoke together to show their solidarity with the concerned farmers and expressed their thoughts regarding the news that the Grain Belt project has taken a potential new turn. (Alan Dale photo)

What else to know going forward with Grain Belt

Some of the points either verbalized by concerned Audrain County citizens and/or provided in press release format by Invenergy when it comes to its declaration of attempting to use eminent domain to … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/25/22

A larger-than-expected crowd gathered at the Audrain County Courthouse Tuesday to discuss the newest proposal by Invenergy Transmission and its proposal to expand on its current project that could ultimately affect a large number of farms. (Alan Dale photo)

Round one: Eminent domain concerns shake local farmers

It is going to likely come down to how the message is delivered and will it still be worth listening to. That is the dilemma right now with a number of Audrain County farmers as they await with … more

By Alan Dale Managing editor | 7/25/22

A strong number of multi-talented agricultural phenoms showed their skill sets Tuesday during the newest edition of the Master Showman competition during the Audrain County Youth Fair. (submitted photo)

Top Master Showmen recognize the fruits of their toil

On the final day of the Audrain County Youth Fair, a highlight focused on the talents of the young men and women who have dedicated much of their lives to the raising of livestock and taking the art … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/25/22

Guilty plea entered; sentence announced in 2020 shooting death

Jerry Asbell, Jr., 31, entered a guilty plea to the charge of murder in the second degree for the shooting death of Amanda Johnston, 32, on August 5, 2020. Judge Jason Lamb sentenced him … more

7/25/22

Beef Show Lance Hudson : Lance Hudson was the top performer and this year’s Beef Steer winner. (photo by Cindy Parrish)

Beef Show: A positive last showing for Fair mainstay

Grant Norfleet had one more showing left in him, and it went pretty well as he captured another top prize as he sailed into the sunset. Norfleet, who has been a familiar face at the Audrain County … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/22/22

Juneteenth makes its way onto Vandalia calendar

Based on the minutes from the July 12 Board of Alderman regular session of the City of Vandalia. The board approved unanimously the recognition of Juneteenth as an annual holiday. City … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/22/22

Water testing to commence in Laddonia homes

The following is compiled from the minutes of the Laddonia Board of Alderman meeting on July 14. City maintenance’s Eddy Craft presented to the board issues regarding water leaks that have … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/22/22

Adam Rhoades supreme doe: Adam Rhoades took home the top prize in supreme doe. (photo by Kendra Allen)

Goat Show: Brother act leads the way

The Van Schyndel brothers had their way in the goat show at this year’s Audrain County Youth Fair. Nick Van Schyndel, who also won the king’s crown, captured the title for champion … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/22/22

Man facing multiple charges after car crash, leaving daughter behind

A Mexico man turned himself in late Saturday night following a car crash that led to him fleeing the scene while leaving his 14-year-old daughter behind. According to Mexico Public Safety … more

7/21/22

Republican rally set for Saturday in Mexico

United States congresswoman Vicky Hartzler and state representative Kent Haden will hold a rally at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Mexico Elks Lodge, 1705 Christopher Road. The two Republicans will stand … more

7/21/22

The cast of Stuart Little brought out the fireworks and talent this weekend when they put on multiple shows at the Presser Arts Center. (Alan Dale photo)

‘Stuart Little’ plays big in Mexico

Ten youths got together and put on a strong show at the Presser Arts Center this past weekend. “Stuart Little” came to Mexico thanks to Landon Whitworth (title role), Leo Oligschlaeger … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/21/22

A secret to longevity

With its 65 th anniversary set to take place this upcoming week, Graf & Sons are all about sharing the celebration with more than just the “family.” So, the business will host … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/19/22

This architectural elevation photo presents what the front of a new, proposed senior homes facility could look like once it’s built. The final plan has yet to be finalized. [Submitted]

It’s a go: Senior homes expansion approved

It appears that seniors will have some more opportunities to pick where they choose to live in Mexico in the next few years. The Mexico City Council approved Bill Bo. 2022-33 by a 4-1 (Steve … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/19/22

Athena, believed to be 16 years old, died at the Mexico Animal Shelter waiting for her family to come get her. When they tried to, she had already passed causing points of contention between her owners and the shelter. (Submitted)

Elderly dog dies while in Mexico dog shelter

What amounts to a cautionary tale on how to do things a little better when it involves a loving pet, an elderly dog lost its life waiting to return home to a family it had known all its life. … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 7/17/22