News - The Mexico Ledger

Tony and Nick Kaufman have seen The 581 come a long way in Mexico.

Mexico restaurant's reputation continues to grow

It’s safe to say that when Tony Kaufman decided to join forces with his brother Nick, the destiny of The 581 was etched in stone. As their own version of the restaurant businesses’ … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 6/30/22

Mexico man gets 20 years for 2020 murder

Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger announced Friday that Javon Hornbeak, 20, of Mexico, was sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison after his role in a fatal shooting at … more

6/30/22

Newbrough appointed to advisory group

A member of the Audrain County Health Department (ACHD) has been appointed to a national advisory group through the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).ACHD Emergency … more

6/30/22

Centralia: Moves aim to keep things running smoothly

The City of Centralia’s Board of Alderman’s office held a special meeting Thursday to discuss establishing relationships with entities that can help keep things running in the … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 6/29/22

Farber: City raises price on waste pickup

The City of Farber voted to pass an ordinance last week at the Board of Alderman meeting that would allow it to raise the price of pickups for residential solid waste. Barbara Straube, the … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 6/28/22

District 59 approved the 2023 Fiscal Year budget.

Mexico school board approves new budget

The District No. 59 school board approved the 2023 fiscal year budget at just over $33 million Tuesday night. All told, $11,350,160 will come from the general find, $17,085,770 out of the … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 6/27/22

The 4th of July holiday is approaching, and people will have plenty of things to pick from to enjoy celebrating America's birthday.

Plenty to do, see, this 4th of July in Audrain

It seems like almost a year ago, 4th of July was upon us, and everyone was celebrating the nation’s birthday with fireworks, food and revelry. Well, actually it was almost a year ago and … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 6/26/22

Callie Cox, center, recently gave her crown as Miss Missouri on to her successor and had time to reflect on her year holding the title.

'It was a wild, but a very beautiful journey.'

It was a whirlwind of activity and a plethora of emotions that guided Mexico’s Callie Cox through a year of carrying the crown of Miss Missouri. The 2021 winner relinquished her title this … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 6/24/22

Audrain County 911 brings texting capability to residents

Audrain County 911 emergency services director Amanda Crewse announced recently the entity now has the ability to receive 911 text messages through certain carriers. “This has been a long … more

6/23/22

Buy and Bust: When private equity comes for rural hospitals

MEXICO, Mo. — When the new corporate owners of two rural hospitals suddenly announced they would stop admitting patients one Friday in March, Kayla Schudel, a nurse, stood resolute in the … more

By Sarah Jane Tribble, Kaiser Health News | 6/23/22

Ron Welch stands proudly with a car that had plenty left green with envy at Saturday's Graf & Sons Car Show at the Mexico Elks Lodge. [Photo by Alan Dale]

Graf and Sons Car Show draws big crowds

The Graf and Sons Car Show once again went off without a hitch and even got a respite from the recent wave of blistering temperatures on a pitch perfect Saturday at the Mexico Elks Lodge. … more

By Alan Dale, Editor | 6/23/22

Clare Marie Kuebler is crowned as the 2022 Miss Missouri during the conclusion of the pageant held Saturday, June 18. Mexico's Callie Cox, the outgoing Miss Missouri, presented the crown. (Photo courtesy of JC Productions)

Miss Missouri's newly fashioned path leads to crown

If one could measure the 2022 Miss Missouri pageant in comparison to an exercise facility, the 24 contestants would bring more power than all the free weight or cardio machines combined. At … more

By Alan Dale Managing Editor | 6/22/22

Alan Dale announced as new Ledger editor

Alan Dale has assumed the post as the new managing editor of The Mexico Ledger. Dale arrives back in the Midwest after working as a sports editor at a Houston, Texas-area daily. He has had stints … more

6/21/22

Vintage machines of all sizes were on display at the 2021 Old Threshers. [Nathan Lilley Photo]

Mark Twain Old Threshers approaches

The 53rd Annual Mark Twain Old Threshers, Paris, Mo., will be held July 7-9 at the Paris Fairgrounds. The event will include a flea market, rope-making machine, antique farming operations, early day … more

6/21/22

Students enjoyed History Camp, held last week at the Audrain County Historical Society grounds last week. History camp is a perennial favorite with area youth. [Submitted Photo]

Audrain County's History Camp is a hit

The museum grounds were alive with activity last week during “Heroes Among Us” History Camp held June 6-10 at the Audrain County Historical Society. The World War II themed camp was … more

6/17/22

MMA announces 2021-22 academic distinction recipients

MMA announces 2021-22 academic distinction recipients Missouri Military Academy (MMA), one of the nation's top college-preparatory military boarding schools, is pleased to announce the cadets who … more

6/17/22

Miss Missouri Callie Cox, left, and Miss Missouri's Outstanding Teen Ashley Berry enjoyed a day on the golf course Sunday as the 2022 Miss Missouri Competition got underway. [Leslie A. Meyer Photography]

Miss Missouri tees off

It’s official: Miss Missouri is in full swing. Pun intended. The 2022 Miss Missouri Golf Classic teed off Sunday at The Oaks in Mexico. The fundraiser allows the Miss candidates to … more

6/17/22

The Missouri High Steppers of Columbia's Boys and Girls Club Drum Line will be part of Friday's celebration.[Submitted Photo]

Juneteenth celebration to be held June 17-19 in Mexico

As the nation gets ready to celebrate Juneteenth as a national holiday, the Rebuilding The Village Committee of Anointed Life Saving Ministries, Inc. is preparing a community celebration, June 17- … more

6/17/22

People show up in droves to attend Mexico Young Farmers truck and tractor pull

There was a huge turnout for the 17th annual Mexico Young Farmers Truck and Tractor Pull Saturday evening at the Audrain County 4-H Fairgrounds. Although inclement weather cut the fun short, there … more

6/17/22

Hometown titleholder competes for Miss Missouri crown

Miss Missouri candidates from across the state, their pageant directors and families will travel to the heart of Missouri June 12 to kick off a week filled with rehearsals, talent performances, … more

6/14/22

Miss Missouri candidates visiit with well-wishers during the 2021 Saturday on the Square. [File Photos]

Saturday on the Square will be a Miss Missouri highlight

Miss Missouri Week 2022 is here again and as in years past, it promises to be a time where highlights abound and emotions run high as candidates vie for the title. Among can’t-miss events on … more

6/14/22

Two youth injured in 3-wheeler accident

A 15-year-old juvenile female and a 4-year-old juvenile male sustained injuries in a two-vehicle accident Sunday, June 5. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred when … more

6/14/22

Suzanne Pursifull, representing the scholarship committee, is pictured with scholarship winner, Deann Brooks. [Submitted Photo]

Altrusa installs officers, welcomes new members

Altrusa International, Inc. of Mexico, met on May 26, at The Oaks at noon for their program meeting. The meeting was called to order by Melanie Utterback followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests … more

6/14/22

New sports editor joins Ledger staff

The Mexico Ledger welcomed Jeremy Jacob to the staff last week as the newspaper’s new sports editor. Jacob was most recently the sports editor for the Fulton Sun, a position he held since … more

6/8/22

Participants in the second Uplift Mid-Mo Color Run throw different colors of powder up in the air Saturday before the start of the race at Teal Lake Shelter in Mexico. The proceeds that amounted to about $4,500 this year will go toward supporting local residents in need. [Jeremy Jacob Photo]

Color Run uplifts for second time

Runners of all age groups were adorned with the colors of the rainbow Saturday.Uplift Mid-Mo, a local Christian organization that raises money for people in need, held its second Color Run (or walk) … more

By Jeremy Jacob, Staff Writer | 6/8/22