News - The Mexico Ledger

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

ACHD launches new healthcare directory

Finding available healthcare services in the Audrain County area just got a bit easier for Audrain County residents with the release by the Audrain County Health Department (ACHD) of a Healthcare … more

6/8/22

Health department announces new medical directors

The Audrain County Health Department (ACHD) is announcing the hiring of new medical directors for the department. ACHD Administrator and CEO Craig Brace says the physicians at Cornerstone Family … more

6/6/22

133rd Missouri Military Academy graduating class celebrates commencement

Addressing the graduating class for the 133rd Missouri Military Academy (MMA) Corps of Cadets on commencement day, May 21. Chief of Staff for the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Lawrence "Kwakou" … more

6/3/22

GFWC officers 2022-24, from left, are Julie McKeown, corresponding secretary; Connie Robley, president; Gailyn Fennewald, vice-president; Lara Ryan, recording secretary; Maureen Hacker, treasurer; Shirley Brauer, spiritual leader. [Submitted Photo]

GFWC Mexico Women’s Club installs officers

GFWC Mexico Women’s Club’s May meeting was held at the YMCA Café with a salad luncheon prepared by members. President Valine Perll welcomed Olivia Shafer, a sophomore from … more

Submitted by Maureen Hacker | 6/3/22

Juneteenth celebration approaches

Mexico’s Juneteenth celebration will be held June 17-19. The celebration will get underway at 6 p.m. June 17 at Garfield Park with an opening ceremony that will include … more

6/1/22

The return is here: New KFC opens in Mexico

Audrain County has another eating option as a familiar name returns to Mexico. That familiar name is Kentucky Fried Chicken. Also known simply as “KFC”, the restaurant opened its … more

6/1/22

The design of the "Mo Mo the Missouri Monster" t-shirt being sold by the Louisiana Area Historical Museum. [Submitted Photo]

Uh, oh, Mo Mo's back: Louisiana museum plans July 1 concert for monstrous anniversary

Fifty years ago, a Bigfoot-like creature that reportedly stalked Pike County caused a national stir. Now, the Louisiana Area Historical Museum is bringing back the musician behind the song … more

5/27/22

From left, MMA President Richard V. Geraci, Mayor Chris Miller, Cadets René Garcia Garza, Kamil Sanchez de Ovando Pérez, Sebastian Valdes Barreto, Nathaniel Bowman, Mason Kletjian, Miles Matthews and Kevith Sangster; Betty Jo Sydenstricker and Chris Schafer. [MMA Photo]

MMA cadets vie for 2022 W. Wallace Fry, Jr. Public Speaking Contest awards

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) held the 90th annual W. Wallace Fry, Jr. Public Speaking Contest on Wednesday, May 4, in Centennial Gymtorium on MMA’s campus in Mexico, Missouri. MMA … more

5/27/22

Mexico School Board honors retirees, hears concerns

The Mexico Public School Board meeting on Tuesday, May 17 was a mix of routine and reaction. Among the routine celebrations of service, the board presented Golden Apples to the 20 district … more

Erik Richardson, Correspondent | 5/26/22