News - The Mexico Ledger

In a few months when folks can get back into the parks they’ll have a nighttime option to play pickleball after new lights are installed.

Parks Foundation funds pickleball court project

After an aggressive funding campaign in 2023, the pickleball courts at Fairgrounds Park will get an upgrade in 2024. Mexico Parks and Recreation Director Chad Shoemaker presented city council … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/27/24

Council sets new refuse rates beginning in April

After approving a new 10-year agreement with Dayne’s Waste Disposal for trash collection services in the city of Mexico the city council has approved a new base rate for 12 months beginning … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/27/24

Crews worked on fixing a glass window in the hospital's ER unit last summer.

Hospital owners say they’re trying to help former employees

The former Audrain County Hospital owners, Ziva Medical, say they’re caught in between a tough space of getting a business up off the ground and helping former employees who are facing turmoil … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/27/24

A Mexico Altrusa member got her end of the night prize at Bunco Night.

Local Altrusa Club looking for more members

Altrusa International Club of Mexico Bunco Night was held on Jan. 23 at the Elks Lodge. The evening started with a social hour and dinner, followed by lots of fun playing Bunco. Door … more

1/27/24

MPSD confronts belligerent woman at local business

On Tuesday, Jan. 23, at approximately 2:39 p.m., the Mexico Public Safety Department (MPSD) responded to the 100 block of East Jackson in reference to a disturbance. Responding personnel learned that … more

1/27/24

BOE wants to wrap up the superintendent search before March

The Mexico Public Schools Board of Education (BOE) has set a timeline and established the process for hiring a new superintendent. The BOE was thrust into the position of searching for a new … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/26/24

MPSD confronts belligerent woman at local business

On Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 at approximately 2:39 p.m., the Mexico Public Safety Department (MPSD) responded to the 100 block of East Jackson in reference to a disturbance. Responding personnel learned … more

1/24/24

Chastain stepping down (Updated)

Mexico Public Schools Superintendent Melissa Chastain is stepping down along with two others in the administration building. The Mexico Public School District announced late Friday afternoon, … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/24/24

Community R-VI High School English Teacher Jami Williams shows Board of Education members an AI program students are using.

Community R-VI teachers dealing with challenges of AI

Community R-VI language arts teachers are asking the Board of Education (BOE) to help them define and set rules for the use and engagement of artificial intelligence (AI). Jami Williams and … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/24/24

The former Audrain County Hospital was cold and empty last week after most of the operational staff was laid off.

Ziva Medical shuts down operations amid uncertainty

The efforts to reopen the former Audrain County Hospital by its new owners has hit a major snag and most of the workforce that’s been hired has been laid off. About 30 people found out … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/24/24

Arrest Report

Arrest Report 1/19 - 1/22 Zachary David Erwin , 34, stealing Kassidee Danielle Hess , 24, fugitive out-of-state, held for Adams County Illinois Benjamin James Hancock , 30, stealing … more

1/24/24

BOE member wants more public input

The Mexico Public Schools Board of Education (BOE) got into a lengthy discussion about the process for allowing the public to speak at meetings with no action taken. The discussion took place at … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/20/24

Community R-VI Superintendent Nick Larson jokes with Community R-VI Board of Education members during a regular meeting on Jan. 17.

Larson to leave Community R-VI for Bowling Green

The Community R-VI School District is looking for a new superintendent. Current Superintendent Nick Larson announced this week that he will be stepping down at the end of the academic school … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/20/24

The parking lot at Mexico High School was full of cars on Thursday as classes resumed after an unscheduled second winter break due to weather.

HVAC, water main issues cause Mexico schools to close

The winter weather the area has experienced over the past week has shut down local schools and is pushing back activities on the calendar. Mexico Public Schools were shut down on Wednesday … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/20/24

Arrest Report

Arrest Report 1/12 - 1/18 Brenden Mikel Rowberry , 31, DWI, failed to drive on right side of roadway, failure to wear seat belt Dennis Phillip Holmes , 30, possession of a controlled … more

1/20/24

Mexico Public Schools Superintendent Melissa Chastain

Chastain stepping down

The Mexico Public School District announced late Friday afternoon that Superintendent Melissa Chastain would be stepping down from her position at the end of the academic year. A statement … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/19/24

It was a subzero start to the week on Monday, Jan. 15, after arctic air moved into central Missouri over the weekend, causing temperatures to plummet to dangerous levels.

Deep freeze shut down

Temperatures that reached double digits in the negative shut down much of the state this weekend including Mexico after a winter storm dumped snow on the area last week. Cold temperatures … more

1/17/24

Mexico, Missouri American Water enter agreement for disconnection

The city of Mexico has entered into a new agreement with Missouri American Water that will make it easier for the city to take action on delinquent sewer bill accounts. In Mexico sewer service … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/17/24

City releases property sold decades earlier

A Mexiconian couple needed city action last week in order to sell their house. The council voted 4-0 with Member Chris Williams absent to release the property owned by Edward and Shirley Winter … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/17/24

Fundraiser set for local battling health issues

A group of local residents is rallying around a friend and family member to raise money to help them through a personal battle. The fundraiser for Jessica Jolly will be held this Saturday, Jan. … more

Dennis Sharkey / Editor | 1/17/24

Christian Rost, Vandalia, was able to keep active during subzero temperatures at the Eastern Missouri Family YMCA in Vandalia on Monday, Jan. 15.

YMCA the place to warm up

Subzero winter temperatures shut down a lot of things and places but the YMCA in Mexico and the Eastern Missouri Family YMCA in Vandalia were not on the list. Both civic treasurers were both open … more

1/17/24

The Mexico Public Schools Board of Education approved a budget for the 2023-24 school year that includes everything from pencils to diesel fuel for the buses.

School district unveils bond levy web page

Mexico Public Schools has created a web page to help voters navigate some of the many questions they have concerning an upcoming bond issue. In December the Mexico Public Schools approved ballot … more

1/17/24

Arrest Report 1/11 - 1/12

Arrest Report 1/11 - 1/12 Christopher Roe , 35, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia Eugene Benjamin Govero , 47, driving while revoked or suspended … more

1/17/24

MPSD responds to multiple fires involving heaters

On Tuesday, Jan. 16, at approximately 9:49 a.m., the Mexico Public Safety Department (MPSD) responded to the 800 block of West Monroe in reference to a structure fire. Responding personnel found fire … more

1/16/24

Celebrations for tomorrow canceled

Unfortunately, the festivities for Dr. Martin Luther King Day in Mexico have been canceled. Organizers of the events said safety is the number one concern in the decision. more

1/14/24