News - The Mexico Ledger

Elks names February Students of the Month

Jace DeVault Parents: Fred and Julie DeVault Jace is a member of the Mexico FFA chapter. Outside of school, he spends his time hunting and farming. Jace said he will miss his buddies at MHS the … more

2/20/26

Last year, the Jeep Thing had 81 Jeeps registered and attracted a crowd to the square. The event raised money for the Missouri Veterans Home and Mainstreet Mexico while encouraging event-goers to shop at local businesses.

City of Mexico increases tourism funding

Recent recommendations made by the Mexico Tourism Commission to cut advertising funding by more than 50% of what was requested for local events didn’t sit well with the Mexico City Council. … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 2/20/26

City of Mexico receives clean audit

For 36 consecutive years, the City of Mexico has been issued a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting — and it would appear that the city has done it again. The … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 2/19/26

City hones in on connectivity plans for parks

Expanding trails and improving connectivity between parks will be the goal of Mexico’s next phase of park improvements. At the Jan. 26 meeting, the Mexico City Council approved the adoption of … more

2/19/26

Guest speaker Nate Neyman, left, gets cadets Beckett Sears, a senior from Southlake, Texas; Ricky Ganza, a freshman from Rwanda; Wesley Ball, a freshman from Fults, Illinois; and Seeley Wagner, a seventh grader from Festus, Missouri engaged with some trivia during his presentation.

Fight The New Drug announces national speaker for special web presentation

Missouri Military Academy and Audrain County service agencies will host an additional Fight the New Drug presentation for free on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. with an online forum and presentation. … more

2/18/26

Valentine's Day Photo Contest Winners

The winners of The Mexico Ledger’s Valentine’s Day Photo Contest, sponsored by Cordelio Power, have been announced. There were a lot of great entries. First place goes to Alicia Eldridge for … more

2/18/26

Troy Lentz, superintendent of Mexico School District, said the district is financially healthy and operates between $10 and $15 million in fund balances. Part of the reason behind the dip from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025, pictured above, is because the district coded two summer schools in 2024.

Parents, community members weigh in on school district spending

How does the Mexico School District spend its money? The Mexico School District and the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce hosted “Let’s Talk Finance,” a community forum where the district … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 2/18/26

Fire damages Mexico home

A fire Friday caused significant damage to the deck and siding of a house. There were no injuries reported, and it was determined that a resident was smoking in the area prior to the incident, … more

2/17/26

Moberly Area Community College partners with ATD Flight Systems to launch Aviation Commercial Pilot program

Moberly Area Community College signed an agreement with ATD Flight Systems to provide FAA Part 141 flight instruction, aircraft, simulation equipment and professional training for MACC’s new … more

2/15/26

Missouri Military Academy names new Commandant of Cadets

Missouri Military Academy names new Commandant of Cadets Missouri Military Academy has hired Col. Timothy Baer to serve as commandant of cadets at the boys’ college preparatory military … more

2/14/26

Community R-6 senior Matthew Utterback, freshman Natali Sommer and sophomore Sophie Fennewald pose with their medals after the district FBLA competition. All three will advance to state.

Community R-6 senior, freshmen shine at FBLA district competition

Community R-6 senior Matthew Utterback has been competing at the district and state levels with the Future Business Leaders of America throughout his entire high school career. In April, he will … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 2/13/26

John Wohlschlaeger, landscape architect and partner at SWT Design, discusses the vision for an improved Fairgrounds Park with Dr. Alexander Fink at the community meeting on Aug. 6, 2025.

City Council approves parks master plan

The Mexico City Council approved the adoption of a parks master plan from SWT Designs at its Jan. 26 meeting so it can move forward with park improvements. Chad Unterreiner, director of Mexico … more

2/13/26

Candidate filing dates set for Aug. 4 primary

Filing for the Aug. 4 primary election will open on Feb. 24 at 8 a.m. and will continue until March 29 at 5 p.m. for various state and county offices. Filing for county offices may be done at … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 2/12/26

WRAP specialists Darlene Shopher, Robert Meador and Vickie Riley.

Workforce training opportunity opens to regional employers

Workforce training opportunity opens to regional employers Regional employers will be able to learn new techniques to help with workforce retention during a special partnership between the … more

2/12/26

Kitchen fire causes damage to Mexico home

A kitchen fire Tuesday caused significant smoke damage and moderate fire and water damage to a home in Mexico. There were no injuries reported and the resident reportedly fell asleep while … more

2/11/26

Bob Cope, City of Martinsburg City Council member, said drainage issues lead to water on city streets, which can take hours to finally flow south, and causes damage to the road. The improvement plans across Martinsburg will extend the longevity of the streets and reduce maintenance.

Martinsburg awarded CDBG funding for infrastructure work

The City of Martinsburg is taking steps to extend the life of its infrastructure and reduce ongoing maintenance — starting with its streets. Martinsburg was awarded a $351,308 Community … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 2/11/26

2026 Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors: Front row: Vice President of Community Betterment and Civic Affairs Marissa Lightsey of Century 21, President Elect Mark DeJaynes of A Marked Salon, Chamber President, Logan Ray of Slumberland Furniture, Immediate Past-President Matt Gowin of The Bank of Missouri, President of Progress Mexico Robby Miller of Mexico Heating and Vice President of Business Services Crystal Anthony of Central Bank. Second row: Executive Director of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce Dana Keller, Teresa Carlson of The Carlson House, Randy Meyers III of Carquest/Meyers Truck Service, Superintendent of the Mexico Public School District Troy Lentz, Sheila Fox of Graf & Sons, Gina Raines of Commerce Bank, City of Mexico Director of Economic Development Gigi Quinlan-McAreavy and Richard V. Geraci of Missouri Military Academy. Back Row: Derek Stuckenschneider of PSB Bank, Justin Berrey of True Manufacturing, Mayor of Mexico Steve Haag, Mexico City Manager Bruce Slagle, Arthur Center Community Health CEO Brock Lough, Dr. Alex Finck of Cornerstone Family Medicine, and Brock Fuemmeler of IMS Technology Group. Not Pictured: Vice President of Operations Brooke Oliver, director of the Mexico Area Family YMCA; Treasurer Troy Teel of Pearl Motor Company; Alan Winders, presiding county commissioner; Kristin Arnold of The Law Office of Kristin L. Arnold; and Brandt Schisler, owner of Hickory Ridge Orchard.

Applications open for Leadership Mexico 2026

Mexico has established a reputation as a highly community-minded city. Its businesses and individuals continually demonstrate a willingness to work for the constant growth of the area. … more

2/11/26

Gigi Quinlan McAreavy’s, economic development director of Mexico, highlighted this property at 1403 N. Western St. as an example of one of the projects that was part of the city’s demolition program.

Economic development director highlights growth, challenges in Mexico

1403 N. Western .jpg Gigi Quinlan McAreavy’s, economic development director of Mexico, highlighted this property at 1403 N. Western St. as an example of one of the projects that was part of the … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 2/8/26

Wooley accepts manager position at Agape House

The Agape House of Vandalia announced that Teena Wooley of Curryville has accepted the position of manager effective Jan 16. Wooley comes to The Agape House with past experience in the hotel industry … more

2/7/26

Van-Far Alumni Association meets

The Van-Far Alumni board members met Jan. 22 and discussed various alternatives to the annual alumni reunion. Members weighed resuming the usual Sunday lunch and program with other plans involving a … more

2/7/26

The 2025 Missouri Military Academy Valentine Ball.

Missouri Military Academy families to attend Valentine Weekend

Missouri Military Academy will host cadet families and friends from across the United States and around the world for a Valentine Weekend celebration February 13-15. Featured events will include … more

2/6/26

One-night performance of “Love Letters” set for Valentine’s Day

Two friends relive past memories — the details of their lives forever recorded in a series of letters that span nearly half a decade. This is the story of Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 2/6/26

Community R-6 invests in a new stage

According to Superintendent Chad Harter, the stage used by the Community R-6 School District needs to be replaced. The Community R-6 Board of Education approved the purchase of a new stage at … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 2/5/26

Presser Youth Traveling Company selected to perform at 2027 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Presser Youth Traveling Company selected to perform at 2027 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Students from Presser Arts Center have been selected as an elite performing arts group, officially designated as … more

2/5/26

Mexico School District recognizes Employees of the Month

Certified Staff of the Month: Lindsey Nilges, McMillan Early Learning Center Amber Henderson, director of human resources; Dr. Troy Lentz, superintendent; Lindsey Nilges, teacher; Dr. Anne … more

Photos courtesy of Marci Orr | 2/4/26