News - The Mexico Ledger

Mark Eggleston, right, student recruitment specialist at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, discusses potential paths with Mexico High School senior Bailey Christianson (front right) and her mother, Cara. Christianson has a passion for theater and is looking for a college where she can pursue that.

Students explore opportunities at college fair

For students, it’s never too early to start thinking about college. Less than a month after students returned to the classroom, Mexico High School hosted its annual college fair in … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/25/25

Marriage minimum age law changes in Missouri

The state of Missouri recently enacted legislation that significantly changes the age requirements for marriage within the state, said Teresa L. Allen, recorder of deeds for Audrain County, in a news … more

9/24/25

From left: Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Fricke, Mr. and Mrs. Don Uhey. The veterans stand with their wives and quilts.

Quilts of Valor Presentation by Friends and Family Veterans Support Group

Ceremonies honoring veterans were held Sept. 16 at the Friendship Baptist Church in Mexico, according to a news release. The Friends and Family Veterans Support Group presented two Quilts of … more

9/24/25

Courtney Sample discusses issues regarding safety at the Mexico Public Schools Board of Education meeting Sept. 16. [Don Munsch]

Mexico Public Schools Board of Education hears about parent's safety concerns

Courtney Sample wants Mexico Public Schools to ensure safety on campuses. She spoke to the Mexico Public Schools Board of Education Sept. 16 about her views during the public comment … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/24/25

Area students receive American FFA Degree

The American FFA Degree is the highest honor FFA members can receive in their career. Community R-6 FFA adviser Stacy French explained that the degree recognizes years of dedication spent … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/24/25

Sarah Graff, director of special projects with U.S. Rep. Sam Graves’ office, speaks at the Audrain Municipalities Meeting Sept. 15 at the Benton City Community Building. To her left are Audrain County Presiding Commissioner Alan Winders, center, and Audrain County Associate Commissioner Leslie Meyer. [Don Munsch]

Local leaders get update on Highway 54 project, Vandalia clinic

An update on Highway 54 plans and information on the Vandalia clinic project were among topics discussed at the Audrain Municipalities meeting Sept.15 at the Benton City Community Building. … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/24/25

The 2025 Walk Back in Time will be held Friday through Sunday on the Audrain County Historical Society grounds.

Walk Back in Time returns to Mexico this weekend

History will come to life this weekend at the Audrain County Historical Society. Soon, the grounds will be crawling with volunteers and reenactors who will immerse visitors in historical lessons … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/24/25

Rural areas of the state have higher poverty rates and older demographics, and about one in four rural Missourians rely on Medicaid.

‘And that’s all gone’: Rural health centers in Missouri close, end continuous local care

It’s been more than three years since the closure of Audrain Community Hospital, ending more than a century of continuous local care in the mid-Missouri community. Once a cornerstone of … more

By Jonah Foster, Xander Lundblad and Seth Schwartzberg, Columbia Missourian | 9/24/25

Mexico man injured in Audrain County wreck

A Mexico man suffered minor injuries after a two-vehicle crash Sept. 20 at Highway 22 and Audrain County Road 215 in Audrain County. The man, 94, was taken to University Hospital. … more

9/22/25

Jefferson City boy hurt in Audrain County crash

A Jefferson City boy suffered moderate injuries after he was in a one-vehicle wreck Sept. 18 on U.S. 54, two miles east of Mexico in Audrain County. The boy, 17, was taken to Capital Region … more

9/19/25

Mexico man charged with multiple sex crimes

A Mexico man was arrested Wednesday on two counts of sexual abuse-first degree and one count of statutory sodomy. John Hoyle, 47, is being held at Audrain County without bond. The … more

9/19/25

Local fire departments douse grass fire near highway

No injuries occurred after local fire personnel responded to a grass fire Wednesday near Route JJ near the Mexico city limits. Just after 3:50 p.m., Little Dixie Fire Protection District and the … more

9/18/25

Driver taken to hospital after colliding with train

A 64-year-old Centralia woman suffered moderate injuries after a crash involving a train Sept. 15 at southbound Audrain Road 165 north of Audrain Road 161. The woman was taken to University … more

9/17/25

The Audrain County Health Department hosted approximately 50 emergency, elected and municipal officials from Northeast and Central Missouri to learn about planning for an earthquake response if one was to strike central or northeast Missouri. Pictured above, attendees listen to one of the many presentations given by subject matter experts throughout the day.

Emergency officials gather to discuss earthquakes in Northeast and Central Missouri

Approximately 50 Northeast and Central Missouri emergency managers, first responders, elected officials and municipal officials gathered at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mexico on Sept. 10 to … more

9/17/25

Mexico Elks name September, 2025 Students of the Month

Student: Lea Hernandez Sanchez Parents: Gamaliel Hernandez and Teresa Sanchez Lea is an MHS senior who is involved in tennis, band, color guard and link crew. Outside of the classroom she … more

9/17/25

Survivor Barbara Gregory, right, completes her survivor lap at the Audrain County Relay for Life with her grandson Audric Shields.

Audrain County rallies behind cancer survivors at Relay for Life

The Relay for Life is a global movement that has been making an impact on cancer research for the last 40 years. But it is more than just a fundraiser. The Relay for Life began in 1985 with … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/17/25

Dogs like these are among many animals ready for adoption at the Mexico Animal Shelter. [Don Munsch]

Mexico Animal Shelter seeking volunteers

Animal lovers looking for an opportunity to help the Mexico Animal Shelter can volunteer their time there, as the shelter seeks volunteers. Volunteers play a critical role in helping the … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/17/25

Schmidt elected to remain on Missouri Press Association Board of Directors

Mexico Ledger Publisher/Owner Tim Schmidt will continue serving on the Missouri Press Association Board of Directors. He is currently in his fourth year on the board and was re-elected to a … more

9/17/25

Emily Lain, president of the Mexico Activity & Nutrition Center board, organizes numerous events for seniors through the year. Her events would not be complete without music so she will often break out her saxophone.

"I will fight tooth and nail": Emily Lain takes the lead at senior center amid budget cuts

Emily Lain is learning to become a leader. Lain has been volunteering at the Mexico Activity & Nutrition Center for nearly five years. When she started, she devoted most of her … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/17/25

City Manager Bruce Slagle discusses the budget at the Sept. 8 meeting. [Don Munsch]

Mexico City Council approves budget for new fiscal year

The Mexico City Council approved a $25 million fiscal year 2025-26 budget at its Sept. 8 meeting. The fiscal year begins Oct.1 and ends Sept. 30, 2026. Council approved the city’s tax rate … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/17/25

Sebastien Heintz explains the modernization and mechanization of aircraft manufacturing at the Zenith Aircraft Co. facility.

The freedom of flight

Every time Sebastien Heintz is able to fly on his own wings, he sees it as a magical experience. And in just two short days, he will once again share his love for aviation with fellow … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/17/25

The annual Simmons’ Stables Barn-B-Q and auction came with a twist this year. Mary White Littrell, left, was sitting beside her daughter Loren Finck when she was surprised to find herself receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award and a retirement party.

Mary Littrell’s decades of dedication

Mary White Littrell’s teaching career spanned over five decades, and when she finally retired in May 2025, she was reluctant to do so. Littrell was presented with a lifetime achievement … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/17/25

Mexico High School varsity head football coach Steve Haag counsels Jacob McCune during an August practice. Haag serves two highly visible roles in the community: varsity head football coach at MHS and mayor of Mexico. [Don Munsch]

Coach and mayor: Haag oversees number of duties in Mexico

Like many busy people with a job and a family, Steve Haag wears many hats. Football coach. Teacher. Mayor of Mexico. Husband. Father. Balancing them all is a feat, including those two … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/17/25

Accident reports, Sept. 15

Collision injures two Mexico residents AUDRAIN - Two Mexico residents were injured after a two-vehicle wreck Sept. 15 at northbound Missouri 15 at Audrain Road 355. An 18-year-old man … more

9/16/25

2025 Relay for Life Highlights [Photo gallery]

The Audrain County Relay for Life was held Saturday at Hardin Park. Survivors, caregivers and community came together to support the cause. To purchase photo reprints, call the … more

Photos by Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/16/25