News - The Mexico Ledger

A Vandalia man suffered minor injuries after he was involved in a one-vehicle crash Sept. 13 on Missouri 94, west of Mokane, in Callaway County. The man was taken to University Hospital. … more

9/15/25

Fire damages building in Vandiver Village

No injuries to people or livestock occurred after a fire Sept. 10 at the Midwest Exchange Regional Stockyards in the 2700 block of Business U.S. Highway 54 in Vandiver Village. The Missouri … more

9/13/25

Accident reports, Sept. 10

A Manmouth, Illinois, man suffered moderate injuries after a two-vehicle accident Sept. 10 at U.S. 54 near Audrain Road 849. The man, 46, was taken to University Hospital. The other … more

9/11/25

BBB study reveals online gambling and gaming scams

Millions of people across North America wager money online every day, placing bets on sports, playing casino-style games and wagering in prediction markets. However, there’s a lot of confusion … more

9/10/25

Van-Far alumni announce more scholarship recipients

During the Aug. 28 meeting, Van-Far Alumni and Friends Association members learned of the recent announcement of scholarships to two post-high school students, Gage Gibson and Mara Jensen. These two … more

9/10/25

Audrain County Area Public School Retirees Meeting

Audrain County Area Public School Retirees met at Spartan Light Metal Products for their Aug. 6 meeting. Spartan’s Human Resources Manager Terry Sutton and Environmentalist and Safety and … more

Submitted by Carolyn Hobbs, ACAPSR Recording Secretary | 9/10/25

Van-Far school board sets tax rate

The Van-Far R-I School District Board of Education approved the fiscal year 2025-26 tax rate at the Aug. 21 meeting. Trustees set the tax levy as proposed at $4.2095, with $2.7500 for General … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/10/25

Raising awareness to reduce stigma

Suicide is a complex, global public health crisis. According to the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri has a higher suicide rate of 18.7 compared to the national average of 14.04 per … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/10/25

Simmons’ Stables Preservation Fund Inc. co-president Bobette Wilson said last year’s Barn-B-Que and auction had around 96 guests, and this year, she has already put out the call for more tables.

Simmons’ Stables to host annual Barn-B-Que

The preservation of Simmons’ Stables has been an ongoing project since 2002 with no end in sight. But the dedicated Simmons’ Stables Preservation Fund Inc. takes each new project in … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/10/25

County Clerk Lisa Smith discusses an issue related to tax rates at the Audrain County Commissioners meeting on Sept. 3. [Don Munsch]

Audrain County Commissioners approve adopting tax rates for 2025 year

Audrain County Commissioners approved adopting tax rates for the 2025 year at a Sept. 3 meeting. The meeting included a public hearing. The general revenue fund of $0.2506, the … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/10/25

Before the survivor walk, a survivor will share the story of his or her battle with cancer. The speaker has yet to be announced.

Relay for Life returns to Hardin Park

Survivors, fighters, caregivers and supporters will come together Saturday at Hardin Park to celebrate 40 Years of Impact on Cancer Research at the Audrain County Relay for Life. The relay will … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/10/25

MPSD responds to two fires

Mexico Public Safety Department responded to two fire calls over the weekend. No injuries occurred from either fire. On Saturday, just after 3:15 p.m., MPSD personnel responded to the 1600 block … more

9/8/25

Auto Accidents, Sept. 5

Madison man hurt in motorcycle crash AUDRAIN - A Madison man suffered serious injuries after he was involved in a one-vehicle crash Sept. 5 on Route C nearCounty Road 232. The man, 44, was … more

9/8/25

Bowling Green man arrested in Vandalia

A Bowling Green man was arrested Wednesday in Vandalia after authorities received information the man, a fugitive, was in the area, a news release from the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office … more

9/3/25

“We are excited that school is starting.” From left: sixth grade, fifth grade, first grade and pre-K.

Congratulations to our Back to School Photo Contest winner!

The winner of The Mexico Ledger’s Back to School Online Photo Contest has been announced. There were a lot of great entries. First place goes to “Jumping for excitement” submitted … more

9/3/25

MPSD: Arrest made in shooting case

Police inJacksonville, Illinois, arrested a man in connection with an alleged shots fired case in Mexico in August. Montrel I. Burton, 33, was arrested Tuesday and is … more

9/3/25

Working for the weekend

There is always something happening at The Bar Code Bar and Grill in Vandalia. Melissa Allen was born and raised in Vandalia. She opened The Bar Code Bar and Grill at 1811 W. U.S. Highway 54 in … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/3/25

Last year’s Twilight Garden Party featured two nights of jazz with Liberty Jazz (pictured above) and the Brass Brothers, but to keep things more laid back for customers, entertainment will only be at Callaway Fields Friday night.

Callaway Fields to host annual Twilight Garden Party

As much as it is a sale, the Twilight Garden Party, hosted by Callaway Fields, is John Graham’s way of welcoming fall. When Graham, owner of Callaway Fields, began throwing these garden … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/3/25

New Missouri Military Academy cadets take the New Cadet Oath during the All-Academy assembly on Aug. 18 prior to attending the first day of academic classes.

Missouri Military Academy begins fall term

Missouri Military Academy Corps of Cadets began their academic classes on Aug. 18 for the fall 2025 semester. Cadets have been on campus at the Mexico campus since Aug. 1, when cadet leaders returned … more

9/3/25

Three teachers receive MRTA grants

Three Mexico Public Schools teachers have been selected as recipients of classroom grants from the Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA). The competitive grants provide funding for innovative … more

9/3/25

Niki Buschmann, assistant superintendent at North Callaway R-I School District, discusses curriculum at the Aug. 21 Board of Education meeting. [Don Munsch]

North Callaway school board approves tax rate

The North Callaway R-I School District Board of Education approved the 2025-26 tax rate - the same amount as last year - at its Aug. 21 meeting. Trustees approved the rate 6-0. Board member Travis … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/3/25

Vicki Duenke, finance director for the city, discusses the tax rate at the Aug. 25 meeting. [Don Munsch]

Mexico council approves revenue bonds for Spartan LMP

An employer in Mexico will receive bond money to finance equipment at its company site. Mexico City Council on Aug. 25 approved a move to issue industrial revenue bonds in a principal amount not … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/3/25

Emiya (left) and Emira Saverson (right) are getting their back to school health screenings stopping for a quick family photo op with their mom Symone Kuschel.

Arthur Center partners with Head Start

For Arthur Center CEO Brock Lough, making the best use of a scarce resource is what community is all about. That is why Arthur Center has officially partnered with Williams Family Support … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/3/25

Truck and Tractor Pull season comes to a close [Photo gallery]

Pulling teams from all over the midwest and east coast returned to Mexico to leave it all out on the tracks at the Mexico Young Farmers Truck and Tractor Pull Saturday. Josie Otto of Meta, the … more

Photos by Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 9/3/25

Audrain County joins lawsuit against State Tax Commission

Audrain County has joined four other counties in suing the State Tax Commission concerning increasing property assessments. The suit was filed Aug. 25 in Polk County. Other counties in the … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 9/2/25