News - The Mexico Ledger

Audrain County officials decline state tax commission MOU

Audrain County officials have opposed signing a memorandum of understanding with the state tax commission regarding specific assessed values. Melissa Maupin, county assessor, told the Ledger … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 8/6/25

Auxvasse Rodeo sees record year [Photo gallery]

Flames erupted from the ground at the far side of the ring paving a path for the night’s entertainment. From behind the curtains, barrel racers and bull riders emerged, prepared to go to … more

Photos by Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 8/6/25

Accident reports, July 31-Aug. 2

Mexico man injured in one-vehicle wreck BOONE - A 20-year-old Mexico man suffered moderate injuries after he was involved in a one-vehicle crash Aug. 2 at Route Z, north of St. Charles Road. … more

8/5/25

From the Publisher: We want your feedback! Take our readership survey

From the Publisher: We want your feedback! Take our readership survey At The Mexico Ledger , our mission has always been to serve the people of Audrain County with reliable, local news that … more

By Tim Schmidt, Publisher | 8/4/25

Tips for buying a home

It takes a village to close on a home. From real estate agents to home inspectors, buyers want to have trust in the professionals who will help them make critical decisions throughout the buying … more

7/30/25

Opening Statement

Welcome to this month’s “Opening Statement,” an update for our community about the criminal justice system and how the Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office works for … more

By Jacob Shellabarger, Audrain County Prosecutor | 7/30/25

North Callaway school board approves playground proposal

The North Callaway R-I School District will have a new elementary school building finished in time for 2026-27 school year, and the school will have playground equipment to go with it. The … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/30/25

From left: Mikayla Duff, Sarah Lay, Katelyn Lay and Marissa Lightsey, who presented ReLay Nutrition with its first dollar of profit.

The Nutrition Spot opens second location

Sarah Lay found a way to turn her love for her favorite tea into a career of her own. Lay, a lifelong Mexico resident, officially cut the ribbon at her new storefront, ReLay Nutrition, at 731 E. … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 7/30/25

ACSRC patrons saw a blueprint of Room at the Inn renovations during ACSRC’s annual meeting, with architect Eric Westhues, left, presenting the information with Janelle Williams, board treasurer for the ACSRC, standing by. [Don Munsch]

Organization holds annual meeting, shows renovations to shelter

Renovations for the Room at the Inn at the Audrain County Shelter Resource Coalition should be finished in time for this year’s three-month program. Attendees saw an architectural drawing … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/30/25

Western Smokehouse Partners executives stand with their CHOMPS partners outside what will be their new plant in Mexico.

Western Smokehouse Partners hosts private preview of new facility

The former Soft Surroundings warehouse has been converted into a 300,000-square-foot plant that will be the new hub for CHOMPS meat snack manufacturing through Western Smokehouse Partners. In … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 7/30/25

Van-Far R-I Superintendent Natalie Gibson, right, talks to the board during a July 17 meeting as trustee Pete Nasir listens. [Don Munsch]

Van-Far school district to conduct tax rollback

Van-Far R-I School District will have a rollback in taxes, the district superintendent said Friday in an email. At the school board meeting July 17, Superintendent Natalie Gibson said the … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/30/25

Shelter Coalition needs funding for Room at the Inn

Room at the Inn serves shelter purposes for people in the area each winter at the Audrain County Shelter Resource Coalition in Mexico. Winter may be months away, but the head of the organization … more

By Don Munsch, Staff Writer | 7/30/25

Audrain County invests in young farmers [Photo gallery]

Many FFA students work diligently with their projects throughout the year to have the opportunity to sell their product in the Audrain County Youth Fair Premium Auction. “Essentially, to … more

Photos by Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 7/30/25

Summer sunflowers steal the spotlight at Hickory Ridge Orchard [Photo gallery]

Through the two acres of sunflowers standing at around five feet tall, the occasional head could be spotted bobbing along in search of the perfect sunflower to pick. Hickory Ridge Orchard is … more

Photos by Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 7/30/25

Accident reports, July 22-26

Centralia man injured in crash involving horse and buggy AUDRAIN - A Centralia man suffered serious injuries after he was in a two-vehicle crash July 26 at Audrain Road 124 east of Route … more

7/29/25

Arkansas woman dies from injuries after crash

A Lonoke, Arkansas, woman died from a crash July 24 that happened at the eastbound U.S. 40 ramp to Eastbound Interstate 70, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. The … more

7/29/25

Columbia man dies after being struck by a car

A 23-year-old Columbia man died after he was struck by a car July 27 at Route AB, a half-mile east of U.S. 63, in Boone County, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report. The … more

7/29/25

Mexico man held without bond in fatal crash case

Update: This story reflects new information about the bond n the case. Criminal charges have been filed against a Mexico man after he was allegedly involved in a two-vehicle car crash July 12 … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/24/25

The Home Depot distribution center in Mexico will close this October, the company announced. [Don Munsch]

The Home Depot to close distribution center in Mexico

The Home Depot distribution facility in Mexico will close this fall, according to a July 17 letter from the company to the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development. … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/23/25

Mexico man charged in deadly crash

UPDATE: This story reflects that an arrest was made in the case. Criminal charges have been filed against a Mexico man after he was allegedly involved in a two-vehicle car crash July 12 that … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/23/25

4-Hers pledge pig projects to larger service

Greenley and Anniston Curtis are partners of Missouri Farmers Care’s Hogs for Hunger initiative. They have pledged pork from their 2025 show pigs to help hungry neighbors in need. These 4-Hers … more

By Emma Alexander for Missouri Farmers Care | 7/23/25

MHS students attend Missouri Boys State program

Two Mexico High School students recently participated in the 85th session of the American Legion Boys State of Missouri, held June 21–28 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, according to a … more

7/23/25

New fire protection on ballot for east Audrain communities

Voters in eastern Audrain County will be asked to create a new fire protection district soon, and that new district would come with a new tax. The Vandalia Rural Fire Association, Vandalia Fire … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/23/25

Jim Hinson with EGL Association, right, talks to Mexico Public School trustees, including Jon Calhoun, left, and Mathew Pilger, during a retreat July 16. The retreat allowed board members a chance to discuss a number of issues affecting education. [Don Munsch]

Mexico Public Schools board hears about AI, other topics at retreat

Jim Hinson said educators need to be prepared for how artificial intelligence will affect education. He made this and other remarks during a Mexico Public Schools board retreat July 16. The … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/23/25

Audrain County implements grant program for SAEs

Will this generation earn more or have more than their parents? Leslie Meyer, Audrain County Eastern District associate commissioner, poses this question frequently when discussing economic … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 7/23/25