News - The Mexico Ledger

A sign on East Liberty Street in Mexico advises motorists about the city’s noise ordinance. [Don Munsch]

Residents want to put the brakes on truck noise in Mexico

Iris Shoemaker doesn’t like it when trucks use Jake Brakes, and she took her disenchantment about the matter to the council on July 14. Shoemaker spoke during the public comment portion of … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/23/25

Audrain County Youth Fair royalty: Maesyn Decker, Breelle Stowers, Kayte Hass, Marshall Kable, Gradon Hedberg and Charles (Garon) Stowers.

Audrain County Youth Fair royalty coronation

In one week, Kayte Hass will be trading in her crown for a Marine Combat Utility Uniform. Haas, who graduated this year from Centralia High School and is the daughter of Russ and Charles of … more

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

The Daughters of the American Revolution Mexico chapter offered their services to connect Alois George Befort III with their contacts in the Bootheel and aid his efforts in getting every Missouri County a purple heart distinction.

Audrain County becomes Purple Heart County

Alois George Befort III, Sr. Vice Commander of the Military order of the Purple Heart department of Missouri, has made it his mission to get every county and city in the state added to the Purple … more

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

Highway 54 project receives federal funding

A project to help Highway 54 has received federal funding, U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, who represents Missouri’s 6th congressional district, announced last week. Graves announced in a news … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/23/25

Audrain County Youth Fair 2025 highlights [Photo gallery]

In the midst of livestock shows and various 4-H and FFA contests, the Audrain County Youth Fair sets aside a Sunday for families. Family Day is an annual … more

Photos by Sky Strauss Staff Writer | 7/23/25

Accident reports, July 17-20

Man injured after overturning his vehicle BOONE - A Topeka, Kansas, man suffered minor injuries after he was involved in a one-vehicle wreck July 19 on eastbound Interstate 70 east of Route Z. … more

7/22/25

Mexico woman charged with multiple child sex crimes

A Mexico woman was charged withmultiple sex crimes with a child, according to information from the Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney’s office. Kaila Nikkole Browning was charged with … more

7/18/25

Rylee Rafferty, Altrusa Scholarship winner, is pictured with the Scholarship Committee members Donna Peak, Molly Hanley and Judy Borgia.

Altrusa holds program meeting

Altrusa International of Mexico, Missouri, Inc. met June 26 at The Oaks for their program meeting. The meeting was called to order by Co-President Jackie Vaughn followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. … more

7/16/25

Shop online safely this summer

Online shopping is convenient, but remember to look for the signs of possible phishing scams, misleading ads and lookalike websites before you buy. Online shopping scams are consistently among the … more

7/16/25

Graham A. Colditz, MD, Deputy Director, Institute for Public Health

For Your Health

Food sizzling on the grill is one of the classic sounds of summer — right up there with kids splashing in sprinklers and the crack of a bat at the ballpark. That sizzling can also be a … more

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz, Siteman Cancer Center | 7/16/25

Missouri Military Academy names MAJ Wayne Welander as interim commandant of cadets

Missouri MilitaryAcademy has designated MAJ Wayne Welander, USA (Ret), to serve as interim commandant of cadets at the college preparatory military boarding school. Currently the senior Army … more

7/16/25

Van-Far Alumni and Friends establish new scholarship

Van -Far Alumni and Friends Coordinating Committee met June 26 meeting to make further plans for the Sept. 28 annual all-school reunion. The menu, featuring chicken and pork loin, will be served … more

7/16/25

Audrain County Area Public School Retirees hold June meeting

Audrain County Area Public School Retirees organization held its June 4 meeting at True Manufacturing Co., Inc. Plant manager Justin Berry and Mexico Office manager Brad Walker presented to the … more

7/16/25

MHS student attends prestigious academy

Mexico High School student Travis Shramek spent most of June on the University of Missouri campus, taking part in the prestigious Missouri Scholars Academy (MSA) according to a news release. The … more

7/16/25

Community R-VI school board approves budget, rejects testing coordinator position

A measure to approve a district testing coordinator in Community R-VI didn’t gain enough school board votes at a June 25 Community R-VI Board of Education meeting, but Superintendent Chad … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/16/25

(From left) Maredith Test, Ella Duenke, Jayde Moran holding Corbyn Moran, Corey Moran, Cooper Moran, Amber Toney, Breanna Winkelmann and Brandie Wilson.

Trendie's Salon gets new owner

Trendie's Salon has been a staple on the Mexico square for decades known not only for its services but for its lavish window displays as well. This small piece of Mexico’s history has been … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 7/16/25

Kim Archer, executive director of the Laura Miller George Help Center, stands in the pantry at the center, which recently celebrated its 60th year of operation. [Don Munsch]

Local food distribution group celebrates 60 years

The Laura Miller George Help Center received some critical help as it celebrated its 60th anniversary July 8 in Mexico. A check of $30,000 from AP Green will be used to purchase food items and … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/16/25

Uplift hosts annual 5k fundraiser [Photo gallery]

Clouds of green, orange, yellow and pink burst from the crowd, painting the gray skies overhead as cheers rang through Green Estates Park. The annual Uplift Mid MO 5k run/walk fundraiser was … more

Photos by Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 7/16/25

Craig Brace, administrator and CEO of Audrain County Health Department, left, and Brady Dubois, Boone Health CEO and president, right, sign the official letter of intent for health services here with Mexico officials at City Hall in October 2024. [Sky Strauss]

Boone Health looking to partner with another health system for Mexico hospital

Boone Health is looking for a partner to begin medical services in Mexico. The Audrain County Healthcare Government Committee, consisting of representatives from the Audrain County Commission, … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/16/25

Accident reports, July 8-11

Mexico residents suffer minor injuries in crash BOONE - Two Mexico residents suffered minor injuries after they were involved in a two-vehicle crash July 10 on Route J south of Missouri 124. … more

7/15/25

Mexico man charged in deadly crash

Criminal charges have been filed against a Mexico man after he was allegedly involved in a two-vehicle car crash Saturday that resulted in the death of two Mexico residents. Joshua Frye, 22, is … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/15/25

Car crash kills two people, injures two others in Mexico

Two people were killed in an early morning car crash Saturday in Mexico, according to a release from the Mexico Department of Public Safety. Kristain Pritchett, 22, and Austin Terry, 27, died as … more

7/12/25

Mainstreet Mexico pitches idea to plant trees in downtown Mexico

Mexico possesses status as a tree city, having celebrated its 46th year as a Tree City USA member this spring. Mainstreet Mexico seeks to enhance that distinction by beautifying downtown … more

By Don Munsch, Editor | 7/9/25

Davis H. Hart Career Center receives national certificate

Christian Coale of Hannibal and a student at Davis H. Hart Career Center in Mexico was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in Nail Care. More than 6,500 students competed at the national showcase … more

7/9/25

AECI club president Jeff Carlyle (right) said his strategy to make more connections this year is to “camp” a band. He will find a clear radio band and wait for other ham radio operators to come to him looking to make a connection.

Ham radio operators conduct training exercises, contest at Lakeview Park

When all else fails … amateur radio. Audrain Emergency Communications Incorporated stands by that saying because in an emergency situation, when there is no power, no cellular towers and … more

By Sky Strauss, Staff Writer | 7/9/25