News

Audrain County Commission awards remaining funds from CARES Act

Published by admin on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 11:20am

The Audrain County Commission completed distribution of CARES funds amounting to $2,978,519. The money was part of a federal program to help mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Associate Commissioner Tracy Graham, the county received 257 applications from businesses, nonprofit organizations and government services.

“I am happy to say that we were able to fund almost all of them,” he added.

Car chase results in arrest of Mexico man

Published by admin on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 11:18am

A Mexico man led law enforcement officers on a wild car chase before being arrested and jailed on several charges.

Hayden Michael Sample, 26, ended the day on Jan. 11 in the Audrain County Jail booked for alleged possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest and a number of other charges related to his attempt to avoid being detained by officers, including endangering the safety of a highway worker.

Second-quarter fun at St. Joseph School

Published by admin on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 11:16am

St. Joseph Catholic School in Martinsburg has completed the second quarter of their 135th year. As everywhere, some things have changed due to COVID-19, but the faculty, students and parents have striven to make learning seem as normal and fun as possible.

There were many events in the second quarter, starting with Red Ribbon Week. The classroom doors of the school were decorated and different dress-days and activities were held throughout the week.

Police dog sniffs out Vandalia man

Published by admin on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 11:10am

When deputies from the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office pulled Robert Lee Kohl over for a routine traffic violation last Saturday on S. Main Street in Vandalia they quickly became suspicious.

Their suspicions were reportedly justified. Deputies found methamphetamine and paraphernalia they believe is tied to the distribution, as well as use, of the drug.

The items were seized and Kohl was placed under arrest. He faces charges of delivery of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kohl was detained at the Audrain County Jail.

Four small fires snuffed by MPSD crews

Published by admin on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 11:09am

Firefighters with the Mexico Public Safety Department were kept busy last week by a series of small fires.

Three of these occurred along railroad tracks. On consecutive days -- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday -- crews located flames at what they believed to be campsites next to the rights of way.

The fires on Tuesday and Wednesday were at unattended sites along the Kansas City Southern-Norfolk Southern line near the 1100 block of West Monroe Street. The flames were knocked down before they could spread.

MMA Summer Camps develop grit, resilience and confidence

Published by admin on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 11:08am

Parents looking to provide opportunities for growth for their children this summer can find options at Missouri Military Academy summer camps. Offering six different summer camp options this year, MMA summer camps give children the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and overcome challenges while socializing with peers.

This combination of fun, accomplishment and encouragement create the ultimate synergy for positive personal development in children.

Flag, cellphone program continues

Published by admin on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 10:57am

The Mexico Ledger continues to be a drop-off point for old American flags and unwanted cellular phones. All flags and phones are picked up by Bill Hill and VFW Post 3772.

Hill, of rural Mexico, is legally blind, is a life member of the VFW, and is the Post’s bartender. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1974 and is a former senior vice commander. The Post sees to it that flags are properly disposed of. A recycling company buys the phones, and proceeds are used to buy cell phone cards for troops serving overseas.

COVID-19 played havoc with MHS’ fall play, but the cast never quit and the show is back on

Published by admin on Mon, 01/18/2021 - 7:04am

A group of actors are gathered around a portable rack, picking out the dresses, vests and ties that best suit their characters. It’s more difficult than one might expect. Director Sara Given, Mexico High’s drama teacher, must orchestrate costume changes – it would not be good if all the actors appeared on stage wearing blue.

For the cast and crew of the MHS production of The Curious Savage, the scene is familiar. They were here two months ago, looking through the same selection of outfits.

Elementary school principal braves cold and wind for fundraiser

Published by admin on Mon, 01/18/2021 - 7:02am

It wasn’t on a dare. It wasn’t a prank. But Community R6 Elementary’s principal, Tammy Angel, spent the entire school day on Wednesday working from the roof.

She sent reports, she responded to emails, she answered the usual phone calls from the roof, working from a small desk on a laptop. Angel even oversaw recess from her perch.

She brought a whistle with her.

The unique office space was set up when the Parent Teacher Organization fundraiser reached the $3,000 mark. Since the PTO could not hold their craft fair this year, they settled on a “kiss the pig” event.

Mexico resident brings history to life

Published by admin on Mon, 01/18/2021 - 7:01am

In the silent era of films, Lon Chaney earned fame for his seemingly countless guises on the silver screen. A Chaney reference is something that Mexico historian Alan Hiles can appreciate, as he worked as a projectionist for the State Theater in Bowling Green in his youth. And while he may not be the man of 1,000 faces, Alan is certainly earning a name for his many historic portrayals, a hobby that was born at a popular Audrain County event.

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