HAMPTON – For Bonnie Stewart, the greatest reward of teaching never was the applause after a concert or the awards lining a trophy case. 
It was watching students discover their confidence, achieve their goals and carry a love of music with them long after graduation.
That commitment to students recently earned the former Hampton-Dumont choral director one of Iowa’s highest honors.

HAMPTON – Classic cars, live music and family-friendly entertainment will come together in August as the Hampton Car Show returns to Bandshell Park on Sunday, Aug. 23.

The Windsor Theatre has restricted seating in its auditorium after sections of the original 113-year-old plaster ceiling fell during the past two weeks.
The first incident occurred on July 18, when a small section of the ceiling fell above the front west seating section. As a precaution, the first three rows in that section were immediately closed to patrons.

LATIMER – A building that has served generations of children and families in the CAL community is beginning a new chapter after more than two decades of supporting local child care.
The former Cub Cadet Child Care building, originally established through a community-wide effort, has officially been returned to the City of Latimer after all child care operations were relocated into the CAL Elementary School building.

HAMPTON — The scent of smoked meats filled Access Park as competitors from across the Midwest gathered in Hampton July 31 and August 1 for the city’s second annual barbecue championship, drawing a record number of competitors and building on the success of the inaugural event.

Franklin County Beef Queen Abby Peterson of Webster City will represent the area next month during the 44th annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair.

The Kansas City Barbecue Society competition returns to Hampton next Friday and Saturday, July 31 and Aug. 1, with more competitors, expanded entertainment and a larger backyard contest.

After more than three decades in banking and agricultural lending, including the past 27 years at First Bank Hampton, Executive Vice President Bruce Harris is retiring.

Talia and Jon Schmidt were recognized with the July 2026 Image of Pride Award during the Hampton City Council meeting on Thursday, July 23, in recognition of their outstanding commitment to maintaining and enhancing their property.

A standing-room-only crowd filled the Franklin County Law Enforcement Center meeting room Monday afternoon as the Franklin County Board of Adjustment considered conditional use permits for the proposed Wild Rose Wind Energy Project.

What began as an ordinary summer day quickly turned into a nightmare for Kylee and Jessica Janssen as severe storms swept through Hampton last week, bringing destructive winds that left damage across the community.

 
Over its history, Franklin County has been home to many organizations and clubs. A particularly interesting one was the Last Man Standing Club. Here is its story.

By Elian Trevino
Hampton Chronicle
 
HAMPTON – The Franklin County Fair introduced a new tradition Thursday afternoon by crowning its first-ever Fair Prince alongside the 2026 Fair Princess during the Prince and Princess coronation at the Van Wall Tent.

By Elian Trevino
Hampton Chronicle
 
HAMPTON – The North Central Iowa Model Railroad Club has spent nearly 15 years creating a destination that delights fairgoers of all ages. This year, the Franklin County Fair Board recognized those efforts by naming the club the 2026 Franklin County Fair Grand Marshals.