Ward 1 Hampton City Councilor Bill Hodge announced his resignation from his seat, effective July 1, 2025, during the May 19 city council workshop. 
 
In his resignation letter, he wrote that it has been an honor and privilege to serve in this capacity for more than 15 years.

After years with the school district, wrestling coach and gym teacher Patrick Hansen is saying farewell to his friends at H-D-CAL. Next year, he’ll be teaching and coaching at Southeast Polk Community School District.

On Monday morning, May 19, Kyle Lucas with Wayne's Ski & Cycle in Mason City shared some tips and tricks on bike safety with the fifth graders at H-D-CAL Middle School.

He started his presentation with the proper way to wear a helmet, followed by ways for the students to check their bikes, including how to check their tire pressure, spokes and brakes.

A total of 128 students graduated from Hampton-Dumont-CAL High School on Sunday, May 18.

The commencement ceremony began at 2:30 p.m. and took place in the high school gymnasium, starting with an introductory statement from Class President Jaxson Rew, in which he reminded his fellow graduates to enjoy the journey.

Franklin REC recently announced that Nicholas Quasdorf was selected to attend the weeklong Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. this summer.
 
While there, the H-D-CAL junior will have the chance to explore cooperative principles, visit historic landmarks and engage with elected officials.
 

Hampton Police Department’s newest officer, Bo Brass, was sworn in by Mayor Steve Birdsall after the May 8 city council meeting.
Brass joined the police department on Monday, April 21, and he’s been busy training with fellow officers since starting. Police Chief Mark Morrison said Brass will complete his 16-week training with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy starting in September.
 

This summer’s Hampton Farmers Market kicks off Tuesday, May 13, and, as always, Karen Koenig will be there with her assortment of jams and jellies and veggies.
 
This will be her 30th summer in attendance at the farmer’s market, on behalf of Koenigs’ Acres Farm.
 

The ball diamond behind Church of the Living Word will have plenty of shady spots to cool off under in ten or so years.
 

Larry and Darlene Spear received the May 2025 Image of Pride Award from the Hampton City Council Thursday night for their property at 220 6th Ave NE.
Councilor Bill Holmstrom nominated the Spears for their home, which they moved into in the early '70s. It's where they raised their three children.

The Geneva Market made its 2025 debut on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10. 
This marked the 25th running of the biannual market, which was started twelve years ago by Cindy Sanders and her daughters, Tonya and Amanda.

The Jay Brothers Truck Stop at Williams Iowa, formerly known as Boondoocks, is currently in the process of being renovated. The hotel has been torn down, and the interior of the restaurant has been gutted and is being reframed. An array of light pole bases have been installed around the perimeter of the lot, and the old paving is being removed.

Franklin County residents gathered to peacefully protest in front of the Franklin County courthouse Thursday afternoon despite intermittent rain.

The one-day protest was organized by the Franklin County Democrats Committee as part of "May Day National Day of Action" protests across the country.

Seven veterans were given quilts of valor at St. Paul Lutheran Church Sunday afternoon.

The following veterans were honored with quilts from the Country Quilters of North Central Iowa at St. Paul Lutheran Church: Richard Larsen (U.S. Army), Robert Grant (U.S. Marine Corps), Marvin Moss (U.S. Army), Neil Muhlenbruch (U.S. Army), Brian Landers (U.S. Air Force), Tyrone McAfee (U.S. Army) and Jim Zacharias (U.S. Army).

The Wise Choice Detailing team held their grand opening celebration on Saturday, May 3.
The crew also celebrated becoming a member of the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce that morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Jen Walton considers herself a listener, but after learning she had been selected as the 2025 honorary caregiver by the Franklin County Relay for Life, she agreed to share her story with the Chronicle.