More than 60 volunteers came together to clean out the old elementary school in Dumont on Saturday, April 26.

David Spurgeon of Hampton loves the American bald eagle.
So he was excited when he recently learned there was one at Beeds Lake State Park. Since spotting the bird several weeks ago, he’s visited its nest — which is perched in a tree on the west side of the lake — on a daily basis.

Last Thursday, April 17, fifteen H-D-CAL students signed letters of intent to pursue careers in the skilled trades through North Iowa Area Community College.

Alivia Fergus has been named the new park manager of Beeds Lake State Park, according to a press release sent out by the Iowa DNR.
She will begin her new role on May 12.

The World Food Prize Foundation recently announced that Isaac Vosburg has been selected as a 2025 Borlaug-Ruan International Intern.

Vosburg is one of only 16 students selected globally for this prestigious internship opportunity. The 2025 Internship cohort will be placed at 11 research organizations across six countries. Vosburg will conduct research and gain agricultural experience at the S M Sehgal Foundation in Gurugram, India.

The countdown to the ninth annual Gran Festival of North Iowa has begun.
The free Latino-inspired event will take place at Band Shell Park on June 7.

It took some serious work to get Back Roads Bar & Grill up and running.

Area residents Seth Bram, Ryan Norton and Russ Bohach first came together with the idea of opening up a restaurant early last year. They considered a few options but finally settled on the building at 112 E Main St. in Aredale.

The annual Pony Express ride made its way through Hampton once again.

On Friday, April 18, a team of people with Dragonfire Dancing Horses joined the annual ride, with riders making their way from Sheffield to Hampton to Iowa Falls, where they participated in a grand parade.

Spring is in full swing, and so are the members of the Hampton Tree Board. 
On Thursday, April 17, tree board members planted a tree at the home of Paula Meyer on 17th Ave. NE. 

Hampton resident Tessa Brodie could be seen peacefully protesting in front of the Franklin County courthouse Thursday, April 17.
"I'm out here protesting the illegal deportation of migrants and citizens being taken to El Salvador without due process," she said. "I plan on protesting whatever illegal acts the government continues to do."

One of the most beautiful courthouses in the state, the Franklin County Courthouse is steeped in history and beauty.
The first courthouse was built in 1857 when Hampton was just two years old. Located in the southeast corner of the square, the courthouse was 18-by-30 feet, a one-story frame made from lumber cut in Mayne's Grove, south of Hampton.

Clarion Woman Celebrates Becoming U.S. Citizen
By Jennifer Burnham
Hampton Chronicle
Rosa Reyes of Clarion achieved a great feat on Friday, April 18: she became a citizen of the United States.
With help from the team at La Luz Centro Cultural, she navigated her way to the finish line, finally attending her oath ceremony at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls that afternoon. 

The folks at the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Franklin County are on a mission to improve the walkability in the community.
To do this, they’re focusing on a number of areas, including the four schools in Hampton, which they audited Thursday morning, April 17, with help from Matt Burkey, who serves as the Safe Routes to School Manager for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

Hampton, IA – 104.9 KLMJ is proud to present Country/Rock music artist Joe Hermes as part of this summer’s "Cruisin' & BBQin" event in Hampton, Iowa, on August 22nd & 23rd. Hermes will bring his signature sound to Band Shell Park on Friday, August 22nd at 7:00 p.m., and is sure to “cook” up an unforgettable performance that perfectly complements the event’s BBQ-themed festivities.

The Franklin County Community Foundation distributed a total of $146,562 to local groups during their annual awards celebration on Friday morning, April 11.

The celebration was held in the basement of First Bank Hampton, with 23 organizations receiving grants. Full list below.

— Franklin County Fair & Convention Center - Grandstand ADA Platform Bleachers - $10,000.00