Did you know that Hampton-Dumont Middle School recently installed two stationary bikes in their library?
The idea was brought up by H-D Middle School Librarian Joslyn Stock, who had recently learned that riding while reading was beneficial to students for a number of reasons. According to her and her research, physical activity enhances brain function, attention and memory retention, helping students absorb more information.

 The Franklin County Board of Supervisors held one of their regular sessions on Tuesday, March 3.
 

The collecting and disposing of our trash can be grueling (and dirty) work, but somebody has to do it, and the team at D&L Sanitation does it all with a smile, which is why I’ve decided to spotlight them in this week’s appreciation post.

The team at the Hampton Public Library has some exciting events coming up, including their latest read-the-book-then-see-the-movie challenge. For this challenge, community members are encouraged to read “Reminders of Him,” by Colleen Hover, before watching the movie at the Windsor Theatre.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird stopped by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Friday morning, Feb. 27, to speak with local law enforcement about what they’ve been working on lately, including a scammer case.
While there, she chatted with dispatchers Kristin Roode and Jody Hepler about the challenges and importance of their roles.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office gets at least a few calls each week regarding suspicious online activity and possible scammers.

Jon Schmitt of Sheffield said farewell to his car shop, Jon’s Auto Truck and Repair, on Saturday morning, Feb. 28, with a special open house.
 
Jon, who took over the shop in July of 1999, told the Chronicle that he was tired and ready to retire, but that he was thankful for all the support he had received from his customers throughout the years.
 

Franklin County Secondary Roads Engineer Jay Waddingham gave an update on his department during the Franklin County Board of Supervisors' Feb. 17 meeting.
Waddingham said they've been busy, especially with the preparation of their five-year plan, which includes applying for different grants to help cover the costs of shoulder road work around the county.

Father Kevin Earleywine with St. Patrick Catholic Church sat down with the Chronicle on Ash Wednesday to share the biblical significance of ashes, the reasons for fasting and what he likes most about Lent.

Did you know that El Valle will be celebrating 24 years of business this May?

Local law enforcement saw an increase in calls for help as a result of the heavy snowfall last Thursday evening and Friday morning.
The Hampton Police Department responded to a total of 28 calls, most of which were from drivers who were stuck in the snow. The police department also issued 24 parking tickets to those who were parked on city streets during the city snow ordinance.

The local Knights of Columbus held their first of three fish fries for the Lent season on Friday, Feb. 20, at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Candle-Stick Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution met on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 10 at the G.A.R. Memorial Hall in Hampton to honor the Class of 2026 DAR Good Citizens from this area. The DAR Good Citizen Scholarship program seeks to find and honor High School graduating students for their dedication to the qualities of good character who have demonstrated the traits of -- Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism.

Jerry and Galen Brinkman were one of several couples who celebrated Valentine’s Day at FGH Assisted Living this year.

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors held a special session on Feb. 6 to review and discuss their employee benefits renewal for 2027.
 
The renewal is set for July 1 of this year though June 30 of 2027.