Red, white and blue lights cut through a dark, rainy night throughout the area last Thursday.
Fire across the state opened their doors and turned on the lights to their emergency response vehicles for 10 minutes beginning at 7 p.m. The gesture was meant to symbolize hope and unity as emergency responders continue to fight and provide services amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Iowa as the state takes incrementally increasing steps to slow the spread of the pandemic.
As of Sunday, March 29, there have been 336 positive cases of COVID-19 confirmed in the state, more than tripling from the 90 cases from the week prior. Of these cases, 51 people have been hospitalized.

In a world filled with recent uncertainty and anxiety due to the COVID-19 outbreak, an unusual bear invasion in Hampton is easing minds and instilling a sense of togetherness.
Hampton resident Denielle Conlon is encouraging fellow residents to participate in the Great Hampton Bear Hunt. All hunters need to participate is a keen eye and a safe, social distancing appropriate way to get around town.

Beginning next Tuesday, travelers on Highway 65 will have to make some adjustments.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the detour to accommodate bridge reconstruction on Highway 65 through Hampton will go into effect on Tuesday, March 31.

The show must go on. Last week, in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds put precautions in place that prohibited large public gatherings in places such as gyms, movie theaters and restaurants.

Restaurants in the area are making the best out of a confusing situation.
Last week, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all restaurants and bars be closed to in-house dining due to rising concerns of COVID-19 pandemic and related efforts to prohibit the spread of the virus. Restaurants with the capabilities were permitted to continue to operate, offering take out or delivery services only.

A Hampton-Dumont-CAL grad is using a unique entrepreneurial opportunity to help improve his hometown.
Emilio Valenzuela, a 2019 H-D-CAL grad, is currently participating in an internship through College Works Painting. The company offers internship opportunities to college students, allowing them to essentially operate their own business.

Some of the industries hardest hit by the COVID-19 outbreak are restaurants and schools, so one local restaurant owner decided that now was the perfect time to work together to curb some of the damage and ease concerns.
Starting last week, Brandon Barber and the Community Bowl Bar and Grill in Dumont began offering free lunches for children in the area.

Sunday brought a welcomed sight for CAL principal Abby Meyer.
That afternoon, parents and students ventured to the school for one of the first times since the district closed for four weeks amid concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2 to 4 p.m., staff dis-tributed breakfast and lunch and educational resources to students.

Below are businesses that have changed their hours to better serve you. Please visit the bottom of the ad for direct links to get more information from each business.

A curiosity for agriculture has led Lily Mason to the Iowa State FFA competition.
The Hampton-Dumont-CAL freshman earned her shot at the state challenge by placing in the top three in the creed speaking category at the district competition earlier this month. She will participate at the state level during the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference in Ames in April 19 to April 22.

Fine arts performers have a popular mindset to expect the unexpected and the Hampton-Dumont-CAL Individual Speech team displayed that motto in spades.

The Hampton Historic Preser-vation Society and the Hamp-ton 150th Committee is seeking the public’s help in claiming letters left in a time capsule.
At Hampton’s Centennial Celebration in 1970, citizens wrote letters to family members that were then sealed in the time capsule to be opened at the city’s 150th celebration, which is this year.

A new burger served at Victoria Hawley’s restaurant comes with a side of compassion.

The CAL and Hampton-Dumont Community School Districts will now offer breakfast and lunch services for students.
Per information released by the district Tuesday, the school will distribute breakfast and lunch on Wednesday, March 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. for children ages one to 18 years old. Pick up locations will be at the CAL building and Hampton-Dumont-High School in the north parking lot.