News

COVID continues to be an unwelcome holiday guest

Published by editor on Wed, 11/24/2021 - 9:06am

As families prepare for holiday gatherings and memories of 2020 begin to fade, it's important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.

Going into the holiday season, the county has seen an uptick in new positive cases of the disease in recent weeks. In the last 14 days, as of Monday, there have been 110 new cases, with 57 in the last seven days. This brings the total number of active cases in the county to 165.

Read more about COVID continues to be an unwelcome holiday guest

Controlled Burn in Hampton

Published by editor on Wed, 11/24/2021 - 9:05am

The Hampton Fire Department performed a controlled burn on a property at the corner of 2nd Ave NW and 3rd St NW on Monday evening. (Photos by Mike Husz and Travis Fischer)

Read more about Controlled Burn in Hampton

Hampton receives economic development update

Published by editor on Wed, 11/24/2021 - 8:59am

The Hampton City Council discussed the industrial park and municipal airport during their regular meeting on Monday, November 22.

The meeting began with a report from FCDA Director Mary Amsbaugh, who updated the council about various economic development activities she has been working on for the last four months.

Read more about Hampton receives economic development update

H-D/CAL honors area veterans

Published by editor on Wed, 11/17/2021 - 10:18am

The Hampton-Dumont/CAL High School honored area veterans during their Veterans Day program on Thursday, November 11.

Opening with the National Anthem from the H-D/CAL High School Concert Band, the program was introduced by Isabelle Miller, followed by an explanation of the "Little White Table" and a history of Veterans Day from Sydney Buseman.

The guest speaker of the event was Hampton-Dumont Middle School Principal Anthony Spradlin, who joined the Marines in 1987 and spent six years in the corps along with another 28 in the Iowa Air National Guard.

Read more about H-D/CAL honors area veterans

Community comes together to support Heuberger family

Published by editor on Wed, 11/17/2021 - 10:11am

Friends and family of Drew Heuberger gathered at the Franklin County Convention Center on Saturday, November 13 to offer support to the family as he begins a series of treatments to battle a resurgence of cancer.

"We had such a great turnout," said Kim Hershey. "Everyone has been so supportive."

Hershey, along with a score of other volunteers, put on the fundraiser to support the Heuberger family in their difficult time.

Read more about Community comes together to support Heuberger family

Franklin Chamber gearing up for holiday season

Published by editor on Wed, 11/17/2021 - 10:06am

The holiday season is approaching fast and the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce is busy preparing for a slew of events.

On Friday, November 26, downtown Hampton will be open for Black Friday shoppers looking to avoid the rush with the Sleep In, Shop Late afternoon event.

At the same time, the chamber will be hosting the return of Friday Uncorked, where ticket holders can try samples of wine at a dozen downtown locations. Each stop will have a people's choice candidate that participants can rate to decide which wine is the best of 2021.

Read more about Franklin Chamber gearing up for holiday season

CAL welcomes new board members

Published by editor on Wed, 11/17/2021 - 10:02am

The CAL Community School Board met for their regular meeting on Monday, November 8.

At the meeting, the board approved an application for the School Budget Review Committee to authorize an increase in their spending authority for the year. In order to purchase items this year that cannot be put on hold, the districting is asking for an increase in their spending authority in the amount of $153,233, with an additional $3,094 for English Language Learning programs.

Read more about CAL welcomes new board members

Franklin County Election Results

Published by editor on Thu, 11/11/2021 - 7:48am

It was Election Day on Tuesday, November 2. People across Franklin County headed out to the polls for the off-year election.

"It went really well," said Franklin County Auditor Katy Flint. "We didn't have any issues."

A number of contested races in the area gave a boost to the traditionally low off-year turnout. Roughly 22% of Franklin County voters participated in last week's election, up from the last comparable election in 2019.

Read more about Franklin County Election Results

Hampton offers reminder about proper leaf disposal

Published by editor on Wed, 11/10/2021 - 1:18pm

The Hampton City Council discussed libraries, renovations, and leaf disposal during their regular meeting on Monday, November 8.

Normally Monday would be a workshop meeting, however the normal Thursday meetings have been pushed to Monday for the month of November due to the placement of Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving.

At the meeting the council met with Maggie Pearson, who approached the city about installing a little library at one of the city parks.

Read more about Hampton offers reminder about proper leaf disposal

Franklin Wellness Center receives CARES Act grant

Published by editor on Wed, 11/10/2021 - 1:16pm

The Franklin Wellness Center has been approved for an Iowa Fitness Center Relief Grant on behalf of Franklin County R.A.C.E.

Administered by the Iowa Economic Authority, $30 million in funds in federal CARES Act money is being distributed to eligible fitness centers across the state.

The Franklin County Wellness Center has been approved for a $31,108.73 grant, which the wellness center will be using to supplement their operating expenses along with making some repairs to the pool.