News

Franklin County joins Wright and Hamilton under new district maps

Published by editor on Wed, 11/10/2021 - 1:13pm

After weeks of debate and discussion, Iowa's representative redistricting has been finalized for another decade.

On Thursday, November 4, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill that would set new legislative districts going into effect in 2022, approving the second draft of proposed maps produced by the Legislative Services Agency.

These maps decide the borders for both Iowa's congressional districts for the United States House of Representatives along with the districts for Iowa's own senators and representatives.

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H-D/CAL hosts career fair

Published by editor on Wed, 11/03/2021 - 1:06pm

Hampton-Dumont/CAL High School hosted a career fair for students on Wednesday, October 27.

Local businesses, area colleges, and military recruiters lined up in the high school gymnasium to introduce themselves to perspective new employees, students, or recruits.

The job fair was originally planned for last year but March of 2020 turned out to be a poor time for large gatherings. The COVID-19 pandemic closed schools just days before the job fair was supposed to happen.

A year and a half later, the school gave it another go and reorganized the event.

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Model Railroad Club hosts annual Show & Sale

Published by editor on Wed, 11/03/2021 - 12:57pm

Everything was on track at the Franklin County Convention Center on Sunday, October 31 as the North Central Iowa Model Railroad Club hosted their ninth annual Model Railroad Show & Sale.

"We had a great morning," said club president Gene Elphic. "It looks like the vendors sold quite a bit of stuff."

Twenty vendors across more than a hundred tables had model trains and accessories for sale for the show, drawing in model train enthusiasts from around the area to browse their wares.

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Hampton makes planning and zoning board appointment.

Published by editor on Wed, 11/03/2021 - 12:53pm

The Hampton City Council appointed a resident to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission during their regular meeting on Thursday, October 28.

The council considered applications to fill a vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Two applicants, Jesse Mollenbeck and Carolee Philpott, were at the meeting to express their interest in the position.

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CAL grad returns to Latimer to share children's book

Published by editor on Wed, 11/03/2021 - 12:29pm

CAL graduate Natalie Nordlund returned to Latimer on Friday to share with students a children's book she had written to help kids with handling their emotions.

Nordlund has recently released her first book, "My Peaceful Place," an illustrated book designed to help young readers learn calming strategies using their own minds and imaginations.

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Area Law Enforcement and Emergency Rescue pays respects to fallen Trooper

Published by editor on Thu, 10/28/2021 - 9:12am

Law Enforcement and Emergency Rescue members from across the state lined up to pay respects to a fallen Iowa State Patrol Trooper on Friday, October 22.

Trooper Ted Benda, 37, was responding to a call in Clayton County on Thursday, October 14 when he was seriously injured in a car crash. Benda passed away the following Wednesday.

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Two city council seats contested in Hampton

Published by editor on Thu, 10/28/2021 - 9:07am

Election Day is fast approaching and could result in some new faces on the Hampton City Council.

Representing Ward 2 on the city council, incumbent Barry Lamos is facing a challenge from newcomer Amanda Fender. Likewise, incumbent At-Large council member Pat Palmer is facing a challenge against Scott Stillwell.

Also on the ballot, Hampton Mayor Russell Wood is running unopposed for re-election and incumbent councilmember Steve Birdsall is running unopposed for re-election in Ward 4.

Barry Lamos

Ward 2

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CAL School Board Election

Published by editor on Thu, 10/28/2021 - 9:04am

The CAL Community School Board will see some new faces this year. In District 1, Mitch Vanness is not seeking re-election. Bradly Wessels will be running uncontested for that open seat.

In District 2, incumbent Elizabeth Podolan is uncontested in seeking re-election for her seat.

A third At-Large seat, currently held by Jacob McNutt, will also be open, however no candidates have filed to be on the ballot, thus the seat will likely go to a write-in candidate.

Elizabeth Podolan

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Hampton-Dumont Community School Board Election

Published by editor on Thu, 10/28/2021 - 8:54am

The Hampton-Dumont Community School Board will have two contested elections on the ballot this year as five candidates vie for three open seats.

Two seats will be open in the Hampton Director race. Incumbent Stephanie Powers will be on the ballot along with Elisa Van Wert and Danielle Benavidez to compete for those two seats. Current board member Chad Hanson is not running for re-election.

The At-Large seat is also contested, with incumbent Jeff Rosenberg facing a challenge from Brent Hansen.

Stephanie Powers

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Geneva election could result in a win for all candidates

Published by editor on Thu, 10/28/2021 - 8:47am

For the upcoming election in Geneva, it's all but certain that the next mayor will be named Todd.

On paper, incumbent Mayor Todd Olmstead faces a challenge from Todd Pilchard, however there is a chance that both Todds will end up at the city council meetings one way or another.

Pilchard, a former council member looking to again become involved in city government, was unaware when he filed papers for mayor that a city council seat would be uncontested and is encouraging people to write him in for that position instead.