News

First antiques, second ceramics

Published by editor on Wed, 06/02/2021 - 10:23am

There is more than vintage knick-knacks at First and Second Vintage in downtown Hampton.

In addition to the restored furniture and handcrafted décor, the business also serves as a ceramic workshop for the community.

Run by Jerre Grefe, this store has been part of Hampton’s specialty shops since November of 2017. Originally run by Grefe and two others, she now operates the entire shop on her own.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of love,” Grefe said.

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Amsbaugh takes on position as Franklin County economic development director

Published by editor on Wed, 06/02/2021 - 10:18am

Mary Amsbaugh is settling into her new role as Franklin County Development Association's executive director.

Stepping into the role in February, Amsbaugh has been working to promote and increase the economic development of Franklin County.

“I like meeting all the people, finding out their needs, and finding resources for them to help,” said Amsbaugh.

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New pastor settling at Faith Baptist Church

Published by editor on Wed, 06/02/2021 - 10:10am

Faith Baptist Church’s new pastor Dustin Byrnes is settling in to his role.

Originally from Hermantown, Minnesota, Byrnes got a degree in law enforcement and worked as a police officer for nine years in Atikin, Minnesota.

Byrnes left law enforcement when he found Jesus and then worked several other jobs, including lumber yard work, a paraprofessional at a local school, and the YMCA, always making sure to be involved with volunteering at the church.

Through working with his church, Byrnes participated in a ten day mission trip to Ukraine.

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Hampton council makes decision on southeast stop signs

Published by editor on Wed, 06/02/2021 - 9:55am

The Hampton City Council decided not to install additional stop signs in southeast Hampton during their regular meeting on Thursday, May 27.

For the last several months, the council has been deliberating on the necessity of additional traffic control in southeast Hampton. The city has been studying the quadrant in question to determine the best course of action to take, if any.

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Cemetery Walk

Published by editor on Wed, 06/02/2021 - 9:52am

History lovers congregated at the Hampton Cemetery on Sunday, May 30 for a stroll through the gravestones as the Friends of the Cemetery hosted the third Cemetery Walk.

"It seems like there's a bigger group than ever before," said Brian Stevens, who helped organize the event. "It's good. I like to see people out in the cemetery." .

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Memorial Day 2021

Published by editor on Wed, 06/02/2021 - 9:47am

Hampton celebrated Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, with a parade through town that ended at the Hampton Cemetery for a ceremonial presentation.

The parade consisted of the Bulldog Marching Band that led cars carrying the honored speaker Adam Akers, members of the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary, and the Hampton Fire Department.

When the parade arrived in the cemetery, Chaplain Jim Zackerias, led those who attended in prayer and presented the colors.

Michael Rosenberg, the son of Jeff and Megan Rosenberg, read "General Logan's Orders".

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Schools scramble to adapt to new state COVID policies

Published by editor on Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:55am

School districts have gone through a whirlwind of regulatory changes over the last two weeks as the state continues to look toward a post-COVID future.

On Friday, May 14, the Iowa Department of Public Health and Human Services sent word that they were revising their COVID-19 guidance for schools. .

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Hampton-Dumont hires interim principal for 2021-22 school year

Published by editor on Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:51am

The Hampton-Dumont Community School District announced last week that they have hired an interim high school principal for the next school year.

Retired principal Randy Bushbam has agreed to come on board for a year, giving time for the district to search for a permanent replacement for current Principal Steve Madson, who will be moving to a different position in the district.

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Public Shooting Range Opens in Franklin County

Published by editor on Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:44am

The North Hansell Range is open for the season. This entirely volunteer run range is located in Hansell and is the only public shooting range in Franklin County.

Run by Ray Baltes and a group of dedicated volunteers, the range opened back in 2008.

“It started with a few places to shoot at one hundred and two hundred yards,” said Baltes. “Within the first few years, we had lots more built.”

An experienced shooter, Baltes has been active in target shooting for several decades.

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Pearson retiring after a 46 year nursing career

Published by editor on Wed, 05/26/2021 - 11:25am

After 46 years, Maggie Pearson is retiring from her career in nursing. Pearson began her nursing journey after graduating from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska in 1975 where she worked for Bergan-Mercy Hospital for a year and a half as a critical care nurse. She then moved back to her hometown of Boone where she worked in the intensive care unit as a critical care registered nurse at Boone County Hospital for four years.