News

Hamptonite leaves painted rocks for encouragement amid pandemic

Published by editor on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 9:54am

Walkers and bicyclists along the trail at the Hampton Cemetery lately may have noticed small splashes of color with messages of hope.

Not long after isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic began, painted rocks with pictures and quotes began popping up along the trail. For the first few weeks, the rocks’ source was a mystery but Hampton resident Dawn Foy recently revealed herself as the anonymous artist.

But Foy never wanted recognition, all she wanted was a way to lift spirits amid the uncertainty of today’s world because solace can be found in the simplest of places.

H-D-CAL’s Kingland-Hanson retires after 34 years of upbeat lessons and unbreakable connections

Published by editor on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 9:28am

Long before Carolyn Kingland-Hanson came to Hampton-Dumont-CAL High School as an English teacher, she had an interaction with a staff member that foreshadowed the sense of family she’d develop in 34 years with the district.

Kingland-Hanson, who retired following this year, recalls meeting then H-D band director Leon Kuehner when she first arrived at the district and remembering she had met Kuehner many years before.

Franklin County Fair officials cancel all non-4H and FFA events

Published by editor on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 9:26am

Franklin County Fair officials last week announced the decision to cancel all non-4-H and FFA activities for this year’s fair amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Franklin County Fair Board President Jon Baltes said he understands that the decision comes with disappointment from the children, parents and the community but it was one made with their best interests in mind. This year’s fair was scheduled for July 15 through July 19.

Franklin County couple rescues 50 hens facing euthanization

Published by editor on Wed, 06/03/2020 - 9:23am

Dozens of chickens were recently given a new lease on life thanks to a Franklin County couple.

Earlier in May, an Iowa egg producer announced it would need to get rid of 100,000-plus hens, as the production had run out of money and was unable to feed the animals due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the supply chain.

The egg farm announced it was scaling back its operation and may have to euthanize thousands of hens. In order to reduce the number of animals that would have to be destroyed, people were allowed to take hens that would otherwise be euthanized.

CAL’s Schaefer retires after 39 years with district

Published by editor on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 11:29am

The last three months of Mardy Schaefer’s 40-plus years in education were undoubtedly among the toughest of her career.

With intentions to retire from CAL following the final bell this year, Schaefer was abruptly separated from students and fellow teachers due to the school’s closure amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online lessons replaced face-to-face instruction and Zoom conferences took the place of live, in-person events. Most difficult of all, was the inability to say goodbye to the students and staff who helped make part of her 39 years at CAL enjoyable and memorable.

Millard steps down after 20 years as H-D-CAL’s Mock Trial coach

Published by editor on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 11:27am

The final gavel has fallen on Lori Millard’s career as the Hampton-Dumont-CAL High School Mock Trial coach.

Millard earlier this year announced that she will retire from the position after leading the team for the last 20 years, a decision she did not make lightly.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made because I still feel strongly for the program, the school and community have been amazing in their support, but I’m just getting up there in age and I feel like 20 years was a nice, round number,” she said.

Unique commencement ceremony provides fitting conclusion for H-D-CAL seniors

Published by editor on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 11:11am

After their final of year of high school was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hampton-Dumont-CAL High School Class of 2020 finally had a little luck in the form of a picture perfect afternoon for the school’s first ever outdoor commencement ceremony Sunday.

Rain and thunder earlier in the morning gave way to sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80s, despite the forecast calling for additional chances of thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Hampton Farmer’s Market adjusts to COVID-19 guidelines

Published by editor on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 11:08am

The Hampton Farmer’s Market kicked off last week with new guidelines but the same fresh offerings for customers.

Barb Ristau, farmer’s market board member, said three vendors attended the first installation last Tuesday and a steady flow of customers followed.

“I think they pretty much got rid of a lot of stuff,” Ristau said.

Coulter legion works to finish Freedom Rock corridor

Published by editor on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 11:06am

The Coulter Freedom Corridor is nearing completion but needs a boost to reach the finish line.

The Freedom Corridor, located on the north edge of town near the Rolling Prairie Trail, contains the Franklin County Freedom Rock, as well as a statue of a large, bronze bald eagle, flag poles and a Howitzer cannon.

Hampton salons, barbershops reopen with added safety and sanitation in place

Published by editor on Wed, 05/27/2020 - 11:03am

Shaggy Hamptonites wasted little time taking advantage of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ decision to reopen barbershops and hair salons effective Friday, May 15.

Most Hampton hair care spots that chose to open immediately had callers eager to book a haircut or style after salons and barbers had been closed for two and a half months amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Her (Reynolds’) press conference wasn’t even over yet and we were getting messages,” said Amy Craighton, owner of Head Quarters.

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