News

Giddings says goodbye after one last, crazy election season

Published by editor on Wed, 11/25/2020 - 9:30am

Michelle Giddings’ 32 years in the Franklin County Auditor’s Office prepared her for one of her toughest – and last – challenges.

First elected as auditor in 2000, Giddings chose to not seek reelection to the position in this year’s general election. When she announced her decision last year, a primary in June and a Presidential election in November stood between her and retirement, both things that had become routine throughout her career.

H-D adjusts spectator policy for athletic events

Published by editor on Wed, 11/25/2020 - 9:27am

A new round of COVID-19 related suggestions and recommendations passed down by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds last Monday have led to spectator restrictions at Hampton-Dumont-CAL High School events.

Per the Governor’s mandate, crowds at sporting events are limited to two spectators per athlete participating in the event.

Certified enrollment numbers show sharp drop at H-D

Published by editor on Wed, 11/25/2020 - 9:25am

The recently released certified enrollment numbers reflect a significant decline in students at Hampton-Dumont schools.

Certified enrollment, used to calculate funding for each district with the Iowa School Finance Formula, shows both the number of school eligible students living in a community and the amount of those students who attend that community’s school.

H-D, CAL schools to operate remotely instead of can-celling for inclement weather

Published by editor on Wed, 11/18/2020 - 2:54pm

Weather watching in hopes of a snow day this year may not be the same for students at Hampton-Dumont and CAL schools.

The districts this year announced that classes will be conducted via distance learning should inclement weather prevent in-person learning.

Superintendent Todd Lettow said that the decision was made, in part, to not add to the interruptions already made the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As much as we’ve already missed this year, we need to keep plugging along,” he said.

CAL classrooms welcome guinea pigs to teach re-spect, responsibility

Published by editor on Wed, 11/18/2020 - 2:53pm

Fuzzy friends give CAL students lovable lessons in responsibility.

Earlier this year, three CAL classes welcomed guinea pigs to the classroom as a reward for meeting Positive Behavioral and Intervention Supports (PBIS) goals. PBIS challenges students in a number of areas, including respect and responsibility, in order to make school a friendlier environment for staff and fellow students.

Modified Veterans Day ceremonies urge students to learn about soldiers’ service and sacrifices

Published by editor on Wed, 11/18/2020 - 2:51pm

Speaking to a mostly online audience last Wednesday, Hampton-Dumont Superintendent Todd Lettow reflected on stories he was told as a child.

Stories such as his uncle’s service in Vietnam and his great uncle’s experience as a paratrooper, Lettow said, are why Veterans Day is an important holiday to not only those who served in the United States Military, but the friends and family members of those who battled at home and overseas.

H-D, CAL schools switch to hybrid model

Published by editor on Wed, 11/18/2020 - 2:49pm

After nearly two months of onsite learning, Hampton-Dumont and CAL schools will switch back to a hybrid model until further notice.

Last Friday, the districts announced the change from onsite learning to the hybrid model, which was used at the beginning of the school year for the first few weeks.

Franklin County sees record voter response in Nov. 3 election

Published by editor on Wed, 11/18/2020 - 2:47pm

Franklin County voters took to the mail and polls in record numbers in the Tuesday, Nov. 3 General Election.

Michelle Giddings, Franklin County Auditor, said voter turnout for the 2020 election hit 77.43 percent of registered voters in Franklin County, eclipsing the 2016 mark of 70.12 percent.

“That’s the most I’ve ever had in the years I’ve been here,” Giddings said. “In the 32 years I’ve been at the auditor’s office, it’s never been higher.”

Giddings said that number included 2,646 absentee ballots, compared to 1,777 in 2016.

Local elections see newcomers replace longtime incumbents

Published by editor on Wed, 11/11/2020 - 11:36am

New faces were chosen last Tuesday to take over positions long held by incumbents.

Voters in Franklin, Cerro Gordo and Butler Counties in last Tuesday’s General Election elected Republican Shannon Latham to the Iowa House District 54 seat. Latham beat out Independent candidate Bennett Smith and Democratic candidate Karen Koenig to fill the seat currently held by Republican Linda Upmeyer. First elected to the seat in 2002, Upmeyer earlier this year announced she would not seek reelection.

H-D, CAL cautiously remain on-site

Published by editor on Wed, 11/11/2020 - 11:34am

The Hampton-Dumont and CAL Community School Districts will remain fully on-site but school officials are keeping an eye on rising COVID-19 cases in the area.

Superintendent Todd Lettow said cases within the buildings have remained low enough and without proven spread where administration felt comfortable to remain in the on-site model.

“At this point, there has never been a case that has been contact traced within the school,” he said. “Every case that’s been here at the school, they did not get the virus in school.

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