HAMPTON — Local businesses, organizations and community leaders gathered Friday, Sept. 4, for the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce quarterly coffee, hosted by First Security Bank & Trust.

The morning provided an opportunity for local representatives to share updates, promote upcoming events and recognize new employees and recent promotions within the community.

HAMPTON — More than 400 shoppers stopped by a local garage sale held Sept. 3-5 during the annual Hwy. 3 Sales, making this year one of the busiest yet for the group of organizers who have made the sale an annual tradition.

HAMPTON – Janette Flores Acolt returned from a recent conference in Iowa City with renewed motivation for the work she does supporting local families through La Luz Centro Cultural.

HAMPTON — Veterans and families gathered Wednesday, Sept. 2, for the third and final Veterans Picnic of the year, held from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., despite unexpected rain in the morning and hot, humid conditions.

Adam Akers, executive director of Franklin County Veterans Affairs, said he was happy with the turnout and that the veterans who attended had a great time.

The historic Windsor Theatre in Hampton may temporarily close on Monday, Sept. 21 pending approval of Emergency Community Catalyst Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, allowing contractors to replace the auditorium’s failing plaster ceiling. The Windsor Theatre Development Corporation hired Pro Wall Construction to tear out the existing plaster ceiling and install drywall across the entire auditorium.

West Fork is celebrating homecoming this week with several activities planned throughout the week.

Tuesday’s schedule included a home volleyball match against St. Ansgar.

HAMPTON — First Security Bank’s annual Shred Event gave area residents an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted documents while also supporting local food pantries.

HAMPTON — The Hampton Municipal Airport welcomed community members Monday, Sept. 7, for the annual Compassion Flights Fly-In, bringing together aviation enthusiasts, families and supporters for a morning of breakfast, aircraft and community fellowship.

GENEVA – For Carolyn Hofmeister Varland, researching her family history has become about much more than finding names and dates. It has become a journey to understand the people who came before her, the communities they helped build and the responsibility she believes each generation has to carry those stories forward.

HAMPTON – For Cheri Dirks, what started as a simple idea to paint bank windows has grown into a creative business that brings colorful designs and seasonal artwork to communities throughout Iowa.

SHEFFIELD – The Sheffield Public Library is expanding its after-school programming this fall, offering children a variety of activities on Wednesday afternoons throughout the school year.

The Wednesday programming will begin Sept. 9 and is designed to provide children with a place to spend their early-out afternoons while participating in activities that encourage creativity, learning and social interaction.

HAMPTON – More than 150 years after John and Barbara Menning settled in Franklin County, the family farm they established continues to carry their name and history.

HAMPTON – The Friends of the Hampton Public Library are taking steps toward becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization following a unanimous vote at the group’s fall meeting Wednesday, Aug. 26.

Franklin County deputies made two drug-related arrests Friday, including one following a traffic stop in Hampton and another on Interstate 35.

At about 1:30 Friday morning, deputies stopped a vehicle in the 1300 block of Olive Avenue in southwest Hampton. A sheriff’s office K-9 indicated the possible presence of narcotics, and deputies say 36-year-old Jeffery Heib of Kesley was found with controlled substances.

HAMPTON – Hampton-Dumont Community School District and CAL Community School District staff received annual Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training during their back-to-school professional development days, giving educators an opportunity to review how to respond during an emergency.