After fifty years with Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, Plant Manager Greg Jaacks is ready for retirement.
On Thursday night, Oct. 30, he celebrated his accomplishments and hard work with his coworkers and community at their headquarters in Alexander. The company hosted a farewell party for him that evening.
When asked what he'll miss the most, he said "the work."

The Hampton Tree Board wrapped up their planting season this week, with their final tree going in at Harriman Park on Thursday morning.
The new tree replaced one of the infected ash trees that had been removed by the city earlier this year.

Kandi Borcherding and her friends planted a memorial tree Wednesday morning in East Park in honor of her son, Ty, who passed away in July.
They purchased the tree (a Ginkgo biloba) through the Hampton Tree Board, along with a customized plaque, which will arrive at a later date.
Kandi wanted to thank the community for their overwhelming support after the passing of her son.

A group of actors, who just so happen to live in the area, starred in the Les Nelson's "The Gray," which premiered at the Windsor Theatre on Thursday evening, Oct. 1.
"The Gray," written, directed, and produced by Les Nelson of Marketplace Media, follows six cousins who, while camping in the woods near their grandmother’s farm, encounter a mysterious creature that appears between sunset and darkness.

First Bank Hampton (FBH), through the generous support of the A.M. and Helen L. Saylor Foundation, made a donation of $5,300 to La Luz Centro Cultural.
The contribution presented will directly support La Luz’s mission to sustain and enhance essential services for those in the community.

Business is booming once again at the former Stumble Inn in Bradford, which now goes by JJ’s Bar & Grill. The mastermind behind the recently-opened operations: Jessi Dietz, with help from her boyfriend and co-owner, Jamie Ubben.

The Carlson Tree Farm crew took on a special project this weekend. On Sunday, they planted a tree for the late Ida Fahrmann, of Latimer, who passed away in June of 2024. Her living tribute was placed in Latimer’s West Park.

The members of the Franklin County Family Focus group held their annual "Share the Warmth" winter clothing drive over the weekend, giving away around 300 items to community members — their most successful drive yet.

First Bank Hampton and the A.M. and Helen L. Saylor Foundation have generously donated $5,000 to the Hampton Senior Center in an effort to support its continued operation and service to the community.
The Hampton Senior Center is a cherished resource for local residents, providing a safe and welcoming environment where seniors can enjoy a variety of activities, entertainment, and meals.

Alexander, Iowa — After five decades of service, Greg Jaacks is retiring from Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, marking the end of an extraordinary 50-year career rooted in family, loyalty and a legacy that began quite literally next door.
 

A memorial tree was planted on the north lawn of the Hampton cemetery Thursday morning in honor of Taylor Carr and Cammie Haack.
Loretta and Rex Carr purchased the tree (a fall fiesta sugar maple) and customized plaque through the Hampton Tree Board as a living tribute for their son and granddaughter.

The New Friends of the Old Stone House held a silent auction, tour, potluck and more at Maynes Grove on Saturday, Oct. 18 to raise money for the Old Stone House in Geneva — the oldest house in Franklin County.
 

This is Tara Zakeer’s first year as the family and consumer science teacher at H-D-CAL High School, but she’s no stranger to the culinary world.

Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, the only Democrat in statewide elected office, made a pit stop in Hampton on Friday, Oct. 17, as part of his statewide campaign tour for governor.
He and his team stopped by Rustic Brew at 10 a.m. on Friday, where locals waited with drinks in hand. One of those residents was Carol Sensor, who told the Chronicle that she was excited to meet with and speak to Sand.

The candidates for Hampton’s 2025 city election were all running uncontested until Friday, Oct. 17, when Lisa Hill of Hampton announced her candidacy for the at-large city council seat.
She is running as a write-in candidate, against Jeanne Fay, who will appear on the ballot on Nov. 4. Hill will not appear on the ballot.