The 4H La Luz Familia Club has seen great growth since last year.
In fact, they've tripled in size. Last year they had around six members, and they're now up to 18.
The reason for the growth is in large part thanks to the parent participation. This year, they held a big meeting where parents asked any and all questions about 4-H. For many of them, 4-H is still a new concept, but one they were eager to learn about.

Abby Schoning, 17, of Sheffield was named the 2025 Franklin County Fair Queen Thursday evening, July 10.
Schoning, who will be a senior at West Fork High School in the fall, told the Chronicle that she is honored to be named this year's queen.
"This means a lot to me. I love the community and I love the people of Franklin County," she said. "I am so excited to get to serve Franklin County this year."

A special ceremony was held Wednesday morning, July 9 to celebrate the designation of Reeve REA Power Generating Plant as a National Historic Landmark.
Franklin County Historical Society President Jim Davies acted as the emcee, and a special appearance was made by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

The Franklin County Fair is made possible with generous donations from corporate sponsors every year. And the Alliant Energy team is proud to be one of them.
This year, the company donated around $15,000 to the Franklin County Fair — $10,000 to the fair's new ADA-compliant bleachers, $3,500 for ice cream supplies for the entire week and $2,200 for a grand championship sponsorship.

June 25, 2025 – At CGD Middle School, music became more than notes for one beloved teacher; it was a way to reach kids who needed someone to believe in them. For ten years, that someone was Mr. Tom Klaver.

The Friends of Beeds Lake are excited to share that they have finally reached their fundraising goal for the new playground at the park.
They were able to cross the finish line earlier today, with one final donation of $800 from First Security Bank.

The RAGBRAI-Latimer Committee held a meeting Wednesday, June 25, at the Latimer Community Center to update locals on their plans for their big day, July 23, when more than 10,000 bikers are expected to pass through the town of 477 residents.

Viola Zaabel was named the recipient of the June 2025 Image of Pride Award during last week’s city council meeting.
Zaabel was selected for the honor by City Councilor Jerre Grefe. Her home is located at 826 1st St NW.

Hampton City Council appointed three new members to the Hampton Public Library’s Board of Trustees during their June 26 meeting. 
The following people were appointed: Joslyn Stock, Becky Palmer and Dick Paulsen, who was reappointed for another term.

The Friends of Popejoy Park have been busy bees these last few years, transforming the county park from a field of rotten trees and weeds to a nice recreational area for everyone in the community.

The family and friends of Lily Montalvo honored her life and beautiful spirit at Mercy One in Des Moines Friday morning, June 
Lily was wheeled down the hallway of the first floor of the medical center shortly after 7:30 a.m., with dozens of family, friends and hospital workers lined along the walls in support. Her beloved dog, Junior, was also in attendance.
Lily's organs were donated.

One of the four defendants in the recent grave marker thefts was sentenced Monday by Judge Chris Foy, who handed down two ten-year sentences to be served consecutively.
Brandon Smith will serve up to ten years for the first offense of theft and up to another ten years for the additional offense of criminal mischief.

The Geneva Methodist Church is celebrating 150 years since first opening their doors.

On Saturday, June 21, community members stopped by to celebrate the church’s milestone, with a free lunch, games in the basement, a special music program (provided by the Aalderks family) and a celebration worship service later in the day.

Event organizers began planning last summer.

Hampton City Council interviewed three applicants for the three openings on the library board Monday evening, June 23. 
The applicants were Joslyn Stock, Becky Palmer and Dick Paulsen. 
City Councilor Jerre Grefe asked “what do you think the number one role is of the library in the community?”
Dick Paulsen said he believes the library’s top priority is to educate people. 

I should not have packed socks. As I sit here, 7,500 miles away in Gurugram, India, my home of one whole week’s time, that is my only regret. I packed fifteen pairs of socks, mostly fun ones so I could switch it up every week, yet, in my time since arriving in India, I have worn none. My shoes sit lying abandoned, while my sandals have picked up all the miles.