Alivia Fergus is ready to make a difference as the new park manager for Beeds Lake State Park.
Fergus, who graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in biology (and a focus in ecology and conservation) in 2023, started the position two weeks ago. And she’s been loving every minute of it. 

The members of the Hampton Tree Board and Beeds Lake State Park Manager Alivia Fergus teamed up to plant four new trees at the park Thursday afternoon, May 22. 
 
They planted a swamp white oak, a chinkapin oak, a scarlett oak and a lyndin oak.
 

Every year, Franklin General Hospital’s EMS team responds to more than one thousand calls.
It’s a big job, said EMS Manager Nancy Retz, but it’s one that they all enjoy doing.
Retz, who stepped into the manager role six years ago, oversees the department of twenty people — a mix of full-time and part-time paramedics, EMTs and drivers. Some are called in as needed.

The Hampton City Council voted Thursday night to appoint a new Ward 1 Councilor after Bill Hodge recently announced his resignation.
 
The other option would have been to hold a special election.
 
Interested candidates from Ward 1 can now retrieve an application from City Hall. Completed applications must be returned by June 6.
 

The seventh annual Hampton Cemetery Walk was held on Sunday, May 25.

The streets of Downtown Hampton are once again adorned with hanging flower baskets, an annual summer tradition.
This will be the third year the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has overseen the project. And this year, the promotions committee — made up of Jerre Grefe, Rebeka Ault and Holly Narber — pulled it all together.

Franklin Wellness Center Director Chad Johnson invites community members to stop by for their appreciation night on Thursday, June 12, from 5 to 7 p.m.
 

Ward 1 Hampton City Councilor Bill Hodge announced his resignation from his seat, effective July 1, 2025, during the May 19 city council workshop. 
 
In his resignation letter, he wrote that it has been an honor and privilege to serve in this capacity for more than 15 years.

After years with the school district, wrestling coach and gym teacher Patrick Hansen is saying farewell to his friends at H-D-CAL. Next year, he’ll be teaching and coaching at Southeast Polk Community School District.

On Monday morning, May 19, Kyle Lucas with Wayne's Ski & Cycle in Mason City shared some tips and tricks on bike safety with the fifth graders at H-D-CAL Middle School.

He started his presentation with the proper way to wear a helmet, followed by ways for the students to check their bikes, including how to check their tire pressure, spokes and brakes.

A total of 128 students graduated from Hampton-Dumont-CAL High School on Sunday, May 18.

The commencement ceremony began at 2:30 p.m. and took place in the high school gymnasium, starting with an introductory statement from Class President Jaxson Rew, in which he reminded his fellow graduates to enjoy the journey.

Franklin REC recently announced that Nicholas Quasdorf was selected to attend the weeklong Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. this summer.
 
While there, the H-D-CAL junior will have the chance to explore cooperative principles, visit historic landmarks and engage with elected officials.
 

Hampton Police Department’s newest officer, Bo Brass, was sworn in by Mayor Steve Birdsall after the May 8 city council meeting.
Brass joined the police department on Monday, April 21, and he’s been busy training with fellow officers since starting. Police Chief Mark Morrison said Brass will complete his 16-week training with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy starting in September.
 

This summer’s Hampton Farmers Market kicks off Tuesday, May 13, and, as always, Karen Koenig will be there with her assortment of jams and jellies and veggies.
 
This will be her 30th summer in attendance at the farmer’s market, on behalf of Koenigs’ Acres Farm.
 

The ball diamond behind Church of the Living Word will have plenty of shady spots to cool off under in ten or so years.