Michelle Schaefer, who retired from First Security Bank as Assistant Vice President/Retail Banking Supervisor in June of this year, was recently honored by the Iowa Bankers Association for more than 50 years of service in banking. The award was presented to Michelle during the IBA Annual Convention on Monday, September 21 st in Des Moines. She was one of 24 individuals recognized for achieving the 50-year service milestone.

Hampton — The Franklin County Board of Supervisors met for their regular weekly session at the courthouse on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Public comments opened the morning session with resident Larry Sailer addressing the board on zoning topics. Sailer is the Republican nominee for Supervisor in District 1—a seat currently held by Gary McVicker, who is not seeking re-election.

For many older adults in Hampton and the surrounding area, the Hampton Senior Citizens Center is about much more than a place to have lunch.

It’s a place to meet friends, play cards, enjoy an ice cream, take part in activities — and, for some seniors who can no longer easily get out on their own, a place that helps provide a hot meal and a connection to the community.

A new cottonwood tree now marks the site of Franklin County’s historic Sentinel Tree.

The original Sentinel Tree, located near Quail Avenue and 110th Street northwest of Geneva, was removed in January after standing for roughly 200 years.

Hampton-Dumont-CAL is celebrating homecoming this week with a full schedule of activities leading up to Friday night’s football game.

The week includes daily dress-up themes. Monday is Anything But a Water Bottle Day, followed by Generations Day on Tuesday, Color Day on Wednesday, Country vs. Country Club Day on Thursday and Spirit Day on Friday.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Hampton woman on theft, burglary and motor vehicle charges following an investigation involving two locations.

Fifty-three-year-old Elizabeth Zeibot was arrested Thursday and charged with fifth-degree theft, third-degree burglary and operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and at Hampton-Dumont High School, a group of students is working to make sure their classmates know there is someone they can turn to.

The Hampton-Dumont Hope Squad was started last year and currently has eight student members.

Senior Kenley Hansen and sophomore Nora Dunnwald are among those students.

The Kiwanis Club of Hampton's rescheduled scholarship cookout fundraiser will be held Monday, September 28, in the Fareway parking lot. Serving will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The $6 meal includes a grilled pork tenderloin sandwich, chips, a cookie and water. An additional sandwich may be purchased for $3.

Proceeds will support the Kiwanis Club of Hampton's scholarship program.

In a letter received Monday by Hampton Mayor Steve Birdsall, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) informed the City of Hampton that it intends to conditionally award the city a Community Catalyst and Building Remediation Grant of up to $100,000.

The grant award is conditional upon IEDA receiving mutually agreed-upon project scope, design renderings and documentation of the required matching funds.

The Ackley Heritage Center will open the doors to its Settlement on the Prairie this Saturday for its annual fall open house.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 101 Grundy Street in Ackley, with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Sheffield City Council will revisit the placement of two stop signs on Maple Street after a resident raised concerns about traffic and noise during Wednesday’s meeting.

The Knights of Columbus of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hampton will host a tailgate fundraiser meal on Friday, October 2, prior to the Hampton-Dumont-CAL Homecoming football game against Denver.

Serving will be from 5 to 7 p.m. in the social hall of St. Patrick Catholic Church, located across the street east of the high school football field.

First Bank Hampton has donated $25,000 to the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to support the organization’s purchase of its new office location. The contribution reflects the bank’s continued commitment to local organizations that strengthen Franklin County and help area businesses and communities thrive.

The historic Windsor Theatre in Hampton is temporarily closed since Monday (9/21/26)  as contractors work 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. Construction is expected to take up to eight weeks, during which all movie screenings will be suspended.

Downtown Hampton was once again decorated with colorful hanging flower baskets this summer, thanks to a community effort involving the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Hampton-Dumont-CAL FFA students, the City of Hampton, local businesses and numerous volunteers.

A total of 33 hanging flower baskets were displayed downtown this year, marking the fourth year of the project.