If you drive by Band Shell Park, you may notice a new attraction in the center of it. The large plot that used to be barren now holds a variety of flowers and small bushes, which will continue to grow over time. 
 
The lady behind the project: Master Gardener Charlane Janssen.
 

A representative from Seabee Foundry recently announced that the company will be closing its 1483 Highway 3 location in Hampton.
 

Tucker McCormick, 10, and his sister and cousins could be seen selling sweet corn and lemonade and cookies at their annual stand over the weekend. 
 

A dog that was in the process of being deemed vicious by the city attacked another dog on July 20 while his owners awaited their court date. 
 
The incident took place just past 2nd Street on First Ave. NE. Alley Davis said her husband, Steve Davis, was walking their 5-year-old border terrier mix, who belongs to their daughter, and that the vicious dog ran towards them, grabbing hold of the terrier. 

ABCM Corp Lead Marketing Consultant Kara Koster just shared with the Chronicle that the company has yet to finalize any acquisitions. She said the potential date for the acquisition with Legacy Healthcare has been pushed back to the end of the month. Once the agreement is finalized, the company will share details with the public.
 

Dows Corn Days saw a great turnout last weekend, according to event coordinator Beverly Lange. 
 

Hampton Firefighters and Franklin General emergency providers put on quite the show at the Franklin County Fair this year.

Once again, the two groups teamed up to give the public a demonstration of how they save folks from crashed vehicles, using the “Jaws of Life” and highly trained professionals.

Four Oaks is actively seeking families to help foster and adopt children who are in need of temporary and permanent homes.
Brittany West, a foster and adoption caseworker at Four Oaks, said they are down to one foster family in Hampton, although they have a couple more throughout the county.

This Sunday afternoon bidders on reclaimed "junk" fashioned into new objects by 4H'ers will find out if their bid was the winner. This year 12 student projects are being auctioned off to raise funds for the Franklin County Extension office's donation to the Franklin County Relay for Life.

The folks who organized the Maynes Grove Vendor Event this spring recently donated $600 to the Franklin County Conservation Board.

The Maynes Grove Vendor Event was held for the first time this spring, on May 3 and May 4. It was held in the lodge at Maynes Grove. It was organized by Dawn Rice and Janelle Dohrmann

Dohrmann said it’s important for them to donate back to the community.

Libby Trewin, 17, was named the 2024 Franklin County Fair Queen on Thursday evening, July 11.

Trewin, the daughter of John and Emily Trewin, told the Chronicle her heart was racing when her name was called and she couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to compete with. She was also named Miss Congeniality that night.

The City of Hampton purchased a new fire truck for $329,000 — and it arrived at the start of the month.

The Hampton Fire Department, which has been around for decades, now has five fire trucks.

The Chronicle has received numerous calls and messages from community members concerned about potential changes in ownership at ABCM Corp over the last couple weeks. 
The Chronicle contacted Kara Koster, lead marketing consultant for ABCM Corp, on July 5 for comment, and Koster replied on July 8. 
 

For years, the good people at Christensen Jewelry in Hampton have donated the trophies, crowns and bracelets for the Franklin County Fair Queens. 
 
Russ Gibson, who's owned the jewelry store for the last 36 years, said they've always been big on giving back to the community.
 

Hampton City Councilors discussed changing the guidelines for the city’s Image of Pride Award during their July 8 workshop. 
 
One matter that was brought up: should the award apply to businesses, as well as homes? Currently, the award is only granted to homeowners.