ROCKWELL – Shortly before 4 p.m. Monday, August 24, the Rockwell Fire Department responded to a reported fire at the West Fork Elementary bus barn.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. Crews quickly knocked down the fire and brought it under control.

HAMPTON – For 40 years, Glenda Green has been a familiar presence at the Hampton United Methodist Church, sharing her love of music with generations of worshippers as the church’s organist.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand discussed school choice, oversight of private schools and student meal programs during a town hall Monday in Franklin County.

Sand is continuing his annual 100 Town Hall Tour, with stops Monday in Hardin, Franklin, Chickasaw and Dubuque counties.

The Hampton Police Department has added a new officer who is preparing to begin formal law enforcement training later this month.

Jose Aragon-Mendez joined the department earlier this month. He is a 2025 graduate of Hampton-Dumont-CAL and says the opportunity to become a police officer in a community where he was raised made Hampton a good fit.

HAMPTON — Hampton’s Bandshell Park was filled with chrome, classic cars and community spirit Sunday as the annual Hampton Car Show brought 210 vehicles and visitors from across the state to town.

By Elian Trevino

Hampton Chronicle

HAMPTON — Three people were transported following a two-vehicle crash Monday morning at the intersection of 180th Street and Lark Avenue.

HAMPTON – Lance Studer’s passion for cars started long before he opened his own business in Hampton. Now, after four years of building Lance Studer Custom Automotive from a garage-based operation into a growing local business, Studer has been named one of three finalists for the Young Entrepreneur Award and recognized as the August 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month by the NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC.

HAMPTON – The Hampton Public Library is looking to expand its services and create new opportunities for local residents, including a dedicated space for teens and a potential new streaming service.

ACKLEY — Golfers, classic car enthusiasts, family and friends gathered Aug. 22 at the Ackley Recreation Club for the Borcherding Brothers Golf Outing and Classic Cars, an event created to honor Ty and Dusty Borcherding while continuing their legacy through scholarships and support for their families.

HAMPTON – For Virginia Meinberg, being involved in her community has been a part of life in Hampton for decades.

Born and raised in Hampton, Meinberg has spent much of her life finding ways to serve others. She has worked as the Franklin County Courthouse Custodian for about 18 years and has been the Hampton United Methodist Church custodian for 30 years.

SHEFFIELD – West Fork Community School District is welcoming Austin Guerrero to its staff for the 2026-27 school year.

Guerrero is entering his sixth year in education and his first year at West Fork. He will serve as the district's 7-12 athletic director, Wellness Center coordinator and physical education teacher.

LATIMER – For more than 30 years, 4-H has been a major part of Val Plagge’s life, from her childhood as a 4-H member to her years of volunteering and helping young people discover their own interests.

Plagge was recently inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame, an honor she said she is incredibly grateful to receive.

“I am very honored to be inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame," Plagge said.

SHEFFIELD – For more than four decades, the Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show has brought together agriculture, youth and communities for a cause much bigger than the show ring.

HAMPTON – Long-Term Medical Supply and Boutique welcomed community members Thursday for a grand reopening following a major remodel designed to bring a fresh look and expanded shopping experience to downtown Hampton.

The Terrace Hill Sanitary District is moving closer to construction of a new wastewater treatment lagoon north of the Terrace Hill subdivision, about two miles north of Hampton.

The project has been in development for several years as the district works to meet updated Iowa Department of Natural Resources requirements for wastewater discharged from its lagoon.