On September 7, 2021, Governor Kim Reynolds inducted former Sukup Manufacturing Co. employee, Warren Van Dyke of Greene, Iowa, into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor is the highest recognition volunteers can receive for volunteer efforts in their communities in the state of Iowa.

St. Paul Lutheran School in Latimer had a major milestone last week as the school celebrated its official accreditation on Thursday, October 7.
"We're pretty excited," said Principal Steve Stortz.

A Hampton-Dumont student is celebrating an outstanding score on his ACT tests.
Marshall Moats, an H-D senior, earned a composite score of 36 on his ACT test. That is the highest possible score achievable, seen by less than one half of one percent of test takers.

A Hampton congregation is in the process of constructing a brand new building for their church.

The Franklin County Arts Council will be presenting "An Evening Like It Used to Be" on Saturday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. at the Windsor Theatre in Hampton. For this special event the FCAC will recreate the entertainment that was presented at the Windsor in the early part of the 20th century. The evening will begin with a performance of the "Windsor Big Band," playing the hit music of the 1930s and 1940s.

After being cooped up last year working on her PhD in Human Development and Family Studies, Anne Plagge of Latimer decided she needed a new project to relax with. One that would get her some fresh air and could be used to help out the community.
"I was looking for something I could do to get out of the house this summer," said Plagge.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and with the Delta variant still spreading across the state, no-contact shopping has become an increasingly popular option for people seeking to minimize their time out and about.
In Hampton, both Fareway and Hy-Vee's Dollar Fresh grocery stores now offer full service shopping that can be done over the internet through their respective apps or websites.

Hampton's Specialty Shops enjoyed nice weather and lots of foot traffic as they hosted their Fall Open House event last week.
Carol's Flower Box, Christensen Jewelry, Orange Possum, Rustic Brew, The Wood Cellar, and Fireside Gifts coordinated together to attract customers from near and far with snacks, specials, and prizes.

Main Street Iowa has provided the Greater Franklin County Chamber of Commerce with a market snapshot report, detailing a range of economic and demographic statistics for the area.
By examining the community's economic strengths and weaknesses, this information can be used to help determine which businesses should consider expanding and where there might be room for a new business to enter the market.

The Latimer City Council moved forward with a bid to replace the door to the city's community center during their regular meeting on Wednesday, September 8.
Looking at installing a mechanical door for the building, the council approved an estimate from Iowa Falls Glass in the amount of $3,864.64.

The Hampton City Council continued with their overhaul of zoning ordinances and discussion of dog parks during their regular meeting on Thursday, September 9.
The meeting began with recognition of Steve and Deb Jones as this month's winner of the city's Image of Pride Award. The Jones' were nominated by Lamos, who complimented their 2nd Ave SE property.

With a proposed pipeline project possible to stretch across dozens of Iowa counties, public meetings will be the first step as project backers to move ahead on storing and capturing carbon.
Summit Carbon Solutions, LLC is currently working through the Iowa Utilities Board for the effort.
The Ames-based company formed last year and is looking at an investment of $4.5 billion with hundreds of permanent jobs resulting.

After more than two months of being out-of-service, the pipe organ at First United Methodist Church is starting to come back together.

The game was afoot this weekend at the Windsor Theatre as the Franklin County Arts Council and Franklin Players presented their summer play, "Baker Street Irregulars."
With three shows over Saturday and Sunday, the play told the story of a group of young street urchins set on solving a murder, uncovering the secret behind a traveling circus, and finding the clues needed to save a gravely ill Sherlock Holmes.

More than 100 quilts were on display at the Franklin Wellness Center over the weekend as the Franklin General Hospital Auxiliary hosted their third quilt show fundraiser.