News

Crop report: Iowa saw ‘all modes’ of severe weather last week

Iowa News August 12, 2026

Iowa row crops are in good conditions as of the latest crop progress and condition report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, though plant pathologists in the state are starting to see disease pressure creep up. Corn, soybean and oat acres were ahead of last year’s crop across most developmental stages, according to the report for the Aug. 3 through Aug. 9 reporting period. Just 3% of corn acres in the state have yet to reach the silking stage, according to the report, and 69% of the crop reached the dough stage, which is 3 percentage points ahead of the 2025 crop. Corn in ...

Meet the newest teachers to WCCS

Local News August 12, 2026

KRISTIN HAMMITT Pleasant View Elementary School - First Grade Teacher Kristin Hammitt is a graduate of Webster City High School. She has a masters degree from Morningside College with endorsements for reading specialist, English language arts, and social studies. She taught 1st grade in Webster City for 12 years before having her fourth child. She took a year off and long-term substitute taught music at Pleasant View Elementary while also subbing throughout the building. This year, she will be teaching 1st grade at Pleasant View Elementary School. As a lifelong Webster City ...

Turning Back the Pages of Time

Local News August 12, 2026

Hamilton County Court house officials listen to “quartette” The beautiful memories dear to the hearts of all persons who have listened to those “barber shop” quartettes at least 25 years in the past, were awakened by the harmonious blending of voices this morning at the Hamilton County courthouse when the dew dripped breezes of fragrant air wafted the melodies in and about the offices. County officials sat in their chairs before their desks forgetting for the moment their duties as the songs brought back the thoughts of childhood. The source of the harmony was finally ...

Deer hunting licenses on sale August 15

Iowa News August 12, 2026

By KOLLEEN TAYLOR During the Hamilton County Supervisors meeting Tuesday, the light agenda was followed by announcements from department heads. Kim Anderson, Hamilton County Recorder, explained there was a change in the purchasing of non-antlered deer tags. “August 14 is the first day to purchase deer tags,” she said, “Normally sales could begin at midnight, but there is a change this year to 9 a.m.” The county office has 100 licenses they can sell from their locations. In other business the supervisors approved an agreement with Calhoun-Burns and Associates for the ...

American Cream Draft Horses in the spotlight at Iowa State Fair

Iowa News August 12, 2026

The American Cream Draft Horse, the only draft horse breed native to the United States, which originated in Hamilton, Hardin and Story Counties, will be the subject of a breed spotlight at the Iowa State Fair’s Jacobsen Arena, at 6 p.m. Sunday, August 16. The horses will also be on ...

Dayton landmark gets a second act

Iowa News August 11, 2026

By Kelli Bloomquist DAYTON — A downtown building that has sat empty for years is headed for restoration after its owner secured a Community Catalyst grant to help rehabilitate the historic opera house at 39 S. Main St. The building, known to most of Dayton as the former Iron Saddle, has taken on nearly every job a Main Street building can. It has housed a tractor dealership, an appliance store, and a restaurant and bar. Owner Francisco Miranda now plans to restore the building and bring in a restaurant and a drive-thru coffee shop, with a bar and event space to follow. He will ...