News

Governor announces change to survivor benefits investment for foster care youth

Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke on changes Iowa is making to Social Security survivor benefits for children in the state’s foster care system in a news conference at Foster SQUAD in Ankeny July 22, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that Iowa will change how the state manages Social Security survivor benefits for foster children with deceased relatives, allowing the child to retain this money for the future. The governor and Larry Johnson, principal deputy director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, announced the ...

Hamilton County Fair has something for everyone

The parking lot is full, the show arena lively with activity. It’s the first full day at the Hamilton County Fair for those who just enjoy looking and experiencing our county fair. Those who have been caring for animals and setting up exhibits have been working a long time for this week. It all comes down to a five day stretch to compete and demonstrate the skills acquired over time. There is something there for everyone. From horse shows, to chickens, sheep, poultry and swine, the animals are king with the care given by 4-H and FFA youth and their families. But if you visit the ...

Turning Back the pages of time

1946 Big yield on 40 acres It’s Harvest time for FFA Boys The Kendall Young estate farm being managed this year by the Future Farmers of America organization in the Webster City schools has been the scene of busy harvesting the past few days with the oat crop being windrowed and combined. Kenneth Keigan operated an eight-foot binder to windrow the oats under the supervision of Elmer Larson, vocational agriculture instructor. Melvin Keigan drove the combine with the attached wagon nearly filled with oats. The first load of oats was in­spected by the two boys and Lyle Fletchall, ...

Parade features floats, queen hopefuls and lots of vehicles

City Council to address concerns about data centers next month

The city council meeting on Monday night started with a concerned citizen distributing a written statement to each of the council members concerning the Gateway Industrial Park and the potential exploration of data centers for the area. Paul Moberly spoke during the Citizens Comments at the beginning of the meeting. “I’m here because of non-routine airplanes flying over our county,” he began, “We deserve transparency.” He reviewed a statement that was a request for a 47 page document that he has researched, concerning the potential use of Industrial Park land. Copies ...

Hamilton County Fair Queen crowned at Grandstand last night

18 year old Sophia Nibe was crowned the 2026 Hamilton County Fair Queen at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds last night after the fair parade last evening. Nibe is the daughter of Daniel and Jennifer Nibe of Ellsworth. She attended South Hamilton High School in Jewell, and plans to attend ...