News

The day the world wept

Local News August 12, 2026

It’s been 25 years since the tragedy of 9/11, a day remembered as the day the United States was attacked on its mainland. Memories of that day are being sought for a special edition of the Daily Freeman Journal which will be published on September 11, 2026. Members of the greatest generation, the World War II veterans and their families, often compared it to the day Pearl Harbor was attacked in Hawaii. For some, it shifted them back to that day, Sunday, December 7, 1941. For those too young to remember the beginning of World War II, this was something new. It was also ...

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 ...