News

Turning Back the Pages of Time

Local News August 4, 2026

1936 Council to ask job be PWA project The city council last evening received a petition asking for the paving of five blocks of Broadway between Second and Elm streets.While no definite action was taken, it is the plan of the council to set up a PWA project under which government funds will be used for at least 45 percent of the cost. The petition was formally presented by J. E. Burnstedt, L. A.Lehnhard a n d L. E. Crowter, abutting residents on the proposed paving. The petition was signed by abutting and there was no opposition to the proposal.The petitioners, however, ask for the ...

G'day

Local News August 3, 2026

Tonight is National Night Out National Night out starts at 5 p.m. tonight at the West Twin Park. The West Twin park is located at 1100 Superior St. in Webster City. The National Night Out is a family event to meet, greet and enjoy the Hamilton County First Responders who help keep us safe throughout the year. The event continues until 7 p.m., and it’s an opportunity to meet local police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and other first responders in addition to exploring emergency vehicles, visit informational booths and enjoy a night with friends, families and ...

Family fun events available at the Iowa State Fair

Iowa News August 3, 2026

By KOLLEEN TAYLOR The Iowa State Fair means different things for different people. For some it’s the midway rides, the free entertainment, the enormous number of vendors in the Expo Center, while for others it may be the delicious and sometimes crazy food. The Grandstand performances are always packed full of enthusiastic ticket holders and there is always something for everyone. For farmers, FFA students and 4-H participants, it’s about the competition, whether it is in the livestock area or in the air conditioned exhibit halls. There are opportunities to learn, equipment to ...

The celebration of a century

Local News August 3, 2026

By KOLLEEN TAYLOR It was a picture perfect day for any type of celebration, but for the site of the Old Settler’s Reunion at the Bell Mill park, the weather made it even better. According to Hamilton County Conservation department’s Executive Director, Brian Lammers, they estimated a crowd of around 500 people attended the festivities during the day. Every camping site was also full. This was exceptional according to Park Ranger Zack Schaffer, who manages both the Bell Mill Park and Little Wall Lake Park. He said that the normal attendance for Bell’s Bash held annually on ...

Turning Back the Pages of Time

Local News August 3, 2026

August 3, 1926 HONOR SCOUTS MAKE NEW FISHING RECORD Honor Scouts of Troop No. 2 Catch 282 Game Fish. The honor scouts of Troop No. 2 Boy Scouts have returned home from a week's outing at Clear Lake with their scoutmaster, Murray McMurray and assistants, Carl Gore and Earl Jacobson Mrs. C. L. Karr, who accompanied the troop on its annual camp, went with the group to be in charge of the cooking. Her daughter, Miss Eunice, also went with her. The boys had a great time all week fishing, swimming, etc. A new fishing record for the troop was established when the boys caught 282 fish. These ...

‘What did we do wrong now?’: Rural Iowa schools weigh impact of ESA expansion

Iowa News August 3, 2026

As Iowa’s Education Savings Account program continues to expand to include all K-12 families, rural public school districts are still trying to determine how the scholarships will affect their classrooms, budgets and enrollment. Supporters argue ESAs give families more educational choices, while critics say the program diverts money away from public schools that remain the center of many rural communities. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the ESA program into law in 2023, allowing eligible families to use public funds toward private school tuition and other expenses. Eligibility for the ...