News

DMACC steering committee works to create AI guidelines for use and innovation

Iowa News July 15, 2026

The Des Moines Area Community College is moving into a new phase of artificial intelligence integration, with college leaders hoping to turn AI innovation from isolated to integrated. DMACC vice president for student affairs Erica Spiller and Amee Austin, associate executive director of human resources, presented to the college’s board of directors Monday on how DMACC is moving from early adoption of AI to developing an institution-wide strategy. The pair said they’ve sponsored a steering committee with the goal of adopting AI “as an institutional capability rather than an ...

Hardin County Farm Museum show demonstrates and shares our Agricultural past

Iowa News July 15, 2026

If you are looking for some good old fashioned fun, filled with free activities for the whole family, plan to come to the 2026 Threshing Festival and Power Show on Saturday, July 25. The event will be hosted by the Hardin County Farm Museum on location north of Eldora. There is no admission to the show and all activities are free. The 2026 Threshing Festival and Power Show will feature all makes and models of tractors. Exhibitors are also encouraged to bring hit & miss engines, machinery, old trucks and whatever power equipment that anyone wants to display. There is no registration ...

Young lawmakers talk online child safety and AI policy at annual bipartisan summit

National News July 15, 2026

WASHINGTON — Young Democratic and Republican state lawmakers from across the country found common ground Friday on the need to regulate artificial intelligence and kids’ online safety. Legislators at an annual conference hosted by Future Caucus, an organization that aims to strengthen bipartisan dialogue among Gen Z and millennial leaders, engaged in tech-related policy discussions and agreed states should impose some guardrails on online activity, especially for kids. South Carolina state Rep. Brandon Guffey urged lawmakers to pursue policy that would hold Big Tech companies ...

The Cat Hut kicks off Cash for Cats fundraiser

Local News July 15, 2026

The fifth annual Coins for Cats Fundraiser, now renamed Cash for Cats, benefiting Hamilton County Animal Advocates and The Cat Hut is going on now through August 14th. Collect spare cash and save lives! Stop by the Cat Hut at 1118 2nd Street in Webster City to pick up a cool blue coin collection cup. Fill your cup with loose change and cash and bring it to Webster City Financial Bank on Friday, August 14th between 2-3 p.m. to run through the coin counter and have your cash counted. You can also drop it off at The Cat Hut prior to August 14 and we’ll run your coins through ...

G’day!

Local News July 14, 2026

It’s a great day to use sunscreen Outdoor pool to open today The Webster City outdoor pool has been cleaned, and is now safe to use again. The pool will be open their normal hours, which include private and public swim lessons from 10 to 11:30 a.m., adult lap swim and aquacise from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Open swimming from 1 to 7 p.m. Day Okay Jazz project to perform this weekend The free performance of the Day Okay Jazz project will be held again on Saturday this week. Bring lawn chairs, beverages, a little cash for a donation if possible, a bit of shade and a few friends. ...

Chelesvig honored for 45 years at Iowa Central

Iowa News July 14, 2026

Thomas O. Chelesvig first took office as a member of the Iowa Central Community College Board of Trustees in 1981. He is still a trustee helping to guide the college 45 years later. His remarkable tenure was recognized recently by Community Colleges for Iowa. The Webster City man was presented an award during the group’s Summer Trustees Conference held at Marshalltown Community College. The college issued the following statement honoring Chelesvig: “Thomas O. Chelesvig’s tenure as a trustee spans one of the most transformative periods in Iowa Central history, from changes in ...