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Young Akron entrepreneur runs lemonade stand

Oliver Alm, 10, of Akron, has been selling lemonade during the past three summers, often doing so in sweltering heat. Money he earns operating his lemonade business funds his YouTube channel, which he started a little over a year ago with his parents' supervision.
A-W girls basketball has new coach
The Akron-Westfield girls basketball program has a new head coach, but he’s not new to the Westerner way. Corey DeRocher, a 2003 graduate of A-W, was named the girls basketball coach after Kent Johnson retired at the end of the school year.
Once a Panther, always a Panther: Westfield Reunion draws over 100 alumni
Westfield was booming with Panther alumni during the Reunion Luncheon on Aug. 9, 2025. The event was held at the Community Center and the Congregational United Church of Christ. 
New tenants uninjured when tree crashes into their rental home

By Sabrina Escalante 

After the Tuesday, July 29 storm, Akron residents saw fallen, split, and uprooted trees but experienced minimal damage to their homes and properties, except for the house at 520 Haskell St. 

Kelsey Saathof advances to Talent Search semi-finals
Kelsey Saathof, of Akron, is competing in the Bill Riley Talent Search at the Iowa State Fair. She has advanced on to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
A-W alum Natalie Nielsen had solid season at SMSU
Natalie Nielsen's move from South Dakota State to Southwest Minnesota State University brought confidence back to her game.
PHOTOS: Plymouth County Iowa 2025 Fair
Johnson Juniors 4-H team up with Park Board for blue ribbon project
Members of the Johnson Juniors 4-H club won a blue ribbon for the gardening project.
Akron-Westfield FFA members reflect on ‘the best 5 days of summer’
The Plymouth County Iowa Fair is only five days out of the year, but the memories last a lifetime. Members of Akron-Westfield FFA shared their favorite memories of the 2025 fair. 
Law Enforcement Center project moves forward
A project involving the construction of a new building at the Plymouth County Law Enforcement Center in Le Mars, Iowa, has moved into its next phase, following action taken by the Board of Supervisors at its Tuesday, July 29, 2025, meeting.
'The farthest west is the best': Westfield alumni to hold reunion
The Westfield Panthers are set to hold their reunion on Aug. 9, 2025, at the Westfield Community Center.
Sheriff TeBrink shares quarterly report with supervisors
Sheriff Jeff TeBrink was present at the Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Plymouth County Board of Supervisors meeting with his quarterly report. TeBrink began his report with the treasurer’s report which showed their biggest increase compared to the previous quarter to be in the area of service fees. 
Supervisors OK Akron church permit request
A permit request by the First Baptist Church of Akron to outlet water into the county’s Drainage District #2 was in front of the Plymouth County Iowa Drainage District Board at the July 15, 2025, board of supervisors meeting.
New Airbnb fills need for more local lodging
After hearing frustrations over insufficient lodging options in the Akron, Iowa area, friends Jennifer Hart and Stephanie Cacioppo saw an opportunity to capitalize on the untapped market and bring some home-away-from-home comfort to visitors. 
Remembering Dr. Joseph P. Trotzig
Earlier this summer, Akron alumni purchased and installed three benches in honor of the late Dr. Joseph P. Trotzig, located at the golf course, pool, and park. Many will remember Trotzig, who practiced medicine in Akron from 1952-1986. As a family doctor in a rural area, Trotzig saw patients for virtually every medical need, from infections and stitches, to immunizations and childbirth.
Windstorm Leaves Trail of Damage Across Akron
Strong to severe thunderstorms swept through Akron last night, bringing wind gusts reported to be over 70 mph and causing widespread tree damage across town. Crews began cleanup early this morning as residents assessed the aftermath. Look for continuing coverage in this week’s newspaper and additional updates online throughout the week.
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