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A-W students make successful run at state speech

By Kim Fickett
Akron Hometowner

After months of preparation, Akron-Westfield students took to the stage on Saturday, Feb. 8 to showcase their talents at the State Speech competition in Spencer.
Five of the six teams earned an overall ranking of 1’s, with the remaining group clinching an overall ranking of straight 2’s.

This year’s state speech performances and their placements include:

A-W prepares to celebrate FFA Week

By Kim Fickett
Akron Hometowner

The 65 members of the Akron-Westfield FFA chapter are gearing up to celebrate FFA Week Feb. 15-22.

FFA, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a student-run organization focusing on premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Burn ban lifted for Plymouth County

By Kim Fickett
Akron Hometowner

The countywide burn ban that was put into place on Jan. 31, was officially lifted at noon, Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Iowa State Fire Marshal Dan Wood issued a news release Wednesday morning stating the lift came at the request at Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief David Schipper on behalf of each fire department in Plymouth County.

How deep is the mental health pool?

Kass questions state’s new mental health system timeline

By Kim Fickett
Akron Hometowner

An update on what the future will mean for Sioux Rivers Regional Mental Health & Disabilities Services and for the residents of Plymouth County was brought before the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4.

Akron-Westfield to receive funds from Kenneth Frerichs' estate

By Cassandra Kyser

At the Akron-Westfield (A-W) School Board’s January meeting, it was announced that the district will receive approximately $463,000 from the Kenneth Frerichs estate. Frerichs was a lifelong resident of Akron and a 1966 graduate of Akron High School. 

Akron Care Center confirms five-year management contract

By Cassandra Kyser

The Akron Care Center (ACC) Board held three meetings in January: their regular monthly meeting and two special meetings to discuss partnering with Generations Senior Management.

Regular meeting

Friendship & Service Club donates to several organizations

By Cassandra Kyser

The Friendship & Service Club recently presented donations to Akron Care Center, Akron Children's Center, and Akron Park & Recreation Board. “We are proud to support these great organizations and the work they are doing in our community,” said Club member Lisa Harris.

Welcome, Ms. Hailey Wilken

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante 

The Akron Hometowner extends a warm welcome to Hailey Wilken, who is a new preschool teacher at Akron-Westfield (A-W). Her classroom is right down the hall from her mother Tina Wilken’s classroom, who teaches fourth grade. 

Flag essay contest winners

The Akron Hometowner 

By: Sabrina Escalante

The Akron American Legion Post held its annual essay contest for the Akron-Westfield fifth graders Nov. 2024. Ruth Colt's essay won first place in the competition, followed by Aria Troubaugh and Ty Naslund.

Akron Opera House receives multiple grants

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

The Akron Opera House’s Board of Directors works to identify and pursue grant opportunities. Because of their work, the Akron Opera House has raised significant funds through donations and grant funding.

Welcome, Ms. Hailey Wilken

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante 

The Akron Hometowner extends a warm welcome to Hailey Wilken, who is a new preschool teacher at Akron-Westfield (A-W). Her classroom is right down the hall from her mother Tina Wilken’s classroom, who teaches fourth grade. 

Akron artifacts at the Akron Area Museum

The Akron Hometowner 

By: Sabrina Escalante

 

To learn more about the fruitful history of Akron, swing by the Akron Area Museum and tour the 14 rooms that hold important artifacts dating back over a century.

Read books and earn prizes

The Akron Hometowner 

By: Sabrina Escalante

Radon: Separating myths from facts

By Cassandra Kyser

January is National Radon Action Month, an opportunity to spread awareness about the link between unsafe radon levels and lung cancer in Iowa. According to the Iowa Cancer Consortium, approximately 400 Iowans die every year from lung cancer caused by radon exposure.

Akron-Westfield school sign auctions end

By Cassandra Kyser

Throughout December and January, the Akron-Westfield School District auctioned older signs that were once used in the district’s facilities. The A-W School Board authorized selling these signs to the highest bidder in an open bid process.

School board announces assessment testing dates, discusses WITCC partnership

By Cassandra Kyser

The Akron-Westfield (A-W) School Board held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 13. 

Akron-Westfield school sign auctions continue

By Cassandra Kyser

The Akron-Westfield School District has been auctioning older signs that were once used in the district’s facilities. The A-W School Board authorized selling these signs to the highest bidder in an open bid process.

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