Bixenman prepares for third term, survives run-off election
By Kim Fickett For the first time in recent Le Mars history, a run-off election had to be held on Dec. 2 to determine the winner of the mayor’s race. The race between incumbent Rob Bix…
Turning the page: Red’s Printing Company welcomes new owner
Red’s Printing Company, a trusted presence in Le Mars for over four decades, is pleased to welcome Margaret “Maggie” Catton as its new owner. Catton succeeds John and Pam Hutchins, who…
Student success is priority for Hansen
By Kim Fickett For Kim Hansen, at-risk coordinator with Akron-Westfield School District, it’s all about “helping the students be successful.” “This is my why,” Hansen reflected on what…
Supervisors OK first-ever flat rate increase
By Kim Fickett Another lengthy and lively discussion surrounding raises for elected officials, department heads, and staff, for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, insured at the Tuesday, Dec. …
Supervisors to consider flat dollar increase
By Kim Fickett Budget planning is well underway at the county level, and the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors dug into a conversation on a salary increase for elected officials, de…
‘Put a freeze on winter fires’
By Kim Fickett “Put a freeze on winter fires.” That is the message the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is putting out this year as the winter season is just beginning. Acco…
Peterson brings travel experiences to A-W students
By Kim Fickett For the past four years, Megan Peterson has loved that her role as an elementary teacher leader with Akron-Westfield is never limited. “I love that every day in my curre…
District looks to spread the funds of Lucken donation
By Kim Fickett In October, Akron-Westfield School District was one of four community organizations gifted with a donation by Helen Raymond on behalf of her parents, John and Mary Lucke…
County libraries present FY ‘26-’27 funding request
By Kim Fickett The library directors from each of the county’s five libraries went before the Plymouth County Supervisors on Tuesday, Dec. 2, to make their funding request for the 2026…
FVH Urgent Care was much needed
By Kim Fickett After six months of being open, the demand for a quick-access healthcare facility has proven evident in Plymouth County. According to Sarah Sturges, director of clinics …
Hillview equestrian campground nears completion
By Kim Fickett The new equestrian campground being constructed on the north side of the Hillview Recreation Area, 25601 County Road C-60, Plymouth County, is nearing completion. Accord…
Great Akron Scarecrow Festival profits gifted
The Akron Hometowner By Sabrina Escalante GFWC/IA Friendship and Service Club has officially announced its most recent and final gifts for the year to various community and school …
Community toy drive is now open
By Sabrina Escalante The Akron Hometowner The GFWC/IA Friendship & Service Club continues to spread cheer throughout the community by hosting its second holiday Community Toy Drive. …
Sheriff’s office reminds public of driving safety tips
By Kim Fickett With our first taste of winter already in the books for the season, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office would like to offer some important reminders for motorists. Acco…
County road crews ready for winter season: Crews clear over 1,300-miles of roadway with each storm
By Kim Fickett With the winter season upon us, the Plymouth County Roads Department is in full gear tending to the county roads for the winter season. With approximately 1,000 miles of…
‘Sing in exultation’: Christmas program returns for 54th year
By Kim Fickett A long-standing Christmas tradition is returning for its 54th year, at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, in Akron. The Akron Area Community Christmas Program will once again be he…