State school report card reflects success and challenges
By Kim Fickett Akron-Westfield School District has received its report card from the State of Iowa and it has indicated positive and concerning findings. “Several years ago, the state …
New program looks to foster student volunteering
By Kim Fickett “Volunteering is the ultimate expression of community spirit.” This sentiment by Colin Powell is the same sentiment that fuels a new program recently launched by the Akr…
A new breath of life: Life Skills opens renovated Day Hab facility
By Kim Fickett The wait is finally over. The renovation of the Day Hab facility at the Life Skills Training Center in Le Mars is officially complete. “Our clients are special people, a…
‘Charge into Fire Safety’: AFR promotes Fire Prevention Week Oct. 5-11
By Kim Fickett Akron Fire Rescue is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lit…
Helping to serve those who need it
By Kim Fickett Can you imagine not having shoes? This is the question the Akron Lions Club wants to put at the forefront of everyone’s mind with their recent collection efforts. The Ak…
Supervisors award bid for EMA/Sheriff storage building
By Kim Fickett After more than a year of discussions, a bid has been approved for the new EMA/Sheriff storage building to be located on the Plymouth County Law Enforcement campus. The …
McKee, Koch reign over A-W
Reegan McKee and Gabby Koch were named the 2025 Akron-Westfield king and queen during coronation on Thursday, Oct. 2. McKee and Koch are joined by Nathan Schoenfelder and Peyton Vander…
Church serves up chops for a cause
The Akron Hometowner By Sabrina Escalante Pastor Steven Jewett, the founding pastor of New Horizons United Church of Christ, is excited to announce its 18th annual Chops in Church …
Three children, 100-plus dogs removed from toxic environment
By Kim Fickett A search of an unidentified Plymouth County residence has resulted in the removal of three children and more than 100 dogs due to unsafe conditions. According to the Ply…
Westerners get ‘Game’ ready for Homecoming ‘25
By Kim Fickett It’s “Game On” for the Westerners as they prepare to celebrate Homecoming 2025. The week’s festivities will kick-off on Sunday, Sept. 28, with the annual homecoming supp…
Candidates file for 2025 election
By Kim Fickett Election papers have been filed for the upcoming Nov. 4 general election. This year’s election will see openings at the local level including city council, school board …
Andersen welcomes patients at Akron Clinic
By Kim Fickett A new face has been seeing patients in Akron since this summer at the Hawarden Regional Healthcare - Akron Clinic. It was in June when Dr. Richard Andersen joined not on…
A-W PTA wants you
By Kim Fickett Do you have a deep appreciation for the staff at Akron-Westfield? Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of our youth? If so, then the Akron-Westfield (PTA) P…
Care Center joins IHCQP
By Kim Fickett It was the decision of the Akron Care Center Board to enroll into a healthcare partnership with Iowa Health Care Quality Partners (IHCQP) at its monthly meeting on Tuesd…
Westfield council denies request
By Kim Fickett In an update to the Westfield City Council at its Monday, Sept. 15 meeting, City Clerk Karen Wardrip informed the council there are still a handful of punch list items t…
Akron's beekeepers are the ‘bees' knees’
The Akron Hometowner By Sabrina Escalante While Jed and Christine Winquist have only been bee-having since 2020, it is a dream Christine has wanted to pursue for some time. Christ…