Akron residents will soon notice a small addition to their garbage/recycling bins aimed at solving a common problem on collection days.
City crews are scheduled to begin installing new garbage bin latches early Thursday morning. The latches, which attach to the front of the can and secure the lid, are designed to help keep lids from blowing open during windy conditions, reducing the chance of trash being scattered.

The Akron City Council has approved Ordinance No. 061626-1, creating a new chapter in the City's Code of Ordinances that establishes rules for the operation of scooters, electric bicycles, and other personal transportation vehicles within city limits.

The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

Westfield officials are hoping the recent hiring of a new city maintenance employee will help strengthen the city's public works operations as residents continue to voice concerns about ongoing water quality issues.

Morgan and The Sticks: Morgan Higman (vocalist), Aidan Bowser (electric guitar), Jake Prouty (acoustic guitar), and Ben Eurich (drums/keys) performed at Fluerish Fest on Sunday, July 25 from 12:00- 2:00 p.m., rather than later in the evening due to the predicated heat. Christy Heckathorn, owner and founder of Fleurish Farm said the event was a success and welcomed a little over a thousand vistors. Photo courtesy of Morgan Higman.

The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

For many Akron-Westfield families, Vacation Bible School at Immanuel Lutheran Church is more than a week of songs, crafts and Bible stories. It is a tradition that has connected generations of children through faith for more than 70 years.

By Sabrina Escalante

With the start of a new school year just around the corner, members of the Akron-Westfield High School band will soon gather to begin preparing for another season of performances on the football field, in the stands and at community events.

The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

By Sabrina Escalante

The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante 

What if one of the most famous outlaw chases in American history passed through your own backyard?

By Sabrina Escalante

The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors tackled a wide range of topics during its recent meeting, including rural land subdivisions, emergency communications, county finances and a proposal aimed at improving safety and respect during funeral processions near local cemeteries.

The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

The Akron-Westfield Board of Education approved several annual items and personnel contracts during its regular meeting

July 13, preparing for the start of the 2026-27 school year. 

By Sabrina Escalante

With August around the corner, Akron residents are preparing for one of summer’s most anticipated events and traditions in northwest Iowa, the Plymouth County Fair.

The Hometowner

By Sabrina Escalante

For generations, the Plymouth County Fair has been more than just a summer event. The fair has been a place where traditions are passed from one generation to the next, friendships are strengthened, and the agricultural heritage of Plymouth County is celebrated.

The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante 

A discussion over a $7,000 repair to the city's utility task vehicle (UTV) dominated the July 20 meeting of the Westfield City Council, with council members expressing differing opinions on the cause of the damage and the vehicle's future.

On Wednesday, July 15, 15-year-old Ben St. Pierre hit a hole in one on hole No. 6 using his pitching wedge. Witnesses were Conner and Cael Morrow. Kara Vander Hamm from Peoples Bank awarding Ben his putter. (Photo courtesy of Peoples Bank)
 

Deputy Ayden Hoag was sworn in as the newest member of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office. The department congratulated Hoag and thanked the deputy for serving the citizens of Plymouth County. 

LE MARS — Police canine teams from across the region will put their training and teamwork to the test later this month as the Le Mars Police Department and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office host the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 21 PD1 Trials.