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Mental Health Matters

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

The United Nations officially designated the month of October as the International Month of Mental Health to increase awareness about mental health issues and promote a better understanding of mental illnesses. This initiative seeks to encourage individuals who are grappling with mental health challenges to seek the support and assistance they need.

Boo’tiful yard decor

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

Awareness is power

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

Akron City Council announces Bergman’s resignation, tabs new billing company

By Cassandra Kyser
Akron Hometowner

The Akron City Council began their monthly meeting by approving the agenda. The Council also approved minutes from their Sept. 17 meeting, the Sept. 2024 Clerk’s Report, and past Park Board Meeting minutes.

Business Spotlight of the Week: Pick Supply LLC

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

Pick Supply, LLC, is an exciting new addition to our town. The company was founded by Alex and Mallory Pick, who established their business on August 8, operating right out of their home in Akron. Pick Supply specializes in providing locally made companion animal feed products in the Siouxland Area.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Cassandra Kyser
Akron Hometowner

Breast cancer will touch most people’s lives at some point. An average of 21 women are diagnosed annually in Plymouth County, according to the National Cancer Institute. Throughout Iowa, 2,692 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Westfield Lagoon Berm Repair Update

By Cassandra Kyser
Akron Hometowner

County Engineer Tom Rohe provided an email update on damage in Westfield’s Drainage District. As discussed at the Sept. 24 Board of Supervisors meeting, both Westfield’s lagoon berm and a dike on adjacent private property owned by Bill Michael are in need of repairs.

The Annual Monster Mash event provides fun for all

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

The Akron Public Library will host its most popular annual event, the Monster Mash, on Oct. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. The event features a costume contest, games, prizes, spooky books, movie time, and snacks.

A-W FFA Hope Closet opens

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

The Akron-Westfield FFA recently established The Hope Closet, a clothing closet accessible to any student who needs clothing.

Roof repair in the works for Helping Hands Thrift Store

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

High wind speeds at the end of August and the beginning of September damaged the roof of the Helping Hands Thrift Store. According to Curt Harris, the active President of the Akron Children’s Center, the building experienced soffit damage.

The soffit, an essential component of a building’s exterior, is the material that lines the underside of the roof overhang.

An adventure for tiny tots

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

On Oct. 14, the Akron Public Library hosted the initial Tiny Tots Storytime of the month. This recurring program is designed to facilitate interaction among toddlers and young children with Storytime activities.

International Day of the Girl Child in Akron-Westfield

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

Every year, thousands celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 11 worldwide to encourage the upcoming generation of girls.

October proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Cassandra Kyser
Akron Hometowner

Since the mid-1980s, October has been observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the U.S. At the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors Meeting on Oct. 1, Chairman Don Kass read the following proclamation:

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 2024 PROCLAMATION

Whereas: Domestic abuse affects everyone in every community and;

Quarterly Ambulance & Fire Reports Released

By Cassandra Kyser
Akron Hometowner

The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors held their weekly meeting on Oct. 8. All board members were present, except for Gary Horton.

The Sheriff’s Dept. presented the quarterly report for ambulance and fire calls.

• Ambulance calls in Akron for July, Aug., and Sept. were 25, 22, and 22, respectively, for a quarterly total of 69 calls.

Great Akron Scarecrow Festival’s first round of donations and Scarecrow Contest Winners

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

The Friendship & Service Club orchestrated a successful annual Great Akron Scarecrow Festival, collaborating with 50 vendors and raising $10,000. The festival also awarded various prizes for the Scarecrow Decorating Contest and entertained locals.

A-W graduate creates art piece from a decaying tree

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

Roughly a year ago, the Akron-Westfield School contacted the well-known local chainsaw artist Scott Toben to create an art piece for the A-W school grounds. Superintendent Derek Briggs stated that Toben “has been sharing his amazing artistic skills around this area for many years.”

Harvest, dry conditions bring an increased risk of wildfires

By Cassandra Kyser
Akron Hometowner

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Akron, Westfield, and greater northwestern Iowa. According to the NWS, “Persistent dry conditions and above normal temperatures will lead to periods of elevated fire concerns” through Monday. The advisory extends into southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, and much of South Dakota.

Flag dedication at Riverside Cemetery

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

On Thursday, Oct. 3, The American Legion Post held a Flag Dedication Ceremony at the Riverside Cemetery in Akron for the flag display they recently completed.
The American, Iowa, and Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIAs) flags are the three flags now erected at the Riverside Cemetery.

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