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Heat wave scorches Iowa, several break records

Western Iowa hits record 122°F heat index

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher and Owner

Principal Mills Anticipates a Year of Growth and Collaboration at Akron-Westfield High School

By: Jennifer Wendel

AKRON, Iowa — As the start of a new school year approaches, Principal Jeremy Mills of Akron-Westfield eagerly anticipates a year marked by growth, transformation, and unity. In an exclusive interview, Principal Mills sheds light on his aspirations and the exciting developments that await students and staff in the upcoming academic year.

A-W school board hears progress on construction

By Dodie Hook

The Akron-Westfield school board met Aug. 14 in the school library. Prior to the meeting, the board and those present were given a tour of the construction area by project manager Alex Zakrzewski with Boyd Jones.

Akron Opera House hosts Open House and Ice Cream Social

Introduce building restoration and renovation project

By: Dodie Hook

School meals a priority as Akron-Westfield Food Service plans for new year

By Chris C. Nelson, Publisher/Owner

Move over Crispitos and Chicken Nuggets! Westerners can look forward to numerous tasty and nutritious meals this school year.

Whether you’re a fan of what’s on the menu or not, a lot of planning goes into feeding 600 Akron School District students over the course of the next several months.

Akron YFC Leader Initiates Planning for Fall Kickoff and Volunteer Meeting

By Jennifer Wendel

Akron, Iowa- In an email addressed to the current Akron Youth for Christ volunteers, Alex Pick, the Youth for Christ (YFC) Akron’s Campus Life Ministry Site Leader, shared insights into the program's progress and upcoming plans. The email, sent to local volunteers and YFC staff, outlines key considerations, and invites volunteers to engage in shaping the program's future.

Terpstra takes leadership torch

Senior is a four-year starter on gridiron for Westerners

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer 

In his first three years as a starter on the Akron-Westfield football team, Jack Terpstra was a steady, trusted player.Now as a senior, he takes the leadership torch and is spreading his vast knowledge to the younger players on this year’s squad. Terpstra has become a leader on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and free safety.

Additional Morning Bus Stop A Go for Local Students

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher/Owner

A new morning bus stop is available for Akron-Westfield students.
You’ll find the location at First and Sargent Street. Pick up is at 7:30 a.m.
According to Elementary Principal Michelle Henrich, it was determined to add a stop there for this fall.
The location isn’t unfamiliar; Henrichs points out it complements the afternoon drop off at the same site.

City Councilors Talk Bids and Weeds at Latest Meeting

Akron City Councilors started their regular meeting on August 15th with finalizing the sale of the South Street property. There were four sealed bids, according to City Clerk Melea Nielsen.

Akron-Westfield Elementary School Principal Talks New Year, Same Student-Focused Mission Ahead

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher/Owner

Ask Michelle Henrich what her favorite part about her job is and there’s no hesitation; the kids.

That’s a good thing when you’re the Akron-Westfield Elementary School Principal. Summer break is in the rear- view mirror and the 2023-2024 academic year is here. There’s a hope students come into the building ready to conquer classes and reconnect with their peers and teachers. In reality, it’s back to the books for everyone.

Back To School With Derek Briggs

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher/Owner

The summer season is quickly winding down and soon Akron- Westfield students and educators will be back at it once again.

It was just a year ago that school leaders broke ground for a multi- million dollar revamp. The progress is ongoing and Superintendent Derek Briggs explains that the improvements will continue throughout the year.

Coffee Break is Over for Local Business Owners Returning from Vacation

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher/Owner

When you’re a business owner in a small town, a break from the daily grind can take just as much planning as starting a business.

For Akron’s Cacioppo and Hart families, a long overdue vacation meant a temporary caffeine shortage for the community that craves their coffee fix.

New teachers ready to greet A-W students this fall

By Gary Dickson, Contributor

The new school year is just about here. Actually, it will be here next Thursday at Akron-Westfield Community School District as dozens of teachers, para-educators, administrators, coaches and staff members prepare for the onslaught of students.

Center Stage Dance Studio Opens Doors for Registration Night

By: Jennifer Wendel

Akron, IA – On Friday Night, families gathered at the Akron Center Stage Dance Studio for registration night for the dance studio. Cassie Hansen, a former Akron-Westfield High School Dancer, wears multiple hats as the studio's owner and Akron-Westfield’s High School Dance Team Coach, infusing life into this thriving dance community. Her journey stands as a living testament to the innate power and dedication embodied by dance.

Plymouth County Fair royalty crowned

Plymouth County Fair Royalty for 2023 was announced during a ceremony held July 26 at the Fair in Le Mars. Royalty members are, (front row, l-r)
Princess Desiree Breuer of Merrill, representing Le Mars FFA; Princess Alexa Swoyer of Akron, representing A-W FFA; Prince Caden Wurth of Le
Mars, representing Classy Clovers; Prince Brady Allen of Le Mars, representing Classy Clovers. Back row, Miss Congeniality Andrea Penning of

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