A review of the updated crisis management plan proposals at West Branch Community Schools make an awful lot of sense to us, and we applaud the administration for wanting to improve the safety procedures of the district, especially in the wake of so many high-fatality school shootings.

Speaking Volumes: Library wants open process, not closed
by Nick Shimmin, WB Public Library · Opinions/Editorials · May 17, 2013
I want to start off by thanking everyone in the community who has participated in the West Branch Public Library site selection process over the past months.

Senate Update: Customer-friendly service for drivers renewing licenses
by Bob Dvorsky, State Senator · Opinions/Editorials · May 17, 2013
The Legislature has approved changes that will make getting your Iowa driver’s license a lot faster and easier.

Your Capitol Voice: Exciting, frustrating, time in legislature
by Bobby Kaufmann, State Representative · Opinions/Editorials · May 17, 2013
It is an exciting time in the Legislature but also a frustrating one. It is exciting because at a moment’s notice there can be a breakthrough in negotiations and all of us that have spent the 100-hour weeks in the Capitol see great results for our constituents.

Letter: Library apologizes for not contacting Radford
Opinions/Editorials · May 17, 2013
I am writing as president of the West Branch Public Library Board to apologize to Julie Radford for not contacting her when her property came up for consideration during the recent library design charrette.

Editorial: Building a city attraction
Opinions/Editorials · May 10, 2013
During the discussions of a new West Branch Public Library, an idea surfaced to build up the area around the football field with a variety of facilities.

Senate Update: Two efforts by legislature for safer Iowa communities
by Bob Dvorsky, State Senator · Opinions/Editorials · May 10, 2013
While no law can prevent all accidents, tougher license requirements for people learning to drive have been shown to help.

Your Capitol Voice: Session ‘over,’ but work goes on in D.M.
by Bobby Kaufmann, State Representative · Opinions/Editorials · May 10, 2013
Last week was the official end of the 2013 session, and 110 days just flew by, but there is still more work to do.

Letter: I deserved a call before news broke on library
Opinions/Editorials · May 10, 2013
I would like to start by stating that I am in favor of the community of West Branch continuing to grow and prosper. I am a huge proponent of doing business locally and supporting local merchants.

Letter: More than 6,000 hours volunteering by grads
Opinions/Editorials · May 10, 2013
Thirty-five members of the Class of 2013 will receive Silver Recognition Cords for Community Service at Awards Night on May 20, 2013, as well as verbal recognition at graduation services.

Letter: Read research before changing ed policies
Opinions/Editorials · May 10, 2013
I am dismayed each time I read about the current debate over the education budget and the proposal to link teacher evaluation and student test scores.

Letter: Students brought prom to Crestview residents
Opinions/Editorials · May 10, 2013
On April 20, an annual, very special event happened in West Branch: the Junior and Senior Prom 2013.