Trees and keys

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times West Branch Fire Department responded about 6:30 p.m. May 19 to the 100 block of Bickford Drive after lightning struck a tree in the front yard. Fire Chief Kevin Stoolman said the strike “blew some bark off and charred the tree.” The owners were not home at the time but Stoolman did call them about the incident. WBFD left the scene, but when the owners got home, they found they could not get the garage door to open, effectively locking them out since they did not carry housekeys, Stoolman said. The WBFD returned to help the owners get back in and found the breaker for the garage door had blown. No one was injured and there was no other damage to the residence, he said.

According to the City of West Branch, the local Kum & Go gas station and convenience store will undergo a rebrand in 2025.

MSWB gives $20K to shops for upgrades
by Gregory Norfleet · News · June 04, 2025
Main Street West Branch announced last week it awarded 10 businesses a combined total of $20,000 in grants.

Fake cops try to scam locals for payments
by Gregory Norfleet · News · June 04, 2025
You cannot pay your way out of a warrant ... over the phone.
Only if you show up at the jail.

Three vehicles crash outside WB high school, one injured
by Gregory Norfleet · News · June 04, 2025
One person complained of a possible injury following a three-car crash on May 27 in front of West Branch High School.

School plans $23M budget for ‘25-26 year
by Gregory Norfleet · News · June 04, 2025
Spending for the next school year will decrease by more than $1.8 million when the new budget takes effect on July 1.

Brick leaves mark with trail’s lighted arch
by Gregory Norfleet · News · June 04, 2025
While the new Hoover Nature Trail arch welcomes foot traffic with an elegantly simple design, the Eagle Scout project took lots of hours, volunteers, donations — and not a small amount of stress — to come to life.

Seven high school choir students earn recognition
by Gregory Norfleet · News · June 04, 2025
At the May 20 West Branch Music Department’s Spring Concert, several choir students received recognition.

Church news
News · June 04, 2025

Upcoming events
News · June 04, 2025

Outstanding Senior honors go to Samuelson, Kroemer
by Gregory Norfleet · News · May 28, 2025
Among the 60 graduates on Sunday, West Branch High School selected Layla Elizabeth Samuelson and Joshua Edward Kroemer as its outstanding seniors.