Heart of crimson

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times West Branch High School senior Eleanor “Nora” Ziehr flashes a slight grimace when phlebotomist Jeanette Roush-Krafka inserts a needle into her arm May 7 during the Student Government’s annual blood drive. Ziehr, a first-time donor due to previous track & field obligations, said her father gave frequently and “I always wanted to try it. I know it helps a lot of people.” While she plans to attend the University of Iowa for a nursing degree prior to a career as a midwife, Ziehr said she is “not eager to have needles poked into me.” After Roush-Krafka got Ziehr’s donation going, the senior said she did not feel the needle “very much.” “I hope they don’t take too much!” she joked. Over the four-hour drive, the DeGowin Blood Center collected 13 pints from 16 volunteers, according to Student Government advisor Abby Noelck.

The City of West Branch plans to spend about $14.7 million in the coming year while taking in a bit more than $15 million.

Lane shifts coming next week on I-80
by Gregory Norfleet · News · May 14, 2025
Motorists should expect to see the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 shift this coming week to run alongside the eastbound lanes.

Yellow House winds through downtown
by Gregory Norfleet · News · May 14, 2025
Like a one-float parade, the Yellow House inched its way through West Branch’s downtown last week, then covered a dozen miles before reaching its final destination in Cedar Valley.

Most school staff getting 2.85% bump
by Gregory Norfleet · News · May 14, 2025
Teacher and paraprofessionals will get a 2.85-percent increase in salaries and benefits after approval from the West Branch Board of Education.

Campus news
News · May 14, 2025
Rodney Courtney of West Branch has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester at the University of the Cumberlands.

Church news
News · May 14, 2025

School menus
News · May 14, 2025
School menus for May 15 through 21 at West Branch Community Schools.

Upcoming events
News · May 14, 2025

Tax rate dropping, but owners to pay more
by Gregory Norfleet · News · May 07, 2025
Due to increased taxable valuations, West Branch residents will pay more property taxes in the coming year, even though the city tax rate will drop.

Comparison of West Branch’s property tax rate to other cities
by Gregory Norfleet · News · May 07, 2025
West Branch’s current (Fiscal Year 2025) property tax rate is about $13.19 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. The city council on April 21 approved dropping the rate to about $12.82 in FY2026.