Strangers in North Liberty

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times West Branch High School’s Marching Band performs Oct. 14 at the fifth annual Corridor Marching Classic at Liberty High School in North Liberty. Under a “Stranger Things” theme, they played “Should I stay or should I go?”, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Master of Puppets. The band featured drum majors Grace Vincent and Olivia Becker and featured baton twirler and sophomore Ayla Gingerich. The University of Iowa Marching Band (background) played filler music between the seven high school bands and then put on the evening finale with the pregame music and their “Lord of the Rings” theme. Other marching bands came from Liberty, West Liberty, Clear Creek-Amana, West High, and City High.

Despite the expected “blue wave,” Republicans Kerry Gruenhagen and Bobby Kaufmann both survived challenges in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

WBFD: Seven calls in 26 hours
by Gregory Norfleet · News · November 06, 2026
According to outgoing West Branch Fire Chief Kevin Stoolman, firefighters responded to seven calls in a bit more than 26 hours between Oct. 27 and 28.

Rochester bridge set for $13M fix
News · November 06, 2026
The Cedar River bridge on County Road F44 (290th Street) near Rochester will close to all traffic Monday, Nov. 16, as work begins on a nearly $13 million replacement project expected to take two years.

Residents mixed on gas prices, war
by Gregory Norfleet · News · November 06, 2026
With gas prices still hovering well over the $4 mark for nearly three months, voters went to the polls with that on their minds but with different opinions on it.

$701K greenhouse project gets started behind WBHS
by Gregory Norfleet · News · November 06, 2026
Work started Oct. 19 on a new, $701,000 greenhouse behind West Branch High School.

Veterans day talk, dinner set
News · October 28, 2026
Veterans Day will fall on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with a special presentation planned for that day at 3:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church.

Hoover USA showcases Iowa seniors
by Gregory Norfleet · News · October 28, 2026
Iowa high school seniors said they appreciated the chance to compete in the Hoover Presidential Foundation Uncommon Student Awards and that the experience taught them something about public speaking.

Kirkwood makes pitch for $88M referendum
by Jill Kleppe Wojciechowski · News · October 28, 2026
Kirkwood Community College has students eager to learn, employers looking for skilled workers and programs preparing students for some of eastern Iowa’s most in-demand careers.

Pickleball courts getting close
by Gregory Norfleet · News · October 28, 2026
Close, but not quite.

Tihpen pretrial conference rescheduled to Nov. 13
by Gregory Norfleet · News · October 28, 2026
A West Branch man saw his pretrial conference related to assault charges moved back to Nov. 13.