Master organizers

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, the Hoover Presidential Foundation, BRC Imagination Arts, and contractor McComas-Lacina Construction hosted an early look at the nearly $22 million renovation and addition project. Many of those involved gathered at the end of the July 21 event for a group photograph. Pictured, from left, Foundation Director of Engagement & Programs Michelle Elizondo, Foundation Director of Events & Digital Outreach Jackie Lynch, Foundation Director of Grants & Donor Information Systems Greta Bierman, BRC President Carmel Lewis, Foundation Vice President Shelly Mott, BRC Principal Lighting Designer-Available Light Kate Furst, BRC Production Manager Eric Leong, BRC Producer Wade Danielson, Foundation Finance Manager Ryan Johnson, BRC Environmental Graphic Design Lead Emma Wood, Foundation President and CEO Mundi McCarty, BRC Senior Production Designer Nathan Evans, Museum Director Thomas Schwartz, BRC Concept Artist John King, BRC Vice President of Creative and Story Matthew Solari, BRC Art Director Katrina Coulourdides, BRC Content Writers and Researcher Darin Fost, BRC Senior Spatial Planner Anthony Onibon, Museum Audio Visual Archivist Lynn Smith, Museum Curator Marcus Eckhardt, BRC Lead Content Writer and Researcher Sarah Brockett, Museum Supervising Archivist Patrick Osborn, Foundation Office and Operations Manager Rhonda Berry, Museum Facilities Manager Todd Groth, McComas Superintendent Kevin Oehler, Museum Administrative Officer Jamie Schoch, McComas Project Manager Phil Keppler, BRC Programming Lead Colleen Ritchey, BRC AVC System Design & Project Lead & Tech MD Mike Jonas, and BRC President & Tech MD Dave Ravel. Not pictured: Museum archivist Spencer Howard.

In one of the most widely circulated videos of the Aug. 26 mudslides and flooding at the Nepal-Tibet border, a bridge gets ripped from its abutments.

Nordex plans to add 200 jobs as West Branch plant ramps up production
by Jill Kleppe Wojciechowski · News · September 04, 2026
Nordex North America plans to more than double its workforce at its West Branch wind turbine manufacturing facility by the end of 2027 as demand for its five-megawatt turbines continues to grow.

Some 220 motorcycles ride through town to honor vets
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 04, 2026
Roughly 220 motorcycles surprised West Branch residents on Aug. 24 when they drove in convoy down Herbert Hoover Highway and then turned south toward Muscatine.

‘Big unknown’: Retiring Schwartz wonders about fates of millions of those Hoover saved from starvation
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 04, 2026
“Government shouldn’t put obstacles in the way of human achievement, but with that achievement came responsibilities,” Thomas Schwartz said, “responsibilities to your neighbor, to your community.”

Judge OK’s continuation on Tihpen case
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 04, 2026
A judge granted a continuance in the case of Kalen Zane Tihpen, 22, of West Branch, according to online court records.

Semi versus car, minor injury
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 04, 2026
West Branch Fire emergency responders attended to motorists after a 10 a.m. crash on Interstate 80 near the 258 mile marker.

Woman advocates for parks on 110th birthday of NPS
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 04, 2026
Clarice Chick used some of her time off to advocate for her employer when the National Park Service marked its 110th birthday on Aug. 25.

82nd Indivisible sees oligarchy in government
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 04, 2026
82nd Indivisible Group’s most recent banner drop sought to point out the perceived “oligarchy” in the U.S. government — and that both parties take part — allowing corporate leaders to help craft legislation to their benefit.

Campus news
News · September 04, 2026

Church news
News · September 04, 2026