Red royalty

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times The West Branch High School 2026 Homecoming Court includes, front row: queen candidates Lyla Popkes, Chloe Albrecht, Grace Hamann, Grace Vincent, and Cassie Swisher; second row: king candidates Keaton Gates, McGavin Smith, Eli Farmer, Preston Mayhew, and Robby Boaz.

Caramel Apple Cups, a youth dance performance, a pumpkin patch party, and an outdoor monster movie highlight this year’s Fall Fest, which runs this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10.

Video obtained after baby bitten on cheek
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · October 07, 2026
Attorneys met Friday morning for a case management conference regarding a West Branch man accused of biting a 72-day-old infant on the cheek and other acts of abuse.

BOE OK’s 2nd contract for greenhouse
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · October 07, 2026
Peak Construction of Cedar Rapids will build all but the actual new greenhouse for West Branch High School, after the Board of Education approved its low bid at its September meeting.

Hoover USA presentations Oct. 24
News · October 07, 2026
The Hoover Presidential Foundation invites the public to see uncommon ideas come to life during the 2026 Stanley & Helen Howe Presentation Day on Saturday, Oct, 24, from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

League of Cities names Kofoed top administrator
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · October 01, 2026
When City of West Branch staff left for Bettendorf last week, they believed they would return with an award for organizing the Heritage Hill project.

Wieck: Raise minimum wage, boost health care, clean water
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · October 01, 2026
Democratic state Senate candidate Tom Wieck admits he still needs to research some key topics, but said he plans to put his problem-solving training to work in the Iowa legislature should voters put him in office.

Before museum closed, tourism spending up 41.5%
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · October 01, 2026
Visitors jumped 35 percent in the year before the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum closed for a $22 million renovation.

Reckless e-bikes: Citizens want regulation
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · October 01, 2026
An informal poll on social media shows most people want children to learn the rules of the road if they wish to ride e-bikes.

City-Wide Clean-up Oct. 3; new rules
News · October 01, 2026
The City of West Branch will host a city-wide clean up from 7 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Cubby Park.

City staff get professional certifications
News · October 01, 2026
Heidi Van Auken, City of West Branch Finance Officer, and Alycia Friis, City Clerk, have successfully earned professional certifications through the Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association (IMFOA).