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.

Fighting between the Democratic Republic of the Congo government and rebel forces — and the related death of his daughter — Julieth — led journalist Lucien Frederic to flee to America in 2017.

Homecoming parade, coronation set for Sept. 30
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 23, 2026
You want to get to the information on the seniors who make up the 2026 West Branch High School Homecoming Court; we know.

Prosecution hints at new Tihpen charges
News · September 23, 2026
Judge Katherine “Katie” Abel approved a continuance Friday for the case against Kalen Zane Tihpen, 22, of West Branch and the prosecution informed the defense more charges may come this week.

Cancer in Behrmann family focuses candidate’s platform
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 23, 2026
At age 25, James Behrmann learned he had a benign brain tumor.

Church news
News · September 23, 2026

School menus
News · September 23, 2026
School menus for Sept. 24 through 30 at West Branch Community Schools.

Upcoming events
News · September 23, 2026

Fire chief: West Branch gets far more calls than most small towns
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 18, 2026
After a few months on the job, West Branch’s new fire chief said the local department gets an inordinate number of calls — mostly medical — for such a small town, and he would like to see the department grow to meet the needs.

Bohannan on trans athletes: Let leagues decide, not U.S. House
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 18, 2026
Democratic congressional candidate Christina Bohannan said that she would prefer the U.S. House not get involved in the question of boys playing in girls’ sports, instead leaving that up to sports leagues’ governing bodies.

Squad cars moving from silver to black
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 18, 2026
“Squad cars should be black, in my opinion,” West Branch Police Chief Greg Hall said.