Freedom’s fighters

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times Armed Forces Appreciation Night at the Little Rose Bowl invited veterans and active-duty personnel from both the West Branch and Regina sides of the field down to the Butch Pedersen Field for recognition. West Branch High School’s cheerleading squad carried flags representing each branch of the military on Friday night ahead of the Bears’ “The Walk” from West Main Street up Oliphant Street to Butch Pedersen Field. Armed Forces Appreciation Night was scheduled to have parachutists jumping out of an airplane, but “technical difficulties” led to that part getting canceled.

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.

Ample space, modern tools featured in new dealership
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 18, 2026
Space.
And lots of it.

Church news
News · September 18, 2026

Sand: Woman defined in biology class
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 09, 2026
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand brought a moderate tone to a campaign stop in West Branch on Sept. 3, challenging his own party’s stances on the trans issue and classroom AI use and Republicans’ positions on Education Savings Accounts and raising the minimum wage.

Sand favors red-flag laws, UBCs for guns
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 09, 2026
Asked how he would balance Second Amendment Rights against the possibility of school shooters, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand said he would turn to red-flag laws and universal backgound checks, which he believes have broad support, even among Republicans.

Governor candidate recommends restricting access to Flock records
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · September 09, 2026
More than a year ago, the City of West Branch approved the installation of two Flock cameras — set for this fall — to be placed on the Parkside Drive bridge on either side of Interstate 80.

Church news
News · September 09, 2026

Upcoming events
News · September 09, 2026