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
by Jill Kleppe Wojciechowski · 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.

Davis writes book on life growing up in West Branch
News · November 06, 2026
In her new memoir, “True North: Seasons of Rose Hill Farm,” author Martha Moore Davis shares stories of growing up on a farm north of West Branch, in Cedar County.

Church news
News · November 06, 2026

Upcoming events
News · November 06, 2026

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.