After more than four years of fundraising by the Hoover Presidential Foundation, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum will close on Monday for a $20.3 million renovation project.

Firefighters save house after four-alarm blaze
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · January 15, 2025
Though fire destroyed a Rochester garage, two vehicles, and virtually all of the remaining contents, four area fire departments kept the flames from destroying a nearby home on Jan. 9.

Flood-mitigation plan encourages city to keep streamgage for now
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · January 15, 2025
With an eye on a flood-mitigation project, the West Branch City Council agreed to keep a streamgage in place even with it costing more every year.

WBCSD results mixed in ISASP report
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · January 15, 2025
The West Branch Board of Education reviewed a second kind of state test scores in November, with this set also showing mixed results in reading and math.

Fidelity Bank offering scholarships
News · January 15, 2025
Fidelity Bank & Trust announced scholarship applications are now available for the 2025 College Scholarship Program.

Stuart tapped for Soil Conservation
News · January 15, 2025
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig in November announced the appointment of Kent Stuart of West Branch to serve on the State Soil Conservation and Water Quality Committee.

Church news
News · January 15, 2025

School menus
News · January 15, 2025
School menus for Jan. 16 through 22 at West Branch Community Schools.

Upcoming events
News · January 15, 2025

2024 by the numbers
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · January 08, 2025
As we begin 2025, here is a numerical look at the news from the West Branch area from the past 12 months, from school records to government spending to business investments.

City: ‘Prosperity Pathway’ will shield downtown from unwelcome changes
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · January 08, 2025
To temporarily shield the downtown from unwanted changes, the West Branch City Council approved a “Prosperity Pathway” while it plans for the long term.

Hoover lived second-longest after presidency
News · January 08, 2025
President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr. died on Dec. 29, 2024, at 100 years old, making him the longest-living U.S. president.