After a strong showing in 2024, the West Branch area appears ready to tackle 2025 with even more gusto, likely bringing big benefits to the community.

Hoover Highlights: $20.3M renovation will reimagine 31st president
by Thomas Schwartz, Hoover Museum director · Opinions/Editorials · January 15, 2025
When I was hired as Director of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum back in 2011, the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association [HHPLA] was discussing a renovation of the permanent museum galleries.

Guest column: Some lessons from Herbert Hoover for DOGE
by John Hendrickson · Opinions/Editorials · January 15, 2025
Former President Herbert Hoover described the federal government as having “the instincts of a vegetable” which keep spreading and growing.

Letter: Country more divided; let’s unify for MLK
Opinions/Editorials · January 15, 2025
Let’s celebrate volunteers this weekend.

Editorial: Big things got done in 2024
Opinions/Editorials · January 08, 2025
2024 brought some good news on big projects, and our community leaders deserve appreciation for getting things done where they had the means to do them.

Letter: Mar-a-Lago will host writing of new US history
Opinions/Editorials · January 08, 2025
History has always been my favorite subject which makes me, well, a little odd and in the minority, which could explain a lot about me ... and us.

Editorial: Gibson trains brought magic
Opinions/Editorials · December 24, 2024
There’s something about the Gibson train display that adds to the magic of A Christmas Past.

Soapbox Philosophy: Shutdown drama unwelcome before Christmas holiday
by Gregory R. Norfleet · Opinions/Editorials · December 24, 2024
Earlier last week, we heard nothing about a partial government shutdown.

Guest Column: Christmas Past invokes many memories from my childhood
by Martha Moore Davis · Opinions/Editorials · December 24, 2024
On a spring afternoon, Dad brought home a baby raccoon from a felled tree on a neighbor’s farm.

City Lights: Prosperity Pathway: Entering new phase of growth
by Adam Kofoed, WB City Administrator · Opinions/Editorials · December 11, 2024
Something remarkable is happening in West Branch — we are thriving.

Consider Christmas gift to MSWB: Your support
by Jessi Simon, MSWB Executive Director · Opinions/Editorials · December 04, 2024
As we approach the close of another year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible momentum and progress we’ve shared in 2024. Together, we’ve embraced challenges, celebrated successes, and strengthened the vibrant spirit that makes West Branch so special.

Cedar Valley Voices: Rural residents conned into voting for Trump
by Mike Johnson · Opinions/Editorials · December 04, 2024
Was election 2024 a case of buyer’s remorse?