Solid junior class paces volleyball team; Westerners start year playing really well, in ‘midseason form’

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

After the Akron-Westfield volleyball team played its season-opening matches on Aug. 22, Robyn Van Eldik made a bold statement to her players.

The sixth-year head coach was thrilled with the way they played and even went as far as saying her team is in midseason form.

Boys’ cross country returns six of its top runners; Girls’ team consists of just two athletes

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer

Four years ago when Jerod Bruget helped start up the Akron-Westfield cross country program, he didn’t know how long it would take to get established.

Young runners joined the boys’ and girls’ teams, and, for the most part, they’ve stayed with the program throughout their entire high school careers.

By: Jennifer Wendel

In a striking display of technological innovation, Sioux Center Parks Department Director Lee Van Meeteren introduced an ingenious robotic assistant for a trial run on the football fields at Akron- Westfield. This pioneering initiative has not only provided a glimpse into the potential of advanced automation but also added a touch of sophistication to the field, garnering attention during Friday's game.

By: Jennifer Wendel

Akron-Westfield High School and its Parent Advisory Committee are working hand in hand to enhance students' educational journey. Alumni parents are leading this collaboration, focusing on communication, unity, and a positive school experience.

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher and Owner

“Art is not just pen on paper!” That is according to the Akron Public Library Children’s Librarian. Ms. Brooke, as library patrons know her, is passionate about involving the younger citizens of Akron in the world of art. She’s not just encouraging them to read about it. Like a plot twist in a good book, we learn that Ms. Brooke is more than just a librarian. She also doubles as a teacher. More specifically, an art teacher.

By: Jennifer Wendel

The Akron Opera House, a historic cornerstone of Akron's cultural heritage, opened its doors to the community on Sunday, August 27, for a much- anticipated Open House event. The event marked a significant milestone in the Opera House's ongoing Restoration and Renovation Project, revealing the progress made in Phase I and offering a glimpse into its promising future.

The 2023 Akron-Westfield Homecoming Royalty members are (front row l-r:) King candidates Ian Blowe, Michael Brown, Jack Terpstra, Ben Philips, Ashton McCully, Carter Wilken. (back row l-r:) Queen candidates Julia Britton, Anne Newton, Emma Rolfes, Peyton Nicholson, Josie Smith, and Caylee Petersen. Homecoming is Sept. 29.

Western Iowa hits record 122°F heat index

By: Chris C. Nelson, Publisher and Owner

Senior is a four-year starter on gridiron for Westerners

By Greg Bates, Contributing writer 

In his first three years as a starter on the Akron-Westfield football team, Jack Terpstra was a steady, trusted player.Now as a senior, he takes the leadership torch and is spreading his vast knowledge to the younger players on this year’s squad. Terpstra has become a leader on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and free safety.

By Gary Dickson

By Jennifer Wendel

Akron, Iowa- In an email addressed to the current Akron Youth for Christ volunteers, Alex Pick, the Youth for Christ (YFC) Akron’s Campus Life Ministry Site Leader, shared insights into the program's progress and upcoming plans. The email, sent to local volunteers and YFC staff, outlines key considerations, and invites volunteers to engage in shaping the program's future.

By Chris C. Nelson, Publisher/Owner

Move over Crispitos and Chicken Nuggets! Westerners can look forward to numerous tasty and nutritious meals this school year.

Whether you’re a fan of what’s on the menu or not, a lot of planning goes into feeding 600 Akron School District students over the course of the next several months.

By Gary Dickson

Introduce building restoration and renovation project

By: Dodie Hook

By Dodie Hook

The Akron-Westfield school board met Aug. 14 in the school library. Prior to the meeting, the board and those present were given a tour of the construction area by project manager Alex Zakrzewski with Boyd Jones.