The Akron Hometowner

By Sabrina Escalante

The Prairie Winds Jazz Big Band and Swing Dance Concert on Feb. 1, 2025, was a resounding success, drawing 150 attendees to the historic Akron Opera House. The talented big band performed a lively set, showcasing a variety of jazz standards and swing classics that had everyone on the dance floor.

Family offering $5,000 reward

By Cassandra Kyser

In November, a group of individuals caused extensive damage to a house just outside of Akron in Union County, South Dakota. They destroyed not just a building, but a piece of local history. 

“Cutting costs does not mean cutting staff or employee hours”

By Cassandra Kyser

By Kim Fickett
Akron Hometowner

The 65 members of the Akron-Westfield FFA chapter are gearing up to celebrate FFA Week Feb. 15-22.

FFA, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a student-run organization focusing on premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

By Kim Fickett
Akron Hometowner

After months of preparation, Akron-Westfield students took to the stage on Saturday, Feb. 8 to showcase their talents at the State Speech competition in Spencer.
Five of the six teams earned an overall ranking of 1’s, with the remaining group clinching an overall ranking of straight 2’s.

This year’s state speech performances and their placements include:

Kass questions state’s new mental health system timeline

By Kim Fickett
Akron Hometowner

An update on what the future will mean for Sioux Rivers Regional Mental Health & Disabilities Services and for the residents of Plymouth County was brought before the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4.

By Kim Fickett
Akron Hometowner

The countywide burn ban that was put into place on Jan. 31, was officially lifted at noon, Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Iowa State Fire Marshal Dan Wood issued a news release Wednesday morning stating the lift came at the request at Le Mars Fire-Rescue Chief David Schipper on behalf of each fire department in Plymouth County.

By Cassandra Kyser

The Akron Care Center (ACC) Board held three meetings in January: their regular monthly meeting and two special meetings to discuss partnering with Generations Senior Management.

Regular meeting

By Cassandra Kyser

At the Akron-Westfield (A-W) School Board’s January meeting, it was announced that the district will receive approximately $463,000 from the Kenneth Frerichs estate. Frerichs was a lifelong resident of Akron and a 1966 graduate of Akron High School. 

By Cassandra Kyser

The Friendship & Service Club recently presented donations to Akron Care Center, Akron Children's Center, and Akron Park & Recreation Board. “We are proud to support these great organizations and the work they are doing in our community,” said Club member Lisa Harris.

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante 

The Akron Hometowner extends a warm welcome to Hailey Wilken, who is a new preschool teacher at Akron-Westfield (A-W). Her classroom is right down the hall from her mother Tina Wilken’s classroom, who teaches fourth grade. 

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante 

The Akron Hometowner extends a warm welcome to Hailey Wilken, who is a new preschool teacher at Akron-Westfield (A-W). Her classroom is right down the hall from her mother Tina Wilken’s classroom, who teaches fourth grade. 

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

The Akron Opera House’s Board of Directors works to identify and pursue grant opportunities. Because of their work, the Akron Opera House has raised significant funds through donations and grant funding.

The Akron Hometowner 

By: Sabrina Escalante

The Akron American Legion Post held its annual essay contest for the Akron-Westfield fifth graders Nov. 2024. Ruth Colt's essay won first place in the competition, followed by Aria Troubaugh and Ty Naslund.