By Greg Bates

Contributing writer 

It’s just its second season as a state-sanctioned sport, the Akron-Westfield girls’ wrestling program made some positive strides.

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante 

Akron City Council members approved the mayoral appointments for 2026. There are no changes for the mayoral appointments, with the exception of Gary Stowers becoming the Fire Rescue Department’s liaison. 

By Kim Fickett

Registration is officially open for the 2026 Akron Opera House’s Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Hansel & Gretel.

This year’s production, which will be held at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday, March 14, will be limited to 60 local students from grades 1-7.

By Kim Fickett

A new trend rising in popularity will soon be opening a storefront in Akron.

Retro Fuel Co., a nutrition club, will begin offering its assortment of replacement shakes, healthy energy drinks, protein coffee, meal plans, and 1-on-1 health coaching and body scans to the area in mid-March.

By Kim Fickett

A new residential area sitting on the northside of Le Mars is now accepting new residents.

Overlook Apartments, 427 4th Ave. N.W., offers a fresh approach to modern living as it combines thoughtful design, and convenient amenities, in its apartments and townhomes.

By Kim Fickett

A new face will greet visitors at Hillview Recreation Area as part of the Plymouth County Conservation Department.

Skyler Foley began as the new park ranger in mid-January, and filled a position that was previously vacated.

By Kim FIckett

For the first time since 2018, an Akron-Westfield all-freshmen group to receive All-State Large Group Speech honors traveled to Ames on Feb. 21.

Marion Utesch, 95, of Akron, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at her home.