Seven runners set personal bests

By Brett Newtson
Contributing writer

It’s a tried and true coaching philosophy.  Never peak too early and try to be at your best near the end of the season. The A-W cross country teams certainly seem to be doing just that after a solid race on Oct. 3 at the Wolverine Invitational hosted by South O’Brien.

By Cassandra Kyser
Akron Hometowner

The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors met with County Engineer Tom Rohe on Sept. 24 to discuss the condition of Westfield’s Drainage District. Board Members Don Kass, Craig Anderson, John Meis, Mike Van Otterloo, and Gary Horton were present. Under Chapter 468 of the Iowa Code, the County Board of Supervisors constitutes a Drainage Board that serves the drainage districts throughout the county.

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

The Akron City Council had been searching for a police chief for some time before Joel Bertrand was hired as Interim Police Chief. During the Akron City Council meeting held July 16, City Administrator Dan Rolfes raised concerns about the unexpectedly low number of applicants for the available positions.

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

On Thursday, Oct. 3, The American Legion Post held a Flag Dedication Ceremony at the Riverside Cemetery in Akron for the flag display they recently completed.
The American, Iowa, and Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIAs) flags are the three flags now erected at the Riverside Cemetery.

By Cassandra Kyser
Akron Hometowner

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Akron, Westfield, and greater northwestern Iowa. According to the NWS, “Persistent dry conditions and above normal temperatures will lead to periods of elevated fire concerns” through Monday. The advisory extends into southwest Minnesota, northeast Nebraska, and much of South Dakota.

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

Roughly a year ago, the Akron-Westfield School contacted the well-known local chainsaw artist Scott Toben to create an art piece for the A-W school grounds. Superintendent Derek Briggs stated that Toben “has been sharing his amazing artistic skills around this area for many years.”

Jerry J. Bertrand, 74 of rural Akron, SD, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, September 23, 2024.

Memorial services were held for family. Burial is at St. Patrick Cemetery in Akron, IA. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Akron, IA. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

After a courageous fight with cancer, Gail Dean Port passed away on June 28, 2024 in Denver, CO.

A graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Riverside Cemetery in Akron, IA.

Gail was born on March 11, 1960, in Akron, IA, the son of Daryl Norman Port and Joyce Ellen (Neunaber) Port.