The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante 

What if one of the most famous outlaw chases in American history passed through your own backyard?

By Sabrina Escalante

The Plymouth County Board of Supervisors tackled a wide range of topics during its recent meeting, including rural land subdivisions, emergency communications, county finances and a proposal aimed at improving safety and respect during funeral processions near local cemeteries.

The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

The Akron-Westfield Board of Education approved several annual items and personnel contracts during its regular meeting

July 13, preparing for the start of the 2026-27 school year. 

By Sabrina Escalante

With August around the corner, Akron residents are preparing for one of summer’s most anticipated events and traditions in northwest Iowa, the Plymouth County Fair.

The Hometowner

By Sabrina Escalante

For generations, the Plymouth County Fair has been more than just a summer event. The fair has been a place where traditions are passed from one generation to the next, friendships are strengthened, and the agricultural heritage of Plymouth County is celebrated.

The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante 

A discussion over a $7,000 repair to the city's utility task vehicle (UTV) dominated the July 20 meeting of the Westfield City Council, with council members expressing differing opinions on the cause of the damage and the vehicle's future.

On Wednesday, July 15, 15-year-old Ben St. Pierre hit a hole in one on hole No. 6 using his pitching wedge. Witnesses were Conner and Cael Morrow. Kara Vander Hamm from Peoples Bank awarding Ben his putter. (Photo courtesy of Peoples Bank)
 

Deputy Ayden Hoag was sworn in as the newest member of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office. The department congratulated Hoag and thanked the deputy for serving the citizens of Plymouth County. 

LE MARS — Police canine teams from across the region will put their training and teamwork to the test later this month as the Le Mars Police Department and Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office host the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region 21 PD1 Trials.

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner
 

As corn and soybean fields continue to grow and dry weather persists, the Akron Fire-Rescue Department is urging motorists to use extra caution on rural roads.
Officials said crops have grown significantly in recent weeks, creating blind spots at many intersections and field entrances. Combined with hot, dry conditions, gravel roads have become increasingly dusty, further reducing visibility for drivers.

Women from throughout the Akron area are invited to gather for a morning of fellowship, worship and encouragement during a Women’s Fellowship event hosted by Akron First Baptist Church later this month.
The event is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25, at Akron First Baptist Church and is open to women of all ages. Church leaders said everyone is welcome, whether they have attended Akron FBC for years or would be visiting the church for the first time.

By Sabrina Escalante
Akron Hometowner

The Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

The Akron-Westfield FFA chapter partnered with the Akron Farmers Market for its season’s FFA Night, giving members an opportunity to serve the community while highlighting the importance of agriculture and locally grown food.

The Hometowner 

Fleurish Flower Farm will welcome Morgan & The Sticks back to perform during Fleurish Fest on July 26, 3 – 5 p.m., making the farm’s second season of hosting the popular summer event.

Morgan Higman, a 2025 graduate of Akron-Westfield, is the lead singer for Morgan & The Sticks and this will be her second time performing at Fleurish Fest.

Alice Simon, 87, was the wisest teacher present for the Akron-Westfield teacher gathering that was held June 27. Simon retired in 1997 and moved from Akron shortly after. She returned to the Akron-Westfield school grounds after almost three decades. 
Nearly 45 guests attended the gathering: 33 teachers, dating back to 1966- present, six alumni, and three welcome guests. 

Mark your calendars for the Akron-Westfield Youth Swing & Toss Dual fundraiser for Saturday, July 11, at the Akron Golf Course. Tee off will be at 9 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. 
A silent auction will be held for folks that wish to bid on various items, all of which were donated by community members. Some of of the silent auction items include various gift baskets with themes of coffee, hand-made items, hair styling gift basket, and much more.