By Kim Fickett

The March 10 Akron-Westfield School board meeting was mostly routine with some tendered resignations, policy reviews, and new contract offerings.

By Kim Fickett

A shed at a local farmstead was the sole loss of property in a grass fire that ravaged land west of Akron on Friday, Feb. 28.

By Kim Fickett

After a month of contract negotiations, the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors and County Secondary Roads Department have arrived at an agreement.

By Kim Fickett

Wind gusts around 50 mph on Friday, Feb. 28 reignited a brush pile lit from a few days prior, causing a large grass fire west of Akron.

By Kim Fickett

After not offering benches for sponsorship for a number of years, the Plymouth County Fair Board voted at its Thursday, Feb. 13 meeting to bring that option back for fairgoers.

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.

The Akron Hometowner 

National Iowa Day in Akron

By Sabrina Escalante

National Iowa Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the vibrant culture, history, and accomplishments of our state. This year, the celebration will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025.

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

The Akron Hometowner 

By: Sabrina Escalante

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Honeyhill Shelties, Akron is proud to be the home of Summit. Summit is the reserve best in the all-breed show, multiple best in specialty show, and grand champion gold. Summit goes by Oakdale Honeyhill Vantage Point while competing.

Summit is a top American Kennel Club (AKC) Grand Champion.

The Akron Hometowner

By Sabrina Escalante

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

The Akron Public Library staff is dedicated to enriching the community by introducing new events and programs. One of the latest offerings is Crafter's Cove, a creative workshop designed for individuals looking to complete a craft project or find the inspiration to begin one. 

The Akron Hometowner 

By Sabrina Escalante

On Feb. 11, Michelle Cowan held an engaging presentation of her memoir, “Better, Not Bitter: A Journey from Heartache to Healing” at the Akron Public Library. The event attracted a diverse audience, eager to hear Cowan’s powerful story.

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 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.

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

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: