Pinch for a pint

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times University of Iowa DeGowin Blood Drive technician Craig Hempenius makes adjustments May 1 to the needle while West Branch sophomore Sophie Oaks, 16, reacts to the movement inside her arm. Oaks skipped lunch to make her first blood donation in the gymnasium at the Student Government-sponsored event. She said it was worth it to help people and the pain was not as bad as a piercing. “I’m good right now,” she said after getting the needle. Student Government Advisor Abby Noelck said the drive collected nine pints over three hours. DeGowin spokesperson Mandy McCallahan said a 1 p.m. fire evacuated the building, cutting the drive short. “I think we could have had four more” donations, she said. In all, 15 showed up to donate but six were turned away; one was trying to check in when the fire alarm went off. McCallahan said that was the first time she has seen a fire alarm interrupt a blood drive.

West Branch water rates will rise 10 percent on July 1 to help the city cover the cost of repaying a State Revolving Loan.

Storm left most damage in just 1 spot in town
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · May 15, 2024
A May 7 storm possibly included a powerful downdraft that damaged trees along Northside Drive and near the cemetery entrance.

With 17 years’ experience, Longlett gets WBPD to four
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · May 15, 2024
With 17 years of experience, Brad Longlett will join the West Branch Police Department on May 20.

City suggests rebate program dead
News · May 15, 2024
A Facebook post on May 2 suggests that the City of West Branch will no longer attempt to find funding for its Building Incentive Rebate Program.

Pautsch: I will lean more conservative
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · May 15, 2024
Protecting children and the southern border and reining in spending top the list for Davenport Republican David Pautsch in his run for U.S. Congressional District 1.

May 20 deadline for absentee ballots
News · May 15, 2024
Cedar County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Stephanie Wiese announced that absentee ballots for the June 4 Primary Election are available in the auditor’s office starting May 15.

Bickford buys Downey park
by Sue Hall · News · May 15, 2024
West Branch resident Norman Bickford on April 9 purchased Pioneer Park in Downey for $48,000.

Campus news
News · May 15, 2024

Church news
News · May 15, 2024

School menus
News · May 15, 2024
School menus for May 16 through 22 at West Branch Community Schools.