Big Old Glory

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times Barnharts Custom Services put up a roughly 20-by-30-foot United States flag the morning of July 3 to mark the 250th anniversary of America through the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Numerous families and businesses placed decorations or displays to celebrate the holiday.

Normally, the West Branch City Council hesitates when asked to waive sewer fees for a broken water pipe, a leaky toilet, or a sprinkler inadvertently left on overnight.

Heartland Fieros bringing car show here
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 15, 2026
Pontiac only spent five years producing about 370,000 Fieros, but the two-seater rear mid-engine cars left a big impression in the 1980s.

WBHS survey: 2024 grads wanted more rigor in class
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 15, 2026
West Branch High School Class of 2024 graduates reported feeling ready to handle English classes, but wanted more academic rigor elsewhere and help getting ready for a career.

Put on your dancing boots: ‘Wild West’ show choir theme for 2027
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 15, 2026
“Dance hard! Show off!” choreographer Ben Schrank said during the start of West Branch High School’s show choir practices.

Stone Hoover picked appears again
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 15, 2026
We get it.
You want to see inside.

$12,500 grant covers most of 143-year-old barn in red paint
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 15, 2026
Thanks to a State Historical Society of Iowa grant, the Secrest 1883 Octagonal Barn got a fresh coat of red paint.

Church news
News · July 15, 2026

Upcoming events
News · July 15, 2026

Attorney: Hall justified in shooting
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 08, 2026
After a month-long review of a June 3 shooting incident, the Cedar County Attorney’s Office concluded it would not file charges against the West Branch Police chief.

‘They shot me,’ Tihpen told victim while running away
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 08, 2026
Here is the text of the “Pertinent Facts” reported in the July 2 “Cedar County Attorney Review of Officer Involved Shooting.”