Master organizers

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, the Hoover Presidential Foundation, BRC Imagination Arts, and contractor McComas-Lacina Construction hosted an early look at the nearly $22 million renovation and addition project. Many of those involved gathered at the end of the July 21 event for a group photograph. Pictured, from left, Foundation Director of Engagement & Programs Michelle Elizondo, Foundation Director of Events & Digital Outreach Jackie Lynch, Foundation Director of Grants & Donor Information Systems Greta Bierman, BRC President Carmel Lewis, Foundation Vice President Shelly Mott, BRC Principal Lighting Designer-Available Light Kate Furst, BRC Production Manager Eric Leong, BRC Producer Wade Danielson, Foundation Finance Manager Ryan Johnson, BRC Environmental Graphic Design Lead Emma Wood, Foundation President and CEO Mundi McCarty, BRC Senior Production Designer Nathan Evans, Museum Director Thomas Schwartz, BRC Concept Artist John King, BRC Vice President of Creative and Story Matthew Solari, BRC Art Director Katrina Coulourdides, BRC Content Writers and Researcher Darin Fost, BRC Senior Spatial Planner Anthony Onibon, Museum Audio Visual Archivist Lynn Smith, Museum Curator Marcus Eckhardt, BRC Lead Content Writer and Researcher Sarah Brockett, Museum Supervising Archivist Patrick Osborn, Foundation Office and Operations Manager Rhonda Berry, Museum Facilities Manager Todd Groth, McComas Superintendent Kevin Oehler, Museum Administrative Officer Jamie Schoch, McComas Project Manager Phil Keppler, BRC Programming Lead Colleen Ritchey, BRC AVC System Design & Project Lead & Tech MD Mike Jonas, and BRC President & Tech MD Dave Ravel. Not pictured: Museum archivist Spencer Howard.

The celebration ended the way most birthday parties do — with cake and everyone singing “Happy Birthday.” But the guest of honor, of course, wasn’t there to blow out the candles.

Church news
News · August 13, 2026

Hoover Presidential Library and Museum reopens after $22 million Transformation
by Jill Kleppe Wojciechowski · News · August 13, 2026
It’s been a long time coming — 18 months to be exact — but the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch has reopened with immersive exhibits that organizers hope will introduce a new generation to the life and legacy of Iowa’s only U.S. president.

Pizana seeks ‘welcoming’ school for pupils
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · August 13, 2026
Just like the mother of the NFL’s Kelce brothers, Kelly Pizana joked that she may wear a half-and-half shirt when West Branch and Regina compete against each other in sports.

Redesigned museum offers immersive exhibits, fresh look at president’s legacy
by Jill Kleppe Wojciechowski · News · August 13, 2026
Julia Kriebs still remembers the 83-mile drive from her family’s home in Dubuque to the dedication of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch on Aug. 10, 1962.

Upcoming events
News · August 13, 2026

West Branch Study Club Scholarships
News · August 13, 2026
The West Branch Study Club has awarded two scholarships totaling $1500 for the 2026-2027 academic year. These scholarships are awarded to students during the last half of their post-secondary education. They are based on academic achievement, professional promise, service activities and work initiative.

Nordex orders hit ‘important milestone’
News · August 06, 2026
A July 9 press release states that Nordex Group recorded 3,054 megawatts of orders in the second quarter of 2026, amounting to 496 wind turbines for projects in 10 countries.

$29K grant places energy-efficient coolers in Jack & Jill grocery store
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · August 06, 2026
They had one chance to hit the target, and they got it.

Church news
News · August 06, 2026