Strangers in North Liberty

Gregory R. Norfleet/West Branch Times West Branch High School’s Marching Band performs Oct. 14 at the fifth annual Corridor Marching Classic at Liberty High School in North Liberty. Under a “Stranger Things” theme, they played “Should I stay or should I go?”, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Master of Puppets. The band featured drum majors Grace Vincent and Olivia Becker and featured baton twirler and sophomore Ayla Gingerich. The University of Iowa Marching Band (background) played filler music between the seven high school bands and then put on the evening finale with the pregame music and their “Lord of the Rings” theme. Other marching bands came from Liberty, West Liberty, Clear Creek-Amana, West High, and City High.

The Nov. 3 ballot includes a race between Iowa state Senate District 41 incumbent Republican Kerry Gruenhagen and Democratic challenger Tom Wieck.

Data centers: P&Z will talk city policies
by Gregory Norfleet · News · October 21, 2026
Data centers — yea or nay?
West Branch’s Planning and Zoning Commission will discuss them 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.

$115K for playground at Hoover Elem.
by Gregory Norfleet · News · October 21, 2026
Several years ago, the West Branch Parent-Teacher Organization began raising money for new Hoover Elementary playground equipment.

Speedy puzzlers named
News · October 21, 2026
The White Pumpkin gift store hosted a speed puzzle competition during Fall Fest on Oct. 9.

West Branch Public Library gets an overdue roof
by Gregory Norfleet · News · October 21, 2026
Work started Oct. 15 and, despite some rain the next morning, finished up on Oct. 16, giving West Branch Public Library a new roof.

Church news
News · October 21, 2026

School menus
News · October 21, 2026
School menus for Oct. 22 through 28 at West Branch Community Schools.

Upcoming events
News · October 21, 2026

Q&A with Candidates: House District 82
News · October 14, 2026
The Nov. 3 ballot includes a race between Iowa state Rep. District 82 incumbent Republican Robert “Bobby” Kaufmann and Democratic challenger James Behrmann.

Tihpen faces 10 years with new charges
by Gregory Norfleet · News · October 14, 2026
A West Branch man faces up to 10 years in prison for allegedly assaulting local law enforcement that led to him getting shot twice.