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.

West Branch Police Chief Greg Hall returned to work July 21 after getting approval from the City of West Branch.

‘It’s fantastic’: Visitors enthusiastic about upgrade
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 31, 2026
“Stunning.”
The July 21 comment came from one of the first people to emerge from the “Years of Adventure” section at the renovated Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

Foundation set for museum's grand opening
News · July 31, 2026
The Hoover Presidential Foundation will host an official Grand Reopening of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum at 1 p.m. Aug. 6.

Who’s who behind $22M Hoover project
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 31, 2026
At the end of the two-hour July 21 open house for the $22 million renovation and addition project at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, a group picture took place in the rotunda.

Council cool to 15 homes on West Main
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 31, 2026
Cobi Hershberger got an earful on July 20.
The young developer and Parkside Reimagined project manager wanted to put 15 homes on the former Hooverball courts in the 300 block of West Main Street.

Protestors want ICE accountability on Nov. ballot
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 31, 2026
Arguing that federal agents ought to face more accountability, about half a dozen people spent two hours over Interstate 80 in opposition to immigration enforcement practices.

Bethany VBS teaches Christ ‘light of world’
by Gregory Norfleet · News · July 31, 2026
About 40 to 45 children spent last week at Bethany Lutheran Church’s Vacation Bible School, learning that “Jesus is the light of the world.”

Campus news
News · July 31, 2026

Church news
News · July 31, 2026

Upcoming Events
News · July 31, 2026