A field fire threatened the Secrest 1883 octagonal barn on April 17, but West Branch Fire Department saved the historic structure just in time.

Clear the road: Yellow House will roll through downtown WB
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · April 23, 2025
Look out, downtown — there’s a house coming through!

Teachers ask for raises and five more years on contract
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · April 23, 2025
To open contract negotiations, teachers requested more than $187,000 in raises and benefits and a five-year contract extension.

Teacher aides request 3% pay increase
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · April 23, 2025
Paraprofessionals asked the West Branch Board of Education to increase salaries by 3 percent for the coming school year.

Local man selected for Honor Flight
News · April 23, 2025
On Tuesday, April 29, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight will launch Flight #54, sponsored by Quaker Oats.

School menus
News · April 23, 2025
School menus for April 24 through 30 at West Branch Community Schools.

Upcoming events
News · April 23, 2025

Back-to-back crashes leave one dead
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · April 16, 2025
Back-to-back crashes resulted in one death and two injuries on Friday morning between West Branch and Tipton.

Union worried more fed cuts coming in fall
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · April 16, 2025
The union that represents Hoover park and museum staff worries that Trump cuts will hurt local services.

Kofoed reveals autism diagnosis
by Gregory R. Norfleet · News · April 16, 2025
Several months ago, West Branch City Administrator Adam Kofoed appeared at a city council meeting with what appeared to be black hearing aides.

Kaufmann, Dawson want tax overhaul
News · April 16, 2025
State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann and state Sen. Dan Dawson filed on April 9 updated versions of the property tax overhaul proposed several weeks ago.

Property tax appeals due April 25
News · April 16, 2025
Cedar County property owners have until April 25 to appeal their assessment notices, according to the county assessor’s office.